UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
WASHINGTON, D. C
GPO  16—67244-1 
 
 
 Lawson on Consignation!


       Rickey  &  Carroll, v

          (SucccssorpAT Rlcke#» Mallory &■ Co.)      «\ .'


 Booksellers, Ciifdinnati, Qhiiq^

   Announce to the Medical Profession, that theyhavejuet issued

        A  PRACTICAL  TREATISE  * >
                        ON           »


  PHTHISIS   PULMONALE:

                    EMBRACING ITS

    Pathology, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment.


         By L.  M. LAWSON,  M.  D.,

 PROFESSOR OF CLINICAL MEDICINE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA ;
    VISITING PHYSICIAN TO THE NEW ORLEANS CHARITY HOSPITAL ;
      FORMERLY PROFESSOR OF THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF
          MEDICINE IN THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF OHIO.

      1 vol., 8vo, i>r>. r»r>?~, S*>lieep> Price $tt,50.
  This work evinces much ability and learning on the nart of its dis-
tinguished author, and should be in the library of ^ery physician
and student of Medicine. It is the only book, now in print, bjj- an
American author, exclusively upon the subject of Consumption, and
has omitted nothing that could  be desired which is in the reach of
great abilit}7 and laborious research.
  Prof. Lawson has brought to the execution of his task, years of ex-
perience in the practice and teaching of flie Science oi' Medicinep
special facilities for the investigation of his subject, and a clear and
'orcible style, and has produced a work of uncommon merit and im-
portance.  '
  This Book will be sent to any address, free of postage, on receipt
■•f the price.
         RICKEY  &l  CARROLL
              HAVE ALSO JUST ISSUED A

MEDICAL QATALOGTJB
Octavo, pp. 40 ; being a complete list of medical books, with the
prices annexed, which will be sent to any address, on receipt of six
cents.  Also, a

       €ATALOOUE  BAISONNE,
Being a classified list of 30,000 of.«the most important worfts of Lite-
rature and Science with prices annexed.  8vo„jip. 2ti0--.price ao
cents, in paper ; 75 cenfcf, in muslin. Tliis Catalogue will bksmt to
any address on receipt of the price. 
I
?

I  Hi'^HJllln  II 
A
s
Co 
MUSEUM  <J-       ,^'E,
Rec'd  SEP 11 JS&T

j__
___-.j
.;
            Ut>u^   f**l   ft

                                       New York, July 1,1849.
To Mr. Wm. E. Dean -•
    Sir:—In reply to your request, that we should give you our opinion in
relation to the merits of Dr. Neligan's work on the Materia Medica, we
cheerfully state  that  it has acquired a high and deserved reputation in
Great Britain, where it has already passed through two  editions.  As a
compact, yet comprehensive manual  of the Materia Medica, it is the best
we know of in the English language.   Unencumbered by the details and
discussions which enter into our Dispensatories and more elaborate works
on the Materia Medica, it appears  to us to be peculiarly adapted to  the
wants of  students, and as such may be specially recommended to their
notice. We have no doubt that your reprint of the second English edition,
under so competent  an Editor as Dr. McCready, will meet with a rapid
and extensive sale.
                     Yours respectfully,
                            JOHN B. BECK, M. D.,
       Prof, of Materia Medica and Medical Jurisprudence in the
                   College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York.
                  THEODRIC ROMEYN BECK, M. D.,
              Prof, of Materia Medica in the Albany Medical College. 
^"
MEDICINES,
THEIR
6
         10
USES AND MODE OF  ADMINISTRATION;
                   INCLUDING
A COMPLETE CONSPECTUS OP THE THREE BRITISH
     PHARMACOPCEIAS, AN ACCOUNT OF ALL
         THE  NEW REMEDIES, AND  AN
           APPENDIX OF FORMULA.
                     BY

J.  MOORE  NELIGAN,  M.D. Edin. M.R.I.A.,
            • ••
    LICENTIATE OP THE COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS OP IRELAND,
          PHYSICIAN TO JARV1S-STREET HOSPITAL,
LECTURER ON THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE, FORMERLY LECTURER ON
          MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS,
       IN THE DUBLIN SCHOOL OP MEDICINE, ETC. ETC.
Jfrom tjie SeconU JUuolfn 3EWtfon.
                 WITH ADDITIONS BY
          BENJAMIN W. McCREADY, M.D.,
PROFESSOR OF MATERIA MEDICA AND PHARMACY IN THE COLLEGE OP PHARMACY
     OP NEW YORK, FELLOW OP THE COLLEGE OP PHYSICIANS AND
        SURGEONS OF NEW YORK, AND ONE OF THE PHYSI-
             CIANS TO THE BELLEYUE HOSPITAL.
             NEW YORK:   *''" "•'   '
W. E. DEAN,  PRINTER AND PUBLISHER,
             2 ANN STREET.
1849. 
                         QV

                         740   -.

                          FA  |

                          N 4  >v>

                          184 9
                  Entered
  According to the Act of Congress, in the year 1849, by
               W. E. DEAN,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern
             District of New York. 
                      TO

 ROBERT CHRISTISON, M.D. F.R.S.E.,

          PROFESSOR OP MATERIA MEDICA IN THE
               UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH,


AS A TESTIMONY OF RESPECT FOR HIS TALENTS

                    AND OF


    GRATITUDE FOR MANY  FAVOURS RECEIVED,

              &i>fs Volume fs Beofcatetr


         BY HIS FRIEND AND  FORMER PUPIL,
THE AUTHOR. 
 
  In preparing the present edition of Dr. Neligan's work
for the press, the Editor has added—1st. the Pharma-
ceutical preparations  of the United  States'  Pharmaco-
poeia ;  and 2d. Short Notices of such articles of our in-
digenous Materia Medica as from their therapeutic value
or general employment seemed to demand them.  These
additions will  be found  included  in brackets.  In other
respects  the text of the  original has been scrupulously
adhered to.  The book  is not a  Cyclopaedia  of the Ma-
teria Medica—nor does it deal much with merely phar-
maceutical details.  It is not intended as a substitute for
the works of Pereira, or Christison, or Wood and Bache ;
but in  a  moderate compass, it presents a large body of
practical  information; and the Editor hopes it will prove
acceptable as a class-book for students,  and  a book of
reference for the general practitioner.
                                       B. W. McC.
  New York, July 6, 1849. 
 
PREFACE.
  The very favourable reception which the First Edition of this work
met with,—a large impression having been exhausted in less than three
years, has induced the Author to adhere strictly to the arrangement he
originally adopted.
  Every new medicine or preparation, which it was conceived might
prove useful to the physician, or which had been tested  by experience,
has been added to those previously contained in  it; many of the arti-
cles have been entirely re-written ; and the account  of the Therapeuti-
cal  Effects of individual remedies has been, in  nearly every instance,
considerably augmented.
  Among the new medicines described, may be enumerated:—Valeria'
nic  acid;  the  Valerianates of zinc, of quina,  and of  iron; Gallic
acid; Matico; Sulphate of Manganese ; Hyposulphite of soda; Acid
nitrate of mercury; Oxalic acid;  Chloride  of  carbon;  Medicinal
Naptha; the Arseniates of ammonia, and ofquina; the Bromides of
potassium, of iron, of barium, of calcium, and of mercury; Chloride
of silver; Bebeerina, dec.   And of the new preparations may be men-
tioned :—Carrara water;  the tinctures of Castor oil;  Fluid extract
of senna; Filhos' caustic; Gondrefs ammoniacal blistering  ointment;
Ergotin; Digitalin; Cetraric acid;  Amorphous Quina;  Fer reduit;.
Pills of iodide of iron ; <SfC.
  Notwithstanding the great quantity of matter which has been added
to this edition, the  bulk of the volume is  not much  increased ; which
has been effected by the use of a new fount of type, and by condensing
the  table of contents.
  In conclusion, the author feels called on to express his thanks to the
numerous medical periodicals in which the first edition  of  his work
was so  favourably reviewed;  and also  to  state the  gratification  it
affords him, to think that his labours  have been of some service to his
professional brethren.
LEESON-STREET, STEPHEN's-GREEN,
          DUBLIN.

       January, 1847. 
PREFACE
                  TO THE FIRST  EDITION.
  The object of the author in the following pages has been to furnish a
concise view, but as complete as possible, of the different substances
both simple and compound, which are deemed worthy of a place in the
Materia Medica.  While, therefore, sufficient attention has been be-
stowed on the different articles  contained in the three British Pharma-
copoeias, an account is also given of those remedies  of more recent
introduction, which although not ofiicinal, are important agents in the
treatment of disease.
  The difficulty, in the present state of our knowledge, of  accurately
classifying medicines with reference to their therapeutical properties,
has deterred many recent writers from adopting a Physiological Clas-
sification of the Materia Medica; but the  great practical value of an
arrangement, which is based on the ultimate medicinal effects of reme-
diate agents,  has induced the author to adopt such a classification, in
preference to either a natural-historical or alphabetical arrangement.
In order, however, to afford a facility of reference, the  chapters them-
selves, and the individual articles described in  each chapter, are ar-
ranged in alphabetical order.
  Although the author fully admits the interest attached to the study,
and the advantage derived from  a knowledge of the natural and chemi-
cal history of medicines ; he has, nevertheless, thought that they might,
not only with propriety, but with benefit, be  omitted from a work of
this character, which  is  intended as one of reference for the  practi-
tioner, and as an outline of Materia Medica for the student.
  In  describing  each  medicinal  substance  the  following plan  is
adopted :—
  1st.  The officinal appellation  and English mime of  each article is
given ;  and, in the case of a vegetable substance, the  native country
and Botanical Classification of the plant from which  it is obtained.
For the advantage of the student, the  most important characters of
each medicinal plant are also concisely described.
  2d. The mode of preparation.   Under this head the processes of
the three British Pharmacopoeias are given in  full.
  3d. The Physical properties.
  4th.  The Chemical properties.
  5th.  The  adulterations, and  the manner in which they may be de-
tected.
  6th. The therapeutical effects, and the uses of the substance in the
treatment of disease.
  7th.  The dose and mode of administration.  Under this head all the
officinal preparations of the British Pharmacopoeias, as well as many of
those ordered by the Continental  and American Colleges, are  intro-
duced.
  8th. The-Incompatibles.
  9th. In the case of poisons, the antidotes and mode of treatment.
  The author has added  an Appendix of Formulae, which are princi-
pally confined to the new remedies described in the work, and  also an
extended Posological Table.
  LEESON-STREET, STEPHEN's-GREEN,
           DUBLIN.
         January, 1844. 
CONTENTS.
                     CHAPTER I.—ANTACIDS.

                                                               PAGE.
    Ammonise caustics aqua  (Liquor ammoniae, Aqua ammoniae), Am-
        nion iae bicarbonas, Ammonise carbonas, (Ammonia-  sesquicar-
        bonas), Calcis aqua (Calcis liquor"), Creta proeparata, Calcis car-
        bonas praecipitatum,  Magnesia,  Magnesias  carbonas, Potassae
        caustica aqua (Liquor potassae, Aqua potassae), Potassae bicar-
        bonas, Potassae carbonas, Sodae bicarbonas (Sodae sesquicarbonas),
        Sodae carbonas,  -------      2

                 CHAPTER  II.—ANTHELMINTICS.

    Allium sativum, Artemisia santonica, [Chenopodium anthelminticum],
        Geoffroya inermis, Gigartina helminthocorton, Filix mas, Mucuna
        pruriens (Dolichos pruriens),  Petroleum  Barbadense, Granati
        radix, Sabadilla, Spigelia, Stanni  pulvis,  Tanacetum vulgare,
•       Terebinthinas oleum,  ------      17

                 CHAPTER  III.—ANTISPASMODICS.

    Assafoetida, Castoreum, Fuligo ligni, Galbanum, Mosehus, Opoponax,
        Ruta, Sagapenum, Succinum, Valeriana, Ziuci valerianas, -      25

                  CHAPTER IV.—ASTRINGENTS.

    Acetum, Acidum Gallicum, Acidum Sulphuricum, Alumen(Aluminae
        et Potassae sulphas),  Catechu,  Creasotoa  (Creasotum),  Creta,
        Cupri sulphas, Ferri pernitras, Ferri sulphas, Gallae, [Geranium
        maculatum],  Geum Urbanum, Hsematoxylum  campechianum,
        Kino, Krameria, Lythrum salicaria, Matico, Monesia, Plumbi
        acetas, Plumbi carbonas, Plumbi diacetatis (subacetatis) liquor,
        Plumbi oxydum semivitreum (Lithargyrum), Polygonum bistorta,
        Punica granatum, baccae tunica exterior et flores, Quercus robur
        (Quercus pedunculata), Rosa gallica, Sodce  boras (Borax.  Sodae
        biboras), [Statice Caroliniana], Tannin, Tormentilla, Uva-ursi,
        Zinci acetas, Zinci carbonas impurum (Calamina), Zinci oxydum,
        Zinci sulphas,  -------      34

                   CHAPTER V.—CATHARTICS.

    Aloe, Calomelas,   Calomelas sublimatum,   Hydrargyri chloridum,
        Calomelas praecipitatum,  D., Cambogia  (Gambogia), Cambogia
        Zeylanicum, E., Cassiae pulpa, Colchici cormus et semina, Colo-
        cynthis,  Crotonis  oleum, Elaterium, Euphorbia lathyris, Helle- 
Xll
CONTENTS.
                                                             PAGE
    borus niger, Hydrargyrum cum creta, Hydrargyrum cum magne-
    sia, Hydrargyri pilules, Jalapa, [Juglans Cinerea], Linum calhar-
    ticum, Magnesia, Magnesiae carbonas, Magnesias sulphas, Man-
    ganesiae  sulphas, Manna, Mel,  Olivae  oleum,  Potassae acetas,
    Potassae  bisulphas, Potassae bitartras, Tartari crystalli, D.,  [Po-
    dophyllum  Peltatum],  Potassae  sulphas,  Potassae tartras, Pruna,
    Rhamni  baccae, Rheum, Ricini oleum,  Sambucus nigra, Scam-
    monium, Senna, Senna  Alexandrina, Senna Indica,  E., Sodas
    hyposulphis, Sodae phosphas,  Sodse et  Potassae  tartras, Sodss
    Potassio-tartras, Sodae sulphas, Sulphur,  Sulphur sublimatum,
    Tamarindus, Terebinthinae oleum, Viola,                       65

                  CHAPTER VI.—CAUSTICS.

Acidum aceticum,  Acidum muriaticum,  Acidum  hydrochloricum,
    Acidum nitricum, Acidum sulphuricum, Ammonias aqua fortior,
    Ammoniae liquor fortior, Antimonii murias,  Antimonii sesqui-
    chloridum, Argenti nitras, Argenti nitras fusum, Argenti nitra-
    tis crystalli, D., Arsenici oxydum album, Acidum arseniosum,
    Arsenicum  album, Cupri subacetas,  JErugo,  Cupri  carbonas,
    Cupri sulphas, Hydrargyri nitras acidum, Hydrargyri oxjdum
    nitricum, D., Hydrargyri nitrico-oxydum, L., Hydrargyri oxydum
    rubrum, E., Potassa caustica,  Potassae  hydras,  Potassa, Zinci
    cbloridum,   -------       110

              CHAPTER VII.—DIAPHORETICS.

Ammoniae acetatis aqua, D. E., Ammonias acetatis liquor, L., Anti-
    monii oxydum, E.  Antimonii  oxydum nitromuriaticum,  D.,
    Antimonii pulvis  compositus,  L.,  Pulvis antimonialis,  D.  E.,
    Antimonii sulphuretum, D. E., Antimonii sesquisulphuretum, L.,
    Antimonii sulphuretum aureum, E., Sulphur antimoniatum  fus-
    cum, D.,  Antimonii oxysulphuretum, L., Antimonii et potassae   0l
    tartras  sive Tartarum  emeticum, D., Antimonii potassio-tartras,
    L-,  Antimonium  tartarizatum, E.,  Arctium lappa,  Dulcamara,
    Guaiaci lignum, Guaiaci resina (Guaiacum), Ipecacuanhas pulvis
    compositus, Mezereon,  D. E., Mezereum, L.,  Sarza, L. E., Sar-
    saparilla, D„ Sassafras,    .....       121

               CHAPTER VIII.—DIURETICS.

^thereus nitrosus spiritus,  D., Spiritus  setheris nitrici, L. E., Bucku
    E,  Diosma, L.,  Diosma  crenata, folia, D., Cambogia,  Can-
    tharis,  L. E.,  Cantharis vesicatoria,  D.,  Digitalis  purpurea
    Juniperus communis,   Pareira  (Cissampelos pareira), Potassae
    acetas.  Potassae bitartras,  Potassas nitras, Pyrola, D. E., Chima-
    phila, L., Scilla (Scilla maritima), Scoparium (Cytisus scoparius)
    Sodae acetas, Sodas  biboras, Terebinthinae oleum, Terebinthina
    Chia  (Pistacia terebinthus),  Terebinthina  Canadensis (Abies
    balsamea, Urea,     -      -      -     -      .      .       jgg


                  CHAPTER IX.—EMETICS.

Ammonise carbonas, Antimonii et Potassas  tartras,  Cupri sulphas
    Ipecacuanha (Cephaelis  ipecacuanha), Scilla,  Sinapi (Sinapis  v'
    nigra, et Sinapis alba), Viola odorata, Zinci sulphas,    -      151 
                          CONTENTS.                       Xlll

             CHAPTER X.—EMMENAGOGUES.

                                                         PAGE.
Crocus sativus, Ergota (Acinula clavus, L.), Rubia tinctorum, Ruta
    graveolens, Juniperus sabina,       ....     156

               CHAPTER XI.—EMOLLIENTS.

Adeps suillus (Axungia), Adeps ovillus (Sevum), Althaea officinalis,
    Amygdalae amaras;  Amygdalae  dulces, Amylum,  Avena (Oat-
    meal), Cera flava, Cera alba, Cetaceum ( Spermaceti),  Cydonia
    vulgaris, Farina (Flour), Ficus  carica,  Glycirrhiza glabra, Gos-
    sypium,  Gummi acaciae, Hemidesmus  Indicus  (Smilax aspera),
    Hordeura distichon,  Linum  usitatissimum, Malva  sylvestris,
    Maranta, Canna coccinea (Tous-les-mois), Olivae oleum, Ovum,
    Saccharum, Sacchari (aex, Sago, Salep, Sambucus nigra, Tapioca,
    Tragacantha, Tussilago farfara, Uvae passae, Vebascum thapsus,  161

               CHAPTER Xn.—EPISPASTICS.

Ammoniae aqua fortior,  Antimonii et Potassae tartras, Aqua fervens,
    Arte nisia Chinensis,  Cantharides,  Capsicum, Crotonis tiglii
    oleum, Euphorbia,  Ipacacuanha, Mezereum, Ranunculus acris,
    Ranunculus nammula, Ruta graveolens, Sabina, Setons and
    Issues, Sinapis, Succini oleum, Terebinthinae oleum,     -      182

               CHAPTER XIII.—ERRHINES.

Asarum Europaeum, Euphorbium, Hydrargyri oxydum sulphuricum,
    Veratrum album,   ......      192

            CHAPTER XIV.—EXPECTORANTS.

 ^"idum benzoicum, Antimonii et Potassae tartras, Balsamum Peruvia-
    num, Balsamum Tolutanum, Benzoinum, Ipecacuanha,  Lobelia,
    Marrubium vulgare, [Sanguinaria Canadensis,] Scilla,  Senega,
    Styrax,.......195

               CHAPTER XV—NARCOTICS.

Belladonna, Cannabis Indica, Hyoscyamus, Lactucarium, Lupulus,
    Morphia, Morphias acetas, Morphias murias (Morphias hydrochlo-
    ras),  Morphias sulphas, Opium, Papaver, Rhceas, Stramonium,
    Toxicodendron,      ------      204

             CHAPTER XVI.—REFRIGERANTS.

Acetosella, Acetum,  Acidum citricum, Acidum oxalicum,  Acidum
    tartaricum, Citrus aurantium, Limones,  Limonum succus, Mora,
    Potassae chloras, Potassae nitras, Rosa  canina,  Rumex  acetosa,
    Rumex aquatic us, Sambucus nigra, baccae, -                  232

                      CHAPTER XVII.

         SEDATIVES  OR  CONTRA-STIMULANTS.

Acidum hydrocyanicum (Acidum Prussicum), Aconitum, Amygdalae
    amarse, oleum, Amygdalus Persica (Persica vulgaris), Antimo-
    nium  tftrtarizatum,  Carbonis  chloridum, Conium malculatum, 
XIV
CONTENTS.
                                                           PAGE.
    Creasotum, Digitalis, Digitaline, Lauro-cerasus (Prunus lauro-
    cerasus), Naphtha medicinalis, Potassii cyanidum, Tabacum (Ni-
    cotiana tabacum), Zinci cyanidum, -      -      -      -      241

            CHAPTER  XVIIL—SIALOGOGUES-

Armoracia (Cochlearia annoracia), Mezereon, Pyrethrnm (Anacyclus
    pyrethrum),  -------      261

       CHAPTER XIX.—GENERAL  STIMULANTS.

Acidum aceticum camphoratum, D- E.,  Acidi nitrici unguentum, D.,
    jEther aceticus, JEiher nitrosus, D.,  Aether sulphuricus, Alcohol,
    Ammoniacum  (Dorema  ammoniacum),  Ammoniae  causticae
    aqua, Ammoniae carbonas, Ammoniae  hydrosulphuretum, Am-
    moniae  murias (Ammoniae hydrochloras), Ammoniae  spiritus,
    Anethum graveolens,  Angelica archangelica,  Anisum (Pim-
    pinella anisum), Armoracia, Arnica montana, Balsamum toluta-
    num, Cajuputi oleum, Calamus aromaticus,  Calx chlorinata,
    Camphora,  Capsicum,  Cardamine pratensis, Cardamomum,
    Carum carui,  Caryophyllus,  Cassias  cortex et oleum, Cepa,
    Cerevisiae fermentum,  Chlorinii aqua, Cinnamomum, Cocculus
    indicus,  Coriandrum,  Cuminum  cyminum,   Daucus  carota,
    Dianthus caryophyllus, Electricity, Galvanism, and Magnetic
    Electricity, Elemi, Fceniculum,  [Hedeoma Pulegioides], Inula,
    helenium, Laurus nobilis, Lavandula, Limonum cortex et oleum,
    Mastiche, Melissa officinalis, Meutha piperita, Mentha pulegium,
    Mentha viridis, Myristica moschata, Olibanum, Origanum,  Pi-
    menta, Piper longum, Piper nigrum, Porrum,  Potassii sulphur-
    etum, Rosmarinus, Sabadilla, Scrophularia nodosa, Serpentaria,
    Sinapis alba, Sodas chlorinatae liquor, Sodae murias (Sodae chlo-
    ridum),  Staphisagria,  Sulphur, Terebinthinae  oleum,  Resina,
    Pix liquida, Pix nigra, Pix burgundica, Veratrum album, Vinum
    album Hispanum (vinum Xericum), Zingiber,    -      -      263

         CHAPTER XX.—SPECIAL  STIMULANTS.

Ammoniae arsenias, Arsenici iodidum,  Arsenici et Hydrargyri  hy-
    driodatis liquor, Aurum, Auri  iodidum, Auri perchloridum, Auri
    peroxydum, Bromineum,  Copaiba,  Cubeba,  Fucus vesiculosus,
    Hydrargyrum,  Hydrargyri   acetas,  Hydrargyri  bichloridum
    (Corrosivus  sublimatus),  Hydrargyri bicyanidum,  Hydrargyri
    biniodidum,  Hydrargyri  chloridum  (Calomelas),  Hydrargyri
    iodidum, Hydrargyri riitratis  unguentum (Unguentum citrinum),
    Hydrargyri oxydum nigrum* Hydrargyri oxydum rubrum, Hy-
    drargyri persulphas, Hydrargyri precipitatum album, Hydrargyri
    sulphuretum  nigrum, Hydrargyri sulphuretum  rubrum, Indigo,
    Iodinium, Morrhuae oleum (Oleum jecoris aselli), Nux-vomica,
    Plumbi iodidnm, Potassii bromidum,  Potassii iodidum (Potassae
    hydriodas), Spongia officinalis, Sulphuris iodidum,  -      •      315

                  CHAPTER  XXL—TONICS.

 Absinthium (Artemisia absinthium), Acidum muriaticum  dilutum,
    Acidum nitricum dilutum, Acidum  nitromuriaticum, Acidum
    phpsphoricum  dilutum, Anthemis  nobilis, Argenti chloridum,
    Argenti nitras, Argenti  oxydum,  Arsenicum album, Aurantii
    cortex, Aurantti folia, Baryta} murias  (Barii  chloridum), Be-
    bssrina sulphas, Bismuthi subnitras  (Bismuthl trisnitras, Bis- 
CONTENTS.
XV
                                                            PAGE.
    muthum album), Calcis murias (Calcii chloridum), Calumba
   fColomba),  Canella  alba,  Cascarilla, Centaurium,  Cetraria
   Islandica, Chiretta,  Chondrus  crispus, Cinchona  flava,  Cin-
   chona rubra, Cinchona coronas,  Cinchona  cinerea, Cnicus bene-
    dictus,  Cochlearia  officinalis,  Contrajerva,  [Coptis Trifolia],
    Cuprum ammoniatum,  Cupri  ammonio-sulphas, [Cornus Flo-
    rida], Cupri sulphas, Cusparia  (Angustura),  Drymis aromatica,
    [Eupatorium Perfoliatum], Fel bovinum, Ferrum, L., Ferri filum
    et limatura, E., Ferrum, fila, scobs, et oxydi  squamae, D., Ferri
    acetas,  Ferri-ammonio-chloridum, Ferri ammonio-tartras,  Ferri
    bromidum, Ferri carbonas saccharatum, Ferri citras, Ferri am-
    monio-citras,  Ferri  cyanuretum,  Ferri  percyanidum,  Ferri
    iodidum, Ferri lactas. Ferri nmura aromatica, Ferri  muriaiis
    tinctura, E., Ferri muriatis liquor, D., Ferri sesquichloridi tinc-
    tura, L., Ferri  oxydum nigrum,  Ferri oxidum  rubrum, E.,  Ferri
    sesquioxydum, L., Ferri carbonas, D., Ferri oxydum rubrum, D.,
    Ferri phosphas, Ferri sulphas,  Ferri  tartras, Ferri valerianas,
    Ferrugo, E., Ferri rubigo, D.,  Ferrum tartarizatum, E.,  Ferri
    tartarum, D.,  Ferri  potassio  tartras, L., Gentiana lutea, Meny-
    anthes trifoliata, Myrrha, Quassia, Salix, Simaruba, Taraxacum,
    Ulmus  campestris, Zinci oxydum, Zinci sulphas,  -     -      351

     CHAPTER XXIL—SUPPLEMENTARY AGENTS.

Ammoniae oxalas,  [Apocynum Cannabinum,] Aqua destillata, Argen-
    tum, Argenti  cyanidum, Argenti ammoniati  solutio, [Asclepeas
    tuberosa],  Aurantii  flores,  Aurantii  oleum,  Aurantii  aqua,
    Bartyas carbonas, Bartyae nitras, Bartyas sulphas, Bergamii (Ber-
    gamotae)  oleum, Bismuthum,  Calcis  phosphas  praecipitatum,
    Carbo  animalis, Carbo ligni, [Cimicifuga], Cocci, Cornua cer-
    vina, Curcuma  longa, Ferri sulphuretum, [Gentiana Cates baei],
    Lacmus (Litmus), Lycopodium, Manganesii oxydum,  Ossa,
    Plumbi chloridum,  Plumbi nitras, Plumbi oxydum hydratum,
    Plumbi oxydum rubrum,  Potassii  ferrocyanidum,  Pterocarpus
    santalinus, Rosa centifolia, Rosae oleum, [Rubus Villosus],  Sam-
    buci nigrae flores, Sodae phosphatis solutio, E., Zincum,    -     410

                         APPENDIX  A.

Formulae,  --------     431

                         APPENDIX  B.

Posological  Table......             -     444 
 
            MEDICINES,

                    THEIR  USES
                               AND

MODE  OF ADMINISTRATION.
                        CHAPTER  I.

                         ANTACIDS.

              (Alkalines—Antilithics—Lithontriptics.)

  Antacids are medicines which correct acidity of the stomach and
digestive organs, by combining chemically with the free acid existing
there, and neutralizing it.  Their action is manifestly only temporary
and palliative, as they do not correct that peculiar state of the digest-
ive organs which favors the  formation of acid ;  their protracted  use,
indeed, produces a precisely similar disease of  the alimentary canal;
and few individuals can  bear the continued use  of free or carbonated
alkalies, a state of general anemia usually attended with  oxalic  acid
deposits in the urine being caused by it.  Antacids should,  therefore,
be prescribed in combination with vegetable tonics; and in no  case
should their administration be long persisted in without occasional in-
terruptions.   One or two circumstances, relating to the particular re-
medy of this class which ought to be employed,  require to be noticed :
—Where the acid exists in the stomach in the gaseous state, ammonia
and its carbonate should be preferred, as, in consequence  of their vo-
latility, a gaseous acid, which  would elude the action of the fixed alkalies,
will be neutralized by them.   If the acidity be  present in the lower
bowels, as in the ccecum or  colon, magnesia or  lime ought  to be ad-
ministered, as being less likely than the other antacids  to be neutral-
ized or absorbed before they  reach that portion of  the intestinal canal.
Where the acid  exists in the urinary  organs, the alkalies  will be
found best  adapted, as they  have a tendency to act more  directly
on  the kidneys ;  and where it  is lithic  acid  that  predominates in
the urine,  the  preparations of potash  should be   preferred to  those
of soda, as the salt formed.by the  combination of  the former with the
acid in question is much more soluble than that formed with the latter.
  Ammonije  caustics aqua, D. Ammonia liquor, L.  [U. S.] Am-
monite aqua, E.   Water  of caustic Ammonia;  Aqueous  solution of
Ammonia.
  Preparation-—[U. S. "Muriate of Ammonia, in  fine powder, lime,
each, lt)j.; distilled water, Oj.; water, f§ix.  Break the lime in pieces, and
                             1 
2
ANTACIDS.
 pour the water upon it in an earthen or  iron vessel;  then  cover the Tas-
 sel and  set aside till the  lime falls into powder and becomes cold.   Mix
 this thoroughly, with the muriate of ammonia in a mortar, and imme-
 diately introduce the mixture into a glass retort.  Place the retort upon a
 sand  bath, and adapt to it a receiver, previously connected, by means of a
 glass tube, with a quart bottle containing the distilled water.  Then apply heat,
 to be  gradually increased till the bottom of the iron vessel containing the sand
 becomes red hot;  and continue the process so long as ammonia comes over.
 Remove the liquor contained in the quart bottle, and for every  f§, addt3iijss.
 of distilled water, or so much as may be necessary to raise  its sp. gr. to 0 96.
 Keep the solution in small bottles well stopped."]  Dub.  " Muriate of am-
 monia, in powder, 3 parts; recently burnt lime,  2  parts;  water,  10 parts  ;
 sprinkle  one part  of hot water  on the quick-lime put  into an earthen
 vessel and cover it;  dissolve the  salt in the remainder of the hot water; put
 the lime,when it has  fallen into powder and become cool, into a retort, and.add
 the saline liquor, when cold, to it; with a medium heat distil  five  parts into
 a refrigerated receiver." Loud-   " Hydrochlorate of ammonia, §x.; lime,
 Sviij. ; water, Oij.;  put the lime slaked with water into  a retort, then add
 the salt broken into  small pieces, and the remainder of the water; let f§xv.
 distil." Edin.  "Sal-ammoniac,Sxiij. ; quick-lime, §xiij. ; water, fgviiss.;
 distilled  water, ffjxij. ; slake  the lime with  the water; cover it  up till it
 cools; triturate it well and quickly, with  the sal-ammoniac previously in
 fine powder;  and put the mixture into a glass retort, to which is fitted a re-
 ceiver with a safety  tube.  Connect with the receiver a bottle also provided
 with a safety tube, and containing f§iv. of the distilled water, but capable
 of holding twice as much.   Connect this bottle with another loosely corked,
 and containing the  remaining  fgviij. of the distilled  water.  The com-
 municating  tubes must descend to the  bottom of the  bottles at the far-
 ther   end from the   retort; and the   bottles and receiver must be  kept
 cool  by snow, ice, or a running  stream of very cold water.   Apply to the
 retort a gradually increasing heat till gas ceases to be evolved ; remove the
 retort, cork up the aperture in the receiver where it was connected with the
 retort, and apply to the receiver a gentle and  gradually increasing heat, to
 drive  over as much  of the gas in  the fluid contained in it, but as little of the
 water as  possible.  Should the liquid in the last bottle not have a density of
 960, reduce it with some of the strong ammonia in  the first bottle, or raise
 it with distilled water so as to form aqua ammonias of the prescribed density.
 The strong aqua ammoniae in the first bottle  may be reduced to  form the
 weaker solution, by  diluting it with two parts and a half of water."

  Physical  Properties.—A  colorless limpid liquid, with a  pungent
 ammoniacal odour,  and a very acrid alkaline taste.  The sp. gr. varies
 with the strength of the preparation ; that of Dublin is directed to be     I
 •950,  that of [U. S.] London and Edinburgh -960.                         I
  Chemical Properties.—A solution of gaseous ammonia in water;
Ammonia is composed  of N. H3. ;  or of 1 eq.  of amidogene, and 1
 of hydrogen, (Kane.)   At 32°F. water may be made to  absorb  780     j
times its volume of the gas ; the solution of the Dub. Phar.  contains
 10-5 per cent, that of Lond. and  Edin. 8'3. per cent of ammonia.,   It
neutralizes acids with which it forms salts; gives a brown color to lit-
mus paper, which is only temporary ;  and forms dense  white fumes
with the  vapor of muriatic acid.  Exposed to  the air  part of the gas
rapidly escapes, in   consequence of its volatility, while the remainder,
absorbing carbonic  acid,  is converted  into  carbonate of ammonia,
which remains in  solution.   Cooled down to—40°  a  strong  solution
freezes into long silky needles, and at  50° it boils; the weak solu-    !
tion of the pharmacopoeias boils at about 150°. 
ANTACIDS.
3
  Adulterations.—Solution of ammonia often contains carbonate of
ammonia, which is known by its effervescing  with acids  or by lime
water causing a white precipitate in it; or muriate of ammonia, which
is detected by solution of nitrate of silver causing a white precipitate
with it, nitric acid having been previously added to saturation.  That it
is of the proper strength is indicated by its being of the prescribed den-
sity.  Dr. Douglas Maclagan has recently pointed out an adulteration
of commercial water of ammonia, with pyrrhol, which, he supposes, oc-
curs from its being distilled directly from the refuse water of the gas-
house.  The presence of this principle renders it completely unfit for
use either in medicine or pharmacy.  It is readily detected by adding
pure nitric acid, which produces a red color afterwards becoming pur-
ple  in water of ammonia, if any pyrrhol be present.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Ammonia acts as a direct  antacid by
its neutralizing  powers  ; it also  powerfully  stimulates the  digestive
organs.  It is, therefore, to be preferred to the other remedies of this
class, in  cases where we wish  to combine the  effects of  a stimulant
and antacid, as in cardialgia, and flatulence arising from acidity of the
stomach;  but  if there  be  any tendency to  inflammation  present, it
should not be employed.  As an antidote in poisoning with the miner-
al acids, it is  not  so  valuable as  the other alkalies ; but   in cases of
poisoning with prussic  acid, oil of bittter almonds, &c, it is only in-
ferior to chlorine.
  Dose and Mode of  Administration.—Min. x. to min. xxx. in an
ounce of water, syrup, or any bland fluid.
  Incompatibles.—All acids; and the earthy and metallic salts, ex-
cept those of potash, soda, lime, and baryta.

  Ammonite bicarbonas, D. Bicarbonate of Ammonia.
  Preparation.—" In a proper apparatus expose any quantity of water of
carbonate of ammonia,,  until the alkali is saturated,  to the stream of carbonic
acid gas,  which escapes  during the solution of white marble  in  dilute
muriatic acid;  then set it aside that crystals may be formed, which are to
be dried without heat, and kept in close vessels."
  Physical Properties.—This salt  is usually met with in the  form
of an obscurely crystallized white powder, but it may be obtained in
large crystals  of the right rhombic prism series ; it has a weak am-
moniacal odour, and a saline taste.
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed of  1 eq. of ammonia, 2 of
carbonic acid, and 2 of water ; or of 1 eq. of amidogene, 1 of hydrogen,
2 of carbonic acid, and 2 of water, (Kane.)  It is  permanent in the
air; exposed  to a strong heat it evaporates,  leaving no  residue if
pure ; it is soluble in  eight parts of water at 60° ;  boiling water de-
composes it, driving off part of its carbonic acid and ammonia.  The
solution in cold water is faintly alkaline.
  Therapeutical Effects.—This preparation, though scarcely ever
used in the present day, is  an excellent  antacid ; it is free from the
stimulating  properties  of  ammonia or of its carbonate,  and is also
more agreeable to the taste.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. v. to gr. xxv.  It may
be given in cold aqueous vehicles, or in any of  the ^bitter vegetable
infusions.
  Incompatibles.—Same  as for  aqua ammoniae. 
.  V, J?
antacids.
  Ammonia carbonas, [U. S.]  D. E. ;  Ammonia sesquicarbonas,
L.   Carbonate of Ammonia;  Sesquiearbonate of Ammonia.

  Preparation.—Dub. "Muriate of ammonia, powdered  and well dried ;
and dried carbonate of soda, of each, one part; mix,  and  put them into an
earthen-ware retort; and sublime the carbonate of ammonia with a gradual-
ly-increasing  heat into a receiver kept cool."  [U. S.]  Lond.  Edm.
" Hydrochlorate of ammonia (sal ammoniac, E.) Ibj.; chalk, fbjss.; reduce
them separately to fine powder;  mix, and (in a retort with a proper re-
ceiver, E.) sublime with a gradually-increasing heat."

  Physical  Properties.—A solid  white salt, in semi-transparent
fibrous cakes or fragments; with a pungent ammoniacal odour, and a
caustic  alkaline taste.   Sp. gr. '966.
  Chemical Properties.—It consists of 3 eq. of carbonic acid, 2 of
ammonia, and 2 of water ;  or  of 1 eq. of the bicarbonate, and 1  of a
simple  carbonate which consists of  1 of amidogene,  1 of hydrogen,
and  1 of carbonic acid, (Kane.)  Exposed to the air it effloresces and
soon falls to powder, carbonate  of ammonia  being evolved ;  the  re-
maining powder is the bicarbonate.   It is sublimed by heat, without
any residuum if it be pure.   It is soluble in four parts  of water at 60°,
but is decomposed by boiling water  and  by  alcohol;  the  solution is
highly alkaline, but turmeric paper, which  has  been rendered brown
by  it, recovers its yellow colour on exposure to the air.
  Adulterations.—If this salt contain any fixed or insoluble impurity,
it will  not  be  entirely sublimed by heat  nor completely soluble in
water.   Sometimes  owing to bad preparation, it contains muriate or
sulphate of ammonia ;  their presence is detected, the former by nitrate
of silver, the latter  by muriate or nitrate of  baryta, causing a white
precipitate in a solution of the salt, nitric acid having  been previously
added to saturation.
   Therapeutical Effects.—As an antacid it may  he employed in
the same forms of dyspepsia as  the solution  of ammonia ; but where
fltualence is present, the use of  the carbonate is  objectionable, owing
to the carbonic acid which is  set free in the stomach ;  its stimulant
properties also contraindicate  its employment where there is any ten-
dency to imflammation.  Carbonate  of ammonia is administered with
much advantage in the lithic acid diathesis ;  and it has been used, it
 is stated, with much benefit in diabetes.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. v. to gr. xx. in pill, or
 in  any cold aqueous vehicle.   Gr. xxx. produces vomiting.—Ammonia
 carbonatis aqua, D. E. Liquor  Ammonia sesquicarbonatis, L.  (Dis-
 solve §iv.  of carbonate  (sesquiearbonate,  L.)  of ammonia  in  §xv.
 (Oj. L. E.) of distilled water, and filter.   " The density of this solu-
 tion is 1090," D.).  A convenient strength  for  medicinal purposes;
 Dose, min. xxx. to  min. lx. properly diluted.
   Incompatibles.—Acids ; the fixed  alkalies and their carbonates;
 bitartrate of potash ; calcareous salts ; and the salts of iron, zinc, lead,
 and mercury ; but sulphate of magnesia  is not incompatible with car-
 bonate of ammonia.

   Calcis aqua, D.  E. Calcis liquor, [U. S.] L. Lime Water.

    Preparation.—(U.  S.   Take  of lime §iv ; distilled water, cong.  j.
 Upon the lime first slaked with a little of the water, pour the  remainder  of 
antacids.
5
the water, and stir them together ; then immediately cover the vessel, and
set it aside for three hours.  Keep the solution together with the dissolved
lime, in stopped glass bottles, and pour off the clear liquor when it is wanted
for use.  Water free from saline or other obvious impurity may be employed
in this process, though not distilled. ]  Dub.  " Fresh burnt lime; and boiling
water, of each one part; sprinkle the water on the lime, in an earthen ves-
sel, covered while the lime grows hot and falls to  powder; then pour over it
30 parts of cold water; cover the vessel again, and agitate  the mixture re-
peatedly for 24 hours; then, as soon as the  lime has subsided, pour off the
clear liquor and keep it in  well-stopped bottles."  Lond. " Lime, ibss.;
distilled water, Oxij.; upon the lime first slaked with a  little of the water
pour the remainder of the water, and shake  them together; then immediate-
ly cover the vessel and set it by for three hours; afterwards keep the  solu-
tion with the remaining lime in stopped glass vessels; and when it is to be
used, take from  the clear solution."  Edin.  " Take any convenient quantity
of water; pour a little of it over about a twentieth of its weight of lime ;
when the lime is slaked, add it to the rest of the water in a bottle; agitate
well; allow the undissolved matter to subside; pour  off the clear liquor
when it is wanted,  replacing it with more water,  and agitating briskly as
before."

   Physical Properties.—A transparent, colourless liquor ;  odour-
less, but having a disagreeable, alkaline  taste.
   Chemical Properties.—Lime is only sparingly soluble in water;
requiring 778 parts of 60° and 1270 parts of boiling water for its so-
lution, being therefore more soluble in cold than in hot ^ater,  so that
a saturated solution, when boiled, deposits a  hydrate  of lime.  Ex-
posed to the air, lime water absorbs carbonic acid,  and becomes cov-
ered  with a thin crust of carbonate of  lime,  for medical use it must
consequently be kept in well  stopped bottles.   It acts faintly alkaline
on vegetable  colours ;  gives white  precipitates with carbonic and
oxalic acids, but does not precipitate with sulphuric acid.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Lime water is a useful antacid in those
forms  of dyspepsia which are characterised  by great irritability  of
the stomach, accompanied by constant secretion of acid.  In America,
a diet almost exclusively of lime water and milk, in the proportion of
one part of the former to two or three of the latter,  is  found to be a
very effectual plan of treatment in dyspepsia accompanied by  vomit-
ing of food.  In the acidity of stomach  of the gouty and rheumatic
diathesis, the alkaline antacids should be preferred to lime.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—f i. to  f§iv.  It is most
conveniently administered in  milk, which conceals  its disagreeable
taste;  but as this  addition would be  injurious in many  cases, it  may
be given alone.   When lime  water  has  been  administered for some
time, its use should be occasionally discontinued.
   Incompatibles.—The vegetable  and  mineral  acids  ; alkaline and
metallic salts;  tartar  emetic  ; and most vegetable infusions and de-
coctions, as those  of calumba, cinchona bark, gentian, senna, rhubarb,
sarsaparilla, &c.

   Creta prjEparata, [U. S.] D. L.  E. Calcis carbonas pr.ecipi-
tatum, D.  Prepared chalk;   Precipitated carbonate of lime.

  Preparation.—Creta praparala, D. L. E.—" Chalk, any'quantity  (ft>i.L.)
add a little water to the chalk, and rub it to powder; put it into a large ves-
                                 1* 
6
antacids.
sel with a sufficiency of water, and mix with frequent agitation ;  let it rest
for a short time (until the coarser particles subside, D.), and pour off the
supernatant liquor (still turl.id, L E);  (repeat the process,  E. frequently,
D.) ;  finally ; collect on a li.ter the tine powder  ihat has subsided Irom the
poured-ofl'liquor,  and dry it tor use (on a bibulous stone or on paper, D.)"
" Oyster shells, first freed form impurities, and washed  with  boiling water,
are prepared in the same manner," L —Calcii carbonas pracipitalum,D.—
" Take of the water of muriate of lime, five parts; add three parts of car-
bonate of soda  dissolved in lour times its weight of distilled  water ; wash
the precipitate thrice with water by subsidence and effusion • finally collect
it and dry it on a chalk-stone or on paper."

   Physical Properties.—Prepared chalk is usually in small conical
masses, of a dull greyish white colour, opaque, and very friable ; the
powder is soft and massive.  It is odourless, and  tasteless, but adhe-
rent to the tongue.   Sp.  gr. about  2'3.  Precipitated  carbonate of
lime is a snow-white, fine powder.
   Chemical Properties.—It is composed of one eq. of carbonic acid,
and one of lime.  It is permanent in the air;  exposed to a  red heat
it  parts with its  carbonic acid, and is  converted into quicklime.  It is
miscible with, hut is not soluble in water; it dissolves in small quan-
tity in water containing carbonic acid, from which, however, it is de-
posited on exposure to the air.
   Adulterations.—Prepared chalk generally contains silica  and alu-
mina, and, from  not having  been sufficiently dried, moisture ; these
impurities are best detected by  the tests of the Edin. Pharm., which
indicate the exact amount of pure carbonate of lime  present :—" A so-
lution of gr. xxv. in  f§x. of pyroligneous acid, when neutralized by
carbonate of soda, and precipitated by gr. xxxij. of oxalate of ammonia
continues preciphable  after filtration by more of the test."   Finely
ground  sulphate of lime  is sometimes  substituted  for  precipitated
chalk ; the fraud may be readily detected by its insolubility  in  dilute
muriatic  acid.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Chalk is employed  with much benefit
as an  antacid,  in acidity of the stomach, especially when accompanied
with diarrhoea, as is so frequently the case in infancy and  childhood ;
for this purpose  it is advantageously combined with aromatics, or with
opium.   It is also employed as an antidote in  poisoning with nitric,
muriatic, or oxalic acids.  Precipitated carbonate of lime is not much
employed in medicine, as it  possesses  but little advantage over pre-
pared chalk, and is much more  expensive.  It is used as an ingredient
in tooth powders, and for the preparation of mercury with chalk, and
mercury with magnesia.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. x. to 3ij.  in powder or
in mixture.   It has been recently proposed to administer carbonate of
lime in solution  in carbonic  acid water, and such a  preparation is or-
dinarily sold at present by most venders of mineral waters under the
name of Carrara water.  It is prepared by exposing  ordinary lime
water, under pressure, to a stream of carbonic acid  gas.   The amount
of bicarbonate of lime held in solution is so small, that the preparation
can be regarded only m the  light of a mild calcareous spring   The
doseof itisfromfgij  to  f§iv  three times a tey.-Mistura 'Creta,;
[U. S.] D. L. E    ( Prepared chalk, §ss. ; pure sugar, 3iij. ;  mucilage
of gum-arabic, §1.;  water,  by measure,  Ibj. mix;" D.—-" Prepared 
antacids.
7
chalk, |ss. ; sugar, 3iij- ;  mixture of acacia, f§iss. ; cinnamon water,
f§xviij. ; mix ;" L.—" Prepared chalk, 3x. ;  pure sugar, 3v.; mucilage,
f^iij. ; spirit  of  cinnamon,  fgij. ;  water,  Oij. ;  triturate  the  chalk,
sugar, and mucilage together ;  and then add gradually the water and
spirit of cinnamon." E.)   Chiefly used in diarrhoea as a vehicle for
more active medicines.   Dose, f|i. to f§ij.—Pulvis Creta  comp.,
D. L. E.  (" Prepared chalk, Ibss.; cinnamon, §iv. :  tormentil  root,
and gum-arabic, of each, §iij. ;  long pepper, §ss.;  rub  them separately
to fine powder, and then mix them," D. L.—" Prepared chalk, §iv.;
cinnamon, in fine  powder, 5iss. ; nutmeg, in fine powder, 3i- ; triturate
them well together," E.)   Antacid and aromatic, principally employ-
ed in the  diseases of children.  Dose,  gr. x. to gr. xxx.—Trochiscus
Creta:,  E.—(Prepared  chalk,  §iv. ; gum-arabic, §i.; "nutmeg,  5i- ;
pure sugar, |vi. ; reduce them  to powder, and beat them with a  little
water into a proper mass for making lozenges.)  Antacid and aromatic
used-in  acidity of the stomach ;  Dose, 3i. to 3ij.
  Incompatibles.—Acids, and acidulous salts.

  Magnesia, [U. S.]  D. L. E.   Magnesia;  Calcined Magnesia.

  Preparation.—"Expose any convenient quantity of carbonate of magne-
sia in a crucible to a full red heat ibr two hours, (or till the powder, when
suspended in water, presents no effervescence on  the addition of muriatic
acid, E.) and preserve it when cold in well-stopped glass bottles," D.  E.—
" Carbonate of magnesia, |iv. burn it for two hours in a very strong fire," L.

  Physical Properties.—A very light, soft powder,  perfectly white,
odourless  and tasteless,  slightly adherent  to the tongue.   Sp. gr.
about 23.
  Chemical Properties.—It  consists of one eq. of magnesium, and
one of oxygen.   Exposed  to the air it absorbs carbonic acid and mois-
ture ; it is highly infusible.  It is very slightly  soluble in water, re-
quiring  5142 times its weight of water at  60° for its solution ; and
like lime it is more soluble in cold than in hot water.  It acts feebly
alkaline on vegetable colours.
  Adulterations.—Magnesia generally contains some carbonate, either
from faulty preparation or bad keeping ; its presence  is  indicated  by
its causing effervescence with dilute mineral  acids.   It  is frequently
adulterated with lime, silica, and alumina.   If it contain silica, it will
not dissolve completely in  dilute muriatic acid ; if alumina be present,
the solution in dilute muriatic  acid precipitates with excess  of am-
monia ; and if lime be present, solution of oxalate of ammonia, or of
the bicarbonate of potash, gives a white precipitate with the solution
in the dilute acid.
  Therapeutical Effects.-—As  an  antacid magnesia is employed
in dyspepsia, attended with acidity of the stomach and  constipation ;
in such  cases it is generally preferred to the alkalies, as being less
irritant, and as the combinations which it foims with the free acids of
the stomach are gently  laxative.  In  gastrodynia  and heartburn,
given in  combination with some  aromatic, a short  time before the
meals, it  seldom  fails to prove beneficial.   It is also administered with
much advantage  in the acidity attendant on infantile diseases, and in
persons of a gouty and rheumatic diathesis.  Magnesia is also  used
as an antidote in  poisoning with the mineral acids, but its employment
in  such cases is objectionable for  during  its combination  with the 
8
antacids.
 acids, a degree of heat sufficient to destroy the mucous membrane of
 the stomach is produced.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. x. to  gr. xv.  twice or
 three times daily.   It may be given suspended  in  milk,  or in some
 aromatic water.
   Incompatibles.—Acids;  acidulous  salts ;  metallic  salts ;  and
 muriate of ammonia.
   Magnesije carbonas, [U. S.] D. L. E.   Carbonate of Magnesia.
  Preparation.—Dub.—" Take of sulphate of magnesia, 25 parts; carbo-
 nate of potash, 14 parts ; boiling water, 400 parts ; dissolve the sulphate of
 magnesia and carbonate of potash, each in 200 parts of water, mix together
 the defecated liquors;  then boil the mixture for a short time, and strain it
 while it is hot through linen stretched in a proper manner to collect the
 magnesia.  Wash away  the sulphate of potash by  repeated affusions of
 boiling water, and finally dry the carbonate of magnesia."  Lond. Edin.—
 " Take of sulphate of magnesia,' fbiv; carbonate of soda, Ibiv. 5viij; distill-
 ed water, cong. iv;  dissolve the salts separately, each in half the water,
 (and strain, L); then mix and boil the liquors,  stirring constantly  with a
 spatula for fifteen (or twenty, E.  ) minutes.  Lastly, the liquor being poured
off, wash the precipitate (collected on a filter of linen or calico, E.) with
boiling distilled water and dry it."
   Physical Properties.—A  very white powder, light  and  bulky;
 inodorous and tasteless,  varying in density, two sorts being commonly
 met with ;  the one very light," and either in very fine  powder or in
 small cubical cakes (light magnesia ;)  the other dense, and somewhat
 granular {heavy magnesia.)
   Chemical Properties.—According to Berzelius, it is a compound
 of hydrate of magnesia with hydrated carbonate of magnesia, consist-
 ing of 3 eq. of carbonic acid, 4 eq. of  magnesia, and 4  eq.  of  water.
 It is permanent in  the air ; exposed to a strong red heat it parts with
 its water and carbonic acid, magnesia  being left.   It is very sparing-
ly soluble in water, requiring 2493 parts of cold, and 9000  of hot
water for its solution.  But water charged with carbonic acid  gas
 dissolves it, in the  proportion of about 20  grains to the ounce.  It
acts, on vegetable colours, feebly alkaline.
   Adulterations.—They are similar to those of calcined magnesia,
and may be detected by  the same tests.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Carbonate of magnesia is employed as
 an antacid in the same cases as magnesia; but owing to the carbonic
 acid which is disengaged in the stomach when it meets with the acids
 naturally present in that viscus, its use is objectionable in many cases.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. xv. to 3ss. ;  it may be
 administered suspended in milk, or in some aromatic water.   The
 most convenient form, however, for the exhibition of the carbonate
 of magnesia, is the solution in carbonated water, which was first in-
troduced to the notice of the profession by Sir James Murray  of this
city.  It is prepared by  exposing distilled water, in which very pure
 carbonate of magnesia is  suspended (in  the proportion of 13J grains
 of the latter to every fluid ounce of the former) to a stream of  carbo-
 nic acid gas forced into  it  by means of steam power, until a complete
 solution is formed.   It then constitutes Aqua Magnesia bicarbonatis,
 and is given as an antacid  in doses of  fgss. to f§iss.  This prepara-
 tion as prepared by different makers, is very liable to vary in strength 
antacids.
9
and in some instances, a solution of sulphate of soda is substituted for
it.  By the following simple method proposed by  Mr. Redwood, of
London, the precise quantity of carbonate of magnesia contained in it
may be readily ascertained :—Evaporate a fluid ounce of the solution
to dryness in a wedge-wood dish ; calcine the residue at a red  heat
for about five or ten minutes,  in a small Berlin crucible ; then weigh
the calcined residue.  If this residue be pure calcined magnesia, every
five grains of  it will be equivalent to twelve grains of the hydrated
carbonate of magnesia of commerce ; after weighing the  calcined
residue, treat it with distilled water, when, if there be any soluble salts
present, they will be dissolved out and  may be tested, weighed,  and
the amount deducted  from the  weight of the  magnesia.—Trochisci
Magnesia, E. (Carbonate of magnesia, §vi. ;  pure sugar, §iij. ;  nut-
meg,  9i.  ; beat them in powder, with mucilage of tragacanth,  to  a
mass for lozenges.)  In acidity  of the stomach, ad libitum.
   Incompatibles.—Acids ; acidulous,  and metallic salts;  muriate of
ammonia ; and lime water.
   POTASSJE CAUSTICvE AQUA, D. LlQUOR  POTASS^ [U.  S.]  L. PoT-
ass.e aqua, E.  Water of caustic potash; Solution of potash.

   Preparation.—[U. S. " Take of Carbonate  ofpotassafbj; lime, Ibss ; boil-
ing distilled water cong j.  Dissolve the carbonate of potassa in half a gallon
of the water.   Pour a little of the water on the lime, and when it is slaked add
the remainder. Mix the hot liquors, and boil for ten minutes stirring constant-
ly ; then set the mixture aside, in a covered vessel, until it becomes clear.
Lastly, pour off the supernatant liquor, and keep it in well-stopped bottles of
green glass."]—Dub.—" Carbonate of potash, from potashes of commerce ;
and recently burnt lime, of each,  two parts; water,  15 parts; sprinkle one
part of the water made hot on the  lime in an  earthen vessel, and as  soon as
it is slaked, mix with the salt and  add the remainder of the water.   Put the
mixture when cool into a well-stopped  bottle,  and agitate frequently for
three days; as soon as the carbonate of lime has subsided, pour off the clear
liquor, and preserve in carefully stopped green-glass bottles."  Lond.—
"Carbonate of potash, §xv;  lime, §viij;  boiling distilled water,  cong.j;
dissolve the carbonate of potash in half a gallon of the water; sprinkle  a
little of the water upon the lime in an earthen  vessel,  and the lime being
slaked, add the rest of the  water.  The liquors being immediately mixed to-
gether in a close vessel, shake them frequently until they are cold ; then set
aside, that the carbonate of lime may subside.  Lastly, keep the supernatant
liquor  when poured off,  in a  well-stopped  green-glass bottle."  Edin.—
"Carbonate of potash (dry), §iv; lime, recently burned, §ij; water, f§xlv;
let the lime be slaked, and converted into milk of lime with f§vij °f tne
water: dissolve the carbonate in the rest of the water ; boil the solution, and
add the milk of lime in successive portions,  about an  eighth at a  time—
boiling briskly for a few minutes after each addition.  Pour the whole into
a deep,  narrow glass vessel for 24  hours, and then withdraw with a syphon
the clear liquid, which ought to amount to at least f^xxx. and should have
a density or 1072."  As solution of potash corrodes flint glass, it is directed
in the pharmacopoeias to be kept in green-glass bottles.

   Physical Properties.—A transparent colourless liquid, with an
oily appearance, and a soapy feel ;  it is odourless, but has an intensely
acrid  alkaline taste.   Its specific gravity is different  in  the three
British Pharmacopoeias ;  that of the Dub.  preparation is T080  that of
the Lond. 1063, and that of Edin. 1072.   [The U. S. Pharmacopoeia
directs it of the sp. g. of 1.056.]

■'  ■   ■  •  ; i .    .  " %.  < v J ;  r--' '   .        '   ■'  -   ' -^  ■    '
~~ ww«.i    .'    % «   -v 
10                         antacids.
  Chemical Properties.—A solution of potassa in water.  Exposed
to the air it absorbs carbonic acid rapidly, and is converted into a solu-
tion of the carbonate of potash.   By heat the water is driven off, but
no further change takes place.   It re-acts on vegetable colours power-
fully alkaline.   Solution of potash  converts most  oils and fats into
soap.   It does  not effervesce with  acids, but combines  with them,
forming salts.
  Adulterations.—Solution of potash as kept in the shops is frequent-
ly too weak, this is known by its not being of the density  prescribed
by the colleges.  If it contain any carbonate, it will effervesce on the
addition of a dilute acid, and give a white precipitate with lime water.
A white  precipitate  caused  by carbonate  of soda, in the  solution
neutralized with dilute nitric acid, indicates the presence of lime.
  Therapeutical Effects.—In dyspepsia attended with acid eructa-
tions, cardialgia, and gastrodynia, solution of potash is employed with
much benefit.  It not only neutralizes the free acid, but also counter-
acts the  morbid tendency  of the stomach to  acid secretion.   Its
beneficial action is especially manifested in  various forms  of chronic
cutaneous disease so often  dependant on acidity  of the  digestive  or-
gans ;  in  which cases it should  be preferred to  the other-remedies of
this class.  In the acidity of the stomach of the gouty and  rheumatic,
and in deposits of lithic acid, or  the lithates  in the  urine, solution of
potash is  also administered with much advantage.  And in scrofulous
affections of the testis and in many forms of external tubercular dis-
ease, the  internal use of this remedy is in general  productive of the
best effects.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Min. x. gradually increased
to min. xl. ;  it should be largely diluted.   Fresh table beer, or  veal
broth partly conceal  its nauseous taste, and consequently are frequent-
ly  employed as  vehicles for its  administration.   The  combination
with some aromatic bitter as gentian, cascarilla, or calumba, is gen-
erally found highly beneficial.—Brandishes alkaline solution ;  (Best
American pearlashes, Ibij. ;  quicklime, recently burned ; and  wood
ashes (from the ash) of each, Ibij. ;  boiling water, cong. vj ;  add first
the lime,  then the pearlashes, and afterwards the wood ashes to  the
boiling water; mix,  and in 24  hours draw off the clear liquor; to
every pint of which,  add of oil of juniper, min. ij.)   This solution has
a less disagreeable taste than the officinal aqua potassa, and is there-
fore more generally  employed ;  it is, however,  very liable to vary in
strength.   Dose f3ss. to f3ij.
  Incompatibles.—Acids; acidulous and  metallic  salts;  and  the
preparations of ammonia.
   In cases of poisoning with solution of potash, the best antidotes are
vinegar, lemon juice, and the fixed oils.

   PoTASSiE  bicarbonas,  [U. S.] D. L. E. Bicarbonate  of Potash.

  Preparation.—[U. S.—"Take of corbonate of  potassa R>iv;  distilled
water, Ox.  Dissolve the carbonate of potassa in the water, and pass carbo-
nic acid through  the solution till it is fully saturated.  Then filter, and
evaporate the filtered liquor, that crystals may form, taking  care  tha't the
heat does  not exceed 160°.   Pour off the supernatant liquid,  arid dry the
crystals upon bibulous paper.'^]—Dub.—'« Carbonate of potash from potash-
es of commerce, one part; distilled water, two parts; dissolve ; expose tha 
antacids.
11
solution in a proper apparatus to a stream of carbonic acid gas, produced
by the solution of white marble in dilute muriatic  acid; as soon as the
liquor becomes turbid, filter, and again expose it to the stream of gas  until
the alkali is saturated; set the solution  aside in a cool place till crystals
form, which are to be dried without heat, and kept in well closed bottles.'
Lond.—*' Carbonate of potash, flbvj ; distilled water, cong. j; dissolve the
carbonate of potash in the  water; afterwards pass carbonic acid through
the solution to saturation; apply a gentle heat, so that whatever crystals are
formed may be again dissolved.  Then set aside that crystals may be again
produced ; and the liquor being poured off, dry them.   Carbonic acid is ob-
tained from chalk rubbed to powder, and mixed with water to the consistence
of a syrup, upon which sulphuric  acid  diluted with an equal weight of
water is then poured."  Edin.—" Carbonate of potash, |vj ; carbonate of
ammonia, giiiss;  triturate  the carbonate of ammonia to fine powder; mix
with it the carbonate of potash; triturate them thoroughly together, adding
by degrees a very little water; till a smooth and uniform pulp be formed.
Dry this gradually at a temperature not exceeding 140s? triturating occa-
sionally towards the close; and continue the desiccation,  till a fine powder
be obtained, entirely free of ammoniacal odour.

   Physical Properties.—Transparent, colourless crystals, the pri-
mary form of which is a right oblique-angled prism.  It  is inodorous,
but has a mildly alkaline taste, without any acridity.
   Chemical   Properties.—It is composed of  one  eq. of  potassa,
two of carbonic acid, and one of water.  It  is permanent in the air;
exposed to a moderate heat, part of the carbonic acid is driven off, and
it is reduced to the state  of  carbonate.  It is soluble in four parts of
water at 60°, and in less than its own  weight  of boiling  water; the
solution is feebly, alkaline.   It is insoluble in alcohol.
   Adulterations.—Bicarbonate of potash frequently contains carbo-
nate of potash, from not  having been sufficiently saturated with car-
bonic acid gas  during the  preparation ; this is best detected by the
action of corrosive sublimate on a solution in 40 parts of water, if the
salt contain even a trace  of carbonate, a brick-red  precipitate is pro-
duced.  If any sulphates or muriates  be present, a solution supersa-
turated with nitric acid is precipitated white, with solution of muriate
or nitrate of baryta if the impurity be a sulphate, and with solution of
nitrate of silver  if the impurity be a  muriate.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Bicarbonate of potash  may be  admin-
istered as  an antacid in the same cases as  solution of caustic potash,
its operation being similar ; but it is not so powerful as that prepara-
tion.  It possesses the advantage, however, of being less unpleasant
to  the taste ;  and its employment may be continued without interrup-
tion for a longer period.
   Dose and Mode  of Administration.—Gr. x.  to gr. xx., two or
three times a day;  it may be given dissolved in some aromatic water.
—Liquor Potassa  effervescens, L.  Potassa  aqua  effervescens,  E.
Kali water.  (Bicarbonate of potash, 3i; distilled water, Oj ; dissolve
the  salt in the  water, and pass into it carbonic acid under strong pres-'
sure, "more than sufficient for saturation ;  and keep the solution in a-
well-stopped vessel," L.)  An excellent and agreeable form for the
administration of this salt; Dose fgij. to  fgviij. three  times a day.
   Incompatibles.—Acids ;  acetate and  muriate  of  ammonia ; lime
water ; and most of the metallic salts, but not sulphate of magnesia.

   Potass-e carbonas impura, L. Lixivum cinis, D.   Impure  carbo-
nate of potash;  Pearlashes: Potashes. 
       12                          antacids.

         PoTASSiE carbonas e lixivo cinere, D.  Potass* carbonas, [U. S.]
       L. E. Carbonate of potash, prepared from potashes.
        Potass* carbonas e tartari crystallis, D.   Potass* carbonas
,'      purum, [U. S.] E.  Carbonate of potash  prepared from  crystals  of
       tartar ; Pure carbonate of Potash.
         Pearlashes or potashes are procured by lixivation from the ashes
       of many trees and land plants.   They are imported in large deliques-
       cent masses of a dirty bluish-white  color, packed  in barrels ; and are
      principally brought from America, where  they are prepared in very
      large quantity from the  trees cut down in  the clearing of  land;  puri-
!     fied by the process mentioned below, they are converted into pure car-
      bonate of potash.
        Preparation.—Carbonate of potash  from potashes.   Dub.—" Pot-
      ashes,  in coarse powder^; and cold water, of each, one part; mix with tritu-
      ration, and macerate for a  week in an open vessel, frequently agitating;
      filter and  evaporate to dryness in a perfectly  clean silver or iron vessel;
      towards the end of the evaporation frequently stirring with an iron spatula;
      put the coarse powder thus obtained  into close  vessels.  If the potashes  be
      not sufficiently pure, roast them  in a crucible until they become white, be-
       fore they  are dissolved.  Lond—" Impure carbonate of  potash Ibij.; dis-
       tilled water, Oiss.;  dissolve the impure carbonate of potash in the water,
       and strain ; then pour it off into a proper vessel, and  evaporate the  water,
       that the liquor  may thicken : then stir constantly with a spatula till the
       salt concretes.   Carbonate of potash may be procured more pure from the
       crystals of bicarbonate  of potash heated to redness."  Edin.—" Obtained
       from the potashes of commerce  by lixiviating,  evaporating,  and granulat-
       ing, by fusion  and refrigeration."    [U. S. "Pure carbonate of potassa.
       Take of bitartrate of potassa Ibij; nitrate of potassa, Ib.ij.  Rub them sepa-
       rately into powder; then  mix, and throw them into a brass  vessel heated
       nearly to redness, that  they may undergo combustion.  From the residue
i       prepare the pure carbonate of potassa, in the manner directed for the car-
       bonate."]—Carbonate  of potash from crystals of tartar, D.   u Take
       any quantity of crystals of tartar; heat them to redness in a silver crucible
       lightly covered,  until they cease to emit vapors; reduce  the  residue to a
       coarse powder, and roast  for two hours with frequent stirring  in the same
       crucible uncovered ; then boil it with twice its weight of water  for a quarter
       of an hour ; and after due subsidence pour off  the clear liquor ; let this be
       done three times ; filter the mixed washings, and evaporate in a silver ves-
       sel ; reduce the  residual salt while becoming dry, by frequent stirring, to a
       granular form ;  and then heat it to an  obscure red.  Before it  has perfectly
       cooled, take it from  the vessel, and preserve it in  well  stopped bottles."
       Pure carbonate of potash, E.   " Most readily obtained by heating crys-
       allized bicarbonate of potash to redness in a crucible ;  but  more cheaply by
       dissolving bitartrate of potash in  30 parts of boiling  water, separating  and
       washing the crystals, which form on cooling, heating these  in a loosely-
       covered crucible to redness, so  long  as fumes are  discharged, breaking
       down  the  mass and roasting it in an open crucible for two hours, with oc-
       casional stirring, lixiviating the product with distilled water, filtering the so-
       lution thus obtained, evaporating the  solution  to  dryness, granulating the
  *jjb> salt towards the close by brisk agitation, and heating the granular salt nearly
   **-to redness.  The product of either process must be kept in well closed ves-
       sels."

          Physical  Properties.—Carbonate of potash is met  with  in the
       form of coarse, white, crystalline  grains, inodorous, with  an  acrid al-
       kaline taste.
          Chemical Properties.—It is composed of one eq. of  potassa, and 
I
                             antacids.                         13

one of carbonic acid, combined with an equivalent and a half of water.
It attracts moisture  from the air, deliquescing rapidly and becoming
liquid.  By a red heat it is fused, but is not decomposed.   It  is solu-
ble in less than'its own weight of water at 69°, but is insoluble in alco-
hol.   It is highly alkaline, but not caustic.
  Adulterations.—As commonly met with in the shops, carbonate of
potash contains  much water;  the  quantity  present  may be  known
by the loss of weight which the  salt suffers when exposed  to a red
heat;  in the London Pharmocopozia, it  is stated, that this should not
be more than 16 per cent; in the Edinburgh, 20 per cent.  The pre-
sence  of  sulphates  or'muriates may be detected by the same tests as
those given for bicarbonate of potash.
  Therapeutical Effects.—As an antacid it may be employed in
the same cases as the bicarbonate, but in consequence of its  unplea-
sant taste, and irritant, even poisonous, properties, it is not much  used
in medicine.  The external application of the alkaline carbonates has
recently  been highly praised by Devergie, for the treatment  of many
obstinate diseases of the skin, particularly the various forms of papu-
lar and scaly eruptions, and the eruptive diseases of the scalp.   But,
although he  sometimes uses the  carbonate of potash where  the  dis-
ease is very chronic, its acridity forbids its  general employment,  and
he prefers the carbonate or bicarbonate of soda, (see page  15).   In
pharmacy it is employed for the preparation of caustic potash, the bi-
carbonate, &c
  Dose  and Mode  of  Administration.—Gr. v. to gr. xx. largely
diluted; for external use, gr. v. to  gr. x. may be  dissolved in f§i of
water, or made into an ointment with §i of prepared lard.—Potassa
carbonatis aqua,  D.—liquor, L.   (Carbonate of potash, (from crystals
of tartar, D.), one part (§xx. L.) ;  distilled  water, 2 parts (Oj.  L.) ;
dissolve and strain ;  " Sp. Gr. 1320." D.)  A convenient strength for
internal use ; Dose,  min. x. to f3i. in milk or in some aromatic water.
  Incompatibles.—Same, as the bicarbonate ; but sulphate of magne-
sia, is decomposed by the  carbonate.  In cases of poisoning  with this
salt, the antidotes are the same  as those for solution of potash.

  Sod* bicarbonas, [U.S.] D. E. Sod* sesquicarbonas, L.  Bicar-
 bonate of soda ;  Sesquiearbonate of soda.
  Preparation.—[U. S.  Take of carbonate of soda in  crystals, a conve-
nient quantity. Break the crystals in  pieces, and put  them into a  wooden
box, having  a transverse partition near the bottom pierced with numerous
small holes,  and a cover which can be tightly fitted on.  To a bottle having
two tubulares, and half filled with water, adapt two tubes, one connected with
an apparatus for generating carbonic acid and terminating under  the water
in the bottle, the other commencing at  the tubulare in which it is inserted,
and entering  the box by an opening near the bottom, beneath  the partition.
Then  lute all the joints, and cause a stream  of  carbonic  acid  to  pass
through the water into the box until the carbonate of soda is fully saturated.
Carbonic acid is obtained from marble  by the addition of diluted sulphuric
acid.]  Dub.—" Carbonate of soda, two parts ; water,  five parts ; dissolve ;
expose the solution in a proper apparatus to the stream of carbonic acid gas
procured from the solution of white marble in dilute muriatic acid, until it
ceases to absorb the gas, and set  it aside that crystals may form ; evapo-
rate the liquor at a temperature not above 120°, and crystallize by cooling,
mix these crystals with the former, dry and preserve  in a close  vessel." 
14
antacids.
 Edin.—" Fill with fragments  of marble a glass  jar, open  at the bottom;
 and tubulated at the top ;  close the  bottom in such a way as to keep in the
 marble without preventing a free passage of a fluid ; connect the tubula-
 ture closely by a bent tube and corks with an empty bottle, and this in like
 manner  with  another bottle  filled  with one part of  carbonate of soda,
 and two parts of dried carbonate of  soda, well triturated together ; and let
 the tube be long enough to reach the bottom of  the bottle.   Before closing
 the last cork closely, immerse  the jar to the top in diluted muriatic acid,
 contained in any convenient vessel; when the whole apparatus is thus filled
 with carbonic  acid gas, secure the last cork tightly ; and let the action go
 on till next morning, or till gas is no longer absorbed by the salt.  Remove
 the damp salt which is formed, and  dry it either in the air without heat, or
 at a temperature  not above 120u." Sesquicarbonate of Soda, Lond.—
 "Carbonate of soda, Ibvij.; distilled water, cong. j. ;  dissolve, and strain;
 then pass carbonic acid into the solution to saturation thaUhe salt may sub-
 side ; dry this, wrapped and pressed in cloth, with  a gentle heat."

  Physical Properties.—Usually in the form of a fine, white  pow-
 der, but sometimes met with in small indistinct crystals ; it is inodo-
rous, but has a mild alkaline taste.
  Chemical Properties.—It is  composed of one eq. of soda, two of
 carbonic acid, and  one  of water.   It is  permanent in the air ; by a
 moderate heat, the water and one eq. of carbonic  acid are  expelled,
 and it is reduced to the state of carbonate.   It requires  13 parts of
water at 60n, for  its solution, but a much  less quantity of boiling water ;
in the latter it loses one  fourth of  its acid, and  becomes the sesquiear-
bonate.   The   solution  is faintly  alkaline ; it effervesces with acids,
but does not precipitate  with the salts of magnesia.
  Adulterations.—The  only one of importance is  with the simple or
 monocarbonate, and this  is seldom wanting ; it  may be readily  detect-
ed by the action  of solution of corrosive sublimate, which gives a red-
 dish-brown precipitate with a solution of the bicarbonate  in 40 parts of
distilled water, if it contain so much as a hundredth part of the carbonate.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—In the various forms  of  dyspepsia at-
tended by secretion of acid and vomiting, no  remedy is  so  frequently
employed as the  bicarbonate of soda, being usually taken  in  solution
with excess of carbonic  acid.   In  lithiasis, and in gout and in rheuma-
 tism where there is excessive secretion of uric acid and the  urates,
the potash preparations  should  be preferred to  it,  for the salt formed
with soda and uric  acid is extremely  insoluble,  being in fact the
compound which  is deposited in the joints of persons who suffer from
 repeated attacks  of gout.
  Dose and Mode of Administation.—Gr. x.  to |ss. dissolved  in
water.—Aqua carbonatis Soda acidula, D.  Liquor (Aqua. B.) Soda
 effervescens, L. E.  (Bicarbonate  (Carbonate,  D.)  of soda$ 3i; wa-
ter (distilled, L.), by measure R>j. (Oj. L. E.) ; dissolve ;  and in a pro-
per apparatus, pass into it a stream of  carbonic acid gas (obtained
 from the solution of white marble in muriatic  acid diluted with six
parts of water, D.) until it  is  more  than saturated : keep  in  well
stopped vessels.)  This  constitutes Soda water, the form in which the
 bicarbonate is  most generally used ; as met with in the shops, however,
 soda water is  seldom anything more than a simple solution of car-
 bonic acid in water, not containing any carbonate of soda ; this may be
 easily known by adding some weak acid to the solution, as soon  as  it 
antacids.
15
has ceased to effervesce after being poured from the bottle, when  no
further  effervescence takes  place, unless the  alkaline  carbonate  be
present.   Dose, f§vj. or fgviij, two or three times a day.—Trochisci
Soda bicarbonatis,'E.   (Bicarbonate of soda, §i. ;  pure sugar §iij.;
gum arabic, §ss. ;  pulverize  them ;  and  with mucilage  beat them into
a proper mass for  making lozenges.)  In acidity of the stomach, ad
libitum.
   Incompatibles.—Acids ;  lime water ;  muriate of ammonia ;  and
metallic salts, except those of magnesia.

   Sod* carbonas venale, sive, barilla, D.    Sod*  carbonas im-
pura, L.  Impure carbonate of soda ; Barilla.
   Sod* carbonas, D.  L. E.  Carbonate of soda.
   Impure carbonate of soda or barilla is  obtained by burning to ashes
several terrestrial  plants which belong to the natural family Chenopo-
diacea, and which usually grow on the  sea-shore.  It is imported  in
the form of hard greyish-blue masses not deliquescent,  packed in bar-
rels.  It is chiefly brought from  Sicily,  France, and the East Indies.
It. is only  employed for yielding carbonate of soda  by the processes
mentioned below.   In the present day, however, carbonate of  soda is
prepared on the large scale from sulphate of  soda  by a  complicated
process, the details of which will be  found in  all modern works on
chemistry.
   Preparation.—Dub.—" Barilla, reduced to powder, one part;  water,
two parts ; boil the barilla in the water for two hours, occasionally stirring ;
strain the liquor, and having triturated what remains of  the barilla, boil
again  with the same quantity of water; repeat this procedure a third time.
Evaporate  the filtered and mixed washings in an  open iron vessel to dry-
ness, avoiding so high a heat as might again liquefy the salt; stir with  an
iron spatula until the mass becomes white; then dissolve in boiling water,
and evaporate the  liquor to a specific gravity of 1220, and expose to the
air at a temperature of about 32°,  that by cooling crystals may be formed,
which are to be dried and kept in  a well-closed vessel.   If the salt should
not be sufficiently  pure,  repeat the solution and crystallization."   Lond.—
" Impure carbonate of soda Ibij.; distilled water, Oiv.; boil the salt in the
water, and strain it while  yet hot';7 lastly, set it aside that crystals may be
formed."  In the Edin. Phar. carbonate of soda is an article of the Ma-
teria Medica.
   Physical Properties.—Carbonate of soda occurs in large, transpa-
rent crystals, or fragments of  crystals, the primary form of which  is
an oblique rhombic prism.   They are  inodorous ;  but have  a disa-
greeable,  alkaline, somewhat  caustic taste.  Sp. Gr. 1'623.
   Chemical  Properties.—It is composed of one  equivalent of soda,
 one of carbonic acid, and ten of  water.   It effloresces when exposed
to the air  ; by heat it is fused  in its water of  crystallization, which is
 expelled, and a white anhydrous salt left, which again becomes liquid
 at a red heat, but is not decomposed.   The  crystals are soluble  in
 twice their weight of water at 60°, and  in their water of crystalliza-
tion at 212°.   The solution is powerfully alkaline.
   Adulterations.—The impurities usually met with in carbonate  of
 soda are sulphates and muriates ;  they may  be detected in the man-
 ner indicated, when they are present in  carbonate of potash.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Carbonate of soda is not employed as
 an antacid, so frequently as the bicarbonate, in consequence of  its  dis- 
16                       anthelmintics.
 agreeable taste ;  but  is very generally used in the dried state as  an
 alterative in the diseases of infancy and childhood.  In the treatment
 of the  eruptive diseases of the skin  already  referred to (page 13),
 given internally, and  applied externally in the forms of ointment, lini-
 ment, or lotion, its employment is productive of the  best  results.   I
 have for some  time used it  very extensively both in hospital  and  in
 private  practice in the treatment of the various forms of eczema and of
 impetigo of the scalp, and have seldom seen it fail to effect a cure of
 those ordinarily intractable affections.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr.  x. to 3ss. dissolved  in
 water ;  for external application from 3i to 3ij may be dissolved in  a
 pint of water, or an ointment prepared  with from gr. x. to gr. xx.  to
 the ounce of lard.  [Soda carbonas exsiccatum, U. S.)—Soda  carbo-
 nas siccalum, D.  E.   Soda carbonas exsiccata, L.   (Heat any quan-
 tity of crystallized carbonate of soda in a proper  (silver  D.) vessel,
 (stirring frequently, D.), till it is dry ; (afterwards heat to  redness. L.
 E.), reduce to powder, and keep in well-stopped bottles.)  Thus dried,
 carbonate of  soda may be  given in  the form  of powder or pill;  it
 has a very caustic taste, and therefore  when given in  powder, espe-
 cially if to children, it should be combined with some bland substance,
 as tragacanth, to conceal its acrimony.  Fifty-four grains of the dried
 carbonate of soda, are equal to 144  grains of the crystallized salt.—
 Dose gr. v. to gr.  xx.'—Soda carbonatis aqua, D. (Carbonate of soda,
 any quantity ;  dissolve it in water, so that  the specific gravity of the
 solution may be to that of distilled water, as 1024 to  1000.   A liquor
 of this specific gravity may be  obtained by dissolving §i. of carbonate
 of soda in  Ibi. by measure, of distilled water.)   A convenient strength
for internal use ; Dose, f§ss. to f§j.
  Incompatibles.—Acids, and their  salts ; lime water; and  mag-
 nesia.
                        CHAPTER  II.

                      ANTHELMINTICS.

                           (Vermifuges,)

   Anthelmintics are remedies which possess the property of de-
stroying worms, or expelling them from the intestinal canal.  Besides
the: specific  or  more immediate anthelmintics, which  are  only de-
scribed in this division, many of the more active cathartics will effect
this purpose ;  and they should be always administered in conjunction
with the specific remedies, the efficacy of which they tend much to in-
crease.   As the action of these remedies, however, is merely tempo-
rary,  it will be requisite, as soon as the worms  are expelled,  to em-
ploy means  calculated to restore the digestive  organs to a  healthy
state,  and to correct that peculiar character of them, which promotes
the generation of  intestinal worms.  The means  best calculated  for
this purpose are :—keeping the surface of the body warm by proper
clothing, a  light but nutritious diet  with a moderate use of common
salt, and  at the same time the administration of bitter tonics with gentle
aperients, and, if anemia  be present, the preparations of iron. 
anthelmintics.                      17
  Allium, [U. S.]  Allium sativum, D. L. E.   Garlic.  A native
 of Italy, Sicily, and the South of France,  commonly  cultivated  in
our gardens;  belonging  to  the class Hexandria,  order Monogynia in
the Linnoean arrangement, and  to  the Natural family, Liliacea.
  Botanical Characters.—Stem a foot and a half to three feet high, sur-
rounded with many linear grass-like leaves, and bearing a head of many
whitish flowers emerging  from a membranous spatha.
  Preparation.—The bulb is dug  up for use in the  month of August,
cleaned and dried in the sun, and kept in bunches in a dry place.
  Physical Properties.—The bulb, as it is termed, consists of sev-
eral small  bulbs,  called cloves,  grouped together within a common
membraneous covering,  which  when dry is of a dirty whitish  color,
and a withered aspect;  the cloves have each their  proper covering,
they are white and succulent, of a  strong, disagreeable, peculiar odour,
and an acrid, pungent taste.
  Chemical Properties.—Garlic consists of acrid volatile oil, fecula,
albumen, and a saccharine manner; its medical properties  depend on
the volatile oil, which is heavier than water, of a  yellowish color, and
a very penetrating odour; it is composed of 6 atoms-of carbon, 5 of
hydrogen and 1 of sulphur (Wertheim).
   Therapeutical Effects.—Garlic, though  now  seldom employed
 as an anthelmintic in regular practice, is an excellent remedy in ascari-
des.  Roque states that he has employed it with great success; he
 gives the infusion by the mouth and  in clyster, and at the same time
 causes friction to be made with a  liniment of it over the abdomen.
   Dose  and Mode of Adminstration.—In substance, |ss. to §j. swal-
 lowed whole, or made into pills with  soap ; of the expressed  juice,
 min. xx. to min. xxx. on  sugar ;  of an infusion  prepared by infusing
 §ss. of the bulb in fgij. of water  or milk, f3ij. to f3iij. two or three
 times daily.—Syrup of Garlic, (Garlic, one part; boiling water, eight
 parts: sugar,  sixteen parts ;)  Dose, fgss. to f§j.

  Artemisia  santonica, semina  ; D.  Worm-Seed.  The substance
 which is met with in the shops under this name is imported from Bar-
 bary and the Levant, and appears to  be  a mixture of fragments of
 flower-buds and their footstalks.   It is incorrectly stated by the Dub-
 lin College to be the seeds of the plant above named.
   Physical Properties.—The fragments  are  smooth, of a  green-
 ish-yellow color ;  have  a strong, aromatic odour, and  a bitter taste.
   Chemical Properties.—It contains an  extractive matter, to which
 the name of  santonine has been  applied  and on  which its  anthelmin-
 tic properties are supposed to depend, acrid volatile oil, and other un-
 important substances.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Not much  employed in this  country,
 though still considered a very excellent anthelmintic in several parts
 of the Continent.  It is used in cases of ascarides andlumbrici.
   Dose  and Mode of Administration.—Gr. xx. to gr.  xxx. made
 into an  electuary with honey may be given  to children night and
 morning, followed by a brisk purge.— Vermifuge powder, P. (Worm-
 seed ; Corsican  mess ; wormwood ;  tansy ; scordium ; senna; and
 rhubarb, of each equal parts;) Dose,  3ss. to 3i-—Vermifuge bolus,
 P. (Wormseed, gr. viij. ;  calomel, gr. ij.; camphor, gr. vj. ;  syrup,
 q.  s. for one bolus).  Dose, one  to two daily.
/ 
18
anthelmintics.
  [Chenopodium, U. S. Wormseed.— The fruit of Chenopodium An-
thelminticum.   A native of the United States  belonging to the natu-
ral family Chenopodiaca, and to the Linnaean class and order,   fentan-
dria Digynia.
  Botanical Characters.-A  perennial  plant with an  herbaceous stem
from two to five feet high. Sessile, lanceolate leaves.  Flowers small, of a
yellowish green color in terminal racemes.
  Physical Properties.—Seeds small, spherical, &c, of  a yellow-
ish brown color, of a bitter and somewhat pungent taste and of a pe-
culiar and disagreeable odour.
  Chemical Properties.—Wormseed abounds m  a volatile oil ot a
yellow color, becoming brown from age, and of an offensive smell and
taste, on which its medicinal activity depends.     ^
  Therapeutical  Effects.— Esteemed an effective anthelmintic,
particularly against lumbrici.   Principally used in children, but objec-
tionable on account of its unpleasant smell and  taste.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—A child 3 or 4  years  old,
may take from  Bi. to 9ij. of the powdered seeds, morning and evening,
for several successive days, following it then by a brisk  purge.   Or
from 5 to 10  drops of  the oil may be  substituted for the  powdered
seed.]
  Geoffroya  inermis, cortex ;   D.  Andira  inermis,  (Kunth).
 Cabbage-tree bark.  A native of Jamaica, belonging to  the Natural
family Legummosa (Fabacea, Lindley,) and to the Linnaean- class and
order Diadelphia Decandna.
  Botanical Characters.—A tree  of considerable size,  with pinnate
leaves, and reddish-lilac flowers in panicles, with short pedicels.
  Physical Properties.—In rather thick fibrous pieces,  of a brown-
ish-ash color.   It has a heavy odour and a mawkish bitter taste ; and
 is pulverulent, the powder resembling jalap.
   Chemical Properties.—It contains  a brownish-yellcw, crystalline,
very bitter, alkaline substance, which has been named Jamaicina and
on  which its   medicinal properties  depend, coloring  matter,  gum,
fecula, woody fibre, &c.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—A  powerful anthelmintic,  especially
in cases of the  lumbrici; but in consequence of its frequently producing
vomiting, hypercatharsis and  even delirium, it is  now seldom  em-
 ployed ; administered with due caution, however, it is an excellent
 vermifuge. Brera states, that  he  has found it  peculiarly efficacious
 when combined with valerian.
   Dose and Mode of  Administration.—It should be commenced in
 small doses ; of the powdered bark, gr. xv. to gr. xxx.—Decoctum Geof-
froya, D.  (The bark, bruised, |j. ; water, by measure ibij. boil down
 to  Ibj. ; and to the strained liquor add of syrup of orange, §ij.) Dose,
 for an adult, f§ss.  to f§i. ; for a  child, f3ss. to f3iss.  If  fever, de-
 lirium, or other disagreeable effects arise  from its  use, warm  water
 should be first given, then castor oil, followed  by opiates.

   Gigartina  (Plocaria, Nees) helminthocorton.   Corsican Moss.
 A native of the shores of the Mediterranean about Corsica.   The
 substance known in the shops as Corsican moss consists of fragments
 of a great variety  of Algae ; Deoandolle  enumerates no  less  than 
anthelmintics.
19
five and twenty.  A small, though the most essential part of the mix-
ture, is the plant above named.
   Physical Properties.—Corsican  moss as met with in commerce
consists  of brownish filaments  mixed with broken,  irregular fronds,
having whitish or greenish articulations; it has a strongly saline
odour  and a nauseous bitter taste.
   Chemical Properties.—It  consists of vegetable jelly the nature
of which is not well known, vegetable fibre, salts  of lime and soda, a
trace of iron, manganese, and silica.  Its  active principle is soluble in
water.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Corsican  moss has been used by the
natives of Corsica for several centuries, as a remedy for intestinal
worms ;  it appears to be useful in cases of lumbrici, particularly when
occurring in young children.   Bremser speaks  highly  of its anthel-
mintic properties, which he ascribes to the chloride of sodium it con-
tains.
   Dose  and Mode of  Administration.—In powder, gr. x. to  5ij-
made into an electuary with honey or treacle.—Infusion of Corsican
moss,  (Corsican moss, §iss . ; boiling water, f^iv).  Dose,f3ij. tofgss.
in a cupful of water or milk.—Jelly of Corsican moss, P.  (Corsican
moss,  §j.; sugar, §ij. ;  white  wine, fgij. ; isinglass, 3ss.  ;  boil  and
strain).  Dose, Sj. or §ij.

   Filix-mas, [U. S.]  E. Aspidium, L.  AspiDruM filix-mas, D.—
The rhizome  (root, D. L.) of  Nephrodium (Aspidium, D.  L.) filix-
mas.   Male  Shield-fern.  Indigenous;   belonging  to  the  Linnaean
class  and  order Cryplogamia Filices, and  to the  Natural family
Filices (Polypodiacea, Lindley).
   Botanical Characters.—Rhizome  or underground stem, large tufted
scaly;  producing injspring, beautiful fronds or leaves, pinnate, with oblongj
serrated, obtuse, leaflets.
   Preparation.—The rhizome should be dug up in summer, cleared of
root-fibres, &c, but not washed, and dried quickly and thoroughly in the
open air without heat, in the shade;  the tufts, and those parts of the root-
stock which are greenish internally, should alone  be kept;  they should be
reduced to powder immediately, and preserved in well-stoppered bottles •
the druggist's ?.tock should be renewed annually, as in two years it loses its
medical properties.
   Physical Properties.—The powdered root is of a greenish-yellow
color, of a rather disagreeable odour, and has a nauseous, bitter, some-
what astringent taste.
   Chemical Properties.—It contains a small portion of volatile oil
on which its anthelmintic properties  seem to depend ; some fixed oil
fecula, uncrystallizable sugar, gum, and woody fibre.
   Therapeutical Effects.—The powder of the male fern-root is
perhaps the most efficacious anthelmintic we possess in the treatment
of taenia, and as an  indigenous  remedy it  is especially worthy of at-
tention.  Bremser, however, in  his treatise on intestinal worms, states
that, " though an excellent remedy against Bothriocephalus lalus (the
tape-worm of the Swiss,) it is not so efficacious against Tania solium
(the tape-worm of this country.)" It acts as a poison to the worms, as in
all cases, they are discharged dead.
  Dose and  Mode of Administration.—Powder, 3i- to  3iij. ;  it
should  be given in the morning early, and  followed in two hours after- 
20                      anthelmintics.
wards by a brisk purge.—Oleum Filicis-maris, Dr. Peschier.   (Tne
tufts of the rhizome are reduced to a moderately fine powder, exhausted
with ether and the ethereal liquor  distilled.)   Dose, min. xx. to min.
xxx. dropped on sugar, or made into an emulsion with almond mixture;
half of this dose is given at bed-time, and the  remainder the following
morning ;  if it do  not purge, an active cathartic should be given in the
afternoon of the same day.

  Mucuna, [U. S.] L. E.  Dolichos pruriens, D.—Cowitch, or
Cowhage.  The hairs from the pods of Mucuna pruriens, L. E.—of
Dolichos pruriens, D.  This plant, Decandolle's nomenclature for
which has been adopted in the London and Edinburgh pharmacopoeias,
is a native of the West Indian islands, belonging to the Natural family
Leguminosa (Fabacea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean  class and  order
Diadelphia Decandria.
  Botanical Characters.—A  twining shrub, bearing purplish flowers,
with a disagreeable, alliaceous odour, in axillary racemes;  succeeded by
coriaceous legumes, each containing three  to five seeds.
  Physical Properties.—The entire legumes,  with the  hairs at-
tached, are usually imported ;  they are shaped like the letter /, of a
brownish color, from two to four or  five inches long, thickly clothed
with strong brown bristles or setae, which, examined by the micro-
scope, appear finely acuminate and serrated towards the point;   these
bristles separate easily and adhere obstinately to the  skin, producing
intolerable itching, accompanied with  intense heat, and sometimes pain
and swelling.
  Chemical  Properties.—The hairs  contain  tannin, according to
Martius, but no acrid principle.
  Therapeutical Effects.—The operation of cowitch, as an anthel-
mintic, seems to be completely mechanical; the minute hairs wound-
ing and irritating the worms, thus obliging them to let  go their hold
on  the coats of the intestine, which is protected from  injury by its
mucous secretion.   It is chiefly serviceable in cases of ascarides and
lumbrici, having but little effect on the  tape-worm ;  indeed by many
practitioners  it is  esteemed, and  not  without reason,  as  the best
vermifuge for the lumbrici.
  Dose and Mode of  Administration.—The legumes are dipped in
syrup, and then scraped, so as to remove the setae ;  this process  is re-
peated with fresh legumes until the syrup acquires the consistence of
honey ; of this a tea-spoonful is given to a child, or  a table-spoonful
to an adult, for three  successive mornings before breakfast, and the
last dose followed by a brisk purge.

  Petroleum  Barbadense, D. L.  E.   Petroleum;  Rock oil;  Bar-
badoes tar.   A 'mineral production,  found floating on the waters of
springs and lakes in several of the West India Islands.
  This substance, though still retained  in the British  pharmacopoeias,
is altogether  discarded from  practice.   It was  formerly employed in
cases of tape-worm, both inwardly in the form  of emulsion, and ex-
ternally by friction over the abdomen.

  Punica  Ghanatum, radicis cortex,  D.   Granati  radix,  E.
Pomegranate bark; Bark of the root of Punica Granatum.—A native 
•
anthelmintics.
21
 of the North of Africa, introduced into the South of Europe (and the
 West India Islands), where it now grows freely;  belonging to the
 Linnaean class and order Icosandria Monogynia, and to the Natural
 family Myrtacea.

   Botanical Characters.—A small handsome tree growing to the height
 of twenty feet, with a brownish bark, and smooth leaves on short footstalks ;
 it produces in July at the extremities of the young branches, splendid rich-
 scarlet flowers, which are succeeded by the orange-like fruit, crowned with
 the hardened persistent calyx.

   Physical Properties.—Pomegranate bark is usually met with in
 short quills, or portions of quills,  of a greyish-yellow colour external-
 ly, yellowish internally, brittle not fibrous, with a faint odour, and an
 astringent taste.
 •  Chemical Properties.—According to Mitouart's analysis, it  con-
 sists of  tannin, wax, a sweetish substance (part of which is soluble in
 alcohol, and part in water, the former crystallizable, the latter having
 the characters of Mannite,)  and free gallic  acid in  large  quantity.
 Righini has recently discovered in  it a peculiar acrid  oleo-resinous
 principle, which he has named  Punicine, and on which it is probable
 that its vermifuge properties depend.
   Adulterations.—The root bark  of the common barberry  (Berberis
 vulgaris,) and of the box tree (Buxus sempervivens,)  are said to be
 sometimes substituted for that of the pomegranate ; the fraud is easily
 detected, as neither of these substances, although very bitter, possesses
 the least astringency.
   Therapeutical Effects.—The bark of the root of the pomegranate
 is an excellent vermifuge in  cases  of tape-worm, and is much em-
 ployed in various  parts of Europe ; but it  is chiefly  used in India,
 where it is said scarcely ever to fail, if properly administered ;  some
 practitioners state, that it should not be employed unless joints of the
 worm have already come away naturally.
   Dose  and Mode of Administration.—Two ounces of the bruised
 bark, stripped from the  fresh root if possible,* are macerated for twen-
 ty-four hours in  two pints of water, then boiled to one-half, and filter-
 ed ;  this is given in three doses, with an interval of half an hour  be-
 tween each dose ;  vomiting frequently occurs after the first or second
 dose, but this  should  not prevent us  from administering a third.
 Soon afterwards the patient passes many stools in which joints of  the
 worm are expelled.  The doses should be occasionally repeated  for
 four or five  days after fragments of the worm have ceased to come
 away.


   Sabadilla, [U.  S.]  L.  E.   Cevadilla.  Fruit of  Helonias offici-
 nalis, L.—of Veratrum Sabadilla, of Helonias  officinalis, and pro-
 bably of other Melanihacea, E.—of Asagroea officinalis, Lindley.  A
 native of Mexico, belonging to the  Linnaean class and order Polygamia
 Monaecia, and to the Natural family Melanthacea.

  Botanical Characters.—A bulb} sending up  numerous grassy leaves,

  [* If deemed desirable, the'bark of  the root of the living tree can readily
enough be obtained from Charleston, S. C] 
 22                     anthelmintics.                «

 from the centre of which springs an annual stem, about six feet in height,
 terminated by a spike of small white flowers, succeeded by numerons  tri-
 follicled capsules.

   Physical Properties.—The fruit consists of three follicles, oblong,
 adherent at the base, about half an inch  in length;  they are composed
 of a thin  yellowish, elastic membrane, containing from one to three
 shining black-seeds; the seeds have little odour, but when  powdered
 and snuffed into the nostrils, they produce violent  sneezing and a dis-
 charge of mucus ;  they have  an acrid, intensely bitter taste, which is
 very permanent.
   Chemical  Properties.—Cevadilla consists of fatty matter, cevadic
 acid, wax, veratria combined  with gallic acid, yellow colouring matter
 and gum.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Although possessed of highly poison-
 ous properties, cevadilla has been employed internally as  an anthel-
 mintic with much success in  cases of tape-worm, and  of  ascarides;
 its use has been hitherto almost entirely confined to  the  Continent,
 and from the numerous instances of its successful employment record-
 ed by different practitioners, It appears deserving of a high  character
 as a vermifuge.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder, gr. iij. for eight
 successive mornings fastings, followed on the  ninth day by an active
 purge, in cases of taenia.—Enema of Cevadilla, (Cevadilla, 3ij. ; water,
 f§x. ; milk, f§iij. ; the cevadilla is boiled in the water, until it is re-
 duced to seven  ounces, then filtered, and the  milk  added.)  To  be
 administered in cases of ascarides.

   Spigelia,  [U.  S.] L.  E.  Spigelia marilandica,  radix, D.
 Carolina-pink;  Root   of Spigelia Marilandica.  A  native of the
 United States ; belonging to the Linnaean class and order Pentandria
 Monogynia, and to the  Natural family  Gentiartacea (Loganiacea,
 Lindley.)

  Botanical Characters.—A perennial root; sending up  numerous sim-
ple stems;  bearing,  in the month of July, rich carmine-coloured flowers, in
 racemes.

  Physical Properties.—Usually met with in bundles of the entire
 plant about twenty inches long,  the officinal part consists of numerous,
 slender, yellowish-brown fibres,  proceeding from a small, dark-brown
 rhizome.  They have a faint odour, and a bland, somewhat nauseous
 taste.
  Chemical Properties.—The root consists of acrid resin, tannin,
 bitter extractive, and woody fibre, with a trace of fixed oil.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Spigelia root,  in consequence of its
 being much more active in the recent state than when  dried, bears a
 higher character as an anthelmintic in America than in Europe.   It
 is the most popular vermifuge in the United States for the expulsion
 of lumbrici, possessing, however, little or no powers over  any  other
 species  of intestinal worm.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder, gr. x  to gr xx.
 for children.   Infusum Spigelia, U. S   (Spigelia root, gs's. ; boiling 
anthelmintics.
23
water, fgxvj. ; macerate for two hours and  strain.)   Dose, f§ss. to
f§i. for a child, four times the quantity for an adult.   However admin-
istered, it should be always followed by a strong mercurial purge.

  Stanni pulvis, [U. S.] D.  L. E.   Powder of Tin.  Tin is found
in nature chiefly in the form of peroxide,  existing in large  quantities
in Cornwall, in South America, and in the East Indies.

  Preparation.—The metal is separated from the impurities which exist
with it in the ore, by smelting and liquation.   For medical  purposes it is
reduced to powder, by agitating it while in a state of fusion in  a wooden
box the inside of which has been rubbed with chalk, (in a mortar previously
heated, triturating briskly as its cools, E.), and separating the finer particles
by means of a sieve ; D. E.
   Physical  Properties.—Metallic tin is  of a buish-white colour,
brilliant,  soft and malleable, with but little tenacity ; it emits a slight
peculiar odour when rubbed.   Sp. gr. 7.3.
   Chemical Properties.—It melts at 442° F., if the heat be in-
creased it oxidises rapidly, and at a red heat burns brightly ; it dissolves
slowly in dilute muriatic acid, but rapidly if the acid be strong and
boiling ;  nitric acid slightly diluted acts on  tin with  great violence,
heat is produced, orange fumes disengaged, and  pure peroxide  of tin
is formed.
   Adulterations.—Pewter  filings  are  sometimes substituted for tin
filings in commerce ; and Christison says, that lead powder  is not un-
frequently sold for powder of tin.  These adulterations may be detect-
ed by first acting on the specimen with  nitric acid, so as to  convert it
into the peroxide, boiling the powder thus obtained with distilled water,
when, should the tin be pure, the water will not precipitate with so-
lution  of sulphate of magnesia.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Powder  of tin is a most effectual  an-
thelmintic, especially for children, in cases of lumbrici, not  so useful
in cases of ascarides, and producing little or no effect in cases of taenia.
It appears to act mechanically,  and consequently,  its administration
should be  always followed by an active cathartic.
   Dose and Mode  of Administration.—§ss. to §i. made into an
electuary, with an  equal quantity of honey or treacle.

   [Tanacetum [U. S]  ]  Tanacetum vulgare folia, D.   Common
Tansy.   Indigenous;  belonging to the  Linnaean class and order
Syngenesia Superfiua,  and to the Natural  family  Composita  (As-
teracea Lindley.)

  Botanical Characters.—Stem two to three feet high, bearing a corymb
of yellow flowers.

  Physical Properties.—The whole plant has a disagreeable,  cam-
phoraceous odour, and a nauseous, bitter, aromatic taste.
  Chemical Properties.—The most  important constituents of the
plant are bitter resin, and volatile oil.  Leroy has recently obtained a
peculiar principle from it which he has named tanacetine.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Though rarely employed in regular
practice,  it is frequently administered as a vermifuge with much ben-
efit as  a domestic remedy ;  it is only applicable for  cases of lumbrici.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder,  9i. to 3i-   In- 
24                      anthelmintics.

fusum Tanaceti;  (Leaves§ij. ; boiling  water,  Oj.;  macerate  for an
hour.)   Dose, f|ji. or f§ij.

   Terebinthin* oleum, [U. S.]   D. L. E-   The volatile oil distill-
ed from the liquid resinous exudation (Terebinthina vulgaris, D,
L.) of various species of  Pinus and Abies,  E.—of Pinus sylvestris,
D. L.   Oil of turpentine;  Spirits of turpentine.   The trees from
which the varieties of common  turpentine  met with in commerce
are procured, are  inhabitants of the forests of the  colder regions of
Europe and North America, and most of them  are cultivated  in the
British isles;  they are placed in the Natural family Conifera  (Pina-
cea Lindley,) and in the  Linnaean class and order Moncecia Monadel-
phia.

   Preparation.— Common Turpentine, Terebinthina vulgaris, is procured
in America, by  cutting off the outer bark near the root of the tree, and mak-
ing an incision  through the inner bark into the wood ; as the turpentine ex-
udes, it flows into a hole dug in the earth, whence it is removed into casks.
 Volatile oil of turpentine, is an article of the Materia Medica in the Lond.
and  Edin. P s.  being always prepared by the  manufacturer on the large
scale.  The Dublin College gives the following formula for its'preparation.
"Common turpentine, by weight Ibv.; water, by measure Ibiv.; distil the
oil from a copper alembic; yellow resin will remain after the distillation."
This oil is further directed to be purified ;  Oleum Terebinthina purifica-
tum, L. E.—reclifkatum, D. (Oil of turpentine, by measure Ibij. (Oj.; L. E.);
water, by measure Ibiv. (Oiv.; L. E.), distill till Ibiss by measure of the oil
be obtained, (distil the oil cautiously, L. E.)

   Physical Properties.—Oil  of turpentine is a transparent,  colour-
 less, limpid fluid ; of a peculiar, penetrating, balsamic  odour; and a
pungent, bitter, disagreeable taste.  Sp. gr.  872 at 50°F.      •*
   Chemical Properties.—It is composed of C20  H16.  It is very
soluble in ether, less  so  in alcohol,  and very sparingly  soluble in
warer.  Exposed to the air it gradually  absorbs oxygen, thickens and
becomes yellowish.  It boils  at 314°, and cooled down to—17° it de-
posits white  crystals  stearopten,  which  are  heavier than  water.
Oil of turpentine is very inflammable, burning with a heavy, yellowish
flame, and much smoke ;  in chlorine gas it  takes fire spontaneously.
   Therapeutical Effects.—As the most  effectual remedy we  pos-
 sess for the expulsion  of tape-worm, oil of turpentine stands deserved-
ly in high repute.  It  operates  as  a specific poison  to the parasite,
causing  its immediate  death, and afterwards, in  consequence of its
cathartic properties, expelling it from  the body.   It has been  also
used with much benefit in the form of enema for ascarides  in the rec-
tum.   (See, Cathartics, Diuretics and Stimulants.)
   Dose  and  Mode of Administration.—As  an anthelmintic; for
adults, fgss. to fgij.;  for  children, f3i.  to  f§ss.   It may be given
either floating  on the surface  of  water, or made  into an emulsion
 with mucilage, (of which it requires equal portions,) or with  yolk  of
egg, (one to  every ounce.)—Enema Terebinthina, D. L. E.   (Com-
mon turpentine, §ss. (oil of turpentine, fgj., L.  E.)  ;  yolk of one egg
 (a sufficiency,  L.  E.)  ; water, (of a temperature not exceeding 100°,
 D.) (decoction of barley, L.), f§x. (fgxix., L. E.) ;  rub the oil and the
 yolk together, and add the water gradually,  D.  E.—Mix, L.) 
antispasmodics.                      25
                        CHAPTER  III.

                      ANTISPASMODICS.

  Antispasmodics, as  their  name  indicates,  are medicines which
counteract irregular or  inordinate muscular action—spasm.  This
deranged state of the system depends on so many different causes, and
is produced by so many different sources of irritation, that its success-
ful treatment will very frequently depend on the employment of reme-
dies calculated to remove the more immediate cause or source of irri-
tation, by  which the spasmodic affection is produced.  It follows,
therefore, that under peculiar circumstances the remedies, which will
be found most successful in counteracting spasm, must be derived from
very different divisions of the  Materia  Medica;  and thus  the term
Antispasmodic will become applicable to a narcotic, a sedative, a stimu-
lant, a cathartic, or a tonic.   There  are, however, certain medicines
which appear to exert a direct control over spasmodic action inde-
pendent of any influence  upon its exciting causes, and these will form
the subject of our inquiry in the present chapter.
  Assafc2tida, [U. S.] D. L. E.  Gummy-resinous exudation  of
Ferula assafoetida, D.  L. E.—probably  also of Ferula  Persica, E.
A native of Persia, especially the provinces of Khorasan and Laristan ;
belonging to the Linnaean class and order  Pentandria Digynia, and to
the Natural family Umbellifera (Apiacea, Lindley.)
  Botanical Characters.—The root is long, tapering, of the thickness of
a man's leg, black  externally, white and juicy internally; of a powerful
alliaceous odour, sending up many radical leaves, about two feet long; and
after some years a round stem clothed with  leafless sheaths, eight or nine
feet high, and  bearing yellow flowers in  umbels, succeeded  by flat thin
reddish-brown fruit.  The whole  plant dies after it has once flowered and
ripened its seed.
  Preparation.—When the plant is four years old, the root-leaves are re-
moved, and in forty days afterwards the top of the root is sliced off, a fetid
juice exudes, which concretes in a couple of days, is then scraped off, and
a fresh slice of the root made—more juice exudes, is  collected as above, and
the same process repeated from ten to twelve times within six weeks—until
the root is completely exhausted.  The juice is exposed to the sun to become
harder, and then packed in casks and cases which are sent, by way of Bom-
bay, to Europe.

  Physical Properties.—Assafoetida is met with in commerce in ir-
regular lumps  from half a pound to three  pounds in weight; of a
pinkish-yellow, and reddish-brown color  externally;  when recently
cut, of a pearl-white color with a waxy lustre, but on exposure to the
air rapidly acquiring a rose  tint.   It  has  a  powerfully disagreeable,
peculiar, alliaceous odour, and a strong, bitter,  acrid taste.   Sp. gr.
1-31 to 1-35.
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed of 47-20 per cent of resin,
4#60 of volatile oil, 1940 of gum with  traces of saline matters, 9"70
of sulphate and carbonate  of  lime,  with  some bassorin, extractive,
lignin, &c. (Brandes).  The resin and volatile oil are the medicinal 
26                      antispasmodics.
principles.   Exposed to the air it is apt to become very hard owing to
the presence of the sulphate of lime, the setting of which is supposed
to be the cause.   Assafoetida softens  with a moderate heat;  and is
inflammable, burning with a fuliginous flame.  It is  partially soluble
in alcohol, ether and vinegar ; and it may be formed into an emulsion
with water.   It is reduced to powder with difficulty, unless it be tritu-
rated with carbonate of potash.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Assafoetida is a powerful stimulating
antispasmodic, especially adapted for  the  spasmodic nervous diseases
of females, as hysteria and some forms of chorea and epilepsy.  No
remedy we possess is so  successful in the treatment of hysteria, ad-
ministered either during the paroxysm or in the interval; in a hysteric
paroxysm, we are frequently unable to administer medicines  by the
mouth : when, given in the form of enema, assafoetida is found to be
very effectual.  In the convulsions of infants, especially when de-
pendant on flatulence, and  in the flatulent constipation of the aged, few
remedies are more efficacious.  It has been also employed with much
benefit in the chronic  spasmodic stage of hooping cough, in pure spas-
modic asthma, and in that peculiar spasmodic difficulty of breathing,
so frequently the attendant of chronic catarrh.  Assafoetida has been
also used as a vermifuge.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. x. to 3ss. in pills 01
emulsion.—Mistura Assafoetida, [U. S.] D. L. (Assafoetida, [3ij. U.S.]
3i. (3v. L.); [water Oss. U. S.J; pennyroyal water, f|viij. (water, a
pint, L.) ; Rub the assafoetida with the water, gradually poured in, until
an emulsion is formed).  Dose, f§ss. to fgiss.; used also as an enema for
children.—Tinctura Assafoetida, D. L. E.  (Assafoetida, §iv. [U. S.]
(§v. L. E.) ; rectified spirit, by measure Ibij.   (Oij. [U. S.] L. E.);
(water, f§viij. D.) ; macerate  for 14  (7, E.) days and filter).   Dose,
f3ss. to f5ij.—Spiritus Ammonia fatidus, D. E.  (Spirit of ammonia,
by measure Ibij. (fgxss. E.) ; assafoetida,  §iL (§ss. E.) ; " Macerate
in a close vessel for three  days, agitating  occasionally ; then pour off
the clear liquor, and distil  Ibiss. by measure;" D.—" Break the assa-
foetida into small fragments ;  digest it in  the spirit for twelve hours ;
distil over fgxss. by means of a vapor bath ;" E.)—L. (Hydrochlorate
of ammonia, §x. ; carbonate of potash, §xvj,;  rectified  spirit; and
water,  of each, Oiij. ;  assafoetida, §v.; mix and  distil, with a slow fire,
three pints).  Dose, f3i.  This is merely  a solution of the volatile oil
of assafoetida in the spirit of ammonia.—Pilula  Galbani, comp.,  [U. S.
Galbanum, myrrh, each §iss ; assafoetida, §ss. ;  syrup, q. s.  Beat to-
gether so as to form a mass, to be divided  into 180 pills,] D. L.   (As-
safoetida, §ss. ; myrrh;  and sagapenum, of each, §iss. ; galbanum, |j.;
treacle (syrup, L.), a sufficiency).—Pilula Assafctlida, E. (Assafoe-
tida ; galbanum;  and myrrh, of each, three parts; conserve  of red
roses, four parts, or a sufficiency).  Dose, gr. x. to E)j.—Enema fati-
dum, D. E.   (Add two drachms of tincture of assafoetida to the  enema
catharticum).—Emplastrum  Assafcstida, E. (Litharge plaster; and
assafoetida,  of each,  §ij.; galbanum;  and bees' wax,  of each, §i.;
liquefy the gum resins together and strain them, then add the plaster
and wax also in the melted state, and mix all thoroughly).   Applied
externally in hysteria, flatulence, and  hooping cough.

   Castoreum, [U. S.]  D. L. E.   A peculiar secretion  (concretion,
L-), from the preputial follicles of Castor fiber; L. E.  Castor.  The 
antispasmodics.                      27
beaver, an inhabitant of the  Northern parts of Europe and of  North
America,  is placed by Cuvier in the class Mammalia, order Rodentia.
Both the male and female beavers are furnished with castor sacs.  In the
living animal the secretion contained in  them is fluid,  but  when re-
moved from the animal it rapidly concretes.
  Physical Properties.—As met with in commerce, North American
castor (the only kind now imported in Britain)  consists of the two
sacs united together by a kind of natural ligament; they are wrinkled;
of a reddish brown colour externally, paler internally ;  breaking with
a somewhat resinous fracture ; sometimes quite hollow  in the centre.
It has a strong, peculiar, disagreeable odour, and a somewhat aromatic,
bitter taste.
   Chemical  Properties.—It  contains volatile oil  (Carbolic  acid,)
resin,  albumen, a peculiar principle discovered by Brandes and  named
by him Castorine and to which he says it  owes its  properties,  fatty
matter, mucus,  carbonate of ammonia, and salts  of soda and potash.
Castor yields its active  principles almost entirely to alcohol, and but
very imperfectly to  water.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Castor was formerly in high esteem  as
an antispasmodic, but in the  present day has nearly fallen into  disuse,
its employment being restricted to some of the milder forms of hysteria,
in which, any benefit it  produces is probably  owing to its nauseous
smell  and taste.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—In substance from   3i-  to
5ij.—Tinctura Castorei, [U. S.] D. L. E. (Castor, powdered (bruised,
 E.), §ij.(§iiss. L. E.) ;  proof spirit, by measure Ibij. (rectified spirit,
Oij. L. E.) ; macerate for seven (fourteen, L.) days and strain,  " may
also be prepared by percolation, like tincture of cassia;" E.).   Dose,
f3ij. to <3iv.—Tinctura Castorei comp., E.  (Castor bruised,  §iiss. ;
assafoetida in small  fragments, 3x. ; spirit of ammonia,  Oij.; digest in
 a well-closed vessel for seven  days, strain  and express strongly the
 residuum and filter.  This tincture cannot be so conveniently prepared
 by the method of percolation.)  Dose, f3i. to f3ij.

   Fuligo ligni, wood soot, formerly contained in the British Pharma-
 copoeias,  is still much used on the continent, and for some years back,
 has  been  employed with  excellent effect, as an antispasmodic,  by
 many physicians in  this city.   It has been  found most  beneficial in
 the  latter stages of hooping-cough in children, and  in  some forms of
 hysteria.   It is prepared by burning wood under a small flue, and col-
 lecting the soot which  is deposited  in the  chimney.  It consists of a
 peculiar extractive  matter called pyretin, some acetic acid, acetates of
 soda, potash, magnesia, and ammonia, creasote, &c.  It yields its  ac-
 tive properties partly to water, but more completely to alcohol.  The
 preparations of soot that have  been employed are  as  follows  :—
 Decoctum  Fuliginis, (Wood  soot,  §iv. ; boiling water, Oiss.; boil
 down to  Oj. and strain.)   Only  used  as an external application to
 chronic  eruptions   of the scalp,  and to obstinate  ulcers.—Tinctura
 Fuliginis, (Wood soot, §ij. ; assafoetida, §i. ; proof spirit, fjjxxxij;  di-
 gest  for three days and strain)  Dose, f3j. to  f3ij.—Spiritus Fuli-
 ginis, (Wood soot, one part;  proof spirit,  five parts; water, fifteen
 parts; distil four parts.)  Dose,  min. xx. to  min.  xxx.  Extractum
 Fuliginis, (Wood soot, 1 part; boiling water, 8 parts ; boil for fifteen 
 28                      antispasmodics.

 minutes, strain through linen and evaporate to a proper consistence.)
 Dose, gr. v. to gr. x.

   Galbanum, [U. S.]  D. L. E.—Concrete gummy-resinous exudation
 of [an unknown  plant,  U. S.] Opoidia galbanifera, (probably of a
 species of Opoidia, E.—of Bubon Galbanum, D.—of Galbanum Offici-
 nale, L.).   The plant  which yields Persian galbanum is that named
 above ; it belongs to the natural family Umbellifera (Apiacea, Lindley),
 and to the Linnaean class and order Pentandria Digynia.  It is  im-
 ported from India, and from the Levant.
   Physical Properties.—It occurs  both in  tears and  in lump ; the
 tears are globular, irregular, about the size  of a pea,  usually  aggluti-
 nated into masses of a pale greenish-yellow colour, somewhat trans-
 lucent, having a  strong peculiar odour, and  an acrid,  disagreeable,
 bitter taste  ; the lump variety is of a darker colour, rather opaque, with
 a less powerful odour and taste ; when exposed to cold both kinds be-
 come brittle, and may be readily reduced to  powder.
   Chemical Properties.—Galbanum consists chiefly  of resin and
 gum, with a smalPproportion  of volatile oil, and some bassorine.   It
 is nearly entirely soluble  in proof  spirit, and  partially so in  rectified
 spirit and in ether; it forms an emulsion with water, and is rendered
 softer, but not melted by heat.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Galbanum is  employed  in the same
 cases as assafoetida, with which it  is generally combined,  being  less
 energetic than that substance.  It is  more  frequently employed ex-
 ternally, as  a stimulating  antispasmodic, being better  suited for plas-
 ters in consequence of its consistence.
   Dose and Mode of  Administration/-—In substance, either in pill
 or emulsion, gr. x. to gr. xx.—TmctftrtpGalbani, D.   (Galbanum, in
 small fragments, §ij. ;  proof spirit, by measure Ibij. ; digest for seven
 days and filter).   Dose,  f3i. to  f3ij.—Emplastrum  Galbani,  D.
 (Litharge plaster,  Ibij. ; galbanum, Ibss. ;  yellow wax,  sliced, §iv.;
 add the litharge plaster, and the wax  to the melted galbanum,and then
 melt all together with a medium heat).—L.  (Galbanum, §viij. ; lead
 plaster, K>iij ;  common turpentine,  3x.; resin of the Spruce Fir pow-
 dered, §iij ;  Add first the resin, then the plaster  melted  with  a slow
 fire to the galbanum and turpentine melted together, and mix them all).
 Applied externally, spread on leather.

   Moschus, [U. S.] D. L. E.—Inspissated secretion (concretion,  D.)
from the praputial follicles  of Moschus moschiferus ; Musk.  The
 musk animal, an inhabitant of the mountains of Eastern Asia, especial-
 ly frequenting the  steppes of the Altai, the banks of the river lrtysch,
 Mongolia, Thibet, and  Butan, as far as Tonquin, is placed  by  Cuvier
 in the class  Mammalia, order Ruminantia.   In  the male animal im-
 mediately in front  ofthe praeputial  orifice, is situated a small sac filled
 with  a viscid fluid, which in the dry  state  constitutes  musk.  It
 is imported  into the British market principally from China.
  Physical Properties.—The musk-bag, or as it is commonly called
 musk-pod, is  somewhat oval,  about  2^ inches long, and 1? inches
 broad, smooth  and bare on one side, somewhat convex and covered
 with stiff, brownish-yellow hairs on the other ;  it contains  from 3iss
 to 3"j- of musk.   Musk is in the form of  small unctuous  grains,
 of a deep reddish-brown color, mixed  with whitish  hairs ; it has a 
antispasmodics.                     29
strong, peculiar, diffusible, very persistent odour, and a bitter aromatic
taste.
  Chemical  Properties.—Musk  consists of  ammonia,  stearine,
elaine, cholesterine, acid  oil combined with ammonia, volatile oil, an
undetermined acid, gelatin, albumen, fibrine,  carbonaceous matter,
and numerous salts, (Guibourt and  Blondeau.)   It  yields its active
principles partially to water, but more completely to alcohol.
  Adulterations.—Grain musk is usually adulterated ; dried bullocks'
blood is employed for this purpose ;  it may be detected by adding to an
infusion of the suspected drug solution of corrosive sublimate, if it be
genuine it will not precipitate.   Spurious musk-bags are not uncom-
mon in commerce, they are  most easily detected by the microscopic
characters of the hairs with  which they  are covered, as I first pointed
out in  the Dublin Quarterly Journal, Vol. I. n.  s. p.  77.  The  hairs
of the  true  musk-bag are furnished  internally with distinct, regular,
colour cells ; while none can be perceived in those found on the spu-
rious pods.
  Therapeutical  Fffects.—Musk is  not  much prescribed now in
consequence of its high price, it is nevertheless a stimulating antispas-
modic  of  great power, and  is administered with excellent  effect in
hysteria, in chorea, and in the  subsultus tendinum and  hiccough of
fevers and other diseases assuming a tpphoid type. In cases of hysteria
of long standing, so nearly allied to  epilepsy as  to be scarcely distin-
guishable from it, I have obtained very beneficial results from the em-
ployment of musk.
  Dose and  Mode  of Administration.—In substance gr. x. to gr.
xx.—Mistura Moschi, L.  (Musk ; gum arabic, powdered ; and sugar,
of each, 3iij- ;  rose water, Oj. ; rub  the musk with  the  sugar, then
with the gum, the rose water being gradually poured  in).   Dose f§i. to
f§ij.—Tinctura  Moschi, D.  (Musk,  in powder,  3ij- ; rectified spirit
by measure ibj. ; macerate for seven days and filter).  Too weak for
medical use. Dose, f3iij. to f3vj.
  Incompatibles.—Sulphate  of iron ;   nitrate  of  silver;  corrosive
sublimate ; and infusion of bark.

  Opopanax, D. L.   Gum-resin  of Opopanax chironium, L.—of
Paslinaca  Opopanax, D.  This plant is a native of  the South of Eu-
rope.  It belongs to the Linnaean class and order Pentandria Digynia,
and to the Natural family Umbellifera (Apiacea, Lindley).  Opopanax
is obtained by incisions into the root;  it occurs in reddish-yellow
tears, possessing a somewhat fetid but faint odour, with a bitterish ac-
rid taste ; it consists chiefly of gum and resin with  a small quantity
of volatile  oil, starch,  and   extractive   matter.   This  substance  is
quite obsolete in  medical practice ;  it was formerly employed in the
same cases  as assafoetida and  galbanum, which,  it resembles in its
physiological properties.

  Ruta, [U.S.] L. E. Ruta graveolens, folia, D. Rue; Leaves,(and
unripe fruit, E.) of Ruta graveolens.   A native of the South of Eu-
rope, cultivated in our gardens.  It belongs to the Natural family Ru-
tacea,  and to the Linnaean class and order Decandria  Monogynia.
  Botanical  Characters.—A  small  branching  shrub; with glaucous
bluish green leaves, and yellow flowers in umbellate racemes.
                                  3* 
30
ANTISPASMODICS.
   Physical Properties.—Although the leaves only are ordered by
 the  Dublin and London Colleges, the entire plant is met with in the
 shops.  It has a strong  disagreeable, somewhat aromatic odour in the
 fresh state, much of which is lost in drying ; and a bitter, acrid, un-
 pleasant taste.
   Chemical Properties.—Its medicinal properties depend on volatile
 oil, and bitter extractive ; the former, Oleum Ruta, is officinal in the
 Dub.  & Edin. Phar. ;  it is obtained by distilling the fresh herb  with
 water. Oil of Rue is of a rich yellow color, becoming darker by age ;
 it has the peculiar odour of the plant in a marked degree, and a bitter,
 acrid, warm taste ; its sp. gr. is 0-911.   Rue yields its active  pro-
 perties to boling water,  but by decoction the  volatile oil  is dissipated.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Rue is a  stimulating antispasmodic of
 some power, although  not much employed at  the present day.  It
 has been administered with benefit in the spasmodic colic and  gene-
 ral convulsions of children ;  and in the hands of some practitioners
 is said to have proved useful in hysteria and idiophathic epilepsy.
   Dose  and  Mode of  Administration.—Preparations of  the fresh
 herb  should be always employed, as the infusion, (prepared by infusing
 §i. of the herb inOj. of boiling water, in a covered  vessel, for an
 hour); or the oil; the dose of the former is f§i.  to f§ij. ; of the latter
 min. ij. to  min. v. in some  agreeable syrup.—Extractum Ruta, D.
 (Prepared as the  simpler extracts.)  A useless preparation, the vola-
 tile oil being dissipated in the process.  Dose, gr. x. to gr. xx.—Con-
 serva Ruta, D. Confectio Ruta, D. (Rue, (dried, L) ; carraway ;  bay
 berries, of each, giss. ;  sagapenum, §ss. ;  black  pepper, 3ij.;  despu-
 mated honey, §xvj. ; " Rub together to a very fine powder, and having
 added the honey, mix all well;" D.  " Rub  the dry ingredients to°
 gether to a very  fine powder and preserve them  ; then,  whenever the
 confection is to be used, add the honey to them, and mix them all;"
 L).   Only  used in enemas in the  spasmodic affections of infants  and
 children.  From 9j. to 3j- is added to fgvj, or fgviij. of thin grueL

   Sagapenum, D. L.   Gum-resin, obtained  from an unascertained
plant (species  of Ferula, L.).   Imported from the Levant.
   Physical Properties.—It occurs in semi-translucent masses of a
 dark brownish-yellow color, consisting of numerous tears agglutinated
 together;  it has a fetid odour, weaker than assafoetida, and a"hot, acrid
 taste ; it breaks with a horny fracture.
   Chemical Properties.—According to the analysis  of Pelletier
 sagapenum consists of gum, resin, volatile oil.bassorin and some salts.'
   Therapeutical Effects.—Sagapenum produces effects precisely
 similar to, but weaker than, assafoetida, it is consequently scarely ever
 employed now.   •                                  J      J
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—In substance, given in  the
form of pill  gr. v. to gr. xx.—Pdula Sagapeni  comp. L,  (Sagape-
num, §j. ;  aloes, 3ss ; syrup of ginger, q. s.;  Beat together until they
are incorporated)   Dose  gr. v  to gr. xx.  A useful purgative and
antispasmodic in the flatulent colic of dyspepsia.

  Succinum [U.  S.] D. L. Amber   An oil (Oleum Succini), and
an acid (Acidum Succmicum),are still retained, both in the Dublin  •
and the former in the London Pharmacopoeia.                      ' 
antispasmodics
31
  Preparation.—Acidum Succinicum, et Oleum Succini; D.—  Ambrr,
coarsely powdered ; and pure sand', of each, one part.  Distil, with a gradu-
ally increased heat, an acid liquor, an oil, and an acid in the form of crystals.
Compress the crystals wrapped up in bibulous paper, until the oil is expelled
and sublime them again.  The oil may  be separated from the acid liquor 1by
filtering through bibulous paper."   Oleum Succini;  L.-« Put ambe■into
an alembic, so that an acid liquor, an oil, and a salt contaminated_wilh^the
oil, may distil in a sand-bath, with a heat gradually increased.  Afterwards
let the oil distil again and a third time."
   Although oribe highly esteemed in medicine as antispasmodics, these
preparations really possess  such feeble  medicinal properties, and are
so little employed in the present day, that we may very well omit  any
account of them here.  The dose of the oil is from min. v. to mm. x.;
that of the acid, from gr. v. to gr. viij.

   Valeriana,  [U.  S.] D. L. E.   Root of Valeriana  officinalis.  An
indigenous plant, belonging  to the Linnaean class  and order, Triandna
Monogynia, and to the Natural family, Valenanacea.
   Botanical Characters.—The root  is tuberous, perennial sending up a
smooth erect furrowed stem, from two to four feet  high, which produces
rose-colored flowers in a somewhat pannicled corymb.
   Physical Properties.—The  root, which should  be dug up in
autumn when the  leaves have  decayed, or in spring  before the stem
rises, consists  of a short tuberous root-stock, and  numerous root fibres
from two to six inches long,  yellowish-brown externally, whitish in-
ternally,  of a  strong, penetrating, characteristic  odour,  and a bitter
acrid, somewhat  aromatic  taste.  The roots of those  plants which
grow on the banks of rivers or in marshy places, are inert.
   Chemical Properties.—It  consists of woody fibre, resinous ex-
 tractive, gummy extractive, resin, and a little more than one per cent.
 of volatile oil;  a peculiar acid also exists in it, which has been named
 valerianic acid.  The volatile oil may be obtained from the fresh  root
 by the ordinary process of  distillation ; it is  a mixture of a peculiar oil
 having a camphoraceous odour, and of valerianic acid.  It is to the
 valerianic acid  that the active properties of  the plant are due; nume-
 rous processes  have been lately proposed for obtaining it, but the most
 simple is by decomposing the valerianate  of zinc by an acid and dis-
 tilling.  Thus prepared it bears much resemblance to the volatile fatty
 acids ; it is an  oily liquid, colorless, with a strong, persistent odour of
 valerian, and an acid, pungent taste ;  it is very soluble in water, alco-
 hol, and ether ; its density  is '944, and its composition, C10, H9, Of.
 Valerian  imparts  its  properties to both water and  rectified spirit.
 Magnesia combined with valerian completely removes its odour, which
 may be again restored by the addition of sulphuric acid.
    Therapeutical Effects.—Valerian is a  stimulating antispasmodic,
 its action being particularly manifested on the cerebral organs ; thus,
 when given in large doses, it produces head-ache, loss of vision and
 vertigo.   It was formerly used as a remedy  in rebellious intermittents,
 and in adynamic fevers, but in  the  present  day it is only employed as
 an antispasmodic, and opinions differ much  with respect to its efficacy
 as such.    My  own experience leads  me to place much reliance  on it
 in the treatment of aggravated cases of hysteria, which so often bear
 A close resemblance to epilepsy, and  also in many nervous affections ; 
32
ANTISPASMODICS.
however, I  have always remarked that it soon loses its antispasmodic
powers, even though the dose be increased.
   Dose and Mode of  Administration.—In powder, 3ss. to 3j-; of
the  oil, min. iij. to min.  v.—Infusum  Valeriana, [U. S.  Take of
valerian, §ss.;  boiling water, Oj. ;  macerate for an  hour in a covered
vessel and  strain.]   D. L.   (Valerian, (in  coarse  powder, D.), 3ij.
(§ss. L.) ; boiling (distilled, L.), water, fgvij. (Oj. L.) ; digest for an
hour (half  an  hour  in  a covered vessel,  L.) and strain).   Dose,
f^j. to f§ij.—Tinctura  Valeriana, D. (Valerian in powder, giv.; proof
spirit, by measure Ibij ; macerate for seven days and filter).—[U. S.]
L. E. (Valerian bruised [§iv. U. S.] §v.; proof spirit, Oij.; macerate
for fourteen (seven, E.) days, and strain ; " or prepare by percolation,"
E.)  Dose, f5ij. to f3iv.—Tinctura  Valeriana Ammoniata, D. (Valerian
in powder, §ij.; spirit of ammonia, by measure Ibj.; macerate for seven
days, and filter).   [U. S.] L. E. (Valerian bruised,  [§iv. U. S.]  §v.;
(aromatic, L.)  spirit of ammonia  Oij. ;  macerate for fourteen  days
(seven, E.), and  strain;  "or  prepare by percolation," E.).  Dese,
f3j-  to f3ij.
  Incompatibles.—The  alkalies;  the earthy, and metallic  oxides;
and all salts of iron.

  Zinci Valerianas.—Valerianate of Zinc.

  Preparation.—Take of, the bruised root of valerian, Ibij.; water, Ibviij.;
sulphuric acid, §iij. 3j-; macerate for  two days and distil until the liquid no
longer reddens bibulous paper.   Let the distilled liquor be then exposed to the
air for a month ; at the end of which  time put it into a mattrass, with §ss. of
recently precipitated, perfectly pure, hydrated oxide of zinc ; and digest for
from eight to ten hours on a sand-bath, heated to 176°F, stirring occasion-
ally.  Filter  the warm liquor, evaporate it to three-fourths of its volume,
pour into porcelain capsules, and expose to the heat of a  stove until crystals
are formed, which are to  be dried with filtering paper.  Brcn Buisson.*

  Physical Properties.—Valerianate of zinc, when pure, occurs in
brilliant, pearly, tabular crystals, of a snowy  whiteness.  It has a
somewhat bitter, disagreeable taste, and a feeble odour of valerian.
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed of one atom of valerianic
acid and one of oxide of zinc.   It is soluble in water, alcohol, ether
and the oils.  Heated to 122°  it softens, at  300°  it melts and  part9
with its water of crystallization and  a  portion  of its  acid, and  at fi.
higher temperature it burns with a strong empyreumatic odour and is
decomposed, a  carbonaceous oxide  of zinc being left.  Valerianate of
zinc is very readily decomposed, most acids  setting free the valerianic
acid and combining with the oxide  of zinc.   It also undergoes partial
decomposition,  if exposed to the air, or even if  kept  in badlv  stopped
bottles.                                                  j    ft
  Adulterations.—As met with in the shops, this salt is often of bad
quality, in consequence  either of having been originally badly prepar-
ed or of having been badly preserved.   When this is the case, it emits
a strong odour of valerian, and is  not  completely soluble  in water.

  * This process is recommended by the Committee of the  Pharmaceutical
Society of Paris, as being the best and the  most  economial   Journal d>
Pharmacie, February, 1846.                                    nai u' 
ASTRINGENTS.                         33
Most of the valerianate of zinc met with in commerce at present, es-
pecially that which is prepared in Paris, is  nothing  more  than  the
butyrate of zinc to which some oil of valerian has been added; this
fraud may be detected by distilling the suspected salt in a glass retort
with dilute sulphuric add and water; on testing  the liquid which
comes  over, with solution of acetate of copper, a bluish-white precipi-
tate will be produced if it be the butyrate, but no change occurs if the
salt be the valerianate of zinc.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Valerianate of zinc is a tonic antispas-
modic  of much power, and as such is peculiarly adapted for the treat-
ment of neuralgic affections, which are so generally dependent on loss
of tone in the system.   It has been  found especially useful in  the
treatment of facial neuralgia and of vertigo ; but I have seen it prove
equally beneficial in most of the protean forms of hysterical neuralgia.
In short I look on it  as one of the  most valuable modern additions to
the Materia Medica,  and  I fully agree with the observations of Devay,
that the chemical combination proves much more beneficial  than  the
oil of»valerian and oxide  of zinc prescribed together.
  Dose and  Mode of Administration.—The dose of it is from three-
fourths of a grain to  one  grain twice or three times a day ; it may  be
prescribed in the form of pill made with a little mucilage or converse
of red  roses, or in solution in orange-flower water, or in distilled water
flavored with syrup of orange-flowers.  The compounder must bear
in mind that the crystals of valerianate of zinc do not dissolve readily
in cold water, floating on the surface inconsequence of their lightness ;
they should, therefore, be first incorporated with a few drops of water
in a mortar.
  Incompatibles.—All acids ; the soluble carbonates : most metallic
salts ;  and astringent vegetable infusions or decoctions.
                       CHAPTER   IV.

                       ASTRINGENTS.

              (Styptics—Desiccants—Constringents.)

  Astringents may be defined, substances which produce contraction
and condensation, when they come in contact with living matter.   The
more immediate effect  of astringents is to diminish secretion and  ex-
cretion ;  ultimately they exert a tonic influence on the human  body.
Hence then they appear to be very  nearly allied to tonics;  indeed, in
many instances the most powerful tonics will  be obtained  from the di-
vision Astringents.   Much difference of opinion exists as to the modus
operandi of this class of remedial agents.   Since the time  of Cullen,
this has been generally explained by a  reference  to  their action in
tanning; for the same substances which, by a peculiar chemical ac-
tion, harden and condense  dead animal matter, operate as astringents
on the living system.   This hypothesis  may,  to a certain extent, hold
good as to the local action of astringents when  applied to a morbidly
secreting surface, that  is to say, they act by constringing the extreme
vessels of the part.  But it will not account for their power in check- 
34
astringents.
ing discharges from remote  parts, when they are introduced into the
system through the digestive organs ;  in the latter case we must sup-
pose that they produce some peculiar change in the  living principle
of the structure generally, which is incompatible with excessive se-
cretion or discharge.   In cases where the use of astringents is indi-
cated, it will be always necessary,  in the first instance,  to  ascertain
the cause by which the morbid discharge is produced, as it often occurs
in diametrically opposite states of the  system, and therefore very dif-
ferent remedies will,  in different cases, assume the character of an
astringent.  Thus, where irritability exists, opium, taken from the di-
vision narcotics, will often prove  our most useful remedy, given either
alone or as  an adjuvant  to some more immediate  astringent.  If a
state of plethora of the vascular system exist, bleeding and other de-
pletory measures  will be indicated; or  if the  discharge, as  in some
forms of  diarrhoea, be caused by  acrid  or acid  matter,  emollients or
demulcents, and antacids must be employed.
  Acetum, LU. S.]  L.  Acetum vini,  D.  Acetum Gallicum et
Britannicum, E.   Vinegar prepared by fermentation, L.  Wine vine-
gar, D.  French or British vinegar, E.
  Preparation—Vinegar is an article of the Materia  Medica in the three
British Pharmacopoeias.  In France it is prepared from the lighter wines,
by exposing them to the air in large wooden vessels placed in a room, the
temperature of which is raised to between 68° and 80° F. In Britain,  va-
rious kinds of malt liquor, cider, raw sugar dissolved in water, &c are sub-
stitued for wine.  Of late years, a greatly improved process has been intro-
duced in Germany by which vinegar may be made in 36 hours:—Strong al-
cohol is diluted with five or six parts of water, and about a thousandth part
of yeast, honey, or impure vinegar added to it; the mixture is heated to lb0:
or 80° and made to trickle slowly through a mass of beechwood shavings,
contained in a tall cask, narrowed  at the bottom, and pierced with small
holes at the top and lower part, to allow a circulation of air; as soon as the
mixture is passed through the barrel three or fourtimes.it is converted  into
vinegar;  the change being efleeted by the alcohol absorbing  oxygen from
the atmospheric  air; the process taking place very rapidly owing to the
great surface of the liquid which is exposed.
   Physical  Properties.—Vinegar is of a pale reddish yellow colour,
transparent; with a sharp, peculiar (acetous) odour, and  an  acidulous,
refreshing taste.  Sp. gr. from 1-006 to  1019.  French, or wine vine-
gar is generally of a deep colour, and has a more fragrant odour than
British, or malt vinegar; its density  also is greater, being from 1*014
to  1022.
   Chemical Properties.—It  is composed of acetic acid, colouring
matter, mucilage and water, and a trace of alcohol ; British vinegar
contains also sulphuric acid, manufacturers being allowed by law to add
a thousandth part by weight of that acid.  Wine vinegar may be dis-
tinguished from malt vinegar by " ammonia in excess, causing a pur-
plish muddiness, and slowly a purplish precipitate with it." (Ed. Ph.);
in  addition to the constituents mentioned above, it  generally  contains
 some bitartrate and sulphate of potash.  The odorous principle of vin-
 egar is conjectured to be acetic ether.  Its medicinal virtues depend
 on the acetic acid it contains. 
ASTRINGENTS.                       35
   Adulterations.—Vinegar varies much in strength, and also frequent-
 ly contains many impurities.  The density as first shown by Mollerat,
 does not indicate accurately the quantity of acetic acid present; this is
 more correctly ascertained  by its neutralizing power  over crystallized
 carbonate of soda, 144 grains of salt being equal to  51 grains of real
 acetic acid.  The strongest vinegar prepared, which  is  termed proof
 vinegar, is estimated to contain five per cent of real  acid.  In the ap-
 plication of this test, however, care must be taken  to  allow for any
 sulphuric acid present.  The impurities  most commonly met with  in
 vinegar  are  metallic  matter, generally  copper or lead;  some  acrid
 vegetable substance, as capsicum, grains of paradise, &c; and sul-
 phuric acid.   If  the color be altered on the addition of sulphuretted
* hydrogen, it  contains  metallic matter ;  the presence of an acrid sub-
 stance may be detected  by the taste, the vinegar having been first
 neutralized with  carbonate of  soda; the quantity of sulphuric  acid
 contained is indicated by the extent  of the precipitate produced with
 solution of muriate or nitrate of baryta.
    Therapeutical Effects.—Vinegar is an excellent refrigerating as-
 tringent, and as such is employed with much benefit in the colliquative
 sweating and diarrhoea of hectic ;  taken  largely diluted with water,  as
 the usual drink of the patient, it will seldom fail to diminish the ex-
 cessive discharges.  As a local astringent it is used  to check hemor-
 rhage from  the  nose, from the uterus,  from hemorrhoidal tumours,
 and from ulcers ;  in intestinal hemorrhage, enemas containing vinegar
 have been employed  with much  advantage, particularly when the
 bleeding  proceeds from  the large intestines.  In relaxation of the
 uvula and tonsils, it forms an excellent addition to  astringent gargles ;
 and in chronic  ophthalmia, diluted with water it is beneficially em-
 ployed as a collyrium.   Finally,  in  poisoning with the  alkalies,  or
 alkaline  carbonates, vinegar  is one  of the best antidotes that can  be
 employed ; but in poisoning with most other substances, for which at
 one time  it was very generally used, its  administration  is in general
 productive of harm.
    Dose and Mode of  Administration.—f3ij. to fgss. For an enema,
 f§i. to f§ij. diluted with f§ij. to  fjjiv. of water.  As a drink  in hectic,
 ffiij. diluted  with Oiss. of distilled water may be taken in the course
 of the day.—Acetum destillatum, D. L. E.—('• Wine  vinegar, by mea-
 sure 10 parts ; distil 8 parts by measure, with a  gentle  heat in glass
 vessejs,  rejecting the first part  which  comes over.  The specific
 gravity of this acid should  be  1-005;'" D.—" Take of vinegar, cong.
 j. ; let the vinegar distil  in a sand bath, from a glass  retort into a glass
 receiver.  Keep  the Ovij. first distilled for use ;" L.—" Take of vine-
 gar, (French by preference), 8  parts  ; distil  over  with a gentle  heat,
 7 parts;  dilute the product, if necessary, with distilled water, till the
 density is 1*005;" E.).  This  preparation  is  preferred  to  common
 vinegar, in consequence  of its more equable strength, for external use
 in lotions, eye-washes,  &c.—Oxymel, D. L.  ("  Honey,  by weight
 Ibij.; distilled vinegar, by measure Ibj.;  boil down in a  glass vessel,
 with a gentle heat to the consistence of syrup, removing the scum;"
 D.—" Honey (clarified), Ibx.;  acetic acid, Oiss,; mix the acid with
 the honey made hot;" L.)  An excellent addition to gargles.—Anti-
 hectic mixture, (Distilled vinegar, f§ij.;  laurel water,  f3ij.; simple
 syrup, f3vj.; distilled water, f§v.;  mix.)  Dose, f§i. to  f|ij. every 
36
astringents.
third or fourth hour.   An excellent mixture in the profuse sweating of
hectic.

  Acidum Gallicum.—Gallic Acid.  A peculiar acid  developed in
nut-galls, by the decomposition of tannin,  under the influence  of air
and moisture.
  Preparation.—" Take of nut-galls, coarsely powdered and the finer pow-
der separated from them, Ibx.; treat the coarse powder first with cold and then
with boiling  water  in three successive portions,  until the whole  of the
soluble part is dissolved out; express the mass; mix the solutions thus ob-
tained, filter, and evaporate to nearly the consistence of a soft extract.  Add
this extract in small portions at a time to a  boiling ley of soda of the density
of 1 40, until all alkaline reaction ceases.  When cold, saturate with hydro-
chloric acid, and a  mass of brownish crystals of gallic acid will be pre-
cipitated.  Separate these crystals by filtration, wash with cold water, and
boil them with animal charcoal.   Finally, dissolve in alcohol and crystallize.
By employing tannin  instead of powdered galls, pure gallic acid may be
more readily obtained."  Buchner.

  Physical  Properties. —Gallic acid crystallizes in brilliant, satiny,
yellowish-white needles, which are unalterable in the air.  It is in-
odorous, but  has a  slightly acidulous styptic taste, leaving a  sweetish
impression on the mouth.
  Chemical  Properties.—Its composition in the crystalline state is
C7 H O3 -\- 3 HO.  It is very sparingly soluble in  cold  water or in
ether, requires but 3 parts of boiling water for its solution, and is also
very soluble  in alcohol.  It reddens litmus  paper, and forms  bibasic
salts with oxides.  When pure it  does not precipitate  gelatine, by
which  characteristic  it may be  distinguished from  tannic acid, but
like  the latter, it gives a bluish-black precipitate with  the sesqui-salts
of iron.  By Buchner's process given  above, 7'5 per cent  of gallic
acid is procured from galls, and from 50 to  60 per cent from tannin.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—Gallic acid  is a powerful astringent,
its effects being particularly manifested on the urinary organs,  which
is directly proved by  the fact of its presence in the urine of those who
have taken it, being readily manifested by the addition of a sesqui-salt
of iron to that secretion, a few hours after the acid has been swallow-
ed.   It is, therefore, a remedy of great value in all forms of hemorrhage
from the kidneys or bladder, provided no inflammatory symptoms are
present.  Its administration is also  deserving of a  trial in  Bright's
disease of the kidney, especially in cases where blood is present in the
urine.   Dr. Locock of London  and Dr.  Simpson of Edinburgh, have
found it a useful astringent in  some forms of uterine hemorrhage.
  Dose and  Mode of Administration.—Gr. v. to gr. x.  two or three
times a day,  in the form of pill, or suspended in  water  by means of
mucilage.
  Incompatibles. —The sesqui-salts of  iron.

  Acidum sulphuricum venale^  D. Acidum sulphuricum,  [U. S.]
L. E.   Commercial sulphuric qcid; (Specific gravity,  1*850 ; D.—
1*845;  [U. S.]  L. 1840 ;  E.)   Oil of Vxtrol

  Preparation.—The method of preparing sulphuric acid, is described in
all elementary works on chepistry.  The Dublin and Edinburgh Colleges
have given formulae for purifying the fccid, in order to obtain it  free from 
ASTRINGENTS.                        37
 the impurities usually met with in the commercial sort; it is then termed,
 Acidum Sulphuricum purum:—" Commercial sulphuric acid, Ibj.; put into
 a retort of flint glass, attach a receiver of the same kind, and with the join-
 ings left open, apply heat until a twelfth-part shall have distilled over, this
 is to be rejected as it contains water',; having again attached the receiver,
 distil thq residue in dryness. A few slips of Platinum  put  into the  retort,
 prevent the ebullition from becoming too violent: the specific gravity of the
 distilled acid should be 1845.  Let it be kept in well-closed  vessels;" D.—
 " If commercial sulphuric acid  contain nitrous acid, heat f§viij. of it with
 between gr. x. and gr. xv. of sugar, at a temperature not quite sufficient to
 boil the acid, until the dark colour at first occasioned shall nearly, or alto-
 gether disappear.   This process removes nitrous acid.  Other  impurities
 may be removed by distillation; which on the small scale is easily managed
 by boiling the  acid with a few platinum chips, in a  glass retort, by means
 of a sand-bath or  gas-flame—rejecting the first  half-ounce.   The density of
 it is 1-845;" E.

