A MAN UAL 
OF 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING 
WITH A FULL EXPLANATION OF THE METHODS OF CORRECTLY 
WRITING PRESCRIPTIONS, A TAUPE OF DOSES EXPRESSED 
IN BOTH THE APOTHECARIES’ AND METRIC SYSTEMS; 
RULES FOR AVOIDING INCOMPATIBILITIES AND 
FOR COMBINING MEDICINES. 
MATTHEW D MANN, A.M., M.D., 
BY 
FELLOW OF THE NEW VOLK i : . OF MEDICINE, AND OF THE NEW 
YORK OBSTETRICAL SOCIETY | LATE ENA Ml NEK IN MATERIA MEDIC A 
AND Til ERA PEI 'TICS IN THE COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND 
SURGEONS, N E:\vrvTnrt:: 
THIRD EDITION. REVISED, CORK KCTED, AND ENEjIS’CEIT. 
NEWYORK: 
G. P. PUTNAM’S SONS 
182 Fifth Avenue. 
1881. Copyright, 
G. P. PUTNAM’S SONS, 
1878. PREFACE. 
That more careful teaching in the matter of pre- 
scription writing is necessary, the records of every 
drug store will most conclusively show. Our medi- 
cal schools almost entirely neglect this part of medi- 
cal education, so that the student is left either to pick 
up for himself, or to get from his Preceptor—he him- 
self having been imperfectly instructed—a knowledge 
of one of the most important of the minor depart- 
ments of medicine. Perhaps one reason for this 
neglect is to be found in the absence of a proper 
text-book. Various attempts have been made to 
supply this want, both in this country and abroad. 
The now classical work of Pereira has, until a recent 
date, occupied the field alone. But its imperfections 
are so great, and the amount of useless material con- 
tained in it so large, that others have been stimulated IV 
PREFACE. 
to supply something simpler and more suitable for the 
student. Griffiths has done this for English students : 
but the differences between the Pharmacopoeias of 
the two countries, the different methods adopted in 
prescription writing, as well as the different weights 
and measures employed, make his book next to 
useless for American students. 
The work of Gerrish is most complete and useful 
as far as it goes, but is too limited in its scope. 
In these pages an effort has been made to supply 
what, in the experience of the writer, has been found 
to be most required. In the preparation of such a 
work there is, of course, little chance for originality 
of thought; a careful collection and arrangement of 
what has been said before being about all that 
could be done. I have drawn, therefore, freely 
from the works of others, especially from the three 
mentioned, and hope that the selection will prove 
advantageous to the student and convenient to the 
teacher. 
If the elaboration of details seem at times un- 
necessary, I must beg the critic to remember that it 
is done for the benefit of those who are at the very 
threshold, and to whom the whole subject is one of 
perplexity and mystery. PREFACE. 
V 
The introduction of a chapter on the Metric Sys- 
tem supplies a deficiency very much felt, and is 
certainly demanded by the times. The method of 
writing this system here given is that employed on 
the continent of Europe and elsewhere. Whether 
the exclusive use of the Gravimetric method is the 
best and most desirable is perhaps open to question ; 
still it is the method generally employed, and is 
therefore the one here taught. 
The arrangement of the drugs in the posological 
tables will commend itself to most, while the giving of 
the dose in metric terms w ill certainly greatly enhance 
its value. Perhaps the greatest difficulty met with 
was the determination of the proper doses. To this 
great care has been given ; but at best the result must 
be very unsatisfactory, for reasons given elsewhere. 
To the friends who have aided me by counsel and 
advice in the preparation of the manuscript, and in 
passing the pages through the press, I take the oc- 
casion of tendering my sincerest thanks. 
151 West Forty-third Street, ) 
October 21st, IS7B. > CONTENTS. 
PAGE. 
Definitions—The Parts of a Prescription—The Heading 
—The Names and Quantities of Ingredients—The 
Directions to Compounder and to Patient—Date and 
Signature X 
CHAPTER I. 
CHAPTER 11. 
Weights and Measures—Troy Weights—Apothecaries’ 
Measure—Numeral Adjectives—Domestic Measures— 
Table of Drops 9 
Officinal Preparations—Non-Officinal Preparations . • 17 
CHAPTER 111. 
CHAPTER IV. 
Grammatical Construction of a Prescription—Rules of 
Grammar—Rules for Formation of Genitive Case— 
Undefinable Words—Rules for Formation of Accu- 
sative Case 33 
CHAPTER V. 
List of the Principal Words and Phrases used in Prescrip- 
tions, with their Pronunciation and Abbreviations— 
Abbreviations to be Avoided—Pronunciation . . 40 CONTENTS. 
CHAPTER VI. 
PAGB. 
The Forms for Extemporaneous Prescriptions, with Ex- 
amples—Pills, Mixtures, Emulsions, Draughts, Drinks, 
Powders, Confections, Troches, Gargles, Inhalations, 
Injections, Uses of Enemata, Suppositories, Lotions, 
Washes, Baths, Poultices, Plasters, Paints, Liniments 
—General Remarks 48 
CHAPTER VII. 
Doses of Medicines—Doses Proper for Different Ages— 
Gabius’ Method Young’s, Cowling’s, and Clark’s 
Methods—Table of Doses of all the Officinal Drugs . 77 
The Meteric System—Explanation of, and Illustrations— 
Conversion of Apothecaries’ Weights and Measures 
into Grams, Rules, and Tables—Table of Value of 
Grams in Grains . ..... 119 
CHAPTER VIII. 
Medicinal Combinations 141 
CHAPTER IX. 
CHAPTER X. 
Incompatibility 148 PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
PART I. 
Chapter I.—Definitions—The Parts of a 
Prescription. 
A prescription, (from pres, “ before,” and scriptum, 
“written,”) in medicine, may be defined to be the 
formula which a physician writes for dispensing or 
compounding a certain medicine or medicines, to- 
gether with the directions to the patient for taking 
it. 
This definition, although it includes more than is 
generally given, comprises no more than should be 
contained in every complete prescription. 
Prescriptions may be either simple or compound ; 
simple, when they contain only one ingredient—as, 
for instance, a dose of Epsom salts ; compound., when 
they contain two or more ingredients, as when senna 
is added to the salts. 
The term formula is applied to the. dirertion fnr PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
compounding a medicine. Formulae are officinal, and 
extemporaneous or magistral. 
Officinalformula are those which are published in 
the different Pharmacopoeias. (See chap, in., p. 17.) 
Medicines prepared according to these formulae are 
supposed to be kept ready-made in the drug stores, 
so that in prescribing them it is only necessary to 
indicate the officinal name, the amount to be dis- 
pensed, and the directions to the patient for taking, 
thus making a complete prescription. 
Extemporaneous or Magistralformula are so called 
because they are composed by the practitioner for the 
occasion. 
A compound prescription consists of:— 
1. The heading. 
2. The names and quantities of ingredients, 
3. The directions to the compounder. 
4. The directions to the patient. 
5. Date and signature. 
I will now take up each one of these components 
and consider it alone. 
1 The Heading.—-The symbol R is usually placed 
at the head of every prescription. It stands for the 
Latin word Recipe (pronounced Re-ci-pe), which is the 
imperative mood of the Latin verb recipio, and means 
“take.” Formerly prescriptions were headed by 
pious invocations to Jupiter or some other heathen 
deity, but these prayers were gradually shortened to 
the simple Zodiacal sign Other headings 
have been used at different times, but all have PARTS OF A PRESCRIPTION. 
3 
been discarded, and we have finally come back to 
the sign of the old Olympian god, with the addition, 
however, of an upright stroke, which converts it into 
a convenient abbreviation, but with the remnant of 
the old superstition or heathenism still clinging to it. 
In French the letter “P,” or “Ps ” (for prenez, 
take), is usually substituted. 
2. Names and Quantities of Ingredients.—This part 
of a prescription is always written in Latin, and in a 
typical prescription is supposed to contain the follow- 
ing: 
The Basis, or principal active agent. 
The Auxiliary or adjuvant, to aid or promote 
the action of the Basis. 
The Corrective, to correct or modify its action- 
The Vehicle, to give a proper form or taste to the 
whole. 
“ These four parts of a formula,” says Pereira, 
“ are intended to accomplish the object of Asclepi- 
ades, curare cito, tide et jucunde, in other words, to 
enable the basis to cure quickly, safely and pleas- 
antly 
The order in which the ingredients are to be taken 
is that already given ; first the basis, then the auxil- 
iary, afterwards the corrective, and lastly the vehicle. 
In writing, each one is to have a separate line. 
It is by no means necessary that each prescription 
shall contain so many ingredients. The basis may 
need no aid in doing its work, may require no cor- 
rective of its action nor any special vehicle. On the 4 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
other hand, we are not limited to four ingredients ; as 
many substances may be combined as in the opinion 
of the prescriber may be for the benefit of his pa- 
tient. In olden times prescriptions contained im- 
mense numbers of the most incongruous and curious 
ingredients. Shot-gun prescriptions they have been 
called, because of their propensity to scatter, and of 
the certainty of their hitting somewhere. The ten- 
dency now is towards simplicity; but there is danger 
in carrying this too far ; for there are many valuable 
effects which may be obtained by proper combina- 
tions. (See chap, ix.) 
The names of the different medicines used are 
determined h}' the Pharmacopoeia, and are there ex- 
pressed in Latin. The advantages of always using 
the Pharmacopoeia! or officinal names, as they are 
called, is manifest. By so doing all misapprehen- 
sions or doubt as to what is meant is done away 
with. 
It is not safe even to use the chemical names ; for 
chemical nomenclature is liable to change, so that 
mistakes might very easily happen were this method 
adopted. For example; corrosive sublimate was 
formerly considered to be a chloride of mercury, 
while now it is called a bichloride; and calomel 
is the chloride or, more properly, subchloride. 
The Pharmacopoeia does away with any danger 
of mistake by calling one the corrosive and the 
other the mild chloride. The tendency in the 
U. S. Ph. is towards shortening the name as much PARTS OF A PRESCRIPTION. 
5 
as possible. Wherever one name will suffice to 
distinguish the drug it alone is used. Hydrate of 
chloral is officinal under the name of “ chloral; ” 
simple cerate has been reduced to “ ceratum ; ” Fox- 
glove is called “ digitalis ” instead of “ digitalis pur- 
purea,” as in the British Ph., and so on. 
The quantities of each ingredient should be indi- 
cated, solids by the weights, and fluids by the fluid 
measures of the U. S. Ph.; or, as is now coming grad- 
ually into use, both may be indicated by weight, ac- 
cording to the French or metric system. 
The calculation of the amount of each ingredient 
wanted, although a very simple matter, I have some- 
times found to be a stumbling-block to beginners. 
The following rule will make it quite plain : Having 
written down the names of the ingredients, each in 
a separate line, decide how many doses your mixture 
is to contain, or how many pills, suppositories, etc., 
you desire to have made. The total number of 
doses, multiplied by the quantity proper for the 
dose of each ingredient, will give the total amount 
of that ingredient required. This is to be set down 
opposite to its name. 
3. The directions to the Dispenser are also written 
in Latin. They declare the manner in which the in- 
gredients shall be prepared before dispensing them 
to the patient. It is not necessary to give very 
exact or explicit directions as to the best methods of 
compounding a prescription. For although a cer- 
tain familiarity with the rules of pharmacy is 6 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
necessary for a physician in order that he may write 
elegant prescriptions ; yet the choice of the method 
of compounding may be safely left to the apothecary, 
as a knowledge of such methods is a part of his 
business. 
Sometimes we may require to have drugs prepared 
in a certain way, when there is a choice of methods, 
and when the adoption of a certain one would make 
a difference in the result. In such cases, which 
occur rarely, the directions must be written out in 
full and with great care. 
4. The Directions to the Patient.—This part of the 
prescription is called the Signature, and is commonly 
preceded by the letter S, or the abbreviation Sig., 
standing for the Latin word Signa—“ sign.” 
In this country the directions to the patient are 
usually written in English, while in Europe, and in 
England particularly, Latin is still employed. The 
use of English for this part is, however, much to be 
preferred, as by its use all danger of mistakes from 
mistranslation are avoided, and the patient is able to 
see for himself that the directions are correctly 
copied upon the label. The directions should al- 
ways be writte?i out in full. The dose, hours for tak- 
ing, method of taking, and whatever else is neces- 
sary for the patient to know concerning it, should be 
wiitten out carefully and plainly, so that no mistake 
can occur. Particularly to be avoided, is the prac- 
tice of giving the patient verbal directions and then 
writing on the prescription “ As directed.” PARTS OF A PRESCRIPTION. 
7 
If this latter procedure is followed, the druggist, 
not knowing how large a quantity of the mixture is 
to be taken at once, cannot judge of the correctness 
of the doses ; and if the drug is of a powerful nature, 
may not desire to dispense it without knowing its 
destination and proposed use. Again, if the direc- 
tions are given to the patient or to his attendants, 
they may be forgotten wholly or in part, or confusion 
may arise between different • bottles, perhaps en- 
dangering the welfare or even the life of the patient. 
All preparations for topical application or injection 
should be ordered to be so marked ; and if one of 
the ingredients is a powerful poison, the word 
“ Poison ” should be ordered to be placed on the 
bottle, provided, of course, that there is no special 
objection to the patient’s knowing that he is taking 
a poison. 
Every prescription should be signed by the writer 
with his name in full, and, if in a large city, with his 
address and perhaps office hours. The reasons for 
this are that the apothecary, if in need of further in- 
formation, either on account of illegibility or an 
actual or supposed mistake or doubt as to certain 
points, may be enabled to communicate with the 
physician without the necessity of going to the pa- 
tient, and without his knowledge. The practice of 
putting the name of the patient on the prescription 
is also to be recommended, especially where there 
are two or more patients in the same family. The 
date should always be added, both because it may be 8 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
convenient for reference, and because it may become 
of very great importance in a medico-legal point of 
view. 
It is well when very large or unusual doses of a 
powerful remedy are ordered, to add at the bottom of 
the prescription something to this effect: “ This dose 
correct,” or “ Large dose intentional ; ” otherwise a 
careful dispenser may refuse to make up the pre- 
scription without previously consulting the pre- 
scriber, and thus causing the loss of perhaps valu- 
able time. 
In case it is not desirable that the prescription 
shall be repeated without the special recommenda- 
tion of the physician, an order to that effect may be 
put on its face. Such an order will be followed by 
every responsible druggist. WEIGHTS ANI) MEASURES. 
9 
CHAPTER 11. 
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 
The weights and measures adopted in the U. S. 
Pharmacopoeia are those which should always be 
employed in writing prescriptions. 
The weights are derived from the Troy pound\ and 
are— 
The Pound, Symbol lb Latin Libra. 
The Ounce, “ § “ Uncia. 
The Drachm, “ 3 “ Drachma. 
The Scruple, “ Q “ Scrupulum 
The Grain, “ gr. “ Granum. 
In the pharmacopoeia the pound, drachm and 
scruple arc all omitted, and all weights are expressed 
in ounces and grains. This is done to avoid con- 
founding the Troy and the Avoirdupois pounds. It 
would undoubtedly be safer if this practice were fol- 
lowed in prescription writing ; as many errors have 
occurred through mistaking the D for the 3. If 
hastily written they may resemble each other very PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
much. But the old signs are so endeared by long 
familiarity and use that they will probably never be 
given up as long as this system continues in vogue. 
The measures are derived from the wine gallon, and 
are— 
The Gallon, Symbol C. Latin Congius. 
The Pint, “ O. “ Octarius. 
The Fluidounce, “ “ Fluiduncia. 
The Fluidrachm, “ fg. “ Fluidrachma. 
The Minim, “ rr\,. “ Minimum. 
To distinguish the fluidounce and the fluidrachm 
from the ounce and drachm, the letter f should 
be put before the respective symbols. This is very 
commonly omitted, it being generally understood 
that fluids are to be measured, and not weighed. If 
the prescription is to go out of this country this 
should not be done, as the omission would lead, in 
some parts of the world, to the ingredients all being 
weighed. 
The following tables indicate the relative value of 
the different weights and measures : 
Apothecaries’ or Troy Weight, 
Pound. Ounces. Drachms. Scruples. Grains. 
lb. i = 12 96 = 288 = 5760 
31 8 24 == 480 
3 1 3 60 
= 20 WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 
11 
Apothecaries’ or Wine Measure, 
Gallon. Pints. Fluidounces. Fluidrachms. Minims. 
C. i== 8 = 128 = 1024 61440 
O. 1 = 16 - = 128 7680 
f§ 1 = 8 = 480 
f 3 1 = »n, 60 
In the British Pharmacopoeia the weights and 
measures differ somewhat from ours. Their pound 
contains 16 ounces and 7000 grains; the ounce has 
therefore 437.5 grains. Their pint has 20 fluidounces 
and the fluidounce is equal to 7 fluidrachms and 2.5 
minims, the minim therefore being equal to .96 of 
our minim. These facts must be borne in mind 
when taking formulae from English books. Quan- 
tities are always expressed, except fractions, by the 
numeral adjectives or their symbols. 
Numeral Adjectives. 
Cardinals. 
Ordinals. 
1 I Unus ist Primus 
2 II Duo 2nd Secundus 
3 111 Tres 3rd Tertius 
4 IV Quatuor 4th Quartus 
5 V Quinque sth Quintus 
6 VI Sex 6th Sextus 
7 VII Septera 7th Septimus 
8 VIII Octo Bth Octavus 
9 IX Novem 9th Norms 
xo X Decern xoth Decimus 
xi XI Undecim nth Undecimus 
12 XII Duodecim 12th Duodecimos 12 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
13 XIII Tredecim 13th Tertius decimus 
14 XIV Quatuordecim 14th Quartus decimus 
15 XV Quindecim 15th Quintus decimus 
16 XVI Sexdecim 16th Sextus decimus 
17 XVII Septendecim 17th Septimus decimus 
18 XVIII Octodecim 18th Octavus decimus 
19 XIX Novendecim 19th Nonus decimus 
20 XX Viginti 20th Vicesimus 
21 XXI Viginti unum 21st Vicesimus primus 
22 XXII Viginti duo 22nd Vicesimus secundus 
30 XXX Triginta 30th Tricesimus 
40 XL Quadraginta 40th Quadragesimus 
50 L Quinquaginta 50th Quinquagesimus 
60 LX Sexaginta Goth Sexagesimus 
70 LXX Septuaginta 70th Septuagesimus 
80 LXXX Octoginta 80th Octogesimus 
90 XC Nonaginta 90th Nonagesimus 
100 C Centum 100 th Centesimus 
Cardinals. 
Ordinals. 
In writing the cardinal symbols it is always cus- 
tomary to draw a line over the top and then to 
indicate each iby a distinct dot. This enables the 
apothecary to distinguish between, for instance, a 
carelessly written v and ii. A single i, or the i at 
the end of a combination, is written like a j, these 
letters being interchangeable in Latin. 
As there are no fractions in the Roman numerals 
thdy must generally be expressed in the Arabic 
characters. If we wish to write out the Latin in full, 
we may express the half of a unit by prefixing the 
word semi, as semiuncia §ss., semiscrupulum, 3ss., 
etc. The same may be expressed by the use of the 
word semis, a half, and the genitive case of the WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 
word expressing the weight or measure; as drachma 
semis (accusative semissem). Where a unit precedes 
the half, we write the unit and “ with a half,” cum 
with the ablative case. Thus, Recipe drachmas quatuor 
cum semisse; take four drachms and a half. Again : 
The adjective dimidius may be used with the word 
pars, part; thus, grana dua cum parte dimidia, or 
simply the norm dimidium. This is not so common 
as the use of semis. For one ounce and a half we 
have the word sesuncia. The other fractions are 
written by using pars, with the ordinal adjective 
agreeing with it; as, Recipe granipartem fertiam, take 
the third part of a grain ; or grani tres quartas 
partes, gr. and so on. 
Domestic Measures.—Owing to the ignorance 
displayed by the average layman in regard to every 
thing pertaining to the officinal weights or measures, 
it is not customary7 to direct that medicines are to be 
taken in fluid ounce, drachm or minim doses. We 
direct instead that our patients shall employ some 
domestic measure with which they are familiar, and 
which is supposed to contain something very near 
to some one of the regular measures. Such domes- 
tic measures are 
The Teaspoon supposed to contain i drachm. 
The Dessertspoon “ “ “ 2 “ 
The Tablespoon “ “ “ 4 “ 
The Wineglass “ “ “ 2 fluidounces. 
It becomes very evident on a superficial examin 
ation that such measures are extremely unieliable 14 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Teaspoons, for instance, vary all the way from one 
to two drachms; while a wineglass may hold from 
one and a half to three fluidounces. A case oc- 
curred recently in England where an infant was 
killed by the dose of a mixture containing opium 
being measured in a teaspoon which held nearly two 
drachms. Other similar instances with somewhat 
less unfortunate results have probably happened 
very frequently. 
Exactitude in dosing is one of the things in which 
the profession have been singularly lax. We know 
that the action of medicines varies markedly with 
size of the dose ; and knowing this, it is certainly 
curious that we do not take more pains to see that 
our patients get the amount we intended, rather than 
one-half or twice as much. In order to accomplish 
this, every practitioner should insist on each patient 
or family’s providing themselves with a properly 
graduated glass for measuring doses. Such a glass 
can be purchased at almost any drug store at a small 
cost. Many of the medicine glasses in the market 
are very faulty. Those imported from England are 
according to the Imperial and not the 
Wine measure, and are therefore incorrect. The 
best glasses are those of a conical shape, carefully 
marked with teaspoonful and tablespoonful meas- 
ures ; the teaspoonful being exactly a drachm and so 
on. Those shaped like a tumbler are too large at 
the bottom to measure as small a quantity as a tea- 
spoonful with any thing like accuracy. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 
It is customary with many practitioners to write for 
so many drops in their prescriptions, or to order the 
patient to take so many drops of a certain prepara- 
tion. This practice cannot be too severely con- 
demned. The size of a drop depends on so many 
factors, such as the density of the fluid, the shape of 
the vessel from which it is dropped, the steadiness 
of the hand, that it is a most uncertain quantity and 
does not even approximate to a minim, as is gener- 
ally supposed. Several patent droppers have been 
introduced but they do not at all remove the diffi- 
culty. If it is desired-to administer small quantities 
of an undiluted liquid, the best way is to employ the 
minim pipette.* This is a tube of glass divided by 
marks on its surface into minims, usually up to ten. 
The method of using this little instrument is so 
simple that any one can accomplish it after a few 
minutes’ practice. Place the finger over the top, put 
it into the bottle down to the bottom, raise the finger 
for a moment to allow the fluid to run in, and then 
replace the finger and raise the tube to the top and 
let the fluid run out very slowly until it is down to 
the required mark. 
To show the difference in the size of drops of 
different fluids, I add the following table, which, 
although by no means complete, is sufficient to 
illustrate the points given. 
* Introduced by Dr. Squibb of Brooklyn. PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
TABLE OF DROPS IN A FLUIDRACHM. 
Acetum Opii. 70 to 90 
Acidum Hydrocyan. Dil. 45 
Acidum Sulphuric, Arom. 116 “ 148 
Acidum Sulphuric, Dil. 54 “ 49 
ALther, 150 
Alcohol, 120 “ 143 
Chloroform, 180 “ 276 
Liq. Potas. Arsenit. 59 “ 63 
Oleum Carui, 106 “ toB 
Oleum Ricini, 55 
Syrupus Scillae, 85 “ 88 
Tinct. Aconiti. Rad. , 118 “ 130 
“ Ferri Chloridi, 106 “ 15X 
“ Opii. 106 “ 147 
** Opii Camph. 95 “ HO PREPARATIONS. 
CHAPTER 111. 
PREPARATIONS. 
i. Officinal preparations.—lt is evidently essential 
that, in order to avoid confusion, there should be 
some recognized official list of drugs, and a perfect 
uniformity in the method of making the different 
preparations. In many countries this is done under 
the order of government, and is made a matter of 
law; but in the United States, the government has 
left it entirely to the profession ; and conformity is 
only secured by voluntary action. The medical and 
pharmaceutical professions appoint a joint committee 
to whom this work is deputed. The book contain- 
ing -the list of drugs and the method of making the 
different preparations which is published by this com- 
mittee is called the United States Pharmacopoeia. * 
It is revised once in ten years, when new drugs and 
preparations, which have stood the test of practice 
* Usually abbreviated to U. S. Ph., British Ph. to B. Ph., etc. In 
France it is called the Codex. PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
and experience, are added. The drugs which are 
found in the list of the Pharmacopoeia are called 
officinal drugs, and the preparations offici?ialprepara- 
tions. 
The U. S. Ph. is divided into three sections; the 
primary materia medica list containing the most val- 
uable drugs; the secondary list containing drugs of 
less importance ; and section third, which is devoted 
to the preparations made from the crude drugs, and 
the methods of their manufacture. Of these prep- 
arations there are thirty classes ; and a knowledge of 
them, their strength or proper dose, and of their gen- 
eral pharmaceutical relations, is essential before any 
one can intelligently write prescriptions. 
The officinal preparations are as follows : 
Aq'ua.—A water is a solution of a volatile sub- 
stance in water There are 15 officinal. 
Aqha Acid: Carbolic? Anisi Creasoti 
“ Acidi Carbonic! Aurantii Florum Foeniculi 
“ Ammoniae Camphorae Menthae Piperitae 
“ Ammoniae Fortior Chlorinii Menthae Viridis 
“ Amygdalae Amarae Cinnamomi Rosae 
Li'quor.—A solntioji is a preparation made by dis- 
solving a non-volatile substance in water. The U. 
S. Ph. includes 26. 
Liquor Ammonii Acetatis Liquor Calcis 
“ Arsenic? Chloridi “ Ferri Chloridi 
“ “et Hydrarg. lodidi “ “ Citratis 
“ Barii Chloridi “ “ Nitratis 
Calcii Chloridi “ “ Subsulphatis PREPARATIONS. 
Liquor Ferri Tersulphatis 
“ Gutta-perchae * 
“ Hydrargyri Nitratis 
“ lodinii Compositus 
“ Magnesii Citratis 
“ Morphias Sulphatis 
“ Plumbi Subacetatis 
“ “ “ Dilutus 
Liquor Potassas 
“ Potassii Arsenitis 
“ “ Citratis 
“ “ Permanganatis 
“ Sodae 
“ “ Chlorinatae 
“ Sodii Arseniatis 
. “ Zinci Chloridi 
Mistu'ra.—A Mixture,f is a preparation in which 
one or several insoluble medicines are held in sus- 
pension, by a suitable vehicle, in water. An Emul- 
sion is a suspension of an oil in water, in a state of 
minute sub-division, by the aid of a gum or some al- 
buminous material. 8 mixtures are officinal. 
Mistura Ammoniaci 
“ Amygdalae 
“ As^afostidas 
“ Chloroformi 
Mistura Gretas 
“ Ferri Composita 
“ Glycyrrhizas Composita 
“ Potassii Citratis 
Mucila'go.—A mucilage is a solution of a gummy 
substance in water. There are only 4. 
Mucilago Acacias 
“ Sassafras Medullas 
Mucilago Tragacanthas 
“ Ulmi 
Infu'sum.—An Infusion is a preparation made 
from a vegetable drug by the aid of cold or hot 
water, but without boiling. They are prepared 
either by displacement or maceration. Of officinal 
Infusions there are 31. 
* Dissolved in chloroform. 
f Compare page 56, 20 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Infs. Angusturae ’ 
“ Anthemidis < 
“ Buchu 1 
“ Calumbae 
“ Capsici 
“ Caryophylli 
“ Cascarillae 
“ Catechu Comp. 
“ CinchonaeFlavae 
“ “ Rubras 
“ Digitalis. 
Eupatorii 
Gentianse Comp. 
Humuli 
Juniperi 
Kramer iae 
Lini Compositum 
Pareiras 
. Picis Liquidas 
; Pruni Virginianas 
; Quassias 
Rhei 
Rosae Compositum 
Salvias 
Sennas 
Serpentariae 
Spigeliae 
T abaci 
T araxaci 
Valerianae 
Zingiberis 
Decoc'tum.—A decoction is made by boiling a 
vegetable drug, for a varying length of time in water. 
The officinal decoctions, which number 12, are— 
Decoctum Cetrariae 
“ Chimaphilas 
“ Cinchona; Flavas 
“ Cinchonae Rubras 
“ Cornus Florida; 
“ Dulcamaras 
Decoctum Haematoxyli 
“ Hordei 
“ Quercus Alb® 
“ Sarsaparilla Comp 
“ Senega; 
“ Uvas Ursi. 
Svru'pus.—A syrup is a stronger solution of 
sugar in water, either simple or combined with some 
medicinal substance. Sometimes diluted alcohol is 
added (marked A in list) and two of them, Syr. 
Scillas, and Syr. Alii, contain dilute acetic acid. 
Two also contain citric acid, viz.: Syr. Acidi Citrici 
and Syr. Limonis. In the pharmacopoeia we find 
23- 
Syrupus Acaciae 
“ Acidi Citrici 
“ Alii 
Syrupus Pruni Virginianae 
“ Rhei 
“ “ Aromaticus (A PREPARATIONS. 
21 
Syrupus Amygdalae 
“ Aurantii Corticis (A) 
“ “ Florum 
“ Ferri lodidi 
“ Fuscus 
“ Ipecacuanhae 
“ Krameriae 
“ Lactucarii (A) 
“ Limonis 
Syrupus Rosas Gallic® (A) 
“ Rubi 
“ Sarsaparill® Comp.(A) 
“ Scillae 
“ “ Compositus (A) 
“ Seneg® (A) 
“ T olutanus 
“ Zingiberis. 
Tinctu'ra.—A Ti?icture is an alcoholic solution 
made from the crude drug, by maceration or percola- 
tion, or by dissolving non-volatile principles. There 
are more of these than of any other preparation 
officinal, viz.: 57. 
