Qualities. The medullary part of this fruit, which is alone made use of, is a light, white, spongy body. Taste, intensely bitter and nauseous. Odour, when dry, none. Chemical Composition. Mucilage, resin, a bitter principle, and some gallic acid. Solubility. Alcohol and water alike extract its virtues, but the active principle resides both in the portion soluble in water, and in that which is insoluble. Medicinal Uses. It is a very powerful drastic cathartic, and was employed by the ancients in dropsical and lethargic diseases. Many attempts have been made to mitigate its violence, which is best effected by triturating it with gummy farinaceous substances, or the oily seeds; the watery decoction or infusion is much less severe, and has been recommended in worm cases, but it is rarely employed, except in combination with other purgatives. Thunberg informs us, (see his Travels, vol. ii, p. 171) that this article is rendered so perfectly mild at the Cape of Good Hope by being pickled, that it is absolutely used as food both by the natives and colonists. Mixed with paste or other cements, it is used to keep away insects, which it does by its extreme bitterness. Dose, grs. iv. to x. Incompatible Substances. The infusion is disturbed by sub-acetate, and acetate of lead; nitrate of silver; sulphate of iron, and by the fixed alkalies. Officinal Preparations. Extract. Colocynth. L. Extract. Colocynth. comp. L.D. Pil. Aloes cum Colocynth. D.E. (B) When the fruit is larger than a St. Michael’s orange, and has black acute pointed seeds, it is not good.

Under this title the London College comprehends the conserves and electuaries of its former Pharmacopœias; but in strict propriety, and for practical convenience, the distinction between conserves and electuaries ought to have been maintained. Saccharine matter enters into each of these compositions, but in different proportions, and for different objects. In conserves it is intended to preserve the virtues of recent vegetables; in electuaries, to impart convenience of form. See Electuaria.

Confectio Amygdalarum. L. This preparation affords an expeditious mode of preparing the almond emulsion; it should be used in the proportion of a drachm to each fluid-ounce of distilled water.

Confectio Aromatica. L. Electuarium Aromaticum. E.D. This is a very useful combination of various aromatics, to which the London and Dublin colleges have added a carbonate of lime; this circumstance makes the preparation a judicious constituent for the exhibition of active salts, liable to be invalidated by the presence of acid in the stomach, but, at the same time, rendering it incompatible with acids, antimonial wine, &c. These observations do not of course extend to the aromatic electuary of the Edinburgh pharmacopœia. See Form: 15, 42, 49, 125, 126. Dose, ℈j to ʒj.

Confectio Cassiæ. L. The ingredients of this confection are manna, tamarind pulp, and syrup of roses. It is gently laxative, and from its agreeable flavour is well calculated for children. The pharmaceutist, in preparing it, must take care that he does not substitute the syrup of the red, for that of the damask rose; a substitution, as stated under the head of Syrupi, not very unusual. The confection does not ferment or become acescent. Dose, ʒj to ℥j.

Confectio Opii. L. Electuarium Opiatum. E. This is a combination of aromatics with opium, intended as a substitute for the Mithridate and Theriaca of the old pharmacopœias. It is highly useful in flatulent cholic and diarrhœa, and in all cases where a stimulant narcotic is indicated. One grain of opium is contained in grs. 36 of the London, and in grs. 43 of the Edinburgh preparation. Dose, grs. x to xxx.

Confectio Piperis Nigri. L. This preparation has been introduced into the Pharmacopœia, on the suggestion of several eminent practitioners, who have experienced its utility in certain cases of Piles. It is intended to resemble Ward’s^[479] Paste, whose composition has been given in all the former editions of this work, and according to which Formula the committee have directed the present preparation. It is principally useful in those cases attended with considerable debility, in leucophlegmatic habits, and when piles arise from a deficient secretion in the rectum. On the other hand, the composition will as certainly prove injurious in those cases which are accompanied with erysipelatous inflammation, and which require cooling laxatives, and a total abstinence from all stimulants, for their cure.

Confectio Rosæ Caninæ, olim Conserva Cynosbati. Its acidity depends upon uncombined citric acid, a circumstance which it is essential to remember when we direct its use in combination. The hip, or fruit of this plant, beat up with sugar, and mixed with wine, is a very acceptable treat in the north of Europe.