   Physical Properties.—It is a heavy, oily-looking liquid, transpa-
 rent, colourless  when  pure  (the commercial acid generally   has  a
 brownish-yellow  tinge,)  inodorous, with an  intensely  acid, burning
 taste ; when much diluted with water, the taste is merely styptic.
   Chemical Properties.—It is composed of one equivalent of sulphu-
 ric acid (SO3), and one of water; it  boils at  620°, and freezes at —29?,
 It has a great affinity for water, which it absorbs from the atmosphere ;
 during its combination with water, great heat is  evolved, a mixture of
 4 parts by weight of strong acid with one of water, raises the tempera-
 ture to near 300°.  Sulphuric acid is one of the most  powerful acids
 of chemistry, supplanting nearly all others  from their  combinations.
 It chars and destroys most animal and vegetable substances.  Its best
 characteristic is the heavy white precipitate insoluble in either  acids
 or alkalies, which it produces  with solution of the muriate or nitrate of
 baryta.
  Adulterations.—If the acid contain water, it will not  be of the pre-
 scribed density.   The impurities usually present in commercial sul-
 phuric acid, are  sulphate of lead, nitrous acid, and  oxide  of arsenic.
 Dilution with distilled water precipitates the white sulphate of lead,  if
 it be  present  ; the smallest trace of nitrous acid  may be detected,
 by gently pouring over  the specimen to be examined a solution  of the
 protosulphate of iron, if nitrous  acid be contained in  it,  a deep-red
 colour will be produced at the  line of contact.  The arsenic adultera-
 tion  can be easily detected, by adding the diluted acid to pure  zinc  in
 Marsh's apparatus, and proceeding as for that substance, (See^ Arsenic);
 or by passing  a  stream of sulphuretted-hydrogen through the dilute
 acid, when a yellow sulphuret  of arsenic  will be formed.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Sulphuric acid is a most  powerful cor-
 rosive poison, destroying the animal tissues, wherever it comes in con-
 tact with them.  Properly diluted it is an excellent tonic astringent,
 and is employed  with very beneficial results  in  all  forms of passive
 hemorrhages, and to  check excessive discharges when  they are de-
 pendant  on debility:—Thus,  it  is  used with  much   advantage in
 hemoptysis, in epistaxis, in slight  but protracted bleedings  from the
uterus, the stomach, or intestines, and in the colliquative sweating and
diarrhoea of hectic.  In calculous affections with phosphatic deposits,
dilute sulphuric  acid is administered with  much advantage ; and in
painters' colic it  is very generally employed with benefit, both as  a 
38                       astringents.
prophylactic of the disease, and as a remedy when the attack is present.
As a topical astringent sulphuric acid  largely diluted was at one time
much used to foul and  indolent ulcerations of the  mouth and  fauces,
but in consequence of its liability  to  injure the teeth, it is scarcely
ever employed in  such cases at present.  The internal  use of this
acid, if continued for any length  of time, is apt  to derange  the diges-
tive functions causing cardialgia, griping pains and emaciation.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—In prescribing any of the
dilute mineral acids, it is generally recommended that the patient be
directed to suck them  through a quill, in order to  prevent them from
producing any injurious effects on the  teeth ; but my friend, Mr. L'Es-
trange of this city has suggested  to me a much  more efficacious plan,
namely, that a small bit of butter should  be rubbed over the teeth,
just before the dose is  to be taken.  This method is of course, equally
applicable, where other medicines, as many preparations of iron,'iodine,
&c, which injure the teeth are  administered.—Acidum  sulphuricum
dilutum, D. L. E.   (Sulphuric acid  (pure, D.), one part  (fgiss., L.
f§j. E.) ;  distilled water, 7 parts (fgxivss., L. f|xiij., E.); add the
acid  to the water gradually  and  mix.   Sp. gr. T084, D. T090, E.).
Dose, min. x.  to min.  xxx. in f|i.  to f§ij. of some  mild liquid ; it is
usually given  in the acid infusion of roses.   It must be  remembered
that the Dublin preparation is much stronger than that of either Lon-
don or Edinburgh.—Acidum sulphuricum aromaticum, D. E. (Sulphu-
ric acid (commercial,  E.), by weight  §vj.  (fgiiiss., E.) ;  rectified
spirit,  by  measure  Ibij.  (Oiss., E.); add the  acid  gradually to the
spirit, digest the mixture with a very gentle heat for three days in a
close vessel; then add cinnamon  bruised, §iss., and ginger, bruised,
|j.;  digest for six days  more, and "  filter through paper placed in a
glass funnel," D.—" strain ; or the mixed  powders may be moistened
with a little of the acid spirit, and  after 12 hours the powders may be
exhausted by percolation with the rest of the spirit," E.).   This pre-
paration is used in  the same  cases as  the dilute  sulphuric acid,  for
which it forms an agreeable substitute.   Dose, min. x. to min. xx. in a
wine-glass of water.—Unguentum acidi sulphurici, D. (Sulphuric acid,
3i. ; prepared hog's-lard,§i.;  mix).   Not much employed  at present,
Baid  to be useful in scabies.
   Incompatibles—The  alkalies, and their 'carbonates; most metals
and their  oxides;  some  of the earths,  and their carbonates ; acetate
of lead ; chloride  of calcium ; muriate  of baryta ;  nitrates ; alcohol
and  consequently  all tinctures ; organic substances ;  essential oils;
and the vegetable astringent infusions or decoctions.
   In poisoining with this acid, the best antidotes are the alkaline bi-
carbonates, or carbonate of magnesia.   Chalk and magnesia, though
generally recommended, should  not be  employed, as with  the former
sulphate of lime is formed, and the combination of sulphuric acid with
the latter produces a  considerable degree of heat.  External parts
burned with it should be washed with soap and water.
  Alumen; Aluminje  et  potass*:  sulphas, D.  L.  Alumen,  E.
Alum; Sulphate of alumina and potash.
  Physical Properties.—As met with in the shops, alum is in trans-
parent, colourless, crystalline masses, void of odour, having a sweetish 
astringents.
39
astringent taste.  Sp.  gr.  1*700.  By solution  and crystallization it
may be readily obtained in regular octahedres.
  Chemical  Properties.—It is composed of one eq.  of  sulphate of
potash, one of tersulphate of alumina, and 24 of water, (KO, S03-f-
Al2  O3,  3 SO3 + 24 HO).  The crystals effloresce slightly in  the
air ; heated they fuse in their water of crystallization, all of which they
part with, and are converted into a light porous  mass, known as dried
or burned alum.  Alum dissolves in  18*4 parts of cold water, and in
0-75 parts of boiling water : the solution is decidedly acid.  By a red
heat alum is deprived of most of its  sulphuric acid,  and converted
into a mixture of sulphate of potash  and pure alumina-
  Therapeutical Effects.—Alum  is a  powerful astringent, and as
Buch is employed with benefit in the treatment  of  many diseases,
both as a general and topical remedy.  Administered  internally, it is
found useful in -the  treatment of chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, in
atonic  mucous discharges, in passive hemorrhages, in the colliquative
sweating of hectic, &c.   In pyrosis given in large doses frequently re-
peated, it has proved very successful in the hands of many practitioners ;
and  it  has also, when  given in full doses combined with opium, been
found to  be an excellent remedy in the treatment of colica pictonum.
As a topical astringent, it is employed to arrest bleeding from minute
vessels,  as  in epistaxis, in menorrhagia, in  hemorrhage  from leech
bites, &c  Dried Alum in fine powder is an excellent application in
the early stages of the inflammatory  sore throat of scarlatina, measles
and small-pox, and in diphtheritis ; it  is best applied  by  insufflation,
that is by placing a small portion of it in an open  glass-tube, and
blowing  it into the throat.  Dissolved in water  alum is also used with
much advantage, as a gargle in relaxation of the uvula and tonsils, in
chronic ulcerations of the mouth and  fauces, and in excessive saliva-
tion ; as a collyrium, in chronic ophthalmia ;  and as an injection in
gleet and fluor albus.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Internally, gr. x. to 3ss. in
powder,  or made into pill with extract of liquorice, or it may be given
in solution in some aromatic water.—Pulvis aluminis comp., E. (Alum,
|iv.; kino, %\.; mix them and reduce them to  fine powder).  A use-
ful astringent in chronic diarrhoea,and in passive hemorrhages from the
stomach  and  bowels;  Dose, gr. xij. to 9ij.  It has been also applied
externally to flabby ill-conditioned ulcers.—Alum whey, (Alum,  pow-
dered, gr. x.; new milk,  f§ij. ; boil  together  for ten minutes, and
strain  to separate the curd).   Sufficient  for one  dose.—Externally,
gr. xxx. to 3'j- dissolved in Oi. of water.—Cataplasma aluminis, D.
(Agitate together, so  as to form a  coagulum, the whites of two eggs
and a drachm of alum).   In chronic  or purulent ophthalmia,  applied
to the eye  between  two  folds of  linen.—Alumen  siccatum,  D.—
exsiccatum, L. E.  (Take any convenient quantity of alum ; liquefy
it in an earthen (or iron,  E.) vessel  over the fire, increase the  heat
till the ebullition has  ceased ; then  reduce it  to  powder).  For ex-
ternal  use only .—-Liquor aluminis comp., L.  (Alum ;  and sulphate of
zinc, of  each*', §i; boiling water, Oiij. ; dissolve the salts together  in
the water, and strain.)   An excellent astringent lotion, collyrium, or
injection.
   Incompatibles.—Alkalies,  and their carbonates; lime and  magne-
sia,  and  their carbonates ; tartrate of potash ; acetate of lead ; salts of 
40                       astringents.
mercury ; vegetable  extractive  matter ; and  substances containing
tannin.

   Catechu, D. L. E. Catechu ; Extract of the wood of Acacia Cate-
chu, D. L.—Extract of the wood of Acacia Catechu,—of the  kernels
of Areca Catechu,—and of the leaves of Uncana Gambir,—probably
too from other plants, E.  Acacia Catechu is a native of several parts
of the East Indies; it belongs to the Natural  family Leguminosa
(Fabacea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean class  and  order Polygamia
Moncecia.   Areca Catechu inhabits most of the Indian  continent and
islands ;  it belongs to the  Natural  family PalmacecB, and to the Lin-
naean class  and order  Moncccia Hexandria.   Uncaria Gambir is a
native of many of the islands of the Indian Archipelago ;  it is placed
in the Natural  family  Cinchonacea, and in the Linnaean class  and
order Pentandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Acacia Catechu ; Stem, 15-20 feet high, with
a brown, scabrous bark, and a hard, heavy wood, dark-red in the centre;
Flowers,  numerous, pale-yellow; Legumes, 8 seeded.—Areca Catechu; a
beautiful  palm between 40 and 50 feet high; Leaves,  15  feet in length,
crowded at the extremity  of the stem;   Flowers  in numerous  clusters, ap-
pearing from among the leaves;  Fruit, a handsome orange-colored ovoid
drupe.   Uncaria Gambir: a stout scandent shrub; Leaves, ovato-lanceolate;
Flowers,  green and pink, in loose heads, on opposite axillary peduncles.
  Preparation.—From the Acacia, catechu is obtained by boiling the red
heart-wood cut into chips for some  hours  in water, until the  decoction is
sufficiently concentrated to become on cooling a tough extract, it is then
divided into  small masses, and dried slowly in  the shade.—In the interior
of the fruit of the Catechu palm, is contained a roundish conical nut, mar-
bled internally brown with whitish veins, commonly known by the name of
betel nut,  and which, with lime and the leaves of the Piper betel, constitutes
the celebrated masticatory of the East, called Betel.  These nuts contain a
large quantity of tannin,  and a decoction of them concentrated and dried
forms some of the inferior catechus of  commerce.—The leaves of the  Un-
caria Gambir, are boiled in water immediately after they are pulled from the
tree, the  decoction  concentrated, and  run into square or  parallelopiped
moulds, to constitute the catechu in cubes of commerce.

   Physical Properties.—A great many varieties  of catechu occur
in commerce, but we shall confine our attention to the two sorts most
usually met  with in druggists1 shops, the remainder  being chiefly em-
ployed for tanning.  1st.—Brown Catechu in irregular masses: this
is the produce of the Acacia Catechu,  it  occurs in  irregular-shaped,
roundish masses, generally covered with rice husks,  weighing from
three or four ounces to a pound or  more each, of a chocolate-brown
color, very friable, with an astringent bitter taste.  2nd.—Catechu in
cubes (Gambeer ; Terra Japonica ;  Cubical resinous catechu) ; This
variety  is obtained  from the Uncaria Gambir; it  occurs in cubes,
whose faces are about an inch square ;  it is of a yellowish-brown color,
with a paler, dull, earthy fracture ;  is void of odour, but  has  a very
astringent taste, becoming feebly sweetish.
   Chemical Properties.—The different varieties of catechu consist
principally of tannin, and a peculiar  acid, which  has been  named
catechuic acid.  Their  astringency depends on the  tannin, of which
the finer qualities contain 55 per cent, while  some inferior specimens 
ASTRINGENTS.,                       41
do not yield more than 28 per cent.  Catechu does not dissolve com-
pletely in boiling water, but when of good quality is  almost entirely
soluble  in  alcohol.   The watery infusion is of a dark reddish-brown
color, and reddens litmus paper faintly; it gives a blackish precipitate
with sulphate of iron.
  Adulterations.—The varieties of catechu are so numerous, so differ-
ent in quality, and  many of them are so very impure, that the only
satisfactory test of  their relative value is to ascertain  the quantity of
tannin which is contained in them.   This may be readily done, by
acting on a given weight with ether, evaporating the ethereal solution
to dryness, treating the extract thus obtained with  cold water, and
again evaporating;  when  the proportion  soluble in  both ether and
water, should amount  at least  to from 38 to 40 per  cent of the
specimen.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Catechu is a simple, but very efficacious
astringent, and is consequently in general use.   It may be administered
in all cases of increased mucous discharges, where there is no inflam-
mation present:—Thus it is employed with benefit, in chronic cystir-
rhoea, in leucorrhcea, in gleet, in chronic catarrh, and in old standing
cases of diarrhoea and dysentery, in which it is usually given in com-
bination  with  opiates.   It is also an  excellent remedy in passive
hemorrhages from the intestines, or uterus ; as a topical  astringent, it
is one of the most useful applications  in  relaxation of the uvula and
tonsils, in slight ulcerations of the mouth, and in chaps or excoriations
of the nipple in nurses  ; for the latter  purpose, the tincture  should be
applied  with a camel's-hair pencil repeatedly in the course of the day.
Public speakers  and singers employ catechu  lozenges with  much
benefit as a preventive of hoarseness, and as a remedy for it when it
exists.
  Dose and Mode  of Administration.—Gr. x. to  5j- in powder with
sugar, or made into a bolus with honey or treacle.—Infusum Catechu,
E.   Infusum Catechu comp,  D. L.  (Extract of catechu, (powdered,'
L.), 3iiss-  (3vi., L.);  cinnamon, bruised,  3ss. (3i., L.)  ;  boiling
water, (distilled, L.),lbss. (Oj., L.) ;  digest (macerate L.), for an hour
in a covered vessel, and strain (through linen, D.);  D. L.—" Catechu
powdered, 3vj.; cinnamon, powdered, 3i-; syrup, fSjiij.; boiling water,
fgxvij.;  infuse the catechu and cinnamon with the water for two hours,
strain through linen or  calico, and add the syrup,"  E).  Dose, f|i. to
f|ij. two or three times  a day, or the same quantity may be  added  to
an  astringent  enema.—Tinctura Catechu, D. L. E.  (Catechu,  (in
moderately fine powder, E.),  §iij. (§iiiss., L.  E.); cinnamon, bruised,
|ij. (§iiss.,  L. E.) ;  proof spirit, by measure Ibij. (Oij., L. E.) ;  mace-
rate (digest, E.) for 7 (14, L.) days, (strain and express  strongly, E.),
and  filter.   " This  tincture may also  be prepared  by the process  of
percolation, the mixed  powders  being put into the percolator, without
being previously moistened with the spirit,"  E.) ; Dose, f3i. to f3ij.;
usually  employed as an  adjunct to astringent  mixtures in diarrhoea.-—
Electuarium Catechu, E. Electuarium Catechu comp., D.  (Catechu,
giv.; cinnamon, |ij. (§i., E.) ; kino, §iij. (§iv., E.) ;  (nutmeg, §i., E.) ;
reduce these to powder ; and add of opium, diffused in a little sherry,
3iss.; and syrup of ginger, boiled down to the consistency of honey,
Ibijj.  (Oiss., E.) ;   pulverise the solids ;  mix the opium and syrup ;
add the  powder, and beat them thoroughly into a uniform mass).   A 
42
ASTRINGENT8.
 useful astringent in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery ; Dose, 9i. to 5y-
 One  ounce  contains  gr.  iiss.  (gr. ijj;  E.) of  opium.—Catechu
 lozenges, P. (Catechu, 1 part; sugar, 4 parts ; mucilage of gum-traga-
 canth sufficient  to form into a  proper  mass, divide into lozenges of
 gr. x. each).
   Incompatibles-—The alkalies;  lime water, salts of iron,  and of
 lead ; gelatine ;  and all vegetable substances, whose active principle
 is an alkaloid, as an insoluble tannate of the alkaloid will be formed;
 Christison, however, states that it is probable that the alkaloidal tan-
 nates are sufficiently soluble in the acids of the gastric juice.

   Creasoton, L.  Creasotum, E.—An oxyhydrocarburet, prepared
from pyroxylic  oil, (Lond.).—Creasote, (Edin.).  Creasote exists in
 pyroligneous acid, in wood smoke, and in wood tar;  from the latter of
 which it is  usually prepared.   Different  processes are  followed by
 different manufacturers for the  preparation of creasote ; and as they
 are very complicated,  and  can  only be successfully executed  on  the
 large scale, I must refer to some of the modern works on  chemistry
 for an account of them.
   Physical Properties.—Pure creasote  is a colorless, transparent,
 oily-looking liquid, having a smoky odour, and a bitter, acrid, somewhat
 caustic taste.  Its Sp. gr. at 68°F. is  1*037  (Reichenbach);  1*066
 (Edin. Phar.)
   Chemical Properties,—It is a compound of C7H90 (Ettling.)  It
 boils at a temperature of 397-4°; and is not congealed at —16*6° ; at
 a temperature a little  above its boiling point  it is decomposed ; it is
 inflammable, and burns  with a very sooty flame.  Creasote forms two
 different compounds with cold water ;  one, a solution of 1*25 parts of
 creasote in 100 parts of water;   the other, a solution of  10 parts of
 water in 100 of creasote.   It mixes with acetic acid in all proportions,
 as also with alcohol, and  ether.   It coagulates albumen; dissolves
 most resins; and has a powerful preservative property  with respect
 to animal substances,  whence its name  is derived, (xpeas ou^).  It  is
 neutral.
  Adulterations.—Creasote from being badly prepared frequently con-
tains a number of peculiar principles which exist in tar, and it is com-
monly adulterated with  the fixed and volatile oils; its purity may be
known, by its being colorless, by its complete solubility in acetic acid,
by its density not being too high, and " by  its leaving no translucent
stain on white filtering paper, when dropped  on it, and exposed to a
temperature of about 212° for ten minutes."  Ed. Ph.
  Therapeutical Effects.—As an astringent creasote is chiefly em-
ployed externally, but it is also used as an internal remedy with much
benefit in some diseases.  Its principal uses are, as a styptic to arrest
hemorrhage, which it does very effectually when the bleeding proceeds
from small vessels, as in some forms of hematemesis, and of bleeding
from  the intestines, in  cuts  or  abrasions, from leech bites, or from
ulcerated surfaces ; in mucous diarrhoea ; as an application to indolent
ulcers especially when accompanied  with a  sanious discharge, to
chronic venereal or phagedenic  ulceration, to ulcerated  chilblains, in
chronic skin diseases,  particularly those  of  the  scalp; and  as an
injection in leucorrhcea.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Min. j. to min. ij. gradually 
ASTRINGENTS.
43
increased to min. v., dissolved in at least an ounce or an ounce and a
half of water ; and frequently repeated.  In the external application
of creasote in the form of wash, its little solubility in water should be
remembered, for  if an excess be.present it will  float  on the surface,
and  being thus directly applied, will produce an effect very different
from what was  intended.   For a wash, min. ij.  to  min. vj. may be
dissolved in f§i. of water ; or the following ointment may be employed.
—Unguentum Creasoti, L. E.  (Creasote, f3ss. (f3i«,  E.) ;  axunge,
§i* (Siij*. E.); "rub and mix them," L.  "Melt the  axunge, add*the
creasote, stir them briskly, and  continue to  do so as the mixture con-
cretes on cooling," E.).

T  Creta, Chalk, (described in the division Antacids), is employed as
an astringent  in  the various forms of diarrhoea  ; its beneficial effects
as such depend  principally upon  its antacid properties, (see p. 6).
Chalk mixture is very generally  used  as a vehicle  for more active
astringents.   The following preparation  is admirably adapted for the
simpler forms  of diarrhoea unattended  with inflammation :—Pulvis
creta  comp.  cum opio, D. L.  Pulvis creta  opiatus,  E.  (Compound
chalk  powder, gviss.  (|vj. E.);  hard opium,  powdered, 9iv.;  mix
them).  Dose, for  adults, gr. xx.  to gr. xl.; for children, gr. ij. to
gr. x.   Forty grains (D. L.) ;  thirty-seven (E.); of this powder con-
tain  one grain of opium.

   Cupri sulphas, D. L. E.   Sulphate of copper.  Blue vitriol.

   Preparation.—It is an article of the Materia Medica in the three British
Pharmacopoeias.  On the large scale, it is usually prepared by roasting
copper pyrites, svlphuret of copper, exposing it  to the air and to moisture
until it is oxidated, dissolving out the sulphate thus formed,evaporating and
crystallizing.

   Physical  Properties.—This salt usually occurs  in fragments of
large crystals, of the oblique rhombic prism series, semitransparent;
of a beautiful blue colour ; without odour, but having a styptic, metallic
taste.   Sp. gr. 2-2.
   Chemical  Properties.—The crystals are composed of  1 eq. of
protoxide of copper, 1 of sulphuric acid, and 5 of water (CuO, SO3,
HO  -j- 4 HO).   They effloresce slightly in dry  air ;  at a temperature
of 212°, they part with 4 eq. of water; at  400° they become anhy-
drous  and white  ; and at a red heat they fuse and lose part of their
acid.  Sulphate  of copper  is soluble in 4 parts of cold, and in 2 of
boiling water ;  it is insoluble in alcohol.  It has  an acid reaction.
   Adulterations.—Sulphate of copper is very often  adulterated  with
sulphate of iron :  I  have seen some specimens which contained nearly
50 per cent of that salt.  In the  crystalline state, the fraud may be
readily detected with the naked  eye.  The  best chemical test is the
addition of ammonia in excess to a solution of the suspected salt, which
has been previously boiled with  a  little nitric acid ;  should any iron
be present, the precipitate at first thrown down will not be completely
redissolved.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Sulphate of copper in large doses, if it
be not rejected  by vomiting, is a powerful irritant poison, producing
inflammation of the parts with which it comes  in contact, and acting
remotely on the nervous system, causing death with coma and convul- 
44                        ASTRINGENTS.
sions.   In small but repeated  doses it  operates as a tonic and astrin-
gent ; with the latter intention, it is only employed in chronic diarrhoea
and  dysentery, in which  it will  often  succeed in checking  the  dis-
charges, when vegetable astringents completely  fail.   Externally a
solution of sulphate of copper is used with benefit as a stimulating as-
tringent  to indolent and  ill-conditioned ulcers accompanied with ex-
cessive discharge, as a  collyrium  in chronic  ophthalmia, and as an
injection in chronic mucous discharges from the urethra, or vagina.
In the early stages of gonorrhoea, if the inflammation does not run very
high, a weak solution, gr. i. to fgi. of  water,  injected  three or four
times a day will often succeed in checking the disease.
  Dose and  Mode of Administration.—Gr. ss. to gr. ij. or gr. iij.
made into pill with conserve of roses.   For a lotion, gr. ij. to gr. x.
in f§i. of water.  For an injection, gr. i. to gr. iv. to f§i. of water.
  Incompatibles.—The alkalies and their carbonates ; lime water;
acetate of lead ;  nitrate of  silver ; corrosive  sublimate ;  and all the
salts of iron except the sulphate; and most astringent vegetables.
  In  poisoning with this salt, the best antidote is albumen, as the
whites of eggs ; and in their absence, wheaten flour.  Sugar has also
been found beneficial, and iron filings have been recently proposed, so
as to precipitate the copper in the metallic state.

  Ferri pernitras.—Pernitrale of iron; Persesquinitrate of iron.
  Preparation.—Nitric acid;  and distilled water, of each, equal  parts;
clean iron cut into small fragments, a sufficiency ; mix the acid with the
water- in  a capacious  glass vessel; add the iron gradually, and in small
quantities at a time, as long as  any is dissolved.  Preserve the solution in
well-stoppered glass bottles.
  Physical Properties.—A transparent liquid, of a fine orange-brown
color ; with a weak nitric acid odour, and an acid, styptic taste.
  Chemical Properties.—From  this solution,  large  transparent,
colorless crystals may be procured ; according to Pelouze, their com-
position is 2 atoms of peroxide of iron (Fe2 O3), 3 of nitric acid, and
If of water.   If kept in  a bottle not quite filled, or if exposed to heat,
the solution is decomposed,  peroxide of iron thrown down and nitrous
acid evolved ; in which state it is unfit  for medical use.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Solution of the pernitrate of iron is an
admirable  astringent, possessing also  tonic  properties.  It will  be
found particularly useful  in  chronic cases of mucous diarrhoea, where
there is much emaciation and  loss of appetite.   In such cases I have
derived much benefit from its  employment after many other remedies
had failed.  My friend Dr.  Montgomery of this citv, informs me that
he has used it extensively in the treatment of mucous discharges from
the vagina, and that in such cases, he considers it the best of the fer-
ruginous preparations.
  Dose and  Mode of Administration.—Min. xx. to  min.  xxx. for
adults ;  min. v. to min. xv. for children.  It is best administered in
water, sweetened with simple syrup.
•  Incompatibles.—All astringent vegetable infusions, decoctions, or
syrups.


  Ferri sulphas, D. L.  E.—Sulphate of protoxide of  iron; Green-
pitriol. 
astringents.                       45
  Preparation.—Dm*.—"Iron-wire, 4 parts;   sulphuric acid, 7 parts;
water, 60 parts; dissolve the metal with the aid of heat, and filter the liquor
through paper.  Then, after due evaporation, set aside, that crystals may
form by slow cooling."  Lond.—" Iron-filings, gviij.; sulphuric acid ; |xiv.;
water, Oiv.; mix the acid  with  the water, and add the  iron; then apply
heat, and when bubbles have ceased to escape, strain the liquor, and set it
aside that crystals may be formed; evaporate  the liquor poured off, that it
may again yield crystals.  Dry them all."—An article of the Materia Medi-
ca in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia.

  Physical Properties.—Commonly met with  in large transparent,
pale bluish-green  crystals, the primary form of  which is the oblique
rhombic prism.  They are inodorous, but  have an acid, disagreeable,
styptic taste.   Sp. gr. 1*82.
  Chemical Properties.—The crystals are composed of 1 eq. of pro-
toxide of iron, 1 of sulphuric acid, and 7 of water, (Fe 0, SO , HO
-f- 6 HO).  They effloresce slightly in dry air, but, if moisture be
present, they attract  oxygen and become  covered with a brownish-
yellow crust of the sesquioxide of iron.   Heated  they fuse in their
water  of crystallization, 6 eq. of which they part with at a temperature
of 238° ; at a red heat they are decomposed, the sulphuric acid driven
off and the red peroxide, colcothar, left.  Sulphate of iron requires for
its solution once and a half its weight of cold water and a third of its
weight of boiling  water.  It is insoluble in alcohol.  The solution
reddens litmus paper.
  Adulterations.—The presence  of  the sesquioxide, wSi"1, is v~ry
common in the commercial salt, is  known by the yellowish-brown
color of the crystals.  It is often contaminated with copper, which
may be  readily detected  by immersing a  polished plate  of iron in a
solution of the salt, on which the copper  will be deposited if  any be
present.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—Sulphate of iron in doses of 3ij- and up-
wards, if it be not rejected by vomiting, is an irritant poison; taken in
small doses frequently repeated, it acts as a tonic  and astringent: with
the latter intention it is employed in  passive hemorrhages, in chronic
diarrhoea and  dysentery, and  in  atonic mucous discharges.   As a
topical remedy it is used  to  check bleeding from small blood-vessels,
and in solution as  an astringent lotion or injection, to ulcers, in chronic
ophthalmia, and in chronic discharges from mucous membranes as in
leucorrhoea and gleet.  On the continent, it is also very generally em-
ployed as a local application  in erysipelas, and it is stated, with most
excellent effect.  Velpeau was the first who recommended the use of
sulphate of iron in this disease; he employed it both in solution and
in the  form of  ointment.   The former, which consists of one  part of
the salt dissolved  in fifteen parts of water, he uses whenever  the in-
flamed parts can  be kept covered with lint soaked in it; but when
this can not be conveniently effected he employs an ointment composed
of one part of the sulphate,  and  three or four parts of prepared lard.
I have used a weaker ointment than this, 3ss. to  §j. of lard, with very
great benefit in some severe  cases of acute impetigo, after the pustules
had burst.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. j.  to  gr. v. in pill.—
Ferrifl     m^iccatus,  E.  (Expose sulphate of iron to a moderate
heatfl     IS^d earthern vessel till  it become white and perfectly 
46                        astringents.
dry).   A more convenient preparation for internal use than the crystal-
lized salt;  3 grains are equal to nearly five of the crystals ; Dose, gr.
ss. to gr. iij.  Pilula sulphatis ferri,  E. (Dried sulphate  of  iron,  2
parts ; extract of taraxacum, 5 parts ;  liquorice root powder, 3 parts ;
conserve of red roses, 5 parts ;  beat them together  into a proper mass
which is to be divided into five  grain pills).   Each  pill contains § of a
grain  of dried  sulphate of iron ;  Dose, one to three pills.  For exter-
nal use, gr. ij. to gr. x. may be  dissolved in f§i. of water.
  Incompatibles.—The alkalies, and their  carbonates; nitric acid ;
lime water; nitrate, and tartrate of potash ; iodide  of potassium ;  bo-
rax ; muriate and nitrate of baryta ; acetate of lead ;  the soaps ; and
all vegetable astringents.

  Gallje,  D. L.  E.   Galls;   Gall-nuts;   Excrescences  (Diseased
buds,li.) of Quercus infectoria.—This tree is a native of Asia Minor;
it belongs to the Natural family Cupulifera (Corylacea  Lindley), and
to the Linnaean class and  order Monacia  Polyandria.   Galls  are
formed on the young branches in consequence of the irritation produc-
ed by the puncture of an hymenopterous insect, the Diplolepis Gallct
tinctorum,  which punctures the bark for the  disposition of its eggs.
  Physical Properties.—Galls vary in size from that of a large
pea to that of a cob-nut.  They are of a grayish-green  colour, tuber-
culated on  the surface, the tubercles and  intervening spaces smooth;
hollow, and of  a  yellowish-white colour internally.   They have ar
intensely astringent taste, but no odour.  Galls are  imported  princi-
pally from  Constantinople and Smyrna, but some are brought from the
East  Indies.  In  commerce, two kinds  of galls are commonly met
with, blue  or green galls, and white galls ; the former are gathered be-
fore the escape of the insect, and are the best;  the latter  are  perfo-
rated with  a small circular hole through which the insect has escaped,
are larger, of a paler colour, but are much inferior in astringency.
  Chemical Properties.—Galls are composed of about 26 per cent
of tannin with a trace of gallic acid, extractive matter, a compound of
pectic acid and tannin insoluble in cold water, tannates and  gallates of
potash and of lime (Berzelius).  They yield their astringent property
to water, proof spirit, alcohol, and ether.   Of these,  water is the best
solvent;' the solution gives a curdy precipitate with solution of gela-
tine (tannate of gelatine, the basis of leather), and a  bluish-black pre-
cipitate with salts of the sesquioxide of iron (tanno-gallate of iron, the
basis  of ink).
  Galls are not  liable to adulteration in the English trade.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Galls are among the most powerful
vegetable astringents we possess, nevertheless they are but  seldom
employed internally in medicine; they may  be used  in  passive hem-
orrhages, in chronic diarrhoea or dysentery, in gleet and in leucorrhcea.
The*y are the  best antidote in poisoning with  tartar  emetic, ipecacuan-
ha, emetina and the vegetable  alkaloids generally.   Externally galls
are employed as topical astringents in the milder forms of hemorrhoids,
in relaxation of the uvula and tonsils, in chronic  ulcerations  of the
mouth and fauces, and in atonic mucous discharges.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Internally in  powder gr.  v.
to 9j.—Infusum Galla, (Galls, powdered, 3iv. ; boifll     If^vj )
Dose, fgss. to f|ij.— Tinctura  Gallarum, D. E.  TIM  ra gML L.
 
ASTRINGENT8.                       47
(Powdered galls, |iv. (§v., L. §ij., E.);  proof spirit, by measure Ibij.
(Oij., L. Oj., E.) ; macerate for seven (fourteen, L.) days and filter ;
" or may be prepared by percolation, as  tincture of capsicum," E.).
Dose, f3ss.  to f3ij.   Externally, 3ij, infused in Oj. of  water for a
gargle, lotion or injection.— Unguentum  Gallarum, D. (Galls, in  fine
powder, §j. ; lard,  §viij. ; mix).  Unguentum Galla compositum, L.—
Galla et opii, E.  (Galls finely powdered, 5'j- ;  hard opium in powder,
3ss.  (3i., E.)  lard, §ij.;  (§j.,  E.)  ; triturate well together).  The
opium in the London and Edinburgh formulae  is an excellent addition
to this ointment; a drachm of camphor is also often added with benefit.
   Incompatibles.   The mineral acids;  salts of iron and lead ;  sul-
phate of copper ; nitrate of silver ; carbonates of potash and of soda ;
lime  water ;  tartar emetic ; and infusions  of cinchona,  calumba,
cusparia, ipecacuanha, opium, &c.

   [Geranium,  U.  S.   Root of Geranium Maculatum, Cranesbill.
Belonging to  the  Natural  family Geraniacea,  and to the Linnaean
class and  order Monadelphia Decandria.—A native of the U.  S., east
of the Mississippi.

   Botanical Characters—Root, perennial, irregularly knotted, horizontal;
stem, herbaceous, 1  to 2 feet  high, hairy; of a sage-green colour.   Radical
leaves on long petioles, those on the upper part of the stem on  short petioles
or sessile, lobed,  hairy and of a pale green.  Flowers, large, purple, and
borne on the extremity of the dichotomously divided stem.

   Physical Properties.—The dried root is in the  pieces of from one
to three inches in length, wrinkled, contorted and tuberculated.  Brown
externally, reddish-grey internally.  It is destitute of odour, and  the
taste is astringent  without  bitterness.
   Chemical Properties.—The  virtues of the  Geranium depend on
the large  quantity  of tannic and  gallic acids which it contains.  They
are imparted both  to water and alcohol.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Geranium root  is a pure and powerful
astringent, and is  applicable to all those Cases,  in which the vegetable
astringents are of  service.   It has been  used  with advantage  in dys-
entery,  and boiled  in milk it has been recommended in  cholera infan-
tum.   The absence  of any bitter or nauseous flavor, renders it  par-
ticularly suitable for administration to children.
   Dose and Mode of  Administration.—In  powder from £)j to  3ss.
A decoction may be made by boiling §i. of the root with Oiss. of water, to
Oj.   Dose, §i. to §ij.  The extract  when  well made is an excellent
preparation.]

   Geum urbanum, radix.  D.—Root of  Geum urbanum,  or Common
Avens.   Indigenous ; belonging to the Natural family Rosacea, and to
the Linnaean class and order Icosandria Polygynia.

   Botanical Characters.—Root of many brown fibres; Stem, 6-18 inches
high, herbaceous; Leaves, green, hairy; Flowers, yellow, terminal,  soli-
tary.
   Preparation.—The root should be dug  up in spring, and  dried with  a
moderate heat.

   Physical Properties.—Geum root  consists of numerous small
fibres proceeding from a root stalk about 2 or 3 inches in length;  it is 
48
ASTRINGENTS.
dark brown externally, reddish internally ; has  an aromatio clove-like
odour in the recent state, which is lost by dying ;  its taste is aromatic
 and astringent.
  Chemical Properties.—The principal constituents of the root are
tannin, volatile oil, resin, and a trace of gallic acid.
  Therapeutical Effects.—As an astringent, this root was former-
ly much employed in various diseases, and still bears a high character
in many parts  of the Continent; in this  country, though retained in
the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, it is only used as  a domestic remedy.
  Dose* and Mode of Administration.—In  powder, 3ss-  to 3i.—-
Decoctum Gei radicis, (Geum root, bruised, §i. ;  boiling  water,  Oi.;
boil down to fgxij.)  Dose, f§ss. to f§i.
  Incompatibles.—All substances incompatible with tannin.

  HjEMATOXYLON, [U.  S.]  E.  H.SMATOXYLUM,  L. HjEMATOXYLUM
campechianum,  lignum, D.   Logwood',   Wood  of Hamatoxylum
Campechianum.—A  native  of Campeachy in  Central America,  nojv
naturalized in  Jamaica.  It belongs to the Natural family  Leguminosa
(Fabacea, Lindley), and  to the Linnaean class and  order Decandria
Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Stem crooked, about 8 inches in diameter, and
40 or 50 feet high; Leaves large, pinnate ; Flowers yellow, in racemes.

  Physical Properties.—The heart-wood of the tree which is  of a
dark-red colour, is alone employed, the bark and alburnum being chip-
ped off.  It is imported  in billets, which are dense and hard, have a
weak agreeable odour, and a 6weetish astringent taste.
  Chemical Properties.—Logwood contains a peculiar red, crystal-
line, bitter principle,  which has been named  hamalin or hematoxylin,
resin, volatile oil, some tannin, acetic acid, and various salts. Hamatin
is often found in  the fissures of  the wood, in beautiful, large, red
crystals.  Logwood  yields its active principles  to both water and
alcohol; the solutions are of a fine  purple colour,  which is changed
to violet by the alkalies;  with alum,  or  acetate of lead, a blue preci-
pitate is produced ; a dark brown, with the salts of iron  ; and a  red-
dish with gelatine.   It  is consequently very much employed as a
dye wood.
  Adulterations.—Various  red-coloured woods  are substituted for
logwood, from which they may be  readily distinguished, by their not
possessing the same  agreeable odour.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Logwood  is an excellent astringent in
chronic  diarrhoea and dysentery, for which it is peculiarly adapted, as,
although it checks the excessive discharge, it  does  not produce con-
stipation.   It has been also used in the profuse sweating of phthisis,
and in diabetes.
  Dose  and  Mode  of  Administrator—Decoctum  Hamatoxyli,
D. E.  (Logwood, in fine chips, §iss. (§i.,  E.;)  cinnamon, bruised
(powdered,  E.,) 3j. ; water,  by  measure Ibij. (Oi., E.;)  Boil the
logwood in the water down to one half, adding the cinnamon towards
the  close ; and strain.)   Dose, f§i. to f|ij.—Extractum Hamatoxyli,
D.  L. E.    (" Prepared  as the simpler  extracts,"  D.—" Logwood,
powdered (in chips, E.,) Ibiiss. (tbj. E.;  boiling water, (distilled, L.,)
cong. ij.  (cong.  i., E.,) macerate for 24 hours, then  boil  down to
cong. j. (Oiv. E.,) strain while hot, and  evaporate in the water-bath, 
astringents.
49
 (vapour-bath, E.), to a proper consistence.")   Not much used ; it be-
 comes so hard by keeping, that pills made of it pass through the bow-
 els unchanged.  Dose, gr. x. to gr. xxx.
   Incompatibles.—The  mineral acids ; acetic acid; lime water ;
 tartar emetic ; sulphates and acetates.

   Kino, [U.  S.] D.  L. E.   Kino; [An extract obtained from an un-
 known  plant, U. S.]  Extract of Pterocarpus erinaceus, L.   Concrete
 exudation of Pterocarpus erinaceus, and of other undetermined genera
 and species, E.  Various substances have been  known  in commerce
 and described as kino;  in consequence of which, both the botanical
 source  and the part of  the world from whence it was obtained, were
 for a long time wrapped in much obscurity.  In the present day near-
 ly all that is imported is brought from Bombay, a very small quantity
 only  being obtained from the coast of Africa,  from whence, however,
 it was originally altogether procured.  The former, East India Kino,
 is the product of the  Pterocarpus marsupium, a native of the  Malabar
 coast, belonging  to the  Natural family Leguminosa (Fabacea, Lind-
 ley,) and to the Linnaean class and order Diadelphia Decandria.   The
 latter, African Kino, is obtained from the  Pterocarpus  erinaceus, a
 native of Gambia and Senegal.  Botany Bay Kino, also sometimes
 met with, is the inspissated juice of the Eucalyptus resinefera. a na-
 tive of Australia  and Van Dieman's Land ; belonging to the Natural
 family  Myrtacea.

   Botanical Characters.—Pterocarpus  marsvpium.  A lofty tree, with
 the outer coat of the bark brown, the inner red, fibrous  and astringent;
 Leayv.-, bit'aiiuus, nlterna^e, leaflets, 5-7 alternate, elliptic, emarginatc;
 Piinicles, terminal ;  Flowers, white, wiih  a yellow tinge; Legumes, long-
 stalked ; Seed, so.itary, kidney-shaped.—Pterocarpus ainaceus.   Leaflets,
 11-15 alternate, ovate, oblong, obtuse or sub emar«inate ; Flowers, yellow;
 Lesumt-n, orbicular, membranous, undulate at the ma>gin.
   Preparation.—" East Indian Kino is procured when the tree is in blos-
 som by making longitudinal incisions in ihe bark round the trunk of the
 tree so as to  let the gum ooze down into a receiver, formed of a broad leaf,
 so placed and fixed in the bark as  to prevent the  gum  from falling on the
 ground.  From the leaf it is made to run into a receptacle placed  under the
 leaf to receive the gum.  When this receptacle i> filled, it is removed, the
 gum is dried in the sun until it crumbles, and then filled into wooden boxes
 lor expoitation "  (Dr.  Forbes Royle, Pharm.  Journal, vol. v.  p. 495)
 African Kino is procured from incisions made into the trunk and branches
 of the tree, whence the juice exudes, and  gradually concretes into  brittle
 tears.  Botany Bay Kino is obtained in a similar manner.

   Physical Properties.—Kino occurs in the form of small angular
 fragments or tears,  none of them larger than a pea, opaque, glistening,
 and of a reddish-black colour.    They are very brittle ; when  chewed
 they adhere  to the teeth,  and  give the  saliva  a blood-red colour.
 They are void of odour, but have an  intensely astringent taste.
   Chemical Properties.—Kino is composed of 74 per cent of tan-
 nin and a peculiar extractive containing catechuic acid, 24 of red gum
and 1 of insoluble matter.  It  is only very partially soluble in cold  or
boilingt water ; but  alcohol  dissolves  nearly two-thirds of it, and  is
therefore the best menstruum  for its administration in medicine.
  Adulterations.—Other astringent substances, which bear  a general
resemblance  to Kino, but are of inferior quality, are frequently sub-
 
50                       ASTRINGENTS.
stituted for it  in  commerce ; none of them, however, have  the same
glistening, reddish-black colour, which is so well seen  in the smaller
fragments of Kino; the  sophistication, therefore, may be  readily de-
tected by the eye.  By  employing the same tests as for catechu (see
p. 41,) the exact  amount of tannin contained in Kino may be readily
ascertained.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Kino is an admirable astringent, possess-
ing nearly similar properties to catechu, and may be employed in the
same diseases. It is generally supposed to be better adapted for me-
norrhagia and  leucorrhcea;  and as it is more tonic, owing to ihe  ex-
tractive which it contains, it should be preferred where  great debility
existf.
  Dose and Mode of  Administration.—In powder, gr. x. to 3ss.—
Pulvis Kino compositus, D. L.  (Kino,  3xv.;  cinnamon,  §ss.; hard
opium, 3i- ? ruD separately to fine powder, and mix.)   An  excellent
astringent in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery ;  it has been also highly
praised in  pyrosis ; gr. xx.  contain  gr. i. of opium ;  Dose, gr. x. to
gr. xxx.—Tinctura Kino, D. L. E.  (Kino, bruised (in (moderately
fine, E.) powder,  L. E.),|iij. (§iiiss., L. E.) ;  proof (rectified, L. E.)
spirit, by measure Ibjj. (Oij. L. E.) ;  macerate (digest,  E.) for 7 (14,
L.) days, and  filter.  " This tincture cannot be conveniently prepared
by percolation," E.)  Dose, f3j. to f5ij.  Tincture of Kino when long
kept  is often  converted into an  insoluble  gelatinous mass, no satis-
factory reason has been hitherto assigned for this change taking place.
It is best prevented by keeping the tincture in small bottles completely
filled, so as to exclude the atmospheric  air.   Notwithstanding  the
assertion of the Ed. Ph., it may be readily prepared by  percolation, by
previously mixing the kino with equal parts of fine white sand.
  Incompatibles.—The mineral  acids;  carbonates  of the  alkalies;
sulphate of iron ;  nitrate of silver; acetate  of lead ; and gelatine.

  Krameria, [U.  S.] L. E. Krameria triandra, radix et extractum,
D.   Rhalany ; The root (and extract, D.) of Krameria triandra.   A
native of Peru ; belonging to the Natural family Polygalacea, and to
the Linnaean class and order Tetrandria Monogynia.
  Botanical Characters.—Stem, shrubby, procumbent; Leaves, villous-
silkv, oblong, sessile; Flowers, solitary, reddish;  stamens, 3, whence the
specific  name.
  Physical Properties.—Numerous long, woody, root branches, to
which the common root-stock about an inch in length is often attached ;
they consist of a  reddish brown, smooth bark, nearly an eighth of an
inch in thickness, and  a yellow, hard,  woody centre (Meditullium) i
they are inodorous, the  bark has an  intensely astringent, somewhat
bitter taste, but the woody centre is nearly  tasteless.
  Chemical Properties.—The bark of rhatany root consists of nearly
43 per cent of tannin, a trace of gallic  acid, 56 per cent of gum, ex-
tractive, and coloring matter, and  a  small quantity of a peculiar acid
which has been named Krameric acid.  It  yields its active principles
to cold water and to alcohol.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Rhatany root is a powerful astringent
and tonic, and as  such is employed with much  benefit in the treatment
of chronic diarrhoea and of dysentery, in passive hemorrhages, in me-
norrhagia, and in  atonic mucous discharges.  As a topical astringent, 
astringents.                     51
it maybe applied in the form of powder to indolent ulcers with excess-
ive discharge, and  as a styptic to arrest hemorrhage, when it proceeds
from very small vessels.   Rhatany root finely powdered is  a constit-
uent of most tooth powders ;  it reddens and consolidates the  gums, and
whitens the teeth.
  Dose and  Mode of Administration.—In powder, gr.  x. to 3ss.—
Extractum Krameria, [U. S.] D. E.  (An article of the Materia Med-
ica, D.—" Prepared  in the same way as extract of gentian," [U. S.]
E.)   Dose, gr. xx. to gr.  xl.—Infusum Krameria, [U. S.] L.  (Rha-
tany, §i.;  boiling distilled water, [boiling water, U. S.] Oi. ; macerate
for 4 hours in a  vessel  lightly covered, and strain).  Dose, fjji.  to
f|ij.   This infusion  becomes  quite turbid on  cooling, and would  be
better made with cold water by the process of percolation.
  Incompatibles.—All substances incompatible with tannin.

  Lythrum salicaria, herba, D.   Purple  Looselrife.  An indige-
nous  plant; belonging to the  Natural  family Lythracese, and to the
Linnaean class and order  Dodecandria Monogynia.
  The whole of this herb possesses mildly astringent properties, it was
formerly much employed in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, but  at
present it has fallen completely into disuse.  Dose, 3ij- to 3iv* of the
dried herb in powder or infusion, two or three times daily.

   Matico-—This  substance was introduced to the notice of the pro-
fession a few years ago by Dr. Jeffreys of Liverpool.   It is supposed
to he the  leaf of  Artanthe elongata (Piper angustifolium. Ruiz and
Pavon.) a native of Peru, belonging  to the Natural family Piperacex,
and to the Linnaean class and order Diandria Trigynia.
   Properties.—The leaves as imported are attached to the stem, and
the flowering spike  is also  often present.   They have an aromatic,
slightly astringent taste,  and  an agreeable aromatic odour,  somewhat
resembling that of sage.   They yield their active principles to  water
and to alcohol.  According  to the  analysis of Dr. Hodges, Matico
consists of a bitter principle (Malicine), and an aromatic volatile oil,
soft  resin, colouring matter,  salts, chlorophylle, gummy matter, and
lignin.  Two kinds of the herb have  been forwarded to this country,
the one green and  the other yellow, the latter, which appears to have
been gathered when the  plant  was riper, is much the more active.
   Therapeutical Efkects.—This  substance is held in high esteem
as a styptic and astringent in  its native  country, and  the  trials that
have  been  made  with it since ic was first  introduced into England  by
Dr. Jeffreys, prove that  it possesses both these properties.  As  an
astringent, it has  been employ^ internally in the same  cases as the
other vegetable remedies of this class, over which it does not appear
to possess any advantage.  It is, however, chiefly as a styptic in ex-
ternal cases  of hemorrhage, that it has  been lauded ; and from the
numerous cases  that have been published in  which it has arrested
bleeding from small blood-vessels, as  from leech-bites,  after the abla-
tion iif naevi, from incisions, &c.  There can be doubt of its being a
styptic of much power.
   Dose and Mode  of Administration.—In  powder  gr.  x. to 3ss.
The infusion may  be prepared by infusing 3'- of the coarsely  powder-
ed leaves  in Oi. of  cold water for two  hours,  frequently  agitation-.
The dase  of it, filtered, is from f§i. to f|ij. two  or three times a  day. 
52
ASTRINGENTS.
The tincture may be prepared either by maceration  or  percolation,
Ihe proportions are §ij. of the herb, to fgxvi. of spirit.   Dose, **3'- to
f3ij.   To arrest hemorrhage, the under side of the leaf is applied to
the bleeding surface.
   Incompatibles.—The mineral acids ; the alkalies ;  the sesquisalts
of iron ; acetate of lead ; and the tincture of infusion of galls.

   Monesia.—Under this name, a few years since, an astringent  ex-
tract was imported into France from  South America ; it  is  obtained
from the bark of the Chrysophyllurn Buranhem, a native of Brazil, be-
longing to the  Natural  family Sapotacea.   The extract is brought
over in large cakes which  are purified  by dissolving them in water,
filtering and evaporating; the  purified extract is in small fragments
resembling kino in appearance, but it has not the peculiar ruby lustre
of that substance ; the taste is at first sweetish, then  astringent, and
the odour feebly aromatic ;  it dissolves readily in water, affording a
dull  brown, somewhat  opaque solution ; is partly soluble  in alcohol,
and only very sparingly soluble in ether.   According to  the analysis
of M.  IVI. Derosne and Henry,  it consists of tannin, red colouring
matter, glycirrhizine, a peculiar acrid principle which they have nam-
ed Mmiesine, and various salts.
   Like numerous other medicines when first introduced, Monesia was
extravagantly lauded as a  remedy  possessing powerfully astringent
properties :  experience has however  proved,  that it is  much inferior
to either  kino  or catechu, and it probably may take an intermediate
station between  these substances, and  extract  of lhatany.   It has
been used in all cases where  astringents are  admissible,  both  exter-
nally and internally, Lut the disease in which  it appears to have been
most serviceable is chronic diarrhoea.                            ,
  Dose and Mode  of Administration.—In  substance, gr. v. togr.
xv.—Tinctura  Monesia, Donovan.   (Extract of monesia, §i.; proof
spirit, f^ixss. ; water, f§ij., mix and when the feces have subsided pour
off the tincture.)   Dose, f5i. to  t'3ij.—Mislura Monesia,  (Extract of
monesia,  9ij. ;  water, f§viiss. ;  compound tincture of  cardamoms,
l^ss. ; mix.) Dose, fjss. to f|ij. two or three times a day.
  Incompatibles.—Mineral acids ; salts of iron, zinc and lead : opium;
and sulphate ofquina.

  Plumbi acetas, [U. S.] D.  L.  E.  Acetate of Lead; Sugar of
Lead.
                                   V
  Preparation.— Dub.—" Carbonateigflead  (cerusse,) any quantity; dis-
tilled vinegar, ten  times its weight; dflfc in a glass vessel.'lill the vinegar
becomes sweet; poor oft the liquor andaad moie vinegar, as long as it con-
tinues to be sweetened ; filter the liquors and by alternate slow evaporation
and cooling, obtain crystals which are to be dried in the shade."   Lond.—
11 Oxide ol  lead rubbed to p..wder,R>iv. gij.; acetic acid ; and distilled watt-r,
oleaih, Oiv ; mix the  acid with the water, and  add the oxide ol  lead to1
thnn,  d,s  olve with a  gentle heal, and strain ;  lastly evaporate, so as to
form crystal- "  Ed<n —•' Pyroligneous acid, of the den.-ity 1034,  < 'ij.; dis-
tilled water. Oj.; litharge, gxiv.; mix the acid  and water, add the litharge,
dis olve it  with the aid of a gent e heat, fi ter, and  concentrate  the solution
sufficiently for crystallization on cooling."

   Physical Properties.—Usually  met  with   in irregular  white
masses of acicular crystals; having an acetous odour, and a sweet. 
astringents.                       53
ish, astringent taste ; the crystals are  right rhomboid prisms with di-
hedral summits; density. 2'315
   Chemical Properties.—Acetate of lead consists of 1 eq. of pro-
toxide of lead, I of acetic  acid, and 3 of water (Pl> O (C4H303)+3
HO.)   It effloresces slowly by exposure to the  air, losing part of its
acetic acid, and attracting carbonic acid, thereby becoming partially
insoluble.   By heat, the   salt  fuses in  its  water  of crystallization
which is all  driven off; and if the heat  be increased, decomposition
takes  place.  It is soluble in once and  a half its weight of water at
C50°, in less of boiling water, and in 8 parts of alcohol.   The solution
reddens litmus paper.
   Adulterations.—This salt is  usually met with in commerce, suffi-
ciently pure for medical use.    In the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia,  the
following tests are  given, by which a hundredth part of impurity may
be easily  detected.—" Entirely soluble  in distilled water, acidulated
with acetic acid : 48 grains thus disssolved are not entirely precipi-
tated by a solution  of 30 grains  of phosphate of soda."
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Acetate of lead  taken  in  large doses
acts as an irritant, causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines,
 with intense pain and vomiting.  In medicinal doses  it operates as a se-
 dative-astringent, and as such  is employed with benefit  in the treat-
 ment of disease, where the indication  is to lower the circulation,  and
 at the  same time check excessive discharges.   In all forms of pas-
 sive  hemorrhage  it proves singularly  serviceable;  and when  the
 bleeding is of an active character  it may be beneficially employed in
 conjunction with antiphlogistic treatment.    In  the autumnal  cholera
 of this country, acetate of lead, combined with opium, is the remedy
 on which most reliance is to be placed ; and this combination has been
 highly spoken of by many practitioners for  the treatment of Asiatic
 cholera.   In chronic diarrhoea  and dysentery it also proves servicea-
 ble ; but  for diminishing  expectoration, and checking  the colliquative
 sweating and diarrhoea of phthisis, it is much inferior to dilute sulphur-
 ic or acetic acids.   As a  topical remedy,  a solution of this salt is  em-
 ployed with  benefit in most  forms of superficial inflammation  of a
 phlegmonous character, in ophthalmia, in gonorrhoea, gleet, and leucor-
 rhoea, and in  cutaneous eruptions  attended  with surrounding inflam-
 mation.  A collyrium of the acetate of lead should not be employed in
 any form of ophthalrlna when the corneals ulcerated, as it produces an
 indelible white stain which becomes imbedded in the substance of the
• cornea; an observation ftaypade by Dr.  Jacob of this city.
    Dose and Mode  OE^flf ■ustration.—Gr.  ij.  to gr. viij.  in  the
 form  of pill,  twice M Wk daily.—Pilula  plumbi  opiata, E.—
 (Acetate of lead, 6 partsU W^' I0*rt; conserve of red-roses, about
 1 part; beat them  into a  proper  miss, which is to be divided into  four
 grain pills.—This pill .may be  made also  with  twice  the quantity of
 opium).  This forms a most useful astringent combination ; each pill
 contains 3 grains of acetate of lead, and half a grain of opium ; Dose, 2
 or 3  pills, three times a day.— Unguentum  (Ceratum, L.) plumbi
 acetatis, D. L.  E.  (" Ointment of  white wax, Ibiss.;  acetate of
 lead, %\.;  make an  ointment," D.—"Acetate of lead, powdered, 3'j*;
 white wax, |ij.; olive  oil, f|viij.; dissolve the wax  in fgvij. of the
 oil, then to these add gradually the acetate of lead  rubbed  separately
 with the remainder of the oil, and stir with a spatula till they unite," 
 54                      astringents.

 L—"Simple ointment.  §xx. : acetate of lead,  in  fine powder, %i;
 mix them thoroughly," E )•  A soothing and astringent application to
 irritable ulcers, or excoriated parts.                         .
   Incompatibles.—Hard  water; the mineral acids and their salts;
 ritric, tartaric, and carbonic acids, and their salts ; the alkalies ;  lime-
 water ; iodide of potassium ; tincture of galls; opium;  albuminous
 liquids ; and various vegetable infusions.
   When an overdose of acetate of lead  has been taken, sulphate or
 phosphate of soda, and sulphate of magnesia, are the best  antidotes;
 their administration should be succeeded by emetics  and afterwards
 by active purgatives, and opium.

  Plumbi  carbonas, [U.S.] D. L. E.  Carbonate of Lead; White
 Lead;  Cerusse-

  Preparation —An article of the Materia Medica.  On the large scale it
 is generally | repared, by expo-ing bars or plates of lead to the fumes of strong
 ace ic, or pyroligneous acid, disengaged from the iron  pots in w hich it  is
 contained, bv placing them in a mixture of dung and tanner's refuse.  The
carbonate fo'ms on the surface of the  lead, and is detached by rollin? the
 plates under water.  On the continent it is  also frequently prepared, by
 t'a> smitting a current oi carbonic acid gas through a solution of acetate of
 lead.

  Physical  Properties.—A heavy, white, obscurely crystalline pow-
 der;  sometimes  met with  in  greyish-white, chalk-like  masses; in-
 odorous, and  tasteless.
  Chemical  Properties.—It is composed of 1 eq. of protoxide  of
 lead, and 1 of carbonic acid, (PbO, CO2).  Exposed to  heat it  parts
 with  its carbonic acid, and is converted into the yellow oxide of  lead.
 It is insoluble in water,  but dissolves in nitric acid with effervescence.
   Adulterations.—Carbonate of lead is very  much adulterated ; the
 impurities generally  found in it are chalk, sulphate of baryta, and sul-
•phate of lead ; the two latter may be detected by their insolubility in
 dilute nitric acid. • The  presence of chalk may be discovered  by dis-
 solving the suspected specimen in dilute nitric  acid, throwing down
 the lead from the solution  by sulphuretted hydrogen, filtering, and
 adding solution of oxalate of ammonia ;  when/Or any chalk has  been
 present, a white precipitate (oxalate of lime) will be  produced.
 . Therapeutical Effects.—Carbonaittj|rflead is more apt to pro-
 duce  lead-colic than any other of the jM  Bkons of this metal, it is
 consequently  never used interna]])-.  hM   PPftQcts as a sedative-
 astringent, ana1 is employed  in tfce" foRj^F ointment to  promote the
 cicatrization* of excoriated  partsl%CKj  slight ulcerations;   Spread  on
 leather, it is Said to prove useful applied over  the seat of the  pain in
 local  neuralgia.—Unguentum plumbi carbonatfs,  D.  E.  (" Carbonate
 of lead, in very fine powder, §ij. ; ointment of white wax, Ibj. -make
 into  an  ointment," D.—" Simple  ointment, |v. ; carbonate of lead,
 |i. ;  mix thoroughly," E.)


  Plumbi diacetatis (subacetatis,  [U. S.] D.) liquor, D. L. Plumbi
 diacetatis solutio, E.   Solution of Diacetate of Lead; Goulard's
 extract; Extract of Saturn. 
astringents.
55
   Preparation.—[U. S.—Acetate of lead fxvj.; semi-vitrified oxyde of
 le d in fine powder, §ixss.; distilled water Oiv.   Boil them together in  a
glass  or porcelain vessel for halt an hour, occasionally adding distilled
water so as to preserve the measure, and filter through paper.   Keep the
solution in closely stopped bottles.]— Dub—" Semivitrified oxyde of lead, 1
part; distilled vinegar, 12  parts; boil down  the mixture in a glass vessel,
until  11  parts  remain;  set aside the liquor,  and when the  impurities
have subsided, filter."— Lond.—" Areiate of lead. Ibij.  |iij.; oxide of lead,,
rubbed to powder, Ibj. %\v.; water. Oiv.; boil them for half an  hour fre-
quently  stirring, and when the  liquor is cold,  add of distilled  water, as
a* much  as may be sufficient to  measure with it, Ovi.; lastly strain the so-
lu'ion."   Edin—" Aretate of lead, gvj. 3vi.; litharge, in  fine pow-der,
%iv.; water, Oiss. ; boil together, stirring occasionally; when the solution
is cold, add water, if necessary to make up Oiss. ; and then filter.   Preserve
the solution  in well-closed bottles."

   Physical Properties.—This solution is transparent and colourless ;
it has a weak r.cetous odour, and a  sweetish, astringent taste.  Sp.
gr. 1*118 at 68J (D.) :  1260 at 62° (L.)
   Chemical Properties.—It  is an  aqueous solution of diacetate of
lead, which salt may be obtained in a crystalline  form by evaporation ;
crystallized diacetate of lead is composed of 1 eq. of acetic acid, 2 of
protoxide of lead, and 10 of water, (2 PbO, (C4 H3  O'5) -f 10 HO).
Exposed to the air  it deposites a white precipitate  of carbonate  of
lead, the same effect  is  produced by adding a solution of carbonic
acid or a carbonate.
   Therapeutical Effects.—This solution is  not used internally ;
externally, it is employed, diluted with from 20 to 40 parts of distilled
water according to circumstances, in  the same cases as a solution of
acetate of lead ; the enly advantage it possesses over which is, that
it does not dry up so quickly.—Plumbi subacetatis liquor compositus,
D. Liquor  Plumbi diacetatis dilutus,  L.  (Solution of subacetate
(diacetate, L.) of lead, 3i- (f5>ss » L.) ; distilled water, Ibi. (Oj.  L.) ;
proof spirit,  3i- (f3>j-»  D.) : mix);  This preparation is too weak for
general use.—Ceratum Plumbi composilum.  L.   (Solution  of diace-
tate of lead, f§iij. ;  wax, §iv.  ; olive  oil, Oss. ; camphor, 3ss. ; mix
the melted wax with f|viij. of the oil, then remove them from the fire,
and, when first they begijuto  thicken, add gradually the solution  of
diacetate of lead, and stir them  constantly with a  spatula until  they
cool; lastly, mix with them the  caypphor dissolved in the remainder
of the oil).   Goulard's ci*j*^^£(ployed  as a  dressing to  diminish
pain and irritation.
   Incompatibles.—5
ganic matter,  andfc

   Plumbi  oxydum sEMiviTRBHk^|^^ll^Sy] D.  L.  Lithargyrum, E.
Fused protoxide of lead; Litharge.   Though much employed in phar-
macy and the arts, litharge is only used  in medicine as a desiccative
and  astringent powder, to sprinkle over excoriated  parts and super-
ficial  ulcerations.   It enters  into the  composition of the  following
ointments :—Emplastrum Lithargyri, D.  E.  Emplastrvm Plumbi,
[U. S.] L  (Litharge,  in very fine powder, Ibv. (Ibvj. L. §v. E.;)
olive oil, cong. j. (f§xij. E. ;) water, by measure Ibij. (Oij. L.  fgiij. E  ;)
boil together, (with  a superior heat, D, over a slow fire, L.) ; stirring
constantly, until the oil  and litharge unite into the  consistence of a
 
56
astringents.
plaster, it will be proper to add a little boiling water if it evaporate too
far ;) Diachylon-plaster; It is  used  for  retaining the edges of fresh
wounds in contact, and as the basis of many other plasters.— Unguen-
tum Plumbi  compositum, L.   (Prepared chalk, gviij. ; distilled  vine-
gar, fgvj. ; plaster of lead, Ibiij. ;  olive  oil, Oj.; melt the plaster in
the oil with a slow fire ; then gradually add the chalk separately mix-
ed with  the vinegar, the  effervescence being'finished, and  stir con-
stantly till  they are  cooled.)    Generally used as a dressing  for indo-
lent ulcers —Emplastrum Lilhargyri cum Resina, D. Emplastrum Re-
since,  [U.  S.]  L. Emplastrum Resinorum,  E.   (Litharge  plaster,
Ibiiiss.   (Ibiij. [U. S.] L.  §v. E.;  resin (yellow, D..) Ibss. (5j. E.;)
Add the  resin powdered, to ihe litharge  plaster  melted  over a slow
fire, and mix.)  This is the adhesive or sticking plaster of the shops,
commonly  used for  retaining the edges  of wounds in contact, and  for
strapping ulcers.—Emplastrum  Saponis, [U. S.] D   L E. (Litharge
plaster,Ibiij.  (§iv., E. ;) soap, (hard, D. Castile, E., sliced,foss. (Ji.;
gum-plaster,  §ij., E. ;) melt the plasters, add  the soap, and boil  down
to a proper consistence.)  This plaster when  kept  is apt to crumble to
powder, to obviate which, the Edinburgh College has added the  gum-
plaster.  It is chiefly employed to give mechanical support.—Emplus-
trum Saponis compositum vel adharens, D.   (Soap-plaster. §ij. : plas-
ter of litharge and resin, §iij. ; make into a plaster,  which should be
melted and spread on linen.)   An  excellent  application, for  the pre-
vention of  bed-sores.—Ceratum Saponis, L. (Soap, §x.; wax, §xiiss. ;
oxide of lead, powdered, §xv. ; olive  oil, Oj.  ;  vinegar, cong. j.; boil
the vinegar with the oxide of lead  over a slow fire, constantly stirring
them  till they unite ; then add the soap, and boil again  in a similar
manner, until all the moisture is evaporated ; lastly, mix with  these the
wax previously dissolved in the oil.)  A cooling, astringent dressinj.

  Polygonum bistorta, radix, D. Bistort;  Root of Polygonum bis-
torta—Indigenous;  belonging to the Natural family Polygonacea, and
to the Linnaean class and order Oclandria Trigynia.
   Botanical  Characters.—Root, perennial.  Stem, herbaceous, annual,
Mi foot high; Leaves, ovate, waved; Flowers,  rose-coloured, iu  a dense,
cylindrical  spike.
  Physical  and Chemical  Properties.—The  root is dark  brown
exiernally, wrinkled and tortuous; reddish internally : inodorous ; taste,
strongly astringent.   It contains ajaj^fcauantity of tannin, some gallic
acid, starch, and woody fibre ;jtjM   ■astringency to both water
and alc4*tah_^>&      ^^^M     ^^^^*W
  ThS H^J-Vk .^JBKT         V^ among Jhe most powerful  of
our indl|^TOUS astrihgWtsTr^H     H"'1 'ias nea*"'y fallen into disuse.
It may be employed with benefit irrahretiic mucous discharges, and  in
passive hemorrhages.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder, 3ss. to 3i-—De-
coctum Bistorta ; (Bistort, §ij. ; boiling water, Oiss;  boil down to Oj. j)
Dose, f§i. to  f§ij.
  Incompatibles.—All substances connected with tannin ; and tinc-
ture of iodine.

   Punica Granatum, baccje tunica exterior,   et  flores,  D.
[Granatwructus Cortex, U. S.]   Granatum, L.—The bark of  tht 
astringents.                       57
fruit (and the flowers, D.) of Punica Granatum.   This tree has been
described in the division Anthelmintics.
   Physical  Properties.—The fruit-rind is met with in the shops, in
arched, irregular pieces, reddish-brown and warty on the outside, yel-
lowish within,  about a line in thickness ; inodorous ;  with  a bitter, as-
tringent  taste.   The flowers are reddish, and have a weak, astringent
taste, but no odour ; they are not used at present.
   Chemical Properties.-—The rind of the pomegranate consists of
 18 8 per cent  of tannin, 17 1 of mucilage, 10 8 of extractive, 30 of
lignin, and a trace of resin.  It yields  its astringency to both water
and alcohol.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Pomegranate-rind may be used as an as-
tringent  in the same cases as the other vegetable remedies of this class ;
but at present it is rarely employed.
   Dose  and  Mode of Administration.—In powder, 3ss.  to  3i.
D'coclum Granati, L.   (Pomegranate-rind, §ij. ; distilled water, Oiss.;
boil down to Oj. and strain.)  Dose,  f^ss. to fgi.
   Incompatibles.—All substances incompatible with tannin.


    Quercus, [Quercus alba.   Quercus  tinctoria,  U.  S.l  L.
Quercus cortex, E.  Quercus robur. cortex, D.—Oak-bark ; [Bark
of Quercus  alba and of Quercus  tinctoria,  U. S.] Bark of Quercus
pendunculala (Willdenow,) L. E.—of Quercus robur (Linnaeus,) D.—
Indigenous;  belonging to the Natural family  Cupulifera (Corylacea,
Lindley,) and to the Linnaean class and order Monaicid Pulyandria.

   Botanical Characters.—A large, long-lived tree ; Leaves, bright green,
dei-iduoii-;  Fl.wer-,  male,  yellowish;  female, greenish  tinged with
brown; Fruit (acorns,) 2 or 3  on  a long peduncle, surrounded at the
base by the cupule.

   Physical  Properties.—Oak-bark is in pieces  of various lengths,
silvery-gray on the  outside, reddish-brown within  ; inodorous ;  taste
powerfully astringent;  the  pieces are brittle and break with  a short
fracture.
   Chemical Properties.—It  contains  from  15  to 20 per cent of
tannin, with some gallic acid, uncrystallizable sugar, pectin, and salts.
It yields  its virtues to  both water and alcohol.
   Therapeutical Effk.lts.—Qak-bark is  an excellent  astringent;
and  may  he employed in thejflAaent of chronic diarrhoea and dysen-
tery, in alvine  hemorrhages^^H^W  check atonic mucous  discharges.
As a topical remedy, it is usefffcith jflfc&t in  the form of decoction ;
as a gargle in relaxation of the frvulJPBl tonsils,  as an injec*tion in
fluor albus, and in prolapsus of the uterus or rectum, and as a lotion in
reducible hernia to render the sac more tense.
   Dose  and Mode  of Administration.—In  powder, a bad  form,
3ss. to 3'-—Decoctum  Quercus, D. L. E.  (Oak-bark, white-oak bark,
bruised,  U. S.]  (bruised, L.).gi. (5x., L. E.) ; water  (distilled, L.),
Oij. [Ois. U. S.] (Ibij.  D.) ;4goil down to Oj. (Ibij., D ), and strain).
Dose, f§i. to f §iv.   A  convenient strength  for a gargle, injection, or
lotion.—Extractum Quercus, D.  (Prepared as the simpler extracts).
Not much used ; Dose, gr. x. to 3j-
   Incompatibles.—All substances incompatible with tannin. 
 58                         astringents.

   Rosa gallica, [U. S.] D. L. E.  Red-rose;  Petals of Rosa gallica.
 —A native of the middle and south of Europe, now cultivated exten-
 sively in our gardens.   It belongs to the  Natural family Rosacea, and
 to the Linnajan class and order Icosandria Polygynia.

  Botanical  Charactrrs—An undershrub,  very  variable  in  size and
 charr.cier owing to cultivation;  the flowers are of a fine purplish-red color,
 spreading.

  Physical Properties.—The dried petals have a velvety appearance,
 an agreeable  roseate odour which is developed during desiccation, and
 a  somewhat aromatic,  bitter,  astringent  taste.   They  should  be
 gathered  before  the flowers expand, the white  claw cut off, and then
 dried quickly with a stove heat.
   Chemical Properties.—They consist of volatile oil, tannin, gallic
 acid, colouring matter, albumen,  fatty matter, and some salts.  They
 yield their properties to boiling water, afford in <j a reddish-yellow solu-
 tion, which is changed to bright  red by sulphuric acid.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—The  petals  of the  red-rose are very
 mildly astringent, and are chiefly employed in  medicine on account of
 their colour and  odour;  the officinal preparations forming agreeable
 vehicles for the administration of more active medicines.
   Dose  and  Mode of  Administration.—Infusum Rosa,  E.  In-
fusum  Rosa  acidum, D.  Infusum Rosa compositum,  L.   [Aqua
 Rosae, U. S.]   (" Red-rose  petals, dried and deprived of their claws,
 §ss. ; dilute sulphuric  acid, by measure 3"j- ;  boiling water, by mea-
 ure Ibiij.; purified sugar, §iss.;  first pour the water on the petals in
 a glass vessel; then add the acid, and dijjest for half an hour; strain
 the cooled liquer arid add the sugar ;" D.—*' Red-rose petals, dried,
 3iij-;  dilute sulphuric acid, f 3iss. ;  sugar, 3vi. ; boiling distilled water,
 Oj. ;  pour the water on the rose petals in a glass vessel ; then mix in
 the acid.   Macerate for  six hours, and strain the liquor, lastly  add the
 sugar to it;" L.—The Edinburgh  College employs the same propor-
 tions as the London;  The  petals are  to be infused in the water in a
 covered vessel of glass or porcelain, not glazed with lead, for an hour ;
 the  acid  added,  the liquor  strained  through  linen  or calico, and the
 sugar dissolved in it).   [•• Ta"ke of fresh hundred leaved roses, Ibviij.;
 water cong., ij.;  mix them and distil a gallon."   U. S.]   An agreeable
 relrigerant and  mild astringent; Dose, fgi. to  fgij.  It foims one of
 the best vehicles  for the administration of the neutral purgative  salts.—
 Conserva  Rosa, D. E.   [Confectu* jh^x, U. S.]  Confectio  Rosa
 gallica,  L.  (-'Red-rose petals, ibfr^Bure sugar, Ibiij.';  bruise the
 petals in a stone mortar, then  the  sTtgur  being added, pound them
 again until they are  thoroujA inc*of*porated," D/. L—" Beat the
 petals of Rosa gallica to a pulp, gradually adding  twice their weight
 of sugar," E).  A very weak  astringent; Dose. -3i.  to  3ij.  It  is
 principally used  as a  basis for pills, for  which  purpose, it is the best
 material that can be used, as it neither hardens, nor becomes  candied
 by keeping.   It should not be employed for pills containing a sesquisalt
 of iron, in consequence of the tannin  it  contains.—Mel Rosz,]). L. E.
 (Red-rose petals, dried  (and  without tlie  claws,  D.), giv.; boiling
 water, by measure  Ibiij.  (Oiiss.,  L.  E ) ;  honev, Ibv. ; " Macerate the
 rose-petals in  the  water for  six hours, then*  add  the honey to ihe
 strained liquor, and (in a water bath, L.), boil down  to the consistence 
ASTRINGENTS.
50
   of syrup (removing the scum, D.)," D.L.—"Infuse the petals in the
   water for six hours, strain  and squeeze;  let the impurities subside;
   pour off the clear liquor, mix with it the honey, and evaporate the whole
   to the consistence of syrup, removing the scum,"  E.).  Chiefly <m-
   ployed as an addition to astringent gargles ;  Dose, 3'j-  to 3iv*   Syru-
   pus Rosa gallica, E.—(Dried  red-rose petals, §ij.;  pure sugar, |xx. ;
   boiling water, Oj.;  infuse the petals in the water for 12 hours, strain
   the liquor, and dissolve the sugar in it with the aid  of  heat).   Princi-
   pally used for imparting its fine red colour to mixtures, &c. j
     Incompatibles.—All substances incompatible with tannin.

     Soda2 boras, [U  S.] D.  Borax;  Sod* biboras, L. E.—Borax;
   Biborate of Soda.
     Preparation.—An article of the Materia Medica ; on the large scale it is
   prepared either by refining crude borax ol  commerce, Tincal, a  natural
   .ciystalline formation, met with  on the shores of some  lakes in Thibet and
'*  Persia;  or by saturating native boracic  acid, obtained  from the lagoons of
   Tuscany, with carbonate of soda.
      Physical Properties.—Usually met with  in  large, translucent,
   colourless crystals aggregated together ; the crystals are either oblique
   rhombic prisms, or regular octohedrons ; inodorous ; with a somewhat
   styptic alkaline taste.
      Chemical Properties.—Crystallized  borax consists of 1  eq.  of
   soda, 2 of boracic acid, and 10 of water, (Na O, 2 BO3 -+- 10 HO);
   but octahedral borax contains  only 5 equivalents of water.  Exposed
   to the air it effloresces slowly ; heated it melts  in its water of crystal-
   lization, which if the heat be increased  is driven off, and a  light anhy-
   drous salt, calcined borax,  left;  at a still higher temperature it  fuses
   again, and as it cools forms a transparent solid, glass of borax.   Borax
   is soluble in 8 parts of cold and in 2 of boiling  water;  the solution is
   alkaline, changing the vegetable blues to green.   In solution this salt
   is readily recognized  by adding sulphuric  acid, which  precipitates
   boracic acid rh pearly crystalline scales.
      Therapeutical  Effects.—Borax is only employed as a  topical
   astringent, as such  it is used with benefit in aphthous  ulcerations  of
   the mouth and throat, in excessive mercurial salivation, and in  some
   forms of chronic skin disease.  (See Diuretics).
      Dose and Mode of Administration.—For a lotion  or  gargle, gr.
   xx. to gr. xxx. may be dissolved in f§i. of water;  or  §i. of the fol-
   lowing preparation in fgv of water.—Mel Boracis, D. L. E.  (Borax,
   powdered,  3j-;  clarified honi^,  §i. ; mix).  The  best form  for ap-
   plying borax to aphthous ulcerations.
     Incompatibles.—The mineral acids*, and most of their salts.

      [Statice.  Marsh Rosemary.  The root of Statice Caroliniana.
   U. S. secondary.  Indigenous.  Belonging  to the  Natural family  of
   Plumbagmacea, and  to the  Linnaean  class and  order  Pentandria
   Pentagynia.   Statice has been found to contain about 12 pr. ct.  of
   tannic, acid, with volatile oil, resin, extractive, colouring matter, &c.
   Statice is a good astringent, and is much  employed in some parts  of
   the country  in the form  of decoction  or infusion, as a gargle  in
   apthous ulceration of the mouth, sore throat, &c. ; and internally  in
   diarrhoea.   It is chiefly used as a domestic remedy.] 
60
ASTRINGENTS.
   Tannin.—[Acidum tannicum, U.  S]—Tannin;  Tannic acid.  A.
peculiar  principle on  which the astringent  property  of vegetable
substances chiefly depends.
   Preparation.—*' Macerate powdered  gal's for 24 hours, in a  closely-
stopped  bottle, with  sufficient sulphuric ether to moisten them ;  express
strongly with a piowerl'ul press, repeat the process untiltlhe galls aie com-
pletely exhau.-.ted ; recover as much as possible of the ether by distillation ;
and evaporate the residue to dryness over the vapour bath.'   Lkconkt.
["Take of galls in  powder, sulphuric eiher each q. s.   Put into  a  gLss
adapter, loosely c'osed at its lower end with corded cotton, sufficient  pow-
dered galls to fill  about one half of it, and press the powder slightly.   1 hen
fit the adapter accurately to the mouth of the  receiving vessel,  fill  it with
sulphuric eiher, and close the  upper orifice so as to prevent the escape of
the ether by evaporation.  The liquid which  passes separates into  two un-
equal portions, of which the lower is much smaller in  quantity, and much
denser than the upper.   When the ether ceases to pass, pour fresh portions
upon the galls, until the lower stratum of liquid in the receiver no longer
increases.   Then separate this from the  up-.er, put it into a capsule, and
evaporate  with a  moderate heat to dryness.  Lastly, rub what remains into
powder.  The upper portion of liquid will yield by distillation a quantity of
ether, which when washed with water, may be employed in a  subsequent
operation," U. S.]

   Physical Properties.—Thus obtained, tannic acid is a yellowish-
white, uncrystallizable solid,  shining and pulverulent;  inodorous;
taste purely astringent, void  of all bitterness.
   Chemical Properties.—Its composition is C18 H5  O9 +  3  HO.
Exposed  to the  air, it absorbs oxygen, and is almost entirely convert-
ed into gallic acid.   It is  very soluble in water and in ether, and hut
moderately so in alcohol or proof spirit.  It is insoluble in the fixed
and volatile oils.  Its solution reddens litmus paper.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Tannic acid is the  most powerful of
all vegetable  astringents,  and has  been employed  on  the continent
with  much  success  in the  treatment of the various forms of atonic
hemorrhage, and  in  chronic mucous discharges; it  has been found
peculiarly efficacious in menorrhagia,  and in the colliquative sweating
and diarrhoea of hectic.
   Dose and Mode of  Adminstration.—Gr. ss. to gr. j. or ij.  in  the
form  of pill, or dissolved in water.  It has been also  employed in the
form of gargle, injection or  lotion, in the proportion  of gr.  v.  to gr.
viij.  of tannin to f|i. of water.
   Incompatibles.—The  mineral acids: the alkalies, and  their car-
bonates ;  lime  water; acetate  of jgad;  nitrate  of silver;  tartar
emetic ; the vegetable alkaloids ; gelflin ;  and emulsions.

   Tormentilla, D. L. E.   Tormentil; Root of Potentilla lormen-
tilla, L. E.—of Tormentilla officinalis,!).   Indigenous; belonging to
the Natural family  Rosacea, and to  the  Linna;an  class and order
Icosandria Polygyria.
   Tormentil-root contains about 18 per cent of tannin, and consequent-
ly is  an astringent of some  power, and  may be used  in  the same
cases as the other vegetable astringents.   At present, however, it is
scarcely ever employed, except as a domestic remedy.   The  dose of
the powdered root is  from  3ss.  to 3i., three  or four  times  a  day.
The decoction is a better  mode of administering it :—Decoctum  Tor-
mentilla,  L.   (Tormentil,  bruised, §ij.; distilled water, Oiss.  Boil 
astringents.                        61
down In Oi. and strain.)  D ise, f§i.  to  f§iss.,  two or three times  a
day.  It is also an excellent astringent lotion or injection.
  Incompatibles.—All substances incompatible with tannin.

  Uva ursi, [U. S.] D. L.  E.  Bzarbzrry; Leaves of Arctostaphylos
uva-ursi.   L.  E.—of Arbutus, uva-ursi, [U.  S ] D.  Indigenous ;
belonging to the Natural  family Ericacea, and  to the  Linnaean class
and order Decandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters—A small, trailing shrub ; Leaves, obovate, en-
tire,  evergreen; Flowers,  rose-coloured,  in terminal racemes;  Berry,
globose, scarlet, 4 5 seeded.

  Physical Properties.—The dried leaves are dark-green, shining,
convex above, concave and reticulated on  the  under  surface;  they
have a very astringent, somewhat bitter taste ;  and emit a faint odour
in the process of pulverization.
  Chemical Properties.—They contain 36"4  per  cent of  tannin,
with some gallic acid, resin, extractive, salts, &c.   They yield their
astringency to water, and to alcohol.
  Adulterations.—The leaves of the red  whortle-berry (Vaccinium
 Vitisidaa.) and of the common box (Buxus semper-virens,)  are often
either mixed with, or  substituted  for uva-ursi;  the former are  readily
distinguished by their under surface  being dotted, not reticulate;  and
the latter, by their want of astringency.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—The employment of uva-ursi as an as-
tringent is  now altogether restricted to  chronic diseases of  the urino-
genital apparatus, attended  with mucous discharge; as  in the advan-
ced stages  of  catarrh of the bladder, in gleet, leucorrhcea,  &c.  To
produce any beneficial effects its use must be persevered in  for a con-
siderable time.  I have  found  it  act very beneficially, combined with
dried carbonate of soda and Dover's powder,  in Bright's disease  of
the kidney, where there is excessive secretion  of urine.
  Dose and Mode of  Administration.—In powder, gr. xx. to 3j-
Extractum Uva ursi, L.   (Uva-ursi, bruised, Ibiiss. ; boiling distilled
water, cong. ij ;  macerate for 2-t hours;  then  boil down to a gallon,
and strain the liquor while yet hot;  lastly evaporate  to a proper con-
sistence).   Dose, gr. v. to gr. xv. two or  three  times a day.—Decoc-
tum  Uoa ursi, L.  (Uva-ursi, bruised,  5$i.; distilled  water,  Oiss. ;
boil down to Oj. and strain).  Dose,  f§i. to f§iij.
  Incompatibles.—All substances incompatible with tannin.

  Zinci acetas, [U.  S.]  Acetate  of Zinc.

  Preparation.—Acetate of zinc may be readily prepared by dissolving the
oxide, or carbonate ol the metal in dilute acetic acid, filtering and evaporat-
ing, so as to obtain crystals   [U S. '« Take of acetate of lead  Ibj.; zinc,
granulated %ix ;  D stilled w ater  oiij.  Di.>solve the acetae of  lead m the
water and filter. Add the  zinc to the solut on, and  agitate them occasion-
ally together, in a stopped bottle, for five or six hours, or until  the liquid
yields no precipitate with a solution of iodide of potassium.  Filter the  li-
quor, evaporate it with a moderate heat to one fifth, and set it a>ide to  crys-
tallize.  Pour off the  liquid and dry  ihe crystals on bibulous paper.  Should
the crystals be coloured, dissolve them in distilled water, and having healed
the solution, drop into it while hot, a filtered solution of chlorinated lime 
62                      ASTRINGENTS.
until it ceases to let fall sesquioxide of iron ; then filter the liquor, acidulate it
with a few drops of acetic acid, evaporate and crystallize."

  Physical Properties.—This salt occurs in small white, rhomboid-
al plates, with  a pearly lustre; inodorous; having a bitter, styptic
taste.
  Chemical  Properties.—It is composed of  1  eq.  of oxide of zinc,
1 of acetic acid, and 3 of water, (Zn O, (C4H303) _■_ 3 HO.)   Ex-
posed to the air it effloresces slowly.   It is very soluble in water and
in alcohol.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—Dissolved in spirit or  in  water, this
salt is used as a topical astringent in ophthalmia, and in chronic mucous
discharges.   As soon as the inflammatory symptoms  have  subsided, it
forms an excelled injection in gonorrhoea.   It has been but little em-
ployed  internally, but may be used in the same cases as the sulphate.
  Dose and  Mode of  Administration.—Internally, gr. j. to gr. iij.
made into pill with conserve of roses, or dissolved in some aqueous ve-
hicle.   For a lotion or  injection, gr.  ij. to gr. x. may be dissolved in
f§i.  of  distilled water.—Tinctura acetatis zinci, D.   (Sulphate of
zinc ; and acetate of potash, of each,  1 part; rub together and add 16
parts of rectified spirit ; macerate for a week, frequently agitating, and
filter through paper.)   One drachm contains a quantity of  the salt,
nearly equal to four grains of the crystallized acetate ; largely diluted
with water it forms an excellent cooling, astringent lotion.
  Incompatibles.—The stronger acids ; the alkalies and their carbo-
nates ; and lime  water.


  Zinci  cabonas impurum, D.  Calamina, L. E.  Impure carbonate
of zinc; Calamine.   This  is one of  the most  common ores of zinc;
previous to its being used for medical purposes, it  is directed  by  the
colleges to be burned with  a red heat, and reduced to fine powder in
the same  manner as prepared chalk.   It then constitutes prepared cal-
amine, Zinci carbonas impurum praparalum, D.  \_Zinci carbonas pre-
paratus, U. S.]   Calamina praparata, L. E.    It is commonly met
with in  the form of a heavy flesh coloured powder; when pure, almost
entirely soluble in sulphuric acid ; it  is generally a very impure oxide
of zinc, most if not all of the carbonic  acid having been driven off by
the roasting.   What is sold in the shops for calamine, very frequently
does not contain a particle  of zinc, being sulphate of baryta coloured
with Armenian bole.   Calamine if used in  powder, or in the form of
ointment as a mild desiccative and astringent  for the treatment of in-
tertrigo, excoriations, and  superficial ulcerations.   The following is
the only officinal  preparation :—Unguentum Calamina, D. E., Cera-
tum Calamina, L.  (" Ointment of yellow wax, Ibv. ; prepared  impure
carbonate of zinc, dried, Ibj.; rub the  carbonate of zinc until it is com-
pletely powdered ; then  add it to the ointment, and mix ;'' D.—" Cala-
mine ; wax, of each, Ibss. ; olive oil,fgxvj. ; mix the oil  with the melt-
ed wax  ; then remove them from the fire, and when first they begin to
thicken, add the calamine and stir constantly, till they cool," L.—•' Cal-
amine prepared  in  the same way as prepared  chalk,  1 part; simple
cerate, 5 parts ; mix them well together," E.)  This preparation under
the name  of  Turner's cerate, is in very general use, as a  desiccative
and healing ointment. 
astringents.
63
   Zinci oxydum, [U.  S.]  D. L. E.    Oxide  of Zinc;  Flowers  of
Zinc.

  Preparation.—Dub.—" Zinc, in small fragment's, any quantity ; throw it
at separate  intervals into a  crucible, sufficiently deep, heated  to whiteness,
the mouth being inclined somewhat towards the mouth of the furnace; alter
the injection ol each piece of zinc, invert another crucible over it lightly, so
as not to exclude the air; preserve for use the light and very white sublimed
powder."   Lond.—"Sulphate of zinc, Ibj  ;  sesquiearbonate  of ammonia,
gviss.; distilled water, cong. iij., dissolve the sulphate of zinc, and sesqui-
earbonate of ammonia, separately, in Oxij. ot the distilled water,  andstrain ;
then mix.   Wash what L precipitated frequently with waier;  and lastly,
burn  it for 2 hours in  a strong fire."   Edin.—■• Sulphate of  zinc, gxij ;
carbonate of ammonia, §yj. ; dissolve  each  in Oij  of'waier; mix  the solu-
tions ; collect the precipitate on a cloth ; wash it thoroughly; squeeze and dry
it, expose it for 2 hours to a red heat."

   Physical Properties.—A yellowish-white, earthy powder ; inodor-
ous and tasteless.
    Chemical  Properties—It is composed  of  1 eq. of zinc, and 1  of
oxygen, (Zn O.)   When heated it becomes  yellow,  but regains  its
whiteness as it cools ; at a white  heat  it is volatilized.    Oxyde  of
zinc  is insoluble in water, but most acids dissolve it readily ; from  its
solution in any of  the  acids, it is precipitated by ammonia  as a white
gelatinous hydrate, which is redissolved by an excess of  the alkali.
   Adulterations.—As met with in  the shops, this preparation general-
 ly  contains carbonate  or sulphate of zinc, sometimes also lime and
 iron.   The tests of the  Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia will detect these
 impurities :—White ; tasteless ; entirely soluble in  dilute nitric acid ;
this solution is not affected by nitrate of baryta, but gives  with am-
monia, a white precipitate entirely soluble in an excess of  the test.
   Therapeutical Effects.—As an astringent, oxide of zinc is only
employed externally in the  form of powder or ointment, to slight ex-
 coriations, chapped nipples, intjitrigo,  superficial ulcerations, and  in
 ophthalmia tarsi.
    Dose  and  Mode  of  Administration.— Unguentum  (oxydi, D.)
 zinci, D.  L. E.   (Oxide of zinc, §ij. (%i., [VS.  S.,] L. E. ;)  ointment
 of white wax, Ibi. (prepared  lard, §vj., [U. S.J L., simple liniment, §vj.,
 E.;) " melt the ointment, and  mix  in the oxide in very fine powder,"
 D.—" mix well," [U. S.J L. E.)

    Zinci  sulphas,  [U. S.] D.  L.  E.  Sulphate  of Zinc;  While
  Vitriol.

   Preparation —Dub. "Zinc, in small fragments, 30 parts; sulphuric acid,
 20 parts ;  water, 120 parts; pour the  acid previously diluted  with the water
 gradually  on the zinc in a  glass  vessel ; when the effervescence has ceased,
 digest the mixture for some time, then evaporate the filtered liquor, and alter
 the requisite evaporation,  set aside  that  crystals may  form."  Load.—
 '« Zinc, in small pieces, §v.; dilute  sulphuric acid,  Cij.; pour  gradually
 the acid upon the pieces ot zinc;  and when the effervescence  has  cetsed,
 strain; then boil down until a  pellicle begins to form.   Lastly, set aside
 that cry.-tals may be formed."  Edin.—'• It may be prepared either by  dis-
 solving fragments of zinc in diluted sulphuric acid, till a neutral  liquor be
 obtained, filiering the solution, and concentrating sufficiently  for it to crys-
 tallize on cooling—or by repeatedly dissolving and crystallizing the  impure
 sulphate zinc of commerce, until the  product when dissolved  iu water does
 not yield a black precipitate with tincture of galls." 
64                          CATHARTICS.
  Physical Properties.—This  salt is met  with  in the shops, in
small fragments of transparent colourless crystals, the primary  form
of which is the right rhombic prism ; they are inodorous ; but have a
styptic, metallic taste.
  Chemical Properties—It is  composed of 1 eq. of oxide of  zinc,
1 of sulphuric acid,  and 7 of water,  (Zn O, S03 -+-  7  HO).  It
effloresces in dry warm air ; heated it melts in its water of crystalli-
zation, which if the temperature be increased is all  driven  off, and at
an intense heat it is  decomposed, the acid  being expelled,  and the
oxide of zinc left.  Sulphate of zinc is soluble in 2j parts of temperate
water,  and  in  less than its own  weight of boiling  water;  it is also
soluble in alcohol.
  Adulterations.—The only impurity of any importance met with in
this salt is oxide of iron; it may be readly detected by adding am-
monia to a solution of the sulphate, when a white precipitate will  be
produced soluble in an excess of the alkali; but if any iron be present,
it will not be completely redissolved.
  Therapeutical Effects.—In  large doses, unless  discharged  by
vomiting, sulphate  of zinc is an irritant poison.  In  small doses it
acts as an astringent,  and is beneficially employed as such, in chronic
diarrhoea and  dysentery, in  excessive secretion from  the bronchial
tubes unaccompanied with inflammation, in  flour albus,  and  in gleet.
As a topical   remedy, it is very much employed in solution—as a
collyrium in chronic  ophthalmia, as a lotion  in old ulcers attended
with profuse discharge,  and as an injection in the advanced stages of
gonorrhoea, in  gleet and  in leucorrhcea.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr.  j. to  gr.  v. made into
pill with conserve of roses, or with some astrigent extract.   For ex-
ternal use, gr. j. to 3ss. according to circumstances, may be dissolved
in f£i. of water.
  Incompatibles.—Alkalies,  and their carbonates;  lime  water;
acetate  of lead ; nitrate of silver; astringent vegetable  infusions  or
decoctions ;  and milk.
  In poisoning with this salt, warm demulcent drinks, as infusion of
linseed, decoction of barley, &c, should be  administered to  promote
its evacuation  by vomiting.   Should inflammatory symptoms occur
subsequently, they are  to be  combated  by  the usual  antiphlogistic
remedies.
                         CHAPTER V.

                        CATHARTICS.

                     (Purgatives—Evacuants.)

  Cathartics may be defined,  medicines which quicken or increase
alvme evacuations.   Cathartics vary  much  in  the manner in which
they produce their effects.   Some act merely by exciting the muscu-
lar  fibres  of the intestines to increased  peristaltic motion, and thus
cause their contents to be more quickly and more completely  evacua-
ted.   Some stimulate the mucous  follicles and exhalents, so that a
larger quantity of fluids than usual is  excreted from the inner coat of 
cathartics.
65
'he intestines, and i1 us the fecal evacuations are rendered more liquid
and more copious.  In  many, both these properties  are  united : and
some extend  their stimulus  to the neighbouring viscera also, and
hence produce an increased discharge of the supplementary intestinal
secretions, as the bile and pancreatic juice.  Cathartics also differ as
to the part of the intestinal canal on which they act; the effects of
some being confined to the small, of others to the large intestines;
while many of them appear to  stimulate the entire tube.   They differ,
moreover, s to the degree in which they  produce their  effects, and
hence  have been  generally  divided  into three classes :—Laxatives,
which  operate so mildly as merely to produce the evacuation of the
intestinal contents without causing increased secretion or  stimulating
any  of  the  neighbouring viscera:—Purgatives properly so  called,
which, besides remarkably increasing the  peristaltic action of the in-
testines, occasion increased excretion of the  fluids  from the exhalent
vessels,  and from  the neighbouring viscera, and  also extend their
stimulant effects to the system  in general:—And Drastic or hydragogue
cathartics, which operate in the same manner as purgatives, but with
much greater energy, and which if given in  an overdose, produce in-
flammation of the intestines,  characterised by  constant vomiting and
purging, and  intense pain.  Although for the sake of simplicity in our
classification we have arranged  the remedies belonging to those three
divisions under the one head Cathartics; in  prescribing them, due at-
tention must be  paid to the distinctions in  their mode of operation, so
as to  fulfil the  indications for which  they may be administered.
These distinctions  will be more conveniently considered, when treat-
ing of the therapeutical effects of the individual remedies of this class.

   Aloe.  [U. S.]  L.  Aloe socotrina,  D. E.  Aloes; Socotrine
aloes; From (Inspissated juice of the leaves of, L.)Aloe spicata, D. L. ;
—of an undetermined species of Aloe, E.
   Aloe hepatica, D.   Aloe  barbadensis,  E.  Aloe  indica, E.
Hepatic aloes ; Barbadoes aloes ; Indian aloes.—From Aloe vulgaris,
D.  Extract or unspissated juice, of one or more undetermined species
of Aloe, E.   The Edinburgh College correctly states, that aloes is ob-
tained  from various species of  the genus  Aloe ; they are inhabitants
of the  East and  West Indies, Socotora,  Barbary, and the Cape  of
Good Hope ;  and  belong  to  the  Natural  family Liliacea, and to the
Linnaean class and order Hexandria Monogynia.

   Botanical  Characters.—The  species of the genus Aloe from which the
drug is obtained, are generally characterized  by having woody stems, with
large, fleshy, amplexicaul, leaves,  glaucous, flat  above and convex below,
having marginal spines or serratures; Flowers,  numerous, in spikes or ra-
cemes, tubular, coloured ; stamens exserted.
   Preparation.—It is obtained by cutting the  leaves transversely near their
base, and evaporating the juice, which flows spontaneously from them, either
in the sun or with the aid of heat; sometimes the flow of juice from the
leaves is aided by plunging them in hot water; and sometimes by pressure,
when an inferior sort of aloes is obtained ;  a still worse description is pro-
cured by evaporating a decoction of the leaves.
   Physical Properties.—Obtained  in these different ways, and from
various parts of the world, aloes differs much in its physical properties,
consequently several varieties of the  drug are met with in commerce. 
66
CATHARTICS.
In addition to the three kinds admitted by the Edinburgh College, we
shall describe a  fourth, Cape aloes.—1.  Socotrine aloes (Aloe Soco-
trina), is  named  from its being prepared in the  island of Socotora,
whence it is imported into  England either by way of Smyrna or Bom-
bay  ; it is in masses of a golden-brown colour, having a smooth, glassy
fracture, and a translucent garnet-red hue at the edges; the odour is
fragrant and aromatic, much  heightened  by being breathed on, and the
taste is bitter ; it yields a  powder of a beautiful golden-yellow colour
which  is  almost  entirely soluble in proof spirit.   The following are
the characters assigned to  Socotrine aloes by the Edinburgh Pharma-
copoeia ;  *' In thin pieces translucent and garnet-red, almost entirely
soluble in spirit  of  the  strength of sherry.   Very rare."  Socotrine
aloes is  most  probably  procured  from  the  Aloe  Socotrina, it is im-
ported in skins or in chests.—2. East Indian aloes (Aloe Indica, E.),
is usually confounded, at least in Ireland, with  the foregoing variety.
It occurs in large opaque masses, of a  dark liver-brown colour, with a
dull, waxy, fracture  ; the odour is similar to, but weaker than that of
socotrine aloes, and  the  taste equally bitter . it  yields a dull, reddish-
yellow powder, a  great part of which is insoluble in proof spirit.  It is
brought to England  in skins and chests  from Bombay, but it is stated
to be originally obtained from the coasts of the Red Sea.  It is proba-
bly derived from  a species  of aloe if not identical with, nearly allied
to, the Aloe Socotrina.—3.  Barbadoes  aloes (Aloe Bdrbadensis.  E.
Aloe hepatica, D.), is a product of Barbadoes, Jamaica, and other West
India islands, whence  it -is imported  in  gourd-shells, occasionally in
boxes.  It is of a dark liver-brown, sometimes  almost black colour j
the fracture is dull and opaque, the odour strong and disagreeable, re-
sembling that of the  human axilla, and the taste very bitter.   It is re-
Juced to  powder with difficulty, the powder being of a dull dark-yellow
colour.   This variety is obtained from  the Aloe vulgaris, and probably
from some allied  species.—4. Cape aloes (Aloe Capensis,) is imported
in skins and in chests from the Cape of Good Hope, and is very com-
mon in English  commerce  although not introduced into any of the
Pharmacopoeias.  It  is of a glossy resinous appearance, a dark brown
colour, with  a  greenish-yellow shade  especially when in small frag-
ments, a  strong disagreeable  odour much increased by breathing on it,
and  an acrid bitter taste  ;  it is very brittle, and readily reduced to
powder, which is  of a shining, greenish-yellow colour.  It is procured
from the  Aloe spicata and several other allied species.
  Chemical Properties.—The most important constituent of aloes, is
a bitter extractive matter (Alo'esin, Pfaff, Aloine, Mesmer.) amounting
in the finer sorts to nearly  80, in the inferior to about  50 per cent; it
is probably the active principle of the  orug.  The finer sorts of aloes
contain also resin and a peculiar acid  (Alo'etic acid, Pereira); in ad-
dition to these substances,  the inferior sorts contain  some vegetable
albumen.  Aloes  is almost  completely soluble in boiling water, but as
the  water cools a dark brown substance  insoluble in cold water is de-
posited ;  it is very sparingly soluble in  rectified spirit, but dissolves
almost entirely in proof spirit, and still more readily in weaker spirit;
heated, it fuses imperfectly, and if  the heat be continued  is converted
into  a resinous-looking, very friable mass.
  Adulterations.—The  only  adulteration of aloes is,  the mixing the
inferior sorts with* ox substituting them for, the finer kinds; of t.ua we 
CATHARTICS.
67
can judge  by the physical characters, particularly the odour  when
breathed on, or by the solubility in weak spirit.
  Therapeutcal Effects.—In  moderate doses, from three to  ten
grains, aloes acts as a stimulating cathartic, influencing especially  the
large intestines, on which it operates rather by exciting their peristal-
tic action, than producing increased secretion from their mucous mem-
brane.  It produces its effects more  slowly than most other medicines
of this class, from ten to eighteen  hours usually  elapsing before it
operates.  The specific action of aloes on the large intestines contrain-
dicates its employment in hemorrhoidal affections,  in  irritation or in-
flammation of the pelvic  viscera, the prostrate gland or the urethra, in
pregnancy or  during the  menstrual discharge.  From its  mode of
operation it is also evidently not adapted for cases  in  which we wish
to produce increased secretion  from the intestinal canal,  or where a
speedy  operation is  required.   The  employment of aloes as a purga-
tive, is nevertheless, very general, and perhaps there are few vegeta-
ble cathartics more extensively used.  In torpor of the intestines,  es-
pecially  when accompanied with deficient  secretion of bile,  it is the
most useful of this class of remedies; indeed it appears to  be  the best
substitute  for that secretion, and is  therefore exhibited with the most
beneficial  results in jaundice when  unaccompanied with  hepatic in-
flammation, mechanical obstruction of the  ducts,  &c.  In  habitual
costiveness so  common  in females, aloes is also  administered with
much benefit, due attention being paid to the circumstances which
contraindicate  its employment.  Christison states,  that the cathartic
property of aloes is  much increased  by its combination with  sulphate
of iron, and that its  irritating action  on the rectum is counteracted by
combining it with extract of hyoscyamus.
   Dose  and Mode of Administration.—Aloe socotrina, D. L.  E.
Aloe i'ldico, E.  gr. iij. to gr. xv.—Aloe hepatica,J). Aloe barbadensis,
E. gr. ij. to gr. v.    It is best administered  in  the form of pill, made
with  honey, mucilage, &c.—Extractum Alois  hepatica, D.   Extrac-
lum Alois purificatum, L.  (" Prepared as the simpler extracts," D.
—"Aloes,  powdered, §xv.; boiling water, cong. j.;  macerate  for three
days with a gentle  heat; strain, allow the  feces to  subside ;  pour off
the clear liquor, and evaporate  to  a  proper consistence ;" L.)   Dose,
gr. v. to gr. xv. ; this is a useless  preparation when we  can obtain
good aloes.—Pulvis Alois cum Canella, D., [Pulvis  Alois et Canel-
la, U. S.]   (Hepatic aloes, Ibj.;  canella  alba, giij.  ;  rub  together to
powder, and mix ;) Hiera Picra; formerly much used as an emmena-
gogue, but little employed now;  Dose, gr. vi. to gr.  xviij.—Pulvis
Alois compositus, D. L.   (Hepatic (Socotrine, L.) aloes, |iss,; guaia-
cum  resin, §i.;  aromatic powder  (compound cinnamon powder, L.,)
§ss. ; rub the aloes and guaiacum separately to powder, and mix in the
aromatic (cinnamon, L.)  powder.)   A stimulating cathartic not much
used.  Dose gr. x. to £)i.—Pilula  Alois, [U. S.] E.  (Socotrine aloes,
and Castile soap, of each, equal parts ; conserve of  red roses, [water,
U. S.,] q  s. ; beat into a proper pill mass.  This pill may also be cor-
rectly made with the finer qualities of East Indian aloes, as the Soco-
trine  variety is very scarce ; and many prefer,  not without reason, the
stronger Barbadoes  aloes.)  Dose. gr. x. to 3ss-—Pilula Alois, com-
posila, D.  L.   (Hepatic (Socotrine L.) aloes, (powdered, L.,) |i.;  ex-
tract  of gentian, §ss.; oil of caraway, min* xl.; simple syrup, a suffi- 
68
CATHARTICS.
ciency, mix.)    An excellent  habitual purgative.   Dose, gr. v. to gr.
xv.—Pilula. Alois cum Myrrhd, D. L.  E. (Hepatic  (Socotrine, L.
Socotrine or East India, E.) aloes, (powdered, L.,) §ij.   (4 parts, E.;)
saffron, gj. [£js., U. S. ;] (1 part, E. ; (myrrh, §i. (2 parts, E.;) syrup
(conserve of red roses, E.,) q. s. ; beat to  a proper mass.)  Rufus'
Pills.   An  excellent  stimulating cathartic and emmenagogue.  Dose,
gr. x. to gr. xx.—Pilula Alois et Assafatida, E.   (Socotrine or East
Indian aloes ; assafoetida; and Castile soap,  equal parts; conserve of
red roses, [water, U.  S.] q. s.; beat to a proper  mass.)   Cathartic and
antispasmodic.  Dose, gr.  x. to  gr. xv.—Pilula Alois el  Ferri, E.
(Sulphate of iron, 3 parts ; barbadoes aloes, 2 parts ; aromatic powder,
6 parts ; conserve of red roses, 8 parts ; pulverise the aloes and sulphate
of iron separately, and beat into a proper mass, which is to be divided
into five grain piils.)  Tonic and eathartic, well adapted for chlorosis.
Dose,  one  to three  daily.—Pilula ante cibum, P.  (Aloes, 6 parts;
extract of cinchona,  3  parts ; canella, 1 part; syrup of wormwood, q.
s.; divide into four grain pills.)  One or two before dinner.—Decoctum
Alois compositum, D. L.  Decoctum Alois, E.  (Extract of liquorice,
§ss. (3vij-, L. ;) carbonate of potash, 9ij. (3i., L.) ; hepatic  (socotrine,
L. or hepatic,  E.) aloes, bruised,  (powdered,  L. ;) myrrh, bruised,
(powdered, L. ;) and saffron, of each, 3i-  (3iss. L.;) water, by measure
roj. (Oiss. L. ;)  boil  together  down to f§xij.  (Oi. L.) strain and add
of the compound tincture of cardamoms, f§iv.   (fgviij., L.)   A mild
cathartic with  tonic  properties ;  Acids, acidulous and  most metallic
salts are  incompatible  in  prescription with  it.   Dose, f§ss. to f|ij.—
Vinum  Alois. D. L.  (Socotrine aloes, rubbed to powder, |iv.  (§ij.,
L. ;) canella bark, powdered, §j.   (3iv.,  L. ;) sherry wine, by measure
Ibiij. (Oij. L.;)  (proof spirit, by measure Yb]. D.) ; macerate for 14 days
with frequent agitation  and strain.)—E.   (Socotrine or East Indian
aloes, giss.  ; cardamom seeds, ground ; and ginger, in coarse powder,
of each, 3iss. ; sherry, Oij. ; digest for seven days, and strain through
linen or calico.—[U.  S. Aloes in powder §j. Cardamom bruised, ginger
bruised aa, 3j- wine Oj.  Macerate for 14 days, with occasional agitation,
and filter through paper-]  A  warm purgative.   Dose, fgss. to fgij.—
Tinctura Alois, [U. S.] D. L. E.    (Socotrine  (or East Indian, E.)
aloes,  powdered, |ss.  (|i , [U.  S. I  L.  E. ;)  extract  of liquorice,
(dissolved in  §viij.  of boiling water, D.,) giss. (§iij., L. E.;) proof
(rectified, L.. E), spirit, by measure §viij.  (Oss., L. f^xij., E.;) water
Oiss., L. fgxxviij., E. ;) digest for seven (fourteen,  (U. S.) L.) days
and  filter.)   Cathartic  and tonic.  Dose, min.  xxx. to  f§ss.—Tinctu-
ra Alois composita, D. L. Tinctura Alois et Myrrha IU. S.l E.  (So-
cotrine  (or East Indian, E.) aloes, powdered, §iij. (§iv.,  L.  E. ;) tinc-
ture of myrrh, by measure Ibij. (Oij. ; and saffron, gij., L. E. ;) (Oij.  ;
and saffron §i. ;) macerate for fourteen  (seven, E.) days  and filter-)
Stomachic  and  cathartic.  Dose, f3ss. to  f3ij.—Enema Alois,  L.
(Aloes 9ij.; carbonate of potash, gr. xv.;  decoction of barley Oss. ; mix
and rub them together.)  A useful stimulating cathartic in the constipa-
tion of amenorrhoea;  also employed for dislodging ascarides from the
rectum.

  Calomelas, E.   Calomelas sublimatum.D. IHydrargyri chlor-
idum mite, U. S.l  Hydrargyri chloridum, L. Calomel;  Sublimed
Calomel; Chloride of Mercury.   (Subchloride  of Mercury, Graham.)
  Calomelas pr.ecipitatum, D.   Calomel, by precipitation. 
CATHARTICS.
69
  Preparation.—Calomelas subi.imatum, D.   "Persulphate of mercury,
45 parts; purified  mercury, 17 parts ; muriate of soda, dried, 10 parts; tritu-
rate together in an earthen-ware mortar, the persulphate and the purified
mercury, till the  metallic globules shall have completely disappeared, then
add the dried muriate of soda ;  mix well, and in a suitable vessel, with a
gradually increased heat,  sublime into  a receiver; reduce the sublimed
mass to powder, and wash  it with water, as long as the decanted liquor pre-
cipitates with solution of caustic potash;  finally dry the sublimed calomel.
—Hydrargyri chloridum, L. [mite, U.  S.]   Mercury, Ibiv.; sulphuric
acid, Ibiij.; chloride of sodium, Ibiss.; distilled  water, a sufficiency.  Boil
Ibij. of the mercury with the  sulphuric acid in a proper vessel, until a biper-
sulphate of mercury remains dry ; rub this when it is cold with Ibij. of mer-
cury in an earthen mortar, that they may be perfectly mixed.  Afterwards
add the chloride of sodium, and rub them together until globules are no long-
er visible; then sublime.  Rub the sublimate to very fine powder, and wash
it carefully with boiling distilled water, [Till the washings afford no precipi-
tate upon the addition of solution of Ammonia ; U. S.) and  dry it."—Calo-
melas, E.  " Mercury, gviij ; sulphuric acid, l|ij. I3'ij-; nitric acid, fgss.;
muriate of soda, §iij.; mix the acids, add to them |iv. of the mercury, and
dissolve it with ihe aid of a moderate heat;  raise the heat so as to obtain a
dry salt.  Triturate this with the muriate of soda and the rest of the mercu-
ry, till the globules entirely disappear; heat the mixture by means of a sand
bath in a proper subliming apparatus.   Reduce the sublimate to fine pow-
der; wash the  powder with boiling distilled  water until  the water ceases to
precipitate with solution of hydriodate of potash ; and then dry it."—Calome-
las prjecipitatum, D.   " Purified mercury, 17 parts ; diluted nitric acid,
15 parts; pour the acid  upon the mercury, put  into a glass vessel, and as
soon as the mixture ceases to effervesce, digest with a medium heat for 6
hours,  frequently agitating  ; then  increase the  heat that the liquor may
boil for a short time, pour off from the residual mercury, and mix the liquid
immediately with a solution of 7 parts of muriate of soda in 400 parts of
boiling water; wash the precipitated powder with warm distilled  water, as
long as the poured off liquor is affected by solution of caustic potash; finally
dry the powder."

   Physical  Properties.—Calomel  as  obtained by  sublimation, is
sometimes in the form of a semitransparent, white, crystalline cake,
the crystals being four-sided prisms; as usually met with, however, it
is a heavy, snow-white,  soft powder, inodorous and tasteless.  Its  sp.
 gr. is 65 (Graham).
   Chemical   Properties.—Calomel   is a  subchloride of mercury,
being composed  of 1 eq. of chlorine, and  2 of mercury (Hg2 CI.).   It
is completely insoluble in  cold or boiling distilled water, in  alcohol, or
in ether.   It acquires a  yellow tinge by exposure to the air, or by
rubbing; exposed to heat it becomes yellow, and  volatilizes at a heat
below redness, if under  pressure it fuses ; with lime water  it gives a
blackish precipitate, sub-oxide of mercury.
   Adulterations.—Calomel  sometimes contains  corrosive  sublimate,
which may be detected by agitating with sulphuric ether,  pouring off
the clear liquid  and evaporating, if any sublimate be present a crys-
talline powder is left which becomes yellow  with solution  of caustic
potash ; this  adulteration I have repeatedly  detected  in  calomel,  my
attention having been  always first  directed to it, by the irritation
which it produced  when administered  to  patients ; one  patient  to
whom calomel  thus adulterated was given  in the form of powder,
complained  of a burning sensation  in  the  back  of  the  mouth   and
pharynx.  The  presence of any fixed white powder may be  detected
by applying a sufficient heat to sublime the calomel. 
70
CATHARTICS.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Calomel is seldom employed alone as a
cathartic, but combined with other remedies  of this class it is very
frequently used, chiefly in consequence of its action on the secreting*
organs, stimulating trie liver and intestinal glands to increased action.
It is therefore peculiarly adapted for all diseases, attended with func-
tional derangement of the hepatic system :  as well as for those cases
in which there is determination of blood to the vessels of the brain, as
in some  forms of chronic head-ache, in threatened apoplexy,  and
paralysis, &c.  It is also  used with much benefit as a  purgative in
the  early stages of inflammatory disease and of fevers, more especial-
ly in the fevers of warm  climates,  in which  it is generally given in
vary large doses,  from 15 to 30 grains, its cathartic  action not being
increased in  proportion to  the  dose.   Calomel is  well  suited as  a
catharic for children, being tasteless, and in general producing copious
alvine evacuations without pain ;  here also its combination with other
purgatives, as jalap or scammony, will  be attended with  benefit.  In
verminous diseases  it is the  best purgative that can be  employed, as
it not only dislodges the worms from the intestines, but  also acts as a
poison to them.  (See  Special Stimulants.)
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—In  powder or  pill, from gr.
ij. to gr. vj.—Pilula calhartica composita, U. S. (Calomel 3iij-i com-
pound extract of colocynth, in powder, §ss., extract of jalap, in powder,
3iijM gamboge, in powder, gr. xl. ; form  them into a mass with water
  nd divide  into 180 pills).  An excellent purgative combining effici-
ency  of action and comparative mildness  with smallness of bulk.
Each pill contains one  grain  of calomel; Dose one or two  pills.—
Pilula purgantes cum mercurio, Den.   (Calomel, four parts ;  extract
of rhubarb, eight parts ; resin of jalap, one part; oil of orange peel,
q. s.:  mix).   Dose, gr. ij. to gr. viij.
  Incompatibles.—The  alkalies, and their  carbonates ; chloride of
sodium ; lime water; nitric and muriatic acids ; iodide  of potassium;
sulphuretted hydrogen, and  its combinations ; soaps, &c.

  Cambogia, (Siamensis,) E. Cambogia, L.   Gambogia, [U.  S.] D.
Siam gamboge;  Gamboge.  [The  concrete juice of  an  uncertain
tree, U.  S.]   Gum resin  of Stalagmilis Cambogia, D.—Stalagmitis
Gambogioides, L.—From an unascertained plant  inhabiting Siam,
probably a  species of Hebradendron, E.
  Cambogia,  (Zeylanica), E.   Ceylon gamboge; Gummy-resinous
exudation of Hebradendron gambogioides.   The plant which yields
commercial or Siam gamboge is not yet ascertained ; it  is conjectured
by  the Edinburgh  College, to be a  species  of Hebradendron  nearly
allied to the  Hebradendron gambogioides, from which plant  Ceylon
gamboge is procured ;  but more  recent  investigations  tend to  prove
that it is the  produce of the Garcinia cochinchiiiensis.   It  belongs to
the Natural family Gutlifera (Clusiacea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean
class and order Monacia  Monadelphia.

  Botanical Characters.—A handsome tree of moderate  size, with oppo-
site, stalked, leave*; unisexual flowers, sessile and axillary; and a pleasant,
saccharine fruit, about the size of a cherry, four celled, each cell one seeded.
  Preparation—In  Ceylon, gamboge  is procured by making incisions
into the baik of the tree or removing a piece of it, whence, a viscid, bright-
yellow juice exudes, which  when dried by exposure to the  sun in  shallow 
CATHARTICS.
71
bowls, concretes into a hardened mass.   In Siam  it is said to be obtained
by breaking across the young branches and leaves, and collecting the juice
that drops from them ; be this as it may, the finer qualities are allowed to
dry in the hollow stems of the bamboo-cane, or probably the juice is collect-
ed in them ; and of late it has been more than once imported  in  the reeds.

   Physical Properties.—Commercial or Siam gamboge is general-
ly met with in two forms ; that of cylinders, sometimes hollow, more
frequently solid—Pipe Gamboge; and in irregular shaped  masses—
Cake or Lump Gamboge.   Pipe gamboge is of a rich,  reddish-yellow
colour,  generally greenish and dusty externally;  inodorous, tasteless
at first, but soon causing a  sense  of acridity  in  the throat;  brittle,
with a smooth, glistening, conchoidal fracture.    Lump gamboge is of
a duller colour, its fracture is splintery with  scarcely any lustre, and
it  contains small fragments of wood, and many air-vesicles.   Ceylon
Gamboge, (for a specimen of which I am indebted to my friend, Pro-
fessor Christison), is not an article  of  English  commerce :  it is a
coarse looking substance with numerous air-vesicles, of a  dull reddish-
yellow  olour with many dark-brown  spots.
   Chemical Properties.—Gamboge is composed of resin (Gambogic
acid), soluble gum, and  a trace of woody fibre; the proportion of the
resin, which  is  the active principle, varies, according to several of
Christison's analyses, from 68 to 75 per cent.   Gamboge although not
soluble in water, forms a perfect emulsion with it;  it is almost entirely
soluble in rectified spirit, and sulphuric ether completely dissolves out
the resin, leaving  the gum.
   Adulterations.—The inferior varieties of gamboge are adulterated
with  some amylaceous matter, they also generally contain lignin ; the
former is detected by a cooled decoction becoming greenish on the
addition of tincture of iodine, and the presence of the latter may be
known  by the fracture not being smooth and conchoidal.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Gamboge  is a drastic  cathartic, pro-
ducing even  in  small doses frequent and copious watery evacuations,
accompanied with much irritation of the stomach and bowels; in some-
what larger doses it occasions vomiting and even sometimes inflamma-
tion of the intestinal  canal, followed  by death; a  single drachnt has
proved a fatal dose  in  more  than  one  instance, the  post-mortem
appearances  being ulceration and  mortification of the  intestines.  In
consequence  of the distress caused even by medicinal doses of gam-
boge, it is seldom employed alone as a purgative, but is frequently
added to other remedies of this class, either to augment their power,
or to  produce increased  secretion from the alimentary canal.  It is
chiefly  used as a cathartic in dropsical affections, for which it is well
adapted as it both causes  a  large  discharge of serum  from  the intes-
tines, and stimulates the kidneys  to increased action.  The combina-
tion of gamboge with an alkali, as with carbonate of potash, acts as a
diuretic of much power, and such a preparation under  the name of
tincture of gamboge is highly praised  by many continental authors.
The resin of gamboge in somewhat smaller doses acts precisely similar
to the drug itself.
   Dose and  Mode of Administration.—In powder, pill, or emulsion,
gr. ij. to gr.  v. which may be repeated every  five or six  hours until it
operates ; it  should be always finely powdered  and combined with some
comparatively inert substance, as  sugar, sulphate of potash, or cream
t 
72
CATHARTICS.
of tartar.—Pilula Cambogia composita, D. L. (Gamboge, powdered,
3i. ; aloes (hepatic, D.), 3iss. ; ginger, powdered,  3ss. ;  soap, 3ij.;
mix the powders together, add the soap, and (with the aid of treacle,
D ), beat them into a mass).   A useful cathartic combination, operating
effectually in doses  of from  gr. x. to gr. xx.—Pilula Cambogia, E.
(Gamboge; East  Indian  or  Barbadoes aloes; and  aromatic powder,
of each, one part; Castile soap, two  parts;  pulverize the aloes and
gamboge separately, mix  all  the powders, add the soap, and with the
aid of syrup beat into a proper pill mass) : Properties and dose same
as last.—Tinctura Gambogia, Voigtel.   (Gamboge, powdered, §ss.;
carbonate of potash, |i. ; brandy, f§xij.; mix the powders intimately,
add the spirit and digest for four days with a gentle heat).  An excel-
lent diuretic.  Dose, f3ss. to f5i.
   In cases of poisoning with  gamboge, emollient and demulcent drinks
should be given, and similar enemata administered ;  to be followed by
small but  repeated doses of opium, blood-letting, and the warm bath.

   Cassije  pulpa, E.  [Cassia fistula, U. S.]  Cassia, L.   Cassia
fistula, pulpa  leguminis, D.—Cassia pulp.  Pulp of the pods of
Cassia fistula.   This tree originally a native of Africa, is now  gener-
ally diffused over the East and West Indies ; it belongs to the Natural
family Leguminosa (Fabacea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean class and
order Decandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A handsome tree, about thirty feet in height;
with alternate, pinnate, leaves ; bright-yellow  papilionaceous flowers in ra-
cemes; and cylindrical legumes or pods, about one or two  feet long, of a
blackish-brown colour.
  Preparation.—The pulp of the pods is the part employed in medicine.   It
is usually prepared  by pouring  boiling water on the bruised pods, so as To
wash out the pulp, pressing through  a sieve,  and evaporating the solution
thus obtained to the consistence of a thick extract.
   Properties.—Cassia pulp is of a reddish-black  colour, and has a
sweetish mucilaginous taste, but no odour.   It consists of sugar, gum,
mucilaginous extractive and colouring matter ;  no principle  possessing
purgative  properties has  been  as  yet  discovered  in it.  It is  almost
entirely soluble in both alcohol  and water.
   Adulterations.—The pulp  is not liable to adulteration; those pods
only should be chosen, which are heavy, and in which the seeds do not
rattle.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Cassia pulp is  a mild laxative, at pre-
sent but seldom  employed ; it is only adapted  for febrile  or inflamma-
tory affections occurring  in  persons of delicate habit or in children.
Combined with manna, its cathartic properties are  said to be much
increased.
   Dose and Mode of  Administration.—Of  the  pulp, §ss. to §iij.—
Electuarium Cassia, D. Confectio Cassia, L.   (Cassia pulp, (recently
expressed, D.), tbss. ; manna, §ij,: tamarind pulp, §i.  ; syrup of orange
(of roses, L.), Ibss.; bruise the manna and dissolve  it (with a gentle
heat,  D.), in the syrup, then add the pulps  and evaporate (slowly D.),
to a proper consistence).  Dose, 3'j. to §i.

   Colchici cormus et semina, E. L.  [Colchici  radix et semen,
U. S.]  Colchicum adtumnale, bulbus et semina,  D.—The cormus 
CATHARTICS.
73
(bulb, D.) and seeds of Colchicum autumnuie.* Meadow-saffron.   A
common indigenous plant belonging to the Natural family Melanthacea,
and to the Linnaean class and order Hexandria Trigynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Cormus (improperly called bulb), fleshy, covered
with a loose, brown, membrane; giving origin in the middle of summer to
a young cormus, which remains attached to the parent, grows rapidly, and
sends up in autumn a naked white tube or flowering stem, terminating in a
pale purple, crocus-like flower; the flower soon  dies; and the seed vessel
which remains under ground, springs up with the erect, broadly lanceolate
leaves, in the ensuing February or March.
  Preparation.—The cormus should be gathered about the end of July
or beginning of August, before the  flowering stem is sent up; for medical
purposes.it is cut  transversely into thin slices,  the dry coats having been
previously removed; the slices are dried in a dark place, exposed to the
air, with a heat not exceeding 170°.   Mr. Houlton states that the colchicum
cormus, when dried entire, retains its active properties much more perfectly,
and for a much longer period than if it is sliced.  He also recommends it
to be dried without artificial heat, which he says may be readily done by
stripping off the loose dry coats, and  carefully removing the young bud or
bulb. The seeds are gathered when ripe.

   Physical Properties.—Colchicum cormus is ovoid, about the size
of a large walnut, compressed on one side, convex on the other ; it
may be distinguished from bulbous roots by being solid, and not com-
posed of laminae or scales.  The  dry slices  are  of a  grayish-white
colour, and firm.  The seeds are small, rough, nearly round, and of a
blackish-brown  colour..  Both  seeds and  cormus  are  odourless, but
have a  bitter, acrid  taste.   The  flowers both in  the fresh and dried
state have been occasionally employed, but they are not so certain in
their effects as either the seeds or cormus.
   Chemical  Properties.—The  cormus  consists of fatty matter, a
volatile  acid, a peculiar uncrystallizable alkaloid  named  veratria
(which will be described under the head of General Stimulants) com-
bined with gallic acid, starch, gum, inulin,  and lignin,  (Pelletier  and
Caventou).  The composition of the  seeds  is probably  nearly the
same.  The active principles are extracted by water, alcohol, vinegar,
and wine.
   Adulterations.—From having been gathered at an improper season or
from careless drying or preservation, colchicum cormus is in general
nearly inert.  When good the dried slices are firm, and notched only
on one side ; and a fresh-scraped surface, moistened with  vinegar,
and tincture of guaiacum dropped on it, is  turned blue.
   Therapeutical Effects.—The most  constant effect, indeed, in
general, the only manifest one, of colchicum  is purging;  its cathartic
operation being accompanied with great depression of  the circulation
and much debility.  In large or  frequently repeated doses it produces
nausea, vomiting, and hypercatharsis;  and in small doses it is held
by many to be diuretic, but this  effect is  uncertain.   Under its use,
the quantity of uric acid in the urine is very  much augmented.  The
principal diseases in which colchicum has  been employed are  gout and
rheumatism ; for the former of which, it has acquired the character of
being a specific.  Administered  during a paroxysm of  gout, it seldom
fails  to alleviate the pain and cut short the fit; but so far from pre- 
74                        CATHARTICS.
venting a return of the attack, most practitioners agree that the em-
ployment of colchicum  renders the  system more predisposed to  the
disease, indeed, frequently gives rise to irregular or  atonic gout.   In
acute rheumatism, the employment of colchicum requires the greatest
caution, and indeed  is  very  seldom admissable ; but in some of the
chronic forms of the disease  especially  gouty rheumatism, it  is often
used in robust constitutions with benefit.  Owing to its  effect  on  the
secretion of uric acid, it is employed with the best possible effect in
diseases  of the uninary  orgaas in which oxalate of lime  is present in
the urine.  Colchicum has  been also  employed as a cathartic and
diuretic in dropsy, and as  an  antiphlogistic in febrile and  inflammatory
diseases ; but  in the present day its  use is almost entirely confined to
gout and rheumatism.
  Dose  and Mode  of Administration.—In  the administration  of
colchicum or any of its preparations, we should always  begin with
small doses and increase them very  gradually,  as no  medicine varies
more  in its action on different persons, and besides the pharmaceutical
preparations differ much in activity.   It is seldom used in the form of
powder, the dose is from gr.  ij. to gr. viij.; the  powder of the seeds
should be preferred to that of the  cormus, as being more uniform.—
Acetum  Colchici, [U.  S.]  D. L.  E.   (Fresh colchicum  cormus,
sliced, §i. [Colchicum root bruised,  U.  S.] ; distilled vinegar, fgxvj. ;
proof spirit, fgi. [f§ss.  U.  S.]; macerate the colchicum in the  vinegar
for three days [seven days U. S.]  in a  covered  glass vessel; press,
strain, and set aside that the  dregs may subside ; add the spirit to the
clear  liquor).   This preparation  is preferred  by Scudamore  to any
other for gout; he recommends magnesia to be combined with it,  to
saturate the acid.  It is, however, of very uncertain strength, in con-
sequence of being frequently prepared with the dry bulb.   Dose, f3ss.
to f3ij-»  frequently repeated.—Extractum Colchici (cormi), L.—
(Fresh colchicum cormus, Ibj.; bruise with a little water in a stone
mortar, press out the juice and evaporate it unstrained,  to a  proper
consistence).   Dose, gr.  j.,  every  three or  four  hours; not much
used.—Extractum  Colchici  (cormi) aceticum, L. E.   (Fresh colchi-
cum cormus,  ibj. ;  acetic (pyroligneous, E.) acid, f§iij.; bruise  the
cormus, gradually adding  the acid, express the juice, and evaporate
it in a porcelain vessel not glazed with lead, (over the vapour bath, E.),
to a due  consistence).   Dose, gr.  i.  to gr. iij., two or  three  times a
day.   Made into  pill with an equal quantity  of extract  of colocynth,
it forms an excellent cathartic in gouty and rheumatic affections.—
Oxymel  Colchici (cormi), D.  (Fresh  colchicum bulb,  cut into  thin
slices, §i. ; distilled vinegar, f§xvj. ; clarified honey, by weight Ibij.;
macerate the colchicum with the  vinegar in a glass vessel for two
days, express  strongly, strain, and add  the honey: and boil down the
mixture to the consistence of a syrup, frequently stirring with a wooden
spatula).  Dose,  3i-> gradually increased to 3jj., twice  a day;  not
much  used.—Tinctura Colchici  (seminum),  [U.  S.J  D.  L.  E.
(Colchicumseeds, (bruised, L., ground finely in a coffee mill, E.), |ij.
(§v.,  L.  E.ffc' proof spirit, fgxvi. (Oij.,  L. E.) ; macerate for  14 days
and strain, D. L., " to be prepared like tincture  of cinchona, and perco-
lation  is  much more  convenient and  speedy than  digestion,"  E.).
Dose, f3i. gradually increased  to  f3ij.,  twice  daily.—Tinctura  Col-
chici composita, L.  (Colchicum seeds, bruised,  §v. ;  aromatic spirit 
CATHARTICS.                        75
of ammonia, Oij.;  macerate for 14 days and strain).   Dose, min. xx.
to  min. xxx., three times a  day; seldom used.—Vinum  Colchici,
L. E. (Vinum Colchici Radicis,\J. S.) (Colchicum cormus, dried and
sliced, §viij. [Ibj. U. S.]; sherry wine, Oij.; digest for 14 (7, E.
days, (express strongly  the residuum, E), and strain).  It may be
prepared with the seeds (Vinum seminum  Colchici),  using  the  same
proportion, a preferable preparation as being more  uniform: [Vinum
Colchici Seminis.   Take of colchicum seeds bruised §iv. ;  wine Oij.
Macerate for fourteen days, with  occasional agitation ;  then express
and filter through  paper, U. S.]  Dose,  f5ss., gradually increased  to
f3ij., three or four times a day.—Succus  Colchici,  is prepared by
expressing the juice from fresh cormi, allowing it to  stand 48  hours
to deposit the fecula, and adding to the clear liquor a fifth of rectified
spirit.  This is a most active preparation,  and  keeps well.  Dose,
min. v. to min. xx.
  Incompatibles.—Acids; tincture of iodine ; tincture of guaiacum;
and all astringent vegetable infusions and decoctions.
  In cases of poisoning with colchicum, emetics followed by demulcent
drinks should be immediately  administered ; and if coma be present,
brandy, ammonia, coffee and other powerful stimulants should be given.
The vegetable astringents have been recommended as antidotes, tannic
acid forming an insoluble precipitate with veratria.

   Colocynthis,   [U.  S.]  L.  E.  Cucumis colocynthis, fructus
pulpa, D.  Colocynth.  Pulp  (dried, L.) of the  fruit of Cucumis
colocynthis.   This plant, the bitter  cucumber, is a native  of several
parts of Asia and Africa, and  is  cultivated in Greece and  Spain; it
belongs to the Natural family  Cucurbitacea, and to the Linnaean class
and order Monoecia  Syngenesia.

  Botanical Characters.—A creeping,  procumbent,  annual ;  Leaves
ovato-cordate; Flowers, yellow, axillary, solitary;  Fruit (pepo), globose,
about the size of an orange, yellow when ripe, with a thin solid rind.
  Preparation.—The fruit  is gathered when ripe, peeled and dried.  In
some countries it is dried without being peeled.

   Physical Properties.—The pulp of the dried  fruit, which  is the
officinal part,  is of a pale yellowish-white colour; it is without odour,
but has an intensely bitter, nauseous taste ;  it is light, spongy, porous,
and so tough as to be with difficulty reduced to powder.   The unpeeled
fruit (Mogadore Colocynth), is  imported in small quantities into Eng-
land, but is only used by druggists in show-bottles.
   Chemical Properties.—Colocynth pulp contains a peculiar bitter
matter, which has been named Colocynthin and on which its purgative
property is supposed to depend, resin, pectin, gummy  matter, and various
salts.   It yields its active properties to both water and alcohol.
   Adulterations.—Colocynth pulp is not liable to adulteration; but if it
be of a greyish or brownish colour, it is of inferior  quality.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Colocynth operates as a stimulant to the
intestinal canal, its influence being specially directed to the large intes-
tines, promoting  both their  secretion  and  exhalation, as well  as in-
creasing their vermicular motion; in large doses it is a  dangerous
poison,  producing intestinal  inflammation.  In  consequence  of the
drastic properties it possesses when administered alone, it is always
combined with other cathartics in order to mitigate? its action, as in 
76
CATHARTICS.
the  several pharmacopoeial preparations, and is thus  exhibited with
much advantage in habitual constipation, in passive dropsies, in alvine
obstruction, and as a revulsant in determination of blood to the brain.
It is also said to possess diuretic properties.
   Dose  and Mode of  Administration.—In  powder (now  seldom
used) gr. ij. to gr. viij. mixed with some inert powder.  Powdered
colocynth if sprinkled over a blistered surface acts as a cathartic as
actively as if administered by the mouth, and it may be used with ad-
vantage in this way in apoplexy and other diseases in which the patient
is unable or unwilling to swallow.  Its use must not,  however, be
pushed ;,too far,  as  if  it  does not purge,  it  is apt to  cause in-
flammation  of the intestines.—Extractum  Colocynthidis  (simplex,
D.), D.  L. E. (Colocynth pulp, Ibj.;  water,  (distilled, L.) cong.
j. (cong.  ij.  L.  E.) ;   boil,  down to  Ibiv. by  measure, (for six
hours gently, replacing  the water occasionally, L. E.), strain  while
hot, and evaporate  (in the vapour-bath, E.) to a proper consistence).
A bad preparation as it does not keep well;  but seldom used ;  Dose,
gr.  v. to  9i.—Extractum  Colocynthidis compositum, [U. S.]  D.
L.   (Colocynth pulp, cut small, §vj. ; hepatic aloes  (purified extract
of aloes, L.), [aloes, in powder, U. S.] §xij. ;  scammony, powdered,
§iv. ; cardamom  seeds, powdered, §i. ; (hard, D.) soap, §iij. ; proof
spirit, cong. j.; macerate  the colocynth in the spirit for four  days with
a gentle  heat;  add the aloes, scammony, and soap to the (expressed,
D.) and strained liquor;  then evaporate to a proper consistence (for
making pills, D.),  the cardamom seeds being mixed in  towards the
end).  One of the most generally employed, and safest cathartics in
the whole Materia Medica, and if the various  substances of which it
consists be pure, equally efficacious as safe.   Dose, gr. v. to gr. xv.—
Pilula Colocynthidis, E.   (Socotrine or Indian aloes  ; and scammony,
of each,  8  parts;  colocynth, 4 parts; sulphate of potash; and oil of
cloves, of  each, 1 part; rectified  spirit, a  sufficiency ; pulverise the
aloes, scammony, and sulphate together, mix  the  colocynth  in fine
powder, add the oil, and with the aid of a little spirit, beat into a pro-
per pill mass).   Pilula Colocynthidis composita, D.  (Hepatic aloes;
and scammony, of each, §i.; colocynth pulp, §ss.; Castile soap, 5ij.;
sulphate  of potash ;  and oil of cloves, of each, 3i-; process  the same
as in the Ed. Ph.,  the soap with a little  treacle, being employed in-
stead of  the spirit).  Both these preparations resemble in their opera-
tion the compound extract, to which I think they are to be preferred,
the dose is the same.—Pilula Colocynthidis et Hyoscyami, E.  (Colo-
cynth pill  mass, 2 parts  ; extract  of hyoscyamus, 1 part;  beat well
together, adding a few drops of rectified spirit if necessary ; and divide
into five grain pills).  An excellent preparation, peculiarly adapted for
persons with irritable bowels.  Dose, 1 to 3 pills.—Enema  Colocyn-
thidis, L.   (Compound extract of colocynth, 9ij.; soft soap, §i.; water,
Oj. ; mix and rub together).  An efficient enema in obstinate constipa-
tion and colic.—Tinctura Colocynthidis, Pr. Pol. F.  B.  (Colocynth,
§i. ;  star anise, 3i- ; rectified spirit, gxiv.; digest for three  days and
filter).   Dose, min. x. to  min. xv. in a mixture.—Decoctum  Colocyn-
thidis, B.  (Colocynth, 3i. ; boiling water, §vj.; boil for ten minutes,
Btrain, and add sulphurio ether, 3i. ; syrup of orange peel, §i.).   Both
these preparations are diuretic ; Dose, fgss. two or three times daily.
  Incompatibles.—The  fixed alkalies ; lime water;  sulphate of iron;
acetates of lead ;  nitrate of silver ; and  corrosive sublimate. 
CATHARTICS.
77
  Crotonis Tiglii, oleum, D.  Tiglii oleum, [U. S.l L.  Crotonis
oleum,  E.  Crotonoil.   Expressed oil of the seeds of Croton Tiglium.
A native of the continent of India, the Molucca Islands and Ceylon;
belonging to the  Natural family Euphorbiacea, and  to the Linnaean
class and order Moncecia Monadelphia.

  Botanical Characters.—A moderate-sized tree, with a  smooth bark;
Leaves, oblongo-ovate, acuminate, with two flat round glands at the base;
Flowers, white, in terminal racemes; Fruit, ovate  and triangular, some-
what bigger than a hazel nut,  three  celled, each cell one seeded.

  Physical Properties.—Groton seeds (Grana  Tiglii)  are  of an
irregularly-oval shape, about 6 lines long, 2| lines thick, and 3 lines
broad ;  they are  of a greyish-brown colour, and  marked with the
ramifications of the raphe ; they contain  internally  a  pale  yellowish-
white  albumen, which envelopes the embryo  with  its large leafy
cotyledons.  From the kernels, croton  oil  is obtained by pressure;
it is thicker than castor oil, of a pale amber colour,  has a feeble sick-
ly odour, and an intensely acrid taste.  The kernels yield  about  half
their weight of oil.
  Chemical Properties.—Croton  oil  consists of a  peculiar acid
named Crolonic acid, dissolved in a bland fixed oil; it is to the acid
that the properties of the oil are due.  Croton oil is insoluble in alco-
hol even with  the aid of heat, but is  very soluble in sulphuric  ether,
and in the fixed and  volatile oils.
  Adulterations.—Castor oil is the only substance employed to adul-
terate croton oil, it may  be  readily detected by  its  solubility in alco-
hol, the test adopted by the Edinburgh College:—" when agitated
with its own volume of pure alcohol and gently heated, croton oil sepa-
rates on standing, without having undergone any apparent diminution."
  Therapeutical Effects.—Croton oil is an acrid cathartic, opera-
ting speedily, and producing frequent  watery evacuations ;  it does not
in general give rise to nausea or  griping, and is consequently to be
preferred in most cases to other cathartics of equal power.  It is used
chiefly in obstinate constipation, in comatose affections, and in dropsy.
In the various forms of convulsive and neuralgic diseases, it is a most
valuable cathartic; given in frequently repeated small doses in  such
affections, I have in  several cases found it a complete specific.   Cro-
ton oil should not be employed in extreme debility, or where there is
any tendency to inflammation in the digestive organs.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Min. j. or min. ij.—In cases
where the patient is unable or unwilling to swallow, it may be dropped
on the tongue, or dissolved in  ether may be rubbed on the abdomen.
If it can be avoided,  however,  it  should  never be administered in a
fluid form, as it causes a most disagreeable acrid impression in the
back of the throat; it may be made into pill with conserve of roses or
liquorice powder, or  one or two minims may be  added to any of the
common purgative pill masses, and thus given in divided doses until
it operates.—Sapo Crotonis, (Croton oil, 2 parts ; liquid  caustic soda,
1 part).   Dose, gr. i. to  gr.  iij.

  Elaterium,  [U. S.] D. L. E.  Elaterium.  The fruit, fecula and
leaves, D.—the fresh fruit, L.—the feculence of the juice of the fruit,
E., of Momordica Elaterium  (Ecbalium agreste).   The  Wild or 
78                        cathartics.

Squirting Cucumber, is  a natice  of Greece, and other parts of the
South of  Europe, and is cultivated in the British isles ; it belongs to
the Natural family Cucurbitacea,  and to the Linnaean class  and order
Monacia Monadelphia.
  Botanical Characters.—An annual, trailing plant, with a thick branch-
ing stem about two feet  in  length ; grayish,  rugose  leaves, and yellow,
axillary flowers; Fruit (Pspo,)  is about an inch and  a  half long, elliptical,
green,  covered with soft prickles; on quilting  the foot-stalk when ripe, it
suddenly, in consequence  of the elastic structure of  its parietes discharges
with considerable force many brown seeds and a slimy juice through the
aperture at its base.
  Preparation.—The juice of the cut fruit when ripe (not quite ripe, Edin.)
is expressed gently through a fine hair-sieve, allowed to rest till it becomes
prettv clear, the supernatant liquid rejected, and the feculence dried with a
gentle heat;  this constitutes the Extractum Elaterii, D. L., Elateriu7n,E.
  Physical Properties.—Elaterium is in thin,  flat or  slightly curled,
pieces or  fragments, light  and friable ; of a pale, greenish-gray colour,
with a very faint odour,  but an intensely acrid, and bitter  taste; the
pieces generally  bear on  the surface  an  impression of the linen on
which they  have been dried.  An inferior quality, sometimes met with,
is of a brownish or dark  green  colour, very  hard,  and broken with
difficulty.
  Chemical  Properties.—According to Hennell's  analysis, elateri-
um  consists of  a crystallized  substance  (Elalerin), green resin,
starch, woody fibre, and saline matters ; Elaterin, the active principle
of the drug, may be obtained by exhausting elaterium thoroughly with
boiling rectified  spirit,  concentrating  this solution, so long as no
separation takes place, and then pouring it while  hot into a weak boil-
ing solution of potash ;  on cooling, the elaterin crystallizes  in minute,
colourless,  satiny crystals ; the  quantity  obtained varies,  in propor-
tion to the quality of the drug employed, from  5  to 26 per cent.
  Adulterations.—Elaterium is seldom expressly  adulterated, but it
varies much in strength, owing probably to the  different degrees of
care bestowed on  its preparation ; the best test for ascertaining its
goodness  is the process  given above for obtaining its active  principle;
the quantity of elaterin  thus procured  " should weigh from a seventh
to a fourth of the elaterium," Ed. Ph.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Elaterium is a  most  powerful drastic
cathartic, even in minute doses,  l-16th of a grain sometimes produc-
ing considerable  purging,  and l-4th of a grain, in  dropsical cases,
generally causing a discharge of several pints of fluid by the bowels;
its operation is characterized  by nausea, sometimes vomiting, and con-
siderable  depression of the  circulatory and nervous systems.  The
chief use  of elaterium is in passive dropsies,  especially ascites  and
hydrothorax, when it is  deemed  advisible to attempt the removal of
the effused fluid  by the  bowels.   It will be also  generally found, that
diuresis is more freely  established after the operation of  elaterium.
The administration of elaterium requires the greatest  caution in de-
bilitated habits.
  Dose and Mode  of Administration.—l-16th  to l-4th of a grain
in pill, (it should be always given at first in small doses,) in combina-
tion with some  tonic extract, as of gentian or  chamomile.—Pulvis
Elatem compositus, (Elaterium, gr.  iv.;  bitartrate of potassa, 9v.  ; 
cathartics.                       79
ginger, 9ij. ; mix ;' thirty-six  grains  contain  one gr.  of elaterium.)
Dose, gr. v. to gr. x.—Tinctura Elaterii, (Elaterium, gr.  viij. ; rec-
tified spirit, fgviij.; dissolve.)  Dose, f3ss. to fti}.—Solutio Elaterina,
morries Stirling.   (Elaterin, gr. j.; rectified  spirit, f|i. ; nitric acid,
min. iv. ; dissolve.)   Dose, min.  xxx. or min.  xl.
  In poisoning with elaterium, the same treatment should be followed
as in poisoning with gamboge.

  Euphorbia Lathyris.—Caper-spurge.   An  indigenous biennial,
belonging  to  the Natural family Euphorbiacea, and to  the Linnaean
class and order Moncecia Monandria.  It is not officinal in any of the
British Pharmacopoeias, but an oil obtained from the seeds has been
introduced into the  Paris  Codex, as a cheap  and efficient substitute
for croton oil; it is obtained by simple pressure  from the ripe seeds,
44 parts of oil  being obtained from 100 parts of the seeds.  It is very
fluid, of a clear yellow colour, with an acrid taste and a peculiar odour.
It is soluble in ether, but insoluble in alcohol.
  Calderin?,  an  Italian physician, has used it extensively ; he says
that its effect is certain and" prompt; and that it may be  considered
as a mild cathartic,  not producing either vomiting, colic or tenesmus.
It is adapted for all cases, in  which it is desirable to purge gently but
effectually, and  with a small  dose of medicine.   This oil is worthy
of more  observation than has been  hitherto  bestowed on it, as being
likely to afford an excellent indigenous cathartic.   The dose is from
min. iv. to min. viij., it may be administered in syrup.
   When applied externally, it possesses rubefacient properties similar
 to those of croton oil.

   Helleborus, [U. S.] L. E.  Helleborus niger,  radix, D.  Root
of Helleborus niger ; Black Hellebore, or Christmas-rose, D. E.  Root
of Helleborus officinalis,  Oriental or Officinal Hellebore, L.  The
black  hellebore, the  Melampodium  of the ancients, a native of the
middle and southern parts of Europe, belongs to the  Natural family
Ranunculacea, and to the Linneaean class and order Polyandria Poly-
gyria.

  Botanical  Characters.—Herbaceous; Leaves all radical, pedatisect;
Scape leafless, one to two flowered; Flowers large, white.
  Preparation.—The root should be dug up in February, after  the plant
is done flowering,  and dried quickly.

  Physical Properties.—As met with in the shops the root consists
of two parts, a black root-stock, and numerous undivided fibres or rad-
icals which arise from it; the  latter are the  active part  and should
only be used.   They are cylindrical,  about the  thickness  of a crow-
quill, brownish-black  externally, whitish within, brittle ; they have a
faint  unpleasant  odour, and a somewhat acrid, bitter taste,  but the
acridity is much lost by drying.
   Chemical Properties.—Black hellebore root contains a  volatile oil,
an acrid volatile  acid, and  other unimportant substances.  Both water
and alcohol extract its active properties, which probably depend on the
volatile acid.
  Adulterations.—Various other roots are substituted for, or intermix-
ed with, black hellebore root on the continent; but in consequence  of 
80                        cathartics.
the limited employment of the drug, the fraud is not  practised in this
country.   The root  should be constantly renewed, as  it loses its
medicinal properties by keeping.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—This substance is classed among the
vegetable irritant poisons, but in medicinal doses it operates as a dras-
tic cathartic ; and although  little  esteemed in modern practice, it was
highly prized  by the ancients, as a purgative in cerebral and nervous
disorders and in dropsy ; it was also said to possess emmenagogue and
anthelmintic properties.
   Dose and  Mode of Administration.—In powder  gr. iij. to gr.
xij.—Tinctura Hellebori, [U.  S.] D. L.  (Black  hellebore root, in
coarse powder (bruised, L.,) §iv. (§v., L. ;) proof spirit, by mensureibiy
(Oij., [U. S.] L.) ; macerate for 7 (14, [U. S.] L.)  days and  strain.)
Dose, f5i. to f3ij.

  Hydrargyrum cum creta, [U. S.] D.  L. E.—Mercury with chalk.

  Preparation.—Dub.—" Take of purified mercury; and manna, of  each,"
two parts; precipitated chalk one part; triturate the mercury and manna in
an earthenware mortar, adding a few drops of water to give the mass the
consistence of syrup; as soon as the globules disappear, add with constant
trituration an eighth of the chalk; all being well mixed add 16 parts of water,
agitate, and after resting, when the  sediment  falls, pour off  the liquor; let
the  washing be repeated again and a third time, so as to  remove all the
manna, mix with the moist powder the rest of the chalk,  and  dry on blotting
paper."   Lond.   Edin. [U. S.]—" Triturate together mercury. §iij., ana
prepared chalk, §v., till the globules  disappear."  In the Dublin  formula,
the manna is employed  to effect the minute  division and oxidation of the
mercury.

  Physical Properties.—A greyish, heavy, insoluble powder ;  void
of odour, but having an astringent, metallic taste.
  Chemical Properties.—According to  the recent investigations of
many celebrated chemists, this preparation appears to consist of metal-
lic mercury in  a state of minute division, suboxide of  mercury, and
carbonate of lime combined mechanically; but  in what proportion the
metal and oxide exist has not been yet ascertained.   On the  addition
of the stronger acids to the powder  effervescence takes place ; and by
exposure to heat the mercury is volatilised.
  Therapeutical Effects.—A gentle cathartic and alterative, pecu-
liarly adapted for infancy and childhood, promoting and  improving the
secretions ofthe liver, pancreas, and intestines.   In combination with
rhubarb, it is employed with much benefit in the diarrhoea  of  children
when the stools  are  clay-coloured, and  when there is  acidity of the
primae viae.   Prescribed with dried carbonate of  soda,  it is our  most
useful alterative in  the cutaneous affections of infancy and childhood.
  Dose and  Mode of Administration.—In powder, gr. ij. to gr. v.,
for children ; it is seldom  prescribed for adults, the dose would be
from gr. x. to 3ss.
  Incompatibles.—The  mineral acids ;  acetic acid ; alum ; and all
sulphates.

  Hydrargyrum cum Magnesia, D.—Mercury with Magnesia.
  Prepared in a similar manner  to the last, carbonate of magnesia
being employed instead of prepared chalk.   Its properties would ap- 
cathartics.                        81
pear to be  nearly similar, but it  acts  with  greater  certainty as  a
cathartic, and is consequently to be preferred in many  cases.
   Hydrargyri pilulje, [U. S.] D. L. E.—Pills of Mercury.  Blue
pill.

  Preparation.—"By triturating in a mortar, until the globules disappear,
two parts of purified mercury, and three parts of conserve  of red roses, and
then adding one part of extract of liquorice (of liquorice root, [U. S] L.
E.), reduced to fine powder, and beating together until they are all incor-
porated."
   Physical Properties.—A soft pill mass, of a dark blue colour.
   Chemical  Properties.—This  preparation,  like  the two  last,
probably consists of metallic  mercury  in a  state  of minute  division
combined with the suboxide of mercury.   Three grains of  the  pill
contain one grain of mercury.
   Adulterations.—If the pill mass  be prepared with conserve  of roses
to  which sulphuric acid had been added, as  is sometimes  done to
brighten its colour, it will contain subsulphate of mercury which pos-
sesses very irritating properties.   It may be detected by triturating
the mass with boiling water, and adding to  the  filtered liquor solution
of nitrate of baryta; if any sulphate be present,  a white precipitate
insoluble in nitric acid will be produced.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Although blue  pill is  most generally
employed to produce the specific effect of the mercurial preparations,
in full doses it operates as a cathartic.   In consequence of its general
alterative powers, and the peculiar property it possesses of improving
and stimulating the biliary secretions, it is commonly prescribed in
combination with the different cathartic pill masses, particularly the
compound extract of colocynth.  Thus combined, taken at night, and
followed  by an active purgative draught in the morning, it  is found
especially useful  in the milder forms  of derangement of the biliary
organs.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Given alone as a cathartic,
gr. xij. to gr. xx.; combined  with  other purgatives, gr. v. to  gr.  viij.

   Jalapa,  D.  L. E.  [U.  S.] Root of Convolvulus jalapa, D., of
Ipomceajalapa,  [U. S.] L.,—of Ipomaapurga,~Ei.  Jalap.  The offici-
 nal jalap root is now well known to be obtained from  the plant indi-
cated by  the London and Edinburgh Colleges under different specific
names (more recently named Exogonium purga), and not from  that
adopted by the Dublin College.  It is a native of Mexico and Vera-
Cruz ;  and belongs to the Natural family Convolvulacea, and  to the
 Linnaaan class and order Pentandria Monogynia.

