SPIGE′LIA. Syn. Carolina pink root; Spigelia (Ph. E.), L. The root of Spigelia Marilandica, or worm grass. It is purgative, narcotic, and vermifuge.—Dose, 10 to 40 gr., in powder or infusion, night and morning, until the worms are expelled. Rhubarb or calomel is commonly added to it.
SPIRIT. Syn. Spiritus, L. Under this term are included all the inflammable and intoxicating liquors obtained by distillation, and used as beverages, as BRANDY, GIN, RUM, &c., each of which is noticed in its alphabetical order. Spirit may also be obtained by fermentation and distillation from all vegetable juices or solutions that contain sugar.
The spirit used in pharmacy and chemistry is distinguished by names which have reference to its richness in alcohol. (See Tables.)
Spirituous liquors, like all other fluids at common temperatures, expand when they are heated, and diminish in volume when they are cooled. It is found that 1000 galls. of proof spirit, measured at the temperature of 50° Fahr., will, if re-measured at 59°, be found to have increased in bulk to full 10041⁄4 galls.; whilst 1000 galls. of the same spirit, measured at 77° Fahr., will be only equal to 9911⁄4 galls. at 59°. These changes are still more marked at higher strengths, and at extreme temperatures, and, from not being recognisable by the hydrometer, often lead to serious losses in trade, and to serious fluctuations in ‘stock,’ which, to those unaware of the action of temperature, are perfectly unaccountable. A gallon of proof spirit only weighs 91⁄5 lbs. at 60° Fahr. At a higher temperature it will weigh less—at a lower one more; but as this weight constitutes the standard gallon at the temperature the proof is calculated for, it is manifest that any variations from it must result in loss either to the buyer or seller. Hence the equity of buying and selling liquors by weight instead of by measure. The stock-keeper in every wholesale house should be aware of this fact, and on ‘taking stock’ should as regularly enter the temperature of his liquors in his stock-book as he does the ‘dip’ or ‘wet inches.’ See Alcohol, Alcoholometry, Specific Gravity, Spirits (Medicinal), Spirits (Perfumed), &c.
Spirit of Acetic Ether. Syn. Spiritus ætheris acetici. (Prus. Ph.) Prep. Acetic ether, 1 oz.; rectified spirit, 3 oz.
Spirit, Alexiterius. Syn. Spiritus alexiterius, AQUA ALEXITERIA SPIRITUOSA. (Ph. L. 1746). Prep. Mint, 1⁄2 lb.; Angelica root, 4 oz.; tops of sea wormwood, 4 oz.; proof spirit, 1 gall. (old wine measure); water, a sufficient quantity. Distil 1 gall.
Spirit, Amy′lic. See Fusel oil.
Spirit of Angelica. Syn. Spiritus angelicæ. Prep. Sliced angelica root, 2 oz.; sliced valerian, 1⁄2 oz.; bruised juniper berries, 1⁄2 oz. Put into a retort, and pour on 9 oz. of rectified spirit by weight, and 151⁄2 oz. of water, and macerate for 24 hours; then draw out 121⁄2 oz. (by weight), in which dissolve 1⁄4 oz. of camphor.
Spirit of Ants. Spiritus formicarum. (Ph. G.) Prep. Ants freshly collected, and bruised, 2 lbs.; spirit of wine (at ·830), 3 lbs.; water, 3 lbs. Macerate for 2 days. Distil 4 lbs.—Dose, 20 to 60 drops, also used outwardly.
I. Table of the Pharmacopœial Spirits.