"Slice the ripe pepos of elaterium, express the juice very gently, and pass it through a very fine hair-sieve; then set it aside for some hours until the thicker part has subsided. Reject the thinner supernatant part, and dry the thicker with a gentle heat."

Syn. Elaterium (F.), Estratto del frutto della Momordica (I.).

Elaterii extractum, Dub. Elaterium.

"Slice ripe wild cucumbers, and strain the juice, very lightly expressed, through a fine hair-sieve, into a glass vessel; then set it aside for some hours until the thicker part subside: reject the supernatant liquor, and dry the fecula, laid upon a linen cloth and covered with another, by a medium heat."

The substance obtained by these processes is neither an extract nor an inspissated juice, but a peculiar modification of fecula, combined with the active principle of the fruit; it is therefore surprising, that both the Dublin and the London Colleges term it extractum elaterii, Elaterium is contained in the juice which surrounds the seeds only; and it subsides from this juice, obtained without pressure. From Dr. Clutterbuck's experiments1, the quantity of elaterium in the fruit appears to be so small, that he obtained six grains of it only from forty of the cucumbers. It is often adulterated with starch, on which account we scarcely ever obtain two samples of it of the same strength. When good, elaterium is of a pale-greenish colour, has a bitter taste, is light and pulverulent. It is very remarkable that the Edinburgh College has ejected so important a remedy from the last edition of its Pharmacopoeia.

Medical properties and uses. - Elaterium is a very powerful hydragogue, and excites sickness, severe vomiting, and hyper-catharsis, if it be not cautiously administered. On this account it is seldom used as a cathartic; but in ascites it causes the entire evacuation of the fluid, when gamboge, and bitartrate of potassa, foxglove, and every other remedy have failed. The best mode of administering it is to give it in divided doses of gr. 1/8 each, combined with one grain or more of calomel, every fourth hour, until it begin to operate, and then extend the intervals.