These are solutions of sugar in water, watery infusions, or in vegetable
juices; the proportion of sugar is generally _two parts_ to one of the
fluid; if it exceeds this, the solution will crystallize, if it be less,
ferment, and become acescent.[655] The most certain test of the proper
consistence of a syrup is its specific gravity; a bottle that holds
three ounces of water at 55 _Fah._ ought to hold four ounces of syrup.
Syrups are introduced into medicinal formulæ for several purposes, viz.
I. _To correct or disguise the flavour of disagreeable remedies._ Syrup:
Aurantiorum. L.D. (_Form, 48, 51, 107_.)—Limonum, L.E.D.—Simplex (124,
145).—Zingiberis (88, 95, 105.) Bitter infusions, and saline solutions
are rendered more nauseous by the addition of syrups.
II. _To produce Medicinal Effects._ Syrup: Allii. D.—_Altheæ_. L.E.
(135)—_Acidi Acetosi._ E.—Colchici. E.—Sennæ. E.D. (70)—Scillæ Maritimæ.
E.—Rhamni. L. _Papaveris_. L.E.D. (5, 7, 75, 169, 170.)—Rosæ
(74)—Zingiberis (47, 150)—Sarsaparillæ. L.