MISCELLANY. 
155 
medicine almost invariably very decided in its action, we believe, 
that, in the majority of cases, notwithstanding the disadvantages 
resulting from its diminished solubility, this discovery will prove use- 
ful to invalids, by enabling them to take what to some is a disagreeable 
medicine, without perceiving the taste. Still, it is right that the phy- 
sician should be acquainted with these disadvantages, that in obstinate 
cases he might either increase a little the dose, or rather have recourse 
to a more favourable mode of administration, namely, solution in 
acidulated water. — Ibid^from Jour, de Phar. 
On the Freparaiion of Infusions and. Decoctions in Prussia. — The sixth 
edition of the Prussian Pharmacopceia, directs all extracts and volatile 
oils, and most of the ointments and plasters, to be prepared by means 
of a steam apparatus or water-bath. 
With regard to this the Prussian Government has recently issued the 
following regulations : 
As the object of the above directions is to obtain more uniform and 
effective infusions and decoctions, Apothecaries are required to pro^ 
vide themselves with the necessary steam apparatus, and to proceed 
in the preparation of decoctions, decocto-infusions, and infusions, in 
the following manner : 
The tin or porcelain vessels for decoctions must be so constructed 
that at least three-fourths of their height may be exposed to steam, 
which must possess the temperature of boiling water. Part of the 
vessel may be in direct contact with the boiling water. If the steam 
be generated in a boiler, its temperature must never be so high as to 
heat the liquid contained in the vessel to a boiling temperature. The 
vessels must be furnished with lids of the same material and fitting 
close. 
The same quantity of the substance as prescribed by the Physician, 
broken or cut into small pieces, is stirred in the decoction vessel with 
as much cold water as is known by experience to be required for ob- 
taining' the prescribed quantity of liquid, and the vessel being well 
closed, is to be exposed for half-an-hour to the influence of steam^ 
during which time the vessel is to be well shaken several times, and 
the contents immediately filtered whilst hot. If some other substance 
is to be added towards the end of the operation, this must be done after 
the vessel has been exposed to the steam for twenty-five minutes. 
Decocto-infusions are prepared by adding to the hot contents of the 
vessels, the substance to be infused after the decoction has been ex- 
posed to the steam for the prescribed time, stirring carefully, closing 
the vessel, and allowing it to become perfectly cold, after which the 
contents are to be filtered. 