Confectio Rosæ Gallicæ. Confection of the Red Rose. Principally used as a vehicle for more active medicines. It is sometimes brightened by the addition of a small proportion of sulphuric acid; this is a circumstance of great importance, where the confection is used for making the mercurial pill. See Pilulæ Hydrarg. It is a very common excipient for pills, see Form: 21, 59, 66, 73, 122, 160, 170.

Confectio Rutæ, Confection of Rue. The principal use of this preparation is as an ingredient in antispasmodic enemas.

Confectio Scammoneæ. L.D. Scammony, two parts, powdered cloves and ginger, of each, one part, to which are added a small portion of oil of carraway, and of syrup of roses, q. s. It is a stimulating cathartic, and may be given in the dose of ʒss to ʒj.

Confectio Sennæ. L.E.D olim Electuarium Lenitivum. The ingredients of this preparation are senna leaves, figs, tamarind pulp, cassia pulp, the pulp of prunes, coriander seeds, liquorice root, and refined sugar. It is gently laxative, and is an excellent vehicle for the exhibition of more powerful cathartics. (Form. 74, 93.) When properly made, it is an elegant preparation, not apt to ferment, nor to become acescent; the directions of the pharmacopœia are however rarely followed. Jalap blackened with walnut liquor, is frequently substituted for the more expensive article cassia; and the great bulk of it, sold in London, is little else than prunes, figs, and jalap. I understand that a considerable quantity is also manufactured in Staffordshire, into which unsound and spoilt apples enter as a principal ingredient. The preparation sold at Apothecaries’ Hall is certainly unique in excellence. Dose, ʒij or more.

The above are the principal confections which are employed in modern practice, for happily the shops are at length disencumbered of those nauseous insignificant conserves, unknown to the ancients, but which were ushered into use by the Arabian physicians, and which continued for so many years to disgrace our dispensatories and to embarrass our practice. The French, in their new Codex Medicamentarius, have limited their electuaries to a number not exceeding nine; they have however made up in complexity for deficiency in number; the Electuarium de croco, which is intended to answer the same ends as our confectio aromatica, has no less than twelve ingredients, although the force of the combination depends entirely upon carbonate of lime, cinnamon, and saffron; and so it is with the rest.

Qualities. The leaves, when properly dried, have a strong and narcotic odour, and a slightly bitter and nauseous taste: the fresh leaves contain not only the narcotic, but also the acrid principle: by exsiccation, the latter is nearly lost, but the former undergoes no change; the medicinal properties of the leaves are therefore improved by the operation of drying. Chemical Composition. The medicinal activity of the plant resides in a resinous element, which may be obtained in an insulated form, by evaporating an ethereal tincture made with the leaves, on the surface of water; it has a rich dark green colour, and contains the peculiar odour and taste of hemlock in perfection; a dose of half a grain will produce vertigo and head-ache. It may be distinguished by the name of Conein. The watery extract of this plant can therefore possess but little power, a fact which Orfila has fully established by experiment. No part of the plant is entirely destitute of efficacy, though the leaves possess the most activity. Solubility. Alcohol and æther extract its virtues. Incompatible Substances. Its energies are greatly diminished by vegetable acids; hence vinegar is its best antidote. Medicinal Uses. It is a powerful sedative, and has been deservedly commended for its powers in allaying morbid irritability: according to my own experience, it is, in well directed doses, by far the most efficacious of all palliatives, for quieting pulmonary irritation. It has been extolled also in the cure of schirrus and cancer, and it will without doubt prove in such cases a valuable resource, from its sedative influence. Externally, it will afford considerable relief in irritable ulcers, when applied in the form of fomentation or cataplasm, see Form. 17, 18. Forms of Exhibition. The dried leaves, powdered, and made into pills, (Form. 2, 17, 18.) The powder ought to have a fine lively green colour. Dose, gr. iij, gradually increased, until some effect is produced. Several different plants have been mistaken for, and employed in the place of hemlock, such as Cicuta Virosa, (the water hemlock,) Æthusa Cynapium, Caucalis anthriscus, and several species of Chærophyllum. Officinal Preparations. Extract. Conii. L.E.D.

