In cases where there are two substances with the names so nearly alike, as Hydrastina and Hydrastinina, an abbreviation that might represent either is obviously incorrect.

The indefinite ergotin is better replaced by the U. S. P. product.

Preparations of this character are better prescribed in capsules.

An important point here is the use of the concentrated products in capsules to replace the old custom of using the fluidextracts, which constituted such a disagreeable mixture, and frequently led to gastric disturbances. The same idea will often apply in prescribing.

It is usually best in prescribing potent drugs to write out the names as completely as possible.

Prescribed for a patient recovering from malaria. He was slightly anemic, had no appetite, was weak and generally "run down."

Adult is unnecessary, as Mr. conveys that information.

The abbreviation for of each is not properly made.

It is usually best to list the most potent drugs first. The druggist selects them first for several good reasons.

The Quinine is not sufficient for malarial treatment.

The prescriber would not wish t. i. d. on the label, so should not instruct the druggist to put it there.

The mass of ferrous carbonate is often used instead of the reduced iron.

When a drug is given three times a day it is usually best to know whether it should be given before or after meals, and so specify. The patient cannot be too forcibly impressed with the fact that the physician knows just what he wants.

Ordered for a case of hookworm.

Drugs the nominative of which end in l usually have the genitive ending is.

It is usually considered best to dilute this agent.

Thymol is best administered in capsules.

Part of this label is unnecessary, as specific written instructions as to dose, etc., should be left with the patient.

It is not often advisable to tell a patient to

"take a saline." Definite directions should be given as to what to take and how much.

Note the number of capsules. It is not often that more than 5 or 6 grains should be ordered to the capsule.

Detailed instructions should be left with the patient as to the taking of the capsules, the diet, etc.

Thymol may often be given to advantage, powdered and suspended in a thick liquid.

Prescribed for amebic dysentery.

The inscription can be better written.

It is impossible to put sufficient directions on the available label space; so it is best to make out a special sheet of instructions to be left with the patient. These written instructions should of course include diet, etc.

These are best taken at bedtime.

Patient or family should be warned as to the possibility of nausea and vomiting, and instructed as to the use of the cold cloth to throat, etc. If the pills are too heavily coated they may pass through entire; so patient should be instructed to watch for them.

This was for a young lady suffering from chlorosis.

It would be better to indicate the age of the patient in a different way.

Blauds Pills is not the official name.

It is unnecessary to specify the size, as there is only one official.

The condition for which the iron carbonate is used generally requires extended treatment and in that case it is cheaper for the patient to purchase more at a time.

The directions could be better expressed.

This is the so-called 5-grain Blaud's Pill. It contains about 5 grains of the total mass or about 1 grain of ferrous carbonate. Unofficial pills may be ordered prepared of any size. The ready-prepared pills are on the market containing 2, 3, and 4 as well as 5 grains of the mass. If other than the official pill is wanted the size should be specified.

It should be remembered that on the above prescription the pharmacist would dispense the ready-prepared pills, probably gelatin coated.

Prescribed for a case of acute cystitis.

A pet name should seldom be employed, a nickname never, particularly if of a racial character.

Extractum Belladonna is not the full name of the drug wanted.

Cocoa Butter is not the official name of that drug and the quantity is best left to the discretion of the pharmacist.

The directions are subject to improvement.

In warm weather these should be kept in a cool place.

The first can be quickly hardened by putting it in a spoon resting on cracked ice and salt.

They may be dipped in cool olive oil to facilitate introduction.

In prescribing rectal suppositories for women the physician should make it definitely understood that they are not for vaginal use.

Ordered as a morning laxative.

There is a general disregard of margins and arrangement.

Mrs."Bill" might appreciate a more dignified title.

The word teaspoonful is understood to mean 1 teaspoonful.

The degrees do not look modest.

If the preparation is taken in hot water the effect is usually more pronounced.

Hot lemonade is often the more desirable solvent.

When the taste of the sodium sulphate is found too objectionable it may be omitted and the potassium bitartrate alone be administered in a glass of hot lemonade.