"Take of extract of catechu, six drachms; cinnamon, bruised, a drachm; boiling distilled water, a pint. Macerate for an hour in a lightly-covered vessel, and strain."

Infusum Acacae Catechu, Edin. Infusion of Catechu.

"Take of pulverized extract of catechu, two drachms and a half; cinnamon bark, bruised, half a drachm; boiling water, seven ounces; simple syrup, one ounce. Macerate the extract and bark with the water for two hours, in a covered vessel; then strain, and add the syrup."

Syn. Infusion de Cachou (F.), Katechu infusum (G.), Infusio di Cato (I.).

In these formulae it is intended that the whole of the soluble matter in the catechu taken up by the boiling water should remain dissolved after the infusion cools; but a considerable portion is deposited. When the extract is triturated with water at 212°, as much of it is dissolved as the water can hold in solution, so that a preparation similar to this infusion may be immediately made by simply triturating the materials together. The syrup, ordered by the Edinburgh College, prevents the preparation from keeping longer than two or three days, although without the syrup it will keep good for months.

Qualities. - This infusion is inodorous, has a slightly bitter, austere taste; and leaves, even when it contains no syrup an agreeable sweetness in the mouth. The colour, when the pale catechu is used, is a light brown; but when the dark catechu is employed, a deep red-brown. The following substances which precipitate its tannin, or otherwise alter its properties, ought not to be ordered in formulae with it: namely, solution of isinglass, infusion of yellow cinchona bark, the strong acids, salts of iron, and of zinc, bichloride, of mercury, tartar emetic, and acetate and diacetate of lead. The alkalies deepen the colour, and destroy its astringency.

Medical properties and uses. - This infusion, which is a powerful, agreeable astringent, is the best form under which catechu can be prescribed : it is very useful in long-continued diarrhoeas, proceeding from a weakened condition of the intestines. The dose is from f j. to f iij., given after every liquid dejection, or every four hours.