   Botanical Characters.—Roots  tuberous,  incrassated ;  Stems,  her-
baceous, smooth, climbing; Leaves, greenish, alternate, petioled, cordi-
form;  Flowers, large, one to three, on axillary peduncles ; corolla, large,
campanulate, white with a reddish-purple centre.
   Preparation.—The root is dug up, at  the time  the young shoots begin
to appear, and dried by exposure to the air, or suspended in net bags over a
fire.
    Physical Properties.—Jalap  root is met  with in  commerce  in
pieces, varying much both in size  and form.   The entire tubers are
 ovoid, from the size of a nut to that of an orange, generally incised 
82                        CATHARTICS.
more or less deeply and in  different 'directions;  externally rugose,
compact,  dark brown ; whitish  or  yellowish within,  marked with
concentric zones.   The flat  pieces  are merely  transverse slices of
the entire  tubers.  The fracture of jalap root is marbled and compact,
presenting many brilliant points, (resin) ; the «odour is faint but very
nauseating;  the taste, nauseous and  acrid.  It  is  pulverised with
difficulty.
   Chemical Properties.—Jalap is composed of hard and soft resin,
bitter extractive, gummy extractive, albumen,  uncrystallizable  sugar,
gum, mucilage,  starch, and  colouring matter.   The resin, its  active
principle,  exists in the proportion of from ten to  fourteen per cent, it
is soluble  in alcohol,  while water  dissolves  only the non-cathartic
components of the root.  The starch is  often eaten by insects, such
pieces are said to be worm-eaten, they are the  most active as they
contain in proportion to their weight more  resin-  Jalap resin is of a
slightly yellow colour, odourless and tasteless when pure ; insoluble in
water or ether, but readily soluble in alcohol.  It  assumes a beautiful
crimson colour when moistened with strong sulphuric acid, and  allow-
ed to stand for a quarter of an hour.
   Adulterations.—Jalap root,  as met with in English commerce, can
be scarcely said to be adulterated ;  at one time slices  of white Bryony
root were mixed with it, but the white  colour and intense  bitterness
of the spurious  root rendered  the fraud easy of  detection.  On  the
Continent many forms of spurious or counterfeit jalaps are met with
mixed with the  true root; they may, for the most part, be distinguish-
ed by being  very rugose, of a reddish  or  rose  colour internally,  not
compact,  with a faint odour, and almost insipid.   The purity of jalap
resin may be readily  ascertained by its  action with sulphuric acid, as
the beautiful crimson colour above  described is  not manifested if any
other resin be present.
   Therapeutical Fffects.—Jalap is a powerful cathartic, operating
principally upon the small intestines ; administered in too large a dose,
it  causes violent  hypercatharsis and  inflammation.  In  medicinal
doses it is certain in  its operation, increasing  the peristaltic action
and promoting the secretions and exhalations of the  alimentary canal
without causing any   irritation ; consequently  it  is frequently  and
beneficially  prescribed for children.  Its chief use as a cathartic, is in
 simple  constipation  without inflammation, in  ascites,  in  scrofulous
affections, and in verminous diseases ;  in the two latter, it is beneficial-
 ly combined with calomel;  in dropsy, with cream of tartar.  It some-
times produces  salivation, if its  use be long persisted in.  Jalap pro-
 duces purging if applied to a wound or  to the surface of the body, the
 cuticle having been previously removed by means of a blister.
    Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder, gr. x. to gr. xxx.,
 for an  adult; gr. ij. to gr. viij., for children; it may be given made
 into a bolus, or suspended in water or  any simple decoction.—Pulvis
 Jalapa compositus, D.  L.  [U. S.]  E.  (Jalap powder, Ibss.) giij., L.;
 §L, [U. S.] E.); bitartrate  of potash, Ibj. (§vi., L. [U. SJ §ij., E.) ;
 (ginger,  3ij. L.) ;  rub to very fine powder, and  mix).   Hydragogue
 cathartic ; Dose, 3ss., to 3iss.—Extractum Jalapa, D. L. (Jalap root,
 bruised (powdered, L), Ibi. (Ibiiss., L.);  rectified spirit, by measure
 Ibiv. (cong.  j., L.) ; water (distilled, L), cong.  j. (cong., ij. L.) ;  ma-
 cerate in the spirit for four  days, and pour off the tincture ; boil down 
CATHARTICS.                       83
the residue in the water to ibij. (cong. ss. L.) ; then strain the tincture
and the decoction separately, evaporate the latter, and distil the former
until each thickens ; lastly, mix the extract with the resin, and (eva-
porate in a warm bath, D.), to  a proper consistence;  " this  extract
should be kept soft to form pills, and hard for powdering," L.).  Dose,
gr. x. to 9i.—Extractum sive Resina Jalapa, E.   (Take any conve-
nient quantity of jalap  in  moderately fine powder ; mix it thoroughly
with enough of rectified  spirit  to moisten  it well;  put it in 12 hours
into a percolator and exhaust the powder with rectified spirit; distil off
the greater part of the  spirit and concentrate the residuum over the
vapour bath to a due consistence).  This is the impure resin; the dose
is from gr. iij. to gr. x.;  it should be given in a state of minute division,
for which purpose it may be rubbed with sugar  or some mild powder/
or made into an emulsion with milk, sugar, and  almonds.—Sapo Jala-
pinus, Pr. (Castile soap ;  and jalap resin, equal  parts;  rectified spirit,
q. s. ; dissolve and evaporate with a gentle heat to the consistence of
a conserve).   Dose, gr. xij. to  9i., for  adults; gr. iij. to gr. vj., for
children.—Tinctura Jalapa, D. L. E. (Jalap, in coarse powder (bruised,
L), gviij. (§x., L. |vij., E.) ; proof spirit, by measure Ibij. (Oij., L. E.) ;
macerate for 7 (14, D. L-) days, and strain ; " or may  be prepared by
 percolation," E.).  Dose, f5j- to f3iv.

   [Juglans, U, S.  The  inner  bark of the root of Juglans Cinerea.
The  Juglans Cinerea,  or  butternut, is  a fine forest tree found in the
northern half ot the Union, and  belonging to the  Natural family of Ju-
glandacea, and to the Linnaean class and  order Monacia Polyandria-
   Physical Properties.—When first uncovered the bark is white,
but gradually changes to a dark-brown.  It is almost destitute of odour,
and has a bitter and somewhat acrid taste.
   Chemical Properties.—There has been no satisfactory analysis of
butternut.   It yields its virtues to boiling water.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Butternut is a mild, safe, and tolerably
efficient pargative.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—It is used in the form of de- •
coction or extract. The dose of the latter is from 20 to 30 grs. Extrac-
tum Juglandis, U. S.,  prepared in the  same manner as Extract of
Gentian.]

   Linum catharticum, E.—Purging-fiax. A  slender indigenous an-
nual from two to six inches high, with  small  white flowers drooping
before expansion.   It belongs to the Natural family Linacea, and to
the Linnaean class and order Pentandria Monogynia.  The whole herb
is officinal, it is void of odour, but has an intensely bitter taste.   It was
formerly held in high esteem as a cathartic and  diuretic ; at present it
is  never used in regular practice, and has been only retained in the
Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia  on the  authority of Dr. Christison, as a
useful indigenous cathartic in doses of a drachm of the powder, or an
infusion of two or three drachms of the herb.

   Magnesia.  Magnesia (described in the division Antacids), given in
full doses operates as a gentle cathartic ; its effect, however, being by
no means uniform or certain, depending probably on  the quantity of
free acid in the stomach, by union with which it forms soluble magne- 
84
CATHARTIC*.
sian salts.  It does not increase the secretions of the intestines, but by
stimulating their  muscular fibres, causes the  evacuation of their con-
tents.  Magnesia is very generally employed as a purgative in infantile
diseases, and by females and persons of a delicate habit of body; it is
most usually combined with rhubarb, a combination frequently employed
and with much  benefit in the  early stages of diarrhoea, particularly
when dependant on irritation or acidity of the primae viae.  Magnesia
when taken for a long period has in some instances accumulated to a
great extent,  and even  formed concretions  in the  bowels.  When
therefore, it is thought advisable, to  continue its use for any time, it
will be necessary to administer an active cathartic occasionally.  Dose,
Bi. to 3i. for adults; gr. ij. to gr. x. for children.

  Magnesia  carbonas.  Carbonate of  Magnesia  (described in the
division Antacids), is a still milder cathartic, it is employed in the same
cases, but is used less frequently than magnesia, in consequence of its
producing  flatulence from the disengagement of carbonic acid in the
stomach.   Dose, 3i. to 3ij- for  adults ; gr. x. to E)i. for children.  A
mildly laxative effervescing draught may be prepared with a drachm
of carbonate of magnesia, the juice of one lemon, and a wine glassful
of water.

  Magnesia:  sulphas, D.  L.  E.   Sulphate of Magnesia.   Epsom
Salts.
  Magnesia: sulphas purum, D.  Pure Sulphate of Magnesia,

  Preparation.—An article of the Materia Medica;  it was formerly pre-
pared by evaporating the waters of the Epsom springs;  at present a variety
of processes are followed by different manufacturers, which it would be out
of place to enter into any account of here.  The process of the Dub. Ph.
for preparing tlr^pure salt, as it is there termed, is as follows;—" Take of
commercial sulphuric acid, 25 parts; water, 100 parts; carbonate of mag-
nesia, 24 parts, or a sufficiency; to the acid and water mixed, add gradually
the carbonate of magnesia; lastly, evaporate the filtered liquor that crystals
may form on cooling."

   Physical Properties.—Usually met with,  in small acicular crystals,
transparent and colourless ; inodorous ; with  an extremely  bitter, dis-
agreeable taste.   By slow crystallization tolerably large crystals  are
readily obtained, their form is, the  four-sided rhombic prism with re-
versed dihedral summits, or four-sided  pyramids.  Sp. gr. 166.
   Chemical  Properties.—It is composed of 1 eq.  of magnesia, 1 of
acid, and 7 of water, (MgO, SO3, HO  -f 6HO.)  It is permanent in
the  air, but in a slightly increased  temperature effloresces, losing 6
eq. of water  at a temperature  considerably under 300°, first fusing in
its water of crystallization ; if the temperature be raised  still higher it
becomes anhydrous, and undergoes  the igneous fusion, but is not  de-
composed.   It dissolves in its own weight  of water at 60°, and in
three-fourths  of its weight of boiling water.  It is insoluble in alcohol.
    Adulterations.—At present this salt is met with in a state of great
purity ;  sometimes, however, when prepared from  bittern it contains
chloride of magnesium, which  being very  deliquescent, is readily re-
cognised.  On the  continent in the present day, and formerly also in
this country,  crystals of sulphate  of soda, which is a much cheaper 
CATHARTICS.
85
salt, are  fraudulently mixed with  those of sulphate of magnesia; the
sophistication is best detected by the test of the Ed. Ph. which is in-
tended to show, that the full proportion of magnesia is present:—" ten
grs. dissolved in f|i.  of water, and treated with solution of carbonate
of ammonia, are not entirely precipitated by 280 minims of solution of
phosptiate of soda, (1 of salt, to 20 water.")
   Therapeutical Effects.—Sulphate of magnesia  is a refrigerant
cathartic, operating mildly but effectually, augmenting the secretions
and promoting the peristaltic action of the intestinal canal; the evacu-
ations are  watery, and are not  accompanied  with either  nausea or
griping.   It is consequently more generally employed at present, than
perhaps any other medicine of this class ; it has also the advantage of
great cheapness.   This salt is peculiarly adapted for all forms of feb-
rile and inflammatory  affections, especially when  accompanied  by
constipation.   In short, there are but few diseases in which cathartics
are indicated, that it may not  be employed with benefit.   Sulphate of
magnesia forms the active ingredient in many mineral waters.
   Dose  and  Mode of  Administrator—3*j-  to  §j. dissolved in
seven or eight times its weight of water.  Its cathartic properties are
promoted by dilution, therefore a smaller dose than usual, will  suffice,
if dissolved in a large quantity of water; tincture of some aromatic
bitter, as of cascarilla, calumba, orange peel, &c is added with advan-
tage to the solution to conceal its nauseous" taste ; this  is  best done,
however, by the addition of ten  or twelve minims of dilute sulphuric
acid, or by  administering the  salt  in the acid infusion of roses, an
 elegant  and beneficial form in febrile diseases.—Pulvis Salinus com-
positus, D. E. (Pure muriate of  soda; and  sulphate of magnesia, of
each, §iv.; sulphate of potash, §iij. ;  dry the salts with a gentle heat,
and pulverise them separately ; then  triturate them well  together, and
keep in a well-closed yessel.)   Dose, 3ij- to §ss. dissolved in Oss. of
water.  In the preparation of this powder, instead of the sulphate of
potash, I have employed |iv. of sulphate of soda, and found  the result-
ing compound a more effectual cathartic  in smaller doses ; 3i* dissolv-
ed in half a pint of water, and taken  in the morning before  breakfast,
operating freely, and with perfect safety.—Enema  Catharticum, D.
 (Manna, §i. ; dissolve  in ten fluid ounces  of compound  decoction of
 chamomile, and add, olive oil §i.; and sulphate of magnesia, §ss. :)—
 E. (Olive  oil, §i. ; sulphate of magnesia, |ss.; sugar, §i. ; senna, |ss. ;
boiling water, f§xvj. ; infuse the  senna in the water for an hour ; then
dissolve the salt and the  sugar, and add the oil.)  A useful cathartic
 enema for general purposes.
   Incompatibles.—The alkalies, and their carbonates ; lime water ;
muriate of ammonia; chloride of calcium ; muriate of baryta ; the ace-
 tates of lead ; and nitrate of silver.   The bicarbonates of the alkalies
 are not incompatible with sulphate of magnesia, unless at the tempera-
 ture of boiling water.

    Manganese  sulphas.  Sulphate of Manganese.   This salt which
 is left as  the residue in the preparation of oxygen gas by heating  to-
gether black  oxide of manganese and sulphuric acid, acts as a cathartic
when administered in doses of from  one to six drachms dissolved in a
 large quantity of water.   It seems to stimulate the parenchymatous
viscera of the abdomen, particularly  the liver, to increased secretion, 
86                     cathartics.
as the evacuations caused by it contain a quantity of bile.   It is rarely
used at present, but has been recently brought under the notice of the
profession by Dr. Ure of London, as likely to prove a useful purgative
in gouty affections.  It should be  always combined with some other
cathartic, as with senna, for if given alone it is apt to produce vomit-
ing.

   Manna, D.  [U. S.J L. E.   Concrete juice ofFraxmus ornus, D.—
Of Ornus Europcea, [U. S.] L.—Sweet  concrete exudation, probably
from several species of Fraxinus, and Ornus, E.  Nearly all the spe-
cies of genera Fraxinus and  Ornus yield manna, but the greater por-
tion of what occurs in commerce is obtained from the Fraxinus rotun-
difolia;  a native of the South of Europe, chiefly of Sicily and  the
South of Italy.  It belongs to the  Natural family Oleacea, and to the
Linnaean class and order Diandria Monogynia.
  Botanical Characters.—Fraxinus ornus is a small tree; Leaves, oppo-
site, pinnate; Panicles, large, many flowered; Flowers, small polygamous,
white; the whole tree resembles much in appearance the common ash of our
climate.
  Preparation.—The juice  of the stem exudes spontaneously either from
fissures in the bark, through  punctures made by  insects,or more usually
from incisions made expressly with a hooked knife.  It concretes rapidly on
the tree, and  is then removed, by the hand.
   Physical Properties.—Two sorts are commonly  met with in the
shops.   1st.—Flake manna,  Manna cannulata; it occurs  in stalacti-
form pieces, from one to six inches  in length, and one or two inches
in   width,  uneven, rugged,  porous  and friable ; of a   dull  yel-
lowish-white  colour ;  presenting  a furrow on  the  surface  by which
they adhered  to the tree,  on which  side they are usually somewhat
soiled ; it has  a faint,  somewhat nauseous odour, and a sweetish in-
sipid taste.  2nd.—Fatty manna, Manna pinguis; it is in soft, viscid,
fragments of a brownish-yellow colour, much  soiled and mixed  with
impurities ; its  odour  is very nauseous,  and its taste  viscid  and disa-
greeable.
   Chemical Properties.—Manna consists of a peculiar  saccharine
principle named Mannite, uncrystallisable sugar, gummy matter, nitro-
genous matter and moisture ; it contains about*40 per cent of mannite
and about 10 per cent of sugar.   It softens with the heat of  the hand,
and melts at a temperature a little higher ; it is soluble in three parts
of water at  60°, and in eight parts  of rectified spirit.   Mannite, its ac-
tive principle  may be obtained by  boiling manna in alcohol, and pour-
ing off the  spirit,  from which as it cools the mannite is deposited in
crystals.
   Flake manna, which is alone employed  in medicine, is not liable to
adulteration.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Manna is a very mild laxative, employ-
ed only in the diseases of children  and delicate females ;  in the pre-
sent  day it is  seldom administered  alone, being generally used for
sweetening cathartic mixtures.  When first gathered, manna does not
 possess any laxative properties, and is employed as a nutritive article
 of diet in the countries where it  is produced.   Manna, when  it has
 become hard  from keeping, is an excellent basis for forming the more
 active medicines into pills. 
CATHARTICS.
87
  Dose and  Mode of Administration.—For children,  3i-  to  §ss.,
for adults, §i. to §ij.—Mannite, for children, 3ss. to 3ij-i for adults,
§ss. to §i.

  Mel, [U.  S.] D. L. E.   Juice extracted from flowers, and prepar-
ed by the Bee, L.   Saccharine secretion of Apis mellifica, E.  Honey>
Honey is secreted by the nectaries of most flowers, from whenee it is
collected by  the Bee, an insect belonging to the order Hymenoptera ;
in the honey bag of the insect, which is a dilatation of the oesophagus,
it probably undergoes some alteration  previous to its deposition in the
cells  of the honey-comb.  Honey is too \<Bfcll-known to require any de-
scription ;  it is composed of grape-sugaa^jb^ne-sugar, mannite,  acetic
acid,  aromatic principle, wax, &c.  It is^ometimes adulterated with
sand, with  starch, or with wheaten or pea flour ;  the first adulteration
may be detected by dissolving in water ; the others by the action of
tincture of iodine on the cooled decoction,  which is rendered blue if
any fecula be present.  Dissolved in a large quantity of water, honey
possesses  demulcent  and cooling properties; in a small portion of
water it operates as a mild laxative.  It is now but little used in medi-
cine ; nevertheless, eaten at breakfast it  is found  very beneficial  by
persons liable to habitual constipation.  Honey has in some instances
proved poisonous, in consequence of having been collected by the bees
from poisonous flowers.   By melting honey in a  vapour bath and re-
moving the scum, Clarified honey, Mel Despumatum, [U.  S.] D., is
prepared.  Both the flavour and odour of  honey are injured  by  this
process.

   Oliv^e oleum, [U. S.] D. L. E.  Oil expressed, from  the fruit, (of
the pericarp, E), of Olea Europcea.   This tree, originally a native of
Asia Minor, now grows freely on the borders of the Mediterranean,
and is cultivated all over the South of Europe, especially in Provence.
It belongs to the Natural family  Oleacea, and  to the Linnaean class
and order Diandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A moderately  sized  tree  with  hard, veined,
wood; Leaves, in pairs, acute, hoary beneath, giving a whitish character
to the foliage ; Flowers, small, white; Drupe, elliptical, dark-bluish-green,
with a hard nut generally one seeded.                             v
  Preparation.—The finer sorts of the oil are obtained by simply pressing
the fresh, ripe, fruit in a mill; a second sort, by moistening the marc,  left
after the first expression, with boiling water  and repressing it; and a third
and very inferior sort by boiling this cake in water, and submitting it to
very strong pressure.

   Physical Properties.—Olive oil is a transparent, unctuous fluid,
of a yellow colour, pale or greenish according to quality, (the finer
sorts being of a ligher shade); when good, odourless, with  a bland,
oily, taste ; by keeping it acquires both a rancid  odour and taste, more
slowly however than the other fixed oils.   Sp. gr.  *911 at 77? F.
   Chemical Properties.—It is composed of 72 parts of elaine, and
28  of margarin.   Olive oil readily saponifies ; exposed to the  air,
even in  thin layers, it thickens but does not dry.  It congeals at  36°
F.;  is insoluble in water or in alcohol, but at  59° it dissolves in once
and a half its weight of ether.
  Adulterations.---Cheaper vegetable oils,  as poppy oil and rape-seed 
  "   •*    '"        ■>..  • y-m<<UT  ,  #^i«u;. acAs  oh-h.
(. •§§   , .  ..         .{    CATHARTIC'S.^ ;.,/. *U»~» f*  tSviUi+»»

    oil, are commonly employed to adulterate olive oil.  The best test tor^-i^H
    ascertaining its purity is that of Poutet, adopted in the last edition of
    the Edin. Phar. ; " mix  with a  twelfth of its volume of solution  of
    nitrate of mercury, prepared by dissolving with a  gentle heat |iv.  of
    mercury in fgixss. of nitric acid  (density 1380 to 1390) ; if pure it be-
    comes in three or four hours like a firm fat, without any separation of
    liquid oil."  For ordinary  purposes  the presence  of  other  fixed  oils
    may be more readily ascertained, by shaking the oil  in a bottle  half
    filled, when if it be pure  the surface of the oil soon becomes smooth
    by repose, but if it  be  adulterated,  a number of  air bubbles, beads,
    remain.
      Therapeutical Effects,*'—It is  seldom given by the mouth as  a
    cathartic, but forms an admirable addition to  laxative enemata, in in-
    flammation or spasms of the intestines, in dysentery, or in irritation  of
    the urino-genital organs.
      Dose and Mode ok  Administration.—fSji. to f§ij. by the mouth;
    f§ij. to fgiv. in an enema with decoction of barley.

"N-   [Podophyllum, [U. S.] May apple.  The rhizome of Podophyllum
    Pellatum.   An  indigenous  herb  belonging to the  Natural family
    Berberidacea,  and  to the Linnaean  class  and  order Polyandria
    Monogynia.
      Botanical Characters.—Root, perennial, creeping, jointed, the radicals
    at the joint; Stem about [a foot high, smooth, two  leaved, flower, white
    solitary, nodding, growing from the insertion of the petioles.
      Physical Properties.—The dried root comes in pieces of the
    thickness of a writing  quill, wrinkled, jointed, brown externally, in-
    ternally of a lighter colour.  The taste is first sweetish, and then bit-
    ter and slightly  acrid ; when powdered it has a faint odour, but has
    no smell when whole.
     Chemical Properties.—Mr. Hodgson has discovered in Podophyllum
    a peculiar principle Podophylline.  It is in shining, pale brown, scales,
    having a bitter taste.
      Therapeutical Effects.—Podophyllum has long  been known as
    an active purgative, and has been much used in some sections of our
    country.   It bears considerable  resemblance to Jalap, like it produc-
    ing free, watery, evacuations, but is thought by some to produce more
    griping than that article.
      Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder gr. x. to Qi.  Ex-
    tractum Podophylli  U.  S.  prepared  in the same manner as the  ex-
    tract of Cinchona.]

      PoTASSiE acetas, [U. S.] D. L. E.  Acetate of Potash.
     Preparation.—Dub.—" Add gradually to any quantity of carbonate  of
    potash prepared from  crystals of Tartar, about five times its weight of dis-
    tilled vinegar of a medium heat; when the effervescence shall have ceased,
    and the liquor have given off vapours for some time, add by degrees  dis-
    tilled vinegar, until all effervescence shall cease; the dry salt produced by
    evaporation, is to be liquefied by cautiously raising the heat; dissolve the
    cooled salt in water,  filter and evaporate, until  it becomes on  cooling  a
    white  crystalline  mass; keep in  well-closed bottles."  The London  and
    Edinburgh Colleges direct it to be  prepared by dissolving; the former, ibj.
    of carbonate of potash in, acetic acid, fgxxvi., and distilled water, f§xij.;
    the latter, §vij. or a sufficiency of dry carbonate of  potash in  Oiss.  of 
CATHARTICS.
89
    pyroligneous acid, so as to neutralize it, straining and evaporating with  a
    cautious heat the liquor, so as to obtain on cooling a crystalline mass.

       Physical  Properties.—Masses  of white, needle-shaped, satiny
    crystals, odourless when dry, but emitting a faint acetous odour when
    moistened ; they have a pungent, somewhat acrid  but cooling taste;
    and are soapy to the touch.  Sp. gr. 2*10.
       Chemical  Properties.—It is composed of 1 eq. of potassa, and  1
    of anhydrous  acetic acid, (KO, C4H30  )  ; it deliquesces on exposure
     to the air, and is very soluble  both in water, and in alcohol; by heat
    it is fused, and if  the  heat be increased is decomposed, pyroacetic
f   spirit being driven off and carbonate of potash left.
       This salt is not liable to adulteration ;  it should be snow-white.
       Therapeutical Effects.—Scarcely ever used as a cathartic, never-
     theless in  sufficient doses  it operates effectually, producing watery
     evacuations, and is  therefore, independent  of its diuretic properties,
     well adapted  for dropsical diseases.
       Dose and Mode of Administration.—As a cathartic, 3ij« to  3iij*i
     dissolved in a large quantity of water.
       Incompatibles.—The mineral acids,  and their  soluble salts;  and
     tartaric acid.

       PotasS-E bisulphas, D. L. E.  Bisulphate of Potash.

       Preparation.—Dub.—" Commercial sulphuric acid, two parts; carbonate
     of potash from potashes, a sufficiency;  water, six parts ; saturate the carbo-
     nate of potash with one part of the sulphuric acid mixed with the water, then
     add the other part of the sulphuric acid, and  evaporate the liquor so that
     crystals may form by cooling."  Lond. Edin.—" Take of the salt which re-
     mains after the distillation of nitric acid, Ibij.; sulphuric acid (of commerce,
     E.), Ibj. (f§vij. 131-i F.); boiling water, Ovj.; dissolve the salt in the water,
     add the acid, and mix.  Then concentrate the solution, and set it aside, that
     crystals may be formed."

       Physical  Properties.—In  minute, transparent crystals which be-
     long to the  right  prismatic system ;  odourless, with a very acid and
     bitter taste.  Sp. gr. 2-163.
        Chemical Properties,—It  is composed of 2 eq. of sulphuric acid,
     1 of potassa, and 1 of water, (HO, SO3 -f- KO, SO3) ; the excess of
     acid acting upon metals and alkaline bases very much as if it were free.
     The crystals are permanent in the air, and are soluble  in about twice
     their weight  of water at 60° ; the solution has a strongly acid reaction.
     By a red heat, the water of crystallization and half the acid are expelled,
     and sulphate of potash remains.
        Therapeutical Effects.—Rarely employed in medicine ; it ope-
     rates as a mild cathartic,  and as its after effects are tonic, it may  be
     used with advantage in debilitated  habits ; combined with rhubarb it
     conceals much of its nauseous  taste, and promotes its cathartic  pro-
     perties.   Dr. Barker proposed a solution of 73 grs. of this salt, mixed
     with a solution of 72 grs. of carbonate of soda as a cheap effervescing
     purgative draught, but it forms an extremely nauseous compound.
        Dose and Mode of Adminstraton.—3ss. to 3iss. dissolved in from
     fgiij. to f§vj. of water.
        Incompatibles.—Alkalies; earths, and  their carbonates ; metallic
     salts ; and tartaric acid.
                                    8* 
90
cathartics.
   Potassa bitartras, [U. S.] D. L. E.   Tartari crystalli,  D.
 Bitartrate of Potash; Crystals of Tartar;  Crude Tartar;  Cream of
 Tartar.

   Preparation.—Bitartrate of potash is an article of the Materia Medica;
 it is obtained by dissolving and recrystallizing  argol, an obscurely crystal-
 line substance, which concretes on the inside of casks in which new wine has
 been kept; this constitutes the crystalli tartari of the Dub. Phar.  A purer
 salt is procured by redissol ving these crystals, evaporating the solution slowly,
 and removing the crust as it forms on the surface, whence the  name cream
 of tartar.

   Physical Properties.—This salt is met with in the form either of
 a fine white powder, or a semi-transparent crystalline mass, the crystals
 being oblique rhombic prisms;  it is without odour, but has an agreeable
 acid taste.  Sp. gr. 1*953.
   Chemical Properties.—It is  composed  of 1 eq. of potassa, 2 of
 tartaric acid, combined in the crystalline  state with 1 of water, (HO,
 KO, H4C8010); it is unalterable in the  air, is soluble in 184 parts of
 water at 68°, and in 18 parts of boiling water, the solution  having a
 strongly acid reaction.   By heat the salt is decomposed, and converted
 into a compound of charcoal and carbonate of potash, (Black Flux).
   Adulterations.—This salt in the state of powder  is very  much adul-
 terated ; the substances commonly employed for this purpose are, finely
 powdered  marble, alum, bisulphate of potash, and wheaten flour  or
 starch.  The tests of the Ed.  Ph. will detect any of these impurities;
 " Entirely soluble in 40 parts of boiling water.  Grs. xl. in solution are
 neutralized with gr. xxx. of crystallized carbonate of soda ; and when
 then precipitated with gr. lxx. of nitrate of lead, the liquid remains pre-
 cipitable by more of the test."
   Therapeutical Effects.—In full doses, cream of tartar operates
 as  an active  cathartic, producing many watery evacuations without
 much irritation.   It is seldom  prescribed  singly, but, in general, with
 some of the milder vegetable cathartics.  Thus, combined with sulphur
 in the form of electuary, it is an  exceedingly useful purgative in he-
 morrhoidal affections and in skin diseases ; and with jalap,  it forms an
 excellent cathartic in dropsies.
   Dose  and Mode of Administration.—5iij. to  3vj. made into an
 electuary with honey or treacle.   Its solubility in water may be much
 increased,  without impairing its medicinal activity, by adding to it a
 fourth of its weight of boracic acid.—Effervescing aperient with cream
 of tartar;  (Cream of tartar, 3iij.; carbonate of soda, in  crystals,
 3iiss. ;  water, fgviij).   For one dose.
   Incompatibles.—The mineral  acids;  the alkalies;  lime water;
 the carbonates of potash and of soda ; acetate of lead ; and magnesia,
 and its sulphate.

   Potass.e sulphas, [U. S.] D. L. E.  Sulphate of Potash.

  Preparation.—Dub.—" Dissolve the salt which  remains after the distil-
lation of nitric acid in a sufficiency  of water ;  add of  carbonate of potash
from potashes, sufficient to saturate  the superabundant acid ; evaporate the
filtered liquor that crystals may  be formed."   Lond.—" Take  of the salt
which  remains after the distillation of nitric  acid, Ibij. ; boiling water,
cong. ij.; ignite the salt in a crucible until the  excess of sulphuric acid is 
cathartics.                         91
entirely expelled, then boil it in the water until a pellicle floats, and the
liquor being strained, set it aside that crystals may be formed.   The liquor
being poured off, dry them."  Edin.—" Take of the residuum  of the pre-
paration of pure nitric acid, ibij.; boiling water, cong. ij.; white marble in
powder, a sufficiency.  Dissolve the salt in the water; add the marble grad-
ually till  effervescence ceases,  and  the solution is completely neutralized;
filter the liquid, and evaporate it till a pellicle forms on its surface; then set
it aside to cool and form crystals."

  Physical  Properties.—A solid white salt,  crystallizing usually
in single or double six-sided prisms, terminated by six-sided  pyramids;
inodorous, with a slightly bitter saline  taste.   The  crystals are very
hard, and are therefore  employed in pharmacy for triturating and di-
viding vegetable powders.  Sp. gr. 2*4.
   Chemical Properties.—It is composed of 1 eq. of potassa, and 1
of sulphuric acid, (KO, SO3  ;) is unalterable in the air ; heated it de-
crepitates, and at a strong red heat fuses, but is not decomposed ;  it
requires 9 parts of water at 60°,  and 5 of boiling water for its  solu-
tion, but is insoluble in alcohol.
    Adulterations.—Sulphate of potash is seldom adulterated in this
country  ; on the continent, however, it has been  often found to con-
tain sulphates of copper, of  zinc, or of iron, and  in  some instances
corrosive sublimate.   The best tests of its purity are, the neutrality of
the solution  and its not precipitating with gallic  acid, with ammonia,
with hydrosulphate of ammonia or  with sulphate  of silver.
   Therapeutical Effects.—In doses of from two to four drachms,
this salt has  occasionally produced  symptoms of irritant poisoning  ;
it is nevertheless a mild cathartic generally operating effectually, and
with scarcely any disturbance of the system, but on account of its lit-
tle solubility it is not much  employed  alone.  It  is not adapted for
children, as  it is apt to  produce vomiting if given  to them  even in a
moderate dose.  Sulphate of potash is an excellent purgative for fe-
males after delivery, when it is wished to diminish the secretion of imlk.
    Dose  and  Mode of  Administration.—3i- to 3iv. dissolved in
warm water, or  in powder combined with rhubarb.—Potassa sulphas
cum sulphure, E.   (Nitrate of potash  ; and sulphur, equal parts  ;
mix thoroughly, and project  in small  successive  portions  into a red-
hot crucible ; when the deflagration is over and the salt has  cooled, re-
duce it to powder, and preserve in well-closed bottles.)  A mild ca-
thartic,  much more  soluble  than the  plain sulphate.   Dose, 3ss.  to

   Incompatibles.—Nitric, and muriatic acids; tartaric acid ; chloride
of calcium ; chloride of barium ; the acetate, and diacetate of lead ; ni-
trate of silver ; corrosive sublimate ; and sulphate of magnesia.

   Potassje tartras, [U. S.] D. L. E.  Tartrate of Potash.

  Preparation.—Dub.—" Carbonate  of potash  from potashes, 5 parts; bi-
tartrate of potash, 14 parts;  boiling water, 45 parts; to  the carbonate of
potash dissolved in water, add gradually the bitartrate of potash in very
fine powder ;  evaporate  the liquor, previously filtered through  paper, and
set it'aside that crystals may be formed by cooling."  Lond. Edin.—" Bi-
tartrate of potash, in powder, ibiij.; carbonate of potash, |xvj.  (or a suffi-
ciency, L.;) boiling water, Ovi.; dissolve the carbonate in the boiling water,
then add the bitartrate (till the liquor is neutralized, E.;) and boil.   Filter 
92
CATHARTICS.
the liquor, and concentrate by boiling till a pellicle floats on the surface, and
set it aside that crystals may be formed.   The liquor being poured off) dry
these, and again evaporate the liquor that crystals may be produced."

  Physical Properties.—A  solid, white salt, crystalline, but gene-
rally met with in the form of a granular powder; the  crystals are
small right rhombic prisms.  It is inodorous, and has a cooling saline
taste.   Sp.  gr. 1*556.
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed of 1  eq. of potassa, and 1
of tartaric acid, (KO, C8H4010 ;) it attracts moisture in a damp at-
mosphere, but does not deliquesce ; exposed to heat it is decomposed,
and converted into  a compound of carbonate  of potash and  charcoal.
It is soluble in an equal weight of cold water, whence the name  solu-
ble tartar is applied to it ;  it is likewise  soluble in  alcohol.
  Adulterations.—This salt is not unfrequently adulterated with the
bitartrate, which  may be known by  its not  being soluble in its own
weight  of water at 50°.  It also sometimes contains carbonate or sul-
phate of potash or chloride of potassium ; any of which may be detect-
ed " by the precipitates occasioned in it by chloride of barium or ace-
tate  of lead not being soluble in dilute nitric acid ;"   Lond. Ph.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—A mild but  efficient purgative, not
much employed in the present day.   By accelerating the operation of
the resinous purgatives, it corrects their griping properties.
  Dose and  Mode of  Administration.—3ij. to 5x. in solution.
  Incompatibles.—All acids, and most acidulous salts ; lime water ;
chloride of calcium ; nitrate of silver; and acetate of lead.

  Pruna, L. E. [Prunum,  U.  S.]   Prunus domestica, fructus sic-
catus, D.   Prunes.   The dried  fruit of Prunus  domestica.   The
plum tree, originally a  native  of Syria, is now cultivated  extensively
in the temperate  regions of Europe, and in the  British Isles ; it be-
longs to the Natural  family  Rosacea (Drupacea, Lindley,) and to
the Linnaean class and order Icosandria Monogynia.  The fruit dried
in the  sun  constitutes prunes; they  are imported principally from
Bourdeaux.  Prunes are mildly laxative, and are sometimes added to
infusion of senna to conceal its nauseous taste.   They enter into the
composition of the electuary of senna of the pharmacopoeias.

  Rhamni baccje, E.   Rhamnus, L.   Rhamnus catharticus baccjs,
D.   Buckthorn berries.  Fruit of Rhamnus  catharticus.  An indige-
nous shrub, belonging to  the  Natural family Rhamnacea, and to the
Linnaean class and order Pentandria Monogynia,

  Botanical Characters.—Stems about ten feet high, branching, spiny;
Leaves, ovate, sharply serrated; Flowers small, yellowish-green, dioecious
Fruit, a berry.                                      °    '        '

  Physical  Properties.—The berries  are  about  the size of  peas,
black, shining, four-seeded, with a green juicy parenchyma;  they have
an  acrid, nauseous taste, and when  bruised, emit  a  faint unpleasant
odour.   The juice is preserved in the form of syrup.
  Chemical Properties.—The juice consists of a peculiar colouring
matter, acetic acid, mucilage, sugar, and  nitrogenous matter.   The 
cathartics.                       93
nature of its purgative principle is unknown.   By evaporating to dry-
ness the juice mixed with lime or with alum, the pigment, sapgreen is
obtained.
   Adulterations.—The berries  of the Rhamnus frangula are often
substituted for, or mixed with buckthorn berries, they may be detected
by having only two seeds.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—The fresh berries or their expressed
juice operate  as  powerful cathartics, producing many watery evacua-
tions ; but in  consequence of the severity of their operation frequently
accompanied by severe tormina, thirst, and distressing nausea, although
in former days much vaunted  in the treatment of dropsy, they are at
present scarcely  ever used.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Of the fresh berries, 10 to
20.—Syrupus Rhamni, D.  L. E.  (Fresh juice of the berries,  by
measure Ibiiss. (Oiv., L.  E.) ; ginger, sliced ; and  pimento, bruised
(powdered, L.), of each, 3"j- (3vj. L.  E.); let the juice rest (for 3
days, L. E.),  that the dregs may subside, and strain.  Macerate for
24 (4, L. E.)  hours the pimento and ginger in §x. (Oi. L. E.) of the
 strained  juice, and filter ;  boil down  the rest of the juice to Ibj.  by
measure  (Oiss. L.  E.), and with sugar (ibiv. L. E.) form the whole
into syrup).   Dose, f§ss. to f§i.

   Rheum, D.  L.  E. [U. S.]   Rhubarb ;  Root of Rheum palmatum,
and Rheum undulatum, D.—Root of Rheum palmatum,  L.—Root of
an undetermined species of Rheum, E.   [The root of Rheum Palmatum
and other species of Rheum, U. S.]  The exact species of the genus
Rheum, from which the different varieties of Rhubarb  met with in
commerce are obtained, is as yet unknown.   They inhabit the northern
regions  of Asia, from the shores of the Caspian Sea to the Chinese
wall, and are cultivated in most of the countries of Europe.  The genus
is placed in the Natural family Polygonacea, and in the Linnaean class
and  order Enneandria Monogynia.   Besides the species  mentioned iu
the Pharmacopoeias, the following have been referred  to by different
authorities as  yielding rhubarb of one kind or another; viz.—R. rha-
ponticum; R.  compactum; R. Emodi; R. Webbianum y R. Spiciforme;
R. Moorcroftianum;  R. crassinervium;  R- leucorrhizum, <J-c

   Botanical Characters.—All the species are characterized by having a
perennial root, whiclfsends up annual root leaves, usually very large, deeply
incised and wavy at "the edges, generally cordate; a herbaceous flowering
stem, from two  to four feet high;  Flowers small; calyx, petaloid, six-parted,
withering.
   Preparation.—The root is dug up when the plant is five or six years old,
washed, scraped, and cut into various sized pieces to facilitate the drying;
the pieces are then pierced, strung upon cords, and dried differently in various
localities; sometimes on stone  tables heated beneath by a[fire,  sometimes in
the sunshine, sometimes slowly under sheds by a current  of air, while in
Tartary, the Moguls are said to hang them about their tents or on the horns
of their sheep
   Physical Properties.—Three varieties of rhubarb are ordinarily
met with in British trade, each of which we shall consider separately,
viz.—Russian, Chinese or East Indian, and English  Rhubarb.
   1.  Russian  Rhubarb ; Turkey Rhubarb ; it is met with in irregular
shaped pieces, from an inch to three inches in breadth, roundish, some- 
94
CATHARTICS.
times flattened on one side, angular, heavy, of a bright-yellow colour,
without any traces of epidermis;  generally perforated with conical, not
cylindrical holes, in some pieces extending completely, in others only
partially through their substance  ; internally they are compact, beauti-
fully marbled with yellow, red, and white streaks or points.   The odour
is strong and  peculiar;  the taste -is  bitter  and faintly  astringent;
chewed, it feels gritty under the  teeth owing to the  presence of crys-
tals of the oxalate of lime, and it tinges the saliva yellow ;  it may be
readily pulverized;  the powder  is of a bright yellow colour.  This
description of rhubarb is collected by the Bucharians on the mountains
of Tartary, brought by them to the Russian town of Kiachta for barter,
whence it is conveyed  to St. Petersburgh, where it is sorted, packed
into boxes or cases which are covered on the outside with a hide, and
then exported  to  the different countries of Europe  and to the British
Isles.
   2.  Chinese, or East Indian Rhubarb, is  met with in globular or
flat pieces, rounded, not angular  on  the surface, of  a brownish-yellow
colour, usually presenting some traces of epidermis ;  somewhat heavier
than  Russian rhubarb ; perforated with cylindrical holes, in many of
which are found pieces  of cord by which the roots were suspended
while being dried ; internally they are close and compact, marbled and
spotted yellowish-brown and whitish ; the odour is somewhat stronger
than that of  Russian rhubarb, the taste similar; the powder is not of
so bright a colorar.  This  description  is the product of the northern
provinces of China ; it is imported in chests directly from Canton or
by way of Singapore.
   3.  English Rhubarb.   Two kinds are  commonly met with.—-1st.
 Stick Rhubarb ; which occurs in pieces, about five or six inches long,
and half an inch  in diameter, round, striated, of a dirty yellowish-
brown colour externally, blackish internally with reddish  streaks; its
 odour is faint, and its taste astringent, not  gritty.—2nd.  Trimmed
 Rhubarb; this sort is  often sold for Turkey rhubarb, which it is pre-
pared to represent; its texture, however, is in general soft and spongy,
it has a pinkish hue, is mucilaginous, and is pulverised with difficulty;
 its taste  is astringent, its odour faint, and it is not gritty under the
 teeth, containing but few crystals of oxalate of lime.
   The following sorts  of rhubarb are of such rare  occurrence in the
 English market, that a mere mention  of them will suffice :—French
 rhubarb, Bucharian rhubarb,  Siberian rhubarb, Canton-stick rhubarb,
 and Himalayan rhubarb.
   Chemical  Properties.—According to the most  complete analysis,
 that  of Brandes in 1836, rhubarb consists of a peculiar principle,
 named by him  Rhabarberic  acid  (Rhein,  Rheumin, Rhabarberin,
 Caphopicrite, Chrysophanic acid, of other chemists), gallic and tannic
 acids, uncrystallizable  sugar, starch, gummy extractive, colouring ex.
 tractive, pectic acid,  malate  and gallate of lime,  oxalate of lime,
 inorganic salts, silica,  iron,  and  woody fibre.  Rhabarberic acid, the
 active principle of rhubarb, was obtained by  its discoverer in the pro-
 portion of 2 per cent in a pure, and 10 per  cent in an impure form.
 Rhubarb yields its active principles to both cold and boiling water, to
 proof spirit, to alcohol, and to ether.
   Adulterations.—The inferior sorts, especially British  rhubarb, are
 frequently mixed, or substituted  for,  the finer kinds; the  fraud may 
                           cathartics.                        95

be detected by attending to  the characters  given above for the differ-
ent varieties.   Powdered  Turkey  or  East India  rhubarb,  is very
generally adulterated with  British  rhubarb ;  the  sophistication is
difficult of detection, but the fresh powder  of the finer sorts is always
of a bright yellow colour.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Rhubarb acts upon the whole tract of
the  digestive canal  as a mild  tonic, cathartic, and  astringent.   In
small doses, it manifests its tonic properties only, promoting the di-
gestive process as indicated by increased appetite and an improvement
in the quality of the alvine  secretions.  In full doses, it operates as a
mild cathartic, stimulating to increased activity the muscular coat of
the whole of the intestinal canal, more especially that of the duodenum,
but scarcely, if at all, augmenting the secretions.  Its astringent pro-
perty is manifested after the cathartic action has ceased, constipation
usually following its purgative effects.  The combination of these pro-
perties, as well as the safety and mildness of its  operation,  renders
rhubarb a remedy of much value  in many  diseases.  Thus in  the
treatment of the early stages of the diarrhoea of irritation, it is the
most efficacious purgative we can employ ; it is also peculiarly adapted
as a cathartic for  infancy and childhood, and as a general laxative for
persons with enfeebled digestion, and in all cases  of debility of the
 digestive organs.  For the same reason rhubarb is inadmissible in the
treatment of febribe  and inflammatory affections.  Rhubarb is absorb-
ed in the course of  its operation, and its  peculiar odour and yellow
colouring matter may be  recognised in the urine, in the sweat, in the
serum of the blood, and in the milk of nurses, to the latter of which it
parts a purgative property.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—In  powder, as a stomachic
tonic, gr. v. to gr. x.; as a cathartic, 9i.  to 9ij.  A few drops of the
essential oil of nutmegs rubbed up  with powdered  rhubarb  mask its
disagreeable odour.—Pulvis  Rhei compositus, E.   (Magnesia, Ibi. ;
ginger,  in  fine  powder, |ij. ;   rhubarb,  in fine powder, §iv. ;  mix
thoroughly, and preserve in well closed  bottles).  A useful  antacid
purgative, commonly known as Gregory's powder;  Dose, for children,
 gr. v.  to gr.  xij.;  for adults, 3ss. to 3i-—Extractum Rhei, D. L.
 (Rhubarb, bruised (powdered,  L.), Ibi.  (§xv. L.) ; proof spirit, by
 measure ibj.  (Oj.,'L.); distilled water,  by measure ibvij.   (Ovij.,
 L.) ; macerate for four days (with a gentle heat, L.),  filter, and allow
 the dregs to subside ; pour off the clear liquor and evaporate (when
 strained, L.) to a  proper  consistence).—E.  (Rhubarb, ibj. ; water,
 Ov.; cut the rhubarb into small fragments, macerate for 24 hours  in
 Oiij. of the water; filter through a cloth, express moderately ;  macerate
 the residuum with the rest  of the water for 12 hours, filter with the
 same cloth  as before and express the residuum strongly.  The liquors,
 again filtered if necessary,  are then to be  evaporated to a proper  con-
 sistence in  the vapour bath):  Dose, gr. x. to 3ss.—Pilula Rhei, E.
 [U. S.] (Rhubarb, in fine powder, 9 parts ; acetate of potash, 1 part;
 conserve of red roses, 5 parts; beat into  a proper mass).   [Take  of
 Rhubarb in powder, 3vj- ; Soap 3ij-  Beat them into water into a mass,
 to be divided into   120 pills.  U.  S.]    Dose, gr. v. to gr. xv.—
 Pilula Rhei composita, L. E.  [U.  S.] (Rhubarb, in  fine powder, §j.
 (12 parts, E.) ; aloes, powdered, 3vj. (9 parts, E.); myrrh, powdered,
 |ss. (6 parts, E.) ; soap, 3»- (6 parts, E.); (oil of caraway, f3ss., L.; 
96
CATHARTICS.
 oil of peppermint, 1 part, E.) ; (syrup, q. s., L.; conserve of red roses,
 5 parts,  E.) ;  mix  and beat together till  incorporated ;  " and  divide
 into five-grain  pills-  This pill may be also  made without oil of pepper-
 mint, when so preferred," E.);  [The formula of the  U. S. P. is
 similar to that of the L. P., except that it  omits the soap and substi-
 tutes oil of peppermint for caraway and syrup of orange peel for simple
 syrup.]    Mildly  tonic and purgative,  Dose,   gr.  v.  to  9i.—
 Pilula Rhei et Ferri, E. (Dried sulphate of iron, 4 parts; extract of
 rhubarb,  10 parts; conserve of red roses,  5 parts; beat  them into a
 proper mass and divide it into five grain pills.)   Tonie and  laxative,
 useful in chlorosis; Dose, gr. x. to  gr. xv.—Infusum Rhei, [U. S.]
 D. L. E.  (Rhubarb, sliced (in  coarse  powder, E.), 3i-  (3iij-  L. £i
 E.); boiling (distilled, L.) water, by measure Ibss. (Oss.  U.  S.) (Oi.
 L. fgxviij. E.); macerate (digest, D.) for 2 hours in a vessel lightly
 covered (12 hours, and add f§ij., of spirit of cinnamon, E.), and strain).
 Stomachic and very mildly laxative, a useful vehicle for  more active
 purgatives, Dose, f§i. to f§iv.—Tinctura Rhei, E. [U. S.] (Rhubarb,
 in moderately fine powder, giiiss.  [§iij., U.S.]; cardamom seeds, bruised,
 §ss.; proof spirit, Oij. ; mix the rhubarb and cardamoms, and proceed
 by the process of percolation as  directed for  tincture  of cinchona; or
 it may be prepared by digestion.)  A cordial purgative, employed as
 an addition to  cathartic mixtures in doses of f3i., to  f3iij.—Tinctura
 Rhei composita, D.  L. (Rhubarb, sliced,  §ij. (|iiss., L).; liquorice,
 bruised,  §ss. (3vi.,  L.); saffron, 3ij- (3iij-> L-); (cardamom seeds,
 freed from their capsules and bruised, §ss., D.; ginger, sliced, 3iij-> L-)i
 proof spirit, by measure ibij.  (Oij.,  L.); macerate for 7 (14, L. )days
 and filter).  Uses and dose same as  last preparation.—Tinctura Rhei
 et Alois, E.  (Rhubarb, in moderately fine powder, §iss.;  Socotrine or
 East Indian  aloes, in moderately fine powder, 3vi. ; cardamom-seeds,
 bruised,  3v. ;  proof spirit, Oij. ;  mix the powders and proceed as for
 tincture   of cinchona).  A cordial purgative; Dose, f§ss. to f§i.—
 Vinum Rhei, E. (Rhubarb, in coarse powder, §v. ; canella, in coarse
 powder,  3ij- ;  proof spirit, fgv. ;  sherry, Oi. fgxv. ; digest for 7 days,
 strain, express strongly, and filter).  Stomachic and purgative ; Dose,
 f3ij. to f§i.—Syrupus Rhei, P. (Rhubarb, 90 parts; cold  water, 500
 parts; macerate for 12 hours, strain with expression, filter,  and dis-
 solve in the liquor twice its weight of sugar).  Dose, fgss. to f§i.
   Incompatibles.—With the infusion—Ammonia; carbonate of pot-
 ash ; lime water ; the mineral acids ; acetate of lead; tartar  emetic ;
 corrosive sublimate ; the sesquisalts of iron ; and astringent vegetable
 infusions  or decoctions.

   Ricini  oleum, [U.  S.] L.  E.   Ricinus communis, oleum  b
 seminibus ; D. Castor oil; Oil expressed from the seeds of  Ricinus
 communis.  The castor oil tree  is a  native  of Africa  and the East
 Indies ; it is cultivated at present very extensively in the West Indies,
 and in North and South America; it also grows in the South of Eu-
 rope  and  in the British  Isles.   It belongs to  the  Natural  family
 Euphorbiacea,  and to the Linnaean class and order Monozcia Monadel-
phia.

  Botanical  Characters.—In northern countries, a  herbaceous annual
 seldom exceeding 3 or 4 feet in height, in warm climates it  becomes an
 arborescent perennial, attaining a height of 20 to 30 feet; Leaves,  large, of 
cathartics.                        97
a dull green colour, shining, palmate, deeply cut into acute lobes, serrated;
Flowers, in terminal panicles, glaucous-green, monoecious;  Fruit, a  three-
celled capsule covered with spines, each cell containing one seed; the seeds
are oval, about three lines broad, four lines long,  and a line  and  a half
thick;  the seed coat is pale grey, marbled with blackish and yellowish-
brown spots and stripes ; it encloses a thick, fleshy, oily nucleus,  within
which is a large, dicotyledonous leafy embryo.
   Preparation.—The fixed oils of the seeds, which alone is officinal, is ob-
tained by expression with or without the aid of heat, the seed  coats being
usually first  removed; that  obtained without  heat, is called  cold drawn
castor oil, and bears the highest character.  This is the process followed in
the West Indies, and for the finer qualities of oil in the East; more general-
ly, however,  in the East  Indies, the seeds are boiled  in  water, dried and
bruised, and again boiled in water till the oil separates and floats on the
surface.   In  North America, the seeds are heated and pressed,  and the oil
thus obtained is boiled with water to free it from  impurities.  The seeds
yield about 30 per cent of oil.

   Physical Properties.—Castor oil is a viscid oily liquid, of a very
 pale straw  colour (inferior  sorts are  deep yellow), having a  faint
 slightly nauseous odour, and a mild greasy taste.   Sp. gr.  0  969.
   Chemical Properties.—According to the analysis  of  Bussy and
 Lecanu, it is a compound of three fatty acids, ricinic, elaiodic, and
 margaritic.  Its  ultimate  constituents according  to Ure,  are 74 per
 cent of carbon, 1029 of hydrogen, and 15*71 of oxygen.   Exposed to
 a cold a little below 32°, it becomes thick and turbid, at 0°  it congeals
 into a transparent yellow mass;  by exposure  to the air  it thickens
 and dries without becoming opaque, and  hence  is called a drying oil;
 it is decomposed by a heat above 500°.  Castor oil is soluble in ether
 and in cold alcohol; the latter property is not possessed by any other
 fixed  oil with  which  we  are acquainted except  concrete palm oil.
 East  Indian castor oil is the kind principally employed at present in
 the British Isles;  West Indian  castor oil  is  not imported  ;  and
 American  castor  oil is but little  esteemed by druggists,  (although
 equally efficacious as a medicine  and free from any unpleasant flavour),
 in consequence of its becoming turbid  in cold  weather and  throwing
 down a copious deposit of white fatty crystals.
    Adulterations.—The adulteration of castor oil with other fixed oils,
 a fraud more frequently practised in former days than at present, may
 be readily detected by its solubility in alcohol ; pure castor  oil being
 entirely dissolved  by its own volume of alcohol.  It should  be also free
 from any rancid odour, or acrid taste.
    Therapeutical Effects.—Castor oil is a mild but effectual cathar-
 tic, operating soon after it has been taken, without pain or  uneasiness,
 producing three or four thin, feculent, not  watery evacuations ; these
 properties adapt it for all  cases in which we desire td^evacuate the
. contents of the intestinal canal, without producing abdominal irritation
 or general disturbance of the system.   The only objection to its em-
 ployment is its disagreeable greasy taste, in consequence  of which it
 frequently occasions nausea and vomiting.   The  following are  a few
 of the cases in which its use as a cathartic is  particularly indicated;
 inflammatory or  spasmodic diseases of  the  intestinal canal or  of the
 urino-genital  apparatus;  hemorrhoidal affections ;  stricture  of the
 rectum ; during pregnancy and after delivery ; in diseases of infancy
 and childhood ; after surgical operations about the pelvis or  abdomen, 
98
CATHARTICS.
&c.  If castor oil be at all rancid it becomes very  acrimonious, caus-
ing much irritation, and sometimes even troublesome diarrhoea.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—fgss. to f§ij., by the mouth
or in the form of enema; it is best taken floating  on  the surface of
water to which some aromatic tincture, as of cascarilla, or of orange
peel, has been added ; or it may be made into an emulsion with yolk
of egg or  with mucilage.   M. Parola has recently proposed the sub-
stitution of an ethereal or alcoholic tincture of castor-oil seeds for the
oil  itself.   He states as the result  of numerous trials he has made,
that the tinctures are four times as strong as the oil, than which they
are less irritant and less apt to produce vomiting.  The tinctures (for
which M. Parola does not  give any formula) may be readily prepared
by  macerating §viij. of the  seeds,  freed  from the seed-coats and
bruised, in Oj. of  rectified spirit or of ether for 7 days and  filtering;
the dose of either would be from f3ij- to fSiij-—Castor oil purgative
emulsion, P. (Castor oil,  f|i.; yolk of  egg,  1;  mint water,  fijss.;
water,  f§ij. ;  simple syrup, f§j. ; mix).   Sufficient for  one dose.—
Castor-oil draught,  Righini.   (Gum arabic,  in  fine  powder, 3ij- i
pure  water, fgiij. ; make  a mucilage with a small quantity  of the
water; and add, of castor oil, f§j. ;  mix carefully and pour in the rest
of the water with  constant agitation ; and finally  add the filtered juice
of one  orange and f§j. of simple syrup).  The nauseous taste of the
oil  is completely concealed in this draught, the only objection to which
is its bulk.

  Sambucus nigra, D. L. E.  The Common Elder.—Elder flowers
are officinal in the three pharmacopoeias ; the berries, and inner  bark
of  the stem are  also officinal in  the Dublin Pharmacopoeia.  It is a
small, indigenous tree, belonging to the Natural family Caprifoliacea,
and to the Linnaean class  and order Pentandria Digynia.   The inner
bark possesses cathartic properties, but it is at present never employed.
It was used by Sydenham  and Boerrhave as a  hydragogue in passive
dropsies.   It is given  in  decoction, prepared by boiling §j.  of the
bark in Oij. of water, down to Oj.   The dose of this decoction is from
f§ij. to fgiv.

  Scammonium, [U.  S.] D. L.  E.  Scammony; Gum-resin obtained
from Convolvulus scammonia.  A native of Greece, ahd various parts
of the Levant, where it is found growing  in hedges and bushy places.
It is placed in the Natural family  Convolvulacea,  and  in the Linnaean
class and order Pentandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Root, very thick, fusiform, fleshy, abounding
in a milky juice ; Stems, smooth, herbaceous, climbing; Leaves, pointed,
hastate; Flowers, on long, solitary'peduncles, yellowish, with purple stripes.
  Preparation.—The inspissated juice of the root, which constitutes scam-
mony, is procured as  follows :—The earth having been cleared away, the
top of the root is sliced off obliquely about two inches below where the stems
spring from it; as the juice flows out it is received in shells and exposed to
the air until it thickens; each root, although generally four feet in length, and
three or four inches in diameter, yields only about two drachms of scam-
mony.

   Physical Properties.—Fine  scammony, Virgin scammony, is in
amorphous masses, weighing from  two ounces to half a pound each, 
cathartics.
99
very porous, friable, and of an ash-grey colour externally; its fracture
is conchoidal, very resinous, porous, and of a dark greenish-black co-
lour ; the odour  is strong, peculiar, resembling somewhat that of old
cheese, heightened by being breathed on, and the taste is acrid and nau-
seous ; sp. gr. 1210.  This variety of scammony is scarce, and when met
with bears a very high price.   Scammony as it commonly occurs  is
an  impure article,  usually imported in boxes or  drums,  seldom  in
cakes ; it is heavier  than virgin scammony, more  compact, and of a
pale ash-grey colour ; its fracture is earthy, dull, not porous,  and of a
greyish-black colour, in some specimens presenting numerous  white
specks (chalk;) its odour and  taste are the same as of pure  scam-
mony^ sp.  gr.,  from l-276. to  1543.
   Chemical Properties.—According to Christison's analysis, fine spe-
cimens of virgin scammony consist of 81 to 83 per cent of resin, 6  to
8  per cent of gum, and some woody fibre, sand, moisture, and  some-
times a trace of starch.  In the best specimens which I have had an
opportunity of examining, I have found but 76 per cent of resin.  The
resin is the active principle of the drug ; it may be  readily obtained by
treating  scammony with sulphuric  ether and evaporating to  dryness,
or by the process of the Ed.  Ph., given below ; in mass it is of a red-
dish-yellow colour, clear and semitransparent,  its  powder is  pale
straw colour, it  is void of odour and taste when quite pure.  It is solu-
ble in alcohol,  ether, and  oil of turpentine, and  forms with unskim-
med milk  a fine uniform emulsion.   By the latter characteristic and
also by its solubility in  oil of turpentine it is  distinguished from resin
of jalap.
   Adulterations.—No  drug is more generally  and more uniformly
adulterated than scammony, it  is indeed very difficult to meet with it
in  a perfectly pure state.   And to so  great an extent is the adultera-
tion practised that in many specimens which I have examined  I have
frequently found not more than from 28 to 35 per cent of resin present.
The substances used to adulterate the drug, are chalk and flour, either
 separately or conjointly, guaiacum resin and  gum  tragacanth.  Chalk
 and flour may be readily detected ; the former, by the effervescence
 produced when  muriatic acid is dropped on a sniall fragment; the lat-
 ter by a cooled  and filtered decoction  of the powder being rendered
blue by tincture of iodine.  The adulteration  with  guaiacum resin has
been practised only within the last few years, but I have recently met
 with it in many samples.   Its presence may be discovered by pouring
 a few drops of an alcoholic tincture of scammony on the fresh-cut sur-
 face of a raw potato, when if guaiacum be present a blue colour will
 be produced ; or by exposing paper moistened with the tincture to ni-
 trous acid fumes (obtained by  pouring  a little nitric acid over some
 slips of copper,) which  will be rendered blue if this fraud has been
practised.    I have never  found tragacanth in scammony, but this so-
phistication is stated to have been recently detected  in one instance.
It may be discovered, by first separating the resin with sulphuric ether,
and then treating the residue with cold water, when if any gum traga-
canth be present a thick mucilage will be formed.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Scammony, when pure, is  a  powerful
cathartic,  operating as a direct irritant to the  intestinal mucuous mem-
brane, and producing copious watery evacuations.  It is well adapted
for cases of habitual constipation arising from a torpid state of  the in- 
100                       CATHARTICS.
 testinal canal, in passive dropsies, in apoplectic affections, and  as  an
 active purgative for children, for whom it is beneficially combined with
 calomel.   If there be any tendency to inflammation of the digestive or-
 gans, scammony is contraindicated as a cathartic.   From the difficulty
 of procuring the drug in a pure state, scammony has of late years fal-
 len into much disrepute.
   Dose and Mooe of Administration.—In powder, if the scammony
 be pure, for an  adult, gr. viij. to gr. x., but as usually met with, double
 that quantity; it should be prescribed in combination with some bland
 powder,  or made into  an emulsion  with milk.—Pulvis Scammonii
 compositus, D.  L.  (Scammony ; hard extract of jalap, of each, §ij.;
 ginger, §ss. ; rub separately to very fine powder, and  mix.)    Dose,
 for an adult, gr. x. to gr. xx. ; for a child, gr. iij. to gr.  v.—Extrac-
 tum sive Resina Scammonii, E.  (Take any  convenient quantity  of
 scammony in fine powder, boil it in  successive portions of proof spirit
 till the spirit ceases to dissolve any thing, filter, distil the liquid till
 little but  water  passes over, then  pour  away  the watery solution
 from the resin at  the bottom,  agitate the resin with successive por-
 tions of boiling water  till it is  well washed,  and lastly, dry  it at a
 temperature not above 240°.)   Dose, gr. ij. to gr. v. ; best adminis-
 tered according to the following formula.—Mistura Scammonii, E.
 (Resin of  scammony, gr. vij. ; unskimmed milk, f§iij.  ; triturate the
 resin with a little of the milk, and gradually with the rest of it till a
 uniform  emulsion be obtained.)   Intended for one  dose for an adult,
 but  much  too  powerful; I have always found gr.  v.,  triturated
 with  the  same  quantity of milk sufficient for the  most  obstinate bow-
 els.   This mixture cannot be  distinguished either  by  smell or taste
 from rich  new  milk, and consequently forms a very convenient pur-
 gative for children  in doses of fgss. to  fSjiss.—Electuarium (Confec-
 tio,  L.)  Scammonii, D.  L.   (Scammony, powdered,  §iss.; cloves,
 bruised ; ginger, powdered,  of each  3vj. ; oil  of caraway,  f5ss. ;
 syrup of  roses, q. s. ;  " pour  the syrup on the powders, then hav-
 ing added the oil of caraway, mix all thoroughly," D.  " Rub the
 dry  ingredients together to  very fine  powder, and preserve  them;
 then, whenever the  confection is  to  be used,  the  syrup  being
 gradually poured in, rub again ; lastly, the oil of caraway  being added,
 mix them all," L.)  A stimulating cathartic, but  seldom used ;  Dose,
 for an adult, 5ss. to 3i- ; for children,  gr. v. to gr.  xij.—Scammony
 biscuits,(Scammony resin, in  fine powder, 3i- ; castile  soap, gr. v.;
 white sugar, 9ij. ; reduce to  a fine powder and mix intimately withgi.
 of powdered biscuit; make into a stiff paste with a few drops of water;
 divide into portions  of  5i- each  and dry in the air.)   Each drachm
 contains gr. vi. of scammony resin.
   Incompatibles.—All acids.

   Senna, D. L. [U.  S.]   Leaves of Cassia Senna, D.—Of  Cassia
 lanceolata and Cassia obovata, L.—[Leaflets of Cassia acutifolia, Cas-
 sia obovata, and Cassia elongata, U. S.J—Senna Leaves.
   Senna  Alexandrina, E.  Leaves of various species of Cassia,
probably of Cassia lanceolata, of C. acutifolia, and of  C. obovata;
 Alexandrian senna.  As imported it also contains an abundant admix-
 ture of leaves of Cynanchum Argel, which ought to  be removed as far
as possible by picking. 
CATHARTICS.
101
   Senna Indica, E.  Leaves of Cassia elongata; East Indian Senna,
 var, Tinnivelly.
   Some  confusion  still  exists as to the species of the genus cassia
 which yield the senna leaves of commerce.  The Dublin College, in
 referring them to one species, has perpetuated the error of Linnaeus
 who confounded several together;  upon the whole the references of
 the Edinburgh  College appear  to be the most correct.  The various
 species are inhabitants of the North of Africa particularly Egypt, of
 Arabia, and of the Indian peninsula, where probably it has been intro-
 duced, and is now naturalized ;  they are also  cultivated in the  South
 of Europe, and in some  of the West Indian Islands.   The genus be-
 longs to the Natural family Leguminosa (Fabacea,-Lindley), and to the
 Linnaean class and order  Decandria Monogynia.

   Botanical Characters.—Shrubs or  herbs, frequently annual; Leaves,
 simply and abruptly pinnate ; petioles, frequently glanduliferous; Leaflets
 opposite ;  Sepals, five, more or less unequal; Petals, five, unequal; Stamens,
 ten, free, unequal; Ovary,  stalked, frequently arched; Legumes, various.
   Preparation.—Senna leaves are gathered by the Arab tribes in Ethiopia,
 Arabia Felix, Abyssinia, Nubia and Sennaar, where  the shrub is chiefly
 indigendus.  The harvest begins about the end of September; the branches
 are cut off the trees  and exposed to the  sun until the leaves bpgin to fade,
 when they are placed on high ground  and on rocks, so as to be dried as
 quickly as possible.   When quite dry, the branches are laid in heaps and
 beaten with sticks until the leaves fall off.  No account of the method fol-
 lowed in India for the preparation of Senna has been yet published ; but it
 is probably similar to that used in Egypt.

   Physical Properties.—--Three sorts of senna are commonly known
 in the English  Market, Alexandrian senna, Tripoli  senna, and  East
 Indian senna.  1st.—Alexandrian senna, the produce of Nubia and
 Upper Egypt, is imported in large bales and barrels from Alexandria ;
 it consists of  greyish-green leaflets usually much broken, mixed with
 the flowers and fruits of the various species from which  it is obtained ;
 there is also a large quantity, generally about a tenth of the weight, of
 the leaves, flowers, and fruit of the Cynanchum Argel; and sometimes
 a considerable number of pods, with  a few leaves of the Tephrosia
 apollinea.   The odour of Alexandrian senna is nauseous, but resembles
 in some respects that of tea;  the taste is viscid and nauseous.  2nd.—
 Tripoli  senna ;  It scarcely differs from that just described, for which
 it is indiscriminately sold  ; the leaflets are perhaps more broken down,
 smaller and of a greener colour, it seldom contains either Cynanchum
 or Tephrosia leaflets.  3rd.—East Indian Senna,  Tinnivelly senna;
 this occurs in large unbroken leaflets, from one to two inches long, and
 half an inch broad, thin and flexible, and of a fine green colour;  many
 of the leaflets, however, are blackish probably from imperfect drying ;
 both odour and taste are  similar to, but a little weaker than Alexan-
 drian senna.
  Chemical Properties.—According to M.M. Lassaigne and Feneulle,
Alexandrian senna  is composed  of  calhartin, chlorophylle, yellow
colouring matter, mucus, albumen, malic acid, and  some  salts.   Ca-
 thartin, supposed to be the purgative  principle, is an uncrystallizable,
deliquescent substance with a  peculiar odour, and  a bitter, nauseous
taste ;  it  is soluble in water  and in  alcohol, but insoluble in  ether.
                                9* 
102                       CATHARTIC8.
 Senna leaves yield their active properties to both cold and warm water,
 to proof spirit  and to alcohol; warm water extracts about a third of
 the weight of the leaves.
   Adulterations.—In Egyptian senna, as met with in British commerce,
 the only adulteration that is practised, has been before indicated, namely
 with Argel, and  sometimes with Tephrosia leaflets.  The former are
 readily distinguished by their paler yellowish colour, their coriaceous
 texture, their under surface being reticulated with veins, their upper
 surface somewhat rugose, and by their being equal-sided ;  the leaflets
 of all  the true sennas being unequal at the base.   Tephrosia leaflets
 are easily known by their silky surface,  and  by the lateral veins pro-
 ceeding parallel to each  other to the very edge of the leaf without
 ramifying.  Two other adulterations are common on the continent, but
 have been never met with, as far as I am aware, in the British market;
 one is with the leaflets of the  Colutea  arborescens  or bladder senna,
 which may be  at once distinguished by their regularity at the base;
 the other, a more serious fraud, in consequence  of  the poisonous pro-
 perty  of the  substance employed, is with the leaflets of the  Coriaria
 Myrtifolia ; they are known by presenting three very prominent longi-
 tudinal nerves, and chemically by their infusion producing with solution
 of sulphate of iron, a blackish precipitate (tannate  of iron), and with
 gelatin a heavy whitish precipitate, (tannate   of  gelatin).    Senna
 adulterated with the leaves of the Vaccinium  vitis-idaa, containing so
 much aB 75 per cent of them, has recently occurred in the French
 market; the fraud is one easily detected by the character  of the leaves,
 particularly by the reticulated  surface of the latter.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Senna is an active cathartic, holding a
 middle place  between the milder and  more  active medicines of this
 class ;  operating effectually, yet safely, though often producing nausea,
 griping and flatulence ; its action  is somewhat stimulating, increasing
 the secretions, and exciting the peristaltic action  chiefly, but not alone,
 of the  small intestines.   It is adapted for all cases requiring an effect-i
 ual purgative ;  but it should  be combined with the active saline cathar-
 tics—for which the infusion  is a  good vehicle,  if it be wished to di-
 minish arterial action  or to produce  general  antiphlogistic  effects.
 The only circumstance contra-indicating its employment is an inflam-
 matory condition of the mucous  membrane  of  the alimentary canal.
 The cathartic  principle  of  senna is absorbed  before its operation is
 produced, as is proved by its action on the intestines when the infusion
 is injected into the veins, and  also by its imparting a  purgative pro-
 perty to the milk of nurses.
  Dose and Mode  of Administration.—Senna is not administered
 in the  form of powder ; 3ij. to §ss. infused in  fgij. of boiling water for
 half an hour and the clear infusion poured off, will be sufficient for a
 dose ;  its  taste is much  concealed by the addition of some black tea,
 it may be sweetened with sugar,  and milk added ;  in  this way  it is
 readily taken by children.—Infusum Senna  compositum, D. L.   In-
fusum Senna,  E.  [U. S.] (Senna, |j.  (3xv. L. §iss.  E.) ; ginger,
 sliced,  3iss. Oiv. L.  E.);  boiling  (distilled, L.) water, by measure
 ibj. (Oj. L. E.) ; macerate for an hour in  a close vessel and strain
 " through linen or calico ;" E.).   [Senna, |i.; coriander, bruised, 3i.;
 boiling water,  Oj.;  macerate  for an hour in a covered vessel and
 strain, U. S.]   Dose, fgij. to f§iv.  The common cathartic  mixture, 
CATHARTICS.
103
Black Draught, of hospitals, is prepared by adding §j. of sulphate of
magnesia to f§iv. of this infusion.—Infusum Senna cum Tamarindis,
D.   Infusum Senna compositum,  E.   (Senna, 3i-;  tamarinds,  gi.;
coriander seeds, bruised, 3i- ; brown sugar, §ss.; boiling water, fgviij. ;
digest in a close earthen vessel, not glazed inside with lead, for four
hours and strain ; it may be made with twice (or thrice, E.) the quantity
of senna).  An excellent cathartic infusion ;  Dose,  fgij.  to f|iv.—
Syrupus  Senna,  L.  (Senna,  giiss.;  fennel,  bruised, 3x. ; manna,
|iij. ; sugar, §xv. ; boiling water, Oi. ;  macerate the senna and fennel
in the  water, with  a gentle heat, for an hour; strain ; add  the manna
and sugar, and boil down to a proper consistence).—E.  (Senna, §iv.;
boiling water, fgxxiv. ;  treacle, gxlviij.  ; infuse  the senna in the water
for twelve hours, strain and express strongly ; concentrate  the treacle
in a vapour-bath as far as possible, or till a  little taken out on a rod
becomes nearly concrete  on cooling, and while the treacle is still hot
add the infusion, stirring carefully, and  removing the vessel from the
vapour-bath as soon as the mixture is complete.   If Alexandrian senna
be used for this preparation, it must be carefully freed of Cynanchum
leaves).  [U.  S-   Senna,  §ij. ;  fennel-seed,  bruised, §i. ;  boiling
water, Oj. ; sugar, §xv.;  digest the senna and fennel seed in the water,
with a gentle heat, for an  hour;  add  the sugar and evaporate to the
proper consistence.]  An agreeable cathartic for children,  in doses  of
from f3i. to f3iv., or as an addition to cathartic mixtures for adults,  in
doses of f§ss. to f§j.—Potio cathartica, P.  (Senna, 3i- i rhubarb, 3ss. ;
sulphate of soda,  3ij-; manna, §i.  ; infuse  the  senna and rhubarb for
half an hour in f§ij. of water, with a  gentle heat; filter and add the
salt and the manna, and when they are dissolved, strain with expression).
An excellent cathartic draught.—Electuarium  Senna, D.   (Senna, in
fine powder, §iv.;  pulp of prunes,  ibj.; pulp of tamarinds, §ij. ; syrup
of brown sugar, by measure Ibiss. ; oil of caraway, 3ij- ; boil the pulps
in the syrup to the consistence of honey, then add the  powder, and
.when the mixture  has cooled,  the  oil;  mix all well together).—Elec-
tuarium Senna, E.  Confeclio Senna, L.   (Senna, §viij.; figs,  ibi. ;
 (tamarind pulp, and cassia pulp,  of each, ibss. [U. S.] L.) ; prunes,
Ibss. (Ibj.  E.); coriander,  §iv. ;   liquorice-root, (bruised,  E.), §iij. ;
sugar, Ibiiss. ;  water, Oiij. ; powder together the senna and  the corian-
der, and sift out §x.: boil the figs and the liquorice (the residue [U.S.],
E.) in the water to half; squeeze  and strain ;  evaporate  in a  water-
bath down to fgxxiv. ;  form a syrup by adding the sugar; add the
syrup  to the prunes (and  other pulps,  L.), throw in the 6ifted powder,
and mix all).  Commonly  known  as  lenitive  electuary, a mild but
efficacious compound in doses of 3ij- to §ss. ; generally badly prepared,
and very liable to adulteration, the true preparation being both trouble-
some and expensive.—Electuarium Senna, F.   (Senna, in  fine pow-
der, §viij.; pulp of tamarinds, §xxiv.; coriander, in powder, §i.;  syrup,
fgxvi.; mix).   Dose, 3ij- to §ss.—Tinctura  Senna composita, D.  L.
(Senna  leaves, ibj. (§iiiss. L.) ; caraway, bruised, §iss.  (3iiiss.  L.);
cardamom seeds, bruised (and  deprived of their capsules, D.), §ss. (3i.
L.) ; (raisins, §v.  L.) ;  proof spirit, cong. j. (Oij. L.) ; macerate for
14 days and strain).—E.  (Sugar, §iis.; coriander, bruised, §i.; jalap,
in moderately  fine powder, 3vi-5  caraway,  bruised;  and cardamom
seeds, bruised, of each, 3v. 5 raisins, bruised ;  and senna, of each, §iv. ;
proof  spirit, Oij. ; digest  for seven days, strain, express and filter; 
104                        CATHARTICS.
 may be more conveniently and  expeditiously made by percolation as
 directed for  compound tincture  of cardamoms ; if Alexandrian senna
 be used it must be freed from Cynanchum leaves by picking).  [U. S.
 Tinctura Senna et Jalapa.  Senna, giij.; jalap, in powder, §i;  corian-
 der, bruised ; caraway, bruised ;  each, §ss. ; cardamom, bruised, 3ij.;
 sugar, §iv. ;  diluted alcohol, Oiij.; macerate for 14 days, express, and
 filter through paper.]  A stimulating and cordial cathartic, in doses of
 f§ss. to f§j.,  only fit for cold leucophlegmatic habits ;  more generally
 prescribed as an adjunct to infusion of senna, or other cathartic mix-
 tures, in doses of f3i. or f3ij. to correct their griping qualities.—Fluid
 extract  of Senna, Duncan.  (Tinnivelly senna, ibxv.  ;  exhaust with
 boiling water by displacement—about four times its weight of water is
 sufficient; concentrate the infusion  in vacuo  to ibx.;  dissolve in the
 product ibvi.  of treacle previously concentrated over the vapour-bath,
 till a little of it becomes nearly dry on cooling ; add  of rectified spirit,
 f§xxiv. (Dens. *835.), and if necessary add water (gxyj.) to make Oxv.).
 Every fluid ounce of this extract corresponds to one avoirdupois ounce
 of senna :  the dose is f5ij. for an adult.  This is an excellent prepara-
 tion, operating effectually, and seldom  causing griping or any other
 annoyance.   Alexandrian  senna may be used instead of Tinnivelley,
 the Cynanchum leaves having been previously removed by picking.
   Incompatibles.—The mineral acids ; lime water ; acetate of lead ;
 tartar emetic  ; corrosive sublimate ;  and nitrate of silver.

   Sod.?e hyposulphis.—Hyposulphite of soda; Sulphuretted sulphite
 of soda.

   Preparation.—Take of carbonate of soda, dried and  powdered, 500 parts;
 sublimed sulphur, 100 parts; mix,  and heat in a glass or porcelain capsule
 until the mass  is completely fused, stirring constantly so as  to expose every
 part of it to the contact of the air.   When cold, dissolve in water, filter, and
 having added more sulphur, boil for a few moments.   Filter again and eva-
 porate with a gentle heat so  as to obtain crystals.  Walchner.

   Physical Properties.—Hyposulphite of  soda occurs  in beautiful,
 four-sided prismatic crystals,  transparent, inodorous,  with a  bitter,
 saline taste.
   Chemical  Properties.—It is composed of one  eq. of soda,  one of
 hyposulphurous acid, and ten of water, (Na O, S2 O2 -j- 10 HO.)  It
 is soluble in water.   Sulphuric acid added to a solution of hyposulphite
 of soda, disengages sulphurous acid gas and  precipitates sulphur.
   Therapeutical Effects.—This salt produces  effects  very nearly
 similar to those of sulphate of soda, acting as an active cathartic when
 given in a sufficient  dose.   In France it is generally  preferred to the
 other neutral salts as a  purgative in cutaneous affections.
   Dose  and  Mode  of  Administration.—From 3vi. to §i. dissolved
 in water, to which some aromatic tincture is  added.
   Incompatibles.—The mineral  acids, and most salts.

   Sod.e phosphas,  [U.  S.] D. L. E.  Phosphate of Soda.

  Preparation.—Phosphate  of soda is an article of the Materia Medica in
the London  Pharmacopoeia; the processes of the Dublin and Edinburgh
Colleges are as follows :—" Take of bone ashes, in powder, ten parts (Ibx.,
E.); sulphuric  acid, seven parts  (Oij. f§iv., E.);  mix the powder in an 
cathartics.                        105
earthen vessel with  the acid, and add gradually seven parts (Ovj., E.) of
water; agitate ;  digest for 3 days, adding water that the materials may not
become dry, (and agitate continually, D.); then add seven pans (Ovj., E.)
of boiling water, and strain through linen, washing with warm water so as
to remove all the acid; let the impurities subside, and evaporate  the clear
liquor to one half (to Ovj., E.) ; (let the impurities again settle, and to the
clear  liquor poured off and  heated to ebullition, E.) then  add eight parts
(sufficient to neutralize the acid, E.) of carbonate of soda previously dissolved
in boiling water  ; strain, and by  alternate evaporation and cooling obtain
crystals which are to be kept in a close vessel, (which, if requisite, may be
purified by recrystallization, D.).  (More crystals will  be obtained by suc-
cessively evaporating, adding a little carbonate of soda till the liquid exerts
a feeble alkaline  reaction on litmus paper, and then allowing it to cool, E.)."

   Physical  Properties.—Transparent, colourless  crystals, the form
of which is the oblique rhombic prism; inodorous, with a cooling, saline,
not unpleasant taste.  Sp. gr.  1*333.
   Chemical Properties.—It is composed of 2 eq. of soda, 1 of phos-
phoric acid,  1 of basic water, and 24 of water of crystallization, (HO,
2  Na O, PO5 -|- 24 HO) ;  it effloresces and becomes opaque  by expo-
sure  to the air; moderately heated it fuses in its water of crystalliza-
tion,  which if the heat be increased is driven off.  Phosphate of soda
dissolves in  four times its weight of cold water, and in twice its weight
of boiling water;  the  solution has  a feeble alkaline  reaction;  it is
nearly insoluble in alcohol.
   Adulterations.—This salt is in general tolerably pure ;  if the pre-
cipitate occasioned in a solution by muriate of baryta be not entirely
dissolved  by nitric acid, a sulphate is present;  and if that caused by
nitrate of silver be not dissolved by nitric acid, a muriate is present.
   Therapeutcal Effects.—A mild saline  cathartic, resembling in its
operation  the sulphates of magnesia and  soda, to either of which it
should be preferred for children and delicate persons, in consequence
of the mildness of its taste.   It is particularly adapted as a  cathartic
for individuals  affected with deposits of  uric acid in the urine,  as it
possesses a remarkably solvent action on  that acid.
   Dose  and Mode  of  Administration.—3iv-  to  3xij.;  it  may be
given dissolved  in water or in any of the cathartic vegetable infusions;
or it is readily taken by children dissolved  in  broth or soup,  to which
it imparts only a saline taste.
   Incompatibles.—The mineral acids; lime water; magnesia ; chlo-
ride of barium ;  nitrate of silver, and the acetates of lead.

   Sod* et Potassje tartras, [U. S.] D. E.  Soda: Potassio-tartras,
L.  Tartrate of Soda and Potash; Rochelle salt.

   Preparation.—D. L. E.—"Carbonate of soda, five part3 (5xij.,  L. E.);
bitartrate of potash, in fine powder, seven parts (§xvj., l, &) ; boiling water,
fifty parts  (Oiv., L. E-); to the carbonate of soda dissolved in the water, add
by degrees (to neutralization, E.) the bitartrate of  potash; evaporate the
filtered liquor (till a pellicle forms on its surface, L. E.), and set it aside, that
as it cools crystals maybe formed.  {Evaporate  the liquor again that it may
yield crystals, L. E.)."

   Physical  Properties.—This  salt occurs in large, beautiful, trans-
parent crystals,  which  are right rhombic prisms, generally  produced 
106
cathartics.
in halves; inodorous, with a saline, somewhat bitter taste.  Sp. gr.
L757.                                           c   ,     »
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed of 1 eq. of soda, 1 of potassa,
2 of tartaric acid, and 10 of water, (KO, Na O, 2 (C8H*0*°) + 10
HO).  In very dry air it effloresces slightly ;  exposed to a moderate
heat it fuses in its water of crystallization;  by  a  strong heat it is de-
composed, and converted into a mixture of charcoal and the carbonates
of soda and potash.  It dissolves in five parts of cold, and one of boiling
water.
  As this salt is generally sold in crystals, it is not liable to adultera-
tion.
  Therapeutical Effects.—A mild cooling  laxative, not so  active
as most of the other saline  cathartics, than which also its taste is less
disagreeable ; it is seldom prescribed alone, but is in  very general use
as the active ingredient in the commonly called Seidlitz (Seignettes ?)
powders.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—3ij- to 3vj. or %\. dissolved
in a large quantity of water.  Seidlitz powders consist of 3ij. of tar-
trate of soda and  potash, and 9ij- of bicarbonate of  soda,  reduced to
powder and mixed, contained in a blue paper, and  3ss. of powdered tar-
taric acid in a white paper ; they are taken, dissolved in from half a pint
to a pint of water, while the liquid is in a state of effervescence.  They
form an  agreeable and mild aperient.
   Incompatibles.—Most  acids and acidulous  salts ; lime water; the
salts of  lime ; and the acetates of lead.

   Sodje  sulphas, [U. S.] D. L. E.  Sulphate of Soda.  Glauber's
salts.

   Preparation.—Dub.—11 Dissolve the salt which remains after the distilla-
tion of muriatic acid in a sufficiency of boiling water; set  aside the filtered
liquor after due  evaporation, that as it cools crystals may form."  Lond.—
" Take of the salt which remains aiier the distillation of hydrochloric acid,
Ibij.: boiling water, Oij. ; carbonate of soda, a sufficiency; dissolve the salt
in the water, then add gradually sufficient carbonate of soda to neutralize the
acid; boil down till a pellicle appears, and set aside  the strained solution
that crystals may be formed ; pour off the liquor and dry them."   Edin.—
" Take of the salt which remains after making pure muriatic acid, Ibij.;
 boiling water, Oiij. ; white  marble, in powder, a sufficiency;  dissolve the
salt in the water, add  the marble so long as effervescence  takes place, boil
the liquid, and when neutral, filter it; wash the insoluble  matter with boiling
water, adding the  water to  the original liquid ;  concentrate till a pellicle
begins to form, and then let the liquid cool and crystallize."

   Physical  Properties.—A  solid, white salt, crystallized  either in
 small acicular crystals, or in long prisms the sides of which are often
 channeled;  inodorous ; with a cooling, saline, very  bitter  taste.   Sp.
 gr.  2-246.
   Chemical Properties.—It is composed of  1  eq. of soda, 1 of acid,
 and  10 of water, (Na O. SO? + 10 HO).  By exposure to the air it
 effloresces rapidly, loses  all its water of crystallization, and a white
 powder is left.   Heated it fuses, but at the temperature of 210° it be-
 comes a white  solid, which is  again liquefied  at a red heat, but is not
 decomposed.   Sulphate of soda is soluble in three  parts  of water at
 60°, and in all proportions in boiling water. It  is insoluble in alcohol. 
CATHARTICS.
107
  Therapeutical Effects.—An  active saline cathartic, increasing
remarkably the intestinal secretions; in  its mode  of operation it re-
sembles sulphate of magnesia, and may be used in  the same cases ; in
consequence, however, of its more disagreeable taste and its tendency
in some habits  to produce griping,  it is not so frequently employed as
that salt.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—5v. to 3x. dissolved in from
two ox four ounces of water ;  ten or twelve  drops of dilute sulphuric
acid added to  the solution, conceal to a great extent its disagreeable
taste.   The effloresced salt is about twice as active as the  crystals.
   Incompatibles.—Carbonate and  bicarbonate of potash;  the salts of
lime, and of baryta ; the acetate and diacetate of lead ; acetate of pot-
ash ; and nitrate of silver, if the solution be strong.


   Sulphur sublimatum, D.  L.  Sulphur, [U.  S.]  E.   Sublimed
 Sulphur.  Sulphur  or  Brimstone.  An elementary substance found
 in large quantities in an  impure state, in the neighborhood of volcanoes ;
 it is also found  combined with metals in  many parts of the  earth; and
 with hydrogen in many mineral waters.   Crude sulphur is imported into
 Britain from Italy and Sicily.

   Preparation.—Sublimated sulphur  is an article of the Materia Medica in
 the Dublin and  London Pharmacopoeias ; in the Edinburgh it is directed to
 be prepared " by subliming sulphur in a proper vessel, washing the powder
 thus obtained with boiling water in successive portions till the  water ceases
 to have an acid taste, then drying the  sulphur with a gentle heat."

   Physical Properties.—Two kinds of sulphur are commonly met
 with, Roll-sulphur or Brimstone, and Flowers of  sulphur or  Sublimed
 sulphur.  Roll-sulphur is in cylindrical pieces from two to three inches
 long, and nearly an  inch  in  diameter,  obscurely  crystallized in the
 centre, crackling when  held in the warm hand, very friable, and break-
 ing with a shining crystalline fracture.   Sublimed sulphur  is in the
 form of fine  powder, which when examined by the microscope, is seen
 to be composed of crystalline grains ; both  kinds are of  a bright,
 yellowish-green colour, with an almost imperceptible taste, and a faint
 peculiar odour when  rubbed.   Sp.  gr. L98.   Atomic weight, 16:119.
   Chemical Properties.—Sulphur is a simple substance,  insoluble in
 water and in alcohol.   It fuses at 226°,  and between that temperature
 and 280°, it forms a clear liquor of an amber colour; at 320° it thick-
 ens, assumes a reddish  tint, and if the heat be continued, becomes a
 thick tenacious mass ;  from 482" to its boiling point 601°, it becomes
 again more fluid, and finally rises  in vapour  before it is  completely
 fused.  Sulphur, if ignited, burns with a lambent blue  flame, and is
 converted into sulphurous acid gas.
   Adulterations.—Flowers of sulphur seldom contain any  impurities ;
 those of a fixed nature  may be detected by subliming ;  if any adhering
 sulphuric acid be  present, distilled water  agitated with  the sulphur
 reddens litmus paper.   Roll-sulphur usually  contains a large quantity
 of orpiment (sesquisulphuret  of arsenicum), and  therefore should not
 be used in medicine.
   Therapeutical Effects.—In  large doses, sulphur  acts as a mild
 cathartic, producing its effects by stimulating the muscular coat of the 
108
CATHARTICS.
intestines, the evacuations caused  by it being  usually solid.  In con-
sequence of the mildness, but certainty of its operation, it is generally
employed in hemorrhoidal diseases, and in stricture or other painful
affections of the rectum.  From  being converted into sulphuretted
hydrogen in the intestines, the evacuations and the insensible perspira-
tion of the individual, during and for some time after its operation, are
insupportably fetid.
  Dose and Mode  of Administration.—As a cathartic, 3iij- to 3iv.
made into  an electuary with honey or treacle ;  it is usually given in
combination with jalap and bitartrate of potash.—Sulphur lotum, D.
[U. S.] " the sublimed sulphur of the shops washed with hot water to
free it from  any adhering acid, as indicated by litmus paper; and then
dried  on bibulous paper."—Sulphur pracipitatum, vel Lac  Sulphuris,
(Precipitated  Sulphur;  milk of Sulphur).   This  preparation, which
was at one time very generally employed instead of sublimed sulphur,
has nearly fallen into disuse,  in  consequence of the very impure  state
in which it is usually sold.  It is prepared  by boiling one part of sub-
limed sulphur and  two  parts of slaked lime in eight parts of water ;
filtering the  solution and  adding sufficient muriatic acid to precipitate
all the sulphur, which is then dried on a stove.  The dose  is the same
as that of sublimed  sulphur, than which it was supposed  to have a
milder taste and smell.   The most ordinary adulteration  of this pre-
paration is with sulphate of lime, of which it frequently contains  from
40 to  50 per cent.  Its  presence may be readily detected by heating
any quantity of the  preparation on a metallic plate, when the whole of
the sulphur will be sublimed and any sulphate of lime it may contain
will be left behind.

  Tamarindus, [U. S.] D- L. E.   Tamarinds; Pulp of the legumes
of Tamarindus Indica.  A native of the East Indies,  from whence it
has been carried into Africa, where it now grows plentifully in Upper
Egypt, it is also cultivated in the West Indian Islands, and in South
America.   It belongs to  the  Natural family Leguminosa (Fabacece,
Lindley), and  to the Linnaean class and order Diadelphia  Triandria.

  Botanical Characters.—A beautiful tree,  about thirty feet in height,
branching superiorly ; Leaves, abruptly  pinnate, alternate;  Flowers, in
terminal,  pendant racemes, of a lemon-yellow colour.  Fruit, a legume,
stalked, from three to four inches long, and nearly an inch broad, slightly
compressed,  3-12 seeded; it is composed of a dry, brittle,  brown  shell,
filled with a  reddish acidulous pulp,  in which are  imbedded  the smooth,
quadrangular seeds.
  Preparation.—The pulp of the fruit is freed from the husk, and with
the contained seeds is packed in layers in barrels, and boiling syrup poured
over it; the drier and dark-coloured East Indian tamarinds are said to be
preserved without sugar, (Pereira.)

   Physical Properties.—Tamarinds, as imported, are of a reddish-
yellow colour (West Indian), or reddish-brown (East Indian), of the
consistence of candied-honey, being composed of the  pulp, rthe seeds,
and numerous vegetable  fibres; they have a  slightly vinous odour,
and a sweet very acid taste,  somewhat astringent.
   Chemical  Properties.—Tamarind  pulp is composed of citric, tar-
taric, and malic acids, bitartrate of potash,  sugar, vegetable jelly, and 
cathartics.
109
parenchyma.  It yields  it properties to water, affording an acid so-
lution.
  Adulterations.—Tamarinds as imported, frequently contain  an ap-
preciable quantity of copper; sulphuric acid is also sometimes added
to tamarinds which have not been well preserved  or have been  too
long kept, to give them an acid taste.  The contamination with copper
may be detected by plunging a plate of polished iron, as a knife, into
the tamarinds, when should any copper be present,  the  iron will re-
ceive a coating of that metal.  Sulphuric acid  may  be detected  by a
strained decoction giving a white precipitate, insoluble in  nitric acid,
with solution of muriate or nitrate of baryta.   In the French market
tamarinds are often met with which contain large quantities of animal
charcoal, its presence may be readily detected by agitating the fruit
with cold water.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Tamarind pulp is refrigerant and mild-
ly laxative,  but although adapted for mild febrile or inflammatory af-
fections occurring  in  children,  it  is seldom  employed alone.  Its
combinations with senna have been before mentioned.
  Dose and Mode of  Administration.—2jss.  to  |iss.—Tamarind
whey is prepared by boiling  §i. of tamarinds with Oj.  of new milk,
and straining; it is an  excellent cooling,  gently  laxative drink in
febrile diseases.
  Incompatibles—The salts  of potash ; alkaline  carbonates;  lime
water; tartar emetic ;  and the  acetates of lead.

  TEREBiNTHiNiE oleum. Oil  of turpentine  (described in the division
Anthelmintics) given in large doses acts as an active cathartic ;  when
administered alone, however, its action is uncertain, and consequent-
ly it is usually prescribed in  combination with castor oil;  in this form
it proves a most effectual purgative in obstinate constipation, especial-
ly when dependant on affections of the brain  ; in spasmodic diseases,
as in chorea, hysteria, epilepsy,  and  tetanus;  in sciatica  and  other
neuralgic affections;  in passive  hemorrhages;   and  in  purpura
haemorrhagica; in the  latter  disease  administered  in large doses it
has proved  very successful  in my  hands,  (See Dublin  Journal of
Medical Science, Vol. xxviiii.  p. 189.)  The dose of oil of turpentine,
as a cathartic, is  from f3ij- to f§ij., either given by the  mouth  or in
the form of enema.  (See Anthelmintics.)

  Viola, E.  Viola odorata,  flores, D.—Flowers of Viola odorata-
An indigenous plant;  belonging to the  Natural family Violacea,  and
to the Linnaean class and order Pentandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—An  humble,  perennial creeper;  Leaves very
numerous, cordate, nearly glabrous; Runners,  flagelliform; Flowers, ap-
pearing in March and April, blue (after expansion turning deep purple),
often white.
  Preparation.—The Flowers are  gathered as soon as they expand,  and
dried with a  stove heat between folds of bibulous paper ; their properties are
best preserved in the form of the syrup of violets of the pharmacopoeias.

  Physical Properties.—" Violet  flowers are so remarkable for
their odour  and colour, that they have given a name to both" (Duncan).
  Chemical Properties.—They are composed of  odorous principle,
                                10 
110
caustics.
blue colouring matter, sugar, gum, albumen, and some salts.  Violets
yield  their active principles to water, but not to alcohol.   The infu-
sion is a delicate test for both acids and alkalies, and as such is much
employed by chemists.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Violet flowers possess mildly laxative
properties, and in the form  of syrup  are sometimes  administered  to
new-born infants, and to young children.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Syrupus Viola,D.  (Fresh
petals of the violet,  Ibij.; boiling water, by measure ibv. ; macerate
for  24 hours, then strain through fine linen without expression, and add
sugar so as  to  make  a syrup).—E.   (Fresh  violets,  ibj.; boiling
water, Oiss.; pure sugar, ibviiss.; infuse the flowers for 24 hours  in
a covered  glass or earthern-ware vessel;  strain without squeezing,
and dissolve the sugar in the filtered liquor).  Dose, f3i to  f3iv.—
Mel Viola.  (Fresh violet flowers,  one  part; honey, five  parts).   A
mild laxative readily taken by children, Dose, 3i- to §ss.
                        CHAPTER  VI.

                          CAUSTICS.

             (Escharotics.—Cauterants.—Catheretics).

  Caustics are substances which, applied to the human body, disor-
ganise and destroy the parts with which they come in contact. Their
action is chemical, as they destroy the life of the part, either by com-
bining with the animal matter so as to form a new compound with it,
or by causing the elements of the animal  tissues to enter into  new
combinations, by which their cohesion is subverted and  their com-
position changed.   The effects produced by caustics are more or less
rapid according to the energy of the substance  that is used ; if it  be
very powerful the change of structure effected is so  immediate,  that
surrounding inflammation takes place only after the death of the part;
but on the  contrary, inflammation is the direct consequence of the less
energetic caustics.  The action of this class of remedies is generally
local, but some of them (as arsenious acid) may become absorbed, and
thus  produce constitutional symptoms.    The  various purposes for
which caustics are  employed, will be treated of when considering the
individual remedies of the class.
  Acidum aceticum, D. L. E.—[U. S.]—Acetic acid.

  Preparation.—Dub.—" Acetate of potash, 100 parts ; sulphuric acid, 52
parts • to the acid poured into a tubulated retort, add gradually the  acetate
of potash, waiting after each  addition until the mixture cools; then with a
moderate heat distil the acid to dryness,"  Lond.—" Acetate of soda, ibij.;
sulphuric acid, |ix.; water, fgix.; add the sulphuric acid, first mixed  with
the water, to the acetate of soda put into a glass retort, then let the acid distil
from a sand bath• care is to be taken that the  heat be not too great towards
the end." Edin.—<: Take of acetate of lead any convenient quantity,  heat 
caustics.                        Ill
  it gradually in a porcelain basin by means of a bath of oil or fusible metal
  (8 tin, 4 lead, 3 bismuth), to 320° F ; and stir  till the fused mass concretes
  again ; pulverise this when cold, and  heat the  powder again to 320°, with
  frequent stirring, till the particles cease to accrete, add §iv. of the  powder,
  to fgixss. of pure sulphuric acid contained in  a glass mattrass; attach a
  proper tube and refrigeratory, and  distil from  a  fusible metal bath with 'a
  heat of 320°, to complete dryness.  Agitate the distilled liquid with a few
  grains of red oxide of lead to remove a  little  sulphurous acid,  allow the
  vessel to rest for a few minutes, pour off the clear liquid and redistil it."

    Physical Properties.—A limpid colourless liquid, with a very pun-
  gent refreshing smell, and a caustic, highly acrid taste.   The  specific
  gravity differs in the three British pharmacopoeias ; that of Edinburgh,
» which is the strongest, is 1063 to l-065,  but not above L068-5 ; that
  of London P048 ;  and that of Dublin 1*074.
     Chemical  Properties.—Acetic acid  (Edin.),  Glacial acetic acid,
  consists of one eq. of anhydrous  acetic acid (C4 H3 O3), and  one  of
  water ;  it crystallizes at 60°,  and is vaporizable at 248° F. ; when of
  the density 1063, one hundred mimims (97 grains), neutralize nearly
  242 grains of crystallized carbonate  of soda.   Acetic  acid  (Dub.)
  consists of one eq. of anhydrous  acetic acid, and three of water ; 100
  grains neutralize nearly 184 grains of carbonate of soda.  Acetic acid
  (Lond.) consists of one eq. of anhydrous acid, and thirteen of water ;
  100 grains neutralize 87 grains of crystallized  carbonate of soda.
  Acetic acid reddens litmus paper, and its vapour fumes with ammonia ;
  it combines with many of the metallic oxides forming crystallizable
  salts; it  dissolves the  vegetable  alkaloids,  camphor,  resins, fibrin,
  albumen, and also the active principles of many vegetable medicines,
  in consequence of which properties it is much employed in pharmacy.
     Adulterations.—It should be of  the prescribed density, if lighter it
  probably  does not contain sufficient  of the  anhydrous acid, but  as
  before remarked with respect to  vinegar, this test  cannot be depended
  on ; the strength can be more accurately ascertained by its neutralizing
  power over carbonate of  soda.   It is sometimes adulterated with sul-
  phuric or muriatic acid; the former may be detected by the production
  of a white precipitate insoluble in nitric acid on the addition of solution
  of  muriate or  nitrate of baryta; the  latter by  a similar precipitate
  being produced on the addition of solution  of nitrate of silver. The
  occasional impregnation  with lead or copper is readily detected  by
  sulphuretted hydrogen causing a black precipitate.
     Therapeutical Effects.—Acetic acid undiluted has been used,
   it is stated with much success, as a local application in the advanced
  stages  of porrigo, impetigo, or eczema of the scalp; a  piece of lint
  rolled round a stick is moistened with the acid and applied to  the dis-
  eased surface for  a few seconds, the pain  caused is  very  acute but
  temporary ; one or two applications are said to be usually sufficient to
  effect a cure.   It is also  employed as a caustic to destroy corns and
  warts, the latter especially, when of a syphilitic  origin.

     Acidum Muriaticum, [U. S.l  D. E. Acidum Hydrochloricum,  L.
  Muriatic acid; Hydrochloric acid.

    Preparation.—Dub.—" Dried muriate of soda, 100 parts; commercial
  sulphuric  acid, 87 parts;  water,  124 parts;  mix the acid  with  half the
  water, and when cold pour it on the muriate of soda in a glass  retort, put 
112
CAUSTICS.
the rest of the water into the receiver, annex the retort so that the gas may
be  absorbed by the water, -and distil to dryness."   Lond.—1' Chloride of
sodium, dried Ibij.; sulphuric acid, ^xx.; distilled water, fgxxiv.;  add the
sulphuric acid, first mixed with fgxij. of the water to the chloride of sodium
put into a glass retort, pour what remains of the water into a receiver, and,
the retort being fitted to  it, let the acid distilled from a sand bath, pass over
into this water, the heat being  gradually  increased."  Edin.—"Purify
muriate of soda by dissolving it iti boiling water, concentrating the solution,
skimming off the crystals as they form on the surface, draining from the
adhering solution, and  washing the  crystals slightly with cold water ; take
of this salt previously well dried, of pure sulphuric acid, and of water, equal
weights ; put the salt into a glass retort, and add the acid previously diluted
with a third part of the water, and  allowed to cool ; fit on a receiver which
contains the rest of the water, dstil with a-gentle heat by means of a sand
bath, or a naked coal-gas flame, so long as any liquid passes over,  preserv-
ing the receiver cool by snow or a stream of cold water."

   Physical  Properties.—A limpid colourless liquid, with a yellowish
tinge when not quite pure, having  a suffocating odour, and an intense-
ly acid, disagreeable taste.   The specific  gravity of the liquid acid of
the [U. S.] Dublin  and London Pharmacopoeias is 1*160, that  of
Edinburgh, L170.
   Chemical Properties.—It is a solution of muriatic acid gas (HC1.)
in water ; the Dublin  and London preparation contains about  32 per
cent of real acid, the Edinburgh  about 34 per cent.  Exposed to the
air muriatic  acid emits suffocating fumes which become white in con-
tact with the vapour of ammonia;  it possesses  the usual characteris-
tics of a strong acid.
   Adulterations.—It should be of the prescribed density, that being a
perfect test  of its  strength;  it is  frequently contaminated  with iron
and with chlorine, to  the presence of either or both of which, is due
the yellow colour of the impure acid ; the former may be  detected by
solution of ferrocyanate of potash producing a blue precipitate  with
the neutralized acid ;  the latter by the acid dissolving leaf gold.   The
presence of  sulphuric acid, an occasional  impurity, is indicated by the
solution of nitrate or muriate of baryta occasioning a white precipitate
in the acid previously diluted.
   Therapeutical Effects.—As a caustic, muriatic acid has  been
used with  much success to destroy the false  membranes  which are
formed in diphtheritis, to check the spreading of the mortification  in
cancrum oris,  to obstinate ulcers  of the tongue,  and in phagedenic
ulceration of the tonsils.  It has been also employed  as an external
application in hospital  gangrene.   It  may be applied by means of a
piece of sponge attached to a bit of whalebone.
   In cases of poisoning with this  acid, the antidotes are chalk, and
magnesia or its carbonate, combined  with  demulcent j;and emollient
drinks.

   Acidum  Nitricum,  [U. S.] D.  L. E.—Nitric acid.

  Preparation.—Dub.—"Nitrate of potash, 100 parts; commercial sulphur-
ic acid, 97 parts; mix in a glass  retort and distil into a receiver fitted with
an apparatus  for receiving the elastic gas, until  the residuum in the retort
concretes and again liquefies."  Lond.—"Nitrate of potash, dried; and
sulphuric acid, of each, ibij.; mix in a  glass retort, then let the acid distil
in a sand bath."  Edin.—" Purify nitrate of potash, if necessary, by two 
caustics.                        113
or more crystallizations, till nitrate of silver does not precipitate its solution
in distilled water ; put into a glass retort equal weights of this purified salt
and of sulphuric acid, distil into  a cooled receiver with  a moderate heat
from a sand bath or naked gas-flame, so long as the fused .material gives off
vapour ; the pale yellow acid thus obtained, may be rendered colourless,
should this be desired, by heating it gently in a retort."

  Physical  Properties.—A  dense  colourless  liquid, (when  not
quite  pure having an  orange hue), with a  powerful,  disagreeable
odour, and an intensely acid,  caustic taste.   The specific gravity of
the acid of the Dublin pharmacopoeia is 1*490;  that of the [U. S.]
London  and  Edinburgh, 1*500.
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed  of anhydrous nitric acid
(NO5), and water;  the Dublin preparation contains about 77 per cent
of  real acid, the London and Edinburgh about 80 per cent.   Nitric
acid emits white fumes in the air, which become  much denser when
mixed with the vapour of ammonia.  It stains the cuticle yellow, and
destroys whatever animal tissues it comes in contact with ; it possesses
the usual characteristics of a strong acid.  The  best test for distin-
guishing  nitric acid from the other mineral  acids, is its action  on
morphia or its salts, which it immediately turns to deep orange.
   Any slight adulterations which are met with in nitric acid are un-
important with reference to  its medicinal  use.   The  density  is the
best characteristic of its strength.
   Therapeutical Effects.—As a caustic, strong nitric acid is em-
ployed, to destroy corns and warts, as an application to parts bitten by
rabid animals, to poisoned wounds, and to phagedenic ulcers; more
recently its application to certain forms of hemorrhoids has been very
favourably mentioned by the late Dr. Houston of this city, (See Dub-
lin Journal of Medical Science, vol. xxiii. p. 102.)  In its application
for any of the above purposes,  the  neighbouring  parts  should be
smeared  with olive oil or some resinous ointment so as to confine the
action of the acid.
   In cases of  poisoning with this acid the  antidotes are the same as
for muriatic acid.

   Acidum Sulphuricum.  Sulphuric acid (described in the division As-
tringents), possesses powerfully caustic  properties,  destroying the
animal tissues wherever it is brought  in  contact  with them.   It  is
used as a caustic to the integument of  the eyelid in entropium or in-
version of the lid,  and to the conjunctiva reflected on the  eyelid  in
ectropium or eversion of the lid.   It is also employed to destroy warts,
and as an application to poisoned wounds.   M. Velpeau speaks most
highly of a caustic  paste prepared by mixing 2 parts  of concentrated
sulphuric acid with  1 part of  saffron.   He uses it chiefly as an appli-
cation to cancerous and other malignant ulcerations.

   Ammonia: aqua fortior, E.   Ammonia; liquor fortior, L.—Con-
centrated aqueous solution of ammonia ; Strong ammonia.—This pre-
paration resembles in its physical properties that  already described in
the division Antacids; in its  chemical properties it only differs in con-
taining more ammonia, its  density being 880°.  In the London [and
United States] pharmacopoeia, it is an article of the Materia Medica ;
in the Edinburgh, the same process is followed for both solutions; it 
114
CAUSTICS.
is not contained in the Dublin pharmacopoeia, but is commonly kept in
the shops.  It has been only used as a  caustic  in the  bites of rabid
animals, applied locally.

   Antimonii  murias ;  Antimonii  sesquichloridum.—Muriate or
Sesquichloride of Antimony ;  Butter of Antimony—The muriate of
antimony is a deliquescent white salt,  but  as  it is not employed in
medicine, the following description refers to the article commonly met
with in  the shops under that  name.
  Preparation.—" Either by dissolving sesquisulphuret of antimony (Cinis
antimonii) in muriatic acid, and adding  pernitrate of iron as colouring
matter;  or by dissolving crude antimony in muriatic acid with the aid of a
little nitric acid.
   Physical  Properties.—A transparent liquid, of a deep  reddish-
yellow  colour, having the  odour of muriatic acid, and a strongly acid,
caustic  taste.   Sp. gr. 1*2 to 1*5.
   Chemical Properties.—It is composed  of muriate of antimony,
free muriatic acid, a little  nitrous acid, muriate of iron, and water.   It
emits white fumes in the air ; left exposed, it evaporates spontaneous-
ly leaving as a residuum, a white semi-crystalline mass ;  mixed with
water it throws   down  a yellowish-white   powder,  formerly called
Powder of Algaroth, (oxychloride of antimony).   Solution of muriate
of antimony has a powerfully acid reaction.
   Therapeutical Effects.—It  is  employed  as a caustic  to  parts
bitten by rabid animals,  its liquidity enabling it to  penetrate  into all
parts of the wound ; the parts should be first dried as well as possible
with pieces of lint, as all  liquids immediately decompose this prepara-
tion.  Pure muriate of antimony has been used  as an  application  to
staphyloma by some German  surgeons; a  camel's hair pencil or a
point of lint is dipped in the deliquescent salt and applied to the tumour
until a whitish crust is perceived, when  the whole is washed away by
means of a large pencil dipped first into milk and afterwards  into milk
and water.
   In cases of poisoning with this solution the same treatment should
be employed as in poisoning with muriatic acid.

  Argenti nitras, [U.  S.]  L.  E.   Argenti nitras  fusum,  D.
Argenti  nitratis crystalli, D.—Nitrate of Silver; Lunar Caustic.
  Preparation.—" Take of silver (flattened into plates and cut, D), 37 parts
(giss., L. E.) ; nitric  acid, (dilute, D.),  60 parts (fgj., L.  E.); (distilled
water, fgij., L.  E.); dissolve the silver in the diluted acid, in a glass vessel,
with the aid of a gentle heat, and evaporate to dryness; liquefy  this  in a
crucible  with a slow fire,  and pour into proper moulds (into iron moulds
previously heated  and greased slightly with tallow, E.); preserve in glass
vessels."  The crystallized nitrate, D.  now never used, is prepared as the
fused salt, but crystallized by evaporation and cooling.

  Physical Properties.—A solid salt  in theformof rods or pencils,
smooth  and polished on the surface, of the thickness of a writing pen.
They have a crystalline fracture, and  are of a  greyish-slate colour,
inodorous, with a bitter caustic  and metallic taste.
  Chemical Properties.—Nitrate of silver is composed of one  eq.
of nitric acid, and one  of oxide of silver,  (AgO, NO5).   It is  not
deliquescent;  it is soluble in its own  weight of  water at 60°, and  in 
CAUSTICS.                        115
four parts of rectified spirit; heated  it fuses, and by a red heat is de-
composed and metallic silver is obtained.   Exposed to  light in con-
tact with the smallest trace  of organic matter, it becomes  brown or
blackish.   It stains the  cuticle black.  The  best test for nitrate of
silver in solution is the  addition of any of the soluble muriates, (as
muriate of soda), a white curdy precipitate is formed which becomes
black by exposure to strong light, and is soluble in ammonia but not in
either cold or boiling nitric acid.
   Adulterations.—Nitrate of silver, as met with in commerce, is fre-
quently adulterated with nitrates of potash, lead, zinc, and copper, and
with black oxide of manganese.  The latter is detected by dissolving
the salt in water,  when  it is left in the form  of a black powder ; the
nitrates of lead, zinc, and copper, are detected by  precipitating a solu-
tion of the salt with excess of muriate of  soda, the precipitate is not
entirely soluble in ammonia if lead  be present,  and the liquid  part
gives with sulphuretted-hydrogen a  white precipitate if any zinc was
present, but a black one  if the  impurity was copper.   Vitre is detect-
ed by precipitating the silver with muriatic acid, filtering and evapora-
ting, when if any be present, it will be obtained in the crystalline state.
   Therapeutical Effects.—As a caustic, nitrate of silver possesses
many advantages over the other remedies of this class, and consequent-
ly is much more  frequently employed;  applied to  the skin or to the
mucous membranes, it produces a whitish stain which rapidly becomes
greyish, and if exposed to  light finally  black; and  at the same time
the part to which it is applied is deprived  of  vitality. Its chief value
as a caustic depends on  its great manageableness in consequence of
its solid  form, on its property  of not deliquescing, and on its mild but
effectual action,  the  pain  produced  by it although  sometimes acute
being but of short duration :  its uses are very numerous.  It is  em-
ployed to destroy  warts, corns, and many  small tumors;  to  check
hemorrhage  occurring from small  vessels, as in the bleeding  from
leech-bites  in children ;  to repress  exuberant granulations; applied to'
the sound skin above the inflamed part, to stop the spread of erysipelas
and erythema, to effect which it must be applied freely so as to destroy
the rete-mucosum as well as the cuticle.   In  the first stage of chancre
when the ulcer is very minute, nitrate of silver applied freely, general-
ly checks the disease and prevents  it from spreading further ; indeed
in all sores about the prepuce or glans  whether of syphilitic origin or
not, its application  is for the most part beneficial.  In large  indolent
ulcers applied over the  whole surface, it  acts with excellent effect,
in many  instances as soon  as the eschar which it produces peels off,
the sore is found  to be healed.   As a topical  application in  the  solid
state or in the form of a  strong solution, it is  most valuable in ulcera-
tions of the cornea, and in  purulent and  gonorrhceal ophthalmia;  a
weaker solution (gr. ij. to gr. v. to f§i. of water) may be employed in
both acute and chronic  conjunctivitis; it  is, however, liable to pro-
duce specks on the cornea or dark stains on  the  conjunctiva, as  first
observed by  Professor Jacob of this city.   Nitrate of silver has been
also used in the solid state to remove strictures of the urethra and
oesophagus, applied by means of a bougie into the point of which it is
inserted (armed or caustic bougie), but the practice is dangerous.  In
gonorrhoea occurring in females, a pencil of nitrate of silver is applied
freely to the mucous membrane of the vagina, it is said  with much 
116                        caustics.

benefit, and in the same diseases in males an injection  varying in
strength from gr. ij. to gr. xx. dissolved in f2$j of water is injected into
the urethra;  such treatment, however, is  not unattended with danger.
Nitrate of silver is also employed with benefit, as a topical application
in many forms of ulcerations of the gums, the  tongue and the fauces;
in excoriations  of the nipples, in  the  chronic stages of  eczema,
impetigo,  and porrigo of the scalp ; and in the acute  stage of herpes
preputialis, and herpes labialis.  (See Tonics).

  Arsenici oxydum album, D.  Acidum Arseniosum,  L.   [U.  S.]
Arsenicum album, E.—White oxide of Arsenicum;  Arsenious acid;
Arsenic.
  Preparation.—Arsenious acid is an article of the Materia Medica;  it is
 !>repared by roasting metallic ores in which the metal is contained, especial-
 y the arseniuret of cobalt, in a reverberatory furnance to which is attached
a long chimney in a horizontal direction ; it is deposited on the floor of the
chimney in the form of a grey powder which is refined by sublimation.  The
Dublin College directs a re-sublimation for  medical  purposes, Arsenici
oxydum album sublimatum, which, however,  is not required in consequence
of the good quality of what is met with in commerce in the present day.

   Physical  Properties.—In  large,  vitreous  cakes or  masses,
whitish, sometimes having a yellow tinge ; transparent, but on exposure
to the air soon becoming opaque like enamel, the opacity gradually
extending to  the centre of the masses ; the cakes are moderately hard
and brittle.   Arsenic is inodorous ; it  is  also nearly  tasteless,  but
when the tongue is kept for a few moments in contact with a piece of
arsenic, a slightly bitter and acrid taste afterwards becoming sweetish
may be perceived.   Its  specific gravity, when transparent, is 3*738,
and when opaque, 3*699.
   Chemical Properties.—It  is composed of 1 eq.  of the  metal
arsenic, and three eq. of oxygen, (As O3).   Exposed to a heat of 380?
F., it sublimes unchanged, and as it cools condenses into small trans-
parent crystals of adamantine lustre,  which are regular octohedrons.
At ordinary temperatures, water dissolves from an 800th to a 400th of
its weight of powdered arsenious acid ; boiling water dissolves nearly
a  ninth  of its  weight,  and on  cooling  to   60°,  retains a 35th,
(Christison).    The  solution  reddens litmus  paper  slightly.   The
chemical  characteristics of arsenious acid are as follows :—thrown on
red hot  charcoal or cinders it evolves  a  scarcely  visible vapour,
metallic arsenic, which has a strong alliaceous odour, and which at
the distance of a few inches from the charcoal is converted into a
dense white colourless smoke, arsenious acid;  heated with carbonace-
ous matter in a glass tube, it is reduced and the metal sublimed, form-
ing a greyish-black ring in  a cooler part of the  tube, and  which by
the application of heat to the outside of the glass, is resublimed in the
form  of arsenious acid ; its solution precipitates lemon-yellow  with
ammoniacal nitrate of silver, grass-green with ammoniacal sulphate
of copper, and sulphur-yellow with sulphuretted hydrogen;  put into a
proper apparatus, as Marsh's test tube, or a  Dobereiner's lamp,  with
zinc and sulphuric acid, arseniuretted hydrogen will be evolved, which,
being ignited as it passes through the fine aperture of the  exit tube,
deposits metallic arsenic on a plate of glass or porcelain held  in  the
flame, and arsenious acid if  held a little above the flame. 
CAUSTICS.                        117
  Adulterations.—Arsenious acid seldom contains any impurity; as
sold in the form of powder, it is sometimes adulterated with chalk or
sulphate  of lime, or it may accidentally contain a little oxide of iron ;
any of them may be detected by the application of heat, which sublimes
the acid and leaves the impurity.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—Arsenious acid is a powerful caustic,
producing death of the part to which it is applied, which subsequently
separates by  sloughing ; in  consequence, however, of the danger
which may occur from its absorption, it is  but  seldom employed in
regular practice in the present day.  The cases in which it has been
found of use are, malignant or cancerous ulcerations especially of the
skin of the face,  in lupus, in  onychia maligna,  and in hospital gan-
grene.   It may be applied in the form of ointment made with axunge
or spermaceti, powdered opium being added to allay the pain it causes.
Dangerous symptoms are less likely to arise from  its absorption, if an
ointment containing a tenth or sixth of its weight of the  acid be em-
ployed,  than  if  a weaker preparation be  used.—Arsenical paste,
Cazenave.   (Arsenic, 2  parts ; sulphate of mercury, 1 part ; animal
charcoal, 2 parts ; mix).   When required for use, a few drops of water
are added to this powder so as to form  it into a thin paste, which is
Bpread upon the surface to be acted on, which should never exceed an
inch in diameter at each application.—Arsenical  caustic  powder, P.
(Arsenic, 8 parts;  dragon's blood, and  cinnabar, of each, 15  parts;
mix and reduce to a fine  powder).  This powder is made  into a paste
with a little saliva or gum-water just before it is applied.  (See Tonics).

   Cupri subacetas, [U.  S.] D.  jErugo, L. E.—Subacetate of Cop-
per ;  Verdigris; Impure diacetate  of Copper.

  Preparation.—An article  of the Materia Medica, obtained  by placing
plates of copper in contact with the fermenting marc of the grape, or with
cloths dipt in vinegar.  The Dublin College directs this article to be pre-
pared ibr medical use, Cupri subacetas praparatum, by a process similar to
that for prepared chalk.

  Physical PROPERTiEs.—In coarse masses or in powder, of a beau-
tiful bluish-green colour, with a disagreeable acetous odour,  and  a
styptic, metallic taste.
  Chemical  Properties.—It is a mixture of the sesqui-  and tribasic
acetates of copper, sometimes containing also a proportion of the bibasic
acetate.   It is permanent in the air ; heated it first loses water, then
acetic acid, and the residue  contains metallic copper; water resolves
it into a soluble acetate, and an insoluble trisacetate.   It is dissolved
entirely by both sulphuric and muriatic  acids.
  Adulterations.—The slight impurities, metallic copper  or  earthy
matters,  present  in commercial verdigris are of no importance ; they
may be detected by its solubility in sulphuric or  muriatic acid.
  Therapeutical'Effects.—As  a caustic it  is  applied to indolent
ulcers, to venereal warts, and to  fungous growths ;  it is also a useful
application in ophthalmia tarsi; and in  chronic diseases of  the scalp,
when they are of an indolent and obstinate character.   It may be used
in powder, or  in  either  of  the following forms:—Unguentum  cupri
subacetalis, [U. S.] D.   Unguentum aruginis, E.  (Subacetate of cop-
per, in fine  powder (prepared, D.), gss. (§i., [U. S.] E.); ointment 
118                         CAUSTICS.

of white resin, Ibj. (gxv., [U. S.]  E.) ; (olive oil, |i., D.);  melt the
ointment and add the verdigris " previously mixed with the oil," D.).—
Linimentum aruginis, L.  Oxymel cupri  subacetatis,l).   (Verdigris,
in powder, §i.;  vinegar, fgvij. ; honey (despumated), gxiv. ; dissolve
the verdigris in the vinegar, strain through a linen cloth ; add the
honey, and boil to a proper consistence).   A mild caustic, applied to
venereal ulcers of the mouth and tonsils, and to the ulcerated sore
throat of scarlatina.
  In cases of poisoning with verdigris, the best antidote is albumen.

  Cupri carbonas.—Carbonate of Copper.  This preparation obtained
by precipitating a solution of sulphate of copper with carbonate of soda,
though not contained in any of the British pharmacopoeias deserves a
short notice, in consequence of the success obtained from its use in the
chronic forms of impetigo and eczema  of the scalp, by M. Devergie in
the hbpital Saint Louis  at  Paris ; he employs it in the form of oint-
ment, prepared  by mixing  intimately 3ij-  of the powder with  §i. of
axunge.

  Cupri sulphas.—Sulphate  of Copper  (described in  the division
Astringents) is used in the solid state as a caustic, to repress excessive
granulations, to destroy venereal warts, and to excite a new action in
indolent ill-conditioned ulcers ; it is also applied with much  benefit to
chancres in their early stage.

  Hydrargyri nitras acidum.   Acid nitrate of mercury.

  Preparation.—Take, of pure mercury, 100 parts;  commercial nitric acid.
(Dens, about 1380.),200 parts; dissolve the mercury in the acid with the aid
of heat and evaporate the solution until it is reduced to 225 parts.

  This preparation contains about 71 per cent  of  nitrate of mercury
with an excess of nitric acid.  It is a powerful caustic and  is very
much employed in the present day on the continent to destroy malig-
nant  ulcerations, particularly when of a  cancerous character.  It is
applied by  means  of a camel's  hair  pencil, and the  parts are then
covered with lint.

  Hydrargyri oxydum nitricum, D.   Hydrargyri nitrico-oxydum,
L.   Hydrargyri oxydum  rubrum, [U. S.] E.   Nitric oxide of Mer-
cury ; Red oxide of Mercury ; Red precipitate.

  Preparation.—Dub.—" Purified mercury, two parts; dilute nitric acid,
three parts;  dissolve the mercury, and increase the heat until the dry mate-
rial is converted into  red scales."   Lond—" Mercury, ibiij.; nitric acid,
ibiss.; distilled water, Oij.;  mix in a proper vessel, and with a  gentle heat
dissolve the mercury; boil away the liquor, and pulverize the residuum; put
this into a shallow vessel, and apply a gentle heat, gradually increasing until
red vapour ceases to arise.  Edin.—" Mercury, §viij.; dilute  nitric acid
(D. 1280), f|v.;  dissolve half  the mercury in the  acid with the aid of  a
gentle heat, and continue the  heat until a dry white salt be left;  triturate
the rest of the mercruy with the salt till a fine uniform powder be obtained;
heat the powder in a porcelain vessel, and constantly stir it,  till  acid fumes
cease to be disengaged."  [U. S.  "Mercury, xxxvi.; nitric acid, fgxiv.; 
CAUSTIC8.                        119
water, Oij.; dissolve the mercury, with a gentle heat, in the acid and water
previously mixed together, and evaporate to dryness.  Rub the dry mass into
powder, and  heat it in a very shallow vessel till red vapours cease to rise."]
  Physical  Properties.—In brilliant, micaceous masses, varying in
colour from orange-yellow to  bright scarlet; inodorous, with  a taste at
first faintly, then strongly, caustic and metallic.   Sp. gr. 11*074.  In
fine powder its colour is yellow.
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed of 1 eq. of mercury, and 1
of  oxygen, generally containing a little undecomposed nitrate of mer-
cury ;  exposed  to  a red heat, the oxide of mercury is entirely vola-
tilized in the form of oxygen and metallic mercury. It is very  sparingly
soluble in water, boiling water dissolving about a 7000th of its weight.
It  is very soluble in muriatic, acetic, and hydrocyanic  acids ;  but is
insoluble in alcohol.
  Adulterations.—The nitric-oxide  of mercury sometimes  contains
nitric acid, which is looked upon by the London and Edinburgh Col-
leges as an  impurity ; its presence is  indicated by the ruddy fumes
evolved when the salt is heated ; it is often adulterated with red-oxide
of iron, red-oxide of lead, or brick dust, they may be all detected by
exposing the salt to a red  heat, if pure it is entirely sublimed.
  Therapeutical Effects.—As a mild caustic, this  preparation is
applied to indolent ulcers, to spongy granulations, to venereal  warts, to
the eyelids in chronic inflammation of their edges, &c.   It may be used
in powder, or in ointment  as  follows :—Unguentum hydrargyri oxy-
dinitrici, D.—Nitrico-oxydi,lL.  (Nitric-oxide of mercury, §i. ; white
wax, §ij,; prepared lard, §vj. ; add the oxide in very fine powder to
the wax and the lard meited together, and mix intimately).— Unguen-
tum oxydi hydrargyri, E.   (Red-oxide of mercury, §i.;  axunge, §viij.;
triturate them into an uniform mass).   [U. S.   Unguentum Hydrar-
gyri Oxydium Rubri.  Red oxyde of mercury, in very fine  powders,
3i-  ; simple  ointment, §viij.;  add  the  oxyde of mercury to  the oint-
ment previously softened over a gentle fire, and mix  them.]

  Potassa caustica, D.   Potassje hydras, L.   Potassa, [U. S.] E.
Caustic Potash; Hydrate of Potash; Potash.

  Preparation.—Dub.—"Take of solution of caustic potash, any quantity.
Evaporate it in a very clean iron or silver vessel, until the ebullition having
ceased, the saline matter  on  increasing the heat remains at rest.   Pour the
liquid potash  on a silver or iron plate, and as soon as it becomes solid, divide
it into convenient pieces, which are to be kept in well-closed bottles.  The
operator must avoid the drops spurted up during the evaporation."  Lond.—
" Take of solution of potash,  cong. j. ; evaporate the water in a clean iron
vessel over  the fire, until the ebullition being finished the hydrate of potash
liquefies.  Pour this into proper moulds."  Edin.—" Take  any convenient
quantity of Aqua Potassae, evaporate it in a clean and covered iron vessel,
increasing gradually the heat, till there remains an oily-looking fluid, a drop
of which when removed on a glass-rod becomes hard on cooling;  then pour
out  the liquid on a  bright iron  plate, and as soon as it solidifies, break it
quickly and put it into glass  bottles secured with glass stoppers."

  Physical  Properties.—In flat irregular pieces, or more generally
in pencils or sticks of various lengths and about the thickness of  a
writing pen ; grayish or bluish; inodorous; having a very acrid alka-
line taste.   Sp. gr. 1*8. 
120
CAUSTICS.
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed of 1 eq. of potassium, 1 of
oxygen, and 1 of water KO + HO) ; exposed to the air it deliquesces
rapidly soon becoming liquid, and attracting carbonic acid at the same
time is converted into the carbonate.   It is soluble both in  water and
alcohol, watar dissolving nearly an equal weight of it;  during its solu-
tion  heat is evolved.  It  possesses the properties of an alkali ia an
eminent degree.
  Adulterations.—It generally contains various  impurities, such as
oxide of iron, silica, and sulphates and carbonates of potash;  their
presence, however, is of little consequence with reference to its medi-
cal uses.  The iron and silica may be detected by dissolving in water
or in alcohol;  the sulphates and carbonates by the appropriate tests for .
sulphuric and carbonic acids.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Caustic potash is a powerful caustic, but
so unmanageable in consequence of its deliquescent property, that it is
not often employed.   Its  chief use is for  making an issue, which is
effected by  covering the part with  two or three layers of adhesive
plaster, in the centre of  which an aperture  is cut of the size of the
intended issue ;  the caustic potash is rubbed on the part until the sur-
face  is destroyed; a linseed meal poultice is then applied, and when
the slough separates a pea is inserted.  For producing issues, however,
the following preparation is preferred by many, as being more manage-
able, in consequence of its not being so deliquescent:—Potassa (caus-
tica, D.) cum cake,  D.  E.   (Evaporate  any convenient  quantity of
Aque Potassae in a clean, covered, iron vessel to one-fourth (one-third,
E.) its volume ; and add slaked lime, till the fluid has the consistence
of a  firm pulp; preserve in well-closed vessels).—L.  (Hydrate of pot-
ash,  and lime, of each, §i. ; rub together and keep in  a well-stopped
vessel).  The preparation of the London College is made into a paste
with rectified  spirit before it is used.—Caustic of Filhos.   This pre-
paration is exceedingly useful for cauterizing the  neck of the uterus,
and  is  also very generally employed  by French  surgeons  for  many
other purposes.   Some nicety is required  for its formation  : tubes of
lead  from 3 to 4 lines in diameter and  from 1 to 2 yards in length, are
procured, and divided into pieces of a convenient  length by means of
a piece of cord attached at both extremities to a fixed point, and rolled
evenly around the tube  where it is wished to cut  it.   By this method
the parietes of the tube are bent inwards and a small opening only left
which is easily closed by means of a hammer and a mandril introduced
into  the tube ;  great care  must  however be taken that the smallest
fissure be not left as this would  render the tube  useless.   The tubes
thus prepared are  placed in sand or moist clay and filled with the fol-
lowing caustic :—Heat 120 parts of Potassa cum  calce in a clean iron
spoon until  it  is perfectly fused, when the spoon  acquires  a  dull red
heat; and add to it gradually 40 parts of fresh quick lime, stirring with
an iron rod, until  the whole is intimately mixed.  It must be poured
while fluid into the tubes.  When cold, the parietes of the tubes are
thinned with  a file as much as possible, care being taken not to pene-
trate them.   These caustic pencils are kept in glass tubes with a little
finely powdered quick lime, the  orifices  being securely closed with
corks, a little cotton being placed between the cork and the pencil.—
 Caustic powder of Vienna; (Take of Potassa cum calce, 50  parts;
quick lime, 60 parts; powder the two substances separately in a warm 
diaphoretics.
121
mortar, and mix them intimately and  rapidly;  keep in well-stoppered
bottles).  When required for use, this powder is made into a soft paste
with a little spirit and applied to the part it is wished to cauterize.
  In cases of poisoning with  caustic potash, the  best  antidotes are,
vinegar, lemon-juice, or the fixed oils.

  Zinci chloridum, [U.  S.]—Chloride of Zinc; Butter of Zinc.

  Preparation.—By dissolving metallic zinc in muriatic acid, with the aid
of a little nitric acid, evaporating to dryness in a porcelain capsule, dissolving
the chloride thus obtained in water, adding a small quantity of prepared
chalk, filtering after 24 hours' rest, and evaporating to dryness ; the product
must be preserved in well-stopped bottles.

  Physical Properties.—In solid pieces,  snow-white ;  inodorous;
having a strongly styptic metallic taste.
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed of 1 eq.  of chlorine, and 1
of  metallic zinc, (Zn CI) ; exposed to the air it deliquesces  rapidly,
being said by many chemists to be the most deliquescent of salts.  It
is  fusible  at 212°,  and  is volatilized at a red heat.   It is solubleJn
water, alcohol and ether.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Chloride of  zinc is a powerful caustic,
destroying the vitality of the part with which it is placed in  contact;
the process being  attended with violent burning pain which  lasts for
five or six hours.  It has not been much employed in this country, but
on the continent it is in  very general use, for the formation of issues ;
to  destroy fungous growths, ncevi materni, &c. ; and as an application
to  open cancer,  in which disease it is said to be productive of the best
effects, by inducing a new action in the neighbouring parts ; it has been
also applied to fungus  haematodes, and to various  forms of malignant
ulcerations.   In tooth-ache caused by caries, a minute portion of chlo-
ride of zinc introduced into  the cavity of the  tooth, the carious parts
having been previously  removed with  a silver  probe, affords almost
immediate relief, the neighbouring  parts must  be  protected with lint,
and a small portion of lint is to be put into the hollow of the tooth after
the chloride has been  applied.
   It may be used in the  form of lotion, prepared by dissolving the salt
in  distilled water  in different proportions according to the effect re-
quired to  be produced ; or in the form of paste,  made by mixing the
chloride with from two to five parts of flour.   In applying the paste of
chloride of zinc, a small space only should be covered with it at a time,
and it should be spread in a  layer not thicker than from one  to two
lines.   It may be left on from six to  eight hours.
                       CHAPTER  VII.

                       DIAPHORETICS.

                      (Sudorifics;  Diapnoi'cs.)

  Medicines which augment the  cutaneous exhalation are called Dia-
phoretics ;  when  they increase  it to such  a degree as to produce
sweating, they are called Sudorifics;  but as the same remedies are 
122
diaphoretics.
capable of producing both effects, which differ in degree only, we have
included them under the one title.  Obstructed perspiration, or diseases
in which diaphoresis will prove useful, may be associated with fever
and inflammation, or may occur with a slow languid circulation ; the
former is indicated by the morbid heat of the surface of the  body, arid
by increased vascular action ;  the latter by the coldness of the surface,
and by general depression of the circulation.  It is evident,  therefore,
that very different remedies will act as diaphoretics in these opposite
states of the system.   In the former case, those medicines are to be
selected for use, which appear to act by relaxing the morbid constric-
tion of  the cutaneous capillaries, and at the  same time have a direct
tendency to lower the action of the  heart and arteries ;  such as anti-
monials, and the alkaline and saline  diaphoretics.   In the latter, those
remedies are to be employed, which  act as stimulants to the  cutaneous
capillaries, and at the  same time increase the general action  of the
vascular system.   In  addition  to  the medicines  described in this
division, other means are resorted to for the production of diaphoresis;
the more important of these are increased muscular action, warm water
and warm vapour or air  baths, the cold  affusion, and the use of tepid
diluent drinks as simple water, gruel, whey, &c.  During the adminis-
tration of diaphoretics, it is essential, that  the  surface of  the body
should be kept warm, and for  this  purpose  a bad conductor of heat,
such as flannel, should be employed  ; care also must be taken to avoid
the application of cold, either  by exposing the surface of the body to
cold air, or by  the use of cold drinks while the perspiration continues,
or  for  some time after it  has ceased ;  lastly, where it is  wished to
check the diaphoresis, this must be  done gradually, by  drying the sur-
face of the body with dry, warm towels, by  diminishing the covering,
and by  cautiously exposing the hands and arms to the air.
  Ammonia: acetatis aqua, D. E.  Ammonia;  acetatis liquor, L.
[U. S.]—Solution of acetate of ammonia;  Mindererus Spirit.

  Preparation.—Dvb.—"Carbonate of ammonia,  one part; add by de-
grees, frequently agitating, sufficient warm distilled vinegar to saturate the
ammonia, that is about 30 parts; this may be determined by means of litmus
paper."  Lond.—" Sesquiearbonate of ammonia, givss., or a sufficiency ;
distilled vinegar, Oiv.; add the salt to the vinegar to saturation."   Edin.—
" Distilled vinegar, from French vinegar in preference, fgxxiv.; carbonate
of ammonia, §i.; mix and dissolve the salt;  if the solution has any bitter-
ness, add by degrees a little distilled vinegar, till that taste be removed; the
density of the distilled vinegar should  be 1005, and that of the aqua acetatis
ammoniae, 1*011."  [U. S.  Diluted acetic acid, Oij. ; carbonate of ammo-
nia, in powder, q. s.  Add the carbonate of ammonia  gradually to the acid
until it is saturated.]

  Physical Properties.—A transparent colourless liquid, with a very
faint odour, and a cooling saline taste.  The specific  gravity varies
with the strength of the solution, that  of the Dublin and Edinburgh is
1011 ; that of London somewhat higher.
  Chemical Properties.—It consists of acetate of ammonia dissolved
in water, the proportion of the acetate present varies exceedingly, de-
pending on the strength of the distilled vinegar  employed in the pre- 
DIAPHORETICS.
123
paration.  The  solution should be  perfectly neutral, but  is- usually
faintly acid  which is an advantage in relation to its  employment in
medicine.  By careful evaporation crystals of the salt may be obtained,
they are very deliquescent.  By adding a few drops of sulphuric acid
to the solution, an acetous odour is evolved ;  caustic potash disengages
an ammoniacal odour.
   Adulterations.—This solution seldom if ever contains any impurity,
the London and Edinburgh Colleges, nevertheless,  have given tests
for detecting the presence of  metallic matter, and  sulphuric or mu-
riatic acids;—the metals,  by sulphuretted hydrogen,  and  the  acids,
the former by muriate of baryta, the latter by nitrate of silver.  The
solution should be perfectly colourless and of the prescribed density.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Water of acetate of ammonia operates
as a diaphoretic with much certainty, and is  very generally employed
with that intention in febrile and inflammatory affections.   Its  opera-
tion should be promoted by the use of warm  drinks and by the surface
of the body being kept warm, as otherwise it is  apt to pass of by the
kidneys.  This solution possesses the advantage of not exciting the
circulation  in any  considerable degree, a property  which  renders it
peculiarly adapted for febrile diseases.
   Dose and  Mode of Administration.—fgss. to  f|i.,  or f|ij.,  re-
peated every five or  six hours.—Diaphoretic mixture.  (Solution  of
acetate of ammonia,  fijij.; simple syrup, f|j. ; orange flower  water,
f§i.; camphor mixture, f§iv.; mix).  Dose, fgj. every four hours.
   Incompatibles.—Acids; potash, and soda,  and their carbonates;
lime water ; nitrate of silver; acetate of lead ; and the metallic sul-
phates.

   Antimonii oxidum, E.—Antimonii oxydum nitromuriaticum, D.—■
 Sesquioxide of antimony ; Nitromuriatic oxide  of antimony.

   Preparation.—Dub.—"Prepared  sulphuret of antimony,  20 parts;
muriatic acid, 100 parts;  nitric acid 1 part; add the sulphuret gradually,
to the acids previously mixed in a glass vessel, avoiding the vapours ; di-
gest with a gradually increased heat, till the mixture ceases to effervesce,
then boil for an hour; pour the cooled  and filtered liquor into a gallon of water;
when the oxide of antimony shall have subsided, wash with a large quantity
of water, till the decanted fluid shall have become free from acid, which may
be ascertained by means of litmus paper ;  finally dry the oxide on bibulous
paper."  Edin.—" Sulphuret of antimony, in fine  powder, §iv.; muriatic
acid, (commercial),  Oj.;  water, Ov.; dissolve the sulphuret  in the acid
with the aid of a gentle heat; boil for half an  hour; filter; pour the fluid
into the water; collect the precipitate on a calico filter; wash it well  with
cold water;  then with a  weak solution of carbonate of soda ; and again
with cold water till the washings cease to effect  reddened litmus paper.
Dry the powder over the vapour bath."

   Physical Properties.—A heavy white  powder, sometimes semi-
crystalline ;  inodorous, having a  disagreeable  metallic taste  as  pre-
pared  according to the Dublin pharmacopoeia, in consequense of adher-
ing  chloride  of antimony, but perfectly tasteless  when  freed from
chlorine.
   Chemical Properties.—It is composed of 1 eq. of antimony,  and
3 of oxygen, (Sb O3) Graham ; with some  adhering chloride of anti-
mony  in the Dublin preparation.  It is  permanent in the air, exposed 
 124                      diaphoretics.

 to heat it becomes yellow, and fuses at a red heat, concreting slowly
 as it  cools into a crystalline  mass; By a stronger heat it is sublimed in
 white vapours which condense in the  form of crystalline  needles.
 Oxide of antimony is insoloble in water ;  the greater part, but not all,
 of the adhering chloride may be removed  from the nitromuriatic oxide
 by  repeated washing with  watery washed with a  weak solution of
 carbonate of soda, it may be completely freed from it.   It  is  soluble
 in muriatic, tartaric, and  acetic acids.
   Adulterations.—Not liable to any ;  that it has been properly pre-
 pared is shown by the tests  -of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia : " En-
 tirely soluble in muriatic  acid, and in a boiling mixture of bitartrate of
 potash and water, fusible at a red heat."
  Therapeutical  Effects.—Originally introduced into the  Dublin
 pharmacopoeia only for the  preparation  of tartar emetic ; but  of late
 years it  has been  used as a  diaphoretic in the same cases as  James'
 powder, which it appears to  resemble much in its action on the system,
 and which is explained in the next article.
  Dose  and Mode of Administration.—Gr. iij. to gr.  x. ; in some
 instances so large a dose as 3ss. has  proved inert, this however may
 be owing to faulty preparation.   It may be given in the form  of pill
 made with conserve of roses.

  Antimonii  pulvis compositus,  L.   Pulvis antimosialis, D.  E.
 Antimonial powder.
  Preparation.—The process for preparing James' powder is a secret with
 the proprietor of the nostrum ;  that for antimonial powder is nearly similar
 in the three British pharmacopoeias, and is as follows:—Dub.—" Prepared
 sulphuret of antimony, 1 part;  hartshorn shavings, 2 parts; mix and throw
 them  into a wide iron pot heated to redness, stirring constantly till vapours
 of sulphur cease to  arise, and the mixture shall have acquired an ash-grey
 colour ; rub the cooled mass to powder, and put it into a crucible  and ex-
 pose it lor two hours to a heat  gradually  increased to whiteness.   Finally,
 when  cold reduce to a very fine powder."   Lond.—" Sesqui-sulphuret of
 antimony, powdered, ibj.; horns, shaved, ibij. ; mix and throw them into a
 crucible red hot in the fire, and stir constantly till vapour no  longer arises.
 Rub that  which remains to powder, and put it into a proper crucible. Then
 apply  fire, and increase it gradually that it  may be red hot for two hours.
 Rub the residue to  very fine powder."  Edin.—"Sulphuret  of antimony,
in coarse powder ; and hartshorn shavings, of each, equal parts;  mix and
put them  into a red hot iron pot, and stir constantly till they acquire an ash-
grey colour, and vapour no  longer arises.   Pulverise the product, and put
it into a crucible with a perforated cover, and expose this to a gradually in-
creasing heat till a white heat be produced, which is to be maintained for
two hours.  Reduce the product when cold to a fine powder."

  Physical Properties.—A dull white powder,  tasteless and odour-
less ;  feeling gritty under the teeth in  consequence of  its being in
general  rather coarsely  powdered.    The   empirical   preparation
" James' powder," as a succedaneum for  which  this preparation was
originally introduced into the pharmacopoeias,  resembles it both in
physical  and chemical properties, except in being in a state of much
more  minute division.
  Chemical  Properties.—According to  the recent and accurate ex-
periments of Dr. Douglas Maclagan of  Edinburgh, the composition of
both preparations appear to be similar, but the proportions of the dif- 
diaphoretics.
125
ferent  ingredients present, vary remarkably in different  specimens.
They consist of from | to 2h per cent of the antimonite of  lime, and
from 4 to 10 per cent of sesquioxide of antimony, to the  presence of
both of which, chiefly the latter, the activity of the preparation is due  ;
the remainder being inert antimonious acid, and phosphate  of lime.
Boiling water dissolves the antimonite of lime  which is deposited as
the solution cools;  muriatic acid dissolves  the sesquioxide of antimo-
ny and the phosphate of lime.
   Not liable to adulteration;  but as before remarked, it varies  much
in activity, the empirical preparation being more uniform in character
and consequently more generally preferred notwithstanding  its high. -
price.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Antimonial powder and James' powder,
though frequently even in very  large doses not producing  the least
apparent effect on  the system,  more ^generally operate as  powerful
diaphoretics, causing copious sweating without much excitement or
disturbance of the circulation.   They are generally employed  in the
early  stages of febrile diseases and  in  inflammatory  affections;
they have been also given in chronic skin diseases, and combined with
calomel and opium  in acute rheumatism.  In consequence of the un-
certainty of their operation, and the very high price at which the
patent nostrum is sold, most practitioners at present prefer employing
tartar emetic, from which, when administered with proper regulation
of the doses, we can obtain similar effects with much greater certainty.
The late Dr. Cheyne  employed James' powder with excellent effect
in the after treatment of apoplexy,  to equalise the circulation and
thereby prevent a return of the fit; and his practice has been very
generally adopted by the physicians of this city with the  most bene-
ficial results.   He at first gave two grains  for a dose at bed-time and
increased it half a grain every night, until eighteen  grains were taken
at one dose, unless vomiting or purging were previously produced by it.
   Dose and Mode  of Administration.—In powder, from gr.  iij. to
gr. x., repeated every  four or five hours ;  or it may be made into pill
with conserve of roses or any of the  vegetable extracts.—Diaphoretic
pill;   (Antimonial  or  James' powder, gr. ij., extract of conium or of
aconite, gr. i.; to be made into one pill).  It should be repeated every
six hours.    #' *  ><  /   ,,  «. ,  r^^M   ', -w->.o  J

   Antimonii sulphuretum,  [U. S.] D. E.   Antimonii sesquisul-
phuretum, L.—Sulphuret of antimony; Crude antimony.

   Preparation.—An article of the Materia Medica in the  three  British
pharmacopoeias ; prepared by fusing the ore in a perforated crucible placed
over another destined to receive the melted mass; the  Dublin College di-
rects it to be further  purified by the process of levigation and elutriation as
for prepared chalk, (Antimonii sulphuretum praparalum.)

   Physical  Properties.—In conical masses or loaves,  of a  bluish-
grey  colour,  staining the. fingers  or paper black, with a brilliant,
metallic, crystalline fracture ; it is  inodorous  and  tasteless,  is easily
pulverized, and yields a black powder.  Sp. gr. 4*6.
   Chemical  Properties.—It is composed of  1 eq. of antimony, and
3 of sulphur, (SI + 3 S) Graham-   It is permanent  in  the air,  ex-
posed to a moderate heat it fuses, and at a red heat it volatilizes.   It
                                11* 
126                     diaphoretics.
 is insoluble in water;  with the aid of heat it is completely dissolved
 by muriatic acid with  the disengagement of sulphuretted-hydroo-en gas.
   Adulterations.—Although not liable to  adulteration, as met with in
 commerce it contains  many impurities ; most of these are detected by
 dissolving in muriatic acid ; but there is one of  much  importance
 which this test  will not detect, and which is seldom wanting,  namely,
 arsenic;  its presence may be shown  by the reduction test as before
 described for arsenic,  the (page 116,) sulphuret having been previous-
 ly mixed with charcoal and carbonate of soda.
   Therapeutical Effects.—This preparation is at present not used
 in medicine, it was formerly administered as a  diaphoretic in doses of
 from gr. x. to 3ij-j in cutaneous and scrofulous diseases, and in  gout
 and rheumatism.   It is employed in pharmacy for preparing the other
 antimonial compounds.

   Antimonii sulphuretum aureum, E.   Suphur antimoniatum fus-
 cum, D.   Antimonii oxysulphuretum, L.—[Antimonii sulphuretum
 precipitatum, U. S.]—Golden sulphuret of antimony; Oxysulphuret
 of antimony.

  Preparation.—Dub-—" Prepared sulphuret of antimony, 1 part; water of
 caustic potash, 18 parts; dilute sulphuric acid, 11 parts or a sufficiency; add
 the sulphuret to the water of caustic potash, and boil for an hour; filter the
 warm liquor through doubled  linen, and drop it into the dilute sulphuric
 acid; wash away the sulphate of potash with warmj water; dry the golden
 sulphuret and reduce to a fine powder."  Lond.—" Sesquisulphuret of anti-
 mony, powdered, §vij.;  solution of potash, Oiv. ; distilled water, cong. ij.;
 dilute sulphuric acid, a  sufficiency; mix the sesquisulphuret of antimony,
 solution of potash and water together; and boil with a slow fire for two
 hours, frequently stirring, distilled water being often added, that it may fill
 about the same measure; strain the  liquor, and gradually drop into it as
 much diluted sulphuric  acid, as may be sufficient to throw down the oxy-
 sulphuret of antimony ;  then wash away the sulphate of potash with water,
 and dry what remains with a gentle heat."  Edm.—" Sulphuret of antimo-
 ny, in fine powder, §i.; solution of potash, f§xj.;  water,  Oij.; mix the
 water and solution of potash, add the sulphuret, boil for an hour, filter im-
 mediately, and precipitate the liquid while hot,  with an excess of diluted
 sulphuric acid; collect the precipitate on a calico filter, wash it thoroughly
 with water, and dry it with a gentle heat."

  Physical Properties.—A light powder of a bright orange colour,
 odourless and tasteless when pure.
  Chemical Properties.—lis chemical composition has not been ac-
 curately ascertained ;  in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia  it is stated to
 be a mixture or  compound of sesquisulphuret of antimony, sesquioxide
 of antimeny, and sulphur.   It is permanent in the air, heated in close
vessels, sulphur is sublimed ; but if heated in contact with air it burns
with a greenish blue flame, evolving  sulphurous acid and leaving a
 greyish residuum.  It is insoluble in water,  and only partially soluble
 in dilute acids ;  with the aid of heat it is nearly all dissolved by solu-
 tions of the alkalies.
  Adulterations.—This preparation often  contains oxide of iron and
sulphur, and is frequently coloured with Brazil-wood or  red saunders-
wood : all these impurities are readily detected by  the  testa of the
 Edinburgh College : " twelve times  its weight of pure muriatic acid, 
diaphoretics.                      127
 aided by heat, dissolves most of it, forming  a colourless solution and
 leaving a little sulphur."
   Therapeutical Effects.—The golden sulphuret of antimony pos-
 sesses diaphoretic properties, in  large  doses producing  nausea and
 vomiting ; it is seldom employed alone, but, in the  following prepara-
 tion, is in very  general use as a diaphoretic and alterative.  Pilula
 Calomelanos composita, D. E.  (Calomel;  and  golden  sulphuret  of
 antimony, of each,  one part; guaiacum resin,  in fine powder, two
 parts;  make into a  pill mass with a  sufficiency (two "parts, E.)  of
 treacle ;  " to be divided into six grain piUs," E.)—Pilula Hydrargyri
 Chloridi composita,  L.  (Chloride  of mercury ; oxysulphuret of anti-
 mony,  of each,  3ij-;  guaiacum resin, powdered, §ss. ; treacle, 3ij-;
 rub the chloride of mercury with the oxysulphuret of antimony, after-
 wards with the  guaiacum  resin and  the treacle until incorporated).
 This compound is commonly known as  Plummets Pill; it is an ex-
 cellent diaphoretic and alterative, well adapted for cutaneous eruptions,
 especially those of a syphilitic origin ; Dose, gr. v. to gr. x. or gr. xv.
 Six grains (four grains, L.) contain one grain each of calomel and of the
 golden sulphuret of antimony.
   Incompatibles.—Acids ; and acidulous salts.

   Antimonii et potass* tartras sive tartarum emeticum, D.  An-
 timonii  potassio-tartras, L.   Antimonium  tartarizatum,  E.
 [Antimonii et potass* tartras, U. S.]   Tartrate of antimony and
 potash ;  Tartar emetic.

