55-1       Linimentum  Ammonice  and  other  Liniments.  {Am'Nov.?i88^arm 
Mix  thoroughly  in  a  bottle  the  linseed  oil,  with  the  ammonia  water 
gradually  added.  Then  add,  in  small  portions  at  a  time,  the  oil  of 
turpentine,  shaking  after  each  addition,  and  then,  lastly,  the  oil  of 
lemon. 
The  product  is  a  milk-white,  thoroughly  emulsionized  fluid,  which 
separates  on  standing  only  after  two  or  more  weeks,  but  can  be  read- 
ily re-united  and  used  after  agitation,  and  compares  favorably  with 
that  made  by  the  original  formula  in  every  way,  except  that  of  perfect 
suspension.  It  possesses  the  additional  advantage  that  it  can  be 
readily  and  quickly  made,  and  contains,  besides  the  turpentine, 
a  slight  excess  of  ammonia  water,  which  increases  its  stimulating 
qualities. 
If  this  latter  feature  is  not  deemed  desirable,  the  liniment  can  be 
secured  with  carron  oil  (made  with  lime  water),  four  fluidounces,  and 
oil  of  turpentine,  two  fluidounces,  using  the  same  general  directions  as 
above.  When  first  made  the  product  is  a  beautiful  one,  but  on  stand- 
ing for  a  day  or  two,  separation  quickly  ensues.  This  need  not, 
however,  be  taken  into  account,  since  after  fresh  agitation,  the  liquid 
remains  suspended  sufficiently  long  to  use. 
One  feature  of  these  soap-liniments,"  which  certainly  retards  or 
prevents  excessive  stimulation  and  one  which  seems  to  have  been  gen- 
erally overlooked,  is  the  presence  of  glycerin,  arising  from  the  decom- 
position of  the  fatty  glycerides  in  the  fixed  oil.  The  presence  of  this 
alcohol  must  have  some  modifying  influence  in  their  application, 
more  particularly  of  carron  oil  in  promoting  the  restoration  of  in- 
jured tissues  to  their  normal  healthy  condition,  whilst  it  seems  very 
reasonable,  in  the  other  cases,  to  assume  that  excessive  stimulation  is 
modified. 
In  conclusion,  the  writer  would  say,  that  he  has  found  it  far 
more  satisfactory  in  his  experience,  to  make  up  all  these  liniments 
extemporaneously,  as  they  may  be  called  for,  in  view  of  the  fact 
that  the  soap  present  is  not  in  solution  but  merely  in  suspension, 
and  they  are  most  apt  in  time,  no  matter  what  fatty  base  is  used, 
to  cake  or  solidify  on  prolonged  standing,  or  separate  partially 
perhaps  from  some  loss  of  water  by  evaporation,  but  largely  from 
deposition  of  the  suspended,  undissolved  soap.  Further  oxidation 
and  change  of  composition  ensues,  sooner  or  later,  if  they  are  kept 
in  open  vessels.  Hence,  extemporaneous  preparation  is  to  be  pre- 
ferred. 
