ST. LOUIS LOCALS. The St. Louis R. D. A. Ball, in the handsome rooms of the Union Club, December 6, was one of the most pleasant affairs of the kind during recent years. Pharmacists and their families from all sections of the city were present. There were very few outside of the drug trade, which made a select and agreeable gathering for the druggists present. A sumptuous supper was served at mid-night. L. A. Seitz was chairman of the committee in charge. Theo. F. Hagenow was musical director, while Doctor and Mrs. Otto F. Claus led the grand march. Dr. Enno Sander Retires.-Not from business, for he continues to give personal attention to every detail of work at the office and plant of the Enno Sander Mineral Water Co. The doctor, however, has resigned as treasurer at the St. Louis Acadamy of Science, for he feels that he is entitled to a rest and a little more time which he may call his own. The doctor joined the academy two months after it was organized in April, 1856. He has served as treasurer for 47 consecutive years. He was unanimously voted an honorary life member when his resignation as treasurer was accepted at the December meeting. The doctor is in his 86th year, but remains young in body and mind. Should St. Louis Pharmacists Obey the State or Obey the City? An interesting question has been raised by the action of the chief of police in having the druggists of the city notified that they must sell poisons only in accordance with a city ordinance which reads as follows: "SEC. 548-No apothecary, druggist or other person within this city shall sell or permit to be sold, at retail or wholesale, except to dealers in such articles, any poisonous drug or substance, except the same shall have been prescribed or ordered by a physician for the use of the sick, or the person desiring to obtain the same shall have first been furnished with a written permit from the Board of Health." "SEC. 550-Any apothecary, druggist or other person violating the provisions of the foregoing section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $300 for each and every offense, to be recovered for the use of the City of St. Louis before any court or officer having competent jurisdiction." The pharmacists of St. Louis have been following in a more or less satisfactory manner the provisions of the state pharmacy law governing the sale of poisons. No druggist objects to the state law, although some may have been lax in observing it. In fact, the MEYER BROThers DruggIST, a few months ago, took occasion to suggest that the druggists of the city should more carefully keep their poison registers and comply with the section of the Missouri Pharmacy Law which reads as follows: SEC. 3044. Selling Poisons, Conditions, etc., Penalty.-It shall be unlawful for any person to retail any poisons enumerated in schedules "A" and "B," except as follows: Schedule "A"-arsenic and its preparations, biniodide of mercury, cyanide of potassium, hydrocianic acid, strychnia, and all other poisonous vegetable alkaloids and their salts, and the essential oil of bitter almonds. Schedule "B"-opium and its preparations, except paregoric and other preparations of opium containing less than two grains to the ounce; aconite, belladonna, colchicum, conium, nux vomica, henbane, savin, ergot, cotton root, cantharides, creosote, veratrum, digitalis, and their pharmaceutical preparations, croton oil, chloroform, chloral hydrate, sulphate of zinc, corrosive sublimate, red precipitate, white precipitate, mineral acids, carbolic acid, oxalic acid, without labeling the box, vessel or paper in which the said poison is contained, and also the outside wrapper or cover, with the name of the article, the word "poison," and the name and place of business of the seller. Nor shall it be lawful for any person to sell or deliver any poisons enumerated in schedules "A" and "B," unless upon due inquiry it be found that the purchaser is aware of its poisonous character, and represents that it is to be used for legitimate purposes. Nor shall it be lawful for any registered pharmacist to sell any poisons included in shedule "A" without, before delivering the same to the purchaser, causing an entry to be made in a book kept for that purpose, stating the date of sale, name and address of purchaser, the name of poison sold, the purpose for which it was represented by the purchaser to be required, and the name of the dispenser-such book to be always open for inspection by the proper authorities, and to be preserved for at least five years. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the dispensing of poison in not unusual quantities or doses upon the prescriptions of practitioners of medicine. Nor shall it be lawful for any licensed or registered druggist or pharmacist to retail, sell or give away any alcoholic liquors or compounds as a beverage. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than twenty-five nor more than one hundred dollars. (R. S. 1889, § 4618.) A prominent local pharmacist informs us that he has consulted legal counsel and believes that the state law supercedes the city ordinance and that all he needs to do is to comply with the state law. The St. L. A. R. D. meets the third Tuesday in January and the subject is likely to occupy much of the time, especially in case the police make any arrests under the city ordinance. The police department is active, owing to the interest in the subject evidenced by the health commissioner who is anxious to lessen the number of suicides in St. Louis. He says that nine out of ten persons, attempting to take their lives, use phenol which is obtainable only at drug stores. It will be noted that phenol (carbolic acid) is listed in Schedule B which requires simply the word "poison" and the name and place of business of the seller, it not being necessary to register the sale in a poison record. Dr. Otto F. Claus has opened a new office at No. 1406 St. Louis Avenue. Chester Towse, '06, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, who recently purchased a drug store in Chesterfield, Ill., was visiting his friends last week and reported very satisfactory business and scarcity of John Smiths in his town. C. F. Wm. Busch, secretary of the North End Druggists' Club, reports a marked increase in membership, and a general enthusiasm in the regular meetings, which are held in the hall at Twentieth Street and East Grand Avenue. The A. Ph. A. Members in St. Louis fail to take the interest in their Branch that is manifested by the members in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore, Minneapolis and other sections of the country in their local organizations. ST. LOUIS LOCALS. Krummenacher Brothers have purchased the Weinsberg Interesting Cost Marks appear on page 475 of the Harry Sommers, West End salesman for the Merrell Anthone Bongner, formerly city dispensary druggist, E. W. Hull has moved his drug store from Cote The St. Louis Pharmacists will be largely represented The Page Ferguson Pharmacy will move into the new building at the northwest corner of Page Avenue and Suburban car tracks. The Burgess Drug Co., Eighteenth Street and Washington Avenue, which opened a few days ago, is in charge of Mr. J. Shoemaker. Prof. Francis Hemm visited Kansas City recently to call upon his son, Francis J., who is pleasantly located with a pharmacist of that city. The Offer List in the MEYER BROTHERS DRUGGIST for October has been the means of increasing the profits for many St. Louis pharmacists. The Sale of Intoxicating liquors in Missouri as explained Arthur Knippenberg, former manager of the Grand Oliver L. Wright, city salesman for Hoeffkin, Finke The Store of J. B. Dawson, Webster Groves, was de- J. R. Clifton, one of the successful state board candi- Charles Milne, who has had the management of the Gus Jacobs, proprietor of the Laclede Pharmacy, E. G. Bauer, for many years associated with the Duering Drug Co., is now night clerk in the Marquette drug store, Eighteenth Street and Washington Avenue. Larry Kavanaugh, with P. F. Fulton, Piedmont, Mo., visited his friends in St. Louis during the holidays, reporting the drug business in splendid condition in the country. Chas. Borchers, proprietor of the drug store at Ewing and Manchester Avenues, has been forced to discontinue his business, owing to an inability to meet his obligations. George Gruenwald, an '07 graduate of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, passed the Illinois state board and promptly accepted a position with Edgar Roberts, East St. Louis, Ill. The Financial Flurry has strained the ingenuity of some pharmacists in their efforts to satisfy customers, who feel that a drug store is the place to visit during an emergency, even though it is a financial emergency. Chas. Koch and John Heller, two successful South End men, are making regular weekly trips to the country and each trip is attended with success, which is attested by the bulging game bag brought back after the hunt. The South Side Mortar and Pestle Club, defying the hoodoo combination of Friday the 13th, held their regular meeting on that date in Seegars' hall, Jefferson and Allen Avenues, and Mr. L. C. Swinnen, the secretary of the organization, reports one of the best attended and most successful meetings since the club was formed. MARKET REVIEW. So much has been written anent the recent depression, that it may be ill advised to longer dwell upon the subject. Still we believe that trade Journals wield greater influence in their respective fields and that they mould public opinion even more effectively than the