186 FLUID EXTRACTS OF RHUBARB AND VALERIAN. 
principles of the valerian are not embraced in the prepara- 
tion as published. 
In one hundred parts, valerian contains about twelve 
parts of extractive matter, and eighteen parts of gum. It is 
questionable whether the extractive possesses any of the 
properties sought for in valerian, and the gum certainly does 
not. By using diluted alcohol instead of water, the ex- 
tractive may be removed ; the gum avoided ; the imperfect 
extraction of the volatile and resinous principles by the first 
liquid compensated for, and a menstruum used capable of 
retaining all the active principles in solution. 
The increase of alcoholic strength is not sufficiently great 
to injure the medical properties of the preparation as the 
dose is small. 
In view of the above results, the following modification 
of Ellis' formula is suggested : 
Take of Valerian Root, eight ounces, (Troy,) 
Reduce the valerian to coarse powder, and introduce it 
uniformly and without pressure into a displacing funnel. 
Mix the ether and alcohol, and allow the mixture to perco- 
late slowly and regularly through the powder until all has 
been added. The diluted alcohol is then poured on until 
the ethereal menstruum has been displaced, which is known 
by the product amounting to nearly a pint. More diluted 
alcohol is now poured on until ten fluid ounces of liquid 
passes, when the operation is stopped. The ethereal tincture 
is placed in a shallow vessel, and suffered to evaporate 
spontaneously, till reduced to six fluid ounces. The clear 
liquid is then poured off and mixed with the ten ounces of 
tincture, and the oleo-resin adhering to the sides of the dish 
are dissolved in a little alcohol, and added to the rest. The 
mixing of the liquids, by changing the strength of the men- 
Ether, 
Alcohol, 
Diluted alcohol, 
four fluid ounces, 
twelve fluid ounces, 
a sufficient quantity. 
