Spiritus Saponatus (N. F.)—Spirit of Soap.
Related entry: Sapo (U. S. P.)—Soap
Preparation.—"Castile soap, in shavings, one hundred and seventy-five grammes (175 Gm.) [6 ozs. av., 76 grs.]; alcohol, six hundred cubic centimeters (600 Cc.) [20 fl℥, 138♏︎]; water, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Introduce the soap into a bottle, add the alcohol and two hundred cubic centimeters (200 Cc.) [6 fl℥, 366♏︎] of water, cork the bottle, and immerse it in hot water, frequently shaking. When the soap is dissolved, allow the bottle and contents to become cold, then add enough water to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎], and filter. Note.—The Spiritus Saponatus of the German Pharmacopoeia, is prepared by saponifying olive oil with potassa, and then adding alcohol and water. If time permits, the spirit ought to be set aside, in a moderately cold place, for about 12 hours, before it is filtered"—(Nat. Form.).
Action and Medical Uses.—This agent is employed like Liniment of Soft Soap (Linimentum Saponis Mollis, U. S. P.) in the treatment of numerous skin affections.
