ON FLUID EXTRACT OP VALERIAN. 
87 
The product then is sixteen fluid ounces from the eight 
ounces of root, is of a dark brownish colour, limpid, having 
in a high degree the characteristics of the plant, of which 
it may be considered as an exact representative in an eligible 
form; the proportion of spirit is of course one-fourlh. It 
has a specific gravity of about 1.215, is acid to litmus, and 
causes copious precipitates with nitrate of silver and sub- 
acetate of lead. 
Having a simple extract, we may combine with aromatic 
or narcotic tinctures, so as to suit particular cases or views 
of the medical practitioner in its therapeutic employment. 
With regard to its medical properties, I shall not of course 
be expected to say much, it may with safety and confi- 
dence be exhibited in all those cases which would indicate 
an anti-spasmodic or nervous sedative ; cases of wakeful- 
ness; nervous irritability — individuals accustomed to the use 
of opium and its preparations; also in neuralgic diseases 
attended with dyspepsia. I have received flattering ac- 
counts of its success in some of the above cases, a notice of 
which is out of place here. 
The dose as before stated, is about a teaspoonful; it would 
probably be best to commence with a small dose, and in- 
crease until its effects on the system are fully developed. It 
may be readily swallowed in a little sweetened water. 
Before closing this article, it is proper to remark, that an 
article prepared by Smith & Perry, of Boston, who we be- 
lieve were the first to introduce it, is before the medical 
public. It is entirely different from the article prepared by 
the formula submitted above. The composition we are en- 
tirely ignorant of, but judging from the sensible properties 
should infer it was a compound extract. 
