Pur., &c. Pure spirit of nitric ether boils at about 160° Fahr., scarcely reddens litmus paper, and “gives off no bubbles of carbonic acid gas on the addition of carbonate of soda.” (Ph. L.) “When agitated with twice its volume of concentrated solution of chloride of calcium, 12% of ether slowly separates.” (Ph. E.)—Dose, 1⁄2 to 3 fl. dr., as a febrifuge, a diaphoretic, diuretic, antispasmodic, &c.; in various affections.
Obs. The mass of the sweet spirits of nitre of the shops is of very inferior quality, and is scarcely, if ever, made directly from spirit that has paid the duty. One, and a very large portion, is obtained from Scotland; another, from the manufacturers of fulminating mercury; and a third, and, in fact, the principal part, from certain persons in the neighbourhood of the metropolis who employ contraband spirit for its preparation, as this article is not under the excise. Recently methylated spirit has been employed for the purpose.
Sweet spirits of nitre, sp. gr. ·850, is now commonly and publicly sold, in quantity, at a price which is only about 2-3rds that of the spirit in it, if the latter had paid duty. The spirit obtained from the manufacturers of fulminating mercury frequently contains no inconsiderable quantity of hydrocyanic acid.
The mere admixture of nitric or hyponitrous ether with alcohol does not afford an officinal SPIR. ÆTHER. NITR., as this always contains aldehyde, which, according to Prof. Liebig, is an essential constituent of the officinal compound.
Spirit of Nitrous Ether. Syn. Spiritus ætheris nitrosi (B. P.). See Spirit of Nitric ether.
Spirit of Nut′meg. Syn. Spiritus myristicæ
(B. P., Ph. L., & E.), S. nucis moschatæ, L. Prep. 1. (Ph. L. & E.) Bruised nutmegs, 21⁄2 oz.; proof spirit, 1 gall.; water, 1 pint, or q. s.; distil a gallon. Cordial and carminative.—Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr.; chiefly used to flavour mixtures and draughts.
2. (Essentia myristicæ moschate—Ph. D.) Oil of nutmegs, 1 fl. oz.; rectified spirit, 9 fl. oz. Used in dispensing.
3. (B. P.) Volatile oil of nutmeg, 1; rectified spirit, 49; dissolve.—Dose, 30 to 60 minims.
Spirit of Pennyroy′al. Syn. Spiritus pulegii (Ph. L.), S. menthæ pulegii, L. Prep. 1. (Ph. L.) Oil of pennyroyal, 3 fl. dr.; proof spirit, 1 gall.; dissolve. Stimulant, antispasmodic, and carminative.—Dose, 1⁄2 to 2 fl. dr.