Important: Safety Warning
This page recommends preparations containing opium, laudanum, morphine, or similar narcotics — in some cases for children. These substances are dangerously addictive, easily fatal in overdose, and strictly controlled by law today.
In addition, this page describes trade processes that use dangerously toxic materials such as cyanide solutions, mercury amalgams, or strong acids. These processes require training, equipment, and precautions far beyond what the text describes.
In addition, this page presents medical treatment from an era before modern medicine. The remedies described are ineffective against the conditions named, and some of the ingredients or doses are harmful. Do not use them to treat any illness; consult a qualified medical professional.
This information has been left in for historical purposes but should not be acted upon.
Home › Elixirs › Mynsicht's Elixir of Vitriol
Mynsicht's Elixir of Vitriol
This elixir is also known by the name of acid aromatic tincture. Take cinnamon, 2 ounces; lesser cardamoms, cloves, galanga root, and ginger, of each 1/23 ounce; sulphuric acid (specific gravity 1.845), 1 drachm; rectified spirit, (specific gravity .897 to .900), 2 pounds. Mix the acid and spirit, and pour them on the other ingredients reduced to a coarse powder; macerate for 8 days in a close vessel, with frequent agitation, then press it out and strain.
It should be of a brownish-red color. (Prus- :sian Ph.) Another formula directs as follows:
Take sweet flag root, and galanga root, of each 1 ounce; ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, of each 3 drachms; lemon pcel, 4 drachms; white sugar, 3 ounces; proof spirit, 2 pounds; dilute sulphuric acid, 3 ounces.
Macerate for 6 days, then press and filter, so as to make 27 ounces. (Austrian Ph.)