27 



be taken to get the ingredients thoroughly and uniformly mixed. 

 The mixing should be>done by placing the smallest amount of the 

 mixture in a miortar, triturating it with the next drug, then tritu- 

 rate after the addition of each drug. When individual powders 

 are to be dispensed, the required number of papers, previously 

 creased should be placed upon the table and the mixture trans- 

 ferred to them with a spatula. After all the mixture has been 

 transferred to the papers, the amount in each should be equalized, 

 so far as possible by the eye. This method of division at best is only 

 approximate and for exact work, each powder should be weighed. 

 Another very good method to divide the powder is to arrange it 

 upon a smooth surface in the form of an elongated rectangle, and 

 then divide this mass into equal portions with a spatula and trans- 

 fer each portion to a paper. 



To fold powders. — This is learned very quickly and easily with 

 a little practice. It consists of first laying the required number of 

 papers upon a table or other smooth surface. Each paper should 

 be provided with a fold at the top of equal size. After the powders 

 have been placed upon the papers, the next step is to bring the bot- 

 tom, of the paper up to the crease already made. The flap of the 

 crease is then bent down. Another fold is then made at the flap. 

 Finally all that remains is ^;«fc)ld and crease the ends so that each 

 powder is equal in length. They may be equalized in length by 

 breaking over the edge of a box or powder folder or the ends may 

 be made to meet in each case. Papers may be folded upon either 

 their long or short axis. Most people prefer to fold them upon 

 their long axis although some prefer the other way for large 

 powders. The chief advantages of the latter method is that a 

 smaller paper is required and that the powder will be much flatter 

 and consequently more easily wrapped. The following figures 

 represent the various steps folding both on the long and short axis 

 of the paper. Fig. 1. 



After the powders have all been folded and smoothed down, 

 they should be packed with the flaps alternating. This method 

 of stacking saves a considerable amount of bulging and springing 

 out of the powders under pressure. 