Tr. Aconiti Radicis. 
“ Aloes 
“ “ et Myrrhae 
“ Arnicae 
“ Assafoetidas 
“ Aurantii 
“ Belladonnae 
“ Benzoini. 
“ “ Comp. 
“ Calumbae. 
“ Cannabis. 
“ Cantharidis. 
“ Capsici. 
“ Cardamom!. 
“ “ Comp. 
“ Castorei. 
“ Catechu. 
“ Cinchonas. 
“ Comp. 
Tr. Cinnamomi. 
“ Colchici. 
“ Conii. 
“ Cubebae. 
“ Digitalis. 
“ Ferri Chloridi. 
“ Gall®. 
“ Gentianae Comp. 
“ Guaiaci. 
“ “ Ammoniata. 
“ Hellebori. 
“ Humuli. 
“ Hyoscyami. 
“ lodinii. 
“ “ Comp. 
“ Jalapas. 
“ Kino. 
“ Krameriae. 
“ Lobelias. 
Tr. Lupulin®. 
“ Myrrh®. 
“ Nucis Vomic®. 
“ Opii. 
“ “ Acetata. 
“ “ Camphorata 
“ “ Deodorata. 
. “ Quassias. 
“ Rhei. 
. “ “ et Senn®. 
“ Sanguinari®. 
“ Scillae. 
“ Serpentariae. 
“ Stramonii. 
“ Tolutana. „ 
“ Valerianae. 
“ “ Ammoniata 
“ Veratri Viridis. 
“ Zingiberis. PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Spir'itus.—A spirit is a solution of a volatile 
principle, or principles in alcohol. They are made 
by distillation from the pure drug, or by simple solu- 
tion. There are 19 in the list. 
Spiritus iEtheris Compositus. 1 
“ “ Nitrosi. 
“ Ammoniae. 
“ “ Aromaticus. 
“ Anisi. 
“ Camphoras. 
“ Chloroformi. 
“ Cinnamomi. 
“ Myrciae. 
Spiritus Frumenti. 
“ Juniperi. 
“ “ Comp. 
“ Lavandula. 
“ “ Comp. 
“ Limonis. 
“ Menthae Piperitae 
“ “ Viridis. 
“ Myristicae. 
“ Vini Gallici. 
Vi'num.—A wine is a preparation made with 
sherry wine. 9 are officinal. 
Vinum Aloes. 
“ Antimonii. 
*• Colchici Radicis. 
“ “ Seminis. 
“ Ergotae. 
“ Ipecacuanhae. 
Vinum Opii. 
“ Portense, 
“ Rhei. 
“ Tabaci. 
“ Xericum. 
Ace'tum,—A vinegar is a preparation made by 
using vinegar or dilute acetic acid as a menstrum. 
Only 5 are officinal. 
Acetum Destillatum. 
“ Lobeliae. 
“ Opii. 
Acetum Sanguinariae. 
“ Scillae. 
Mel.—A honey is prepared with honey as a basis. 
They are little used, but 3 being in the list. 
Mel Despumatum. 
Mel Rosae. 
Mel Sodii Boratis PREPARATIONS, 
23 
Glyceri'tum.-—•A glycerite is made by dissolving a 
drug in glycerine. They are all of the strength of 
1-4, except the glycerite of tar. 
Glyceritum Acidi Carbolici 
“ “ Gallici. 
“ “ Tannici. 
Glyceritum Picis Liquids. 
“ Sodii Boratis. 
Oleum Destilla'tum.— Volatile, Distilled, or Es- 
sential oils are volatile oily principles obtained by 
distillation. There are 36 officinal in the primary 
list and x in the secondary. 
Oleum iEthercum. 
“ Amygdalae Amaras. 
“ Anisi. 
“ Bergamii. 
“ Cajuputi. 
“ C amphora;. 
“ Carl. 
“ Caryophylli. 
“ Chenopodii. 
“ Cinnamomi. 
“ Cubebae 
“ Copaibas. 
“ Erigerontis Canadensis. 
“ Foeniculi. 
“ Gaultheriae. 
“ Hedeomas. 
“ Juniperi. 
“ Lavandulae. 
“ Limonis. 
Oleum Menthae Piperitae. 
“ Viridis. 
“ Monardae. 
“ Myristicas. 
“ Origani. 
“ Pimentas. 
“ Rosas. 
“ Rosmarini. 
“ Rutas. 
“ Sabinas. 
“ Sassafras. 
“ Sesami (2nd). 
“ Succini. 
“ “ Rectificatum. 
“ Tabaci. 
“ Terebinthinae. 
“ Thymi. 
“ Valerians. 
For convenience of comparison I give the list of 
officinal fixed oils. They are 24 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Oleum Amygdalae Expressum. 
“ Lini. 
Morrhuae. 
“ Olivae. 
Oleum Ricini. 
“ Theobromas. 
“ Tiglii. 
Resi'na.—A resin is a resinous principle obtained 
by precipitation with water, from a tincture. They 
are. 
Resina. 
“ Jalapae. 
Resina Podophylli 
“ Scammonii. 
Oleoresi'na.—An oleoresin is an ethereal extract 
made by acting upon the crude drug by ether, or 
ether and alcohol. They contain, as the name im- 
plies, an oil and a resin. There are 6 officinal. 
Oleoresina Capsid. 
“ Cubebae. 
“ Filicis. 
Oleoresina Lupulinae. 
“ Piperis. 
“ Zingiberis. 
Succus.—Juices are obtained from the fresh drug 
by expression. Alcohol is added to preserve them. 
There are only two. 
Succus Conii, 
Succus Taraxaci. 
Extrac'tum.—An extract is a solid or semi-solid, 
prepared either by evaporating the fresh juice, or by 
extracting the virtues of the drug with alcohol or 
water, and evaporating this product to the proper 
consistency. The Ext. Colchici Acet. is made with 
Acetic Acid and Ext. Colocynth Co., is a powder, 
made by mixing the simple extract powdered with PREPARATIONS. 
25 
other powders. Of this very useful class there are 
34 officinal. 
Ext. Aconiti. 
“ Arnicae. 
“ Belladonnae. 
“ “ Alcoholicum. 
“ Canabis Americanae. 
“ Canabis Indicae. 
“ Cinchonas. 
“ Colchici Aceticmn. 
“ Colocynthidis. 
“ “ Comp. 
“ Conii. 
“ “ Alcoholicum. 
“ Digitalis. 
“ Dulcamaras. 
“ Gentianae. 
“ Glycyrrhizae. 
“ Hasmatoxyli. 
Ext. Hellebori. 
“ Hyoscyami. 
“ “ Alcoholicuirt 
“ Ignatiae. 
“ Jalapae. 
“ Juglandis. 
“ Krameriae. 
“ Nucis Vomicae. 
“ Opii. 
“ Physostigmatis. 
“ Podophylli. 
“ Quassiae. 
" Rhei. 
“ Senegae. 
“ Stramonii Foliorum. 
“ Seminis. 
“ Taraxaci. 
“ Valerianae. 
Extrac'tum Flu'idum.—A Fluid extract is a fluid 
preparation so made that one minim represents one 
grain of the crude drug. To this rule there are two 
exceptions, the Ex. Sarsaparillte Co. El. and the Ex. 
Spigeliag et Semite El. (10-6). They all contain al- 
cohol and most of them glycerine as a preservative. 
The Ex. Ergotte El. contains acetic acid, 45 are 
contained in the officinal list. 
Extractum Belladonnae Radicis FI. 
“ Buchu Fluidum. 
“ Calumbae “ 
Ext. Krameriae Fluidum. 
“ Lupulinae “ 
“ Matico “ PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Extractum Chimaphilae “ 
“ Cimicifugae “ 
“ Cinchonas “ 
“ Colchici Radicis 
“ “ Seminis 
“ Conii Fructus “ 
“ Cornus Floridae 
“ Cubebae “ 
“ Digitalis “ 
“ Dulcamara; “ 
“ Ergotas 
“ Erigerontis Canadensis 
“ Gelsemii “ 
“ Gentianae “ 
“ Geranii “ 
Glycyrrhizas “ 
“ Gossypii Radicis 
“ Hydrastis “ 
“ Hyoscyami “ 
“ Ipecacuanhae “ 
Ext. Mezerei “ 
“ Pareirae “ 
“ Pruni Virginianae 
“ Rhei 
“ Rubi “ • 
“ Sabinae “ 
“ Sarsaparillae “ 
“ “ Compositum 
“ Scillae 
“ Senegas 
“ Sennae “ 
“ Serpentariae “ 
“ Spigeliae “ 
“ “ et Sennae 
“ Stillingiae “ 
“ Taraxaci “ 
“ Uvae Ursi “ 
“ Valerianae “ 
“ Veratri Viridis 
“ Zingiberis “ 
Confec'tio.—A Confection is composed of medici- 
nal substances beaten up with sugar or honey, or 
both, until a thick mass is obtained. There are 5 
confections officinal. 
Confectio Aromatica. 
“ Aurantii Corticis. 
“ Opii. 
Confectio Rosas. 
“ Sennas. 
Trochis'cus.—A Troche or lozenge is prepared by 
incorporating medicinal powders with sugar and a 
gum. They are meant to dissolve slowly in the 
mouth. 13 are officinal. PREPARATIONS. 
27 
Trochisci Acidi Tannici. 
“ Cretae. 
“ Cubebae. 
“ Ferri Subcarbonatis. 
“ Glycyrrhizae et Opii. 
“ Ipecacuanhas. 
“ Magnesias. 
Trochisci Menthae Piperitas. 
“ Morphias et Ipecac. 
“ Potassii Chloratis. 
. “ Santonini. 
“ Sodii Bicarbonatis. 
“ Zingiberis. 
Unguen'tdm.—An Ointment. These preparations 
are made of various combinations of medicinal 
agents with lard and wax * or lard alone. They are 
meant for external application only. The number 
is 29. 
Unguentum. 
“ Acid! Carbolid. 
“ Tannici. 
Antimonii. 
“ Creasoti. 
“ Gallae. 
“ Hydrargyri. 
“ “ Ammoniati. 
“ “ lodidi Rubri. 
" “ Nitratis. 
“ “ Oxidi Flavi. 
“ “ “ Rubri. 
“ lodinii. 
“ Compositum. 
* Mezerii. 
Unguentum Aquae Rosas 
Belladonnas. 
“ Benzoini. 
“ Cantharidis. 
Bids Liquidae. 
“ Plumb! Carbonatis 
“ “ lodidi. 
“ Potass!! “ 
Stramonii. 
“ Sulphuris. 
“ “ lodidi 
Tabad. 
Veratriae. 
Zind Oxidi. 
Cera'tum. Cerate is similar to an ointment, 
but is of firmer consistency. There are 10. 
*Ungt. aq. Rosae contains spermaceti and white wax, and Ungt 
Picis Liq. is made with suet. 28 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING, 
Ceratum. 
Ceratura Cantharidis. 
“ Cetacei. 
“ Ext. Cantharidis. 
“ 'Plumbi Subacetatis. 
Ceratum Resinas. 
“ “ Comp. 
“ Sabinas. 
“ Saponis. 
“ Zinci Carbonatis. 
Supposito'ria.—Suppositories are conical bodies 
made for introduction into the rectum or vagina. 
They have as a basis, oil of Theobroma which melts 
at the temperature of the body. They weigh 30 
grains each : 9 are officinal. 
Suppositoria Acidi Carbolici. 
“ Tannici. 
“ Aloes. 
“ Assafoetidas. 
“ Belladonnas. 
Suppositoria Morphias. 
“ Opii. 
“ Plumbi. 
“ Plumbi et Opii. 
Emplas'trum.—A plaster is made by spreading 
certain solid substances, with the aid of heat, on 
leather, muslin or other suitable material. They are 
adhesive at the temperature of the body. There are 
17 members of this class. 
Emplastrum Aconiti. 
“ Ammoniaci. 
“ “ cum Hydrargyro. 
“ Antimonii. 
“ Arnicas. 
“ Assafoetidas. 
“ Belladonnas. 
“ Ferri. 
“ Galbani Comp. 
Hydrargyri. 
Opii. 
Picis Burgundicae. 
Picis Canadensis. 
“ cum Cantharide. 
Plurabi. 
Resinae. 
Saponis. PREPARATIONS. 
29 
Char'ta.—A paper *is a medicated sheet of paper 
for external use. 2 are officinal. Those are: 
Charta Sinapis. 
Charta Cantharidis. 
Collo'dium.—A collodion, is a solution of gun cot- 
ton in ether. 3 are officinal. 
Collodium. 
Collodium Flexile. 
Collodium cum Cantharide. 
Linimen'tum.—A liniment is a liquid preparation 
for external use. Most of them contain soap or 
some kind of oil. There are 9 officinal. 
Linimentum Aconiti. 
“ Ammonias. 
“ Calais. 
“ Camphorae. 
“ Cantharidis. 
Linimentum Chloroformi. 
“ Plumbi Subacetatis. 
“ Saponis. 
“ Terebinthinae. 
Pil'ulaj and Pil'ula.—A Pill and a Pill-mass. A 
pill is a small spherical body containing certain me- 
dicinal agents. The officinal Pilules (nom. pi.) are 
pills of a certain composition and weight which are 
kept readymade. The Pilula (nom. sing.) are names 
of medicinal agents in a mass of a proper consistency 
for making pills, which can be ordered to be divided 
into pills of any desired weight. Of the former 
there are 17 officinal, of the latter but 2. 
Pilulae Aloes. 
“ “ et Assafoetidae. 
“ “ et Mastiches 
Pilulae Ferri lodidi. 
“ Galbani Comp. 
“ Hydrargyri.f 
* Distinguish from chariula, a little package or paper of a medicinal 
powder, such as are ordered in prescriptions. 
t Blue mass may be ordered either as Pilules (3 gr. each), or as 
Pilula. PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Pilulae Aloes et Myrrhse. 
“ Antimonii Comp. 
“ Assafoetidas. 
“ Catharticae Comp. 
“ Copaibae. 
“ Ferri Compositae. 
Pilulae Opii. 
“ Quiniae Sulphatis, 
“ Rhei. 
“ Compositae. 
“ Scillse Compositae. 
Pilula Ferri Carbonatis. 
Pilula Saponis Composita. 
Pulvis.—A powder is any drug reduced to a state 
of minute subdivision by pulverization. The phar- 
macopoeia gives only 7. 
Pulveres Effervescentes, Effervescing or Soda powder. 
“ Aperientes, Seidlitz powders. 
Pulvis Aloes et Canellae, Hiera Picra [vulg. Hikry Pikry.) 
“ Aromaticus, Spice powder. 
“ Ipecacuanhas Compositus, Dover’s powder. 
“ Jalapae Compositus, Pulvis purgans. 
“ Rhei Compositus. 
It will be noticed that there are often two prepar- 
ations of the same class. These are distinguished 
either by some word referring to the mode of manu- 
facture, as the Extractum Belladonnas and the Ex- 
tractum Belladonnas Alcoholicum ; or where other 
substances are added by the addition of the word 
Compositus, as Syrupus Scillae and Syr. Scillae Com- 
positus. 
11. Non-Officinal Preparations.—Besides the 
preparation of the U. S. Ph. there are others in com- 
mon use, a knowledge of which is very convenient 
Among them are ; PREPARATIONS. 
31 
Elix'ir.*—An Elixir is a preparation usually 
made with dilute alcohol as a menstrum, and render- 
ed pleasant to the taste by the addition of aromatics 
and very generally sugar. 
En'ema.—An Enema or Clyster is a liquid for in- 
jection into the rectum. There are six officinal in 
the Br. Ph. 
Dis'cus.—A Disk is a small rounded scale of gela- 
tine impregnated with some medicinal substance. 
They are sometimes employed by oculists for intro- 
ducing atropia, etc., into the eye. 
Gran'ulum.—A granule is a very small pill. They 
generally contain only active principles or very 
active drugs. 
Dragee.—A Dragee is a'sugar-coaied pill. They 
are mostly French in their origin. 
Tritura'tio.—A Trituration is an active substance 
rubbed up to a state of most minute subdivision 
with some resisting inert medium. An effort is now 
being made to revive the use of these preparations 
in regular practice. 
Bou'gia.—A Bougie is a small cylinder of cacao 
butter, impregnated with some active substance, in- 
tended for introduction into certain canals of the 
body, such as the male urethra, and uterine cavity. 
They are usually of the diameter of a No. 9 catheter 
and about 2 inches long. 
* The word is indeclinable. 32 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Pessa'ria.—Pessary is the name given to a vaginal 
suppository. 
Glycecols.*—Glycecol or Jelly Troches are rem- 
edies made up with Glycecolloid, (a mixture of Gela- 
tine or Isinglass and Glycerine) in a form similar to 
the officinal Troches. They are either for local effect 
or for the internal administration of medicines. They 
are not commonly used. 
In ordering any of these preparations, as there are 
no officinal formulae, it is necessary either to write 
out the formula in full or else to indicate the name 
of the manufacturer whose particular formula is de- 
sired, e.g., ]J. Elixir Ferri et Quiniae (Jones & Co.) 
§iv. 
* See “A Formulary of Selected Remedies,” Kirby, London. PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
33 
CHAPTER IV. 
THE GRAMMATICAL CONSTRUCTION OF A PRESCRIPTION. 
As has been already indicated, the names and 
quantities of the ingredients of a prescription, as 
well as the directions to the compounder, are gen- 
erally written in Latin. This has been the custom 
from time immemorial. It is not, however, impera- 
tive ; and if the physician so desire he may use 
English, or any other language more likely to be un- 
derstood. This is rarely done. The use of Latin is 
so firmly fixed by custom and habit, and has so 
many advantages, that its disuse would be a step 
backwards. Still there are some who decry it, and 
even accuse the profession of being pedantic, and of 
seeking to throw an air of mystery around this very 
simple act, by which to unduly impress their patients. 
The arguments in favor of Latin are strong enough 
to overcome all objections, and to fully warrant the 
practice. Latin is a dead language, and consequent- 
ly is fixed, crystallized, as it were, beyond all chance 34 
THE GRAMMATICAL CONSTRUCTION 
of: change. In this respect it possesses great advan- 
tages over the vernacular. Again, Latin is uni- 
versally studied and more or less understood; and 
is moreover the language of science throughout the 
world. 
The botanical and chemical names of all our med- 
icines are in Latin, and it is therefore the language 
employed in the nomenclature of all Pharmacopoeias. 
The advantages of fixed and unchangeable names for 
our medicines are at once apparent, when we see to 
how many plants the same name is given in different, 
parts of the country. No less than five different 
medicinal plants are called snake-root, all having dif- 
ferent actions and belonging to different therapeu- 
tical groups. Wintergreen applies equally to Gaul- 
theria and Chimaphila. There are other and even 
more striking instances of the same thing. 
There are other reasons which may be urged in 
favor of Latin as the language of prescriptions. Our 
prescriptions are often carried to distant lands, where, 
if written in English, they would not be likely to be 
understood, so that the patient might die before 
they could be translated ; but where every druggist’s 
clerk can decipher them if correctly written in Latin. 
Again, it may be for the advantage of a patient not 
to know what he is taking. People often become 
possessed with the idea that they cannot take this 
or that drug, the very drug perhaps which it is ad- 
visable for them to take. Now while such ideas are OF A PRESCRIPTION. 
35 
always to be respected if they are well founded, they 
may often be shown to be the result of silly or ill- 
founded prejudices. To overcome these prejudices 
we may labor in vain; but we accomplish the same 
thing by concealing the dreaded drug in some mix- 
ture or pill, with a long Latin name, much to the ben- 
efit of our unsuspecting patient. 
Latin then being the language of prescriptions, it 
behooves all students to master at least its rudiments. 
It is no part of my plan to write a Latin grammar,* 
for the benefit of those whose education is defective 
in this respect. I shall presume that my readers are 
familiar, at least with the declensions and simple 
rules of syntax, and shall only give a few rules, which 
may serve to call to mind the general principles al- 
ready learned. 
Rule ist. The noun expressing the name of the 
medicine, is put in the genitive case, when the 
quantity of it to be used is expressed. 
Rule 2d. If no quantity is expressed, but only 
a numeral adjective follows, the noun is put 
in the accusative. 
Rule 3d. The quantity is put in the accusative 
case governed by the imperative Recipe. 
Rule 4th. Adjectives agree with these nouns in 
gender, number, and case. 
* Those not familiar with the rudiments of Latin will find great 
assistance in a careful study of the most excellent little book by Dr. 
F. R. Gerrish, on “ Prescription Writing. Designed for the use of 
medical students who have never studied Latin.” THE GRAMMATICAL CONSTRUCTION’ 
There are a number of other rules which come in 
use occasionally, but as we now write the directions 
to the patient in English, the amount of colloquial 
Latin to be written is so very limited, that their ap- 
plication is very infrequent. 
In actual every-day practice we hardly ever have 
occasion to apply all of the rules given, as the ac- 
cusative of the quantity is rarely written, being ex- 
pressed rather by the more convenient symbols. The 
only real difficulty is the formation of the Genitive 
case. The following subjoined rules will aid very 
much in overcoming this difficulty, and should be 
carefully committed to memory. They apply to 
pharmacopceial nouns only. 
RULES FOR FORMATION OF GENITIVE CASE. 
Rule Ist. All nouns ending in a, form the geni- 
tive in ae, as Quinia, Quiniae. Exceptions.—- 
Fhysostigma, Physostigmatis, Coca is unchanged. 
Folia is plural, gen. Foliorum. 
Rule 2d. All nouns ending in us, um, os, 
on, form the genitive in i, as Conium, Conii. 
Exceptions.—Rhus, gen.Rhois, Flos, gen. Floris, 
Erigeron, gen. Erigerontis, Fructns, Coruus,Quer- 
cus, Spirit us, do not change. 
Rule 3d. All other nouns of whatever termina- 
tion make the genitive in s, or is, Chloral, OF A PRESCRIPTION. 
37 
gen. Chloralis. Some lengthen the termination 
thus : 
as genitive atis, as Acetas, Acetatis. 
is “ idis, as Anthemis, Anthemidis. 
o “ onis, as Pepo, Peponis. 
x “ cis, as Cortex, Corticis. 
There are a few exceptions. Asclepias, gen. As- 
dcpiadis; Mas, gen. Maris ; Phosphis, Snlphis, etc, 
gen. it is; Mucilago, gen. Mucilaginis ; Solidago, gen. 
Solidaginis, etc. 
The following words* do not change in their geni- 
tive, Amyl, Azedarach, Berberis, Buchn, Cajuputi, 
Cannabis, Catechu, Coca, Condarango, Cornus, Cur- 
are, Fructus, Digitalis, Hydrastis, f'aborandi, Kino, 
Matico, Quercus, Sassafras, Sago, Sinn pis, Spiritus. 
We very seldom have occasion to use the accusa- 
tive of the nouns expressing the ingredients, only 
when the quantity is omitted and a\ numerical ad- 
jective takes its place. 
The accusative of the. different words used to ex- 
press quantity are seldom written, as has already 
been indicated, being generally expressed by the 
appropriate symbols. Sometimes, however, it is re- 
quired to write them out in full, I therefore append 
*' Those in italics are indeclinable, those in us are of the 4th declen- 
sion ; the others are of the 3d. Apiol and Sumbul are given as inde- 
clinable by some authorities; Dunglison gives Apiol um, i, Sumbul, i; 
Amyl, Amylis is also given. 38 
THE GRAMMATICAL CONSTRUCTION 
two simple rules for the formation of the accusative 
of these words. They apply, with a very few excep- 
tions, to all nouns with the same endings. 
RULES FOR THE FORMATION OF THE ACCUSATIVE 
CASE. 
Rule i. Nouns expressing quantity ending in a, 
are feminine, and make the accusative singu- 
lar in am and the plural in as. 
Example. Drachma, acc. sing, Drachmam, pi. 
Drachmas. 
Rule 2. Those ending in urn or us, make the 
accusative singular in um. The accusative 
plural of those in us is in os, and of those 
in um in a. Those in us are masculine, 
those in um are neuter— 
Congius, acc. sing. Congium acc. pi. Congios. 
Granum “ “ Granum “ “ Grana. 
The adjectives are declined like the nouns. The 
numeral cardinal adjectives are indeclinable except 
unus, duo and tres. 
They are thus declined : 
Masculine. 
Feminine. 
Neuter. 
nom. unus. una. unum. 
gen. unius. unius. unius. 
acc. unum. unam. unum. 
nom. duo. duse. duo. 
gen. duorum. duarum. duorum. 
acc. duos. duas. duo. OF A PRESCRIPTION. 
39 
nom. tres. tres. tria. 
gen. trium. trium. trium. 
acc. tres. tres. tria. 
Masculine. 
Feminine. 
Neuter. 
The cardinals are all regular. 
The verbs are nearly all used in the imperative 
mood, being addressed to the compounder. Only a 
few prepositions are commonly used ; they are ad., 
to ; ana* of each; cum, with ; in, into ; ad and in 
govern the accusative, cum the ablative and ana the 
genitive cases. 
• Ana is Greek, the rest are Latin. WORDS AND PHRASES. 
CHAPTER V. 
THE PRINCIPAL WORDS AND PHRASES USED IN PRE- 
SCRIPTIONS, WITH THEIR PRONUNCIATION AND 
ABBREVIATIONS. 
There are certain words and phrases used in pre- 
scriptions, a knowledge of which is all important. 
There are others, which are seldom used in this 
country, but which are so frequently met with in 
foreign books, that familiarity with them becomes a 
matter of great convenience. It would be very in- 
convenient, to say the least, to be obliged to refer to a 
dictionary before one could read an ordinary prescrip- 
tion in an English work. The pronunciation of these 
words is also of considerable importance ; the mis- 
takes which are commonly made, even by those of 
highest rank in the profession, being truly lament- 
able. Among the members of the Faculty of one of 
our metropolitan schools, no less than three pronun- 
ciations are given to the word Podophyllum,* while 
the word enema is almost invariably mispronounced. 
* For pronunciation of the names of medicines, see Chap. VII. ABBREVIATIONS, 
41 
In the following list I have tried to give only such 
words as may be of use, omitting many which are 
very seldom used. For a full list see “ Pereira’s Pre- 
scription Book.” 
Certain of these words are commonly expressed by 
abbreviations, as Griffiths puts it, either “ from hurry 
laziness, or ignorance,” and, I would add, conveni- 
ence. 
Latin Word. 
Abbreviations. 
Translation. 
Ac'idum Acid. An acid. 
Ad. To, up to. 
Ad libdtum Ad lib. At pleasure. 
Adde Add. Add. (Thou), 
AmpuFla A large bottle. 
Ana A. aa. Of each. 
Aqua-buFliens, Aq-bull.font. Water,-boiling,-spring, 
“ fonta/na,-fervens, “ ferv.pluv. “ hot,-rain, 
“ pluvia'lisj-destii- 
lata “ dest. “ distilled. 
Aqua'lis Pertaining to water. 
Bene Well. 
Bis in dies Bis.ind. Twice daily. 
Bulliat, bulliant Bull. Let boil. 
Cape, Capiat Cap. Take. Let him take. 
Caps. A capsule. 
Cera'tum Cerat. A cerate. 
Charha (karta) Chart. A paper (medicated). 
Chartula (kartula) Chart. A little paper for a 
powder. 
Cibus Cib. Food. 
Cochleare maghium Coch. mag. A tablespoon. 
Cochleare par'vum Coch. parv. A teaspoon. 
Cola, Colatus Col. Strain. Strained. 42 
WORDS AND PHRASES. 
Collyrdum Collyr. An eye wash. 
Colluto'rium Collut. A mouth wash. 
Compos'itus Co. Comp. Compound. 
Con'gius ■ C. A gallon. 
Confec'tio Conf. A confection. 
Cor'tex Cort. Bark. 
Cum With. 
Decoc'tum Decoc. A decoction. 
Dilute, Dilu'tus Dil. Dilute (thou), diluted. 
Dimid'ius Dim. One-half. 
Div'ide D. Div. Divide (thou). 
Dividen'dus Dividend. To be divided. 
Divida'tur in partes D. in. p. ssq. Let it be divided into 
sequa'les equal parts. 
Do'sis Dos. A dose. 
Emplas'trum Emp. A plaster. 
En'ema Enem. An enema. 
Exten'de Supra Exten. Sup. Spread upon. 
Extrac'tum Ext. An extract. 
Fac, fiat, fiant F. Make, let be made, let 
them be made. 
Fil'trum, Filtra Fil. A filter. Filter (thou). 
Flu'idus FI. f. Fluid. 
Gargaris'ma Garg. A gargle. 
Glyceri'tum Glyc. A glycerine. 
Gutta, Guttae Gtt. A drop, drops. ’ 
Gutta'tim Guttat. Drop by drop. 
Haus'tus Haust. A draught. 
Mora H. Hor. An hour. 
In dies Ind. Daily. 
Infus'um Inf. An infusion. 
Injec'tio Inj. An injection. 
liTstar Inst. Like (with genitive) 
Lac Milk. 
Latin Word. 
Abbreviations. 
Translation. ABBREVIATIONS. 
43 
Lage'na (Lajena) A flask or bottle. 
Libra Lb. lb A pound, a Troy pound 
Lin'teum Lint. 
Liquor, or Liq'uor Liq. A solution. 
Lo'tio {losheo) A lotion. 
Mane primo Mane pr. Very early in the morn- 
ing 
Magnus Mag. Large. 
Mas's a Mass. A pill-mass. 
Mica pa'nis (mika) Mic. Pan. A crumb of bread. 
Misce M. Mix. 
Mistu'ra Mist. A mixture. 
Mucila'go Mucil. A mucilage. 
Nox, Nocte Mane'que Night, at night and in 
the morning. 
Nu'merus, Numero No. A number, in number. 
Octarius O. A pint. 
