TINCTURE

A pharmaceutical preparation, generally consisting of active remedies di olved in rectified or proof spirit. Tinctures are generally made by digesting bruised or pulverized vegetable substances in the spirit, either at common temperatures or aided l>y heat. The term tincture is sometimes applied to alcoholic solutions of resins, of which tincture of myrrh, of a afcetida, . furnish instances. Tinctures, from the quantity of alcohol which they contain, are nece arily exhibited in small doses: the most important of them are those which contain highly active ingredients, such as tincture of opium, . TINCTURE S, in Heraldry, are of three descriptions: metals, colours, and furs. The former are or, argent; the second gules, azure, sable, vert, purpure, sanguine, and tenny. The chief furs are ermine and vair; but there are several varieties of both, distinguished by different names. Each metal and colour, in blazonry (except the two last and least honourable, sanguine and tenny), is represented by a distinct precious stone and heavenly body; and when the arms of sovereign princes or high dignities are described by old heralds, the tinctures are frequently denoted by the names of these jewels or celestial bodies. See Or, Argent, . [s. 1253]