Extractum Scillae Fluidum (U. S. P.)—Fluid Extract of Squill.
Related entry: Scilla (U. S. P.)—Squill
Preparation.—"Squill, in No. 20 powder, one thousand grammes (1000 Gm.) [2 lbs. av., 3 ozs., 120 grs.]; alcohol, water, each, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Mix seven hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (750 Cc.) [25 fl℥, 173♏︎] of alcohol with two hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (250 Cc.) [8 fl℥, 218♏︎] of water, and, having moistened the powder with two hundred cubic centimeters (200 Cc.) [6 fl℥, 366♏︎] of the mixture, pack it in a cylindrical percolator; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 48 hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of alcohol and water as before, until the squill is exhausted. Reserve the first seven hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (750 Cc.) [25 fl℥, 173♏︎] of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]"—(U. S. P.).
Description, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—(See Scilla). This preparation has a deep, clear, brown-red color, and a bitter, acrid taste. Alcohol appears to extract the active constituents, though this is best accomplished by the use of diluted acetic acid. It is also suggested that the fluid extract be prepared half strength (Amer. Drug., 1886, p. 202). Dose, 1 to 5 minims, largely diluted with water.
