Elixir, Daffy’s

Syn. Elixir salutis , E. sennæ compos i tum , Tinctura sennæ compos it a , L. This is an aromatised and sweetened tincture of senna, to which other cathartics are generally added. Nearly every drug-house has its own formula for this article. The following are those employed in the London trade:— Prep. 1. East India senna, 1 1 ⁄ 2 lb.; jalap, 5 oz.; coriander seed and aniseed, of each 1 ⁄ 2 lb.; rhubarb, 1 ⁄ 4 lb.; red sanders wood, 2 oz.; salt of tartar, 2 oz.; treacle, 7 lbs.; rectified spirit of wine, 2 1 ⁄ 2 galls.; water, 3 1 ⁄ 4 galls. All the solids are well bruised, and macerated in the mixed fluids for 14 days, when the whole is pre ed, and strained through a flannel bag. It is too glutinous to run through filtering paper. 2. Senna, rhubarb, and aniseed, of each 2 lbs.; jalap and caraways, of each 1 lb.; red sanders wood, 1 ⁄ 2 lb.; brown sugar, 7 lbs.; proof spirit, 10 galls.; as the last. 3. Senna, 56 lbs.; aniseed, 7 lbs.; rhubarb (East India), 14 lbs.; coriander seed, 6 lbs.; caraway seed and red sanders wood, of each 5 lbs.; ca ia bark and jalap, of each 3 lbs.; proof spirit, 100 galls.; digest for 14 days, pre , strain, and add mola es, 84 lbs.; mix well, and either clarify or strain through flannel. 4. For proof spirit in the last two formulæ, equal parts of spirit of wine and water are employed by the smaller houses. 5. (Redwood.) Senna, 1 ⁄ 2 lb.; aniseed, caraways, and jalap, of each 1 oz. 2 dr.; juniper berries, 2 1 ⁄ 2 oz.; proof spirit, 6 pints; macerate for 14 days, then add of treacle, 10 1 ⁄ 2 oz.; water, 1 lb. 5 oz.; mix and strain. 6. (Dicey’s.) Senna, 1 lb.; guaiacum shavings, elecampane root (dried), aniseed, caraway seed, coriander seed, and liquorice root, of each 1 ⁄ 2 lb.; stoned raisins, 2 lbs.; proof spirit or brandy, 9 quarts; macerate for 10 days. 7. (Swinton’s.) Senna, 1 lb.; jalap, 3 lbs.; coriander seed, caraway seed, liquorice root, and elecampane root, of each 4 oz.; moist sugar, 2 lbs.; rectified spirit of wine and water, of each 1 gal.; as the last. Obs. Daffy’s elixir is a favorite purge with drunkards, and is a common and very popular remedy in flatulent colic, dyspepsia, diarrhœa, .— Dose , 1 to 4 table-spoonfuls, or more.