2K0> 
 
 
 loar; 
 
 
 2» , 2>^T 
 
 
 
 r> Z> >2> 
 
 
 
 '-ASKS* I$3>^Sf 
 
 
 
 = 30>;:> 
 
 J^fe» -> 
 
 MBfiARTOFCOMESS. t 
 
 :> :» it 
 
 >"■■> 
 
 • - > rSL 
 
 IS 5> ~~ 
 
 : > » 
 
 > > 
 
 -^fc^r 
 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. * 
 
 
 3 >X> 
 
 .;-■> 3^>^> -^ ^ > "or 
 
 
 ■^^ a: 
 
 
 ;';*^*s.. 
 
 *£^ 
 
 to ' > 
 
 1 ^>; 
 
 

 C3g> -..^> ago? 
 
 -Z*"* ■: 
 
 ■>• O "3 " "> :~5> _ 
 
 " ', >£> 3 >. > 
 
 ^~y. Z> > 3» ZZT 
 
 
 
 » > 3 
 
 >> ^> ,i> 
 
 ^ :> > > >t^ 
 
 
 Z> 
 
 
 
 3t> ■■;» Z> 
 
 
 
 
 33 
 
 -> ^ ■■-< 
 
 
 
 3- ::>;:, 
 
 ^.;,:jr. 
 
ESSAYS 
 
 ON SOME Or THE MOST IMPORTANT ARTICLES 
 
 OF THE 
 
 COMPRISING 
 
 A FULL ACCOUNT OF ALL THE NEW PROXIMATE PRIK GTPL5S, Aff» 
 
 THE POPULAR MEDICINES LATELT INTRODUCED IN PRACTICX, 
 
 DETAILING THE FORMULAS FOR THBIR PREPARATION, 
 
 THEIR HABITUDES AND PECULIARITIES, DOSES AND 
 
 MODES OF ADMINISTRATION, WITH 
 
 REMARKS 
 
 ON THE 
 
 Most Eligible Form of their Exhibition : 
 
 TO WHICH IS ADDED, 
 
 A CATALOGUE OF MEDICINES, 
 
 Surgical Instruments, &c. #c 9 
 
 ADAPTED FOR 
 A PHYSICIAN AT THE OUTSET OP HIS PRACTICE, 
 
 WITH THE 
 
 oses and Effects attached to each Medicint^ <£c. #c. 
 
 By Creo. W. Carpenter. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA, 
 
 Geo. W. Carpenters'* Chemical Warehouse, 301 Market St. 
 
 183J. ^~~ 
 

 c$ 
 
 * *c 
 
 c^ 
 
 EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO WIT: 
 
 Be it nrariutnsERE.p, That on the twelfth day of 
 July, Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred 
 :and thirty one, GEORGE W. CARI J ENTliR, of 
 the said District, hath deposited in this office the 
 Title of a Book, the title of which is in the words 
 following, to wit: 
 
 EsBays on some of the most important articles in the Materia 
 Medica, comprising" a full account of all the new Proximate 
 Principles, and the Popular Medicines lately introduced in 
 Practice, detailing the Formulas for their preparation, their 
 habitudes and peculiarities, doses and modes of Administra- 
 tion, with Remark* on the most eligible Form of their Exhi- 
 bition; to which is added, a Catalogue of Medicines, Surgical 
 instruments, &c. &c. adapted for a Physician at the outset of 
 his practice, with the Doses and Effects attached to each Medi- 
 cine, &c.&c. By Geo W, Carpenter. 
 
 The right wereof he claims as Author, in conformity with 
 an Act of Congress, entitled " An Act to amend the several 
 Acts respecting Copy-Rights." 
 
 D CALDWELL, 
 
 Clerk of the District. 
 
TO THE 
 
 MEDICAL CLASS 
 
 OS THK 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 
 
 THIS WORK IS HUMBLY SUBMITTED, 
 
 BY THE AUTHOR. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 In submitting the following pages to the 
 Medical community, it will be necessary for 
 me first to apologize for their imperfections, 
 and I feel satisfied they will indulge me 
 under the circumstances of the case. They 
 were penned during the short intervals of 
 suspense amidst the bustle and toil of an 
 active business, and my object was more for 
 the purpose of keeping up strict habits of in- 
 dustry and close application, than for any be- 
 nefit which I could anticipate to result from 
 their publication. The former I am certain to 
 have attained, and should the latter result, I 
 shall be doubly rewarded. I have at various 
 times contributed essays on the different ar- 
 ticles of the materia medica to our medical 
 journals, particularly to the Philadelphia 
 Journal of Medical and Physical Sciences, 
 and to the recent highly valuable periodical 
 the American Journal of Medical Sciences. 
 My Medical friends have frequently called 
 upon me for copies of these essays, until I had 
 distributed several thousand of each, when 
 I was earnestly solicited for some time (hav- 
 ing exhausted all the loose copies I had print- 
 ed,) to publish them together, and in com- 
 pliance with these requests, I have introduc- 
 ed this work to public attention. I rely 
 upon my Medical friends for its support, and 
 
 A 2 
 
VI PREFACE. 
 
 I purpose, if sufficiently encouraged, to pub- 
 lish a more enlarged view of the articles of 
 the materia medica generally, under the title 
 of Pharmacologia. In the present work I 
 have added considerably to the essays above 
 alluded to, by introducing a full description 
 of the new and popular medicines which I 
 have lately brought into notice, and which I 
 now exclusively manufacture. I have also 
 embraced in the present work, a concise ac- 
 count of some of the new and valuable medi- 
 cines introduced to public attention by the 
 excellent treatise of Majendie, and have quo- 
 ted the formulas which he has laid down for 
 their preparation, because I consider them a 
 standard, which all the apothecaries and phy- 
 sicans should invariably adhere to, in order 
 that we may have uniform preparations. I 
 repeat again that these formulas are from 
 Magendie, for not having adverted to it in 
 the places where they ha? e been given, I wish 
 it here particularly understood, for there will 
 be, no doubt, some of my competitors seeking 
 every little avenue of this publication to hunt 
 out and magnify any little weak points, (more 
 or less of which may be called out of the 
 most valuable productions,) while the brilliant 
 light of truth and information which they 
 contain, generally drives them in despair be- 
 fore they have fully completed their worthy 
 intentions; hence it is we find men of the 
 most depraved talents undervaluing master- 
 ly compositions, because they do not fully un- 
 derstand them. And how often in our daily 
 
PREFACE. Vli 
 
 walks in life, and in our intercourse with the 
 world, do we find these circumstances mani- 
 fested. How many able speeches and ora- 
 tions do we see tattered and torn, by persons 
 unable to speak, or with capacity to under- 
 stand. But what does it effect? And what 
 is its influence? They are generally ere long 
 defeated by their own language, and the ora- 
 tor stands the same, and the oration has lost 
 no more by their condemnation than it would 
 have gained by their applause. 
 
 I do not by any means wish to condemn 
 criticism, it is the very life and essence of 
 writing, and when it is done impartially, and 
 without prejudice, should always be invited 
 by the author. 
 
 There is no circumstance which evinces 
 more strongly the progress of Medical Sci- 
 ences, than the general and increasing spirit 
 of emulation, and the ardour with which many 
 of its votaries apply in developing and sub- 
 stantiating new facts, as the fruitful result of 
 their researches and discoveries. Chemisty 
 and Pharmacy have contributed more largely 
 to the grand fund of solid and substantial in- 
 formation, than any other branches of the 
 Medical Sciences. It is to this department 
 we are indebted for the valuable acquisition 
 of Quinine, Morphine, Piper ine, and other 
 proximate principles; and, a number of high- 
 1 y valuable improved and concentrated pre- 
 pa rations, as the Compound Fluid Extract 
 of Sarsaparilla, <§lc Sec. all of which have be- 
 come perfectly established in Medical prac- 
 
Vlll PREFACE. 
 
 tice, and their particular effects can now be 
 relied upon with as much certainty as Calo- 
 mel and Opium. While speaking of Sarsa- 
 parilla, I cannot refrain from expressing in 
 this place, the valuable properties of the 
 Fluid Extract, which possesses so many 
 advantages over the syrup, decoction, 
 and solid extract, which is proved in 
 the subsequent pages of this work. Physi- 
 cians can now rely upon an uniform prepara- 
 tion, and can conveniently prescribe it; and 
 the patient will now be relieved from the 
 trouble and difficulties of preparing the de- 
 coction, which was seldom sufficiently boiled, 
 and otherwise improperly made by those un- 
 acquainted with phamaceuiical preparations. 
 I have seen very silly objections made to this 
 preparation by one of my competitors in 
 trade, who is ever ready to speculate on the 
 analysis of articles which he is unacquainted 
 with, and thus frequently makes excessive 
 blunders; this is to be pitied, since he might 
 at once strike upon a much more successful 
 effort in quoting the analysis and composition 
 of the improved water colours, which he must 
 necessarily be more acquainted with, and 
 which, in fact, might be an interesting disclo- 
 sure. We must, however, expect to meet 
 with the collision of opposite opinion, and at 
 the present epoch, we cannot expect that we 
 should all agree upon any one subject, though 
 it were as manifest as the unobscured sun at 
 noonday. We must, therefore, expect to 
 meet with opposition in the most useful dis- 
 
PREFACE. IX 
 
 coveries. Hence we frequently find a person 
 opposing articles, their usefulness and supe- 
 riority fully established by well attested 
 facts, and by the experience of some of the 
 most distinguished men; and all this without 
 advancing arguments, or producing facts. I 
 say we object to an individual less able to 
 judge, than perhaps any one of those he is 
 opposing, to advance his opinion against a 
 host of men eminent in the profession, and to 
 offer his opinions as a pattern to be followed, 
 when in truth, they are an obstacle to be 
 shunned; but such is the blindness of human 
 nature, that men are too apt to set themselves 
 up as guides, when they should be satisfied 
 to serve as beacons. There is no doubt they 
 may now and then meet with a follower or 
 disciple, who will catch at their opinions and 
 support them as an expedient, but they gene- 
 rally in a short time die away for want of 
 support, while articles they have expended 
 themselves upon, appear to have taken fresh 
 roots from the nourishment, and the branches 
 to have extended themselves in all directions 
 far and wide. Thus we find the Saratoga 
 powders described in the following pages to 
 have become every year more and more po- 
 pular, and their usefulness to be more and 
 more appreciated, and the demand for them 
 co-extensive with their increased reputation. 
 They have been introduced in every section 
 of the United States, and have given in all 
 cases the most decided and unequivocal sa- 
 tisfaction, and produced the most salutary 
 
x preface:. 
 
 and beneficial effects, and have elicited from 
 the faculty and highly distinguished indivi- 
 duals in various places, voluntary acknow- 
 ledgments of satisfaction, and expressions of 
 high commendation on their character and 
 properties, while the miserable objections 
 and defective analysis of an apothecary have 
 long since slumbered in forgetfulness. Thus 
 it was with Quinine, the same objections 
 were made to it when first introduced, and 
 much clamour and opposition raised, one 
 said it was too acrid, another too uncertain, 
 and a third too costly, that it would never be 
 used. But these objections one by one gra- 
 dually subsided, while Quinine raised its as- 
 piring head, and its extensive usefulness soon 
 became manifest to the total obscuration and 
 entire oblivion of the foolish objections which 
 had been started, and we may venture to say 
 there is not a single practitioner of medicine 
 who will not admit its value and superiority 
 to the bark. 
 
 Thus it is with the Fluid Extract of Sar- 
 saparilla, the clamours which was raised 
 against it by a competitor in trade, as clear- 
 ly growing out of envy and prejudice, as any 
 fact which could possibly be proven by cir- 
 cumstantial evidence, has already been 
 annihilated, while this ^preparation is ra- 
 pidly increasing in reputation, and is now 
 prescribed by the most distinguished physi- 
 cians in the United States, and with the most 
 decided satisfaction, it is certainly an article 
 which should receive their support and ap- 
 
PREFACE. XI 
 
 probation, as it would have a tendency of 
 putting down, in a great measure, the vari- 
 ous nostrums which are sold under different 
 names, and which are in fact nothing but 
 Compound Syrup of Sarsaparilla, which is 
 most frequently improperly made, as the 
 venders and manufactures of them in most 
 cases, never been brought up in the profes- 
 sion, are ignorant of pharmacy, and their 
 preparations will, therefore, be very defec- 
 tive. There is nothing concealed in the 
 composition of the Compound Fluid Extract 
 of Sarsaparilla, being made from the articles 
 composing the Lisbon Diet; its value and 
 superiority over other preparations is owing 
 entirely to the peculiar manner in which it 
 is made, by which all the medical virtues are 
 extracted from the roots by the most efficient 
 process, based on chemical principles, ob- 
 tained from the result of numerous experi- 
 ments made exclusively for the purpose of as- 
 certaining the same. There will be found in 
 this work a description of a number of new 
 medicines prepared and introduced by me, 
 which have all been sufficiently tested and 
 proved by ample experience by some of our 
 most eminent physicians, to possess fully the 
 virtues and properties which have been as- 
 signed to them. The Compound Extract 
 Buchu, Oil of Cantharidin, Compound Tonic 
 Extract, Citrated Kali, &c &c. <£c. will all 
 be found on trial to be valuable medicines, 
 and I feel satisfied will prove useful to the 
 
XU PREFACE. 
 
 practitioner, and meet with the decided ap- 
 probation of the faculty, as they have been 
 wherever yet introduced. 
 
 EC7 3 1 would beg leave particularly to in- 
 form the faculty that there has been various 
 imitations of my Compound Extract of Sar- 
 saparilla, Saratoga powders and several 
 other preparations, and that sales of them 
 have been effected on the reputation of 
 mine. They are put up in the same 
 form, the name borrowed, also part of the 
 description and directions so as to imitate 
 externally as closely as possible, my prepa- 
 rations. The faculty, therefore, in making 
 out their orders, who wish those prepared by 
 me should express it decidedly in their direc- 
 tions, or they might perhaps get another ar- 
 ticle. I have heard frequent complaints 
 from physicians in the country who had or- 
 dered my preparations and received instead 
 of them spurious and inferior imitations, 
 which was the cause of so much displeasure, 
 that they immediately sent their orders di- 
 rect to me. I think the original inventor 
 should receive the benefit of his improve- 
 ments, and that spurious imitations of every 
 kind should not receive encouragement 
 but the disapprobation and censure of the 
 community, 
 
OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS 
 
 © 
 
 Its varieties and appearance in com- 
 merce, SfC SfC 
 
 This important article, from its extensive useful- 
 ness, in modifying and alleviating the most afflicting 
 and painful diseases incident to human nature, merits 
 perhaps the most conspicuous place in the materia 
 medica; yet from being injudiciously administered, 
 and more particularly from its pharmaceutical pre- 
 parations, being improperly made, it frequently pro- 
 duces injurious and distressing consequences. With 
 the hope of remedying some of these inconveniences, 
 I have made a series of experiments, the results of 
 which are contained in the following observations. 
 Before, however, entering upon the pharmaceutical 
 preparations, it may not perhaps be improper to offer 
 a very concise view of the natural history and phy- 
 sical characters of this article, as it occurs at the 
 present day in our commerce. Opium is the pro- 
 duct of the Papaver somniferum, and is the inspissa- 
 ted juice of the capsules of that plant. It has been 
 improperly termed a gum by many authors, and the 
 
 error prevails to the present day. It is a native of 
 
 A 
 
Z OPIUM. 
 
 the southern pads of Asia. It may, however, be 
 raised in our gardens, and is now cultivated in Eng- 
 land on an imposing scale, which has been increas- 
 ing for several years. It possesses the same properties 
 as the Turkey or East India opium, andis more pure, 
 containing a larger portion of soluble matter. The 
 Turkey opium has hitherto possessed the best repu- 
 tation, and has been considered superior to any other. 
 Dr. Thomson* informs us, that he obtained from 
 Turkey opium nearly three times more morphia than 
 was yielded by the same quantity of East India. I 
 have treated equal quantities of Turkey and English 
 opium by the same process, and obtained twenty 
 per cent, more morphia from the latter than the 
 former ; this would sanction the belief of the supe- 
 riority of the English; which superiority, I think, is 
 to be attributed to the careful manner in which it is 
 prepared. The following are the prominent cha- 
 racters of the several varieties of opium, and by 
 which they may be easily distinguished. 
 
 Turkey opium is of a reddish-brown colour, pos- 
 sessing a strong narcotic odour, of a solid and com- 
 pact consistence, when dry has a shining and uniform 
 fracture of a dark -brown colour producing a reddish- 
 brown powder ; the best kind is generally in flat 
 pieces. 
 
 East India opium is of thin consistence, sometimes 
 almost like that of honey ; when dry it is more fria- 
 ble, its colour nearly black, and possesses less bitter 
 and a more nauseous taste than the Turkey; it has a 
 
 *JLondon Dispensatovy . 
 
OPIUM. § 
 
 strong empyreumatic odour, and not the narcotic 
 heavy one which is so sensible in the Turkey ; it is 
 considerably cheaper and much inferior in strength 
 to the latter, and according to Dr. Thomson contains 
 but one-third the quantity of morphia and a larger 
 portion of narcotine, which renders it a far less de- 
 sirable article. Dr. Coxs, in his valuable American 
 Dispensatory, remarks, that one-eighth the caJces 
 is allowed for the enormous quantity of leaves with 
 which they are enveloped. This opium is little used 
 in this country, and is seldom, if ever to be found in 
 the shops of our druggists. 
 
 English opium is generally in smaller cakes, fre- 
 quently thin and flat, of a more permanent consist- 
 ence, of a clear smooth fracture, and is destitute of 
 leaves, stalks, and other impurities which generally 
 accompany opium. It has the general character of 
 being superior in quality to the Turkey, which chem- 
 ical analysis* has determined. The quality of opium 
 
 * It is to chemistry that we are indebted for many impor- 
 tant facts in relation to opium, and for the knowledge of mor- 
 phia and narcotine, the two active principles of opium — two 
 principles of a directly opposite nature' existing" in the same 
 substance, and exercising individually their particular effect* 
 on the constitution. MaViy are opposed to chemical analysis 
 6.6 a means of discovering the virtues of*medicines ; and among- 
 others Dr. Young,f who states as an argument that Geoffroy 
 discovered by chemical analysis that the soporific quality of 
 opium depended upon its sulphur. We might agree with Dr. 
 Young, if the science of chemistry had not advanced since the 
 period alluded to, and did experiments upon opium now lead 
 to similar conclusions. We might as well reject as useless the 
 f Young on Opium. 
 
4 OPIUM. 
 
 differs very materially, even that from the same 
 country, climate, soil, &c. which arises no doubt in 
 many instances from the manner in which it is pre- 
 pared and cultivated. It is frequently found in our 
 market mixed with leaves, stalks, seeds, &c.and from 
 the great proportion of these admixtures in some 
 opium, it would lead to a conjecture, that the. leaves 
 were worked in when the opium vyas in a very 
 soft and recent state, for the purpose of increasing 
 the weight and consistence. I have even seen 
 opium whose external characters possessed all the 
 features of superior quality, and when broken, ex* 
 posed a large proportion of the leaves and capsules 
 of the poppy, which, although it does not alter the 
 particular effects, must diminish the activity of tho 
 opium in direct proportion to the quantity and weight 
 of these extraneous and insoluble matters, and I 
 have ascertained by careful experiments that the 
 quantity of soluble or extractive matter by the same 
 menstrua and process, yielded by different parcels of 
 opium, varies from four and a half and five to six 
 drachms in the ounce. 
 
 analysis of cinchona bark, because a chemist has asserted that 
 the comparative quantity of the active principles, (quinine 
 and cinchonine,) yielded by the Carthage na bark, was in pro- 
 portion to the quantity yielded by the Calisaya as I to 70. If 
 errors so palpable would have retarded the inquiries and la- 
 bours, or diminished the zeal of the scrutinizing chemist, the 
 science, instead of holding the elevated rank it now possesses, 
 would long since have dwindled into obscurity. Error* and 
 absurdities will naturally creep into every department of set* 
 ence. 
 
OPIUM. 9 
 
 The consumption of opium is almost incredible. 
 In the year 1800, 46,808 lbs. were consumed in Eu- 
 rope. In the year 1 809, the revenue which the Ben- 
 gal governmet derived from the sale of opium, was 
 394,978/, and the exports of opium from Calcutta 
 to China alone, in 181 1-12, amounted to 4,542,968 
 sicca rupees — 567,871/.* The supply for Calcutta 
 for 1827, is rated at 13,700 chests. The supply for 
 1 826 was 10,300 chests, making an increase of 3,400 
 chesU in the last year. 
 
 Although opium is prohibited by the Chinese gov- 
 ernment, yet about 2000 chests^are annually import- 
 ed into Canton, the average sale price being 120O 
 dollars per chest, making the amount annually ex- 
 pended by Canton for this drug, the enormous sum 
 of 24,000.000 dollars. About 40,000 pounds are 
 annually imported into London. 
 
 fn the provinces of Bahar and Banares, among the 
 most productive of the East Indies, the common 
 product of opium is twenty-four pounds to an acre, 
 besides which the cultivator reaps about forty 
 pounds of seed. The preparation of the raw opium 
 is under the immediate superintendence of the com- 
 pany's agent, who adopts the following method to 
 prepare it. It consists in evaporating, by exposun- 
 to the sun, the watery particles, which are replaced 
 by oil of poppy seeds, to prevent the drying of the 
 resin. The opium is then formed into cakes, and 
 covered with the petals of the poppy, and when suf- 
 ficiently dried, it is packed in chests with the frug- 
 
 •Hem'Uon's E-ast Tudia Gazetteer. 
 
 A 2 
 
O OPIUM. 
 
 merits of the capsules, from which poppy seeds have* 
 been threshed out. It is said opium is .sometimes 
 vitiated with an extract from the leaves and stalks of 
 the poppy and with the gum of the mimosa. 
 
 The cultivation of opium in England, if extensire, 
 will no doubt influence the price of this article in our 
 market.* 
 
 It has lately been more successfully cultivated by 
 a Mr. Young, than any other person who has yet 
 attempted its culture in Great Britain,! and from 
 which more flattering expectations are entertained of 
 its success. Dr. Coxe, however, in his standard 
 work, the American Dispensatory, observes, it is 
 
 * Messrs, Cowley and Stains, of Winslow, in the season of 
 1822, raised 143 lbs. of excellent opium from eleven acres and 
 live poles of land, for which they received a premium from the 
 society instituted at London, for the encouragement of arts, 
 manufactures and commerce. A medal has been given by the 
 society to J. W. Jeston, Esq. Surgeon, for an improvement in 
 collecting the juice of the poppy, which consists in collecting- 
 it immediately after it exudes from the capsules, instead of 
 allowing it to be inspissated on the capsule. The capsule U 
 scarified with a sharp instrument, gauged to a proper depth, 
 when the juice is scraped off' with a kind of funnel-form scoop, 
 fixed into the mouth of a vial; when one vial is filled, the scoop 
 is removed to another, and the juice is evaporated in shallow 
 pans; some varieties are much more productive than others. 
 (See Transactions of the Society for the encouragement of 
 Arts, Man. and Com. Vol. 41.) 
 
 Mr. Ball, in 1796, received a premium from the society for 
 the encouragement of arts, for a specimen of I'ritish opium, 
 little inferior to the Oriental. (Transactions of the Society of 
 Arts, vol. xiv. pp. 260; 270,) 
 
 f Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, No. U. p»ge 26 2. 
 
OPIUM. V 
 
 apprehended, the climate of Great Britain is an in- 
 superable obstacle to its becoming a profitable branch 
 of agriculture. It has been obtained in the United 
 States, where this objection will not prevail.* I 
 think the southern states, particularly the Caro- 
 linas and Georgia, are admirably adapted, from cli- 
 mate and soil, for the cultivation of the poppy, and 
 if properly managed, would no doubt yield a source 
 of considerable nroiit to the cultivator, if not an im- 
 mense revenue to the states, and a most important 
 addition to the productions of our country. 
 * The opium raised in England, has been used for 
 several years by physicians and surgeons, who pro- 
 nounce it superior to the best Turkey and East 
 India opium. One thing is very certain ; it is pre- 
 pared with mere care and attention, and is more free 
 from leaves and other impurities ; the fracture of 
 English opium when dry, is as smooth and uniform 
 as liquorice ; what I have seen has be.en put up in 
 small flat cakes, and of a good consistence. Opium 
 is frequently put up in a soft state, and packed with 
 a large proportion, of leaves to prevent the lumps 
 adhering; these leaves adhering to the sides, are 
 gradually taken into the body of the opium, which, 
 with that previously incorporated with it, is the cause 
 of seeing opium in the condition of impurity as al- 
 ready described. 
 
 Extract of Opium. — Among the advantages which 
 
 the extract of opium possesses over the crude opium 
 
 l of commerceis, thatall the faeculencies and impurities 
 
 •Philadelphia Medical Museum, Vol. II.pag-e428. 
 
8 OPIUM. 
 
 having been separated, you obtain the soluble and ac- 
 tive portion of the opium in a pure state, and as the in* 
 soluble and impure parts exercise no effect, and con- 
 stitute a considerable proportion of bulk and weight, 
 the opium of commerce must differ in proportion to 
 the amount of these impurities, and consequent!/ 
 cannot be depended upon so well as the extract for 
 activity or uniformity of strength. The extract of 
 opium, as it is generally made, is very objectionable, 
 siot being more active than crude opium, and conse- 
 quently is seldom or ever employed by our physi- 
 cians. From various modes and different menstrua 
 which I have tried, I find the following to make the 
 most eligible preparation, possessing most advan- 
 tages both in the activity and persistency of the ex- 
 tract, as well as having the decided superiority over 
 crude opium, by affording all its desirable effects, 
 without any of its inconveniences or disadvantages. 
 
 Denarco'tised acidulous Extract of Opium, — Digest 
 ji, coarsely powdered opium j^i. sulphuric aether of 
 the specific gravity .735 for ten days,* occasionally 
 submitting to a moderate heat in a water bath, distil 
 off the aether and add fresh portions until it ceases 
 to take up narcotine or act at all upon the opium, 
 which may be readily known by dropping a little oa 
 a clean pane of glass which will leave no trace when 
 the opium is completely exhausted, the second or 
 third distillation will prove sufficient, most of the 
 
 • Where it is necessary to prepare it in haste, less time 
 may be employed by submitting it more frequently to tue 
 temperature of ebullition. 
 
opium. y 
 
 aether may be saved if prepared with care and in a. 
 proper apparatus. Professor Hare* recommends 
 the digestion of thcopium in aether, to be performed 
 in the Papin's digester, submit the opium thus treated , 
 to the action of spt. vin. rect. gvjih acetic, acid. 
 fort; 3j.t aqua fvii. and digest for seven days, filter 
 and evaporate in a water bath to the consistence of 
 an extract. This in fact will be an impure acetate 
 of morphia, possessing most of the advantages of that 
 valuable medicine. One ounce of the best Turkey 
 opium yielded by this process ^vi. of extract. Laud- 
 anum and other, preparations maybe made of the 
 usual standard, calculating 3vi. of the extract equiv- 
 alent to |i. of opium. 
 
 Dtnarcotistd acidulous Tincture of Opium. — Digest 
 §i. of coarsely powdered opium in one pint of 
 sulph. aether, s. g. .735 for ten days, occasionally sub- 
 mitting it to the influence of a moderate heat, until 
 it ceases to act upon the opium, separate the opium 
 and dry it, then digest in spt. vin. rect. iviii. acetic, 
 acid. fort. gii. aqua. gvi. for seven days, and filter. 
 This preparation will be found to possess great ad- 
 vantages over laudanum and the black drop of the 
 shops, to which it will be much preferable, inasmuch 
 as it will be destitute of the stimulating principle, 
 (narcotine,) which produces such distressing effects, 
 and frequently forbids the administration of opium, 
 where it might otherwise be extremely useful, the 
 
 * See Philadelphia Journal of the Med. ana Phys. Sciences? 
 No. IX. New Series, p. 78. 
 
 Acid pyre-ligneous, pure, (concentrated.) 
 
10 OPIUM. 
 
 addition of acetic acid will contribute much to in- 
 crease the calming or sedative effects, which are 
 most generally desired, and for which opium is par- 
 ticularly given. By its union with the morphia, it 
 forms in solution the active sedative salt of opium, 
 (acetate of morphia,) and differs only from the solu- 
 tion of the acetate of morphia of the shops, in its 
 state of purity, and as the extraneous matter with 
 which it is associated has no effect on the animal sys- 
 tem, it may be considered as good an article, and 
 should be preferred for general use, in consequence 
 of being much less expensive. As this preparation 
 will always possess uniform strength, and a like 
 proportion of opium, it certainly deserves a con- 
 spicuous place among our pharmaceutical prepara- 
 tions, and justly merits to supersede entirely the 
 common black drop of our shops, which is a very 
 uncertain preparation, differing every where in ac- 
 tivity from the indefinite and vague manner it is 
 directed to be made, to say nothing of the worse than 
 useless articles which enter into its composition, such 
 as yeast, nutmeg, and saffron.* The black drop 
 
 • It is a singular circumstance, that so imperfect and unsci- 
 entific a preparation should so long have maintained a place 
 in our materia medica. I believe there is no formula, not 
 even for the most innocent compound, so extremely indefi- 
 nite, and allowing so great a scope to the judgment of the 
 operator. In the first place, the vinegar containing the opi- 
 um, nutmeg, and saffron, is directed to be boiled to a proper 
 •onsistence. The activity of the preparation will consequent- 
 ly be subject to as much variation as the ideas of persons may 
 differ in relation to what is termed a proper consistence, and 
 
OPIUM. 1 1 
 
 ©wea its superiority over laudanum to the acetic 
 acid of its composition, and to that alone, and it will 
 be admitted by those conversant with the articles in 
 question, that acetic acid exercises a most powerful 
 influence in modifying the effects of opium. This I 
 can account for in no other way than by its uniting 
 with the morphia, thereby rendering it much more 
 soluble, and consequently facilitating its effects on 
 the constitution, which are directly sedative, while 
 
 while one person after evaporating perhaps one-eighth of the 
 menstrua, would consider it of proper consistence, another 
 might think it necessary to reduce it one-fourth, a third might 
 conceive that even one-half was the right consistence, and the 
 strength of the preparation would consequently be subject to 
 a like enormous variation. In the second place we are di- 
 rected to digest for seven weeks, and then place in the open air 
 until it becomes a syrup; we cannot see the propriety of digest- 
 ing so long a time, if at all, when the menstrua, if not saturat- 
 ed by the previous boiiing, has at least, taken up all its solu- 
 ble matter. Exposing it to the air until it becomes a syrup, is 
 subject to as many objections as boiling to a proper consis- 
 tence, and is almost as indefinite, as the consistence of a syrup 
 is of no fixed standard, but varies from a thin fluid, to the den- 
 sity of honey. It is lastly directed to be bottled, and to add 
 a little sugar to each bottle, what quantity is meant by a little 
 sugar, and what size the bottles are, to which it is to be 
 added, we are left to conjecture ; independent of the useless 
 addition of sugar to what is already a syrup ; the strength of 
 the article must be diminished in proportion to the size of the 
 bottles, and quantity of sugar to be added ; we think an arti- 
 cle so active as the black drop, should be prepared with more 
 care, and particular and specific directions given for the mode 
 of its preparation. An ingenious essay upon this subject U 
 given by Mr. Thomas Evans, in the Journal of the Philadel- 
 phia College of Pharmacy. 
 
12 opium. 
 
 the effects of opium in its natural state are stimu- 
 lating.* 
 
 It has been recommended, by Mr. Robiquet, to 
 make a watery infusion of the opium, and evaporate 
 the aqueous solution to the consistence of thin honey, 
 which is to be digested in aether, instead of the pow- 
 dered or shaved opium, (as described in the above, 
 and Dr. Hare's formula given in the Philadelphia 
 Journal of the Medical and Physical Sciences, No. 
 IX. New Series.) I consider this a worse than use- 
 less expenditure, for the asther will act fully as well* 
 if not more readily, upon opium in powder than upon 
 an extract containing water, and it is generally ad- 
 mitted, at least by the best authorities, Coxe, Thom- 
 son, and Paris, that the narcotic powers of opium 
 are impaired by boiling in water, under exposure to 
 air, hence it is that the officinal preparation, opium 
 purificatum, which formerly was highly recommend- 
 ed, is found to be no better, if not less active, than 
 crude opium, from which circumstance it has become 
 almost obsolete, and, rarely to be found in our shoj>3. 
 Under this article, Dr. Coxe, in his Amcricn Dispen- 
 
 • Dr. Joseph Hartshorxe, in consequence of the urieer-. 
 tainty of the'strength of the black drop of the shops,has adopted 
 the following preparation, which has been extensively employ- 
 ed, and found to possess all the advantages of that article : — 
 
 Turkey opium, • . .Jj. 
 
 Strong Vinegar, . . . gvj. 
 Alcohol, . . . . Jiv. 
 
 Triturate the opium with vinegar, add the alcohol, and digest 
 for ten days. 
 
OPIUM. 13 
 
 satory, very justly observes, that in consequence of 
 the changes which opium undergoes by solution and 
 subsequent evaporation, (alluding to the opium puri- 
 licatum,) well selected pieces are to be preferred to 
 this preparation. I cannot see the object in, or the 
 advantage that can result from, making a watery 
 extract, as the opium deprived of narcotine, will be 
 quite as subject to the action of proof spirits, or any 
 other menstrua, with its facculencies, as the crude 
 opium. We do not make a watery extract of opium 
 in the preparation of laudanum, and it would be quite 
 as necessary in this case as in the former. Besides, 
 water is not the most eligible menstrua for the solution 
 of the active matter of opium. Morphia is sparingly 
 soluble in water, and the meconiate nearly the 
 same, you, therefore, obtain but a portion of the 
 sedative principle, as a part of the morphia will re- 
 main with thefaeculencies undissolved, consequently, 
 with an increased labour and expense, a less active 
 preparation is obtained, than if the crude opium 
 were at once submitted to the action of aether, and 
 the residue to proof spirits, as in the above formula, 
 to which the addition of acetic acid is an admirable 
 improvement, rendering the morphia more soluble, 
 and consequently more active, in the same manner, 
 and nearly the same ratio, as sulphuric acid united 
 with quinine, (by increasing its solubility,) renders it 
 much more active and efficient. Dr. Thomson, 
 speaking of morphia, observes, that it being scarcely 
 soluble in water, or in the fluids of the stomach, in 
 its uncombined state, does not display in a striking 
 
 B 
 
14 OPIUM. 
 
 manner its properties when exhibited alone, but 
 these are very striking when combined with an 
 acid, particularly the acetic. 1 would here remark, 
 that the acetate of morphia,* of the shops, is a sub- 
 acetate, and is less active than the acetate or super- 
 acetate, which, being a deliquesent salt, must neces- 
 sarily be kept in solution ; it is, therefore, requisite 
 in making the solution from the sub-acetate, to add 
 acetic acid rather in excess than under neutraliza- 
 tion. The following is the formula I have adopted, 
 which will make a handsome solution, and is a pre- 
 paration that will keep: — 
 
 Sub-acetate of morphia, - - grs. xii. 
 
 Alcohol, acidulated with twelve drops 
 of acetic acid (pure concentrated 
 pyroligneous acid,) ^i. 
 
 Distilled water, ... - "g\. 
 
 Dissolve the morphia in the acidulated alcohol, and 
 add by degrees the water, and filter. Dose of the 
 solution, from fifteen to twenty drops. 
 
 This preparation has been very successfully used 
 by Dr. Holcombe, of Allentown, and Dr. Canfjeld, 
 of Arneytown, New Jersey, in cases where other 
 preparations of opium could not be administered, in 
 consequence of producing those unpleasant and dis- 
 
 * I found, in one instance, the morphia under the name of 
 acetate of morphia, perfectly uncombined with acid. This is 
 a much less active medicine, and it is therefore highly im- 
 portant to test this salt where you wish to administer it in sub- 
 stance. When in solution it must be united with acid, as mor- 
 phia is insoluble in water. 
 
OPIUM. 15 
 
 dressing sensations which frequently result from their 
 use. This preparation is now extensively employed, 
 and is attended with the most desirable conse- 
 quences. 
 
 Narcotine. — By the following process I obtained 
 jiarcotine in a perfectly pure state. 
 
 Digest ^i. of coarsely powdered opium in one 
 pint of aether, for ten days, frequently submitting it 
 to ebullition in a water bath, separate the aether and 
 add fresh portions until the opium is exhausted, eva- 
 porate at the common temperature of the atmos- 
 phere, by placing the setherial solution in a salt- 
 mouth bottle, remove the stopper, and cover the 
 mouth with bibulous paper, to prevent impurities 
 falling in, and protract the evaporation. As the 
 aether recedes, it leaves the sides of the bottle coated 
 with crystals of narcotine, as the solution becomes 
 more dense, the crystals enlarge and accumulate, and 
 the bottom of the vessel is covered with large trans- 
 parent crystals, accompanied with a brown viscid 
 liquor, and extract, which contains an acid, resin, 
 caoutchouc, &c. Separate these substances from 
 the crystalline mass and wash the salt in cold aether, 
 to separate more effectually the extract or colouring 
 matter. After the crystals have been sufficiently 
 washed, dissolve them in warm aether, evaporate as 
 before, when most beautiful snow white crystals of 
 perfectly pure narcotine will adhere to the sides of 
 Ihe vessel. Those on the sides of the bottle assume 
 plumose and arborescent forms, which, being made 
 md of delicate acicular crystals of a somewhat silky 
 
16 OPIUM. 
 
 lustre, exhibit* a most beautiful appearance. As the 
 as the rial solution becomes more dense by evapora- 
 tion, the crystals enlarge, and the bottom of the ves- 
 sel, as before, is covered with pure narcotine, as- 
 suming the rhombodidal prismatic form, with some 
 beautiful modifications of macled crystals. By pick- 
 ing out the largest and most regular crystals and 
 again dissolving them and evaporating and repeating 
 the same process, each time selecting the largest and 
 best crystals, I obtained crystals one-eighth of an 
 inch in diameter, and I believe by continuing in the 
 same manner, much larger might be obtained, as 
 they increase in size by every crystallization. 
 
 Resin , Caoutchouc, Oil, and Acid. — These sub- 
 stances are the constituents of the extractive matter 
 which covers the crystals, and is separated in the 
 manner above described ; on evaporation it forms 
 an extract without signs of crystallization. This 
 substance appears to possess all the heavy narcotic 
 odour of the opium. The narcotine, when perfectly 
 separated from this substance, has -very little odour, 
 and the denarcotised extract and laudanum posses- 
 ses less; in fact, so little, that it could hardly be de- 
 tected as a preparation of opium by the odour, the 
 
 strong odour of the extract arises from the oil of 
 
 i 
 opium which it contains. The activity of Baume's 
 
 celebrated extract, is considered by Neumann, to 
 reside in the oil and resin. The acid which exists In 
 this compound, has not been sufliciently examined 
 to say any thing definite in relation to it. The cha- 
 racters of the caoutchouc are very prominent f 
 
OPIUM. 17 
 
 have not yet tried the effects of this combination 
 upon animals, nor have I seen any description of it, 
 but judging merely from its sensible characters, it 
 would appear more active than the narcotine. 
 
 Morphia. — This substance exists in opium, united 
 with meconic acid ; its action on the human body 
 is that of a direct sedative, and possesses all the ad- 
 vantages which we may expect to find in opium, 
 without any of its inconveniences. Different modes 
 for the preparation of this article have been de- 
 scribed by Roeiquet, Derosne, Choulant, Stek- 
 T0ERNER, and others-; Dr. Thomson gives an easy 
 method to obtain it in a state of purity. He employs 
 ammonia instead of magnesia to decompose the 
 natural meconiate, &c. (see Annals of Philosophy 
 for June, 1820.) The sedative powers of morphia 
 becomes more manifest when combined with an acid, 
 particularly the acetic, which arises from increasing 
 its solubility. Morphia is very soluble in olive oil, and 
 according to the experiments of Mr. Majendie, the 
 compound acts with great intensity. 1 am indebted 
 to Dr. Coxe, for the following interesting history of 
 the crystalline forms of its saline compounds. 
 
 The carbcnat crystallizes in short prism?. 
 
 Acetate in soft silky prisms, is very soluble, and 
 extremely active — more so than any of its combi- 
 nations. 
 
 Sulphate in arborescent crystals, next in solubility 
 io the acetate, and rather less active. 
 
 Muriate in plumose crystals, much less soluble, 
 
 B2 
 
18 OPJtiM. 
 
 when evaporated, it concentrates into a shining white 
 plumose mass on cooling. 
 
 Nitrate in prisms grouped together. 
 . Meconiate in oblique prisms sparingly soluble. 
 
 Tartrate in prisms. 
 
 From either of the above combinations, morphia, 
 may be separated by ammonia. 
 
 The acetate of morphia is the most active prepa- 
 ration, and as it is a very deliquescent salt, is ex- 
 tremely difficult to obtain in crystals; under these 
 circumstances the following process has been re- 
 commended to convert the morphia into the acetate. 
 Take morphia, four parts, distilled water, eight 
 parts ; dilute the morphia in a procelain vessel, 
 afterwards add acetic acid, sp. gr. 1 .075, or pure con- 
 centrated pyroligneous acid until turnsole paper be- 
 comes scarcely converted red, evaporate the solution 
 to the consistence of syrup, continue the evaporation 
 slowly, either in the sun or in a stove, collect the 
 salt and reduce it to powder.** 
 
 The sulphate is the next most active salt of mor- 
 phia, and is employed where patients have been ac- 
 customed to the use of the acetate, for generally, by 
 varying the salts of alkaline medicines, their action 
 may be kept up longer without increasing the dose 
 too considerably. Formulas for the preparation of 
 the acetate and sulphate in solution, syrup, pills, &c. 
 are given in Hayden's Formulary and Formulaire de 
 Montpellier. The other combinations of morphia 
 with the exception of the citrate, tartrate, and me- 
 coniate, have not yet been employed in medicine. 
 • Pharmacopia Gallica, 1818, p. 387, 
 
OPIUM. 19 
 
 Mtconic acid exists in combination with morphia 
 in crude opium, forming a meeoniate of morphia; 
 it is to this salt that laudanum owes its narcotic ef- 
 fects. Our distinguished chemist, Dr. Hare, has 
 given, in the Philadelphia Journal of the Medical and 
 Physical Sciences, No. IX. New Series, an easy pro- 
 cess for obtaining this acid, and also a very delicate 
 test and easy mode of detecting minute quantities of 
 opium in solution ; his observations on this subject 
 are well worthy the attention of the chemist and 
 pharmaceutist. 
 
 Fcsculencies., S/c. — Fasculencies and insoluble mat- 
 ter consist chiefly of the leaves., capsules, and stems 
 of the poppy ; besides these, however, extraneous 
 matters are frequently found, having been fraudulent- 
 ly introduced to increase its weight. The insoluble 
 matter in different parcels of opium vary from one 
 and a half to near three drachms in the ounce. 
 
 The effects of opium are generally so well known, 
 that it is unnecessary to give a description ;* it some- 
 
 * The following- particular account of the effects of opium 
 -on the Turks, by Baron de Totr, may be interesting- to many 
 readers. Speaking of those who give themselves up to its im- 
 moderate use, he says-: — Destined to live agreeably only 
 when in a sort of drunkenness, these men present above all a 
 curious spectacle, when they are assembled in a part of Con- 
 stantinople, called tehiaky tchakchisst, the market of opium- 
 eaters. It is there that, towards evening", one sees the lovers 
 of opium arrive by the different streets which terminate at the 
 Solymania, whose pale and melancholy countenances would 
 inspire only compassion, did not their stretched necks, their 
 heads tw r isted to the right and left, their back bones crooked, 
 one shoulder up to the ears, and a number of other whimsical 
 
^0 OPIUM. 
 
 times, however, exercises very remarkable and 
 singular effects on the constitution, differing mate- 
 Attitudes, which are the consequences x>f the disorder, present 
 the most ludicrous and the most laughable picture. A long 
 tow of little shops is built against one of the walls of the place 
 where the mosque stands. 'These shops are shaded by an ar- 
 bour, which communicates from one to the other, and under 
 which every merchant takes care to place a small sofa for his 
 customers to sit on, without hindering the passage, who place 
 themselves in succession to receive a dose proportioned to the 
 degree of habit and want they have contracted.- The pills are 
 soon distributed ; the most experienced swallow four of thete, 
 larger than olives, and every one drinking 1 a large glass of cold 
 water upon it, wails in some particular attitude for an agreea- 
 ble reverie, which at the end of three quarters of an hour, or 
 an hour at most, never fails to animate these machines, and 
 make them gesticulate in a hundred different manners, but 
 they are always very extraordinary and very gay. This is the 
 moment when the scene becomes most interesting, all the ac- 
 tors are happy, each of them returns home in a state of total 
 tbriefy, but in the full end perfect possession of an happiness 
 which reason i3 not able to procure him Deaf to the hoot- 
 ■ings cf the passengers they meet with, who divert themselves 
 by making* them talk nonsense, every one of them firmly be- 
 lieves himself in possession of what he wishes : they have the 
 •appearance and the feeling of it; the reality frequently does 
 not produce so much pleasure. The same thing 1 happens in 
 private houses, where the master sets the example of this 
 strange debauch. The men of the law are most subject to it; 
 and all the dervises used to get drunk with opium, before they 
 learned to prefer the excess of wine. There are instances of 
 persons getting drunk indifferently with opium or with bran- 
 dy. There is a decoction which is made of the shells and 
 ■seeds of the poppy; this the Persians call locquenor, they sell 
 it publicly in all their cities, as they do coffee. The Persians 
 say it entertains their fancies with pleasant visions and a kind 
 ®f rapture j they very soon grow merry, tiiea burst into & 
 
OPIUM. 21 
 
 rially in its action on different individuals. A case 
 is mentioned in the Archives Generates de Medicine 
 lor Dec. 1826, of a lady of nervous temperament, 
 who on taking a draught in which there was half a 
 grain of acetate of morphia, suddenly sunk into a 
 state of syncope, which continued for two or three 
 hours ; it was several times repeated at several inter- 
 vals of an hour or two, and attended with the 
 same results. Dr. Dewees met with an instance in 
 which the opium invariably purged, and was in the 
 habit of employing it as a purgative in this case, in 
 doses of two grains, purgatives not producing their 
 usual effects ; he has also met with one instance in 
 which opium excited violent coughing, even when 
 administered in enema.* Dr. Rousseau informed 
 me he had a case somewhat similar to the former, 
 (an unmarried lady of thirty-four years,) where 
 opium universally acted as a purgative ; the denar- 
 
 laugh, which continues till they die away in a swoon. It is 
 found by those who have a disposition for jesting" to increase 
 that extremely. After the operation of this remedy, the body 
 grows cold, pensive, and heavy ; and in this dull and indolent 
 situation it remains till the dose is repeated. It is curious to 
 observe the countenances of those who use this decoction, be- 
 fore its operation, and when its effects have taken place. — 
 When they come into the decoction-house, they are dull, pale, 
 and languid; but as soon as the remedy begins to operate, 
 they are quite changed; they run into all the extravagancies 
 of mirth and laughter, and such an uproar is produced, that it 
 would be more proper to give it the name of the mad-house 
 .than decoction-shop. — (Crcmpk on Opium.) 
 
