An experimental examination of the last edition of the Pharmacopoeia Londinensis; with remarks on Dr. Powell's translation and annotations / [Richard Phillips].

Richard Phillips

Date:: 1811 [1812?]

Credit: An experimental examination of the last edition of the Pharmacopoeia Londinensis; with remarks on Dr. Powell's translation and annotations / [Richard Phillips]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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$so \ position of the muriate was suddenly so much increased, and the evolution of the gas rendered so rapid, that to prevent its suffocating effects. I was under the necessity of instantly removing the retort from the sand heat, and of preventing the further decomposition of the muriate of ammonia by plunging it into water. From this it will be readily and rightly concluded, that the retort was destroyed and its contents wasted. In the remarks upon this preparation, Dr. Powell has directed that the tube of the receiver should dip below the surface of the water contained in the second receiver ; and with this precaution I prepared Liquor Ammonite possessing the low sp. gr. of .9040. Among other extraordinary discoveries which have recently been made with respect to ammonia, it might be imagined that its volatility had been observed to have undergone some alteration. In the Pharmacopoeia of 1787, the Aqua Ammonite purse was directed to be distilled with “a gentle heat,” i. e. from 90° to ioo°, whereas in the present, it is judged requisite to heat the retort till it becomes red hot. These directions are the more remarkable because Dr. Powell, in his obser¬ vations upon this preparation states, that u it parts with its ammonia in the form of gas, if heated to 132°.” I do not cite this opinion as correct, for if even this degree of heat were required to volatilize the ammonia, there is no climate on the face of the earth, in which it could be said to possess, under common circumstances, u a strong, peculiar, characteristic odour.” To the inconveniences already ascribed to the new process, may be added Dr. Powell’s intimation, that the glass “ vessel will of course be broken.” This being acknowledged, it is singular that such a method should$