The qualities of this plant are alike extracted by spirit and water; the watery decoction, however, is very mucilaginous; as it contains no astringent matter, the salts of iron do not affect it. Dose of the powdered root, gr. v. to ʒss, but it is rarely used. It is considered cordial, and diaphoretic. Has it any virtues? The Spanish Indians have long used it as an antidote to poisons; the Spanish word contrahiérba signifies antidote. Officinal Prep. Pulv. Contrajerv. co. L.

Qualities. Consistence, that of oil, or a little thicker. Colour, pale golden yellow. Odour, fragrant and peculiar. Taste, aromatic, bitter, and sharp. Sp. Grav. 0·950. Chemical Composition. It is improperly denominated a balsam, for it contains no benzoic acid, but consists of resin and essential oil. Solubility. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in ten parts of alcohol, and in expressed and essential oils; with the pure alkalies it forms white saponaceous compounds which are soluble in water, forming opaque emulsions. Medicinal Uses. Stimulant, diuretic, and laxative; it seems to act more powerfully on the urinary passages than any of the other resinous fluids; hence its use in gleets and in fluor albus. Its use gives the urine an intensely bitter taste, but not a violet smell, as the turpentines do. By referring to the Synoptical arrangement of Diuretic remedies, it will appear that Copaiba is referred to Class I, 1. b. for there is reason to believe that its active principle undergoes absorption, and by coming in contact with the urinary organs, produces the medicinal effects for which it is so highly valued. Forms of Exhibition. Diffused in soft or distilled water by yolk of egg, or by twice its weight of mucilage, fʒss to every f℥j of water, forms an elegant mixture, or it may be given dropped on sugar, and in this latter form it is certainly more disposed to act on the urinary organs, than when exhibited in that of an emulsion. (Form. 156.) Dr. Chapman has proposed a new mode of exhibiting this medicine; he advises us to pour the Copaiba on half a wine-glassful of water, and afterwards to add slowly a few drops of a common bitter tincture, by which means the Copaiba will be collected in a small globule that may be easily swallowed, while its taste, so nauseous to most patients, will be entirely masked by the bitterness of the vehicle. In whatever form, however, this medicine is administered, it is extremely apt to derange the digestive organs, if long continued, and the unpleasant effects thus occasioned remain, in some cases, for a very long period.^[480] Adulterations. A considerable quantity sold in London is entirely factitious. A curious trial took place some time since, between the owner of certain premises that were burnt down, and the Governors of the Sun Fire Office, in consequence of the latter refusing to indemnify the proprietor for his loss, because the fire had been occasioned by his making Balsam of Copaiba. This article is also adulterated with mastiche and oil; M. Bucholz asserts that if it does not dissolve in a mixture of four parts of pure alcohol, and one of rectified æther, we may infer its adulteration; rape oil is also frequently mixed with it, in which case if dropped into water, the drops will not retain their spherical form, as they invariably will, if pure.

The horns of the stag differ only from bone, in containing less of the phosphate of lime, and a larger proportion of gelatine; by boiling, they yield a clear, transparent, and flavourless jelly, in quantity about one-fourth of the weight of the shavings employed; to obtain which we should boil ℥iv in f℥vij of water, until reduced to f℥vi. Adulterations. This article is often sophisticated with the shavings of mutton bone; the fraud is detected by their greater degree of brittleness. They were formerly so much used for the preparation of ammonia, that the alkali was commonly called Salt, or Spirit, of Hartshorn.

[The dogwood is a common forest tree, abundant in almost every part of the United States. It flowers in the months of May and June. The bark, which is the part used in medicine, yields by analysis tannin, gallic acid, resin, gum resin, bitter extractive, and mucilage. The dogwood is a powerful tonic, and by many practitioners has been used as a substitute for the Peruvian bark. The diseases in which it has been found serviceable are intermitting and remitting fevers, dyspepsia, general debility, &c. It may be given in substance, in doses of ʒj to ʒij—in extract, from 5 to 15 grs. or in infusion or decoction.]

