120 
FLUID EXTRACT OF SERPENTARIA. 
with as little loss of the volatile part as possible, a number of 
methods were tried. The individual details of these experiments 
it is unnecessary to mention, but the opinion formed from their 
general results was that the most simple mode of operating, was 
the best, and that on extract made by the following formula, was 
the most perfect preparation : 
Take of Virginia Snake-root, 
Sugar in powder, each eight ounces. 
Water, 
Alcohol, each a sufficent quantity. 
The root is to be finely ground, and after having macerated for 
a day or two in a pint of alcohol, is to be introduced into a dis- 
places and diluted alcohol poured on it until four pints shall have 
passed. The tincture thus obtained should be evaporated with a 
gentle heat and constant agitation until it measures twelve fluid 
ounces. The sugar is then to be dissolved, and the whole to be 
strained through flannel. 
The object of using strong alcohol for obtaining the first portion 
is to insure the solution of the whole of the resin, some of which 
might be left behind if the whole of the menstruum contained a 
proportion of water. 
If any separation of resin or other matter should occur during 
the process of evaporation, which is sometimes the case, it will 
generally be suspended or redissolved on the addition of the 
sugar. 
By the exercise of a reasonable amount of care in evaporat- 
ing, the dissipation of the volatile principal can, in a great mea- 
sure, be avoided, for a specimen of the extract prepared as above, 
was found to possess little or no power of imparting any of its 
original peculiar properties to ether, boiling water, or other men- 
struum, thus proving that the virtues of the root were all extract- 
ed by this mode of treatment. 
Serpentaria being often employed in combination with other 
substances as cinchona, gentian, &c. ; an extract might be made 
containing their activity, by varying this mode of preparation in 
accordance with the peculiar characteristics of the drug to be com- 
bined with it. 
The dose of this extract will, of course vary according to the 
nature of the case in which it is used; it should not, however, be 