Ovum, ovi Ov. An egg. 
Pars Par. A part (governs geni- 
tive.) 
Partes sequa'ies P. se. Equal parts. 
Parvus Parv. Small. 
Pedilu'vium A foot-bath. 
Penicil'lium CameliTium Penicil. Cam. A camel’s-hair pencil or 
brush. 
Per fis'tulam vit'ream Through a glass tube. 
Phia'la Phil. A vial. 
Pil'ula Pil. A pill. 
Pro re nata P. r. n. According to circum- 
stances, occasionally. 
Pul'vis Pulv. A powder. 
Quantum Suffic'iat Q. S. (folloived As much as is necessary, 
by genitive) 
Quaqua hora Q. h. Every hour. 
Latin Word. 
Abbreviations. 
Translation. 44 
WORDS AND PHRASES. 
Satura'tus Sat. Saturated. 
Scat'ula Scat. A box. 
Semis'sis Ss. A half. 
Semidrach'ma Semidr. A half drachm. 
SesmTcia Sesunc. An ounce and a half, 
Sig'na S. Sig. Sign. 
Sine Without. 
Solve, Solu'tus Solv. Dissolve, dissolved 
Solu'tio Sol. A solution. 
Spir'itus Spr. A spirit. 
Sta'tim Stat. Immediately. 
Supposito'ria Suppos. A suppository. 
Syru'pus Syr, A syrup. 
Talis Tal. Such, or, like. 
Tinctu'ra Tra., Tr A tincture. 
Trochis'cus (Trokiscus) Troch. A troche. 
Trit'ura Trit. Triturate. 
Tere Simul Ter. Sim. Rub together. 
Ter in die T.i.d. Three times a day, 
UnguenTum Ungt. An ointment. 
ViTium Yin. A wine. 
Vehic'ulum Vehic. A menstrum. 
ViteHus Vit. The yolk (of an egg). 
Vitello ovi Solutus V. O. S. Dissolved in the yolk ol 
an egg. 
Latin Word. 
Abbreviations. 
Translation 
Besides the abbreviations already given, it is 
customary to abbreviate the names of drugs, for 
example, Quinia is abbreviated to Quin.; acid inn 
carbolicum to acid, carbol. Nearly all writers on this 
subject condemn the use of abbreviations as alto- 
gether bad; nevertheless, the profession go on using 
them and probably will do so as long as presctip* ABBREVIATIONS. 
45 
tions are written : and with reason. Some words 
are just as well understood by a short and 
concise abbreviation as if they wrere written out 
in full. But that the practice is capable of abuse, 
and is often greatly abused, is only too evident. 
Some of the abbreviations often used are entirely 
inexcusable, and, says Griffiths, “ are productive of 
direful errors,” especially when joined with the pro- 
verbially indistinct writing of most medical men. In 
order that these mistakes may be avoided, pre- 
scribers should make it a rule always io write out a 
wof'd in full., if there is a possible chance that the abbre- 
viation may he misunderstood. 
Prescriptions must be written as if for the stupid- 
est and most ignorant of apothecaries’ clerks. 
The amount of extra time thus consumed is of very 
little consideration, when we think that perhaps the 
life of a human being depends upon it; to say nothing 
of the amount of time often lost in trying to make 
out what is meant, or in hunting up the writer for an 
explanation. 
The truth is, improper abridgments owe their 
existence, as Gerrish very justly remarks, less fre- 
quently to lack of time, than to ignorance, and are 
therefore all the more inexcusable. 
The following list, abridged from Pereira, shows 
the ABBREVIATIONS WHICH SHOULD BE AVOIDED. 
Acid. Hydroc. 
Acidum Hydrochloricum, or 
Acidum Hydrocyanicum. ABBREVIATIONS. 
Aq. Fortis may be read aq. Fontis. 
Ext. Col. 
Extractum Colchici, or 
Extracturn Colocvnthidis. 
Hydras Chloralis, or 
Hydrargyri Chloridum. 
Hydra. Chlor. 
Hydr. Bic. 
Hydrargyrum Bichloridum, or 
Hydrargyrum Bicyanidura. 
Sulph. 
Sulphur. 
Sulphuretum. 
Sulphas. 
There are a number of others, but they are so very 
uncommon as to be hardly worth mentioning. 
Pereira relates a number of instances where mis- 
takes have occurred with nearly all these abbrevi- 
ations. Observe that the proper abbreviation for 
pilula is pil, and not pill; giiae for drops and not gits, 
unless the accusative guttas is meant. Gr. is the 
proper abbreviation for the plural of granum, and 
not grs., as the accusative plural ends in a. 
As regards pronunciation, I will say a few words 
only. In Latin every syllable is pronounced ; and, 
if we follow the English method, the letters have 
nearly the same sounds as in English, c and g be- 
fore a, o, u, and consonants, are hard; before e, i, and 
they are soft, c sounding like s and g like j. c be- 
fore ce and kis soft. Ch is usually pronounced 
hard, like k, as in chenopodium (ken), mastiche 
(mastike), &c. Colchicum is, by habit rather than 
by any rule, pronounced koltchecum. As to the accent, 
1 have preferred to give the accent of each word as 
near as possible, rather than to burden the mind of the student with rules, which are never remembered 
when it is time to apply them. It may be well to re- 
member, that in all words of two syllables the accent 
is always on the first. Attention is particularly asked 
to the pronunciation of the following words which 
are very commonly mispronounced—ace'tas, at'ropa, 
bary'ta, bro'midum, cam'phora, chimaph’ila (kima), 
chlo'ridum, codei'a, coni'um, en'ema, hyoscy'amus, 
io'didum, ox'idum, podophyl'lum, radi'cis, ric'inus, 
sina'pis. 
PRONUNCIATION. PILLS. 
CHAPTER VI. 
THE FORMS FOR EXTEMPORANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS, 
WITH EXAMPLES. 
Besides the different officinal preparations, any of 
which may be prescribed separately, we are in the 
habit of combining, as has already been indicated, 
various drugs and preparations in order to get new 
or modified actions, or to get more pleasing and con- 
venient forms. 
To the principles of medicinal combinations a 
separate chapter is devoted ; at present I only wish 
to indicate the different forms which these combina- 
tions may take, the drugs or preparations proper for 
each form, and the methods of writing prescriptions 
for them. 
Pills are little rounded masses of semi-solid con- 
sistency, and are intended to be swallowed whole. 
From the nature of things only certain substances 
can be made into the pill form. These are 
Pills. EXTEMPORANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS, ETC. 
49 
1. Substances the dose of which is small, as the 
alkaloids. 
2. Vegetable extracts and powders, resins, metallic 
salts, etc. We also use the pill form to administer 
3. Drugs having a very bad taste. 
4. Substances intended to act slowly. 
5. Insoluble substances too heavy for suspension 
in fluids. 
Certain substances cannot or should not be made 
into pills. 
1. Substances whose close is large. 
2. Deliquescent or efflorescent salts (the latter unless 
dried.) 
3. The fixed oils, except croton ; and volatile oils 
exceeding one-half a drop to each pill. 
4. Those intended to act at once as emetics and 
stimulants. 
5. Caustic substances, except in minutes doses, 
well diluted and thoroughly mixed with the vehicle. 
The choice of an excipient may sometimes be left 
to the apothecary ; but, should such a course not be 
deemed advisable, we may choose such an one as is 
most suitable for the ingredients of the proposed 
pill. Some of those commonly used are Vegetable 
Extracts. Certain ones do not require any ex- 
cipient when ordered alone. They also make good 
excipients for powders. If too hard they can be 
moistened with alcohol or glycerine. 
Syrup and Honey are used as excipients for PiLLS. 
powders. Sugar reduces calomel and should not be 
combined with it if the pills are to be kept any 
length of time. 
Confection of Rose is suitable for powders, but con- 
tains tannin. 
Soap is well adapted for fatty substances and for 
resinous bodies. It should not be used with sub- 
stances which are decomposed by an alkali, nor with 
tartar emetic. 
Glycerine with Ginn Tragacanth and the Glycerite 
of Starch (Bh. P.) are very valuable excipients, as 
the pills made with them never get hard and insol- 
uble. 
Alcohol is valuable to soften camphor, Ex. Colo- 
cynth Comp., gums, vegetable extracts, etc. 
Volatile oils and Mucilage are very poor excipients. 
The pills made with them soon dry and become 
very hard. 
Dry Powders are combined with oils and other 
moist substances to give them the proper consist- 
ency, and are also put around pills to keep them 
from sticking together. The principal powders used 
for this purpose are powdered liquorice root, starch, 
etc. 
The Mineral acids will make the Sulphate of 
Quinine into a pill mass if added slowly. 
A Crumb of bread makes a good excipient for cro- 
ton oil. 
Copaiba should not be prescribed in pill form. EXTEMPORANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS, ETC. 
51 
Chloral and Camphor liquefy when mixed. 
Nitrate of Silver can be made into pills with gum 
arabic; if combined with the vegetable extracts or 
glucose it is likely to explode. 
The Officinal Pills may be ordered simply by 
name. If, for example, we desire to order some 
compound iron pills, which are officinal, and are 
therefore supposed to be found ready prepared in 
every shop, we first set down the sign for Recipe, 
then the name of the pills, and in the same line the 
number to be dispensed. According to rule 3, page 
35, the name of the medicine is here put in the ac- 
cusative and not in the genitive ; for, there being no 
noun expressing weight or measure to stand as ob- 
ject to Recipe, the name of the medicine takes its 
place. Ferri remains in the genitive, being gov- 
erned by Pilules. Below this must be put the direc- 
tions to the patient, there being no further directions 
to the apothecary necessary, the writer’s name and 
address, and date. The name of the patient may 
also be added, as follows : 
B. Pilulas Ferri Compositas sexdecim. 
Signa. Take one pill after each meal. 
For Mr. Eger. Janies Medicus, M.D., 
15th Feby., 1877. xoo Broa'dway. 
There are in the prescription thus written a num- 
ber of words which might be safely and conveniently 52 
PILLS. 
abbreviated or expressed by their appropriate sym 
bols. Thus abbreviated it would read, 
B. Pil. Ferri Comp., xvi. 
Sig. Take one pill after each meal. 
For Mr. Eger. J, Medicus, M.D., 
15, 2, 77. 100 Broadway. 
In case we wish to order pills to be made of one 
of the so-called pill-masses, the mode of writing is 
somewhat different. Here, instead of the norm pi. 
pilulce, we have the sing, pilula. As we must indi- 
cate the amount of the mass required, pilula is put 
in the genitive case. We must also direct the dis- 
penser to divide it into a certain number of pills. 
Written out in full the prescription would read as 
follows : 
B. Piluloe Ferri Carbonatis drachmam. 
Divide in pilulas quindecim. 
Sig. Two pills after each meal. 
Name, etc. 
In the directions to the druggist, divide is in the 
imperative mood, and pilulas is the accusative, gov- 
erned by in. 
Now, suppose that we desire to order some pills, 
each one ta contain one-half a grain of the extract 
of nux vomica, one grain of powdered scammony, 
and three-quarters of a grain each, of powdered aloes 
and rhubarb. The first step as before is to set down EXTEMPORANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS, ETC. 
53 
the sign ]J, and then the names of the medicines ex- 
pressed in Latin and in the genitive case, allowing a 
line for each. In order that these substances may 
be conveniently made into a pill-mass, there must be 
something to give them sufficient cohesion. This, 
the extract of nux vomica will do, provided it is soft- 
ened ; and this can be accomplished by the addition 
of a little alcohol. We add alcohol then to the list. 
We must next decide how many pills we desire to 
have made ; having done this, we set it down at once 
in the form of an order, to divide the whole into so 
many pills, let us say 12. This direction must be 
preceded by the word misce or “mix.” 
To obtain the amount of each ingredient required 
we must multiply the dose we desire to give by 12, 
the number of pills or doses ; this gives us respect- 
ively 6 l2 (12X1). and 9 grains, 
which must be set down each on its proper line, tire 
words expressing it being put in the accusative case. 
As equal amounts of aloes and rhubarb are required, 
we may save time and trouble by using the word ana 
(of each) opposite the latter and then write the 
quantity but once. As the amount of alcohol re- 
quired depends on circumstances, we may safely 
leave it to the judgment of the apothecary, and indi- 
cate it by the use of the expression quantum sufficiat, 
which also governs the genitive. Having done this, 
the directions to the apothecary being already down, 
we have but to add the directions to the patient; 54 
PILLS, 
this, of course, being preceded by the word signa, 
the names, date, etc., and the prescription is com- 
plete, as follows: 
R. Extracti Nucis Vomica, grana sex, 
Pulveris Scammonii, grana duodecim, 
Pulveris Aloes, 
Pulveris Rhei, ana grana novem, 
Alcoholis, quantum sufficiat. 
Misce et fiat massa in pilulas duodecim divi- 
denda. 
Signa. One pill to be taken at night. 
Signature, etc. 
Written with abbreviations and symbols, it would 
read— 
R. Ext. Nuc. Vom. gr. vi. 
Pulv. Scammon. gr. xii. 
“ Aloes, 
“ Rhei, aa. gr. ix. 
Alcohol, q. s. 
M. et ft. mas. in pil. xii, dividen, 
Sig. One pill, etc. 
Either the form for the directions to the apothecary 
here given, “ mix and make a mass to be divided into 
12 pills,” or the one given above, or one of several 
others, may be used. 
There is still another way in which this prescrip- 
tion may be written. Place only the amount re- 
quired for one pill opposite each ingredient and then EXTEMPORANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS, ETC. 
direct the apothecary to make twelve such pills, 
thus. 
R. Ext. Nucis Vomicae, grani semissem (gr. ss.) 
Pulv. Scammonii, granum (gr. i.) 
“ Aloes, 
“ Rhei, ana grani tres qrurtas partes 
(gr* H) 
Alcoholis, quantum sufficiat. 
M. Fac pilulas tales duodecim. 
Sig. As before. 
In this way we direct the compounder to compute 
the amount of each ingredient required for the 12 
pills from the dose given for one, thus throwing upon 
him an additional responsibility and leaving chances 
for mistakes which might just as well be avoided. 
This method is not therefore to be recommended. 
It has, however, one advantage which should cause 
its adoption by all medical authors, viz.; that of al- 
lowing the reader to see at a glance, without being 
obliged to go through an often tedious preliminary 
calculation, the amount of each ingredient in a dose. 
In order to cover the taste it is customary to coat 
pills with certain substances, such as gelatine or 
sugar. This cannot be done in the case of extem- 
poraneous formulae, as it would take too long. Pills 
can, however, be readily and easily coated with sil- 
ver or gold-foil, which answers the same purpose 
In order to have this done we must write after the MIXTURES. 
directions to the druggist the words ‘ Deaurentur 
pilules.’ Pills may also be covered with fine tissue 
paper or wafer paper. Perhaps the best way is to 
direct that the pills shall be placed in gelatine cap- 
sules. In that case we substitute capsula for pilula, 
and write 
M. Et divide in capsulas duodecim. 
Mixtures. 
Mixtures are compounds in which fluid prepara- 
tions are mixed, or in which solid substances are 
dissolved or held in suspension by an appropriate 
vehicle. They are for internal administration in 
divided doses. 
Substances suitable for use in a mixture are all 
fluid preparations; all salts which are soluble in 
water either alone or by the aid of some other sub- 
stance (quinine by an acid) ; those salts which can 
be diffused by agitation, also substances which are 
miscible by trituration and such as can be suspend- 
ed by the aid of viscid excipients. Of course the 
relations of the drugs to each other must be care- 
fully studied so as to avoid mixing substances which 
are incompatible (see chap. X.). Mixtures should 
be of a proper consistency. One fluid-ounce should 
hold 3 iss. of a vegetable powder and 3i. of an ex- 
tract. The vehicles for a mixture are syrups and 
glycerine generally diluted, water medicated or sim- 
ple, infusions and decoctions, and mucilage, in or EXTEMPORANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS, ETC. 
57 
der to disguise the taste we may add various agents 
having strong and pleasant flavors, such as the tinc- 
tures and spirits of the aromatics, various syrups, or 
some of the essential oils. In case the oils are 
added they must be mixed with syrup or glycerine, 
or rubbed up with sugar. 
Emulsions are mixtures formed by the minute sub- 
division and suspension of an oil or a resinous sub- 
stance in water by the aid of some excipient. For 
making an emulsion of a resin we use a gum : with 
O O j 
a gum-resin water alone is necessary. For an oil we 
use either mucilage of Acacia, mucilage of Traga- 
canth, Yolk of egg, or Liquor Potassse, or some other 
strong alkali. The acacia and egg are those most 
commonly used. An emulsion made with egg will 
not keep long. The amount of mucilage to be used 
varies with the oil. With castor oil one part of mu- 
cilage to four of oil is enough ; with the volatile oils 
more mucilage is required. Soluble salts should not 
be added to emulsions and not more than one ounce 
of a tincture * made with dilute alcohol should be 
added to four ounces of an emulsion made with mu- 
cilage or egg, as alcohol precipitates the mucilage 
and egg. Acids are incompatible with mixtures 
emulsified by an alkali. 
The following examples illustrate the manner of 
writing for a mixture and an emulsion. The Offici- 
nal Mixtures are prescribed in the same manner as 
* Dr. E. Saunders’s New Remedies, vol. 4, page 56. 58 
MIXTURES. 
the Officinal Pills, by simply indicating the names, 
amounts, dose, etc. 
Suppose we desire a mixture to contain in each 
dose 2 grs. of quinine, gr. of strychnine, 10 np. 
of dilute hydrochloric acid, with tincture of gin- 
ger, compound tincture of cardamom and syrup 
to flavor it, and water to make up the bulk. 
As before, we begin with the sign IJ, and then 
write down the names in order. Next we have to 
decide on the size of the mixture. In this we 
must be governed by the amount which is likely to 
be required. If only a few doses, it is absurd to or- 
der a six or eight ounce mixture, or if on the con- 
trary, the patient is to take the medicine for a long 
time we should not order too small a quantity. It 
presents a much more elegant appearance to have 
the bottle filled. To this end we must order an even 
number of ounces either i, 2, 4, 6. or 8, as there are 
no bottles made to contain 7 and 5 ounces, and 3 
ounce bottles are not always to be had. We will 
make then a 4 oz. mixture, the dose of which shall 
be y2 oz. or a tablespoonful (about). This will give 
us eight doses ; multiplying the dose of each ingre- 
dient by 8 gives us the whole amount required. The 
vehicle water remains ; of this we require just enough 
to make up the mixture to oiv, or si, 3ii, iA. x. 
The ten minims we may disregard. We then add 
the directions to the apothecary, signature, date, etc., 
thus: EXTEMPORANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS, ETC. 
59 
Quiniae Sulphatis, grana sexdecim. 
Strychniae Sulphatis, grani duas quintas partes. 
Acidi Hydrochlorici Diluti, minima octoginta. 
Tincturae Zingiberis, drachmas duas. 
Tincturas Cardamomi Compositae, drachmas 
duas cum semisse. 
Syrupi, uncias duas. 
Aquae, unciam et drachmas duas. 
M. Fiat mistura. 
Sig. One tablespoonful after each meal. 
Abbieviated, it would read 
hC Quin. Sulph., gr. xvi. 
Strych. Sulph., gr. f. 
Acid Hydrochlor. DiL, **l. Ixxx. 
Tr. Zingib., 3 ii, 
Tr. Card. Co., 3 ii ss. 
Syrupi, 5 ii. 
Aqua;, § i, 3 ii. 
M, etc. 
Instead of going through a troublesome calcula- 
tion to find out the amount of water required, we 
may write the word ad after aqua and then put down 
Siv. The meaning of this is that the apothecary is 
to make the whole quantity up to four ounces after 
the other ingredients are in. This he does by simply 
filling up the measuring glass or bottle with the 
water to the required amount. The only danger is 
that he may overlook or not understand the use of 
the word ad and put in four ounces of water, as in MIXTURES. 
an instance mentioned by Gerrish. In order to 
avoid mistaking the ad for a badly written aa (for 
ana) it is customary to put a dash under it, thus, 
ad, the aa always having a line over it aa. 
In case ad is used, the noun preceding it must 
be put in the accusative case, there being no quan- 
tity to govern it, or it may remain in the genitive, and 
the expression quantum sufficiat be employed, quan- 
tum being always followed by the genitive. 
The following is the formula for a much used 
emulsion of cod-liver oil: 
Eu Vitellum Ovi unius, 
Olei Morrhuae, uncias duas. 
Vini Xerici, unciam cum semisse. 
Acidi Phosphorici Diluti, drachmas tres. 
Syrupi, drachmas quinque, [uncias octo. 
Aquae Amygdalae Amarae, quantum sufficiat ad 
M. Et fiat emulsio. 
Sig. Dose, a tablespoonful. 
Notice that Vitellum is in the accusative, there 
being no noun of quantity to govern it. Written 
with abbreviations and the ad, we have 
IJ. Vitel. Ovi uni. 
01. Morrhuae, 5 ii 
Yin. Xerici, 3 iss. 
Acid. Phosphor. Dil. 3 iii. 
Syrupi, 3 v. 
Aq. amygd. amar., ad § viii. 
M.,.et fiat emulsio. EXTEMPORANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS, ETC. 
61 
Elixirs. 
Elixirs may be ordered as extemporaneous prep- 
arations, there being nothing different in the mode 
of writing for them from that employed in writing 
for other mixtures, for example— 
B. Pepsinae, grana centum et viginti et octo. 
Yini Xerici, uncias septem. 
Syrupi, unciam. 
Extracti Zingiberis Fluidi, guttas octo. 
M. Fiat Elixir. 
Sig. Dose, one teaspoonful. 
Draughts. 
A draught differs from a mixture in containing 
only a single dose. They are very little used. 3 iss. 
is the proper amount for a draught. The following 
is the formula for the famous “ Black Draught.” 
B. Magnesia; Sulphatis, drachmas duas. 
Infusi Sennas, fluidunciam. 
Syrupi Zingiberis, fluidrachmas duas. 
Misce. Fiat Haustus. 
Sig. The draught, to be taken at once. 
Drinks (Potus). 
We often desire to order medicines in a fluid 
form where a regular mixture would not be easily 
taken. We may then make use of a “ Drink,” a form 
which is at once pleasing to the taste, especially if 
fever be present, and less objectionable in idea than 
a regular medicine. The substances which are most 
O 62 
POWDERS. 
commonly used in this form are mineral acids, and 
the Salts of Potash and Soda. They must be sweet- 
ened and flavored and well diluted. Sometimes 
they are made to effervesce. In that case the salts 
can be ordered in the form of powders, to be mixed 
when required. 
The following is the formula for the well-known 
“ Imperial Drink.” 
B. Potassii Bitartratis, drachmas dims. 
Olei Limonis, minima quinque. 
Aquae Bullientis, q. s. ad uncias viginti. 
M. Fiat Potus. 
Powders. 
In this form we can prescribe vegetable powders 
or such vegetable drugs as can be powdered, certain 
salts, acids, metals, most alkaloids, and glucosides, 
and certain extracts. The substances which are not 
suited to this mode of administration are deliquescent 
salts and very volatile substances, and those which 
liquefy when mixed, as chloral and camphor, or ace- 
tate of lead and Sulphate of Zinc. Chlorate of 
Potassium will explode when rubbed in a mortar 
with sugar, tannic acid or similar substances. If 
the substance is active, or the dose small, some 
inert powder should be added to give it bulk enough 
to enable it to be easily handled. Such powders 
are sugar of milk, powdered white sugar, powdered 
liquorice, aromatic powder, powdered acacia, etc. 
Some substances cannot be easily powdered without EXTEMPORANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS, ETC. 
63 
the addition of some other body. Opium requires 
a hard substance like the sulphate of potassium, 
camphor requires a little alcohol, myrrh needs sugar 
or gum, etc. 
The following salts are deliquescent: 
Ammonii Nitras, 
Calcii Chloridum. 
Lithiae Citras. 
Zinci Chloridum. 
Potassa. 
Potassii Acetas. 
“ Carbonas. 
“ Citras. 
Powders are prescribed in two ways; either the 
powder is ordered to be dispensed in bulk and a 
certain quantity directed to be taken at a dose 3 or 
it is ordered to be divided into a certain number of 
doses, each to be contained in a separate paper 
(Chartula.) 
An officinal powder, Dovers powder for example, 
is thus ordered : 
E. Pulveris Ipecacuanhse Compositi, drachmam. 
Divide in chartulas [vel capsulas), duodecim. 
Sig. One to be taken at night and repeated if required. 
The following is the formula for the compound 
liquorice powder of the Prus. Ph.: 
E. Pulveris Sennae, 
“ Glycyrrhizae, ana uncias duas. 
“ Foeniculi, 
Sulphuris Loti, ana unciam. 
Pulveris Sacchari Albi, uncias sex. 
Misce, et pulve bene. 
Sig. Dose, one teaspoonful. 64 
CONFECTIONS. 
The famous “ Tally’s powder” is as follows. Each 
powder contains £ gr. of morphia and about 3 gr. of 
camphor: 
B. Morphias Sulphatis, granum. 
C anaphoras, 
Pulveris Glycyrrhizas, 
Gretas Prasparatas, ana grana decem. 
M. Divide in chartulas sex. 
The two Officinal “ Pulveres ” are already divided 
into powders or papers containing a certain amount, 
and are to be ordered simply by specifying the num- 
ber wanted. 
Confections and Electuaries. 
These preparations are very little used at present. 
They consist of medicinal powders beaten up to the 
consistency of a thick paste, with sugar, honey, or 
molasses. There is nothing special about the 
method of prescribing them. The following will 
serve as an example. It is the famous “ Chelsea 
Pensioner.” 
B. Sulphuris Loti, uncias duas. 
Potassii Bitartratis, unciam. 
Pulveris Rhei, drachmas duas. 
Guiaci Resinas, drachmam. 
Mellis Despumati, libra. 
Myristicam pulverizatam, unam. 
M. Fiat Electuarium. 
Sig. Dose, one tablespoonful night and morning. EXTEMPORANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS, ETC. 
65 
Troches. 
These are very seldom ordered to be made up ac* 
cording to extemporaneous formulas. There are a 
few officinal, and besides there are a great many in 
the market, made according to certain well-known 
formulae, or according to private receipts. Those 
made according to the Pharmacopoeia of the Lon- 
don Throat Hospital, are now much used in this 
city, and are kept ready prepared by several drug- 
gists. The basis is black currant paste. 
The Rhatany lozenges are useful and not un- 
pleasant. The formula is 
B. Extract! Kramerios, grana centum et quinque. 
Pulveris Tragacanthae, grana septem. 
Sacchari Albi, grana viginti octo. 
Black Currant Paste, q. s. (about 3 ix.) 
M. Divide in trochiscos triginta quinque. 
Sig. One lozenge every 3 or 4 hours, to be dissolved slowly 
in the mouth. 
Gargles. 
Gargles are liquid preparations for application by 
the patient to the back part of the mouth or 
pharynx. They should not contain any very power- 
ful drug, which, if swallowed, might do harm, neither 
should they have a too powerful local action, or con- 
tain agents which are to injure the teeth. The 
mode of writing for them does not differ at all from 
that of writing for a mixture, only the dose is not 66 
INHALATIONS. 
considered, but rather the percentage of the active 
ingredients. Example. 
B. Acidi Tannici, drachmas duas. 
Potassii Chloratis, drachmam. 
Glycerinae, unciam. 
Aquae, uncias septem. 
M. 
Sig. Use as a gargle every two hours. 
Vapors and Inhalations. 
These are medicines reduced either to the form of 
a very fine spray, or to a vapor or gas, and are to 
be inhaled or thrown into the mouth, in order that 
they may act upon the mucous membrane of the 
respiratory tract. Special apparatuses are required 
for some forms of inhalation. There is nothing pe- 
culiar about the prescriptions for them. 
K. Olei Cubebae, drachmas duas, 
Magnesii Carbonatis, drachmam. 
Aquae, uncias tres. 
Misce. 
Sig. A teaspoonful in a pint of water at 150° F. for each in- 
halation.* 
Injections. 
Injections are fluid preparations intended to be 
thrown into one of the cavities of the body by a 
syringe. The strength of an injection varies very 
much with the cavity for which it is intended. The 
* Use—“ A most valuable stimulant, especially in laryngorrlnea.” EXTEMPORANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS, ETC. 
67 
nasal cavity, the male urethra and the bladder are 
very susceptible, while the mouth, vagina, and ear 
will bear much stronger applications. 
An injection which is intended to be thrown into 
the rectum is called an en'ema, clyster or lavement. 
Enemas are used for a number of different pur- 
poses. 
1. To get a local effect on the rectal mucous mem- 
brane. 
2. To excite the peristaltic action of the intestines 
and an expulsion of their contents. 
3. To dissolve impacted faeces. 
4. To mechanically distend the bowel. 
5. To remove parasites. 
6. To obtain the absorption of a medicine. 
7. To afford nourishment to the system. 
Most enemas are made up by the attendant at the 
time of giving. We may be called upon sometimes 
to write prescriptions for enemas to accomplish the 
objects mentioned under the heading i, 4, 5 and 6. 
For local effects.—To accomplish this object we 
may use simple ice water, or a solution of any of the 
astringent salts or acids, such as we would use for a 
similar purpose elsewhere. 
The amount to be injected at one time should not 
be more than a few ounces. The strength must be 
governed by circumstances, but as a rule the rectum 
is very susceptible, and a solution of the metallic 
salts should be weak. 68 
INJECTIONS. 
To effect the system.—For this purpose we may 
use some of the alkaloids in solution, or a vegetable 
extract, or almost any fluid preparation, provided it 
is not too irritating. 
The injection should not be more than an ounce, 
and should be warmed to ioo0 F. If the article is 
very irritating it may be made less so by mixing it 
with boiled starch. The dose of most medicines 
given by the rectum is larger than when given by the 
stomach. 