This is common chalk, the coarser particles of which have been removed by the mechanical operation of washing. It consists of carbonate of lime, with various earthy impurities. The Dublin Pharmacopœia directs a chemical process for obtaining a perfectly pure carbonate (Creta Præcipitata), but it appears to be an unnecessary refinement. Med. Uses. It is antacid and absorbent, on which account it is useful in acidities of the primæ viæ, and in diarrhœas, after removing all irritating matters by previous evacuation. (Form. 52.) From its absorbent properties, it is a good external application to ulcers discharging a thin ichorous matter. Dose, grs. x to ℈ij, or more. It is almost unnecessary to state that it must not be combined with acidulous salts; I have however seen a formula for a powder, intended as an astringent, in which chalk and alum entered as ingredients. Officinal Prep. Hydrargyrum cum creta. L. Pulvis cretæ comp. L.E. Pulv. Opiatus. E. (F) Mist. Cretæ. L.E. Trochisci Carbonatis Calcis. E. Confectio Aromatica. L.E. (G)

Qualities. Form, cakes, consisting of the stigmata of the flower, closely pressed together. Odour, sweet, penetrating and diffusive. Taste, warm and bitterish. Colour, a rich and deep orange red. Chemical Composition. One hundred parts consist of sixty-two of extractive, the remaining parts are chiefly ligneous fibre, with small portions of resin and essential oil. Bouillon Lagrange and Vogel have examined this extractive matter very accurately, and from the circumstance of its watery infusion assuming different colours when treated with different agents, they have named it polychroite. Thus chlorine and light destroy its colour, sulphuric acid changes it to indigo, which gradually becomes lilac, and nitric acid gives it a green hue. Solubility. It yields its colour and active ingredients to water, alcohol, proof spirit, wine, vinegar, and in a less degree to æther; the watery infusion, and the vinous tincture soon grow sour, and lose their properties, and the solution in vinegar becomes quickly colourless. Med. Uses. It is now never employed but for the sake of its colour or aromatic flavour, as an adjunct to other substances. It is much used in foreign cookery to colour rice, &c. Officinal Prep. Syrup. Croci. L. Tinct. Croci sativi. E. Confect. Aromat. L.D. (O). Pil. Aloes cum Myrrha. L. (G). Tinct. Aloes comp. L.E.D. (O) Tinct. Cinchonæ comp. L.D. Tinct. Rhei. L. (O). Tinct. Rhei comp. L. (O). Adulterations. It is not unfrequently sophisticated with the fibres of smoked beef, or the petals of flowers, especially of the marigold, (Calendula Officinalis,) and of the safflower, (Carthamus Tinctorius.) The former of these fraudulent ingredients is indicated by the unpleasant odour which arises when the saffron is thrown upon live coals; the latter, by infusing the specimen in hot water, when the expanded stigmata may be easily distinguished from the other petals of substituted flowers; a deficiency of colour and odour in the infusion indicates that a tincture or infusion has already been drawn from the saffron, and that it has been subsequently pressed again into a cake. In the market is to be found saffron from Sicily, France, and Spain, besides the English; that which is imported from Spain, is generally spoiled with oil, in which it is dipt with the intention of preserving it. The cake saffron sold in some of the less respectable shops, consists of one part of saffron and nine of marigold, made into a cake with oil, and then pressed; it is sold in considerable quantities for the use of birds, when in moult.

This Indian spice, a native of Java, formerly held a place in our materia medica, and entered into the composition of mithridate and theriaca, but being inferior in pungency and aromatic warmth to pepper, it fell into disuse. Lately, however, it has been ushered into surgical practice for the cure of gonorrhœa, with all the extravagance of praise which usually attends the revival of an old, or the introduction of a new medicine.^[482] It has been pronounced to be a specific in this complaint, if taken in the early stages, in the dose of a dessert-spoonful three times a day, in a sufficient quantity of water.^[483] The Indians have been long acquainted with the influence which cubebs exerts upon these organs; thus Garcias, “Apud Indos cubebarum in vino maceratarum est usus ad exitandam venerem.” Chemical Composition. M. Vauquelin has lately made a very accurate analysis of this pepper, from which its composition may be stated as follows: 1. A volatile oil, which is nearly solid.—2. A resin, resembling Balsam of Copaiba.—3. Another and coloured resin.—4. A coloured gummy matter.—5. An extractive principle, similar to that which is found in leguminous plants.—6. Some saline substances. He considers the resin resembling the Copaiba, to be the peculiar matter in which that property resides, which imparts to it the power of curing gonorrhœa. As the qualities of this spice do not reside in volatile elements, an extract made with rectified spirit will be found to possess the whole of its virtues. The French, in their new Codex Medicamentarius, have introduced the cubebs into their list of materia medica. There is a precaution, with respect to the exhibition of Cubebs, which it is important for the practitioner to remember—to keep the bowels thoroughly open; for where hardened fæces are allowed to accumulate, the spice insinuates itself into the mass, and produces excoriations in the rectum. Adulterations. The “Turkey Yellow Berries,” i. e. the dried fruit of the Rhamnus Catharticus, are often substituted for the Cubebs, and the similarity between them is so great, that the casual observer may be easily deceived.

