The Civil Service Commission of Illinois expects to hold an examination on August 1, 1914, to provide an eligible list to fill the position of Pharmacist at the various State Hospitals for the Insane, and at the State Penitentiaries. These positions ordinarily pay a starting salary of $50 a month with full maintenance, including meals, room, and ordinary laundry, but with a possibility of an increase later to $70 and full maintenance.

The age limits are 21 to 55 years and the applicants must be residents of Illinois. There are several vacancies existing in this position now and immediate appointments can be made as soon as the eligible list is determined.

The examination questions will be prepared by persons of long experience in the pharmacist work and with thorough knowledge of the needs of the various State institutions.

Application blanks may be secured by addressing the State Civil Service Commission and must be received and on file before 5 p. m., on July 22.

W. R. ROBINSON, Secretary,
Springfield, Ill.

Dark Emptiness.

Aunt Liza's former mistress was talking to her one morning, when suddenly she discovered a little pickaninny standing shyly behind his mother's skirts. "Is this your little boy, Aunt 'Liza?" she asked.

"Yes, miss; dat's Prescription."

"Goodness, what a funny name, auntie, for a child! How in the world did you happen to call him that?"

"Ah simply calls him dat becuz Ah has sech hahd wuk gettin' him filled."

-Ladies' Home Journal,

Wood Alcohol Bulletin, N. Y. Dept. Health.

"Nearly 1,000 cases of poisoning attributed to wood alcohol have been reported to the literature since 1899. That time marked the advent of such preparations as 'columbian spirits,' 'colonial spirits,' etc., that is to say, 'methyl alcohol' of high grade purity." This is the opening sentence in Professor Charles Baskerville's report entitled "Wood Alcohol, Etc.," for the New York State Factory Commission.

Wood alcohol has been known best since 1812, when it was separated by Philip Taylor, though Robert Boyle discovered it in 1661. It is a product of the destructive distillation of wood-hence its name signifying wine of wood.

Wood alcohol, when first produced, contained numerous impurities, which made it unattractive as a beverage, but recently a clear, deodorized product has been manufactured that can scarcely be distinguished by the general public from grain (ethyl) alcohol.

Wood alcohol is legitimately used largely as a fuel and in the arts and trades, as for example as solvent for varnish and shellac; it is also used in the sciences in various ways. Wood alcohol is used illegitimately as an ingredient in foods, liquors, drugs and medicines.

There have been many opinions regarding the poisonous properties of wood alcohol. It is recognized and admitted by some investigators that blindness and death are the results in many cases of drinking wood alcohol as it is sold on the market, but its poisonous properties are attributed by some to impurities which usually accompany it. Other investigators, on the contrary, believe that wood alcohol, free from impurities, is just as poisonous as the high grade commercial product. Professor Reid Hunt, of Harvard University, some years ago while working with animals at Johns Hopkins University, came to the conclusion that small amounts of impurities in commercial high grade wood alcohol were not the cause of its poisonous properties, since the purest wood alcohol produced the same poisonous results as the impure wood alcohol.

This poisonous property has been explained as twofold, first through the alcohol itself, second through its oxidation product, formic acid. Animal exper

iments have shown that formic acid is about six times as poisonous as methyl alcohol. In specimens of urine from a case of wood alcohol poisoning examined in the chemical laboratory of the health department some years ago, evidences of wood alcohol were demonstrable eight days after the alcohol was drunk. This patient lost his eyesight completely. Another man in the same party died as a result of drinking this alcohol.

Methyl alcohol as sold is not only poisonous when taken internally, but also when used externally and inhaled as a vapor.

In Dr. Baskerville's report, already referred to, are statements by twentysix prominent manufacturers who employed wood alcohol in their factories, that it is very detrimental to the health of the employes. The workmen suffered from irritation of the skin, impaired eyesight, and blindness. Some had to give up working in trades using wood alcohol and many lost time due to illness. Some workmen were undoubtedly affected by the fumes and the action through the skin, but attributed their disability to other causes. The susceptibility of individuals to wood alcohol differs considerably. Some appear to be able to withstand considerable quantities, while others are affected by very small quantities. Hospitals testify to the evil effects of wood alcohol and at various times have given the department valuable clues to its illegitimate use.

Many states specifically forbid the use of wood alcohol for food, drink, and medicinal preparations, while some forbid it even in preparations for external use. New Jersey forbids it entirely in preparations intended for human use. New York forbids it for internal use, and requires preparations for external use to be properly labelled. The result is that some manufacturing concerns in New York City make two kinds of preparations for external use, one for New York, containing wood alcohol, and another for New Jersey, without it.

