Du Mez—The Galenical Oleoresins. 
1023 
moving the thick liquid from the flask so that no particular 
advantage is gained by such a procedure. 
7) In all editions of the Pharmacopoeia in which this prepara¬ 
tion is official, it is directed that the last traces of solvent be 
allowed to evaporate spontaneously at room temperature. 
Since the complete removal of the solvent can be accomp¬ 
lished much more rapidly by heating the ethereal liquid on a 
water bath, and without injury to the finished product, it is 
thought that such a procedure would be a desirable improve¬ 
ment over the present pharmacopceial method. 
8-9) The liquid portion constituting the oleoresin is directed 
to be separated from the solid fats, which precipitate up¬ 
on the removal of the solvent, by decantation, and straining 
through a pledget of cotton. Experience has shown that this 
may be accomplished much more rapidly and satisfactorily by 
the aid of a force filter. By this procedure a more complete 
separation can be effected without washing the residue on the 
filter with a portion of the solvent as has been suggested by 
some and thus, the necessity of further exposure of the prep¬ 
aration to the air is done away with. 
With further reference to the removal of the solid fats, at¬ 
tention is called to the fact that the degree to which this is ac¬ 
complished depends upon the temperature at which the oper¬ 
ation is carried out. The preparation when made during the 
summer may be perfectly homogeneous at the time, but deposit 
fat during the winter. In order to secure a more uniform 
product, it is therefore, thought that the Pharmacopoeia 
should direct that the mixture be chilled to a definite tempera¬ 
ture previous to the separation of the liquid portion. 
10) The oleoresin should be kept in well-stoppered bottles for 
the same reasons as are given in the comments on the oleoresin 
of aspidium. See page 979. 
Yield 
The average yield of oleoresin is usually about 15 to 18 per 
cent, when ether is the solvent employed in exhausting the 
drug. It is about the same when alcohol, acetone, petroleum 
ether, carbon disulphide or chloroform are used. In this con¬ 
nection, attention is called to the fact that the total, amount of 
