MISCELLANY. 
261 
phate of iron of commerce in water acidulated with sulphuric acid, and 
then crystallized, the crystals are to be dissolved in hot distilled water, in 
the proportion of 500 of the salt to 550 parts of water, and 8 parts of iron 
turnings to be added. The solution, after a few moments, is to be filtered 
while yet hot, the filter having been previously moistened with water, to 
facilitate the passage of the liquid. The solution is to be received in a 
vessel in which there has been previously placed 375 pints of alcohol of 
33° — 36°, and 8 pints of sulphuric acid ; during which the liquid is to be 
quickly stirred with a glass rod. The sulphate of iron immediately pre- 
cipitates under the form of a blueish white crystalline powder, and thus 
prepared, it is not altered on exposure to the air. It likewise contains the 
same quantity of water of crystallization as that deposited from an aqueous 
solution, if the temperature does not exceed 80°, but when boiled with 
strong alcohol it loses part of this water. Journ. de Pharm, 
Preparation of pure Narcotine, — Dr. O'Shaughnessey gives the follow- 
ing method for the preparation of narcotine : — The only process yet pub- 
lished by which pure narcotine can be obtained is that devised by Pelletier, 
but this method, nevertheless, is tedious, troublesome, and apt to fail, un- 
less in very expert hands. I am happy, therefore, in being enabled to pro- 
pose for the sanction of the Committee a process which is at the same time 
simple, economical, and productive, which ensures the separation of the feb- 
rifuge narcotine from the powerful sedative morphia, and which can be per- 
formed in every locality where opium can be found. The process is, as 
far as 1 am aware, altogether new. 
Preparation of Muriate of Narcotine. 
Take of Bengal opium 2lbs. 
Alcohol 20lbs. 
Rub them well up together in a large mortar, adding the spirit by de- 
grees until the opium is exhausted of its soluble parts. Decant the solu- 
tion and press the insoluble part. 
To the alcoholic solution add as much ammonia as renders the liquid 
slightly turbid. Distil from a common alembic till fifteen pounds of the 
alcohol are recovered ; draw off the fluid in the still and set it aside to 
cool. 
On cooling it deposites a mass of colored crystals composed of narcotine, 
meconate of ammonia, and resin. Wash with water, which dissolves the 
meconate of ammonia, then with one quart of water and one drachm of 
muriatic acid, which dissolves the narcotine and leaves the resin — filter. 
The solution, which is of a rosy color, is to be evaporated to dryness. 
The muriate of narcotine thus prepared is a transparent resinous mass, 
of a rosy color, brittle vitreous texture, very soluble in distilled water and 
spirits, and intensely bitter, 
A beautifully crystalline muriate of narcotine may be prepared by pre- 