   Preparation.—Dub.—" Nitromuriatic oxide of antimony, 4 parts ;  bitar-
 trate of potash, in fine powder, 5 parts;  distilled water, 34 parts, boil  the
 water in a glass vessel;  throw gradually into it, the oxide and bitartrate of
 potash previously mixed together, and boil for half an hour; then filter the
 liquid  through paper and cool gradually that  crystals may  be  formed."
 Lond—" Sesquisulphuret of antimony, in powder;  nitrate of potash, pow-
 dered,  of each, Ibij.; bitartrate of potash,  powdered, jfxiv.; hydrochloric
 acid, fgiv.; distilled water, cong. j.;  mix accurately the sesquisulphuret of
 antimony with the nitrate of potash ; the hydrochloric acid being then added,
 and the powder spread upon an iron plate, ignite it; rub the residue to very
 fine powder when it is cold, and wash it frequently with boiling water until
 it is free from taste; mix the powder thus prepared with the bitartrate  of
 potash, and boil for half an  hour in the distilled water;  strain the liquor
 white hot, and set it aside that crystals may be formed ;  these being remov-
 ed and dried,  let the liquor again evaporate that it may  yield  crystals."
 Edin.—"Sulphuret of antimony, in fine powder, |iv.;  muriatic acid (com-
 mercial), Oj.; water, Ov.; dissolve the sulphuret in the acid with the aid
 of a gentle heat; boil for half an hour, filter, pour the  liquid  into water,
 collect the precipitate on a calico filter,  wash it with cold water,  till the
 water ceases to redden litmus paper; dry the precipitate  over the vapour
 bath.   Take  of the precipitate, §iij.; bitartrate of potash, %iv. ±.; water,
 fgxrvij.;  mix the powders, add the water, boil for an hour, filter, and  crys-
 tallize by cooling.  The mother liquor when concentrated yields more crys-
tals not so Iree from colour, and therefore requiring a second crystallization."

   Physical  Properties.—Tartar emetic is met  with in the shops
either in the  form of a white powder,  or  in transparent colourless
crystals, which are octahedrons with  a rhombic  base. It is inodor-
ous, but has a styptic nauseous taste.
  Chemical   Properties.—It is composed  of 1 eq.  of tartrate  of 
128
diaphoretics.
  potash, one eq. of tartrate  of antimony, and two  eq.  of water,  (KO,
  Sb03,2(C8 H4 O10)-f-2 HO).   The crystals effloresce in the air
  soon becoming white and opaque, and losing their water of crystalliza-
  tion.  Strongly heated the salt is decomposed, and an alloy of antimo-
  ny and potash is obtained.   It is soluble in  14  times its weight of cold
  water, and in less than twice its weight of  boiling water ; it is insolu-
  ble  in  alcohol.   The solution  gives  white precipitates with  oxalic
  and sulphuric acids, caustic  potash,  and lime water; straw coloured
  with infusion of nut-galls; and bright orange-red with sulphuretted
  dydrogen or the soluble hydrosulphates ; the latter is the most charac-
- teristic test.
    Adulterations.—In the crystalline  state, this salt is seldom adultera-
  ted ; in a few instances I have  found crystals of sulphate of potash
  mixed with those of tartar emetic, evidently an intentional fraud, but
  one easy of detection, as crystals of  tartar  emetic when dropped into
  a solution of sulphuretted hydrogen have an orange-coloured deposit
  formed on them.  The powder is very commonly adulterated with
  cream of tartar, and from being badly prepared frequently contains a
  large quantity of the  oxide of iron ; both impurities are readily detect-
  ed by the tests of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia :  " Entirely soluble in
  20 parts of water, solution colourless and not  affected by solution of
  ferrocyanide of potassium  ; a solution  in 40 parts of water is not af-
  fected by its own volume of a solution of 8 parts of acetate of lead in
  32 parts of water, and 15 parts of acetic acid."
    Therapeutical Effects.—In properly regulated  doses,  tartar
  emetic  produces diaphoresis  more uniformly and  more certainly than
  any other of the antimonial preparations ; nausea  sometimes accompa-
  nies its diaphoretic action, but this is attended with the  advantage of
  placing the system in a condition in which sweating is more  freely
  produced.   In all the varieties of febrile diseases, especially when a
  determination of blood to the head forbids the use of  the more  stimu-
  lating diaphoretics, tartar emetic is  employed  with great benefit.  It
  has been also used with much advantage in obstinate cutaneous dis-
  eases, administered in decoction of sarsaparilla, or in decoction  of elm
  bark if much debility be present.  The employment of the antimonial
  preparations generally is contraindicated in  diseases where gastric ir-
  ritation is present.  (See Emetics and Sedatives.
    Dose and Mode of Administration.—l-12th to 1-6th of a grain
  frequently repeated ;   it may be  administered dissolved in  a  large
  quantity of distilled water  without any  flavouring  adjunct; thus, gr. ij.
  may be dissolved in Oj. of water, and  f|i. of  this taken  every hour
  until sweating is produced ;  given in the form  of  pill, however, it is
  less apt to produce vomiting than when in  solution.   The following
  is used as a  substitute for  James' powder.—Tartar emetic,  gr. i. ;
  sulphate of potash, in fine  powder, gr.  xx. ; mix.   Dose, gr. ij. to gr.
  iij., every  hour.—Liquor Tartari  Emetici, D.   Vinum  Antimonii
  JPotassio-tartratis, L.   Vinum  Antimoniale,  E.   [Vinum antimonii,
  U. S.]   (" Tartar emetic, 9i. ;  boiling distilled  water, by measure,
  §viij.;  rectified spirit of wine, by measure ^ij-  ; dissolve in the  water,
  filter and add the spirit," D.   " Dissolve gr. xl. of tartar emetic in Oj.
  of sherry,"  L. E.).   [Tartrate of Antimony  and Potassa 9j.  ; wine
  f§x.  Dissolve in the wine.  U. S.] Every fluid  ounce contains gr. ij. of
  tartar emetic ; Dose as a diaphoretic, min. xx. to min. xxx., every hour. 
diaphoretics.
129
        Incompatibles.—The acids; the alkalies, and their carbonates ; lima
      water ; chloride of calcium ; the earths;  some of the metallic oxides ;
      hydrosulphurets;  the acetates  of lead;  corrosive  sublimate;  decoc-
*    tions and infusions of most of the bitter and astringent vegetables, as
      those of cinchona, rhubarb, galls, catechu, &c.  The solution in water
      spoils by keeping.

        Arctium lappa, semina, radix, D.—Common  Burdock ;  The seeds
      and root of Arctium lappa (Lappa minor, Decandolle).  This is  an
      indigenous plant growing commonly in waste places and by road sides.
      It belongs to the Natural family Composita (Asteracea, Lindley), and
      to the Linnaean class and order  Syngenesia JEqualis.
        This plant, though still retained in the Dublin pharmacopoeia, in the
      present day is never employed in regular practice.  A decoction of the
      root is a popular diet drink in chronic  cutaneous diseases, and in rheu-
      matism.  It produces gentle diaphoresis and also increases the flow of
      urine.  Guibourt has found Inulin in the  root of burdock.

        Dulcamara, L. E. [U.  S.]  Solanum dulcamara, caules, D.  The
      stems (twigs, E.) of Solanum dulcamara; Woody nightshade i Bitter--  ^
      sweet.—Indigenous, growing  in hedges and thickets.  It belongs  to**1
      the Natural family Solanacea, and to the Linnaean class  and order
      Pentandria Monogynia.

        Botanical Characters.—Stems, shrubby, twining  and branching;
      Leaves, cordate,  upper ones hastate; Flowers, elegant,  purple, in drooping
      clusters; Anthers, large, yellow,  united  into a pyramidal  or cone-shaped
      figure ; Berries, scarlet, juicy.
        Preparation.—The stems or twigs are gathered in autumn when the
      leaves have  fallen off, and dried  with the heat of  a stove.  Those stems of
      the thickness of a goose-quill are usually  selected.
        Physical Properties.—The twigs, as  met  with in  the  shops, are
      dark brown externally, white within, light and spongy in the centre ;
      when fresh they have a faintly nauseous odour, which is lost by drying ;
      the taste is at first bitter, afterwards sweetish, whence the name bitter-
      sweet is applied to the plant.
        Chemical Properties.—According to the  analysis of Desfosses,
      dulcamara contains, besides some salts of lime and potash  arid other
      unimportant substances, a peculiar alkaline principle, insoluble in water,
      soluble in alcohol and ether, pulverulent, inodorous, white, permanent
      in the air, which  he has called Solania—it appears to be a narcotic,
      but its medical  properties  have not been yet fully examined.  Bitter-
      sweet yields its  active properties to both water and  alcohol.
        Therapeutical Effects.—A  decoction has been employed as a
      diaphoretic in rheumatic and venereal affeetions, and in chronic diseases
      of the skin.  Its medical  properties are, however, very  feeble, and  in
      the present day it is scarcely ever  used.
       Dose and Mode of Administration.—Decoctum Dulcamara, D. L.
      E.  [U. S.]  (Dulcamara twigs, chopped, §i. ; water,  fgxxiv. ;  boil
      down to fgxvj.;  and strain).  Dose, fgi. to fgij. two or three times a
      day.

       Guaiaci lignum, D. L.  E. [U. S.]—Wood of Guaiacum officinale;
      Lignumvila. 
130                      diaphoretics.
  Guaiaci resina, D. L. [U. S.]   Guaiacum, E.—Resin (obtained by
heat from the wood, E.) of Guaiacum officinale.   This tree is a native
of Jamaica, of St. Domingo, and  of many other West India islands;
it belongs to the Natural family ZygophyUacea, and to the  Linnaean
class and order Decandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A tree attaining a height of 30 or 40 feet, with
a crooked stem, and a  hard, heavy wood;  Leaves evergreen, bijugate;
Flowers, pale blue, in  clusters in the axillae of the  upper leaves;  Fruit,
yellow, obovate, coriaceous.
  Preparation.—The wood is divided into logs or billets;  and the resin is
obtained, as a spontaneous exudation from cracks or fissures in the stem, or
by incisions  made into  it; or artificially procured, by heating one end of
billets of the  wood which have been previously bored lengthwise, until  the
resin flows out of the opposite extremity; or by boiling  the chips and rasp-
ings of the wood in a strong solution\>f common salt, when the resin swims
on the surface of the liquid.

  Physical  Properties.—Guaiacum  wood, commonly termed  Lig-
numvitae, is  imported in logs or billets about  nine inches in diameter
and of  various lengths ; it  is extremely hard, consisting of an outer
circle of young wood  (alburnum) of a  pale yellow colour, and a centre
of old wood  (duramen or heart-wood) of a dark green colour;  its
density is T333, so that it sinks when thrown into water.  For medi-
cal uses the wood is  rasped or shaved into  coarse  powder  (scobs vel
rasura guaiaci) ; in which  state it has an acrid resinous taste, and a
peculiar aromatic odour.  Guaiacum resin is a  semi-transparent solid,
breaking with a vitreous fracture, the  fractured surface varies  much
in colour, being partly larWnish, partly reddish, and  partly greenish,
but it always becomes green when exposed to the light and air.  The
odour and taste are similar to, but stronger than those of the wood.
The Sp. gr.  is 129.
 -Chemical Properties.—Guaiacum wood consists of a peculiar
acrid principle, and  its proper resin,  besides gummy matter, mucous
extractive, lignin, &c  Its active properties are probably  due to  the
acrid matter as, well as to the resin.   The latter, the physical proper-
ties of  which have  been described above, as met with in  commerce
consists of the true resin—guaiacic acid, with a trace of gum, extrac-
tive matter, and woody fibre ;  it is insoluble in water and in the fixed
oils, but is  soluble in alcohol and in  solutions  of the alkalies.   The
alcoholic solution  is  precipitated  by water  and by muriatic acid, but
not by acetic acid ; nitric  acid occasions no  change at first, but after
some hours the liquid  becomes green, then blue,  and at last a brown
precipitate falls down ; dropped on  flour or on  a transverse  slice of a
potato, a  blue  colour  is produced on expesure  to the air.   Guaiacum
resin is fused by heat.
   Adulterations.—Various resinous substances are frequently mixed
 with, or substituted for, guaiacum ; the substitution  may be readily de-
 tected  by applying the tests of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia fer the
.true  resin.—" Fresh  fracture  red, slowly  passing  to  green.   The
 tincture slowly strikes a  lively blue colour on the inner surface of a
 thin  pairing of a raw potato."   The .adulteration  with  colophony or
 any of the pine resins may be detected by the partial solubility of the
 suspected article  in  hot oil of turpentine, which does not  act on the 
DIAPHORETICS.
131
true resin.   The shavings may be readily distinguished from those of
any other wood by the action  of nitric acid, which communicates  to
them a temporary bluish-green colour.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Guaiacum wood and its resin are stimu-
lating diaphoretics, and are consequently inadmissible in all states  of
excitement  or acute inflammation of the  system.   They are  well
adapted for chronic rheumatism of the old or debilitated; for the atonic
stages of gout;  for chronic diseases of the skin, especially those of a
syphilitic origin,  or occurring in scrofulous habits ;  and for all the
forms of secondary syphilis, provided there is no irritation or inflamma-
tory tendency in the alimentary canal.   When  first  introduced into
the practice of medicine, they were believed to possess antivenereal
virtues, little if at all inferior to mercury.
   Dose  and Mode  of  Administration.—The resin may be given in
powder in doses of from gr. x. to 5ss. ;  it may be administered in the
form of bolus  made with treacle or conserve of roses ; or suspended in
water by means of mucilage.   The wood is not administered in powder.
—Decoctum Guaiaci,  E.—compositum,  D.  (Guaiac- turnings, §iij. ;
sassafras root, cut (rasped, E.), 3x. (§j., E.) ;  liquorice root, bruised,
§iiss. (|j. E.; raisins, |ij., E.) ; water, by  measure Ibx. (Oviij., E.) ;
boil the guaiac (and raisins, E.) in the water down to one half (Ov.,
E.), adding the liquorice  and sassafras towards the close and strain).
The old decoction of the woods, a sudorific in doses of f§iv., two or
three  times a day.—Aqua Calcis composita,  D.   (Guaiac-shavings,
ibss. ; liquorice root, cut and bruised, §j.; sassafras bark, bruised, §ss. ;
coriander seeds, 3iij-, lime water, by measure ibvi.; macerate without
heat  for two  days in a close  vessel, frequently shaking, then  strain).
Seldom used at present.  Dose, fgij. to f§iv.—Mistura Guaiaci, L. E.
(Guaiacum resin, 3iij. ,' sugar, |ss. ;  mucilage, fgss.;  cinnamon water,
f§xix.; rub the guaiac  with the sugar and mucilage, adding gradually
the cinnamon  water).   Dose, f§ss. to f§ij., two or three times a day.—
Tinctura Guaiaci,  D.  L. E.  [U. S.l  (Guaiacum-resin, (bruised, L.
in  coarse  powder, E.), §iv.  (§vij., L.  E.) [3viij.  U.  S.];  rectified
spirit, by measure ibij. (Oij.,  L.  E. [U. S.]) ; macerate for 7 (14, L.
[U. S.] ) days and  filter).  Dose, f3i. to f§ss. ; it is decomposed  by
water, it should be therefore suspended in aqueous vehicles by means
of  sugar or mucilage.—Tinctura Guaiaci ammoniata, D. E.  [U. S.]
Tinctura Guaiaci  composita,  L. (Guaiacum-resin,  (bruised, L., in
coarse powder,  E.), §iv. (§vij.  L.  E.) ;  aromatic spirit of ammonia
(spirit of ammonia, E.), ibiss. (Oij. L. E.) [Oiss. U. S.]; macerate  for
7 (14,  [U. S.J L.) days and filter).  The best of its officinal prepara-
tions ;   Dose,  f5j.  to   f3ij-, exhibited  as  the  preceding.—Syrupus
Guaiaci, augustin.  (Ammoniated tincture of guaiacum, f3ij-; mu-
cilage ; and syrup of almonds, of each, f§i.;  mix).   An elegant formu-
la; Dose, f3i. to f3ij.
  Incompatibles.—The mineral acids;  and spirit of nitric ether.

  Ipecacuanha  pulvis compositus, D. L. E. [U.  S.]   Compound
powder of Ipecacuanha ; Dover's powder.

  Preparation.—"Ipecacuan,  in powder; and opium (Turkey, D. hard
L.), in powder, of each, 31- (§*-, E.); sulphate of potash, §i.  (gviij. E.);
mix (first the sulphate of potash with the opium, then the ipecacuan, D.j
intimately." 
132                      diaphoretics.
   Physical Properties.—A brownish-yellow powder, with an opiate
odour, and a bitter, saline, slightly acrid taste.
   ChemicalProperties.—It is composed of one part each of pow-
dered ipecacuanha and opium, and eight parts of powdered sulphate of
potash.  It is insoluble in water or in alcohol.
y,  Therapeutical  Effects.—One  of  the most  powerful and most
generally employed sudorifics, possessing properties which do not be-
long to any of its ingredients separately.  Its employment is contrain-
dicated in cases attended with irritability of the digestive organs, or
where there is cerebral disturbance.  It is especially adapted for the
milder forms of catarrh, coryza, acute rheumatism, and general dropsy
accompanied with suppressed or  diminished perspiration, particularly
when the urine is albuminous.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. v. to gr. xx., in pill  or
in bolus made with conserve of roses.  The surface of the body should
be kept warm, and as a precaution against vomiting the patient should
not be  permitted to drink  for some time  after taking the medicine.
Every ten grains of Dover's powder contain one grain each of opium
and ipecacuanha.—Pilula Ipecacuanha et  Opii, E.  (Compound ipe-
cacuan powder, 3 parts ; conserve of red roses, 1 part; beat them into
a proper mass which is to be divided into gr. iv. pills).   Dose, gr. iv.
to gr. viij.

   Mezereon, D. E.   Mezereum, [U.  S.] L.—Bark (of the root. L.
E.)  of Daphne Mezereum,  [and Gnidium, U. S.]  An indigenous
shrub, belonging to the Natural family Thymelacea, and to the Lin-
naean class and order Octandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Stem, woody, branching, covered with a smooth
greenish-grey cuticle; Leaves, scattered, smooth, lanceolate; Flowers, pale-
rose colour, highly fragrant, appearing before the leaves, in little tufts on the
naked branches; Berries, scarlet.
  Preparation.—Although the London and  Edinburgh Colleges direct the
bark of the root to be employed, as met with in the shops it appears to have
been removed as well from the branches.  The Dublin druggists and apothe-
caries generally employ the whole root. The  bark is collected in spring,
being then most active, and dried with stove heat.
  Physical Properties.—The root is generally entire, of various
lengths, sometimes branching ; externally it is covered with the bark
which is  of a brown colour, smooth, wrinkled; in the centre is the
white, hard, tasteless wood, between it  and the  outer bark  the inner
bark is white and cottony ;  the thickness of the root varies from that
of a quill to that of the little finger.   The bark  (cortex mezerei) is in
pieces of various lengths, quilled, tough, and pliable ;  it  is covered
with the ojive-brown, tasteless epidermis; the true bark is of a green-
ish-white colour, and fibrous.  It has  a  slight, nauseous odour, the
taste is at first faint, but leaves a hot acrid impression upon the tongue
and fauces ; in the fresh state the  bark  has a very acrid taste.
  Chemical Properties.—The inner bark of the mezereon contains a
neutral crystalline  principle  which has been named daphnin, and  an
acrid  resin, in combination with wax, sugar, colouring matter, woody
fibre,  &c.  It  yields its active principles to water and to alcohol.
  Adulterations.—Various similar barks and roots are either  mixed
with, or substituted  for,  mezereon; they may be distinguished  by not 
diaphoretics.                     133
having the same acrid taste.   The woody part, which constitutes the
greater portion of the root, is perfectly inert, and consequently should
not be employed.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—Mezereon is a stimulating diaphoretic,
but its properties as such are very feeble in comparison to its acridity,
in consequence of which it is not much employed at present.  It was
formerly in high repute as an  efficacious remedy for venereal nodes,
and in other forms of secondary syphilis.  (See Epispastics).
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—In decoction, in doses  of
f§iv.  or f§v., three or  four  times  a  day.—Decoctum Mezerei, D.
(Mezereon bark, 3U-; liquorice root, bruised, gss. ; water,  ibiij.; boil
down to Ibij. and  strain).  It also  enters into the composition of the
compound decoction of sarsaparilla.

   Sarza,L. E.  Sarsaparilla,  [U. S.] D.  Root of Smilax sarsa-
parilla, D.—W" Smilax officinalis, L.—and probably also of other spe-
cies, [U. S.]E.   Sarsaparilla.  The  various species  of  the genus
sarsaparilla, from which the medicinal root is obtained, are inhabitants
of the warmest regions of Qputh America, especially Peru and Mexico.
They are played  in the Natural family  Smilacea, and in the Linnaean
class and order Diacia Hefhndria.
  Botanical  Characters.—Dioecious creepers ;  Perianth, six  parted :
Male flowers, with six stamens; Female, with a 3-celled ovary, each cell
one seeded ;  Berry, 3-celled, containing one to three roundish seeds.
  Preparation.—The roots are dug up the whole year round, and dried in
the sun.
   Physical Properties.—Several varieties of sarsaparilla are  met
with in English commerce ; the most important of these are, Jamaica,
Honduras, Brazil,  and  Lima  Sarsaparilla.  They are met with  in
bundles formed of the folded roots, in  the Brazilian variety the  roots
are unfolded ;  the bundles  are generally from twenty inches to three
feet in length; the roots consist of a rhizome, the chump of druggists
(which, however, is frequently absent), and of numerous rootlets several
feet in length, about the thickness of a writing pen, cylindrical, flexible,
wrinkled longitudinally, with more or less root-fibres attached to them ;
of a reddish-yellow or brown  colour externally, the inner bark being
rose-coloured  and more or less mealy, and the centre (meditullium),
woody,  whitish and shining.   Sarsaparilla has scarcely any odour, the
taste is  mucilaginous, slightly nauseous, leaving an  acrid sensation on
the back part of the tongue and fauces.   Jamaica Sarsaparilla, which
is most probably the produce of Smilax officinalis, has a lively red tint,
and more attached root-fibres than the other sorts, whence it is some-
times called red-bearded sarsaparilla, it is the most esteemed.  Hon-
duras Sarsaparilla is  of a grayish-brown colour, and has but few root-
lets attached ;  the inner bark is so amylaceous, that when the root is
rubbed or broken, a white mealy powder is driven out of it;  this is the
sort generally used in the shops for cutting into chips.  Brazilian Sar-
saparilla which is the produce of  either Smilax papyracea or Smilax
siphilitica, resembles the last in colour and mealiness, but is almost free
from rootlets, and the chump  is not attached.  Lima Sarsaparilla re-
sembles  in appearance  Jamaica, for which it is often sold, its colour,
however, is grayish-brown, and the chump is invariably attached, being
folded into  the centre of the bundle.
                              12 
134                        DIAPH0RETIC8.
  Chemical Properties.—Various analyses have been made of sar-
saparilla ; it appears to consist of volatile oil, nearly all of which is lost
by drying, of a peculiar white crystallizable principle, which has been
named  smilacin  (paraglin, salseparine,  parallinic acid, of  various
chemists), acrid bitter resin, lignin, starch, and mucilage.   It yields
its active  properties to  boiling water by simple maceration ;  and the
continued boiling, to which it is submitted  by the directions of the
Colleges,  for preparing the decoctions, the syrup, and the extracts,  is
not only perfectly useless, but highly injurious, and to this fact we may
ascribe the great discrepancy of opinion which exists as to the medi-
cinal properties of the drug.
  Adulterations.—The roots of various allied species which do not
possess any medicinal property whatsoever, are mixed in America with
the true sarsaparillas ; and  in this country the inferior sorts are sold
for  the finer qualities.   The former fraud may be detected by the taste,
which  is the surest criterion ;  the latter by attending to the characters
of the  different species as given above.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Notwithstanding the little esteem that
sarsaparilla is held in by many practitioners, a medicine possessing the
great activity that it does in the recent state, as described by Dr. Han-
cock, can be scarcely inert; unless, as before observed, we destroy its
medicinal properties by the pharmaceutical processes to which it  is
submitted.  Under its use, undoubtedly, diaphoresis is frequently pro-
duced, and  secondary syphilitic affections, especially nocturnal pains,
ulcerations of the throat, and cutaneous eruptions have been speedily
cured ; these effects, however, have  been ascribed by many, and I
must say with much reason, to  the restricted diet to which patients
are submitted while  undergoing what  is  called an alterative course.
The question of the powers of  sarsaparilla  in secondary syphilis  is
worthy of still further  investigation, particularly if we  consider the
high price of the drug, and the great expenditure which its use in hos-
pitals  and public charities entails on these institutions ; and in any
future trials it would be  well to use a simple infusion, prepared with
boiling water in  the same manner and of the same  strength, as the
compound infusion of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, substituting boiling
distilled water for the lime water ordered  in that formula.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder, the dose is from
3j. to 3ij- ; it  is very seldom administered  in this form; but if the
powder be good, as may be ascertained  by the taste, it ought to prove
the best mode of giving the medicine, it may be made into a bolus with
honey.—Infusum  Sarsaparilla compositum, D.   (Sarsaparilla root,
previously cleansed with cold water and  sliced,  §i. ;  lime  water,  by
measure Ibj.; macerate for 12 hours in a close vessel, shaking it occa-
sionally and strain).  Although lime water is here ordered, it is not so
good a solvent for the constituents of sarsaparilla as distilled water.
Dose, f§iv.  to f§vj. two or three times a day.—Decoctum Sarsaparilla,
D.  Decoctum Sarza, L. E.  (Sarsaparilla, sliced (and cleaned with
cold water, D.),  §iv. (§v., L. E.)  ; boiling  (distilled, L.) water, ibiv.
(Oiv., L. E.); macerate with a medium heat (near the fire, L}) for 4
(2, E.) hours in a vessel  lightly covered ;  takeiput the root,'bruise and
replace it; (macerate for two hours furthe^?T.)T|jil down to Ibij.  -by
measure  (Oij.,L. E.),then (squeeze, L. E.)7I^1  strain).   Dose, fgiv.
to fgviij., three or four times a day.—DecoctunftSursytparilla (SarZa,
L. E.) compositum, D. L. E.  [U. S.]  (Decoction  of sarsaparilla, 
                          diaphoretics.                      135

boiling, by measure Ibiv. (Oiv., L. E.) ;  sassafras chips; guaiac turn-
ings ; bruised liquorice root, of each, §i.  (3x., L. E.jf:  mezereon root
bark, 3iij- (3iv-, E.); boil for a quarter of an hour and strain).   [U. S.
" Sarsaparilla, sliced and bruised, §vi. ; bark of sassafras root, sliced ;
guaicum wood, rasped ; liquorice root, bruised; each, |i. ;  mezereon,
sliced, 3iij.;  water, Oiv. ; boil for  a quarter of an hour and strain."]
The old decoction of sweet-woods;  Dose, f§iv. to fgvj., three or four
times a day.—Extractum Sarsaparilla, D. [U. S.]  Extractum Sarza,
L.  (Sarsaparilla; sliced, ibj. (ibiiss., L.) ; boiling (distilled, L.) water,
cong. j. (cong. ij., L.)  ; macerate for 24  hours, then boil down to ibiv.
 (cong. j., L.) ; and strain the liquor while yet hot.;  lastly evaporate to
 a proper consistence).   [Prepared in the same way as the  alcoholic
 extract of aconite, U. S.]   Dose, 3ss.  to 5ij-—Extractum  Sarsapa-
 rilla fluidum, D.  (Sarsaparilla, sliced, Ibj. ; water, by measure ibxij.;
 boil  together  for an  hour and  pour off the liquor ; then add Ibij.  by
 measure of water, repeat the boiling and pouring off; express strongly
 the liquor from the residue,  set aside the mixed liquors that  the feces
 may subside ; then  evaporate the  mixture by continual boiling down
 to gxxx., and add §ij. of rectified spirit).—Extractum  Sarza fluidum,
 E.  (Sarsaparilla chips, Ibj-. ; boiling water, Ovj.; digest the root for
 2 hours in  4 pints of the water,  take it out, bruise and replace it, and
 boil for 2 hours;  filter and squeeze  out the liquor; boil the residue in
 the remaining 2 pints  of water, and filter, and  squeeze out this liquor
 also ; evaporate the united  liquors to the consistence of syrup; add,
 when the product is cool, as much  rectified spirit as will make in all,
 f§xvj.—This fluid extract may be aromatized with volatile oils or warm
 aromatics).   Notwithstanding the  introduction of the above formula
 into the last edition  of the Edinburgh pharmacopoeia, it is a very
 generally  received opinion  that the extracts are perfectly  inert;  by
 those who prescribe them, they are used as adjuncts to the decoctions.
 Dose, f§ss. to f§j___Syrupus Sarsaparilla,!).  Syrupus Sarza, L. E.
 (Sarsaparilla, sliced, ibj. (§xv.,  L.  E.); boiling water, cong. j. ; ma-
 cerate the sarsaparilla in the water for 24 hours ; then boil down to
 ibiv. (Oiv., L. E.), and  strain the  liquor while  hot; and add  sugar
 (§xv., L.) so as to make a syrup).   Dose, f3iv. to  f3vi, diluted with
 water, or as an adjunct to the decoction.  [U. S.   " Syrupus Sarsa-
 parilla compositus.  Take of sarsaparilla, bruised, ibij.; guaiacum wood,
 wood, rasped, §iij.; hundred leaved roses; senna; liquorice root, bruised,
 each, §ij. ; oil of sassafras ;  oil  of anise ; each, m. v.  ; oil of partridge
 berry, m. iij.; diluted alcohol, Ox. ; sugar, Ibviij.   Macerate the sar-
 saparilla, guaiacum wood, roses, senna, and liquorice root in the diluted
 alcohol for 14 days ; then express and filter.   Evaporate the tincture by
 means of a water bath to Oiv., filter, add the sugar, and proceed in  the
 manner directed for  syrup.  Lastly, having rubbed  the  oils with a
 small quantity of the syrup, mix them thoroughly with the remainder."
• Or substituting a sufficient quantity of  water  for the alcohol, " mix
 the sarsaparilla, guaiacum wood, roses, senna, and liquorice  root, with
 three pints of water,  and  allow the mixture to  stand for twenty-four
 hours ; then transfer the whole to  an apparatus for displacement,  and
 pour on water gradually until one  gallon of  filtered liquor is obtained-
 Evaporate this to four pints ; then add the sugar, and proceed  in  the
 manner directed for  syrup.  Lastly,  having rubbed the oils  with a
 small portion of the syrup, mix them thoroughly with the remainder."]
    Incompatibles.—Lime water; and the acetates of lead. 
136                        DIURETICS.
  Sassafras, D. L. E.—The root, (and wood and volatile oil, D.) of
Lanrus sassafras, D. L.—of Sassafras officinale, E.  [Sassafras me-
dulla.   Sassafras radicis cortex.  Sassafras oleum.—U.S.   Pithe of
the stems.   Bark of the root and volatile of Sassafras.!  Sassafras.
The same tree is indicated by all the Colleges, but the Edinburgh has
adopted the  nomenclature  of Nees von Esenbeck.   It is a native of
North America ; and belongs to  the Natural family Lauracea, and to
the Linnaean class and order Enneandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A tall straight tree; with alternate, caducous
leaves, of a lucid green colour;  Flowers, dioecious, yellow, appearing before
the leaves ; Berry succulent, of a rich blue colour.
  Preparation.—The root is dug up at all periods of the year and cut into
billets, in which form it is imported into Britain; the volatile oil is obtained
from it by distillation.

  Physical Properties.—Sassafras root is imported in various sized,
branched, pieces or logs, covered with a reddish-brown bark which is
often partially stripped off;  the  wood  is of a reddish-yellow colour,
light and very porous; it has an aromatic agreeable odour, somewhat
resembling fennel, and a warm aromatic taste.  The odour and taste
of the bark  are stronger than of the wood.   The volatile oil is of a
pale yellow  colour, has an  analogous odour and taste, and  is heavier
than water.
  Chemical Properties.—Sassafras wood and  bark have been re-
cently analysed by Reinsch ;  the  latter is much  the  more active.  It
contains a peculiar principle which he has named sassafrid, and which
bears much  resemblance to tannic acid, a light and heavy volatile oil,
camphoraceous  matter, tannin, and  other unimportant matters.  The
medicinal virtues are extracted both by water and alcohol.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—A  stimulating  diaphoretic,  but its
powers as such are so uncertain that it is never prescribed alone.  The
wood forms  a constituent of the compound  decoction  of  sarsaparilla,
and of the compound decoction of guaiacum, but the continued boiling
to which these preparations are  submitted, must  completely dissipate
the volatile oil, the active principle of the sassafras.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—It may be given in the form
of infusion, prepared by infusing §i. of the chips in Oi. of boiling water
for an hour,  of which f§ij. may be taken three or four times a day.—
Oleum Sassafras, D.  E. (Prepared according to the general direction
for volatile oils).   But seldom used, it is an aromatic stimulant in doses
of min. ij. to min. x.
                       CHAPTER VIII.

                          DIURETICS.

  Diuretics are medicines which augment the secretion and promote
the discharge of urine.  These effects are produced in a very different
manner by different substances ; some acting as direct stimulants to the
secreting vessels  of  the kidney, being taken into the  current of the 
diuretics.
137
circulation and carried without undergoing any decomposition in tran-
situ to the urinary organs;  others are partially acted on by the digestive
organs, and some of their component parts thus eliminated are carried
by the circulation to the kidneys, which are thereby stimulated to in-
creased action ; while a third class of substances acts primarily on the
stomach, the  action they excite being  secondarily communicated by
sympathy to the  urinary organs.  In whatever manner the action of
diuretics is produced, the general effect is to diminish the watery part
of the  blood, and  by  this  means  promote  the absorption of fluid
effused into any of the cavities or into the cellular membrane.  Hence,
dropsy is the disease in which they are principally employed, and when
the discharge of urine  can be excited by their  administration, the
effused fluid is in general removed more speedily from  the system and
with less injury to  the  patient  than  by any other method.  But they
are  most  uncertain  in their operation,  and it often happens  that,
although the  discharge of urine is much augmented, the dropsical
swellings are not removed.  The action of diuretics is much modified
by the state of the skin, and therefore it frequently occurs that if the
surface of the body be excited by external warmth after the administra-
tion of a diuretic, its action will be  diverted  from the kidneys to the
vessels of the skin, and diaphoresis will be occasioned.  A cathartic
action seems to be, to a certain extent, incompatible with diuresis, and
consequently some  remedies, as cream of tartar, oil of turpentine, &c,
which, if given in small  doses properly regulated, increase remarkably
the urinary discharge, when administered in larger doses so as to act
on the bowels, will  occassion  scarcely  any apparent influence on the
functions of the  kidneys.   When any of the  saline diuretics are ad-
ministered, they  should  be given in a state of great dilution, as, if the
solution in which they are prescribed be not of a lower specific gravity
than the urine, it very generally fails  to  produce diuresis.   The most
important  rules to be attended to in the exhibition of the remedies of
this class, are to  keep the  surface of the body cool, and to promote the
operation of the substance by the use of diluent drinks.
   ^Ethereus  Nitrosus spiritus, D.   Spiritus  tEtheris Nitrici,  -
L. E. [U. S.]—Nitrous  ethereal spirit; Hyponitrous ether with (four
volumes of, E.) rectified spirit;  Spirit of nitric ether; Sweet spirits
of nitre.

   Preparation.—Dub.—"Add to the residuum of the distillation of nitrous
ether, the rectified spirit employed in that operation for condensing the elastic
vapour, and distil to dryness with a greater heat of a water bath ; mix the
distilled liquor with the alkali liquor remaining after the separation of the
nitrous ether, mix and add sufficient dry carbonate of potash to saturate the
free acid, as indicated by litmus paper; lastly, distil with the  medium heat
of a water bath as long as any drops come over."  The Dublin pharmacopaia
contains also a second process, nearly similar to that of London, and which
is more usually  followed.   Dub.—Lond.—" Add gradually gij. (§iv,, L.) of
nitric acid to ibj. by measure, (Ibiij., L.) of rectified spirit; mix and (with a
gentle heat, D.)  distil gxij. (fgxxxij., L.)." Edin.—" Rectified  spirit, Oij.
f5vj.; pure nitric acid (D. 1500), fgvij.; put fgxv. ot the spirit with a little
clean sand into a two-pint matrass, fitted with a cork, through  which are 
138
DIURETICS.
passed a safety tube terminating" an inch above the spirit, and another tube
leading to a refrigeratory;  the safety tube being fillecf with Dure nitric acid,
add through it gradually fgiiiss. of the acid.   When the ebullition  which
slowly arises is nearly over, add the rest of the acid gradually, f §ss. at a time,
waiting till the ebullition caused by each portion is nearly over before add-
ing more, and cooling the refrigeratory with a stream of water, iced in sum-
mer.  The ether thus distilled over being received into a bottle, it is to be
agitated, first with a little milk of  lime till it ceases to redden litmus paper,
and then with half its volume of^i concentrated solution of  muriate of lime.
The pure hyponitrous ether thus obtained, which should have a density of
899, is then to be mixed with the  remainder of the spirit, or exactly four
times  its volume.   Spirit of nitric ether ought not to be kept  long, as it
always undergoes decomposition, and becomes at length strongly acid."

  Physical  Properties.—A transparent, colourless liquid, with a
peculiar  fragrant, ethereal odour, and a pungent, sweetish, acidulous
taste.  The  Sp. gr., as prepared by the process of the three British
pharmacopoeias varies ; that of Dublin being *850 ; of London, (and of
U. S.) *834; and of Edinburgh, 847.
  Chemical Properties.—This preparation is a mixture of hyponi-
trous  ether  and alcohol  in variable proportions.   It  is very volatile
producing much cold during  its evaporation ;  is very inflammable, and
burns with a whitish flame.  It  mixes with alcohol and water  in all
proportions.   By keeping, it gradually becomes acid.
  Adulterations.—Spirit  of nitric ether often contains free nitrous acid
probably from being too long kept.   It is  adulterated with water and
with alcohol; the tests of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia readily detect
these impurities.—" Density, *847, (*850, D. ; *834, L.). It effervesces
feebly or not at all with solution of bicarbonate of potash ; when agitated
with  twice its volume  of concentrated solution  of muriate of lime,
twelve per cent of ether slowly  separate."
  Therapeutical Effects.—This preparation operates as a mildly
stimulating diuretic, and  with such  intention is administered in drop-
sical  affections  especially when occurring in children.  It  is  most
generally employed  as an addition to  other remedies of this class, as
digitalis, squill, &c.  ; the diuretic operation of which it renders more
certain.   Spirit of nitric  ether sometimes fails to act on the kidneys,
when it generally promotes the cuticular  secretion, and consequently
it is frequently employed  with benefit in combination with  the water of
acetate of ammonia in the early  stages of febrile diseases.   Christison
states that as a diuretic he has found sweet spirits of nitre " least ser-
viceable  in dropsy connected with diseased kidney, and most useful in
the form associated with diseased heart."
  Dose and  Mode of Administration.—f3ss. to f3ij. or f3iij-  every
second or third hour, it is best given in water or in camphor mixture.
—Diuretic potion, Swediaur.   (Spirit of nitric ether ; and vinegar of
squills, of each, f|i.; infusion of juniper, fgiij.; compound  spirit of
horse-radish; and syrup  of  ginger, of each, fgij.;  mix).   Dose, f§i.,
two or three times a day.
  Incompatibles.—Sulphate of iron ; alkaline and earthy carbonates;
and tincture of guaiacum.

  Bucku, E.  Diosma, L. [U. S.] Diosma crenata, folia, (Buchu),
D.—Buchu or  Bucku;   Leaves of various  species of Barosma, E.
Leaves of Diosma crenata, D. L. [U. S-]   The various species  of the 
DIURETICS.                       139
genus Diosma, or as it has been recently named Barosma, from which
the buchu of commerce is obtained^ are natives of the Cape of Good
Hope ; and are placed in the Natural family Rutacea, and in the Lin-
naean class and order Pentandria Monogynia.

  Botanical  Characters.—Small shrubs, with  opposite, smooth,  dotted
leaves, and stalked axillary flowers; all the species have a heavy odour.

  Physical  Properties.—As it occurs in commerce at present, buchu
consists  of the  leaves of Barosma  serratifolia mixed with a small
quantity of the white flowers, but a few years since, as described in the
first edition of this book, it was  composed of various species, two in
particular B. crenata, and B. crenulata, intermixed with broken stalks
and seed vessels.   The leaves are smooth and  shining,  dotted with
glands containing essential  oil;  they are of a pale yellowish-green
colour, have  a heavy aromatic odour resembling a mixture of rue and
peppermint, and an aromatic taste leaving a sense of coldness on the
mouth.
   Chemical Properties.—Buchu leaves consist of volatile oil (upon
which their medicinal properties chiefly depend), gum, resin, extractive,
&c.  They yield their virtues to water  and to alcohol.  The volatile
oil is of a yellowish-brown colour, lighter than water, and  of the same
odour as the  leaves ; the extractive has been named Diosmin.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Buchu is a  stimulating diuretic;  the
volatile oil is taken into the  circulation, and it communicates its odour
to the urine soon after it has been taken.  Independently of its stimu-
lating the kidneys to increased action, it seems to act as a  direct tonic
to the mucous membrane of the  urino-genital organs ; thus, it is found
most useful in chronic mucous discharges from the bladder  and urethra,
in diseased prostrate, in irritability of the bladder, and in  some forms
of incontinence of urine.  At the Cape of  Good Hope, the powdered
leaves are used  as a vulnerary, and a spirit distilled from them is em-
ployed in dyspeptic affections.
   Dose and  Mode of Administration.—In powder, (a bad form), 9j.
to 3ss.—Infusum Buchu, D.—Bucku, E.—Diosma, L.  (Buchu leaves,
Sjss. (§i.  [U.  S.l L. E.) ;  boiling (distilled, L.) water, by measure ibss.
(Oj. [U. S.] L. E.); infuse for four (two,  E.) hours, and strain " through
linen or calico," E.).  Dose, fgi. to f§ij.—Tinctura Buchu, D.  E.
(Buchu leaves,  §ij. (§v. E.) ; proof  spirit,  by measure ibi. (Oij. E.) ;
macerate for 7 days and filter.  " May be also made quickly and con-
veniently by  percolation," E.).  Dose, f5i.  tof3iij., in any convenient
vehicle.
   Incompatibles.—The sesquisalts of iron ; and the astringent vege-
tables.

   Cambogia.—The diuretic  properties of  gamboge have  been before
noticed, and  a formula given for its administration with that intention.
(See page 72).

   Cantharis, L. E. [U. S.]  Cantharis vesicatoria, D.—Cantharis
vesicatoria;  The whole fly; Cantharides.   This, the Meloe vesicato-
nus of Linnaeus, belongs to the class Insecta, and  to the order Coleop-
tora.  It is a native of  the middle and southern parts of Europe, and
has been also met with, but  rarely, in England.  It frequents the ash, 
140                        diuretics.
the privet, the lilac and the honeysuckle, and is also found on the elder,
the rose, the plum, the elm  and the poplar, upon the leaves of which
trees the insect feeds.   In the month of June, Cantharides are collected
in the South of Europe.   In the morning before the rising of the sun
while the insects are still torpid from the moisture  of the night, men,
whose faces and hands  are covered with masks and gloves, having
spread a cloth upon the ground, shake the trees violently ;  the insects
fall into the cloth, are  immediately gathered in sieves, and are killed
by exposure to the vapour of vinegar or preferably by being placed for
a  short time in  an air-tight  vessel;  they  are then dried  in  stoves.
When perfectly  dry, cantharides are immediately put  into air-tight
boxes, containing a little sulphate of lime  or camphor,  the former to
keep  them  dry, and the  latter to preserve them from the attacks  of
mites and other insects by which they are devoured.
   Physical Properties.—Each cantharis is from six to ten lines long,
and about  a grain  and a half in  weight; it  has two wing-covers or
elytrae, long, flexible, of a golden-green colour;  two  membranous,
transparent wings,  inferior, folded; antennae,  black, filiform, longer
than the head; and a  longitudinal furrow along the head  and neck.
Cantharides have a faint disagreeable odour, and a resinous, very acrid
taste.   They are readily reduced to powder, which in the finest  state
presents numberless  glistening green particles of  the elytrae ; this is
their  most distinguishing characteristic, Orfila having recognized them
in the human stomach nine months after interment.
   Chemical Properties.—Cantharides consists of a white crystalline
substance named cantharidine, of a yellow  fat oil, a concrete green
oil, a yellow viscid  substance, a black  substance,  osmazome,  uric,
acetic, and phosphoric acids, and some  salts.   Its active properties
are due to the cantharidine, which may be  obtained by acting on the
powder with rectified  spirit, distilling off the spirit and  crystallizing ;
it occurs in the form of white, micaceous scales, is very volatile  even
at the ordinary  temperature, is very soluble in alcohol,  ether and the
fixed and volatile oils, but when  pure is insoluble  in water.   It  is a
very  active poison and produces  immediate inflammation  of the skin
wherever it comes in contact with it.
   Adulterations.—By the characters given above, cantharides may be
distinguished from  other insects which resemble them, and are said to
be frequently mixed with them on the Continent.   They are best pro-
tected from the attacks of mites, which destroy their activity, by keep-
 ing in well-stoppered bottles and  adding a  few drops of strong acetic
 acid  (Pereira), or a few grains of camphor which I have found  very
 effectual.   In powder they  are said to be adulterated with euphorbium,
 a fraud not easily detected.
   Therapeutical Effects.—The most important medicinal property
 of the Spanish fly, is its vesicating power,  which  will be  considered
 hereafter, (See Epispaslics).  In large  doses it is  a very  powerful
 irritant poison ;  in small or medicinal doses,  it acts as a stimulant to
 the urino-genital organs, generally causing diuresis  and exciting  the
 venereal appetite ; but according to Christison, the latter effect  is not
 produced unless it be taken in poisonous doses.   As a diuretic, can-
 tharides are not  much used in  consequence of the dangerous symptoms
 which sometimes arise even from small  doses ;  those  who have em-
 ployed them, state that they prove beneficial  in  incontinence of urine 
diuretics.                        141
caused by paralysis of the neck of the bladder, and when it occurs in
young persons during sleep.  They have also been highly praised by
many as a remedy for gleet,  leucorrhoea,  and chronic mucous  dis-
charges from the urinary  organs.
  Dose  and  Mode  of  Administration.—Cantharides are seldom
employed internally in the form of powder, the dose is gr. ss. to gr. ij.
made intopill with extract of liquorice or conserve of roses.—Tinctura
Canthariais, D.  L.  E.   (Cantharides, (in  powder,  D.  bruised,  L.),
3ij.  (|ss. L. E.) [§i. U.  S.]; proof spirit,  by measure ibiss.  (Oij.,
[U.  S.]  L. E.) ; digest for 7 (14, L.) days, strain (express strongly
the residuum and filter  the liquor, E.)  "This tincture may  be ob-
tained more conveniently and  expeditiously by percolation, provided
the cantharides be reduced to coarse powder, and left with  a  little of
the spirit in the state of pulp for 12 hours before the process of perco-
lation is commenced,"  E.).   Dose, min. x. gradually increased to
rain. xl.; it should be given in an ounce at least of some emulsion, or
of decoction of linseed or barley.
   In cases of poisoning with cantharides, we are not  acquainted with
any  antidote;  but emetics, emollient and mucilaginous drinks, blood-
letting  general and  local,  opiates  by the  mouth  and rectum,  and
general antiphlogistic treatment, should be resorted to.

   Digitalis purpurea, folia, D.  Digitalis folia et semina, L.
Digitalis,  E.—[U.  S.]    The leaves (and  seeds,  L.) of Digitalis
purpurea.   Fox-glove.  An indigenous,  biennial herb; belonging to
the  Natural family Scrophulariacea, and to the  Linnaean  class  and
order Didynamia Angiospermia.

  Botanical Characters.—Stem erect, three to four feet high, with a pur-
plish hue ; Leaves, large, veiny, ovalo-lanceolate, crenate, downy, purplish
on their under surface; Flowers, numerous, purple, spotted within, drooping,
in very long spikes.
  Preparation.—The leaves are gathered in the months of June and July,
just before the plant comes into flower,  and the  mid-rib and stalk removed ;
they are dried with stove heat, in a  dark  place.  The seeds are  gathered
when fully ripe, they are very seldom employed.

  Physical Properties.—The dried leaves of digitalis when proper-
ly preserved, are of a bright green colour,  they have  scarcely  any
odour, but the taste is nauseous and acrid.
  Chemical Properties.—They consist of volatile oil,  a concrete
flocculent volatile matter, fatty matter, extractive, tannin, &c, and a
peculiar  principle recently discovered by M.  M. Homolleand Quevenne
and  named by them digitaline, which will be described in the chapter
on  Sedatives.  The  leaves  yield their  active properties  to water,
alcohol,  ether, and the weak acids.  The sesqui-salts of iron  produce
a dark,  and solution of gelatin a white  flaky precipitate with  infusion
of digitalis, indicating the presence of tannin.
  Adulterations.—The leaves of several species of Verbascum  are
often offered for sale  for those  of digitalis ; the botanical  characters
should be therefore  attended to.   The powder  should  be of a  fine
green colour, and possess the acrid taste of  the fresh plant.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Digitalis, in small doses gradually aug-
mented,  operates as a special stimulant to the kidneys, increasing the
secretion of urine ; in somewhat larger doses, or when its use is con- 
142
diutetics.
tinued for a longer period, it acts as a sedative to the vascular system,
(See  Sedatives).  As a  diuretic in the  various forms  of dropsy,
digitalis  has  acquired  a high  reputation,  but later  experience  has
shown, that it proves most serviceable in those symptomatic dropsical
effusions, which take place into the cellular membrane of the extremi-
ties of the face, and which depend on  diseases  of the  heart, of the
kidneys, or of the liver.   It is also better adapted as a diuretic for
persons of a  weak or enfeebled habit of body, than for  the strong or
the robust;   and  should  any  inflammatory  symptoms be  present,
antiphlogistic treatment should be had  recourse  to before  employing
digitalis.   The diuretic action  of foxglove is  much promoted by com-
bining it with small doses of calomel,  or  with other remedies of this
class, as squill, juniper, the diuretic salts of potash, &c.;  when there
is much debility present, preparations of iron are advantageously com-
bined with it.
   Dose  and Mode of Administration.—Of the powder gr. ss. every
six hours, its operation being aided by the use of the diluents, and the
surface of the body  being kept cool; administered thus, it generally
produces a copious flow of urine after the fifth or  sixth dose.—Infusum
Digitalis, D. L. E.  [U. S.] (Digitalis,  dried,  3i. (3ij-  E.) ;  spirit of
cinnamon, §ss. (f§i.  [U. S.] L. f|ij. E) ; boiling (distilled, L.)  water,
by measure Ibss. (Oi. L. fgxviij.  E.) ; [Oss. U.  S.] digest for 4 hours
in a covered vessel, strain (through linen or calico, E.), and add the
spirit.)   This is the best preparation of digitalis ; the dose is f3ij. to
f§ss., every six hours.—Tinctura Digitalis, D.   L. E.  [U.  S.]  (Digi-
talis, dried (and coarsely powdered, the larger leaves being  rejected,
D., in moderately fine  powder, E.), §ij. (§iv. [U. S.] L. E.) ; proof
spirit, by measure Ibj. (Oij. [U. S.] L. E.);  macerate  for 7 (14, L.)
days and strain.    " Best prepared by percolation, as directed for
tincture of capsicum ;  iff§xl. of spirit  be  passed through, the density
is *944, and  the solid contents  of a  fluid ounce  amount to gr.  xxiv."
 E.).   This  tincture  if well prepared, has a greenish colour when
viewed by transmitted light.   Dose, min. xx., three times a day; it
may  be given in f§i. of decoction of broom-tops, combined with sweet
 spirits of nitre, and compound spirit of juniper.—Pilula Digitalis et
 Scilla, E. (Digitalis; and squill,  of each, one part; aromatic electuary,
 two parts ; beat into a proper  mass with  conserve of red roses, and
 divide into four-grain pills).  An excellent  diuretic pill; Dose, one
pill every five or six hours.
   Incompatibles.—Sulphate, and tincture of the muriate, of iron ;
the preparations of cinchona bark; and the acetates  of lead.

   JuNIPERUS COMMUNIS, CACUMINA, FRUCTUS (BACC.E, D.),  ET  OLEUM,
 D. L. E.—The tops, the fruit, and  the volatile oil of the fruit, of
Juniperus communis ; [Juniperus. The fruit of Juniperus Communis,
 U. S.]   Common Juniper.   Indigenous ; belonging to  the Natural
 family Conifera (Pinaceoe, Lindley),  and to the Linnaean  class and
 order Dimcia Palyandria.

   Botanical Characters.—A  bushy  shrub from  two  to [eight  feet  high,
 evergreen; Leaves, linear, mucronate; Flowers appearing in May,axillary,
small;  Fruit, a berry (galbulus), three-seeded, requiring two seasons to ar-
 rive at maturity.
   Preparation.—The tops are cut in spring before the  plant flowers, and 
DIURETICS.
143
the berries are gathered when ripe, both are dried with stove heat; the oil
is obtained from the berries by simple distillation.

   Physical Properties.—Juniper berries are  spherical,  somewhat
larger than a pea, of a bluish-black colour ; they have a strong  aro-
matic, terebinthinate odour,  and a sweetish, pungent, terebinthinate
taste.  They  are imported from Hamburgh and from se»eral of the
Mediterranean ports.—Juniper tops have  a similar  odour  and  taste
but  much weaker.—Juniper oil is limpid, transparent, lighter than
water, and of a very pale  greenish colour.   It has the peculiar odour
and  taste of the berries in  a marked degree.  Its composition is C1 °
II  being isomeric with oil of turpentine, and its sp. gr.  -911.
   Chemical Properties.—The  medical properties of juniper are due
to the volatile  oil; the berries contain  besides, resin, sugar, gum,
wax, and some salts of lime.  The tops and berries yield their active
principles to boiling water  and to alcohol.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Juniper is a stimulating diuretic, pro-
moting the secretion of urine to  which it  communicates its  peculiar
odour.  It is  chiefly used as an adjunct to other diuretics in drop-
sical affections ; its use is  contraindicated if the kidney be diseased,
or if any  inflammatory symptoms be present.
   Dose  and Mode  of Administration.—The  berries may be given
in the form of infusion, prepared by infusing for an hour in a covered
vessel, §j. of the bruised berries in  f§xx. of boiling water ;  Dose, f§iv.
three or four times a day ; the tops are at present scarcely ever em-
ployed ;  the oil may be given rubbed up with sugar or in  some spiri-
tuous vehicle, in doses of min. v. to min. x.   It  is to  the presence of
this  oil  that the spirit  called Geneva or Hollands owes its  peculiar/
flavour and the diuretic properties it possesses.—Spiritus  Juniperi
compositus, D. L.  E.    (Juniper  berries,  bruised,  ibj.   (§xv. L.) ;
caraway, bruised ;  and  fennel, bruised,  of each,  §iss.   (§ij.  L.) ;
proof spirit, cong. j. (Ovij. E.) ; water sufficient to prevent empyreuma
 (Oij. L.  E.) ; macerate for  24  (48, E.) hours, add the  water, and
distil a gallon (Ovij. E.), " mix, and distil  a gallon with a slow  fire,"
 L.).  A  powerful diuretic,  introduced into the pharmacopoeias  as a
 substitute for Geneva.  Dose,  f3ij- to f3iv.  Generally  used as an
 adjunct to stimulating diuretic mixtures.

   Pareira,  L. E.   Root of Cissampelos  Pareira; Pareira-brava.
 This plant is  an inhabitant of the West Indian isles  and of the South
American Main ;  it belongs to  the  Natural family  Menispermacea,
and to the Linnaean class and order Dicecia Monadelphia.

   Botanical Characters.—A climbing shrub, with a  woody branching
 root;  Leaves,  smooth, silky beneath;  Flowers, small,  yellow;  Berries,
scarlet, roundish, hispid.
   Physical Properties.—Pareira  root  is imported  in  cylindrical
pieces, from half an inch to three inches in diameter, and from five or
six  inches to  three  or four feet in length.   It is  covered externally
with a dark-brown cortex, which is thin and firmly adherent; inter-
nally the wood is  very  porous, of a pale reddish-yellow  colour.   It is
odourless, but has a sweetish, aromatic, intensely bitter taste.
   Chemical  Properties.—It consists of a soft resin, bitter extractive
 (cissampelin) on which its activity depends,  fecula,  nitrate of potash 
144
DIURETICS.
 and other salts, colouring matter, lignin, &c  It yields its virtues to
 both cold and boiling water.
    Therapeutical Effects.—Pareira  is  a tonic  diuretic, acting
 specifically on the  urinary organs, increasing their secretion, and at
 the same time checking discharges from the mucous membrane of
 the bladder and urethra.  It is with the latter intention only, that it is
 ever employed at present;  and  according to the observations of Sir
 Benjamin Brodie, it has a great influence over the ropy mucous dis-
 charge of chronic inflammation of the bladder.
   Dose and  Mode of Administration.—In powder, a  bad  form,
 5ss. to 3i-—Extractum Pareira, L. E.  (" Pareira, bruised, ibiiss. ;
 boiling distilled  water,  cong.  ij.; macerate for  24 hours, then boil
 down to cong. j.  and strain the liquor while  yet hot; lastly evaporate
 to a proper consistence," L.  " Prepared as extract of Gentian," E.).
 Dose, gr. x. to 3ss., generally given as an adjunct  to the  infusion.*—
 Infusum Pareira, L. E.  (Pareira,  3vi.; boiling  (distilled, L.) water,
 Oj. ; macerate for two hours in a lightly covered  vessel  and strain,
 " through linen or calico,"  E.).   Much too weak a preparation,  the
 quantity of root  employed  might be doubled with advantage.  Dose,
 f§i. to f§iv., three  or four times a day.  Christison recommends  the
 iufusion to be prepared with cold water and by the process of perco-
 lation, but boiling water more completely extracts the bitter principle.
 Decoctum  Pareira,  Brodie.   (Pareira, |ss. ; boiling water, Oiij.;
 boil down to Oj., with a gentle heat).   Dose, f§j.  to f§iij., three or
 four times a day.   This is the preparation in most general  use.
   Incompatibles.—The sesqui-salts of iron ; the acetates of lead;
 and tincture of iodine.

   Potassa acetas.   Acetate  of Potash (described in the  division
 Cathartics), dissolved in a large quantity of water  and given  in small
 doses frequently  repeated, operates  as a mild but certain diuretic.   It
 is employed most generally as  an adjunct  to other remedies of this
 class, in ascites and hydrothorax.  Dose, as a diuretic, gr x- to gr. XX.,
 it  is best administered in decoction of broom tops, or of Pyrola.

   Potass.*: bitartras.   Bitartrate of Potash (described in the di-
 vision Cathartics), when administered in small doses  dissolved in a
 large quantity  of water, or  in combination  with  other diuretics,  in-
 creases the secretion of  urine  remarkably,  and consequently  is very
 generally employed in all forms of dropsy.   Dose,  as  a diuretic,  gr.
 xx. to 3j-» frequently repeated.—Imperial, an excellent diuretic and
 refrigerant drink in febrile diseases, is prepared-by dissolving 3i- or
 3ij. of bitartrate of potash in Oj. of  boiling water, and flavouring with
 lemon peel and sugar.—Cream of tartar whey used for the same pur-
 poses, is prepared by boiling 3iss.  of the bitartrate in Oj.,  of new
 milk, and straining to remove the curd.  Either of these drinks may
 be taken ad libitum.

   Potassa nitras, [U. S.] D.  L.  E.   Nitrate  of Potash; Nitre;
 Saltpetre;  Sal-prunelle.

  Preparation.—Nitrate of potash is  an article of the Materia Medica; it
is imported into Britain chiefly from the East Indies, where it is obtained by
lixiviating the surface of the soil of certain districts, dissolving out  with 
diuretics.                        145
water the saline matters contained therein, filtering and crystallizing; after
importation the salt is purified by solution and recrystallization.   The Dub-
lin College directs the commercial salt to be further purified, " by dissolving
in two parts of boiling water, filtering and crystallizing," when it constitutes
the Potassa nitras purificatum.

  Physical Properties.—A solid colourless salt, in striated prismatic
crystals generally six-sided,  with dihedral  summits, semitransparent,
inodorous, having a cooling, saline, slightly bitter taste.  Sp. gr. 1*933.
  Chemical Properties.—It is  composed  of one eq. of  potassa, and
one of nitric acid, (KO, NO5), is anhydrous, permanent in the air,
fusible by a heat  below redness into  a limpid  liquid,  in  which state,
when cast in moulds, it forms  sal-prunelle ; by a strong heat it is de-
composed into oxygen, and hyponitrite of potash.   Nitre is soluble in
four parts of water at  60°, and  in about half its weight  of boiling
water;  during the solution cold is generated ; it is insoluble in abso-
lute alcohol.
  Adulterations.—Nitrate of potash as met with in commerce, is often
contaminated with sulphate or muriate of potash;  the presence of the
former is detected by solution of muriate  or nitrate of baryta, that of
the latter, by solution of nitrate of silver, causing  white  precipitates,
in a solution of the salt in distilled water.
  Therapeutical Effects.—In large doses,  from 5vi.  to  §ij., nitre
acts as an irritant to the gastro-intestinal mucous  membrane, produc-
ing sometimes nausea, vomiting,  purging, and even death.  In  small
doses, gr. xxx. to gr. xl., it  increases the flow of  urine,  in which se-
cretion it can  be detected soon  after  it has been  swallowed.   It  is
generally employed as an adjunct to the vegetable diuretics in anasarca
and ascites, but it is inadmissible  in cases where there is  any tendency
to irritation or inflammation of the digestive tube.   Nitrate of potash
is greatly inferior as a diuretic to the acetate  or  bitartrate, and con-
sequently in the present day, is more employed  for its refregerant
properties.   (See  Refrigerants.)
  Incompatibles.—Sulphuric acid  ;  alum ;  sulphate of  magnesia ;
metallic sulphates ;  and muriatic  acid if heat be applied.

  Pyrola umbellata, herba, D.  Pyrola, E.  Chimaphila, [U. S.]
L.  Herb of Chimaphila, umbellata, E.—of Chimaphila corymbosa, L.
of Pyrola umbellata, D.—[Leaves of Chimaphila umbellata, U.  S.]—
 Winter-green ;  Pyrola; Pipsissewa.   This plant is a native of North
America, but is also  found in the woods  of Europe and Asia.   It
belongs to  the Natural family Pyrolacea, and to  the  Linnaean class
and order Decandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A  small perennial under-shrub;   with ever-
green, cuneato-lanceolate leaves, coriaceous, smooth and shining ; Flowers
in a small corymb, reddish-white, fragrant.

  Physical Properties.—Although  the entire herb is indicated by
the colleges, the Jeaves only are generally employed.   In the fresh
state  when bruised they have a  strong unpleasant smell,  but in the
dry state they  are odourless ; they  have  a bitter-sweet,  astringent,
slightly aromatic taste.  If applied to the skin when recently gathered,
they  act as slight vesicatories.
   Chemical Properties.—They contain, bitter extractive, resin, tan- 
146
DIURETICS.
nin, &c. ; the medicinal virtues probably depend  on the combination
of these three substances, they are communicated to boiling water by
infusion, but more completely by decoction.
 Therapeutical Effects.—Pyrola leaves operate as a tonic diuretic,
exerting a specific influence on the urinary organs, increasing the se-
cretion of urine, and according to many observers diminishing the se-
cretion of lithates.  They have been chiefly used in dropsies occurring
in the old and debilitated, and in chronic mucous discharges from the
bladder and uretha.  In the advanced stages of albuminuria where diu-
retics are sometimes called for, I have administered the decoction of
this herb with excellent effect.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Never given in powder.—
Decoctum Pyrola, D.—Chimaphila, L.   (Pyrola, §i. ;  water, (distil-
led, L.,) by measure Ibij.  (Oiss., L.) ; " macerate for six hours, take
out the pyrola, bruise,  and replace it;  boil down  to ibj. by measure,
and strain," D.—"boil down to  a pint and strain," L.)   Dose, f§i. to
f§ij. three or four times a day.—An extract may be prepared by evap-
orating the decoction to a proper consistence ; it is not used in this
country, but is much employed  in America in doses of gr.  v.  to gr.
xv.
  Incompatibles.—The  sesqui-salts of iron; and all substances  in-
compatible with tannin.

  Scilla, L. E. [U. S.]   Scilla  maritima, bulbus, D.   The bulb
of Scilla maritima, D. L. [U. S.]—of Squilla maritima, E.  (Urgi-
nea maritima, Steinheil.)  Squill.   A native of the  shores of the
Mediterranean, of France, and of Portugal; belonging to the Natural
family Liliacea, and to the Linnaean class and order Hexandria Mo-
nogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Bulb, very large, sending up annually a scape
or flowering stem from  two to three feet  high, terminated by a dense long
raceme of white flowers; the  leaves, which  appear  after the flowers,  are
broadly lanceolate, 12 to 18 inches long.
  Preparation.—The bulb, which is the officinal part of the plant, is dug
up in autumn, divided into four parts, the centre cut out and rejected as
being inert, and the remainder cut into thin slices, which are dried quickly
with a gentle  heat.    Sometimes however, the bulb is imported  entire.
Squill  is  brought from Malta, and other Mediterranean'ports; also from
St. Petersburgh and Copenhagen.

   Physical Properties.—The entire bulb varies in size from that of
the fist to that of  a child's head, ovoid, covered externally with layers
of thin, reddish (squilla rubra,) or whitish (squilla alba,) papery mem-
branes ; internally, it  is composed of thick, fleshy, concentric  scales,
of a pale rose-colour.   Dried squill is in yellowish, somewhat translu-
 cent slices, brittle, but readily attracting moisture, when they become
flexible ;  it is odourless, but has an acrid, very nauseous taste.
   Chemical Properties.—Squill consists of a crystallizable alkaloid
 Scillitina probably the active  principle of the  drug, of tannin, gum,
 uncrystallizable sugar, acrid volatile matter, and some salts.   It yields
 its virtues to water, alcohol, vinegar, and the dilute acids.   The ses-
 qui-salts of iron communicate a deep blue colour to the infusion, but  it
 is not affected by gelatin, or by tincture of iodine. 
                            diuretics.                       147

  Therapeutical Effects.—In large doses squill acts as anarcotico-
acrid poison, twenty-four grains of the powder  having proved fatal.
In medicinal doses it operates as an emetic, expectorant, and diuretic ;
for the latter purpose it is usually given in combination with digitalis
and calomel, when it seldom fails to produce increased flow of urine, and
at the same time promote the absorption  of the  effused fluid in drop-
Bies.  Squill is better adapted for local than for  general dropsy,  it is
generally held to  be inadmissible, when inflammatory symptoms are
present.   (See Emetics  and Expectorants.)
   Dose   /vnd Mode of Administration.—As  a  diuretic.—Pulvis
Scilla, D.   (Having removed  the membranous  integuments, cut the
bulb of squall transversely into slices, dry with an  inferior heat,  reduce
to powder, and  keep in  glass bottles with  ground stoppers.)  Dose,
gr. j. to  gr. iij., usually given in the  form of  pill made  with  con-
serve of roses  or some soft  extract.—Tinctura  Scilla,  D.  L. E.
[U. S.]   (Squill, (in  coarse powder, E.,) |iv. (§v.  L. E.  ;) proof spirit,
by measure  Ibij. (Oij.,L. E. [II. S.];) macerate for 7 (14, L. [U. S.])
days, " let  the  sediment settle and pour off the  clear liquor," D.
" strain," L.; " prepare by percolation as for tincture of cinchona, but
without packing the pulp firmly in the percolator; it may likewise be
prepared by digestion with the sliced bulb," E.)   Dose, min. x.  to min.
xxx.   An excellent addition to infusion of digitalis, or decoction of
broom-tops.—Acetum Scilla, D. L. E. [U. S.J   (Squill, fresh dried
(and in  small fragments, E.), Ibss.  (|xv., L. gv.,  E.) [bruised §iv. U.
S.;] distilled vinegar, by measure ibiij. (Ovj., L.  Oij., [U. S.]  E.) ;
rectified  (proof,  L. E. spirit, by measure |iv. (Oss.,  L. f§iij., E.) [fgi.
U. S. ;]  macerate the squill (with  a gentle  heat, D.) with  the vine-
gar for 7 days (24 hours, L.) in a covered glass  vessel,  (shaking fre-
quently,  D.;) express the liquor, and as soon as the feces have  subsid-
ed, pour off and add the spirit.)   Dose, f3ss.  to f3iss. in  some aro-
matic or distilled water.—Vinum Scilla, P.  (Squill, 30 parts ; white
wine, 500 parts; macerate for  15  days, and  filter.)    Dose, fSj. to
f3iij-
   Incompatibles.—The alkalies ; and the  sesqui-salts of iron.

   Scoparium, E.  Scoparius, L.  Spartium scoparium, cacumina, D.
 The (fresh, L.) tops ofCytisus scoparius, L. E.—of Spartium scopa-
rium, D.  Broom-lops.  The common  broom is  an indigenous  shrub ;
belonging to the Natural family Leguminosa (Fabacea, Lindley,) and
to the Linnaean class and order Diadelphia  Decandria.

   Botanical Characters.—A bushy shrub from three to six  feet high;
with long, straight, green branches; and large, bright  yellow, papilionaceous
flowers.

   Physical Properties.—The fresh  green tops,  the  only officinal
part, have a peculiar odour when bruised, and a bitter, somewhat nau-
seous taste.
   Chemical Properties.—Broom-tops have not been analysed,  their
medicinal virtues  appear to depend on bitter extractive  and carbonate
of potash, which are extracted  by boiling water.
   Therapeutical Effects.—In the  form of infusion  or  decoction,
broom-tops  are an excellent and certain diuretic,  seldom failing to pro-
duce a copious secretion of urine.  The officinal preparations of broom- 
148
DIURETICS.
tops are most generally employed as vehicles for the more active re-
medies of this class in dropsical effusions.
   Dose  and Mode   of  Administration.—Infusum  Scoparii,  L.
(Broom-tops, §i.; boiling distilled water, Oj.; macerate for four hours
in a vessel lightly covered and  strain).   Dose, f§i. to f§ij.  A bad
preparation, much inferior to the decoction.—Decoctum Scoparii, E.
(Broom-tops; and juniper tops, of each, §ss. ; bitartrate of potash,
5iij- ;  water, Oiss. ; boil down to a pint and strain).  Decoctum Sco-
parii compositum, L.   (Broom tops ; juniper berries ;  and dandelion,
of each, §ss. ; distilled water, Oiss. ;  boil down to a pint and strain).
Excellent  diuretics, particularly  the former, which scarcely ever fails
to act  on the kidneys.   Dose, f§i. to fgiv. three or four times  a day.—
Extractum Spartii Scoparii, D.   (Prepared as the simpler extracts) ;
seldom used  ; Dose, gr. x. to 3ss. two or three times a day.

   Sod.e acetas, D. L. [U. S-]—Acetate of Soda.

   Preparation.—Dub.—"Carbonate of soda, any quantity; distilled vine-
gar sufficient to  saturate the alkali; evaporate the filtered liquor to the
density of 1276; crystallize by cooling, dry cautiously and keep the crystals
in a close vessel."  An article of the Materia Medica of the London Phar-
macopoeia.

   Physical  Properties—In white, striated, prismatic  crystals, of the
oblique rhombic  series.  It has a faint acetous odour when moistened,
and a sharp,  cooling, saline taste.
 .  Chemical  Properties.—It consists of one eq. of soda, one  of acetic
acid, and six of water of crystallization, (Na O, C4H30:-, -j- 6 HO).
It is  unalterable in ordinary states of the air, but in  dry warm  air,
effloresces slightly ; it is soluble  in three parts of water at 60°, and in
somewhat less than its own weight of boiling water; it is  also soluble
in five times  its  weight of alcohol.  Exposed to heat it undergoes the
watery fusion, loses all its water  of crystallization at the heat of 550°,
and at a heat of 600°  it is decomposed.
   Therapeutical Effects.—A mild diuretic, similar in operation to
acetate of potash, over which it  does  not possess any advantage, and
for which it may be substituted.  It is very rarely used in the present
day.
   Dose and  Mode of  Administration, and Incompatibles.—Same
as acetate of potash.

   Sod.k biboras.  Borax (described in the division Astringents), is an
excellent diuretic in cases of uric acid gravel, as a solution of it dis-
solves that acid freely, and does not produce any injurious constitutional
effect, even when its use has been continued for some time. It should
not be administered to pregnant females, as it  stimulates  the uterus
and has in some instances caused abortion.

   Terebinthinae oleum.   Oil of turpentine (described in  the division
Anthelmintics),  given in small doses  frequently repeated acts as a
stimulant  to  the  renal vessels, causing an  increased flow of urine to
wjiich  it communicates a violent odour.  It also possesses a specific
action  over the mucous membrane of the bladder and urethra, checking
excessive  discharges, and giving  increased  tonicity to the  vessels 
DIURETICS.                       149
 which secrete the mucus.  If the use of oil of turpentine be too long
 continued, it is apt to produce strangury, bloody urine, and even some-
 times total suppression of the secretion.  The dose of oil of turpentine
 as a diuretic is from min. x. to  min. xxx.   It  has occasionally proved
 serviceable in  dropsical effusions, but its stimulating property forbids
 its employment if there be any tendency to inflammatory action.   It is
 frequently employed with much benefit in gleet, in leucorrhoea, and in
 chronic cystirrhcea.  Under the use of oil of turpentine, the quantity of
 lithic acid in the urine  is much  increased, owing to which it frequently
 proves very beneficial in chronic rheumatism and in sciatica, occurring
 in the old and  debilitated.

   Terebinthina chia, D. L. E. Liquid resin  ofPistacia terebinthus.
 Chian  turpentine;  Scio turpentine.   This  tree is a native of parts of
 the South of Europe, of the Grecian Archipelago, and of Syria ; it be-
 longs to the Natural family Anacardiacea, and to the Linnaean  class
 and  order Dicecia  Pentandria.

   Botanical Characters.—Stem, 30 to 35 feet high; Leaves, pinnate, young
 leaves reddish ; Flowers in compound racemes;  Fruit, globular, purplish,
 inclosing an osseous, one-seeded nut.
   Preparation.—The liquid resinous exudation, which constitutes the Chian
 turpentine of commerce is obtained, chiefly in the  island of Scio, by making
 incisions into the trunk of the tree, aud  allowing  the juice which flows out
 to harden on large  flat stones placed under the trees;  each tree yields from
 8 to 10 ounces only.

   Physical Properties.—It is of the consistence of very thick honey,
 but often nearly solid ;  of a pale greenish-yellow  colour ; has a weak
 terebinthinate, somewhat fragrant odour, and a slightly bitter taste.
   Chemical Properties.—Chian turpentine  consists of volatile oil,
 and resin ; it resinifies by keeping, or by exposure to the air when it
 loses its fragrancy.  This  turpentine is very scarce, Strasburgh or
 Venice turpentine being usually substituted for it.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—It resembles oil of turpentine, in its
 action on the urinary organs ; but  by  many it  is supposed to act more
 effectually in checking chronic  mucous discharges.
   Dose  and Mode of Administration.—Gr.  x.  to gr. xxx. three or
 four times a day ; it  may  be made into pills with powdered liquorice
 root, or gum arabic, or  it may be given in emulsion with yolk of egg
 or mucilage.

   Terebinthina Canadensis,  L.  [U. S.]    Balsamum Canadense,
 D. E.   Canada-balsam ; Liquid resin of Pinus  balsamea, D.  L.—
 of Abies balsamea, E.  [U.  S.]   A  native of the coldest regions of
 North America ; belonging to the Natural family  Conifera (Pinaceat
 Lindley,) and to the Linnaean class and order  Moncecia Monadelphia.

   Botanical Characters.—An  elegant tree; Stem  about  40 feet high;
 Leaves, solitary, flat,  sub-erect abovef; Cones, erect on the branches, large,
nearly cylindrical, of a beautiful, deep glossy purple colour, fragant as  well
as the leaves.
  Ppeparation.—The resinous exudation improperly termed balsam is ob-
tained either from little vesicles which form on the bark, or by making in-
cisions quite through  the  bark into the wood, and collecting the juice  as it
exudes.
                              13* 
150
DIURETICS.
   Physical Properties.—When fresh  it is of the consistence of
honey, but it gradually concretes into a yellow, translucent, resinous
looking mass ; of a  peculiar agreeable, terebinthinate odour, and an
acrid, rather nauseous taste.
   Chemical Properties.—It consists of volatile oil, two resins one
soluble  the other insoluble in alcohol, extractive, and some salts.  It
is insoluble in water, but forms an emulsion with it by means of mucil-
age or yolk of egg.
   Therapeutical Effects.—The action of Canada turpentine on the
urinary organs is similar to that of the other  turpentines ; it is more
generally preferred for the treatment of the advanced stages of gonor-
rhoea, of gleet, of leucorrhoea, and of cystirrhcea, in which diseases it
proves highly beneficial.
   Dose and Mode of  Administration.—Similar to the last.

   Urea.   A peculiar  principle  contained in  the urine of many  ani-
mals.

   Preparation.—By evaporating fresh human urine to  the consistence of
a syrup, treating with nitric acid, washing well  with distilled water the ni-
trate of urea, decomposing with carbonate of potassa, dissolving the precipi-
tated urea in alcohol and crystallizing.  By the following elegant process of
Liebig, §iv. of perfectly colourless, crystallized urea  may be procured from
Ibj. of ferrocyanate of potash : " Mix together 28 parts of perfectly dry fer-
rocyanate of potash, with 14 of oxide of manganese, both in  fine powder;
place the mixture'upon  a smooth iron plate, and expose it to a dull red heat
over a charcoal fire.   By and by it will begin to burn of  itself, when it is to
be frequently stirred  about.   After it cools  it is to be lixiviated with cold
water.   The soluiion  is to be treated with 20^ parts of dry sulphate of am-
monia, whereupon a copious deposit of sulphate of potash will ensue.   It is
then to be allowed to  stand for some  time in a warm place (under 2l2°F.,)
so as to concentrate the supernatant liquor, which is afterwards to be decant-
ed, treated with alcohol of a density of 835 to  *865, and crystallized."

   Physical Properties.—It occurs in  long, colourless, transparent
crystals,  which  are flattened  four-sided prisms.   They are heavier
than water, have a cooling sharp  taste, but are inodorous.
   Chemical Properties.—It consists of two equivalents of carbon,
two of oxygen, four of hydrogen and two of  nitrogen (C202H4N-.)
It is  soluble in its own weight of water at 60°, in 4 or 5 parts of cold
alcohol, and in 2 parts of boiling alcohol.   It  is unalterable in dry air,
but deliquesces in damp air;  it fuses at  248°, and is decomposed at  a
higher temperature.  It is  a feeble base combining with most  acids
without neutralizing them.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Urea  is at present scarcely ever em-
ployed as a diuretic, although from the reports of several French prac-
titioners,  it appears  to promote  remarkably the secretion of urine,
without producing  any general disturbance of the animal economy.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. x. to gr.  xx. dissolved
in sweetened distilled water.   It may be also given  made into pill or
bolus, with any soft extract, or with honey, or treacle. 
emetics.
151
                       CHAPTER  IX.

                           EMETICS.

                            (Vomits.)

  Emetics are substances which are used for the purpose of producing
vomiting.  The number of medicines employed with this intention is but
few, and they  act  either  specifically, that is, they excite vomiting
when injected into the veins, as well as when introduced into the sto-
mach, or their operation is  topical, producing vomiting only when ta-
ken into the stomach.   Tartar emetic is an example  of & specific, mus-
tard of a topical emetic.  It would be out of place here  to enter into
any consideration of the phenomena and pathology of vomiting ; it must
suffice to say, that independent of the mere  evacuation of the contents
of the stomach, emetics in general influence sympathetically the entire
system.  In prescribing emetics, attention must be paid to the differ-
ences which  exist in their mode of operation ; some  medicines  of this
class, as sulphate of zinc and sulphate  of copper produce their effects
very  rapidly, exciting vomiting  almost  immediately after they  are
swallowed, without occasioning much  nausea or depression.   Tartar
emetic operates more slowly, and  produces great nausea, accompanied
with a  feeling  of feebleness and exhaustion.   While the vegetable
emetics as ipecacuanha and squill require a much longer time for their
operation.  In  selecting a particular remedy of this class, therefore,
we should be always guided by the nature of the indication which is to
be fulfilled. Emetics should be employed with great caution, where there
are symptoms of determination of blood to the cerebral organs, in conse-
quence of the obstruction of the circulation which is occasioned during the
act of vomiting  ; for the same reason also they ought not to be administer-
ed in diseases of the larger arteries as in aneurism.  From the violent
action of the  abdominal muscles which is caused, the act of vomiting is
attended with great risk in the  advanced stages of pregnancy, in her-
nia, and in prolapsus uteri.   [On the subject of Emetics, see Essays
on Infant Therapeutics by John B. Beck, M. D.]
  Ammonite carbonas.  Sesquiearbonate of ammonia (described in the
division Antacids),  given in doses of gr. xxx. or upwards, acts as a
stimulating emetic, without producing much nausea or depression.   It
is consequently employed in cases of great  debility  when  the  use of
an emetic is indicated; as in chronic bronchitis occurring in broken
down constitutions, and in the  suffocative catarrh of typhus.  But in
consequence of the  uncertainty of its operation,  mustard is generally
preferred in these cases.

  Antimonii et potass.e tartras.   Tartar emetic (described in  the
division Diaphoretics), administered  in doses of two or three  grains
dissolved in  water, operates as a powerful emetic,  producing  at  the
s me time general depression, and much nausea.  The act of  vomit- 
152                         emetics.

ing does not occur for from twenty minutes to half an hour after  the
emetic has been taken, but it is then usually energetic and frequently
repeated.  The emetie action of tartar emetic is specific, as it operates,
not only when introduced into the stomach or rectum,  but when in-
jected into the veins, or otherwise introduced into the vascular sys-
tem.  It is employed as an emetic in all cases,  in  which we wish to
produce a powerful impression on the  system, and at the  same  time
lower the circulation ; as in the early stages of  febrile or inflammato-
ry diseases, when, if given at the very commencement of the symp-
toms, the disease is  frequently cut short; with this view it is employ-
ed in common continued fever, in acute ophthalmia, in croup, in hoop-
ing cough, in hernia humoralis, in bubo, &c.  In cases of threatened
suffocation from the  lodgment of solid bodies in  the oesophagus, tartar
emetic has been successfully injected  into the veins to produce vomit-
ing and the expulsion of the substance.  In  cases  of poisoning, it is
inferior to other remedies of this class, in consequence of the slowness
of its operation and  its depressing effects.   Tartar emetic  is also fre-
quently administered with the  intention of producing nausea without
causing vomiting ; with this view it is used in  cases of strangulated
hernia, to cause relaxation of the parts and permit  the  return  of  the
contents of the sac,  in rigidity of the os uteri obstructing labour,  in
dislocation to relax the muscular system, and in spasmodic stricture.
It is best administered in distilled water ; gr. ij. may be dissolved in
f|viij. of water, and of this  f§ij. should be administered every  ten
minutes until vomiting is produced, or f§i.  every quarter of an  hour if
it is wished to produce nausea merely.   It is sometimes given in  the
form of enema ; for  this purpose gr. vj. are to be dissolved in Oj.  of
tepid water ;  in this form, however, its operation  is  uncertain.  For
injection into the veins, gr. ij. or  gr. iij. are dissolved in f§ij. of tepid
distilled water.

  Cupri  sulphas.   Sulphate of Copper  (described in the division
Astringents), in doses of from gr. xij. to gr.  xv. operates as a  speedy
and  effectual  emetic, producing  generally  a  single  but  complete
evacuation of-the contents  of the stomach, without  causing any de-
pression of the system.  It  is applicable only to cases  of poisoning,
but as it is apt to act as a powerful irritant if it do not speedily produce
vomiting, sulphate of zinc should be preferred to it for that purpose ;
for the same reason it should be given in the full doses above mentioned.

  Ipecacuanha, L. E. TU.  S.] Cephaelis ipecacuanha, radix, D.
Ipecacuanha.   Root  of Cephaelis ipecacuanha.  A native  of Brazil ;
belonging to the Natural family  Cinchonacea, and  to  the  Linnaean
class and order Pentandria  Monogynia.

   Botanical Characters.—Root perennial,  generally simple;  Stem,
shrubby, ascending, 2 to 3 feet long; Leaves, opposite, ovato-lanceolate, 4
to 8 placed at the end of the stem and branches; Flowers, white, in terminal,
pendulous heads; Fruit, a fleshy black berry.
  Preparation.—The roots are gather at all seasons of the year, cut from
the stems, dried in the sum, and packed in bundles of various sizes.

  Physical Properties.—Ipecacuan root is in pieces from three to
six inches long,  about the  thickness of a  writing  pen, irregularly 
EMETICS.
153
 twisted and bent, presenting many circular depressions at short inter-
 vals, which give the root an annulated appearance, resembling a num-
 ber of rings placed side by side on a common axis.  It breaks with a
 short, clean fracture, presenting an outer cortical portion of a grayish,
 or grayish-brown colour, and a white woody  centre  (meditullium).
 It is readily reduced to  powder, which is  of a pale brownish-yellow
 colour,  has a faint, nauseous, peculiar  odour, and a bitter,  somewhat
 acrid taste.
   Chemical Properties.—The  cortical  portion of the root is the
 more active ; according to the analysis of  Pelletier, it  consists of 16
 per cent of a peculiar principle named  emetina, and in which the ac-
 tive properties of the drug reside, 2 of a fat oily matter, 6 of wax, 10
 of gum, 42 of starch, and 20 of lignin.  Emetina  is prepared by  dis-
 solving 1 part of an alcoholic  extract of ipecacuanha in 10  paats of
 water,  filtering  to remove the fatty matter, and adding 1  part of  cal-
 cined magnesia ; evaporating  with a gentle heat to dryness, pulveris-
 ing, washing with cold water, drying and pulverising again ; exhaust-
 ing the powder  with boiling alcohol, distilling  off the spirit, treating
 the dry residue  with weak sulphuric acid  and animal  charcoal;  and
 finally precipitating the emetina with ammonia.  Emetina, as common-
 ly met  with, is a dark  pasty-looking  substance, but when  pure, is
 white and pulverulent, inodorous,  with a  faint bitter taste, alkaline,
 very soluble in alcohol, sparing soluble in water, and less so in ether;
 it is composed of C35 H25 N1 O9.   Ipecacuanha yields  its active
 principles to water and to alcohol.
  Adulterations.—-Spurious ipecacuan roots are frequently substituted,
 especially on the Continent, for  the  true  root, but as none  of them
 present the precise characters of  the latter,  as given above, the fraud
 is readily  detected.   The powder is generally supposed to be adul-
 terated, but of this we can judge by its medicinal activity.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—In  full medicinal  doses,  ipecacuan
 operates as a certain but mild emetic,  at the same time increasing re-
 markably  the  secretions.   It resembles  tartar emetic  in  the  time
 whi-ffh elapses after it  had been taken  before its effects are produced,
 and also in the act of vomiting being repeated  several times; and it
 differs  from that substance in not causing  so much nausea or general
 depression ; it has less tendency to act on  the bowels.  As an emetic,
 ipecacuanha is adapted for children, for the  old and debilitated, or for
 delicate females,  where  we  wish to produce  vomiting  without  de-
 pressing the vital powers ; and also for cases, where the indication is
 to increase the secretions of the pulmonary  organs.  Thus, it is used
 with benefit in  the gastric febrile  disorders  of children,  to  evacuate
 the contents of the stomach ; at the approach of the paroxysm in ague,
 hysteria, or hooping cough, when it frequently checks the  develop-
 ment of the fit;  and it is generally given  in conjunction  with tartar
 emetic in the febrile and inflammatory  disorders in which  that  sub-
 stance is employed.   As an emetic, ipecacuanha is to be preferred to
 tartar emetic, where there is any  tendency to  irritation or  inflamma-
 tion of the digestive organs; it is  inferior to the metallic sulphates in
 cases of poisoning, on accouut of the slowness of its operation.  Eme-
 tina  has been very little  used in medicine ;  the only advantages which
it possesses over ipecacuanha are the smallness of the  dose required
to produce vomiting  and its  freedom  from the unpleasant odour  and 
154                        EMETICS.
taste of that substance :  these are, however, more than counterbalanced
by the dangerous symptoms which would result from an overdose.
  Dose and Mode of  Administration.—In  powder, as an emetic,
the usual dose  of ipecacuanha is from gr. xij. to gr. xx., but gr. v. or
gr.  vj., are frequently sufficient; it  is best given mixed with  warm
water, and its action promoted by tepid drinks ; gr. j. is usually suf-
ficient to act as an emetic for an  infant.  In combination with tartar
emetic, gr. xij., are mixed with gr. j., of that substance.   The dose
of impure emetina is from gr. ss. to  gr. iij.  ; of the pure article from
gr.  j. to gr. ss.;  either may be given dissolved in  water with the aid
of few drops of diluted sulphuric acid.—Vinum  Ipecacuanha, D. L. E.
[U. S.]   (Ipecacuan root,  bruised  (in moderately  fine powder, E.),
|ij. (giiss. L.  E.); sherry, by  measure ibij. (Oij.  L.  E.  [U. S.];
macerate for 14 (7, E.) days and filter).  As an emetic, very gener-
ally employed for children, in doses  of from min. xx. to f3i. ; seldom
for  adults,  dose  f3ij.  to f3iv.—Syrupus Ipecacuanha,  E. [U.  S.]
(Ipecacuan, in  coarse powder, §iv.;  rectified spirit, Oj, ; proof spirit;
and water, of each,  fgxiv. ;  syrup, Ovij.; digest  the ipecacuan in
f|xv. of the  rectified spirit at  a gentle heat  for 24  hours;  strain,
squeeze the residue, and filter.  Repeat this process with the residue
and proof spirit, and again with the  water,  unite the fluids  and distil
off  the spirit till the residuum amount to  §xij.  Add to the residuum
f§v. of the rectified spirit, and then  the  syrup).  ["Ipecac, in  coarse
powder,  §i. ; diluted alcohol Oj. ; syrup, Oij.  Macerate the  Ipecac
in the alcohol for 14 days, and filter.  Evaporate the filtered liquor to
flgij., and again filter; then mix it with the syrup, and evaporate by
means of a water bath  to the proper consistence.  U.  S-]  This
syrup is as effectually and much more simply prepared by  dissolving
an  alcoholic extract of the  root in distilled water, and adding  syrup.
It is an excellent preparation for children ;  about min. xl. of the Edin.
preparation are equal in strength to one grain of  ipecacuanha; the
dose,as an emetic for adults,  is f§ij. ;  for children, min. xx. to f3i-
  Incompatibles.—The salts of lead, and  of mercury  ; the vegetable
acids; and all  astringent vegetable infusions.

   Scilla.   Squill (described in  the  division  Diuretics),  in  full
medicinal doses,  generally produces nausea and vomiting,  its  action,
however, is uncertain, and  therefore it is not much used as an emetic.
It is sometimes given to children with this intention in  hooping  cough,
and in the advanced stages  of bronchitis or  of croup.  In consequence
of  its stimulating effects, it is inadmissible  where there is any tenden-
cy  to inflammation.   The preparation of squill usually  employed as an
emetic, is  the  following :—Oxymel  Scilla,  D.  L.  [U.  S.]  Syrupus
 Scilla, E.   (" Honey,  despumated,  by weight Ibiij. ; vinegar of squill,
by  measure ibij.  (Oiss. L.) ; [Oij. U. S.] boil with a gentle heat, in a
glass vessel to the consistence of  syrup,"  D. L.   "  Squill vinegar,
Oiij.; pure sugar, in powder, Ibvij.  ; dissolve with the aid  of a gentle
heat, and agitation," E.).  [" Syrupus Scilla.   Vinegar of Squill, Oj.;
 sugar, ibij.  Add the sugar to the vinegar  of squills,  and  proceed  in
the manner directed  for  syrup." U.  S.]   Dose, as  an emetic, for
 children, f3i- every quarter of an hour until vomiting is produced.

   Sinapis, L.  [U. S.]  Sinapi, E.   Sinapis nigra, seminum pulvis, 
EMETICS.
155
D.   Flour of the seeds of Sinapis nigra, D. L. E.-—generally mixed
with those of Sinapis alba, and deprived of fixed oil  by expression,
E^   Flour of mustard;  Mustard.   Indigenous  plants ;  belonging to
the  Natural family  Crucifera (Brassicacea, Lindley),  and to the
Linnaean class and order  Tetradynamia Siliquosa.

  Botanical Characters.—Annual; Stem,  3 to  4  feet high; Lower
leaves, large, lyrate, rough ;  Flowers, yellow;  Pod with a very short beak,
quadrangular ; Seeds, dark brown.  The white mustard is distinguished by
the pod having a long beak, and by the seeds being yellow.

   Physical Properties.—Although the Dublin  and London pharma-
copoeias direct flour of mustard to be procured from the black variety
only, table mustard, as met with in the shops and which is always
used in medical  practice, is prepared from both varieties  mixed  in
nearly equal proportions and ground.   Mustard  is  a greenish-yellow
powder,  having an oily aspect, an acrid  burning taste, and in the dry
state a faint  nauseous smell;  but when  moistened  it  emits  a strong
penetrating odour, very  irritating to the eyes  and  nostrils.  Black
mustard  is much more pungent than white.
   Chemical Properties.—Black  mustard  seeds  consist of a  bland
fixed oil, of a peculiar  acid, bitter, odourless,  and  uncrystallizable,
which has been named myronicacid; of another peculiar principle re-
sembling vegetable albumen  and emulsion, which has been named
myrosyne; and of a third peculiar principle, crystallizable and very
volatile, named sinapism;  with other unimportant matters.  When
water is added to mustard, by the mutual action of these principles, a
pungent volatile oil is formed, and  may be obtained by distillation, but
this oil does not pre-exist in the seeds; and it is to its formation that
the active properties of mustard are due.
   Adulterations.—Flour of mustard is always more or less adulterated
with a variety of substances.  Wheaten  flour which is  generally
(always  according to Christison) mixed with it, may be detected  by
tincture  of  iodine turning a cooled decoction  blue.  Of any  other
sophistications, we can  only judge by the physical properties of the
specimen.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Mustard is a powerful stimulating eme-
tic,  and  should be, preferred to any other remedy of this class, when
the  sensibility of the  stomach is greatly  reduced, or the vital power  is
low.  Thus, it is employed with much advantage in narcotic poisoning,
in  intoxication  threatening apoplexy, in malignant cholera, in some
forms of apoplexy and of paralysis, and in suffocative catarrh occurring
in the aged or debilitated.
   Dose  and Mode of  Administration.—As an  emetic, mustard  is
given in doses of §ss. to §i.; it  is best  administered mixed with f§vj.
or f§viij.  of tepid water.

   Viola  odorata.—The root of this plant  (which  has been  described
in the division Cathartics), though not officinal in the British pharma-
copoeias, possesses well marked emetic properties, which depend  on the
presence of an alkaloid named violina; this principle operates precisely
similar to emetina, and  has been found to exist  in the roots  of all the
species of the genus Viola.   In their action on the  system, violet roots
resemble ipecacuanha, for which they would form an excellent substi- 
156                      emmenagogues.

tute ;  and as many of the species are indigenous, the subject is worthy
of more attention than has been hitherto bestowed on it.   The dose of
the  powdered root  is from 3ss. to 3i-

  Zinci sulphas.   Sulphate  of Zinc  (described in the division As-
tringents), in full medicinal doses from gr. xv. to gr. xxx., operates as
a speedy, safe, and efficacious emetic, not producing much nausea or
depression.  It is  therefore preferred  to  all other medicines of this
class in cases of poisoning.  It is also applicable to any case in which
we  wish to produce a single but complete evacuation of the contents
of the stomach.  As an  emetic, sulphate of zinc is best administered
in the full doses above stated, dissolved in three or four ounces of tepid
water.
                        CHAPTER  X.

                      EMMENAGOGUES.

  Emmenagogues are medicines which are supposed to be capable of
promoting the menstrual discharge.  That any substances have a direct
or specific power over the uterine organs has been doubted by many,
in consequence of the uncertainty of the operation  of  the so called
specific emmenagogues, and also as the uterus is not an organ intended
for the elimination of foreign matter.   But there are a few medicines
which  are employed  to promote the  menstrual secretion, and which
appear to act solely as stimulants to the uterus, and  these alon^. will
be considered in this chapter.   Suppression or absence of the men-
strual discharge is generally the effect of some morbid state of the
system, and therefore the remedies which are to be employed must
have reference  to this morbid state.   Thus, when  amenorrhoea is the
consequence of general debility, we must have recourse to tonics and
stimulants; and when it  occurs with  a state  of plethora, venesection
and other debilitating plans of treatment must  be employed.  Sub-
stances which stimulate powerfully the neighbouring organs, act rela-
tively on the uterine vessels, and therefore are often  effectual in re-
storing the menstrual discharge.  Thus,  some of the more  acrid
cathartics, as aloes, black hellebore, gamboge, &c ; and the stimulating
diuretics, as the turpentines, cantharides, &c, are frequently the most
certain emmenagogues.
  Crocus, L. E. [U.  S.]  Crocus sativus, stigmata, D.  The stig-
mata of  Crocus sativus;  Saffron.  A native of Asia Minor, now na-
turalized in England ; belonging to the Natural family Iridacea, and
to the Linnaean class and order Triandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Root, a round cormus ; Leaves, linear, with a
white central stripe;  Flowers, appearing in September and Octobor, light
purple with red veins ; Style  single, stigma protruded, drooping, in three
deep linear divisions, fragrant. 
emmenagogues.                    157
  Preparation.—Early in the morning, the flowers are gathered, just as they
are about to blow, and  the stigmata with part of the style picked out, and
the rest of the flower thrown away; the stigmata are then spread loosely on
white paper, and dried on a small kiln of a peculiar construction.  Formerly
the overripe or injured  stigmata were dried under pressure between folds of
paper, when they constituted what was called Cake saffron, now no longer
met with.

   Physical Properties.—Saffron, Hay saffron, consists of the dried
stigmata in  loosely aggregated  masses ; the colour is deep orange, the
odour powerful  and agreeably aromatic, in large quantities stupifying;
the  taste is pungent, aromatic, and somewhat bitter.  It is imported
from Spain  and France, English saffron being never met with in the
market at present.  According to Pereira, " one grain of sound com-
mercial saffron contains the stigmata and styles of nine flowers ; hence,
4320 flowers are required to yield one ounce of saffron."
   Chemical Properties.—Saffron consists of albumen, mucilage, a
colouring extractive matter named polychroite and which constitutes
§ds of its weight,  volatile oil, &c.  It yields  its properties  readily to
water and to  alcohol;  its solution in ether, being of a deep orange
colour.
   Adulterations.—In consequence of the high price of saffron, it is
very much adulterated; the petals of the  Carthamus tinctorius and of
the Calendula arvensis, pomegranate  blossoms, and fibres of  smoked
beef are used for this purpose.  The flowers  may be detected by the
difference of their  structure, when a specimen  is soaked in water ; the
fibres of beef, by the  odour which they emit on being burned.   What
is at present  sometimes sold in England  for  cake saffron, consists of
the  petals  of  the Carthamus tinctorius  made into a paste with gum
water.   Of the  qualities of saffron, we judge by its sensible properties.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Saffron is  a stimulant of weak power,
exerting a specific influence, by no means well  marked, over the uterine
organs ; hence, it is generally said to be emmenagogue.  In the present
day it is scarcely ever employed in  medicine, except to give  odour and
colour to mixtures.   On the Continent it bears a high  character as a
remedy for  the severe  lumbar pains, which so frequently precede or
accompany menstruation.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—In substance, gr.  xij. to 3j.
—Syrupus  Croci, L. E.  (Saffron, 3x.;  boiling water, Oj.;  sugar,
Ibiij.;  infuse the saffron in the water for 12 hours in a lightly  covered
vessel; strain the  liquid and add the sugar to it).   Dose, f5ij. to f§ss.;
chiefly used for its fine  colour.—Tinctura Croci, E.  (Saffron, chop-
ped fine, §ij.; proof spirit, Oij.;  prepared  like tincture of cinchona,
either by percolation  or digestion, the former method being more con-
venient and expeditious).  Dose, f3i- to f3ij.


   Ergota,  L.  E. [U. S.]   Acinula clavus, L.   An undetermined
fungus with degenerated seed of Secale  cereale, E.  [The diseased
seedsof Secale cereale, U.S.] Ergot of rye. Much difference of opinion
exists as to what this substance really is ;  the latest and best authori-
ties  agree, that it is a peculiar speeies of  fungus, (Spermoidia Clavus
of Fries and Lindley; Ergotalia abortifaciens of Quekett and Pereira),
which is produced under certain circumstances as  yet not fully ascer- 
158
EMMENAGOGUES.
tained, on plants belonging to the Natural families Graminacea, Cype-
racea, and Palmacea, but on none so frequently as on the Secale cereale
or common rye.
  Physical Properties.—Ergot, or spurred rye, consists of angular,
sometimes round bodies, from the third of an inch to an inch and a half
in length, retaining the longitudinal depression of the sound grain,
obtuse at the extremities, curved like the  spur of a cock whence the
name.  It is of a violet-brown colour externally,  sometimes whitish ;
yellowish internally.  In  the  entire state, the  odour is very faint, but
when powdered it has a heavy, mawkish, somewhat animal smell; the
taste  is acrid and disagreeable ; it is firm and fragile, breaking with a
clear  transverse fracture.   It  attracts moisture, if exposed to the air,
swells, and becomes mouldy, and is attacked by a small insect a species
of acarus, which  devours the interior and leaves the grain a mere husk,
no longer fit for medical purposes ;  ergot of rye should be therefore
kept in well stopped bottles.
  Chemical Properties.—According to the analysis of Dr. Wright,
ergot consists of 31 per cent of a thick white oil, 550 of osmazome, 9
of mucilage, 7  of gluten, 11*44 of fungin, 3*50 of colouring matter, 26
of fecula, and 3-10 of salts.  The fixed oil, on which Dr. Wright sup-
poses the active properties of the drug depend, is of a reddish-brown
colour, lighter  than water, and soluble in alcohol, ether, the volatile
oils, and solutions  of the  caustic alkalies ;  it is readily procured by
evaporating with a gentle heat an ethereal tincture of  the ergot pre-
pared by percolation.   M.  Bonjean  has very recently examined with
great care the chemical, toxicological and therapeutical properties of
ergot.  He has found it to contain two very distinct active principles,
the one a soft,  reddish-brown  extract, very soluble in water, which he
has named ergotin, and on which the obstetrical  and antihemorrhagic
properties of the substance depend ;  and the other, a colourless fixed
oil, very soluble in ether, and which  alone is  the poisonous principle.
From these results then it would appear that water must be the best
menstruum  for extracting  the active  principles of ergot of rye.
   Adulterations.—Plaster of Paris, and common paste artfully coloured,
are substituted for, or  mixed with,  ergot of rye ; they  are difficult of
detection.   We should, therefore, attend to the characteristics of good
ergot as given by Wright.—" It should be clear and smooth on the sur-
face, not powdery, of a deep  purple colour, neither totally black nor
light brown, having a full strong odour, breaking  clearly, exhibiting a
pink  blush  interiorly,  unpunctured  by  insects, burning with a  clear
jetting  flame, and being of a less specific  gravity than water."   But
Bonjean states that he  has found ergot which is white internally, fully
as active as that which is  pink.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Ergot of rye in single large doses, from
3ij- to  3viij-i produces  nausea, pain in the head, and vertigo, generally
followed in  from twelve to twenty-four hours by delirium and stupor,
with dilatation of the pupil and great depression of the pulse.  In me-
dicinal doses, from gr. xv. to gr. xl., it exerts a specific influence on
the uterine  organs, chiefly manifested by a stimulant effect on the mus-
 cular fibres of  the uterus, exciting them  to increased contraction.
 Ergot of rye is chiefly  used in medicine, to accelerate delivery incases
where the childbirth is delayed, in consequence  of feeble or languid
 contractions of the uterus; to cause the expulsion of the placenta re- 
EMMENAGOGUES.                     159
tained from a similar cause; to stimulate the uterus to expel sanguine-
ous clots, hydatids, or polypi; to promote the  lochial discharge, and
to check leucorrhcea,  or hemorrhage from  the womb ;  all of which
effects are the result of augmented  contractility of the uterus.  The
power of ergot to produce the catamenial discharge in amenorrhoea is
doubted by many, nevertheless in chlorotic  amenorrhoea after the ad-
ministration of  ferruginous  preparations  for some  days,  I have  in
several cases employed the tincture with most beneficial results.  The
circumstances which contraindicate  the employment of  ergot in par-
turition, are want of dilatation of the os uteri, great rigidity of the soft
parts, deformity of the pelvis, and mal-presentation.  Most practitioners
also agree in advising that it should  not be administered  in the earlier
stages of labour, or in first pregnancies.  It is now very  generally ad-
mitted that the administration of ergot of rye duriug labour endangers
the life of the foetus; and that this depends on  the poisonous action of
the drug as evidenced by its effects on the action  of the heart both of
the mother and child, is shown  in a valuable report  by Dr. Hardy, in
the 27th Vol. of the Dublin Medical Journal.   It is therefore requisite
that after the administration of ergot during labour, any change in the
action of the foetal heart, should be carefully watched by the employ-
ment of the stethescope, and if the number of the beats be reduced be-
low  110, with intermissions, instrumental  delivery  must be had re-
course to, to save the life of the child.  The ergotin of M.  Bonjean is,
however, stated  by him to be entirely void of the poisonous property,
and, if such be proved to be the case, this great objection  to  the em-
ployment of ergot will be overcome by the use of it.   The effects pro-
duced by the continued use  of ergot as an article  of food are very
singular, and  have  been fully described by different writers; any de-
tailed account of them, however, would be quite  foreign to the scope
 of this  work;  I must, therefore, refer the reader  to  Dr. Wright's
 excellent treatise in the 52nd and 53rd Vols, of the  Edinburgh Medi-
 cal and Surgical Journal.  [See also Dr. J. B. Beck's Infant Thera-
peutics, on this subject.]
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder, which should be al-
 ways prepared for use, for a woman in labor, the dose is £)j.  repeated
 every half hour  until  3i- has been taken, unless its effects are sooner
 produced.  For  other cases, gr. v. to gr. x. three times  a day ; it may
 be administered  diffused through peppermint or cinnamon water.—Er-
gotin, Borjean.  (Exhaust any quantity of powdered ergot of rye  in
 a displacement apparatus with water; heat the  solution in a water-bath
 to coagulate the albumen ; filter ; evaporate the  filtered liquid  to the
 consistence of a clear syrup, add to it rectified  spirit in excess; set
 it aside until all  the gummy matters are precipitated and the liquid be-
 comes again transparent; pour off from the sediment and evaporate  in
 the vapour bath  to the consistence of a soft extract.)  By this process
 a reddish-brown, homogeneous  extract is obtained;  it has a pungent
 bitter taste, and an odour resembling  that of roast meat.   It forms
 with water a beautiful red solution, limpid and transparent.  500 parts of
 ergot yield from 70 to 80 of  ergotin.  The dose of it is from gr. iss.
 to gr. iij. every  quarter of an hour during  labour, and in  other cases
 this  quantity  may be administered  throughout the  day.   It may  be
 given in the form of pill made with liquorice powder, or dissolved  in
 water and sweetened with syrup of orange  flowers.   There are no of-
 ficinal preparations of ergot, but the following  are in general use.—In- 
160                      EMMENAGOGUES.
fusum Ergota.  (Ergot, bruised, 3j- ;  boiling water, f§iv. ;  macerate
 till cold  in a lightly covered vessel and  strain.)   Dose, during parturi-
 tion, ^d  of this, repeated at intervals of half an hour, unless  its effects
 be sooner produced ;  for  other  cases, the dose is f3ss. to f3i. ;  some
 aromatic tincture should be added to this preparation and  to  the  next,
 to conceal their nauseous taste.—Decoctum Ergota.  (Ergot, bruised,
 3i- 5  water, f|vj. ;  boil for  ten  minutes and strain.  )  Dose, same as
 infusion.—Tinctura Ergota ; Apothecaries'  Hall, London.    (Er-
 got, bruised, §ij.; proof spirit, Oj. digest for 4 days and strain.)   This
 tincture  might be more conveniently prepared by percolation.   Dose,
 in slow parturition, f3ss. to f3j.; in other cases, min. x. to min. xx.—
 Tinctura Ergota etherea.   (Similarly prepared, substituting  sulphuric
 ether for proof spirit.)  The dose is the same.

   Rubia tinctorum, radix, D.  [Rubia, U.  S.]  Root  of Rubia tinc-
 torum;  Madder.   A native of the South of  Europe ; belonging to the
 Natural  family Stellata (Galiacea, Lindley,) and to the Linnaean class
 and order Tetrandria  Monogynia.
   Botanical  Characters.—Root, perennial, long, succulent, horizontal;
 Stems, several, quadrangular, jointed, procumbent; Leaves, membrana-
 ceous ; Flowers, small, yellow.
   Physical  Properties.—Madder root is imported from the Levant;
 it is  in long cylindrical pieces,  about the thickness of a goose-quill,
 deep  reddish-brown externally, reddish-yellow internally.   It has  a
feeble, unpleasant odour, and a bitter austere taste.
   Chemical Properties.—There  are no less than five colouring mat-
 ters  in madder, namely, purple, yellow, red, orange and brown ;  con-
 sequently it is much  employed  in the arts for dyeing.   Any medical
virtue it possesses must  depend on a small quantity of bitter extrac-
tive it contains. It imparts its odour and taste to water, alcohol and ether.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Madder has fallen into complete disuse,
so much so that it  has been expunged  from the last  editions of the
 London  and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias.   Taken  internally for any
length of time, the various  secretions, and  even the substance of the
bones are coloured red.  It was  highly  esteemed by Dr. Home as an
emmenagogue ;  the dose of it  is  from, 3ss.  to 3ij-, three or  four
times a day.

   Ruta  graveolens.  Rue (described in the division Antispasmodics,}
was formerly highly esteemed as an emmenagogue, and at present is
a popular remedy as such ;  it is sometimes resorted to for  the purpose
of procuring  abortion.  Although  it undoubtedly possesses a direct
stimulating influence on the uterine organs, it is scarcely ever employ-
ed in  regular practice in the present day, for any of the  purposes for
which this class of remedies is administered.

   Sabina, L. E. [U. S.]  Juniperus  sabina,  folia, D.   Leaves
(tops. E.—tops both fresh and dried, L.) of Juniperus sabina.  Savin.
A native of the South of Europe, cultivated  in this  country  ; belong-
ing to the Natural family  Conifera (Pinacea, Lindley,) and to the Lin-
naean  class and order Diozcia Monadelphia.

  Botanical Characters.—An evergreen, 'small, bushy shrub; Leaves,
very small, ovate, pointed, densely imbricated; it flowers in April  and May, 
EMOLLIENTS.                       161
and ripens its fruit, a dark purple galbuluf or berry about the size of a cur-
rant, in autumn.

  Physical Properties.—As met  with in the shops, savin consists
of the young tops and their attached leaves; in the fresh state they
are  of a  bright green  colour, have  a heavy, peculiar, terebinthinate
odour, and a bitter nauseous taste.   When dry their colour is yellow-
ish-green, and their odour much weaker.
  Chemical Properties.—Savin tops consist of resin,  volatile oil,
gallic  acid, extractive, &c.  The medicinal properties are due to the
volatile oil, Oleum Sabina, D. [U. S.] E., and which may be obtain-
ed by  distillation with water, ibij. of the tops yielding f|v. of oil; it is
limpid and nearly  colourless, having the odour of the plant, and a hot
acrid  taste ; its composition is C10  H8, being isomeric with oil  of
turpentine ; and its density 0*915.    Savin communicates its odour and
taste to water and to alcohol;  the  alcoholic  tincture is of  a bright
green  colour.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Savine is a powerful stimulant to the
uterine organs, and is employed  as an emmenagogue with much benefit
in amenorrhoea and chlorosis, depending  on torpor or  deficient action
of the uterine system.  In consequence, however,  of its poisonous pro-
ties it should be used with caution ; its employment is contraindicated
where there is the least tendency to irritation  or  inflammation of the
uterus or any of the pelvic viscera.    Savin is the drug usually resort-
ed to by the vulgar for the purpose of procuring  abortion, but it can
not effect this, except at the risk of the life of the mother.
   Dose and  Mode  of Administration.—-In powder, a bad  form, the
 dose is from gr. v. to gr. xv.   The  dose  of the oil is  from min. ij. to
 min.  vj.—Infusum Sabina.  (Fresh savin tops,  3»- ; boiling water,
 fgviij.;  macerate for onehour in a covered vessel.)  Dose, f§ss. to f§i.
   In cases of poisoning with savin, emetics should be first employed
 to remove the poison from the  stomach ; and  afterwards  opiates and
 demulcents, to be followed by general antiphlogistic treatment.

   SoDiE  biboras.   Borax (described in the  division  Astringents,)
 though not ordinarily employed in medicine as an emmenagogue pos-
 sesses a powerfully stimulant  action on the uterine organs.   It  is
 sometimes used empirically to  cause abortion, an effect which its  in-
 cautious administration in regular  practice has in more than one in-
 stance produced.
                        CHAPTER XI.

                        EMOLLIENTS.

                    (Demulcents; Relaxants.)

  Emollients may be defined substances which diminish the vital
tone or  cohesion of the sold  tissues of the body, and thereby render
them more lax and flexible ;  or which by diminishing acrimony, pro-
tect the sensible surface of the body from  the action of acrid matter.
This division of medical agents has been stated by many to act merely 
162
EMOLLIENTS.
mechanically, by lubricating and softening the parts to which they are
applied, or by sheathing them from the action of matters which are capa-
ble of irritating them.  But this  explanation cannot possibly apply to
those substances, which when introduced into the stomach operate on re-
mote parts of the body. Emollients, therefore, seem to act either direct-
ly on the part to which they are applied, or indirectly through the me-
dium of the circulation.   They are  principally employed in the treat-
ment of inflammations either general or local, in painful ulcerations, in
diseases of the urinary organs, and in poisoning with acrid substances;
but in all these cases they are only used  to alleviate symptoms.   Of
the non-medicinal substances used  as  emollients, warm water is  the
most important, and the higher the temperature at which it can be  ap-
plied without the  actual  production of pain, the greater will be its
emollient power ; for  this reason, it will be found productive of most
advantage, when employed in the form of vapour.
   Adeps suillus, D.  Adeps, L.  [U. S.]  Axungia, E.    Fu of
Sus scrofa; Hog^s-lard; Axunge.   Sus scrofa, the common hog,  be-
longs to the class Mammalia, order Pachydermata.  The fat is usual-
ly taken from about the loins, from the omentum and from the mesen-
tery, and is melted and strained to separate the membranes.

  Preparation.—Lard as sold for general use usually contains salt, which
has been added to prevent it from becoming rancid;  consequently to prepare
it for medical purposes, the following formula is given in the Dublin Pharma-
copaia.—Adeps suillus praparatus.  " Melt fresh lard, cut into small pieces,
with a gentle heat, and strain  it by pressure through linen; the lard, prepar-
ed by those who sell it, and which is preserved  with salt,  is to  be melted
with twice its weight of water  frequently stirring the mixture, then set aside,
and the lard separated when cold."

  Physical Properties.—Axunge is a white, solid,  fatty  matter,
with a very faint odour, and a mild sweetish taste.   Sp. gr.  881.
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed of 38 per cent of stearin
and margarin, and 62  of olein  or elaine.  It melts at about  85°  F.
into a clear transparent liquid, which if water be present is whitish or
milky ; exposed to the air axunge undergoes a process of decay,  be-
coming rancid, when it acquires a peculiar unpleasant odour and acrid
properties ;  in this state it is unfit for medical purposes.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Axunge is not used in  medicine inter-
nally, its action on the body  is nutritive and emollient.  As an external
agent it is  employed as a basis for ointments, cerates,  and liniments.

  Adeps ovillus, D.  Sevum,  L.  E. [U. S.] Fat  of Ovis  aries;
Suet;  Mutton suet.   Ovis aries, the  sheep,  belongs  to the  class
Mammalia,  and order  Ruminantia.   The  fat  is selected from  the
neighbourhood of the  kidneys, melted, and  strained to  separate  the
membranes.  Mutton suet is nearly similar in physical and chemical
properties to axunge, and is employed for the same purposes ; it is
sometimes preferred to axunge  in consequence of its greater consist-
ence and higher melting point.—Adeps ovillus praparatus, D., is pre-
pared in the same way  as prepared hog's-lard. 
EMOLLIENTS.
163
   Althjea OFFICINALIS, FOLIA ET RADIX, D. L. E-  [Althaa,  U. S.]
 The  leaves and root of  Althaa officinalis;  [The rwt  of Althaa of-
ficinalis, U.  S.] Common Marsh-mallow.   An indigenous plant; be-
 longing to the Natural family Malvacea, and to the Linnean class and
 order Monadelphia Polyandria.

   Botanical Characters.—Stem, two to  three feet high, downy;  Leaves,
 heart-shaped, exquisitely soft and pubescent; Flowers, on  axillary stalks,
 large, pale rose-colour.

   Physical Properties.—The roots  are fusiform, from  12 to 18
 inches long, about  the thickness of the finger, yellowish externally,
 white and fibrous within  ; the odour  is faintly  nauseous,  the taste
 sweet, and very mucilaginous.  The leaves have a weaker odour, and
 a less mucilaginous taste.
   Chemical Properties.—The roots consist of gum, uncrystallizable
 sugar, starch, yellow colouring matter, asparigin, albumen, &c. They
 yield their mucilaginous properties to water.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Marsh-mallow root is one of the most
 commonly employed emollients on the continent, but is  not much used
 in this country.  As an  internal remedy it is given in inflammation of
 the mucous membranes, as in gonorrhoea, cystitis, nephritis, bronchitis,
 &c, either alone  or  as  a  vehicle for  other medicines.  Externally,
 the  leaves are generally  employed in the acute phlegmasiae  in the
 form of decoction or cataplasm.
   Dose and Mode   of  Administration.—Decoctum Althaa,  D.
 Mistura Althaa, E.   (Dried root (and herb, D.) of  althaea officinalis,
 §iv. ; raisins, freed of the  seeds, §ij.; boiling water, by measure ibvij.
 (Ov., E.) ; boil down to ibv.  (Oiij. E.); strain through linen or calico ;
 and when the sediment has subsided, pour off the clear liquor for use).
 Dose, f§i. to f|ij. frequently  repeated.—Syrupus Althaa, D.  L. E.
 (Fresh althaea root, bruised  (sliced, E.), ibss. (Jviij.,  L.  E.) ; pure
 sugar, ibij. (ibiiss., L. E.)  ; water, by  measure ibiv.   (Oiv., L. E.) ;
 boil the water with the root down to  one half;  (strain through calico,
 E.),  and  express the  cooled liquor; set  aside  for  24 hours that
 the  dregs may subside ;  pour off the clear  liquor, add  the sugar,
 and boil down to a proper consistence).  This syrup  does not keep
 well.  The dose is from f§ss. to f§i.
   Incompatibles.—Iodine ;  and  tincture of the muriate of iron.

   Amygdalje amarjE ;  Amygdala dulces, D. LkE.   [Amygdala
 amara; Amygdala dulcis, U. S.]   Kernels of the two varieties of
 Amygdalus communis.  Bitter almonds;  and Sweet almonds.  The
 almond tree is a  native of  Syria, and Barbary ;  but grows freely
 throughout the South of  Europe ;  it  belongs to the Natural family
 Rosacea  (Drupacea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean class  and order
 Icosandria Monogynia.
   Botanical Characters.—A small tree, with acuminate, serrulate leaves,
 petiolate ; Gland on the petioles of the bitter almond variety, on the leaves
 of the sweet almond ; Flowers, sessile, appearing before the leaves,  white or
 rose-coloured ; Fruit, an ovoid drupe, leathery, marked with a longitudinal
 furrow where it opens when ripe, containing a hard rough shell (putamen)
 marked with pits or furrows, within which is the seed or kernel.

   Physical Properties.—Sweet almonds vary in  size, from  half an 
164
EMOLLIENTS.
inch to above an inch in length, and are about three-eights of an inch
in breadth ; they are oblong, compressed, and pointed at one end ; the
episperm or outer covering is reddish-brown covered with a yellowish
dust; the parenchyma  or episperm is white, hard and oleaginous, in-
odorous, having a sweet bland taste.  Bitter almonds are  generally
smaller,  they  are characterised by their  bitter taste, and peculiar
odour when rubbed with water.   Several sorts cf sweet almonds are
met  with in commerce, the principal of these  are Jordan and Valentia
almonds ; the former come from Malaga, and are the most esteemed ;
they are longer and more pointed than the  latter, which are brought
from Valentia.  Bitter almonds are imported from Mogadore.
  Chemical Properties.—Sweet almonds consist of fixed oil, emulsin,
liquid sugar, gum, &c.   In addition to these the bitter almond contains
a peculiar principle named amygdalin, which, when brought in contact
with water, from  a mutual re-action between it and the emulsion gene-
rates an essential oil, which will be more particularly described here-
after.   (See Sedatives).   The fixed oil, Oleum Amygdalarum, D. L.
is an article of the  Materia Medica in the latter pharmacopoeia; the
former derects it to be prepared, " by bruising fresh almonds in a
mortar, and expressing without heat."   For this purpose either sweet
or bitter almonds may  be  employed, the latter as being cheaper are
generally used ; 1 cwt. of almonds yields from 48 to 52 lbs of oil.  It
is a bland, pale-yellow, inodorous, very liquid oil; lighter than water,
its density being about *920 ; it consists of 76 per cent of oleine, and
24 of margarine  ; it requires 6 parts of boiling, or 25 of cold alcohol
for its solution ; but is very soluble in ether.
   Therapeutical' Effects.—Sweet  almonds  are  nutritive and
emollient; they should be blanched, deprived of the husk or pellicle,
before being used, as from their acridity they have been known to pro-
duce nausea and irritation  of the stomach and  bowels, in some instances
followed by an eruption on the skin.   In medicine the preparations of
the  sweet almond are used as emollients, chiefly in inflammation of the
genito-urinary mucous membrane to lessen the acrimony of the urine,
and with the same intention in calculous affections.   The oil is seldom
given internally,  according to some it possesses mildly laxative proper-
ties ; externally  it is used  for frictions, and as an ingredient in some
soaps.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Confectio (Conserva, E.)
Amygdalarum, D.  L. E.   (Sweet  almonds, §viij.; powdered  gum
arabic, §j.;  pure sugar, §iv. ; blanch  the almonds, and beat them with
the  gum'and sugar into a uniform pulpy mass.  " This confection may
be kept unchanged longer if the almonds, acacia, and sugar, separate-
ly powdered, are afterwards mixed, then whenever the confection is
to be used, beat all  the ingredients together  until they are thoroughly
incorporated," L.).  This confection  is only used for the preparation
of  the  emulsion.—Mistura Amygdalarum,  D.  (Blanched  sweet al-
monds, giss.;. bitter almonds, Bij.; pure sugar, §ss.; water by measure
ibiiss. ; rub the almonds with the  sugar, adding the water  gradually,
and strain).—L. E.  (Almond  confection,  |iiss.  (§ij.,  E.) ; water,
(distilled, L.), Oj. (Oij., E.) ; add the water to the confection  gradually,
triturating until they are mixed ; and strain through linen.   Or it may
be  prepared  as follows, E.—" Sweet almonds, §j. 3ij.;  pure sugar,
3v.; mucilage, f|ss.; water, Oij. ; blanch the almonds, beat  them to 
EMOLLIENTS.                       165
       a smooth pulp in  an earthen-ware mortar, first  with the sugar,  then
       with the mucilage ; add the water  gradually, constantly stirring, and
       strain  through linen or  calico").   [" Mislura  Amygdala,  U.  S.
       Take of sweet almonds, §ss.; gum arabic, in powder, 5ss.; sugar, 3ij. »
       distilled water, f|viij.   Macerate the almonds in  water, and  having
       removed their external coat, beat them with the gum arabic and sugar,
»      in a marble mortar, till  they are thoroughly mixed ;  then rub the mix-
       ture with the distilled  water, gradually added  and strain."   U. S.]
       Generally employed as  a vehicle for other medicines in doses  of f§i.
       or f|ij.; the few bitter  almonds  in the Dublin preparation  give it  an
       agreeable flavour.  Acids, and alcohol, and of course tinctures,  are in-
       compatible with almond emulsion.

         Amylum, D. L. E.   Fecula  of the seeds  of Triticum hybernum,
       D. L.—of Triticum  vulgare,  E.  Starch;  Wheaten starch.  The
       common wheat,  Triticum hybernum, is  a native  of the  country  of
       the Baschkirs, and is cultivated  throughout all Europe.   It belongs to
       the Natural family  Graminacea, and to the Linnaean class and order
       Triandria Digynia.

         Botanical Characters.—Culms, simple, glaucous, jointed; Leaves,  al-
       ternate, linear, smooth, of a glaucous-green colour ; Flowers, glumaceous,
       at the extremity oft he culm; Seed  (grain) ovoid, yellowish, with a longitudi-
       nal furrow.
         Preparation.—The fecula or starch forms nearly 70 per cent of wheaten
       flour.  It is procured by steeping the flour in water for one or two weeks
       until it  becomes sour, drawing off the supernatant liquor; washing the
       residuum on seives with  repeated portions of water,  allowing the liquor
       which passes through to deposit the starch in large vats; and finally drain-
       ing the deposited starch, and drying it in a stove.

         Physical Properties.—Starch usually occurs in the form of small,
       irregular, hexagonal prisms ;  it  is white, pulverulent, unalterable  in
       the air, crackling under the fingers when  lightly  pressed,  inodorous
       and insipid.   Viewed under the microscope it  is found  to consist  of
       various  sized transparent particles, rounded or angular, uneven  on the
       surface.
         Chemical  Properties.—The particles of starch are  composed  of
       an external tegument termed Amylin, and a contained mucilage  named
       Amidin.  Its ultimate  analysis  isC12 H20  01°, Payen.   Starch is
       insoluble in  cold  water, but may be suspended in it by trituration ; it
       is also insoluble in alcohol and ether.  In water near the boiling point
       it dissolves almost completely, and if sufficiently concentrated  forms
       with it an opaque  jelly,  which becomes more  consistent as it  cools.
       By roasting starch, it is  rendered somewhat analogous to gum,  and is
       then soluble in cold  water.  With a cooled decoction of starch,  iodine
       forms a rich blue compound (iodide of starch), which varies in  the in-
       tensity of the colour, as  the iodine or starch predominates.   It is only
       on the Amidin that iodine acts, not altering the colour of the Amy in,
       consequently it produces no effect on starch when  merely  moistened
       with water, requiring either trituration or heat to burst the tegumenta-
       ry membrane.  Amidin  constitutes 995  or  996 thousands  of starch,
       Amylin only 4 or 5 parts in a thousand.
        Adulterations.—Starch is often adulterated  with sulphate of  lime ; 
166                       EMOLLIENTS.
it may be detected by incineration,  the starch being burned away and
leaving the fixed sulphate.  Its weight is often increased by the pre-
sence of superabundant moisture, which may be discovered by drying
starch in a vapour bath, and ascertaining the  loss of  weight, which
should not be more  than ten  or twelve per cent.  Potato starch is
sometimes sold for wheaten starch ; this fraud may be readily detected
by the microscope, the particles of  the former being much larger than
those of the latter ; it may be also discovered by triturating for a short
time a small quantity of a suspected specimen  with water in an agate
mortar, and adding to the strained solution a few drops of tincture of
iodine,—if it be pure wheaten  starch a pale yellow colour only will be
produced, but if potato starch be present the coloration will be deep blue.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—Wheaten starch is employed in medi-
cine,  chiefly in the form of decoction, as an emollient enema in dys-
entery, diarrhoea, or other inflammatory  affection of the  abdominal
viscera; it is also used as a vehicle for more active remedies, and for
suspending drugs which are administered in the state  of powder.  Ex-
ternally, starch in fine  powder is applied to excoriated parts,  and  for
preventing the formation of bed sores.
  Dose and Mode  of Administration.—Mucilago (Decoctum, L.)
Amyli, D. L. E.  (Starch, 3yj. (3iv., L. E.) ; water, by measure ibj.
(Oj., L. E.) ; triturate the starch with the water gradually added, and
boil for a short time).  Used  in the form of enema either alone or as
a vehicle for other remedies.

  Avena, L. E.  Avena sativa, farina ex seminibus, D.  The seeds
(freed from the husks, L.)  of Avena sativa, L. E.   Oatmeal,  D.
Avena sativa,  the common oat, is  generally cultivated throughout  the
whole of Europe ; it belongs  to the Natural family Graminacea, and
to the Linnaean class and order Triandria Digynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Root annual; Culm, from two to three  feet
high; Leaves, linear, acute ; Flowers, glumaceous, disposed in loose, ter-
minal, somewhat pendant panicles; Seeds, more or less elongated, pointed
at both extremities, convex at one side, marked with a longitudinal furrow
on  the other, white, in some varieties black.
   Preparation.—Oats deprived of their husk are called groats, which, when
 coarsely ground constitute oatmeal:  the husks with some adhering starch
 from the seeds are sold under the name of seeds.  These different prepara-
 tions are too well known to need description.
   Prop^ities.—Oats  consist of 66 per cent of meal, and 34 per cent
 of husk or Bran.  The dried meal consists of starch, mucilage, sugar,
 albumen, and  lignin, but  no  gluten.  Oatmeal or groats boiled with
 water, in  the  proportion of about  §iij.  to Oiij. of water, down to one
 half, constitutes gruel, a light article of diet for the  sick or convalescent.
 If a  larger proportion of the coarsely ground meal be used, it is called
 porridge, a principal article in the dietaries of hospitals and charitable
 institutions, and forming  a staple article  of food in Scotland and the
 North of Ireland.
    Therapeutical  Effects.—Oatmeal is nutritive and emollient;  it is
 only employed in medicine internally in the form of gruel above referred
 to.  Externally it is sometimes used in the form of poultice, prepared
 as porridge, but with less boiling;  it enters into the composition of the
  Cataplasma simplex, D. 
EMOLLIENTS.
167
   Cera, L.   Cera flava, D. E.   A concrete prepared by Apis meUi-
fica, L.—Waxy secretion of Apis mellifica, E.   Bees-wax.
   Cera alba, D.  L.  E.   White wax;  Bleached bees-wax.  Wax is a
 product of many vegetables; but the wax employed in medicine is a
 secretion of certain glands, wax pockets, situated on the abdomen of the
 common bee, it is used by the insect for constructing the cells of the
 honey-comb.

   Preparation.—It is obtained from the comb, after the honey has been re-
 moved by dripping and expression, by melting it in water and straining so
 as to free it from impurities; in this state it constitutes yellow wax.  White
 wax is procured from this, by melting and agitating with water, and finally
 bleaching in thin ribbons in the open air; the process being repeated until it
 loses all colour and odour.

   Physical Properties.—Yellow wax is in large cakes of the shape
 of the mould  in which it has been allowed to cool; it has a gamboge-
 yellow colour, a dull lustre, a peculiar  sweet odour, and a faint greasy
 taste ; sp. gr., when pure, *962.  White wax is in white cakes, with a
 faint yellow tinge ; it is feebly translucent, inodorous, and insipid ; sp.
 gr. same as that of yellow wax.
   Chemical Properties.—White wax  consists  of two substances,
 cerine and myricine (John) ; its ultimate analysis is C20H30O (Hess);
 yellow wax contains a little more carbon and a little  less oxygen (Lewy).
 It is  insoluble in water, and in alcohol and ether when cold ; but  is
 soluble in boiling  alcohol and ether, in the fixed oils and in oil of tur-
 pentine.   It  fuses at 155°, and  is inflammable, burning without any
 residuum when pure.   It combines with  fats and resins when heated
 with them.
    Adulterations.—Wax is adulterated ;  with  starch, which may be
 detected by the action of tincture of iodine on cooled water in which it
 has been boiled ;  with  resin, which may be  dissolved out by alcohol;
 with fat  or grease, which emit a  peculiar odour when burned; and
 with flour of sulphur and  other  earthy or metallic substances, which
 are left when wax is dissolved by oil of turpentine.
    Therapeutical Effects.—Wax acts as  an  emollient, and was for-
 merly employed as such in ulcerations of the intestines,  but at present
 it is not used as an internal remedy.   As an external agent, it forms
 the basis of all cerates, and is an important  constituent of many oint-
 ments and  plasters.

   Pharmaceutical Preparations.— Unguentum  Cera alba,  D.  (White
 wax, Ibj.; prepared hog's-lard, ibiv.; make into an ointment.)—Ceratum,
 L.   Ceratum simplex, E.  (Olive oil, f§iv. (6  parts, E.); white wax, §iv.
 (3 parts, E ); (spermaceti, 1 part, E.) ; '« add the oil to the melted wax and
 mix  them," L. " heat the oil gently, add  the wax  and spermaceti, stir the
 whole briskly when it is fluid, and continue the agitation as it cools," E.).
 [" Ceratum simplex. Lard, |viij.; white wax, §iv.; melt them together and
 stir  them  constantly  until  cool,"  U. S.]  These  preparations commonly
 known as simple cerate, are used as mild and cooling dressings.— Unguentum
 Cera flava, D. (Prepared in the same manner as white wax ointment sub-
 stituting  yellow wax).—Emplastrum Cera, L.  Emplastrum  simplex, E.
 (Wax, ibiij. (§iv., E.) ;  suet, Ibiij. (§ij., E.) ;  resin,  ibj. (|ij., E.) ; " melt
 together, and strain," L.—" melt them togetner  with  a  moderate heat, and
 then stir the mixture briskly till it concretes on cooling, E.).  Chiefly used 
168
EMOLLIENTS.
 for preparing cantharides plaster.—Linimentum simplex, E.   (Olive oil, 4
 parts; white wax, 1 part; dissolve the wax in the oil with a gentle heat, and
 stir well, as the fused mass cools end concretes).  An emollient liniment.

   Cetaceum, D. L. E.—Spermaceti.  A concrete found in peculiar
 cells  of the head of Physeler macrocephalus, L.   Celin of Physeler
 macrocephalus,  nearly pure,  E.   Physeler macrocephalus, the great-
 headed cachalot, is a gregarious whale, inhabiting  the  Pacific Ocean,
 and the Indian and Chinese Seas ; it belongs  to  the class Mammalia,
 order Cetacea.

  Preparation.—Although spermaceti is found in various parts of the body
 of the animal mixed with common fat; it is chiefly obtained from a large,
 triangular-shaped reservoir, existing in  the head over  the surface of the
 upper jaws, in which it is contained dissolved in oil, forming a milky-look-
 ing, oleaginous  fluid.  It is separated from  the oil by boiling in water,
 from  which the  spermaceti crystallizes as it cools; it is .then purified by
 being re-melted in a weak solution of potash, and the  impurities skimmed
 off, and finally melted a third  time  by  the agency of steam, and cooled
 slowly in tin moulds.

  Physical Properties.—Spermaceti occurs in various sized crys-
 talline masses, beautifully  white, which are formed of an  infinite num-
 ber of small brilliant scales ;  it is  soft and unctuous to the touch, in-
 odorous, and insipid.  Sp. gr. *943.
  Chemical Properties.—It is  composed  of  2 atoms of  margaric
 acid,  1 of oleic acid, 3 of cetene,  and  3 of water.  It may be  readily
 pulverised by the addition  of a few drops of alcohol, or of almond oil;
 it is fusible at 112°, combustible,  insoluble in water, and  only slightly
 soluble in  alcohol, even at a boiling  temperature ; it combines with
 fixed  or volatile oils, and with melted fats.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Spermaceti is an emollient, and demul-
 cent,  but at present is not  used internally.   Externally, it is employed
 as an ingredient in various cerates and ointments.

   Pharmaceutical  Preparation.— Unguentum  Cetacei,  D.— Ceratum
 Cetacei, L.  [U. S.]  (White wax, Ibss. (§viij., L.) [§iij., U. S.]; spermaceti
 ibj. (§ij., L.) [§i. U.  S ]; (prepared hog's-lard, Ibiij.,  D. ;  olive oil,  Oj.,
 L); [f§vi.  U. S.] melt  with a gentle heat (add the oil to the spermaceti and
 wax melted together, L.), and  stir them  with a spatula until cool).  An
 emollient and cooling dressing for raw or blistered surfaces —Unguentum
 Cetacei, L. (Spermaceti, 5vi-;  white wax, 3ij.; olive oil, f§iij., being melt-
ed together whh a slow fire, stir constantly till they bicome cold).  Similar
to the  last, but a softer preparation.

  Cydonia, L.   Quince-seeds;  The seeds of Cydonia vulgaris.  The
 quince  tree is  a native of the  South  of  Europe ; belonging to the
 Natural family  Rosacea  (Pomacea,  Lindley),  and to  the Linnaean
 class  and order  Icosandria Pentagynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A small, much branched tree ; Leaves, ovate,
obtuse, their under surface tomentose; Flowers  large, solitary or few, pale
rose colour; Fruit,  a variously shaped pome, yellow,  austere, but very
fragrant, containing many seeds.

  Physical Properties.—Quince seeds,  are  ovate, pointed, plano-
convex, of a reddish-brown colour, inodorous, leaving a bitter impres- 
EMOLLIENTS.                       169
sion on the palate when chewed for some time.
  Chemical Properties.—The episperm of the seed contains a large
quantity of mucilage named by Pereira Cydonin.   The substance of
the seed contains, besides  other matters, emulsin and fixed oil, conse-
quently  emitting when moistened the  bitter  almond  odour.  The
mucilaginous principle is dissolved out by boiling water.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—Quince seeds are  only employed in
medicine for the mucilage which they contain, the  decoction has been
recommended as an emollient application  to erysipelatous  surfaces,
and to aphthous ulcerations of the mouth.

  Pharmaceutical Preparations.—Decoctum  Cydonia, L. (Quince seeds,
3ij.;  distilled water, Oj.; boil for ten minutes over a slow fire, and strain).
Never used internally.   It does not keep well.

  Incompatibles.—Alcohol;  acids ;  most metallic  solutions ;  and
tincture of galls.

•  Farina, L. E.   Triticum hybernum, seminum  farina, D.  Flour
of the seeds of Triticum hybernum, D. L.—of Triticum vulgare, E.
Wheaten flour.  (See  Amylum).
   Flour is employed in medicine for dusting excoriated  or burned
parts; in the form of  bread it is used as a  basis for making pills, but
as it always contains salt, it should not be  employed for that purpose
with substances which are decomposed  by  muriate of soda, as the
salts of silver,  &c

   Fici, L. E.  Ficus carica,  fructus siccatus, D.  Figs.   The
dried fruit of Ficus carica.   A native of Asia, and the South of Eu-
rope ; belonging to the Natural family Urticacea (Moracea, Lindley),
and to the  Linnaean class and order Polygamia  Diacia.

  Botanical Characters.—A small tree,  with large, cordate, palmate,
leaves ;  Flowers numerous, pedicellated, inclosed within a fleshy receptacle,
which is umbilicated and nearly closed at the  apex, hollow within; Drupe
or utricle, one-seeded, sunk into the pulpy receptacle.

   Physical Properties.—Figs  consist of the fleshy, pyriform,  re-
ceptacle,  containing  within,  numerous, small, crustaceous seeds.
When fully ripe they are dried in  the sun, and packed  in  drums or
baskets,  in which forms they are imported,  those  in  drums  from
Smyrna (Turkey figs), those in  baskets  from Spain and   Portugal
(PortU£uese figs).  Dried figs are too well known to  require descrip-
tion.
   Chemical Properties.—Dried  figs  consist of 62 per cent  of sugar
of figs, with  gum,  fatty  matter,  extractive and  salts.  They  yield
their sugar and gum to boiling water.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Figs are nutritive and emollient, and in
large quantity gently laxative ; they are more employed as an article
of the table than in medicine.   They enter into the composition of the
compound decoction of barley, and  the confection or electuary of senna.
Roasted figs are applied to gum boils to promote suppuration.

   Glycirrhiza glabra, D. L. E.—The (fresh L.) root, (and extract
E.) of Glycirrhiza glabra.   Liquorice.   A native of the South of Eu-
                                15 
170
EMOLLIENTS.
 rope, now cultivated extensively in England ;  belonging to the Natural
 family Leguminosa (Fabacea, Lindley,) and to the Linnaean class  and
 order Diadelphia Decandria.
   Botanical Characters.—Root long, creeping, succulent;   Stem, erect,
 smooth, 4 to 5 feet high;  Leaflets, ovate, retuse,  yellowish; Flowers, axill-
 ary, racemose, papilionaceous, bluish or purplish.
   Preparation.—The root is dug up in November,  when the plant is three
 years old, washed, and the small fibres cutoff; it is imported in large quan-
 tities from Spain and Portugal, but that grown in England is most esteemed.
 It may be kept fresh for many months by covering it with  sand in a damp
 cellar.
   Physical Properties.—Liquorice root is in cylindrical pieces, from
 one to two or three feet long, smooth and  plump when  fresh,  wrinkled
 in the dry state, about the thickness of the little  finger,  of  an umber-
 brown colour externally,  yellow internally; it  has a faint earthy odour,
 and a sweet mucilaginous, subacrid taste.
   Chemical Properties.—It consists of a peculiar saccharine princi-
 ple named glycirrhizine, albumen, fecula, asparigin or a  principle analo-
 gous to it, some salts, and  a thick, acrid,  resinous oil.  It yields its
 active principles to boiling water, but as the acrid oil is dissolved  out
 by the aid of heat,  the Edinburgh College directs cold water to be used
 for preparing the extract.
   Adulterations.—Liquorice powder is often adulterated  on  the Conti-
 nent with a yellow pigment (French yellow), which is readily detected,
 as it effervesces on the addition of muriatic acid.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Liquorice  root is emollient, and demul-
 cent ;  it is chiefly  employed  in the form of  extract or decoction in
 catarrhal affections ;  it is also used to give flavour to other  medicines.
 Liquorice powder is employed in pharmacy as  a covering for pills, or to
 give them consistence.
   Dose  and  Mode  of Administration.—Extractum Glycirrhiza,
 D. L. E. (" Prepared as the simple extracts," D.—" As extract of gen-
 tian," L.—" Cut liquorice root into small chips, dry it thoroughly with
 a gentle heat,  reduce it to  a moderately fine powder,  and  proceed as
 for extract of gentian," E.).    Extract of liquorice is  imported in large
 quantities from Italy and Spain,  in the form of flattened rolls,  about 5
 or 6 inches long, an inch in  breadth, and half an inch  in thickness,  en-
 veloped in bay  leaves ;  in this state it generally contaitis a large quanti-
 ty of copper acquired from  the boilers in which it is  prepared ;  it is,
 therefore, usually purified by dissolving in  boiling  water  and inspissat-
 ing, it then forms stick or refined liquorice.   It is used as an emollient in
 coughs  and bronchial  affections,  being allowed to  dissolve slowly in  the
 mouth.—Decoctum  Glycirrhiza, D.   (Liquorice-root,  bruised, §iss. ;.
 water, by measure ibj.;  boil for ten minutes and strain). Chiefly used
 as a vehicle  for more active medicines.—Trochisci  Glycirrhiza, E.
 (Extract of liquorice ;  and  gum arabic, of each, |vj.;  pure sugar, Ibj.;
 dissolve them in a sufficiency of boiling water, and then concentrate the
 solution over the vapour bath to a proper consistence for making lozen-
 ges).  For allaying tickling cough caused  by irritation of the fauces.

   Gossypium, E.   Raw Cotton.  Hairs attached  to the seeds of Gossy.
pium herbaceum.  A native  of Asia, and extensively cultivated in Ame-
 rica ; belonging to the Natural Family Malvacea, and to the Linnaean
 class and order Monadelphia Polyandria. 
EMOLLIENTS.                      171
       Botanical Characters.—Stem, 3 to 12 feet high;  Leaves, hoary,  pal-
     mate acutely lobed; Flowers, yellow, with a large purple spot at the base of
     each petal;  Capsules, ovate, pointed, about the size of a walnut;  Seeds,
     numerous, imbedded in down, which constitutes the cotton.

       Physical Properties.—Cotton is in filamentous masses,  each fila-
     ment examined by the microscope is a flattened tube twisted on  itself;
     it is of a pale yellowish-white colour, tasteless and  destitute of smell.
       Chemical  Properties.—Cotton is a modification of lignin;   it is
     highly combustible, and is completely insoluble in water, alcohol, ether,
     the fixed and volatile oils, and all the vegetable acids.
       Therapeutical Effects.—The only medicinal use  made of cotton
     is in the treatment of burns;  it is applied  in all stages, but the earlier
     the better; if any blisters be present, they should be first opened.   The
     most convenient form for its  application is  that which  is technically
     known as French  wadding, and which is prepared for milliners;  this
     should be applied in successive  layers,  the unstarched side  next the
     burn, so as completely to exclude the air; it should not  be removed for
     five or six days if  possible, and then  only the outer lay*rs.  Some  sur-
     geons, in extensive burns,  use a spirituous or turpentine  wash  before
     applying the cotton.

       Gummi acacia,  E. Acacia, L. [TJ. S.]  Acacia arabica et Acacia
     vera,  gummi,  D.   Gum of  various species of  Acacia, E.—of Acacia
     vera, L.—of Acacia arabica, and Acacia vera, D.—Gum-arabic;  Gum
     acacia.—The species of the genus Acacia which yield gum are inhabit-
     ants of Arabia, Egypt, and Senegal; they belong to the Natural family
     Leguminosa (Fabacea,  Lindley,)  and to the Linnaean class and order
     Polygamia Monacia.

       Botanical Characters.—Small thorny trees; Leaves, pinnated;  Leaf-
     lets, linear, 8 to 20 pairs ;  Flowers, capitate, small, yellow.
       Preparation.—Gum exudes from the trees either through natural fissures
     in the-bark,  or through artificial incisions made into it in the hot season of
     July and August;  it flows in the  form of a thick,  viscid fluid, which con-
     cretes on the tree without losing its transparency; that which flows early in
     the season is gathered in  December, and that which flows later, in March;
     the first gathering is considered the best.

       Physical Properties.—Several varieties of gum acacia are met with
     in commerce;  the most commonly known  are Turkey,  or true  Gum
     Arabic, Barbary Gum, Senegal Gum, East India Gum,  and Cape Gum.
     Gum arabic occurs in tears or  irregularly shaped pieces, varying in size
     from a pea to that of a chestnut; it is transparent and  brittle, but not
     readily reducible to fine powder; it has a vitreous fracture, and a pale
     reddish-yellow or pure white colour.   It is inodorous ;  and has a weak
     mucilaginous taste.  Its Sp. gr. varies from 1*316 to 1-525.  The  most
     transparent and whitest tears are picked out and sold as picked gum, or
     gum of first quality.  The other varieties of gum do not differ essential-
     ly from gum arabic ;  they are usually in larger sized  pieces,  and  of a
t    darker colour;  they are inferior in quality to gum arabic, and should
     not be used for medical purposes.
       Chemical  Properties.—Gum arabic consists of 79-4 per  cent, of
     soluble gum (arabin), 17*6 of water, and 3  of ashes.  Some  of the in-
     ferior sorts of gum contain a large quantity of insoluble gum (bassorin). 
172
emollients.
 Its ultimate  analysis  is C12HuOU.   Gum Jis soluble in its  own
 weight of cold or boiling water, forming a viscid solution (mucilage) ;
 it is also soluble  in vegetable  acids; but is insoluble in alcohol, ether,
 and the fixed or volatile oils.   By exposure to heat the water it contains
 is driven off;  but it cannot be fused.   Its solution  in water reddens
 litmus paper faintly.
   Adulterations.—The finer qualities of gum  arabic  are adulterated
 with the inferior, and these again with the other sorts ;  but the picked
 gum ought alone to be used in medicine.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Gum is nutritive, emollient, and demul-
 cent.  It is employed in inflammation  of  the  mucous  membranes, in
 gastric irritation, in acrid poisoning, &c   Its chief uses are as a vehicle
 for more active medicines, for suspending insoluble substances in water,
 and as a basis for pills in extemporaneous prescriptions.  A strong so-
 lution has been proposed by Mr. Rhind of  Edinburgh, as an application
 to burns, and in  some cases in which I tried it,  the pain was much
 alleviated, and when applied immediately after the accident, the forma-
 tion of blisters was prevented.   Thick mucilage dropped into the  eye
 removes the annoyance occasioned by the presence of fine sand or  dust
 in that organ.
   Dose  and  Mode  of Administration.—In substance or powder,
 5ss. to 3i-» allowed  to dissolve slowly in the mouth, in irritation of the
 fauces and in tickling cough.—Mucilago Gummi Arabici, D.   (Gum
 arabic, in coarse powder, §iv.; hot water, f§iv.;  digest,  shaking  fre-
 quently that the gum may be dissolved ;  then strain through linen)—
 Mistura Acacia,  L. [Mucilago Acacia,  U. S.]   (Acacia, powdered,
 |x. [§iv. U. S.];  boiling water, Oj. [Oss. U. S.]; rub the gum with the
 water gradually poured in,  and  dissolve  it).—Mucilago, E.   (Gum
 arabic, §ix. ;   cold water, Oj.;  mix, dissolve  without  heat,  but with
 occasional stirring, and strain through linen  and  calico).   Mucilage
 made with cold water keeps best;  the quantity of gum employed in the
 Dublin formula is too much by one-half.    The following proportions of
 mucilage are  required to  render different substances miscible with
 aqueous vehicles, according to the observations of Dr. Montgomery;
 " Oi7s  require about three-fourths of their weight,  balsams and sperm-
 aceti equal parts, resin two parts,  and musk five times  its weight."—
Emulsio Arabica, D.   (Gum arabic,  in powder, 3'j«;  sweet almonds,
blanched ; white sugar, of each, §ss.;  water, by measure ibj,; dissolve
the gum in the water made hot, and as soon as the mixture is cold, pour
it gradually on  the  almonds previously pounded  with the  sugar ;  rub
them together till the liquor assumes the appearance of milk, and strain.)
—Mistura Acacia,  E.  (Mucilage, fgiij.;  sweet almonds, 3x.;  pure
 sugar, 3v.; water, Oij.;  blanch the almonds, beat them  to a smooth
 pulp in an earthenware or marble mortar, first with the sugar, and then
 with the mucilage ;  add the water gradually, stirring constantly;  strain
 through linen or calico).  Used for the same purposes as almond mix-
ture, (seepage 164).—Trochisci Acacia, E.  (Gum arabic,§iv.;  starch,
 §i;; pure sugar, ibj;;  mix, and pulverise them ; and make into a proper
mass with rose-water  for forming  lozenges).   For cough, hoarseness,
 and irritation of the fauces.
  Incompatibles.—Alcohol, and  consequently all tinctures ;  ether ;
 ammonia ; acetate of lead ; borax ;  and the mineral acids.

  Hemidesmus Indicus.  Scented or Indian sarsaparilla.   The  root 
emollients.
173
of this plant has, within the last ten or twelve years, been employed in
medicine in the British, isles, under the name of Smilax aspera.  It is a
native of the  Indian peninsula;  and belongs to the Natural  family
Asclepiadacea.

  Botanical Characters.—Roots, long, cylindrical; Stems, twining, woody
slender; Leaves, opposite, entire,  glaucous, on short footstalks;  Flowers,
small, greenish-purple, in axillary racemes.

