PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS. Elixirs. e'V-.ZOYD. PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS. ELIXIRS THEIR HISTORY, FORMULAE, AND METHODS OF PREPARATION INCLUDING PRACTICAL PROCESSES FOR MAKING THE POPULAR ELIXIRS OF THE PRESENT DAY, AND THOSE WPIICH HAVE BEEN OFFICINAL IN THE OLD PHARMACOPOEIAS TOGETHER WITH A RESUME OF UNOFFICINAL ELIXIRS FROM THE DAYS OF PARACELSUS J. U. LLOYD Professor of Chemistry in the Eclectic Medical Institute; Professor of Pharmacy in the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy; Author of “Chemistry of Medicines,” etc., etc., etc. THIRD EDITION CINCINNATI ROBERT CLARKE & COMPANY 1885 Copyright, 1883, by J. U. Lloyd. PREFACE. Were pharmacists united in opposition to elixirs, and sufficiently inde- pendent to warrant them in saying that they are unnecessary preparations, and that they would not manufacture or dispense them; or could pharma- cists so influence and control physicians as to positively prevent them from prescribing elixirs; or, were the past numbers of all our pharmaceutical journals possessed by, or readily accessible to, each and every pharma- cist in the country—there would then be no necessity for, nor utility in, the publication of a work upon elixirs and the methods of preparing them. At the present time there undoubtedly exists a demand for this class of preparations, and, in order to improve, as well as retain, their le- gitimate trade, our pharmacists are, in a measure, compelled to dispense them, as they do not desire to displease their medical patrons by any in- dications of what might be considered as offensive dictation. Such being the case, and, as a large number of the pharmacists of this country are not possessors of the past numbers of pharmaceutical journals, we have been induced to prepare this little work. In presenting these formulae, the result of years of actual laboratory experience, and the careful study of the back numbers of all our pharma- ceutical journals, we can not doubt that they will be valuable to pharma- cists, and that the investment will quickly return to each purchaser more than the outlay for the book. Upon this question of elixirs we find our American pharmacists greatly divided: some decidedly object to them, no matter under what considerations or circumstances, and obstinately refuse to listen to a fa- vorable word for any one of them ; others uphold that carefully prepared elixirs, in which the disagreeableness and offensiveness of certain drugs entering into their composition are more or less masked, are to be com- mended. Not unfrequently the opponents of elixirs are quite violent in their denunciation of them, and more especially as being of two com- plex a character, and yet these very objectors will favor other mixtures and preparations that are still more complex, and fully as unscientific as the majority of compound elixirs. On the other hand, the advocates of 4 PREFACE. elixirs frequently associate incompatibles in their preparations, thereby rendering them valueless. By this course they weaken the cause they are endeavoring to sustain, as the articles they present to the public prove to be unreliable. In our opinion, there is an intermedium, a con- servative position, between those who unreservedly condemn and those who indiscriminately recommend, and it will be found that there are many excellent pharmacists occupying this position, who argue that, with judgment in selection and skill in manipulation, a line of elixirs may be produced that will favorably compare with other sections of pharmacy, and that in their preparation as much science and compe- tency may be displayed as in that of any other class of pharmaceuticals. In the present work we have endeavored to point out defects, as well as incompatible combinations, and though at first glance the impression may be conveyed that we entertain a positive hostility to elixirs, yet, as it must be admitted by every one that there is considerable room for friendly pruning, we trust that our remarks will be received in the same kind spirit as that in which they are made, and that we will not be reproached for being unnecessarily censorous. And, notwithstanding that our criticisms may appear to be severe, we believe them to be fair and unprejudiced, and of such a character that both the advocate and the opponent of “ American Elixirs” may derive both satisfaction and benefit from their perusal. J. u. l. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. Within three months from the appearance of the first edition of this book, the publishers have notified us that a second is demanded. This encourages us to believe that our work is not wholly unappreciated. We issued the first edition with misgivings. We feared that the class of preparations embraced under the name elixir would not prove sufficiently interesting and valuable to warrant the publication of a work devoted exclusively to this subject. Then, too, various problems arose when we attempted to untangle the intricate elixir history, to reconcile incompat- ibles, to criticise judiciously, and to prevent our prejudices from occasion- ally influencing our remarks. These and other points rendered our labor by no means pleasant. However, the favor with which the first edition has been received, and the many words of approval regarding it, lead us to believe that our labor has not been lost. We cordially invite pharma- cists to notify us of any troublesome formula in this book, to correspond with us concerning elixirs in local use, if omitted by it, and to advise us of any historical oversight. Please note our remarks in “Addenda.” J. U. L. ELIXIRS. Through the courtesy of Mr. Charles Rice, to whom application was made by the author for notes on the de- rivation of the word “ elixir,” we are enabled to present his reply verbatim, and in addition presume to say a few words concerning the “ elixir” of the past and of the present, which may interest the reader. Dear Friend—In reply to your inquiry concerning the etymology of the word “elixir,” I would say that the word is proximately derived from the Arabic (,al-ikstr), being composed of the article Jf (alor el), and I (iksir). The latter is an arabicized form of the Greek word %>'ipiov (xirion, the 77 (i) being pronounced like ee). This derivation was first recognized and an- nounced by Fleischer in 1839, but it seems to have been overlooked by later writers. Hermann Kopp, the his- torian of chemistry, in his “ Beitrage zur Geschichte der Chemie ” (1869, p. 209), quotes a number of passages from later Greek authors and from writers of the alchemistic school, in which he showed that the Greek i-ppiov and the Arabic el-iksir were identical in signification, but he failed to notice their etymological identity. The Arabs cannot pronounce an initial f (x) without placing an aux- 6 ELIXIRS. iliary or supporting vowel in front of the double conso- nant, thus making i-ksir. This peculiarity of avoiding an initial double consonant (sc, sp, etc.) occurs also in other languages, for instance in Spanish, where we have espera, escila, espiritu, etc. The word Ztfpiov, in medical works, means any “ dry powder ” (from dry), such as is used for dusting wounds. In alchemy it was used to denote the magical transformation powder, so much sought after, a pinch of which would convert a whole mass of base metal into gold. Iksir, in this sense, is identical with another in- teresting Arabic term, viz., (kimiya, from which our word chemi-stry is derived, but which is itself de- rived from the Greek). This was also applied to a con- crete thing, namely, the substance supposed to be capa- ble of making gold. For instance, we meet such expres- sions as LwaXIM (canatu-l kimiya), “the making of the kimiya, ’’and if R*a,o (canatu-l iksir) “the making of the iksir,” both meaning the same thing. In later, technical language, “Elixir” was used to de- note various preparations more or less alchemistic. It was, for instance, synonymous with “ Liquid Tincture,” the first step in the preparation of the philosopher’s stone ; and there was a white and a red elixir distin- guished. Or, it designated any compound preparation of supposed “ sublime ” properties, reputed to prolong life and to ward off disease Sincerely yours, Charles Rice. By referring to the letter of Mr. Rice it will be seen that at an early period the term elixir designated “the ELIXIRS. 7 magical transformation powder, so much sought after, a pinch of which would convert a whole mass of base metal into gold.” Afterward the word was used “to denote various preparations more or less alchemistic,” and it is to be presumed that curious or potent liquids were gradually introduced and included among powders. Finally, the word elixir was applied only to liquids, but these, like the original magical powder, were supposed to possess the power of transmuting base metals into noble metals. Mr. Rice states that particular emphasis Avas once placed on a white and a red elixir. From a curious lit- tle work in our possession, bearing date 1682, we pre- sent, for the reader’s inspection, a fac-simile of the pro- cesses recommended for making these preparations, and that the quaint formulae may be rendered more intelligi- ble, we give a fac-simile of a table which explains the characters employed in the book, as follows : “An Explication of Characters ufed in this Book.” O Gold. 5 Silver. 6 Iron. § Mercury. if Jupiter! $ Venus.2 h Lead. 6 A ntimony. * Sal armoniac. A. F. Aqua Fortis. A. R. Aqua Regis. S. V. Spirit of Wine. =2= Sublimate. Precipitate, a a a Amalgama. V Water. A Fire. 1. This name was applied to Tin when the book was written. 2. This name was applied to Copper when the book was written- 8 ELIXIRS. Elixir Album. SUblime 5 three times from Vitriol and Salt-petre, then in hot Sand fix it fo, that in ftrong heat it may not rife, which may be performed in three weeks time: Then Calcine it in a close Reverberatory a, and it will be ready for folution. Then take the Water which diftilled over in Subliming the $, and dissolve in it a little *, and $ ornate; with this folution mix Calcined Vitriol to the thick- ness of Honey, digett in jimo one and twenty days: Then diftill by degrees a little at a time (for it yieldeth a very fiery Spirit), let the Recipient be large. When all is come over that will, rectifie it; then in this Spirit diffolve the afore-faid fixed 5, fo is the Menjlruum prepared. Then take a white Calx of 'y., pour upon it fo much of this Menjlruum as will cover it, let it Hand eight days as before. Repeat this till the Calx will take in no more of the find Menjlruum, then let it ftand till it be- comes firft black, and then white, Subliming itself above the Caput Mortuum, from which carefully feparate the white, and that is Sulphur naturce Jovis, which put into a little Matrafs and fix it (which may all'o be done by frequent make alfo Sulphur naturce D in the fame manner, and with the same Menjlruum, which dif- folve into Oyl in B., with which imbibe the said Sulphur naturce Jovis until it be fufible, and then it will tranf- mute y into D. ELIXIRS. 