To excite the peristaltic motion.—This is the ob- 
ject for which injections are most frequently used. 
We use some irritating substances, together with a 
considerable bulk of water, or even water alone. In 
this case the injection is cold or only tepid. The 
substances most used are soap and salt, molasses, 
turpentine, castor oil, or something of a like nature. 
The amount of the whole injection for an adult varies 
from a pint to a quart, or more. For a baby under 
six months, use one ounce ; at a year, two ounces, and 
increase about one-half an ounce for each year. 
To remove parasites.—First, cleanse out the lower 
bowel with an enema of the last class, and then inject 
the parasiticide : e.g., Ex. Quassiae FI., diluted with 
warm water to the amount of one to two ounces, and 
direct it to be retained as long as possible. 
Examples : 
x.—B. Bismuth! Subcarbonatis, unciam. 
Extract! Opii, grana duo. 
Glycerinas. EXTEMPORANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS, ETC. 
Aquae, ana uncias duas. 
M. Fiat Enema.* 
Sig. Two tablespoonfuls to be injected three times a week. 
2.—B. Quiniae Hydrobromatis, grana decem. 
Alcoholis, minima octo. 
Mucilaginis Amyli, drachmas duas. 
Aquae, q. s. ad semiunciam. 
M. Ft Fiat Enema. 
Sig. The whole to be injected at once. 
3.—B. Olci Terebinthinae, unciae semissem. 
Olei Ricini, unciam cum semisse. 
Ovum, unum. 
Decocti Hordei, vel Aquae Fervidae, uncias 
quatuordecim. 
M. Fiat Enema. 
Sig. The whole to be slowly injected into the bowel. 
4.—B. Extracti Quassias Fluidi, unciam. 
Aquae, uncias duas. 
Misce. 
Sig. One tablespoonful with a tablespoonful of hot water, 
to be injected while warm. 
Suppositories. 
Besides those which are officinal, we may order 
suppositories to be made according to an extempo- 
raneous formula. The basis is almost always cacao- 
butter. The active ingredients are usually extracts 
or alkaloids ; a few metallic salts and other crystal- 
line bodies and some powders being occasionally 
* Used in stricture of the rectum. See Am. Jl. Med. Sc., Jan., 1873, 
V- 34- SUPPOSITORIES. 
used. They are usually made for introduction into 
the rectum. They may also be used in the vagina 
(called pessaries), uterus, urethra, and eustachian 
tube. Those intended for the last three canals 
named are called bougies. Suppositories for the 
adult rectum should contain from 15-30 grs. of 
cacao-butter; and for children less in proportion. 
For the vagina a drachm of cacao-butter may be 
used. An excipient * for vaginal suppositories has 
been proposed, consisting of gelatine and glycerine, 
as being more soluble than cacao-butter. For the 
uterus and urethra cacao-butter is used, and instead 
of the conical form they are made cylindrical, about 
2 inches long and the size of a No. 9 catheter, and 
weigh 12-15 grains. 
B. Extract! Opii, grana quinque. 
Plumbi Acetatis, grana duodecim. 
Olei Theobromas, quantum sufficiat. 
M. Fiant Suppositoria decem. 
Sig. One to be introduced into the bowel every three hours. 
R. Extract! Hydrastis, grana decem. 
Zinci Sulphatis, grana dua cum semisse. 
Olei Theobromae, drachmae semissem. 
M. Divide in Bougias decem. 
Sig. One to be introduced night and morning. 
Lotions, Washes and Fomentations. 
Lotions or washes are solutions, or mixtures of 
medicinal agents, for external application. They 
* Dr. Meadow’s address, Brit. Med. Assoc., 1871. EXTEMPORANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS, ETC. 
71 
do not differ, in the mode of prescribing them, from 
injections. The name collutorium is sometimes ap- 
plied to washes for the mouth. Fotus is a fomenta- 
tion or hot application, Collyria are washes or 
lotions for the eye. They are simple solutions of 
agents having astringent or emollient action. The 
term collyrium formerly had a very different mean- 
ing. An attempt has been made of late to revive 
the old usage and to apply the term to all solutions 
for local application. 
Lead and Opium Wash. 
B.—Plumbi Acetatis. 
Tincturse Opii, ana unciam. 
Aquam, ad Octarium. 
M. Fiat Lotio. 
Sig. For external use only. Keep the parts wet with the 
lotion. 
B.—Zinci Sulphatis, granatria. 
Aluminis, grana sex. 
Aquae Rosae, uncias duas. 
M. Fac Collyrium. 
Sig. Drop three drops into the eye twice daily, 
Baths {Balnea). 
Medicated baths are sometimes very valuable 
agents in the treatment of disease. Of course only 
the active agents are ordered of the apothecary. 
They are used in general diseases and also in diseases 
of the skin. The following is an example : PLASTERS, 
B. Acidi Nitrici, uncias undecim. 
Acidi Hydrochlorici, uncias vigjnti. 
Misce et signa. To be added 1030 gallons of hot water, in a 
tvooden tub, and used as a bath. 
Poultices. 
Poultices or cataplasms are seldom or never 
ordered from the apothecary. The ingredients are 
mixed by the attendants, and the poultice applied 
while hot. See Bartholow, p. 515. 
Plasters. 
Medicinal compounds of a sticky nature which are 
spread on cloth, leather or sometimes paper, for ap- 
plication to the skin. As they are difficult of prep- 
aration, extemporaneous formulae for their manu- 
facture are not often used. The officinal plasters 
are employed, or a cerate is ordered to be spread 
like a plaster. There is no “ emplastrum vesicato- 
rium ” or “ emplastrum cantharidis ” officinal in the 
U. S. Ph., so that in ordering a blister, direct one of 
the cerates of cantharides to be spread on adhesive 
plaster. Plasters are ordered by the square inch, 
or according to model “ ad examplarthus ; 
B. Emplastrum Belladonnas, 2" X 3". 
Sig. Apply over the painful spot. 
B. Cerati Extracti Cantharidis, q. s. 
Extende Supra Emplastrum Resinas, 3" X 3" 
Vel. Fiat Emplastrum, 3" X 3". 
Sig. The blister; leave it on for seven hours. EXTEMPORANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS, ETC- 
73 
Ointments and Cerates. 
Extemporaneous formulae for these preparations 
are very frequent. The basis is either the officinal 
ceraium or unguentum, or, in the case of ointments, 
vaseline, the glycerite of starch (B. Ph.), lard, etc., 
may be used. As an example the following Com- 
pound Belladonna Ointment of the N. Y. Dispensary 
will answer: 
R. Extract! Belladonnas. 
Plumbi Acetatis, ana unciam. 
Acidi fTannici, uncias duas. 
Adipis, uncias octo. 
M. Fiat Unguentum. 
Sig. For external use. 
Paints (Pigmenta). 
Under this name certain preparations for external 
use have been made which do not seem to come 
under any other heading. They are such as the 
following: 
R. Saponis Viridis, ) / , . ~ 
OleiCadini, '^officinal). 
Alcoholis, ana unciam. 
M. Fiat Pigmentum. 
Sig. For external use (in skin diseases). 
R. Olei Tiglii, drachmam. 
Athens Portions, drachmas duas. 
Tincturae lodinii, drachmas quinqne 
Misce. 
Sig. Paint on every third night. “ Poison.” 74 
GENERAL REMARKS. 
LINIMENTS. 
Fluid preparations for external application, having 
soap or some fatty substance as a basis. They are 
applied by friction. They may be simple mixtures 
of fluids without any fat or soap. 
3s. Extract! Belladonnas Fluidi, semiunciam. 
Tincturae Aconiti Radicis. 
Chloroform: Venalis, ana drachmas duas. 
Spiritus Camphorae, unciam. 
Alcoholis Diluti, ad unciam octo. 
M. Fiat Linimentum. 
Sig. “Poison.” To be rubbed on the painful parts. 
There are other names which are applied to cer- 
tain preparations besides those given. 
A Linctus or Eclectos is a medicine of a thick 
syrupy consistency, chiefly used to allay cough, and 
consisting of pectoral remedies. They were originally 
eaten from a stick. Sparadrapum is another name 
for plaster. Taffetas are very thin plasters spread on 
silk or paper. 
General Remarks.—We have now considered 
the various forms which prescriptions may take, and 
the rules for writing them The collection 
and repetition of a few of the recommendations which 
have been made here and there may not be amiss. 
Abbreviations.—Never use any abbreviations which 
can in any way be taken for any thing but the thing 
meant. 
Chirography.—The handwriting of physicians is 
proverbially bad. The fact that mistakes do not EXTEMPORANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS, ETC. 
75 
more often happen, derived from this source, is due 
largely to the great care exercised by the apothecaries. 
No man should fmt himself or his patients at their 
mercy in this respect. 
Quantity.—Many practitioners make the great mis- 
take of ordering too much or too little. I do not 
refer to “ shot-gun prescriptions,” but to the prac- 
tice of ordering four ounces when one would do ; or 
again, of ordering two ounces when the patient is 
expected to use the medicine continually for a month 
or more. The exercise of a little more judgment in 
this respect would often be of great advantage to the 
pockets of patients, and neglect of it often calls 
forth severe criticism, and sometimes even charges of 
collusion. 
Directions to the Patient should always be written 
out with minutest care. If given verbally they may 
be quickly forgotten, or where two prescriptions are 
given at once the directions may be confounded. If 
written down for the patient at home and not on the 
prescription, the druggist has no data by which to 
judge of the correctness of the doses ordered. 
Revision.—Never let a prescription go out of your 
hands without carefully going over it and making 
sure that each word is legible, and that the quantities 
and doses are correct. It is well, if possible, to let 
a short interval and a little conversation intervene 
between the original composition and the revision. 
Prescription papers.—lt is very convenient always 76 
GENERAL REMARKS. 
to carry pieces of paper of the proper size on which 
to write prescriptions. Great inconvenience is often 
experienced from neglect of this precaution. The 
name, address, and the sign B. may be printed on, 
as the fancy may dictate. Many druggists furnish 
blanks for prescriptions, each one with their own ad- 
vertisement. It is certainly in better taste not to 
become the medium of advertising any particular 
druggist. We may each have our preference, and for 
good reasons ; but a verbal recommendation to the 
patient is generally all that is necessary. Prescription 
blanks bound up like bank checks, with stubs for 
copies, are very convenient for reference. PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
77 
CHAPTER VII. 
DOSES OF MEDICINES. 
The determination of the doses for the different 
drugs, proper under all circumstances and conditions, 
is simply impossible. 
Medicine is an art, and its implements are not to 
be used according to fixed and invariable rules. Thus 
their action, as far as is known, being kept carefully 
in mind, and the object aimed at being never lost 
sight of, the proper amount to be used, under the 
existing circumstances, will be determined largely 
by the effect produced and by the exigencies of the 
case. Griffiths, in writing on this subject, gives a 
quotation from a writer in the Medico-Chirurgical 
Review, which is at once so appropriate and so true 
that I cannot refrain from reproducing it here. 
“ Doses are the most relative things in the world. 
It must be confessed that a certain maturity of mind 
and boldness of action are requisite to escape from 
the slavery of posological entities or essences, and to 78 
I/OSES OF MEDICINES, 
allow the apparent exigencies of the case before us 
to be our sole guide. That constitutional bashful- 
ness which is called ‘ caution,’ which habitually de- 
lights in small ways, and which is half afraid of the 
instrument it uses, should practice other arts than 
the art of medicine. A wise courage is the physician’s 
watchword.” 
It must be carefully borne in mind that the action 
oi a medicine varies very much with the dose. Small 
doses often have nearly opposite effects from that 
produced by large ones. In the tables which follow 
an attempt has been made to give the maximum and 
minimum doses proper under ordinary circumstances. 
The Pharmacopoeia of the United States gives no 
table of doses. There is, therefore, no authority on 
which to rely. It will at once be seen that circum- 
stances may and will arise where much larger or 
smaller doses than those here given, can be employed 
with safety and with good results. 
Many rules have been given for deducting the 
doses proper for the different ages. All such rules 
can give, of course, only an approximate result; as 
the same factors, such as idiosyncracy, special dis- 
eases, which change the doses in adults, and many 
others even, may be active in the case of a child. 
Gabius’ Method is the oldest, but is a purely 
arbitrary statement of the fractional part of the unit 
suited for each age. 
Young’s Method is more easily remembered. It PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
79 
is to add 12 to the age and divide the age by the 
result. This is simple and sufficiently accurate. 
For 2 years = ~2- = 
J 2 + 12 ' 
Dr. R. O. Cowling has given a very good rule. 
According to this, the dose for a child is obtained 
by dividing the number of the following birthday by 
24. For example, at 2 years = 
Dr. E. H. Clark, of Boston, proposed a rule 
which, although quite accurate, is not very practical. 
According to this rule the proper dose is in propor- 
tion to the weight of the individual. Assuming 150 
lbs. as the average weight for which the dose is 1 ; 
then the proper dose will be in the same proportion 
to las the patient’s weight to 150. So, if we divide 
the weight by 150 we shall get a fraction represent- 
ing the proper part of one, for the dose in this case. 
If the patient weigh 100 lbs., his dose is f, or 150 -f- 
-100. For a baby of 10 lbs. = etc. Of these rules 
Dr. Cowling’s seems the easiest and is quite accurate 
enough. 
Table of Doses. 
This table contains the doses of all the substances 
in the primary list of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, as fa* 
as is practicable. Besides the doses, the definition 
of the drug is given, taken from the Pharmacopoeia, 
and also the proper accentuation, taken from the same 
source. Such new and non-officinal drugs as seem 
to be valuable, have been added to the list. The 
dose is given in both the old and metric systems. DOSES OF MEDICINES. 
The doses in the latter not being the exact equiva- 
lents of the others, but rather the most convenient 
approximations. In the case of suppositories, oint- 
ments, etc., the strength is given, and either the 
amount of the active agent in an ounce, or the pro- 
portion which the active agent and the vehicle bear 
to each other, etc. Unofficinal drugs are marked 
with *. If the drug is used in a pure state, the 
proper dose is given, the name being put in the 
genitive case, and the form in which it is to be used 
is indicated when necessary. The doses of fluids 
must be understood to be in fluid measure. The 
sign “f ” for fluid ounce, etc., has been left off for 
the sake of clearness. The words “ Ph. p.” after a 
substance means that It is used only for Pharmaceu- 
tical purposes, to make other preparations. 
DOSES. 
Absinth'ium.—Wormwood. The tops and leaves of Artemesia 
Absinthium. 
Absinth'ii, in powder, gr. xv—xl, grm. r.—2.5. 
Acacia.—Gum Arabic. A gummy exudation from Acacia 
vera and other species of Acacia. 
in powder, ) 
Mucilago Acacias, > used as vehicles. 
Syrupus Acaciae, ; 
Ace'tum.—Vinegar. Impure dilute acetic acid, prepared by 
fermentation, 
Aceti, 3 i—iv, grin. 4.—16. 
AAidum Ace'ticum.—Acetic Acid. Glacial Acetic Acin 
Acetic acid of sp. gr. 1.047. DOSES. 
81 
Acidi Ace'tici, caustic. 
Acidum Aceticum Dilu'tum, 3i, gnu. 4. 
A'cidum Arsenio'sum.—Arsenious Acid. See Arsenicum. 
A'cidum Carbol'icum Impu'rum.—lmpure carbolic acid 
Used for disinfecting purposes. 
A'cidum CarboPicum. —Carbolic or Phenic Acid. A 
solid substance obtained from the products of the distilla- 
tion of coal tar between the temperatures of 3oo° and 400°. 
A'cidi Carbol'ici gr. i—ii, grm. .05—.15 
Aqua Acidi Carbolici, 3 i—3 iv, 4.—15. 
Glyceritum Acidi Carbolici, b\, v—x, .40—.80.' 
Suppositoria Acidi Carbolici, 1 = gr. i. 
Unguentum Acidi Carbolici, 3i in §i. 
A'cidum Chro'micum.—Chromic Acid. External use, as 
caustic. 
A'cidum Ci'tricum.—Citric Acid. 
A'cidi Ci'trici, gr. v—3ss, grm. .30—2. 
Syrupus Acidi Citrici, 3 i—iv, 4.—15. 
A'cidum Gal'licum.—Gallic Acid. Obtained from nut gall. 
A'cidi Gal'lici, gr. v—xx, grm. .30—1. 
Glyceritum Acidi Gallici, bp xx—3i, 1.50—5. 
A'cidum Hydrocyan'icum Dilu'tum.—Dilute Hydro- 
cyanic Acid. Prussic Acid. A 2 per cent, solution 
of Hydrocyanic Acid in water. 
A'cidi Hydrocyan'ici Dilu'ti, TT\, i—vi, grm. .06—.36. 
Potas'sii Cyan'idum, gr. to—i, .006.—.008. 
A'cidum Lac'ticum.—Lactic Acid. Sp.gr. 1.212. 
A'cidi Lac'tici, bp xv—3ss, grm. x.—2. 
A'cidum Muria'ticum. Muriatic or Hydrochloric 
Acid. An aqueous solution of Hydrochloric Acid gas 
of sp. gr. 1.160. 
Acidum Muriaticum Dilutum, * Ub v—xx, .30—1.30. 
* The strong mineral acids should never be prescribed. Use only the dilute 
tcids. 82 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
A'cidum Ni'tricum.—Nitric Acid, of the sp.gr. 1.420. 
Acidum Nitricum Dilutum, Tip v—xxv, .30—1.50. 
A'cidum Ni'trcmuria'ticum.—Nitro-Muriatic Acid. Ni- 
tric and muriatic acids mixed, 3 to 3. 
Acidum Nitromuriaticum Dilutum, Tip v--3ss, grm. .30 2. 
A'cidum Oxa'licum.—Oxalic Acid. 
Acidi Oxalici, gr. —X, grm. .015—.06. 
A'cidum Phosphor'icum Glacia'le.—Glacial Phosphoric 
Acid. 
Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum, ftp v—3 i, grm. .30—3.75. 
* A'cidum Salicyl'icum.—Salicylic Acid. 
A'cidi Salicyl'ici, gr. vii—3i, grm. .50—4. 
So'dii Salicyl'as, gr. xv—3i, 1.—4. 
Acidum Sulphu'ricum.—Sulphuric Acid. Oil of vitriol. 
Sulphuric acid of sp. gr. 1.843. 
Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum, Tip v—xx, .40—1.50 
Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum, Tip v—xxv, .40—2. 
A'cidum Sulphuro'sum.—Sulphurous Acid. Sp.gr. 1.035. 
A'cidi Sulphuro'si tip v—3i, grm. .30-4. 
So'dii Hyposul'phis, gr. v—3ss, .30—2. 
Sodii Sulphis, gr. v—3i, .30—1.3 
Potas'sii Sulphis, gr. ii—x, .12—.60. 
A'cidum Tan'nicum.—Tannic Acid. Tannin. 
A'cidi Tan'r.ici, gr. i—xx, grm. .05—1.25. 
Glyceritum Acidi Tannici, Tip x—3i, i-—5- 
Suppositoria Acidi Tannici. x=gr. ii. 
Unguentum Acidi Tannici, 1 in 16. 
A'cidum Tartar'icum.*—Tartaric Acid. 
A'cidi Tartar'ici, gr. x—3ii, grm. .50—2.50 
Aconi'ti Fo'lia.—Aconite Leaves. Leaves of Aconitum Na- 
pe this. Monkshood. 
Extraclum Aconiti, gr. ]4—i, gran. .02—.06. 
Aconi'ti Ra'dix.—Aconite Root. The root of Aconitum No* 
pellus. 
• For other acids see drugs from which they are derived. DOSES. 
83 
Tinctura Aconiti Radi'cis, F\, l/z—vi. grm. -03—-30- 
Emplastrum Aconiti. §i = 1 ounce of root. 
Linimentum Aconiti, § i = x ounce of root. 
Aconi'tia. External use. 
Tinctura Aconiti Radicis (Fleming’s). About twice as strong 
as the officinal tincture. Or nearly as sto 3. 
A-d'eps.—Lard. Axungia. Preparedfat of Sus Scrofa. 
Unguentum, lard 4, yellow wax 1 
Ceratum, lard 2, white wax 1. 
either.—Ether. Sulphuric Ether. 
PEth'eris, for pharmacopoeial use only. 
.(Ether For'tior. Sp. gr. .728. Hp s—3h5—3h grm. .25—3.50- 
Spiritus Etheris Co. 3ss—ii, 1.70—7. 
Spt. Etheris Nitro'si. Sweet spirit of nitre. 3ss—iv, X.70—13. 
AFcohol.—Spirit. Rectified spirit of wine. Spiritsofsp.gr 
°f-835- 
Alcoho'lis. No dose assignable. 
Alcohol Dilutum. Equal parts alcohol and water. Sp. gr. 
0.941. 
Alcohol Fortius. Sp. gr. 0.817. 
Spiritus Frumenti. Whiskey, 48-56 per cent, alcohol. 
Spiritus Vini GaPlici. Brandy, 48-56 “ “ “ 
Vinum Porten'se. Port Wine, 30-40 “ “ “ 
Vinum Xer'ricum. Sherry Wine, 20 “ “ “ 
AFcohol AmyFicum.—Amylic Alcohol. Fusil oil. For 
making valerianic acid. 
AFlium. Garlic. Bulb of Allium Sativum. 
AFlii, 3ss—3i, grm. 2.—4. 
Syru'pus AFlii 3i—3ii» 5-—IO- 
AFoe Barbaden’sis.—Barbadoes Aloes. Inspissated juice 
of leaves of Aloe vulgaris. 
Al'ce Capen'sis.—Cape Aloes. Inspissated juice of the leaves 
of Aloe Spicata and other species of Aloe. 
Al'oe Socotri'na.—Socotrine Aloes. Inspissated juice of 
the leaves of Aloe Socotrina. 84 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Aloes Socotrinas, gr. %—x, grm. .03—.60. 
Aloe Purifica'ta, gr. ]/2—x, .03—.60. 
Pilulas Aloes. Aloes and soap aa 2 grs. in each pill, 
Pilulae Aloes et Assafoetidae. Aloes assafoetida and soap aa 
lVs Ers- in pill. 
Pilulae Aloes et Mastiches (Lady Webster's.) Aloes 2 grs, 
mastic and rose aa 2. grs. in each pill. 
Pilulas Aloes et Myr'rhae. Aloes 2 grs., myrrh and aromatic 
powder aa ]/2 gr. in each pill. 
Pulvis Aloes et Canel'las. Aloes 4, Canella 1 part. 
Tinctura Aloes, 3i—ii, grm. 4.—8. 
Tinctura Aloes et Myr'rhae, 3 ss—i, 2.—4. 
Vinum Aloes, 3h 4- 
Suppositoria Aloes, 1 = gr. ii, =.*3 
Althae'a.—Marshmax.low. Root of Alihan officinalis. 
* Extractum Althae'ae Fluidum, 3 i—ii, grm. 4.—8. 
Alu'men —Alum. Ammonia Alum. Sulphate of Aluminium 
and Ammonium. 
Alu'minis, gr. v—3ss, grm. .30—2. 
Alumen Exsiccatum. External use. 
Alumin'ii et Potas'sii Sulphas.—Potassa Alum. 
Alummii et Potassii Sulpha'tis, gr. v—3ss, grm. .30—2. 
Aluminii Sulphas. External use. 
Ferric Alum. See Iron. 
Ammoni'acum.—Ammoniac. A gum-resinous exudation from 
Dos'etna Ammoniacum. 
Ammoni'aci, gr. 10—3ss, grm. .65—-2. 
Emplastrum Ammoni'aci. 
Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrar'gyro, 
Mistura Ammoniaci, §ss— 5 h 15.—30. 
Ammo'nia.—A gas. With- the formula N. H3 
Aqua Ammo'niae, 3i = 5-2 gr- of Ammonia. 
Aqua Ammoniae Fortior. 26 per cent, of gas. External use. 
Linimentum Ammonias. 
Spiritus Ammonias, tt\, x—3 i» grm. .60—4. DOSES, 
85 
Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus, 3ss—3ii, grm. 2.—8. 
Liquor Ammonii Acetatis, 3i— oi, 4-—30. 
Ammo'nii Benzo'as, gr. v—xv, .30—1. 
Ammonii Carbo'nas, gr. ii—x, .15—.65 
Ammonii Chlo'ridum Purifica'tum, gr. i— 3 ss, .06—2. 
Ammonii Ni'tras, j 
Ammonii Sul'phas, ) ‘ P 
Ammonii Valeria'nas, gr. i—v, .06—.30 
Amyg'dala Ama'ra,—Bitter Almond. The kernel of the 
fruit of Amygdalus Communis. Variety amara. 
Aqua Amyg'dalae Ama'ra;, §ss, grm. 15. 
Oleum Amygdalae Amarae, Ttp ■—J, .01—.03 
Amyg'dala DuPcis.—Sweet Almond. Variety dulcis. 
Mistura Amygdalae, as vehicle. 
Syrupus Amygdalae, 3i—s’> grm. 5.—4°- 
Oleum Amygdalae Expressum, 3i—SSS> 3-5°—*4- 
*Amyl Nitris.—The Nitrite of Amyl. 
( gtt. i—x, inhalation. 
Amyl Nitiitis, | j—ijj, internal, grm. .05—.15. 
Am'ylum.—Starch. The fecula of the seed of Triticurn Vul- 
gar e. 
Pulvis Amyli, ) 
* Glyceri'tum Amyli (Br. Ph.) j Exiernal use. 
Angustu'ra.—Angustura. The bark of Galipea officinalis. 
Angusturae, gr. x—3ss, grm. .06—2. 
Infusum Angusturae, §ss—i, 15.—30. 
Ani'sum.—Ani'se. The fruit of Pimpinella Anisum. 
Anisi, gr. x—3ss, grm. .65—2. 
Oleum Anisi, tip i—v, .05—.25 
Spiritus Anisi, 3h 4- 
An'themis.—Chamomile. The flowers of Anthemis Nobilis. 
Anthem'idis, 3ss—3 i» grm. 2.—4. 
*oleum Anthemidis, tip v, .25 
Infusum Anthemidis, 5*—d. 
Antimo'nium.—Antimony. The metal Antimony. 86 
PRESCRIPTION' WRITING. 
Antimonii et Potassii Tartras. Tartar-emetic, gr. il2—v 
grm. 005—.13. 
Emplastum Antimonii, ) 
Unguentum Antimonii, ) 1 Part *n 4’ 
Vinum Antimonii (= grs. ii), Tip v—3>, grm. .30—4. 
Antimonii Ox'idum, gr. i—iii, .06—.20 
Antimonii OxysulphureTum (Kermes 
Mineral), gr. ss—ij, .03—.15 
Antimonii Sulphure'tum, Ph. p. 
Antimohiium SulphuraTum, gr. i—v, .06—.30 
Pil. Antimonii Composite, i=gr. ss Calomel and A. Sulphurat. 
Syrupus Scillae Compositus. Tartar Emet., gr. ito Ji- 
Aq'ua.—Water. Natural xvater in its purest attainable state. 
Aqua Destillata. Distilled water. 
ArgenTum.—Silver. The metal Silver. 
Argenti Ox'idum, gr. ss—ii, grm. .03—.12 
Argenti Ni'tras, gr. i —i, .0x—.06 
Argenti Nitras Fu'sa. External use. 
Argenti CyaiTidum. Ph. p. 
Ar' nica.—Arnica. The flowers of Arnica Montana. 
Extraction Ar'nicae, gr. v—xv, grm. .30—1. 
Tinctura Arnica:. External use. 
Emplastrum Arnicas, part Extract. 
Arsen'icum—The Metal Arsenicum. Not used. 
Acidum Arsenio'sum, arsenic, gr. in—h, grm. .002—.006 
Arsen'ici lo'didurn, gr. in—so, .004—.006 
Liquor Arse'nici Chlo'ridi, lt\, v—x .30—.60 
Liquor Arsenici et Hydrar'gyri 
lo'didi, Donovan's Sol. Tt\, i—x, .05—.60 
Soclii Arsen'ias. 
Liquor Sodii ArsemVtis, Pearsons Sol., TL iii—x. 
Liquor Potassii Arseni'tis, Fowlers Sol., ilf i—x. 
Assafcet'ida.—Assafcetida. A gum-resinous exudation ob- 
tained by incision from the root of Narthex Assafcetida. 
Assafoetidse, gr- v—xv, grm. .30—1. 
Mistura Assafcetida; (milk of A.), 35s—i, IS-—3a DOSES. 
Tinctura Assafoetidae, 3 ss—i. 
Pilulae Assafoetidae, each grs. 3 
Suppositoria Assafoetidae, each grs. 5 
Emplastrum Assafoetidae. 
Auran'tii Ama'ri Cortex.— Bitter Orange Peel. The 
rind of the fruit of Citrus Vulgaris. 
Tinctura Aurantii, 3 i—h, grm. 4.—8. 
Auran'tii Dulcis Cortex,—Sweet Orange Peel. The rind 
of the fruit of Citrus Aurautium. 
Confectio Aurantii Cor'ticis, I . vehicles 
Syrupus Aurantii Corticis, ( 
ft.uran'tii Flo'res.—Orange Flowers. Planners of both kinds 
of orange. 
Aqua Aurantii Flo'rum, 1 
Syrupus Aurantii Florum, ) usee* as ve^c^es- 
*Aurum.—Gold. The metal Gold. API used. 
*Auri Chloridum, gr. -f—r?r, grm- .002—.°°4 
AAuri et Sodii Chloridum, gr. 7-,;—At, .001—.006 
Avenee Pari'na.—Oat Meal. The meal prepared from the 
seeds of Avena Sativa. 
Azed arachj 2d.—Bead-tree. The bark of the root of Melia 
Azedarach, 
*Decoctum Azedarach, § ss—i, grm. 15.—30. 
