2. Lead up all biscuit puncheons as soon as they are full of the
freshly-baked biscuit.
3. Coat puncheons with tar after they are leaded up, or at least work
lime-wash well into the joints and crevices.
4. Line the bread-rooms of the ships with tin, so that if the Ephestia has
got into a puncheon it may not infest the rest of the ship.
5. If other means fail, expose the woodwork of puncheons to a heat of 200°
F. for two hours, or they might be destroyed by driving into the puncheon
a stream of carbonic oxide, and afterwards exposing it well to the air.
Weevils in biscuit have frequently been exterminated by this method, and
there appears to be no reason why this treatment should not be equally
efficacious for getting rid of the larvæ of the _Ephestia Eletella_.
=EPHIAL'TES.= See NIGHTMARE.
=EPIDEM'IC.= Common to many people. In _pathology_, an epidemic disease
(EPIDEMIC; EPIDEMY) is one which seizes a number of people at the same
time and in the same place, but which is not dependent on any local cause,
but on some extraordinary condition of the air. When a disease is peculiar
to a people or nation, and appears to depend on local causes, it is said
to be 'ENDEMIC' or 'ENCHORIAL,' Thus, Asiatic cholera may be taken as an
example of the first, and the agues of low countries, and the goitre of
the Alps, as examples of the other.
Epidemics may be divided into indigenous and exotic. Amongst the former
may be included scarlet fever, measles, hooping-cough, influenza, typhoid;
whilst the latter embrace such as are imported, viz. Asiatic cholera,
plague, &c.
No year passes without the prevalence of an epidemic of one kind or the
other in this country.
The following enactments for the prevention of epidemic diseases are now
in force:--
"Whenever any part of England appears to be threatened with, or is
affected by, any formidable epidemic, endemic, or infectious disease, the
Local Government Board may make, and from time to time alter and revoke,
regulations for all or any of the following purposes, viz.:--
"(1) For the speedy interment of the dead; and--
"(2) For house-to-house visitation; and--
"(3) For the provision of medical aid and accommodation, for the promotion
of cleansing, ventilation, and disinfection, and for guarding against the
spread of the disease;--
"and may by order declare all or any of the regulations so made to be in
force within the whole or any part or parts of the district of any local
authority, and to apply to any vessels as well as arms or parts of the sea
within the jurisdiction of the Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom, or
the Commissioners for executing the office of the Lord High Admiral for
the time being, for the period in such order mentioned, and may by any
subsequent order abridge or extend such period." (P. H., s. 134.)
"All such regulations, &c., made by the Local Government Board are to be
published in the 'London Gazette,' and such publication is to be held as
conclusive evidence." (P. H., s. 135.)
"The local authority of any district within which, or part of which,
regulations so issued by the Local Government Board are declared to be in
force, shall superintend and see to the execution thereof, and shall
appoint and pay such medical or other officers or persons, and do and
provide all such acts, matters, and things as may be necessary for
mitigating any such disease, or for superintending or aiding in the
execution of such regulations, or for executing the same, as the case may
require. Moreover, the local authority may from time to time direct any
prosecution or legal proceedings for or in respect of the wilful violation
or neglect of any such regulation." (P. H., s. 136.)
"The local authority and their officers shall have power of entry on any
premises or vessel for the purpose of executing or superintending the
execution of any regulations so issued by the Local Government Board as
aforesaid." (P. H., s. 137.)
"Whenever, in compliance with any regulation so issued by the Local
Government Board as aforesaid, any poor-law medical officer performs any
medical service on board any vessel, he shall be entitled to charge extra
for such service, at the general rate of his allowance for services for
the union or place for which he is appointed, and such charges shall be
payable by the captain of such vessel on behalf of the owners thereof,
together with any reasonable expenses for the treatment of the sick.
"Where such services are rendered by any medical practitioner who is not a
poor-law medical officer, he shall be entitled to charges for any service
rendered on board, with extra remuneration on account of distance, at the
same rate as those which he is in the habit of receiving from private
patients of the class of those attended and treated on shipboard, to be
paid as aforesaid. In case of dispute in respect of such charges, such
dispute may, where the charges do not exceed _twenty pounds_, be
determined by a court of summary jurisdiction; and such court shall
determine summarily the amount which is reasonable, according to the
accustomed rate of charge within the place where the dispute arises for
attendance on patients of the like class as those in respect of whom the
charge is made." (P. H., s. 138.)
"The Local Government Board may, if they think fit, by order authorise or
require any two or more local authorities to act together for the purposes
of the provisions of this Act relating to prevention of epidemic diseases,
and may prescribe the mode of such joint action, and of defraying the
costs thereof." (P. H., s. 139.)
"Any person who--
"(1.) Wilfully violates any regulation so issued by the Local Government
Board, as aforesaid; or,
"(2.) Wilfully obstructs any person acting under the authority or in the
execution of any such regulation shall be liable to a penalty not
exceeding five pounds." (P. H., s. 140.)
=EPIGAS'TRIC.= In _anatomy_, pertaining to the EPIGAS'TRIUM, or the part
of the abdomen over the stomach.
=EPILEP'SY.= _Syn._ FALLING SICKNESS; EPILEPSIA, MORBUS CADUCUS, L. The
popular name of this disease arises from the patient, when attacked by it,
suddenly falling to the ground. The other leading symptoms consist of
convulsions, stupor, and, generally, frothing at the mouth. It comes on by
fits, which after a time go off, leaving a certain amount of lassitude and
drowsiness behind. Sometimes certain peculiar symptoms precede the attack.
Among these, a sensation of coldness or of a current of cold air from the
extremities of the body towards the head (AURA EPILEPTICA), palpitation,
flatulency, stupor, and an indescribable cloud or depression, are the most
common. The occurrence of these symptoms are not, however, uniform, even
in the same patient; but it generally happens that the party falls down
suddenly, and without the slightest warning.
Epilepsy is often symptomatic of other affections, as excessive irritation
of the primæ viæ from worms, indigestible or noxious food, or poison; or
it depends on local injuries, particularly those of the head, accompanied
with lodgments of water on the brain, tumours, pressure, &c. Violent
affections of the nervous system, sudden frights or fits of passion,
violent mental emotions, the sudden suppression of old evacuations, and,
in childhood, difficult teething, are also common causes of sympathetic
epilepsy. Occasionally it arises from mobility of the sensorium, induced
by plethora, or by excessive debility. In such cases the treatment must be
energetically directed to the removal of the exciting cause.
When epilepsy occurs as an idiopathic or primary affection, or when it
cannot be referred to any apparent cause, more especially when the attack
commences about the age of puberty, and the fits are frequent, it is
generally hereditary, and there is great danger of its terminating either
in apoplexy, or lunacy, or imbecility.
The treatment of idiopathic epilepsy is principally directed to the
improvement of the general health, and the diminution of nervous
irritability by sedatives and tonics. Among the first, camphor, ether,
henbane, hemlock, musk, oil of cajeput, opium, and morphia, and, more
recently, hydrocyanic acid, have been principally relied on. Among the
second, bark, cascarilla, quinine, strychnia, valerian, the sulphate of
iron, zinc, and copper, arsenious acid, and nitrate of silver, have each
their zealous advocates. The objection against the last preparation is the
danger of its disfiguring the patient, by tinging the skin of a permanent
dull, leaden hue. In cases accompanied with plethora, a low diet, daily
out-of-door exercise, and the frequent use of aperients, with occasional
blistering, cupping, and other depletive measures, are indicated; whilst
in those marked by inanition and debility, an entirely opposite course
must be adopted. When the disease is complicated with syphilis, a mild
course of mercury may be given; and when with scrofula, iodine, iodide of
potassium, or cod-liver oil, assisted by sea-bathing, will be proper.
