Letter from Fortress Monroe
1861
Boston Medical and Surgical Journal
proceed? Nothing is easier-divide one hundred and twentyeight by two, and we have sixty-four ounces. But of this sixtyfour ounces, eight ounces must be allowed for the spirit of lavender, which enters into the composition of the mixture. We accordingly take fifty-six ounces, or three pints and a half of rosewater ; triturate the myrrh with it, added by small quantities at a time, grinding with great perseverance, often scraping the gummy mass off the pestle, until the myrrh is reduced long
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... e the bulk of the rose-water is added ; strain it with expression through the fabric known as Nainsook cambric, and finally add the spirit of lavender. This should by no means be the compound tincture of lavender, or red lavender, as it is commonly called, but should be a few drops, say twelve, of choice otto of lavender, dissolved in eight ounces of spirit. We now have the dry ingredients for one gallon of the mixture dissolved in half the quantity of menstruum, and to dispense it we take, say four ounces of this mixture as prepared, and four ounces of rose or good common water, in -which we dissolve twenty grains of crystallized sulphate of iron ; mix the two solutions, and the thing is done. The advantage of this process is, that it takes but little longer to prepare the half gallon mixture than it does eight ounces, and, once made, a pint or half pint can be dispensed in five minutes, always furnishing the peculiar green coloration belonging to the proto-carbonate of iron. One word more. The commercial confection of senna has been a source of deep disgust to the unfortunates who were required to quackle it down, but when they have been enabled to turn to the officinal preparation, the change has proved doubly grateful. The specimen made according to the formula of the TJ. S. Pharmacopoeia contains forty-two grains of powdered Alexandria senna to the ounce, and operates tuto, cito, etjucunde. Thus far we have taken a meagre glance at the progress of the materia medica during the ten years which have just closed. Many things have been omitted which might have added interest to the report; the aim of the writer has, however, been to say what is useful-and that attained, he is satisfied. Should the Association see fit to commit the subject to him another year, he will promise his best endeavors to act faithfully, and so far as possible to consult the interest of the Association. All which is respectfullv submitted.
doi:10.1056/nejm186107250642502
fatcat:3hyvp5budrf23n4zub2iogkgc4