Vel Electuarium,(from eli-go, to choose, or rather lackata, from laack, Heb. to lick up,or the Greek word to tick). An electuary.

Anon electuary is of the same consistence and materials as a bolus; and where the accuracy of the dose is not essential, and a frequent change unnecessary, it is preferable to the bolus. In electuaries, when kept in the shops, medicines which will ferment or combine in new forms must be avoided. Nauseous medicines cannot be easily taken in any electuary, and, for these, pills arc preferable. The latter is also the more convenient form for many metallic preparations. If electuaries are too hard, they candy; if too soft, they ferment. When soft, they are called opiata. The lighter powders require thrice their weight of honey, and twice the weight of common syrup; but to prevent drying too fast, a little conserve should be added. Deyeux recommends previously crystallizing the sugar in the syrup, or, at least, separating as much of it as will crystallize. The remainder will form electuaries not subject to this inconvenience, since the drying depends on the crystallization of the sugar. Treacle is not subject to this inconvenience.

Extemporaneous electuaries should not exceed two or three ounces, half of which is conserve: but this is not a fixed rule, for the consideration of how much of the medicine can conveniently be given for one dose is sometimes to be attended to; when the ingredients are unpleasant, the taste is best covered by mucilage, or a solution of liquorice juice. Mucilage is well adapted for the exhibition of powders. See Lemery's Universal Pharmacopoeia.