9 Elixir Rubrum. TAke Vitriol of ? well purified by Solutions and Co- agulations, unite it with Liquor of $ ornate and *, then distill a V from it in Allies; then having flood (cold) twenty-four hours, diftill more V from it. Repeat this until the remaining Matter be well broken; then joyn all the diftilled waters to it again, and digeft it in jimo for 40 days: Then diftill its Spirit, with which imbibe the remain- ing Earth; dry it with a gentle heat, then imbibe again, and dry as before: Repeat this till the Earth hath imbibed all its v. Then diftill it, and you fhall have a Philofophical 5, and what Sublimeth is the Sulphur, which keep apart. Repeat the imbibation and diftillation, till no more Sulphur will afcend; with this Sulphur imbibe half its weight of the 5, put them into a Matrafs, which Seal Hermetically, and fix them together; and this Work must be repeated four times, every time with the fame proportion of the faid Philofophical $. Then fix this Matter in a Vessel Sealed Hermetically by degrees of A, and all the colors will appear one after another, until they become white, and, lastly, to an incombustible red. Take one part of this red Powder, cast it upon ten parts of Sublimed §, fet it to putrefie for thirty days, and it will become Oyl, which being Projected upon boyling $, will transmute it into pure ©. The faid red Powder being infufed in Wine over Night, and drank in the Morning, Cureth molt Diseases in Mans Body. ELIXIRS- It will be observed that the white elixir, “ Elixir Al- bum,” can only produce silver, while the red elixir, “ Elixir Rubrum,” will transmute mercury into pure gold. We call attention to the red powder which is formed near the completion of the process in making elixir rubrum, and which is used to prepare the magi- cal “ oyl,” and to the assertion that this same red pow- der “ cureth most diseases in man’s body.” Here we have an approach to the elixir of life (elixir vitae) of the alchemists, together with the properties ascribed to the philosopher’s stone. In this connection, a quotation from the writings of that celebrated author of the eigh- teenth century, Boerhaave, is of interest concerning the elixir vitae, which in Boerhaave’s language was “one of the chief things which the alchemists promise.” Their aim was “ to discover an artificial body of such virtue and efficacy, as that being applied to any body of any of the three kingdoms, it shall improve its natural inhe- rent virtues, so as to make it the most perfect thing in its kind. Thus, for instance, if applied to the human body, it will become an universal medicine, and make such a change, both in the solid and fluid parts thereof, as shall render it perfectly sound, and even maintain it in that state, until the parts being slowly worn away and spent, death gently and without a struggle takes pos- session.” We find, therefore, that the alchemists, by the term elixir, intended to designate substances which could either cdnvert base metals into gold or silver, or could prolong life and heal the sick, or embody both proper- ties ; and also, that this substance might be either a liquid or a solid. We do not generally accredit the alchemists with a desire to heal diseases after the man- ELIXIRS. 11 ner of physicians of the present day, and doubtless the majority searched only for riches. However, while they mostly desired gold and silver, they realized that the use of only an ordinary amount could be enjoyed in the usual lifetime allotted to man. Again, many of these infatuated men were on the brink of the grave when their hopes seemed most likely to be realized, and of vital importance would be the possession of a substance which could prolong life. Hence we find that some of them were searching directly for gold, or the philoso- pher’s stone by means of which all base metal could be changed into gold, while others desired most the elixir of life, “ elixir vitae,” which could extend life and change old age into youth. Indeed, as incentives to their la- bors were the assertions that these wonderful elixirs had been discovered by others, and we quote from “The Birth of Chemistry ” that “ S. Thomas Aquinas was, like his master (Albertus Magnus), a magician. We are told that between them they constructed a brazen statue, which Albertus animated with his elixir vitce." Culi asserted that “ he converted fifty thousand pounds weight of base metals into gold,” and is said to have furnished his king with six millions of money. Paracelsus (born 1493, died 1541) is generally accredited with instituting a new era in the study, for he was prom- inent in showing that alchemy, which flourished in his day, and of which he was a zealous student, could be of value to physicians, and that the knowledge derived from their investigations could be turned to advantage in the treatment of disease. Like the old alchemists, however, Paracelsus surrounded his process with mys- terious expressions, and disjointed them until they were 12 ELIXIRS. incomprehensible.1 He originated the “ Elixir Proprie- tatis,” stating that it was so potent as “ to continue health and long life to the utmost possible limits ” {Boer- haave). This wonderful elixir was concocted by cum- bersome processes from such simples as saffron, aloes, and myrrh, and notwithstanding Paracelsus claimed that by using the vaunted elixir proprietatis “ he should live as long as Methuselah,” he died a broken wreck in his forty-seventh year. We find that this elixir, which is a record of Paracelsus’ egotism, has been recognized in our dispensatories and in the older pharmacopoeias, with more or less alteration, even to the present day. Boer- haave gave five different processes for making it, each of which produced, in his opinion, a most potent rem- edy. As a curiosity, and to illustrate the wonderful properties attributed to these concoctions in those days, and to the virtues of which even such a chemist as Boerhaave could certify, we reproduce from his “ Ele- 1 Paracelsus undoubtedly borrowed freely from those who preceded him, and failed to credit them for such instruction. Good authorities trace the application of chemistry in the healing of diseases far back of the day of Paracelsus “ M. C. Clerc thinks there are indications of chemical medi- cines in Thaddeus the Florentine, who lived in the thirteenth century, in Albertus Magnus, Friar Bacon, and Isaac Hollandus. Helmont hastaken pains to show that Basil Valentine was prior to Paracelsus by a hundred years” (.Boerhaave). Of Basil Valentine the same author remarks: “He would seem to have been the first who applied chemistry to medicine; for after every preparation he never fails to give some medicinal use thereof. Paracelsus, Helmont, the elder Lemery, and many others of modern fame, owe a great part of what is valuable in them to this author ; so that it is not without reason that he is judged the father of the modern chemists and the founder of the chemical pharmacy. ” “ About the middle of the fifteenth century lived Basil Valentine, a German Benedictine monk, who led the way to the internal administration of metallic medicines by a variety of ex- periments on the nature of antimony ” (Dunglison). ELIXIRS. 13 menta Chemise,” which was published in 1724, the for- mula and uses of his Elixir Proprietatis with Distilled Vinegar. “ Take choice aloes, saffron, and myrrh, of each half an ounce, cut and bruise them, put them into a tall bolt-head, pour twenty times their own weight of the strongest distilled vinegar thereon, let them simmer together in our little wooden furnace for twelve hours : now' suffer the whole to rest, that the faeces may subside, and gently strain off the pure liquor through a thin linen ; put half the quantity of distilled vinegar to the remainder, boil and pro- ceed as before, and throw away the faeces. Mix the two tinctures together, and distil with a gentle fire till the whole is thickened to a third ; keep the vinegar that comes over for the same use ; and what remains behind is the Elixir Proprietatis, made with dis- tilled vinegar.” The Uses. “ Thus we obtain an acid, aromatic medicine, of great use in the practice of physic ; for when externally applied, it cleanses and heals putrid, sinuous, and fistulous old ulcers, defends the parts from putrefaction, and preserves them by a true embalming virtue ; it also heals ulcers, and cures gangrenes in the lips, tongue, palate, and jaws. It has the same effects in the first passages, when used internally, as often as putrefied matter, corrupted bile, concreted phlegm, worms, and numberless distempers proceeding from these four causes, are lodged or seated therein. Again, it has nearly the same effects in the blood and viscera, as may easily appear from knowing the virtues of the three ingredients when dissolved in a subtile vinegar. It is to be taken in a morning upon an empty stomach, at least twelve hours after eating ; it is given from a drachm to two or three for a dose in sweet wine or mead, or the like, walking after it, or having the belly gently rubbed. If taken in a larger dose, and with a somewhat cooler regimen, it always purges ; if in a less dose, and often repeated, it cleanses the blood by secreting thick urine; and generally performs both these op- 14 ELIXIRS. erations successively. But if taken plentifully, while the patient is in bed and the body well covered, it acts as an excellent sudo- rific ; and afterward usually purges, and proves diuretic, and thus becomes very useful : whence I conceive that this is the best acid elixir proprietatis, good in numerous cases, and at the same time safe. “ Paracelsus declared that an elixir made of aloes, saffron, and myrrh would prove a vivifying and preserving balsam, able to continue health and long life to the utmost possible limits ; and hence he calls it by a lofty title ‘ the elixir of propriety ’ to man, but concealed the preparation, in which Helmont asserts the al- cahest is required.” Through the eighteenth century elixirs were numer- ous, and although their former alchemistic properties were cast aside, physicians seemed to attribute to them virtues scarcely less than those ascribed to the famous elixir vitae. They were also surrounded with mysteries, and their compositions were most carefully concealed. Prominent physicians individualized themselves by at- taching their names to tinctures of herbs extracted with spirit of wine, or with acid solutions, and these names have been handed down to us and are still in use. It must not be inferred, however, that these men gave their trea- sures openly to competitors, for we find that great care was employed to cover their processes and to conceal the constituents of these compounds, and at the present day we find it difficult to decide as to the authenticity of such as Dafifey’s Elixir, Helmont’s Elixir, Mynsicht’s Elixir, Vigani’s Elixir, etc., etc. Indeed, many of the old works give several formulae for preparing a single elixir, and often all the processes were impracticable. Thus we find that with each revision of the older pharmacopoeias and dispensatories these formulae have been altered and simplified, and as the outcome we refer to some of ELIXIRS. our well-known tinctures, which have sprung from and are modifications of ancient elixirs : Elixir Salutis gave us Compound Tincture of Senna. Elixir Paregoricum gave us Camphorated Tincture of Opium. Elixir Proprietatis gave us Compound Tincture of Aloes. Elixir Stomachicum gave us Compound Tincture of Gentian. Elixir Sacrum gave us Tincture of Rhubarb and Aloes. With one exception the name elixir has become obso- lete with the foregoing tinctures, and that owe, paregoric, will doubtless, in a moderate period of time, exist as a relic of history. The elixir of the period we have just considered was in reality a compound tincture, or a modification of what we call a compound tincture. Hooper’s Medical Dictionary of 1820 defines the elixir as “ a term for- merly applied to many preparations similar to compound tinctures.” We find, also, that the old elixirs were dis- agreeable and bitter. There was no desire to render them pleasant; indeed, the aim seemed to be the con- coction of mixtures as nauseating as possible, and the physician who could produce the nastiest, and which were followed by the most severe torture to the patient, was the best man. His motto might well have been— “ I puke, I purge, I sweat ’em, And if they die, I let ’em.” In connection with this phase of the elixir question, we find that of the elixirs named in the “ New Dispen- satory,” London, 1770, but one contained sugar or any form of sweetening, and that was simply mentioned as an obsolete preparation. This view of the elixir is still 16 ELIXIRS. prevalent in Europe, and the German Pharmacopoeia of 1870 recognizes twelve preparations under the name of elixir, none of which are sweetened. The idea ac- cepted in our country at the present time regarding what should be the attributes of an elixir is strictly an Ameri- canism. The term Cordial would better define the sweetened and flavored pharmaceuticals which we shall now consider as American Elixirs. The first of these preparations which the writer can recall was thrown upon the market in this city (Cincin- nati) about 1862, under the name “ Cordial Elixir of Calisaya.”1 It was of a beautiful red color, nicely fla- vored, and very pleasant to the taste, and it was the forerunner, or at least among the first, of the line of pharmaceuticals subsequently scattered so abundantly over our country and which are very familiar at the present day. Afterward the “Elixir of Calisaya and Pyrophosphate of Iron ” appeared, and then “ Calisaya, Pyrophosphate of Iron and Strychnine.” Soon travel- ling agents for pharmaceutical houses began to court physicians and solicit them to specify particular brands when prescribing, thus necessitating duplicates upon the apothecaries’ shelves of the same preparation, and about the year 1874 the elixir mania was at its height. The burden thus thrown upon our pharmacists was consider- able—more in the aggregate than most of us can realize. 