arise, merely from a difference in the size of drops. This however might be the case, where the tinctura thebaica is by accident taken for the tinctura meconii. To such mistakes, however, it was feared that the analogy of the articles, as well as the caution necessary with respect to both, might lead ; and it was upon the whole reckoned safer to have but one liquid laudanum only. It is, however, much to be regretted, that the liquid laudanum of the London and Edinburgh colleges, which by the former is now styled Tinctura oppii, by the latter Tinctura thebaica, should differ so much from each other in point of strength.

TINCTURA OPII CAMPHORATA.

Lond.

Camphorated tincture of opium.
Take of

Hard purified opium,
Flowers of Benzoine, of each one dram ;
Camphor, two scruples ;
Essential oil of aniseed, one dram ;
Proof-spirit of wine, two pints.
Digest for three days.

ELIXIR PAREGORICUM

Edinb.

Paregoric elixir.
Take of
 Flowers of benzoine,
 English saffron, of each three drams ;
 Opium, two drams ;
 Essential oil of aniseeds, half a dram ;
 Vinous spirit of sal ammoniac, sixteen ounces.
Digest for four days in a close vessel, and strain.

   THESE two, though differint nor merely in name, may yet be

considered as agreeing very nearly in their nature.

   The most material difference in the last formula from the first are the substitution of the vinous spirit of sal ammoniac to the proof-spirit of wine, and a larger proportion of opium ; the vinous spirit of sal ammoniac is not only, perhaps, a more powerful menstruum, but in most instances coincides with the virtues of the preparation ; but as the opium is the ingredient on which we place the principal dependance, so its proportion is increased, in order that we may give it such a dose as that the acrimony of the menstruum shall not prove hurtful to the stomach.

   The London formula is taken from Le Mort, with the omission of three unnecessary ingredients, honey, liquorice, and alkaline salt. It was originally prescribed under the title of ELIXIR ASTHMATICUM, which it does not ill deserve. It contributes to allay the tickling which provokes frequent coughing ; and at the same time is supposed to open the breast, and give greater liberty of breathing : the opium procures (as it does by itself) a temporary relief from the symptoms ; whilst the other ingredients tend to remove the cause, and prevent their return. It is given to children agaist the chincough, &c. from five drops to twenty : to adults, from twenty to an hundred. In the London formula, half an ounce by measure contains about a grain of opium : but in the Edinburgh formula, the proportion of opium is larger.

TINCTURA RHABARBARI.

Lond

Tincture of Rhubarb.

Take of

Rhubarb, sliced, two ounces ;