Fenner's Complete Formulary - Southwest School of Botanical ...

distillation as does the Water-bath and Still.
Druggists will find it a great convenience to have the Water-bath and
Still, as well as the Water-bath Percolator and Still, for they are often
both required at the same time.
This process is used for separating liquids of a less from those of a
greater specific gravity; for separating liquids from soluble substances
which they hold in solution; for separating volatile substances from
grosser matter with which they are associated, and for purifying and
freeing liquids from objectionable matter.
As applied to pharmacy, distillation is employed for recovering alcohol
from many preparations which are required to be concentrated by
evaporation, such as fluid extracts, solid extracts, etc., for distilling
medicinal waters and spirits, for obtaining ethers, essential oils, etc., and
for many other purposes.
Although distillation is frequently directed in the Pharmacopoeia, no
advice nor instructions are given in regard to it, it being assumed that
druggists are sufficiently familiar with the process to enable them to
conduct it properly. A few suggestions, however, may not here be amiss.
To distill medicated waters or other aqueous substances no water-bath is
required, the distillation of such liquids being more rapid, and equally
as satisfactory, without it. If herbs, leaves, flowers, seeds or other similar
substances are to be distilled, they should be protected from contact with
the bottom of the still by a false bottom, so that they may not "scorch,"
and sufficient water should be used with them to prevent the extract
which collects at the bottom from "burning down." At least, double the
quantity of water that is taken of the drug should be used.
Fenner’s Complete Formulary - Part I-II - MISCELLANEOUS FORMULA - Page 29
The Southwest School of Botanical Medicine http://www.swsbm.com