Extractum Galangae Fluidum.—Fluid Extract of Galangal.
Related entry: Galanga.—Galangal
Preparation.—Take of galangal root in fine powder, 16 troy ounces; alcohol, a sufficient quantity. Moisten the galangal with 6 fluid ounces of alcohol. Cork tightly in a wide-mouth bottle, and permit the mixture to stand an hour in a warm situation. Then introduce it into a cylindrical percolator, 3 inches in diameter, previously prepared for percolation, according to directions given on page 756, and press very firmly. Cover the surface of the powder with a circular piece of filtering paper, held in position with a few fragments of glass or marble, and add alcohol until the percolate appears at the exit. Then cork the exit tightly; cover the percolator, and place it in a warm situation. After 24 hours, loosen the cork, and permit the percolate to pass as fast as it will drop, without running in a stream, until 4 fluid ounces are obtained. Again close the exit, macerate 24 hours, and, in a manner like unto the preceding, draw 4 fluid ounces of percolate. Repeat the maceration, and, in like manner, draw a third portion of 4 fluid ounces. Reserve and mix the 3 percolates; then continue the percolation until 8 fluid ounces are obtained. Evaporate this latter portion until reduced to the measure of 2 fluid ounces, and mix with the reserved 12 fluid ounces. The surface of the powder must be constantly covered with alcohol from the commencement, and until the end of the process of percolation.
Description, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Fluid extract of galangal is of a reddish color, and possesses the exact odor and taste of the drug. It should not be black, or thick, and if such is the case with any specimen, it may be inferred that the menstruum used was a mixture of alcohol and water, instead of alcohol. Alcohol freely extracts all the sensible properties of galangal, and the mixture of water or glycerin is objectionable. (For uses, see Galanga). Dose, 5 to 30 minims.
