As lozenges are of considerable utility for various purposes, we shall give a few instructions for preparing them, together with some simple recipes.—First, particular care ought to be taken that no decayed or impure matter be admitted into the powder ; the dry aromatics should be moistened with a little water during the pulverization ; and those which possess a greater degree of humidity, ought to be gradually dried in a gentle heat, before they are committed to the mortar. If the mass prove so viscid as to adhere to the fingers in mixing the ingredients, the hands may be rubbed with any sweet oil; orsome pulverized liquorice, starch, or flour, may be sprinkled over them during the process. As soon as the lozenges are formed, they must be placed on an inverted sieve, in a shady but airy situation, where they should be frequently turned, in order that they may be perfectly dried; and, when all moisture is exhaled, they should be preserved in glass, or in well-glazed earthen vessels, secure from the influence of damp air.
Liquorice Lozenges :-Let four ounces of the extract of liquorice (Spanish juice) ; a similar quantity of gum-arabic, and eight ounces of double-refined sugar, be dissolved in warm water, and strained : after which the ingredients are to be evaporated to a proper consistence.—This preparation is an agreeable pectoral, and may be used at pleasure: it is well calcuIated to allay that tickling sensation in the throat, which excites coughing.
IVhite Pectoral Lozenges, consist of one pound of double-refined sugar; four ounces of gum-arabic, and one ounce of starch : these ingredients should be finely pulverized, and formed into a mass of a due consistence for lozenges, which in their effects are similar to those of the preceding composition.
Liquorice Lozenges with Opium : - Take two drams of pure opium, and half an ounce of tincture of Tolu : let the opium be ground with the tincture till it be perfectly dissolved, when eight ounces of common syrup, and five ounces of extract of liquorice previously softened in warm water, are to be gradually added. While these ingredients are triturating, five ounces of pulverized gum-arabic are, by degrees, to be sprinkled in the mixture; and, as soon as the whole is incorporated, it may be formed into lozenges, each of which should weigh ten grains.—These are very serviceable for troublesome coughs that depend on an irritation of the fauces, which they remarkably tend to relieve ; but should not be used too freely, as the large proportion of opium they contain, cannot fail to render the body costive.
Lozenges of Magnesia.—Let four ounces of magnesia, two ounces of double-refined sugar, and one scruple of pulverized ginger, be incorporated with the mucilage of gum-arabic, and worked into a proper form. This preparation is eminently useful to those who are troubled with the heart-burn ; especially if that complaint depend on acidity generated in the stomach.