secular press; containing as they do, dependable facts and figures, as Wiseacres says "the plans and specifications," and reflect the sturdy opinions of American trade folk. We are so accustomed to "doing things" that we are restless under the restrictions that have, like a clap of thunder out of a clear sky, been imposed upon us by the withdrawal of the usual confidence that has, and should obtain. Happily the wave of depression is calming, was less intense and of shorter duration than the previous ones, due no doubt, to a better, general understanding of economics. Still we do not anticipate an immediate return to the high crest of activity, but there never has been a time in the history of industrial enterprise, when this nation was as sound at core as at the present time, and we confidently look forward to even greater accomplishments. Each successive wave of prosperity mounts higher and we have not yet reached the flood, even though the tide doth ebb. An interesting table of data issued by the American Industries which we copy below supports the prevailing general belief that we shall soon have a restoration of normal conditions: The Nation's Inventory. National assets, $1,500,000,000,000. Farm wealth, $7,412,000,000. Mineral production, annually, $3,000,000,000. The territory on which St. Louis depends, and for which we are the recognized center, has been abundantly prosperous, these conditions of rapid development, indeed more pronounced than that obtaining in any other center of trade, have required enormous capital, and it is little wonder that we now experience some difficulty in adjusting ourselves to the new order of things. Having expanded to the very limit, this market felt the stringency, but not to the dishonor of St. Louis. Conservatism, restricted loans, accommodations have been curtailed, discounts failed of renewal but all, we firmly believe, for the ultimate glory of St. Louis as the great market of the Central West. Having a further evoked record to be proud of, this city the confidence of the general public, by executing speedy and effective measures to adjust herself to the changed conditions, without failures, and in the face of stupendous progress. The drug and chemical trade closed up the year 1907 with larger sales than had ever been recorded in any previous twelve months; the retail drug trade report the same conditions. Whether this experience is to be repeated in 1908 is of course doubtful, but an interesting view is noted as having emanated from Mr. Theodore Armstrong, president of a leading chemical industry. He writes, "It has been said that the consumption of sulphuric acid is a correct measure of the manufacturing prosperity of any community, and there is as yet no indication of any diminution in demand save in one direction, and this has been balanced by a corresponding increase in other departments of the arts. I believe that never was there reason to look forward with more sanguine expectations of continued prosperity than now." A year ago we said: "All in all the situation is Export domestic merchandise, annually, $1,853,718,- | unusual, and in spite of boundless prosperity is not without elements of danger, which can be largely eliminated by foresight, patience and an understanding of conditions." We believe the foregoing is apropos at this time, by understanding conditions, by mutual confidence, restoration of credit extension, the even tenor will be taken up, and normal progressive ideals will permeate the industrial fabric, for it has been shown that the foundation is solid and concrete. The following is a resume of the market on the items chiefly affected during 1907: Acetanilid. The opening price in January was 25c. We note an advance in April of 1c; present barrel price is 26c; 29 to 37c as to quantity and packing. Acetphenetidin.-This item has had large sales during the year and is produced in this city. Quotable figures remain unchanged; in 5 and 10-lb. papers, $1.35; 1-lb. cartons, $1.40; 1-oz. cartons, 15c. Acid, Acetic.-There has been a marked advance in this item; Commercial, No. 8, 28%, sold in original barrels only, was quotable at 24c, bbls., $1.50 each; present price is $3.25, bbls., $2.00 each. Re-distilled, No. 8, 28%, opening price 3c, now quotable at 4c. The U. S. P., 36%, quotable in January in carboys 5 to 8 to 10c, advanced c in September; quotable in carboys at 5 (carboys $2.00) to 8 to 12c as wanted. Glacial, U. S. P.-Opening price in carboys 15 to 25c, present market is 16 to 26c, also an advance on carboys from $1.50 to $2.00 each. Citric.