MISCELLANY. 87 
sized paper, or the cuticle of the hand, on absorbing the fat, should leave 
the metal in such a state that the globules are imperceptible to sight, from 
being kept asunder by an intervening substance. I have neglected to fix 
the time necessary for the operation. Sometimes every thing being the 
same, I have had to continue the labor a longer, and at others a shorter 
time. I attribute this difference to the temperature of the atmosphere; 
the most suitable appeared to be between 55° and 60° F. 
This simple, and easily executed process does not introduce any 
foreign body capable of altering its mode of action on the skin. 
Journ. de C/iimie Med. 
Preparation of Syrup of Ether. — M. Paton, eleve of Pharmacy, at Cleves, 
has proposed the following method for the purpose of rendering this pre- 
paration efficient: 
R. Sugar in coarse powder, 21 ounces. 
Distilled water, 6 «.* 
Sulphuric ether, 2 u 
Pour the whole into a stopped flask, and, after having agitated the mix- 
ture some minutes, add 
Distilled water, 6 ounces. 
Agitate anew the mixture from time to time during four or five days, and 
filter through paper in a funnel with a cover. 
The syrup of ether prepared in this way preserves indefinitely its 
odor and a large proportion of its properties. Besides, variations of tem- 
perature do not render it turbid, as when it is prepared by the usual 
method. 
Observations. — M. Paton having observed that the properties of syrup 
of ether became weaker in consequence of the vessel being so frequently 
opened, when it was kept on hand, devised the above method of prepara- 
tion, convinced that the product which results from it has not the same 
inconveniences. We are of opinion that this is not the case, and that his 
method, under this view at least, has no advantage over those directed by 
many Pharmacopoeias. 
When the syrup of ether has been well prepared, it does not become 
clouded by a moderate reduction of temperature, but under all circum- 
stances, the appearance of this phenomenon is a proof that the syrup was 
saturated with ether. It is possible, moreover, to restore its transparency 
by the addition of a small quantity of water. 
We have published in one of the numbers of this Journal a method 
communicated by M. Paton ; by means of which lozenges of ipecacuanha 
were obtained but slightly colored. This method consists in mixing the 
powder of ipecacuanha with sugar previously made into a paste with 
the mucilage. 
Upon this occasion, several individuals suggested to M. Paton, that 