  Physical and Chemical Properties.—As usually met  with, the
roots are from 10 to 12 inches in length, and vary in thickness from that
of a goose-quill to that of the little finger.  They consist of a reddish-
brown corrugated epidermic, a yellow inner bark, from a line to a line
and a half thick, and a paler  coloured woody centre or meditulliurn ; the
bark splits  transversely into rings, between which the meditulliurn is
seen.   Indian  sarsaparilla has a very agreeable  odour resembling that
of the Tonquin bean, and  a  sweetish  mucilaginous taste.  It has not
been accurately analysed, but Mr. Garden of London obtained from it a
volatile crystallizable acid, which he has named smilasperic (hemidesmic ?
Pereira) acid, and on which its fragrant odour depends.  It imparts both
odour and taste to boiling water.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Although this root is highly esteemed in
India as a diaphoretic and tonic, and is used there extensively as a sub-
stitute for  sarsaparilla, it  has  been only  employed in  this country for
preparing a demulcent syrup, which, chiefly in consequence of its agree-
able flavour, is employed as  a vehicle for  more active medicines.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—An infusion, prepared by in-
fusing §ij. of the root in a  pint of water, is employed in India.  The
dose of it is from fijij. to  f§iv.—Syrupus Hemidesmi, Bell.  (Root of
hemidesmus Indicus, §xyj.;  refined sugar, Ibj.;  distilled water, Oiij.;
bruise the  root sufficiently to separate the bark by sifting and reject the
wood ;  add to the bark an  equal bulk of washed sand; moisten with
water (three or four ounces), so as to insure its intimate  mixture, and
pack  it well in a displacement apparatus, add  as  much water as it will
absorb; macerate for four hours, and displace the liquor by the addition
of a further portion of water ; reserve the first six ounces ;  add more
water till it passes through tasteless, then evaporate the latter portion
to three ounces, in which, with  the addition of the first six ounces,
dissolve  the sugar with as moderate a heat as possible).   Dose, f§i. to
fly-

  Hordeum, L.  E. [U. S.]  Hordeum  distichon, semina decorti-
cata,  D.   The seeds of Hordeum distichon freed from  the  husks.
Pearl-barley.   A native of  Tartary, now cultivated extensively in Eu-
rope ;  belonging to the Natural family Graminaca, and to the Linnaean
class and order  Triandria Digynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Stem, 3 to 4  feet high, glaucous, furrowed*
Leaves, alternate, lanceolate, acute; Flowers, terminal, in close spikes'
with long serrated awns.
  Preparation.—Pearl-barley is prepared  in a mill of a peculiar construc-
tion, by which, after it has been deprived of its husk, it is rounded and pol-
ished.

  Physical Properties.—It  is  in  small spherical grains,  white 
174                       EMOLLIENTS.

smooth, still retaining a trace of the longitudinal furrow of the seed ;
it is odourless, but has a mild, sweetish, mucilaginous taste.
  Chemical Properties.—Pearl  barley  is composed  of fecula,  un-
crystallizable sugar, gum, gluten, albumen, lignin, &c. Proust has indi-
cated the presence of a peculiar principle in barley meal which he has
rramed hordein, but Dr.  Thomas Thompson states, that it is merely a
variety of amylin.   Pearl-barley yields its mucilaginous principles to
boiling water ; the  decoction contains much starch  as  shown by the
action of  iodine  on it when  cool.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Pearl-barley is employed in medicine in
the form of decoction,  as an emollient and  demulcent drink in febrile
and  inflammatory affections, as a vehicle for  other remedies, and to
give bulk to enemata.
  Dose and Mode  of Administration.—Decoctum Hordei,  D.  L.
[U.  S.]   (Pearl-barley,  §ij.- (§iiss.,  L.) ; water, by measure ibvss.
(Oivss., L. [U. S.] ) ; first clean the barley with cold water; then boil
for a short time  with ibss.  (Oss., L.) of the water; throw away  the
liquor ; pour the  remainder of the water  boiling on the barley; and
finally boil down  to one-half and  strain).   Decoctum Hordei composi-
tum,  D.  L.  (Decoction of barley, by  measure Ibiv.   (Oij., L.);
raisins, (stoned   D.) ;  figs,  sliced, of each, §ij. (|iiss., L.); liquorice
root, sliced  and"  bruised, |ss.  (3v., L.) ; " during the boiling, add the
raisins first, then the  figs,  and lastly the liquorice  a little before the
conclusion of the boiling ;  which is completed  when  there remains
only what will afford  ibij. by measure of strained liquor," D.—" Add
a pint  of water, boil down  to Oij. and strain,"  L.)—Mistura Hordei,
E.  (Pearl-barley ;  figs,  sliced ; and raisins, stoned, of each,  giiss. ;
liquorice root, sliced and bruised, 3v. ; water, Ovss.; clean the barley
if necessary by washing it  with cold water ; boil it with Oivss. of the
water down to Oij.;  add the figs, raisins, and  liquorice  root with  the
rest of the water, boil  down again to Oij.  ; then strain).   These de-
coctions  may  be employed indiscriminately for the purposes above
stated.

  LlNI SEMINA,  L. E.  LlNUM USITATISSIMUM, SEMINA, D.  [LlNUM,
U.S.]  Linseed; The seeds of Linumusitatissimum.
  Lini oleum, D. L. E.  Linseed oil, obtained from the seed by ex-
pression.
  Lini farina, E.   Linseed meal, deprived of fixed oil by expression.
  The common flax, Linum usitatissimum, is an indigenous plant;  be-
longing to the  natural family, Linacea, and to the Linnaean  class and
order Pentandria Pentagynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Stem, a foot to a foot and a half high, slender,
branched above ; Leaves, distant; Flowers, large, purplish-blue ; Capsule,
globular, ten-seeded.
  Preparation.—The seeds are threshed out of the  plant when fully ripe;
and the oil is obtained from them by pressure without heat.

  Physical Properties.—The seeds are  ovate, pointed, about a line
in length,  smooth and shining; they are reddish-brown externally, whi-
tish within ; they have an  oily taste, but are  inodorous.  The oil is
thick, of a wine-yellow  colour, with a faint disagreeable odour, and a
mild, somewhat  nauseous taste.  Sp. gr.  *932.   As  met with in com- 
EMOLLIENTS.
175
 merce it is expressed with the aid of heat, when the colour is rather
 deeper.   The seeds yield about 20 per cent of oil.
   Chemical Properties.—The  seeds  consist of  vegetable  mucus
 containing free acetic acid and some salts, extractive, starch, wax, soft
 resin, gum, albumen, yellow colouring matter, and fixed oil, (Meyer).
 The mucilage exists in the  tegument, the fixed oil in  the nucleus.
 Linseed oil is composed of oleic and margaric acids, combined in equal
 equivalents with acroleine, (Sacc) ; it dissolves in 5 times its  weight
 of boilina alcohol, in 40 times its weight of cold alcohol,  and in about
 one part°and a half of ether.   At a temperature of—1/° it congeals
 into a solid yellow mass; exposed to the air it concretes into a trans-
 parent varnish, and consequently is called in the arts, a drying oil.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Linseed and its  oil are emollient and
 demulcent.  An infusion  of  the  seeds  is sometimes employed inter-
 nally in dysentery and diarrhoea, and  in bronchial affections  ; it is also
 used  as  an emollient enema.  Externally, the seeds reduced to  pow-
 der, linseed-meal, are employed to prepare  poultices and  cataplasms ;
 the oil  mixed with  lime  water is used as  an application to recent
 burns.
    Dose  and  Mode of  Administration.—Infusum Lini compositum,
 D. L. Infusum Lini, E. [U. S.] (Linseed, (bruised, D. L.),Ji. (5vj.,
 L  E. [§ssU. S.]);  liquorice root,  sliced, |ss. (3ij-, L- E. |_U.  S.]) ;
 boiling  water, by  measure Ibij.  (Oj., L. E. [U. S.J) ; digest for four
 hours (near the fire, L.  E.) in a covered vessel, and strain "  through
 linen or  calico," E.).   Linseed Tea, the best form for internal use, it
 may be sweetened with honey which increases its emollient proper-
 ties ; Dose, f§ij. to f§iv.—Linimentum Calcis, D. E. [U. S.] (Lime
 water ;  and  linseed  oil,  of  each,  fgiij,; mix with brisk agitation).
 This compound  is commonly known by the name of Carron oil; it is
 an excellent application to recent scalds and burns.—Pulvis pro  Cata-
 plasmate. D.   (Linseed, which  remains  after the expression of the
 oil, one part;  oatmeal,  two parts; mix).  Both the Dublin and  Edin-
 burgh Colleges  erroneously direct linseed-meal for poultices to be de-
 prived of its oil by expression, as the powder of unpressed linseed is
 much more  mucilaginous.—Cataplasma simplex, D.  (Powder for a
 cataplasm, any quantity ; boiling water, sufficient to form a tepid cata-
 plasm,  to  be  smeared  over  with  olive oil).— Cataplasma  Lini,  L.
—{Boiling water,  Oj.; bruised linseed, sufficient to make it of a proper
  consistence).
    Incompatibles.—Preparations of lead  and iron, and probably most
  metallic salts are incompatible with infusion of linseed.


    Malva, L. E.   Herb of Malva sylvestris ;  Common  Mallow.  In-
  digenous; belonging to the  Natural  family   Malvacea,  and to the
  Linnaean class and order Monadelphia Polyandria.

    Botanical Characters.—Root  perennial, tapering; Stem, two to five
  feet high, branched ;  Leaves on long petioles,  five to seven lobed ; Flowers,
 large, three or four together, axillary, of a purplish-rose colour.
    Preparation.—The herb should be gathered when in full flower.

    Properties.—The entire plant is employed ; it is odourless and in-
  sipid ;  every part of it abounds in mucilage, which it yields to boil- 
176
EMOLLIENTS.
 ing water.  An infusion of the fresh flowers is an excellent  chemical
 test for acids and alkalies, being changed to red by the former, and to
 green by the latter.
   Therapeutical Effects.—A  simple emollient;  it is employed in
 the same cases as the other  remedies of this class, but at present is
 not much used.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Decoctum Malva compositum,
 L.  (Mallow, dried, §i.;  chamomile, dried, §ss. ;  water, Oi.;  boil for
 a quarter of an hour  and strain).   Dose, f§iv. to f§vj.;  chiefly used
 for fomentations, and in enemas.


   Maranta, L. E. [U. S.]  Fecula of the rootstalk  (of the  tubers,
 E.) of Maranta  arundinacea, L. E.—and of Maranta Indica, E.
 Arrow-root.  Maranta arundinacea is a native of the West  Indies, it
 is extensively cultivated in Jamaica ; Maranta Indica is a native of
 the East Indies, and has been introduced into the Edinburgh Pharma-
 copoeia, as it is supposed to yield some of the East Indian arrow-root.
 They belong to the  Natural family Marantacea, and to the  Linnaean
 class and order  Monandria Monogynia.

   Botanical Characters.—The rhizome is white, tuberous, and jointed,
 running horizontally in the ground,  sending down  many tuberous  rootlets
 (stoles), about the thickness of a quill, covered with scales; Stem,  2 to 3 feet
 high ; Leaves, ovate, lanceolate,  alternate, with long, leafy, hairy, sheaths;
 Flowers, small, white.
   Preparation.—Arrow-root is the fecula of the stoles ; it is procured from
 them when they are twelve months old ; they are then dug up, cleansed, and
 reduced to a state  of pulp  in wooden mortars; the pulp is agitated with
 water, the fibres removed with  the hand, and milky liquor passed through
 a fine hair-sieve, and allowed to settle, when it deposits the arrow-root, which
 is again washed with cold water,  and finally dried in the sun.

   Physical Properties.—West Indian Arrow-root, which is the most
 prized,  and which alone  is officinal, is in the form  of a very white
 powder, often aggregated  into  small  irregular masses, crackling be-
 tween the fingers, inodorous and tasteless.   Examined by the micro-
 scope it is  seen, like the  other varieties of  fecula, to consist of small
 elliptical grains, varying in size from a 2000th to a 750th of an inch in
 their longest diameter.
   Chemical Properties.—Its composition is C6II50*.  In all other
 respects it resembles wheaten  starch  already described, but the jelly
 which it forms with boiling water is much more consistent; according to
 the observations of Hayne, with equal quantities of boiling water, the
jelly formed by 9 parts of arrow-root is as firm as that formed by 14 of
 wheaten starch.
   Adulterations.—A great many varieties of fecula, known in com-
 merce  as Brazilian arrow-root,  East Indian arrow-root, &c,  but espe-
 cially that obtained from the potato, potato-starch, are commonly sold
 for the  true West Indian arrow-root.  The  fraud is best detected by
the microscope ; the grains, of  which the true arrow-root is composed,
being much more minute than those of any of the other varieties.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Arrow-root is  rather an article of  mild
nutritious diet  for the invalid  than a  medicine.   It is  particularly 
EMOLLIENTS.
177
valuable in consequence of its emollient  properties in diseases of the
digestive organs ; it is also an excellent nutriment for infants and young
children.                                                      .
  Dose and Mode  of Administration.—A table-spoonful is sufficient
to form a stiff jelly  with a pint of boiling water or milk ;  to prepare it
for  use, the arrow-root should be first blended with a small quantity of
the fluid, the remainder then added, care  being taken that it is boiling,
and the whole then gently heated for a few minutes ;  it is usually
flavoured with lemon-peel, sugar, &c.  Arrow-root milk and arrow-root
gruel are made like  the corresponding preparations of sago, (which see).
A fecula obtained from the root of Canna coccinea, a native of the island
of St. Kit.ts, has been recently introduced into Britain under the name
of  Tous-les-mois;  it is fully equal to arrow-root as an article of diet,
and is much cheaper.

  Oliv.e oleum.   Olive  oil  (described  in  the division Cathartics),
acts also as an emollient; internally it is only employed as such in
cases of irritant poisoning ; as an external agent it enters into the com-
position of emollient ointments, liniments, &c.—Unguentum simplex,
E.  [U. S.]  (Olive oil, fgvss. ; white wax, |ij.; melt the wax in the
oil, and stir the mixture briskly while it concretes in cooling).   [White
wax, ibi.;  lard, ibiv.; melt them together with a moderate heat, and
stir them constantly till cold.  U. S.J  A mild dressing.

  Ovum, L. E.   The egg of Phasianus  Gallus, the domestic fowl.
Phasianus Gallus (Gallus domesticus, Temminck), belongs to the class
Aves, order Gallina.  Eggs  are a mild  and nutritious article of diet,
and as such are frequently  used in the  sick-room.  The  white or
albumen, is employed as an antidote in poisoning with corrosive subli-
mate, or with the salts of copper ;  it is also useful in all cases of irri-
tant poisoning.  The yolk is  employed  in pharmacy for suspending
camphor, oils, resins, &c, in aqueous vehicles.

  Saccharum commune, E.   Saccharum officinarum, succus con-
cretus non  pu ificatus, D.   Raw sugar ;  Muscovado.
  Saccharum, L. [U. S.j  Saccharum  purum, E.   Saccharum  of-
ficinarum, succus  concretus purificatus, D.   Pure sugar; White
or refined sugar.
  Syrupus empyreumaticus, D.  Sacchari vmx, L.  E.  Molasses;
Treacle.  The sugar cane, Saccharum officinarum, is extensively culti-
vated in both the East and West Indies ;  it belongs to  the Natural fa-
mily Graminacea, and to the Linnaean class and order Triandria Digy-
nia.

  Botanical Characters.—Stem, solid, juicy, from 6  to 12 feet high, co-
loured ; Leaves, flat, in two rows, sheathing at the base ; Flowers, triandrous,
in a terminal  panicle from 2 to 4 feet long, of a  silver-grey colour from
the long soft hairs that surround the flower.
  Preparation—The canes, when ripe, are cut offclose to the ground, and the
juice expressed from them by pressure between rollers; milk of lime is imme-
diately added to the liquor, and the mixture gently heated, to saturate any
acid present and to remove the herbaceous matter.  The clear liquor is then
drawn off, evaporated to a proper consistence in copper boilers, and  allowed
to cool in large wooden vessels, in which the  impure sugar is deposited in 
178                       emollients.
coarse brown grains; this constitutes raw sugar or muscovado.  The syrupy
liquor, which does not crystalize, constitutes molasses or treacle.   Raw su-
gar is refined in England ; it is first dissolved in a small quantity of water
by the aid of steam, heated for a short time  with bullock's blood, or with hy-
drate of alumina, which clarifies the syrup; it is then strained to remove the
impurities, and filtered through  a  thick layer of animal charcoal; the clear
liquor is next evaporated by steam  heat in copper vessels placed in a par-
tial vacuum, to a proper consistence, and poured into  conical moulds ; as
soon as it becomes solid in the moulds, they are put to drain, and a solution
of pure syrup, or a mixture of clay and water, poured over the base of each
loaf;  which, as it gradually percolates through  the sugar,  removes any
impurities.  These loaves constitute loaf-sugar, refined sugar or pure sugar.

  Physical Properties.—The physical properties of the  different
varieties  of sugar are too well known to need description.    The spe-
cific gravity of crystallized white  sugar  is 1*6065.
  Chemical Properties.—Sugar is permanent in the air, exposed to
heat it melts, becomes brown, and emits a peculiar odour ;  it is inflam-
mable, burning with a white  flame ; it is soluble in two parts of water
at 60°, and  to any extent in boiling water; it  is soluble in 80 parts of
absolute alcohol at the boiling temperature, very slightly in  the same
when cold, and in  about five  parts of rectified spirit; it is much more
soluble in proof spirit;  it is  wholly insoluble in ether, which precipi-
tates  it from its solutions.  In the crystalline state, cane sugar is com-
posed ofC21H11011.   Treacle consists principally of uncrystalli-
zable  sugar, gummy extractive,  and a. small quantity of water, which
it retains  with so  great tenacity, that if left exposed to the  air, even
for  a very long period, it does not become drier, or lose weight.
  Adulterations.—The inferior  raw sugars frequently contain sand,
which is left when the sugar is dissolved  in  water; white sugar is
said to be adulterated with lime and gum ;  the former is detected by
oxalic acid, the latter  by diacetate of lead, producing white precipi-
tates  in a solution.   Raw cane sugar is  in  the present day commonly
adulterated  with grape  sugar, a  fraud of much importance, in  conse-
quence of the inferior sweetening powers of the latter.  That variety
of it obtained from potatoes—potato sugar—is generally used for this
purpose.  It may be detected by the following simple but beautiful test
of Trommer :  " Dissolve the specimen in water, add sufficient solution
of sulphate  of copper, to colour the liquid blue, then a large excess of
solution of caustic potash ; the blue precipitate at first thrown down is
re-dissolved with an intense purplish-blue colour by the excess of al-
kali.  On heating the liquid  now to the boiling  point, if there be no
grape sugar present, it undergoes but little change ; but if it contain
any of that  article, a precipitate of brilliant red sub-oxide of copper is
thrown  down,  copious in  proportion to the  quantity of  grape-sugar
present."
  Therapeutcal Effects.—Sugar  is highly nutritious, but as an ar-
ticle of diet it is rather employed for its agreeable  sweetness.   As a
medicine it is emollient and  demulcent, and as such, is used in coughs,
and in irritant poisoning.   In pharmacy it is in very general use as a
flavouring ingredient, and to give bulk and consistence to powders, pills,
conserves, electuaries, lozenges, syrups, &c.
  Dose  and Mode  of Administration.—Syrupus. L. [U.  S.]  Syr-
upus  simplex, D.  E.  (Pure sugar,  (in fine powder, D.,) §xxix.  (ibx. 
emollients.
179
L. E.); [Ibiiss. U. S.] water, by measure ibj.   (Oiij. L. E.;) [Oj. U.
S.] " add the sugar to the water gradually, and digest with a medium
heat  in a close vessel, frequently agitating until it is dissolved;  then
pour it off from the dregs if there be any," D.—" dissolve the sugar in
the water with the aid of a gentle heat," L. E.).  As a flavouring ad-
junct to mixtures, and to suspend  insoluble substances in aqueous ve-
hicles.

  Sago, L. E. [U. S.]— Fecula of the pith of Sagus Rumphii, L. [U.
S.] Farina from the interior of the trunk of various Palmacea and
species ofCycas, E. Sago.  Varirms species of the palm tribe have been
ascertained as sources of the sago of commerce  ; the finest is procured
froih Sagus lavis, and Sagus genuina, trees which form immense for-
ests on nearly all the Moluccas, and which are so rich in starch  that a
single tree is reckoned to yield from 600  to 800 lbs. of sago.    Some
is also obtained from the Sagus Rumphii, a native of Malacca and the
Malay Islands, and from the Saguerus Rumphii, which inhabits the isl-
ands eastward to the  Bay of Bengal.  They are  all lofty trees, belong-
ing to the Natural family Palmacea, and to the Linnaean class and
order Monacia Hexandria.

   Preparation.—The tree being cut down, the pith is removed, reduced to
powder, and the fecula separated from the woody fibre by repeated washings
with water over a hair-sieve ; when the milky liquor, which passes through,
is allowed to settle, it deposits the sago in the form of a fine powder, which
is afterwards granulated by a process with which we are not acquainted.

  Physical  Properties.—Sago occurs  in the form of a fine powder
(Sago Meal,) or in pearly grains (Pearl Sago;) both sorts have a pink-
ish-yellow tint, a faint musty odour, but no tase.   The grains  of pearl
sago vary in  size from a pin's head to that of a pea ; the small variety
is most esteemed, the larger sort is known as common or brown sago.
  Chemical Properties.—In its chemical properties, sago resembles
the other  varieties of starch ; but it does not form so firm a jelly with
water as arrow-root: as seen under the  microscope, its  globules are
larger than those of arrow-root, but smaller than those of potato-starch.
  Therapeutical Effects.—As an article of diet  for the sick room,
sago is much inferior to arrow-root or tapioca, consequently it is not
much used in the present day.  The jelly may  be prepared with it in
the same  manner  as with arrow-root.   Sago milk, Thomson, (Sago,
Ji.;  cold water, Oj. ; soak the sago in the water for an hour, pour  off
the water, and add of new milk, Oiss. ; and boil slowly until it is well
incorporated).  It may be flavoured with sugar, nutmeg, or cinnamon,
or white wine, according to circumstances.—Sago pudding, Thomson,
(Beat the  yolks of two eggs and half an ounce of sugar together, and
stir the mixture into  a pint of sago milk).

  Salep.—The dried root of Orchis mascula; an indigenous plant
belonging to the Natural family Orchidacea, and the Linnaean class
and order Gynandria Monandria.
  By grinding the  dried roots of this and of other species of the genera
Orchis and Eulophia, a nutritious substance is procured, which, although
highly esteemed by the  ancients, is  but little  employed in the present
day.  It contains a large quantity of gum, insoluble in cold, but soluble 
180
emollients.
in boiling water (bassorin), and a trace of fecula.   A mucilage formed
by boiling §ss. of it in a Oj. of  water, forms a nutritious  and useful
article of diet for the sick.

  Sambucus nigra.—The  flowers or the leaves of the common elder
(described in the division Cathartics), are used to prepare an emollient
cooling ointment.—Unguentum Sambuci,  D.  (Fresh elder leaves,
ibiij. ;  prepared  hog's lard, ibiv.; prepared mutton suet, ibij.;  make
an ointment in the same manner as the savine ointment).—L.  (Elder
flowers ;  and lard, of each, ibij.; boil the elder flowers in the lard till
they become crisp,  and press through a linen cloth).  The  latter oint-
ment, as having an  agreeable perfume, should be preferred.

  Tapioca, E. [U.  S.]—Fecula of the root of Janipha Manihot (Ma-
nihot utilissima, Pohl).  Tapioca.   A native of Brazil; belonging to
the Natural family Euphorbiacea, and to the Linnaean class and order
Monaicia Monadelphia.

  Botanical Characters.—Root, large, thick, juicy; Stem about  6 feet
high; shrubby;  Leaves, palmate, 5-7 parted ; Flowers, axillary, racemose.
  Preparation.—The root, which consists of woody fibre, a bland fecula,
and  a  highly acrid,  poisonous, milky  juice, is reduced to a pulpy mass,
washed and pressed on mat-sieves; the  milky liquor, with the  fecula sus-
pended in it, passes through, and on settling deposits the fecula, which is re-
peatedly washed with water to free it from the poisonous juice; and finally
dried on hot plates; the marc is afterwards dried on iron plates over a fire,
when it constitutes Cassava bread.

  Physical Properties.—Tapioca occurs in irregularly shaped, rug-
ged fragments, about the size of a small nut; white with a pinkish hue,
inodorous and tasteless.   Like  the  other  feculas as seen under the
microscope, it consists of small globules very uniform in size, and being
nearly as small as the smallest globules of arrow-root.
  Chemical Properties.—It is similar to the other varieties of fecula,
and is  a very fine form of starch.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Precisely similar to those of arrow-root;
a jelly may be prepared  in  the same manner.   Tapioca milk and
Tapioca pudding are made in the same way as sago  milk and sago
pudding.

  Tragacantha, L. E. [U. S.]  Tragacantha gummi, D.  Gummy
exudation from Astragalus verus, L.—and other species, E.—Gum of
Astragalus creticus, D.  Several species of the genus Astragalus yield
gum-tragacanth ; they are  natives of Asia Minor, Persia, and of the
island  of Crete.  They are placed in the Natural family Leguminosa
(Fabacea, Lindley), and  in the Linnaean class and order  Diadelphia
Decandria.
  Botanical Characters.—The  Astragalus verus, which  yields the finest
gum-tragacanth of English commerce, is a small shrub, from 3 to 4 feet high,
with spiny branches, pinnatifid leaves, and yellow papilionaceous flowers.
  Preparation.—Tragacanth  flows from natural fissures in the bark, and
concretes rapidly when exposed to the air; it flows only during the hot season
and in the night time.
  Physical  Properties.—Gum-tragacanth  occurs  in  broad, thin
plates, of a white  or citron yellow colour, semi-transparent, marked 
EMOLLIENTS.
181
with concentric elevations.  It is inodorous and tasteless, is hard and
brittle, but with difficulty reduced to powder, unless heated to 100° or
120° F.
  Chemical  Properties.—It is composed of  57 per cent, of soluble
gum (adragantine or arabin), and 43 per cent, of gum insoluble in cold
but soluble in boiling water (bassorin), (Bucholz).  Its ultimate analysis
isCioH10010.  Gum-tragacanth forms a thicker mucilage with water
than gum arabic, " one  part giving more viscosity to water  than 25
parts of gum arabic," (Bucholz).
  Therapeutical Effects.—Similar to those of gum-arabic, but not
so generally employed.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Powder, 5ss. to 3ij-—Pulvis
Tragacantha compositus, L. E.  (Tragacanth, bruised ; gum arabic,
bruised ;  and starch, of each, |iss.; pure sugar, §iij. ;  reduce the
starch  and sugar  together  to powder,  add the tragacanth and gum
arabic, and pulverise the mixture  thoroughly).  Generally used for
administering calomel and other active and heavy powders to children ;
the dose as an emollient for adults, is 3i. to 3ij-—Mucilago  Gummi
Tragacantha, D.  E.   (Tragacanth,  powdered,  5ij. ;  (boiling, E.)
water,  fgxiij. (f§ix. E.) ; macerate  in a  close vessel until the gum is
dissolved  (for 24 hours, and triturate to dissolve the gum, E.), and
strain  through linen).  [Mucilago Tragacantha.  Tragacanth, §i.;
boiling water, Oj.;  macerate for 24 hours, occasionally stirring; then
triturate it so as to render the mucilage uniform, and strain forcibly
through linen.   U. S.]  Used for  the same purposes as mucilage of
gum arabic.

  TUSSILAGO FARFARA, FOLIA ET FLORES, D.   TuSSILAGO, L.   The
leaves and flowers, D.—whole herb, L., of Tussilago farfara; Coltsfoot.
Indigenous;  belonging  to the  Natural family Composita (Asteracea,
Lindley,) and to the Linnaean class and order Syngenesia Superfl.ua.

  Botanical Characters.—Root, creeping;  Leaves, large,  cordate, downy
beneath; Flowers, asteraceous, yellow, appearing before the leaves.

  Properties.—The dried herb is  odourless, but has a mucilaginous,
slightly bitter taste.   It is chiefly composed of mucilage and bitter ex-
tractive.  It  yields its properties to boiling water.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Although coltsfoot  was formerly high-
ly esteemed  as  an  emollient and demulcent in chronic bronchitis
and in  consumption, in the present  day it is scarcely ever employed
except in domestic practice.   A  decoction prepared by boiling §iss.
of the dried plant  in Oiss. of water down to Oj., may  be  given in
doses of f§ij. or fgiij. repeatedfy.

   Uva, L.  Uvje pass.*:, E. [Uva passa, U.  S.]  Vitis vinifera,
fructus siccatus, D.  The dried fruit of Vilis vinifera, (with the stones
taken  out, L.)  Raisins.   The  grape vine  is generally cultivated
throughout the greater part  of the  globe ; it  belongs  to  the  Natural
family  Vitacea,  and to the  Linnaean class and order Pentandria Mo-
nogynia.

  Botanical Characters—A hardy climbing shrub; Leaves, alternate,
smooth, lobed; Flowers, very small, greenish, in  pendant racemes opposite
to the leaves; Fruit, a succulent globose berry, usually four-seeded. 
182
EMOLLIENTS.
1  Preparation.—To prepare raisins, grapes are generally merely dried in
the sun, sometimes artificial heat is employed; and in many places the fruit
is dipped in alkaline ley before being dried.

  Physical Properties.—Raisins are too well known to require de-
scription ; two  sorts  widely different in appearance and  flavour are
commonly  met  with; the common raisin (Passula Majores,) which
alone is officinal;  and dried currants (Passula Minores,) which are
the product of a small variety  of vine, an inhabitant  of Greece, es-
pecially the neighbourhood of Corinth, and of the islands  of Zante
and Cephalonia.
  Chemical  Properties.—Raisins consist of uncrystallizable sugar
(grape sugar,)  mucilage, extractive, bitartrate  of potash, malic   and
citric acids, &c.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Raisins are emollient, nutritive, andjde-
mulcent; they  are only employed in medicine as flavouring  adjuncts,
for which purpose they form ingredients in many officinal preparations.

  Verbascum thapsus,  folia, D.  The leaves of Verbascum lhapsus.
Great Mullein.   An indigenous plant; belonging to the Natural fami
ly Scrophulariacea, and  to  the  Linnaean  class and order Pentandria
Monogynia.
  Mullein leaves, though still retained in the Dublin  Pharmacopoeia,
are never  used  in  the present day; they were  formerly employed in
the form of decoction as an emollient  in chronic coughs.   They are
held by some to be feebly narcotic.
                        CHAPTER  XII.

                        EPISPASTICS.

 (Vesicants ; Rubefacients  ; Counter-irritants ; Derivatives;  Revul-
                             sives.)

  Epispastics are substances which produce redness, inflammation,
or vesication, when applied to the skin.  They are employed in the
practice of medicine principally with the  intention of relieving or re-
moving the  diseased  condition of some  internal  organ, by producing
a new irritation or determination to the surface of the body, or to
some remote part.    Independently «of this  effect, however,  blisters,
which are the most important medicinal agents in this division, act also
as general stimulants  to the system, and  as such,  are  frequently
used  with much benefit in the advanced stages of typhoid fevers, and
in spasmodic affections arising from debility.   This  stimulant effect
of blisters should  be borne  in mind, and consequently their application
should be avoided in the very acute  stages  of inflammatory diseases,
until  the general  excitement be previously subdued by antiphlogistic
means.   Epispastics are generally employed as  near  the seat of the
disease as possible, unless when the intention as to  produce a  determi-
nation to some remote part  of the body, as in the  application of sina-
pisms to  the feet in affections of the head.   In the employment of any 
epispastics.
183
of the remedies contained in this class, in the diseases of infancy and
childhood, it must be borne  in mind that inflammation of the skin  is
much more readily produced in the young than in persons advanced  in
life, and  consequently their effects must be carefully  watched ; this
is more especially the case with reference  to blisters (see page 186.)
  Ammonite caustics aqua, D.  Ammonia liquor fortior, L.  Am-
monite aqua fortior, E.   Stronger solution of  ammonia.   (These
preparations have been described in the divisions Antacids and Caus-
tics).  Applied to the surface of the body, the strong solution of am-
monia produces redness and  irritation, and if the application be long
enough continued,  it vesicates.  Its only advantage as a blistering
agent is that it operates speedily, on which account it is  employed in
inflammation suddenly attacking any of the  abdominal viscera,  as in
retrocedent gout.  In diseases  of the urinary organs it should be pre-
ferred as a blistering agent to cantharides, in consequence of the irri-
tant action of  that substance on the kidneys. As a counter-irritant it
is frequently used to relieve internal inflammations; and as a rubefa-
cient, it is employed in muscular or neuralgic pains.  An immediate
blister may be readily produced by pouring  eight or ten drops of con-
centrated  solution of ammonia on a piece of lint, and applying it to the
skin with moderate pressure.—Linimentum Ammonia, D. L. E. [U. S.]
(Solution of ammonia (Dens.  *960,  E.),  f5ij. (f§j-  L. E. [U. S.]);
olive oil, f§ij. ; mix, with agitation).  This  preparation,  so  generally
known as a domestic remedy by the name of hartshorn and oil, is an
excellent  counter-irritant much employed  in inflammatory sore throat;
it is usually applied on a piece  of flannel.   By increasing the quantity
of ammonia, it produces more powerful effects—Linimentum Campho-
ra compositum, D. L.   (Camphor §ij. (§iiss. L.);  solution of ammo-
nia, f§vj.  (fgviiss. L.) ; spirit of lavender, by measure ibj. (Oj. L.);
mix the solution of ammonia with the spirit, then let a pint distil from
a glass retort with a slow fire ;  lastly, dissolve the  camphor in it.)—
Linimentum Ammonia compositum, E.    (Stronger  aqua ammonia
(Dens.  *880),  f§v.; tincture  of camphor, f§ij.; spirit of rosemary,
f§i.; mix well together; this liniment  may be also made weaker for
some purposes with f§iij- of tincture of camphor and f§ij. of spirit of
rosemary).  These preparations are used  for the same purposes as the
liniment of ammonia ; they are cleaner, more agreeable, and more effi-
cacious.—Linimentum Ammonia sesquicarbonatis,  L.   (Solution of
sesqui-carbonate of ammonia, f§i. ; olive oil,  §iij. ; shake together un-
til they are well mixed).  Its effects and uses are  similar to those of
Linimentum Ammonia.—Ammoniacal blistering ointment, Gondret.
(Take of  axunge, %i. ; oil of sweet almonds, f§ss. ;  melt together with
a gentle heat; pour the mixture while still liquid into a wide-mouthed
glass vessel; then add, water of caustic ammonia,  f§v. ; and mix with
constant  agitation  till  cold).   In preparing this ointment, particular
care must be taken  that  the axunge be merely  melted; if it be too
fluid or too warm, some of the  ammonia will be vaporised and the re-
sulting ointment too weak.   It may be kept unchanged for many
months, in stoppered glass bottles  in a cool place.  It is applied  by
spreading it on the skin, and  covering the part with a compress; it
vesicates in about ten minutes. 
184
EPISPASTICS.
  Antimonii et  potassje  tartras.  Tartar emetic (described in the
division Diaphoretics), applied by friction to the skin, produces a crop
of pustules  which  ulcerate and  discharge purulent  matter,  causing
thereby counter-irritant  effects.  With  this intention, it is very fre-
quently employed in various affections of the thoracic and  abdominal
viscera ; in  subacute  inflammations  of  the brain or spinal cord  and
their membranes ; in diseases of the  joints ; in muscular and neural-
gic pains, &c.  It is usually applied in the form of ointment or satura-
ted solution  ; or from gr. v. to gr. x.,  may be sprinkled over  the  sur-
face of any  simple plaster, and left  on until it produces the desired ef-
fect.— Unguentum Tartari Emetici, D.  Unguentum Antimonii Potas-
sio-tarlratis,L.  Unguentum Antimoniale, E. [Unguentum Antimonii,
U.  S.]  (Tartar  emetic, in very fine powder, 3i- T3U- U- S.] (§i. L.
E.); prepared hog's-lard,  §i.  (§iv.  L. E.).  The Dublin preparation
is too weak, and consequently often fails  to  produce any effect.   This
ointment  is employed by  rubbing  about half  a drachm  on the  skin
night and morning; in two or  three  days, pustules begin  to appear,
when  the application of the  ointment  should  be discontinued, as it
sometimes gives rise to troublesome ulceration.  The concentrated so-
lution is applied by means  of pledgets of linen soaked in it;  its oper-
ation is more speedy than that of the  ointment.  Rollott has  recently
proposed a  new method  for  producing  counter-irritation  with  tartar
emetic.  He places a small quantity  of  it in very fine powder  on a
piece of glass, and makes it into a thick  paste with a drop or two of oil
or water.  This he inserts with a lancet under the skin, in the same
manner as vaccine  matter, proportioning the number of punctures to
the effect it is wished to produce.

   Aqua fervens.   Boiling water has been used to produce rapid and
extensive vesication, as a means of rousing the system in narcotic poi-
soning ;  the difficulty of confining its action, the great pain caused by
it, and the troublesome ulceration which it is apt to occasion, forbid its
use except in extreme cases.

   Artemisia chinensis et A. indica, D.  At the time of the publica-
tion of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, it  was generally believed  that the
Chinese prepared moxas from the leaves of the above plants, and ac-
cording to Lindley, it is the leaves  of the former that they employ for
this purpose.   It is a small shrub, a native  of China, belonging to the
Natural family Composita (Asteracea,  Lindley), and to the  Linnaean
class and order Syngenesia Superflua.

  Preparation.—Moxas are prepared in China and Japan, from whence we
have derived the use of them, by pounding  the downy covering of the leaves
until it resembles fine cotton, and rolling into small conical masses.  In this
country they are prepared either from the  pith of the stem of the Ilelian-
thus annuus, the common sun-flower; or by soaking cotton-wool in a concen-
trated solution of nitre ; and forming  into small masses of the same  shape
as the  Chinese moxas.  More recently  Professor  Osborne of this city has
proposed^the use of fresh burned quick-lime, as a substitute lor the common
moxa,  (Dublin Journal, Vol. xx. p. 409).  On the continent a piece of linen
soaked in a  concentrated solution  of  acetate of lead, dried and rolled into
the'proper shape, is usually preferred in  the present day.   A conical-shaped
piece of camphor also forms an excellent moxa.. 
EPISPASTICS.
185
   Effects and Uses.  The first sensation felt  on the application of
 a moxa is rather agreeable, but it soon causes intolerable pain, which,
 however, does not last long.  Redness and inflammation of the part to
 which it is  applied  are  produced, and an eschar formed immediately
 under the spot  on which it has  been placed, which extends to a con-
 siderable depth if the moxa  be kept long in contact with the skin.
 The eschar separates in from eight to ten days, the process of inflam-
 mation set up for its discharge being attended with more or less sup-
 puration, according  to circumstances ; and a discharge of purulent mat-
 ter may be established after the separation of the eschar by the appli-
 cation of irritating unguents or by the insertion of issue peas.   Moxas
 differ from the actual  cautery in, that their effects are  produced more
 slowly, and that the inflammation produced  by them penetrates more
 deeply.   The principal diseases in which the application of moxas has
 been found beneficial, are, in Pott's curvature  of  the  spine, in inveter-
 ate sciatica, in neuralgia, in paraplegia, in chronic inflammation of the
 joints, in amaurosis, &c.    The good  effects  produced by moxas de-
 pend on the principle of counter-irritation.   Their use is contra-indi-
 cated in all acute inflammatory diseases.
   Mode  of  Employment.—The apex is set on fire and the base kept
 firmly applied to the skin by means of a piece of wire or a pair of for-
 ceps ; the neighbouring  parts should be  covered with wet pieces of
 linen to protect them from the sparks ;  the combustion  may be quick-
 ened by the blow-pipe or with the breath.  Professor Osborne applies
 the quick-lime moxa as follows :—" Some quick-lime in powder to the
 depth of about half an inch, is placed on the skin inside a porte moxa,
 or a strip of card bent together and tied so as to form a circle ; some
 water is dropped on and mixed with it.   The ordinary lime from a lime-
 kiln answers well if fresh."  Moxas should be applied as close to the seat
 of the disease as possible ; Baron Larrey considers that their application
 to the following parts of the  body is improper :—To the head where
 the skull  is covered with skin  and  pericranium only ; to the eye-lids,
 nose, ears, larynx,  trachea, sternum,  glandular parts  of  the breast,
 linea alba, over the  course of  superficial  tendons, articular prominen-
 ces, where there is danger of  injuring the articular capsules, and pro-
 jecting points of bone.   To these we may add,  immediately over  the
 course of large arteries,  veins or nerves.

   Cantharides (described in the division Diuretics,) are employed
 externally to produce rubefaction,  vesication, or suppuration.   The
 first of these effects is caused by the application  of cantharides mixed
 with  other substances to blunt their activity, as in the Emplastrum
 calefaciens, D., or by applying the active  preparations for only a short
 space of time.   To  produce rubefaction we employ cantharides in the
 treatment of rheumatic and other local pains, in chronic catarrh, and
 in the habitual cough of the old  and debilitated.   When cantharides
 are left for some time closely applied to the surface of the skin, the cu-
 ticle is raised and serous fluid effused between it and the true skin, a
 blister being thus produced  in a period varying with the preparation
of the flies which is  employed.  No agent is so generally used to pro-
duce vesication as cantharides in consequence of the certainty of their
operation, the comparatively little pain which they occasion, and the fa-
cility with which they may be applied.    Blisters are employed in  a 
186
EPISPASTICS.
 great variety of diseases, generally with the intention of relieving pain,
 inflammation, and congestion of internal organs;  which they effect by
 derivation to the surface  of the  body, or as  it is usually termed by
 counter-irritation.   With this view, they are applied in both the acute
 and chronic forms of inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, to the
 scalp, or along the track of the spinal marrow ; in inflammatory affections
 of the thoracic and abdominal viscera, to the surface of the chest or abdo-
 men  ; and in the local congestions of fevers, as near the affected part
 as possible.   Blisters are also used to  stimulate  to increased action,
 as in indolent  buboes, in  chronic enlargement  of the testicle,  over
 chronic abscesses,  to indolent ulcers, and in effusion into the joints.
 To excite the system generally,  they  are  applied in the  comatose
 stages of typhoid fever or pestilential cholera,  and in apoplectic affec-
 tions. To produce suppuration, cantharides are used in the form of oint-
 ment, as a dressing to parts from which the cuticle has  been previous-
 ly removed; and  as powerful counter-irritants,  are  thus  employed
 with  much advantage in  chronic inflammatory  diseases, forming what
 is termed a perpetual blister.   Cantharides should not be employed to
 produce vesication where any irritation or inflammation of the urinary
 oagans is present, in consequence  of their peculiar tendency to produce
 strangury.   In infants and young children, blisters should be  used  with
 great caution, as they are  liable  to  produce  troublesome  sloughing,
 which in  many  instances  has caused death.   As a general rule  they
 should only be left on until redness of the surface is produced, when the
 application of a warm poultice  to  the part will cause vesication.  [See
 on this subject, Professor J. B Beck's Essay on Infant Therapeutics.]


   Pharmceutical  Preparation.—Emplastrum  Cantharidis,D.—"Can-
 tharides, in very fine  powder; yellow wax, of each, ibj. ; yellow resin, §iv.;
 mutton suet; hog's lard, of each, Ibss.; melt,the wax, fats and resin together;
 and when they  are  just becoming  stiff by cooling, sprinkle  in the can-
 tharides, and mix so as to form a plaster."  L.—" Cantharides, in very fine
 powder, ibj.; wax plaster, ibiss.; lard,  Ibss.; sprinkle the cantharides in
 the plaster and lard melted together, and removed from the fire, a little be-
 fore they concrete, and mix them all."   E.—" Cantharides,  in very fine
 powder; wax; resin ; and suet, of each, §ij.; liquefy the fats, remove from
 the heat, sprinkle in  the cantharides, and stir briskly as the mixture  con-
 cretes on cooling."  ["Ceratum cantharidis, U.  S. Spanish flies in very fine
 powder fcj.; yellow wax, resin, lard,  each |viij.  To the wax, resin and lard,
 previously mixed  together, add the Spanish flies, and stir the mixture con-
 stantly until cool."]   This is the preparation most generally employed to pro-
 duce a blister ; it is spread on leather with a cold (not heated) spatula, and
 the margin covered with adhesive plaster to prevent  its moving or falling
 off; blistering plaster, however, acts  much better when spread on soft brown
 paper in a thin layer, in consequence of its being much more easily and
 more  perfectly kept  in close contact with the skin, which is effected by
 means of a bandage.   In ordering  blisters in prescriptions, it is usual to
 draw  an outline with the pen of the size and shape which it is wished that
 they should be ; but  in some of the  continental pharmacopoeias, as in that
 of Hamburgh, prescribed forms are given for them. In order to prevent the
 irritant action of the cantharides on the urinary organs, in  persons liable to
 such an effect, a piece of tissue paper oiled should be placed  between the
 plaster and the skin.   Blisters are usually left on from eight to twelve hours
 to produce their action ; the raised cuticle should  be then  cut  to allow the
 escape of the serum,  and a dressing of spermaceti or some simple ointment
applied.—Emplastrum Calefaciens, D.  (Plaster of cantharides, 1 part; bur- 
EPISPASTICS.                         187
gundy pitch, 7 parts : melt with a medium heat; and mix, so as to make a
plaster ) Rubefacient; its uses have been described as above.—Acetum Can-
tharidis, L. E.   (" Cantharides, in powder, §ij.; acetic acid, Oj. ; macerate
for eight days, frequently  shaking ; press, and  strain," L.—" Cantharides,
in powder, §iij.; acetic  acid, f§v.; pyroligneous acid (dens.  1034,  f§xv. ;
euphorbium,  in coarse powder, |ss.; mix the acids, add  the  powders, ma-
cerate for  7  days, strain  and express strongly,  and filter the  liquor," E.)
Employed  as an extemporaneous blister; it may be conveniently  applied
with a piece of sponge, it produces a blister in from 5 to 10 minutes ; com-
plaints  are frequently made of the  inefficiency of this  preparation; this
arises either from its being prepared with weak acid, or from its not being
rubbed into the skin with sufficient care, as its application should be continu-
ed until it produces intense redness of  the part and much pain.—Ceratum
Cantharidis, L.  Unguentum Cantharidis, E.   (Cantharides  in very fine
powder, §i. ; spermaceti  cerate (resinous ointment, E.,)  |vj.  (gvij., E.;)
add the cantharides to the  cerate  (or ointment) softened by heat, and mix.)
Used to promote suppuration from blistered surfaces, but  it  is  very apt to
cause strangury.— Unguentum Cantharidis, D. L. [U. S.]   (Cantharides,
in very fine powder, gij. (|i., L.; distilled water, by measure, gviij. (f§iv.,
L.;) ointment of white resin (cerate of resin, L.,) §viij. (§iv., L.,) boil
down the water with the cantharides to half, and strain ; mix the cerate with
the strained liquor, then evaporate to proper consistence.)— Unguentum Infusi
 Cantharidis, E.  (Cantharides, in moderately fine powder; resin ; and wax,
of each, §i.; Venice turpentine ; and axunge, of each, |ij. ;  boiling water,
fgv.; infuse  the cantharides in the water for  a night, squeeze strongly, filter
the liquid, add the axunge, and boil till the water is dispersed ; add the wax
 and resin ; and  when these have melted, remove the vessel from the fire, add
 the turpentine, and mix the whole thoroughly.    Used for the  same purpo-
 ses as the cerate, than which these preparations are somewhat milder.—Em-
plastrum Cantharidis compositum, E.  (Venice turpentine, §ivss.; Burgundy
 pilch;  and  cantharides,  of each, §iij.;  wax, gi.;  verdigris,  |ss.; white
 mustard seed; and black pepper, of each, |ij.; melt  the wax, and Burgundy
 pitch, add the turpentine, and while the  mixture is hot sprinkle into it the
 remaining articles previously in fine powder and  mixed together;  stir the
 whole briskly as it concretes in cooling.)   A more  certain blister than the
 simple emplastrum cantharidis, according to Duncan it is infallible.—Blis-
 tering cloth, P.  (Oil of cantharides obtained by ether, 4 parts;  yellow wax,
 8 parts ; melt with a very gentle heat, and spread on waxed linen or calico.)
 A more elegant preparation than blistering plaster, and equally, if not more
 efficacious.-- Tela vesicatoria'. Charta vesicatoria, &c.; so generally employed
 in the present day for blistering, are prepared in the same manner, paper being
 used instead of linen or calico.—Papier d'Albespeyrres, now so generally used
 for keeping up a discharge from blistered surfaces are prepared as follows:—
-No. 1. which is the weakest;  " White  wax, 5  parts; olive oil, 3 parts; oil
 of chocolate, 4 parts; spermaceti, 3 parts; turpentine, 1 part; cantharides, 1
 part; water, 8  parts ; all melted together."—No. 2. "  White wax, 3 3-4 ;
 olive oil, 2 1-4, oil of chocolate, 3; spermaceti, 21-4:  turpentine, 3-4; can-
 tharides, 1; water, 8."—No 3. the wrongest, contains the same quantities of
 cantharides and water, and half the proportions of the other ingredients con-
 tained in No. 1. The compound is spread on paper, or on fine linen or calico.

   Capsicum annuum, capsule cum seminibus, D.   Capsicum, L. E.
 [U. S.]   The fruit of Capsicum annuum,—and of other species of
 Capsicum,  E.   Capsicum,  or  Chillies.   Cayenne pepper.   The  Cap-
 sicum annuum is a native of the East and West Indies, and of South
 America ; it belongs to the Natural family Solanacea, and to the Lin-
 naean class  and order Pentandria Monogynia.
   Botanical Characters.—A  herbaceous annual, 1-2 foot high;  Leaves, 
188
epispastics.
ovate, smooth, placed on long footstalks in irregular order; Flowers, white,
axillary, solitary; Fruit, a long conical, juiceless, scarlet or yellow berry,
pendulous.
  Preparation.—Cayenne pepper is prepared by reducing to a moderately
fine powder, the dried fruit of this and of other species.  It is often imported
in powder, chiefly from the West  Indies, in small gourds;  but  the greater
part is ground at home, a fourth part of common salt being generally mixed
with it.

  Physical Properties.—A moderately fine powder,  of a reddish-
yellow colour; with a faint aromatic odour, and a bitter, acrid, burning
taste.
  Chemical Properties.—The active principles of Cayenne pepper
depend on a very acrid  oil  which has been  named Capsicin.  It yields
its vjirtues to water, alcohol, ether, acetic acid, and the fixed and vola-
tile oils.   .
  Therapeutical  Effects.—Cayenne pepper applied to the skin
produces redness and inflammation, which is followed by vesication, if
the application  be continued for some time. As a rubefaciant, and even
vesicant, it is much employed in the West Indies, but is  scarcely ever
used  with  either of these intentions in this country, nevertheless ap-
plied in the form of cataplasm, it is a convenient and effectual counter-
irritant.   Its use as a stimulant will be considered under that head.

  Crotonis tiglii oleum,  Croton oil (described  in  the  division Ca-
thartics),  rubbed on  the skin  produces  redness  and  inflammation
of the part to  which  it  is applied,  which  is  followed by  a copious
pustular eruption.  It is applicable to all cases in which we wish  to
produce speedy and active  counter-irritation, but  it should not be ap-
plied to the face or scalp, as in more  than  one instance I have seen it
produce erysipelatous inflammation  of these parts.  Lafargue cures
naevi by inoculation with croton oil;  five or six punctures are made on
and around the tumour with a lancet dipped in the oil, just as in vacci-
nation.  Each  puncture immediately  causes a pimple, which in  36
hours is developed into a little boil; these boils unite and form a hot
painful tumour, covered with white crusts.  Two days afterwards the
scabs separate, and  in lieu  of the najvus  is seen  an  ulcer which is to
be treated on general principles.  It would be dangerous to make more
than six punctures on a  very  young  infant, as the irritation and fever
are considerable.—To prepare a  liniment of croton  oil, one part may
be rubbed up with seven of olive oil, a combination sufficiently  power-
ful for general  employment; in hospital or dispensary practice, linseed
oil may  be used instead of  olive oil.   A  plaster, prepared by melting
with a gentle heat, four parts of diachylon  plaster,  and incorporating
with it one part of croton oil, spread on calico, and applied to the sur-
face of the body, will produce a pustular eruption in about  24 hours.
It is a convenient and excellent way  of employing  this  counter-irri-
tant.

  Euphorbia,  L. E.—Euphorbia canariensis,  gummi resina,  D.
Gum-resin of Euphorbia officinarum,  L.—of Euphorbia Cunnriensis,
D.—Concrete resinous juice  of undetermined species of Euphorbia,
E.   Euphorbium.  In  Africa  Euphorbium is procured from Euphor-
bia officinarum and  from Euphorbia antiquorum; in the Canaries it is 
EPISPASTICS.
189
obtained from Euphorbia canariensis.  The genus belongs to the Nat-
ural family Euphorbiacea, and to the Linnaean class and order Momxcia
Monandria.

  Botanical Characters.—The pieces of the branches which we find mix-
ed with the gum are 4 to 5 angled, with dark, shining spines, double.   The
genus is characterised by its monoecious heads of flowers surrounded by an
involucrum of one leaf with five divisions, including several barren flow-
ers with one fertile;  Capsule, 3 seeded.
  Preparation.—It is obtained in the neighbourhood of Mogadore, (from
whence it is chiefly brought to this country), by making incisions into the
stem and branches, from  which a milky juice exudes; this juice concretes
on the tree into a yellow gum, and is gathered when quite dry.  So intense-
ly acrid is the gum, that  those who gather it are obliged to tie a cloth  over
their mouth and nostrils.

   Physical  Properties.—Euphorbium is in tears or small  irregular
masses, roundish, and angular, somewhat friable ; they are of a dull,
yellow colour, and pierced with small holes, formed by the spine of the
branch on  which they concrete.  They have a weak odour, but a very
acrid and burning taste.; the powder snuffed into the nostrils produces
much irritation, with incessant sneezing.
   Chemical Properties.—It consists principally of resin  the active
ingredient, with  wax, some caoutchouc, and salts of lime and  potash.
The resin  is soluble in alcohol, but water  has no action on it.  Euphor-
bium melts when exposed  to heat, is  inflammable, and burns  with  a
bright flame, and rather agreeable odour.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Applied to  the surface of the skin  it
causes much irritation, but does not vesicate or produce any eruption ;
if the cuticle, however, have been previously  removed, its application
causes a  purulent  discharge.   It  may, therefore, be  employed  with
much advantage mixed with lard  as an issue ointment, or for keeping
up a discharge from blistered surfaces, being  cheap  and certain in its
effects. For an issue ointment, 25 to 30 grains may be rubbed up with
an ounce of lard, and the strength may be increased or diminished ac-
 cording to circumstances.   It possesses the advantage  over the prepa-
 rations bf cantharides, that it does not irritate the urinary organs, and
 over  savine ointment  that it does not spoil by keeping.  The facility
 with which we can increase or reduce its strength is also of great im-
 p'ortance.

   Ipecacuanha  (described in the division  Emetics),  is an excellent
 counter-irritant, though sometimes  uncertain  in its action ;  applied in
 the form of  liniment, prepared as directed below, it produces an erup-
 tion of minute  vesicles on an inflamed base in from 36 to 48 hours,
 which fade away in 3 or  4 days.   It  possesses  the advantage of not
 causing much pain or  constitutional  irritation.—Linimentum  Ipecac-
 uanha, (Ipecacuan, in  very fine powder, gss. ;  axunge, 3ij- 5 olive oil,
 fgiss.; mix).   A  fourth  part of this should be  rubbed well  into the
 part it is desired to irritate, three or four times a day.

   Mezereum-   Mezereon  (described in  the  division  'Diaphoretics).
 The  inner bark of the stem and  branches is much  employed  on the
 Continent as a vesicatory, but as  in the dry state its effects are uncer-
 tain and slowly produced,  it is not used  in  this country as such.  In 
190
EPISPASTICS.
France, in order to produce a blister with this  substance,  a piece of
the bark is softened in warm water or in vinegar,  and applied  to the
part with a compress and roller; at first the bark is renewed night and
morning, but when the  blister is produced  it is changed  only once
daily.  An issue ointment is also prepared with it, by digesting for 12
hours the sliced bark in  axunge and white wax liquefied together, and
straining.
  Ranunculus acris,  folia, D.   Ranunculus  flammula,   herba
recens, D.  The leaves of Ranunculus acris, and  the fresh herb of
Ranunculus flammula.  Indigenous ; belonging to the  Natural  family
Ranunculacea, and to the  Linnaean class and order Polyandria Po-
lygnia.
  Several species of the genus Ranunculus possess vesicating proper-
ties in the recent state,  but when dried, they  are completely  inert.
They were formerly used  as epispastics, and  although the two species
above mentioned are still retained in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, they
are never employed in the present day in regular practice.

  Ruta graveolens, (described in the division Antispasmodics). The
fresh leaves may be employed as a local stimulant and rubefacient.

  Sabina.—Savin (described in  the division  Emmenagogues) acts as
a powerful  local  irritant.  It is very generally employed in the form of
ointment or cerate for keeping up  the discharge from  a blistered sur-
face, producing what is  termed a perpetual blister.   Owing, however,
to the difficulty in preparing the ointment well, and to its losing its pro-
perties by long keeping, an ointment prepared with  euphorbium (see
page 189) should be preferred for that purpose ; one  part of powdered
savin combined with two parts of finely powdered  alum, forms an ex-
cellent application to  venereal vegetations:  it  is  sprinkled over the
part, and the  application renewed twice daily ;  simple dressing being
applied  in the  interval.
  Pharmaceutical  Preparations.—Unguentum Sabina, D.   Cera-
tum Sabina, L. E. [U.  S.]   (Savin (fresh, E., fresh  leaves stripped
from  their stalks,  D.)  bruised,  ibss.)  ibi. L. 2 parts, E.) ;  prepared
lard,  ibij.  (4 parts, E.);  bees'  wax,  Ibss.  (1  part,  E.) ;  " boil the
leaves in the fat  until  they become crisp; strain with expression;
then add the wax, and liquefy together," D.   " Boil  the savin  in the
lard and wax  melted  together, (until the  leaves  become crisp, E.) ;
and press through a  linen (or calico, E.) cloth," L.  E.)  [" Savin in
powder gij ; resin cerate ibj.; mix the savin  with the cerate previous-
ly softened." U. S.]  When well  prepared  this  ointment  is of a fine
green colour,  and has the  peculiar odour of savin well marked.

  Setons  and Issues  are employed to produce derivation from some
internal organ, by causing a discharge of pus from the surface of the
body, as in deep-seated  local  inflammations ; and to  establish a drain
from the system in many  diseases.   With  the former intention they
are employed  in ophthalmia, in chronic inflammation of the ear, in dis-
eases of the  brain and spinal marrow, in  caries of the vertebrae, in
chronic articular inflammation, in white swelling, in hip-joint disease,
&c.  With the latter, in apoplexy, epilepsy, chorea, spasmodic asthma,
phthisis, hepatitis, &c.  When setons or issues are employed in local
affections,  they should be applied as near the seat of the  disease  aa 
epispastics.                     191
practicable ; but when used in general diseases, they may be inserted
in whatever part of the body is most convenient; thus, setons may be
inserted into the nape of the neck, and issues in the inside of the leg
or arm.—The introduction  of a seton is easily effected with a seton
needle, an instrument shaped like a lancet, about 3 inches long, 3-8ths
of an inch broad, slightly curved, and having an eye in the handle ; a
fold of the integuments being held up, the needle is forced through, and
by its  means a skein of silk, or a piece of India-rubber tape sufficient
to fill the aperture, introduced through the  wound ; a fresh portion of
the silk or India-rubber is drawn  through the aperture daily, and if it
does not produce sufficient irritation, it is smeared with  some irritating
ointment.   Issues  are  more employed at present than setons;  the
manner in which  they are inserted has been explained before, (see
page 120).

  Sinapis.  Mustard  (described in the division Emetics), applied to
the surface of the body acts as a local irritant, producing inflammation
attended with  much  pain; and if the application be long continued,
vesication with even ulceration and gangrene.  It is  very generally
employed in  the form  of cataplasm, or as it is technically called sina-
pism, to produce counter-irritation : applied to the soles of the feet or
calves of the legs, in  the  low  state of  typhus fever, especially when
stupor or delirium is present, in apoplexy and coma, in narcotic poison-
ing and in other cases in which there is determination to the head.  It
is also often applied to the chest with much benefit in many pulmonary
and  cardiac  diseases, and to the surface of the abdomen in  painter's
coli« and other affections of the abdominal viscera.—Cataplasma Si-
napis, D. L.  (Mustard-seed ; and linseed, each powdered, ibss ; boil-
ing vinegar, sufficient to make  a cataplasm.  " Which may be made
more stimulating by adding gij. of scrapings of horse-radish root," D.).
This is a bad form for preparing sinapisms, as vinegar lessens the ac-
tivity of the mustard; a better plan is  simply to mix  common table
mustard with luke-warm  water, and  spread  the paste on a piece of
linen.   Sinapisms produce inflammation  in from fifteen to twenty min-
utes after they are applied ; the length  of time which they should be
left on, may be regulated  by the feelings of the 'patient; but if he be
insensible, they should be removed as soon as the skin is reddened.

   Succini oleum.  Oil of Amber, (described in the division Antispas-
modics,) is an active rubefacient, producing irritation and slight inflam-
mation of the skin when  applied  with  friction.   It is sometimes em-
ployed in chronic rheumatism and paralysis ; but its most general use
is as a local application in hooping cough, in the following form, com-
monly known as  Roche's embrocation:—Oil of amber, 3iij-j  oil of
cloves, 3i- ; olive  oil,  §i.;  mix.

  Terebinthinae  oleum.   Oil of  Turpentine  (described in the divi-
sion Anthelmintics), is a speedy and effectual  rubefacient, producing
active inflammation, succeeded by a crop of small pimples, and some-
times minute blisters, when applied  to the surface of the body.   If it
be applied warm it  acts  more quickly  and more powerfully.   As a
counter-irritant, it is very generally and  very beneficially employed in
inflammatory attacks of the thoracic or abdominal viscera, in colic and
peritonitis, in sore throat, in chronic rheumatism, in neuralgia, &c— 
192                       ERRHINES.
Linimentum Terebinthina, D. L. E.  (" Ointment of white resin, Ibj.;
oil of turpentine, Ibss.;  gradually mix the turpentine with the melted
ointment," D.—" Soft  soap, §ij. ;  camphor,  §i.;  oil of turpentine,
fgxvj.;  shake them together until they are mixed," L.—" Oil of tur-
pentine, fgv. ;   resinous ointment, §iv. ; camphor, gss.; melt the oint-
ment and gradually mix with the oil and  camphor till a uniform  lini-
ment be formed," E.).   [Oil of turpentine,  Oss.  Resin  cerate, Ibi.
Add the oil to the cerate, previously melt and mix them," U. S.] This
liniment is powerfully stimulating; it was first proposed by Kentish as
an immediate dressiag for extensive burns, particularly when the vital
powers were sinking ; and for this purpose it is employed with much
advantage ; the  parts are first  smeared  with oil  of turpentine,  and
pledgets of lint covered with-this liniment are then applied.  It is also
used as  a counter-irritant, applied with friction in rheumatic and neu-
ralgic pains.—St. John Long's liniment.  (The yolk of one egg ;  oil
of turpentine, fgiss;  strong acetic acid, fgi;  pure  water,  fgiij. ;  first
rub the yolk of egg, the water, and the acetic acid  together, then add
the oil of turpentine, and agitate the whole until they are well mixed ;
—or, oil of turpentine, and distilled vinegar, of each, equal parts; yolk
of egg, sufficient to make a uniform emulsion.)   This excellent coun-
ter-irritant liniment is applied by means of a sponge ;  its effects vary
with the force  which is used in  rubbing,  and with  the length of time
the application is continued; the  principal  objection to its use is its
very disagreeable smell, which may be somewhat obviated, and  its ru-
befacient powers at the same time rather increased by the addition of
a drachm of oil of rosemary.
                        CHAPTER XIII.

                          ERRHINES.

                    (Sternutatories, Ptarmics).

  Errhines are substances which when applied directly to the lining
membrane of the nostrils, cause an increased discharge of its  natural
secretion. Their medicinal employment is very limited, and in the pre-
sent day they are seldom resorted to in regular practice.  Their reme-
diate powers depend on the derivation which they occasion  from the
surrounding or  neighbouring  parts, by the increased secretion from,
and consequent afflux of blood to the  nasal  membrane.  Snuffed into
the nostrils so as to occasion sneezing, they may be employed to excite
respiration when this function is  suspended, or to promote the  expul-
sion of foreign bodies lodged in the air passages;  their use for these
purposes, however, is not unattended with danger.
  Asarum  europ2Eum, folia, D.   Asarum,  L.  Leaves of Asarum
europaum.   Asarabacca.  An indigenous plant; belonging to the Nat-
ural family Aristolochiacea, and to the Linnaean class and order, Do-
decandria Monogynia. 
ERRHINES.                       103
  Botanical  Characters.—Stem very short; Leaves, 2, reniform, peti-
oled, shining; Flower, solitary, from the axil of the two leaves, large droop-
ing, of a greenish-brown colour  and  coriaceous substance, upon a short
footstalk.

   Physical  Properties.—Although the  leaves only are officinal, the
whole plant is kept in the shops ;  it has a  faint, spicy odour, and a bit-
ter, very acrid taste.   The root is the most active part of  the plant.
   Chemical Properties.—The  only  important constituent of the
leaves is a peculiar principle which has been named asann; the root
contains also an  odorous volatile oil, and a very acrid fixed oil.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Asarabacca was formerly employed as
a cathartic, diuretic, and emetic, and is used as such even in the pre-
sent day on many parts of the continent;  in this country it is now only
used as an errhine to produce a discharge  of mucus from the pituitary
membrane in head-ache, in chronic  ophthalmia, in coryza,  &c.
   Mode of Administration.—Three or four grains of the  powdered
leaves may be snuffed  up into the nostrils night and morning, or the
same quantity of the following preparation may  be  used.—Pulvis
Asari compositus, D.   (Asarabacca leaves, dried,  §i; lavender flow-
ers, dried, 5i-;  reduce them together to powder).


   Euphorbium, (described in the division Epispastics), operates as  a
powerful errhine, but its action is so violent, even when diluted with
any bland powder, that in the present day it is scarcely ever employed
as such.

   Hydrargyri oxydum sulphuricum, D.   [Hydrargyri sulphas
flavus, U. S.]  Subsulphate of mercury ,'  Turbith mineral.

   Preparation.—"Persulphate of mercury, 1 part;  warm water, 20 parts ;
triturate together in an earthen-ware mortar, and  pour off the supernatant
liquor;  wash the yellow powder with warm distilled water, till the decanted
fluid is no longer precipitated on the addition of a few drops of  solution of
caustic patash;  lastly, dry the sulphuric oxide of mercury, which remains."
[" Take of mercury,  §iv. ; sulphuric acid, gvj.  Mix them in a glass ves-
sel, and boil by means of a sand  bath  till a dry white mass remains.  Rub
this into powder and throw it into boiling water.  Pour off the supernatant
liquor, and wash the yellow precipitated powder repeatedly with hot water;
jhen dry it,"  U. S.]

   Physical Properties.—A  dense, lemon-yellow powder; void of
odour, but having  a  somewhat  acrid,  metallic taste.
   Chemical Properties.—It  is composed of one eq. of sulphate of
mercury, and two of oxide of  mercury, (Kane).  It is permanent in
the air ; exposed  to heat  it acquires a reddish-brown colour, but on
cooling  it resumes  its former  yellow hue.   It requires 2000 parts of
cold, or 600 of boiling water for its solution.
   Therapeutical Effects.—This preparation was formerly employed
as an emetic, but  is now only used as an errhine, to produce a discharge
from the nostrils in chronic ophthalmia, incipient hydrocephalus, cephal-
algia, &c.   One grain mixed  with four or five of some bland powder,
as liquorice or starch, is snuffed  up the nostrils at bed time or in the
morning.
                              17 
      194                        ERRHINES.

  1 ^vJfERATEUM ALBUM, RADIX, D.   VERATRUM,  L.  E.   VERATRUM
  ^•^album, U. S.]   Root  (Rhizome,  E.) of  Veratrum album.   White
      nellebore.   A native of the mountainous regions of central and South-
      ern Europe ; belonging to the Natural family Melanthacea, and to tke
      Linnaean class and order Polygamia Monaecia.

        Botanical Characters.—Rhizome, fleshy, cylindrical, given origin to
      numerous undivided radicles; Stem,  1-4 feet  high; Leaves, sheathing,
      plaited, ovato-oblong; Flowers, greenish-yellow, in a large spreading panicle.

        Physical Properties.—As usually met with in  the  shops, white
      hellebore root consists of the rhizome with the radicles attached; it is
      in pieces of from two to three inches long, about the thickness of the
      little finger ; covered with a rough, dark brown bark ; greyish-white
.?    - internally.  In the  fresh state,  it has a  strong,  disagreeable  smell,
      which is nearly lost by drying ; but it retains the acrid, intensely bitter
      taste.
        Chemical Properties.—It is composed  of a fatty matter, yellow
      colouring matter, starch, gum,  lignin, and  an  alkaloid on which its
      acridity depends  and which has been named veratria  (see Stimulants),
      combined with gallic acid (Pelletier and Caventou).  More recently
      Simon has announced the discovery of two new vegetable alkaloids in
      white hellebore root, one of which he has called Jervin, and the other
      Barytin.  The  acridity of the root is extracted both by water and by
      alcohol.
        Therapeutical Effects.—The local action of white hellebore root
      is powerfully irritant.  Snuffed up the nostrils it produces a copious
      flow of mucus, with much sneezing.  It may be used as an errhine in
      the  same cases  as  the other remedies of this class.  Two or three
      grains of the root, finely powdered and mixed with ten or twelve grains
      of powdered liquorice-root, orris-root, or starch, may be employed every
      evening. It enters  into the composition  of  most cephalic  snuffs.
,. t^wjThe veratrum viride, a plant belong in gtothe same class  and order as
ir/i*.  the white hellebore, a native of the United States, possesses properties
'jaV, analogous to the  foreign drug, and may be substituted for it.L .    J



*-•*- -S ii  +utU«\   chapter  xiv. $*~f~* *-/ .77.

   K+9- t«  .  j~+y.    EXPECTORANTS.                J

                                (Pectorals.)

        Expectorants may be defined,  medicines which  promote  the  se-
      cretion from the  bronchial tubes and  air passages, and facilitate its
      discharge.   There  are no substances, which, by a direct or specific
      action on the lungs, produce expectoration ; those medicines  which
      are employed with  this  intention act relatively,  that is to say, they
      operate through the medium of the system generally, relieving or re-
      moving that state of disease which demands the use  of expectorants.
      Consequently, most agents which  are used  under this name are de-
      rived  from other divisions of medicinal substances; and  there are
      none more uncertain in their effects.  There are two modes in which 
expectorants.
195
the medicines employed to promote expectoration appear to act; first,
by removing constriction of the pulmonary exhalent vessels, on which
principle the nauseating expectorants appear to produce their effects ;
or secondly, by stimulating these vessels, they either increase the
natural exhalation where it is deficient, or alter its character where it
is in an unhealthy state.  To these we may add all emetic substances,
which by their mechanical action, dislodge accumulated secretions
from the respiratory organs, and thus frequently become most valuable
agents in the treatment of many diseases, which demand the  use  of
expectorants.
       Acidum bewzoicum, D. L. E. [U.  S.]   Benzoic acid.   Flowers  of
     Benjamin.

        Preparation.—Dub.—"Benzoin,  5 parts ;  recently burnt  lime;  and
     muriatic acid, of each, 1 part; water,  200 parts ; rub the benzoin with the
     lime, boil for half an  hour in 130 parts of water, constantly stirring;  let
     the vessel rest and pour off the liquor  when cold; boil the remainder in 70
     parts of water, and again pour off the  liquor  when  cold; boil the mixed
     liquors to one half, filter through paper, and add gradually  the muriatic
     acid to the liquor when cold ;  lastly, the liquor being poured  off, wash the
     powder with a small quantity of cold water, dry with a gentle  heat, and sub-
     lime the benzoic acid in a proper vessel with a slow fire."   Lond.  Edin.
     [U. S.]—" Benzoin, ibj. (any convenient quantity, E.) ; put it into a proper
     vessel (a glass matrass, E.) ;  [previously mixed with an equal weight of
     fine sand.  U. S.J and with a gradually raised heat (from a sand-bath, L.),
     sublime as long as anything  rises; press  that which is sublimed between
     folds of blotting paper to remove the oil from it, and sublime it again."

     » Physical  Properties.—In  the form  of soft, elastic, pearl-white,
\    satiny crystals or scales ; having a faint aromatic odour, and an acid,
     penetrating taste,   Sp. gr. 0667.
       Chemical Properties.—Its composition is C14 H5 O3, combined
     in the crystalline state with one eq. of water.  It is permanent in the
     air;  at a temperature of 248°  it fuses, and  at 293° sublimes ; heated
     in the open air it produces  an acrid  white vapour which  irritates the
     fauces; it is  very inflammable, and burns  with a fuliginous  flame,
     leaving no residue.  Benzoic acid requires 200 parts of cold water, or
     12 of boiling water for its solution  ; it dissolves  in 2 parts of cold al-
     cohol or ether, and in a less quantity of acetic acid or oil of turpentine.
     It possesses the usual characteristics of a weak acid.
       Adulterations.—It is not liable  to adulteration, but  is often badly
     prepared ; when good it is  colourless, entirely sublimed  by a gentle
     heat,  and completely soluble in solution of potash or lime water.
       Therapeutical Effects.—Although formerly highly esteemed  as
     a stimulating expectorant in chronic bronchitis, in the present day it
     is scarcely ever employed,  except  in the  Tinctura opii  camphorata,
     D. E. [U. S.]  Tinctura camphor a composita, L. and the Tinctura
     opii ammoniata, E.  in both of  which preparations it is an ingredient.*

       * Dr. Ure, of London,"a few years  ago  called the attention of the  pro-
     fession to the chemical change which takes place in  the composition of the
     urine when benzoic acid is taken into the stomach; namely, the conversion
     of the  insoluble uric  acid and its salts into the soluble Mppuric acid and 
196
expectorants.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. v. to gr. xxx. ; it should
be dissolved in a large quantity of water, as otherwise it is apt  to irri-
tate the  fauces ; its solubility is much increased by  giving it with
phosphate or biborate of soda.
  Incompatibles.—Alkalies, and their carbonates ; metallic salts, &q.

  Antimonii et potassae tartras.   Tartar emetic (described in the
division Diaphoretics), administered  in  small  doses, from l-16th to
l-10th of a grain frequently repeated, operates as  an expectorant, but
its effects as  such are more certainly  manifested, it if be  given so  as
to produce  nausea.   It is best adapted for  acute attacks of inflamma-
tion of the  lungs or bronchial membrane.

  Balsamum  peruvianum, L. E.  Myroxylum peruvianum,  balsa-
mum,  D.   [Myroxylon, U.  S.]   Balsam Peru;  Liquid  balsam  of
Myroxylon Peruiferum, L.—of Myroxylum Peruvianum, D.—[Juice
of  Myroxylon Peruiferum, U.  S.]—Fluid balsamic exudation  of
Myrospermum Peruiferum, E.   A native of the forests of Peru, New
Granada, and Columbia; belonging to the Natural family Leguminosa
(Fabacea,  Lindley), and to  the  Linnaean class and order Decandria
Monogynia.

  Botanical  Characters.—A lofty, handsome, branching  tree, with a
smooth, thick, very resinous bark ;  Leaves alternate, pinnated, consisting of
eleven leaflets, which are ovate, blunt, and downy on their midrib and petiole;
Flowers white, in axillary racemes; Fruit, a legume.
  Preparation.—It  is  procured in two ways ; the finest, which is not met
with in British commerce, by incisions  made into the bark of the tree ;  the
second, by boiling the young branches, and the bark of the trunk in water;
many pharmacologists, however, doubt that  any of it is procured by the latter
method.

   Physical  Properties.—Balsam of Peru, as it occurs in  English
commerce, is a thick, semi-transparent, heavy liquid, of a dark reddish-
brown colour.  It has an agreeable aromatic odour, and a warm, bitter-
ish taste.  Sp. gr.  about 1160.
   Chemical Properties.—According to the analysis of  Fremy, it is
composed of an oily matter which he has named cinnameine, of cinna-
momic acid (Benzoic acid of previous chemists), and one or more resins.
Exposed to  the air it becomes more  dense, but does not dry up ; it is
inflammable, burning with a bright flame and much smoke, and diffusing
a very agreeable odour.   It is insoluble in  cold waiter, but water boiled
with it acquires its  agreeable  odour;  it is soluble in alcohol in all pro-
portions, but it is only partially dissolved by  ether.

hippurates.  He therefore proposed itsemployment in all cases, accompanied
with increased secretion of uric acid, as in  gour, rheumatism,  and calculous
disorders.  In a case of uric acid gravel, in which I employed benzoic acid,
the deposit  in the urine apparently ceased, while the use of  the acid  was
continued;  but returned to a greater extent  than before when its administra-
tion was stopped.  From the recent experiments of Keller, Booth, Boye, and
others, U has been shown that although benzoic acid is converted into hip-
puric acid  in the system, and excreted by the kidneys  in this  form, the se-
cretion of uric acid is not affected either in regard to its quantity or chemical
properties by  it; from which it results that benzoic acid cannot be looked
upon  as a remedy for uric acid diseases. 
expectorants.
197
  Adulterations.—It is said to be adulterated with alcohol; this fraud
is known by its low density, and by its losing volume when mixed with
cold water.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Balsam of Peru is a mildly stimulating
expectorant, and as such was at one time much employed in chronic
bronchitis, in the advanced stages  of phthisis, and in  old asthmatic
cases ; it  has, however, completely fallen into  disuse, as an internal
remedy.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Min. xx. to min. xl., sus-
pended in aqueous vehicles, by means of mucilage or yolk of egg.

  Balsamum tolutanum,  L.  E.  [Tolutanum, U. S.]  Toluifera
balsamum , resina, D.  Balsam of Tolu;  Concrete balsamic exudation
of  Toluifera balsamum,  D.—of Myroxylon  Peruiferum, L.—[of
Myroxylon Tolatanum, U. S.]—of Myrospermum Toluiferum, E.  Al-
though the London College on  the authority of Ruiz, refers the balsams
of Tolu and of Peru to the same tree, more  recent observation has
shown that they are from distinct species.  The Myrospermum  Tolui-
ferum is a native of the mountainous districts of Tolu, Turbaco, and
the neighbourhood of the river Magdalena ; it belongs to the Natural
family Leguminosa (Fabacea,  Lindley), and to the Linnaean class and
order Decandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Precisely similar to M. Peruiferum, except the
leaves, which are oblong,  acuminated, and  smooth upon the petiole  and
midrib.
  Preparation.—It exudes in the liquid state from incisions made into the
bark of the tree, but it soon concretes on exposure to the air.

  Physical  Properties.—In  solid masses of a resinous appearance,
and a reddish-yellow colour.   It has a peculiar fragrant odour, more
agreeable than the balsam of Peru, and a sweet aromatic taste.
  Chemical Properties.—Its composition is the same as that of the
balsam of Peru.   It becomes more solid by exposure to the air, it melts
by heat, and is inflammable, burning with a fuliginous flame, and  a very
agreeable odour.   It is soluble in alcohol and ether, and boiling water
dissolves out its fragrant acid.
  Therapeutical Effects.—It is a stimulating  expectorant,  and in
consequence  of its agreeable flavour, is very much used as an adjunct
to pectoral mixtures; but it should  not be employed when there  is any
inflammatory action" present.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. x. to gr. xxx.; it  is best
administered suspended in  aqueous vehicles by means of mucilage or
yolk of egg.—Tinctura Balsami Tolutani,  D. L.   Tinctura Tolutana,
E.   [Tinctura Tolutani, U. S.]  (Tolu balsam, §i.  (§ij. L., [§iij., U. S.]
giiiss. E.) ;   rectified spirit, by measure ibj,  (Oij. L.  E. [U.  S.]) ;
digest (in a  close vessel,  D. with a gentle heat, Ej, until the balsam
is°dissolved, and filter).  Dose, f3i. to f3ij. ;  it is precipitated when
added to water, but it may be suspended in water by means of mucilage
or syrup.—Syrupus  Balsami  Tolutani, J).   Syrupus  Tolutanus, L.
L.  [Syrupus Tolutani, U. S.]   (" Tincture  of balsam of Tolu, §i. ;
simple syrup, Ibiss,  (ibij. E.)  [Oiss. U.  S.]  ; to the  syrup recently
made and not altogether cooled, add the tincture by degrees, agitating
briskly," D.   E.—•" Balsam of Tolu, 3x*;  boiling water, Oj.;  sugar,
                             1*7* 
193
expectorants.
Ibiiss.;  boil the balsam in the water for half an hour in a vessel lightly
covered, frequently stirring, and strain the cooled liquor ; then add the
sugar and  dissolve it," L.).   Dose, f3ii. to f§ss., merely  used  as a
flavouring adjunct.   Tolu lozenges prepared with the syrup and suffi-
cient gum,  are a popular and useful remedy in chronic coughs.

  Benzoinum, L. E. [U. S.]  Styrax benzoin, resina, D.  Benzoin.
The balsam, L.—The resin, D.—Concrete balsamic exudation, E.—of
Styrax  benzoin.  A native of Sumatra, Borneo, and Java ;  belonging
to the Natural family Ehenacea (Styracacea, Lindley), and to the Lin-
naean class and order Decandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A tall tree with rounded branches, and a whitish
bark; Leaves entire,  pointed, tomentose  beneath; Flowers, in compound
axillary racemes.
  Preparation.—The balsamic exudation is procured by making incisions
into the  bark of the  tree, and allowing the liquid which exudes to concrete
on the stem ; When it is quite hard it is removed, and fresh incisions  made,
by which an inferior quality is obtained.

  Physical Properties.—Benzoin occurs in large masses of a reddish-
brown colour externally, with a waxy,  somewhat shining fracture, pre-
senting  many whitish amygdaloid tears cemented together by a reddish
substance; the inferior qualities contain but  few tears and are of a
more uniform reddish-brown colour all  through.  The French pharma-
ceutists describe another variety in tears of a pale yellow colour, but
it is not met with in  the English market.   Benzoin  has an agreeable
aromatic odour, and  a sweet balsamic taste ; the odour and taste  of the
inferior qualities are much less agreeable.   Sp. gr. about 1*065.
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed of about 28 per cent, of
resin soluble in ether, 50 of resin insoluble in ether,  and about  14  of
benzoic acid, with a trace of volatile oil, aromatic extract, &c, (Kopp).
It is permanent in  the air, heated it fuses and benzoic acid is sublimed ;
it is inflammable,  burning with a fuliginous flame and an agreeable
odour.  It is partly soluble  in alcohol, ether,  and acetic acid ; boiling
water dissolves out the benzoic  acid.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Benzoin  is a stimulating expectorant,
formerly much used  in chronic cough, in old  cases of bronchitis, and
in the advanced stages of phthisis ;  in the present day it is not much
employed.   Like the other stimulating expectorant, it is inadmissible
in inflammatory cases.
  Dose and Mode  of Administration.—It is not used in the solid
state.—Tinctura Benzoini (Benzois, D.) composita,  D. L. E. [U. S.]
(•* Benzoin, §iii. (giiiss.  L.) ; purified  storax, §ii.  (jiiss. L.) ; balsam
of Tolu, §i. (3x. L.);  Socotorine aloes, §ss. (3v. L.) ;  rectified  spirit,
by  measure, Ibii. (Oij. L. [U. S.].);  macerate for 7  (14 L.) days and
strain ;" D. L.—" Benzoin,  in  coarse  powder, §iv.; Peru balsam,
§iiss. ;  East Indian aloes, §ss. ;  rectified  spirit,  Oij. ; digest for  7
days, pour off the clear  liquor and filter it,"  E.)   A stimulating ex-
pectorant ;  Dose,  f3ss. to f3ij-, as  an  adjunct to  pectoral  mixtures ;
it is precipitated by  water, but may be mixed with water by means of
mucilage, yolk of egg or syrup.  This tincture was formerly much
employed as an application to wounds  and contusions, under the name
of Friar's  Balsam. 
EXPECTORANTS.
199
  Ipecacuanha (described in the division Emetics),  administered in
small but frequently repeated doses, a fourth of a grain to half a grain,
acts as an expectorant, but its effects as such, are much more  surely
manifested if nausea be at the same time produced.  In some cases
of chronic inflammation of the bronchial mucous membrane accompa-
nied with  profuse secretion, it operates beneficially, not by promoting
expectoration, but by  diminishing the discharge, and by some specific
action restoring the parts to a healthy state-   In  acute and inflamma-
tory diseases of the lungs or bronchial tubes, ipecacuanha to prove
beneficial  must be given in doses sufficient to produce nausea or even
vomiting ;  but in chronic affections of the same parts,  more advantage
will be derived from smaller doses.   As an expectorant, the doses of
Ipecacuanha and its preparations are as follows :—In powder, gr. |th
to gr. ij.— Vinum  Ipecacuanha,  D. L. E.  [U. S.] Min. x. to min. xl.
Syrupus Ipecacuanha, E. [U.  S.]  f3i. to f5ij.—Pilula  Ipecacuanha
composita, L.   (Compound powder of ipecacuanha, 3iij- 5 squill, fresh
dried ;  and ammoniacum, of each, 3i- ; mixture of acacia, q. s.; beat
together till they  are incorporated).   A useful stimulating expoctorant
in habitual cough affecting the old and debilitated.  Dose, gr. v., three
or four times a day.   Every five  grains contains about a fourth of  a
grain each of ipecacuan and opium.

   Lobelia, L. E.  [U.  S.]  Lobelia.  Indian tobacco.   The  herb of
Lobelia inflata.    A native of the United  States, where it is  a very
common  weed growing on road sides and in neglected fields  ; it be-
longs to the Natural family Lobeliacea, and to the Linnaean class and
order Pentandria Monogynia.

   Botanical Characters.—Annual, 1-2 feet high, with a branching stem ;
Leaves, scattered,  alternate, oblong;   Flowers, pale  blue, in  terminal
racemes;  Capsules, ovoid, inflated.
   Preparation.—The entire herb is collected in the end of August, as soon
as ihe capsules; are formed,  and carefully dried.   It  is  imported from
America compressed into rectangular masses, being prepared for exporta-
tion by the Shaking Quakers of New Lebanon in the State of New York.

   Physical Properties.—Its odour is faint but disagreeable,  and the
taste at first insipid,  but when  chewed, very  acrid, and  resembling
that of tobacco, causing, like it, a flow  of saliva and  a  nauseating
effect on  the stomach.
   Chemical Properties.—According to the analysis of Mr. Procter,
lobelia  contains  an acrid volatile  oil, a  peculiar alkaline  principle
named Lobelina,  lobelic acid, gum,  resin, fixed oil, chlorophylle,  ex-
tractive, and various salts.  Lobelina appears to be the active principle,
the whole plant yields but one part in five hundred of it, but the seeds
alone contain twice  as much ;  the active  principles  of  lobelia are
soluble in water, alcohol, and ether.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Lobelia was  employed  by the native
Indians of North  America as an emetic, but its action as such is high-
ly irritating and attended with  much  danger,  for if it fail to excite
vomiting soon after it has been taken, it produces all the symptoms  of
a powerful narcotico-acrid poison, and so  small  a quantity as a tea-
spoonful  of the powdered leaves has proved fatal in  some  instances.
In small doses, however, it is a most valuable sedative expectorant, 
800
EXPECTORANTS.
 apparently possessing a  specific  powder in  allaying spasm of the
 bronchial tubes.   It  is  therefore  employed with  most  benefit in
 paroxysmal diseases of the lungs, as in asthma and hooping cough ; it
 has also proved serviceable in the obstinate cough of chronic bronchitis,
 and in the latter stages of croup.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Lobelia is seldom given in
 the form of powder, the dose, as an expectorant, is from gr. j. to gr.
 v.  Tinctura Lobelia, E.  [U. S.]   (Dried  lobelia, in  moderately
 fine powder, §v.; [§iv., U. S.]  proof spirit, Oij. ;  this tincture is best
 prepared by  the  process  of percolation, as  directed for  tincture of
 capsicum, but it may  be  also made  in  the  usual way of digestion).
 [Macerate for 14 days, express and filter through paper, U. S.] Dose,
 f5ss. to f3i. ; larger doses are apt to prove emetic.—Tinctura Lobelia
 JEtherea, E.  (Dried  lobelia, in moderately fine powder, |v. ;  spirit
 of sulphuric ether, Oij. ; best prepared by percolation as directed for
 tincture of capsicum;  but it may be also obtained  by digestion, in a
 well closed vessel for 7 days).   Dose, min. xx. to  min xl.  The lat-
 ter preparation is usually preferred in asthmatic cases, in consequence
 of the sedative properties  of the sulphuric ether.—Whitlow's ethereal
 tincture of lobelia.   (Dried lobelia, ibj.;  rectified spirit, Oiv. ;  spirit
 of nitric ether, Oiv.; spirit of sulphuric  ether, §iv.; macerate for 14
 days in a dark place, and  filter).  This  is the preparation of lobelia
 most generally employed in this  country; Dose, min. v. to min. xx.

   Marrubium vulgare, D. L.—[Marrubium, U.S.]  White Horehound.
 An indigenous plant growing in waste places and by road sides, belong-
 ging to the  Natural family Labiala (Lamiacea, Lindley,) and to the
 Linnaean class and order Didynamia Gymnospermia.

   Botanical Characters.—About a  foot and a  half high, every where
 hoary with a white thick pubescence or woolliness ; Flowers, small, white,
 in crowded whorls.

   Properties.*—The whole  plant  has a peculiar aromatic odour, and
 a  very bitter balsamic taste.   Its properties depend on volatile oil and
 extractive, it also contains tannic acid ; it yields its virtues  to boiling
 water and  to alcohol.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—White  horehound was  long held in
 high estimation as a tonic expectorant.    In the present day it is com-
 monly employed  as  a  domestic  remedy  in chronic coughs ,* but it is
 scarcely ever used in regular practice.   It is  generally given in the
 form of infusion, Horehound tea, prepared by infusing |i. of the herb
 in Oj.  of boiling water for  an hour, of which the dose is f iij. or f§iv.,
 sweetened with sugar;  or  in  the form of confection, Candied Hore-
 hound, prepared by evaporating a strong syrup of the herb to dryness ;
 a small bit of which  is allowed to dissolve in the mouth frequently.
   Incompatibles.—The sesquisalts  of iron ;  ipecacuanha and tartar
 emetic.

   Scilla.   Squill (described in the division Diuretics,) in small doses
 frequently repeated,  promotes  the secretion of the  bronchial mucous
 membrane ; it is not, however, a stimulating  expectorant as is gene-
rally stated, and may therefore be prescribed in the acute and subacute 
EXPECTORANTS.
201
 stages of pulmonary affections as well as in the chronic.   It proves
 more serviceable in the bronchitis and pneumonia of children, than  in
 the same diseases in adults.   From the property which squill possesses
 of promoting the secretion  of mucous, it  facilitates  expectoration  in
 some forms of asthma  and chronic bronchitis in which the sputa are
 viscid ; in these cases it is advantageously combined with the more
 stimulating remedies of this class.  The dose of powdered squill as an
 expectorant should not exceed gr. j., frequently repeated.   The oxy-
 mel or syrup is one  of the most useful expectorants we possess for the
 pulmonary affections of children, in doses of  min. x.  to  min. xxx.
 The tincture is employed as an adjunct to pectoral mixtures in chronic
 bronchial affections; Dose,  min. x. to min. xxx.'—Pilula Scilla com-
 posta, D. L. [U.  S.]    (Squill, fresh dried  and powdered, 3j- > gin-
 ger, powdered, 3iij- (3ij- L.;) ammoniacum, powdered, 3ij- [3iij- U. S.;]
 hard soap, 3iij- ; mix the powders together, add the soap, and with suf-
 ficient treacle, (syrup, L-, [U.  S.]) beat to a proper consistence.—Pi-
 lula  Scilla, E.   (Squill, in  fine powder, 5 parts ; ammoniac ;  ginger,
 in fine powder ; and Spanish soap, of  each, 4 parts;  conserve  of red
 roses, 2 parts ; mix  the powders, add the other articles, beat them into
 a uniform mass, and divide  it  into five-grain pills.)   Dose, gr. v. to
 gr. xv. in chronic catarrh and asthma.   It spoils by keeping.—Syrup-
 us Scilla compositus,  U. S. (Squill, bruised ; seneka,  bruised, of each,
 §iv.; tartar  emetic, gr.  xlviij.; water, Oiv.;  sugar, ibiiiss. ; pour the
 I water on the squill  and seneka, boil to one-half and  strain ; add the
[' sugar, evaporate the whole to Oiij., and while hot dissolve in it the tar-
/ tar emetic.)  An excellent formula, particularly adapted for croup and
 chronic  bronchitis in children : dose for adults f3i.  to f3ii-» for chil-
 dren, min. v. to min. xv.

    Senega, L.  E.  [U. S.]   Polygala  senega, radix, D.   Seneka.
 Snake root.   Root of Polygala senega.   A  native of  the  United
 States ;  belonging to the Natural family Polygalacea, and to the Lin-
 naean class and  order Diadelphia Octandria.

    Botanical Characters.—Root, perennial ;  Stems  numerous,  annual,
 from nine inches to a foot high; Leaves, sessile, ovato-lanceolate ; Flowers,
 small, white, in spiked racemes;  Capsule, small, elliptical, containing two
 small black seeds.

    Physical Properties—Root varying in size from the thickness of
 a writing pen to that of the  little finger, QOHturted, knotty, marked
 with slight eminences on one  side ;  cortical portion, resinous, greyish
 or  yellowish externally, whitish internally ;  central portion (meditul-
 liurn^) whitish, woody, inert.   The root has a faint, peculiar odour, and
 a taste at first mucilaginous, afterwards nauseous and acrid.
    Chemical  Properties.—It is composed of tannic  and pectic acids,
 wax, fixed oil, gum, albumen, colouring matter, lignin, some salts, and
 a peculiar acrid principle, which, according to Quevenne, consists of
 two volatile acids, named  by him  Polygalic and  Virginelc acids,  the
 former of which appears to be the active of the plant.  It yields  its
 properties to both water and to alcohol; according to some recent ob-
 servations, it appears  that by the continued action of  boiling water  on
 the root, part of the active principle is formed  into an insoluble com-
 pound with the colouring matter and albumen ; therefore the Edinburgh 
                         EXPJ^SfoRANTS.

College has substituted an infusion for the decoction of the other phar-
macopoeias.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Seneka  root is a stimulating  expecto-
rant of much power, peculiarly fitted  for  the  advanced stages  of
chronic bronchitis and of pneumonia, especially when  occurring in the
aged and debilitated.  It is also  a  very valuable remedy in protracted
hooping cough, and in the latter stages of croup and of bronchitis in
infants and children.
  Dose and  Mode of  Administration.—In powder, gr. x. to 3ss.;
this is the best form for  the administration of seneka, in the pulmonary
affections of children.—Decoctum Senega, D. L.  [U. S]  (Seneka,
f3iij.  (3x. L. ;) [|i. U.S.]  water, (distilled, L).,ibiss. (Oij. L.), [Oiss.
U. S.  ;]. boil down to §viij.   (Oj. L.,) and  strain.)   Not so good a
form as the infusion for the reasons  above stated.—Infusum Senega,
E.   (Seneka, 3x. ; boiling water, Oj. ; infuse for four hours in a  cov-
ered vessel and strain.)   An  excellent vehicle  for other remedies in
old cases of catarrh and bronchitis.  Dose, f§ij. to f§iij.

  Styrax, L. E. [U. S.]  Styrax  officinale, resina, D.   Storax.
Resin,  D.—Balsamic exudation, L. E.  [Concrete juice, U. S.J—of
Styrax officinale.  A native of the Levant, Palestine, Arabia, and cul-
tivated in the South of Europe ;  it belongs to the Natural family Eben-
acea (Styracacea, Lindley,) and to the Linnaean class and order De-
candria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Stem  from 15 to 25 feet high, branching at the
top;  Leaves, alternate, ovate, villous beneath;  Flowers, white, in small
racemes; Fruit, a coriaceous capsule, downy, one-seeded.
  Preparation.—The process followed for obtaining storax from the tree is
not accurately known, but it is supposed to be procured from incisions made
into the tree, or from the punctures of insects.

   Physical  Properties.—A great many varieties  of storax have
been described by pharmacologists ;  two  are most generally met with.
—1. Liquid Storax; of this I  have met with two sorts ; one a greyish
substance of the consistence of bird-lime, with a  strong odour having
some resemblance to that of impure naptha,  acquiring a dirty brown
colour on exposure  to the air ; the other, a shining black, very viscid
liquid, becoming more fluid when heated, with a very agreeable, aro-
matic odour ;  both sorts have  a  pungent  balsamic taste.—2.  Common
storax ; this is in very friable reddish-brown masses, with an agreea-
ble, aromatic odour, and a warm, somewhat acrid taste ;  it appears to
be saw-dust cemented together by some liquid resin.
   Chemical  Properties.—The medicinal virtues of storax depend on
the presence of volatile oil, benzoic acid, and resinous extractive.  It
yields its active properties  to  alcohol, but merely its fragancy to boil-
ing water.
   Adulterations.—No accurate account could be given of the  adultera-
tions of storax, so many different substances are sold under that name.
The grey liquid storax is manifestly some compound of impure naphtha.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Formerly employed as an expectorant
in the same cases as benzoin ; in the present day it is only used as an
ingredient in the Pilula  e Styrace (see Opium,) to conceal the odour
and taste of opium.
202 
EXPECTORANTS.
203
  Pharmaceutical  Preparations.—Styrax colatus, L. Extractum Styracis,
E.  (Dissolve storax in (by boiling in successive quantities of, E.) rectified
spirit, and strain ; distil off the spirit, and evaporate with a gentle heat (over
the vapour bath, E.) to a proper consistence, L. the consistence of a thin
extract, E.)  Only used in the above preparation.


  [Sanguinaria,  U.  S.   Bloodroot.  The rhizoma  of Sanguinaria
Canadensis.   A plant growing in all parts of  the United States, and
belonging to  the Natural  family  Papaveracea, and to the Linnaean
class and order Pentandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Rhizome perennial, horizontal, fleshy, truncate
and abounding  in  an  orange coloured juice.  Leaf,  heart-shaped,  deeply
lobed; Flowers, white, with from 7 to 14 petals;  Capsule oblong,  pointed
at the ends, and containing numerous obovate, reddish brown seeds.

  Physical  Properties.—Bloodroot  comes  in pieces from  one to
three inches long,  and from ^ to  \  an inch in thickness,  flattened,
wrinkled, of  a dark red externally,  internally  varying from white to
orange or dark red, the fractured surface being studded with points of
a darker colour than  the remainder of the parenchyma.- The powder
of a dark brownish red.   It has a faint odour  and an  acrid persistent
taste.
  Chemical Properties.—Dr. Dana obtained from  Sanguinaria  an
acrid, alkaline principle, Sanguinarina, on which the  medical proper-
ties of the root probably depend.   It  is a  white,  pearly  substance,
readily forming salts  with acids, all which are of some shade of red.
  Therapeutical Effects.—In  excessive doses  Sanguinaria  is an
acrid narcotic  poison, producing  violent vomiting,  burning  of the
stomach, great prostration of strength, vertigo, and dimness of vision.
These symptoms may terminate  in death.   In full  doses  it  excites
active vomiting, in smaller ones nausea, with depression of the pulse.
It is chiefly used as  an expectorant, and with its expectorant proper-
ties, it combines very decided tonic powers, improving the appetite
and facilitating digestion.  For this purpose it is chiefly employed in
the latter stages of acute bronchitis,  after all inflammatory  action has
subsided ; in chronic  bronchitis, pulmonary affection occurring  in the
course of typhus fever and in phthisis.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder, as an expectorant
gr. i.-to gr. v. ; as  an  emetic gr. x. to gr. xx.   [Tinctura Sanguinaria,
U.  S. Bloodroot  bruised, §iv.; diluted alcohol, Oij.  Macerate for 14
days, express and  filter through paper.  Dose as an expectorant from
in. xx.  to 3i. in  water  or  milk ; the latter conceals very well the
acrid taste of the medicine. J 
204                        NARCOTICS.
                        CHAPTER  XV.

                          NARCOTICS.

                (Anodynes ; Hypnotics ; Soporifics.)

  Narcotics may be  defined, medicines which produce a  primary
stimulating effect on  the nervous and vascular systems, but which is
rapidly followed by a depression of the vital powers and  sleep, or if a
large quantity of the substance be swallowed, by coma.   The primary
stage, that of excitement, varies much both as to the degree in which
it is produced and as to its duration;  depending chiefly, on the manner
in which the narcotic is administed, on idiosyncracy, and on habit.  In
large doses, the stage of excitement is short, and the depression of vi-
tal power so immediate, that it has led  many to deny altogether the
stimulant property of narcotics, and to regard them as producing di-
rect sedative effects on the system.   An attentive consideration, how-
ever, of the modus operandi of the medicinal agents described in this
chapter, and a comparison of them with those which are contained in
the chapter on Sedatives, must, I think, satisfactorily prove that their
operation is perfectly different.  Indeed, some narcotics, as opium, are
frequently administered with the intention of producing a stimulant ac-
tion only.  When given with this intention, the doses should be small,
but frequently  repeated  in  order to sustain the state of excitement;
but when administered with  the view of  producing sleep, the doses
should be larger, and repeated at more distant intervals.   Idiosyncra-
cy has a remarkable influence on the  effects  of narcotics ; we meet
with some individuals almost insensible to their action ; while in others,
small doses produce  a  dangerous stupifying  effect, or in some instan-
ces give rise  to a degree of excitement amounting  to furious delirium.
But habit influences the action of narcotics on the system more than
any other circumstance, their power being diminished in an extraordi-
nary degree by repetition ; where  therefore their  continued  adminis-
tration is required, it will be necessary gradually to augment the dose,
in order to produce their usual effects.   The influence of age on their
action must be also  borne in mind in their administration; the young
being much more susceptible to jheir influence than individuals of ma-
ture age.
  Belladonna, L. E. [U. S.]  Atropa belladonna, folia et radix,
D.  Leaves (and root, D.) of Atropa belladonna.  Deadly nightshade.
An indigenous plant; belonging to the Natural family Solanacea, and
to the Linnaean class and order Pentandria Monogynia.

  Botanical  Characters.—Root, fleshy, creeping ; Stems, 3-4 feet high,
herbaceous;  Leaves, ovate, acute, entire, smooth,  some very large, but
placed  in pairs of  unequal  sizes; Flowers, axillary, on short peduncles,
drooping, lurid purple, about an inch  long; Berries, shining, black, about
the size of a black cherry, filled with a sweetish pulp in which are imbedded
m any kidney-shaped seeds. 
NARCOTICS.
205
  Preparation.—The root, which is contained only in the Dublin Pharma-
copaia is scarcely ever used at present; it should be dug up in the month of
March, and dried quickly.  The leaves are gathered in June and July before
the flowers expand, and dried with a stove heat.

  Physical  Properties.—Belladonna root is from one to two inches
in diameter, and a  foot or more in length ;  it is of a  grayish-white
colour internally, grayish-yellow externally ; it  has a faint nauseous
odour, and a  slightly astringent  bitter taste.  The  leaves when fresh
are of a sombre-green colour, which becomes  yellowish-green in dry-
ing ; they have a feeble odour, and a herbaceous, somewhat nauseous
taste.
  Chemical Properties.—The medicinal properties of belladonna de-
pend on a peculiar  principle which has  been  named atropia; it was
first discovered by M. Brandes  in  the leaves, in which he found it to
exist in combination with malic acid, two nitrogenous extractive mat-
ters called by him pseudotoxin and phytocolla, gum, wax, chlorophylle,
starch, albumen, lignin, salts, &c.   Atropia when obtained quite pure
is in white transparent prismatic crystals, of a silky lustre.  It is with-
out odour but possesses a nauseously bitter, acrid taste; it requires for
its  solution 500 parts of cold water, the  solution  having a bitter taste
and an alkaline reaction ; but is very soluble in alcohol and ether ; it
combines with acids to form salts.   The composition of atropia accord-
ing to Liebig, is C34 H23 O6  N.  Belladonna leaves and root yield
their active  principles to both water and alcohol.
   Adulterations.—The leaves of the Solanum nigrum are sometimes
sold for those of the atropa belladonna;  the former are smaller, obtuse
angled, not acuminated, and they are  bluntly toothed ; by which cha-
racters they may be readily distinguished.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Belladonna  acts on the system as a
powerful narcotic, in large  doses proving an active poison, causing
constriction  of  the throat with ineffectual efforts to  vomit,  delirium
usually of a  gay or mirthful character, with excessive dilatation of the
pupils, then  coma which  is followed by death unless active treatment
be  immediately employed.  In medicinal doses it operates as an ano-
dyne and calmative, diminishing pain and over-excitement of the ner-
vous system ; with this intention it has been employed in most neuralgic
and convulsive diseases, but for some years back it is not so much used
as  it formerly was.  It has been generally stated that belladonna should
not be employed in acute inflammations  or febrile affections, but more
recent observations  have shewn that  a state of inflammation in the
system does not contra-indicate its use.   The diseases in the treatment
of  which belladonna is found most beneficial are the varieties of neu-
ralgia, and spasmodic  and painful affections ; thus it has been found
most useful in tic doloureux, in all  forms of external neuralgic pains,
in  nervous palpitations, in hooping cough, in spasmodic stricture of the
urethra, in painful  spasm of the sphincter ani when there is no fissure
of  the part, in dysmenorhcea, in orchitis after the  acute stage has sub-
sided, in painful glandular enlargements, in  chronic arthritis, in the
flying pains  of rheumatism and in incontinence of urine in  children.
In  all  these cases, the external employment of  the drug is advanta-
geously combined  with its internal administration.   In some instances
belladonna produces a rash on the skin resembling scarlatina, on which
account it has been proposed as a prophylactic of that disease when it 
206
NARCOTICS.
rages as an epidemic, and several instances of its apparent success as
such were narrated in Germany, but later experience has not confirmed
the anticipations which were so confidently put forward at first.  Bella-
donna applied externally in the neighbourhood of the eye, causes, after
the lapse of a few hours, dilatation  of the  pupil unattended with any
disturbance of vision ; to produce this effect it is employed  in the ope-
ration for cataract, in iritis to prevent adhesions from forming, and in
other ophthalmic affections to enable the posterior chamber of the eye
to be examined with greater  facility.
  The alkaloid atropia has been for some years back  used on the con-
tinent, particularly in Germany, in the treatment of diseases of the eye ;
but, so far as we are aware, the only physician in this country who has
published his experience of its effects is Mr. Wilde of this city.*  He
has found a single drop of solution of atropia, No. 1 (see below), dropped
on the lower lid, to dilate the pupil to double its ordinary size, or rather
more, in from 5 to  15 minutes alter its application ; the dilatation last-
ing for  four or five days.  Mr. Wilde uses the solution of atropia in the
same cases as he would extract of belladonna, over which it possesses
the advantages :—of being much more efficacious,  and much more
cleanly, and of producing neither pain nor irritation when dropped into
the eye; it is also free from the objection to which extract of bella-
donna is liable, that of producing  an  unpleasant eruption  around  the
eye-brow on which it has been applied.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Dose of the powdered leaves,
gr. j., which  should be increased very gradually until dryness of the
throat is produced.—Extractum Belladonna, L. E.   [U. S.  " To be
prepared in the same manner as extract of stramonium leaves, U. S.
An  alcoholic extract is likewise ordered to be prepared in the same
manner as the alcoholic extract of aconite."]   Succus spissatus Bella-
donna,  D.   (" Fresh belladonna leaves, ibj. ;  bruise them, sprinkled
with a little water, in a stone mortar;  then press  out the  juice, and
evaporate it unstrained to a proper consistence," I). L.—" Fresh bella-
donna,  any quantity ; bruise  it in a marble mortar into a uniform pulp,
express the juice ;  moisten the residuum with water and express again.
Unite the expressed  liquids, filter them,  and  evaporate  the filtered
liquid in the  vapour bath to  the consistence of firm extract, stirring
constantly towards the close," E.)   Dose, gr. ss., gradually increased
to gr. iij. or  gr. iv.  This  is the  preparation  generally employed to
dilate the pupil, for which  purpose  it is  applied round the eye; in
spasm of the  urethra preventing the introduction of an instrument, the
catheter has been smeared with extract of belladonna, but the benefit
derived from its use is doubtful.  It has been also  applied to the os
uteri in protracted labour caused by rigidity.—Emplastrum Belladonna,
D. L. E. [U. S.]  (" Inspissated juice of belladonna, §j. ; soap plaster,
§ij.; make a plaster," D.—"  Resin plaster, §iij.; extract of belladonna,
|iss. ; add the  extract to  the plaster, melted by the heat of a vapour
bath (with a gentle heat, E.), and mix them,"  L. E.  f_U. S-]  An ex-
cellent local application over the sacrum in dysmennorrhcea, and  for
the  relief of neuralgic and  other  pains.— Unguentum Belladonna;
 (Extract of  belladonna, 3'j-; axunge, §j. ;  mix).  In painful hemor-
 rhoidal affections, in chordee, in orchitis, and in neuralgia.—Succus
* Dublin Quarterly Journal of Medical Science, November, 1846. 
narcotics.                      207
Belladonna.   (Prepared by expressing the fresh leaves collected in the
beginning of July, setting aside the expressed juice for 48 hours, and
adding to the clear decanted liquor a fifth part of rectified spirit).  Dose,
min.  xx.  to  min.  xl. gradually increased.—Tinctura Belladonna,
Blacket.  (Extract of belladonna, 3x. ; proof spirit, f§xvj.; macerate
for 14 days,  and  strain).   Dose, min. ij. to min. iij.; f3i- added to
fgviij. of water has been used as a lotion.—Solution of Atropia, Wilde.
(Atropia,  gr. i. ;  dilute nitric acid, min. i.; rectified  spirit, min. iii-;
distilled water, f3i. ; mix).   A solution of this strength  is labelled No.
1 ; Nos. 2 and 3 contain  respectively two and three grains of atropia.
   In  poisoning with belladonna, stimulating emetics followed by active
cathartics should be employed, with cold applications to  the head ;  and
if coma be  present, ammonia should be administered,  and the usual
external stimulants applied.

   Cannabis Indica.—Indian hemp.  According to  the most recent
observations, it would appear that  the Indian hemp  is precisely identi-
cal in botanical characters with the common hemp of this country, the
Cannabis sativa; differing only in the secretion of a resin with which
it abounds, and which  is totally absent in the European kind.  It grows
in India, Persia and Africa ;  and  belongs to the Natural  family Urti-
cacea (Cannabinacea, Lindley), and to  the Linnaean class and order
Diacia Pentandria.

   Botanical Characters.—Annual, about 3 feet high; Stem branching,
pubescent,  angular;  Leaves,  alternate or  opposite, digitate, scabrous, on
long, weak petioles ; leaflets, linear, lanceolate, sharply serrated; Flowers,
dioecious, in axillary clusters;  Achenium, ovate, one-seeded.
   Preparation.—The dried plant and resin are both used; the former is cut
when the plant is in flower, and allowed to dry in the sun for three days,
care  being taken not to remove the resin"; it is called in India, Gunjah.
The  resin, which  is called Churrus, is collected in Central  India and in
Nipal  in  the following manner:—" Men clad in leathern dresses run
through the hemp fields, brushing through the plant with all possible violence;
the soft resin adheres  to the  leather, and is  subsequently scraped off, and
 kneaded into balls;  a finer kind is collected with the hand ; in some in-
stances the leathern attire is dispensed with, and the resin is gathered on the
skins of naked coolies," (O'Shaughnessy).

    Physical Properties.—Gunjah is  sold  in bundles about two feet
 long, and three  inches in diameter ;  it consists of the stems with the
 leaves and flowers accreted  together by the resinous exudation ; it is
 of a dusky green colour, and has an agreeable narcotic odour (as met
 with in this country, however, the odour is feeble),  and a bitter taste
 resembling  that of tobacco.  Churrus is a hard resin, of a blackish-
 grey colour, a fragrant narcotic odour, and a bitterish, acrid, slightly
 warm taste ; it  has  been as yet  imported only in small quantity into
 this  country.  The leaves and capsules without the  stalks are sold in
 India under the  name Bang, Subjee, or Sidhee;  they have been also
 imported into Britain, but their medicinal property is very feeble, they
 should not, therefore, be employed in the preparation of the extract or
 tincture.
    Chemical Properties.—The medicinal virtues of the Indian hemp
 are  due  to the  resin with which it  is covered, and which has  been
 named cannabin; this principle appears to be a peculiar resin developed 
208
NARCOTICS.
on the plant in warm climates only.  The herb contains also a small
quantity of volatile oil, which has not been examined.  The dried re-
sinous tops of the plant yield to alcohol about 20 per cent, of resinous
extract, which is of a dark reddish-brown colour ; has a rather fragrant,
narcotic  odour, resembling that of Canaster  tobacco;  and  a bitter,
somewhat acrid taste.  The churrus which has been brought  from
India, has an  odour and taste nearly similar to that of the well prepared
extract.
  Adulterations.—Several speoimens of the  extract of Indian hemp
which I  have met with, did  not  possess the peculiar odour or taste of
the extract as prepared under my own direction ;  whether this arose
from faulty preparation, or the substitution of some  other substance, I
cannot say.   The true extract is readily known by its peculiar odour
and taste.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Although the Indian hemp has been used
in Persia, throughout India, and in Africa, for many hundred years, for
producing inebriation, and also as a medicinal agent; it has been only
recently introduced into British medicine, through the exertions of Dr.
O'Shaughnessy, of Calcutta.  In its action on the system it is  decided-
ly narcotic, producing at first the effects of a powerful stimulant, which
if the dose taken be sufficiently large, are soon followed by those of a
direct  sedative.  The preparations of the  Indian hemp  have  been
chiefly employed in the treatment of neuralgic and painful affections;  in
most of which they have proved very beneficial.  Thus, they have  been
given in tetanus, hydrophobia, infantile convulsions, sciatica, chorea,
neuralgic pains, and chronic rheumatism ; they have been also used to
subdue sleeplessness or disturbed rest, provided it does not arise  from
inflammation in the head.  All who have tried the effects of this remedy
in the British Isles, have come to the conclusion, that the Indian hemp
must be given in much larger doses in this  country than in the East,
and on his return home this was acknowledged by Dr. O'Shaughnessy
himself.  The trials made with  it in the diseases above enumerated,
would seem to show, that the Cannabis Indica  may be often used with
benefit, as a  substitute for opium, in cases for which that drug is un-
suited  from idiosyncrasy or  any other cause ;  and also  that it  does
occasionally succeed in abating, sometimes in completely removing,
pain, where this agent totally fails us.  But the conclusion which an
impartial observer  must draw from  the numerous cases in which
Indian hemp was used as a remedy, which have been made public since
the first edition of this book, was published, is that it is an exceedingly
uncertain medicine, producing the most manifest narcotic symptoms in
some individuals, and in  others the very same preparation appearing
to be perfectly inert:  and my own experience of its use fully justifies
this conclusion.  It cannot therefore  be  regarded  as an  addition  of
much value to the Materia Medica.  In consequence of its stimulating
properties, the use of Indian hemp is contra-indicated in acute inflam-
matory diseases.                             «
  Dose  and  Mode of Administration.—The  preparations of this
drug, which are at present in use, are the resinous extract, and a  tinc-
ture ; they are prepared  as  follows:—Extractum  Cannabis.  (Take
of the dried flowering tops, rejecting the stems, any quantity ;  rectified
spirit a sufficiency ; boil the tops in  the spirit until all the resin is dis-
solved out; distil off the spirit with the heat of a vapour bath, so  as to 
NARCOTICS.
209
obtain an extract of a proper consistence).  Dose, gr. j., gradually in-
creased to gr. viij. or gr. x., until a tendency to coma is produced, its
effects being carefully watched,' gr. ss. to gr. iss. is the dose usually
given in the'East,  and this  quantity  frequently  produces  marked
symptoms.  It is best given in the  form of pill.—Tinctura  Cannabis,
(Extract of Indian  hemp, gr.'ij.; rectified  spirit,  f3i. ;  dissolve).
Dose, f3ss.  to f3ij. frequently repeated until the desired effect is pro-
duced.  This tincture is decomposed by  water,  the  resin being pre-
cipitated in  the form of a pale yellow powder.   It should be, therefore,
suspended in aqueous vehicles, by means  of mucilage, syrup, or  yolk
of egg.

  HYOSCYAMUS,  E.   HYOSCYAMUS NIGER,  FOLIA (ET  SEMINA, L.),
D.  L.   Henbane; the leaves (and  seeds,  L.) of Hyoscyamus niger.
An indigenous plant, belonging to the Natural family Solanacea, and
to the Linnaean class and order Pentandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Annual  or biennial; Stem, much  branched,
rounded; Leaves, subovate, amplexicaul, sinuated ; Flowers, nearly sessile,
dingy yellow with purplish  veins; Capsules, 2-celled, many-seeded, when
the seeds are ripe the upper  part falling off  like a lid ; the whole plant is
covered with unctuous  fetid hairs.
  Preparation—The leaves of the biennial  plant should be preferred; they
are to be gathered when the plant is in full flower, and  dried quickly at a
temperature  not above  120°.   The seeds are  contained only in the London
Pharmacopoeia ; they should be collected when fully ripe.

   Physical Properties.—Hyoscyamus leaves,  when carefully dried,
are of a greenish-yellow colour, have a clammy  feel, a fetid, narcotic
odour, and  a bitter nauseous taste;  in the fresh state, the odour and
taste are similar but more  powerful, and the colour is dull green. The
seeds  are  ovoid, compressed,  rough,  of a  brownish-yellow colour ;
they have a feeble narcotic odour,  and a  bitter, somewhat acrid taste.
   Chemical Properties.—Hyoscyamus leaves contain a narcotic-ex-
tractive soluble in water and alcohol, bitter extractive, gummy extrac-
tive, and salts of magnesia, (Lindbergson).   M. Brandes announced
the discovery of a vegetable alkaloid, which he named hyoscyamia, in
the leaves and seeds of the Hyoscyamus niger, but his statements have
not been confirmed by more recent experiments.   Runge has, however,
shewn that  this was owing to  the employment of a  caustic alkali to
separate it; and by using  magnesia for this purpose  he has obtained
vegetable alkalies from belladonna, henbane   and  stramonium, the
three of.which resemble each  other so closely, that there is reason for
believing that they are identical.  According to the analysis of Kirshoff,
the seeds consist of 28*3 per cent of volatile and narcotic matter, 15*6
per cent of fixed oil  with some  resin, 2*3 per cent of extractive, with
sugar, gum, lignin, albumen, and some salts.   The leaves and seeds
of the  henbane impart their virtues to water, alcohol, ether, and the
fixed and volatile oils.
   Adulterations.—The admixture  of any  other leaves  with those  of
the  Hyoscyamus niger may  be readily  detected by  their physical
properties.  The leaves lose much of their activity by keeping,  they
should  be therefore  gathered every year.   When  henbane is badly
preserved, the odour and taste is very feeble.
                                18* 
210
NARCOTICS.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Taken in large quantity, every part of
this plant acts as a powerful narcotic-acrid poison, producing delirium,
followed by sopor with marked dilatation of the pupil, which, if active
treatment be not immediately employed, is the precursor of death.   In
medicinal doses, its operation  is narcotic ; but it is distinguished from
most other medicines of this class by several peculiarities.  Thus, the
preliminary or stimulant stage of its operation, even when taken in
small doses frequently repeated,  is very  slight,  often not at all  dis-
cernible ; and in the second  stage  of its operation, it  causes  sleep,
rather by  lessening  excitability  and allaying pain, than by any  direct
action  on the nervous  system ;  under  its  continued use,  also, the
bowels are gently acted on, and do  not become constipated, as occurs
when opium is taken.  In consequence of these properties, hyoscyamus
is employed  with much advantage in many painful diseases  in which
from any circumstance the use of opium is objectionable.  It  is es-
pecially found beneficial, in sleeplessness,  or irritability, when the
symptoms of pyrexia, as hot skin, thirst,  delirium,  &c, are present;
in all forms of neuralgic and spasmodic affections where there is great
excitability of the nervous system, and in which the stimulating effects
of opium would prove injurious ;  in irritation of  the bronchial mucous
membrane causing cough ;  and  in  diseases  of the  urinary organs.
There are, however, many persons in  whom  hyoscyamus  produces
great excitement, head-ache, and even delirium ; and in such its use
should be  carefully avoided.   Given in  combination  with active ca-
thartics, it corrects their griping qualities without  diminishing  their
activity. Externally, fomentations  or cataplasms  of hyoscyamus are
employed to diminish pain in  glandular enlargements, painful ulcera-
tions, hemorrhoidal  affections, &c  The best preparation  for  this
purpose is the oil of hyoscyamus of the  Parisian Codex, the formula
for preparing which, will be found in the next paragraph.
  Dose and  Mode of Administration.—In powder  the  leaves may
be given in doses of gr.  v. to  gr. x. ; or  the seeds in doses of gr. iij.
to gr. viij. ; the following preparations,  however,  are generally  em-
ployed:—Extractum Hyoscyami, L. E.   [U. S.]  Succus  spissatus
Hyoscyami,  D.  (" Prepared in  the same manner as the similar pre-
paration of belladonna,"  D. L.—" To be prepared by any of the pro-
cesses directed for extract of  conium,"  E.).   [To be prepared in the
same manner as extract of Stramonium leaves, U. S.]  The continued
evaporation by heat to  which  this extract is subjected, when prepared
according to the formula of the Dublin and London Colleges, impairs'
its activity ; prepared according to the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia it is
much more powerful.  Dose, gr. v. to gr. xv.,  given in the form of
pill.—Tinctura  Hyoscyami, D.  L.  E.   [U. S.  (" Henbane leaves,
§iv.; diluted alcohol, Oij.  Macerate for 14 days, and  filter through
paper)].  (Hyoscyamus  leaves, dried (and in moderately fine powder,
E.), §v.;  proof spirit, ibij. (Oij. L.  E.) ; digest (macerate,  L.) for 7
(14,  L.) days, and strain.  " It is best prepared by the process of per-
colation, as directed for the tincture of capsicum," E.).   Dose, f3ss.
to f3ij.—Succus Hyoscyami,  (Fresh hyoscyamus leaves, any quantity;
express the juice  with a powerful  press, set aside for 48 hours, pour
off the clear supernatant liquor,  and add to it  a fifth part of rectified
spirit).  This is the best preparation of henbane.  Dose, min. xx. to
min. xl.—Oleum  Hyoscyami, P.   (Fresh  hyoscyamus leaves,  500 
NARCOTICS.
211
parts ; olive oil, 1000 parts ; bruise the hyoscyamus, mix with it the
oil, and heat over a very gentle fire until all the water is evaporated ;
then digest  for two hours,  and strain with expression).   Used only as
an external  application.
   Incompatibles.—The  vegetable  acids;  nitrate  of silver ;   and
acetate of lead.
   In poisoning with hyoscyamus, stimulating emetics, and the stomach
pump should  be  immediately  employed,  to be  followed by external
and  internal stimulants, and afterwards blood-letting.   Several cases
of poisoning with henbane have been published in the Italian Journals,
in which lemon-juice in  large  quantity proved  a complete  antidote.

   Lactucarium, L.  E.    [U.  S.]   Lactuca sativa,  herba,  D.
LactuCa  virosa, folia,  D.   Lactucarium.   Lettuce-opium.    The
inspissated  juice of Lactuca sativa,  L.   [U. S.]—of Lactua sativa
and Lactuca virosa, E.    The herb of Lactuca sativa,  and the leaves
of Lactuca  virosa, D.  Both these species of Lactuca  belong to the
Natural family Composita (Asteracea, Lindley,) and to the Linnaean
class and order Syngenesia Mqualis.  The former, though extensive-
ly cultivated in the British Isles, was originally introduced probably
from the East; the latter is indigenous.   Lactucarium may be  also
obtained from the Lactuca scariola and Lactuca sylvestris, and accord-
ing  to Aubergier the best  is procured from the Lactuca altissima.

   Botanical  Characters.—Lactuca sativa is an annual;  Stem,  erect,
smooth, cylindrical, branching above, 1-2 foot high; Leaves,  rounded, or
ovate, more  orless wrinkled, generally sheathing at the  base, of a pale green
colour • Flowers,  pale yellow, small, in terminal corombs.—Lactuca virosa
is a biennial;  Stem, erect, prickly, 3-4 foot high; Leaves, distant, patent,
oblong, toothed, two-eared, and amplexicaul at the base, their keel prickly ;
Flowers, small, yellow, in panicles.
   Preparation.—As soon as the flowering stem of either of 'these plants
shoots up, it abounds in a white  milky juice, which did not before exist ;
this juice, when dried spontaneously, constitutes lactucarium or lettuce-opium.
It is obtained by slicing off  the flowering head, before  the  flowers expand,
collecting the  milky juice which exudes, and removing a fresh slice ot the
stem as long as it yields any white juice. The recent investigations of Mr.
Duncan of Edinburgh, have shown  that the Lactuca  virosa  yields  three
times as much lactucarium  as the garden lettuce, and that its quality also is
superior.  The milky juice exists in the leaves as well as in the flowering
stem of the wild lettuce, in consequence of which they are the officinal, part
of the plant  in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia.

   Physical  Properties.—It  is met with in large, roundish,  rough
masses, of  an umber  brown colour;  it has a  narcotic  odour, which
closely resembles that of opium, and a disagreeable, bitter taste.
   Chemical  Properties.—Lactucarium consists of a peculiar neutral
bitter crystalline principle  (Lactucin,) mannite, asparagine, a  crys-
tallizable matter which  colours the persalts of iron green, an electro-
negative resin combined with potash, a simple  resin, wax, myricine,
ulmic acid, pectin, albumen, numerous salts, (Aubergier).  Of these
the Lactucin is the active principle, it appears  to  be  to lactucarium
what morphia is to opium ;  it  is slightly soluble in  cold but more so in
 boiling water, it is also  soluble in alcohol, but  is  insoluble in  ether.
 Bv heat lactucarium softens, and is partially fused  ; it is inflammable. 
212
NARCOTICS.
and burns with a white flame.   It yields its virtues partially to cold ot
boiling water, but more completely to alcohol.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Lactucarium,  in  its operation  on the
system, resembles opium in many respects, but  it produces scarcely
any excitement,  consequently  it may be  employed as a substitute for
that  drug in cases in which  a stimulant effect is objectionable.  It
is, however,  uncertain in its  operation,  and in many  persons even
when given in very large doses does not produce any effect.   It has
been principally employed as an anodyne in phthisis, but when its use
has been continued for even a comparatively short period, I have found
it to lose its powers of producing rest, although the quantity given was
much increased.   Lactucarium has been also employed as a narcotic
in febrile and inflammatory affections, in  rheumatism, in arthritis, and
in nervous disorders, where opium is contra-indicated from any cause.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. v.  to gr. xx.  in the
form of pill.—Tinctura Lactucarii, E.  (Lactucarium in fine powder,
§ij.; proof spirit,  Oj.; this tincture is best made by percolation as di-
rected for tincture of myrrh ;  but may also be prepared  by digestion
with coarse  powder of lactucarium).  Dose, f3i. to f3ij-  Every fluid-
drachm of  this tincture  contains  gr.  vj. of lactucarium.—Trochisci
Lactucarii, E.  (To be prepared with lactucarium, in  the  same pro-
portion, and in the same  way as opium lozenges).  Dose, 9i. to Qij.
daily.   Each lozenge of  ten grains contains  nearly  one-seventh of a
grain of lactucarium.—Extractum Lactuca, L.   (Fresh lettuce leaves,
ibj. ;  bruise them, sprinkled with a little  water,  in  a  stone  mortar;
then press out the juice,  and evaporate it unstrained, to a proper con-
sistence).  A bad preparation, sometimes substituted for lactucarium ;
from which it may be known  by its  greater compactness,  and very
feeble odour.  Dose, £)i.  to 3i-

  LUPULUS, L.  E.   HUMULUS  LUPULUS, STOBILI SICCATI,  D.  [Hu-
mulus, U. S.].  Hops.   The dried Strobiles  (Catkins, E.,) of Humu-
lus lupulus.  Scarcely indigenous, probably introduced from Holland ;
it  belongs to the  natural family Urticacea (Cannabinacea, Lindley,)
and to the Linnaean class and order Dicccia Pentandria.

   Botanical Characters—Stems,  long, weak, and climbing, scabrous;
Leaves,  petiolate, 3-5 lobed, serrated, veiny, rough ; Flowers, greenish-yel-
low.
  Preparation.—The  aggregated fruits, calkins or strobiles, when  dried,
constitute the hops of commerce ; they are gathered and picked in  Septem-
ber, and dried in kilns.

   Physical Properties.—Hops occur  in the  form of thin, papery,
greenish-yellow scales, variously veined, and  sprinkled with a golden-
yellow powder; they have a peculiar aromatic odour, and an aromatic,
very bitter taste.
   Chemical Properties.—The principal virtue of hops is due to the
yellow powder which has been called lupulin, it constitutes about a
sixth  part of good hops, and  may  be  readily obtained  in a  separate
state  by rubbing and sifting.   The  scales are composed of astringent
matter,  inert colouring matter, chlorophylle, gum, lignin, and salts  of
potash and lime, with some adhering lupulin, (Payen and Chevallier.)
Lupulin is in the form of a coarse yellow powder, of a cellular texture; 
narcotics.                       213
 it consists of 2 per cent, of volatile oil, 10-3 of bitter principle (lupu-
 lite,) 50 to 55 of resin, 32 of lignin, &c.  Hops and lupulin yield their
 active properties to both water and alcohol.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Much difference of opinion exists as to
 the  therapeutical  properties of hops ; they are generally stated to be
 narcotic, but from the experiments made with them by Magendie  and
 others on animals, it would  appear that this  effect is not manifested,
 when they are given internally, no matter how large the dose.  Never-
 theless, the inhalation  of the  aroma  of hops acts decidedly narcotic,
 frequently producing sleep in the restlessness and watchfulness of ma-
 nia and  other nervous affections, when opium and other narcotics have
 completely failed.   To produce this  effect, a pillow stuffed  with hops
 is generally employed.   The solution of the bitter principle of the hop
 in malt liquors serves to  make them  keep  better, and also confers on
 them aromatic and tonic properties.
   Dose and Mode of  Administration.—Lupulin, gr. vj. to gr.  xij.
 in powder or pill;  if the hop possesses any narcotic property, it mus t
 be concentrated in this substance, as in it alone is centred all the  aro-
 ma.—Extractum Humuli, D.  Extractum  Lupuli, L. E. (" Prepared
 as the simpler extracts," D.   "As  the extract of Logwood," E.—
 " Hops, ibss. ; boiling distilled water, cong. ij.; macerate for 24 hours :
 then boil down to a gallon, and strain the liquor while yet hot; lastly,
 evaporate  to a proper  consistence," L.).   Dose, gr. v. to gr.  xx.—
 Infusum Lupuli, L.    (Hops, 3vj* 5 boiling distilled water, Oj. ;  ma-
 cerate for four hours  in a vessel lightly  covered  and strain.)   A  mild
 bitter, very feebly, if at all narcotic.    Dose, f§j.  to f§ij.—Tinctura
 Humuli, D.,  [U.  S.]   Tinctura Lupuli,   L.   E.    (" Hops,  §v.
 (gvj. L. ;) [§v.  U. S.] proof spirit, ibij. (Oij. [U. S.] L. ;)  macerate
 for 14 days (frequently shaking D.,) and strain."  D.  L.—"Take any
 convenient quantity  of hops recently dried, separate  by friction and
 sifting the yellowish-brown powder attached to their scales; then take,
 of this powder, §i. ; and of rectified  spirit, f§viij.; and prepare the
 tincture by percolation or digestion as directed for tincture of Capsi-
 cum, E.)  [" Tinctura Lupulina, U.  S.   Take of Lupulin, §iv.; al-
 cohol Oij.; macerate for 14 days and filter through paper."—U.  S.]
 Dose, f3ss.  to f3ij.
   Incompatibles.—Mineral acids ; and the salts of iron, lead, mercu-
 ry, and silver.

   Morphia, L. [U. S.]—Morphia.  A peculiar principle on which the
 medicinal activity of opium chiefly depends.

   Preparation.—Lond.— " Hydrochlorate of morphia, §i.;  solution of am-
 monia, f3v. ;  distilled water, Oj. ; add  the  hydrochlorate of morphia,  first
 dissolved in the pint of water,  to the solution of ammonia with an ounce of
 water, shaking them together; wash what  is  thrown down with distilled
 water, and dry with a gentle  heat."  [U. S.  Opium, sliced, ibj.; distilled
 water, alcohol each, q. s.  Solution of ammonia, f§vi.   Macerate the opium
 with Oiv. of distilled water for 24 hours, and having worked it with the hand,
 digest for 24 hours, and strain. In like manner macerate the residue twice suc-
 cessively with distilled waterand strain.  Mix the infusions, evaporate to  Ovj.
and  filter; then add first Ov. of alcohol,  and afterwards fgiij. of the solution
 of  ammonia, previously mixed with Oss. of alcohol.   After 24 hours, pour
 in the remainder of the solution of ammonia,  mixed, as before, with Oss.  of
 alcohol;  and set the liquor aside for 24 hours,  that crystals may form.   To 
214                        narcotics.
purify these, boil them with Oij. of alcohol until they are dissolved, filter the
solution, while hot, through animal charcoal, and set it aside to crystallize.]

  Physical Properties.—Thus obtained, morphia is  in  the form of
a white crystalline powder, the crystals being  very minute ; but by so-
lution in boiling alcohol and slow evaporation, they  may be obtained
much larger ; their primary form is the right rhombic prism.   They
are inodorous, but have a sensibly bitter taste.
  Chemical Properties.—It cqnsists of C35 H20  O6 N.  It is per-
manent in the air, it  is fused  by heat, and  by  a high temperature it is
decomposed.  It is inflammable, burning with  a bright flame and a pe-
culiar odour, and leaving a  carbonaceous residuum.   It requires 1000
parts of water to dissolve it, the solution possessing an alkaline  action ;
it is scarcely soluble in ether, but dissolves in 40 times its weight of
cold and in 30 times its weight of boiling alcohol; it is very soluble in
solution of caustic potash, soda, or lime water, and but feebly so in am-
monia.  The best characteristic of morphia and  its salts, is the pro-
perty which they possess of striking a deep blue colour with the solu-
tion of a per-salt of iron made as nearly neutral as possible.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Morphia, on account of its insolubility
is  not used  in  medicine ;  its therapeutical effects, therefore, will be
more conveniently considered when treating of the muriate of morphia,
the most frequently employed of its  salts.  The dose of the pure alka-
loid would be from one-fourth to one-half of a grain in the form of pill.


  MoRPHiiE acetas,  D. E.  [U. S.]   Acetate of Morphia.

   Preparation.—Lond.—" Morphia,  3VJ- ; acetic acid f3iij-;  distilled
water, f§iv.; mix the acid with the water, and pour them upon the morphia
to saturation.  Let the liquor evaporate with a gentle heat that crystals may
be formed."  Edin.—" Muriate of morphia, any convenient quantity.  Dis-
solve it in 14 times its weight of warm water;  and when the solution is cool,
add Aqua ammoniae gradually, and with constant agitation, until there is
a permanent but  faint  odour of ammonia in the fluid.  Collect the  precipi-
tate on a calico  filter,  wash it  moderately with cold water, and dissolve it
by means of a slight excess of pyroligneous acid in 12 parts of warm water
for  every part of muriate of morphia  that was used.   Concentrate the so-
lution over the vapour bath and set it aside to crystallize.  Drain and squeeze
the crystals, and dry them with a gentle heat.   More  acetate of morphia
may be obtained on concentrating the mother-liquor."  [U. S. " Morphia, in
powder, freed from narcotina by boiling with sulphuric  ether, §i.;  distilled
water, Oss.; acetic acid, q. s.  Mix the morphia with the water; then carelully
drop in the acid, constantly stirring, until the  morphia is saturated  and dis-
solved.  Evaporate the solution, by means of a water-bath, to the consistence of
syrup.  Lastly, dry the acetate with a gentle heat and rub it into powder."]

  Physical Properties.—As  usually met with, acetate of morphia
is a greyish-white powder, sometimes obscurely crystalline ; when pure,
however, it  is snow white and in  distinct crystals.  It is inodorous,
but when moistened  emits a feeble odour of acetic acid ; its taste is
intensely bitter.
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed of one eq.  of acetic acid
and one of morphia.  Exposed to the air it loses a portion of its  acid,
and is then partially insoluble in water ; it is decomposed by heat, and
dissipated without any residuum.    Acetate of morphia is very soluble 
NARCOTICS.
215
in water and in alcohol.   When the base is not completely saturated
with acid, its solution in water may be readily accomplished by adding
a few dr« ps of acetic acid.
  Adulterations.—When the salt is properly prepared, it is of a snow-
white colour, and readily  soluble in water.   The following test of the
Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia which indicates the exact  quantity of mor-
phia that ought to be present, guards against the adulteration with any
other white powder :—" One hundred measures of a  solution  of gr. x.
in fgss. of  water, and min. v. of acetic acid, heated  near  to 212°, and
decomposed by a faint excess of  ammonia, yield by agitation a preci-
pitate which in 24 hours  occupies 155 measures of the liquid."
  Therapetical Effects.—The uses and dose  of this  preparation
are precisely similar to those of the muriate to be  next described ; the
latter salt should  be always  preferred, as it is more easily prepared,
keeps better, and is generally more pure.
   Incompatibles.—The stronger acids; the alkalies, and  alkaline
earths;  most earthy and  metallic salts ; and  astringent vegetable in-
fusions and decoctions.

   Morphle murias, E. [U.  S.]  Morphije hydrochloras, L.   Mu-
riate of Morphia; Hydrochlorate of Morphia.

   Preparation.—Lond.—Take of opium, sliced, ibj.; crystals of chloride
of lead, §ij., or a sufficiency; purified animal charcoal, giiiss. ; hydrochlo-
ric acid ; distilled water ;  solution of ammonia, each, as much as may  be
sufficient;  macerate the opium in Oiv. of distilled water for  30 hours, and
bruise it; afterwards digest it for 20 hours more and press it.   Macerate
what remains again and a  third time in water, that it may become free from
taste, and as often bruise and press it.   Evaporate the mixed liquors, with a
heat of 140°, to the  consistence of a syrup.   Then  add Oiij. of distilled
water, and when the impurities have subsided pour off the supernatant liquor.
 Gradually add to this §ij. of chloride of lead, or as much as may be sufficient,
 first dissolved in Oiv. of boiling distilled water, till nothing further is preci-
 pitated.  Pour off the liquor and wash what remains frequently with distilled
 water.  Then evaporate the mixed liquors as before, with a gentle heat, that
 crystals may be formed.   Press these  in a cloth, then dissolve them in a
 pint of distilled water, and digest  with giss. of animal charcoal, in a heat o(
 120°, and strain.   Lastly, the  charcoal  being thoroughly washed,  evaporate
 the liquors cautiously that pure crystals maybe  produced.   To  the liquor
 poured off from the crystals first separated, previously mixed with a pint of
 water, gradually drop in as much solution of ammonia, frequently shaking
 it, as may be sufficient to precipitate all the morphia.  To this washed with
 distilled water, add hydrochloric acid that it may be saturated ; afterwards
 digest it withgij.of animal charcoal,  and strain.    Lastly, the animal
 charcoal being thoroughlv washed, evaporate the liquors cautiously, that
 pure  crystals  may be  produced."—Edin.—" Take   of opium,  §xx. ;
 water, Oviij.; muriate of lime, §i., or  a slight  excess;  macerate  the
 opium in  fragments  for  24  hours in  Oij. of the water ; and separate
 the  infusion,  squeezing  well  the  residue.   Repeat  the maceration
 successively with (Iij. more of the water, till the whole is  made use  of.
 Concentrate the whole infusions over the vapour-bath.   Decant the clear
 liquid, and add the muriate* of lime dissolved in f§iv.  of water.    Set  the
 whole aside to settle ; pour off the liquid; wash the sediment with  a little
 water, adding the washings to the liquid.  Evaporate the liquor sufficiently
 in the vapour-bath for it to solidify on cooling.  Subject the  cooled mass to
 very strong pressure in a doth; redissolve the cake in a sufficiency of warm
 distilled water; add a little fine powder of marble, and filter; acidulate  the 
216                      NARCOTICS.
filtered fluid  with  a very little  muriatic acid; and concentrate a second
time in the vapour-bath for crystallization.  Subject the  crystals again" to
very strong pressure in a cloth.  Repeat the process of solution, clarification
by marble and muriatic acid, concentration and crystallization, until a snow-
white mass be obtained.—On  the small scale trouble and loss are saved by
decolorizing the solution of muriate of morphia by means of a little purified
animal charcoal after two crystallizations.  But on the large scale it is better
to purify the salt by repeated crystallizations alone, and to treat  all the ex-
pressed fluids, except the first,  in the same way with the  original  solution
of impure muriate of morphia.  An additional quantity of salt  may often
be got  from the first dark and resinous fluid obtained by expression, on mere-
ly allowing it to remain at rest for a few months, when a little muriate of
morphia may be  deposited in  an impure  condition.—The opium which
yields  the largest precipitate by carbonate of soda, according to  the formu-
la for testing opium, will yield muriate of morphia,  not only in the greatest
proportion, but likewise with the fewest crystallizations." [U. S. " Morphia, in
powder,  §j.; distilled water, Oss.; Muriatic acid, q. s.  Mix the morphia
with the  water;  then carefully drop in the acid, constantly stirring, till the
morphia is  saturated  and dissolved.  Evaporate the solution by means of a
water  bath, so that it may crystallize  upon cooling.   Dry the chrystals
upon bibulous paper."]

  Physical  Properties.—Muriate  of morphia is usually met with in
Ihe form of  a fine,  soft snow-white  powder, but  it may be readily  ob-
tained  in feathery, acicular crystals.  It is without  odour, but has an
intensely bitter, peculiar  taste.
   Chemical Properties.—It  is  composed  of one  eq. of muriatic
acid, one of morphia, and (in the crystalline state) six of water of crys-
tallization.   It is  permanent in the air, is  fusible  by  heat, and by a red
heat is decomposed and totally  dissipated.   Muriate of morphia re-
quires  for its solution from 14 to 20 parts  of cold water, but  is soluble
in less than its own weight of boiling water ; it is also readily dissolv-
ed by  alcohol.
  Adulterations.—The only impurities which are at present commonly
met with in this salt, are colouring matter and moisture, both of which
arise from  faulty preparation.    The tests of the Edin.  Phar. guard
against these contaminations, as  well as against  the adulteration with
any similar white powder.—"  Snow-white ; entirely soluble ; solution
colourless  ; loss of weight at 212 ° not above 13 per cent.; one hun-
dred measures of a  solution  of gr. x. in f§ss. of water, heated near to
212° , and decomposed with agitation by a faint excess of  ammonia,
yield a precipitate which  in 24 hours occupies  12'5 measures of the
liquid."
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Notwithstanding  the  observations of
many,  that morphia  is free from  the  stimulating effects of opium,  and
that it  acts purely as an anodyne sedative  ; it would  appear that it pos-
sesses  essentially, though  perhaps not quite identically, the  actions of
the drug itself.   Thus, given in small doses its first effect is to cause
a feeling of excitement of the  circulation, and  in some persons of the
nervous  system  also ; the  stage  of excitement, however, is never so
distinctly marked  as when opium has been taken, and sedative effects
are more immediately consequent on it.   Morphia and its salts will, in
some persons, but not so frequently as opium, produce the disagree-
able subsequent feelings of nausea and head-ache  caused by that drug  ;
but constipation, sweating, or dryness of the tongue, very rarely follow
their employment.  There are two  effects produced by morphia  and 
NARCOTICS,
217
 its salts, when taken in medicinal doses,  which do not seem to be
 caused by  opium, namely, a  peculiar sensation of itchiness over the
 whole surface  of the body, in some cases even attended by a cutaneous
 eruption ; and  irritability of the bladder, accompanied with a difficulty
 in  voiding the urine; the latter symptom  is most distinctly marked
 when any of the salts of morphia have been taken in full doses.  The
 salts of morphia may be employed  in most instances to fulfil the same
 intentions as opium and its preparations, and which will be fully con-
 sidered in the  next article.   We  prefer their  use  to that of opium,
 where  from any  cause we wish  to  employ that  drug without the
 knowledge  of our patient; or  where our  intentions will be best an-
 swered by applying the  remedy to  the  denuded  dermis, as  in
 certain local affections especially those of a nervous character.  The
 insertion of a few drops of a concentrated solution of muriate of  mor-
 phia in creasote or  in  water, into  the areolar tissue over the  seat of
 the pain, has been latterly practised with much success in the treat-
 ment of sciatica, tic doloureux and various neuralgic pains; an instru-
 ment for the purpose has been invented by Dr.  Rynd of this city, and
 is manufactured by Messrs.  Weiss  of  London, but it  may be  done
. nearly  as effectually by means of a common lancet.   Like opium, the
 salts of morphia lose their effect  by repetition, and consequently the
 dose must be gradually increased.
   Dose and  Mode of  Administration.—The dose  of the muriate
 or acetate of morphia is  from gr. { to gr. ss.;  after they have  been
 employed for any length of time, so large a dose as gr.  viij. to gr. x.
 will be required to act as a  narcotic.   When  applied  endermically,
 the cuticle  is to be removed by  means of a blister, and gr. j. to gr. ij.,
 sprinkled over the denuded dermis.  The salts of morphia may  be also
 introduced  into the system by inoculation  with a lancet dipped in
 their aqueous solution;  the punctures may be  made on the anterior
 part of the forearm, and the fourth of a grain thus introduced  will be
 generally found to produce  sleep.—Morphia  Muriatis solutio,  E.
 (Muriate of morphia,  3iss* '■> rectified spirit,  f§v.; distilled  water,
 f§xv. ;  mix the spirit and the water,  and dissolve  the  muriate of
 morphia in  the mixture with the aid of a gentle heat).   The strength
 of this  preparation is intended to be equivalent  to tincture of opium ;
 f§i. contains gr. ivss. of muriate of morphia.  Dose, min. xx. to  min.
 xl.—Trochisci Morphia, E.  (Muriate  of morphia, £)j. ;  tincture of
 tolu, §ss.; pure sugar, gxxv. ; dissolve  the muriate of  morphia in a
 little hot water, mix it and the tincture  of tolu with  the  sugar,  and
 with a sufficiency of mucilage form a proper mass for making lozenges,
 each of which  should weigh about fifteen grains).   Each lozenge con-
 tains a  little more than a fortieth of  a  grain of muriate of morphia.
 Principally  used to allay tickling cough  in chronic pectoral affections.
 Dose, Na x. to xij.  daily.—Trochisci  Morphia et Ipecacuanha,  E.
 (Muriate of morphia, 9i.; ipecacuan, in fine powder,  3i- ^tincture of
 tolu, fgss. ;  pure sugar, gxxv.; proceed as for morphia lozenges).
 Dose and uses the same.  In addition to the morphia,  each lozenge
 contains about a fourteenth of a grain of ipecacuanha.
   Incompatibles.—Alkalies,  and alkaline  earths ; most  earthy  and
 metallic salts ; and astringent vegetable infusions and decoctions.

   MorphijE sulphas.   [U. S.J   Sulphate of Morphia.   This salt of
                               19 
218
NARCOTICS.
morphia is not often used in medicine in this country, but it  bears a
high character in America, and is officinal in the pharmacopoeia of the
United States.   It may  be readily  prepared by mixing morphia in
powder  with distilled  water and carefully  adding diluted  sulphuric
acid till the morphia is saturated and dissolved.   It occurs in snow-
white  feathery crystals which are completely soluble  in  water.   It is
composed of 1 eq. of morphia, 1 of sulphuric  acid, and 6 of water
of crystallization.  The dose is the same as that of the muriate,  over
which it does not appear to possess any  advantage.


  [" Liquor Morphle Sulphatis.   Take of sulphate of morphiaj" gr.
viij.; distilled water, Oss.  Dissolve the sulphate of  morphia in  the
water," U. S-]                                                      )


  Opium, D. L. E.—Opium.  Concrete juice from  the unripe  cap-
sules of Papaver somniferum.  Probably  originally a native of Asia,
Egypt, and the South of  Europe, but now growing wild and exten-
sively  cultivated in most parts of  the world ;  it belongs to the  Natural
family Papaveracea, and to the Linnaean class and  order Polyandria
Monogynia.

  Botanical  Characters.—Annual;  Stem, erect,  cylindrical, branched,
glaucous green, 2-6 feet high ; Leaves, amplexicaul, alternate, undulated,
incised, ovato-oblong, glaucous beneath; Flowers, large, terminal, pendulous
before  expansions, with two deciduous sepals,  and four petals, generally
white with a purple eye,  some varieties  red  or  dark-purple; Capsules,
obovate or globose, smooth, many-seeded ; Seeds, small, roundish  or  reni-
form, oily.
  Preparation.—Opium is obtained from the capsules of the poppy by a
nearly  similar process in all parts of the world in which it is prepared:—
A few  days after the petals fall off, incisions are made  horizontally and
obliquely with some sharp instrument, through the epicarp and sarcocarpof
the capsule, taking care not to penetrate the cavity.   A white milky juice
exudes in drops, which  is allowed to remain on the poppy  head for 24
hours.   It is then scraped off, and deposited in earthen or wooden vessels,
in which it is assiduously stirred until the  different  collections made are
thoroughly inspissated, water being sometimes added to keep up the moist-
ure.  The opium is finally  dried without heat, first in small cakes,  after-
wards in large masses, and in most places wrapped in poppy leaves to pre-
vent them from adhering.

  Physical Properties.—The opium met with  most commonly,  at
present almost entirely, in British commerce, is called Turkey Opium,
and is  principally brought from Smyrna, a small  quantity occasionally
coming direct from Constantinople.  Smyrna Opium occurs in irregu-
larly rounded lumps, varying in weight from a few ounces to two  or
even three pounds, the most general size being from  a  pound and a
half to two pounds.   When first imported it is usually so soft  as  to be
readily imprinted with the fingers,  but  it quickly becomes  hard by
keeping.  Each  lump is  covered externally  with the  reddish  winged
seeds  of some species of Rumex,  and  sometimes also  with poppy
leaves; it is of a brownish colour, and  has a waxy lustre when  cut;
its odour is strong and narcotic, and its taste bitter, acrid, and nauseous. 
NARCOTICS.
219
Constantinople Opium occurs in small flattened cakes covered with
a poppy leaf, but without any Rumex seeds.  It is hard, and of a hair-
brown colour ; its odour and taste are more feeble than the preceding
sort.  Egyptian Opium  is also sometimes met with in  the British
market, but within these last few years, it has been very scarce.   It
occurs in flattened round  cakes, from 3 to 8  ounces in weight, each
cake, being wrapped up in a poppy leaf, with the midrib of which it is
indented ; it varies much in consistency, some pieces  being very soft
and others tolerably hard ; but most of it attracts moisture from the
air so as to become soft by keeping.  It has a reddish brown colour ;
its odour and taste are comparatively  feeble.   East Indian Opium is
not an article  of British commerce, being prepared  chiefly for the
Chinese  market.  For specimens of the different sorts usually pre-
pared, I am indebted to the kindness of Professor Christison of Edin-
burgh, and to my friend Mr.  Johnson,  late assistant opium inspector
at the great factory of Behar.  Three kinds are commonly met with ;
Bengal Opium,  which includes that prepared at the factories of Behar
and Benares, Garden Patna and Malwah opium.   Bengal Opium is
met with in large round balls  from three to four pounds weight, sur-
rounded  with a thick  envelope  of leaves firmly agglutinated together.
The contained opium  is quite soft and of a blackish colour ; its odour
and taste are purely opiate ;  it  is now scarcely ever  prepared,  being
superseded by the two following sorts, and specimens  of it are conse-
quently very rare.  Garden  Patna Opium occurs in flat square cakes
from three to four inches square,.and about half an inch thick ;  while
still soft, it is  closely  enveloped in thin plates  of mica, which firmly
adhere to it.   It has a reddish-brown colour, homogeneous throughout,
and a rather agreeable strongly opiate  odour.  Malwah Opium is  in
flattened round cakes, five or six inches in diameter ; it  is hard and
brittle, covered externally with a coarse  greyish dust, internally it is
of a light brown colour, and has a shining fracture ; its odour is much
more feeble than that of Garden Patna opium.  Opium was also for-
merly prepared  in  England  of very  fine quality, but owing  to  the
losses which were sustained  from the uncertainty  of  our climate, the
cultivation of the poppy with that intention is now quite abandoned.
It is at present prepared in some parts of France, and of Germany,
for the purpose  of procuring morphia  from it.  A variety of opium
under the  name of Persian  opium, is  described as having been im-
ported some years since from Trebizond on the Black Sea ; it was in
cylindrical sticks about  six inches long, and half an inch in diameter,
wrapped separately in paper; it was of a pale brown colour, had  an
opiate, somewhat musty odour, and an  intensely  bitter. taste ; it ap-
peared to be a very inferior  article.   Opium has been also recently
imported into  France from the neighbourhood of Algiers; it is de-
scribed as resembling closely  the best specimens  of  Smyrna opium;
and the cultivation of the poppy there  for the purpose of supplying
France with opium, is at present in contemplation.   Of the different
varieties of opium above deseribed,  the  finer  qualities of Turkey
opium should  be preferred for medical  purposes.
   Chemical  Properties.—According to the most recent, as well as
the most complete analyses,  that have  been made of opium, the sub-
stances of which it is composed appear to be the following:—Morphia,
codeia, narcotina, thebaina or paramorphia, narcein, meconin, meconic
t 
220
NARCOTICS.
acid, sulphuric acid, gum., albumen, resin, fixed oil, a trace of volatile
oil (its odorous principle), lignin, caoutchouc,  extractive matter, and
numerous salts of inorganic bases.  The first seven are peculiar prin-
ciples found only in opium ; they may be conveniently classed as fol-
lows, with respect both to their chemical and physiological properties :—
Substances.                   Medicinal Property.
                         1.—Alkaloids.

