20 
ON EXTRACTS OF SPIGELIA. 
The following is the formula which I propose for its pre- 
paration, viz.: 
Jfc. Rad. Spigelise Contus. giv. 
Sennse Alexandria, ^iij. 
Fol. Sabinse, 3j. 
Mannse, §j. 
Sacch. Alb. gviij. 
Alcoholis, Oss. 
Aquae Bullient. Oij. 
Upon the spigelia, senna, and sabina, finely bruised, pour 
the boiling water, and cover over until cool. Then add the 
alcohol, and set it aside to macerate for 24 hours ; transfer 
to a displacement filter, and having displaced the tincture, 
carefully evaporate, at a low heat, to f.gxii., in which dis- 
solve the sugar and manna, and again evaporate to Oj. 
Each fluid ounce will contain the strength of ^ij. of spi- 
gelia, and 3iss. of senna. A teaspoonful will represent 15 
grains of spigelia, which is the medium dose for a child 
from eight to twelve years of age. 
The omission of the sabina might, by some, be esteemed 
an improvement. The quantity, however, is small, and it 
can do no injury. 
The solid extract is prepared from the decoction ; the 
strength of which may be known by its sensible properties. 
As it is desirable to obtain this as strong as possible, and as 
great heat has a tendency to injure the extract, it should be 
evaporated, by means of a water-bath, to such a consistence 
as to form a firm pill mass when cold. Thus prepared, it 
is of a deep brown or black color, and has the bitter taste and 
smell of pink root. In order that it may keep well, it should 
be placed in porcelain jars, and protected from the air. 
To be given in form of pills, of five grains each ; dose, 
three pills, to be taken one hour before each meal, to be re- 
peated for several days, and followed by a dose of senna 
and manna. 
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