BaTsamum Peruvia'num.—Balsam of Peru. An empy- 
reumatic liqtiid balsam obtained from Myrospermum Pe- 
ruiferum. 
Earsami Peruvia'ni, 3 ss, grm. 2. Mostly external use. 
Barsamum Toluta'num.—Balsam of Tolu. A semi-liquid 
balsam obtained from Myrospermum Toluifertim. 
Syrupus Toluta'nus, §ss—i, grm. 20.—40, 
Tinctura Tolutana, 3i—ii» 4-—8. 
BaTii Carbo'nas.—Carbonate of Barium. 
Barii Chloridi, Ph. p. 88 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Belladon'nae Fodia.—Belladonna Leaves. Deadly Night- 
shade. Leaves of Atropa Belladonna. 
Tinctura Belladonnae, Tt\, v—xxx, grm. .30—2. 
Extractum Belladonnae, gr. 4—J, .008—.03 
Extractum Belladonnae Alcoholicum, gr. |.OOS,—.03 
Unguentum Belladonnae. 
Suppositoria Belladonnae, 1= grs. y2 of alch. ext. 
Liquor Barii Chloridi, TT\, i—v, grm. .05—.30 
Belladon'nae Radix.—Belladonna Root. Root of Atropa 
Belladonna. 
Extractum Belladonnae RadFcis Fluidum, hll-v, grm. .06—.30 
Emplastrum Belladonnae. 
Atro'pia. 
Atro'piae Sulphas. gr. Ac,—ss, .0003—.0015 
Benzo'inum.—Benzoin. A solid balsam obtainedfrom Tty rax 
Bensoin. 
Acidum Benzoicum, gr. x—xxx, grm. .30—2. 
Ammonii Benzo/as, gr. x—xxx, .30—2. 
Tinctura Benzodni, 3ss—3i> 2.—4. 
Tinctura Benzoin! Composita, 3i—ii, 4-—8. 
Unguentum Benzoini, 3ii of tr. to §i. 
Bismu/thum.—Bismuth. Commercial Bismuth of good quality. 
Not used. 
* Bismu'thi CBtras (soluble), 
Bismuth! Subcarbo'nas, r gr. x—3 i» grm. -3°—4- 
Bismuth! Subni'tras, y 
Bromin'ium.—Bromine. A liquid, non-metallic dement ok 
tainedfrom sea-water. 
Bromin'ii, h\. i—di, grm- -06—,20 
Ammo'nii Bro'midum, gr. v—3i, .30—1.3 
Potas'sii Bromidum, ) . 
* Sodii Bromidum j 4' 
Braye'ra, 2d.—Koosso. The flowers and unripe fruit of 
Brayera A n thelm in tica. 
Bray era;, in powder, § ss, grm. 15. DOSES. 
89 
Bu'chu.—Buchu. The leaves of Barosma Crenata and other 
species of Barosma. 
Extractum Buchu Fluidum, 3ss—3i> grm. 2.— 4. 
Infusum Buchu, § i—ii, 1 —6O. 
Cad'mium.—Cadmium. The metal Cadmium 
Cadmii Sulphas. External use. 
Caffe'a.—Coffee. The seed of Coffea Arabica. 
* Caffei'a, ) 
* Caffeiae Citras, \ SS~n> Brm\ 
Calcium.—C A LCIU M. The metal Calcium. 
Calcii Chloridum, Ph. p. to make. 
Liquor Calcii Chloridi, TT\, xxx—3i> gnu. 2.—4. 
Calcii Phos'phas Praecipita'ta, gr. x—xxx, .60—2. 
Calcii Carbo'nas Praecipitata, gr. x—3 k .60—4. 
Greta, chalk, Ph. to make. 
Creta Praeparata, gr. v—xv, .30—1. 
Trochisci Cretae, 1 = gr. iv. 
Misturae Cretae, §ss, 15. 
Testa Praeparata, oyster shell, gr. v—xv, .30—1. 
Marmor, marble, Ph. p. 
Carbonate of Lime. 
Calx, quick lime. Eschar otic and Ph. p. 
Liquor Calcis, 3i—iv, 4.—16. 
Linimentum Calcis, Liq. Calcis, 8. Oleum Lini, 7. 
Calcis Hydras, Ph.p. to make, 
Calx Chlorina'ta (in sol.), gr. iii—vi, .20—.40 
Calurr/ba.—Columbo. The root of fateorrhiza Palma ta and 
Cocculus Palmatus. 
Extractum Calumbae Fluidum, v—xxx, grm. .30—2. 
Infusurn Calumbae, f, ss—ii, 15.—60. 
Tinctura Calumbae, 3 i—ii, 4-—8. 
Cam'phora.—Camphor. A peculiar, concrete substance, derived 
from Cataphora Ofitcinarum, and purified by sublimation. 
Cam'phone, gr. iii—x, grm. .20—.60 
Oleum Camphorae, i—iii, 05—.20 
Aqua Camphorae, § ss—ii, 15.—60. PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Spiritus Camphorae, 3 ss—i, 2. 4 
Linimentum Camphorae, olive oil, 4, c. 1 
Canel'la.—Canella. The bark of Canella Alba. 
Pul vis Aloes et Canellae, gr. x—xx, grm. .30—.60 
Vinum Rhei, 3 ii—i> 4-—8. 
Can'na,—Canna. The fecula from the rhizome of an unde- 
termined species of Carina- Used as a food, like arrow- 
root. 
Can'nabis America'na.—American Hemp. The flowering 
tops of Cannabis Sativa, cultivated in North America. 
Extractum Cannabis Americans, gr. —l, grm. .016—.06 
CanTiabis In'dica.—lndian Hemp. The flowering tops op 
the female plant of Cannabis Sativa, variety Indica. 
Extractura Cannabis Indicas, gr. %—1/2, grm. .015—.03 
Tinctura Cannabis, PI v—x, .30—.60 
Can'tharis.—Cantharides. Cantharis vesicatoria, Lytta ve- 
sicatoria. 
Tinctura Canthar'idis, P\, ii—v, grm. .12—.30 
Ceratum Cantharidis, ) 
Ceratum Extract! Cantharidis, ) or lste,vlS- 
Charta Cantharidis, Blisterittgpaper. 
Linimentura Cantharidis, 3 i in 5 i- 
Unguentum Cantharidis, 1 in 4. 
Collodium cum Cantharide. For blistering. 
Emplastrum Picis cum Cantharide. “ Warming plaster 
Cap'sicum.—Capsicum. Cayenne Pepper. The fruit of Cap- 
sicum annuum, Capsicum fastigiatum and other species of 
Capsicum. 
Capsici, gr. i—v, grm. .06—.30 
Infusum Capsici, SSS> r5- 
Oleo-Resina Capsici, P\, ss—i, .03—.06 
Tinctura Capsici, Pb x—3i- .65—4 
Car'bo Anima'lis.—Animal Charcoal. Charcoal prepared 
from bone. 
Carbonis Animalis Purificati, as antidote, §ss or more. DOSES. 
91 
Carbo Ligni.—Wood Charcoal. Charcoal prepared from 
wood. 
Carbonis Ligni, 3i— Si, grm- 4-—30. 
Cardamo'mum.—Cardamon. The fruit of Elettaria Carda- 
momum. 
Tinctura Cardamomi 3i—ii, grm. 4,— 8. 
Tinctura Cardamomi Composita, 3i—iv, 4.—16. 
Ca'rum.—Caraway. The fruit of Carum Carui. 
Oleum Cari, Tip ss—v, grm. .03-.25 
CaryophylTus.—Cloves. The unexpanded flowers of Cary- 
ophyllus Aromaticus. 
Infusum Caryophylli, 5SS—ii, grm. x5-—6O. 
Oleum Caryophylli, tip i—v, .05—.30. 
CascariLla.—Cascarilla. The bark of Croton Eluteria. 
Infusum CascarilLe, §ss—Jii, grm. 15.—.60 
Cassia Fistula.—Purging Cassia. The fruit of Cassia Fis 
tula. 
Cassias Fistula;, 3i—ii, grm. 4.— 8. 
Confectio Sennae, 3i—ii, 4-— 8. 
Cassia MarilaiTdica.—American Senna. The leaflets oj 
Cassia Manlandica. 
C.stoTeum.—Castor. A peculiar concrete substance obtained 
from Castor Fiber. 
Tinctura Casto'rei, 3ss—ii, grm. 2.—8. 
Catania.—Catnep. The leaves and tops of Nepeta Cataria. 
* Infusum Catariae, 3i—Sl, grin. 4.—30. 
Cat'echu—Catechu. An extract -prepared principally from 
the wood of Acacia Catechu. 
Catechu, gr. x—3ss, gnu. .60— 2. 
lufusum Catechu Compositum, 5'—ii, 30.—60. 
Tinctura Catechu, 3ss—ii, 2.— 8. 
Ce'ra Fla va.—Yellow Wax. A peculiar concrete substance, 
prepared by Apis Melliflca. 
Cera APba.— Yellow Wax, bleached. 
Ceratum. Wax 1, Lard 2. 92 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Ce'rii Ox'alas.—Oxalate of Cerium. 
Cerii Oxalatis, gr. i—iii, grm. .06—.20 
Ceta'ceum.—Spermaceti. A peculiar concrete substance ob- 
tainedfrom Physeter Macrocephalus. 
Ceratum Cetacei. C. 1, W. Wax 3, Olive oil 5. 
Cetra'ria,—lceland Moss. Cetraria Ilandica. 
Decoctum Cetrariae, 5SS—ii» grm. 15.—60. 
Chenopo'dium.—Wormseed. The fruit of Chenopodium An- 
thelminticum. 
Oleum Chenopodii. Dose for a child, h\, iii—x, grm. .16—.55 
Chimaph'ila.—Pipsissewa. The leaves of Chimaphila Umbel- 
latta. 
Decoctum Chimaphike, §i—iv, grm. 15.—150. 
Extractum Chimaphilae Fluidum, x—3ss, .60— 2. 
Chiret'ta.—Chiretta. The herb and root of Agathotes Chi- 
ray ta. 
Chirettai (inpowder), gr. xx. 
Chlo'ral.—Chloral. Hydrate of Choral. 
Chlora'lis, gr. v—xl, grm. .30—2.50 
•^Croton-Chloral.—Croton Chloral. A chlorated aldehyde 
of Chr atonic Acid. 
Croton-chloralis, gr. ii—vi, grm. .10—.40. 
*Chlorin'ium.—Chlorine. Chlorine Gas. 
Aqua Chlorinii, 3 i ss, grm. 4.—16. 
Liquor Sodae Chlorina'tse, Labarraque's solution, 3 ss—i. 
Calx Chlorinata.—Chloride of Lime. Disinfectant. 
Chloroform'um Vena'le.—Commercial Chloroform. 
Chloroform'um Purifica''tum.—Purified Chloroform. 
Mistura Chloroform'], §ss, grm. 18. 
Spiritus Chloroform!, (1 to 6), Ti\, xx—3i, 1.20—4. 
Linimentum Chloroform!, 3 to 4. 
Chondrus.—Irish Moss. Chondrus Crispus. 
* Decoctum Chondri (3ii to oi), —iv, grm. 30.—120 
Cimicif'uga.—Black Snakeroot. The root of Cimicifuga 
racemosa. DOSES. 
93 
Extractum Cimicifugas Fluidum, 3ss—i, grin. 2.—4. 
Cincho'na.—Cinchona. The bark of all species of the genus 
Cinchona, containing at least 2 per cent, of the proper cin- 
chona alkaloids, which yield crystallizable salts. Varieties 
are 
Cincho'na Flava. Yellow Cinchona. Calisaya Bark. 
The bark of Cinchona calisaya containing at least 2 per 
cent., etc. 
Cinchonae Flava;, in powder, gr. v—xx, grm. .30—1.3. 
Cinchoniae Sulphas, gr. i—xxx, .06—2. 
Extractum Cinchonae Fluidum, IT\, v—xv, .30—I. 
Extractum Cinchonae, gr. ii—xv, .15—x. 
Decoctum Cinchonae Flavae, 
Infusum Cinchonae Flavae, ) 3 i 30, 6o* 
Quiniae Sulphas, gr. i—xxv, .06—1.50 
Pilulae Quiniae Sulphatis, i=gr. i. 
Quiniae Valerianas, gr. i—xx, .06—1. 
Tinctura Cinchonae, 3ss-3ii, 2.—8. 
Cincho'na Pallida.— Pale Bark. The bark of Cinchona 
Condamina and of Cinchona Micrantha : 
Cinchonae Pallidae, in powder, gr. v—xx, grm. .30—1.25 
Cinchona Ru'bra.—Red Bark. The bark of Cinchona Suc- 
cirubra, containing not less than 2 per cent., etc. 
Tinctura Cinchona; Composita, Hux- 
ham's Tincture, 3i—ii» grm. 4.—8. 
Infusum Cinchonae Ru'brae, 1 ~ 
Decoctum Cinchona; Rubrae, J 31 n> 4- • 
* Quinidiae Sulphas, equals Quinice Sulphas. 
Cinnamo'mum.—Cinnamon. The prepared bark of Cinna- 
niomum Zeylanicum and C. Aromaticum. 
Oleum Cinnamo'mi, i—ii, grm. .05—.10 
Tinctura Cinnamomi, I \ jj 4 8 
Spiritus Cinnamomi, ) 
Coc'cus.—Cochineal. The female of Coccus Cacti. 
Cocci (for infant), gr. ]A,—i, grm. .02 94 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
CoFchici Ra'dix.—Colchicum root. The corm of Colchi- 
cum Autunmale. 
Extractum CoFchici Aceticum, gr. ss—ii, grm. .03—.13 
Extractum Colchici RadFcis FI., ii—iv, .10—.25 
Vinum Colchici Radicis, tt\, v—xv, .30—1. 
CoFchici Se'men.—Cochicum Seed. The seed of Colchicum 
Autumnale. 
Extractum Colchici Seminis FI., tip ii—vi, grm. .13—.30 
Tinctura Colchici, 3ss—i, 2.—4. 
Vinum Colchici Seminis, 3ss—i, 2.—4. 
Collo'dium.—Collodion. 
Collodii, \ 
Collodium cum Cantharide. > for external use. 
Collodium Flexile, ) 
Colocyn'this.—Colocynth. The fruit, deprived of its rind, of 
Citrullus Colocynthis. 
Extractum Colocyn'thidis, Ph. p. 
Extractum Colocynthidis Comp. (Colocy. Ex. Aloes and Resin 
of Scammony), gr. ii—xv, grm. .13—I. 
Pilulae Catharticae Composite, 1-3 pills. 
ConTi Folia.—Conium. 'lhe leaves of Conium Maculatum. 
Coni'i Fructus.—Spotted Hemlock. The full-grown fruit 
of Conium Maculatum gathered while yet green and care- 
frlly dried. 
Extraction Conii Fructus Fluiclum, tip x—3 ss. grm. .60—2. 
Extractum Conii Alcoholicum (leaves), 
Tinctura Conii (leaves), > inert. 
Extractum Conii (leaves), ’ 
Succus Conii, leaves, 3ss—ii, 2.—8. 
* ConFa (very active), ITL to—ii, .006—.12 
CopaFba.—Copaiba. The oleo-resin of Copaifera Multijuga 
and of other species of Capaifera. 
Oleum Copaibae, R v~xx, grm. .30—1. 
Pilulae Copaibae, 1 = gr. 4S. 
* Resina Copaibae, gr. v—x, .30—60 DOSES. 
95 
Cop'tis.—Goldthread. Coptis trifolia. 
Coptis, in powder, gr. x—xxv, grm. .60—1.50 
Corian'drum. —Coriander. The fruit of Coriandrum Sati- 
vum. 
Coriandri, in powder, gr. x—3 i, grm. .64—30. 
Cornus Florida.—Dogwood. The bark of Cornus Florida. 
Decoctum Cornus Floridae, §ss—ii, grm. 30.—120. 
Extractum Cornus Floridae FL, 3ss—i, 2. 4 
Creaso'tum.—Creasote. A peculiar substance obtained from 
wood-tar. 
Creaso'ti, K\, i—ii, grm. .05—.10 
Aqua Creasoti, 3i—iv, 4.—16. 
Unguentum Creasoti, I to 16 
Cre'ta.- -Chalk. See Calcium. 
Cro'cus.—Saffron. The stigmas of Crocus sativus. 
Croci, gr. x-xxx. Used as coloring agent. 
Cube'ba.—Cubes. The unripe fruit of Cubeba officinalis. 
Cubebae, in powder, 3ss—3i> grm. 2.—4. 
Extractum Cubebae Fluidum, 3ss—ii, 2.—8. 
Oleoresina Cubebae, ) 
Oleum Cubebae, ) SS’ ’3° 
Tinctura Cubebae, 3ss—ii, gnu. 2.— 8. 
Trochisci Cubebae, i = gtt. i of oleo-resin. 
Cu'prum,—Copper-wire. The metal Copper. 
Cupri Suba'cetas. Verdigris. 
Cupri Sulphas, gr. *—ss, grm. .01—.03 
Cuprum Ammonia'tum, gr. \—i, .01—.06 
Digitalis.—Foxglove. The leaves of Digitalis Purpurea from 
plants of the second year's growth. 
Digatalis, in powder, gr. ss—ii, grm. .03— .20 
Digitali'num, gr. —Ps .00r—.002 
Extractum Digitalis, gr. %—I, .015— .06 
Extractum Digitalis Fluidum, ss—iii, .03— .20 
Tinctura Digitalis (8 = 1 gr.), iv—3ss, .20—1.50 
Infusum Digitalis ( gr.), 3i—§ss, 4.— 15. 96 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Dulcama'ra.—Bittersweet. The young branches of Solatium 
Dulcamara. 
Decoctura Dulcamarae, 5 i—ii> grm- 3°-—60. 
Extractum Dulcamaras, gr. x—xx, .60—1.20, 
Extractum Dulcamarae Fluidum, 3 ss—ii, 2.—8. 
Elate/rium.—Elaterium. Squirting cucumber. A substance 
deposited by the juice of the fruit of Momordica elaterium. 
Elaterii, gr. (Clutterbucks, gr. }4), grm- .015 
Ergo'ta.—Ergot. Spurred Rye. The sclerotium of Claviceps 
purpurea replacing the gram of Secale cereale. 
Ergo'tae, in powder, 3ss—i, grm. 2.—4. 
Extractum Ergotas Fluidum, 3ss—i, 2.—4. 
Vinum Ergotas, 3 ii—iv, 8.—16. 
*Extractum Ergotae [Squibb's), gr. i = gr. v of Ergot. 
*Ergotine, Bonjcan's Extract, gr. v—x, grm. .30—.60 
Erig/eron.—Fleabane. The leaves and tops of Erigeron het- 
erophyllum. 
Erig'eron Canaden'se.—Canada Fleabane. The leaves 
and tops of Erigeron Canadense. 
Oleum Erigeron'tis Canadensis, v—x, grm, .25—.50 
Extractum Erigerontis Canadensis Fluidum, 3i» 4. 
Glo'bulus.— The leaves of Eucalyptus Globulus. 
*Tinctura Eucalypti Globuli, 3ss—ii, grm. 2.—8. 
Eucalypti Globuli Fluidum, 3i—ii> 4-—8. 
*oleum Eucalypti Globuli (Eucalyptol), tr\, v—xx, .30—1.30 
Eupatc/rium.—Thoroughwort. Boneset. The tops and leaves 
of Eupatorium perfoliatum, gathered after flowering has 
commenced. 
Infusum Eupatorii, % i—ii, grm. 30. 60 
Fermen'tum.—Yeast. A peculiar insoluble product of the 
fermentation of malt liquors. 
Fermenti. Has been given in doses of I pint a day. Used for 
poultices with Flaxseed meal. 
Ferrum.—lron. The metal Iron in a pure state. 
Ferrurn Redac'tum, Quevenne' f Iron, gr. ss—iii, grm. .03—.20 DOSES. 
97 
Pil'ula Fern Carbona'tis, Valid's Mass, gr. x—xx, .60—1.30 
Ferri Chlo'ridum, gr. iii—v, .15—.25 
Liquor Ferri Chloridi, ii—x, .10—.60 
Tinctura Ferri Chloridi, Muriated Tinct., v— 3 ss, .30—2. 
Ferri Ci'tras, gr-ii—v, .15—.30 
Liquor Ferri Citra'tis, TTL ii = gr. i. 
Ferri et Ammonii Sulphas Iron Alum, gr. i—ii, .06—.15 
Ferri et Ammonii Ci'tras, gr. ii—v, .15—.30 
Ferri et Ammonii Tartras, gr. v—x, .30—.60 
Ferri et Potassii Tartras, gr. v—x, .30—.60 
Ferri et Qui'nte Ci'tras (sgr.= i Quin), gr. v—x, .30—.do 
Ferri et Strych'nte Citras i%)gr. ii—v, .15—.30 
Ferri Ferrocyan'idum (Prussian blue), gr. iii—v, .20—.30 
Ferri Lactas, gr. ii—x, .15—.60 
Ferri Ox'alas, gr. ii—v, .15—.30 
Ferri Phosphas, gr. ii—v, .15—.30 
Ferri Pyrophos'phas, gr. ii—v, .15—.30 
Ferri subcarbo'nas, gr. v—xv, .30—1. 
Emplastrum Ferri. 
Trochis'ci Ferri Subcarbona'tis, I = gr. 
Mistura Fern Composita, § ss, 15. 
Pilute Ferri Composite, ?—vi, pills. 
Ferri Sulphas, gr. ss—iii, .03—.20 
Ferri Sulphas Exsicca'ta, gr. ss—ii, .03—.10 
Pilate Ferri lo'didi (1 = gr. i, F. lodidi and gr. J, Ferri 
Redacti), 1-3 pills. 
Syrupus Ferri lodidi ( 3 i=gr. vii), flbx—3ss, grm. .80—2.50 
Liquor Ferri Nitra'tis, hi ii—x, .10—.60 
Liquor Ferri Subsulpha'tis, Monsel's Sol., i—vi, .08—.53 
Liquor Ferri Tersulpha'tis. Used in preparing the 
Ferri Oxidum Hydratum, as antidote, §ss,frequently repeated. 
*Liquor Ferri Dialysa'tus ( Wyeth's), ttb xx—3 ij grm. 1.—4. 
Fi'cus.— The dried fruit of Ficus Carica. 
Confectio Sennas, 3i—§ss, grm. 4.—15. 
Fi lix Mas.—Male Fern. The rhizome covered with portiom 
of the stipes of Aspidium filix mas. 98 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Oleoresi'na Fili'cls; tip x— 31, grm. .60 —4 
FcenicTilum.—Fennel. The fruit of Fceniculum dulce. 
Aqua Foeniculi (oil, tip xv—oi), 31—iv, grm. 4.—15. 
Oleum Foeniculi, Tip ii—x, .10—.50 
Gal'banum.—Galbanum. The gum-resin of an undetermined 
plant. 
Gal'bani, gr. x—xx, grm. .60—1.25 
Pilul® Galbani Composit®, l=gr. iss, with myrrh and ossa- 
fcctida. 
Emplastrum Galbani Compositum. 
Galla.—Nutgall. A morbid excrescence upon Quercus infec- 
toria. 
Tinctura Gall®, 31—ii, grm. 4.—8. 
Unguentura Gall®, 1 in 8. 
Gambo'gia.—Gamboge. A gum-resin derived from Garcinia 
morella. 
Gambogi®, gr. i—iii, grm. .06—.20. 
Gaulthe'ria.—Partridge-Berry. The leaves of Gaultheria 
procumbent. 
Oleum Gaultheri®, tip ii—v, grm. .13—.30. 
Gelsem'ium.—Yellow Jasmine. The root of Gelsemium 
sentpervirens. 
Extractum Gelsemii Fluidum, m.v—x, grm. .30—.60. 
Gentia'na.—Gentian. The root of Gentiana lutea. 
Extractum Gentian®, gr. ii—x, grm. .13—.60. 
Extractum Gentian® Fluidum, tip x—xx, .60—1.20, 
Tinctura Gentian® Composita, 31—ii> 4-—8. 
Infusum Gentian® Compositum, § i—ii, 30.—60. 
Geranium.—Cranesbill. The rhizome of Geranium macu- 
latum. 
Extractura Geranii Fluidum, 3 ss—i, grm. 2.—4. 
Glyceri'na.—Glycerine. A colorless, inodorous syrupy liquid 
of a sweet taste, and having the specif, grav. of 1.25. 
Glycerin®, x— 3 i, grin. .So—s. 
Glycyrrhi'za.—Licorice. The root of Glycyrrhizce glabra. 
Glycyrrhizae [in powder), as excipient, for pills. DOSES. 
99 
Extractum Glycyrrhizse, i 
Extractum Glycyrrhizae Fluidum, \ F°r flavorlng- 
G-ossyp'ium.—Cotton. A filamentous substance separated from 
the seed of G. kerbaceum and other species of Gossypium. 
Pyroxylon. Gun Cotton. Th. p. for making Collodium. 
Grana'ti Fructus Cortex.—Pomegranate. The rind of 
the fruit of Tunica Granatum. 
Granati Radicis Cortex.— The bark of the root of Tunica 
Gr ana turn. 
*Decoctum Granati, 5 ss> used. 
Guai'aci Lignum.—Guaiacum Wood. The heart-wood of 
Guaicum officinale. 
Little used; may be given as decoction. 
Guai'aci Resi'na.—Guaiac. A pectdiar resin obtained from 
Guaiacum officinale in various ways. 
Guaiaci Resinas. gr. x—xxx, grm. .60—2. 
Tinctura Guaiaci, _ I 3 SS—ii, 2.-8. 
Tinctura Guaiaci Ammoniata, ) 
Gutta-Percha.—Gutta Percha. The concrete juice of Isonan- 
dra gutta. 
Liquor Gutta-Perchae. External use. 
Haematox'ylon.—Logwood. The heart-wood of 11. Campe- 
chianum. 
Extractum Haematoxyli, gr. x—xx, grm. .60—1.30. 
Decoctum Haematoxyli, 3 i—ii, 30.—60. 
Hedeo'ma.—American Pennyroyal. The leaves and tops 
of Hedeoma Pidcgioides. 
Oleum Hedeomas, Tl\, ii—v, grm. .10—.30 
Helleb’orus.—Black Hellebore. Ihe root of Helleborus 
niger. 
Extractum Helleb'ori, gr. v—x, grm. .30—.60 
Tinctura Helleb'ori, 3i-ii, 4-—8. 
Hor'deum.—Barley. The decorticated seed of Hordeum dis• 
tichoit. 
Decoctum Hordei, used as a drink. 
Hu'mulus.—Hops. The strobiles of Humulus Luhidus. PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Tinctura Humuli, 3h-§i, grm. 8.--301 
Infusum Humuli, ad libitum. 
Lupuli'na, penuder separatedfrom Hops, gr. v—3ss .30—2, 
Tinctura Lupuli'nse, 
Extractum Lupulinse Fluidum, 3ss—3 i, 2.—30. 
Oleoresi'na Lupulinse, n\, v—3 i, .30—4. 
Hydrarg'yrum.—Mercury. A silver-white metal, liquid at 
common temperatures, having a sp.gr. of 13.5. 
Hydragyri, 
Hydrargyrum cum Greta, Gray powder (Hydg. 37 pc.), gr. v— 
xxv, grm. .30—1.50 
Pilulse Hydrargyri, Blue mass mercury. Pill mass or 1 pill 
= 3 gr. Dose 1-2 pills. 
Hydrargyri Chlo'ridum Mite. Calomel, gr. ss-xx, .03—1.30. 
Pilulse Antimonii Composite {see Antimony), Plummer's pills, 
Pilulse Cathart'icse Compositse,* 1-3 pills, 
Hydrargyri lo'didum Vir'ide, Green lodide, gr. J—l .012—.06 
Hydrargyri Chlo'ridum Corrosi'vum, Corrosive Sublimate, gr. 
as—Ts grm. .002—.006. 
Hydrargyri lodidum Ru'brum, AW lodide, gr. -so—Aj -002—.006 
Hydrargyri Cyan'idum, gr. A—l- 
Hydrargyri Sulphas Flava. I'urpeth mineral {as emetic), gr. ii— 
iv, .10-25. 
Hydrargyri Sulphure'tum Rubrum. Cinnabar. As fumigation. 
Preparations for Internal use, 12. 
Preparations for External use only, 13. 
Emplastrum Ammoni'aci cum Hydrarg'yro. 
Emplastrum Hydrargyri. 
Unguentum Hydrargyri, | mercury by weight. 
Hydrarg'yrum Ammonia'tum. 
Unguentum Hydrargyri Ammoniati, gr. xl. to i 
* Contains Calomel, Ext. Jalap aa gr. i, Ex. Colocy Co gr. i%, Gam 
boge, gr. V 4. DOSES. 
►Hydrargyri Oleatum, 6 and 10 per cent. (Squibb's). 
Hydrargyri Ox'idum Rubrum. 
Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Rubri, I in 8. 
Hydrargyri Oxidum Flavum. 
Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Flavi, 1 in 8. 
Unguentum Hydrargyri lo'didi Rubri, gr. xvi. to §i. 
Liquor Hydrargyri Nitra'tis. (Hydga. 3, Nos 5, aq. t) 
(caustic). 
Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis. Citrine ointment. 3. 
No. 7, adip. 33.) 
Hydras'tis.—Hydrastis. The root of Hydrastis Canadensis. 
Extractum Hydrastis Fluidum, 3 ss—ii, grm. 2.—8. 
Hyoscy'ami Folia.—Henbane. The leaves of Hyoscyamus 
niger 
Extractum Hyoscyami (fresh leaves), gr. i—ii, grm. .011—.15 
Extractum Hyoscyami Alcoholicum, gr. J—ii, .011—.15 
Extractum Hyoscyami Fluidum, TH, v— 3 ss, .30— .2 
Tinctura Hyoscyami, 3ss—§ss, 2.—15. 
