CHEMICALS AND DRUGS

Evening Star, Issue 16848, 25 September 1918, Page 7

CHEMICALS AND DRUGS

SHORTAGE IN LEADING LINES. [Sfecial to the ' Star. '] j CHRISTCEXTRCH, September 25. ! Despite efforts by the allied manufacturers to produce chemicals and drugs in a quantity v,-hich will balance the elimination ' of Germany from the trade, the abnormal demands which have resulted through the war have led to a continual scarcity of many lines for ordinary requirements. At present the New Zealand shortage is exceedingly pronounced, with the result that drugs and chemicals which are absolutely necessary in cases are almost unobtainable. Inquiries made by a 'Sun' representative from leading importers tended to show that such an important antithetic as chloroform is very scarce. Chloroform is much more commonly used than is generally imagined,*; as it is not only used as an aniesthetic, but" enters into many drug mixtures. In consequence, it is imported not in gallons, but in tons. Only small quantities of absorbent cotton wool and lint are now obtainable for surgical requirements, these facts being easily understandable in view of the war drain. Strychnine is very_ difficult to procure, especially in tho quantities needed for the poisoning of rabbits and birds. Advices received from England state that it is impossible to fulfil orders. Creosote, used for consumptive patients, is amongst the lines difficult, to get, as also are such lines as Eno's fruit salts, cream of tartar, tartaric acid. Stedman's powders, Dinniford's fluid magnesia, and cod liver and olive oil 3. The export from England of castor oil has been stopped, and wholesalers' stocks are infinitesimal. It is difficult to get a license to ship soft soap from Great Britain, as bein' comoosed of oils and fats. Those are wanted "for the moking of margarine. As can be expected, p- ; ~« have risen m sympathy with the scire,-,*..