ON THE METHOD OF DISPLACEMENT. 
197 
This gives a pint of syrup, containing about twenty grains 
to the ounce of soluble extract. 
After the above type we have formed a Syrup of Bark, 
containing twenty grains of soluble extract to the ounce; and 
in the same manner and proportion, Syrup of Digitalis, 
containing 30 grains to the ounce. 
Also, Syrup of Senna, containing twenty-four grains per 
ounce. 
In like manner and proportions, we have made the Syrups 
of Boneset, Buchu, and Pareira Brava; and though we have 
not ascertained their relative products in soluble extract, we 
have found them very efficient preparations. We have made the 
syrup of Ipecacuanha by displacement agreeably to the standard 
of the French Codex. We have made the syrups of Sarsapa- 
rilla, Rhubarb, both simple and aromatic, and Seneka, 
agreeable to the proportions of the United States Pharmaco- 
poeia, and have every reason to be satisfied with their quality. 
Sarsaparilla furnishes a very fine syrup, and though we 
have prepared from one to a hundred gallons, none of it has 
evinced a disposition to ferment. Could we know to what 
extent the virtues of sarsaparilla are impaired by long boiling, 
we might form some idea of the advantage to be gained by 
the displacement method in the preparation of the syrup. As 
it is, the inconveniences of the old method are so entirely ob- 
viated by it, and, moreover, it is so economical, that it can 
hardly fail to attract attention. 
Simple water may be employed in lieu of diluted alcohol, 
as the menstruum, which is recommended to avoid the fecula; 
but this being wasted during the evaporation, makes a con- 
siderable item of expenditure when the syrup is prepared in 
large quantities. Cold water, in taking up the soluble active 
principles, leaves the fecula behind. The liquid, as it ran 
from the bottom, was very black, and communicated to the taste 
the peculiar acrimony of the root when good, and the mass of 
it had the smell of the infusion of this root. 
Mel Scillas Comp., or Hive Syrup. 
This diaphoretic and expectorant syrup, so useful in the 
croup of children, has been the subject of much experiment 