Among other methods of treatment may be mentioned the administration of an
active emetic or purgative, twice weekly, in the morning, when the stomach
is empty. The first has now few supporters; but the second is said to be
often productive of great benefit.
During a fit of epilepsy the only thing that can be done for the patient
is to prevent the sufferer injuring himself, and to loosen every part of
his dress that presses on his head, neck, or chest. When premonitory
symptoms occur, a brisk emetic, a large dose of laudanum and ether, a cold
plunge or shower bath (when not contra-indicated), or anything else which
gives a sudden shock to the system or raises its tone, frequently prevents
the accession of the fit.
Epilepsy more commonly attacks children than adults, and boys than girls.
"Its returns are frequently periodical, and its paroxysms commence more
frequently in the night than in the day, being somewhat connected with
sleep. It is sometimes counterfeited by street impostors in order to
excite the charity of the passers-by.
_For Animals._ All animals are subject to attacks of epilepsy, more
particularly dogs and pigs. The animal seized with the fit loses the
senses of sight and hearing, and falling down exhibits the same symptoms
as those which accompany the disease in human beings. Cattle, although
they bellow greatly during an attack, rarely die from it; but it not
infrequently suffocates dogs, and is in them a not unusual cause of sudden
death. The fit, which lasts from ten to fifty minutes, when it passes off,
leaves the animal dull, and is apt to return. Epileptic fits are a
frequent accompaniment of distemper in dogs. They are often induced in
cattle by tough and indigestible food, and in these as well as in dogs, by
intestinal worms. Hot weather and excitement, especially in dogs, are a
frequent cause of an epileptic fit. By energetic treatment after the first
attack the further course of the malady may often be arrested. The best
treatment is to give, when the fit is over, a brisk purge, with an ounce
of oil of turpentine in horses or cattle, and twenty to forty drops in
dogs. If the disease is caused by worms give the medicines ordered in such
cases.
=EPISPAS'TICS.= See BLISTER and VESICANT.
=EP'ITHEM.= _Syn._ EPITHEMA, L. Any external liquid medicine for local
application; as an embrocation or lotion. Some writers confine the term to
those preparations which are intended to be applied by means of a cloth
dipped into them. See LINIMENT, LOTION, &c.
=Epithem, Astrin''gent.= _Syn._ EPITHEMA ASTRINGENS, L. _Prep._ 1.
Powdered ice, 7 dr.; powdered catechu, 1 dr.; mix.
2. (Brera.) Powdered bole and rhatany, of each 1 oz.; vinegar of roses, q.
s. to form a paste. Both are applied to the nostrils and forehead to stop
bleeding at the nose.
=Epithem, Gly''cerin.= _Syn._ EPITHEMA GLYCERINÆ, L. _Prep._ (Mr Startin.)
Glycerin, 1 oz.; rose water and lime water, of each 3 or 4 fl. oz.;
powdered gum tragacanth, q. s. to form a thin mucilage. In scalds, burns,
and excoriations.
=Epithem, Vermifuge.= _Syn._ EPITHEMA VERMIFUGUM, L. (Hoffmann). Wormwood
and centaury, beaten up with aloes and colocynth, and applied over the
belly.
=Epithem, Vesica'ting.= _Syn._ EPITHEMA VESICATORIUM, L. _Prep._ 1.
(Alibert.) Rye or barley meal, made into a paste with vinegar, and 30 to
40 gr. or more of powdered Spanish flies sprinkled over the surface.
2. (Ph. L. 1746.) Spanish flies (in fine powder) and wheat flour, equal
parts, made into paste with vinegar, q. s. As a blister.
=Epithem, Vol'atile.= _Syn._ EPITHEMA VOLATILE, E. AMMONIÆ, L. _Prep._
(Ph. L. 1764.) Common turpentine and water of ammonia, equal parts. An
excellent counter-irritant; either with or without the addition of a
little olive oil.
=EPIZOOTIC DISEASES.= These are diseases which attack different species of
domestic animals in the same manner that epidemics do man. These maladies
ravage large tracts of country, frequently causing great mortality amongst
the various animals inhabiting the localities visited by them; different
animals being assailed by different forms of epizootic disease.
For instance, there is the rinderpest, or plague peculiar to cattle, the
typhoid or gastric fever which prevailed so largely amongst horses in this
country in 1854, and 1861 and 1862; the smallpox of sheep; the diphtheria
affecting oxen, sheep, goats, and pigs; the influenza of horses, and the
charbon of pigs. Dogs, cats, tame and wild birds, fish,[277] silkworms and
bees, each suffers from a special variety of epizootic disease.
[Footnote 277: Great mortality has prevailed amongst the salmon during the
present year, owing to the attacks of a peculiar white fungus, called the
_Saprolegnia ferox_, a parasite that multiplies so rapidly as speedily to
envelope any fish it attacks.]
Epizootic diseases are met with in most European countries. They are very
common in Russia, where they commit great devastation amongst the horned
cattle, 400,000 of which are said to die annually from their ravages. Of
epizootics, Mr Finlay Dun says:--"They extend at the same time over large
tracts of country, attack in a similar manner great numbers of animals,
tend to assume a typhoid form, and withstand badly all depletive
treatment. They depend upon some general causes as yet unknown, but which
it has usually been thought sufficient to term "atmospheric;" but are
always most common and fatal amongst animals breathing impure air, densely
crowded, badly fed, or exposed to cold winds; and are generally prevented
or robbed of their virulence by guarding against such debilitating causes,
and maintaining a high standard of health."
=EQUISE'TIC ACID.= In _chemistry_, a substance identical with ACONITIC
ACID (which _see_).
=EQUIV'ALENT.= (EQUIVALENCY.) In modern _chemistry_, the equivalent of a
body is that weight of it which will exactly replace in a compound 1 atom
of hydrogen or 1 atom of either of the other monivalent elements (_see_
Table, _below_).
Monivalent elements are those which replace one atom of hydrogen in
chemical combinations in the ratios of their atomic weights.
One atom of a divalent, trivalent, tetrivalent, pentivalent, and
hexivalent element replaces respectively, or is equivalent to, two, three,
four, five, or six atoms of hydrogen or of any other monivalent element.
(For further information on this subject consult the works on chemistry
by Fownes, Miller, Kay-Shuttleworth, &c.)
_Table of the Elements, arranged according to their Equivalency_.
-----------+-----------+----------+-------------+------------+------------
Monivalent.| Divalent. |Trivalent.| Tetrivalent.|Pentivalent.| Hexivalent.
