METHOD OF PREPARING EXTRACTS AND SIRUPS. 47 
reduce it to an xtract, and then combine the alcoholic and aque- 
ous extracts toge ther, as with Rumux crispus, 8olonum dulcamara, 
Leptandria virginica, Baptisia tinctoria, Inula helenium, Arctium 
lappa, Aristolochia serpentaria, Berheris vulgaris, Cornus sericea, Vi- 
hurnum oxycoccus, Cyprepedium puhescens, Juniperus sahina, Xan- 
thoxylon fraxineum, PhytoUacca decandria, &c. 
" With some articles I make an alkaline extract, but with only 
those which contain resin and have a drastic effect, which is made 
by adding from time to time, during the evaporation of the alco- 
holic tincture, and at every time when the resin begins to separate 
from the liquid, small portions of pearlash, ( carbonate potash,) and 
continue addin.o- it in like manner until the extract is finished; this 
o 
renders the article less drastic, and completely prevents it from 
producing any nauseous or irritating sensation, as with the Iris 
versicolor, Bodophyllum peltatum, &c. There are other articles, 
again, where I obtain the ethereal oil or extract, and which is 
made by saturating sulphuric ether with the article, filtering, and 
then allowing it to evaporate spontaneously, as with Capsicum an- 
num, Secale cornutum, CocUearia armorica, Crocus sativa, Ictodes 
fcBtida, Lycopus virginicus. Lobelia iiiflata, Scutellaria lateriflora, &c. 
" By preparing medicines as above, there is no change of the 
virtues of the constituent principles requisite, chemically consid- 
ered, as is the case with sulphate of quinine, and some other 
articles, in which there is often entire decomposition, or at least, 
new combinations ; the doses are also small in quantity, and the 
effect much greater upon the human system, than when combined 
with inert, woody and other substances. 
" In preparing medicinal sirups, the following will be found 
one of the best modes : have a vessel which will hold from 40 to 
50 pounds of plants, to which add two gallons of water, and if the 
article contains resin, add in addition one and a half pounds of sal- 
eratus, which must be dissolved in water before it is added ; by a 
gentle heat gradually distil off this water, returning it, as it 
