FERRI  ET  STRYCHNIA  CITRAS. 
251 
FERRI  ET  STRYCHNIA  OITRAS. 
By  N.  Gray  Bartlett. 
There  is  a  considerable  and  increasing  demand  for  this  prepa- 
ration ;  it  is  found  in  commerce  containing  various  proportions 
of  strychnia,  usually,  however,  either  one  or  two  per  cent,  of 
the  alkaloid.  It  differs  also  in  respect  to  solubility,  one  variety 
being  nearly  insoluble,  and  another  dissolving  readily. 
Citrate  of  iron  and  strychnia  is  usually  prescribed  in  solution, 
and  it  is  the  soluble  variety  that  is  most  generally  used  and  es- 
teemed. Any  compound  in  general  use  by  physicians,  contain- 
ing such  a  potent  remedy  as  the  article  in  question,  should  have 
its  composition  authoritatively  defined ;  it  is  for  this  reason,  and 
with  the  belief  that  it  is  a  valuable  addition  to  the  Materia 
Medica,  that  the  following  process  is  suggested  for  the  con- 
sideration of  the  revisers  of  the  Pharmacopoeia. 
Ferri  et  Stryehnice  Citras. 
Take  of  Solution  of  citrate  of  iron,  one  pint. 
Stronger  water  of  ammonia,  a  sufficient  quantity, 
(about  two  troy  ounces  and  a  half.) 
Crystallized  strychnia, 
Citric  acid. 
Water,  of  each,  a  sufficient  quantity. 
Exactly  neutralize  the  solution  of  citrate  of  iron  with  the 
stronger  water  of  ammonia,  cautiously  added ;  allow  the  liquid 
to  cool,  and  accurately  determine  its  weight.  Pour  one  troy 
ounce  on  a  pane  of  glass,  and  set  it  aside  to  dry,  at  a  tempera- 
ture of  90°.  Remove  the  dried  salt  from  the  glass,  ascertain  its 
weight  and  re-dissolve  it  in  the  solution.  Apply  the  ratio  of 
salt  to  liquid  to  the  original  weight  of  the  solution,  and,  for 
every  ninety-eight  grains  of  the  citrate  of  iron  and  ammonia 
present,  employ  one  grain  of  crystallized  strychnia,  and  one 
grain  of  citric  acid. 
Dissolve  the  citric  acid  in  a  fluidounce  of  water ;  rub  the 
strychnia  with  the  same  measure  of  water,  and  to  it  add  grad- 
ually the  acid  liquid,  stirring  until  complete  solution  is  effected. 
Heat  the  solution  of  citrate  of  iron  and  ammonia  on  a  water- 
bath  to  120°,  and  pour  into  it  with  brisk  agitation  of  the  liquid, 
the  strychnia  solution  ;  rinse  the  mortar  with  a  little  water  and 
