Extractum Papaveris

Lond. Extractum Papaveris somniferi. Edin. Extract of Poppies.

"Take of the capsules of the poppy, freed from the seeds, and bruised, fifteen ounces; boiling water, a gallon. Macerate for twenty-four hours; then boil down to four pints; strain the hot liquor, and evaporate it to a proper consistence."

Syn. Extrait de Pavot (F.).

This extract possesses nearly the same medicinal properties as opium, but in a much weaker degree; and is less apt to occasion the nausea, headach, and delirium, which opium not unfrequently produces. It is, therefore, to be preferred for procuring sleep in diseases in which the head is much affected. The dose is from grs. ij. to Э j., given in the form of pills.

Extractum Corticis Quercus. Dub. Extract of Oak Bark

Syn. Estratto della Quercia (I.).

This extract consists principally of tannin, which is therefore not liable to be much injured by this form of preparation, although it is partly converted into extractive; but it possesses no peculiar advantages to recommend it.

Extractum Rhei. Lond. Dub. Extract of Rhubarb

"Take of rhubarb root, in powder, fifteen ounces; proof spirit, a pint; water, seven pints. Macerate for four days in a gentle heat, then strain the solution, and set it apart, that the feculencies may subside. Pour off the clear liquor, and evaporate it to a proper consistence."

Syn. Extrait de Rhubarbe (F.), Rhabarber-extrakt (G.).

Although the purgative properties of the rhubarb be-obtained to a certain degree in this extract, yet its virtues are certainly impaired during the inspissation; and the simple infusion is in every respect a preferable form of preparation. An extract, however, of great power, may be prepared by forming Turkey rhubarb into a pulp, then pressing and evaporating the solution quickly in dry air. It is of a deep golden hue, with all the odour of the rhubarb The dose is from grs. x. to 3 ss given in the form of pills.

Extractum Rutae Graveolentis. Edin. Extractum Foliorum Rutae, Dub. Extract of Rue

The Edinburgh extract is to be prepared in the same manner as the extract of gentian; the Dublin, after the manner of the simple extracts. Prepared by either process, this extract is inodorous, and has a bitter, acrid taste. Its medicinal properties are different from those of the plant; the stimulant and narcotic powers of which depend on the volatile oil it contains, which is dissipated during the inspissation of the extract. The dose is from grs. x. to Эj. in pills.

Extractum Spartti Scoparii. Dub. Extract of Broom Tops

This extract is to be prepared in the same manner as the extract of aconite. It is said to be diuretic, but its efficacy is doubtful; and it is scarcely ever employed. The dose is from 3ss. to 3j., or more.

Succus Spissatus Sambuci Nigri. Edin. The Inspissated Juice of the Black Elder

"Take of the ripe berries of the black elder, five parts; purified sugar, one part. Boil, with a gentle heat, to the consistence of thick honey."

Syn. Eingedicker Fliedersaft (G.).

We are perfectly unacquainted with the use to which this extract can be put as a remedial agent.