 * See the Philadelphia Journal of the Medical and Physical 
 Sciences, No. IX. New Series, p. 147", 
 
22 opium. 
 
 cotised laudanum administered by Dr. Rousseau to 
 the same patient, did not produce this singular effect, 
 although continued for several days.* This same 
 gentleman also informs me that it is not unfrequent in 
 his practice to meet with cases in which opium acts 
 as a purgative, and has discovered that the addition of 
 tartaric acid increases considerably its purgative 
 effects. 
 
 The several preparations of opium as above des- 
 cribed, may be procured at Carpenter's Chemical 
 Warehouse, No. 301, Market street, Philadelphia. 
 
 It is stated that highly rectified asther is the only 
 menstrua for the solution of narcotine. If this is the 
 fact, I cannot understand how laudanum contains 
 this principle when its menstrua is nothing stronger 
 than proof spirits, and that nearly saturated with the 
 gummy, resinous, and other soluble matters of the 
 opium. 
 
 I am about instituting some experiments upon the 
 residue of opium after laudanum has been made, and 
 also upon the matter precipitated from laudanum 
 after longstanding, the results of which I hope to 
 submit in a subsequent number of the Philadelphia 
 Journal of the Medical and Physical Sciences. 
 
 * Dr. Rousseau has since informed me, that on further con- 
 tinuing the use of the denarcotised tincture, the purgative ef- 
 fects recurred, and he was consequently obliged to suspend 
 hi administration, 
 
opium. 23 
 
 Additional Remarks on the Dznarcotsied Acidulous 
 Tincture of Opium. 
 Subsequent experiments have decidedly given pre- 
 ference to the. acidulous tincture of denarcotised 
 opium, it is certainly one of the most valuable pre- 
 parations of this article, and is a highly valuable sub- 
 stitute for the black drop, which is preferred to lau- 
 danum on account of its small dose, and not produc- 
 ing nausea or the unpleasant stimulating effects of 
 opium, it is, however, objectionable as before stated, 
 for the uncertainty of its strength resulting from the 
 vague and indefinite mode of its preparation. My 
 friend, Dr. Samuel Jackson, of Northumberland has 
 corroborated this statement in his valuable paper in 
 the American Journal of Medicaftciences, No. XL 
 for August, 1830, page 319, speaking of the use of 
 Dr. Hartshorne's acetated tincture of opium, which 
 is the same as my acidulated denarcotised tincture, 
 with the exception of using common opium instead 
 of denarcotised. He there states, " This is a substi- 
 tute for the uncertain preparation, black drop, and 
 is supposed to be suitable to those constitutions on 
 which laudanum and common opium act in a well 
 known unfriendly manner, this proposition is true in 
 part only, for while it comforts some of these excita- 
 ble persons, it distresses others in the usual way of 
 common laudanum. Here, then, we have the most 
 happy resource in the denarcotised opium, which 
 we confidently believe, from much experience brings 
 comfort to all. But " nil omni parte beatum," it oc- 
 casions costiveness like common laudanum. Whe- 
 
24 opium. 
 
 ther this evil, with all the rest, is avoided by- Carpen- 
 ter's acidified tincture of denarcotiscd opium, we 
 have not satisfactorily ascertained ; but from expe- 
 rience zve are ready to believe that it is the best prepa- 
 ration of opium now before the public" Numerous 
 testimonies of like import to Dr. Jackson's just given 
 might be cited in favour of this preparation, but its 
 increasing popularity and extensive use 'among the 
 faculty, will go farther to support its character than 
 any thing which can be written in relation to it. 
 
 O/i the Cultivation of the Poppy and the Manufacture 
 
 of Opium, 
 The southern section of the United States is 
 adapted in every point of view for the cultivation 
 of the poppy, and the manufacture of opium ; cli- 
 mate, soil and slave population is in every respect 
 favourable, and it is a matter of great surprise that 
 the United States ere this, has not been conspicu- 
 ous for supplying her own territories as well foreign 
 markets with this expensive, highly valuable and in- 
 dispensible article of the materia medica. The in- 
 timation which I threw out in a former paper, pub- 
 lished in our valuable periodical, the American Jour- 
 nal of Medical Sciences, induced several of my medi- 
 cal friends in the South to undertake the experiment, 
 and for this purpose 1 furnished them with the seed 
 of the papaver somniferum, obtained from Messrs. 
 Landreth's, and 1 was pleased to hear the first ex- 
 periment resulted by no means discouraging, and 1 
 have not the least doubt but by persevering they 
 
opium. 25 
 
 will prove successful, and compensate for labour 
 more than any product now yielded by their 6oih 
 Having had frequent applications for an account of the 
 natural history oflhepapavcr, its mode of cultivation, 
 and the manner of preparingthe opium, 1 will give the 
 following succinct statement, for which I am partly 
 indebted to Dr. Crump's treatise on opium. Opium, 
 like Peruvian Bark, has been the subject of consid- 
 erable controversy ; various authors have differed 
 essentially in their views of this article, differing not 
 only in the investigation of its constituent principles 
 and modus operandi, but in the most obvious facts 
 of its natural history. These controversies have 
 now been settled by careful experiments, and the 
 manner of its production and preparation is now 
 perfectly understood, so as to remove difference of 
 opinion on these points. 
 
 Opium is produced in various parts of the world. 
 That of our shops is generally imported from Smyr- 
 na, and is commonly called Turkey opium, it comes 
 in cakes from four ounces to a pound in weight, and 
 generally in cases of about one hundred pounds or 
 more. There is considerable difference in the quality 
 of this opium as regards its purity, some of it appears 
 to be full of the capsules of the poppy, and other ve- 
 getable impurities, leaves, &c. in some instances 
 amounting to as much as twenty-five per cent. ; in- 
 deed I have seen it in some instances with only suf- 
 ficient of the inspissated juice to make these impuri- 
 ties in a mass, by giving adhesion and consistence to 
 
 them ; there is also another fraud practised by intro- 
 
 C 
 
% 
 
 OPIUM. 
 
 ducing foreign substances to increase its weight, 
 such as stones, pieces of lead, bullets, &c. which in 
 some instances amount to a considerable percentage. 
 I recollect once having sent to a physician a few 
 pounds of opium, which externally had the appear- 
 ance of the best quality, which it was, with the ex- 
 ception of small pebbles, which had been introduced 
 in it when prepared, as its external parts were "en- 
 tire, and of a hard consistence. The physician was 
 highly incensed, and at the spur of the moment he 
 inclosed the rocks, as he called them, to me in a 
 letter, which would have amounted to several dollars 
 postage. He however sent them entirely to the 
 wrong place, and I returned them to him through 
 the same channel, requesting him to send them to 
 the Turks where they had been introduced. I have 
 invariably found the flat pieces of opium to be the 
 best, much more free from impurities, and have fre- 
 quently found in the same case of opium the flat 
 pieces to break with a short clear fracture, while the 
 thick round pieces were full of leaves and impurities, 
 and I am thus always particular in selecting opium 
 to reject the nodular pieces. Opium is prepared 
 and consumed in considerable quantity over all the 
 warmer regions of Asia, in Egypt and other parts of 
 Africa, where the Mahometon religion prevails, 
 being deprived by the tenets of their religion from 
 the use of wine and ardent spirits, they have recourse 
 to the use of opium. Egypt, and especially the 
 Thebes, was long famous for the quantity and excel- 
 lence of its opium, and hence the term Thebaic is 
 
opium. 27 
 
 still given to some of its preparation?. Wherever 
 opium is manufactured, large fields are tilled for the 
 cultivation of the poppy, and the sales of opium con- 
 stitutes no inconsiderable branch of commerce. The 
 pieces of opium are generally covered with the dried 
 leaves of the poppy, and sometimes with the husks 
 and seeds of some of the lapatha or dock kind — an 
 observation long since made by Dr. Alston. These 
 also enter into the mass of the nodular pieces which 
 constitutes part of the feculencies and impurities. — 
 That opium is the product of the poppy, appears the 
 only fact which writers do not more or less differ in. 
 Thera are no less than nine species of the papaver, 
 but that from which opium is principally obtained 
 is the seventh or u papaver somniferum," although 
 this species is preferable to the others in conse* 
 quence of yielding a larger quantity of opium, yet 
 they all afford opium of equal quality, but th« 
 smallness of their heads must yield it in much lesa 
 quantity. Dr. Crump states that he obtained from 
 the papaver rheas opium perfectly similar to that got 
 from the somniferum. 
 
 Much difference of opinion prevails as to the 
 manner in which the opium that is imported into 
 Europe is obtained from the poppy, some state that 
 it is obtained from the heads, stalks and leaves by 
 boiling and inspissation, some that it is merely the 
 expressed juice inspissated by heat, and others, that 
 it was obtained from the milky juice by wounding 
 the heads. In those countries where opium is manu- 
 factured, that an extract is obtained from the poppy 
 
28 opium. 
 
 plant by boiling cannot be denied. Dioscorides* 
 takes particular notice of it, and distinguishes it from 
 the juice obtained by wounding the heads of the 
 poppy, which he says is the true opium, by the name 
 of Meconium. Plinyt makes a similar distinction, 
 as does Kaempfer in his Amoenitate Exotica, and 
 Bontius in his Medicina Indorum. Many have con- 
 cluded from the large quantities of opium which i» 
 consumed, and from its generally moderate price, 
 that our opium is merely an extract. Of this opinion 
 are Prosper Alpinusj Lemery,§ Savory,|| Cbnda- 
 minelF and others. I cannot, however, for varioui 
 reasons accede to it, the only one of its advocatei 
 who could determine from actual experience, wa» 
 Prosper Alpinus, and he probably was led into a mis- 
 take, from Egyptians adulterating the real opium 
 with meconium. I lately received from my friend, 
 Mr. J. H. Parmele, of Zanesville, Ohio, an 
 extract from the heads of the white poppy after 
 the opium had been separated in the usual way by 
 incisions. Mr. Parmele sent me rather more than 
 half a pound of this extract, by which I had am- 
 ply sufficient for full experiments with it, and I 
 found it possessed little or none of the effects y>t 
 
 * De Materia Medica, lib. 4, c. 25. 
 f Naturali Historia, lib. 20, c. 18. 
 
 * Medicina Egyptiorum, lib. 4, c. 2. 
 
 § Dictionnaire des Drogues, art. opium. 
 j Dictionnaire de Commerce. 
 
 f Mem. de 1' Academic des Science! pou? V tn> 17i2/ p.. 
 42U 
 
OPIUM. 
 
 2<> 
 
 opium, in small doses it had no effect, and taken jn 
 large doses, it rather nauseated than produced any 
 anodyne effects which proves their opium if atalrjudi- 
 ciously managed, must be obtained by incision, as 
 the additional quantity which would be obtain- 
 ed by boiling or expression, would only increase 
 the weight, without adding strength, and consequent- 
 ly much reduce the activity of the opium, as also to 
 make it very uncertain, varying according to the 
 quantity of extractive matter which might be mixed 
 with the opium, which would never be uniform, but 
 differ more orlcss whenever it was prepared. Kaemp- 
 fer, who lived two years in Persia, asserts positively 
 that the opium is obtained from the heads by incision 
 and particularly describes the operation. The in- 
 cision, he says, are made with a fine edged knife in 
 the evening, and the juice being collected next day, 
 is inspissated to the consistence of opium.* A sim- 
 ilar account is given by Garcias.t But that opium 
 is obtained by incision, is placed beyond a doubt by 
 Mr. Ker, who has given a very accurate description 
 of the manner in which the poppy is cultivated, and 
 the opium obtained from it by incision, in the pro- 
 vince of Bahar, in the East Indies. The seeds, 
 according to him, are sown in quadrangular areas, the 
 intervals of which are formed into aqueducts for 
 conveying water to each area. The plants are al- 
 lowed to grow six or eight inches from each other, 
 
 * Amanitates Exotica, Fasc. 31b. 15. 
 f Historiua aramatum and simplicium lib. 1, «. 4 
 
 C 2 
 
30 opium. 
 
 and are plentiful!/ supplied with water till they are 
 eix or eight inches high, when a nutrient com- 
 post of dung, ashes, and nitrous earth, is laid over 
 the areas. A short time previous to the appearance 
 of the flowers, they are again well watered, till the 
 capsules are half grown, when the watering is stop- 
 ped and they begin to collect the opium. The pro- 
 cess by which it is effected, is simply by making at 
 Bun-set two longitudinal incisions from below up- 
 wards, without penetrating the cavity, with an in- 
 strument which has two pom's, which should be as 
 sharp as a lancet, the incisions should be repeated 
 €very evening until each capsule has received six or 
 -eight wounds, and they are then allowed to ripen 
 their seeds. The juice which exudes is collected in 
 the mornings and being inspissated to a proper con- 
 sistence by working it in an earthen pot- in the sun's 
 heat, is formed into cakes for sale. (See Medical 
 Observations and Inquiries, vol 5, Article 28;. also, 
 in support of the same opinion, Chardin's Travel* 
 into Persia. 
 , In addition to this very particular account given 
 by an ocular witness, of the manner in which opium 
 is extracted by incision in the East Indies; we have 
 further proof that the whole quantity produced in 
 Persia, Natolia,and other countries, is obtained in a 
 similar way, from considering that opium may be 
 extracted by incision ftom the poppies of our own 
 climate, perfectly similar to that imported from these 
 countries; while neither the extract of the poppies 
 produced by boiling, nor the inspissated expressed 
 juice, bear an/ resemblance to it. These facts, it 
 
OTIUM. 31 
 
 ■appears, were first ascertained by Dr. Alston.* I 
 have myself, says Dr. Crumpe, extracted from our 
 own poppies a pretty considerable quantity of 
 opium, which differs from that of the shops, only 
 lin smelling stronger, and being to the taste more 
 bitter and pungent, its superiority, however,* in these 
 respects, Seemed gradually to diminish. In obtain- 
 >in-_5 it I followed sometimes the method mentioned 
 by Ksenipferj. making five incisions at a time, some- 
 times that described by Mr. Ker, making but two, 
 and think "the one answers in the end just as well as 
 •the other. Opium h frequently of a very dark co- 
 Jour, which ^arises sometimes from the iron instru- 
 ments employed in collecting it ; the chalybeate 
 striking a black colour "with the astringent matter of the 
 juice. For when opium (as has been proved by 
 experiment, was collected by making the incisioui 
 with a sharp piece i&, and a shell to collect the 
 
 juice, if opium of a clearer reddish browa 
 
 than i> usually obs? 
 
 Notwithstanding that pure opium is obtained by 
 incision alone, it must be admitted that opium is al- 
 most always more or less adulterated, and sometimes 
 mixed with the expressed juice, extract of the 
 plant, and other foreign substances. In twelve part* 
 of opium officinarum there will be generally found 
 from three to three and a half of feculencies insolu- 
 ble in water or alcohol ; and Dr. Crump states, that 
 sn the opium which he collected, there were but tvvu 
 .parts insoluble, which seemed principally composed 
 
 * Medical Essays, vol. V« 
 
32 OPIUM. 
 
 of the external cuticle of the capsule which was 
 separated in scraping off the juice. I have no doubt 
 it might be collected perfectly pure by a little more 
 care in its preparation, or the juice might be strained 
 when liquid, or rendered more limpid by the addition 
 of a little spt. of wine, by which it could be filtered 
 and inspissated in the sun as usual ; and I would par- 
 ticularly suggest to those who may think proper to 
 cultivate the poppy and prepare the opium, to be 
 very particular in getting it as free from feculencie* 
 as possible, and thus let the American opium be dis- 
 tinguished for its purity. I have remarked that the 
 English opium was much superior to the Turkey, 
 being much purer, and more active in the same 
 doses, and producing more morphia, and command- 
 ing a higher price in the market, which arose entirely 
 in consequence of the particular care in its prepara- 
 tion. Mr. Ker supposes that the poppy may be cul- 
 tivated to advantage on ground of little value. Aa 
 acre, he says, yields in the East Indies, sixty pounds 
 of opium, which at the usual price, would be between 
 2 and 300 dollars. I have no doubt it might be 
 made to yield nearly the same amount in this coun- 
 try ; the experiment, at all events, may easily be 
 made, and seems worthy of attention. If any over, 
 plus remained after our own demands, a ready mar- 
 ket would be found for it in the East Indies, where its 
 consumption is very considerable, and price gene- 
 rally high. Several of my medical friends have suc- 
 cessfully prepared the opium trom seeds which I 
 sent them. Dr. Chas. S. Lucas, of Mount Meigs, 
 
opium. S3 
 
 -Alabama, cultivated the poppy and prepared opium 
 fully equal to the Turkey, and if the price of labour 
 .nvas less expensive, lie informs me he could advan- 
 tageously cultivate it in preference to cotton," which 
 is the staple commodity of that country ; my friend 
 Dr. A. Jones, of Lexington, Georgia, to whom I sent 
 *ome of Messrs. LandretlVs seeds, has also been suc- 
 cessful in his experiments, I am indebted to him 
 for the follo'.v:: ig interesting facts in relation to the 
 *ame, as extracted from his letter to me, of July 12th, 
 1830: — The seed came to hand about the middle of 
 March ; about the end of the same month I sowed 
 on a square of my garden, about half of the seeds 
 you sent me, reserving the balance till later in the 
 spring. The piece of ground I sowed the first seed 
 on, was of alight, loose, and rather sandy soil, which 
 was well manured for the purpose, and comprehend- 
 ed a space of about twenty-five feet long by ten or 
 Iwelve feet wide. They were sown and covered 
 shallow, and came up very thick ; so much so that 
 I had to thin out more than one half; they were 
 drilled in rows about eighteen inches or two feet 
 apart. By working them they grew up very finely 
 and flowered by the first of June ; by the fifteenth of 
 the same month the capsules were sufficiently ma« 
 lured to allow incision. I made my incisions diag- 
 onally up and down the heads ; I found if I made them 
 longitudinally, a great deal of juice would fall from 
 their heads to the ground. I repeated the incisions 
 until six or eight were inflicted, 1 then left them to 
 go to seed. I also left a large number of headi for 
 
34 opium. 
 
 seed, without interrupting them. Soon after I begao 
 my incisions a severe drought set in, in this part of 
 the state, which parched up the leaves of my planfy 
 and caused the further growth of the heads to cease ; 
 many of them withered and died while young and 
 tender, so that I do not think upon the whole, that 
 I gathered half the opium which I could have done 
 ander favourable circumstances. The other half of the 
 seed I planted in the same kind of soil, and not one 
 of them came up ; I distributed a few of them among 
 my friends, but none of their seed came up.* From 
 the first seed I planted I procured one fourth of a 
 pound of good hard opium, and one and three quar- 
 ters of a pound of seed. I would send you a speci- 
 men of my opium if I had a good opportunity. Many 
 of the capsules attained the size of a common man's 
 fist. I am sure one hand could cultivate as much 
 ground in poppies as he could in cotton. My ex- 
 periments have not been sufficiently extensive to say 
 how profitable may be its culture in the south, they 
 have however been thus far very flattering and en- 
 couraging. It will be some time however before it 
 will be extensively raised, as people change very 
 slowly from one object of cultivation to another. 
 Since I gathered my seeds, I have placed parcels in 
 several physicians hands, who have promised to 
 make very careful experiments with them so that the 
 success of their profitable culture will be fully tested 
 in a short time. 
 
 • This has resulted in consequence of the seeds haying been 
 sown too late in the season, but as they lay uninjured in the 
 soil during the winter, they will come up the ensuing spring 
 
My ingenious friend, I. H. Parmele, Esq. of Zanes« 
 ville, Ohio, has also successfully experimented upon 
 the poppy, and prepared opium fully equal to the 
 best Turkey. He informs me that incisions on the 
 kead of the poppy are immediately followed by a 
 copious flow of juice, which gradually concretes, 
 it can be taken from the head a short time after it 
 flows, as it soon becomes indurated, but even after it 
 has become inspissated to a proper degree to be re- 
 moved from the heads, the loss of weight is very 
 great. In one instance I weighed carefully a fresh 
 gathering from the heads, and found it weighed 106 
 * ~ains, in twenty-four hours after I weighed the same 
 again and found it to be 44 grains, so that the loss 
 
 was 62 grains. 
 
 The great desideratum is expedition in making the 
 
 incisions, to be effected by some implement that shall 
 
 encompass the heads, adapted to any size, and which 
 
 will incise them all around at one stroke ; it should 
 
 consist of a circle of elastic lances, to proceed coni- 
 
 cally from a stem ; the lancets to be gu~ged at the 
 
 end, and furnished with guards, and encompassed 
 
 with a sliding ring by which the lancets could be 
 
 held adjusted to the size of a poppy head as they 
 
 were pushed down over it. It should be made of 
 
 the best steel and well tempered ; this instrument 
 
 once made and successfully applied, would give a 
 
 new impulse to the cultivation of the poppy. I have 
 
 a fine piece of land selected, which I design for the 
 
 cultivation of the poppy, and will commit to you the 
 
 result of my experiments. 
 
36 OPIUMf* 
 
 I think it an object for our southern planters to 
 turn their attention to the cultivation of the poppy, 
 as prospects of the successful manufacture of opium 
 in this country are very encouraging, and all the ex- 
 periments which have yet been made upon the sub- 
 ject, bave produced the most favourable result*. 
 
OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENT* 
 
 OK 
 
 The cinchona, or as it is more generally denomi- 
 nated, Peruvian Bark, is the product of several spe- 
 cies of the genus Cinchona, which m botanical ar- 
 rangement, belongs to "the class Pentandria, order 
 Monogynia, and to the natural order Contorta. 
 
 The descriptions of the species of this genus, from 
 the limited and imperfect nature of the information 
 possessed, have been generally so confused and inde- 
 finite, as to convey little or no information. 
 
 Cinchona is found in various parts of South Amer- 
 ica, always inhabiting mountainous tracts, where it 
 grows from a few inches in diameter to the thickness 
 of a man's body. The bark is collected in the dry 
 •eason, say from September till November, and after 
 being well dried in the sun, is packed up in skins, 
 forming what is called seroons, weighing from fifty 
 to one hundred and fifty pounds. 
 
 Several species are frequently mixed together iit 
 these seroons, which are afterwards separated, ac- 
 cording to quality ; it is not, however, uncommon to 
 find several species mixed together on their arrival 
 at our markets. The tree has never yet been culti- 
 rated by the Spaniards, who procure it by stripping 
 
38 OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS 
 
 the natural trees of their bark, which ultimately 
 must destroy the genus, as they always die after the 
 operation. 
 
 Most of the varieties of cinchona being highly val- 
 uable, and consequently very liable to be adulterated 
 with various substances, it is therefore important to 
 adhere to a critical examination of all its characters. 
 
 The accounts of the discovery of cinchona are 
 very numerous, and many from their singularity and 
 improbability, are no doubt founded in fiction. It 
 has long been esteemed a valuable medicine in Peru, 
 where it is said the natives have adopted its use, from 
 observing that animals recur to it. Be the source of 
 its first employment what it may, it was not used by 
 Europeans until the year 1640, when the countess 
 Cinchon, wife of the Spanish viceroy, was cured of 
 the ague by means of it, and hence the derivation of 
 its name, cinchona. As frequently occurs on the in- 
 troduction of any new remedy, considerable noise 
 was made, and opposition raised against it by several 
 eminent physicians ; but when admitted to proper 
 experiments, its efficacy soon suppressed the ground- 
 less clamor which had been too hastily excited. 
 
 The principle, says Dr. Paris, on which the tonic 
 and febrifuge properties of bark depend, has ever 
 been a fruitful source of controversy. Deschamps 
 attributed it to cinchonate of lime. Westering con- 
 sidered tannin as the active principle ; while M, 
 Seguin assigned all the virtues to the principle which' 
 precipitates gallic acid. Fabroni concluded from 
 his experiments, that the febrifuge power of the bark 
 
ON PERUVIAN BARK. JU 
 
 did not belong exclusively -and essentially to the 
 astringent, bitter, or to any other individual princi- 
 ple ; since the quantity of these would necessarily be 
 increased by long boiling; whereas the virtues of 
 the bark are notoriously diminished by protracted 
 ebullition. 
 
 Perhaps no vegptable substance, underwent so 
 many analyses, by the most distinguished chemists of 
 Europe, as the cinchona; and yet so little positive 
 knowledge was obtained of its true constituents, and 
 such was the very obscure condition of our informa- 
 tion of the active principle of cinchona, when the 
 scrutinizing, critical and successful researches of 
 Pelietier and Caventou, detected the existence of 
 two salifiable bases, in peculiar states of combina- 
 tion, in the different species of cinchona. The med- 
 ical profession is therefore indebted to these in- 
 telligent and enterprising chemists, for one of the 
 most valuable additions ever made to the materia 
 mcdica. 
 
 Among all the late discoveries in vegetable chem- 
 istry, there is none which claims so much attention 
 from extensive usefulness, as that of quinine. This 
 principle contains all the tonic and febrifuge proper- 
 ties of Peruvian bark, in their most concentrated 
 state. By the substitution of this preparation for the 
 crude bark, the physician can conveniently adminis- 
 ter it to the most delicate constitution, in an eligible 
 form, and by no means an unpleasant dose, what pre- 
 viously was considered the most nauseous and dis- 
 agreeable medicine, and frequently, from its bulky 
 
40 OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS 
 
 nature, (when administered in less than ordinary 
 doses,) was rejected by the stomach. 
 
 In consequence of the prevailing endemics, ague 
 and remittent fevers, which, of late years, have visit- 
 ed almost every section of our country, the article 
 cinchona has increased very much in practice and 
 demand, and become one of the most important ar- 
 ticles of the materia medica. 
 
 The descriptions which have been given by most 
 authors, to distinguish the many species and varie- 
 ties of this extensive and important genus, are so im- 
 ' perfect and confused, that they tend rather to involve 
 research in more dense obscurity, than to develope 
 any information. It is admitted, there is no method 
 so well calculated to ascertain, with any degree of 
 certainty , the comparative activity of the different 
 species of Peruvian bark, as that of analysis; and 
 from this circumstance, 1 have made trial of some 
 of the most important species, which now occur in 
 our commerce, for the purpose of determining their 
 qualities, which I have done by extracting the alka- 
 line principle, upon which their virtue as a medicine, 
 entirely depends, and from the product of which, 
 their comparative strength may be accurately and 
 readily ascertained. 
 
 It is a source of regret, that many of our country 
 physicians so little appreciate the quality of cinchona, 
 as to be governed entirely by the price, which from 
 the following statement, will appear to be the most 
 remote and inaccurate grounds for calculation, as 
 ihe cheapest or lowest priced bark in the market^ is 
 
ON PERUVIAN BARK. 41 
 
 &r dearer to the practitioner, and particularly to the 
 patient, than that which commands the highest price ; 
 for it not only requires the patient to swallow twelre 
 times the quantity to produce the same effect, inde- 
 pendent of the loss of time, but also by charging the 
 stomach, when in a weak and debilitated state, with 
 to large a portion of ligneous and insoluble matter, 
 may vjve rise to diseases more serious than those for 
 which it was administered as a remedy. 
 
 The bark of commerce, in this country and in 
 England, is generally designated under the limited 
 nomenclature of red, pale and yellow. There are 
 now no less than twenty-five distinct species of cin- 
 chona, independent of any additions we may owe to 
 the zeal of Humboldt and Bonpland, as well as of 
 Mr. A. T. Thompson, who states, that in a large 
 collection of dried specimens of the genus cinchona 
 in his possession, collected in 1805, both near Loxa 
 and Santa Fe, he finds many specimens which are 
 not mentioned in the works of any Spanish botanist. 
 
 Dv. Paris, in his valuable Pharmacologia, justly re- 
 marks, that notwithstanding the labours of the Span- 
 ish botanists, the history of this important genus is 
 still involved in considerable perplexity - 7 and owing 
 to the mixture of the barks of several species, 
 and their importation into Europe under one com- 
 mon name^k is extremely difficult to reconcile the 
 contradictory opinions which exist upon this sub- 
 ject. Under the trivial name officinalis, Linnaeus 
 confounded no less than four distinct species of cin- 
 chona; and under the same denomination, the Bri- 
 
 D2 
 
42 OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS 
 
 tish Pharmacopoeias for a long period placed as varie- 
 ties, the three barks known in the**?hops ; this error 
 indeed is still maintained in the Dublin Pharmaco- 
 poeia, but the London and Edinburgh colleges, have 8t 
 length adopted the arrangement" of Mutis, a cele- 
 brated botanist who has resided in South America, 
 and held the official situation of director of the im- 
 portation of bark for nearly forty years. 
 
 The apothecaries of this country and England, at 
 the present day, distinguish the denomination of their 
 bark, by terms expressive of the colour; and it is a 
 source of still greater surprise, to find the orders and 
 prescriptions of some of our most intelligent physi- 
 cians, designating the species of bark they wish to 
 employ, by no other, than one of the terms signifying 
 red, pale or yellow; thus reducing the extensive 
 genus cinchona, of not less than twenty-five species 
 into three varieties, and leaving it entirely to the 
 discretion of the apothecary, to give him any species, 
 of a colour correspondent to that ordered. Indepen- 
 dent of the great insufficiency of these terms to dis- 
 tinguish the numerous species, the colour of the 
 powder, is one of the most uncertain and inaccurate 
 methods which could be adopted, of classing or as- 
 sorting the cinchonas ; as under the same denomina- 
 tion, the best species of bark in commerce, (calisaya 
 arrollenda,) would be confounded with* the most in- 
 ferior, (carthagena,) as the colour of the powders of 
 both is yellow ; hence a physician writing for yellow 
 bark, leaves it to the choice of the apothecary, to 
 give him what species he may think proper, of a cor- 
 
OK PERUVIAN BARK. 43 
 
 respondent colour, but varying in quality from calis- 
 aya to carthagena, or in medicinal activity as from 
 12 to 1. 
 
 The importance therefore of adopting terms more 
 definite to distinguish the several species of Peruvian 
 hark must be obvious, and that the botanical nomen- 
 clature of these species is imperfect and inadequate, 
 is equally so. The quality of Peruvian bark appears 
 ta be modified and influenced by locality, produced 
 by difference in soil, altitude of situation, exposure, 
 or some other circumstances peculiar to the location, 
 hence the different provinces of Peru afford bark dif- 
 fering very materially in their physical characters 
 and particularly in the activity of their medical 
 qualities, from which circumstances it would appear 
 that a nomenclature derived from the names of the 
 provinces in which the different species grow, would 
 be a systematic arrangement. 
 
 The following are some of the most important spe- 
 cies which now occur in commerce, which 1 have 
 submitted to experiments, and have given to each 
 the comparative proportion of quinine and cincho- 
 nine which they respectively contain. The names 
 which are given to distinguish these several species, 
 are derived from the provinces in which they grow, 
 which at present, (in consequence of the confusion 
 in the botanical history and arrangement of cin- 
 chona,) is the most direct and certain mode of dis- 
 tinguishing those species of bark which now are 
 found in our shops. 
 
44 OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS 
 
 Calisaya Bark — two varieties. 
 
 Of this very important species there are two varie- 
 ties in commerce. 
 
 1st. Calisaya arrollenda, (Quill Calisaya). This 
 variety is in quills from three quarters of an inch to 
 an inch and a half in diameter, and from eight inches 
 to a foot and a half in length. The epidermis is thick 
 and may be readily removed from the bark; and 
 hence you find in the seroons or cases a great pro- 
 portion deprived of this inert part. It is generally 
 imported in seroons weighing about one hundred and 
 fifty pounds, and very seldom comes in cases ; it has 
 many deep transversal fissures, running parallel, the 
 fracture woody and shining, the interior layer is fi- 
 brous and of a yellow colour, and the taste is slight- 
 ly astringent and very bitter. 
 
 This species of bark will yield a much larger pro- 
 portion of the active principle, (quinine,) than any 
 other bark in commerce, and consequently may be 
 justly esteemed the best. 
 
 2nd. Calisaya Plancha, (Flat Calisaya). This 
 variety consists of flat, thick, woody pieces, of a red- 
 dish brown colour, deprived of its epidermis, and 
 the interior layer more fibrous than that in the quill. 
 This variety yields from twenty to twenty-five per 
 cent, less quinine than the arrollenda, and is conse- 
 quently a less desirable article. 
 
ON PERUVIAN BARK. 45 
 
 Superior Loxa or Crown Bark. 
 
 Loxa is the name of (he province and port, where 
 this bark is obtained and from which it is exported. 
 ]n this province cinchona was originally discovered. 
 This bark has been highly esteemed by the royal 
 family, and is that which has been selected for their 
 use ; hence, the name of Crown Bark. The follow- 
 ing are the characters which distinguish this bark. 
 
 The Loxa bark occurs in small quills, the longitu- 
 dinal edges folding in upon themselves forming a tube 
 about the circumference of a goose quill, and from 
 half a foot to a foot and a half in length. It is of a 
 greyish colour on the exterior, and covered with 
 small transverse fissures or cracks, the interior sur- 
 face is smooth and in fresh or good bark, of a bright 
 orange red ; it is of a compact texture and breaks 
 with a short clean fracture, it is the bark of the cin- 
 chona condamina, and is known at Loxa by the name 
 of cascarilla fina. Yet, notwithstanding this bark 
 appears to have held the decided preference to all 
 other species, analysis fully indicates that it is not 
 equal in medicinal strength by at least twenty -five 
 percent, to that denominated Calls ay a ; this bark 
 is more astringent and less bitter than the calisaya. 
 
 This species yields from twenty-five to thirty per 
 cent, less cinchoiline and quinine, than the caylisaya 
 arrollenda does quinine, and the proportion of cin- 
 chonine is much greater than that of the quinine. 
 
46 OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS 
 
 Cinchona Oblongifolia or Red Bark. 
 
 The above term appears to be more applicable to 
 the species in question, than any other which can be 
 selected, as under that denomination the best red 
 bark has always been well known, and as there is 
 but one other species affording a red powder, it is 
 not likely to be confounded. The inferior red bark 
 of which there is a considerable quantity in our mar- 
 ket, is no doubt more frequently obtained. by colour- 
 ing low priced yellow bark, than from the product 
 of a distinct species. 
 
 There is but one species of bark in addition to the 
 Oblongifolia as before stated, producing a red pow- 
 der which is called Rosea, and as that species is sel- 
 dom or never known in our commerce, there can be 
 little or no powder produced by it; hence, all the in- 
 ferior kinds of red bark of which there is no small 
 quantity to the discredit of those who sell it, evi- 
 dently must be either such of the Oblongifolia as has 
 been rendered almost inactive, by age, weather, or 
 some other exposure, or as before surmised, isinferior 
 yellow bark, coloured; and as the product of the for- 
 mer must be small, it in all probability proceeds from 
 the latter source ; hence the price of red bark is as 
 various, (and the qualities corresponding with the 
 prices,) as the yellow bark, although the number 
 of species of which we are acquainted is not one 
 eighth the number of the latter. 
 
 The cinchona oblongifolia is the magnifolia of the 
 
ON PERUVIAN BARK. 47 
 
 flora Peruvianna, and is known in Spain by the 
 name of Colorada, and is wha£ constitutes the red 
 bark of commerce ; it occurs generally in large 
 thick pieces, being the product of the largest tree of 
 the genus cinchona. There are two varieties of 
 this species. 
 
 1st. Colorada Canan, or Quill Red Bark which 
 occurs in quills of various diameters, from one fourth 
 of an inch to two inches in thickness. The epider- 
 mis is white or grey, with transversal fissures or 
 watery concretions of a reddish colour, the interior is 
 of a brick red colour, the cross fracture short and 
 fibrous, the longitudinal fracture compact and shin- 
 ing, the taste not so bitter as that of the calisaya. 
 
 2d. Colorada Plancha, or Flat Red Bark. This 
 bark is in very large thick pieces, from half an inch 
 to two inches in thickness, and from one to two 
 feet in length, the epidermis brown, thick and rug- 
 ged with cracks running in various directions. The 
 fracture very fibrous inside, is of a deep brick colour, 
 the taste is less bitter than that of the quill, and of 
 course much less so than that of the calisaya. 
 
 These two varieties frequently come in the same 
 seroon, and from their appearance are no doubt the 
 product of the same species, or perhaps the same 
 tree; the quill being produced by the branches, and 
 the flat thick pieces from the trunk, or the former 
 from young and the latter from older trees. 
 
 This bark is generally more scarce in our market 
 than the yellow or pale, and commands a higher 
 price; within a short period however, about fifty 
 
4o OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 
 
 teroons of this bark have been imported from Guay- 
 aquil by Mr. John R. Neff, which has in a small de- 
 gree influenced the price of the article. I am in- 
 formed by a respectable druggist of this city, who 
 has been a long time established in business, that 
 this is the only arrival in quantity, of red bark, di- 
 rect from South America within his recollection, the 
 supplies heretofore having been received from Eu- 
 rope. These seroons averaged about one hundred 
 pounds each. The bark was very fresh and of a 
 very superior quality. The large flat pieces and 
 quills were indiscriminately mixed and in some se- 
 roons in very nearly equal proportions. This bark 
 when first received, was of a very deep and bright 
 colour, and particularly the powder produced by the 
 flat pieces ; after being exposed however, in a dry 
 place for about six months, it faded considerably, 
 insomuch that any one not in possession of the proof 
 of the fact, would have doubted whether the powder 
 had b"een produced from the same bark. 
 
 From experiments on the above bark, I procured 
 twenty per cent, less cinchonine and quinine, taken 
 together, than the amount of quinine produced by 
 the same quantity of calisaya arrollenda bark ; and 
 the proportion of cinchonine, was rather more than 
 half of the product of quinine. 
 
 It will appear therefore, from what has been said, 
 that notwithstanding the great prejudices, both of 
 eminent authors and skilful practitioners, which haye 
 10 long existed in favour of the superiority of the 
 ohlongifolia^ (red bark,) over other species; that it 
 
ON PERUVIAN BARK. 49 
 
 is decidedly inferior to the calisaya, (yellow bark,) 
 as the whole product, as before stated, of its active 
 principles, does not equal that of the calisaya and 
 cinchonine, constituting rather more than half thfr 
 product, which, according to an eminent author, is 
 five times less active than the quinine ; this point 
 however, I think is very far from being settled. Aa 
 interesting paper was read before the Academy of 
 Medicine at Pari?, which is published in the Bulletin 
 des Sciences Medicales, for November, 1825, in 
 which M. Bally states that he has experimented 
 upon the sulphate of cinchonine, with a view to de- 
 termine its febrifuge qualities. He administered this 
 sulphate in twenty-seven cases of intermittent fevers, 
 of different types, in doses of two grain pills, giving 
 three or four in the interval of paroxysms ; by which 
 treatment he cured the disease as effectually and as 
 speedily as with the quinine : of which twenty-sevea 
 cases, there were sixteen tertian, nine quotidian and 
 two quartan. He remarked further, that the cin- 
 
 I chonine has properties less irritating than those of 
 quinine, and that consequently its employment should 
 
 I be more general, and preferred in all simple cases, 
 I believe few or no experiments have been made by 
 
 ; the physicians of this country upon the medical pro- 
 perties of the cinchonine ; it consequently must be 
 rery little known by them from their own experi- 
 ence, but it certainly is a medicine which deserves 
 at least a trial. 
 
 From the preceding description, the several spe- 
 cies of Peruvian bark most co.nrnonlj met with at 
 
50 OBSERVATIONS AND ' EXPERIMENTS 
 
 the present day, may be readily recognised, as the 
 physical characters are prominent and distinctive in 
 each variety; after however selecting the "best spe-- 
 dies of Peruvian bark, by- the several distinguishing 
 and specific characters, one very important adven- 
 ous condition yet remains to be investigated, iu 
 is a fact established beyond controversy; that age is a 
 ry powerful agent in deteriorating the active prop- 
 . ties of bark, insomuch that the best species oi* Pei 
 in bark when old, is /little superior and sometimes 
 n inferior to the Carthagenian-bark when fresh ; 
 hence it is, that large parcels of a superior species of 
 Peruvian bark, which would have commanded two 
 dollars per pound at Cadiz, when fresh, has been 
 offered publicly in this city for one-eighth the sum, 
 twenty-five cenjLs, and that without a purchaser ; and 
 which it appears has been operated upon by no other 
 unfavourable circumstances but age. in what. man- 
 ner or by what prosess age, or rather the circumstan- 
 ces connected with it, act upon bark other than by 
 a combination with oxygen or a volatilization of its 
 active principle, I know not. Fabroni states with 
 truth, that cinchona loses its solubility, and conse- 
 quently its activity, by long exposure to the air, but 
 does not give his opinion as to the manner in which 
 itj is thus affected. I cannot, however, conceire 
 under existing circumstances, how the "solubility 
 of Peruvian bark can be diminished, except through 
 the agency of oxygea, and it is by this means the ex- 
 tract of bark, prepared according to the common 
 formulas of our dispensatories, is rendered devoid of 
 
ON PERUVIAN BARK. • 51 
 
 utility ; for owing to the oxigenizement of the ex- 
 tractive matter, the solubility of the extract is so di- 
 minished during its formation, that scarcely one half 
 is soluble in water. 
 
 From a number of experiments which I have 
 made upon Peruvian bark in different states, I have 
 observed as an unequivocal result, that the same 
 species of bark which when fresh is very productive 
 of quinine- when old will produce little or none of 
 this active principle, upon which its virtue as a med- 
 icine entirely depends. 
 
 It will appear therefore an important duty, criti- 
 cally to examine the state of bark as to age, and it 
 may perhaps be useful in this place, to describe the 
 physical characters "of bark in this state, and by 
 which it may be readily known. The prominent 
 features which characterise old bark, and distinguish 
 it from recent, are the following. Old bark has lost 
 nearly all that bitter and astringent taste and peculiar 
 aromatic odour, are such prominent charac 
 
 istics of recent bark of good quality. The spec 
 gravity is also sensibly diminished, and the fracture, 
 instead of being shining and compact, is dull, fibroin, 
 and of a loo jrc, and the colour very frequent- 
 
 ly passes from a bright orange to a dull brown, as the 
 bark advances in age, particularly if much expo 
 By attention to these few conspicuous character, 
 taste, smell, specific gravity, fracture and colour, no 
 mistake can arise in the selection of good bark, unless 
 there is a gross deficiency in judgment. Yet not- 
 withstanding the distinguishing characters of P« 
 
52 „ OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENT* 
 
 vian bark in these two states are so prominent and 
 striking, we regret to say, that gross mistakes have 
 .been made public in this particular, by men whom 
 we might suppose most capable of appreciating the 
 quality, under the influence of every incidental cir 
 fumstance. 
 
 Dr. Paris in the sixth edition of his Pharmacol ogia, 
 makes the following remarks under the article cin- 
 chona. The frauds committed under this head are 
 most extensive ; it is not only mixed with inferior 
 bark, but frequently with genuine bark, the active 
 constituents of which have been extracted by decoc- 
 tion with water. In selecting cinchona bark, the fol- 
 lowing precautions may be useful ; it should be 
 deme, heavy and dry, not musty, nor spoiled by 
 moisture ; a decoction made of it should have a red- 
 dish colour'when warm, but when cold it should be- 
 come paler, and deposit a brownish red sediment. 
 When the bark is of a dark colour, between red and 
 yellow, it is either of a bad species or it has not been 
 well preserved. Its taste should be bitter, with a 
 slight acidity, but not nauseous nor very astringent ; 
 when chewed, it should not appear in threads nor of 
 much length, the odour is not very strong, but when 
 bark is well cured it is always perceptible, and the 
 ■tronger it is, provided it be pleasant, the better may 
 the bark be considered. In order to give bark the 
 form of quill, the bark gatherers not unfrequently 
 call in the aid of artificial heat, by which its virtues 
 are deteriorated, the fraud is detected by the colour 
 being much darker, and upon splitting the bark, by 
 
ON PERUVIAN BARK. 53 
 
 the inside exhibiting stripes of a whitish sickly hue. 
 In the ibrm of powder, cinchona is always found 
 more or less adulterated. This must be recollected 
 as applying to the English market. During a late 
 official inspection of the shops of apothecaries and 
 druggists, the censors repeatedly met with powdered 
 cinchona having a»hard metallic taste, quite foreign 
 to that which characterises good bark.* The best 
 test of the goodness of bark, is afforded by the quan« 
 tity of cinchona or quina that may be extracted from 
 it ; and the manufacturer should always institute 
 such a trial before he purchases any quantity, taking a 
 certain number of pieces indiscriminately from the 
 bulk. 
 
 Before concluding, it may not be out of seaion to 
 remark, that the sulphate of quinine, as it is generally 
 termed, is not a perfectly neutral salt, but in the statu 
 of a sub-sulphate, and is only partly soluble in water, 
 Its exhibition in water, is rendered much more eligi- 
 ble by the addition of a drop of sulphuric acid to 
 each grain of the salt, which makes a perfectly trans- 
 parent solution, and which, I think, from its obvious 
 advantages, should entirely supercede the common for- 
 mula: with sugar and gum arable, a few grains ofciti 
 or tartaric acid will have the same effect in dissolving 
 
 * Mr. Thompson has suggested the probability of this c 
 cumstance having arisen from the admixture of a species of 
 bark, lately introduced into Europe from Martinique, resem- 
 bling the cinchona Jlaribunda, and which by an analysis of M. 
 et was found to contain iron, — London Disp. Edit, ?, p. 247. 
 
