PHARMACEUTICAL NOTICES. 
291 
ments made in Pharmacy since the publication of Mr, Ellis's 
formula have caused us to differ somewhat from the method 
of preparation as laid down by him, which, without additional, 
and even less trouble ensures a manifest advantage in the 
quality of the medicine. We have likewise at the suggestion 
of several medical gentleman, carried it to a higher degree 
of concentration, so that, as made by us, one ounce of the fluid 
extract represents §j. of senna in substance, and consequently 
a table spoonful constitutes a good purgative dose. 
By the method here given it is made in thirty-six hours — 
in the former way, twelve da)^ is the allotted time for com- 
pletion. 
Take of Senna leaves coarsely powdered, > QO Q 
i • i • , Oii oz. or o& parts, 
or bruised in a mortar, 3 r 7 
Diluted alcohol 16° Cartier (oneO 
third rect. alcohol, two-thirds > 4 pts. or 64 " 
water,) 3 
Water, 1 gal. or 128 " 
Sugar 20 oz. or 20 " 
Oil of fennel, 64 drops, 
Hoffman's Anodyne, q. s. 
Mix the senna in a covered vessel with the alcoholic 
menstruum, and allow the mixture to stand over night. In 
the morning of the ensuing day put it into a Boullay filter and 
operate by displacement with the remaining aqueous men- 
struum until \\ gallons of liquid has passed. Then evaporate 
by a gentle'^heat to twenty fluid ounces, and, while yet hot, add 
the sugar that it may be dissolved. Strain to separate the muci- 
laginous matters coagulated by the heat, and when cold add 
the oil of fennel in the proportion of two drops to each ounce 
of extract, disolved in a small quantity of Hoffman's anodyne. 
This last, besides serving the purpose of a solvent for the oil, 
prevents fermentation. The griping properties are in a great 
measure, if not wholly, prevented by the addition of the oil of 
fennel. 