The sanitary code of 1912 (Sec. 66a) forbade the use of wood alcohol in all preparations for human use. In 1913 this section was amended so as to allow wood alcohol in preparations for external use, provided it was properly labelled. It would appear from a year's trial of this amended law that it is not working

satisfactorily. Since July 1, 1912, there has been a large use of wood alcohol in toilet waters, bay rum, hair tonics, cologne, etc., sold in New York City. It is difficult to see how much labelling will, for example, help the patron of a barber shop, for it is manifestly quite impossible for him to read the labels from his chair. Moreover, it is well to remember that the use of preparations of this nature may be the cause of dermatitis, or more serious affections.

From July 1, 1912 to May 1, 1913, the Department of Health has examined 233 toilet preparations intended for external use. The table shows the results of these analyses. It should be added that the presence of wood alcohol was not stated on the label of any preparations found to contain wood alcohol.

That is more than one-third of the preparations examined contained wood alcohol. Under the present conditions many dealers prosecuted by the Department of Health for this dangerous adulteration are let off with suspended sentences in the New York City courts.

It is interesting to know that so far as the experience of the Health Department is concerned, there is little general use of wood alcohol in New York City in manufactured beverages.

On June 7, 1906, Congress passed an act known as the "denaturing act," which, for the purpose of supplying taxfree alcohol for technical purposes, allowed various substances to be added to grain alcohol in order to render it unfit for drinking. Such mixtures are not subject to the internal revenue tax. In order to make what is termed "completely denatured alcohol," the United States internal revenue law provides that "to every 100 parts by volume of grain alcohol there shall be added ten parts by volume of approved methyl alcohol and onehalf of one part by volume of approved benzine." The wood alcohol used must be only partially purified. Under certain conditions special denaturization is also

* * * * *

permitted, and in such cases wood alcohol alone may be used as the denaturer in the proportion of five parts by volume of approved wood alcohol to 100 parts by volume of grain alcohol. This is a very dangerous mixture, for there is nothing to prevent its use as a beverage. Unless it can be shown that this form of denaturization is absolutely indispensable it would appear wise to prohibit it.

From what has been said it seems clear that wood alcohol should not be allowed in preparations, even for external use, for

authenticated statistics already quoted show that cases of serious poisoning have occurred from the external application of these preparations. Denatured alcohol is a most useful agent in the arts and sciences, but only those substances should be allowed as denaturants that are so offensive and nauseating as to make it impossible to use the mixture as a beverage.

It is due the people of New York City not only to be warned of the dangers of wood alcohol, but to be protected as well. This dangerous substance has no legitimate place in any preparation intended for human use internally or externally, and it should be therefore absolutely prohibited for such purposes. Legislation designed to accomplish this end is now under consideration, and will be adopted in the near future either by the Board of Aldermen, whose public health committee has been investigating the subject, or by the Board of Health.

Ohio.

The sun never shone on a country more fair
Than beautiful, peerless Ohio.
There's life in a kiss of her rarified air,

Ohio, prolific Ohio.

Her sons are valiant and noble and bright;
Her beautiful daughters are just about right.
And her babies, God bless them, are clear out
of sight-

That crop never fails in Ohio.

When the burden of life I am called to lay down,
I hope I may die in Ohio.

I never could ask a more glorious crown
Than one of the sod of Ohio.

And when the last trump wakes the land and sea And the tombs of the earth set their prisoners free,

You may all go aloft, if you choose, but for me I think I'll just stay in Ohio.

-Lucien Seymour.

Mrs. Marie Blahnik died Wednesday, April 22, 1914, at her home, 1225 S. Harding Avenue, Chicago. She was born at Christov, Bohemia. Some forty years ago she came to America, and while she always remained true to Bohemia and Bohemians, she was a most loyal American citizen and dearly loved her adopted country, and all the activity and progress for which it stands.

She was one of the oldest druggists, in years of service, in the city of Chicago. In the years when women pharmacists were almost unheard of, Mrs. Blahnik was successfully conducting a pharmacy of her own on West Eighteenth Street, which store continued in her possession until the time of her death, although for some years past, she had not taken an active part behind the counter.

