In apportioning the dose of mixtures, the following proportions are
admissible, although not perfectly accurate. A TABLE SPOON full
(_Cochleare Amplum_) f℥ss. DESSERT SPOON (_Cochleare Mediocre_) more
than fʒij. TEA SPOON (_Cochleare Minimum_) fʒj. A WINE GLASS (_Cyathus_)
although very variable, may be estimated as containing f℥iss. The custom
of measuring the dose of a liquid by dropping it from the mouth of a
phial is very erroneous;[303] it will therefore be proper to dilute an
active medicine that is to be so apportioned, with at least a triple
quantity of water, that its real dose may not be essentially altered by
any slight variation in the quantity.
The temperature at which a liquid medicine should be given may perhaps
merit a few observations. In general, the ordinary degree of heat is
that which will best answer the intention, but in cases of dyspepsia,
the sense of weight and uneasiness, which often follows a dose of
medicine, will be prevented by giving it in a tepid state. This remark
will apply to the administration of the _Decoction of Sarsaparilla_;
Refrigerants should of course be given as cool as possible; Camomile
Infusion, and other vegetable Ptisans, which are designed to promote the
operation of an emetic, will be more efficient when warm. In delicate
chlorotic females I have sometimes found chalybeate draughts not only
more efficacious, but less distressing to the stomach, when exhibited in
a tepid state.