SACCHARATED  LIME.  167 
prepared  in  this  country  is  not  used  here,  but  that  a  great  pro- 
portion is  exported  to  America  and  the  Continent,  where  it  is 
much  more  frequently  employed  as  a  medicinal  agent.  We  think 
it  probable  that  elaterium  would  be  much  more  employed  as  a 
medicine  in  this  country  could  it  be  always  obtained  of  uniform 
strength ;  but  on  account  of  the  various  modes  employed  for 
preparing  it,  and  the  adulterations  to  which  it  is  liable,  that  is 
far  from  being  the  case ;  and  with  such  a  powerful  medicinal 
substance  as  it  undoubtedly  is,  such  a  want  of  unformity  leads  to 
serious  consequences.  We  consider  it,  therefore,  very  desirable 
to  publish  the  processes  of  those  who  prepare  good  elaterium. 
The  elaterium,  as  thus  prepared,  is  of  a  pale  green  color,  with 
a  slight  yellowish  tinge  which  become  more  apparent  by  keep- 
ing. It  is  in  light,  thin,  slightly-curved  pieces,  which  break 
readily  and  with  a  short  fracture.  It  is  readily  reduced  to 
powder  when  rubbed  between  the  thumb  and  forefinger,  thus 
proving  the  absence  of  any  mucilaginous  matter.  It  has  a  some- 
what fragrant  and  agreeable  odor,  which  is  quite  of  a  peculiar 
nature,  for  if  it  does  not  recal  any  other  substance  to  us,  al- 
though by  some  writers  on  materia  medica  the  odor  of  elaterium 
has  been  compared  to  that  of  ergot  of  rye  combined  with  the 
fragrance  of  senna  or  tea. — Pharm.  Jour.  Dec.  1859. 
SACCHARATED  LIME. 
Lime  dissolves  in  water  in  much  larger  proportion  in  pre- 
sence of  sugar,  and  this  solution  is  strongly  recommended  as  a 
tonic  and  antacid  by  Dr.  John  Cleland  (Edinburgh  Med.  Journ., 
August,  1859). 
Dr.  C.  gives  the  following  formula  for  its  preparation : — 
•«  Slake  8  ounces  of  quicklime ;  rub  up  with  it  5  ounces  of  white 
sugar  ;  add  1  pint  of  water ;  stir  for  some  time,  till  the  hard  stiff 
masses  which  the  sugar  and  lime  are  liable  to  run  into  are  as 
much  as  possible  dissolved  ;  then  filter.  The  product  should 
be  perfectly  clear,  and  of  only  a  slightly  yellowish  tint.  A  so- 
lution made  in  this  way  will  contain  18  grains  of  lime  in  every 
ounce  by  weight,  and  altogether  about  106  grains  of  solid  mat- 
ter to  the  ounce.  Taken  undiluted,  a  few  drops  are  sufficient 
to  roughen  the  tongue.     When  diluted,  the  taste  is  at  first  an 
