NEW PREPARATION OF IODINE, ETC. 
05 
stitute another salt of iron, isomorphous in its crystal, and 
analogous in constitution to the protochloride. These two 
salts may be mixed in any proportion without decomposi- 
tion, and thus present an elegant and powerful preparation 
of iron, while the iodine, by its action on the glandular sys- 
tem and secretory apparatus, tends to prevent that cerebral 
plethora which the salts of iron, when given per se, so fre- 
quently induce. 
The syrup of the iodide and chloride of iron, which it is 
the object of the preceding remarks to introduce to the 
notice of the profession, is prepared by first forming a solu- 
tion of iodide of iron. This is effected by diffusing iodine 
in three or four times its weight of cold distilled water, and 
agitating for ten minutes with half the quantity of iron 
filings, added cautiously and gradually, when the colour 
changes from dark purple to a deep green, as combination 
takes place. The protochloride of iron is next formed, by 
acting upon iron filings with hydrochloric acid, specific 
gravity, 1.160. A copious disengagement of hydrogen gas 
ensues, and continues for several hours, during which the 
chlorine combines with one equivalent of iron, the fluid 
becomes neutral to test paper, and we obtain a solution of 
a ? green colour, also with a shade of blue. The two solu- 
tions are now mixed together, and so much refined sugar 
added as will form a syrup. 
The syrup ought to be of a pale green, representing the 
protosalts of iron. The proportion of the salts in solution 
are so adjusted, that each fluid drachm of the syrup contains 
three grains of combined iodine and nearly four grains of 
iron, united partly with the iodine and partly with the chlo- 
rine. The following formula may afford an eligible mode 
of exhibition: — Syrup of iodide and chloride of iron, two 
drachms : syrup of orange-peel, four drachms ; infusion of 
cascarilla, four ounces. Mix for four draughts, one to be 
taken twice daily. 
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