 E2 
 
54 OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 
 
 the quinine as the sulphuric acid, and has been pre- 
 /erred by some. 
 
 Dr. Parris,* on the exhibition of quinine, statei 
 that he lately saw a prescription in which the salt 
 is directed to be rubbed with a few grains of cream 
 of tartar, and then to be dissolved in mint water. 
 This, he continues, is obviously* injudicious, since 
 tartaric acid decomposes the sulphate, and occasions 
 an insoluble tartrate which is precipitated. 
 
 With due deference to the exalted judgment of 
 Dr. Paris, I must however, on the following grounds, 
 dissent from his opinions. The cream of tartar is 
 objectionable, merely from the circumstance that the 
 active part of the compound may be obtained in' a 
 more direct and speedy process by the tartaric. The 
 combination of cream of tartar and sulphate of qui- 
 nine in the above prescription, does produce decom- 
 position as Dr. Paris has observed, but the virtue of 
 the medicine is not in the least effected by it, and the 
 precipitate, instead of being an insoluble tartrate of 
 quinine as he observes, is sulphate of potass ; tartrate 
 of quinine is a very soluble salt, and is held in §olu- 
 tion while the water becomes slightly turbid by the 
 precipitation of sulphate of potass, which however 
 from its extreme minute division is speedily taken up 
 by the water, when you have a transparent solution 
 of tartrate of quinine and sulphate of po-tass, and as 
 the latter answers neither a good nor a bad purpose, 
 it of course can very conveniently be dispensed with, 
 
 * Pharmacologia, Edit. 6, vol, ii. p. 163. 
 
OH PERUVIAN BARK. 55 
 
 and therefore, as before stated, the tartaric acid 
 should be preferred as having a more speedy and 
 direct action. 
 
 Pipcrine has proved a valuable adjunct to quinine; 
 equal proportions of each will act with much more 
 energy than the whole quantity of quinine or piper- 
 ine alone. Dr. Chapman informs us, he has met 
 with much success in the treatment of intermittent 
 fevers by employing the following prescription. 
 
 R. Quinine grs X 
 Piperine grsX 
 M. ft. Pill NoX 
 
 One to be taken every hour in absence offerer. 
 
 Oil of black pepper is much more active than 
 piperine, one drop being fully equal to three grains of 
 piperine, three drops of oil of black pepper added 
 to ten grains of quinine, will greatly increase the 
 powers of this remedy, oil of black pepper alone u 
 a valuable stimulant in typhus fever, and is a valua- 
 ble adjunct to many medicines. 
 
 All the preceding varieties of bark, sulphate of 
 quinine, cinchonine, and all the preparations of bark 
 and quinine, may be procured at Geo. W. Carpen- 
 ter's Chemical Warehouse, 301 Market street, Phi- 
 ladelphia. 
 
 Note. — An alkaline substance somewhat analagous 
 to quinine, has recently been discovered in the cor- 
 nus florida, which has been denominated cornine, 
 and which has been very carefully and accurately 
 described by Dr. Samuel G. Morton in the Philadel- 
 
5© OBSERVATIONS, EXPERIMENTS, SiC. 
 
 phia Journal of Medical and Physical Science* 
 From the most respectable sources in the medical 
 profession, from various parts of the United States 
 where the article has been sent, the most favourable 
 accounts have been received of the unequivocal suc- 
 cess of the cornine in the treatment of intermittent 
 fevers in the same doses as the quinine, and the only 
 circumstance which precludes its competition with 
 that substance, is the extremely minute comparative 
 proportion of cornine yielded by the cornus nV 
 
OBSERVATIONS 
 ON A NEW PREPARATION 
 
 OF 
 
 BALSAM COPAIVA. 
 
 Balsam Copaiva being a medicine used in the 
 practice of almost every physician, its characters, ef- 
 fects and uses arc consequently familiar to them. It 
 h admitted by all, to be one of the most nauseous 
 and disagreeable articles of the materia medica. Dis- 
 guised or mixed as it may be, its unpleasant nature 
 is still manifest, and little if at all diminished, com- 
 municating its nauseous taste and imparting to the 
 breath its disagreeable odour which is experienced 
 for several hours after each dose, and frequently 
 acting as an emetic, or cathartic* From these cir- 
 cumstances, its use is frequently abandoned in cases 
 
 * Our distinguished Professor of Practice, in the 1st volume 
 of his Therapeutics, page 417, observes, that two circumstan- 
 ces frequently interfere with the exhibition of copaiva, and 
 detract from its utility. It sometimes purges, and when it 
 does, its efficacy is lost or greatly diminished. If laudanum 
 does not check this injurious tendency, it must be discontin- 
 ued till the bowels recover their tone. To the stomachs of 
 some persons the copaiva is so exceedingly offensive, that it 
 canrot be retained. As it is hardly possible to disguise the 
 taste of the article, it is sometimes very difficult to overeonie 
 this prejudice. — See Chapman's Therapeutics. 
 
58 NEW PREPARATION OF 
 
 where it otherwise would be of the highest utility, 
 and even where it is almost indispensable, and other 
 remedies much less efficient are substituted, thus 
 protracting the cure which would have been speedily 
 . effected by the copaiva. 
 
 Since the introduction of this remedy down to the 
 present period, it has ever been a desideratum to ob- 
 viate these inconveniences, and it is a circumstance 
 not less unfortunate and much to be regretted, than it 
 is singular in its character, that amidst the rapid 
 march of improvement and discoveries, (which forms 
 a peculiar character in modern chemistry and phar- 
 maceutical knowledge,) an improvement in the ex- 
 hibition of copaiva, should so long have evaded the 
 vigilant researches of the critical and scrutinizing 
 chemist, and pharmaceutist. With these premises, 
 I feel happy to inform the medical faculty that 1 have 
 succeeded in consolidating copaiva to a proper con- 
 sistence, for being formed into pills. The consoli- 
 dated copaiva is the oil and resin united, and conse- 
 quently possesses all the properties of the balsam. It 
 may be made into four grain pills, and one or two 
 pills taken three times a day ; two pills are equal to 
 thirty drops of the balsam. These pills may be taken 
 without the least inconvenience, neither communica- 
 ting taste, nor imparting odour to the breath, it is also 
 retained without the least disquietude or uneasiness 
 to the stomach, and I am informed by Dr., Rousseau, 
 that in large doses it does not purge. 
 
 This article differs, very essentially, from what is 
 termed extract, or resin copaiva, being not in the least 
 
BALSAM COPAIVA. 59 
 
 deteriorated in the preparation, nor at all weakened 
 by admixture of any foreign substance for the purpose 
 of giving consistence. It is particularly recommend- 
 ed to the faculty for its numerous advantages over the. 
 balsam, and all its preparations. As the oil of co- 
 paiva is an active preparation, it is the best mode of 
 using this article, for being united with the resin it 
 may be made into pills which can be taken without 
 experiencing the nauseating taste of the oil, while 
 the oil alone cannot be taken otherwise than in 
 draught, which will subject it to the same inconve- 
 niences with the fluid balsam, having its disagreeable 
 taste with its unpleasant effects. 
 
 The consolidated copaiva is manufactured and 
 sold at Geo. W. Carpenter's Chemical Warehouse^ 
 No. 301, Market street, Philadelphia. 
 
OBSERVATIONS ON A NEW VARIETY 
 
 OF 
 
 PERUVIAN BARS, 
 
 WITH SOME REMARKS 
 
 On thi Alkaline &ases. Quinine and Cinchonine. 
 
 Peruvian bark, one of the most important articlei 
 ©f the materia medica, embraces a number of species, 
 in the medicinal qualities of which there is a vast dis- 
 parity. It is therefore peculiarly unfortunate that it* 
 natural history and classification should be so en- 
 veloped in ambiguity, the nomenclature of the dif- 
 ferent species so inadequate and defective, and the 
 various writers so opposed in their opinions on the 
 subject, as to render the investigation of the student 
 from books almost fruitless. The attention of our 
 pharmacologists should be particularly directed to 
 the cinchona, for the purpose of determining a spe- 
 cific classification of those species now occurring in 
 commerce, and of establishing a nomenclature for 
 them, by which each variety could be readily par- 
 ticularised, and at once understood by its name, 
 which, in its present unsettled history, is impossible. 
 In the Philadelphia Journal of the Medical and Phy- 
 sical Sciences, Vol. XI. I called the attention of the 
 faculty to this subject, and described the several 
 
MARACAIBO bark. 61 
 
 species of Peruvian bark which then occurred in 
 commerce, as carefully and accurately as possible 
 from specimens before me, so that the several spe- 
 cies might be readily known and contradistinguished. 
 1 then suggested, as the most appropriate nomencla- 
 ture, the names of ihe provinces in South America 
 from which the difTerent species were collected, as 
 Calisaya, Losa, &c. &c. and which, I am pleased to 
 find, has become generally adopted, and is now the 
 most familiar mode of distinguishing the barks of 
 commerce. The terms Calisaya, Loxa, and Cartha- 
 gena, conveys at once the particular kind of bark, and 
 is perfectly understood, while the terms lancifolia 
 and cordifolia involve in ambiguity as to the kind 
 intended, inasmuch as several varieties of different 
 qualities come under the same term, and it is impos- 
 sible to determine which is intended; for example, 
 the Calisaya and Carthagena, (the former the best, 
 and the latter the worst species in commerce,) being 
 both yellow bark, would come under the name of 
 cordifolia; hence, if cordifolia was ordered, it would 
 be difficult to determine whether the Carthagena or 
 Calisaya was intended, or some intermediate quality. 
 Having devoted considerable attention to this val- 
 uable article of our materia raedica, 1 have deter- 
 mined to describe every new species which I may 
 meet with ; and as there has appeared, since my des- 
 cription of Peruvian bark alluded to, a species not 
 hitherto observed in our market, and unnoticed by 
 any of the writers on the subject, I propose to des- 
 
 F 
 
6Z- MAFvACAIBO BAM. 
 
 tribe it in the present communication. This bnrk I" 
 denominate Maracaibo, being brought from that 
 place, generally in bales from seventy to one hun- 
 dred pounds, and the importation of it is likely to be 
 continued, so that we may calculate upon a regular 
 supply. This bark is much superior to the Chartha- 
 gena or common bark, producing more than double 
 the amount of saline matter composed of cinchonine 
 and quinine; also a larger quantity of extractive 
 matter than the latter, and is therefore of at least 
 more than double the value of the same. As the 
 former can be purchased at the same price as the 
 latter, it will be advantageous for the practitioner to 
 be acquainted with its distinguishing characters, that 
 he may be enabled to discriminate it among the dif- 
 ferent species and varieties of common bark. 
 
 It occurs in flat, short, and broken pieces, as if 
 separated from the tree with difficulty, mostly of 
 from one to three inches in length, and half to one 
 inch broad, and rather thinner than Carthagena 
 bark. Occasionally small quills are found, the lon- 
 gitudinal edges folding together, forming tubes from 
 a fourth to a half inch in diameter. It is of a deep* 
 yellow colour ; the epidermis is . extremely thin t 
 smooth, of a light gray colour, and is generally re- 
 moved from the bark. It may be distinguished from the 
 Carthagena bark, by being more compact, by break- 
 ing with a short and cleaner fracture, and more par- 
 ticularly by its taste, which is much more intensely 
 Vitter. It is quite as strong a bitter as the Loxti 
 
€f.:\CH0MNI5 AKD QUININE. $3 
 
 •bark, but- does not possess the astringency of thto 
 'latter. The internal layer is fibrous, but in a 
 less degree than the Carthagena. This bark ha* 
 onlf appeared in our market within a year or two, 
 and as it will supply the place of a much inferior 
 article, is of. high importance to the profession. 
 
 The quali-ty of barks depend unquestionably trp'oa 
 the product of cinchonine and quinine (hoy respec- 
 tively contain,- and the separation of these alkalies, is 
 a very valuable mode of discovering with precision 
 the comparative quality of different specie* of bark. 
 Dilferent harks, however, produce various proport- 
 ions of these two salts ; thus we find the Calisaya 
 produces most quinine, the Loxa most cinchonine, 
 and the red or oblongifolia both these salts in nearly 
 equal proportions. What is the comparative value 
 of these two salts is yet a subject Of controversy, & 
 Considerable majority however are in favour of the. 
 quinine, perhaps because most of them have not had 
 an opportunity of employing the cinchonine. Dv. 
 Paris goes so far as to state that cinchonine Is five 
 times less active than quinine, others contend the 
 reverse. In an interesting paper read before the 
 Academy of Medicine at Paris, and published in the 
 Bulletin des Sciences Medicates, for November, 
 182*, M. Bally states that he has experimented 
 upon the sulphate of cinchonine, with a view to df- 
 iermine its febrifuge qualities. He administered this 
 sulphate in twenty-seven cases of intermittent fevers 
 
 different types, in doses of two grain pi!!?, giving 
 
64 SULPHATE OF QUININE. 
 
 three or four in the interval of paroxisms, by which 
 treatment he cured the disease as effectually and as 
 speedily as with the quinine, of which twenty-seven 
 cases, there were sixteen tertian, nine quotidian, and 
 two quartan. He remarks further, that the cincho- 
 nine has properties less irritating than those of qui- 
 nine, and that consequently its employment should 
 be more general and preferred in all simple cases ; 
 1 believe few or no experiments have been made by 
 the physicians of this country upon the medical pro- 
 perties of the cinchonine, it consequently must be 
 very little known to them, from their own experience. 
 It most certainly deserves at least a trial. 
 
 The high price which the sulphate of quinine ha3 
 always commanded, and the increasing demand 
 which its character and reputation has constantly 
 kept up, has been an inducement for imposition and 
 fraud ; and it is much to he regretted that this valu- 
 able article of our materia medica, like others of an 
 expensive kind, has been mixed with foreign sub- 
 stances of inert character, for the base consideration 
 of reducing the cost and enhancing the profit on its 
 sale, and all this at the expense of the health of the 
 suffering patient, and to the great disappointment of 
 the practitioner, and not unfrequently to the injury 
 of the general character and reputation of the gen- 
 uine medicine. It is of high importance therefore 
 to be acquainted with the most efficient means of 
 testing its character, where we have any doubts of 
 its purity. The- following are the characters and 
 
STLFHATJE OF QUIM>.E. t?D 
 
 i of the sulphate of quinine, and the most 
 simple and effectual method of discovering fraud and 
 
 dteration in its composition, 
 
 1st. The sulphate of quinine must be soluble ia 
 rectified alcohol at a moderate heat, and if it contain 
 sulphate of lime, soda, potash or any other substance 
 insoluble in alcohol, the adulteration will easily be 
 detected. 
 
 2d. It is soluble in acidulated water; say one 
 drachm of sulphuric acid to an ounce of water, 
 which will readily dissolve the quinine. By this 
 means if there is any stearine or acid margaride, 
 (substances ptepared expressly for adulterating this 
 article,) they will float on the surface. 
 
 3d. It should give by sal ammoniac a white pre- 
 cipitate rather flaky, which is soluble in alcohol, and 
 which on being exposed to a gentle heat, will con- 
 sume without leaving the least residuum, 
 
 4th. After having dissolved it in acidulated water, 
 it can be decomposed by means of a little sal ammo- 
 niac, it must then be filtered and evaporated. If 
 sugar has been introduced into it, it will be easily 
 detected by the taste, or by fire, which will produce 
 its peculiar odour. 
 
 5th. If a white substance, insoluble in cold water, 
 be found in the sulphate of Quinine, heat the mix- 
 ture to about 170 degrees of Fahrenheit. This will 
 render the starch soluble, and its presence may be 
 determined by the addition of an aqueous solution 
 of iodine, which will immediately occasion a blut 
 
 f a 
 
66 SULPHATE OF QUINItftf* 
 
 colour, and eventually a blue precipitate. The io- 
 dine must be added in very small quantities, and very 
 slow, or the experiment will fail. 
 
 Physician! will be supplied with specimens of all 
 the species of Peruvian bark which occurs in com- 
 merce, neatly put up in bottles, with a full deicrip- 
 tion of each, with a treatise on cinchona, for Five 
 Dollars, at Geo. W. Carpenter's Chemical Ware= 
 house, No. 301, Market street, Philadelphia. 
 
FORMULA 
 
 FOR THE 
 
 Formula for the preparation of Sulphate of Rhubarb^ 
 zcith some remarks on Rhubarb and its preparation. 
 
 Boil for half an hour six pounds of coarsely pow- 
 dered Chinese rhubarb in six gallons of water, acid- 
 ulated with two and a half fluid ounces of sulphuric 
 acid, strain the decoction, and submit the residue to 
 a second ebullition in a like quantity of acidulated 
 water, strain as before, and submit it again to a third 
 ebullition ; unite the three decoctions, and add, by 
 small portions, recently powdered pure lime, con- 
 stantly stirring it to facilitate its action on the acid 
 decoction. When the decoction has become slight- 
 ly alkaline, it deposits a red flocculent precipitate, 
 and the fluid is changed from a yellow to a crimson 
 colour, the precipitate is then to be separated by 
 passing it through a linen cloth, and dried, after 
 which reduce it to powder, and digest in three gal- 
 lons of alcohol, at thirty-six degrees, in a water bath, 
 for several hours, at a moderate heat ; separate this 
 solution from the calcareous precipitate, and dis- 
 til off three-fourths of the alcohol, there then remains 
 a strong solution of rhubarbine, to which add as much 
 
SULPHATE^ pr RHUBARB. 
 
 sulphuric acid as will exactly neutralize it, evapo- 
 rate this slowly to dryness without having access to 
 atmospheric air, the residuum will be of a brownish- 
 red colour, intermingled with brilliant specks, pos- 
 sessing a slightly pungent styptic taste, soluble in 
 water, and its odour that of the native rhubarb. 
 
 This preparation is a concentrated form of that 
 valuable cathartic, separated from the ligneous and 
 mucous portions, and bears a similar relation to the 
 crude substance that quinine does to the Peruvian 
 bark.* 
 
 From the experiments which I have made upon 
 several varieties of rhubarb, I found the Chinese to 
 he the most active, and that variety which has been 
 denominated in the market Russian, and which com- 
 mands double the price of the Chinese, produced 
 about one half of this principle, and consequently is 
 much less active than the former. This rhubarb, 
 in fact, appears to be nothing more nor less than 
 the English variety, suitable pieces of which have 
 been selected, bored, rasped, &c. in imitation of the 
 Russian, but which wants in degree all the charac- 
 teristic properties of weight, solidity, compact frac- 
 ture, and particularly the essential quality of cathar- 
 tic energy, which are all so strikingly exhibited in 
 the Russian variety, and in corroboration of which 
 Dr. Paris, in his excellent work the Pharmacologia, 
 
 * By subsequent experiments I have proved the sulphate of 
 rhubarb to be much less active than the alcoholic extraet on 
 the next page, as will be seen by additional remarks on this 
 preparation in a subsequent part of this work. 
 
SULPHATE OF RHUBARB. 69 
 
 under the article rhubarb, states that inferior kinds of 
 Russian, East India, and English rhubarb are artfully 
 dressed up and sold under the name of Turkey, and 
 I am well informed that a number of persons in this 
 town, known by the name of Rnssifiers t gain a regular 
 livelihood by the art of dressing this article, by 
 boring, rasping, and colouring the inferior kinds, for 
 which they charge at the rate of eighteen pence per 
 pound. I had not an opportunity of making any ex- 
 periment on the Turkey rhubarb, as I could not pro- 
 cure what accorded with the physical characters of 
 the genuine article. The difference in the medical 
 activity of these several varieties must essentially de- 
 pend upon climate and cultivation, as it is asserted 
 by Dr. Rehrnan, that they are the roots of the same 
 species, Rheum Palmatum, (although the Dispensa- 
 tories and Pharmacologia consider them distinct 
 species,) and ascribe the Chinese to be the product 
 of the Rheum Undulatum, and the Turkey of the 
 Rheum Palmatum; and it is established beyond 
 controversy that climate and cultivation are two of 
 the most powerful agents in modifying the condition 
 of vegetable matter. 
 
 On the preparation of Spiced Syrup of Rhubarb, — 
 Paris in his Pharmacologia states, that water at 
 two hundred and twelve degrees takes up twenty- 
 four, and Thompson thirty parts in sixty, and by 
 decoction its purgative qualities are destroyed, 
 which decoction is extremely turbid and deposits a 
 copious precipitate on cooling, and will be decom- 
 posed by standing a few days, whilst alcohol takes 
 
*Q REMARKS ON RUBARB. 
 
 trp two and one»seventh from ten parts without the 
 mucous portion, and is perfectly transparent, and 
 will remain unaltered by keeping. Hence as water 
 takes up a larger proportion of mucous and inactive 
 •matter, and as decoction destroys its purgative pro- 
 perties, 1 think a very important alteration might be 
 made in the formula of the preparation of syrup of 
 rhubarb of the shops, by substituting a concentrated 
 spirituous tincture of the rhubarb, spice?, &c.inplace 
 of the aqueous decoction of the same, and to add it 
 near the conclusion of the formation of syrup of pro- 
 per consistence. The alcohol in this mode cannot 
 be made an objection, as it need not much exceed, 
 if any, the proportion of spirit in the former method 
 to prevent the fermentation of the aqueous decoc- 
 tion, and if these circumstances are correct it cer- 
 tainly will be a more active and eligible preparation, 
 and well deserves the practical investigation of the 
 faculty. This preparation does not enter the works 
 •of Paris or Thompson in any shape, but is given by 
 Dr. Coxe in the late editions of his standard work, 
 the American Dispensatory, in the manner now pre- 
 pared, and is very extensively employed in this city, 
 perhaps as much so as any other pharmaceutical 
 compound, and if its activity could be increased it 
 no doubt would be a very desirable object , it now 
 requires a large dose to be effectual, and sometimes 
 frequently to be repeated, insomuch that its use is 
 •almost exclusively confined to children, the dose for 
 adults frequently exceeding two ounces, which is eer- 
 
REMARKS ON RHUBARB. ?! 
 
 iainlr objectional,and exeludes its use in many Gases 
 where, if more active, it would no doubt be exten- 
 sively employed to advantage. 
 
 Extraat of Rhubarb. — This preparation, accord- 
 ing to the method now pursued, is very feeble ; the 
 protracted heat necessary to evaporate the water, 
 and the absorption of oxygen, acts so unfavourably 
 during its formation, that its purgative properties, 
 although not entirely destroyed, are so greatly im- 
 paired that its use has become almost abandoned by 
 the profession. Bj the following process, however, 
 a much more active preparation may be obtained^ 
 and where the use of the extract is approved, thi* 
 will be found to possess the proper characters. 
 
 Take of coarsely powdered Chinese rhubarb, i^> 
 digest in six pints of alcohol for seven days, and 
 filter ; distil off the alcohol in a water bath to the 
 consistence of thin honey, then evaporate to a proper 
 consistence in a water bath saturated with muriate 
 of soda. 
 
 By this process much less heat and time is re- 
 quired to evaporate the menstruum, and owing to 
 the alcohol much less oxygen is absorbed, and an 
 extract of much more activity is thus obtained. 
 This mode is certainly more expensive ; but if the 
 product is more effectual as a medicine, this small 
 difference should not constitute an objection* as 
 much of the alcohol is saved by distillation, and in 
 the preparation of all medicines, a preference should 
 be given to that method which will render them, 
 
 w 
 
72 REMARKS ON RHUBARB. 
 
 more active and effectual without regard to expense, 
 unless it be exorbitant and the difference inconsid- 
 erable, for where health \s implicated, interest should 
 be suspended- 
 Professor Coxe has the above .article introduced 
 ia the last edit ; >ou of his valuable dispensatorr. 
 
REMARKS 
 
 ON THE 
 
 USB OP PIPERIHE* 
 
 Remarks on the use of Piper ine, with the formula for 
 its manufacture, together with observations and ex- 
 periments on the Piper Nigrum and its prepara- 
 tions. 
 
 Since the discovery of quinine and cinchonine 
 by the celebrated chemists Pelietier and Caventou, 
 vegetable chemistry, previously almost unknown as 
 a science, has made rapid advancement ; and the 
 still further successful experiments and discoveries 
 since made upon vegetable matter,.have not only swell- 
 ed the catalogue of highly important and useful mate- 
 rials, but have given an additional stimulus for the 
 undertaking, and created an ardent zeal for investi- 
 gation in those already engaged in researches, as 
 well as opened a field of encouragement, in which 
 numberless votaries have appeared. By these means 
 this department of science, having emerged from a 
 stage of neglect and obscurity, has risen with unpar- 
 alleled rapidity, even within the space of a few 
 years, to its present exalted position ; and the numer- 
 ous advantages and useful discoveries, resulting from 
 
 E 
 
74 BEMAIIKS ©N THE 
 
 its rapidly improving condition, have caused it to 
 rank as one of the most important branches of chem- 
 ical science. 
 
 Every vegetable substance in the materia medica, 
 which has yet been subjected to chemical analysis, 
 has produced an elementary or alkaline principle, 
 upon which the virtues and activity of the medicine 
 entirely depend. An instance is found even in opium, 
 which, acting in a double capacity, both as a stimu- 
 lant and sedative, has afforded two principles, cor- 
 responding with the operations of the crude material: 
 one is stimulating, the other sedative. When ad- 
 ministered in combination, acting like the crude sub- 
 stance ; when separate, individually exercising the 
 sedative or stimulating effects, as one or the other 
 may be employed. These isolated substances pos- 
 sess many and great advantages over the crude ma- 
 terials. The activity of those particular effects, 
 which are desired from the administration of the 
 medicine, being concentrated, and consequently 
 greatly increased by the separation of the inert and 
 injurious portions, obviates almost entirely the diffi- 
 culty of exhibition, as well as facilitates a more spee- 
 dy and certain action on the constitution. 
 
 It is well known that many substances, in their 
 crude state, in consequence of bulk and insolubility, 
 cannot be administered in many stages of debility in 
 sufficient quantity to produce the desired effect. In 
 such instances, the alkali is well adapted to form a 
 substitute ; for being separated from the more gross, 
 ligneous, and inert portions, it requires a compa- 
 
USE OF PIPEIUNE. 75 
 
 ratively small dose, and constitutes a valuaWe 
 remedy in cases where the former would be rejected. 
 Another, and no less important advantage in favour 
 of the alkaline principles is, the uniform persistency 
 of their strength. No one will for a moment ques- 
 tion the many inconveniences and evils, resulting 
 from the great uncertainty of effects and difference 
 of activity, in most of the crude materials ; and some 
 of the most important are subject to these defects. 
 Peruvian bark, for example, is composed of twenty- 
 five species, and each one differing in strength. Bark, 
 even of the same species, from a difference in ad- 
 ventitious circumstances,* to which it is always ex- 
 posed, (although its external characters are some- 
 times scarcely affected, its quality is always injured) 
 is scarcely ever found alike. I have met with bark 
 in the preparation of quinine of the same species and 
 of the same importation, differing twenty-five per 
 cent, in the product of the active alkalies. The 
 physician, therefore, would have been deceived in 
 the strength and consequent effect of this bark, while 
 the quinine is universally the same. For example, 
 the quinine, produced by the inferior bark, although 
 much less in quantity, was fully equal in quality. If 
 the practitioner, therefore, may be so much deceived 
 by the difference of strength of the same species, 
 how much more would he be disappointed by those 
 which produced but one-eighth or one-twelfth the 
 quantity — and some yield even but a trace of the 
 
 * See Carpenter on Cinchona, 
 
 & 
 
76 REMARKS ON THE 
 
 principles upon which their febrifuge properties ex- 
 clusively depend. 
 
 The preceding observations in support of concen- 
 trated medicines, are made in. consequence of there 
 existing, even at this period of time, some few who 
 disapprove of vegetable alkalies, and reject their use 
 on all occasions, by giving preference to the crude 
 material. If their conclusions were drawn from ex- 
 periment they wpuld most certainly be entitled to 
 credit and respect; but where a determination is 
 made against admitted facts T without advancing new 
 grounds drawn from argument or reason, and where 
 new discoveries are denounced without even a single 
 experiment or authority of any kind, I am sorry to say 
 that such a course can be attributed only to preju- 
 dice, and should accordingly be so appreciated. 
 
 There is another class of opposers, governed by 
 envy ; this is a worse species than the former; they 
 are, however, of little importance as to influence. It 
 has ever been a grievous circumstance, that, in 
 almost every department of science, criticism is so 
 easy a task, that the least informed and most unin- 
 telligent will make bold opposition against the most 
 useful and important researches, and sometimes from 
 no other cause than that they themselves were not 
 the authors. Their efforts are, however, overbal- 
 anced by the happy consequence, that sentiment 
 and expression do not, in the least, alter or modify 
 •the condition of matter ; and follies of this nature, 
 therefore, so far from effecting an injury or causing 
 the least impediment to the march of science., merely 
 
USE OF PIPERINJS. 77 
 
 offer an exposition of error, either to be dispersed by 
 truth, or corrected by the light of science. 
 
 The object of the present communication is, to 
 describe a new principle recently discovered in 
 black pepper, which has been denominated piper- 
 ine, and which is proved from careful experiments, 
 to be a successful remedy in intermittent fevers, and 
 has been employed with advantage in typhus fever 
 and periodical headache ; and from the respecta- 
 bility of the authorities given in its support, bids fair 
 to become an important addition to the materia 
 medica. It may be given in doses of from one to 
 four grains. It has been employed in doses of one 
 grain every hour, in several cases of intermittent 
 fever, with as much success as the quinine. It is 
 found to be a valuable adjunct to that substance, 
 equal parts acting with more energy and success 
 than the whole quantity of quinine. 
 
 Black pepper, in its crude state, has long been 
 known as a valuable medicine, and is stated to be 
 an excellent adjunct to bark, in intermittents, and 
 the author* observes that Mr. Brande must certainly 
 be mistaken when he says, it acts only as a warm 
 condiment, agreeable to the stomaoh.t 
 
 * Rennie's Supplement to the Pharmacopeias of London, 
 Edinburgh, Dublin, and Pari?, 
 
 fit may be observed, with deference to Mr. Branded opin- 
 ion, that there never has been a medicine yet discovered, res« 
 pecting whose qualities, some diversity of opinion has not ex- 
 isted, and every medicine, however valuable, has met with 
 some opposition, 
 
 G 2 
 
78 REMARKS ON THE 
 
 It is mentioned in Dr. Coxe's valuable dispensato- 
 ry, under the article piper, that Dr. Frank, physi- 
 cian to her Majesty, Maria Louisa, recommends the 
 black pepper in different species of intermittent le- 
 vers. 
 
 This had previously been used in the east, with 
 success, after every known means had been ineffec- 
 tually tried. The dose is five to ten grains, twice a 
 day; and Dr. Ghigini reports ten cases cured by it. 
 Dr. Frank mentions seventy patients, who came un- 
 der his notice between April and June, of whom 
 fifty-two had tertian, tea quotidian, and eight the 
 quartant fever. Fifty-four were completely cured 
 within a week or so, without any subsequent relapse. 
 He dips the seed of black pepper into a mucilage of 
 gum arabic, and subsequently into powdered Colom- 
 bo, to disguise it, and gives from five to eight pills 
 twice a day. None of his patients required more 
 than from seventy to eighty pills for a complete cure. 
 Dr. Frank recommends to the profession to try the 
 extract of black pepper, in intermittent -fevers. This 
 preparation was tried on nine individuals, affected 
 with intermittent fevers of different types, in doses 
 of four, eight, ten, or twelve grains, dissolved in 
 water in some cases, and given in the form of pills 
 in others, by Dr. Clock, of Trent ; and the effects 
 surpassed his warmest expectations. 
 
 From these experiments it is concluded, that the 
 extract of pepper is not only one of the test succe- 
 daneums for the bark, but that it is even preferable 
 to it, on several accounts. 
 
USE OF PIPERINE. 79 
 
 first. It never produces disturbance in the sto- 
 mach or bowels. 
 
 Second. It never fails in producing a cure. 
 
 Third. Those who were cured did not in any one 
 instance experience a relapse. 
 
 Fourth. It produces a regular alvine discharge, as 
 well as the excretion of urine and sweat. 
 
 Fifth. None of those who were cured, experienced 
 that sensation of langour, so common to a state of 
 convalescence. 
 
 The following cases, treated w T ith piperine, are 
 given by Dr. J. Gordoni, physician to the hospitals 
 •of Livournc :■* 
 
 Cleoniee, of Paoli, entered the hospital in the 
 •month of March, 1324, to be treated of an incipient 
 •phthisis, in combination with amenorrhea, a treat- 
 ment lightly depleting for several months produced 
 sensible advantages ; and although the disease could 
 not be called perfectly cured, a strong indication of 
 a speedy recovery was apparent, for the crachats 
 .presented a better appearance, the cough was dimi- 
 nished, and the plethoric habit, accompanied with a 
 kind of melancholy, had disappeared ; when to- 
 wards the end of September, of the same year, she 
 was attacked with a violent intermittent fever, hav- 
 ing the type of a. double tertian. This disease was 
 treated withoutsuccess, by the skillful Dr. Guidotti, 
 both by quinine in substance, and the sulphate of 
 quinine in pills. On the 16th of October, having 
 succeeded Dr. Guidotti in the hospitals, I found the 
 ** Bulletin des Sciences Medicaids, Avril, 1826. 
 
80 REMARKS ON THE 
 
 patient much dejected and disgusted with the insuf- 
 ficiency of the means employed. Supposing the 
 failure of the quinine depended upon some neglect 
 in its administration, or that the pills were perhaps 
 difficult of solution, I prescribed three doses of the 
 same substance, in powder, to be taken daily. Two 
 days after this treatment the fever stopped short, 
 and the patient recovered a repose, which she had 
 lost for a month. The remedy was continued for 
 six days, which prevented a relapse, which had al- 
 ways been dissipated by the same remedy ; but every 
 time the use of it was suspended, the fever invaria- 
 bly returned. As there were not sufficient symp- 
 toms to consider it of an inflammatory nature, I de- 
 termined, on the 2d of November, to substitute for 
 the sulphate of quinine, eight grains of piperine, to 
 be taken in three doses, as the sulphate, and with the 
 same precautions. The fever ceased the first day, 
 and never returned. The piperine was continued 
 several days after, and I assured myself of the cer- 
 tainty of the cure, having attended the patient from 
 her first disease until the end of December. 
 
 Second. A man aged thirty years, at Castiglione, 
 on the sea 7 shore, in the beginning of December, 
 was seized with a tertian fever, which obliged him 
 to enter the hospital of St. Antoine, of Livourne. Dr. 
 Nicholas Orisini, being assured that the patient had 
 never before been afflicted with a like fever, nor 
 ever made use of the quinine, thought proper, as a 
 good opportunity, to employ in this case the piper- 
 ine, to assure himself of its efficacy. With this view, 
 
TTSE OF PIPER I SE. 
 
 81 
 
 he let the fever run out one of its intermissions, 
 without employing any remedy, in order to be bet- 
 ter acquainted with the nature of the disease. He 
 then ordered a scruple of piperine, divided into six 
 pills, to be taken in three doses, the last of these 
 doses to be given two hours before the fever, and 
 the two others at. intervals of two hours preceding. 
 After the administration of this remedy the paroxysm 
 -did not appear, the patient, who believed himself 
 cured, wished to leave the hospital, notwithstanding 
 the remonstrances of the physician, who assured him 
 he could not calculate yet upon an entire cure. The 
 patient soon fepented not having taken counsel, for 
 on his way to the shore, he had a fresh attack of the 
 fever, and was obliged to return to the hospital. He 
 again made use of the piperine, and having continu- 
 ed it for several days, he went out perfectly cured. 
 
 Third. Joseph Torsi, aged twenty-six years, en- 
 tered the hospital of St Antoine, the evening of the 
 sixth of September, 1824; had been attacked six 
 days before, with a true quotidian feyer^ and it was 
 the first he had ever experienced. On the morning 
 of the 17th, sixteen grains of piperine were ordered to 
 be divided into eight pills, of which, four should be 
 taken every two hours before the fit; but before the 
 last dose was taken, the fever returned in spite of 
 these means. The piperine was then carried to 
 eighteen grains, to be taken in the same manner — - 
 v hen the fever disappeared ; and the use of the 
 iretnedy being continued for several days, preserved 
 ,thc patient entirely from all symptoms of reeidiva* 
 
82 REMARKS ON THE 
 
 tion. Dr. Orisini, who directed the treatment, was 
 fully convinced of the perfect recovery and cure of 
 the patient, who, having entered the hospital three 
 months after, to be treated for peripneumonia, as- 
 assured him that he had no accession of fever since 
 he left the hospital. 
 
 From these observations, and many others, Mr. 
 Gordoni draws the following conclusions: — 
 
 1. That the piperine will cure intermittent fevers, 
 in the dose of eight or even six grains. 
 
 2. That it will cure fevers which have resisted the 
 sulphate of quinine. 
 
 Finally : That it will prevent a relapse of fever 
 better than that substance. 
 
 M. Meli* has also successfully employed the piper" 
 ine, and considers it more certain, as & remedy in 
 intermittents, than the sulphate of quinine. 
 
 For the following interesting communication on 
 the use of piperine, 1 am indebted to Dr. J. S. Rose, 
 of Philadelphia, who was the first to employ it in 
 this city. 
 
 I have employed the piperine, prepared by Mr. 
 Carpenter, in twenty cases of intermittent fevers, 
 and am decidedly of the opinion that it will be found 
 by all who may be disposed to try its virtues, a more 
 certain and efficient remedy than any preparation of 
 bark heretofore used. 
 
 I have also used it in two cases of low nervous 
 fever or typhus. I was induced to employ it in 
 these cases by observing, that in intermittents it did 
 ♦Airslie's Materia Indica, vol. 2 page, 622 
 
USE OP PIPERITCE. 83 
 
 not prevent (in the first intermissions) all the stages 
 of paroxysm ; at the time the patient expected his 
 chill he found a gentle diaphoresis, which continued 
 to increase for two, three, and in some cases, for four 
 hours ; on the next day, however, (of the expected 
 return) there was nothing like diaphoresis or fever ; 
 the patient passed this period without the least in- 
 convenience, and remained exempt from a relapse, 
 which is not always the case after the use of qui- 
 nine. These facts led me to believe, that in typhus, 
 when we wish a stimulating diaphoretic, nothing is 
 better adapted, not eVen volatile alkali, which I 
 have proved satisfactory to myself. In -this form of 
 febrile action, when the animal powers are about 
 to yield to the influence of disease, and the patient 
 falls a victim to the timidity of the practitioner, 1 
 have boldly withheld all other remedies, and ad- 
 ministered the piperine in doses of two grains every 
 two hours, until eight grains had been taken ; in one 
 of these cases, the low, muttering delerium now be- 
 gan to subside, the skin became moist, and the pa- 
 tient, sensible of his improvement, pronounced him- 
 self better. On the following day, the same doses 
 were administered and repeated, for three, four, or 
 five days, when I found no fever ; the strength in- 
 creased, and the patient, with an inclination for food, 
 was certainly convalescent. These two were the 
 only cases of typhus I have treated since I became 
 acquainted with this valuable remedy. But these 
 alone would incline me to say, with one of our pro- 
 fessors, " as well might we deny the power of bark 
 
84 REMARKS ON THE 
 
 in intermittent?, or mercury in syphilis," as piperine 
 in the cases alluded to. Yet I am not prepared to 
 adopt his language fully and call it at Panacea, 
 
 J. S. R. 
 
 I subjoin the following important results from the 
 use of piperine T By Dr. J. C. Rousseau, of Philadel- 
 phia, whose experience with the articles of our 
 materia medica, entitles his observations to the high- 
 est confidence and estimation. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 In compliance with your request to state my opin- 
 ion upon the* efficacy of the piperine in the cure of 
 intermittent fever, I can testify, that although I have 
 been able to administer this new article of the mate- 
 ria medica in few cases, it is satisfactory to inform 
 you, that it has been successful in every one. The 
 paroxysms left the patients on the first, and never 
 later than the second day. 
 
 . Some few remarks may with propriety be added to 
 this succinct account, which may become instruc- 
 tive, and inculcate the necessity of caution in pre- 
 scribing it in too large doses; the following case will 
 illustrate this position : 
 
 A young girl, about twelve years of age, having 
 had a return of intermitting fever, that had been 
 stopped by the sulphate of quinine, was directed to 
 take one grain of the piperine, made into a pill, with 
 conserve of roses. She was a short time after seiz- 
 ed with a vomiting, which was repeated to the num- 
 ber of seven times in the space of two hours. It 
 
USE OF FIPERINE. 85 
 
 then began to promote alvine evacuations to the ex- 
 tent of twelve or fifteen times. The fever did not 
 return, and she was directed to continue one grain 
 of the medicine night and morning. It invariably 
 produced alvine discharges in an unusual quantity. 
 
 In another case, a subject of about forty: it pro- 
 duced a radical cure m the dose of three grains, 
 taken every twenty-four hours, and continued for 
 some days after; and it is so much the more remark- 
 able, as this patient had taken the sulphate of quinine 
 for some days, in the quantity of thirty grains in every 
 twenty-four hours, as he informed me, remarking at 
 the same time? that during the use of it, he was under 
 a most violent and painful state of excitement. 
 
 I can state with confidence, that this preparation 
 
 of the black pepper, may be as useful and beneficial 
 
 as the like preparation of the Peruvian bark, and I 
 
 entertain no doubt of the probability of obtaining 
 
 similar products, from all the other peppers, having 
 
 been for many years, in the habit of administering the 
 
 black and red peppers, with decided success, in the 
 
 cure of intermittent fevers. Yours, &c. 
 
 J. C. Rousseau, M. D. 
 Geo, W. C. 
 
 I have just received the following valuable illus- 
 tration of the effect of piperine, from my friend Dr. 
 J. R. Black, of Philadelphia, which is an additional 
 strong testimony of the success of this medicine, in 
 the cure of intermittent fevers. 
 
 Mr. S. aged about forty years, during the first part 
 
 of last month, applied to me, with a severe quotidian 
 
 H 
 
86 REMARKS ON THE 
 
 fever, attended with rejections from the stomach, and 
 with violent pain, and great determination of hlood 
 to the head, during the hot stage, with cold feet and 
 slight delirium. 
 
 The case was treated with the lancet, emetics and 
 purges, which on the third day changed its type to 
 the tertian. On the day of intermission, sul. quinine 
 was administered, which was often rejected, while it 
 always increased the patient's nauseau, and head 
 ache. Pipeline was substituted in doses of one grain 
 every hour, to the number of ten a day. The par- 
 oxysms immediately ceased, and the patient was in a 
 few days discharged, radically cured. J. R. B. 
 
 Numerous other cases might be quoted in which 
 this medicine has been employed, with the like happy 
 results ; but I think sufficient has been advanced, to 
 satisfy the most sceptical, of its active properties. 
 
 Alcohol and sulphuric aether are the best men- 
 strua, fot the active properties of the pepper, which 
 very soon impart its acrimony to these fluids. Mr. 
 Brande gives alcohol and water; I am surprised that 
 Mr. Brande should have omitted aether, since it is the 
 most powerful solvent, and particularly that he 
 should quote water, since it requires five hundred 
 and fifty pints to extract the sapidity of one lb. of 
 pepper. Water appears to be the best solvent for 
 the colouring matter, for after pepper hat been ex- 
 hausted of its acrimony, by aether and alcohol, water 
 will make a dark solution, which on evaporation, 
 produces an extract exhibiting little of the pungency 
 of pepper. 
 
USE OF PIPERINE* 87 
 
 The piperine, employed in the above cases, I pre- 
 pared according to the following formula. 
 
 Digest one pound of coarsely powdered black 
 pepper, in one gallon of alcohol, for ten days, distil 
 off one half of the alcohol in a water bath, add by 
 degrees, diluted muriatic acid, to hold in solution the 
 pipeline, then add water sufficient to precipitate the 
 resin, and separate the oil; a muriate of piperine re- 
 mains in solution, concentrate this solution by evapo- 
 ration, and add pure potass to decompose it, and neu- 
 tralise the acid, when the piperine, in consequence of 
 tlie diluted state of the alcohol, and the absence of the 
 muriatic acid, will be deposited in yellowish transpa- 
 rent crystals. The crystals maybe obtained per- 
 fectly colourless, by observing great care in separa- 
 ting the oil and resin, but as there is no disadvantage 
 in the colour, the additional trouble and expense 
 would not be compensated. The piperine, in a 
 colourless state, is insipid and inodorous ; but united 
 with as much resin as enters into its crystallization, 
 its taste is extremely powerful, possessing in an in- 
 tense degree, all the heat and acrimony of the pep- 
 per, with considerable of its odour, and I think is a 
 more active preparation than the former, it was in 
 this form exhibited in the treatment of the cases 
 above described. I have obtained larger crystals, 
 by employing sulphuric aether as a menstruum, in- 
 stead of alcohol. 
 
 The crystals of piperine are transparent, of a 
 straw colour, and assume the tetrahedral prismatic 
 form, with oblique summits ; I have obtained them 
 
88 REMARKS ON THE 
 
 larger than the ordinary crystals of sulphat of mag- 
 nesia. 
 
 Extract of Black Pepper. 
 
 Digest eight ounces of black pepper coarsely 
 ground, in four pints of diluted alcohol, for four days, 
 occasionally submitting it to a temperature near 
 ebullition in a water bath, filter and evaporate to the 
 consistence of an extract. This is found also to be 
 an active remedy in intermittent, in doses of two or 
 three grains. In a soft state it has proved very con- 
 venient to give consistency to piperine or quinine for 
 the formation of pills, while at tire same time it in- 
 creases their activity, particularly the latter ; it is 
 certainly preferable to the conserve of roses, or gum 
 arabic, which enlarge the pill without increasing the 
 effect. 
 
 The extract of pepper in every formula I have 
 seen, is directed to be prepared with water. This 
 forms a much less active preparation and possesses 
 several inconveniences, to which the above is not 
 subject. 
 
 I have employed the white and black peppers in 
 the above preparations, and although it is stated that 
 the white pepper is milder than the black, I have 
 found it to yield more piperine and an extract of 
 much more acrimony and activity, and to contain 
 much less colouring matter. 
 
 The constituent principles of pepper, are pipe- 
 rine, oil, resin, extract, colouring and fecular matters. 
 
