Synthetic Drugs in Great Britain

Abstract

AT the commencement of the war, the sudden cessation of all supplies of synthetic drugs from German sources rendered it probable that the stocks in hand in this country would not be sufficient to meet the demand until such time as the English manufacturers could adapt themselves to the altered conditions. Early in September, therefore, the Admiralty asked the Imperial College of Science and Technology to prepare for them 30 lb. of phenacetine, 50 lb. of hexamethylenetetramine, and 1½ lb. of β-eucaine. For the past five months the staff and research students of the Organic Department of the college have been engaged in carrying out this request, with the result that the required quantities have now been forwarded to the Naval Hospitals at Haslar, Chatham, and Plymouth.