R Herbal MACERATION.

Define:
>>
The process of maceratimi, which is of ancient origin, consists simply
in soaking the properly comminuted drug or substance in the menstruum until it is
thoroughly penetrated and the soluble portions softened and dissolved. The usual
method is to introduce the drug or substance into a bottle with the menstruum,
cork it tightly, and agitate it occasionally for a period ranging from two to four
teen days; then to pour off the liquid, express the residue to avoid waste, and
filter the mixed liquids. An advantage is sometimes gained by suspending the ground
drug, tied in a bag, in the upper part of the menstruum (see Fig. 287): this is sometimes termed circula
tory displacement. Maceration is the process directed by the German Pharmacopoeia exclusively in
preparing tinctures : the drugs are ordered in all cases to be macerated in definite weights of alcohol
for a week in a closed bottle, in a shady place, with frequent agitation, at a temperature of about 15° C.
The liquid is then separated by straining or expressing from the insoluble residue, and, after having been
allowed to settle, it is filtered. Evaporation during filtration is to be avoided as much as possible.
Maceration has no advantages over percolation in making the greater number of liquid preparations from drugs,
except in the hands of the careless or unskilful. If an operator possesses no knowledge whatever of the process of
percolation, it is safer to trust to maceration, for here no particular skill or judgment is necessary ; the soaking
process is completed in due time, and the separation of the absorbed liquid, whilst laborious and uncleanly,
has at least the merit of leaving the tincture uniform in strength ; if the process of expression is not thoroughly
performed, pecuniary loss results, but the finished preparation is uniform.
<<

Ref. P 217-218


THE
PRACTICE OF PHARMACY: A TREATISE ON THE MODES OF MAKING AND DISPENSING OFFICINAL,
UNOFFICINAL, AND EXTEMPORANEOUS PREPARATIONS, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF THEIR
PROPERTIES, USES, AND DOSES.
INTENDED AS A HAND-BOOK FOR PHARMACISTS AND PHYSICIANS AND A TEXT-BOOK FOR STUDENTS
BY JOSEPH P. REMINGTON, Ph.G., (1886)


Our Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ADruidHerbal/

Using our Amazon associate links may help feed the Cats, thanks.