-----------+-----------+----------+-------------+------------+------------
Hydrogen | Oxygen |Boron | Carbon |Nitrogen | Sulphur
Fluorine | Barium |Gold | Silicon |Phosphorus | Selenium
Chlorine | Strontium | | Tin |Vanadium | Tellurium
Bromine | Calcium | | Titanium |Arsenic | Tungsten
Iodine | Magnesium | | Thorium |Antimony | Molybdenum
Cæsium | Zinc | | Niobium |Bismuth | Osmium
Rubidium | Didymium | | Tantalum | | Iridium
Potassium | Lanthanium| | Zinconium | | Ruthenium
Sodium | Yttrium | | Aluminium | | Rhodium
Lithium | Glucinum | | Platinum | | Chromium
Thallium | Cadmium | | Palladium | | Manganese
Silver | Mercury | | Lead | | Iron
| Copper | | | | Cobalt
| | | | | Nickel
| | | | | Uranium
| | | | | Cerium
-----------+-----------+----------+-------------+------------+------------
=ERB'IUM.= According to Prof. Mosander, the substance usually called
yttria is a mixture of the oxides of three metals--yttrium, erbium, and
terbium, which differ in the character of their salts, and in some other
important particulars. The first is a powerful base; the others, very weak
ones. The latter are separated with extreme difficulty, and possess no
practical importance.
[Illustration]
=ERDMAN'S FLOAT.= This useful little instrument, invented as its name
implies, by Erdman, is used to ensure accuracy in the readings of Mohr's
burette.
It is in the form of an elongated glass bulb, loaded with a globule of
mercury at the bottom, the same as a hydrometer, and with a glass hook at
the top, by means of which it can be placed in or removed from the liquid
in the burette at pleasure. The float has a circular mark scratched by a
diamond, running round the middle, which, when the instrument is placed in
the fluid in the burette, should correspond with the graduation or degree
on the burette at which the fluid stands. The actual height of the fluid
in the burette is of no consequence, since, if the operation be commenced
with the line on the float opposite the 0 gradation on the burette, the
same proportional division is always maintained. It is most essential
that, when the fluid is being drawn off, the float should accompany it in
its descent without wavering, and that the circular mark upon it should
always be parallel to the graduations of the burette. Another condition
is, that when the float has been pressed down in the fluid of the closed
burette it should slowly rise again. A correspondent in Liebig's 'Annalen
der Chemie und Pharmacie' for April, 1875, states that Erdman's floats
generally become lined internally with a green or yellow layer, from the
oxidation of the mercury, and are thus rendered opaque and consequently
useless. He proposes to place the mercury in a distinct cell, hermetically
sealed from the upper part of the float which carries the circular mark.
He has had floats of this construction in use for years.[278] See BURETTE.
[Footnote 278: 'Chemical News.']
=EREMACAU'SIS.= Slow burning; decay. This expression was applied by Liebig
to the peculiar decomposition which moist organic matter undergoes, when
freely exposed to the air, by the oxygen of which it is gradually burned
or destroyed, without any sensible elevation of temperature. See
PUTREFACTION.
=ER'GOT.= _Syn._ ERGOT OF RYE, SPURRED RYE, HORNED R., COCKSPUR R.,
OBSTETRICAL R. ERGOTA (B. P.), L. The diseased seeds of _Secale cereale_
(Linn.), or common rye.
Ergot of rye deteriorates greatly by age, being subject to the attacks of
a description of acarus resembling the cheese mite, but much smaller,
which destroys the whole of the internal portion of the grain, leaving
nothing but the shell, and a considerable quantity of excrementitious
matter. To prevent this the ergot should be well dried, and then placed in
bottles or tin canisters, and closely preserved from the air. The addition
of a few cloves, or drops of the oil of cloves, or strong acetic acid, or
a little camphor, or camphorated spirit of wine, will preserve this
substance for years in close vessels. M. Martin proposes to steep the dry
ergot in strong mucilage, and then to dry it on a sheet of white iron.
This operation he repeats once or oftener, and finally preserves the
prepared and thoroughly dried ergot in a well-corked glass flask. ('Jour.
de Chimie Méd.') The wholesale druggists generally keep it in well-covered
tin canisters or tin boxes.
H. Ducros ('Zeitschr. des Oesterr. Apoth. Ver.,' 1876-8), on the strength
of many years' experience, recommends powdered wood-charcoal for the
preservation of ergot of rye.
The ergot is placed in a wide-mouth stoppered bottle, and covered with a
thick layer of the powdered charcoal. Whenever it is required for use some
of the ergot is transferred to a piece of paper, and freed from the
adhering charcoal by blowing and rubbing. What is not required is returned
to the bottle.
N. B. Gionovié ('Zeitschr. des Oesterr. Apoth. Ver.,' 1876, 126) states he
has used the following process with the best success. A small quantity of
ether is dropped on the ergot contained in a bottle, and the latter closed
with a well-fitting stopper. The addition of ether is repeated every time
the bottle is opened.
Ergot of rye is much used to restrain uterine hæmorrhage, and to
accelerate the contraction of the uterus in protracted labour. It is also
much used as an emmenagogue.--_Dose._ To facilitate labour, 20 to 30 gr.,
either in powder or made into an infusion; repeated at intervals of 20 or
30 minutes until 3 or 4 scruples have been taken. In other cases
(leucorrh[oe]a, hæmorrhages, &c.) the _dose_ is 5 to 12 gr., three times
daily, for a period not longer than a week or ten days at a time.
M. Tancret states that he has succeeded in obtaining an alkaloid from
ergot of rye, which he names _ergotinine_. The isolation of ergotinine is
said to be attended with great difficulty, owing to its great tendency to
undergo spontaneous changes, a short contact with the air being sufficient
to decompose it; a circumstance which may perhaps help to explain the
rapid change that the powder ergot experiences. Professor Dragendorff,
however, refuses to admit that ergotinine is the active principle of
ergot, or that it is a distinct chemical substance. He ascribes the
therapeutic power of the drug mainly to _sclerotic acid_, which body,
after various unsuccessful attempts, he has obtained from ergot, with
certain other determinate compounds, by the following process:--"Very
finely powdered ergot is exhausted with distilled water, the solution
concentrated _in vacuo_, and the residuary liquid mixed with an equal
volume of 95 per cent. alcohol. This causes the precipitation of a
peculiarly shiny substance (scleromucin), together with a portion of the
salts, and the greater part of the suspended fatty matter. The mixture
having been allowed to stand on ice for twenty-four to forty-eight hours,
it is filtered, and the filtrate mixed with a further quantity of 95 per
cent. alcohol, sufficient to precipitate all the sclerotic acid in
combination with the bases (chiefly as calcium sclerotate). The separation
of the precipitate is promoted as before, by placing the mixture on ice
for some days. This causes the deposited mass, which has a brownish
colour, to adhere firmly to the walls of the vessel, so as to permit the
supernatant liquid to be easily poured off. The precipitate is kneaded
with alcohol of 80 per cent., and immediately thereafter dissolved in a
sufficient quantity of 40 per cent. alcohol, when the remainder of the
scleromucin and another large portion of the foreign salts are left
behind. The filtered liquid is now mixed with absolute alcohol, whereby
sclerotic acid is precipitated in conjunction with certain bases and other
substances. The impure product, when carefully dried over sulphuric acid,
was found on analysis to contain 8·5 per cent. of potassium, about 0·36
per cent. of calcium, 4·3 per cent. of sodium, 2·74 per cent. of
phosphoric acid, or altogether 12·9 per cent. of ash.
