PHARMACEUTICAL NOTICES. 
yellow wax, of each a drachm; prepared lard, an ounce. 
Rub the red precipitate till it becomes of a uniform orange 
colour; then mix it with a little of the lard. Mix also the 
remainder of the lard with the wax and melt them together. 
When the latter mixture is removed from the fire and has be- 
gun to harden, add it to the former, and stir the whole till per- 
fectly cool. In rubbing down the precipitate the utmost care 
must be taken that this process be continued till it is perfectly 
impalpable; hence not more than a drachm should be operated 
on at a time. 
Unguentum Cantharidis. — Various formulae are given in 
the different Dispensatories and Pharmacopoeias for this pre- 
paration, some of which are efficient, and fulfil their intention 
in every particular, whilst others betray a striking want of 
pharmaceutic knowledge on the part of their proposers. The 
following, which is recommended by Dr. T. Martin, is said 
to afford many advantages, as it spreads easily, adheres well, 
and is not liable to deteriorate by keeping. 
Four ounces of powdered cantharides are to be infused in 
twenty ounces of boiling water, and macerated for twelve 
hours; strain and evaporate by a gentle heat to the consistence 
of a syrup. Add yellow wax four ounces, resin, olive oil, 
and spirits of turpentine each one ounce, alcohol two ounces; 
the whole to be thoroughly incorporated by stirring. If this 
ointment is required of a greater strength, a larger proportion 
of cantharides may be used. 
Senna and Prunes. — A common domestic aperient is pre- 
pared by stewing prunes with senna; this, in most cases, 
answers the purpose very well, but the taste of the senna is 
not always sufficiently disguised, added to which, to obtain the 
desired laxative effect, so large a quantity of the prunes are 
obliged to be eaten, as to oppress the stomach and bowels. 
The following mode of preparation has been found very 
effectual, and of an agreeable taste. Senna leaves half an 
ounce; supertartrate of potash half a drachm; water half a 