Morphia (C**5 H2° 06 N)------Narcotic.
Codeia (C35 H2° 0'5  N)-------Narcotic.
Narcotina  (C48 H-t4  O15 N)----Bitter; resembling Quina.
Thebaina(C25 H14 O3 N)------Stimulant;resembling Strychnia.

                         2.—Neutrals.

Narcein (C28 H20 O12 N)-----Inert.
Meconin (C10 H5 04)---------Inert.

                           3.—Acid.

Meconic Acid (C14 H O11)------'Inert.
  The constituents of opium are partially soluble in water,  either
warm or cold, about a  third being left  undissolved, which consists
chiefly of a dark viscid substance resembling caoutchouc, and narcotin ;
it is more soluble in alcohol and ether, but a small portion is still left
undissolved.   The watery infusion is of a dark brown colour, and has
an  acid  reaction.   It is precipitated by the alkalies, and  alkaline
earths when not added in excess; by the soluble salts of iron  and of
lead, by the salts of lime and magnesia, by tincture of galls, and by all
astringent vegetable  matters.   Of  the  different substances  above
enumerated as existing  in opium, the only one of importance in rela-
tion to  medicine  is morphia,  which has been  before described ;  it
exists in opium combined with meconic and sulphuric acids.  Codeia
has been used in France by  Magendie and others as a narcotic ; it  is
about half the strength of morphia.  Narcotina was originally general-
ly  believed to be the stimulating principle of  opium ; but more  recent
investigations, especially those of Dr.   O'Shaughnessy  of Calcutta,
have shewn that it is completely devoid of any stimulant or  narcotic
properties, and that like quina, it is capable of arresting the paroxysms
of remittent and intermittent  fevers ; more than 160  cases of ague
successfully treated with narcotina by himself and  others, have been
recently published  by that  physician.   Thebaina,  from  Magendie's
experiments,  appears to  be a powerful poison,  one grain  injected into
the jugular vein or placed in the pleura,  acts  like strychnia, causing
tetanus  and death in a few  minutes.  Meconic acid produces a deep
cherry-red colour with the persalts of iron ; and this  forms the most
important characteristic of opium in medico-legal researches.
  Adulterations.—Opium  is very extensively adulterated, and also 
narcotics.                       221
  varies exceedingly in quality, in consequence of the mode in which it
  is prepared.  Many of the impurities which exist in opium may be de-
  tected  by a careful  physical  examination ; such  as  moisture, sand,
  stones, leaves, woody fibre, pieces of metal, seeds, &c.  But by exter-
  nal characters, it is very difficult to judge accurately of the qualitj^of
  opium, and the only sure criterion is to ascertain  the quantity of
  morphia contained in a given specimen of the drug.  This can only be
  done accurately by proceeding  according  to either of the processes
  given for the preparation of  muriate of morphia.  " A pound of good
  opium thus treated, should yield at least ten per cent of snow-white
  salt," (Christison).   The  following test for the goodness of opium
  given in  the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, is intended  to  indicate  the
  quantity of morphia, narcotina, and resinous extractive contained ;  but
  it is difficult of application, and at best can be only a doubtful criterion
  of quality :  " A solution from  100 grains of fine opium macerated 24
  hours in  f§ij. of water, filtered and strongly squeezed  in a cloth, if
  treated with a cold solution of §ss. of carbonate of soda in two waters,
  yields a precipitate which weighs when  dry at least  ten grains,  and
  dissolves entirely in solution of oxalic acid."  The following process
  proposed  by M. Payen is one easy of  execution and sufficiently accu-
  rate for most pharmaceutical purposes:—3viss. of  opium are cut into
  very thin slices and left to macerate for 24 hours in f§v. of pure water ;
  then triturated in a mortar till the hydrated matter becomes clear, when
  the most  finely divided  parts which the  liquid holds in suspension are
  decanted  on a filter.   Water  is added to the residue which is again
  triturated, and the  whole poured on the same filter and washed in the
'  distilled water until  the  liquor passes through colourless.  Recently
  slaked lime is added in excess  to the filtered solution, and the mixture
  boiled for five minutes andfiltered.  To the  filtered solution sufficient
  pure muriatic acid is added to  saturate the lime and combine with the
  morphia.   The  morphia is precipitated by  ammonia, collected on a
  filter and washed ; it is then dissolved in rectified spirit and crystallized,
  and  the crystals washed in the ether  to remove the narcotina.  The
  residue, which is tolerably pure morphia, is washed  and dried and then
  weighed.   Good opium thus  treated yields from 4 to 5 per cent.
    Therapeutical  Effects.—In excessive doses, opium is a powerful
  narcotic poison, producing giddiness and stupor with scarcely any pre-
  vious excitement, soon  ataftit is taken ; the stupor increases rapidly,
  accompanied with complete^orpor, slowness of breathing, depressed
  circulation,  general relaxation  of the muscles, contracted pupils, and
  unless active treatment  be speedily employed, death  quickly ensues.
  In medicinal doses, opium generally produces at first excitement of the
  vascular system, which is accompanied with exhilaration of. the nervous
  functions; these effects are marked by an increase in the force and fre-
  quency of the pulse, with increased heat of the body, and by the pleasu-
  rable sensations which are experienced throughout the whole system.
  Soon after,  unless the dose be repeated, the sedative  influence  of jthe
  drug  becomes obvious ; the general  excitement is  calmed, pain is
  fiminished,  a disinclination to  muscumr exertion  produced, and  the
  force of external impressions on the*WRses  diminished ;  this state is
  succeeded by sleep more or less profound, which  lasts  usually from
 six to eight hours.  On awaking from  the sleep produced by opium,
 hausea, head-ache, loss of appetite, and indisposition to any  active 
222                       NARCOTICS.
exertion are very generally experienced.  The effects of opium are
modified by a variety of circumstances, but most remarkably of all, by
habit.  This is well exemplified by a reference to the customs of some
Eastern countries, as  Turkey, Persia and China, where the drug is
commonly employed to produce a species of intoxication or excitement.
In the two  former countries  the  opium  is  eaten, in  the  latter it is
smoked, but in either way the  quantity used must be increased daily
or it ceases to produce the desired  effect.   Instances of opium-eating
occur also constantly in the British  Islands; and a graphic account of
the effects produced by its pernicious habit as experienced by himself,
is given by Mr. De Quincy in his Confessions of an English Opium-
eater.  Amongst  the  Turks, the  Theriaci  (opium-eaters) generally
begin with doses of from one to two or three grains, and increase the
quantity gradually till  it amounts to two, three, or in many instances
to six drachms.  In this country, also, it is  taken in immense quanti-
ties by opium-eaters, f§iij. of laudanum being a common daily allow-
ance, and  in some instances, where the vice  has  been long indulged
in, half a  pint to a pint is the quantity taken.  These facts should be
borne in mind by  the  medical practitioner,  as  opium-eaters  when
labouring under disease require of course very large doses of the drug;
and in all individuals,  where the use of opium has been continued for
any length of time, the  dose must  be gradually increased.   We also
occasionally meet with individuals on whom, although unaccustomed
to its use, opium produces but little effect.   Christison mentions an in-
stance of " a gentleman of his acquaintance, who, though not accus-
tomed to  its use, has  taken 450 drops of the best laudanum without
any other effect than some head-ache and constipation ;  and singularly
enough, his son at the age of six, took 60 minims of solution of muriate
of morphia without any apparent effect."   In others, we- see a very
opposite state of sensibility to the  operation' of this drug, the sixth or
eighth of a grain being a sufficient dose ; this extreme sensibility to the
action of opium is always met with, in infants and young children ; we
should therefore employ opiates with great caution in the treatment of
their diseases, one drop of laudanum  frequently proving a  dangerous
dose to a child a few weeks old.  The effects of opium are  also much
influenced by disease, as will be evident when we come to speak of the
special uses of the drug.   Lastly, by combination with other remedies
the operation of opium  is greatly modifia^  Thus, with antimonials,
e-ripecacuanha, its narcotic influence is nPrch diminished, and the dia-
pB«etic powers of these substances remarkably increased ; with astrin-
gents, as catechu, kino, or chalk, their powers are augmented without
the production of narcotism ;  and with aromatics  or camphor, the
stimulant effect of the drug is in general only manifested.  [See Prof.
J. B. Becjc, on Infant Therapeutics~\.
   The special uses of  opium in the treatment of disease are so very
numerous, that we can only subjoin a  concise account of the most im-
portant of them ;  mentioning the peculiar  circumstances by which its
employment is demanded, or  contra-indicated.  In fevers, opium is
principally used to procure sle&-> where there is great watchfulness or
delirium present, without exc^rCTiient of the vascular system, or where
they continue, after that excitement has been subdued by antiphlogistic
treatment. Its use, however, must be attended with great caution, and
should not be persisted in, if the tongue and  skin become dry, or if the
pupil of the eye be contracted.   The combination of tartar emetic with 
NARCOTICS.                       223
opium, as first proposed by Dr. Graves of this city, will be often found
particularly useful in fevers attended with much cerebral disturbance.
In the eruptive fevers, opium when given with due  attention to the
concomitant symptoms is productive of much benefit, nay, is sometimes
imperatively demanded for the safety of the patient; about the eighth.
or ninth day of the eruption in small-pox, great cerebral disturbance
frequently comes on, at first marked by throbbing of the carotids;  if
opium be not  administered  immediately on  the  appearance of this
symptom, it is quickly followed by delirium, coma, and death.  In in-
termittent fever, opium given in a large dose at the commencement  of
the cold  stage frequently arrests  the paroxysm ; if there be any local
inflammation or congestion present, its use is contra-indicated.   In
inflammatory diseases, given in conjunction  with calomel, it  acts as a
powerful antiphlogistic ; one grain of opium  with two or three of calo-
mel administered every four or five hours, will be often found a remedy
of much  power in the inflammations of membranous parts ;  it does not,
however, prove so  useful in the  inflammation of the parenchymatous
structure of organs.  In  diffuse inflammation, particularly that fatal
form of it, which is accompanied with periostitis, opium  proves  more
successful than any other remedy which has been employed ;  it is best
given alone in doses of from a quarter of a grain to half a grain every
hour or  every second hour.   Its  beneficial  influence in this affection
depends  upon its power of lessening " irritability," and thereby enabling
the system to bear  up against the disease.  After a copious bleeding,
at the very commencement of an acute attack of gastritis, enteritis,
peritonitis, cystitis, &c, a full opiate, 60 to 80 drops of the tincture,  or
from 2 to 3  grains of solid opium, will often arrest the  further progress
of the disease.  In peritonitis caused  by rupture of the stomach  or
intestinal canal, life can only be  prolonged for even a short period by
the use of very large doses of opium.   In rupture of the uterus, given
immediately and freely, opium has in  some  instances  saved the life  of
the patient; in the  treatment of uterine hemorrhage it  also proves very
beneficial, even when the  bleeding proceeds  from organic disease.   In
acute rheumatism, when given as first proposed by Dr. Corrigan, it is
productive of the happiest results ; to prove useful in this disease, it
must, however, be administered freely, one grain at first every second
hour, and after a few doses every hour, and  this treatment continued
for five or six days, or until the disease is subdued ; thus given, it does
not cause either dryness of the tongue, head-ache, or constipation ; the
duration  of the attack is shortened ;  and the dangerous complications
of endocarditis a.sd pericarditis to a great extent prevented.  In the
early stages of acute dysentery, opium given in full and frequently re-
peated doses will be found in general to check the disease ; the same
may be also stated of diarrhoea, and common cholera.  To allay the
pain of gout and chronic rheumatism, it is  given in full doses with much
advantage.  In delirium tremens, opium is the remedy on which most
reliance  is to be placed ; to prove beneficial, it should be employed  in
very large doses frequently repeated, thus two or three grains of solid
opium must be  administered every third or fourth hour.  The addition
of tartar-emetic to the opium  as proposed  by Professor  Law of this
city, will be generally found productive of benefit in cases of delirium
tremens where opium alone fails to do good.  It is more beneficial  in
hydrophobia and tetanus than any other agent which has been yet 
224
NARCOTICS.
 employed ;  in these diseases there is a remarkable insensibility to the
 action of the drug, so that it must be given in enormous  doses to pro-
 cure any good result.  In spasmodic and convulsive diseases, opium is
 also a  highly important remedy; as in spasm of the ureter, or gall
 duct from the passage of  calculi, in spasmodic stricture, in colic, &c.
 In all the varieties of neuralgia or other painful affections ;  in the ner-
 vous irritability which follows large losses of blood ; in senile gangrene ;
 in cancer ;  in painful ulcerations ; in poisoning with acrid or corrosive
 substances, &c, opium  is very generally employed as a palliative and
 anodyne.  It has been also  found a most useful adjunct to animal diet
 in the treatment of diabetes.   And lastly in venereal diseases it is com-
 bined with mercurials to prevent them from running off by the bowels.
 Externally opium is used in  the form of infusion, liniment or plaster;
 the uses of the two latter will be described amongst the pharmaceutical
 preparations of the drug.  The infusion is applied to recent burns, or
 inflammations of the skin from other  causes ;  a solution of gr. xij. each
 of powdered opium, and of acetate of lead, infused separately in f§iv.
 of tepid water and mixed and filtered, forms an excellent lotion in these
 cases, and also in erythema  and  erysipelas.   In chronic ophthalmia, or
 where the inflammation is of a subacute character from the commence-
 ment, the wine of opium  dropped into the eye is found an excellent
 remedy.  Suppositories of  opium are introduced into the rectum in
 tenesmus and in painful or spasmodic affections of  the  neighbouring
 viscera.
  Dose and Mode  of Administration.—In powder, gr.  ss. to gr. iij.
 or gr. iv. usually given in the form of pill, which may be  made with
 simple mucilage, or, if  they are to be kept  for  any time, conserve of
 roses.—Extractum Opii aquosum, D.  Extractum Opii purificatum, L.
 Extractum Opii, E. ("Opium, sliced, §ij. ;  boiling water, by measure
 ibj.; triturate the opium  with the water  for 10 minutes, and after a
 short interval pour off the liquor; triturate the residual opium with an
 equal  quantity of boiling water, and for the same time, pouring off the
 liquor as before ; repeat the process a third time ; mix the liquors, and
 expose the mixture to the air for two days in an open vessel.   Lastly,
 strain through linen, and prepare an extract with slow evaporation," D.
 —" Opium, sliced, §xx. ; boiling distilled water, cong. j.; Add a little
 water to the opium, and macerate for 12 hours, that it may soften ; then
 the remaining water being poured in gradually, rub them  until they are
 very well mixed, and set  by that the dregs may subside; afterwards
 strain the liquor, and evaporate to a proper consistence, L.—" Opium,
 ibj. ; water, Ov.; cut the  opium into small fragments, macerate it for
 24 hours in a pint of water,  break down the fragments with the hand,
 express the liquid with pretty strong pressure;  break down the residuum
 again  in another pint of water, let it macerate for 24 hours, and express
 the liquid; repeat the maceration and expression in the  same way till
 the water is all used.  Filter the successive infusions as they are made,
passing them through the same filter ; unite and  evaporate them in the
vapour-bath to the proper consistence," E.).   Avery bad preparation,
 and one which should be expunged from the pharmacopoeias;  during
the prolonged evaporation, the morphia forms a very insoluble compound
with the resinoid matter of  the opium, which must of course tend to
lessen the activity  of the drug.  It is administered in the same doses
as the powder.-—Pilula  Opii  sive Thebaica, E.  (Opium, 1 part;  sul- 
NARCOTICS.                        225
phate of potash, 3 parts;  conserve of red roses, 1 part;  beat them into
a proper mass, and divide into five grain pills). [" Pilula Opii.  Opium,
in powder, 3i- ;  soap, gr. xij. ; beat them with water so as to form  a
mass, to be divided into sixty pills," U.  S.]  Each pill contains gr. j.
of opium.   Dose, one to three pills.   The sulphate of potash is merely
used as a mechanical agent, to divide the opium.—Pilula Saponis cum
 Opio, D.  Pilula  Saponis composita, L. [II. S.]   (Turkey (hard, L.)
opium (powdered, L.), §ss.; hard soap, §ij.;  beat them  together  until
they are incorporated).   Five grains contain one grain of opium. Dose,
gr.  iij. to  gr. x.—Pilula  e Styrace, D.  Pilula  Slyracis, E.   Pilula
 Styracis composita, L.   (Storax (purified, L. the  extract, E.), 3»j*  (2
parts, E.) ;  opium  (Turkey, D. hard, in powder, L.) ; saffron, of each,
3i. (1 part, E.) ; beat them into a uniform mass ; " and divide into four
grain pills," E.).   Every five  (four, E.) grains  contain one grain  of
opium.   The storax and saffron completely conceal the odour and taste
of the opium, and the name enables us to  prescribe that drug without
the knowledge of our patient.—Confectio Opii, D. L. [U. S.]   Electua-
rium Opii, E.   ("  Hard opium, powdered, 3vj. ; long pepper, |i.; gin-
ger, gij. ; caroway seeds, §iij.; tragacanth, powdered, 3ii. ; syrup, ibi.
(fgxvi., L.)," D. L.  " Rub the opium with the syrup previously heated ;
then add the other ingredients in powder, and mix," D.   " Rub the dry
ingredients together to  a very fine powder, and keep it in a close vessel;
and whenever the confection is to be used, add the syrup made  hot, and
mix," L.—" Aromatic powdei, |vj.; seneka, in fine powder, giij.; opium,
diffused  in a little sherry, §ss.;  syrup of ginger, ibj. ; mix them to-
gether, and  beat  them into an electuary," E.).   [Opium, in  powder,
3ivs8. ; aromatic powder, §vj. ; clarified honey, §xiv.   Rub the opium
with the aromatic powder ; then add the honey, and beat them together
until thoroughly mixed," U. S.J   About 25 grains  (26 grains, L. [U. S.]
43  grains, E.) contain gr. j. of opium.  It is an aromatic and anodyne
compound, chiefly used as  an addition  to  chalk  mixture in diarrhoea.
Dose, gr. x. to 3j.—Trochisci Opii, E.   (Opium, 3ij. ; tincture of tolu,
§ss. ; syrup, f§viij. ;  powder of gum arabic ; and extract of liquorice,
softened with boiling water, of each, §v.;  reduce the opium to a fluid
extract by the formula  for Extractum Opii, mix it intimately with the
liquorice previously reduced to the consistence of treacle; add the tinc-
ture, sprinkle the  gum  and  sugar into the mixture, and beat  it into a
proper mass, which is to be divided into lozenges often grains). Seven
lozenges contain about gr. j. of opium ; they are  principally employed
to allay troublesome cough.—[" Trochisci Glycirrhiza et Opii.   Opium,
in powder, §ss. ;  liquorice, in poxvder, sugar, in powder, gum arabic, in
powder, each, §x.; oil  of  anise,  f5ij.  Mix the  powders  intimately;
then add the oil  of anise, and with water form  them into a mass, to be
divided  into  troches, each weighing gr. vj," U.  S.]—Tinctura Opii,
D. L. E. [U. S.]   (" Turkey (hard, L.) opium, powdered (coarsely, D.),
3x. (§iij. L.) [5iiss. U. S.] ;  proof spirit, by measure ibj. (Oij. L. [U.S.]) ;
macerate for 14  days and filter," D. L. [U. S.]—" Opium, sliced, §iij. ;
rectified spirit, Oj. f§vij. ; water, fgxiiiss. ; digest the opium in the water
at a temperature near 212° for two hours, break down the opium  with
the hand, strain  and express the infusion, macerate the residuum in the
spirit for about  20 hours, and  then strain  and express very strongly,
mix the watery and spirituous infusions and filter.    This  tincture is not
bo easily obtained by percolation, but when the opium is of fine quality,
it* may be  prepared thus: slice  the opium finely, mix  the spirit and 
226                        NARCOTICS.
water, let the opium macerate in f5xiv. of the mixture for 12 hours and
then break it down thoroughly with the hand, pour the whole fluid and
pulpy mass into a  percolator, and let the fluid  part pass through, add
the rest of the spirit without  packing the opium in the cylinder, and
continue the process till Oij. are obtained, E.).  The tincture of opium,
laudanum, of the  three pharmacopoeias is about the same strength;
according  to  Christison, min.  xiiiss., or  about 25  drops, contain the
active part of one grain of  opium.  It  is the most generally employed
of the preparations of opium, the  spirituous  menstruum dissolving all
the active principles of the drug, and  enabling us to apportion our doses
with great accuracy.   Dose, min. x. to min. xxx.—Tinctura Opii Cam-
phorata, D. E. [U. S.]«— Tinctura  Camphora composita, L.—Paregoric
elixir.  (" Turkey  (hard, L.)  opium,  powdered ; benzoic acid, of each,
3j. (gr. lxxij. L.) ;  camphor, 9ij. 0iiss. L.) ; oil of  anise,  f3i. ; proof
spirit, by measure ibij.  (Oij.  L. [U. S.]) ;  [clarified  honey,  §ij. U. S.l;
macerate for 14 days and filter," D. L—" Opium  sliced ; and benzoic
acid, of each, £)iv.; camphor, £)iiss.; anise-oil,  f3j.; proof spirit, Oij.;
digest for seven days and filter," E.).  The name adopted by the London
College for this  preparation is the most convenient, as it enables us to
prescribe opium without the knowledge of our patient;  it also serves to
distinguish it better from the simple tincture, and thus prevent errors in
dispensing.  According to Christison, the active matter of one grain of
opium is contained in 267 minims  or about 500 drops of the preparation
of the Dublin and London Pharmacopoeias, and  in 240 minims or about
450 drops of that of Edinburgh.  It is very much employed as an anodyne
in pectoral affections unaccompanied with inflammation.  Dose, f3j. to
f3iij.—[" Tinctura Opii Acetata, U. S.  Take of opium, §ij. ; vinegar,
f§xij.; alcohol,  Oss.   Rub  the opium with  the vinegar; then add the
alcohol, and having macerated for 14 days,  express and filter through
paper."]—Acetum  Opii, D. E. [U. S.]  (Opium (Turkey, D.), |iv.; dis-
tilled vinegar, ibj. (f§x. E.); triturate the  opium (cut into small frag-
ments, E.), into a pulp with a little of the vinegar, then add  the remain-
der of the vinegar, macerate  in  a close vessel for 7  days, frequently
agitating,  then  pour off the  supernatant liquor (strain and express
strongly, E.), and filter).  [" Opium,  in coarse powder, §viij.;  nutmeg,
in coarse powder, §iss.; saffron, §ss.; sugar, §xij. ; distilled vinegar, a
sufficient quantity.   Digest the opium, nutmeg, and saffron, with a pint
and a half of distilled  vinegar, on  a  sand bath, with a gentle heat, for
48 hours, and strain.  Digest the  residue with an equal quantity of dis-
tilled vinegar, in the same manner for 24 hours.  Then put the whole
into an apparatus for displacement, and return  the  filtered  liquor as it
passes, until it  comes  away  quite clear.     When  the filtration  shall
have ceased, pour distilled vinegar gradually  upon the materials remain-
ing in the instrument, until the whole quantity  of filtered liquor equals
Oiij.  Lastly, add  the sugar, and  by means of  a water bath, evaporate
to Oiij. f|iv.  Diluted acetic acid  may be substituted for distilled vine-
gar.  U.S.]  This preparation of opium is preferred by many to lauda-
num, as being less apt to occasion the disagreeable subsequent effects
of the drug.   According to  Montgomery, twenty drops are equivalent
to thirty of the  common tincture of opium.   Dose, min. viij. to min. xxv.
—Tinctura Opii Ammoniata, E.  (Benzoic  acid ; and saffron, chopped,
of each, 3''j. ;  opium, sliced, 3'j-; anise-oil, 3ss.; spirit of ammonia,
Oj. ;  digest 7 days and filter).  This preparation is called  in Scotland,
 Scotch Paregoric; it  is used  as an  anodyne and antispasmodic.  The 
NARCOTICS.
227
active matter of one grain of opium is contained in 80 minims or about
150 drops (Christison).  Dose,  f3ss. to f3ij.— Vinum Opii, D. L. E.
  EU. S.]  (Opium (purified extract of opium, L), |j. (giiss. L, §iij. E.)
  §ij. U. S.] ; cinnamon, bruised  (in moderately fine powder, E.) ;  and
cloves bruised, of each, 3j. (3iiss. L. E.); sherry wine, Ibj. (Oij. L. E.)
[Oj. U. S.]; macerate  (digest, E.), for 8 (14, L. [U. S.] 7, E.) days and
filter).  This preparation is more agreeable both  in smell and taste than
laudanum ; it is, however, seldom employed internally, being chiefly used
as an application to the eye in chronic ophthalmia.  The active matter
of one grain  of opium is contained in min. xvij. of the Dublin wine, in a
trifle more of the Edinburgh, and in min. x.  of the London.   Dose, for
internal  use, min. x. to f3j.—Enema Opii, D. L. E.  (" Tincture of
opium, 3i-;  tepid water, §vi.; mix," D.—" Decoction of starch, f§iv.;
tincture  of opium, min. xxx. ; mix," L.—" Starch, 3ss. ;  tincture of
opium, f3ss.  to f3i-;  water, f§ij. ; boil the starch in the water, and when
it is cool enough for use add the tincture of opium," E.)  Used as an
anodyne  in  irritable states of the bowels ; the bulk of the Dublin pre-
paration is too great, as the smaller quantity of fluid is less likely to be
expelled ; starch is also a better  vehicle  than water.  On the Continent
it is generally stated that opium acts  much more energetically when
administered in the form of enema, than when given by the mouth ; but
the contrary opinion is held  by British practitioners, who generally em-
ploy three or four times the quantity when administered by the rectum.
—Linimentum  Opii,  L,  E.—Linimentum  Saponis  cum   Opio,  D.
(" Soap  liniment, by measure 4  parts  (fgvi. L) ; tincture of opium, 3
parts (fgij. L.) ; mix," D. L,—" Castile  soap, §vj.;  opium, §iss.;  cam-
phor, §iij. ;  oil of rosemary, f3vj.; rectified spirit, Oij. ;  macerate the
soap and  opium in  the spirit for three days, filter, add the oil and  cam-
phor and  agitate briskly," E.); Anodyne liniment, used as an embroca-
tion in rheumatic  pains, neuralgia, &c.—Emplastrum Opii, D. L. E.
[U. S.]  (Opium (hard, L.), in powder, §ss. [§ij. U.  S.] ;  burgundy
pitch (resin of the spruce fir, L.), |iij. ;  litharge  (lead, L.) plaster, ibi.;
(water, f§viij. L.); [boiling water, fgiv.  U. S] ;  " melt the plaster, add
the  pitch and  opium  by degrees and  mix  them thoroughly," D.  E.
" Add the resin, opium and water to the  melted plaster, and with a slow
fire, boil down until  all  unite into a proper consistence," L.).   [Melt
together the lead plaster and burgundy pitch ; then add the opium pre-
viously mixed with the water, and boil  them over a gentle fire to the
proper consistence," U. S.]   This plaster  contains  about  a thirtieth
part of opium, [two-fifteenths, U. S.]   It is used as an anodyne applica-
tion in local  pains.—Black drop, (Opium, sliced, ibss. ;  expressed juice
of the wild  crab, Oiij. ; nutmegs, bruised, §iss.; saffron. §ss. ; boil to
a proper consistence, then add, of pure sugar, §iv. ;  yeast, two spoons-
fu 1; set the  whole in a warm place near the fire for six or eight weeks,
then place it  in the open air until it becomes a syrup ; and lastly, decant,
filter, and bottle  it, adding a little sugar to each bottle).  This prepara-
tion  resembles the officinal Acetum Opii; it is highly prized by many
practitioners, and is  said not to produce the disagreeable subsequent
effects of most of the other preparations of the drug.  It is more  than
twice  the strength  of  laudanum.—Liquor  Opii Sedativus,  Cooley.
(Dry opium,  in powder, 1 part;  clear washed sand, 2 parts ; mix and
moisten with water;  put the mass  into a percolator and pass distilled
water, heated to 70° F. through the ingredients till it passes both taste-
less and colourless.  Evaporate  the  liquor over the water-bath to the 
228
NARCOTICS.
consistence of a hard pill extract.   Take of this extract, |iij. ; distilled
water, f§xxx. ;  boil for two minutes, let it cool and filter ; then add of
rectified spirit, f§vj., and  distilled water, a sufficiency to make up Oij.).
It is about the same strength as laudanum, than which it is said to be
less stimulating
  Incompatibles.—The alkalies, and lime water, unless they are added
in excess ; the carbonates of the alkalies ; acetate and diacetate of lead ;
sulphates  of iron, copper, and zinc;  arsenite of potash;  corrosive
sublimate  ; and all astringent vegetable preparations.
  In cases of poisoning with opium, we should immediately have  re-
course to the use of the stomach  pump and  stimulating emetics; to
external stimulants, such as cold affusion, loud talking, compelled exer-
tion as forcing the patient to walk between two assistants, the applica-
tion of ammonia or strong acetic acid to the  nostrils, &c ;  to internal
stimulants, the  best of which are brandy, ammonia and its  carbonate,
strong coffee, camphor and musk ; and if all other remedies fail, arti-
ficial respiration  and galvanic shocks should be  had recourse  to,  the
assiduous  application of which, has in some  almost  hopeless cases
restored life; in one instance on record, artificial respiration was kept
up for nearly three hours.

  Papaver, L. E. [U. S.j   Papaver somniferum, capsule mature,
D.   Poppy-heads.   The ripe (not quite ripe, E.) capsules of Papaver
somniferum.  This plant has been  described in  the last article;  the
heads are  most active when gathered before they are ripe as directed
by the Edinburgh College ;  they are dried in the  sun.
  Physical  Properties.—They are  globular, about  the  size of an
apple, crowned  with the persistent, many rayed stigma; their structure
is thin and  fragile ; they have  a  feeble  narcotic odour, and a weak
somewhat bitter taste.   They contain many bland seeds, which yield
by expression a yellowish fixed oil.
  Chemical Properties.—Poppy-heads contain a very minute propor-
tion of the different substances found in opium, with a large quantity
of woody  fibre.   They yield their virtues to boiling water.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—Any medicinal virtues which poppy-
heads possess,  depend  on the presence of a small quantity of opium,
consequently they are apt to vary much in strength.  They are chiefly
used in the form  of decoction as a fomentation to inflamed or painful
parts.  The following officinal preparations are sometimes used inter-
nally as substitutes for opium.—Extractum Papaveris, L. E.  (Poppy-
heads without  seeds (bruised, L.), §xv. ;  boiling  water (distilled, L.),
cong. j.; macerate for 24 hours, then boil  down to 4 pints, strain  the
liquor (while hot, L ), and  evaporate (in the vapour bath, E.), to  the
due consistence).  Its effects are somewhat similar to those of opium;
it is  but  rarely used.   Dose, gr. ij. to gr. xx.—Syrupus  Papaveris
(somniferi, D.), D. L. E.  (Poppy-heads (without the  seeds, E.,  and
bruised, D.), §xvij. (ibiij. L., ibiss. E.) ; boiling water, cong. ij. (cong.
v. L., Oxv. E.).  " Macerate for 24 hours in the water, then boil down
to cong. j. in a warm bath and express strongly, reduce the strained
liquor to Ibij., and strain while hot.   Set aside for  12 hours that the
feces may subside, boil  down the clear liquor to ibj. and make into a
syrup," D.   "  Boil down the capsules in the water to cong.  ij.  and
press strongly; boil down the strained liquor again to Oiv., and strain 
NARCOTICS.
229
while hot, set it by for 12 hours that the dregs  may subside, then boil
down the clear liquor to Oij.; add ibv. of sugar and dissolve it," L.
" Slice  the  poppy-heads  and infuse them for  12 hours in the water,
boil  down to  Ov.,  strain  and express strongly through calico ;  boil
again to Oiss., then add ibiij. of sugar, and dissolve  it with the aid of
heat," E.).   Syrup of poppies is  usually employed  as a narcotic  in
infantile diseases;  it  should be administered to infants and  children
with great caution, as Dr. Montgomery states  that in more than one
instance a teaspoonful has proved fatal to  a healthy infant; this care
is particularly requisite, as a preparation made  by adding laudanum to
simple syrup is frequently substituted for  the  true syrup.  Dose, for
infants and children, f3ss. to f5ij. ;  for adults, f§ss. to f§j.—Decoctum
Papaveris, D. L. E   (Poppy-heads sliced,  §iv. ; water, by measure
ibij.  (Oiv. L., Oiij. E.) ; boil for a quarter of an  hour and strain).   For
external use only.

  Rhoeas, L.  Rhoeados petala, E.  Papaver rhoeas, petala,  D.
The petals of Papaver rhoeas, the Red or Corn-poppy.   Indigenous ;
belonging to the Natural family Papaveracea, and  to the  Linnaean
class and order Polyandria  Monogynia.

   Botanical  Characters.—•slender  annual,  2-3  feet  high; Stem,
bristly, many flowered, its bristles and those of the  flower stalks spreading ;
Leaves, pinnatified  ; Flowers, with  broad, deep  scarlet petals; Capsules
glabrous, nearly globose.

  Properties.—The  petals should be  collected immediately after
their expansion as they drop off easily ;  they should be dried quickly,
so as to preserve their colour.   In the recent state,  red poppy petals
are  of a rich  scarlet colour, which becomes darker by  drying; they
have a feeble  odour of opium, and a slightly  bitter taste.   They con-
sist  of  vegetable  albumen,  red colouring matter, astringent matter,
soft  resin, wax, gum, and some salts, (Beetz  and Ludurg).  It is
probable that  they also contain a trace of morphia.   They yield their
colouring matter and other principles to boiling water.
  Therapeutical Effects.—The petals of the red poppy  probably
possess some  feeble narcotic  properties,  but they are only used  in
medicine in the form of syrup, as colouring ingredients, in  consequence
of their fine rich colour.—Syrupus Papaveris Rhaadis, D.—Syrupus
Rhoeados,  L.  E.  ("Fresh  petals of the  red poppy,  ibj.; boiling
water, by measure  §xx.;  add the petals gradually to  the boiling water,
remove the  vessel  from the fire, and macerate with a low heat for 12
hours, then  express the liquor and set  it  aside  that the  dregs  may
subside ; finally, add  sugar and form  a  syrup,"  D.—" Red poppy
(petals), ibj. ; boiling water, Oj.;  pure sugar,  ibiiss.; add the petals
gradually to the water heated in a water-bath, stirring occasionally ;
then the vessel being removed from the bath,  macerate for 12 hours,
then (strain, E.) press out the liquor, and  (when the dregs have sub-
sided, L.), add the sugar  and  dissolve it," L. E.).  This syrup does
not keep well.

   Stramonium, E.   Datura stramonium, herba, semina, D.  Stra-
monii folia  et semina, L.   [U.  S.]    Stramonium.  Thorn-apple.
                               20 
230                        narcotics.
 The herb, E.—The herb and seeds, D.—The leaves and seeds, L.—
 of Datura stramonium.  Indigenous; belonging to the Natural family
 Solanacea, and to the Linnaean class and order Pentandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A herbaceous annual; Stem, much branched,
 forked,  spreading,  leafy;  Leaves,  ovate, angulato-sinuate,  glabrous;
 Flowers, axillary,  large, erect,  white;  Fruit, an  ovate capsule,  erect,
clothed with numerous nearly equal spines, 4 celled at the base, 2 celled at
 the summit, many seeded.
  Preparation.—The whole herb should be collected when the plant is in
flower, and carefully dried as quickly as possible with a gentle neat.  The
leaves should be removed from the stem and branches which are  to be re-
jected.   The seeds when fully ripe are black, and should be then  gathered.

  Physical Properties.—As usually  met with,  the dried  herb is
 chopped into small pieces ; it is of a greenish-white colour, and has a
feeble narcotic  odour (which in the  fresh state  is strong and heavy),
 and a bitter nauseous taste.  The seeds are small, kidney-shaped and
rough ; when bruised they have the same  odour as  the herb; their
 taste is nauseous and bitter.
  Chemical  Properties.—The seeds contain  fixed  oil, wax, resin,
 extractive, gummy  matter, malic acid, some  salts, and a  peculiar
 alkaloid, first discovered by Brandes, and named by him Daluria, but
 which has been since shown by Runge  to  be identical  with  Atropia
 (see pages 205  and 209).   It is on  this principle  that the medicinal
 properties of stramonium depends ;  it exists also in the leaves.  Both
 herb and seeds yield their virtues to water  and to alcohol;  but their
 activity is much impaired by long boiling, as in preparing the watery
 extract.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Stramonium leaves and seeds acts as
 powerful narcotics, in  large doses proving fatal with all the symptoms
 of narcotic poisoning.  In medicinal doses, as might be expected from
 the identity of their active principles,  they produce effects  nearly
 similar to those of belladonna and henbane, and have been consequent-
 ly used with  the  same intention in the treatment  of  disease.  In
 neuralgic affections as  tic douloureux and sciatica, in chronic  rheuma-
tism, and in all forms of chronic disease attended with acute pain, ad-
ministered in small  doses frequently repeated until  its narcotic in-
 fluence is manifested, stramonium is a remedy of great power, lessening
 almost immediately sensibility and pain.  The inhalation of the vapour
of the cut herb when  burned,  is frequently found of  much service in
 the treatment of spasmodic asthma; it is used with a  common pipe in
the same way as tobacco, or in the form of cigar prepared by rolling
the leaf.  The  smoking of stramonium, however, should  be employed
 with great caution, and used only in very small quantities at  a time,
 as in many instances it  has produced dangerous symptoms;  and it
should never be prescribed for  very  old  persons,  or  in  cases where
there is a tendency to apoplexy or to paralysis.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Of the  powder of the  herb
or leaves, gr. j. to  gr. iv. ;  of the seeds, gr. -J.  to gr. j., gradually in-
creased until some obvious effect is produced.   For  smoking, gr.  x.
to gr. xx. of the chopped herb may  be used, but the patient should be
directed to allow an  interval of at  least three  minutes  to intervene
between each inhalation of the smoke, whether  a common pipe  or a
stramonium ciger be  employed ; and the effects caused by it  must be 
                            narcotics.                      231

carefully watched.—Extractum Stramonii, D. L. E.   ["Extractum
Stramonii foliorum.   Stramonium leaves, ibj.  Bruise them in a
stone mortar, sprinkling on them a little  water; then express the
juice, and having heated it to the boiling point,  strain  and evaporate
to the proper consistence, U. S.]   (" Stramonium seeds, ibj. (§xv.:L.) ;
boiling (distilled, L.) water, cong. j.;  digest  (macerate, L.) 'for 4
hours in a vessel lightly covered  (near the fire, L.), then take out the
seeds, bruise them  in an  earthen  mortar,  and  when  bruised  return
them to the liquor;  then boil down to ibiv. (Oiv.  L.); strain the liquor
(while  hot, L.), and evaporate  to a  proper consistence," D. L.—
11 Take of stramonium seeds any convenient quantity, grind them well
in a coffee  mill, rub the powder into a  thick mass with proof spirit,
put  the pulp  into a  percolater and transmit proof spirit till  it passes
colourless ;  distil off the  spirit and evaporate  what  remains in the
vapour bath to a proper consistence," E.).—[" Extractum Stramonii
Seminis.  Stramonium seeds ground into  powder, ibj. ; diluted alco-
hol, q. s.  Having rubbed the powder with Oss.  of diluted alcohol, in-
troduce the mixture into an apparatus for displacement, and pour upon
it gradually diluted  alcohol, till the liquid  passes  colourless.  Distil
off the alcohol from the filtered liquid, and evaporate  the residue  to
the proper consistence."  U. ST.  This extract  is best prepared ac-
cording to the directions of the* Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, being more
certain as well as more active.   Dose, gr. \., gradually increased.—
Tinctura  Stramonii, U. S.  (Stramonium seeds, bruised, §iv.  ; proof
spirit, gxxxij.;   macerate  for  14  days, express, and filter  through
paper.  This tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening
the stramonium  seed, in powder, with  diluted alcohol,  allowing it  to
stand for 28 hours,  then transferring it to an  apparatus for displace-
ment, and gradually pouring upon it diluted alcohol until two  pints of
filtered liquid are obtained.)  An  excellent preparation. . Dose, min.
x. to min. xxx.
   Incompatibles.—The mineral acids; caustic  alkalies ;  and the
salts of iron, lead, mercury, and silver.
   In poisoning with stramonium, the same  treatment  should  be  em-
ployed as in poisoning with belladonna.

   Toxicodendron,   L.   Rhus  toxicodendron, folia, D.   Sumach
or Poison-oak leaves ; The leaves of Rhus  toxicodendron.  A native
of North  America; belonging  to the  Natural  family  Anacardiacea,
and to the Linnaean class and order Pentandria  Trigynia.
   Botanical Characters.—A small shrub  ; Stems, numerous, branching;
Leaves, pinnate,  trifoliate ;  Flowers, greenish-white.
   Physical Properties.—The leaves  and branches in the recent
state abound in an acrid milky juice which becomes black on exposure
to the air; so acrid is this juice that even the  emanations from  the
shrub will  in some  persons produce  heat, redness,  and  sometimes
erysipelatous inflammation, if they are exposed to its influence.   In
the dry state, the leaves have no odour; they have a weak, somewhat
acrid taste.
   Chemical Properties.—No  chemical analysis  has been  made  of
this plant, the milky juice  probably contains a volatile narcotic-acrid
principle.   In the dry state, the usual tests indicate the presence  of
tannin, gallic  acid,  and resinous extractive. 
232
REFRIGERANTS.
  Therapeutical Effects.—In large doses toxicodendron acts as a
narcotico-acrid poison.  It has not been much employed in medicine,
as the leaves are nearly inert in the dry state,  owing to the volatility
of their active principle.   They were at one time much vaunted as a
remedy for paralysis, particularly paraplegia, in cases where  the dis-
ease was supposed to depend  on a torpid condition of the nerves.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Of  the  powdered leaves,
gr. j. to gr.  v., three  or four  times  a  day.—Tinctura  Toxicodendri,
(Toxicodendron leaves,  §j. ;  rectified  spirit,  f§xij. ; distilled water,
fgiv. ; mix, digest for six days and filter).  Dose, f3ss. to  f3j.  three
times daily.
                       CHAPTER  XVI.

                       REFRIGERANTS.

                          (Temperants).

  Refrigerants are medicines calculated to diminish the heat  of the
body when morbidly increased, and to produce  a sensation of coolness.
Actual experiment has proved that such substances  when taken into
the stomach, although they cause a  sensation of cold over the  whole
body, do not really diminish the temperature ; consequently it has been
hitherto  found impossible  to  explain  satisfactorily the phenomena
which follow their internal use.   Applied  externally in the form of
cooling, or evaporating lotions to inflamed parts, their mode of opera-
tion is readily understood,  the temperature of the part to which they
are applied being actually lowered.   The principal use of refrigerants
in the practice of medicine, is in the treatment of febrile and inflam-
matory affections, in which the benefit they produce appears to depend
on the fact,  that  their direct  action on  the stomach occasions sym-
pathetically a transient reduction in the force of the circulation.  During
their administration also, irritability is allayed, and the morbid  sensa-
tions of heat, thirst, and nausea are diminished.
  Acetosella, L.  Woodsorrell.  Herb of Oxalis acetosella.  An in-
digenous plant ; belonging to the Natural family Oxalidacea, and to
the Linnaean class and order Decandria Pentagynia.

   Botanical  Characters.—A small  herbaceous plant;  Leaves, radical,
ternate, on long, slender, reddish leafstalks; Leaflets, inversely heart-shap-
ed, hairy ;  Scape, single flowered; Flowers, drooping, white with purplish
veins.

  Properties.—Woodsorrel  is odourless, but has  an  agreeable  acid
taste.  Its only important constituent is binoxalate of potash, of which
it contains from 1*06 to 1*23 per cent; it yields its properties to boiling
water.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—This  herb, infused  in boiling water,
forms an agreeable refrigerant drink in febrile disorders ; in the  pre- 
refrigerants.
233
sent day it is only used  as a domestic remedy, and might be well
spared from the Materia Medica.

   Acetum.    Vinegar (described in the division Astringents,) is a
useful refrigerant in febrile  or inflammatory affections.  It is not much
employed as such internally, nevertheless f§ss. to f§j. diluted  with ffxx.
of water forms  a cooling drink, and may be taken ad libitum in cases
where its  astringent property  is  not  objectionable.   As an external
refrigerant, its  action is attended  with much benefit  in the treatment
of most febrile and inflammatory diseases; it  should be applied  by
means of a sponge to the surface of the body; to  form a solution  for
this purpose, f§j. is mixed with  f|iij. of cold or tepid  water  according
to circumstances.   For internal use, the simple oxymel of the Dublin
and London Pharmacopoeias is well adapted, or the following prepara-
tion may be used :—Syrupus Aceti, E.   (Vinegar, French, in prefer-
ence, fgxj. ; pure  sugar, gxiv. ; boil them together.)   Dose, f3ij. to
f|i. as an adjunct to other medicines.

   Acidum citricum, D. L. E. [U.  S.]—Citric acid.

 Preparation, D. L. E.-Lemon juice, as much as maybe required, (Oiv. L.
E. ;) prepared chalk, a sufficiency, (§ivss. L- E., or a sufficiency, E.) ; dilute
sulphuric acid, eight times the weight  of the  chalk used, (fgxxvijss. L.,
fgxxxvi., or in the  same proportion to the chalk required, E.;) (distilled
water, Oij. L.);  "Add thechalk gradually  to the  lemon juice  made hot,
and as soon as the  citrate of lime has subsided, pour off  the supernatant
liquor; wash the citrate frequently with warm water, (and dry it, D.;) then
pour upon  it the diluted sulphuric  acid (and the distilled water, L.,} and
boil (for a  quarter of an hour, L.)   Press the liquor strongly through linen
and strain  it; evaporate the  strained liquor (with a  gentle heat, L.,) and
set it  by that crystals may be  formed ; dissolve the crystals, that they may
be pure, again and a third time in water (strained each time, L.,) and crys-
tallize, D. L-  " Boil the lemon juice, let it rest, pour off the clear liquor, boil
this again, and add the chalk to it while hot by degrees, till there is no more
effervescence, and the liquid ceases to taste acid.  Collect the precipitate and
wash it with hot water  till the water passes colourless, squeeze the residuum
in a powerful press; mix it uniformly with Oij. of distilled water, and then
add the sulphuric acid by degrees and with constant stirring.  Try whether
a small portion of the liquid,  when filtered, gives with solution of nitrate of
baryta a precipitate almost entirely soluble in nitric acid ; and if the precipitate
is not nearly all  soluble, add a little citrate of lime to the whole liquor till it
stand this test.   Separate now the clear liquor by subsidence or filtration,
washing the insoluble matter with cold water, and adding the washings to the
liquor; concentrate with a gentle heat till crystals form on the surface, set the
liquor aside to cool  and crystallize, and purify the crystals by repeated solu-
tion and crystallization till they are  colourless," E.

   Physical Properties.—Citric  acid crystallizes in transparent, co-
lourless, regular rhomboidal prisms, terminated by four  trapezoidal
faces.   They are  inodorous, but have an  agreeable, purely acid taste.
Sp. gr.  1617.
   Chemical  Properties.—Crystalline commercial citric acid consists
of, C12 H5 O11 -j- 4  HO, but on cooling a saturated solution at 212°,
it crystallizes with two equivalents less of water.    The crystals  are
permanent in the air ; heated at 212° they part with their water of crys-
tallizations, and at a higher temperature are decomposed ; 100 parts of
                             20* 
Vr J*'r+At:tZ  J£7
 234                    refrigerants.

 citric  acid are soluble in 75 parts of cold, or 50 of boiling water ; the
 solution undergoes decomposition  when kept even  in  close  vessels,
 and becomes  covered with mould.  When pure, the crystals  dissolve
 completely  in alcohol.    Citric acid  is readily distinguished by the
 following characteristic; when a few drops of a solution of the  acid
 are added to lime water, a clear liquid results, which on being heated
 becomes turbid, from the deposition of a white precipitate.
   Adulterations.—Citric acid is liable to be adulterated with sulphuric
 or  tartaric  acid, sulphates, tartrates, and  lime.   The presnce of sul-
 phuric acid  or the sulphates is detected  by adding acetate of lead
 to a solution of the acid ; if the impurity be present, the precipitate oc-
 casioned is not dissolved by nitric acid.  The presence of tartaric acid
 or the tartrates is shewn by a crystalline precipitate being formed,  on
 the addition of carbonate of potash dissolved in water, to a solution  of
 the acid in excess.   Lime  or any other  fixed impurity is detected  by
 incinerating the acid with the aid of a little red oxide of mercury ; if
 it be pure, no ash or a mere trace will be left.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Citric acid produces the refrigerant ef-
 fects of lemon-juice, as a substitute for which it may be employed to form
 cooling drinks in febrile affections, but fresh lemon-juice should be pre-
 ferred whenever it can be obtained.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—9i. to §i.  To prepare a so-
 lution of the same strength as lemon-juice, 3viiiss. of the acid are  to
 be dissolved in f§xvj. of water.   Citric acid is also employed to form ef-
 fervescing draughts with the alkaline carbonates; gr. xx. of the acid are
 saturated by about gr.  xxix. of crystalline bicarbonate of potash, or gr.
 xij. of crystalline carbonate of soda, or gr.  xxiv. of sesquiearbonate of
 soda, or gr. xvij. of hyd rated sesquiearbonate of ammonia.
  Incompatibles.—The alkalies ; carbonates ;  acetates ; the alkaline
 and earthy sulphurets;  and tartrate of potash.

  Acidum oxalicum.   Oxalic acid.

  Preparation.—It is prepared on the  large scale as an  article of com-
 merce for use in the arts, by the action of nitric acid on treacle or potato
 starch.  For use in medicine it may be further  purified by dissolving it in
 water and re-crystallizing.

  Physical Properties.—Oxalic acid crystallizes in four-sided oblique
 prisms with  dihedral  summits; it is odourless, but has a very  acid
 taste.  Sp.  gr.   1*50.
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed of 2 eq. of carbon and 3 of
 oxygen, combined in the crystalline state with 3 of water (C2  0:  -4-3
 HO.)  The crystals effloresce in the air and lose  two equivalents  of
 their water  of crystallization ;  exposed  to a temperature of 354° F.
 they  melt, and are  partly decomposed, one portion subliming and the
 other being converted into ^carbonic  oxide, carbonic acid, and formic
 acid.   Oxalic acid is very soluble in water and in alcohol;  it also dis-
 solves unchanged in dilute nitric and sulphuric acids.  The watery so-
 lution reddens litmus paper, and decomposes the carbonates with effer-
 vescence.  The best characteristic of nitric acid is  the action of nitrate
 of silver on its solution : it produces a white precipitate, soluble in nitric
 acid, which, when heated over the flame of a spirit lamp, detonates feebly.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—Oxalic acid is  a powerful poison, when
taken in large doses or in a concentrated solution acting as a corrosive, 
refrigerants.                     235
 while a weak solution produces death with  marked symptoms  of de-
 pression of the circulation and of the nervous system.*   It is but rarely
 used as a medicine in this country, but on the  continent it is employed
 as a refrigerant in the form of lemonade.  From the results of the ex-
 perience of M. Nardo, who has used this acid very extensively, it is
 to be  preferred to the other vegetable  acids as a refrigerant and  anti-
phlogistic in  all acute inflammations of mucous membranes, more es-
pecially when the stomach is the seat of the disease.
    Dose and Mode of Administration.—From gr. j.to gr. ij. dissolv-
 ed in f§i. or fgij.  of water.   Gr. x. give an agreeable acidity to Oj. of
 water, and half of this quantity may  be taken  in the 24 hours.
    The  solution may be sweetened with sugar, if preferred.  In poison-
 ing  with this acid,  chalk,  whiting or magnesia suspended in  water
 should  be  at  once administered,  and  vomiting afterwards excited by
 emetics or by the use of the stomach pump.

    Acidum  tartaricum, D.  L.  E. [U. S.]—Tartaric acid.

    Preparation.—Dvb.—" Bitartrate of potash, in powder, 10  parts; prepar-
 ed chalk, 4 parts ;  sulphuric acid,  7 parts ; water, 120 parts ;  mix the bitar-
 trate of potash with 100 parts of water heated, add gradually the chalk, and
 as soon as the effervescence has ceased, pour off the clear liquor ; wash the
 residual tartrate of lime until it becomes tasteless.   Drop into the clear de-
 canted liquor  as much of the water of muriate of lime as may be sufficient
 to throw down the tartrate of lime ; wash this also with water  till it becomes
  tasteless, and mix it with the  former deposit.  Then add the sulphuric  acid
 diluted  with 20 parts of water, and digest the mixture with a medium heat
 for 3 days, frequently agitating.  Pour off the supernatant  acid liquor, and
 wash away the acid from the  sediment.   Evaporate these liquors, including
 the first acid liquor and the washings, with a gentle heat to the point of crys-
 tallization ; preserve the crystals purified by repeated solutions and crystal-
 lizations,  in a  stoppered glass vessel."    Lond.   Edin.—" Bitartrate of
 potash, ibiv. ; boiling distilled water, cong. iiss. ; prepared chalk, §xxv.
 3vi.; dilute sulphuric acid,  Ovij. fgxvij. (Ox. fgvij., E.;) muriatic acid,
 fgxxviss, or a sufficiency ; boil the bitartrate with cong, ij. of  the water, and
 add gradually half the chalk,  when the effervescence is over, add the remain-
 der of the chalk first dissolved in muriatic acid diluted with  Oiv. of water.
 After the tartrate of lime has subsided, pour off the liquor, and wash the tar-
 trate frequently with distilled water, till it is tasteless ; then pour on  it the
 sulphuric acid, and boil for a quarter of  an hour; evaporate (the strained
 liquor, L.)  with a gentle heat, to obtain crystals.   Purily by  repeated solu-
 tion, filtration and crystallization."

    Physical Properties.—Tartaric acid occurs in white,  semitrans-
  parent crystals of considerable size,  the primary form of which  is  the
 right rhombic prism ; it is inodorous, but has a purely acid taste.   Sp.
 gr.  1*75.
     Chemical Properties.—In  the crystalline state it consists of C8


    • Poisoning with oxalic acid most frequently occurs, in consequence of its
 being mistaken for sulphate of magnesia, to which  it bears much resemblance.
  It may be readily  distinguished frcm the latter by pouring  a few drops of
 common writing ink on the crystals, which is  changed to  a  reddish-brown
 colour by oxalic acid, but no effect produced on it by sulphate of magnesia.
 The solution, also, of Epsom salts tastes  nauseous and bitter while  that of
 oxalic acid is purely and intensely acid, but not at all bitter. 
236                    refrigerants.
H4©1 ° with two equivalents of water.   The crystals are permanent
in the air; exposed to heat, they fuse in their water of crystallization
which is all driven off, if the temperature be raised ; and at a tempera-
ture considerably below redness, the  acid is decomposed, and a series
of new compounds formed.  Tartaric acid is soluble  in  lj  parts of
cold water, and in half its weight of boiling water ; it is also soluble in
alcohol.   The aqueous solution becomes  mouldy by keeping.  ThJJ
most distinguishing characteristic of this acid is the crystalline precipi-
tate,  which is produced when  it is added in  excess to a concentrated
solution of a salt of potash.
   Adulterations.—Tartaric acid is adulterated with bitartrate of potash,
and with lime ; the former is detected by its  little  solubility in cold
water; the latter by an ash  being left, on the acid  being incinerated
with the aid of red oxide of mercury.
   Therapeutical Effects.—To prepare refrigerant drinks in febrile
and  inflammatory diseases, tartaric  acid is much employed  as being
cheaper than citric acid.   Its  principal use,  however, is  for the pre-
paration of effervescing draughts, when  added to the alkaline carbo-
nates.
   Dose  and  Mode of Administration.—Gr. x. to 3ss. ;  its refri-
gerant effects  are best manifested when it is dissolved in a large quan-
tity of cold water.   For the preparation of  effervescing  compounds,
the following are the proportions required :—9i. of crystallized tartaric
acid is saturated by gr. xxvij. of crystallized  bicarbonate of potash, or
gr. xxxviiiss.  of crystallized carbonate of soda, or gr. xxij. of sesqui-
earbonate of soda, or gr. xvss.  of hydrated sesquiearbonate of ammo-
nia.—Trochisci Acidi Tartarici, E.   (Tartaric acid, 3ij- ; pure sugar,
§viij.; volatile oil of lemons, min. x. ;  pulverize the sugar and acid,
add the oil, mix them thoroughly, and beat them  with mucilage into a
proper mass for making  lozenges.)    Commonly  employed under the
name of acidulated drops in  mild sore throat, and colds.
   Incompatibles.—The alkalies ; salts  of  potash, of lime, of mercu-
ry, and of lead ;  all carbonates ;  and the vegetable astringents.

   Citrus aurantium,  fructus  succus, D.   Aurantium,  L.—The
juice of the fruit, D.—The fruit, L.—of Citrus aurantium.  This
tree is indigenous in many parts of Africa and Asia ; and is cultivated
extensively in the South of  Europe, the Azores and the West India
Islands.   It belongs to the Natural family Aurantiacea, and to the
Linnaean class and order Polyadelphia Polyandria.

  Botanical Characters.—Stems, smooth, cylindrical from 12  to 15 feet
high;  Leaves, oval, pointed, entire, shining, coriaceous, on elongated wing-
ed petioles; Flowers, large white, axillary, 2 6 on a  common peduncle, fra-
grant ; Fruit, the well known sweet orange.

   The fruit of the orange  is too well  known  to  require description ;
the juice consists of citric and malic acids, citrate of lime, mucilage,
albumen,  sugar and water.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—The juice  of  the  sweet orange is  an
agreeable refrigerant, calculated to allay thirst in febrile and inflamma-
tory affections; it is particularly beneficial in diseases  attended with
much thirst, and in  which it is  important, not to introduce a large quan-
tity of fluid into the stomach or intestines, as in strangulated  hernia. 
REFRIGERANTS.
237
  Limones, D. L. E.  Limonum succus, D. L.  [Limon, U. S.] Lemons
(and Limes, E).  Lemon-juice.  The fruit of Citrus medica, D. E.
—of Citrus limonum, L. E.  [U.  S.]  Natives of the same countries,
and belonging to the same botanical classification as Citrus auran-
tium.

  Botanical Characters.—The lemon tree attains a height of 10-15 feet;
Leaves, oval, or oblong, usually toothed, petiolate ; the petioles simply mar-
gined, not winged ; Flowers, white, tinged with red; Fruit, ovoid, termina-
ted with an elongated knob ; containing an acid pulp.

  Properties.—Lemons are too well known to need description ;  the
juice consists of 1*77 per cent of citric acid, 0*72 of gum,  malic acid
and bitter extractive, and 97*51 of water.  Lemons decay by keeping ;
Christison states that they are best preserved by packing  them with
newly-slaked lime in bottles or earthenware  jars, the mouths of which
are secured with corks and wax.  The juice may be kept unchanged
for years, by adding to it expressed and strained, a tenth part of spirit
of wine, filtering, and preserving in well stopped bottles.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Lemon-juice forms a useful and agreea-
ble refrigerant, allaying thirst and  diminishing preternatural heat in
febrile and inflammatory diseases ; it is also found  particularly useful
in hemorrhages of an acute character.
  Dose and Mode of  Administration.—Lemon-juice is usually ad-
ministered in the form of lemonade,  which is prepared by  adding  the
juice to about ten or twelve  parts  of boiling water, and  sweetening
with sugar to the taste.  It is also much employed for the  preparation
of effervescing draughts with the alkaline carbonates ; 9j. of the bi-
carbonate of potash requires  for its saturation, fSiiiss. of lemon-juice ;
9i. of the sesquiearbonate of soda, f3ivss. ;  and 9j. of the sesquiear-
bonate of ammonia, f3vi.—Syrupus  Limonum, D.  L. E.  ("Fresh
lemon-juice, by measure ibij.; as soon as the impurities have subsided,
put the juice into a matrass, and subject it to the heat of boiling water
for a quarter of an hour, when cold, pass it through a sieve ; add by de-
grees, §lviij. of white  sugar,  digest with a medium heat in a covered
vessel, frequently shaking it, until it is dissolved ;  then set it aside for
24 hours, remove the scum, and pour off the syrup from the sediment,"
D.—" Lemon-juice, strained  (freed  of impurities by subsidence,  and
filtering, E.),  Oj. ;  sugar, Ibiiss. ; dissolve  the sugar in  the lemon-
juice with a gentle heat, then set  it  aside for 24 hours ;  remove  the
scum, and pour the clear liquor from the dregs,"  L. E.).   An excel-
lent addition to refrigerant drinks ; in febrile affections, it may be given
with barley  water.  This syrup must be kept in well stopped  bottles
in a very cool place.  Dose, f§i. to fgij.

  Mora,  L.  Morus nigra,  bacc^e, D.  Mulberries.   The fruit of
Morus nigra.  A native of  Persia, now cultivated in this country  ; it
belongs to the Natural family Urticacea (Moracea,  Lindley), and to
the Linnaean class and order Monacia  Tetrandria.

  Botanical Characters.—A small tree with  rugged  bark ; Leaves, cor-
O'te, lobed;  Flowers, greenish, in small roundish catkins;  Fruit, dark
Puli!e, "consisting of the female flowers, become fleshy and grown to-
gethei ,(QCioeing a dry membranous pericarp,"  (Lindley). 
238
REFRIGERANTS.
  Properties.—The fruit, commonly called mulberries,  has a faint,
agreeable odour, and an acidulous, sweetish taste. It contains, tartaric
acid, sugar, coloring matter, and water.  It yields its virtues to boiling
water.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Mulberry juice is an agreeable refrige-
rant, but taken in quantity, it is apt to produce diarrhoea.   In  the pre-
sent day it is very seldom used.—The following is the only officinal pre-
paration of mulberries:—Syrupus Mori,  L.  (Juice of  mulberries,
strained, Oj.;  sugar, Ibiiss.; dissolve the sugar in the mulberry juice
with a gentle heat, and proceed as for syrup of lemons).  Used  for the
same  purposes as the syrup of lemons;  it has a fine  purple eolour.
Dose, fgi. to f§ij.

  Potassje chloras, L.—Chlorate of potash.

  Preparation.—An article of  the Materia Medica in the London Phar-
macopoeia, it is prepared on the  large scale  by transmitting chlorine gas to
saturation through a strong solution of  carbonate of potash.

  Physical Properties.—In flat, pearly crystals,  of the oblique pris-
matic  system ; inodorous, but having a  cooling, unpleasant taste, like
that of nitre.   Sp.  gr. 1*989.
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed of one eq. of potassa, and
one of chloric acid, (KO, CI O5).   It is permanent in the air ;  expos-
ed to  heat, it fuses and gives out oxygen below a red heat; if the heat
be increased, all the oxygen is driven off, and chloride  of potassium
left.  It is soluble in  about  12 parts of  cold water, and  in twice its
weight of boiling water.  This salt is readily known, by dropping a
little  sulphuric acid  on  the  crystals, they first become yellow, after-
wards red, and give out the greenish-yellow gas,—peroxide of chlo-
rine.
  Adulterations.—The only impurity met with in  this salt is chloride
of potassium,  and this arises from faulty preparation ; it is readily de-
tected  by  adding nitrate  of silver to a solution of the salt in distilled
water, if any  chloride be  present, a  white precipitate is thrown down.
  Therapeutcal Effects.—Chlorate  of potash  in its  action on the
system, resembles nitre ;  by some it has been held to be diuretic, but
its  most manifest action is  refrigerant.  It was formerly employed in
diseases which were supposed to depend on a deficiency of oxygen,  as
in phthisis, and scurvy.   More recently it has been proposed as a rem-
edy in diseases attended with a deficiency of the saline constituents of
the blood, as in malignant cholera,  typhoid fevers, &c   Almost the
only  disease, however,  in  which it is  at present used  is in cancrum
oris, or phagedenic ulceration of  the cheek in children ; and  in this af-
fection it proves singularly  beneficial.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. x.  to gr.  xx.  dissolved
in water, and  sweetened with syrup.  The dose for children is from
gr. iiss.  to gr.  v. according to the age, and in the  disease above men-
tioned, this quantity should be given every hour or at least every second
hour.

   Potass^; nitras.  Nitrate of Potash (described in the division P~
urelics), operates as a refrigerant, sensibly diminishing  pretern?lJra^
heat in febrile and inflammatory affections; during its operat'*1  a*30 
refrigerants.                    239
the force and frequency of the pulse are diminished, and consequently
it has been named a sedative-refrigerant.  The employment of nitre
in hemorrhages, particularly hemoptysis, is attended with much benefit,
which depends undoubtedly on this combined action.  Administered in
large doses, it is very generally used on the Continent in the treatment
of acute rheumatism, and it is stated, with very great success ;  but its
employment in this disease has been hitherto very limited in this coun-
try.   It proves very beneficial in the  treatment of asthma, especially
when dependant on disease of the heart.  Nitrate of potash is contra-
indicated  in inflammatory affections  of  the stomach,  the intestinal
canal, the kidneys or bladder, in consequence of its irritant properties
which have been alluded to in a previous article.   Externally, nitre is
employed as a means of producing cold during its solution in water.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder, gr. x. to gr. xx.
mixed with sugar or  dissolved in  water.   Nitre whey, prepared by
boiling 3ij- of nitre in Oj. of new  milk and straining, is an excellent
refrigerant drink in mild febrile diseases ; Dose, fgij. to f|iv.  Where
nitre is to be administered as a refrigerant dissolved in  water, the ef-
fect is much increased,  if the solution is not made until just before it
is swallowed.

  Rosa  canina,  fructus, D.  Rosa  canina,  fructus  pulpa, L.
RosiE fructus, E.  The fruit, D.—The  pulp of the fruit, L.—The
hip, deprived of the carpels, E.—of Rosa canina, and of several allied
species, E.  The dog-rose is a common indigenous shrub, belonging to
the Natural family Rosacea, and to the Linnaean class and  order  Ico-
sandria Polygyria.

  Botanical Characters.—Stem, with scattered, hooked  prickles, which
are dilated at the base; Leaves, naked  or slightly hairy;  Leaflets, with ir-
regular serratures; Flowers, rose red; Fruit, scarlet.

  Properties.—The pulp (hip) of the dog rose consists of the fleshy
calyx, inclosing numerous small carpels enveloped with  hairs;  it  is of
a bright scarlet colour, smooth and shining.   The external coat alone
is used in medicine; it should be carefully freed  from the carpels and
hairs; it has a sweetish acidulous taste, and  is  composed chiefly of
uncrystallizable sugar, gum, citric and malic acids.
  Therapeutical Effects.—The hip of the dog-rose is  an agreea-
ble refrigerant;  it is only employed in medicine in the following prepa-
ration.—Confectio  Rosa canina, E.   Conserva Rosa fructus, L.
(" Pulp of the dog-rose, ibj ; sugar, powdered, §xx.; Expose the  pulp
of the rose to  a gentle heat in an earthen vessel, then add  the sugar
gradually, and rub together until they are thoroughly incorporated," L.
—" Take any  convenient quantity of hips carefully deprived of their
carpels, beat them to a fine pulp, adding gradually thrice as much su-
gar," E.).  Used only as a basis  for forming  more active remedies
into  pills or electuaries, and as it contains no tannin, it may be employ-
ed for this purpose with the salts of iron.

  Rumex,  L.   Rumex acetosa,  folia, D.  Sorrell.   The leaves
of Rumex acetosa.  An  indigenous  plant, belonging to the Natural
family Polygonacea, and to the  Linnaean  class and order  Hexandria
Trigynia. 
240          sedatives or contra-stimulants.
  Botanical Characters.—1-2 foot high ; Leaves, oblong, arrow shaped ;
Flowers purplish, with large, orbiculari-cordate petals; Nuts, triquetrous.

  Properties.—Sorrel leaves have an agreeable acidulous taste, which
they owe to binoxalate of  potash, they also contain tartaric acid.
  Therapeutical Effects.—They were  at one time employed for
preparing acidulous refrigerant  drinks  in fevers, but  are  now never
used.

  Rumex aquaticus,  radix, D.   The root of the Great  water dock
is still retained in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia,  but its use is quite obso-
lete.  It was formerly employed for preparing alternative diet drinks
in secondary syphilis.

  Sambucus nigra, bacck,  D.   The berries of the elder (described in
the division Cathartics,) contain a purple juice  which is  refrigerant,
and  by some,  said to be mildly laxative.  The following preparation,
in the present day scarcely ever employed, was formerly used diluted
with water, to prepare a cooling drink in febrile and inflammatory af-
fections.—Succus spissatus  Sambuci, D.   (Bruise fresh, ripe elder-
berries  in  a mortar,  express the  juice and  evaporate it  unstrained,
with  the aid  of a vapour-bath, to a proper consistence, stirring con-
stantly with a spatula towards the end of the evaporation.)
                      CHAPTER  XVII.

         SEDATIVES OR  CONTRA-STIMULANTS.

                          (Calmatives.)

  Sedatives are medicines which directly or primarily depress the
vital powers, without inducing any previous excitement; from their ac-
tion being the reverse of stimulants, they have been also very general-
ly termed contra-stimulants.   This class of medicinal agents has
been in general confounded with Narcotics; and were we  merely to
theorize on their mode  of action, it would be perhaps difficult to draw
an exact line of distinction, but when we come to consider the  reme-
dial powers of the medicines classed under each head, it will, I think,
be at once evident, how practically essential it is, that we should  recog-
nize this as an especial  class of remedial agents.   The diseases in
which sedatives are employed are those of over excitement of the ner-
vous  and vascular systems ; some of the substances contained in
this class, for example  Hemlock, act directly on  the  nervous system ;
while others, as Digitalis, influence more immediately the vascular or-
gans.  It will be, therefore, necessary before prescribing for individual
cases, to consider,  attentively the peculiar operation of the different
sedatives.  An important and practical rule to be borne in mind, with
reference to  the operation  of contra-stimulants, is that the  dose must
be in general proportioned  to the degree of excitement present; this
tolerance of medicines is remarkably illustrated by the very large doses
of tartar emetic which are administered not only  with impunity, but
with advantage, when  inflammatory action  runs high. 
sedatives or contra-stimtjlants.
241
    Acidum hydrocyanicum,  E. [U. S.]   Acidum hydrocyanicum
 dilutum,  L.   Acidum  prussicum,  D.   Medicinal Hydrocyanic  or
 Prussic acid.  Hydrocyanic acid diluted  with about fifty (thirty, E.)
 parts of water.

   Preparation.—Dud.—'1 Cyanuret of mercury, §i.; muriatic acid, f3vij.;
 water, tgviij.; from a glass retort distil into a refrigerated receiver, i'gviij. ;
 preserve in a well closed bottle in a cool dark place.  The specific gravity of
 this acid is to that of distilled water,as998to 1000." Lond. [U.S.]--"Ferrocy-
 anide of potassium, §ij ; sulphuric acid, §iss.; distilled water, Oiss. [q. s.,  U.
 S. ;]  mix the  acid with fi$iv. of  the water, and  to  these when  cooled and
 put into a glass retort, add the ferrocyanide of potassium, first dissolved in
 Oss.  [fgx. U. S.] of water; pour fgviij. of the water into a cooled receiver,
 then  the retort being fitted on, let f|vj. of acid pass into this water distilled
 with  a gentle heat in a sand bath.   Lastly, add  f§vi. [f^v. U.  S.] more of
 distilled water, or as  much as may be sufficient, that 127 grains of nitrate
 of silver dissolved  in distilled water may be accurately saturated by 100
 grains of this acid.  Diluted hydrocyanic acid may be also prepared, when
 it is more immediately wanted, from gr. xlviiiss. [s*r. lss. U. S.] of cyanide
 of silver, added to f§i. of distilled water, mixed with gr. xxxixss. [gr. xli.
 U. S.] of hydrochloric acid.   Shake  all these in a well-stopped vial, and
 after  a short interval pour off the  clear liquor into another vessel.  Keep this
 for use,  the access  of light being prevented."    Edin.—" Ferrocyanide of
 potassium, §iij.; sulphuric acid, f§ij. ; water, fgxvj.; dissolve  the salt in
 fgxj. of the water, and put the solution into a matrass with a little sand; add  the
 acid previously diluted with f§v.  of the water and cooled ;  connect the ma-
 trass  with a refrigeratory; distil with a gentle  heat, by means of a sand
 bath or naked  gas-flame till fgxiv. pass over, or till the residuum begins to
 froth  up; dilute the product with distilled water till it measures fgxvj."

  , Physical  Properties—Medicinal hydrocyanic acid  is a  colourless
 liquid with a  peculiar penetrating  odour,  and a  bitter taste, leaving a
 warm sensation on  the  tongue and palate.    The odour is generally
 stated to resemble that of the volatile  oil or distilled  water of bitter
 almonds, but  it  is  decidedly different and should not  be confounded
 with  it.   The specific gravity varies with  the quantity of real or anhy-
 drous acid contained  in it.
   Chemical  Properties.—The medicinal acid is a mixture of anhy-
 drous hydrocyanic acid and water.   Prepared  according to the direc-
 tions  of the Dublin College it contains, according to  Barker's observa-
 tions, 1*6 per cent of real acid ; but according  to Mr.  Donovan, 282
 per cent.  The London preparation contains 2 per cent, and the Edin-
 burgh 33 per cent.   Anhydrous hydrocyanic acid is composed of 1 eq. of
 cyanogen, and 1 of hydrogen, (H+Cy.).  The quantity of pure acid
 contained  in  the medicinal preparation, may  be readily  ascertained,
 " by accurately weighing a portion of it, amounting to about 100 grains,
 adding  to this portion nitrate of silver in excess, collecting the white
 insoluble precipitate of cyanide  of silver which falls on a  weighed filter,
 drying and  weighing together precipitate and  filter ;  five parts of the
 precipitate correspond to one  part of pure acid," (Graham.)  Hydro-
 cyanic acid reddens litmus paper feebly and the  red tint disappears by
 heat;  is very volatile, and soon decomposes by keeping, a black preci-
 pitate being formed in it.  For medicinal purposes, the dilute acid may
 be kept for  a long time unchanged  by the addition of a few drops  of
sulphuric acid.   The best test for  the presence of this acid is its ac-
tion on sulphate of iron;  if a few drops of a solution of caustic potash 
242
sedatives or  contra-stimulants.
 be added to a fluid suspected to contain hydrocyanic acid, and then  a
 solution of some proto- and sesqui-salt of iron, as the common sulphate
 or tincture of the muriate of the shops, a greenish precipitate is produc-
 ed which becomes bright Prussian blue on the addition of a litttle sul-
 phuric acid.  Its presence  is also indicated by adding a few drops of
 sulphuric acid to the liquid  containing it, and covering the vessel with
 a glass plate having  its  lower surface  moistened  with a solution
 of nitrate  of silver;  owing  to  the volatility of the acid the surface of
 the plate will be covered with the white cyanide of silver.
  Adulterations.—Medicinal prussic acid, as met with in the shops, varies
 much in strength, is often much contaminated with impurities, and fre-
 quently is unfit for use from having been too long kept.   The strength
 is most conveniently ascertained by Professor Graham's  test given
 above, of course bearing in  mind the  difference  of the preparations of
 the three British pharmacopoeias.  The presence of any fixed impurity
 is indicated by the preparation not being entirely vaporizable by heat.
 The most common impurity met with is sulphuric or muriatic acid ;  the
 presence of either  may be  suspected if the medicinal preparation acts
 strongly on litmus paper ; they may be easily detected by the test first
 proposed by my friend Professor Geoghegan.   " Drop one or two crys-
 tals of the hydrargyro-iodo-cyanide of potassium* into the  suspected
 acid, should any foreign acid be present a red precipitate will  imme-
 diately be formed on them."  Concentrated  distilled water of bitter
 almonds is sometimes substituted for prussic acid ; it may be detected by
 placing a small quantity of  the suspected liquid in an open phial in a
 sand-bath, and holding  a piece of litmus paper  over the mouth  of the
 bottle, if it be bitter  almond water  no effect will  be  produced  on the
 paper, but it will be reddened by the vapour of prussic acid.   When
 unfit for use from being kept too long, prussic acid is generally, though
 not always discoloured.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Hydrocyanic acid is  the most powerful
 poison with which we  are  acquainted ;  " death has been occasioned
 in man by a mixture containing scarcely one grain of the anhydrous
 acid," (Christison.)  The  usual  symptoms  produced by a poisonous
 dose,  are convulsions,  difficult and  spasmodic  breathing, and  in-
 sensibility,  followed by  death  in  a few minutes;  in  some instan-
 ces, however, life has been prolonged for half  an hour or more ; but
 if the quantity taken  be very large, death occurs so rapidly that the
 only symptoms that can be observed are two or three deep hurried inspira-
 tions, generally preceded by a loud shriek.  In medicinal doses, hydro-
 cyanic acid acts as a direct sedative, producing immediately after it has
 been taken a sensation  of quiet and calmness  throughout the  whole
 system,  diminishing  the  force and  frequency  of the pulse, lowering
 the sensibility  of the nervous system, and allaying  irritation when it
 exists; in  addition to the  above, which may  be said to be its more
 immediate effects, hydrocyanic  acid  promotes the  digestive powers,
 and in many instances acts gently on the bowels.   As a remedial agent
 this acid has been principally used to allay irritability, to diminish pain,
 and to lessen  spasm.   Thus, it  has been used with much benefit in
 spasmodic and painful affections of the stomach and bowels, as in gas-

  * This salt may be readily prepared by adding a concentrated solution of
 bycyanide of mercury to a solution of iodide of potassium, when it  is pre-
cipitated in the form of white or pearly crystalline plates. 
sedatives  or contra-stimulants.         243
trodynia and enterodynia, in pyrosis, particularly when accompanied
by much pain ; in chronic vomiting, and in colica pictonum.   It has
been also found  very serviceable in allaying irritable or  spasmodic
cough in various pulmonary affections, as in simple hooping cough un-
accompanied with inflammation, in pure spasmodic asthma, in the ad-
vanced stages of phthisis, and in the spasmodic cough of nervous and hys-
terical females.   It has been  successfully  employed  to allay vomiting
and purging in severe cases of common cholera,  and to check the col-
liquative diarrhoea and sweating of hectic.  Lastly, it has been admin-
istered as a calmative and anodyne in neuralgia, tic douloureux, chronic
rheumatism,  cancerous affections,  and nervous  palpitations,  but its
success has been very equivocal.   Externally, in the form of lotion,
it will be found very serviceable in allaying the violent itching which
attends many forms of skin disease.
  Dose  and Mode of Administration.—The medicinal acid should
be at first administered in doses of one or two drops, which should be re-
peated every second or third hour according to circumstances, its effects
being very transitory.  It is best given in distilled water to which sim-
ple syrup may be added; it should be always prescribed in  the form of
draught, as  when given in mixture, it is apt  to float on the top of the
liquid, and thus a single dose may produce dangerous  effects.   The
quantity given should be increased very gradually, and its effects care-
fully watched.  For external use, a lotion may be prepared with f3ij«
of the acid, and fjjviij. of distilled water.
  Incompatibles.—Nitrate of silver; red oxide of mercury; sulphate
of copper;  sulphate and  muriate of iron if an  alkali be present; all
sulphurets ; and strychnia.
  In cases of poisoning with prussic acid,  if the person be seen imme-
diately, he should be made to inhale ammonia or chlorine  diluted with
atmospheric air, or the solution  of either of these gasses in  water
should be administered in small but  frequently repeated doses; but if
some time has elapsed, and insensibility be present, the most powerful
external stimulants, with  the cold  affusion, and  artificial respiration,
should be employed.  More recently the Messrs. Smith of  Edinburgh
have proposed a  mixture of  a  proto- and a per-salt of iron  combin-
ed with an alkaline carbonate, as an  antidote for prussic acid; and from
the experments performed with it, its use appears to be attended with
complete success.  The method recommended  by these gentlemen is
as follows :—" Dissolve gr. x.  of sulphate of protoxide of iron in f|i.
of water and add  t» it f5i. of tincture of muriate of iron ;  and dissolve
in another vessel  gr. xx. of carbonate of potash in  *f§i. or fgij. of water;
the latter solution is to  be administered first, and immediately after-
wards the solution of iron.

  Aconitum, E.  [U.  S.]   Aconiti  folia et  radix, L.   Aconitum
paniculatum, folia, D.—Monkshood.   The  leaves  (and root, L.) of
Aconitum paniculatum, D. L.—The leaves of Aconitum napellus, E.
[and of A.  Paniculatum, U. S.J   It has not been  yet accurately ascer-
tained which species of the genus Aconitum was  employed by Storck,
who was the first to use it as a medicine ; the reference of the Edin-
burgh College is  not only the more correct, but, according to the accu-
rate experiments of Dr. Alexander Fleming, the species  of  aconite
there indicated is the only European species  possessed of any medici- 
244
sedatives or  contra-stimulants.
nal activity.   It is said to grow wild in some parts of England, but it
was probably introduced from the Continent of Europe, where it grows
abundantly in woods.   It belongs to the Natural family Ranunculacea,
and to the Linnaean class and order Polyandria Trigynia.

  Botanical  Characters.—Root, tapering, with one or more pyriform
tubers attached;  Stems, simple  2-6 foot  high ;  Leaves,  palmate, cuneate,
pinnatisect; Flowers on a cylindrical simple raceme, deep hairy, with an
irregular petaloid calyx, the upper leaflet of which is helmet shaped.
  Mode of Preparation.—The  root should be dug up  immediately after
the plant flowers, and the tubers alone employed, they should be cut into thin
slices, and dried slowly at a low temperature ; the leaves should be gathered
just before the flowers expand, and dried carefully with a stove heat.

   Physical  Properties.—Aconite root has a faint earthy odour, and
a  bitter  acrid taste, leaving a  benumbing impression on the lips and
tongue.  The leaves have a very feeble narcotic odour; their taste is
similar to  that of the root.   When carefully dried, they retain their
virtues for many years, if kept  in close vessels in a dry place excluded
from the light.
   Chemical Properties.—No very  accurate chemical analysis has
been made of this plant.   It contains  an acrid volatile principle, green
colouring matter, vegetable albumen, some salts, and a peculiar alkaloid,
first discovered by Brandes and named by him aconitina; as this sub-
stance has been introduced into the last edition of the London Pharma-
copoeia, the process for preparing it and its properties will be described
amongst the  pharmaceutical preparations of the plant.  Aconite leaves
or root  yield their  active principles  completely to alcohol, but  very
imperfectly to water.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—In  large doses the leaves or root  of
aconite are highly poisonous, appearing to produce  death by a direct
depression of the vital powers  : thus, the  most manifest symptoms are
slight wandering delirium, the consciousness being partly retained,
general muscular tremors or very slight convulsions, and failure of the
circulation ;  in addition to which a feeling of numbness and tingling is
experienced  over the entire of the body ;  a diminution of the tempera-
ture of the surface takes place, and there is  frequently loss of sight,
the pupil of the eye which was at first contracted becoming dilated ;
and death by syncope takes place.  As a medicine it has been used with
the most marked benefit in all forms of painful diseases even when ac-
companied by inflammation ; this is well illustrated by its employment
in the treatment of acute rheumatism, and of neuralgia.   In the former
of these diseases it has proved in the hands of Dr. Lombard of Geneva,
a  complete specific, and  his statements have been fully borne out by
the experience of Dr. Fleming ;  the  alcoholic extract given in doses
of from half  a grain to eight grains frequently repeated, curing the
severest attacks of febrile rheumatism in from two  to  six days, and
affording marked  relief within an hour or  two after the first dose is
taken.   It has not, however, proved so successful in the  practice  of
other  British physicians, which is probably owing  to the inertness of
the officinal extract of the Dublin and London Pharmacopoeias; in a
few cases in  which I employed the   powdered leaves,  the beneficial
results were most marked.  In neuralgic pains, particularly tic doulou-
reux,  applied externally in the form of tincture, it seldom fails to  ame- 
                sedatives or contra-stimulants.          245

 liorate the suffering, and in many instances will cure the disease.   It
 is not so useful in sciatica  or  lumbago.  It has been also employed in
 the treatment of many other  diseases, but in none  of them has its
 efficacy been well established.  Aconitina has been  used in the same
 cases as the preparations of the leaves or root of aconite, but owing
 to  its  high  price and its  intensely poisonous properties, it has been
 hitherto but little employed.
   Dose and Mode  of Administration.—The  powder of the root or
 leaves may be given  in doses of from gr. iij. to gr.  xij. gradually in-
 creased until some effects are produced.—Extractum Aconiti, L. E. [U.
 S.]—Succus spissalus Aconiti, D.   ("Fresh aconite leaves, ibj., bruise
 them sprinkled with a little water in a stone mortar, then press out the
 juice and evaporate it unstrained to a proper consistence," D. L. [Heat
 to the boiling point, strain  and evaporate to the proper consistence, U.
 S.]—" Take of fresh leaves of monkshood any  convenient quantity, beat
 them into a pulp, express the  juice, subject the residue to  percolation
 with rectified  spirit,  so long as the spirit passes materially coloured;
 unite the expressed juice and the spirituous infusion; filter, distil off the
 Bpirit, evaporate  the residue in the  vapour bath taking care to remove
 the  vessel from the heat so soon as the due degree of consistence shall
 be  attained," E.).  [" Extractum Aconiti Alcoholicum, U. S.  Take of
 Aconite, in coarse powder,  a pound  ; diluted alcohol, Oiv.;  moisten the
 aconite with Oss. of the diluted alcohol, and having allowed it to stand
 for 24 hours, transfer it to an apparatus for displacement, and add gradu-
 ally the remainder of the diluted alcohol.   When the last portion of this
 shall have penetrated the aconite, pour in sufficient water from time to
 time to keep the  powder covered. Cease to filter when the liquid which
 passes begins to produce a precipitate, as it falls, in that which has already
 passed.   Distil off the alcohol from the filtered liquid, and evaporate the
 residue  to the proper  consistence."]  As  aconite leaves yield their
 active  principles almost entirely to alcohol, and  but very partially to
 water, the Edinburgh preparation only can be active.  The dose of it is
 gr.  ij. to gr. viij. repeatedly.—Tinctura  Aconiti, Fleming,  (Take  of
 the tubers of Aconitum napellus, carefully dried  and  finely powdered,
 §xvi. (Troy);  rectified spirit, fgxvj.; macerate for four days, then pack
 into a percolator; add rectified  spirit until fgxxiv. of tincture are ob-
 tained.)  This tincture is beautifully transparent, of the colour of sherry
 wine, and has  a  slightly bitter  taste.  Dose, min. v. three times a day,
 increased by one minim daily, until  its  effects are produced ; it should
 be used with caution ; it is  the best  form for external  use, when aconi-
 tina cannot  be procured.—Extractum Alcoholicum Aconiti, Fleming,
 (Prepared by distilling off the spirit from the tincture, at a low tempera-
 ture, until the consistence of  an extract is  obtained.   The  process
 should be completed in  a vapour bath).   Its colour is dark brown or
 almost black ;  it  has an agreeable smell, and a bitter taste.   Dose, one-
 third of  a grain thrice daily, commencing with one-sixth of a grain.—
 Unguentum Aconiti, (The  alcoholic extract, 1 part;  prepared  lard, 2
 parts ;  mix).   An excellent application rubbed over the painful part in
 neuraigia.—Aconitina, L, (Aconite  root, dried and bruised, ibij.; recti-
 fled  spirit, cong. iij.  ;  dilute  sulphuric acid ; solution of  ammonia;
 purified animarcharcoal, of each, a  sufficiency.  Boil the aconite with
 a gallon of the spirit for an hour in a retort with the receiver adapted
 to it, pour off the liquor, and again boil the residue with another gallon
of spirit and with the spirit recently distilled, and pour off the liquor ; 
246         sedatives  or  contra-stimulants.
let the same be done a third time.  Then  press the aconite, and all the
liquors being  mixed and  strained, let the spirit distil;  evaporate what
remains to the proper consistence of an extract.   Dissolve this in water
and strain ; evaporate the liquor with a gentle heat that it may thicken
like a syrup.   To this add of dilute sulphuric acid mixed with water, as
much as may be  sufficient to dissolve the aconitina ; then drop in the
solution of ammonia, and  dissolve the precipitated aconitina in dilute
sulphuric acid and water mixed as before ;  afterwards mix the animal
charcoal, frequently shaking them  during a quarter of an hour. Lastly,
strain, and solution of ammonia being again dropped  in, that the aconi-
tina may be precipitated, wash and dry it).  Aconitina is in the form of
a white  semi-crystalline  powder,  odourless, with  a bitter  taste.   It is
very soluble in sulphuric ether, less so in alcohol, and very slightly in
water.   When perfectly  pure, this  alkaloid  is  so  powerful a poison
"that  a  fiftieth of a grain has endangered the life  of an individual,"
(Pereira).  As usually met with it  is of a grayish-yellow colour, in which
state it is very impure.  Aconitina possesses, but of course much more
powerfully, the same medicinal virtues as monkshood  ; it has been prin-
cipally used in the form of ointment in tic douloureux, and other neural-
gic pains.  But it does not appear to possess sufficient advantages over
the alcoholic  extract, as (considering its  enormous price, 3s. 6d. to 4s.
6d. a grain) would warrant its employment as a medicinal agent.  It
cannot be administered  internally  with  safety.—Solutio  Aconitina,
Turnbull, (Aconitina, gr. viij.; rectified  spirit, fgij.; dissolve).   Ap-
plied externally by means of a  small sponge.— Unguentum Aconitina,
Fleming, (Aconitina, gr.  xvj.; rectified spirit, min. xvi.;  rub well to-
gether, and add  of axunge §i.; mix).  Employed by friction with the
finger during several minutes.  If there be any abrasion of  the cuticle
the external application of aconitina can not be unattended with danger.
   In case3 of poisoning with monkshood, emetics should be immediately
administered,  and the most active  stimulants both external and internal
should be employed.   Tannin has been recommended as an  antidote in
consequence  of  its  forming insoluble  compounds with the vegetable
alkaloids ;  but most of the insoluble tannates are digestible in the human
stomach.

   Amygdalje amar.2e oleum.   Essence (Volatile oil) of bitter-almonds.
The bitter-almond tree has been described in the division Emollients.

   Preparation.—Oil of bitter-almonds is  obtained  by submitting bitter-
almond cake, left  after the separation  of the fixed oil by expression, to dis-
tillation  with water.

   Physical Properties.—As usually met with it is  of a golden-yellow
colour, but when  obtained from  almonds which have been blanched it is
colourless when first drawn.   It is transparent, with an agreeable ratifia
odour, and an acrid, warm, bitter taste.   It is heavier than water, its
specific  gravity being 1*083.
   Chemical  Properties.—Oil of bitter-almonds, as  prepared by dis-
tillation, consists  of from 8*5 to 14-33 per cent, of pure hydrocyanic  acid,
mixed with benzoic acid, benzoin, benzimide, and hydruret of benzoil.  Its
poisonous  and medicinal  properties depend on the  hydrocyanic  acid,
which may be completely removed  from it by repeated distillation  from
a  solution of caustic  potash.   The oil is very soluble in alcohol and 
SEDATIVES OR CONTRA-STIMULANTS.           247
ether ; by agitation with water, a  portion of the hydrocyanic acid is
dissolved out, and the water acquires the peculiar odour and taste of the
acid.
  Therapeutical Effects.—As the medicinal properties of this oil
depend on the hydrocyanic acid it contains, its effects and uses are of
course similar to those of that acid, for which it has been proposed as a
substitute ;  but as its strength is very variable, it is scarcely adapted for
internal use.  It  should be borne in mind that the oil of bitter-almonds
is at least four times the strength of officinal prussic acid.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Min. ij. may be  dissolved in
f3ss. of rectified spirit, and of this solution  min. iij.  to min. vj. may be
given occasionally.— Vegetable Hydrocyanic Acid,  Schreder, (Oil of
bitter-almonds, min.  iv.; rectified  spirit;  and distilled water, of each,
min. xxx.;  dissolve).   Dose, min. ij. to min. iij. every second or third
hour.  .

  Amygdalus Persica, folia, D.   Peach-leaves.  Leaves of Amygda-
lus Persica (Persica vulgaris, Miller).  The peach tree, originally a
native of Persia, is now cultivated extensively in our gardens ; it belongs
to the Natural family Rosacea, (Drupacea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean
class and order Icosandria  Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A small tree, with lanceolate, serrate or crenate
leaves, and rose-coloured flowers; Fruit, a fleshy, tomentose drupe.

  Properties.—Peach-leaves when bruised emit the peculiar  bitter-
almond odour; by distillation  with water  they yield a small quantity of
volatile oil,  which contains hydrocyanic acid.   Their active principles
are extracted  by  boiling water.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—The medicinal  properties of peach-
leaves are  precisely similar  to those of the  cherry laurel, but much
weaker.  They are  consequently scarcely ever used, and might be well
spared from the Materia  Medica.  Both leaves and flowers were for-
merly employed in the form of infusion, as  anthelmintics for children,
but  several fatal accidents having  occurred from  their incautious ad-
ministration, their use as such was very properly abandoned.

  Antimonium tartarizatum.  Tartar emetic (described in the di-
vision Diaphoretics),  when administered in full doses  frequently re-
peated, acts on the human system as a direct sedative or  contra-stim-
ulant, this effect  being most manifest, when it is given in inflammatory
diseases.   Under the influence  of doses of one, two, or  three grains
repeated every hour, or every second hour, the nausea, vomiting, or
purging which are produced by the first or second dose cease entirely,
the force and  frequency of the heart's action is lowered, and local in-
flammation  is arrested.  In Lepelletier's  essay, two cases of pneumo-
nia are mentioned, in one of which the pulse was reduced  from 120 to
34 beats per minute  in nine days, and in the other from 72 to 44 beats
per minute  in three  days,  under the use of continued  doses of tartar
emetic  This contra-stimulant power of tartar emetic is applied  with
benefit to the  treatment of acute inflammations, in which it is adminis-
tered  either  alone or as an adjunct to bleeding or other antiphlogistic
means.  The diseases in which this plan of treatment has been found
most  beneficial  are acute pneumonia and pleurilis.   British  practi- 
248
SEDATIVES OR  CONTRA-STIMULANTS.
   tioners usually employ either local or general bleeding in these disea-
   ses, in conjunction with  tartar emetic ;  but, although in pleuritis the
   combined abstraction of  blood will be in most instances absolutely re-
   quisite, many cases of pneumonia will be cured as speedily and  as ef-
   fectually by the use of tartar emetic alone, indeed by many physicians
   bleeding is considered singularly  injurious to the  development of the
   sedative  influence of this medicine.  This mode of administering tar-
   tar emetic has  been also employed in the  treatment of bronchitis, of
   arachnitis, and  of many  other acute inflammations, but in none are its
   beneficial effects so manifest as in inflammation of the lungs, and  in
   pleurisy.  As a contra-stimulant, tartar emetic  is given in doses of
   from half a grain to two grains every hour  or every second  hour, dis-
   solved in a small  quantity of water—one or two ounces at most; the
   best vehicle for its administration is orange-flower  water.  The first
   dose or two should not exceed half a grain, and the  patient should not
   be permitted to drink, so as if possible to avoid  producing vomiting;
   when once a tolerance of the medicine is produced in the system, the
   quantity taken may be rapidly increased.

     Carb^nischxoridum.   Chloride of Carbon; Chloride of Formyle;
   Chloric ether ; Terchloride of Carbon.  uUXstrY<-/-'is\-i->^ _»—
     Preparation.—The  exact process  employed for the preparation of the
   liquid used in medicine under the above names, has not been made public.
   It may, however, be easily  obtained  by mixing together three or four parts
   of alcohol, (Sp. gr. 0844,) and one  of chloride of lime, putting them into a
   clean copper  still and distilling as long as the product  that comes over  is
   sweet and aromatic.

     Properties.—It is an ethereal, oily-looking liquid, with a sweetish
   cooling taste, and an ethereal odour bearing some resemblance to that
   of chlorine.   According  to the analysis of  Dumas it is composed of 2
   eq. of carbon, 1 of hydrogen, and  3 of chlorine, its formula being C2H
   CI3.  It  has been named  by Liebig chloride or perchloride of formule.
   It is heavier than water, its sp. gr. being 1*480 ; it boils at 142° F. It
   is soluble in  alcohol and  ether, but is insoluble in  water, with which,
   however, it is miscible in almost every proportion.
     Therapeutical Effects.—This preparation has been hitherto but
   little employed in  this country;  it has been,  however, used extensively
   both in America and on the Continent.  Its operation is that of a de-
   cided  sedative whether it be administered internally or employed as a
   local application.  It  has been  used with advantage in asthma, spas-
   modic cough, and in cancerous and other painful diseases.  In the treat-
   ment of cancer it has been extensively employed by Mr. Tunon of the
   Middlesex Hospital, London, and  it is spoken of by him  in the most
   extravagant  terms both as a .local application to  open cancer of the
   breast, and as an internal  remedy to relieve pain and procure 6leep.
     Dose and Mode of Administration.—Internally, min. iij. to min. v.
   suspended in water;  but  so large  a dose as  f3i. has been administered
   without producing any injurious effects.   For external  use f^i. to f3ij.
   may be mixed with Oj. of water for either a lotion or injection.  [The
   substance which Dr. Neligan has treated of under the name of Chloride
I  of  Carbon, and which is  commonly termed Chloroform, has come into
■<  so general use for  producing insensibility to pain during  surgical opera-
 \  tious as to merit a more extended notice.  It may be prepared by mix- 
sedatives OR contra-stimulants.          249
 ing in a large retort three pounds of chlorinated lime in powder, with
 four pounds of water and three ounces of rectified spirit, and distilling
 as long as a liquid comes over which sinks in the water that distils over
 with it.   This liquid, which is the chloroform, may be purified by putting
 it into a retort with four or five times its bulk of quick-lime, and redis-
 tilling carefully, by means of a water or steam bath.  Chloroform when
 pure, is a limpid, colourless  fluid, of a peculiar, fragrant odour, with a
 sweet and burning taste ; and having a specific gravity of about 1*496.
 It is not inflammable, boils at 140° of Fahrenheit, and is volatilized ra-
 pidly in the open  air ; it  is soluble in about one hundred times its own
 weight of distilled water, and in all proportions in alcohol and ether.
 According to  Dr. Letheby, the tests of its purity are—" 1st. It should
 be perfectly free from opacity; 2nd. Its sp. gr. should be near 1496 ;
 3rd.  It should neither "redden nor bleach litmus paper; 4th. It should
 not become opaque when dropped into water; 5th. It should not be
 whitened with solution of nitrate of silver;  6th. It should not coagulate
 white of egg."
    When twenty  or  thirty drops of chloroform are sprinkled upon a
 handkerchief and inhaled, a state of pleasurable mental excitement is
 commonly caused, attended  by a sensation  of lightness or fullness of
 the head, whizzing noise in the ears, and indistinctness of vision.  This
 may be accompanied by a tendency to muscular action^ and there is at
 the  same time partial  insensibility to pain.  If the dose is increased,
 or in the same dose, if the patient be  susceptible  to the  influence of
 chloroform, the patient loses his consciousness, his ideas become inco-
 herent and extravagant,  though  still pleasurable, there are  occasionally
 violent muscular efforts, and the pulse is increased in frequency ;  these
 symptoms are but of short duration, soon giving way to an apparently
 tranquil sleep, during which the muscles are  completely relaxed, and
 the patient is perfectly insensible to the pain of the severest operations.
 Sometimes in this stage the breathing may be slightly stertorous, or the
 pulse slower  than natural.   Vomiting, too, may occur, particularly if
 the patient has shortly before taken food.  If  the inhalation be discon-
 tinued, the patient in  the course of a  few minutes, either rapidly re-
 covers his ordinary condition, remains for some time in a soft _sleep, or
 is for a short period in a  dreamy, half-intoxicated state.
   "The inhalation of chloroform has been employed—1st. To relieve the
 pain of surgical operations and to afford ease in various painful diseases,
 as  neuralgia,  &c ; 2nd.  To  produce muscular relaxation  ; in the re-
 duction of dislocations, in fractures, and in various spasmodic diseases,
 tetanus,  &c. ;  3rd.  To relieve various convulsive and spasmodic
 affections, hydrophobia, asthma,  convulsions;  4th. To  induce sleep, in
■. mania and delirium tremens ; 5th. To  relieve the pains of parturition.
 For some of these purposes  the  patient has  often been kept under its
 influence for  four hours consecutively without any evil consequences
 ensuing.
    Though in the vast majority of cases  the inhalation of chloroform has
 been attended with no bad effect, yet already in nine  or ten  recorded in-
 stances the patient has died while under its influence.  In some of these
 cases probably, the chloroform had very little to do with the death of
 the patient,  in others, it may have been imprudently and  incautiously
 administered, but all allowance being made for these, it would still seem,
 that under circumstances which we cannot at present appreciate, the
 inhalation of chloroform may act as a deadly poison. 
250
sedatives or contra-stimulants.
    Before administering chloroform, it is necessary to ascertain that the
  patient  is not  labouring under any organic affection  of the heart or
  lungs.   It should always be given by a medical man, whose business it
|  should be to attend to the  chloroform alone, and who should be ready
/  on decided flagging of the pulse in force or frequency, or the superven-
  tion of stertor, or on the occurrence of any decided change in the colour
  of the patient, at once to  remove the chloroform  and permit the free
  access of air.]

    Conium, E.  Conii folia  et fructus,  L.  Conium maculatum,
  folia, D.  Hemlock.  [Conii folia et semen, U. S.]   The leaves (and
 fruit, L. [seeds, U. S.]) of Conium maculatum.   Indigenous ;  belonging
  to the Natural family Umbellifera (Apiacea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean
  class and order Pentandria  Digynia.
    Botanical  Characters.—Biennial; Root, fusiform, whitish, 6-12 inches
  long; Stem, 2-6 feet high, striated and spotted with purple, smooth, glauceous,
  hollow, much branched upwards; Leaves, large, tripinnate ; leaflets,  lanceo-
  late, pinnatifid  with acute  and  often cut segments;  Flowers, white, in
  umbels of many general as well as partial rays;  General involucre usually
  3-7 leaflets; Partial involucre of 3 leaflets on  one side ; Fruit, ovate, com-
  pressed  laterally, with five  primary undulatocrenate ridges.   The whole
  plant when bruised, emits a peculiar fetid odour like that of mice.
    Preparation.—The leaves are officinal in  the three British  pharmaco-
  poeias, they should be gathered when the plant is in full flower, the stalks
  carefully picked  out, and the leafy part dried with a stove heat excluded
  from the light.  For medicinal purposes they should be kept in well-stopped
  opaque bottles or jars, but as  they lose much of their virtues by keeping, the
  druggist's stock  should  be renewed every year.  The seeds are collected
  when fully ripe, they are more active than the  leaves and preserve their
  medicinal powers for a much longer period.

    Physical Properties.—Hemlock  leaves in the  fresh state are of a
  glaucous-green colour, and possess remarkably  the characteristic odour
  of the plant; by drying they acquire a dull  greyish-green colour, and
  lose much of  their odour.   They have a nauseous bitter taste.  The
  fruit has a weaker odour, its taste is bitter, and somewhat acrid.
    Chemical Properties.—Hemlock leaves and  fruit contain a" pe-
  culiar alkaloid  which has  been named conia,  (conein, or conicin,), a
  volatile odorous principle, albumen, resin, colouring matter, and some
  salts.  The active principle of the plant is  the alkaloid conia;  it is a
  colourless oily liquid, lighter than water, with  a peculiar, penetrating,
  very disagreeable odour, and an intensely acrid taste ; it is nearly as
  active a poison as pure prussic acid.   Conia is obtained by the dis-
  tillation of the leaves or fruit  with a caustic alkali; it exists  in  the
  greatest quantity in the full grown green fruit, eight pounds yielding
  half an ounce of hydraled conia  (Christison).  The composition  of
  this alkaloid is C12 H1* N O.  On  trituating the leaves  or fruit of
  hemlock  with caustic potash, the peculiar  odour of conia,  which
  should not be confounded with that of the plant, is emitted; and as the
  medicinal virtues depend on the presence of this alkaloid, a ready test
  is thus afforded of ascertaining the goodness of any of the preparations
  of hemlock.  The leaves  and fruit  yield  their active properties to
  water, alcohol,  oils, and fats.
    Adulterations.—Other umbelliferous  plants which bear  a general
  resemblance to hemlock are frequently confounded with it,  and their 
sedatives or  contra-stimulants.
251
leaves often sold for  those  of the  true  plant.  The distinguishing
botanical characteristics of the  plant are, its smooth purple-spotted
stem, and its unilateral partial involucre;  the  fruit  is readily  known
by its undulato-crenate primary  ridges.   Chemically, all parts of the
plant are known by the peculiar odour of  conia evolved on trituration
with caustic potash ;  and this test,  as  before remarked, is also ap-
plicable for ascertaining the quality  of the officinal preparations of
hemlock.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—From the investigations which  have
been recently made as to the action of hemlock, particularly those of
Professor Christison and Mr. Judd, it would appear that its influence
is chiefly exerted on  the  nerves of motion,  and that its medicinal
powers are those of  a  direct sedative.  When taken in poisonous
doses,  the symptoms preceding death are very similar  to those pro-
duced by asphyxia from any cause ; thus  " it does not excite convul-
sive spasms, or bring  on insensibility—but it exhausts the  nervous
energy of the spinal chord  and voluntary muscles, occasioning merely
convulsive  tremors and  slight  twitches,  and  eventually  general
paralysis of the muscles, and consequent  stoppage of the breathing"
(Christison).   Much difference of opinion exists as to  the action of
hemlock when employed as a medicine, and  consequently as to the
diseases in which it proves beneficial; this arises from  the fact, that
the preparations of hemlock which were in general use until very late-
ly were perfectly inert;  for since the discovery of the active principle
of the plant, it has been satisfactorily shewn, that the  application of
.even a moderate degree of heat, when continued for any time, causes
it to undergo decomposition, and therefore that the extract (the pre-
paration most generally employed), when prepared  according to the
directions of the Dublin and London Pharmacopoeias is deprived almost
completely  of its medicinal virtues; and of this  I have frequently
satisfied myself by the potash test.  In  the  present day, but little
faith is placed in the virtues of hemlock as a deobstruent and alterative
in the  treatment of glandular or visceral  enlargements, of scrofulous
affections, of secondary syphilis, or of chronic  skin diseases, for which
it was at one time highly esteemed.  I have  derived very beneficial
results from the use of hemlock  in many painful affections,  some of
which were attended with inflammation ;  the preparation which I em-
ployed  was  the  expressed juice carefully  prepared from the  fresh
leaves gathered when  the plant  was in full  flower.  The diseases in
which I principally used it were the various  rheumatic affections,—
both acute  and chronic,  neuralgia, senile  gangrene, and cancerous
diseases of various parts of the body ; in  all of which I have found  it
alleviate pain and dininish nervous excitement.  On the  whole from
the experience which I have had of it, I am  inclined to think that
hemlock will be found an anodyne and  sedative of much power, an
opinion which from numerous communications that I have recently re-
ceived is confirmed by the experience of  others, who have employed
it in consequence of my publications on its medicinal properties in the
26th  and 28th volumes of the Dublin  Journal of Medical  Science.
Hemlock has been  employed externally in the form of cataplasm or
ointment to cancerous  and painful ulcerations, and to tender glandular
enlargements.  In  several cases in  which the use  of  the expressed
juice of hemlock had been preserved in for  some time, and the dose 
252          SEDATIVES  OR  CONTRA-STIMULANTS.
much increased, the patients complained of great dryness with a pain-
ful feeling of constriction of the pharynx, which, however, soon disap-;
peared on the suspension of its use and the administration of an active
cathartic.  In a few instances, also, slight head-ache was experienced.
These are the only physiological effects which I  have seen produced
by hemlock, although I have employed it very extensively for  some
years back ; and in no instance have I seen any injurious consequences
follow its employment.
  Dose and  Mode of  Administration.—The dose of the powder of
the leaves, a bad form, is  from gr. v. to gr. x. three  or four times a
day ; of the powder of the seeds gr. iij. to gr. vi. may be given ; the
quantity should  be gradually increased.—Extractum  Conii,  L.  E.
[U.  S.] Succus spissatus Conii, D.  ("Fresh hemlock leaves, ibj.;
bruise them,  sprinkled  with  a little water, in a stone mortar; then
press out the juice, and evaporate  it unstrained, to a  proper consist-
ence," D. L.—" Take of conium, any convenient quantity ;  beat it into
a uniform pulp in a marble mortar, express the juice and filter it.  Let
this juice be  evaporated to the consistence of firm extract,  either in a
vacuum with the aid of heat, or spontaneously in  shallow  vessels ex-
posed to a strong current of air, freed of dust by gauze or  screens.—
This extract  is of good  quality only when  a very strong odour of conia
is disengaged by degrees  on its being carefully triturated  with Aqua
potassa;," E.).   [Prepare in the same manner as extract of Stramoni-
um leaves, U. S]  Dose, gr.  iij.  to gr. v. gradually increased.  This
is always an uncertain preparation, and does not keep well.—Tinctura
Conii, D. L. E.   [U.  S.]  (" Hemlock  leaves, dried, §ij. (§v., L. ;
[Extractum Conii Alcoholicum;  prepare in the same manner as alco-
holic extract of  aconite, U. S.];) cardamom,  bruised,  §i.;  proof spirit,
by measure ibj.  (Oij., L.); macerate for 7 (14, L.) days, and strain,"
D.  L.—[" Hemlock leaves, §iv. ; diluted alcohol, Oij.  Macerate  for
14 days, express and filter through paper," U. S.]—" Fresh conium
leaves, §xij.;  tincture of cardamom, Oss.  ;  rectified spirit, Oiss.;
bruise the leaves, express the juice  strongly; bruise the residuum,
pack it  firmly in a percolator ; transmit first the tincture of cardamom,
and  then the  rectified  spirit, allowing the spirituous  liquors to mix
with the expressed juice as they  pass  through ; add gently water
enough to the percolator for pushing through the spirit  left  in  the
residuum.  Filter the  liquor after agitation,"  E.).  The  tincture  of
the Edinburgh College  is a much superior preparation to that of either
Dublin or London as being prepared from the fresh leaves, neverthe-
less as the process requires some nicety  of manipulation, it is apt to
vary in strength, which the presence of the tincture of cardamoms will
prevent us from judging of;  the dose of it is from min. xx. to min.  xl.
gradually  increased.—Succus  Conii,  (Fresh hemlock  leaves, any
quantity; express the juice strongly ; set aside for 48 hours, pour  off
the clear supernatant liquor, and add to it a fifth part of rectified spirit).
This is the most certain of the preparations  of hemlock,  as it is of a
uniform strength, and keeps well.   Dose, min. xxx. gradually increased
to f3i- every third or fourth hour, its effects  being carefully watched.
It  is best administered  in camphor  mixture or in  distilled  water
sweetened with simple  syrup, or syrup of red poppies.—Pilula Conii
composita,L. (Extract of hemlock, 3v. ;  ipecacuanha, powdered, 3i. ;
mixture of acacia, as much as may  be sufficient;  beat  them together
until they are incorporated).   Dose, gr. v. three times a day ; intended 
SEDATIVES  or contra-stimulants.
253
for an anodyne and expectorant in hooping cough, bronchitis, and the
incipient stages of phthisis, but, from the observations made above on
the extract, its powers must be very feeble.—Cataplasma Conii, D. L.
(" Hemlock leaves, dried, |j. ; water, by measure ibiss.; boil down to
Ibj., and to the strained liquor, add as much of the same kind of powder,
as is sufficient to make a cataplasm," D.—" Extract of hemlock, |ij. ;
water, Oi.; mix, and add linseed, bruised, as much as may be sufficient
to make it of a proper consistence," L.).  A soothing poultice to pain-
ful ulcers or glandular enlargements.  The fresh leaves, bruised, would
form a much better application.—Unguentum Conii, D.   (Fresh hem-
lock leaves ;  and prepared hog's-lard, of each, ibj. ; boil the leaves in
the lard  until  they become crisp,  then  express through linen).   An
excellent sedative and anodyne ointment.—Emplastrum Conii, (Yellow
wax, 2 parts;  resin, and olive oil, of each, 1 part; soap plaster,  a
sixth part; melt together, and add to the mass when it begins to cool,
powdered hemlock, 2 parts ; mix thoroughly).   For  neuralgic and
rheumatic pains; in cancer of the stomach, liver, or uterus, over  the
site of these organs; and in gladular enlargements  in  the abdomen.
   Incompatibles.—The caustic alkalies ; the vegetable  acids;  and
vegetable astringents.
  In cases of poisoning with hemlock, the same  treatment should be
followed as in poisoning with monkshood, (see page 246.)

  Crkasotum.  Creasote (described in the division Astringents,) when
given in poisonous  doses, appears from  the observations of Dr. Rose
Cormack, to resemble prussic acid  in its  sudden  depressing action on
the heart, as well  as in the temporary nature  of  its toxicological ope-
ration.   In medicinal doses, independent of its astringent property al-
ready described  (see page 43,) it operates as a sedative and calmative ;
it has been principally used in nausea and vomiting, in checking which
it proves highly beneficial.  It is particularly useful in the morning
sickness of pregnancy, and  in cases of hysteric vomiting.  Creasote
will be also found  very efficacious in allaying vomiting  when it arises
from nervous  irritability, or functional disorder of the stomach ; but  it
generally fails when organic  disease is present, or where the vomiting
is symptomatic of diseases of other organs.  In the obstinate vomiting
of sea-sickness,  this remedy has been found by some to  prove  useful,
and in all the  nostrums of the present day for preventing sea-sickness
creasote is a principal ingredient.  In neuralgia and in phthisis, this sub-
stance has been highly  praised by many as  being almost a complete
specific, but its efficacy in these diseases has not been well  established.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Min. j. to min. ij. gradually in-
creased to min. v. or min. vj. dissolved in at least an ounce,  or an ounce
and a half of some aromatic water, or made into an emulsion with distilled
water  by means of sugar or yolk of egg.  In the  administration of cre-
asote,  it shouldbe  borne in mind that its action is temporary, and con-
sequently that the dose should be frequently repeated.—Mistura Crea-
soti,  E.  (Creasote ; and  acetic acid,  of  each,  min.  xvj.  ; com-
pound  spirit  of juniper;  and  syrup,  of each,  f§j.  water,   f^xiv. ;
mix the creasote with the acid, add gradually the water, and lastly, the
syrup  and spirit.)    An  excellent form for the administration  of this
medicine, the spirit of juniper concealing its disagreeable taste.   Dose,
f§i. to f§ij. ; f§j. contains min. j. of creasote. 
254
SEDATIVES OR  CONTRA-STIMULANTS.
   Digitalis has  been described in  the  division Diuretics, but  as  its
 active principle digitaline. acts only as a  sedative, I have preferred
 describing the  mode  of preparation and properties of that  substance
 here.

   Preparation.— Digitaline : "Take any quantity of dry digitalis, reduce
 it to coarse powder, and form it into a paste with spirit of the density *800 ;
 separate the tincture by strong pressure, and  repeat the operation a second
 time.  Distil the  alcoholic liquor and treat  the residue 'with water acidula-
 ted with  acetic acid; filter and add to  the clear liquor a concentrated infu-
 sion of nut-galls  as long as any precipitate is formed.  Collect this precipi-
 tate carefully, and  triturate it with an  equal weight of finely  powdered li-
 tharge, adding a few  drops  of spirit.   Digest for a  short time with rec-
 tified spirit (dens.-840,) at  a temperature  not exceeding  104 °F.  Filter,
 distil off the spirit and agitate the residue with warm sulphuric ether, when
 the digitaline will be left as an insoluble residuum."  Homolle and Henry.

   Properties.—Digitaline  thus prepared  is  in the form of a  white
 powder ; it has  an excessively bitter taste,  and is inodorous, but the
 smallest quantity of it produces violent sneezing.   It is scarcely solu-
 ble in cold water or ether, a little more so in boiling water, but is very
 soluble in either strong  or weak spirit.   It is perfectly neutral.
   Digitalis administered in large doses acts as a narcotico-acrid poison,
 producing  giddiness, great debility,  stupor, slow, feeble and intermit-
 tent pulse, an abundant flow of saliva, cold  sweats, and death  imme-
 diately preceded by  coma and convulsions.   In medicinal doses,  when
 its use has been continued for  some  time, it operates as a  direct seda-
 tive, its influence being chiefly manifested on the  heart  and arterial
 system ;  this is  indicated by the diminished force and frequency of the
 pulse, which is  also sometimes irregular, and by the enfeebled action
 of the heart itself.  If the use of digitalis  be continued under  these
 circumstances, although the dose  be not increased, all the symptoms
 of poisoning come on, indeed  in  many cases, will appear  some days
 after its administration has been stopped ; hence it is evident that this
 medicine accumulates in the system, and therefore in cases where its
 use has been continued for any period, the administration of the reme-
 dy should be occasionally suspended, particularly as soon as its consti-
 tutional effects  become  obvious.   From the sedative influence which
 digitalis exerts on the heart, it may be employed in all cases attended
 with over-excitement of the vascular system : but where much inflam-
 mation is present,  it is not sufficiently powerful  as an antiphlogistic to
 be relied on, to  the  exclusion of more active treatment.   It is in dis-
 eases of  the heart and large arteries that this medicine is found most
 beneficial, and whenever the curative indication will be best fulfilled by
 diminishing the impulse of the heart, and by lowering the circulation
 generally, no remedy will produce these results so completely and so
 certainly as digitalis.   It thus proves useful in simple hypertrophy  of
the heart,  in  nervous palpitations, in increased action of that organ
arising from functional derangement not from organic disease, in  aneu-
rism of the aorta,  and in active hemorrhages where the pulse is quick,
 hard and throbbing ; its employment is contra-indicated in hypertrophy
of the heart with or  without dilatation, when that state is produced, by
obstruction from any cause to the circulation of the blood, or  by regur-
gitation from insufficiency or other disease  of the valves.   Digitalis
has been also  used in cases of insanity and of epilepsy ; in the latter af- 
SEDATIVES  OR  CONTRA-STIMULANTS.           255
fection, when not dependant on organic disease, it often proves singu-
larly beneficial when given in very large doses, so as to bring the system
rapidly under its influence ;  in some cases which  I saw with Dr. Cor-
rigan, recovery took  place very  rapidly under the following mode of
employing this remedy :—fgij. of the  infusion of digitalis were given
every  night at bed-time  until  its constitutional  effect was produced,
which was usually after the fourth or fifth dose ; its use was then sus-
pended for two or three nights according to circumstances, and then the
same quantity given as before ; as soon as the system became affected,
the number of fits were diminished, and under the continuance  of this
plan of treatment for a short  time, their recurrence soon ceased alto-
gether.  In the  employment of digitalis  as  a medicine, its effects re-
quire to be carefully watched, and whenever its use is continued for
any length of time, the patient should not be allowed to use any active
exertion, and should be seen  at least once daily by the medical atten-
dant.
   Digitaline is  about a  hundred times more active than digitalis, the
sedative properties of which it appears to possess in a concentrated de-
gree ;  a tenth of  a  grain having frequently reduced the pulse to 40
beats in the minute in from eight to ten hours after it  had been taken.
The smallest over-dose of it produces nausea and obstinate vomiting
which lasts for many hours.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—As a sedative the doses of the
preparations of digitalis  are as follows :—of the powder, gr. j. to gr.
iij. ; of the infusion, f^i.  to f§ij. ; of the tincture,  f3ss. f3iss.—Succus
Digitalis, (Prepared in the same manner as  Succus Conii, page,252.)
Dose f3i.  to  f3ij.—Extractum Digitalis, L. E.  (" Fresh foxglove
leaves, Ibj.,  bruise them  sprinkled  with a little  water in a stone
mortar, then press out the juice, and evaporate it unstrained to  a  pro-
per consistence," L.—" Best prepared by any of the processes indicat-
ed for extract of Conium, E.)  An uncertain preparation.  Dose, gr.
ss. to gr.  j.   The dose  of digitaline  is from l-12th. to l-10th. of a
grain  repeated  every sixth  hour, its effects  being most carefully
watched.—Granules  of Digitaline,  (Digitaline, gr.  xx. ; powdered
white sugar, §i. ; mucilage,  sufficient  to  make 1000 granules.)  Each
granule contains a fiftieth of a grain of digitaline.  Dose, 4 to 5.
  In cases of poisoning  with  foxglove, the stomach pump should be
used, or powerful stimulating emetics immediately administered, and
active stimulants  both external and  internal be assiduously employed.

   Lauro-cerasus, E.   Prunus lauro-cerasus, D.—Cherry-laurel
leaves.   Leaves  of Prunus  lauro-cerasus, (Cerasus  lauro-cerasus,
Jussieu ;) Common laurel.   A native of the shores of the Black  Sea,
whence it was introduced into Europe  and the British Isles,  where it
now grows freely ; it belongs to the Natural family Rosacea (Drupacea,
Lindley,)  and to the  Linnaean class and order Icosandria Monogynia.

  Botanical  Characters.—An evergreen, small tree; Stem, smooth, much
branched, 12-18 feet high;  Leaves, large, bright glaucous green, coriaceous;
Flowers, numerous, white, small,  in axillary racemes; Fruit, an ovoid,
blaakish drupe about the size of a small cherry.

  Physical Properties.—Cherry-laurel leaves are  employed in the
recent state for medicinal purposes ; they emit an agreeable bitter al-
mond odour when bruised^ and have a bitter  rather astringent taste. 
256
SEDATIVES  OR  CONTRA-STIMULANTS.
  Chemical Properties.—These leaves have not been accurately an-
alysed ; their properties  depend on a volatile oil, which they yield  by
distillation with water ;  it resembles in odour and other properties the
volatile oil of  bitter almonds, and  like it  contains  free prussic  acid.
The leaves differ much in the quantity of  this  oil which they yield at
different periods of their growth, and consequently in  their activity;
according to Christison the greatest quantity is obtained from the buds
and expanded  young leaves in the months of May and June, at which
time they yield 6*33  grains of oil in one thousand ;  in July the propor-
tion sinks to 3*1 grains, and in the following May to 6*6.   Zeller states
that they yield more  oil when collected in  cold wet weather than when
gathered in a dry hot season.   The water which comes over with the
oil in the process of distillation acquires both its odour and taste, and
is the only preparation of the plant wfciich  is employed in medicine.
  Adulterations.—Cherry-laurel water varies  much in  activity ac-
cording to the time of the year in which it is prepared, and the care
with which  it  is distilled.  Its  strength is most easily  ascertained by
the nitrate of silver test  as described for prussic acid (page 242).  As
it loses its activity by keeping, it should be distilled fresh  every year.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Cherry-laurel leaves and their distilled
water, owe  their virtues to the prussic acid  which they  contain, and
consequently  produce  the same  effects.   An ounce of  the  distilled
water has produced death in an adult.  Cherry-laurel  water is much
employed in this country as a sedative in  spasmodic cough, in phthisis,
and in painful or spasmodic diseases of children ; for the latter purpose
its agreeable flavour renders it  peculiarly  eligible ;  it is,  however,
very liable to  vary in strength, and therefore should be prescribed with
caution.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Aqua Lauro-cerasi, D.  E.
(Fresh cherry-laurel leaves,,ibj.; water, by measure ibiij.  (Oiiss. E.);
" distil off ibj., and add §i. of compound spirit of lavender instead of
rectified spirit," D.  " Chop down the leaves,  mix them with water,
distil off a pint, agitate the distilled liquid well, filter it if any milkiness
remains after a few seconds of  rest, and then add  §i. of compound
spirit of lavender," E.).  The compound spirit of lavender is  added
as a colouring ingredient to prevent  mistakes from the preparation
being taken for common water, the odour, however,  is quite sufficient
for this purpose; and consequently as prepared in Dublin at present,
it is usually omitted, even in that  which is  sold at the Apothecaries'
Hall of Ireland.  The dose for adults is from f3ss. to f3i. ; for infants
or children, min. ij. to min.  x.
  Incompatibles.—Same as for  hydrocyanic acid.  As is also the
treatment in cases of poisoning.

  Naphtha medicinalis.  Medicinal Naphtha.   (Pyroxylic spirit;
Pyro-acetic spirit).

  Preparation.—The mode of preparation of the liquid sold under the above
name, and used in medicine  in the present day, is kept a secret  by  the
chemists who prepare it;  there is no doubt,  however,  but that it is a pro-
duct of the destructive distillation of wood.

  Physical Properties—A colourless, transparent, limpid fluid, with
an agreeable,  ethereal, alcoholic odour, bearing some resemblance  to 
              SEDATIVES OR CONTRA-STIMULANTS.           -607

that of acetic ether, and an aromatic,  not  unpleasant taste.   Sp. gr.
0823 to 0*824.
  Chemical  Properties.—The  chemical characters of  medicinal
naphtha, are those  of pyroxylic spirit (hydrate of oxide of methule,
Liebig).  It is miscible with water and alcohol  in all  proportions,  an
increased temperature being produced  on its addition  to the former.
It is very volatile  and boils  at  about 150° F.,  and  is inflammable,
burning with a pale blue flame.   It is  perfectly neutral to test paper.
  Adulterations.—Ordinary  naphtha   is  sometimes  substituted for
medicinal naphtha (pyroxylic  spirit), but may be readily distinguished
by the chemical characteristics given above.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—This remedial  agent was first intro-
duced into the practice  of medicine by Dr. Hastings who  along  with
the late Dr. Hocken, vaunted it as a perfect cure for pulmonary con-
sumption.   They both agreed in describing its  effects on the  system
generally as those of a stimulant, and considered its curative action
to depend on its possessing a solvent power over tubercle.  Although
few, if any, believe now that phthisis  can  be cured by this agent,  it
must be confessed that the results of the experience of nearly all who
have tried its effects in this  disease,  is strongly confirmatory of its
being  a most useful remedy, and in  this  opinion I fully agree.   It
appears to me, however, to act  as a  direct sedative ; the harassing
cough and  troublesome vomiting so  frequent an  attendant of the ad-
vanced stages of consumption, being more  relieved by it than by any
other remedy I have employed;  and  it is consequently in cases  in
which these symptoms are very prominent  that it proves most benefi-
cial.
  Dose and Mode of  Administration.—Min. v.  to min. xx. three
or four times a day.  It may be given in some aromatic water and
sweetened with syrup  if necessary.   The following  is the mixture
which I ordinarily  employ :—Mistura Naphtha Medicinalis, (Medici-
nal naphtha, f3ij.  5 compound tincture of cardamoms,  f3vi. ; water,
fgvij.;  mix). Dose, f§ss. every fourth hour.

  Potassii cyanidum.—[Potassii Cyanuretum,  CJ. S.]—Cyanide of
Potassium.   (Cyanuret of Potassium; Hydrocyanate of Potassa).

  Preparation.—Parisian Codex,  1837.  "  Reduce  proto-cyanuret of po-
tassium and iron to coarse powder, half  fill a retort with it, place the retort
in a good reverberatory  furnace, >dapt  the tube to  collect the gas ; heat
moderately to expel the water of crystallization, then  raise the temperature
so as to fuse the mass, which will be announced by a dsiengagement of gas ;
keep up the temperature so that  the disengagement will be regular and
moderate; increase the heat progressively, and maintain it at a very high
degree for a quarter of an hour, close the extremity of the tube,  close also
the  apertures of the furnace, and leave the whole  to  cool; then break the
retort and carefully detach the upper stratum  which forms a kind of well-
fused enamel. This is the pure cyanide of potassium;  include in a well-
ground stoppered bottle, remove afterwards the spongy black mass which is
found in the lower part; it is a mixture of cyanide  of potassium, iron, and
charcoal, include it also in bottles."  Mr. Donovan of this city has added
the following directions to the above process :—The retort should be of forged
iron, a quicksilver bottle will answer perfectly, provided it be sound ; in its
screw plug, must be  fitted an iron tube so  bent that its other extremity may
be plunged half an inch  below  the surface of a little water in a cup.  By 
258          sedatives  or  contra-stimulants.
this means, the different steps may be more easily regulated, as the issue of
gas is more conveniently observed.  The iron bottle should be only half
filled with recrystallized ferrocyanide of potassium ;  and as soon as the pro-
cess is completed, when cold it may be cut in two by a chisel  and  heavy
hammer.  The black impure cyanide at the bottom of the retort is  totally
unfit for medicinal use.—It may be also obtained very readily and of great
purity by passing a stream of hydrocyanic acid through an alcoholic solution
of pure potash; a  plan first proposed by Wiggers.   [U. S.  " Take of
Ferrocyanuret of Potassium in powder, §viij.;  distilled water, f§vi. Expose
the Ferrocyanuret to a moderate heat until it becomes  nearly white, and is
wholly deprived of its water of crystallization.  Put the residue in an earthen
retort, with the beak loosely stopped, and expose it  to a red heat for two
hours, or till gas ceases to be disengaged.  Withdraw the retort from the
fire, close the orifice with the  lute, and let the whole remain until quite cold.
Break the retort, remove the black mass, reduce it to coarse  powder, intro-
duce it into a bottle of the capacity of f§xij.; and  then add the distilled
water.  Agitate the mixture  occasionally  for half an hour, throw it on a
filter, evaporate the filtered  solution  rapidly to dryness, and keep the dry
mass in a closely stopped bottle."]

   Physical  Properties.—Cyanide of potassium, thus procured, is a
whitish, semi-transparent, crystalline mass,  having an enamelled ap-
pearance.  It is inodorous when quite  dry, but if moistened, it emits
the odour of hydrocyanic acid.  It has an  acrid, alkaline,  somewhat
bitter 'aste.
   Chemical Properties.—It is composed  of one  eq.  of  potassium
and one of cyanogen.   Exposed to the air, it  absorbs  moisture and
deliquesces, being converted into carbonate  of potash  by the absorp-
tion of carbonic acid from the atmosphere and the evolution  of hydro-
cyanic  acid.  It  has  an  alkaline  reaction  on vegetable colours; is
fusible by heat without change, and unalterable even by  a white heat,
provided air be excluded.   This salt is very soluble in water,  but is
insoluble in strong alcohol.   By solution in water, it is converted into
the hydrocyanate of potassa.
   Adulterations.—As commonly met with in  the shops, this salt is
seldom  fit for medicinal use.  When pure, it should  be perfectly white
and afford a completely colourless solution with  distilled water; if it
be at all yellow, it contains iron which diminishes its  activity much.
It should  be  also perfectly free from odour, as  if it have any  smell
of prussic acid, it contains  water, is of uncertain  strength, and is per-
haps undergoing slow  decomposition.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Cyanide of potassium possesses pre-
cisely similar properties to hydrocyanic acid, as a substitute for  which-
it is used in medicine.   Its  advantages over that acid are its  unvarying
strength, and its permanence of constitution, when  properly prepared
and carefully preserved ; but its great liability to deliquesce has pre-
vented  its general  introduction into the  practice  of medicine.  To
remedy this defect, Mr. Donovan has suggested " that consumers should
keep  the cyanide of potassium in  small wide-mouthed well-stoppered
bottles, not quite filled  with salt, but completely  filled with  alcohol of
0800;  which when  of this  strength exerts scarcely  any solvent  power
on the cyanide, but will effectually preserve it from the  deteriorating
influence  of the air.  When a few grains are required for  use, they
may be drawn up  by an iron wire  like potassium out of  naphtha, and
heated in a spoon  for a moment to drive off the adhering alcohol." 
sedatives or  contra-stimulants.
259
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—The dose of the  pure cya-
nide of potassium is from one-eighth to one-fourth of a grain.  If it be
desirable to administer the prussic acid  contained in the  salt in a free
state, this may be done by prescribing it in combination with  any weak
acid, as  with citric acid,  recent lemon-juice,  or  syrup of lemons.—-
Syrup of Cyanide of Potassium, Magendie,  (Cyanide of potassium,
gr.  viij. ;  simple syrup, fgxvj.; mix).  Dose, f3ij.  to  f3vj.  It is
always better to prescribe this preparation in the forms of draughts in
consequence of its liability to become decomposed.—Calmative Lotion,
Trousseau, (Cyanide of potassium, gr. viij.; distilled water; alcohol;
and  sulphuric  ether, of each, f§i. ;  mix).   For  external  use only.
One-eighth of  a grain of  pure cyanide of potassium is equal to about
one minim of the medicinal prussic acid of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia.
  Incompatibles.—All acids, and acidulous salts.

  Tabacum, L. E.   [U. S.]   Nicotiana  Tabacum,  folia, D.—
Tobacco.   Leaves (dried,  L.) of Nicotiana Tabacum.  A  native of
America  belonging  to  the  Natural  family  Solanacea,  and  to  the
Linnaean class  and order Pentandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A viscid, herbaceous annual;  Stem 3-6  feet
high, erect, branching at the  top;  Leaves,  sessile, ovato-acuminate, very
large,  pale green; Flowers,  in panicles, rose-coloured; Capsules, two-
celled,  loculicidal, containing many small somewhat reniform, brown seeds.
  Preparation.—In the month of August the plants are cut off above their
roots, and dried under sheds; when  perfectly dry,  the leaves are stripped off,
twisted, tied  in bundles, and packed with great compression in  hogsheads
for exportation.  Virginia tobacco in leaf should be the kind employed for
medicinal purposes.

  Physical Properties.—Virginia  tobacco leaves  are of a dark
brown  colour with yellowish  spots, and have an unctuous feel.  Their
odour  is peculiarly heavy and narcotic ;  their taste bitter and  nauseous.
  Chemical Properties.—Tobacco is composed of a peculiar, liquid,
colourless, volatile alkaloid which has been named nicotina;  of a con-
crete volatile oil, nicotianin; of bitter extractive, gum,  chlorophylle,
vegetable  albumen,  gluten,  starch, malic acid, and some salts.  Its
properties depend on the alkaloid and the volatile oil ;  the  former is
heavier than water, has the odour of tobacco, and an acrid,  burning
taste, so intense as to communicate it  perceptibly to 10,000 parts of
water ; the latter has also  the odour of tobacco, its taste is  bitter  and
aromatic, leaving an unpleasant sensation in the throat, it does not exist
in recent tobacco leaves, and therefore must be developed during  the
process of drying.   By burning  tobacco, an empyreumatic  oil is pro-
duced  from the decomposition of some of its constituents ;  it  is usually
found in pipes, which have been used  some time for smoking,  it is a
very active poison.   Tobacco leaves yield their properties readily to
boiling water, alcohol, and spirituous liquors.
  The adulterations  of  tobacco  are  unimportant  in relation to  its
medical employment.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Tobacco taken internally in large doses
acts  as a powerful narcotico-acrid poison ; the most marked symptoms
are nausea, fainting, great exhaustion, general relaxation both of  the
voluntary  and involuntary muscles, extreme depression of the  cir-
culatory powers (marked by the feeble fluttering pulse, cold  extremi- 
260          sedatives or  contra-stimulants.

ties, paleness of the face,  &c), convulsions, paralysis, and death.   In
very small doses, it is said to act as a diuretic, and  sometimes as a
laxative.  In full medicinal doses, it operates as a direct sedative of
the vascular system, and  also of the cerebral functions.  It is princi-
pally used in medicine to  relax the muscular fibres:—thus it  is em-
ployed in the form of enema, in  strangulated hernia,  in  stricture  or
obstruction of the bowels  from other causes, in retention of urine from
spasmodic stricture of the urethra, or  from spasm of the  neck of the
bladder, in obstinate constipation, in severe  colic, and in tetanus ; in
all of which diseases its  beneficial effects depend on its  relaxing  in-
fluence over the muscular  system.   Tobacco was formerly employed
as a diuretic in dropsy, and also as an anthelmintic, but in the present
day it is  rarely used for either purpose.  As  an  external  agent  the
infusion or decoction may be applied by means of  compresses  in any
of the cases above enumerated in which its sedative action  is indicated ;
and in America  an ointment is  used in chronic cutaneous diseases,
especially  those of the scalp, but its use  requires very great caution,
as it has in some instances produced fatal results ; for  the same reason,
although a certain application for the destruction of vermin, the infusion
of tobacco is but seldom employed for that purpose.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—The use of tobacco requires
great caution,  as, in order  to produce a sedative influence, its poisonous
effects must be partially induced.   For the preparation of an enema of
tobacco, formulae are given in the three  British Pharmacopoeias, but
in no instance should  a larger quantity be used at first than from gr.
xv. to gr. xx.  infused in Oi. of boiling water, for cases are  on  record
where  so small a quantity as 3j- and even  3ss. has  proved  fatal.—
Enema  Tabaci, L. E.—Infusum  Tabaci, D. [U. S.]   (Tobacco, 3i-
(gr. xv. to 3ss.  E.) ;  boiling water, by  measure ibj. (Oj., L. [U. S.]
fgviij., E.) ; macerate (digest in a close vessel, D.) for one  hour (half
an hour, E.), and strain).— Vinum  Tabaci, E. [U.  S.l   (Tobacco,
§j.;  sherry, f§xij. [Oj. U.  S.] ; digest for seven days [fourteen days,
U. S.]; strain, express  strongly the residuum, and filter the liquors).
Sedative and diuretic, but  rarely used ; Dose, min. x. to min. xl.
  In cases of poisoning with tobacco, if the poison have been swallowed,
emetics should be immediately administered; and in all cases the most
powerful stimulants, both  external and internal, should be employed.
The vegetable astringents have been proposed as antidotes for tobacco,
tannin forming an insoluble precipitate with nicotina.


  Zinci cyanidum.  Cyanide of Zinc.   (Cyanuret of Zinc;  Hydro-
cyanate of protoxide of Zinc).

  Preparation.—Pass the vapour  of prussic acid into  distilled water in
which is suspended recently prepared hydrated oxide of zinc, which is  ob-
tained by adding in excess,  water of caustic potash to a solution of chloride
of zinc.

  Properties.—It is a solid white salt, inodorous and insipid ;  is com-
posed of one eq. of cyanogen, and one of zinc ; and is insoluble in both
water and alcohol.
  Therapeutical Effects.—This preparation has been  proposed on
the continent  as  a substitute for  hydrocyanic acid or  the cyanide of 
SIALOGOOUES.
261
potassium.  The dose is from gr. -J- to gr. j., but its insolubility renders
it an objectionable preparation.   In Germany it has been employed as
an anthelmintic for children.
                      CHAPTER XVIII.

                        SIALOGOGUES.

                          (Masticatories).

  Sialogogues are substances, which by a local stimulant action aug-
ment the secretion of saliva.   By this  definition we exclude  the  so
called remote  or  specific sialogpgues, as the preparations of mercury,
gold, &c, which  generally produce an increased flow of saliva, when
their internal  use has been continued for some time ; but as their re-
mediate powers do not depend merely on the increase of this secretion,
it will, I think, be more  practical  to confine  the term  sialogogue to
those agents which are employed  as direct stimulants to the salivary
glands.  There are but few substances used in the present day in the
practice  of medicine for this purpose, and  their application to the
treatment of disease is very limited.

            1     '.'/'*■'    ''                      ■   .  .  t ,
,.:+  I   -M  ■  ^ - <'"- ( <*'         ,  ■ •  '
  Armoracia, L. E.  Cochlearia armoracia, radix, D.   Horse-
radish.   The fresh root  of Cochlearia armoracia.   Indigenous;
belonging to  the Natural family  Crucifera  (Brassicacea, Lindley),
and to the Linnaean class and  order Tetradynamia Siliculosa.

   Botanical Characters.—Roots perennial, fleshy, white, running deep
into the ground ;  Stems, about 2 feet high ; Leaves large, much veined ;
Flowers, white.

  Physical Properties.—When  bruised or cut, the fresh root emits
a very acrid penetrating  odour; it  has a very pungent taste.  The
acrimony of the  roots is lost by drying, but  they may be preserved
fresh for a long time by keeping them packed in sand in a damp cellar.
  Chemical Properties.—The active principle of  horse-radish is a
very acrid volatile  oil, which may be  obtained  by distillation.  The
root yields  its acrimony to both boiling water and alcohol;  but it is
dissipated by boiling.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Horse-radish root is an excellent sialo-
gogue, producing a copious secretion of saliva.   It has been sometimes
employed in paralysis of the tongue, but like the other remedies of this
class, it has nearly fallen into  disuse.

  Mezereon (described in the division Diaphoretics), has been occa-
sionally used as a masticatory  in tooth-ache and in difficulty of degluti-
tion from paralysis.  A small piece of the bark should be frequently
chewed and the saliva assiduously  rejected. 
262
stimulants, general.
  Pyrethrum, D. L. E. [U. S.]  Pellitory of Spain.  Root of Ana-
cyclus pyrethrum, E.—of Anthemis pyrethrum,  D. L.  [U.  S.]   A
native of Asia Minor, and of the central parts of Europe ; belonging to
the Natural family Composita (Asteracea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean
class and order Syngenesia Superflua.

  Botanical Characters.—Root fusiform ;  Stems, several, procumbent,
somewhat branched, pubescent; Branches, one headed;  Florets of the ray,
white above, purplish beneath ; of the disc yellow.

  Physical Properties.—It is in short tapering pieces, from 3 to 4
inches in length and about the thickness of the little finger.  The bark
is thick and of a dark brown colour with black shining  spots ; the in-
ternal structure is dirty yellow with a radiated appearance.  It is in-
odorous, but when chewed  produces  a peculiar pricking sensation on
the tongue and lips.
  Chemical Properties.—According  to  Parisel's analysis, the acri-
mony of this root depends on an acrid resin Pyrethrin, of which it con-
tains  3  per  cent. ; the  other constituents are,  inulin, gum, tannin,
colouring matter, lignin, a trace of iron and silica, and some salts.   It
yields its virtues to alcohol and ether, but not to water.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Pellitory root is the most useful of this
class of remedies, acting as a powerful local stimulant to the salivary
glands, and causing a copious secretion  of saliva.  It is used for this
purpose in tooth-ache, neuralgia of the face, rheumatism of the jaws and
paralysis of  the tongue ; in the latter of which  affections I have em-
ployed it with benefit in more than one instance.  It  has been also
employed in relaxation of the uvula.  From 3ss. to 5i- of the root may
be chewed frequently.   A tincture prepared by macerating for 7 days
one part of the powdered root in five parts of rectified spirit and one of
water, is used by some dentists to relieve tooth-ache.
                      CHAPTER  XIX.

                  GENERAL STIMULANTS.

                      (Excitants; Incitants).

  It is difficult to define what is understood in the practice of medicine
by the term Stimulant, excitement of the vital energies is produced by
such different means  under different circumstances ;  with no class of
remedies, therefore, is it more  necessary to bear in mind the truth of
the maxim, that  medicines act merely relatively.  In their mode of
action when administered internally, General Stimulants resemble in
some respects Tonics; thus, immediately after their administration, a
feeling of tone or increased power is produced, which, however, is not
permanent, but is  almost invariably followed by a corresponding de-
pression  of vital power; their  effects also are more  immediate and
more manifestly perceived by the senses than those of Tonics.  Many
of the remedies contained in this division are closely related  to Narco-
tics, for example, alcohol and the ethers; the secondary effect of both
of which, particularly if given in large doses, is to produce sleep and 
STIMULANTS, general.
263
coma ; this  does not, however, appear to be, as with Narcotics, from
any direct action on the nervous system, but rather to result from the
previous over-excitement of the vital energies.  The great number of
medicines contained in this class, and the material difference of their
action in relation to the particular effects which they produce on the ani-
mal economy, preclude us from mying down any general rule as to their
administration in disease.   The peculiarities in their mode of operation
will be more conveniently considered when treating of the therapeuti-
cal effects of each artwle.
   Acidum aceticum camphoratum, D. E.   Camphorated acetic acid.
 An officinal substitute for aromatic vinegar.

   Preparation.—" Camphor, §ss.; acetic acid, f|vj. (fgviss. E.); pulverise
 the camphor with the aid of  a  little rectified spirit, and dissolve it in the
 acetic acid."

   This preparation is employed  only as an external stimulant, the
 vapour being snuffed up the nostrils in syncope.   It is exceedingly
 pungent  and very  volatile, and  should  be  therefore  kept in well
 stopped bottles.—Aromatic  Vinegar of the shops is a solution of cam-
 phor, and the volatile oils of  cloves, lavender,  and  rosemary  in the
 strongest acetic acids; its  odour is more agreeable than that  of the
 officinal preparation.

   Acidi nitrici unguentum,  D.   Nitric acid ointment.  This oint-
 ment is employed as a  local stimulant in chronic cutaneous diseases,
 particularly  those which  affect the scalp, and  as  an  application  to
 ulcers of a syphilitic origin.   It is said to be most efficacious when re-
 cently prepared.
   Preparation.—Dub.— "Olive oil, Ibj.; prepared hog's-lard,  §iv.; nitric
 acid, f3vss.: melt the oil and  lard together in a glass vessel, and when they
 are beginning to concrete, add the acid, then stir constantly with a glass rod
 until they  become firm."

   ^Ether aceticus.  Acetic  ether.  Not employed in  this country,
 but officinal in most of the Continental Pharmacopoeias.

   Preparation.—Parisian  Codex.   "Rectified  spirit, 100 parts; con-
 centrated acetic acid, 63 parts; strong sulphuric acid,  17 parts ; mix, and
 distil over a sand bath,  125 parts; deprive this of any free acetic  acid it
 may contain by means of carbonate of potash, set aside until it settles, pour
 off the clear liquor  and distil  100 parts."

   Physical Properties.—It  is a colourless, transparent, very volatile
liquid,  with  an agreeable, refreshing odour, and  a warm ethereal
 taste, leaving a cooling impression on the palate.  Sp. gr. 0*860.
   Chemical Properties.—According to the recent chemical theories
as to the constitution of the ethers, acetic ether is an  acetate of oxide
ofehyl, its composition is C8H804, or C4HsO -j- C4H303 ; it boils at
 165.  It is soluble in  7 parts of  water, and  in  alcohol and ether  in
all proportions.  Acetic ether when free from water, may be kept un-
changed in stoppered bottles,  but if it contain water, it rapidly decom- 
264                 stimulants, general.
poses into  acetic  acid and  alcohol ;  the alkalies decompose  it with
great facility.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Acetic ether is  an agreeable but mild
general stimulant, at one time much used on the Continent in hysteria
and nervous affections ;  at present it is chiefly  employed externally as
an ingredient in stimulating liniments.—Camphorated Acetic Liniment,
Pelletier.  (Soap, and camphor,  of each, 3ij.; acetic ether, fgij. ;
dissolve in a  water  bath, and add oil of origanum,  min. xx).   An
excellent stimulating liniment in rheumatic and arthritic pains, and
in sciatica.

  jEther nitrosus, D.  Nitrous'ether.  Hyponitrous ether; Nitric
ether ;  Nitrite of oxide of ethyl.

   Preparation.—Dub.—" Take of nitrate of  potash, purified, dried, and
reduced to  coarse powder, ibiss.;  sulphuric acid, ibi.; rectified spirit, by
measure §xix. ;  put the nitre  into a tubulated  retort placed in a  bath of
cold water, and pour on it gradually and at intervals the sulphuric acid and
the spirit previously mixed and cooled.  Without  any heat, or at  most, a
very gentle one, (as of warm water added to the bath),  an ethereal liquor
will begin to distil; and in a short time the heat in the retort will spontane-
ously increase, and brisk ebullition take place, which is to be moderated by
adding cold water to the bath; the receiver must be kept cold with water or
snow, and must be fined with a proper apparatus for  transmitting  the very
elastic vapour from the mixture (which sometimes bursts  forth with great
violence  if the heat be much increased), through ibj. of rectified spirit con-
tained in a cooled bottle.  The ethereal liquor thus spontaneously distilled,
is to be received in a bottle with a  glass stopper,  and add to it  gradually
(closing the bottle after each addition), a sufficient quantity of dry carbonate
of potash to saturate  the excess of acid, litmus-paper being used as a test;
this is effected by about a  drachm of the salt, and  after a short interval  the
nitrous ether will float on the top, and is to be removed by means of a fun-
nel.  If the ether be required very  pure, distil it  again to one half from a
water-bath at a  temperature of 140°.  Its specific gravity  is to that of dis-
tilled  water, as 900 to 1000."

   Physical Properties.—Nitrous ether is a  volatile liquid, of a pale
yellow colour,  with an agreeable, very fragrant odour, and a sweetish,
cooling, somewhat acid  taste.  When  quite pure its sp. gr. is *947 at
59° F.
   Chemical Properties.—Its composition is C4Hs04N, orC4H50-(-
NO3.   It boils at 70° ;  and is very inflammable, burning with  a bright
flame.   It requires for its solution 48 parts of water, but is miscible in
all proportions with alcohol and ether.  It is  readily  decomposed by
the alkalies.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Nitrous ether  is  a  general stimulant,
resembling in its operation  sulphuric ether ; but in consequence of the
difficulty of preparing it, as well as  its tendency to decompose by keep-
ing, it is seldom if ever used in the present day.   The  dose of it
would be from min. x. to min. xxx.  frequently  repeated.—Spirit of
Nitric Ether (described in the division Diuretics),  is sometimes em-
ployed as a stimulant in flatulent colic and in spasmodic vomiting, in
doses of from f3ss. to f3j., frequently repeated.