"The greater part of these admixtures may be removed, and the sclerotic
acid obtained free, by adding before the final precipitation with absolute
alcohol a considerable quantity of hydrochloric acid (for every 100 c. c.
of solution 5-6 gm. of the acid, sp. gr. 1·100), allowing to stand at
ordinary temperature for a few hours, and then proceeding to precipitate.
In this manner the amount of ash may be brought down to 3 per cent., and
by repeated solution, addition of acid, and precipitation, it may further
be reduced to less than 2 per cent. or 3 per cent. A more complete
purification is difficult and hazardous, because every addition of
hydrochloric acid causes the decomposition of a small quantity of
sclerotic acid, while at the same time a portion of the latter is lost by
remaining in solution.
"The resulting product, although not chemically pure, is nevertheless
physiologically pure, as it always produces constant and identical
results, no matter from what sample of (good) ergot it was obtained.
"Good ergot contains about 4 to 4·5 per cent. of the acid, although
samples are met with which contain scarcely 1·5 to 2 per cent."[279]
[Footnote 279: From 'New Remedies.']
Frogs are stated to have been thrown into a state of palsy by the
hypodermic injection of 0·02 to 0·04 gram of sclerotic acid.
See DECOCTION, EXTRACT, INFUSION, OIL, TINCTURE, &c.
=ER'GOTIN.= _Syn._ ERGOTINA, L. _Prep._ 1. (Bonjean's.) Powdered ergot is
exhausted with cold water, by displacement, and the resulting solution is
heated in a water bath to about 200° Fahr., and filtered; the filtered
liquor is then evaporated to the consistence of a syrup, and when cold,
is treated with rectified spirit, in considerable excess, to precipitate
its gummy matter; after repose, the clear portion is decanted, by the heat
of a water bath, to the consistence of a soft extract. _Prod._ 15%.
According to M. Bonjean, this preparation possesses all the 'hæmostatic'
without any of the 'poisonous' qualities of ergot. It has a reddish-brown
colour, a bitter taste, and an odour somewhat resembling that of roasted
meat. Its aqueous solution is red, limpid, and transparent.--_Dose_, 4 to
10 gr., either made into a pill or dissolved in water.
2. (Wigger's.) Powdered ergot is first digested in ether, to remove the
fatty matter, and then in boiling alcohol; the alcoholic tincture is
evaporated, and the resulting extract treated with water; the undissolved
portion, dissolved in hot alcohol and filtered, yields pure ergotine by
gentle evaporation.--_Prod._ 1-1/4%. It has a brownish-red colour; is
resinous, acrid, bitter, insoluble in water and ether, soluble in alcohol,
and poisonous. It evolves a peculiar odour when warmed. Its therapeutical
action has not been determined. See EXTRACT.
=ER'RHINES.= _Syn._ ERRHINA, L. Substances applied to the pituitary
membrane of the nose, for the purpose of producing an increased discharge
of nasal mucus. When they are given to excite sneezing, they are called
STERNUTATORIES or PTARMICS. Asarabacca, euphorbium, several of the
_labiatæ_ (herbæ _vel_ flores), sal-ammoniac, powdered sugar, subsulphate
of mercury, tobacco, and white hellebore, are the principal substances of
this class.
Errhines act as local irritants, and are occasionally employed in chronic
affections of the eyes, face, ears, and brain; as in amaurosis,
ophthalmia, deafness, weak sight, headache, &c.
=Errhine, Al'um.= _Syn._ ERRHINUM ALUMINIS, L. _Prep._ (Radius.) Alum and
Armenian bole, of each, 1 dr.; kino, 1/2 dr.; red oxide of iron, 2 dr.
(all in powder); mix and triturate. In bleeding at the nose. A little is
snuffed up the nostrils.
=Errhine, Hæmostat'ic.= _Syn._ ERRHINUM HÆMOSTATICUS, L. _Prep._ From
powdered catechu, 1 dr.; opium, 5 gr.; sugar, 2 dr. As the last.
=ERUPTIONS (of the Skin).= For brevity and convenience, these cutaneous
affections may be divided into 5 classes:--
=Eruptions, Animal'cular.= These are due to the presence of minute
parasites (ACARI), which burrow and breed in the scarf-skin, and occasion
much local irritation. See ITCH.
=Eruptions, Pap'ular.= _Syn._ DRY PIMPLES. In these the surface is raised
into little elevations or pimples, which sometimes show themselves on the
surface, and at others are only appreciable by the touch. They are usually
accompanied with a greater or less degree of cutaneous irritation and
troublesome itching, in attempting to relieve which they are frequently
converted into disagreeable and painful sores and excoriations, which are
often difficult to heal.
_Treat._ In simple cases, where there is not much disarrangement of the
general health, these eruptions commonly yield to the occasional use of
mild saline aperients, and warm or tepid bathing, or frequent ablution
with warm soap and water. Sea-bathing is also a powerful remedy.
Stimulants of all kinds should be avoided, and ripe fruit and vegetables
should form a prominent part of the diet. Lemonade, made by squeezing a
lemon into a tumbler of water, and sweetening the mixture with a little
sugar, is one of the best beverages on these occasions. To relieve the
itching, brisk friction with a soft flesh-brush may be had recourse to,
followed by the use of a lotion formed by adding the juice of a lemon or a
wine-glassful of distilled vinegar, to 3/4 of a pint or a pint of water,
either with or without the addition of a table-spoonful of glycerin.
Occasional single pimples, depending on local causes, generally require no
particular treatment. See LICHEN, PRURIGO, RED GUM, and TOOTHRASH.
=Eruptions, Pus'tular.= _Syn._ MATTERY PIMPLES. These are distinguished by
the pimples (pustules) containing an opaque yellow fluid or matter (pus,
lymph). "They are generally developed on a ground of inflamed skin; and
the degree of this inflammation of the skin is the basis of their division
into two groups, termed technically 'IMPETIGO' and 'ECTHYMA,' The former
presents the slighter degree of inflammation, and, sometimes, there is
scarcely any redness of the skin; the latter is always accompanied by
considerable inflammation and redness." "The little bubbles attain their
full size in the course of two or three days, and either dry up without
breaking, or more frequently burst and then dry, forming a hard crust,
which offers considerable variety of colour, being sometimes yellowish,
sometimes brownish, and sometimes almost black." The latter form is
popularly known as 'crusted tetter.' In ecthyma the pustules "are
generally of the size of a split pea, and surrounded at their base by a
broad halo of redness. They are usually separate, not clustered like
impetigo, scattered over various parts of the body, and followed either by
a hard black crust or by a sore."
_Treat._ The inflammation and pain may be generally alleviated by the
application of a lotion formed of rectified spirit of wine, 1 part; and
water, 5 or 6 parts; to which a table-spoonful of distilled vinegar is
often added. The crusts or scabs, when they become hard or troublesome,
may be removed by a warm fomentation or an emollient poultice; a little
simple cerate being afterwards applied to allay irritation. When the
constitution is full and inflammatory (as it usually is in impetigo), a
depletive treatment may be adopted, when it is low and debilitated (as it
usually is in ecthyma), tonics and a more liberal diet, with the free use
of lemon juice diluted with water, as a beverage, should be had recourse
to. Sea-bathing is also highly useful. See TETTERS.
