Succus Taraxaci Paratus.—The preparations of Taraxacum, or dan-
dilion root, havewithin a few years past attracted considerable attention
from the medical profession, and have been an object of experiment from
skilful pharmaceutists both in England and the United States. The
hurtful effect exercised by heat in evaporating solutions of the soluble
matter of dandelion, has long been noted, and many recollect the mo-
lasses-like extract which formerly was too commonly seen, unmarked by
any distinct, sensible property of the recent root. The application of
spontaneous and vacuum operation in making the solid extract, demon-
strated this beyond cavil, and in the last U. S. Pharmacopoeia directions
were given for this precaution, as well as in regard to the period of col-
lecting the root. The Liquor Taraxaci(fluid extract) described by Mr.
Redwood in Gray’s Supplement, is prepared by macerating four pounds
of the recently dried root in sufficient cold water for 24 hours, ex-
pressing, and evaporating to 36 fluid ounces, to which liquid 12 fluid
ounces of alcohol is added; hence each fluid ounce of the preparation
represents a troy ounce of the dried root. The dried root of the dande-
lion is more easily extracted than when it is recent, owing to the gluti-
nous character of the juices and the difficulty of effectually disintegrating
the tissue of the root, so as to completely reach the contained matter by
.menstrua; yet it is more than probable that the evaporation of the
aqueous solution to the proper degree of concentration, not to speak of
the effect of the process of drying the root in the first place, injures the
product. This is partially avoided by a process published in the 20th vo-
lume, page 86 of the Journal of Pharmacy, the recent root being employed,
and the resulting preparation representing about twice its weight of the
fresh root. In the preparation about to be described, the virtues of the
root, be they what they may, are preserved unimpaired, as no heat is
employed in the process; the natural juice of the plant being merely
admixed with alcohol to preserve it from change. Take of fresh Dan-
delion Roots (collected in September or October) twenty pounds, (at'.)
Alcohol, 835, sp. gr. four pints. Slice the roots transversely in short
sections, and by means of a mill or mortar and pestle reduce them to a
pulpy mass; then add the alcohol and mix them thoroughly.
The mixture thus far prepared at the season when the root is proper
for collection, may be set aside in suitable vessels; stoneware jars are
appropriate; and extracted as the preparation is needed through the
other seasons. After having stood a week, or until a convenient time,
the pulpy mass is subjected to powerful pressure, until as much as pos-
sible of the fluid is removed. This is then filtered and bottled for use.
It is necessary that sufficient time should elapse after the pulp is set
aside for the alcohol to penetrate the fibrous particles and commingle
with the natural juices, as well as for the woody structure of the root to
loose its elasticity, that it may yield the juice more completely on pres-
sure. When the pulp has stood six months in this manner it yields the
juice with great readiness, and is possessed of the sensible propertes of
the dandelion in a marked degree. When eight pounds, avoirdupois, of
the root is thus treated, after standing several months, the practical result
is about six pints of fluid, with an ordinary screw-press. This yield will
vary in amount with the condition of the root when collected, and the
length of time it is exposed afterwards, as well as the power of the press
used. Should the alcohol in this preparation be contraindicated, it might
be partially removed by exposure in a water bath until the juice was re-
duced to five-sixths of its bulk, and then for every pipt of the residue
eight ounces Troy of sugar may be added and dissolved in it.—American
Journal of Pharmacy.