 Subsequent experiments have proved the oil of 
 
USE OF PIPERINE. 89 
 
 black pepper to possess all the valuable properties of 
 piperine in a superior degree, one drop being equal 
 in energy to three grains of the latter. I have com- 
 binedquinine, piperine, oil of black pepper, cornine, 
 gentianine, and several other tonic vegetable princi- 
 ples, in the form of a mass, which I have denomina- 
 ted compound tonic extract, and which has proved 
 much more efficient in intermittents than any of the 
 articles used singly, even in double doses. This arti- 
 cle is now much used in the southern states, and has 
 given the highest degree of satisfaction. 
 
 H 2 
 
EXPERIMENTS 
 
 o^r 
 
 MERCURY 
 
 AKO 
 
 BLOT MASS. 
 
 On the Division or Extinction of Mercury by Tritura- 
 tion : with Observations and Experiments on the 
 Blue Mass and other preparations of Mercury. 
 
 Mercury has been considered by some writers to 
 produce no action on the bod y, when taken internal- 
 ly in the metallic state; this has been doubted with 
 sufficient reason by Orfila in his Toxicology. 
 
 Blue mass, Pil. Hydrargyri, or Blue Pill, as it is 
 commonly termed, has heretofore been always 
 esteemed, one of the most valuable preparations of 
 mercury, being mild and at the same time more cer- 
 tain and effieacious in many diseases, than any other 
 preparation of that valuable mineral ; hence it has 
 been, and continues to be, very extensively employ- 
 ed in most cases where mercurial action on the con- 
 stitution is required, and when properly made, and 
 in like manner administered, has invariably support- 
 ed its wonted and established reputation. 
 
 In the preparation of it, the most viscid and tena- 
 cious substances are employed, as conserves, honey, 
 
AND BLUE MASS. 91 
 
 manna, &c. for the more speedy extinction of the mer- 
 cury as it is generally termed, or more properly its 
 minute division, after which some vegetable powder 
 (of which starch is most proper,) is added, to give the 
 mass a proper consistence for the formation of pills, 
 It has generally been supposed that the mercury by 
 this process was converted into the state of a pro- 
 toxyde, but late careful experiments, prosecuted ex- 
 clusively for the purpose of ascertaining the condi- 
 tion of the mercury, have satisfactorily proved the 
 contrary. 
 
 From the remarks and experiments of Mr. Joseph 
 Roux, (Pharmacien a Nimes,) addressed to Mr. 
 Planche, in the Journal de Pharmacie, tome XI. page 
 215, it will appear that, (although from the various 
 discussions of chemists, on the method of reducing 
 mercury, a conclusion has generally been drawn in 
 favour of those substances which contain the most 
 oxygen,) turpentine and liquid styrax will as speedily 
 and effectually extinguish or reduce the mercury as 
 the ox3genous fat, and that the various conserves, 
 syrups, extracts, oils, meals, fecula;, and vegetable 
 powders all produce the same results in that speedy 
 and effectual reduction of the mercury in proportion 
 to the tenacity of the substance employed ; for ex- 
 ample, the extracts succeed better than the conserves, 
 the conserves better than the syrups, the syrups 
 than the oils,- &c. These different experiments led 
 to the conclusion that oxygen was not essential for 
 the extinction of mercury, and to prove which, it 
 was acted upon by substances destitute of this ele- 
 
92 EXPERIMENTS ON MERCURY 
 
 ment ; bitumens were accordingly selected such as 
 petroleum, and maltha.* Having reduced the 
 petroleum to a more than syrup consistence, the re» 
 suit was perfectly satisfactory, and Mr. Roux ob- 
 serves, I was then authorised to think my conjecture 
 was correct, but in order to assure myself positively 
 of the fact, I acted upon it free from the con- 
 tact of atmospheric air. I accordingly placed a 
 vessel containing the mercury and maltha, (reduced 
 to a consistence that allowed the pestle to work,) in 
 the receiver of an air pump, and after having made a 
 vacuum I put in motion, by the means of a handle, 
 a pestle surrounded by a brass stem, a little bent at 
 the. lower part, which passed through the bell and 
 the copper framing, by which it was surmounted. 
 This experiment succeeded as well as any of the 
 others and established beyond a doubt the fact that 
 mercury may be extinguished without the aid of 
 oxygen. 
 
 Mr. Planche observes, (Journal de Pharmacie,) 
 that from the ingenious experiments of Mr. Roux on 
 the division of mercury in vacuo, by means of a sub- 
 stance containing no oxygen, it has been proved, that 
 the mercury in the ointment and other preparations 
 exists in the state of minute division, and not in that 
 of an oxyde, which is no longer a subject of doubt to 
 a great many. 
 
 This may readily be proved by melting the oint- 
 ment in hot water, or by washing the blue mass in 
 cold water, decanting the saccharine and feculent 
 * Pitch and wax melted together. 
 
AND BLUE MASS. 93 
 
 matter, and placing the remainder, (carefully washed 
 from the vessel with a little water,) on a filter of 
 paper, and left to stand until perfectly dry, when 
 nearly all the mercury used in its formation may be 
 collected ; a small portion necessarily will be lost in 
 its preparation, together with more minute globules 
 which cannot be collected. I treatecTin this manner 
 3J. of the blue mass manufactured at Apothecaries 5 
 Hall, London, in which the mercury was more effect- 
 ually reduced than any I had ever seen, and obtained 
 from it sixteen grains of metallic mercury, within 
 four grains of the quantity originally employed in 
 making the mass ; small globules were also visible 
 in the residuum which I could not collect ; on exam- 
 ining several drops of the liquor 1 decanted, which 
 had accidentally fallen on some white paper and 
 dried, it had a shining metallic appearance, aim evi- 
 dently contained metallic mercury, which was proved 
 after two days standing, by the aggregation of glo- 
 bules. Mr. Thomas Evans, an intelligent druggist of 
 this city, in a paper published in the Journal of the 
 Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, states that from 
 one hundred grains of blue pill, which had been tri- 
 turated for many days, twenty grains of running 
 mercury were easily collected and numerous globules 
 were still visible in the residuum. 
 
 An effect takes place in making the pommade 
 mercurielle, a preparation employed extensively in 
 France, which goes strongly to prove that the mer- 
 cury in this preparation is not in the state of an 
 oxyde, as well as all the others ; for it is admitted 
 
94 EXPERIMENTS ON MERCURY 
 
 by all without the least doubt, that in all cases where 
 mercury is reduced by simple trituration, it exists in 
 the same condition. In making this preparation, if 
 it happens that the butter of cocoa, (beurre de cacao,) 
 which enters its composition, be too suddenly cool- 
 ed, the mercury, which previously had every appear- 
 ance of perfec^ extinction immediately appears in 
 large globules ;,to reduce them it is only necessary to 
 gently heat the pestle and stir the pommade a few 
 minutes, when the mercury is again reduced. I will 
 ask if any man acquainted with the laws of chemis- 
 try, can for a moment suppose that the mercury in 
 this preparation is in any other than the metallic 
 state, or attribute so sudden a reduction of the mer- 
 cury, to the absorption of oxygen, when eight days 
 trituration would not be sufficient to effect it by the 
 ancient proceeBt 
 
 Besides these, there are other preparations of 
 mercury where it has been triturated with pulveru- 
 lent substances, as chalk, magnesia, sugar, &c. in all 
 which cases, the mercury exists in the same condi- 
 tion as in the ointment, mass and pommaae, that is in 
 a state of minute metallic division, and not of an 
 oxyde. From a portion of hydrargyrum cum creta, 
 imported by Charles Marshall from the Apothecaries 
 Hall, London, in which the mercury was apparently 
 oxydized, inasmuch that not a globule was visible, 
 (when most favourably exposed on paper,) even with 
 the assistance of a good microscope, 1 put a small 
 quantity in vial and agitated it a short time in cold 
 water; when subsided, I decanted the water and 
 
AND BLUE MASS. 95 
 
 after several washings and decantations in the same 
 manner, the sub-carbonate of lime was separated, 
 and there remained a greyish powder, which I placed 
 on a filter of paper, which by simple imbibition 
 of the paper, without pressure or trituration, the 
 mercury assumed the form of globules, in weight 
 nearly equal to the quantity originally employed in 
 the composition. 
 
 Mercury reduced by trituration with sugar may 
 most readily be tested by dissolving the sugar, which 
 will leave the mercury in its metallic state. From 
 the suggestions of Mr. Phillips, of London, I treated 
 a portion of the hydrargyrum cum creta with acetic 
 acid, having placed a small quantity of the powder 
 in a vial and washed it in successive portions of the 
 atid until the sub-carbonate of lime was dissolved ; 
 then I threw the whole on a filtre of paper, which 
 when dry exposed the mercury entire. 
 
 As the above experiments are in the reach of any 
 one desirous of proving the fact, I hope advantage 
 will be taken of them and little doubt will hereafter 
 exist as to the state in which the mercury exists in 
 these several preparations. Although differing from 
 the opinion of man\\authors of established reputation, 
 I feel confident in stating the fact, inasmuch as I be- 
 lieve, (from their own expressions,) their conclusions 
 were drawn from external characters without ex- 
 periment; as in most instances where these prepara- 
 tions are ipoken of, it is remarked that the mercury 
 is in the state of minute division, and probably con- 
 verted into the black oxyde ; the word probably im- 
 
96 EXPERIMENTS ON MERCURY 
 
 plies a direct incertitude, and speculation as to the 
 real state in which the mercury exists in these pre- 
 parations, and indicates that they have never been 
 examined with a view to discover its condition, oth- 
 erwise their descriptions must have been more 
 definite. 
 
 Mr. Rennie in his late valuable supplement to the 
 pharmacopoeias, observes, that chemically, the blue 
 pill is described in two ways. One party of chem- 
 ists say that the mercury is unchanged and exists in 
 a state of extreme division, whilst another party as- 
 sert unconditionally, that mercury is converted into 
 a black oxyde, which is a protoxyde. Mr. Phillips, 
 on the other hand, more justly observes, that experi- 
 ments are still wanting to explain the subject, but that 
 it probably contains a sub-oxyde, as he supposes to be 
 the case with the hjdrag. cum cireta. 
 
 It may be remarked by some, if the meccury exist 
 in its metallic state, why resort to the tedious method 
 of its division? It may be readily answered, that 
 independent of increased action by its minute divi- 
 sion, mercury, from its fluidity and volubility, could 
 not be administered in its metallic state, in the 
 various doses, forms and compounds, in which the 
 blue mass has been so conveniently and successfully 
 exhibited. It has also "been proved by experience, 
 that the mass which contains the mercury in the 
 most minute division is preferable on account of a 
 more speedy action, as well as being less liable to 
 lose the mercury by exudation. Hence it is that the 
 blue mass and other preparations of the mercury 
 
AND BLUE MASS. 97 
 
 manufactured at Apothecaries 1 Hall, London,* and 
 at the laboratory of Mander & Co. of Wolverhamp- 
 ton, have justly been preferred as more eligible pre- 
 parations, at which places they possess considerable 
 advantages of improved machinery by steam power 
 for the more speedy and effectual reduction of the 
 mercury. It has been suggested and recommended 
 to use the black oxyde of mercury as a substitute 
 for the blue pill. However valuable a medicine the 
 black oxyde may be, it cannot be substituted for the 
 blue pill, on the ground of being the active principle 
 of that substance; although I do not doubt that a few 
 grains out of a hundred may be in the state of a sub« 
 oxyde, but most certainly not in sufficient quantity 
 to have the sole agency in the effect of the blue pill* 
 but on the contrary, from its minute proportion, to 
 have little or none, The black oxyde of mercury, 
 however, is no doubt a most valuable medicine, and 
 from the careful and correct experiments of Dr» 
 Benjamin H. Coatrs, of this city, its efficacy has 
 been fully established. 
 
 As the blue mass holds an important place in the 
 materia medica, and is perhaps more extensively em- 
 ployed^jLhan any other compound, it will no doubt 
 be desirable to have a formula which will most 
 readily reduce the mercury. After a number of ex- 
 
 * The mass is prepared at Apothecaries' Hall, London, by a 
 machine consisting of an iron mortar and four wooden pestles 
 driven by a steam engine. This both triturates and rolls the 
 mass, and the pills are said to be stronger than those made 
 by the hand, — Kennie's Supplement, &c. 
 
 I 
 
08 
 
 EXPERIMENTS ON MERCTJItY 
 
 periments, with a view to discover what combination 
 and proportion of substances most speedily and ef- 
 fectually reduce the mercury, and at the same time 
 preserved the mass longest of a pilular consistence, 
 1 have adopted the following formula and process as 
 possessing the greatest advantages. This forms a 
 mass more like that manufactured at the Apothe- 
 caries' Hall, London, than by any other process 
 which 1 have seen. The globules of mercury are 
 effectually reduced in a short time, and are perfectly 
 invisible ; when rubbed on white paper and inspect- 
 ed with a microscope. The mass is of a fine blue 
 colour, and will preserve a pliable consistence * 
 long time. 
 
 R. Hydrarg. Par - - - 3iss, 
 Manna Pinguis - - - £iss. 
 Mel. desp. - - - §ss« 
 
 Amvli - - - * Si. 
 
 M. S. A. 
 
 As the mercury of commerce is frequently adul- 
 terated with lead, bismuth, tin and zinc, it is im- 
 portant to have it distilled previous to employing it 
 in the above preparation. 
 
 The manna and honey in the blue pill are better 
 than any other substance yet employed, and reduce 
 the mercury more speedily and effectually than the 
 conserve of roses, over which they have other ad- 
 vantages. The conserve of roses is objectional also 
 from occasionally containing sulphuric acid which 
 has been added to increase its colour ; hence a poi- 
 
AJfD BLUE MASS. 
 
 ^onous sub-sulphate of mercury may be formed dur- 
 ing the trituration. Dv. Coxe justly remarks in the 
 fifth edition of his Dispensatory, (although conserve 
 of roses is in the formula he has selected) that experi- 
 ments fairly made, would sanction the manna as pre- 
 ferable to any other substance for the speedy and 
 effectual extinction of the quicksilver ; and what- 
 ever may be thought of the conserve of roses, it ap- 
 pears probable that its use is only dependent on the 
 sugar in its composition. 
 
 in making this preparation the whole amount of 
 mercury should be triturated with a small part of the 
 manna and honey, until reduced, (which will be more 
 speedy than if worked with all the ingredients ;) the 
 remaining portion of manna and honey is then to be 
 added, and the whole beat up till well incorporated ; 
 to which then add the starch to give it a proper con- 
 sistence. This mass, when finished, has a fine blue 
 colour, no globules visible when exposed on paper, 
 even with the assistance of an ordinary microscope ; 
 it is of proper consistence for the formation of pills, 
 and will retain its moisture for a long time; a quan- 
 tity made according* to the above formula has been 
 kept for upwards of a year, when its consistence 
 was nearly as good as at the time of its formation, 
 and no globules discoverable when carefully exam- 
 ined. It is a desirable thing that the mass should re- 
 main soft which the above formula will particularly 
 
 effect. I have seen blue mass become perfectly 
 hard, sufficiently so to powder, in consequence no 
 
 doubt of having gum Arabic in its composition, L^ 
 
100 EXPERIMENTS ON MERCURY, &C. 
 
 quorice root and rhubarb enter into some receipts for 
 the preparation of the blue pill, but the mass which 
 •contains them fnay.be known by its dirty grey 
 colour, and frequently becoming mouldy after a short 
 time. 
 
 As a great quantity of blue mass is badly made, 
 and I believe more from not having a proper formula 
 than from any want of art or attention in its redaction, 
 1 am induced to offer the above, under a full assur- 
 ance, from careful experiment, of its superiority to 
 the common formula with conserve of roses; and 
 should it prove useful in the hands of those who may 
 think proper to adopt it, the author will have obtained 
 the object of this publication. 
 
AND ITS PREPARATIONS 
 
 "This is one of the most valuable and important 
 of the medicines recently introduced. It is soluble 
 in aether and in alcohol ; the latter dissolving it pro- 
 portionable to its degree of rectification. Water does 
 not dissolve more than ^ of its weight. 
 
 It is extracted from the mother waters of soda, pre- 
 pared from sea weed, where it exists in the state of hy- 
 driodate of Potass. These waters are obtained by 
 burning the fuci that are found on the coast of Nor- 
 mandy, draining the water through the ashes and 
 concentrating the liquor. 
 
 To obtain the iodine, an excess of concentrated 
 acid is added to these waters, and the liquor is grad- 
 ually brought to ebullition in a glass retort, furnished 
 with a receiver. The acid seizes on the basis of the 
 hydriodate, and on the hydrogen of the hydriodic 
 acid, so that the result is sulphate of potass, water. 
 sulphurous acid and iodine, which rises in violet 
 coloured vapours, passes into the receiver with a 
 small quantity of acid, and in that state is condensed. 
 In order to purify it, it must be washed, mixed with 
 water contaiuing a little potass, and again distilled. 
 
 1 2 
 
102 'on ioitffjgr! 
 
 Dr. Coindit of Geneva was the first to Use the'iodine 
 as a medicine, which he employed with remarkable 
 success in the treatment of goitre; it has since been 
 used both in Switzerland and France, by several 
 .physicians, who speak very highly of it3 effects as 
 a medicine in goitre, in scrofulous ulcers, &c. and 
 quote a number of cases of the successful treatment 
 of these diseases, by the use of iodine. The iodine 
 is now used in this country to a ; considerable extent-; 
 it is generally employed in the form of tincture and 
 ointment, formulas for the preparation of which will 
 be given hereafter. Dr. Gardiner has published in 
 England a very interesting memoir on the effects of 
 iodine, on the animal economy, and on its advantages 
 in the treatment of goitre and scrofulous, and 
 tuberculous affections of the thorax and kbdomeo, 
 
 Dr. Barron appears to have employed the remedy 
 with some success in the treatment of scrofulous^ 
 phthisis, and certain other tuberculous affections, 
 
 TINCTURE OF IODINE. 
 
 Take of alcohol 36° 1 ounce. 
 
 Iodine 48 grains. 
 
 The iodine should be triturated fine with the alcohol 
 in a mortar, and occasionally rubbed down in it 
 after standing 24 hours, it is fit for use, and should be 
 filtered before using, as there is generally a portion of 
 the iodine undissolved. 
 
 It is given to adults in the dose of from 4 to !0 
 
 drops, three times a day in a glass of sweetened 
 
 ^.vater; the quantity may be gradually increased to 
 
AtfD ITS PREPARATIONS. 103 
 
 20 drop?, (which contains about one grain of iodine) 
 three times a day. . 
 
 Solution of Hydriodate of Potass, 
 
 Take of Hydriodate of Potass 36 grains. 
 Distilled water 1 ounce. 
 
 This solution is still capable of dissolving iodine v 
 and of thus forming an ioduretted hydriodate of 
 potass. If we wish to procure the solution called 
 eoindet 1 *, 10 grains of pure iodine must be added to 
 the solution of the hydriodate of potass described 
 above. 
 
 These preparations, whose mode of exhibition 
 is the same as that of the tincture of iodine, are 
 employed as well as it in the treatment of goitre and 
 scrofula, in the latter case some tonic is generally 
 combined with it. 
 
 M. Magendie has for some time made use of the 
 solution of hydriodate of potass both in hospital and 
 private practice; he is confident the dose -of this 
 solution may be increased to three gros per diem, 
 without any unpleasant consequences; debilitated 
 and very nervous women have taken this quantity 
 for many weeks, without the least appearance of 
 derangement in any function. In this dose two cases 
 of cancer of the tongue recovered in the space of a 
 fortnight, in the incurable wards of L? Hospice dt la 
 Salpdricre. The -women were affected with thw 
 disgusting and horrible disease for many years, and 
 admitted into the hospital as incurables, one still re- 
 aiains there, having been three months under tr'^ai- 
 
104 ON IODINE 
 
 naent and is going on very well In the same place, 
 a woman who had for a long time suffered under 
 ulcerations of the tongue, has just received a com- 
 plete cure from the use of the hydriodate of potass. 
 
 Ointment of the Hydriodate of Potass. 
 
 Take of Hydriodate of Potass £ drachm. 
 Axunge 1$ ounce. 
 
 Mix. — This may be used to the extent of half a 
 drachm night and morning in the way of friction upon 
 a goitre or glands, enlarged with scrofula; at the end 
 of a week, the quantity may be increased to a drachm 
 or more, according to the age of the, patient and ex- 
 tent of the tumour. Sometimes by these means a 
 complete resolution of tremours is effected, which 
 could not be removed entirely by saline solutions. 
 This ointment has been successfully used in various 
 cases of enlargement of the testicles, which had re- 
 sisted other • means. Sometimes, however, mere 
 friction will not do, and recourse must be had to 
 both modes of exhibition, but, in general, more ad- 
 vantage seems to be derived in scrofulous affec- 
 tions from the saline solutions. The activity of this 
 ointment may be increased by adding from 10 to IS 
 grains of pure iodine to form what is- called ointment 
 of ioduretted Hydriodate of Potass. 
 
 Ointment of Iodine* 
 
 Take of Iodine - ► ■- 1 drachm. 
 Axunge, - - 1 ounce. 
 
AND ITS PREPARATIONS. 105 
 
 ' Powder the iodine and triturate it with the lard 
 in a glass mortar. This ointment is used in the same 
 manner as that of the hydriodate, in. about the same 
 quantity; it is, however, not as much used as the 
 hjdriodate ointment, which latter is in every way 
 .preferable. 
 
 Iodurets of Mercury* 
 
 The ProtO'loduret of Mzrcury is prepared by 
 uniting solution of hydrate of potass and protonitrate , 
 of mercury, which precipitates the proto-ioduret. 
 It is of a yellow colour and insoluble in water, ac- 
 cording to Dr. Thompson, 162 parts contain 62 of 
 iodine and 100 of mercury, or 25 of mercury and 
 156 of iodine. 
 
 The deuto-ioduret is prepared by dissolving sepa- 
 rately 70 parts of corrosive sublimate, (deuto-chloru- 
 ret of mercury) and 100 parts of the hydriodate of 
 potass, and uniting ;the solution when the deuto~iodn- 
 ret of mercury will be precipitated, it is very solu- 
 ble in the hydriodate of potass and in mercurial salts, 
 so that care must be taken not to apply an excess of 
 either of them. This preparation contains 250 parts 
 of mercury and 312 of iodine. Hydriodic acid may 
 be substituted for the hydriodate of potass in the pre- 
 paration of these iodurets. 
 
 These preparations are employed in the form of 
 ointment, tincture, solution and pills, and have proved 
 ;a valuable remedy in chronic syphilis and venereal 
 ailccrs. 
 
1 06 ON IODINE 
 
 Ointment of Proto-ioduret of Mercury* 
 
 Take of proto-ioduret of mercury, 20 grain?. 
 Axunge - - 1 4 ounce. 
 
 This ointment has been highly recommended in 
 the treatment of inveterate venereal ulcers, in which 
 it is said to accelerate the cicatrization. 
 
 Ointment of the deuto-ioduret of Mercury. 
 
 Take of deuto-ioduret of mercury, 20 graius. 
 Axunge, - • l£ ounce. 
 
 This preparation is more active than the preced- 
 ing, and is therefore to be used in smaller quantities. 
 
 Tincture of Deuto-ioduret of Mercury. 
 
 Take of deuto-ioduret of mercury, 20 grains. 
 Mix. Alcohol at 36°, - 1 § ounce, 
 
 Twenty-six drops of this tincture are nearly equiv- 
 alent to one-eighth of a grain of the deuto-ioduret 
 itself, it may be given to the extent of 10, 15 or 20 
 drops in a glass of distilled water. We are assured 
 that it has succeeded in scrofulous complaints com- 
 plicated with syphilis. 
 
 Sulphuric JEther with Deuto-ioduret of 
 Mercury* 
 
 Take of sulphuric aether 1 $ ounce. 
 
 Mix. Proto or deuto-ioduret of mercury 20 grains. 
 
 This being a more active dose than the preceding v 
 must be administered in smaller doses. 
 
AND ITS PREPARATIONS. 107 
 
 Pills of the Deuto-Iodufct of Mercury. 
 
 Take of Deuto-Ioduret of Mercury I grain. 
 
 Extract of Juniper 12 grains. 
 
 Liquorice Powder q. s. 
 
 Mix and make into 8 pills, two to be taken at first 
 morning and evening, augmenting the dose subse- 
 quently to four at the same periods. 
 
 Pills of the Proto-Ioduret of Mercury, 
 
 May be made in the same manner, and taken in 
 the same dose. 
 
 The combination of mercury and iodine must 
 certainly be a medicine of considerable activity, and 
 from the effects of each of them on the system in 
 giandula affections, we might anticipate the most 
 favourable results from the compound in scrofulout 
 and venereal diseases. 
 
 Alcoholic Extract of Nux Vomica. 
 
 The nux vomica is one of the most active articles 
 ef the materia medica, and has lately been success- 
 fully employed in the treatment of paralysis. M. 
 Fouquier who has had much experience with its use 
 and action, gives it in the form of pills, consisting of 
 two grains each. The dose is two pills daily for the 
 commencement, and gradually increased to 10 or. 
 12, a number rarely exceeded. 
 
 The constant effect of this substance is to produce 
 first is* the paralyzed parts, and afterwards in th® 
 
108 ON IODINE. 
 
 rest of the body, a succession of shocks or contrac- 
 tions, similar to those occasioned by galvanism. 
 
 Magendie recommends the pills to be made of 
 one grain each, and to commence with one or two 
 daily, increasing the dose until the desired effect ia 
 produced.. This is the dose I have generally seen 
 prescribed by the physicians of this city. A tincture 
 may also be employed according to the following, 
 formula. 
 
 Juncture of Nux Vomica, 
 
 Take of Alcohol at 36° 1 ounce. 
 
 Dry extract of Nux Vomica 3 grains. 
 Dissolve. 
 
 Of this a few drops may be given in any simple 
 vehicle. In this form it may also be used by fric- 
 tion upon the parts affected, it is a mode much em- 
 ployed in Italy, and from which M. Magendie has 
 seen great effects result in his own practice. 
 
 Strychnine. 
 
 It would appear to be almost useless labour ex* 
 pended to obtain a more concentrated preparation 
 than the nux vomica, or the extract. The crude 
 substance, however, like all other articles of the 
 materia medica, is subject to vary in quality and 
 strength, and to be affected by various circumstan- 
 ces, to which it may be exposed, thus making the 
 strength of the crude material vary ; and conse- 
 quently the extract differing in proportion to the 
 
STRYCHNINE. 100 
 
 acting of the Nux Vomica, and also in (he variable 
 modes of its preparation. 
 
 Strychnine as we generally see it is of a greyish 
 white, granular or in powder, this is owing to its too 
 rapid crystallization, if carefully prepared it is in ihe 
 form of minute crystals, which by the aid of the mi- 
 criscope are found to consist of four sided prisms ter- 
 minated by pryramids with four depressed faces. 
 The sign of its parity is not reddening with nitric acid* 
 a degree almost unattainable in strychnine procured 
 from nux vomica. That obtained from St. Ignatius' 
 bean is purer, but the purest and most easily obtain- 
 ed is furnished by the Upas, it is al?o obtained from 
 the snake root.* The brucine exists with the stry- 
 chine in all the above articles, but in less proportion 
 in the St. Ignatius: and M» Majendie observes it is un- 
 fortunate that the bean of St. Ignatius is so rare an 
 article in commerce, as the strychnine contained ia 
 it is nearly free from brucine and could be readily 
 ©Ktained from it in a state of purity. 
 
 Jts action on the system is the same as that of the ex- 
 tract of nux vomica, and is applicable in the same case* 
 though much more powerful and requiring a lesi 
 dose, and it might be entirely unnecessary to have 
 recourse to strychnine, if the extract of the nux vomi- 
 ca were always prepared in the same manner, and 
 exempt from those variations in their effects arising 
 from the different-modes in which they are prepared- 
 ia consequence of the greater uniformity of the 
 
 * Lignum or Strychnos CoIubrinun& 
 
110 STRYCHNINE 
 
 strychnine h^this respect, it ts in general preferred. 
 In Germany and Italy accounts have been published 
 of its successful employment. It is generally employ* 
 ed in the form of pills which are made from the fol- 
 lowing formula: 
 
 Pills of Strychnine. 
 
 Take of Pure strychnine 2 grains. 
 
 Conserve of roses i drachm. 
 
 Mix accurately and divide into 24 j ills. 
 
 Tincture of Strychnine. 
 
 Take of Alcohol at 36 deg. 1 ounce. 
 
 Strychnine. 3 grains. 
 
 Mix. 
 
 Dose from 6 to 24 drops in draughts or common 
 drink. 
 
 The pills were they can be taken are preferable 
 to the solution, in consequence of the extreme bit'er. 
 ness and unpleasant taste, for although nearly insolu- 
 ble in water 6,667 times its weight, at a temperature 
 of 10 deg. its bitterness will be distinctly perceptible. 
 Jf a solution of strychnine made in cold water, and 
 consequently not containing above ^ part of its vo- 
 lime, be even still diluted in a hundred times the- 
 quantity of the same fluid.* 
 
 The strychine is certainly a valuable remedy in 
 -. ^voiy S j S) if we regard the writings of some of the 
 
 •Mojendie's Formulary. 
 
AND ITS PREPARATIONS, 111 
 
 most distinguished physician?. Dr. Ratier states he 
 had occasion to see it administered to a young man 
 affected with paralysis in pills, containing each a 
 quarter of a grain. In the dose of a grain and a half, 
 it occasioned, hut in a more considerable degree, the 
 phenomena proper to the mix vomica; viz. a general 
 titanic rigidity, with twitching?, which supervened 
 every two or three minutes. These effects, which 
 had at first alarmed the patient and assistants, termi- 
 nated gradually in about three or four hours, and 
 without any troublesome consequences. 
 
 Strychnine readily unites with acids, and forms 
 fails, which are crystallized and are soluble; this must 
 be remembered when giving strychnine in common 
 drink, for lemonade and all acids very much increase 
 its activity. The following are some of the salts cf 
 strychnine, sub-carbonate, sulphate, hydrochlorate, 
 phosphate, nitrate, iodatc and hydriodate, it also 
 forms salts with the acetic, oxalic, tartaric and hy- 
 drocyanic acids, all of which are readily obtained? 
 and form crystal Sizable sabs. 
 
 The salts of strychnine in consequence of their 
 greater solubility are more active, and consequently 
 more intensely poisonous than their base, when the 
 patient is habituated to the action of strychnine, It 
 may sometimes be advantageous to substitute the 
 salts for the strychnine ilsclf without increasing the 
 dose. M. Mageadie has used none of the salts ex- 
 cept the sulphate which has produced most decided 
 relief in a case of paraplegia, given in a dose of a 
 iwelfdi of a grain. 
 
IIS feRUClNE* 
 
 Brucine. 
 
 This exists as before stated in nux vomica, and 
 several of the articles containingstrychnine, it is anai- 
 agous to strychnine but less intense, being in the pro- 
 portion to that of pure strychnine as one to twelve, 
 or according to M. Andral,jr. six grains of brucine 
 are equal to one of impure, and a quarter of a grain 
 of pure strychnine; it is generally given in the form 
 of pills or tincture, increasing the dose gradually. In 
 medical use, that which is obtained from the bark of 
 the brucea antidysinterica should be preferred,* aa 
 that furnished by the nux vomica is rather apt to be 
 mixed with a portion of strychnine, which increases 
 its power and deranges our calculation as to the ef- 
 fects. As it possesses the properties of strychnine in 
 a milder degree, it may be given to the extent of one, 
 <£wo, or even three grains, without apprehension as 
 to the consequences in the same cases as the prepa- 
 rations of nux vomica are found to benefit. It ia 
 probable that much larger doses may be given, but 
 
 • Brucine 13 obtained by subjecting- the inner bark of the 
 brucea antidysiterica to a similar process to that directed for 
 the preparation of strychnia, with this difference, that tho 
 magnesian precipitate must not be so elaborately washed.— 
 Brucine being much more soluble in water than strychnine, 
 on account of the greater quantity of colouring matter which 
 it contains. By evaporating the alcoholic liquors, the brucino 
 is readily obtained in a resinous form, not being yet sufficient- 
 ly pure to crystalize. In its purification it mus f be combined 
 with oxalic acid which is to be again decomposed by magne- 
 sia, and the brucine separated by alcohol, which being slowly 
 erapnrated in the open air, brucine wilt be obtained in* crys- 
 tallized form. 
 
MORPHIA. 113 
 
 we must be attentively upon our guard. M. Andral 
 has given it in cases of palsy with advantage, from 
 half a grain to five grains. M. Magendie has used 
 it successfully in two cases of atrophy, one of the 
 arm and the other of the leg. The patient took six 
 pills daily of one-eighth of a grain. As it is subject 
 to variation or strength from the frequent admixture 
 of strychnine in it, the latler should be preferred as 
 being a more active and uniform medicine. 
 
 Pills of Brucine and the Tincture may be made in 
 the same manner as those of the strychnine. Brucine 
 forms salts in the same manner as the strychnine, and 
 being more soluble than brucise itself, is more ac- 
 tive, and possesses some advantages. 
 
 Morphia. 
 
 This is the anodyne or sedative principle of opium. 
 M, Robiquet prepares it by precipitating a strong 
 infusion of opium by means of caustic ammonia, filt- 
 ers and evaporates the liquid down to a sixth part of 
 its bulk, to this he again adds ammonia and obtams 
 a fresh precipitate of pure morphia which he re- 
 ceives on a filter and washes it with cold water, when 
 well dried he sprinkles it with a little alcohol, and 
 passes the spirituous liquors through a filter, which 
 carries with it a large portion of the colouring matter 
 and also a small quantity of morphine. He then 
 disolves the morphine in acetic acid, and treats the 
 solution with ivory black. This mixture bei ig agi- 
 tated frequently, during twenty -four hours, is 
 
 K 2 
 
-114 NARCOTINE. 
 
 finally projected on the filter, and pisses through its 
 the receiving vessels entirely colourless. He next 
 applies ammonia, and the morphia is precipitated in 
 the form of a white powder, if this be again dissolved 
 in alcohol, and allowed to evaporate spontaneously, 
 the morphine will be found in fine regular, white 
 crystals, four sided rectangular prisms. Dr. Staples, 
 an ingenious chemist of this city, has obtained the 
 morphia by a more simple process, his formula -in 
 rpub!ished in the North America Medical and Surgi. 
 cal Journal of this city.. 
 
 Morphia unites with most of the acids, forming va- 
 rious salts of these preparations, the acetate and sul- 
 phate have hitherto obtained the preference. Their 
 proportion in respect to the opium is an eighth of a. 
 grain for a grain. M. Magendie recommends the 
 syrup of these salts, four grains of the salt to a pound 
 of syrup. The sulphate is preferable to the acetate 
 on account of its solubility. Being perfectly soluble 
 m cold water; the acetate is also rendered perfect!/ 
 soluble in water by adding a few drops of acetic 
 acid to it. 
 
 For a further description of morphia and its pre- 
 parations, see the article opium, 
 
 Narcotine, 
 
 This preparation is not used as a medicine. For 
 particulars, see description of it under the head of 
 #pium t in a preceding part of this work, 
 
"EMETINE. 115 
 
 Emetine. 
 
 This is a peculiar principle lately found in the ipe- 
 cacuanha. M. M. Pellctier and Magendie states that 
 'this substance being much more active than the Ipe- 
 cacuanha itself, without possessing its disagreeable 
 taste or nauseous smell, might upon all occasions be 
 substituted for it with advantage. Emetine is little 
 used in this country, much less than most of the other 
 <proximate principles. 
 
 To prepare emetine^ the ipecacuanha is reduced 
 to a coarse powder and digested in aether at 60°, to 
 dissolve the fatty odorous matters. Then exhaust 
 it by alcohol in successive portions. Place the al- 
 coholic tinctures in a water bath and re-dissolve the 
 residue in cold water, it thus loses a portion of the 
 wax and a little of the fatty matter which still re* 
 mained,it is only necessary further to macerate it on 
 carbonate of magnesia, by which it loses its gallic 
 acid, to re-dissolve it in alcohol and to evaporate it t« 
 dryness. 
 
 The emetine obtained in this way is not perfectly 
 pure, but is the kind altogether in use here, the- ex* 
 ceeding high price of the perfectly pure and white 
 emetine has excluded it altogether from use here* 
 The emetine, obtained in the above process present* 
 itself in the form of transparent scales of a reddish 
 brown colour, having scarcely any smell, but a bitter 
 though not disagreeable taste. 
 
 The action of the pure emetine to that of the ce* 
 loured, is as one tofourj particular care should ther^ 
 
110 EMETINE 
 
 fore be observed in prescribing emetine to distinguish 
 which kind you intend, or serious mistakes might oc- 
 cur. In prescribing emetine it should be recollected 
 that it is little soluble in water, and when we wish 
 to give it in an aqueous vehicle, it should previously 
 be dissolved in a little acetic or sulphuric acid; eme- 
 tine is administered under the form of syrup or pas- 
 tiles. M. Magcndie has proposed emetic pastiles as 
 4a convenient form for children^ who cannot be made, 
 without difficulty, to swallow liquids. 
 
 Take of refined sugar 4 ounces, 
 
 coloured emetine 32 grains. 
 
 From this make pastiles of 1 3 grains, one of which 
 suffices for children and three or four for adults. 
 
 Pectoral Pastiles of Emetine* 
 
 Take of Refined Sugar 4 ounces. 
 
 Coloured Emetine 32 grains. 
 
 For pastiles of nine grains,, one is given every hoar; 
 if more frequently, nausea will be excited. 
 
 Syrup^qf Emetine. 
 
 Take of Simple Syrup Jfci. 
 
 Coloured Emetine 16 grains* 
 
 Make a Syrup. 
 
 The above syrup may be substituted for the syrup 
 of ipecacuanha used in France* 
 
AND ITS PREPARATIONS. 1 17 
 
 The Pasliles and Syrup of Emetine, 
 
 May be made in the same manner as the above by 
 tising one fourth the quantity of pure emetine, that is, 
 S grains instead of the 32 grains of coloured emetine. 
 
 For the alcalies of cinchona bark, see the article 
 cinchona. 
 
 Quinine and Cinchonine, 
 
 The sulphate of quinine is preferred and in gene- 
 ral use, it is prescribed generally in pills of one or 
 two grains each, or in the form of mixture with gum 
 arabic and cinnamon water, the mixture is objection- 
 able on account of the quinine being only partly so- 
 luble in water, and is merely suspended for a short 
 time by the mucilage of the gurn arabic. The fol- 
 lowing I consider a more eligible mode of exhibition 
 : as it forms a perfectly transparent and entire solution, 
 which will keep unaltered for any length of time. 
 
 Take of Sulphate of Quinine 8 grains. 
 Alcohol sji. 
 
 Acid Sulphuric 6 drops. 
 
 Aqua Cinnamon * 1 ounce. 
 
 Reduce the quinine in powder, and add by degrees 
 5'ii of water, in which the sulphuric acid is mixed, 
 and as soon as dissolved, add the remainder of the 
 cinnamon, water, and alcohol. 
 
 Veralrine. 
 
 This very acrid alkalive principle is met in all the 
 plants of the family of veratrum, and especially in 
 the sahadilla, colchicum and white hellebore; oa ac< 
 
118 VERATRINE 
 
 «:ount of its strongly purgative properly it can witti I 
 -advantage be substituted for these plants. 
 
 To obtain the Veratrine* 
 
 The seeds of the sabadilla are to be treated re- 
 peatedly with boiling alcohol These tinctures fil- 
 ter while still nearly boiling, which will deposit on 
 cooling, whitish flakes of wax; the substance in solu- 
 tion reduced to the consistence of extract, is to be ta- 
 ken up by cold water and re-filtered. There then re- 
 mains upon the filter a small quantity of fatty matter, 
 the solution is to be slowly evaporated. A precipi- 
 tate is to be formed of an orange yellow colour, which 
 exhibits the charactersof that colouring matter which 
 is found in almost all woody vegetables; a solution of 
 acetate of lead is now poured into this highly colour- 
 ed liquid, and there forms immediately a new and 
 \csy abundant yellow precipitate, which is separated 
 by filtration. The lead is separated by means of sul- 
 phuretted hydrogen, the liquor is then filtered and 
 concentrated by evaporation, afterwards treated by 
 magnesia and again filtered. The magnesia precipi- 
 tates is next exposed to boiling alcohol, and the spi- 
 rituous fluids being evaporated, yield a pulverulent 
 substance extremely acrid and possessing all the al- 
 kaline properties, by frequent solutions in alcohol and 
 precipitations this substance which is at first yellow- 
 ish, will become very white ar.d perfectly inodorous. 
 
 Its taste is very acrid, without any perceptible bit- 
 terness, but however small the quantity taken into 
 ■the mouth, it excites profuse salivations. It is per- 
 
AND ITS PREPARATIONS. 119 
 
 fectly inodorous, but must not be smelt too closely, 
 for even the trilling quantity carried by the air into 
 the nasal cavils is often sufficient to produce vio- 
 lent and dangerous sneezing, a quarter of a grain con- 
 veyed into the intestinal canal readily produces very 
 copious dejections and by a quantity trifling beyond 
 this, vomiting more or less violent is excited. M. 
 Magendie however, has lately given it to the amount 
 of two grains in 24 hours, without excessive purging;; 
 in the case of an old man who had sutFered an appo- 
 plectic attack, which furnishes another proof that the 
 state of the nervous system materially influences the 
 action of medicines. 
 
 M. Majendie thinks it should take the place of those 
 pharmaceutical preparations whose basis is either col- 
 chicum or hellebore, they would thereby be rendered 
 more powerful therapeutic agents, and at once more 
 convenient and certain. By this change the tincture 
 sf colchicum, the eau medicinale, and some others, 
 ivould lose that uncertain character which gives just 
 :ause of dissatisfaction with them. 
 
 M. Magendie has proposed the following formula: 
 
 Pills of Veratrine. 
 
 Take of Veratrine § grain. 
 
 Gum Arabric and Syrup sufficient to make sixpills> 
 >ne of which is to be administered, and if no purging 
 follows 3 may be given in the course of the day. 
 
 Tincture of Veratrine. 
 
 Take of Veratrine # 4 grains. 
 
 Alcohol 1 ounce. 
 
120 - TEXtATIUNE 
 
 This tincture may be given in the quantity of fro 
 10, 15 to 25 drops, in a cupful of any mild or simpl 
 drink. It may be administered internally instead of 
 the tincture of colchicum in anasarca and other va- 
 rieties of dropsy, and externally in frictions in the 
 same diseases, and also in gout. 
 $3=In Ratier's formulary one ounce of veratrine if 
 directed to be used with four,ounces of alcohol, 
 and the dose is directed in the same quantity as th« 
 above prepared with four grains. This is certain- 
 ly a very great error and might lead to very seri- 
 ous accidents.-CO 
 
 Solution of Verafrine. 
 
 Take of Sulphate of Veratrin* 1 grain. 
 Distilled Water 2 ounces. 
 
 To be substituted for eau medicinale of Hussoa 
 
 Ointtnent of Veratrine. 
 
 Take of Veratrine 4 grains. 
 
 Axunge 1 ounce. 
 
 In external applications in casei of chronic rheu- 
 matism, anasarca and gout. 
 
fMj 
 
 This very powerful medicine was discovered bj 
 Scheele in 1770, although he could only obtain it 
 mixed with variable proportion of water. To M. 
 Gay Lussac we are indebted for its acquisition in 
 the state of purity. 
 
 For the preparation of prussic acid see Coxe's dis- 
 pensatory, and most of the chemical works. 
 
 Prussic acid is readily decomposed if left to itself 
 in well stopped vessels, it sometimes decomposes in 
 less than an hour, and it can rarely be preserved for 
 any length of time. This circumstance forms a con- 
 siderable objection to its use. It should be kept in 
 black bottles, as light is found to decompose it rapid- 
 ly; its taste at first is an agreeable freshness, but soon 
 becomes acrid and irritating. Its odour is powerful 
 and noxious, being insupportable when not mixed 
 with a considerable quantity of air, it then resembles 
 the smell of bitter almonds. Its action on animals ia 
 very powerful one drop of the pure acid introduced 
 into the fauces of a remarkable strong dog killed him 
 instantly; a few particles applied to the eye will pro. 
 duce effects almost equally sudden. The acid which 
 we receive is not so strong, and is called medicinal 
 prussic acid; prepared no doubt from the formula of 
 Scheele, or the acid of Gay Lussac diluted* Prussia 
 
 h 
 
122 FRUSSIC ACID. 
 
 acid diluted according to the formulas we are about to- 
 give, has been successfully employed in all cases of 
 morbid irritability of the pulmonary organs, it is also 
 advantageously employed in the treatment of nervous 
 and chronic coughs, asthma and hooping cough, and 
 where this symptom is sympathetic with an affection 
 of some other organ, as also in dispepsia. 
 
 The acid prepared by Scheele's process, is very 
 variable, in consequence of the arbitrary discretion 
 which the process allows the operator. That of Gay 
 Lussac is much better adapted for use when properly 
 diluted being of more uniform strength. It is to be 
 mixed with six times its volume of distilled water. This 
 is the preparation which M. Magendie has given the 
 name of medicinal prussic acid, and is about the 
 strength of the prussic we now receive, so that phy- 
 sicians can prepare it according to the following for* 
 mular: 
 
 Pectoral Mixture. 
 
 Take of Medicinal Prussic Acid 31. 
 
 Distilled Water ibi. 
 
 Refined Sugar gi£. 
 Mix. 
 
 Of this mixture a tablespoonful may be taken night 
 and morning. The dose may be gradually increased 
 to five or six times this quantity, it is very important 
 that the mixture should be well shaken immediately 
 before using it, to avoid serious consequences, as the 
 acid sometimes floats on the surface of the water. 
 
CYANURET OF ZINC. 423 
 
 Cyanic Syrup. 
 
 Take of Simple Syrup 1 pound. 
 
 Medical Prussic Acid 3». 
 Make a Syrup. 
 
 This preparation is used in common pectoral drinks., 
 and as a substitute for other syrups. 
 
