DRUG MARKET REVIEW.
Reading edition
August 10, 1889.
Business for summer months has kept up very well, and for the past month there have been no notable changes in value.
Quinine is dull; there is a strong impression that quinine will not be any lower; an upward move seems probable.
Morphia and Opium, slightly advanced.
In Camphor there is a large demand and a further advance probable.
We were in error regarding duty being taken off tannic acid, it is only free when imported by manufacturers for manufacturing purposes.
Cubebs are dear and scarce, supplies are smaller every year.
Cascara Sagrada has gone back to old prices.
Pot Iodide and Bromide are unchanged.
Fair demand for Insect Powder: prices unchanged.
Mercurials are all higher.
Oil Anise will probably be higher as the bulk of it has passed into the hands of three holders. The basis of the speculative movement is owing to the probability of a stoppage of the shipment owing to a disagreement between the producers in China and the importers here.
Balsam Copaiba will probably be lower; the high price was caused by the crop last year not being marketed by the South American natives. The result was high prices which stimulated the natives to great activity in gathering and forwarding the balsam, and stocks have accumulated rapidly, so that at present there are 40,000 lbs. in first hands in European markets.
Golden Seal Root is unsettled and the tendency is to higher prices. Senega is in about the same position. Serpentaria continues to advance.
Coca Leaves reported advanced.
Caffeine and Salts are cheaper.
Glycerine unchanged, but there has been a sharp advance in crude.
In Gallic and Tannic Acids the reports of short crops from China are confirmed. Galls have gone up 10 to 15 per cent., and we may soon have to ask more money for Gallic and Tannic acids.
In Sulphonal the extremely keen competition between the eight or ten manufacturers has resulted in a decline in price. As things are it seems advisable to order only for immediate wants.
Oil Sassafras is likely to be dearer.
Opium, cuttlebone, quicksilver, anise oil, golden seal root, senega root, serpentaria root, shellacs, star anise, cassia, cloves, allspice have advanced.
D. S. Sage, Brantford, is doing the Continent. Mr. Charles Miller is looking after his business.
C. H. Moderwell, formerly of Stratford, now with Caswell, Massey & Co., New York, was visiting old friends in Stratford and vicinity.