Qualities. Odour, strong, heavy, and peculiar; Taste, bitterish and warm. Chemical Composition. Gum, resin, and a yellow pungent oil, upon which the peculiar properties of the seeds depend. Solubility. Water does not extract more than their odour, but alcohol dissolves all the principles in which their virtues reside, and leaves upon evaporation a powerful extract. Medicinal Uses. Carminative and stomachic; they are however but rarely used, except as an ingredient in plasters.

Qualities. Form, crystals, which are rhomboidal prisms. Colour, a deep rich blue. Taste, harsh, acrid, and styptic; they slightly effloresce; when treated with sulphuric acid, no effervescence occurs, a circumstance which at once distinguishes this salt from Œrugo. Chemical Composition. According to the latest experiments, it is an oxy-sulphate, consisting of one proportional of peroxide with two proportionals of sulphuric acid, and when crystallized, it contains ten proportionals of water; its beautiful colour depends on this last ingredient. Solubility. It is soluble in four parts of water at 60, and in less than two at 212°; the solution shews an excess of acid by reddening litmus. In alcohol it is insoluble. Incompatible Substances. Alkalies and their carbonates; sub-borate of soda; acetate of ammonia; tartrate of potass; muriate of lime; nitrate of silver; sub-acetate, and acetate of lead; oxy-muriate of mercury; all astringent vegetable infusions and tinctures. Iron immersed in the solution, precipitates copper in a metallic form; hence the exhibition of the filings of iron has been proposed as an antidote.^[485] Medicinal Uses. It is emetic from grs. ij to xv. tonic gr. 1/4; it is, however, but rarely used internally except as an emetic; externally it is employed as an escharotic; and, in solution, as a stimulant to foul obstinate ulcers.^[487] In the proportion of half a drachm to eight ounces of rose water, it forms a lotion which has been found very efficacious in phagedenic ulcers of the face, and in allaying itching when attended with erysipelatous inflammation about the anus and labia pudendi. It is also a styptic when applied in solution. Officinal Preparation. Solut. Cupri Sulphat. com. E. Cuprum Ammoniatum L.E.D. (I) (Form. 68.)

Qualities. Form, a violet coloured mass, which on exposure to air becomes green, and is probably converted into a carbonate. Taste, styptic and metalline. Odour, ammoniacal. Chemical Composition. It is a triple salt, a sub-sulphate of oxide of copper, and ammonia. The Edinburgh College is certainly incorrect in calling it an ammoniuret. Solubility, f℥j; of water dissolves ℈j of this salt. Incompatible Substances; Acids; the fixed Alkalies; Lime water. Medicinal Uses. It is tonic and antispasmodic. Dr. Cullen first proposed its exhibition in epilepsy, and it has frequently been employed with evident advantage in that disease. It has been also given in chorea, after a course of purgatives. Brera considers it quite equal to Arsenic, in the cure of obstinate Intermittents; other physicians have commended it in cases of Hysteria. Forms of Exhibition. It may be formed into pills with bread; to which an addition of sugar has been recommended, to prevent them from becoming hard; but we must remember that recent experiments have shewn that sugar has the power of counteracting the operation of copper. Dose, gr. 1/4 cautiously encreased to grs. v. twice a day. Officinal Preparations. Liquor Cupri Ammoniati. L.

