_Solution of Alkaline Iron._
This preparation is nearly the same as Stahl’s _Tinctura Martis
Alkalina_. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. It is by no means ascertained.
INCOMPATIBLE SUBSTANCES. It is a most injudicious preparation, for it
cannot be exhibited in any form without decomposition; _water_,
especially if not distilled, and _vegetable infusions_ and _decoctions_,
produce dense precipitates; _pure acids_, _alkalies_, and _spirit_, also
decompose it. I must confess my regret at the College having retained
this preparation in their Pharmacopœia; the committee agreed to reject
it, but their judgment was reversed by the votes of the _Comitia
Majora_. Should any practitioner be unable to procure this preparation,
I will give him an easy receipt for producing it, viz. _Let him keep the
Mistura Ferri composita in an open vessel, until it is entirely spoilt_!