Bestuzhev Drops

Bestuzhev Drops, Tinct. ferri chlo-rati aetherea, Spiritus aethereus ferratus (Ph. VII), Tinct. nervina Bestuscheffi, proposed in 1725 by Count A. P. Bestuzhev-Ryumin, B. k. represent an ethereal-alcoholic solution of iron chloride, subjected to the action of sunlight until completely decolorized (iron chloride is reduced to ferrous chloride); the solution is transferred to a dark place, where with access to air it gradually turns yellow again (ferrous chloride is partially re-oxidized to iron chloride). A transparent golden-yellow liquid of ethereal-aldehyde odor, burning and astringent taste, specific gravity 0.840-0.860; gives characteristic reactions for oxide and protoxide of iron and for chlorine. B. drops were formerly widely used (10-15 drops 3 times a day) as an iron preparation, the alcohol-ether mixture of which allegedly promotes the absorption of iron and enhances its action. CH,-N(CH,),