   ^Ether sulphuricus, D. L. E.   [U.S.]   Sulphuric ether.   Ether.
 Oxide of ethyl. 
stimulants, general.                  265
  Preparation.—Dub.—First prepare sulphuric ethereal liquor as follows:—
" Take of rectified spirit and sulphuric acid, of each, §xxxij.  by weight;
put the spirit into a glass retort that will bear the sudden application of neat,
and pour on it the acid in a steady stream;  mix them gradually and distil
with a sudden and sufficiently strong heat,  §xx. by measure of the liquor
into a cool receiver.  If §xvj. of rectified-spirit be poured  on  the  acid re-
maining in the retort, more sulphuric ethereal liquor will  be  obtained by
distillation.  Take of this liquor, f§xx.; carbonate of potash,  dried and
powdered, 3ij-; mix them, and from a very high retort distil  with  a very
gentle heat into a cooled receiver fgxij.   The specific gravity of the liquor
should be to that of distilled water, as 765 to  1000."  Lond.—" Take of
rectified spirit ibiij.;  sulphuric acid, ibij.; carbonate of potash previously
ignited, §i.; pour  Ibij. of the spirit into a glass retort, add the acid to it and
mix.   Afterwards place it  on sand, and raise the heat so that the liquor may
quickly boil, and the ether pass into a receiving vessel cooled  with ice or
water ; let the liquor distil until some heavier portion begins to pass over.
To the liquor which remains in the retort after the heat has subsided, pour
the remainder of the spirit that ether may distil in the same manner; mix
the distilled liquors, then pour  off the supernatant portion, and add to  it
the carbonate of potash, snaking them frequently during an hour.   Lastly,
let the ether distil  from a  large retort, and be kept in a  stopped  vessel."
 Edin.—" Take of sulphuric acid, f§x.;  rectified  spirit, f§l.; pour  f|xij. of
the spirit gently over the acid in an open vessel,  and then stir them briskly
and thoroughly ;  transfer the mixture immediately into a glass  matrass con-
nected with a refrigeratory, and raise the heat quickly to about  280°.  As
soon  as the ethereal fluid begins to pass over, supply fresh  spirit through a
tube  into the matrass in a continuous stream, and in such quantity  as to
 equal the volume  of the fluid which distils over.   This is best done by con-
 necting  one end of the tube with a  graduated vessel containing  the spirit,
passing the other  end through a cork fitted  into the matrass, and having a
 stop-cock on the tube to regulate the discharge.  When the  whole spirit has
 been added, and  fgxlij. have distilled over, the  process may be  stopped;
 agitate the impure ether withfgxvj. of saturated solution of muriate of lime,
 containing also §ss. of lime recently slaked.   When all odour of sulphur-
 ous acid has disappeared,  pour off" the supernatant liquid and distil it with
 a gentle heat so long as what passes over has a density not higher than 735.
 More ether of  equal strength may be obtained from the  muriate of lime;
 and from the residuum of each distillation a weaker ether  may be obtained
 in small quantity, which must be rectified  by distilling it gently again."
 ["Take of alcohol, Oiv.; sulphuric acid, Oj.;  potassa, 3VJ-5  distilled
 water, fgiij.  To two pints of  the alcohol, in an open vessel, add gradually
 fgxiv. of the acid, stirring them frequently.  Pour the mixture, while still
 hot, into a  tubulated glass retort, placed upon a sand bath, and connected
 by a long adapter, with a  receiver,  kept  cold by  ice or water;  then raise
 the heat quickly until the liquor begins to boil.  When about  half a pint of
 the ethereal liquid shall have passed over, introduce gradually into the retort,
 the remainder of the alcohol, previously mixed with f§ij. of the acid, taking
 care that the mixture shall enter in a continuous stream, and in such quanti-
 ty as shall supply the place as nearly as  possible, of the liquid which distils
 over.  This may be accomplished by connecting a vessel containing the al-
 coholic liquid with the retort, by means of a tube, provided with a stop-cock
 to regulate the discharge,  and  passing nearly to the bottom  of the retort,
 through a cork accurately  fitted into the tubular.   When all the alcohol has
 been thus added, continue the distillation until about Oiij. shall have passed
 over, or until white vapours shall appear in the retort.   To the product thus
 obtained add the potassa previously dissolved in the distilled water, and shake
 them frequently.   At the end of 24 hours,  pour off from the alkaline solu-
 tion  the supernatant ether,  introduce it into a retort, and with a gentle heat
 distil until Oij. shall have passed over,  or  until  the distilled liquid shall
 have the sp. gr. of 0-750]
                                 23 
266               stimulants, general.
   Physical Properties.—Ether  is  a transparent,  colourless,  very
 mobile liquid, with a fragrant penetrating odour, and  a pungent aro-
 matic taste, leaving a sense of coldness on the tongue and  palate.
 The Sp. gr. of the London preparation is *750.
   Chemical Properties.—Its composition is C4H50 or EO, being
 an oxide of ethyl.  It is extremely  volatile ; it boils between 96° and
 98° ; is highly combustible, burning with  a  white flame and the for-
 mation of carbonic  acid  and  water.   Great cold is  produced  by its
 evaporation.   When recently prepared, ether is perfectly neutral, but
 soon becomes acid by keeping.   One part  of ether dissolves in 10
 parts of water, while  36 parts of ether dissolve 1 of water ; it com-
 bines in all proportions  with alcohol.   It dissolves most resins, the
 volatile oils, and many of the vegetable alkaloids.
   Adulterations.—Ether frequently contains water and alcohol,  from
 bad keeping acetic acid also is often present.  The latter may be detect-
 ed by the effect on litmus paper, and water by the density being higher
 than that indicated by the Colleges.  The presence of alcohol, as well
 as the quantity if it be present, is satisfactorily ascertained by the test
 of the Edinburgh  Pharmacopaia :—" When  agitated in a  minim
 measure with half its volume  of concentrated solution of muriate of
 lime, its volume is not lessened."   If the solution of ether in water be
 not perfectly transparent, the presence  of ethereal oil may  be sus-
 pected.
    Therapeutical  Effects.—The action of sulphuric ether when
 taken internally is  that of a general diffusible stimulant;  its  effects,
 which are  rapidly produced, are equally transient.  In very large doses
 it is a narcotic poison, producing death with symptoms similar to those
 caused by  alcohol.   Applied externally, its action is refrigerant owing
 to the cold produced by its immediate  evaporation.  As a stimulant,
 ether is chiefly employed in spasmodic and nervous  affections unac-
 companied by inflammation ; thus, it is employed with benefit in cramp
 of the stomach, in spasmodic or flatulent colic, in nervous palpitations,
 in  hiccup, in  nervous head-ache,  during  a paroxysm of spasmodic
 asthma, &c.  It is also administered frequently with good effect in the
 advanced stages of fever when subsultus tendinum and hiccup are pre-
 sent ; and  as an immediate stimulant in fainting and asphyxia.  In the
 employment of ether as a stimulant, the transient nature of its opera-
 tion should be borne in mind,  and consequently that the doses require
 to be repeated at short intervals.  The influence of ether over the sys-
 tem is much diminished by habit, therefore it should be administered to
 those who  are accustomed to its use in  much larger doses.  External-
 ly it has been applied with friction as  a local stimulant in rheumatic
 and neuralgic pains.   In pharmacy ether is employed to extract the ac-
 tive principles of many medicines.  [The  inhalation of the vapour of
 ether produces the same mental exhiliration which is caused by chloro-
 form, but it is of longer continuance and apt to be greater in degree.
 The exhiliration is sometimes accompanied by a tendency to muscular
 action, and is followed  when the dose is sufficient, by muscular relaxa-
 tion, apparent sleep, and profound insensibility to pain.   Its use for the
purpose of  producing anaesthesia has been in a great degree supersed-
ed by that of chloroform, although it is  attended with  far less danger
than the latter substance ;  chloroform, however, is more portable, from
bo much smaller a quantity producing  the requisite effect; its odour 
stimulants, general.                  267
is more agreeable, and the patient is much more speedily and certainly
brought under  its influence.]
  Dose  and Mode of Administration.—f5ss. to f3ij-; it is usually
administered in some aromatic water.   " Ether may be readily incor-
porated with water or  any aqueous vehicle by rubbing it up with sper-
maceti, employed in the proportion of gr. ij. for each fluid drachm of
the ether," (U. S. dispensatory.)  The vapour of ether disengaged by
adding it to some warm water, is inhaled in spasmodic affections of the
respiratory organs.—Spiritus Mtheris Sulphurici, E.  (Sulphuric ether,
Oj. ;  rectified spirit, Oij. ;  mix them together.   " Density 809 ; it does
not affect  litmus paper, or render water muddy ; when agitated with
twice  its volume of concentrated solution of muriate of lime, 28 per
cent,  of ether separate by rest.")   Uses and properties similar to those
of ether.  Dose f3i. to f3iij-    It is miscible with water in all propor-
tions.—Liquor JEthereus Oleosus, D.  Oleum JEthereum, L.  (" Take
what  remains in the retort after the distillation of sulphuric ether, and
distil down to one half with a moderate heat," D.—" Rectified spirit,
Ibij. ;  sulphuric acid, Ibiv. ; solution of potash, and  distilled water, of
each, f§i. or as  much  as may be sufficient;  mix the acid  cautiously
with the spirit.   Let the  liquor distil  until a black froth arises, then
immediately remove the retort from the fire, separate the lighter super-
natant liquor from  the heavier one, and expose the former to the air
for a day ; add to it the solution of potash  first mixed with water, and
shake them  together.   Lastly, when sufficiently washed, separate the
ethereal oil which  subsides," L.)    [" Alcohol,  Oij.; sulphuric acid,
Oiij.; solution of potassa, f§ss. ;  distilled  water, f|i.   Mix  the acid
cautiously with the alcohol, allow the mixture to stand 12 hours, then
pour it into a large glass retort, to which a receiver kept cool  by ice
or water is adapted, and distil by means  of a sand bath until a black
froth  rises, when the retort  is  to  be removed  immediately from the
sand bath.   Separate the lighter supernatant liquid in  the  receiver
from  the heavier, and expose it to the air for a day ; then add to it
the solution of potassa previously mixed with the distilled water, and
shake them together.   Lastly separate the ethereal oil as soon as  it
shall have subsided," U. S.]   This preparation is only employed as
an ingredient in the following compound :—Spiritus JEtheris Sulphur-
ici compositus, L. [U. S.J  (Sulphuric ether, f§viij.; rectified  spirit,
fgxyj.; ethereal oil, f3iij- 5 mix.)   Commonly known as Hoffman's
anodyne liquor; it is used  in nearly the same cases as sulphuric ether,
but its properties are more decidedly anti-spasmodic ; the dose is f3ss.
to f3ij.   It is miscible with water in all proportions.   This prepara-
tion  is often prescribed in  combination  with laudanum, the disagreea-
ble subsequent effects of which it  is said to prevent.
  In cases of poisoning with ether, the stomach pump should be imme-
diately had recourse to ; cold affusion, and the most powerful inter-
nal  and external stimulants assidously employed ; in extreme cases, ar-
tificial respiration should be effected.

  Alcohol, D. L. E. [U. S.]  Absolute alcohol of the density 794-6,
E.—Alcohol with  a  small proportion of water,  density 810,  D.,
815, L.  [" Rectified spirit of the sp. gr.  of 835, U. S.]

  Preparation.—Dub.—" Rectified spirit, cong. j.; pearl-ashes, dried  and
still warm, ibiiiss.;  muriate of  lime dried,  ibj.  ; add the pearl-ashes in 
268                 stimulants, general.
powder to the spirit, digest the mixture in a close vessel frequently agitating
lor 7 days ;  draw off the supernatant spirit and mix it with the muriate of
lime.  Lastly, distil with a medium heat until the mixture in the retort be-
gins to thicken."   Lond.—" Rectified spirit, cong. j.; chloride of calcium,
ibj. ; put the chloride of calcium into the spirit and when it is dissolved, let
Ovij. f5v.   distil."   Edin.—" Rectified spirit, Oj.; lime, gxviij. ;  break
down the lime into small fragments, expose the spirit and lime together to a
gentle heat in a glass matrass till the lime  begins to slake ; withdraw the
heat till the slaking be finished, preserving the upper  part of  the matrass
cool with damp cloths; then attach a  proper refrigeratory, and  with a gra-
dually increasing heat distil offfgxvij.  The density of this alcohol should
not exceed 79G;  if higher, the distillation must have been begun before the
slacking of the lime was altogether finished."
  Physical Properties.—Alcohol  is a transparent, colourless liquid,
with a  pungent, rather  agreeable  odour, and  an acrid burning taste.
Its density varies with the quantity of water it contains ; that of  the
strong spirit of the pharmacopoeias has been given above.   Rectified
spirit (Spiritus rectificatus, D.  L.  E.)  is  an  article of the  Ma-
teria Medica; the Dublin College fixes its specific gravity at *840 at 60°
F.; the  London  College at -838  at 62° F.; and  the  Edinburgh
College  at *838  at 60°  F.—Proof  spirit  (Spiritus tenuior, D.
L.  E.)  is also an article of the  Materia Medica, but  as  met
with in commerce,  it is unfit for  medical use in  consequence of its
containing essential  oil.   The three Colleges have, therefore, directed
it to be prepared " by mixing together  5^ parts  by measure (Ov.  L.
Ovj. E.) of rectified spirit, with 3 parts,  by measure (Oiij.  L. E.)
of  distilled water, at a temperature of 60° (62°, L.")   Its specific
gravity according to the laws of the kingdom,  is *920° at 60° F.; and
it is obtained of this strength by  the direction  of the London College ;
the Dublin College fixes it  at -919,  the  Edinburgh at -912, at 60°  F.
[Alcohol dilutum, U. S.  " Alcohol, distilled water aa Oj.   Mix ; the
Sp. gr. is -935.]
   Chemical Properties.—Absolute alcohol is a Hydrated oxyde of
ethyl; its composition is C4  H5  O -f- HO, or EO-{- HO.  It boils at
173° ; it  is very volatile, and is highly  inflammable, burning with a
pale blue flame, free from smoke, water and carbonic acid being  the
products of its combustion; it  has never been  frozen.   It attracts
water from the air  and therefore becomes weak if kept in an imper-
fectly closed vessel; it is miscible with water  in all proportions, a dis-
engagement of heat, a diminution of bulk, and an  increase of density
accompanying their  union.   Alcohol dissolves the caustic alkalies and
alkaline sulphurets;  it  also dissolves  all  the deliquescent inorganic
salts, except carbonate of potash, but none of the salts  which are inso-
luble or sparingly soluble in  water, nor efflorescent salts.   It likewise
dissolves many vegetable substances, as all essential  and  most fixed
oils, the vegetable  alkaloids, sugar, resins, extractive, &c,  for many
of which purposes it is employed in pharmacy.  Alcohol prevents the
putrefaction of animal substances which are immersed in it, and hence
its  employment  in the preservation  of anatomical  preparations.
Rectified   and  Proof spirit  have similar  properties  to  alcohol, their
taste is milder, their boiling point higher  according to the  state of di-
lution, their inflammability less, and the colour of the flame  with which
they burn  deeper yellow the more  water they contain.  Proof spirit
is defined by law  to be such, that  at the  temperature of 51° F., 13
volumes of it  weigh exactly as much  as 12 volumes of water ;  100 
stimulants, general.
269
 parts of spirit of this strength consist of 49 parts by weight of abso-
 lute alcohol, and 51 parts by weight of distilled water at 60° F.
    Adulterations.—The specific gravity is  a sufficient  test of the
 strength of alcohol  and the weaker spirits, but in ascertaining their
 density, the temperature should  be  at the same time carefully noted,
 for the lower the  temperature, the greater will be  the density of the
 spirit.  The rectified spirit of British commerce  frequently contains
 °H °f grain, a contamination derived from the corn  during the process
 of distillation.    Its  presence  is  readily- detected by the test of the
 Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, "f§iv. treated with 25 minims of solution
 of nitrate of silver (gr. j. to gr. xl. of water,) exposed to bright light for
 24 hours, and then passed through a filter purified by weak nitric acid,
 so as to separate the black powder which forms,  undergo no farther
 change when again  exposed to  light with more of the test."   The
 same test is applicable to both alcohol and proof spirit.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Alcohol is the intoxicating principle of
 all spirituous liquors ; in moderate doses properly  diluted it acts as
 a general stimulant, exciting particularly the vascular and nervous'sys-
 tems ; in somewhat larger doses it produces the well known effects of
 intoxication ;  and in excessive doses it  acts as a powerful narcotic
 poison, rapidly causing death preceded by slow pulse, contracted pupils,
 and coma.   This effect is most usually observed when a large quanti-
 ty of ardent spirits has been drunk at once.   As a stimulant, alcohol
 is employed in medicine to support the vital powers in the advanced
 stages  of fevers, particularly those of a typhoid character;  for this
 purpose brandy or whiskey are usually employed, but wine is generally
 preferred, (see Vinum.)  It is also often used in flatulent colic,  in in-
 digestion, in vomiting, and in fainting.  As an external stimulant, it is
 a common ingredient in lotions, for sprains and bruises, for many forms
 of external inflammations—as erysipelas and erythema, for  various
 skin diseases, to  prevent excoriations in  parts exposed  to prolonged
 pressure, and with  friction over the region of the heart in syncope and
 suspended animation.  Diluted with six parts by measure of water, it
 has been used as an injection after tapping for the radical cure of hy-
 drocele.  In consequence of its producing cold by evaporation, alcohol
 is frequently added to cooling and evaporating lotions.
   Dose and Mode of  Administration.—In fevers, brandy or  whis-
 key is given in the  form of punch ; the quantity which should be given
 depends so much on the  circumstances of each particular case, that it
 would  be impossible to lay down here any general rule on the  subject.
 In the fever which  proved  so fatal to the British  Legion in Spain  in
 the year 1835, Dr. Lardner frequently gave so much as 32 ounces of
 brandy in the 24 hours.—Mistura spiritus vini gallici, L-  (Brandy ;
 cinnamon water, each, f§iv.; the yolks of two eggs; purified sugar,
 §ss  ; oil of cinnamon, min. ij.; mix.)    An agreeable and excellent
 stimulant in doses of fgss. to f§iss.
   In poisoning with ardent spirits, the contents of the stomach should
 be immediately evacuated by means of the stomach-pump, and exter-
 nal  stimulants,  especially the cold affusion, assiduously  employed.
 The coma of ordinary intoxication is best treated by  the internal use  of
 ammonia, or of the  solution of  the acetate of ammonia;  if apoplectic
 symptoms be present, cold lotions  to the head, the application of leeches
to the temples,  and  warmth  to  the  extremities, will be found most
useful.                             23* 
270
STIMULANTS, general.
  Ammoniacum, L. E. [U. S.]  Heracleum gummiferum, oummiresi-
na, D. Gum-ammoniac  Gum-resin (Gummy resinous exudation, E.) of
Dorema ammoniacum, L. E.  [U. S.]—of Heracleum gummiferum,
D.   The plant indicated by the London and Edinburgh Colleges which
is the true source of this drug, as met with in commerce, is a native
of Persia; but the ammoniacum of the ancients was procured from the
Ferula orientalis, a native of Morocco, in which country it is obtained
from  it  even in this day.   They both  belong to the Natural family
Umbellifera (Apiacea, Lindley,) and  to  the  Linnaean class and order
Pentandria Digynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A glaucous-green plant, 4-7 feet high ; Stem
about 4 inches  in  diameter,  branching ;  Leaves, large,  2 feet long,  on
downy petioles, sheathing at the  base; Flowers white, in proliferous, race-
mose umbels.
  Preparation.—The gummy juice which pervades the whole plant oozes
forth on the slightest puncture.  During the warm season, the branches  and
stem are attacked by innumerable beetles, by which it is pierced in all direc-
tions ; through these punctures the juice exudes, and soon  concretes into a
hard gum, when it is picked off by the country people.

   Physical Properties.—Ammoniac  is met with in various sized
roundish tears, or in masses composed  of the  tears agglutinated to-
gether.   They  are of a yellowish or reddish-yellow colour externally,
internally they are white and shining like enamel, hard and brittle, and
vary in size from  that of a small pea to  that of a walnut.  The odour
is peculiar, faintly nauseous, more powerful when heated ;  the taste is
bitter and disagreeable.
   Chemical Properties.—Ammoniac  is  a  gum-resin  containing
about 80 per cent of resin, and about 18  per cent of gum, with a trace
of volatile oil.  It is softened by exposure to heat, is inflammible  and
burns with a white flame.   It  does not dissolve in water, but is misci-
ble with it forming a milky  emulsion, the gum which  is soluble sus-
pending the resin in the mixture.  It is soluble in both ether and alcohol.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Ammoniac  is  a general stimulant of
but little power; its effects were at one  time generally believed to be
chiefly manifested on the respiratory organs, and  consequently it  was
classed amongst expectorants, and employed in chronic bronchitis ; but
any benefit that may have resulted from  its  use as such, must  have de-
pended on its general stimulant properties.    It possesses some anti-
spasmodic powers, bqt is much inferior as such to the other fetid gum-
resins.   In the present day it is very generally and very properly  em-
ployed, only as  an external stimulant in the form of plaster, to  scrofu-
lous  tumours, chronic enlargement  of the joints, indolent glandular
swellings, &c, in which it often proves  useful.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. x. to  3ss.  in pills or
made into an emulsion with milk or water.—Mistura  Ammoniaci, D.
L.  [U.  S.]   (" Gum-ammoniac, 3j- ; penny-royal   water  f^viij. ;
rub  the gum with  the  penny-royal  water   gradually  poured   in,
until the mixture assumes the appearance  of  milk, and  strain,
through  linen," D.—" Ammoniacum, 3v.;  [3ij.  U.  S,]  water, Oj.;
[Oss. U. S.,] rub the ammoniacum with  the water gradually poured in,
until they are perfectly mixed," L.)   This mixture has a milky appear-
ance, the resin being suspended in the water by means of the gum.  It 
STIMULANTS, GENERAL.
271
was formerly commonly employed as the basis of expectorant mixtures
in chronic  chest  affections.  Doses, ffss. to f§j.—Emplastrum Am-
moniaci, D. L- E. [U.  S.]    (" Pure  gum-ammoniac, |v.; vinegar
of squill, ibss.,"  D.—" Ammoniacum,  §v. ; distilled vinegar, fgviij.
(fgix., E.,")   L. E. [U. S.]   Dissolve the  ammoniacum in the vine-
gar; then evaporate the liquor with a slow fire, constantly stirring, to
a proper consistence.)—Emplastrum Gummosum, E.  (Litharge plas-
ter, §iv. ; ammoniac ;  galbanum ; and bees' wax, of each, §ss. ; melt
the gum-resins together, and strain them, melt also together the plas-
ter and wax, add the former to the latter  mixture, and mix the whole
thoroughly.)   These plasters should be spread on leather for applica-
tion ; when left on for some time, they  often produce an eruption of
small pimples.

  AMMONIJE CAUST1CJE AQUA, D.  AmMONIJE LIQUOR, L. [U. S.]  AmMO-
nije aqua,  E.  Diluted aqueous solution of ammonia (described in the
division Antacids,) is a general stimulant, prompt,  but temporary in its
action.  It is principally used in typhus fever where there is great de-
ficiency of nervous power ; in  the advanced stages of continued fever
when all inflammatory action has subsided ;  in the cold stage of inter-
mittents ;  in the  eruptive fevers where the eruption has receded from
the skin ;  and in the latter stages of pneumonia if there be much de-
pression of the vital powers.   Owing  to its  stimulant operation, am-
monia is also found useful  in spasmodic  affections which depend on the
increased  irritability that accompanies depression  of the nervous sys-
tem, as in hiccup, subsultus  tendinum, and some forms of hysteria, and
of asthma.  It is the  best internal stimulant that can be employed  in
the coma of intoxication, and in poisoning with  sedatives.  Kb an ex-
 ternal stimulant, the vapour  of ammonia is inhaled in syncope, and  in
 asphyxia.   Solution of  ammonia may be given as a stimulant in the
 same doses as directed in the division Antacids ; but it should be given
 repeatedly, and  at shorter intervals.

   Ammonle  carbonas.   Sesqui-cabonate of ammonia (described in the
 division Antacids,) is employed as a stimulant in the  same cases  as
 the  aqueous  solution  of ammonia, to which it is usually  preferred.
 The chief advantage  that ammonia  and the sesqui-carbonate possess
 as stimulants in  febrile diseases is, that they rouse the energies of the
 system without producing that disturbance  of the brain, which is lia-
 ble to result from the  use of vinous liquors.  Dose, gr. v. to  gr. xv.
 dissolved  in  camphor mixture, or any simple vehicle every 4 or 5
 hours.  It should not  be administered  in the solid state from its lia-
 bility to produce vomiting when thus given.

   Ammonite  hydrosulphuretum, D.  Hydrosulphuret of ammonia.
 Hydrosulphate of ammonia.

   Preparation.—" Sulphuret of iron in coarse powder, 5 parts; sulphuric
 acid,  7 parts ; water, 32 parts ; water of caustic ammonia, 4 parts ; put the
 sulphuret into a retort,  then gradually pour on it the acid previously diluted
 with water, and having fitted on a proper apparatus transmit the gas through
 the water of ammonia.  Towards the end of the process apply a moderate
 heat to the retort."

    Properties.—A greenish-yellow,  very  fetid liquid, emitting  an 
272                 STIMULANTS,  GENERAL.
 odour of sulphuretted-hydrogen gas, having an  acrid, very disagreea-
 ble taste.   It is a solution of the neutral hydrosulphate of ammonia in
 water.  Exposed to the air it deposits sulphur owing to the escape of
 some of the ammonia ; and on the addition of any of the mineral acids,
 sulphuretted-hydrogen gas is evolved.
   Therapeutical Effects.—This preparation has nearly fallen into
 disuse.  It was  formerly employed with the idea of de-oxygenising
 the system in diabetes, as also of diminishing the morbid  appetite of
 that disease.  It possesses some slight stimulant properties, but might
 be well spared from the  pharmacopoeia.  The dose is from min. iv. to
 min. vj. in one or two fluid ounces of some distilled or aromatic water.

   Ammonite murias, D. E. [U. S]   Ammonlse hydrochloras, L.
 Muriate of ammonia.   Hydrochlorate of ammonia.   Chloride of am-
 monium.   Sal-ammoniac.

   Preparation.—An article of the Materia Medica.  It is procured by the
 manufacturers on  a large  scale, by decomposing the sulphate of ammonia
 which is formed in the manufacture of coal gas, or from the carbonate of
 ammonia obtained by the distillation of bones.  In either case, the decompos-
 ing agent employed is common salt (chloride of sodium.)

   Physical Properties.—This salt generally occurs in large crystal-
 line cakes, convex on one side, concave on the other, of  a  greyish-
 white colour, semi-transparent.  It is tenacious, and difficult to reduce
 to  powder; inodorous,  with a pungent, acrid, bitter taste.   Sp.  gr.
 1*45.
   Chemical Properties.—It  is composed of 1 eq. of chlorine, 2 of
 hydrogen, and 1 ofamidogene, its formula being CI, 2 H, NH2, (Kane.)
 It is permanent in the air ; exposed to heat it sublimes unchanged.  It
 is soluble in 2-72 parts of water at 60°, and in its own weight of boiling
 water; it is also  soluble  in alcohol.   During  its solution in water, a
 great degree of cold is produced.  This salt is  best characterised  by
 the evolution of gaseous ammonia, which takes place when it is rub-
 bed  in a mortar with quicklime.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Hydrochlorate of ammonia is not much
 employed in this country as an internal remedy ; but on the continent,
 especially in France and Germany, it bears a high character as a stimu-
 lant in mucous fevers as soon as the acute inflammatory symptoms
 have subsided, in the slighter cases  of inflammations of the serous
 membranes, in the milder forms of pneumonia and of hooping cough,
 in mucous  diarrhoea, in chronic rheumatism and gout, and  in passive
 dropsies.   I have found it useful in some cases of adynamic fever, and
 the sub-acute forms of laryngitis.  M. Cless has employed it  extensive-
 ly in the early stages of tubercular phthisis, and he  states with the
 most decidedly beneficial results.  As a topical remedy muriate of am-
 monia is very generally employed as an ingredient in discutient lotions,
 and in consequence of the  cold produced during its solution in water,
 as an external refrigerant.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Internally, gr. v. to gr. xxx.
 combined with some aromatic powder, in the form of pill or of bolus, or
 dissolved in some aromatic water.   For external use it  may be  dissolv-
ed in water, or in vinegar in the proportion of from 3ij-  to 3$ss.  of the
salt in a pint of liquid, to  which rectified spirit is generally added.   A 
                      stimulants, general.  ■               273

refrigeratory mixture  may be  prepared, by dissolving 5 parts each of
this salt and of nitre in 16 parts of water, which will reduce the tem-
perature forty degrees.
  Incompatiules.—Sulphuric and nitric acids; potash, soda,  lime,
magnesia, and their carbonates ; and most metallic salts.
  If an overdose of this salt has been taken, vomiting should be pro-
moted by the use of tepid mucilaginous and  demulcent drinks.

  Am.moinjE spiritus, D.  L. E. [U. S.]   Spirit of ammonia.  Solu-
tion of carbonate of ammonia, (of ammonia, E.) in rectified spirit.

  Preparation.—Dub.—" Rectified spirit, by measure, Ibiij.; carbonate of
ammonia in coarse powder, giiiss.; mix, and dissolve with a gentle heat,
then filter."  Lond.—" Hydrochlorate of ammonia, §x. ; carbonate of pot-
ash, §xvi.; rectified spirit;  and water, of each, Oiij. ; mix, and let Oiij.
distil."  Edin.—" Rectified  spirit,  Oij. ;  fresh burnt lime, §xij.; muriate of
ammonia in very fine powder, gviij.; water, f^viss.; let  the lime be slaked
with the water in an iron  or earthen vessel,  and cover  the vessel, till  the
powder be  cold; mix  the  lime and muriate  of  ammonia quickly and
thoroughly in a mortar, and transfer the  mixture at once into a glass retort;
adapt to the retort a tube which passes nearly to the bottom  of a bottle con-
taining the rectified spirit; heat the retort in a sand-bath  gradually, so long
as any thing passes over, preserving the  bottle cool.  The bottle should be
large enough to contain one-half more than the spirit used."   [" Muriate of
ammonia,Time,  aa Ibj.; alcohol, f§xx. ; water, fgix.   Slake  the lime with
the water, mix it with the muriate of ammonia, and proceed in  the manner
directed for solution of ammonia, the alcohol being introduced into the quart
bottle instead of distilled water.  When all the ammonia  has come over, re-
move the liquor  contained in  the quart bottle, and keep it in small bottles
well stopped," U. S.]

   Properties.—A transparent, colourless liquid, with a pungent am-
moniacal odour, and an  acrid taste.  It is very volatile, and actsasan
alkali on vegetable  colours.  The Dublin and London preparations ef-
fervesce with the stronger acids.   Sp. gr. *860, L.
    Therapeutical Effects.—Spirit of ammonia  is  a stimulant of
some power, and may be used as such in the same cases as the aqueous
solution of the gas, or of the sesquiearbonate.  Dose, f5ss.  to f3iss. in
some aromatic water, or in camphor mixture.  It is generally employ-
ed  in the following form :—Spiritus Ammonia  aromaticus, D.  L.  E.
("  Spirit of ammonia, by measure ibij. ; essential oil  of lemons, 3ij- i
nutmegs,  bruised,  §ss. ;  cinnamon,  bruised, 3iij-  > macerate in  a
close  vessel  for 3  days, shaking occasionally;  then  distil  ibiss.,"
D.—" Hydrochlorate  of ammonia, §v. ; carbonate of  potash,  §viij. ;
cinnamon,  bruised ; and  cloves,  bruised ;  of each,  3ij- lemon peel,
§iv. ;  rectified  spirit;  and  water, of  each, Oiv.; mix,  and distil
Ovi."  L.—" Spirit  of ammonia, fjviij.  ;  volatile  oil  of lemons,
f5i-; volatile oil of rosemary,  f5iss.;  dissolve the  oils in the spirit by
agitation," E.)   An excellent and agreeable stimulant in fainting, hys-
teria, nervous debility, and flatulent colic.   Dose, min. xxx. to f5i. in
distilled water,  or in camphor mixture.—Tinctura Ammonia composi-
ta, L.   (Mastich, 3ij- ;  rectified  spirit, f5ix. ; oil  of lavender, min.
xiv. ; oil of amber, min. iv.; stronger solution of ammonia,  Oj. ; mace-
rate the mastich in  the spirit that it may be dissolved, and pour off the
clear tincture ;  then add the other ingredients, and shake them all to- 
274
stimulants, general.
gether.)   A powerful stimulant, chiefly used in hysteria.   Dose, min.
v. to min. x. in water.

  Anethum, L. E.  Dill.—Fruit of Anethum graveolens.  A native
of the South of Europe; belonging to the Natural family  Umbellifera
(Apiacea, Lindley,) and to the Linnaean  class and  order  Pentandria
Digynia.

  Botanical Characters.—An  annual,  1-2 feet high; Stem, striated;
Leaves, decompound, with fine capillary segments; Flowers, yellow.

  Properties.—The  fruit, commonly called  dill-seed, is elliptical,
flat, of  a brownish colour, with a lighter coloured, thin, membranous
margin.  The odour resembles caraway  ; the taste is pungent, some-
what bitter.   It contains about 3  per cent, of a light yellow,  volatile
oil, on which its properties depend.
  Therapeutical Effects.—An aromatic stimulant, sometimes used
in the flatulent colic of children, and in  the form of dill  water as a
vehicle for other remedies, chiefly purgatives, the griping properties of
which it  corrects.
  Dose and Mode of  Administration.—Gr. -x. to 3i* of the bruised
fruit for adults.—Oleum Anethi, E.  (Prepared according to the gene-.
ral  directions for the preparation of volatile oils).   Dose, min. j. to
min. v. rubbed up with sugar.—Aqua Anethi, L.  E.  (Dill, bruised,
Ibiss. (|xviij., E.) ; proof (rectified,  E.) spirit,  f§vij. (f§iij.,  E.) ;
water, cong. ij.; let a gallon distil).   Dose, fgss. to f§iij.

  Angelica, E.  Angelica archangelica, semina, D. Fruit(Root, E.)
of Angelica archangelica.  Indigenous, but very rare ; belonging to the
Natural family Umbellifera (Apiacea, Lindley,) and to the Linnaean
class and order Pentandria Digynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Biennial, 4-5 feet high ; Stem, 1-2 inches thick,
fistulose;  Leaves, bipinnate ; Flowers, greenish-white.

  Properties.—The root is imported from  Hamburgh ; it consists of
numerous branches of the thickness of the little finger proceeding from
a short spindle-shaped root-stalk, grayish-brown  externally,  whitish
within.   The  odour is  aromatic and  agreeable;  the taste warm,
aromatic and pungent.   The fruit, commonly  called angelica  seed, is
oval, obtuse, 1-2 lines long, of a yellowish brown colour,  flat, longitu-
dinally striated on one  side, convex on the other;  it has the odour and
taste of the root.   The medicinal properties of both root and fruit de-
pend on a volatile oil, which may be  obtained by distillation, a peculiar
crystalline acid has been also  found to exist in  it, which has been
named angelicic  acid.  The root contains also bitter extractive, and a
bitter resin.
  Adulterations.—On  the Continent an  adulteration of angelica root
with the root  of the Ligusticum levisticum (Lovage), has been  in-
dicated ;  it may be readily detected by its yellow coloured  pith when
cut transversely, that of angelica root being white.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—An aromatic stimulant and  carminative
not much used.  Dose of the powdered root, gr.  x. to 3ss.; of  the
bruised fruit, 3ss. to 3i- 
STIMULANTS, GENERAL.
275
  Anisum, L. E.  [U. S.]  Pimpinella anisum, semina, D.  Anise.
Fruit of Pimpinella anisum.   A native of Egypt and the Levant, ex-
tensively cultivated  in  various  parts  of Europe;  it belongs to the
Natural"family Umbellifera (Apiacea,  Lindley), and to the Linnaean
class and order Pentandria Digynia.
  Botanical Characters.—Annual.'about a foot high; Stem, smooth, erect,
branching; Leaves of the stem, decompound; Flowers, small, white, in
terminal umbels.

  Properties.—The fruit, commonly called aniseed,  is ovoid,  com-
posed of two mericaps,  with five  primary ridges, slightly hairy, of a
yellowish-brown colour ; it has a peculiar, sweet, aromatic odour, and
a warm, sweetish taste.  Its properties depend on  a volative oil, of
which it contains 3 per  cent;  this oil is transparent  and nearly colour-
less, having a slight greenish-yellow tinge ;  it congeals at 50° F., and
doses  not become fluid again under 62°.  It has the odour and  taste
of the fruit.                                  .      .
  Adulterations.—The oil of star-anise (Illiaum  antsatum), which
resembles oil of anise in odour and appearance, is often sold for it; the
fraud is one of little consequence, but may be readily detected, as star-
anise oil retains its fluidity at 35° F.  The fruit of the hemlock has
been  confounded with aniseed, in consequence of which fatal accidents
have in more than one  instance  occurred ;  they may be distinguished
by  the odour, and by  the elevated ridges of anise fruit being smooth at
at the margin, not crenulate.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Anise is an aromatic stimulant and car-
minative ;  and as such  is employed in flatulent  colic, and in the
diarrhoea of infants and children.   It  is said to promote the secretion
of  milk in nurses.   It is much used on the Continent to flavour liqueurs.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Of the bruised fruit,  gr. x.
t0  3SS.__oieum Anisi, D. L. E.   [U. S.]  (Prepared according  to the
 general directions for distilling volatile oils).  This oil is generally
 imported from Germany and the East Indies.   Dose, min. ij. to min.
viij. rubbed up with sugar.—Spiritus Anisi, L.   (Anise, bruised, §v. ;
 proof spirit, cong.  j. ;  water, Oij. ; mix, and with a slow fire distil  a
 gallon.—Spiritus  Anisi  compositus, D.    (Aniseed, bruised; and
 angelica seeds, bruised, of each, ibss. ;  proof spirit, cong.  j.; water,
 sufficient to prevent empyreuma ;  macerate for 24  hours, and distil  a
 gallon).  The dose of either of these preparations is from f3ss. to f3j«

   Armoracia.  Horse-radish (described in the division Sialogogues),
 is sometimes used as a warm stimulant,  chiefly as  an adjunct to other
 medicines ; it was formerly classed amongst the Antiscorbutics, but is
 little employed in the  present day.   The following are the officinal
 preparations:—Infusum  Armoracia  compositum,  D.  L.   (Horse-
 radish root (fresh, D.), sliced ;  mustard, bruised, of each, %\.; com-
 pound spirit of horse-radish, f§i. ; boiling  water,  (distilled, L.), ibi.
 (Oj.,  L.) ; macerate  the root (and the seeds, L.) in water for 6 (2, L.)
 hours in a vessel lightly covered, and strain,  then  add the compound
 spirit of horse-radish).   Dose, fgi. to f§ij.—Spiritus Armoracia com-
 positus, D. L.   (Horse-radish root (fresh,  D.),  sliced; and dried
 orange peel, of each, ibj. (Jxx., L.) ;  nutmegs, bruised, |ss. (3v., L.) ;
 proof spirit, cong. j.; water, sufficient to prevent empyreuma (Oij., L.) ; 
276                 STIMULANTS, GENERAL.
mix (macerate for 24 hours, D.), and distil a gallon).  Dose,  f3j. to
f5iv.   Sliced horse-radish is a useful addition to  the  warm foot-bath
to render it more stimulant.

  Arnica Montana, flores, folia et radix, D.  [Arnica,  U. S.]
Leopard's-bane.   Flvwers, leaves and root of Arnica  montana.  A
native of the Alps, and of the Pyrennees; belonging  to  the  Natural
family Composita (Asteracea, Lindley,) and to the Linnaean class and
order Syngenesia Superflua.

   Botanical Characters.—Perennial, about a foot  high; Stem, hairy,
simple and single flowered or compound and many flowered; Leaves, oval,
entire; Flowers, golden-yellow.
  Properties.—The whole plant has a strong, peculiar odour, and a
herbaceous, acrid, somewhat bitter taste.  The flowers and leaves are
collected in July, and the roots in September.  The flowers are princi-
pally used at present ;  they consist of resin, on which probably their
active properties chiefly depend, a  bitter acrid principle (cytisin),
yellow colouring matter, gum, and some salts.  Weber has also ob-
tained from them a small quantity of blue volatile oil.  They  yield
their active principles to water, and to alcohol.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Arnica bears a high character on the
continent, particularly in Germany,  as a stimulant in adynamic febrile
affections, in chronic rheumatism, in paralysis, in amaurosis, &c, but
it is very rarely  used in this country.  I have seen a tincture of the
flowers prove useful in nervous head-ache.  Arnica is one of the most
prominent articles in  the Homeopathic Materia  Medica, possessing,
according  to  the professors  of that  doctrine,  the  most wonderful
therapeutic powers, being employed by them in  the treatment of the
most opposite  diseases.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Of the  powder of the root,
gr. x. three or four times a day.  The flowers are usually given in the
form of infusion  or  tincture.—Infusum  Arnica,  Aust.    (Arnica
flowers, §ss. ;  boiling water, f§xij.; infuse till cold, and strain).   Dose,
f3ij- to f§ss.—Tinctura Arnica, Pol.  (Arnica flowers, |iss. ;  proof
spirit, f§xij. ;  digest for seven days, express and strain).  This tinc-
ture  may  be readily  prepared  by  percolation,  having  previously
macerated  the flowers  with a  little of  the  spirit  for  24  hours; or it
may be prepared with the cut and bruised root, in  the proportion of §ij.
of the root to Oj- of rectified spirit.   Dose, f3ss. to  f3ij.
   Incompatibles.—The mineral acids ; sulphate of  iron ; acetate of
lead ; and sulphate of zinc.

   Balsamum tolutanum.   Balsam of Tolu (described in the  division
Expectorants),  is an excellent stimulant in alopecia or baldness, it is
best applied in the form of pomade  as follows:—Prepared lard, §ij. ;
white wax, 3ij-  ! melt together ; remove from the fire, and when they
are beginning to thicken, add with constant stirring, balsam  of tolu,
f3ij. ; and  oil  of rosemary, min.  xx.

   Cajuputi, L.  E.   Melaleuca leucadendron, oleum volatile, D.
OilofCajeput.   Volatile oil of the leaves of Melaleuca minor,  L. E.—
of Melaleuca  leucadendron, D.  The tree from which this oil is ob-
tained has been more recently named Melaleuca Cajuputi, it is a native 
STIMULANTS, GENERAL.
277
of the Molucca Islands ; and belongs to the Natural family Myrtacea,
and to the Linnaean class and order Polyadelphia Icosandria.

  Botanical Characters.—Trunk, about 20 feet high, crooked, with scat-
tered branches; Leaves, smooth,  deep green, 3-5  inches long; Flowers,
white, in short terminal spikes.
  Preparations.—The volatile oil is procured from the leaves by distillation ;
the leaves are gathered in the end of September, macerated for 24  hours
with water, and then put into a copper still with sufficient water to prevent
empyreuma.  The oil comes over  with the water into the receiver and
floats on the surface.

  Properties.—Cajeput-oil is limpid, very mobile, transparent, and of
a fine pale bluish-green colour-  It has a strong, agreeable odour, re-
sembling a mixture of camphor, roses,  and peppermint; the  taste is
warm and  aromatic, leaving a sensation of coldness in the mouth.  Its
Sp. gr. is about *925.  It boils at 343°, and may be  obtained  nearly
colourless by re-distillation.   The composition of this oil  C10H9O ; it
is soluble in alcohol.
  Adulterations.—In consequence of its high price, and the great de-
mand for  it while the cholera raged in  the British isles, cajeput-oil
was often counterfeited with oil of rosemary coloured and flavoured
with camphor and cardamom seeds.  The fraud was one difficult of
detection,  but at present it is met  with in a very pure state.   As  im-
ported, it sometimes contains copper, which may be recognised by its
affording   a  reddish  precipitate  when  agitated  with a  solution  of
ferrocyanide of potassium.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Cajeput-oil is a powerful diffusible stimu-
lant, at present  not much used.   When the Asiatic  cholera first ap-
peared, it  was highly extolled as  a remedy for that disease, but it did
not retain its reputation long.   It is much employed  on  the Continent
in chronic rheumatism, gout,  hysteria, and other  nervous affections.
Dose, min. v. to min.  x.  rubbed up  with sugar.   It also forms  a use-
ful external rubefacient for  which purpose, 3ss. may be dissolved in
f§ij. of rectified spirit.

   Calamus aromaticus,  E.  Acorus, L.   [Calamus, U. S.]   Sweet
Flag.   Rhizome of Acorus calamus.   Indigenous; belonging  to  the
Natural family Acoracea  (Orontiacea,  Lindley), and to  the Linnaean
class and order Hexandria Monogynia.

   Botanical  Characters.—Rhizome, creeping,  with  very long roots;
Leaves, 2-3 feet high, bright green ; Flowers, pale green, arranged  upon a
spadix.

   Properties.—The  rhizome or  root-stalk, in  the dried state as met
with in the shops, is in flattened pieces from 3-5 inches  long, and half
an inch broad, with a corrugated, yellowish-brown, scaly cuticle ; in-
ternally it is spongy, with a pinkish-yellow hue. »It has a very agreea-
ble aromatic odour, and a pungent bitter taste.  Sweet flag-root is com-
posed of  soft resin, extractive, gum,  inulin, a  trace of volatile  oil,
some salts and woody fibre.   It yields its properties  to alcohol, and to
water.
   Therapeutical Effects.—An aromatic stimulant,  scarcely ever
                                 24 
278
STIMULANTS, GENERAL.
employed.   It may be used as an  adjunct to tonics  in debility of the
digestive organs.  Dose, in powder, gr. xx.  to 3i- ; in infusion, (pre-
pared by digesting §i. of the bruised rhizome in f§xij.  of boiling water
for an hour), f§i. tojfgij.
  Incompatibles.—Acetate of lead.

  Calx chlorinata, L. E.  [U.S.]  Chloride of lime.  Chlorinated
lime.  Hypochlorite of lime.   Bleaching Powder.

  Preparation.—It is an article of the Materia Medica in the Edinburgh
Pharmacopaia;  and is usually prepared on the large scale for commercial
purposes, by exposing hydrate of lime, from the purest lime, to chlorine gas,
the latter being supplied so gradually as to prevent the heat occasioned by
the combination from rising above 62°.  The following process is given in
the London Pharmacopaia, for its preparation:—" Take of hydrate of lime,
Ibj.; chlorine, a sufficiency ; pass chlorine to the lime, spread in a proper
vessel, until it is saturated.  Chlorine is very readily  evolved from Hydro-
chloric acid added to Binoxide of Manganese, with a gentle heat."
  Physical  Properties.—As commonly met with, this is a white or
yellowish-white powder, with a faint odour of chlorine,  and an acrid,
disagreeable, persistent taste.
  Chemical Properties.—Hypochlorite of lime is a mixture of 1 eq.
of chloride of calcium, 1  of tribasic  hypochlorite  of lime, and 4 of
water.  Exposed to the  air it  deliquesces,  evolves chlorine, and at-
tracting carbonic acid, is converted into carbonate of lime, and chloride
of calcium.  It  is partially soluble in  water, a  little hydrate of lime
being left undissolved ;  the solution  has a  strong alkaline  reaction,
and bleaches vegetable colours, especially if an acid be added, so as to
evolve the chlorine.  Its best characteristics are  its peculiar odour in
solution, its bleaching properties,  and  the white precipitates  it affords
with solutions of nitrate of silver,  of carbonates, and of oxalates.
  Adulterations.—This compound  frequently  contains  a very  small
quantity of chlorine, either from  being orignally badly prepared or
from careless preservation; various processes have  been described for
chlorometry; but for medical purposes the tests for the purity  of the
powder, as given in'the Edinburgh Pharmacopaia are amply sufficient:
'• Pale grayish-white ; dry ; gr. 1.  are nearly all soluble in f|ij. of water,
forming a solution of the density  1027; and of which 100 measures,
treated with  an  excess of oxalic  acid, give off much chlorine,  and if
then boiled and  allowed to rest 24 hours, yield a precipitate which oc-
cupies 19 measures of the liquid."
  Therapeutcal Effects.—Hypochlorite of lime acts as a powerful
stimulant, whether  taken internally, or applied locally; it also pos-
sesses in a remarkable degree the  property of destroying fetid effluvia,
particularly when arising from  the decay of  animal  matter, and of ar-
resting or  preventing the  putrefactive process.  In medicine it  has
been chiefly administered as an internal remedy in the advanged stages
of typhoid fever, and in epidemic  dysentery, being  found  particularly
useful when the evacuations are very offensive.   As a topical agent it
is employed with benefit  in the form of lotion to  foul  or  gangrenous
ulcers with excessive discharge, extensive burns or scalds, in purulent
ophthalmia, in chronic cutaneous  diseases, particularly scabies  which
it seldom fails to cure speedily and effectually, and as an injection in
diseases of the rectum, the uterus,  or vagina when accompanied with 
STIMULANTS, GENERAL.                 279
fetid discharges.   In excessive mercurial salivation a gargle of one
part of hypochlorite of lime dissolved in 100 parts of water will be found
very effectual both in correcting the fetor, and checking the excessive
secretion.  This substance has been employed as a disinfectant,  to
prevent the spreading of epidemic diseases, and to destroy  infection
or contagion, but much doubts have been recently thrown on its dis-
infecting properties.  It  is also used  for  the  purpose  of destroying
noxious efflvia arising from the decay of animal or vegetable matter,
but for this purpose it is inferior to  Solution of chlorinated  soda.
   Dose and Mode  of Administration.—Internally, gr. ij. to gr. v.
dissolved in water and sweetened with sugar, or in some aromatic dis-
tilled water.   For external use solutions of various strengths are em-
ployed ; in purulent ophthalmia, 3ss. to 3ij- in  f§i.of water ; for cuta-
neous diseases, §iij.  to Oj. of water ; for a lotion or injection, gr. xx.
to gr. xxx. in f§i. of water.  Solutions of this substance  should  be
always filtered to romove the insoluble  hydrate of lime,  and kept in
well stoppered bottles to prevent the escape of the chlorine.  When it
is desired to disengage the chlorine rapidly from hypochlorite of lime,
any weak acid may be added to the solution.
   Incompatibles.—Sulphuric acid, and its salts ; the alkalies; and all
soluble carbonates, and oxalates.

   Camphora, D. L.  E.   [U. S.]   Camphor.  Camphor of Laurus
camphora, and of Dryobalanops camphora, D.—A peculiar concretion
purified by sublimation, from Laurus camphora, L.  [U. S.]  Cam'
phor of Camphora  officinarum,  E.   The  Edinburgh College  has
adopted the botanical nomenclature  of  Nees von Esenbeck  with
reference  to the Camphor-tree; it  is a native of China  and Japan;
and belongs to the Natural family Lauracea, and to the Linnaean class
and order  Enneandria Monogynia.  The camphor obtained from  the
 Dryobalanops camphora, a native of Borneo and  Sumatra, belonging
to the Natural family Dipteracea, is not brought to Europe.

   Botanical Characters.—A handsome tree with a straight trunk, branch-
 ing at the top ;  Leaves, oval, pointed, shining, evergreen, emitting a strong
 odour of camphor when bruised ; Flowers, small, whitish, in axillary and
 terminal panicles; Fruit, a small rounded,  fleshy drupe, with  an acrid,
 aromatic taste.
   Preparation.—Camphor is procured from the small branches, the leaves,
 the wood, and the root of the tree,  which are cut into small  pieces,  and
 boiled with water in an iron cucurbit, to which an earthen  capital is luted ;
 the camphor sublimes, and is condensed on straws placed in the capital.   In
 this  coarse state it is imported into Europe, when it is purified by being
 sublimed in glass vessels, quick lime having been previously  mixed  with
 the crude camphor to retain the impurities.   Borneo camphor is found in a
 concrete state in cavities and fissures in the heart of the tree.

   Physical Properties.—Refined camphor is met with in hemispheri-
 cal masses, perforated in the centre ; it is white, translucent, shining,
 fragile, with a  crystalline fracture, nevertheless tough  and pulverized
 with great difficulty, unless with the aid of a  little rectified spirit.  It
 is lighter  than water, its density  being  0*9857.  It  has a peculiar
 aromatic smell, and a bitter cooling taste.
   Chemical Properties.—Camphor is a species of solid volatile  oil ;
 it is composed of 1 eq.  of camphogen  (C2°H14) and  2 of water 
280
STIMULANTS, GENERAL.
(Dumas).  It evaporates at the ordinary temperature of the air, form-
ing minute crystalline masses on the sides of the bottles in which it is
kept; in close vessels it fuses at 347°, and boils at 399°, condensing
unchanged.  It requires 1000 parts of water for its solution, to which,
however, it imparts both odour and taste ; but it may be suspended in
large quantity in water by means of mucilage, sugar, yolk of egg, &c.
It is very soluble  in  alcohol, ether  and the fixed and volatile oils.
The solution in alcohol is precipitated by  water.   Milk dissolves an
eighth of its weight of camphor, which it retains on the  addition of
water.
  Adulterations.—Camphor is met with of great purity in this country,
but it is frequently adulterated on the  Continent with muriate  of am-
monia.   The sophistication may be readily detected by rubbing a sus-
pected specimen in a mortar with  a little  quicklime, which liberates
the ammonia ; or by  treating it with water, which dissolves  out the
muriate of ammonia.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Much difference  of opinion exists as to
the action of camphor on the animal economy, but the  most constant
and most marked effect which it produces is that of a general diffusible
stimulant; and this is borne out by the symptoms which are caused by
it when taken in an over-dose—viz., great dyspnoea, violent  palpita-
tion of the heart, and continued vomiting.   In the practice of medicine
it has been used in a great variety of diseases,  in consequence of the
discrepancy which even still exists as to its effects ; but the following
are the principal maladies in which it proves decidedly  beneficial.  In
the advanced stages of typhoid fever, when nervous symptoms  as sub-
sultus tendinum, delirium, &c, chiefly predominate.  In chronic bron-
chitis occurring in broken down habits, particularly when accompanied
by  profuse  secretion; in spasmodic and  nervous diseases, -provided
there is no inflammatory tendency in the  system; in atonic gout, and
chronic rheumatism; and in irritable and painful diseases of the urina-
ry organs.  As an external application camphor is very generally em-
ployed, dissolved in spirit or in oil, as  an embrocation for muscular
and  rheumatic pains, for bruises,  to glandular  enlargements,  and to
chilblains.   It is also used with much benefit as  a  stimulant  to foul
and indolent ulcers, and to gangrenous sores occurring in the  old and
debilitated.  Made into an ointment with  prepared  lard, it has been
recently employed on the Continent, and  it is stated with much suc-
cess, in the treatment of chronic  cutaneous diseases,  particularly in
those forms accompanied by much itching, which troublesome symp-
tom it appears speedily  to allay.  Camphor  has  been occasionally
used in the form of vapour to  promote diaphoresis  when the  skin is
dry and harsh, and in old cutaneous affections.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. v. to  gr.  x.  repeated at
short intervals ; it is usually given in the form of pill, or made into an
emulsion with water by means of mucilage, sugar, yolk of egg, &c. ;
3ij-  of camphor may be permanently suspended in f§viij. of water by
means of §i. of thick mucilage, or it may be dissolved  in new  milk as
observed  above.—Mistura Camphora, D. L.  E.   (" Camphor, 9i. ;
rectified spirit, gtt.  x.; pure sugar, |ss.  ; warm water, by measure
Ibj. ; first rub the camphor with the spirit, then with the sugar, after-
wards add the  water with trituration, and  filter the  mixture  through
bibulous paper,"  D.—" Camphor, 3ss.; rectified spirit, min.  x.; 
stimulants,  general.                 281
water, Oi. ;  first rub the camphor with the spirit, then with the water
gradually poured in, and strain through linen,"  L.—" Camphor, 9j.;
sweet almonds and pure sugar, of each, §ss.; water, Oj.;  steep the
almonds in hot water, and peel them ;  rub the camphor and the sugar
well together in  a mortar; add the almonds;  beat the whole into a
smooth pulp; add the water  gradually  with  constant  stirring, and
strain," E.).   Camphor julep.   This preparation contains so small a
quantity of camphor, that it is only used as a  vehicle for more active
stimulants ;  Dose,  f§i. to fgij.—Mistura Camphora cum Magnesia,
D. E.   (Camphor, gr. xij. (gr. x.,  E.) ; carbonate of magnesia, 3ss.
(gr. xxv., E.) ; water, f§vj. ; rub the camphor with the  magnesia,
adding the water  gradually,  and mix).  The carbonate of magnesia
enables the water to dissolve more of the camphor, and also gives to the
mixture slight antacid properties ; Dose, fgss. to f§i.—Aqua Camphora,
U. S.  (Camphor, 3ij*; alcohol, min. xl.; carbonate of magnesia, 3i-;
distilled water, Oij.).   One fluid ounce contains gr. iij.  of  camphor ;
Dose,  f§ss. to f|iss.—Tinctura Camphora,   D.  L.  E.   [U. S].,
(Camphor, §i. (|v., L. giiss., E.) ;  [§iv., U. S.] rectified spirit, fgviij.
(Oij.,  L.  E.) ; [U.  S.]  mix,  that  the camphor may be dissolved).
Camphorated spirit; for external use only ; an excellent application
for muscular and  rheumatic  pains, applied  with friction.  The cam-
phor is precipitated by the addition  of water.—Essence  of Camphor,
(Tincture of myrrh, f§ss. ; tincture of camphor, Bjiss. ; rectified spirit,
f§iv. ;  mix).  The tincture of.myrrh renders this preparation miscible,
with water.  About min. 1. will make a pint of ordinary camphor julep.
Oleum Camphoratum, D.   Linimentum Camphora, L. E,  [U. S.]
(Camphor, 3j. (gi., L.  E.) ;  [§ss., U. S.] ; olive oil, §j. (f|iv., L. E.) ;
[§ij.,   U.  S.];  dissolve  the camphor in the oil by trituration).   A
stimulating  embrocation  for  deep-seated  inflammation,  glandular
swellings,  &c.—Linimentum  Saponis,  D.  L.  E.   (" Soap,  §iij. ;
camphor,  §j. ; spirit of  rosemary,  f§xvj. ; [digest the  soap in the
spirit till it is  dissolved,  then  add the camphor, D.]   [Dissolve the
camphor in the spirit;  afterwards add the soap, and  macerate with  a
gentle heat till it  is  dissolved, L.],"  D. L.—"Castile soap, §v.;
camphor, giiss.; oil of rosemary, f3yj. ;  rectified spirit,  Oij. ; digest
the soap in the spirit for 3 days; add the camphor and oil, and agitate
briskly," E.).  [" Linimentum Saponis Camphoratum, U. S.   Take
of common soap, §iij.; camphor, §i.; oil of rosemary, oil of origanum,
each, f3i.; alcohol, Oj.  Digest the soap with the  alcohol,  by means
of a sand bath, till it is dissolved; then add the  camphor and oils, and
when they are dissolved, pour  the liquor into broad-mouthed bottles."]
Soap   Liniment;  Opodeldoc.   A useful  stimulating  liniment.—Cam-
phor Ointment.   (Prepared lard, §i. ;  camphor, reduced to  fine pow-
der, 3ss.; mix intimately).
  Incompatibles.—The following observations of M.  Planche, should
be borne in mind in prescribing camphor :—With benzoin,  balsam  of
tolu, ammoniac, and mastich, it forms a  soft mass which does not re-
tain the pilular form ;  camphor  is completely  deprived of odour  by
being mixed with assafoetida, galbanum, sagapenum,  and balsam of tolu;
and the odour is very much weakened by olibanum, mastich, ammoniac,
opoponax, benzoin, and resin of guaiacum.

  Capsicum.  Cayenne Pepper (described in the division Epispastics),
                              24* 
282
STIMULANTS,  GENERAL.
is not much employed in medicine internally; it is a good  stimulant
in those forms of dyspepsia which depend  on enfeebled and  languid
digestion, and in the collapse of cholera and of typhus.  As a topical
remedy it  is  used  with much benefit  as an adjunct to stimulating
gargles in cynanche maligna, and in all forms of relaxed sore throat.
For  this purpose either the tincture or Chili vinegar is generally em-
ployed.  The dose of powdered capsicum is  from gr. ij. to gr. viij.,
made into  pill with crumb of bread.—Tinctura  Capsici, D.  L. E.
[U. S.]   (Capsicum, (bruised, L. E.), |i. (3x., L. E.);  proof spirit,
ibij.  (Oij., L. E. [U. S].) ; macerate (digest, E.)  for 14 (7, E.) days
and filter, " squeezing the  residuum.   This tincture  is best prepared
by percolation, which may be commenced so soon as the capsicum is
made into a pulp with a little spirit," E.).   Dose,  internally, min. xx.
to f3i.; as an adjunct to gargles, f3iv. to f3vj. in fgviij. of an aqueous
vehicle.—Chili Vinegar (Prepared by infusing §ss. of cayenne pepper
in Oij. of white wine vinegar, for 10 days, and straining), is added  to
gargles in  the proportion of  f§i. in ffviij.  of infusion  of roses.—
Cayenne Lozenges allowed to dissolve slowly in the  mouth are very use-
ful  in the  hoarseness and relaxed sore throat of public speakers and
singers.
  Incompatibles.—Ammonia; alkaline carbonates; sulphates ;  ace-
tate  of lead ; nitrate of silver; and corrosive  sublimate.

  Cardamine, L.  Cardamine pratensis, flores, D. Cuckoo-flower.
The flowers of Cardamine pratensis.   Indigenous; belonging to the
Natural family Crucifera  (Brassicacea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean
class and order Tetradynamia  Siliquosa.
  The flowers of this plant are  blush-coloured;  they  have a slight
aromatic odour, and a pungent, bitter taste.  Their virtues depend  on
a trace of volatile oil, and some bitter extractive which they contain;
though at one time  highly spoken of  as stimulants in epilepsy  and  in
spasmodic asthma, they have completely fallen into disuse.  The  dose
of the dried flowers, was from  3ij to 5iij*  several times a day.

  Cardamomum, L. E.  [U. S-]   Amomum cardamomum, semina, D.
Cardamons.   The  seeds  of  Amomum cardamomum,  D.  Seeds  of
Alpinia cardamomum, L.   [U.S.] Fruit of Renealmia cardamomum,
E.   Fruit of Elettaria cardamomum,  Maton.  The various sorts of
cardamoms met with in commerce are obtained from the plants above
enumerated,  or from nearly allied species; but the true officinal  or
lesser cardamom is the product of that last named.   It is a native  of
Malabar; and belongs to the Natural family Zingiberacea, and to the
Linnaean class and order Monandria  Monogynia.
  Botanical Characters.—Stem, erect, 6-9 feet high, perennial; Leaves,
1-2 feet long, enveloping the stem with their spongy sheaths; Scapes, several,
arising from the base of the stem, 1-2 feet long ; Flowers, alternate, on sub-
erect racemes, 2-3 inches long, greenish-white with violet stripes ; Capsules,
oval, 3-celled.
  Physical Properties.—Cardamoms are the dried fruit,  they are
gathered in November ; as met with in commerce, each fruit is ovato-
oblong, obscurely triangular,  from three limes to  an inch in length, of
a pale brownish-yellow colour, coriaceous.  They contain numerous,
angular, reddish-brown seeds.   They  have an  agreeable  aromatic
odour, and a grateful pungent taste. 
stimulants,  general.                 283
  Chemical Properties.—Cardamoms  are composed of volatile oil,
fixed oil, fecula, colouring matter, mucilage, and nitrogenous matter ;
they yield  their active  principles  to water and to alcohol.   A cooled
decoction is rendered blue  by tincture of iodine.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Cardamoms  are  amongst the  most
agreeable of the aromatic stimulants, and are commonly  employed as
adjuvants to more active medicines of this class, or to correct the grip-
ing properties of some purgatives.
   Dose  and Mode of Administration.—In powder, gr. v. to gr. xx.
Tinctura Cardamomi, L. E.  (Cardamom seeds, bruised, giiiss. (§ivss.,
E. ;) [|iv.U. S.,] proof  spirit, Oij. ; " macerate for 14 days and strain,"
L. [U  S.]—" Digest  for  7 days, strain,  squeeze  the residuum and
filter the liquors.   This tincture  may be  better prepared by the pro-
cess of percolation in the same way with the tincture of capsicum, the
seeds being first ground in a coffee mill,"  E.)  An  aromatic adjunct
to mixtures in doses of  f3i.  or f3ij—Tinctura  Cardamomi composita,
D. L.  E.   ("Cardamom seeds,  without  the capsules and  bruised;
and  caraway seeds, bruised, of each, 3ij- ; cinnamon bruised, §ss.;
proof  spirit, by  measure,  Ibij.;  macerate for 14  days and  filter,"
D.—" Cardamom seeds, bruised ;  and caraway, bruised, of each, 5iiss. ;
cochineal, powdered (bruised, E.) 3j- ; cinnamon, bruised, 3v.; raisins,
§v.; proof spirit, Oij.; macerate for 14 (7, E.) days and strain, [express
strongly the residuum  and  filter the liquors.   This tincture may be
also prepared by the method of  percolation, if the solid materials be
first beat  together, moistened with a little  spirit, and  left thus for 12
hours before being put  into the percolator,  E."] L.  E.)  Dose, f5j. to
f3ij-
   Incompatibles.—Acids ; sulphate of iron ; and corrosive  subli-
mate.

   Carui,  L.  E. [U.  S.]   Carum   carui, semina,  D.  Caraway.
 The fruit  (Seeds, D.) of Carum carui.   Indigenous ; belonging to the
 Natural family Umbellifera (Apiacea, Lindley,) and  to the Linnaean
 class and order Pentandria Digynia.

   Botanical Characters.—Biennial; Stem,  1-2 feet high; Leaves, doubly
 pinnated, cut into linear segments; Flowers,  white, or pale flesh-coloured,
 in dense umbels.                                           •

   Properties.—The fruit, commonly called caraway-seeds  does not
 require description ; it  has  an agreeable fragrant odour, and a warm
 aromatic taste.  It contains about 5^  per cent of a light yellow volatile
 oil,  upon which its aromatic properties depend.
    Therapeutical Effects.—Caraway  is an agreeable  aromatic
 Btimulant, much employed by the cook and  confectioner as a seasoning
 and flavouring agent.    In  medicine  it is  used for giving warmth  to
 other preparations.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Of the seeds, 3i. to  3ij—
 Oleum Carui, D. L. E. [U. S.]   (Prepared according to the general
 directions for distilling volatile oils.)    Frequently added to  cathartic
 pills and boluses ; Dose, min. j. to min.  x.  This oil is  often adulter-
• ated with  oil of turpentine, which may be  detected by  the odour when
 dropped on a heated spatula-—Aqua Carui, D.  L.  ("  Caraway, bruis-
 ed, li»j. ; water, sufficient to prevent empyreuma ; distil a gallon," D. 
284                  stimulants, general.
" Caraway, bruised, Ibiss.; proof spirit, f§vij,:  water, cong. ij.;  distil
a gallon," L.)   Used as an aromatic vehicle for other  medicines, and
in the flatulent colic of children ; Dose, f§i. to f§iv.—Spiritus Carui, D.
L. E.   ("Caraway, bruised, ibj. ; proof spirit,  cong. j.;  water,  suffi-
cient to prevent empyreuma ; macerate for 24  hours and distil a  gal-
lon," D.—" Caraway, bruised §xxij. ; proof spirit, cong. j. ; water, Oij.
mix, and with a slow fire distil a gallon," L.—" Caraway, bruised, ibss.;
proof spirit, Ovij.; macerate for two days in a covered vessel, add Oiss. of
water and distil off Ovij,"E.) Aromatic and stimulant; Dose f3i. to f3iv.

  Caryophyllus ; Caryopyhlli  oleum, L.  E.  [U. S.]  Eugenia
CARYOPHYLLATA,  FLORES NONDUM  EXPLICITI ET OLEUM VOLATILE, D.
Cloves, and their volatile oil.  Dried undeveloped flower (dried buds,
L..)  and the volatile oil distilled from them (distilled from the flowers,
L.,)  of Caryophyllus aromaticus, L. E.  [U. S.]—of Eugenia caryo-
phyllata, D.  The same tree is indicated by all the Colleges, but the
Dublin has adopted the nomenclature of Thunberg.  It is a native  of
the Molucca Islands, and grows freely in various  parts of  the  East
and West Indies.  It belongs to the Natural family Myrtacea, and to
the Linnaean  class and order Polyandria Monogynia.

   Botanical Characters.—Stem, 15-30 feet high ;  Leaves, opposite, co-
riaceous, dotted, obovato-oblong ; Flowers, whitish, numerous, in terminal or
axillary cymes.

  Properties.—Cloves are the undeveloped flowers, consisting of the
tubular calyx with the unexpanded corolla, forming a small round ball
between its four teeth.  Their odour  is peculiar,  agreeably aromatic,
and their taste pungent, somewhat acrid.  They consist of 18 percent
of volatile oil, 6 of an almost tasteless resin, (Caryophyllin,) 13 of tan-
ning of extractive, 13 of gum, 28 of lignin, and 18 of moisture, (Troms-
dorff.)   The volatile oil  is  an  article of the Materia Medica in  the
British Pharmacopoeias.  As obtained by distillation it consists of two
volatile oils, one heavier, the  other lighter than water, a mixture of the
two  forming oil of cloves of commerce.  It  is at first pale yellow, but
gradually acquires a reddish  tint;  it has the odour and taste of cloves
in a  marked degree ; it is very soluble  in alcohol, ether, strong acetic
acid and  the fixed  oils; and  but very  sparingly soluble in water, in
which it sinks, its density being about  1060.  Cloves yield their pro-
perties to water and  to alcohol.
  Adulterations.—Cloves from  which  the  oil  has been procured by
distillation are  sometimes mixed with good cloves ; they may be dis-
tinguished by their lightness, and  by their not  becoming greasy when
bruised with  the nail.   The oil is sometimes adulterated with  oil of
turpentine, which may be detected by the odour when it is dropped on
a heated  spatula.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Cloves and their oil are aromatic stim-
ulants, and are employed in medicine  as flavouring or corrective ad-
juncts to  other substances; they are extensively used by the cook and
confectioner.   The oil dropped  into the hollow of a carious tooth will
often relieve tooth-ache.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—In substance, gr. x. to 3ss.—
Oleum Caryophylli, min. ij.  to min. viij.—Infusum  Caryophyllorum,
D.  Infusum Caryophylli, L. E.  (Cloves, bruised, 3i-  (3iij* L. E.)
[3ij. U.  S.] ;  boiling  water, (distilled, L,,)  by measure Ibss.  (Oj.  L. 
stimulants,  general.               285
E. [U. S.];) digest (macerate, L., infuse, E.) for  two hours in a co-
vered vessel, and strain.)  An aromatic vehicle for more active medi-
cines.   Dose, f§i. to f|ij.
  Incompatibles.—With  the  infusion.  The mineral acids ; lime
water ; sesqui-salts of iron ; sulphate of copper ; nitrate of silver ; ace-
tate of lead ; tartar emetic ; and gelatine.

  Cassije cortex et oleum,  E.  Laurus cassia, cortex, D.  [Cin-
namomum et Cinnamomi  oleum, U.  S.]   Cassia-bark.  Oil of  Cas-
sia.   Bark (and volatile oil of the bark, E.) of Cinnamomum  cassia,
E.—of Laurus cassia, D.   [The bark and oil of Cinnamomum zeylani-
cum and of Cinnamomum Aromaticum, U. S.]  The bark met with in
English  commerce, is procured from the Cinnamomum aromaticum
(Nees,) indicated by the Edinburgh College.   It is a native of China,
and is cultivated in Java;  it belongs to  the natural family Lauracea,
and to the Linnaean class and order Enneandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Stem, arborescent, about 50 feet high; Leaves,
oblongo-lanceolate, triple-nerved, the  nerves vanishing at the  point of the
leaf; Petioles, and younger branches, silky tomentose; Flowers, white, in
panicles.

  Physical Properties.—No account has been given of how cassia
is prepared, but it is more than propable that it is by a process similar
to that by which cinnamon is procured.  It is imported from Singapore
in bundles tied with slips  of the bamboo cane; it resembles cinnamon
in appearance, and is often sold for it, but it is darker coloured, much
thicker, and in simple quills.   The odour is not so fragrant as that of
cinnamon, and the taste is more pungent and somewhat bitter.
  Chemical Properties.—Cassia bark consists of 0*8  per  cent  of
volatile oil, 4  of resin, 14*6 of extractive, with woody fibre, &c. ; the
volatile oil is always imported,  it is of a wine-yellow colour, and has
the odour and flavour of the bark ; it is heavier than water, its density
being 1*095.  Cassia bark  yields its  active properties to  alcohol, but
only partially to water.    The  undeveloped  flowers of Cinnamomum
aromaticum are imported  under the name of Cassia buds (Clavelli
Cinnamomi.)  They have the same properties as the bark, but are not
employed in medicine.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Cassia and its preparations are precise-
ly analogous in their operation to cinnamon, for which, as being much
cheaper, they  are usually  substituted ; their odour  and taste perhaps
are not quite so agreeable, and some have held them to be more astrin-
gent.
  Dose and Mode  of Administration.—Of the bark, powdered, gr.
x. to 3ss—Oleum Cassia, E.,  min. ij. to  min. v.—Aqua Cassia, E.
(Cassia bark, bruised, §xviij. ; water, cong. ij.; rectified spirit, fgiij.;
mix  together and distil off one gallon.)   [Aqua  Cinnamomi.  Oil
of Cinnamon, f3ss.; carbonate of magnesia, 3ss. ; distilled water, Oij.
Rub the oil of cinnamon first with the carbonate of magnesia, then with
the water gradually added, and filter through paper." U. S. j  An aro-
matic vehicle for more active medicines ; Dose, f§i. to  fgiv.—Spiritus
Cassia, E.  (Cassia bark in coarse powder, ibj.; proceed as for spirit
of caraway.)   Dose, f5ss. to f5i.—Tinctura Cassia, E.   (Cassia
bark, in moderately fine powder, §iij. 3»j-» proof spirit, Oij.;  digest 
286                  stimulants,  general.
for 7 days, strain, express  the  residuum strongly and filter.  This
tincture is more  conveniently made by  percolation, the cassia  being
allowed to macerate for 12 hours in a little of the spirit before being
put into the percolator.)   Dose, f5i. to  f§ij.
  Incompatibles.—The sesqui-salts of iron, and gelatine.
                                          •t
  Cepa.  Allium cepa,  bulbus, D.  The Onion.   Bulb of Allium
cepa.  A  native of Egypt; belonging to the Natural family Liliacea,
and to the Linnaean class and order Hexandria Monogynia.
   Roasted onions were at one  time employed in the form of poultice
to stimulate indolent tumors, and  as  an application to four  ulcers; but
they are not used in medicine in the present day.

  Cerevisle  fermentum, D.  L.  Yeast.  Barm.  A vegetable pro-
duct developed in vinous  liquids  during the process of fermentation.
Yeast is  employed as a stimulant  in the advanced  stages of typhoid
fevers, and in the form of enema in tympanitis, and has been highly
spoken of in cases where wine  is inadmissible  in consequence of in-
flammatory symptoms.  Its principal use at present is for the prepara-
tion of a stimulating cataplasm  for foul and irritable sores,  the fetor of
which it corrects, and at the same time promotes the separation of the
sloughs.   It has  been used on  the continent with greatbenefit, as an
application to recent bruises;  it is simply spread on lint,  and the  in-
jured parts covered with it; the sooner  it is applied after the accident,
the more  prompt  and  certain are its effects.—Cataplasma Fermenti, D.
L.   (Yeast, Ibss. (Oss.  L.;)  wheaten flour, ibj.;  mix, and apply a
gentle heat until they begin  to rise.)   This cataplasm should  be re-
newed every six  or eight hours ; if it occasion much pain, the quanti-
ty of flour ought  to be increased.  The  dose of yeast for  internal  use
is two table-spoonsful every three hours, it  may be given with cam-
phor mixture  or  with peppermint water.

   Chlorinii aqua, D.  Chlorinei aqua, E.  Chlorine water.   Con-
centrated watery solution of Chlorine (with a little sulphate of soda, E.)

   Preparation.—Dub.—" Dried  muriate of soda, 100 parts; oxide of man-
ganese, 30 parts; sulphuric acid, 87 parts; water,  124  parts;  add the acid
gradually  to the water; and when the mixture  has grown cold, pour it on
the muriate of soda and oxide of manganese, both previously reduced to fine
powder, well mixed, and put into a retort; then, with  a proper apparatus,
and a moderate heat gradually increased, transmit the gas escaping  from
the mixture, through 200 parts of distilled  water, the operation being finish-
ed as soon as the  effervescence in the retort has ceased.  Let the chlorine
water be kept in well stopped buttles  in a dark place."   Edin.—" Muriate
of soda, gr. lx. ; sulphuric acid (commercial,) 13ij-; red oxide of lead, 350
grains; water, f§riij.; triturate  the  muriate of soda and oxide together;
put them into the  water contained in a bottle with a glass stopper; add the
acid, agitate occasionally till the red  oxide becomes almost white.  Allow
the insoluble matter to subside before using the liquid."

   Physical Properties.—Prepared according  to  the directions of
the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, this is  a yellowish-green  liquid,  with the
suffocating odour of  chlorine,  and an acrid  styptic taste; its  density
is 1013.
   Chemical  Properties.—This  solution  contains  about  twice its 
stimulants, general.
287
bulk of chlorine gas ;  it  bleaches all vegetable colours.  By long
keeping, particularly if exposed to light, it is converted into a weak
solution of  muriatic acid,  and oxygen is evolved ; in consequence of
these disadvantages, the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia contains a formula,
given above, by which an aqueous solution of chlorine may be obtained
in a few hours.  It contains a small quantity of sulphate of soda dis-
solved in it, which, however, can in no wise interfere with its medici-
nal employment; and a white sulphate of lead remains as an insoluble
precipitate in the bottom of the bottle.   Chlorine water is characterised
by its bleaching properties, by its power of dissolving leaf gold, and
by its not effervescing with carbonate  of lime.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Taken in large quantity, chlorine water
acts as a powerful irritant poison.   In medicinal  doses it operates as
a stimulant, and as such is employed with benefit  in  the  advanced
Btages of  typhoid fevers and  of epidemic  dysentery,  in malignant sore
throat, and in  chronic diseases of the liver.  Chlorine gas diluted with
common air has been inhaled in chronic bronchitis and in phthisis, but
although the symptoms are often  ameliorated  under  its  employment,
the  benefit  produced is not  permanent.  Externally, chlorine water
has been used largely diluted as a wash to  foul and indolent ulcers
and for chronic cutaneous diseases, in the form of gargle in cynanche
maligna, and as a local  bath in hepatitis.
   Dose and Mode  of  Administration.—f5ss.  to  f3ij. in as  many
ounces of water sweetened with  sugar.   For external use, fSi.  may
be diluted with f§j. of water.
   Incompatibles.—Nitrate of silver ; and the acetates of lead.
   In poisoning with chlorine water, the best antidote is albumen, as
white of egg,  or in its absence, milk or flour.

   Cinnamomum, L. E.  Cinnamomi  oleum,  L.  E.   Laurus cinna-
momum,  cortex et oleum volatile, D.   Cinnamon.   Oil of Cinna-
mon.  Bark,  and  volatile oil of Laurus  cinnamomum,  D. L.—of
 Cinnamomum zeylanicum, E.  [The U. S. P.  recognizes both cassia
and true cinnamon under the common  name of cinnamomum]. The cin-
namon tree is  a native of Ceylon and Malabar; it belongs to the  Natural
family  Luaracea, and  to the Linnaean  class and order Enneandria
Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters—Stem, arborescent, about 30 feet high; Branches,
obscurely 4-cornered ; Leaves, tapering into a blunt point, 3-nerved, smooth;
and perfectly  free from  down, as also are the leaf stalks; Flowers,  in
 terminal and axillary stalked panicles.
   Preparation.—The inner bark of the branches, and the volatile oil ob-
 tained from it  are  used in medicine.  The bark is taken from branches
 which are three years old, they are lopped off the trees in the rainy season,
 and the bark immediately removed by  making two opposite longitudinal
 incisions; the epidermis and green pulpy matter are afterwards scraped off,
 the smaller pieces introduced into the larger ones, and dried in the sun, the
pieces contracting as they dry into the form of quills.   The oil is obtained
by macerating the coarser pieces of bark and the trimmings in sea water
 for 48 hours, and submitting them  to distillation.

   Physical  Properties.—Cinnamon  is imported from Ceylon  in
 bales and in boxes, some is also brought  from Malabar.   Three sorts
 are usually distinguished in commerce ; the finest is in splintery rolls 
288
STIMULANTS, GENERAL.
consisting of compound quilla, the smaller being enclosed  within the
larger, from  30 to 40  inches in length; the pieces are  very thin,
generally not much thicker  than  writing paper, of a  light brownish-
yellow colour, smooth on the surface, with a splintery fracture.  The
odour is aromatic  and  fragrant,  and the taste  warm, sweetish, and
feebly astringent.  The inferior  kinds are in coarser quills, not so
much rolled,  of a darker brown colour, and with a less agreeable odour
and taste.   Oil of  cinnamon is imported from Ceylon ; it is of a pale
wine yellow colour, becoming darker by age, and  possesses intensely
the peculiar odour  and taste of the bark ; it is heavier than water,  its
density varying from 1038 to 1*041 (Christison).
  Chemical Properties.—Cinnamon bark  consists of volatile oil,
tannin, mucilaginous extractive, an acid,  resin,  colouring matter, and
woody fibre.  It yields its properties  partially to  water but  more
completely to alcohol.   The volatile oil  constitutes about 6 parts in a
thousand of the fresh bark; it consists of a light and heavy oil  which
may be obtained separate by distillation.   The composition of oil of
cinnamon is C20H11O2 (Mulder); by exposure to the air it absorbs
oxygen, and is converted into a mixture of cinnamic acid, two peculiar
resins and water.  Strong nitric acid converts oil of cinnamon  into a
solid crystalline mass.
  Adulterations.—Cinnamon bark may be distinguished by its physical
properties from cassia bark which is often sold  for it.  The  oil may
be distinguished from oil of  cassia by its more fragrant odour, and by
the taste of the latter being more  acrid and burning.   The tests of the
Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia for the  purity  of oil of cinnamon apply
equally to oil of cassia:—"  Cherry-red when old ; wine yellow when
recent; odour purely cinnamonic  ; nitric acid converts it nearly into a
uniform crystalline mass."
  Therapeutical Effects.—Cinnamon is an excellent  warm stimu-
lant, and in consequence of  its agreeable flavour  is very  much em-
ployed in medicine, principally as an aromatic  adjunct to other sub-
stances.   It is also very commonly used as a vehicle  for more  active
medicines.   The oil is not much  employed, but  it  forms an excellent
addition to cathartic pill masses.
  Dose and  Mode of Administration.—In powder, gr. x. to 3ss.—
Oleum Cinnamomi, D. L.  E., min. j. to  min. x.—Aqua Cinnamomi,
D.  L. E.   ("Cinnamon  bruised, ibj.;  water  sufficient to  prevent
empyreuma; macerate for a day and distil a gallon," D.—" Cinna-
mon, bruised, Ibiss. (or oil  of cinnamon,  3ij-)  » proof spirit, fgvij. ;
water, cong. ij. ;  distil a gallon," L.—"Cinnamon,  bruised, gxviij.;
water, cong. ij.; rectified spirit, f§iij.; mix and distil off one gallon,"
E.).  An agreeable vehicle for other medicines ; Dose, f§i. to f§iv.—
Spiritus Cinnamomi,  D. L. E.    (" Cinnamon, bruised,  ibj. ; proof
spirit,  cong. j. ; water, sufficient to prevent empyreuma; macerate
for 24 hours  and distil a gallon," D.—" Oil of cinnamon,  3ij- ; proof
spirit, cong. j. ; water, Oi. ;  mix, and with a slow fire distil a gallon,"
L.—" Cinnamon,  in  coarse powder, ibi.;  proceed  as  for  spirit  of
caraway,"  E.)   Dose, f3i. to f§ss.—Tinctura  Cinnamomi, D. L. E.
[U. S.]  (" Cinnamon, bruised,  giiiss. [§iij.,  U. S]; proof spirit, by
measure  ibij.  (Oij. L., [U. S.]); macerate  for 14 days and strain,"
D.  L.—" Cinnamon, in moderately  fine  powder, giiiss. ; proof spirit,
Oij-; proceed by percolation or digestion  as  directed for  tincture  of 
STIMULANTS,  general.
289
cassia," E.).  Dose f3i. to f§ss.—Tinctura Cinnamomi composita.
L. E.  [U. S.]  (" Cinnamon, bruised, §i.; cardamom, bruised, §ss.;
long pepper,  powdered;  and ginger,  sliced, of each,  3hs- ;  proof
spirit, Oij. ; macerate for 14 days and  strain,"  L.—" Cinnamon,  in
coarse powder (fine, if percolation be followed) ;  and eardamom seeds,
bruised, of  each, §i.; long pepper, ground finely, 3iij-; proof spirit,
Oij.  ["Cinnamon, bruised,  |i.;  cardamom,  bruised, §ss.; ginger,
bruised, 3iij- ; diluted alcohol, Oij.   Macerate for  14 days and filter
through paper."  U. S.]  This tincture is best  prepared  by percola-
tion as directed for the compound tincture of cardamom;  but it may
also be made by digestion for 7 days, straining and expressing the
liquor, and then filtering it,"  E.).   Dose,  f5i.  to f3ij.—Confectio
Aromatica, D.  L.   [U. S.]   (Cinnamon ; and nutmegs, of each, |ij.;
cloves, §i. ;  cardamom  seeds, §ss.; saffron, §ij. ;  prepared chalk,
§xvj.; pure sugar, Ibij.; " rub the dry  ingredients together to a very
fine powder, add Ibi. of water by degrees,  and beat into a pulp," D.—
" Keep in a close  vessel, and whenever the confection is to be used,
add water gradually, and mix until they are thoroughly incorporated,"
L.).   [" Aromatic  powder,  §vss.; saffron, in powder, §ss. ; syrup of
orange peel, §vj. ; clarified honey, §ij.   Rub the aromatic powder with
the saffron ; then add the syrup and  honey,  and  beat them together
till thoroughly mixed."   U. S.]  Stimulant,  carminative  and antacid,
frequently  used in mild cases of diarrhoea.   Dose, gr. xx. to 3j«;
substances incompatible with chalk should not be prescribed in combi-
nation with it.—Pulvis Aromaticus, D. E.  [U. S.]   Pulvis  Cinna-
momi compositus, L.   (" Cinnamon, §ij.; cardamom seeds, §i. (§iss.
L.) ; ginger, %i. ', long pepper, 3i- (§ss. L.) ; rub together to a very fine
powder," D. L.. "Cinnamon; cardamom seeds ; and ginger, of each,
equal parts ; reduce to a very fine powder, and keep in well closed glass
vessels," E.  [" Cinnamon, ginger, each, §ij.; cardamom, deprived of
the capsules,  nutmeg, grated, each, |i.  Rub them together into a very
fine powder,"' U. S.]   Dose, gr. v. to gr. xx.—Electuarium Aromati-
cum, V].  (Aromatic powder, one part; syrup of orange peel, two parts ;
mix, and triturate into a uniform pulp).   Dose,  gr. x. to gr. xl.—Em-
plastrum  Aromaticum, D.  (Frankincense, §iij. ; yellow wax, §ss.;
cinnamon powdered,  3vj. ;  oil of pimento ;  and oil of lemons, each,
3ij.; melt the frankincense and wax together, and strain ; and when they
are beginning to thicken by cooling, mix in the cinnamon powder, rub-
bed up with the oils, and make a plaster).  A stimulating plaster appli-
ed over the region of the stomach in nausea and flatulence ; not much
used at present.
   Incompatibles.—The sesqui-salts of iron, and gelatine.
   Cocculus,  E.  Cocculus suberosus, fructus, D.   Cocculus In-
dicus.  Fruit of Anamirta cocculus, E.—of Cocculus suberosus, D.
A  native of Malabar and the eastern islands of India ;  belonging to
the Natural family Menispermacea, and  to the  Linnaean class  and or-
der Diacia Monitde/p/iia.

   Botanical Characters.—A strong climbing shrub; Bark, corky, ash-
coloured, cracked;  Leaves, roundish, leathery, smooth, 6 inches long, and
as  many broad;  Flowers, in lateral compound racemes ;  Drupes, 2-3, glo-
bose.

    Physical Properties.—The fruit commonly known  under the name
                                25 
290
STIMULANTS, GENERAL.
of Cocculus Indicus, is roundish, about the size of a large pea, with a
dark brown wrinkled perisperra, within which  is the bivalved, one-
celled fruit; the kernel is white and oily, and does not completely fill
the shell.  It  is void of odour, but has an intensely bitter taste.
  Chemical Properties.—The nucleus contains a  peculiar, white,
crystalline acid which  has been named  Picrotoxin, resin, gum, a fatty
acid, and other unimportant substances ; the pericarp contains another
peculiar principle which has been named Menispermin, and which pos-
sesses  properties very  nearly similar  to  those of Picrotoxin which
is the active principle of the drug; the latter is soluble in 150 parts of
temperate water, 25 of boiling water, 2 of pure ether, and  3 of alcohol;
it is insoluble in  the fixed and volatile oil; ite composition is C12H7
O5.  Cocculus Indicus yields its active properties to  alcohol, and but
very imperfectly to either cold or boiling water.
  Adulterations.—As met with  in commerce either from having been
gathered before  it is quite ripe or from long  keeping,  the kernel  is
often completely dried up, so as to leave the shell nearly if not quite
empty.   The Edinburgh College, therefore directs, "  that the kernels
should  fill at least two-thirds of the fruit."
  Therapeutical Effects.—Cocculus Indicus is a  powerful stimu-
lant, in large doses, producing death with tetanic convulsions and coma.
It is used in India to poison fish ; and in  this country is often nefarious-
ly employed by brewers to give an artificial strength to beer.   In medi-
cine it  is only  used externally  to destroy vermin, and  as  a stimulating
application in the form  of ointment to furfuraceous eczema and porrigo
of the scalp.   Picrotoxin is highly poisonous, it may be used as a sub-
stitute  for the drug.
  Pharmaceutical  Preparations.— Unguentum Cocculi, E. (Take
any convenient quantity of  Cocculus Indicus, separate  and  preserve
the kernels,  beat  them well in  a mortar, first alone, and  then with a
little axunge ;  and then add axunge  till it amounts altogether to  five
times the weight  of the  kernels.)—Unguentum  Picrotoxin, Jager.
(Picrotoxin, gr. x. ; axunge, §i. : mix  intimately.)   Either  of these
ointments may be  applied  in  small quantities to  the scalp night and
morning  in the cases above mentioned, and the  head well  cleansed
with soap and  warm water at least once daily.   They should be used
with great caution when  the skin is  not entire, as danger may arise
from absorption.

  Coriandrum, L.  E. TU. S.]   Coriandrum  sativum, semina, D.
Coriander.  The fruit (Seeds, D.) of Coriandrum sativum.  A na-
tive of the south of Europe, scarcely indigenous ; belonging to the Nat-
ural family Umbellifera (Apiacea, Lindley,) and to  the Linnaean class
order and Pentandria Digynia.

   Botanical Characters.—Annual; Stem, erect, leafy, about  18 inches
high; Leaves,  scarcely  stalked, all bipinnate, and  cut; Flowers, white,
often with a reddish tint.

   Properties.—The fruit commonly called  coriander-seed is round,
about the size  of white pepper, finely ribbed, of a brownish-yellow co-
lour.   When ripe, it has an agreeable aromatic odour, and a warm pe-
culiar taste.  Its properties depend on volatile oil, of which it contains
4*7 parts in a  thousand. 
STIMULANTS,  GENERAL.
291
   Therapeutical Effects.—Coriander is employed in medicine as a
 flavouring adjunct in some officinal preparations, but is not used alone.
 The dose of the fruit is from 3ss. to 3i.

   Cuminum, E.   Cyminum, L.   Cummin.  The fruit of Cuminum
 cyminum.  A native of Greece and  Egypt;  belonging to the Natural
 family  Umbellifera (Apiacea,  Lindley,) and to  the Linnaean class and
 order Pentandria Digynia.
   The fruit of this plant commonly called cummin-seed, possesses
 aromatic stimulant properties, which depend on  the presence of volatile
 oil ; but as the odour and taste are both strong and disagreeable, I can-
 not imagine  on what grounds it has been retained in the London and
 Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias, when we have so  many agreeable medi-
 cines with precisely analogous properties.   Dose, of the fruit, gr. x.
 to 3ss.

   Dauci fructus, L.  Dauci semina, D.   Dauci radix, D. L. E.
 The common carrot. Fruit (Seeds, D.) of Daucus carota (var. sylves-
 tris, D.)   The root of Daucus  carota (var. sativa,  E.)  Indigenous ;
 belonging to the Natural family Umbellifera (Apiacea, Lindley,) and
 to the Linnaean class and order Pentandria Digynia.

   Botanical Characters.—Root, slender, yellowish, becoming thick and
 succulent by cultivation (var. sativa ;) Stem, 2-3 feet high, hispid;  Leaves,
 pinnatisect; Flowers, in large umbels, white, except the central neutral one,
 which is blood-red.

   Properties.—The  fruit commonly called carrot-seed  is obtained
 from the uncultivated variety ; it is small,  compressed,  ovate, of a
 brown  colour,  fringed  with a  row of  whitish spines ; it has a strong
 aromatic odour and taste which depend on volatile oil.    The root
 which is obtained  from the cultivated carrot,  is  too well  known to re-
 quire description.   It contains a trace  of volatile with some fixed oil,
 a peculiar, ruby-red crystalline substance (Carotin,) uncrystallizable
 sugar, fecula, albumen, malic acid, &c.
   Therapeutical Effects.—The fruit of the wild carrot is carmina-
 tive and stimulant, and by many is held to be diuretic ; it  is scarcely
 ever used at  present.  Carrot-root when boiled  forms one of the most
 nutritive of our.esculent  vegetables.   In medicine it is only used as
 an external application in the form of poultice to stimulate  foul, indo-
 lent,  and gangrenous  sores ;  it corrects the fetor, and promotes the
 separation of the sloughs.
  Dose and  Mode of  Administration.—Of the fruit, gr.  xx. to 9i.
 —Cataplasma Dauci, D.  (Take of the root of the cultivated carrot,
 any quantity ; boil it in water until it becomes  soft  enough to form a
 cataplasm).  Used for the purposes above stated.

  Dianthus   caryophyllus,  flores,  D.   Clove-pink.  Flowers of
 Dianthus caryophyllus.   Indigenous ;  belonging to  the  Natural fami-
 ly Caryophyllacea, and to the  Linnaean class  and order Decandria Di-
gynia.
  These flowers were at one time supposed to possess some stimulant
 properties, and were employed in nervous  and spasmodic diseases;
 but they are never used in the present  day. 
292
STIMULANTS, GENERAL.
   Electricity.   Galvanism.   Magnetic  Electricity.   These
powerful agents in the treatment of disease  require some short notice
here.   Their operation is that either of a general or local stimulant,
according to the manner in which they are applied.   Under their  in-
fluence, the vascular and nervous systems, more especially the latter,
are excited ; the pulse  is increased in frequency, the muscles stimulat-
ed to involuntary action, and  the general secretions augmented.  The
diseases then in which their  use  is indicated are those of debility;
thus, they are employed in all forms of  paralysis of  the  nerves, both
of sensation and of motion,  when  uncomplicated  with any lesion
of,  or  determination  of  blood to,  the  cerebro-spinal   system ; as
in some  forms of nervous deafness  and  of amaurosis,  in old cases
of paraplegia and hemiplegia, in paralysis of the muscles of the  fore-
arm from the poison of lead or of mercury, and in asphyxia.   In sup-
pression  of the menstrual discharge arising from  loss of tone in the
uterine organs, electrical shocks passed through the pelvis (from the
sacrum to the pubes) are frequently  productive of great  benefit.   In
the loss of muscular power attendant on  chronic rheumatism, and in
chorea and other  allied convulsive disorders, the employment  of  elec-
tricity often proves  serviceable  also.   My  own experience of its use as
a remedial agent  leads me to  place more reliance on its employment in
local than in general paralysis—more particularly when a single  mus-
cle or a  certain class  of muscles  have become paralysed from any
special cause.   Thus I have derived peculiar benefit from its use in that
particular form of paralysis of  the muscles  of the fore-arm, which is
produced by the action of lead, and which  is so frequent a sequence of
painters' colic; as also in those cases where a single muscle becomes
paralysed, either from  exposure to a draught of cold  air, or from con-
tinued pressure on the  nerve by which the muscle  is supplied.*  The
different forms of electricity may be in general indifferently applied,
but galvanic and  magnetic electricity possess the advantages of being
more readily employed, of not being interfered with by the state of the
atmosphere, of the  effects produced being more under control, and of
the facility with which they may be applied to the different parts of the
body ; consequently these forms of electricity are in the present day
most generally used.
  For the application of common electricity, Leyden jars charged with
the cylindrical or plate machine are used,  and  the  usual directors em-
ployed for discharging  them ;  the patient may or may not be placed on
an insulating stool or chair, according to the effect which it is wished
to produce.
   Galvanic electricity  is applied by  means of the  usual galvanic
troughs and insulated directors ; the apparatus is objectionable in con-
sequence of its not being very portable, and also from its requiring the
use of acids to  bring it into operation.
  Magnetic-electricity is the most convenient and simple  mode of em-
ploying this agent in the practice of  medicine ; it is most readily ap-
plied by means  of  an  instrument  consisting  of  a small battery, on
Smee's principle, in connection with  a frame on which is fixed an up-
right straight magnet,  surrounded  by a bundle of iron  wires, round
which are coiled some thousand yards of insulated large and small cop-
per wire, divided into seven  different portions, each  of which termi-

  • See Edinburgh Monthly Journal of Medical Science, Vol. 6, p. 225. 
STIMULANTS, GENERAL.                 293
nates separately in a small brass nob, brought up through the bottom of
the frame.  The shocks are produced by the continuity of the stream
of electricity being broken by the alternate attraction and repulsion, by
the magnet, of a piece of soft iron, which is kept in contact with a pla-
tinized screw by means of a piece of watch  spring.*
  The good effects of any of the  forms  of  electricity require a long
time for their development, and its use should be consequently perse-
vered in for some time, and not despaired of, if immediate relief be not
experienced.  Care must be, however, taken to regulate the force  or
intensity of the shock, as over-excitement from  electricity in general
proves highly injurious in those very cases, in which its employment,
if properly regulated, is attended with the greatest service.   In fine it
should be always borne in mind, that electricity is only to be consider-
ed as an auxiliary to other modes  of treatment.

  Elemi, L. E.   Amyris elemifera,  resina, D.   Elemi.   Con-
crete resinous exudation from one or more  unascertained plants,  E.
Resin of Amyris elemifera, D. L.   It  is quite uncertain from  what
plant this substance is  obtained, and even its commercial route is  in-
volved in much obscurity ; what is met with in this country is brought
from Holland.  American elemi is obtained from the Idea icicariba,a.
plant belonging to the  Natural family Amyridacea.   The term elemi
is applied to three or four resins of very different appearance, and
much of what is sold  under this name appears to be a very composite
substance.  It  is only employed in medicine in  the form of ointment
as a  stimulating dressing to old and indolent  ulcers.—Unguentum
Elemi,  D. L.  (" Elemi, ibj.; white wax, ibss.; prepared hog's lard,
Ibiv. ; make an ointment which while yet hot should be strained through
a sieve," D.—"Elemi, ibj.; common  turpentine, §x. ; suet, ibij.;
olive oil, f§ij. ;  melt the elemi with the suet; then remove them from
the fire, and immediately mix with them  the turpentine  and the oil;
afterwards press through a linen cloth," L.)

  Fceniculum, L. E. [U. S.]    Anethum  fceniculum, semina,  D.
Fennel.   Fruit  of Fceniculum  officinale, E.  Fruit  of Fceniculum
vulgare, L. [U. S.]   Seeds  of Anethum faniculum, D.  Fceniculum
vulgare (Anethum faeniculum, Linnaeus,) is an indigenous plant; be-
longing to the Natural family Umbellifera (Apiacea, Lindley,) and to
the Linnaean class and order Pentandria Digynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Biennial; Stem, 3-4 feet high, fistulose; Leaves,
much divided, with very slender segments; Flowers, dark yellow.

  Properties.—The  fruit, commonly called fennel-seed, is oval, about
two lines long and one broad, of a dark brown colour ; it has an agree-
able,  aromatic  odour, and a  warm  sweetish, somewhat acrid taste.
These properties depend  on a volatile oil which it contains.   The oil
of fennel  of the shops is usually obtained from  a cultivated variety  of
Fceniculum vulgare, which in consequence of the sweeter taste of the
fruit is known under the name of Faniculum dulce.

  * Magnetic-electrical instruments on the plan described above, are made
by Mr. Robinson of Gralton-street, in this city, at a cost varying  from £3
105. to £i  45.
                              25* 
294
STIMULANTS,  GENERAL.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Fennel is a  warm aromatic stimulant,
but is not much used in the present day ;  it may be employed in the
same cases as anise and caraway.
  Dose and  Mode of Administration.—In substance, 3ss- to 31-—
Oleum Fceniculi,  D. E.   (Prepared from the fruit (seeds of Fanicu-
lum dulce, D.) according to the general instructions for obtaining vola-
tile oils.)   Dose,min. ij. to min. x.—Aqua  Faniculi, D. L. E.  (Pre-
pared  in the same way as Aqua Carui, D.  L.—as  Aqua Anethi, E.)
An aromatic vehicle for other medicines;  Dose, f§j. to f|iv.

   [Hedeoma, U. S. Penny-royal. The herb of Hedeoma Palegioides.
Indigenous in most parts of the United States; belonging to the Natu-
ral family  Labiata, (Lamiacea, Lindley,) and  to the  Linnsean  class
and order Diandria Monogynia.  Hedeoma, the American Penny-royal
has the general properties of the mints, and in this country is much
used in domestic practice. The  oil   Oleum Hedeoma is  officinal and
may be given in doses of two or three drops.]

    Inula,  L. [U.  S.]   Inula helenium,  radix,  D.  Elecampane.
Root of Inula helenium.   Indigenous; belonging to the Natural family
Composita (Asteracea, Lindley,) and to the Linnaean class and order
 Syngenesia Superflua.

  Botanical  Characters.—Root, thick, branching, perennial; Stem, 3-5
feet high, branched; Leaves, amplexicaul, ovate, wrinkled, downy beneath ;
Flower,  large, terminal, bright-yellow.

   Properties.—Elecampane-root when dried  has an aromatic odour,
and a warm  bitter taste.   It consists of bitter extractive, soft resin,
elecampane-camphor  (Helenin), a variety of starch named Inulin, a
trace of volatile oil, &c.  It yields  its active properties partially to
water, but more completely to alcohol.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Elecampane is an aromatic stimulant,
producing vomiting in large doses.  It is scarcely ever used in medicine,
and might be well spared  from the pharmacopoeias.   Dose, £)i. to 3>j-

   Laurus nobilis, folia et  bacc*e, D.  L.  Sweet-bay leaves  and
berries.   Leaves and berries of Laurus nobilis.   A native of the South
of  Europe, cultivated in  our shrubberies ;  it belongs  to the Natural
family Lauracea, and to the  Linnaean class  and  order Enneandria
Monogynia.

   Botanical  Characters.—A small tree; Leaves, alternate, lanceolate,
coriaceous ; Flowers, in axillary umbels, yellowish;  Fruit, a bluish-black,
oval berry, one-seeded, about the size of a small nut.

   Properties.—The leaves and fruit have an aromatic, rather agree-
able odour, and a warm, somewhat bitter taste.  These properties de-
pend  on a volatile oil which may be obtained  by distillation.   The
berries contain also about 12 per cent, of a butyraceous fixed oil, which
has been recently imported from Trieste.
   Therapeutical Effects.—The leaves, berries, and oils of the sweet
bay are  aromatic stimulants ; but are scarcely  ever  employed in medi-
cine.  The oil was formerly employed as a local stimulant in rheuma-
tic and neuralgic pains, and is used as such with great benefit on man y 
STIMULANTS, GENERAL.                295
parts of the Continent in the present day.   The leaves and berries
may be administered in the form of infusion, prepared by infusing §iss.
of either, bruised, in fgxij. of boiling water ;  Dose, fgss. to fgij.

 , Lavandula, L. E. [U. S.]  Lavandula spica, flores, D. Lavender.
Flowers of Lavandula spica, D. L.—of Lavandula vera, E.  It is from
Lavandula vera (De Candolle) that the flowers are procured for medi-
cal use ; this is a native of the central parts of Europe, and is cultiva-
ted in our gardens;  it belongs to the Natural family Labiata (Lamiacea,
Lindley), and to the  Linnaean class  and order Didynamia Gymno-
spermia.
   Botanical Characters.—Stem, shrubby, 1-2 foot high;  Leaves, oblong"
linear or lanceolate, quite entire; Flowers, purplish-gray, in whorls of 6-10
flowers, in interrupted spikes.   It may be readily distinguished from Lavan-
dula spica., by its taller stature, its narrower leaves, and the absence of bracts.
   Physical Properties.—The flowers are gathered when in full bloom,
and dried in the shade : they have a peculiar fragrant odour, and a warm
somewhat bitter, aromatic taste.
   Chemical Properties.—They contain volatile oil, tannin, bitter ex-
tractive, and woody fibre.  The oil, Oleum  Lavandula, D.  L. E., is
obtained by the usual process of distillation ; it is of a pale-yellow
colour, has the peculiar fragrant odour of the flowers, and  a warm aro-
matic taste.  One pound of flowers yields about two drachms of oil.  Its
density is about *900;  its composition, according to  Kane, is C15H14
O2.  Lavender flowers yield their properties completely to  alcohol,
but only partially to boiling water.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Lavender  is a very agreeable aromatic
stimulant, and its officinal preparations are consequently much employed
for giving warmth and flavour to  other medicines.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—The flowers in powder are
added to sternutatories on  account of their agreeable odour.—Oleum
Lavandula, D. L. E.   Dose, min. ij.  to min.  v.—Spiritus Lavandula,
D. L. E. [U. S.]   (Fresh lavender, ibij. (ibiss. L. E.) ;  proof (rectified,
L. E.) spirit, cong. j.  ; (water, sufficient  to  prevent  empyreuma, D.,
Oij., L. [U. S.]);  "macerate for 24 hours, and distil with a medium
heat ibv. by measure," D.  " Mix, and with a slow fire  distil a gallon,"
ff. [U.  S.J  "Mix, and  with the heat of  a vapour-bath distil  over
Ovij."  E.).   Used in the  preparation of  the  following:—Spiritus
 (Tinctura, L.) Lavandula compositus, D. L.  E. [U. S.]  (Spirit  of
lavender, by measure ibiij.  (Oiss., L.  Oij., E. [Oiij.  U. S.J) ;  spirit of
rosemary, by measure ibj.  (Oss., L. f§xij., E. [Oj. U.  S.]) ;  nutmegs,
bruised, §ss. (3iiss., L-) ; cinnamon,  bruised  (in coarse  powder, E.),
*§ss. (3hss., L. §j.,  E.  [U. S.]) ; (cloves, bruised, 3ij-,  D. E. [U. S.]) ;
red sandal-wood shavings,  §i. (3v.,  L. 3iij., E. [U.  S.]) ;  macerate
(digest, D.) for 10 (14, L. [U. S.J  7, E.) days  and  strain ;  " strain
through calico," E.)   This  preparation, generally known  as Lavender
Drops, is used as a cordial and stomachic to relieve nausea, flatulence,
lowness of spirits,  &c. ; Dose, min. xxx. to f3ij. in water, or dropped
on white sugar.
   Incompatibles.—Sulphate of  iron.

   Limonum cortex et oleum, L. E. [U. S.]  Citrus medica, tunica
exterior et ejus oleum volatile, D.  The external rind of the fruit, 
296                 STIMULANTS,  GENERAL.

and the volatile oil obtained from the rind, of Citrus limonum, L. E.-—
of Citrus medica, D.  Lemon peel, and oil of lemons.  The lemon
tree has been described in the division Refrigerants.   Oil of lemons is
obtained from the rind either by distillation or expression, the latter is
the method usually followed; it is imported from Portugal and from
France.   It has  a pale  greenish-yellow colour, the fragrant odour of
lemons, and a pungent aromatic taste ; density 0847.  Its composition
is C1 °H8.  Lemon peel  is of a yellow colour, has an agreeable aroma-
tic odour, and a warm, somewhat bitter taste, both of which are much
injured by drying.  Care should be taken in peeling lemons to remove
the outer yellow rind  only;  it should be dried without  artificial heat,
and is  best preserved  laid  in  alternate  layers with sugar, and kept in
well closed bottles.   Lemon peel  yields its properties to both  alcohol
and water.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Oil  of lemons is an aromatic stimulant ;
it is only used internally to give an agreeable flavour to other medi-
cines ;  as a  topical  remedy it is  highly praised by the  Germans as a
stimulant  in rheumatic and scrofulous ophthalmia, for which purpose
it is dropped into the eye.  Lemon  peel is employed as a flavouring
ingredient in infusions.   The dose of oil of lemons is from min. ij. to
min. v.
  Incompatibles.—The mineral and vegetable acids ; and lime water.

  Mastiche, D. L. E.   Mastich.  The resin (Concrete resinous  exu-
dation, E.) of Pistacia lentiscus (also of Pistacia atlantica, Lindley),
Natives of the South of  Europe and of the Levant; belonging to the
Natural family Anacardiacea,  and to  the  Linnaean class  and order
Diacia Pentandria.
  Mastich exudes  from  incisions  made into  the tree;   it is in small,
irregular, yellowish tears, which have  a faint, agreeable odour, and a
warm taste.  It is scarcely ever used at present, but was at one  time
much employed as  an ingredient  in  dinner pills.   It enters into the
composition of the Tinctura Ammonia composita, L.  (See page 273).

  Melissa, E.  [U. S.]   Melissa  officinalis, herba,  D.  Common
Balm.   Herb of Melissa  officinalis.  A native of Central Europe, cul-
tivated in  our gardens; it belongs  to the Natural family Labiata  (La-
miacea, Lindley), and to the  Linnaean  class and order Didynamia
Gymnospermia.

  Botanical Characters.—Herbaceous;  Leaves, broadly  ovate, crenate,
hairy above, smooth beneath ;  Flowers, white, in one-sided, axillary whorls,
shortly pedunculated.

  Properties.—In the  recent state the whole herb has an aromatic,
citron-like odour, much of which is lost by drying, the taste is warm and
bitter.   It contains volatile oil, resin, bitter extractive, a trace of tannin,
gum, &c.  It  yields its properties to boiling water by infusion.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—Balm is  a mild aromatic stimulaut, at
present never used except as a domestic remedy.  Infusum Melissa ;
Balm tea  (prepared by infusing §ij. of the fresh herb in Oss. of boiling
water for  a quarter of an hour), is  given in doses  of  from f§ij. to  f§iv.
  Incompatibles.—Sulphate  of iron ; acetate of lead ;  and nitrate of
silver. 
STIMULANTS, GENERAL.
297
  Mentha piperita, herba, D. L. E.  [Mentha piperita, U. S.]
Peppermint.   Herb  of Mentha piperita.  Indigenous ; belonging to
the Natural family Labiata (Lamiacea, Lindley). and to the Linnaean
class and order Didynamia Gymnospermia.

  Botanical Characters.—Root  creeping ; Stem, smooth, quadrangular ;
Leaves, ovato-lanceolate, strongly serrated, acute, slightly hairy; Flowers,
violet coloured, in lax,short, interrupted spikes;  bracteas lanceolate.

  Properties.—Peppermint has a peculiar, aromatic, to most persons
agreeable, odour, and a warm, pungent taste, leaving  a  peculiar im-
pression of coldness on the mouth which is most marked during inspira-
tion.   These properties are due  to a large quantity of volatile oil which
exists  in small vesicles  or  glands,  chiefly in  the leaves.  This oil,
Oleum Mentha piperita, D. L. E. [U. S.] is obtained by the  usual pro-
cess of distillation, the quantity procured varies from a 200th to a 320th ;
it is limpid and colourless, acquiring a greenish tint from age, with the
odour and taste of the plant in an intense degree.  It  is soluble in alco-
hol, and when agitated with water imparts to it both odour  and taste.
Its density is 0902 ; and its  composition C21H20O2 (Kane).
  Therapeutical Effects.—Peppermint is perhaps the most powerful
aromatic stimulant of the Labiate plants ; and in consequence of its
agreeable odour and taste is very generally added to nauseous medicines.
It is also much employed to relieve sickness of the stomach, heartburn
and flatulent colie.
  Dose and Mode  of Administration.—Of the volatile oil, min. ij.
to min. v. dropped on sugar.—Aqua Mentha piperita,  D. L. E.  (" Herb
of peppermint, ibiss.; water, sufficient to prevent empyreuma ; distil a
gallon," D.—" Peppermint,  dried, ibij. (or  oil of peppermint, 3ij-) ;
proof spirit, f§vij. ;  water, cong. ij. ; distil  a gallon," L.—" Pepper-
mint, ibiv. if fresh (ibij. if dry) ;  water, cong. ij. ;  rectified spirit, fgiij.;
mix, and distil one gallon," E.).  [Prepared  from oil of peppermint in
the same manner as Aqua  Cinnamomi, U. S.]  Employed to relieve
flatulent colic, but chiefly as a vehicle for medicines ; Dose,  f§j. to f§ij.
—Spiritus Mentha  piperita, D. L.   Spiritus  Mentha, E.   (" Oil of
peppermint, by weight §ss. (3iij-, L.) ; rectified (proof, L.) spirit, cong.
j. ;  water, sufficient to prevent empyreuma (Oj., L.)  ; mix, and with a
slow fire distil a  gallon," D. L.—" Fresh peppermint, ibiss.;  proceed
as for  spirit  of caraway," E.).  Stimulant  and carminative ; Dole,
f3ss.  to  f3i.—Essence of Peppermint of the shops is prepared by
dissolving f5i. of the oil in fgi. of rectified spirit;  the dose is from gtt.
xx. to  gtt. xxx. on sugar.

  Mentha pulegium, herba, D.  L.  Pulegium,  E.   Pennyroyal.
Herb   of Mentha  pulegium.  Indigenous;  belonging to the  Natural
family  Labiata (Lamiacea,  Lindley), and  to the Linnaean  class and
order Didynamia Gymnospermia.

  Botanical Characters.—This  mint is distinguished  by its prostrate
stems, and small,  frequently recurved  leaves;  both of  Which are thickly
covered with short hairs.

  Properties.—Pennyroyal  has a  strong, peculiar, aromatic odour,
and a pungent, somewhat bitter, cooling taste ; it contains a volatile
oil on which its properties depend, and which is obtained by the usua 
298
stimulants, general.
 process of distillation ; it is of a pale greenish-yellow colour, with the
 odour and taste of the plant;  its density is 0*925;  and its composition
 CioiPOCKane).
   Therapeutical Effects.—Pennyroyal  is identical in action  with
 peppermint, but as its odour and taste are not so agreeable, it is much
 less used.
   Dose and Mode  of Administration.—Oleum Mentha Pulegii, D.
 L. E.—Spiritus Mentha Pulegii, L.—Aqua Mentha Pulegii,J).L. E
 —Essence of Pennyroyal of  the shops : are all prepared with penny-'
 royal in the same manner as the corresponding preparations of pepper-
 mint.  The doses also are the same.                                 j

   Mentha viridis, herba, D. L.  E. [Mentha viridis, U. S.J  Spear-   J
 mint.  Herb of Mentha viridis.  Indigenous ; belonging to the Natural
 family  Labiata (Lamiacea, Lindley), and to the  Linnaean class anc -
 order Didynamia Gymnospermia.

   Botanical Characters.—Leaves, lanceolate, acute, glabrous, sessile;
 Spikes, interrupted, cylindrical, loose ; Bracteas setaceous, somewhat hairy   I
 as well as the calyx.                                                  j

   Properties.—Spearmint has  a strong, peculiar, to many persons
 disagreeable, odour, and a warm,  bitter taste followed by a  sense of
 coldness when air is drawn into the mouth ;  these properties are very
 much lost by drying.  They depend on a volatile oil, of which the fresl '■
 herb contains  only a 500th part.   This oil is of a light-yellow colour^]
 acquiring a reddish-brown tint by age ; it possesses intensely the odou f■.
 and  taste of the plant.  Its-density  is 0914;  and  its  compositio< '.|
 C25H380(Kane).
   Therapeutical Effects.—Spearmint resembles in its action pepper
 mint; by some it has been said to repel the secretion of milk, and to ac
 as an emmenagogue.  As it is neither as powerful nor as agreeable as
 peppermint, it  is not so much  used.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Oleum Mentha viridis, D. L.
 E. [U.  S.]   Spiritus Mentha viridis, D. L. E. [U. S.]   Aqua Mentha'\
 viridis, D. L. E. [U. S.]  Essence of Spearmint of the shops : are all,  1
 prepared with spearmint, in the same manner as the corresponding pre-;'  j
 parations of peppermint.  The  doses  also  are the same.—Infusun
 Mentha simplex, D.   (Dried  spearmint leaves, 3ij- ' boiling water, i
 sufficient quantity to afford fgvj. of strained liquor).   Used  as a vehich   \
 for other remedies in irritable states of the stomach; Dose, f§i. to f§ij    |
 —Infusum Mentha compositum,!).   (Dried spearmint leaves, 3ij*;'
 boiling  water, a sufficient quantity to afford  f|vj.  of strained liquor;   j
 digest for half an hour in a covered vessel, and strain when cold ; then . )
 add pure sugar, 3ij* >  oil  of spearmint, gtt. iij. dissolved  in f§ss. of com-
 pound tincture of cardamoms, and mix).   Stomachic  and stimulant,
 useful in nausea  and  flatulent colic, and to conceal the taste of other
 medicines ; Dose, f§i. to f|iij.

   Myristica,  L. E.  [U. S.]  Myristicje  oleum,  L. E.  [U. S.]
 MyristicjE adeps, E.  Myristica moschata, nucleus, oleum vola-
 tile, et involucrum—Macis dictum, D.   Nutmegs.   Kernel of the
fruit and volatile oil from the kernel, D. L. E.  Involucrum  (arillus)
 of. the nut (mace), D.  And concrete expressed oil (oil of mace) from 
stimulants, general.                  299
the kernel of the fruit, E.—of Myristica moschata, D. L.—of Myristica
officinalis, E.  A native of the  Molucca Islands ;  belonging to the Na-
tural family Myristicacea, and  to the Linnaean class and order Dicscia
Monadelphia.

  Botanical Characters.—A tree,  20-30 feet  high; Leaves, aromatic,
oblong, acuminate, smooth, simple nerved; Flowers, pale yellow, in axillary
racemes; Fruit, pyriform, about  the size  of a peach, smooth, dehiscing by
two nearly equal longitudinal valves, and exposing the fleshy, scarlet arillus
(wiace), closely embracing the shell, within which is contained the kernel
(the nutmeg).

  Properties.—Nutmegs and mace are  too well known to require
description ; they are imported  from the Moluccas.  They have a pecu-
liar, fragrant, powerful odour, and a  warm, aromatic taste.  Nutmegs
consist of 31*6 per cent, of fat butyraceous fixed oil, 6 of volatile oil, 2*4
of starch, 1*2  of  gum, 08 of acid, and 54 of  lignin (Bonastre).   The
volatile oil, Oleum Myristica, D. L. E.,  is obtained by distillation ; it is
usually imported.  It is colourless or slightly yellow, of a rather viscid
consistence, and  has the odour and taste of nutmegs.   Its density is
0*948.  The fixed oil, Myristica Adeps, E., oil of mace, is procured by
exposing bruised nutmegs to the vapour of boiling water, and pressing
between heated plates of iron ;  it is imported in large rectangular cakes
covered with the  leaves of some monocotyledonous plant.  It is a soft
solid, of a  reddish-yellow colour, with the odour and taste of nutmegs.
It consists of an aromatic volatile  oil,  mixed  with three  fats; two  of
which are readily dissolved by alcohol, and the third which is thus sepa-
rated has been named myristicine.   Mace  is composed of volatile oil,
red fat oil soluble in alcohol, yellow fat oil insoluble in alcohol, alcoholic
extractive, amidin, lignin, &c.   Nutmegs and mace impart both  odour
and taste to boiling water; but  they yield  their active properties more
completely to alcohol.
   Adulterations.—Nutmegs  from which the volatile oil  has be en ob-
tained, are sometimes mixed with good nutmegs, the holes which were
bored in them being stopped up with powdered sassafras.  This fraud
is seldom attempted  in the present day, it may be detected by the light-
ness of the nutmeg.   Those nutmegs which are  round, plump, heavy,
and not  worm eaten, should be chosen.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Nutmegs are agreeable aromatic stimu-
lants, chiefly used as flavouring ingredients.  Taken in large quantity
they prove narcotic,  and consequently their use should be  avoided by
those who  have an apoplectic or paralytic tendency.  The fixed oil has
been  employed externally as a stimulant  in  chronic rheumatism and
paralysis.  Mace is not used in medicine,  its  properties are similar to
those of nutmegs.
   Dose  and  Mode  of Administration.—In substance, gr. x.  to gr.
xxx.—Oleum  Myristica, D. L. E.  [U.  S.]  Miri. j. to min. v.  dropped
on sugar.—Spiritus nucis moschat, D. Spiritus Myristica, L. E. [U. S. ]
(Nutmegs, bruised,  §ij. (§iiss.  L. E.) ; proof spirit, cong. j. ; water,
sufficient to prevent empyreuma (Oj., L. E.  [U.  S.]) ; mix (macerate for
24 hours, D-),  and (with a slow fire, L. [U. S.]) distil a gallon).  Stimulant
and aromatic, an excellent  addition to cathartic mixtures to prevent
griping.   It may be prepared extemporaneously by dissolvingjinin. xx.
of the volatile oil in f|i. of proof spirit.  Dose, f3i. to f3iv. 
300                  stimulants, general.
  Olibanum, D.  L.   Gum-resin of Boswellia  serrata (Libanus  thu-
rifera,  Colebrooke).   A handsome lofty tree, a  native of Coromandel
and other parts of the East Indies;  belonging  to  the Natural  family
Amyridacea, and to the Linnaean class and order Decandria Monogynia.
  Olibannm is met with in the form of irregularly rounded, whitish or
yellowish tears, semitransparent, powdery on  the surface ;  they  have a
fragrant odour, and an aromatic  somewhat  bitter taste.  They consist
principally of volatile oil and resin, and are  insoluble in either water or
alcohol.   This substance is generally supposed to be the true frankin-
cense of the ancients ; it possesses mildly  stimulant properties, but in
the present day, is only employed as a fumigating agent.  The dose for
internal use would be from 3ss. to 3i. made into an emulsion with yolk
of egg or with mucilage.

  Origanum, L. E. [U. S.J  Origanum vulgare, oleum ex herba, D.
Origanum majorana, herba, D.  Herb (Volatile oil, D.) of Origanum
vulgare, D. L. E.  [U. S.J—Herb of Origanum majorana, D.—Origanum
vulgare,  the common marjoram, is an  indigenous plant belonging to the
Natural family Labiata (Lamiacea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean class
and  order Didynamia Gymnospermia.  Origanum majorana, or sweet
marjoram, is a native of Africa and of Asia,  and  is commonly cultivated
in this country as a pot-herb.
  Propertdzs-—Both plants have a peculiar aromatic odour, that of the
latter being much stronger, and a warm pungent taste ; these properties
depend chiefly on volatile  oil.—Oleum  Origani,  D. L. [U. S]  Oil of
Marjoram, Oil of Thyme, is obtained from Origanum vulgare by the
usual process of distillation.  It is of a reddish colour, becoming darker
by age, and has the  odour and taste of the  herb.  Its density is 0-867;
and  its composition C50H4oO.  A hundred weight of the plant yields
on an  average from *** to 10 ounces of oil.
  Therapeutical Effects.—The  marjorams possess the  aromatic
stimulant properties of the Labiate plants generally. In the present day
they are but seldom  used in medicine ; the  oil maybe given in doses of
from min. j. to min. iij. dropped on sugar.   It is sometimes employed to
relieve tooth-ache, dropped on cotton and placed in  the hollow  of a
carious tooth.   Dissolved in olive oil, it is used  as a stimulating embro-
cation.

  Pimenta, D. L. E. [U.  S.J—Pimento;  Allspice;  Jamaica  pepper.
Fruil (Dried unripe  berries, L.) of Myrtus pimenta, D. L.—Unripe ber-
ries  of Eugenia  pimenta, E. (and of Eugenia  acris, Lindley), [Unripe
berries of Myrtus pimenta, U. S.], natives of the West Indies; belonging
to the Natural family Myrtacea, and to the Linnaean class and order
Icosandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A handsome tree, about 30 feet high ; Leaves,
oblong, pellucid-dotted, about 4 inches long;  Flowers, numerous, greenish-
yellow, in terminal bunches or panicles; Berry, succulent, dark-purple when
ripe, 2-seeded.

  Properties.—Pimento is in the form of round blackish berries, rough,
umbilicated with the persistent teeth of the calyx.   The odour resembles
a mixture of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmegs, whence the name allspice;
the taste is pungent  and aromatic, like that of cloves.   These properties
depend principally on volatile oil, of which  Bonastre obtained 10 per 
■stimulants,  general.
301
cent, from the husk and only 5 per cent, from the kernel.  This oil,
Oleum Pimenta, D. L. E. [U. S.] is obtained  from the berries by the
usual process of distillation ; it is of a yellowish colour when first drawn,
but soon acquires a reddish tint;  it  has the peculiar odour of allspice,
and a burning aromatic taste.   Oil of allspice of commerce is heavier
than water, its density being about 1,020.   It is a mixture of a heavy
and light oil, which may be obtained  separately by distillation with solu-
tion of potash, as the former forms crystalline compounds with the alka-
lies.  Pimento communicates both odour and taste to boiling water, but
it yields its properties more completely to alcohol.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Pimento is an  aromatic stimulant, not
much employed in medicine.   Its  preparations are chiefly used to^com-
municate warmth  and flavour to other substances.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—In substance, from 3ss. to 3j-
—Oleum Pimenta, D. L. E.  [U.  S.] min. ij. to min. v.—Spiritus Pi-
menta,  D- L.  E.  [U. S.]  (Pimento,  bruised,  §iij. (giiss., L.  ibss. E.
[§ij., U. S.]) ;  proceed  as  for  spirit of nutmeg, D. L.«—as for spirit of
caraway, E.).  [" Pimento, bruised, |ij.; diluted alcohol, cong. j.; water,
Oj.  Macerate the pimento in the  diluted alcohol for 24 hours ; then
add the  water, and with a slow fire  distil a gallon," U. S.J  Dose, f3j.
to f3ij.—Aqua Pimenta, D. L. E.  (" Pimento, bruised, ibss. ;  water,
sufficient to prevent empyreuma ;  macerate for 24 hours and  distil a
gallon," D.—" Pimento, bruised,  ibi. (or oil of pimento, 3ij., L.) ; proof
(rectified, E.)  spirit, fgvij. (fgiij., E.) ; water, cong. ij.; mix, and distil
a gallon," L. E.).  Carminative  and stimulant, used in the flatulent
colic of children, and as a vehicle  for  other medicines.  Dose, f §i. to f|ij.
   Incompatibles.—The  sesqui-salts of iron.

   Piper longum, L.  E.  Piper longum, semina, D.—Long  pepper.
 Dried spikes (Dried unripe fruit, L. Seeds, D.) of Piper longum (Chavica
 Roxburghii.)  A  native of India, belonging to the Natural family piper-
 acea, and to the Linnaean class and  order Diandria Trigynia.

   Botanical Characters.—A  small  shrubby climber ;  Leaves, alternate,
 petiolate, ovato-cordate ;  Flowers, small; closely sel on the axillary spadices.

   Properties.—Long pepper  consists  of the  spadices  which  are
 gathered before they  are fully ripe, and dried in the sun.  As met with
 in  commerce, they are of a grayish colour, hard, about an inch  and a
 half in length, cylindrical, striated diagonally on their surface.   They
 have a somewhat aromatic odour, and a very pungent spicy taste.   The
 composition of long pepper is almost identical with that of black pepper,
 (See next article).
   Therapeutical Effects.—This pepper is  somewhat more acrid
 than piper nigrum, but it may be employed in the same cases.   Dose,
 gr. v. to 9i.

   Piper nigrum, L.  E.  [U.  S.]   Piper nigrum, semina, D.—Black
pepper.  Dried unripe berries (Berries, L. Seeds, D.)  of Piper nig-
 rum.   A native of the continent of India, cultivated in   the East and
 West Indian islands; it belongs  to  the Natural family Piperacea, and
 to the Linnaean class and order Diandria Trigynia.

   Botanical Characters.—Stem, shrubby, climbing,  8-12  feet long,
jointed, dichotomous ;,Leaves, elliptical, acuminate, 5-7 nerved ; Flowers, 
302                 stimulants, general.
whitish, small, covering thickly a cylindrical, pendulous spadix;  Fruit,
distinct, at first green, changing  as it ripens to bright red, and finally to
black.
   Physical Properties.—Before the berries on each spike have all
changed to  red, they are collected and dried in the sun, to constitute
black pepper.  White pepper is  procured by  soaking  the fully  ripe
seeds in water, so as to enable the outer husk to be afterwards  re-
moved by rubbing.  Black pepper  consists of  small spherical bodies,
blackish and rough externally, whitish within, consisting of the outer
wrinkled tegument, surrounding  the  hard smooth  seed.    It has a
Strong, peculiar aromatic odour, and a very pungent acrid taste.  White
pepper is the white nucleus, the outer black tegument  having been
removed.
   Chemical Properties.—Black pepper is  composed  of a neutral
 crystalline  principle, which has been named Piperin, of  a very acrid
 soft resin, balsamic volatile oil, extractive, gum, bassorin, starch,malic
 and tartaric acids, &c.  The  active principles are the piperin, resin,
 and volatile oil.  Piperin may be readily prepared by Poutet's process
 as follows :—" Prepare an alcoholic extract of black pepper, digest in
 a solution of caustic potash, and agitate with  water ; filter and wash
 carefully with water what remains on  the filter; dissolve it in warm
 alcohol, and crystallize by cooling."  As usually met with, Piperin is
 a dark yellow, resinous looking substance, but it may be obtained in
 transparent, colourless, four-sided prisms ; it is tasteless  and  inodor-
 ous, is insoluble in cold  water, dissolves sparingly in boiling water or
 cold alcohol, but is very soluble in boiling alcohol;  it melts at 212°,
 it is a neutral principle;  its composition is C3* H19  O9  N.  Black
 pepper imparts its properties partially to water, but more  completely
 to alcohol.
    Therapeutical Effects.—Pepper is an acrid aromatic stimulant,
 in  general use as a spice.  It also  possesses  remarkable febrifuge
 properties, which  reside in the piperin.  This substance  has  been
 employed  with much success in the treatment of ague,  and has suc-
 ceeded in  many instances in effecting a cure in cases where quina and
 other remedies have failed.  An interesting account of the employment
 of  piperin in the treatment  of intermittent  fevers in  the  Island of
 Trinidad, by Dr. Hartle,  has been published in the 55th vol. of the
 Edie^ur^h Medical Journal.  As a stimulant, black  pepper will be
 found Useful addition to bitters in  atony of the  digestive organs;
 externally it is used in the form of ointment to chronic diseases of the
 < -*lp, and as an adjunct to rubefacient cataplasms.
    Do<r   vn*-. Mode  of Administration.—In substance, gr. v. to gr.
 xx —Piyerw is siren in doses  of gr.  iij. to  gr. v. every hour until
 ^r" xvaj  have been taken,  li may  be made into pill  with muci age
 or' conirve of roses— Cmfectio  Piperis  nrgri,  D.  L E.  (Black
 pepper; and elecampane root (liquorice root,  E.), of each, ibi. ; fennel
 st*X. ibiij.; honey :  and white sugar, of each, &>ij.; rub the  dry in-
 gredients together to a verv fine  powder; "add water, ibj. and  beat
 into a uniform mass," D.-" Keep in a covered vessel,  and whenever
 the confection is to be used, the honey being added, pound  them until
 they are thoroughly incorporated," L.-" Beat the  whole into a uni-
 form mass," E.)  This preparation was introduced mto the Pha^rma-
 copceias as a substitute for a quack medicine called  Ward s  paste for 
STIMULANTS, general.
303
piles.   It will be found useful in hemorrhoids occurring 4n the weak
and debilitated.   Dose, 3i- to 3ij- 5 to derive any benefit from its use
it must be persevered in for two or three months.—Unguentum Piperis
nigri,  D.  (Prepared hog's-lard, ibj.; black  pepper, in powder, |iv.;
make into an ointment).  At one time, highly praised as a remedy for
chronic diseases of the scalp.—Rubefacient Cataplasm, Paris Codex.
(Barley meal, §iv.; vinegar, §i.; whites of three eggs ;  water,  suf-
ficient to make a cataplasm of a proper consistence ; spread on linen,
and sprinkle over it half an ounce each of black pepper and of fennel
in fine powder).   A speedy rubefacient.
   Incompatibles.—Astringent  vegetable preparations.

   Porrum,  L.—The Leek.   Bulb of Allium porrum.  A native of
Egypt, cultivated in our gardens ;  it belongs to the Natural family
Liliacea, and to the  Linnaean class and order Hexandria  Monogynia.
The leek is never used in medicine, although retained in  the London
Pharmacopoeia.

   Potassii sulphuretum, L E.  [U. S.]   Potassae  sulphuretum,
D.  Sulphuret of Potassium.   Liver of Sulphur.

  Preparation.—D. L. E.  " Carbonate of potash, §iv. (4 part9, D,) ;  sub-
limed  sulphur,  |j. (I part,  D.); rub them together; and in a  covered
crucible, place them on a fire (the heat being gradually increased, D.) until
they unite."  (Preserve  in well closed vessels, D.   Break to pieces,  and
keep in well closed bottles, E.).  [" Sulphur, §i.'; carbonate of potassa,'|ij.
Rub the carbonate of potassa, previously dried, with the sulphur ; melt the
mixture in  a covered crucible over the fire; then pour it out, and when it
is cold put it into a bottle which is well stopped."  TJ. S. ]

   Physical Properties.—This preparation occurs  in various sized
pieces, of  a liver-brown colour,  hard and  fragile ;  inodorous when
quite free from moisture, but emitting the disagreeable odour  of sul-
phurretted  hydrogen when moistened.  It has an acrid, bitter, alkaline
taste.
 •  Chemical Properties.—It is a mixture of 3  eq. of tersulphuret of
potassium, and 1 of sulphate of potash (3 KS3 -J- KO, SO3).  By ex-
posure to the air it deliquesces,  attracts oxygen, and is all converted
into  sulphate of potash, becoming white and inodorous.  It is readily
soluble in water ; the solution is of a yellow colour, and highly alkaline.
  Adulterations.—This preparation is seldom met with in a pure state
in the shops, in consequence of its undergoing decomposition so read-
ily.  The following are the tests of the London Pharmacopoeia for its
purity  :—" Fresh broken  it exhibits  a brownish-yellow  colour ;  dis-
solved in water,  or in almost any acid, it exhales a smell of hydro-sul-
phurus  acid ; the aqueous  solution  is of a yellow colour;  what is
thrown down by acetate of lead  is first red, and  it afterwards becomes
black."
  Therapeutical Effects.—In large doses, sulphuret of potassium
acts  as  a powerful narcofico-acrid poison, a few  drachms producing
death with convulsions  and tetanic spasms.  In small doses it operates
as a general stimulant, and as such, is employed  on the  Continent in
the advanced stages of  hooping cough, in chronic rheumatism, in re-
bellious skin diseases, &c.; but in this country it is rarely used as an
internal remedy.  As a topical remedy it is applied dissolved in water 
304                stimulants,  general.
in the form of lotion or bath, or made into an ointment with axunge, in
chronic cutaneous diseases  principally those of a scaly character, and
in the obstinate eruptions which affect the scalp.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—For internal  use, gr. iij. to
gr.  x.  dissolved in  some  aromatic water and sweetened  with syrup.
—Potassa Sulphureti aqua, D.  (Washed sulphur, 1 part; water of
caustic potash, 11 parts; boil for ten minutes and filter through paper,
preserve  the liquor in well closed vessels; its specific gravity is 1117).
This preparation is similar to that formed by dissolving sulphuret of
potash in water, Dose,  min. x. to f3i.  diluted  with water.—'Balneum
Sulphuretum,  Rayf.r.   (Sulphuret  of potassium,  §iv.; tepid water,
cong. xxx. ; dissolve in  wooden vessels).   This may be employed as
a local or general bath in skin diseases.—Unguentum Potassii Sulphu-
reti, Devergie.  (Solution of sulphuret  of potash,  12 parts; carbo-
nate of potash, 8 parts; axunge, 30 parts; mix).   For  scabies  and
other cutaneous diseases.
  Incompatibles.—The acids ; and most metallic solutions.
  In cases of poisoning with this substance, the best antidotes are so-
lutions of chlorinated lime or chlorinated soda, with emollient  drinks.

  Rosmarinus, L. E. [U. S.J  Rosmarinus officinalis, cacumina, D.
Rosemary. The tops of Rosmarinus officinalis.  A native  of the South
of Europe; belonging  to  the Natural  family Labiata   (Lamiacea,
Lindley), and to the Linnaean class and order Diandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A shrub,  6-8 foot high;  Leaves, evergreen,
sessile, lanceolate, revolute at the edge, glabrous at the upper surface, tomen-
tose beneath ; Flowers, pale-blue, in small spikes at the  extremities of the
young branches.

  Properties.—The dried tops have an aromatic  agreeable odour,
somewhat  resembling peppermint, and a warm, pungent,  bitter taste.
These properties depend chiefly on  volatile oil, of which a pound of
the fresh plant yields about one drachm.   This oil, Oleum Rosmarini,
D.  L. E., [U.  S.J  is obtained by the usual process of distillation, it is
limpid and colourless, with the odour and taste of the  herb in an in-
tense degree.  Its density is 0897 ; and its composition C *  H ,802,
(Kane).   Rosemary tops communicate their odour  to boiling water,
hut more completely to  spirit.
  Adulterations.—Oil of rosemary is often adulterated with oil of tur-
pentine ; the fraud may be detected  by the odour when dropped  on  a
heated spatula, or by its not being completely soluble in alcohol.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Rosemary possesses the aromatic stim-
ulant properties of the Labiate plants  before described,  and  may be
used for the same purposes.  The oil is frequently added to stimula-
ting liniments, principally on account of its odour.
  Dose  and Mode  of  Administration.—Oleum Rosmarini, D. L.
E., min. ij. to min.  v. dropped on sugar.—Spiritus Rosmarini, D. L.
E.   (" Fresh rosemary tops, Ibiss. ; proof spirit, cong. j. ; distil with
a medium heat, ibv."  D.—"Oil of rosemary, 5ij-;  rectified spirit,
cong. j.  ; water, Oj.; mix, and with a slow fire  distil a gallon," L.
[U. S.]—" Rosemary, ibijss. ; proceed as for spirit of lavender," E.)
Seldom  used internally.  Dose, min. x. to min. xx. 
stimulants,  general.
305
  Sabadilla.   Cevadilla (described in the division Anthelmintics), is
a powerful stimulant, and as such is used in the form of tincture as an
external application in chronic rheumatism and paralysis, and over the
region of the heart in hysterical and nervous palpitations.  The pow-
der of the seeds is employed to destroy pediculi; but its application is
not unattended with danger, especially  if the skin be broken.  The
active principle of cevadilla  is veratria, as  before mentioned, and it
was principally as a means of affording that alkaloid, that it was intro-
duced into the  London and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias.  The following
are the processes directed to be followed :—

  Veratria.—Lond.—" Cevadilla,  bruised,  Ibij.;  rectified spirit,  cong.
iij.; diluted sulphuric acid; solution of ammonia ;  purified  animal char-
coal ;  and magnesia, of each, a sufficiency;  boil the cevadilla with a gallon
of the spirit for an hour in  a retort, to which a receiver is fitted.  Pour  off
the  liquor, and again boil what remains with  another gallon  of spirit, and
the  spirit recently distilled, and pour off the liquor;  and let it be done a
third time.  Press the cevadilla, and let the spirit distil  from the mixed and
strained liquors.  Evaporate what remains to the proper consistence of an
extract.   Boil this three or  more times in water, to which a little diluted sul-
phuric acid  is added, and  with a gentle heat evaporate  the mixed liquors to
the  proper consistence of a syrup.  To this when cold,  put in the magnesia
to saturation,  frequently shaking them; then press and wash.  Let this  be
done two or three times;  then dry what remains, and digest  with  a gentle
heat in spirit  two or three times, and strain as often. Afterwards let the spirit
distil.  Boil the residue in water, to which a little sulphuric acid and ani-
mal charcoal are added, for a quarter of an  hour, and  strain.  Lastly, the
charcoal being thoroughly washed, evaporate the mixed liquors cautiously
till  they have the consistence of a syrup, and add to them as much ammo-
nia as may be sufficient to throw down the Veratria.   Wash  and dry it."
Edin.—" Take any convenient  quantity of cevadilla;  pour boiling water
over it in a covered vessel, and  let it macerate  for 24 hours; remove  the
cevadilla, squeeze and dry  it thoroughly with a gentle heat.   Beat it now in
a mortar, and separate the seeds from the capsules by brisk agitation in a
deep narrow vessel.   Grind the seeds in a coffee mill, and form them into a
thick paste with rectified spirit.  Pack this firmly in  a  percolator, and pass
rectified spirit through it till the spirit ceases  to  be coloured.  Concentrate
the  spirituous solutions by distillation so long as no deposit forms; and pour
the  residuum, while hot, into 12 times its volume of cold water.  Filter
through calico, and wash the residuum on the filter so long as the washings
precipitate with ammonia.  Collect this precipitate on a  filter,  wash it
slightly with cold water, and dry it, first by imbibition  with filtering paper,
ana then in the  vapour bath.   A  small additional quantity may be got  by
concentrating the filtered ammoniacal fluid, and allowing it to cool.—Vera-
tria thus obtained is not pure,  but sufficiently so for medical use. From this
coloured substance it may be obtained white, but at considerable loss, by solu-
tion in very weak muriatic acid, decolorization with animal charcoal, and
re-precipitation  with ammonia."   [The process  of the U. S. P. is essen-
tially the same with that of the L. P.]

•  Physical  Properties.—Veratria is an  uncrystallizable solid, pul-
verulent, as  met with in  commerce of a  grayish-white colour, but it
may be obtained perfectly white.  It  has an  intensely acrid taste, and
is said to be  inodorous, but the smallest quantity applied  to the lining
membrane of the nostrils provokes violent sneezing.
  Chemical Properties.—It  is composed of C34H21N O6.  It is
not volatile nor altered by exposure to the  air ; it fuses  at 230°, and 
306
stimulants, general.
cools into a transparent yellowish mass.  It reacts alkaline, is soluble
in cold water, requires 1000 parts of boiling water for its solution, is
sparingly soluble in ether, but very soluble in alcohol.   It forms salts
with the acids, of which the muriate and the sulphate are alone crys-
tallizable-
  Adulterations.—Veratria very commonly contains lime ; the adulter-
ation may be readily detected by heating a small quantity in a platinum
spoon, when if it be pure, it will be completely dissipated.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—In large doses,  veratria operates as a
powerful irritant poison, causing inflammation of the stomach and in-
testines  when swallowed, and  if applied to the  surface of the body
producing much irritation.   Its action in small or medicinal doses does
not appear to be well understood, but it would seem to act as a gener-
al stimulant, increased action of  the intestines,  the kidneys, and  the
capillaries of the  skin being in general produced by its administration.
Its  use in medicine has been hitherto confined to  neuralgic  diseases,
for  the treatment of which it was first introduced as an external appli-
cation by Dr. Turnbull.   But the experience of numerous physicians
who have tried it  on his recommendation, not coinciding  with his  ex-
travagant praises  of the remedy, it has  fallen into  disrepute.
  Dose  and Mode of Administration.—Pulvis Sabadilla, gr. j. to
gr.  v.—Tinctura Sabadilla.  (Cevadilla seeds, freed from their cap-
sules according to the directions of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia for
preparing veratria, and bruised,  any quantity ; rectified spirit as much
as will cover them; macerate for ten days, express  and filter).  For
external use as an embrocation.—Extractum Sabadilla.  (Evaporate
the tincture with  a gentle heat to a proper consistence).   Dose, gr. £.
to gr.  }. gradually increased.  This extract may be  advantageously
substituted for veratria.— Veratria, L. E. Dose, gr.  l-12th.  increased
very cautiously.   For an embrocation, 3i* of the  alkaloid may  be dis-
solved  in f§i.  of rectiified spirit.— Unguentum  Veratria,  Turnbull.
(Veratria, 3SS-5  olive oil, 3j*;  prepared lard,  |i.; mix).   Tinctura
Veratria, Magendie, (Veratria, gr. iv. ; rectified spirit,  f§i.; mix).
Dose, min. v. to min. xv.
  In poisoning with veratria, the treatment is the same as in poisoning
with Colchicum.   (See page 75.)

  Scrophularia nodosa, folia, D.—Figworl.   Leaves af Scrophu-
laria nodosa.  Indigenous; belonging to the Natural family Scrophu-
lariacea, and to the Linnaean class and  order, Didynamia  Angiosper-
mia.
1  Botanical Characters.—Root, large, thick, knotty;  Stem, obscurely
4-angled, 2-3 feet high; Leaves, heart-shaped, acute, glabrous ;  Flowers,
greenish-purple, in axillary and terminal panicles.

   The leaves of  this plant are only used in medicine for preparing the
following  ointment:—Unguentum Scrophularia, D.  (Fresh leaves
of  scrophularia  nodosa ;  prepared hog's lard,  of each,  Ibij. ;  pre-
pared mutton suet, ibj.;  boil the leaves in  the fat until they  become
crisp, and then strain with expression).  This  ointment was introdu-
ced into the Pharmacopoeia on the authority of the  late Dr. Whitley
 Stokes, as a remedy for some of the forms of Pemphigus,  and  other
chronic cutaneous  diseases, but  it has  nearly fallen into disuse. 
*
                       stimulants, general.                307

  Serpentaria, L. E. [U. S.]  Aristolochia  serpentaria,  radix,
D.   Virginian  snake-root.   Root of Jristolochia serpentaria.  A
native of North America ; belonging to the  Natural family Aristolo-
chiacea, and to the Linnaean class and order Gynandria Hexandria.

  Botanical Characters.—Stem, simple, flexuous,  8-10  inches high ;
Leaves, alternate, cordiform, acuminate, slightly pubescent; Flowers, soli-
tary, reddish-brown.

  Physical Properties.—As imported, serpentaria  root consists of
a tufted head with numerous  attached radicles of a yellowish-brown
colour externally, whitish within, with a short resinous fracture.  The
odour is aromatic, like that of valerian, and the taste  warm and cam-
phoraceous.
   Chemical Properties.—It consists of volatile oil, soft resin, bitter
extractive, gum, albumen, starch, and some salts.  It yields its proper-
ties to water and to alcohol.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Virginian snake-root although at one
time  in great repute, is seldom employed in the present  day.  It ap-
pears to act as a general stimulant, and as such was used in  typhoid
fevers, in intermittents, in gangrenous affections, in amenorhcea of the
debilitated, &c.   It is still very generally used in America.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder, gr. x. to 3ss.—
Infusum Serpentaria, L.E. [U.S.] (Serpentaria, |ss. ; boiling (distilled,
 L.) water,  Oj.; macerate (infuse,  E.) for 4 hours  [2 hours U.  S.] in a
 (lightly, L.) covered vessel and strain).  Dose, f^i. to f§ij.—Tinctura
 Serpentaria  D. L. E.   [U.  S.]  (" Serpentaria, bruised (and  sliced,
 D.),§iij. (Jiiiss., L.) ; proof spirit, by measure ibij.  (Oij., L. [U.  S.)J ;
 macerate for 7 (14, L. [U. S.]) days and filter,"  D. L.—" Serpenta-
 ria, in moderately fine powder, giiiss. ; cochineal,  bruised, 3i- ;  proof
 spirit, Oij.  ; proceed by percolation or digestion as for tincture of Cin-
 chona," E.).  Dose,  f3j. to  f3ij-
   Incompatibles.—Acetate  of lead ;  and nitrate of silver.

    Sinapis  alba, semina, D.  White mustard seed, (described in the
 division Emetics,) was at one time much employed as a stimulant in
 atonic forms of dyspepsia, but is very rarely  used as such in the present
 day.   It   was taken  in  the  dose of a dessert-spoonful three or four
 times a day, swallowed entire.

    Sodje chlorinate liquor, L. [U. S.]—Solution of Chloride  of
 Soda.   Chlorinated Soda ; Hypochlorite of Soda ; Disinfecting liquor.

    Preparation.—" Carbonate of soda, ibi.; distilled water, f§xlviij. ; chlo-
 ride  of sodium, §iv.; binoxide of manganese, §iij.; sulphuric acid, §iv. ;
 dissolve the carbonate of soda in Oij. of water; then  put the chloride ofkso-
 diumand binoxide of manganese, rubbed to powder, into a retort; and add to
 them the sulphuric acid, previously  mixed with f§iij.  of water, and cooled.
 Apply heat to the retort, and pass the chlorine first  through f|v. of water,
 and  afterwards into the solution of carbonate of soda above directed,"  L.
 [•'Chlorinated lime, ibj.; carbonate of soda ibij.; water, cong. iss.  Dis-
 solve the carbonate of soda in Oiij. of water with the aid of heat.  To the
 remainder  of the  water  add,  by  small portions at a time, the chlorinated
 lime previously well triturated, stirring the mixture after each addition. Set
 the mixture by for several hours, that  the dregs may subside; then decant 
308
STIMULANTS, GENERAL.
 the clear liquid, and mix it with the solution of carbonate of soda   Lastly,
 decant the clear liquor from the precipitated carbonate of lime, pass it through
 a linen cloth, and keep it in bottles secluded from the light," U  S]

   Physical Properties.—This solution is of a yellow colour, with a
 strong odour of chlorine, and a sharp astringent taste.
 •  Chemical Properties.—Its precise composition has not been ascer-
 tained, but it is generally supposed to be a  mixture of hypochlorite of
 soda, bicarbonate of soda, and chloride of sodium.  Exposed to the air,
 chlorine escapes, and crystals  of the  carbonate of soda are gradually
 deposited.  By evaporation  with a gentle  heat crystals are obtained,
 which by solution in water afford a liquid  with the same properties.  It
 bleaches vegetable colours, first  acting as  an alkali on them.   This
 solution may be distinguished from solution of chlorinated lime by its
 not precipitating with the oxalates or carbonates.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—This  solution agrees precisely in its
 properties with hypochlorite of lime, and  is employed for the same
 purposes, (see  page 278.)   For destroying  noxious effluvia, it is to be
 preferred to  that substance  as the salt,  chloride of sodium, which is
 left  does not deliquesce ; while-chloride of calcium  is very deliques-
 cent.  The dose  for internal  use is min. xx. to min.  xxx. in a suf-
 ficiency of water  which may be sweetened  with syrup.

   Sod.e  murias, D. E.    Sodii chloridum,  L.  [U.  S.]—Common
 salt.    Chloride  of sodium; Muriate  of soda i (Impure  commercial
 Chloride  of sodium, E.)

  Preparation.—Chloride of sodium is an articleof the Materia Medica in
the three British Pharmacopceias.  On the large scale, it is procured by dis-
solving and crystallizing rock-salt, or by evaporating sea water or the water
of some mineral springs, in which it is contained in large quantities.  The
Edinburgh College has given  a- formula for purifying commercial salts :—
Soda murias purum, E.  "Take any convenient quantity of muriate of soda,
dissolve it in boiling water; filter the solution  and boil it down over the
fire, skimming off the crystals which form, wash the crystals quickly with
cold water, and dry them."

   Physical Properties.—Chloride of sodium crystallizes in transpa-
rent, colourless cubes ; it has  an agreeable saline taste, but no odour.
Its density is 2557.
   Chemical Properties.—It is composed of  1 eq. of sodium, and  1
of chlorine, (Na CI.)   It contains no  water  of crystallization, but
heated, it decrepitates owing  to some  being "mechanically lodged be-
tween the tables of the crystals.  Exposed to a bright red heat it fuses,
 and at a white  heat volatilizes  unchanged.  It  is permanent in the air
when quite pure ; it is equally soluble in cold  and  boiling water, re-
 quiring 2*7 parts  of water for  its solution.   It is insoluble in  absolute
 alcohol, but rectified spirit dissolves it  slightly.    It is neutral to  test
paper.
   Adulterations.—As met with in this country, common salt does not
contain any impurity which can interfere with  its use for general or
pharmaceutical purposes.  Owing to the  presence of chloride of mag-
nesium, it is frequently slightly deliquescent.   The tests  for its impu-
rity, as given by the Edinburgh College, are as  follows :—" A solution
is not precipitated by solution of carbonate of ammonia followed by so- 
STIMULANTS, GENERAL.
309
lution of phosphate of soda.   A solution of gr. ix. in distilled water, is
not entirely precipitated by a solution of gr. xxvj. of nitrate of silver."
  Therapeutical Effects.—Chloride of sodium taken internally  in
moderate quantities acts  as  a mild stimulant to the digestive organs,
promoting the assimilation of the food ; on which account, as well  as
in consequence of its agreeable flavour, it is used generally by man  in
all parts of  the world,  as  an adjunct to nearly every substance em-
ployed by him as an article of diet.  It is also  said to prove service-
able to  the  alimentary canal, inasmuch as it prevents the generation
of intestinal worms, to which those who use little or no  salt with their
food are very subject.   In somewhat larger doses it acts as a mild ca-
thartic, forming a principal ingredient in many mineral waters, in which
it augments the operation of the  other laxative  salts.  It also proves
emetic in doses of one or two ounces;  and in one  instance, a pound of
it taken at once has occasioned death with all the symptoms of irritant
poisoning.  Applied to the surface of the body, it acts as a local stimu-
lant, producing rubefaction.   Chloride of sodium is not  much employ-
ed in medicine ;  as an emetic, it may  be administered in narcotic poi-
soning in the absence of other substances; as a cathartic, it is not
given alone, but is advantageously combined with the other saline ca-
thartics,  as an  anthelmintic,  a strong  solution has  been injected
into  the rectum  to  destroy  ascarides ; as  a  general  stimulant,
it is used  in some forms of dyspepsia,  and  in scrofulous and other
glandular enlargements ; and as a  topical agent it is added to both
hot and cold baths, when   they are  intended  to act as local stimu-
lants.  In  America a saturated solution of common salt is employ-
ed with  much success  as  a  lotion in  chronic granular ophthalmia.
In cholera  and some  other  diseases in which^he saline constituents
of the blood are deficient, a solution consisting  of 3ij. of the muriate,
and 9ij. of carbonate of soda dissolved  in f§lx. of water, has  been
injected into the veins,  but  the results were not more successful than
those which followed  other methods of treatment.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—As a stimulant, gr. x. to  3i-
As  an emetic, §i. to §ij. dissolved in  Oj. of water.  For baths, ibj. to
ibij. may be added to from cong.  iij. to cong. v. of  either cold or
 warm water.
   Incompatibles.—Nitrate of silver.

