Liquor Carmini (N. F.)—Solution of Carmine.
Related entry: Coccus (U. S. P.)—Cochineal
Preparation.—"Carmine, sixty grammes (60 Gm.) [2 ozs. av., 51 grs.]; water of ammonia (U. S. P.), three hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (350 Cc.) [11 fl℥, 401♏︎]; glycerin, three hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (350 Cc.) [11 fl℥, 401♏︎]; water, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Triturate the carmine to a fine powder in a wedgewood mortar, gradually add the water of ammonia, and afterward the glycerin, under constant trituration. Transfer the mixture to a porcelain capsule, and heat it upon a water-bath, constantly stirring, until the liquid is entirely free from ammoniacal odor. Then cool and add enough water to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Note.—The best quality of carmine, known in commerce as 'No. 40,' should be used for this preparation"—(Nat. Form.).
Uses.—Solution of carmine is employed as a coloring agent for medicines and for syrups.
Related Preparation.—LIQUOR COCCINEUS (N. F.), Cochineal color. "Cochineal, in No. 50 powder, sixty grammes (60 Gm.) [2 ozs. av., 51 grs.]; potassium carbonate, thirty grammes (30 Gm.) [1 oz. av., 25 grs.]; alum, thirty grammes (30 Gm.) [1 oz. av., 25 grs.]; potassium bitartrate, sixty grammes (60 Gm.) [2 ozs. av., 51 grs.]; glycerin, five hundred cubic centimeters (500 Cc.) [16 fl℥, 435♏︎]; alcohol, thirty cubic centimeters (30 Cc.) [1 fl℥, 7♏︎]; water, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Triturate the Cochineal intimately with the potassium carbonate and five hundred cubic centimeters (500 Cc.) [16 fl℥, 435♏︎] of water. Then add the alum and potassium bitartrate successively, heat the mixture to boiling in a capacious vessel, then set it aside to cool, add to it the glycerin and alcohol, filter, and pass enough water through the filter to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]"—(Nat. Form.). This agent is used in pharmacy as a coloring substance.
