Extractum Artemisiae Absynthii. Dub. Extract of Wormwood

Syn. Extrait d'Absynthe (F.) Wermuth-extrakt (G.), Estratto d'Assenso (I.).

This is ordered to be prepared according to the above directions. It is nearly a simple bitter, the volatile oil being dissipated during the evaporation. It may be used in cases for which bitters are commonly prescribed, but it is scarcely ever used. The dose is from gr. x. to Э j. three times a day.

Extractum Aconiti. Lond. Dub. Extract of Aconite or Wolfsbane

"Take of the fresh leaves of aconite, a pound. Bruise them in a stone mortar, sprinkling over them a little water; then express the juice, and without any depuration, evaporate it to a proper consistence."

Succus spissatus Aconiti Napelli, Edin. Inspissated Juice of Aconite,

"Let the fresh leaves of aconite be bruised; enclose them in a hempen bag, and press them strongly, until they yield their juice; which is to be evaporated in flat vessels, heated with boiling water saturated with chloride of sodium (common salt), and immediately reduced to the consistence of thick honey.

"After the mass is cold, let it be put into glazed earthen vessels, and moistened with alcohol."

Syn. Extrait d'Aconit (F.), Eisenhutlein-extrakt (G.), Estratto d'Aconito Napello (I.)

Mr. Brande informs us, that 1 cwt. of fresh aconite yields about 5 lbs. of extract.1 The activity of the plant is very uncertain, and depends on soil and the nature of the seasons. Its active principle is an alkaloid, which has been named aconitina.

This extract, or inspissated juice, is the form under which Stoerk introduced wolfsbane into practice. It has an obscure, brownish-red colour, a disagreeable odour, and an acrid, slightly styptic taste. Its medicinal properties are the same as those of the plant, but it is very seldom used. (See Part ii.) The dose at first should be gr. 1/4 only, gradually increased to grs. iv. taken night and morning.

Extractum Aloes Purificatum

Lond. Extractum Aloes Hepaticae, Dub. Purified Extract of Aloes.

"Take of aloes, in powder, fifteen ounces; boiling water, a gallon. Macerate for three days with a gentle heat, then strain, and set aside the solution, that the dregs may subside. Pour off the clear liquor, and evaporate it to a proper consistence."

Syn. Extrait d'Aloes (F.), Albe-extrakt (G.), Estratto d'Aloe (I.).

This extract consists chiefly of the extractive matter of the aloes; but during the inspissation it is partially oxidized and rendered less soluble; consequently, the extract is not completely soluble in water. It is employed in the same cases as the aloes, and is said to be less stimulant and griping. The dose is from grs. iij. to grs. xv. given in the form of pills.

Extractum Anthemidis Nobilis

Edin.

1 Manual of Pharmacy, p. 386.

2 Extractum chamaemeli, P. L. 1787.

Extractum Florum Chamameli, Dub. Extract of Cham-omile Flowers.

Syn. Extrait de Camomille Romaine (F.), Kamillen-extrakt (G.), Estratto di Fiori di Camomillo (I.).

The Edinburgh extract is to be prepared in the same manner as the extract of gentian of that College; the Dublin, after the manner directed for the preparation of the simple extracts.

In these processes the volatile oil is dissipated, and a simple bitter extract remains, possessing scarcely any of the properties of the plant; 1 cwt. of the flowers yields 48 lbs. of extract. It is of a deep brown colour, and has a grateful bitter taste, but scarcely any odour. It has scarcely any efficacy when used alone; but is an useful adjunct to rhubarb and sulphate of zinc, in stomachic pills. The dose may be from grs. x. to Эj. given twice or thrice a day.