Under this title are placed alcohol and spirituous solutions of vegetable matters, formed by simple mixture, by maceration, and by distillation. They are uniform, transparent, unchanging solutions, containing in general a large proportion of volatile oil; and when well prepared, are free from empyreuma. Pure alcohol is more volatile than many of the volatile oils, which do not therefore rise in distillation with it; and, consequently, proof or distilled spirit is employed. As medicinal agents the spirits are stimulant and cordial; but sometimes bad habits are acquired from their continued use. They are employed to cover the taste and flavour of disagreeable medicines, and to make some which are apt to produce nausea sit light upon the stomach.

Spiritus Anisi. Lond. Spirit of Anise-seed

"Take of anise-seeds, bruised, ten ounces; proof spirit, a gallon; water, two pints. Mix; then distil, by a gentle fire, a gallon."

Spiritus Anisi Compositus, Dub. Compound Spirit of Anise-seed.

"Take of anise-seeds, bruised, angelica seeds, bruised, of each half a pound; proof spirit, a gallon; water, sufficient to prevent empyreuma. Distil one gallon."

Sgn. Alcohol d'Anis (F.), Alcoole Anisato (I.).

1 Spiritus volatilis foetidus, P. L. 1745.

These are pleasant carminatives, useful in flatulent colic and similar affections. The dose is from f 3 ss. to f 3 iv. in water.

Spiritus Armoraciae Compositus. Lond. Dub. Compound Spirit of Horse-radish

"Take of horse-radish, sliced, dried orange-peel, of each twenty ounces; nutmegs, bruised, five drachms; proof spirit, a gallon; water, two pints. Mix, and distil a gallon by a gentle fire."

This spirit was formerly used as an antiscorbutic, but it possesses little value as such; and is now chiefly used in dropsies attended with much debility. The dose is from f 3 ij. to f 3 iv., combined with infusion of foxglove or of juniper.

Spiritus Camphoratus. Dub. Camphorated Spirit

"Take of camphor, one ounce; rectified spirit, eight ounces. Mix, and dissolve the camphor."

Syn. Alcohol Camphre (F.), Kampfer Spiritus (G.), Alcoole Canforato (I.)

The strength of the spirit renders this preparation unfit to be given internally; and the addition of water separates the camphor. It is a useful external application to chilblains, and in chronic rheumatism, paralytic numbness, and gangrene.

Spiritus Carui. Lond. Dub. Spirit of Carraway

"Take of carraway, bruised, twenty-two ounces (a pound, Dub.); proof spirit, a gallon; water, two pints. Mix; then distil a gallon by a gentle fire."

Spiritus Cari Carui, Edin. Spirit of Carraway.

"Take of carraway-seeds, bruised, half a pound; proof spirit, nine pounds. Macerate for two days in a close vessel; then add a sufficient quantity of water to prevent empyreuma, and distil nine pounds."

Syn. Alcoole con Carvi (I.).

A useful carminative, and adjunct to griping purgatives.