Hyoscy'ami Semen.—Henbane.— The seeds of Hyoscyamus 
niger. 
Hyoscyamia, gr. i. 
IchthyocoTla.—lsiNGLASS. The swimming bladder of Acipencer 
Huso and of other fishes. 
Ichthyocollse, ad libitum, as food. 
Igna'tia.—lgnatia. The seeds of Strychnos Ignatia. 
Extractum Ignatise, gr. h—i, grm. .01—03 
lodin'ium.—lodine. A bluish-black non-metallic element, ob- 
tained principally f rom the ashes of sea-weeds. 
lodin'ii, gr. ss—i, grm. .01—.06 
Tinctura lodinii Composita, nt ii—x, .12—.60 
Liquor lodinii Comp. (Lugol's Soli), iii—x, .18—.60 
lodofor'mum, gr- i—iii, -°6—.20 
Ammonii lo'didum, gr. v—xx, .30—x.30 
Potassii lodidum, gr. v—3 i, -3°—4 102 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
For External Use Only, 
Tinctura lodinii, §itooi. 
Unguentum lodinii (lodine, 3i; Pot. lod., gr. iv; Lard, Li 
Unguentum lodinii Compositum [lod. gr. xv; Pot. lod., 3 ss; 
Lard, §i. 
Ipecacuan'ha.—lpecacuanha.—The root of Cephcelis Ipecac■ 
uanha. 
Ipecacuanhse [in powder), gr. i—3ss, grm. .06—2. 
Extractum Ipecacuanhse Fluidum, i—3ss, .06—2. 
Pulvis Ipecacuanhse Compositus, gr. x—xv, .30—1. 
Syrupus Ipecacuanhse, 
Vinum Ipecacuanhse, ) Ehxv 3ij> 
Trochisci Ipecacuanhse, I = gr. J. 
Jala'pa.—Jalap. The tuber of Exogonium purga, or of Ipomcea 
jfalapa. 
Jala'pse [inpowder), gr. v—xx, grm. .30—1.30 
Tinctura Jalapse, 3ss—i 2.—4. 
Resina Jalapse, gr. ii—iv, .13—.26 
Pulvis Jalapse Compositus [f I,Pot.Bitart2.)gr. x— 3i, .60—4. 
Ju'glans.—Butternut, The inner bark of the root ofjuglans 
cinerea. 
Extractum Juglan'dis, gr. v—3ss, grm. .30—2. 
Juniperus.—Juniper. The fruit of Juniperus communis. 
Infusum Juniperi, §ii—viii, grm. 50.—500. 
Oleum Juniperi, Eh ii—v> ho—-2S 
Spiritus Juniperi, 3ss—i, 2.—4. 
Spiritus Juniperi Comp., 3 i—iv, 4.—15. 
Kino.—Kino. The inspissated juice of Petrocarpus Marsupium 
and of other plants. 
Kino (in powder), gr. v—3ss, grm. .30—2. 
Tinctura Kino, 3i—ii, 4.—15. 
KrameTia.—Rhatany. The root of Krameria triandra. 
Krameriae, gr. x—xx, grm. .60—1.30 
Tinctura Krameriae, 3i— 5 i -4—30. 
Extractum Krameriae, gr. v—x, ,30—.60 DOSES 
103 
Extractum Krameriae Fluidum, Tip v—3ss, .30—2. 
Syrupus Krameriae, 3 i—iv, 5.—20. 
Infusum Krameriae, § ss—ii 15.—60. 
Lactuca'rium.—Lactucarium. The concrete jmce obtained 
from Lactuca Sativa, by incision and spontaneous evapora- 
tion. L^ettuce-opium. 
Lactucarii, gr. x—3i, grm. .60—4. 
Syrupus Lactucarii, §ss, 20. 
Lavan'dula.—Lavender. The flcnuers of Lavandula vera. 
Oleum Lavandulae, TT\, i—v, grm. .05—.30 
Spiritus Lavandulae, 3ss—i, 2.—4. 
Spiritus Lavandulae Compositus, 3i—iv, 4.—16. 
Leptan'dra.—Leptandra. The root of Leptandra Virginica. 
Leptandrae, gr. x—3i, grm. .60—4. 
*Extractum Leptandrae Fluidum, up x—s i, .60—4. 
Limo'nis Cortex.—Lemon Peel. The rind of the fruit of 
Citrus Limonum. 
Oleum Limonis, 1 
„ . T. . > For flavoring. 
Spintus Limonis, ) 
Syrupus Acidi Citrici, As a vehicle. 
Limo'nis Succus*—Lemon Juice. The juice of the fruit of 
Citrus Limonum. 
Mis. Potassii Citratis {neutral mixture), j ss—ii, grm. 15.—60. 
Syrupus Limonis, As a vehicle. 
Li'num.—Flaxseed. The seed of Linum usitatissimum. 
Oleum Lini, Flaxseed or Linseed oil. 
Lini Farina, Linseed meal. For poultices. 
Infusum Lini Compositum, 5SS—iy> grm. 15.—150. 
Linimentum Calais. Carr on oil. External use. 
wLith'ium.—Lithium. A metal. 
Lithii Citras, gr. v—x, grm. .30—.60 
Lilhii Carbo'nas, gr. ii—x, .13—.60 
Lobe'lia.—Lobelia. Indian Tobacco. The leaves and tops of 
Lobelia inflata. 
• A solution o£ Citric Acid 3 i to oi, is considered as an equivalent 104 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Acetum Lobeliae, H\, v—3 i, grm. .30—4. 
Tinctura Lobelia;, "lv—3i, *3°—4- 
*Lobelinae, gr. ss—i, .03—.06 
Lycopo'dium.—Lycopodium. The sporules of Lycopodium 
clavaium and other species of Lycopodium. 
Lycopodii, External tise and Ph. p. 
Ma'cis.—Mace. The arillus of the fruit of Myristica fragrans. 
Macidis (in powder), gr. x—xv, grm. .60—1. 
Magne'sium.—Magnesium. A metal. 
Magnesii Carbonas, 3ss—§i, grm, 2.—30. 
Magnesia [calcined), 3ss—3 ii» 2.—8. 
Trochisci Magnesia:, 1 = gr. iii. 
Liquor Magnesias Citratis, § ii—xii, 60.—400. 
Magnesii Sulphas. Epsom salts. 3 ii— 3i, 10.—30. 
Mangane'sium.—Manganese. A metal. 
Manganesii Oxidum Nigrum, gr. ii—x, grm. .13—.60 
Manganesii Sulphas, gr. ii—x, .13—.60 
Potassii Permanganas, gr. ss—ii, .03—.13 
Liquor Potassii Permanganatis, 3i—ii 4.—8. 
Man'na,—Manna. The concrete saccharine exudation, in flakes, 
of Fraxinus Ornus, and of Fraxinus rotundifolia. 
Mannas, 3i—§ii, grm. 4.—60. 
Marardta.—Arrowroot. The fecula of the rhizome of Ma~ 
ranta arundinacea. 
Marantse. As food, ad libitum. 
Marru'bium.—Horehound. The leaves and tops of Marru• 
biutn vulgare. 
*Decoctum Marrubii ( §i to Oi), §ss—§ii, grm. 15.—60. 
Mas/tiche —Mastic. The concrete resinous exudation from 
Pistacia Lentiscus. 
Pilulse Aloes et Mas'tiches (Aloes 4, Mastic and Pose da 1.) 
I=gr. ii. 
Mati'co.—Matico. The leaves of Artanthe elongata. 
Extractum Matico Fluidum, 3ss—i, grm. 2.-4. 
Matrica'ria,—German Chamomile. The flower of Matrica 
*ia Chatnomilla. DOSES. 
Mel.—Honey. A Saccharine liquid preparedly Apis mellifica. 
Mel Despuma'tum. As vehicle. 
Matricarias. Same as Chamomile. 
Mentha Piperi'ta.—Peppermint.—The leaves and tops of 
Mentha Piperita. 
Aqua Menthae Piperita:, As vehicle. 
Oleum Menthae Piperitas, h\, i—vi, grm. .05—.40 
Spiritus Menthae Piperitas, TT\, v—3ss, .30—2. 
Trochisci Menthae Piperitae, 1 = olei, h\, i. 
Mentha Virddis.—Spearmint. The leaves and tops of Men- 
tha viridis. 
Aqua Mentha: Viridis, as vehicle. 
Oleum Menthae Viridis, i—v, grm. .05—.30 
Spiritus Menthae Viridis, v—3ss, .30—2. 
Meze'reum.—Mezereon. The bark of Daphne Mezereum 
and of Daphne Gnidium. 
Extractum Mezerei Fluidum. Used in making. 
Unguentum Mezerei. (FI. Ex. 2; Lardy ; Wax 1.) Used 
also in making two compound preparations of Sarsapa- 
rilla. 
Monar'da.—Horsemint. The leaves and tops of Monorda 
punctata. 
Oleum Monardae, tl\, i—ii, grm. .05—.xo 
Mos'chus.—MUSK. A peculiar concrete secretion obtained 
from Moschus Moschiferus. 
Moschi, gr. v—3ss, grm. .30— 2. 
Myris'tica.—Nutmeg. The kernel of the fruit of Myristica 
fragrans. 
Myristica: [in powder), gr. v—xv, gnu. .30— I. 
Spiritus Myristicae, 3 i, 4- 
Oleum Myristicae, i—ii> .05—.xo 
Myrrha.—Myrrh. A gum-resinous exudation from Balsamo- 
dendron Myrrha. 
Myrrhae, in powder, gr. x—3 ss, grm. .60— 2. 
Tinctura Myrrhae, 3ss—i, 2.—4. See Aloes. 
Nectan'dra.—Bebeeru Bark. The bark of Nectandra Rodieu PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Nux Vom'ica.—Nux Vomica. The seeds of Sirychnos Mix 
vomica. 
Tinctura Nucis Vomicse, ii—x, gnu. .12—.60 
Extractum Nucis Vomicre, gr. I—.ol1—.015—.030 
Strychnia and S. Sulphas, gr. —f, .001—.003 
Sulphas, gr. x—3i, grm. .60—4. 
Oleum iEtheTeum.—Ethereal Oil. 
Used in Spiritus Aitheris Compositus. See p. 83. 
Oleum Morrhuse.—Cod-Liver Oil. The fixed oil obtained 
from the livers of Gadus Morrhua and other species of 
Gadus. 
Olei Morrhure, 3i—SSS> grm. 3.50—15.00 
Oleum Olhvse.—Olive Oil. The fixed oil obtained from Olea 
Europoea. 
Olei Olivse, §i—iv, grm. 25.—100. 
Oleum Ric'ini.—Castor Oil. The fixed oil obtained from 
the seeds of Ricinus communis. 
Olei Ricini, 3 ii—5 b grm. 7.00—25. 
Oleum Suc'cini.—Oil of Amber. The volatile liquid ob- 
tained by the destructive distillation of Amber. 
Oleum Succini Rectificatum, R\, v—xv, grm. .30—.80 
Oleum Theobro'mas.—Cacao Butter. The concrete oil of 
the kernels of the fruit of Theobroma Cacao. 
Used for Suppositories. 
Oleum Thy'mi.—Oil of Thyme. The volatile oil obtained 
from Thymus vulgaris. 
Olei Thymi, External use. 
Oleum Tig'lii.—Croton Oil. The fixed oil from the seed of 
Croton Tigliutn. 
Olei Tiglii, n\, ss—hi, grm. .03—.15 
Opium.—Opium. The concrete juice obtained from the unrift 
cap sides of Papaver somniferutn, by incision and sponta- 
neous evaporation. 
Opii {in a powder or pill,) dose, gr. ss—ii, grm. .03—.15 
In the preparation of Opium the amount containing, or cquivcu 
lent to, one grain of Opium is given, and not the dose. DOSES 
Ace turn Opii (Black drop), TT\, vi ss, grm, .42 
Vinum Opii, ttbviii, .50 
Tinctura Opii Acetata, x, .65 
Tinctura Opii {Laudanum), ) 
Tinctura Opii Deodora'ta, ) x”* ’^s 
Tinctura Opii Camphorata [Paregoric), 15. 
Extractum Opii, gr. ss, .03 
Pilulas Opii, Pil. i. 
Pilula Saponis Composita, gr. v, grm. .32 
Pulvis Ipecac. Co. [Dover's powder), 
[O. x, Ip. 1, Pot. Sulph. 8), gr. x, .65 
Confectio Opii, gr. xxxvi, 2.33 
Trochisci Glycyrrhizae et Opii, x. 
Suppositoria Opii, [Ext. gr. ss.) i. 
Suppositoria Plumbi et Opii [Plumb. 
Acetat. gr. iii, Ex. O. gr. ss) i. 
Emplastrum Opii, Ext. Opii 1 in 16. 
Alkaloids of Opium. 
Mor'phia, Ph. p. 
Morphiae Ace'tas, } 
Morphia; Mu'rias, > gr. j about. grm. .01 
Morphias Sulphas, ) 
Liquor Morphias Sulphatis, (gr. i—§i), 3 iss nearly. 6. 
Trochisi Morphiae et Ipecacuanhae, i = gr. f. 
Suppositoria Morphias (Sulph.) I = gr, ss. 
*Codei7a and C. Sulphas, Dose gr. I—i, grm. .015—.06 
*Narceia. 
*Narcotinae Murias, Dose gr. ii—x, .13—.60 
*Papaverina. 
*Apomorphia, Dose for Hypodermic inject, gr. to—,V 
Orig'anum.—Common Marjoram. The herb of Origanum 
vulgare. 
Oleum Origani, fl\, i—iii, grm. .05—.15 
Os.—Bone. Ph. p. 
O'vum,—Egg. The egg of Phasanius Callus. 108 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
*Testa Ovi, shell, \ 
Albumen Ovi, white, >of an egg. Ph. p. 
Vitellus Ovi, yolk, ) 
Papa'ver—Poppy Capsules. The nearly ripe capsules of 
Papaver somniferum. 
Papav'eris. Little used, as decoction or poultice. 
Pareira,—Pareira Brava. The root of Cissampelos Pareira. 
Extractum Pareirae Fluidum, 3 ss—i, grm. 2.—4. 
Infusum Pareira:, §ss—ii, 15.—62. 
Pe'po.—Pumpkin Seeds. The seeds of Ctccurbita Pepo 
Peponis, in emulsion. 3 i—§ii. 
Petroseli'num {2d.)—Parsley. The root of Petroselinum sati- 
vum. 
*lnfusum Petroselini, 5ss—i> grm. 15.-30. 
*Apiol, [in capsules, each gr. iv), I—31—3 capsules. 
Phosphorus.—Phosphorus. A translucent, nearly colorless 
solid, resembling wax. Inflames at 950. 
Phos'phori,* gr. A—A, grm. .0012—.003 
*Tinctura Phosphori {Thompson), 3i = gr. about. 
*Zinci Phosphidum, gr. A—a, grm. .005—.02 
Calcii, ''l 
Sodii, 1 
Potassii, f HyP°PhosPhlsi gr- v~xx> grm- .30—1.30 
Ferri, J 
Phy'sostigma.—Calabar Bean. The seed of Physostigma 
veneosum. 
Extractum Physostig'matis, gr. I—i, grin. .01— .06 
*Eserinae Sulphas, gr. A—A, .001—.006 
Pimen'ta.—Allspice. The unripe berries of Eugenia Pimenta. 
Pimento [in powder), gr. v—3ss, grra. .30— 2. 
Oleum Pimentas, h\, i—iv, .05—20 
Piper.—Black Pepper. The unripe berries of Piper nigrum. 
* There are no officinal preparations of Phosphorus; but at present an 
immense number of preparations are in the market. (See Baitholowand 
Kirby.) DOSES. 
Pil eris, gr. i—x, grm. .06—.60 
Oleoresina Pipens, tt\, ss—ii, .03—.xo 
Pix Burgun'dica.—Burgundy Pitch. A prepared resinous 
exudation from Abris excelsa. 
Emplastrum Picis Burgundic®. 
Emplastrum Picis cum Cantharide, warming plaster. 
Also in 4 other plasters. 
Pix Canaden'sis.—Canada Pitch. {Hemlock.) 
Emplastrum Picis Canadensis. 
Pix Liq'uida.—Tar. The impure turpentine from the wood 
of Finns palustris and of other species of Finns, procured 
by burning. 
Infusum Picis Liquids, §ss—'» grm. 15.—30. 
Glyceritum Picis Liquid®, 3ss—ii, 2.— 4. 
Unguentum Picis Liquid®, I Tar. 
PlunPbum.—Lead. The metal not used. 
Piumbi Ace'tas (Sugar of lead), gr. ss—v, grm. .03—.30 
Suppositoria Piumbi, 1 = gr. iii. 
Suppositoria P. et Opii, i=gr. iii-J-Opii gr. i. 
External Use Only. 
Liquor Plutnbi Subacetatis. Goulard's Extract. 
Liq. Piumbi Subaceta'tis Dilutus, 3 iii to Oi. 
Ceratum Piumbi Subacetatis, Goulard's Cerate, I of Liq. to 6. 
Linimentum Piumbi Subacetatis, Liq. 2, Olive oil 3. 
Piumbi Carbo'nas. White Lead. 
Unguentum Piumbi Carbona'tis, I in 8. 
Piumbi Nitras. 
Piumbi lo'didum. 
Unguentum Piumbi lo'didi, gr. 60 in 3 i 
Piumbi Ox'idum. Litharge. Ph. 
Emplastrum Piumbi. Lead Plaster. 
Also in eleven other plasters. 
Podophyllum.—May Apple. The rhizome of Podophyllum 
peltatum. PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Extractum PodophyFli, gr. v—xv, grm. .30—1. 
Resina PodophyPli, gr.l2—3, .005—.02 
Potas'sium.—Potassium. A metal. 
Potas/sa. Caustic Potash. Caustic. 
Liquor Potassas (§i to Oi) tr\, v—xx, .30—1.3 a 
Potassa Cum Cake, Caustic. 
Potassii Ace'tas, gr. x—3 i, .60—4. 
Potassii Carbo'nas Impura. Pearlash. Ph. p. 
Potassii Carbonas, gr. v—3ss, .30—2. 
Potassii Carbonas Pura, gr. v—3ss, .30—2. 
Potassii Bicarbo'nas, gr. x—3i, .60—4. 
Potassii Bichrom'as, gr. |—ss, .01—.03 
Potassii Tartras, gr. x— 3i, -6o—4. 
Potassii Bitar/tras (Cream of Tartar), gr. v—3 ii, .30—8. 
Potassii et Sodii Tartras [Rochelle salt), 3i—§i, 4-—30. 
Potassii Chlo'ras, gr. v—3ss, .30—2. 
Trochisci Potassii Chlora'tis, 1 = gr. v. 
Potassii Ci/tras, gr. v—3ss, .30—2. 
Liquor Potassii Citra'tis (Cit. Acid, 
§ ss, Pot. Bicarb, gr. 330, aq. Oss), 3 ss, 15.—. 
Mistura Potassii Citradis (Lemon 
juice, O.ss, sat. with Pot. Bicarb.), § ss> 15-—. 
Potassii Ferrocyakidum, Ph. p. 
Potassii Nitras, gr. v—xx, .30—1.30 
Potassii Sulphas [in Dover's powder), 3i—3 ss, 4.—15. 
Potassii Suiphuredum, gr. i—v, .06—.30 
Prunum.—Prunes. The driedfruit of Primus domestica. 
Enters into Confectio Senna. 
Pru'nus Virginia'na.—Wild Cherry. The bark of Cerasus 
serotina. 
Extractum Pruni Virginianas Fluidum, 3ss—i, grm. 2.—4. 
Infusum Pruni Virginianas, 5 ii, 60. 
Syrupus Pruni Virginianas, As vehicle. 
Quas'sia.—Quassia. The wood of Semiruba excelsa 
Extractum Quassise, gr. ss—hi, grm. .03—.20 
Infusum Quassias, §ss—ii, 15.—6a DOSES, 
Tinctura Quassiae, TT\_ xv—3i, grm. I.— 4. 
Quer'cus Alba.—White-Oak Bark, The inner bark of 
Quercus alba. 
Decoctum Quercus Albas, §ss—ii, grm. 15. —6O. 
Qucr'cus Tincto'ria.—Black Oak Bark. The inner bark 
of Quercus Ti7tctoria. 
ResFna.—Resin. The residue, after the distillation of the 
volatile oil, from the turpentine of Finns palustris, and of 
other species of Finns. 
Ceratum Resinae, Basilican ointment. 
Ceratum Resinas Compositum, Decider's salve. 
Emplastrum Resinae, Adhesive plaster. 
Rhe'um.—Rhubarb. The root of Rheum palmatum, and of 
other species of Rheum, from China, Chinese Tartary, and 
Thibet. 
Rhei (in pcnoder), gr. i—3 i, gnu. .06—4. 
Extractum Rhei, gr. v—xv, .30—1. 
Pilulae Rhei, 1 = 3 gr. 
Pilulas Rhei Compositas (R. gr. ii, Aloes, gr. iss), 1-4 pills. 
Pulvis Rhei Compositus (Ginger x, R. 2, Magnesia 6), 3ss, 2. 
Tinctura Rhei, 3i—iv, 4.—16. 
Tinctura Rhei et Sennas {Warner's 
Gout Cordial), 5SS—*i, 15.—60. 
Vinum Rhei, 3i—iv, 4.—15. 
Extractum Rhei Fluidum, h\, i—35, .05—4. 
Syrupus Rhei, § ss—i, 20.—40. 
Syrupus Rhei Aromaticus, § i—ii, 40.—80. 
Infusum Rhei, ii—iv, 65.—150. 
Rosa Centi'folia.—Pale Rose. The petals of Rosa Centifolia. 
Oleum Rosas, For flavoring. 
Aqua Rosas, As vehicle. 
Unguentum Aquae Rosas, Cold Cream. 
Rosa Gariica.—Red Rose. The petals of Rosa Gallica, 
Confectio Rosae, ) 
Mel Rosas, } As vehicles. 112 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Syrupus Rosae Gallicae, } 
Infusum Rosae Compositum (Contains >As Vehicles. 
Sulphuric Acid), ) 
Rosmari'nus,—Rosemary. The leaves of Rosmarinus offici- 
nalis. 
Oleum Rosmarini, i—v, grm. .05—.23 
Ru'bus.—Blackberry. The bark of the root of Rubies Cana- 
densis and Rubus villosus. 
Extractum Rubi Fluidum, 3ss—i, grm. 2.—4. 
Syrupus Rubi, 3 i—ii, 4-—8. 
Ru'ta.—Rue. The leaves of Rufa Graveolens. 
Oleum Rutae, TT\, i—v, grm. .05—.25 
Sabadil'la.—Cevadilla. The seed of Veratrum Sabadilla. 
Veratria, External use. 
Unguentum Veratriae, gr. xx—§i. 
Sabi'na.—Savine. The tops of Juniperns Sabina. 
Sabinae, gr. v—xv, grm. .30—I. 
Oleum Sabinae, Tr\, i—v, .05—.30 
Extractum Sabinae Fluidum, b\, v—xv, .30—1. 
Ceratum Sabinae, Ex. FI. 1 to 4. 
Sac'charum.—Sugar. The Sugar of Saccharum officinarum, 
refined. 
Syrupus, Simple Syrup, ) 
„ „ ... } Used as vehicles. 
Syrupus ruscus, Molasses, ) 
Sac'charum Lactis.—Sugar of Milk. A crystalline sub- 
stance obtainedfrom whey. Used as a vehicle. 
Sa'go.—Sago. The prepared fecula of the pith of Sagus Rum- 
phii and other species of Sagus. Used as a food. 
KSalici'na.—Salicin. A Glucocide, obtained from the bark of 
several species of Salix and other trees. 
Salicinae, gr. v—3ss, grm. .30—2. 
Sal'via.—Sage. The leaves of Saliva officinalis. 
Infusum Salvia:, § ss— 5 ii, use as gargle. 
Sambu'cus.—Elder. The flowers of Sambucus Canadensis. 
*Decoctum Sambuci, §i— 3 ii, grm. 30.-60 DOSES. 
Sanguina'ria. Bloodroot. The rhizome of Sanguinaria 
Canadensis. 
Tinctura Sanguinariae, ) 
Acetum Sanguinariae, ) xv 3ss, grm. 1. 2. 
San'talum.—Red Saunders. The wood of Pterocarpus san- 
talinus. Used as a coloring agent. 
Santon'ica.—SANTONlCA. The unexpanded flowers of Arte- 
mesia Cina. 
Santoni'num, gr. i—v, grm. .06—.30 
Trochisci Santonini, 1 = gr. ss. 
Sap' o.—Soap. Soap made with Soda and Olive oil. 
Ceratum Sapo'nis. 
Emplastrum Saponis. 
Linimentum Saponis. As a vehicle for liniments. 
Pilula Saponis Composita, gr. v = opii gr. i. 
SarsapariPla.—Sarsaparilla. The root of Smilax offici- 
nalis and of other species of Smilax. 
Extractum Sarsaparillae Fluidum, 3ss, grm. 2.—4. 
Extractum Sarsaparillae Fluid. Comp., 3i, 4. 
Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositus, 3 ii—3 i, 8.—30. 
Decoctum Sarsaparillae Compositum, §ii—iv, 60.—120 
Sas'safras.—Sassafras. The bark of the root of Sassafras 
officinale. 
Oleum Sassafras, Tip i—v, grm. .05—.25 
Sas'safras Meduriae.—Sassafras Pith. The pith of the 
stems of Sassafras officinale. 
Mucilago Sassafras Medullas, As collyrium and drink. 
Scamrao'nium.—Scammony. A resinous exudation from the 
root of Convolvulus Scammonia. 
Scammo'nii, gr. v—xv, grm. .30—1. 
Resina Scammonii, gr. ii—x, .13—.60 
Scilla.—Squill. The bulb of Scilla Maritima. 
Scillae, gr. ss—ii, grm. .03—.13 
Acetum Scillae, Ttpv—3ss, .30—2. 
Tinctura Scillae, Tip v—3ss, .30—2. 
Syrupus Scillae, 3ss—i, 2.—4. PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Syrupus Scillae Compositus, Hive 
Syrup (Tart. Emet. gr. iin 3 i), Tip v— 3 ss, grm. .30—2. 
Extractum Scillae Fluidum, Tip ss—ii, .03—.13 
Pilulae Scillae Compositae, 1-3 pills. 
ScopaVius.—Broom. The tops of Sarothamnus Scoparius. 
*Decoctum Scoparii (B. Ph.), §ss—i, grm. 15.—30. 
SerPega.—Seneka. The root of Polygala Senega. 
Extractum Senegas, gr. i—v, grm. .06—.30 
Extractum Senegas Fluidum, Tip x—xxv, .60—1.60 
Syrupus Senegas, 3i—ii, ( 5.—10. 
Decoctum Senegas, sss~~b 15.—30. 
SerPna.—Senna. The leaflets of Cassia acutifolia and other 
species of Cassia. 
Gonfectio Sennas, 3i—ii, g™. 30.—50. 
Extractum Sennas Fluidum, 3ss—ii, 2.—8. 
Infusum Sennas, §ss—iv, 15.—120. 
Serpenta'ria.—Virginia Snakeroot. The root of Aristolo- 
chia Serpentaria and of other species of Aristolochia. 
Extractum Serpentarias Fluidum, § ss—i, grm. 2.—4. 
Tinctura Serpentarias, 3i—ii, 4-—8. 
Infusum Serpentarias, §ss—ii, 15.—60. 
Se'vum.—Suet, The prepared suet of Ovis Aries. 
Sevi, Ph. p. only. 
Sina'pis Alba.—White Mustard. The seed of Sinapis Alba. 
Sina'pis Nigra.—Black Mustard. The seed of Sinapis Nigra. 
Charta Sinapis, Four inches square. 
Sc/dium.—Sodium. The metal. 
Soda. Caustic Soda. Caustic. 
Liquor Sodas (5/3 %of Soda), np v—xv, grm. .30—1. 
So'dii Carbo'nas (largely for Ph. p.), gr. v—x, .30—.60 
Sodii Carbo'nas Exsiccata, Ph. p. 
Sodii Bicarbo'nas, gr. v—3ss, .30—2. 
Pulveres Effervescentes. Soda powders. 
Pulv. Efferves. Aperientes. Seidlitz powders. (White paper, 
35 Srs‘ Arid Tart. Blue, 40 grs. Sodii Bicarb, and 120 
grs. Rochelle salts), Dose 1-2. DOSES. 
Trochis'ci Sodii Bicarbonatis. 
Sodii Ace'tas, gr. x—3 b grm. .60—4. 
Sodii Bo'ras. Borax. gr. v—3ss, .30—2. 
Mel Sodii Bora'tis, 1 to 8. ) 
Glyceritum Sodii Bora'tis, Ito 4. ) External use- 
Sodii Chlo'ridi. Salt. As e7netic. 3 ss—ii, grm. 25.—60. 
Sodii Nitras, Ph. p. 
Sodii Phosphas, gr. xx—§ii, 1.30—60. 
Sodii Sulphas. Glauber's salt. ss—i, 15,—30. 
Spige'lia.—PiNKßOOT. The root of Spigelia Marilandica. 
Spige'liae, 3 i, grm. 4. 
Extractum Spigeliae Fluidum, 3ss—ii, 2.—3. 
Extractum Spigeliae. et Sennae Fluid., 3h—SSS> 8.—16. 
Infusum Spigeliae (for child), 3 ii—§ss, 8.—16. 
Spiritus Myr'ciae.—Bay Rum. The spirit obtained by distilling 
rum with the leaves of Mynia aeris. 
Stat'ice.—Marsh-Rosemary. The root of Statice Limonmm. 
