CHARLES A. GIFFORD, Iowa Salesman for Morrisson, Plummer & Co. Poor health has compelled Charles A. Gifford, Iowa salesman for Morrisson, Plummer & Co., Chicago, to retire from active business, at least temporarily. Mr. Gifford is one of the firm's well-tried men. He is a veteran traveling salesman, having spent many years on the road. For more than fifteen years he has been traveling in Iowa, and for more than ten years he has been Morrisson, Plummer & Co.'s representative. It is seldom, indeed, that employers can be heard to speak of one of their men in as warm a manner as the big Chicago wholesalers adopt when telling the merits of Mr. Gifford. Those who are in a position to understand the trade in Iowa, say that no salesman has ever been more successful in that State than has the subject of this article, and no salesman, it is claimed, has more warm personal friends in the trade. He is not only ingratiated with the trade, but is also popular with other traveling men. A statement made by one of the best known men in the Chicago wholesale trade proves this. "Mr. Gifford," said he, "deserves all the good that can be said of him." The retiring salesman has been in poor health for more than a year, his condition finally rendering it necessary for him to desist from active work. He is a Massachusetts man, having come originally from New Bedford. His first experience in the drug business was gained with Junkerman & Haas, of Dubuque. His successor is W. M. Colwell, who is well known to the drug trade in Michigan and Indiana, where he has traveled for Morrisson, Plummer & Co. AT THE NEW JERSEY MEETING. Now that the season of association meetings is at hand, the handsome, lithe young traveler keeps his dress suit constantly at hand and makes himself solid with his patrons by dancing with their wives, sisters and daughters at the receptions. Incidentally, the traveling man does a little bowling, takes in the picnics and ball games, and on the whole extracts a considerable amount of comfort out of the meetings. There were a good many of the genus at the New Jersey meeting at Beechwood, Summit, on May 18 and 19. Some of them, it is true, are longer lithe, and one or two have never been no accused of being handsome, but they all have that charm of manner which is an essential part of the outfit of the successful salesman. While B. Isaacs is no longer lithe (275 lbs., net) he has a beautiful dress suit. At least it was beautiful until he attempted to assume the Tredelenburg position, when what might be termed a dorso-ventral fissure occurred which necessitated a rapid retreat. A. J. Stephens, of Johnson & Johnson, made the highest score at ten-pins, reaching 165. The lowest score was made by J. S. Vanderbilt of Whitall, Tatum & Co., who scored 68 only. Mr. Vanderbilt explained that he wanted to keep up the traditions of his house. If he had turned himself loose and piled up a high score it would have made the men in the New York office feel badly. Below we mention the knights of the grip present: J. Walter Melick, Lazell, Dalley & Co.; H. D. Folsom, W. R. Warner & Co.; G. F. Whiting, Hance Bros. & White; D. F. Dodds, Fox, Fultz & Co.; F. B. Stumpf, Sharp & Dohme; F. H. Clark, Seabury & Johnson; H. Porter, Palmer & Co.; B. Isaacs, Paul Jones Co.; J. Fields, Bruen Ritchey & Co.; E. A. Dicken, Puffer & Co.; A. J. Stephens, Johnson & Johnson; F. A. Heath, Meincke & Co.; H. J. Bierman, Cook & Bernheimer Co.; C. G. Boorum, American Talcum Co.; S. H. Carragan and Henry Thornton, Parke, Davis & Co.; W. F. Cox, Bruen Ritchey & Co.; J. S. Vanderbilt, Whitall, Tatum & Co. John A. Wellington, better known as "the Duke of Texas," was among the visitors to New York last week. He has not been North for more than five years.. Mr. Wellington has represented Sharp & Dohme in Texas for about fifteen years, and is one of the most popular travelers in that State. Fred Finch has taken charge of the New York office of Henry Thayer & Co., of Cambridgeport. Justin Keith, representing J. L. Hopkins & Co., in the root, herb and gum trade, has just paid Buffalo a visit. His advance notice comes from St. Louis. A regular, but rather far-between visitor in the bandage trade is M. C. Robbins, who has just been in the city in the interest of the A. J. Wells Manufacturing Company, Syracuse. The Albany Chemical Company has lately been acceptably represented here by E. M. Willsey, who is one of the regular visitors at the larger drug establishments. Another occasional caller on the drug trade here is H. F. Doherty, who represents the Davol Rubber Company, of Providence. He has lately joined the army of Benedicts. M. Rosenthal, who "carries" knives, scissors and razors for Krusius Bros., and knows how to sell them, was here last week, stopping with all departments of his trade. H. S. Faulkner, who some time ago succeeded