Qualities. Form, pieces covered with a whitish wrinkled thin epidermis; the inner surface is smooth, of a brownish yellow colour. Odour, not strong, but peculiar. Taste, bitter, slightly aromatic, and permanent. Chemical Composition. Cinchonia, resin, extractive, carbonate of ammonia, and essential oil. Solubility. Its active matter is taken up by cold and hot water, and is not injured by long decoction, but the addition of alcohol precipitates part of the extractive. Alcohol dissolves its bitter and aromatic parts, but proof spirit appears to be its most complete menstruum. Incompatible Substances. Sulphate of Iron; Sulphate of Copper; Oxy-muriate of Mercury; Nitrate of Silver; Tartarized Antimony; Sub-acetate, and Acetate of Lead; Potass; and perhaps the Mineral Acids, for they produce precipitates, as do also the infusions of Galls, and Yellow Cinchona. Medicinal Uses. Stimulant and tonic; it does not, like cinchona, oppress the stomach, but imparts a degree of warmth, expels flatus, and increases the appetite for food: with respect to its powers in the cure of intermittents, many doubts are entertained. Forms of Exhibition. In substance, infusion, decoction, tincture, or extract; its nauseous taste is best disguised by cinnamon. Dose of the powder, grs. v. to ℈j; of the infusion or decoction, f℥j; in large doses all the forms are liable to produce nausea. Form. 58. Officinal Prep. Infusum Cuspariæ. L. Tinct. Bonplandiæ Trifoliatæ. E. Tinct. Angusturæ. D. Adulterations. There is found in the market a particular bark, which has been called Fine Angustura, but which is of a different species, and is a very energetic poison. This bark is characterized by having its epidermis covered with a matter which has the appearance of rust of iron, and which, moreover, possesses certain chemical properties of this metal; for if water acidulated with muriatic acid be agitated in contact with its powder, it assumes a beautiful green colour, and affords with an alkaline prussiate, (Hydro-cyanate of Potass) a Prussian blue precipitate. Late researches have detected the presence of an alkaline element in this bark, on which the name of Brucia has been bestowed. When this alkali is dissolved in boiling alcohol, and crystallized by spontaneous evaporation, it yields colourless and transparent crystals in the form of oblique quadrangular prisms.

Qualities. Odour, fœtid and narcotic, occasioning head-ache and stupor; Taste, bitter and somewhat nauseous. Chemical Composition. Gum, resin, and carbonate of ammonia; the recent experiments of M. Brandes have also developed an alkaline element of activity, to which the name of Daturia has been assigned; it appears to exist in native combination with malic acid; when in an uncombined state it is nearly insoluble in water, and in cold alcohol, but boiling alcohol dissolves it. It has been obtained with difficulty in the form of quadrangular prisms. Solubility. The medicinal powers of the herb are alike extracted by aqueous and spirituous menstrua. Incompatible Substances. The infusion is precipitated by the salts of lead, silver, mercury, and iron; the mineral acids would also appear to produce some essential changes which may diminish its efficacy. Acetic acid increases its powers, although it relieves the effects of an overdose, if administered after the stomach has been emptied. This apparent anomaly is easily explained when we consider, that in the first case its operation is purely chemical, increasing the solubility of the active principle of the plant, while in the latter case it operates as a vital agent, restoring to the nervous system that energy which has been suspended by the narcotic influence of the vegetable. Medicinal Uses. It is narcotic, and has been regarded by many authors as eminently antispasmodic; Dr. Barton, an American physician, made very extensive trials of its efficacy in Mania, the result of which is highly favourable to its use. Dr. Marcet first noticed its salutary effects in chronic diseases attended with violent pain; he found it to lessen powerfully, and quickly, sensibility and pain, and to produce a sort of nervous shock, attended with a momentary affection of the head and eyes, with a degree of nausea, and with phenomena resembling those which are produced by intoxication. It seems to be more particularly beneficial in chronic rheumatism, sciatica, &c. Its root, smoked in the manner of tobacco, has been much extolled as a remedy in the paroxysms of spasmodic asthma; this practice however, is not unattended with danger;^[488] the same transient feelings of relief may be procured by smoking a mixture of opium and any aromatic herb. Forms of Exhibition. Some discrepancy of opinion has existed upon this point; the native practitioners in the Carnatic gave the powdered root; Hufeland recommends a tincture of the whole plant; in this country an extract of the leaves, or, more lately, of the seeds, has been preferred, and I have been recently informed by Sir Henry Halford, that he has found a tincture made with the seeds,^[489] a very efficient and unobjectionable preparation. Dr. Davy, at my request, has made a series of experiments upon the extracts prepared by Mr. Barry in vacuo, and his report upon the effects of that of Stramonium, will be found under the article Extract. Stramonii, which see. Dose. In the commencement, of the leaves powdered gr. i. of the seeds gr. ss. It is said that the Turks sometimes use the Stramonium instead of Opium, and the Chinese infuse the seeds in beer. Cataplasms of the fresh bruised leaves have been very successfully used in sores of a highly irritable and painful nature. Officinal Preparation. Extract. Stramonii.

