Spirits are hydroalcoholic or alcoholic solutions of volatile substances; and, while the greater number are solutions of volatile oils, a few represent solutions of volatile liquids, volatile solids, and gases.

Prepare the official Spiritus Aurantii Compositus as follows: Thoroughly mix 10 mils oil of orange, 2.5 mils oil of lemon, 1 mil oil of coriander, and 0.25 mil oil of anise, with enough alcohol to make a total of 50 mils. (Keep in a cool, dark place.)

Properties of your official Spirits:

Appearance...........................................................................................

Taste .........................................................................................................

Color ............................................................................................................

Utility:

Odor .....................................................................

Flavor for Elixir Aromaticum .......................................

Examine shelf samples of the following official Syrups:

Sample

Color

Odor

Taste

Utility

Spiritus AEtheris

Mild anodyne; 4 mils

Spir. AEtheris Nitrosi, Spirits of Nitre

Mild refrigerant; av. dose, 2 mils

Spir. Ammon. Aromat.

Briefly stimulative; av. dose, 2 mils

Spir. Aurantii Compos.

Flavor

Spir. Camphorae

Counterirritant

Spir. Menthae Piperita;

Carminative

Spirits of limited utility in medicine: Spiritus Amygdalae Amarae, S. Anisi, S. Chloroformi, S. Cinnamomi, S. Juniperi, S. Juniperi Compositus, S. Lavandulae, S. Menthae Viridis, S. Glycerylis Nitratis (Nitroglycerin; dangerous to handle).