202 
Aromatic  Astringent  Syrups. 
J  Am.  Jour.  Pharm. 
\     May  1, 1873. 
cially  called  for.  In  the  fluid  extract  of  senega  it  appears  to  be  the 
only  preservative  ;  for,  no  matter  what  menstruum  we  use,  if  glycerin 
is  omitted  the  preparation  will  precipitate,  while  if  this  liquid  is  used 
in  the  proportion  of  one-fourth  to  the  usual  menstruum,  a  fluid  extract 
is  obtained  which  will  remain  permanent,  with  but  very  slight  precipi- 
tation, for  an  indefinite  period. 
The  above  observations  are  more  of  a  practical  than  experimental 
nature,  and  are,  perhaps,  a  little  at  variance  with  the  ideas  generally 
published ;  though  adding  nothing  new  to  our  knowledge  of  glycerin, 
they  show  that  we  must  be  guarded  in  its  use,  and  carefully  study  the 
composition  of  the  drug  before  using  it  as  a  menstruum. 
AROMATIC  ASTRINGENT  SYRUPS. 
By  David  G.  Potts. 
From  an  Inaugural  Essay. 
Syrupm  Acidi  Tannici  Aromaticus — Spiced  Syrup  of  Tannin. 
R. 
Acidi  Tannici,  .  .  .    gr.  lxiv. 
Cinnamomi,  in  fine  powder,  .  ^i. 
Myristicse,  in  mod.  fine  powder,        .  gss. 
Glycerinae,  .  .  .  f^vi. 
Sacchari,       ....  ^vii. 
Aquae,      ....  fjxxii. 
Alcoholis  Diluti,        .  .  .    q.  s. 
Mix  the  aromatic  powders,  and,  having  moistened  the  mixture  with 
a  sufficient  quantity  of  diluted  alcohol,  pack  it  firmly  in  a  small  glass 
funnel  arranged  for  percolation,  and  gradually  pour  diluted  alcohol 
upon  it  until  one  fluid-ounce  of  tincture  has  passed.  Triturate  the 
tannic  acid  first  with  the  glycerin,  and  then  with  the  water  gradually 
added ;  transfer  the  solution  to  a  glass  flask,  and  boil  for  ten  minutes, 
filter,  passing  water  through  the  filter  until  the  filtrate  measures 
twenty-eight  fluid-drachms.  To  the  filtered  solution  add  the  sugar, 
and,  having  dissolved  it  by  a  gentle  heat,  strain  while  hot.  Lastly, 
add  the  reserved  aromatic  tincture  to  the  solution  when  it  is  cold,  and 
mix  thoroughly. 
One  grain  to  the  fluid-drachm  is  the  tannin  strength  of  this  syrup. 
In  comparing  it  with  others,  to  be  subsequently  mentioned,  it  would 
seem  to  be  of  less  therapeutical  value.    My  medical  friends,  whom  I 
