358 Analysis of Scientific Books, 
bustion; in this way it is obtained free from metallic particles. By 
some oversight the quantity of water directed for the solution of the 
sulphate is however too small. 
Of the preparations of sulphur, the solution of that snbstance 
in oil, and the * precipitated sulphur,” might be dispensed with. 
The general directions given in the Pharmacopeia for the collec- 
tion, preservation, and preparation of vegetables, are meagre and un= 
satisfactory ; Mr. Phillips has merely transcribed them without any 
remarks. Among the distilled waters, we observe that cinnamons 
water, peppermint-water, miut-water, and penny-royal-water, are 
directed to be distilled either from the herbs, or from their essential 
oils. The same rule should have been extended to rose=water, 
which is more fragrant and less apt to acidify when so prepared. 
With very few exceptions, we think that the infusions and decoc- 
tions should have been left to extemporaneous prescriptions, espe= 
cially the former; there are also many among them which cer= 
tainly might have been altogether expunged. The extracts are also 
much too numerous; they are generally apt to spoil by keeping, and 
such only, therefore, should have been retained as are really useful. 
Under the term eatractum stramoni we have an useless extract of the 
seeds of the thorn-apple. i 
Among the mixtures and spirits we also have several useless, or, 
at least, unnecessary formule; among the latter, especially, spiritus 
ammonie fetidus, spiritus ammoni@ succinatus, spiritus armoracie@ 
compositus, spiritus colchici ammoniatus, spiritus menthe viridis, spi- 
ritus pimente, &c. &c., are mere incumbrances; if they are medi- 
cally wanted, extemporaneous prescriptions with the essential oils 
are preferable. The “ tinctures” offer a sufficiently judicious se= 
lection, but many of them might be improved by digestion for a 
shorter time, in a moderate heat; nothing is said of the temperature 
at which they should be prepared. 
Under the “ preparations of ether” we may remark, that the 
formulee for sulphuric ether and rectified ether should have been 
given under one head; for what is rectified sether but sulphuric 
ether ? or, what medical use can be made of the impure ether 
which the College call ether sulphuricus? ‘They certainly direct 
it, but probably by mistake, in their spirit and compound spirit of 
sulphuric ether. thereal vil, aromatic spirit of ether, and com- 
pound spirit of sulphuric ether, as now directed by the College, are 
very useless supernumeraries upon this list. 
The Section on Athereal Preparations is followed by one including 
the wines containing no wine; and then follow the medicated vine- 
gars, honeys, syrups, and confections. 
Among the compound powders we observe many, and among the 
pills more formule, which might be dispensed with; the latier are 
liable to harden, and with few exceptions should never be kept 
ready made, 