1 The first published formula that I can find for any of this class of prep- arations under the name Elixir is the formula we give for Elixir of Calisaya by Mr. Alfred B. Taylor, from the Journal of Pharmacy, January, 1859. The Druggists’ Circular of same date states that up to that time no for- mula for that preparation had been published. ELIXIRS. 17 Elixirs of the same name, and which should have been identical, were duplicated over and again in the same store, and each differed in appearance and flavor from all the others. If a prescription was filled with an elixir of calisaya prepared by one maker, it could not be re- filled with that of another, since such a course would render it liable to be returned by the purchaser as a dif- ferent medicine from that obtained at first. Physicians of the highest reputation were accustomed to specify the brand of elixir desired, and the writer can remember that time and again he has hurried to distant portions of the city searching for an elixir of a particular make and which was not in stock, although several duplicates of what should have been the same preparation were on the shelves. In addition to the above-named aggrava- tion, combinations, or rather associations, of substances incompatible under all ordinary conditions were adver- tised under the name elixir, and substances perfectly insoluble in the menstruum employed were represented as being dissolved; and to add to these questionable features, quinine and combinations of quinine were as- serted to be in a soluble form and nearly tasteless. It is needless to consider this phase of the subject longer, for all are familiar with the result. The burden was too great; elixirs as a class were severely criticised, and many pharmacists and physicians included those which were worthy among those which were indifferent and bad. The reaction which followed was disastrous to the inter- ests of the men who unintentionally brought it about (elixir manufacturers), for physicians ceased ordering elixirs of special make, and pharmacists threw their influ- ence against the preparations compounded by manufac- turers of these specialties. The writer aims simply to give 18 ELIXIRS. a brief synopsis of the history of the class of pharmaceu- ticals under consideration, and does not wish to argue in favor or against them; and the elixir of the present day has been reached. Throughout this country the preparation of elixirs has generally passed from a few wholesale manufacturers into the hands of the many pharmacists. Quantities of elixirs are prescribed, but their preparation has extended over the entire country instead of being confined to a few localities. Physicians have their favorite elixirs and prescribe them, but these elixirs must, as a rule, be un- questionable. In many instances, however, incompati- bles are undoubtedly brought together at the expense of the product, drugs insoluble in the menstruum are sup- posed to be represented by the resultant elixir, and te- dious, roundabout methods are employed where simple, direct processes can be substituted. Before considering elixirs individually, it is but just to review their history during the past twenty years, for many pharmacists have not the necessary works at their command, and reference is constantly made to the action of the societies which considered them and the men who early made them a study. The Committee on Unofficinal Preparations appointed by the American Pharmaceutical Association, in 1870, was Professor J. Faris Moore, M.D., who included in his report to the Society (1871) a series of elixirs, and this was the first general recognition these preparations received from that body. In the year following the ap- pointment of the committee (1871), Mr. Ottmar Eber- bach read a volunteer paper before the Society at its meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, in which he gave the re- sult of his analysis of several commercial elixirs. The ELIXIRS. 19 paper provoked considerable discussion, and resulted in the following: “ Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the Presi- dent, to take into consideration the subject of elixirs and similar unofficinal preparations in all its bearings upon pharmacy, and, if deemed proper, to report suitable formulas for the guidance of the members of this Association.” In 1872 Professor C. Lewis Diehl contributed an inter- esting paper on the elixir subject. It was read before the Louisville College of Pharmacy, and afterward pub- lished by the pharmaceutical journals, and by this means several admirable formulae were introduced. Many of these processes are still used and accepted as standard, being preferred by pharmacists to those afterward of- fered as improvements. Next (1873), the committee appointed by the American Pharmaceutical Association made a minority report (including many formulae), which was that of the chairman of the committee, Mr. J. F. Hancock, and which, after some discussion, was adopted, and the following resolutions were offered by Professor J. M. Maisch : “ Resolved, That the report be adopted, with the recommenda- tion that these formulas be used by the members of the Associa- tion, and that the Secretary be instructed to send a printed copy with the report to the medical societies of the United States, with the suggestion that physicians, if prescribing elixirs at all. pre- scribe only such formulas as have been adopted by this Associa- tion. The object is to attain, as nearly as possible, a uniformity in the United States.” “ Resolved, That Mr. J. F. Hancock be appointed the Commit- tee on Unofficinal Formulas.” At the meeting of the Society which followed in Lou- isville, Ky., 1874, the Committee on Unofficinal Formu- 20 ELIXIRS. las failed to introduce elixirs. However, Mr. Ebert, of Chicago, presented a series of elixir formulae, based upon those of Professor C. Lewis Diehl, and prepared by a committee under the supervision of the Chicago College of Pharmacy, and suggested that they be revised or adopted by the Society for general use. After an ani- mated discussion, Mr. Peixotto offered a resolution, which, amended by Mr. Roberts, was adopted, as fol- lows : “ Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed, to whom shall be referred the formulas of elixirs presented by the Chicago College of Pharmacy, said committee to examine the formulas and carefully compare them with the formulas adopted at the last an- nual meeting, or which may be submitted to them, to modify any or all formulas if necessary, and to report to the next meeting.” At the next meeting, 1875, the committee reported a number of formulae, some differing from those previ- ously adopted by the Society, others new. Since that time many formulae have been introduced through the “ Report on the Progress of Pharmacy,” which is the portion of the Proceedings of the American Pharmaceu- tical Association devoted to a review of the advance of pharmacy during the year, but there has been no other official consideration of these preparations. In reviewing the work to which we have referred, we shall simply say that in many instances experience has demonstrated that there are defects in the formulae which may be overcome. It was not to be expected that the work of these committees could be perfect, and while from necessity we often deviate in manipulation from the formulae offered by the committees, we feel that inas- much as the proportions of the medicinal ingredients are ELIXIRS. 21 retained by us, our formulae may be considered as an- swering the requirements of the American Pharmaceuti- cal Association. Twelve, eleven, and eight years have passed since these committees successively reported, more than the time required between revisions of our Pharmacopoeia, and doubtless the members of the com- mittee have individually revised many of their pro- cesses, profiting by these years of experience and by the criticisms of others. In connection with the elixir ques- tion and the American Pharmaceutical Association, we must not overlook the valuable paper presented by Mr. R. W. Gardner at the meeting in Saratoga, 1880, and which embraces more formulae than had elsewhere, to our knowledge, been compiled at that time, and to which we often refer in the work which follows. We must not overlook the series of formulae adopted by the Newark Pharmaceutical Association, 1876, and those adopted by the Associated Committees of the Na- tional College of Pharmacy and the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. The formulae recommended by both of these bodies were published in the various pharmaceutical journals and served a good purpose. Compound elixirs have now multiplied until their number is such as to be burdensome. The problem regarding proportion of ingredients was one that early commanded our attention, and which w'e endeavored to systematize, in the absence of authority, so as to con- form, if possible, to some general rule. The necessity for some such action may be illustrated as follows : Elixir of phosphate of quinine contains one grain of quinine in each fluid drachm. Elixir of pyrophosphate of iron contains two grains of pyrophosphate of iron in each fluid drachm. 22 ELIXIRS. What shall be the proportion of phosphate of quinine and of pyrophosphate of iron in each fluid drachm of elixir of phosphate of quinine and pyrophosphate of iron? Again, Elixir of phosphate of quinine contains one grain of quinine in each fluid drachm. Elixir of phosphate of cinchonidine contains one grain of cinchonidine in each fluid drachm. Elixir of phosphate of cinchonine contains two grains of cinchonine in each fluid drachm. What shall be the proportion of the several ingre- dients in the elixir of phosphate of quinine, cinchonidine, and cinchonine ? If each fluid drachm of this last elixir contains the amount of each ingredient which is present in the same amount of the simple elixir of that substance, we will have four grains of the combined alkaloids, an unrea- sonable quantity for a preparation of the character of an elixir. In consequence of examples similar to those above named and which demanded some regular plan of procedure, if such could be devised, we have for many years attempted to systematize the matter, and our efforts have met with some success. In making compound elixirs, where it was possible, we have represented in each fluid drachm the aggregate amount of alkaloids which would be present were the several elixirs mixed together in equal quantities. We believe that, as a rule, under the conditions which confront us in the problem of compound elixirs, physicians desire the associated action of smaller amounts of the several ingredients rather than the full dose of each. It is true that, for ob- vious reasons, this rule cannot always be upheld, but ELIXIRS. 