ri&x* y\ LJJ vw THE ESSENTIALS OF MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS. It has been considered desirable to make two separate Boohs of the Worh originally announced under the title of "Medicines: their Nature and Value in the Treatment of Disease." The "Essentials of Materia Medica and Therapeutics'''' is now published, a worh of the hind being much in request at the present time. It will be followed by a Companion Work complet- ing the original idea, and devoted exclusively to the consideration of the value of Medicines in the treatment of Disease. Each Booh will be complete in itself. May, 1864. t: <> \ THE ESSENTIALS MATEEIA MEDICA THERAPEUTICS. ALFRED BARING gARROD, M.D., F.R.S., FELLOW OP THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS; PEOrESSOE OP MATERIA MEDICA AND THEEAPEITTICS AT KING'S COLLEGE, LONDON, PHYSICIAN TO KING'S COLLEGE HOSPITAL; AND EXAMINER IN MATERIA MEDINA IN THE UNIVERSITY OP LONDON. SECOND EDITION. REVISED AND M'TIH ENLARGED. -■ ,*-i '1 -* NEW YORK: WILLIAM WOOD & CO., 61 WALKER STREET. 1865. QV G2'4-3e. fit™ no- 5S1X, -»-°- 2j NEW YORK: EDWARD 0. JENKINS, PRINTER, 20 NORTH WILLIAM STREET. PREFACE TO THE AMERICAN EDITION. The work of Dr. Garrod supplies a want that has long been felt on this side of the Atlantic. It gives a succinct but accurate account of the natural history, of the physical and chemical proper- ties of the articles of the Materia Medica, and of the adulterations to which they are frequently subjected; the physiological action and the therapeutic application of Medicines are very concisely given, but the absence of confused and sometimes contradictory details is often an advantage to the Student. The Editor has con- fined himself to supplying a few of the omissions of Dr. Garrod, and to indicating, where a difference exists, the preparations of the Pharmacopoeia of the United States. His aim has been to make such additions only as are strictly necessary for the Ameri- can Student, keeping in view constantly the plan and scope of the original work. New York, February 25, 1865. N PREFACE. The Author of the present volume has for some years devoted time and attention to a special study of the therapeutic action of drugs, and had hoped ere this to place the results of his labour before the Profession. In the progress of his task, however, he has discovered that every new fact obtained, suggested a new sub- ject for investigation and research, while the experience gained by clinical observation did not tend to dimmish the difficulties which seemed to him to surround so exhaustless an inquiry. He was, moreover, unwilling to content himself with a compilation of the data collected by others, or with that apparent simplification of the subject so common in works on Therapeutics, but which too often results only from a hasty credence in statements consonant with the writer's ideas, and a neglect of others not in harmony with those preconceived conclusions. It was the intention of the Author to have appended to the present volume a more detailed account of his experience of the treatment of disease derived from clinical study, but the publica- tion of the British Pharmacopoeia rendered it desirable that a text-book should be immediately in the hands of the Student and Practitioner of Medicine, and hence the second edition of the " Essentials of Materia Medica and Therapeutics" is now published alone. The Author still hopes, in the course of a few months, to bring before the Profession a separate volume devoted exclusively to the value of medicines in the treatment of disease, and embracing the whole subject of Therapeutics. Tiie present work is intended to serve as a text-book of Materia Medica, and while it is hoped that it omits nothing essential to the study of the science, it excludes such details as are often em- viii PEEFACE. barrassing to the Student and seldom necessary to the Practitioner. It has been his object, while limiting its size, to include all points connected with the officinal preparation of medicines, and so much information on the therapeutic action of drugs as would serve as a sufficient guide in actual practice. All controversial points have been avoided, as unsuited to the design of the work ; and the in- formation confined to the facts really ascertained as to the action of each drug, and the purposes for which it has been advan- tageously employed. A Table of Contents, by a glance at which the reader will at once see all drugs scientifically arranged, together with their pharmaceutical preparations, is contained in the present edition ; as likewise a Table indicating the principal changes of nomencla- ture and important differences of strength between preparations in the British Pharmacopoeia and in the London Pharmacopoeia, 1851; and lastly, a somewhat copious Posological Table is now introduced. Under some articles there will be found references to Appendix A. and Appendix B.; when such is the case it implies that the sub- stance is contained in the Appendix of the British Pharmacopoeia. The Author desires, in conclusion, to express his obligations to Dr. Footman for the assistance kindly rendered in the preparation of the present edition of the " Essentials of Materia Medica and Therapeutics." 84 Harley Street, Cavendish Square, W., May, 1864. TABLE OF CONTENTS. PAGE Table Exhibiting the more Important Differences between the British and Lon- don Pharmacopoeias ....... xxvii INTRODUCTION. Weights and Measures of British Pharmacopoeia Relation of Measures to Weights " of Pharmacopoeia Weights to Metrical Weights " of Pharmacopoeia Measures to Metrical Measures Acids Waters Cataplasms Confections Decoctions Extracts Liquid Extracts Infusions Liniments Solutions Spirits Juices Suppositories Tinctures Lozenges Ointments Wines General Pharmaceutical Directions INORGANIC SUBSTANCES Oxygen .... Nitrogen Hydrogen Carbon Carbo Ligni Cqtaplasma Garbonis Bone Black Carbo Animalis Purificatus Sulphur .... " Sublimatum " Prsecipitatum Confectio tSuVphuris (sublimed) Unguentum- " " Phosphorus . Iodine .... Iodum Purificatum . Linimentvm lodi Tinctura " Unguentum " Compositum Sulphuris Iodidum . Bromine .... Chlorum. Chlorine Liquor C'hlori X CONTENTS. Water .... Aqua Destillata .... Mineral Waters 1. Chalybeate Waters 2. Acidulous or Carbonated Waters 3. Saline Waters 4. Sulphuretted Waters Acids ..... Acidum Aceticum Acidum Aceticum Dilutum Acidum Aceticum Glaciale . Acetum ..... Boracic Acid Acidum Carbonicum " Citricum " Hydrochloricum Acidum Hydrochloricum Dilutum Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum Sulphuretted Hydrogen Acidum Nitricum Acidum Nitricum, Dilutum " Nitro-Hydrochbricum Dilutum Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum " Sulphuricum Acidum, Sulphuricum Aromaticum, '' " Dilutum Acidum Sulphurosum •' Tiirtaricum Oxalic Acid .... Ammonia Salts . Amuionise Liquor Fortior Liquor Ammonias Liinmentum, " . Ammoniac Carbonas Spieitus Ammonice Aromaticus Ammonite Bicarbonas . Sulphate of Ammonia Ammonia? Hydrochloras " Acetatis Liquor . " Benzoas " Oxalas Hydrosulphuret of Ammonia . Ammouiie Phosphas Ammouii Bromidum " Iodidum Aluminum Alumen Alumen Exsiccation Antimony Sulphuret of Antimony Antimonium Sulphuratum . " Tartaratum Vinum Antinv/niale Unguentum Antimonii Tartarati Antimonii Oxidum L'uhis Antimonialis Antimonii Terchloridi Liquor Silver .... Argenti Nitras Volumetric Solution of Nitrate of Silver Argenti Oxidum Arsenic .... Acidum Arseniosum Liquor Arvereicalis . Sodas Arsenias Liquor Sodce, Arseniatis Arsenici et Hydrargyri Hydriodatis Liquor Gold .... Solution of Terchloridc of Gold Barium . . . Barii Chloridum Solution, of Chloride of Barium Bismuth Bismuthum Album Trochisci Bismuthi . Bismuthi Carbonas Cadmium Cadmii Sulphas . " Iodidum Calcium . Calx . Calais Hydras Liquor Calcis Saccliaratus Linieiuntum Calcis . Calcis Carbonas Praecipitata Creta Praeparata . Mistura Greta, Pulvis " Aromaticus " " " cum Opio Calcii Chloridum Solution of Chloride of Calcium Calx Chlorata Liquor Calcis Chloratce .■ Calcis Phosphas Praecipitata Plaster of Paris Solution, of Sulphate of Lime Cerium . . ... Oxide, Oxalate, and Nitrate of Cerium Copper .... Cupri Sulphas Solution of Ammonio-Sulphate of Copper Subacetate of Copper (Verdigris) Iron ..... Ferrum Redactum Ferri Carbonas Saccharata . Mistura Ferri Comvosita Pilula " Carbonates Ferri Iodidum Si/eupus Ferri Iodidi Pilula " . Ferri Sulphas Ferri Sulphas Exsiccata Ferri Sulphas Granulata " Arsenias " Phosphas Syrupus Ferri Phosphatis Ferri Oxidum Magneticum' . " Peroxidum Emplusteum Ferri Ferri Peroxidum Hydratum " Perchloridi Liquor Tinctura Ferri Perchloridi Ferri Pernitratis Liquor Solution of Persulphate of Iron Ferri Ammonio-Chloridum . Tinctura Ferri Ammonia-Ghloridi Ferri et Ammoniae Citras Ferrum Tartaratum Vinum Ferri . ... Ferri et Quiuiae Citras Hydrargyrum. Mercury Hydeargyvum cum Greta, Pdula Hydrargyri Empl/istrum " '• Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro xii CONTENTS, Mercurial Preparations—(continued.) Unguentum Hydrargyri Linimentum Calomelas .... Pilula Calomelanos Composita . Unguentum "... Hydrargyrum Corrosivum Sublimatum " Ammoniatum Unguentum Hydrargyri Ammoniati Hydrargyri Iodidum Viride " " Rubrum Unguentum Flydrargyri lodidi Bubri Hydrargyri Oxidum Rubrum Unguentum Hydrargyri O.ridi Bubri Hydrargyri Nitratis Liquor Acidus Unguenturn Hydrargyri Nitratis Hydrargyri Sulphuretum Sulphate of Mercury Lithium .... Lithiae Carbonas . " Citras Magnesium Magnesia .... " Levis Pulvis Bhei Compositus Magnesias Carbonas " " Levis " Sulphas Enema Magnesia Sulphatis Manganesium Black Oxide of Manganese . Platinum . . Solution of Bichloride of Platinum Plumbum (Lead) Lithargyrum .... Einplustrum IAthargyri Plumbi Iodidum Unguentum Plumbi Lodidi . Plumbi Acetas L'iluht Plumbi cam Opio Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis . Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus Unguentum Plumbi Subacetatis Plumbi Carbonas . Unguentum Plumbi Carbonatis Potassium Potassa Caustica Liquor Potasses Potassae Carbonas " Bicarbonas " Acetas " Citras " Tartras " Tartras Acida . " Sulphas " Nitras . " Chloras " Permanganas . Liquor Potassa- Peemanganatis Bichromate of Potash . Potassii Iodidum Unguentum Potassii Lodidi Potassii Bromidum . Potassa Sulphurata Potassii Ferrocyanidum Ferrirlcyanide of Potassium Sodium Soda Caustica Liquor Sodoz PAGE 93 CONTENTS. Xlll Sodae Carbonas . Soda Carbonas Exsiccata Sodae Bicarbonas " Sulphas Acetate of Soda Sodae Sulphis Hyposulphite of Soda Nitrate of Soda Nitrite " Sodae Phosphas Borax Mel Boracis Liquor Sodae Chloratse . Cataplasma Sodce Chlorata Sodii Chloridum Sodae et Potassae Tartras Stannum (Tin) . Granulated Tin Solution of Chloride of Tin Zincum (Zinc) Granulated Zinc Zinci Oxidum Unguentum, Zinci Oxidi Calamina Praeparata Ceratrum Calamines Zinci Chloridum " Sulphas " Carbonas " Acetas Alcoholic and Ethereal Alcohol .... Spiritus Rectificatus Spiritus Tenuior Spiritus Vini Gallici Mistura Spiritus Vini Gallici Vinum Xericum Cerevisias Fermentum . Cataplasma Fermenti ./Ether .... Spiritus ^Eiheris Ether (Pure) Spiritus jEtheris Nitrosi Chloroformum Linimentum Chloroformi Spiritus Ghloroformi Fousel Oil Preparations PAGE 132 133 133 134 135 -135 135 136 136 136 137 138 138 139 139 140 141 141 141 141 141 142 142 142 142 143 144 144 145 146 146 147 147 147 148 148 149 149 150 151 151 152 153 153 156 Hydrocarbons. Creosotum ....... Mistura Creosoti ..... Unguentum Creosoti ..... Carbolic Acid ...... Petroleum ....••■ Spiritus Pyroxylicus . Directions for Collecting and Preserving Vegetable Products 157 157 157 158 158 148 159 xiv CONTENTS. VEGETABLE KINGDOM Nat. Orel. Ranunculace^;. Aconitum (Folia) Aconiti Radix Aconitia .... Extractum Aconiti (leaves) Linimentum. " (root) . Tinctura " " Unguentum Aconitia} (alkaloid) Podophyllum Podophylli Resina Helleborus . Tinctura Hellebori . Staphisagria Actaea Racemosa Tinctura Actmai Cortez Winteri . Illicium Ansiatum Nat. Ord. Magnouace^e. Nat. Ord. Menispermace^e Calumba ...... Extractum Calumbce ..... Lnfu.sum " Tinctura " Pareira . . . Decoctum Pareira, ..... Extractum " Liquidum Cocculus ....... Unguentum Cocculi .... Nat. Ord. Papaverace^s Papaver ....... Decoctum Papaveris Syrupus " Opium Morphiae Hydrochloras Emplas'trum Opii Enema " . Extractum " " " Liquidum Linimentum " Pilula " (Pil. Saponis Conw.) " Plumbi cum Opio Pulvis Cretan Aromaticus cum Opio " Ipecacuanha, " . . " Kino " Tinctura Opii ..... " Camphoras cum Opio (Tinct. Camphorce. Comp.) Trochisci Opii ..... Unguentum Gallce. cum Opio .... Vinum Opii ..... CONTENTS. XV Opium Preparations—(continued.) Liquor Morphim Hydrochloratis Suppositoria '' Trochisci " " " et Ipecacuanha} Rhoeas .... Syrupus Bhaiados . PAGE 176 176 176 176 182 182 Nat. Ord. Crtjcifer^e. Sinapis .... Cataplasma Sinapis Armoracia Spiritus Armoracia Compositus 183 184 185 185 Nat. Ord. Violace^e. Violoe Syrupus Viola 185 185 Nat. Ord. Poltgalace^e. Senega lnfusum Senegal Tinctura " Krameria Extractum Kramerice Lnfusum " Tinctura " Lini Semen " Farina . " Oleum Cataplasma Lini (meat) Lnfusum " (seed) Linum Catharticum Nat. Ord LINACE.E. 1S6 186 186 187 187 187 187 188 183 188 18S 189 189 Althaea Syrupus Altheeoz Cotton Wool Pyroxylin Collodium Nat. Ord. Malvaceae. 189 189 190 190 191 Nat. Ord. Aurantiace^e. Aurantii Cortex " Floris Aqua Lnfusum Aurantii (rind) Syrupus " Tinctura " Syrupus " tloris Limonis Cortex " Oleum Succus Syrupus Limonis (peel and Tv. Tinctura juice) Bela Extractum Belce Liquidum Nat. Ord. Guttifer^e. Cambogia . . Pilula Cambogia Composita 191 191 192 192 192 192 192 193 193 193 193 194 194 195 195 xvi CONTENTS. Nat. Ord. Canellace^e. Canella PAGE 196 Nat. Ord. Vitaoe^e. UVse 196 Nat. Ord. Zygophyllace^e. Guaiaci Lignum Guaiacum .... Mktvra Guaiaci (resin) Tinctura " Ammoniata (resin) Nat. Ord. Rtjtace.e. Ruta Rutae Oleum . Bucco Lnfusum Bucco . Tinctura " Cusparia Lnfusum Cusparia Quassia . Extractum Quassia Lnfusum " Simaruba Cedron . Rhamni Succns . Syrupus Bhamni Nat. Ord. Simartjbace.e. Nat. Ord. Rhamnace^e. Nat. Ord. TEREBINTHACEyE Terebinthina Chia Mastiche Myrrha . Pilula Aloes et Myrrha Tinctura " Rhus Toxicodendron Olibanum Elemi Unguentum Elemi . Nat. Ord. Leguminos^e Glycyrrhiza . . . , Extractum Glycyrrhiza Tragacantha Mucilago Tragacantha . Pulvis " Compositus Mucuna .... Scoparius Decoctum Scoparii Succus " Pterocarpus .... Kino .... Pulvis Kino cum Opio . Tinctura Luno Balsamum Peruvianum " Tolutanum . Syrupus Tolutanus Tinctura Tohttana 197 197 198 198 199 199 200 200 200 200 201 202 202 202 202 203 203 204 204 204 205 206 206 206 207 207 207 208 208 208 209 209 209 209 210 210 210 210 211 211 211 212 213 213 CONTENTS. xvii Calabar Bean Haematoxylum Decoctum Hamatoxyli Extractum " Senna Alexandrina " Indica Coufectio Sen ei. Lnfusum " Tinctura " Syrupus " Cassia Tamarindus . Copaiba . Copaibao Oleum Acacia Mac Hugo Acacia Catechu Nigrum L' Pallidum Liifii*itiJi Catechu L'ulcis " Compositus Tinctura " Trochisci " Indigo .... Solution of Sulphate of Lmligo Nat, Ord. Rosacea. Acidum Gallkee Rosa Centifolia Aqua Bosce Rosa Gallica Coufectio lnfusum Syrupus Rosa Canina .... Coufectio Bosa Canina Tormentilla .... Cydonium .... Amygdala .... Amygdala* Oleum M14 ura Amygdala {seeds) . LJulcis " Compositus (seeds) Prunum . Lauro-Cerasus . Aqua Lauro- Gerasi . Cusso . Lnfusum Cusso Nat Ord. Myrtace^e. Caryopbyllum Caryophylli Oleum . lnfusum Caryophylli Pimenta Pimentae Oleum . Aqua Pimentce Oleum Cajupuii . Spiritus Cajvputi Nat. Ord. GRANACE.E. Granati Radix . • • Decoctum Granati Badicis . Mat. Ord. Cucuebitack^e. Colocvnthis . • • Extractum Colocynthvhs Comport/urn . Pilula " Composite _ . u " et Hyotcyami Elaterium . ' 234 234 235 235 235 236 236 XV111 CONTEXTS. Nat. Ord. Umbellifer^e. Conium Conii Fructus Ca!aplo,sma Conii (leaves) Extractum " " Suo.cus " " Tinctura " Fructus Assafoetida Enema Assafaiida Pilula Aloes et " " " Composita Tinclura " Galbanum Emplastrum, Galbani Sagapenum Amnion iacum Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Llydrargyro Mistura Anisi Oleum . Fceniculum Aqua Faniculi Cyminum Coriandrum . Oleum Coriandri Carui . " Oleum Aqua Carui Anethum . Anethi Oleum Aqua Anethi Carota Sumbul Nat Sambucus Aqua Samluci Ord. Caprifoliace^e. Nat. Ord. Cinciionace.e. Cinchona Flava . Pallida " Rubra Quiniae Sulphas Cinchoniae " Quinidinae " Cinchonidinae Sulphas . Decoctum Cinchona Flava Extractum Lnfusum Tinctura Liquidum Composita (pale lark) " Quinia. Ipecacuanha .... Pulvis Lpecacuanha cum Opio Trochisci Morphia et Lpecacuanha Vinum Ipecacuanha Caffeine or Theine Nat. Ord. Valerianace^e. Valeriana lnfusum Valeriana 2 inet ura " Valerianate of Soda Zinci Valerianas Ammoniata 264 265 265 205 266 266 CONTENTS. Nat. Ord. Composite. Inula ..... Pyrethrum .... Absinthium .... Santonica .... Santoninum .... Anthemis ..... Anthemidis Oleum lnfusum Anthemidis (flowers) . Extractum " " an.I oil) Taraxacum .... Decoctum Taraxaci . Extractum " Succus " Lactuca .... Lactucarium .... Arnica .... Tinctura Arnica Nat. Ord. Lobeliace.e. Lobelia . Tinctura Lobelia ^Etherea .... Nat. Ord. Pyrolace^e. Chimaphila Nat. Ord. Ericaceae. Uva Ursi lnfusum Uva Ursi Gualttieria Nat Styrax Prasparatus Benzoinum Acidum Benzoicum Tinctura Benzoici Composita Nat Olivse Oleum Sapo Durus . " Mollis Glycerinum . Linimentum Cahis (oil) " Carnphora (oil) Emplastrum Saponis (hard soap) Linimentum " Manna . . . • Ord. Styrace^e. Ord OLEACE.E. Nat. Ord. Logaisiace;e. Nux Vomica Strychnia " Extractum lXueis Vomica . Tinctura " _ Liquor Strychnia Faba Sancti Ignatii . Nat. Ord. Asclepiadace^e Hemidesmus Syrupus Hernidesmi XX CONTENTS. Spifielia Nat. Ord. Spigeliace^e. Nat. Ord. Gi:ntianack^k. Gentian a .... Extractum Gcntiana lnfusum " Compositum Tinctura " Composita Chirata .... Lnfusum Chirata Tinctura " Nat. Ord. Coxvolvulace^; Fcammoniae Radix Scammonium Scammoniae Resina Gmfectio Scammonii (resin) Mistura " " T'ulvis " Compositus Jalapa . Jalapse Resina Extractum Jalapa . Pulvis " Tinctura " Nat. Ord. Solanace^e. Dulcamara Lnfusum Dulcamara Belladonna . Belladonnae Radix Atropia .... Extractum Belladonna (leaves) . Emplastrum " " Tinctura " " Unguent um " " Linimentum " (root) . Liquor Atropia (atropia) . Unguentum " " Stramonii Folia et Semina Extractum Stramonii (seeds) Tinctura " " Hyoscyamus .... Extractum Hyoscyami Tinctura " Tabacum .... Enema Tabaci Capsicum Tinctura Capsici Nit. Ord. Scrophux Digitalis ...... Digitalinum ..... Lnfusum Digitalis Tinctura " ... Nat. Ord. Rosmarini Oleum Spiritus Rosmarini Lavandula? Oleum Spiritus Lavandula Tinctura " Composita Menthae Piperitae Oleum Aqua Mentha Piperita Spiritus " '' Menthae Viridis Oleum . Aqua Mentha Viridis . , Pulegn Oleum .... Labi A1\E. 2S6 2S7 2S7 2S7 288 288 2S8 CONTENTS. XXI Nat. Ord. Polygon ace m. Rheum . Extractum Bhei . lnfusum " L'ilula " Composita Tinctura " Pulvis " Compositus Nat. Ord. Myristace^e. Myristica Mvristicae Adeps " Oleum . . Spiritus Myristica (volatile oil) Nat, Ord. Latjrace.>—«►<>«.—i^- ALTERATIONS IN STRENGTH. The dilute mineral acids, although a little altered, are not suffi- ciently so as materially to affect the doses. Decoctum Scoparii is now simple, without Juniper and Taraxacum. Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum restored as in Ph. Loud. 1836. Pilula Colocynthidis Composita is the same as the Edinburgh prep- aration, containing powdered Colocynth pulp. Extractum Jalapa? is made with cold water and spirit, in place of boiling water, and is about twice the strength of the Extractum Jalapa? of 1851. TABLE. xxix Extractum Colchici, and Extractum Colchici Aceticum, are stronger than the same preparations of 1851, from the subsidence of the starch being allowed to take place before the concentration of the juice. Extractum Stramonii is made with proof spirit in lieu of water, and is therefore a much stronger preparation, and less liable to mould, than the Extract of the London Pharmacopoeia. lnfusum Aurantii contains neither lemon-peel nor cloves. lnfusum Calumba? is made with cold water. lnfusum Gentiana? Compositum contains spirit and coriander, but no lemon-peel. lnfusum Quassia? is made with cold water. Liquor Ammonia? Acetatis is five times stronger than that of 1851. Liquor Potassa? and Liquor Soda?, although a little altered in strength, are not sufficiently changed to affect the dose. Liquor Morphia? Hydrochloratis is half the strength of the London preparation. The Spirits of the British Pharmacopoeia, made by dissolving the volatile oils in rectified spirit, are now of uniform strength, and contain one fluid part of oil to nine fluid parts of rectified spirit, and may be regarded as essences ; they have no relation to the corresponding spirits of the London Pharmacopoeia, some being thirty-one times, and some as much as ninety-five times stronger. Spiritus Chloroformi contains one part by measure of chloroform to nineteen of rectified spirit, and is a substitute for the preparation previously called Chloric Ether, which varied much in strength. Syrupus Senna? is now much stronger, and is an efficient prepara- tion. Tinctura Aconiti is about one-third the strength of the London Tincture, 1851. Tinctura Belladonna? is about half the strength of the London Tincture, 1851. XXX TABLE. Tinctura Cmiii Fructus, about twice as strong as Tinctura Conn (Folia) Lond. 1851. Tinctura Digitalis, about one-sixth 'stronger than the London Tincture. Tinctura Opii, only diminished in strength in the ratio of 437 5 to 480. Tinctura Zingiberis, about twice as strong as the Tincture, 1851. Vinum Ferri now contains one grain of tartarated iron in each fluid drachm of the preparation. Vinum Opii is made with powdered opium in lieu of the extract, and contains no aromatic substances; it is of the same strength as the tincture of opium. THE ESSENTIALS OF MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS. MATERIA MEDICA. INTRODUCTION. In the various preparations contained in the first part of this work, constant reference is made to weights and measures, tempe- rature, &c ; and it is therefore important that these should be clearly understood. In the British Pharmacopoeia the weights employed differ from those previously used in any other similar work ; the apothecaries' weight of the London and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia has been abolished, and the avoirdupois pound and ounce adopted, together with the troy grain ; the subdivisions of the avoirdupois ounce introduced into the Dublin Pharmacopoeia in 1850, have like- wise been discarded, and there is now no intermediate weight between the ounce and grain. The measures remain the same as those of the London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Pharmacopoeias. The weights and measures of the British Pharmacopoeia are as follows :— WEIGHTS. 1 pound . . lb. = 16 ounces = 7000 grains. 1 ounce . . oz. = . . = 4375 grains. 1 grain . . gr. = . . = 1 grain. 1 gallon 1 pint 1 fluid ounce 1 fluid drachm 1 minim MEASURES. C =8 pints . O viij. O =20 fluid ounces fl. oz. xx. fl. oz. = 8 fluid drachms fl. drs. viij. fl. drm. = 60 minims . min. lx. min. = 1 minim . min. j. All liquids are ordered by measure unless it is stated otherwise. It will be observed, that in the above table symbols represent- ing the different weights and measures have been introduced : lb. representing the pound, oz. the ounce, and gr. the grain ; it will also be seen that the numbers made use of under the weights are 2 9 MATERIA MEDICA. of the Arabic character. The symbols for the measures are C, for the gallon ; 0, the pint; fl. oz., the fluid ounce ; fl. drm., the fluid drachm ; and min., the minim ; and the numbers, instead of being Arabic as in the case of the weights, are the Roman numerals. In the present work, when quantities are introduced, the Arabic numbers have been in all cases adopted • in writing prescriptions either may be made use of. It will be seen that the solid drachm and the scruple have been omitted from the Pharmacopoeia ; if still made use of, they will represent sixty and twenty grains respectively in Great Britain, and not the eighth and twenty-fourth part of the avoirdupois ounce; but in Ireland these same symbols will only represent 54*68 and 18*22 grains. Such being the case, it will be advisable to discard the employment of these symbols altogether. The avoirdupois fluid ounce corresponds to the solid ounce, in the case of distilled water at 60° Fah. ; that is, one fluid ounce weighs exactly an ounce. A minim of distilled water, however, does not weigh one grain, as the fluid ounce is divided into 480 minims ; the solid ounce into 437*5 grains only. In Appendix D of the Pharmacopoeia the following table is contained, showing the relation between the measures and weights now made officinal in pharmacy, and likewise the relation of the weights and measures of the British Pharmacopoeia to those of the metrical system. RELATION OF MEASURES TO -WEIGHTS OF THE BRITISH PHARMACOPOEIA. 1 gallon = the measure of 10 pounds of water. = " " 1-25 " « 1 ounce " = " " 50-68 grains = " " 0-91 " « 1 pint 1 fluid ounce 1 fluid drachm 1 minim [In the Pharmacopoeia of the U. S. the troy pound is employed, and the divisions, with their signs annexed, are given in the fol- lowing table :— The pound lb. ) f twelve ounces, ? The ounce I . I eight drachms, °3 . The drachm f contai™ ^ three s ,eg '^ The scruple J [ twenty grains' gr. The term pound, however, is disused and the weight is expressed in ounces, each containing four hundred and eighty grains. The drachm and scruple are also disused, and replaced by their equi- INTRODUCTION. 3 valents in grains. The weight of the grain is the same in both the Br. and the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. The avoirdupois oz. of the former contains but 437*5 grains or 42*5 less than the troy ounce, while the troy lb. contains 5760 grains or 1240 grains less than the avoirdupois pound. In the measures, instead of the imperial pint weighing 8750 grains of water at 62° F. and at a baro- metric pressure of 30 inches, the U. S. Ph. adopts the old wine measure, which weighs 7289*725 grains of water, under similar precautions, that is, 1460*225 grs. or about ^ less than the pint of the Br. Ph., and its measures are always expressed in pints or parts of a pint. Again, in the U. S. Ph., The pint, O ^ ) sixteen fluid ounces,/^ . > ei si The fluid ounce > contains V eight fluid drachms, fz The fluid drachm ) ) sixty minims, m,. RELATION OF WEIGHTS OF THE BRITISH PHARMACOPOEIA TO METRICAL WEIGHTS. 1 pound = 453 588 grammes. 1 ounce = 28-349 1 grain = 0-0648 " RELATION OF MEASURES OF THE BRITISH PHARMACOPOEIA TO METRICAL MEASURES. 1 gallon 1 pint 1 fluid ounce 1 fluid drachm 1 minim 4-543458 litres. 0-567932 " -0-028396 " 0-003550 " 0-000059 " The following remarks concerning certain groups of pharma- ceutic preparations contained in the British Pharmacopoeia may prove of service to the reader, by enabling him to discover at a glance the nature of their more important general characters, and facilitating the understanding of some peculiarities in nomen- clature and methods of preparation found in many of them. Acida. Acids. Among this group, directions are found for making certain dilute acids, and the same rule has in most instances been followed ; for example, Acidum Hydrochlorium Dilutum, Acidum Nitricum Dilutum, Acidum Nitro-hydrochlorium Dilutum, Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum, and Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum, will be seen to have nearly the same neutralising powers, measured, except in the case of dilute phosphoric acid, by the amount of an alkaline solution which they are capable of saturating.. Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum, which is really a dilute acid,, is some- 4 MATERIA MEDICA. what weaker ; and Acidum Aceticum Dilutum has been so formed as to assimilate it closely in strength with Acetum, or vinegar. Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum hardly belongs to the same category of medicines, as it is not employed on account of its acid properties. Aquce. Waters. The waters of pharmacy consist of water holding in solution very small quantities of oils or other volatile principles. In the British Pharmacopoeia two principal methods are adopted for making these preparations. In the first, the part of the plant is ordered to be placed with water in a retort, and a certain quantity of water brought over by distillation ; this is the case with the dill, caraway, cinnamon, fennel, cherry-laurel, pimento, rose, and elder-flower waters. The second method consists in distilling the volatile oils, pre- viously obtained from the plants, with water; peppermint and spearmint waters are thus prepared. Aqua Camphoras, formerly termed Mistura Camphorse, is made simply by allowing water to dissolve as much camphor as it is capable of taking up • and Aqua Destillata is only water distilled with such precautions, as to ensure its freedom from any appreci- able .or important amount of foreign matters. Cataplasmata. Cataplasms or Poultices. Cataplasms are •soft, moist, local applications, employed sometimes solely for the sake of their moisture and temperature, but more frequently, in addition to these properties, on account of certain peculiar active remedies contained in them. The basis of the cataplasms in the British Pharmacopoeia is linseed meal, either alone, or united with bread or flour ; boiling water is employed for mixing the ingredients, except in the case of Cataplasma Fermenti, when water at 100° Fah. is made use of, in order that the catalytic powers of the ferment may not be in- jured by the heat. .Olive oil is added to the Cataplasma Lini as a substitute for the natural oil which has been removed from the tinseed by expression. Confectiones. Confections, Electuaries, or Conserves. Confections are used sometimes merely as a basis for pill masses, &c, some- times for the exhibition of sparingly soluble remedies which require to be administered in bulky doses. Honey or suo-ar or both these substances, form a prominent part of all confections. INTRODUCTION. 5 Decocta, Decoctions. A decoction is a watery solution of a medicinal substance prepared by boiling. The length of time ordered in the Pharmacopoeia is in most instances from ten to twenty minutes ; in some cases boiling for an hour is directed, and, in one instance, Decoctum Granati Radicis, two pints are to be reduced to the bulk of a pint. The length of time should be proportionate to the solubility of the active matter of the drug; but prolonged boiling is often objectionable from rendering this portion less active, or even inert. In two decoctions only, namely, Decoctum Aloes Compositum and Decoctum Sarsas Compositum, are the preparations made compound by the introduction of more than one active drug. Only those medicines should be used in the form of decoction which contain active principles not injured by the boiling temperature ; if volatile oils are present, these are dissipated in the process. Decoctions should be strained when hot, as a deposit of active matters occasionally takes place when the preparation becomes cold, as in Decoctum Cinchonas Flavse. All the decoctions are prepared from vegetable substances. Extracta. Extracts. Many different kinds of extracts are to be found in the British Pharmacopoeia. 1. Some consist of the fresh juice, reduced to the state of solid extract by evaporation : these are commonly termed fresh or green extracts, and are ordered to be prepared in the following manner. The juice obtained from the fruits of the plant, leaves and flower- ing tops, &c, is first heated to 130°, in order to coagulate the green colouring matter, filtered and heated to 200°, at which tem- perature the albumen is coagulated. After being again filtered to remove the albumen, the juice is evaporated at a temperature not exceeding 140° to the consistence of a thin syrup, and the colouring matter, previously separated by the first coagulation, is added, and the whole evaporated to the proper consistence of an extract. It will be observed, if the details of the process be examined, that the colour of a green extract is no test of .its goodness, for the evaporation of the bulk of the juice may have been carried on at too high a temperature, and yet the product may preserve its green appearance, provided the last part of the process be care- fully conducted. 6 MATERIA MEDICA. The green extracts of the Pharmacopoeia are Extractum Aconiti, Extractum Belladonna?, Extractum Conii, and Extractum Hyos- cyami. Extractum Colchici, Extractum Colchici Aceticum, and Extractum Taraxaci, are formed in a similar manner, with the exception that in the preparation of .these extracts the temperature of the juice is at once raised to 212° to coagulate the albuminous matters, and the filtered juice afterwards reduced to the proper consistence at a temperature of 160°. 2. A second group of extracts is formed from the drugs in a dry state, by the action of cold or boiling distilled water, by which means all the matters soluble in this menstruum are dissolved, and the fluid afterwards reduced by evaporation to the proper con- sistence. In this manner the following extracts are prepared :— Extractum Aloes Barbadensis, Extractum Aloes Socotrina?, Ex- tractum Anthemidis, Extractum Gentiana?, Extractum Glycyrrhiza?, Extractum Haematoxyli, Extractum Krameria?, Extractum Opii, and Extractum Quassia?. 3. A third group is formed in a similar manner, except that the ac- tive matters are extracted by means of rectified or of dilute spirit, in place of water. This group consists of Extractum Calumba? (proof-spirit), Extractum Cannabis Indica? (rectified spirit), Ex- tractum Colocynthidis Compositum (proof-spirit), Extractum Jalapa? (first spirit, then cold water), Extractum Humuli (spirit, then by boiling in water), Extractum Nucis Vomica? (rectified spirit), Extractum Rhei (spirit and water), and Extractum Stra- monii (proof-spirit). 4. In the British Pharmacopoeia liquid extracts are introduced ; these preparations are made for the most part by macerating the drug in a large quantity of cold water, and extracting by this means such of the active matter as is soluble in this menstruum ; afterwards evaporating the watery infusion, and, lastly, adding sufficient spirit to prevent decomposition. In the Pharmacopoeia the following liquid extracts are found : Extractum Cinchona? Flava? Liquidum, Extractum Ergota? Li- quidum, Extractum Filicis Liquidum, Extractum Opii Liquidum, Extractum Pareira? Liquidum, Extractum Sarza? Liquidum. In the case of the liquid extracts of Bael, Ergot, and Pareira each fluid part represents a solid part of the drug employed. INTRODUCTION. 7 5. Ether As occasionally employed in lieu of water in the formation of the liquid extracts, especially when the drug contains much oleaginous matter. In the case of Extractum Ergota? Li- quidum it is used to free the preparation from the oil; in that of Extractum Filicis Liquidum it is employed as the solvent of the active matter. Infuse. Infusions. There are a few points to be noticed under Infusions. In the preparation of the majority of them, boiling distilled water is ordered, the time of infusing varying from ten minutes to two hours, according to the solubility of the active ingredients of the drugs ; in some few cases, as in those of the infusions of Chiretta and Cusparia, water at 120° Fah. is made use of; and in others, as the infusions of Calumba, Gentian, and Quassia, cold distilled water is employed. In the case of calumba the use of cold water is of advantage, as the starch is not dissolved, and hence the infusion will keep much longer, and will not strike a blue colour in the presence of free iodine. In making lnfusum Gentiana? Compositum, a different method of procedure is adopted. A little proof-spirit is first poured upon the dry ingredients, and, after maceration, cold water is added, and the process continued as with other infusions. Liniment a. Liniments, Embrocations. A liniment, derived from linio, I anoint, implies strictly a preparation capable of being used in anointing, and therefore of an oily or soapy nature. In the British Pharmacopoeia the word is employed in a more extended sense, and includes most of the liquid pharmaceutic preparations which are employed as external remedies, and either rubbed or painted upon the part. The majority of the liniments contain either a fixed or volatile oil or soap, camphor being regarded as a concrete volatile oil; the exceptions are Linimentum Cantharidis and Linimentum Iodi ; both of which, unless united with other liniments or oily sub- stances, are best used as paints, for producing blistering or power- ful counter-irritation. Liquores. Solutions. These preparations are watery solutions, either of inorganic substances or of certain definite active organic principles, and should not be confused either with juices of 5 MATERIA MEDICA. plants (succi), or with liquid extracts : this error is frequently made. It is important to remember certain points in regard to these preparations. When made bv the solution of a salt or alkaloid, the strength is such that four grains of the active principle are contained in one fluid ounce of the preparation ; this is the case with Liquor Arsenicalis, Liquor Atropia?, Liquor Morphia? Hydrochloratis, Liquor Potassa? Permanganatis, Liquor Soda? Arseniatis, and Liquor Strychnia?. It must be remembered that Liquor Morphia? Hydrochloratis is only half the strength of the preparation in the London Pharmacopoeia; also, that Liquor Ammonia? Acctatis is five times stronger. Spiritus. Spirits. Many of the spirits of the British Phar- macopoeia differ greatly from the preparations bearing the same name in the London Pharmacopoeia. Those made with volatile oils have now a uniform strength, containing one fluid part of the oil to nine fluid parts of rectified spirit. Of this composition are Spiritus Cajuputi, Spiritus Camphora?, Spiritus Juniperi, Spiritus Lavandula?, Spiritus Mentha? Piperita?, Spiritus Myristica?, and Spiritus Rosmarini. The above compounds are the same as the essences of the last Dublin Pharmacopoeia. Spiritus Chloroformi contains only one fluid part of chloroform to nineteen fluid parts of rectified spirit, and is the correct name for the so-called chloric ether, a preparation which varies so much in strength at different establishments. Spiritus JEtheris is the old compound spirits of ether, with the omission of the oil of wine. Spiritus Juniperi contains about ninety-five times, Spiritus Mentha? Piperita? forty-seven times, and Spiritus Rosmarini thirty-one times, as much volatile oil as the corresponding prepa- rations of the London College. Succi. Juices. These preparations have been for some time used in medicine, and three are now made officinal: Succus Conii Succus Scoparii, and Succus Taraxaci. In each instance the expressed juice of the plant has one-third of its volume of rectified spirit added, a quantity found sufficient to preserve it from decomposition. The strength of these juices is liable to vary from the influence of situation, soil, and season upon the plant INTRODUCTION. 9 Suppositoria. Suppositories. Preparations newly introduced for the local application of certain drugs ; they are two only in number, namely, tannic acid and morphia ; these agents are ordered to be made up with sugar or glycerine, lard, and soap, divided into cones, and then coated with a thin covering of wax. [Suppositories are not officinal in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. They are best made with butter of cacao in the form of small cylinders, and introduced by means of a suppository syringe.] Tinctura. Tinctures. In the British Pharmacopoeia this group is very extensive, and it will be observed that in the preparation of the various tinctures, different menstrua are employed, as rectified spirit, proof spirit, compound spirit of ammonia, and spirit of ether. Rectified Spirit is used whenever the active portion of the drug from which the tincture is made is of sparing solubility in more dilute alcohol. This is the case with some alkaloids, resin- ous, and oily matters. In the Pharmacopoeia, rectified spirit is used in the tinctures of Aconite, Arnica, Assafcetida, Benzoin, Indian Hemp, Capsicum, Castor, Perchloride of Iron, Iodine, Kino, Lavender, Myrrh, Nux Vomica, Tolu, and Ginger. Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia is employed pharmaceutically with the same object as rectified spirit, namely, to dissolve resins and oily substances, but it is also used with a view to its own medicinal powers ; its alkaline properties render it a potent solvent of resinous acids. It is only ordered for two tinctures, viz., Tinctura Guaiaci Ammoniata and Tinctura Valeriana? Ammoniata. Spirit of Ether (a mixture of two parts by volume of rectified spirit and one part of ether) is used to form one tincture, Tinc- tura Lobelia? ^Etherea, and in this instance the antispasmodic virtues of the ether, rather than its solvent powers, have doubtless led to its employment. Proof Spirit is used in making the remainder of the tinctures, containing matters partly soluble in water, partly in spirit; the amount of alcohol in proof spirit is more than sufficient to ensure an absence of all decomposition in the preparations, even when kept for a lengthened period. Many of the tinctures made with rectified spirit, or with aro- 10 MATERIA MEDICA. matic spirit of ammonia, become milky when added to water, on account of the precipitation of the resinous or oily matters which are insoluble in water, and a species of emulsion is thus formed. Under these circumstances it is often desirable to have mucilage of acacia rubbed up with the tincture before the addition of the water, and by this means the insoluble matters are held in suspen- sion for a long time. Trochisci. Lozenges. This group, although long officinal in the Edinburgh, is now for the first time introduced into an Eng- lish Pharmacopoeia. There are six different lozenges; viz., of Tannic Acid, Bismuth, Catechu, Morphia, Morphia with Ipecacu- anha, and Opium. In all cases the lozenge mass is ordered to be divided into a given number (720) of lozenges, and hence a definite quantity of the active matters is contained in each. Unguenta. Ointments. It will be observed that cerates are altogether omitted from the Pharmacopoeia, but many of the pres- ent ointments contain wax, and are similar in character and com- position to preparations formerly termed cerates. In the ointments of the active principles of vegetables, as of Aconitia, Atropia, and Veratria, eight grains of the active princi- ple are contained in about an ounce of the preparation. Vina. Wines. In these preparations sherry wine is used as the menstruum. Vinum Ferri is now made by dissolving tartara- ted iron in sherry, and Vinum Opii by digesting opium in the same ; in the London Pharmacopoeia iron wire was employed for the former, and extract of opium for the latter preparation. Attention to the following directions may prove of some value. Care must be taken that medicines do not acquire any impurity from the material of the vessels in which they are either prepared or kept; therefore, unless otherwise ordered, glass, or vitrified ware, such as porcelain or stone, whose surface is not glazed with lead, should be employed. All acid, alkaline, or metallic preparations, and salts of every kind, should be kept in stoppered glass bottles, and occasionally those made of green or black glass are desirable. When the saturation of acids or alkalies is ordered, it is sup- INTRODUCTION. 11 posed that this, is determined by the use of litmus or turmeric papers. In applying tests, distilled water should be made use of; and, unless otherwise ordered, white bibulous paper should be used. In the filtration of liquids, or drying of crystals, degrees of heat are measured by Fahrenheit's thermometer : boiling heat is 212° ; a gentle heat between 90° and 100°. Specific gravities are to'be taken at the temperature of 60°. In ascertaining the weight of any precipitate, the precipitant should be added in excess, and the precipitate well washed, and afterwards dried at 212° ; care, how- ever, is sometimes necessary, in order that the precipitate be not redissolved by the excess of the precipitant. Crucibles should be made of Hessian or Cornish ware. Exposure to hot water, or the vapour of boiling water, in a proper vessel, constitutes a Water Bath. A Sand Bath consists of sand heated in a suitable vessel. MATERIA MEDICA. INORGANIC SUBSTANCES. OXYGEN. (O. Eq.=8.) Oxygen is a colourless and odourless gas ; it forms, on an aver- age, 20*81 per cent, by measure, or 23*01 per cent, by weight, of atmospheric air. The specific gravity is 1*1057, the specific grav- ity of air being 1. It combines in various proportions with nearly all the elementary substances, and is the great supporter of com- bustion and respiration. In combination with hydrogen it forms water. Oxygen may be prepared in various ways ; when large quanti- ties are required it is generally obtained by the action of heat on peroxide of manganese, 3 Mn02=MnO, Mn203 + 2 0, pure oxide of manganese yielding about one-ninth of its weight of oxygen. Chlorate of potash may be used for the same purpose, and the de- composition is then as follows : K0,C105=KC1 + 6 0. A peculiar modification of oxygen, known as Ozone, is produced under certain circumstances, as when a succession of electric sparks is passed through air, or through oxygen, a large portion of the oxygen is converted into ozone, which has a peculiar odour, is much denser than oxygen, and seems to be a more active form of this gas ; it can be formed by other means, and in the course of the slow oxidation of phosphorous and other substances, is pro- duced in small quantities. It is a powerful oxidising agent; it displaces iodine from its metallic combinations ; starch paper impregnated with a solution of iodide of potassium is generally used to detect its presence in the atmosphere, the iodine being set free combines with the starch 14 MATERIA MEDICA. to form the blue iodide ; it converts the protosalts of manganese into persalts, and the sulphite of lead into sulphate. Therapeutics. A solution of oxygen in water has been used as a slight stimulant and excitant. Considerable advantages were at first anticipated from the introduction of the gas as a remedial agent, but clinical experience has not confirmed these anticipations. Its inhalation, which has been tried in certain states of the system accompanied with deficient aeration of the blood, has not been attended with much success. NITROGEN. (X. Eq.=14.) Nitrogen constitutes 79*19 per cent, of the atmosphere by meas- ure, or 76*99 by weight. Sp. gr. 0*9713. It seems to act the part of a diluent in the air, counteracting the too stimulating proper- ties of oxygen. Nitrogen forms acids with three and five equiva- lents of oxygen (N03 and N06) ; the salts known as the nitrites and the nitrates, especially the latter, are much used in medicine. With hydrogen it forms ammonia, with carbon it forms cyanogen, and enters into the composition of all the alkaloids, and many of the other most active medicinal principles, as morphia, quinia, and prussic acid. Water at the ordinary temperature dissolves about j\th of its bulk of nitrogen. It is rarely or never employed in its free state as a therapeutic agent. HYDROGEN. (H. Eq. = 1.) Hydrogen is a colourless inodorous gas, which has never been liquefied, and is but slightly soluble in water. It is the lightest form of matter known, and has a sp. gr. 0*0692. In combination with one equivalent of oxygen it forms water, and with two equiv- alents the peroxide of hydrogen (H02). The latter is a liquid of syrupy consistence, and is a very unstable compound ; it possesses powerful oxidising properties, bleaches a solution of litmus, and has a somewhat metallic taste. Therapeutics. Hydrogen possesses but little value as a reme- dial agent. When mixed with a certain quantity of oxygen and breathed, it imparts a peculiar shrill and sharp tone to the voice. The peroxide of hydrogen whitens the epidermis and epithelium CARBON. 15 of the tongue, and is supposed to possess some stimulant and dis- infecting action upon the system, but further investigations are required to establish its value as a medicine. CARBON. (C. Eq.=6.) An elementary body found pure, or almost so, in the diamond, plumbago, and anthracite ; combined with other elements, it enters into almost all vegetable and animal substances. In medicine it is now only employed in the form of charcoal, of which there are two varieties, vegetable and animal. Carbo Ligni. Wood Chareoal. Wood charred by exposure to a red heat without access of air. Prep. Obtained by burning wood with a limited supply of air, by which the hydrogen, etc., are burnt off, and the carbon remains. Wood yields from seventeen to twenty-three per cent. It is met with either in the form of the pieces of wood from which it was made, or as a black powder. Prop. & Com. It is odourless and almost tasteless ; it pos- sesses the power of absorbing gases and odours to a great extent, especially when recently prepared ; besides carbon, it contains some salts, about two per cent. It is insoluble in water, and in close vessels is neither melted nor volatilized by the most intense heat. Off. Prep. Cataplasma Caebonis, Charcoal Poultice. (Wood charcoal, in powder, half an ounce ; bread, two ounces; linseed meal, one ounce and a half; boiling water, ten fluid ounces. Mix the water, bread, and linseed ; then add half the charcoal, and sprinkle the remainder on the surface.) Therapeutics. It has been employed on account of its absorb- , ing power, as an antiseptic and corrector of acidity and flatus of the stomach and intestines, and to correct the state of the fa?ees in some diseases. As an external application it is used in the form of poultice, to prevent the foetor of ulcers, etc. Dr. Stenhouse has recently proposed its being used in the manufacture of respira- tors for those who are subjected to the influence of injurious gases or vapours. Internally it is given in certain forms of dyspepsia, accompanied with flatus and acidity. Dose. Internally from a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, recently 16 MATERIA MEDICA. made, and carefully preserved in stoppered vessels. It is some- times made into a biscuit and thus employed ; sometimes also it is given in the form of lozenges. Bone Black. Ivory Black, Animal Charcoal, Appendix A. The residue of ox and sheep bones which have been exposed to a red heat with- out the access of air, reduced to powder : it contains about 10 per cent, of carbon, the remaining 90 per cent, consisting of phosphate, with a little carbonate, of lime. Carbo Animalis Purificatus. Purified Animal Charcoal. Bone black, deprived of its earthy salts. Prep. It is prepared by treating bone black with very dilute hydrochloric acid, to remove all the salts ; then washing and dry- ing, and afterwards heating to redness in a covered crucible. Prop. & Comp. Inodorous and almost tasteless ; absorbs gases and odours, and has also great power in abstracting almost all principles from their solutions, such as alkaloids, bitter and colour- ing matters, etc. Therapeutics. Animal charcoal may be used in the same way and for the same purposes as vegetable, in addition to which the author has shown that its antidotal power against vegetable poisons is very great, rendering inert opium, nux vomica, aconite, and almost all the active organic poisons. In pharmacy it is used to deprive alkaloids and other principles of their colour, etc. Dose. As an antacid and corrector of foetor, from a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful; as an antidote, from half an ounce to two ounces or more, according to the amount of poison taken ; it may be suspended in water for a short time, and thus administered. Common bone black in the state of fine powder may be used as an antidote or externally applied ; it is much more powerful than the purified charcoal, if estimated by the amount of contained carbon. SULPHUR. (S. Eq. = 16.) An elementary body found native as virgin sulphur ; also in combination, as sulphurets of metals, etc. Sulphur Sublimatum. [U. S.] Sublimed Sulphur ; Flowers of Sulphur. [Sulphur Lotum. Washed Sulphur. U. S.] SULPHUR. 17 Sulphur Prsecipitatum. Precipitated Sulphur ; Lac Sulphuris. Prep. Sublimed sulphur is generally prepared from the virgin sulphur, by causing it to rise in vapours, which are condensed in a chamber. It may also be made from any metallic sulphuret, but is then more liable to contain impurities, as arsenic, etc. The^?re- cipitdted sulphur is directed in the Pharmacopoeia to be prepared by first forming a sulphuret of calcium, by heating sulphur and lime with water, then causing the precipitation of the sulphur by means of hydrochloric acid, and washing the product with dis- tilled water until the washings cease to have an acid re-action or precipitate with oxalate of ammonia; showing that the acid and lime have been removed. The sulphur should be dried at a tem- perature not exceeding 120°. Prop. & Comp. Sublimed sulphur is a citron or bright yellow coloured powder, without taste and odour, sp. gr. 1*98, which rises in vapour at 600° Fah., it is soluble in hot oil of turpentine and bi-sulphuret of carbon, and to a small extent in oils. It burns with a blue flame, and the evolution of sulphurous acid. Precipitated sulphur forms a pale yellow powder; in other re- spects resembles sublimed sulphur. Neither should give an acid reaction to water. The composition of both kinds of sulphur is the same. When heated to a certain point sulphur assumes a peculiar viscid condition. Off. Prep. Of sublimed sulphur. Confectio Sulphueis. Confection of Sulphur. (Sublimed sul- phur, four ounces ; acid tartrate of potash, in powder, one ounce ; syrup of orange peel, four fluid ounces.) Unguentum Sulphueis. Ointment of Sulphur. (Sublimed sul- phur, one ounce ; prepared lard, four ounces.) [Sublimed sulphur, one troy ounce ; lard, two troy ounces ; mix them. U. S.] Therapeutics. In small doses sulphur is absorbed and then acts as a stimulant to the skin and different mucous membranes, pass- ing off as sulphuretted hydrogen from the skin, becoming partly oxidised, and increasing the amount of sulphuric acid in the urine. In larger doses it produces a laxative or very mild purgative effect upon the bowels. Externally it is a slight stimulant, and has the power of destroying the acarus scabiei or itch insect. It is given as a stimulant in chronic cutaneous affections, chronic 3 18 MATERIA MEDICA. bronchitis, and rheumatism ; as a laxative to children and delicate persons ; also in diseases of the rectum, as piles. Externally it is applied as an ointment in skin affections, especially scabies. Dose. Of either form of Sulphur. As a stimulant, from 10 gr. upwards. As a laxative, 30 gr. to 60 gr. or more. Of confec- tion, 20 gr. to 120 gr. Formerly sulphur, dissolved in olive oil, and called balsam of sulphur, was a favourite remedy. Adulteration. Sublimed sulphur may contain a trace of sul- phurous acid from oxidation during sublimation ; it should, how- ever, be free from this, and not redden moistened litmus paper ; and a solution of ammonia which has been agitated with it should not leave any residue ; when washed it is called sulqihur latum. The precipitated sulphur contains sometimes from 50 to 70 per cent. of sulphate of lime, arising from sulphuric acid being occasionally used to precipitate it; this impurity can be detected by its not subliming with heat * sublimed sulphur when pure does not show any crystals under the microscope, but simply opaque globules. PHOSPHORUS. (P. Eq.=31.) Phosphorus. (Appendix.) Phosphorus. Prep. From phosphoric acid or superphosphate of lime (made by acting upon bone ashes with oil of vitriol) by distillation with charcoal, when carbonic acid is formed and phosphorus set free, which sublimes. Prop. & Comp. A waxy-looking substance, usually in the form of pipes, from being cast into moulds, almost colourless and trans- parent when fresh, luminous in the dark, from oxidating and forming phosphorus acid (PO-j), very easily inflamed ; sp. gr. 1*77 ; melts at 108° Fah. ; insoluble in water ; soluble in ether, oils, and true naphtha; entirely soluble in boiling oil of turpentine and bisulphide of carbon. When burnt, forms phosphoric acid (P05); becomes opaque and reddish on the surface when old, from the formation of a suboxide, to prevent which it should be kept in water and in the dark. Phosphorus also exists in a peculiar allotropic condition, known as amorphous or red phosphorus, in the form of a red powder, which may be exposed to the air with- out giving off any fumes, and may be heated in the open air till IODINE. 19 the temperature reaches 500°, at which point it takes fire, etc. This variety is not soluble in bisulphide of carbon. Therapeutics. Very seldom given internally ; it is said to act as a powerful stimulant and aphrodisiac, producing considerable gastro-intestinal irritation and other dangerous effects in large doses ; it has been employed on the Continent in low fevers, cholera, etc., and in this country in the treatment of phthisis. The fumes of phosphorus produce on individuals exposed to them for a lengthened period, a peculiar disease of the jaw-bone, probably from phosphorus acid being present. Dose. Gr. ^ to gr. ^ dissolved in ether or olive oil. Phos- phorus is introduced for the preparation of phosphoric acid. IODINE. (I. Eq. = 127.) ledum Purificatum. Purified Iodine. [Iodinium, Iodine. U. S.] Iodine, in crystals (so named from lodng, violet). Prep. Iodine is prepared from kelp, the vitrified ashes of sea- wrack, found in the Western Islands, north of Scotland and Ire- land ; from the solution of this substance, after the crystallization of most of the salts, as the carbonate of soda, &c, a liquor re- mains, containing the iodides of sodium, potassium, and magne- sium ; this, when treated with sulphuric acid and binoxide of manganese, yields iodine, which sublimes, and is collected in re- ceivers ; by means of the peroxide of manganese oxygen is set free and replaces the iodine ; if we suppose one equivalent of iodide of sodium to be acted on by one of binoxide of manganese and two of sulphuric acid, the formula representing the changes is as follows : (Na I + Mn 02 + 2 S03=Xa 0, S08 + Mn 0; S03 + I). Prop. & Comp. Black scales, or laminar crystals, with metallic lustre, sp. gr. 4*95, odour similar to chlorine,, melts when heated, then sublimes in a beautiful violet vapour, soluble in rectified spirits and ether, but slightly so in pure water, about -^o part, much more soluble in a watery solution of iodide of potassium and chloride of sodium. The aqueous solutions precipitate 20 MATERIA MEDICA. starch of a dark-blue colour. In free alkaline solutions iodine dissolves and forms salts. Off. Prep. Linimentum Iodi. Liniment of Iodine. (Iodine, one ounce and a quarter ; iodide of potassium, half an ounce ; rectified spirit, five fluid ounces.) [Liquoe Iodinii Compositus. Compound Solution of Iodine. Lugol's Solution of Iodine. Iodine, 360 grains ; iodide of potas- sium, 720 grains ; distilled water, a pint.] Tinctuea Iodi. Tincture of Iodine. (Iodine, half an ouuce ; iodide of potassium, a quarter of an ounce ; rectified spirit, twenty fluid ounces.) [Tinctuea Iodini. Tincture of Iodine. Iodine, a troy ounce ; alcohol, a pint. U. S.] [Tinctuea Iodinii Composita. Compound Tincture of Iodine. Iodine, half a troy ounce ; iodide of potassium, a troy ounce ; alcohol, a pint. U. S.] Unguentum Iodi Compositum. Compound Ointment of Iodine. (Iodine, thirty-two grains ; iodide of potassium, thirty-two grains ; proof spirit, one fluid drachm ; prepared lard, two ounces.) [Unguentum Iodinii. Ointment of Iodine. Iodine, twenty grains; iodide of potassium, four grains ; water, six minims ; lard, a troy ounce. U. S.] [Unguentum Iodinii Compositum. Compound Ointment of Iodine. Iodine, fifteen grains ; iodide of potassium, thirty grains ; water, thirty minims ; lard, a troy ounce. U. S.] Therapeutics. When applied externally, free iodine acts as an irritant, or vesicant, according to the mode of using it ; and when rubbed in for some time, it is absorbed, and influences the neigh- bouring parts, and also the system at large : when the diluted vapour is inhaled, it acts topically on the mucous membranes of the respiratory passages. Internally, free iodine produces irrita- tion of the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal, causing, in large doses, heat and pain at the epigastrium, and vomiting ; and, when the full influence of iodine upon the system is desirable, the drug is usually given in combination, more especially as iodide of potassium, which produces but little local irritation. Iodine is rapidly absorbed into the blood, and can be detected in many of the fluids soon after administration, especially in the urine • the IODINE. 21 constitutional effects produced are increased activity of most of the secreting and excreting organs, as the kidneys, mucous mem- branes, and skin ; it also powerfully influences the glandular and absorbent systems, as seen when such parts are enlarged, as in bronchocele, and in scrofulous glands of the neck and abdomen. It is stated occasionally to cause the wasting of even healthy glands, as the breasts and testes; it has a powerful alterative action, as exhibited in its influence over scrofulous affections and secondary syphilitic disease. When given in large medicinal doses, the mucous membrane of the nose, frontal sinus, eyes, pharynx, &c, often become irritated, and catarrhal symptoms, coryza, &c, are induced ; occasionally much depression ensues from its administration, accompanied by a low febrile state of system. Iodine or iodide of potassium is administered in very many diseases, as the different forms of scrofula, in bronchocele and other glandular enlargements, in hypertrophy and induration, of organs or other structures, produced by inflammation, as in hypertrophy of the spleen, liver, or uterus, in nodes, &c.; in chronic skin affec- tions, syphilitic or not; for the relief of other secondary or ter- tiary symptoms, and also in chronic rheumatism ; in dropsies as a diuretic * in some forms of amenorrhoea, as an emmenagogue ; and in various obstinate mucous discharges, as leucorrhoea, as an alterative. Externally iodine is used in chronic skin diseases and over en- larged and indurated parts and diseased joints, to alter action or cause absorption ; for this purpose it may be applied in the form of the liniment, tincture, or ointment. As a speedy vesicant, the liniment may be painted over the part two or three times ; one application, however, is often sufficient. A few drops of the tinc- ture, put into half a pint of hot water, may be used as an inhala- tion in some forms of chronic bronchitis and phthisis. Dose. Of iodine (free) \ gr., gradually increased ; of tinct. iodi., 5 to 20 minims ; of iodide of potassium, vide Potassii Iodidum. [The compound tincture of iodine, U. S., may be given in doses of from 10 to 30 drops, largely diluted, and repeated two or three times a day. The compound solution, 5 to 15 minims in water three times a day.] Adulteration. Water is often present, also iodide of cyanogen ; 22 MATERIA MEDICA. besides these, fixed impurities, as plumbago, black oxide of man- ganese, charcoal, iron, &c. The first two are volatile ; water can be detected by finding whether bibulous paper is moistened by the iodine; iodide of cyanogen by distilling at a very low tempera- ture, when this body sublimes, if present, in white crystalline needles before the iodine ; the fixed impurities are left after sub- limation. The Pharmacopoeia gives the following quantitative test: 12*7 grains, dissolved in an ounce of water containing 15 grains of iodide of potassium, require for complete decoloration 100 measures of the volumetric solution of hyposulphite of soda. In this process, iodide of sodium (Na I), which is colourless, and also tctrathionate of soda (Na 0, S4 05), are formed. The following formula will serve to illustrate the changes which ensue, 2 (Na 0, S2 02) + I=Na I, + Na 0, S4 03; the amount of iodine can thus be estimated, 100 measures of the volumetric solution correspond- ing to 12*7 grains of iodine. Sulphuris Iodidum. Iodide of Sulphur. (Not officinal.) [Officinal. U.S.] Prep. (Sulphur, one ounce ; iodine, four ounces. Put the sul- phur in a glass vessel, and place on it the iodine ; hold the vessel immersed in boiling water until they have united ; afterwards, when cool, the vessel being broken, break the iodide into frag- ments, and keep in a well-stoppered vessel.) Prop. & Comp. A bluish black crystalline metallic-looking sub- stance, not unlike sulphuret of antimony in appearance, having the odour of iodine, it stains the skin yellow, is decomposed by boil- ing in water, and, if properly prepared, should give, when so boiled, 20 per cent, residue of sulphur. Composition (LS2) or a bisulphuret of iodine. Therapeutics. Applied externally in the form of an ointment of the strength of about thirty grains of the salt to an ounce of lard, it acts in a manner very similar to iodine, and has been employed in some obstinate chronic skin diseases, as lepra, porrigo, acne indurata, &c. Internally it possesses no particular value, but has been given as an alterative. Dose. Half gr. to 3 gr. or more. BROMINE. (Br. Eq. = 80.) Bromine, Appendix A. [Brominium. U. S.] (so named from CHLORINE. 23 Ppufiog, a stench). An elementary body contained in combination with metals in sea water, sea plants, &c. Prep. From bittern, the liquor left from sea water, after the crystallization of common salt; it is present as bromide of mag- nesium, and can be obtained by passing a current of chlorine gas through the liquor, whieh unites with the magnesium, and liberates the bromine ; this is often taken up by shaking with ether, which dissolves the bromine, and rises with it to the surface. Subse- quent purification is required, usually effected by converting the bromine into bromide of potassium, and again liberating the bromine by means of bin-oxide of manganese and sulphuric acid. Prop, eb Comp. A dark brownish-red liquid by reflected, but hyacinth-red by transmitted light through thin layers; of an intensely disagreeable acrid odour and taste, very volatile, and , fumes when exposed to the air ; sp. gr. 2*966 ; soluble in ether, alcohol, and slightly in water ; soluble in alkaline solutions, form- ing salts ; precipitates starch of an orange colour. Therapeutics. Bromine is never administered in its free state, most commonly as bromide of potassium, occasionally as bromide of ammonium and of iron ; the effects of these salts are described under the head of their bases. Adulteration. Bromine sometimes contains iodine. Agitated with a solution of soda, in such proportion that the fluid remains very slightly alkaline, it forms a colourless liquid, which, if col- oured by the addition of a small quantity of chlorine, should not become blue on the subsequent addition of starch. CHLORINE. (Cl. Eq. = 35-5.) Free chlorine occurs in the form of a greenish-coloured gas, hav- ing a peculiar acrid odour, very soluble in water, especially when cold ; it possesses intense chemical powers, bleaches all vegetable colours, and acts as a powerful disinfectant, probably by decom- posing the organic particles producing diseases. For this purpose it can be evolved from chlorated lime by the addition of some acid, or more economically by the following method :—Mix one part of common salt and one part of bin-oxide of manganese inti- mately together, and add to these (put into a shallow dish) two 24 MATERIA MEDICA. parts by weight of oil of vitriol previously diluted with two parts of water; such a mixture will continue to give off chlorine for some days. Liquor Chlori. Solution of Chlorine. Prep. (Hydrochloric acid, six fluid ounces ; black oxide of manganese, in fine powder, one ounce ; distilled water, thirty-four fluid ounces. Mix the acid and oxide in a retort, then pass the chlorine through an intermediate small phial, containing three ounces of water, to the bottom of a three pint bottle containing the remainder of the water, until it has almost ceased to be given off.) In this process the decompositions which take place are rep- resented in the formula (2 H Cl + Mn 0,=Mn CI+ 2 HO + C1). Prop. & Comp. This is a solution of chlorine gas dissolved in half its volume of water, and constituting 0*006 of the weight of the solution. It is a liquid, having a slight green colour, with a very strong odour of chlorine, and immediately discharging the colour of a dilute solution of sulphate of indigo ; when exposed to the light it is decomposed, with the formation of hydrochloric acid and oxygen, and hence should be used recently prepared. Therapeutics. Its action as a remedy resembles that of the Liquor Soda? Chlorata?, and it may be used, when diluted about seven times with water, as a gargle or lotion ; or, still more dilute, it may be given as an internal remedy in low or typhoid states of the system, as malignant scarlatina, &c. Tests. Sp. gr. 1*003, leaves no residue on evaporation. When 20 grains of iodide of potassium, dissolved in an ounce of distilled water, are added to a fluid ounce of this preparation, the mixed solution acquires a deep red colour (from the liberation of iodine), which requires for its discharge 75 measures of the volumetric solution of hyposulphite of soda, equivalent to 2*67 grains of chlorine. Dose. 10 min. to 30 min. freely diluted. WATER. Aqua. Water. Natural water (HO), the purest that can be obtained, cleared if necessary by filtration ; free from odour, taste, and visible impu- rity. If pure it leaves no residue when evaporated, but it is very MINERAL WATERS. 25 difficult to ensure absolute purity, on account of traces of foreign matter that are liable to be introduced from the still. Off. Prep. Aqua Destillata. Distilled Water. Prep. Made by distilling water in a still, rejecting the first portion. Prop. & Comp. A limpid colourless fluid, devoid of taste and smell, not altered by the addition of lime-water, chloride of barium, nitrate of silver, oxalate of ammonia, or sulphuretted hydrogen, indicating freedom from carbonic acid or carbonates, sulphates, chlorides, and most organic matter, lime and ordinary metallic im- purities, as copper, lead, &c. Composition (HO). Use. It is ordered to be used in making almost all pharma- ceutical preparations, but common water is frequently substituted ; in some cases this neglect is important, as insoluble and inert compounds are formed, and the solvent power of distilled water for some substances exceeds that of common water. MINERAL WATERS. All water found on the earth's surface contains more or less foreign matter. The purest is melted snow or rain water, col- lected at a distance from towns. The most common impurities are salts of lime, as the sulphate, and the carbonate held in solution by an excess of carbonic acid. Besides these, water always con- tains a certain amount of gases dissolved in it, as common air, or rather air rich in oxygen and carbonic acid. The nature of the saline impurities varies much with the kind of soil through which the water flows ; for some substances, as silex, are almost insoluble, whereas limestone and gypsum dissolve to a considerable amount, the former especially, when the water is impregnated with carbonic acid. When these foreign matters exist in the water to an extent sufficient to impart a sensible taste, it is called a mineral water : these have been divided into four classes, depending on their chemical composition. The following are the most important:— Class 1.—Chalybeate or Ferruginous Waters. These waters owe their efficacy to the iron contained in them ; in many waters traces of iron exist, but such only are named chaly- beate as possess sufficient of this metal to endow them with decided 26 MATERIA MEDICA. medicinal powers. In some springs, the iron exists in the form of carbonate held in suspension by excess of carbonic acid ; when such are exposed to the air, peroxide of iron is soon formed and deposited : others contain sulphate of iron, often associated with sulphate of alumina, sometimes with chloride of iron. The most important chalybeate waters, in which carbonate of iron is found, are those of Pyrmont, Spa, Schwalbach, Tunbridge Wells, and Harrowgate. Iron exists as a sulphate in the waters of Sand Rock Isle of Wight, Brighton, &c. Therapeutics. Chalybeate waters are useful in ana?mic condi- tions of the system; those containing the carbonate of iron are generally preferred, agreeing better with the stomach, and being less astringent. Individuals of plethoric habits should avoid chalybeate waters. Class 2.—Acidulous or Carbonated Waters. These waters contain a large amount of carbonic acid, which gives them their acidity, and causes them to sparkle ; they usually hold in solution carbonates of lime, soda, and magnesia, which often become deposited on exposure from the escape of the carbonic acid, which acted as the solvent. The most celebrated of these waters are those of Carlsbad, Seltzer, and Ilkestone, near Not- tingham. Therapeutics. These waters are useful in atonic forms of dys- pepsia, the free carbonic acid improving the tone of the stomach ; they also, from the alkaline salts they possess, act as alteratives, increasing the secretion of the kidneys and skin, and are often valuable in chronic visceral diseases, gout, rheumatism, and some calcareous affections. Class 3.—Saline Waters. These waters contain various salts, as sulphates of soda, mag- nesia, and lime ; chlorides of sodium, calcium, and magnesium ; carbonates of lime and soda, &c. Hence they may be subdivided : Some, containing chiefly sulphates of magnesia and soda, are named purging saline waters, as those of Cheltenham, Leamington, Epsom, Seidlitz, and Piillna. Some, having carbonate and sulphate of lime for their principal ACIDUM ACETICUM. 27 ingredients, are called calcareous waters, as those of Buxton, Bath, and Bristol. Others contain chiefly chlorides, with, now and then, traces of iodine and bromine, called salt waters, as those of Wiesbaden, Baden-Baden, and Kreutznach. Sea water also belongs to this division. Lastly, some saline waters are noted for the amount of alkaline carbonates they contain, these are termed alkaline waters, as those of Vichy and Ems, &c. Therapeutics. The purging waters are indicated in cases where congestion of the portal system is present, whether from organic visceral disease or not; the calcareous waters in chronic gout and rheumatism, and some skin affections : they act as powerful stimu- lants and alteratives, increasing the urinary and cutaneous excre- tions ; the simple saline waters are more adapted for scrofulous affections, as glandular enlargements, &c.; and the alkaline waters in gout, and urinary diseases connected with excessive formation of uric acid, as they tend to induce a less acid condition of urine. Class 4.—Sulphuretted or Hepatic Waters. All contain sulphuretted hydrogen in solution, and are readily known by their odour ; the most celebrated are those of Harrow- gate, Moffat, Cheltenham, Aix-la-Chapelle, Borcet, and Aix, in Savoy : some contain an alkaline sulphuret as well as sulphuretted hydrogen. Therapeutics. These waters act as stimulants, especially on the skin and uterine system, and are used chiefly in chronic skin diseases, certain cases of chronic rheumatism, and uterine affec- tions, &c. ACIDS. ACIDS EMPLOYED IN MEDICINE OR FOR TESTS, ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY. Acidum Aceticum. Acetic Acid. An acid liquid, prepared from wood by destructive distillation, and containing 28 per cent, of anhydrous acetic acid. Prep. When wood is heated in close vessels, as in iron retorts, amongst the volatile products of its destruction, a large amount of acetic acid distils over, mixed with wood spirit and various hydro- carbons * from this fluid, after redistillation, and neutralization 28 MATERIA MEDICA. with carbonate of soda, acetate of soda is separated by crystalliza- tion, and purified by several re-crystallizations ; this salt heated with sulphuric acid and water yields acetic acid mixed with water, and forms the product under consideration. Prop. c& Comp. A colourless liquid with a very pungent odour and strong acid taste, sp. gr. 1*044 [1*047. U. S.], contains 28 per cent, of anhydrous acetic acid (C4 H3 03); is volatile, and leaves no residue when evaporated. One fluid drachm requires for neutral- ization 31*5 measures of the volumetric solution of soda. It gives no precipitate with chloride of barium or nitrate of silver, has no action on strips of metallic silver, and when neutralized with am- monia is not precipitated by sulphuretted hydrogen, ammonia, or ferrocyanide of potassium ; these various tests indicating a freedom from sulphuric, hydrochloric, or nitric acids, and metallic impuri- ties, especially copper : it does not give rise to a blue colour when added gradually to an equal volume of the solution of iodate of potash, previously mixed with a little mucilage of starch. This shows the absence of sulphurous acid, which, if present, would set free iodine by deoxidizing the iodate, and the blue iodide of starch would be formed. Off. Prep. Acidum Aceticum Dilutum. Dilute Acetic Acid. (Acetic acid, twenty fluid ounces; distilled water, one hundred and forty fluid ounces.) The sp. gr. is 1*006. One fluid ounce requires for neutraliza- tion thirty-one measures of the volumetric solution of soda. It contains 3| per cent, of anhydrous acetic acid. Oxymel. Oxymel. [Not officinal in U. S. P.J (Clarified honey, forty ounces ; acetic acid, five fluid ounces; distilled water, five fluid ounces.) Therapeutics. When freely diluted, acetic acid, given inter- nally, acts as a refrigerant, but is seldom employed for this pur- pose. Externally, in its strong form, it is used as a rubefacient; sometimes as a vesicant and escharotic ; but the glacial acid is more effective for such purposes ; much diluted, it may be used to sponge the surface in fevers, also in cooling lotions. Acetic acid is more frequently employed on account of its solvent powers, than for any therapeutic value it may possess, as in Linimentum Cantharidis. Dose. Of acidum aceticum dilutum, 1 fl. drm. to 3 fl. drm. diluted still more. Of oxymel 1 fl. drm. to i fl. oz. ACETUM. 