Phenacetine.
—Apparently one of the best of the modern antipyretics is a substance described by Hinsberg and Kast as para-acetphenetidin, a substance analogous as regards its chemical constitution to antifebrin. We have already a number of times alluded to the properties of this substance (Therapeutic Gazette, 1888, pages 43, 142, 699), and although the testimony as to the action of this preparation as an antipyretic and antineuralgic appears to be unanimous as to its value and freedom from danger, it has attracted no attention among English-speaking members of the profession. This preparation, phenacetine, as first prepared, was a reddish, odorless powder, insoluble in water and in glycerine, and thoroughly soluble in hot alcohol and alkaline liquids. It has been recently prepared in colorless, crystalline needles, which are claimed to be soluble in acetic and lactic acids, and in hot oils. Extended experiments on dogs and rabbits have shown that it