Physical Pharmaceutics

Pharmaceutics brings together aspects of the chemical, physical and biological sciences in an attempt to define the desirable properties of pharmaceutical preparations. This book is largely concerned with those physico-chemical principles which must be applied in the formulation of such preparations, so that the required duration and intensity of effect can be ensured. In addition, some consideration is given to those processes and operations which are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. Formulation and manufacture have been developing rapidly in recent years, and to deal with them in sufficient detail would require an extended treatise. The intention of this book is to provide an introduction to the subject and a basis for the more extended treatment of any section to a level which would be appropriate to the final year of a degree course. Choice has had to be made, therefore, of the subject matter, and the method of approach. For example, unit operations are not separated as an independent section, but are considered in the whole concept of the formulation of pharmaceutical products. One evident omission is extraction, which is an important diffusional process in many industries, but in pharmacy its application has diminished as the use of extracts and tinctures has declined, except in the isolation and purification of the active principles. This book is intended for pharmacy students and hence the unit operations included have been limited in number and in depth of treatment.