-Quotable in January in barrels, 46c; kegs, 47c; advanced 5c in February, 2c in March, le in April; declined lc in May, lc in September, lc in October, 1c in November; present market for barrels 48c, kegs 49 to 55 to 57c in a small way. Contracts may be entered on this basis in lots of 2 barrels, 2 kegs or more over a period of four months for delivery in full package lots. In sympathy with the price movement on this staple corresponding proportionate changes have occurred on Iron Citrate Ferric, which is quotable at 68c. Iron and Ammonium Citrate quotable at 64c; Iron Phosphate, U. S. P., 64c; Iron Pyrophosphate, 64c; Potassium Citrate, 62c; Sodium Citrate, 59c. Oxalic.—January price 10c; in barrels 15 to 16c, as wanted; declined 1c in February, advanced lc in April, lc in August, at which time supplies were so limited that jobbers in this market were accepting orders for no greater quantities than 25 pounds. In other words the business was accepted subject to stock on hand. This condition continued until the middle of October, since which time the item has ruled lower. Present market for casks, 8c; barrels, 9 to 12 to 15c, in a small way. bbls.; 47c in bbls.; 57c in 10-gal. cans; 62c in 5-gal. cans, containers inclusive; 97% is 5c over this schedule. Denatured has had a material increase in sale since the red tape was removed during the latter part of September. Prior to that time the sales had an appreciable falling off. The item declined 2c in April, advanced 4c in May, declined 7c in August, advanced 3c in October and 2c in November. The present market in bbl. lots is 40c; bbl., 44c, 10-gal. cans, 57c; 4-gal. cans, 62c; containers inclusive. Terms 30 days, 1% for cash 10 days. Amylic (Fusel Oil).-Quotable in January at $1.35 to. $1.80; advanced during August 10c; quotable in barrels, $1.45 to $1.90, as wanted. Colonial Spirits (Deodorized refined wood alcohol). -Sales have increased since the price was reduced; quotable in bbls., 80c; 10-gal.:cans, 90c; 5-gal.-cans, 95c; less quantity $1.05. Aloin, advanced from 80c to $1.39, ounces 15c. Ammonium Chloro Platinite.-Following the advances that occurred during 1906 this item maintained a steady upward tendency and values have appreciated from $9.50 per dozen in 15 grain vials to present quotable figures of $12.00 per dozen. Ammonium, Carbonate.-Steady and unchanged; 10-lb. cans in case lots (180 lbs.) 12 to 13 to 144c, 5-lb. cans lc higher. Ammonium Succinate.-Advanced from $6.00 to $9.50 per pound; ounces 90c, quotable at present writ Phosphoric, Syrupy.- 85% quotable in 10-pounding $1.34. g. s. b. in January at 32c; declined to 30c. 87% sp. gr. 1.750, is quotable at 31c inclusive. Pyrogallic.-Opening market $2.35; declined 5c in June; M. B., in 1-pound tins, resublimed, $1.90 to $2.25, as to quantity; M. C. W., $2.35; Mercks, $2.30. Salicylic.-Advanced 1c; current quotations in 5 and 10-lb. papers, 39 to 42c; 1-lb. papers, 45c; 1-lb. cartons, 46c. Tartaric.-Advanced lc in March, since which time there has been no change in the schedule. Crystals, bbls., 30c; powdered, bbls., 30 to 37 to 38c, as wanted. Alcohol, Grain.-The market is materially higher than it was at the close of last year, there having been advances aggregating 23c per gallon. The opening price in January was $2.56; advanced in May 4c, Sep tember 3, 2c, September 16, 4c, October 18, 5c, No-vember 5, 4c, November 19, 4c. The ruling of the Internal Revenue Department that was made about November 1, very materially reduced the sales in this market, and forced the rectifiers and jobbers to require currency payment with orders on 10-gallon lots and upwards, on which basis sales are still being made. The current price for bbls. is $2.67 net; § bbls, $2.70 net; 10-gal. cans, $2.83 net, cash with order; 4gal. $3.00, less an allowance of 10c per gallon for cash in ten days. Wood.-Unchanged; at 40c in barrel lots until November, during which month we note an advance of 2c per gallon; present market for the 95% is 42c in Antimony Sulphide, Pure.—Declined very materially, opened at 21c; a steady decline throughout the year is noted. Quotable in 200 pound cases at 12 to 17 to 20c in a small way. Anthemis.—January price was 40c; advanced 2c in February, 3c in April; declined 6c in November. Quotable in bales 29 to 39 to 42c in a small way. Arnica, U. S. P.-Advanced 4c during the year, quotable in bales 15 to 19 to 21c, ground 2c higher. Balsam Fir, Canada.-Quotable in January 56 to 60c; declined 30c per gallon in February, advanced 15c in April. Quotable at 55 to 65c, as to quantity. These prices may be shaded in large lots. Oregon.-Opening price 28 to 32c; gallon prices were reduced 65c in February, advanced 80c in April, declined 40c in August. Quotable in a small way at 40 to 45c per pound, $2.50 per gallon. Balsam, Peru.-January price $1.95 to $2.00; advanced 10c in February, 5c in March, 25c in April, 85c in August, declined 5c in October. Quotable at $3.05 per pound, which price may be shaded as to quantity. Tolu.