Note on Cucumber Ointment.—Several years ago, (April, 1847,) Mr.
Procter published in this Journal a note on the preparation of Cucum-
ber Ointment, since when it has gradually come more into use as an
emollient application to irritated parts of the skin. It may not be im-
proper to again call attention to the preparation and the mode of prepa-
ing it.
Take of Green Cucumbers, (suitable for table use,) 7 pounds, civ.
a Lard, (the purest and whitest,) ...	24	ounces li
“ Veal suet, (selected,).......................15	ounces “
The unpared cucumbers, after being washed, are reduced to a pulp by
grating, and the juice expressed and strained. The suet is cut in small
pieces, and heated over a salt water bath until the fat is fused out from
the membranes j the lard is then added, and when liquefied is strained
through muslin into a wide-mouthed earthen vessel capable of holding
a gallon, and stirred until it commences to thicken, when one third of
the cucumber juice is added, and beaten with the ointment by means of
a wooden spatula until its odor has been almost wholly extracted. The
part that separates by standing is decanted, and the other two thirds
consecutively incorporated and decanted, in the same manner. The jar
is then closed covered and placed in a water bath until the fatty matter
entirely separates from the exhausted juice. The green albuminous
coagulum which floats on the surface is then skimmed off, and the jar
put aside in a cool place that the ointment may solidify. The crude
ointment is then separated from the watery liquid on which it floats,
melted, and strained; a part into ajar and closely sealed for keeping, the
remainder into a mortar, and triturated with a little rosewater until it
is very white and creamy, for present use. It is usual to keep this oint-
ment in glass jars covered with rosewater, to prevent access of the air.—
American Journal of Pharmacy.