Food

1867

Essences

Druggists' rule for making essences is to use one ounce of oil to one quart of alcohol, but many of them do not use more than half of that amount, whilst most of the peddlars do not have them made of over one-fourth that strength. I would hardily set them away if presented. They should be made as follows:

1 oz. Peppermint oil (use any other oil for any other essence which you desire to make)
1 pt. Best Alcohol

DOSE: A dose of this strength of essence will be only from 10 to 30 drops.

With most essences a man can drink a whole bottle without danger or benefit. Peppermint is colored with tincture of tumeric; cinnamon with tincture of red sandal or sanders wood; and wintergreen with tincture of kino. There is no color, however, for essences so natural as to put the green leaf of which the oil is made into the jar of essence and let it remain overnight or about twelve hours; then pour off or filter if for sale. But if families are making for their own use they need not bother to color them at all. But many believe if they are high colored they are necessarily strong. It has no effect upon the strength whatever, unless colored with the leaf or bark as here recommended.