29 Adulteration. Foreign acids and metallic impurities, as copper, detected by the above tests. Acidum Aceticum Glaciale. Glacial Acetic Acid. [Not offi- cinal in U. S. P.] Synonym. Acidum Aceticum. Edin. Monohydrated Acetic Acid. Prep. This is prepared by distilling acetate of soda, from which the water has been expelled by heat, with sulphuric acid, by which means sulphate of soda is formed, and acetic acid distils over. If the product contains any sulphurous acid, when tried by the iodate of potash and starch test mentioned above, it is shaken with black oxide of manganese and redistilled. Any sulphurous acid is thus converted into sulphuric acid, and remains in com- bination with the manganese. Prop. & Comp. A colourless liquid, converted when cooled to nearly 32° into colourless prismatic crystals. Composition HO, C4 H3 03, or an acetate of water. Sp. gr. 1*065, which is in- creased by adding 10 per cent, of water. Dilution increases the density of acetic acid until nearly one-third of its weight of water has been added, when it contains HO, C4 H3 03 + 2 Aq. On further dilution, the density diminishes in the usual manner. In consequence of this anomaly, the density alone cannot be relied on as a test for the strength of acetic acid, as between 1*063 and 1*077 the same density may indicate two very different strengths ; monohydrated acetic acid and the same acid diluted Avith an equal weight of water having both the sp. gr. 1*063. A fluid drachm of glacial acetic acid requires for neutralization 97 measures of the volumetric solution of soda. The absence of sulphurous acid is indicated by the iodate of potash and starch test. Off. Prep. It is used in the preparation of Mistura Creasoti. Therapeutics. Glacial acetic acid acts as a caustic irritant, vesicant, and escharotic. It is chiefly used as an external applica- tion ; but diluted with water may be used for the same purposes as dilute acetic acid. Acetum. Vinegar (French). Impure dilute acetic acid, prepared from French wines by the acetous fermentation. [Prepared by fermentation. U. S.] Prep. The alcohol contained in the wine, under certain condi- tions, absorbs oxygen, and is converted into acetic acid, which is 30 MATERIA MEDICA. contained in the vinegar. The change is thus shown : alcohol (C4 H6 02) + 04= acetic acid (HO, C4 H3 P3) + 2 HO. Prop. (& Comp. A liquid of a straw colour, having an agree- able acid odour and taste ; sp. gr. from 1*008 to 1*022. It is a little stronger than British vinegar, about one-sixth, and when ammonia is added in excess to it, some turbidity is usually pro- duced, and a purple colour, due to the development of the colour- ing matter of the wine. British vinegar, which was formerly officinal, contains about 5 per cent, of real acid, together with colouring matter, mucilage, and a small amount, T-0^ part by weight, allowed by law, of sulphuric acid. Therapeutics. The action of vinegar is the same as that of dilute acetic acid of equal strength. Dose. Of acetum 1 fl. drm. to 3 fl. drm. diluted. Adulteration. Sulphuric acid may be added to vinegar, and metallic impurities may be present from the vessel in which it is kept. It should be scarcely affected by chloride of barium, or oxalate of ammonia, and not at all by sulphuretted hydrogen. Acidum Arseniosum. Vide Preparations of Arsenic. Boracic Acid. Appendix B. Prop. (& Comp. It occurs in pearly scales, is efflorescent, and fuses at a red heat. It is sparingly soluble in cold, but is soluble in three times its weight of boiling water. Soluble in alcohol, the solution burning with a green flame. The composition is B03 + 3 HO. The element boron resembles carbon in many of its proper- ties, and has an equivalent of 10*9, and is represented by the symbol B. Use. Boracic acid is used for making a solution for qualitative analysis, it is not given as a medicine, except in the form of borax, or biborate of soda. Acidum Benzoicum. Vide Gum Benzoin. Acidum Carbonicum. (Not officinal.) Carbonic Acid. (Solu- tion in water.) Aerated water. Prep. By acting upon carbonate of lime, as chalk, marble, &c, with dilute sulphuric acid, and passing the gas through water under pressure. Prop. <& Comp. Carbonic acid (C02) is a colourless gas, heav- ACIDUM CITRICUM. 31 ier than air, soluble in its own volume of water; the solubility much increased by pressure. The solution is acid in re-action, sparkling when exposed to air from the escape of the gas. Water containing this acid has the power of holding in solution carbon- ates of magnesia, lime, iron, &c. Therapeutics. The gas, when existing in quantities above a very small amount in the air, acts as a narcotic poison, causing asphyxia ; and directed in a stream upon a painful ulcerated sur- face, is stated to allay the pain. When taken in the stomach, aerated water diminishes irritability if present, and hence allays sickness ; and carbonic acid is often given in the form of efferves- cing medicines made with an acid and bicarbonate of an alkali. The water may also be usefully employed in dissolving saline reme- dies, as phosphates, carbonates of potash, soda, and lithia, &c, when it is desirable to continue their usfi for a lengthened period. Much of such water is now prepared in the Gasogene apparatus, of English and French construction. Acidum Citricum. Citric Acid. An acid obtained from lemon juice, or the juice of the fruit of Citrus Limetta, the Lime. Prep. From the juice of lemons, limes, and other allied species, by first fermenting the juice with yeast, in order to get rid of the sugar, and then neutralizing the acid with chalk, to form a citrate of lime, purifying this and liberating the citric acid by means of sulphuric acid. Prop. & Comp. Large transparent colourless crystals, right rhombic prisms, of an agreeable acid taste, decomposed by heat, soluble in water and spirit: the precipitate formed with acetate of lead is soluble in nitric acid. Citric acid does not render lime- water turbid (citrate of lime is, however, a sparingly soluble salt), and causes no precipitate with any salts of potash except the tar- trate, from which it throws down the acid or bitartrate. Com- position of the crystallized salt (3 HO, C12 H5 0„ + HO) or (3 HO, Cl + HO). Citric acid being regarded as tribasic, 3 equivalents of the water act the part of base. 67 grains of the crystals dis- solved in water are neutralized by 100 measures of the volumetric solution of soda. It leaves no ash when burned with free access of air. The aqueous solution is not darkened by sulphuretted 32 MATERIA MEDICA. hydrogen, nor precipitated by chloride of barium, showing the absence of metallic impurities and sulphates. Therapeutics. Citric acid given internally appears to act as a refrigerant, that is, in some way or other to diminish the preter- natural temperature of the body in febrile states of the system ; it also allays thirst and irritation of the skin. Dose. 10 gr. to 30 gr. or more, dissolved in water and sweet- ened. Adulteration. Traces of sulphuric acid may be present, also tartaric, both detected by the tests and characters given above. Acidum Hydrochloricum. Hydrochloric Acid. Hydrochloric acid gas dissolved in water. [Acidum Muriaticum. Muriatic Acid. An aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid gas of 1*160 sp. gr. U. S.] Synonym. Acidum Muriaticum Purum. Edin. Dub. Prep. By the action of. sulphuric acid and water on chloride of sodium (common salt) in a glass retort, sulphate of soda and hydrochloric acid are formed; the latter distils over, and is col- lected in a receiver containing water, which absorbs the gas rapidly. Prop. &, Comp. A colourless transparent liquid, with a suffo- cating odour, and very sour taste, giving off white acrid fumes when exposed to air ; sp. gr. 1*17 ; entirely dissipated by heat; it consists of hydrochloric acid (H CI) dissolved in water. It gives with nitrate of silver a curdy white precipitate (chloride of silver), soluble in excess of ammonia, but not in nitric acid. Hydrochloric acid has no action on gold leaf, even when boiled with it; this is shown by the acid, after digestion on the metal, not giving any precipitate with protochloride of tin; nor does the acid decolorize a solution of sulphate of indigo, indicating the absence of free chlorine. When diluted with 4 volumes of distilled water it gives no precipitate with chloride of barium or sulphuretted hydrogen, and does not tarnish bright copper foil when boiled with it, proving the absence of sulphates, and earthy or metallic matter; 1 fluid drachm requires for neutralization 60*25 measures of the volumetric solution of soda, corresponding to about 22 grains of real acid (H CI). Off. Prep. Acidum Hydrochloricum Dilutum. Dilute Hy- ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM. 33 drochloric Acid. (Hydrochloric acid, three fluid ounces ; distilled water, eight fluid ounces.) [Acidum Muriaticum Dilutum. Muriatic acid, four troy ounces ; distilled water to make the diluted acid measure a pint. The sp. gr. is 1*038. U. S.] Its sp. gr. is 1*05 ; six fluid drachms require for neutralization ninety-nine measures of the volumetric solution of soda, equivalent to about thirty-six grains of real acid. Acidum Nitro-Hydrochloricum Dilutum. See Officinal Pre- parations of Acidum Nitricum. Therapeutics. Externally it acts as a powerful caustic, and acrid poison. Internally, in a dilute form, as a refrigerant, tonic, and astringent. It is given in some forms of atonic dyspepsia, in low states of the system, as in the petechial form of exanthema- tous diseases. It is also used as a gargle in ulceration of the throat, and in diphtheria. Dose. Of acidum hydrochloricum dilutum, 10 min. to 30 min. diluted freely. Adulteration. Sulphuric acid, chlorine, and iron, for which the tests are given. The commercial acid is generally coloured from the presence of the latter impurities. Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum. Dilute Hydrocyanic Acid, or Prussic Acid. Hydrocyanic acid dissolved in water, and constituting 2 per cent, of the solution. This acid contains rather more than half as much anhydrous acid as Acidum Hydrocyanicum. Edin. Prep. (Ferrocyanide of potassium, two ounces and a quarter ; sulphuric acid, seven fluid drachms; distilled water, thirty fluid ounces, or a sufficiency. Mix the acid with four fluid ounces of the water, and to these, placed in a retort, when they have cooled, add the ferrocyanide of potassium, first dissolved in half-a-pint of the water. Put them into a retort, and adapt this to a receiver, containing eight ounces of the water, which must be kept carefully cold. Distil with a gentle heat till the fluid in the receiver meas- ures seventeen ounces ; lastly, add three ounces or as much water as may be necessary to bring the acid to the required strength.) The changes occurring in this process are rather complex, but in 4 34 MATERIA MEDICA. substance may be shown as follows : Ferrocyanide of potassium is a double cyanide of potassium and iron (2 K Cy+ Fe Cy + 3 HO); when acted upon by sulphuric acid and water, a portion of the cyanide of potassium of the salt is decomposed into hydrocyanic acid and sulphate of potash, and a salt containing two equivalents of cyanide of iron to one of cyanide of potassium, is left in the retort, called Everitt's yellow salt; the formula for the decomposi- tion is as follows: (K, Cy4 + Fe2 Cy2) + 3 (HO, S03)=(Fe2 Cy2+KCy) + 3 (KO, S03) + 3H Cy. Anhydrous prussic acid can be prepared by passing sulphuretted hydrogen (hydrosulphuric acid) over cyanide of mercury : a sul- phuret of the metal and hydrocyanic acid are then formed. Hy- drocyanic acid is also produced when amygdaline, a principle contained in the bitter almond and the kernels of allied fruits, is decomposed by the action of the albuminous principle contained in such fruit; vide Amygdala Amara. Prop. & Comp. The dilute acid, prepared as above, is a colour- less liquid of peculiar odour and taste, entirely volatilized by heat, with a very slight re-action, and the reddening produced on litmus paper fugitive in character. Sp. gr. 0*997. It contains 2 per cent, of real or anhydrous acid (H, Cy). Treated with a minute quantity of a mixed solution of sulphate and persulphate of iron, and afterwards with potash, and finally acidulated with hydrochloric acid, it forms Prussian blue. With nitrate of silver it gives a white precipitate, entirely soluble in boiling nitric acid. Half a fluid ounce of the acid, when treated with an excess of solution of soda, requires the addition of 80*66 measures of the volumetric solution of nitrate of silver before a permanent pre- cipitate begins to form, which corresponds to 2 per cent, of anhy- drous acid. The explanation of this test is as follows : When nitrate of silver is added to a solution of hydrocyanic acid with excess of soda, a double cyanide of silver and sodium is formed, which is soluble, and is dissolved when the solution is well stirred ; this salt is formed until all the hydrocyanic acid present is exhausted, and then the further addition of nitrate of silver causes the precipitation of the oxide of silver, which is insoluble. As the double cyanide has a definite composition, by knowing the ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM DILUTUM. 35 amount of nitrate of silver required to produce a permanent pre- cipitate, we can calculate the amount of hydrocyanic acid present in the fluid. The decomposition may be illustrated by the formula, Ag 0, N05 + 2 Na Cy=Na 0, N05+Na Cy, Ag Cy. 17 grains of nitrate of silver, or 100 measures of the volumetric solution, representing 5*4 grains of absolute hydrocyanic acid. The dilute acid, when pure, is not coloured by sulphuretted hydrogen or precipitated by chloride of barium, showing the absence of metallic taint or sulphuric acid, and no red colour is produced on the addition of the iodo-cyanide of potassium and mercury, showing the absence of any foreign acid. The acid known under the name of Scheele's prussic acid con- tains 4 per cent, of anhydrous acid. The anhydrous acid is colourless, with a more intense odour than the dilute, sp. gr. 0*697. very volatile, and rapidly decom- posed into a carbonaceous-looking matter. The dilute acid can be much longer preserved when a little mineral acid is present, as a trace of sulphuric or hydrochloric acid. Therapeutics. Anhydrous prussic acid is one of the most intense and rapid of poisons, acting as a direct sedative, appa- rently from arresting the functions of the whole body ; its effects are the same whether taken into the stomach or applied to other mucous membranes, as to the eye, or inhaled as vapour. When much diluted, and in medicinal doses, it allays pain and spasm, and if the close be large, induces giddiness, etc. It is given in painful affections of the stomach and intestines, as in gastrodynia, enterodynia, pyrosis, and vomiting ; also in chest affections, as pertussis, asthma, and other cases where the charac- ter of the cough is nervous ; occasionally it is used to allay palpi- tation of the heart, especially when connected with dyspepsia, and it has been prescribed in epilepsy, chorea, and other diseases of the nervous system. Externally applied it allays irritation of the skin, and when freely diluted may be used in the form of lotion in cutaneous affections accompanied with much itching : great care should be taken that the skin is not abraded. Dose. Of the acidum hydrocyanicum dilutum 2 min. to 10 min. Scheele's acid is twice the strength, and it is very desirable 36 MATERIA MEDICA. that it should not be employed in medicine. Aqua Lauro-Cerasi, or cherry-laurel water, which owes its activity to hydrocyanic acid, is described under Lauro-Cerasus. Externally, in the form of lotion, 1 fl. drm. or more may be added to 10 oz. of water, lead lotion, or almond emulsion. Incompatibles. It is often prescribed with alkalies, as liquor potassa?, etc.; then a cyanide of the metal is formed, which acts in the same manner as the acid; but if a salt of iron be also present, yellow prussiate or ferrocyanide of potassium is produced —a salt possessing none of the properties of prussic acid. Sulphuretted Hydrogen. (Appendix.) Hydro-Sulphuric Acid (freshly prepared). Prep. By treating sulphuret of iron with dilute sulphuric acid, and passing the gas which is evolved into Cold distilled water. Prop. & Comp. A colourless liquid, having the odour of rotten eggs ; gradually decomposing, especially when exposed to air and light, with the deposition of sulphur. It is a watery solution of hydrosulphuric acid, or sulphuretted hydrogen (HS). Uses. Used only as a test. It possesses the property of throw- ing down most of the ordinary metals from acid solutions: the precipitate with arsenic is yellow ; with antimony, orange; with cadmium, yellow ; with mercury, lead, copper, and silver, black ; with bismuth and gold, brownish-black, etc. Zinc is precipitated white, from a slightly alkaline solution. Sulphuretted hydrogen is a constituent of some mineral waters. When the gas is inhaled undiluted, it acts as a poisonous sedative. Acidum Nitricum. Nitric Acid ; Aqua fortis. Prep. By the action of sulphuric acid in excess upon nitrate of potash in a glass retort, when nitric acid and bisulphate of potash are formed ; the former, being volatile, distils over. Prop. & Comp. A colourless transparent liquid, with a strongly acrid odour, and intensely acid taste; sp. gr. 1*50 ; [1*420, U. S.] it fumes in the air, and entirely volatilizes with heat. Composition (3 HO, 2 N03). When diluted with three times its volume of water and poured upon copper it gives off a colourless gas, which, upon contact with air, becomes an orange vapour, and ACIDUM NITRICUM. 37 when conducted into a solution of sulphate of iron, communicates to it a dark colour. When diluted with six parts of water, it gives no precipitate, either with nitrate of silver, or chloride of barium. One fluid drachm of the acid requires for neutralization 121*5 measures of the volumetric solution of soda, indicating that not more than 1^ equivalent of water is present. Off. Prep. Acidum Nitricum Dilutum. Dilute Nitric Acid. (Nitric acid, two fluid ounces; distilled water, thirteen fluid ounces.) [Nitric acid, three troy ounces; distilled sufficient to make the diluted acid measure a pint; sp. gr. 1*068. U. S.] Colourless; sp. gr. 1*101. Six fluid drachms require for neu- tralization one hundred measures of the volumetric solution of soda, indicating the presence of fifty-four grains of anhydrous nitric acid (N05). Acidum Niteo-Hydrochloricum Dilutum. Dilute Nitro-Hy- drochloric Acid. Synonym. Acidum Nitro-Muriaticum. (Nitric acid, two fluid ounces; hydrochloric acid, four fluid ounces ; dis- tilled water, twenty-six fluid ounces.) Sp. gr. 1*074. Six fluid drachms require for neutralization 93*88 measures of the volumet- ric solution of soda. [Acidum Nitro-Muriaticum. Nitric acid, three troy ounces ; muriatic acid, five troy ounces. Acidum Nitro- Muriaticum Dilutum. Nitric acid, a troy ounce and a half ; muri- atic acid, two troy ounces and a half; distilled water sufficient to make the diluted acid measure a pint.] Therapeutics. Externally, as a caustic, strong nitric acid is employed as an application to phagedenic sores, and for the de- struction of warts, care being taken to protect the surrounding parts. In the diluted form, it has been used as an application to some ulcers, and diseases of the skin. Injected in a very dilute state into the bladder, it has proved effectual in the solution of phosphatic calculi. Internally it may be given as a refrigerant and tonic in cases similar to those for which sulphuric acid is administered, as in febrile diseases, and for preventing phosphatic deposits : it is also very useful in some forms of dyspepsia. But nitric acid seems to possess powers not connected with its acid properties, for in certain scrofulous states of the system, and m syphilis occurring in habits where mercury cannot be given, nitric acid often proves very serviceable. It is also given in some forms of cutaneous diseases. 38 MATERIA MEDICA. Dilute nitro-hydrochloric acid has an action similar to that of a solution of chlorine, and is used as a tonic and stomachic in dys- pepsia ; also in phosphatic deposits in the urine. It is thought to have a considerable influence over the action of the liver, and to possess alterative powers. It is employed in chronic hepatitis, syphilitic cachexia, &c. Externally it is used as a foot-bath in the above-named diseases. Dose. Of the strong nitric acid, 1 min. to 3 min.; of the dilute, 10 min. to 30 min. freely diluted. Of dilute nitro-hydrochloric acid, 3 min. to 10 min. freely diluted. As a bath, 6 fl. oz. to each gallon of water (in a wooden vessel). Adulteration. Chiefly sulphuric and hydrochloric acids, de- tected by the baryta and silver tests above given. Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum. Dilute Phosphoric Acid. Phosphoric acid, dissolved in water. Prep. (Phosphorus, four hundred and thirteen grains ; nitric acid, four fluid ounces; distilled water, twenty fluid ounces or a sufficiency. To the acid mixed with water, placed in a retort in a sand-bath, add the phosphorus ; then apply heat until five fluid ounces have distilled over ; put these again into the retort, and renew and continue the distillation until the phosphorus has en- tirely dissolved. Transfer the contents of the retort to a porcelain capsule, and evaporate the liquid, raising the heat a little towards the close of the process, until bubbles of orange vapour cease to form, and a colourless liquid of a syrupy consistence is obtained. Lastly, acid to the acid, when it has cooled, as much distilled water as may be requisite to make it accurately measure a pint.) When nitric acid diluted with water acts with the aid of heat upon phos- phorus in a glass retort, the acid is decomposed into oxygen, which unites with the phosphorus to form phosphoric acid, and nitric oxide gas which escapes ; a portion of the nitric acid distils over, and is returned into the body of the retort; the liquid which remains in the retort when all the phosphorus is dissolved, is then evaporated to a small quantity, in order to drive off any undecom- posed nitric acid, and the syrupy solution of phosphoric acid after- wards diluted to the proper strength. Prop. & Comp. As thus prepared, dilute phosphoric acid is a colourless liquid, without odour, of an agreeable acid taste; sp. ACIDUM SULPHURICUM. 39 gr. POST It contains between nine and ten per cent, of tribasic phosphoric acid in solution in water. Formula of acid, 3 HO, P05. It does not precipitate chloride of barium or nitrate of sil- ver, nor is it coloured by sulphuretted hydrogen either before or after strips of silver or copper have been digested in it, these tests show the absence of sulphuric acid, chlorides, metallic impurities, or nitric acid. With ammonio-nitrate of silver phosphoric acid gives a canary-yellow precipitate soluble in ammonia, and in dilute nitric acid. When evaporated it leaves a residue which melts at a low red heat, and upon cooling exhibits a glassy appearance. It is not precipitated by a solution of albumen, which shows that it is not the monobasic variety of the acid. When mixed with an equal volume of pure sulphuric acid and then introduced into the solu- tion of sulphate of iron, it does not communicate to it a dark colour, showing the absence of nitric acid. Six fluid drachms poured upon 180 grains of litharge in fine powder, leave after evaporation a residue, which heated to dull redness weighs 215*5 grains, indicating the presence of 34*5 grains of dry acid (P05). [Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum, U. S., pre- pared by a process identical in principle to that in the text, has a sp. gr. of 1*056. It is likewise directed to be prepared by dissolv- ing a troy ounce of glacial phosphoric acid in three fluid ounces of distilled water, adding 40 grs. of nitric acid, boiling until re- duced to a syrupy liquid, free from the odour of nitric acid, and then adding distilled water to make the diluted acid measure 12£ fluid ounces]. Therapeutics. Dilute phosphoric acid acts in a similar manner to dilute sulphuric acid, but is less powerfully astringent. It has been asserted to allay thirst in diabetes, and is supposed to exert an influence on the growth of osseous tumours. Dose. 10 min. to 30 min. and upwards, freely diluted. Adulteration. Sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and metallic impurities detected by the above tests. 'Acidum Sulphuricum. Sulphuric Acid; Monohydrated Sul- phuric Acid; Oil of Vitriol. Prep. Made by burning sulphur with a little nitre in leaden chambers, the sulphurous acid fumes coming in contact with nitrous acid and watery vapour, cause the higher oxidation of the sulphur, 40 MATERIA MEDICA. and the formation of sulphuric acid ; if sulphur is burnt without nitre, sulphurous acid is produced. The sulphuric acid of com- merce, when free from arsenic, is directed in the Pharmacopoeia to be purified by distilling it with a small quantity of sulphate of ammonia, by which means any nitrous acid is decomposed and got rid of. Prop. & Comp. Sulphuric acid is an oily-looking colourless liquid ; sp. gr. 1*846 ; [1*843. U. S.] having no odour, but an in- tensely burning acid taste, chars most vegetable substances and becomes darkened, absorbs water rapidly, and when mixed with it evolves great heat. Composition (HO, S03). An anhydrous acid (S03) can be made. Diluted with an equal measure of water it generally gives a slight white precipitate of sulphate of lead (de- rived from the leaden chambers), which is held in solution by the strong acid ; when diluted with water it gives a copious precipi- tate with chloride of barium. Diluted with 12 parts of water, it should give no yellow precipitate with sulphuretted hydrogen, indicating the absence of arsenic, &c. One fluid drachm requires for neutralization 206 measures of the volumetric solution of soda. It leaves no residue when evaporated in a platinum crucible. When a solution of sulphate of iron is poured upon oil of vitriol, no purple ring is formed at the surface of the two solutions ; this shows the absence of nitrous acid. Off. Prep. Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum. Aromatic Sulphuric Acid. (Sulphuric acid, three fluid ounces; rectified spirit, a sufficiency to make forty fluid ounces ; cinnamon, in coarse powder, two ounces; ginger, in coarse powder, one ounce and a quarter. Prepared by maceration and digestion.) Sp. gr. 0*935. Six fluid drachms require for neutralization 84*75 measures of the volumetric solution of soda. [U. S. Sulphuric acid, six troy ounces; ginger, in coarse powder, a troy ounce ; cinnamon, in coarse powder, a troy ounce and a half; alcohol, a sufficient quan- tity ; add the acid gradually to a pint of alcohol and allow the liquid to cool; mix the ginger and cinnamon, and, having put them into a percolator, pour alcohol gradually upon them until a pint of tincture is obtained ; lastly, mix the diluted aeid and the tincture.] Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum. Dilute Sulphuric Acid. (Sul- phuric acid, three fluid ounces; distilled water, thirty-five fluid ACIDUM SULPHURICUM. 41 ounces.) Sp. gr. 1*087. Six fluid drachms require for neutraliza- tion one hundred measures of the volumetric solution of soda, [Sulphuric acid, two troy ounces ; add to make a pint. sp. gr. 1*082. U. S.] Therapeutics. Externally the strong acid is a most powerful caustic, rapidly destroying all the tissues with which it comes in contact ; internally, when much diluted it acts as a refrigerant, tonic, and astringent. It is used to allay thirst in fever, especially when of a hectic character, to check excessive sweating in phthisis, to diminish passive mucous discharges, and hasmorrhages, to im- prove digestion, and brace up the system in debility. Given for some time it increases the acidity of the urine, and may be em- ployed in phosphatic deposits. It has likewise been found ser- viceable in some chronic skin diseases connected with a low state of system, as in pompholyx diutinus, &c. Recently it has been much extolled for checking diarrhoea. Externally, oil of vitriol rubbed up with lard is sometimes used as an ointment in very obstinate skin diseases, as in porrigo. Dose. Of acidum sulphuricum dilutum, 5 min. to 25 min., freely diluted ; of acidum sulphuricum aromaticum, 5 min. to 30 min. Adulteration. Water, indicated by a lower specific gravity. Lead, detected on dilution ; arsenic, from the use of impure sul- phur in the manufacture ; and hydrochloric acid, from impurities in the nitre made use of, are sometimes present. Oil of vitriol often becomes much discoloured from a trace of organic matter, such as wood, cork, &c. The following tests are given in the British Pharmacopoeia for ascertaining the quality of Sulphuric Acid of Commerce, con- tained in Appendix (A). Sp. gr. 1*84 to 1*85. When the acid mixed with six times its volume of distilled water is placed in contact with pure zinc, and the hydrogen evolved is ignited as it escapes from the capillary extremity of a glass tube, if a dark stain is formed on a piece of porcelain held low down on the flame, the acid contains arsenic, and is to be rejected. When a solution of sulphate of iron is poured cautiously on the surface of the undi- luted acid, if a red tint appears at the surface of contact, the acid contains nitrous acid ; and if the acid diluted with water as above becomes turbid, it contains other impurities, and in either case requires purification. 42 MATERIA MEDICA. Acidum Sulphurosum. Sulphurous Acid. (Sulphurous acid gas, dissolved in water.) Prep. By distilling sulphuric acid with wood charcoal in coarse powder. Prop. & Comp. Water takes up 33 times its bulk of the gas : when fully saturated the solution is colourless, with the suffocating odour of burning sulphur ; sulphurous acid is a powerful deoxidiz- ing agent, liberating iodine from iodic acid, decomposing sulphur- etted hydrogen, &c. Composition of sulphurous acid (S02). The solution gives no precipitate, or a very slight one, with chloride of barium, indicating that no sulphuric acid is present, but a copious one if solution of chlorine be also added (sulphate of baryta). Sp. gr. 1*04. [Sp. gr. 1*035. U. S.] One fluid drachm mixed with a little mucilage of starch does not acquire a perma- nent blue colour with the volumetric solution of iodine, until 164 measures of the latter have been added, representing about 5£ grains of sulphurous acid. The formula representing the decomposition which ensues in the use of this volumetric test, is as follows: S02 + I + HO=S03 + HI; therefore, no blue colour appears until more than an equivalent of iodine has been added to each equivalent of sul- phurous acid, or 3*2 grains of sulphurous acid require 12*7 grains of iodine, or 100 measures of its volumetrical solution ; which is in the same ratio as 5*25 to 164 measures. A solution of sulphurous acid when evaporated leaves no residue. Therapeutics. Sulphurous acid has a destructive influence on vegetable life, and upon this its therapeutic value, probably, for the most part depends. Externally applied, it causes irritation and redness, and has been used for the treatment of skin affec- tions, especially when connected with vegetation, as porrigo. It may be used in solution, more or less diluted, or applied as vapour from burning sulphur. Internally it is not often employed in the free state, the vapour being suffocating in character. See Soda? Sulphis, and Soda? Hyposulphis. Dose. A strong solution of the acid may be diluted with about an equal bulk of glycerine or some other liquid, and painted on the affected skin. ACIDUM TARTARICUM. 43 Acidum Tartaricum. Tartaric Acid. An acid obtained from the acid tartrate of potash. Prep. From the acid or bitartrate of potash (cream of tartar) by the addition of chalk, whereby an insoluble tartrate of lime is formed with half the acid in the bitartrate, and a neutral tartrate of potash left in solution; the acid of which is afterwards like- wise formed into tartrate of lime by decomposition of the potash salt with chloride of calcium. Lastly, tartaric acid is separated from the purified tartrate of lime by decomposition with sulphuric acid. The formula? representing the decompositions which occur in the above process may be thus exhibited : 1st part of process,— 2 (HO, KO, C8II, O10) + 2 (Ca 0, C02)=(2 Ca 0, C8 H4 O10) + (2K0, C8H4O10) + CO2 + 2HO. 2nd part of process,— (2 KO, C8 H4 O10) +2 (Ca Cl)=(2 Ca 0,C8 H4 O10) + 2 (K CI.) 3d part of process,— 2 (2 Ca 0, C8 H4 O10) + 4 (HO, S03)=2 (2 HO, C8 H4 O10) + 4 (Ca 0, S03). Prop. <& Comp. Tartaric acid occurs in white transparent crystals, which are oblique rhombic prisms, with a sour but agree- able taste, decomposed entirely by heat, soluble in water and in rectified spirit, the solution precipitating bitartrate of potash from any neutral salt of potash. The solution should not give a pre- cipitate with chloride of barium, and any precipitate thrbwn down with acetate of lead should be soluble in nitric acid. 75 grains (half the equivalent in grains of tartaric acid, as this acid is bi- basic) dissolved in water require for saturation 100 measures of the volumetric solution of soda. Therapeutics. Tartaric acid acts in the same way as citric acid, as a refrigerant in fevers, diminishing thirst: it is more commonly given for such purposes in the form of cream of tartar, or with bicarbonate of soda, in an effervescing state. Dose. 10 gr. to 30 gr. or more, dissolved in water and sweet- ened. Adulteration. Sulphuric acid may be present from imperfect preparation. Bitartrate of potash and alum have occasionally been added. 44 MATERIA MEDICA. The following are the tests for purity in the Pharmacopoeia. The aqueous solution of tartaric acid is not affected by sulphur- etted hydrogen, and gives no precipitate with the solution of sul- phate of lime or of oxalate of ammonia; leaves no residue, or merely a trace, when burned with free access of air ; these tests indicate the absence of oxalic acid, lime, or other fixed impurities. Oxalic Acid. Appendix. [Not Officinal in U. S. P.] The Oxalic Acid of Commerce is directed to be purified, by dissolving one pound of it in thirty fluid ounces of boiling water, filtering and crystallizing the acid from the filtered solution. Prop. & Comp. Oxalic acid forms transparent four-sided prisms, soluble in water and alcohol. Its composition is repre- sented by the formula, HO, C2 03 + 2 HO. It is entirely dissi- pated by a heat below 350°. Use. The solution of oxalic acid is used for quantitative and qualitative analysis. AMMONIA AND ITS SALTS. (Nils). When pure, ammonia is a colourless gas, capable of being liqui- fied ; of very pungent odour, the fumes producing an alkaline reaction ; it forms salts with acids, but always takes an atom of basic water, and hence by most chemists these salts are regarded as containing an oxide of a hypothetical metal called ammonium (NH4); thus sal ammoniac may be regarded as a hydroclilorate of ammonia (NH3, HC1) or chloride of ammonium (NH4 CI). Am- monia also forms direct combinations with acids, as carbonic acid, not true salts ; a compound of carbonic acid and ammonia (NH3, C02) is perhaps present in the sesquicarbonate or so-called car- bonate of the Pharmacopoeia. Gaseous ammonia is sometimes made use of therapeutically, evolved usually when thus employed, from liquor ammonia?, in which it is contained. Ammoniac Liquor Fortior. [Aqua Ammonia? Fortior. U. S.] Strong Solution of Ammonia. Ammoniacal gas, (NH3), dis- solved in water and constituting 32*5 per cent, of the solution. Prep. Hydroclilorate of ammonia is distilled with slaked lime, and the resulting ammonia (gas) passed into distilled water, which absorbs it with intensity, and forms the solution of ammonia. AMMONLE LIQUOR FORTIOR. 45 Prop. <£* Comp. The strong solution has a sp. gr. 0*891, [sp. gr. 900, and containing 26 per cent, of the gas. U. S.] is colour- less, giving off pungent fumes when exposed to air, and has a strong alkaline reaction. When diluted with four times its vol- ume of distilled water no colour or precipitate should be produced by sulphuretted hydrogen or lime-water, by oxalate of ammonia, or ammonio-sulphate of copper; showing the absence of most ordinary metallic impurities, carbonic acid, lime, or arsenic ; the solution, when treated with an excess of nitric acid is not rendered turbid by nitrate of silver or chloride of barium, indicating free- dom from chlorides, or sulphates. One fluid drachm requires for neutralization 102 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid. It contains therefore a fraction more than 17 grains (an equivalent) of ammonia in the fluid drachm. Off. Prep. Liquor Ammoxle. Solution of Ammonia. [Aqua Ammonia?. Water of Ammonia. U. S.] (Strong solution of am- monia, twenty fluid ounces ; distilled water, forty fluid ounces.) Sp. gr. 0*959. [Sp. gr. 0*960.] One fluid drachm requires for neu- tralization 30*8 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid. It is about one-third of the strength of the strong solution. Linimentum Ammonle. Liniment of Ammonia. (Solution of ammonia, one fluid ounce; olive oil, three fluid ounces.) [Two troy ounces. U. S.] Strong solution of ammonia is also an impor- tant ingredient in Linimentum Camphora? Compositum. Therapeutics. In medicinal doses free ammonia, as exhibited in any of its preparations, produces warmth at the epigastrium, and acts as an antacid ; increases the force and frequency of the pulse, allays spasm, and promotes the secretions from the skin and mucous membranes, especially the bronchial. In larger doses throbbing and pain in the head, with heaviness, are induced ; and in still larger medicinal doses, emetic effects ; beyond this, poison- ous irritant symptoms may be caused. The action of ammonia differs much from that of alcohol, probably influencing the gan- glionic and spinal systems rather than the brain proper, and increasing the functions of the secreting and excreting organs. It does not render the urine alkaline, but perhaps a portion appears in that fluid as nitric acid. Externally applied, ammonia is rube- facient, and even vesicant; inhaled as a gas, it is topically irritant. 46" MATERIA MEDICA. Ammonia is given to rouse the system in syncope ; to diminish spasm in hysteria ; to relieve nervous headache, the after-effects of alcohol, and delirium tremens ; also as a stimulant in low states of the system, as typhoid forms of fever; in pneumonia and bron- chitis, in which latter the expectorant power is also useful; as a stimulant and antacid in low forms of dyspepsia connected with increased secretion of acid and flatulence in the stomach. Exter- nally it is employed to the mucous membrane of the nose in syncope and insensibility (in such cases care should be taken not to use too strong solutions); also occasionally it is inhaled, very much diluted, as an expectorant in chronic bronchitis. On the skin it is used, combined with volatile or essential oils, in most cases where a counterirritant effect is desired to be produced by means of an embrocation, as over painful parts, stiff joints, etc. Liquor ammonia? fortior, rubbed up with lard, will vesicate rapidly, if evaporation is prevented. Ammonia may be used with advan- tage in poisoning with prussic acid, digitalis, tobacco, colchicum, and other sedative drugs. Dose. Of liq. [aqua. U. S.] ammonia? (not fortior) 10 min. to 30 min., well diluted. The dose of the strong solution is one- third of that amount. Ammonia? Carbonas. Carbonate of Ammonia. Synonym. Ammonia? Sesquicarbonas. Lond. Dub. Prep. By heating a mixture of hydroclilorate of ammonia and chalk, when chloride of calcium, and carbonate of ammonia, are formed, the latter rises in vapour and is condensed. The exact changes are not, however, quite so simple, for a neutral carbonate of ammonium is not the result, as will be seen below. It is some- times made from sulphate of ammonia and chalk : the sulphate being formed by the addition of gypsum or sulphuric acid to gas liquors or bone spirit. Prop. & Comp. Colourless, almost transparent, crystalline masses, with powerful ammoniacal odour and acrid taste ; strongly alkaline, volatilizes with heat, soluble in water, more sparingly in spirit; and readily dissolved by acids with effervescence. Its composition is represented by the formula, 2 NH4 O, 3 C02. Ex- posed to air the odour is dissipated from the continued volatiliza- tion of the neutral carbonate at the ordinary temperature, and a white opaque salt remains : 2 H4 NO, 3 C02 being resolved into AMMONITE CARBONAS. 47 [NH4 0, C02 + HO, C02]+NH3, C02, or a compound of bicar- bonate of oxide of ammonium, the odourless, less soluble and less volatile salt, and a pungent compound of ammonia and carbonic acid, which can scarcely be looked upon as a true salt of ammonia : the solution, when saturated with nitric acid, is not precipitated by chloride of barium or nitrate of silver, showing the absence of sulphates and chlorides. Fifty grains are exactly neutralized by 84*74 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid. This salt should be kept in a crystallized state, not in powder. Off. Prep. Spiritus Ammonle Aromaticus. Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia. (Carbonate of ammonia, eight ounces; strong solution of ammonia, four fluid ounces; volatile oil of nutmeg, four fluid drachms; oil of lemon, six fluid drachms ; rectified spirit, one hundred and twenty fluid ounces ; water, sixty fluid ounces : mix and distil one hundred and forty ounces.) [Spiritus Ammonia?. Spirit of Ammonia. Take of muriate of ammonia, in small pieces, lime, each twelve troy ounces ; water, six pints ; alcohol, twenty fluid ounces. Pour a pint of water on the lime, and stir to the consistence of a smooth paste. Add the remainder of the water, and mix well. Decant the milky liquid from the sediment, into a glass retort, of the capacity of sixteen pints, and add the muriate of ammonia. Place the retort on a sand bath, and adapt it to a receiver, previously connected with a two-pint bottle containing the alcohol, by means of a glass tube reaching nearly to the bottom of the bottle. Surround the bottle with ice-cold water ; and apply a gradually increasing heat until ammonia ceases to be given off. Lastly, remove the liquid from the bottle, and introduce it into small bottles, which must be well stopped. U. S.] [Spiritus Ammonia? Aromaticus. Carbonate of ammonia, a troy ounce ; water of ammonia, three fluid ounces ; oil of lemon, two fluid drachms and a half; oil of nutmeg, forty min- ims ; oil of lavender, fifteen minims ; alcohol, a pint and a half; water, a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the carbonate in the water of ammonia, previously mixed with four fluid ounces of water. Dissolve the oils in the alcohol, mix, and add sufficient water to make the whole measure two pints. U. S.] The proportions of am monia and carbonic acid in this preparation are such as to insure the formation of a neutral carbonate of ammonia. Its specific grav- ity is 0*870. Often called Sal Volatile. 48 MATERIA MEDICA. Therapeutics. Carbonate or sesquicarbonate of ammonia, when fresh, acts both internally and externally in the same manner as free ammonia {vide Liq. ammonia?); occasionally, but very seldom, it is used as an emetic; when old, or after exposure, it acts much less powerfully as an excitant, but resembles the other ammoniacal salts {vide Ammonia? bicarbonas). Dose. Of the salt, as a stimulant, 3 gr. to 10 gr. or more. As an emetic, 30 gr. may be given well diluted ; occasionally useful as an emetic in asthenic bronchitis with deficient expectoration. Of aromatic spirits of ammonia, 20 min. to 1 fl. dr. Adulteration. The salt may be deficient in volatile carbonate of ammonia on account of previous exposure ; sulphates or chlo- rides may be present; these are detected by the tests given above. Ammoniac Bicarbonas. Bicarbonate of Ammonia. (Not offi- cinal.) Prep. By reducing the carbonate of ammonia to fine powder, spreading it out on a sheet of paper, and exposing it to the air for twenty-four hours, then keeping it in a well-stoppered bottle. Prop. (& Comp. A white powder when thus prepared, but it can be crystallized in six-sided prisms from a solution in water, of which, in the cold, about 8 parts are required for its solution ; it has very little ammoniacal odour, and a saline, slightly pungent, taste. Composition (NH4 0, C02 + HO, C02), or a double carbo- nate of ammonia and water. Therapeutics. Very slightly stimulant and antispasmodic, but increases the capillary circulation and the secretions of the skin and mucous membranes. Dose. 10 gr. to 30 gr. or more, dissolved in water, &c. Sulphate of Ammonia. Appendix. Prop. & Comp. Sulphate of ammonia is represented by the formula, NH4 O, S03. Use. It is introduced into the appendix of the Pharmacopoeia to be used in the purification of sulphuric acid. It is rarely employed as a therapeutic agent. Ammonia? Hydrochloras. [Murias. U. S.] Hydrochlorate of Ammonia; Sal Ammoniac. Synonym. Ammonia? Murias. Edin. Dub. AMMONITE HYDROCHLORAS. 49 Prep. Generally prepared from gas liquor, by adding hydro- chloric acid to neutralization, or by first forming a sulphate of ammonia, mixing this with common salt (chloride of sodium), and separating the hydrochlorate of ammonia (chloride, of ammonium) from the sulphate of soda by sublimation, and collecting in leaden domes. It may be also made from bone spirit. Prop. & Comp. Hemispherical cakes, or pieces of such, which have a peculiar tough, fibrous structure ; crystallizes from solution in octahedra: the salt is devoid of odour, but has a strong saline taste ; soluble in water, the solution being neutral [slightly red- dens litmus. U. S.] ; soluble also in rectified spirit: when its aque- ous solution is heated with potash, soda, or lime, free ammonia is evolved ; when heated with nitrate of silver it forms a copious curdy precipitate. It volatilizes with heat, and leaves no residue. The composition is represented by the formula, NH4 Cl. Therapeutics. Its action is not well understood; it produces no primary stimulant effect, but probably, after absorption, increases the secretions of skin and mucous membranes : by some it is con- sidered cholagogue ; by others it is regarded as emmenagogue; and there is good evidence of its .action on the nervous system, as seen in its power of relieving pain in certain forms of neural- gia. It has been used as a substitute for mercury, in chronic inflammatory diseases, from an idea that it causes absorption of deposited lymph. Externally it is slightly stimulant, and sup- posed to have the power of dispersing tumors. It is not much used in Great Britain, but has been extensively employed in Ger- many and Russia in neuralgia and chronic rheumatism, and as an alterative. Externally it is applied in lotions to swollen parts, as glandular enlargements, &c.; occasionally, from the cold pro- duced during its solution, as a refrigerant to the head. Dose. 5 gr. to 30 gr. Adulteration. Iron and lead are apt to be present in the com- mercial salt, from the apparatus employed in its manufacture ; the former may arise from sublimation of chloride of iron ; it stains the salt red ; neither sublime by moderate heat: the former is detected upon the addition of a few drops of nitric acid and ferrocyanide of potassium, giving rise to prussian blue ; the latter, 5 50 MATERIA MEDICA. by a solution of iodide of potassium. Sometimes chloride of cal- cium is present, causing it to deliquesce. Liquor Ammonia? Acetatis. Solution of Acetate of Ammonia. This solution contains about five times as much acetate of am- monia as Liquor Ammonia? Acetatis, Lond., and six times as much as Liquor Ammonia? Acetatis, Dub. Edin. The dilute solution of the London Pharmacopoeia was called Spirit of Mind" ererus. Prep. Made by cautiously neutralizing the strong solution of ammonia with acetic acid. Much heat is evolved in the process [made by neutralizing diluted acetic acid by carbonate of ammo- nia. U. S.]. Prop. & Comp. A colourless solution, without odour, but with strong saline taste; sp. gr. 1*06 ; neutral in reaction ; it consists of acetate of ammonia (NH4 0, A), dissolved in water; treated with potash, it evolves ammonia, and with sulphuric acid, acetic vapours. It should not be coloured by sulphuretted hydro- gen, nor rendered turbid by a solution of lime; diluted with 4 volumes of water it gives no precipitate with nitrate of silver or chloride of barium. One fluid ounce treated with excess of hy- drochloric acid, and evaporated to dryness by a water-bath, leaves a residue of hydrochlorate of ammonia weighing 100 grains. When evaporated, the salt which remains is entirely volatilized by heat. Therapeutics. It is not a topical stimulant, as free ammonia and the carbonate, but it increases the secretions, especially of the skin, sometimes of the kidneys also ; it is very commonly used in the treatment of febrile states of the system, as a dia- phoretic and refrigerant. It is stated to relieve painful menstrua- tion when given in large doses. Dose. 10 min. to 40 min., freely diluted; even more may be given in dysmenorrhoea. [Of the U. S. preparation from half fl. ounce to two ounces.] Adulteration. It should not contain free acid or alkali, nor be given with fixed alkalies, lime, or magnesia, as ammonia is then set free. AMMONITE HYDRO-SULPHURETUM. 51 Ammonia* Benzoas. Benzoate of Ammonia. INot Officinal in U. S. P.] Prep. (Solution of ammonia, three fluid ounces ; benzoic acid, two ounces ; distilled water, eight fluid ounces ; dissolve and set aside to crystallize.) Prop. <& Comp. It occurs in colourless laminar crystals, which are readily soluble in water, in this respect differing from benzoic acid ; soluble also in alcohol. The watery solution, when acidu- lated with hydrochloric acid, deposits benzoic acid. Heated with caustic potash it evolves ammonia. It is entirely sublimed by heat. The aqueous solution gives a bulky yellow precipitate with persalts of iron. The composition is represented by the formula, NH40, C14,H503 + HO. Therapeutics. Benzoate of ammonia acts as a, diuretic and slight stimulant; it is employed in cases of chronic inflammation of the bladder, &c, where there is a tendency to phosphatic de. posits. On account of its ready solubility it is much more readily administered than benzoic acid. It appears in the urine as hip. puric acid. Dose. 10 gr. to 20 gr. Ammonia? Oxalas. Appendix B. Oxalate of Ammonia; also its watery solution. [Not Officinal in U. S. P.] Prep. By neutralizing a solution of oxalic acid by means of sesquicarbonate of ammonia, and subsequently evaporating and crystallizing the oxalate of ammonia which is formed. Prop. <& Comp. & Use. Colourless prismatic crystals; with- out odour ; soluble in water. Composition (NH4 0, C2 03 + HO). It is introduced into the Pharmacopoeia, to be used in solution as a test for the detection of lime, and its separation from magnesia. It is a poisonous salt. The solution of the oxalate of ammonia of the Appendix con- tains half an ounce of salt to 20 ounces of distilled water. Ammonia? Hydro-Sulphuretum. Appendix B. Hydrosul- phuret of Ammonia. [Not Officinal in U. S. P.] A solution of hydro-sulphuret of ammonia in water. Prep. To be made by passing sulphuretted hydrogen gas through a solution of ammonia to saturation. 52 MATERIA MEDICA. Prop. & Comp. A greenish-yellow transparent liquid, with intensely disagreeable and pungent odour. Sp. gr. 0*999. Often used as a test, as it precipitates many metals. Composition of the salt (NH4 S + SH), or a compound of sulphuret of ammonium and sulphuretted hydrogen. Therapeutics. In large doses its acts as a powerful depressant on the nervous system, causing giddiness, drowsiness, and faint- ness, with nausea ; in smaller ones it produces upon the secreting organs increased action, more especially seen on the bronchial mucous membrane and skin. It is used occasionally as a sudorific and expectorant in chronic skin diseases, rheumatism, and bron- chitis ; also in diabetes, in which it has been stated to diminish the morbid appetite, but it does not diminish the excretion of sugar. Dangerous if given incautiously, and not much employed. Dose. 3 min. upwards, carefully increased, dropped into water at the time of administration; as it soon decomposes and deposits sulphur. Incompatibles. Almost all metallic and acid solutions. Ammonia? Phosphas. Phosphate of Ammonia. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Prep. By mixing solutions of phosphoric acid and ammonia, and collecting the crystalline product which results. Prop. & Comp. Phosphate of ammonia, S-NH4 0,POj + 5 HO, forms large transparent prisms, which effloresce on exposure to air; it is soluble in water, insoluble in rectified spirit; heated with potash it evolves ammonia ; it gives a canary-coloured preci- pitate with nitrate of silver; and when acidulated with hydro- chloric acid -is not affected by sulphuretted hydrogen. If 20 grains of this salt be dissolved in water and the solution of ammonio-sulphate of magnesia be added, a crystalline precipitate (ammonia-magnesian phosphate) falls, which when well washed upon a filter with solution of ammonia diluted with an equal volume of water, dried and heated to redness, leaves 11*44 grains. Therapeutics. Phosphate of ammonia, when in solution, is •capable of dissolving a considerable amount of urate of soda • and clinical experience has shown that it is of great value in the treat- ALUMEN. 53 ment of certain urinary diseases, where a tendency to uric acid calculi exists, and also in certain conditions of the gouty habit. Dose. 5 gr. to 20 gr. freely diluted. The Iodide and the Bromide of ammonium have been some- times used in medicine. The Iodide of Ammonium seems to have nearly the same action as the iodide of potassium ; it forms a white crystalline salt, and may be given in the same doses as the last-named salt. See Potassii Iodidum. The Bromide of Ammonium has been used in some cases as an anaesthetic to deaden the sensibility of the fauces and palate, and in some forms of convulsive diseases, as pertussis, Ten grains dissolve without effervescence in dilute hydrochloric acid. The solution yields with ammonia a white precipitate (phosphate of lime), insoluble in boiling potash, and when washed and dried weighing ten grains : the absence of effervescence proves that no carbonate is present, and the weight of the pre- cipitate shows that the salt is pure. Off. Prep. (Contained in Pulvis Antimonialis.) Therapeutics. Scarcely given as a medicinal agent. Plaster of Paris. Appendix B. Native Sulphate of Lime (Ca O, S03). Deprived of water by heat. It is used for making a test solution. Off. Prep. Solution of Sulphate of Lime. Appendix B. A saturated solution of sulphate of lime. CERIUM. Some of the salts of cerium, ^a metal which exists in a few rare minerals, as cerite, have been made use of in medicine. The SULPHATE OF COPPER. 75 oxide and the oxalate of cerium have been most frequently used, and occasionally the nitrate has been given. The cerium salts have been chiefly employed to allay vomiting, especially that which occurs in pregnancy, also in the vomiting of phthisis ; and in some cases of epilepsy accompanied with gastric disturbance. The dose of the preparations of cerium may be from 3 to 5 grs. COPPER. (Cu. Eq. = 31-75.) Cuprum. Copper. Appendix B. Copper, in the form of foil, thin and bright. Prop. & Use. Metallic copper has a well-known peculiar red colour ; sp. gr. 8*86 ; malleable and ductile ; oxidizable in the air, especially when in contact with acids, alkalies, or fatty bodies : it is employed to test the purity of hydrochloric acid ; it can also be used for the detection of silver, when put into a solution of a salt of silver ; the latter metal is deposited upon it as a white powder. Mercury would also be precipitated, but may be distin- guished from silver by its running into globules when rubbed. Copper is also employed in Reinsch's test for arsenic. Sulphate of Copper of Commerce. Appendix A. Cupri Sulphas. Sulphate of Copper (purified). Sulphate of Copper (Anhydrous). Appendix B. Sulphate of copper deprived of its water by heat. Prep. The native sulphuret of copper, called copper pyrites, when roasted with free access of air, oxidates, and forms the sul- phate ; the salt thus prepared, however, is very impure, containing, as the ore does, much iron, which, to a great extent, is removed by the process given in the Pharmacopoeia for its purification, namely, by dissolving the sulphate in boiling distilled water, filtering, and setting aside to crystallize. The Anhydrous Sulphate of Copper, deprived of its water by a heat of 400°, (Cu 0, S03) is a yellow- ish white powder, and is used only as a test. Prop. & Comp. Sulphate of copper forms oblique rhombic azure-blue crystals, with a styptic metallic taste; efflorescing slightly in dry air; soluble in water; and reddening litmus. The aqueous solution gives a white precipitate with chloride of barium insoluble in hydrochloric acid, and a maroon-red precipi- 76 MATERIA MEDICA. tate with ferrocyanide of potassium; it is also precipitated by ammonia, but re-dissolved in excess of the re-agent. Composition (Cu 0, S03 + 5 HO). A watery solution of the salt, to which twice its volume of the solution of chlorine has been added, when treated with an excess of ammonia, gives a clear sapphire-blue solution (from the formation of the ammonio.-chloride), leaving nothing undissolved ; this shows the absence of iron. Titerapeutics. Internally, in small doses, it is astringent to the alimentary canal; and after absorption, a tonic to the nervous system. In large doses, a quick and powerful emetic. Externally in powder, or in strong solution, it acts as an escharotic ; in a more diluted form as a stimulant and astringent. It is given as an astringent in cases of obstinate diarrhoea and dysentery, also as a tonic in chorea and epilepsy; in some cases of narcotic poisoning, as an emetic. Externally it may be used to excessive granulations or ulcers, or to diminish excessive secretions from mucous membranes, as in ophthalmia, gleet, &c. Dose. As an astringent or tonic, \ gr. to 2 gr.; as an emetic, 5 gr. to 8 gr. Externally, in substance or in solution, from 1 gr. to 10 gr., or more to the fl. oz. Adulteration. Sulphate of iron in the commercial salt; some- times sulphate of zinc is fraudulently added : the iron is detected by ammonia, not redissolving the oxide ; zinc, by first precipitat- ing the copper with sulphuretted hydrogen, then, on the addition of ammonia, some of the above gas being in solution, a whitish sulphuret of zinc is thrown down. Solution of Ammonio-Sulphate of Copper. Appendix B. Prep. (Sulphate of copper in crystals, half an ounce ; solution of ammonia, a sufficiency ; distilled water, a sufficiency. Dissolve the sulphate of copper in eight fluid ounces of the water, and to the solution add the ammonia until the precipitate first formed is nearly dissolved. Clear the solution by filtration, and then add distilled water, so that the bulk may be ten fluid ounces.) It is introduced as a test for the qualitative analysis of liquor ammonia? fortior. Composition of the contained salt (Cu 0, S03 + 2 NH3, HO). [Cuprum ammoniatum U. S. is prepared by rubbing together in a mortar \ an ounce of sulphate of copper with 360 grs. of carbonate of ammonia and drying with bibulous paper.] FERRUM REDACTUM. 77 Subacetate of Copper of Commerce. Appendix B. Verdi- gris ; ^Erugo. Prep. By exposing copper-plates to the action of the ferment- ing marc of grapes, or pyroligneous acid, when this salt forms on the surface. Prop. & Comp. In powder or masses consisting of very minute crystals, of a bluish-green colour, with a peculiar sour metallic odour, and styptic metallic taste ; resolved by water into a soluble acetate and insoluble tris-acetate; when treated with sulphuric acid, it gives off acetic acid fumes ; it dissolves in this acid when dilute, and from the solution ammonia precipi- tates the oxide, but re-dissolves it when in excess. Composition (2 Cu 0, a + 6 HO). A solution of acetate of copper is used for detecting the pres- ence of butyric acid in valerianate of zinc. For this purpose the valerianate of zinc is distilled with sulphuric acid, and to the distillate the solution of copper is added ; if any butyric acid be present a bluish-white precipitate of butyrate of copper is pro- duced, but pure valerianic acid gives rise to no precipitate. Therapeutics. Verdigris is used externally as an escharotic, in powder, or mixed with honey and vinegar, under the name of Linimentum iEruginis; it should be applied with a camel's- hair brush. Adulteration. It sometimes contains chalk and sulphate of copper, detected by its effervescing with an acid, and by the solu- tion precipitating with ammonia and chloride of barium. Other impurities can be detected by the tests given above. FERRUM. IRON. (Fe. Eq.=28.) Iron Wire. Appendix A. Iron wire is used in the Pharmacopoeia for the formation of the iodide, the sulphate, and the granulated sulphate ; and when thus employed, should be soft or wrought iron, which is flexible and non-resilient. Ferrum Redactum. Reduced Iron. Metallic Iron in powder. Synonym. Ferri Pulvis. Dub. Fer reduit. Prep. Ordered to be made by reducing the peroxide of iron 78 MATERIA MEDICA. to the metallic state, by heating it in a gun-barrel in a furnace, and passing through it hydrogen gas, previously rendered dry by having passed over sulphuric acid and chloride of calcium. Prop. & Comp. An impalpable powder, of a steel-grey colour, strongly attracted by the magnet, and exhibiting metallic streaks when rubbed with firm pressure in a mortar; it is soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid, with effervescence from the evolution of hydrogen, and the solution gives a light-blue precipitate with the ferridcyanide of potassium ; it oxidizes when exposed to damp air : it should be pure iron, but it usually contains some magnetic oxide and a little sulphuret of iron. Ten grains added to an aqueous solution of 50 grains of iodine and 50 grains of iodide of potas- sium, and digested with them in a small flask at a gentle heat, leave not more than 5 grains undissolved, and this should be entirely soluble in hydrochloric acid: this test indicates that at least one-half of the powder is metallic iron, as the magnetic oxide is not dissolved by the iodine solution. Therapeutics. Reduced iron may be given when we desire the blood-restoring properties of the metal without any astringent action. It is a powerful ha?matinic even in small doses. It usu- ally sits easily on the stomach ; but occasionally annoys by caus- ing the evolution of sulphuretted hydrogen. Dose. Of reduced iron, 2 gr. to 6 gr. It may be taken with advantage with a meal. Adulteration. Reduced iron is very apt to contain some sul- phuret, from a subsulphate being thrown down with the oxide. Occasionally magnetic oxide has been mixed with or substituted for the reduced metal; the former impurity can be detected by the evolution of sulphuretted hydrogen when an acid is added; the latter by the want of effervescence or non-evolution of hydro. gen, and the quantitative test above given. Ferri Carbonas Saccharata. Saccharated Carbonate of Iron. [Not officinal in U. S. Ph.] Prep. Made by decomposing a solution of the sulphate of iron, by means of carbonate of soda, collecting the precipitated carbonate on a filter, and having first subjected it to expression, rubbing it with sugar in a porcelain mortar, and drying at a tem- perature not exceeding 212°. FERRI CARBONAS SACCHARATA. 79 Prop. & Comp. The saccharated carbonate of iron consists of carbonate of iron (Fe 0, C02), mixed with peroxide of iron and sugar; the carbonate should form at least 57 per cent, of the mixture. It occurs in small lumps of a grey-brown colour, and a sweet chalybeate taste, and dissolves with effervescence in warm hydrochloric acid diluted with half its volume of water, and this solution is but slightly affected by the ferrocyanide, but gives a copious blue precipitate with the ferridcyanide of potassium, show- ing that the salt of iron is mostly in the state of protoxide. Its solution in hydrochloric acid gives but a very slight precipitate with chloride of barium. Twenty grains dissolved in excess of hydrochloric acid and diluted with water continue to give a blue precipitate with the ferridcyanide of potassium, until at least 33 measures of the volu- metric solution of bichromate of potash have been added, indicat- ing that 5*6 grains of protoxide are present. Off. Prep. Mistura Ferri Composita. Compound mixture of Iron. (Powdered myrrh, sixty grains; carbonate of potash, twenty-five grains; rose-water, eight fluid ounces ; sulphate of iron, thirty grains ; spirit of nutmeg, one fluid drachm ; sugar, sixty grains. Rub the myrrh with the spirit of nutmeg and the carbon- ate of potash : to these, while rubbing, add first the rose-water, with the sugar, then the sulphate. Put the mixture immediately into a glass vessel, and stop it.) Pilula Ferri Carbonatis. Pill of Carbonate of Iron. (Sac- charated carbonate of iron, one ounce ; confection of roses, a quar- ter of an ounce. [U. S. Recently precipitated Carbonate of Iron made into a pill mass with clarified honey and sugar.] [U. S. Pilula? Ferri Composita?. Compound Pills of Iron. Myrrh, 120 grains; carbonate of soda, sulphate of iron, each sixty grains ; made into a mass with syrup and divided into 80 pills.] Therapeutics. The carbonate of iron in any of the above prepa- rations has the properties of iron before noticed. (See also Part II.) The carbonate is not astringent, and produces little or no action upon the mucous membranes of the alimentary canal. It has en- joyed great repute in the form of mist, ferri comp., or Griffiths's mixture, as it was called, in the treatment of ana?mic amenorrhcea. Dose. Of ferri carbonas saccharata, 5 gr. to 20 gr. or more ; of 80 MATERIA MEDICA. mist, ferri comp., 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz.; of pil. ferri carbonatis, 5 gr. to 20 gr. or more. [Of the compound pills of iron, one or two three times a day.] When the mixture has been kept many days, it becomes reddish-brown in colour, from the green carbonate being converted into the sesquioxide of iron. The sugar in the other two preparations preserves the salt from oxidation. Ferri Iodidum. Iodide of Iron. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Prep. Made by dissolving iron wire and iodine in water with the aid of heat, and evaporating and allowing the product to solidify. Prop. & Comp. Iodide of iron is crystalline ; of a green colour, with a tinge of brown ; when heated, it gives off violet vapours ; very deliquescent; forms at first a greenish solution in water, which rapidly decomposes into free iodine and peroxide of iron: if an iron wire is kept in the solution, the strength remains the same, for, as the iodine becomes free, it dissolves the metallic iron and again forms the iodide. Formula, Fe I + 4 HO. It gives a copious blue precipitate with the ferridcyanide of potassium, and one of similar colour with mucilage of starch, on the addition of a minute quantity of chlorine. It is almost entirely soluble in water, leaving but a very small quantity of red sediment. Off. Prep. Syrupus Ferri Iodidi. Syrup of Iodide of Iron. (Iodine, two ounces ; iron, drawn into wire, one ounce ; distilled water, thirteen fluid ounces, or as much as may be necessary ; sugar, twenty-eight ounces. Mix the iodine and iron with three ounces of water and heat until the froth becomes white, then filter the liquid while still hot into the syrup which has been previously prepared by dissolving the sugar in ten ounces of water, and mix. The product should weigh two pounds eleven ounces, and should have the sp. gr. 1*385.) Each fluid drachm of the syrup contains four grains and a-half of iodide of iron. [Made according to the U. S. P., a fluid drachm of the syrup contains about 7£ gr. of iodide of iron.] Pilula Ferri Iodidi. Pill of Iodide of Iron. (Fine iron wire, forty grains : iodine, eighty grains; refined sugar, in powder, seventy grains ; liquorice root, in powder, one hundred and forty grains ; distilled water, fifty minims. Agitate the iron with the iodine and water in a strong stoppered ounce phial, until the froth ferri sulphas granulata. 81 becomes white. Pour the fluid upon the sugar in a mortar, tritu- rate briskly, and gradually add the liquorice.) One grain of iodide of iron is contained in about two grains and a-half of the pill. [In the U. S. P. the liquorice powder is replaced by marsh mallow and gum arabic powder, and the mass divided into pills containing each a grain of the iodide of iron.] Therapeutics. Iodide of iron possesses the valuable properties of the ferruginous salts, in addition to those of iodine ; it is pecu- liarly applicable to the treatment of scrofulous diseases in cachec- tic subjects requiring iron ; it should be remembered that the pro- portion of iron to iodide is small, only as 1 to 4£. Dose. Of iodide of iron, 1 gr. to 5 gr. or more. Of the syrup (containing about 4^- gr. of iodide of iron to 1 fl. drm.), 20 min. to 1 fl. drm. [Of the syrup of the U. S. P., from 15 to 30 minims.] Of the pill, 2-§-. gr. to 8 gr. or more. Ferri Sulphas. Sulphate of Iron. Ferri Sulphas Exsiccata. Dried Sulphate of Iron. Ferri Sulphas Granulata. Granulated Sulphate of Iron. [Not officinal in the U. S. P.] Prep. Sulphate of Iron is made by dissolving iron wire in sul- phuric acid, and crystallizing the solution ; the Dried Sulphate of Iron by exposing these crystals to a moderate heat for some time, and finally raising it to 400°, when the water is driven off; and the Granulated Sulphate is made by pouring the hot solution of sulphate of iron into rectified spirit, and stirring the mixture, so that the salt shall separate in minute granular crystals. Prop. & Comp. Pure sulphate of iron crystallizes in light bluish-green rhomboidal prisms, having an astringent styptic taste ; composition (Fe 0, S03+7 HO); it dissolves in about \\ times its weight of cold water; is insoluble in alcohol; it generally contains a little persalt; the solution, when exposed, gradually becomes turbid, depositing a reddish-brown sediment of the perox- ide ; it gives a white precipitate with chloride of barium, and a nearly white one with ferridcyanide of potassium. The crystals should be free from opaque rust-colonred spots', and dissolve in water without leaving any ochry residue. The aqueous solution gives no precipitate with sulphuretted hydrogen. The granulated 7 82 MATERIA MEDICA. sulphate occurs in small granular crystals, and has the composition and properties of the ordinary sulphate. Dried sulphate of iron forms a whitish powder, and has the formula, Fe 0, S03 + HO, as one equivalent of water is retained at all temperatures below 500° Fah. Off. Prep. Solution of Sulphate of Iron. Appendix B. (Granulated sulphate of iron, ten grains ; boiling distilled water, one ounce.) Used as a test. Sulphate of iron is also used in the preparation of mist, ferri comp.; but in this preparation the car- bonate of iron is formed. Therapeutics. The same as iron salts in general, but in addi- tion it has a powerful astringent action. It may be employed when an astringent is required with iron, as in passive haemor- rhages and mucous discharges. It may also be used externally for its constricting powers. Dose. Of the sulphate or granulated sulphate 2 gr. to 10 gr., in pill or solution recently prepared. Of the dried sulphate from 1 gr. to 5 gr. may be administered. As a medicinal agent, the granulated sulphate has no peculiar advantages, except that it is much less liable to become oxidized than the common sulphate. Incompatibles. None of the soluble iron preparations should be given with vegetable infusions or tinctures containing tannin or gallic acids, as inky compounds are then formed, which, though efficient as medicines, are not agreeable to the patient. Ferri Arsenias. Arseniate of Iron. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Prep. Made by precipitating a mixed solution of arseniate of soda (four parts) and acetate of soda (three parts) by a solution (of nine parts) of sulphate of iron; collecting and washing the precipitate. It should be dried by squeezing it in folds of linen in a screw-press, and afterwards exposing it on porous bricks in a warm-air chamber, whose temperature should not exceed 100°. Prop. & Comp. Arseniate of iron is a tasteless amorphous pow- der, of a green colour, insoluble in water, but readily soluble in hy- drochloric acid. It consists of arseniate of iron (3 Fe O, As05) partially oxidated. Its solution gives a precipitate both with ferro- and ferridcyanide of potassium. A small quantity boiled with an excess of caustic soda and filtered, gives, when exactly neutralized ferri phosphas. 83 by nitric acid, a brick-red precipitate on the addition of a solution of nitrate of silver (arseniate of silver). The solution in hydro- chloric acid when diluted gives no precipitate with chloride of barium (absence of sulphate). Twenty grains, dissolved in excess of hydrochloric acid diluted with water, continue to give a blue precipitate with the ferrid- cyanide of potassium, until at least 17 measures of the volumetric solution of bichromate of potash have been added, corresponding to 2*8 grains of protoxide of iron. In this quantitative test, the protoxide of iron is converted into the peroxide, by the action of the bichromate of potash, and the solution ceases to strike a blue colour with the ferridcyanide of potassium when this conversion is complete. One equivalent of bichromate of potash is capable of converting 6 equivalents of iron from the state of a protosalt to that of a persalt. One hundred measures of the volumetric solu- tion contain ^ of an equivalent in grains of the bichromate, and are capable therefore of converting ^7 of 6 equivalents of iron from protoxide to peroxide. Therapeutics. Arseniate of iron possesses the therapeutic prop- erties of arsenic and iron, and is useful in the treatment of certain skin diseases occurring in ana?mic states of the system. Dose. TV to i gr. Ferri Phosphas. Phosphate of Iron. Prep. In the same manner as the arseniate of iron, phosphate of soda being made use of in the place of arseniate of soda. (Sul- phate of iron, three parts ; phosphate of soda, two parts and a-half; acetate of soda, one part.) [Sulphate of iron, five parts ; phos- phate of soda, six parts. U. S.] Prop. & Comp. The composition of the fresh salt is repre- sented by the formula, 3 Fe 0, P03, but it becomes partially perox- idated by keeping. It is a slate-blue amorphous powder, insoluble in water. Soluble in hydrochloric acid ; the solution precipitates both with ferrocyanide and ferridcyanide of potassium, more abundantly with the latter (showing that both proto- and per-salt are present) ; when treated with tartaric acid and an excess of ammonia, and subsequently with the solution of ammonio-sulphate of magnesia, it lets fall a crystalline precipitate (indicating phos- 84 MATERIA MEDICA. phoric acid). If digested in hydrochloric acid with a lamina of pure copper, a dark deposit does not form on the metal (absence of arsenic). Off. Prep. Syrupus Ferri Phosphatis. Syrup of Phosphate of Iron. [Not officinal in U. S. P]. (Phosphate of Iron is pre- pared by precipitating a solution of two hundred and twenty-four grains of granulated sulphate of iron with a mixture of two hun- dred grains of phosphate, and seventy-four grains of acetate of soda, the precipitate is pressed strongly between folds of bibulous paper, and five fluid ounces and a-half of dilute phosphoric acid added ; as soon as the precipitate is dissolved the solution is filtered ; and the sugar added and dissolved without heat.) One grain of the iron salt is contained in each fluid drachm of the syrup. Therapeutics. The blue phosphate of iron was much used by the late Dr. Prout in the treatment of diabetes. It acts as a blood- restorer like the other preparations of iron, and has been recom- mended also in the treatment of rickets. The syrup is an agree- able form for its administration. Dose. 5 gr. to 10 gr. Of the syrup, 1 fl. drm., and upwards. Ferri Oxidum Magneticum. Magnetic Oxide of Iron. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Synonym. Ferri Oxidum Nigrum. Edin. Prep. By dissolving two parts of sulphate of iron in water acidulated with sulphuric acid, and boiling this mixture with a little nitric acid, until on the sudden disengagement of ruddy va- pours the liquid passes from a dark to a red colour ; a solution of one part of sulphate of iron is then added, and subsequently a so- lution of soda : the whole boiled for a few minutes, the precipitate collected on a calico filter, washed and dried without heat in a confined portion of air over a capsule containing sulphuric acid. In this process two parts of the sulphate of the protoxide are converted into a persalt by boiling with nitric acid, and to these one part of the solution of protoxide is added; so that on the ad- dition of soda a mixture of peroxide and protoxide of iron is pre- cipitated. Prop. & Comp. Peroxide of iron (Fe2 03), with about 9 per FERRI PEROXIDUM. 