Preparation and employment of Aconitine. 147 
tfhe consistence of an extract. To every drachm of this, eight 
x>r ten drops of liquor ammoniae should be added; and after 
the mixture has stood a short time in a very gentle heat, to 
drive off the excess of ammonia, it is to be used in the 
form of ointment, according to the following prescription:— ->• 
R. extract, aconit. ammon. 3i. axung. giii. M. ut fiat unguent. 
This, from its dark colour, may be a less agreeable appli- 
cation than the aconitine ointment; but it appears to me, to 
be at least as efficacious, and it has the advantage of being 
easily and cheaply prepared: and on these accounts, it is bet- 
ter suited for hospital practice. The proportion of the ex- 
tract may be increased two or three fold according to circum* 
stances. 
When this ointment is rubbed upon the skin, it occasions 
sensations in the part, similar to those which are produced 
by the aconitine ointment; they are however, rather more 
pungent in their character ; and this probably arises from the 
extract containing what is called the acrid principle of the 
plant, as well as the alcaloid itself ; and it is absolutely ne- 
cessary, that with this preparation also, these sensations should 
be induced., in order to its having a full effect on the disease 
for which it is applied. 
In the report of the preceding case, it might be inferred 
that the discovery of the properties of the aconitine, when 
applied externally, was due to Dr. Roots; but in justice to 
iiim, I must state that the report was not drawn up by him, 
and that he has in the most handsome manner disclaimed all 
merit in the discovery. — London Medical and Surgical Jour* 
ml, for February, 1 835, and M A. Arch, Med. and Surg, Sci 