 In consequence of the variable strength of the 
 prussic acid, and preparations made by different pro- 
 cesses being indiscriminately sold; the faculty should 
 be cautious in their prescriptions for it, to ascertain if 
 possible the strength of it, or to begin with a very 
 small dose, which can be gradually augmented until 
 he discovers what quantity would be most judicious 
 to employ. 
 
 Cyanuret of Pure Potassium. 
 
 M. M. Robiquet and Villermer have proposed the 
 solution of the cyanuret of potassium as a substitute 
 for the prussic acid, its action on the animal system 
 being the same; which being an uniform preparation, 
 will obviate the inconvenience of the variable strength 
 of the prussic acid. This preparation has not yet been 
 used in this country. 
 
 Cyanuret of Zinc. 
 
 This preparation of late has been employed in 
 Germany instead of the hydrocyanic acid, and has 
 obtained the reputation of possessing decided vermi- 
 fuge powers. The following is the mode of prepar- 
 
124 CJYANURET OF IODINE. 
 
 ing a composition which is apparently the one in 
 vogue in Germany. 
 
 M. Pelletier has succeeded in obtaining this pre- 
 paration by the following process: Sulphate of zinc 
 is precipitated by hydrocyanate of potass; which 
 forms a triple hydrocyanate of zinc, which being well 
 dried and calcined at a dull red heat, is converted 
 into cyanuret of zinc. It always contains however, 
 cyanuret of potassium. 
 
 This preparation may be given in the same doses 
 us cyanuret of potass, beginning with one fourth of 
 a grain, and advancing gradually to a grain and a 
 half in a mixture to be taken by spoonful. But cau- 
 tion should be particularly observed in its administra- 
 tion. 
 
 Dv. Henning reports (in Hufleand's Journal for 
 1823) that this medicine has been successfully em- 
 ployed in all cases where prussic acid is applicable, 
 more especially among children in cases of worms. 
 He there gave one grain with powder of jalap. 
 
 Cyanuret of Iodine. 
 
 This preparation has not yet been used in medi- 
 cine, nor its effects on the animal system yet ascer- 
 tained. M. Serullas i<s of the opinion from its compo- 
 sition, that it ought to produce powerful effects on 
 the animal economy, and that probably as a medicine 
 occasion may be found for its employment. Itdoesnot 
 however appear to be so deleterious as the nature of 
 its elements would lead us to suppose. M. Serullas 
 lasted it, and several persons in his laboratory. M. 
 
SOLANINE. 125 
 
 Thenard had furnished M. Magendie with a sufficient 
 quantity of this substance but was not able to report 
 yet upon its mode of action. 
 
 Solanine. 
 
 This alkaline principle exists in the leaves of the 
 solanum dulcamara, and is also found in the greatest 
 abundance in the berries of the solarium nigrum, 
 where it exists in the state of malate. In order to 
 obtain it the juice of these berries when filtered, is to 
 be treated with ammonia, which produces a grey co- 
 loured precipitate, this deposite collected on a filter, 
 washed and treated with boiling alcohol, yields by 
 evaporation a salafiabie base, which if the berries 
 have been perfectly ripe is in effect sufficiently pure. 
 If the berries were green the solanine will contain a 
 portion of green colouring matter, which is with dif- 
 ficulty separated. Introduced into the stomach of a 
 cat to the amount of two to four grains, it produces 
 violent vomiting, followed quickly by a state of drow- 
 siness which lasts several hours. The acetate is the 
 only salt of solanine which has been tried upon the 
 human species. In the dose of a quarter of a grain 
 it produces nausea but the tendency to sleep has not 
 been remarked. 
 
 From what has been reported of it, it appears that 
 
 solanine like opium may produce vomiting and sleeps 
 
 but its emetic powers seem to be more decided than 
 
 those of opium, the narcotic properties are evidently 
 
 muchlessso. Ithasnotyetbeengivenin cases ofdisease, 
 
 but it may be employed wherever the extract of sola* 
 
 flum nigrum or that of dulcamara may be indicated. 
 
 L 2 
 
126 DELPHINE, UREA, &<% 
 
 Delpkine* 
 
 This alkali was detected in 1819 in the seeds of 
 the delphinum staphjsagria. It has not jet been em- 
 ployed as a medicine, but if the siavesacre possesses 
 any medical power it no doubt resides in this alkali, it 
 may therefore be employed where this plant is appli- 
 cable to diseases, and the salts, of which it forms the 
 base, will there be preferable on account of their so- 
 lubility. 
 
 Urea* * 
 
 Is the immediate principle of the urine of mammi- 
 ferious animals, it is obtained by. evaporating thu 
 urine to the consistence of syrup, forming a superni- 
 trate of urea by nitric acid, and decomposing again 
 by sub. carb. potass, by which the urea is obtained 
 in crystals. 
 
 M. Fou'quier has employed the urea as a diuretic, 
 though to M. Bailey it does not appear to possess that 
 property, the dose is from 50 to 60 grains. It does 
 not appear to be a medicine likely to prove very im- 
 portant. 
 
 Thrydace or Lactucariurrt. 
 
 M. Bidault de Villers had for a long time employed 
 the inspissated juice of the garden lettuce, and M. 
 Francois has proposed to renew its use under the 
 same of thridace. He ascribes to this substance a 
 sedative action milder than that of opium, inasmuch 
 m it is accompanied neither with constipation nor 
 
GOLD, PLATINA AND LUPULINE. 12? 
 
 "Stupor. The dose is two grains. It is necessary says 
 M. Francois, to increase rapidly the doses and for one 
 or two days to interrupt its exhibition, as the sto- 
 mach very soon accustoms itself to its action. It may- 
 be carried to the extent of eight grains taken in 
 3 doses during the 24 hours without any inconveni* 
 cnce. 
 
 Preparations of Gold and Platina. 
 
 The preparations of gold have been highly extolled 
 in inveterate syphilitic affections. With M. Culle- 
 rier who has given them a persevering trial, they 
 have not succeeded. They are difficult to manage, 
 as much on account of their great activity, as on ac- 
 count of the facility with which they are decomposed. 
 The dose ought to be extremely small, not exceeding 
 the fifteenth or twentieth of a grain. The same ob- 
 servations may be applied to the salts of platina. 
 
 Four preparations of gold are now employed in mt- 
 dicine. 
 
 1st. The chlouret or muriate of gold. 
 
 8. The chlouret or muriate of gold and soda.. 
 
 3. The oxide of gold. 
 
 4. The oxide of gold by tin or purple powder of 
 ■cassius. 
 
 The muriate of gold is that most generally employ- 
 ed in medicine and is preferable to the other prepay 
 'rations. 
 
 laipuline. 
 
 h the actire'principle of the hop, (Humulus Lupo- 
 
128 LUPULINE. 
 
 *lus) it is in the form of small shiningyellowish grains, 
 which cover the base of the strobiles of the hop, it is 
 of a golden yellow colour, of an aromatic odour and 
 pulverulent. Upon analysis it is found to consist es- 
 sentially of rosin, a little volatile oil, and a bitter prin- 
 cle; its taste is extremely bitter. Magendie states it 
 is soluble in water, alcohol and aether. I have only 
 found it partly so in aether, and that alcohol was the 
 best menstrua. M. Magendie has not recognized in 
 lupuline, the narcotic properties advanced by Profes- 
 sor Ives, of New York; although this is one of the 
 properties he observes most readily manifested in his 
 experiments with it on animals. 
 
 It may be administered in the form of powder, pills, 
 tincture, or syrup. It can be readily reduced to pow- 
 der, by mixing it with two parts of sugar and tritura- 
 ty, then gradually pound them together in a mortar. 
 
 Pills of Lupuline. 
 
 May be made of two grains each, it may be beaten 
 into a pillular mass without any adjuvant. 
 
 Tincture of Lupuline. 
 
 Take of Powdered Lupuline 1 ounce. 
 Alcohol at 36° 4 ounces. 
 
 Digest it tor six days in a close vessel, strain, press 
 it strongly and filter: Magendie directs it made with 
 two ounces of alcohol, and when pressed, sufficient 
 alcohol is added to make up three ounces of tincture; 
 this is certainly objectionable, for the quantity of al- 
 
OIL OF CROTON. 129 
 
 cohol which is added to the tincture, would certainv 
 \y be preferable to add while digesting, as the two 
 ounces of alcohol does not exhaust the lupuline, and 
 barely covers it, four ounces is quite small enough; 
 and I even think that six or eight ounces of alcohol 
 would be preferable, and would then be considerably 
 stronger than the tincture of hops. 
 
 Syrup of Lupuline. 
 
 This is made by adding the tincture of lupuline to 
 ■simp'e syrup. The doses of these preparations are 
 not yet accurately fixed, but as the lupuline pos- 
 sesses no poisonous quality, the dose may easily be de- 
 termined by the practitioner. 
 
 Lupuline has generally beenprescribed, in this city, 
 in doses of two orthreegrains; and I have been inform- 
 ed by several of the faculty, that it possessed ano- 
 dyne properties, and was a highly valuable substitute 
 for the hop. 
 
 Oil of Croton. 
 
 This is a very powerful purgative oil, it possesses a 
 strong peculiar smell and a very acrid and spicy 
 taste, it is extracted from the seeds of the croton tig- 
 Hum, a shrub of the family euphorbia, which grows 
 in the East Indies. It was introduced in 1630, and 
 was employed by several physicians with complete 
 success in dropsy, constipation, &c. one drop in Ca- 
 nary wine was at that time a common purgative. 
 The medicine however had entirely fallen into ne- 
 glect in Europe, when Mr. E. Con well, in the En- 
 
130 OIL OF CROTON. 
 
 fiish East India Company's service at Madras, re- 
 called attention to it. It is generally employed in 
 India, and has been lately introduced into England. 
 
 It is obtained from the seeds by expression and 
 boiling, similar to obtaining the castor oil. Dr. Nim- 
 mo of Glasgow has obtained the oil by digesting the 
 bruised kernels in sulphuric aether, by this process he 
 obtained from 300 grains of the seed two drachms of 
 the oil; which had the taste and medicinal properties 
 of the common oil of croton. 
 
 The croton seeds will yield about fifty per cent, of 
 oil. 
 
 The oil of croton may be employed as an ordina- 
 ry purgative, when there does not exist any symp- 
 toms of irritation about the stomach or intestinal ca- 
 nal; it should especially be preferred when common 
 purgatives have been administered without success 
 in apoplexies, in dropsies, and when mechanical or 
 other obstacles oppose the action of usual purgatives, 
 but above all when it is requisite to produce action 
 on the bowels speedily. 
 
 It is recommended by Dr. Ainslie of Madras, to 
 be externally used in cases of rheumatic affections. 
 
 A number of cases of obstinate constipation is ci- 
 ted by Dr. Kinglake as having been cured by a single 
 drop of this oil given in the form of a pill. 
 
 In this manner he cured a patient labouring under 
 colica pictonem (see Bulletin des Sciences Medicales 
 Fevrier, 1824, page 145.) 
 
 
OIL OF CROTON. 131 
 
 Soap of the Oil of Croton* 
 
 M. Caventon, to obviate the inconveniences aris- 
 ing from the variation in the size of drops, has pre- 
 pared a soap according to the following method. Two 
 parts of the oil, and one part of the liquid caustic so- 
 da of the French pharmacopea, are to be triturated 
 together without heat. When it has acquired con- 
 sistence, it is poured into a paper mould, and cut in 
 slices to be kept in a large mouth stoppered bottle. 
 
 This soap has been given by M. Bailey, in doses 
 of from two to three grains, in pills or solution, and 
 the effect has been the same as oil of croton. 
 
 The oil of croton may be advantageously used as 
 an adjunct to other cathartic medicines, which 
 would increase the activity and not enlarge the bulk. 
 
 Professor Coxe, suggests that a similar acrid and 
 powerful oil exists in the skins of the castor oil bean, 
 and suggests the importance of experimenting upon 
 them ; the seeds when taken into the stomach, most 
 certainly in small quantities excites very considerable 
 and increased action, more than equal to the quan- 
 tity of oil which would result from ten times the 
 quantity of seeds, it therefore must be evident that 
 there is still a very active principle left in the resi- 
 dium of the beans after the oil has been expressed ; 
 and hence it is, that the hot pressed oil is more ac- 
 tive than the cold pressed, which, no doubt, arises 
 from pressing the seeds more closely, and the heat 
 separating a portion of this acrid oil, from the skins. 
 There can be no doubt bat that the opinion of Pro- 
 
132 OIL OF EUPHORBIA. 
 
 fessor Coxe would be verified by experiments upon? 
 this article. 
 
 Oil of Euphorbia Lathyris. 
 
 Dr. Carlo Calderino obtained an oil from the seed* 
 of the euphorbia lathyrus, or spurge, which may be 
 used with advantage for the oil of croton tiglium, 
 and which, like it, acts in a very small dose. 
 
 The oil is obtained by simple process of expres- 
 sion, 14 ounces of seeds will yield six ounces of very 
 prime oil. 
 
 My friend, Dr. Milnor, of Allentown, New Jer- 
 ley about a year since, sent me some of the seeds of 
 the euphorbia, which grew in the neighbourhood, 
 very abundantly. I have expressed the seeds, and 
 obtained the oil similar to that imported; since which 
 Mr. Thomas Bellanger, of New Jersey, has sowed 
 an acre of this plant, and manufactured considerable 
 of the oil. The euphorbia grows abundantly in this 
 country and will no doubt be extensively cultivated 
 should full experience with the article justify its 
 value as a medicine. 
 
 The oil differs from croton in not being acrid, nor 
 possessing an unpleasant flavour; it very much 
 resembles the castor oil; it has the same colour, but 
 not quite so dense, and does not possess any odour. 
 It forms like croton oil soap with alkalies. The ac* 
 tion of the oil of euphorbia is purgative, and its ef- 
 fects is very certain and prompt, it is to be con- 
 sidered, says the Italian author, as a very mild pur- 
 gative; it does not produce vomiting, colic, or 
 
GENTIANINE. 133 
 
 tenesmus; it may be administered even in dysen- 
 taries, when there is irritation in the intestinal eanal. 
 It may be employed in all cases where it is desirable 
 to purge gently, and with a small dose of medicine. 
 The dose of the oil of spurge is from 4 to 8 drops — 
 children of two or three years, may take a dose of 3 
 drops in chocolate. To very irritable subjects an 
 emulsion may be given, made with eight drops of the 
 oil, some aromatic water, and syrup of orange peal ; 
 this has in several cases produced very good effects. 
 
 Gentianine. 
 
 This is the active principle of the gentian root of 
 commerce. It is little soluble in cold water, but 
 dissolves in boiling water ; it is yellow, inodorous, 
 possessing very strongly the aromatic bitter taste of 
 the gentian. All which I have seen imported is of 
 a dark brown colour, and is no doubt very impure, 
 resembling more a common extract than any other 
 of the alkaline or proximate principles. 
 
 The gentianine is obtained by digesting the pow- 
 der of gentian in cold aether, which furnishes a green 
 tincture ; this being filtered and poured into an open 
 vessel, if sufficiently concentrated, will deposit a 
 yellow crystaline mass ; this mass is to be treated 
 with alcohol, which filtered and exposed to a strong 
 heat, the yellow crystaline substance begins to ap- 
 pear, assuming at the close of the evaporating pro- 
 cess a solid mass, extremely bitter ; taken up again 
 by alcohol it is partially dissolved. This last spirit- 
 uous solution, besides the bitter principle of tht 
 
 M 
 
134 GENTIANINE. 
 
 gentian, contains an acid substance and the odorous- 
 principle also. Upon evaporating this liquid to 
 dryness, washing the residuum in water, adding a little 
 calcined and well washed magnesia, boiling and 
 evaporating in a water bath, the greater part of the 
 odorous matter of the Gentian is driven off, the 
 acidity is removed by the magnesia, and the bitter 
 principle remains partly free and partly in a state 
 of combination with magnesia, to which it imparts a 
 beautiful yellow colour. Then upon boiling this 
 magnesia with aether, the greater part of the bitter 
 principle is obtained pure and is insulated by evapo- 
 ration. The tincture is the most preferable form for 
 its administration, and it may be made in the follow- 
 ing manner. 
 
 Take of alcohol at 24* 1 ounce. 
 
 Gentianine 5 grains. 
 
 This maybe substituted for the tincture of gentian, 
 and used in the same circumstances. 
 
 Syrup of Gentianine. 
 
 Take of simple syrup Ifci. 
 
 Gentianine 16 grains. 
 
 Make a syrup. 
 
 This is one of the best bitters that can be cm- 
 ployed in scrofulous affections. 
 
CHLORURETS OF LIME AMD SODA, 135 
 
 Chlorurets of IAme and Soda. 
 
 The advantages of these substances were made 
 ■known in 1812, by M. Mazuyer, professor to the fa- 
 culty of medicine at Strasburg. At that time he em- 
 ployed them with great success, in the wards of hos- 
 pitals in which typus fevers was then raging, and for 
 the purification of the theatres of anatomy. M. La- 
 barraque has demonstrated by a great number of ex- 
 periments, that the chloruret of soda was one of the 
 most powerful agents for the initantaneous annihilia- 
 tion of that disgusting fetor, which is produced by the 
 maceration of intestines in water. The same gen- 
 tleman extended the use of the chlorurets to the pu- 
 rification of all animal substances under putrefaction, 
 and many distinguished physicians have used them 
 as medical agents. A prize of three thousand francs 
 to M. Labarraque, and two thousand to M. Mazuyer, 
 was decreed by the Academy of Sciences, for this 
 useful discovery. 
 
 The method for preparing the chlorurets, although 
 known for a long time, it will nevertheless be useful 
 to describe the manner in which M. Labarraque pre- 
 pares them in order to obtain always the same com- 
 pound: 
 
 The Chloruret of Soda 
 
 Is prepared by dissolving five pounds of pure car- 
 bonate of soda* in 20 pounds of distilled water. Put 
 
 * Soda Sub. Carbonas. 
 
136 CHLORURETS OF 
 
 the liquor into a flask of sufficient size, that it may be 
 about three fourths full. Expose a glass balloon suf- 
 ficiently large to contain four pints, having a long 
 neck with a wide mouth, introduce into it 56 7 grammes 
 of hydrochlorate of soda, and 448 of the per- 
 oxide of magnesia; lute to the mouth of the globe 
 a large curved tube, and a tube with a double curve 
 for the introduction of the weak acid ; place the 
 first tube into a flask containing a small quantity of 
 water for the purpose of washing the gas ; and from 
 this flask should proceed a large curved tube, com- 
 municating with the vessel containing the saline so- 
 lution. 
 
 The apparatus being properly disposed, and the 
 luting very dry, pour into the bent tube the diluted 
 acid cold, and having been mixed for some houra 
 with water, apply fire to the sand bath and continue 
 the heat until chlorine ceases to be disengaged. 
 The operation being finished, examine the strength 
 of the product, by its action in decomposing the 
 sulphate of indigo. 
 
 The chloruret of soda has chiefly been employed 
 in medicine, and has produced highly satisfactory 
 results, and has succeeded in all cases in which it 
 has been used for the removal of general or local 
 infections. Thus in carbuncle, in hospital gangrene, 
 bad venereal ulcers, sloughing wounds, or those 
 of the phagedenic kind, rapid advancement has 
 been observed towards cicatrization, by the employ- 
 ment of the chloruret diluted in 10 or 15 parts of 
 water. In numerous patients affected with ulcera* 
 
LIME AND SODA. 137 
 
 'ted cancer of the breast, or of the uterus, which 
 were in the hospital, it has been used daily at a 
 lotion at the time of dressing; by this means the 
 •fetor of the discharge has been destroyed, and the 
 sufferings of these unfortunate women have been 
 much meliorated ; and they have found from the 
 use of these lotions, their sleep has been more tran- 
 quil. M. Alibert has prescribed similar lotions with 
 advantage for herpes exedens. M. M. Roche and I. 
 Cloquet have found it equally useful in the worst 
 cases of gangrenous ulcers. M. T. Cloquet directs 
 the diseased limb to be bathed in a solution of one 
 part of the chloruret, with from 10 to 15 of water, 
 and administer 25 or 30 drops of it in a pint of 
 barley water. It has been used as a gargle in sore 
 throat, as a lotion in ulcerated gums, exhaling an 
 offensive odour. M. Lisfranc has used it extensively 
 in burns and common ulcerations; for this purpose 
 a solution of the chloruret, marking three degrees of 
 the chlorometer of Gay LussaCc 
 
 The chloruret of Time is prepared by placing the 
 hydrate of lime on shelves of a convenient distance 
 from each other. The gas is disengaged from a 
 similar mixture to that employed for the chloruret 
 of sodoa, and passed into a chamber containing the 
 lime, which must be occasionally stirred, so that the 
 chlorine may act equally on all parts of it; the hy- 
 drate of lime sufficiently charged with chlorine, 
 becomes moist, by which it is ascertained that the 
 ^operation is about to terminate. 
 
 M 2 
 
138 CHLOHURET OF LIME. 
 
 This is a very powerful disinfecting agent, and 
 can be used in the following manner. Previous to 
 examining an animal body in a putrifying state, it 
 will be only necessary to procure a bucket, and mix 
 the chlorate of lime with water. Let a sheet be 
 completely moistened with this solution, and wrapt 
 about the whole subject, so that every part of it may 
 be covered. The putrid odour will soon cease. If 
 there be an unpleasant smell in passages, stair cases, 
 &c. let them be sprinkled with the liquid. Care 
 should be taken to sprinkle the cloth which covers 
 the body frequently with this liquid, by which means 
 the offensive odour will be prevented. The chloru- 
 ret of lime may be used with advantage for the dis- 
 infection of privies, water closets, ships, stables, hos- 
 pitals, wards, &c. for which purpose it will be suf- 
 ficient to dilute the chloruret in 60 times its weight 
 of water, and to sprinkle the clear solution over the 
 surface of the objects or places which are intended 
 to be purified ; a broom or watering pot may be 
 used for the purpose, and a few minutes will be suffi- 
 cient to complete the disinfection. 
 
 In wards with patients the solution is to be poured 
 into deep plates, and placed under the beds. The 
 infectious odour cannot spread, because it is des- 
 troyed in proportion to its formation, in consequence 
 Of the continual disengagement of chlorine. 
 
 Several physicians and surgeons of the hospital 
 have made a useful application of these substances 
 in the treatment of burns, chronic inflammation of 
 
DIGESTIVE LOZENGES. 139 
 
 the mucous membrane, &c. M. Lisfranc has used 
 the following preparation successfully in burns: 
 
 Chloride of calcium (marking 3 degrees 
 of the the chlorometre of Gay Lussac) 3 4 
 
 Water fb i. 
 
 This solution has also been used as an injection 
 in the case of chronic catarrh of the vagina or blad- 
 der, and has been equally employed in the treatment 
 of gangrene. Besides its utility as a disinfecting 
 agent, it appears also to exert a beneficial influence 
 on the progress of cicatrization. 
 
 Lozenges of Bicarbonate of Soda % or 
 Digestive Lozenges. 
 
 These lozenges have proved highly beneficial in 
 the treatment of dispepsia, and have been found use- 
 ful in promoting digestion by saturating the free 
 acid of the stomach which is essential to the com- 
 plete solution of the aliment. 
 
 Formula for preparing the digestive lozenges of 
 M. D'Arcet: 
 
 Take of dry pure bicarbonate of soda 5 grammes. 
 Fine white sugar in powder 95 do. 
 Mucilage of gum tragacanth 
 
 prepared with water q. s. 
 
 Essential oil of mint 2 or 3 drops* 
 
 Let the bi-carbonate of soda and refined sugar, 
 each reduced separately to a fine powder, be pat 
 into a very dry bottle. Shake the bottle well that the 
 powder may be thoroughly mixed. Take any quan- 
 tity of this powder, let it be well mixed on a marble 
 
140 DIGITALINE. 
 
 slab, with a sufficieat quantity of mucilage of gum 
 tragacanth, and oil of mint; form the mass into lozen- 
 ges, weighing about one drachm, dry them in the 
 air or on a stove. As these lozenges attract slightly 
 the moisture of the atmosphere, they ought to be 
 kept in well stopped bottles, or in a dry place. 
 They may be flavoured with any other essential 
 oil, or with the balsam of tolu, which is very suitable 
 for that purpose. 
 
 Much benefit has been obtained from the use of 
 these lozenges, taken immediately when the func- 
 tions of the stomach are found to be in a deranged 
 itate; if taken before a meal, the digestive functions 
 will be performed with more facility. These lo- 
 zenges being very useful to assist digestion, ought to 
 be prescribed before and after a meal to patients 
 affected with gout or calculi. 
 
 Digitaline* 
 
 M. Augusti Leroyer has obtained the active prin- 
 ciple of digitalis, which he has obtained in well de- 
 fined crytals of various forms. M. Leroyer has 
 made the following experiments with it : he dis- 
 solved a grain of digitaline in three gros of distilled 
 water, which he injected into the abdomen of a 
 middle sized rabbit ; after some minutes the respi- 
 ration became slower, the pulse wheh was rapid 
 fell to 60, and became very irregular ; all the vital 
 phenomena became gradually extinct; it died with- 
 -out agitation and without distress, like falling asleep. 
 A grain and a half of -digitaline was dissolved in half 
 
PHOSPHORUS. 141 
 
 an ounce of water, and was injected into the jugular 
 vein of a middle sized dog ; he died in 15 minutes. 
 The arterial blood of the animals which have been 
 killed by this substance, present a very strong venous 
 colour, «fec. &c. It appears that the deleterious 
 principle in solution in the blood, acts directly upon 
 the nervous system. 
 
 This subtance has not yet been employed as a 
 medicine, and nothing therefore can yet be said of 
 its action on the human system. 
 
 Phosphorus. 
 
 This substance has been little used in medicine. 
 It has lately been much extolled by Dr. Lobstein; 
 the diseases in which it has been given with great 
 success, according to the author, are extreme prostra* 
 tien of strength, obstinate intermittent fevers, rheu- 
 matic and gouty affections, &c. &c. 
 
 Bertrand Pelletier, who has made very extensive 
 and useful researches respecting phosphorus, has 
 pointed out a very excellent method of preparing 
 this substance for medical purposes. This process 
 consists of putting sixgrains of phosphorus, cut into 
 small pieces, in an ounce of sulphuric ffither; this 
 mixture must be occasionally agitated, for 3 or 4 
 days. The dose of this medicine is from 10 to 15 
 drops in a glassful of barley water, or any conve- 
 nient vehicle, and repeated, so that from 120 to 150 
 drops may be taken in the space of 3 or 4 days. 
 This liquid may be used in frictions also when such 
 are deemed necessary. M. J. Pelletier objects to 
 
142 
 
 •SALACINE. 
 
 these preparations in which the phosphorus is dis- 
 solved in a volatile fluid, only such as aether and 
 essential oil, because exposed to the air and heat 
 of the body driving ofFthe menstruum the phosphorus 
 remaining perse, may influence by heat and Friction, 
 but with fat or fixed oil this inconvenience will not 
 take place, because the substances not being volatile, 
 cannot leave the phosphorus. 
 
 Salacine* 
 
 This new and valuable article of the materia med- 
 ica, is the alkaline principle of the willow bark, and 
 has acquired considerable reputation in Europe as a 
 substitute for quinine. The following is the pro- 
 cess for preparingit, as recommended by M. Feschier. 
 The bark of the willow is to be dried, .crushed. boiled 
 for one or two hours in water, and the liquid sepa- 
 rated by a cloth, and powerful pressure. Sub. 
 acetate of lead is to be added as long as precipitation 
 occurs ; the whole filtered ; the clear liquor boiled 
 with carbonate of lime sufficient to decompose the 
 excess of acetate of lead ; saturate the acetic acid, 
 and remove the colour. Being left to settle, the 
 clear liquor is to be decanted, the deposit is to be 
 washed twice or thrice, the washing liquor added to 
 the former, and the whole evaporated to the con- 
 sistence of an extract. This extract, while hot, is 
 to be put on bibulous paper and pressed for some 
 hours; after which, it is to be digested in alcohol of 
 s. g. 0.847, the fluid filtered and concentrated, 
 when it will yield cjystalised salacine 3 verj white 
 
SALACINE* 143 
 
 and pure. Salacine when thus prepared, and ad- 
 ministered in doses of 3 to 5 grains, repeated at in- 
 tervals of one hour during the apyrexia of intermit- 
 tent fevers, is said to be found effectual in arresting 
 their progess with more certainty than the sulphate 
 of quinine. Salacine (according to M. M. Pelouze 
 and Jules Gay Lussac) when pure, forms white 
 crystaline prismatic needles. It has a bitter taste 
 and somewhat the odour of willow bark. One 
 hundred parts of water dissolve 5. 6 parts of sala- 
 cine at 67° F. at 212° F. it appears to dissolve in 
 any proportion. It is equally soluble in alcohol, 
 but asther and oil of turpentine takes up no portion 
 of it. 
 
 This article has lately been introduced here, and 
 as far as it has been yet used, has given the most en- 
 tire satisfaction. Dr. Miller of Lancaster informs me 
 he has successfully treated several cases of intermit- 
 tents, in which quinine appeared to have no effect, 
 and which readily yielded under the use of the sala- 
 cine; and from the experiments which he has made 
 with it, is fully of the opinion that it is a very valua- 
 | ble medicine, and more efficient than the quinine. 
 
SMILAX 
 
 * »> 8S8tii»' 
 
 This highly valuable article of our materia medica, 
 has been variously represented. The greater part of 
 our most respectable physicians however concur in 
 the opinion that it is a medicine of very useful pow- 
 ers in venereal scrofulous, and mercurial diseases. 
 When combined with mezerion, guaiacum, sassafras, 
 dulcamara, &c. &c. becomes one of the most efficient 
 compounds for depurating the blood and removing 
 most constitutional diseases arising from this cause. 
 
 This preparation has been much recommended in 
 scrofulous and rheumatic affections, and in some of 
 the chronic diseases of the skin. Quarin regarded 
 the compound decoction of sarsaparilla, as the most 
 useful remedy we possess in gout: Sydenum also con- 
 fidered it useful in this affection, and^Scudemore 
 cays it sometimes proves beneficial during the state 
 of convalescence. The mezerion, one of the ingre- 
 dients of the compound sarsaparilla, is recommen- 
 ded in venereal and mercurial diseases, and in chro- 
 nic cutaneous eruptions. Dr. Cullen states that he 
 found it successful in diseases of this kind. Lauris 
 sassafras, another of the constituents of the compound 
 
SARSAPARILLA. 145 
 
 sarsaparilla, has also been recommended by some of 
 the best authors. Alibert speaks very favourable of 
 its virtues in rheumatic affections, he administered it 
 frequently at the hospital St. Louis, and it always 
 appeared t# him, he observes, to exert a manifest 
 action on the cutaneous emunctories. He mentions 
 a case of chronic rheumatism which yielded to the 
 infusion of sassafras, after a great variety of other re- 
 medies had been tried ineffectually. He also speak* 
 of two cases of gout, in which the sassafras was employ- 
 ed with complete success. Professor Eberle also 
 states that he has known the continued use of an in- 
 fusion effectually to cure a case of inveterate rheu- 
 matism, he further states that it has generally been 
 employed in the form of infusion, but the oil is the 
 most efficient, and therefore the best preparation. 
 Guaiacum another of the ingredients of compound 
 sarsaparilla, stands high in the estimation of almost 
 every physician. In the treatment of rheumatism, 
 says a distinguished author, it has long been consi- 
 dered as peculiarly serviceable, and is unquestionably 
 a remedy of very considerable value in this disease. 
 It has also been prescribed, continues the author, in 
 affections arising from the influence of mercury, and 
 in such cases I have had several striking examples of 
 its usefulness. Mr. Pearson says, I have given the 
 decoction of guaiacum with the best effects, to a great 
 number of patients, in cutaneous diseases, in ozasna 
 and scrofulous affections of the membranes and liga- 
 ments. 
 
 From what has been said from the most respects 
 
 N 
 
146 SARSAPARILLA. 
 
 ble sources of authority, in support of the different 
 articles constituting the compound sarsaparilia, it 
 would appear most unquestionably to be a medicine, 
 when combined and properly prepared, possessing 
 the most valuable properties, and deserving the par- 
 ticular attention of the faculty. 
 
 The preparations of sarsaparilia has most general- 
 ly been improperly made, and there can be no doubt, 
 but the variable opinions which have been entertain- 
 ed of its properties by different physicians and writers t 
 have arisen entirely from the various modes of its 
 preparation. The compound decoction of sarsapa- 
 rilia, requires considerable boiling to take up its ac- 
 tive and soluble matter, this I do not say from specu- 
 lation, as many have done, but from actual experi- 
 ments repeatedly made for the purpose, expressly for 
 ascertaining and establishing the fact, and I have 
 found, that after several days boiling, these ingredi- 
 ents, (and particularly the sarsaparilia,) contained a 
 very considerable proportion of extractive matter 
 quite as active as that obtained by the first boiling. 
 It has been foolishly suggested that decoction injures 
 its active properties, and that it should be only ma- 
 cerated and not boiled, this would merely wash off 
 the dirt which adheres to the roots, together with 
 some of the decayed corticle fibre which is more or 
 less found among the freshest roots which we receive, 
 this may give a little colour to the decoction, and 
 may be mistaken for its active principle. After under- 
 going this operation the root would be in good con- 
 dition to begin the deeoction. I have experimented 
 
SARSAPARILLA. 147 
 
 with various menstruum upon the roots of sarsapa- 
 rilla, and find that water is the best, producing 
 a more active preparation of the root than any 
 other, and in a larger quantity. Alcohol is the next 
 most active menstruum, but it is altogether objection- 
 able from the increased expense incurred in its pro 
 paration, producing an extract possessing no advan- 
 tage whatever ©ver that of the water. 
 
 Numerous preparations of sarsaparilla and various 
 modes of preparing them have been given, all of 
 which of course will differ according to the mode of 
 preparation which each individual may adopt. It is 
 therefore an object of the highest consideration and. 
 importance, that we should have a standard prepara- 
 tion of uniform strength, and possessing the most 
 advantages ; also, the trouble and difficulty which 
 patients are subjected to in making the decoction 
 and syrup, has rendered it a still further object of 
 importance to procure* a preparation of it in a more 
 convenient form, than those usually prescribed. Sar- 
 saparilla, as before stated, requires considerable boil- 
 ing, to take up the extractive matter, and it has 
 consequently, most frequently been improperly made, 
 by those unacquainted with pharmaceutical pre- 
 parations. To obviate these difficulties, I have 
 made a number of experiments to ascertain the 
 most effectual means of extracting the virtues of 
 the compound sarsaparilla, and to discover the most 
 eligible form of preparing it for exhibition, which 
 has resulted to my most entire satisfaction, and it is 
 with much pleasure I now offer to the faculty my 
 
148 SARSAPARILLA. 
 
 compound fluid extract of sarsaparilla, which posses* 
 les all the virtues of this medicine in a highly con- 
 centrated degree. It possesses numerous advantages 
 over sarsaparilla, its syrup, decoction, and solid ex- 
 tract, and is intended as a preparation of much easier 
 portability — not liable to injury by long keeping, and 
 consequently better adapted to the use of persons 
 travelling or residing abroad. 
 
 The fluid extract of sarsaparilla is a more conve- 
 nient article than the solid, the latter requiring some 
 trouble and difficulty to dissolve it, while the former 
 is immediately dissolved when it is put into water, 
 ind is consequently immediately fit for use. 
 
 As the decoction will rarely keep more than 
 twenty-four hours, particularly in warm weather, it 
 would be exceedingly troublesome for the patient, 
 put under a course of sarsaparilla, which has to be 
 taken for some time, to be obliged to prepare the 
 decoction every day, besides getting a very weak 
 and inferior preparation from the short time he would 
 have to boil it, not taking up perhaps one fourth of 
 its active principle. 
 
 The syrup, which is the common preparation 
 generally used, has still further objections; it being 
 the decoction prepared in the common way, over- 
 loaded with sugar, which is exceedingly objectiona- 
 ble, as it will be necessary for the patient to surfeit, 
 and not unfrequently nauseate his stomach with a 
 large portion of saccharine matter in taking a dose of 
 the decoction, which is generally weak, so that not 
 unfrequently it might be said with propriety that he 
 
SARSAPARILLA, 149 
 
 is taking a dose of sugar rather than sarsaparilla, as 
 the former exists in a larger proportion in the prepa- 
 ration. We frequently hear of concentrated syrups of 
 sarsaparilla, which is simply change of name for the 
 same article, as it is impossible when a fluid is satu- 
 rated with sugar, to take up an extra portion of any 
 substance ; and if the decoction is much concen- 
 trated, a portion of the fluid extract which it holds, 
 would be precipitated by the sugar. 1 will not in this 
 place call in question the essays of one of my fellow 
 competitors to support or refute the value of the extract 
 of sarsaparilla, but might quote numerous authors, 
 whose opinions would have weight and influence , and 
 whose experience and observations would entirely 
 sink and outweigh those little acquainted with the 
 subject, who from want of experience aided hy pre- 
 judice, have fallen into the greatest absurdities. 
 ■1 will simply select one on the present occasion, 
 which is published in the Medico-Chirurgical Re- 
 view, for July 1830, Vol. 18, No. 41, page 162 — 
 "Observations on the Extract of Sarsaparilla in vene- 
 real affections, &c. by Benjamin Traver's F. R. S. &c. 
 ^&c. v Speaking of the compound of syphilis and mer- 
 cury, he states that no remedy, next to the adjusi> 
 ^ment of diet, is equal to the extract of sarsaparilla. 
 The extract dissolved in water or milk, is the men- 
 struum which I rely most upon in these cases, its pow- 
 er is extraordinary, more so than any other drug 
 which I am acquainted with. To regard it as inert, 
 .as a mere diluent or an offensive nutrient, is either 
 •a proof of very limited experience or very prejudiced 
 
 N 2 
 
150 SARSAPARILLA* 
 
 observation. It is in the strictest sense a tonic, with 
 this invaluable attribute, that it is applicable to a 
 state of the system so sunken, and yet so irritable as 
 renders other substances of the tonic class unavaila- 
 ble or injurious. 
 
 We take the liberty of marking in italics, says the 
 distinguished editor, Dr. Johnson, the passage respect- 
 ing sarsaparilla, because we most cordially concur 
 with Mr. Travers in the statement, which it con- 
 tains in favour of the valuable properties of the ex- 
 tract of sarsaparilla. 
 
 The compound fluid extract of sarsaparilla, which 
 I have prepared has decidedly proved one of the 
 most popular medicines ever introduced in Philadel-- 
 phia. There has been a little clamour against it by 
 some of my worthy competitors in trade, (this must 
 be expected in all valuable and extensively used ar- 
 ticles, it was so with quinine, and some of our most 
 inestimable medicines,) but it all sinks into insignifi- 
 cance when compared with its general approbation 
 by the faculty, and its extensive use by some of our 
 most distinguished physicians. It has already been 
 sent to almost every populated section of the United 
 States, and whether in town or country, hospital or 
 private practice, it has invariably given to patient 
 and practitioner, the most decided and unequivocal 
 satisfaction, and produced the most salutary and be- 
 neficial effects. Numerous letters have been receiv- 
 ed from some of the most distinguished physicians in 
 the country, and from the professors of several me- 
 dical colleges, all recommending in the highest terms, 
 
SARSAPARILLA. 151 
 
 the value of this medicine, and its superiority over 
 other preparations of sarsapariila. Several cases of 
 secondary syphilis, mercurial and scrofulous diseases, 
 have entirely recovered in the incurable wards of our 
 public institutions, which had for many years resisted 
 every mode of treatment which could be devised. 
 These cases furnish striking examples of the salutary 
 effects of this medicine in arresting some of the most 
 inveterate diseases after the glands were destroyed 
 and the bones already affected. 
 
 The dose of the fluid extract is two teaspoons full, 
 morning and night, in a glass of water. Two table- 
 spoons added to fifteen ounces of simple syrup, im- 
 . mediately produces a mixture similar to a pound of 
 the compound syrup of sarsapariila, and the same 
 quantity added to fifteen ounces of water instantly 
 forms a mixture, equivalent to a pint of the Lisbon 
 diet drink. 
 
 One bottle of the fluid extract of sarsapariila, is 
 fully equal to a gallon of the syrup or decoction a» 
 is generally made. 
 
 Two' grains of corrosive sublimate carefully dissol- 
 ved in a small portion of alcohol or water, and added 
 to the syrup above formed, will be similar to the anti- 
 scrofulous and syphilitic remedies lately introduced 
 under various names. 
 
 The fluid extract of sarsapariila is now prescribed 
 by some of the most distinguished physicians in this 
 city, and has been more efficient in practice, than any 
 preparation of sarsapariila yet offered to the public. 
 For the sd vantages it possesses over the ordinary 
 
152 SARSAPARILLA* 
 
 preparations. See professor Dewees valuable work 
 on the Practice of Physic, and most of the late stand- 
 ard works on medicine. 
 
 it is highly aproved of and recommended by pro- 
 fessor Gibson, who has prescribed it Yerj successful- 
 ly in his practice and prefers it to any other prepara- 
 tion of sarsaparilla. 
 
 Professor Eberle in the last edition of his Thera- 
 peutics, vol. 2nd, page 506, makes the following re- 
 marks: "Carpenter's compound fluid extract of sar- 
 «aparilla is a very neat and excellent preparation, ltpos- 
 sesses all the active properties of the root in a highly 
 concentrated state, a tablespoon full being equivalent 
 to half a* pint of the ordinary decoction. I have used 
 it in several instances with decided benefit. From 
 the smallness of the dose it is peculiarly adapted for 
 administering this remedy to children." 
 
 Professor Frost of the Medical College of South 
 Carolina has written to me of the salutary effects of 
 this medicine, in a case of secondary syphilus by us- 
 ing two bottles, united with small doses of the per- 
 chlorideof mercury, and his high opinion of this medi- 
 cine and its superior advantages over the ordinary 
 preparations of sarsaparilla. 
 
 1 might quote numerous authorities in addition, of 
 the most respectable character, but sufficient has been 
 .said to establish the character of this preparation, and 
 its decided superiority to the ordinary preparation! 
 of garsaparillsu 
 
©XL OP BLACK PEPPER. 153 
 
 CAUTION. 
 
 After the reputation of any valuable medicine ii 
 established with considerable expense, trouble, and 
 many experiments by the proprietor, he should re- 
 ceive the benefit of it. He is sometimes, however, 
 interrupted by spurious imitation of his preparations, 
 made by the ignorant who prepare inferior and fre- 
 quently entirely different compounds, and sell them 
 under the same name, and on the reputation of the 
 genuine medicine, copying the directions, and putting 
 it up in the same bottles and form. Thus frequently 
 deceiving the public and injuring the reputation of 
 valuable medicines. Under these circumstances, I 
 would beg the faculty to be extremely particular in 
 their orders for the extract of sarsaparilla, and to 
 observe that each bottle will have my written sig- 
 nature without which none will be genuine. 
 
 A copperplate label is also on the outside of each 
 bottle, on coloured paper, as a caution. 
 
 Oil of Black Pepper. 
 
 This article is precipitated in the preparation of 
 piperine. It contains all the heat and acrimony of 
 the pepper in a very powerful degree, and is no 
 doubt the active principle of it. A portion 
 of this oil is always combined with the piperine, to 
 which it no doubt owes its effects. We find all the 
 sensible characters of the piperine to increase or 
 diminish in proportion to its degree of purity, or ai 
 it may be more or less combined with the oil ; hence 
 
154 OIL OF BLACK PEPPER. 
 
 it is that the pure white crystals of piperine are with- 
 out taste, the yellow crystals possessing considerable 
 heat and acrimony, and the dark greenish crystals 
 arc extremely active and powerful, containing nearly 
 fifty per cent, of oil. One drop of the oil of black 
 pepper is equal to four grains of piperine. One 
 drop of the oil of black pepper added to three grains 
 of quinine, will greatly increase the powers of that 
 remedy. 
 
 CAUTION. 
 Physicians should be extremely particular in their 
 orders for this article, as an oil of pepper has been 
 obtained by distillation, which is entirely different 
 from the above preparation, possessing comparatively 
 little or none of the active principle of the pepper — 
 the above preparation is a fixed oil, and of course 
 can not be obtained in this way. The object was 
 no doubt, to obtain a cheaper preparation, but it 
 will not answer the purpose at all, and would there- 
 fore be dear at any price. As it has been sold for 
 the true preparation, I make these observations that 
 physicians may be on their guard in relation to it. 
 I received some time since a letter from a highly re- 
 spectable physician in Virginia, stating that he had 
 been induced to make trial of the oil of black pepper 
 from reading an article of mine on the subject in the 
 American Journal of Medical Sciences, that he had 
 written for some of it, and had obtained an article 
 which did not in any way correspond with my des- 
 cription of it, either in the appearance of the article 
 or in any of its sensible characters. I requested 
 
OIL OP COPAIVA. 155 
 
 him to send me on some of it to exmaine, and I was 
 much surprised to find it was the distilled oil of pep- 
 per which had been sent to him instead of that ob. 
 tained in the process of piperine ; and it is more than 
 probable others have been equally disappointed. 
 
 Oil of Copaiva. 
 
 This oil is obtained by distillation, from the bal- 
 sam, and is a valuable preparation. It contains all 
 the virtues of the balsam in a concentrated state, 
 and being more limpid than the balsam, it is admin- 
 istered with less inconvenience, and is altogether a 
 very considerable improvement in the exhibition of 
 copaiva, and altogether preferable to the common 
 balsam. The dose of this oil is 5 to 8 drops. When 
 distilled in glass vessels and pure, it is preferable te 
 naptha for preserving potassium. 
 
 Oil of Cubebs. 
 
 This oil is obtained by distillation from the cubebs* 
 It is a very active preparation and possesses all the 
 virtues of the cubebs; and being a very concentrated 
 preparation, is much preferable to the crude sub- 
 stance, which is objectionable from the bulk of the 
 dose, which is otherwise unpleasant. This is a val- 
 uable adjunct to the oil or balsam copaiva, ten to 
 twenty drops to an ounce of balsam, will greatly in- 
 crease the powers of that remedy in gonorrhoea. 
 
CARPENTER'S 
 
 CITRATE© KALI, 
 
 For making Saline Draught or Neutral Mixlur*. 
 