Mr. Angelo in the sale of supplies in the line of boxes, bags and many similar articles, put on the market by Meinecke & Co., New York, was with us during the earlier part of the month. The regular representative of the perfumery house of Adolph Spiehler, R. G. Hotchkin, is due here late this month. George H. Macy, representing the many things in the way of essential oils, Chinese drugs, such as rhubarb, in the stock of Dodge & Olcott, of New York, has paid Buffalo another visit lately. Wallace & Co.'s jujubes received a good push forward lately from the energetic work of Mr. Davis of that house, who is well-known and well received here. John H. Santee is due here in the interest of the soap trade of Solon Palmer. His card of notification reads that he is "Coming on about soon." or John North, representing Eimer & Amend, is an occasional visitor to the Buffalo trade, though retailers say that he comes too seldom to get into their entire good graces. He made the city round early this month. Robert W. Lampa has again been agitating the dust of this city, doing much business and freeing his mind of yarns reBOSTON. cently absorbed. He interspersed gayety with work this time. First, we find him one of the bright stars of a particularly brilliant constellation at the M. C. P. Club banquet. Here he responded to the "Drug Trade" in a clever and inimitable manner. Having cultivated a liking for banquets, he is next seen at the annual dinner of the Alumni Association. Mr. Lampa has hosts of friends in this vicinity who are always glad to see him, whether on business or pleasure. Harry Warrick was in town recently. Of course he oils was pushing essential for Fritzsche Bros., of New York. McKesson & Robbins have had two representatives in this vicinity since your last issue, W. R. McMillan was talking general orders and F. M. Kirkpatrick was devoting his energies to booming guaiaquine and pyrozone. Mr. Gleishman was a new comer of recent date. He was booking for Merck & Co., and succeeded in placing several good-sized orders. W. D. Shattuck has been pushing rubber goods for Parker, Stearns & Sutton, of New York. He is an expert in this special line of goods. This is the season for fruit juices and syrups and Herman Kienzler, of New York, has been here assisting local dealers to stock up on this line of goods. C. S. Sawyer has been here again in the interest of the New York firm of E. Fougera & Co. John F. Putnam is one of the local travelers for Henry Thayer & Co., of Cambridge. His district covers a part of this city, and the balance of his work is devoted to near-by cities and towns. He does not go far away, however, and always returns to town for the night. Laban Beal, who was local manager for Hance Bros. & White until that firm closed its office here, is now soliciting business for A. U. Andrus & Co., of New York. When Bauer & Black, of Chicago, send out a salesman, he is generally a good one, and in the front rank of the Al class. W. S. Heineman is the man referred to, and while here he took many orders for O. P. C. suspensories, plasters and like goods. M. H. Walters has been here within a short time. He is meeting with good success in doing detail work for the Epidermal Co., of Orange, Mass. W. H. Lowe, of Fries Bros., N. Y., made his appearance in town a few days ago. His canvass of the trade netted him a handsome show. ing of orders. "Gas," by E. P. Wallian. This is what they are having in the outside districts of Boston. The demonstrator incidentally mentions the Oakland Oxygen Inhaler of the Oakland Chemical Co., of New York. His path is strewn with success. W. C. Nichols, one of the most popular salesmen in New York State, formerly detail man in that section for the T. Metcalf Co., of this city, and now traveling salesman for Plimpton, Cowan & Co., of Buffalo, has been in town for some time past. He is not here on business; it is an affair of a different character. There was a wedding on April 19, in which Mr. Nichols and Miss Helen M. Colegrove, of Salamanca, N. Y., were the principal actors. What more fitting than that the honeymoon should be spent in the Hub? The idea just suited the principals, consequently they journeyed thither. The happy pair have received many attentions while here. They will reside in Buffalo, and be at home after May 18. Thomas Shay, who has been connected with the house of Henry Thayer & Co. for over twenty years, has accepted a position in the New England territory of Sharp & Dohme, and will make this city his headquarters. Harry Scandein, of Scandein & Lind, is considerably worked up over the war, and can be seen at stated intervals going to the newspaper offices to get the latest news. PHILADELPHIA, D. B. Martin, a hustling representative of the A full line of Aluminum Goods was shown R. Spero showed a nice line of baskets in Cincinnati last