Spiritus Amygdalae Amarae (U. S. P.)—Spirit of Bitter Almond.
Related entry: Amygdala.—Almond
SYNONYM: Essence of bitter almond.
Preparation.—"Oil of bitter almond, ten cubic centimeters (10 Cc.) [162♏︎]; alcohol, eight hundred cubic centimeters (800 Cc.) [27 fl℥, 25♏︎]; distilled water, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Dissolve the oil in the alcohol, and add enough distilled water to make the product measure one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]"—(U. S. P.).
Action and Medical Uses.—This agent should be very carefully employed, each fluid ounce containing about 5 minims of oil of bitter almonds. It is employed very largely as a flavoring substance, but a few drops being necessary to produce the desired flavor. It is an unsafe preparation.