23 where it has been practicable we have endeavored to carry it out. The proportion of strychnine in the elixirs of com- merce has never been uniform, and even the men who seem to have made elixir formulae a special considera- tion vary one from another. Some use one grain of strychnine to sixteen fluid ounces of the finished elixir, which is the one-hundred-and-twenty-eighth part of a grain to each fluid drachm, while others use sever- ally one-hundredth, one-sixtieth, and one-fifty-first of a grain. Strychnine is far too violent and poisonous a substance for such a range of proportions, and in our opinion it is to be regretted that, even though ignoring elixirs as a class, our Committee upon Revision of the Pharmacopoeia did not adopt some proportion which pharmacists could adopt in order to further a uniformity in these preparations. In our work we have accepted the report last adopted by the American Pharmaceuti- cal Association on elixirs, and our standard is two and one-half grains of strychnine to sixteen fluid ounces of the finished elixir, which is equivalent to one-fifty-first of a grain in each fluid drachm. This we consider near enough to be called, in round numbers, one-fiftieth of a grain, and as we have not deviated from this proportion in the work which follows, wherever we use the expres- sion “one-fiftieth of a grain,” the foregoing proportion is understood. In making solutions of strychnine, we convert it into a soluble salt by means of acetic acid. This forms a combination which in our experience is best for asso- ciating strychnine with the entire list of substances which are used to form the compound elixirs containing that alkaloid. In some instances the elixir in which the 24 ELIXIRS. strychnine is to be placed has ap alkaline reaction and may decompose the salt, yet as the elixir contains some alcohol, and besides has as a menstruum a solvent action different from that of water, it does not necessarily fol- low that precipitation of the alkaloid will result. How- ever, it is well to be cautious, and should a white floccu- lent precipitate occur in elixirs containing strychnine and which are alkaline in reaction, this precipitate should be considered as dangerous and care exercised in dispensing the elixir. In all the formulas where it is practicable we have in- troduced fluid extracts instead of crude drugs. This we consider advantageous for several reasons, and fluid ex- tracts may now be readily obtained to represent nearly every plant used in medicine. In many instances we object to certain drugs under any consideration as the foundation of an elixir, and we have not hesitated to criticise freely where the medicinal principles of the drug cannot in our opinion be extracted or held in solu- tion by the elixir. However, if the menstruum precipi- tates these principles from the fluid extract, it will prob- ably refuse to extract them from the crude drug, so that little if any advantage will accrue in this direction from the use of the crude material. We vary from the meth- ods employed by the committee appointed by the Amer- ican Pharmaceutical Association regarding the manner of mixing a tincture or fluid extract with the menstruum. If they are mixed directly together, precipitation results immediately of much of such substances as are insoluble in the resultant menstruum. This produces a prepara- tion which pharmacists and physicians refuse to accept as an elixir. True it is that these substances may be inert, and that filtration will separate them; yet the na- ELIXIRS. 25 ture of the case is such that filtration is only of tempo- rary benefit, and even after several filtrations the precip- itation continues. This trouble may be overcome to a great extent by following the old process for making medicated waters, that is, by triturating the fluid extract or tincture with magnesium carbonate, or with some other inert powder if this substance is inadmissible, after which the simple elixir is added and the mixture filtered. By this process the insoluble materials are separated at once, which is preferable to having the precipitation ex- tend over days and weeks. Besides, the surface exposure caused by the trituration of the fluid extract with the magnesium carbonate may favor the saturation of the menstruum in the manner it does with essential oils un- der the same conditions. We have adopted a simple elixir which practically agrees with that of our Pharmacopoeia (1883), although the method of manipulation differs somewhat. We ob- ject to elixirs which contain cinnamon, caraway, corian- der, cardamom, or cloves (unless used as aromatic elixirs), for many persons are prejudiced against certain of these substances, and it is not unusual to meet persons with whom the flavor of one of the foregoing is unbearable. The simple elixir should, in our opinion, be as nearly as possible pleasant to the majority of persons, and we have no record' of an objection to the flavor of lemon or of orange, separate or combined. Our formula for sim- ple elixir, therefore, associates these substances in such proportion as to produce a very acceptable and grateful combination, the orange preponderating. When we consider that in the pages which follow we find processes for making 238 different elixirs, we are confronted with the fact that these elixirs alone would 26 ELIXIRS. fill the shelves of an ordinary store-room. The problem to be considered by pharmacists is that of finding the most convenient method which will enable them to dis- pense these combinations in a creditable manner without overstocking their shelves. This has been and is a con- sideration of pressing importance to the writer, and the trouble has been overcome, to a very great extent, by adopting a system which would permit the preparation of compound elixirs from those more simple, and in study- ing how to make the different elixirs from compatible ingredients. In many instances this is impossible without injury to the product, and yet, in the large majority of cases, pharmacists are able to extemporize and supply most demands from their stock of standard elixirs, which are those in most common use. Some elixirs may be called permanent, but this term cannot be applied to the larger number. Associations of the alkaloids in acid solution only, or elixir of pyro- phosphate of iron in alkaline solution, or others under certain conditions, might possibly be claimed as fairly permanent. However, the elixir of pyrophosphate of iron will decompose if exposed to the sunlight or even strongly diffused daylight, and it may gelatinize after a time if of acid reaction, while alterations will follow with the solutions of the alkaloids. Few organic bodies are permanent in solution containing far more alcohol than is permissible with the modern elixir, and in consequence many elixirs will alter in appearance, or even precipitate, if they contain the substances which are supposed to be present. In reviewing the formulae which follow, the reader may criticise the number of different elixirs presented. This, we admit, is a fault, but one beyond our control, ELIXIRS. 27 and some of the elixirs are seldom used, some are sim- ple curiosities. This country is large, however, and if the reader will regard a certain preparation as one which should have been omitted, he may be surprised to learn that in other localities it is very much in demand. Time and again we have been surprised on learning of the local consumption of substances we scarcely thought com- manded a sale, and upon the other hand, we have ex- cited comment over certain preparations scarcely known to others and yet made by us in quantities. In connec- tion with this phase of the subject we feel that our position is not that of a judge—a position occupied by certain committees—but that, as our subject is “ elixirs,” it is our duty to consider them as a body. We desire to call attention to the fact that it was our first intention to give the several processes and criti- cisms which have been made regarding each elixir intro- duced during the past twenty years. This proved to be impracticable, and we were forced to draw the line sharply. If the reader will select as an example any one of the prominent elixirs, and hunt up the reviews, different formulas, etc., regarding it which have ap- peared in the various pharmaceutical journals and the Proceedings of the American Pharmaceutical Association during that period, he will doubtless be astonished at the magnitude of the matter ; and when it is remembered that recent years have given us several new and worthy pharmaceutical journals, and that elixirs are more or less considered by all of them, it will be seen that to give an intelligent and faithful resume in a work like ours would be impracticable. Our aim has been to credit those who introduced spe- cial combinations and the journals whose pages we con- 28 ELIXIRS. suited to find their records, and if oversights have been made, as is likely, we assure the reader that they were unintentional. In conclusion, we may say that we trust pharmacists will find our formulae to present some advantages over a line of compilations, for they are not simply abstracts from the work that others have done. ELIXIR FORMULAE. ELIXIR ADJUVANS. Fluid Extract Orange Peel X fluid ounces Fluid Extract Coriander... • X “ << Fluid Extract Caraway • X “ a Fluid Extract Wild Cherry Bark . I “ a Fluid Extract Liquorice Root . iX “ it Simple Elixir .14 “ u Alcohol Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. • X “ a Mix the fluid extracts and evaporate them to one- half their bulk, at a temperature not exceeding i5o°Fah. Triturate the remaining liquid in a capacious mortar with carbonate of magnesium, in amount sufficient to form a creamy mixture, then gradually add the simple elixir, stirring well, and filter. Lastly, mix the filtrate with the alcohol. The ingredients for this elixir were named in the Druggists’ Circular, 1879. ELIXIR OF BROMIDE OF AMMONIUM. Bromide of Ammonium 640 grains Simple Elixir Dissolve the bromide of ammonium in the simple elixir, and filter if necessary. Each teaspoonful of the finished elixir contains five grains of bromide of ammonium. 30 ELIXIR FORMULAE. (Compound Tincture of Aloes.) ELIXIR ALOES. Aloes Saffron 3 “ Tincture Myrrh Reduce the drugs to a coarse powder and macerate in the alcohol for fourteen days, stirring the mixture thor- oughly each day; then filter. [“ The New Dispensatory,” London, 1770.) ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM. Valerianate of Ammonium 256 grains Simple Elixir, Ammonia Water, Carmine Solution®, of each a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the valerianate of ammonium in twelve fluid ounces of simple elixir, and bring this to the measure of sixteen fluid ounces by the addition of a sufficient amount of simple elixir. Then cautiously add ammonia water until in slight excess, and color with solution of carmine until decidedly red. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir represents two grains of valerianate of * Solution of Carmine.— This preparation has been used some twelve years by the writer, in preference to any “ tincture ” of cochineal. The fat in cochineal causes such preparations to putrefy in warm weather; and to extract the fat by means of ether from the powdered cochineal, previous to tincturing, is expensive and tedious. The term “ tincture of cochineal” is scarcely appropriate, as applied to the aqueous solutions made of cochineal, cream of tartar and alum, and as the object is simply to secure a coloring matter, the term might with equal propriety be applied to our so- lution of carmine, made as follows : Carmine, No. 40, . . . 60 grains Distilled Water, Glycerin,'of each, .... Ammonia Water, a sufficient quantity. 4 fluid ounces Powder the carmine and triturate with the water, gradually adding ammonia water, until the carmine disappears and a dark red.liquid, free from insoluble matter, remains. To this add the glycerine, and mix. Should this solution ever become murky, a little ammonia water will restore its transparency. Solution of carmine is necessarily alkaline, and can not be employed to color acid liquids. For all neutral or alkaline solutions it is admirable, and for soda water syrups is far preferable to analine red. ELIXIR FORMULAE. 