22 Observations and Experiments on Opium. 



cakes and is of a good consistence. Opium is frequently put 

 up in a soft state and packed with a large proportion of 

 leaves to prevent the lumps from adhering together, these 

 leaves adhering to the sides are gradually taken into the body 

 of the opium, which with those previously incorporated with 

 it, constitute the impurities already described. 



Observations and experiments on the Pharmaceutical prepa- 

 rations and constituent principles of Opium ; by George 

 W. Carpenter. 



Extract of Opium. 

 One of the advantages which the extract of opium pos- 

 sesses over the crude opium of commerce, is, that all the 

 foeculencies and impurities having been separated, we obtain 

 the soluble and active portion of the opium, in a pure state, 

 and as the insoluble and impure parts produce no effect, and 

 constitute a considerable proportion of the bulk and weight, 

 the opium of commerce must differ in proportion to the amount 

 of these impurities, and consequently cannot be depended 

 upon so well as the extract for activity or uniformity of 

 strength. The extract of opium, as it is generally made, is 

 very objectionable, not being more active than crude opium, 

 and consequently is seldom or never employed by our physi- 

 cians. From various modes and different menstrua which 

 I have tried, I find the following to make the most eligible 

 preparation, possessing most advantages both in the activity 

 and persistency of the extract, as well as having a decided 

 superiority over crude opium, by affording all its desirable 

 effects, without any of its inconvenience or disadvantages. 



Denarcotized acidulous extract of opium. 



Digest one ounce of coarsely powdered opium in one pound 

 of sulphuric aether of the specific gravity .735 for ten days,* 

 occasionally submitting it to a moderate heat in a water bath ; 

 distil off the sether and add fresh portions until it ceases to 

 take up narcotine or act at all upon the opium, which may be 

 readily known by dropping a little on a clean pane of glass 

 which will leave no trace when the opium is completely ex- 

 hausted. The second or third distillation will prove sufficient, 



* When it is necessary to prepare it in haste, less time may be em- 

 ployed by subjecting the aether more frequently to the temperature of 

 ebullition. 