week. He represents Charles Zinn & Co. Jas. T. Campbell, a popular salesman in the employ of Robinson-Pettit Co., of Louisville, Ky., called on the trade in Cincinnati recently.. The Ames-Bonner Company, of New York, M. R. Gardner, manager of the National Cash some time. Dr. George W. A. C. Kennedy, Robt. Stevenson & Co.'s representative in Northern Illinois, says that war talk is all right in its place, but that there are moments when he would rather hear his customers talk about orders. Mr. Kennedy says that on his last trip he heard more about the strength of the navy than he did about new stocks. Al. Heinemann, who does the heavy part for Robert Stevenson & Co., in Northern Indiana, has been running into Chicago so frequently of late that his office mates say they believe he must be tiring of hotel fare in Hoosierdom, and that he quietly runs up to Chicago for a good square meal once in a while. Fred Odena, of Parke, Davis & Co., recently made the rounds in Chicago. Howard M. Jordan is now representing Morrisson, Plummer & Co. in Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, succeeding Arthur T. Ellsworth, who retired to take the management of the business of Andrew Bram, Hancock, Mich. The store over which Mr. Ellsworth is to preside is new, having just been fitted up by Morrisson, Plummer & Co. Albert Bauer and T. R. Burton, of Morrisson, Ewing Smith, Englewood man for Morrisson Earl Cook, a former St. Louis drug clerk, has Conrad C. Bobb, Ph.G., a recent graduate of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, is representing the J. C. McGuire Medicine Co., of this city. His territory at present includes Illinois and a section of Missouri. R. W. Corning, representing Parker, Stearns & Sutton, New York City, is looking after their interests in this city. Edward Hillier, Jr.. representing the Ameri can Rubber Co.. of New York City, is not let ting any grass grow under his feet in this city. S. W. Wright, in charge of the branches of the Searle & Hereth Co., of Chicago, has been spending a few days in this city. O. M. Zesch, Ph. G., formerly representing the Malt-Nutrine Co., is now booming business for the Milkine Co., of St. Louis. Mr. Glozebrook, vice-president of the Tilden Co., has just returned from Chicago, where he was called on business. C. Cochran and C. W. Middleton, two prominent salesmen for the Meyer Bros. Drug Co., are spending a few days at headquarters. Taylor Blow, the popular salesman for the Moffit-West Drug Co. in Northern Missouri, is spending a few days at headquarters. C. W. Booth, the well-known representative of the Crown Perfumery Co., New York, is shaking hands with St. Louis customers. G. W. Corning representing Parker, Stearns & Sutton, the well-known rubber manufacturers of New York City, says St. Louis is a good market for their line of goods. Edmund Hillyer is here looking after the interests of the India Rubber Comb Co., New York City. A. W. Wagner, the popular representative of Glaenzer Bros. & Rheenboldt, the prominent importers of New York City, is a busy man when he strikes St. Louis. Wm. L. Meyer, chairman of the entertainment the Missouri Pharmaceutical committee Travelers' Association, has appointed Henry Foxon, of Kansas City, and Mrs. W. E. Berrymann, of Marshall, vice-chairmen of that committee. The ever genial and popular Charley Griffith, of the Herf & Frerich's Chemical Co., of St. Louis, has favored the trade here with a call. J. G. Keisel, the northwestern representative of the Wm. S. Merrell Chemical Co., of Cincinnati, is making quite a hit in this section. He seems to be a general favorite with the trade, with whom he is doing a good work. Although comparatively a newcomer to the field of drummerdom, he is catching on like a veteran, and makes friends wherever he goes. He understands all the ins and outs of the retail drug business, for he was formerly engaged in business in this State. The Merrell Co. has a good man in Mr. Keisel. T Review of the Wholesale Drug Market. NEW YORK, MAY 24, 1898. It should be understood that the prices quoted in this report are strictly those current in the wholesale market, and that higher prices are paid for retail lots. The quality of goods frequently necessitates a wide range of prices. Condition of Trade. HE past fortnight has been devoid of features of interest and the volume of business has not shown any marked increase, a circumstance which has led to some complaints from jobbers regarding trade. There has been considerable pressure in some quarters on account of large orders from the Government, and the movement resulting therefrom naturally affected the market, some manufacturers being kept busy night and day furnishing medical supplies for the Army and Navy. This activity does not, however, extend to jobbers, and there is a complete absence of speculative interest, with