Note 340 — PHARMACOLOGIA.

Aromatic Vinegar is merely an acetic solution of camphor, oil of cloves, of lavender, and of rosemary. The acetic acid used for this purpose is about 145° of the acetometer, containing 68·5 per cent. of real acid. A preparation of this kind may be extemporaneously made by putting ʒj of Acetate of Potass into a phial with a few drops of some fragrant oil, and in m xx of Sulphuric Acid.

Thieves Vinegar, or Marseilles Vinegar, is a pleasant solution of essential oils and camphor, in vinegar; the Edinburgh Pharmacopœia has given a formula for its preparation under the title of “Acetum Aromaticum.” The repute of this preparation as a prophylactic in contagious fevers is said to have arisen from the confession of four thieves, who, during the plague of Marseilles, plundered the dead bodies with perfect security, and, upon being arrested, stated on condition of their lives being spared, that the use of Aromatic Vinegar had preserved them from the influence of contagion. It is on this account sometimes called “Le Vinaigre des quatre voleurs.” It was however long used before the Plague of Marseilles, for it was the constant custom of Cardinal Wolsey to carry in his hand an orange, deprived of its contents, and filled with a sponge which had been soaked in vinegar impregnated with various spices, in order to preserve himself from infection, when passing through the crowds which his splendour or office attracted. The first Plague raged in 1649, whereas Wolsey died in 1531. The French Codex has a preparation of this kind, consisting of an acetic infusion of various aromatic herbs and camphor, which is termed “Acetum Aromaticum Alliatum,” seu “Antisepticum” vulgo “des Quatre Voleurs.” p. 108. The German Dispensatories abound with Medicated Vinegars, chiefly aimed against Pestilential Diseases.