=Eruptions, Sca'ly.= _Syn._ DRY TETTER. This is a form of inflammatory
condition of the true skin (DERMA), which commonly makes its appearance as
a small dull red, salmon-red, or liver-coloured spot, slightly raised
above the level of the surrounding skin, constituting a broad, flat,
pimple-like prominence, about the size of a split pea. Upon the surface of
this prominence the scarf-skin becomes slightly roughened, and after a
little while a very distinct but circular scale is produced, which
increases in thickness by the addition of fresh layers, and after assuming
various colours in different varieties of the disease, ultimately
separates and falls off, either leaving a permanently bare surface, or
being followed by crops of other like scales, which also fall off, and are
replaced in rapid succession. This class of eruptions is more obstinate
than any of the other varieties, and often defies medical skill. Each
particular form generally requires special treatment. In all, however,
endeavours should be made to restore the general health of the body in the
manner which existing circumstances may indicate. The red meats, ripe
fruit, and antiscorbutic vegetables should form a large portion of the
diet; and sea-bathing, or shower, sulphuretted, or ioduretted baths,
should be taken daily, if possible. Dry friction with a flesh-brush, and
daily exercise to perspiration, are also highly recommended. See LEPROSY,
PSORIASIS, TETTERS, &c.
=Eruptions, Vesic'ular.= _Syn._ WATERY PIMPLES. These consist of little
vesicles or bladders, filled with a small quantity of a transparent and
colourless liquid. They result from a similar action to that which
produces ordinary blisters. Inflammation is excited in the sensitive skin
by an inward or outward cause, and the inflamed vessels pour out the
watery part of the blood, and so raise the scarf-skin from off the
sensitive layer, in the form of a small dome, which in some situations is
conical, in others a segment of a sphere. They present great variety in
point of number and size; some are so minute as to be scarcely discernible
without close inspection, whilst others increase to the magnitude of a
hen's egg. They are numerous in the inverse ratio of their size; the
smaller ones being very abundant, and the larger ones scanty and few.
_Treat._ This consists chiefly in the due attention to the general
principles of health--cleanliness, exercise, food, and raiment, as already
pointed out, assisted by such special remedies as the particular case or
circumstances may demand. Antiphlogistics or tonics must be had recourse
to, according to the condition of the system, and local irritation allayed
by the usual means. Simple cases frequently yield to a dose or two of some
saline aperient and a change of diet. See ACNE, ERYSIPELAS, PEMPHIGUS,
RUPIA, TETTERS, and SKIN.
=ERVALEN'TA.= The meal of lentil (_Ervum lens_,--Linn.), variously
doctored with other substances. In some cases the article sold under the
name does not contain a particle of lentil meal.
_Prep._ 1. (Paris Ervalenta.) Indian-corn meal (fine), and bean flour, of
each 14 lbs.; salt and sugar, of each 1 lb.; mix, and pass the compound
through a sieve.
2. (Warton's.) Lentil powder, 1 part; durra or Turkey millet flour
(_Sorghum vulgare_), 2 parts. Some persons assert that it contains a large
quantity of the flour of Indian corn. See REVALENTA and LENTILS.
=ERYN''GO.= _Syn._ ERYNGIUM, L. The root of the _Eryngium campestre_, a
plant common in middle and southern Europe. It is sweet, aromatic, and
tonic, and formerly enjoyed much repute in gonorrh[oe]a, suppressed
menstruation, and visceral obstructions generally, especially those of the
gall-bladder, liver, and uterus. Candied eryngo (ERYNGIUM CONDITUM,
ERYNGII RADIX CONDITA), according to Lindley, "has the credit of being a
decided aphrodisiac," and has a considerable sale. _Eryngium aquaticum_
(bitter snake-weed) and _E. maritimum_ (sea eryngo, sea holly) furnish the
eryngo of the Ph. U. S. See CANDYING.
=ERYSIP'ELAS.= _Syn._ ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE, THE ROSE. A peculiar form of
inflammation, which chiefly attacks the skin, and is generally accompanied
or followed by an eruption of a very red colour, sometimes vesicular, and
by tumefaction. It commonly attacks the head and face, and is at its
height from the third to the sixth day, but the duration and progress of
the symptoms are variable. From the eighth to the twelfth day the eruption
usually scabs or scales off. Sometimes suppuration occurs, especially of
the eyelids and scalp, and during the latter stages of the disease there
is, in general, a tendency to debility. In many cases erysipelas is
attended by typhoid symptoms, and is then a dangerous and often fatal
disease.
_Treat._ Aperients and diaphoretics, assisted by a cooling diet. When the
inflammatory symptoms run high, blistering and cupping are frequently had
recourse to. Local irritation may be subdued by milk-and-water, or cooling
or evaporating lotions, or by sprinkling starch, hair-powder, or
arrow-root, on the part. The tendency to debility in the latter stages
should be combated with bark, quinine, or other like tonics. When
shiverings, sickness, and delirium, attend the height of the disorder,
wine, bark, ammonia, and other stimulants, are usually prescribed, and
depletion must be avoided. The same treatment is also adopted in the
gangrenous forms of the disease, to which doses of opium and calomel are
also commonly added. When suppuration and sloughing of the cellular
membrane have taken place, it is usual to make incisions to give exit to
the discharge, and relieve the tension of the limb. These may be about
1-1/2 inch in length, and from 2 to 4 inches apart, and should be made in
the direction of the long dimensions of the limb. Mr Higginbottom, of
Nottingham, applies (freely) lunar caustic to the inflamed skin, and also
to the healthy skin, to the extent of an inch or more beyond it. The
result, in many cases, is a complete change of action in the part, and a
resolution of the disease. Iodine paint is often successfully used in the
same way.
Wherever practicable medical assistance should be called in on the first
appearance of this dangerous disease.
Erysipelas is generally symptomatic of a debilitated or bad constitution.
It is also a common sequel of surgical operations in crowded and
ill-ventilated hospitals, where it often appears to be contagious. In
these cases cleanliness, ventilation, and change of air, are the only
remedies. We need scarcely add, that this disease should never be tampered
with, but the best medical advice sought, whenever it can be procured.
_For animals._ The bowels should be kept gently open, by small doses of
medicine, and laxative glysters. If there be any feverish symptoms, saline
diuretics should be administered; and as a lowering treatment is
objectionable, tonics and stimulants should be had recourse to at an early
stage of the disease. The affected parts should be kept constantly moist
with a lotion composed of one part of Goulard's extract to thirty parts of
distilled or freshly boiled water. Nutritious food, fresh air and general
comfort must not be neglected. Cold applications are hurtful. Horses are
seldom attacked by erysipelas.
=ERYTHORE'TIN.= _Syn._ RED RESIN OF RHUBARB. A yellow or reddish-yellow
substance, forming one of the three resins found by Schlösberger and
D[oe]pping in rhubarb. It is very soluble in alcohol; less so in ether;
with ammonia and potassa it forms soluble compounds of a rich purple
colour. See RHUBARB.
=ERYTH'RIC ACID.= _Prep._ The lichen _Roccella tinctoria_ (Canary or
herb-archil) is boiled with milk of lime, and the filtered solution
precipitated with hydrochloric acid; the dried precipitate is dissolved in
warm alcohol, and filtered; as the solution cools, crystals of erythric
acid are deposited.