These are solutions of the active principles of vegetables obtained by boiling them in water. To decide upon the expediency of this form of preparation, in each particular case, requires a knowledge of the chemical composition of the substance in question. In conducting the operation, the following rules must be observed.

1. Those substances only should be decocted, whose medicinal powers reside in principles which are soluble in water.

2. If the active principle be volatile, decoction must be an injurious process; and, if it consist of extractive matter, long boiling, by favouring its oxidizement, will render it insipid, insoluble, and inert.

3. The substances to be decocted should be previously bruised, or sliced, so as to expose an extended surface to the action of the water.

4. The substances should be completely covered with water, and the vessel slightly closed, in order to prevent, as much as possible, the access of air: the boiling should be continued without interruption, and gently.

5. In compound decoctions, it is sometimes convenient not to put in all the ingredients from the beginning, but in succession, according to their hardness, and the difficulty with which their virtues are extracted; and if any aromatic, or other substances containing volatile principles, or oxidizable matter, enter into the composition, the boiling decoction should be simply poured upon them, and covered up until cold.

6. The relative proportions of different vegetable substances to the water, must be regulated by their nature; the following general rule may be admitted; of roots, barks, or dried woods, from ʒij to ʒvj to every pint of water; of herbs, leaves, or flowers, half that quantity will suffice.

7. The decoction ought to be filtered through linen, while hot, as important portions of the dissolved matter are frequently deposited on cooling; care must be also taken that the filtre is not too fine, for it frequently happens, that the virtues of a decoction depend upon the presence of particles which are suspended in a minutely divided state.

8. A decoction should be prepared in small quantities only, and never employed, especially in summer, forty-eight hours after it has been made. It should be considered as an extemporaneous preparation, but introduced into the pharmacopœia for the purpose of convenience, and for the sake of abridging the labour of the physician.

It is very important that the water employed for making decoctions, should be free from that quality which is denominated hardness.

The officinal decoctions may be classed into simple and compound preparations.

Decoctum Cinchonæ. See Cinchona, and Form: 41, 42, 127. The codex of Paris directs a decoction of bark, “Decoctum Kinœ Kinœ,” which is only half the strength of ours, but contains an addition of a small quantity of carbonate of potass.

Decoctum Cydoniæ. The inner coats of the seeds of the Quince (Pyrus Cydonia) yield a very large proportion of mucilage, but as hot water extracts from them also fecula and other principles, the decoction very soon decomposes. It has been strongly recommended as an application to erysipelatous surfaces; and it would seem to be peculiarly adapted for such a purpose, since it is not so easily washed away from the part to which it is applied, as ordinary mucilage; for the same reason it has been preferred as an ingredient in injections, gargles, &c. It is stated by some practitioners to be a very useful application, when united with the acetate of lead, in cases of acute ophthalmia; such a combination, however, is extremely unchemical, and must invalidate the powers of the other ingredients. The native practitioners of India employ it as a cooling mucilaginous drink in gonorrhœa. An ounce of bruised Quince seed will make three pints of water as thick and ropy as the white of an egg; hence two drachms, the quantity directed by the College, is amply sufficient for a pint of the decoction. It is coagulated by alcohol, acids, and metallic salts.

Decoctum Digitalis. D. This is a very improper form for the exhibition of digitalis, being variable in strength.

Decoctum Dulcamaræ. L. In making this decoction we must take care that the operation of boiling is not continued too long. See Dulcamaræ Caules. Dose from f℥ss to f℥j.

