The chief interest in the composition of such medicines, however, centres in the presence or absence of more potent remedies, such as preparations of opium, ipecacuanha, etc.; and here the analyst is on surer ground. The extraction of minute quantities of alkaloids from complex mixtures containing large quantities of saccharine and “extractive” matters is, however, a matter of much difficulty, and their identification is complicated by the great similarity in the behaviour of morphine and the alkaloids of ipecacuanha towards the various reagents used in their recognition. In this connection it may be pointed out that one or two of the nostrums here dealt with have been the subject of fairly frequent legal proceedings in consequence of their having been sold without proper observance of the poisons regulations, and the evidence given in such cases has shown wide differences in the results obtained by different analysts of high standing, both as to the quantity of morphine present, and even as to the fact of its presence or absence. In making the analyses here recorded, great pains have been taken to obtain accurate results, and they have been confirmed by the employment of alternative methods, etc.; but the results can only be given subject to the caution just expressed. KAY’S LINSEED COMPOUND. This compound is sold by an English provincial company in bottles, price, 9½d., 1s. 1½d., 2s. 9d., 4s. 6d., and 11s. per bottle; the 2s. 9d. size contained a little over 5½ fluid ounces. This preparation is described on the label, wrapper, and in circulars, both as “Linseed Compound,” which is given as the registered trade mark, and as “Kay’s Compound Essence of Linseed, Aniseed, Senega, Squill, Tolu, etc.” On the label it is also stated that it contains a preparation of chloroform and morphine, and it is, therefore, labelled Poison. It is Demulcent, Expectorant, Tonic, and Soothing for Colds, Coughs, Asthma, Hoarseness, Difficulty of Breathing, Consumption, and Simple Ailments of the Chest, Throat, and Lungs. In a pamphlet enclosed in the package, this preparation is recommended to be taken for Cold, Influenza, Sore Throat and Quinsey, Pulmonary Catarrh, Bronchitis, Asthma, Consumption of the Lungs, Whooping Cough and Croup. In most of these, however, it is recommended as a “valuable aid” rather than a positive cure; other articles, such as ipecacuanha wine, muriate of ammonia, cod liver oil, and chemical food, as well as “Kay’s Linum Catharticum Pills,” are also recommended; while under Bronchitis we read: In an acute attack, _i.e._, when the symptoms are inflammatory with much fever, etc., _the family doctor should at once be called in_. The directions on the label are as follows: Scale of Doses { To be modified according to the { age or debility of the Patient.