31 ammonium, the same as that adopted by the American Pharmaceutical Association, 1873. Valerianate of ammonium, especially if the valerianic acid is in excess, has, to most persons, a very offensive odor. This the addition of the ammonia water tends to subdue, but wherever valerianate of ammonium is free, or in aqueous solution, the odor will remain. If dissolved in officinal alcohol, however, it is scarcely apparent, but such a solution will not conform to our modern “elixir.” The addition of water to the alcoholic solution revives the odor. The history of this elixir is of interest, since it was among the first of the popular elixirs introduced, and has retained its prestige to the present day. In an essay by Mr. Trovillo H. K. Enos, read before the Maryland Col- lege of Pharmacy, 1861, the statement is made that “a preparation known as Pierlot’s solution of Valerianate of Ammonium has long been used among physicians in Phil- adelphia ; but the disagreeable taste and odor of the solu- tion having been found objectionable to patients, the pharmacists have been led to suggest some mode of dis- guising both, and presenting the preparation in an agree- able form for administration, without materially altering its effect; and the form of an elixir has been adopted.” Mr. Enos then gave his formula, which was as follows: Valerianic Acid i fluid drachm Simple Syrup i fluid ounce Extract of Sweet Orange Peel 2 fluid drachms Alcohol i fluid ounce Orange Flower water Distilled water, Carbonate of Ammonium, of ]/2 fluid ounce each a sufficient quantity. Dilute the valerianic acid with one-half fluid ounce of water, and neutralize it with the carbonate of ammonium, add the alcohol, having 32 ELIXIR FORMULAE. previously mixed it with the fluid extract of orange peel, and then add the other ingredients, and filter. In the year 1863 Mr. Joseph Roberts accepted a query in the American Pharmaceutical Association, as follows : “What is the best formula for Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium, which shall be nearly free from valerianic odor, and elegantly aromatized ? ” Having failed to re- ply, in 1865 Mr. J. Paris Moore gave a formula to the Society, which in substance agreed with that of Mr. Enos, the principle being the formation of valerianate of am- monium from valerianic acid, by saturating it with car- bonate of ammonium. At this day valerianate of am- monium is employed instead of the valerianic acid. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH CIN- CHONIDINE. (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia with Cinchonidia.) Cinchonidine (Alkaloid) 128 grains Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium, Acetic Acid, of each a sufficient quantity. Triturate the cinchonidine in a mortar with acetic acid, in amount sufficient to effect its solution, and add to this liquid elixir of valerianate of ammonium until the product measures sixteen fluid ounces. If not of acid reaction, add cautiously acetic acid until it will redden blue litmus paper*, and filter if necessary. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, and one grain of cinchonidine, as the acetate of that alkaloid. i::All of the combinations of valerianate of ammonium and the alkaloids in elixir form should have an acid reaction. It is, therefore, to be understood with the formulae of this character which follow, that in case the elixir is alkaline it must be acidulated with acetic acid. ELIXIR FORMULAE. 33 ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH CIN- CHONIDINE AND CINCHONINE. (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia with Cinchonidia and Cinchonia.) Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Cinchoni- dine 8 fluid ounces Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Cincho- nine 8 “ “ Mix them together. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium and a half-grain each of cinchonidine and cinchonine as acetates of these alkaloids. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH CIN- CHONIDINE, CINCHONINE AND STRYCHNINE. (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia with Cinchonidia, Cinchonia and Strychnia.) Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Cinchoni- dine 8 fluid ounces Elixir of Valeriante of Ammonium with Cinchonine.8 “ “ Strychnine 2 x/2 grains Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantity. Triturate the strychnine in a mortar with acetic acid, in amount sufficient to effect its solution, and add the elixirs, having previously mixed them together. Filter if necessary. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, one- half grain each of cinchonidine and cinchonine, and one- fiftieth grain of strychnine. The alkaloids are in form of acetates. 34 ELIXIR FORMULAE. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH CIN- CHONIDINE AND PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON. (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia with Cinchonidia and Iron.) Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Cinchoni- dine 8 fluid ounces Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Pyrophos- phate of Iron. ... 8 “ “ Mix them together. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, one grain of pyrophospate of iron and one-half grain of cin- chonidine, the latter in the form of an acetate. Caution.— Excess of acid will cause the pyrophospate of iron to gelat- inize. Excess of alkali precipitates the cinchonidine. The elixir should be made as nearly neutral as possible, and remain transparent, by the use of acetic acid and ammonia water, as indicated by litmus paper. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH CIN- CHONIDINE, PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON AND STRYCHNINE. (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia, Cinchonidia, Iron and Strychnia.) Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Cinchoni- dine .8 fluid ounces Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Pyrophos- phate of Iron.... 8 “ “ Strychnine 2y2 grains Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantity. Triturate the strychnine in a mortar, with acetic acid in amount sufficient to effect its solution, and add this to the elixirs, having previously mixed them together. Use precautions suggested with elixir of valerianate of am- monium with cinchonidine and pyrophosphate of iron. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, one-half ELIXIR FORMULAE. 35 grain of pyrophosphate of iron, one-half grain of cin- chonidine, and one-fiftieth grain of strychnine. The al- kaloids exist as acetates. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH CIN- CHONINE. (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia with Cinchonia.) Cinchonine (Alkaloid) 128 grains Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium, Diluted Acetic Acid, of each a sufficient quantity. Triturate the cinchonine in a mortar, with the acetic acid in amount sufficient to effect its solution, and mix with this elixir of valerianate of ammonium, until the product measures sixteen fluid ounces. If not of acid reaction, add cautiously acetic acid until it will redden litmus paper, and filter if necessary. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, and one grain of cinchonine, as the acetate of that alkaloid. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH CIN- CHONINE AND PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON. (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia, Cinchonia and Iron.) Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Cinchonine.8 fluid ounces Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Pyrophos- phate of Iron 8 “ “ Mix them together. Use precautions suggested with elixir of valerianate of ammonium with cinchonidine and pyrophosphate of iron. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, one 36 ELIXIR FORMULAE. grain of pyrophosphate of iron, and one-half grain of cinchonine, as the acetate of that alkaloid. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH CIN- CHONINE, PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON AND STRYCHNINE. (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia, Cinchonia, Iron and Strychnia.) Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Cincho- nine and Pyrophosphate of Iron 16 fluid ounces Strychnine -i]/-, grains Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantity. Triturate the strychnine in a mortar, with acetic acid in amount sufficient to effect its solution, and then add the elixir of valerianate of ammonium with cinchonine and pyrophosphate of iron. Observe precautions sug- gested with elixir of valerianate of ammonium with cin- chonidine and pyrophosphate of iron. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, one grain of pyrophosphate of iron, one-half grain of cincho- nine, and one-fiftieth of a grain of strychnine. The alka- loids exist as acetates. This preparation should be as nearly neutral in reaction as it is possible to make it. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH CIN- CHONINE AND STRYCHNINE. (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia, Cinchonia and Strychnia.) Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Cincho- nine 16 fluid ounces Strychnine 2yz grains Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantity. Triturate the strychnine in a mortar, with acetic acid in sufficient amount to effect its solution, then add the ELIXIR FORMULAE. 37 elixir of valerianate of ammonium with cinchonine, and filter if necessary. If not of acid reaction, acidulate slightly with acetic acid. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, one grain of cinchonine, and one-fiftieth of a grain of strych- nine, as the acetate of that alkaloid. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON. (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia and Iron.) Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium Elixir of Pyrophosphate of Iron 8 “ “ Mix them together. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains one grain each of valerianate of ammonium and of pyrophosphate of iron. It should have a slightly alka- line reaction. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM AND QUI- NINE. Quinine (Alkaloid) 128 grains Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium, Diluted Acetic Acid, . of each a sufficient quantity. Triturate the quinine in a mortar, with a sufficient amount of the acetic acid to effect its solution, then mix the liquid with enough elixir of valerianate of ammo- nium to produce sixteen fluid ounces. If not of acid re- action, add acetic acid until it will change the color of blue litmus paper to red. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir 38 ELIXIR FORMULAE. contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, and one. grain of quinine, as the acetate of that alkaloid. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH QUI- NINE AND CINCHONIDINE. Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium and Quinine 8 fluid ounces Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium and Cinchoni- dine 8 “ “ ( Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia with Quinia and Cinchonidia.) Mix them together. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, and one-half grain each of quinine and cinchonidine, as ace- tates of these alkaloids. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH QUI- NINE, CINCHONIDINE AND STRYCHNINE. Strychnine Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium 2^ with Quinine grains and Cinchonidine Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantity. 16 fluid ounces (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia, Quinia, Cinchonidia and Strychnia.) Triturate the strychnine in a mortar, with acetic acid in sufficient amount to effect its solution, then mix with the elixir of valerianate of ammonium with quinine and cinchonidine. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, one- half grain each of quinine and cinchonidine, and one-fif- tieth of a grain of strychnine. The alkaloids are in the form of acetates. ELIXIR FORMULAE. 39 ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH QUI- NINE, CINCHONIDINE, PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON AND STRYCHNINE. (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia, Quinia, Cinchonidia, Iron and Strychnia.) Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Quinine and Pyrophosphate of Iron 8 fluid ounces Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Cinchoni- dine and Pyrophosphate of Iron 8 fluid ounces Strychnine grains Triturate the strychnine in a mortar, with acetic acid in sufficient quantity to effect its solution, and add this to the elixirs, having previously mixed them together ; and filter if necessary. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, one- fourth grain each of quinine and cinchonidine, one grain of pyrophosphate of iron, and one-fiftieth grain of strych- nine. The alkaloids exist as acetates. This elixir should be as nearly neutral as it is possible to make it. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH QUI- NINE AND CINCHONINE. (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia with Quinia and Cinchonia.) Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium and Quinine... .8 fluid ounces Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Cinchonine.8 “ “ Mix them together. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, and one-half grain each of quinine and cinchonine, as ace- tates of these alkaloids. 40 ELIXIR FORMULAE. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH QUI- NINE, CINCHONINE AND STRYCHNINE. (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia, Quinia and Strychnia.) Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Quinine and Cinchonine 16 fluid ounces Strychnine 2y2 grains Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantity. Triturate the strychnine in a mortar, with acetic acid in amount sufficient to effect its solution, and add this to the elixir of valerianate of ammonium with quinine and cinchonine. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, one- half grain each of quinine and cinchonine, and one-fiftieth of a grain of strychnine. The alkaloids exist as ace- tates. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH QUI- NINE AND PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON. (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia with Quinia and Iron.) Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Quinine 8 fluid ounces Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Pyrophos- phate of Iron 8 “ “ Mix them together. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium and one-half grain each of pyrophosphate of iron and qui- nine. Observe the precautions suggested with elixir of valerianate of ammonium with cinchonidine and pyro- phosphate of iron. ELIXIR FORMULAS. 41 ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH QUI- NINE, PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON AND STRYCHNINE. Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia, Quinia, Iron and Strychnia. Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium with Quinine and Pyrophosphate of Iron 16 fluid ounces Strychnine iy2 grains Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantity. Triturate the strychnine in a mortar, with acetic acid in amount sufficient to effect its solution, and mix this liquid with the elixir of valerianate of ammonium with quinine and pyrophosphate of iron, and filter if nec- essary. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, one- half grain each of quinine and pyrophosphate of iron, and one-fiftieth of a grain of strychnine, the alkaloids being in the form of acetates. Observe the precautions suggested with elixir of valerianate of ammonium with cinchonidine and pyrophosphate of iron. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH QUI- NINE AND STRYCHNINE. Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium and Quinine.. .16 fluid ounces Strychnine 2y2 grains Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantity. Triturate the strychnine in a mortar, with acetic acid in amount sufficient to effect its solution, and mix this liquid with the elixir of valerianate of ammonium. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, one grain of quinine, and one-fiftieth of a grain of strychnine, as an acetate of that alkaloid. 42 ELIXIR FORMULAE ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH STRYCHNINE. Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium . . Strychnine Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantity. . 2yz graint? Triturate the strychnine in a mortar, with acetic acid in sufficient amount to effect its solution, and mix this with the elixir of valerianate of ammonium. If not of acid reaction, add enough acetic acid to change blue lit- mus paper to red. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of valerianate of ammonium, and one-fiftieth *of a grain of strychnine as an acetate of that alkaloid. ELIXIR OF VALERIANATE OF AMMONIUM WITH SUMBUL. Fluid Extract of Sumbul . .. 2 fluid ounces Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonium Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. ..14 “ “ (Elixir of Valerianate of Ammonia with Musk Root.) Triturate the fluid extract of sumbul in a capacious mortar, with carbonate of magnesium in amount suffi- cient to form a creamy mixture, then gradually add the elixir of valerianate of ammonium, stirring well, and filter. Each fluid drachm of the finished elixir represents two grains of valerianate of ammonium, and according to this formula each fluid drachm should contain the active prin- ciples of seven and a half minims of fluid extract of sum- bul. But, as a matter of fact, that amount will not dis- solve in that quantity of the menstruum, the excess remaining in the filter paper. ELIXIR FORMULAE. 43 ELIXIR ANTIGLAIREUX. (Elixir for Glenorrhcea. Lavolley’s Purgative Elixir Tinctura Purggas. Tinctura Jalaps Compositas.) Jalap Turpeth Root Scammony Diluted Alcohol Mix the drugs and reduce them to a coarse powder, and macerate this in the diluted alcohol for ten days, stirring the mixture thoroughly each day; then filter. (American Journal of Pharmacy, 1881.) ELIXIR ANTIGOUTTEUX DE VILLETTE. Brown Cinchona Bark 25 troy ounces Poppy Petals ™'/t << 4 ' grains Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantity. Triturate the strychnine in a mortar, with acetic acid sufficient to dissolve it, and then add the elixirs, having previously mixed them together. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains (subject to remarks which follow) one grain of pyrophosphate of iron and one-half grain each of ammo- nio-citrate of bismuth and of pepsin, and one-fiftieth grain of strychnine. This mixture, like many others we have been led to consider in this work, reminds us of the poly-pharmacy of olden times, excepting that the constituents are new. In considering it we must accept that the pepsin has no value as a therapeutical agent unless its action is simply suspended by the alkaline nature of the elixir. 122 ELIXIR FORMULAE. ELIXIR OF PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON WITH PEPSIN AND STRYCHNINE. (Elixir of Iron, Pepsin and Strychnia. Elixir of Pepsin, Iron and Strych- nia.) Elixir of Pyrophosphate of Iron with Pepsin... Strychnine Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantity. Triturate the strychnine in a mortar, with acetic acid in sufficient amount to effect its solution, and then add the elixir of pyrophosphate of iron with pepsin. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains one grain each of pyrophosphate of iron and of pepsin, and about one-fiftieth of a grain of strychnine, as the acetate of that alkaloid. ELIXIR OF PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON AND STRYCH- NINE. (Elixir of Iron and Strychnia.) Strychnine grains Elixir of Pyrophosphate of Iron Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantfty. fluid ounces Powder the strychnine and gradually add acetic acid and triturate until a clear solution results. Mix this with the elixir of pyrophosphate of iron, and if not of neutral reaction add acetic acid or ammonia water to neutralization. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains the fiftieth of a grain of strychnine in the form of acetate of strychnine, which is the proportion adopted by the American Pharmaceutical Association, 1875. Our experience is decidedly in favor of acetic acid for making the salts of all alkaloids which are to be associa- ELIXIR FORMULAE. 123 ted with pyrophosphate or citrate of iron. These prep- arations of iron are incompatible with most acids, and re- quire to be neutral or alkaline if held in solution, while upon the contrary most alkaloids demand an excess of an acid. Acetic acid may be added until the solution of the iron salt is even slightly acid, as shown by its action on blue litmus paper, and such a solution will generally remain clear, although it may gelatinize. Every aque- ous or slightly alcoholic liquid containing strychnine in solution should have if possible an acid reaction, else the alkaloid may gradually separate, and danger of poisoning follow the administration of this sediment. Hence, our directions to add enough acetic acid to overcome all al- kaline reaction. ELIXIR OF JUNIPER BERRIES. Fluid Extract of Juniper Berries .. 2 fluid ounces Simple Elixir ,..14 “ “ Holland Gin Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. ... 2 “ “ Triturate the fluid extract of juniper berries in a capa- cious mortar, with carbonate of magnesium in amount sufficient to form a creamy mixture ; then gradually add the simple elixir, stirring well, and filter. Lastly, mix the filtrate with the Holland gin. Each fluid drachm of the finished elixir represents seven and a half minims of fluid extract of juniper berries. A formula for elixir of juniper berries was suggested in the Druggists Circular, 1878, which contained the ingredients upon which we have based our process. 124 ELIXIR FORMULAE. ELIXIR OF JABORANDI. Fluid Extract of Jaborandi. 2 fluid ounces Simple Elixir 14 “ “ Alcohol ]/2 “ “ Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. Triturate the fluid extract of jaborandi in a capacious mortar, with carbonate of magnesium in amount suffi- cient to form a creamy mixture; then gradually add the simple elixir, stirring well, and filter. Lastly, mix the filtrate with the alcohol. Each fluid drachm of the finished elixir will contain the medicinal principles of seven and a half minims of fluid extract of jaborandi. KLEIN’S STOMACHIC ELIXIR. (Elixir Viscerale Kleinii.) Extract Carduus Benedictus i troy ounce Extract Erythraea Centaurium I it it Extract Gentian i it it Tincture Bitter Orange Peel 20 fluid ounces Malaga Wine 32 (< it Place the extracts in a mortar and bring them to a creamy consistence by trituration, with successive addi- tions of small amounts of wine ; then stir in the remain- der of the wine and add the tincture of orange peel, and filter. (From the non-Officinal Formulary of the Dutch Society for the Advancement of Pharmacy.) Lactopeptin is private property. Under this name a preparation has been introduced and extensively adver- ELIXIR LACTOPEPTIN. ELIXIR FORMULAE. 125 and through courtesy to the rightful owners, who also make an “ Elixir of Lactopeptin,” we refrain from interfering. ELIXIR OF LACTUCARIUM. Lactucarium 256 grains Simple Elixir 16 fluid ounces Triturate the lactucarium with the simple elixir, allow the mixture to remain in a covered vessel for twenty-four hours, shaking occasionally, then filter it. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains the properties of two grains of lactucarium. LAXATIVE ELIXIR. Fluid Extract of Rhubarb • • X fluid ounce Fluid Extract of Senna • • X ii ii Fluid Extract of Taraxacum ■ ■ X “ “ Fluid Extract of Buckthorn Bark • X a a Fluid Extract of Ginger ■ • X n a Rochelle Salt troy ounce Simple Elixir Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. .14 fluid ounces Triturate the fluid extracts (having previously mixed them together) in a capacious mortar, with carbonate of magnesium in amount sufficient to form a creamy mix- ture ; then gradually add the simple elixir, stirring well, and filter. Lastly, dissolve in the filtrate the Rochelle salt. This elixir is about like that of Mr. R. W. Gardner, as published in the Proceedings of the American Pharma- ceutical Association, 1880, excepting that we have omit- ted phosphate and bicarbonate of sodium. 