Infusion or decoction, as gargle. 
Stillin'gia.—Yan, or Queen’s Root. The root of Stillingia 
sylvatica, 
Stillingiae, gr. x—3ss, grm. .60—2. 
Extractum Stillingiae Fluidum, TIL x—3ss, .60—2. 
Stramo'nii Folia, et Semen.—Stramonium Leaves and 
Seeds. The leaves and seeds of Datura Stramonium. 
Extractum Stramonii Foliorum, gr. I—i, gnu. .016—06 
Extractum Stramonii Seminis, gr. £—i, .01—.03 
Tinctura Stramonii, ho v—xx> >3°—1-3° 
Unguentum Stramonii, Extract 3i in 
Sty'rax.—Storax. A balsam prepared from the bark of Liqtu- 
dambar orientale. 
Used in Tr. Benzoini Comp. 
Surphur.—Sulphur. Brimstone. 
Sulphur Sublima'tum. Flowers of Sulphur. 
Unguentum Sul'phuris. S. Stib. I, Lard 2. 
Sulphur Lotum. Washed Sulphur. 
S. S. washed with water. 3i—ii» gnu. 4.—8, PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Sulphur Prsecipita'tum. Milk of Sulphur. 3 i—iii, grm. 4.—12. 
Sulphuris lo'didum. 
Unguentum Sulphuris lodidi, 3ss to §i. 
Taba'cum.—Tabacco. The commercial dried leaf of Nicotiana 
Tabacum. 
Infusum Taba'ci [as ene?na), § ss—iv, grm. 15. 
Oleum Tabaci, Not used. 
Vinum Tabaci, Tib v—3l, *30—4. 
Unguentum Tabaci, Watery Ext. of 35s of leaves to Lard, §i. 
Tamarind'us.—Tamarind. The preserved fruit of Tama• 
rindus Indica. 
Used for making a drink and for Confection of Senna. 
Tapio'ca.—Tapioca. The fecula of the root of fanipha Mani- 
hot. 
Used as food. 
Tarax'acum.—Dandelion. The root gathered in the autumn 
of Taraxaaim Dens-leonis. 
Extractum Taraxaci, gr. xx— 3ij gnu. x .30—4. 
Extractum Taraxaci Fluidum, 3 i—ii, 4.—8. 
Succus Taraxaci, 3i—iv, 4.—16. 
Infusum Taraxaci, 51—iv> 30.—12°- 
Terebinth'ina. Turpentine. The concrete olco-resin ob- 
tained from Finns palustris and from other species 0/ 
Pimis. 
Oleum Terebinth'inae. The volatile oil distilledfrom Turpen- 
tine, called Spirits of Turpentine. Kb x— § ss, grm. 
•SO—IS- 
Linimentum Terebinthinae. See Resina. 
Tragacan'tha.—Tragacanth. A gummy exudation from 
Astragalus verus, etc. 
Tragacanthae (in powder), ) 
Mucilago Tragacanthae, ) sveuces. 
Ulmus.—Slippery Elm. The inner bark of Ulmusfulva. 
Ulmi, As cataplasm. 
Mucilago Ulmi, As drink. 
Uva Passa.—Raisins. The driedfruit of Vitis vinifera. DOSES. 
Uva Ursi.—Bearberry. The leaves of Arctostaphylos Uva 
Ursi. 
Extractum Uvas Ursi Fluidum, 3i—ii, grm. 4.—8. 
Decoctum Uvae Ursi, 5SS—i>> 15.—60. 
Valeria'na.—Valerian. The root of Valeriana officinalis. 
Oleum Valeria'nae, TT\, ii—x, grm. .10—.55 
Extractum Valarianae, gr. x—3i .60—4. 
Extractum Valarianae Fluidum, 3 i, 4. 
Tinctura Valarianae, 3i—ii, 4.—8. 
Tinctura Valarianae Ammoniata, 3i—ii, 4.—8. 
Infusum Valarianae, 33s—iv, 15.—120. 
Acidum Valerianicum {oily liquid], gr. i—iv, .05—.25 
Vanil'la.—Vanilla. The prepared unripe fruit of Vanilla 
aromatic a. 
Used as flavoring in troches. 
Vera'trum Album.—White Hellebore. The rhizome oj 
Veratrum album. 
Not used. 
Vera'trum Vir'ide.—American Hellebore. The rhizome 
of Veratrum viride. 
Extractrum Veratri Viridis Fluidum, i—v, grm. .06—.30 
Tinctura Veratri Viridis, Tt\, ii—vi, .13—.40 
TincturaV. V. {Norwood.) Same as officinal Tiiictura. 
Veratria. See Sabadilln. 
Zincum.—ZlNC. A bluish-white metal. 
Zinci Gx'idura Venale, Ph. p. 
Zinci Oxiclum, gr. i—v, grm. .05—.30 
Unguentum Zinci Oxidum, gr. 80 in 3L 
Zinci Ace'tas, Astringent. 
Zinci Chlo'ridum, Caustic and astringent. 
Liqaor Zinci Chk/ridi, External use. 
Zinci Caroo'nas Praecipita'ta, Ph. h. 
Ceratum Zinci Carbona'tis, 80 gr. in 3i. 
Zinci Sulphas. White vitriol. Emetic, gr. x—xx, grm .60—1.30 
Zinci Valeria'nas, gr. ss—ii, .03—.13 
Zin'giber.—Ginger. The rhizome of Zingiber officinale. 118 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Zingib'eris, gr. v—xv, gnu. .30—1. 
Oleoresina Zingiberis, lip ss—ii, .03—.10 
Extractum Zingiberis Fluidum, bp v—xv, .30—1. 
Tinctura Zingiberis, tip xx—3 i, 1.30—4. 
Syrupus Zingiberis, As a vehicle. 
Infusum Zingiberis, 5SS—i’> 15.—60. 
Trochisci Zingiberis, 1 = tip ii of Tincture. 
The following drugs and preparations were omitted from 
their places in the previous list. 
Gossypii Hadicis Cortex.—Bark of Cotton Root. The 
bark of the root of Gossypium herbaceum and other 
species of Gossypium. 
Extractum Gossypii Radicis Fluidum, 3 ss.—i. grm. 2—5. 
Oleum Berga'mii.—Oil of Bergamot. The volatile oil ob- 
tained from the rind of the fruit of Citrus Limetta. 
Olei Bergamii. Used as aperftune in ointments. 
Oleum Cajuputi.—Oil of Cajuput. The volatile oil ob- 
tained from the leaves of Melaleuca Cajuputi. 
Olei Cajuputi, HI i.—v, grm. .05—.30. 
*oleum Sanlali Albi.—Sandalwood Oil. The volatile oil 
obtained from the wood of Santalnm Album. 
Olei Santali Albi, TT[ v.—xv, grm. .25—I. 
Terebinth'ina Canadensis.—Canada Turpentine, or, Bal- 
sam OF Fir. The liquid oleo-resin obtained from the 
Albies balsamea. Ph. p. 
Trochisci Acicli Tannici, I = gr. i. 
AquaAnisi, Aqua Cinnamomi, As vehicles. 
Pulvis Aromaticus, gr. x—xx, grm. .75—1.50. 
Confectio Aromatica, As a vehicle. 
Ferri Sulphure'tum, Ph. p. 
Mistura-Glycyrrhizse Composita, Brown Mixture, 3 ii—§ ss. 
Extractum Jalapre, gr. v—x, grm. .25—.75 
Unguentum Potassii lodidi, 3iin § i. THE METRIC SYSTEM. 
CHAPTER VIII. 
THE METRIC SYSTEM. 
Besides the system of weights and measures used 
in the Pharmacopoeia, there is another system, 
alread}'’ alluded to, which has many advantages pecu- 
liar to itself; and which is now coming into such 
general use, that an acquaintance with it is neces- 
sary to every educated physician. 
I refer to the so-called French or Metric System. 
This system has as its unit the Meter (= 39.37 in- 
ches), which is the ten-millionth part of the distance 
from the pole to the equator. From this as a basis, 
all other measures and weights are formed. The 
system is arranged on the decimal scale ; that is, all 
the divisions are connected by the multiple ten, in 
exactly the same way as the coins in the U. S. Mon- 
etary system. The names given to the different 
divisions and multiples of the unit are formed in 
each case by a certain prefix, derived from the Latin 
or Greek, which is placed before the name of the 
unit. They are PRESCRIPTION WRITf.MI. 
For Subdivision. 
Latin 
Midi (from Mille) indicates the ToVo of the unit, 
Centi ( “ Centum) “ “ T-J-g “ “ “ 
Deci ( “ Decern) “ “ “ “ “ 
For Multiplication. 
Deca (from Asxa) indicates 10 times the unit. 
Hecto ( “ 'Exarov) “ xoo “ “ “ 
Kilo ( “ X'hoq) “ 1000 “ “ “ 
Myria ( “ Mupuiq) “ 10,000 “ “ “ 
Greek 
The Units.* 
Weight 
Gram. 
Length 
Meter. 
Surfaces 
Are. 
Cubic Capacity 
Liter. 
It is the custom in all countries where the metric 
system is used, in writing prescriptions to express all 
quantities by weight, fluids as well as solids being 
expressed in this way. We have only to do then 
with the gram and its decimal divisions, that being 
the name given to the unit of weight. 
A Gram is the weight of one cubic centimeter of 
water at 40 C. f. The subdivisions of the gram are 
the Milligram, Centigram, and Decigram. 
* 1 have adopted the terms meter, etc., according to the recommend- 
ation of the Boston Metric Bureau. This has been done also by Profs. 
Stille and Maisch in the new National Dispensatory. Recently Prof. 
Oldberg has done the same. It certainly is more “ English,” than 
Gramme, etc., besides being more convenient. 
f Water is taken at this tempeiature, because it is then at its great- 
est density 4° c 39° Fahr. THE METRIC SYSTEM. 
I Gram = the weight of I C.C.* of water at 40 C., written 1. 
1 Decigram = iV of a Gram “ . I 
1 Centigram = ibb “ “ “ .01 
1 Milligram = tobb “ “ “ .001 
In practice the decigram is disregarded, and 
every thing expressed in terms of grams and centi- 
grams ; in the same way as we disregard our dimes 
and express every thing in terras of dollars and 
cents. The milligram is commonly used when we 
have to do with a certain number of tenths of a 
centigram alone ; in the same way as we use the 
term mill. 21.146 grams would generally be read 
21 grams, i 4T6o centigrams ; or, as we would say in 
terms of dollars and cents, $2l and cents. It 
might also be read 21 grams, 146 milligrams. This 
is merely a matter of habit. The decagram, hecto- 
gram and kilogram are not used in prescriptions, 
simply the number of grams being expressed. 
In writing prescriptions for solids then, we have 
only to knowr the dose in terms of grams, and the 
whole affair becomes very simple. The mathemati- 
cal calculation being practically the same as when 
the apothecaries weights are employed, only simpli- 
fied by the use of the decimal system. 
Let us suppose, for example, that we desire to write 
for some pills, each one to contain Aloes .05 Gm., f 
Ferri Sulphas .10, Ext. Belladon .015. Following out 
the rule given in a previous chapter we should have : 
t Gm. is the symbol for grams, adopted in the U. S. Marine Hospital 
Service. The number should always precede the sign. 
* C.C. is the sign for cubic centimeter. 122 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
pfc. Gramma. 
Aloes Purificatm .50 
Ferri Sulphatis 1. 
Ext. Belladonnae .15 
M. Divide in pilulas decem. 
In writing in this system we must of course do 
away with the inconvenient Roman numerals, and 
use the common Arabic characters. In countries 
where the metric system is in full force, it is not cus- 
tomary to use any sign or symbol for grams ; it being 
understood always that grams are meant. In this 
country, however, it is necessary for the present in 
order to prevent confusion, that the word Gramma, 
contraction for the Latin Grammaria, should be 
written out in full, over the column of figures, as in- 
dicated above. It has been suggested that prescrip- 
tion paper should be ruled in the same way as our 
account books are ruled, with a line to separate dol- 
lars and cents. This would prevent any mistakes 
from misplacing the decimal point. 
If now we desire to put a fluid into 
our prescription, an element is at once introduced, 
which may cause very considerable confusion. We 
direct the apothecary to dispense all medicines by 
weight, but our patients, not having any scales and 
weights at hand, must continue to divide out the 
doses, as of old by volume, viz. ; by the traditional 
teaspoonful, etc. Now a given bulk, say x. C.C. of 
Chloroform weighs nearly double the same volume THE METRIC SYSTEM. 
123 
of Ether; so that the relations between a given 
weight of fluid and a teaspoonful change with the 
specific gravity of the fluid. This fact must be con- 
stantly borne in mind, in calculating the total bulk 
of the mixture. A teaspoonful or fluid drachm of 
water weighs 3.75 grams, while a fluid drachm of 
Chloroform weighs nearly 5.50, and a fluid drachm 
of Ether only 2.80. Most of the officinal liquid prep- 
arations, which are intended for internal administra- 
tion, such as the liquors, dilute acids, waters, etc., 
do not materially differ in bulk from the same weight 
of water: in other words, their specific gravity is the 
same. This also applies to the tinctures which are 
made with diluted alcohol, and to most of the fluid 
extracts. 
The spirits, the tinctures made with alcohol,* and 
the fixed and volatile oils, are somewhat lighter ; so 
that the same weight is a little more bulky.f This 
difference is so slight, being only 10 centigrams 
in each cubic centimeter, or TVth, that it mdy gen- 
erally be disregarded ; unless the bulk of a mix- 
ture is composed of them. In that case TVth less by 
* There are the Tinctures of Aconite, Aloes and Myrrh, Asjafoetida, 
Benzoin, Benzoin Comp., Canaibs, Castoreum Guiac, lodine, lodine 
Comp., Lupulin, Myrrh, Nux Vomica, Tolu, Veratrum Viride and 
Ginger. Total, 16. 
t The specific gravity of a few of the fluid extracts differs very ma- 
terially from that of water. From data furnished by my friend, Dr. Ed- 
ward Squibb, I have computed the following: Squills 1.250, Liquoricet 
1.160, Wild Cherry 1.140, Aconite root, 928, Ginger, 849, Cubeb, 816. 
These are the most striking variations. 124 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
weight will give the same bulk as the same weight of 
water. 
This leaves only a few substances or preparations 
which can cause any difficulty; they are Ether, 
the Compound Spirits of Ether, the Spirits of Nitric 
Ether, Glycerine, the Syrups and Chloroform. 
Stronger Ether has a specific gravity of .728, so that 
3 parts by weight occupy about the same space as 4 
parts by weight of water. It should be remembered, 
however, that when mixed with equal parts of water 
it loses -|-th its bulk. The specific gravity of Spts. 
.dither Co. is .815 and of Spts. ./Ether Nitrosi .837, 
so that 4 parts by weight of either occupies about 
the same space as 5 parts of water. In Glycerine 
the specific gravity is 1.25, so that the relation of 
weight to volume is as 5:4; the Syrups, specific 
gravity of 1.317, have the relation of 4:3 ; and 
Chloroform, having the specific gravity of 1.48, is 
nearly as 3:2. 
In prescribing then, if we wish to get a bulk of any 
of these drugs equivalent to that of a given weight 
of water, we must order by weight of 
Spirits, Tinctures and oils, T\ or less 
Stronger Ether, f “ \ “ 
Spirit of Nitric Ether, ) k u 1 (( 
Comp’d Spirit of Ether, I 
Glycerine, - | “ \ more 
Syrups, | | “ 
Chloroform, f “ \ “ 
than the 
weight of 
the same 
bulk of 
water. THE METRIC SYSTEM. 
If the weight is given and we wish to estimate 
the bulk, then we must use the fractions in the first 
column, but itiverted. If for instance we wish to 
make up a prescription already containing 50 grams 
to a bulk equivalent to 100 grams of water {lOO C.C.) 
by the addition of glycerine, then we must add not 
50, but 60 (f of 50) grams of the glycerine. If on 
the other hand we have a prescription containing 50 
grams of glycerine, and we desire to make up the 
bulk to 100 C.C. by the addition of water, we must 
count the glycerine as only 40 C.C. (f of 50), and 
consequently add 60 grams of water. 
The difficulties which these computations involve 
are more apparent than real. Ether and its com- 
pound spirit are almost never prescribed as parts of 
a mixture, being generally ordered alone, or at most 
mixed with a considerable bulk of water, in which 
they may be counted as of equal specific gravity. 
Chloroform also is rarely prescribed except alone, or 
as part of a mixture for external application, it being 
generally ordered for internal administration in the 
form of the spirit which differs little in sp. gr. from 
water. The difference in the case of sweet spirit 
of nitre is so slight, that for small quantities* it may 
be disregarded. The same is true in the case of the 
spirits, tinctures and oils. This leaves only glycer- 
ine and the syrups; and a very little practice will 
enable the prescriber to make the proper allowance, 
for these two preparations. *Salts in solution may be 
regarded as about the equivalent of to their 
* See note, page 142. 126 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
weights of water (Maisch). This need only be 
taken into account when relatively very large quanti- 
ties are ordered. 
The following illustrations will aid in under- 
standing these rules. Suppose it is required to 
write for a mixture to contain in each tablespoon- 
ful dose, Acid. Phosphor, Dil., .60 ; Spts. Chloro- 
formi, .60 ; Tr. Ferri Chlor., ,50, and Infus. Quassias, 
as a vehicle. Here as before we must first decide 
on how large a mixture is desirable. Bottles can now 
be had which hold exactly 25, 50, 100, 200, etc., 
cubic centimeters, so that it is much better and more 
in consonance with the metric system, more “ metri- 
cal,” if we may be allowed the expression, to regulate 
the bulk of our prescriptions according to these 
bottles, instead of the old-style bottles, and so drop 
all appearance of a dependence on the old system. 
As the dose in the example before us is large, we 
may order a large mixture, say 200 grams. As a 
tablespoon holds about 20 grams (of water), this will 
give just 10 doses. Hence we shall have 6 gm. each 
for the acid and spirit; 5 gm. for the tincture, and 
then the mixture can be ordered to be made up to 
200 gm. or C.C., by the addition of the infusion, thus ; 
ty. Gramma. 
Acid. Phosphor. Dih, 
Spiritus Chloroform!, ad 6. 
Tr. Perri Chlor., 5. 
Infus Quassise, ad 200. 
M. Sig.—Dose, one tablespoonful. THE METRIC SYSTEM. 
127 
The form of writing with ad* is not generally ap- 
plicable to the metric system, but may be used when 
all the ingredients are fluids, and of the same specific 
gravity. 
As another example, let us write for a liniment, 
to contain equal parts of Tr. of Belladonnas, Tr. of 
Aconite Root, Chloroform and Glycerine. The proper 
amount for a liniment is generally 100 grams. We 
should order then 25 of each of the tinctures, 38 
(25 + of 25) of Chloroform and 30 (25 + of 25) 
of Glycerine, thus : 
Ip'- Gramma. 
Tinct. Aconiti Radicis, 
Tinct. Belladonnae, aa 25. =5O C.C. 
Chloroform! Purificati, 38. =25 “ 
Glycerin®, * 30. =25 “ 
100 
Sig.—For external use only. 
The true amount of the Chloroform would be 
37.50, but in cases where the fraction is small, and 
in cases of inert substances in large quantities, it is 
customary to “ round off,” and either not to take 
notice of the decimals at all, or if they come to five 
or more to make it up to the unit. 
Again, suppose a mixture is desired which will 
contain Quin. Sulpb. .20 and Tr. Ferrri. Chlor. .60, in 
a dose, with oil of peppermint to flavor it, and 
* It has been suggested that the pharmacist might be ordered, 
after having weighed all the other articles and put them in, to 
make up the whole mixture to a certain bulk, or number of cubic 
centimetres. This plan has its advantage, and has been adopted 
by some. It will apply to any mixture. 128 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
glycerine and water as vehicles. If a mixture of 
the amount of 100 grams is decided upon, there will 
be just 20 doses, as a teaspoon holds about 5 
grams.* This will give 4. of quinine and 12. of 
iron; .05 to each 25. is quite enough of the oil, 
which gives, say, .20 for the mixture of 100. The 
proper amount of glycerine would be one-half of the 
remainder by bulk. If we count the quinine as 3. 
in bulk, and disregard the oil, this would leave just 
85 C. C. to be filled up, which would be done by 
50. (40 + 5 of 40) of glycerine and 45. of water. 
ty. Gramma. 
Quiniae Sulphatis, 4. 
Tr. Ferri. Chloridi, 12. 
01. Menth. Pip., .20 
Glycerinae, 50. 
Aquae, 45. 
M. Sig.—One teaspoonful three times a day. 
To illustrate the use of preparations lighter than 
water, let us take the following ; 
Write for a mixture to contain in each dose of a 
tablespoonful, Potas. Acetat, .60 ; Spts. yEther Nit., 
.80 ; Tr. Scillae, .25, and the rest Infus. Scoparii. 
Taking the quantity desired as 200 grams, there 
would be 10 doses, which would give 6. for the 
potash, 8. for the nitre, and 2.50 for the squills. In 
estimating the bulk we must count the sweet spirit 
* This is nearer the truth than the fiction that a teaspoon holds just a 
drachm or 4 grams. Teaspoons, of course, vary very much, but most of 
those of modern make hold only a little more than 5, C.C. THE METRIC SYSTEM. 
129 
of nitre as 10. (f of 8), which would give a total of 
18, leaving 182 grams of the infusion. 
Iy. Gramma. 
Potas. Acetat, 6. 
Spts. Nit. 8. 
Tr. Scillce, 2.50 
Infus. Scoparii, 180. 
TU- Sig.—Dose, a tablespoonful. 
A more difficult example is as follows :—Write 
for a mixture to contain, Chloroform, .30, and Fluid 
Ext. of Wild Cherry, .70, in a teaspoonful dose. 
One-fourth of the whole to be of Glycerine and the 
rest of Syrup of Tolu. We will choose 50 grams as 
the total, giving just 10 doses. Multiplying this and 
rounding off we have 3. for the chloroform and 7. 
for the fl. ext. For the glycerine we should have, 
say 15 (f of 12.50=15.60). This would give a bulk 
of 2. (C. C.) for chloroform (f of 3.), 7. for the 
fluid extract, and 12. for the glycerine (f of 15), 
total, say 20. To make up the bulk to 50. (C.C.) 
then, we want a bulk of syrup the equivalent of 30 
grams of water, or about 40. of 30 = 40) grams. 
R. Gramma. 
Chloroformi Purificati, 3. 
Ex. Pruni. Virgin. FL, 7. 
Glycerinse, 15. 
Syr. Tolutani, 40. 
M. Sig.—Dose, one teaspoonful. PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
The Metric in its Relations to the Apothe- 
caries System. 
Thus far nothing has been said of the relations 
which the metric system bears to the system of 
weights and measures used in the Pharmacopoeia. 
The object has been to teach the student to write 
in the new system independently of the old; to 
think in it; to use it as a system complete in itself 
and not merely as a periphrase of the other. The 
student who begins in this way, and who learns the 
doses in both systems, will never meet with the 
difficulties which are opposed to the progress of 
the practitioner, or the student who has already 
familiarized himself with the old way only. For the 
sake of the latter class there are here appended rules 
for the conversion of either system into the other. 
Conversion of Apothecaries weights and measures into 
grams. For all practical purposes it may be con- 
sidered that one gram is equal to 15 grains Troy 
(more exactly 15.432). Therefore we get the fol- 
lowing approximations :* 
Gr. i. == .06 Grams, exactly .06479 
3i. = 1.30 “ “ 1.2958 
3i. =4. “ “ 3-8874 
Si.t =3l. “ “ 31-103 
* In changing to quantities under 5 grs. the grain may be con- 
sidered as equal to .06, but in larger quantities it is much better to 
consider it as .065. If this is not done in very large quantities the 
error becomes quite considerable. 
t The Avoirdupois ounce is equal to 28.35 grams. THE METRIC SYSTEM. 
So that in changing from the old into the new we 
should put .06 for each grain, 4. for each drachm, 
and 31. for an ounce. 
From these facts may be very easily deduced the 
following 
Rules * for Expressing Quantity by Weight of 
the Apothecaries System in Metric Terms. 
Rule A.—Reduce the quantity to grains and divide 
by 15, The quotient is in each case the number of 
grams representing (nearly) the same quantity. 
Rule B.—Reduce each quantity to drachjns and 
multiply the number by q. The product is in each 
case the numbei of grams representing (nearly) the 
same quantity. 
Rule C.—Reduce each quantity to ounces and multiply 
the number by ji. The product is in each case the 
number of grams, representing (nearly) the same 
quantity. 
In changing fluid measures to grams we may employ 
the same rules to get results accurate enough for all 
practical purposes. But if greater exactness is 
required it must be remembered that one gram of 
water measures about 16 minims (exactly 16.231), con- 
sequently (one fluid ounce of water weighing 455.7 
grs.), we have, 
* Fourth Annual Report of the Surgeon General, 1877, with 
modifications. PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
i = .06 Grams, exactly .0616 
if. 3 = 3.75 “ “ 3.696 
if-5 = 30. “ “ 29.576 
In changing we may put .06 for each minim, 3.75 
for each drachm, and 30. for each fluid ounce, pro- 
vided of course that the specific gravity is the same, 
or nearly the same as that of water. The rules on 
the previous page would then apply to fluids if we 
substitute minims for grains, fluid drachm for 
drachm, and fluid ounce for ounce, and also, where 
greater exactness is required, substitute 16 for 15, 
3.75 for 4, and 30 for 31. 
If the specific gravities differ much from that of 
water, due allowance must be made according to the 
rules already given. 
As a means of ready reference, to save the trouble 
of applying the rules, the following table, prepared 
by Prof. Maisch, will be found of value. Ether, 
Chloroform, the two extremes, are hardly included in 
the list, unless for small quantities, where the errors 
would be immaterial. (See opposite page). 
A few examples will illustrate the application of 
these rules. Take, for instance, the prescription on 
page 54 to be converted into the metric system, 
and we should have by the application of rule A the 
following:— 
B. Gramma. 
Ext. Nuc. Vom., gr. vi. = .40 
Pulv. Scammon., gr. xii. = .80 
Pulv. Aloes, THE METRIC SYSTEM. 
133 
TABLE FOR CONVERTING APOTHECARIES WEI OH IS AND 
MEASURES INTO GRAMS. 
Troy 
Weight. 
Metric 
Apothecaries 
Measure. 
Grams 
for Liquids. 
Lighter* 
than water. 
Spec. Grav.t 
of water. 
Heavier!; 
than water 
Grains. 
Grams. 
s1* 
.001 
1 Minims 
.055 
.06 
.08 
?5 
•0015 
2 
. IO 
.12 
•'5 
2(5 
.002 
3 
.16 
.18 
•24 
25 
.003 
4 
.22 
.24 
• 32 
.004 
5 
.28 
•30 
.40 
.005 
6 
.32 
•36 
.38 
ft 
.006 
7 
.38 
•42 
•55 
Ji 
.008 
8 
•45 
.50 
.OIO 
9 
.50 
•55 
•73 
yi 
.oro 
IO 
•55 
.60 
•So 
% 
,02 
15 
• SO 
.72 
.96 
A 
I 
•03 
16 
.90 
I.OO 
1-32 
.065 
20 
1.12 
1.25 
1.60 
2 
• *3 
25 
1.40 
i-55 
2.00 
3 
.20 
30 
I.70 
1*9© 
2.50 
4 
.26 
35 
2.00 
2.20 
2.9O 
5 
•32 
40 
2.25 
2.50 
3-30 
6 
•39 
48 
2.7O 
3.00 
4.00 
8 
.52 
5° /r „ , N 
2.80 
3-12 
4.15 
IO 
.65 
60 (f 5 i.) 
3-40 
3-75 
5.00 
i5,„., 
I.OO 
72 
4.00 
4-5° 
6.00 
20 ( «9l») 
1.30 
SO 
4.50 
5.00 
6.65 
24 
1.50 
90 
5.10 
5.60 
7-50 
26 
1.62 
96 
5-40 
6.00 
8.00 
30 
1.95 
IOO 
5.60 
6.25 
8.30 
40 
2.60 
120 
6-75 
7 5° 
10.00 
5° 
3*20 
160 
Q.OO 
10.00 
13-30 
60 ( S 1.) 
3*9° 
180 
Io. 10 
11.25 
15.00 
120 ( 3 ii.) 
7.80 
240 (£ 3 ss.) 
>3.50 
115.00 
20.00 
ISO 
I 1.65 
f 3 v. 
16.90 
18.75 
25.00 
240 
>5-5° 
f 3 vi. 
20.25 
22.50 
30.00 
300 
19.40 
f 3vh. 
23.60 
26,25 
35.°° 
360 
23.30 
f 3 1- 
27.00 
30.00 
40.00 
420 
27.20 
f 3 ii- 
54- 
60.00 
80.OO 
480 
31 • io 
f 3 iii. 
81.00 
90.00 
120.00 
3 n- 
62.20 
f 3 iv. 
10S.00 
120.00 
160.00* 
3 iv. 
124.40 
f 3 v. 
135.00 
150.00 
200.00 
!i vi. 
l86.60 
f 3 vi. 
162.00 
iSo.OO 
240.00 
0 viii. 
248.80 
f 3 viii. 
216.00 
240.00 
320.00 
* Lighter than water are tinctures, spirits, Comp’d Spts. of Ether, Sweet 
Spirit of Nitre, and fixed and volatile oils. .Ether fortior is not included. 
+ Same as water are waters, liquids, decoctions, infusions, most fluid ex- 
tracts and tincture made with dilute alcohol. (Compare page 123.) 
t Heavier than water are syrups, glycerine, a few fluid extracts and 
chloroform, which is hardly included. PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Pulv. Rhei, dd gr. ix. = ,60 
Alcohol, q.s. q.s. 
