950

extractives, 1’89 per cent. ; mineral matter, 0-20 per cent. ;fixed acids calculated as tartaric acid, 0’367 per cent.; volatileacids calculated as acetic acid, 0’114 per cent. ; alcohol, byweight 13’08 per cent., by volume 16’15 per cent., equal toproof spirit 28’29 per cent. Tintara : extractives, 2 97 percent. ; mineral matter, 0’305 per cent. ; fixed acids calculatedas tartaric acid, 0’36 per cent. ; volatile acids calculated asacetic acid, 0’12 per cent.; alcohol, by weight 12-00 per cent.,by volume 14’84 per cent., equal to proof spirit 26’00 percent. It is pleasing to record that the results obtained withthe wines purchased by ourselves are in accord with the

wines submitted to us directly by the wine-merchants. The

purchased wines still show a heavy alcoholic strength, a fullamount of extractives, and possess generally the "stout" "

character of these brands. The Harvest burgundy (white) isagain the exception in regard to extractives, though in thecase of the purchased specimen the percentage of alcohol wasdistinctly higher. This variation in the amount of alcohol

suggests that what is present was not entirely developed inthe wine itself. Iron was found in the ash in all cases butthe quantity was unimportant and hardly to be considered asa feature in spite of the fact of being grown on ferruginoussoil.

BARNANGEN’S ANTISEPTIC VADE-MECUM.

(BARNANGEN’S TECHNICAL FACTORY, STOCKHOLM ; MYRSTEDTAND CO., CA140MILE-STREhT, LONDON, E.G.)

The name of this preparation is unfortunate, implying apanacea for all complaints. And this sums up practicallywhat is claimed for it. It is said to be suitable both

externally and internally, and its application is recommended,amongst many other things, for the care and preservation ofthe mouth, the teeth, and the skin, for various skin com-plaints, and internally for indigestion and sickness. Accord-

ing to our analysis it is a spirituous solution containingchiefly menthol and oil of cloves.

KELPION.

(THE KELPION Co., NORGROVE-BUILDiNGS, 59A, BISHOPSGATR-STREETWITHIN, LONDON, B.C.)

Kelpion is described as a stainless iodine ointment yetcontaining the iodine for the purpose of administration in afree state. We are able to confirm this statement, for oninunction iodine soon appears in the saliva and in the urinewhile the skin is not stained. Kelpion contains 5 per cent.of iodine. It is a greasy, dark-olive-coloured substance whichrefuses to saponify with strong soda solution. It may be con-

cluded, therefore, that the fatty vehicle does not contain afatty acid. On heating kelpion well above its melting pointiodine is liberated. Kelpion is a marked advance uponordinary iodine unguents and is especially suitable in painfulaffections of the joints and for sprains and inflammations.

KPGLOIDS.(CHAS. KUGLER, PARIS ; LONDON AGENCY, MR. H. H. MASON,

7, BROADWAY, NORWOOD-ROAD, S.E.)We failed to find any special novelty about these capsules,

for in reality that is what "kugloids" are. They contain apink-coloured oil smelling strongly of creasote, and very littlefurther examination suffioed to show that the creasote isassociated with quinine in the form of glycero-phosphate,and eucalyptol and benzoic acid are also constituents. In

short, the kugloid contains those antiseptics which are ofservice in the treatment of respiratory ailments. The com-bination is said to be well borne and, in addition to actinglocally, to possess tonic qualities referable to the glycero-phosphate of quinine.

MARVIS.

(THE PATENT FISH FOOD SYNDICATE, LIMITED, BERRY-YARDS,GREENOCK, N.B.)

Marvis is a clean yellowish-white powder with a fishyodour. It is not appreciably soluble in cold water, butin hot water it forms a mucilaginous mixture due partlyto the normal gelatinous constituents of the fish from which

it is prepared and partly to a small proportion of carbo-

hydrates. Marvis, in short, consists practically of desiccatedfish powder mixed with a little starch. Our analysis gave thefollowing results : moisture,1177 per cent. ; mineral matter,3’06 per cent. ; and organic matter, 85’17 per cent. The

organic matters contained no less than 62 81 per cent. pro-teids besides fat. The latter amounted to 2-82 per cent. of the

organic matters. With marvis, therefore, a very nutritiousdish may be prepared. It makes, in particular, an

excellent pzcree. The flavour is that of fresh fish without

any suspicion of staleness. The mineral matters con.

tained a slight amount of iodide, but consisted chiefly ofphosphate of potassium and common salt. We found asmaU

quantity of starch present which is probably added for thepurpose of making the powder homogeneous. We regardmarvis as a good fish food and an introduction of distinctimportance in the daily dietary.

ASYLUM REPORTS.

Connty and City of Wnreester L1tnatic Asylum (Annuall2eurt for 1899).-The average population of the asylumduring the year was 1137 and comprised 500 males and 637females. The admissions during the year amounted to 22&and comprised 105 males and 120 females. 15 of these-viz., 7 males and 8 females-were not first admissions. Mr.George M. P. Braine-Hartnell, the medical superintendent,states in his report that of the admissions 40 were in badhealth and exhausted condition and 164 in indifferent healthand reduced condition. 86 patients were dischargedrecovered during the year, or 7’5 per cent. of the averagenumber resident. The deaths during the year amounted to91 or 8-0 per cent. as calculated on the same basis. Of thedeaths two were due to cardiac disease, three to epilepsy,three to chronic Bright’s disease, six to colitis, 11 to

pneumonia, 14 to general paralysis of the insane, 20 to seniledecay, and 21 to pulmonary phthisis. Post-mortem exami-nations were made in 76 out of 91 deaths. A marriedwoman on admission was in a pregnant condition and wasdelivered of a son. "The mother, father, and brother ofthe patient are or have been insane, and here is this infantwith such a bad I family history’ growing up and will inall probability end by marrying." z " Can anyone wonder,"asks Mr. Brain e- Hartnell, "at the increase of insanity whenpeople like the above marry and are given in marriage ?

"

One inquest was held during the year on a male patientwho at the post-mortem examination was found to have hadthree fractured ribs. No cause could be assigned, and thejury in their verdict expressed the opinion that no blameattached to anyone on the staff. One male patient on’théway to recovery was one night seized with a suicidal impulse.I I He smashed the window and precipitated himself to theground. He sustained compound comminuted fractures ofboth legs. The left leg has since been amputated." Two malepatients were attacked with scarlet fever, one female patientwith typhoid fever, and there was one case of erysipelas.Colitis was the cause of death in one male and five femalepatients. "Phthisis accounted for 23 per cent. of thedeaths. This percentage is excessive and demands seriousattention. The overcrowded state of the wards is no doubtresponsible in a great measure, but not entirely, for this highmortality....... We require separate wards in which patientsshowing signs of phthisis can be isolated and treated inaccordance with the latest ideas." The medical super-intendent suggests that in the new asylum for thecounty of Worcester about to be built provision shouldbe made for an isolation block for the housing andopen-air treatment of such cases. The Lunacy Com-missioners in their report refer to the overcrowdingin the wards, especially on the female side, and also

point out that a separate ward and day-room should beset apart for the idiot children, of whom there are 17 in theasylum and who continue to be associated with the adultinsane ; they express the hope that the plans of the newasylum will include separate accommodation for this class ofpatients. They are " glad to record that advantage is takenof the means provided by the committee for the prosecutionof pathological work."