_Prep., &c._ Feebly acid; colourless; inodorous; scarcely soluble in
water; soluble in alcohol and ether; chloride of lime turns its solutions
of a blood-red colour.
=ERYTH'RINE=, AMARYTHRINE, ERYTHRILINE, PSEUDO-ERYTHRINE, and
TELERYTHRINE. Substances obtained by Kane and Heeren from _Roccella
tinctoria_, _Parmelia roccella_, _Leconara Tartarea_, &c. They are of
little practical importance.
=ESCHAROT'ICS.= _Syn._ ESCHAROTICA, L. Substances that destroy the texture
of living organic bodies, with the production of an 'eschar' or 'scab.'
Escharotics have been divided into two classes--_mechanical_ and
_chemical_. Among the former are actual cauteries, as a heated iron,
moxas, &c.; among the latter are all those substances commonly known as
caustics. Some writers have subdivided chemical escharotics into ERODING
ESCHAROTICS, as blue vitriol, red precipitate, burnt alum, &c.; and into
CAUSTIC ESCHAROTICS, as lunar caustic, pure potassa, strong sulphuric
acid, nitric acid, &c.; but these distinctions possess little practical
value. "In cauterising with a heated iron, this should be at a white heat,
as, at this temperature, it occasions less pain to the patient, from its
causing an immediate death of the parts to which it is applied." "The
surrounding surface should be protected by some non-conductor of heat, but
not by wet paper or cloth, as the sudden extrication of steam will produce
a blistered surface around the burn, and will much increase the pain." (Dr
R. E. Griffith.) See CAUSTIC, SOLUTION, &c.
=ES'CULENTS.= Substances used for food. The more important esculents are
noticed under their respective heads.
=ESCU'LIC ACID.= A peculiar acid found by M. Bussy in the bark of the
horse-chestnut. It is but little known, and has not been applied to any
use.
=ESERINE.= Powder of Calabar bean, 100 parts; tartaric acid, 1 part;
potassium bicarbonate in powder, q. s.; alcohol (90°) q. s.; rectified and
washed ether q. s. Exhaust the bean mixed with tartaric acid by several
digestions in alcohol at the heat of a water-bath, alcohol equal to about
three times the weight of the powder being used for each maceration.
Distil the combined liquors and filter; heat the residue in a water-bath
exposed to the air until it contains no more alcohol. After cooling
suspend the extract in a small quantity of distilled water, and filter
through paper to separate the insoluble resin.
Agitate the filtrate with rectified and washed ether, until the ether is
no longer sensibly coloured; two or three treatments are usually
sufficient. Treat the aqueous liquor which contains the eserine in the
state of acid tartrate, with a slight excess of potassium bicarbonate,
until the reaction is alkaline. Shake this liquor several times with
ether, which removes the liberated eserine, and deposits it upon
evaporation. The product is purified by fresh crystallisations from ether.
Pure eserine is colourless or slightly rose coloured; it crystallises in
thin laminæ having a rhomboid form. Most frequently it occurs in commerce
under the form of yellowish spangles, or amorphous masses more or less
coloured by the action of the air.
It is slightly soluble in water, but dissolves freely in alcohol, ether,
and chloroform. When a one per cent. solution of it is treated with
potash or soda it rapidly acquires a characteristic rose colour. Heated in
a flask with a water-bath in contact with excess of ammonia, it gives upon
evaporation of the liquor in the open air, a magnificent blue colour, very
soluble in the water. This solution treated with acids, produces a very
fine dichroic liquor, violet and transparent by transmission, and carmine
red and turbid by refraction. Eserine has the property of contracting
energetically the pupil of the eye.
A kilogram of Calabar beans yields on the average one gram of eserine
(from 'Formulæ for new Medicaments, adopted by the Paris Pharmaceutical
Society.') See CALABAR BEAN.
=Eserine, Neutral Hydrobromate of.= This body is prepared with colourless
hydrobromic acid in the same manner as the sulphate. The solution
evaporated to a syrupy consistence, crystallises in the course of a few
days in fibrous masses, rarely colourless and non-deliquescent.
The neutral hydrobromate of eserine is employed like the sulphate and in
the same doses, although it contains a little less eserine. (From 'Formulæ
for New Medicaments,' adopted by the Paris Pharmaceutical Society.) See
CALABAR BEAN.
=Eserine, Neutral Sulphate of.= This salt is obtained by saturating
directly and exactly a known quantity of eserine with dilute sulphuric
acid (1 in 10); or better still, by shaking a solution of the eserine with
a titrated solution of sulphuric acid so as not to exceed the point of
saturation. The filtered solution of sulphate of eserine is evaporated
rapidly to dryness by the aid of a gentle heat.
Sulphate of eserine can be crystallised in long prismatic needles,
combined in radiating groups, but it is very difficult. It is preferable
to preserve it in the amorphous state, and in well-stoppered bottles, as
it is very deliquescent.
Sulphate of eserine is employed like eserine, internally under the form of
granules containing up to one milligram. It is employed also for the eyes
as a solution, containing two to five centigrams of the salt to ten grams
of distilled water.
Solutions containing eserine, pure or combined, alter rapidly in contact
with the air, becoming red; they should only be prepared in small
quantities as required. (From 'Formulæ for New Medicaments,' adopted by
the Paris Pharmaceutical Society.) See CALABAR BEAN.
=ESPRIT.= [Fr.] SPIRIT. This term is commonly applied to alcoholic
solutions of the essential oils, and to various odorous and aromatic
essences sold by the perfumers and druggists as articles of the toilet.
See ESSENCE, SPIRIT, &c.
=ES'SENCE.= _Syn._ ESSENTIA, L. The active and characteristic portion of a
substance, or that on which its most remarkable properties depend. The
term has been very loosely applied to various preparations presumed to
contain these essential principles or qualities, disencumbered of grosser
matter. Modern systematic writers generally restrict its application to
the volatile oils obtained from vegetable substances by distillation, or
to a strong solution of them in alcohol. In pharmacy and perfumery, the
word 'essence' is applied to concentrated preparations that differ vastly
from each other. Thus, concentrated effusions, decoctions, liquors,
solutions, and tinctures, are frequently called 'essences' by those who
vend them; but the term 'fluid extracts' would be more appropriate, if
those already mentioned are not deemed sufficiently showy and attractive.
We shall here confine ourselves to a brief notice of the principal
compound essences, or those that undergo some preparation beyond being
merely extracted from vegetables by distillation along with water. The
latter will be considered under the article OIL.