85 cent, of the protoxide (Fe 0), and 22 of water. It is a brownish- black powder, without taste, strongly magnetic, dissolves without effervescence in hydrochloric acid diluted with half its bulk of water, and this solution gives blue precipitates with the ferrocy- anide, and the ferridcyanide of potassium. Twenty grains, moist- ened with nitric acid, and calcined at a low red heat, leave 15*8 grains of the peroxide of iron ; the same quantity dissolved in hydrochloric acid continues to give a blue precipitate with the ferridcyanide of potassium, until 8*3 measures of the volumetric solution of bichromate of potash have been added, indicating about 1 *4 grains of protoxide. Therapeutics. It may be used for the same purposes as reduced iron ; it is a cheaper preparation, but probably much less effectual. Dose. 3 gr. to 5 gr., or more. Ferri Peroxidum. Peroxide of Iron. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Prep. By drying the hydrated peroxide of iron, and reducing it to powder. Prop. & Comp. A dark-brown powder, insoluble in water, but soluble in hydrochloric acid ; diluted with half its volume of water, it forms a solution which gives a copious blue precipitate with ferrocyanide of potassium. The solution should give no precipi- tate with chloride of barium or with the ferridcyanide of potas- sium. Composition (Fe2 03). It is often calcined to improve its colour, but this process injures it by diminishing the solubility. Off. Prep. Emplastrum Ferri. Plaster of Iron. (Peroxide of iron, in fine powder, one ounce ; Burgundy pitch, two ounces ; litharge plaster, eight ounces). Therapeutics. It is a non-irritating preparation of iron, and is useful when it is desirable to continue the use of iron for a long time, or to give it in large doses ; it has been much administered in tic douloureux and other neuralgic affections. As an external •application its value is very questionable. Dose. 10 gr. to 60 gr., or more, in treacle or honey. [Ferri sub carbonas, U. S. Made by precipitating a solution of the sulphate of iron with the carbonate of soda. In drying nearly 86 MATERIA MEDICA. all the carbonate is changed into peroxide. The effects and the dose are the same as in the preceding preparation.] Ferri Peroxidum Hydratum. Hydrated Peroxide of Iron. Prep. Made by precipitating a solution of persulphate of iron with soda, collecting the precipitate on a calico filter, and preserv- ing it, without drying, in a well-covered vessel. [In the U. S. P., ammonia is used to precipitate the iron and the washed precipi- tate is kept under water.] Prop. c& Comp. Hydrated peroxide of iron (2 Fe2 O 3 HO), with a variable amount of uncombined water. It is a pasty mass of reddish-brown colour, dissolving readily in hydrochloric acid, giving a copious blue precipitate with ferrocyanide of potassium. It is free from grittiness, and leaves on calcination about 12 per cent, of peroxide of iron. Therapeutics. The hydrated peroxide is not given internally to produce the general effects of iron on the system, but has been used as an antidote in cases of arsenical poisoning. It is capable of converting arsenious acid, the form in which the poison is usually taken, into an insoluble arseniate of iron (2 Fe2 03 + As 03=4FeO + As05). Ferri Perchloridi Liquor. Solution of Perchloride of Iron. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Prep. Made by dissolving iron wire in hydrochloric acid, and subsequently peroxidising the iron by evaporating the solution with nitric acid, and afterwards diluting with water to the proper strength. Prop. (& Comp. Perchloride of iron in solution in water (Fe2 Cl3). It forms an orange-brown solution, with a strong styptic taste ; miscible with water and alcohol in all proportions. Diluted with water, it is precipitated white by chloride of barium, and blue by the ferrocyanide of potassium. Sp. gr. 1*338. A fluid drachm diluted with water, and precipitated with ammonia, yields a precipitate (peroxide of iron), which when washed and. incinerated weighs 15*62 grs., indicating the presence of 31*728 grains of perchloride of iron in the fluid drachm. Of. Prep. Tinctura Ferri Perchloridi. Tincture of Per- chloride of Iron. (Solution of perchloride of Iron, five fluid SOLUTION OF PERSULPHATE OF IRON. 87 ounces ; rectified spirit, fifteen fluid ounces.) Sp. gr. 0*992. The tincture has one-fourth the strength of Tinctura Ferri Sesquichlo- ridi. Dub. [Tinct. Ferri Chloridi. Tincture of the Chloride of Iron. U. S. Sp. gr. 0*990.] Therapeutics. A most powerful astringent ferruginous prepara- tion useful in passive hemorrhages and other discharges. Seldom given simply as a blood-restorer. Dose. Of the solution, 3 min. to 16 min. ; of the tincture, 10 min. to 40 min. or more. Ferri Pernitratis Liquor. Solution of Pernitrate of Iron. [Liquor Ferri Nitratis. Solution of Nitrate of Iron. U. S.] Prep. By dissolving iron wire in nitric acid and diluting to the proper strength. One ounce of iron wire with three fluid ounces of nitric acid are used in preparing thirty ounces of the solution. Prop. & Comp. A clear solution of reddish-brown colour, slightly acid and astringent to the taste. It contains the per- nitrate of iron (Fe2 03, 3 N05) in solution in water. It gives a precipitate with the ferrocyanide, but not with the ferridcyanide of potassium. When to a little of it in a test tube half its volume of pure sulphuric acid is added, and then a solution of sulphate of iron is poured in, the whole assumes a dark-brown colour, show- ing the presence of nitric acid in the solution. Sp. gr. 1*107. [1*106 to 1*107. U. S.] One fluid drachm precipitated with am- monia yields 2*6 grains of peroxide, corresponding to 7*865 grains of pernitrate of iron. Therapeutics. A powerful astringent tonic, and useful in the same cases as the perchloride. It has been much used in Dublin, and is recommended in some forms of diarrhoea in debilitated sub- jects, and in passive mucous discharges. Dose. 30 min. to 1 fl. drm. Solution of Persulphate of Iron. Appendix A. [Liquor Ferri Tersulphatis. Solution of Tersulphate of Iron. U.S.] Prep. By boiling a solution of protosulphate of iron and sul- phuric acid with nitric acid, until all the proto- is converted into a per-sulphate. 88 MATERIA MEDICA. Prop. & Comp. It forms a solution of a dark-red color, which exhibits the reactions of the persalts of iron. Sp. gr. 1*441. One fluid drachm yields with ammonia 11*44 grains of peroxide of iron. Use. It is used in preparing other ferruginous salts, and is not given as a remedy. It would be highly astringent. [Liquor Ferri Subsulphatis. Solution of Sub-sub-sulphate of Iron. Solution of persulphate of iron. Monsel's solution. U. S. A troy ounce and thirty grains of sulphuric ; a troy ounce and three hundred grains of nitric acid ; and half a pint of distilled water are heated to the boiling point. Twelve ounces of sulphate of iron in powder is gradually added, and the whole is boiled until nitrous vapours are no longer perceptible and the colour is a deep ruby-red ; water is added to make it measure twelve fluid ounces. An inodorous, syrupy fluid of a ruby-red colour, and an intensely astringent taste. Sp. gr. 1*552. A very powerful astringent, applied either diluted or of full strength. Given internally likewise as an astringent in doses of from 3 to 10 minims.] Ferri Ammonio-Chloridum. Ammonio-Chloride of Iron. Not officinal. Prep. Made by forming a perchloride of iron by dissolving the peroxide in hydrochloric acid, then adding hydrochlorate of ammonia in solution in water, evaporating to dryness, and after- wards rubbing the saline mass to powder. Prop, and Comp. It occurs in small orange pulverulent grains of hydroclilorate of ammonia stained with the sesquichloride of iron, and is not a true chemical compound ; soluble in proof spirit and water ; and 100 grains of the salt made according to the London Pharmacopoeia of 1851 contain about 15 grains of per- chloride of iron, the remainder being hydrochlorate of ammonia. Off. Prep. Tinctura Ferri Ammonio-Chloridi. Tincture of Ammonio-Chloride of Iron. Lond. 1851. (Ammonio-chloride of aron, four ounces and one hundred and seventy grains ; proof spirit, and distilled water, each half a pint. Dissolve and strain.) An ounce of this tincture, on the addition of potash, should yield 5*8 grains of sesquioxide of iron. Therapeutics. As three-fourths of the weight of the ammonio- FERRI ET AMM0NIJ3 CITRAS. 89 chloride of iron is sal ammoniac, it may be regarded as a prepara- tion of this latter salt, equally as one of iron. It may be given as an alterative as well as a tonic and astringent. Dose. Of the salt, 5 gr. to 15 gr. ; of the tincture, 10 min. to i fl. drm. Ferri et Ammonias Citras. Ammonio-Citrate of Iron. Prep. The hydrated peroxide recently precipitated from the solution of the persulphate by means of ammonia is dissolved in a solution of citric acid by the aid of heat, the liquid neutralized by the addition of ammonia, and then evaporated to dryness in thin layers on flat porcelain or glass plates. Prop. & Comp. It is not crystalline, but dries in garnet or hyacinth-red transparent scales ; soluble in water, and forming a neutral solution of a sweet and very light styptic taste. When incinerated with exposure to air it leaves 26*5 per cent, of per- oxide of iron ; heated with solution of soda, it evolves ammonia; when acidulated with hydrochloric acid it gives a copious precipi- tate with ferrocyanide of potassium, but none with the ferrid- cyanide. Its composition is not well known ; it contains, however citrate of iron and ammonia : probable formula (Fe2 03, NH4 0, HO, C12H5Ou + 2HO). Therapeutics. As a blood-restorer it is a very effectual salt, and it possesses scarcely any astringency ; it may often be given when the stomach will not bear the more styptic preparations of iron. Dose. 5 gr. and upwards. Incompatibles. Tannin solutions strike black ; caustic alkalies precipitate the oxide. * [Ferri et Ammonia? Sulphas. Sulphate of Iron and Ammonia. Ammonio Ferric Alum. U. S. Made by adding sulphate of am- monia to solution of tersulphate of iron and crystallizing. In beautiful violet-tinted crystals. A good astringent and used as such in doses of from 3 to 6 grains.] [Ferri et Ammonia? Tartras. Tartrate of Iron and Ammonia. U. S. Prepared by adding recently precipitated hydrated per- oxide of iron to a solution of bitartrate of ammonia, and evaporat- ing. It occurs in transparent garnet-red scales of a saccharine 90 MATERIA MEDICA. taste, and very soluble in water. It has little or no astringency, and may be given in doses of from 5 to 10 grains.] Ferrum Tartaratum. Tartarated Iron ; Tartarate of Iron and Potash. Synonym. Ferri Potassio-Tartras {Lond. 1851). [Ferri et Potassa? Tartras. U. S.] Prep. This is prepared by mixing the recently precipitated hydrated peroxide of iron with a solution of acid tartrate of pot- ash, and digesting the mixture with repeated stirring for six hours> the temperature being always kept below 140°. The solution is afterwards allowed to cool, any undissolved precipitate removed, and the fluid poured in a thin layer on flat glass or porcelain plates, and evaporated to dryness at a temperature not exceed- ing 140°. Prop. & Comp. As usually prepared, it forms garnet scales, having the physical characters of the ammonio-citrate ; sparingly soluble in spirit; soluble in water, the solution is neutral : when acidulated with hydrochloric acid, it gives a copious blue preci- pitate with ferrocyanide of potassium, none with ferridcyanide. Boiled with a solution of soda, peroxide of iron separates, but no ammonia is evolved, and the filtered solution, when slightly acidu- lated by hydrochloric acid, gives as it cools a crystalline deposit (bitartrate of potash). Fifty grains incinerated at a red heat, the residue treated with hydrochloric acid, and after digesting with a little nitric acid, diluted with 4 fluid ounces of water, yields when super-saturated with ammonia 14*92 grains of peroxide of iron. *Off. Prep. Vinum Ferri. Iron Wine ; Steel Wine. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Tartarated iron, one hundred and sixty grains ; sherry, twenty fluid ounces). Each fluid drachm contains one grain of the salt. Therapeutics. The action of the tartarated iron is exactly sim- ilar to that of the ammonio-citrate ; it can be prescribed with alka- line preparations. Dose. Of the salt, 5 gr. to 20 gr. Of iron wine, from 1 fl. drm. upwards for children, \ fl. oz. and upwards for adults. Ferri et Quinia? Citras. Citrate of Iron and Quinia. FERRI ET QULNLE CITRAS. 91 Prep. A mixture of the freshly precipitated peroxide and prot- oxide of iron (prepared by precipitating a solution of the persul- phate and protosulphate of iron by means of soda) is dissolved in a solution of citric acid, and to this is added quinia (prepared by dissolving sulphate of quinia by the aid of a little hydrochloric acid in water, removing the sulphuric acid by means of chloride of barium, and precipitating the quinia by ammonia), and the liquid digested on a water bath till the alkaloid is dissolved. It is then evaporated in thin layers on porcelain or glass plates, in the man- ner directed for the ammonio-citrate. Prop. & Comp. It occurs in thin scales of a golden-yellow colour, deliquescent, entirely soluble in cold water. The solution is slightly acid, and is precipitated reddish-brown by solution of soda, white by solution of ammonia, blue by the ferrocyanide and by the ferridcyanide of potassium, and greyish black by tannic acid. Taste bitter and chalybeate. When completely burned with exposure to air, it leaves a residue which yields nothing to water (peroxide of iron). Fifty grains dissolved in 1 fluid ounce of water, and treated with a slight excess of ammonia, yield a pre- cipitate of quinia, weighing when dried 8. grains. The precipitate is entirely soluble in ether, when burned leaves no residue, and when dissolved in a dilute acid and purified with a little animal charcoal yields a solution which turns the plane of polarisation strongly to the left. This test determines the amount, nature, and purity of the alkaloid. The salt contains citrate of the proto- and peroxides of iron united with citrate of quinia, and the amount of the alkaloid estimated as citrate of quinia is 25 per cent. Therapeutics. This salt possesses the combined properties of both iron and quinine. Dose. 5 gr. to 20 gr. Adulterations. Deficiency of quinia, and substitution of cincho- nia, &c, indicated by above tests. 92 MATERIA MEDICA. HYDRARGYRUM. MERCURY. (Hg. Eq.=100.) Hydrargyrum. Mercury; Quicksilver. Prep. Mercury is obtained chiefly from its sulphuret, native cinnabar, by distillation with iron ; sometimes it is met with in its metallic state, sometimes combined with chlorine, &c. Mercury of Commerce, Appendix A, is ordered to be purified by redistilla- tion and washing with dilute hydrochloric acid. Prop. & Comp. When pure, mercury occurs as a brilliant white metallic liquid, becoming solid at -39° Fah. ; sp. gr. 13*5 ; en- tirely vaporized by heat; and when small globules of it are rolled slowly upon a sheet of paper, not the least particle adheres ; above 40° Fah. a slight vapour arises from it. It forms two classes of salts, pro to- and persalts. It dissolves many metals, as tin, bis- muth, zinc, silver, and gold, and forms amalgams with them. Off. Prep. Liquid mercury is seldom used in medicine, but there are many preparations which owe their value to the presence of mercury in a very highly divided state, caused by long tritura- tion with saccharine and greasy matters, or fine powders. Hydrargyrum cum Creta. Mercury with Chalk. (Mercury, one ounce ; prepared chalk, two ounces. [Mercury, three ounces ; prepared chalk, five ounces. U. S.] Rub together until globules are no longer visible.) Pilula Hydrargyri. Mercurial Pill. (Mercury, two ounces; confection of roses, three ounces ; powdered liquorice root, one ounce. Rub the mercury with the confection until globules can no longer be seen ; then, the liquorice being added, beat the whole together to form a mass.) Emplastrum Hydrargyri. Mercurial Plaster. (Mercury, three ounces ; olive oil, one fluid ounce ; resin, one ounce ; litharge plaster, six ounces. Melt the oil and resin, rub the mercury till globules disappear, then add the litharge plaster, previously liqui- fied.) Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro. Ammoniac and Mercury Plaster. (Gum ammoniac, twelve ounces ; mercury, three ounces ; olive oil, one fluid drachm ; sulphur, eight grains.) HYDRARGYRUM. 93 Unguentum Hydrargyri. Mercurial Ointment. (Mercury, one pound ; prepared lard, one pound ; prepared suet, one ounce. [Mercury, twenty-four ounces ; lard, suet, each twelve ounces. U. S.] Rubbed together thoroughly.) Linimentum Hydrargyri. Liniment of Mercury. [Not offici- nal in U. S. P.] (Ointment of mercury, one ounce ; solution of ammonia, and liniment of camphor, each one fluid ounce.) Therapeutics. Liquid mercury, when taken into the stomach, appears to possess no action on the economy, and very large quan- tities, even pounds, have at times been swallowed without any par- ticular symptoms being produced; now and then, however, the full effects of the metal have ensued, probably owing to partial oxidation and absorption. The vapour of mercury acts with great energy, as seen in the effects on artificers exposed to its influence ; the same results may be produced by rubbing mercury in a very highly divided state upon the surface of the body, or taking it internally in a state of minute subdivision. Given in small doses, the first effects of mercurials are observed in the increase of vari- ous secretions ; and hence sialagogue, cholagogue, diuretic, emmen- agogue, and other properties have been ascribed to this mineral. Its sialagogue power is shown in the increase of the salivary fluid, and mucous secretions of the mouth, together with a peculiar con- dition of the gums and neighbouring parts ; and as these are amongst the first, most constant, and most peculiar of the effects of mercurials, they are generally taken as guides during the adminis- tration of the drug, as to the propriety of increasing or diminish- ing the dose. The sialagogue effects are seldom desired for them- selves. The cholagogue and purgative action of mercurials is exhibited in the increase of the colouring matter and other principles of the bile in the evacuations from the bowels, which are at the same time more liquid in character from an excessive secretion from various other secreting glands, as the pancreas, and mucous mem- brane of the intestinal canal. The secretions of the kidneys are not unfrequently augmented, also the action of the skin, and occa- sionally the catamenial discharge; it seems probable, however, that many of these latter effects are not so much due to the direct action of the remedy on the secreting organs, as to the relief of certain morbid conditions of the system, whichji^l^en rise to 94 MATERIA MEDICA. the imperfect performance of these functions. Mercurials cause also the absorption of morbid fluids, either from increasing the activity of the absorbent system, or preventing deposition. In whatever way mercury is administered it becomes absorbed into the blood, where it has been detected ; and its presence has also been demonstrated in the milk, urine, saliva, sweat, bile, pus from ulcers ; and in the various tissues of the body, as the bones, brain, serous and synovial membranes, cellular tissue, and lungs. Its action on the blood is not well made out; it diminishes the amount of globules, and has some influence on the quantity and quality of the fibrine. Mercurials are employed in the treatment of various diseases, among which the following are the most important. In internal congestions, as of the liver, kidneys, &c. ; to increase secretions, and hence relieve the vessels of the parts. Acute inflammation of any part is often found to give way when the system is brought under the influence of mercury, probably from its power of increasing the secretions of the part, influencing the capillary circulation, and altering the condition of the blood ; sthenic inflammations, with effusions of plastic lymph, are more controlled by the drug than those of an asthenic kind ; serous membranes are more influenced than mucous membranes, and the parenchyma of the liver more than that of the lungs. In chronic inflammations mercurials often prove useful in removing the mor- bid products, such as induration, and fibrinous and other effusions. Mercury is injurious in erythematous and scrofulous inflamma- tions, and also in any of a low type. In acute rheumatism mercurials are much employed by some practitioners ; it is questionable whether they influence the dura- tion of the disease, but they are generally considered to be useful in the peri- or endo-carditis, which is so frequently present. In dropsies dependent on inflammation of serous membranes and hepatic disease mercurials are useful, but injurious when arising from granular disease of the kidneys. In idiopathic fevers mercurials are often useful in keeping up the action of secreting organs and relieving congestions, but they appear to have no influence on the duration of the fever itself. In syphilis mercurials at one time formed the sole remedy ; at the present time they are not considered essential to the cure of HYDRARGYRUM. 95 the affection, although employed in moderate quantities, both for the primary and secondary forms of the disease : it is probable that the terrible sequences of syphilis, formerly so commonly met with, were often as much dependent on the drug as on the disease itself. Mercury is very commonly used as an alterative in chronic affections of almost every part of the system, and as a cholagogue purgative in cases of dyspepsia, &c, where the secretion of the liver is defective. Externally employed, in the form of ointment, &c, mercurials produce a topical stimulant action, causing exalted action of the capillaries ; they also become absorbed, and affect the system generally. They are used over indurated and chronically inflamed parts, and sometimes to introduce the mineral into the system. Effects of over-doses, or the too great action of Mercurials. Very profuse pytalism, swelling of the tongue and salivary glands, and the whole face, tumefaction and redness of the gums, ulceration of different parts of the mucous membrane of the mouth, loosening of the teeth, and even necrosis of the jaw. Occasionally the flow of saliva and buccal mucus amounts to some pints in the day. Excessive purging, with very bilious stools. Certain skin affections, as Eczema Mercuriale. Inflammation of the periosteum and bone, of parts not connected with the mouth. A low, febrile condition (mercurial erythism), accompanied with intense prostration of the vital powers. Affections of the nervous system, such as neuralgic pains, partial paralysis (tremor mercurialis), and sometimes complete paralysis, and death ; these symptoms are usually observed in those who are subject to the action of mercurial vapours. Circumstances influencing the operation of Mercurials. The age of the patient has great influence ; children are much less affected than adults ; still, care should be used in administer- ing mercurials to young subjects, as very injurious results some- times ensue. 96 MATERIA MEDICA. Certain individuals appear to be able to resist completely the action of mercurials, others to be very susceptible of their influ- ence ; often such idiosyncrasies cannot be explained, but at times they depend on a diseased condition of the system. The presence of acute sthenic inflammation gives a resisting power to the action of the mercurial preparations, whereas granular disease of the kidney, scrofula, and scorbutus, render the system very sensitive to mercury, and the drug should generally be avoided in such cases. Dose. Of hydrargyrum cum creta, 5 gr. to 15 gr.; of pilula hydrargyri, 3 gr. to 10 gr. The unguentum hydrargyri may be rubbed into a part where the skin is thin, as in the arm-pit or inner side of the thigh, in quantities varying from 30 gr. to 120 gr. The inunction should be continued till absorption has taken place. Adulteration. Other metals, as lead, tin, zinc, and bismuth, are often found in a state of amalgamation with mercury, or dis- solved in it: when such are present, the small globules leave a trail when rolled along a sheet of paper : zinc and tin are soluble in the hydrochloric acid, and lead and bismuth would not volatilize, and so could be detected : the process of purification by means of distillation and hydrochloric acid removes these impurities. Calomelas. Calomel; Subchloride of Mercury. [Hydrargyri Chloridum Mite. Mild Chloride of Mercury. U. S.] Synonym. Hydrargyri Chloridum. Lond. Prep. Sulphate of mercury, ten ounces; mercury, by weight, seven ounces ; chloride of sodium, dried, five ounces ; distilled water, a sufficiency. The sulphate of mercury and the mercury are rubbed together with a little water until globules are no longer visible ; then the chloride of sodium is well triturated with them and sublimed. In this process the sulphate of mercury is, by being rubbed with a second equivalent of the metal, reduced to a sulphate of the suboxide; and this last, by the action of the common salt, is converted into the subchloride of mercury, sulphate of soda being produced at the same time. The decompositions may be thus represented: 1st part of process, Hg 0, S03+Hg=Hg2 0, S03. 2d part of process, Hg2 O, S08+Na Cl=Na 0, S03 + Hg2 CI. UNGUENTUM CALOMELANOS. 97 Prop. & Comp. Calomel, when sublimed, occurs in cakes, with a crystalline structure; but as a drug it is met with in the form of a dull-white, heavy powder, rendered yellowish by tritur- ation in a mortar, without odour or taste ; sublimes with heat; it is blackened when treated with potash, and the clear supernat- ant fluid, acidulated with nitric acid, gives a copious white pre- cipitate with nitrate of silver. When calomel is boiled or washed in water, this liquid should afterwards give no precipitate with nitrate of silver, lime-water, or sulphuretted hydrogen. Calomel is insoluble in water, spirit, or ether ; by the action of nitric and hydrochloric acids, it is converted slowly into the chloride. It is entirely volatilized by a sufficient heat. Warm ether shaken with it in a bottle leaves, on evaporation, no residue. Off. Prep. Pilula Calomelanos Composita. Compound Pill of Calomel. (Calomel and sulphurated antimony, each one ounce ; guaiac resin, in powder, two ounces ; castor oil, one fluid ounce.) One grain of calomel is contained in five grains of the pill mass. [Pilula? Antimonii Composita?. Compound Pills of Antimony. Plummer's Pills. U. S. Sulphurated antimony and mild chloride of mercury, each one hundred and twenty grains; guaiac and molasses, each half a troy ounce. Divided into two hundred and forty pills; each pill contains half a grain of the mild chloride of mercury.] Unguentum Calomelanos. Ointment of Calomel. [Not offi- cinal in U. S. P.] (Calomel, eighty grains ; prepared lard, one ounce.) About one grain of calomel is contained in forty grains of this ointment. Therapeutics. Calomel when absorbed acts on the system in the manner noticed under Hydrargyrum. Its peculiarities are, that it produces little local irritant action ; as a purgative, it increases the secretion of bile and other intestinal fluids : and hence forms a useful adjunct in affections of the liver, and obstructions to the portal circulation. It often produces in children the so-named calomel stools, or green-coloured fa?ces. The compound pill is employed chiefly as an alterative in chronic skin diseases, in which the antimony and guaiacum aid its operation. The ointment is a clean and valuable local alterative applica- tion in some forms of skin disease ; it can also be employed as an inunction. 8 98 MATERIA MEDICA. Dose. Of calomel as a purgative, 2 gr. to 6 gr.; to affect the system, £ gr. to 1 gr. or more, frequently repeated. Of pil. calo- melanos comp., as an alterative, 5 gr. to 10 gr. Adulteration. Calomel is apt to contain a trace of corrosive sublimate (chloride of mercury) formed in the process of prepa- ration : this can be detected by the water in which it is boiled, exhibiting reactions with the tests above given. Intentional impurities, as carbonate of lead, sulphate or carbonate of baryta, &c, are not volatilized by heat, and the carbonates effervesce with acids. Hydrargyrum Corrosivum Sublimatum. Corrosive Subli- mate ; Chloride of Mercury. [Hydrargyri Chloridum Cor- rosivum. Corrosive Chloride of Mercury. U.S.] Synonym. Hydrargyri Bichloridum. Lond. Prep. Sulphate of mercury, twenty ounces ; chloride of sodium, dried, ten ounces ; black oxide of manganese, in fine powder, one ounce. The sulphate and the chloride are reduced to fine powder, and then thoroughly mixed by trituration in a mortar with the oxide of manganese and the corrosive sublimate sublimed. When the sulphate of mercury is heated with the common salt, a double decomposition takes place ; and chloride of mercury, and sulphate of soda are produced, as represented in the formula, Hg 0, S03+Na Cl=NaO,S03+Hg CI. Prop. & Comp. Corrosive sublimate occurs in heavy white crystalline masses of a styptic and metallic taste. Composition (Hg CI); soluble in about 20 parts of cold water ; much more so in alcohol; soluble also in ether: melts and entirely sublimes when heated. Its watery solution is precipitated by alkalies and lime-water, of a red or yellowish colour (the oxide); when this precipitate is heated, it gives off oxygen, and runs into globules of metallic mercury : the solution of corrosive sublimate gives a white precipitate with ammonia, and a curdy white precipitate with nitrate of silver ; it precipitates albumen, and forms with it a definite and very sparingly soluble compound. When heated, chloride of mercury sublimes without decomposition, leaving no residue. Hydrochlorate of ammonia increases the solvent power of water for corrosive sublimate. Therapeutics. Corrosive sublimate is a very powerful irritant; HYDRARGYRUM AMMONIATUM. 99 when taken in large doses, it causes burning at the epigastrium, vomiting and purging ; applied to the skin, it acts as a corrosive. In very small doses it is useful as an alterative in chronic affec- tions, syphilitic or not, as in scaly skin diseases, periosteal affections, &c.; externally, as a lotion, injection, gargle, or oint- ment, in chronic skin diseases, ulcerated sore throats, and chronic discharge from mucous membranes. All the ordinary effects of mercury may be produced by this salt. Dose. 2V gr. to \ gr. in solution or pill, with crumb of bread. Incompatibles. In solution it precipitates most of the vegetable preparations which contain albumen, tannin, &c. It is also thrown down by alkalies, alkaline sulphurets, iodides, and tartar emetic. An iodide in excess redissolves the precipitate. Hydrargyrum Ammoniatum. Ammoniated Mercury; Am- monio-Chloride of Mercury; White Precipitate of Mercury. Synonym. Hydrargyri Ammonio-Chloridum. Lond. Dub. Hydrargyri Pra?cipitatum Album. Edin. Prep. Corrosive sublimate, three ounces ; solution of am- monia, four ounces; distilled water, three pints. Dissolve the chloride in the water, aided by heat; to the solution, when it has cooled, add the ammonia, frequently shaking it. Collect the precipitated powder on a filter, and wash with distilled water until the liquid which passes through ceases to give a precipitate when dropped into a solution of nitrate of silver acidulated by nitric acid ; lastly, dry it. When ammonia is added to a solution of corrosive sublimate, this peculiar compound, and not simply the oxide of mercury, is precipitated. Prop. & Comp. A white, amorphous, heavy powder, usually in the form of small spiral cones from the wringing of the linen filters; when heated it sublimes; it is insoluble in water, alcohol, and ether; dissolves in hydrochloric acid without effer- vescence ; and when heated with a solution of potash gives off vapours of ammonia, and becomes yellow from the formation of the oxide of mercury r and the resulting fluid, filtered and acidu- lated with nitric acid, gives a white precipitate with nitrate of silver. Boiled with a solution of chloride of tin, it becomes grey, and affords globules of metallic mercury. Its composition is rep- resented by the formula, NH2 Hg2 CI. It may be regarded as a 100 MATERIA MEDICA. chloride of ammonium, in which two equivalents of hydrogen are replaced by two equivalents of mercury, or as a compound of chloride with amide of mercury (Hg Cl2 + Hg, NH2). Some doubts exist as to its true chemical nature. Off. Prep. Unguentum Hydrargyri Ammoniati. Ointment of Ammoniated Mercury. Synonym. Unguentum Pra?cipitati Albi. Edin. (Ammoniated mercury, sixty-four grains ; simple ointment, one ounce.) [Ammoniated mercury, forty grains ; ointment of lard, a troy ounce.] Therapeutics. Never used internally ; externally, it destroys pediculi, and acts as a stimulant application when used to chronic skin affections in the form of the ointment. Adulteration. Chalk, carbonate of lead, plaster of Paris, &c.: these do not sublime when heated: the carbonates effer- vesce with acids. Hydrargyri Iodidum Viride. Green Iodide of Mercury. Prep. Mercury, by weight, one ounce ; iodine, two hundred and seventy-eight grains ; rectified spirit, as much as may be necessary. Rub the mercury and iodine together, gradually add- ing the spirit, until the globules are no longer visible. Dry the powder with a gentle heat as quickly as possible, access of light being prevented, and keep it in a black glass vessel well stoppered. Direct union takes place when mercury and iodine are brought into contact with each other in a highly-divided state, the spirit aids the union by its solvent action upon the iodine. Prop. & Comp. When thus prepared it forms a dingy greenish- yellow powder ; if carefully heated, in a test tube, it yields a yel- low sublimate, which upon friction becomes red, while a globule of metallic mercury is left in the bottom of the tube. It is entirely volatilized by a heat under redness; it is insoluble in ether, in water, and also in a solution of chloride of sodium ; it is apt to decompose with the formation of some red iodide of mercury. Composition (Hg21). Therapeutics. Acts in a manner very similar to calomel, per- haps is less purgative, more readily affecting the system ; it has been proposed in venereal diseases occurring in scrofulous habits. HYDRARGYRI OXIDUM RUBRUM. 101 Externally it is alterative, and useful in chronic skin diseases, rubbed up with lard in the form of an ointment. Dose. 1 gr. to 3 gr. Adulteration. It may contain a little red iodide of mercury, which is a powerful irritant; this is detected by being soluble in a solution of common salt, also in spirit. Hydrargyrum Iodidum Rubrum. Red Iodide of Mercury. Prep. Four ounces of corrosive sublimate, and five ounces of iodide of potassium, are dissolved separately in water, and the two solutions mixed ; the red iodide is precipitated, and is sepa- rated by decantation and filtration, and afterwards washed and dried. This is a simple case of double decomposition, chloride of mercury and iodide of potassium becoming chloride of potassium and iodide of mercury (Hg Cl + KI=Hg I + K CI). Prop. & Comp. A crystalline powder of a fine bright ver- milion colour, becoming yellow when heated over a lamp on a sheet of paper ; almost insoluble in water, dissolves sparingly in alcohol, but freely in ether or in an aqueous solution of iodide of potassium. When digested with a solution of soda, it assumes a reddish-brown colour, and the fluid cleared by filtration and mixed with a solution of starch, gives a blue precipitate on being acidulated with nitric acid. Entirely volatilized by a heat under redness, and completely soluble in ether. Off. Prep. Unguentum Hydrargyri Iodidi Rubri. Ointment of Red Iodide of Mercury. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Red iodide of mercury, in fine powder, sixteen grains; simple oint- ment, one ounce.) This ointment contains one-fourth as much red iodide of mercury as Unguentum Hydrargyri Iodidi Rubri. Dub. Therapeutics. The red iodide closely resembles corrosive sub- limate in its action upon the system, and is far more irritant than the green iodide. It is chiefly used as an external application in the form of ointment to enlarged glands, and periosteal nodes of a syphilitic nature, also in goitre. Internally it may be adminis- tered in the same cases as corrosive sublimate. Dose. TV gr. to £ gr. Hydrargyri Oxidum Rubrum. Red Oxide of Mercury. 102 MATERIA MEDICA. Synonym. Hydrargyri Nitrico-Oxidum. Lond. Prep. Mercury by weight, eight ounces ; nitric acid, three fluid ounces ; distilled water, two fluid ounces. Dissolve half the mercury in the nitric acid diluted with the water, evaporate the solution to dryness, and triturate the dry salt thus obtained with the remainder of the mercury. Put this into a porcelain capsule, then apply a slow fire, and gradually increase it until acid vapour ceases to arise. Prop. & Comp. Red shining crystalline scales, insoluble in water, but entirely soluble in hydrochloric acid. Composition (Hg 0). Entirely volatilized by a heat under redness, being at the same time decomposed into mercury and oxygen. If this be done in a test tube no orange vapours should be given off, indicat- ing the absence of nitric acid. The solution in hydrochloric acid gives a yellow precipitate with caustic potash in excess, and a white precipitate with solution of ammonia. Off. Prep. Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Rubri. Ointment of Red Oxide of Mercury. (Red oxide of mercury, in very fine powder, sixty-four grains; simple ointment, one ounce.) About one grain of oxide in twenty-eight grains of the ointment. Therapeutics. Used externally only, as a powerful irritant and escharotic; applied as an ointment to the eye in ophthalmia, to indolent ulcers, &c. ; as an escharotic, in powder, alone or mixed with sugar, to specks in the cornea, over excrescences, chancres, and fungous ulcers. Adulteration. Brick-dust, red-lead, and other red powders, de- tected by not being volatile ; some undecomposed nitrate of mer- cury may be present, and then red fumes are given off when heated ; the nitrate is also soluble in water. Hydrargyri Nitratis Liquor Acidus. Acid Solution of Ni- trate of Mercury. Prep. Mercury, four ounces ; nitric acid, three fluid ounces and a quarter ; distilled water, three fluid ounces. Mix the nitric acid and the water, and dissolve the mercury in the mixture with- out heat; afterwards boil gently for fifteen minutes, cool and pre- serve in a stoppered bottle. [Liquor Hydrargyri Nitratis. Solution of Nitrate of Mercury. HYDRARGYRI SULPHURETUM. 103 U. S. Mercury, three troy ounces ; nitric acid, five troy ounces ; distilled water, six fl. drachms. Dissolve the mercury with the aid of a gentle heat, in the acid mixed with the water. After- wards evaporate to seven troy ounces and a half. Sp. gr. 2*165.] Prop. & Comp. Nitrate of Mercury (Hg O, N05) in solution in nitric acid. It forms a colourless, strongly acid solution, which gives a yellow precipitate with potash added in excess. If a crystal of sulphate of iron be dropped into it, in a little time the salt of iron and the liquid in its vicinity acquire a dark colour. Sp. gr. 2*246. A little of it dropped into hydrochloric acid when diluted with twice its volume of water gives no precipitate. Off. Prep. Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis. Ointment of Nitrate of Mercury. Synonym. Unguentum Citririum. Edin. (Mercury, by weight, four ounces ; nitric acid, eight fluid ounces ; prepared lard, fifteen ounces ; olive oil, thirty-two fluid ounces. Dissolve the mercury in the nitric acid with the aid of a gentle heat, then add the solution to the lard and oil, previously melted together by a steam or water-bath, and mix thoroughly. If the mixture do not froth up, increase the heat till this occurs.) Therapeutics. The acid solution of nitrate of mercury is a powerful caustic, and has been applied topically in some cancerous affections and in lupus. The ointment acts as a stimulant, and is used in skin affections, and especially in chronic inflammatory diseases of the eyes, as in Ophthalmia Tarsi, &c. The ointment can be diluted to any degree. Dose. The acid solution is not intended for internal adminis- tration. Hydrargyri Sulphuretum. (Not officinal.) [Hydrargyri Sul- phuretum Rubrum. Red Sulphuret of Mereury. U. S.] Sul- phuret of Mercury; Artificial Cinnabar, called in London phar- macopoeia of 1851, Hydrargyri Bisulphuretum. Prep. Lond. Mix mercury and sulphur in equivalent propor- tions, melt them over a fire, and as soon as the mass swells re- move the vessel and strongly cover it lest the mixture take fire ; then rub the mass to powder and sublime it When melted sul- 104 MATERIA MEDICA. phur is brought in contact with mercury, direct union ensues, the compound is afterwards sublimed, and forms artificial cinnabar. Prop. & Comp. Dark scarlet shining crystalline masses, form- ing, when powdered, a beautiful scarlet colour, known by the name of vermilion ; insoluble in water or alcohol. Volatilizes entirely when heated alone, but with potash it is reduced to metallic glob- ules. Composition (Hg S). Therapeutics. When the fumes are brought into contact with the surface of the body, the drug acts as a topical alterative and becomes absorbed, affecting the system the same as other mer- curials ; probably, when heated in the air, it is decomposed, at least in part. It is used as a fumigation in some syphilitic skin diseases, as ecthyma ; also as an inhalation in venereal sore throat. Rarely or never used internally. Dose. As a fumigating agent, 30 gr., heated on an iron plate and placed under the patient wrapped in a blanket; or the vapours may be applied to the mouth and throat through a funnel. Adulteration. Red-lead, red oxide of iron, and brick-dust, detected by not subliming ; occasionally red sulphuret of arsenic has been found, but this can be detected by heating with char- coal, when it gives off the garlic odour ; also by the other tests for arsenic. Sulphate cf Mercury. Appendix A. Prep. Made by dissolving twenty ounces, by weight, of mer- cury, in twelve fluid ounces of sulphuric acid with the aid of heat; and subsequently evaporating until a dry white salt re- mains. Prop. & Comp. Sulphate of mercury forms a white crystalline powder, which is decomposed by the action of water, and ren- dered yellow, from the formation of a subsalt of mercury 3 Hg 0, S03.. Sulphate of mercury is entirely volatilized by heat. Its composition is represented by the formula, Hg O, S03. Use. It is used in the preparation of corrosive sublimate and calomel, and not given as a remedy. The yellow subsulphate above mentioned, under the name of Turbith Mineral, has been employed as an errhine. LITHI^E CARBONAS. 105 LITHIUM. (L. Eq.^7.), Lithium, the metallic base of lithia, does not exist native, but can be obtained from various minerals, as lepidolite, triphylline, &c, and derives its name from Xldog a stone, as it was supposed to exist only in the mineral kingdom. It is the lightest solid body known, floats on water and on naphtha, and has a density of 0.5936, it has a very small atomic or equivalent weight, only seven on the hydrogen scale. Its oxide (LO), which is a powerful base, forms crystallizable salts with the acids. The urate of lithia is much more soluble than that of potash or soda. Lithia? Carbonas. Carbonate of Lithia. Prop. & Comp. Carbonate of lithia occurs in a white powder or in minute crystalline grains. It has an alkaline reaction, and is soluble in 100 parts of cold water ; its solubility is increased by the presence of carbonic acid in the liquid; not soluble in alco- hol. When treated with hydrochloric acid it dissolves with effer- vescence ; the solution when evaporated to dryness leaves a resi- due of chloride of lithium. If this be dissolved in water, and a solution of phosphate of soda added, a precipitate of phosphate of lithia is formed (3 LO, P05). The composition of carbonate of lithia is (LO, C02). Ten grains neutralized with sulphuric acid, and afterwards heated to redness, should leave 14*86 grains of dry sulphate of lithia ; this when re-dissolved in distilled water yields no precipi- tate with oxalate of ammonia or solution of lime, showing the absence of lime or magnesia. Therapeutics. From the small amount of lithia sufficient to form a salt with uric acid, and the much greater solubility of the salt, it follows that unless other circumstances interfere with their administration, the lithia salts must be valuable remedies when it is desirable to keep uric acid in solution during its transit through the urinary organs or prevent its deposition in the structures of the body. The carbonate of lithia acts as a diuretic, and in the same dose has a more powerful influence in rendering the urine alkaline than the corresponding salt of soda or potash. It may be given with great advantage in certain states of the system in which urate of soda is liable to be deposited in the tissues, as in gout, &c. 106 MATERIA MEDICA. Dose. Of the carbonate, 3 gr. to 6 gr. The carbonate may be given in aerated water ; free dilution aids its diuretic action. Lithia? Citras. Citrate of Lithia. Prep. Made by dissolving fifty grains of carbonate of lithia in one fluid ounce of water containing ninety grains of citric acid, by the aid of heat, evaporating the solution till water ceases to escape, and the residue is converted into a viscid liquid. This is dried at a temperature of about 240°, pulverized and kept in a stoppered bottle. Prop. & Comp. Citrate of lithia is a white amorphous pow- der, soluble in water ; the citric acid is carbonized by heating the salt to redness, and the residue, neutralized with hydrochloric acid, and dissolved in alcohol, burns with a crimson flame. Twenty grains burned at a low red heat with free access of air leave 10*6 grains of white residue (carbonate of lithia). Therapeutics. The citrate of lithia resembles the carbonate in its action. "*Dose. 5 gr. to 10 gr. MAGNESIUM. (Mg. Eq. = 12.) Magnesium, the metallic base of the magnesian salts, does not exist native; when obtained artificially, it is a brilliant grey- coloured metal; sp. gr. 1*7 ; not readily oxidated except when heated in air, and it then forms the earth magnesia. Magnesia. Magnesia; Protoxide of Magnesium. Magnesia Levis. Light Magnesia. Prep. Carbonate of magnesia, four ounces, burnt in a Cornish or Hessian crucible closed loosely by a lid, and exposed to a red heat, as long as a little of the powder taken from the centre, when cooled and dropped into dilute sulphuric acid, gives rise to effer- vescence. In preparing the light magnesia, the light carbonate is used. In this process the carbonate is converted into the oxide by the heat driving off the carbonic acid. The light magnesia differs from magnesia only in its greater levity, the volumes corresponding to the same weight being in the ratio of three and a half to one. MAGNESLE CARBONAS. 107 Prop. & Comp. A white powder with scarcely any taste; almost insoluble in water, but when moistened gives a slight alka- line reaction to turmeric paper, turning it brown. It dissolves in hydrochloric acid without effervescence; and the solution when neutralized by a mixed solution of ammonia and hydroclilorate of ammonia gives a copious crystalline deposit when phosphate of soda is added (the ammonio-magnesian phosphate). Dissolved in nitric acid and neutralized with a mixture of ammonia and hydro- chlorate of ammonia it does not give any precipitate with oxalate of ammonia or chloride of barium, showing the absence of any sulphate of lime, or carbonate of magnesia or lime. Composition (Mg 0). Off. Prep. Of magnesia levis. Pulvis Rhei Compositus. Compound Powder of Rhubarb. (Rhubarb, in powder, two ounces; light magnesia, six ounces; ginger, in powder, one ounce.) This is also known as Gregory's Powder. Therapeutics. In small doses magnesia acts first as an antacid upon the alimentary canal; then becomes absorbed, and renders the urine alkaline ; the salts formed by the presence of any acid in the stomach, have a purgative tendency : in large doses it pro- duces distinct purgative effects. It is used in acidity of the stom- ach and heartburn, and in affections connected with an increased excretion of uric acid, or urates : also as a purgative in acid con- ditions of the alimentary canal, especially in children. It should be given cautiously, as it is rather apt to form concretions in the intestines when taken for a lengthened period. Dose. Of magnesia or magnesia levis : as an antacid, 10 gr. to 20 gr.; as a purgative or adjunct, 20 gr. to 60 gr.; of pulvis rhei compositus, 5 gr. to 10 gr. for young children ; 60 gr. to 120 gr. for adults. Adulteration. It is apt to contain a little sulphate, as the car- bonate is prepared from the sulphate ; also lime, the sulphate being usually obtained from dolomite, a magnesian limestone ; lastly, some carbonate, from imperfect calcination: these can be all de- tected by the above tests. Magnesias Carbonas. Carbonate of Magnesia. Synonym. Magnesia? Carbonas Ponderosum. Dub. 108 MATERIA MEDICA. Magnesias Carbonas Levis. Light Carbonate of Magnesia. Prep. Sulphate of magnesia, twelve ounces ; carbonate of soda, twelve ounces; distilled water, a sufficiency. Dissolve the car- bonate and sulphate separately, each in a pint of water ; then mix the solutions, and evaporate the whole to perfect dryness, by means of a sand-bath ; digest the residue for half an hour with two pints of water, collect the insoluble matter on a calico filter, and wash till the washings cease to give a precipitate with chloride of bari- um ; then dry at a temperature not exceeding 212°. The light carbonate of magnesia is prepared by dissolving the same quantities of the sulphate and carbonate in half a gallon of water, mixing the two solutions cold, and boiling the mixture in a porcelain dish for fifteen minutes, then transferring to a calico filter, and washing and drying at a heat not exceeding 212°. In these processes double decomposition takes place, sulphate of magnesia and carbonate of soda being converted into sulphate of soda and carbonate of magnesia. Prop. & Comp. A white powder with scarcely any taste; insoluble in water ; neutral, or very slightly alkaline in reaction ; soluble in dilute mineral acids, yielding solutions which, when first treated with hydrochlorate of ammonia, are not disturbed by the addition of an excess of solution of ammonia, but yield a copious crystalline precipitate upon the addition of phosphate of soda. With excess of hydrochloric acid it forms a clear solution in which chloride of barium causes no precipitate. Another por- tion of the solution supersaturated with ammonia gives no precip- itate with oxalic acid, indicating the absence of sulphates, and of lime. Fifty grains calcined at a red heat are reduced to 22. Composition (3 (Mg 0, C02+HO) + MgO, 2 HO). It is not a simple carbonate ; but a mixture of the carbonate and hydrate of magnesia ; as magnesia when precipitated is incapable of retain- ing the whole of the carbonic acid. The light carbonate has the same composition, but is much lighter, and when examined under the microscope is found to be partly amorphous with numerous slender prisms intermixed. Therapeutics. Acts the same as magnesia, with the exception of producing an evolution of carbonic acid when it meets with acid MAGNESIA SULPHAS. 109 in the alimentary canal, and hence sometimes produces uncom- fortable distension. Dose. 10 gr. to 20 gr. as an antacid; 20 gr. to 60 gr. as a purgative. Adulteration. Lime and some sulphate may be present, as in the last preparation, detected by the above tests. Magnesiae Sulphas. Sulphate of Magnesia; Epsom Salts. Prep. Generally made, at the present time, from dolomite, a magnesian lime-stone (consisting of the carbonates of lime and magnesia), by treating it with sulphuric acid, which dissolves out the magnesia, and leaves the lime in the form of an insoluble sul- phate of lime. Formerly it was prepared from bittern, the residual liquor left after the crystallization of common salt from sea water. Prop. & Comp. In 4 or 6-sided colourless prisms, with from 2 to 6 terminal planes ; as generally sold it is in small acicular crystals; they should not deliquesce in the air, but have a ten- dency to effloresce ; sulphate of magnesia is soluble in water; and the solution gives copious white precipitates with chloride of barium (sulphate of baryta), and with a mixed solution of ammonia, hydrochlorate of ammonia, and phosphate of soda (ammonio-mag- nesian phosphate). The salt should not give off hydrochloric acid fumes when treated with sulphuric acid. Its aqueous solu- tion at ordinary temperatures is not precipitated by oxalate of ammonia, showing that no lime is present. The precipitate given by carbonate of soda, when obtained from a boiling solution of 100 grains of the salt, should, when washed, dried, and heated to redness, weigh 16*26 grains. Composition (Mg. O, S03 + 7 HO). Of. Prep. Enema Magnesle Sulphatis. Enema of Sul- phate of Magnesia. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] , Synonym. Enema Catharticum. Edin. Dub. (Sulphate of magnesia, one ounce; olive oil, one fluid ounce; mucilage of starch, fifteen fluid ounces.) Therapeutics. In ordinary doses it acts as a saline purgative, causing a pretty free secretion of watery fluid from the canal. In small doses, and freely diluted, it causes diuresis. Epsom salts are employed very frequently, either alone or in combination with 110 MATERIA MEDICA. other purgatives; and are especially adapted to the treatment of febrile affections, and also where the portal system is congested : with the infusion of senna, sulphate of magnesia forms the ordin- ary black draught. The enema is used as a purgative. Dose. As a purgative, 120 gr. to £ oz., or more; in combi- nation, from 60 gr. upwards; as a diuretic, 20 gr. to 60 gr. Adulteration. When made from bittern it contains chloride of magnesium and sodium; it then deliquesces, and gives off hydrochloric acid fumes with sulphuric acid; it also precipitates nitrate of silver. MANGANESIUM. MANGANESE. (Mn. Eq.=27-5). Black Oxide of Manganese. Binoxide of Manganese. Prop. & Comp. Binoxide of manganese, called also black oxide of manganese, is found native, sometimes crystallized, some- times amorphous; as met with in commerce it is a black heavy powder, devoid of odour and taste ; yielding, when heated with hydrochloric acid, or with sulphuric acid and salt, chlorine gas. It consists of the metal manganese (which has some resemblance to iron) and oxygen. Formula (Mn 02). Use. In the preparation of Liquor Soda? Chlorata?, and Liquor Chlori. It may be employed also as a source of oxygen by heat- ing it alone, or with sulphuric acid. Therapeutics. Manganese preparations have been occasionally employed in medicine : the sulphate of the protoxide, in large doses, as from sixty grains to one hundred and twenty grains, produces purgative effects, and by some is considered to increase the excretion of bile ; in small doses this salt, as well as the car- bonate, have been given, with the idea of improving the condition of the blood, in cases of ana?mia ; but its value has not as yet been satisfactorily established. * The binoxide is not used In medicine. PLATINUM. (Pt. Eq.=98*5.) Platinum, a heavy, dull, white metal - sp. gr. 21 ; not acted on by any acid, only by chlorine*, or nitro-hydrochloric acid. LYTHARGYRUM. Ill Solution of Bichloride of Platinum. Appendix B. Prep. By dissolving platinum in aqua regia, with heat. A mixture of half a fluid ounce of nitric acid with three fluid ounces of hydrochloric acid, and two fluid ounces of distilled water, are poured upon a quarter of an ounce of platinum foil in a small flask, and digested, more of the acid mixed in the same proportion being added until the metal is dissolved. The solution is trans- ferred to a porcelain capsule, a fluid drachm of hydrochloric acid added, and the whole evaporated on a water-bath until acid vapours cease to be given off. The residue is dissolved in five ounces of distilled water and preserved in a stoppered bottle. Prop., Comp. & Use. The solution is of a dark reddish-yellow colour, is used as a test for potassium, forming with the chloride of that metal a sparingly soluble double salt, which distinguishes potash from soda salts. The composition of bichloride of platinum (Pt Cl2). It also precipitates ammonia salts, and many of the alkaloids, as nicotine, &c. PLUMBUM. LEAD. (Pb. Eq. = 103*5.) Metallic lead is not employed in medicine; but when individ- uals are exposed for a long time to its influence, as by handling it, they exhibit symptoms of slow poisoning. Lithargyrum. Litharge. Protoxide of Lead. [Plumbi Oxidum. Oxide of Lead. U. S.] Synonym. Plumbi Oxidum. Lond. Dub. Prep. It is usually made during the cupellation of lead ores containing silver, when the oxide becomes fused or semi-vitrified. Prop. & Comp. Red or orange-red scales ; almost entirely soluble in nitric or acetic acid, either solution when neutral giving a copious yellow precipitate with iodide of potassium. It dis- solves without effervescence in nitric acid diluted with 6 volumes of water, and the solution when supersaturated with ammonia and then cleared by filtration does not exhibit a blue colour, indi- cating the absence of a carbonate or copper. The solution is precipitated black by sulphuretted hydrogen, white by caustic potash, and re-dissolved by it in excess. Composition (Pb 0). 112 MATERIA MEDICA. Off. Prep. Emplastrum Lithargyri. Litharge Plaster. [Em- plastrum Plumbi. Plaster of Lead. U. S.] Synonym. Emplastrum Plumbi. Lond. (Oxide of lead, reduced to very fine powder, four pounds ; olive oil, a gallon ; water, seventy fluid ounces. Boil them together over a slow fire for four or five hours, constantly stirring, until the oil and oxide of lead unite into the consistence of a plaster ; a little boiling water may be added, if that which was used at the first has evaporated before the end of the boiling.) Therapeutics. Litharge is never given internally. The plaster, in which the lead exists in combination with margaric and oleic acids, is used as a mechanical support; it is less irritating than many other plasters, and perhaps slightly astringent. Plumbi Iodidum. Iodide of Lead. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] Prep. Made by precipitating a clear solution of acetate of lead by means of iodide of potassium. In this process iodide of lead and acetate of potash are formed by double decomposition. Prop. & Comp. Iodide of lead occurs in a yellow powder, or in crystalline scales, soluble in boiling water, forming a colourless solution, depositing crystals in cooling. Fuses and sublimes yellow, but soon gives off violet vapours from decomposition. Composition (Pb I). It is altered a little by light. Off. Prep. Unguentum Plumbi Iodidi. Ointment of Iodide of Lead. (Iodide of lead, one ounce ; lard, eight ounces. Rub them together.) Therapeutics. Externally applied, iodide of lead acts as a mild stimulant, and has been used in the form of ointments to enlarged scrofulous joints, &c. It is seldom used internally, but has been given in scrofulous tumours. Dose, i gr. to 1 gr., or more. Plumbi Acetas. Acetate of Lead ; Sugar of Lead. Prep. By dissolving litharge in dilute acetic acid, and subse- quent evaporation and crystallization. Prop. & Comp. Generally in white spongy-looking masses, composed of interlaced acicular crystals; it may be obtained in large, flat four-sided prisms ; acetate of lead has a sweetish, liquor plumbi subacetatis. 113 acetous odour, and sweet, metallic taste ; effloresces slightly in the air ; is soluble in water ; the solution slightly reddens litmus ; and is precipitated white by carbonate of soda, yellow by iodide of potassium, and black by sulphuretted hydrogen ; treated with sulphuric acid, acetic vapours are given off. The solution in dis- tilled water is clear, or has only a slight muddiness, which disappears on the addition of acetic acid : 38 grains dissolved in water require for complete precipitation 20 measures of the vol- umetric solution of oxalic acid, corresponding to 22*3 grains of oxide of lead. Composition (Pb 0, C4 H3 03 + 3 HO). Off. Prep. Pilula Plumbi cum Opio. Pill of Lead and Opium. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Acetate of lead, in fine powder, thirty-six grains ; opium, in fine powder, six grains ; con- fection of roses, six grains.) One grain of opium is contained in eight grains of the pill mass. Therapeutics. Acetate of lead in small doses acts as a sedative and astringent, lessening morbid mucous discharges and hemor- rhages, and even diminishing the natural secretions; hence producing constipation, thirst, and a species of colic named Painters' or lead colic, accompanied by a peculiar blue line on the gums (a valuable diagnostic sign): when continued for some time, it renders the pulse smaller, and induces wasting of the body ; it also produces an influence on the nervous system, shown by loss of power of the extensors of the hand, sometimes com- plete paralysis and apoplexy. The serious symptoms above described are, for the most part, brought on by contact with lead in various occupations, and not often by its employment as a medicine. Acetate of lead is much used in hemorrhages from various organs, also in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery; in phthisis to check expectoration and excessive sweating. Exter- nally it is sedative and astringent, and is sometimes used in skin affections and over inflamed parts. Dose. \ gr. to 3 gr., or more ; of Pilula Plumbi cum Opio, 4 gr. to 8 gr. Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis. Solution of Subacetate of Lead. Prep. (Acetate of lead, five ounces ; litharge, in powder, three ounces and a half; distilled water, twenty fluid ounces, or a suffi- ciency. Boil them together for half an hour, frequently stirring, 9 114 MATERIA medica. then filter ; and when the liquor is cold, add of distilled water as much as may be necessary, that it may accurately measure twenty fluid ounces. Let it be kept in well-closed vessels.) By the action of the litharge on acetate of lead, a sub-salt is formed, an addi- tional amount of the oxide of lead entering into the composition of the salt. Prop. <& Comp. A clear colourless liquid, sp. gr. 1*26, with an alkaline reaction, and sweet, astringent, metallic taste ; it agrees with the acetate in most of its properties, except that it precipitates gum as well as mucilage from solution, forming an opaque white jelly. Sulphuric acid in excess gives a white pre- cipitate of sulphate of lead, acetic acid being set free. Two fluid drachms require for perfect precipitation 27 measures of the volu- metric solution of oxalic acid, corresponding to about 30 grains of oxide of lead. The composition of the salt contained in liquor plumbi subacetatis may be represented by the formula, 2 Pb 0, C4 H3 03. Off. Prep. Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus. Dilute Solution of Subacetate of Lead. (Solution of subacetate of lead, two fluid drachms ; rectified spirit, two fluid drachms ; distilled water, nineteen fluid ounces and a half.) [Solution of subacetate of lead, three fluid drachms ; distilled water, a pint. U. S.] Unguentum Plumbi Subacetatis. Ointment of Subacetate of Lead. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Solution of subacetate of lead, six fluid ounces ; camphor, sixty grains ; white wax, eight ounces ; olive oil, twenty fluid ounces.) Therapeutics. Subacetate of lead acts as an astringent and sedative ; it is only used externally ; and in the form of the dilute solution, is most commonly employed when the topical action of lead is desired. The ointment is used for a similar purpose. Plumbi Carbonas. Carbonate of Lead. Prep. Often made by exposing sheets of metallic lead to the fumes of acetic and carbonic acids, from vinegar and spent tan. Prop. & Comp. A heavy white powder insoluble in water blackened by sulphuretted hydrogen. It is soluble with effer- vescence in dilute nitric acid, forming a solution which is pre- liquor potass^;. 115 cipitated yellow by iodide of potassium, and white by sulphuric acid ; it dissolves entirely in acetic acid ; the solution treated with sulphuretted hydrogen in excess, boiled and filtered, gives no precipitate with oxalate of ammonia. The composition of this salt is represented by the formula, 2 (Pb 0, C02) + Pb 0, HO. Off. Prep. Unguentum Plumbi Carbonatis. Ointment of Carbonate of Lead. (Carbonate of lead, in powder, sixty-four grains ; simple ointment, one ounce). [Carbonate of lead in very fine powder, eighty grains ; ointment of lard, a troy ounce. U. S.] Therapeutics. This salt is not used as an internal remedy ; when applied externally, it acts as a local astringent and sedative, and may be used in the same cases as the subacetate. It may be employed either alone or mixed with starch, and powdered upon diseased surfaces ; or it may be applied in the form of the oint- ment. POTASSIUM. (K. Eq.=39.) This metal, called also Kalium, does not exist native, but can be obtained from potash salts ; when pure, it has a metallic lead colour; sp. gr. 0*86 ; rapidly oxidizes, and is converted into the protoxide or potash, which is contained in tm? following prepara- tions. Liquor Potassae. Solution of Potash. Prep. Carbonate of potash, one pound; §laked lime, twelve ounces ; distilled water, a gallon. Dissolve the carbonate in the water, and having heated the solution to the boiling point in a clean iron vessel, gradually mix it with the slaked lime, and con- tinue the ebullition for ten minutes with constant stirring. Then set by, that the carbonate of lime may subside. Lastly, when the supernatant liquor has become perfectly clear, transfer it by means of a syphon to a well-stoppered green-glass vessel. In this process the lime, on account of its affinity for carbonic acid, abstracts it from the carbonate of potash, and thus carbonate of lime, which is insoluble, is precipitated, and potash remains in solution. [In the U. S. P. bicarbonate of potassa is employed instead of the carbonate, and the solution boiled till the excess of 116 MATERIA MEDICA. carbonate acid is given out. It is then decomposed by lime as in the text. The resulting preparation is stronger than that of the Br. Ph. having a sp. gr. of 1*065, and containing five and eight tenths per cent, of hydrate of potassa.] Prop. & Comp. Liquor potassa? is a colourless liquid, with intensely acrid and caustic taste ; sp. gr., 1*058. One fluid ounce requires for neutralization 48*25 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid, equivalent to 22*68 grains of potash (KO). It does not effervesce when added to an excess of hydro- chloric acid, nor give a precipitate with lime or oxalate of am- monia, showing the absence of carbonic acid and lime ; and after being heated with nitric acid in excess, and evaporated to dry- ness, the residue forms with water a nearly clear solution, which is only slightly precipitated by chloride of barium and nitrate of silver, and is rendered very slightly turbid by ammonia, showing that mere traces of sulphates, chlorides, metallic impurities, or alumina are present ; it forms with bichloride of platinum, the yellow double salt (K CI, Pt Cl2). It injures glass containing lead by partially dissolving it; hence it is ordered to be kept in green-glass bottles. Therapeutics. Liquor potassa?, in large doses and undiluted, is a violent caustic poison ; but taken into the stomach in a diluted form it acts at first as a direct antacid, neutralizing any free acid in the stomach ; it also produces a powerful sedative effect upon the mucous membrane. After absorption into the blood, it pos- sesses the power of increasing the change of tissues in the body, acting as an alterative, especially on the glandular system and on the secreting and excreting organs : it, doubtless, renders the blood more alkaline, and the fibrin less plastic; but from the small amount which can be taken on account of its causticity, never produces alkalinity in the urine previously strongly acid. It is used as an antacid in dyspepsia, but in the inflammatory forms of this affection its value depends more upon its sedative powers : it is also used in skin affections, and is especially useful when they depend upon a morbid condition of the stomach, as seen in erythema and other cutaneous diseases. As a blood alterant, liquor potassa? has been employed in inflammation of serous membranes, attended with fibrinous depositions, as pleuritis, pericarditis, and periostitis, also in scrofula, syphilis, and chronic POTASSA CAUSTICA. 117 rheumatism. Recently, however, iodide of potassium has replaced this medicine in a great measure as an alterative. Externally, when freely diluted, liquor potassa? may be employed as a wash in some chronic skin diseases. Dose. 10 min. to 1 fl. drm., freely diluted. Adulteration. Carbonate and sulphate of potash, chloride of potassium, and lime, all of which can be detected by the tests given above. Potassa Caustica. Caustic Potash. Synonym. Potassa? Hydras. Lond. Potassa. Edin. Prep. Two pints of the solution of potash, are evaporated in a silver or clean iron vessel over a fire, until the ebullition being finished, the hydrate of potash liquefies : this is poured into proper moulds, and when it has solidified, and while it is still warm, put it into stoppered bottles. Prop. & Comp. Caustic potash is usually moulded for medi- cal purposes into small sticks about the size of a pencil, which should be white, but are often greenish, bluish, or reddish-brown from impurities ; it quickly deliquesces when exposed to air, and, if pure, dissolves in rectified spirit; it dissolves animal tissues, forming a kind of soap with them ; a watery solution acidulated by nitric acid, gives a yellow precipitate with bichloride of plati- num, and scanty white precipitates with nitrate of silver and chlo- ride of barium. Composition (HO, KO); the equivalent of water cannot be driven off by heat. Fifty-six grains dissolved in water leave only a trace of sediment, and require for neutralization at least 90 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid, corres- ponding to 42*3 grains of potash. Off. Prep. Liquor Potass^, described above, contains caustic potash, and in the British Pharmacopoeia is considered an officinal preparation of that substance. Therapeutics. The hydrate of potash, and also its mixture with equal parts of lime (potassa cum calce), which is not now officinal, are used only externally, as caustics, for the formation of sloughs, for touching ulcers, &c.; the advantage of the latter depends on its being much less deliquescent: it is applied as a paste made with spirit. 118 MATERIA MEDICA. Adulteration. The same as of liquor potassa? ; besides which, oxides of iron and alumina are often present; these are not soluble in spirit. Potassas Carbonas. Carbonate of Potash. Prep. From pearl-ashes (made from the ashes of wood) by solution in a small amount of water and crystallization, in which process most of the other salts contained in the wood are left undissolved. By heating the crystallized bicarbonate to redness, a very pure dry carbonate of potash is obtained. Prop. (& Comp. Carbonate of potash forms small white and rather opaque crystalline grains, having a strong alkaline taste ; it deliquesces in the air, and is almost entirely soluble in water (quite so, if pure); insoluble in spirit, effervescing with dilute hydrochloric acid, and forming a solution with which bichlo- ride of platinum gives a yellow precipitate ; when supersatu- rated with nitric acid and evaporated to dryness, the residue is almost entirely soluble in water, only a little silica remaining undissolved, and the solution is precipitated only faintly by chloride of barium or nitrate of silver. Composition (KO, CO2 + 2 HO). The salt loses about 21 per cent, of its weight when exposed to a red heat. 87 grains require for neutralization at least 98 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid, equivalent to about 46 grains of potash. It should be kept in a well-stoppered bottle. Therapeutics. Almost the same as of potash, but is much less caustic, and hence more of the alkali can be introduced into the system; after absorption its effects are the same. Sometimes employed externally. Dose. 10 gr. to 20 gr. Adulteration. Sulphates and chlorides are very apt to be present; detected by the tests above given. Potassa? Bicarbonas. Bicarbonate of Potash. Prep. Made by passing a stream of carbonic acid through a solution of the carbonate in water unto saturation, and subse- quent crystallization. Prop. & Comp. The bicarbonate occurs in large transparent POTASS^ ACETAS. 119 colourless rhombic prisms, not deliquescent, with a mild alkaline taste ; soluble in about four times its weight of water. The solu- tion, when cold, does not precipitate sulphate of magnesia ; effer- vesces with nitric acid ; and the supersaturated solution is not precipitated by chloride of barium, or scarcely by nitrate of silver. With dilute hydrochloric acid it forms a solution with which bichloride of platinum gives a yellow precipitate (double chloride of platinum and potassium). Composition (KO, HO, 2 C02). Fifty grains exposed to a low red heat leave 34£ grains of a white residue, which require for exact saturation 50 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid, equivalent to 23*5 grains of potash. Therapeutics. Bicarbonate of potash acts as a direct antacid, but does not produce the sedative effect of liquor potassa? upon the stomach ; it may be taken in very large doses, and is readily absorbed. It renders the blood and urine, and probably many other secretions, strongly alkaline ; hence it is a powerful altera- tive ; the action of the kidneys is likewise often increased. It is used in dyspepsia as an antacid ; also in urinary affections where there is excessive deposit of uric acid. Bicarbonate of potash may be also employed with great advantage in the treatment of inflammatory affections, as acute rheumatism, &c. Dose. 10 gr. to 30 gr. as an antacid, &c. ; in acute rheu- matism, 30 gr. to 40 gr. every four hours, freely diluted with water. Adulteration. It is apt to contain carbonate of potash, which can be detected by its precipitating sulphate of magnesia. Potassa? Acetas. Acetate of Potash. Prep. Acetic acid, forty ounces, or a sufficiency ; carbonate of potash, twenty ounces. To the acetic acid, placed in a thin porcelain basin, add gradually the carbonate of potash ; then strain; if necessary add a few additional drops of acetic acid; evaporate the liquor until the salt is dried ; then raise the heat cautiously so as to liquefy the product. Allow the basin to cool; and when the salt has solidified, and while it is still warm, break it in fragments and put into stoppered bottles. Simply a substitution of acetic for carbonic acid, which comes off with effervescence. 120 MATERIA MEDICA. Prop. & Comp. Foliated satiny masses, this appearance being caused by the crystallization after fusion ; neutral in reaction, and deliquescent; very soluble in water, also in alcohol. The solution of acetate of potash in water should not be precipitated by chloride of barium or nitrate of silver ; or if the silver salt does precipitate it, this is again dissolved by water or dilute nitric acid. With a watery solution of the salt, tartaric acid causes a crystalline precipitate (bitartrate of potash), and a dilute solution of perchloride of iron strikes a blood-red colour. The solution is unaffected by hydrosulphuret of ammonia. With sul- phuric acid it gives off vapours of acetic acid, and yields 88*8 per cent, of sulphate of potash. Composition (KO, C4 H3 03). Therapeutics. When taken internally in moderate doses and diluted it becomes absorbed, and the acetic acid, being destroyed or burnt off in the blood, appears in the urine as carbonate, rendering that fluid alkaline, and often increasing the secretion ; in large doses and concentrated, it produces a slight purgative action. It is used chiefly for its diuretic action, in various forms of dropsies : sometimes to produce the alkaline effects on the blood and secretions. Dose. 10 gr. to 60 gr. as a diuretic ; as a purgative, 120 gr., upwards. Adulteration. It may contain traces of sulphates and chlorides, detected by the above tests. Acetate of silver is rather insoluble, and hence may be precipitated if the solution is very concentrated. Potassse Citras. Citrate of Potash. Prep. By neutralizing carbonate of potash with citric acid, when carbonic acid gas is liberated and citrate of potash formed, each equivalent of citric acid decomposing three equivalents of the carbonate of potash, citric acid being tribasic. Prop. & Comp. A white deliquescent crystalline powder, very soluble in water, feebly acid in taste. Composition (3 KO, C12 H5 On). Heated with sulphuric acid, it forms a brown fluid, gives off an inflammable gas, and evolves the odour of acetic acid. Its solution, mixed with a solution of chloride of calcium, remains clear till it is boiled, when a white precipitate separates (citrate of lime), readily soluble in acetic acid. Its solution acidulated with hydrochloric acid gives a yellow precipitate with bichloride of POTASS^E TARTRAS. 