Am.  Jour.  Phabm.  ) 
May  1,1872.  j 
Mel  Rosce. 
205 
rates  readily  at  low  temperatures,  thus  rendering  it  unnecessary  to 
expose  that  principle  to  more  than  ordinary  atmospheric  influences. 
The  employment  of  glycerin  in  the  second  portion  of  the  menstruum 
was  suggested  by  its  known  solvent  power  over  the  astringent  prin- 
ciples, and  its  addition  to  both  portions  prior  to  evaporation,  serves  to 
protect  the  substance  from  the  action  of  the  air,  to  prevent  separation 
of  the  particles  and  adhesion  to  the  sides  and  bottom  of  the  vessels 
employed. 
To  the  finished  product,  which  is  free  from  alcohol,  it  serves  as  a 
sure  preservative,  and  to  enhance  the  preparation  in  appearance  and 
taste,  if  not  also  in  therapeutic  value. 
It  will  be  seen  also  that  I  have  duly  regarded  the  importance  of 
limited  temperature  in  the  evaporation  of  the  second  portion,  while  in 
the  "  officinal  "  it  is  left  to  the  mercy  of  the  entire  range  of  the  water- 
bath. 
These  restrictions,  with  regard  to  the  application  of  heat,  are  per- 
fectly clear,  when  the  delicate  character  of  the  substance  and  the 
enhancing  effect  of  fragrance  in  an  article  like  this  are  duly  con- 
sidered. 
From  my  experience  with  this  extract  for  about  eight  months,  and 
the  known  power  of  glycerin  as  a  protective,  I  feel  safe  in  asserting 
my  belief  that  it  will  remain  unchanged  for  almost  any  length  of  time. 
The  fact  of  its  being  permanent,  and  the  facility  which  it  affords  in 
the  preparation  of  "  Mel  Rosse,''  are  alone  sufficient  to  give  it  char- 
acter ;  but  they  are  by  no  means  all  the  advantages  it  possesses.  The 
most  important  are  exhibited  in  the  production  of  a  suitable  remedy, 
both  for  internal  and  external  use?,  to  which  the  virtues  of  its  consti- 
tuents are  applicable. 
As  an  internal  application  to  the  mouth  and  throat,  which  is  the 
chief  use  of  "  Mel  Rosse,"  it  may  be  used  in  full  strength  without  in- 
convenience, and  when  desired  weaker,  may  be  reduced  by  any  of  the 
ordinary  diluents.  With  water  it  forms  a  delightful  and  efficient 
gargle,  which  is  not  equalled  by  the  officinal  article.  As  an  external 
application,  its  astringency,  consistence  and  fragrance,  render  it  a 
valuable  and  agreeable  remedy.  It  may  be  applied  most  convenient- 
ly by  means  of  a  camel's-hair  brush.  For  those  who  may  still  prefer 
to  complete  their  "  Mel  Rosse  "  at  once,  I  suggest  the  following  : — • 
Fluid  Extract  of  Rose,  .  .  .  .  3j. 
Pure  Honey,  Jiij. 
M. 