The concentrated preparations of the pharmaceutist, termed 'essences,' are
mostly prepared by digesting the active ingredient or ingredients in
rectified spirit of wine, either with or without the addition of a certain
portion of water; or they are extemporaneously formed by dissolving a
portion of the essential oil of such substances in the spirit. In this way
are made the essences of lavender, musk, ginger, &c. When it is desired
only to obtain the aromatic and volatile portion of the ingredients, the
latter are usually digested in the spirit for a few days, and then
submitted to distillation, when the alcohol comes over loaded with
aromatic essential oil, or other volatile matter. In this way are prepared
most of the fragrant essences of the perfumer and druggist, when simple
solution of the essential oils in alcohol is not resorted to. In many
cases the active principles of the ingredients are partly volatile and
partly fixed, or at least do not readily volatilise at the temperature at
which alcohol distils over. This is the case, for instance, with the
active portion of ergot and Jamaica ginger. In such cases digestion alone
should be adopted. When the principles of organic substances, of which it
is desired to obtain a concentrated solution, are resinous or oily, or
little soluble in weak spirit (which is mostly the case), the strongest
rectified spirit of wine should alone be employed. In the preparation of
essences without distillation, the method by percolation or displacement
is preferable to that of simple maceration and expression, when the nature
of the ingredients and other circumstances render it applicable, as it is
not only more economical, but a more concentrated solution may thereby be
obtained. At the same time, however, the reader should remember, that this
mode of operating requires much greater experience and skill to ensure
success than the former method. This clumsiness of manipulation is the
common cause of the failures which are so frequently met with in the
preparation of these articles.
The ingredients for the preparation of essences must undergo the same
operations of bruising, powdering, or slicing, as directed under
'TINCTURE,' previous to digestion in the spirit, or other menstruum; and
the length of time they should be allowed to infuse, when this method
alone is adopted, should not be less than ten days; but this time may be
advantageously extended to a fortnight, or even longer. During the whole
of this period frequent agitation should be employed, and when the
ingredients are so bulky as to absorb the whole of the fluid, the vessel
which contains them should be securely fastened by a bung or stopper
covered with bladder, and inverted every alternate day. By this means
every portion of the ingredients will be equally exposed to the action of
the menstruum. In all such cases the method of displacement, or
percolation, is preferable. For the essences used as perfumes and for
flavouring, not only must the spirit be perfectly tasteless and scentless,
but it must be also quite devoid of colour.
The following formulæ embrace most of the essences met with in the shops.
Those not found among them may be readily prepared by applying the general
directions given above, or by employing the formula given for the
preparation of the essence of some similar substance, merely varying the
characteristic ingredient. Thus, were it desired to form an essence of
ambergris or of myrrh, and no formulæ could be found for these
preparations, the tyro would consider in what menstruum the active
principles of these substances were most soluble. This, he would
immediately see by reference to their properties, is rectified spirit of
wine. He would next have to decide on the proper strength of his essence.
In this he must be guided, either by the strength of the like preparations
of other makers, or by his own judgment of what would be useful, novel, or
convenient. Suppose he decided that his essence should represent 1-10th of
its weight of the solid ingredient. He would then take 2 oz. of ambergris
or myrrh, and 20 oz. of rectified spirit, which he would digest together
for 10 days or a fortnight in the manner described above. Had the required
preparation been an essence of senna (for example), he would probably
recollect, or might easily ascertain by reference, that the active
properties of senna are soluble in both water and weak spirit. Then, to
make an essence 4 times as strong as the tincture of the pharmacop[oe]ia,
7 oz. of senna, and 1 pint of proof spirit, should be employed, with due
digestion, as before.[280] The same applies to other preparations. See
CONCENTRATION, DECOCTION, INFUSION, LIQUOR, SPIRIT, TINCTURE, &c.
[Footnote 280: See directions given under TINCTURE.]
=Essence of Ac'onite.= _Syn._ ESSENTIA ACONITI, L. _Prep._ From aconite
(herb, dried, and powdered), 8 oz.; rectified spirit, 16 oz.; macerate for
4 days at a temperature of 68° Fahr., press, and strain; the marc or
residuum is again macerated with (a little) spirit, and pressed as before,
so that the weight of the mixed tinctures may amount to double that of the
herb.--_Dose_, 3 to 6 drops. See TINCTURE.
=Essence of All'spice.= _Syn._ ESSENCE OF PIMENTO; ESSENTIA PIMENTÆ, L.
_Prep._ From essential oil of pimento or allspice, 1 fl. oz.; strongest
rectified spirit of wine, 1 pint; agitate until perfectly united, and the
next day decant the clear portion, if there is any sediment. Used to make
pimento water, and by cooks and confectioners as a 'flavouring.'
=Essence of Al'monds.= _Syn._ ESSENCE OF BITTER ALMONDS, E. OF PEACH
KERNELS, E. OF RATAFIA, E. OF NOYEAU, QUINTESSENCE OF N., ALMOND FLAVOUR;
ESSENTIA AMYGDALÆ, E. A. AMARÆ, L. _Prep._ 1. From essential oil of
almonds, as the last.
2. (Pereira.) Essential oil of almonds, 1 fl. oz.; rectified spirit, 7 fl.
oz.
_Uses, &c._ It is added to wine, cordials, perfumery, pastry, &c., to
impart an agreeable nutty flavour or aroma. It is also employed to prepare
cherry-laurel, peach-kernel, and bitter-almond water. A large quantity is
consumed by the confectioners, and by wine merchants to 'improve' their
sherries, and to give Cape wine a sherry flavour. It should be used in
very small quantities, as it is very powerful, and, in quantity,
poisonous. A few drops are sufficient for several pounds of pastry. The
first formula is that used in trade. The second is sometimes used by the
druggists, and is occasionally vended under the name of 'CONCENTRATED
ESSENCE OF BITTER ALMONDS,' &c. The directions for purifying the almond
oil from hydrocyanic acid before dissolving it in the spirit, given in
more than one recent book of receipts, are absurd, as in this way the oil
loses much of its characteristic odour and flavour, and by keeping
gradually becomes nearly destitute of both. See ESSENTIAL OIL.
=Essence of Am'bergris.= _Syn._ ESSENTIA AMBRÆ GRISEÆ, E. A. SIMPLEX,
TINCTURA A. CONCENTRATA, L. _Prep._ 1. Ambergris (cut very small), 5 dr.;
rectified spirit, 1 pint; place them in a strong bottle or tin can, secure
the mouth very firmly, and expose it to the heat of the sun, or in an
equally warm situation, for 1 or 2 months, frequently shaking it during
the time; lastly, decant, and filter through paper.
2. (Guibourt.) Ambergris, 1 dr.; rectified spirit, 3 oz.; digest 10 or 12
days.
3. (Redwood.) Ambergris, 2-1/2 dr.; rectified spirit, 1 pint; macerate for
14 days. Chiefly used as an element in other perfumes. The first is the
formula employed by the London houses.
=Essence of Ambergris and Musk.= _Syn._ CONCENTRATED TINCTURE OF A. AND
M.; E. AMBRÆ GRISEÆ (ODORATA), E. A. ET MOSCHI, E. REGIA, L.; ESSENCE
ROYALE, Fr. _Prep._ 1. Ambergris (cut small), 3/4 oz.; 1 or 2
fresh-emptied musk-pods (or musk, 12 gr.); rectified spirit, 1 pint;
proceed as in No. 1 (_above_).
2. Ambergris, 2-1/2 oz.; bladder musk, 1/2 oz.; spirit of ambrette (purple
sweet sultan), 1 gal.; as last.
3. Ambergris, 2-1/2 oz.; bladder musk, 1 oz.; spirit of ambrette, 1 gal.;
as before. The fragrance of the above, especially of the last two, is very
powerful, and is much esteemed.