 I know of no article so desirable to the practitioner 
 as the above preparation, for either city or country 
 practice. When made extemporaneously forprescrip- 
 tions with the lemon juice and salt of tartar, it is 
 frequently not exactly neutralised, and the object and 
 effect of the medicine is thus lost. It is also much 
 more convenient, and at the same time less expensive, 
 and being identical with the mixture fresh made with 
 lemon juice and salt of tartar, is certainly in every 
 respect preferable. It only requires to dissolve one 
 drachm of this salt in four ounces of water, and you 
 have at once the neutral mixture similar and equal 
 in every respect as before said to that prepared 
 with fresh lemon juice and salt of tartar. To the 
 country practitioner this preparation is inestimable, 
 as it furnishes him the means of access to a highly 
 valuable medicine, which he otherwise would be 
 cut off from, by the scarcity, difficulty and frequent 
 impossibility of getting lemons in inland towns, and 
 they are frequently not to be had in some parts of the 
 season in our ports. It is unnecessary to quote any 
 thing in relation to the Take of this medicine as * 
 
SOLIDIFIED COPAIVA. 157 
 
 refn^crent in fever?, &c. &c. as it is appreciated 
 and highly valued by every intelligent physician. 
 
 This article will no doubt be altogether used when 
 its properties become generally known. Wherever 
 it has yet been used, it has given the highest degree 
 of satisfaction and produced the most beneficial 
 effects. 
 
 Solidified Copaiva. 
 
 Balsam copaiva is admitted by all to be one of the 
 most nauseous and disagreeable articles of the ma- 
 teria medica. Disguised or mixed as it may be, its 
 unpleasant nature is still manifest, and little if at all 
 diminished, communicating its nauseous taste, and 
 imparting to the breath its disagreeable odour which 
 is experienced for several hours after each dose, arid 
 frequently acting as an emetic or cathartic. From 
 these circumstances, its use is frequently abandoned* 
 in cases where it otherwise might be of the highest 
 utility, and even where it is almost indispensible, 
 and other remedies much less efficient are substitu- 
 ted, thus protracting the cure which could have 
 been speedily effected by the copaiva. 
 
 * Our distinguished professor of practice, in the first vol- 
 ume of his therapeutics, page 417, observes, that two circum- 
 stances frequently interfere with the exhibition of copaiva, 
 and detracts from its utility. It sometimes purges, and when 
 it does, its efficacy is lost or greatly diminished. If laudanum 
 does not check this injurious tendency, it must be discontinu- 
 ed; till the bowels recover their tone. To the stomachs of 
 some persons, the copaiva is so exceedingly offensive, that it 
 cannot be retained, as it is hardly possible to disguise the 
 taste of the article: it is sometimes very difficult to overcome 
 this prejudice. (See Chapman's Therapeutics.) 
 
158 SOLIDIFIED COIMJVA. 
 
 Since the introduction of this remedy down to the- 
 present period, it has ever been a desideratum to ob- 
 viate these inconveniences, and it is a circumstance 
 not less unfortunate, and much to be regretted, than 
 it is singular in its character, that amidst the rapid 
 inarch of improvement and discoveries, (which forma 
 a peculiar character in modern chemistry and phar- 
 maceutical knowledge) an improvement in the exhi- 
 bition of copaiva, should so long have evaded the vi- 
 gilent researches of the critical and scrutinising che- 
 mist Under these circumstances 1 am pleased to 
 submit my preparation of solidified copaiva,. which 
 will obviate all the disadvantages possessed by the 
 fluid balsam, and will present a preparation which 
 can be conveniently administered in the form of pills,- 
 without communicating its unpleasant taste, or im- 
 parting odour to the breath. The solidified copaiva 
 which I prepare, contains an extra portion of the oil 
 of copaiva, which is united to the balsam and solidifi- 
 ed together. See my formula for its preparation, in 
 the last (eighth) edition of Professor Coxe's valuable 
 dispensatory. The addition of the oil of copaiva in- 
 creases its activity considerably; and it is ascertained 
 by careful experiments, that eight grains of this pre- 
 paration is equal to 30 drops of pure copaiva. The 
 dose therefore is two pills, four grains each, three or 
 four times a day. Solidified copaiva is prepared bj 
 many, simply by adding calcined magnesia to bal- 
 sam, without the addition of oil; this is a much weak- 
 er preparation, requiring double the number of pills. 
 Rezin or extract of copaiva, is also sold ; this arti- 
 
BLACK OXIDE OF MERCURY. 1 59 
 
 cle is almost entirely inert, as the oil to which the 
 activity of copaiva depends is driven off, it is tasteless, 
 and nearly without odour, and of dark colour. 
 
 This article therefore, differs from the solidified 
 copaiva as commonly made, as well as from the re- 
 zin, being not the least deteriorated in the prepara- 
 tion, or weakened by foreign substances for the puF- 
 pose of giving consistence. It is particularly re- 
 commended to the faculty for its many advantage! 
 over the balsam and all its preparations. 
 
 The oil of copaiva is an active preparation, and it 
 is the best mode of using this article, for being united 
 with the balsam and solidified it can be made into pills, 
 which can be taken without experiencing the nausea- 
 ting taste of the oil, while the oil alone cannot be 
 taken otherwise than in draughts, which will subject 
 it to the same inconveniences with the fluid balsam, 
 having its disagreeable taste with its unpleasant eC 
 fects. 
 
 Black Oxide of Mercury. 
 
 For extemporaneously making the blue pill accord- 
 ing to the popular opinion, that the mercury is in 
 the state of oxide in blue mass. 
 
 One fourth of a grain of the black oxide is equal to 
 three grains of blue pill. This medicine is highly 
 approved of by many physicians, and preferred by 
 them to the blue mass, 
 
160 COMPOUND TONIC EXTRACT. 
 
 Carpenter's Compound Tonic Extract. 
 
 This article is a compound of some of the most ac- 
 tive vegetable alkalies, being composed of cornine, 
 quinine, pipcrine, capsicine, fyc. <^c. It has proved 
 more efficient than any preparation yet employed in 
 the treatment of intermittents. Arresting the par- 
 oxysms in cases which had resisted quinine, and 
 other remedies in large doses. For an account of 
 the cornine, see Dr. Morton's valuable paper in the 
 Philadelphia Journal of the Medical and Physical Sci- 
 ences. For an account of the piperine, see my paper 
 in the American Journal of the Medical Sciences. 
 
 Caution, 
 
 This compound is entirely original with me, and 
 several of the constituents only prepared by me, yet 
 the name has been borrowed for another preparation, 
 and my directions copied word for word, and has no 
 doubt been sold on the reputation of mine. I would 
 recommend the faculty to be extremely cautious and 
 particular in their orders for this preparation, and I 
 am sure they will not be disposed to patronize inno- 
 vations of this kind, bu-t give preference to the true 
 and original article. 
 
TEXT. SEM. STRAMONII, &C. 161 
 
 Ext* Sent. Stramonii. 
 
 This is a very active and highly valuable medicine 
 Dose one fourth of a grain. For a full account of 
 this article, see a paper published in the 7th volume 
 of the Medico-Chirurgical Transactions. 
 
 Extract of Quinine. 
 
 This is the residuum of the preparation of quinine 
 and is preferred by some to the sulphate, as it comes 
 much lower than the former, being but one third the 
 price, it would be well for physicians to satisfy them- 
 selves of its value. Two grains are considered equal 
 to one grain of the sulphate of quinine. 
 
 CARPENTER'S 
 
 Selection of Cinchona or Peruvian Barks. 
 
 There is no article of the materia medica, in which 
 there has been more fraud and deception than Peru- 
 vian bark, the author, under these circumstances, 
 has been extremely particular in the selection of these 
 species, and has them put up in packages with his 
 written signature on each, as a guarantee of their 
 purity, and his responsibility if they should prove 
 otherwise. 
 
 Superior Red Bark. 
 
 Selected with great care from the cinchona oblon- 
 gifolia, and put up in pound and ounce scaled cy- 
 lindrical packages. The red when pure, is the best 
 species of Peruvian bark, it contains both the alka- 
 lies, quinine and cinchonine, in considerable propor- 
 tions. 
 
 O 2 
 
162 CINCHONA OR PERUVIAN BARKS. 
 
 Superior Calisaya Bark. 
 
 (CALISAYA AKROLLENDA.) 
 
 This is (he best species of yellow bark, and derivef 
 its name from (he province in which it is collected. 
 It is (he bark which yields quinine in greater propor- 
 tion than other species, it is neatly put up in sealed 
 cylindrical packages of pounds and ounces. 
 
 Superior Loxa or Crown Bark. 
 
 This bark was more esteemed in Spain than any 
 other species, and was selected for the royal family, 
 hence the name crown bark. This is a milder bark 
 than the red or calisaya, its product is cinchonine. It 
 agrees better with the weak and delicate stomach 
 than the stronger barks. This, like the preceding, u 
 put up in sealed packages of pounds and ounces, 
 
 Maracaibo Bark. 
 
 This is the best species of what is called common 
 or low priced bark, the best bark is cheaper at a high- 
 er price, than the present difference which exists be- 
 tween the different kinds of bark; there is no advan- 
 tage whatever in using inferior hark, but all the dis- 
 advantages arise from it; still there are many that 
 will have it, because it is lower priced. To such I 
 would recommend the Maracaibo bark, being much 
 superior to the Carthagena, and at an equally low 
 price. 
 
 For a full and detailed account of all the varieties 
 ©f bark which occur in commerce, «ee the article 
 cinchona, in a ^proceeding part of this work. 
 
SULPHATE OF COKKfNE, &LC. 163 
 
 Sulphate of Cornine. 
 
 It gives me much pleasure to announce the disco- 
 very which I made of an alkaline base in the cornus 
 Florida, which I have denominated cornine, and 
 which, with acids form neutral salts, the sulphate of 
 which has proved a highly valuable tonic and fehri- 
 uge. This article has been very carefully and ac- 
 curately described by Dr. Samuel G. Morton of this 
 city, in the Philadelphia Journal of the Medical and 
 Physical Sciences, and from the most respectable 
 sources in the Medical profession from various parts 
 of the United States, where this article has been sent, 
 the most corroborating evidences have been received 
 of the unequivocal success of the cornine in the treat- 
 ment of intermittent and remittent fevers, in the 
 same doses as the quinine, and the only circumstance 
 which precludes its competition with that substance, 
 is the minute comparative proportion of cornine 
 yielded by the cornus Florfda. If, however at any 
 time, we should fail in our supplies of cinchona., 
 which is not impossible, or even improbable, we shall 
 then be able to supply its place by this principle of 
 the cornus Florida. 
 
 Extract of the Cornus Florida. 
 
 The cornus Florida yields a beautiful extract re- 
 sembling very closely that of cinchona^ differing how- 
 ever in its sensible characters from the extracts of 
 •the superior species of Peruvian bark, by being less 
 ^-bitter and roor® astringent. The following is the 
 
104 EXTRACT OF CORNUS CIRCINATA* 
 
 most eligible mode for preparing this extract, evapo- 
 rate in a sand or water bath, a tincture of the bark^ 
 made by digesting it in proof spirits, in the propor- 
 tion of two ounces of the former to a pint of the latter, 
 suffering it to stand for at least a week before strain- 
 ing, and occassionally during this time submit it 
 for a few hours to a moderate heat, thereby facilitat- 
 ing the solution. 
 
 This extract from its most prominent and sensible 
 characters, is unquestionably much more active than 
 the common extract of Carthagena bark, and is a 
 preparation admirably adapted in all cases where the 
 cornus may be employed with advantage, and in 
 consequence of being a concentrated preparation, se- 
 parated from the ligneous and insoluble portions, and 
 containing less gum and mucous matter, (which 
 constitutes so large a proportion) is certainly much 
 preferable to the crude substance, and no doubt will 
 be resorted to by many country practitioners as a 
 useful expedient, particulary in those places where 
 this article is in profusion, and where bark of good 
 quality is frequently very scarce, and sometimes e\ en 
 unknown. 
 
 Extract of Cornus Circinata. 
 
 The cornus circinata is a more astringent substance 
 than the florida, an extract may be made from it by 
 the same process as that of the former. The cornus 
 circinata has been very successfully administered in 
 cases of dysentery by Professor Ives, of New Haven; 
 (see Dr. Robison's interesting essay on this article in 
 ♦the North American Medical and Surgical Journal,^ 
 
CARPENTERS 
 OIL OF CA^THARIDItf* 
 
 »»$® 
 
 This is a new and highly valuable article, and I 
 have no doubt, from the many advantages which it 
 possesses, that it will entirely supercede the common 
 mode of blistering; a few drops rubbed two or three 
 times on the part, will effectually draw a full and 
 complete blister, with little or no pain, and without 
 the necessity of applying any thing on it to assist the 
 operation. This is certainly preferable to applying 
 a plaster which often gets removed from one place to 
 another, and thus frequently vesicates a greater sur* 
 face than was intended or required, and sometimes 
 from this frequent transition, only partly vesicates 
 and causes considerable pain without having pro- 
 duced the effect intended, or being any benefit what- 
 ever to the patient. A piece of paper which has 
 been made to imbibe this oil, forms an excellent 
 blister, which may be accommodated accurately to 
 the shape of any part, however irregular. The 
 vesication thus produced is so exactly circumscribed, 
 that the blister formed corresponds with the 
 sharpest angles which may be given to the paper 
 employed. One drop is sufficient to make a blister 
 of the size of a quarter of a dollar. On such places 
 where the skin is thicker or more solid than those 
 
166 OIL OF CANTHARIDIN. 
 
 which are less exposed and covered with clothing 
 it requires that the oil be applied two or three times 
 in the course of one or two hours, or that the part to 
 be blistered be covered rather more with the oil; 
 this however will be seldom necessary, as blisters 
 are most frequently applied on parts which does not 
 require this particularity. 
 
 It begins to draw in four, five or six hours, accord- 
 ing to the place where it is applied. 
 
 In some cases it may be advisable to cover the 
 part with a little soft paper or linen where it will 
 likely get rubbed ; but in most cases no protec- 
 tion whatever is necessary. After the blister is cut 
 and the lymphatic water is discharged, it will be of 
 great service to press the epidermis close to the skin 
 and in most cases it heals in twenty to forty-eight 
 hours. 
 
 When a rubefacient is wanted, one drop dissolved 
 in ten or fifteen drops of sweet oil, or mixed with 
 lard, will answer that purpose and for its convenience 
 and ready application, will be better adapted than 
 any preparation I am acquainted with. 
 
 One ounce of this oil contains the vesicating pro- 
 perties of nearly one pound of cantharides. Its use is 
 so mild that generally speaking it produces a blister 
 without the least disagreeable sensation, except on 
 those places where muscles, nerves, or tendons are 
 in a state of compression. We trust, an article pos- 
 sessing so many advantages will receive the sanction 
 of the faculty. 
 
EXTRACT OF BLACK PEPPER. 167 
 
 P. S. We are pleased to find, since Ihe above has 
 been written, that a number of experiments made 
 by several distinguished members of the faculty, have 
 resulted in the most satisfactory manner, and entirely 
 corroborates the above statements. We therefore 
 can offer the above preparation with the highest de- 
 degree of confidence. 
 
 Caution. 
 
 To guard against spurious imitations of this article, 
 each vial will have the written signature of the pro- 
 prietor on the outside envelope of the same. 
 
 Extract of Black Pepper. 
 
 Digest one pound of coarsely ground black pepper 
 in four pints of diluted alcohol for four days, occa- 
 sionally submitting it to a temperature near ebulli- 
 tion, in a water bath, filter and evaporate to the con- 
 sistence of an extract. 
 
 This is found also to be an active remedy in inter- 
 mittents, in doses of 2 or 3 grains. In a soft state 
 it has proved very convenient to give consistency to 
 piperine and quinine, for the formation of pills, while 
 at the same time it increases their activity. The ex- 
 tract of pepper in every formula I have seen is di- 
 rected to be prepared with water. This forms a 
 much less active preparation, and possesses several 
 inconveniences to which the former is not subject. 
 
 I have employed both the white and the black 
 pepper in the above preparations; and although it is 
 
168 CALOMEL. 
 
 Etated by most authors that the white is milder than 
 the black, I have found it to yield more pipeline, and 
 an extract of much more acrimony and activity, and 
 to contain much less colouring matter. The consti- 
 tuent principles of pepper are piperine, oil, resin, 
 fecula, and colouring matter. 
 
 Calomel* 
 
 This is decidedly themost valuable of the mercurial 
 preparations, and there is no article of the materia 
 medica which a physician should be more particular 
 in than calomel, as it is more liable to be improperly 
 prepared vvithoutany evident signs of the fact than any 
 other preparation. It frequently contains a portion of 
 corrosive sublimate, which does not in the least alter 
 its external appearance. It is therefore an object of 
 the highest importance for the physician to test his 
 calomel before using it, unless he gets it where he 
 can place the most implicit confidence. Corrosive 
 sublimate may be detected if present in calomel, by 
 precipitation being produced by the carbonate of 
 potash, in a solution made by boiling the suspended 
 sample with a small portion of muriate of ammonia 
 in distilled water. A more simple mode, and one 
 which will generally answer the purpose, is by rub- 
 bing the calomel with the pure water of ammonia ; 
 it should become intensely black, and not to exhibit 
 any trace of an orange hue — also lime water, which 
 is a more delicate test than ammonia, for the corro- 
 sive sublimate. The mode of preparing calomel ia 
 various; that by sublimation appears to be preferable 
 
CALOItlEL. 169 
 
 and is the process now generally adopted in the pre- 
 paration of calomel. It has been suggested that the 
 precipitated calomel is more free from corrosive sub- 
 limate ; this is altogether a mistaken notion, as the 
 precipitated is quite as liable to contain ihe muriate* 
 and also the sub-nitrate. When properly made, the 
 sub-muriate obtained by precipitation, scarcely differs 
 from that obtained by sublimation. Gottling found 
 no other difference, than that the precipitated sub- 
 muriate became gray when triturated with lime 
 water, whereas the sublimed sub-muriate becomes 
 black. But he exposed to heat, half an ounce of the pre. 
 cipitated sub-muriate in asublimingapparatus; scarce- 
 ly a grain of a reddish matter remained fixed, and the 
 sublimed matter now became black when trituated 
 with lime water, and differed in no respect from the 
 sub-muriate prepared in the ordinary way by sublima= 
 tion. It would therefore seem to be an improvement 
 in the process to sublime the sub-muriate, after it is 
 precipitated, especially as by that operation it would 
 be most effectually separated from, any sub-nitrate 
 which might be mixed with it. Colomel can be 
 rendered completely free from corrosive sublimate 
 by repeated washings in large quantities of water, the 
 Jatter being soluble while calomel is not. The En- 
 glish Calomel is generally prepared with great care, 
 and free from corrosive sublimate^ and has consequent- 
 ly been preferred by our physicians who prefer giv- 
 ing a high price for it, to be more certain of obtaining 
 a pure article. I am exceedingly pleased, however, 
 to find that the calomel prepared by Messrs. Farr and 
 
 P 
 
170 TARTAR EMETIC, &C. 
 
 Kunzie, of our own city, is equal to any of the En- 
 glish I have ever seen, and physicians and others can 
 safely rely upon this calomel being equal to any of 
 the imported, which is obtained by sublimation or 
 precipitation. 
 
 Tartar Emetic. 
 
 This article so important to the physician, is ano- 
 ther which he should be extremely careful in pur- 
 chasing, as it is liable to vary considerably in activi- 
 ty. It should always be purchased by him in crys- 
 tals. The following are the characteristics of its pu- 
 rity: A solution of it in distilled water ought to fur- 
 nish a gold coloured precipitate with acetate of lead, 
 soluble in nitric acid, and with lime water a white 
 and extremely thick precipitate dissolving with faci- 
 lity in pure nitric acid. If the crystals deliquesce, 
 the presence of other salts may be inferred, and they 
 ought to readily and totally dissolve in water, form- 
 ing a clear solution both previous too, and after add- 
 ing the wine, in making the antimonial wine. 
 
 Pyroligneous Acid Purified. 
 
 This is made of various degrees of strength, from 
 number four to twelve. These numbers correspond 
 with its strength compared with the common distilled 
 vinegar of the shops, number eight is the most useful, 
 and is more sold than any other. This acid is eight 
 times the strength of the distilled vinegar generally 
 fiold. Thus, one pint of this acid added to seven 
 pints of water, instantly produces a pure vegetable 
 
PYROLIGNEOUS ACID PURIFIED. 171 
 
 colourless vinegar, of the proper strength for the use 
 •of apothecaries and druggists. 
 
 In diluting the acid with water, it is only necessa- 
 ■ry to shake them well together. This acid is a pow- 
 erful anticeptic in contagious diseases, and has the 
 valuable effect of preserving meat and all animal food 
 for days and weeks in the hottest weather, and will 
 by washing the part affected, completely remove 
 must, taint, and incipient putrefaction from ani- 
 mal matter. It is particularly grateful and effi- 
 cient as a fumigator. 
 
 Pyroligneous acid will no doubt entirely supersede 
 the distilled vinegar in medicine and the arts. It has 
 been so completely separated from all impurities and 
 foreign matter, as to furnish a perfectly pure acetic 
 acid, invariable in its acid powers, and uniform in its 
 chemical properties.' It is entirely free from any 
 unpleasant taste, colour, or sediment, and forms a 
 limpid colourless solution with ammonia. The com- 
 mon distilled vinegar of the shops varies essentially 
 in strength as well as purity, its acid powers differing 
 from thirty to forty per cent, in value, and it is some- 
 times 7°, and at other times 5° by the revenue 
 acetometer, and hence the difficulty of getting an uni- 
 form article for medical application. The difficulty 
 appears now entirely obviated by means of the pyro- 
 ligneous acid which will be of standard strength, ac- 
 cording to the numbers, and we think it will imme- 
 diately supersede the distilled vinegar on the substan- 
 tial ground of. its preference. 
 
172 VEGETABLE EXTRACTS, ^»C 
 
 Vegetable Extracts. 
 
 These are a highly valuable and important class of 
 medicines, and there is none in which there is a 
 greater disparity in the quality, some of them are ex- 
 tremely active, while the same is almost inert at other 
 times, owing to the various modes of preparation, the 
 time it has been kept, and other circumstances which 
 influences its condition. It requires the physician to 
 be more discriminating in this class of articles, than 
 any other in the catalogue of medicines, he should be 
 particularly guarded in the purchase of them, also in 
 keeping them well protected from the air and light 
 in a cool situation, and not accessible to dampness, 
 he should be particular in ascertaining the manufac- 
 turer of the extracts, in order that he may know 
 whose preparation he can rely most upon, and having 
 discovered a person who makes good extracts, he 
 should under no circumstance use any other. I have 
 found of the imported extracts those made by Man? 
 der, Weaver & Mander, are superior to any I have 
 ever seen, they are of uniform strength, and can al- 
 ways be safely relied upon, I have made arrange- 
 ments to be constantly supplied with extracts from 
 this house, and physicians can always receive these 
 extracts at my Chemical Warehouse, 301 Market 
 street. 
 
 Carbonate of Iron. 
 
 The carbonate of Iron is one of the most excellent 
 and safest chalybeates, it may be given from five to 
 20 grains, but all chalybeates answer better in small 
 
' doses 
 
 CARBONATE OF IRON. 173 
 
 loses frequently repeated; hence it is the chalybeate 
 waters, aided by saline medicines are so -beneficed. 
 
 Physicians should always prefer the precipitated 
 carbonate, which he should also be particular ,in 
 knowing it to be properly made. The rubi.go ferri 
 (sub. carb. ferri) is a very imperfect preparation, and. 
 large quantities of it is now manufactured in a very 
 rough and careless manner; I have seen considerable 
 of it, which 1 found on examination to, be near one 
 half whiting. In the Medico Chirurgical Review, 
 vol. xviii. No. 42, for October, 1830,'is an interesting 
 paper from the Glasgow Journal, on the pharmaceu- 
 tical preparations of the precipitated carbonate of 
 iron. The British pharmacopses direct a waters so- 
 lution of sulphate of iron and sub-carbonate of soda 
 to be mixed, and the resulting precipitate to be col- 
 lected on a filter and dried. The precipitate at first 
 is white, but soon becomes of a dark green colour? 
 and very bulky in substance. Exposed to the air, 
 the colour changes to a rusty yellow, the effect of 
 oxygen. A decomposition is produced according to 
 our author in the following manner. 
 
 The precipitated carbonate ef.iron consists of car- 
 bonic acid combined witji the black oxide, which 
 black oxide readily combines with more oxygen, for- 
 ming the red oxide of iron^ but as the red oxide can- 
 not like the black, retain carbonic acid in combina- 
 tion, this acid flies off. • So that in the yellow mat- 
 ter alluded to, an additional dose of oxygen has taken 
 the place before held by carbonic acid. The yellow 
 colour. is owing to the red oxide existing in combinn.- 
 
 P 2 
 
174 CARBONATE OF IRON. 
 
 tion with water, or to use the language of moderh 
 chemistry, a hydrate, and the yellow colour is chan- 
 ged to red whenever we apply so much heat as will 
 drive off the combined water. Then the red oxide of 
 iron, or colcothar of vitriol alone remains. The con- 
 sequence is, that what is sold in shops for precipita- 
 ted corbonate of iron, contains no more than a trace 
 of that substance, ami is frequently nothing more than 
 colcothar of vitriol. This colcothar the author ob- 
 serves, is not less different from carbonate of iron in 
 its medicinal effects, than its chemical properties. 
 
 I have seen patients of different ages and sexes 
 swallow for a fortnight, at the rate of half an ounce 
 per day of colcothar of vitriol, without producing any 
 apparent effect, except that their stools were colour- 
 ed by the powder to a reddish hue*, indicating that it 
 had passed through the body unaltered. Whereas, I 
 have seen a healthy man made sick by a dose of a 
 quarter of a drachm of genuine carbonate of iron, and 
 made to pass in consequence dark greenish black 
 stools, for two days after, and I have seen similar ef- 
 fects produced on patients, who had been unaffected 
 by colcothar of vitriol. The sikness however is not 
 produced after the first or second day. 
 
 These observations deserve the attention of the 
 profession in these days when carbonate of iron is so 
 much in use. 
 
 We give the remaining part of the paper inthe-au- 
 thor's own words. 
 
 From the preceding observation it is easy to ga- 
 ther, that the two defects to be avoided are exposure 
 
CARBONATE OF IRON. 175 
 
 to air and exposure to heat. Both of these defects 
 I propose to avoid by forming the precipitated carbo- 
 nate into an electuary, thus: 
 
 Take of sulphate of iron and sub-carbonate of soda 
 each eight ounces, powder each salt and dissolve them 
 
 j separately in warm water, if necessary filter. Being 
 
 i filtered and cool, niix the solutions in a deep vessel 
 capable of holding one or two gallons of water, which 
 fill up cold, stir, let it subside, and then decant the clear 
 liquor from the precipitate, till up again with water 
 
 1 and likewise again decant, and repeat this operation 
 two or three times, so as to separate the soluble salt?, 
 next put the precipitate on a filter of cotton or linen 
 cloth, supported by a square frame. When the wa- 
 ter has ceased to pass, gather into one hand the edges 
 of the filter, so as to make it a sort of bag, and with 
 the other twist round from the holding hand, down- 
 wards, so as to squeeze out the remaining "water. 
 The precipitate will now have the appearance of 
 clay, too soft for moulding. With soft sugar and aro- 
 matic powder in suitable proportions, make it into an 
 electuary. 
 
 Thus we obtain a carbonate of iron uniform in its 
 properties, hardly deteriorated by the process it under- 
 goes, and little liable to change by keeping. 
 
 The precipitated carbonate of iron while yet moist, 
 is soluble in carbonic acid. Hence a teaspoonful of 
 the above electuary is soon dissolved in a glass of 
 ginger beer, except the aromatic powder it contain?. 
 It may be asked therefore, whether an eligible me» 
 
 -chcine might not be obtained by uniting this prepara- 
 
176 CARBONATE OF IRON. 
 
 tion with the ginger beer powders; the exdes$0t car-, 
 bonic acid in them would dissolve the iron, and you 
 would have a highly agreeable draught with all the 
 chalybeate properties of this valuable medicine. 
 
 G. W. Carpenter is pleased to inform the faculty 
 he has prepared the above preparations in the most 
 careful manner, and given them the following names, 
 by which physicians can always designate them when, 
 they wish these preparations prepared by me. 
 
 •CARPENTER'S " 
 Aromatic Chalybeate Confection. 
 
 This article since I have had the pleasure of pre** 
 paring it, has been used by a number of the most re- 
 spectable physicians, and has given the highest de- 
 gree o( satisfaction, and who accord fully with the 
 writer in thereview. 
 
 CARPENTERS 
 
 Chalybeate Ginger Beer Powders. 
 
 These powders form an extremely pleasant and 
 agreeable draught, and from their tonic and chalybeate 
 properties, aided by the stomachic effects of the fine 
 purified ginger in their composition, render them an 
 extremely valuable medicine, and adapted to many 
 cases of weak and diseased state of the stomach and 
 bowels. They have already been extensively used, 
 and have given in all cases the highest degree of satis- 
 faction, and produced the most salutary and benefi- 
 cial eifects. 
 
 
CARBONATE OF IRON. 177 
 
 From full experiments carefully made with the 
 preparations of iron, as suggested above, the most sa- 
 tisfactory results have occurred, and there appears to 
 be no doubt but that it deserves all the attention of 
 the faculty, which the writer claims, and that it will 
 receive their sanction and approbation from its deci- 
 ded superiority to the ordinary preparations of iron, 
 will entirely supercede their use. 
 
'COMPOUND FLUID EXTRACT OF 
 
 Buciiiiy. 
 
 DIOSMA CRENATA. 
 
 For Diseases of the Bladder, Obstructions of Urine, 
 
 Chronic Gonnorhea, and Gleets of long standing. 
 
 The Buchu leafs (Diosma Crenata) have been high- 
 ly recommended for diseases of the bladder, by some 
 of the most distinguished physicians in Europe; and 
 when united with cubebs and diuretics, have effected 
 some extraordinary cures, a few cases of which will 
 be given hereafter. In order that physicians may 
 have a uniform preparation of this valuable medicine, 
 made in a careful manner, with proper proportions 
 and specific dose adapted to the disease ; George W. 
 Carpenter is pleased to announce his Compound Ex- 
 tract of Buchu, which he recommends to the medi- 
 cal profession as a concentrated preparation of this 
 article, and the most convenient mode in which it can 
 be exhibited, and which will obviate the necessity of 
 preparing the decoction, which is always attended 
 with trouble and expense, and always differs more 
 or less in strength, according to the mode of prepa- 
 ration, which different individuals adopt, and not un- 
 frequently much impaired, if not totally rendered 
 inert, by the injudicious and unskilful management of 
 those unacquainted with pharmaceutical prepara- 
 tions. This compound will therefore overcome all 
 
EXTRACT OF BUCHIT. 179 
 
 these difiicaiiies, and being of uniform strength, and 
 ready prepared for the patient, can be administered 
 with more certainty of success by the practitioner, 
 and with less trouble and expense to the patient. 
 Under these circumstances, this medicine has been 
 prepared expressly for the use of the faculty, and will 
 no doubt receive their approbation and encourage- 
 ment. 
 
 Among various highly satisfactory accounts of the 
 value of the Buchu in diseases of the bladder, ob- 
 structions of urine, chronic gonnorhea, gleets of long 
 standing, &c. I will quote a few cases and remarks 
 by Dr. Ephriam McDowell, a highly distinguished 
 physician and member of the Royal College of Sur- 
 geons in Ireland, published in the transactions of the 
 King and Queen College Physicians. 
 
 A variety of remedies have been advised, says Dr. 
 McDowell, for chronic inflammation of the bladder, 
 &c. which when neglected, extends to the ureters 
 and kidneys, producing a train of severe local as well 
 as constitutional symptoms. Its original cause fre- 
 quently cannot be discovered in many cases; we will 
 however find it frequently succeeding to mismanaged 
 i gonnorhea, neglected retention of urine, diseases of 
 j the prostate glands, strictured urethra, or calculous 
 | affections. 
 
 In some cases, as for example, when it depends on 
 
 diseases of the prostate gland, we can do little more 
 
 than palliate urgent symptoms; in other instances 
 
 much may be effected. 
 
 A variety of remedies have been advised for these 
 
180 EXTRACT OF BUCHF. 
 
 diseases, most of them I have repeatedly tried "with 
 little or no effect, beyond that of being in some de- 
 gree paliative. The Compound Buchu having been 
 lately strongly recommended, 1 was induced to make 
 trial of it, and my experiments have resulted in the 
 most satisfactory manner, having succeeded in saving 
 the most inveterate cases, in which I had no hopes of 
 success. 1 will quote a few for example. 
 
 Case First. 
 
 The first case in which I used it, was apparently 
 a hopeless one, recommended to me by a medical 
 friend in December, 1821. James Thompson, 
 
 get upwards of six years ill, emaciated a»ad 
 
 greatly debilitated, lower extremities paralytic* 
 When he passed his urine, it was generally either with 
 great difficulty from its being loaded with a large 
 quantity of slimy, tenaceous and stringy matter, or 
 else involuntarily. His bowels were habitually cos- 
 tive, appetite totally gone. He had been under the 
 care of so many medical practitioners, without the 
 least benefit, that I feared little could be done for 
 him. I passed a bougie in the first instance, to ascer- 
 tain the state of urethra, which I found rather irrita- 
 table. I also used several of the common remedies, 
 for irritable bladder with no effect, at the same time* 
 closely attending to the state of the digestive organs;; 
 lastly I gave the Compound Buchu, which gave im=s 
 mediate relief. In six days after I found his appe- 
 tite and strength improved, able to walk firmly, the 
 mucous much diminished in quantity, capable of re- 
 
BUCHU. 181 
 
 taining his urine some hours, and no longer passing it 
 involuntarily. His own words to a medical friend 
 were nearly the following: 
 
 "Instead of being disturbed every five minutes dur- 
 ing the night by painful erections, or by the desire of 
 making water, I can sleep some hours at a time; no 
 involuntary passing of urine. I can walk stoutly 
 through my room, and even up stairs without help; 
 my appetite is excellent; the heartburn gone; the se- 
 diment in the urine greatly diminished. I feel a 
 strength in my back and loins unknown to me for 
 years.'' 1 He continued to improve for a considerable 
 time, but being unable to obtain any more of the Bu- 
 chu, he in some degree relapsed; his condition how- 
 ever infinitely improved, and a short further continu- 
 ance of the Buchu would restore him to entire health. 
 
 Case Second, 
 
 Philip Dwyer, aged sixty-seven years, sallow com- 
 plexion, emaciated, ill for three years; complains of 
 severe pain in the pubic region, particularly before 
 he passes water. Great irritability of bladder, passing 
 water in small quantities every quarter or half hour 
 during the night; during the day can occasionally re- 
 tain it for two or three hours. Less irritability when 
 using much walking exercise; when sitting, is effec- 
 ted with a stinging or scalding sensation in the pros- 
 tate region. Urine generally white or muddy. Fre- 
 quently passes a large quantity of slimy, pale yellow 
 coloured, mucous, voided with great difficulty, and 
 soon putrefying, is much relieved by its expulsion 
 
 Q 
 
182 Bvvnv. 
 
 from the bladder. Is greatly debilitated, and has lost 
 much weight. Tongue loaded with yellowish mu- 
 cous. Thirst No appetite. Bowels generally con- 
 stipated. No enlargement of the prostate glands 
 could be felt. 
 
 Previous History. — Never had gonnorhcea. Has 
 
 been a temperate liver. The disease commenced 
 three years ago, first with slowness and difficulty in 
 passing water, which was followed by frequent mic- 
 turition. He attended the Talbot dispensary for 
 rive months, and left town apparently cured. He re- 
 lapsed however, in a month, and returned to the dis- 
 pensary, May 13, 1822* He was ordered a pint of 
 the Aqua Calcis daily, twenty drops of the muriated 
 tincture o( iron three times daily, an opium supposi- 
 tory (three grains) every night, and purgative pills to 
 be taken occasionally. 
 
 May 24. Up five times last night to pass water; 
 slime in less quantity; can expel his urine with more 
 force. 
 
 May 29. Worse; up fifteen times last night The 
 slime has not been discharged for some days; since 
 its stoppage great irritability of the bladder has exis- 
 ted. Prescribed the Buchu and continued the use of 
 muriated tincture of iron. 
 
 May 31. Reports that he has been better for the 
 last two nights than for years previous. Passed a 
 large quantity of slime yesterday, which came away 
 readily: up but four times last night. 
 
 June 7. Continues better. 
 June 9. Great irritability of the bladder, A parn-^ 
 
BUCHU. 
 
 I8*> 
 
 ful swelling in pubic region; no mucous discharged 
 for some days. This relapse arose from not being 
 able to procure the Buchu during the last Week. 
 The Buchu repealed as before., also the muriated 
 "tincture of iron. 
 
 June 21. Much better. The slime was dischar- 
 ged after taking the medicine twice; up but twice 
 last night. 
 
 The Buchu continued as before. 
 
 July 5. Continues mending. 
 
 August 4. Called on me to say he continues well, 
 and has been able to follow his ordinary occupation 
 as a labourer, for the last month, and considers him- 
 self radically cured. 
 
 Case Third 
 
 Henderson Waters, a debilitated and emaciated 
 man, aged thirty-one years, visited me, August 4, 
 1822, with my friend Dr. Cumming; found him la- 
 bouring under much fever. Urine dribbling almost 
 constantly from him, or else passing it in the quanti- 
 ty of half an ounce every five minutes; the urine 
 loaded with slime; lower extremities totally paraly- 
 sed; the upper nearly so. His lower limbs rigid, and 
 frequently jerked up under him by painful spasms; 
 severe pains in the soles of his feet; much irritability 
 of the rectum. The glans penis in a state of slough, 
 from keeping it constantly immersed in the urinal. 
 The last dorsal vetrebrae more prominent than usual: 
 no pain caused by its forcible pressure. The usual 
 ^remedies were applied by two eminent physicians 
 
184 BUCHU. 
 
 who had been attending him without success or be- 
 nefit. 
 
 June 8. Put on the use of the Buchu as the last 
 case. 
 
 August 10. Can retain his urine for half an hour 
 at a time; little or no pain in the bladder; strength 
 and appetite improved. The sloughs detached from 
 penis, sore healthy; a slight slough over the trochan- 
 ter major, from pressure and debility; ordered nour- 
 ishing diet, and to continue the Buchu. 
 
 August 20. (Reported by Dr.Cumming.) In every 
 respect better; can now retain his urine for two or 
 three hours at a time; no uneasiness in the bladder. 
 For some days past, sitting up; looks greatly improv- 
 ed. Tongue, pulse, and bowels natural. Paralytic 
 affections of lower extremities, as before. 
 
 August 30. At his work as a watchmaker. Can 
 retain urine for four or five hours; health good; limbs 
 much stronger. 
 
 January 8. Continues as last reported, and is en- 
 tirely recovered. 
 
 In dispepsia it appears to be a valuable auxiliary to 
 other medicines. I had an opportunity of meeting 
 with a case of gravel, of the uric acid kind, in a se- 
 dentary and dispeptic individual; the attack coming 
 on whenever the digestive organs were deranged, 
 and frequently lasting with much severity for three 
 days, attended with violentpain,shootingin the course 
 of the ureter to the groins, testicles, and anterior part 
 of the thigh; much fever, restlessness, and irritability; 
 any excess in drinking wine, invariably produced an 
 
BUCHU. 185 
 
 ■ attack. He has been in the habit, for the last three 
 .years, of taking the Aqua Kali Caustica, whenever 
 attacked, and usually continued it for a considerable 
 time, in quantities of one ounce daily. In a late pa* 
 roxysm,he took it along with the Buchu; a white 
 precipitate in the urine in large quantities resulted; 
 he then omitted the alcali and took the Buchu alone* 
 He recovered rapidly; both the white and red preci- 
 pitate ceased to recur, and he has had no attack of it 
 since. 
 
 The above accounts of Dr. McDowell are entitled 
 to the highest degree of confidence, being a man 
 highly distinguished in the medical profession, and of 
 large experience^from the most extensive practice. 
 
 Caution. 
 
 After the reputation of any -valuable medicine is 
 established with considerable expense, trouble and 
 many experiments by theproprietor,heshould receive 
 some benefit from it. He is sometimes, however, 
 disappointed by the spurious imitation of his prepara- 
 tions, made by the ignorant, who prepare inferior 
 and frequently entirely different compounds, and sell 
 under the same name, and on the reputation of the 
 
 : genuine medicine, copying the directions, and putting 
 it up in the same bottles and form, and thus frequent- 
 ly deceiving the public, and injuring the reputation 
 
 • of valuable medicines. Under these circumstances 
 I would beg the faculty to be extremely particular 
 
 <in their orders, and to observe that each bottle will 
 
 «have my written signature, without which none will 
 i ( *be genuine. 
 
 a 2 
 
CARPENTER'S 
 
 --SARATOGA POWDERS. 
 
 FOR MAKING 
 
 Congress Spring or Saratoga Waters. 
 
 There is perhaps scarcely an individual in the Uni* 
 ted States, who is not acquainted, either by experi- 
 ence or report, with the salutary effects of the Con- 
 gress Waters at Saratoga. From thirty to fifty thou- 
 sand persons annually visit these Springs, many from 
 the remotest sections of the United States, and some 
 from the West Indies, and other foreign places. The 
 great expense in visiting the Springs, excludes the 
 greater portion of the community, (more than nine 
 out often,) and the bottled water, from its high price, 
 prevents its use to the extent of being serviceable, 
 and confines it to a small number; it appears to be a 
 serious evil that so valuable an article should be so 
 restricted, that comparatively few should be able to 
 enjoy what is so conducive to general health in the 
 hot weather of our summer months. From these 
 circumstances, Geo. W. Carpenter is pleased to an- 
 nounce the preparation of the above powders, con- 
 taining all the essential substances with which these 
 celebrated Springs are impregnated, and from which 
 the waters of the Congress Springs at Saratoga are 
 precisely and effectually imitated. With a view to 
 accommodate the public, and to bring into general 
 -use so convenient and valuable a substitute for these 
 
SARATOGA POWDER'S. 187 
 
 "waters, he has been induced to go very extensively 
 into the manufacture of them, and to put them at a 
 price to be within the reach of most persons. For 
 the accommodation of the public, agents have been 
 appointed in all the cities and principal inland towns, 
 to give a general circulation to -so useful an article 
 throughout the country. The public are recommen- 
 ded to make trial of these powders, as he finds by ex- 
 perience, and from the opinion of the most eminent 
 •of the faculty, that the water made from them posses- 
 ses the same medical qualities, is as effectual in its 
 operations, and precise in taste as that taken imme- 
 diately from the Springs. These powders are there- 
 fore recommended as a valuable remedy in all cases 
 where Saratoga Waters are prescribed. 
 
 Persons on sea voyages, or residing at a distance 
 from the Springs, and in warm climates, will at once 
 perceive the great advantage of making use of these 
 powders, which besides being more portable, and less 
 expensive than the bottle water, will keep without 
 injury for any length of time; and as they are equal 
 in medical effect to that taken fresh from the Springs, 
 they are certainly much preferable from the many ad- 
 vantages they possess. 
 
 These powders are superior to the Seidlitz, inas- 
 much as they are equally aperient and agreeable, and 
 at the same time possessing tonic and chalybeate 
 qualities in a superior degree, and are consequently 
 better adapted to weak and debilitated constitution! 
 than any other cathartic in use. 
 
 It is now scarcely two years 6ince the introductioa 
 
188 SARATOGA POWDERS. 
 
 of these powders, in which time they have been sent 
 to almost every populated section of the United 
 States, and have given in all places the highest de- 
 gree of satisfaction. They are now extensively used 
 throughout the Southern States, where they are high- 
 ly appreciated by the faculty, and extensively em- 
 ployed by the most distinguished physicians. They 
 have elicited from the professors of several medical 
 institutions, and from highly distinguished individuals 
 in various places, voluntary acknowledgements of 
 high commendation on their valuable properties. The 
 reputation and demand which Carpenter's Saratoga 
 Powders have acquired, will no doubt be an induce- 
 ment for the ignorant to attempt their preparation, 
 the proprietor has already received frequent com- 
 plaints that spurious and inferior imitations have 
 been made, and that sales are effected on the repu- 
 tation and character of his preparation. I deern it 
 justice to the community to apprise them of these 
 facts, that they may be on their guard. They should 
 be particular to specify in their orders "Carpenter's 
 Saratoga Powders," otherwise they may get a differ- 
 ent article from what they intended. 
 
 (£7= We are pleased to tind that the imitation pow- 
 ders are not patronized by the faculty, but are objec- 
 ted to wherever they are known, in many cases, how- 
 ever, they are purchased by individuals who are not 
 acquainted with the circumstances, and do not disco- 
 ver the fact until they begin to make use of theme 
 The proprietor has received numerous letters on the 
 subject of this grievance, and a number of expres- 
 
SARATOGA POWDERS. 189 
 
 sions of dissatisfaction have appeared in various jour- 
 nals and Gazetts of the Southern States, where these 
 powders are most used. The following is from the 
 Southern Times and State Gazette, of July 11, 1831, 
 published at Colombia, South Carolina. 
 
 " I copy with pleasure the editorial article* from 
 the National Gazette, of Philadelphia, because I can 
 8afely and honestly say, the compliment is deserved. 
 There are some very inferior imitations of Carpen- 
 ter's Saratoga Powders, which are by no means 
 worthy of public notice, compared to Carpenter's. 
 As a summer laxative, equally pleasant and effica- 
 cious as the water; these powders may be relied 
 upon." 
 
 * See National Gazette of June 22, 183L 
 
CARPENTER'S 
 
 COMPOUND 
 
 SYRUP OF LIVERWORT.. 
 
 Hepatica Triloba* 
 
 This plant has proved to be a safe and valuable 
 medicine for Coughs, Spitting of Blood, Consump- 
 tion, and Liver Complaints. 
 
 Most of the medicines made use of for the above 
 diseases, are of a stimulating nature, composed gene- 
 rally of Rezins and Balsams, in alcoholic solutions, 
 which, although sometimes giving temporary relief, 
 in almost every instance where they are freely used, 
 aggravate the disease and reduce the strength of the 
 patient. 
 