121 platinum : 102 grains heated to redness till gases cease to be evolved, leave an alkaline residue (carbonate of potash) which requires for exact saturation 100 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid, corresponding to 47 grains of potash. Therapeutics. Citrate of potash sits easily upon the stomach, and is more pleasant to the taste, more readily absorbed into the system, and less liable to purge than the other vegetable salts of potash. It is a valuable saline febrifuge, increasing the secretion from the kidneys. The citrate is readily decomposed after absorption into the blood, reduced to a state of carbonate of the base, and in this state is eliminated in the urine, ren- dering this fluid less acid or even alkaline in reaction. It is thus an indirect alkaline remedy, although in the stomach it possesses no antacid properties. It may be used with advantage in cases of uric acid gravel and allied diseases. Dose. 20 gr. to 60 gr. Potassae Tartras. Tartrate of Potash. Prep. Made by boiling the acid or bitartrate with carbonate of potash, when an equivalent of water in the acid salt is replaced by one of potash, and carbonic acid given off. Prop. & Comp. Small granular crystals, usually without dis- tinguishable shape ; its real form is a right rhombic prism; neutral, deliquescent, and very soluble in water ; bitartrate of potash is precipitated on the addition of hydrochloric acid to the solution. Heated with sulphuric acid it forms a black tarry fluid, evolving inflammable gas, and the odour of burned sugar. It is entirely dissolved by its own weight of water. 113 grains heated to redness, till gases cease to be evolved, leave an alkaline residue, which requires for exact saturation 100 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid, equivalent to 47 grains of potash. Composition (2 KO, C8 H4 Ol0), tartaric acid being bibasic. Therapeutics. In small doses it acts as a diuretic, and is changed into the carbonate in the same way as the acetate : in larger doses it is purgative, producing watery evacuations. Doses. As a diuretic and alterative, 20 gr. to 60 gr.; as a purgative, 120 gr. to 200 gr. 122 MATERIA MEDICA. Adulteration. Some sulphates may be present, which may be detected by the tests already given for them. Potassae Tartras Aci da. Acid Tartrate of Potash. (Cream of Tartar, crystallized.) Synonym. Potassa? Bitartras. Prep. From argol, the deposit which occurs on the inside of wine-casks, by purification with charcoal and clay. It is called cream of tartar, from the purest crystals being skimmed off the saturated solution while evaporating. Prop. i& Comp. Cream of tartar occurs as a very fine, gritty, white powder : or in fragments of cakes crystallized on one surface ; or in small oblique rhombic prisms ; acid, slightly soluble in water ; but insoluble in spirit. Composition (HO, KO, C8 H4 O10). Heated in a crucible, it evolves inflammable gas and the odour of burned sugar, and leaves a black residue (carbonate of potash and carbon), which effervesces with dilute hydrochloric acid, and forms a solution which, when filtered gives a yellow precipitate with bichloride of platinum, and when neutralised by ammonia is rendered slightly turbid by oxalic acid : 188 grains, heated to redness till gas ceases to be evolved, leave an alkaline residue, which requires for exact saturation 100 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid, equivalent to 47 grains of potash. Off. Prep. Contained in Pulv. Jalapa? Comp., and Confectio Sulphuris. Therapeutics. In small doses, refrigerant and somewhat diu- retic ; in larger doses, a powerful hydragogue purgative, without producing much depression. Employed to form an acid drink in febrile and dropsical affections, and as a purgative in drop- sies, depending upon renal or cardiac disease. Dose. As a refrigerant or diuretic, 20 gr. to 60 gr.; and as a hydragogue purgative, 120 gr. to 300 gr. Adulteration. Often contains a little tartrate of lime. Potassae Sulphas. Sulphate of Potash. Prep. From the residuum of the distillation of nitric acid when made by treating nitre with sulphuric acid, which consists of bisulphate of potash (KO, HO, 2 S03), not quite pure. This POTASSAE SULPHAS. 123 is dissolved in water, and to the solution slaked lime is added until it is alkaline in reaction. The solution is then filtered, heated to the boiling point, and carbonate of potash added as long as there is any precipitate. It is then refiltered, dilute sulphuric acid added, so as to produce a neutral or slightly acid solution, evaporated till a film forms on the surface, and then set aside to crystallize. In this process, the excess of sulphuric acid in the residue of the nitric acid process (which is a bisulphate of potash, KO, HO, 2 S03), is removed in the form of sulphate of lime, by rendering the solution slightly alkaline with slaked lime. The excess of lime is afterwards got rid of by the addition of carbonate of potash, and to the filtered fluid dilute sulphuric acid is added so as to produce a neutral or slightly acid solution (this ensures all the carbonate of potash present being converted into sulphate), and the sulphate of potash is allowed after evaporation to crystallize out. Much of the sulphuric acid is here lost in combination with the lime, but as the large scale on which nitric acid is manufactured renders the residue of the nitric acid process very cheap, it is probably • found more economical to sacrifice some of the sul- phuric acid than to procure more sulphate of potash by the addition of carbonate of potash, which is expensive in comparison to the value of the salt produced. Prop. (& Comp. Hard semitransparent crystals, six-sided prisms, terminated by corresponding pyramids ; of a bitter saline taste, and slightly soluble in water. Its solution, acidulated with hydrochloric acid, is precipitated yellow by bichloride of platinum, and white by chloride of barium. Crepitates and afterwards fuses at a red heat without losing weight. Yields 132 per cent. of sulphate of baryta. Composition (KO, S03). The watery solution is neutral to test paper, and is not affected by oxalate of ammonia. Off. Prep. It is contained in Pulv. Ipecacuanha cum Opio, Therapeutics. Mildly purgative. Almost always given in combination; by some it is supposed to be alterative, acting on the secreting and excreting organs; latterly, evidence has been given of its acting as a poison in large doses. It is often « 124 MATERIA MEDICA. used on account of its mechanical properties for the purpose of more intimately dividing vegetable substances. Dose. 20 gr. to 120 gr. as a purgative ; in smaller doses as an alterative. Potassa? Nitras. Nitrate of Potash; Nitre. Prep. Certain soils in India contain nitrates of lime and pot- ash ; these, by being treated with wood ashes (carbonate of pot- ash), yield nitrate of potash and carbonate of lime; the former is dissolved out and crystallized, and purified by re-solution and crystallization. Prop. & Comp. Nitrate of potash forms six-sided prisms, transparent, striated, with a peculiarly cooling taste, soluble in water, not precipitated by chloride of barium or nitrate of silver ; it fuses, but does not lose weight unless the heat is intense, when it gives off oxygen, and is converted into nitrite of potash, which last yields nitrous vapours when treated with sulphuric acid ; deflagrates with heated charcoal, and forms carbonate of potash ; when treated with sulphuric acid, it yields 85 per cent, of sulphate of potash ; warmed in a test tube with sulphuric acid and copper filings, it evolves ruddy fumes (peroxide of nitrogen). Nitric acid can also be shown to be present by dissolving the salt in a little water, adding an equal bulk of sulphuric acid, and afterwards, when the mixture has cooled, a few drops of a solu- tion of protosulphate of iron; a dark olive colour is produced, which is very characteristic. The solution acidulated with hydrochloric acid, gives a yellow precipitate with bichloride of platinum. Therapeutics. Nitre is refrigerant and diuretic, it also produces some alteration in the condition of the blood, and a powerful seda- tive action upon the heart and vascular system. It is used in small doses as a refrigerant and diuretic in febrile affections, and to allay irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach in in- flammatory forms of dyspepsia ; in large doses, as a vascular seda- tive in febrile affections, and especially in acute rheumatism. In dropsical affections, its action on the kidneys has sometimes proved useful. Dose. 5 gr. to 20 gr. as a refrigerant and diuretic ; 20 gr. to 30 gr. as a vascular sedative. POTASSAE PERMANGANAS. 125 Adulteration. It may contain traces of sulphate or chloride; detected by chloride of barium and nitrate of silver : lime, if pres- ent, would yield a precipitate with oxalate of ammonia. Potassa? Chloras. Chlorate of Potash, formerly called Oxymu- riate of Potash. Prep. By passing a stream of chlorine gas through a mixture of carbonate of potash and slaked lime ; when saturation has taken place, chlorate of potash and chloride of potassium are formed; the former readily crystallizing out on account of its sparing solu- bility. Prop. <& Comp. Colourless transparent tabular crystals with four or six sides ; have a cooling taste ; sparingly soluble in water, especially when cold : the solution gives no precipitate with nitrate of silver ; when a few drops of sulphuric acid are dropped upon the crystals, they become orange-red, and give off yellow vapours of peroxide of chlorine ; when the salt is rubbed with sulphur in a mortar, it detonates. Composition (KO, CI 05); when heated, it first liquefies and then gives off nearly 39 per cent, of oxygen, and leaves a white residue, chloride of potassium (K CI), readily form- ing with water a neutral solution, which is precipitated white by nitrate of silver, and yellow by bichloride of platinum. The solu- tion of chlorate of potash is not affected by nitrate of silver or oxalate of ammonia. Therapeutics. Chlorate of potash acts as a refrigerant and diuretic, in a manner similar to nitre ; it has been supposed to give oxygen to the system, but this is doubtful: it has, however, been employed in low fevers, as scarlatina maligna, typhus and typhoid fevers, also in cancrum oris and other sloughing ulcers about the mouth and fauces. Dose. 10 gr. to 20 gr., or more. About 16 parts of cold water dissolve 1 part of the salt. Adulteration. Chloride of potassium may be present; detected by nitrate of silver. Potassae Permanganas. Permanganate of Potash. Prep. Chlorate of potash and oxide of manganese, in fine pow- der, are mixed together; caustic potash, dissolved in a small quantity of water, is added, and the whole evaporated to dryness, « 126 MATERIA MEDICA. and then exposed to a dull red heat for an hour, till it has assumed the condition of a semi-fused mass. This mass is pulverized, boiled with water, and the liquid decanted, and accurately neutralized with sulphuric acid ; it is then evaporated, and the permanganate allowed to crystallize. Prop. t& Comp. Permanganate of potash occurs in the form of red or dark purple acicular crystals, sometimes reflecting a metal- lic green colour, and having a sweet astringent taste. A single small crystal is sufficient to colour an ounce of water deep purple, which, when mixed with a little rectified spirit and heated, is changed to a yellowish brown. This is due to the deoxidation of the acid by the organic matter and its reduction to the state of binoxide of manganese. The crystals evolve oxygen gas when heated, and leave a black residue in which the presence of potash may be detected by the usual tests. Five grains dissolved in water, require for complete decoloration a solution of 44 grains of granulated sulphate of iron, acidulated with 2 fluid drachms of dilute sulphuric acid. In this decomposition, the sulphate of the protoxide of iron absorbs oxygen from the permanganate, and be- comes converted into a per-salt with the aid of the additional sul- phuric acid present. Off. Prep. Liquor Potassa Permanganatis. Solution of Permanganate of Potash. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Perman- ganate of potash, four grains ; distilled water, one fluid ounce.) Therapeutics. Permanganate of potash is a powerful anti- septic agent, and as such can be employed with much advantage in the form of a gargle or lotion to remove'decomposing matter and clean diseased surfaces. Administered internally, it has been proposed as a remedy in diabetes. Dose. 1 gr. to 4 gr. if given internally. Externally, 1 fl. drm. of the solution to 5 or 10 oz. of water. Bichromate of Potash. Appendix A. Prop. <& Comp. Bichromate of potash is met with in large red transparent four-sided tables. It is soluble in water ; the aqueous solution gives with chloride of barium a yellowish-white precipi- tate (chromate of baryta), and with nitrate of silver an orange precipitate (chromate of silver), both of which are soluble in nitric POTASSII IODIDUM. 127 acid. The composition of the bichromate of potash is represented by the formula, KO, 2 Cr 03. Therapeutics. Never employed as a medicine. Off. Prep. The bichromate is used for making a volumetric solution for the estimation of the protosalts of iron. An explana- tion of its action when thus employed will be found among the volumetric solutions. Potassii Iodidum. Iodide of Potassium. Prep. The mode of preparing this salt consists in adding iodine to a solution of potash, when the following changes ensue (6 KO + I6 = 5 KI + KO, I05). The mixture of the two salts, namely, the iodide of potassium and iodate of potash, with a little charcoal in fine powder, is heated to redness, by which means the iodate of potash is converted into iodide of potassium, the charcoal facili- tating the deoxidation. Another method, formerly employed, is to form an iodide of iron, by bringing together iodine and iron with water, at a moder- ate heat; then adding carbonate of potash to the solution, when carbonate of iron and iodide of potassium are formed ; the former salt being separated by filtration, the solution by evaporation yields the latter in a crystallized state. Prop. & Comp. Iodide of potassium forms white semi-trans- parent cubic crystals ; without odour if pure, and of a saline taste ; as met with in commerce, it occasionally has some odour of free iodine ; very soluble in water, and in about six or eight parts of rectified spirit; the solutions should be neutral; and the watery solution, mixed with mucilage of starch, gives a blue colour on the addition of a minute quantity of chlorine. Iodide of potassium gives a crystalline precipitate with tartaric acid; but tartaric acid and starch should not develope a blue colour ; should they do so, it indicates the presence of iodate of potash ; for iodic acid, being then liberated by the tartaric acid, acts as an oxidizing agent upon the hydriodic acid which is formed at the same time, and sets free the iodine. Iodide of potassium, when treated with ace- tate of lead, gives a yellow precipitate of iodide of lead, soluble in boiling water; but it does not alter lime-water, or chloride of barium; with nitrate of silver a pale yellow iodide falls, insoluble in solution of ammonia, and the ammoniacal liquid gives with ex- 128 MATERIA MEDICA. cess of nitric acid no turbidity, showing a freedom from chlorides. Composition (KI). Off. Prep. Unguentum Potassii Iodidi. Iodide of Potassium Ointment. (Iodide of potassium, sixty-four grains ; boiling dis- tilled water, one fluid drachm ; prepared lard, one ounce. Dissolve the iodide in the water, then mix with the lard.) Iodide of potassium is contained also in linimentum iodi, tinc- tura iodi, and unguentum iodi compositum ; but in all these prepa- rations it is introduced more on account of its solvent than its the- rapeutic powers. Therapeutics. The action and uses of this drug have been de- scribed under Iodine ; it does not possess the local irritant prop- erties of free iodine, and hence is more adapted for internal ad- ministration. The ointment may be used when the slow action of the iodide upon a diseased part is desired. Dose. 1 gr. to 10 gr., or more. Adulteration. The salt may be damp, from the presence of water ; it may also contain many impurities, as carbonate of pot- ash, chlorides of sodium and potassium, iodate of potash, free iodine, &c, all detectable by the tests above given. When iodate of potash exists in the salt, from the imperfect ignition of the mixed iodide and iodate, the ointment is apt to become yellow, owing to the decomposition of the iodic acid by the animal matter. Potassii Bromidum. Bromide of Potassium. Prep. The same as iodide of potassium, substituting an equiva- lent quantity of bromine for iodine. It can also be formed by the second or iron process. Prop. & Comp. This salt forms white transparent cubic crystals, closely resembling the iodide, with no odour, but a pun- gent saline taste, readily soluble in water, less soluble in spirit. Its watery solution gives a white crystalline precipitate with tar- taric acid. When its solution is mixed with a little chlorine, ether agitated with it, on rising to the surface exhibits a red colour. A solution of the salt mixed with mucilage of starch and a drop of an aqueous solution of bromine, does not exhibit any blue colour indicating the absence of iodine. Composition (K Br). Ten grains require for complete decomposition 84 measures of the POTASSA SULPHURATA. 129 volumetric solution of nitrate of silver, equivalent to 6*72 grains of bromine. Therapeutics. Bromide of potassium, when pure, does not give rise to the symptoms of coryza produced by the iodide. It acts as a powerful alterative, and may be used with advantage in cer- tain forms of chronic disease, as syphilitic skin affections, &c. In large doses, sleepiness, drowsiness, and dull headache are some- times produced, and in still larger doses it causes some loss of power over the lower extremities, and exerts a most powerful influence on the generative organs, lowering their functions in a remarkable degree; it is found to be a most valuable remedy in diseases dependent on and accompanied by excitement or over- action of these organs, and may be given with advantage in nymphomania, priapism, and certain forms of menorrhagia ; as likewise in nervous convulsive diseases dependent on uterine irritation, and in some ovarian tumours. It appears also to pro- duce an ana?sthetic condition of the larynx and pharynx, and hence has been usefully employed in examinations and operations on these parts. Dose. 5 gr. to 15 gr. and upwards. Adulteration. A few years since bromide of potassium was apt to contain iodide of potassium, sometimes in large amounts ; this can be detected by the starch test above given. It may likewise contain bromate of potash (KO, Br 05). Potassa Sulphurata. Sulphurated Potash; [Potassii Sulphur- etum. U. S.] Hepar Sulphuris. Synonym. Potassii Sulphuretum. Lond. Prep. By mixing together sulphur and carbonate of potash, and afterwards heating in a crucible till they have combined. Prop. & Comp. A brown liver-coloured mass, which is brittle, slightly deliquescent, having a strong odour of sulphuretted hydro- gen, especially when moist, and an acrid disagreeable taste ; soluble in water, forming a yellow solution ; the solution is pre- cipitated by acids, with the deposition of sulphur, and strikes black with the salts of lead. The acid fluid when boiled and filtered is precipitated yellow by bichloride of platinum, and white by chloride of barium. It consists chiefly of tersulphuret of potas- sium (KSg), with some sulphate of potash ; about three-fourths of 10 130 MATERIA MEDICA. its weight (sulphuret of potassium) should be dissolved by recti- fied spirit. Therapeutics. In small doses it acts as a stimulant diaphoretic and expectorant, and is sometimes employed in the treatment of chronic skin diseases, as scabies and psoriasis ; also in chronic rheumatism, and certain cases of bronchitis. Externally in the form of ointment, bath, or lotion, in the above-named affections. It is poisonous in very large doses. Dose. 3 gr. to 6 gr., in pill; in ointment, about 60 gr. to 1 oz. of lard. Adulteration. When exposed, this compound becomes pale from oxidation and the formation of sulphate of potash. Potassii Ferrocyanidum. Appendix A. Ferrocyanide of Potassium ; Yellow Prussiate of Potash. Prep. This salt is always formed when carbonate of potash and animal matters, as hoofs, horns, &c, are heated to redness along with iron, as in an iron pot, or with iron nails ; from the in- cinerated mass, when cool, the salt can be dissolved out, and crystallized from the filtered solution. Prop. (& Comp. Ferrocyanide of potassium forms large yel- low transparent, rhombic octahedrons, with truncated apices, having a saline and sweetish bitter taste ; soluble in water ; the solution is not altered either by alkalies or tincture of galls ; it gives a precipitate with sulphate of iron, which is at first white, but soon changes to blue; with sulphate of copper a chocolate brown or maroon red, and with sulphate of zinc a white precipi- tate. By heat ferrocyanide of potassium first loses 12*6 per cent. of water, and becomes white ; and is afterwards decomposed, leaving an ash soluble in hydrochloric acid, and precipitated by ammonia. This precipitate, consisting of sesquioxide of iron, amounts to 18*7 percent, of the salt. When heated with dilute sulphuric acid, an odour of hydrocyanic acid is evolved. Com- position (2 K Cy + Fe Cy + 3 HO), or a double cyanide of potassium and iron. In the Pharmacopoeia its formula is thus represented, K2 Fe Cy3 + 3 HO. Cyanogen (Cy)=C2 N. Use. It is employed in the preparation of hydrocyanic acid and not used medicinally ; although represented above as a double cyanide, the grouping of the elements is probably not in that form * LIQUOR SODiE. 131 for the salt is by no means poisonous even in large doses ; there are also chemical, as well as therapeutic, reasons in favour of its containing a peculiar radical. A watery solution of the ferrocy- anide of potassium is used for testing. Ferridcyanide of Potassium. Red Prussiate of Potash. Appendix B. Prop. & Comp. K3 Fe2 Cyfi. In prismatic crystals of a fine red colour ; soluble in water. The solution gives no precipitate with the persulphate of iron, but a dark blue with the protosalts of this metal. Introduced as a test into the Pharmacopoeia to distinguish between the proto- and per-salts of iron. [Potassii Cyanidum. Cyanide of Potassium. U. S. Made by heat- ing together Ferrocyanide of Potassium and Carbonate of Potassa. The newly formed cyanide, while melted, is poured carefully off the precipitated oxide of iron. It occurs in white opaque, amorphous masses, having the smell and taste of hydrocyanic acid. Its medicinal properties are identical with those of hydrocyanic acid, and it has the advantage of being a much more stable com- pound. Dose, \ of a grain, which may be gradually and care- fully increased to \ a grain.] Sapo Mollis. Soft Soap. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] A com- pound containing potash. It is described under Olive Oil. SODIUM. (Na. Eq.=23.) This metal, called also Natrium, is contained in the soda salts, but does not exist native ; when pure, it resembles silver in colour, but is soft; sp. gr. 0*97 ; rapidly oxidizes, and forms a protoxide, the alkali soda. Liquor Sodae. Solution of Soda. Prep. Carbonate of soda, one pound ; slaked lime, twelve ounces ; distilled water, a gallon. Prepared in the same manner as directed for the solution of potash. The changes which take place in this process are exactly the same as those which occur in forming liquor potassa?. Prop. (& Comp. Liquor soda? is a colourless liquid, with intensely caustic taste ; sp. gr. 1*047. [1.071. U. S.] One fluid ounce requires 132 MATERIA MEDICA. for neutralization 47 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid, equivalent to 14*57 grains of alkali. In most of its charac- ters it resembles liquor potassa?, except that it is not precipitated by bichloride of platinum, or tartaric acid, and is precipitated by a solution of antimoniate of potash, the antimoniate of soda being a very insoluble salt. When heated with an excess of dilute nitric acid and evaporated to dryness, the residue forms with water a clear solution, which is rendered turbid by chloride of barium and by nitrate of silver, but not by ammonia, indicating traces of sulphates and chlorides, and the absence of metallic im- purities (iron, Spiritus ./Etheris Nitrosi. Spirits of Nitrous Ether. Synonym. Spiritus Etheris Nitrici. Lond. Edin. Prep. Rectified spirit, two pints ; nitrate of soda, five ounces ; sulphuric acid, four fluid ounces. Add the acid by degrees to the spirit, then pour the mixture upon the nitrate of soda, and distil thirty-five fluid ounces, keeping the receiver very cool; the nitrous acid, liberated by the action of the sulphuric acid, unites with the ether produced from the alcohol, and forms a nitrate of ethyl which distils over, accompanied with alcohol and ether ; other compounds are also formed in small quantities during the process, which become mixed with the product. The difficulty of procur- ing a pure nitrite of soda constitutes the chief objection to the adoption of this process ; if a pure salt is used, the product con- tains much nitrite of ethyl. Prop. & Comp. A colourless liquid, with an agreeable fruity 152 MATERIA MEDICA. odour, and slightly acidulous cooling taste; volatile and inflam- mable ; sp. gr. 0*843 ; [0.837. U. S.] it has usually a slight acid reaction, but should effervesce feebly or not at all when carbonate of soda is added ; when agitated with the solution of sulphate of iron, and a few 'drops of sulphuric acid, it becomes deep olive brown or black (from the liberation of the peroxide of nitrogen). It consists of alcohol, holding in solution nitrite of ethyl (C4 H5 0, N03). It often contains aldehyde, acetic acid, deutoxide of nitrogen, &c, if prepared by the process of the old London Phar- macopoeia. By keeping, the acids increase in quantity, giving to the preparation a strong acid reaction. If it is agitated with twice its volume of a saturated solution of chloride of calcium, 1$ per cent, by volume of nitrous ether separates and rises to the surface. Therapeutics. Nitrous ether is a stimulant, diaphoretic, and diuretic, chiefly used for the latter property in dropsies ; occasion- ally as a diaphoretic in slight febrile affections: it also appears to act as a grateful refrigerant. It is popularly known by the name of Sweet Spirits of Nitre. Dose. % fl. drm. to 2 fl. drms. Adulteration. Excess of acid, from being too long kept or im- properly prepared ; it then effervesces with carbonate of soda. Chloroformum. Chloroform. [The U. S. P. recognizes Chloro- formum venale. Commercial chloroform. Sp. gr. 1-450 to 1*490 and Chloroformum Purificatum. Purified Chloroform. Sp. gr. 1*490 to 1*494.] Prep. Chlorinated lime, ten pounds; rectified spirit, thirty fluid ounces ; water, three gallons; chloride of calcium, broken into fragments, two ounces; slaked lime, a sufficiency ; sul- phuric acid, a sufficiency; distilled water, nine fluid ounces. The rectified spirit and water are distilled with a mixture of slaked and chlorinated lime; the distillate well agitated with water, and the lower stratum, which is crude chloroform, separated, re- peatedly washed with successive portions of water, and well shaken with its own volume of sulphuric acid ; the layer of chlo- roform is again separated, mixed with chloride of calcium and slaked lime, and purified by redistillation. Chloroform may be produced by several processes, but the above probably yields it CHLOROFORMUM. 153 purer and more advantageously than any other. When chlorine, from chlorinated lime, acts upon alcohol, many complicated and ill-understood decompositions ensue ; the principal product, how- ever, seems to be chloroform. Prop. & Comp. Chloroform is a colourless heavy liquid, with a peculiarly agreeable, fruity, ethereal odour ; sp. gr. from 1*48 to 1*496 ; but slightly soluble in water, sinking readily in that fluid ; it mixes with alcohol and ether in all proportions ; neutral in reaction ; when rubbed on the skin it quickly evaporates, and, if pure, leaves no odour. Chloroform is a powerful solvent of caoutchouc, gutta percha, many resins, fats, and alkaloids, also of iodine and bromine. Composition (C2 H, Cl3), or a terchloride of formyl (C2 H). When exposed to air and light, it is apt to decompose, hydrochloric acid and free chlorine being formed: it is stated that when chloroform is purified with oil of vitriol, it is more liable to undergo this change, and that redistillation with carbonate of baryta gives it stability. Chloroform is not coloured by agitation with sulphuric acid, and evolves no gas when potas- sium is dropped into it, indicating the absence of oily matters or any oxygen compounds. Chloroform is decomposed by fixed alkalies; by an alcoholic solution of potash it is resolved into formate of potash and chloride of potassium. Off. Prep. Linimentum Chloroformi. Liniment of Chloro- form. (Chloroform, two fluid ounces; liniment of camphor, two fluid ounces.) [Purified chloroform, three troy ounces ; olive oil, four troy ounces. U. S.] Spiritus Chloroformi. Spirit of Chloroform. (Chloroform, one fluid ounce ; rectified spirit, nineteen fluid ounces.) Sp. gr. 0*871. [Purified chloroform, one troy ounce ; stronger alcohol, six fluid ounces. U. S.] Therapeutics. When taken internally, chloroform appears to act as a narcotic and antispasmodic, not unlike ether ; its sedative effects, however, are more distinctly marked, and it produces in large doses a general diminution of sensorial power, with drowsi- ness, and without exhilaration or acceleration of the pulse. It has been employed in spasmodic affections, as spasmodic coughs, asthma, cholera, lead colic, and hysteria; it is also stated to act as a valuable sedative in cancer, neuralgia, and other painful affec- 154 MATERIA MEDICA. tions, and it is even asserted to be antiperiodic, relieving some- times when bark and quinine have failed. Externally, it has been used in medicine to allay pain and irri- tation in neuralgia, and certain skin affections attended with troublesome itching. For all these purposes, however, its applica- tion is very limited; its chief employment being in the form of vapour, for the production of its ana?sthetic effects. When inhaled in small doses, it produces a slight species of ine- briation, with some impairment of vision and common sensibility, consciousness remaining. The sensations produced by these small doses are usually of a pleasurable character ; carried to this ex- tent, it may be employed in the treatment of spasmodic and neu- ralgic affections. If the inhalation be continued longer, the patient passes into a dreamy state, sometimes with considerable mental excitement, but with loss of common sensibility; it may be given to this extent when employed in natural labour : from these effects the patient soon recovers on the cessation of the administration of the vapour. If the inhalation be carried still further, the patient loses the power of voluntary motion; there is an inclination of the eyes upwards, complete suspension of the mental faculties, with slight contraction of the muscles and rigidity of the limbs. Although at this stage common sensibility appears quite destroyed, yet on the performance of surgical operations there may be indications expressive of pain in the features, and even moaning and inarticu- late cries. When this condition has been kept up for some time, and the winking of the eyelids very much diminished, then is the proper period for the performance of surgical operations. If the effects be carried further, complete relaxation of the vol- untary muscles takes place, but the sphincters remain contracted, the respiration goes on, though accompanied with slight stertorous breathing, the glottis continues sensible, but the sensibility of the pharynx appears to be diminished, so that in operations about the mouth blood frequently finds its way into the stomach ; the iris is much less sensitive to light, but not contracted. When the relax- ation of the muscles has fully taken place, then the reduction of dislocations and hernia may be effected. If the inhalation is continued beyond this stage, symptoms indi- cative of danger succeed : the breathing becomes very stertorous CHLOROFORMUM. 155 and slow, and may altogether cease, and death may take place, sometimes accompanied with convulsions. Chloroform has been administered in the form of vapour in the treatment of tetanus, hydrophobia, colic, and painful spasmodic affections, as during the passage of renal calculi, or of gall-stones, &c.; in sonie of these cases its use has been followed by great relief. The first and second set of symptoms above mentioned may be generally produced by administering from half a fluid drachm, to a fluid drachm, and repeating it in a few minutes if this condition is required to be kept up. When the inhalation is sus- pended, the patient, in the course of five or six minutes, recovers his consciousness, but without remembering anything which has taken place. For the production of complete insensibility and relaxation more chloroform must be employed, and the effects carefully watched. If the inhalation has proceeded too far, am- monia, dashing cold water in the face, or even artificial respira- tion, must be had recourse to. In the administration of chloroform, several precautions should be taken. In the first place, the chloroform should be pure, that is, free from oily matter, hydrochloric acid, and uncombined chlo- rine ; it should not be used at all, or if so, employed with the greatest care, for persons suffering from any cerebral disease, or tendency to such, or any organic cardiac affection. It may be administered in vapour either by means of a folded handkerchief applied over the face and nose, or by means of inhalers which are sold for this purpose; and care should be taken that the patient breathes atmospheric air at the same time with the chloroform vapour. Disagreeable symptoms sometimes occur after the inha- lation of chloroform, as nausea, vomiting, headache: probably these may occasionally arise from impurities in the preparation. Ether, and the vapour of some other hydrocarbons, as Amyline, Benzol, Dutch Liquid, Bisulphuret of Carbon, &c, when inhaled, produce effects not unlike those of chloroform, and before the dis- covery of this latter agent, pure ether was always made use of; the effects of ether appear to be almost identical in kind with those of chloroform, but the quantity required to produce the same effect is much greater, from one fluid ounce to two fluid ounces. It is stated by Dr. Snow that greater muscular relaxation is produced by ether than by chloroform. 156 MATERIA MEDICA. When chloroform is taken into the stomach, or exhibited in the form of vapour, it is absorbed into the blood, and Dr. Snow has discovered its presence in the blood of animals killed by this agent. Its detection can be effected by causing the vapour from the sus- pected fluid to pass through a red-hot tube, when the chloroform, if present, is decomposed and free chlorine evolved, which may be made to act upon nitrate of silver, or upon starch-paper impreg- nated with iodide of potassium. Dose. Chloroform, when given in a liquid state, may be rubbed up with yolk of egg and mucilage, or syrup: the dose may be from 1 min. to 10 min. It is more frequently adminis- tered in the form of Spiritus Chloroformi (chloric ether), of which the dose may be from 10 min. to 30 min. or more. Externally it may be employed in the form of Linimentum Chloroformi, or added to other liniments, or as an ointment, made by rubbing to- gether 1 part of chloroform, with about 7 of lard. The doses for inhalation have been already indicated. Adulterations. Hydrochloric acid and free chlorine, detected by their acid reaction and bleaching power, and by the water with which the chloroform has been agitated, precipitating nitrate of silver. Sometimes an oily matter, formed during the prepara- tion, may be present, dejected by its leaving an odour on evapora- tion, and being coloured by sulphuric acid. Fousel Oil. Appendix A. Amylic Alcohol. [Alcohol Amyli- cum. Fusel Oil. U. S.] Prop. & Comp. Fousel oil, a product obtained in the distilla- tion of spirit from potatoes, barley, gr. dose will destroy a dog; but 1 gr. of the spurious alkaloid can often be given without much effect. Podophyllum. Podophyllum. The dried rhizome of Podophyl- lum peltatum, or the American May-apple ; Lin. Syst., Poly- andria monogynia; called sometimes Mandrake in the United States, over which it is extensively diffused. Podophylli Resina. Resin of Podophyllum; Podophylline. A resin obtained from Podophyllum by means of rectified spirit. Description. Podophyllum, occurs in thin rhizomes a few inches long and 2 lines in thickness, brown, jointed, with nume- rous radicles, wrinkled longitudinally, it breaks short, and is whitish internally ; powder, greyish-yellow, with a sweet odour and sweetish acrid taste. The resin or Podophylline is a pale greenish-brown amorphous powder, and is prepared by the following process :—Podophyllum root in coarse powder is exhausted by percolation with rectified spirit. The spirit is then distilled off, and the remaining liquid slowly poured into three times its volume of water acidulated with hydrochloric acid. The deposited resin is afterwards washed on a filter with distilled water, and dried. Prop. & Comp. Podophyllum contains resinous matters, to- gether with gum and other substances soluble in water ; the resin constitutes about 3£- per cent, of the root, and is soluble in recti- fied spirit and ammonia ; it is precipitated from the former by water, from the latter by acids. It is almost entirely soluble in pure ether. Berberine is stated to exist in the root, and to be contained in much of the commercial podophylline. Berberine is contained in larger quantities in the Hydrastis canadensis, and in other plants belonging to the order Ranunculacea?, also in the Cocculus palmatus. It is represented by the formula (C40 H17 NO.). Therapeutics. Podophyllum and its resin act as drastic cath- artics very much like jalap r they are used in congestions of the 164 MATERIA MEDICA. liver or portal system ; and combined with calomel, and bitartrate of potash, in dropsies. Dose. Of the powder, about 10 gr. to 20 gr. ; of the resin (podophylline), \ gr. to 2 gr. Helleborus. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] The rhizome and root of the Helleborus niger, Christmas Rose, or Black Hellebore ; Lin. Syst., Polyandria polygynia; inhabiting Central Europe; imported from Marseilles and Hamburg Description. Dark brown rhizomes with numerous rootlets when cut, exhibiting a whitish appearance. Prop. & Comp. Taste very acrid and bitter, but sweetish at first ; it has been stated to contain a crystalline principle, Belleborin, but this statement has not been as yet confirmed ; be- sides which, gallic acid, an acrid oil, and resin, salts, &c, have been found. Tinctura Hellebobi, Lond. 1851. Tincture of Hellebore. (Hellebore, bruised, five ounces ; proof spirit, two pints. Mace- rate for seven days, then press and strain.) Therapeutics. In full medicinal doses, it is a powerful drastic purgative, stated also to be emmenagogue : little used in this country at present; formerly employed in cerebral affections, and melancholia. Dose. Of the powder, 5 gr. to 20 gr.; of the tincture, \ fl. drm. to 1 fl. drm. Staphisagria. (Not officinal.) The seed of Delphinium Staphis- agria or Stavesacre; Lin. Syst., Polyandria trigynia; inhabit- ing chiefly the southern parts of Europe. Description. The seed is irregularly triangular, of a brownish black colour, deeply pitted on the surface. Prop. & Comp. No odour, acrid taste, contains an alkaloid, Delphinia (C27 H19 N02?), together with resin, fatty matter, wax, lignin, &c. Therapeutics. Stavesacre appears to act as an emetic and purgative, when given internally, and has been used as an anthel- mintic ; it seems also to possess narcotic properties. Externally it has the power of destroying pediculi, and may be used in powder or ointment. CORTEX WINTERI. 165 Dose. 3 gr. to 10 gr., in powder and decoction ; very seldom used. Actaea racemcsa. (Not officinal.) The root of Acta?a or Cimi- cifuga racemosa. Black Snake Root. [Cimicifuga. The root of C. Racemosa. U. S.] This remedy, which has been much used in America, has lately been introduced into this country. Its use is said to have been attended with much success in rheumatic fever, in chorea, and in lumbago, and in some forms of puerperal hypochondriasis. The tincture, made by macerating four ounces of the root in a pint of spirit, is the most convenient form of administering it; it may be given in doses of from thirty to sixty minims three times a day. [Extractum Cimicifuga? fluidum. U. S. Made by perco- lating finely-powdered cimicifuga first by stronger, and then by diluted, alcohol; the two percolates are then separately evapor- ated, mixed and filtered. The proportions are such, that 16 ounces of the root make 16 ounces of the fluid extract. The dose is from fifteen to twenty minims.] MAGNOLIACE^l. Cortex Winteri. (Not officinal.) Winter's Bark. The bark of Drymis Winteri, or Drymfs Aromatica; Lin. Syst., Polyandria tetragynia ; a large tree found by Captain Winter, in 1578, on the coasts of the Straits of Magellan. Grows also in Chili, Peru, and New Granada. Description. It occurs in large quills, a foot or more in length, and from 1 to 2 inches in width. The bark itself varies from £ to \ of an inch in thickness ; externally it is reddish yellow, with dark red spots ; internally, cinnamon colour. It has a powerful aromatic odour, and hot taste. Prop. & Comp. Winter's bark contains a volatile oil, lighter than water, nsin, and some tannin; hence its solution strikes black with salts of iron ; in the analysis of this bark oxide of iron, sulphate of potash and other salts, are given as constituents. Therapeutics. A warm aromatic stomachic and tonic, useful in atonic dyspepsia. It was originally given in scurvy. Dose. 30 gr. to 60 gr., in powder, or made into an infusion. Adulteration. Canella alba is often substituted for Winter's 166 MATERIA MEDICA. bark; it is distinguished by being much lighter • in colour, especi- ally on the inner surface, and containing no tannin, and no soluble sulphate ; the infusion of canella, therefore, does not strike black with iron salts, and is not precipitated by chloride of barium. Therapeutically the substitution is of little or no consequence. Illicium anisatum. Star Anise. The fruit of* this plant, belonging to the order Magnoliacea?, yields an oil which resembles true anise oil very closely, and which is now made officinal under the name of Oleum Anisi, in conjunction with the oil from the umbelliferous fruit. MENISPERMACEJS. Calumba. Calumbo. The root of the Cocculus palmatus, Ca- lumba plant; Lin. Syht., Dioecia hexandria; sometimes called Columbo root; the name was supposed to be derived from Columbo, the modern capital of the island of Ceylon, but it is imported from the Mozambique (Africa). Description. It occurs' in small cylindrical pieces, which are cut into thin disks. These vary in diameter from \ inch to 2 or 3 inches, and in thickness from 2 to 4 lines ; the central portion is spongy, yellow, and in concentric layers; the outer portion dark green or olive ; the slices usually become concavo-convex in the drying, and thinner in the centre. Prop. & Comp. Calumbo root has little odour, but a very bitter taste. It contains a neutral non-nitrogenized crystallizable principle, called Columbine (C42 H22 014), but slightly soluble in water or proof spirit; an acid called Calumbic (C42 H21 014), and an alkaloid, Berberine (C40 H17 N08), the salts of which are soluble, and yellow ; and give the colour to the root. The calumbate of berberine is contained in the infusion and tincture. Berberine was first found in the Berberis vulgaris, and hence its name. It must not be confounded with Beberia, which is» officinal, and which is obtained from Bebeeru Bark. There exists also much starch in the root. Off. Prep. Extbactum Calumba. Extract of Calumbo. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Calumbo, in powder, one pound ; proof spirit, eighty ounces. Prepared by maceration, percolation, and evaporation to a proper consistence.) PAREIRA. 167 Infusum Calumba. Infusion of Calumbo. (Calumbo, in coarse powder, half an ounce ; cold distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [From half a troy ounce of powdered Calumbo, a pint of infusion is obtained by percolation. U. S.] An infusion made with cold water. Tinctuba Calumba. Tincture of Calumbo. (Calumbo, bruised, two ounces and a half; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Pre- pared by maceration and percolation.) [From four troy ounces of powdered Calumbo, two pints of tincture are obtained by per- colation with diluted alcohol. U. S.] Therapeutics. Calumbo is a bitter stomachic and tonic, useful in debility of the digestive organs, and hence valuable in the non- inflammatory forms of gastrodynia, pyrosis, and vomiting ; also as a general tonic, especially in the early stages of convalescence from acute diseases ; it is often usefully combined, in stomachic affections, with an alkali or alkaline bicarbonate, or with the nitrate of bismuth or hydrocyanic acid. Dose. Of the powder, 10 gr. to 20 gr., or more ; of the extract, 2 gr. to 6 gr.; of the infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the tinc- ture, \ fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. Incompatibles. The infusion of calumbo now contains no starch in solution, and hence does not strike blue with iodine. Calumbo may be given with salts of iron, as it contains neither tannin nor gallic acid. Adulteration. Tinged bryony root, also the root of the Frasera Walteri, and of a Menisperm from Ceylon, have been substituted for true calumbo. Pareira. Pareira. The dried root of the Cissampelos Pareira, or Velvet Leaf; Lin. Sys., Dioecia dodecandria ; a plant growing in the West Indies and South America. Description. It occurs in more or less cylindrical-shaped pieces, entire or split longitudinally \ an inch to 4 inches in diameter, and 4 inches to 4 feet in length ; externally brownish, wrinkled both longitudinally and transversely ; internally yellowish-grey, with concentric circles and radiating rays, and very open or can- cellated in structure. Prop. <& Comp. Odour very slight, taste, sweetish and then 168 MATERIA MEDICA. bitter. It contains a crystalline nitrogenized principle, named Pelosine or Cissampeline (C36 H21 N06), a strong base ; besides which there exists some resin, a bitter yellow matter, starch, salts, &c. Off. Prep. Decoctum Pareira. Decoction of Pareira. (Pareira, sliced, one ounce and a half; distilled water, one pint and a half. Boil to a pint, and strain.) [The only officinal pre- paration of Pareira in the U. S. P. is the infusion made by mace- rating a pint of boiling water for two hours in a troy ounce of bruised Pareira.] Extractum Pareira Liquidum. Liquid Extract of Pareira. (Pareira, in coarse powder, one pound. Prepared by maceration and percolation of the powder with water, evaporation to thirteen fluid ounces, and subsequent addition of three fluid ounces of recti- fied spirit.) Each fluid part of the extract contains a solid part of the root. Therapeutics. Pareira is a bitter tonic, like calumbo, but scarcely ever used as such ; it is thought to act as a diuretic, and to have an action on the mucous membrane of the bladder. Its use is chiefly confined to chronic catarrhal affections of that viscus, to allay irritation and diminish the mucous discharge ; it may be combined with nitric acid or an alkali, according to the state of the urine ; it is used also in chronic pyelitis. Dose. Of powder, 30 gr. to 60 gr. ; of the decoction, 1^ fl. oz. to 3 fl. oz. ; of the liquid extract, ^ fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. Adulteration. Roots and stems of other plants are stated to have been occasionally substituted, which have yielded much less extractive matter. Cocculus. Cocculus Indicus. The fruit of Anamirta or Menisper mum Cocculus, the Cocculus Indicus plant; Lin.Sys.; Dioecia dodecandria ; a climbing shrub, growing in the East India Islands and Malabar coast, &c. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Description. A berry, between a pea and a bayberry in size, consisting of a dark brown exterior, enclosing a wrinkled, bivalved shell, and a reniform yellowish and oily seed, which should fill at least two-thirds of the shell. Prop. & Comp. Cocculus fruit contains a non-nitrogenized PAPAVER. 169 crystalline neutral principle, Picrotoxine (C10 H6 04), which resides in the kernel and forms colourless stellate needles ; also an alka- loid, Menispermine (C18 H12 NO), united with an acid, Cocculinic acid, contained chiefly in the shell. Off. Prep. Unguentum Cocculi. Ointment of Cocculus. (The seeds of Cocculus Indicus, eighty grains ; prepared lard, an ounce.) Therapeutics. Cocculus Indicus, as well as picrotoxine, act upon the nervous system as intoxicating agents, apparently upon the cerebellum; they are not, however, used internally in medi- cine. Externally, in the form of the ointment, Cocculus Indicus is employed to destroy pediculi, and it is likewise occasionally used in chronic skin diseases. PAPAVERCEiE. Papaver. Poppy Capsules. The nearly ripe Capsules of Papaver somniferum, the Garden, or Opium Poppy; Lin. Syst., Polyan- dria monogynia; a native of Syria and Egypt, cultivated in Britain. Description. The ripe fruit, poppy-heads, or capsules, are glob- ular, from 2 to 4 inches in diameter; of a pale brownish-yellow colour, smooth, with a radiating stigma on the top ; within are parietal placenta?, and very numerous small pale brownish, reni- form seeds ; the texture of the heads is light and papery, with lit- tle or no odour, and some bitterish opiate taste. Prop. <& Comp. Besides woody fibre, &c, the capsules contain a small amount of the principles found in opium ; and the seeds, called maw seeds, have much bland oil (poppy-oil), but possess no narcotic properties. When gathered unripe, more opium is pres- ent in the capsules. Off. Prep. Decoctum Papaveris. Decoction of Poppy-heads. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Poppy-heads bruised and free from seeds, four ounces; distilled water, three pints. Boil for fifteen minutes and strain. The product should measure thirty-two fluid ounces. Syrupus Papaveris. Syrup of Poppy. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Poppies bruised, the seeds being removed, thirty-six 170 MATERIA MEDICA. ounces ; refined sugar, four pounds ; boiling distilled water, twenty pints; rectified spirit, sixteen fluid ounces. Macerate the poppy capsules in the water for twelve hours ; evaporate and strain ; reduce the strained liquor to three pints, and when quite cold add the spirit, mix and filter; distil off the spirit, evaporate the re- maining liquor to two pints, and then add the sugar.) The pro- duct should weigh six pounds and a half, and should have the sp. gr. 1*320. Therapeutics. Syrup of poppies acts in the same manner as opium, but is much weaker, and less certain in its action than most of the officinal preparations of that drug. The decoction is not given internally, but is employed as an external application to allay pain and soothe. Dose. Of the syrup, 1 fl. drm. to \ fl. oz.; for children, \ fl. drm., cautiously increased, these patients being very susceptible of the influence of opium. Opium. Opium; Turkey Opium. The juice from the incised un- ripe fruit of Papaver somniferum, hardened in the air. Morphia? Hydrochloras. Hydrochlorate of Morphia. The Hydrochlorate of an alkaloid, prepared from opium. Synonym. Morphia? Murias. [U. S.] Edin. Dub. Description. Opium is prepared by making horizontal incisions with a sharp instrument, into poppy capsules, a few days after the petals have fallen, taking care not to penetrate the interior; a milky juice exudes, which soon becomes brown, and forms tears ; these, when scraped off, and wrought together into masses or cakes, form opium : it is usually enveloped with some leaf. Of Turkey opium there are two varieties, viz., Smyrna and Con- stantinople. Smyrna opium occurs in masses more or less flattened, from \ to 2 pounds in weight, covered externally with the capsules of a species of rumex ; internally, when fresh, it is soft, of a rich brown colour, heavy narcotic odour and bitter taste ; it is made up of agglutinated tears. Constantinople opium is met with in small lenticular masses, from \ to \ a pound in weight, often in- closed in a poppy leaf, and marked with the midrib ; it was at one time inferior to the Smyrna variety. Besides Turkey opium, there are several other kinds, which are MORPHINE HYDROCHLORAS. 171 however not officinal, and should not be employed in making the Pharmaceutic preparations of the drugs ; among these are— Egyptian opium, in flat cakes, more or less circular, and about two or three inches in diameter, covered with some leaf (perhaps the poppy) ; internally hard, of a dark reddish-brown colour, and a musty narcotic odour : it is met with in English commerce, but is very inferior to Turkey opium. East Indian opium is found in round balls, like twenty-four pound shot, about 4 pounds in weight; covered with a thick case of poppy leaves, agglutinated; internally rather soft and black ; called Chinese investment opium. East Indian opium also occurs in cakes, called Malwa, and Garden Patna opium. Nearly all the Indian opiums are inferior to Turkey opium, and are not found in English commerce. Other varieties of opium, such as Persian, or Trebizond, in sticks, or occasionally in masses, and European opiums, as Eng- lish, French, and German, are now and then met with. Hydrochlorate of Morphia should be in a crystalline form. Prop. & Comp. Opium is rich in crystalline principles ; it con- tains a peculiar acid, and several alkaloids and neutral bodies, the most important of which are as follows :— Meconic Acid (3 HO, C14 B.On" + 6 HO), in crystalline, pearly scales; it is soluble in water; and forms insoluble salts, with lime, baryta, and oxide of lead ; meconic acid strikes blood red with persalts of iron ; it is easily decomposed. Morphia (C34 H19 N06), an alkaloid in the form of six-sided prisms ; soluble in alcohol, and caustic fixed alkaline solutions; very slightly so indeed in ether or water ; its solutions are red- dened by nitric acid : it has the power of liberating iodine, and hence bluing starch, when added to iodic acid ; morphia, and its salts, strike blue with persalts of iron ; and when the solutions are treated with free chlorine, and excess of ammonia afterwards added, a brown colour is produced, disappearing with excess of chlorine. Acetate of Morphia (not officinal), [Officinal in U. S. P.] occurs in very fine needles ; generally in powder ; apt to lose a part of its acid ; soluble in water and alcohol. Composition (C34 Hl9 N06, C4 H3 03 + HO). 172 MATERIA MEDICA. Hydrochlorate of morphia when pure is found in plumous acicu- lar crystals ; requires about twenty parts of water to dissolve it; soluble in spirit; when pure, both this salt and the acetate are entirely dissipated at a red heat. Composition (C34 H19 N06, H CI + 6 HO). The aqueous solution gives a white curdy precipi- tate with nitrate of silver, and a white one with potash, redis- solved by excess. Moistened with strong nitric acid, it becomes orange red, with perchloride of iron greenish blue. Twenty grains of the salt dissolved in half an ounce of warm water, with ammonia added in the slightest possible excess, give on cooling a crystalline precipitate, which when washed with a little cold water, and dried by exposure to air, weighs 15*18 grains. [Morphia? Sulphas. Sulphate of Morphia, U. S. Made by dis- solving morphia in dilute sulphuric acid, evaporating and crystal- lizing. In snow-white, feathery, crystals, wholly,'soluble in water. Composition C34 H19 N06, S03 + 5 HO.] Codeia (C36 H21 N06+2 HO), an alkaloid, in rhombic prisms, or octahedral crystals soluble in alcohol and ether, and also in boil- ing water, but not in alkaline solutions ; does not exhibit the tests given above for Morphia ; it forms crystallized salts with acids. Papaverina (C40 H21 N08), an alkaloid in small acicular crys- tals ; the crystals turn blue with oil of vitriol, and the solution gives rise to a very insoluble hydrochlorate in brilliant prisms, when great excess of the acid is added. Thebaia or Paramorphia (C38 H21 N06), an alkaloid, not soluble in alkalies ; dose not give the tests of morphia ; crystallizes in square plates of a silvery lustre. Narcoiine (C46 H^ N014), neutral, in brilliant prisms, insoluble in water and alkalies; soluble in alcohol, ether and acids, with the latter of which it forms acid crystalline salts. Narceia (C46 H29 N018), neutral silky crystals, insoluble in ether ; a feeble base, reddened by strong sulphuric acid. Meconine or Opianyl (C20 H10 08), neutral, in acicular crystals ; exists in opium, but can be formed by the oxidation of narcotine. Opianine, a principle found as yet only in Egyptian opium, has been but very imperfectly examined. Porphyroxine, a principle whose composition is unknown • dis- MORPHINE HYDROCHLORAS. 173 tinguished by becoming purple when heated with dilute hydro- chloric acid ; crystalline, but little understood. Besides these crystallizable bodies, opium contains several dif- ferent Resins, as yet but little examined, also gummy, extractive, and fatty matters, caoutchouc, a trace of volatile oil, and inorganic salts. Analyses of opium have given the following per-centage of constituents : Morphia, 6 to 12 ; Codeia, less than 1 ; Narco- tine, 6 to 8 ; Narceine, less than 1 ; Meconine, less than 1 ; Me- conic acid, 6 to 8 ; Resin, 10*93 ; Bassorine, caoutchouc, fat and lignin, 26*25 ; salts and volatile oil, 3*60 ; earthy salts, &c, 0*71 ; brown acid, gum, &c, 41*17. The British Pharmacopoeia gives the following tests for ascer- taining the quantity of morphia present in opium :— Take of opium 100 grains, slaked lime 100 grains, distilled water 4 ounces. Break down the opium, and steep it in 1 ounce of the water for 24 hours, stirring the mixture frequently. Trans- fer it to a displacement apparatus, and pour on the remainder of the water in successive portions, so as to exhaust the opium by percolation. To the infusion thus obtained, placed in a flask, add the lime, boil for ten minutes, place the undissolved matter on a filter, and wash it with 1 ounce of boiling water. Acidulate the filtered fluid slightly with dilute hydrochloric acid, evaporate it to the bulk of £ an ounce, and let it cool. Neutralize cautiously with solution of ammonia, carefully avoiding an excess ; remove by filtration the brown matter which separates, wash it with 1 ounce of hot water, mix the washings with the filtrate, concentrate the whole to the bulk of \ of an ounce, and add now solution of am- monia in slight excess. After 24 hours collect the precipitated morphia on a weighed filter, wash it with cold water, and dry it at 212°. It ought to weigh at least from 6 to 8 grains. Off. Prep.—Off Opium. Emplastrum Opii. Opium Plaster. [Extract of Opium, a troy ounce ; Burgundy pitch, three troy ounces ; lead plaster, twelve troy ounces ; water a sufficient quan- tity. U. S.] (Opium, in very fine powder, one ounce; resin plaster, nine ounces.) Enema Opii. Enema of Opium. (Decoction of starch, two fluid ounces ; tincture of opium, thirty minims. Mix.) [Not officinal in U. S. P.] 174 MATERIA MEDICA. Extractum Opii. Extract of Opium. (Opium, in thin slices, one pound ; distilled water, six pints. Prepared by macerating the opium, three times, for twenty-four hours each time, in two pints of water, mixing the liquors, straining and reducing by evaporation to a proper consistence.) Extractum Opii Liquidum. Liquid Extract of Opium. (Ex- tract of opium, one ounce ; distilled water, seventeen fluid ounces ; rectified spirit, three fluid ounces.) [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Linimentum Opii. Liniment of Opium. (Tincture of opium, two fluid ounces; liniment of soap, two fluid ounces.) [Not offi- cinal in U. S. P.] Pilula Opii. Opium Pill. (Opium, in fine powder, half an ounce ; hard soap, two ounces; distilled water, a sufficiency.) [Opium, in fine powder, sixty grains ; soap, in fine powder, twelve grains. Beat them, with water, into a pilular mass, to be divided into sixty pills. U. S.] One grain of opium is contained in five grains of the pill mass. Pilula Plumbi cum Opio. Pill of Lead and Opium. (Acetate of lead, in fine powder, thirty-six grains ; opium, in powder, six grains ; confection of roses, six grains.) [Not officinal in U. S. P.] One grain of opium is contained in eight grains of the pill mass. Pulvis Cret^e Aromaticus cum Opio. Aromatic Powder of Chalk and Opium. (Aromatic powder of chalk, nine ounces and three quarters ; opium, in powder, a quarter of an ounce.) One part of opium in forty parts of the powder. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Pulvis Ipecacuanha cum Opio. Powder of Ipecacuan and Opium. Synonym,. Pulvis Ipecacuanha? Compositus. (Ipecacuan, in powder, half an ounce ; opium, in powder, half an ounce ; sulphate of potash, four ounces.) One part of opium in ten parts of the powder. This prepara- tion is also known as Dover's powder. Pulvis Kino cum Opio. Powder of Kino and Opium. Synonym. Pulvis Kino Compositus. Lond. (Kino, in powder, three ounces and three quarters ; opium, in powder, a quarter of an ounce ; cinnamon, in powder, one ounce.) MORPHLE HYDROCHLORAS. 175 One part of opium in twenty parts of the powder. [Not offi- cinal in U. S. P.] Tinctura Opii. Tincture of Opium. (Powdered opium, one ounce and a half; proof spirit, one pint. Prepared by maceration.) One grain of dry opium is contained in fourteen minims and a half of the tincture. [Opium, dried in powder, two troy ounces and a half; water, alcohol, each a pint; diluted alcohol, a suffici- ent quantity. Two pints of tincture are made by maceration and percolation. A grain of dry opium is contained in 12*8 minims of the tincture. U. S.] Tinctura Camphorce cum Opio. Camphorated Tincture of Opium. [Tinctura? Opii Camphorata. U. S. The formula is slightly different, but the strength is the same as in the Br. Ph.] (Opium, in coarse powder, forty grains ; benzoic acid, forty grains ; camphor, thirty grains ; oil of anise, half a fluid drachm ; proof spirit, one pint. Prepared by maceration.) One grain of opium is contained in half a fluid ounce of this tincture. This preparation is often termed Paregoric Elixir, was called Tinctura Camphora? Composita, Lond. Phar. 1851. Trochisci Opii. Opium Lozenges. (Extract of opium, seventy- two grains ; tincture of tolu, half a fluid ounce ; refined sugar, sixteen ounces ; gum arabic, in powder, two ounces; extract of liquorice, sixteen ounces ; boiling distilled water, a sufficiency. To make seven hundred and twenty lozenges.) Each lozenge contains one-tentii of a grain of extract of opium. [Trochisci Glycyrrhiza? et Opii. Troches of Liquorice and Opium. Opium, in fine powder, half a troy ounce; liquorice, gum arabic, sugar, all in fine powder, each ten troy ounces ; oil of anise, a fluid drachm. Made into a mass, with the addition of water, and divided into troches, each weighing six grains. U. S. Each lozenge contains about one-twelfth of a grain of opium.] Unguentum Galla cum Opio. Ointment of Galls and Opium. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Ointment of galls, one ounce ; opium, in powder, thirty-two grains.) One part of opium is contained in fourteen parts and a half of the ointment. Vinum Opii. Wine of Opium. (Opium, in powder, one ounce and a half; sherry, one pint. Prepared by maceration.) 176 materia medica. One grain of dry opium is contained in fourteen minims and a half of the wine. [Opium, in powder, two troy ounces; cinnamon and cloves, each in powder, sixty grains. The powders are macerated with fifteen fluid ounces of sherry for fifteen days : the whole is then transferred to a percolator, and after the liquid is drained off, sherry wine is poured on until a pint of percolate is obtained. One grain of opium is contained in eight minims of the wine.] Of Hytlrochlorale of Morphia:— Liquor Morphia Hydrochloratis. Solution of Hydrochlorate of Morphia. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Hydrochlorate of morphia, four grains; dilute hydrochloric acid, eight minims ; rectified spirit, two fluid drachms; distilled water, six fluid drachms.) Half a grain of hydrochlorate of morphia is contained in each fluid drachm of this solution. It is half the strength of Liquor Morphia? Hydrochloratis, London, 1851. Suppositoria Morphia. Morphia Suppositories. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Hydrochlorate of morphia, three grains ; refined sugar, thirty grains ; prepared lard and wax, of each a sufficiency, divided into twelve cones, covered with wax and lard.) Each suppository contains a quarter of a grain of the morphia salt. Trochisci Morphia. Morphia Lozenges. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Hydrochlorate of morphia, twenty grains ; tincture of tolu, half a fluid ounce ; refined sugar, in powder, twenty-four ounces ; gum arabic in powder, one ounce ; mucilage of gum arabic, two fluid ounces, or a sufficiency ; boiling distilled water, half a fluid ounce. Divide into 720 lozenges.) Each lozenge con- tains one thirty-sixth of a grain of hydrochlorate of morphia. Trochisci Morphia et Ipecacuanha. Morphia and Ipecacuan Lozenges. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Hydrochlorate of morphia, twenty grains ; ipecacuan, in fine powder, sixty grains ; and the same ingredients in the same quantities, as for the morphia lozenges.) Each lozenge contains one thirty-sixth of a grain of hydro- chlorate of morphia, and one-twelfth of a grain of ipecacuan. Hydrochlorate of Morphia is prepared by thoroughly ex- hausting opium with water, and evaporating to a small bulk, OPIUM. 177 so that one pint of fluid shall contain the soluble matter of one pound of opium. To this is added a strong solution of chloride of calcium, and the liquid evaporated till, on cooling, it forms a solid mass ; which is then enveloped in two folds of calico, and subjected to a powerful pressure. The cake is then triturated with about half a pint of boiling water, the whole thrown on a filter and washed. The filtered liquor is again evaporated, and allowed to cool and solidify, pressed, dissolved as before, evap- orated and again allowed to solidify ; if the mass is still much coloured, this process may be again repeated. The pressed cake is finally dissolved in six ounces of boiling water with animal charcoal, for twenty minutes, and, filtered ammonia added in slight excess, and the pure crystalline morphia which separates collected and dried. This is dissolved in hydrochloric acid, and the hydrochlorate of morphia allowed to crystallize. An additional quantity of morphia may be obtained from the dark liquids expressed, by diluting them with water, precipitating with potash in excess, filtering, saturating with hydrochloric acid, and purifying with animal charcoal. Therapeutics. Opium when taken internally, in small doses, produces, at first, some excitement of the vascular and nervous systems, shown by increased fulness and rapidity of the pulse, exaltation of the mental functions, and very pleasant sensations ; these, after a time, are followed by a feeling of drowsiness, and at last by a sound sleep, often accompanied with perspiration ; on awakening, the individual usually feels some nausea and head- ache, the tongue is furred, there is loss of appetite, thirst, and a torpid state of the bowels. If pain or spasm be present, these become relieved, at the same time the influence of the drug in producing sleep is much diminished. The stimulant effect of opium does not last long, usually not more than half an hour, and when the dose is large, and the patient unaccustomed to the drug, it is often scarcely noticed, the soporific influence being very speedily produced ; certain conditions of the system and the previous long-continued use of the medicine hinder or prevent the soporific effect, but favour the development of the symptoms of excitement ; when large doses are taken the sleepiness becomes intense, and there is great difficulty in awakening the patient; in still larger doses poisonous effects ensue, the sleep passing into 13 178 MATERIA MEDICA. a condition of stupor or coma, with gradually increasing slowness of respiration, feebleness of pulse, cold perspiration, and contracted pupils, followed by death. The influence of opium upon the different organs and functions of the body may be thus enumerated : On the Digestive Organs / it impairs appetite and the digestive process, causes thirst, diminishes the secretions from the whole mucous membrane, and induces constipation. On the Brain and Nervous System the action of opium is most powerfully exerted, as is shown in the primary exaltation of the mental faculties and the subsequent sleep and coma ; the pupils of the eyes become contracted, even to a point, when the patient is powerfully under the influence of the drug ; the spine is some- times affected, and tetanic symptoms occur, especially when opium is given to the lower animals, in whom the cerebral effect is less marked. On the Vascular System/ opium acts at first as a stimulant and then as a sedative, probably both effects are induced through the medium of the nervous system ; when given in small doses, frequently repeated, the force of the circulation can be kept up for a long time. On the Cutaneous System; opium causes free perspiration, an effect for which the drug is often prescribed, and which is much increased by combination with ipecacuanha, camphor, &c. On the Secreting and Excreting Organs, with the exception of the skin, the effect of opium is to lessen their activity : the bile is diminished, as is seen in the pale-coloured fasces; the urine often becomes scanty, and also the saliva and buccal mucus. On the Respiratory System, opium produces a sedative effect, diminishing the frequency of the respirations, and hence impairing the oxidation of the blood. On the Sexual System, opium acts as a stimulant, especially in males, and has been employed in Eastern countries as an aphrodisiac. Applied to the skin opium appears to possess some power of allaying pain, and is often added to fomentations. When the cutis is denuded, the opium and morphia salts become absorbed and produce constitutional effects. Applied also to the mucous membrane of the rectum in the form of suppository or enema, OPIUM. 179 not only the local but the general symptoms of the drug are produced. Opium is perhaps more extensively used than any other drug, and of such value is it, that it has been called the " gift of God" to man. It may be employed to allay pain and spasm, occurring in almost any condition of the system, as in the varieties of neuralgia, colic, during the passage of renal or biliary calculi, in tetanus and inflammations of various kinds ; in short, pain, from whatever cause arising, is usually advantageously treated by opium. In Inflammation it is given not only to assuage pain and spasm, but to control the disease ; opium seems to have some power over the capillary circulation, which is advantageously made use of after depletion; perhaps this may be exercised through the medium of the nervous system ; it is very commonly given, combined with calomel, in cases of inflammation, where it is valuable, not only for the influence it exerts over the disease, but also from its preventing the mercurial salt from running off by the bowels. Opium is given with tartar emetic, in several forms of inflammation. In inflammation of mucous membranes, opium may or may not be useful; when the air passages are affected, opium should be cautiously administered : but when the intestinal tube is involved, as in dysentery, its property of checking secretion and allaying irritability is of much value. In Fevers opium may be sometimes used when nervous symptoms, as tremor and watchfulness, occur, attended with deficient power of the vascular system ; it should always be given in small doses, and the effects watched. In intermittent fevers, or agues, opium sometimes suffices for the cure, when given before the time of accession of the cold stage ; but there are other remedies which possess greater antiperiodic powers, without the narcotic properties ; opium, however, may be occasionally used in intermittent cases with advantage. In diseases of the Nervous System, when attended with increased vascular action, opium is generally injurious; but when there is defective power of the circulation, as in delirium tremens, and allied affections, then the value of this drug becomes very evident. In Hemorrhages, opium is often useful, especially when there has been much loss of blood, and consequent arterial excitement; 180 MATERIA MEDICA. whether the drug is a direct astringent to the vascular system is doubtful; it is usually combined in such cases with acetate of lead, and gallic acid. In Mucous Discharges, opium is often of service, especially in diarrhoea; sometimes also in leucorrhcea, &c. ; but the condition of the system must be the guide to the administration of the drug in these cases ; certain forms of ulcers, of a phagedenic character, or occurring in very weak subjects, are greatly improved by the influence of this remedy. In Urinary Diseases, to lessen the amount of urine, if excessive, as in diabetes ; and to allay the irritability of the bladder, occur- ring in many affections of the urinary organs, opium is employed with advantage. In Chest Affections, this drug should be used with caution ; it often allays the cough ; but when the respiratory function is seri- ously impaired, increased dyspnoea is sometimes produced by it; opium tends to diminish the expectoration, an effect at times de- sirable, but often injurious. Opium is used in the form of suppository in painful diseases of the rectum and bladder, and chordee ; also as an enema in similar cases. It may be applied to the skin in the form of fomentation, over painfully inflamed joints and other parts ; and as a liniment or plaster in neuralgic, rheumatic, or other diseases. Circumstances influencing the operation of Opium. Age has great influence; children are much more affected than adults ; much more than in proportion to the age ; and opium must be given with the greatest care to infants and young subjects. Certain individuals are peculiarly susceptible of the action of opium; and in some, great excitement and restlessness are pro- duced, instead of calmness and sleep. The presence of Disease often gives a resisting power to the influence of this drug, especially when great pain is present. Custom or habit has perhaps the most marked influence on its action ; by gradually increasing the dose, enormous quantities may be taken without any very evident effect being produced ; the want of the drug in such cases is, however, most severely felt. The au- thor knew a young man who took 60 grains of Smyrna opium night OPIUM. 181 and morning, and frequently, in addition to this, 1 fluid ounce to 1| fluid ounce of laudanum during the day. If the drug be discon- tinued, and after a time the large dose at once resumed, poisoning may occur. Action of Morphia Salts. Morphia appears to possess the ano- dyne and soporific powers of opium, and gives to the drug most of its valuable properties ; at the same time it, as a rule, acts more agreeably, having less tendency to produce headache and nausea ; it also is much less stimulant in its operation. Other stfbstances contained in opium must impart to the crude drug some of its power, for although only about 10 per cent, of morphia exists in good opium, yet the alkaloid has not more than four times the strength. The different salts of morphia act in the same manner, when estimated by the amount of the alkaloid contained in them. Action of the other constituents of Opium. Codeia is stated to act like morphia ; the author questions the statement, having repeatedly found 5 grains of codeia fail to re- lieve pain (in the case of a patient suffering from a tumour press- ing on a nerve), which was always readily subdued by the fourth of a grain of morphia. The therapeutics of codeia require to be investigated. Narcotine was at one time supposed to be the narcotic principle of opium, but is now known not to be so ; it probably acts as a tonic and antiperiodic : the author has given it with this view in half-drachm doses without the production of any narcotic symp- toms. The actions of the other crystalline principles of opium are as yet almost unknown ; the resinous matter certainly possesses con- siderable power, and in one case in which it was administered in rather large doses, giddiness and great contraction of the pupils ensued. Dose. Of opium, ^ gr. to 3 gr. or more ; of extract, opii, £ gr. to 3 gr. or more; of extractum opii liquidum, 4 min. to 40 min, or more; of tinct. opii (laudanum), 4 min. to 40 min. or more; of vinum opii, 4 min. to 40 min. or more ; of pulv. creta? aromaticus cum opio, 10 gr. to 60 gr.; of pil. opii, 2£ gr. upwards ; of pulv. kino, cum opio, 10 gr. upwards ; of tinctura camphora? cum opio, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm.; of pil. plumbi cum opio, 4 gr. to 8 gr.; of 182 MATERIA MEDICA. trochisci opii, one to four ; of morphia? hydrochloras, } gr. to 1 gr.; of liquor morphia? hydrochloratis, 20 min. to 2 fl. drm. [of Liquor Morphia? Sulphatis, U. S., 30 min. to 2 fl. drm.] ; of trochisci morphia?, one to four; of trochisci morphia? et ipecacu- anha, one to four. Adulteration. Opium often contains many mechanical impuri- ties, as stones, sand, clay, bullets, &c.; it may also be mixed with vegetable extracts of various kinds, sugar and treacle ; it may contain much water, and it may have had much of its active mat- ter extracted by water, and subsequently dried ; physical exami- nation will throw much light on the value of the drug, but on ac- count of its very varying quality, processes are employed for ascer- taining the amount of morphia contained in it, and this is taken as the index to the commercial value of the drug. The process given above may be resorted to with advantage. Good Smyrna opium should yield 10 per cent, of morphia ; Egyptian opium about 6 or 7 per cent.; East Indian, from 3 to 8 per cent, or more. Rhceas. