Prep. Obtained as one of the products of the dry distillation of wood, hence called Wood Spirit.

Prop. & Comp. It is defined in the Pharmacopoeia to be a hydrated oxide of methyl (C2 H3 O, HO), with about 10 per cent. of water; sp. gr. 0.841 to 0'846; colourless, with a spirituous and peculiar odour and taste. It should not exhibit an acid reaction, nor become opaque when mixed with water. Wood spirit is never found in commerce free from impurities.

Therapeutics. Supposed to act as a sedative, and has been employed to allay sickness, and check cough and expectoration in bronchitis and phthisis.

Dose. 10 min. upwards.

Caution. Pyroxylic should never be employed in lieu of spirits of wine in making galenical preparations.

Vinum Xericum. Sherry. A Spanish Wine.

Prop. & Comp. The physical properties of sherry are well known; it contains from 15 to 20 per cent. of alcohol, together with colouring matter, cenanthic ether, and other ethereal compounds, which impart to it the peculiar bouquet; also certain salts, as bitartrate of potash, malates, and sugar.

Off. Prep. It is used in making the vina, or wines, of the Pharmacopoeia, as Vinum Aloes, Vinum Antimoniale, Vinum Colchici, Vinum Ferri, and Vinum Opii. Cape and other white wines are often substituted for sherry.

Therapeutics. Wine may be given as a medicine in the same cases as brandy, where it is desirable to keep up the action of the circulating system; as a stimulant in dyspepsia, however, it is often inferior to brandy, from its tendency to become acid. The wines of the Pharmacopoeia are sometimes objectionable when large doses are required, on account of the alcohol they contain: and the same remark applies to the administration of tinctures.