Gelatinum Chondri (N. F.)—Irish Moss Gelatin.
Preparation.—Formulary number, 184: "Irish moss, one thousand grammes 1000 Gm.) [2 lbs. av., 3 ozs., 120 grs.]; water a sufficient quantity. Wash the Irish moss with cold water, then place it in a suitable vessel, and add fifty thousand cubic centimeters (50,000 Cc.) [about 106 pints] of hot water, and heat it on a boiling water-bath for 15 minutes, frequently stirring. Strain the decoction, while hot, through a strong muslin strainer; return the strained, mucilaginous liquid to the water-bath, evaporate it to a semi-fluid consistence, then transfer it to shallow, flat-bottomed trays, and evaporate it at a temperature not exceeding 90° C. (194° F.), so that the gelatin may become detached in scales. Note.—Irish moss gelatin thus prepared furnishes a mucilage of Irish moss which is opaque, like that made directly from the moss itself. It maybe prepared so as to yield a transparent mucilage by following the plan pointed out in the Note to Mucilago Chondri (F. 275)"—(Nat. Form.).
Action and Medical Uses.—(See Chondrus.)