She was a modest, womanly woman, "true as steel," kind to everyone, ever ready and anxious to extend a helping hand wherever assistance was needed. She had many, many friends, among both the Bohemians and the Americans. "Those who knew her best, loved her most"-could be said most truly of Mrs. Blahnik.

She was for many years a member of the Ill. Ph. A., the A. Ph. A., the C. R. D. A., N. A. R. D., the W. Ph. A. and the Chicago Chapter of the W. O. N. A. R. D. For years she was Honorary President of the Woman's Pharmaceutical Association and many times in her own, true, hospitable manner, entertained the members in her home.

Ohio State C. P. News.

The Commencement exercises were held in the Gymnasium on the morning of June 17. Dean Kauffman presented the following students to the president for degrees and certificates: For the degree of Bachelor of Science, O. C. Blum-Thesis, "Methods for detecting Ethyl and Methyl Alcohol"; J. C. Bowman-Thesis, "An Outline for the Analysis of Sugar"; R. B. McCann-Thesis, "Rapid Methods for Separation of Alkaloids"; E. A. May-Thesis, "Lead Acetate in Examination of Gum Resins"; A. R. Paar-Thesis, "Tests for Identification of Cocaine and its Substitutes'; P. C. Slater-Thesis, "The Estimation of Small Quantities of Alkaloids in Medicinal Preparations".

For the Certificate of Pharmaceutical Chemist: E. A. Davis, Hugh Edgington, Jesse Epstine, G. C. Fowler, J. A. Gorden, V. F. Greenslade, E. P. Jackson, Frances Kirkland, Ruby Kirkland, J. C. Moffet, W. C. Norton, F. A. Powell, H. V. Routzong, Leafy A. Sauer, J. L. Wagner, A. R. Will.

It has been a question this year for the graduates to decide upon what "job" to take as there are about three positions for every one graduating and all those who wanted a position have accepted one.

O. C. Blum will get his retail experience with A. J. Guthke, Taylor and Mt. Vernon avenues, Columbus.

E. A. May will go into business with his brother in the May Drug Co., in the Chittenden Block.

J. C. Bowman will go to H. K. Mulford & Co., in Phildelphia and later on in the summer P. C. Slater will go to the same place.

R. B. McCann has accepted a position with Stong, Cobb & Co., of Cleveland, in their analytical laboratories.

A. R. Paar will remain in the College of Pharmacy as assistant in pharmacognosy and will study for his Master's Degree.

A. R. Will is to be connected with the sales department of Parke, Davis & Co., under Mr. G. T. Lehman of Columbus.

E. A. Davis will be third assistant in the Chemical Supply Store of the University.

Jesse Epstine will work in Toledo stores for the summer and return in the fall to pursue a medical course.

L. E. Szendery will run the Breaker's Hotel Pharmacy at Cedar Point this summer. G. C. Fowler is considering three positions and has not decided upon his final location.

V. F. Greenslade will return to Bellevue and work in his father's store.

Frances and Ruby Kirkland will spend the summer at home and return in the fall to take up advanced work in the College of Education. J. C. Moffet will go to Dayton to work and probably become the proprietor of a store there F. A. Powell will return to the "old store" at Circleville.

H. V. Routzong will enter the employ of the Pure Drug Company of Portsmouth.

Leafy Sauer will spend the summer in Zanesville with her parents and return to college for advanced work in the fall.

J. L. Wagner goes to Dayton where he will enter the employ of the Jenkins Drug Co.

From the above list it looks as if the "Knockers" who say pharmacy is on the decline will have to think a second time. With the number of unfilled positions still on our files it does not look as if all the drug stores in the State of Ohio were ready to go into bankruptcy.

Among the freshmen, all have either returned to stores they left before coming to college or have accepted local positions here for the summer. Of the latter, E. P. Bostwick will be found in the employ of Kenneth Given at the Olentangy Pharmacy; Chester Hively will be at the Martin Drug Co. on Main street; H. B. Hunter will do releif work in the Columbus stores, he can be found at N. 5804; Elmo Little will run the soda fountain at the Ohio Union; C. E. Mack will travel with a quartet in Canada; Charles E. Shannon "Red" will be with the A. W. Block Co., at the Mt. Vernon avenue store; Charles C. Ullrick will be with the Westervelt Pharmacy corner Second and Hunter avenues.