a general hesitancy on the part of the trade to operate in a quantity way. A fair number of small orders continue to be received from interior dealers, but in comparison with the business usually gathered during May, there is some falling off. Taken as a whole, the market presents a fairly steady appearance, the fluctuations being well balanced. We record the principal fluctuations in the tabular statement below: who announce the decline in a circular dated May 10th, reading as follows: "We have to-day reduced the price of Dr. Knorr's antipyrine, made by the Farbwerke, vorm. Meister Lucius and Bruning, Hoechst-on-main, Germany, as per schedule given below. "Those who have bought antipyrine from us on or before April 10th last are requested to report at once the quantity still in stock out of such purchases, so that we may credit their account for the difference between the old and new price.' The new prices quoted by Victor Koechl & Co. follow: In lots of 100 ounces or more, 70c. per ounce; lots less than 100 ounces, but not less than 50 ounces, 80c. Atropine Sulphate has been advanced by the manufacturers, owing to increased cost of the root; $4.50 is now asked for the salt in-ounce packages; alkaloid quoted $5.20. Balsams.-Copaiba is purchased sparingly at the moment and values are well maintained at 45c. to 50c., and 50c. to 55c. for Central American and Para respectively. Peru is noticeably firmer. The small available supply is closely concentrated, and sales are not making below $2.20. Tolu continues held and selling at 45c. Barks.-Buckthorn is firmer with recent sales at 5c. Soap is higher in the primary market, and cut is held at 7c. to 8c.; wild cherry quoted 4c. to 6c. for old, and new, 4c. to 5c. Caffeine is meeting with rather less inquiry, but values are well sustained at the range of $3.90 to $4, as to quantity, the inside price for large lots from second hands. or Castor Oil is passing out in moderate quantities at manufacturers' prices, say, 12c. to 12c., and 12c. to 13c. for barrels and cases respectively. Coca Leaves have met with fair attention of late, and we hear of sales of Truxillo at 12c. to 13c., and Huanuco at 16c. to 20c., with a higher range asked for fancy grades. Cocaine Muriate, is distinctly firmer in view of advices from foreign markets indicating an advance in the price of crude alkaloid. Holders continue to ask $2.75 to $2.95. and higher prices are antici pated. Coumarin has been advanced by the agents of foreign manufacturers, and $7 is now generally asked for choice brands in ordinary quantities. Cuttlefish Bone is higher, jewelers' variety being quoted at 50c., an advance of 10c., for the large size; small size and Trieste quoted 25c. and 8c. respectively. Dragon's Blood offers more freely and 45c. will now buy prime quality in reeds. Eserine, sulphate and salicylate, are higher in sympathy with the advance in price of calibar bean and 6c. per grain is now asked. Formaldehyde continues in active demand, and 25c. to 27c. is paid for carboys. Glycerin continues in active consuming demand, and supplies do not offer below 12c. to 12c. for drums from manufacturers; cans held at 13c. to 13c. Grains of Paradise are purchased sparingly, but values are well maintained at 7c. Hydrochinon has been advanced by the manufacturers to $2.20 per pound. Lithia Salts are noticeably firmer and higher prices are anticipated. It is intimated that an advance of about 10 per cent will be asked. Menthol remains quiet, and in the absence of important demand $2.00 will buy. Morphine is higher in sympathy with opium; bulk now quoted $2.30, and eighths $2.35. Opium has developed no new feature of previously quoted and sales of larger lots interest since our last. Prices are as than 50 pounds were the exception. There is a disposition shown in some quarters to urge the distribution by price concessions, $3.60 having been accepted in a few instances for a broken package. The market abroad continues to harden and values here are likely to be firmly maintained. Quinine is less firm, and the market continues depressed, with importers offering foreign brands at 22c. to 24c., the inside price being for Java. Domestic does not offer below 25c. for bulk, with 28c. paid in some instances. Strychnine has declined since our last, holders offering foreign make in 25-ounce tins at 60c., though 75c. to 85c. is yet quoted by domestic manufacturers. Thymol quotations have been revised and $1.85 to $1.95 is generally quoted, though these figures are shaded in some instances from second holders. Vanilla Beans are quiet, but firm upon the basis of $9 to $14; Mexican, cut, held at $8.25 to $8.50. DYESTUFFS. Bichromate of Potash is without important variation; Scotch held at 10c. to 101c., and American at 9ąc. to 10c. Divi Divi continues in moderate demand, with the sales at $38 to $42 