1 IX
2 The mode of preparing the medicines, which are to
3 form the external part of the lozenges, is similar to the
4 former. Thus —
5 For the first class of medicines, it will be sufficient to
6 take from 1 to 5 parts of sugar ; for the second class,
7 sugar from 5 to 10 parts ; and for the third class, sugar
8 from 10 to 20 parts, to each part of the medicine ;
9 which, when sufficiently triturated, must be dissolved
10 by the addition of as much proof-spirit as may be
11 requisite to reduce the whole to a liquid sufficient to
12 moisten the lozenges (composed of sugar and starch)
13 when put into the mortar — stirring them round, with
14 the spatula, until they have absorbed the whole of the
15 liquid.
16 As already mentioned, animal substances easily undergo
17 decomposition ; and, on that account, like volatiles, are
18 better preserved in a liquid state — as a sugary essence —
19 which may be dropped on lozenges, or lumps of sugar,
20 just before administering them.
21 With respect to the administration of these remedies,
22 One lozenge constitutes a Dose, whether the patient be
23 an adult or an infant ; as the medicine operates more
24 specifically than mechanically ; for instance : a like
25 quantity of matter produces a like effect in the vac-
26 cination of a babe and a giant. In acute cases, the dose
27 may be repeated hourly; in very urgent cases, every
28 fifteen minutes; in protracted cases, once or twice a day;
29 in chronic cases, every other day, and sometime^ once
30 every third day.
31 If the case be acute, as much medicine as is sufficient
32 for one day should be delivered at a time (unless ne-
33 cessity demand an alteration); if less urgent, sufficient