If we can make up our minds that it is quality, rather than quantity, that we should look after, slight variations of strength will make but little difference. I do not wish to be understood, however, as admitting that there can be any great variation of medicinal strength, if recent crude material is used, and the product represents ounce for ounce, and the pharmaceutical processes have been skillfully conducted. Physical Properties of Fluid Remedies. It will have the color of the chlorophyll of the article, but should be clear and transparent, and give no sediment, or muddiness when shaken. These may seem like minor matters, yet we will find it profitable to give them attention.
Skilled pharmacy gives fine looking remedies, and they are likely to be good.
Unskilled pharmacy gives dirty-looking preparations, and they are likely to be inferior. We may judge to a considerable extent of the goodness of chemicals in the same way. If we find our Sulphate of Quinia and Morphia presenting the clear white silky or feathered crystals, we are satisfied that we have good remedies. But if it is dull, discolored, crystals faint, broken, or amorphous, we want none of it. So in the purchase of the Bromides, Iodides, Salts of Potash and Soda, Iron, etc., we expect to find the highest physical qualities, associated with purity and efficiency.