 This article possesses superior advantages over 
 these preparations, its action being of a tonic, invigo- 
 rating and strengthening nature, thus overcoming the 
 disease, by promoting expectoration and gradually 
 increasing the strength of the patient, and this with- 
 out being attended with any unpleasant effects; 
 it also agrees with the stomach in all cases, and is 
 a pleasant and agreeable medicine to take. 
 
 It has generally been administered in the form of 
 tea or decoction; this has most frequently been im- 
 properly made by those unacquainted with pharma- 
 ceutical preparations, and has brought this medicine 
 in disrepute, preventing its application in many eases., 
 
SYRUP OF LIVERWORT. 191 
 
 where it would otherwise have proved highly useful 
 and beneficial. 
 
 To guard against these inconveniences, and to- 
 bring before the public a concentrated preparation of 
 this valuable article of uniform strength; George W. 
 Carpenter is pleased to announce the preparation of 
 Compound* Syrup of Liverwort, which will obviate 
 all the disadvantages above described. This prepa- 
 ration is as active as it can be made from the fresh 
 plant, and the virtues considerably improved by the 
 tonic and expectorant medicines which have been se- 
 lected as adjuvants. 
 
 Directions. — Dose for grown persons, a table- 
 spoonful three or four times a day when the Cough 
 is troublesome; for children a tea-spoonful may be ta- 
 ken in the same manner. 
 
 N. B. During the cough, the patient will find much 
 advantage from taking a dietical jelly, made of the 
 flour of Slippery Elm. 
 
 REMARKS 
 
 ON 
 
 CARPSSTTER'S 
 Compound Syrup of Liverwort. 
 
 It is scarcely one year since the introduction of this 
 preparation, in which time it has been sent to almost 
 every populated section of the United States, and 
 has in all places been highly approved of by the fa- 
 culty, and prescribed by the most distinguished phy- 
 sicians, and has given in all cases the moetdecided and 
 unequivocal satisfaction, and produced the most salu- 
 
192 
 
 SYRUP OF LIVERWORT. 
 
 tary and beneficial effects — and in numerous instan- 
 ces elicited, from the most distinguished members of 
 the medical profession, (for whose use, and under 
 whose direction the article is expressly prepared and 
 respectfully submitted,) voluntary acknowledgements 
 of high commendation upon the valuable properties 
 of this medicine. 
 
 The following are a few extracts from letters of 
 highly respectable physicians, addressed to the sub- 
 scriber on the subject of the above preparation. 
 
 Prom Dr.T. P. Hereford of Hay market, Virginia. 
 Whose observations on the Liverwort are entitled 
 to the highest consideration. His experience with 
 this plant is perhaps, superior to any other medical 
 man in our country, and the public are indebted to 
 him for many valuable and interesting essays on the 
 subject, in our periodical journals and papers. 
 
 From the National Intelligencer. 
 
 As Phthisis Pulmonalis or Consumption of the 
 Lungs has been emphatically styled an approbium 
 medicorwn, and as it has for its victims all ages and 
 sexes, and a large portion of the young and beautiful, 
 it becomes the paramount duty of every humane phy- 
 sician, to contribute in any way he can towards ar- 
 resting in its march, this terrible disease. With an 
 eye to this purpose, I have strenuously recommended, 
 and do still recommend, the Liverwort, particularly 
 Carpenter's Compound Syrup, which i consider the 
 most valuable mode it can be exhibited* being a 
 
SYRWP OF LIVERWORT; 193 
 
 concentrated preparation of the fresh plant, with 
 valuable expectorant medicines selected as adjuvants, 
 and although I have never recommended it as a 
 medicine, indiscriminately adapted to all cases, yet 
 } am fully persuaded that it has done more signal 
 service than any other single remedy, so far as experi- 
 ments with it have been made, or according to the 
 extent it has acquired the public confidence 5 but we 
 are too apt to appreciate lightly, or invest with little 
 consequence, things which have the external appear- 
 ance of simplicity; while those which are enrapt in 
 secrecy, or have a mysterious character, allure, fas- 
 cinate or inspire us with confidence and admiration. 
 T. P. HEREFORD, M. D. 
 Jan, 18, 1830. Haymarket, Virginia. 
 
 From Dr. William Watson, a highly respectable 
 physician of Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania; whose 
 extensive practice and experience entitles his ob?. 
 I servations to the highest public confidence. 
 
 Bedford, June 27th, 1830; 
 Dear Sir — You were pleased to send with my 
 medicines, two bottles of your Compound Syrup of 
 Liverwort. I have a favourite servant boy, who 
 was taken with pneumonia inflammation, in Novem- 
 ber last, which resisted all the remedies and means 1 
 have been able to apply. For some time I have con- 
 sidered him to be in the hectic state of phytisis, 
 having purulent cough, much expectoration, night 
 sweats, great emaciation, &c. Under these cir- 
 cumstances, without any expectation of benefit, I 
 
 R 
 
194 SYRUP OF LIVERWORT. 
 
 gave him the two bottles you sent me as directed, 
 and immediately the fever and expectoration dimin- 
 ished*, the sweats were removed, and his strength 
 and cheerfulness increased. I had a quantity of the 
 herb gathered, a syrup made in the usual way, but 
 notwithstanding the free use of this syrup, he imme- 
 diately declined, and he is now in the state in which 
 he was when he commenced with your preparation.. 
 i believe a cure would have been effected by a few 
 more bottles of your syrup. As I wish to give it a 
 fair trial, you will please send me a dozen bottles. 
 by the earliest opportunity, and oblige, 
 Yours, &c. 
 
 WILLIAM W- WATSON, M. IX 
 To C W. Carpenter. 
 
 We are pleased to hear the above case of Dr, 
 Watson's is recovering under the further continuance 
 of this preparation. 
 The following extract from Dr. Thos. F. Slaughter,, 
 a highly respectable and skilful physician of Orange 
 Court House, Virginia, is additional evidence of the 
 valuable properties of this medicine. 
 
 Orange Court House, Virginia, June 1, 1830. 
 
 Dear Sir — I made trial of Carpenter's Com- 
 pound Syrup of Liverwort, in case of a lady, an old 
 patient of mine, who had been afflicted for some time 
 as I supposed with asthma, and who had been re- 
 duced from extreme corpulency and robust health 
 by her disease, to the verge of the grave; she used 
 only one bottle of it, and has ever since been rapidly 
 improving in health and appearance, which is attri- 
 
SYRUP OF LIVERWORT. 495 
 
 butablc to the use of this medicine. She is solicit- 
 ous for its further use, which 1 cannot gratify her in 
 till I receive more of the article, f am anxious to 
 make a fair trial of it in this case, as well for scien- 
 tific purpose?, as for the great value of the life of the 
 patient. 
 
 Yours, respectfully, 
 
 THOMAS F. SLAUGHTER. 
 To Geo. W. Carpenter. 
 
 The following extract from Dr. Richard M. Hill, 
 a very respectable Physician of Gholsonville, Vir- 
 ginia, is an additional testimony of the value of this 
 
 preparation. 
 
 Dear Sir — I am now making trial of your Com- 
 pound Syrup of Liverwort, a few bottles of which I 
 
 obtained in Petersburg, and so far, am highly pleased 
 
 with its effects, and consider it admirably suited to 
 
 the cases in which it is recommended. 
 
 Yours, truly, 
 
 RICHARD M. HILL, M. D. 
 
 To Geo. W. Carpenter. 
 
 It is much to be regretted, that every valuable 
 
 preparation will be imitated by the ignorant. The 
 subscriber has already received frequent complaints 
 that spurious and inferior preparations have been 
 offered, and that sales have been effected solely on 
 the reputation of his preparation. He begs leave to 
 apprize the faculty of these circumstances, and to in- 
 form them that each bottle of his preparation will 
 have his written signature " Geo. W. Carpenter;" 
 .on the bottle, without which, none will be genuine. 
 
 G, W, C, 
 
CATALOGUE OF MEDICINES, 
 
 Shop Furniture $ Surgical Instruments^ 
 
 For a Physician at the outset of his Practice:; 
 
 PREPARED AT 
 
 CARPENTERS 
 
 CHEMICAL WAREHOUSE, 
 No. 301, 
 
 MARKBT STRKET, PHILADELPHIA; 
 
 Where the articles can be procured of the most unex- 
 ceptionable quality, put up in the neatest and most 
 careful manner, and as lozo as those of like charac* 
 ter can be had in Philadelphia or elsewhere. 
 
 It is often a difficult task for the young practitioner 
 4<b call to mind the various articles which he will re- 
 quire at the outset of his practice, and particularly 
 to proportion the quantities. In the annexed list are 
 all the essential articles required for practice in the 
 proportion which they are generally consumed. The 
 quantities are made small, which is preferable at the 
 commencement of practice, as they can be in- 
 creased as they may be required. Those residim 
 •at a considerable distance, and require some time U 
 
CATALOGUE OF MEDICINES. 197 
 
 deceive their medicines after they are ordered, it 
 would be advisable to increase the quantities of some 
 ■of the most important articles. 
 
 -lb.. 02. 
 Anlimonv, Tarlrat. - - 4 
 
 Emetic purgative and diaphoretic, dose half grain 
 to one scruple. 
 
 Febrifug, (James's Powder) 4 
 
 Diaphoretic, 5 to 10 grains. 
 Alcohol, 3G, .... 2 
 
 Stimulant, used as a menstruum or vehicle for 
 other medicines. 
 
 Aqua Ammonia, ... 8 
 
 Stimulant and diaphoretic, dose 10 drops diluted 
 with water; externally in frictions, 
 
 Acid, Muriatic, - 4 
 
 Stimulant, dose externally. 2 to 4 ounces in foot 
 baths, internally, half drachm to 1 drachm in each 
 pint. 
 
 Acid Nitric, - 4 
 
 Stimulant diuretic. In lemonade by drops until an 
 agreeable acidity is produced. 
 
 Acid Sulphuric, - - - 8 
 
 Stimulant, dose 20 to 30 drops in 2 pounds of water. 
 
 Acid, Pyroligneous Concentrated, 4 
 
 Astringent, refrigerant when diluted, dose of the 
 concentrated acid 1 scuple to 1 drachm, or com- 
 mon acid 1 ounce. 
 
 One pint of this concentrated acid added to 
 seven pints of water, instantly produces a mixture 
 similar and equal in every respect to the distilled 
 vinegar of the shops. 
 
 Acid, Tartaric, - - 4 4 
 
 Refrigerent, dose 12 to 36 grains involution. 
 
 Acid, Critic, .... 1 
 
 Refrigerant, dose, 10 to 15 grains in^a pint ofliquid. 
 It 2 
 
r I98 CATALOGUE OF MEDICINES. 
 
 lb. QZ r 
 
 One drachm of this salt dissolved in 2 ©z. of 
 water, instantly produces a mixture equal to alike 
 quantity of fresh lemon juice, and for many pur- 
 poses of medicine is even preferable, being always 
 of uniform strength. 
 
 Acid (or Flor.) Benzoin, - -*#, 
 
 Stimulant, dose 10 to 20 grains. 
 Ammonia, Carbonate, - 4 
 
 Stimulant, dose 5 grains to 1 scruple. 
 Anodyne, Hoffman's, - - S 
 
 Antispasmodic and anodyne, dose £ to 2 drachms. 
 
 Arsenic, alb. crude, - 1 
 
 Tonic, (externally an eschartic,) dose 1-10 to i 
 grain. 
 
 Fowler's solution of, - 4 
 
 Febrifuge, 5 to 15 drops. 
 
 jEther, Sulphuric, - 4 
 
 Diffusible stimulant and antispasmodic, dose 10 to 
 36 drops. 
 
 Spt. Nitre, dulcis, » - - i 
 
 Refrigerant, diuretic and antispasmodic, dose 20 to 
 40 drops. 
 
 Aqua Rosarum, - - 1 
 
 Slightly Astringent, 
 Arrow Root, Bermuda, - - 1 
 
 Nutrient. 
 Argent Nitrat, ~v = - i 
 
 Tonic, antispasmodic and escharotic ^ to 4 grains. 
 
 Blue Pill Mass, - - * 2 
 
 Stimulant, and antisyphilitic,'dose 5 to 8 grains. 
 
 Boras, Sodas, ... 4 
 
 Detergent, 1 scruple to 1 drachm, in gargles. 
 
 Bismuth, oxyd. alb. - - 1 
 
 Tonic and antispasmodic, dose 2 to~12 grains. 
 
CATALOGUE OF MEDICINES. 190 
 
 lb. oz. 
 Burgundy pitch, - *• - 1 
 
 Externally rubefacient. 
 
 Black drop, - - - 'l 
 
 Anodyne and sudorific, 5 to 15 drops. 
 
 Balsam copaiva, - *8 
 
 Astringent, dose 20 to 60 drops in any emolieat 
 mixture. 
 
 -Solidified copaiva - 9 
 
 Two four grain pills are equal to a dose of the 
 balsam 
 
 Oil of Copaiva, in vials - £ doz. 
 
 This may be used in the same manner as the 
 balsam, dose 5 to 10 drops. 
 Balsam tolu, ■- 1 
 
 Dose, 6 to 24 grains. 
 
 Black Oxyde of Mercury, - '1 
 
 For extemporaneously making Blue Pills, $ 
 grain equal td 4 grams of the latter. 
 
 Bac. Juniper, - 8 
 
 Diuretic and cordial, infusion, a teacup full every 3 
 or 4 hours. 
 
 Cubebs, - 4 
 
 In gonnorhea, 20 to 30 drops. 
 
 Oil of cubebs, ... £ 
 
 This is a valuable adjunct to copaiva, 10 or 15 
 drops added to a copaiva mixture will increase its 
 virtues considerably in cases of gonnorhea. 
 
 Sulphur, sublimed, 
 
 Laxative and diaphoretic, dose 1 to 3 drachms. 
 
 Bol armenia?, - - - .1 
 
 Perkins's blister cloth, - - 1 box. 4 
 
 A very convenient article for the country phy- 
 sician, being ready spread for immediate use. 
 
 -Creta, ppt. ' - - ' • 8 
 
 Antacid and absorbent,- dose 10 grains to 2 scruples. 
 
200 GATALOGPE OF MEDICINES. 
 
 lb. 
 
 Garb, Ferri, •'•■■*- 
 
 Tonic and emmenagogue, dose from 4 to 20 grains 
 twice a day. 
 
 Magnesia, - 
 
 Absorbant, purgative, used for acidity in the priim- 
 via, an;l cases ot' poisoning by sulphuric acid, dose 
 from 1 scruple to 1 drachm. 
 
 Canella alba, - 
 
 Stimulant and slightly Ionic, dose from l'O' grains to 
 1 drachm. 
 
 Citrated Kali, 
 
 This is a very valuable medicine in fevers; 1 
 drachm dissolved in 4 oz. of water instantly pro- 
 duces the saline mixture, similar and equal in every 
 respect to that prepared with fresh lemon juice, 
 and salt of tartar. 
 
 Pulv. Colocynth, - 
 
 Drastic purgative, dose 10 grains to 1 scruple. 
 
 Cream of Tartar, - - - 2 
 
 Purgative, diuretic and refrigerent, dose 4 to 6 
 drachms. 
 
 Catechu, - 
 
 Astringent, dose 2 scruples to I drachm in infusion 
 or mixture. 
 
 Cochineal, . . . 
 
 Antispasmodic and anodyne, in whooping cough. 
 
 Cort Peru Rub. ... i 
 
 Tonic, febrifuge and antiseptic, in adynamic inter- 
 mittent fevers, scorbutus, gangrene, &c. 
 
 Cort Peru (common;) or Carthagena. 
 
 1*12 the value of the former. 
 
 Cort. aurant, - - •* ,\ 
 
 Refrigerant. In fevers and inflammations 1 scrtt- 
 :ple to 1 drachm. 
 
 Mazerion, 
 
 "Stimulating diaphoretic, dose 1 to 4 .grains. 
 
CATALOGUE OF MEDICINES. 201 
 
 lb. oz. 
 Caryophillum, ... 4 
 
 Tonic, stomachic, and emmanagague, dose 6 to 12 
 grains. 
 
 'Cassia, - - - - A 
 
 Stimulant, cordial dose 10 to 20 grains. 
 
 Calomel, - 8 
 
 Purgative, vermifuge and syphilitic, dose 1 to li 
 grains. 
 
 Corrosive sublimate, - - 1 
 
 Dose 4 to ^ grain in solution. 
 Cera, alb. ... g 
 
 External application in the composition of cerate. 
 
 Denarcotised acidulous tincture of Opium, 8 
 
 This will be found very useful in cases wh«re 
 opium and common laudanum disagrees with the 
 patient. This is sedative without the stimulating 
 properties of opium. Dose 15 to 25 drops. 
 
 Secale Cornut. pulv. -« » 1 
 
 In parturition, dose 20 to 30 grains in powder. 
 
 Emplast. Epispastic, - - 3 
 
 adhesive, - - & 
 
 ditto, spread on linen, **■ %yd. 
 
 Dyacylon, simple, -«■ % 
 
 ditto, cum. gum. - 8 
 
 Roborans, - 8 
 
 Extract Gentian, - 1 
 
 Tonic and stomachic, dose 1 to 4 grains. 
 
 Colocynth, comp. - % 
 
 Cathartic, 5 to 10 grains. 
 
 Hyociami, - - 1 
 
 Narcotic, antispasmodic and resolvent in all ner- 
 vous disorders, dose 1 to 2 grains. 
 
 Cicuta, ... 1 
 
 Narcotic, anodyne, and resolvent, dose 2 to 10, grains, 
 
202 CATALOGUE OF MEDICINES. 
 
 lb. o*. 
 externally in cataplasms, lotios, Stc. in scirrhous 
 and cancerous affections. 
 
 Stramonii, 
 
 Narcotic, and resolvent in epilepsy, histeria, corea 
 and cancer. 
 
 Glycyrrhiza, - 1 
 
 Demulcent in allaying" coughs, dose 2 to 6 grains. 
 
 Quinine, - 1 
 
 Two grains of this extract are equal to one grain 
 of the sulphate, and is at one third the price. 
 
 Carpenter's Compound Fluid Extract of 
 
 Sarsapariila, - - - a doz. 
 
 One tablespoon fid of this extract added to a pint 
 of water, instantly produces the Lisbon Diet Drink 
 of the usual strength. It is particularly recom- 
 mended to the faculty as an active preparation of 
 Sarsapariila, and for its convenience and portability. 
 
 CAUTION. 
 
 The reputation and demand for this article has induced 
 base imitations of it, against which the faculty should be on 
 their guard. 
 
 Caustic, potass, ... 1 
 
 Used externally as an escharotic. 
 
 Cantharides, - 4 
 
 Internally, stimulant and diuretic; and externally 
 rubefacient and epispatic^ dose 1 to 3 grains. 
 
 Conserv. rosarum, - 4 
 
 As a vehicle for other remedies. 
 Elaterium, (Clutterbuck,) - 1-8 
 
 Dose 1-8 to 1-4 grain. 
 
 Flor. Chamomile, * 4 
 
 Aromatic and emmenagogue, dose, in infusion, 
 from 2 scruples to 2 drachms. 
 
 Fol. Senna Alexandria, - 8 
 
 Purgative, 2 drachms to 1 ounce, in infusion* 
 
CATALOGUE OF MEMCINES. 203 
 
 lb. oz. . 
 
 F©1. Digitalis, - 2' 
 
 Diuretic and sedative, dose 1 grain to 1 scruple. 
 
 Uva Ursi, ... 4 
 
 Astringent and diuretic, dose 1 scruple to 1 drachm 
 two or three times a day. 
 
 Sabina, ... 4 
 
 A powerful stimulant, with diaphoretic emana- 
 gogue and anthelmintic properties, dose 5 to 10 
 grains two or three times a day. 
 
 Opium, - 4 
 
 Narcotic, anodyne and sudorific, dose $ to^S grains* 
 
 Manna Flake, - 4 
 
 Laxative, dose for children 1 to 4 drachms, adults, 
 1 to 2 ounces. 
 
 Camphor, ... 4 
 
 Sedative .vermifuge and sudorific, dose 2 to 20 grains 
 suspended "in emulsion. 
 
 Gum Myrrh, Pulv. - 2 
 
 Tonic, vermifuge, emmanagogue and stimulant, 
 scarcely used except externally, dose 15 to SO. 
 grains. 
 
 Assafcetida, ... 8; 
 
 Antispasmodic, dose 12 to 30 grains; in enema £ 
 drachm. 
 
 Guaiac, - 4- 
 
 Sudorific and antisyphilitic r in gout, rheumatism, 
 syphilis, &.c. dose £ to 1 drachm in powder; 
 tinct. 1 drachm to £ ounce. 
 
 Aloes, ... 8 
 
 Drastic purgative, dose 5 to 30 grains. 
 
 Ammoniac, - 4 
 
 Stimulant and expectorant, dose 6 to 20 grains in 
 emulsion. 
 
 Kino, - - - S 
 
 Tonic, astringent and febrifuge, tincture f t to 1 
 drachm; powder 15 to 30 grains. 
 
204' CATALOGUE OF MEDICINES; 
 
 Gamboge, - 2 
 
 Drastic purgative, in passive dropsy, chronic jaum 
 dice, vermes, &c. dose 5 to 15 grains. 
 
 Scammony,. * ■* 1 
 
 Drastic purgative, dose 5 to, 20 grains. This is the 
 Aleppo scammony, the Symrna is very inferior, 
 and should not be used. 
 
 Arabic, ... 4 
 
 Demulcent and pectoral, dose £ to 1 ounce. 
 Glyster Pipes > - - - \ doz. 
 
 Hydriodat Potass, - - 1: 
 
 See the remarks on this article and Iodine in a pre- 
 ceding part of this work. 
 
 Iodine, - - - 1 
 
 Kermes Mineral, - 1 
 
 Diaphoretic expectorant and emetic, dose 1 to 2 
 grains. 
 
 Patent Lint, - - 4 
 
 Magnesia, Calcined, - 4 
 
 Antacid and purgative, dose 1 to 2 drachms. 
 Oleum Olivarum,- - - 1 bot. 
 
 Purgative, emetic and demulcent, dose £ 'to 4 oz. 
 
 Bergamot, - - - 1 oz. 
 
 Used in giving fragrance to cologne water and 
 other articles! 
 
 Lemon, - X 
 
 Used the same. 
 
 Ricini, - -. - 2bot. 
 
 Purgative, dose gij to ?ij. 
 
 Cinnamon, - \ 
 
 Stimulant, Cordial, dose 2 to 5 drops. 
 
 Caryophilli, -- - - 1 
 
 Tonic, stomachic, said emmanagogue, dose 5 to 10 
 drops. 
 
CATALOGUE OF MEDICINES. 205 
 
 lb. oz. 
 Oleum Carui, ... % 
 
 Stimulant and carminative, used as an adjunct to 
 purgative pills, dose 1 to 10 drops. 
 
 Juniper, ... I 
 
 Carminitive, diaphoretic and diuretic, dose from 2 to 
 10 drops. It is sometimes given in dropsy and 
 may be added to Foxglove when given in pills. 
 
 Lavender, - 1 
 
 Stimulant and cordial, dose 1 to 4 drops. 
 
 Sabina, - 1 
 
 Stmulant, diaphoretic and emmenagoguej, dose 
 from 2 to 6 drops. 
 
 Wormseed, - - 1 
 
 Anthelmintic, 10 to 20 drops. 
 
 Menth. Pip. ... - 1 
 
 Stimulant and carminitive, dose 1 to 3 drops. 
 
 Sassafras, - • 1 
 
 Stimulant, sudorific anddiuretic, in chronic rheuma- 
 tism and cutaneous affections, dose 2 to 10 drops. 
 
 Croton Tig. - - - 1 vial. 
 
 Purgative, 1 to 2 drops. See full account of it in 
 a preceding part of this work. 
 
 Oil of Black Pepper, - - 1 viaL 
 
 This is much more active than the piperine, one 
 drop of which is equal to 3 grains of the latter. 
 It is a valuable adjunct to Quinine, 1 or 2 drops 
 added to 6 grains will greatly increase the power* 
 of that medicine. 
 
 Oil of Amber, rectified, - \ 
 
 Stimulant, antispasmodic and rubefacient, dose from 
 5 to 12 drops. 
 
 Aniseed, * % 
 
 Carminative, dose from 5 to 15 drops. 
 Merc. Precipit. Alb. - - \ 
 
 Externally in the form of oil for cutaneous erup? 
 
 lions. 
 
 5 
 
CATALOGUE OF MEDICINES. 
 
 lb. oz. 
 Merc. Prccipit. Rub. - - 4 
 
 JSscharotic, externally incorporated with cerate or 
 other ointments. 
 
 Pipcrine, - i 
 
 This is highly approved of by the faculty as an 
 adjunct to quinine in intermittent fevers. For a 
 full and detailed account of this article, see my 
 paper in the American Journal of Medical Sci- 
 ences. 
 
 ♦Pill Boxes, 2 papers. 
 
 Pulv. Jalap* ' •- 8 
 
 Purgative, dose in powder 15 to 30 grains. 
 Pulv. Rhei, - - - 3 
 
 Purgative, dose 30 to 40 grains. 
 
 Pulv. Ipecac. - 4 
 
 Em«tic, purgative and diaphoretic, dose in powder 
 15 to 30 grains. 
 
 Quicksilver, (Hydrargyrum,) - 4 
 
 Vermifuge, in decoction 1 pound of mercury to 2 
 pounds of water. 
 
 Rass. Lig. Quassia, • 4 
 
 Tonic, stomachic, febrifuge, dose in powder from 1 
 scruple to 1 drachm, infusion 1 to 2 drahms, tinc- 
 ture £ drachm to 1 ounce. 
 
 Rad Gentian, . - 3 
 
 Bitter, tonic and febrifuge, tincture £ to 2 drachms. 
 
 Colombo, - 1 
 
 Stomachic and anti-emetic. Employed in nervous af- 
 fections of the stomach, dose £ drachm to 1 ounce. 
 
 Do. Pulv. - - 8 
 
 Serpentaria, - 4 
 
 Tonic, febrifuge and diaphoretic, dose from 1 to 2 
 drachms in infusion. 
 
 Senega, ... 4 
 
 Stimulant, expectorant and diaphoretic, dose de- 
 coction, I to 1 ounce, powder 10 grains to half 
 arachm. 
 
CATALOGUE OF MEDICINES* 207 
 
 lb, oz. 
 Spigcla, . - - - C 
 
 Vermifuge, dose 2 to 4 drachms in infusion. 
 
 Sarsaparilia, ... f 
 
 Sudorific, in syphilis, diseases of the skin, gout, 
 and rheumatism; dose, decoction 1 to 2 ounces; 
 the fluid extract is the best preparation, see a 
 preceding part of this work. 
 
 Scilla, *.*'•" 4 
 
 Diuretic, emetic and expectorant, in dropsies, Sic. 
 dose from 4 to 12 grains, oxymel and syrup, 2 
 drachms to £ an ounce. 
 
 Glycyrrniza, - - 8 
 
 Mild demulcent, in decoctions generally, and joined 
 to other remedies. 
 
 Valerian, ... 4 
 
 Antispasmodic, tincture 25 to 60 dropsy dose in 
 power 20 to 60 grains. 
 
 Sponge, fine, .... 2 
 
 Sem. Foeniculi, - - . 4 
 
 Carmative, used with senna and other purgative 
 medicines. 
 
 Anisi, ... 4 
 
 Used same as the above. 
 Sulphate Quinine,. * - £ 
 
 Tonic and febrifuge, dose 1 to 5 grains. 
 
 Compound Syrup of Hepatica, - £ doz. 
 
 This is a valuable tonic and expectorant medi- 
 cine, and will be highly useful in most cases of 
 pulmonic and hepatic affections. For a full ac- 
 count of this article see a preceeding part of this 
 work. 
 
 Sub. Carb» Soda, - 4 
 
 Stimulant, diuretic and sodorific, dose 20 to 40 
 grains. 
 
 Sapo. Castile,. • - 4 
 
 Aperative and dissolvent, used as an adjunct to aloes 
 and other purgatives in pills, externally in fo- 
 mentations, lotions and baths. 
 
 B 
 
208 CATALOGUE OF MEDICINE. 
 
 lb. oz% 
 Spermaceti, ... i 
 
 Demulcent, emolient, dose £ to 1 drachm, ift the 
 form of emulsion, externally in the composition 
 of several ointments. 
 
 Salts, Glauber, »• - - 2 
 
 Epsom, - - . 6 
 
 Purgative, 1£ to 2 ounces. 
 
 Sal. Tartar, (Sub. Carb. Potass.) - 4 
 
 X>eeb»truent, diuretie *md RtitsckJ, used In saline 
 draughts neutralised with lemon juice, 
 
 Rochelle, • 8 
 
 Purgative, £ to 2 ounces. 
 
 Soda, (sub, carb.) - * 4 
 
 Antacid diuretic, dose 10 to 20 grains, 
 
 Ammonia, (muriate,) - 4 
 
 Ditphoretie, diuretic, febrifuge end tonic, dose 10 
 grains to 2 scruples, externally discutient,. 
 
 Nitri, • 4 
 
 Befrige rant and diuretic, and when externally ap* 
 plied, cooling and detergent; dose 10 to 15 
 grains. 
 
 Martis, - 4 
 
 Tonic and febrifuge, dose from 1 scruple to 2 
 ounces in solution or pills. 
 
 Sac. Saturnij - 3 
 
 Styptic and antisudorific, dose externally 2 drachms 
 to 1 ounce in a pound of water, internally 1 
 grain in pills or solution. 
 
 Sulph. Potass, ... 4 
 
 Purgative, dose £ to 2 ounces in water. 
 Ung. Merc. Fort. - 4 
 
 Externally applied. 
 
 Citrini, - % 
 
 T.xternally applied, stimulating and detergent 
 in herpatic and other cutaneous eruptions. 
 
CATALOGUE OF MEDICINES. 269 
 
 lb. oz. 
 Carpenter's Saratoga Powders, - •£ doz. 
 
 This is a valuable medicine where the stomach 
 is debilitated, ar.d ordinary medicines cannot be 
 retained. It is much preferable to the Seidlitz 
 Powders, being equally aperient, and at the same 
 time possessing' valuable tonic and chalybeate 
 effects. 
 
 CAUTION. 
 
 This article has been imitated, and the faculty 
 should be particular or they may get the spurious 
 kind. 
 
 Carpenter's Compound Extract of Buchu. 
 
 This is a new article and will be found highly 
 valuable in diseases of the bladder. It is recom- 
 mended by some of the most distinguished phy- 
 sicians in the English MedicalJournals. For a full 
 account of it see a preceding part cf this work. 
 
 Composition Mortar and Pestle, 
 
 - 
 
 
 No. 
 
 1 
 
 Glass Funnel, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 it 
 
 1 
 
 Graduated Measure, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 it 
 
 1 
 
 Scales and Weights, 
 
 - 
 
 ... 
 
 1 sett. 
 
 
 
 Spatulas, different sizes, 
 
 - 
 
 .. 
 
 
 tt 
 
 2 
 
 Sheep Skin, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 ! i 
 
 it 
 
 I 
 
 Syringes, Penis, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 tt 
 
 6 
 
 Do. Female, 
 
 - 
 
 .- 
 
 
 ft 
 
 3 
 
 Do. Enema pint, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 tt 
 
 1 
 
 Stomach Tube, Elastic, 
 
 •» 
 
 -. 
 
 
 «t 
 
 1 
 
 Scarificator, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 tt 
 
 1 
 
 Cupping glasses, - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 tt 
 
 6 
 
 Thumb Lancets, ■• 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 tt 
 
 2 
 
 Catheters, Elastic, 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 tt 
 
 6 
 
 Bougies, - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 tt 
 
 6 
 
 Pocket Case of Instruments, 
 
 • 
 
 1 sett. 
 
 
 
 Teeth Extracted, in case 
 
 > 
 
 - 
 
 1 do. 
 
 
 
No. 
 
 1 
 
 c; 
 
 4 
 
 u 
 
 n 
 
 i; 
 
 12 
 
 t; 
 
 n 
 
 u 
 
 t$ 
 
 it 
 
 6 
 
 (I 
 
 6 
 
 14 
 
 6 
 
 qrs. 
 
 
 gross. 
 
 * 
 
 do. 
 
 1 
 
 -210 CATALOGUE 0# MEDICINES- 
 
 Breast Pipe, ... 
 
 Nipple Shells, 
 Quart Specie Bottles, 
 Do. Tinctures, - 
 Pint Species, 
 Do. Tinctures, 
 Half pint Salt mo. 
 Do. Tinctures, - 
 4 oz. Tinctures, - 
 Wrapping Paper, blue and white, 
 Assorted Vials, - 
 Vial Corks, - 
 
 The following articles can always be had at Carpen- 
 ters Chemical Warehouse, and are frequently 
 wanted by the physician zvho has become established 
 in successful practice. 
 
 French Skeletons on Wires — Male and Female. 
 
 These are Very superior, the bones are white as anow, the 
 teeth perfect, and put together in the most neat and substan= 
 tial manner, and with the most anatomical precision. 
 
 Arterial Preparations. 
 
 Very complete arteries and veins injected, and muscles 
 ^displayed. 
 
 Dissected Heads and Separated Craniums. 
 
 Heads sawed in various ways. 
 
 Ditto, with Dr. Galls Phrenological marks, illus- 
 trating his System of Phrenology, and referring by 
 numbers to his work, 
 
 French Anatomical Preparations, preserved in 
 alcohol. 
 
 G. W. C. always keeps on hand a large assort- 
 
 % 
 
CATALOGUE OF INSTRUMENTS. Ill 
 
 ment of London and American Surgical Instruments 
 of all descriptions, of the most superior quality. 
 
 He will also at any time have made to order, any 
 description of Surgical Instruments which may be 
 wanted. 
 
 Very superior setts of Cupping instruments, in 
 mahogany case, with exhausting syringe, &c. They 
 are now in general use in this city, and are much 
 preferable to the ordinary mode of cupping. 
 
 Pill Machines, to make from 12 to 24 pills, and 
 size from 1 to 4 grains. They will be found a very 
 convenient, and highly useful article for the physi- 
 cian who has a large practice. 
 
 Superior French Syringes, of every description, 
 for the Ear and Eye, Penis, Female, Enema, Sto- 
 mach Pumps, &c. &c. These are made of block 
 tin, and are much superior to the pewter Syringes, 
 they are made very true, being bored and turned, 
 instead of cast, and work as true as an air pump. 
 
 Eye Glasses, to wash the eye without the neces- 
 sity of bathing it with a cloth, which frequently irri- 
 tates, and only has access to the exterior. 
 
 Very neat small cases for filing, plugging, and scal- 
 ing the teeth. 
 
 Obstetrical Models, or machines of leather, with 
 mannakin, complete, for illustrating the practice of 
 obstetrics. 
 
 Obstetrical Instruments of every description, all 
 complete and of the best quality. 
 
 Splints for the thigh, each arm and legs, all com- 
 plete. 
 
^12 INSTRUMENTS, &C. 
 
 Amesbury's Apparatus for Fractures of the Leg 
 and Thigh. 
 
 Vaccine Virus Bottles for preserving the virus. 
 
 Having made arrangements with one of the Vac- 
 cine Physicians of this city, Physicians in the coun- 
 try will be supplied with fresh Virus, by application 
 to the subscriber on the lowest terms. 
 
 Having made preparations particularly for supply- 
 ing physicians in the country, they can at all times 
 depend upon receiving every article carefully select- 
 ed of the choicest and most unexceptionable quality, 
 and their orders will receive the most prompt and 
 particular attention 
 
OF 
 
 SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, 
 Used In Practice^ &c< 
 
 If will no doubt be intarasting to the practitioner, 
 to have a list of the Surgical Instruments now in use, 
 with a description of the contents of the different 
 setts and eases, which are put up under various 
 names. 
 
 In a mat mahogany case^ containing the follow* 
 ing instruments, 
 
 Dr. Physic's GorgSt, with 6 blades of different sizes^ 
 4 pair Forceps, different sizes, 
 4 Male Sounds, 
 4 Male Staffs, 
 1 Female Sound, 
 
 1 Staff, 
 
 1 Scoop, 
 
 1 Hamula, 
 
 1 Scalpel, 
 
 ! pair of Forceps with a screw for breaking stone 
 
 Amputating. 
 
 In a neat mahogany case, containing the following: 
 I Capital Saw, 
 1 Metacarpal, do, 
 
211 CATALOGUE ©F 
 
 2 Capital Knives, 
 1 Catline Knife, 
 
 1 pair Artery Forceps with Slider, 
 
 1 Scalpel, steel handle, 
 
 1 pair Bone Nippers, 
 
 3 Tourniquet, 
 
 12 Curved Needles, 
 1 Tenaculum. 
 
 Trepanning. 
 
 In a neat mahogany case, containing th*c following 
 
 2 Trephines, 
 
 1 Elevator, 
 
 1 Hey's Saw, 
 
 1 Scalpel with Raspiter, 
 
 1 Brush. 
 
 lUiawijery. 
 
 In a neat Lather case, containingthe following: 
 
 1 pair Forceps^ 
 
 1 Vectis, 
 
 1 Crotchet, 
 
 1 Perforating Scissors, 
 
 1 Blunt Hook. • 
 
 Dissecting. 
 
 In a neat mahogany or morocco case containing 
 the follozoing: 
 6 Scalpels, 
 1 Single Hook, 
 1 Double Hook with a joint, 
 1 pair Forceps, 
 1 Silver Blow Pipe, 
 .1 pair Scissors. 
 
SURGICAL SNSTRU3IENTS. 21 5> 
 
 Pocket Instruments. No. 1. 
 
 In a neat morocco case with a lock or 4 fold,, 
 containing the following'. 
 
 pair crooked Scissors, 
 
 straight do. 
 
 Dressing Forceps, 
 
 Dissecting do. 
 
 Director, 
 Spatula, 
 Silver Probes, 
 Tonsil Forceps, 
 
 Curved probe pointed Bistoury,, 
 Large Scalpel, 
 Gum Lancet, 
 Abscess Lancet, 
 Tenaculum, 
 Small Scalpel, 
 Straight Spear, 
 Silver Female Catheter,. 
 Physic's Forceps and Needle, 
 Thumb Lancet, 
 6 Curved Needles. 
 
 Pocket Instruments. No. 2. 
 
 In a neat morocco cast with a lock or 3 fo Id, con- 
 taining the following'. 
 
 1 Pair crooked Scissors, 
 
 1 Dressing forceps, 
 
 1 Dissecting do. 
 
 1 Director, 
 
 1 Spatula, 
 
 2 Probes, 
 
 1 Tonsil Forceps, 
 1 Curved probe point Bistoury,. 
 ! Straight Spear do. 
 
 Large Scalpel, 
 
*16 CATALOGUE OF 
 
 1 Tenaculum 
 I Abscess Lancet, 
 1 Gum do. 
 
 1 Thumb do. 
 6 Curved Needles. 
 
 Pocket Instruments. No. 3. 
 
 In a neat morocco case with a lock, or 2foId^ con- 
 taining: 
 
 1 large Scalpel, 
 
 1 pair straight Scissors, 
 
 1 Curved Spear Bistoury, 
 
 2 Probes, 
 
 1 Tenaculum, 
 
 1 Spatula, 
 
 1 Pair Dressing Forceps, 
 
 1 Director, 
 
 1 Gum Lancet, 
 
 1 Thumb Lancet, 
 
 6 Curved Needles. 
 
 Eye Instruments. 
 
 In a neat case, containing: 
 
 3 Knives, 
 
 1 Iris Knife, 
 
 2 Needles, curved and straight, 
 1 Curette and Hook, 
 
 1 silver Speculum, 
 
 I pair Forceps, 
 
 1 Curved Scissors. 
 
 Phlebotomy. 
 
 Silver Sping Lancets, Button-trigger, 
 Do. do. do. Lever, 
 Brass do. do. do. 
 Horse do. do. 
 
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS. 217 
 
 Thumb Lancets, 
 Lancet Phlemes. 
 
 Cupping. 
 
 In a neat mahogany case containing: 
 
 6 Glass Cups with brass caps and valves, 
 1 Brass Pump or Exhauster, 
 1 ^Scarificator improved. 
 *Or with German Scarificator. 
 
 Plain Sets of Cupping. 
 
 In a neat mahogany case. 
 
 6 Glass or Tin Cups, 
 1 ^Scarificator, improved, 
 1 Brass Spirit Lamp. 
 •Or with German Scarificator. 
 
 Pessaries. 
 
 Doctor Dewees's Silver gilt, 
 
 do. do. plain, 
 
 do. Flexible Metalic, 
 
 do. Ivory, 
 
 do. Wood, 
 
 Gum Elastic, 
 
 Glass Pessaries, a new article, and recommended by 
 Professor Dewees. 
 
 Teeth Extractors. 
 
 In a neat morocco case, containing the following: 
 1 Foxe's Key, spring bolt, 
 1 Curved Forceps, double joints, 
 1 Straight do. do. 
 
 T 
 
218 CATALOGUE OF 
 
 1 Tooth Punch, 
 1 Gum Lancet. 
 
 Any other Key can be substituted for Foxe's if 
 desired, but it is decidedly the best for extracting 
 teeth generally. 
 
 Instruments for scaling and plugging the teeth, in 
 neat morocco cases, containing: 
 
 12 Scalers and Borers assorted. 
 Also cases of Six do. 
 
 These are very neat instruments and are much 
 used, the price being very low. 
 
 Teeth Instruments. 
 
 Hinge Fulcrum Key with a spring bolt, 
 
 ivory handles, 
 
 Do. do. ebony do. 
 
 Dr. Fox's Key, springbok, ivory handles, 
 
 Do. ebony do. 
 
 Dr. Clarke's improved Spring Key, with a pivot, 
 
 ivory handles, 
 
 Do. do. do. ebony do. 
 Curved turn Key with a pivot, 
 Plain Fox's Key, ebony handles, 
 Curved Common Key, 
 Straight, do. do. 
 Curved Forceps, double joints, 
 Straight do. do. 
 Hawk's Bill do. do. 
 
 Pelican do. do. 
 
 Forceps, common joints, 
 Curved Tooth Punches, 
 Straight do. do. 
 
 Tooth Files, 
 Gum Lancets, 
 
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS. / *219 
 
 Trusses* 
 
 Ebcrlc's ivory patent, 
 Do. do. double, 
 Do. wood do. 
 Do. do. do. double, 
 Ivory Turupads, 
 
 Do. do. double, 
 Wood do. 
 
 Do. do. double, 
 Leather do. 
 
 Do. do. double, 
 Plain Ivory Turnpads, 
 
 Do. do. double, 
 
 Opposite sided do. 
 
 Do. do. double, 
 
 Bellows Head do. 
 
 Do. do. double, 
 
 Common spring Turnpads, 
 
 Do. do. double, 
 
 Children's do. 
 
 Do* do. double, 
 
 Umbelical, 
 Suspensory. 
 
 Catheters, 
 
 Silver Male, 
 
 Do. Female, 
 Flexible Metallic Male, 
 
 Do. do. Female, 
 Gum Elastic Male, 
 
 — i Bougies, 
 
 Flexible Metallic do. 
 
 Miscellaneous. 
 
 uvedTrochars for bladder, 
 
220 SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS. 
 
 Straight do. Lancet pointed, 
 
 Do. do. Angular, 
 
 Polypus Forceps, 
 
 Double Canulas for extracting polipi, 
 Tubes for Tracheotomy, 
 Dr. J. K. Mitchell's Spine Apparatus, 
 
 Do. do. with improved chair, 
 Bulloeg's Sound, 
 Bullet Forceps, 
 
 Doctor Physic's Tonsil Instrument, 
 Scarificator for Tonsils, 
 Dewees's Obstetrical Forceps, 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 
 Improved Breast Glasses and Pump, in case, 
 Syringe and Elastic Tube for extracting poison from 
 
 stomach, 
 Doctor Bond's Oesophagus Forceps, 
 Stethoscopes, 
 Cooper's Bistoury, 
 Doctor Physick's Guarded Bistoury, 
 Improved Womb Syringes, in cases, 
 
 Do. Ear do. 
 Hare-Lip Pins, 
 Silver Lachrymal Pins, 
 Probangs. 
 
 In addition to the above, the author will have 
 made to order any description of instruments used 
 in the practice of surgery. 
 
 Heighton's 
 
 do. 
 
 Boudelocque's 
 
 do. 
 
 Hall's 
 
 do. 
 
 Davis's 
 
 do. 
 
 Seabold's 
 
 do. 
 
3 
 
 Q 
 
 ^■w i^P^^y * tH'^* 
 
 
 A 
 
 
 Acetate of Morphia, solution of 
 
 14 
 
 Acetate of Morphia, 
 
 IS 
 
 Acid Meconic, 
 
 19 
 
 Prussic, - 
 
 121 
 
 Pyroligneous pure, 
 
 170 
 
 Antimony Tart, 
 
 170 
 
 B 
 
 
 Bark, Peruvian, 
 
 37 
 
 Calisaya, 
 
 44-162 
 
 Loxa or Crown, 
 
 45-162 
 
 Red, (Oblongifolia,) 
 
 46-161 
 
 Maracaibo, 
 
 60-162 
 
 Blue Mass, 
 
 90 
 
 Brucine, 
 
 112 
 
 Black Pepper, Extract, 
 
 88-167 
 
 Oil of - 
 
 153 
 
 Buchu, Compound Extract, 
 
 178 
 
 C 
 
 
 Cinchona, History of - 
 
 37 
 
 Calisaya, 
 
 44-162 
 
 Loxa or Crown, 
 
 45-1 6£ 
 
 Oblongifolia, 
 
 46-161 
 
 Cornine, Sulph. 
 