Decoctum Lichenis. L.E.D. In this preparation we have the bitter principle of the plant united with its fecula. A portion of the former may be removed by macerating the lichen, and rejecting the first water. If ℥j of the mass be boiled for a quarter of an hour in f℥vj of water, we shall obtain mucilage of a consistence similar to that composed of one part of gum arabic and three of water. Its exhibition requires the same precaution as that of Mucilago Acaciæ. From the large proportion of fecula which this moss contains, it is perhaps as nutritive as any vegetable substance, the Cerealia of course excepted. See Lichen Island. Dose, a wine glass full occasionally.

Decoctum Papaveris. L. In making this decoction the whole of the capsule should be bruised, in order to obtain its mucilage and anodyne principle; the seeds should be also retained, as they yield a portion of bland oil which increases the emollient quality of the decoction. A large quantity of fixed oil is constantly in the market, which is derived from the seeds of the poppy. This decoction is a useful fomentation in painful swellings, &c.

Decoctum Quercus. L.E. Decoction is the usual form in which Oak Bark is exhibited, since all its active principles are soluble in water. Its astringent virtues depend upon gallic acid, tannin, and extractive. The decoction is disturbed by the following substances; the infusion of yellow cinchona; sub-acetate and acetate of lead; solutions of isinglass; the preparations of iron; oxy-muriate of mercury; and sulphate of zinc; all alkaline substances destroy its astringency, and are consequently incompatible with it. It is principally useful as a local astringent, in the forms of gargle, injection, or lotion. Its internal exhibition in obstinate diarrhœas, and alvine hemorrhages, has also proved highly beneficial. See Form: 51, 61. Dose, f℥ss to f℥j. Dr. Eberle states that in the Intermittents of very young children, he has in some cases used this decoction as a bath with efficacy.

Decoctum Sarsaparillæ. L.E.D. See Sarsaparilla. In making this decoction, it is rarely properly digested or boiled for a sufficient length of time to extract its virtues. The only salts which occasion precipitates in this decoction are, nitrate of mercury and acetate of lead; lime water has the same effect. Dose, f℥iv to f℥vj.

Decoctum Veratri. Stimulant and acrid; internally, it is cathartic, but too violent to be safely exhibited; it is useful as a lotion in scabies, and other cutaneous eruptions.

Decoctum Aloes Compositum. It resembles the well known Beaume de vie, although less purgative, and is a scientific preparation, constructed upon the true principles of medicinal combination. Aloes is the base, to which are added, 1st, sub-carbonate of potass, 2ndly, powdered myrrh, 3dly, extract of liquorice, 4thly, saffron, and after the decoction is made, 5thly, compound tincture of cardamoms. By the 1st ingredient the aloes is rendered more soluble; the 2d and 3d suspend the portion not dissolved, and at the same time disguise its bitterness; the 4th imparts an aromatic flavour, and the 5th not only renders it more grateful to the stomach, but prevents any spontaneous decomposition from taking place. Its taste is improved by keeping. It is a warm, gentle cathartic. Form: 80. Dose, f℥ss to f℥j. Its operation is different from that of simple aloes. See Aloes. The following substances are incompatible with it; strong acids, oxy-muriate of mercury; tartarized antimony; sulphate of zinc; and acetate of lead; and those salts which are decomposed by sub-carbonate of potass.

Decoctum Guaiaci Compositum. E. Commonly called Decoction of woods. This decoction has fallen into disuse, and deservedly, for it can possess but little power, except, as a diluent, or demulcent; the water takes up from the guaiacum only a small portion of extractive matter, and the virtues of sassafras, if any, must be dissipated. Dose, f℥ss to f℥j.

Decoctum Hordei Compositum.^[490] An elegant and useful demulcent, with an aperient tendency.

Decoctum Sarsaparillæ Compositum. L.D. This decoction, which is an imitation of the once celebrated Lisbon Diet Drink,^[491] differs materially from the Decoct: Guaiaci comp: from the addition of the mezereon root, which renders it diaphoretic and alterative, and useful in the treatment of secondary syphilis, and chronic rheumatism. Dose, from f℥iv to f℥vj three or four times a day.