Pyroxylic spirit is distinguished from acetone or pyroacetic spirit by the character of its flame, and by freely dissolving chloride of calcium, which is quite insoluble in the latter. In a mixture of these two liquids two distinct strata are formed when this substance, either in powder or concentrated solution, is added.
Pyroxylic spirit is distinguished from vinous spirit by Nessler’s test (which see), by its forming a solid crystalline salt (methylic oxalate) when distilled with an oxalate and sulphuric acid, and by its lower boiling point. The presence of alcohol, in a mixture of the two, is readily detected by distilling the suspected sample with sulphuric acid. The formation of common ether indicates ethylic alcohol, and from the amount formed the proportion of alcohol may be determined.
Uses, &c. Chiefly to dissolve resins and volatile oils, especially shell-lac, and as a substitute for alcohol in spirit lamps. As a medicine it is anodyne and sedative; and has been beneficially employed by Drs Christison, Hastings, and Neligan, to allay the harassing cough, troublesome vomiting, and excessive expectoration, in phthisis and some other affections.—Dose, 5 to 30 drops, thrice a day, in water.
Spirit, Rai′sin. Prep. From raisins fermented along with water, and the wash distilled by a quick fire. Used to give a brandy flavour to malt spirit. 1 gall. added to 150 gall. of plain spirit, along with some colouring, and a little catechu, either with or without a little acetic ether, makes a very decent “British brandy.”
Spirit of Raspberries. Syn. Spiritus rubri idæi. Prep. Raspberries, 3 lbs.; rectified spirit, 2 lbs.; distil 2 lbs.
Spirit, Rec′tified. See Alcohol, and Table I, under Spirit.
Spirit of Salt†. Hydrochloric acid.
Spirit of Sassafras. Syn. Spiritus sassafras. Prep. Sassafras, troy, 1 lb.; rectified spirit (·863), 8 lbs. Macerate 4 days, and distil nearly to dryness.
Spirit of Scurvy Grass. Syn. Spiritus cochlearia. (Ph. G.) Prep. Fresh leaves of flowering scurvy grass, 8 lbs.; rectified spirit, 3 lbs.; water, 3 lbs. Distil 4 lbs.
Spirit of Scurvy Grass (Compound). Syn. Spiritus cochleariæ compositus. (P. Cod.) Prep. Fresh scurvy grass, 5 lbs.; spirit (·0864), 6 lbs.; horseradish, 101⁄2 oz. Distil 5 lbs.