per ton. Madder is in steady fair request and firmer at 15c. Nutgall, blue Aleppo, is meeting with moderate attention, with the sales at 12 c. Turmeric, whole, is in less abundant supply, and values are firmly maintained at 4 c. to 6c., as to quality and quantity. CHEMICALS. There is less activity noticeable in the general demand for chemicals used in the manufacture of explosives. Sulphur is fractionally lower and nitrate of soda, chlorate of potash and saltpetre attract less interest and values are easier for the entire line. Blue Vitriol is in improved position and selling at 3 c. to 3c. Borax is without new feature of interest; sales of powdered and refined at 7c. to 7c. Boric Acid continues firm, with the sales of powdered at 10c. to 10 c. Brimstone has declined, but is quoted very firm at $25 for unmixed seconds. Refined sulphur is also quoted easier, and manufacturers' prices are being shaded by second hands. Chlorate of Potash has receded from its former firm position and sales of crystals and powdered are now making at 12c. to 13c.; powdered is held a fraction lower than the crystals. Chrysophanic Acid is lower; manufacturers have reduced the price to $3.10. Citric Acid has been advanced by the manufacturers to 34c. to 34 c. for crystals and powdered respectively, and the citrate salts have been advanced correspondingly, The advance is said to be due to increased demand and interference with shipments from Italy. Cream Tartar remains quiet at 24 c. to 24 c. for crystals and powdered. Gallic Acid is in demand and firmer, with 38c. quoted as bottom price. Nitrate of Soda has been offered and sold at a decline from previous prices; quoted 2 c. to 24c. Nitrate of Strontium is quoted at an advance, or say 10c.; the demand is unimportant. Quicksilver is higher and the market continues very firm, with 59c. per pound asked for one to twenty-five-flask lots. The advance is due to threatened troubles at the Spanish mines. ESSENTIAL OILS. Anise has advanced in the London market and values here are steadily maintained on the basis of $1.60 to $1.70. Citronella is firmer in the foreign market and values are a shade firmer here, with 27c. quoted the inside price for drums. Eucalyptus is in abundant supply and offers freely at 50c. to $1, as to quality and quantity. Lemon continues in good demand and values are firmly maintained at 90c. to $1 for prime in coppers. Linaloe is easier, with the sales at $1.55 to $1.60. Neroli is held and selling in a moderate jobbing way at our quotations. The prospects are favorable to an abundant supply and lower prices are anticipated. Safrol and Artificial Sassafras are easier, the former selling at 36c. to 40c. for drums and cans. The trend of values on all varieties of sassafras oils is decidedly in buyers' favor. GUMS. Aloes, Curacao, is in better supply and recent arrivals of over 700 boxes have sold at 2c. to 2c, though 24c. to 3c. is generally quoted. Camphor is in steady seasonable request, with manufacturers distributing freely at 34 c. to 35c. for barrels and cases respectively; foreign refined held at 34 c. to 36c. Tragacanth is meeting with moderate attention at previous prices. Aleppo flake quoted 35c. to 66c. and Turkey 45c. to 85c. ROOTS. Belladonna is higher for the better varieties and as much as 12c. has been paid; for less desirable grades 9c, is asked. Calumba is easier, recent sales being at 10c. to 12c. Golden Seal is offered with more freedom; recent sales at 48c. to 50c., as to quantity. Hellebore, powdered, white, continues in active consumptive demand at the range of 12c. to 14c. Ipecac is in improved position and values are nearly 50 per cent higher. Supplies are coming in very slowly, and careful manipulation of the stocks by importers has had the effect of hardening values for the better grades of Rio. There have been sales at $2.10, but $2.20 to $2.30 is now generally asked. Liquorice is scarcer and 8c. to 15c. is asked for the small available supply of Spanish. Rhubarb has sold in a large way during the interval at prices within the range of 20c. to 50c., as to quality. Sarsaparilla, Mexican, has reacted slightly and values are easier, with 7c. to 8c. now quoted. SEEDS. Canary, Smyrna, is firmer and quotations have been revised to 2c. to 2c. Celery is taken with indifference and prices have receded, 6c. to 6c. being now quoted. Mustard is well sustained at a slight advance over previous quotations, or say 4c. to 4 c. for yellow California. Kuehn & Lubbers Move to Brooklyn. The following notice has been sent out to the trade by Kuehn & Lubbers, formerly the New York agents of Patch & Co.: Having found the necessity of enlarging our laboratory facilities, on and after May 1st, we will occupy the entire building 1747 Fulton street, through to 64 Marion street, Borough of Brooklyn, New York City. Believing that the interests