On the Preservation of Medicines. 273 
pressure, they retain after a number of years their colour, 
and the odour and efficiency common to each. I must how- 
ever except the Digitalis, which from the soil, manner of cul- 
tivation, or want of care in drying, has disappointed the ex- 
pectations of our Physicians; even when well prepared, it 
has not proved as satisfactory in its effects as the European 
Digitalis. The latter should be enclosed in tin cases, and 
when in powder, in glass stoppered bottles; it is even recom- 
mended to be kept from the contact of light. 
With reference to seeds, some of which have a tendency to 
spoil suddenly, from various causes, if no particular attention 
be paid to their condition, such as Carrot, Water Hemlock, 
(Phellandrium aquaticum,) Grains of Paradise, and Dill, with 
some of their congeners, it is worthy of notice, that Mr. 
Durand has had in his possession, upwards of twelve years, 
quantities of these seeds which are now in a remarkable state 
of preservation; this arises from their having been kept in 
glass bottles, while seeds, Cumin in particular, kept in drawers, 
were completely destroyed, a long time since. 
Mr. Menigaut says, that no flower can be preserved a sin- 
gle year in good condition, without the precautions here urged, 
have been taken. He adds that with the care of drying, shut- 
ting them in close vessels, and repeating the dessication from 
time to time, he had preserved for several years, Lime tree 
flowers, (Tilia Europea) with all their aroma, and fine yellow 
colour ; the Elder flowers although kept the same length of 
time, had acquired but a slight fawn yellow tinge; but the 
centaury (Erythrota Centaurium), red roses, coltsfoot, al- 
thea, and red poppy-petals, were well preserved, though 
gathered eight years. 
Parts of some of these plants very easily change, as in the 
case of the poppy, and Arnica montana, but these may be 
preserved by the precaution indicated by Mr. Menigaut. 
Mr. Menigaut then introduces the subject of the preserva- 
tion of fruits, which are to be found in all the French Phar- 
macies. But in our large cities, they are not generally kept, 
on account of the convenience afforded in being able to pro- 
Vol. I.— No. 4. 35 
