474 Scientific Intelligence, cV'f. 



4. Extract and Tincture of Rhubarb and Extract of Gentian. 

 — It is difficult to clarify the aqueous extract of rhubarb. Geiseler 

 recommends digesting the entire root of the rhubarb with water, and 

 setting it aside in a close vessel exposed to the action of the steam. 

 The extractive parts dissolve completely, the solution becomes clear, 

 and the root consists only of fibres. The specific gravity of the pre- 

 paration thus obtained is 2*048, and a pound of Rheum muscovit. 

 gives 8i ounces of a soluble extract of the consistence of pills. In the 

 same way he has prepared extract of gentian. Six pounds of Rad. 

 gentian, gave four pounds of a dark yellow soluble extract. — Central 

 Matt, Feb., 1836. 



5. Infusion of Rubarb. — The roots cut down are to be placed in 

 the carbonate of potash, in the requisite quantity of cold distilled 

 water. The vessel should then be introduced into a steam apparatus, 

 and allowed to digest at the temperature of 189°«. It should then 

 be filtered, and after the addition of cinnamon water, placed in a 

 cool situation. This infusion contains very little starch, and will 

 keep longer than when prepared with boiling water. — Ibid. 



6. Tincture of Broomseed is recommended by Dr. Pearson in 

 doses of one or two drachms as a diuretic in dropsy. It is prepared 

 by digesting for ten days two ounces of the bruised seeds in 8 ounces 

 of spirit. If it produces diarrhea, a few drops of tincture of opium 

 may be given with each dose. Dr. Pearson considers the broom 

 superior to digitalis and squill from its improving the appetite and 

 invigorating the whole system. It is not adapted, however, to 

 hydi*othorax attended with thoracic inflammation, nor to ovarian 

 dropsy. — Brit, and For. Medical Rev., April, 1836. 



VIII. — Observations of the Planet Jupiter. 



The following observations of this planet were made by Mr. T. G. 

 Taylor, Honourable Company's Astronomer, at Madras Observatory, 

 March 6, 1835. Occupation of 50 Tauri behind the moon's dark 

 limb, at Qh. 19m. ll*06s. disappearance instantaneous * observed 

 with 5 feet Achromatic power 60. 



March 6, 1835. Occultation of Jupiter by the moon's dark limb. 

 At 10/t. 6m. 40s. M. T. The moon's border had slightly im- 

 pinged upon the limb of the planet. 

 10 7 7 The moon's border, as well as could be 



judged, had reached the centre of the 

 planet ; but the figure of the latter 

 was so distorted that the observation 

 cannot be depended upon to 5 seconds. 

 10 8 17*88 The planet was totally occulted ■ ob- 



servation correct to one-tenth of a 

 second. 

 Barometer, 30*118 ; light breeze from the S. E. ; air hazy. 

 Thermometer, 81*2. 

 Wet bulb ditto, 76*8. 

 During the latter part of the observation, the distortion con- 



