Elaterin

Syn. Elaterium. (Dr Morries.) Obtained by evaporating tincture of elaterium (made with rectified spirit) to the consistence of thin oil, and throwing it in boiling distilled water. When cold, the crystalline precipitate is collected, and dried with a gentle heat.— Dose , to commence with 1-16th of a grain. Prep. 1. (Dr Morries.) Elaterium is digested in hot alcohol, the resulting tincture filtered, evaporated to the consistence of thin oil, and then thrown into boiling distilled water. When the whole is cold, the precipitate is collected and purified by redi olving it in alcohol and precipitation by water, as before. 2. (Hennel.) The alcoholic extract of elaterium is digested in ether, and the residuum di olved in hot alcohol; crystals form as the solution cools. 3. An alcoholic tincture is evaporated to the consistence of a syrup, and thrown into a mixture of equal parts of liquor of pota a and water at a boiling temperature. Almost pure elaterin separates as the liquid cools. Obs. Elaterin forms delicate, white, silky crystals, having a bitter taste; it is fusible at about 365° Fahr.; tastes bitter; odourle ; neutral; insoluble in water; and di olves readily in hot alcohol. Its medicinal action is similar to that of elaterium, differing only in its greater activity.— Dose , 1 ⁄ 16 gr. to 1 ⁄ 20 gr.