PHARMACEUTICAL NOTICES. 
221 
of this preparation, or to removing it. The term " Mucilage " 
most properly applies to a solution of gum of the officinal 
strength, which is that most appropriate for emulsions, for which 
use it is chiefly designed. Unfortunately, physicians are not 
sufficiently impressed with the meaning of the officinal term, and 
use it when they desire a demulcent solution for cough mixtures, 
which as a general rule is very properly made of the strength 
(1 to 7 of water) suggested by Mr. Coggeshall, and which we 
would gladly see made officinal under the name "Liquor Acaciee," 
or some other. 
Compound Spirit of Lavander. Mr. Coggeshall objects to the 
officinal formula for this preparation on the score of using the 
simple distilled spirit of lavander in its preparation, which is 
difficult to procure, weak, and rarely used. He also objects to the 
employment of a solution of the oil of lavender as a substitute, 
owing to its general inferior quality, and to its separating on mix- 
ing the spirit with water. Asa substitute for the officinal formula 
he proposes the following recipe, which he has employed for seve- 
re 1 years with entire satisfaction, viz: 
" Take of Lavander flowers, twelve ounces (Troy.) 
" Rosemary leaves, bruised. 
" Cinnamon bruised, each four ounces and a half. 
« Xutmegs, bruised. 
" Cloves, bruised each six drachms. 
" Coriander seed, bruised. 
« Red Saunders, rasped, each three ounces. 
" Powered Turmeric, one drachm. 
" Alcohol, six pints. 
" Water, five pints and a quarter. 
Mix, digest for fourteen days, express and filter." 
We agree with the author in his opinion of this formula, and we 
hope at the proper time either this or one similar in its character 
will be introduced into our national codex. 
Syrup of Gum Arabic. Mr. Coggeshall finds fault with the 
formula for syrup of gum in the present Pharmacopoeia, and pre- 
fers that of 1830 ; and he wonders at its removal in 1840. Its 
proverbial tendency to decomposition, as made in 1830, caused 
its removal, instead of its revision, as should have been done. 