126 ELIXIR FORMULAE. Scammony Turpeth Root Jalap Diluted Alcohol LEROY’S PURGATIVE ELIXIR. Macerate the drugs (coarsely powdered) in the alcohol for twelve hours, and in a warm location, and filter. Mix the filtrate with a syrup made as follows: Senna, bruised 480 grains Boiling Water 4 fluid ounces Sugar 3 Yz troy ounces Infuse the senna in the boiling water, strain and dis- solve the sugar in the liquid. This formula was pub- lished in the Druggists Circular, 1875. The above elixir must not be confounded with “Le- roy’s Vomito-Purgative Elixir.” LEROY’S VOMITO-PURGATIVE ELIXIR. Fluid Extract of Senna fluid ounces Tartar Emetic 20 grains White Wine 16 fluid ounces Triturate the fluid extract of senna in a capacious mor- tar, with carbonate of magnesium in amount sufficient to form a creamy mixture ; then gradually add the wine, stirring well, and filter. Lastly, dissolve the tartar emetic in the filtrate. The original formula used senna leaves, instead of the fluid extract of senna. ELIXIR FORMULAE. 127 Opium 6 drachms Castile Soap 6 << Nutmegs a Camphor 4 n Saffron 40 grains Spirit of Ammonia 9 fluid ounces LETTSOM’S ELIXIR. Mix and reduce the drugs to a coarse powder, and macerate this in the spirit of ammonia for ten days, stir- ring the mixture thoroughly each day, then filter.—Au- gustin. BITTER ELIXIR OF LIFE. Aloes Cinnamon io “ “ Calamus “ “ Angelica Root 5 “ “ Saffron 6 “ “ Caramel io “ “ Glycerine Alcohol Water 350 Mix and reduce the drugs to a coarse powder and macerate this in the mixed alcohol and water for four- teen days, stirring the mixture thoroughly each day; then filter, and to the filtrate add the glycerine and cara- mel. (Hager.— “New Remedies,” 1878.) *The German Pharmacopoeia, 1872, substitutes compound tincture of aloes for this elixir. 128 ELIXIR FORMULAE. ELIXIR OF LACTO-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. (Elixir of Lacto-Phosphate of Calcium.) Precipitated Phosphate of Calcium 128 grains Simple Elixir, Lactic Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Ammonia Water, Distilled Water, of each a sufficient quantity. Mix the precipitated phosphate of calcium with six- teen fluid ounces of cold distilled water, and add enough hydrochloric acid to dissolve it. Filter this solution, and mix with its bulk of cold water, and then add ammonia water until in slight excess. Transfer the mixture to a fine muslin strainer, and when the liquid has drained re- turn the magma to the vessel, mix it with the amount of water before employed, and again transfer it to the strainer. As soon as the magma is again drained, trans- fer it to a mortar and dissolve it by the addition of a suffi- cient amount of lactic acid. Filter this, and add enough simple elixir to produce sixteen fluid ounces. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains one grain of. lacto-phosphate of calcium. Fluid Extract of Liquorice .. 2 fluid ounces Simple Elixir Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. ..14 “ “ ELIXIR OF LIQUORICE. Triturate the fluid extract of liquorice in a capacious mortar with carbonate of magnesium in amount sufficient to form a creamy mixture, then gradually add the sim- ple elixir, stirring well, and filter. Each fluid drachm of the finished elixir represents seven and a half minims of fluid extract of liquorice. This preparation is used mainly to disguise the taste of qui- ELIXIR FORMULAE. 129 nine. Elixir of glycyrrhizin is an admirable substitute. The remarks concerning that elixir apply with equal perti- nence to elixir of liquorice. Fluid Extract of Liquorice . 2 fluid ounces Fluid Extract of Sweet Orange • X U u Fluid Extract of Coriander • X (( << Fluid Extract of Angelica Seed • X U << Fluid Extract of Cinnamon • X << Fluid Extract of Cloves • A << <( Simple Elixir .13 u a Alcohol Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. • X a u ELIXIR OF LIQUORICE, AROMATIC. Triturate the fluid extracts, having previously mixed them together in a capacious mortar, with carbonate of magnesium in amount sufficient to form a creamy mix- ture ; then gradually add the simple elixir, stirring well, and filter. Lastly, mix the filtrate with the alcohol. Each fluid drachm of the finished elixir represents seven and a half minims of fluid extract of liquorice, together with aromatics. This elixir is used to disguise the taste of quinine, which it accomplishes mainly by rendering it insoluble; hence, we refer the reader to our remarks con- cerning elixir of glycyrrhizin, which may with equal per- tinence be applied to this preparation. Aromatic elixir of liquorice was introduced through the Druggists Circular, in 1879, although similar prepara- tions had been employed previously, and the elixir of liquorice of Mr. G. G. C. Sims (see Druggists'’ Circular, 1874) was nearly identical with the above. 120 ELIXIR FORMULAE. ELIXIR OF PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON WITH VALE- RIANATE OF QUININE AND ACETATE OF STRYCHNINE. Valerianate of Quinine 128 graino Pyrophosphate of Iron 128 << Strychnine 2^ ' << Simple Elixir Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantity. fluid ounces (Elixir of Valerianate of Quinia with Iron and Strychnia.) Triturate the strychnine in a mortar with acetic acid in amount sufficient to effect its solution, then add the valerianate of quinine and four fluid ounces of simple elixir and triturate until the valerianate is dissolved. Should the valerianate of quinine fail to dissolve after a moderate time add a little acetic acid. Lastly, dissolve the pyrophosphate in the remainder of the simple elixir, and mix the solutions. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains one grain each of the valerianate of quinine and pyrophosphate of iron, and one-fiftieth grain of strych- nine. This formula corresponds, regarding proportions, with one offered by the Druggists' Circular, 1871, excepting that ours contains half the amount of pyrophosphate of iron. ELIXIR OF PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON WITH PEPSIN. (Elixir of Iron and Pepsin. Ferrated Elixir of Pepsin.) Elixir of Pyrophosphate of Iron 8 fluid ounces Elixir of Pepsin 8 “ “ Mix them together, and if not neutral or of slightly al- kaline reaction, cautiously add ammonia water until it will change blue litmus paper to red. ELIXIR FORMULAS. 121 Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains one grain each of pyrophosphate of iron and such a modification of pepsin as can exist under the con- ditions necessary to form the elixir. ELIXIR OF PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON WITH PEPSIN, BISMUTH AND STRYCHNINE. (Elixir of Iron, Pepsin, Bismuth and Strychnia. Elixir of Pepsin, Bismuth, Strychnia and Iron.) Elixir of Pyrophosphate of Iron 8 fluid ounces Elixir of Ammonio-Citrate of Bismuth and Pepsin.8 “ “ Strychnine grains Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantity. Triturate the strychnine in a mortar, with acetic acid sufficient to dissolve it, and then add the elixirs, having previously mixed them together. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains (subject to remarks which follow) one grain of pyrophosphate of iron and one-half grain each of ammo- nio-citrate of bismuth and of pepsin, and one-fiftieth grain of strychnine. This mixture, like many others we have been led to consider in this work, reminds us of the poly-pharmacy of olden times, excepting that the constituents are new. In considering it we must accept that the pepsin has no value as a therapeutical agent unless its action is simply suspended by the alkaline nature of the elixir. 122 ELIXIR FORMULAE. ELIXIR OF PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON WITH PEPSIN AND STRYCHNINE. (Elixir of Iron, Pepsin and Strychnia. Elixir of Pepsin, Iron and Strych- nia.) Elixir of Pyrophosphate of Iron with Pepsin... Strychnine ... 16 fluid ounces Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantity. Triturate the strychnine in a mortar, with acetic acid in sufficient amount to effect its solution, and then add the elixir of pyrophosphate of iron with pepsin. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains one grain each of pyrophosphate of iron and of pepsin, and about one-fiftieth of a grain of strychnine, as the acetate of that alkaloid. ELIXIR OF PYROPHOSPHATE OF IRON AND STRYCH- NINE. Strychnine 2^ grains Elixir of Pyrophosphate of Iron Acetic Acid, a sufficient quantfty. fluid ounces (Elixir of Iron and Strychnia.) Powder the strychnine and gradually add acetic acid and triturate until a clear solution results. Mix this with the elixir of pyrophosphate of iron, and if not of neutral reaction add acetic acid or ammonia water to neutralization. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains the fiftieth of a grain of strychnine in the form of acetate of strychnine, which is the proportion adopted by the American Pharmaceutical Association, 1875. Our experience is decidedly in favor of acetic acid for making the salts of all alkaloids which are to be associa- ELIXIR FORMULAE. 123 ted with pyrophosphate or citrate of iron. These prep- arations of iron are incompatible with most acids, and re- quire to be neutral or alkaline if held in solution, while upon the contrary most alkaloids demand an excess of an acid. Acetic acid may be added until the solution of the iron salt is even slightly acid, as shown by its action on blue litmus paper, and such a solution will generally remain clear, although it may gelatinize. Every aque- ous or slightly alcoholic liquid containing strychnine in solution should have if possible an acid reaction, else the alkaloid may gradually separate, and danger of poisoning follow the administration of this sediment. Hence, our directions to add enough acetic acid to overcome all al- kaline reaction. ELIXIR OF JUNIPER BERRIES. Fluid Extract of Juniper Berries ,.. 2 fluid ounces Simple Elixir ,.. 14 “ “ Holland Gin Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. ... 2 “ “ Triturate the fluid extract of juniper berries in a capa- cious mortar, with carbonate of magnesium in amount sufficient to form a creamy mixture ; then gradually add the simple elixir, stirring well, and filter. Lastly, mix the filtrate with the Holland gin. Each fluid drachm of the finished elixir represents seven and a half minims of fluid extract of juniper berries. A formula for elixir of juniper berries was suggested in the Druggists Circular, 1878, which contained the ingredients upon which we have based our process. 124 ELIXIR FORMULAE. ELIXIR OF JABORANDI. Fluid Extract of Jaborandi 2 fluid ounces Simple Elixir 14 “ “ Alcohol y2 “ “ Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. Triturate the fluid extract of jaborandi in a capacious mortar, with carbonate of magnesium in amount suffi- cient to form a creamy mixture ; then gradually add the simple elixir, stirring well, and filter. Lastly, mix the filtrate with the alcohol. Each fluid drachm of the finished elixir will contain the medicinal principles of seven and a half minims of fluid extract of jaborandi. KLEIN’S STOMACHIC ELIXIR. Extract Carduus Benedictus I troy ounce Extract Erythraea Centaurium I << << Extract Gentian i U <( Tincture Bitter Orange Peel 20 fluid ounces Malaga Wine 32 <( ii (Elixir Viscerale Kleinii.) Place the extracts in a mortar and bring them to a creamy consistence by trituration, with successive addi- tions of small amounts of wine ; then stir in the remain- der of the wine and add the tincture of orange peel, and filter. (From the non-Officinal Formulary of the Dutch Society for the Advancement of Pharmacy.) ELIXIR LACTOPEPTIN. Lactopeptin is private property. Under this name a preparation has been introduced and extensively adver- ELIXIR FORMULAE. 125 and through courtesy to the rightful owners, who also make an “ Elixir of Lactopeptin, ” we refrain from interfering. ELIXIR OF LACTUCARIUM. Lactucarium 256 grains Simple Elixir 16 fluid ounces Triturate the lactucarium with the simple elixir, allow the mixture to remain in a covered vessel for twenty-four hours, shaking occasionally, then filter it. