Reports of Societies
1888
Boston Medical and Surgical Journal
the absence of an authoritative standard, many of these unofficial preparations have been, and are being made after different formulae, and in varying strength, so that pharmacists, particularly in the larger cities, are compelled to procure and keep on hand a variety of brands of what is intended to be one and the same preparation, to satisfy the demands of their patrons, professional or otherwise. In compiling the work, the needs of all sections of our country have been consulted. The list
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... n includes a small number of formulas in imitation of some of the popular nostrums of the present day, but constructed on rational principles for uniform composition and reliable effect, rather than for mere external appearance and taste. It is hoped that these will be used as directed to be used in place of the proprietary articles, the composition of which is generally kept secret. As the mission the work is to fulfil can only be properly accomplished by the cooperation of the physicians, it is of the greatest importance that they make themselves acquainted with its object and contents, and that then they will consent to accept the preparations made in accordance with the formulas contained in it, instead of designating any special maker's product. The list of formulae given in the work numbers 435, and includes 86 elixirs, 54 extracts, 41 liquors, 19 mixtures, 21 pills, 35 syrups, 33 tinctures, and 12 wines, besides the many lesser groups, and single members. In constructing the formulae of the compound preparations, it has been endeavored to make them as independent from each other as possible, so that only a comparative small number of what may be called basic preparations are needed. If these, numbering about a dozen, are kept in stock by the apothecary in reasonable quantities, most of the compound preparations contained in the formulary may be prepared in a short time. -•-Clinical Me mo r a n d u m. HALLUCINATIONS OF HEARING. BY J. ALBAN KITE, M.D., NANTUCKET, MASS. A case recently came under my care, presenting hallucinations so peculiar as to warrant their being recorded. Mr. E., the subject, is over eighty years of age, and, with the exception of deafness has retained his faculties to a remarkable extent (deafness^). Until the last few years he has lead an active public life. Has been temperate in all things save mental activity. A few days prior to my seeing him, he was one evening startled by a loud rapping on the window. He arose to ascertain the cause, when the sound was repeated on the opposite window, and followed by a shrill, derisive laugh. His wife, on being questioned, assured him there had been no noise. On returning, the same performance was repeated, save that there were two actors, a deep bass voice having come upon the scene, and a lively discussion was carried on between the two. The fourth night two female characters, or rather voices, presented themselves. The various events of the day were discussed in which all seemed to take a lively interest ; but what seemed strange, their conversation was flavored with such laxity of speech, that Mr. E., although assured the condition was purely subjective, felt very uncomfortable with his wife sitting beside him. These debates lasted for several evenings, and interested Mr. E. not a little. About 9 p. m., they -Reports of Societies.
doi:10.1056/nejm188808021190505
fatcat:jdjmh3m24rctpiomfmolfe727e