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] The dried petals of Papaver Rhoeas, the Red or Corn Poppy ; Lin. Syst,, Polyandria mono- gynia; indigenous: growing in fields and waste places. Description. The petals are of a rich scarlet colour when fresh, becoming dull red on drying. They have the peculiar heavy odour of opium when fresh, but become scentless on drying. Prop. (& Comp. The petals yield to water red colouring mat- ter, for which they are chiefly prized : this colour is much dark- ened by alkalies. They contain, in addition to the red colouring matter, minute traces of the peculiar constituents of opium. Off. Prep. Syrupus Rikeados. Syrup of Red Poppy. (Red poppy petals, thirteen ounces; boiling distilled Avater, one pint; sugar, two pounds and a quarter ; rectified spirit, two fluid ounces and a half. Add the red poppy petals gradually to the water, heated in a water-bath, frequently stirring; then set the vessel aside, macerate for twelve hours ; afterwards press out the liquid. Strain, add the sugar, and dissolve by means of heat. When cold add the spirit, and as much distilled water as may be necessarv to make up for loss in the process, so that the product shall weigh three pounds ten ounces, and should have the specific gravity 1*33.) Therapeutics. The action of red poppy is very slight, but simi- SINAPIS. 183 lar to that of opium ; the amount of active ingredients is very small, and rather uncertain in quantity. It is chiefly used as a colouring agent. Dose. Of syrupus rhceados, from 1 fl. drm. upwards. [Sanguinaria. Bloodroot. U. S. The rhizoma of Sanguinaria Canadensis ; Lin. Syst., Polyandria monogynia. A perennial herb growing throughout the United States. Description. In pieces of from one to three inches in length, half an inch in thickness, dark brown ; externally, wrinkled, con- torted, terminating abruptly ; internally, the colour varies from whitish to a dark-red, and has, when the root is good, a resinous appearance. Prop. <& Comp. Odour faint, taste bitter, acrid, and persistent. Contains an alkaline principle, Sanguinarine, which forms with acids, salts having some shade red or scarlet. Off. Prep. Tinctura Sanguinaria?. Bloodroot, in moderately fine powder, four troy ounces ; percolate with diluted alcohol until two pints of tincture are obtained. Therapeutics. Bloodroot is emetic, but is rarely used to pro- duce vomiting: in moderate doses it is a useful expectorant, not impairing the appetite or quickening the circulation. In over doses its action is violent and it causes depression of the pulse and disturbance of the nervous system. Dose. Of powder, as an emetic, from 10 to 20 gr. ; of the tine. ture, 20 fl. drm. to i an ounce ; as an expectorant, of the powder, 3 to 5 gr. every few hours ; of the tincture, from 20 minims to a fl. drm.] CRUCIFER&), OR BRASSICACE^l. Sinapis. Mustard. The seed of Sinapis nigra and Sinapis alba, or Black and White Mustard ; Lin. Syst., Tetradynamia siliquosa : plants common in Europe. Description. Black mustard seeds are very small, round, wrinkled, and brownish-black on the surface, yellow within ; white mustard seeds are larger, and yellow on the surface. The seeds reduced to powder are the officinal part. Prop. t& Comp. When crushed, both seeds yield the flour of 184 MATERIA MEDICA. mustard; the best is made from the mixed seeds ; when dry, it has little or no odour, but an acrid, bitterish, oily, pungent taste, and gives off, when moist, a peculiar pungent smell, very irritat- ing to the eyes and nostrils. Both seeds contain a fixed oil, from 25 to 35 per cent. Black mustard contains no volatile oil ready formed, but a principle named myronic acid, united with potash, containing about \ per cent.; the myronate of potash has the com- position (KO, C20 H19 NO]8) and by the action of an albuminous matter also contained in the seed, and termed myrosine, breaks up, in the presence of water, into the oil of mustard, sugar, and probably bisulphite of potash. The volatile oil of mustard is of a slight yellow colour ; sp. gr. about 1*03 ; very pungent and acrid ; has the composition (C8 H5 NS2) or C6 H5, C2 NS2), Sulphocyanide of Allyle. White mustard does not yield the volatile oil, but con- tains a crystallisable compound, sulphosinapisin, which gives rise to an acrid but not volatile principle, containing sulphur. This compound has been supposed to be the hydrosulphocyanide of a peculiar alkaloid sinapine (C32 H23 NO10.) The fixed oil of mustard contains erucic acid (HO, C44 H41 03). A decoction of flour of mustard, when cooled, should not be made blue by tincture of iodine, indicating the absence of starch. Off. Prep. Cataplasma Sinapis. Mustard Cataplasm. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Boiling water, ten fluid ounces ; powdered linseed, powdered mustard, of each two ounces and a half. By degrees add the powders, first well mixed, to the water; keep stirring that a cataplasm may be formed.) Too hot water, or alcohol, or vinegar are apt to injure the production of the vola- tile oil. Therapeutics. Mustard seeds and flour act as powerful stimu- lants. Internally, in large doses, mustard causes speedy vomiting (useful in narcotic poisoning) ; in smaller doses, as a condiment, it assists digestion. The entire seed was formerly used, and now and then caused ill effects, from accumulating in the intestines. Externally, in the form of cataplasma sinapis, it is a powerful rubefacient, useful in slight inflammations, head affections, neural- gic and other pains and spasms. Dose. As an emetic, from one teaspoonful to a tablespoonful mixed with a little water. VIOLA. 185 Adulteration. Flour of mustard is extensively mixed with common flour, pepper, chilies, turmeric, &c. Armoracia. Horseradish. The recent root of Cochlearia Armo- racia [not officinal in U. S. P.] ; Lin. Syst., Tetradynamia sili- culosa: common throughout Europe, cultivated in Britain. Description. A long, white, tap-shaped root, familiar to all. Prop. <& Comp. When scraped, it emits a very pungent odour, and has an acrid taste, depending on a volatile oil (C8 H3 NS2) identical with oil of mustard ; probably the oil is formed as in the black mustard seed. Off. Prep. Spiritus Armoracia Compositus. Compound Spirit of Horseradish. (Horseradish sliced, dried orange peel, each twenty ounces ; bruised nutmeg, half an ounce ; proof spirit, a gallon ; water, 2 pints. Mix them; let a gallon distil with a moderate heat.) Therapeutics. The same as mustard ; seldom employed in the fresh state except as a condiment. The officinal preparation is used in atonic dyspepsia ; also as a sudorific in chronic rheuma- tism, &c. As a syrup it has been slowly swallowed in hoarseness, an infusion is also occasionally prescribed. Dose. Of spiritus armoracia? c, 1 fl. drm. to 3 fl. drm. VIOLACEJE. Viola. Violet. (Not officinal.) The recent petals of Viola odorata, the Sweet Violet; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia: indigenous. Description. Small petals, having a very agreeable charac- teristic odour and colour. The root has been used as a me- dicine. Prop. & Comp. The infusion, which is not strongly coloured, becomes bright red on the addition of an acid, and green with an alkali, and hence employed as a test. Besides the above colouring matter, the petals contain a volatile oil and a little acrid matter, violine, which can be separated as a white powder, and somewhat resembles emetina. Prep. Syrupus Viola, Lond., 1851. Syrup of Violet. 186 MATERIA MEDICA. (Violets, nine ounces ; boiling distilled water, one pint; sugar, three pounds, or as much as may be necessary ; rectified spirit, two fluid ounces and a half, or as much as necessary. Macerate the violet flowers in water for twelve hours, then press and strain. Set aside that the dregs may subside, and complete the process as directed for syrup of marsh-mallow.) Therapeutics. Violets are used in medicine for their colour, and on account of the slight laxative effect of the syrup, which is given to very young children, either alone, or mixed with almond oil. The root is purgative, and emetic in half-drachm or drachm doses. Dose. Of syrupus viola?, % drm. to 2 drm. Adulteration. Sometimes the petals of the scentless species are substituted for those of the sweet violet; of little therapeutic im- portance. POLYGALACEiE. Senega. Senega ; the root of Polygala Senega; Lin. Syst., Dia- delphia octandria: a small plant growing in the United States of America. Description. Root-stock, or knotty head with roots proceeding from it about the thickness of a quill, twisted and keeled. Bark yellowish brown, interior wood tasteless, inert. Prop. <&, Comp. Taste sweetish, and acrid to the fauces; it contains a principle called senegin or polygalic acid, obtained as a white powder, with some tannin, pectin, gum, &c. The active part of the root is the cortex. Off. Prep. Infusium Senega. Infusion of Senega. (Senega, bruised, half an ounce ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) Tinctura Senega. Tincture of Senega. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Senega, bruised, two ounces and a half; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces ; prepared by maceration and percolation.) [Decoctum Senega?. Decoction of Seneka ; a troy ounce of seneka is boiled for fifteen minutes, strained and enough water added to make up a pint. Syrupus Senega?. Syrup Seneka. Seneka, in moderately fine powder, four troy ounces ; sugar in coarse powder, fifteen troy ounces ; diluted alcohol two pints. The Sen- KRAMERIA. 187 eka is percolated with the alcohol, and the tincture is evaporated to half a pint, filtered, the sugar added and dissolved by the aid of heat. U. S.] Therapeutics. Senega root is a stimulant to the mucous mem- branes and skin, acting especially on the bronchial tubes. It is chiefly employed in asthenic and chronic bronchitis ; also in dys- menorrhoea and albuminuria : often combined with sesqui-carbonate of ammonia, and other expectorants and diuretics. Dose. Of powder 20 gr. to 60 gr.; of the infusium senega?, 1 oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the tinctura senega?, \ fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. [Of the decoction 1 to 2 fl. oz., of syrup 1 to 3 fl. drm.] Adulteration. Ginseng, or root of Panax quinquefolium ; also Gillenia, detected by absence of the line running along the true senega root. Krameria. Rhatany, the dried root of Krameria triandra; Lin. Syst., Tetrandria monogynia: growing in Peru and Chili. Description. Generally a large root-stock about an inch in diameter, with long roots from one-sixth to half an inch thick proceeding from it. Externally, dark red or reddish brown ; in- ternally, paler red. The powder is red. Prop. & Comp. Rhatany has no odour, but a sweetish astringent taste, tinging the saliva very red. It contains krameric acid, of which little is known, about 40 per cent, of tannin, and a red astringent matter. These are all soluble in/ water and al- cohol. Off. Prep. Extractum Krameria. Extract of Rhatany. (Rhatany in coarse powder, one pound ; distilled water, a gallon. Prepared by maceration, percolation, and subsequent evaporation.) Infusum Krameria. Infusion of Rhatany. (Rhatany, half an ounce ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Rhatany, in moderately coarse powder, a troy ounce. A pint of infusion is made by percolation with cold water. U. S.] [Rhatany, in moder- ately fine powder, six troy ounces ; two pints of tincture are ob- tained by percolation with diluted alcohol. U. S.] Tinctura Krameria. Tincture of Rhatany. (Rhatany bruised, two ounces and a-half; proof spirit, one pint; prepared by mac- 188 MATERIA MEDICA. eration and percolation.) Rhatany is also contained in pulvis catechu compositus. Therapeutics. A powerful astringent; may be used whenever tannin is indicated. The powder has had much repute as a den- tifrice when the gums are bleeding or spongy. It may also be employed as a gargle or injection in relaxed sore throat, leucor- rhoea, and prolapsus ani, in the form of the infusion. Dose. Of the powder, 20 gr. to 60 gr. ; of extract krameria?, 2 gr. to 20 gr. ; of inf. krameria?, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz.; of tinct. krameria?, | fl. drm. to \\ fl. drm. LINACEjE. Lini Semen. The seed of Linum usitatissimum; common Lin- seed or Flax; Lin. Syst., Pentandria pentagynia: an indigen- ous plant. Lini Farina. Linseed Meal. Lini Oleum. Linseed Oil. Description. The seed is small, oval, oblong, and flattened, pointed at one end ; dark brown and shining on the surface, and white within. The flour or linseed meal, consists of the seeds ground and deprived of their oil by expression. The oil is of a light yellow colour, similar in appearance to most other vegetable oils. Prop. (& Comp. The seeds contain a fixed oil, about 20 per cent., and mucilage, together with the ordinary constituents of seeds; the oil is found in the kernel, the mucilage in the envelope or testa of the seed. After the expression of the oil, the marc which remains is called linseed or oil-cake : and when powdered, linseed meal. The fixed oil, sp. gr. 0*93, rapidly absorbs oxygen from air and forms a varnish, hence called a drying oil; it con- tains oleine and margarine. The oleic acid from linseed oil differs somewhat from ordinary oleic add. Off. Prep, of the Meal. Cataplasma Lini. Linseed Poultice. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Boiling water, ten fluid ounces ; lin- seed meal, four ounces ; olive oil, half a fluid ounce. Mix the lin- seed meal with the oil, then add the water gradually, constantly stirring.) ALTHAEA. 189 Of the Seed. Infusum Lini. Infusion of Linseed. [lnfusum Lini Compositum. U. S.] (Linseed, one hundred and sixty grains ; fresh liquorice, sliced, sixty grains ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) Therapeutics. Internally, when given in the form of the infu- sion linseed is demulcent, from the mucilage and the little oil con- tained in it, and has been employed in catarrhal and urinary affections ; also in diarrhoea and dysentery. Externally, linseed powder is used as a poultice to inflamed and suppurating parts. The oil is a useful emollient to burns or scalds, either alone or mixed with lime-water, and the Linimentum Calcis, Edin., is made with it in place of olive oil. Dose. The infusion may be taken ad libitum. Linum Catharticum, or Purging Flax, was contained in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, 1848. The dried plant is used made into infusion, and given in doses of about thirty grains ; it has no particular value as a purgative. MALVACKE. Althaea. Marsh-mallow. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] The root of Altha?a officinalis, or March-mallow; Lin. Syst., Monodelphia polyandria: growing throughout Europe. Description. Small cylindrical pieces, about the size of a fin- ger yellowish white externally, white within; the epidermis is generally removed. Prop. & Comp. Little odour, taste sweet and mucilaginous ; it contains much mucilage, some starch and sugar, also altheine (C8 H8 N2 05), identical with asparagine. Prep. Syrupus Althaa, Lond. Ph., 1851. Syrup of Marsh- mallow. (Marsh-mallow, sliced, one ounce and a half; sugar, three pounds, or as much as may be necessary ; distilled water, one pint; rectified spirit, two and a half fluid ounces, or as much as may be necessary. Macerate the march-mallow in the water for twelve hours, press out the liquor, and strain through linen ; then add of sugar twice the weight of the strained liquid, and dissolve with a gentle heat. Lastly, when the syrup has cooled, mix to each fluid ounce half a fluid drachm of spirit.) 190 MATERIA MEDICA. Therapeutics. Simply a demulcent, used to allay cough, as other mucilages ; much used in France, under the name Guimauve, in lozenges, &c. Dose. Of a decoction, ad libitum ; of the syrup, 1 fl. drm. to 1 fl. oz. Besides the altha?a, other malvaceous plants are used for the mucilage they contain, as the Malva sylvestris, or common mallow and the Malva rosea, or hollyhock. Cotton Wool. (Appendix A.) [Gossypium. Cotton. U. S. ] A filamentous substance attached to the seeds of Gossypium her- baceum and other species of this genus; Lin. Syst., Monodel- phia polyandria. Carded. [Gossypii Radix. The root of Gossypium herbaceum and other species of Gossypium. U. S.] Description. Cotton consists of fine filaments or tubular hairs, becoming flattened by drying, which were attached to the seed- coat ; these tubes have but few joints when examined by the micro- scope : cotton can be distinguished from linen by the fibres on the latter having tapering ends, and being aggregated in bundles. In composition it resembles lignin, or ordinary woody fibre (C36 H38 O30), it is used for the preparation of pyroxylin, gun cotton. Pyroxylin. Gun Cotton. (Appendix A.) Prep. By immersing cotton wool in equal parts of sulphuric acid and nitric acid, afterwards well washing, and drying in a water-bath. (A weaker acid is required for making a soluble pyroxylin.) Prop. <& Comp. It is readily soluble in a mixture of ether and rectified spirit, leaves no residue when exploded by heat, it resembles cellulin in composition, with a certain number of equiva- lents of hydrogen, replaced by peroxide of nitrogen (C36 H22, 8 NO4,O30). It is used in the Pharmacopoeia for the preparation of collodion. Use. Cotton is used as an application to burns and scalds, diminishing the inflammation, and aiding recovery probably from protecting the surface : occasionally employed in erysipelas. [The root is said to promote the contractions of the uterus in the par- turient female. A decoction is mado by boiling four ounces of ATTRACT!! FLORIS AQUA. 191 the inner bark of the root in a quart of water until it is reduced to a pint. Dose, a wine-glass full every twenty or thirty minutes.] Collodium. Collodion. Prep. Pyroxylin, one ounce; ether, thirty-six fluid ounces; rectified spirit, twelve fluid ounces. Dissolve the pyroxylin in the ether, mixed previously with the rectified spirit. Prop. & Comp. A colourless highly inflammable liquid with ethereal odour, which dries rapidly upon exposure to the air, and leaves a thin transparent film, insoluble in water and rectified spirit. Use. Collodion, when applied to the skin, leaves, on the evaporation of the ether, a thin transparent layer, and may be used to cut and inflamed surfaces, in skin diseases, and chapped nipples, to arrest hasmorrhage from leech-bites, &c. : in some of these cases it acts by forming a protecting surface ; in others, through the contraction of the film constricting the vessels of the part. AURANTIACE^E Aurantii Cortex. Bitter Orange Peel. The exterior rind of the fruit of Citrus Bigaradia, the Seville or bitter orange tree ; Lyn. Syst., Polydelphia polyandria: growing in Southern Europe, Spain, &c. [Aurantii Amari Cortex. Bitter Orange Peel. The rind of the fruit of citrus vulgaris. Aurantii Dulcis Cortex. Sweet Orange Peel. The rind of the fruit of Citrus Aurantium. Aurantii Flores. Orange Flowers. The flowers of Citrus Aurantium and Citrus Vulgaris.] Aurantii Floris Aqua. Orange Flower Water. Water dis- tilled from the flower of Citrus Bigaradia, and Citrus Aurantium, the sweet orange tree, prepared mostly in France. Description. The cortex, or rind, is well known ; it has an aromatic bitter taste and fragrant odour; the interior white por- tion should be removed. Aqua Floris Aurantii has the grateful odour of the orange blossoms. Prop. & Comp. The cortex, or rind, contains a volatile oil (CM H16), a bitter extractive, and a little gallic acid. Aqua Floris Aurantii contains a little volatile oil differing from that contained 192 MATERIA MEDICA. in the cortex. The water should be colourless with a fragrant odour. It should not be coloured by sulphuretted hydrogen. Off. Prep, of the Peel:— Lnfusum Aurantii. Infusion of Orange Peel. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Dried orange peel, half an ounce; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) Syrupus Aurantii. Syrup of Orange Peel. (Tincture of Orange Peel, one fluid ounce ; syrup, seven fluid ounces.) Tinctura Aurantii. Tincture of Orange Peel. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Bitter orange peel, cut small and bruised, two ounces ; proof spirit, one pint. Prepared by maceration and per- colation.) Of the Orange Flower Water:— Syrupus Aurantii Floris. Syrup of Orange Flower Water. (Orange flower water, eight fluid ounces; refined sugar, three pounds; distilled water, sixteen fluid ounces, or a sufficiency to make the product four pounds and a half. The sp. gr. should be 1*33.) Orange peel is contained in some other officinal preparations. Therapeutics. The rind is an aromatic, bitter stomachic, a pleas- ant adjunct to other bitters in the treatment of dyspepsia; it covers, to some extent, the taste of quinine. Aqua Floris Aurantii, and Syrupus Floris Aurantii, are only used as vehicles, and to give flavour to other medicines. Dose. Of infusum aurantii, 1 oz. to 2 oz. : of tinctura aurantii, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. ; of syrupus aurantii, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm.; of aqua floris aurantii, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of syrupus floris aurantii, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. Adulteration. Orange flower water may contain lead, derived from the vessels in which it is imported ; this can be detected by passing sulphuretted hydrogen through it; when free from metallic impurity, it is not discoloured. Limonis Cortex. Lemon Peel. The fresh outer part of the rind of the fruit [The rind of the fruit. U. S.] of Citrus Limo- num, the Lemon tree; Lin. Syst.. Polyadelphia polyandria: a tree cultivated in Southern Europe. LIMONIS succtrs. 193 Limonis Oleum. Oil of Lemons. The oil expressed or distilled from the fresh lemon peel; imported chiefly from Sicily. Limonis Succus. Lemon Juice. The expressed juice of the ripe fruit of Citrus Limonum. Description. The rind, familiar to all, should have the interior white portion removed ; it occurs in thin slices of a yellow colour, dotted with numerous vesicles of oil, with a fragrant odour and aromatic, slightly bitter, taste. The volatile oil is usually obtained by rasping the outer portion of the rind, and pressing it in hair sacks, sometimes by distilla- tion ; it is of a pale yellow colour, with the odour and taste of the peel : the purer oil is obtained by distillation. The juice, made by pressing the fruit and straining, forms a slightly turbid, almost colourless mucilaginous acid liquid, possess- ing a sharp acid taste and grateful odour. Prop. & Comp. The rind contains the volatile oil, a bitter ex- tractive and a little gallic acid; also a principle, Hesperidine, which crystallizes in fine white needles. The volatile oil, Limonis Oleum, sp. gr. 0*85, consists of two isomeric oils (as is the case with most volatile oils). Composition (C20 Hl6). The juice, Limonis Succus, contains citric acid (3 HO, Cl2H4 On), described under acids, in the inorganic department, and mucilage, with small quantities of malic acid, and acid salts, especially those of potash. Off. Prep.—Of the Peel. Syrupus Limonis. Syrup of Lemons. (Fresh lemon peel, two ounces; lemon juice, strained, twenty fluid ounces ; sugar, two pounds and a quarter.) The product should weigh three pounds and a half, and should have the sp. gr. 1*34. Tinctura Limonis. Tincture of Lemon Peel. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Fresh lemon peel, sliced thin, two ounces and a half; proof spirit, one pint. Prepared by maceration and perco- lation.) Oil of lemons is contained in Spiritus Ammonia? Aromaticus. Of the Juice. Syrupus Limonis. Syrup of Lemons. (Fresh lemon peel, two ounces; lemon juice, strained, one pint; refined sugar, two pounds and a quarter. The product should weigh three pounds and a half, and should have the sp. gr. 1*34.) 14 194 MATERIA MEDICA. Therapeutics. The peel is an aromatic stomachic ; the volatile oil a stimulant and carminative when given internally, and stimu- lant and rubefacient externally applied; the juice is refrigerant, resembling a solution of citric acid, and may be used for making effervescing draughts, in lieu of that acid. It possesses some pow- ers besides, which render it antiscorbutic, which citric acid cer- tainly is not; the author attributes this power to the potash salts contained in it. The juice has been proposed as a remedy in rheu- matism. Dose. Of the syrup, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. or more ; of the tincture, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm.; of the oil, 1 min. to 5 min.; of the juice, 1 fl. drm. to 4 fl. drm. or more. Adulteration. Oil of lemons is liable to admixture with oil of turpentine, difficult to detect except when in large quantities. Lemon juice is frequently mixed with lime juice, which has the same properties ; and that used in the navy has a tenth part of brandy added to it to prevent decomposition. A mixture of sugar and water, acidulated with sulphuric acid, has often been substi- tuted for lemon juice. Bela. Bael. The half ripe fruit, dried, of JEgle Marmalos. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Description. A round fruit about the size of a large orange, with a hard rind of a woody consistence. It is usually met with in dried slices or fragments, consisting of the rind, with some ad- herent dried pulp and seeds ; the rind is about a line and a half thick, externally covered with a smooth greyish epidermis, and internally brownish orange or red. The moistened pulp is mucil- aginous. Prop. & Comp. The chemical composition of bael has not been accurately determined ; it contains some astringent principle, probably more or less allied to tannic acid. Off. Prep. Extractum Bela Liquidum. Liquid Extract of Bael. (Made by exhausting one pound of bael by repeated macer- ations in water, evaporating the solution to fourteen fluid ounces, and then adding two fluid ounces of rectified spirit.) Each fluid ounce of the extract represents one ounce of bael. Therapeutics. Indian bael has obtained much reputation in CAMBOGIA. 195 India in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. From the au- thor's limited experience of its powers in diarrhoea, he is not dis- posed to consider it superior to some other vegetable astringents. The fruit, when ripe, yields a pulp which can be made into jelly, and acts as a mild aperient. Dose. Of extractum bela? liquidum, 1 fl. drm. to \ fl. oz. GUTTIFERJE. Cambogia. Gamboge. The gum resin from undetermined species of Garcinia, imported from Siam. The Ceylon variety is derived from Hebradendron gambogioides. [Gambogia. Gamboge. The concrete juice of an undetermined tree. U. S.] Description. The Siam gamboge occurs in pipes or cylinders, externally streaked, from the impression of the bamboo reeds, in which the juice is collected; the pipes are from \ inch to \\ inch or more in diameter. Gamboge is hard, brittle, breaking with a vitreous fracture, of a bright yellow colour : inferior varieties, in fragments and masses, also come from Siam ; and a coarse kind is made at Ceylon. Prop. & Comp. No odour, taste slight at first, afterwards acrid, easily powdered. It consists of about 70 per cent, of resin, gambogic acid, (C40 H23 08), with gum, &c. ; when good, there is no starch ; rubbed with water, the gum dissolves, the remainder is the suspended resin, forming a yellow emulsion. The resin dis- solves in alcohol, but is again precipitated by water. Off. Prep. Pilula Cambogia Composita. Compound Gamboge Pill. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Gamboge, one ounce; Bar- badoes aloes, one ounce ; aromatic powder, one ounce ; hard soap, in powder, two ounces ; syrup, a sufficiency.) Therapeutics. Gamboge acts as a drastic and hydragogue pur- gative, often causing vomiting. It is seldom given alone, but combined with cream of tartar or calomel, it may be used in dropsies ; and with aloes and aromatics, as an ordinary brisk purgative; sometimes as a vermifuge. Dose. Of the powder, 1 gr. to 5 gr.; of pil. gambogia? c, 5 gr. to 15 gr. 196 MATERIA MEDICA. Adulterations. An emulsion made with boiling water does not become green on the addition of iodine, showing the absence of starch, with which it is sometimes adulterated. CANELLACEJE. Canella. Canella. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] The bark of Canella alba or Laurel-leaved Canella; Lin. Syst., Dodecandria monogynia : growing in the West Indies. Description. The bark occurs in large quills or flattened pieces about an inch or so in diameter, and of varying length ; externally, of a pinkish white colour; internally, very white : it breaks with a starchy fracture. Prop. <& Comp. Odour, spicy; taste, warm and bitter. It contains a resin, a little volatile oil, and bitter extractive, besides starch and mannite sugar ; no tannic, gallic, or sulphuric acids are present. Prep. In the United States Pharmacopoeia, a compound pow- der of aloes and canella was contained under the old name of Hiera Picra. [Pulvis Aloe et Canella?. Powder of aloes and canella. U. S. Aloes, three ounces ; canella, twelve ounces.] Therapeutics. An aromatic bitter stomachic and tonic ; it may be given in cases of atonic dyspepsia. Dose. Of the powder, 15 gr. to 30 gr. [Of the powder of aloes and canella, from 10 to 20 grs.] Adulteration. Canella is not itself adulterated, but has been substituted for Winter's bark : for the distinguishing characters Bee Winter's bark. VITACFiE. Uvae. Raisins. The ripe fruit of Vitis vinifera, or the Grape Vine, dried in the sun or with artificial heat; Lin. Syst., Pen- tandria monogynia. [Uva passa. The dried fruit of Vitis vin- ifera. U. S.] Probably a native of Persia, cultivated exten- sively in different parts of Europe. Imported from Spain. Prop. <& Uomp. Raisins contain a considerable amount of grape sugar (C12 H14 014), and bitartrate of potash ; it is from the GUAIACUM. 197 grape that tartaric acid is derived, being obtained from argol, the deposit on the sides of wine-casks. Off. Prep. Raisins are contained in tinct. cardamomi C, and tinct. senna?. Therapeutics. Slightly refrigerant, but never used in medicine for any therapeutic property they possess. Used only to sweeten preparations. Vinum Xericum. Sherry. Sherry is described under the head of Alcoholic preparations. ZYGOPHYLLACEJE. Guaiaci Lignum. Guaiacum, or Guaiac Wood. Lignum Vita?. The Wood of Guaiacum Officinale, the Officinal Guaiacum Tree; a native of St. Domingo and Jamaica; in the form of shavings or raspings. Guaiacum. [Guaiaci Resina. U. S.] Guaiacum Resin. A resin obtained from the stem of Guaiacum officinale by natural exu- dation from incisions, or by heat. Description. Guaiacum wood is met with in large logs, and known by the name of Lignum Vitce, generally denuded of bark, and consisting of the duramen or heart-wood, of a dark greenish- brown colour, and the alburnum of a yellow tint; it is very hard, tough, and heavy ; sp. gr. 1*33 ; the heart-wood contains a large amount of the guaiacum resin, which is dark brown, transparent, in very thin layers, brittle, of aromatic odour, and leaving, when tasted, a peculiar burning sensation in the throat; the tears are oval, of varying size, and often covered with a greenish powder on the surface. The resin is usually procured by boring a longitudi- nal hole in the log, and putting one end of it into the fire ; the resin melts and exudes at the other end, where it is collected. That obtained by natural exudation is in the form of tears of varying size. The wood is commonly sold in chips or raspings for medici- nal purposes; these when boiled in salt water yield the resin, which rises to the surface. Prop. & Comp. The most important constituent of the wood is the above-described resin, which has a sp. gr. 1*29, is insoluble 198 MATERIA MEDICA. in water, or yields to that fluid only some extractive matter mixed with it; a solution in rectified spirit strikes a clear blue colour when applied to the inner surface of a paring of raw potatoe, due to the action of guaiacic acid on the gluten ; soluble in alcohol and ether, also in alkaline solutions; precipitated from alcohol by water, and from alkalies by acids; acted on by nitric acid and chlorine, when the colour is first shaded green, then blue, at last brown. The resin contains guaiacic acid, which has the composi- tion (HO, C12 H7 05), and has been obtained in crystalline needles, and another resinous acid the composition of which is not well known. Off. Prep.—Of the Resin. Mistura Guaiaci. Mixture of Guaiacum. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Powdered guaiacum, half an ounce ; sugar, half an ounce ; gum-arabic, powdered, a quarter of an ounce ; cinnamon water, one pint.) [Tinctura Guaiaci. Tincture of Guaiac, U. S. Two pints of tincture are obtained by percolation through six ounces of Guaiac] Tinctura Guaiaci Ammoniata. Ammoniated Tincture of Guaiacum. (Guaiac resin in fine powder, four ounces ; aromatic spirits of ammonia, one pint.) [Guaiac, in moderately coarse powder, six troy ounces ; aromatic spirits of ammonia, two pints ; macerate for seven days and filter. U.S.] Guaiacum resin also enters into the composition of pilula calo- melanos composita. Guaiacum wood forms an ingredient of decoctum sarsa? composi- tum. TJierapeutics. Guaiacum, either in the form of wood or resin, when taken internally, is apt to cause heat in the throat, irritation of the intestinal canal, and, in large doses, purging. When ab- sorbed it acts as a stimulant, diaphoretic and alterative, and is by some considered to be an emmenagogue. It is employed in chronic forms of rheumatism, especially that variety called cold rheuma- tism, in which the symptoms are relieved by warmth ; also in peri- osteal affections connected with a syphilitic taint, and other chronic affections, as gout, skin diseases, and dysmenorrhoea. Dose. Of guaiac resin, 10 gr. to 30 gr.; of mistura guaiaci, BUCCO. 199 1 fl. oz. to 1£ fl. oz.; of tinctura guaiaci ammoniata, £ fl. drm. to 1 fl. drm.; of tinctura guaiaci 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. Adulteration. Other resins, as that from the coniferous trees, detected by the terebinthinate odour, and solubility in oil of tur- pentine. A simple tincture of guaiacum, when thrown into water, becomes milky, from the precipitation of the resin: if a solution of potash is now carefully added, it is cleared, and remains so after excess of the alkali, provided guaiacum only be present, but not if other resins are contained in the tincture. The presence of gua- iacum resin can be shown by the potatoe test given above. RUTACEJE. Ruta. Rue. The leaf of Ruta graveolens, or Common Rue; Lin. Syst., Decandria monogynia: a plant growing throughout Europe. (Not officinal.) Ruta? Oleum. English. Oil of Rue. Distilled from the fresh leaves and the unripe fruit of Ruta graveolens or common rue. Description. The leaves are supra-decompound, the leaflets oblong and ovate, glaucous green, fleshy, and dotted. The oil is of a greenish-yellow colour, sp. gr. about 0*837. Prop. & Comp. The leaves owe their properties chiefly to the volatile oil, which has a strong, disagreeable odour, and acid taste ; becomes brown by keeping. The composition of this oil appears to be complex; it is stated to consist chiefly of euodic aldehyde (C22 H22 02), mixed with a small amount of lauric aldehyde (C24 H24 02), and a hydrocarbon isomeric with oil of turpentine and bar- neol. Rue leaves contain, besides this oil, a bitter extractive matter, soluble in water. Therapeutics. Rue, or its oil, acts as a powerful topical stimu- lant, and has been used in flatulent colic ; it also appears to be an antispasdomic and emmenagogue, and seems useful in hysterical affections, and in epilepsy ; by some it has been thought anthel- mintic. Externally, rue may be used as a rubefacient. Sometimes employed in the form of enema. Dose. Of the powdered leaves, 20 gr. to 40 gr.; of oleum ruta?, 2 min. to 6 min. 200 MATERIA MEDICA. Bucco. Buchu. [Buchu. Buchu. The leaves of Barosma crenata and other species of Barosma. U. S.] The lerves of Barosma betulina, Barosma crenulata, and Barosma serratifolia; imported from the Cape of Good Hope. Description. The leaves of all three species are smooth, and marked with pellucid dots (oil glands) at the indentations and apex, and possess a powerful odour and camphoraceous taste. The leaf of Barosma betulina is about three quarters of an inch long, coriaceous, obovate, with a recurved truncated apex, and sharp cartilaginous spreading teeth. The leaf of Barosma crenulata, about an inch long ; oval-lanceo- late, obtuse, minutely crenated, five-nerved. The leaf of Barosma serratifolia, from an inch to an inch and a half long, linear-lanceolate, tapering at each end, sharply and finely serrated, three-nerved. Prop. & Comp. Buchu contains a volatile oil, which gives the odour to the leaves, and a bitter extractive matter, soluble in water. Off. Prep. Lnfusum Bucco. Infusion of Buchu. (Buchu leaves, half an ounce ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Buchu, a troy ounce ; boiling water, a pint. U. S.] Tinctura Bucco. Tincture of Buchu. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Buchu, bruised, two ounces and a half ; proof spirit, one pint. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) 1 [Extractum Buchu Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Buchu. U. S. Sixteen fluid ounces of fluid extract are prepared by percolation with alcohol and evaporation from sixteen troy ounces of powdered Buchu leaves.] Therapeutics. Buchu seems to be a slight tonic and stomachic, but is used chiefly on account of its action on the urinary organs, in chronic catarrh of the bladder, and irritable condition of these parts ; it acts, also, as a diuretic, and occasionally as a diaphoretic. Dose. Of the powder, 20 gr. to 40 gr. ; of infusum buchu, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the tincture, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. [of the fluid extract, 1 fl. drm.]. Cusparia. Cusparia Bark. [Angustura. U. S.] The bark of CUSPARIA. 201 Galipea Cusparia, Angustura bark tree; from tropical South America. Description. In curved pieces, or quills, several inches in length, about an inch or rather more in breadth, and one-eighth of an inch thick ; the edges are feathered. Externally it is covered with a yellowish grey, uneven epidermis ; internally, light brown, and separable into thin layers. It breaks with a resinous fracture ; has a rather peculiar odour, and a very bitter, but aromatic taste ; the cut surface, examined with a lens, usually exhibits numerous white points or minute lines. Prop. (& Comp. Cusparia bark contains a trace of volatile oil, some resin, and a principle, cusparine, in tetrahedral crystals, soluble in alcohol, acids, and alkalies ; composition unknown. The infusion of cusparia is precipitated by tannin, so also is cusparine. Off. Prep. Infusum Cusparia. Infusion of Cusparia. (Cus- paria bark, in coarse powder, half an ounce ; distilled water at 120°, ten fluid ounces.) Therapeutics. An aromatic stomachic, and probably has anti- periodic properties. Used in atonic dyspepsia, diarrhoea, and dysentery, also in convalescence from acute diseases. In South America it has been much employed in the treatment of low malignant fevers, occurring in marshy districts ; it is not much prescribed in England, nor have its powers been fully investi- gated. Dose. Of the powdered bark, 10 gr. to 40 gr. ; of infusum cus- paria?, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. Adulteration. The bark of strychnos nux vomica has been substituted for true cusparia or angustura bark, and hence named false angustura bark ; as this substitution has been the cause of fatal accidents, the knowledge of the distinction between the two becomes important. The false bark is usually in shorter pieces, more irregularly twisted, with little or no odour, and much more bitter than the true bark ; it breaks with a shorter and more resinous fracture, and is not separable into layers ; the epidermis is whitish but spotted red ; nitrie acid turns the inner surface blood-red, the epidermis greenish or black ; true cusparia is, how- ever, not reddened by nitric acid, when applied to the inner sur- 202 MATERIA MEDICA. face. False cusparia bark yields brucia and strychnia ; the true bark contains neither of these alkaloids. SIMARUBACEiE. Quassia. Quassia. The wood of Picraena excelsa: [Simaruba excelsa. U. S.] Lin. Syst., Polygamia monoecia; from Jamaica. This forms Jamaica quassia. The wood of Quassia amara was formerly imported as Surinam quassia, but is not met with at present in English commerce. Description. Quassia occurs in cylindrical logs or billets of varying size, seldom thicker than the thigh ; externally greyish brown, internally light yellow. The wood is tough, dense, with- out odour, but intensely bitter; it is generally sold in chips or raspings. Prop. & Comp. Quassia yields its bitterness to water and spirit; it contains a crystallizable neutral principle, guassine (C20 Hl2 06), which possesses the bitterness of the wood; it is devoid of tannin or gallic acid. Off. Prep. Extractum Quassia. Extract of Quassia. (Pre- pared by the maceration of wood in water, percolation, and evaporation to proper consistence.) Infusum Quassia. Infusion of Quassia. (Quassia in chips, sixty grains; cold distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Tinctura Quassia?. U. S. Tincture of Quassia. Two pints of tincture are obtained by percolating two troy ounces of Quassia in moderately fine powder with diluted alcohol.] Therapeutics. Quassia acts as a pure bitter stomachic, devoid of astringency: used in atonic indigestion, such as occurs in gout, from alcoholic abuse and other causes. It is sometimes given as a tonic after acute diseases, and has been employed as an antiperiodic in fevers. It probably acts on the nervous system in large doses. Dose. Of the powder, 10 gr. to 20 gr.; of the extract, 2 gr. to five gr.; of infusum quassia?, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz ; [of the tincture 2 fl. drm. to 4 fl. drm.] Simaruba. (Not officinal.) The bark of the root of Simaruba amara, or the Mountain Damson ; Lin. Syst., Dicecia de- candria: a plant growing in the West Indies. RHAJOT1 succus. 203 Description. It occurs in tough fibrous pieces, several feet in length, and folded ; pale in colour, epidermis darker and rough : of a very bitter taste. Prop. & Comp. Resembles quassia in containing quassine: it also contains a little gallic acid and much mucilage. Therapeutics. It may be used in the same cases as quassia: it gained at one time some repute in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. Dose. Of the powder, 15 gr. to 30 gr.; it may also be given in the form of an infusion. Cedron. (Not officinal.) The seeds of Simaba Cedron, a plant belonging to this order, have been used as a medicine in France. They are concavo- convex in shape, about 1 inch long, f inch broad, and £ inch thick ; of a light yellowish colour ; having an intense bitter taste, possibly due to quassine. The seeds have been supposed to be an antidote to the poison of serpents : probably they would be found to possess very useful tonic and stomachic properties in cases similar to those in which quassia and simaruba are administered. Sub-Class II. Calyciflora. RHAMNACEJE. Rhamni Succus. (Not officinal.) Buckthorn Juice. The juice of the fruit of Rhamnus catharticus; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia; indigenous. Description. The berries, the juice of which was formerly officinal, are, when ripe, about the size of a pea, black, smooth, and containing four seeds, and a green, juicy parenchyma ; the odour of the rhamnus is somewhat nauseous. Prop. & Comp. The juice has the same odour and is of the same colour as the parenchyma; it becomes of a bright green colour on the addition of lime-water or an alkali; evaporated to dryness with lime-water it forms sap green. It contains sugar, mucilage, and a crystallizable principle called rhamnine, also a principle possessing purgative properties; but it is not certain whether this is identical with the aforesaid Rhamnine. 204 MATERIA MEDICA. Prep. Syrupus Rhamni. Syrup of Buckthorn. (In London Pharmacopoeia, 1851.) (Juice of buckthorn, four pints ; ginger, sliced, pimento bruised, each, six drachms ; sugar, six pounds ; rectified spirit, six fluid ounces. Set aside the juice for three days that the dregs may subside, and strain. To a pint of the strained juice add the ginger and pimento, then macerate with a gentle heat for four hours, and strain ; boil down the rest of the juice to a pint and a half. Mix the liquors and dissolve the sugar in them ; lastly, mix in the spirit.) Therapeutics. Buckthorn acts as a brisk hydragogue purga- tive, but its operation is often attended with griping and nausea ; formerly it was much employed in dropsical affections, gout and rheumatism, but its use is now almost abandoned, except in the form of the syrup, which is sometimes given to children ; it is however more frequently prescribed as a domestic remedy than by the medical practitioner. Dose. Of syrupus rhamni, ^ fl. oz. to 1 fl. oz.; for a young child \ fl. drm. to 1 fl. drm. or 2 fl. drm. TEREBINTHACEJE. Terebinthina Chia. Chian Turpentine. (Not officinal.) An oleo-resin flowing from the incised trunk of the Pistacia ter- ebinthus ; Lin. Syst., Dioecia pentandria. The tree from which this oleo-resin is obtained grows chiefly in the island of Chios. Description. This substance is about the consistence of honey, and is semi-transparent, of a white or pale yellow colour, having a fragrant odour and warm taste. Prop. & Comp. It consists of resin dissolved in a volatile oil resembling that of turpentine. Therapeutics. Its action is the same as that of the other tur- pentines ; vide Terebinthina Americana. Mastiche. Mastich. A resinous exudation flowing from the stem of Pistacia Lentiscus, native of the countries bordering on the Mediterranean; chiefly imported from Turkey and the Levant. MYRRHA. 205 Description. In its best condition it occurs in small masses called tears, which are of light yellow colour, friable, becoming soft and ductile when chewed ; the fracture vitreous, shining, and transparent; the surface of the tears is often covered with a whitish dust, produced by the rubbing together of several pieces. The larger masses are less pure than the small ; they are formed by the agglutination of several tears, and often mixed with bark and earthy-matter. It has a faint agreeable odour. Prop. & Comp. It is wholly soluble in ether and chloroform but scarcely at all so in the fixed oils ; it contains a small quantity of volatile oil; alcohol dissolves about four-fifths of it, and the remainder, which is soluble in ether, has been called Masticine (C40 H3J 02). Therapeutics. The action is the same as that of the resin of turpentine ; it is but little used. From its agreeable odour, which it communicates to the breath, it is sometimes employed as a masticatory. Dissolved in chloroform or ether, it is often used for stopping carious teeth. Dose. 20 gr. to 40 gr. Myrrha. Myrrh. A gum-resin exuding from the bark of Bal- samodendron Myrrha; Lin. Syst., Octandria monogynia. It is obtained from Arabia Felix and Abyssinia. Description. It occurs in irregular fragments, varying in size; of a reddish-brown or reddish-yellow colour; translucent, but the surface often covered with powder; fractured surface irregular and somewhat oily ; of a peculiar aromatic odour, and pungent warm acrid bitter taste. The inferior variety is in much larger masses than the pure, darker coloured, less transparent, and containing earthy and other impurities. The latter variety is. also known as Indian myrrh, from its being imported into England from that country. The best of Turkey myrrh comes by way of Egypt and the Levant. " Prop. & Comp. It contains a volatile oil, gum, resin, salts, &c. The resin is bitter, soluble in alcohol, but partly only in ether. With water, myrrh forms an emulsion of a milky-white colour, from the suspension of the resin by the gum which is held in solution. 206 MATERIA MEDICA. Off. Prep. Pilula Aloes et Myrrha. Pill of Aloes and Myrrh. (Socotrine aloes, two ounces ; myrrh, one ounce ; saffron, dried, half an ounce ; confection of roses, two ounces and a half.) [In the U. S. P. syrup a sufficient quantity is directed instead of confection of roses, and the mass is divided into four hundred and eighty pills, each pill containing two grains of aloes.] Tinctura Myrrha. Tincture of Myrrh. (Myrrh in coarse powder, two ounces and a half; rectified spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) [According to the U. S. P. two pints of tincture are prepared by percolation with alcohol from three troy ounces of myrrh.] Myrrh is also contained in Mist. Ferri C. ; Pil. Assafcetida? C.; Pil. Rhei C.; and Decoct. Aloes C. Therapeutics. Myrrh acts as a stimulant in a manner not unlike other resinous substances; it increases the secretion of the mucous membranes, especially of the bronchial tubes, and is supposed to possess antispasmodic and emmenagogue properties, combined with tonic powers. Myrrh is frequently administered in conjunction with iron and aloetic preparations in amenorrhcea; also in leucorrheal and other mucous discharges connected with debility : sometimes as an expectorant in chronic bronchitis and phthisis. Externally, as a topical stimulant, it is applied to aphthous sore mouths, spongy gums, &c. Dose. Of myrrh, 10 gr. to 30 gr.; of tinct. myrrha?, £ fl. drm. to 1 fl. drm. Of pil. aloes c. myrrha, 5 gr. to 15 gr. The tinc- ture is more frequently used externally, mixed with water (2 fl. drm. to 4 fl. oz.), to form a gargle. Adulteration. Gum bdellium and other gum resins are occa- sionally met with in samples of myrrh, and an inferior kind is often substituted for good myrrh. Rhus Toxicodendron. The leaves of the Rhus Toxicodendron (the poison sumach) ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria trigynia: not now officinal in the British, but is contained in the United States' Pharmacopoeia. Description. The leaves are trifoliate, leaflets entire, or rarely toothed ; ovate, deep shining green on the upper surface, hairy on the under. ELEMI. 207 Prop. & Comp. The leaves contain a peculiar acrid resin, and gummy extractive. It is on the presence of the former sub- stance that the properties of the plant depend. Prep. For topical application a tincture of the leaves is made. Therapeutics. It is chiefly used as a topical irritant. The juice of the leaves causes inflammation and vesication of the part to which it is applied. Internally administered, it is supposed to act on the spinal system in a manner similar to strychnia ; in large doses it causes inflammation, &c, of the stomach. It has been re- commended in palsy, but further investigations as to its efficacy are required. Dose. Of the powder, \ gr. to 1 gr., gradually increased. Olibanum. Gum resin from the Boswellia serrata; Lin. Syst., Decandria monogynia. This resin is not officinal. Description. It occurs in small oblong tears, of a peculiar balsamic odour. Prop. & Comp. It burns with an aromatic odour, and con- tains a volatile oil, resin, and gum. Therapeutics. It is stimulant, like the other gum resins, but is chiefly used for burning as an incense in Roman Catholic countries. Elemi. Elemi. A concrete resinous exudation from an uncertain plant, probably Canarium Commune. Chiefly imported from Manilla. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Description. It occurs in masses of various sizes, usually of a soft consistence, more or less transparent, of a yellowish colour, with a peculiar fennel-like odour, and a bitter aromatic taste. Prop. & Comp. The odour is due to the presence of volatile oil; the resin is soluble in alcohol. Off. Prep. Unguentum Elemi. Ointment of Elemi. (Elemi, quarter of an ounce ; simple ointment, one ounce.) Therapeutics. Action as the turpentines generally; chiefly used externally, in the form of ointment, as a topical stimulant. Dose. Not given internally. 208 MATERIA MEDICA. LEGUMINOSiE. Papilionace^e. Glycyrrhiza. Liquorice root. The recent and dried root or underground stem of Glycyrrhiza glabra; Lin. Syst., Diadel- phia decandria: cultivated in England; the fresh root should be kept in dry sand. Description. In cylindrical branched pieces, brown on the sur- face and yellow within, about the size of the little finger ; tough and pliable ; sweet and mucilaginous to the taste. Prop. c& Comp. Contains a peculiar sweet brownish sub- stance, glycyrrhizine (C48 H3S 018) ; not fermentable nor crystal- line ; soluble in water and spirit; when boiled with hydrochloric acid, it is resolved into a resinous matter and glucose. Liquorice also contains asparagine, gum, mucilage, &c. Off. Prep. Extractum Glycyrrhiza. Extract of Liquorice. (Obtained by maceration and percolation of liquorice root with water and subsequent evaporation to a proper consistence.) Powdered liquorice root is contained in some pills, and other officinal preparations; and the extract in compound decoction of aloes and the confection of senna, &c. Therapeutics. A sweet demulcent, useful in allaying cough, to sheathe the mucous membranes, &c, but more frequently employed on account of its sweetness to cover the taste of other medicines. Dose. Of the extract, 10 gr. to 30 gr., rubbed up with water, , N2 04), with '4 equivalents of water when crystallized, occurs, when pure, in white prisms, readily crys- tallizing from alcohol, and also when precipitated from the watery solutions of its salts, by means of an alkali ; it is very bitter, but less intensely so than quinia, and its solutions are fluorescent : it is much less soluble in water than quinia, and less soluble in ether, and its sulphate is also much more soluble than that of quinia, much less so than that of cinchonia. The solutions of quini- dine, when treated with chlorine water and ammonia, show the emerald-green appearance, as in the case of quinine. Cinchonidina or Cinchonidine ,(C4o H2, N2 02), a fourth alka- loid, found in cinchona barks, and isomeric with cinchonine, occurs in hard, brilliant, striated, rhomboidal prisms, which are anhy- drous, and insoluble in ether; it forms crystallizable salts, the solutions are fluorescent, but when treated with chlorine water, and subsequently with ammonia, do not give rise to the emerald- green colour. M. Pasteur, from an examination of quinine, quinidine, cin- chonine, and cinchonidine, finds that quinine, by being carefully heated in the form of a salt, as the tartrate, is changed into an isomeric body, quinicine, and cinchonine, under like circum- stances, into cinchonicine, substances similar to them, but amor- phous ; and he also finds that quinidine and cinchonidine are converted into the same isomeric substances, quinicine and cin- chonicine. According to Pasteur, quinine and quinidine strike green with chlorine and ammonia, but cinchonine or cinchonidine QULNLE SULPHAS. 253 do not, and the alkaloid, usually designated quinidine commonly, consists chiefly of cinchonidine. The following are the relations in which the four alkaloids and their isomeric modifications stand in regard to their action upon polarized light. Quinine turns the plane of polarization powerfully to the left hand. Cinchonidine " " " Cinchonine turns the plane of polarization strongly to the right hand. Quinidine " Both quinicine and cinchonicine turn the plane of polarization feebly to the right hand. An alkaloid aricine (C20 H12 N03 ?) was found by Pelletier in arica; it has not, however, been rediscovered, and some doubts exist with regard to it. It is stated to crystallize in needles, to be soluble in ether, and give an intense green colour with nitric acid. Guibourt has obtained cinchonia, not aricina, from the same bark. The substance known by the name of quinoidine consists of resinous and colouring matters, with the above alkaloids more or less changed by the processes to which they have been subjected ; it is obtained from the liquors from which the sulphate of quina has been crystallized ; it was from this substance that Liebig obtained his amorphous quinine, which bears the same relation to the crystallized alkaloid as uncrystallizable syrup does to ordi- nary sugar ; probably it is closely allied to quinicine. The salts of the cinchona alkaloids commonly used in medicine are as follows :— Quinia Sulphas. Sulphate of Quinia (C40 H24 N2 04, HO, S03 + 7 HO), it occurs in snow-white feathery crystals, requiring for solution about 60 parts of strong spirit, and 750 parts of water ; and the watery solution, treated with chlorine, and ammonia, gives the green test before noticed, and also exhibits fluorescence ; it has all the characters of a neutral salt. For the adulterations, &c, of sulphate of quinia, see page 261. Prep. The following are the directions given for the prepa- ration of the sulphate in the British Pharmacopoeia : " Take of yellow cinchona bark, in coarse powder, one pound ; hydrochloric 254 MATERIA MEDICA. acid, three fluid ounces ; distilled water, a sufficiency ; solution of soda, four pints ; dilute sulphuric acid, a sufficiency. Dilute the hydrochloric acid with ten pints of the water. Place the cinchona bark in a porcelain basin, and add to it as much of the dilute sul- phuric acid as will render it thoroughly moist. After maceration, with occasional stirring for twenty-four hours, place the bark in a displacement apparatus, and percolate with the diluted hydrochlo- ric acid, until the solution which drops through is nearly destitute of a bitter taste. Into this liquid pour the solution of soda, agi- tate well, let the precipitate completely subside, decant the super- natant fluid, collect the precipitate on a filter, and wash it with cold distilled water, until the washings cease to have colour. Transfer the precipitate to a porcelain dish containing a pint of distilled water, and applying to this a steam heat, gradually add dilute sulphuric acid until very nearly the whole of the precipitate has been dissolved, and a neutral liquid has been obtained. Filter the solution while hot through paper, wash the filter with boiling distilled water, concentrate till a film forms on the surface of the solution, and set it aside to crystallize. The crystals should be dried on filtering paper without the application of heat." [" Take of yellow cinchona, in coarse powder, forty-eight troy ounces ; muriatic acid, three troy ounces and a half; lime, in fine powder, five troy ounces ; animal charcoal, in fine powder, sulphuric acid, alcohol, water, distilled water, each, a sufficient quantity. Boil the cinchona in thirteen pints of water, mixed with one-third of the muriatic acid, and strain, through muslin. Boil the residue twice successively with the same quantity of water and acid as before, and strain, mix the decoctions, and, while the liquid is hot, gradually add the lime, previously mixed with two pints of water, stirring constantly, until the quinia is com- pletely precipitated. Wash the precipitate with distilled water, and, having pressed, dried, and powdered it, digest it with boiling alcohol. Pour off the liquid, and repeat the digestion several times until the alcohol is no longer rendered bitter. Mix the liquids, and distil off the alcohol until a brown viscid mass re- mains. Upon this, transferred to a suitable vessel, pour four pints of distilled water, and, having heated the mixture to the boiling point, add as much sulphuric acid as may be necessary to dissolve the quinia. Then add a troy ounce and a half of animal charcoal, ClNCHONIDINiE SULPHAS. 255 boil the liquid for two minutes, filter while hot, and set it aside to crystallize. Should the liquid, before filtration, be entirely neu- tral, acidulate it very slightly with sulphuric acid. Should it, on the contrary, change the colour of litmus paper to a bright red, add more animal charcoal. Separate the crystals from the liquid, dissolve them in boiling distilled water slightly acidulated with sulphuric acid, add a little animal charcoal, filter the solution, and set aside to crystallize. Lastly, dry the crystals on bibulous paper, with a gentle heat, and keep them in a well stopped bottle. The mother water may be made to yield an additional quantity of sulphate of quinia? by precipitating the quinia with water of ammonia, and treating the precipitated alkaloid with distilled water, sulphuric acid, and animal charcoal as before." U. S<] Cinchonia Sulphas, or Sulphate of Cinchonia (C40H24N2O2, HO, S03 + 2 HO), occurs in prisms, often of considerable size, re- quiring for solution about 6 parts of strong spirit and 54 parts of water : the solution is not fluorescent, and does not give the test with chlorine and ammonia. Quinidina Sulphas, or Sulphate of Quinidine (C^IL^O^ HO, S03 + 6 HO), in acicular shining crystals, requiring 2 parts of spirit and 130 parts of water for solution ; the solution is fluores- cent, and gives the green colour with chlorine and ammonia. Cinchonidina Sulphas. Sulphate of cinchonidine (C40 HJ4 N202HO, S03) crystallizes in stellate groups of silky needles, solu- ble in water ; the solution is fluorescent, but does not give the green colour when treated with chlorine and ammonia. Besides the above salts, Valerianate of Quina (described under Valerian), Citrate of Iron and Quinine (described under Iron Salts), and Arseniate of Quinine are occasionally employed in medicine, but their special value is somewhat doubtful. The cinchona alkaloids also form with acids salts which are acid in reaction, and when the ordinary sulphates are administered, dissolved in excess of acid, as they usually are, such salts are produced. Tartrates, phosphates, citrates, tannates of the cinchona alkaloids have been occasionally proposed as remedial agents ; and the hy- drochlorate of cinchonine has lately been employed in medicine. Off. Prep.—Of the Yellow Cinchona Bark. Decoctum Cinchona 256 MATERIA MEDICA. Flava. Decoction of Yellow Cinchona Bark. (Yellow bark, in coarse powder, one ounce ; distilled water, one pint, reduced to sixteen fluid ounces by boiling.) [A troy ounce of yellow Cin- chona is boiled for fifteen minutes in a pint of water, strained, and enough water added through the strainer to make the decoction measure a pint. U. S.] Extractum Cinchona Flava Liquidum. Liquid Extract of Yellow Cinchona. (Yellow cinchona bark, in coarse powder, one pound ; distilled water, a sufficient quantity ; rectified spirit, one fluid ounce, prepared by maceration, percolation, subsequent evap- oration (at a temperature not exceeding 160°) to three fluid ounces, or until the specific gravity of the liquid is 1*2. When cold add the spirit. The specific gravity should be about 1*1.) Four fluid ounces represent one pound of the bark. [Extractum Cinchona? Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Cinchona. U. S. Yellow Cinchona, sixteen troy ounces ; sugar, twenty troy ounces ; diluted alcohol, a sufficient quantity. Four pints of tinc- ture are obtained by percolation ; this is evaporated by means of a water bath to two pints, the sugar added, the whole again evap- orated to two pints and strained while hot.] Infusum Cinchona Flava. Infusion of Yellow Bark. (Yel- low cinchona bark, in coarse powder, half an ounce ; boiling dis- tilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Infusum Cinchona? Flava?. Infusion of Yellow Bark. U. S. Yellow Cinchona, in powder, a troy ounce; aromatic sulphuric acid, a fluid drachm ; water, a sufficient quantity. The aromatic sulphuric acid is added to a pint of water. The powder, moist- ened with half a fluid ounce of the mixture, is percolated with the remainder of it, and afterwards with water, until the filtered liquid measures a pint.] [Infusum Cinchona? Rubra?. Infusion of Red Cinchona. U. S. The same as Infusum Cinchona? Flava?.] Tinctura Cinchona Flava. Tincture of Yellow Bark. (Yel- low cinchona, in coarse powder, four ounces ; proof spirit, one pint. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) [Tinctura Cinchona?. U. S. Two pints of tincture are prepared by percolating six troy ounces of yellow bark, with diluted alco- hol so as to obtain two pints of tincture.] TINCTURA CINCHONA COMPOSITE. 257 Of the Pale Bark. Tinctura Cinchona Composita. Com- pound Tincture of Cinchona. (Pale cinchona bark, in coarse pow- der, two ounces ; bitter orange peel, cut small and bruised, one ounce ; serpentary, bruised, half an ounce ; saffron, sixty grains ; cochineal in powder, thirty grains ; proof spirit, one pint. Pre- pared by maceration and percolation.) [Tinctura Cinchona? Composita. U. S. Red Cinchona in mod- erately fine powder, four troy ounces ; orange peel, in powder, three troy ounces ; serpentaria, in powder, three hundred and sixty grains ; saffron, in powder, red saunders, in powder, each one hun- dred and twenty grains. Percolated with diluted alcohol so as to form two and a half pints of tincture.] Of Quinia. Tinctura Quinle Composita. Compound Tinc- ture of Quinine. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Sulphate of quinia, one hundred and sixty grains : tincture of orange peel, twenty fluid ounces.) One fluid drachm contains a grain of sulphate of quinia. Therapeutics. Cinchona barks owe their efficacy chiefly to the alkaloids contained in them, but some influence is also exercised by the cincho-tannic acid and red cinchonic, which produce a slight difference of action between the barks and the alkaloids derived from them. Given in small doses, bark causes an increase of ap- petite, especially in weak patients, and at the same time improves the condition of the muscular and nervous systems ; hence the im- provement of the blood and general health ; it may, therefore, be well designated a tonic. Its power in bracing up the system is also seen in the check given to the colliquative sweating occurring in extreme debility. Bark also produces a peculiar influence upon the nervous system, which is exhibited in the extraordinary power which it possesses of arresting the progress of certain diseases, characterised by a periodical recurrence of their symptoms, as ague, the different forms of neuralgia, and certain inflammatory affections: how this effect is produced is at present unknown. Bark acts likewise as an astringent, and this property, combined with the tonic and anteperiodic powers, is often of much thera- peutic value. In large doses bark causes disagreeable, and sometimes serious symptoms, as thirst, loss of appetite, nausea, and even vomiting, headache, throbbings in the head, noise in the ears, and occasion- ally deafness and coma. 18 258 MATERIA MEDICA. Bark may be advantageously employed in many diseases. In atonic dyspepsia, as a stomachic, bark is most valuable in cases where the indigestion results from a want of tone in the general system, such as occasionally occurs in the convalescence from acute diseases, and in some forms of gastrodynia of a neu- ralgic and intermittent character. In atonic conditions of the general system, as a tonic, to improve the tone of the muscles, check too great perspiration and abnor- mal mucous discharges if present, it is useful also in scrofula and other forms of cachexia, and in gangrene arising from want of tone in the habit; also in some low forms of chronic inflammation. It is, however, in intermittent fevers that its efficacy is most strongly marked, and perhaps no remedy in the list of the Materia Medica has obtained such repute in the treatment of these fevers. Bark may be given in two ways ; either in a very large dose, a short time before the expected paroxysm, or in small doses, fre- quently continued, during the whole of the interval between the paroxysms : sometimes the first method is at once effectual, but there is some fear of producing unpleasant symptoms from the amount of the dose ; the second method is also, as a rule, quite successful, and without hazard. Bark has been found useful in all the different varieties of quo- tidian, tertian and quartan agues, and also in the remittent fevers occurring in hot and damp climates, as on some parts of the coast of Africa, &c. In continued fevers its value is questionable. Externally bark acts as an astringent and antiseptic: it is sometimes made use of as an application to unhealthy ulcers, sprinkled in the form of powder on the part, also in the form of gargle in putrid sore throats, and applied to spongy gums as a dentifrice. Action of the Cinchona Acids. Cinchotannic acid and red cinchonic produce the same astringent effects upon the system as tannic and gallic acids. The action of kinic and kinovic acids is unknown. Action of the Cinchona Alkaloids. Quinia, or any salt of this alkaloid, produces all the effects of yellow cinchona bark, except that it is not astringent; it may QUININE. 259 be given in all cases where bark is indicated—generally with some advantage over bark itself, on account of the smallness of the dose required, and its little liability to disturb the stomach ; the only exceptions would be, cases of great debility of the system, with excessive weakness of the circulation and increased secre- tions ; in these the pharmaceutic preparations of cinchona barks appear at times to be preferable. Cinchonia is generally supposed to have a similar action to quinia, differing only in degree, being regarded as much weaker : that it possesses antiperiodic powers is undoubted, whether equal to quinia, or not, requires still to be determined. The author has had abundant evidence to prove that peculiar effects often result from cinchonia salts, which are not produced by the same amount of the corresponding salts of quinia. Quinidine appears to act in the same way as quinia, but whether equal in power has not yet been determined. Cinchonidine probably acts in the same manner as cinchonine, but a further investigation of its powers is required. Action of the different kinds of Cinchona Barks. No very well marked difference in the action of the different barks has yet been established : there can be no doubt, however, that their effects depend on the alkaloids contained in them, and consequently any peculiarity of the bark would be that of the prevailing alkaloid. As a rule, quinia exists in large quantities in yellow bark, cinchona in pale barks, and the red bark is stated to contain about equal amounts of the two alkaloids. Quinidine and cinchon- idine are more especially found in the Carthagena barks. Accord- ing to the results of recent examinations, collected in the form of a table by the late Dr. Pereira, Yellow or Calisaya barks yield from 2*5 to 3*8 per cent, of quinine; Pale or Loxa barks, from about 0*7 to 1*4 per cent, of alkaloids chiefly cinchonine or quinidine, with a little quinine ; Best red barks, 2 6 per cent, of quinine, and 1*5 per cent, of cinchonine; Gray or Huanuco barks, from 1*7 to 2*1 per cent, of alkaloids, 260 MATERIA MEDICA. chiefly consisting of cinchonine and quinidine, with occasionally some quinine. Dose. Of any cinchona bark, in powder, 10 gr. to 60 gr. ; of the decoction 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. • of the infusions, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz.; of the liquid extract of yellow cinchona, 10 rain, to 1 fl. drm; of the tinctures (simple or compound), 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm.; of sulphate of quinine, 1 gr. to 10 gr., or even 20 gr. ; of compound tincture of quinine, 1 drm. to 2 drm.; of sul- phate of cinchonine, 1 gr. to 10 gr.; of sulphate of quinidine 1 gr. to 20 gr. ; of sulphate of cinchonidine, 1 gr. to 10 gr. 5 of hydroehlorate of cinchonine 1 gr. to 10 gr. In intermittents, or when the dose of bark is required to be large, the salts of quinia or cinchonia are preferred; powdered bark was formerly given in such cases, but it is apt to disagree with the stomach, and cause nausea and vomiting ; the liquid extract might be made use of, but their strength is by no means equivalent to the amount of bark made use of in their preparation, and the same holds good of all the pharmaceutic preparations made with water, the solvent powers of that fluid being unequal to abstract all the principles from the bark. Adulteration of Cinchona Barks. Inferior non-officinal cin- chona barks may be substituted for the officinal, and barks of other species may be sold for those of the genus cinchona ; these are distinguished by their physical characters, and by finding the presence and amount of the cinchona alkaloids contained in them. The structure of the bark also affords some test of its value, for it has been found that the bark which exhibits when fractured a homogeneous texture, with a large amount of short fusiform ligneous fibres, uniformly distributed in the cellular tissue, contains a large amount of quinine ; this is the character of true Calisaya barks. Barks rich in quinine generally contain much lime, and the strong infusions are precipitated by sulphate of soda ; which is not the case with the barks yielding cinchonine. The same holds good with regard to the amount of tannin. Many methods of ascertaining the per-centage of alkaloids have been proposed ; the following is the method given in the Pharmacopoeia for the examination of yellow cinchona bark :—One hundred grains of the bark are reduced to powder and thoroughly exhausted by QUININE. 261 maceration and percolation, with water acidulatedwith hydrochloric acid. To this solution, subacetate of lead is added until all the colouring matter is removed, care being taken to keep the fluid acid. The precipitate is removed by filtration, and to the filtrate caustic potash, enough to redissolve the precipitate which is at first formed, is added, and the solution then well shaken with successive quantities of ether, until a drop of the ether evaporated to dryness yields no perceptible residue. The ethereal solutions are then evaporated to dryness, and the residue, which consists of nearly pure quinia and should be readily soluble in dilute sulphuric acid, is weighed. Pale and red barks are tested in a similar manner, with the substitution of chloroform for ether in the process. Of Sulphate of Quinine. On account of the high price of this salt, many adulterations have been practised. Sulphates of cincho- nine, quinidine, and cinchonidine, salicine, sugar of milk, cane sugar, mannite, starch, and stearic acid, form the most frequent organic adulterations ; and sulphate of lime, precipitated to imi- tate the quinia salt, chalk, magnesia, and boracic acid, are among the most frequent inorganic additions. These latter, with the exception of boracic acid, are readily detected by their not dis- solving in alcohol, and by heating the suspected salt on a piece of platinum foil, where they leave an ash, the nature of which can be ascertained by the ordinary tests : the organic impurities are more difficult of detection ; cinchonine, cinchonidine and quinine can be discovered by their different solubilities in water, alcohol, and ether ; salicine, by the blood-red colour produced by sulphuric acid ; the sugars, by the solution of the salt, after the precipita- tion of the alkaloids by means of an alkali, being sweet; starch, by its striking blue with iodine ; and stearic acid, by not dissolv- ing in dilute acids. Boracic acid, if present, gives to its alcoho- lic solution the property of imparting a green tinge to flame. The British Pharmacopoeia gives the following quantitative test: —Ten grains with ten minims of diluted sulphuric acid and half a fluid ounce of water form a perfect solution, from which ammonia throws down a white precipitate. This redissolves on agitating the whole with half a fluid ounce of pure ether, without the pro- duction of any crystalline matter floating on the lower of the two strata, into which the agitated fluid separates on rest. The upper 262 MATERIA MEDICA. stratum of fluid, if entirely removed by a pipette and evaporated leaves a white residue, which, when dried in the air without heat, weighs 8*6 grains. Ipecacuanha. Ipecacuan or Ipecacuanha. The dried root Cephaelis ipecacuanha ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia ; growing chiefly in the Brazils, and sent from Rio Janeiro. Description. Annulated or Brazilian ipecacuan, as it is named to distinguish it from another kind, called striated or Peruvian ipecacuan, the produce of Psychotria emetica, is in the form of con- torted pieces, from two to four inches in length, about the size of a small quill, knotted, having very deep circular fissures extending down to the woody axis or meditullium, and giving the appear- ance of a series of brownish or ash-coloured rings, strung on a white cord. The odour of ipecacuanha is slight, but disagreeable ; the taste bitter, aromatic, and slightly acrid : it breaks easily, with a resinous fracture. The active ingredients chiefly reside in the cortex. The powder of ipecacuan is pale brown. Prop. &, Comp. Ipecacuan contains a feeble alkaloid, emetina (C33 H25 N09 ?), separable as a whitish or yellowish amorphous powder, of a bitter taste, soluble in alcohol, sparingly so in water and ether, and precipitated by tannin; also a peculiar acid, cephaelic or ipecacuanha acid, allied to catechin, formerly thought to be gallic acid, and striking green with the persalts of iron ; gum, starch, fatty or oily matter, are also present in the root. Water, spirit, and wine take up the active part, namely, the salt of emetina. Off. Prep. Pulvis Ipecacuanha cum Opio. Powder of Ipecacuan and Opium ; formerly Compound Ipecacuanha Powder ; Dover's powder. (Powdered ipecacuan, half an ounce ; powdered opium, half an ounce ; powdered sulphate of potash, four ounces.) One grain of opium and one of ipecacuan are contained in ten grains of this powder. Trochisci Morphia et Ipecacuanha. Morphia and Ipeca- cuana Lozenges. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Hydrochlorate of morphia, twenty grains ; ipecacuan, in fine powder, 60 gr. ; tinc- ture of Tolu, sugar, gum arabic, and water, to form a mass to be divided into seven hundred and twenty lozenges. Each lozenge contains -fa grain of morphia salt, and T\ grain of ipecacuan.) IPECACUANHA. 263 [Trochisci Ipecacuanha?. Troches of Ipecacuanha. U. S. Ipe- cacuanha, half a troy ounce ; arrow root, four troy ounces ; sugar, fourteen troy ounces ; mucilage of tragacanth, a sufficient quan- tity. To be made into a mass and divided into troches, each weighing ten grains. Each troche contains £ of a grain of Ipecac- uanha.] Vinum Ipecacuanha Ipecacuanha Wine. (Bruised ipecac- uan, one ounce ; sherry wine, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration.) [U. S. A troy ounce to a pint. Prepared by per- colation.] Therapeutics. Ipecacuan in large medicinal doses acts as an emetic, not so speedy as sulphate of zinc or mustard; at the same time it is more depressing, but less so, however, than tartar emetic : in smaller doses, short of inducing either nausea or vomiting, it becomes absorbed and acts upon the different mucous surfaces, especially of the respiratory passages and of the alimentary canal, and is, therefore, expectorant, and sometimes laxative ; it also acts upon the skin as a diaphoretic. Ipecacuan is well suited for an emetic in chest affections accompanied with fever, as in bronchitis, phthisis, and croup, in which the after-expectorant effect is of great service; also to unload the stomach in dyspepsia when of an in- flammatory character. As an expectorant, it is used in the various forms of bronchitic disease ; on account of its action on the ali- mentary canal, it is of value in chronic dysentery and diarrhoea, for which it was at one time held in great estimation ; it is also at times a useful adjunct to purgative medicines. As a diaphoretic^ in the form of Dover's powder, it is frequently employed in catar- rhal affections ; the combination with opium appears to increase its sudorific action. Ipecacuan has also been given in agues before the paroxysm, to prevent or cut it short; and, on account of the sedative effect on the vascular system which follows the nausea, in hemorrhages of various kinds. Some individuals are peculiarly susceptible of the influence of ipecacuan, the effluvia from the powdered drug being sufficient to cause sneezing, cough, and a species of asthma. Dose. Of ipecacuan (powdered) as an emetic, 15 gr. to 30 gr.; as an expectorant, &c. £ gr. to 2 gr.; of vinum ipecacuanha?, as an emetic, 3 fl. drm. to 6 fl. drm.; as an expectorant, 5 min. to 40 264 MATERIA MEDICA. min. The dose of pulv. ipecacuanha? cum opio depends on the amount of opium desirable to administer rather than on the quan- tity of ipecacuan. Adulteration. Striated ipecacuan above alluded to, and other roots, have occasionally been mixed with or substituted for ipe- cacuan. Caffeine or Theine (not officinal), a principle obtained from coffee, or the berry of Caffea arabica, a plant belonging to the order Cinchonacea?, contained also in tea from Thea viridis, &c, and Paraguay tea from Ilex paraguensis, likewise in Paulinia sorbi- lis, and other plants, used by different nations to form beverages. When pure, Caffeine or Theine forms beautiful silky prisms, soluble in water, alcohol, and ether ; it is precipitated by tannin, and sublimes when heated. Composition (C16 H10 N4 04 + 2 HO). Given internally, caffeine or a strong infusion containing it acts powerfully upon the nervous system, producing restlessness, palpi- tation of the heart, and other nervous symptoms. Caffeine also appears to possess the power of checking, in some measure, the changes or metamorphoses of the animal body, shown by the diminished formation of urea, which takes place under its employ- ment. Coffee and caffeine may be given to relieve stupor from the use of opium or other narcotics, in nervous headaches, also to arrest the paroxysms of spasmodic asthma, in hooping-cough, and in some forms of intermittent affections. The action of caffeine requires further investigation, as in the infusions of coffee and tea a part of the influence may be due to the other constituents which are present. Pale Catechu, described under Catechu, is derived from Un- caria gamba, a tree belonging to this order. VALERXANACEJE. Valeriana. Valerian. The root of Valeriana officinalis, dried; Lin. Syst., Triandria monogynia; indigenous and cultivated; the wild plant growing on dry soils is to be preferred. Description. As met with, it consists of a short rhizome, with numerous radicles two or three inches long ; of a light yellowish brown colour, a strong characteristic and disagreeable odour, and a bitter, acrid, camphoraceous, and nauseous taste. VALERIANA. 265 Prop. & Comp. Valerian root owes its activity to a volatile oil and valerianic acid ; resinous, extractive, and gummy matters are also present. The volatile oil of valerian, sp. gr. 0*94, has a light greenish colour, and the odour of valerian ; it consists of valerole, and a hydrocarbon, borneene. Valerole (Ci2 H10 02) is a crystalline body at a low temperature ; it forms a blood-red solution with sulphuric acid, and when ex- posed to the air, gradually absorbs oxygen, acquires a peculiar strong odour, and is converted into valerianic acid. Borneene is a hydrocarbon identical with that found in Borneo camphor (C20 H16). Valerianic acid (HO, C10 H9 08) can be procured in small quantities from valerian root by distillation with very dilute sul- phuric acid ; it is an oily liquid, sp. gr. 0*9, with the intense odour of valerian ; it forms salts with the metallic bases, most of which are crystalline. This acid can also be formed, and much more economically, by the oxidation of Fousel oil or amylic alcohol. Off. Prep.—Of Valerian. Infusum Valeriana. Infusion of Valerian. (Valerian, bruised, one hundred and twenty grains ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Valerian in moderately coarse powder, half a troy ounce. Prepared by percolating with cold water until the filtered liquid measures a pint; or by mace- rating the valerian with a pint of boiling water for two hours and straining. U. S.] Tinctura Valeriana. Tincture of Valerian. (Valerian, bruised, two ounces and a half; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and^percolation.) [Two pints of tincture are prepared by percolating four ounces of valerian with diluted alcohol. U. S.] Tinctura Valeriana Ammoniata. Ammoniated Tincture of Valerian. (Valerian, bruised, two ounces and a half; aromatic spirit of ammonia, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration.) [Valerian in moderately fine powder, four troy ounces; aromatic spirits of ammonia, two pints. Prepared by maceration. U. S.] Therapeutics. Valerian acts as a stimulant, and powerful anti- spasmodic, and is peculiarly adapted for the treatment of the various symptoms occurring in hysterical subjects, as spasm 266 MATERIA MEDICA. hemicrania, globus, palpitation, &c. ; it has also been found useful in some cases of chorea, epilepsy, hypochondriasis,,, and, as an ad- junct to tonics, in intermittents. Dose. Of valerian in powder, 15 gr. to 30 gr. ; of infusum Valeriana?, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz.; of tinctura Valeriana?, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. ; of tinctura Valeriana? ammoniata, % fl. drm. to 1^ fl. drm. Valerianate cf Soda. Appendix. Prep. Prepared by distilling Fousel oil with a mixture of sul- phuric acid and bichromate of potash, and saturating the distilled fluid with soda. In this process Fousel oil, which is the alcohol of the amyl series, and is represented by the formula C10 Hu 0, HO, undergoes oxidation by the chronic acid which is set free when the sulphuric acid is mixed with bichromate of potash, and is converted into valerianic acid, which distils over. This acid bears the same relation to Fousel oil, as acetic acid does to ordi- nary alcohol, or formic acid to wood spirit or methylic alcohol. The fluid containing the valerianate of soda is evaporated to dry- ness and the valerianate is fused and allowed to cool. Prop. & Comp. It is presented in dry white masses, not alka- line in reaction, evolving an odour of valerian when sulphuric acid is added. Its composition is represented by the formula NaO, C10 H9 03. Therapeutics. Valerianate of soda seems to resemble valerian in its action, and may be used in cases where the administration of valerian is desirable. It is introduced into the British Pharma- copoeia for manufacturing the valerianate of zinc. Dose. \ gr. to 2 gr. or more. Zinci Valerianas. Valerianate of Zinc. Prep. Prepared by mixing a solution of sulphate of zinc and valerianate of soda, and separating and purifying the crystals which are formed. Prop. <& Comp. This salt occurs in pearly crystalline scales, with an odour and taste of valerianic acid ; soluble in alcohol and hot water ; sparingly so in cold water and ether. Composition (Zn 0, C10 H9 03). Heated to redness in an open crucible it INULA. 267 leaves a residue of oxide of zinc, soluble in dilute sulphuric acid, and the solution is precipitated white by hydrosulphuret of am- monia. This salt has been frequently adulterated, especially with sulphate of zinc ; to show the absence of this latter salt, the solu- tion of valerianate of zinc in hot water should give no precipitate with chloride of barium. When valerianate of zinc is distilled with dilute sulphuric acid, the distillate (valerianic acid) when mixed with a solution of acetate of copper, should not immediately affect the transparency of the fluid, but form after a little time oily drops, passing gradually into a bluish-white crystalline de- posit : this shows the absence of butyric acid (the butyrate of zinc is a common adulteration of the salt as found in com- merce). Therapeutics. Valerianate of zinc is a nervine tonic and anti- spasmodic, and has been given with advantage in cases where the combined action of the mental and valerian seems desirable, as in chorea, epilepsy, and various neuralgic affections ; it is said also to act as an anthelmintic. Dose. % gr. to 4 gr.; the dose may be increased till some nausea is produced. Valerianate of Quinia. (C40 H24 N2 04, C10 H9 03 + 2 HO) forms white silky needles, with a strong odour and taste ; soluble in alcohol, and sparingly so in water, especially when cold ; it is decomposed by heat with the escape of valerianic acid. Therapeutics. It is sometimes employed in medicine, but is not officinal. It is said to be particularly useful in some forms of in- termittent and spasmodic neuralgic affections. Dose. 1 gr. to 5 gr. Valerianate of iron, and valerianate of ammonia have also been used in medicine, and may be given in the same doses as the cor- responding salt of zinc. COMPOSITE. Inula. Elecampane. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] The root of Inula helenium ; Lin. Syst., Syngenesia superflua; indi- genous, growing in damp meadows. 268 MATERIA MEDICA. Description. A thick elongated root, brown externally, but light yellow within, having an aromatic odour and taste. Prop. & Comp. Contains a peculiar camphor-like body, hele- nine {Ql5 H10 02), crystallizing in white needles; insoluble in water ; a bitter extractive, soluble in water ; a peculiar starch, striking yellow with iodine, called inulin (C24 H21 021).^ Formerly it entered as an ingredient into the confection of pepper. Therapeutics. Stimulant; thought to be tonic, expectorant, and diaphoretic. Seldom used now, was formerly given in the exanthemata, coughs, &c. Dose. Of the powdered root, 30 gr. to 60 gr., and upwards. Pyrethrum. Pellitory. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] The root of Anacyclus pyrethrum, or Pellitory of Spain; Lin. Syst., Syngenesia superflua; growing in Barbary, Spain, and the Levant. Description. A fusiform root, cut into cylindrical pieces two or three inches long, dark brown in colour, spotted black. Prop. & Comp. It contains at least two resins, one of which has been named pyrethric acid ; an acrid oil, and tannin. Therapeutics. A topical irritant, causing pricking in the mouth and a flow of saliva and buccal mucus ; it is used as a mas- ticatory in paralysis of parts about the mouth. Absinthium. Wormwood. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] The flowering herb of Artemisia absinthium; Lin. Syst., Syngenesia superflyia; indigenous, growing in thickets and mountainous places. Description. It occurs in bundles of the dried herbs, having a silky touch, disagreeable odour, and intensely bitter taste. Prop. <& Comp. The plant yields its bitterness to water and spirit, and contains a volatile oil (C20 H16 02), green in colour, with the odour of the plant, also a bitter extract yielding absinthine (C16 Hu 05), and absinthic acid. The absinthine is the bitter principle. Therapeutics. A powerful bitter stomachic and tonic, useful in atonic dyspepsia; it is also reputed to be anthelmintic. It has been lately asserted that the long continued use of absinthe, in the SANTONINUM. 269 shape of bitters, has an injurious effect upon the nervous system. Wormwood is largely used on the Continent in this form. Dose. Of the powder, 20 gr. to 40 gr. It may be infused with advantage (1 oz. to 20 fl. oz.), of which 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. may be given. It strikes blue with iron salts. Santonica. Santonica. The unexpanded flower heads of unde- termined species of Artemisia. [Of Artemisia contra and other species of Artemisia. U. S.] Santoninum. Santonin. A crystalline neutral principle obtained from santonica. • Description. The flower heads, which resemble seeds in ap- pearance, are nearly half a line in breadth, and more than a line long, fusiform, blunt at the ends, greenish brown in colour, smooth, not hairy, formed of umbricated involucral scales, with a green midrib enclosing four or five tubular flowers ; strong odour, bitter camphoraceous taste. Prop. <& Comp. Santonica contains traces of volatile oil and a crystallizable substance santonin, which occurs in brilliant, white, four-sided, flat prisms, tasteless, or feebly bitter, odourless ; scarcely soluble in cold water, sparingly in boiling water, but abundantly in chloroform, and boiling rectified spirit ; soluble also in ether ; not dissolved by dilute mineral acids : fusible, and sublimes at a moderate heat; the crystals become yellow by ex- posure to light; it has the nature of a crystalline resin with slight acid properties ; nitric acid converts it into succinic acid, formula C30 H18 06. Prep. Santonin is prepared by boiling bruised santonica for some time with water and lime, straining and reducing the bulk of the solution by evaporation. To this, while still hot, hydro- chloric acid is added, until the liquid becomes slightly and perma- nently acid, and it is then set aside for the precipitate which forms to subside. The oily matter floating on the surface is removed by skimming, and the fluid decanted off from the precipitate, which is collected on filtering paper, washed first with cold distilled water, then with solution of ammonia, and again with water, till the washings are colourless. The precipitate is then dried at a gentle heat; purified by redissolving in boiling spirit with a little 270 MATERIA MEDICA. animal charcoal, filtering, and setting aside the liquid in a dark place to allow crystals of santonin to deposit. Therapeutics. The action is anthelmintic, and it forms a pleasant vermifuge for children. It is stated to be especially useful in th e treatment of the lumbricus, or round worm. Dose. Of santonica or worm seed, from 60 gr. to 120 gr. Seldom used in this form. The dose of santonin is from 1 gr. to 3 gr. for a child ; 3 gr. to 6 gr. or more for an adult. Anthemis. The flower of Anthemis nobilis, or Common Cham- omile ; Lin. Syst., Syngenesia superflua; indigenous, growing in pastures on gravel, and cultivated. Anthemidis Oleum. English oil of Chamomile. The oil dis- tilled in England from the flower. Description. The flowers may be either single or double, consisting of a yellow convex disk and white rays ; the florets of the ray are numerous, white and three-toothed ; those of the disk, yellow ; by cultivation many of the latter are converted into white ray florets, and the flower is then said to be double. The single variety consists of yellow tubular and white strap-shaped florets ; the double, of white strap-shaped florets only. Prop. & Comp. The flowers contain a volatile oil, and a bitter extractive matter. The oil is of a pale blue or greenish colour, becoming yellowish by age ; it has the peculiar odour and aromatic taste of the flowers ; sp. gr. 0*91 ; it probably is a mixture of a hydrocarbon (C20 H1C), the real volatile oil, with an oxidized substance, which when treated with potash is converted into angelate of potash (KO, C10 H7 03), Off. Prep.—Of the Flowers. Infusum Anthemidis. Infusion of Chamomile. (Chamomile flowers, half an ounce; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Chamomile flowers, half a troy ounce, boiling water a pint. U. S.] Of the Flowers and Oil. Extractum Anthemidis. Extract of Chamomile. (An infusion of the flowers evaporated, and having a subsequent addition of fifteen minims of the oil for each pound of flowers employed.) TARAXACUM. 271 Therapeutics. Chamomile is an aromatic stomachic and tonic ; in large doses, especially in the form of a warm infusion, it acts as an emetic ; it is used in atonic dyspepsia, also to assist the action of emetics. It is thought to be an antiperiodic. The oil is stimulant and carminative, a useful adjunct to purgatives. Dose. Of the infusion, 1 fl. oz to 4 fl. oz. ; of the oil 1 min. to 5 min.; of the extract, 3 gr. upwards. The extract forms a useful adjunct to stomachic and other pills. Taraxacum. Dandelion Root. The recent root of Taraxacum Dens leonis or Common Dandelion; Lin. Syst., Syngenesia a?qualis, indigenous ; gathered between September and February from meadows and pastures in Britain. Description. The root is tapering and branched, yielding a bitter milky juice when cut, which becomes brown by exposure ; smooth and dark ; of a brown colour externally, white within; of a sweetish bitter taste; the juice should not be watery, nor the root wrinkled or pale externally, and any adherent leaves runcinate and smooth. Prop. & Comp. The juice contains resinous matters, sugar, gum, and a bitter extractive, from which a crystalline principle named taraxacine has been obtained, bitter in taste ; soluble in alcohol, ether, and hot water, sparingly so in cold. Mannite has been also extracted, but whether it is a product of the fer- mentation of the juice or exists in the root is as yet undecided. Off. Prep. Decoctum Taraxaci. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Decoction of Taraxacum. (Dried dandelion root, one ounce ; distilled water, thirty fluid ounces, reduced by boiling to twenty ounces.) Extractum Taraxaci. Extract of Taraxacum. (Prepared as the other extracts, from the expressed juice.) Succus Taraxaci. Juice of Taraxacum. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (The juice expressed from the dandelion root, to every three measures of which one measure of rectified spirit is added.) [Extractum Taraxaci Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Dandelion. Three pints of tincture are obtained by percolation from sixteen troy ounces of Dandelion root, and reduced by evaporation to sixteen fluid ounces.] 272 MATERIA MEDICA. Therapeutics. The value of Taraxacum as a remedy is a matter which admits of some doubt. It is supposed to have a specific action on the liver, modifying and increasing its secretion ; hence its widely spread use in hepatic diseases, more particularly when attended with an habitually engorged state of the vessels of that viscus. Given for some time, it is thought to act as an alter- ative on that organ. In dropsies from hepatic obstruction, it is generally administered in combination with a purgative. Dose. Of decoctum taraxaci, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of extractum taraxaci, 10 gr. to 30 gr. or more ; of succus taraxaci, \ fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. or more. Lactuca. (Not officinal.) The flowering plant of Lactuca sativa, the Garden-Lettuce ; Lin. Syst., Syngenesia a?qualis, indigenous. Lactucarium. (Not officinal.) [Officinal inU. S. P.] The inspis- sated juice of Lactuca sativa and of Lactuca virosa, the Wild Lettuce. Description. The lettuce is too familiar to need description. Lactucarium, which is prepared by pressing out the milky juice of the flowering herbs and afterwards inspissating with a gentle heat, occurs in small masses or lumps of a brown colour, with an odour very similar to opium, and a bitter taste. It is obtained in much larger quantities from L. virosa than from L. sativa. Prop. & Comp. Lactucarium yields to alchol a bitter extract- ive matter ; it is also sparingly soluble in water. A crystalline substance, lactucerine (C40 H34 05), soluble in alcohol and ether, but not in water, has been extracted from lactucarium, forming 42 per cent, of the fresh drug; and two other substances, lactucic acid and lactucine, soluble in water, the latter being crystalline and resembling mannite. Therapeutics. The lettuce has been asserted to possess some narcotic powers, and has been occasionally eaten at bed-time to induce sleep. Extract of the fresh juice and lactucarium are gen- erally employed by the physician, and have been prescribed, in cases in which opium disagrees with the patient, to procure sleep, allay cough, &c. Lettuce has certainly very feeble powers com- pared with opium, and the author has given 30 grains and more of good lactucarium without noticing any decided narcotic effect from its administration. LOBELIA. 273 Dose. Of lactucarium, or extract of lettuce made from the juice, 5 gr. to 30 gr. Arnica. The root [The flowers. U. S.] of Arnica montana; Lin. Syst., Syngenesia superflua; found in the mountainous parts of Europe. Description. The rootstock from 1 to 3 inches long, and 2 or 3 lines thick, cylindrical, contorted, rough from the scars of the coriaceous leaves, and furnished with numerous long slender fibres. The flowers of arnica are of a dark yellow colour, calyx green ; the ray florets ligulate, much longer than the calyx ; the florets of the disc tubular. Prop: & Comp. The flowers, the leaves, and root of this plant, all of which are often employed, have a peculiar odour when fresh, and are apt to excite sneezing. The active properties are taken up by water. In addition to the other constituents of plants, arnica contains a volatile oil and a bitter principle identical with cytisin : a volatile alkaloid, resembling lobelina, has also been procured from it. Tinctura Arnica. Tincture of Arnica. (Arnica root, in fine powder, one ounce ; rectified spirit, one pint. Prepared by macer- ation and percolation.) [Two pints of tincture are made from six troy ounces of arnica flowers, by percolation with diluted alcohol. U.S.] Therapeutics. Given internally, arnica acts as a stimulant and irritant: it has been supposed to influence the spinal cord; its action upon the system has not, however, been satisfactorily made out. It is chiefly employed as an external application for the dis- cussion of tumours, and for sprains and bruises. The author has reasons for questioning the virtues of arnica as a remedy in these cases. Dose. Externally, the tincture is employed either alone or diluted with water, or added to liniments. LOBELIACEiE. Lobelia. Lobelia. The flowering herb of Lobelia inflata, Indian Tobacco; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia ; indigenous in the United States. 19 274 MATERIA MEDICA. Description. The whole herb is officinal; stem angular ; leaves alternate, ovate, toothed ; somewhat hairy beneath ; capsule ovoid, inflated, ten-ribbed ; herb acrid. It is generally found in oblong, compressed cakes. Prop. & Comp. It has a peculiar odour, and a burning taste, not observed for a short time after the substance has been chewed. Besides colouring matters and the common constituents of plants, it contains a volatile oil or peculiar acid, the lobelic acid, and an alkaline principle, lobelina. This substance forms a yellowish liquid, lighter than water, very soluble in ether and alcohol, and forms crystalline salts with the mineral acids ; it is probably the active agent of the plant. Off. Prep. Tinctura Lobelia. Tincture of Lobelia. (Lo- belia, dried and bruised, two ounces and a half; proof spirit, one pint. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) [U. S. Two pints of tincture are obtained by percolation from four troy ounces of powdered Lobelia.] Tinctura Lobelia ^Etherea. Ethereal Tincture of Lobelia. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Lobelia, dried and bruised, two ounces and a half; spirit of ether, one pint. Prepared by maceration.) Titerapeutics. In small doses it is expectorant and diaphoretic ; in larger, emetic or cathartic. In too large quantities it produces much depression, nausea, cold sweats, and even death, preceded by convulsions ; it closely resembles tobacco in its action. It has been much lauded in attacks of spasmodic asthma, and also in other affections of the air-passages, attended with dyspnoea. In some cases it forms a useful adjunct to diuretics. Dose. Of the tincture or etherf al tincture, 10 min. to \ fl. drm. or more, carefully watching any symptom of vascular de- pression. PYRGLACEJE. ChimapMla. Winter Green. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] The herbaceous part of Chimaphila Umbellata or Umbell- ed Winter Green, called also Pyrola; Lin. Syst., Decandria monogynia ; growing in North America. Description. The leaves are cuneate, lanceolate, coarsely ser- rated, coriaceous, smooth and shining ; green, when fresh ; when UVA ursi. 275 dry, yellowish-brown. The flowers form small pinkish-white corymbs. Prop. & Comp. The fresh plant is fragrant when bruised ; when dry, the odour is not unlike tea; taste, astringent and bit- ter ; it yields a bitter extractive matter, tannin, and perhaps a trace of gallic acid. No crystalline principle has been discovered in it. Therapeutics. Tonic astringent, and diuretic; occasionally used in catarrhal affections of the bladder, also stated to be useful as a diuretic in albuminuria and dropsies ; it has likewise been employed in scrofula and rheumatism. Dose. Of the decoction, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. (made with 1 oz. of the leaves in the 20 fl. oz. of decoction.) ERXCACEiE. Uva Ursi. Bearberry. The leaf of Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi. Whortleberry, Bear-berry or Trailing Arbutus ; Lin. Syst., Decandria monogynia; growing in the Northern parts of Europe and America. Description. The leaves are dark green, obovate, obtuse, entire, shining on upper surface, reticulated underneath, coriaceous in consistence, about three-fourths of an inch in length. Not dotted beneath nor toothed on the margin. Comp. & Prop. Taste astringent, odour like hay or tea ; the infusion giving a bluish black precipitate with perchloride of iron. Contains tannin about 35 per cent., with a trace of gallic acid, bitter extractive, &c. Off. Prep. Infusum Uva Ursi. Infusion of Bearberry. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Bearberry leaves, half an ounce ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Extractum Uva? Ursi Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Uva Ursi. U. S. Sixteen fluid ounces of ex- tract are made from sixteen troy ounces of Uva Ursi by percola- tion with diluted alcohol. Evaporation of the tincture, and the addition of eight ounces of sugar.] Therapeutics. An astringent and diuretic, used in vesical and urethral affections, as catarrhus vesica? (chronic), to diminish irri- tability and mucous discharge, also in gleets ; sometimes employed in kidney affections ; it may be given with alkalies or acids. 276 MATERIA MEDICA. Dose. Of powder, 10 gr. to 30 gr.; of the infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. [Of the fluid extract, 20 min. to 1 fl. drm.] Adulteration. Leaves of Red Wortleberry or Vaccinium Vitis Idcea may be added, distinguished by being dotted and not reticulated on the under surface, and the margins crenated : also common box leaves, which can be recognized by their want of astringency. [Gaultheria. The leaves of Gaultheria Precumbens. Partridge- berry, Wintergreen. U. S. Lin. Syst., Decandria monogynia: common in most parts of the United States. Comp. & Prop. Taste, peculiar aromatic and somewhat as- tringent, odour aromatic ; contains a heavy essential oil on which its properties depend. Off. Prep. Oleum Gaultheria, obtained by distillation ; it is a hydro carbon C20 H16 containing methy salicic acid C]6 H8 06. Therapeutics. Gaultheria is stimulant, aromatic, and somewhat astringent; it is chiefly used in domestic practice. The oil is employed mainly as a flavoring ingredient.] STYRACEiE. Styrax Preparatus. Prepared Storax. Liquid balsam from Liquidambar orientale ; obtained from the bark in Asia Minor; purified by means of rectified spirit and straining. Description. Storax occurs in two forms : the liquid balsam (officinal), of the consistence of bird-lime, almost opaque, with an aromatic odour, and a brownish yellow colour ; and the solid storax, styrax calamita, in the form of masses which are friable, of a brownish-red colour, covered on the surface with a white efflorescence of benzoic or cinnamic acid, and becoming soft and clammy with the heat of the hand. The last variety is often mixed with saw-dust, turpentine and other impurities. Prop. & Comp. Storax consists of a principle named Styracin, Cinnamic acid, a peculiar resin, and Styrol. Styracin. (C36 H16 04) is a crystalline solid, resolved by the action of alkalies into cinnamic acid and Styrone, which last is a cinnamic alcohol (HO, C18 H9 0). Styracin appears to be a cin- iiamate of cinnamic alcohol. ACIDUM BENZOIC UM. 277 Cinnamic acid. (HO, Ci8 H7 03) occurs in crystalline plates, and has powerful acid properties. Stywl. (C16 H8), a colourless oil, of an aromatic odour, con- verted into benzoic acid by the oxidizing action of chromic aeid. Storax, when pure, is soluble in alcohol and ether. Heated in a test tube on the vapour bath, it becomes more liquid but should give off no moisture. Boiled with solution of bichromate of potash and sulphuric acid it evolves the odour of hydride of benzule, from the Styrol contained in it. Off. Prep. Storax is contained in Tinct. Benzoini Comp. Therapeutics. The same as the balsams of Peru and Tolu. Dose. Of the prepared resin, 5 gr. to 20 gr. Benzoinum. Benzoin. A balsam (indurated in the air) flowing from the incised bark of Styrax Benzoin or Benjamin tree; Lin. Syst., Decandria monogynia; growing in Sumatra, Siam, Borneo, and other islands of the Eastern Archipelago. Acidum Benzoicum. Benzoic Acid. A crystallized acid pre- pared from gum benzoin by sublimation. Description. Benzoin occurs either in the form of reddish- white tears, separate or slightly adherent, or more frequently in masses consisting of the tears completely agglutinated with a brownish-red substance ; on fracture, it presents an amygdaloid appearance ; this forms Siam benzoin. Benzoin has little taste, but an agreeable odour. An inferior darker kind, called Calcutta benzoin, is sometimes met with. Prop. & Comp. Benzoin contains from 10 to 20 per cent, of Benzoic acid; the remainder consists of a resin, partly soluble in ether. Benzoin is soluble in alcohol and liquor potassa? ; and gives off, when heated, fumes of benzoic acid. Benzoic acid (HO C14 H3 03), when pure, forms soft, feathery, flexible, white crystals, with a pearly lustre ; generally impregnated with empyreumatic oil, which gives it a strong odour; slightly soluble in water, but readily so in rectified spirit; it is dissolved also by solutions of ammonia, potash, soda, and lime, from which it is precipitated by, hydrochloric acid, unless the solution be very dilute. When heated it should sublime without residue. Off. Prep. Tinctura Benzoini Composita. Compound Tine- 278 MATERIA MEDICA. ture of Benzoin. (Benzoin coarsely powdered, two ounces ; pre- pared storax, two ounces ; balsam of tolu, half an ounce ; Soco- trine aloes, one hundred and sixty grains ; rectified spirit, one pint. Prepared by maceration.) Benzoic Acid is prepared by subliming benzoin in an iron ves- sel, and collecting the sublimed acid by means of a cylinder of stiff paper inserted over the vessel. Benzoic acid is contained in Tinctura Camphora? cum Opio. Therapeutics. Benzoin is a stimulant expectorant, formerly used in chronic bronchitic affections; externally in the form of the tincture (Friar's Balsam) it is applied as a stimulant to ulcers and wounds. Benzoic acid, when taken internally, is converted into and appears in the urine as hippuric acid, rendering the fluid more acid and somewhat irritating, but not diminishing the amount of uric acid : it is sometimes useful in catarrhus vesica? attended with alkaline urine, &c. Dose. Of benzoin, 10 gr. to 30 gr. : of the compound tincture, £ fl. drm. to 1£ fl. drm., suspended in water by means of mucilage or yolk of egg ; of benzoic acid, 10 gr. to 15 gr. Benzoate of Ammonia is described under Salts of Ammonia. *t OLEACEiE. Oliva? Oleum. Olive Oil. An oil expressed from the fruit of Olea Europaea, the European Olive ; Lin. Syst., Diandria mon- ogynia ; growing near the shores of the Mediterranean. Sapo Durus. Hard Soap. [Sapo. U. S.] Soap made of olive oil and soda. Sapo Mollis. Soft Soap. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Made of olive oil and potash. Glycerinum. Glycerine. [Glycerina. U. S.] A sweet principle, obtained from fats and fixed oils. Descrip., Prop, cb Comp. The olive fruit, used at dessert, is a smooth, elliptical, single-seeded drupe, about f of inch long, and £ inch in diameter, of a dark green colour. The oil, Oleum Olivce, called also Salad oil, is of a pale straw colour, with a slight and agreeable odour and taste ; sp.gr. 0*92 ; congeals partially at about 36° ; and consists of about 72 per cent, of Oleine, and LINIMENTUM CAMPHORyE. 279 28 per. cent, of Margarine; it unites with alkalies and other bases, forming soaps; the two alkaline soaps are named Sapo durus and Sapo mollis. Sapo durus, or the combination of the oil with soda, called also hard soap, is greyish-white, horny and pulverizable when kept in warm dry air, easily moulded when heated. It is often marbled blue or red, when of the Castile variety, from the presence of a little oxide of iron. Hard soap is soluble in water ; the solution is precipitated by lime, lead, and some other metallic salts : it is composed of oleate and margarate of soda. Sapo mollis, the combination of the oil with potash, forms a yellow, transparent, very soft substance, inodorous, of the consist- ence of thick honey ; it is usually spotted with white points, from some crystallization having taken place ; in other respects it agrees with soda soap ; it is a compound of oleate and margarate of potash. Both hard and soft soap should be entirely soluble in rectified spirit, and should not impart an oily stain to paper. Glycerine, a substance which is separated, when all ordinary fats and oils are saponified or distilled with superheated steam, from the oleine, margarine, or stearine, contained in them, is a slightly yellow or colourless syrupy-looking liquid, sp. gr. 1*260, very sweet, oily to the touch, mixing readily with water and alco- hol ; the watery solution does not ferment with yeast, nor does glycerine itself evaporate or dry at an ordinary temperature. Its composition is represented by the formula (C6 H8 06); when de- composed by heat it evolves intensely irritating vapours. Glyce- rine possesses very remarkable solvent powers : arsenious acid, borax, many vegetable alkaloids and acids dissolve freely in it. Heated with starch (from 80 to 100 gr. to 1 fl. oz.) it forms a "plasma," which can be employed as an ointment. Off. Prep.—Of Olive Oil. Linimentum Calcis. Liniment of Lime. (Solution of lime, two fluid ounces ; olive oil, two fluid ounces.) [Solution of lime, eight fluid ounces ; flax-seed oil, seven troy ounces. U. S.] Linimentum Camphora. Liniment of Camphor. (Camphor, one ounce ; olive oil, four fluid ounces.) Olive oil is also used in the preparation of the Linimentum camphora? compositum, Linimentum crotonis, of several plasters, and many of the ointments. 280 MATERIA MEDICA. Of Sapo durus. Emplastrum Saponis. Soap Plaster. (Hard soap, six ounces ; litharge plaster, two pounds and a quarter ; resin, one ounce.) [Soap, sliced, four troy ounces ; plaster of lead, thirty-six troy ounces ; water, a sufficient quantity. U. S.] Linimentum Saponis. Liniment of Soap. (Hard soap, two ounces and a half; camphor, one ounce and a quarter; English ..oil of rosemary, three fluid drachms; rectified spirit, eighteen fluid ounces; distilled water, two fluid ounces.) [Soap, in shav- ings, four troy ounces ; camphor, two troy ounces ; oil of rosemary, half a fluid ounce ; water, four fluid ounces ; alcohol, two pints. U. S.] This liniment is commonly known by the name of Opodel- doc. Hard soap is also contained in many pill masses. Therapeutics. Olive Oil is used in medicine internally as a demulcent in the form of emulsion ; it' may also be used as an enema: if taken in large doses it is slightly laxative, as is the case with almost all fixed oils : externally it is much employed in the form of liniment as a lubricating substance. Soaps act as antacids, but are apt to disagree with the stomach from the liberation of the fatty acids contained in them, especially, as often happens, when not made of olive oil: they possess no particular value as internal remedies, and are more used as adjuncts to other drugs to aid in the formation of pills, than for their med- icinal virtues. Soaps are used as external applications, and are more valued for their mechanical effects than for any special prop- erty they possess. Glycerine is used on account of its physical properties as an adjunct to lotions in skin diseases, to prevent the surface becom- ing dry, or in the form of plasma ; it has also been proposed as a substitute for oil in the treatment of some forms of deafness. It has likewise been used internally as a substitute for cod liver oil, but without much benefit. Dose. Of olive oil, 1 fl. drm. to 1 fl. oz. or more, as a demul- cent or laxative ; of sapo durus or sapo mollis, as an antacid, &c, 5 gr. to 1 scruple; of glycerine, \ fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. Adulteration. Soap made from animal oils or fats and potash, is very commonly employed in place of the officinal soft soap, and common hard soap is substituted for the Castile variety. FRAXINUS EXCELSIOR. 281 Manna. Manna. The juice (concreted) flowing from the incised bark of Fraxinus rotundifolia and Fraxinus ornus, Lin. Syst., Diandria monogynia; native of Sicily and Calabria. It is prob- able that both trees yield manna, and a similar substance can be obtained from Fraxinus excelsior, when growing in the south- ern part of Europe. Description. Manna of the best description, called flake manna, forms long white pieces not unlike stalactite masses, from one to six inches in length, and about one to two inches broad, hollowed out and discoloured on the side which was attached to the tree ; it is porous and friable ; it may also occur in small masses, or tears, and when of an inferior kind, in broken and coloured frag- ments mixed with impurities. Manna has a sweetish odour and taste, but it is also rather bitter. Prop. & Comp. Manna is readily soluble in water ; it dissolves also in alcohol, and consists almost entirely of a peculiar sugar, named Mannite (C6 H7 06), which crystallizes in four-sided prisms, is sweet, and differs from grape or cane sugar in not fermenting ; a small amount of bitter matter also exists in manna, the nature of which is unknown. Therapeutics. A very mild laxative, adapted for children ; also a pleasant adjunct to some purgative draughts ; it sometimes causes flatulence and griping. Dose. 60 gr. to \ oz. or more. The leaves of Fraxinus Excelsior, or Common Ash (not officinal), have long been used in medicine, and within the last few years they have been much extolled in Germany and France in the treatment of gout and rheumatism ; their real composi- tion is unknown. From the author's experience of their effects in acute gout, he is not at all inclined to think highly of their value, for in several cases they failed to afford the slightest alle- viation, when the use of other treatment was immediately followed by relief; in the treatment of chronic gout, when taken for a long time and in large quantities in the form of decoction of the leaves (half an ounce to the pint), they probably may have some influence in keeping off attacks. 282 MATERIA MEDICA. LOGANXACE-ffi. Nux Vomica. The seeds of Strychnos Nux Vomica. Nux vomica, or Koochla Tree ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia; growing in the East Indies. Strychnia. Strychnia, an alkaloid obtained from Nux Vomica. Description of Nux vomica. The fruit is a round berry, like an orange, filled, when ripe, with a jelly-like pulp, and containing the seeds, which are round, flattened, and concavo-convex, from half an inch to an inch in diameter, very tough and horny, covered with a velvety down consisting of fine hairs ; their colour is yel- lowish-grey, with no odour, but of an intensely bitter taste. Prop. <& Comp. Nux vomica contains two alkaloids, strychnia and brucia, united with a peculiar acid. Strychnia (C42 H22 N2 04), crystallizes in four-sided prisms or octahedra ; it requires about 1,000 parts of water to dissolve it, but communicates to it an in- tensely bitter taste ; soluble in boiling rectified spirit, in ether and chloroform ; it forms crystallizable salts with acids. Strych- nia yields a colourless solution with pure sulphuric acid, which on the addition of bichromate of potash, acquires an intensely violet colour. It is not reddened by nitric acid. Brucia (C46 H26 N2 08) crystallizes with eight equivalents of water ; much more soluble in water, but less bitter than strychnia ; soluble in alcohol; forms salts with acids ; it is coloured red by nitric acid, but does not give the test with the bichromate of potash. Igasuric or Strych- nic acid is united with the alkaloids ; its solution precipitates copper salts bright green ; it can be crystallized. A third alka- loid, Igasuria, has been stated to exist in nux vomica, which is more soluble in water than strychnia or brucia : recently Scliut- zenberger has asserted that many bases, allied to brucia in being reddened by nitric acid, are contained in the seeds of nux vomica ; he detected them in the so-called Igasuria. Off. Prep.—Of the Seeds of Nux Vomica. Extractum Nucis Vomica. Extract of Nux Vomica. (Prepared by first softening the seeds by steam, reducing them to powder and subsequently macerating in rectified spirit and evaporating to a proper con- sistence.) STRYCHNIA. 283 Tinctura Nucis Vomica. Tincture of Nux Vomica. (Nux vomica, two ounces ; rectified spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Pre- pared by maceration and percolation.) [U. S. Two pints of tinc- ture are prepared by digestion and percolation from eight troy ounces of nux vomica.] Of the Alkaloid Strychnia. Liquor Strychnia. Solution of Strychnia. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Strychnia, four grains ; dilute hydrochloric acid, six min. ; rectified spirit, two fluid drachms ; distilled water, six fluid drachms.) A solution of strychnia in rectified spirit and water, , slightly acidulated with hydrochloric acid ; one grain of strychnia is contained in two fluid drachms. Strychnia is prepared by the following process. Nux vomica is reduced to powder ; this is accomplished by submitting it to steam, and then drying in a vapour bath or hot air chamber, and grinding it in a coffee mill. The powder is digested with a gentle heat in spirit and water, the spirit distilled off, and a solution of acetate of lead added, by which the colouring matters, &c, are precipitated. The precipitate is separated by filtration, and to the filtered liquid ammonia is added in slight excess; it is allowed to stand for twelve hours, and then the precipitate is collected on a filter, washed and dried. The dried product is boiled in rectified spirit till the fluid ceases to taste bitter, the greater part of the spirit distilled off, and the liquid evaporated to a small bulk and set aside to cool. The yellowish mother liquor is poured off from the white crust of strychnia, the white crust thrown on a filter and washed with two parts of rectified spirit and one of water, till the washings no longer become red with nitric acid. The strychnia is finally dissolved by boiling in rectified spirit, and the solution set aside to crys- tallize. Therapeutics. Nux vomica is a powerful stimulant to the spinal cord, causing, in large doses, twitching of the muscles, followed by tetanic rigidity and death from asphyxia ; paralysed parts are more readily affected than sound ones. It acts also as a bitter stomachic, and in some forms of dyspepsia, as in pyrosis, often relieves; its chief use, however, is in the treatment of paralysis, more especially when depending on lead poisoning, 284 MATERIA MEDICA. or in other forms of local paralysis; sometimes, however, it is employed in paraplegia, and even in hemiplegia, when all in- flammatory symptoms have subsided. The alkaloid strychnia acts exactly in the same manner as the nux vomica, of which it is the active ingredient; it should be given with great caution. Brucia is almost inert; from the author's experience it does not, when pure, produce any of the effects of strychnia, even in large doses ; perhaps it is tonic and antiperiodic. Dose. Of powdered nux vomica, 1 gr. to 3 gr. ; of the extract, \ gr. to 2 gr.* ; of the tincture, 10 min. to 30 min.; [5 min to 10 min. U. S.] of strychnia, ^ to •§- gr. or £ gr. cautiously increased ; of the solution, 5 min. to 15 min. or more. Adulteration of strychnia. The presence of brucia, in vary- ing, sometimes large, quantities, rendering the alkaloid much less powerful; detected by the red colour produced by nitric acid. The bark of strychnos nux vomica contains the same alkaloids as the seeds ; it is known as False Angustura Bark, being some- times employed to adulterate the true Angustura Bark ; for the method of distinguishing this adulteration, vide Cusparia. Faba Sancti Ignatii. [Ignatia. U. S.] St. Ignatius' Bean. The seed of the Strychnos Ignatii; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia; inhabiting the Philippine Islands. (Not officinal.) [Extractum Ignatia Alcoholicum. Alcoholic Extract of Ignatia. U. S. A tincture is obtained by percolation and evapor- ated to form an extract.] Description. The seeds are of a brown colour, semitransparent, of a tough horny texture; convex on one side ; somewhat tri- angular, with irregular facets on the other. Prop. & Comp. These beans are remarkable for the large proportion of Strychnia they contain, the quantity being greater than that yielded by the nux vomica seeds. They yield about 1*2 per cent, of the alkaloid, and their activity is due to the presence of this substance. An extract has been made from them, which is thought by some to differ in its properties from that of nux vomica, but there can be no doubt the difference is in degree only, strychnia being the active ingredient. * Two grains of good extract of nux vomica is a very large dose. More than half a grain can not commonly be given without risk of producing unpleasant symp- toms.—Ed. SPIGELIA. 285 [Dose of the extract J of a gr. carefully increased.] ASCLEPIADACEJE. Hemidesmus. Hemidesmus. The Root of Hemidesmus Indicus; [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Lin. Syst., Pentandria digynia. Indian Sarsaparilla. Native of India. Description. Hemidesmus occurs in long cylindrical pieces ; the colour of the cortex is dark, marked by longitudinal divisions and deep circular rings; the central portion ligneous; it has a somewhat fragrant odour, and an agreeable bitter taste. Prop. & Comp. It yields its active properties to boiling water, and contains a peculiar volatile, crystallizable substance, with acid properties : this has been called hemidesmic acid, but little is known concerning it. Off. Prep. Syrupus Hemidesmi. Syrup of Hemidesmus. (Hemidesmus, four ounces; refined sugar, twenty-eight ounces ; boiling distilled water, twenty fluid ounces.) Therapeutics. Its action is supposed to be the same as sar- saparilla, and it has been used as a substitute for that root, especially in India, in syphilitic cutaneous eruptions, &c, and also in some diseases of the kidney. Dose. Of the Syrup, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. The Syrup of Hemidesmus must be looked upon more as a flavouring than a medicinal agent, as the amount of the drug contained in an ordinary dose of this preparation is very small. A decoction may be made from it, in lieu of sarsaparilla, when the real action of hemidesmus is required. Dose from 1 fl. oz. to 4 fl. oz. Cynanchum Argel, the leaves of which have been referred to as constituting one of the adulterations of senna, belongs to this natural order. SPIGELIACEiE. Spigelia. Carolina Pink. [Pink Root.] The root of Spigelia Marilandica; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia; native of the south and south-western parts of North America. (Not offici- nal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] 286 MATERIA MEDICA. Description. The root consists of a thick globular head, from which numerous thinner and tortuous fibres branch out; it has a brown colour. Prop. <& Comp. The root contains, in addition to saccharine and mucilaginous matters, a volatile and fixed oil, and a peculiar bitter principle, soluble in water. The oily and bitter matters probably give activity to the drug. [Off. Prep. Extractum Spigelia? Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Spigelia. U. S. A tincture is obtained by percolation from six- teen troy ounces of Spigelia, and concentrated by evaporation, so that with the addition of eight troy ounces of sugar, it measures a pint.] [Extractum Spigelia? et Senna? Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Spigelia and Senna. U. S. Fluid extract of spigelia, ten fluid ounces ; fluid extract of senna, six fluid ounces; carbonate of potassa?, half a troy ounce ; oil of anise, oil of caraway, each twenty minims.] [Infusum Spigelia?. Infusion of Spigelia. U. S. Spigelia, half a troy ounce ; boiling water, a pint. Prepared by maceration.] Therapeutics. Much employed in the United States as an an- thelmintic ; it produces, in moderate doses, considerable cathartic action, and in some cases, peculiar narcotic effects.* It may be administered in substance, or in the form of infusion; generally combined with a purgative. Dose. 60 gr. to 120 gr. for an adult. [For a child 3 or 4 years old, of the fluid extract 1 or 2 drachms ; of the fluid extract of spigelia and senna, 1 to 2 fluid drachms ; of the infusion, half a fluid ounce to a fluid ounce.] GENTIANACEJE. Gentiana. Gentian. The dried root of Gentiana lutea, or Yellow Gentian; Lin. Syst., Pentandria digynia; growing chiefly in the European Alps and Pyrenees; imported from Marseilles and other French ports. Description. The root occurs in lengthened cylindrical pieces, from -} inch to 1 inch in diameter, and several inches long; wrink- * Spigelia has no purgative action, and it very rarely produces any decided effect on the nervous system.—Ed. GENTIANA. 287 led longitudinally, and often twisted ; brown externally ; yellow and spongy, yet tough, within. Of a sweet odour, and bitter and sweet taste. Prop. & Comp. Gentian yields to water and spirit its bitter principle, gentianite, which has not been crystallized ; gentianin (C,4 H5 05), which can be crystallized in yellow needles, but is not bitter, its colour is deepened by alkalies ; formerly it was supposed to be the active principle. Sugar, gum, and pectin, &c, are also present in gentian root. Off. Prep. Extractum Gentiana. Extract of Gentian. (Prepared by maceration and subsequent decoction, and reduction by evaporation to a proper consistence.) [Prepared by percola- tion, and the percolate afterwards boiled to three-fourths its bulk, and then reduced to a proper consistence by evaporation. U. S.] Infusum Gentiana Compositum. Compound Infusion of Gen- tian. (Gentian, a quarter of an ounce ; bitter orange peel, thirty grains ; coriander, thirty grains ; proof spirit, two fluid ounces; cold distilled water, eight fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration, first in proof spirit and afterwards in the proof spirit and cold water.) [Prepared by percolation. U. S.] Tinctura Gentiana Composita. Compound Tincture of Gen- tian. (Gentian, one and a half ounce ; bitter orange peel, three quarters of an ounce ; cardamoms, one quarter of an ounce ; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) [Gentian, two troy ounces; bitter orange peel, a troy ounce ; cardamom, half a troy ounce, all in moderately fine powder ; diluted alcohol, a sufficient quantity. Two pints of tinc- ture are prepared by percolation. U. S.] [Extractum Gentiana? Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Gentian. Sixteen ounces of fluid extract are prepared by percolation with diluted alcohol, and subsequent evaporation, from sixteen troy ounces of Gentian.] Therapeutics. Gentian is a simple bitter, or stomachic tonic, improving the appetite and giving tone to the stomach ; hence use- ful in convalesence from acute disease, and in cases of dyspepsia attended with an atonic condition of that viscus. Dose. In substance, from 10 gr. to 30 gr.; of extract, 5 gr. 288 MATERIA MEDICA. and upwards; of infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz.; of compound tinc- ture, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. ; [of fluid extract, 1 fl. drm.] Chirata. Chiretta. Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia; the entire plant, Ophelia Chirata, grows in the northern parts of India. Description. As imported, it is in bundles consisting of the stems of the plant, about three feet long, about the size of a goose quill; smooth, pale brown, with numerous small flowers, and part of the roots attached ; the stems have a yellow pith. Prop, dc Comp. The plant is very bitter, and yields to water and alcohol a bitter extractive, similar to that obtained from gentian. Off. Prep. Infusum Chirata. Infusion of Chiretta. (Chi- retta, a quarter of an ounce; distilled water, at 120°, ten fluid ounces.) Tinctura Chirata. Tincture of Chiretta. (Chiretta, two and a half ounces ; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) Therapeutics. Exactly the same as gentian. Dose. Of the infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz.; of the tincture, 1 fl. drm. and upwards. Other plants belonging to this order, as Erythraa Centaurium, the Common Centaury, and Menyanthes tripoliata, the Common Buck-bean, contain a similar bitter principle, and have been occa- sionally employed in the place of gentian root. CONVOLVULACEiE. Scammonise Radix. Scammony Root. The dried root of Con- volvulus Scammonia. Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia; growing in Syria, and exported chiefly from Smyrna. Scammonium. Scammony, a gum resin, exuding from the cut root of the living plant, Convolvulus Scammonia. Scammonia? Resina. Resin of Scammony. A resin obtained by means of rectified spirit, from dried Scammony Root, or from Scammony itself. Description. The root is tap shaped, sometimes 3 inches in diameter at the top, brown without, white within, odorous, but with little taste. MISTURA SCAMMONII. 289 Scammony occurs in masses, irregular in shape and size, of a blackish-green colour, covered with fine powder, porous, brittle, with a shining fracture. It has a musty odour, makes a lather when rubbed on the surface with water; the taste is nauseous and acrid after a few minutes. The resin obtained by means of rectified spirit from scammony root or scammony is in brownish, translucent pieces, brittle, resinous in fracture, and if prepared from the root, of a sweet fragrant odour. Prop. & Comp. Scammony consists chiefly of a resin, some- times in the form of a glucoside, sometimes in part as a resinous acid ; the latter is soluble in ammonia ; scammony resin is soluble in alcohol and ether, but precipitated from its solution on the ad- dition of water. It has been stated to have the composition (C40 H33 O20). Scammony should emit no bubbles of gas when treated with hydrochloric acid, nor, when digested in water of 170° Fah., should the fluid be tinged of a blue colour on the addition of iodide of potassium and dilute nitric acid, or free iodine. Of pure or virgin scammony, 80 or 90 per cent, should be soluble in ether. The above tests show the absence of chalk or starch, and also the amount of resin. The resin cannot form singly an emul- sion with water, as it contains no gum. Its tincture should not render the fresh cut surface of a potatoe blue; this shows the absence of guaiacum, with which it is often adulterated. Off. Prep.—Of the root. Resina. The resin is prepared by exhausting the root by maceration and percolation with rectified spirit. The tincture thus made is diluted with water, and the spirit distilled off. The residue is allowed to become cold, the supernatant fluid poured off, the resin washed two or three times with hot water, and dried on a porcelain plate. Of Scammony or Resin of Scammony. Confectio Scammonii. Confection of Scammony. [Not of- ficinal in U. S. P.] (Scammony or resin of scammony, in fine powder, three ounces; ginger, in fine powder, an ounce and a half; oil of caraway, one fluid drachm ; oil of cloves, half a fluid drachm ; syrup, three ounces; clarified honey, one ounce and a half.) Mistura Scammonii. Scammony Mixture. [Not officinal in 20 290 MATERIA MEDICA. U. S. P.] (Made by triturating four grains of resin of scammony with two fluid ounces of unskimmed milk, so as to form an emulsion.) Pulvis Scammonii Compositus. Compound Scammony Pow- der. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Scammony, four ounces ; jalap, three ounces ; ginger, one ounce. Rub them separately into a very fine powder, and mix.) Scammony, or its resin, also forms an important ingredient in Extractum colocynthidis compositum, and Pilula colocynthidis composita and Pilula colocynthidis composita et hyoscyami. Therapeutics. A drastic purgative, generally causing much watery discharge, and often griping ; useful to give activity to other purgatives, which appear to diminish its violence. It is employed in cerebral and dropsical effusions, torpidity of bowels, and as a vermifuge for children ; it is contra-indicated in in- flammatory affections of the digestive organs. Dose. Of the powdered scammony (pure) 4 gr. to 10 gr.; of scammonin (the pure resin) 4 gr. to 10 gr.; of conf. scammonii, 15 gr. to 30 gr. or more; of mist, scammonii, 2 fl. oz. ; of pulv. scammonii comp., 6 gr. to 15 gr. As an adjunct to other purga- tives, it may be given in smaller quantities. Adulteration. Scammony is most extensively adulterated with chalk, flour, other resins, and extracts. Sometimes the drug con- tains but a small per-centage only of real scammony. The frauds are detected by the tests given above. Jalapa. Jalap. The tuber [root. U. S.] of Exogonium Purga, or true Jalap plant; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia; grow- ing in Mexico ; it was named from the city Xalapa. Jalapa? Resina. Resin of Jalap. A resin obtained from Jalap by means of rectified spirits. Description. Jalap tubers are ovoid, more or less pointed, varying from £ inch to 3 or four inches in diameter, of a brown colour, and wrinkled externally ; internally, yellowish, and in concentric layers. Structure dense and resinous in appearance; occasionally it is found worm-eaten. Sometimes the tubers are sliced. The Resin of Jalap is in dark brown opaque fragments, trans- TINCTURA JALAPJE. 291 lucent at the edges, breaking with a resinous fracture, and readily reduced to a pale brown powder. Prop. (& Comp. Jalap has a sweetish odour and taste, at the same time nauseous ; it contains from 10 to 15 per cent, of resin, and about 20 per cent, of watery extractive matter, with starch, &c. Jalap resin is insoluble in oil of turpentine ; soluble in alco- hol, ether, or water ; it becomes crimson with oil of vitriol. Jalap resin consists of at least two resinous bodies : one named Jalapine (Rhodeoretin), a glucoside (CC2 H50 032), nearly insoluble in ether. The second, sometimes termed Jalapic acid, or Pararhodeoretin (C40 H34 018), is soluble in ether, and has the strong odour of the drug. The so-termed Jalapine of the shops is the resin of jalap extracted by spirit from the tuber, and afterwards precipitated by means of water. Off. Prep. Extractum Jalapa. Extract of Jalap. (This is a mixed spirit and cold water extract, made by treating the powdered jalap first with rectified spirit, and afterwards with cold water, evaporating the tincture and watery solution separately to a soft state, and afterwards mixing them together and evaporating the whole to the consistence of an extract at a temperature not ex- ceeding 140°.) ..<..•, Pulvis Jalapa Compositus. Compound Powder of Jalap. (Jalap, in powder, five ounces ; acid tartrate of potash, nine ounces ; ginger, in powder, one ounce.) [Jalap, a troy ounce ; bitartrate of potassa, two troy ounces ; both in fine powder. U. S.] Tinctura Jalapa. Tincture of Jalap. (Jalap, coarsely pow- dered, two ounces and a half; proof spirit, one pint. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) [Two pints of tincture are obtained by percolating six troy ounces of jalap with a mix- ture of two measures of alcohol and one of water. U. S.] Proof spirit takes up both the resin and watery extract. Jalap is also an active ingredient in Pulvis scammonii com- positus. Therapeutics. Jalap is a brisk purgative, causing watery dis- charge ; much allied to, but less irritant than, scammony ; used as an ordinary purgative in costivencss and inflammatory affec- tions, especially when combined with aromatics, which diminish 292 MATERIA MEDICA. the griping; also as a hydragogue in dropsies, and vermifuge when joined with the acid tartrate of potash or calomel. Doses. Of the powder, 10 gr. to 30 gr. ; of the resin, 2 gr. to 6 gr. ; of ext. jalapa?, 6 gr. to 20 gr.; of tinct. jalapa?, \ fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. \$Adulteration. Other roots, as of Ipomea orizabensis, &c, dis- tinguished by the absence of the characters of true jalap. SOLANACEJE. Dulcamara. Dulcamara. The young branches, dried, of Sola- num Dulcamara, Woody Nightshade or Bitter-Sweet; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia; indigenous, growing in hedges. Description. The dried twigs are met with in small cylindrical pieces, 1 or two inches long, about the size of a goose quill; of a brown colour externally, pale within, light from containing much pith : the twigs should be collected in autumn, when devoid of leaves. Prop. & Comp. Without odour ; of a sweetish-bitter taste ; contains an alkaloid Solania (C86 H70 N032?) crystallizing in white pearly scales or needles ; insoluble in water and ether; soluble in alcohol; found also in Solanum nigrum and Solanum tuberosum. A bitter-sweetish extract, named Dulcamarine or Picroglycion, exists also in the twigs ; the acid is probably the malic. Off. Prep. Infusum Dulcamara. Infusion of Dulcamara. (Dulcamara, one ounce ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) Therapeutics. The real action of dulcamara is unknown ; it does not dilate the pupils or produce dryness of the throat like belladonna, henbane, or stramonium, but it seems to act on the skin and kidneys ; it has been employed chiefly in chronic skin diseases, as lepra and psoriasis ; occasionally it has been used in cachectic states of the system, as an alterative, as in syphilis. Dose. Of the infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 4 fl. oz., or more. Belladonna. Belladonna?. [Belladonna folium. The leaves of Atropa Belladonna. U. S.] The recent and dried leaf of Atropa Belladonna, or Deadly Nightshade; Lin. Syst., Petandria mo- nogynia ; indigenous, growing in woods and gardens. ATROPIA. 293 Belladonna? Radix. Belladonna Root. The dried root of Atropa Belladonna. Atropia. A crystalline alkaloid, prepared from the root of Bella- donna. Description. The leaves are large, ovate, entire, smooth, and soft, foetid when bruised; placed in pairs, unequal in size ; the flowers are of a dirty violet brown; the root is from 1 to 2 feet long, from % an inch to 2 inches thick, tapering, and branched ; its colour is brownish white. The uncultivated plant is stated to be preferable to the cultivated. Prop. & Comp. All parts of the plant contain the officinal alkaloid, Atropine (C34 H23 N06), which occurs in white crystalline acicular prisms ; soluble to some extent in water, much more so in ether and alcohol; its solution in water has an alkaline reaction, yields a citron-yellow precipitate with terchloride of gold, and has a bitter taste. If pure, it dissolves completely in ether, and is entirely dissipated by heat. Atropine probably exists in the plant in combination with malic acid. Other principles have been de- scribed, as Belladonnine, &c, but little is known about them. Off. Prep.—Of the Leaves. (Belladonna.) Extractum Bella- donna. Extract of Belladonna. (A green extract prepared from the juice of the leaves and young branches of belladonna.) [Extractum Belladonna? Alcoholicum. U. S. Six pints of tinc- ture are obtained from twenty-four troy ounces of belladonna leaves, by percolation with diluted alcohol, and evaporated in a water-bath to the consistence of an extract.] Emplastrum Belladonna. Belladonna Plaster. (Extract of belladonna, three ounces; soap plaster, one ounce and a half; resin plaster, one ounce and a half.) [Alcoholic Extract of Bella- donna, a troy ounce ; resin plaster, two troy ounces. U. S.] Tinctura Belladonna. Tincture of Belladonna. (Belladonna leaves, in coarse powder, one ounce ; proof spirit, one pint. Pre- pared by maceration and percolation.) This tincture has about half the strength of Tincture Bella- donna?, Lond. 1851, Dub. 1850. [Two pints of tincture are procured from four ounces of Bella- donna leaf, by percolation with diluted alcohol. U. S.] 294 MATERIA MEDICA. Unguentum Belladonne. Belladonna Ointment. (Extract of belladonna, eighty grains ; prepared lard, one ounce.) [Extract of belladonna, sixty grains ; water, half a fluid drachm; lard, a troy ounce. The extract is first rubbed with the water and then with the lard. U. S.] Off. Prep.—Of the Root. Atropia. This alkaloid is prepared by exhausting the recently dried root with rectified spirit, precipi- tating the colouring and other matters by means of lime, and re- moving the excess of lime by sulphuric acid. Three-fourths of the spirit are then distilled off, water added, and the liquid evaporated till it no longer smells of alcohol. A solution of carbonate of pot- ash is then added to render the fluid nearly neutral; it is set aside for six hours, and filtered. The filtrate is rendered strongly alka- line with carbonate of potash, and shaken up well with chloro- form ; the chloroform is allowed to subside, and is then drawn off and evaporated on a water bath ; the residue is dissolved in warm rectified spirit digested with a little animal charcoal; filter- ed ; and allowed to evaporate, and set aside to cool till crystals are obtained. Linimentum Belladonna. Belladonna Liniment. [Not offici- nal in U. S. P.] (Made by exhausting, by maceration and per- colation, belladonna root with rectified spirit, and afterwards add- ing a little camphor. Each fluid part of the liniment represents a solid part of the root.) Of Atropine. Liquor Atropia. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Solution of Atropia. (A solution of atropia in water, with the addition of one-eighth of rectified spirit.) One ounce contains four grains of the alkaloid. Unguentum Atropia. Ointment of Atropia. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Eight grains of atropia dissolved in spirit and made into an ointment, with one ounce of lard.) Therapeutics. Applied to the eye, belladonna, or any of its preparations, causes dilatation of the pupil, a topical effect only ; when applied to a painful part, relief is often afforded. Taken internally in small doses, thet first effect noticed by the patient is dryness of the throat, thirst, and a difficulty of deglutition ; if continued, or given in larger doses, the vision becomes impaired, and the pupils dilated. The alteration of vision appears to be STRAMONII FOLIA ET SEMINA. 295 due to the production of presbyopia from want of adjusting power of the eye, and not to diminished sensibility of the retina: the further effects produced by the drug are seen in the excitement of the excito-motory system, and of the mental faculties, and delirium, generally of a harmless character, accompanied with intense thirst, ensues; beyond this, belladonna produces redness of the skin, convulsions, coma, and death. The effects of Atropia are identi- cal with those of the plant itself. Belladonna is given internally to allay pain and spasm in neu- ralgic affections, gastrodynia, colic, and spasms of the different sphincters, as of the uterus, bladder, and rectum ; also in some nervous diseases, as chorea, epilepsy, and certain forms of hysteria, pertussis, asthma, and other nervous coughs. Externally, the pre- parations of belladonna or atropia are employed to dilate the pupil in ophthalmic cases ; sometimes belladonna is used in the form of fomentation or ointment to painful parts, sometimes as an injection. Dose. Of the extract, } gr. to 1 gr. ; of the tincture, 5 min. to 30 min. Atropine should not, as a rule, be given internally ; the officinal solution, diluted or not, may be employed by the oculist. The extract or ointment of belladonna may be used for the same pur- pose, smeared round the eye. Incompatibles. Caustic fixed alkalies, as soda and potash, when in contact with preparations of belladonna or atropine, destroy their activity by causing the decomposition of the atropiue con- tained in them. Stramonii Folia et Semina. [Folium et Semen. U. S.] The dried leaves and ripe seeds of Datura Stramonium, or Thorn Apple ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia; an indigenous plant growing in waste places. Description. The leaves are large, ovate, smooth, unequally sinuate, toothed, dark green, of a rank odour when fresh ; they should be gathered when the plants are in flower. The seeds are brownish-black, reniform, and flattened. Prop. & Comp. All parts of the plant contain an alkaloid named Daturia {GH H,, N 06), in white prisms ; with properties 296 MATERIA MEDICA. like those of atropia, it is united perhaps with malic acid ; pro- bably daturia and atropia are identical. Off. Prep.— Of Seeds. Extractum Stramonii. Extract of Stramonium. (Prepared from the seeds by percolation with proof spirit, and subsequent evaporation to the consistence of extract.) [Extractum Stramonii. U. S. Made from the leaves by ex- pressing the juice and evaporating at a temperature not exceed- ing 160°. Extractum Stramonii Alcoholicum. U. S. Prepared by evapo- rating a tincture obtained by percolation.] Tinctura Stramonii. Tincture of Stramonium. (Stramonium seeds, two ounces and a half; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) Therapeutics. The action of stramonium appears to be exaetly the same as that of belladonna ; dryness of the throat, dilatation of the pupils, delirium, coma, and death ensue from poisonous doses of the drug. Stramonium has been supposed to influence especially the respiratory organs as an anti-spasmodic, and has been much used in asthma, chiefly in the form of smoke from the burning leaf employed in the same way as tobacco. The extract has also been used in' convulsive coughs, as an anti- spasmodic and as an anodyne in gastrodynia and other painful affections. Dose. Of leaves (powdered), 1 gr. upwards ; of the extract, J gr. to li gr.; of,the tincture, 10 min. to 30 min. When smoked, any dryness of the throat or dilatation of the pupils indicates the propriety of its discontinuance for a time. Incompatibles. Caustic fixed alkalies, as soda and potash, when in contact with the preparations of stramonium, decompose their active principle, and render them inert. See Belladonna. Hyoscyamus. Hyoscyamus. The fresh and dried leaf and young branches of Hyoscyamus niger, or Henbane ; the second year's herb ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia ; indigenous, growing in waste places. [IIyosciami folium. Henbane leaf. The leaves of Hyosciamus niger. Hyosctami semex, Henbane seed. The seeds of Hyosciamus niger. U. S.] TABACUM. 297 Description. The leaves are green in colour when fresh, sessile, oblong, acutely sinuous, wooly or hairy, viscid and foetid. The seeds are very small and brown, not officinal, but sometimes em- ployed medicinally. Prop. & Comp. All parts of the plant contain Hyoscyamia, ■ an alkaloid only once or twice obtained in a crystalline state ; an acid, probably malic, and a volatile principle are also present. Off. Prep. Extractum Hyoscyami. Extract of Hyoscyamus. (A green extract prepared from the juice of the fresh leaves and young branches, as the other green extracts.) [Extractum Hyosciami Alcoholicum. Alcoholic Extract of Henbane. U. S. Prepared by evaporating a tincture obtained by percolation from the leaves.] Tinctura Hyoscyami. Tincture of Hyoscyamus. (Dried hyoscyamus leaves, two and a half ounces; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) Extract of Hyoscyamus is contained in Pilula Colocynthidis et Hyoscyami. Therapeutics. Henbane appears to act as belladonna and stra- monium, but is much milder, and is used chiefly as a sedative in certain excited conditions of the nervous system when opium is not advisable ; it is also employed to diminish pain and allay irritation of the bladder, to prevent the griping of purgative me- dicines, ease cough, and diminish spasm in very many diseases. It, as well as stramonium, may be used to dilate the pupil in place of belladonna. Dose. Of the extract, 5 gr. to 10 gr., or more [of the alco- holic extract, 1 gr. to 3 gr.] ; of the tincture, 20 min. to 1 fl. drm. or upwards. Incompatibles. Caustic fixed alkalies, as potash or soda, when in contact with the preparations of henbane, destroy their activity by causing the decomposition of the active principle con- tained in them. Tabacum. Leaf Tobacco. The dried leaves of Nicotiana Tabacum. Virginian Tobacco; Lin. Syst., Pentandria mono- gynia : growing chiefly in tropical America. Description. The leaves are large, ovate or oblong, lanceolate, 298 MATERIA MEDICA. acuminate, with numerous short glandular hairs ; odour slight when fresh, but becoming heavy or narcotic in drying ; taste bitter and somewhat acrid; pale green when fresh, mottled-brown when dry. Officinal tobacco is not manufactured. Prop. & Comp. Tobacco leaves when distilled with caustic potash yield a liquid alkaloid, Nicotia or Nicotina (C20 Hl4 N2); when pure, it occurs as a colourless oil, but becomes yellow by exposure ; sp. gr. 1*027 ; volatilizes at 480° Fah. It is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether ; it neutralizes acids, but the salts are difficult to crystallize ; its solutions give rise to a precipitate with bichloride of platinum and tincture of galls. Nicotine is very poisonous and is contained in tobacco smoke. Virginian tobacco contains about 6 or 7 per cent, of the alkaloid. The acid of the plant is probably malic acid. A volatile oil, named Nicotianin, is also present. Off. Prep. Enema Tabaci. Enema of Tobacco. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Tobacco, twenty grains ; boiling water, eight fluid ounces.) Therapeutics. Tobacco, when internally administered, acts as a powerful sedative, especially affecting the heart; it frequently causes diuresis, and has been used in dropsy. It is however seldom employed as an internal remedy, on account of the danger- ous depression often induced. Enema Tabaci was occasionally prescribed (although seldom since the introduction of chloroform) in strangulated hernia, ileus, &e. ; to produce great muscular relaxation. Externally, tobacco acts as a powerful irritant, and is occasionally ordered medicinally in the form of snuff, as an errhine in head affections, &c. ; also in the form of smoke, as a sedative and expectorant in some varieties of asthma. Dose. The Enema Tabaci contains about the quantity of the drug safe to administer at a time. Capsicum. Capsicum. The dried ripe fruit of Capsicum fasti- giatum; Guinea Pepper, Pod Pepper, Chillies; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia; imported from Guinea and the East and West Indies. Description. A small oblong, cylindrical or conical membran- ous pod, of a bright scarlet or orange-red colour, shining on the DIGITALINUM. 