Schimmel 1945 annual report on essential oils, Aromatic Chemicals, and Related Materials. Schimmel and Company, Inc., 601 W. 26th Street, New York 1, N. Y., 1948. 127 pp. Illustrated. 15 × 23 cm. Price, $3

SCIENTIFIC EDITION Electrocardiographic Studies (Dogs).-On 5 of the dogs used for blood pressure studies, electrocardiograms were taken under ether anesthesia, prior t o and immediately following the injection of the glycinanilide. There were no significant changes produced in the rate, rhythm, or form of the electrocardiogram in Leads I, 11, or 111. Chronic Toxicity (Rats).-Forty young male white rats were divided into 4 groups of 10 each. One group served as a control and was fed a normal laboratory ration. Two groups received in their food 0.2% and 0.5%, respectively, of glycinanilide. The fourth group received 0.5% acetanilide in their food. The animals in all groups grew according t o the normal growth pattern. The rats receiving the glycinanilide developed cyanosis (0.5% 10 days, 0.2% 15 days). The spectrophotometric examination of blood taken from cardiac puncture showed no spectral band for methemoglobin, but bands in the reduced hemoglobin region were observed. The experiment was continued for one month. At the end of this period 4 animals in the glycinanilide group and one control animal were sacrificed for histologic study of their viscera. Their kidneys, liver, and spleen showed no significant variation from the normal. Analgesic Studies.-The analgesic properties of glycinanilide were determined in the rat by the Thorp (11) method, using the Wolff-Hardy-Goodell apparatus. In 15 animals the pain threshold was increased 7% one-half t o one hour after 500 mg. per Kg. of glycinanilide were administered by stomach tube. Acetanilide in the same dosage elevated the pain threshold 52% t o 10 animals. Morphine sulfate in a dose of 3 mg. per Kg. subcutaneously produced a n elevation of the pain threshold of 22 per cent in these same animals.

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213 DISCUSSION

Glycinasilide hydrochloride is a soluble compound of the acetanilide type. The catalytic method affords a facile synthesis with fair yields. However, it is necessary t o purify the product with care; since incomplete hydrogenation is attended by intramolecular condensation products (12) in trace amounts sufficient to mottle the product on standing, impart a dull green turbidity to its freshly prepared solution and acutely affect the toxicity data even though the melting point of the glycinanilide may not betray its presence. Its effect upon oxyhemoglobin in a rat appears t o be more pronounced than that of acetanilide and comparable t o the effect of glycolanilide. The analgesic effect of glycinanilide is inferior to that of acetanilide.

REFERENCES ( 1 ) Iwamoto, H. K.. and Farson, deC. B., 35, 50(1946).

THIS JOURNAL,

(2) Mosso, U.,and Faggioli, F., Arch. cxgfl. Pafh. Pharmakol., 32, 402(1893); through Heffter, A,, “Handbuch der Experimentellen Pharmakologie,” Julius Springer, Berlin, 1923, Vol. I p. 1076. 3) Kader, P.,and Haebler, W. T.. Hclu. Chim. A d a , 7. 53411924). (4) Hill, A. I.,and Kelsey. E. B., J . A m . Chcm. SOC..42, 1704(1920). (5) Majert, W., D.R.P. 59121, 1891, through Chcm. Zcnlr. 1 550(1892). (6)’ Jhbsky, J. V., and Granacher, C., Bcr., 50, 1701 (1917). (7) Usherwood, E.H.. and Whiteley, M. A,. J . Chcm. SOC., 123, 1069(1923). (8) Ahderhal$e n, E:, and Brockmann. 11.. Fermenfforschung 10, 15 (1929) (9) Hkrtt+n,g, W. H., and co-workers, J . OW. Chcm.. 11. 444(1946); %bad.,9.513(1944); J . A m . Chcm. Soc., 53.4149 (1931 (101‘ Marvel, C. S.,and Hiers, G . S.,Org. Synthcscs, 24.327

Thorp R H. Bril. J . Pharmacol 1 113(1946). Dimrdth ’ O.,’ and Taub, L., &;., $9, 3912(1906); P., Diehmann, G. €and I., Haehler, W. I., Hclu. Chim. Acla., 7, 1031(1929).

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Book Reviews Essentials of Prescription Writing. By CARY EGGLESTON. Eighth edition. W. B. Saunders 155 pp. Company, Philadelphia, 1947. viii 9 x 17 cm. Price, $2. When a guidebook in so prosaic a field, for such it is t o the average physician, has attained its eight) writing, there is little which a reviewer can say other than “well done.” The 8th edition of this useful little book follows the same pattern as former editions. New examples are often used t o illustrate a point and the revision has been changed t o be in keeping with the latest revisions of the official compendia. Unfortunately, on page 3 the author gives the impression that N. F. VII is now official and he states that its revision has been at irregular intervals. The National Formulary has had the same projected publication date as the U. S. P., but, like the U. S. P., necessary delays have, a t times, given the impression of irregularity.

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Schimmel 1945 Annual Refiort on Essential Oils. Aromatic Chemicals, and Rekzted Materials. SCHIMMEL and COMPANY, INC., 601 W. 26th Street, New York 1, N. Y., 1948. 127 pp. Illustrated. 15 x 23 cm. Price, $3. In this report an apparently successful attempt has been made t o present in practically the same style as in previous reports pertinent information on essential oils and related materials. Commercial and scientific developments are discussed and notes on scientific research in t h e field of aromatics and related products are presented. The usual statistical notes are included and the value of the report is enhanced by a bibliography and a satisfactory index. It is expected that the 1946 report will be completed and published in the near future. All who are interested in essential oils will be glad t o know that this valuable publication will be continued.