MISCELLANY. 
85 
of morphia, which is held in solution by the diluted acid ; the remaining 
ingredients of the opium, acted upon by the spirits of wine are extracted, 
and detained by the acid, after the spirit has been distilled off. 
Ibid, and London Med. Gaz. 
Purgative for children. — 
R 01. Tiglii gtts. ij. 
Sacch. alb. gij. 
Gum Arab. gss. 
Tine. Cardam. f. gss. 
Aqua distill. ^i. ^ij. M. 
This mixture is to be administered in doses of two desert spoonfuls, 
every three or four hours, till the bowels are sufficiently acted upon. It 
is of an agreeable taste, and maybe advantageously given to the youngest 
children ; but of course in diminished doses, according to the age. 
Journ. de Pharm. 
Brilliant white light for Signals. — 
Nitre, 24 parts, 
Flowers of Sulphur, 7 parts, 
Red sulphuret of arsenic, 2 parts, 
These substances are to be thoroughly incorporated, and pressed lightly 
into boxes of six inches in diameter, by three in height; the flame lasts 
for three minutes. It can be seen at a distance of 30 or 40 miles. 
Ibia. 
Castoreum. — Mr. Pereira states that the following are the principal differ- 
ences between American and Russian Castor. In the latter, the sacs are 
smaller and more rounded than in the former; they are also compressed. 
Colour, ash brown. Odour, remarkable and peculiar, differing from the 
American. It is empyreumatic, or like that of Russian leather. Internal 
appearance, brownish fawn, and quite dull, with no shining or resinous 
lustre. American castor softens under the teeth like wax, and has an 
acrid taste; whereas Russian breaks down like starch, has but little taste 
at first, and then becomes somewhat bitter and aromatic. One of the best 
discriminating tests, is to drop a piece about the size of a pea into diluted 
muriatic acid ; no obvious effect is produced on the American, whereas 
the Russian effervesces. The tincture of the Russian is of the colour of 
dark Sherry wine, whilst that made with the American is nearly as dark 
as London porter. When added to water, the former produces but a 
slight milkiness, scarcely altered by aqua ammonia; the latter renders 
the water very milky and strikes a bright yellow with ammonia. 
London Med. Gaz. 