299 surface, divided internally into two or three cells, containing some spongy pulp and numerous white, flat, reniform seeds. This fruit is from five to eight lines long, and about two lines broad. Prop. <& Comp. No odour, taste hot and acrid. It contains a volatile principle, capsicin, somewhat like a concrete volatile oil, which is soluble in alcohol, ether, essential oils, and slightly so in water ; intensely hot in taste, and crystallizable when pure ; it possesses basic properties and forms crystallizable salts with some vegetable and mineral acids. The pod also contains a red extractive or colouring matter of which little is known. Off. Prep. Tinctura Capsici. Tincture of Capsicum. (Cap- sicum, three quarters of an ounce ; rectified spirits, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) [U. S. Two pints of tincture are obtained from a troy ounce of capsicum, in powder, by percolation with diluted alcohol.] Therapeutics. Capsicum acts as a powerful topical stimulant, and also on the general system; used chiefly as a condiment, sometimes in atonic dyspepsia ; diarrhoea, and extreme prostra- tion ; as a gargle in cynanche maligna, and scarlatina ; externally it can be used as a rubefacient. Dose. Of powder, 1 gr. to 5 gr. in pills ; of tincture, 5 min. to 10 min. As a gargle, \ fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. to 5 oz. of fluid. Adulteration. The powdered capsicum (cayenne pepper) is extensively adulterated with red-lead and other like coloured substances. SCROPHULARXACEiE. Digitalis. % Digitalis. Foxglove. The dried leaf of Digitalis purpurea, or Purple Foxglove ; the wild plant; Lin. Syst., Didynamia angiospermia. Indigenous. Digitalinum. Digitaline. The active principle obtained from Digitalis. Description. The leaf is ovate, lanceolate, or oblong ; crenate rugous, and downy, more especially on the under surface, which is veined ; subsessile, or with a short petiole: of a dull green colour. The leaves should be gathered before the terminal flowers have expanded, the petiole and midrib removed, and the lamina? carefully dried. 300 MATERIA MEDICA. Prop. & Comp. Digitalis leaves have but little odour ; their taste is somewhat bitter and acrid, they contain a non-nitrogenized amorphous principle, Digitaline, which occurs in white, or slightly yellow scales or mamillated masses; very bitter, without odour, but irritating to the nostrils ; little soluble in water and ether, but readily soluble in spirit. Soluble in acid solutions, but with- out neutralizing them; its solution in hydrochloric acid soon be- comes green: when burnt on platina foil it leaves no residue. Several other substances have been said to occur, to which peculiar names have been given, but whose nature and properties are but ill-understood. The leaves, however, contain some tannin. Off. Prep.—Of Digitalis. Infusum Digitalis. Infusion of Digitalis. (Dried digitalis leaves, thirty grains ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounoes.) [Digitalis, in coarse powder, sixty grains ; tincture of cinnamon, a fluid ounce ; boiling water, half a pint. U.S.] Tinctura Digitalis. Tincture of Digitalis. (Digitalis leaves, dried, two and a half ounces ; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) Digitaline is prepared by making a strong tincture of the leaves by digestion in rectified spirit at a temperature of 120° ; and treating the extract obtained from the evaporation of the tincture with water acidulated with acetic acid ; from this solution, after neutralization with ammonia, the digitaline is precipitated by tannic acid; the tannic acid is afterwards removed by rubbing the tannate of digitaline with oxide of lead (litharge), and spirit; by which an insoluble tannate of lead is formed, and the digitaline set free and dissolved by the spirit. This solution after decolor- ization with a small amount of animal charcoal is evaporated, and the residual digitaline washed repeatedly with ether to remove any impurities. Therapeutics. When taken internally, the most marked effect produced by the drug is the weakening of the heart's power, ac- companied by a diminished rate of the pulse ; some observers assert, that the heart's action is primarily quickened. If the dose be increased, or continued after a certain amount of cardiac weak- ness has been induced, symptoms of an alarming character may arise, such as nausea, vomiting, faintness, and syncope: this is DIGITALINUM. 301 especially apt to occur when the patient attempts to make any exertion, or even to sit or stand up; in fact, patients under the full influence of the drug, which is sometimes purposely induced, are only in safety when in an horizontal position. Although digi- talis acts so powerfully upon the heart, yet its influence over the capillary circulation, when in a morbid condition, is by no means so powerfully exercised as in the case of antimonial and mercurial preparations. Digitalis often produces copious diuresis, more especially when the deficiency of the urinary secretion depends on cardiac disease ; it also occasionally induces sleep, or acts as a sedative and soporific, but only when the restlessness is due to an over-excited state of the heart. Digitalis is administered as a cardiac sedative in almost all cases where there is exalted action, whether sympathetic in nature, or depending on organic disease of that organ, or of the great vessels, as in hypertrophy, aneurism, or valvular disease, &c.; it should, however, always be borne in mind, that increased action of the heart is not always an indica- tion of increased strength. Digitalis may be given also in ha?mor- rhages of an active character, and as a diuretic in dropsies de- pending on the above-named cardiac diseases, and sometimes in other forms. Some practitioners have proposed the use of digitalis in inflammatory affections, but in these cases its efficacy has not been well established. It has also been employed in phthisis, but without permanent benefit; for although it often in these cases diminishes the rapidity of the pulse, it exerts no influence on the progress of the tubercular disease. Digitalis is generally as- serted to be a drug the action of which is cumulative in character: the explanation of this peculiarity appears to the author to be as follows, viz. : that considerable weakening of the heart's action ■ may occur without any very evident symptom being produced ; but if this is increased above a certain point, so as to interfere with the efficiency of the circulation, then all the symptoms are rapidly and dangerously manifested. Dose. Of the powdered leaves, \ gr. to 2 gr.; of infusion, 2 fl. drms. to \ fl. oz. or more ; of tincture, 5 min. to 40 min. and up- wards ; of digitaline, & gr. to TV gr. Adulteration. Digitalis leaves are occasionally mixed with those of Verbascum thapsus and other plants. Attention to the charac- 302 MATERIA MEDICA. ters of the true leaf, above given, will readily distinguish the admixture. LABIATE. Rosmarini Oleum. English Oil of Rosemary. The oil distilled in England from the flowering tops of Rosmarinus officinalis, or rosemary; Lin. Syst., Diandria monogynia; growing chiefly on the hills in the South of Europe. Prop. & Comp. This oil has the fragrant odour and taste of the plant, colourless, sp. gr. 0*888. It is an oxidized oil or a hydrocarbon (C20 H16) containing a species of camphor (C20 H16 02) in solution. Off. Prep. Spiritus Rosmarini. Spirit of Rosemary. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (English oil of rosemary, one fluid ounce; rectified spirit, nine fluid ounces.) This preparation contains about thirty-one times as much oil of rosemary as Spiritus Rosmarini. Lond. 1851. The oil of rosemary is contained also in Tinct. Lavand. comp. and Linimentum saponis. Therapeutics. A powerful stimulant; useful in hysteria, and nervous headaches ; externally it is used as a rubefacient and for its odour. Dose. Of the oil, 1 min. to 5 min. ; of the spirit, 10 min. to 50 min., or more. Lavandula? Oleum. English Oil of Lavender. The oil distilled in England from the flower of Lavandula vera or Common Lavender; Lin. Syst., Diandria monogynia; a native of Southern Europe; much cultivated in gardens in Surrey. Oil of Spike (French Lavender) is often used in lieu of the English oil. Description, Prop. tc Comp. Oil of Lavender, which gives the odour and taste to the plant, is of a pale yellow colour, and a hot bitter aromatic taste. Sp. gr. 0*877. It is an oxidized vola- tile oil or a hydrocarbon (C20 H]6) containing a camphor (C20 H16 02) dissolved in it. Off. Prep. Spiritus Lavandula. Spirit of Lavender. (Eng- lish oil of lavender, one fluid ounce; rectified spirit, nine fluid ounces.) [Fresh lavender, twenty-four troy ounces ; alcohol, eight pints ; water, two pints. Distil eight pints. U. S.] MENTHA PIPERITA OLEUM. 303 Tinctura Lavandula Composita. Compound Tincture of Lavender. (Oil of lavender, one fluid drachm and a half; oil of rosemary, ten minims ; cinnamon and nutmeg, bruised, each one hundred and fifty grains ; red sandalwood, three hundred grains ; rectified spirit, forty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration.) [Spiritus Lavandula? Compositus. Compound Spirits of Lavender. U. S. Oil of lavender, a fluid ounce ; oil of rosemary, two fluid drachms; cinnamon, in powder, two troy ounces ; cloves, in powder, half a troy ounce ; nutmeg, in powder, a troy ounce ; red saunders, in powder, three hundred and sixty grains; alcohol, six pints; water, two pints ; diluted alcohol, a sufficient quantity. The oils are dissolved in the alcohol, the water added ; the mixed powders are percolated with this fluid, and sufficient diluted alcohol to make the percolate amount to eight pints.] Oil of lavender is contained also in lin. camphor, comp. Therapeutics. Oil of lavender is stimulant and carminative; used in hysteria, hypochondriasis, and other nervous affections, also in flatulence and colic. Dose. Of the oil, 1 min. to 5 min.; of spirit of lavender, 10 min. to 50 min.; of the compound tincture, 20 min. to 1 fl. drm. or more. Adulteration. Oil of spike is sometimes mixed or substituted for the true oil of lavender ; oil of turpentine is also mixed with it. Mentha? Piperita? Oleum. English Oil of Peppermint. The oil distilled in England from the fresh flowering plant of Mentha Piperita, Peppermint; Lin. Syst., Didynamia gymnospermia ; indigenous, growing in damp places. Prop. & Comp. The peppermint plant owes its virtues to the presence of the Volatile oil, which is colourless or pale-yellow, hav- ing the odour of peppermint, with a warm aromatic taste, suc- ceeded by a sensation of coldness in the mouth. Sp. gr. 0*92. It is an oxidized volatile oil, or a hydrocarbon (C20 H18) containing a camphor (C20Hi8+ 2 HO) dissolved in it. Off. Prep. Aqua Mentha Piperita. Peppermint Water. (English oil of peppermint, one fluid drachm and a half; water, one gallon and a half; distil one gallon). [Oil of peppermint, half a fluid drachm ; carbonate of magnesia, sixty grains ; distil- 304 MATERIA MEDICA. led water, two pints. Rub the oil with the magnesia, then with the water, and filter. U. S.] Spiritus Mentha Piperita. Spirit of Peppermint. (English oil of peppermint, one fluid ounce; rectified spirit, nine fluid ounces.) This spirit contains about forty-seven times as much oil of peppermint as spiritus mentha? piperita?. Lond. [Oil of pepper- mint, a fluid ounce; peppermint, in powder, one hundred and twenty grains ; stronger alcohol, fifteen fluid ounces. U. S.] Therapeutics. Oil of peppermint is stimulant and carminative ; used as an adjunct to purgatives, to correct flatulency, &c. Dose. Of the oil, 1 min. to 5 min.; of the aqua mentha? pip., 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. of spirit, mentha? pip., 5 min. to 50 min. Mentha? Viridis Oleum. English Oil of Spearmint. The oil distilled in England from the fresh herb when in flower of Mentha viridis, Spearmint; Lin. Syst., Didynamia gymnosper- mia; indigenous, growing in marshy places. Prop, cl* Comp. The plant owes its virtues to the Volatile oil. which is colourless or pale yellow with the odour and taste of spearmint, sp. gr. 0*914. It is an oxidized volatile oil or a hydro- carbon (C20 H10 02), containing a camphor in solution. Off.- Prep. Aqua Mentha Viridis. Spearmint Water. (English oil of spearmint, one fluid drachm and a half; water, one gallon and a half. Distil one gallon.) [Oil of spearmint, half a fluid drachm ; carbonate of magnesia, six grains ; distilled water two pints. Rub the oil with the magnesia, then with the water, and filter. U. S.] [Spiritus Mentha Viridis. Spirit of Spearmint. U. S. Oil of spearmint, a fluid ounce ; spearmint, in coarse powder, one hundred and twenty grains ; stronger alcohol, fifteen fluid ounces.] Therapeutics. Spearmint oil is stimulant and carminative ; and is used as an adjunct to purgative medicines, to correct flatu- lency, &c. Dose. Of the oil, 1 min. to 5 min. ; of aqua mentha? viridis, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. Pulegii Oleum. Oil of Pennyroyal. (Not officinal.) The oil distilled from the flowering plant of Mentha Puleo-ium, or Pennyroyal; Lin. Syst., Didynamia gymnospermia; indige- nous, growing in marshy places. RHEUM. 305 Prop. & Comp. Oil of Pulegium, is yellowish, sp. gr. 0*95. It is an oxidized oil or hydrocarbon, containing a camphor in solution. Therapeutics. As oil of mentha piperita, and mentha viridis. Dose. The same as the oil of mentha piperita, and mentha viridis. Two other plants belonging to this order, namely, Origanum Vulgare, the Common Marjoram, containing a volatile oil, and possessing properties similar to those of Rosmarinus ; and Mar- rubium Vulgare, or Horehound, possessing a bitter principle as well as a volatile oil, were formerly contained in the Pharmaco- poeia ; the latter is still used in domestic medicine as a tonic, ex- pectorant, and alterative, in phthisis, chronic hepatitis, and in cachexia from various causes. Sub-Class IV. Apetala. POLYGONACE^]. Rheum. Rhubarb. The root of an undetermined species of Rheum; Lin. Syst., Enneandria monogynia ; growing in Chinese Thibet and Tartary. This definition includes the Russian, the East Indian and Dutch-trimmed or Batavian rhubarbs. Many species of Rheum are known to botanists, but although great exertions have been made, as yet the species yielding the Chinese rhubarb has not been discovered. Description. Russian or so-called Turkey rhubarb occurs in irregular-shaped, flat, or cylindrical, angular pieces, the cortex having been removed by slicing ; externally it is smooth and yellow and not turned br own by boracic acid ; the texture is compact; the fracture uneven, and marbled red and grey ; the powder is bright buff-yellow, and the odour rather aromatic ; taste astringent and disagreeable; it feels gritty, and tinges the saliva bright yellow ; the pieces have generally a hole drilled in them. East Indian, or half-trimmed rhubarb, differs from the last in not being angular, but slightly rounded, with adhering portions of 21 306 MATERIA MEDICA. the cortex, as if it had been scraped and sliced ; externally it is red and veined, not covered with yellow powder, as the Russian variety ; also denser, with a smoother fracture, less gritty, and the powder of a redder hue. Another variety is called Dutch-trimmed or Batavian rhubarb ; in round or flattened pieces, angular, and drilled with a hole ; probably of the same origin as the Russian. Besides these officinal varieties, others are met with, as the Himalayan, Canton stick, and English rhubarb. Some of the Himalayan, according to Dr. Royle, is yielded by Rheum Emodi, Morecroftianum and Webbianum ; the English variety is derived from Rheum Rhaponticum, and grows near Banbury. Prop. & Comp. Rhubarb contains a principle, Rheine or Chry- sophanic acid, which occurs in crystalline needles of a golden yel- low, metallic lustre (C20 H8 06), sparingly soluble in water, freely so in alkaline solutions, which are of a reddish-brown colour ; rheine is soluble also in hot alcohol and ether. Various resins have been also obtained from Rhubarb ; but although numerous analyses have been made, the peculiar purgative principle has not yet been isolated. Rhubarb yields its active properties to boil- ing water, also to alcohol. Crystals of oxalate of lime are found in it in considerable quantities, forming at times in the Russian variety, in which they are most numerous, as much as 35 per cent, of the drug. Off. Prep. Extractum Rhei. Extract of Rhubarb. (Pre- pared by macerating one pound of rhubarb in five pints of water and ten fluid ounces of rectified spirit, and subsequent evapora- tion of the solution at a temperature not above 160°.) [Extractum Rhei Alcoholicum. Alcoholic Extract of Rhu- barb. U. S. Rhubarb, twelve troy ounces ; alcohol, a pint; diluted alcohol, a sufficient quantity. A tincture is obtained by percolation, and evaporated at a temperature not exceeding 160° to form an extract.] Infusum Rhei. Infusion of Rhubarb. (Sliced rhubarb, quarter of an ounce ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Bruised rhubarb, one hundred and twenty grains ; boiling water, half a pint. U.S.] Pilula Rhei Composita. Compound Rhubarb Pill. (Rhu- ^ TINCTURA RHEI. 307 barb, powdered, three ounces ; socotrine aloes, powdered, two ounces and a quarter ; myrrh, finely powdered, one ounce and a half; hard soap, one ounce and a half; English oil of pepper- mint, one and a half fluid drachms ; treacle, by weight, four ounces.) [Rhubarb, in powder, a troy ounce ; socotrine aloes, in powder, three hundred and sixty grains ; myrrh, in powder, half a troy ounce ; oil of peppermint, half a fluid drachm. Beat them with water so as to form a pilular mass, to be divided into two hundred and forty pills. U. S.] Pulvis Rhei Compositus. Compound Rhubarb Powder. (Gregory's Powder.) (Rhubarb, two ounces ; light magnesia, [mag- nesia. U. S.] six ounces; ginger, one ounce.) Tinctura Rhei. Tincture of Rhubarb. (Rhubarb, two ounces ; cardamons, quarter of an ounce ; coriander, quarter of an ounce ; saffron, quarter of an ounce ; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Made by maceration and percolation.) [Rhubarb, three troy ounces ; cardamom, half a troy ounce ; diluted alcohol, a sufficient quantity. Two pints of tincture are obtained by percolation. U. S.] Therapeutics. Rhubarb acts as a stomachic and slight astrin- gent in small doses ; as a purgative, in larger ones. Its purgative action is generally followed by constipation, dependent on its astringent constituents; it differs from many cathartics in not causing irritation of the alimentary canal. The urine becomes coloured by it, as also do the perspiration and the milk. In consequence of its purgative properties it is often used at the commencement of diarrhoea depending on the presence of irritant matter in the canal, which is thus expelled, and the subsequent astringent effect afterwards exercised proves very valuable. It is frequently combined with magnesia, especially when given to children, as in the form of Gregory's powder. In cases of atonic dyspepsia, attended with some constipation, it is a valuable remedial agent; but if prescribed in cases of habitual constipation, should be combined with some other laxative. In scrofulous children it is sometimes useful, combined with a mercurial alter- ative, aiding and giving tone to the digestive organs, &c. Ex- ternally it has been applied to indolent ulcers. 308 MATERIA MEDICA. Dose. Of powdered rhubarb, 1 gr. to 5 gr. as a stomachic ; 10 gr. to 30 gr. as a purgative ; of infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. : of the tincture, as a stomachic, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm.; as a purgative, \ fl. oz. to 1 fl. oz. ; of compound rhubarb pill, 10 gr. to 20 gr.; of the compound powder, 5 gr. to 10 gr. for children ; for an adult, 20 gr. to 60 gr. and upwards. Adulterations. Rhubarb is very often extensively adulterated. Inferior varieties of rhubarb, as the English, are substituted for the Russian, &c. If turmeric be present, it is reddened by boracic acid, which has no such effect upon the colouring matter of rhubarb. In English rhubarb the starch is generally in excess, the oxalate of lime in small amounts only; the proportions of these ingredients are reversed in the Chinese varieties. MYRISTACEJE. Myristica. Nutmeg. The kernel of the seed of Myristica Officinalis. [The kernel of the fruit of Myristica Fragrans, U.S.] Lin. Syst., Diaecia monodelphia ; imported from Sumatra and the Molucca Islands. Myristicse Adeps. Concrete Oil of Nutmeg. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] A concrete oil obtained from nutmegs by expression and heat. Myristicae Oleum. Volatile Oil of Nutmeg. The oil distilled in England from the nutmeg. Description. The nutmeg is of a spheroidal shape, resembling that of a small bird's egg, about an inch in length, externally marked with reticulated furrows, greyish red internally, with dark brownish veins ; it has a peculiar odour and a bitter aro- matic taste. The cut surface presents a mottled appearance, produced by numerous veins in which the oil is situated. The concrete oil, or fat, is of a firm consistence, an orange colour, and has the odour of the nutmeg. The volatile oil, obtained by distillation, is colourless or of a straw yellow colour, with the odour and taste of the nutmeg. Prop. & Comp. By expression nutmegs yield about 30 per cent. of the concrete oil, soluble in four times its weight of boiling alcohol, and half that quantity of ether, consisting of a flxed oil or fat, united with & volatile oil, which last has asp. gr. 0*95, and is CINNAMOMI OLEUM. 309 the same as that obtained by distillation. The fixed fat yields a peculiar acid, myristic acid (HO, C28, H27, 03), crystallizing in silky needles. Nutmeg contains, besides these principles, woody fibre, and the ordinary constituents of seeds. Off. Prep.—Of Nutmeg. Nutmeg is one of the ingredients of the aromatic powder, and the compound tincture of lavender. Of the Concrete Oil. This is used in the preparation of the pitch plaster. Of the Volatile Oil. Spiritus Myristica. Spirit of Nutmeg. (Volatile oil of nutmeg, one fluid ounce ; rectified spirit, nine fluid ounces.) [Nutmeg, bruised, two troy ounces ; diluted alcohol, eight pints ; water, a pint. Distil eight pints. U. S.] Volatile oil of nutmeg also forms one of the ingredients of aromatic spirit of ammonia. Therapeutics. Nutmeg is an aromatic and gentle stimulant. In very large doses it is said to possess narcotic properties. It is perhaps more frequently used for giving flavour to farinaceous and other articles of food, than for its medicinal properties. Applied externally, it acts as a topical stimulant. Dose. Of nutmeg in powder, 5 gr. to 15 gr. ; of the volatile oil, 1 min. to 5 min.; of the spiritus myristica?, 10 min. to 50 min. LAURACEJE. Cinnamomum. Cinnamon. The inner bark of shoots from the truncated stocks of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, or Cinnamon; Lin. Syst., Enneandria monogynia; growing chiefly in Ceylon, and distinguished in commerce as Ceylon cinnamon. [The bark of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum and Cinnamomum Aromaticum. U.S.] Cinnamomi Oleum. The Oil of Cinnamon, distilled from cinna- mon, imported from Ceylon. [The volatile oil obtained from the bark of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum. U. S. ] Description. Cinnamon bark is about £th of a line in thickness) in closely-rolled quills, which are about 4 lines in diameter, con- taining several small quills within them ; the colour is a charac- teristic brown ; brittle, and with a splintery fracture ; it has an aromatic odour, and warm astringent taste. The oil is of a bright yellow colour, with the odour and taste of the bark, but it gradu- ally becomes red ; it is heavier than water. 310 MATERIA MEDICA. Prop. & Comp. The bark owes its important properties to the oil, but besides this oil, tannic acid is present in notable quanti- ties, also resin, and cinnamic acid, &q. The essential part of oil of cinnamon has a composition represented by the formula (C18II7 02 H) or a hydride of cinnamyl; but there is likewise a hydrocar- bon (Cao HJ6) in small amounts. Hydride of cinnamyl, when treated with hydrate of potash, is resolved into cinnamic acid (HO, Ci8 H7, 03) and hydrogen ; and when exposed to the air, it gradually ab- sorbs oxygen with the formation of cinnamic acid and a resin; both of which products of decomposition, as above stated, are found in the bark. Off. Prep.—Of the Bark. Aqua Cinnamomi. Cinnamon Water. (Cinnamon, bruised, twenty ounces ; water, two gallons. Distil one gallon.) [Oil of cinnamon, half a fluid drachm ; carbonate of magnesia, sixty grains ; distilled water, two pints. Rub the oil with the carbonate of magnesia, then with the water. U. S.] Pulvis Aromaticus. Aromatic Powder. (Cinnamon, nutmeg, and saffron, of each three ounces ; cloves, one ounce and a half' cardamoms, free from their capsules, one ounce; refined sugar, twenty-five ounces.) [Cinnamon, ginger, each in fine powder, two troy ounces ; cardamom, deprived of the capsules, nutmeg, each in fine powder, a troy ounce. U. S.] Pulvis Cinnamomi Compositus, Lond. 1851. Compound Cin- namon Powder. (Cinnamon, two ounces ; cardamoms, one ounce and a half; ginger, one ounce ; long pepper, half an ounce. Rub together to a very fine powder.) Tinctura Cinnamomi. Tincture of Cinnamon. (Cinnamon, in coarse powder, two ounces and a half; proof spirit, 20 fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) Cinnamon bark is also contained in the compound tincture of lavender. Therapeutics. Cinnamon is stimulant, aromatic, and carmina- tive, also somewhat astringent; useful as an adjunct in diarrhoea. The oil may be employed in flatulence, and as a corrigent to pur- gatives. Dose. Of the powdered bark, 10 gr. to 30 gr.; of aqua cinna- momi, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz.; of pulv. aromaticus, 10 gr. to 30 gr.; SPIRITUS camphorce. 311 of the tincture, 1 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm.; of oleum cinnamomi, 1 min. to 5 min. Adulteration. The bark called Cassia, or Chinese Cinnamon (from Cinnamomum Cassia?), is detected by its greater thickness and roughness, and less aromatic odour and taste. Camphora. Camphor. A concrete volatile oil, prepared by sub- limation of the wood of Camphora officinarum, and resublimed in England, in bell-shaped masses. Lin. Syst., Enneandria mo- nogynia ; Rough camphor is imported from China. Description. Camphor is usually sublimed in the form of hol- low hemispherical cakes, and these are broken into small masses, which are crystalline, white, semitransparent and tough, with a peculiar odour and taste, at first pungent, followed by a sensation of cold. Crude camphor, as imported, is in the form of small crys- talline grains, of a dirty white colour; this is mixed with lime before it is sublimed. Prop. & Comp. Camphor is rather tough and difficult to pul- verize, except when a few drops of spirit are added : sp. gr. 0*98. It is soluble in alcohol, ether, the volatile and fixed oils ; little so in water, yet sufficient is taken up to give a strong-taste and odour to that liquid ; it sublimes entirely when heated. It has the nature of a concrete volatile oil, and its formula is (C20 H46 02). Boiling point 399°. It is changed into camphoric acid by nitric acid. Off. Prep. Aqua Camphora. Camphor water. Synonym. Mistura Camphora. (Camphor, broken into pieces, half an ounce ; distilled water, one gallon.) [Camphor, one hundred and twenty grains ; alcohol, forty minims ; carbonate of magnesia, half a troy ounce ; distilled water, two pints. Rub the camphor first with alcohol, then with the carbonate of magnesia, and lastly with the water. U. S.] Linimentum Camphora. Camphor Liniment. (Camphor, one ounce ; olive oil, four fluid ounces.) Linimentum Camphora Compositum. Compound Liniment of Camphor. (Camphor, two ounces and a half; English oil of lav- ender, one fluid drachm ; strong solution of ammonia, five fluid ounces ; rectified spirit, fifteen fluid ounces.) [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Spiritus Camphora. Spirit of Camphor. (Camphor, one fluid 312 MATERIA MEDICA. ounce; rectified spirit, nine fluid ounces.) [Camphor, four troy ounces ; alcohol, two pints. U. S.] Tinctura Camphora cum Opio. Camphorated Tincture of Opium. (Opium, in coarse powder, forty grains ; benzoic acid, forty grains; camphor, thirty grains ; oil of anise, half a fluid drachm ; proof spirit, a pint; one fluid drachm contains a quarter of a grain of opium.) Linimentum Saponis. Liniment of soap also contains camphor. Therapeutics. Stimulant at first, afterwards sedative; its action is exerted on the brain and nervous system, also upon the skin and mucous membranes. Externally it acts as a stimulant. Used in mania and melancholia as a calmative ; in hysterical and other spasmodic nervous affections as an anti-spasmodic; in painful affections of the urinary organs, and dysmenorrhoea, as a sedative ; and in febrile conditions, the exanthemata, rheumatism, &e., as a diaphoretic. Externally, it is employed to stiff and painful parts. Dose. Of camphor, 5 gr. upwards ; of camphor water, 1 fl. oz. to 3 fl. oz.; of the spirit, 10 min. to 30 min., suspended in water (which precipitates it) by means of mucilage; of the tincture of camphor with opium, or camphorated tincture of opium, 1 fl. drm. upwards. Adulteration. Camphor is not often adulterated, but another kind, called Borneo Camphor, from Dryobalanops Camphora, a guttiferous plant, is sometimes met with ; heavier than water, less volatile, and more opaque than true camphor. An artificial cam- phor can be made by passing hydrochloric acid gas through vola- tile oil of turpentine. Sassafras. Sassafras. [Sassafras Radicis Cortex. The bark of the root. U. S.] The dried root of Sassafras Officinale, or Sassafras tree; Lin. Syst., Enneandria monogynia; growing in the United States and Canada. Description. In branched pieces, sometimes eight inches in diameter at the crown, the wood, light and spongy, of a pale grayish-brown colour ; the bark, dark reddish-brown, also spongy ; odour agreeable ; taste warm, sweet, and aromatic ; the bark is more powerful than the wood, it is also met with in chips. Prop. & Comp. Sassafras root contains a volatile oil, resin, and a principle called sassafrin, with a little tannin, &c. BEBERLE SULPAS. 313 Off. Prep. It is contained in Decoctum Sarsa? Compositum. Therapeutics. A stimulant and diaphoretic, seldom given alone ; used in chronic rheumatism, skin diseases, and syphilis. The vola- tile oil, Oleum Sassafras, may be employed. Dose. Of the oil, 1 min. to 5 min. Lauras. Sweet Bayberry (not officinal). The fruit of Laurus no. bilis, or Sweet Bay; Lin. Syst., Enneandria monogynia; grow- ing in the South of Europe, cultivated in this country. Description. The fruit is ovoid, about the size of a small cherry, wrinkled ; dark brown or purple colour ; consisting of a friable sarcocarp, including two oval fatty cotyledons ; the odour is aro- matic, and the taste warm. Bayberry leaves were formerly used in medicine ; they are still employed by the confectioner. Prop. & Comp. Bayberries contain a volatile oil, together with & fixed fatty oil; when pressed, both these are separated, and called Oil of Bays. Therapeutics. Slightly stimulant and aromatic. Adulteration. It is worthy of note, that the leaves of Laurus Cerasus, or Cherry Laurel, order Amygdalaceae, yielding prussic acid, have been occasionally substituted for the bay-laurel leaf, a dangerous exchange. Nectandra. Bebeeru Bark. The Bark of Nectandra Rodia?i, the Green-heart Tree. The bark imported from British Guiana. Beberia? Sulpas. Sulphate of Beberia. The sulphate of an alka- loid, prepared from the Bebeeru bark. Description. The bark is found in large flat pieces, from one to two feet long, from two to six inches broad, and about a quarter of an inch thick, heavy, hard and fibrous ; of a grayish-brown colour externally, reddish or cinnamon brown within ; taste very bitter, with some astringency. Prop. & Comp. Bebeeru bark contains an alkaloid, not yet crystallized, Beberia or Bibirine (C38 H21 N 06), a yellow resinous- looking body; soluble in alcohol, slightly in ether, scarcely in water ; it forms salts with acids ; the commercial and officinal salt is the impure sulphate which occurs in dark brown, thin, translucent scales, yellow when powdered, with a strong bitter taste, soluble 314 MATERIA MEDICA. in water and alcohol. Composition (C38 H21N06, S03). Its watery solution gives a white precipitate with chloride of barium, and with caustic soda a yellowish white precipitate which is dissolved by agitating the mixture with twice its volume of ether. The etherial solution separated by a pipette and evaporated, leaves a yellow translucent residue, entirely soluble in dilute acids. It leaves no ash when burnt; water forms with it a clear brown solution. Off. Prep. Sulphate of Beberia. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Sulphate of beberia is prepared by exhausting the powdered bark by maceration and percolation with water, strongly acidulated with sulphuric acid. The colouring and other matters are then precipitated from this solution by mixing it with milk of lime (not sufficient to render the fluid alkaline), and the deposit sepa- rated by filtration. To the filtered solution ammonia is added until the fluid has a faint ammoniacal odour, the precipitate which forms is collected on a cloth, squeezed and dried in a vapour bath. The precipitate is powdered and exhausted by repeated boiling with rectified spirit and to the solution water is added, and the spirit recovered by distillation ; the residue is treated with dilute sulphuric acid, till the fluid becomes slightly acid, it is then eva- porated to dryness on a water bath, pulverized and the powder treated with cold water, which dissolves the sulphate of beberia, the solution is evaporated to a syrupy consistence, and spread in thin layers on flat porcelain or glass plates, and dried at a heat not exceeding 140°.' It should be preserved in well-stoppered bottles. Therapeutics. The bark is seldom given ; the sulphate of beberia is tonic and antiperiodic ; used in debility and periodic affections, it has been found but an imperfect substitute for quinine. Dose. Of the sulphate of beberia, 2 gr. to 10 gr. ARISTOLOCHIiE. Serpentaria. Serpentary. The dried root of Aristolochia Ser- pentaria, Serpentary, or Virginian Snake-root; Lin. Syst., Gynandria hexandria; grown in Virginia and other parts of the United States. MEZEREUM. 315 Description. A small root-stock with numerous small radicles, about three inches long, of a pale grayish-brown colour ; aromatic and camphoraceous odour, and bitter camphoraceous taste. Prop. & Comp. Serpentary contains a volatile oil and resin ; also a bitter extractive matter; the latter soluble in water, the former in spirit. Off. Prep. Infusum Serpentaria. Infusion of Serpentary. (Serpentary, a quarter of an ounce. Boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [A pint of infusion is prepared by percolation from half a troy ounce of powdered root, or by maceration for two hours with boiling water. U. S.] Tinctura Serpentaria. Tincture of Serpentary. (Serpentary, bruised, two ounces and a half. Proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) Serpentary is contained also in Tinct. Cinchona? Comp. Therapeutics. A stimulant and tonic : also diaphoretic and diuretic. It is sometimes used in atonic dyspepsia, chronic rheumatism, in low febrile states, and to promote eruption in the exanthemata. Dose. Of the powdered root, 10 gr. to 20 gr. or more ; of the infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. ; of the tincture, -| fl. drm. to 1* fl. drm. Asarum Europaum, or Asarabacca, belongs to this order; the leaves were formerly used as an errhine : they cause powerful vomiting and purging when administered internally. THYMELACEJE. Mezereum. Mezereon. The dried bark of Daphne Mezereum, or Mezereon ; Lin. Syst., Octandria monogynia; or Daphne Laureola. The Spurge Laurel. The latter is chiefly found in commerce; indigenous. Description. Thin, flat, or curled pieces of various lengths ; tough, of a brown colour outside, but white and fibrous within, with slight odour, taste hot and very acrid. Prop. c& Comp. An acrid volatile oil, acrid resin, and a crys- talline principle, daphnin. When the root is boiled in water, an acrid vapour rises. 316 MATERIA MEDICA. Off. Prep. It is contained in Decoctum Sarsa Compositum. Therapeutics. Mezereon is a powerful local irritant, and even vesicant; it causes vomiting and purging in large doses, but in small ones, diaphoresis and diuresis. Used in chronic rheuma- tism, syphilis, scrofulous and skin diseases. Seldom given in this country, except in the compound decoction of sarsaparilla. In America an ointment is used. Dose. Of compound decoction of sarsaparilla, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. or more. EUPHORBIACEiE. Cascarilla. Cascarilla. The bark of Croton Eleuteria, or Casca- rilla bush; Lin. Syst., Monoecia monodelphia: growing in the Bahamas. Description. In small quilled pieces, from 2 to 4 inches long, and from 2 to 5 lines in diameter ; about the size of a pencil, fissured in both directions, of a dull brown colour, but spotted white with crustaceous lichens ; short fracture ; sometimes it oc- curs in small flattened pieces without lichens. Prop. & Comp. Odour spicy and pleasant, taste bitter and aromatic, its properties are yielded to water and spirit. It emits a fragrant odour when burned. The bark contains a bitter mat- er, in which a crystalline substance, Cascarilline, has been stated to exist; besides which, there are at present some tannic acid, colouring matter, and a volatile oil. Off. Prep. Infusum Cascarilla. Infusion of Cascarilla. (Cascarilla, in coarse powder, one ounce ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [A pint of infusion is made from a troy ounce of cascarilla, in powder, by percolation, or by maceration, with boil- ing water. U. S.] Tinctura Cascarilla. Tincture of Cascarilla. [Not offici- nal in U. S. P.] (Cascarilla, bruised, two ounces and a half; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and perco- lation.) Therapeutics. Cascarilla is an aromatic stomachic and tonic, useful in atonic dyspepsia, and in recovery from acute diseases ; it seems also to possess antiperiodic powers, but is much less RICINI OLEUM. 317 powerful than Cinchona, and is now seldom employed in intcr- mittents. Doses. Of powdered bark, 10 gr. to 30 gr.; of the infusion 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz.; of the tincture, -| fl. drm. to l-§- fl. drm. Oleum Crotonis. [Oleum Tiglii. U. S.] Croton Oil. The Oil expressed in England from the seed of Croton Tiglium [the oil obtained from the seeds of Croton Tiglium. U. S.] ; Lin. Syst., Monoecia monodelphia ; growing in the East Indies. Description. The oil is slightly viscid, from pale yellow to brownish-yellow in colour, of a disagreeable odour and acrid taste. The seeds from which the oil is expressed are smaller and duller in appearance, but otherwise much resemble castor oil seeds. The kernels yield from 50 to 60 per cent, of oil. Prop. & Comp. Croton oil contains a volatile oily acid, Cro- tonic acid (not active), and a fixed oil. It is soluble in ether and volatile oils ; agitated with its own volume of alcohol, and gently heated, it forms a clear solution from which about three-fourths of the oil separate on cooling. Off. Prep. Linimentum Crotonis. Liniment of Croton Oil. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Croton oil, half a fluid ounce ; olive oil, three fluid ounces and a half.) Therapeutics. A most powerful irritant, drastic, purgative, often causing nausea and vomiting ; used in obstinate constipation and cerebral affections, as apoplexy; also in very minute quanti- ties as an ordinary purgative. Externally it gives rise to pustu- lation, and diluted with olive oil or soap liniment, is a valuable counter-irritant. Dose. Of the oil, |- min. to 2 min., placed on the tongue ; or formed into a pill with crumb of bread. As an adjunct, -^ min. upwards. Adulteration. Other fixed oils, as castor oil, might be added, which would be difficult to detect. Ricini Oleum. Castor Oil. The oil (expressed in England or imported from America) from the seed of Ricinus Communis, the Castor Oilplant; Lin. Syst., Monoecia monodelphia; grow- ing in the East Indies and America. Description. The oil is thick, viscid, colourless, or a pale 318 MATERIA MEDICA. straw-yellow, of peculiar odour, and slightly acrid taste. The seeds, about the size of small beans, are oval, compressed, obtuse at the ends, smooth and shining on the surface, of a light ash colour, marbled with dark spots and veins. Prop. & Comp. Castor Oil differs from most other fixed oils in being entirely soluble in one volume of alcohol and two volumes of rectified spirit ; sp. gr. 0*96 ; it contains three oily acids, Ricinic, Ricin-oleic, and Ricin-stearic, united with Glycerine. It also contains some acrid resinous matter. Therapeutics. A mild, yet quick, purgative medicine ; causing little or no disturbance of the system ; only the evacuation of the contents of the bowels. Used in delicate subjects, and in irritable conditions of the alimentary canal, and neighboring parts : as in gastritis, enteritis, dysentery, and cystitis, &c. The seeds are very active, even dangerous. Dose. 1 fl. drm. to 1 fl. oz. ; often given floating on some liquid ; sometimes in gelatine or membranous capsules ; or in the form of an emulsion with some aromatic. Adulteration. Other fixed oils, difficult to detect, as, when mixed, they are rendered, to some extent, soluble in alcohol. Kamela. Kamela Wurrus. The powder which adheres to the capsules of Rottlera tinctoria. Prop. & Comp. An orange red granular powder, scarcely mixing with water, but for the most part soluble, and forming a red-coloured solution with alcohol and ether. The insoluble resi- due consists chiefly of tufted hairs. Composition unknown, prob- ably of a resinous nature. Tlierapeutics. A powerful anthelmintic, found very efficacious in India in the treatment of tape-worm. It usually purges freely. Dose. 60 gr. to 120 gr. in honey or thick gruel. In this order are also contained the— Euphorbium Officinarum, yielding the resin in whitish tears called Euphorbium, a very powerful local irritant, used sometimes as a sternutatory, causing violent vomiting and purging when swallowed; also the Janipha or Jatropha Manihot, of which the fecula of the root, when dried and heated, forms Tapioca. Cassava bread is also made from the root; the juice of the tree, when fresh, is acrid and poisonous. Tapioca is a pure form of starch, and is much used as an article of diet. PIPER LONGUM. 319 PIPERACE^l. Piper. Black Pepper. The unripe berries, dried, of Piper Nigrum, or Black Pepper ; Lin. Syst., Diandria trigynia; growing in tropical countries, as Java and Sumatra, now chiefly imported from the West Indies. Description. A berry about the size of a small pea, black, rough or wrinkled on the outside, the contained seed is grayish ; when decorticated it forms white pepper. Prop. c& Comp. Odour hot and aromatic; taste acrid ; con- tains a nitrogenized feeble base, Piperine (C34 H19 N 06), in rhom- boidal prisms, white, almost tasteless, and inodorous ; although the piperine of commerce is always yellow and acrid from the presence of volatile oil. A volatile oil (C20 H1G), lighter than water, giving the odour and taste to the drug, is also present: besides the ordi- nary constituents of such fruits, there exists also some acrid resin. [Off. Prep. Confectio Piperis. Confection of Pepper. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Black pepper, two ounces ; caraway, three ounces ; clarified honey, fifteen ounces, rubbed well together.) This preparation is a substitute for a nostrum long known as Ward's Paste, and much used in the treatment of piles. Therapeutics. Pepper is chiefly used as a condiment. It acts as a stimulant stomachic, and appears to influence the mucous membrane of the rectum, hence its value in ha?morrhoids ; it also acts on the urethral membrane, and may be used as a substitute for cubebs in gonorrhoea, &c. Piperine probably possesses anti- periodic powers, and is stated to have been used with success in agues. Externally, pepper, or its oil, may be employed as a rube- facient ; the oil is sometimes applied topically in relaxed sore throat. Dose. Of pepper, 5 gr. to 20 gr.; of piperine, 5 gr. upwards ; of the confection, 40 gr. to 120 gr. and upwards. Piper Longum. The unripe fruit of Piper Longum, or Chavica Roxburghii [Not officinal in U. S. P.]; Lin. Syst., Diandria trigynia. It, is not now officinal, but is sometimes used as a condiment. Description. The spikes are from one to two inches in length, 320 MATERIA MEDICA. and studded with eminences arranged spirally; of a light gray colour. Prop. & Comp. As black pepper; the odour being rather different. Therapeutics and Dose. The same as of black pepper. Cubeba. Cubebs. The unripe fruit, dried, of Cubeba Officinalis, the Cubeb Pepper; Lin. Syst., Diandria trigynia: cultivated in Java. Oleum Cubeba?. Oil of Cubebs. The oil, distilled in England from Cubebs. [Oleoresina Cubeba. Oleo-resin of Cubebs. U. S. Prepared by percolation with ether ; the larger part of the ether is recovered by distillation in a water-bath, and the remainder is evaporated.] Description. Very like black pepper, but having small stalks or tails attached, which serve to distinguish them ; they are also lighter in colour. Prop. & Comp. Cubeb pepper has an odour like camphor, in addition to that of pepper ; its taste is hot and spicy ; it contains Cubebine, which by some is said to be the same as piperine ; but this is doubtful; the volatile oil is colourless or pale greenish yellow, with the odour and taste of cubebs (C30 H24). There is also some resin or oxidized oil in cubeb pepper. Therapeutics. Cubebs and the oil are used almost exclusively for their action on the mucous membrane of the urethra and blad- der, upon which they act as stimulants, and have the power of arresting abnormal discharges. Dose. Of the powder 20 gr. to 120 gr. ; of the volatile oil, 5 min. to 20 min. Matica. [Matico. U. S.] Matico. The leaves of Artanthe Elon- gata or Piper Angustifolium, Matico plant; Lin. Syst., Diandria trigynia; a native of Peru. Description. The leaves are from 2 to 8 inches long, oblong lanceolate, acuminate, tesselated on the upper surface, reticulated and downy beneath; of a green colour, with an aromatic, warm and slighty astringent taste and aromatic odour ; as imported, the leaves are mixed with the spikes and stalks, and in a compressed state. SALICIS CORTEX. 321 Prop. & Comp. Matico contains traces of tannic acid, and a peculiar acid, named artanthic acid, which is readily crystalliz- able ; soluble in water and alcohol, but remarkably so in ether ; nitrate of potash, colouring matter and a volatile oil or camphor (?) not yet isolated are also found in the leaves. No piperine has been obtained from them, and they contain no starch. Off. Prep. Infusum Matica. Infusion of Matico. [Not offi- cinal in U. S. P.] (Matico, cut small, half an ounce ; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) Therapeutics. The surface of the leaf or the powder applied to bleeding parts, as leech-bites, &c, acts as a powerful styptic ; when given internally it is stated to produce astringent effects and to affect the genito-urinary mucous membrane and rectum, like pepper or cubebs ; it contains little ordinary astringent mat- ter, and it has been supposed that its power, when applied topi- cally, is due to the mechanical structure of the leaf. Dose. Of powder, internally, 30 gr. to 60 gr. ; of infusion, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. SALICACEJE. Salicis Cortex. Willow Bark. Bark of Salix Caprea; Lin. Syst., Dioecia diandria; indigenous. Not officinal. Description. The bark obtained from the branches is quilled, the epidermis dark-coloured, and the structure fibrous and tough j it has a slightly aromatic odour, with a bitter and astringent taste. Prop. & Comp. Its active matters are soluble in water; it contains tannin, gum, extractive matter, and the usual constituents of barks. In addition, it yields a neutral crystalline principle Salicine, which, when pure, occurs in white scaly crystals, with a bitter taste, soluble in water and alcohol ; and has the composi- tion (C26 Ht8 0„). Concentrated sulphuric acid turns Salicine of a bright red colour ; and when acted on by oxidizing agents, it is converted into Salicylous acid, or hydruret of Salicyle (C14 H5 04 H) ; this is identical with the oil of Spircea Ulmaria, and exhales the same peculiar odour. Therapeutics. Willow bark is tonic and antiperiodic, and has 22 * 322 MATERIA MEDICA. been much recommended in intermittents as a substitute for cin- chona ; it is generally administered as salicine ; this is thought to possess considerable antiperiodic power, but is not likely to super- sede quina, though useful as a mild bitter tonic, when given in doses from ten grains to twenty grains. A decoction is some- times useful in chronic skin affections, as psoriasis. Salicine taken internally appears in the urine as the hydruret of salicyle, and causes that fluid to strike purple-red with the persalts of iron. Dose. Of decoction (1| oz. to 20 fl. oz.) \\ fl. oz. to 3 fl. oz.; of salicine, 5 gr. to 30 gr. ULMACEJE. Ulmus. Elm Bark. The dried inner bark of Ulmus Campestris, the broad-leaved Elm; deprived of its outer layers ; Lin. Syst., Pentandria monogynia ; indigenous to and cultivated in Britain. Description. Elm bark is of a lightish-brown colour ; the pieces are broad, about half a line thick, and of varying lengths, and consist of the bark, deprived of its epidermis and outer layer. It is without smell; taste mucilaginous, slightly bitter and astringent. Prop. & Comp. It yields its active properties to water, and contains a large amount of mucilage, and about 2*7 per cent, of tannin. Ulmin, a peculiar substance, of dark brown colour, in- soluble in cold, and but slightly so in boiling water, which it tinges of a brown colour, readily soluble in alkaline solutions, received its name from being first obtained from this bark ; it is now thought to be a constituent of many other barks. The decoc- tion is turned green by perchloride of iron, and precipitates with a solution of gelatine. Prep. Decoctum Ulmi, Lond., 1851. Decoction of Elm. (Bruised elm bark, two ounces ; distilled water, two pints.) Boil down to a pint, and strain). Therapeutics. Elm bark is demulcent, slightly tonic and astrin- gent, and has been recommended in some chronic skin affections, as psoriasis and lepra. Some practitioners think highly of ita QUERCUS. 323 powers as an alterative ; sometimes diuretic and diaphoretic effects are produced by the use of the decoction. Dose. Of the decoction, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. [Ulmus Fulva. Slippery Elm. The inner bark of Ulmus fulva, U.S. The slippery elm bark is simply a demulcent, and is destitute of astringency, and of tonic powers. Powdered it is employed in the formation of cataplasms, and it may be used internally in in- fusion ad libitum^ CUPULXFER.E. Quercus. Oak Bark. The dried bark of the small branches and stems of Quercus Pedunculata, the Common Oak; Lin. Syst., Monoecia polyandria; indigenous. The bark should be collect- ed in spring from plants growing in Britain. Description. The bark, when dry, occurs in long pieces gener- ally covered with a greyish-white epidermis, of a fibrous consis- tence, brittle, internally cinnamon coloured, as also is the outer surface, when denuded of the epidermis ; the taste is very astrin- gent. Prop. (& Comp. Oak bark yields to water and spirit its active principles, viz., tannic acid and gallic acid ; it also contains pectin. The amount of tannic acid varies very much with the age of the branches from which the bark is taken ; season, and other circum- stances, likewise have an influence upon the amount of astringent matter present in the bark. Off. Prep. Decoctum Quercus. Decoction of Oak Bark. (Bruised oak bark, one ounce and a half; distilled water, twenty fluid ounces.) Therapeutics. Seldom used except as an external astringent, in the form of the decoction, which forms a useful and economical lotion, gargle, or injection, in relaxed sore throat, leucorrhcea, &c. It may be given internally in the cases in which tannin acid is useful. Dose. Of decoction, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz., when internally admin- istered. 324 MATERIA MEDICA. Galla. Galls. Excrescences occurring on the small twigs of Quercus Infectoria, the Gall or Dyer's Oak, caused by the punc- tures and deposited ova of Diplolepis Galla? tinctoria?. Lin. Syst., Monoecia polyandria; growing chiefly in Asia Minor. Acidum Tannicum. Tannic Acid. An acid obtained from Galls. Acidum Gallicum. Gallic acid. An acid prepared from Galls. Description of the Gall. The punctures of the young twig of the tree by a hymenopterous insect, the diplolepis gallce tinctorial, cause an astringent exudation, which concretes and produces the gall-nut; the eggs deposited by the insect become inclosed in the excrescence. Gall-nuts are more or less globular in form, tuberculated on the surface, about the size of a marble, varying from half-an-inch to three-fourths of an inch in diameter. There are two varieties, blue and white galls ; the former, heavy, and of a bluish-green tinge, yellowish white within, with a small central cavity ; the latter white, of a grayish colour, less astringent, and perforated with a small hole, the passage by which the insect escaped. Prop. <& Comp. Gall-nuts contain a very large amount, about 35 per cent., of tannic acid, and 5 per cent, of gallic acid, also another body named ellagic acid, with gummy and extractive matters, lignin, salts, &c. Tannic Acid (C54 H22 034) is prepared by percolating the pow- dered galls with a mixture of water and ether, the percolated fluid separates into two strata, the heavier of which, containing the tannic acid in solution, is separated and evaporated to dryness. Tannic acid occurs in the form of a light glistening spongy mass or powder, yellowish, or almost white ; uncrystallizable, of a very astringent taste, freely soluble in water and spirit, but very spar- ingly soluble in ether; slightly acid in reaction ; its solutions precipitate gelatine yellowish white, and the persalts of iron bluish-black. According to the latest researches of Strecker, tannin has the formula (C54 H22 034), and by the action of sulphuric acid is resolv- ed into gallic acid and grape sugar. The same change is effected when a strong decoction of the galls is kept for a lengthened TINCTURA GALEAE. 325 period at a temperature of about 70° or 80° Fah. The formula explaining this decomposition is thus represented by Strecker : [(0M H22 034) + 8HO=3 (C14 H6 O10) + (C12 H10 0W)] or one equivalent of tannin and eight of water are resolved into three equivalents of gallic acid and one of grape sugar. Gallic Acid (3 HO, C14 H3 07 + 2HO) is prepared by making powdered galls into a thick paste with water, and keeping them in this state for six weeks at a temperature of between 60° and 70°. This paste is afterwards boiled with distilled water, and strained through calico ; the solution is allowed to cool and the crystals which are deposited are collected on a filter and drained by pressure between folds of filtering paper. They are then re- dissolved in boiling water, the liquid allowed to cool to 80°, and the crystals which separate are washed with ice cold distilled water, and dried at a temperature not exceeding 212°. Gallic acid occurs in white or pale, fawn coloured, silky, needles, very soluble in boiling water, rectified spirit and ether. It differs from tannin in not precipitating gelatine, albumen, or the alkaloids, but it strikes bluish-black with the persalts of iron ; its taste is acid and astringent, but much less so than that of tannin, perhaps owing to its slight solubility in the saliva. Gallic acid is decomposed by heat, with the formation oipyrogallic acid (C6 H3 03) and metagallic acid (C6 H2 02. The former acid strikes black with proto-salts of iron, and is a powerful deox- idizing agent. Ellagic acid exists in gall-nuts in small quantities ; it forms a white powder, differing from tannin and gallic acid in being almost insoluble in water, alcohol, or ether ; it appears to be an isomeric modification of gallic acid. Probably ellagic acid is contained in many vegetables, as some of the intestinal con- cretions, called bezoars, found in the intestines of ruminants, are entirely composed of it. Of. Prep.—Of Galls. Tinctura Galla. Tincture of Galls. (Galls, bruised, two and a half ounces; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) Unguentum Galla. Ointment of Galls. (Galls, eighty grains; simple ointment, one ounce.) [Nutgalls in very fine powder, a troy ounce ; lard, seven troy ounces. U. S.] 326 MATERIA MEDICA. Unguentum Galla cum Opio. Ointment of Galls and Opium. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Ointment of galls, one ounce : opium in powder, thirty-two grains.) Of Tannic Acid. Suppositoria Acidi Tannici. Tannin Suppositories. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Tannic acid, twenty-four grains ; glycerine, twenty minims ; prepared lard and white wax, as much as is required.) Trochisci Acidi Tannici. Tannin Lozenges. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Tannic acid made into lozenges, with tincture of tolu, sugar, gum arabic, mucilage of gum arabic and water.) One and a half grains of tannic acid are contained in each lozenge. Titerapeutics. Gall-nuts owe their efficacy to the tannic and gallic acids contained in them ; and the description of the action of these acids applies not only to galls, but to all those vegetables which are made use of for their astringent effects. Tannic Acid, when applied to a living part, acts as a most powerful astringent; if the surface of a mucous membrane is chosen, this effect is well seen in the contraction of the vessels, and consequent paleness produced. When the lips, or any part of the mouth, come in contact with this acid, the astringency becomes evident to the taste. Taken internally, tannic acid sometimes causes a sensation of dryness of the mouth and fauces, thirst, and not unfrequently constipation ; it soon becomes absorbed into the blood, and after some alteration in composition, is thrown out, or at least partly so, by the kidneys in the form of gallic and pyrogallic acids, and a brownish-black humus-like matter : sometimes the urine becomes quite dark-coloured, especially after it has been exposed to the air for a short time. The urine of patients taking tannic acid does not precipitate gelatine, showing the absence of tannic acid, but strikes black with persalts of iron, indicating the presence of gallic acid. Upon the alimentary canal, and also after absorption, the action of tannin is of the same character ; and hence, not only topical but remote astringent effects are produced by its administration ; and hasmorrhages, as menorrhagia, ha?maturia, and ha?moptysis, increased mucous and other discharges, FICUS. 327 hectic sweating, diarrhoea, and dysenteric affections, are quickly influenced by its administration. Gallic acid appears to differ from tannin in its topical action, being less astringent, probably from its comparatively slight solubility ; it however becomes absorbed, and the remote effects are identical with those of tannin. Probably as a remote astrin- gent it is more powerful than an equal quantity of tannic acid, for the latter becomes converted in the blood into gallic acid and grape sugar, and hence part only is available. This was the conclusion at which the author arrived from some extensive trials made many years since, in the treatment of various forms of ha?morrhages. Externally, the decoction of gall-nuts, or solutions of tannic or gallic acid, may be employed to suppress ha?morrhage from the gums, nose, or any part to which they can be applied ; or to lessen discharges from mucous membranes, as in gleet, leucorrhoea, &c. Dose. Of the tincture of galls (seldom used, except as a test), \ fl. drm. to li fl. drm. ; of tannic acid, 3 gr. to 20 gr. ; of gallic acid, 3 gr. to 20 gr.; about 4 gr. of gallic acid can be dissolved in 1 fl. oz. of water. Both tannic and gallic acids are soluble to a considerable extent in glycerine. Incompatibles. Salts of iron, especially the persalts, strike black with both tannic and gallic acids ; infusions and decoctions of vegetable substances containing alkaloids ; solution of gelatine, and many metallic substances, as salts of lead, &c. are preci- pitated by tannic acid. URTICACEiE. Ficus. The Fig; the prepared fruit of Ficus Carica; Lin. Syst., Polygamia dio?cia; a native of Asia ; imported from Smyrna. Description. The part usually known as the fruit of the fig, when dry, consists of the fleshy compressed pear-shaped recep- tacle, soft, tough, brown, and covered with a saccharine efflo- rescence, containing numerous small hard seeds in the interior, inclosed in a viscid pulp. These are quite shut in, except at the apex, where a small orifice exists. When nearly ripe the fresh figs are dried and exported largely to this country and other parts of Europe. 328 MATERIA MEDICA. Prop. & Comp. They contain chiefly saccharine and muci- laginous matters. Off. Prep. Figs are used in the preparation of Confectio Senna?. Therapeutics. Demulcent, nutritive, and laxative ; used some- times as an article of diet for this latter property. Heated and split open, they are sometimes used as a cataplasm. Dose. Ad libitum. Mori Succus. Mulberry Juice [Not officinal in U. S. P.]; the juice of the ripe fruit of Morus nigra; Lin. Syst., Monoecia tetandria; native of Persia, cultivated in Britain. Description. The fruit from which the juice is obtained is of a dark purple colour, and consists of numerous small berries united together, each containing a single seed, attached to a common receptacle ; the fleshy covering of the seeds being formed by the sepals. The juice is of a deep red colour. Prop. & Comp. The juice has a faint odour and a sweet and acidulous taste; the latter property is said to be due to the presence of tartaric acid. Off. Prep. Syrupus Mori. Syrup of Mulberries. (Mul- berry juice, twenty fluid ounces; sugar, two pounds and a half; rectified spirit, two fluid ounces and a half. Dissolve the sugar in the juice, by a gentle heat, and set by for twenty-four hours; then remove the scum, and pour off the clear fluid from any dregs, if present; lastly add the spirit.) Therapeutics. The juice is refrigerant, and may be used as a drink in febrile diseases. The syrup is also used as a colouring matter. Dose. Ad libitum. Cannabis Indica. Indian Hemp; Cannabis Sativa; Lin. Syst., Dicecia pentandria; the flowering tops of the female plant from which the resin has not been removed, dried; cultivated in India. Description. The tops, with the remains of the flowers, fruits, and small leaves are met with in bundles, about 2 inches long. of a greenish colour, and with a peculiar odour. In commerce Indian hemp is seen in three principal forms. The resinous TINCTURA CANNABIS INDIC^E. 329 exudation of the leaves and flowers is known as the Churrus ; the plant itself, consisting of the stems, leaves, and flowers, packed together lengthwise in long bundles, Gunjah ; and lastly, a mix- ture of the leaves and capsules, without the stem, Bang. The Hashish of the Arabs is another form of Indian hemp, sometimes occurring in coils. Prop. & Comp. The resin of the Indian hemp, upon which the peculiar properties depend, is soluble in alcohol and ether, but separates from its solutions on the addition of water. The resin mentioned above has received the name Cannabin, and has a bitterish taste and peculiar odour ; the plant also contains a little volatile oil. Off. Prep. Extractum Cannabis Indica. Extract of Indian hemp. (Prepared by maceration of the hemp in rectified spirit, and subsequent separation of the spirit by distillation and eva- poration to a proper consistence.) Tinctura Cannabis Indica. Tincture of Indian hemp. (Ex- tract of Indian hemp, one ounce ; rectified spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by solution of the extract in rectified spirit. Therapeutics. Indian hemp produces a peculiar kind of intoxi- cation, attended with exhilaration of the spirits and hallucinations, said to be generally of a pleasing kind. These are followed by narcotic effects, sleep and stupor. In its anodyne and soporific action it resembles opium, but its after-effects are considered less unpleasant; it does not produce constipation and loss of appetite. Indian hemp possesses antispasmodic and anodyne powers, for which it has been chiefly employed in medicine. It has been administered in the different forms of neuralgia, in spasmodic coughs, as pertussis and asthma, also in tetanus, hydrophobia, and other anomalous spasmodic and painful diseases. Sometimes, but very seldom, it has been used to procure sleep. Much further experience of this drug is required before its real action and value can be fully decided upon ; it certainly has disappointed the expectations formed of it when it was first introduced into this country; a circumstance, perhaps, in part due to very inferior hemp having been employed. The urine of patients under its influence sometimes acquires a peculiar odour not very unlike that of the Tonquin bean. 330 MATERIA MEDICA. Dose. Of the extract, \ gr. to 1 gr. or more ; of the tincture, 5 min. to 30 min. Incompatibles.—The tincture, when added to water, becomes turbid, from the precipitation of the resin, and hence it should be rubbed up with mucilage, to suspend it, or have a few drops of an alkaline liquid added, as aromatic spirit of ammonia, in order to keep it in solution. Lupulus. [Humulus. U. S.] Hop. The dried catkins of the female plant of Humulus Lupulus, the common Hop ; Lin. Syst., Dicecia pentandria; cultivated in England, and found in many parts of Europe. Description. The catkin or strobile of the hop is composed of membranous scales, each of which contains at the base two small seeds, surrounded by a yellow granular powder. The scale is covered with numerous superficial glands; it is thin, semi-trans- parent, veined, and of a yellowish colour when dry, with a peculiar fragrant odour and bitter taste. Lupuline is the name given to the fine resinous powder secreted by the scales, and obtained by rubbing and sifting the strobiles; it occurs as a golden yellow powder, and has the peculiar flavour of the hop : under the micro- scope it appears to resemble the pollen of plants. Prop. & Comp. Hops contain a volatile oil, and a peculiar bit- ter principle, soluble in alcohol, slightly so in water, but insoluble in ether, called Lupulite or Humulin; these constitute the chief active ingredients. The volatile oil when freshly prepared by distillation of the hops, is green, but is made colourless when re- distilled ; by exposure to the air, it becomes a resinous mass. It contains a hydrocarbon (C20 H16) with valerol (C12 H10 02), the latter by the action of caustic potash is converted into valerianic acid, as shown in the following equation, C12 H10 02 + 3 (KO, HO)+ 2 HO=2 (KO, C02) + (KO, Cl0 H9 03) + H6, and thus the hydrocar- bon may be separated from the valerol. The volatile oil was for- merly thought to contain sulphur ; this, however, has been lately disproved. The scales of the hop contain some adherent lupuline, though in a small proportion. Lupuline yields about 11 per cent. of the bitter principle. Off. Prep. Infusum Lupuli. Infusion of Hop. (Hops, half RESINA. 331 an ounce; boiling distilled water, ten fluid ounces.) [Infusum Humuli. U. S. Hops, half a troy ounce ; boiling water, a pint.] Tinctura Lupuli. Tincture of Hop. (Prepared by maceration and percolation. Hop, two ounces and a half; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces.) [Tinctura Humuli. U. S. Hops, five troy ounces. Two pints of tincture are made by percolation with diluted alcohol.] Extractum Lupuli. Extract of Hop. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Prepared by maceration of the hop, first in rectified spirit, and afterwards boiling with water, mixing the two products, and evaporating at a temperature not exceeding 140° to a proper con- sistence. [Tinctura Lupulina?. Tincture of Lupulin. U. S. Lupulin, four troy ounces. Two pints of tincture are obtained by percolation with alcohol.] [Extractum Lupulina? Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Lupulin. U. S. Thirty-two fluid ounces of tincture obtained by percolat- ing sixteen fluid ounces of lupulin with stronger alcohol are eva- porated to sixteen fluid ounces.] Therapeutics. Hops are tonic and stomachic, diuretic and nar- cotic. In the form of bitter beer, taken with meals, they form a useful aid to digestion in some cases of atonic dyspepsia. In the form of a pillow, they have been found anodyne and narcotic. The preparations of hop are not much employed, except as adjuncts. Dose. Of lupulin, 5 gr. to 10 gr. ; of the infusion of hops, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz.; of the extract, 5 gr. to 20 gr.; of the tincture, ^ fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. CONIFERJE OR PINACEJS. Terebinthina? Oleum. Oil of Turpentine. Oil distilled from the Turpentine of Pinus palustris, Pinus ta?da, and sometimes Pinus pinaster; Lin. Syst., Monrecia monadelphia; imported from America and France. Resina. Resin. The residue of the distillation of the turpentines from various species of Pinus and Abies. Description. American turpentine, as it flows from the trunks of the above-named trees, has the consistence of treacle, altering 332 MATERIA MEDICA. much with heat and exposure; of a pale yellow colour; with a peculiar characteristic pungent odour and taste. When distilled the oil of turpentine passes over, the resin remaining in the retort. Oil of Turpentine, called also Spirits of Turpentine or Camphine, is a limpid colourless fluid, of the same odour and taste as the above. Resin or Rosin is a solid semi-transparent yellowish substance, with but a little odour and taste. Prop, db Comp. Common turpentine consists of a mixture of the resin dissolved in the volatile oil, and separable by distil- lation. The Oil of Turpentine (C20 H16), sp. gr. 0*864, is inflammable, it mixes with other oils fixed or volatile, is soluble in alcohol and ether, and dissolves many bodies, as fats, resins, &c.; it partly resinifies, partly volatilizes, on exposure, and forms an artificial camphor (C20 H16 H €1.) with hydrochloric acid gas. The Resin (HO, C40 H29 03) consists of three isomeric acids, Pimaric, Pinic, and Sylvic, differing in their solubility in alcohol. Pinic acid is soluble in cold alcohol; sylvic in warm alcohol; pimaric requires boiling spirit. By heat Colophonic acid is formed. Off. Prep. Of Oil of Turpentine. Confectio Terebinthina. Confection of Turpentine. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Oil of turpentine, one fluid ounce ; liquorice root, in powder, one ounce ; clarified honey, two ounces.) Enema Terebinthina. Enema of Turpentine. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Oil of turpentine, one fluid ounce ; mucilage of starch, fifteen fluid ounces.) Linimentum Terebinthina. Liniment of Turpentine. (Oil of turpentine, five fluid ounces ; ointment of resin, eight ounces). ^ [Resin cerate, twelve troy ounces ; oil of turpentine, half a pint. U.S.] Linimentum Terebinthina Aceticum. Liniment of Turpentine and Acetic Acid. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Oil of turpentine acetic acid, and liniment of camphor, each a fluid ounce.) Unguentum Terebinthina. Ointment of Turpentine. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Oil of turpentine, one fluid ounce, resin in coarse powder, sixty grains ; yellow wax and prepared lard, each half an ounce.) UNGUENTUM RESINS. 333 Of the Resin: Emplastrum Resina. Resin Plaster. (Resin, in powder, four ounces ; litharge plaster, two pounds ; hard soap, in powder, two ounces.) [Resin, in powder, six troy ounces ; plaster of lead, thirty-six troy ounces. U. S.] Unguentum Resina. Ointment of Resin. (Resin, in coarse powder, eight ounces ; yellow wax, four ounces ; simple ointment sixteen ounces.) [Ceratum Resina?. U. S. Basilicon Ointment. Resin, ten troy ounces ; yellow wax, four troy ounces ; lard, sixteen troy ounces.] Therapeutics. In small doses, oil of turpentine becomes ab- sorbed, and acts as a stimulant, antispasmodic, and astringent; its effects are especially directed to the kidneys, it causes diuresis, with a peculiar violet odour of the urine, from the oil passing through in an altered condition ; it also influences the mucous membrane of the genito-urinary organs in a manner similar to copaiba, and in large doses produces strangury ; its astringent property upon the capillary vessels is seen in its power of arresting haemorrhage, and controlling some forms of inflamma- tion. In large doses, turpentine acts as a purgative, and possesses besides great power in destroying entozoa in the alimentary canal; its purgative operation is often accompanied by nausea and vomit- ing, and a species of intoxication. Oil of turpentine is given occasionally as an antispasmodic in hysterical affections, but, for the most part, as an enema; it is also used in passive forms of intestinal and urinary hemorrhage, in purpura, and in some forms of iritis; its most frequent internal use is, however, as an anthelmintic, in cases where ta?nia or tape- worm and other entozoa are present in the intestines. Oil of turpentine, when externally applied, produces powerful rubefacient effects, and when the vapour is confined, even vesica- tion : administered as an enema, both the purgative and stimulant effects may result. Externally it is used in the form of liniment over chronically inflamed and painful parts, and sprinkled on hot flannel as a fomentation in tympanitic conditions of the abdomen from peritoneal inflammation. Resin and Common Turpentine are seldom used, except as 334 MATERIA MEDICA. external stimulant applications : the former in the form of oint- ment or plaster ; the latter, not now officinal, was until lately em- ployed either alone or in combination with other resins, as elemi, galbanum, &c. Dose. Of oil of turpentine, as a stimulant, antispasmodic or diuretic, 10 min. to 30 min., as an anthelmintic purgative, 2 fl. drm. to 6 fl. drm.; of resin, 10 gr. to 30 gr. * Terebinthina Canadensis. Canada Balsam. The turpentine obtained in Canada from the stem of Abies Balsamea, or Balm of Gilead Fir, by incision. Description. A pale oleo-resin, ductile, consistence of thin honey, drying very slowly by exposure in the air into a trans- parent adhesive varnish. It has a peculiar agreeable odour and bitter taste ; mixed with one-sixth of its weight of magnesia it solidifies. Therapeutics. Canada balsam resembles the turpentine in its action. It is not often given as a medicine, but is chiefly used for mounting objects for the microscope and other optical purposes. Thus Americanum. Common Frankincense. [Terebinthina. Turpentine. U. S.] The turpentine exuding from the bark (hardened in the air) of Pinus ta?da and Pinus palustris, from the Southern States of North America. Description. A softish, bright yellow, opaque solid, resinous but tough, with the odour of American turpentine. True Frankin- cense, the natural exudation from Abies excelsa, is not at present imported into this country. Prop. & Comp. Chemically American frankincense is not known to differ from common resin ; it may, however, contain more or less volatile oil. Off. Prep. Contained in Emplastrum Picis. Pix Burgundica. Burgundy Pitch. A resinous exudation from the stem of the Abies excelsa. Spruce Fir (Pinus abies), melt- ed and strained; imported from Switzerland. [Pix Canadensis. The prepared concrete juice of Abies cana- densis. U. S.] PIX LIQUIDA. 