of our friends can be best served by having all departments of our business under one roof, our office in future will be located at this address. All communications by mail, or telephone 742 B, Bedford, will receive prompt attention, obviating the delay heretofore experienced in transmitting same from our former office in William street. The offices of Kuehn & Lubbers were formerly located at 133 William street, New York. They manufacture a full line of pharmaceuticals, including fluid extracts, elixirs and U. S. P. galenicals. Don't Use Scare Type. The AMERICAN DRUGGIST advises retail dealers "to own their own type for advertising in newspapers, where it is permissible, as the practice enables them to get attractive and novel styles of type, which excite interest in themselves." In the interest of good taste it may be hoped that none of them will secure the style of type which the sensational press has made a weariness to its readers. Novel styles of type, however, may attract the attention of the casual reader of an advertisement; but in order to hold the attention of all readers it is necessary that the matter set forth in an advertisement shall be as attractive in its essence as in its form.-Philadelphia Record. Cause and Effect. It is a singular coincidence that Power's Dublin whisky has been adopted simultaneously by the restaurant of the Capitol of Washington, and the "Kitchen Committee" of the British Houses of Parliament. We now see that "Ross's Brand" of Guinness's Dublin stout has also been adopted and listed at the Capitol restaurant. Can it be that the introduction of these two famous Irish beverages at Washington has had anything to do with the bellicose attitude of our legislators towards Spain? Whether or not, we feel sure that they must have had something to do with the late gratifying increase in cordial feeling between ourselves and the "old country." New Price Lists. The annual price list of Peter Van Schaack & Sons, "The old Salamander drug house," 138-140 Lake street, Chicago, has just been issued to the trade. This marks the 28th annual issue of a publication which stands as one of the most useful price lists for the retailer. The May price list of Robinson-Pettet Co., wholesale druggists, of Louisville, Ky., comes to us this month in a new cover of very attractive appearance. It is filled as usual with information regarding new preparations added to stock since the last issue. Morrisson, Plummer & Co., Chicago, have issued a very convenient little pamphlet on soda water supplies under the title "For the Soda Fountain." Our readers should write them for copy if they have not already received one. No Stamp on Major's Cement. The Major Cement Company desire to inform both the wholesale and retail trade that their cement and glue are household articles, and do not come under the heading of patent medicines, consequently should the stamp act of the War Revenue bill become a law, their goods will not have to be stamped, so the trade need not be afraid to order on that account. The Route To Manila. As the possibilities of Manila loom up, the question arises as to the best means of getting there. The first Americans arrived there under rather inauspicious circumstances and received a warm, but futile welcome from the Spanish admiral. It is probable that the commercial conquest of the Philippine Islands will be almost as rapid and easy as was the conquest by Admiral Dewey. We would suggest that such of our readers as have colonial inclinations write to Edward Hawley, of the Southern Pacific R. R., 341 Broadway, for an illustrated pamphlet entitled "Around the World," which gives a suggestion as to the most direct route to reach that portion of the globe. Thomas's Superfine Whiting in halfpound packages is one of the most convenient and satisfactory forms in which this article has ever been placed on the market. It retails very readily at 5 cents, which furnishes a very liberal margin of profit. Write to the Thomas Mfg. Co., Baltimore, for prices and details regarding their prepared chalk and whiting. It can be purchased of all jobbers. Vol. XXXII. No. II. Whole No. 400. PRIZE ESSAY: the Hospitals of 310 My Best Investment, by Ed. E. Williams 311 PHARMACEUTICAL PROGRESS: Crypton, a New Element found in the Air 311 Amarol, Petrosulfol, Rhamnin, Haemoferrogen, Compound Dialysates, Piperazin Salicylate; To Determine the Melting Point of Waxes, Fats, etc.; Cultivation of Pilocarpus in Italy; Diuretin Adulterated with Caffeine; NutroseCasein Sodium; Creasamin; A New Thermometer Liquid; Iodized Oils; Euphthalmine; Guaiacyl; Hydrarguent; Ozone and Artificial Perfumes; Concentration of Diphtheria Antitoxin; Oesypus; Eucaine B in Minor Surgery TRANSLATION: 312-313 Recent Pharmaceutical Research WorkCold Saponification of Fats and Oils; Examination of Waxes by the Hot