M. Div. iu Pil. xii. 
Again, take the mixture on page 59. 
R. Gramma. 
Quin, Sulphat, gr. xvi. 1. 
Strych. Sulphat, gr. ss. .03 
Acid. Hydrochlor, Dil., rt\,. Ixxx. 5. 
Tr. Zingiberis, 3 ii. 7.50 
Tr. Card. Co., 3 iiss. g.50 
Syrupi, § ii. 80. 
Aquam, ad 5 iv. 40. 
M. Sig. Dose, a tablespoonful. 
Here the 16 grains may very correctly be rounded 
off into one gram ; as one gram is .06 one-half will 
be .03 ; 80 minims will be 80 divided by 16 or 5. ; 
two fluid ounces would be just 7.50 and two and a 
half would be 9.50. ; the two fluid ounces of syrup 
would be |of6o = 80. The total of these is 82, 
viz., 5 -j- 7.50. -j- 9.50. -(- 60., and would leave 38. 
of water. The 80. grams of syrup would count in 
bulk, it must be remembered, the same as two ounces 
of water, that is, as 60. In translating formulae a 
sufficiently accurate result is arrived at, and a true 
decimal or metric prescription is produced, by con- 
sidering each grain as equalling .05 Gm., and each 
ounce 25. Gm. While the relative proportions are thus 
pretty accurately preserved the translation is facilh 
tated. THE METRIC SYSTEM. 
Metric Weights. 
Exact Equivalents 
in grains 
Approximate 
Equivalents in 
grains. 
•ooi = .0154 = 
.002 .0308 3*2- 
.003 .0463 Jg 
.004 ,0617 T^g- 
.oos .0771 i*ar 
.006 .0926 -JI]- 
.007 ,1080 
.008 .1234 i 
.009 .1389 \ 
•ox .1543 i 
.02 .3086 J- 
. 03 .4630 
.04 .6173 I 7! 
•°s -77x7 I 
.06 .9260 
.07 1.0803 I 
.08 1.2347 l£ 
.09 1.3890 
•xo 1.543 xi 
.20 3.086 3 
.30 4.630 4£ 
.40 6.173 6 
•5° 7-7x7 7 i 
.60 9.260 9 
.70 10.803 11 
.80 12.347 12\ 
.90 13-890 14 136 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Metric Weights. 
Exact Equivalents 
in grains. 
Approximate. 
Equivalents in 
grains. 
1.00 = 15-432 = IS 
2.00 30.864 3ss 
3.00 46.296 3ii 
4.00 61.728 3 i. 
5.00 77.160 3iv. 
6.00 92-592 3 iss. 
7.00 108.024 3vss. 
8.00 123.456 3ii, 
9.00 138.888 3vii. 
10.00 154.320 3iiss. 
The Advantage of the Metric System. 
The question will be very certain to arise in the 
mind of every student: What are the advantages of 
the Metric System, and will it pay to learn, and to 
use it ? 
The latter question may be very readily answered, 
in part at least, in the affirmative. It certainly will 
pay every medical student to thoroughly master and 
familiarize himself with this system. For there can 
be very little doubt that, within the natural life-time 
of every one, who, from this time forth, shall study 
medicine, the Metric System will be the “law of the 
land,’’ and its use compulsory. The great progress 
which it has made in the last ten years, and the pres- 
ent steadily increasing interest in the subject, fully 
warrant this statement. THE METRIC SYSTEM. 
If this is to be the case, then the period of 
student life, before the old style has become ground 
in by long use, has become a second nature, as it 
were, is the time most fitted for its reception. 
That it should be learned to the exclusion of the old 
method is certainly not advisable. The two should 
be studied side by side, neither to the exclusion of 
the other. Another reason why it should be learned 
is that it is fast coming into use in American medical 
literature, and is the only style found in any foreign 
literature except the English. 
Those who accustom themselves to its use will 
find it so much simpler that they will doubtless pre- 
fer to use it altogether. This can now be done in 
most of our large cities, where the best pharmacists 
are supplied with the requisite weights, as is con- 
stantly done by a number of our New York and by 
many Boston physicians. In the country or in small 
places where the physician must dispense his own 
drugs, there is nothing to hinder its use and every 
thing in its favor, the method of dispensing, espe- 
cially in the case of fluids, is so much simpler and 
neater as to recommend itself at once. Perhaps a 
few hints on this point may not be out of place. Put 
the bottle in the scale and balance it with shot, a 
dish of which can be always kept handy, then put in 
one of the desired weights, pour in the preparation 
until it balances, then another and so on. When 
done in this way there is no waste, no dirty graduates 
to wash ; and a very little practice will enable the PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
dispenser to make up the prescription in this way, 
with an exactitude unattainable by the old mixed 
system of weights and measures. 
There are certain inherent advantages which the 
Metric System possesses. In the first place it is a 
decimal system. We all of us appreciate the ad- 
vantages of decimals from our familiarity with it in 
our monetary system. We would be very loth to go 
back to the complicated English system of pounds, 
shillings and pence. Again, it uses the Arabic in- 
stead of the less familiar and less convenient Roman 
numerals. It does away with the symbols of the dif- 
ferent units, and thus reduces the chances of mis- 
takes from carelessly made signs. It also gives a 
like unit for both solids and fluids. Again, “it 
provides denominations of weights applicable to the 
smallest quantities which the physician or pharmacist 
can be called upon to prescribe or dispense ; the old 
grain being by far too large a unit for the measurement 
of the alkaloids and glucosides which modern chem- 
istry has added to our Materia Medica.” * Another 
advantage is derived from the convenience in alter- 
ing formulae, when it is desirable to change the 
quantity of the active ingredients, the quantity of 
the menstrum and dose being the same | Other ad 
vantages are, that there is here a nomenclature which 
is self-defining and expressive of values, and that the 
base of the whole system is unalterable. 
* Dr. T. B. Curtis, Boston, Med. Surg. Jl., Dec. 6, 1877. 
t E. Wigglesworth, Louisville “ Med. News,” April, 1878. THE METRIC SYSTEM. 
139 
Another very considerable gain to be derived from 
the adoption of the Metric System, by the profession 
as a whole, is the uniformity thus secured. Our 
present system is uniform with none, not even with 
the English, for the English weights and measures, 
while having the same names as ours, have quite dif- 
ferent values, as has already been explained. On 
the other hand the Metric System has been adopted 
by nearly all the different countries on the continent 
of Europe, and in America by Mexico and by many 
of the South American Republics, so that its adop- 
tion would bring us into agreement with nearly the 
whole civilized world. 
Another advantage which we cannot enjoy in full 
until our Pharmacopoeia is arranged in conformity 
with the decimal system, is the appreciation of quan- 
titative ratios in different formulae and the resulting 
preparations. Let us take Fowler’s Solution (T. B. 
Curtis), as prepared according to the formula of the 
French Codex. It contains Arsenious Acid, 5 
grams ; Carbonate of Potassium, 5 grams ; distilled 
water, 500 grams ;of Alcohol, 15 grams. When 
fully prepared, and after boiling, it weighs just 500 
grams and thus contains one hundreth of its weight of 
arsenious acid. Of course the amount of acid in any 
given weight of liquid is easily recognized ; very 
much more so than in our own officinal prepara- 
tion. 
The adoption of the Metric System should involve 
another and more radical change than the mere sub- 140 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
stitution of one series of weights for another. In 
every country where it has been adopted, it is cus- 
tomary to weigh not only solids but fluids as well. 
The adoption of the gravimetric in place of the pres- 
ent mixed volumetric and gravimetric method, should 
go hand in hand with the adoption of the Metric 
System. While this would at first tend to introduce 
some considerable confusion, it would, on the whole, 
be a very great gain. It would secure greater ac- 
curacy in dispensing, and when once learned would 
be found more simple and convenient than the 
method now in use. The difficulties have already 
been explained and illustrated. It is to be regretted 
that in the U. S. Marine-Hospital Service this was 
not done when the Metric “System was introduced. 
That the gravimetric method is necessarily a part 
of the French system is not, of course, maintained. 
There are metric measures bearing a fixed and con- 
venient relation to the weights, which might very 
well be used. But the gravimetric method has so 
many inherent advantages that it would be far better 
when making a change to make it complete. This 
“ method is the one employed by all nations using 
the Metric System, and it is of the highest import- 
ance to avoid courting a disagreeable notoriety by 
an affected and purposeless singularity based upon 
indolence and selfishness.”—( Wiggtesworth.) THE METRIC SYSTEM. 
141 
The following tables, although but little used in prescription 
writing, will be found of use to those interested in the subject. 
In order to accustom one’s self to metric measure it will be well 
to remember that the U. S. “ nickel ” five-cent piece weighs 
five grams, and is two centimeters in diameter. 
Metric Measures of Length, 
1 Millimeter o.ool= .039 inches. 
1 Centimeter 0.01 = .393 “ 
1 Decimeter 0.1 = 3.937 “ 
1 Meter 1. =39.370 “ =3.28 feet=i.i yards, 
I Kilometer 1000. = .62 miles. 
I Inch =25.4 Millimeters. 
1 Foot = .3048 Meters. 
1 Yarcl=.gi44 “ 
1 Mile =1,61 Kilometers. 
Measure of Capacity. 
I Milliliter = 1. C.C. =f 3 .27 
1 Centiliter = 10. “ =f 3 2.70 
I Deciliter = 100. “ =f § 3.38 
1 Liter =lOOO. “ =2.1 Pints=.264 Gal. =.n Pecks. 
I Hectoliter =2.8 Bushels. 
I Fluid Drachm = 3.7 C. C. 
1 “ Ounce =29.57 “ 
1 Pint = .473 Liters. 
1 Gallon =3-78 “ 
1 Peck =B.B 
1 Bushel =35- “ PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Measures of Surface. 
I Centiare— i Sq. Meter = 10.7 Sq. Ft. 
1 Are = 100 “ Meters—ll9.6 Sq. Yds. 
1 Hectare =lO,OOO “ “ = 2.47 Acres. 
I Decistere = .1 Cubic Meter =3.5 Cubic Feet. 
1 Stere = I. “ “ =35.317 Cubic Feet. 
I Decastere =xo. “ “ =l3. Cubic Yards. 
Solid Measure. 
Temperature. 
36° Centigrade ..... 96°.8 Fahrenheit. 
37° ..... 98°.6 
38° “ i 00°.4 “ 
390 “ 1020.2 “ 
40° “ 104°. “ 
41° “ i 05°.8 
420 “ i 07°.6 “ 
Cent. 
Fahr. 
Cent. 
Fahr. 
i° = i°.B 
2° = 30.6 
3° = s°-4 
4°# = 7°.2 
5° = 9°- 
6° = 10. c 8 
7° = 120.6 
8° = X4°-4 
Q° = 16°.2 
To change C. into F., use the table and add 32. To change 
F. into C., subtract 32 and use the table ; or, multiply C. by 
1.8, add 32 =F. 
Note.—To test the influence of Salts in solution on bulk, the following 
experiments were made : 4 grams of certain substances were dissolved in 
10 c.c. of water, or, in the case of Quinine, dilute acid and the increase in 
bulk of the solution noted, with the following results ; Pot. lodid. increase 
1.2, c.c. Pot. Bromid. 1.2, Pot. Carb. 1.4, Pot. Bicarb. 1.5, Pot. Cit. 1.7, 
Am. Bromid. 1.9, Ferri. Sulph. 2, Chloral 2.2, Ferri. Am. Cit. 2,2, Pot. 
Acetat. 2.3, Am. Carb. 2.4, Sach. Alb. 2.4, Am. Chlorid. 3., Quin. Sulph. 
3.1. For these experiments lam indebted to Mr. Joseph Clowry, Asst, 
Apothecary to the N. Y. Dispensary. See page 125. MEDICINAL. COMBINATIONS. 
CHAPTER IX. 
MEDICINAL COMBINATIONS. 
The tendency in modern therepeutics is unques- 
tionably towards simplicity in prescriptions. Few 
modern formulas contain more than one or two 
active agents. To give as little medicine as possible 
is a rule popular with a large and very influential 
part of the profession. Without seeking to trace out 
the causes of this tendency, may we not well ask if 
there is not danger of its often carrying us too far. 
Is not this simplicity sometimes gained at the ex- 
pense of our patients, and if so, is it not sometimes 
due to an ignorance both of the action of remedies, 
and of the proper methods of combining them. 
There can be no doubt but that a judicious combina- 
tion will often produce effects for good, which might 
be sought in vain from the use of any one remedy 
alone. From these considerations we feel justified 
in introducing this chapter in a book on prescription 
writing. 144 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Every writer on this subject for the last fifty years 
has drawn largely from the writings of Dr. John 
Ayrton Paris. His method of presenting the sub- 
ject is so clear and perfect that it has never been 
improved upon. Like several others, I shall content 
myself with giving a fair and full abstract of Dr. 
Paris’ teachings. 
The objects which Dr. Paris* declares are to be 
sought in combining medicines may be considered 
under five heads. 
i. To Promote the Action of the Basis. 
A. By combining the several different forms or prep- 
arations of the same substance.—As when an infusion 
is strengthened by the addition of a fluid-extract or 
tincture, in cases where all the active principles are 
not soluble in the same vehicle; Digitalis maybe 
taken as an example, all the active principle not 
being soluble in water. Another example is Brown- 
Sequard’s “ epilepsy mixture,” where two bromides 
are combined. 
B. By combining the basis with substances which are 
of the same 7iature.—That is substances which are in- 
dividually capable of producing the same effect but 
with less energy than when combined. This is but 
the law laid down by Dr, Fordyce, “that a combina- 
tion of similar remedies will produce a more certain, 
speedy and considerable effect than an equivalent 
dose of any single one.” Many illustrations of this 
rule might be given ; for example, the combination 
* Paris Pharmacologia, ist Am. Ed. MEDICINAL COMBINATIONS. 
of chloral and bromide of potassium is more certain 
as an hypnotic than either one alone. This rule is 
very generally followed in the case of cathartic 
medicines, particularly those of the more active class. 
Not only is the combination in this case more active 
but it is also more manageable and less liable to 
irritate. Some cathartics, like Gamboge, are never 
given alone. The class of Diuretics is another in 
which great advantages are to be derived from com- 
binations. Their uncertain powers are thus rendered 
much surer. Aromatics also are very generally com- 
bined, when their special action alone is sought. 
Nearly all “carminatives” have a large number ot 
ingredients. Expectorants also are very generally 
combined in the same prescription as in the famous 
“ Stoke’s Expectorant.” 
C. By combining with the basis substances of a dif- 
ferent nature, which do not exert any chemical influence 
upon it, but in some unknown way increases Us power. 
—A commonly given example of this is the increased 
diuretic power of Squills when combined with Calo- 
mel. The combination of Opium, Capsicum and 
Quinine to break an intermittent, and other examples, 
will readily suggest themselves. 
2.—To Correct the Operation of the Basis by 
Obviating any Unpleasant Effects it might 
BE LIKELY TO OCCASION AND WHICH MIGHT PRE- 
VENT its Intended Action, 
A. By chemically neutralizing or mechanically separnk 146 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
ing the offending ingredients.—Scammony may be de- 
prived of its acrimony by triturating it with milk 
and other substances, by trituration with mucilage, 
barley water, etc. 
B. By adding some substance calculated to guard, 
against its deleterious influence.—For instance,the oxide 
of zinc is recommended for some forms of diarrhoea, 
but if it meets with an acid in the stomach, the re- 
sulting compounds may be very irritating. To pre- 
vent this it is exhibited in combination with an 
alkali. The dilution of strong alcoholics, and other 
irritants, by water or other suitable diluents, is an- 
other ready illustration. The constipating effect of 
Opium may be obviated by Aloes, while the un- 
pleasant after effects may be greatly reduced by 
Belladonna. The griping tendency of most purga- 
tives may be prevented by a combination with aro- 
matics. The same tendency in Senna is overcome 
by exhibiting it with a saline, as in the “ Black 
Draught.” 
3. To Obtain the Joint Action of Two or More 
Medicines. 
A. By uniting medicines which are calculated to pro- 
duce the same ultimate results, but by modes of operation 
totally different.—The combination of members of 
the different classes of cathartics is sufficiently 
familiar. Some act by increasing peristalsis, others 
by preventing absorption, and others by increasing 
the secretions, and yet all produce the same ultimate MEDICINAL COMBINATIONS. 
147 
results when combined. The same is true in the 
case of emetics. Some act directly on the stomach 
and some on the nerve centers. If severe and cer- 
tain emesis is desired it can best be obtained by a 
simultaneous exhibition of members of each group. 
The combination of Buchu and a salt of Potash in 
the uric acid diathesis is also a good example of the 
advantages to be derived from combinations of this 
kind. 
B. By combining medicines which have entirely dif- 
ferent powers, and which are required to obviate differ- 
ent symptoms, or to assume different indications.—Under 
this head will come the greatest number of medi- 
cinal combinations. The desire to combat many 
different symptoms by a multitudinous combination 
have often led to ridiculous excesses. There are 
several prescriptions by Huxham extant which con- 
tain 400 substances each. What the effect of such 
an incongruous mixture can be is hard to imagine. 
A happy medium, which, while not failing to take 
advantage of the great good which may be obtained 
from a judicious combination, does not run into ex- 
tremes, is what is to be aimed at. It is not the mul- 
tiplicity of small shot, some of which may hit the 
mark it is true, which does the greatest execution, 
but the well directed rifle-ball. In proportion as a 
prescription is complicated so are its chances of 
failure multiplied. Each ingredient should be added 
with a clearly fixed and determinate idea of what its 
operation will be and what the indications aie. 148 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
Nothing should be put in without a clearly defined 
purpose in the mind of the prescriber. 
In combining remedies having different powers, 
care must be exercised that no two things are put 
together which exert directly opposite physiological 
or therepeutic action. 
4. To Obtain a new Active Remedy not Afford- 
ed by any Single Substance. 
A. By combining medicines which, when combined. 
produce an effect not produced by either alone.—The 
well-known effect of Dover’s Powder in producing a 
powerful diaphoretic action, an action not excited in 
any such degree by either of its components alone, 
is a very good example of the object. The number 
of such combinations is however limited. 
B. By combining substances which have the property 
of acting chemically upon each other ; the result of which 
is the formation of new compounds.—This can be il- 
lustrated by several examples drawn from the officinal 
preparations. The mixture Ferri Comp, or the Pil. 
Ferri Comp, in which the Sulphate of Iron is con- 
verted into a carbonate by the action of the Carbon- 
ate of Soda or Potash. Yellow and Black Wash are 
also examples under this head. The combination of 
Hydrochloric Acid and Ammonia gas, by which nas- 
cent chloride of ammonium is produced, is some- 
times used as an inhalation. MEDICIN.AI COMBINATIONS. 
149 
5. To Afford a Convenient and Agreeable 
Form. 
Various considerations should influence us in 
selecting the form for a remedy. The remedies 
which are suitable for the various forms of pills, mix- 
tures, draughts, etc., has already been pointed oui. 
Care should be taken to have the form as agree- 
able both to the sight and taste as its nature and the 
good of the patient will permit. At the same time 
the caprice of a patient should not influence us un- 
duly in the choice of a remedy. That which, in the 
opinion of the writer, will do the most good should 
be written for and its form rendered as pleasing and 
attractive as circumstances will allow. 
In the choice of a vehicle that one should be 
selected whose effect will be likely to correspond 
with the intention of the other ingredients. 
The following sentence from Dr. Paris contains so 
much of sense and wisdom that I reproduce it here. 
“The perfection of a medicinal prescription may be 
defined by three words; it should be Precise (in its 
directions), Concise (in its construction), and Decisive 
(in its operation). It should carry upon its very face 
an air of energy and decision, and teach intelligibly 
the indication which it is to fulfil. It may be laid 
down as a proposition which is not in much danger 
of being controverted, that where the intention of a 
medicinal compound is obscure its operation will be im- 
becile.” PRESCRIPTION WRIUNO, 
CHAPTER X. 
INCOMPATIBILITY. 
The subject of incompatibility is one which is al* 
together too little understood and to which too little 
attention has hitherto been paid. The reason is, 
perhaps, that no successful attempt has been made 
to bring this subject into a small compass, and to 
educe the general laws which govern it. Long lists 
of so-called incompatibles are to be found in most 
of the reference books, but they are often imperfect, 
and while it is manifestly impossible to commit them 
to memory, they cannot always be at hand for refer- 
ence. With the aid * of an accomplished Chemist 
and Pharmacist, there is here presented a short and 
concise review of the subject which it is to be hoped 
will remove many of the difficulties and render it 
easily understood and remembered. 
Under the general term “ Incompatibility,” in pre- 
• The introductory and concluding sentences excepted, this chapter 
was composed almost entirely by my friend Mr. Fred. Hoffmann, Ph. D. INCOMPATIBILITY. 
151 
scriptions, may be understood the association of rem- 
edies in the formulating of prescriptions in such a 
mode as to produce 
2.—Mixtures whose component parts undergo, at 
once or in a short time, a chemical change, losing 
or altering thereby their original properties, and 
forming new compounds which may lessen, destroy, 
or otherwise modify their therapeutical and physio- 
logical action, or give rise to the formation of dan- 
gerous or explosive compounds, or 
x.—Unsightly, disagreeable and noxious mixtures. 
3.—To combine remedies of an antagonistic thera- 
peutical effect. 
As instances of the first kind of incompatibles may 
be mentioned the association of oils, balsams, resins 
or resinoids or their alcoholic solutions, as also of 
chloroform, wfth water or aqueous solutions or vice 
versa ; of the second class the unintentional associa- 
tion of alkaline hydrates and carbonates with free 
acids, or with solutions of metallic salts; the combi- 
nation of powerful oxidizers like peracids and perox- 
ides, with readily oxidizable and combustible substan- 
ces, for instance, potassium chlorate or permangan- 
ate with vegetable powders, tannin, sugar, sulphur 
and sulphides, and with glycerine, alcohols, alcoholic 
tinctures and ether; of strong nitric, nitro-hydro- 
chloric, and chromic acids with oils, alcoholic and 
other fluid or solid organic substances ; and of the 
third class, the combination of an opiate with a ca 
thartic when the effect of the latter is intended. PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
While the first mentioned kind of incompatibles 
in prescriptions, generally, is of less consequence and 
in many cases, can be overcome or improved by the 
knowledge, skill and proper judgment of the phar- 
macist, the latter two, in all common cases, cannot 
well be modified unless by the prescriber, or with his 
consent, and therefore, will pass to his credit and 
responsibility. This is particularly the case, and of 
too frequent occurrence with the so-called chemical 
incompatibles, and requires on the part of both pro- 
fessor and students, and of practitioners, due consid- 
eration. It is, however, not alone the comparatively 
small amount of an average familiarity with the com- 
mon solubilities and solvents, and with the main 
fundamental laws of chemical affinities, that is re- 
quisite, but also a fair measure of ready discrimina- 
tion and judgment in the prompt application of such 
knowledge. 
In the compass of this treatise we have to confine 
ourselves to briefly referring to the principal classes 
of changes originating from differences in, or disturb- 
ances of, solvents, or from the formation of insoluble 
compounds from the association of soluble ones. 
Solvents and Solubilities. The two general 
solvents are water and alcohol and their mixture in 
various proportions. Water is the universal solvent 
for almost all soluble salts, vegetable extractive and 
albuminous matters, gums, sugars, acids, gelatine, 
whilst alcohol is the solvent for resinoids, resins, 
balsams, gum-resins, essential oils, and all drugs con- INCOMPATIBILITY. 
taining such as active principles. The solvent power 
of each of these opposite solvents for their special 
class of substances, decreases proportionally with 
the amount of the other one added; for instance : 
strong aqueous solutions of salts, of gum, gelatine, 
etc., deposit these, the more alcohol or alcoholic fluids 
are added; whilst, on the other hand, alcoholic solu- 
tions separate much or even all of their contained 
substances in proportion to the amount of water or 
aqueous solutions added. Thus if alcoholic solutions 
of iodine, camphor, essential oils, tinctures of aloes, 
assafoetida, benzoin, myrrh and other gum-resins are 
mixed with water, decoctions, infusions or solutions 
of sugar, gum, salts, etc., a separation of the princi- 
ples previously dissolved takes place. 
All such combinations, therefore, will make un- 
sightly, oftentimes unpleasant and unmanageable mix- 
tures, which will be uncertain and perhaps inert for 
want of uniformity in the amount and proportions of 
dissolved and suspended or expelled ingredients. 
Consequently, the solubility of the component parts of 
prescriptions in either of these two solvents should 
be borne in mind, as well as the fact that the incom- 
patibility in all these cases is a rather empirical one, 
resulting from differences of solubility and distur- 
bances in the dissolving power and extent of solvents, 
and exercising no chemical change in either one. 
Chemical Incompatibility. This is always due 
to and results from decomposition and the formation 
of new compounds whereby the properties and thera- 154 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
peutical action of the original substances may be 
impaired, modified, or altogether changed. There 
are mainly three kinds of cases where, by improper 
association, medicinal chemicals may become incom- 
patible ; 
i. When free acids are combined with hydrates or 
carbonates; 
2. When two or more soluble salts are associated 
which, by interchange of base or acid, give rise to the 
formation of new compounds with different properties 
and therapeutical action ; and 
3. When chemicals are brought in contact which 
may give rise to sudden and vehement or explosive 
chemical processes. 
Instances of the latter kind of incompatibles have 
already been given on page 151. By far the largest 
number of chemical incompatibles originates, next to 
the inadvertent association of acids and hydrates or 
carbonates, from the association of compounds, which 
result in the formation of more or less insoluble, and 
therefore, in most cases, inert salts. 
x. Free acids and the acidity of all preparations 
containing such, are neutralized by alkaline and me- 
tallic hydrates and carbonates ; for instance ; Lime- 
water or bismuth carbonate with acidulous Pepsin ; 
ammonium or sodium carbonates or bi-carbonates 
with syrup of squills ; aromatic spirit of ammonia 
with syrup of lemon, etc. 
3. Incompatibles on account of the formation of 
new and more or less insoluble compounds; these INCOMPATIBILITY. 
155 
include a comparatively large number of medicinal 
chemicals which, however, when classified, may read- 
ily be borne in mind for general guidance and refer- 
ence. 
In this respect, the following are the main classes 
of more or less insoluble salts, which will be formed 
whenever their constituent parts are brought together 
in solutions: 
The hydrates, carbonates, borates, phosphates, 
arseniates and tannates of most earthy arid heavy 
metals and alkaloids, and the metallic sulphides. 
Instances : lime-water or aromatic spirit of ammonia with 
tincture of chloride of iron, or solutions of mercury salts, or 
neutral solutions of qulnia or morphia salts ; ammonium, po- 
tassium and sodium carbonates or bi-carbonates with lime-water, 
solutions of magnesium sulphate, alum, zinc acetate or sulphate 
with solutions of salts of iron, manganese, bismuth, antimony, 
lead and of most alkaloids ; ammonium or sodium phosphates 
with solutions of iron salts, with lime-water, solution of mag- 
nesium sulphate, of alum, etc.; liquor potassii arsenitis with 
lime-water, with solutions of basic salts of iron, of neutral salts, 
of quinia and morphia, etc. ; solutions, decoctions, tinctures 
and extracts containing tannic acid with solutions of salts of 
iron, mercury, antimony, lead (as also with solutions containing 
albuminous substances and gelatine). 
The sulphates of calcium of lead and of subsalts of 
mercury. 
Instances : lime-water with solutions of quinia or morphia 
sulphates; solutions of lead acetate with zinc sulphate, or alum. 
The chlorides, iodides, and bromides of bismuth, 156 
PRESCRIPTION WRITING. 
silver, lead, and subsalts of mercury ; the iodides of 
quinia, morphia and most alkaloids. 
Instances: sodium chloride with silver nitrate; morphia 
chloride with lead acetate; alkaline iodides or bromides with 
bismuth carbonate or sub-nitrate, with lead acetate, with sub- 
chloride of mercury, or with neutral solutions of quinia, mor- 
phia, or strychnia salts. 
3. Incompatibles on account of the formation of 
poisonous and, therefore, dangerous compounds. 
Instances : Potassium iodide with potassium chlorate; hydro- 
cyanic acid or potassium cyanide with metallic hydrates, car- 
bonates, sub-nitrates or sub-chloride, such as bismuth carbonate, 
or nitrate, or calomel. 
These general rules and instances embody the 
most important classes of incompatibilities to be 
avoided in the formulation of prescriptions, and may 
suffice to guard the prescriber against inadvertent 
and glaring errors in this respect. In order to do 
away, to a large extent, with most errors and risks in 
regard to incompatibles, and moreover in accordance 
with recommendable usage and progress, we cannot, 
in conclusion, but impress too much upon the mind 
of the practitioner the advice, whenever occasion 
and necessity prompt the formulation of a prescrip- 
tion, 
1. To aim at the greatest possible simplicity in 
the kind and number of remedies. 
2. To choose, when solvent, diluent or excipient 
are required or preferred, simple ones and, if possi- 
ble, only one ; for instance : for solutions, according INCOMPATIBILITY, 
to the substance, water, simple syrup, glycerine, di 
luted or strong alcohol; for powders : sugar, sugar 
of milk, chocolate ; for pills ; liquorice, solid extracts, 
dextrine, gum, or starch paste. 
3. Never to prescribe or employ concentrated min- 
eral acids, either alone or in mixtures, unless in ex- 
ceptional cases, but only the diluted officinal acids. 
Physiological or Therapeutical Incompatibles. 
This is a subject which cannot be taken up here, 
as it belongs rather to the therapeutist, and is fully 
treated of elsewhere. Those who wish for such infor- 
mation will find it in Bartholow’s Materia Medica and 
in Fothergill’s “ Antagonism of Therapeutic Agents,” 
a very recent and valuable contribution to the litera- 
ture of this subject.