335 Description. Hard and brittle, yet gradually taking the form of the vessel in which it is kept; opaque, varying in colour, but generally dull reddish brown ; of a peculiar somewhat empyreu- matic perfumed odour and aromatic taste. Without bitterness, free from vesicles ; gives off no water when it is heated. Prop. & Comp. Burgundy pitch consists chiefly of resin, but a little volatile oil is present, imparting to it chief of its odour. The resin probably contains the same or similar acids to those found in American frankincense, or common resin obtained from turpentine. Off. Prep. Emplastrum Picis. Pitch Plaster. (Burgundy pitch, twenty-six ounces ; common frankincense, thirteen ounces ; resin, four ounces and a half; yellow wax, four ounces and a half; expressed oil of nutmeg, one ounce; olive oil, two fluid ounces; water, two fluid ounces.) [Emplastrum Picis Burgundica. Burgundy pitch, seventy- two troy ounces ; yellow wax, six troy ounces. U. S.] [Emplastrum Picis Canadensis. Hemlock Pitch Plaster. Canada pitch, seventy-two troy ounces ; yellow wax, six troy ounces. U. S.] [Emplastrum Picis cum Cantharide. Plaster of pitch with cantharides. Burgundy pitch, forty-eight troy ounces ; cerate of cantharides, four troy ounces. U. S.] Therapeutics. Burgundy pitch acts externally as a slight stim- ulant to the skin. Adulteration. A fictitious Burgundy pitch is often sold, made of common resin, coloured, and made opaque with yellow ochre, palm oil, water, &c. Pix Liquida. Tar. A liquid bitumen prepared from the wood of Pinus sylvestris and other pines by destructive distillation. Description. Tar is a reddish-black, treacle-like liquid, with a peculiar odour; water agitated with it acquires a bale brown colour, sharp empyreumatic taste and acid reaction. Prop. & Comp. Tar is very complex in composition; having a sp. gr. about 1*040, it contains altered resin, or colophonic acid and an empyreumatic oil, in which numerous substances, such as creosote, paraffine, picamar, kapnomor, eupione, &c, have been 336 MATERIA MEDICA. discovered. When shaken with water in the proportion of about one part of tar to four parts of water, tar-water is produced, from the solution of the soluble matter of the tar in that fluid. Pitch is the altered resin, resulting from the distillation of tar. Therapeutics. Tar is a slight external stimulant, useful in cer- tain chronic skin diseases, as lepra, psoriasis and ichthyosis. The vapour of tar has been found useful in chronic bronchitis, and it has been given internally in the above-mentioned skin diseases, and in phthisis, &c. Dose. Of the tar, 20 min. to 1 drm., and upwards, made into pills with flour, or given as tar-water in doses of 1 fl. oz. to 4 fl. oz. [Juniperus. Juniper. The fruit of juniperus communis. U. S.] Juniperi Oleum. English Oil of Juniper. The oil distilled] in England from the unripe fruit of Juniperus communis, or com- mon Juniper; Lin. Syst., Dioecia monadelphia; growing in Northern Europe, &c. Description. The oil of juniper is colourless or pale yellow, having in a high degree the odour and warm aromatic taste of the fruit. The fruit or berries are about the size of black currants, of a dark purple colour, with a bloom upon the surface, filled with a brownish-yellow pulp ; the odour is agreeable, but slightly tere- binthinate. Prop. & Comp. The oil of juniper (C20 H16) has sp. gr. 0*855. Some resin from the oxidation of the oil, which quickly becomes altered, sugar, wax, &c, are found in the fruit in addition to the oil. Off. Prep. Spiritus Juniperi. Spirit of Juniper. (English oil of juniper, one fluid ounce ; rectified spirit, nine fluid ounces.) This spirit contains about ninety-five times as much oil of juniper as spiritus juniperi, Lond. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] [Spiritus Juniperi Compositus. Compound Spirits of Juni- per. Oil of juniper, one fluid drachm and a half; oil of caraway, oil of fennel, each ten minims ; diluted alcohol, eight pints. U. S.] Therapeutics. Oil of juniper is a powerful stimulant, especially to the kidneys. It is used in medicine chiefly on account of its diuretic action ; and has been found valuable in different forms of SABIN^E OLEUM. oo7 dropsies, either given alone, or combined with other diuretics. It is contained in Hollands. Dose. Of the oil, 2 min. to 10 min.; of the spirit of juniper, 20 min. to 1£ fl. drm. Oleum Cadinum. Oil of Cade. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Huile de Cade.) An oil obtained in Germany and France, from the dry distillation of the wood of Juniperus oxycedrus. It occurs as a slightly thick black liquid, with a tarry odour. It has long been employed in veterinary medicine ; and recently introduced as an external remedy in the treatment of chronic cutaneous diseases, as lepra, psoriasis, eczema, favus, &c. in short, in the same affections for which ordinary tar has been found effectual. It may be employed either in the form of an ointment, made with equal parts of the oil and fatty matters, or made into a soap, or diluted with spirit as a lotion. The composition of this oil is probably almost identical with that of common tar oil. Sabina. Savine. The fresh and dried tops of Juniperus Sabina; Lin. Syst., Dioecia monadelphia; collected in the spring from plants cultivated in Britain. Sabina? Oleum. English Oil of Savin. The oil distilled in England from the fresh tops. Description. The fresh tops consist of the young branches enveloped in minute imbricated appressed leaves, in four rows, of a dark green colour, strong and peculiar disagreeable odour and taste. The tops can be detected when in coarse powder, by means of the microscope, as the woody fibres exhibit the circular pores which characterize the gymnosperms. The Oil is colourless or light yellow, with the odour and taste of the tops. Prop. & Comp. The tops owe their activity to the volatile oil, oleum sabina? (C20 H16), sp. gr. 0*915 ; besides which, a resin, gallic acid, and the ordinary ingredients of young tops are present. Off. Prep. Of Savin Tops. Tinctura Sabina. (Tincture of Savin. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] Savin, dried and bruised, two ounces and a half; proof spirit, one pint. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) 23 338 MATERIA MEDICA. Unguentum Sabina. Ointment of Savin. (Fresh savin, bruised, eight ounces; white wax, three ounces; prepared lard, sixteen ounces.) [Ceratum Sabina. U. S. Savine, in fine powder, three troy ounces; resin cerate, twelve troy ounces ; ether, a sufficient quantity. A percolate is procured by ether, which is evaporated to the consistence of syrup, and then mixed with the cerate, softened by heat.] Therapeutics. Savine acts as an irritant both internally and externally ; it also appears to possess much power as an emme- nagogue. It is used externally to keep up the discharge from blistered surfaces; internally in deficient menstruation, unat- tended with congestion of the pelvic organs. In large doses it causes abortion, and its administration is attended with much danger in pregnancy. Dose. Of dried tops, 3 gr. upwards ; of the oil of savin, 1 min. to 5 min. (suspended); of tincture of savin, 20 min. to 1 fl. drm. Terebinthina Veneta, Venice Turpentine, is occasionally em- ployed as a remedial agent; it is the liquid resinous exudation of Abies larix, and has the same composition and medicinal properties as the other turpentines. It is often much adulterated. CLASS II. ENDOGENJS. ZINGIBERACE5J. Zingiber. Ginger. The rhizome, scraped and dried, of the Zingiber officinale (Amomum Zingiber), Ginger; Lin. Syst., Monandria monogynia; native of Hindostan, but is cultivated in the West Indies as well as in the East. Description. The rhizome is generally about 3 or four inches in length, knotty, yellowish-white, but not chalky on the surface, with a short mealy fracture ; hot taste, and agreeable aroma. Powder yellowish-white. In commerce there are two principal varieties, the white or Jamaica, and the black or East Indian; for the former the best pieces are selected, scraped, scalded, and dried by exposure to the sun; the black variety is dried without being first scraped, hence it is the larger of the two. Prop. & Comp. Odour spicy and aromatic; taste warm and CURCUMA. 339 pungent. In addition to the ordinary constituents of roots, it contains a volatile oil and a resinous matter, upon which its pungency seems to depend. The sp. gr. of the oil is 0*893, and its composition may be represented by the formula (4 C20 H16, 5 HO). The quantity of starch contained in the root is con- siderable. Off. Prep. Tinctura Zingiberis. Tincture of Ginger. (Bruised ginger, two ounces and a half; rectified spirit, one pint. Pre- pared by maceration and percolation.) [U. S. Two pints of tincture are procured by percolation with alcohol, from eight troy ounces of ginger in fine powder.] Syrupus Zingiberis. Syrup of Ginger. Tincture of ginger, one fluid ounce ; syrup, seven fluid ounces. Therapeutics. Ginger is an aromatic stimulant and carminative. When taken internally it produces an agreeable feeling of warmth at the epigastrium, and appears to aid digestion by giving a healthy tone to the stomach; hence it is used in atonic forms of dyspepsia, especially if attended with much flatulence, and as an adjunct to various purgative medicines to correct their griping tendency. When chewed it acts as a sialagogue, and is sometimes used in relaxed states of the uvula and tonsils. Dose. In powder, 10 gr. to 20 gr. and upwards; of tincture, 10 min. to 30 min. and upwards; of the syrup, ^ fl. drm. to 1 fl. drm. Curcuma. Turmeric. Appendix B. The rhizome of Curcuma longa; Lin. Syst., Monandria monogynia; native of Ceylon. Description. The best rhizomes are in small short pieces, yel- low externally, deep orange within. Prop. & Comp. Turmeric contains a peculiar colouring princi- ple soluble in alcohol, and when dried, of bright yellow colour ; by the action of alkalies this is turned to a deep brown. Off. Prep. Turmeric Paper. (Unsized paper steeped in tinc- ture of turmeric and dried by exposure to the air.) Turmeric Tincture. (Turmeric, bruised, one ounce; proof spirit, six fluid ounces.) Use. Turmeric acts as a stimulant, but is not used as a remedy ; it is taken as a condiment in the form of curry powder, of which 340 MATERIA MEDICA. it is an ingredient. In the Appendix it is introduced for testing alkalies. When the yellow colouring matter of turmeric is brought in contact with alkaline solutions, it is changed to reddish brown. Cardamomum. Cardamoms. The seed of Elettaria Cardamo- mura, the Malabar cardamom; Lin. Syst., Monandria monogy- nia ; native of Malabar. Description. The seeds are generally met with in their cap- sules ; the capsules are oblong triangular, the angles being some- what rounded off, wrinkled, and of a light yellow colour, divided into three compartments, each of which contains numerous seeds of a dark colour, and triangular in shape, corrugated, reddish- brown, internally white. The seeds only ought to be used. Car- damoms are distinguished according to their lengths by the re- spective names of shorts, short-longs, and longs. Prop. & Comp. The seeds have a fragrant odour, which de- pends on the presence of a volatile oil; the amount yielded being about 4*5 per cent. This is of an aromatic taste, and is said to have a sp. gr. of 0*945 ; the seeds contain in addition a fixed oil, together with colouring matter and salts, &c. Off. Prep. Tinctura Cardamomi Composita. Compound Tincture of Cardamom. (Cardamoms, bruised, caraway, bruised, each a quarter of an ounce; raisins, freed from their seeds, two ounces ; cinnamon bruised, half an ounce; cochineal in powder, sixty grains ; proof spirit, twenty ounces. Prepared by macera- tion and percolation.) [Cardamom, three hundred and sixty grains ; caraway, one hun- dred and twenty grains ; cinnamon, three hundred grains ; cochi- neal, sixty grains ; clarified honey, two troy ounces; diluted alco- hol, a sufficient quantity. Two pints and six ounces of tincture are obtained by percolating the powders with the diluted alcohol; this is mixed with the clarified honey and filtered. U. S.] [Tinctura Cardamomi. U. S. Two pints of tincture are pro- cured from four troy ounces of cardamom, in fine powder, by perco- lation with diluted alcohol.] Cardamom is also an ingredient of some other preparations, as Pulvis aromaticus. (See Cinnamon.) Therapeutics. It is an agreeable aromatic stimulant stomachic, and carminative ; used in the East as a condiment. Chiefly em- CROCUS. 341 ployed as an adjunct to purgative and other medicines, to correct any tendency to griping, also as a colouring matter. Dose. Of the seeds, powdered, 5 gr. to 20 gr.; of the com- pound tincture, £ fl. drm. to 2 fl. drm. MARANTACEiE. Maranta. Arrow-root. (Not officinal.) [Officinal in U. S. P.] Fecula of the tuber of Maranta arundinacea (arrow-root); Lin. Syst., Monandria monogynia; native of the West Indies. Description. A white powder, tasteless and inodorous. Prop. <& Comp. It consists of pure starch. Under the micro- scope the form of the granules is ovate, oblong, or irregularly con- vex, with very fine rings, and a circular hilum, often cracked in a stellate or linear manner; their size varies from the 800th to 2000 th part of an inch ; the greater number are small. Therapeutics. Demulcent; chiefly employed as an article of diet for invalids. Dose. Ad libitum. Adulteration. Potato starch, distinguishable under the micros- cope by having much larger grains than arrow-root, and by the concentric rings being strongly marked. IRIDACEiE. Crocus. Saffron. The stigma and part of the style, dried, of Crocus sativus; Lin. Syst., Trianclria monogynia; native of Greece and Asia Minor; imported from Spain, France, and Naples. Description. The stigma, and part of the style of the flower, forms a thin filament, broad at one end, and tripartite, of an orange-red colour. Dried carefully, without further preparation, it forms hay saffron, and when packed and pressed into parcels, cake saffron. Prop. & Comp. Saffron moistened and pressed upon white paper leaves an orange-coloured stain, and yields to water and alcohol an orange-red colouring matter. It also contains a vola- tile oil. When pressed between folds of white filtering paper it leaves no oily stain. 342 MATERIA MEDICA. Off. Prep. Tinctura Croci. Tincture of Saffron. [Not offi- cinal in U. S. P.] (Saffron, one ounce ; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) Saffron is also an ingredient of aromatic powder. Therapeutics. Saffron has a very slight stimulant action ; it is rarely given alone, and its chief use in medicinal preparations is as a colouring agent. It is supposed to be useful in the treatment of the exanthemata. Dose. Of dried saffron, from 20 gr. upwards ; of the tincturd i drm. to 2 drm. SMILACEJE. Sarsa. Jamaica Sarsaparilla. The dried root of Smilax officinalis. Sarsaparilla; Lin. Syst., Dio?cia hexandria ; native of Central America, imported from Jamaica. Description. Sarsaparilla consists of the rhizome or root-stock, called also the chump, with numerous roots attached, generally several feet long, but of different lengths and thickness in differ- ent varieties ; these roots often give off secondary rootlets, which are themselves again finely subdivided ; they are then said to be bearded. On a transverse section of the roots they are seen to consist of a cortex or rind, and a ligneous cord, or meditullium inclosing the pith. According to the characters of these layers the Sarsaparillas of commerce have been classified by Dr. Pereira into the non-mealy and mealy varieties. In the non-mealy varieties the cortex is deeply coloured and not mealy. Although some starch granules can be detected under the microscope, still the number is comparatively few. The dia- meter of the meditullium is generally four or five times greater than that of the cortex. Oil of vitriol applied to a transverse section causes both cortex and wood to become of a dark red tint, and iodine shows but a small amount of starch. Under this division are included the Jamaica, the Lima, and the true or lean Vera Cruz. The Jamaica, the only officinal Sarsaparilla, occurs in bundles, from a foot to a foot and a half in length, with spirally twisted roots, not thicker than a goose quill, several feet in length, SARSA. 343 folded, with numerous rootlets (bearded) of a reddish-brown colour. Jamaica Sarsaparilla has a mucilaginous and slightly bitter and acrid taste ; it is not mealy, but yields much extractive matter when heated with water. Lima Sarsaparilla occurs in bundles, about two or three feet long, folded with the chump in the interior, of a greyish-brown colour ; it is derived from Smilax officinalis. The true Vera Cruz is not often found in commerce ; it is lean, unfolded, with few rootlets ; the chump is present. The mealy varieties are distinguished by the large amount of starch contained in the inner cortical layers, which are sometimes equal in thickness to the meditullium ; they break with a starchy fracture : the cortex is often cracked transversely, and sometimes falls off; they have occasionally a swollen appearance, and are then named gouty. If a drop of sulphuric acid be added to a transverse section, the mealy coat is unchanged, the ligneous zone becomes dark purple, and when a solution of iodine is applied, the starchy layer becomes evident, from the formation of the blue iodide of starch. The mealy varieties include the Honduras, the Brazilian, and the Caraccas, or gouty Vera Cruz. The Honduras occurs in bundles, about three feet long, com- posed of the folded roots, secured by a few circular twists ; of a dirty brown colour, with many lateral fibers, but no chump ; it is very mealy. It is brought from the Bay of Honduras. The bota- nical origin is doubtful. The Brazilian or Lisbon occurs in bundles, from three to five feet long, composed of the unfolded roots, bound together very tightly by a flexible stem ; of a reddish brown colour, with few rootlets. It comes from the Brazils, through Lisbon. It is probably derived from Smilax papyracea, and Smilax officinalis. Caraccas, or Gouty Vera Cruz. In bundles, two feet and a half long, and one foot broad, of a pale yellow colour. The chump is present, and is very mealy. Derived from Smilax officinalis and syphilitica. Prop. & Comp. Sarsaparilla contains a volatile oil, starch ligneous fibre, and a peculiar principle occurring as a white 344 MATERIA MEDICA. powder, Smilacin, of which little is known ; soluble in hot water and alcohol, but almost insoluble in cold water ; it colours sul- phuric acid red. Off. Prep. Decoctum Sarsa. Decoction of Sarsaparilla. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Jamaica sarsaparilla, not split, two ounces and a half ; boiling distilled water, thirty fluid ounces. Reduce to a pint.) Decoctum Sars^e [Sarsaparilla. U. S.] Compositum. Com- pound Decoction of Sarsaparilla. (Jamaica sarsaparilla, not split, two ounces and a half; sassafras, in chips ; guaiac wood turnings ; fresh liquorice root, bruised—of each a quarter of an ounce ; meze- reon, sixty grains. Boiling distilled water, thirty fluid ounces. Reduce to a pint.) Extractum Sarsa Liquidum. Liquid Extract of Sarsaparilla- (Jamaica sarsaparilla, not split, one pound ; distilled water, at 160°, fourteen pints ; rectified spirit, one fluid ounce. Prepared by macerating and digesting the sarsaparilla in the water, and evaporating by a water bath to one-half, or until the specific grav- ity of the liquid is 1*13 ; the spirit is added when the liquid is cold. The specific gravity should be about 1*095.) [Sarsaparilla, sliced and bruised, six troy ounces ; bark of sassafras root, sliced, guaiacum wood, rasped, liquorice root, bruised, each, a troy ounce ; mezereon, sliced, one hundred and eighty grains. Mace- rate with four pints of water for twelve hours, then boil for a quarter of an hour and strain, adding sufficient through the strainer to make the decoction measure four pints. U. S.] [Extractum Sarsaparilla Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Sar- saparilla. Sarsaparilla, in moderately fine powder, sixteen troy ounces ; sugar, in coarse powder, ten troy ounces ; diluted alco- hol in sufficient quantity. Four pints of tincture are obtained by percolation with diluted alcohol ; this is evaporated to a pint. U. S.] [Extractum Sarsaparilla Fluidum Compositum. Compound Fluid Extract of Sarsaparilla. U. S. Sarsaparilla, in powder, sixteen troy ounces ; sugar, in coarse powder, ten troy ounces. Four pints of tincture are obtained by percolating the powder with diluted alcohol. This is evaporated to a pint; the sugar is SAGO. 345 then added, and the evaporation continued until the fluid again measures a pint.] Therapeutics. Very little that is definite can be stated with regard to the action of sarsaparilla upon the animal economy ; it is supposed to be diaphoretic, diuretic, tonic, and alterative- It is extensively employed in the treatment of secondary syphilis, but as it has been generally administered in combination with powerful remedies, it is difficult to ascertain how much influence this drug has had in the cure of the affection. By some practi- tioners sarsaparilla is regarded as a remedy of great value ; by others as possessing but little power : as a rule it is more relied on by surgeons than physicians. Sarsaparilla has also been given in cachectic conditions of the habit depending upon other causes, as in scrofula, called propyline, or oxide of propyl. The proportion of iodine is not more than *05 per cent. When pure cod-liver oil, spread in a thin layer on a plate, has a drop of oil of vitriol added to it, a beautiful lake or crimson colour is produced, rising from the point of contact of the oil and acid, and rapidly spreading over the sur- face. This is probably due to the action of the acid on the biliary principles present in the oil. Therapeutics. Cod-liver oil is a remedy which, at the present time, stands in very high estimation, nor does it appear probable that its repute will be ephemeral in character ; how it acts is yet undetermined. When taken for a time by patients who have be- come emaciated from any cause, and whose blood is impoverished, it frequently restores the flesh ; and, from Dr. Theophilus Thom- son's statements, it appears also to improve the richness of the blood. Under its influence, patients often gain an almost incredi- ble increase of weight, exceeding many times the amount of the oil which has been taken during the period. The oil also seems to possess the power of arresting the progress of certain morbid ac- tions, such as occur in phthisis and scrofula, and in the low form of rheumatic and other inflammations ; in fact, many anomalous diseased conditions become ameliorated under its influence. It has been supposed that the iodine and bromine contained in it might produce the beneficial results, but the idea is not tenable, for the effects of these remedies are very different in character ; it would seem probable that it acts simply as an oil, and that it is superior to other oils on account of its being more readily assimi- lated. If the statement of Winkler prove correct—namely, that the oleine differs from ordinary oleine in not yielding glycerine— this may in part explain its value. It very seldom happens that patients cannot take the remedy, even when ordinary fatty sub- stances disagree with their stomachs ; it very rarely purges, except in cases where ulceration of the intestines is present. Cod-liver oil is employed extensively in the treatment of the different stages of phthisis, and various forms of scrofula : in chronic rheumatism and neuralgia ; in chronic skin affections, and many other diseases of a low type and accompanied by a cachectic condition of habit. It has been applied externally in some skin affections, and occa- 378 MATERIA MEDICA. sionally with the idea of producing by this means its constitutional effects. Dose. From 1 fl. drm. to \ fl. oz. ; taken on the top of water, milk, orange, wine, ale, or porter. Some patients prefer it at the time of a meal, or immediately after food. Adulteration. Many oils may be mixed with cod-liver oil. The addition of the liver oil from other fish is not, perhaps, very im- portant in a therapeutic point of view, and would be difficult or impossible to detect, as all give the test with sulphuric acid. When other oils, not of hepatic origin, are present, the sulphuric acid test is valuable, for the impure specimen either does not give the beautiful lake colour, or this becomes immediately mixed with, and obscured by, a dark brown substance, from the charring of the oil: such is the case with whale or seal oil; also with olive and other vegetable oils. CLASS, INSECTA. HYMENOPTERA. Mel. Honey. A saccharine secretion deposited in the honeycomb by the Apis mellifica. British and imported. Description. It is a viscid fluid of a slight yellow colour ; the purest is obtained by allowing the honey to flow from the comb ; it has a peculiar heavy odour and very sweet taste. Prop, da Comp. It consists chiefly of grape sugar, formula (C12 H14 014). The sp. gr. is 1*34: it has an aromatic odour de- pendent in part on the flowers from which it is obtained. It is often adulterated with starch, and this adulteration is recognised by making a solution in hot water, and adding iodide of potassium with nitric acid ; if no starch be present, no blue colour is pro- duced. Off. Pnp. Mel Depuratum. [Mel Despumatum. U. S.] Clari- fied Honey. (Prepared by melting the honey in a water bath, and straining while hot, through flannel previously moistened with warm water.) Oxymel. Oxymel. (Clarified honey, forty ounces ; acetic acid, five fluid ounces ; distilled water, five fluid ounces.) Clarified honey is also used in the preparation of Mel Boracis, CERA FLAVA. 379 Confectio Piperis, Confectio Scammonii, and Confectio Terebin- thina?. Therapeutics. The action is much the same as sugar, but more laxative ; it is generally used as a vehicle for other medicines. Dose. Of honey, ad libitum ; of oxymel, 1 fl. drm. to -J fl. oz. Cera Alba. White Wax. Yellow wax bleached by exposure to moisture and light. Cera Flava. Yellow Wax. The prepared Honey-comb of Apis mellifica, The Hive Bee. British and imported. Description. When the honey has been separated from the comb, the remaining portion melted constitutes yellow wax. This when bleached forms white wax. The yellow occurs in large irregular masses, firm, breaking with a granular fracture, with an agreeable honey-like odour ; the white, in thin cakes, hard, white, and odourless. Neither yellow nor white wax is unctuous to the touch. Prop. c& Comp. Yellow wax does not melt under 140°, yields nothing to cold rectified spirit, but is entirely soluble in oil of tur- pentine ; the white wax does not melt under 150°. Boiling water in which wax has been agitated, when cooled is not rendered blue by iodine. Wax is separable by means of alcohol into three portions : my- ricine, almost insoluble in boiling alcohol; cerine, called also cerotic acid, soluble in boiling alcohol, but deposited when the liquid becomes cold; and ceroleine, which remains in solution in cold alcohol. These substances exist in different proportions in different specimens of wax. Myricine, by the action of potash, may be converted into palmitic acid, and a neutral substance, me- lissine ; this substance, by oxidation, yields an acid, the melissic, which bears the same relation to melissine that acetic acid does to alcohol. In some varieties of wax a substance, cerotine, exists, which stands in the same position with regard to cerotic acid as melissine does to melissic acid. Of. Prep.— Of White Wax. Unguentum Simplex. Simple Ointment. (White wax, two ounces ; prepared lard, three ounces ; almond oil, three fluid ounces.) [Ceratum Adipis. Cerate of Lard. Ceratum simplex. Pharm. 1850. Lard, eight ounces ; white wax, four troy ounces. U. S.] 380 MATERIA MEDICA. Yellow wax is contained in Unguentum Cantharidis, Unguen- tum Resina?, Unguentum Terebinthina?, and in some of the plasters, and white wax in Unguentum Plumbi Acetatis and Unguentum Sabina?. Therapeutics. Demulcent, chiefly used in the preparations above- mentioned, to give them consistence. HEMIPTERA. Coccus. Cochineal. Coccus Cacti. The female Cochineal insect dried; reared in Mexico and Teneriffe. Description. Of an oval form, convex on one side, flat and slightly concave on the other, about two lines long, wrinkled. One variety is of a reddish-gray colour, due to the presence of a white powder upon the red surface ; this powder when exa- mined by the microscope, has the appearance of fine wool ; the other, nearly black, and having but little of the white powder- The female insects are alone preserved ; they are procured by brushing them off into bags, and killing them by immersion in hot water. The difference in the two varieties, the silver and the black grains, consists in this ; the silver is made up of the impreg- nated female just before she has hatched her eggs ; the black, of the insect after the eggs have been laid and hatched. Cochineal yields when crushed a puce-coloured powder. The gray insect becomes black when warmed before the fire. Prop, da Comp. Cochineal consists of fatty matters, salts, &c, and a peculiar colouring matter called carmine: it occurs in the form of small grains of a purple-red colour, soluble in water and alcohol. Acids increase the red colour, while alkalies render it violet. The colouring matter of carmine has been found to have acid properties, and has been called Carminic acid (C^ H14 Oi6). Off. Prep. Tinctura Cocci. Tincture of Cochineal. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Cochineal, in powder, two ounces and a half; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration.) Therapeutics. Chiefly used as a colouring matter, much em- ployed in the arts as a dye ; it was formerly much esteemed in the treatment of pertussis. Dose. Of the tincture, 30 min. to 1^- fl. drm. CANTHARIS. 381 Adulteration. Inferior cochineal is sometimes covered with some white powder, as talc, sulphate of baryta, or carbonate of lead, to give it the appearance of the finer variety ; also with bone black, to give it the black colour. COLEOPTERA. Cantharis. Cantharides. Cantharis vesicatoria, Lytta vesicatoria; the Blister Beetle, or Spanish Fly; collected in Russia, Sicily, and Hungary. Description. The insect is from 8 to 10 lines long ; the elytra or wing-sheaths are long, of a fine green colour, and encase two thin brownish membranous wings. The flies swarm upon the trees about May or June, especially on the ash, lilac, and privet; and are brushed off by persons carefully masked, and received into linen cloths ; they are killed by plunging into boiling vinegar, and then dried. Prop. & Comp. The beetles have a peculiar urinous disagree- able odour, and a burning taste ; the powder is a grayish brown, containing shining green particles ; it should be free from mites. In addition to oily and fatty matters, the beetles contain a crystal- lizable principle, Cantharidine, to which their active properties are due. Cantharidine is insoluble in water, nearly so in cold alcohol, but more soluble in ether, chloroform, and strong acetic acid ; as the active properties of the insect are partially yielded to warm and cold alcohol, it would appear that the cantharidine exists in the beetle as a somewhat soluble compound. From 1,000 parts of the flies, about four parts of pure cantharidine have been procured ; catharidine has the formula (C10 H6 04); it may be sublimed without injury ; it has very powerful vesicating properties. Off. Prep. Emplastrum Cantharidis. Cantharides Plaster. (Cantharides, in very fine powder, twelve ounces; yellow wax, seven ounces and a half; prepared suet, seven ounces and a half; resin, three ounces ; prepared lard, six ounces.) Emplastrum Calefaciens. Warm Plaster. (Cantharides in coarse powder, four ounces ; boiling water, twenty fluid ounces ; expressed oil of nutmeg, four ounces ; yellow wax, four ounces ; resin, four ounces; soap plaster, three pounds and a quarter; resin plaster, two pounds.) 382 MATERIA MEDICA. Linimentum Cantharidis. Cantharides, in powder, eight ounces ; acetic acid, four fluid ounces ; ether, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) [Cantharides, in fine powder, a troy ounce ; oil of turpentine, half a pint. Prepared by maceration and percolation. U. S.] [Ceratum Cantharidis. Cerate of Cantharides. Blistering Cerate. Cantharides, in very fine powder, twelve troy ounces ; yellow wax, resin, each, seven troy ounces; lard, ten troy ounces. U. S.] Tinctura Cantharidis. Tincture of Cantharides. (Cantha- rides, in coarse powder, a quarter of an ounce ; proof spirit, twenty fluid ounces. Prepared by maceration and percolation.) [Two pints of tincture are obtained by percolating a troy ounce of cantharides in fine powder with diluted alcohol. U. S.] Unguentum Cantharidis. Ointment of Cantharides. [Not officinal in U. S. P.] (Cantharides one ounce ; yellow wax, one ounce ; olive oil, six fluid ounces.) Acetum Cantharidis. Vinegar of Cantharides. London Ph., 1851. (Spanish flies, reduced to the finest powder, two ounces; acetic acid, one pint. Macerate for eight days with the acid, fre- quently shaking them ; then press and strain.) Therapeutics. Cantharides, when applied externally, produce at first rubefacient and irritant effects, followed, if the prepara- tion is strong, or long continued, by vesication ; not unfrequently the active principle becomes absorbed, and the symptoms resulting from its internal administration then ensue. When taken inter- nally in medicinal doses, the first indication is generally some diuresis, with a slight sensation referred to the neck of the bladder ; and if the urine be then examined, it usually gives an indication of a trace of albumen ; sometimes also a few blood disks are dis- covered by the microscope : when continued beyond this, stran- gury and bloody urine are produced, with priapism, sometimes aphrodisiac effects, and diminution or suppression of urine and its sequences, convulsions and death ; the spinal cord is supposed to be influenced by cantharides. Externally the Spanish fly is often used as a rubefacient in the form of a liniment, made with the tincture or acetum canthari- dis, in cases where rubefacients in general are indicated ; it has CANTHARIDES. 383 the advantage of acting slowly and for a longer period, and being less irritating to the patient, than strong ammoniacal or acetic acid embrocations : as a vesicant, its employment is very general, more so than that of any other agent; it forms the basis of the common blister, or emplastrum cantharidis, of liniment of cantharides, and of other non-officinal blistering applications, as the vinegar of cantharides, &c. ; the ointment is used to keep open blistered surfaces. These applications are useful over in- flamed deep-seated parts, as in pleuritis, pericarditis, pneumonia, and other internal inflammations, after the more active febrile symptoms have been subdued by depletion and antiphlogistic remedies ; and to diseased and painful joints. Vesication is also made use of on account of its revulsive action in internal conges- tions, as of the head, &c. ; and over painful parts unattended with inflammatory action, as in various neuralgic affections ; and lastly, in diseased conditions of the skin itself. Internally the tincture of cantharides is given in chronic affec- tions of the nervous system, especially of the spinal cord, as in chronic forms of paraplegia and in incontinence of the urine from want of tone in the bladder ; occasionally it has been found useful in some non-inflammatory forms of albuminura, and in hydroce- phalus ; also in skin affections, especially in those of a squamous character ; probably its diuretic action may be the cause of its value in the latter class of diseases. Sometimes it has been given in gleet and other mucous discharges. Precautions to be used in the application and administration of Cantharides. When the kidneys are acutely affected, the use of the Spanish fly, externally or internally, should be avoided, as the canthari- dine is apt to become absorbed ; in young or very debilitated subjects vesication by this agent should be cautiously produced, as sloughing may ensue and prove troublesome and even dange- rous : placing a piece of tissue-paper over the surface and remov- ing the blistering application before vesication has been fully in- duced, and the subsequent application of a poultice will often prevent the occurrence of strangury, and, at the same time, too great injury to the skin ; vesication will generally ensue after the 384 MATERIA MEDICA. poultice has been applied. Many substitutes for the ordinary blistering plaster have been proposed, such as the tela vesicatoria and blistering papers made by mixing an etherial or oily solution of cantharides with wax and fatty matters, and spreading the compound thinly on cloth or tissue-paper ; also blistering liquids prepared by dissolving cantharidine in acetic acid and ether, or chloroform : the liniment of the Pharmacopoeia, which the author has extensively employed, vesicates with much certainty; it should, however, be used somewhat cautiously. These liquid ap- plications are more efficient than the acetum cantharidis, as blis- tering agents, but the latter may be used as a rubefacient. Dose. Of tinctura cantharidis, 5 min. to 30 min. Adulteration. A beetle called the golden beetle has been found mixed with cantharides, and occasionally artificial glass tubes or beads coloured to imitate the Spanish fly have been added to in- crease the weight. It has been also asserted that flies deprived of their virtues by ether have been sold as genuine, and that euphorbium resin has been employed as an adulteration to pow- dered cantharides. Several other coleopterous insects, as Mylabris chicorii, &c, possess vesicating powers, and have been used in other countries as blistering agents. CLASS, ANNELIDA. Hirudo. The Leech. Sanguisuga officinalis, the Speckled Leech; and Sanguisuga medicinalis, the Green Leech. Imported chiefly from Hamburg. Description. Leeches have an elongated body, 2 or 3 inches long, tapering to each end, plano-convex, wrinkled transversely; of an olive-green colour on the back ; made up of from 70 to 90 soft rings, with a muscular disc at both extremities, the hinder one the largest; the mouth, which is in the anterior disc, is tri-radiate, and contains three jaws, each of which is furnished with two rows of teeth ; the intestinal canal is straight. The Sanguisuga medicinalis is distinguished by the olive-green colour of the belly, which is unspotted; in the Sanguisuga offici- nalis the belly is of a yellowish-green colour, spotted with black. SPONGIA USTA. 385 Both are marked with six rusty-coloured longitudinal stripes; in the latter variety these also are spotted with black. Therapeutics. Leeches are employed for the local abstraction of blood from those parts where cupping is not deemed advisable. The quantity of blood drawn by a leech is about one fluid drachm and a half, though by fomentation of the part perhaps half a fluid ounce may be obtained. Bleeding from leech-bites may be stopped by pressure, by matico, by the application of collodion or of caustic; sometimes they re- quire a suture. CLASS, PORIFERA. Spongia Usta. Burnt Sponge. (Not officinal.) Sponges, of which there are very many varieties, inhabit the bottom of the sea, where they are fixed to rocks. The best are obtained from the Mediterranean and Red Seas, inferior qualities from the West Indies. Description. Sponge is prepared for use by steeping it for some days in cold water, the concretions which it contains being sepa- rated by occasional beatings. It is afterwards washed in water acidulated with hydrochloric acid, by which the remainder of the earthy particles are removed: in addition, it is often bleached with sulphurous acid. The general appearance of the sponge is too well known to need description. When burnt, sponge yields the article, formerly officinal, termed spongia usta, which occurs as a blackish-brown powder. Prop, da Comp. Sponge consists of gelatinous matter, and various salts of lime, potash, magnesia, &c. Burnt sponge contains a large amount of carbon, mixed with carbonate and sulphate of lime, chloride of sodium and iron ; also from 1 to 2 per cent, of iodide of potassium, with some bromide. It is upon the presence of these latter constituents that its medicinal properties depend. Therapeutics. Spongia usta, or burnt sponge, has been much recommended in goitre and strumous glandular swellings, in which cases it is still sometimes given. In addition to its use for domes- tic purposes, sponge is sometimes used in the form of a tent. Dose. Of burnt sponge, 30 gr. to 100 gr. or more, made into an electuary, sometimes given in lozenges. 26 386 MATERIA MEDICA. TEST-SOLUTIONS FOR QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE ANALYSES OF SUBSTANCES CONTAINED IN THE PHARMACOPEIA; WITH AN EXPLANATION OF THEIR MORE IMPORTANT APPLICATIONS. SOLUTION OP ACETATE OP COPPER. Prep. By digesting half an ounce of subacetate of copper in fine powder with one fluid ounce of acetic acid diluted with half a fluid ounce of water, at a temperature not exceeding 212°, with repeated stirring, till a dry residue is obtained. Then dissolving this in sufficient water to make the solution measure five ounces. In this process the subacetate (2 CuO, C4 H3 03) is made to assume another equivalent of acetic acid, and is thus converted into the acetate (CuO, C4 H3 03). Use. It is used in the Pharmacopoeia for detecting the presence of butyric acid in valerianate of zinc, the valerianate being often adulterated with the butyrate, to which a few drops of oil of valerian are added to simulate the odour of valerian. The sus- pected salt is first distilled with sulphuric acid, and the solution of acetate of copper added to the distillate ; pure valerianic acid gives, under these circumstances, no precipitate, but if any butyric acid is present, a bluish-white precipitate of butyrate of copper is produced. The butyrate of copper is a sparingly solu- ble salt, and is represented by the formula (CuO, Cs H7 03 + 2 HO). SOLUTION OF ACETATE OF POTASH. Prep. Made by dissolving half an ounce of acetate of potash (KO, C4 H3 03) in five fluid ounces of distilled water. TEST-SOLUTIONS. 387 Use. This solution is employed to distinguish between tartaric and citric acids. When added to a solution of citric acid no pre- cipitate takes place, but with tartaric acid, the sparingly soluble bitartrate of potash is precipitated (HO, KO, C8 H4 Ow). SOLUTION OP ACETATE OF SODA. Prep. By dissolving half an ounce of acetate of soda (Na 0^ C4 H3 03 + 6HO), in five fluid ounces of distilled water. Use. It is directed to be added in excess to the solution of phosphate of lime in nitric acid, previous to the addition of oxalate of ammonia and perchloride of iron ; the nitric acid is thus neu- tralized, and the oxalate of lime and phosphate of iron are insolu- ble in the acetic acid, which is then set free. SOLUTION OF ALBUMEN. Prep. The white of one egg is well triturated in a mortar with four ounces of distilled water, and filtered through clean tow, pre- viously moistened with distilled water. Use. This is used for testing phosphoric acid. The phosphoric acid, which is the tribasic variety, is not precipitated by albumen, this test distinguishes it from the monobasic phosphoric acid; both the monobasic and bibasic varieties give white precipitates with nitrate of silver, but the latter does not precipitate albumen, while the former does. Creosote also coagulates the solution of albumen, which property is given in the Pharmacopoeia as one of its characteristics. SOLUTION OF AMMONIO-NITRATE OF SILVER. Prep. One quarter of an ounce of nitrate of silver in crystals (Ag 0, N05), is dissolved in eight fluid ounces of distilled water, and half an ounce or a sufficiency of solution of ammonia added so as nearly to redissolve the precipitate which is at first formed. The ammonio-nitrate of silver is represented by the formula (Ag 0,N05 + 2NH3). Use. This is directed to be used for testing arsenious acid and phosphoric acid, with the aqueous solutions of which it gives a yellow precipitate of arsenite and phosphate of silver, which are soluble in excess both of ammonia and nitric acid. 388 MATERIA MEDICA. SOLUTION OF AMMONIO-SULPHATE OF COPPER. Prep. By dissolving half an ounce of crystallized sulphate of copper in eight fluid ounces of distilled water, and adding solu- tion of ammonia to the solution until the precipitate formed at first is nearly dissolved, filtering and adding sufficient distilled water to the clear solution to make it measure ten fluid ounces. The ammonio-sulphate of copper is represented by the formula (CuO, S03 + 2NH3,HO). Use. Ammonio-sulphate of copper may be employed in lieu of ammonio-nitrate of silver as a test for the presence of arsenious acid. It gives a green precipitate (Scheele's green) which is solu- ble in excess of ammonia. SOLUTION OF AMMONIO-SULPHATE OF MAGNESIA. Prep. By dissolving one ounce of sulphate of magnesia, and half an ounce of hydrochlorate of ammonia, in eight fluid ounces of distilled water, afterwards adding half a fluid ounce of solution of ammonia, and enough distilled water to make up the bulk to ten fluid ounces. The composition of the ammonio-sulphate of magnesia is repre- sented by the formula (Mg 0, S03 + NH4 0, S03 + 6 HO). Use. The solution is used for testing phosphate of ammonia. When added to a solution of that salt, a crystalline precipitate of ammonio-magnesian phosphate is formed, this is also known as the triple phosphate, and has the composition (2 Mg 0, NH4 0, P05 + 12 HO); it is but very sparingly soluble in pure water, and insoluble in water containing chloride of ammonium or ammonia, but readily soluble in acids. When dried and heated to redness, this salt yields 35*7 per cent, of magnesia, and 64*3 of phosphoric acid. According to the direction of the Pharmacopoeia, twenty grains of phosphate of ammonia when precipitated by this test- solution, and the precipitate washed with solution of ammonia diluted with an equal bulk of water, should, when dried and heated to redness, leave a residue of 11*44 grains. The solution is also made use of to determine the presence of phosphoric acid in the phosphate of iron. For this purpose the TEST-SOLUTIONS. 389 salt is dissolved in hydrochloric acid, tartaric acid and excess of ammonia added, and then the test-solution, when the ammonio- magnesian phosphate is precipitated. Ammonia would precipi- tate the iron if added alone, but with the tartaric acid a soluble compound, ammonio-tartrate of iron, is formed, and the iron is thus held in solution. SOLUTION OF BICHLORIDE OF PLATINUM. Prep. Directions for making this solution are given under Platinum, page 111. Use. This solution is used for testing the presence and absence of potash, in various substances ; it forms with potash a double chloride, K CI, Pt Cl2, very sparingly soluble in water, insoluble in ether and alcohol; with soda, on the other hand, no precipitate is formed, and hence it is used to distinguish between the potash and soda compounds. With this view it is applied to test potash, sulphate of potash, bicarbonate and carbonate of potasht the chlorate, the citrate, the permanganate and the acid tartrate of potash, the bicarbonate and carbonate of soda, chloride of sodium, and liquor soda? chlorata?. The solution of bichloride of platinum is also used as a test for the presence of nicotine in the distillate obtained by distilling tobacco leaves with solution of potash. It forms with that sub- stance a yellow crystalline precipitate, a double chloride of pla- tinum and nicotine. SOLUTION OF BORACIC ACID. Prep. Made by dissolving fifty grains of boracic acid (B03 + 3 HO) in one fluid ounce of rectified spirit. Use. It is used in the Pharmacopoeia to test the presence of turmeric in rhubarb. Turmeric becomes of a red colour when treated with the solution of boracic acid, whereas the colouring matter of rhubarb is unaffected by this reagent. SOLUTION OF BROMINE. Prep. A solution of ten minims of bromine in five fluid ounces of distilled water. 390 MATERIA MEDICA. Use. This solution is employed in testing bromide of potassium, to determine whether any iodide be present. A few drops are added to a solution of the salt mixed with mucilage of starch : if any iodine be present in the bromide the blue iodide of starch is formed. SOLUTION OF CARBONATE OF AMMONIA. Prep. Made by dissolving half an ounce of carbonate of am- monia in eight fluid ounces of water, and subsequently adding suf- ficient water to make up the bulk of the solution to ten fluid ounces. Use. Used in testing the carbonate and oxide of zinc. These substances, dissolved in water by the aid of a little nitric acid, give a white precipitate (carbonate of zinc) with the solution of carbonate of ammonia, which is entirely soluble without colour in excess of the reagent. This test serves to distinguish zinc from alumina and the alkaline earths, including magnesia, &c. SOLUTION OF CHLORIDE OF BARIUM. Prep. An ounce of chloride of barium, in crystals, is dissolved first in eight fluid ounces of water, and sufficient water then added to make the solution measure ten fluid ounces. Use. Chloride of barium forms with sulphuric acid and the soluble sulphates a white precipitate of sulphate of baryta, a very insoluble compound, scarcely acted upon even by boiling nitric acid. The solution of chloride of barium is used as a test for sulphuric acid and the sulphates, and for this purpose is applied to nearly all the inorganic substances in the list of the Materia Medica, and also to some of the organic. SOLUTION OF CHLORIDE OF CALCIUM. Prep. One ounce of chloride of calcium is dissolved in eight fluid ounces of distilled water, and sufficient water is added to make the bulk of the solution ten fluid ounces. Use. This solution is used as a means of recognizing citric acid in citrate of potash. Citric acid forms with lime the citrate of lime, a salt which has the peculiarity of being soluble in cold TEST-SOLUTIONS. 391 water, but insoluble in hot, so that when the solution of cal- cium is added to the solution of citrate of potash, no precipitate occurs until the solution is boiled, when a white precipitate sepa- rates, which is readily soluble in acetic acid. The production, with chloride of calcium, of a white precipitate of arseniate of lime (2 Ca 0, HO, As 05) soluble in nitric acid, is also given as one of the characteristic reactions of a solution of arseniate of soda. SATURATED SOLUTION OF CHLORIDE OF CALCIUM. Prep. Made by dissolving three hundred and thirty-six grains of chloride of calcium in one fluid ounce of distilled water. Use. This solution, like the chloride of calcium itself, has a very strong absorbing power for water. It is used in the Phar- macopoeia as a test for the purity of the spirits of nitrous ether. When one volume of the spirits of nitrous ether is agitated with two volumes of the solution of chloride of calcium, one and a half per cent, by volume of nitrous ether separates and rises to the surface. In this case the water, alcohol, &c, which are present are absorbed by the solution, and the pure ether separates. SOLUTION OF CHLORIDE OF TIN. Prep. By dissolving one ounce of granulated tin in three fluid ounces of hydrochloric acid, diluted with one fluid ounce of distil- led water, with a moderate heat, until gas ceases to be evolved, and subsequently adding sufficient distilled water to make up the bulk to five fluid ounces. The solution, together with the un- dissolved tin, should be transferred to a well stoppered bottle. Use. This is a solution of the protochloride of tin (Sn CI). Protochloride of tin absorbs oxygen and chlorine very readily, and is a powerful deoxidizing agent. It reduces to the metallic state the salts of mercury, silver, gold, &c.; and the solution is often made use of for precipitating mercury from its combinations. It is used in the Pharmacopoeia for this purpose. The ammoniated mercury boiled with the solution of chloride of tin becomes grey, and deposits globules of metallic mercury. SOLUTION OF CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE. Prep. One hundred grains of corrosive sublimate are dissolved 392 MATERIA MEDICA. in five fluid ounces of distilled water, and preserved in a bottle impervious to light. Use. This solution has the power of coagulating albumen, with which it forms a very insoluble compound ; and it yields with iodide of potassium a precipitate which is at first salmon-coloured, but soon changes into brilliant scarlet crystals, and may, therefore, be used as a test for iodide of potassium. SOLUTION OF FERROCYANIDE OF POTASSIUM. Prep. By dissolving a quarter of an ounce of ferrocyanide of potassium (crystals) in five fluid ounces of distilled water. Use. Ferrocyanide of potassium forms insoluble precipitates with many of the metals, and is used as a test for their presence; the colour of the precipitate is sometimes sufficient to indicate the nature of the metal present in solution. Thus it gives a blue pre- cipitate with the persalts of iron, a reddish-brown one with those of copper, and a white or nearly white precipitate with protosalts of iron, manganese, zinc, tin, cadmium, lead, bismuth, antimony, mercury, and silver. SOLUTION OF FERRIDCYANIDE OF POTASSIUM. Prep. By dissolving a quarter of an ounce of ferridcyanide of potassium in five fluid ounces of water. Use. This solution is used as a test of the presence of the pro- toxide of iron, with which it forms a blue precipitate; with a solution of the peroxide it gives no precipitate, and hence affords a means of distinguishing between the proto- and per-salts of this metal. SOLUTION OF GELATINE. Prep. Fifty grains of isinglass, cut into shreds, and one fluid ounce of distilled water, are mixed and digested for half an hour with repeated shaking on a water bath, and the solution filtered through clean tow moistened with distilled water. Use. The solution is used to distinguish between gallic and tannic acid ; the former gives no precipitate with gelatine, while the latter gives a yellowish-white one ; it is also employed to detect tannic acid in a decoction of elm bark, with which it should afford a precipitate. TEST-SOLUTIONS. 393 SOLUTION OF HYDROCHLORATE OF AMMONIA. Prep. By dissolving one ounce of hydrochlorate of ammonia in eight fluid ounces of distilled water, and afterwards making up the solution with distilled water to ten fluid ounces. Use. It is used as a test under the heads of Magnesia, Car- bonate and Sulphate of Magnesia, and Chloride of Iodium. The solution of hydrochlorate of ammonia with a little free ammonia is mixed with the solution of the substance to be tested, and phosphate of soda is afterwards added, when the magnesia present is precipitated in the form of the ammonio-magnesian phosphate. No precipitate of this salt will take place (except in a very concentrated solution of magnesia) unless hydrochlorate of ammonia be present. A solution of chloride of sodium when treated in a similar manner should give no precipitate, showing the absence of magnesia. The precipitates caused in a solution of magnesian salts by potash, soda, and ammonia, and by the carbo- nate of potash and soda, are all soluble in hydrochlorate of am- monia. SOLUTION OF HYDROSULPHURET OF AMMONIA. Prep. By passing a stream of sulphuretted hydrogen gas into one fluid ounce of solution of ammonia as long as the gas continues to be absorbed. Use. The solution of hydrosulphuret of ammonia is used to precipitate various metals from solution. It is employed to de- termine the presence of zinc in the salts of that metal; it gives with them a white precipitate cf sulphide of zinc, which is very characteristic. Hydrosulphuret of ammonia gives rise to no pre- cipitate in neutral solutions containing arsenious and arsenic acid, but an orange-red precipitate with neutral solutions of antimony, soluble in excess of the reagent. Salts of mercury, silver, lead, copper, bismuth, tin, gold, and platinum, are precipitated as brown or black sulphides by the solution of hydrosulphuret of ammonia. The precipitates formed with the protoxide of tin, and the peroxides of gold and platinum, are soluble in excess of the reagent; the sulphide of tin requires a large excess. 394 MATERIA MEDICA. SULPHURETTED HYDROGEN GAS. Sulphuretted hydrogen, prepared by the action of sulphuric acid on sulphuret of iron, is also much used as a test for the metals. Sulphuretted hydrogen gives yellow precipitates in neutral solu- tions containing arsenious or arsenic acid, which are soluble in ammonia and hydrosulphuret of ammonia, but insoluble in excess of hydrochloric acid; it also yields a yellow precipitate in solu- tions of the persalts of tin j-the precipitate is however soluble in hydrochloric acid. It gives brown or black precipitates in acid solutions of the following metallic bases :—proto- and per-salts of mercury, salts of silver, lead, copper, bismuth, protoxide of tin, gold, and platinum. The precipitate with the persalts of mercury is at first yellow, but becomes black with excess of sulphuretted hydrogen. Salts of the following metals (contained in the Phar- macopoeia) are not precipitated by hydrosulphuric acid in acid solutions : the proto- and per-salts of iron, oxide of zinc, and man- ganese. SOLUTION OF IODATE OF POTASH. Prep. By rubbing together to a fine powder, fifty grains of iodine, and fifty grains of chlorate of potash, then pouring upon it half an ounce of distilled water with five minims of nitric acid, and digesting in a Florence flask with a gentle heat until the colour of the iodine disappears ; then boiling for one minute, trans- ferring the contents of the flask to a capsule, and evaporating to perfect dryness at 212°. The residue should be dissolved in ten ounces of distilled water and the solution kept in a stoppered bottle. In this process, by the powerful oxidizing agency of the nitric and chlorate of potash upon the iodine, the iodate of potash is formed. Use. Iodate of potash is used for ascertaining the freedom of acetic acid and glacial acetic acid from sulphurous acid. When added to acetic acid previously mixed with mucilage of starch, if no sulphurous acid be present, no change is produced ; but if sul- phurous acid be present, the iodate is decomposed, iodide of potas- sium is formed, as represented in the following equation: (KO, TEST-SOLUTIONS. 395 I05 f 6 (HO, S02) = KI + 6 (HO, S03), and the iodine liberated, which gives rise to a blue colour with the starch. SOLUTION OF IODIDE OF POTASSIUM. Prep. Made by dissolving one ounce of iodide of potassium in eight ounces of distilled water, and making up the solution to ten fluid ounces. Use. The solution of iodide of potassium is used as a test for the presence of lead, in the oxide, the acetate, and the carbonate of that metal. The oxide (litharge) and the carbonate are dis- solved in water, with the aid of a little nitric acid, the acetate in distilled water alone, and the solution of iodide of potassium is added ; a bright-yellow precipitate of iodide of lead is produced : it is precipitated at first as a yellow powder, sparingly soluble in cold, but more soluble in hot water, the solution, as it cools, depos- iting the iodide in beautiful yellow spangles. SOLUTION OF OXALATE OF AMMONIA. Prep. Made by first neutralizing a solution of one ounce of purified oxalic acid in eight ounces of boiling distilled water, with carbonate of ammonia ; filtering the solution, cooling, and allowing the oxalate of ammonia to crystallize. The crystals have the composition (NH4 0, C2 03 + HO). Of these crystals, dried on filtering paper by simple exposure to air, and free from efflores- cence, half an ounce is dissolved in one pint of distilled water. Use. The solution of oxalate of ammonia is used for detecting the presence of lime in solution. It forms, in very dilute neutral or alkaline solutions of the salts of lime, a precipitate of oxalate of lime, which is insoluble in acetic acid, but soluble in nitric and hydrochloric acids. It is applied for this purpose to test many of the Pharmacopoeia substances—tartaric and citric acids, liquor ammonia? fortior, creta preparata, calcis phosphas, calx, carbo- nate and citrate of lithia, sulphate of magnesia, and many other substances in the Materia Medica. SOLUTION OF PHOSPHATE OF SODA. Prep. Made by dissolving one ounce of phosphate of soda, in crystals, in eight fluid ounces of distilled water, subsequently made up to ten fluid ounces. 396 MATERIA MEDICA. Use. The solution is used under Magnesia, Carbonate and Sulphate of Magnesia, to test the presence of that base, by the formation of the ammonio-magnesian phosphate, as noticed under the solution of hydrochlorate of ammonia. Also under Carbo- nate of Lithia, the chloride of which is precipitated by the solution of phosphate of soda, as phosphate of lithia. SOLUTION OF SULPHATE OF INDIGO. Prep. Made by digesting for an hour, with the aid of the heat of a water-bath, five grains of indigo in one fluid drachm of pure sulphuric acid ; then pouring the solution into ten fluid ounces of distilled water, and after thoroughly mixing by agitation, allowing any undissolved matter to subside, and decanting off the the clear liquid for use. Use. This solution, which contains the sulphate of indigo (HO, C16 H4 NO, 2 SOs), when in contact with free chlorine or bodies containing chlorine in a feeble state of combination, be- comes decolorized, hence its value as a test. It is employed under Chlori Liquor, Soda? Chlorata? Liquor, 4 — Gentianae, 287 Extractum Glycyrrhizae, 208 — Haematoxyli, 215 — Hyoscyami, 297 — Jalapae, 291 — Krameriae, 187 — Lupuli, 330 — Nucis Vomica;, 282 — Opii, 174 — Opii Liquidum, 174 — Pareira; Liquidum, 167 — Quassia;, 202 — Rhei, 3(;6 — Sarsae Liquidum, 344 — Stramonii, 295 — Taraxaci, 271 Faba Sancti Ignatii, 284 Farina, 356 Fel Bovinum Purificatum, 37o Fer Reduit, 77 Fern (Male Shield), 363 Ferri Ammonio-Chloridum, 87 — Arsenias, 82 — Carbonas saccharata, 78 — et Ammonia; Citras, 89 — Sulphas, 89 — — Tartras, 89 — et Quiniae Citras, 90 — Iodidum, 79 — Oxidum Magneticum, 84 — — Nigrum, 84 — Perchloridi Liquor, 86 — Pernitratis Liquor, 86 — Peroxidum, 85 — — Hydratum, 85 — Phosphas*, 83 — Potassio-Tartras, 89 — Pulvis, 77 — Sulphas, 80 — — Exsiccata, 80 — — Granulata, 80 — Valerianas, 268 Ferridcyanide of Potassium, 130 Ferrocyanide of Potassium, 130 Ferrum Redactum, 77 Ferrum, 77 — Tartaratum, 89 Ficus, 328 Fig, 328 Filix, 363 Flax, 188 Flour, Wheaten, 358 Flowers of Sulphur, 16 Fceniculum, 243 Fousel Oil, 166 Foxglove, 299 Frankincense, 335 Fraxinus Excelsior, 252 Friar's Balsam, 283 432 INDEX. Galbanum, 240 Galla, 323 Gamboge, 195 Gambogic Acid, 195 Gentian, 286 Gentianin, 287 Ginger, 338 Glauber's Salts, 134, Glycerine, 278 Glycerinum, 278 Glycyrrhiza, 208 Glycyrrhizene, 208 Gold, 66 Gossypium, 189 Granatum, 234 Granati Radix, 234 Granular Effervescing Salts, 425 Gregory's Powder, 307 Guaiaci Lignum, 197 Guaiacum, 197 Gualtheria, 276 Gum Arabic, 198 Gun Cotton, 191 Gunjah, 329 H.EMATOXYLINE, 215 , Haematoxylurn, 214 Hartshorn, 368 Hashish, 329 Helenine, 269 Hellebore (White), 352 — (Green), 353 Helleborin, 164 Helleborus, 164 Hemidesmus Indicus, 285 Hemlock, 237 ' Hemp (Indian), 329 Henbane, 297 Hepar Sulphuris, 129 Hesperidine, 193 Hiera Picra, 194 Hirudo, 384 Honey, 378 Hops, 330 Hordeum, 359 Horehound, 304 Horn, 362 — (burnt), 362 Horseradish 185 Humulin, 330 Hydrargyri Ammonio-Chloridum, 99 — Chloridum (Corrosive Sublimate, 100 — Iodidum Rubrum, 100 — — Viride, 100 _— Nitratis Liquor Acidus, 102 '— Nitrico-Oxidum, 101 — Oxidum Rubrum, 101 — Praecipitatum Album, 99 Hydrargyri Subchloridum (Calomel), 96 — Sulphuretum, 103 Hydrargyrum, 92 — Ammoniatum, 99 — Corrosivum Sublima- tum, 96 — cum Creta, 92 Hydrate of Potash, 117 Hydrogen, 14 — Peroxide of, 14 — Sulphuretted, 36 Hydrosulphuret of Ammonia, 51 Hydrosulphuric Acid, 36 Hyoscyamia, 297 Hyoscyamus, 297 Hyposulphite of Soda, 135 Iceland Moss, 364 Ichthyocolla, 374 Igasuria, 282 Illicium Anisatum, 166 Indian Bael, 194 — Sarsaparilla, 285 Indigo, 223 Indigotin, 223 Infusa, 7 Infusions, 7 Infusum Anthemidis, 270 — Aurantii, 191 — Bucco, 200 — Calumbae, 166 — Caryophylli, 232 — Cascarillae, 316 — Catechu, 223 — Chiratae, 288 — Cinchonas Flavae, 255 — Cuspariae, 201 — Cusso, 232 — Digitalis, 300 — Dulcamaras, 292 — Ergotas, 361 — Gentianas, 237 — Kramerias, 187 — Lini, 189 — Lupuli, 330 — Matico, 321 — Quassias, 202 — Rhei, 306 — Rosas Acidum, 225 — Senegas, 186 — Sennas, 217 — Serpentarias, 315 — Uvas Ursi, 275 — Valerianae, 265 Introduction, 1 Inula, 270 Inulin, 270 Iodide of Iron, 80 INDEX. 433 Iodide of Lead, 112 — of Sulphur, 22 Iodine, 19 Iodum, 19 Ipecacuanha, 262 Iron, 77 Iron Wire, 77 Isinglass, 374 Ivory Black, 15 Jalap, 290 Jalapin, 290 James's Powder, 58 Janipha Manihot, 319 Jordan Almonds, 227 Juices, 8 Juniperus, 336 Kamela, 318 Kino, 210 Koussine, 231 Kousso, 231 Krameria, 187 Krameric Acid, 187 Kreosote, 157 Lacmus, 365 Lactin, 369 Lactose, 369 Lactuca, 272 Lactucarium, 272 Lactucerine, 272 Lard, 373 Laudanum, 174 Lauro-Cerasus, 229 Laurus, 313 — Nobilis, 313 Lavender, 302 Lead, 111 Leech, 384 Lemon Peel, 193 — Juice, 193 Lichen Islandicus, 364 Lichenin, 364 Lignum Vitas, 197 Lime, 69 — Water, 69 Limonis Cortex, 192 — Oleum, 193 — Succus, 193 Lini Farina, 188 — Oleum, 188 — Semen, 189 Linimenta, 7 Liniments, 7 Linimentum Aconiti, 161 — Ammonias, 44 29 Linimentum Belladonnas, 294 — Calcis, 70 — Camphoras, 279, 311 — — Compositum, 311 — Cantharidis, 382 — Chloroformi, 153 — Crotonis, 317 — Hydrargyri, 93 — Iodi, 20 — Opii, 175 — Saponis, 280 — Terebinthinas, 331 — — Aceticum, 331 Linseed, 188 — Oil, 188 Linum Cartharticum, 189 Liquor Ammonias, 45 — — Acetatis, 50 — — Fortior, 44 — Antimonii Terchloridi, 58 — Arsenicalis, 63 — Atropias, 294 % — Calcis, 70 — — Chloratae, 73 — — Saccharatus, 70 — Chlori, 24 — Ferri FerchloridL 86 — — Pernitratis, 87 — , — Subsulphatis, 88 — Hydrargyri Nitratis Acidus, 102 — Morphiae Hydrochloratis, 176 — Plumbi Subacetatis, 113 — — — dilutus, 113 — Potassae, 115 — — Permanganatis, 125 — Sodas, 131 — — Arseniatis, 65 — — Chlorates, 138 — — Strychnia?, 283 Liquores, 8 Liquorice, 208 Litharge, 112 Lithia, 105 Lithias Carbonas, 105 — Citras, 106 Lithium, 105 Litmus, 365 — (tincture), 365 Liverwort, 365 Lobelia, 273 Lobelina, 273 Logwood, 213 Lozenges, 10 Lupuline, 330 Lupulite, 330 Lupulus, 330 Lytta Vesicatoria, 382 Magnesia, 106 434 Magnesia Levis, 107 Magnesias Carbonas, 107 — — Levis, 107 — — Ponderosum, — Sulphas, 109 Mandrake, 163 Manganese, 111 Manganesii Binoxidum, 111 Manna, 281 Mannite, 281 Maranta, 341 Margarine, 372 Marjoram (Common), 304 Marrubium Vulgare, 304 Marshmallow, 189 Mastiche, 204 Masticine, 204 Matico, 320 Meconic Acid, 171 Meconine, 172 Mel, 378 — Boracis, 138 — Depuratum, 379 — Rosas, 164 Menispermine, 168 Mentha Piperita, 303 — Viridis, 304 Menyanthes Trifoliata, 288 Mercury, 92 Mezereum, 315 Mistura Ammoniaci, 242 — Amygdalae, 228 — Camphor as, 311 — Creosoti, 157 — Creta-, 72 — Ferri Comp., 80 — Guaiaci, 198 — Scammonii, 289 — Spiritus Vini Gallici, 147 Momordicine, 237 Monkshood, 160 Morus, 328 Morphia, 171 Morphias Acetas, 171 — Hydrochloras, 170, 171, Moschus, 367 Morrhuae Oleum, 375 Mountain Damson, 202 Mulberry, 328 Musk, 367 Musk-root, 246 Mucilago Acacias, 221 — Amyli, 359 — Tragacantha, 209 Mucuna, 208 Mustard, Black, 183 — White, 183 Myricine, 379 Myristica, 308 Myristicas Adeps, 308 INDEX. Myronic Acid, 182 Myrosine, 182 Myrrh, 205 Myrrha, 205 Nakcotine, 172 Narceine, 172 Nectandria Rodia;i, 303 Nicolytia, 297 Nicotiana Tabacum, 298 Nicotina, 298 Nicotianin, 298 Nitrate of Bismuth, 67 — of Silver, 59 Nitre, 124 Nitrogen, 14 Nitro-muriatic Acid, 37 Nitrous Ether, 151 Nut-gall, 324 Nux Vomica, 282 Oak (Common), 323 Oil of Bays, 313 — of Cade, 337 — of Male Fern, 364 — of Vitriol, 39 Ointments, 10 Oleine, 368 Oleum Amygdalas, 227 — Anethi, 245 — Anisi, 242 Anthemidis, 270 — Cadinum, 334 — Cajuputi, 233 — Carui, 244 — Caryophylli, 232 — Cinnamomi, 309 — Copaibas, 219 — Coriandri, 245 — Crotonis, 317 — Fceniculi, 243 — Juniperi, 386 — Lavandulae, 302 — Menthae Piperitae, 304 — — Viridis, 304 — Morrhuas, 375 — Myristicas, 308 — Olivas, 278 — Pimentas, 279 — Pulegii, 304 — Ricini, 317 — Rosas, 225 — Rosmarini, 302 — Rutas, 199 — Sabinffi, 338 — Terebintbinae, 381 Olibanum, 207 INDEX. 435 Opianine, 172 Opium, 170 Opoponax, 240 Orange-11 ower Water, 192 Orange Peel, 191 Origanum Vulgare, 304 Ovi Albumen, 373 — Vitellus, 373 Ovum, 373 Ox Bile, 370 Oxalate of Ammonia, 51 Oxalic Acid, 44 Oxide of Silver, 61 Oxygen, 13 Oxymel, 29, 378 Oxysulphuret of Antimony, 55 Ozone, 13 Piper Nigrum, 319 Piperine, 319 Pitch, 336 Pix, 336 — Burgundica, 331 — Liquida, 335 Plaster of Paris, 74 Platinum, 110 Plumbum, 111 Plumbi Acetas, 112 — Carbonas, 114 — Iodidum, 112 — Oxidum, 111 t Podophilli Resina, 163 Podophylline, 163 Podophyllum, 163 Polygallic Acid, 186 Pomegranate, 234 Porphyroxine, 172 Posological Table, 404 Potash, 117 — Bichromate ©f, 126 Potassa, Caustica, 117 — Sulphurata, 129 Potassa; Acetas, 119 — Bicarbonas, 118 — Bitartras, 122 — Carbonas, 118 — Chloras, 125 — Hydras, 117 — Liquor, 115 — Nitras, 124 — Permanganas, 125 — Sulphas, 122 — Tartras, 121 — — Acida, 122 Potassii Bromidum, 128 — Ferrocyanidum, 130 — Iodidum, 127 — Sulphuretum,'129 Potassio tartrate of Antimony, 56 — of Iron, 90 Potassium, 115 Poultices, 4 Precipitated Sulphur, 17 Prepared Chalk, 71 Prunum, 229 Prunus Virginiana, 230 Prussic Acid, 33 Pterocarpus, 210 Pulvis Amygdalae Compositus, 228 — Antimonialis, 58 — Aromaticus, 310 — Catechu Compositus, 223 — Cinnamomi Comp., 310 — Cretae Aromaticus, 72 — — cum Opio, 73, 174 — Ipecacuanhas cum Opio, 174 — Jalapa? Comp., 291 — Kino cum Opio, 174 Panis, 358 Papaver, 169 — Rhosas, 182 Papaverina, 171 Paramorphia, 172 Paregoric Elixir, 175 Pareira, 167 Pectin, 183 Pelosine, 167 Pennyroyal, 804 Pepsina, 371 Fetroleum, 158 Peruvine, 212 Phosphorus, 18 Phosphate of Lime, 74 — of Soda, 136 Picrotoxine, 169 Pilula Aloes, Barbadensis, 349 — — Socotrina?, 350 — — et Assafostidas, 239 — — et Myrrha?, 206 — — Antimonii Composita?, U. S., 97 — Assafostidas Composita, 239 —. Calomelanos Composita, 97 — Cambogia? Comp., 195 — Cathartica? Composita;, U. 3., 237 — Colocynthidis Comp., 285 — :— et Hyoscyami, 236 — Ferri Carbonatis, 79 — — Iodidi, 80 — Hydrargyri, 92 — Opii, 174 — Plumbi cum Opio, 17 4 — Rhei Comp., 306 — Scilla? Comp., 346 Pimenta, 233 Pimento, 233 Piper Angustifolium, 320 — Cubeba, 320 — Longum, 319 436 INDEX. Pulvis Rhei Comp., 307 — Scammonii Comp., 290 — Tragacantha? Comp., 209 Pulegium, 304 Punicine, 234 Pyrethrum, 268 Pyroxylin, 190 Quassia, 202 Quassine, 202 Quercus, 323 Quicksilver, 92 Quince, 227 Quinia, 251 Quinia? Sulphas, 253 Quinidine, 252 Quinidina? Sulphas, 255 Rectified Spirit, 146 Red Cinchonic, 251. Reduced Iron, 77 Resin, 331 Resin of Jalap, 290 — of Scammony, 288 Rhamni Succus, 203 Rhamnine, 2o3 Rhatany, 187 Rheine, 306 Rheum, 305 Rhosas, 182 Rhubarb, 305 Rhus Toxicodendron, 206 Rochelle Salt, 140 Rosa Canina, 226 — Centifolia, 224 — Gallica, 225 Rose Water, 225 Rosemary, 302 Ruta, 199 Rutas Oleum, 199 Sabadilla, 354 Sabadillina, 354 Sabina, 337 Saccharated Solution of Lime, 63 Saccharum Album, 362 Saccharum Lactis, 369 Saccharine Carbonate of Iron, 78 Saffron, 341 Sagapenum, 241 Sago, 345 Sal Ammoniac, 48 — Volatile, 47 Salicine, 321 Salix, 321 Sambucus, 247 Sandal Wood, 210 Sanguinaria, 183 Saunders' Wood, 210 Santalin, 210 s Santonica, 269 Santonin, 269 Santonicmn, 269 Sapo Durus, 279 — Mollis, 279 Sarsa, 342 Sarsaparilla, 342 Sassafras, 312 Sassafrin, 312 Savine, 337 Scammonia; Radix, 288 — Resina, 28S Scammonium, 288 Scammony, 28S Scilla, 346 Scillitine, 346 Scoparine, 210 Scoparius, 209 Secale Cornutum, 360 Senega, 186 Senegin, 186 Senna Alexandrina, 215 — Indica, 215 Serpentaria, 314 Sevum praeparatum, 368 Sherry, 148 Silver, 59 — Chloride of, 62 Simaruba, 202 Sinapine, 184 Sinapis, 183 Smilacin, 344 Soda Caustica, 132 Sodas Acetas, 135 — Arsenias, 64 — Biboras, 137 — Bicarbonas, 133 — Carbonas, 132 — Carbonas Exsiccata, 133 — Chlorata? Liquor, 138 — et Potassa; Tartras, 140 — Hyposulphis, 135 — Liquor, 131 — Nitras, 136 ' — Nitris, 136 — Phosphas, 136 — Sulphas, 134 — Sulphis, 134 Sodii Chloridum, 139 Sodium, 131 Solution of Acetate of Copper, 386 — — of Potash, 386 — of Soda, 387 of Albumen, 387 — of Ammonio-nitrate of Silver, 387 — of Ammonio-sulphate of Cop- per, 388 INDEX. 437 Solution of Ammonio-sulphate of Mag- nesia, 388 — of Bichloride of Platinum, 389 — of Boracic Acid, 389 — of Bromine, 389 — of Carbonate of Ammonia, 390 — of Chloride of Barium, 390 — — of Calcium, 390 — (Saturated) of Chloride of Cal- cium, 391 — of Chloride of Tin, 391 — of Corrosive Sublimate, 391 — of Ferridcyanide of Potassium, 392 — of Ferrocyanide of Potassium, 392 — of Gelatine, 392 — of Hydrochlorate of Ammonia, ■ 393 — of 11 y d rosulphnret of A mmonia, 393 — of Iodate of Potash, 394 — of Iodide of Potassium, 395 — of Oxalate of Ammonia, 395 — of Persulphate of Iron, 87 — of Phosphate of Soda, 395 — of Subsulphate of Iron, 88 — of Sulphate of Indigo, 306 _ — of Iron, 396 — — of Lime, 396 — of Tartaric Acid, 397 — of Terchloride of Gold, 397 — (Volumetric) of Bichromate of Potash, 400 — (Volumetric) of Hyposulphite of Soda, 401 — (Volumetric) of Iodine, 402 — (Volumetric) Nitrate of Silver, 402 — (Volumetric) Oxalic Acid, 400 (Volumetric) Soda, 399 Solania, 292 Spanish Fly, 381 Sparteine, 210 Spermaceti, 373 Spigelia, 285 Spirit of Mindererus, 50 — (Sweet) of Nitre, 151 Spirits, 8 Spiritus, 8 — Athens, 150 — — Nitrici, 151 — — Nitrosi, 151 — Ammonias Aromaticus, 47 — Armoracia? Compositus, 185 — Cajuputi, 233 — Camphora;, 311 — Chloroformi, 153 .— Juniperi, 336 _- Lavandula?, 302 Spiritus Menthae Piperitas, 304 Myristicas, 309 — Pyroxylicus Rectificatus, 148 — Rectificatus, 146 — Rosmarina, 302 — Tenuior, 147 — Vini Gallici, 147 Sponge, 385 Spongia Officinalis, 385 — Usta, 385 Stannum, 141 Stanni Protochloridum, 141 Staphisagria, 164 Star Anise, 166 Starch, 358 Stearine, 368 Stearoptene, 242 Steel Wine, 90 Storax, 276 Stramonii, Folium et Semina, 295 St. Ignatius' Bean, 283 Strychnia, 283 Styracine, 212, 276 Styrol, 276 Styrax Prasparata, 276 Styrone, 212, 276 Sublimed Sulphur, 16 Succi, 8 Succus Conii, 238 — Limonis, 193 — Mori, 328 — Scoparii, 210 — Taraxaci, 271 Suet, 368' Sugar of Lead, 112 — of Milk, 369 Sulphate of Alumina and Potash, 53 — of Copper, 75 — of Lime, 74 — of Mercury, 104 — of Magnesia, 109 — of Potash, 122 — of Soda, 134 — of Zinc, 144 Sulphite of Soda, 134 Sulpho-sinapisin, 184 Sulphur, 17 £ — Lotum, 16 — Prascipitatum, 17 — Sublimatum, 16 Sulphuret of Ammonium, 51 — of Antimony, 55 Sulphuretted Hydrogen, 36, 394 Sulphuric Acid, 39 Sulphuris Iodidum, 22 Sulphurous Acid, 42 Sumbul, 246 Suppositoria, 9 — Morphia?, 176 — Acidi Tannici, 326 438 INDEX. Suppositories, 9 Sweet Spirits of Nitre, 151 Svrupus, 362 " — Althaeas 189 — Aurantii, 192 — — Floris, 192 — Ferri Iodidii, 80 — —- Phosphatis, 84 — Hemidesnii, 285 — Limonis, 193 — Mori, 328 — Papaveris, 169 — Rhamni, 204 — Rhceados, 182 — Rosa? Gallica?, 225 — Scilla?, 346 — Scilla? Compositus, U. S., 347 — Sennas, 217 — Tolutanus, 213 — Violas. 185 — Zingiberis, 339 Tinctura Catechu, 223 — Chirata?, 288 — Cinchonas Comp., 257 — — Flavas, 256 — Cinnamomi, 310 — Cocci, 380 — Colchici Scmini3, 356 — Conii Fructus, 238 — Croci, 342 — Digitalis,300 — Ergota?, 361 — Ferri Ainmonio-Chloridi, 88 — — Perchloridi, 86 — Gallas, 325 — Gentiana? Comp., 287 — Guaiaci Ammoniata, 198 — Hellebori, 164 — Hyoscyami, 2'-17 — Iodi, 20 — Jalapa?, 291 — Kino, 211 — Krameria, 187 — Lavandula? Comp., 303 — Limonis, 193 — Lobelias, 274 — — ^Etherea, 274 — Lupuli, 331 — Myrrha?, 206 — Nucis Vomicae, 283 — Opii, 175 — Quinia? Comp., 257 — Rhei, 307 — Sabina?, 337 — Scilla?, 347 • — Senegas, 186 — Sennas, 217 — Serpentaria?, 315 — Stramonii, 296 — Tolutana, 213 — Valerianae, 205 — — Ammoniata, 265 — Veratri Viridis, 353 — Zingiberis, 339 Tinctura?, 9 Tinctures, 9 Tobacco, 297 Tormentilla, 226 Tragacantha, 208 Treacle, 363 Trochisci, 10 — Acidi Tannici, 326 — Bismuthi, 68 — Catechu, 223 — Glycirrhiza? et Opii, U. S., 17 5 — Morphiae, 176 — — et lpecacuanhae, 176, 262 — Opii, 175 Turmeric, 339 — Tincture, 339 Turpentine, 331 Tacacum, 297 Table of strength of important medi- cines, xxvii Tamarindus, 218 Tannin, 324 Tapioca, 318 Tar, 335 Taraxacum, 271 Taraxacine, 271 Tartar Emetic, 56 — — Ointment, 57 Tartaric Acid, 43 Tartrate of Potash, 120 Terebinthina, 331 — Canadensis, 334 — Chia, 204 — Veneta, 338 Thebaia, 173 Theriaca, 363 Thorn Apple, 295 Thus Amcricanum, 334 Tin, 141 Tinctura Aconiti, 161 — Actasas Racemosa?, 165 — Aloes, 350 — Arnicas, 273 — Assafcetida?, 240 — Aurantii, 192 — Belladonnae, 293 — Benzoini Comp., 277 — Bucco, 200 — Calumba?, 167 — Camphorae cum Opio, 175, 312 — Cannabis Indicas, 329 — Cantharidis, 382 — Capsici, 299 — Cardamomi Comp., 340 — Cascarilhe, 316 — Castorei, 366 INDEX. 439 Ulmin, 322 Ulmus, 322 Unguenta, 10 Unguentum Aconitia?, 161 — Antimonii Potassio-Tartra- tis, 57 — — Tartarati, 57 — Atropia?, 294 — Belladonna?, 294 — Calomelanos, 97 — Cantharidis, 3S2 — Cetacei, 373 — Cocculi, 169 — Creosoti, 157 — Elemi, 207 — Galla?, 325 — — cum Opio, 175, 326 — Hydrargyri, 93 — — Ammoniati, 100 — — Iodidi Rubri, 101 — — Nitratis, 103 — _ OxidiRubri,102 — — Iodi Composi- tum, 20 — Plumbi Carbonatis, 115 — — Iodidi, 112 — — Subacetatis, 114 — Potassii lodidi, 128 — Prascipitati Albi, 100 — Resina?, 333 — Sabina?, 33S — Simplex, 372 — Sulphuris, 17 — — Iodidi, 22 — Terebinthina?, 332 — Veratria?, 354 — Zinci, 142 Uva, 196 Uva Ursi, 275 Vaccinium Vitis Idasa, 242 Valeriana, 264 Valerianate of Iron, 267 — of Quina, 267 — of Soda, 266 of Zinc, 266 Valerianic Acid, 265 Valerole, 265 Venice Turpentine, 338 Veratria, 352, 353, 354 Veratrum Album, 352 — Viride, 353 Verbascum Thapsus, 301 Verdigris, 77 Vina, 10 Vinegar (British), 30 — (French), 29 Vinum Aloes, 351 — Antimoniale, 57 — Antimonii Potassio-Tartratis, 57 — Colchici, 356 — Ferri, 90 — Ipecacuanha?, 263 — Opii, 175 — Veratri, 352 — Xericum, 148 Viola, 185 Violine, 1S5 Vitriol, White, 144 \ Volatile Carbonate of Ammonia, 48 Water, 24 Waters, 4, 25 — Acidulous or Carbonated, 23 — Chalybeate, 25 — Saline, 26 — Sulphuretted, 27 — Ferruginous or Chalybeate, : — Saline, 26 — Salt, 26 — Sulphuretted or Hepatic, 27 Wax, 379 Weights and Measures, 1 White Vitriol, 144 Whortleberry, 275 Willow Bark, 321 Wines, 10 Winter Green, 274 Woody Nightshade, 292 Yeast, 148 Zinc, 141 Zinci Acetas, 145 — Carbonas, 144 — Chloridum, 143 — Oxidum, 142 — Sulphas, 144 — Valerianas, 2Go Zingiber, 338 NLM032061943