and the Cold Methods; The Rational Examination of Peruvian and Copaiba Balsams; Notes on Sumatra and Siam Benzoin; Examination of Insect Powder 313, 314 The Philippine Islands and Their Products, by Prof. Clement B. Lowe...... 315 QUERIES AND ANSWERS: Phosphorescent Paper; Extract of Vanilla; Syrup of Hypophosphites; Butter Color with an Oily Base; Solution of Magnesium Citrate; Insecticide; Plant Specimens; Violet Water Formulas CORRESPONDENCE: 316, 317 For a Single Pharmacy Board for the State by Chas. Nathan 317 BIBLIOGRAPHY: Magic, Stage Illusions and Scientific Di NEW YORK AND CHICAGO, JUNE 10, 1898. Correction. On page 282, of our issue of May 25, in the formula of Compound Liquorice Mixture, the first item should be ext. glycyrrhizae fld. 10 fl. oz. 100 Cc., instead of extract ipecacuanhae fld. 2 Cc. The line bearing the last named extract was inserted in error. Issued Semi-Monthly. Theoretically, of course, the consumer pays the tax, and this theory no doubt would hold good in most lines, but the peculiar character of the retail drug trade, the wide margin of gross profit (although the net profit is small), and the relative uniformity of price obtaining on all articles, proprietary and otherwise, in the THE PROPRIETARY STAMP various drug stores in the same section, W TAX. E have been at much pains to ascertain the sentiment of the trade upon the question of the proprietary stamp tax. To attain this end we have corresponded with a large number of the leading proprietors, wholesalers and retailers. In this issue we present the letters received from the members of the different branches of the trade, and the perusal of these letters will give a clear and fair conception of the attitude of the whole trade on this all-absorbing topic. The proprietors are divided in their sentiment, some being willing to assume the whole burden of the increased taxation, others desiring to shift that burden, while some go even so far as to propose making the imposition of the tax the occasion for an increase in the cost of their goods to the retailers even above the cost actually entailed on the manufacturers by the affixing of the stamps on their goods. The wholesale trade are somewhat divided in sentiment, though most of them favor an increase in the price on the part of the manufacturers to cover the cost of the stamps, while one firm of wholesalers has gone to the extent of urging proprietors, through the columns of a daily paper, to uniformly advance the cost of their goods so as to save the wholesalers the trouble which would be entailed in the adjustment of prices by a lack of uniformity of action on the part of manufacturers. The members of the retail trade, while unanimous in believing that the consumer should pay the cost, are equally unanimous in stating it as their conviction that where any advance is price is made by manufac turers the difference in price will come out of the pockets of the retailer and not of the consumer. will render it very difficult, if not impossible, for the retailer to collect the price of the stamp either directly or indirectly. For this reason any stamp tax on medicines will virtually act as a special tax upon the drug trade. If the manufacturers are sufficiently magnanimous to bear this burden or a portion of it, the retailers will be relieved in just that measure. Where the manufacturers see fit to charge the retailer not alone the cost of such stamps as may be required, but even add on an additional profit, the major portion of this increased cost will undoubtedly come out of the pockets of the retail drug trade. As amended by the Senate, the war revenue measure provides for the imposition of a stamp tax upon all proprietary articles other than foods, and upon "all medicinal articles, compounded by any formula, published or unpublished, which are put up in style or manner similar to that of patent, trade-mark, or proprietary medicine in general, or which are advertised on the package or otherwise as remedies or specifics for any ailment, or as having any special claim to merit, or to any peculiar advantage in mode of preparation, quality, cause or effect." The rate of taxation on medicinal articles is a quarter of a cent for five-cent articles, half a cent for ten-cent articles, one cent for twenty-five-cent articles, with an additional cent for each twenty-five cents advance in the retail price. The same schedule applies to cosmetics and perfumery. Stocks which on June 1st were in the hands of wholesalers and retailers, who are not manufacturers, are subject to this tax, but the stamp need not be affixed until the goods are sold at retail. This practically exempts dead stock from the action of the law. Careful druggists will insure themselves against any trouble in this connection by taking a full inventory of the stock of patent medicines on hand. |