Maratbelli on the spirituous Extract of Vanilla. 49 
468 grains of the spirituous extract of vanilla nearly equal to the 
first. Thus, from six ounces of vanilla 1 had two ounces and 
4sths, or 180 grains of a spirituous extract of vanilla, composed 
of a resinous extractive substance, containing a condensed quan- 
tity of the aromatic principle of vanilla itself analogous to that 
of benzoin, very diffusible, and durable for a long time ; it con- 
tained besides the benzoic acid peculiar to this drug; and in con- 
seauence of these principles, such an extract retains the original 
intense odour and taste of the vanilla pods. 
These observations are not reconcileable with the remark of 
the erudite Murray speaking of the vanilla pod, in his Apparatus 
medicaminum, vol. v. that with alcohol none of its fragrant 
odour is extracted; but he subjoins, with his usual ingenuous- 
ness, the assertion of Geoffroy, T7raité de Matiere Medic. tom. iii. 
that by digestion with spirit of wine the taste and smell of 
vanilla.are extracted. Considering that from the physical charac- 
ters only of the vanilla pods, it is evident that they are capable 
of exercising a considerable medical action sufficiently sensible 
and energetic, it is inconceivable why they are so rarely employed 
in medicine. Murray -in the above-mentioned work observes, 
*© rarissime instar medicaminis adhibetur, licet multa spondeat 
in systemate nervoso refocillando.” Professor Carminati and 
Chevalier Borda make similar reflections; and the latter advises, 
instead of the aqueous infusion of vanilla, prescribed by some prac- 
titioners, that the spirituous infusion should always be preferred, 
as more certainly active and advantageous. The spirituous ex- 
tract of vanilla, therefore, as far as 1 know, has not hitherto been 
introduced, nor used in medicine, except by Professor Carminati; 
who has used it with the most complete success. I also have 
seen this extract attended with the most happy effects in cases 
of hypersthenic nervous affection, and have observed it evince an 
action very similar to that of musk, exercising even a property 
intensely stimulating and diffusible. Hence I conclude, that the 
extract of which I have been speaking should be considered with- 
out doubt as a most efficacious remedy, and of great value, in 
many important cases of disease; and in the treatment of affluent 
persons it unites the estimable advantage of being of a grateful 
and pleasant taste to the greater part of patients, It is also un- 
questionable that this extract merits the preference to vanilla 
taken in substance, since it contains detached and in a small 
compass the active principles of vanilla, and may be administered 
more usefullyin smaller doses, more conveniently and exactly 
than the vanilla itself. 
Finally : considering the condensed quantity of the aromatic 
principle of vanilla which this extract contains, its particular 
nature, and the medicinal properties which it exercises on the 
Vol, 53, No, 249. Jan. 1819. D animal 
