TINCTURE GINGER. (TINCTURA ZINGIBER.) Of the eighteen samples analyzed, 7 were pure and 11 were below standard. Tr. of Ginger should contain at least 90 per cent. of alcohol and, if prepared according to the pharmacopoeia from good ginger, should contain 1 per cent. or more of extract. Six samples of Essence of Jamaica Ginger analyzed were all of fair quality. Two samples contained somewhat less than the required amount of solids. Of 148 samples of Tr. of Iodine analyzed during the year, 88 were below standard, while 60 were pure. This is equivalent to a percentage of adulteration of 59.4 per cent. The explanation for this large percentage of adulteration is doubtless due to the fact that druggists are not sufficiently careful in following the U. S. P. method of preparation. Frequently shelf bottles are found which contain crystals of undissolved iodine.. In such cases the tincture is usually found to be deficient in strength. There is no reason why a satisfactory Tr. of Iodine cannot be properly made if directions are followed. Two samples of Tr. of Iodine analyzed were 215.4 per cent. and 212.1 per cent., and were evidently made after old formulas. These tinctures have been classed as illegal. The use of tincture of this excessive strength would be attended with disastrous consequences to the patient, and the sale of goods far above standard should be discountenanced. [13-17549] TINCTURE OF IRON. (TINCTURI FERRI CHLORIDI.) Of the 68 samples of Tr. of Iron analyzed, 35 were pure and 33 adulterated, which is an equivalent to a percentage of adulteration of 48.5 per cent., a decided improvement over the results obtained last year. Tr. of Iron is reported as illegal when the amount of iron is less than that required by the pharmacopoeia. |