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains the properties of two grains of lactucarium. LAXATIVE ELIXIR. Fluid Extract of Rhubarb • A fluid ounce Fluid Extract of Senna • % ii ii Fluid Extract of Taraxacum • % ii it Fluid Extract of Buckthorn Bark ■ A “ “ Fluid Extract of Ginger • X it it Rochelle Salt . i troy ounce Simple Elixir Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. .14 fluid ounces Triturate the fluid extracts (having previously mixed them together) in a capacious mortar, with carbonate of magnesium in amount sufficient to form a creamy mix- ture ; then gradually add the simple elixir, stirring well, and filter. Lastly, dissolve in the filtrate the Rochelle salt. This elixir is about like that of Mr. R. W. Gardner, as published in the Proceedings of the American Pharma- ceutical Association, 1880, excepting that we have omit- ted phosphate and bicarbonate of sodium. 126 ELIXIR FORMULAE. LEROY’S PURGATIVE ELIXIR. Scammony grains Turpeth Root H Jalap 480 << Diluted Alcohol ounces Macerate the drugs (coarsely powdered) in the alcohol for twelve hours, and in a warm location, and filter. Mix the filtrate with a syrup made as follows: Senna, bruised 480 grains Boiling Water 4 fluid ounces Sugar 3 X troy ounces Infuse the senna in the boiling water, strain and dis- solve the sugar in the liquid. This formula was pub- lished in the Druggists Circular, 1875. The above elixir must not be confounded with “Le- roy’s Vomito-Purgative Elixir.” Fluid Extract of Senna i% fluid ounces Tartar Emetic 20 grains White Wine 16 fluid ounces LEROY’S VOMITO-PURGATIVE ELIXIR. Triturate the fluid extract of senna in a capacious mor- tar, with carbonate of magnesium in amount sufficient to form a creamy mixture ; then gradually add the wine, stirring well, and filter. Lastly, dissolve the tartar emetic in the filtrate. The original formula used senna leaves, instead of the fluid extract of senna. 127 ELIXIR FORMULAE. Opium 6 drachms Castile Soap 6 << Nutmegs i u Camphor a Saffron grains Spirit of Ammonia 9 fluid ounces LETTSOM’S ELIXIR. Mix and reduce the drugs to a coarse powder, and macerate this in the spirit of ammonia for ten days, stir- ring the mixture thoroughly each day, then filter.—Au- gustin. BITTER ELIXIR OF LIFE. Aloes Cinnamon io “ “ Calamus 2 yi “ Angelica Root 5 Saffron 6 “ “ Caramel IO “ “ Glycerine Alcohol Water 35° Mix and reduce the drugs to a coarse powder and macerate this in the mixed alcohol and water for four- teen days, stirring the mixture thoroughly each day; then filter, and to the filtrate add the glycerine and cara- mel. (Hager.— “New Remedies,” 1878.) * The German Pharmacopoeia, 1872, substitutes compound tincture of aloes for this elixir. 128 ELIXIR FORMULAS. ELIXIR OF LACTO-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. (Elixir of Lacto-Phosphate of Calcium.) Precipitated Phosphate of Calcium 128 grains Simple Elixir, Lactic Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Ammonia Water, Distilled Water, of each a sufficient quantity. Mix the precipitated phosphate of calcium with six- teen fluid ounces of cold distilled water, and add enough hydrochloric acid to dissolve it. Filter this solution, and mix with its bulk of cold water, and then add ammonia water until in slight excess. Transfer the mixture to a fine muslin strainer, and when the liquid has drained re- turn the magma to the vessel, mix it with the amount of water before employed, and again transfer it to the strainer. As soon as the magma is again drained, trans- fer it to a mortar and dissolve it by the addition of a suffi- cient amount of lactic acid. Filter this, and add enough simple elixir to produce sixteen fluid ounces. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains one grain of, lacto-phosphate of calcium. ELIXIR OF LIQUORICE. Fluid Extract of Liquorice ... 2 fluid ounces Simple Elixir Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. ...14 “ “ Triturate the fluid extract of liquorice in a capacious mortar with carbonate of magnesium in amount sufficient to form a creamy mixture, then gradually add the sim- ple elixir, stirring well, and filter. Each fluid drachm of the finished elixir represents seven and a half minims of fluid extract of liquorice. This preparation is used mainly to disguise the taste of qui- ELIXIR FORMULAE. 129 nine. Elixir of glycyrrhizin is an admirable substitute. The remarks concerning that elixir apply with equal perti- nence to elixir of liquorice. Fluid Extract of Liquorice . 2 fluid ounces Fluid Extract of Sweet Orange • X a << Fluid Extract of Coriander • X (( a Fluid Extract of Angelica Seed • X it u Fluid Extract of Cinnamon • X n a Fluid Extract of Cloves • X a a Simple Elixir a a Alcohol Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. • X a a ELIXIR OF LIQUORICE, AROMATIC. Triturate the fluid extracts, having previously mixed them together in a capacious mortar, with carbonate of magnesium in amount sufficient to form a creamy mix- ture ; then gradually add the simple elixir, stirring well, and filter. Lastly, mix the filtrate with the alcohol. Each fluid drachm of the finished elixir represents seven and a half minims of fluid extract of liquorice, together with aromatics. This elixir is used to disguise the taste of quinine, which it accomplishes mainly by rendering it insoluble; hence, we refer the reader to our remarks con- cerning elixir of glycyrrhizin, which may with equal per- tinence be applied to this preparation. Aromatic elixir of liquorice was introduced through the Druggists Circular, in 1879, although similar prepara- tions had been employed previously, and the elixir of liquorice of Mr. G. G. C. Sims (see Druggists' Circular, 1874) was nearly identical with the above. 130 ELIXIR FORMULAE. ELIXIR E SUCCO LIQUIRITI^E. Purified Liquorice Fennel Water 6 “ “ “ (Pectorale Elixir.) Anisated Spirit of Ammonia* 2 parts, by weight Make a solution, and add of— It forms a cloudy, brown liquid, which must be shaken up before dispensing. It should be preserved in well- closed vessels.—German Pharmacopoeia, 1870. This preparation is also called Elixir Pectorale Regis Danitae, or Pectoral Elixir of the King of Denmark. ELIXIR OF CITRATE OF LITHIUM. Citrate of Lithium Simple Elixir Dissolve the citrate of lithium in the simple elixir, and filter if necessary. Each fluid drachm (teaspoonful) of the finished elixir contains two grains of citrate of lithium. This propor- tion was adopted by the Joint Committees of the National College of Pharmacy and the Medical Society of the Dis- trict of Columbia. *Anisated Spirit of Ammonia. Dissolve one part of oil of anise in twenty-four parts of alcohol, and add five parts of ammonia water. All the proportions are by weight. ELIXIR FORMULAE. 131 ELIXIR OF LUPULIN. Fluid Extract of Lupulin 2 fluid ounces Simple Elixir 14 “ “ Alcohol yz “ “ Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. Triturate the fluid extract of lupulin in a capacious mortar, with carbonate of magnesium in amount sufficient to form a creamy mixture, then gradually add the simple elixir, stirring well; permit the mixture to macerate in a closed vessel for twelve hours, and filter. Lastly, mix the filtrate with the alcohol. Each fluid drachm of the finished elixir represents such an amount of seven and a half minims of fluid extract of lupulin as will dissolve in the menstruum. Elixir of Lupulin was introduced by Prof. C. Lewis Diehl, in 1872. ELIXIR OF MALTO-PEPSIN. Malto-Pepsin is private property. Under this name a preparation has been introduced and extensively adver- tised, and through courtesy to the rightful owners, who also make an “Elixir of Malto-Pepsin,” we refrain from interfering. ELIXIR OF MATICO. Fluid Extract of Matico 2 fluid ounces Simple Elixir 14 “ “ Alcohol yz “ “ Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. Triturate the fluid extract of matico in a capacious mortar, with carbonate of magnesium in amount sufficient to form a creamy mixture, then gradually add the simple 132 ELIXIR FORMULAE. elixir, stirring well, and filter. Lastly, mix the filtrate with the alcohol. Each fluid drachm of the finished elixir represents such part of seven and a half minims of fluid extract of matico as will dissolve in the menstruum employed in its preparation. We consider alcohol of specific gravity 0.820 to be the proper menstruum for exhausting the medicinal principles from matico, and the addition of water decreases its solvent power in proportion to the amount of water added. In consequence of this fact we object to an elixir of matico. COMPOUND ELIXIR OF MATICO. Fluid Extract of Matico .. 3 fluid ounces Fluid Extract of Buchu .. i << it Fluid Extract of Cubebs .. i u a Simple Elixir Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. . .16 u u Mix the fluid extracts, and evaporate the mixture, at a temperature of about 150° F., to one half its bulk. Trit- urate this with a sufficient amount of carbonate of mag- nesium to form a creamy mixture, then gradually stir in the simple elixir, and filter. The fluid extracts for the foregoing preparation should be made with alcohol s. g. 0.820. The proportion and ingredients of this elixir, and upon which we have based our formula, were given in the Druggists Circular, 1880. Each fluid drachm of the finished elixir will con- tain such an amount of the properties of about eleven minims of fluid extract of matico and three and one-half minims each of buchu and cubebs, as will dissolve in the menstruum. Since, in our opinion, strong alcohol only ELIXIR FORMULAE. 133 will perfectly extract the medicinal principles of these drugs, the actual value of this elixir is very much less than that of an equivalent amount of the original fluid ex- tracts, and its use by the physician must be unsatisfac- tory. ELIXIR OF MAY-APPLE. Fluid Extract of May-apple 2 fluid ounces Simple Elixir 14 “ “ Alcohol Yi “ “ Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. (Elixir of Podophyllum. Elixir of Mandrake.) Triturate the fluid extract of May-apple in a capacious mortar, with carbonate of magnesium in amount sufficient to form a creamy mixture, then gradually add the sim- ple elixir, stirring well, and filter. Lastly, mix the fil- trate with the alcohol. Each fluid drachm of the finished elixir represents such an amount of seven and one-half minims of fluid ex- tract of May-apple as the menstruum can dissolve. Since resin of podophyllum is almost insoluble in water, we do not admire the above preparation. COMPOUND ELIXIR OF MAY-APPLE. Fluid Extract of May-apple .. iy2 fluid ounces Fluid Extract of Senna . i “ “ Oil of Anise .10 minims Simple Elixir .. 14 fluid ounces Alcohol Carbonate of Magnesium, a sufficient quantity. .. 'A “ (Compound Elixir of Podophyllum. Compound Elixir of Mandrake.) Mix the fluid extracts and triturate this in a capacious mortar, with carbonate of magnesium in amount sufficient 134 ELIXIR FORMULAE. to form a creamy mixture, having previously triturated the oil of anise with the magnesium carbonate; then gradually add the simple elixir, stirring well, and filter. Lastly, mix the filtrate with the alcohol. Each fluid drachm of the finished elixir represents (subject to conditions noted under elixir of May-apple) about five minims of fluid extract of May-apple, and three minims of fluid extract of senna. A formula for this prep- aration was proposed by the Druggists’ Circular, 1872, containing in substance the foregoing ingredients. The remarks we make regarding elixir of May-apple, applies to this compound also, although we have the advantage of the senna in this instance, which yields its medicinal principles to the menstruum composing the elixir. COMPOUND ELIXIR OF MYRRH. (Elixir Myrrh* Compositum.) Extract of Savin Tincture of Castor Tincture of Myrrh K Digest them together and strain. “This preparation is improved from one described in some former dispensa- tories, under the name of Elixir Uterinum." ( New Dispensatory, London, 1770.) ELIXIR OF NUX VOMICA. Tincture of Nux Vomica .256 minims Simple Elixir Alcohol • M • X fluid ounces ;