4. Ambergris, 1/2 oz.; musk and lump sugar, of each 1/4 oz.; triturate
together in a wedgwood-ware mortar, adding oil of cloves, 20 drops; true
balsam of Peru, 30 drops, and enough essence of jasmine or tuberose to
convert it into a perfectly smooth paste; then put it into a strong bottle
with rectified spirit, 1 quart; observing, before adding the whole of the
last, to rinse the mortar out well with it, that nothing may be lost;
lastly digest for 6 or 8 weeks, as directed in No. 1 (_above_).
5. Ambergris, 4 dr.; musk, 1-1/2 dr.; sand, 3 oz.; triturate, then add, of
oil of cinnamon, 1 dr.; oil of rhodium, 1/2 dr.; essence of roses and eau
fleurs d'orange, of each 1/4 pint; rectified spirit, 1-1/2 pint; digest as
before (or not less than 14 days), and decant and filter. The last two are
very fine, though inferior to Nos. 2 and 3.
6. To the last (No. 5), add civet, 1 dr.; salt of tartar, 3 dr.; and an
additional pint of rectified spirit. Inferior to the above, but cheaper.
_Obs._ Essence of ambergris is used as a perfume, and is added in small
quantities to sweet-scented spirits and wines, to improve their flavour
and aroma. A very small quantity of any one of them added to lavender
water, eau de Cologne, tooth-powder, hair-powder, wash-balls, or a
hogshead of claret, communicates a delicious fragrance. See AMBERGRIS and
ESSENCE ROYALE (_below_).
=Essence d'Ambrette.= [Fr.] _Syn._ ESSENCE OF MUSK SEED, SPIRIT OF M. S.;
ESPRIT D'AMBRETTE, Fr. _Prep._ 1. Musk seed (ground in a clean
pepper-mill), 1-1/4 lb.; rectified spirit, 3 pints; digest for 3 or 4
weeks in a warm place, and filter.
2. Musk seed, 4 lbs.; rectified spirit, 1 gal.; digest 10 days, add water,
2 quarts, and distil over 1 gal. Very fine.
=Essence of Ammoni'acum.= _Syn._ CONCENTRATED TINCTURE OF AMMONIACUM;
ESSENTIA AMMONIACI, TINCTURA A. CONCENTRATA, L. _Prep._ 1. Ammoniacum (in
tears), 1 lb., is bruised in a very cold marble mortar with half its
weight of coarse and well-washed siliceous sand or powdered glass, and
rectified spirit, 1/2 pint, gradually added; the trituration is continued
until the whole is reduced to a smooth paste, and is then placed in a
wide-mouthed bottle, and spirit of wine, 1-1/2 pint, further added; the
whole is then digested together for a week with constant agitation, and
after sufficient repose to settle, the supernatant transparent liquid is
decanted into another bottle for use.
2. Gum ammoniacum, 1 lb., is reduced to a cream with boiling water, 3/4
pint; as soon as the mixture has cooled a little, it is placed in a strong
bottle, and rectified spirit of wine, 1-1/4 pint, is cautiously added; the
mixture is then corked down close, and the whole macerated for a few days;
the bottle is next placed in a moderately warm situation, that the
sediment may subside, after which the clearer portion is poured off
through flannel into another bottle.
_Obs._ This preparation is used as a substitute for the gum in substance,
for extemporaneously preparing emulsion of ammoniacum, mixture of a., &c.
It is represented to possess fully the same amount of medicinal virtue as
an equal weight of the solid gum, on which account it has a considerable
sale. The product of the first formula, when well managed, is a beautiful
pale brownish-coloured, transparent tincture; that of the second is milky
and less sightly. The preparation generally sold under the name of
'CONCENTRATED ESSENCE OF AMMONIACUM' (ESSENTIA AMMONIACI CONCENTRATA, L.),
and represented as twice as strong as the gum in substance, is generally
prepared by the first formula given above for ESSENCE OF AMMONIACUM. A
stronger article may be prepared by a similar process, by using 1 lb. of
ammoniacum to a pint of the strongest rectified spirit. As, however, a
clear liquid at this strength is somewhat difficult to produce, it is very
seldom attempted by the druggists; they therefore generally content
themselves with sending out the liquid at half the professed strength,
leaving the label to confer the additional concentration. See AMMONIACUM.
=Essence of Anchov'ies.= _Syn._ ESSENTIA CLUPEÆ, L. _Prep._ 1. Anchovies,
1 lb., are 'boned,' reduced to a pulp in a wedgwood-ware or marble mortar,
and passed through a clean hair or brass-wire sieve: meanwhile the bones
and other portion that will not pass through the sieve are boiled with
water, 1 pint, for 15 minutes, and strained; to the strained liquor, salt,
and flour, of each, 2-1/2 oz., together with the pulped anchovies are
added, and the whole simmered for 3 or 4 minutes, when the vessel is
removed from the fire, and as soon as the mixture has cooled a little,
strong pickling vinegar, 1/2 pint, is mixed in; it is then bottled, and
the corks tied over with bladder, and either 'waxed' or 'capsuled.'
_Product_, 3 lbs. (nearly).
2. Anchovies, 7 lbs.; water, 9 pints; salt and flour, of each, 1 lb.
_Product_, 20 lbs.
3. To the last add of Cayenne pepper, 1/4 oz.; the peel of a lemon
(grated), and mushroom catsup, 4 oz. Very savoury.
4. From British anchovies (pickled sprats) or young pilchards, along with
herring liquor, or the drainings of anchovy barrels.
_Use, &c._ As a sauce and condiment; when well prepared, it has a fine
flavour. That of the shops is usually coloured with Venetian red or
Armenian bole. An infusion of cochineal, or a little annotta, would form a
more appropriate colouring, and would be perfectly harmless. See ANCHOVY
and SAUCE.
=Essence of Angel'ica.= _Syn._ ESSENTIA ANGELICÆ, L. _Prep._ (Van Mons.)
Angelica root (bruised), 1 part; rectified spirit, 8 parts; water, 16
parts; digest, and distil over 6 parts; Stomachic, carminative, and
alexipharmic.--_Dose_, 1 to 2 spoonfuls.
=Essence of Ani'seed.= _Syn._ ESSENTIA ANISI (B. P.), L.; ESPRIT D'ANISE,
Fr. Oil of anise, 1 part; rectified spirit, 4 parts; mix (B. P.).
Stimulant, aromatic, and carminative.--_Dose_, 10 to 20 minims. Used also
to flavour liqueurs, and to make aniseed water. See SPIRIT.
=Essence of An'odyne.= _Syn._ ESSENTIA ANODYNA, L. _Prep._ 1. Hard aqueous
extract of opium (in powder), 1 dr.; powdered cinnamon, 1/2 dr.; rectified
spirit, 1 fl. oz.; digest a week.--_Dose_, 5 to 20 drops.
2. Extract of henbane (recent), 5 dr.; rectified spirit, 2 fl. oz.; as
last.--_Dose_, 10 to 30 drops. Narcotic, sedative, and antispasmodic. Both
are excellent preparations.
=Essence, Antihyster'ic.= _Syn._ ESSENTIA ANTIHYSTERICA, L. _Prep._ 1.
Cyanuret of potassium, 3 gr.; powdered sugar, 1 dr.; rectified
spirit and eau d'orange, of each 4 fl. dr.; agitate together until
dissolved.--_Dose_, 10 to 20 drops, in pure water; in hysteria,
gastrodynia, &c. See DRAUGHT (Antihysteric).