Bitter

(bit’-er) [AS., bit an, to bite]. A peculiar, well-known taste, of which that of quinin is an example; unpalatable. B. Almond, the nut of the Amygdalum amarwn. It contains hydrocyanic acid. B. Almond Oil, oleum amygdalae amarae. See Benzaldehyd. B. Apple, the fruit of the colocynth, a purgative remedy. B. Blain, a West Indian herb, Van dell i a diffusa, employed in fevers and in hepatic disorders. Unof. B. Bugleweed, the herb Lycopus europceus, alterative and tonic. Dose of fid. ext. f^ -j (16.0- 32.0). Unof. B. Cucumber, colocynth. B. Cup, a cup made of qua ia wood. It is a tonic. B. Purging Salt, magnesium sulphate. B. Root, the root of Gentian a catesbcei, a tonic. B. Tincture, the tinctura a;na?-a(N. F. ), prescribed also in the German pharmacy; it is a tincture of gentian, centaury, bitter orange-peel, orange berries, and zedoary; it is known also as Stomach-drops. B. Wine of Iron, a solution of white wine, syrup, citrate of iron, and Bitters quinin. (bit’-ers) [AS., bit an, to bite]. Medicines characterized by a bitter taste. B., Aromatic, medicines that unite the properties of aromatics with those of simple bitters. B., Simple, medicines that stimulate the gastrointestinal tract without influencing the general system. B., Styptic, medicines that add styptic and astringent properties to those of bitterne . 149