188 
PHARMACEUTICAL NOTICES. 
ing, which is equivalent to 35 degrees, when cold. In sum- 
mer the concentration should be carried farther, on account of 
the liability to fermentation. 
It should be remembered, however, that when there is a 
large quantity of extractive, or other matter, independent of 
the sugar, an allowance must be made; as, for instance, syrup 
of senega will mark 37 degrees when cold. 
Arrow Root. 
The best arrow root received in this country is from Ber- 
muda — from which place it is frequently brought in wooden 
boxes and casks. The fecula is thus exposed to acquire the odor 
of the ship, which, together with dampness, gives much of it 
a musty taste and odor, which renders it unsaleable- 
Having had some arrow root thus affected, which otherwise 
was of superior quality, it occurred that by washing with pure 
water, and drying it, tbe defect could be removed. On car- 
rying this suggestion into practice, it was found to answer 
admirably, and the fecula which resulted was equal in every 
respect to the best article of our market, which may have 
escaped the influence of the vessel. 
All that is necessary to bring about the proposed result is 
to provide a circular earthen vessel, of three times the capacity 
of the arrow root to be treated, and fill it two-thirds with 
pure water. Having given to this fluid a rotatory motion by 
stirring, gradually add the defective arrow root, constantly 
stirring until the whole of it is suspended in the water, in 
which state it should be kept for five or ten minutes. After 
the fecula has subsided, the supernatant fluid should be decant- 
ed, and the operation repeated. Owing to the manner in which 
the arrow root becomes compacted, in subsiding from water, 
it is best to remove it from the washing vessel, and after- 
wards add it to a fresh portion of water as before. 
Two such operations will entirely remove the mustiness. 
All that is necessary in drying it, is to place the damp fecula 
on frames of muslin, covered with paper, in a warm place, 
