84 
ON FLUID EXTRACT OP VALERIAN. 
other a base. It seems highly probable that it is to this acid, 
that the peculiar medical properties of valerian are chiefly 
due. 
A preparation holding in solution valerianic acid must 
therefore possess the activity of the root, especially if the 
combination present the other valuable properties of the 
plant, divested of all that is inert and useless. A convenient 
form for administering a remedy, smallness of dose, and a 
facility of preparation by every skilful pharmaceutist, are 
not unimportant recommendations for a preparation of this 
kind ; and such we believe will be found combined in the 
fluid extract of valerian. 
Care is necessary on the introduction of a new prepara- 
tion, that it may not be inferior to those already in use ; for 
although novelty may induce a trial, its future employment 
must depend upon its efficacy. 
Of the preparations of valerian now in use, we find all 
more or less objectionable. The tincture, on account of the 
small amount of root to the proportion of spirit. The vola- 
tile tincture of the Edinburgh College owes its properties 
almost wholly to the aromatic ammonia. The infusions in 
hot water are objectionable from their perishable nature, 
and containing, as they must, matters of no medicinal power. 
The solid extract must, from the nature of the article, be an 
inert preparation. The syrup prepared from the cold infu- 
sion has been advantageously used, but its value as a 
remedy, chiefly depends upon the care exercised in its pre- 
paration ; it is mild and often inadmissible. The distilled 
water noticed, is without doubt the best of existing prepa- 
rations, excepting the one we are about to notice, but is 
liable to variation of strength by age. 
The class of remedies of comparatively recent date, termed 
fluid extracts, possessing, as they most undoubtedly do, in 
many cases, numerous advantages over other preparations of 
the same article, have obtained a degree of popularity com- 
mensurate with their superior excellence, and their introduc- 
tion may justly be regarded as a new "era in pharmacy." 