One of the saddest incidents we have been called upon to record for a long time, is the death of Benj. H. LeVan which occurred at Dayton on Tuesday, June 2. He was out in a canoe with a companion who was employed in the same store with him, the W. P. Jenkins store, corner Third and Broadway. Neither one of the young men was able to swim and help was not near enough to save them. Ben had a host of friends in Dayton as well as

among us here at the university as he was a fine young fellow and one who made friends with all whom he met. He always stood well in his classes even though he met with quite a number of adversities while in college. In his sophomore year he was out for some time on account of sickness and no sooner had he returned and caught up in his studies than he was taken down with appendicitis. His home was at Mt. Victory, Ohio. His untimely death came as a great surprise and shock to us all.

Among the old grads. who were back at commencement time we noted the following, aside from the loyal ones here in town who are always present: Prof. Chas. H. Kimberly, M. Sc. '01, professor of Inorganic Chemistry of the Medico-Chi. Philadelphia; "Ned" Blair, '95, of Shawnee, who has never missed a commencement since he graduated; Chas. H. Krieger, '87, Merck's representative in this territory also was here to the Patriarch's dinner; W. C. Wendt,'89, was also here at the Patriarch's dinner. He is the Wendt half of the Wendt-Bristol Co. of this place.

Some of the things of interest in regard to the alumni which have come to our notice at the present time are:

Cards were received recently announcing the wedding of Mr. James Howard Neal, '12, to Miss Gilberta Bush of Gallipolis which occurred on the 3rd of June. They will take up their residence in Columbus where "Skin" is in the employ of the Mykrantz Pharmacy.

Cards were also received announcing the wedding of Wayne McVeigh Anderson, ex. '14, to Miss Mary Louise Follett of Newark, on the 27th of May. "Wayne B." is in partnership in the drug business at Youngstown, Ohio.

A very pretty little card also came announcing the advent into this world of Miss Jane Elizabeth Welsh at New Middletown, Ohio. Miss Welsh is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Welsh. Allan was of the class of 1912, and while we cannot see it we can almost imagine the broad smile on the face of the happy father.

Henry K. Gelbtuch, '13, is chemist with the Burroughs Welcome Co., in New York City. We know Heinrich will make good and show them how to interpret the German literature.

S. M. Jones, '11, is manager of one of the Pure Drug Co. stores at Portsmouth.

Miss Mabel Smith, '04, is teaching school at Unionville Center, Ohio.

Carl Biddle, '13, notice of whose wedding we made in the last issue of the MIDLAND, has purchased the Eastwood Pharmacy, 21st and Long streets, Columbus, and is making quite

a success of the business. He says that he and his wife love Columbus so well that they could not stay in Akron.

A sad accident occurring to one of our alumni will be of some interest to the rest of you and SO we record it here. Harold Miller, '12, known to most of you as "Beecher" who is dispenser at the Chemical Supply was "pisoned" one evening not long ago. It appears to be the real old fashioned "IVY" as that was the name of the young lady who was showing him the one bit of "primitive forest yet remaining on the campus". The peculiar part of it is the fact that he got a little patch of "pison" right on the end of his chin and other places too numerous to mention as the sale bills say. We are glad to report, however, that persistent application of sugar of lead has about reduced his chin to its normal pointedness.

Every one who meets Harry Brewer, '10, now asks him how to spell "singeing". He recently took a civil service exam. and has found a new way. We can report that he did not get singed on the exam. and so he is now "singing" as he spelled the word originally.

Quite a number of the alumni have recently joined the State Association and will be very much in evidence at the Cedar Point meeting on the week of July 7 to 10th. The rest of you should come to this meeting and not only meet all the old boys once more but take a live interest in the progress of pharmacy in our state. All O. S. U. grads. after registering should leave their names with L. E. Szendery at the Breakers Hotel Pharmacy so we can get the crowd together and have a little celebration of the OSU-ites.

Iowa College of Pharmacy.

F. P. Hess, '14, of Lone Tree, enjoyed a visit from his mother early last month.

D. H. Ellison, '10, of Tampico, Ill., was a caller at the College while on a visit to his mother and sister a few weeks ago.

G. L. Parsons, '11, writes that he is now manager of "The City Drug Store" located at 700 Main street, Keokuk, Iowa.

The firm of Tisdale & Barnes, at West Union, has dissolved partnership. Mr. Tisdale, ex. '98, has purchased his partner's interest and will continue the business.

M. F. Kyhl, '15, of Clinton, has been honored by election to the presidency of the Masonic students organization of the University. Mr. Kyhl is a member of Acacia, the Masonic fraternity, also.