-Opened at 31 to 35c; advanced 4c in May, no change since. Bark, Barberry.-Declined 3c; quotable, bales 15 to 25c. Bayberry.-Declined 4c; quotable in bales, 74 to 21c. Cascara Sagrada. Declined 3c; prime 2-year-old bark, quotable in round lots at 13 to 15 to 21 to 25c. Cascarilla.-Declined 4c; silver gray quills quotable at 26c. Wahoo. Declined; 30 to 70 to 80c as to quantity. Wild Cherry.-Declined 24c; Virgin Extra Select, in bales, 9 to 14 to 16c as wanted. Ordinary, 7 to 14c. Beans, Vanilla.-Noteworthy advances amounting to 100 to 150% have been the course of Bourbon, Mexican and Tahitis. This is ascribed to the increase in consumption under the pure food law. Bourbon. Of prime quality,soft and fragrant, 6 inch to 84 inch, $5.60 to $6.75 as to quantity. Mexican.-6 inch to 84 inch, $6.75 to $8.50. Berries, Cubeb.-Advanced 9c; Stemless, bags, 27 to 32 to 35c; Ordinary, bags, 18 to 25c. reacted to a higher level and the case price is 52c; fingers, in ounces, 56c. Colocynth Apples.—Declined 6c; quotable at 58c. Camphor.-A total net decline of 46c is noted on this item in the past 12 months and present conditions indicate that advances are not likely. Chinese Crude Camphor is reported easier on account of decline in rate of exchange. Shipments of Japanese Refined are expected early in April. Local jobbers are quoting in barrel lots at 72c for the bulk to 85 to 88c in a small way; 48s, 98c to $1.00; 16s, 91 to 93c. Flowers of Camphor in ounce air-tight cartons, a U. S. P. article, offered in 25-lb. lots, 76 to 83 to 88c. Codeine.-Advanced 25c in May, 65c in July, 30c in August at which time the alkaloid was quotable in is, $5.95, declined 40c in November, 35c in December. These changes are in keeping with the price movements on opium, present quotations for alkaloid in s $5.15; Hydrochloride, Nitrate and Sulphate, $4.90; Phosphate, $4.65. Cocaine. Declined steadily throughout the year, is 60c lower than it was a year ago. Quotable in 5-oz. tins at $2.30; oz. vials, $2.65; Is, $2.85. Ether. As noted in our October issue, schedules have been very materially reduced. U. S. P., 1900, washed, and 1880 Commercial have been affected owing to the ruling of the revenue department permitting the use of denatured alcohol in producing same. The U. S. P. 1900, is the staple item at the present time and present quotations in 50-lb. cans, 21c (can $3.00); 28-1b. cans (cans $2.00), quotable at 23c; 5-lb. cans, 31c; 3-lb. cans, 32c; 2-lb. cans, 34c; 1-lb. cans, 38c; 4-lb. cans, 45c; -lb. cans, 55c; 100 grams,each 17c. These prices apply to M. B. label. Extract Witch Hazel (Diamond Brand, 15% grain Saw Palmetto-Declined 6c; quotable in bags, 16 to alcohol).-Advanced 24c,due to higher market for alco27 to 32c. Blue Vitriol.-Owing to the course of the copper market this staple has declined. Quotable in bbl. lots, 6 to 9 to 12c. Bromides.-The keen competition existing between the German Syndicate and American makers has further reduced the prices on Ammonium to 22 to 34c, as to quantity; on Potassium, 16 to 27c as to quantity; on Sodium, 20 to 32c as to quantity. These prices may be shaded on large lots for immediate delivery or on contract. Cantharides, Chinese.-Quotably lower, having de clined to 38c per lb.; quotable in 5-lb. lots, 67c; less quantity, 77c. Russian. Declined 35c, 95c to $1.05; powdered, 5c higher. Castor Fibre.-Advanced 40c; quotable per oz. at $1.50; powdered $2.25. Cochineal.-Advanced 7c; quotable at 60 to 70c as to quantity; powdered, 5c over. Cocoa Butter, M. B.-12-1b. boxes, -lb. cakes, quotable in January at 44c, advanced 4c in February, | lc in March, lc in September, since which time we note a number of declines, but the market has again hol. Quotable in bbls., 65c; bbls., 70c; 10-gal. kegs, 774c; 5-gal. kegs, 824 to 95c. Mayflower Brand, 10c per gal. less. Guarana.-Advanced from $2.50 to $3.75 per lb. Glassware.-Materially higher than during the last fire, there having been a number of factories that have discontinued running their plants and we do not look for lower prices. Present discounts ruling in this market are from 15 to 40% higher than they were 12 months ago. Pearl Ovals, in case lots, quotable at 75%; 5-case lots, 75 and 5%; Baltimore Ovals, Brandy finish, 75 and 10%; 5-case lots, 75, 10 and 5%; Comet Ovals, 80 and 15%; 25-case lots, 85%; 50-case lots, 85 and 5%. Glycerine. We forecasted materially higher prices. for this staple and note that the market is 4c higher than it was last January; 50-lb. cases, 17 to 24c as wanted. Leaves, Bay. Declined; quotable in bales, 4 c; 12 to loc as wanted. Senna.--leaf, in bale lots, 20c; 32 to 37c as wanted; 4-leaf, bales, 14 to 26 to 31c; broken bales, 12c to 23 to 29c; Siftings, bales, 7c; 12 to 18c as wanted. Lycopodium. Quotably lower; 22-lb. bundles, 63 to 83c as wanted. |