These are solutions of the essential oils of vegetables in diluted alcohol or proof spirit; they are obtained by distilling spirit with recent vegetables; or, according to the recent directions of the Pharmacopœia, with their essential oils; sometimes however they are extemporaneously made by at once dissolving the oils in the spirit, without distillation. (See Spiritus Tenuior.) Med. Uses. Like the distilled waters, they serve as vehicles for the exhibition of more active medicines; they are also occasionally employed as grateful stimulants. It is unnecessary to dwell on each of these simple spirits, as their virtues are the same as those of the substances from which they are extracted, united to the stimulus of the alcohol. The following are officinal:—Spirit: Anisi. L. Spir: Anisi comp: L.D. Armoraciæ comp: L. Carui. L.E.D. Cinnamomi L.E.D. (Form. 5, 40.) Juniperi comp: L.D. Lavandulæ. L.E.D. Lavandulæ comp: L.E.D. Menth: Pip: L.D. Menth: Virid: L. Myristic: L.E.D. Pimentæ. L.D. Pulegii. L. Raphani comp: D. Rosmarini.[[646]] L.E.D.
SPIRITUS AMMONIÆ. L.D.
Alcohol Ammoniatum. E.
Spiritus Salis Ammoniaci dulcis. P.L. 1745. Spiritus Salis Ammoniaci. P.L. 1720.
This is a solution of ammoniacal gas in spirit; in which a small portion of the sub-carbonate is also generally present. It is not easy to compare the strength of this preparation with that of the Liquor Ammoniæ, or Liquor Ammoniæ Sub-carbonatis, so as to give their medicinal equivalents, because the ammonia exists in a very different state of combination. The first is a mere solution of ammoniacal gas in water; in the second, as already stated, the ammonia exists as a sesqui-carbonate, while in the one now under consideration the alkali is in the state of a carbonate. This fact will explain the reason of the present preparation being superior in pungency to the Liquor Ammoniæ Sub-carbonatis. The Incompatibles are the same as those enumerated under the head of Ammoniæ Sub-carbonas. It is a powerful stimulant, but it is principally employed as the basis of the following compounds; viz. Spirit: Ammoniæ Aromat. L.E.D. Spirit: Ammoniæ Succinatus. L. Tinctura Castorei Comp: E. Tinct: Guaiaci comp: E. Tinct: Opii Ammoniat: E.
SPIRITUS AMMONIÆ AROMATICUS. L.D.
Alcohol Ammoniatum Aromaticum. E.
Spiritus Ammoniæ Compositus. P.L. 1785. Spiritus Volatilis Aromaticus. P.L. 1745. Spiritis salis volatilis oleosus. P.L. 1720.
This is a solution of several essential oils, (Cinnamon, Cloves, and Lemon. L.—Rosemary and Lemon. E. Lemon and Nutmeg. D.) in the spirit of ammonia. It is a valuable stimulant, and an agreeable adjunct, and efficacious corrective to other remedies, see Form. 42, 45. Dose, fʒss to fʒj. Incompatibles. Acids, Acidulous Salts, Earthy and Metallic Salts, and Lime Water. Officinal Prep: Tinct. Guaiac: Ammoniat: L.D. Tinct. Valerian: Ammoniat: L.D. Its ammoniacal pungency is rather inferior to that of the preceding preparations.
SPIRITUS AMMONIÆ FŒTIDUS. L.D.