PHARMACEUTICAL NOTICES. 283 
of a large quantity of the ointment for the cure of the itch in 
sheep, was led to the experiment by a desire to effect a more 
prompt and exact division of the mercury. From a trial 
made with it, it seems worthy of the preference accorded to 
it by Mr. L. To add to the already existing stock of infor- 
mation, and impressed with the belief that this will be of ser- 
vice to the profession, I here give the method pursued by 
him. 
Take equal parts of spermaceti and oil of sweet almonds or 
lard; melt these with a gentle heat, and strain into an iron 
mortar, then add the mercury and triturate with an iron or 
wooden pestle. After the labor of a few hours, an ointment 
will be obtained, in which there cannot be perceived a glo- 
bule with the naked eye, or even with a good magnifying 
glass. The proportion of mercury may be in accordance 
with the strength you wish. Mr. L.'s quantities were five 
ounces each of vehicle, and four pounds of mercury, which 
made a deep slate colored ointment. 
Syrup of Ipecacuanha. 
This is a preparation for which we very much need a 
formula; though not officinal in the American or British 
Pharmacopceas it is one of the standard preparations of the 
Paris Codex. 
It is employed to stimulate the mucous membrane of the 
bronchia? in certain pulmonary affections, and from its frequent 
use, would seem to form an indispensable ingredient in French 
and German prescriptions for this purpose. As we are 
liable to be asked for it by foreigners visiting this country, it 
is very necessary to know the proportion of ipecac, contained 
in it : 
Take of Ipecac, bruised, 1 part. 
Water, 14 " 
Boil in a covered vessel down to 12 " 
Then filter, and add sugar 24 " 
Boil to a syrupy consistence. 
