4653. Syrup of Ether

4653.    Syrup of Ether. The combination of sulphuric ether with simple syrup, as usually prepared, is very unsatisfactory, whether for use alone, or mixed with other ingredients; a portion of the ether always separates and floats on the surface of the mixture, bringing with it also some impurities of the syrup. In pouring out a portion from the bottle containing it, the floating layer of ether and scum will come first, unless these be again mixed in by agitating the bottle. The following improvement is taken from the Paris Codex : Provide a bottle which has a small neck inserted in the side close to the bottom (see illustration); this, as well as the upper neck, should have a closely-fitting cork. The bottle must be of a size to contain 1 pint simple syrup and 1 ounce sulphuric ether. Insert these in it and shake well 3 or 4 times a day for 6 days; after which, if allowed to repose, a thin film of ether will rise and float on the surface of the syrup, separated from it by a layer of scum. The syrup, which is now saturated with ether, can be drawn through the lower neck, as required; it will be perfectly free from impurity, and no further separation of ether will take place.

4654. Compound Syrup of Black Cohosh

4654.      Compound Syrup of Black Cohosh. Macerate 2 ounces black cohosh (black snake-root), 1 ounce seneka root, 1/2 ounce liquorice root, and 1/2 ounce ipecacuanha root in dilute alcohol for 24 hours; then transfer to a percolator and run through two pints; evaporate the excess of alcohol by a water-bath, and convert into a syrup with sufficient quantity of sugar; lastly, treat 2 ounces wild cherry bark with half a pint of cold water, which add to the syrup previously cooled.

4655. Compound Syrup of Sarsa-parilla

4655.      Compound Syrup of Sarsa-parilla. Reduce the following to moderately coarse powder, adopting the troy ounce throughout: 24 ounces sarsaparilla, 3 ounces guaiacum wood, 2 ounces each pale rose, senna, and liquorice root. Mix with 3 pints diluted alcohol, and allow the mixture to stand for 24 hours. Transfer to a cylindrical percolator, and displace 10 pints with diluted alcohol. Evaporate by a water-bath to 4 pints; filter, and add 96 ounces coarsely powdered sugar by the aid of heat, and strain while hot. Lastly take 5 minims each of the oils of sassafras and anise; and 3 minims oil of gaultheria; rub these oils with a small portion of the solution, and mix them thoroughly with the remainder. (U. S. Ph.)

4656. Scovill's Compound Syrup of Sarsaparilla

4656.    Scovill's Compound Syrup of Sarsaparilla. Take 8 ounces each sarsaparilla, burdock root and yellow dock; 6 ounces stillingia root (queen's root), 2 ounces turkey pea, 4 ounces false bitter-sweet, 3 ounces dandelion root, 3 ounces juniper berries, 1 ounce prickly-ash berries, 2 ounces guaiacum wood, and 9 ounces bamboo briar root. Coarsely bruise the above ingredients, and moisten them with alcohol. Let them stand 2 or 3 days, then put them in a steam displacement apparatus, and pass through the vapor of 3 pints strong alcohol. Continue the displacement with the steam of water till the strength is exhausted; set aside the 3 pints of tincture which first passed, and evaporate the remaining decoctions to 1 quart; mix this with the tincture, add 3 quarts sugar-house syrup, and, when cold, add 11/2 ounces iodide of potassium.