 55 
 
 Copaivt, Solidified, 
 
 57 
 
 Cinchona Maracaibo, - 
 
 60 
 
 Cinchonine, - 
 
 63-117 
 
 Cyanic Syrup, 
 
 123 
 
 Cyanuret of Potassium, 
 
 123 
 
 Zinc, 
 
 123 
 
 Iodine, 
 
 124 
 
 T 2 
 
222 
 
 IND'EXc 
 
 Confection Aromatic Chalybeate, * 17S 
 
 Croton, Oil, - - - - 129 
 
 Chloruret of Lime, - - - 137 
 
 Soda, - - - 136 
 
 Copaiva, Oil of - - - 155 
 
 Cubebs, Oil of - 155 
 
 Citrated Kali, - - - - 156 
 
 Cornus Florida, Extract, * - 163 
 
 Circinata, Extract, - - 164 
 
 Cantharidin, Oil of - 165 
 
 Calomel, .... 168 
 
 Carbonate of Iron, - - - 172 
 
 Congress Spring Powders, - - 186 
 
 Catalogue of Medicines, - - 1 96 
 
 Instruments, - - 211-220 
 
 D 
 
 Denarcotized Extract of Opium, - 8 
 
 Acid Tincture of Opium, 9 
 
 Delphine, - - - - 126 
 
 Digestive Lozenges, - 139 
 
 Digitaline, - - - - 140 
 
 Diosma Crenata, Extract, - - 178 
 
 Doses of Medicine, - fc - 196 
 
 k 
 
 English Opium, ... 2 
 
 East India Opium, - 2 
 
 Extract of Opium, - - - 7 
 
 Denarcotised Acidulous, - 8 
 
 Extract of Black Pepper, - - 88-167 
 
 Nux Vomica Alcoholic, - 107 
 
 Emetine, - - II 5 
 
 Fastiles and Syrup, - - 116 
 
 Euphorbia Lathyris, Oil, - - 132 
 
 Extract, Sarsaparilla Fluid, - - 148, 
 
 Extract, Compound Tonic, - - 160 
 
 Sem. Stramonii, - - 161 
 
 
INDEX. 
 
 
 TZ6 
 
 Extract, Quinine, 
 
 » 
 
 161 
 
 Cornus Florida, 
 
 - 
 
 163 
 
 Circinata, 
 
 - 
 
 164 
 
 Emetic, Tartar 
 
 - 
 
 170 
 
 Extract, Buchu compound, 
 
 - 
 
 178 
 
 F 
 
 
 
 Fluid Extract of Sarsaparilla, 
 
 - 
 
 148 
 
 G 
 
 
 
 Ginger Beer Powders, 
 
 - 
 
 176 
 
 Gold, Muriate and Oxide, 
 
 ;* 
 
 127 
 
 Gentianine, - 
 
 » 
 
 133 
 
 Tincture and Syrup, 
 
 - 
 
 134 
 
 H 
 
 
 
 Hydriodate, Potass, Solution, 
 
 - 
 
 103 
 
 Ointment, 
 
 - 
 
 104 
 
 Hepatica Triloba, Syrup,, 
 
 I 
 
 Iodine, ... 
 
 - 
 
 190 
 
 . 
 
 101 
 
 Tincture of 
 
 - 
 
 4 02 
 
 Iodurets of Mercury, 
 
 » 
 
 105 
 
 Ointment and Tincture, 
 
 106 
 
 Iodine, Cyanuret of - 
 
 - 
 
 124 
 
 Iron, Carbonate of - 
 
 - 
 
 172 
 
 K 
 
 
 
 Kali, Citrated, 
 
 
 156 
 
 L, 
 
 
 
 Loxa or Crown Bark, 
 
 45 
 
 -126 
 
 Lactucarium, 
 
 
 126 
 
 Lupuline, - 
 
 - 
 
 127 
 
 Pills and tinctures, - 
 
 - 
 
 153 
 
 Syrup of 
 
 - 
 
 129 
 
 J me, Chloruret 
 
 - 
 
 137 
 
 Lozenges, Digestive or bi-carbonate of Soda, 
 
 139 
 
 Liverwort, Compound Syrup of 
 
 •- 
 
 190 
 
224 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 M 
 
 Morphia, Acetate Solution of - 
 
 Morphia, - 
 
 Salts of 
 
 Meconic Acid, - 
 
 Maracaibo Bark, - 
 
 Mercury, Division of, in Blue Mass, 
 Proto and Deuto Iodurets, 
 Ointment, 
 Tincture, 
 Sulph. .Ether, 
 Pills, 
 
 Morphia, - - - - 
 
 Mercury, Black Oxide, 
 
 Medicines, Catalogue of 
 
 JNarcotine, - 
 Nux Vomica Alcoholic Extract, 
 Tincture, 
 
 O 
 
 Opium, Turkey, 
 
 East India, - 
 
 English, . . „ 
 
 Consumption of 
 
 Extract of - 
 
 Denarcotised Acidulous Extract, 
 
 Tincture, 
 RezinCoutchouc, Oil and Acid, 
 Fasculencies, - 
 Manufacture of 
 Ointment Hydriodate of Potass, 
 
 Proto and Deuto Ioduret Mercury 
 of Veratrine, 
 Oil of Croton, - - 
 
 Soap of - 
 Euphorbia Lathyris, 
 Black Pepper, - 
 
 60 
 
 14 
 17 
 18 
 19 
 
 ■162 
 91 
 105 
 106 
 106 
 206 
 107 
 113 
 159 
 196 
 
 15-114 
 109 
 108 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 9-23 
 
 16 
 
 18 
 
 24 
 
 104 
 
 106 
 
 120 
 
 129 
 
 129 
 
 132 
 
 153. 
 
INDEX. 225 
 
 Oil of Copaiva, 
 Cubebs, 
 
 ; 
 
 1SS 
 155 
 
 Oxide of Mercury, Black 
 Oil of Cantharidin, 
 
 . 
 
 159 
 
 165 
 
 P 
 
 
 
 Poppy, on the Cultivation of - 
 
 . 
 
 24 
 
 Peruvian Bark, 
 
 - 
 
 37 
 
 Pipeline and Quinine combined, 
 
 - 
 
 55 
 
 Piperine, - 
 
 - 
 
 73 
 
 Potass, Hydriodate Solution, - 
 Ointment, 
 
 - 
 
 103 
 104 
 
 Pills, Proto and Deuto Iodurets of Mercury, 
 
 107 
 
 Strychnine, 
 
 - 
 
 110 
 
 Pastiles of Emetine, 
 
 - 
 
 116 
 
 Pills of Veratrine, 
 
 - 
 
 119 
 
 Prussie Acid, - 
 
 - 
 
 121 
 
 Pectoral mixture, 
 
 - 
 
 122 
 
 Potassium, Cyanuret, 
 Platina, Salts of 
 
 - 
 
 123 
 127 
 
 Pills of Lupuline, 
 
 Phosphorus, - - - • 
 
 - 
 
 128 
 141 
 
 Powders, Ginger Beer, Chalybeate, 
 Powders, Saratoga, 
 
 - 
 
 176 
 
 186 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 Quinine, Sulphate, remarks on, 
 Quinine, Extract of 
 
 » 
 
 53-117 
 161 
 
 R 
 
 
 
 Red Bark, 
 
 „ 
 
 46-161 
 
 Rhubarbaine, 
 
 . 
 
 67 
 
 Rhubarb, its varieties, 
 
 - 
 
 68 
 
 S 
 
 Sulphate of Morphia, - 
 
 . 
 
 13 
 
 Quinine, 
 
 - 53- 
 
 -64-117 
 
 Cornine, 
 
 - 
 
 163 
 
 .Solidified Copaiva, 
 
 - 
 
 57 
 
WZb INDEX, 
 
 
 Sulphate of Cinchonine, 
 
 63-117 
 
 Rhubarb, - 
 
 67 
 
 Solution, Hydriodate Potass, 
 
 103 
 
 'Strychnine, - 
 
 103 
 
 Fills and Tincture, - 
 
 110 
 
 Syrup of Emetine 
 
 116 
 
 Solution of Veratrine, - 
 
 120 
 
 Syrup, Cyanic, - 
 
 123 
 
 Salanine, - 
 
 125 
 
 Syrup of Lupuline,, 
 
 129 
 
 Gentiaaine, - 
 
 134 
 
 Soda, Chloruret, 
 
 136 
 
 Salacine, - 
 
 142 
 
 Sarsaparilla, • 
 
 144 
 
 Compound Fluid Extract, 
 
 148 
 
 Strammonii, Extract Sem. 
 
 161 
 
 Saratoga Powders, 
 
 186 
 
 Syrup of Liverwort, - 
 
 190 
 
 Surgical Instrument!, 
 
 T 
 
 Turkey Opium, 
 
 . 211-220 
 
 2 
 
 Tincture Deuto-Iocluret of Mercury, ■ 
 
 106 
 
 Nux. Vomica, 
 
 103 
 
 Strychnine, 
 
 110 
 
 Veratrine, 
 
 419 
 
 Thrydace or Lacutacarium r 
 
 126 
 
 Tincture of Lupuline, 
 
 158 
 
 Gentianine, 
 
 134 
 
 Tonic Extract, Compound, 
 
 160 
 
 Tartar Emetic, - -. . 
 
 170 
 
 V 
 
 
 Veratrine, » 
 
 113 
 
 Pills and Tincture, - 
 
 119 
 
 Solution and Ointment, 
 
 120 
 
 Urea, - 
 
 126 
 
 Vegetable Extracts, 
 
 . 172 
 
 Zinc, Cyanuret, 
 
 Z 
 
^p-For the convenience of the Students of Mineralogy, 
 who reside in the vicinity of Philadelphia, I have had 
 bound up -with this 7vor/c the following pages, which 
 gives the most interesting localities of Minerals in 
 equal distance from the city; and an entire rail 
 road from Philadelphia to West Chester, now being 
 made, 7vill afford facilities to the mineralogist un~~ 
 equalled in any other district. 
 
 ON THE 
 
 MINERALOGY 
 
 OF 
 
 ■ OTITIS iillff? 
 
 WITH AN ACCOUNT OE SOME OP THE 
 
 INERALS 
 
 Of Delaware, Maryland, 3p oilier localities. 
 By GEO. W, CARPENTER. 
 
 Assisted by my friend Mr. George Spackman of 
 Philadelphia, I published in the 9th vol. of Silliman's 
 Journal, an account of the various minerals, which 
 we found on a tour made in 1825, through Chester 
 county and part of the state of Delaware. On a late 
 revisit to those localities, and a further extent of in- 
 vestigation, I discovered many additional localities 
 of interesting minerals, which with the previous 
 catalogue already described, will embrace most of 
 the minerals contained in the several townships 
 which have yet been explored. 
 
 Chester county presents to the mineralogists a 
 rich field for investigation. Her limestone, serpen- 
 tine and gneiss, the predominant rocks of the county, 
 
 U 
 
Z MINERALOGY OF 
 
 contain inexhaustible beds of interesting minerals* 
 and the numerous quarries every where in opera- 
 tion, greatly facilitate the means of procuring them. 
 These circumstances, with the polite attention mani- 
 fested towards strangers by the inhabitants of the 
 county, and the singular hospitality which particu- 
 larly characterizes them, are inducements of the 
 strongest nature for encouraging the mineralogist, to 
 visit this county in preference to almost any section 
 of country. 
 
 It is a gratifying circumstance for the lovers of 
 natural history, to learn that mineralogy, its most in- 
 teresting, useful and important department, is making 
 rapid advancement in this county, and in the state of 
 Delaware. Almost all classes of society are taking 
 an interest in its promotion, particularly the farmers; 
 and if the same zeal and ardor for investigation con- 
 tinue uninterrupted, we may reasonably expect some 
 valuable acquisitions to result from their researches. 
 Already several valuable materials have been found 
 in abundance. Magnesite and ferruginous oxide of 
 chrome, (chromate of Iron,)* have been extensively 
 and advantageously worked for epsom salt, and 
 chrome yellow. These articles, a few years 
 since, were received exclusively from England; they 
 are now made from the above materials of equal 
 quality as the foreign, and at a lower rate than they 
 can be imported, which has eventuated in the total 
 exclusion of the foreign articles, and such has been 
 the march of improvement, and the advancement of 
 science, that a cabinet of Natural Science! has been 
 
 -•This mineral has been very improperly termed chromate 
 of Iron by the most respectable authors. Iron forms a very 
 inconsiderable proportion of the mineral, and the chrome i« 
 not in the state of an acid but in that of an oxide; it may there 
 fore with more propriety be called a ferruginous oxide c? 
 chrome. 
 
 f The West Chester Cabinet of Natural Sciences was 01 
 ganised iu 1826, and is Already in possession of a fine collec 
 
CHESTER COUNTY. 8 
 
 established at West Chester, and is now in a flour- 
 ishing condition, and under the most favourable cir- 
 
 tion of minerals, and an extensive herbarium, and contribu- 
 tions through the zeal and activity of the members are daily 
 making- to each department; under these circumstances the 
 institution is now in a rapidly improving condition. The mi- 
 nerals are arranged in two departments, one of which is de- 
 voted exclusively to the minerals of Chester county, by which 
 you may view at a glance, all the minerals which have yet 
 been discovered. The other is a general cabinet, arranged 
 according to Professor Cleavland's admirable system, and in- 
 cludes, besides those of the county and neighbourhood, a con- 
 siderable number from various localities in America and Eu- 
 rope. 
 
 Distinguished credit is due to Mr. John W. TownsencI, 
 corresponding secretary, and to H. H. Van Amringe, A. Mar- 
 shall, and Townsend Haines, Esqrs. curators, for their inde- 
 fatigable zeal, industry, and consequent success, as manifested 
 by the present favourable condition, of this department of the 
 cabinet ; also to William Jackson, Vice President, and Mr, Joel 
 Baily of East Marlborough, for their very liberal donations. 
 
 There are also tw© herbariums, containing upwards of two 
 thousand species. One is devoted exclusively, to the plants 
 of the county, and denominated the Chester cousty herba- 
 rium, which contains specimens of nearly all the known indi- 
 genous plants of the county. Since the publication of the 
 Florula Cestrica, a recent valuable work by Dr. Darlington, 
 several species, not enumerated in the catalogue of that pub- 
 lication, have been added to the collection The other is de- 
 nominated the general herbarium, is arranged according to 
 the natural order of Jusseau, and contains about one thousand 
 two hundred specimens, many of which are from the United 
 States, but the greater number have been received from 
 iFrance and Germany, and constant additions are making to 
 the herbarium through Dr. William Darlington, President of 
 the Institution, to whose scientific and critical knowledge of 
 this interesting department of natural science, with h's perse- 
 vering industry and zeal, in arranging, collecting and exchang- 
 ing specimens, the cabinet is exclusively indebted fjr the re- 
 markable condition of its herbarium, which reflects high ho- 
 nour upon the institution. Dr. Darlington's arrangement, in- 
 dependently of many conveniences, affords so great facility, 
 th»ta plant of any class and species may be selected, without 
 the least difficulty in a minute of time, and without disturbing 
 the arrangement. The rapid progress which this institution 
 has made within the short period since its establishment, and 
 lamenting interest which the agriculturists of the county 
 ing in its support, warrant the m«st favourable antic*- 
 of its future usefulness and importance. 
 
4 MINERALOGY OF 
 
 cumstances for becoming a highly useful and import- 
 ant institution. An institution* of the same kind has 
 just been established at Wilmington, under the most 
 favourable auspicies, and bids fair to prosper. 
 
 Among the townships of Chester county, East 
 Marlborough, London Grove, Newlin and East Brad- 
 ford^ have been most examined-. Pennsbury, Ren- 
 net, New Garden, West Marlborough, West Brad* 
 ford, West Goshen and Westown, 'have been exam- 
 ined to a certain extent. Penn, Londonderry, Up- 
 per and Lower Oxford, East and West Fallowfield, 
 New London, and East and West Nottingham, have 
 been scarcely examined at all bythe mineralogist. 
 The townships which have not yet been explored, are 
 in the south west part of the county, and as most of 
 ihem contain abundant beds of limestone and ridges 
 •of serpentine, they will no doubt disclose, on exami- 
 nation, many new and interesting minerals. 
 
 East Marlborough is more remarkable for the 
 great variety of minerals, than for the abundance of 
 any one kind except the carbonate of lime, which 
 forms extensive beds throughout the township, and 
 the extreme value of this mineral in enriching and 
 improving the soil, is admirably displayed, in the 
 luxuriance of almost every vegetable species within 
 its influence. 
 
 Newlin is not only remarkable for a considerable 
 variety of minerals, but particularly for the great 
 abundance 'of its serpentine, quartz and beryl ; the 
 two latter occur of an interesting character, and are 
 extremely abundant, particularly the beryl, which 
 
 * The Delaware academy of Natural Sciences has, within a ' 
 Tew months, been established at Wilming-ion. They are pur- 
 suing 1 the same course as the cabinet of West Chester, in col- 
 lecting the natural productions of the count ry, and have al- 
 ready a good collection of the minerals which have been dis- 
 covered in their state and vicinity. 'J liey possess some ex- 
 tremely active and zealous members who will no doubt exalt 
 the institution, by increasing 1 the means of its usefulness aoil 
 .prosperity. 
 
-CHESTER COUXTY. 5 
 
 SOhstHtrtes "almost a distinct formation, and the place 
 has, from this circumstance, been denominated by 
 the mineralogist?, bervl hill, by which name it is 
 known through several townships. Large quanti- 
 ties of detached crystals of beryls, may, at all times, 
 be dug within a foot or two from the surface. Drusy 
 quartz, of white, yellow and rich green colours, oc- 
 curs in considerable quantity, in the vicinity. 
 
 Westotvn Township* 
 
 This township Was not noticed in the former des- 
 cription, and has been as yet but partially explored ; 
 the following are the most important minerals which 
 have been discovered. 
 
 Earthy and ferruginous oxide of magnese, of excel" 
 lent quality, for employment in the arts and manu- 
 factures. 1 presented a sample 'to Mr. Abraham 
 Miller, an ingenious potter of this city, who made 
 use of it in his manufacture, and pronounced it 
 equal to the imported. It occurs on Joseph Os- 
 burne's farm, three miles south of West Chester. 
 It has not yet been worked, but its ..position and 
 external appearances render it probable, that it is 
 abundant. 
 Siliceous oxide and carbonate of manganese, of a red- 
 dish and yellowish brown colour, and of a some- 
 what foliated structure, same locality. 
 Manganesian garnet, massive, of a reddish brown 
 
 colour, same locality. 
 Black schorl, traversing quarz in cylindrical crys- 
 tals, very beautiful, on Joseph Osburne's farm. 
 Fine acicular and fibrous hornblende, of a jet black 
 
 colour, same locality. 
 Limpid and smoky quartz, in beautiful transparent 
 crystals, hexahedral prisms terminated by pyra- 
 mids, loose in the soil, Joseph Osburne's farm. , 
 A mine was opened on this farm about sixty years 
 ce for silver ore, and a small portion of the metal 
 
 U 2 
 
6 MINERALOGY OF 
 
 was obtained. It was however abandoned in con- 
 sequence of the minute quantity yielded, and a 
 doubtful prospect of its producing advantageously. 
 The oxides and carbonates of manganese, and the 
 maganesian garnet, occur also on William Osburne's 
 farm, 
 
 East Bradford Tozonship. 
 
 Cyanite, in obliqe tetrahedral prisms, (primitive- 
 form,) from one quarter to one inch in thickness, 
 and from one to three inches in length, occurs in 
 mica slate and detached crystals, on the Strasburg 
 road, near the bridge on the east branch of the 
 Brandywine — abundant. 
 
 Zircon, an interesting locality of this mineral occurs 
 in bluish quartz, near Jeffries' ford. 
 
 Feldspar, of a bluish color and "a lameller structure, 
 occurs near Jeffries' ford on the Brandywine. 
 
 Amethyst, of a rich violet colour, highly transparent, 
 in hexahedral prisms terminated by pyramids, 
 occurs detached in the soil, on James Gibbon's 
 farm, three miles south of West Chester. Fine 
 specimens from this locality, are in the cabinet of 
 Natural Sciences of West Chester. 
 
 Sulphhret of iron, in large cubic crystals, on R. 
 Woodward's farm 
 
 Red oxide of titanium, same locality. 
 
 Sulphuret of iron, in cubic crystals, on Job Darling- 
 ton's farm. 
 Plumbago, same locality. 
 
 Necronite, well characterised in disseminated mas- 
 ses, in Benjamin Copes' quarry. 
 Schorl, of a beautiful jet black colour, on J. Pain- 
 ter's farm. 
 
 Pcnnsborough Township, 
 
 Necronite, in carbonate of lime, in Mendenl 
 lime quarries. 
 
CHESTER COUNTY. ^ 
 
 Amethyst, in beautiful violet crystals, On George 
 
 Darlington's farm, adjoining Wisters. 
 Bo«jf iron ore, same locaiitv. 
 Mica, in regular hexahedral prisms, in granite, near 
 
 Darlington's mill. 
 
 ■ Ss r czv tin Tow?i ship. 
 
 Green quartz, in drusy clusters and prismatic crys- 
 tals, on the serpentine ridge, near Mason's farm. 
 
 Limpid quartz, in hexahedral prisms terminated by 
 pyramids, in carbonate of lime, in Edwards' lime 
 quarries. 
 
 Fluate of lime, of a deep blue colour, im small cubic 
 crystals, same locality. 
 
 Calcareous spar, in rhombic crystals and hexahedral 
 prisms, having irregular sides, same locality. 
 
 Schorl, in beautiful cylindrical crystals, of a jet black 
 colour, same locality. 
 
 eryl, of a rich green colour, near William Ernbries' 
 malt house, in detached crystals. 
 
 Gieen mica, in foliated masses and crystallized l:i 
 granite, near the Celebrated beryl locality. 
 
 Green foliated talc, -same locality. 
 
 Sulphuret of iron, in cubic crystals, same locality. 
 
 Mica, of a grass green colour, beautifully straited, 
 near Brandy wine bridge, three miles west of Ches- 
 ter county poor house. 
 
 East Marlborough Township. 
 
 Iserine, in detached crystals and granular masse?, at 
 
 David Persey's mill race, also in quartz, in tetra- 
 
 hedral prisms straited, in John Daily's lime quarry. 
 
 ' T, remolite, beautifully crystallized, in oblique four 
 
 sided prisms, the acute lateral edges truncated with 
 
 dihedral summits, in John Baily's lime quarry. 
 
 •Iphuret of iron, in cubic crystals occasionally 
 
 mcated, on all its angles, also in dodecahedrons., 
 
 ohn Daily's lime quarries. 
 
& MINERALOGY OF 
 
 Epidate, in hexahedral prisms, sometimes tfuncatel 
 on the edges of a yellowish green colour, on Isaac 
 Taylor's farm, adjoining John Baily's, south. 
 
 Foliated talc, white and green, on A Marshall's farm,, 
 also on McClouds, adjoining. 
 
 West Marlborough Township, 
 
 Phosphate of lime, in hexahedral prisms, of yellow- 
 ish green colour, in granularlimestone, in Bernard's 
 quarry. 
 
 Iserine. Beautiful specimens of this mineral occur 
 in tetrahedral prisms., truncated on the angles, 
 longitudinally striated, with oblique summits, in 
 Bernard's lime quarry. 
 
 Brown spar, in small rhombic crystals, with the, 
 planes slightly curved, in Bernard's lime quarry. 
 
 Dogtooth spar, (carb. of lime) in semi transparent 
 straw coloured crystals, McNeal's lime quarry. 
 
 j\ r ezv Garden Toxvnshtp. 
 
 Fibrolitc, of a'greyish white colour, in little bundles of 
 delicate fibres and acicular crystals intimately con- 
 nected, on Nathan Scarlet's farm, south 0/ Phil- 
 lips 1 quarry. 
 
 Black schorl, in cylindrical crystals and' fibres, a 
 very beautiful variety of this mineral, same lo- 
 cality. 
 
 Garnets, in dodecahedral crystals, of a deep red 
 colour, in mica slate, same locality. 
 
 Fibrous carbonate oflime,in J. Phillip's lime quarry. 
 
 Carbonate of lime, in beautiful arborescent mammi- j 
 lary and botryoidal concretion?, in Joshua PU- 
 sey's lime quarry. 
 
 Tremolite, in fine acicular crystals, and fibres of a I 
 pure snow white colour, radiating and diverging j 
 Brown's quarry. 
 
 Kaolin, an extensive bed of this mineral occurs on 
 Israel Hoop's farm, New Gardentownship.' T is 
 substance is extensively employed in theiwf" ?- 
 
CHESTER COUNTY. y 
 
 lure of porcelain ware. Two manufactories, and 
 the only one as yet established in the country, are 
 supplied from this locality. 
 
 West Bradford Township, 
 
 Diallage and saus?urite, near Worthy's tavern, on the 
 St raws burg road-. 
 
 Chromate of iron, in detached masses, and disintegra- 
 ted crystals, same locality. 
 
 Epidote, in beautiful hexahedral prisms, with dihe- 
 dral summits, of a resplendent bottle green colour; 
 the crystals are from one half to three inches 
 in length, and from one sixteenth to three fourths 
 of an inch in diameter, fully equal in size and beau- 
 ty ! to those of the oelebrated locality of Ardendal 
 in Norway, occurs in primitive hornblende, on 
 Smith's and McMullins farms, adjoining each 
 other. 
 
 -Zeolite, in fascicular groups of minute crystals and 
 fibres, radiating from a central point, of a snow 
 white colour., and pearly lustre, forming narrow 
 veins in primitive hornblende, on Robert Lam- 
 bern's farm. 
 
 Chabasie,. in rombic crystals, of a reddish brown 
 colour, in hornblende associated with zeolite, 
 same locality. 
 
 Silico-calcareous oxide of titanium, in rhomboidal 
 prisms, with dihedral summits, in a gangue of 
 hornblende and feldspar, same locality. 
 
 Blue feldspar, of the lamellar variety, striated on the 
 surface, same locality. 
 
 Mica, in rhomboidal and "hexahedral prisms, in 
 granite., one mile north of Sharplesstown, on the 
 Wilmington road. 
 
 Amethyst, o^ a deep violet colour., in hexahedral 
 prisms, with pyramidal terminations, loose in the 
 soil, on George Passmor^s farm. 
 
 Fetid quartz, well characterized, in R. Wood's lime 
 miarry. 
 
10 MINERALOGY OF 
 
 Limpid quartz, in hexahedral prisms, with pyrami- 
 
 dial terminations, in the lime quarries near the 
 
 poor house. 
 Iserine, in striated cylindrical crystals, imbedded in 
 
 quartz, same locality. 
 Sulphuret of iron, in cubic crystals, occasionally trun* 
 
 cated on the angles, same locality. 
 
 London Grove Township, 
 
 Tremolite, in fibrous and radiated masses, in Ephraim 
 Wilson's quarry. 
 
 Phosphate of lime, perfectly transparent, of a rich 
 bottle green colour, in hexahedral prisms and mas- 
 sive, on Allison's farm; this interesting locality wat 
 discovered by Dr. Allison who has liberally dis- 
 tributed specimens among our mineralogists. 
 
 Tourmaline, of a beautiful velvet black, in hexahe- 
 dral prisms^ terminated with trihedral faces, set on 
 the lateral edges, on William Jackson's farm. 
 
 Red oxide of titanium, in tetrahedral prisms, with di- 
 hedral summits in gneiss, also massive, on William 
 Jackson's farm. 
 
 Iserine, tetrahedral prisms, truncated on the angels, 
 and longitudinally striated-, in Wm. Jackson's lime 
 quarry* 
 
 Tremolite, crystallized, and in radiated fibres, same 
 locality. 
 
 Foliated and fine scaly talc, of a white colour, in 
 Mitchiner's quarry, adjoining William Jackson's. 
 
 Brown tourmaline, in hexahedral prisms, in carbo* 
 nate of lime, a beautiful mineral, in W r . Jackson's, 
 and Pile & Morrisson's lime quarries. 
 
 ►Crystallized quartz,* in hexahedral prisms with py- 
 ramidal summits, transparent, in Pile & Morri- 
 son's quarry. 
 
 "* A specimen of limpid quartz from Morrison's quarry, pre? 
 rented to the Cabinet of Natural Sciences by W. Jackson, and 
 now in their museum, a hexahedral prism with pyramidal ter. 
 jninaiion, measures sixteen inches in circumference. 
 
 
 
CHESTER COUNTY. II 
 
 JBrown spar, in rhombic crystals, slightly curved, of 
 a brownish colour and beautiful pearly lustre, 
 same locality. 
 
 Fetid quartz, well characterized, same locality. 
 Magnesian carbonate of lime, in rhombic masses and 
 crystals, same locality. 
 
 Quartz, of a milk white colour, on William Jackson's 
 farm. 
 
 Cyanite. An interesting locality of cyanite in the primi- 
 tive form, has been discovered in this vicinity, by 
 Dr. Allison. 
 
 Garnets, in dodecahedral crystals, abundant in the 
 gneiss rocks, and detached, on W. Jackson's farm 
 and neighbourhood; a specimen in the museum of 
 the West Chester cabinet, measures 6.75 inches in 
 circumference. 
 
 Specular oxide of iron, in quartz, near London 
 
 Grove meeting house. 
 Mica, of a leek green colour, on William Jackson's 
 
 farm. 
 Cyanite, in fascicular groups or bladed crystals, of a 
 
 pale and sky blue colour, on William Jackson's 
 
 farm. 
 Black and reddish brown schorl, in acicular diverg- 
 ing crystals, and fibres in quartz, on W. Jackson's 
 
 farm. 
 Smoky quartz, six sided prisms, detached in the soil, 
 
 on W. Jackson's farm. 
 
 Calcareous spar, striated diagonally, to the rhombic 
 cleavage, on W. Jackson's farm. 
 
 Dogtooth spar, of a straw yellow colour, in semi- 
 transparent crystals, in W. Jackson's lime quar- 
 ries. 
 
 Epidote, in hexahedral prisms, of a bottle green 
 colour, in Mitchiner's lime quarry. 
 
 Red jasper, in detached masses, on W. Jackion's 
 lime quarry. 
 
12 MINERALOGY OP 
 
 New London Township. 
 
 FibroHte, in delicate fibres* intimately connected, of 
 a greyish white colour, and glistening aspect, on 
 Robert Hudson's farm. 
 
 Schorl, in cylindrical crystals, of a jet black colour,, 
 same locality. 
 
 Sundry Loealiles in Ckestier County. 
 
 Zoisite, in rhomboidal, cylindrical acicular crystals, 
 of a grey colour* in gneiss, in Bathwoods, near 
 West Chester, West Goshen township, discovered 
 by Townsend Haines, Esq. 
 
 Oxide of iron, the red hematitic variety, on the ser- 
 pentine ridge, Nottingham township. 
 
 Magnesite, forming narrow veins, in the serpentine 
 ridge, West Goshen. 
 
 Mica, in beautiful hexahedral prisms, Kennet town- 
 ship. 
 
 Stalactical carbonate of lime, of a snow white colour, 
 in arborescent, reniform, mamrmlary and botryoi- 
 dal concretions, in John Robert's lime quarry, 
 West Whiteland, Chester county, four miles north 
 of West Chester, 
 
 Actynolite, in chlorite slate, near Waggontown, 
 Chester county. 
 
 Amianthus, in delicate silk fibres, forming minute 
 veins in serpentine, Joseph Taylor's quarry, West 
 Goshen near West Chester. 
 
 Plumbago, in quartz,near Charleston villageyCharles- 
 ton township. 
 
 Epidote, in hexahedral prisms, of "a yellowish green 
 colour, Strode's mill, near West Chester. 
 
 Oxide of iron, highly magnetic, near Goshen meet- 
 ing house, East Goshen township. 
 
 Garnets, in dodecahedral crystals, of a brown colour, 
 abundant on A. Hoop's farm, East Goshen town- 
 ship. 
 
 Bog iron ore, on Pennypacker's farm, Charleston 
 township. 
 
OF LITTLE BRITAIN. 13 
 
 Little Britain Township, Lancaster county, Penn. 
 
 Octahedral magnetic oxide of iron, in the serpentine 
 ridge, on Joel Jackson's farm. 
 
 Massive and crystallized ferruginous oxide of chrome, 
 or chromate of iron, occurs on a minor ridge of 
 serpentine, about a mile north of the main serpen- 
 tine ridge, being about two miles west of the south 
 western point of Chester county, on the property 
 of McKim, Sims, & Co. of Baltimore, adjoining 
 Joel Jackson's farm. The disintegrated crystals 
 of chromate of iron, are found coating the cavities 
 of all the ravines made in the sides of the hill, and 
 indicate the existence of this valuable material in 
 quantity. 
 
 Magnesite. An extensive locality of this valuable mine- 
 ral occurs, forming veins in the serpentine of con- 
 siderable thickness,same[locality; and «> now exten- 
 sively quarried and manufactured by Messrs. Mc 
 Kim,Sims,& Co. of Baltimore,^ sulphate of mag- 
 nesia, (Epsom salts.) The^e gentlemen have suc- 
 ceeded in making a purer salt ai.a much less 
 price than it can be imported, which has entirely 
 excluded importation ; and the United States are 
 now almost entirely supplied from this establish- 
 ment. Four hundred or tive hundred tons of mag- 
 nesite, have been obtained from this locality, and 
 Messrs. McKim & oims manufacture 1,500,000 lbs. 
 of Epsom ?alt<*nnually. 
 
 Actynolite, i*» green compressed crystals, in talc, 
 serpentine ridge, on Joel Jackson's farm. 
 
 Noble serpentine, with delicate veins of amianthus, 
 serpentine ridge, on Joel Jackson's farm. 
 
 Chalcedony. An interesting locality of this mineral 
 occurs near the magnesite above described, and 
 about one and a half miles distant from the cele- 
 brated locality at Rocks springs, described in my 
 paper, and near the locality of magnesite and chro- 
 mate of iron. 
 
14 MINERALOGY OF 
 
 DELAWARE. 
 
 New Castle County. 
 
 Phosphate of lime, in granite, of a bluish green colour^ 
 in hexahedral prisms, occasionally longitudinally 
 striated, from one sixteenth to one and a half 
 inches in diameter, and from half to two inches in 
 length, abundant on a farm, adjoining Wistar 
 Dixon's east, and about six miles from Wilming- 
 ton. 
 
 Beryl, of a fine apple green colour T in hexahedral 
 prisms, in granite, on a farm adjoining Dixon's* 
 and near the serpentine ridge. 
 
 Precious garnets, in granite, of a brilliant red colour, 
 in^odecahedrons, on Dixon's farm in the wood 
 near tVe house. 
 
 Schorl, of a <iark red colour, in cylindrical crystals, 
 in granite, sa*ae locality. 
 
 Brown and red hematite, on the .serpentine Tidge 
 near. 
 
 Jasper, of a reddish brown, and yellowish colour, 
 forming veins in. serpentine, Dixon's farm. 
 
 Q uartz, of a reddish brown colour, in sit sided 
 prisms, terminated at both extremities, by six sided 
 pyramids, resembling the quartz of Compostella, 
 same locality, also, near the Centerville turnpike. 
 
 Drusy quartz, limped, yellow, a*d green, in beauti- 
 ful clusters of minute crystals, san^ locality. 
 
 Feldspar. An extensive bed of this mineral, occurs 
 adjoining Dixon's farm, the land containing it has 
 lately been purchased by Mr. W. E. 'JT^ckerof 
 Philadelphia, who employs the article extensively 
 in the manufacturtof Porcelain ware. This w&re 
 of which the feldspar, is an important constituent, 
 
 > has been brought to such perfection by Mr. Wm. 
 E. Tucker, that it is pronounced by competent 
 judges, to possess a soundness of body, smoothness 
 *of glazing, ajkd beauty of lustre, fully equal to the 
 
MARYLAND. 15 
 
 imported, and surpasses in purity of whiteness, 
 either the French or English china, which is met 
 with in our market. 
 
 Epidote, massive, and crystallized, in primitive horn- 
 blende, on the Kennet turnpike, near the Buck 
 tavern. 
 
 Lamellar hornblende, possessing somewhat the lus- 
 tre and colours of the hypersthenic, same locality. 
 
 MARYLAND. 
 
 Cecil County. 
 
 Schorl, of a velvet black colour, in beautiful cylindri- 
 cal crystals, disseminated in quartz, near the fall 
 of north east creek, 
 
 Actynolite, of a bottle green colour, in compressed 
 acicular crystals, in talc, near Cooptown,Hartford 
 county. 
 
 Magnetic oxide of iron, massive, and in octahedral 
 crystals, in chlorite slate, same locality. 
 
 Fibrous talc, of a reddish colour, same locality. 
 
 Magnesite. An extensive locality of this valuable 
 mineral, occurs at Bare Hill, near Baltimore, and 
 has been extensively employed in the manufacture 
 of Epsom salts; it is now obtained from Little Bri- 
 tain township, Lancaster county, as hefore de- 
 scribed. 
 
 Bucks County \Penru 
 
 Magnetic oxide of iron, h^lf a mile above Newport, 
 on the Neshamony creek. This ore was formerly 
 worked, but has been abandoned, in consequence 
 of not producing advantageously. 
 
 Serpentine, having distinct laminae, slightly curved. 
 These pervade the serpentine in spots,, and when 
 viewed in direction of the laminae, have a shining 
 and pearly lustre,, and when contrasted with the 
 greenish black, dull, and opaque colour of the ser- 
 pentine, have a glistening and metalic appearance, 
 
16 MINERALOGY OF 
 
 somewhat resembling hypersthene, half a mile be~ ; 
 low Newport, on Roldman's run. 
 
 Lamellar feldspar, the glassy variety and graphic 
 granite, at Newport. 
 
 Tourmaline, of a rich black colour, in eight sided 
 prisms, longitudinally striated, terminated by three 
 sided pyramids, in granite which forms veins in 
 gneiss, at Nevil's academy, near Bustleton. 
 
 Cyanite, of a fine blue colour, in flat crystals or 
 blades, in quartz, forming a vein in gneiss, near the 
 same locality. 
 
 Scaly talc, in detached masses, occasionally contain- 
 ing asbestos, same locality. 
 
 Asbestoid actynolite,in silky fibres andacicular crys- 
 tals, radiating from a centre in beautiful tufts, in 
 detached masses, from one to fifty pounds weight, 
 in a wood, half a mile east of Bustleton. 
 
 Magnesian garnets, massive, of a lamellar structure* 
 on the Penny pack creek, three miles from Bustle^ 
 ton, at the mouth of the Sandy run. 
 
 Black oxide of manganese, in gneiss, same locality. 
 
 Phosphate of lime, in six sided prisms, terminated by 
 six sided pyramids, of a light green colour, in 
 quartz, same locality- 
 Iridescent feldspar, of a bluish white colour, resem- 
 bling the Labrador spar, on the farm ^of Mr. Jacob 
 Van Arsdalen, three miles westt>f Attleboro,' and 
 seven north of Bustleton. 
 
 Tremolite, of a grass' green colour, in carbonate of 
 lime, in oblique tetrahedral prisms, having the 
 acute edges truncated, with dihedral summits, oc* 
 casionally transparent, Van Arsdalen's farm, same 
 locality. 
 
 Actynolite, of a deep green colour, same locality. 
 
 Mica, in six sided prisms, in granite, fibrous- struc- 
 ture, in a diagonal direction to the angles of the 
 •prism, in which direction it may be cleaved, and 
 numerous delicate fibres separated, on the Penny 
 ^ack creekj one mile south west of Bustleton, 
 
BtCKS COUNTY. 17 
 
 For the discovery of the above localities, in Bucks 
 county, we are indebted to our friend Dr. Edward 
 Swift, an indefatigable mineralogist of Bustleton, 
 Penn. 
 
 At the locality of tremolite, iridescent feldspar and 
 aetynolite, on Jacob Van Arsdalen's farm, the fol- 
 lowing interesting minerals, also occur, which render 
 this locality sufficiently attractive to mineralogists. 
 1. Tabular spar, in masses of several tons weight, 
 analyzed by Dr. Morton, and Mr. J. P. WetherilL, 
 who obtained the following constituents: — 
 Silex, - -'- - 51.50 
 
 Lime, - ~ '• 44.10 
 
 Oxide of iron, - - 1.00 
 
 Lost by calcination, - - .75 
 
 -97.35 
 
 2, Scapolite, massive and crystallized. 3. Pyrox- 
 ene, in hexahedral prisma. 4. Zircon, forme 
 soustrative of Hauy. 5. Mica, clove brown, and 
 emerald green. 6. Blue quartz, in small quantity. 
 7. Feldspar, massive, of a dark: blue colour, also 
 in rhombic prisms, with the terminal angles trun- 
 cated, Unitaire of Hauy. - 8. Garnet, granular and 
 in small •dedecahedral crystals. 9. Phosphate of 
 lime, massive, -and in hexahedral prisms. 10. 
 Graphite, massive, and in delicate hexagonrJ tables. 
 11. Sulpburet of iron, massive, and in -octohedrai 
 crystals. 12. Silico-calcareous oxicte of titanium, 
 in oblique four sided prisms. 
 I have merely given a catalog^ of these minerals, 
 as an elaborate and detailed account of them, has 
 been published by Dr. S.^miel G. Morton, of Phila- 
 delphia, in the Journal of the Academy of Natural 
 Sciences of Philadelphia, for June, 1827. 
 
 Philadelphia County.. 
 
 Icar. oxide of titanium, in oblique four sided 
 pusms, at Radner's mill, near the fails of SchuyL- 
 
 V 2 
 
18 MINERALOGY OF 
 
 kill, also on the township line road, near Ritten- 
 house's smith shop. 
 
 Phosphate of lime, massive, and in hexahedral prisms-, 
 imbedded in feldspar, on the township line road, 
 same locality. 
 
 Graphite, massive, in gneiss rock, on Robinson's hill, 
 on the Schuylkill, live miles from Philadelphia. 
 
 Limpid quartz, in hexahedral prisms, with pyra* 
 midal terminations, in detached crystals, same lo- 
 cality. 
 
 Chalcedony, on "Longstroth's farm, near the York 
 road, live miles from Philadelphia. 
 
 White beryl, in granite, hexahedral prisms, in Day's 
 cave, near the residence of William Wister, Esq. 
 
 Graphic granite, and laminated feldspar, same lo- 
 cality. 
 
 Cyanite, in bladed crystals, from a pale to a deep 
 sky blue in granite, near Livzely's mill, on the 
 Wisahicon. 
 
 Tourmaline, of a velvet black colour, in hexahedral 
 prisms, near Rittenhouse's paper mill, on the 
 Wisahicon. 
 
 'Hematite, (brown Oxide of iron,) in mamilary mas- 
 ses, near Jacob Wise's mill on the Wisahicon. 
 
 Red oxide of titanium, massive and crystallized, in 
 <^lay slate, on Wise's lane, near Wisahicon. 
 
 LimpH quartz, in pyramidal clusters and drusy ag- 
 gregate^ same locality. 
 
 Smoky quart*, highly transparent, near the township 
 line road, six i^iles from Philadelphia. 
 My friend Mr. J obn Wister, of Germantown, has 
 
 obtained very fine spec'^nens from each of the above 
 
 localities of Philadelphia county. 
 
 Having on hand duplicates ^f all the above mine- 
 rals, with an extensive collection from other locali- 
 ties, I shall be happy to exchange them for those 
 
 tfrom other districts. 
 
 GEORGE W. CARPENTER, 
 •JW301, Market Street 
 
PHILADELPHIA COUNTY. 19 
 
 P. S, The manufactory of porcelain at Jersey 
 'city, one of the two mentioned in the above account, 
 has we understand been discontinued, and that at 
 Philadelphia, is stated to be the only one in the 
 United States. 
 
 ERRATA, 
 
 Page 20S", for the dose of Sal Martis. read, 1 scru- 
 ■ple to § drachm. 
 
 I must beg indulgence for any typographical errors 
 which occur in this work, as press of business and 
 continued engagements, prevented me from correct- 
 ing the proof sheets. There will be no doubt several 
 errors, such as approbrium for opprobium, emma- 
 nagogue for emmenagogue, &c. &c. They are how- 
 ever of no consequence, as they will all be perfectly 
 understood, and can lead to no misunderstanding. 
 
Wt2S> 
 
 ses> 
 
 m •:■ 
 
 X>> e>3G> 
 
 
 p> >>■.■>>> 
 
 ITS* "i3s> ' •>■?"> 
 
 ~jj£> "■>;>'.■■;* ~?:& s>' 
 
 te» ■ ■.-_•>:» ■ ■ > ■< ■ > • 
 
 ^i2> 'DO ■ > 
 
 
 X> > 
 
 :> s> 
 
 3 &> 
 
 :5> > > X 
 ,x> > ^ > z^& ■ 
 
 
 
 
 "\&> :>> 
 
 ^2> > 
 
 > :> 
 
 Z^ y >' yt 
 
 > 
 
 ^> y > j> 
 
 £> 
 
 » j»i^> >• 
 
 > 
 
 > y i>_3' 
 
 3> 
 
 ► >•■ >i>» 
 
 > 
 
 * J» ':-> > 3S»> 
 
 i> 
 
 ► ;> ■.»=>' 
 
 3> 
 
 ^> z>_>> 
 
 2> » 
 
 >i^ i^^>' 
 
 _> > 
 
 ><.•->■:>< 
 
 > 
 
 J> ■ -3>i >< 
 
 i> ) 
 
 Z>> J>i >' ■ 
 
 > V 
 
 >> 5> > 
 
 > >' 
 
 ► T> j> 
 
 l" ■ 
 
 
 
 
 > > y> ■>> ■>■ 
 
 X> ^ 
 >>>:» • i>2> 3JZ3fc r 
 
 :» x 
 
> > - 
 
 > > ^> 
 
 23 r> 
 
 
 
 ► Z>13> ^> :> 3> > ^ 
 
 » 3> O S> 
 
 
 
 
 > '-> ;^> ^>- 
 
 
 
 
 > » t> T^ 
 
 i » 2> > >"> "» ) 
 ■•> >> ^ ys> :> 
 
 ■ ; > . j > 
 
 > i> ! 
 
 5 > > > 
 
 > > 
 
 
 5> ^>^J 
 
 
 *-7-5>~> >> > 3> ^>T> "Z 
 
 o> > J~Z>>> > > - , > <s ^ 1 
 
 -)^z> ~> > : oe> ^> »i> .> -^ 
 
 :> > t> ) » Z> >>Z> > Q 
 
 > ) X»^> J>>0 
 
 > > '^> > » 5>^> »^> 
 
 TO ^2> -■ i » '-Z> »J»Z2 
 
 O > _~> > ^^BT>.y>l>.: 
 
 > j> > , » >-> 
 
 > > b > ■■»"■)> ^ 3>