    Staphisagria,  L.  E.   Delphinium  staphisagria,  semina,  D.
 Stavesacre.  Seeds of Delphinium staphisagria.  A  native of  the
 South of Europe ;  belonging to the Natural family Ranunculacea, and
 to the Linnaean class  and order Polyandria Trigynia.

   Botanical Characters.—Stem, cylindrical, branching,  downy,  about 2
 feet high ; Leaves, alternate, broad, palmated, smooth on the upper, downy
 on the under surface; Flowers, purple, in lax racemes.

   Properties.—Stavesacre seeds  are about the size of a small pea,
 irregularly triangular, compressed, dark brown; they have a faint  un-
 pleasant odour, and a very acrid bitter taste. Their acridity depends upon
 an uncrystallizable alkaloid, delphinia, which  constitutes more than 8
 per cent  of the seeds.   They yield  their active properties to boiling
 water, but more completely to alcohol or to vinegar.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Stavesacre is a powerful irritant, atone, 
310
stimulants, general.
time used in medicine as an emetic and anthelmintic, but employed  at
present only for the destruction of pediculi.  An ointment prepared by
mixing the powdered seeds with four times their weight of lard, or an
infusion of the bruised  seeds in vinegar may be used for  this purpose.
Delphinia has been recently employed  by Dr.  Turnbull of London, in
rheumatic and neuralgic affections.  The dose of it is  from l-12th  to
l-14th of a grain frequently repeated.
   In cases of poisoning with  stavesacre or its alkaloid, the treatment
is the same as in poisoning with Colchicum, (see  page 75.)

  Sulphur (described  in the division Cathartics,) in small aoses fre-
quently repeated, acts  as a stimulant to the cutaneous vessels, and  is
therefore administered  with much benefit in chronic diseases of the
skin, particularly scabies, for which, however,  it  is more generally
employed as an  external application.  The curative powers of sulphur
in this disease appear  to  be specific, but it has been  recently stated
that it acts as a  poison to a small insect  (Sarcoptes hominis of Ras-
pail,) which has been discovered  to exist in the pustules of  itch, and
by which it is believed by many, that the disease is produced.   What-
ever may be its  modus operandi,  sulphur is undoubtedly more general-
ly successful in the cure of scabies than any other substance which
has been hitherto employed.  Sulphur is also used as an external appli-
cation  in  many  other  cutaneous  eruptions, particularly  in lepra and
psoriasis, in which in the form of vapour,  sulphur-vapour-bath,.its use
is productive of the best results.   The  dose of sulphur as a stimulant
is from gr. x.  to gr. xxx. ; it may be given in the  form of electuary
made with treacle or with syrup.  For external application, either of
the following ointments may be used.—Unguentum Sulphuris, D. L.
E.  [U. S.]  (" Prepared lard, Ibiv. [ibij. U.  S.]  (giv. E. ;) sulphur,
ibj. (§j. E. ;) rub the sulphur to fine powder, and mix  well with lard,
D. E.—" Sulphur, |iij.;  lard, ibss. ; oil of bergamot, min. xx. ; mix,"
L.).—Unguentum Sulphuris compositum, L. [U. S.J  (Sulphur, ibss.;
white hellebore, powdered, §ij. ; nitrate of potash, 3i. j soft soap, ibss. ;
lard, Ibiss. ; oil  of bergamot, min. xxx.;  mix.)   This latter ointment
often  proves very irritating.   [" Sulphur, §j.  ; ammoniated mercury,
benzoic acid, each, 3j*;  oil of bergamot, sulphuric acid, each, f3i. ;
nitrate of potass, 3ij- i lard, Ibss.   To the lard, previously  melted
with a moderate heat, add the other ingredients, and  stir them con-
stantly till they are cold," U.  S.]

  Terebinthina oleum.   0*7 of turpentine (described in the division
Anthelmintics,)  administered in  small  but frequently  repeated doses,
acts as a general stimulant to the system, and as such has been em-
ployed  in the low stages of typhoid and common continued fevers, in
chronic rheumatism, in  neuralgia, in hemorrhages from the mucous
surfaces dependant on  an atonic state of the  vessels, to facilitate the
passage of biliary calculi, in sciatica, and to prevent the access of the
fit in epilepsy.   Its local stimulant powers have been  already consid-
ered, (see page  191 ;)  but made into an ointment with three parts of
prepared lard, it is one of the  most useful applications that can be ap-
plied to the scalp in those forms of impetigo and eczema, which admit
of the use of stimulant applications.   The four  following substan-
ces nearly allied to turpentine, and obtained from the  same or nearly 
stimulants, general.                 311
 related coniferous  trees, are employed as  topical stimulants in the
 forms of ointments, plasters, or cerates.
   Resina, L.  E. [U. S.J   Pinus sylvestris, resina, D.   The re-
 sidue of turpentine after the oil is distilled, L.—Residue of the distil-
 lation of the turpentines from various species of Pinus and Abies, E.
 —Resin of Pinus sylvestris,  D.  [" The residuum after the distilla-
 tion of the volatile  oil from the turpentine of Pinus Palustris and  other
 species of Pinus," U. S.]  Rosin or Resin, is met with in two forms,
 Yellow resin (Resina flava,) and  Brown resin  or Colophony (Resina
 nigra seu Colophonium.)  The former is obtained when the application
 of heat is stopped before all the volatile oil is expelled from the pine
 turpentines ; the latter when the process is continued until  all the oil
 is distilled.  Resin is a  semi-transparent, very brittle solid, va*g§ing in
 colour from pale yellow to brownish-black.   It has a faint turpentine
 odour, but is quite  tastless ; it consists of two resins which have been
 named Pinic and Sylvic acids; the composition of both is the same,
 viz., C40 H30 O4.   In medicine, yellow resin is  alone employed;  it
 is used partly as a local stimulant, but principally to communicate a
 certain degree of consistency or  adhesiveness to ointments, plasters,
 &c.—Unguentum Resina alba, D.   (Yellow wax, ibj.;  white  resin,
 Ibij.; prepared hog's-lard, Ibiv.; make an ointment, and strain through
 a sieve while hot.)—Ceratum Resina, L. [U. S.]  (Resin, and  wax,
 of each, ibj. ; olive oil, f|xvi. ;  melt the resin and wax together with
 a slow fire, then add the oil, and press the cerate  while hot through a
 linen  cloth.)   ["Resin,  §v.;  lard, gviij.  ;  yellow wax, §ij.   Melt
 them together,  strain through linen, and stir them constantly until cool."]
 — Unguentum Resinosum,  E.—(Resin, §v. ; axunge, §viij. ; bees'-
 wax, §ij.  ; melt  them together with a gentle heat,  and then stir the
 mixture briskly while it  cools and concretes.)  These ointments,  com-
 monly known under the  name of Basilicon ointment,  are employed as
 stimulating applications  to foul and indolent ulcers.
   Pix liquida, D. L. E.  [U.  S.]   Tar.  From various species of
 Pinus, D., and of Abies, E.—Prepared liquid resin of Pinus sylves-
 tris, L.  [" The impure turpentine  procured by burning from the
 wood of pinus  palustris,  and other species of pinus," U. S.]  Tar is
 prepared  in the countries  bordering  on the Gulf of  Bothnia,  from
 various trees of the fir tribe, by  a species of destillatio per descensum.
 The old wood and roots  are closely packed into the upper part of a pit
 dug  in the earth, in  the bottom of which an iron pan is fixed  ; the
 limber is ignited and  covered with sods of earth to prevent the escape
 of the volatile  parts.   The  tar gradually exudes  and flows into the
 iron pan, from whence it is  conducted by a pipe into barrels, each of
 which holds 31^ gallons.
   Tar is a thick, tenacious, opaque liquid, of a dark  brown,  almost
 black colour, with a strong  peculiar odour, and a  bitter  disagreeable
 taste.  It dries so slowly, even  when exposed to the air, that it retains
 its liquid character for an almost indefinite period.  It is composed of
 various resins,  modified  oil  of turpentine,  acetic acid,  and water; it
 communicates  both odour and taste  to water which dissolves out its
 oil and acid ; and  it  is  soluble in alcohol, ether,  and the fixed and
 volatile oils.
  Tar was  formerly  used  in  medicine  in  chronic catarrhal  com-
plaints, and in the form of vapour its inhalation was highly recommend- 
312                 STIMULANTS,  GENERAL.
ed by Sir Alexander  Crichton in phthisis.  In the present day, how-
ever, it is only used as a local stimulant in chronic cutaneous diseases
especially  those  which  affect the  scalp.—Aqua  Picis  liquida, D.
(Tar, by measure ibij. ; water, cong. j. ;  mix, stirring with a stick for
a quarter of an hour ; as soon as the tar has subsided, strain the liquor,
and keep it in well closed jars).   Tar-water  was first  introduced  by
Bishop Berkley as a remedy for diseases of the chest  and of the
kidneys; the dose was from Oj. to Oij. daily.  Its use is completely
obsolute in the present  day.—Unguentum Picis liquida, D. L. E.
[U. S.J  ("Tar; and mutton suet, of each, ibss (Ibj. L.) ; [Ibj. U. S.]
melt them together, and [strain through a seive, D.],  [press through a
linen cloth, L ]" D. L.—[" Add the  tar to the suet, previously melted
with a moderate heat, and stir them  constantly till  they are cold,"
U. S.^—" Tar, |v. ; bees' wax, §ij.  ; melt the wax with a gentle heat,
add the tar, and stir the mixture briskly  as it concretes on cooling,"
E.)  Tar ointment is often used with much benefit as a stimulant in
chronic diseases of the scalp in children.
  Pix nigra,  L.   Pix arida, E.—The prepared solid resin of Pinus
sylvestris,  L.  Pitch from  various  species of Pinus and Abies,  E.
This is a black solid matter left after  the oil, the acid, and water are
expelled by heat from tar.  It is only used externally, the ointment
being employed for the same  purposes as tar-ointment.—Unguentum
Picis nigra, L.  (Black pitch ; wax ;  and resin, of  each, §ix. ;  olive
oil, f|xvj.; melt them together and  press through a linen cloth).
   Pix burgundica, D. E.  Pix abietina.  L.  [Pix abietis, U. S.]
 The (prepared, L.) resin of Pinus  abies, D. L.—Concrete  resinous
exudation, probably in a great measure from Abies excelsa, E.—[" The
prepared concrete juice of Abies excelsa," U. S.]—Burgundy Pitch.
This substance is supposed by the London and Dublin Colleges to be pro-
cured by fusion and expression from common Frankincense, Thus, D.
(Abietis resina, L.) ;  but as met with in the shops it is usually a mixture
of common turpentine, resin, and palm oil.   It  is in soft masses of  a
pale yellow colour, with a terebinthinate odour  and  taste.  It is only
used  externally  as a topical stimulant.—Emplastrum Picis,  L. E.
(" Burgundy  pitch, Ibij. ; resin of spruce fir,  Ibj. ; resin ; and wax, of
each,  §iv. ; expressed oil of nutmegs,  |i. ;  olive  oil; and  water, of
each, ffij. ; add first the  resin of the spruce  fir, then the oil of nut-
 megs, the  olive oil, and the water, to  the pitch, resin and wax melted
 together.  Lastly, mix them all and boil down  to  a proper consist-
 ence," L.—" Burgundy  pitch, ibiss. ;  resin ;  and bees'-wax,  of each,
 §ij. ; oil of mace, §ss.;  olive oil, f§i.; water, fgi. ; liquefy the  pitch,
 resin, and wax, with a gentle heat, add the other articles, mix them
 well together, and boil till the mixture  acquires the proper consist-
 ence," E.).   [" Emplastrum Ferri vel  roborans.   Subcarbonate of
 iron, §iii.; lead plaster, ibij. ; burgundy pitch, ibss.  Add  the sub-
 carbonate of  iron to the  lead plaster  and burgundy  pitch, previously
 melted  together, and stir  them  constantly  until  they thicken  upon
 cooling," U.  S.]   A stimulating plaster applied to the chest in chronic
 catarrhal complaints, and over the  seat of the pain in  local neuralgia
 and in chronic rheumatism.

   Veratrum album.  While Hellebore  (described in the division Er-
 rhines), is a powerful stimulant, causing irritation and even inflamma- 
STIMULANTS, GENERAL                 313
tion  of the stomach, when taken in not very large doses.  It was at
one time much used in nervous  affections, and in chronic  cutaneous
diseases both externally  and internally;  its employment  in  gout  has
been replaced by colchicum ;  and its application for the destruction of
pediculi by stavesacre ; so that at present it is scarcely  ever put to
any  use ; the  dose of the powder is from  gr. ij. to gr. v.  cautiously
increased.— Vinum Veratri,L.   [Vinum Veratri albi, U.S.]  (White
hellebore, sliced, [bruised, U. S.]  gviij.; [§iv. U.  S.], sherry  wine,
Oij.  ; [Oj. U.  S.;]  macerate for 14 days  and strain).   Dose, min. v.
to min. x—Decoctum Veratri,  D. L.  (White hellebore, bruised, §j.
(3x. L.) ; water, (distilled, L.),  by measure ibij.   (Oij. L.) ;  rectified
spirit, f§ij. (fgiij. L.) ; bcfil the hellebore in  the water  down to ibj. by
measure (Oj. L-), and when it has cooled, add the spirit;  " then press
and  strain," L.).  Only employed externally in chronic cutaneous  dis-
eases, particularly those  of the  scalp, and  to destroy pediculi.— Un-
guentum Veratri, D. L. [Unguentum Veratri albi, U.S.J  (White helle-
bore, powdered, |iij. (§ij. L.) ;  [U. S.]  prepared lard, ibj  (ibss.  L.;
[U.  S.]) (oil of lemons, min. xx. L. [U.  S.J) make into an ointment).
Used for the same purposes as the decoction,  and  as  a substitute for
sulphur ointment in the cure of scabies.   In poisoning with  white
hellebore, the  same treatment should be used as  in  poisoning  with
Colchicum, (see page 73.)

   Vinum album hispanum, D.   Vinum Xericum, L.  Vinum album,
 E.  [Vinum,  U. S.]   Spanish white wine.   Sherry.   It would be
quite foreign to the scope of this work to enter into  any detailed ac-
count of the mode of preparation, or peculiar properties of  the almost
innumerable varieties of wine that are met  with.  The  observations
to be made, will therefore refer  to wines generally.
   Properties—Wine is a transparent liquid, of a yellowish, reddish-
yellow,  or deep red  colour.   It has a peculiar,  agreeable  odour
 (bouquet),  and taste, (both  odour and taste vary exceedingly).   It
 consists of water, alcohol, tartaric and acetic acids, bitartrate of potash,
 tartrate of lime, extractive matter, colouring matter, vegeto-animal
matter, and a peculiar volatile oil or rather ether, which has been named
 cenanthic ether. In the white wines,  tannin and colouring  matter are
 in less proportion  than  in  the  red  wines.   The  quantity  of alcohol
 which  is  present  in wine varies  exceedingly, some of the weaker
German  wines containing only  6*90  per cent by  weight of alcohol,
 while strong Port wine contains 17*10 per cent, (Christison).
   Adulterations.—The  only adulterations of wine, which  are of im-
portance with  reference  to its medicinal employment, are the additions
of lead or of lime which are sometimes used for the  purpose of  cor-
 recting acescency.  The former is detected by the black  precipitate
 which  is  produced on the addition of  sulphuretted-hydrogen.   The
latter  by  the  white  precipitate formed  with solution  of  oxalate  of
 ammonia.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Wine  is an  excellent  stimulant in the
 advanced stages of typhoid fevers, being generally better suited for
 this purpose than any other alcoholic liquid. Its use is particularly
 called for, where delirium is present  with much sinking of  the  vital
 powers,  and   when the nervous  symptoms  as  singultus, subsultus
 tendinum, and  sleeplessness unaccompanied by any local inflammation 
314
STIMTLANTS, general.
or congestion,  predominate.   The use of wine in fever is not con-
traindicated,  as has been stated by many, when  the tongue  is dry,
black, or red, when the eyes are red or suffused, or when there is morbid
heat of the surface; as wine often proves of great benefit when one
or even more of these symptoms are present.   Wine is also given with
much advantage in convalescence from  acute  disease, in chronic de-
bility, especially when it is caused by excessive discharges, in mortifica-
tion unaccompanied by inflammatory symptoms, and in tetanus.   When
any local congestion or inflammation is present or may be apprehended,
the adminintration of wine in the treatment of disease is for the most
part  calculated to do mischief.  Although Sherry is the only wine
officinal in the pharmacopceias, Port is generally employed in medicine ;
Claret and Madeira are  also used.   When its greater strength and its
astringency are not objectionable, Port wine is always to  be preferred.
Madeira and  Claret are  often inadmissible on account of their acidity ;
but when this is not the case, the former is well adapted for debilitated
or broken down habits ; the latter  when the employment of stronger
wines might prove injurious.   Sherry is chiefly  employed in the pre-
paration  of  the  medicated wines,  but Cape  wine, on account of its
cheapness, is usually substituted  by druggists ; in a dietetical point of
view, Sherry is the wine in most general  use, and the one calculated
to agree best with most constitutions.
  Dose and  Mode  of Administration.—The quantity of wine which
should be administered in the  treatment of disease varies so exceed-
ingly in different cases,  that it is almost impossible to lay down  any
general rule.   From f§viij. to fgxx.,  is the quantity usually given in
the 24 hours, and  it should be borne in  mind that there is a  great
tolerance of wine in disease.   As  an  injection for the radical cure of
hydrocele, two-thirds of Port wine  are diluted with one-third of water.

  Zingiber,  L. E.   [U. S.]  Amomum zingiber, radix, D.—Ginger.
Root of Amomum  zingiber, D.   Rhizome of Zingiber  officinale,  L.
E.   [U. S.]  Supposed to be  originally a native of the  East Indies,
at present cultivated in most tropical  countries.   It belongs  to the
Natural family  Zingiberacea, and to  the Linnaean  class and order
Monandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Stem, annual, two to three feet high ; cylindri-
cal, invested with the smooth sheaths of the leaves;  Leaves,  linear-lanceo-
late, smooth ;  Flowers, yellowish with purple lips, in  cone-shaped,  radical
or rarely terminal, solitary spikes;  Fruit, a 3-celled  capsule.
  Preparation.—The rhizome or root-stalk, which is biennial, is dug up at
the commencement of the second year of its growth, cleaned, scalded with
boiling water, and dried  in the sun, when it Constitutes what is called black
ginger; to prepare white  ginger, the  rhizome is  not scalded,  but the outer
coats are removed by scraping.

   Physical  Properties—As met with  in  commerce,  ginger is  in
various sized, flattened  pieces, knotty,  palmated,  hard and compact.
Black ginger is of a dirty gray colour, and rugose externally, yellowish
brown and stringy  within.  White ginger is whitish or pale  yellow
externally, pale buff within, with a somewhat starchy texture.  The
finer sorts of ginger are firm, sound and heavy,  and have a peculiar,
rich, aromatic odour, and a warm very pungent taste.
   Chemical  Properties.—Ginger contains a pale yellow volatile oil, 
STIMULANTS, SPECIAL.
315
an acrid  soft resin, a sub-resin, gum, starch, extractive, nitrogenous
matter,  &c.  Its properties,  which depend chiefly on the volatile  oil
and soft resin^are extracted by water and by alcohol.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Ginger is a powerful aromatic stimulant;
when taken in moderation, it  increases remarkably the tone of the di-
gestive organs, and consequently is much employed as  a condiment.
In medicine, it is principally  used to give warmth and flavour to other
drugs.   Ginger acts as a special stimulant to the urino-genital mucous
membrane, its use should therefore be  avoided  by persons who have
any tendency to stricture of the urethra.  As a local stimulant, it is
chewed  in paralysis of the tongue,  relaxation of the uvula,  &c ;  the
powder made into a paste with boiling water and spread on  linen is a
speedy  rubefacient.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder, gr. v. to gr. xxx.—
Syrupus Zingiberis,  D. L. E. (Ginger, bruised (sliced,  L.), §iv.
(§iiss. L.  E.); boiling  water, by measure ibiij.  (Oj.  L.  E.) ; pure
sugar, glxxxvij. (ibiis. L. E.) ; macerate (infuse, E.)  the  ginger in
the water for 24 (4, L. E.) hours,  strain, add the sugar  and make into
a syrup).   [" Tincture of ginger,  fgiv.; syrup,  cong. j.   Mix the
tincture with the syrup, and by means of a water bath evaporate to the
proper consistence."   U. S-]  Dose, f3i. to fgss.   The  syrup may  be
prepared extemporaneously  by adding f§i.  of  the tincture  to f§x. of
simple syrup.—Tinctura Zingiberis,  D.  L. E.  [U. S.]  Ginger, in
coarse  powder (sliced,  L.), §iiss.; rectified  spirit, by measure ibij.
 (Oij. L. E.) ; macerate for  7 (14, L.) days and  filter.   "Proceed by
 percolation or  digestion as for tincture of cinchona," E.).  [" Ginger,
 bruised, gviij.; alcohol, Oij.   Macerate for 14 days,  express, and filter
 through paper."   U.S.]  Dose, f3i-to f3ij.—Essence ofGinger com-
 monly kept in  the shops, is nothing more than  a very strong tincture.
                       CHAPTER  XX.

               *   SPECIAL STIMULANTS.

  In this division of medicinal agents, I include those substances which
by a special or peculiar action on individual organs, or on the system
generally, produce  remedial  effects.  Many of them give rise to some
alteration, which is not well understood, in the nature or quality of vital
action, when they are called alteratives ;  while  others possess a special
influence in the treatment of certain diseases, when they are denomina-
ted specifics.  Many alteratives and specifics have been already described
in other classes of  medicines, but the articles contained in this chapter
cannot, with a regard to accuracy in arrangement, be included in any of
them ;  inasmuch as the nature of the primary influence which some of
them exercise on the animal economy has not been satisfactorily ascer-
tained ; and others possess a peculiar  influence over certain organs or
diseases merely :—as examples of the former we  may refer to Mercury,
Iodine, and Gold ;  of the latter to Nux-vomica, Cubebs, and Copaiba.
AmMONIjE arsenias.
Arseniate of ammonia. 
316                 stimulants,  special.
  Preparation.—Thi9 compound is readily prepared by saturating a solu-
tion of arsenic acid with ammonia, taking care that the alkali be in excess,
evaporating and crystallizing.

   Properties.—It crystallizes  in  rhomboidal prisms; its composition
being, 2 IPN As-Os-j-HO.  It is a neutral 6alt, and is soluble in water
and in alcohol.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Arseniate  of ammonia is not employed
in this country.   It  is used  in  France as an internal  remedy in the
treatment of obstinate cutaneous diseases,  particularly those of a scaly
character.   The preparation that is employed, being the following solu-
tion first proposed  by Biett:—Solution of Arseniate of Ammonia, (Arse-
niate  of ammonia, gr. iss.; distilled water, fgiij.; spirit of angelica, f3vi.;
mix).   Dose, f3i.  to f3iij. in some aromatic water.

   Arsenici Iodidum.—Iodide of Arsenic.  Teriodide of Arsenic.

  Preparation.—Arsenic, in fine powder,  3 parts; iodine, 10 parts ; water,
100 parts; digest together so long as the odour of iodine is perceived, and
evaporate quickly to dryness.

  Properties.—This is an orange-red powder, odourless and tasteless.
Exposed to the air, it rapidly undergoes decomposition, iodine escaping
and metallic arsenic being left; it is volatilized by heat.   Iodide of ar-
senic  is soluble in  boiling alcohol, from which, as the alcohol  cools, it is
deposited in bright crystals.  It is decomposed by water into free iodine,
hydriodic and arsenious acids.   Its  composition is  As I3.
  Adulterations.—As met with in the shops, this preparation  frequently
contains uncombined metallic arsenic,  which may be  distinguished by
the naked eye.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Iodide of arsenic is employed internally
with much benefit in the  treatment  of chronic cutaneous diseases, par-
ticularly lepra and psoriasis; in the  latter of which  I have used it exten-
sively, and with great success even  in very inveterate cases, after many
other  remedies had been  tried in vain.  Its use must be continued for
some  time  after the disease is cured,  in  order to prevent a relapse.  In
some  cases in which the medicine  had  been taken daily for  five or six
weeks, the patients complained of head-ache and dryness of  the mouth
and fauces, which  quickly disappeared on  intermitting the use of the
remedy for a few days.   It is administered with  much  benefit in the
treatment of cancer, and, in conjunction with the use of an ointment con-
taining iodide of lead as an external application, has produced excellent
effects in the hands of many practitioners.   On the Continent, it  has
been also employed as a topical application in the form of ointment, but
its external use is not unattended with danger.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—It should be at first given in
dose6  of l-10th of  a grain, which may be cautiously increased to ith of
a grain three times a day.  It is best administered in the form of pill
made  with  conserve of roses, or with hard manna.
  Incompatibles.—Acids ; acidulous, and metallic salts.

  Arsenici et hydrargyri hydriodatis liquor, Donovan.  Liquor
of Hydriodate of Arsenic and Mercury.

  Preparation.—" Triturate 608 grains of finely levigated metallic arsenic,
14-82 grains of mercury, and 4900 grains of iodine with f3i. of  alcohol, 
STIMULANTS, SPECIAL.
317
 until the mass has become dry, and from being deep brown has become pale
 red.  Pour on fgviij. of distilled water ; and after trituration for a few mo-
 ments transfer the whole to a flask; add 3SS- of hydriodic acid prepared by
 the acidification of gr. ij. of iodine, and boil for a few momenis.  When the
 solution is cold, if there be any deficiency of the original fgviij. make it up
 exactly to that measure with distilled water.  Finally filter," Donovan.

   Properties.—This solution is of a pale greenish-yellow colour, odour-
 less, with rather a styptic taste.  Each f3i.  contains  £th of a grain of
 oxide of arsenic, jth of a grain of oxide of mercury,  and  £ths of a grain
 of iodine in the state of hydriodic acid in chemical combination.
   Therapeutical Effects.—This compound has been found particu-
 larly useful in  the treatment of  chronic cutaneous  diseases, especially
 those of a scaly character, or  in which the scalp is the seat of the dis-
 ease. It has been also employed with benefit in venereal eruptions, both
 papular and scaly, in lupus, in  impetigo, in pityriasis, &c.   Its efficacy
 in these obstinate affections  is now well established, and there are few
 cases, even of the most chronic character, which will resist its steady ad-
 ministration.   For further  information on  this subject, I must refer to
 Mr. Donovan's excellent  memoirs in the 16th, 18th, and 22nd Vols, of
 the  Dublin Journal of Medical Science.
   Dose   and Mode of Administration.—Min. x. to min. xxx. three
 times a  day.   It  should  be  administered largely diluted with distilled
 water.  The external use of the medicine in the form of lotion  (3i. to
 f§\.  of distilled water) is advantageously combined with  its internal
 administration.
   Incompatibles.—Acids ;  most  salts ;  opium ;  and the  salts of
 morphia.

   Aurum.—Gold. This  metal is not contained in any of the British
 Pharmacopceias, nor are any of its preparations employed in this country
 in the practice  of medicine.   They are, however, frequently administered
 on the Continent, and their virtues  highly spoken of in some diseases.
 Although it has been stated by many that metallic gold is perfectly inert,
 a powder of gold (Pulvis  auri) is officinal in the Parisian Codex.  It is
 prepared  in several ways: one of the simplest and  best, is to rub any
 quantity  of leaf-gold with 7 or  8  times its weight of sulphate of potash
 in an earthenware or  glass  mortar, ao long  as  any fragments of the
 leaves are visible ; washing  well with warm  water, which dissolves out
 the sulphate of potash, and leaves the gold in the form of a fine powder.
 Powder of gold is said to  be  a  much more effectual remedy both  in pri-
 mary and secondary syphilis than mercury ; it is peculiarly applicable
 to those cases in  which mercury  is found to aggravate the disease, or in
 which the symptoms depend on the excessive use of preparations of that
 metal; in some instances  it  produces increased flow of saliva, without
 affecting the teeth and gums however as that metal  does.  It has been
 also  used  in chronic cutaneous  diseases, in scrofulous affections, and in
glandular enlargements.  Powder of gold may be given internally in
doses of gr. ^ or gr. 4 gradually increased to gr. iij.; it may be made into
 pill with   conserve of roses.  It  is, however, generally introduced into
the system by way of friction on the gums and tongue, or applied on a
portion of the skin, deprived of the epidermis ; it is also used as a loca
application to  chancres in their primary  stage.  For these  purposes
either of the following preparations may be employed.  Syrup of  Gold; 
318                  stimulants, special.
(Powder of gold, gr. xxiv.;  simple syrup, f§i.; mix).—Ointment of Gold;
(Powder of gold, gr. j.; axunge, gr. xv).

  Auri iodidum.—Iodide of Gold.

  Preparation.—(Fr. Cod.).  '« Pour a solution of chloride of gold into a
solution of hydriodate of potash, as long as any precipitate falls; filter, and
wash the powder well with alcohol, to dissolve out the excess of iodine; and
then dry it."

  Properties.—Iodide of gold is a greenish-yellow powder, insoluble
in cold, and very sparingly soluble in boiling water.   Exposed to a  heat
of about 300° F. the  iodine  is driven off,  and metallic gold left.   It is
composed of 2 eq. of gold and 1 of iodine,  Au2I, (Graham).
  Therapeutical Effects.—This preparation is a very active poison,
more so than corrosive sublimate ; it is employed in venereal and scro-
fulous affections internally, in doses of l-15th to l-10th of a grain, in the
form of powder, or of  pill, combined with powdered gum arabic as it is
decomposed by most vegetable substances.

  Auri perchloridum—Perchloride of Gold.  Sesquichloride of Gold

  Preparation.—(Fr. Cod.).  "Pure laminated  gold;  and nitric acid, of
each, one part;  muriatic acid, two parts; dissolve the  gold in the mixed
acids with a gentle heat, evaporate till the solution begins  to emit chlorine ;
and set it aside to crystallize by cooling."

  Properties.—Sesquichloride of gold is in the form of needle-shaped,
prismatic crystals, of a golden-yellow colour ;  it is inodorous, but has a
very styptic, disagreeable  taste.   In dry air it remains  unaltered, but
deliquesces rapidly in damp air.  Water, alcohol and ether dissolve this
salt;  the solution is of a yellow colour, and  is acid to  litmus paper ;
exposed to the light although kept in stoppered bottles, it is decomposed,
and gold deposited on  its surface.   Sesquichloride of gold is composed
of 2 eq. of gold,  and 3  of chlorine, Au2 CI3 (Graham).
  Therapeutical Effects.—This salt is the most generally employed
of the preparations of gold.   It is exceedingly  active ; so small a  dose
as l-15th of a grain has, in the hands of Cullerier, at the second  dose
produced gastric irritation, dryness of the tongue, redness of the throat,
colic, and diarrhoea.   It is employed it is said with much  success in the
treatment of syphilitic diseases, both primary and secondary, particularly
in cases where mercurial preparations fail to do good.   It has also been
used in scrofulous and herpetic affections, in cancer, &c  As an external
application, it has  been employed as a caustic to open cancer, to lupus,
and to obstinate syphilitic ulcerations.
  Dose and  Mode of Administration.—It may be given  in doses of
l-20th to l-15th of a grain, once a day, made into pills with starch, or
dissolved in distilled water.   The same quantity intimately mixed  with
gr. v. of  starch may be applied by friction to the gums and tongue.—
Caustic of Recamier; (Chloride of gold, gr. vj.; dilute nitro-hydrochloric
acid, §i.; dissolve).  Applied by means  of a piece of lint dipped in it;
the eschar  which  it forms falls off in a few days, and  leaves a clean,
healthy surface underneath.—Sodii Auro-terchloridum, Fr. Cod. (Chlo-
ride of gold, 85 parts ;  chloride of sodium, 16 parts ; dissolve in a small
quantity of distilled water; concentrate with a gentle heat, till a pellicle
begins to form on  the surface;  then set aside to crystallize).  Chloride 
STIMULANTS, SPECIAL.                319
of gold and sodium crystallizes in long four-sided prisms, of an orange-
yellow colour; it  is employed in the same manner, and in  the same
doses as sesquichloride of gold.   It is less expensive, and nearly, if not
quite as active.   An ointment of it, prepared by mixing, with trituration,
l-10th of a grain with gr. xxxvj. of axunge, may be applied to the skin
denuded of the epidermis.
  Incompatibles.—Most metals, and their salts ; the alkalies ; sugar ;
gum ; charcoal; tannin ; extractive.                               '
  In  poisoning with chloride of gold, or with chloride of gold and sodium,
the same treatment should be  adopted as in poisoning with  corrosive
sublimate.

  Auri peroxydum.—Peroxide of Gold.  Sesquioxide  of Gold.  Auric
 Acid.

  Preparation.—(Fr. Cod.). " Chloride of gold, 1 part;  calcined magne-
sia, 4 parts ; water, 40 parts; boil gently for a short time;  wash the precipi-
tate  repeatedly with water until  the washings no longer precipitate with
solution of nitrate of silver ; and then digest in cold diluted nitric acid, to
dissolve out the magnesia; dry the residuum without heat and in the dark."

  Properties.—Auric acid is of a chestnut brown colour, becoming
yellowish when moistened.   It is insoluble in water ; is rapidly decom-
posed by exposure to light or heat; and combines with alkalies to form
salts.  It is composed of  2 eq.  of  gold,  and 3  of oxygen, Au2 O3
 (Berzeliue).
   Therapeutical Effects.—It is used in the  same cases as the other
preparations of this metal.   Dose, l-10th of a grain to l-4th of a grain.—
Pills of oxide of Gold, Magendie, (Oxide of gold, gr. vj.;  extract  of
mezereon, 3ij.; divide into 60 pills).  Dose, ij. to x. daily.

  Bromineum, L. ["Brominum," U. S.]—Bromine.  This elementary
fluid  body was originally introduced into the London  Pharmacopoeia,
merely as being employed in the preparation of Bromide of potassium.
But within the last few years it has been used in medicine as a substitute
for  iodine, in consequence of the high price of  that substance.

  Preparation.—It is obtained from sea water, and from the waters of many
mineral springs, in which it exists in the forms of bromide of magnesium and
bromide of sodium, by first saturating with chlorine gas to separate it from
the base, adding ether which dissolves out the bromine, and then separating
from the ether by means of solution of caustic potash which combines with the
bromine forming bromide of  potassium ;  from this salt it is  obtained by a
process similar to that for procuring iodine.  It has been  latterly prepared
in large quantities in the United States, having been discovered in many of
the brine springs throughout the State of New  York by Mr. O'Reilly of this
city.

  Physical Properties.—At ordinary temperatures, bromine is a heavy,
dark  reddish-brown liquid,  of a hyacinth-red colour when viewed  by
transmitted  light.   Its odour resembles  that of chlorine  but  is much
stronger and more disagreeable, whence its name (Bqwuoq, fetid).  Its
taste  is very  acrid.  Sp. gr. 2-966.
  Chemical Properties.—Bromine is an elementary substance.  It  is
scarcely soluble  in  water, and its solubility is not sensibly augmented by
heat.   It is rather more soluble in alcohol and still more so in ether.   It 
320
STIMULANTS, SPECIAL.
is very volatile, boiling at the temperature of 114° F.  Bromine bleaches
vegetable colours like chlorine.   It combines with most metals, forming
bromides with them.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—As remarked above, it is as a substitute
for iodine that bromine is employed in medicine ; with which it appears
to be nearly if not quite identical in action.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—It is seldom used in the un-
combined state,  but  the following solution has been employed by M.
Pourche as a substitute for tincture of iodine :—Bromine, one part;  dis-
tilled water, forty parts;  dissolve.  Dose, min. v.  to min. vj. in some
aqueous vehicle three or four times a day.   For external use, a prepara-
tion  four times the strength of this may be employed.  The bromide of
potassium and bromide of iron will be described hereafter.   The other
combinations of bromine which are used in medicine are the following:
—Bromide of barium, which is soluble in water, is given  in doses of one
to five grains three times a day :  the ointment is prepared by combining
it in  the proportion of one part to ten  of  lard.   Bromide of calcium is
prescribed in the form of pill made with conserve of roses; the dose of
it is from three  to  ten grains.   Two bromides of mercury have  been
used : the first, a sub-bromide, is a white insoluble  powder; the dose of
it, is one to two  grains daily: the second,  a bromide, is fusible and vola-
tile, and soluble both in water and alcohol; its dose is l-l6th of a grain,
gradually increased to l-4th of a grain, daily.

  Copaiba, L. E. [U. S.]  Copaifera officinalis, resina liquida,
D.   Copaiva-  Balsam of  Copaiva.   Fluid  resinous exudation of
various species of Copaifera, E.—of Copaifera officinalis,  D.—of Co-
paifera langsdorfii, L.—[Juice of Copaifera officinalis, and other  spe-
cies  of Copaifera," U. S.]   The various species of the genus Copaifera
from which the balsam is  obtained are natives of  South America, and
the West Indian Islands ;  they belong to  the  Natural family Legumi-
nosa (Fabacea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean class and order Decandria
Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters—Trees, 20-35 feet high ;  Leaves, abruptly pin-
nate ; Leaflets, coriaceous, somewhat unequal, ovate;  Flowers, in panicles.
  Preparation.—The liquid resin exists in great  abundance in the trees; it
is procured  by making deep incisions into  the stem in the hot summer
months, when in some instances 12 pounds of juice will exude in three hours.
Many trees yield  copaiva twice or three times in the year.

  Physical Properties.—Copaiva, or as it  is commonly but impro-
perly called Balsam of Copaiva, is a transparent, oily liquid, of a pale-
yellow colour  (inferior kinds are dark yellow).  It has a strong, pecu-
liar,  and to most persons very disagreeable odour, and a bitter, acrid,
very permanent  and exceedingly unpleasant taste.   Sp. gr. from '950
to 966, becoming denser by age.
  Chemical Properties.—Fresh copaiva is composed of 41 per cent.
of volatile oil, 51*38 per cent, of hard yellow resin  (copahuvic acid),
2*18 of brown soft resin, and 5*44 of water and loss (Gerber). Exposed
to the air it gradually thickens, and  becomes darker coloured.   It is
insoluble  in water, but completely soluble in  alcohol,  ether, and the
fixed and volatile oils.   It dissolves  magnesia and its  carbonate, and
forms with them after 4 or 5 hours a translucent mass, sufficiently con- 
stimulants, special.                  321
sistent to form into pills.  The volatile oil of copaiva (copaiba oleum),
which is officinal in the Edinburgh Pharmacopaia, is obtained by dis-
tillation with water.  It is transparent and colourless, has a density of
0*878, boils at 473°, and is soluble in  alcohol and ether.  Its composi-
tion is isomeric with that of oil of turpentine, being CSH4.  Copahuvic
acid is composed of C40H3204 ;  it is left when the volatile oil is dis-
tilled  ;  in consequence of its  retaining  a small  portion of which, it
possesses a  faint copaiva odour.
   Adulterations.—Copaiva is very much adulterated, so much so that
it is difficult to meet with a perfectly  pure  specimen.   The impurities
usually found  in it are oil  of turpentine, or some fixed oil. as castor-oil,
poppy-seed  oil, rape-oil, &c.   Oil of turpentine is readily discovered by
the odour, when it is dropped on a heated spatula.  The presence of any
fixed  oil may be detected by the  greasy areola which  surrounds  the
spot  of  resin left, on gently evaporating  over the flame of a lamp, a
drop or two of the suspected balsam  on  unsized  paper.  The tests of
the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia for its purity are as follows :—" Trans-
parent ;  free of turpentine odour when heated ; soluble in two  parts of
alcohol; it  dissolves a fourth of its weight of carbonate of magnesia,
with  the aid of a gentle  heat, and  continues translucent."  To these
we may add the most satisfactory test for  the usual adulteration, that
with  castor-oil, as  proposed by Planche ; " pure balsam agitated with
solution of ammonia, of the density -965, becomes clear  and transparent
in a few moments ; but remains turbid if castor-oil be present."   These
tests  are, however, not to be depended on ; the only satisfactory means
of ascertaining the goodness of copaiva, as has been lately suggested
by Mr.  Redwood, being, the obtaining  the  oil by distillation :—pure
specimens yield nearly 60 per  cent'.,  while those  of inferior quality do
not afford more than 30.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Copaiva is a special stimulant to  the
mucous membranes, its action being particularly directed to the bladder
and urethra.  In many instances, its administration is followed by a
cutaneous eruption which closely resembles urticaria ;  and when given
in large doses it produces vomiting and purging.  The principal use of
copaiva is in the treatment of gonorrhoea, for which it is undoubtedly
the best remedy with which we are acquainted.  The practice is still
followed by many, of not administering copaiva in this disease, until all
inflammatory symptoms are subdued by antiphlogistic treatment.  But
the majority of surgeons  in the present day administer it  in the very
earliest stage, and with the best results; indeed the earlier it is given,
the more speedy and the more effectual will be the cure.  In the treat-
ment  of gonorrhoea, the use of copaiva should be always continued for
8 or 10 days after the discharge has completely ceased.  Copaiva  has
been also employed with benefit in leucorrhoea, in chronic catarrh of the
bladder, in the chronic bronchitis of the  old  or debilitated, especially
when  the bronchial secretion is profuse, and in chronic dysentery.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Min. x.  to f3i.   In conse-
quence of its very nauseous taste, a  great, many  ways have been pro-
posed  for administering  copaiva;  but it appears to me to act with
greater certainty, and to cause less  disgust  when given floating on a
wine-glassful of water to which a drachm of some aromatic  tincture, as
of tincture of orange peel, has been added.  It is sometimes given in
the form of  pill prepared by boiling the balsam with calcined magnesia 
322                  STIMULANTS,  SPECIAL.

or with hydrate of lime ;  a sufficient degree of consistency will be ob-
tained  in 4 or 5 hours with the latter, while  from 12 to 15 hours will
be required to produce the same result with the former.  The process
of M.  Thierry is  as  follows:—Rub  together in a marble mortar 15
parts of pure copaiva, and  1 part of hydrate of lime (or 2 parts of cal-
cined magnesia) ; put the mixture over a water bath, and stir from time
to time till the lime has  disappeared ; keep up the fire for 4 hours, or
for 15  hours, if magnesia be used.   The mass may be divided into gr.
vj. pills, of which from 6  to 12 may be taken two or three times daily.
—[" Pilula Copaiba, U. S.  Copaiba, §ij.;  magnesia, recently  pre-
pared,  3i-  Mix them  and set the mixture aside till it concretes into a
pilular mass, which is to  be divided into 200 pills."]  More  recently
copaiva has been administered enclosed  in gelatine capsules, for pre-
paring which, the following method is  followed :—the polished bulbous
extremities of iron rods are oiled with almond oil, and then dipped into
a warm concentrated aqueous solution of ordinary or bleached gelatine,
which  is of the  consistence of thick honey ; they are then rotated
quickly till the gelatine congeals, when the capsules are to be  removed
gently  with three fingers, and laid on a loose  hair-sieve to  dry ; when
perfectly dry they are  filled to the margin by means of  a glass drop
tube with copaiva, and the  mouth closed with a little  of the warm solu-
tion of gelatine (Steege).  Gelatine capsules of  copaiva contain each
about gr. x. of balsam.   The nostrum  known  as Franks's specific solu-
tion may  be  very closely imitated  as follows:   Copaiva,  2 parts;
liquor  potassae, 3 parts ;  distilled water, 7 parts ;  boil  for a quarter of
an hour,  then add, spirit of nitric ether, 1 part;  allow it to stand a few
hours,  and draw off the clear liquid by means  of an orifice in the lower
part of the vessel.  The  dose of this mixture is f3ij- three times a day.
—Oleum Copaiba, E.  The oil is preferred by many to any other pre-
paration of copaiva, but I have frequently seen it fail;  the dose is from
min. xv.  to min. xxx. dropped on sugar.—Resina Copaiba;  this pre-
paration  is very properly discarded from practice ;  the  dose of it is
from gr.  x. to 3ss.

   Cubeba,  D. E. [U. S.J  Piper cubeba,  L.—Cubebs.   Fruit of
Piper  cubeba (Cubeba officinalis).   A native of Java and the  Prince of
Wales's  Island ; belonging to the Natural family Piperacea, and to the
Linnaean class and order Diandria Trigynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Stem, sarmentaceous, articulated, terete; Leaves,
petiolated, oval, coriaceous; Flowers, on an elongated, pendant spadix ; Fruit,
a pedunculated small berry, the peduncles are nearly equal to the petiole.

   Physical Properties.—Cubebs are the dried  unripe berries ; they
are about the size of black pepper, wrinkled  on the surface,  brownish
externally, whitish and oily within.  They have a small portion of the
peduncle attached, whence the  name piper caudatum has been applied
to them.   Their odour is strong, peculiar, aromatic ; their  taste warm,
pungent  and very  spicy.
   Chemical Properties.—Cubebs are composed of  2*5  per cent of
green  volatile oil, 1 per cent of yellow volatile, 45 of a peculiar prin-
ciple named Cubebin (which is probably identical  with Piperin), 1-5 of
balsamic resin and wax,  lignin, &c.   The volatile oil, Oleum Cubeba,
E., is  obtained by the  usual process of distillation with water ; it is of 
8TIMULANTS, SPECIAL.                   323
a pale greenish yellow colour, transparent and limpid, with the pecu-
liar odour and taste of cubebs.  Its density is 0*929 ; and its composi-
tion C15 H^2.  Cubebs yield their properties very partially to boiling
water, but completely to alcohol.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Cubebs possess the stimulant and  car-
minative properties of the other peppers ;  but they also exercise a spe-
cific influence on the urinary organs,  indicated  by their power in ar-
resting urethral discharges.   They are only employed  in  medicine in
the treatment of gonorrhoea, for which they are held  by many to  be
equal if not superior to copaiva.  We are perfectly ignorant as to the
manner in which cubebs cure gonorrhoea ;  but  their specific influence
appears to be exercised only in the early stages of the disease, so that
they usually fail to prove beneficial when the discharge has existed for
any time ; they should be therefore administered  on its  first appear-
ance, when  if the running is not  checked  in from three to five days,
their continued use will in most  instances  do  more  harm than good.
Cubebs have been also employed in leucorrhcea and in catarrh of the
bladder with doubtful benefit.
   Dose  and  Mode of Administration.—In  powder,  which  is  the
best form, 9j. to 3hj- three  times a day.   The powder should be al-
ways prepared fresh for use, as  owing to the volatility of its oil, it de-
teriorates rapidly.   The larger the dose in which cubebs are given, the
more certain will be their effect;  they may be  administered suspended
in  milk or  in water.—Oleum Cubeba,  E. [U. S.] ;  Dose, min.  x. to
min. xxx. dropped  on sugar ; it  is not so  certain in  its effects as the
powder.—Tinctura Cubeba, D.  L.  [U. S.]  (Cubebs, (bruised,  L.),
§iv. (§v. L.) ; proof (rectified, L.) spirit, ibij.  (Oij. L. [U. S.]) ;  ma-
cerate for 14 days and filter). This tincture is generally added to mix-
tures containing copaiva.  Dose, f3i- to f3ij.

   Fucus vesiculosus,  herba  cum fructu, D.  Bladder-Wrack.  A
very common sea-weed on our shores ; belonging to the  Natural family
Algacea  (Fucacea, Lindley),  and to the Linnaean class  and  order
 Cryptogamia Alga.   This sea-weed  contains iodine, and before  the
discovery of that substance, the expressed juice was given internally,
and frictions of the plant applied  externally in scrofulous and glandu-
lar enlargements.   In the present day, it is employed only as a domes-
tic remedy  in the form of poultice to  scrofulous swellings and ulcera-
tions, in the treatment of which it often  produces very  beneficial  ef-
fects.

   Hydrargyrum, D. L. E. [U. S.]—Mercury.   Quicksilver.   Mer-
cury is met  with in the metallic state  in the quicksilver mines of South
America. It is principally brought to England  from Almaden in Spain,
from Idria in Ulyria, and from Moschel in Bavaria, where it is extract-
ed from the native  sulphuret,  Cinnabar.
   Preparation.—It is procured  from  cinnabar either by distilling  with
caustic lime  or by roasting the ore.  As met with in commerce, it is in ge-
neral sufficiently pure for medical purposes, but in the Dublin  Pharmaco-
paia, a process is contained for purifying it:—Hydrargyrum Purificatum,
D., " Mercury, six parts;  distil four parts with a gentle heat."
   Physical Properties.—At ordinary temperatures, mercury is liquid ;
it has  a silver-white colour  with a bluish  shade, and is  very brilliant.
Its sp. gr. is 1399 when liquid, and 14*0 when solid. 
324                 STIMULANTS, SPECIAL.
  Chemical  Properties.—Mercury is a simple metallic substance,
its symbol being Hg.  It boils at 662°,  and solidifies at 39° or 40° be-
low zero,  crystallizing  in regular octohedrons ; exposed to the air at
the usual temperature, it remains unaltered if pure, but otherwise the
surface soon tarnishes.  Agitated for some time in contact with the air,
it is converted into a greyish-black powder which was formerly called
JEthiops per  se; this,  according to some chemists, is  a suboxide of
mercury, but according to others, it is the  metal in a state of very mi-
nute division. Mercury combines with most metals to form amalgams;
the smallest trace of it communicates a white stain to gold or silver.
  Adulterations.—Tests for the purity of metallic mercury are given
by the London and  Edinburgh  Colleges.—" Totally dissipated in va-
pour by heat.  Dissolved by diluted nitric  acid ; when boiled in hydro-
chloric acid,  the acid when cold is not coloured, nor is anything pre-
cipitated from it by hydro-sulphuric acid.   Its sp. gr. is 13"5," L.—
" Entirely sublimed by  heat; a globule moved along a sheet of paper
leaves no trail;  pure sulphuric acid agitated with it evaporates when
heated without  leaving any residuum,"  E.  By the application of
these tests, the usual metallic adulterations with tin, lead, zinc, or bis-
muth, are readily detected.
  Therapeutical Effects.—As long as  mercury remains in the state
of metal, it is now generally  agreed that it does not exercise any influ-
ence on the human body, and that in all cases in which its specific ac-
tion is manifested, it must be first converted into oxides or salts. The in-
halation of mercurial vapours, (which, as has been  recently proved,
contain some oxide), for any lengthened period,  produces a singular
train of symptoms which principally affect  the  nervous system; the
most remarkable of these is the shaking palsy or tremblement  metal-
lique, in which the muscles of the  arms  become so  unsteady, as al-
most to place them completely out of the  control of the individual.
This affection is not uncommon amongst the workers  in quicksilver
mines, gilders, and others whose trade exposes them to  the vapour of
this metal.  To cure the disease, the patient must be removed from
the contaminated atmosphere which has produced it, and get nourish-
ing diet, with  tonics,  more particularly preparations of iron.  The
shower-bath and magnetic electricity are powerful auxiliaries in restor-
ing the nerves to a healthy state.
   The effects of the different preparations of mercury which are used
in medicine on the human body are very complex, and as they are pos-
 sessed in  common by most of the mercurial compounds, they will  be
 most conveniently considered here-
   The topical  effects  of the preparations  of mercury  are  generally
 somewhat irritant, remotely they act as special  stimulants both to se-
 cretion and excretion.  The most remarkable effect  of mercury is its
 action on  the salivary glands, salivation.   When this medicine is in-
 troduced into the  system in such a manner as to excite this peculiar
 state, at first it produces increased vascular action, shortly followed by
 a metallic or brassy taste in the mouth, and  a slight mercurial  fetor of
 the breath ;  the gums become  somewhat swollen and spongy at their
 edges, soon presenting a slight degree of ulceration; the lining mem-
 brane of the cheeks and sometimes also of the palate acquires a leaden
 hue, and is swollen ; and an increased  flow of saliva lakes  place, ac-
 companied by pain in the teeth on the least pressure.   If these symp- 
STIMULANTS,  SPECIAL.
325
toms be allowed to advance, or if more mercury be  administered, the
cheeks, the tongue,  and the throat swell and ulcerate, and a copious
flow of saliva sometimes amounting to several pints in the twenty-four
hours, is induced ; this excessive salivation is accompanied  by  slow
fever and rapid emaciation.  The quantity of  a mercurial preparation
required, or the length of time for which it must be administered, to
produce the above effects, varies exceedingly in different constitutions
and under  different  circumstances.  Individuals  are  sometimes  met
with, in whom, almost the minutest dose of any preparation of mercu-
ry will produce most violent salivation ; while on the other hand, some
persons appear to be totally insensible to this peculiar  operation of the
drug.
   It has been held by many that  the production of  this  specific effect
of mercury is necessary to the development of its curative powers,
and most unquestionably it  occurs,  that  this sanatory influence in
the treatment of most diseases is contemporaneous  with its action on
the salivary glands. Great attention however must be always paid not
to allow salivation to proceed too far, as a frightful train of symptoms,
in many instances followed by death  itself, is the usual  result of ex-
cessive salivation.  In the early stage, mercurialism is most decidedly
checked by the use of active or nauseating doses of tartar emetic, and
by keeping the surface of the body warm, and the face and neck cool.
   The effects of mercury  on  the system,  are sometimes  accompanied
by a peculiarly alarming state first described by Mr. Pearson, under the
name  of mercurial erethism;  " it is characterised by  great depression
of strength, a sense of anxiety about the proecordia, frequent sighing,
trembling partial or universal,  a small quick and sometimes intermitting
pulse, occasional vomiting, a pale contracted  countenance, a sense of
coldness, but the tongue is seldom furred, nor are the vital or natural
functions much disordered."  When these or the greater part of these
symptoms  are  present, a sudden and violent exertion of the animal
powers, such as rising suddenly in bed, will often prove fatal.   These
symptoms are best  combated  by  an immediate discontinuance in the
use of mercury, the exhibition of cordials in small but frequent doses,
and rest in  the horizontal posture, with  free exposure to the open air
both day and night.
   The use of this mineral is also frequently attended with, or followed
by several forms of diseases of the skin : of these the most important
is mercurial eczema, which often  occurs when only  a very small quan-
tity of a mercurial preparation has been taken. In  its milder forms, it
resembles  the  acute  stage  of  eczema  rubrum, arising  from  other
causes ; but it more frequently assumes a much more severe character,
when  it is ushered  in  by fever,  difficult  respiration, dry  cough, and
tightness across the chest, with a general smarting  and burning feel of
the skin over the whole body.  These symptoms are soon followed by
an eruption  of minute vesicles, which break and discharge a very fetid
fluid.  As the  disease increases in severity, the eruption extends over
the face and the whole of the body,  which  become covered with in-
crustations ; the fever assumes a typhoid  type, the difficulty of breath-
ing increases, and is accompanied by bloody  expectoration, spots  of
purpura appear, and death ensues, preceded by delirium or convulsions.
On the first appearance of this eruption,  the use of mercury ought to
be immediately relinquished, and the accompanying symptoms treated 
326                 STIMULANTS, SPECIAL.
by the means appropriate  for the  individual  case,—any account  of
which would be quite foreign to the scope of this work.
  The therapeutical powers of mercury, and for which it is  employed
in the treatment of disease, depend  on its  properties  as an  anti-phlo-
gistic, an  anti-syphilitic,  an alterative,  and a deobstruent.  An ac-
count of the most important diseases for which  mercurials are admin-
istered is subjoined, but as  they are  so numerous they can be only very
shortly alluded to.   In inflammatory diseases both acute and chronic,
mercury is very much  employed ;  it is peculiarly  adapted for those
forms of inflammation which frequently  result in the  effusion of coag-
ulable lymph or of  serum ; amongst which may be enumerated croup,
laryngitis,  bronchitis, pleuritis,  pericarditis, peritonitis, (particularly
that form of it which attacks lying-in-women), meningitis, &c.  In all
these diseases the previous use of blood-letting  is attended with ad-
vantage, and the mercurial—calomel is the preparation generally used—
should be introduced into the system as quickly  as possible,  so as  just
to touch the gums, but the production of free salivation usually proves
injurious.  In iritis, mercury is the chief remedy on which  reliance is
to be placed.  In hepatitis, in pneumonia, in metritis, and in  synovitis,
its use is productive of  decided benefit.   In epidemic dysentery,  and
in pestilential cholera, especially  when  occurring in  warm climates,
very large  doses of calomel given  at the very onset of the disease,
will frequently cut it short; as this power, however,  is  possessed by
calomel alone, we shall  again refer  to it. In the fevers of our climate,
unless when inflammation of some particular organ is present, the use
of mercury is injudicious ; but in the fevers of warm climates, it is for
the most part found to be serviceable.   The curative  powers of mer-
cury in inflammatory diseases depend much on  the  character  of the
inflammation ; thus, while  it generally acts beneficially in simple acute
inflammations, and in those of a syphilitic character, it is less service-
able in rheumatic, and seldom  admissible in scrofulous inflammation.
  The history of the syphilitic disease is closely  connected  with mer-
cury, as  for many hundred  years it  was  supposed to be completely in-
curable without the use of that  medicine.  Of late, however, it has
been established on very satisfactory  evidence  that  most, if not all,
cases of syphilis may be cured without  mercury, by simple  local  and
general treatment.   Nevertheless, when judiciously employed, so as to
produce a moderate ptyalism, mercury has been found by the most ex-
perienced surgeons to  cure  the  disease  more  rapidly, and to afford
greater security against relapses.
  In chronic enlargements  of the abdominal viscera, unconnected with
malignant disease, in glandular swellings, in morbid depositions, in ad-
hesions of  parts consequent on inflammation, where hemorrhage has
taken place into the substance of the brain or of the lungs, and for the
removal of effusions into any of the shut  cavities of the body, mercury,
administered so as to produce its specific action, generally proves very
efficacious.  In paralysis, especially when dependant on derangements
of the brain and nervous system, its use  is often attended with decided
benefit.   In many  other diseases of the nervous  system, as in hydro-
cephalus, in mania, in epilepsy,  in chorea, in tetanus,  in hysteria,  in
tic douloureux,  &c, mercury has been  also  employed in many in-
stances with advantage.
  Dose and  Mode of Administration.—To remove obstruction  of 
stimulants, special.                   327
the bowels, metallic mercury has been given in doses of one or two
pounds, followed by active cathartics, but the absurdity of the principle
on  which it was administered,  that of acting as a mechanical agent,
is too manifest to require any observation.   As  before remarked, the
specific  action of  mercury is not manifested so  long as it retains the
metallic state ; but as there are  some general rules which apply equally
to the different mercurial preparations employed to produce salivation,
they will be  most  conveniently  considered in  this place.  And first,
with respect to preparatory treatment; it will be always advisable, in
acute inflammations,  to subdue  the severity of the symptoms by anti-
phlogistic measures;  and in broken down or enfeebled constitutions, to
strengthen the system by the use of tonics, previous to the  adminis-
tration of mercury-  Owing to the neglect of these precautions, it fre-
quently occurs that the physician is baffled  in his attempts to produce
ptyalism, or when produced,  it is excessive, and with  great  difficulty
controlled.  " I am strongly of opinion," says the  late Mr. Colles in his
valuable work on the Venereal Disease, " that  the want of a due pre-
paratory process  has of late years contributed to bring this valuable
remedy into  much  disrepute."   With respect to the general treatment
during a mercurial course, the  most important points to be  observed
are, the  necessity  of  rest and  quietness of both mind and body, the
maintaining the temperature of  the surface uniform by warm clothing,
and the use of a moderate diet, free from all stimulating food and drink.
  In the following  preparations, a portion of the mercury is converted
into the sub-oxide,  but the greater  part of it is  merely mechanically
reduced to a finely divided state.—Pilula Hydrargyri, D. L. E.  [u.
S.]  (See page 81.)   Dose, gr. iij. to gr. v., night and morning ; if it
should occasion irritation, a fourth of a grain  of opium may  be added
to each  pill.—Hydrargyrum cum Creta,  D. L.  E.  [U. S.J  (See
page 80.)  This  is the mildest  preparation of mercury ; as an altera-
tive, the dose is from gr. v. to gr. xxx.  It is seldom given with  the
intention  of producing salivation, except  in very weak or  enfeebled
habits.—Hydrargyrum cum Magnesia,  D.   (Seepage 80.)—Unguen-
tum Hydrargyri, D. E.  [U. S.]   Unguentum Hydrargyri fortius,
L.   ("Purified mercury; prepared  lard, of  each, equal parts;  rub
them together in a  marble or iron mortar until  the  globules of mercu-
ry disappear, D.—" Mercury,  Ibij. ;  lard, gxxiij.  ; suet, |j. ;  triturate
the mercury with the  suet and a little of the lard till globules are no lon-
ger visible, then add the rest of the  lard and mix the whole thorough-
ly," L. E. [II. S.]—"This  ointment  is not well prepared  so long
as metallic globules may be seen in it with a magnifier of four powers,"
E.)—Unguentum Hydrargyri mitius, D. L.  E. (" Made with twice as
much lard  as  the  last," D.—" Mix  ibj. of the stronger  ointment of
mercury with  ibij. of lard," L.—" The  stronger ointment diluted with
twice or  thrice its weight of  axunge," E.)  Mercurial ointment is
very frequently employed for  introducing mercury into  the  system;
and for this purpose, 3ss. to 3i-  of the stronger ointment may be rub-
bed carefully into the inside of the thighs every morning.   Should it
be desirable to produce speedy salivation, it may be used as  a dress-
ing to blistered surfaces, and 3j- or 3ij- placed  in each axilla.   When
employed to promote the dispersion of glandular enlargements, it should
be rubbed over the  seat of the disease.   It is also smeared over the in-
flamed surface in phlegmonous erysipelas,—a practice often productive 
328
stimulants, special.
of very beneficial results.  The milder ointment  is generally used as
a dressing to venereal sores.—Ceratum  Hydrargyri compositum, L-
(Stronger ointment of mercury ; and  soap cerate, of each, §iv.; cam-
phor, §j. ; rub together until they are incorporated.)    Employed to
promote the dispersion of indolent tumours, and as an application to
chronic enlargements of the joints.—Linimentum Hydrargyri composi-
tum, L.   (Stronger mercurial ointment;  and  lard,  of each, 3iv. ;
camphor, §i.; rectified spirit, f3j.; solution of ammonia, f§iv.; rub the
camphor first with  the spirit,  then with the lard  and ointment of mer-
cury ;  lastly, the solution of ammonia being gradually poured in, mix
them all.)   A stimulating liniment, applied to indolent  tumours, &c,
3j. contains nearly gr. x. of mercury.  It produces salivation very
speedily.—Emplastrum Hydrargyri, L. E. [U. S.j  (" Mercury, giij. ;
lead plaster, ibj. ;  olive oil, f3j. ;  sulphur, gr. viij.; add the sulphur
gradually to the heated oil,  stirring constantly with a spatula till they
unite;  afterwards  rub the  mercury with them  until globules are  no
longer visible ; then gradually add  the plaster of lead  melted with a
slow fire, and mix them all," L.—" Mercury, giij.;  litharge plaster,
|vj. ; olive oil, f3ix.; resin, §i. ; melt the resin and oil, let them cool,
add the mercury, triturate till  the globules  disappear, add the plaster
previously melted, and mix the whole well," E.)   ["Mercury, §vi.;
olive oil, resin, each, |ij. ; lead plaster, ibj.   Melt the oil and resin to-
gether, and when they have become cool, rub the mercury with them
till the globules disappear ; then gradually add the lead plaster previous-
ly melted, and mix the whole together, U. S."]  Applied as a resolvent
in glandular enlargements, and over the region of the liver in chronic
induration of that organ.—Emplastrum Ammoniacl cum Hydrargyro,
D.  L.  E,  (Gum ammoniac, ibj,;  purified  mercury, §iij.; common
turpentine,  3ij- ;  rub the mercury  with the turpentine till the  glo-
bules  disappear, then add gradually the ammoniac melted, and with a
medium heat rub together until they are incorporated," D.—"Ammo-
niac, ibj. ; mercury, giij.; olive oil, f3i- sulphur, gr. viij.; proceed as
for Emplastrum Hydrargyri, L., substituting the ammoniac  for the
lead plaster," L.  E.)  Applied to indolent buboes, enlarged  glands,
especially when  of  a syphilitic  origin,  and  to  venereal nodes.—
Mercurial Soap,   Hebert.   (Take  of  mercury,  and nitric acid, of
each, §iv. ;  put  these ingredients  into a matrass capable of  holding
twice the above quantity, and  stir the mixture from time to time until
the solution shall have been effected at the ordinary temperature of the
atmosphere.  Introduce  into  a porcelain capsule, ibi.  §i. of calf's  fat,
 melt this by the heat of a water bath, and then add  the  solution of
mercury, stirring the ingredients together till they have acquired an ad-
hesive  consistence.  To every §v. of the ointment thus formed,  add
f§ij. of caustic solution of soda, (Dens. 1*33,) and rub them together on
a porphyry slab until combination be effected.)  The soap thus  formed
is perfectly soluble in water.   It  is employed on the continent with
much  benefit in the treatment of those cutaneous affections, in which
preparations of mercury  usually prove useful; it  is applied to the parts
either alone or dissolved  in water ; care must be taken to suspend its
use if it be found to produce irritation or  inflammation.

   Hydrargyri acetas, D.—Acetate of Mercury.
   Preparation.—Dub.—"Purified mercury, and acetate of potash, of each, 
stimulants,  special.                   329
9 parts ; dilute nitric acid, 11 parts; boiling distilled water, 100 parts; dis-
tilled vinegar, q. s.; add the nitric acid to the mercury, and the effervescence
having ceased, digest the mixture until the metal is dissolved; dissolve the
acetate of potash in the  water and add distilled vinegar until the acid pre-
dominates ; to this while boiling add the mercury dissolved in the acid, and
filter quickly through doubled linen; let it cool that crystals may form;
wash these with cold distilled water, and dry them on paper with a gentle
heat.  In the whole of this process, glass vessels must be used."

   Physical Properties.—This salt occurs in the form of thin crys-
talline scales of a pearly lustre.  It is inodorous, but has  an acrid
metallic taste.
   Chemical Properties.—It is  composed of 1 eq. of suboxide of
mercury, and 1 of acetic acid, (Hg20-(-C  H30  .)   Exposed to light
it turns black, and is decomposed ; heat expels its  acetic acid, and  if
the temperature be increased, the  mercury is volatilised.  It requires
for its solution  333 parts  of cold water, but is much more soluble in
boiling water, which,  however, decomposes  it into  metallic mercury
and acetate of oxide of mercury.  It is insoluble in  cold alcohol.
   Therapeutical Effects.—This  is a mild preparation of mercury
but little employed at present; it has been  therefore omitted from the
London and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias. Externally dissolved in water
it has been used as a lotion in chronic cutaneous diseases.
   Dose  and  Mode of  Administration.—Gr. j. to gr. iij. twice a
day, made into pill with conserve of roses  or with manna.  For  a lo-
tion, gr. j. may be dissolved in f§i. of distilled water.—Pills of Keyser,
(Acetate of mercury, gr. xij. ;  manna, 3uj- 5 mix, and divide into 72
pills.)   This  compound at  one time bore a high character on the Con-
tinent as a remedy for secondary syphilitic  eruptions.  Each pill  con-
tains gr. l-6th of the salt.

  Hydrargyri bichloridum, L. Hydrargyri murias corrosivum, D.
CORROSIVUS SUBLIMATUS, E. [HYDRARGYRI CHLORIDUM CORROSIVUM, U.
S.] Bichloride of Mercury; Corrosive Sublimate; Chloride of Mercury.
  Preparation.—Dub.—"Persulphate  of mercury, 5 parts;  dried muriate
of soda, 2 parts , rub them well together in an earthen-ware mortar until a
very fine powder is formed; then from a proper vessel, sublime the corrosive
muriate of mercury into a receiver."-Lond. [U. S].--"Mercury,lbij.; sulphu-
ric acid, ibiij. chloride of sodium, Ibiss.; boil the mercury with the sulphuric
acid in a proper vessel till the bipersulphate of mercury remains dry; rub
this when it is cold with  the  chloride of sodium  in an earthen mortar, then
sublime with the heat gradually raised."-Edin.--" Mercury, §iv.; sulphuric
acid, fijij., f5iij.;  nitric acid, fgss.; muriate of  soda, §iij.; mix the acids,
dissolve the mercury in them with the aid of a moderate heat; raise the
heat so as to obtain a dry salt; triturate this well with the muriate of soda,
sublime in a proper apparatus."
   Physical  Properties.—Corrosive  sublimate  is  met with  in  the
form of a white, semitransparent, crystalline mass, or as  a white pow-
der ; by careful sublimation, it may be obtained in regular crystals, the
primary  form of which is the right rhombic prism.    It  is  inodorous
but has an intensely acrid  and disagreeable taste.   Its sp.  gr. is 5*4
(Kane,)  65 (Graham.)
   Chemical Properties.—Although this salt is called a bichloride in
the London Pharmacopoeia, more recent chemical investigations have
shown it to be a simple chloride, its composition being Hg. CI.  It is
                              28* 
330                stimulants,  special.
permanent in the air ; it fuses  at  509°, and boils at 563°; its vapour
is colourless, but very acrid.  It is soluble in 16 parts of cold and  in
3 parts of boiling water, in 2y parts of alcohol and in 3 parts of ether.
Its solubility  is much increased by the addition of muriatic acid or  of
the alkaline muriates.   A solution of corrosive sublimate gives a yel-
low precipitate with hydrates of potash, soda, or lime ; a red precipitate
with the alkaline mono-carbonates ; a scarlet with iodide of potassium ;
and a black with sulphuretted hydrogen.  Dropped on gold, it does not
tarnish it, but if the moistened surface be touched with a piece of iron
or zinc, mercury is immediately precipitated, and leaves a white stain
on the gold,  which may be  removed  by heat.   Corrosive  sublimate
may be removed from its solution  in water, by agitation with ether.
   Adulterations.—Corrosive sublimate seldom contains any impurity;
its subliming without any residuum, and its  complete  and easy solu-
bility in sulphuric  ether, the tests given by  the  Edinburgh  College,
are sufficient to detect any adulteration.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Corrosive sublimate is a powerful irri-
tant, poison, a few grains producing death,  preceded by rapid and ex-
cessive inflammation of the digestive tube,  with great  derangement
of the nervous system and coma.   In small repeated doses, it possesses
the usual  action of a mercurial, but salivation is more slowly produced
by it, and its effects are  more  decidedly alterative than those of any
other preparation of the metal.   It is consequently  much employed  by
those who believe that ptyalism is not essential to the curative effects
of mercury,  in the treatment of secondary syphilis.  Corrosive  subli-
mate is also employed with much benefit in chronic cutaneous diseases,
in chronic rheumatism, in arthritis, periostitis,  &c. ; in which  cases
it is  advantageously combined with a vegetable  diaphoretic  or tonic.
Dissolved in water it forms a most useful lotion in psoriasis and  lepra,
and an excellent collyrium in the milder forms of ophthalmia.
   Dose and  Mode of. Administration.—l-12th to l-8th  of a grain
made into pill with crumb of bread, twice or three times daily.—Pilula
Corrosivi Sublimati, Dzondi.  (Corrosive sublimate, gr. xij. ; dissolve
in distilled water, q. s. ; and  add crumb of  bread ; and white sugar, of
each, a sufficiency to make ccxl. pills).   Each of these pills contains
a  20th of a  grain of  sublimate ; Dose,  4  daily.   For  a lotion  or
collyrium, gr. ss. to gr.  j. may  be dissolved in f§j. of distilled  water,
or the following preparation may  be employed.—Liquor Hydrargyri
Bichloridi, L.   (Bichloride of mercury, and hydrochlorate of ammonia,
of each, gr. x. ; distilled water, Oj. ;  dissolve together in the water).
Dose, for internal use, f3ss. to f3ij.
   Incompatibles.—The alkalies and their carbonates ;  lime, and  its
carbonate ; tartar  emetic ; nitrate of silver;  acetate of lead ; iodide
of potassium ; albumen ; soaps; almond mixture ; decoction of bark, &c
  In cases of poisoning  with  corrosive  sublimate,  albumen, as white of
egg, is the best antidote ;  it should not be given, however, in too great
quantity as the compound formed is soluble in an excess of albumen ;
the yolk of egg has been recently proved to be an equally, if not more,
efficacious antidote  ; in their absence, wheaten flour,  milk, protochloride
of tin, or iron filings may be used.

  Hydrargyri bicyanidum, L.  Hydrargyri cyanuretum, D. [U. S.]
Bicyanide of Mercury:  Cyanuret of Mercury ; Cyanide of Mercury. 
stimulants, special.
331
   Preparation.—Dub.—" Cyanuret of iron, 6 parts; nitric oxide of mercu-
 ry, 5 parts ; distilled water, 40 parts ; mix the cyanuret of iron and oxide of
 mercury, and  add the water, previously heated ; boil for half an hour with
 constant agitation, and filter through paper ; wash the residuum frequently
 with warm distilled water.  Lastly, evaporate the filtered liquors and crys-
 tallize by cooling."—Lond.—"Percyanide of iron,  gviij. ; binoxide of mer-
 cury, |x. ;  disti.led water, Oiv.; boil them together for  half an hour and
 strain.   Evaporate the liquor  that crystals  may be formed.  Wash what
 remains frequently with  boiling distilled water, and again evaporate the
 mixed liquors that crystals may be formed.  Bicyanide of mercury may be
 otherwise prepared by adding as much binoxide of mercury as will accurate-
 ly saturate it,  to hydrocyanic acid distilled from ferrocyanide of potassium
 with diluted sulphuric acid."   [U.S.   " Ferrocyanuret of iron, Jiv.;  red
 oxyde of mercury, §iij., or a sufficient quantity ; distilled water, Oiij.   Put
 the ferrocyanuret oi iron and three ounces of the oxide of mercury, previous-
 ly powdered and thoroughly mixed together into a glass vessel; and pour
 upon them two pints of  the distilled water.  Then boil the mixture stirring
 constantly; and if at the end of half an hour the  blue colour remains, add
 small portions of the oxyde of mercury, containing the ebullition, until the
 mixture becomes of a yellowish colour;  alter which filter through paper.
 Wash the  residue in a pint of distilled water, and  filter as before.  Mix the
 solutions, and evaporate  till a pellicle appears; then set the liquor aside that
 crystals may form.   To purify the crystals, dissolve them in distilled water,
 filter and evaporate the solution, and set  it aside and crystallize."]

   Physical Properties.—This salt is met with crystallized in rectan-
 gular prisms ;  they  are transparent or semi-opaque, colourless and in-
 odorous, with a disagreeable metallic taste.
   Chemical Properties.—This is a cyanide  of mercury, its  compo-
 sition being Hg. Cy.   It is anhydrous ; it is permanent in the air ; ex-
 posed to heat it is resolved into metallic mercury and cyanogen gas.
 It is soluble in 8 parts of water at 60°, and in much less boiling water,
 it is very  sparingly soluble in alcohol.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—This  salt resembles in its effects cor-
 rosive   sublimate,  to which it is preferred by many as being  more
 soluble  and not so easily decomposed.   In this country, however, it is
 rarely used in  medicine ; and has  been  introduced into the Pharma-
 copoeias merely as being employed in the preparation of hydrocyanic
 acid.
   Dose and Mode  of Administration.—Same as for corrosive sub-
 limate.
   Incompatibles.—Sulphuric  and   muriatic  acids;   sulphuretted
 hydrogen, and hydrosulphates.


   Hydrargyri biniodidum,  L. E.—[Hydrargyri  iodium rubrum,
 U. S.]—Bmiodide of  Mercury ; Iodide of Mercury; Red iodide  of
 Mercury.

-  Preparation.—Lond.—" Mercury, §i.; iodine,  5x.; alcohol, a sufficien-
 cy ;  rub the mercury and iodine together, adding the alcohol gradually until
 globules are no longer visible.  Dry the powder with a gentle heat, and keep
 it in a well stopped vessel."—Edin.—" Mercury, |ij.: iodine, giiss. ; con-
 centrated solution of muriate of soda, cong. j.; triturate the iodine and mer-
 cury together,  adding occasionally a little rectified spirit till  a uniform 
332
STIMULANTS, SPECIAL.
 red powder'be obtained.  Reduce the product to fine powder, "and dissolve
 it in the solution of muriate of soda with the aid of brisk ebullition.   Filter
 if necessary,  through  calico, keeping the tunnel hot; wash  and  dry the
 crystals which form on cooling."  ["Corrosive sublimate  of mercury, §i.;
 iodide of potassium, 3X-; distilled water, Oij.  Dissolve the chloride  of
 mercury  in a pint and a half, and  the iodide of potassium in half a pint of
 distilled water, and mix the solutions.  Collect the precipitate  upon a filler,
 and having washed it with distilled water, dry it with a moderate heat, and
 keep it in a well stopped bottle," U. S.]

   Physical  Properties.—It is  a brilliant red powder, which may be
 obtained in rhomboidal  crystals by  sublimation.  It is inodorous, but
 has a strong metallic taste.   Its  sp. gr. is 6-32.
   Chemical Properties.—It is  composed of 1 eq. of mercury, and 1
 of iodine, Hg I.   It is  permanent in the air, heated moderately, it be-
 comes yellow, at a  temperature of 400° it  fuses, and   at a higher
 temperature, sublimes.  Cooled rapidly, it recovers its red colour, but
 when cooled slowly it remains yellow, in which state when rubbed,
 the red tint is immediately  reproduced.  It requires more than  6000
 times its weight of water for solution ; but  it is much more soluble in
 alcohol and acids, particularly with the aid of heat.  It is  soluble in a
 boiling solution of common  salt, but a  mere trace only is retained as it
 cools.  It is  also soluble in  a solution of iodide of potassium.
   Adulterations.—Owing to faulty preparation, iodide of mercury  is
 apt to contain some of the sesqui- or sub-iodide ; it  may also contain
 sulphuret of  mercury, derived from impurity in the metallic mercury
 employed.   These, as well  as any fixed impurity, are  guarded against
 by the tests of the Edinburgh Pharmacopaia.  " Entirely vaporizable ;
 soluble entirely in 40 parts  of a  concentrated  solution of muriate of
 soda at 212°, and again deposited in fine red crystals  on cooling."
   Therapeutical  Effects.—This is an exceedingly active  prepa-
 ration, producing violent inflammation  when placed in contact with the
 skin.   In its medicinal properties it appears to resemble much corro-
 sive sublimate, and may be employed in the same cases.   In doses of
 l-12th of a grain given twice daily, and continued  for some time, I
 have  found it an excellent  tonic in scrofulous  habits.  I have  also
 used it very extensively in  the treatment of organic  diseases  of the
 heart, more especially in  those valvular  affections  which permit re-
 gurgitation, with very beneficial effects.   As a topical remedy, in the
 form of ointment, it is applied with benefit to  chronic glandular en-
 largements.   Its use, however, requires much caution,  especially when
 applied to raw surfaces.
   Dose  and   Mode  of Administration.—Gr.  l-16th to gr.  l-8th
 made into pill with any of the tonic vegetable  extracts.—  Unguentum
 Hydrargyri Biniodidi,  L.  (Biniodide of mercury, §j.;   white  wax,
 §ij. ; lard, §vj. ; add the salt  to the wax  and the lard melted together and
 mix).  This ointment is much too strong for ordinary  use, and should
 be further diluted with 3 or  4 times its weight of lard.


   Hydrargyri chloridum^L.  [Hydrargyri chloridum mite, U. S.]
 Calomelas, D. E.   Calomel  (described in the division Cathartics),
is the most generally used, and  one of the mildest  preparations of
mercury.   It may  be employed  to produce the general effects of 
stimulants, special.
333
mercurials as before described ;  but it is almost exclusively adminis-
tered in the  treatment of inflammatory and febrile  affections, in which
it is usually  given in combination with small doses  of opium to prevent
it from acting on the bowels.  As  a  sedative in dysentery and  in
epidemic cholera, its use has been before alluded to (see page 326);
in these  diseases it is given in  very large doses,  ( a  scruple every
hour or every second hour until  two or  three drachms are taken, or in
single doses of 3ss.  to  3ij-), with  the  very  best effects.  As  an
alterative it is very generally administered to  children,  who are  not
near so susceptible to the influence of calomel, or  indeed of any other
mercurial, as adults.  To produce ptyalism, this is perhaps  the most
convenient of all the mercurial compounds, as  salivation  may be pro-
duced with it in a very short space of time, and with  very little dis-
turbace to the system generally.   Its use as a cathartic has been before
described (see page 68).  Calomel is also added to other medicines to
promote  their peculiar effects; thus it  is combined with digitalis  or
squill to produce diuresis; and with Dover's powder or antimonials to
increase their diaphoretic properties.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—As an antiphlogistic, gr. iij.
to gr. v. combined with one-fourth or one-half a grain of opium.  As
an  alterative,  gr. j.  to gr. iij. twice a day.  To produce ptyalism, gr.
iij. to gr. v. are usually given night and morning ;  but by administering
calomel  in  grain doses every hour, a sixth of  a grain of opium being
added to each dose should it affect the  bowels, salivation may be pro-
duced in from 12 to 24 hours, provided proper  preparatory  treatment
has been employed.—Pilula Calomelanos composita., (see page 127) ;
Dose as an  alterative, gr. v.  to gr. x.—[" Pilula Hydrargyri chloridi
mitis.  Take of mild chloride of mercury; §ss.; gum arabic, in powder,
3i- ; syrup, q. s.  Mix together the chloride of mercury and the gum ;
then beat them with the syrup so as  to form a  mass, to be divided into
240 pills."   U.  S.]—Pilula Calomelanos et  Opii,  E.  (Calomel 3
parts ; opium, 1 part:  conserve of red roses, q. s. ; beat into a proper
mass; to be  divided into pills,  each containing  gr. ij.  of calomel).
Dose, one to two pills.— Unguentum Calomelanos,  Pereira.  (Calomel,
3i- ;  lard, |j).   A most useful application in chronic  diseases of the
scalp, and in lepra and psoriasis.

  Hydrargyri iodidum, L.—[U.  S.]—Iodide of Mercury;  Sub-
iodide of Mercury.   [Protiodide of Mercury.]

  Preparation—Lond.—" Mercury, §i.; iodine, $v. ; alcohol, q. s. ;  rub
the mercury  and iodine together, adding the alcohol gradually, till globules
are  no longer  visible.  Dry the  powder immediately with a gentle heat,
without the access of light, and keep it in a well stopped vessel."

  Properties.—This is a greenish-yellow powder, insoluble in both
water and alcohol; its composition is Hga I.   Exposed to light, or
by  the application of heat,  it is  readily resolved  into metallic  mer-
cury and the  red iodide.   It is insoluble  in solution of chloride of
sodium.
  Therapeutical Effects.—This is a much milder preparation than
the red iodide of mercury,  but  in  other  respects its  properties are
nearly similar.   It  is peculiarly adapted  as an alterative for the dis- 
334
stimulants, special.
 eases of infancy and  childhood,  more  particularly for the chronic
 cutaneous affections to which they are so liable.
   Dose and Mode of  Administration.—Gr. j.  to gr. iij. in pill ;  for
 children l-6th of a grain to half a grain, combined with dried carbonate
 of soda and aromatic powder.—Pilula Hydrargyri Iodidi, L. (Iodide
 of mercury, 3i- ; confection of dog-rose, 3iij-  » ginger, powdered, 3i- j
 beat together till they  are incorporated).  Gr. v. contain gr. j. of  the
 iodide;  Dose, gr. v. to gr. xv.— Unguentum  Hydrargyri Iodidi,  L.
 (Iodide of mercury, §j.;  white wax,  §ij.; lard, §vj. ; add  the  iodide
 of mercury to the wax  and lard melted together, and mix).

   Hydrargyri  nitratis unguentum, D. L.  [U. S.J  Unguentum
 citrinum, D.  E.  Ointment  of the Nitrate of Mercury; Citrine
 Ointment.

   Preparation.—Dub.—" Purified  mercury,  by weight  §j.; nitric acid,
 5xiss.; olive oil, by measure Ibj.; prepared lard, §iv.; dissolve the mercury
 in the acid, then mix in the oil and lard melted  together, and make an oint-
 ment in the same manner as the nitric acid  ointment.'"—Load —" Mercu-
 ry, §i.;  nitric  acid, f3xi.; lard, §vj. ; olive oil, f§iv., first  dissolve  the
 mercury in the acid ; then  mix the solution, while hot,  with the lard and
 oil melted together."—Edin.—"Nitric acid (Dens. 1380 to 1390), f^ixss.;
 mercury, §iv.;  axunge, §xv.; olive oil, fgxxxviiiss.; dissolve  the mercury
 in the acid with the aid of a gentle heat.  Melt the axunge in the oil with
 the aid  of  a moderate heat in a vessel capable  of  holding six times  the
 quantity ; and while the  mixture is hot, add the  solution of mercury also
 hot, and mix them thoroughly.   If the mixture do not froth up,  raise  the
 heat a little till this take place.   Keep the ointment in earthenware vessels,
 or in glass vessels secluded from the  light."  [" Mercury,  §i.; nitric acid,
 f5xj-; fresh neat's foot oil, f§ix. ;  lard,  §iij.  Dissolve the mercury in the
 acid; then melt the oil and lard together, and when they  begin to stiffen
 upon cooling, add the solution and mix."  U. S.]

   Properties.—When recently prepared, this ointment is of a golden-
 yellow colour, and has  an odour of nitrous acid.  But it does not keep
 well, as no matter how carefully prepared, after some time it acquires
 a grayish colour and becomes hard, when it  is no longer fit for use.   It
 has been stated, however, that  if neat's  foot  oil  be  used in  the pre-
 paration of citrine ointment instead of olive oil, it is  not changed  by
 keeping.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Citrine ointment is an excellent appli-
 cation in many forms of chronic ophthalmia,  being especially  useful
 when the eyelids are  the seat  of the disease ; for this purpose it is
 generally diluted with an  equal weight of lard. It is also an excellent
application to herpetic  eruptions, and  to  chronic  eczema,  impetigo or
porrigo of the scalp, provided no inflammatory symptoms  be present.

  Hydrargyri oxydum,  L.   Hydrargyri  oxydum nigrum, D.—Ox-
ide of Mercury.   Sub-oxide of Mercury.   Black Oxide of Mercury.

  Preparation.—Dub.—"Sublimed calomel, 1 part; water of caustic pot-
ash, heated, 4 parts; triturate together until the oxide acquires  a black  co-
 lour, and wash frequently with water; then with a medium heat, dry the
oxide on bibulous paper."— Lond.—" Chloride of mercury, §i.; lime water,
cong. j • mix, and frequently shake them.  Set by, and when the oxide  has
subsided, pour cff the liquor; lastly wash it in  distilled water until nothing
alkaline can be perceived, and dry it in the air wrapped in bibulous paper." 
stimulants, special.                  335
   Properties.—This is a black or grayish-black, heavy powder, taste-
 less and odourless.  Its density is 1069 ; its composition, Hg2 O.  Ex-
 posed to  heat, it is resolved into metallic mercury and the oxide, and
 this change takes place slowly at ordinary temperatures, under the ac-
 tion of strong light;  it then acquires a yellowish tinge.   It is insolu-
 ble in water, and in the solutions of the alkalies, but it dissolves in ni-
 tric and acetic acids, combining with them to form salts.
   Adulterations.—This preparation frequently contains the higher ox-
 ide, which may be detected by digesting for a short time with dilute
 muriatic acid, and straining ; the acid dissolves  out  the  higher oxide
 only, which is thrown down  in the form of a yellow precipitate on the
 addition of solution of potash.  If it contain any fixed impurity, it will
 not be entirely dissipated by  heat.  Metallic mercury may be  detected
 by the black oxide not being completely soluble in acetic acid.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Black oxide of mercury produces the
 usual effects of  the mercurial preparations, but  owing  to its varying
 composition, and the difficulty of preserving it unchanged, it is not em-
 ployed internally.  It  is applied externally  in  the form of ointment,
 (consisting of 1 part  of oxide to 5 of lard), and it forms the active part
 of black wash, a most excellent application  to chancres and other vene-
 real sores, and which is in very general  use.—Lotio nigra, Black
 wash, (Calomel, 3i. ; lime water, f|xij.; mix).  This wash  must be
 well shaken, so as to  suspend the black oxide every time it is used.  It
 is employed with  benefit in most foul and  indolent sores, although not
 of a venereal origin.   Black oxide of  mercury is also employed for
 mercurial fumigations, (see Hydrargyri sulphuretum rubrum.)

   Hydrargyri oxydum rubrum, D.  [U. S.] Hydrargyri  binoxt-
 dum, L. [U. S.]—Red oxide of Mercury.  Binoxide of Mercury. Oxide
 of Mercury.

   Preparation.—Dub.—" Purified mercury, any quantity, put it into a  glass
 matrass with a long narrow neck, and expose it  to a  heat  of about 600°,
 until it is converted into red scales." Lond.—" Bichloride of mercury,  §iv.;
 solution of potash, fgxxviij; distilled water, Ovj.; dissolve the  bichloride
 in the water ; strain and add the solution of potash.  The liquor being pour-
 ed off, wash in distilled water the powder  thrown down, until nothing  alka-
 line can be perceived, and dry it with a gentle heat."  ["Mercury, gxxxvj.;
 nitric acid, fgxiv.; water, Oij. ;  dissolve  the -mercury, with a gentle  heat,
 in the acid and water, previously mixed together, and evaporate to dryness.
 Rub the dry mass into powder, and heat it in  a very shallow vessel till red
 vapours cease to rise."  U. S.]

   Physical  Properties.—This oxide is met with in the form of small
 brilliant red  scales,  when  prepared according to the formula of the
 Dublin Pharmacopoeia-; but when obtained by the process of  the Lon-
 don College,  it is  an orange-red powder, odourless, with  a disagreea-
 ble metallic taste.  Sp. gr. 11074.
   Chemical Properties.—Its composition is Hg O, being a protox-
 ide.  At a heat below redness, it is entirely  resolved into metallic mer-
 cury and  oxygen, and is therefore frequently employed  in chemistry
 for procuring that gas.   It is very slightly  soluble in water,  the solu-
tion  acting feebly alkaline on vegetable colours.
  Adulterations.—This preparation  seldom  contains any  impurity. 
336                 stimulants, special.
The best test of its freedom from adulteration is  its complete solubil-
ity in muriatic acid.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Red oxide of mercury is not employed
internally in medicine,  in  the present day.   It was formerly used to
produce salivation.  The dose is from gr. J- to gr. iss. in  pill.  It may
be used externally for the same purposes as the nitric oxide (see page
118), but is less caustic.  It forms the  active part of yellow  wash,
which is preferred by some to black wash, as an application to venere-
al sores.—Lotioflava,  Yellow wash, (Corrosive sublimate, 9j.  ; lime
water, f§xij.; mix).

  Hydrargyri persulphas, D.—Persulphate of Mercury.   Sulphate
of Mercury.

  Preparation.—" Purified mercury ; and sulphuric acid, of each, 6  parts ;
nitric acid, 1 part; expose them to heat in  a glass vesssel, and  increase the
heat until a perfectly dry, white mass be obtained."

  This preparation, the composition of which is Hg O, SO3,  has
not been used in medicine.   It is introduced into the pharmacopoeias,
as being employed in the  preparation  of sulphuric oxide of mercury,
(see page 193), of sublimed calomel, and of corrosive sublimate.

  Hydrargyri submurias ammoniatum, D.  Hydrargyri ammonio-
chloridum, L.  Hydrargyri precipitatum album, E.  [Hydrargy-
rum ammoniatum, U.  S-]  White precipitate.  Ammoniated submuri-
ate of Mercury.   Ammonio-chloride of Mercury.   White precipitate
of  Mercury.

  Preparation.—Dub.—" Add to the liquor which is poured off from  pre-
cipitated calomel sufficient water of cajistic ammonia, to throw down the
metallic salt ,* which is to be washed with cold water, and dried on bibulous
paper."—Lond.—Edin.—" Bichloride of mercury  (corrosive sublimate, E.),
|vj.; distilled  water, Ovj.; solution of  ammonia,  f§viij. ;  dissolve the
corrosive sublimate in the water with  the aid of heat; to this when  cold,
add the  ammonia,  stirring frequently;  collect  the powder thrown down
(on  a calico filter, E ), and wash  it thoroughly  (with cold water E.),
(until it is free from taste, then dry it, L.)."

   Physical Properties.—This preparation is in the form of a bulky
milk-white  powder, odourless but having a styptic metallic taste.
   Chemical  Properties.—It is a true chloro-amidide of mercury,
 its formula being Hg  CI -j- Hg Ad  (Kane).   It is insoluble  in cold
 water ; by boiling water it is decomposed  into sal-ammoniac which is
 dissolved, and into a heavy yellow powder (chloro-amidide and binox-
 ide of mercury, Kane) which is insoluble in water.  White precipitate
 may be distinguished from calomel by solution of ammonia, which  does
 not alter the former, but blackens the latter.  When heated suddenly,
 it is completely dissipated.
   Adulterations.—I have never met with any impurity in this  prepa-
 ration.  The London College has given the following tests for  its pu-
 rity, which have reference to its  adulterations with starch, with white
 lead, with sulphate or carbonate of lime, or with  black  oxide of  mer-
 cury :—Totally evaporated by heat.  When digested with acetic  acid, 
stimulants, special.                   337
iodide of potassium throws down nothing either yellow or blue.  The
powder rubbed with lime water does not become black.  It is totally dis-
solved  by hydrochloric acid without effervescence.—When heated with
solution of potash it becomes yellow, and emits ammonia."
  Therapeutical  Effects.—White precipitate is not used as an in-
ternal remedy.  Externally in the  form of ointment, it is an excellent
application in  many forms of chronic cutaneous diseases, as herpetic
eruptions, sycosis mentis,  impetigo, &c.—Unguentum  Hydrargyri
submuriatis ammoniati, D.—Hydrargyri ammonio-chloridi, L.—pre-
cipitati albi, E.  (White precipitate, 3i- ;  prepared lard, §iss.;  add the
white precipitate to the lard melted over a slow fire, and mix).

  Hydrargyri sulphuretum nigrum, D. [U. S.]   Hydrargyri sul-
phuretum cum sulphure, L.—Black Sulphuret of Mercury. JEthiops
Mineral.

  Preparation.—Dub.—Lond.—" Mercury (purified,  D.);  and  sulphur,
(sublimed, D.), of each, 1 part (Ibj., L.); rub them together (in  a stone-
ware mortar, D.)  until globules are no longer visible."

  Properties.—This is a heavy, black, insipid, and  inodorous powder,
the composition of which is not well known.  It is insoluble in water.
By heat it is fused, and completely dissipated.
  Adulterations.—The complete dissipation by heat will show the ab-
sence of any fixed impurity, such as charcoal, or ivory black.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—This  preparation was  at one time em-
ployed as an alterative in glandular and cutaneous diseases, but in the
present day it is  rarely used.  The dose  of it is from gr. v. to 3ss.

  Hydrargyri sulphuretum rubrum, D. [U.S.J Hydrargyri bisul-
phuretum, L. Cinnabaris, E.—Red Sulphuret of Mercury.  Cin-
nabar.

  Preparation.—Dub.—Lond.—Edin.—" Mercury, (purified, D.), 21 parts
(ibij.. L.  E); sulphur (sublimed, D.), 3 parts (§v. L. E); mix the mercu-
ry with the sulphur melted, (and as soon as the mass swells up, remove the
vessel from the fire.JL,. E.) ; and cover the vessel closely to prevent the mass
from taking fire.   Then  reduce the material to powder (as soon as it is cold,
E.), and sublime it."  [Mercury, §xl.; sulphur, gviij; Mix the mercury with
the melted sulphur over the fire; and, as soon as the mass begins to swell,
remove the vessel  from the fire, and cover it with considerable force, to pre-
vent combustion; then rub the mass into powder, and sublime." U. S.]

  Physical Properties—This is the most common  ore of mercury.
When  prepared  for medical use, it occurs in the form of dark red
crystalline masses, which when reduced to fine powder are of a  brilliant
rich-red colour, and then constitute the pigment Vermillion. It  is with-
out odour or taste, and is insoluble in water, alcohol, or ether.   Its sp.
gr. is 8-l.
  Chemical Properties.—Cinnabar is composed  of one eq.  of mer-
cury and one of sulphur, its formula being Hg,  S.   It is permanent  in
the air ;  by exposure to heat it is first blackened, and then  totally dis-
sipated.   It is inflammable, burning  with  a blue flame, and a sulphur-
ous-acid adour.
  Adulterations.—Cinnabar is very  liable to be adulterated with red
                                 29 
338
stimulants, special.
 lead, with realgar (sulphuret of arsenicum), with  red  oxide  of iron,
 and with  earthy impurities.   When  heat is  applied,  oxide of iron or
 any earthy matter will be left; if the impurity be red-lead, metallic
 globules of lead will remain.  Sulphuret of arsenicum may be detect-
 ed by the usual tests for the preparations of that metal (see page 116).
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Cinnabar is not used as an  internal re-
 medy.  It is the  preparation of  the metal most generally employed for
 mercurial fumigations ;  for  which purpose it is  thrown on a plate of
 heated iron, and the fumes thus evolved,  either inhaled to produce sali-
 vation, or directed on ulcerated parts.   Mercurial  fumigations, how-
 ever, may be conducted in a much more easy manner, as proposed by
 the  late Mr. Colles, " by directing the  intended dose of  cinnabar or
 grey oxide of mercury to be mixed with melted  wax, and  with a cot-
 ton wick  be moulded into a  small candle ; this may be stuck on a com-
 mon plate, and then burned under a curved glass funnel,  which is to be
 raised about an inch from the plate."  Fumigations with the mercurial
 candle may be conveniently directed on any part of the body.   They
 were highly recommended  by Mr. Colles, for those obstinate ulcera-
 tions which occur about the roots of the  nails.

   Indigo.—Indigo.  A peculiar coloring matter  obtained from the
 leaves of several species  of the genus Indigofera, especially tinctoria
 and cerulaa; which are natives of India, and belong to the Natural
 family, Leguminosa (Fabacea, Lindley), and to  the Linnaean class and
 order Diadelphia Decandria.

   Preparation.—The plants are cut down just before the flowers appear,
 placed in large vats and covered with water; in which they are left for about
 12 hours, until fermentation takes place,  which process is sometimes promo-
 ted by using lime water.   The liquor, which has acquired a yellow colour,
 is drawn ofl, into another vat,  beaten with rods, and constantly agitated until
 it becomes blue, and the  indigo precipitates.  It is then drained on calico,
 pressed and dried.

   Physical Properties.—Indigo as  met with  in  commerce  is of a
 deep  blue colour shaded  with violet, smooth and hard; when rubbed
 it acquires a metallic appearance.  It is  inodorous, but has a  some-
 what metallic taste.
   Chemical Properties.—Indigo is a compound substance consisting
 of a glutinous matter, indigo  blue  (indigotin),  indigo  brown, and
 indigo red.  The formula of indigo blue is C16 Hs N O2.  It  is in-
 soluble in water, in  cold alcohol and in ether; it is partially soluble in
 boiling alcohol.
   Therapeutcal Effects.—Indigo has been recently employed on
 the Continent-in the treatment of nervous and spasmodic diseases, and
 it is said with great success.  The diseases in which it has been found
to be peculiarly beneficial are idiopathic epilepsy, chorea, hysteria, and
 convulsions.
   Dose  and Mode of Administration.—It should  be given  in as
large doses as the stomach will bear,  but as it acts with much differ-
ence on different individuals, the dose should not at first exceed five
grains three times a day, but it should be rapidly increased  until §j., or
even  more  is taken daily.   It is best administered  in  the  form of
electuary, made with one part of indigo and two of syrup  or honey; 
STIMULANTS, SPECIAL.
339
with which, aromatics are in general combined.—Compound Pills of
Indigo, (Indigo, gr. xv. ; Opium, powdered, gr. ij.; extract of valerian ;
and extract of cinchona,  of each,  gr. xxij. ;  mix and divide 'into  24
pills).   Dose, 4 daily.  This combination has been highly praised by
M. Michel, in  idiopathic  epilepsy ; he directs  for the patient  at the
same time a wine-glassful of infusion of arnica morning and evening.

   Iodinium, D. L.  Iodineum, E.   Iodinum, U. S.—Iodine.

  Preparation.—Iodine is an article of the Materia Medica in the three
British Pharmacopoeias.  It is procured by the manufacturers on the large
scale from  the  ashes obtained  by burning various species  of sea weed.
These ashes, technically called kelp, are lixiviated  with water to which
they yield about half their  weight of salts.   The mother liquor is poured
off from these salts which are deposited by  evaporation and crystallization ;
it is then treated with sulphuric  acid, and  as soon as all effervescence has
ceased in about a day or two, it is put into leaden retorts with black oxide of
manganese, and heated to 140Q F., when the iodine passes over in the state
of vapour and is condensed in proper  receivers.—" As met with in com-
merce, iodine is generally adulterated with variable proportions of water,
and being consequently unfit  for making pharmaceutic preparations of fixed
and uniform strength,  it must be dried by  being placed in a shallow basin
of earthen-ware in a small confined space of air, with ten or twelve times its
weight of fresh burnt lime,  till it scarcely adheres  to the  inside of a  dry
bottle,"  Edin.

   Physical Properties.—Iodine is generally met with in the form of
small crystalline scales, often accreted into masses  of a bluish-black
colour, with a metallic lustre.   It  has a strong disagreeable odour  re-
sembling that of chlorine, and a very acrid taste.  From a solution in
liquid hydriodic acid, it may be obtained in tolerably large crystals,
which  are oblique octohedrons with a rhombic  base.   Its density is
4-947.
   Chemical Properties.—Iodine is an elementry body existing in
 combination in both kingdoms of  nature.   It evaporates  slowly at the
usual temperature if exposed to the air, and more rapidly  if moistened.
It fuses at 225°, and  boils at 347°. Exposed to  an increased tem-
perature  it is volatilized  in the   form  of a beautiful violet-coloured
vapour, from  whence  it has derived its name,  ('IdtSrjg, violet).  It
requires 7000 parts of pure water  for its solution, to which it  imparts
a brownish colour ;  it is  much   more  soluble in  alcohol, and very
soluble  in ether.  Solutions  of the iodides in  water dissolve much
iodine; the best characteristic of  iodine is its action on starch, (see
page 165).
   Adulterations.—Iodine  is  frequently  adulterated with fixed sub-
stances, such as charcoal,  plumbago, black oxide of manganese, &c,
all  of which may be readily detected by their not being sublimed  on
the application of heat, or by their being left as an insoluble residue
when iodine is treated with alcohol.  Attention has been also directed
 by Professor Christison to an adulteration of much consequence, that
with water, of which it  frequently contains  from 15 to 20 per cent:
that is  to say, §j. of iodine  may contain 5iss. or  even more of water.
It may be readily detected by pressing a specimen  between  folds of
filtering paper, or by snaking it in a very dry bottle.  If greater  ac-
curacy be required, the test of the Edinburgh Pharmacopaia  may be 
340
STIMULANTS, SPECIAL.
applied—"Gr. xxxix.  with gr. ix. of quick lime,  and f§iij. of water
when heated short of ebullition, slowly form a perfect solution, which
is yellowish or brownish, if the iodine be pure, but colourless if  there
be above two per cent of water or other impurity."
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Introduced  into the  stomach,  iodine
exerts a local irritant action on that viscus, causing nausea and vomiting;
in large doses, it produces the effects  of an  irritant  poison,  but in
many instances even when taken in enormous quantities,  it has  pro-
duced scarcely any effect.  In slight or medicinal doses, iodine  acts
as a special stimulant to the glandular system, generally at the same
time  affecting the organs of secretion, increasing the quantity of fluid
secreted.   Under the  continued use of small doses of this substance,
the removal or palliation of disease  will sometimes take place without
any perceptible action on  the system generally; in other instances,
much emaciation and derangement of the digestive functions will be
produced ; while the very reverse effect, namely, deposition of fat and
increased appetite, has been noticed by many as the consequence  of a
lengthened administratton of iodine.  A curious fact,  but  which has
been rarely if at all witnessed in this country, is, that absorption of the
mammae in females, and washing of the  testicles in males have  been
produced  by the continued administration of iodine.
   A  remarkable train of   symptoms, characterising  a peculiar dis-
ordered state of the system which- has been named iodism, frequently
arises when the use of this substance in  frequent small doses has  been
persisted  in for a long time.  These symptoms are nausea, head-ache,
general languor and loss of appetite, followed by vomiting and purging,
extreme depression, frequent  small pulse, great  weakness,  fainting,
dry cough, occasionally attended by inflammation of the mucous mem-
brane lining the air passages,  and terminating in death, if the  iodine
be not abandoned in time.   Iodism is, however,  in the present  day,
rarely witnessed, and when it does occur, it is easily checked by sus-
pending the use of  the medicine.
   Iodine is a most valuable remedial agent in the treatment of glandular
enlargements,  and  in  scrofoulous affections ; but its employment is
contraindicated when acute inflammation is present.  In bronchocele, it
has proved more successful than  any other remedy  which has  been
ever  used; indeed there are  few  cases,  unless  where  the typhoid
gland has become completely indurated,  which will withstand the use
of iodine when continued steadily for six weeks or two months; and
even  cases where the gland is much indurated, are often remarkably
relieved.  In the innumerable varieties of scrofulous  affections,  this
remedy is most extensively used and with  decided advantage.   It  is
found particularly beneficial in glandular  swellings, tumors, abscesses,
ulcers,  ophthalmia,  and diseases of  the bones  occurring in scrofulous
constitutions.   Iodine  has also proved eminently successful in chronic
enlargements of the abdominal viscera, particularly the liver, spleen,
and ovaries.   In fine, it has been proposed as a remedy in phthisis, in
amenorrhoea, in leucorrhcea, in gout, in palsy, in chorea, in ascites, in
chronic cutaneous diseases, &c. ; but in  all these cases, its success is
very equivocal. The inhalation of the vapour of iodine  was at one
time  very much used in  the  treatment of phthisis  and  of chronic
bronchitis, but general experience  has proved its inutility.   An in-
jection  composed of one part of tincture of iodine and three parts  of 
STIMULANTS, SPECIAL.                 341
water, is used after  tapping,  for  the radical  cure of  hydrocele.
Topically, iodine is employed in the form of tincture or of ointment as
a local stimulant in many forms of chronic cutaneous  diseases, to en-
larged glands, in chronic swellings of the joints, to inflamed bursae, to
buboes, over large chronic abscesses, &c.
  Dose and Mode of  Administration.—Iodine is not administered
in substance.   The following are the simple preparations  which are
generally employed, but it is usually given in combination  with iodide
of potassium, (see page 350).—Tinctura Iodinii, D. E.  (Iodine, 9ij.
(§iiss., E.) ; rectified spirit, §j. (Oij., E.); dissolve the  iodine in the
spirit with the aid of a gentle heat and agitation ;  keep the tincture in
well closed bottles).—[Tinctura Iodini, U. S.  " Iodine, §i. ;  alcohol,
Oi.    Dissolve the iodine in the alcohol."]  One fluid-drachm (Dub.)
contains  gr. v. of iodine ;  Dose, min. v. to min. xx. two  or  three
times a day; it may be given  in f§ss.  of water and  sweetened with
simple syrup.—Unguentum Iodinii, D.  (Iodine, 9j. ; prepared  lard,
§j. ;  triturate together so as  to  make  an ointment)—[Unguentum
Iodini, U. S.   " Iodine, gr. xx. ; alcohol, m. xx. ; lard,  §i.   Rub the
iodine first  with the  alcohol and  then  with the  lard until  they are
thoroughly mixed."]  The simple iodine ointment is seldom used in the
present day.
  In  poisoning with iodine, emetics should be administered and  their
operation aided  by the  use of demulcent and  amylaceous drinks, as
starch, flour, &c, diffused  through tepid water  or milk.

  Morrhu.e oleum.  Oleum jecoris aselli.   Cod-liver Oil.

  Preparation.—This oil is obtained from the liver of the Common  Cod,
Morrhua Vulgaris, and of other  allied species, as the Ling—Gadus  Lola,
the  Dorse—Gadus Callarias,  the Torsk—Gadus Brosma, &c.  Much of
what  is met with is imported from Newfoundland, where it is  prepared by
exposing the livers to the sun to putrefy, when the oil runs from them and
is received in vessels placed  underneath.  What is drawn in this  country,
is procured by simply boiling  the fresh livers (exposing them to a tem-
perature not higher than 192*? F., Donovan), expressing and filtering.

  Physical  Properties.—As generally met with,  cod-liver  oil is
transparent, of a golden-brown colour, with the odour of fresh boiled
cod, and  a greasy, bland taste, leaving  a disagreeable impression  on
the palate.   Some specimens have a  very rancid odour, and an ex-
ceedingly nauseous taste.   On the Continent four varieties of different
colours are usually met  with, but in this country,  we  are  only ac-
quainted  with that above described.
  Chemical Properties.—According to the analysis of M.  Jongh, it
contains  three  peculiar principles, one  of which  has  been named
gadeine, oleic and margaric acids, glycerine traces of butyric, acetic,
fellinic, and cholinic acids, salts of soda, lime,  and  magnesia,  some
other unimportant substances,  phosphoric acid,  iodine, and  chlorine,
with a trace of  bromine.  It  is to the presence  of the  iodine, the
chlorine, and bromine, but more especially the  phosphates, that  its
peculiar  medicinal properties are due.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Cod-liver oil,  although at  one  time
much employed in  England, had completely fallen  into disuse,  until
within the last  few years ; whop .some extensive trials with it  as a
                               29* 
342
STIMULANTS, SPECIAL.
remedy in Germany, again directed attention to its value as a therapeu-
tic agent.  It has been employed in a great number of diseases, but it
appears to be particularly useful in chronic rheumatism,  in scrofulous
abscesses and caries of the bones, in phthisis, in arthritis, in rickets,
in strumous ophthalmia, and in obstinate cutaneous affections.   It is
productive of very great benefit in  the treatment of many forms of
neuralgia; and it  is  unquestionably a most  useful remedy in  many
cases of phthisis, indeed it is stated by some practitioners to hold out
the only hope of cure in this malady.   I have employed  cod-liver oil
in the treatment of some cases of diabetes, in all with much  benefit,
and in one  with complete  success.  In  most of these diseases, its
external-  application is beneficially combined with  its  internal use ;
and to prove successful, its administration  must be  preserved in for a
very long period, in some instances even for years; and  as large a
quantity taken as the  stomach will tolerate.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—The dose of this oil is from
f§ss. to f§i. two or three times a day, and gradually increased to f§iii.
or f§iv.   It may be given made into an  emulsion with  a solution of
potash and some aromatic water.  But no matter how it is attempted
to be disguised, it leaves a most  disagreeable and permanent  impres-
sion on the mouth and fauces, which together with  the length of time
its  administration must be persisted  in, has prevented it  from coming
into general use.  Dr. Ure has recently suggested the adoption of cod
livers as a diet for patients  who are  recommended to  take the  oil;
and in order to prevent the dissipation of the oil during  the cooking,
the livers should  be  suddenly immersed in  boiling water, to which
sufficient salt has  been added  to raise the boiling point to  220° F.
He states that  he  has used this diet himself without inconvenience,
employing mashed potato as  a vehicle  for  the  oil which exudes on
cutting the liver.   Copeland recommends the liver to be used as an
article of diet, prepared in the following way :—The stomach of the
fish is well washed, two parts filled  with the fresh liver, and  firmly
tied at each.end so as not to allow any  of  the  oil to  escape  whilst
 being boiled.  This  is eaten quite warm, with a little salt and spice,
in which state  he says that it is very  palatable.
   The oil obtained from the  liver of the Skate, Raia Clavata, has been
proposed as a  substitute for cod-liver oil; it  is stated to be less dis-
agreeable to the taste, and also fully more efficacious in its therapeutic
effects.

   Nux-vomica, D. L. E. [U. S.]  Seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica.
 A native of the Indian Continent, of the Coasts of Coromandel, and of
 the Island of Ceylon ; belonging to  the Natural family Apocynacea
 (Loginacea, Lindley), and to the Linnsean class and order Pentandria
 Monogynia.

   Botanical Characters.—A moderate sized  tree; Trunk thick, with a
 greyish  mottled bark covered in parts with a reddish-brown efflorescence ;
 Branches, opposite, long; Leaves, oval, shining, leathery, 5-nerved ; Flow-
 ers in small terminal corymbs greenish-white; Fruit, ovoid, orange-coloured
 one-celled, pulpy, about the size of a small apple, containing many  seeds.

   Physical Properties.—Strychnos seeds, nux-vomica, are about an
 inch in  diameter and two lines thick, round, nearly flat, umbilicated and
                                 25 
stimulants,  special.                 343
slightly convex on one side, concave on  the other.   Externally they
are of an ash-grey colour, satiny, covered with short yellowish hairs ;
internally they consist of a horny, whitish or yellowish albumen, which
separates into two parts, and contains, in a small cavity in the circum-
ference, the embryo with its two acuminate  cotyledons.  Nux-vomica
seeds are with  difficulty reduced to  powder; they are inodorous, but
have an acrid, intensely bitter taste.   The bark has been occasionally
met with in British commerce under the name of False-angustura bark
(see Cusparia).
  Chemical Properties.—Nux-vomica consists of two peculiar alka-
loids, strychnia and brucia, in combination with a peculiar acid, igasuric
or strychnic acid, with other unimportant matters.  Its medicinal pro-
perties depend on the alkaloids, the former of which is the more active,
and is officinal in the London and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias.  It is
prepared as follows :—

  Lond.—"Nux-vomica, bruised,  ibij.; rectified spirit, cong. iij. ; diluted
sulphuric acid;  magnesia ;  and solution of ammonia, of each, q. s. ; boil
the bruised nux-vomica with a gallon of the spirit for an hour in a retort, to
which a receiver is fitted, pour off the liquor, and again, and a third  time
boil what remains with another gallon of spirit, and the spirit recently dis-
tilled, and pour off the liquor.  Press the nux-vomica, and let the spirit dis-
til from the mixed and strained  liquors.  Evaporate what remains to the
proper consistence of an extract.   Dissolve  this in  cold  water and strain.
Evaporate the liquor with  a gentle heat until  it has the consistence of a
syrup.  To this, while yet warm gradually add the magnesia to saturation,
shaking them together.  Set it aside for two days, then pour off the super-
natant liquor.  Press what remains wrapped in cloth.  Boil it in the spirit,
then strain, and let the spirit distil.  Add to the residue a very little diluted
sulphuric acid mixed with water, and macerate with a gentle heat.  Set it
aside for 24 hours thatcrystals may form.  Pressand dissolve them.  After-
wards  to these dissolved in water add ammonia, frequently shaking them,
that the strychnia may be  thrown  down.  Lastly, dissolve this in boiling
spirit, and  set it aside  that  crystals may be produced."  Edin-—" Nux-
vomica, ibj.; quicklime, giss.; rectified spirit, q. s.; subject the nux-vomica
for  2 hours to the vapour of steam, chop or slice it, dry it thoroughly in the
vapour-bath or  hot-air press, and immediately grind it in a coffee-mill.
Macerate it for 12 hours in Oij. of water and boil it; strain through linen
or calico, and  squeeze the  residuum ; repeat the maceration and decoction
twice with Oiss. of water.   Concentrate the  decoctions to the consistence of
thin syrup ; add the lime in the form of milk of lime; dry the precipitate in
the vapour-bath, pulverize it, and boil it  with successive portions of rectified
spirit, till the spirit ceases  to acquire a bitter taste.  Distil off the spirit till
the residuum be sufficiently concentrated to  crystallize on cooling. Purify
the crystals  by repeated crystallizations."  [U.S.  "Nux-vomica, rasped,
Ibiv.; lime, in  powder, §vj.;  muriatic acid, f§iij.; alcohol;  diluted sul-
phuric acid ;  solution of ammonia;  purified animal charcoal;  water, each,
a sufficient quantity.  Digest the nux-vomica in cong. ij.  of water, acidula-
ted  with f§i. of muriatic acid, for 24 hours; then boil for two hours, and strain
with expression through a strong linen bag.  Boil the residuum twice suc-
cessively in the same quantity of acidulated water, each  time straining as
before.   Mix the decoctions and evaporate to the consistence of a thin syrup,
then add the lime previously mixed with Oj. of water, and boil for ten
minutes, frequently stirring.  Pour the mixture into a  double linen  bag,
and having washed the precipitate well with water, press, dry, and powder
it.  Treat the powder repeatedly with boiling alcohol, until deprived of its
bitterness;  mix the liquors;  and distil off the alcohol  by means of a water 
344
STIMULANTS, SPECIAL.
bath.  Mix the residue with water, and, having applied heat, drop in suffi-
cient diluted sulphuric acid to neutralize and dissolve the strychnia ; then
add the purified animal charcoal, boil for a few minutes, filter, evaporate,
and crystallize.  Dissolve the crystals in water, and add sufficient solution
of ammonia to precipitatejhe strychnia.  Lastly, dry the precipitate on
bibulous paper."]

  Strychnia crystallizes in colourless minute  octohedrons, but as met
with in commerce it is usually in the form of a greyish-white granular
powder ; it is odourless, but has an intensely bitter taste.  It is soluble
in 2500 parts of boiling, and in  6667 parts of cold water ; but this last
solution, if still further diluted with  100 times its weight more of water
tastes strongly bitter.  It dissolves in diluted  alcohol, but is insoluble
in absolute alcohol and in ether.  It is permanent in the air; it acts as
an alkali on vegetable colours, and  combines with  acids to  form salts.
The composition of strychnia is C44H23N204, (Regnault).
  Brucia is not employed in medicine, and therefore need not be par-
ticularly  described  here.  In  most  of  its  properties it  resembles
strychnia, but it is  more soluble in water, and produces  a rich  red
colour with nitric  acid, which  change does not occur with perfectly
pure strychnia.  Powdered nux-vomica is of a greyish-yellow colour;
it yields its active principles to water and diluted alcohol, but not to
ether.
  Adulterations.—According to Christison, powdered  nux-vomica is
frequently adulterated with  common  salt, but I have never met with
this impurity ;  it  may be  readily discovered,  by treating  the powder
with cold water, filtering, evaporating and crystallizing.  Strychnia is
very liable to adulteration, and  as met with in commerce is never1 free
from brucia and colouring matter, and consequently among the charac-
teristics of the alkaloid, the  Edinburgh  College has staled, that it is
strongly reddened by nitric  acid, which  as above remarked does not
occur unless brucia be present: that it is sufficiently pure for medical
purposes, may be  known  by the following test:—" A solution of gr.
x. in f3iv. of water by means' of f3i. of pyroligneous acid, when decom-
posed by f§i. of concentrated solution of carbonate of soda, yields on
brisk agitation an adhesive mass,  weighing when  dry gr. x. and en-
tirely soluble in solution of oxalic acid," Edinburgh Pharmacopaia.
  Therapeutical Effects.—In very small doses, nux-vomica appears
to act  as a tonic ;  but in somewhat  larger doses it operates as a special
stimulant to the medulla oblongata and spinal marrow, without affecting
the sensorium.  Its effects are principally exerted  on the nerves of
motion, as indicated by the spasmodic twitchings of the voluntary
muscles, which, when the dose is large or the use of small doses has been
continued for some time, amount to violent tetanic spasms.  It is a very
active poison, so small a dose as 3ss. of the powder, or gr. j.  of pure
strychnia having proved fatal;  the  symptoms which precede death are
simply those of tetanus and asphyxia.  As a medicinal agent, the prin-
cipal use of nux-vomica has been in the treatment  of chronic paralytic
affections; but as it does not prove equally serviceable in all  forms of
paralysis, and in some proves absolutely injurious, it will be necessary
to state the circumstances which demand or contra-indicate, its use.
  When  paralysis  is the consequence  of inflammatory action in the
brain or  spinal marrow, or is produced, by what is indee d the most
common cause, the pressure of effused  blood on the nervous centres, 
stimulants, special.                   345
nux-vomica always proves injurious, unless the inflammatory action
ha3 been previously subdued, or a length of time has elapsed since the
effusion  had taken place.  It more frequently  proves  beneficial  in
general than in partial paralysis, and in paraplegia than in hemiplegia.
It is, however, often of service in palsy of cert ain organs, as in incon-
tinence of urine depending on paralysis of the muscles of the bladder,
and in some forms of amaurosis when applied by the endermic method.
Nux-vomica and its alkaloid have been also employed in the treatment
of other affections of the nervous system, as in chorea,  epilepsy, and
nervous tremors ; in the latter of which it appears to have proved of
most service.   I have used extract  of nux-vomica with  much advan-
tage as an addition to purgatives in constipation depending on want of
tone in the muscular coat of the large intestines, one of  the most fre-
quent causes of this state in females, and one which is distinctly char-
acterized by the great secretion of flatus, and colicky pains which ac-
company it; for a nearly similar reason it is a most useful remedy in
the constipation of painter's colic.   In epidemic dysentery, its bene-
ficial effects have been highly spoken of in Germany and in Sweden ;
and by various practitioners it has been found successful  occasionally,
in the  treatment of amenorrhoea, of  hypochondriasis, of  dyspepsia, of
gastrodynia, of  prolapsus ani, of impotence, &c.   It is remarkable
that when administered in paralysis, the effects of nux-vomica on the
muscular system are principally, though not, as was one time imagined
—entirely confined to the paralysed parts.
   Dose  and Mode of Administration.—Nux-vomica may be  ad-
ministered in powder in doses of gr. v. gradually increased to gr. xx.;
but in  the present day, it is almost entirely, displaced by strychnia.—
Extractum Nucis  Vomica, D.  E.  [U. S.]  (" Nux-vomica, rasped,
§viij. ; proof spirit, by measure ibij.;  digest in a  closed vessel for 3
days, filter the liquor, and  express what remains by a press ; to this
add ibiss. of proof spirit, digest the mixture for 3 days, and express
the residuum.   Distil the mixed liquors to a fourth part, and reduce to
a  proper  consistence," D.—"Take of nux-vomica, any  convenient
quantity ; expose it in a proper vessel to  steam until it is completely
softened ; slice  it, dry it  thoroughly, and  grind  it in a  coffee-mill;
exhaust the powder either by percolating it with rectified spirit,  or by
boiling it with repeated portions of rectified spirit, till the spirit comes
off free of bitterness.   Distil  off the greater part of the spirit; and
evaporate what remains to  a  proper consistence in the vapour-bath,"
E.).  [" Nux-vomica, Ibj. ;  alcohol, q. s.   Expose  the nux-vomica to
steam till it is softened ; then  having sliced and dried  it, grind it into
powder.   Introduce it into an apparatus for displacement, and pour the
alcohol upon it  gradually until the  liquid passes without bitterness.
Distil off  the greater part of the alcohol  from the filtered liquor, and
evaporate the residue to the proper consistence," U. S.J  Dose, gr. ss.
gradually  increased to gr. iij. in the form of  pill.  When carefully
prepared,  this extract is an excellent  preparation, and might be used
instead of strychnia, which is very difficult to prepare, and in general
is so much adulterated.—Tinctura Nucis  Vomica, D.  (Nux-vomica,
rasped, §ii. ; rectified  spirit, §viij. ;  macerate  for 7 days and filter).
In consequence of its intense bitterness, the tincture is not much used
internally, it is, however, a most excellent remedy in the treatment of
nervous tremors and of other nervous  symptoms which are so  often 
346
STIMULANTS, SPECIAL.
dependent on dyspepsia  and hypochondriasis.  Externally it is some-
times employed in the form of embrocation to paralysed parts.   Dose,
min.  x.  to min. xxx.—Strychnia, L.  E.   Dose, l-12th  of  a grain
gradually and slowly increased until its effects are produced ;  always
diminishing the dose at first, when a  different  sample  of  the  drug is
employed.  It is usually given made into pill with crumb of bread, or
with conserve of roses:  but as it is difficult to divide it with sufficient
accuracy into pills,  a preferable method is to dissolve a grain  in f3ij.
of rectified spirit, with the aid of min. ij. of sulphuric or acetic acid ;
so that every min. x. of this solution will contain l-12th of a grain of
the salt of strychnia.  When applied by  the endermic method,  gr. ss.
of the alkaloid may be sprinkled over the surface previously denuded
of its cuticle, or the  above solution may be used.   No matter how ad-
ministered, great attention  is  requisite during the use of nux-vomica
or its alkaloid, in  consequence of their great activity as poisons, our
ignorance of any chemical antidote, and from the fact of some individ-
uals being much more susceptible of their effects than others.

  Plumbi Iodidum, L. E.—Iodide of Lead.

  Preparation.—Lond.—" Acetate of lead, §ix. ; iodide of potassium, §vij.;
distilled water, cong. j.: dissolve the acetate of lead in Ovj. of the water and
strain;  add to these  the iodide of potassium  first dissolved in Oij. of the
water, wash what is precipitated and dry it."—Edin.—" Iodide of potassium,
and nitrate of lead, of each, §ss.;  water, Oiss.; dissolve the salts separately,
each in one-half of the water,  add the solutions, collect the precipitate on a
filter of linen or calico, and wash it with water; boil the powder in cong. iij.
of water acidulated with f§iij. of pyroligneous acid.   Let any  undissolved
matter subside, maintaining the temperature near the boiling point, and pour
off the clear liquor, from which the iodide of lead will crystallize on cooling."

  Properties.—Iodide  of  lead  occurs in  the  form of a fine golden-
yellow powder, or in brilliant crystalline scales of the same  colour.  It
is odourless and tasteless ; it  is permanent in the air, but by exposure
to light, loses its brilliancy ; by heat it is fused.   It  is soluble in 1235
parts of Cold, and 194 parts  of boiling water ;  it is also soluble in solu-
tion  of potash.  The composition of iodide of lead is Pb. I.
  Adulterations.—I have not met with any adulteration in iodide of
lead.   The following tests for its purity are given in the  Edinburgh
Pharmacopoeia.—" Bright yellow ;  gr. v. are entirely soluble with the
aid of ebullition in ffj. of pyroligneous acid diluted with f§iss. of water ;
and golden crystals are abundantly deposited on cooling."
  Therapeutical Effects.—The effects  of this preparation are not
well understood; according to some, its internal  use  produces the con-
stitutional action of  lead ; according to others, that of iodine.   In this
country it is rarely given internally.  Externally  it  is  applied in the
form of ointment to  chronic glandular  enlargements, indolent  ulcers,
and obstinate cutaneous  affections  occurring in  strumous  habits.   It
is also employed with very  great benefit, as an application to cancerous
tumors, for which purpose it is particularly adapted  from its not pro-
ducing any cutaneous irritation, and from its being more actively pro-
motive of absorption than the other preparations of iodine.
   Dose  and Mode  of Administration.—Gr.  iij. to gr. v. made into
pill  with  conserve   of  roses or  extract  of liquorice.— Unguentum 
stimulants, special.
347
 Plumbi Iodidi, L.   (Iodide of lead, §i. ;  lard, §viij. ; rub together and
 mix.)   Half a drachm of this ointment may be rubbed in very gently,
 twich  a day over cancerous or other tumors.
   Incompatibles.—Sulphuric^ and carbonic  acids ;  and their salts.

   Potassii Bromidum, L.—Bromide of Potassium.

   Preparation.—Lond—"Bromine, |ij.;  carbonate of potash, §ij.  3J-;
 iron filings, §j.; distilled water,  Oiij. ; first add^ the  iron, and then ;the
 bromine to Oiss. of the  distilled water;  set them by' for half an hour, fre-
 quently stirring them with a spatula.  Apply a gentle  heat, and when  a
 greenish colour occurs,  pour  in the carbonate of potash dissolved in the re-
 mainder of the water;  strain, and wash what remains in Oij. of boiling
 distilled water, and again strain.   Let the mixed liquors be  evaporated so
 that crystals may  be formed."

   Properties.—This salt crystallizes in colourless,  transparent, rec-
 tangular prisms or cubes.   It is inodorous,  but has  an acrid  saline
 taste ; is very soluble in  w;ater, and but slightly soluble  in alcohol.
 The crystals  are unalterable in the air, exposed to heat they decrepi-
 tate, and fuse  at a  red heat without undergoing any change.   The
 composition of bromide of potassium is K. Br.
   Adulterations.—If  this  salt  contain  any  sulphate, it  will give  a
 white precipitate with solution of  chloride of barium.   It  is often
 adulterated with chloride  of potassium  or  chloride of sodium; the
 following is the test given by the London College for the detection of
 either inpurity :—"  Gr. x. decompose 14*28 grains of nitrate of silver,
 precipitating a yellow bromide  of silver which  is  little affected by
 nitric  acid, but is re-dissolved by ammonia."  If it  decompose more
 nitrate of silver  than  the  quantity above stated,  it is owing  to  the
 presence of a  chloride.
   Therapeutical Effects.—The  effects  of bromide  of  potassium
 are generally stated to be  analagous to those of iodide of potassium,
 which will  be presently stated ; and with this  opinion, my own ex-
 perience of its action, lead* me completely to coincide.   Dr. Williams
 of London  employed  it internally in  enlargements of the spleen, in
 which he states that it possesses unusual, if not specific powers.   But
 it has not proved equally successful in the hands of other practitioners.
 Externally  it has been employed in the form of ointment to scrofulous
 and indolent swellings.
   Dose and Mode  of Administration.—Gr.  iij. to gr. xij.  three
 times a day, dissolved in water and  sweetened  with syrup.   For an
 ointment, £)j. to 3'j* 0I" tne salt,  may be combined with §j. of lard; if
 a  stronger ointment, or one resembling  the compound iodine ointment,
 be wished for, min. vj. of bromine are to be added to this.
   Incompatibles.—Acids ; acidulous, and metallic salts.

   Potassii Iodidum,  L. E.   [U. S.]   Potass.e Hydriodas, D.—
 Iodide of Potassium;  Hydriodate of Potash.

   Preparation.—Dub —" bjdine,"l  part *,  sulphuret of iron,  in coarse
powder, 5 parts; sulphuric acid, 7 parts; distilled water, 48 parts ; water of
carbonate of potash, q.  s.; rectified spirit, 6 parts; mix  the iodine by
trituration with  16 parts of the water, and  put the mixture  into a glass ves-
sel.  Pour the acid, previously diluted  with 32  parts of water, upon the 
348                   STIMULANTS, SPECIAL.
sulphuret in a matrass, and from a tube fitted to the neck of the matrass, and
reaching to the bottom of ihe vessel containing the iodine and the water, pass
the gas through the mixture until the iodine disappears. Immediately evapo-
rate the filtered liquor with a superior heat to an eighth part, and then filter
it again.  Then  add by degrees as much carbonate  of potash  as  will be
sufficient to saturate the acid,  which is known by the cessation of the effer-
vescence.   Then expose the mixture to heat till a dry  white salt is left;
pour on it the spirit and dissolve with heat.  Finally, pour off the liquor
from the residual salt, evaporate to  dryness, and preserve in  well  stopped
bottles."—Lond.—" Iodine, gvj.; carbonate of  potash, 5iv. ; iron filings,
§ij. ; distilled water, Ovj.; mix the iodine with Oiv.  of the water, and add
the iron, stirring them frequently with a spatula for half an hour.   Apply
a gentle heat, and when a  greenish  colour occurs, add the  carbonate of
potash, first dissolved in the Oij. of water, and strain.  Wash what re-
mains with Oij. of boiling distilled water, and again strain.  Let the mixed
liquors be evaporated, so that crystals may  be formed."—Edin.—" Iodine,
(dry), §v.; fine  iron-wire,  §iij.; water,  Oiv.; carbonate of potash  (dry),
§ij. 3vj. ; with the water, iodine,  and iron-wire, prepare solution of iodide
of iron as directed for Ferri Iodidum.  Add immediately, while it is hot,
the carbonate of potash previously dissolved in a few ounces of water, and
stir carefully, filter the product, and wash the powder on the  filter with, a
little water.  Concentrate the liquor at a temperature  short of ebullition, till
a dry salt be obtained ; which is to be purified from a little  red oxide of
iron and other impurities, by dissolving it  in less  than  its  own  weight of
boiling water, or still better, by boiling it in  twice its weight of  rectified
spirit,  filtering the solution, and setting it aside to crystallize.  More crys-
tals may be obtained by concentrating  and cooling the residual  liquor."
[U. S.  " Iodine, §yj.; iron filings,  giij.; carbonate of potassa, |iv. or q. s.
distilled water, Oiv.   Mix the iodine with Oiij. of distilled water, and add
the iron filings, stirring frequently with a spatula for half an hour.  Apply
a gentle heat, and, when the liquor assumes a greenish colour, add gradual-
ly the carbonate of potassa, previously dissolved in Oss. of  distilled  water,
until it ceases to produce a precipitate.  Continue the heat for half an hour
and then filter.  Wash the residuum with Oss. of the distilled water, boil-
ing hot, and filter.   Mix the filtered liquors, and  evaporate so that crystals
may form.   Pour off the liquid, and dry  the crystals on bibulous  paper."]

   Physical Properties.—This  salt crystallizes in white,  opaque,
cubes or quadrangular prisms; at present generally met  with in frag-
ments  of well defined cubes six to eight lines square,  and  having  a
pearly lustre.   It has a pungent, saline taste, but is inodorous.
   Chemical Properties.—It is composed of one equivalent of potas-
sium and one of iodine, K I.   It does not deliquesce when pure, unless
there  is much moisture in the atmosphere; exposed to heat it decrepi-
tates,  and fuses at  a red heat, but  is  not decomposed.    100 parts  of
water at 64° dissolve 143 parts of the salt; it is soluble in 5 or 6 parts
of alcohol.  The watery solution is neutral when  pure, it possesses the
property of dissolving iodine in large quantity,  forming  a  brown liquid
called  ioduretted iodide of potassium.
   Adulterations.—Iodide of potassium, as met with in the  form of large
 cubical crystals, seldom contains any impurity.  Formerly when it was
 not so carefully crystallized, it was very frequently adulterated with
 carbonate of potash.   This fraud is readily detected by the alkalinity
 of the specimen, by its being deliquescent, and by its  giving white
 precipitates with  nitrate of baryta or  with  lime-water.   Water  is
 sometimes  present as  an  impurity, it may be  detected by  drying the
 Bait and ascertaining the loss of weight.  If the salt contain iodale of 
STIMULANTS, SPECIAL.                  349
potash, it becomes of a pinkish colour and emits an odour of iodine
when  kept  for some time ; its  presence may be readily detected  by
adding tartaric acid to a  solution  of the salt, if any iodide be present,
free iodine  will be immediately developed.  The freedom from chlo-
ride of potassium or of sodium, impurities not unfrequently met with, is
best ascertained by the following  test:—"A solution of gr. v. in f§i.
of distilled water,  precipitated  by  an  excess  of solution of nitrate of
silver,  and then  agitated in a bottle with a  little aqua  ammonia?,
yields quickly by subsidence a  clear supernatant liquid, which  is not
altered by  an  excess of nitric acid, or is rendered merely hazy,"
Edinburgh Pharmacopaia.   It has  been latterly much  adulterated
with bromide  of potassium, owing to the high  price of iodine ; the
adulteration must  be, however, looked on as one of no importance, if
as  I have already  stated my opinion,  their medicinal action be identi-
cal.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Iodide of  potassium is in many res-
pects analogous in its  operation to iodine ; but  it frequently produces
very different physiological and therapeutical effects.  Like iodine it
is taken into the circulation,  and  may be detected in the different se-
cretions and excretions, even several days after it has been swallowed.
In some individuals iodide of potassium when given even in very small
doses produces swelling of the face and tongue, followed by ptyalism,
and this effect I have  seen produced in one individual who had not
taken  more than ten grains of the salt.  While on the other hand,
many  have continued its use  for months  without  the  production of
iodism, or any  other physiological  effect whatever.   In the different
varieties of scrofula  and in bronchocele, iodide of potassium is gene-
rally given in  combination  with iodine, the beneficial  effects  of
which in  these  diseases it  seems  to increase much.    In secon-
dary syphilitic  affections,  few remedies  are so much employed in
the present day, or with  so much  benefit, as iodide of potassium : it
is peculiarly adapted  for  those cases  in  which mercury has been ad-
ministered in large quantity in the primary stage, or where the  indi-
vidual is of a scrofulous  habit.  The particular  forms  of  secondary
syphilis in  which it is of most service are, sore throat, nodes, caries
and other diseases of the bones, and the tubercular eruptions of the skin.
This salt has been also employed  with much benefit in the treatment
of articular rheumatism,  in chronic  rheumatism with  alteration  of
structure, in lumbago, in sciatica, in periostitis, in dropsy,  in ame-
norrhoea,  in leuchorrhoea, in chronic  induration and  enlargement of
various organs,  &c  The external use of iodide of potassium in the
form of ointment  or  of bath, is usually combined with its  internal
administration.
  Dose and Mode  of Administration.—Gr.  v.  to  gr. xv. three
times a day ; to prove benefieial it must be  given  in full  doses, in-
creased as  far as the  individual  can bear.   It is  best administered
simply dissolved in water and sweetened with syrup ; or in some bit-
ter infusion, as in  infusion of quassia.   The power  of the solution of
dissolving iodine has been before referred  to.—Liquor Potassii Iodidi
compositus, L.   Iodinei Liquor compositus, E.   (Iodide of potassium,
gr.  x.  (§i., E. ;) iodine, gr. v.  (3ij., E. ;) distilled  water, Oj,. (f§xvj.,
E.  ;) mix and (with the  aid of a gentle heat and agitation, E.) dis-
solve.)  Dose,  L.  f3i. to  fgss.—E. min. v.  to min.  xv.   [Liquor 
350
STIMULANTS, special.
Iodini compositus, U.  S.  Iodine, 5vj.; iodide of potassium, giss. ;
distilled water, Oj.  Dissolve the iodine and the iodide of potassium in
the water."  Dose from min. v. to min. xx.]  It may be further diluted
with water.—Tinctura Iodinii  composita, L.   (Iodine, §i. ; iodide of
potassium, gij. ;  rectified  spirit, Oij. ;  macerate until they are dis-
solved and strain.)  [Tinctura  Iodini  composita,  U. S.   " Iodine,
§i. ; iodide of potassium ; alcohol, Oj.   Dissolve the  iodine and iodide
of potassium in the alcohol."]   Dose, min. x.  to min. xxx., in f§j., of
any aromatic water, or in white wine.—Unguentum Potassa Hydrio-
datis, D.   (Hydriodate of potash, 9j.; prepared lard,  §i.; rub together
and  make into an ointment.)—Unguentum Iodinii  compositum, L.
Unguentum  Iodinei,  E.  [Unguentum Iodini compositum,  U. S.]
(" Iodine, 3ss. ;  iodide of potassium, 3i-; rectified spirit, f3i. ; lard,
§ij. ; first rub the  iodine and iodide of potassium with-the spirit, then
mix with  the lard," L.  [U. S.]   The Edinburgh  College  omits the
spirit,  but uses the same portions of the  other ingredients.)  About
the size of a nut of this ointment should be rubbed  into the affected
part twice or three times a day.
  Incompatibles.—Acids; and acidulous, and metallic salts.

  Spongia officinalis, D.—The officinal Sponge.  Sponge is of very
general use in  the  practice of surgery.   As a medicinal agent, burnt
sponge was used before the discovery of iodine in the treatment  of
bronchocele and of scrofulous affections ; but as its medicinal virtues
depended on the  presence of that substance, it has fallen  completely
into disuse.  The following preparation is still retained in the Dublin
Pharmacopoeia :—Pulvis Spongia usta, D.  (Having cut sponge into
pieces, beat it  to free  it from little  stones ;  burn  it in a closed iron
vessel till it becomes  black and  friable, and reduce it to  powder.)
Dose, 3j- to 3iij-, made into an electuary with cinnamon and honey.

  Sulphuris Iodidum.—Iodide of Sulphur.

  Preparation.—Bruise together in a mortar 4 parts of iodine and 1 of sul-
phur; put the mixture into a glass matrass, and expose it to a very gentle
heat;  as soon as the colour deepens, and union begins to take place, aug-
ment the heat gradually until the whole is fused ;  cool rapidly, and preserve
in well stopped vessels.

  Properties.—This  compound is met with in brownish plates, with
a radiated crystalline structure.   It has a strong odour of iodine, and
an acrid taste.   Its elements are easily disunited, the iodine entirely
escaping when it is-left exposed to the air.  Its composition is S2 I.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Iodide of sulphur is not used internally
in medicine.   Externally in  the  form of ointment, it  has  been em-
ployed with much success in the treatment of  obstinate cutaneous dis-
eases,  particularly lupus, porrigo, acne  indurata, herpes,  and lepra.
The ointment is  prepared by rubbing  together from gr. xxiv. to gr.
xxxvj  of the iodide and gi. of lard.
  Incompatibles.—Acids ; acidulous, and metallic  salts. 
tonics.                         351
                       CHAPTER  XXI.

                            TONICS.

                          (Corroborants).

  Tonics  are substances, the continued administration of which, in
debilitated and relaxed conditions of the body, imparts  strength and
vigour without producing any sudden excitement.  Tonics to a certain
extent are stimulants, inasmuch as they arouse the vital energies, but
the excitement is slowly produced, and is permanent; if, however,
they are given when the system is in  a healthy  state, their  primary
action like that of stimulants, is  followed by collapse.  This, then, is
another example of how necessary it is to remember, that  medicines
are but relative agents, their effects being almost entirely dependant on
the state of health or disease in which they are administered.  There
is no class of remedial agents which requires more discrimination in
their  administration than  Tonics ; nor any, the injudicious use  of
which more frequently produces evil consequences.   The  diseases in
which this class of remedial  agents  are  principally employed, must
manifestly  be those of diminished power.  In  no case, however,
should they be prescribed where  there is tendency to irritation or in-
flammation of the digestive organs, or where the secretions  are in a
depraved state, without the previous use of  means calculated to  re-
move the former  or correct the  latter ; to effect which, the employ-
ment of mild purgatives will, in  most instances, be found best adapt-
ed.  Tonics have a marked action on the various organs of secretion,
their effects being to restore them to a  healthy state.  They are con-
sequently administered  with the view of diminishing secretion when
it is excessive or of restoring it  when deficient, if either condition de-
pend, as it so frequently does, on inertia or want of tone in the secre-
ting organ.  Independently of their tonic  properties, some of the re-
medies contained in this class possess a specific power in ague and
other periodical diseases, and hence have been denominated Febrifu-
ges; as examples, we may refer to Cinchona bark, Arsenic, &c.
  Absinthium, L. E. [U. S.]  Artemisia absinthium,  summitates
florentes,  D.—Wormwood.   The herb  (flowering tops, D.) of Ar-
temisia absinthium.   Indigenous ; belonging to the  Natural family
Composita (Asleracea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean class and order
Syngenesia Superflua.

  Botanical Characters.—An undershrub,  1-1J foot high, erect, covered
with silky hoariness;  Leaves, bipinnatifid, downy, segments lanceolate;
Flowers in erect leafy panicles, hemispherical, drooping, large, dingy yel-
low.

  Properties.—The whole plant is aromatic and bitter, with a strong
disagreeable odour.  Its  most  important  constituents  are, bitter ex-
tractive, bitter resin, and a trace of volatile  oil; it yields  its proper- 
352
TONICS.
lies to both water and alcohol.  The herb when carefully dried  with
a stove heat retains its aroma and bitterness for a long time.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Wormwood is an excellent bitter tonic,
although not much employed  at present.  It is well adapted for  giv-
ing tone to  the digestive organs in debilitated habits.
  Dose  and Mode of Administation.—In  powder, 3ss. to  31-—In-
fusum Absinthii,  (Wormwood, dried, §iss. ;  boiling water, Oj. ; in-
fuse for an  hour and strain).   Dose, f§j. to fgij.—Tinctura Absinthii,
Amst.   (Dry wormwood  cut  fine, one  part;  proof spirit, six parts;
macerate for 6 days, express and filter). Dose, f3ij. to f§ss.—Extrac-
tum Artemisia Absinthii,  D.   (Prepared as the simpler extracts).  In
the preparation of this extract, the aroma  is completely dissipated, but
it still retains the bitterness of the plant.  Dose, gr. x. to gr. xx.
  Incompatibles.—The  sesqui-salts of iron ;  acetate  of iead ;  and
sulphate of zinc.

  Acidum muriaticum dilutum, D. E. [U  S.]  Acidum hydrochlo-
ricum dilutum, L.—Dilute Muriatic (Hydrochloric, L.) acid.

  Preparation.—Dub.—" Muriatic acid, by measure 10 parts;  distilled
water, by measure 11 parts; mix.  Sp. gr. 1080."—Lond.  Edin.  [U.S.]
 "Hydrochloric (muriatic, E. [U.S.])  acid, f§iv.;  distilled Mater, f§xij.;
mix," [in a glass vessel, U. S.]

   Muriatic acid (described in the division Caustics),  properly diluted,
 acts  as a  tonio,  and as  such, is employed in those forms of fever
which were formerly supposed to depend on a putrescent condition of
 the fluids of the  body, as in  petechial fevers, malignant scarlatina,
 phagedenic ulceration of the throat, scurvy, &c.   It is also an excel-
 lent  tonic in debility of the digestive organs, particularly when attend-
 ed with a deposit of phosphates from the urine, and  in that  state of
 the alimentary canal which favours  the generation of worms.  Inde-
 pendently of its action as a caustic, dilute muriatic acid is an excel-
 lent addition to gargles in ulcerated  sore throat, when there is no ten-
 dency to inflammation present; it is also employed with much advan-
 tage  in the sore throat of  scarlatina.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Acidum Muriaticum Dilu-
 tum, I).  Gtt. xx. to  gtt.  xl.—L.  E. f3ss.  to f3j.  It should be ad-
 ministered  largely  diluted with some bitter  infusion, as infusion of
 quassia, or it may be substituted  for sulphuric acid in preparing the
 infusion of roses ; f_j. to f3ij. may be added to an eight ounce gargle.
   Incompatibles.—Alkalies ; tartar emetic ; tartrate  of potash ;  ni-
 trate of silver;  acetate of lead ; and all carbonates.

   Acidum nitricum dilutum, D. L. E. [U. S.]—Dilute Nitric  acid.

   Preparation.—Dub.—" Nitric'acid, by measure 3 parts ; distilled water,
 by measure  4 parts;  mix,  avoiding the noxious vapours.   Sp. gr. 1280."
 Lond. [TJ.  S.]—''Nitric acid, f§j.;  distilled water, f§ix.; mix."   Edin- —
 " Mix together, f^ix. of  distilled water, and f^j. of  pure  nitric acid or f§j.
 f3vss. of commercial nitric acid. Density, 1077."

   Nitric acid (described  in   the division Caustics), properly diluted  •
 acts  as a general tonic, but its powers as such are less manifest than
 those of the other mineral acids.   It is principally used internally in 
TONICS.
353
the treatment of chronic hepatitis, in affections consequent on the ex-
cessive administration of mercury, and in secondary syphilitic diseases.
In syphilis it has been proposed as  a  substitute  for mercury, but its
beneficial influence appears to be limited to those cases in which scro-
fula or very great debility forbid the use of that medicine, but which,
as has been so ably shown by the late Mr. Colles of this city, are very
few in  number, and  frequently depend rather on  its  injudicious ad-
ministration.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Acidum Nitricum Dilutum,
D.  Gtt. x. to gtt. xxx.—L. E. f5ss. to f3j.  It may be administered
in the same form as muriatic acid ;  but it is most usually given in the
compound infusion or decoction of sarsaparilla.
   Incompatibles.—Alcohol;  alkalies;  oxides; earths; sulphate of
iron ; acetate of lead ; acetate  of  potash ;  and all carbonates, and sul-
phurets.

   Acidum nitromuriaticum, D. [U. S.]—Nitromuriatic acid; Aqua
regia.
   Preparation.—"Nitric acid, by measure 1 part; muriatic acid, by mea-
sure 2 parts;  mix them in a vessel kept cool, and preserve the mixture in a
well stopped  bottle in  a cold dark place."   [" Nitric acid, l§iv.;  muriatic
acid, f§viij.   Mix  them  in a glass Vessel, and, when effervescence has
ceased, keep the product in a well stopped glass bottle, in a cool dark place,"
U.S.]
   Properties.—This liquor has  a  deep  yellow colour, an intensely
acid taste, and exhales an odour both of chlorine and nitrous acid.  It
is a solution of chlorine  and of nitrous acid in water,  (CI NO4 HO).
Its most remarkable property is its power of dissolving the metals gold
and platinum, by which it may be readily distinguished from other acids.
   Therapeutical Effects.—This preparation was  at one time em-
ployed internally in  the same cases  as nitric acid ;  but at present it is
only used externally in the form of bath.   Thus employed, it is a very
useful remedy  in chronic induration  or abscess of the liver, in chronic
cutaneous diseases, and in syphilitic  or mercurial cachexia.  When its
employment has been continued  for some time, it frequently causes
salivation, which is to be regarded as evidence of its sanatory influence.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Internally, gtt. x. to gtt. xx.
largely diluted.—Balneum Acidi Nitromuriatici, (Nitromuriatic  acid,
f^ivss. ; water, cong. iij;; mix in a wooden  vessel).   This  is to be
used daily in the form of a foot-bath ;  the feet  should be kept in the
bath for from 15 to 20 minutes, and  afterwards rubbed well with flan-
nels.  Dr. Scott of Bombay affirms that this bath operates like a charm,
and produces immediate ease, when employed during the passage of
biliary calculi through the duct.

   Acidum phosphoricum dilutum,  L.—Diluted Phosphoric acid.
   Preparation.—Lond.—" Phosphorus,  §j.; nitric  acid, fgiv^ ; distilled
water f5x. •  add the phosphorus to  the nitric acid mixed with  the water in
a glass retort placed in a sand-bath, then apply heat till fgviij. are distilled.
Put these again into  the retort that f§viij. may distil, which  are to be re-
jected* evaporate  the remaining liquor in a platinum capsule, until only
5i*  Vj  remain.   Lastly, add to the acid when  it is cold, as much distilled
 wJter as may be sufficient to make it accurately measure fgxxviij." 
354
TONICS.
  Physical Properties.—This is a colourless, inodorous, transparent
liquid, with an intensely acid taste.  Its density is 1*064 at 62° F.
  Chemical  Properties.—It is a solution of  phosphoric acid (PO"')
in water; the London preparation containing  10 5 per cent,  of acid.
It possesses the usual characteristics of a mineral acid.   " Chloride of
barium or nitrate of silver being added,  whatever is  thrown  down is
readily dissolved by nitric acid.  Strips  of copper or silver are not at
all acted  upon by it, nor is it coloured when hydrosulphuric acid is
added ; 42 grains of carbonate of soda are saturated by  100 grains of
this acid, and nothing is thrown down,"  London Pharmacopoeia.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Diluted phosphoric acid possesses the
tonic properties of the other mineral acids, and may be  employed in
cases of debility of the digestive organs, and in general cachexia.  It
is particularly adapted  for  those  cases  in which there is a deposit of
phosphates from the urine ;  the earthy phosphates being soluble in an
excess of their own acid.  It  has been also used, it is  stated, with
much benefit  in cases of unusual depositions of phosphates of  lime, as
in exostosis, or in the formation of bony  tumours ; and largely diluted
as a common drink in diabetes.  Diluted phosphoric acid is, however,
not much used.
  Dose and  Mode  of  Administration.—Min. xx. to f5j. properly
diluted.
  Incompatibles.—Lime water ;  calcareous salts ; carbonate of soda ;
and strychnia.
  In cases of poisoning with this acid, the same treatment should be
followed as in poisoning with muriatic acid, (see page 106).

  Anthemis, L. E.  [U.  S.] Anthemis  nobilis, flores, D.—Chamo-
mile ;  The (single, L. E.) flowers of Anthemis nobilis.—Indigenous ;
belonging to the Natural  family Composita (Asteracea, Lindley), and
to the Linnaean class and order Syngenesia Superflua.

  Botanical Characters.—Stem, about a  foot long, procumbent; Leaves,
bipinnate, a little downy ; Branches, numerous, each branch terminated by
a single flower, whose dish is yellow, at length conical, and ray white.

  Physical  Properties.—Chamomile  flowers have a strong,  pecu-
liar, rather agreeable odour, and an aromatic bitter taste.
  Chemical  Properties.—Their most  important chemical constitu-
ents are bitter extractive  and volatile oil.  The latter, Oleum Anthe-
midis, L.  E., is obtained  by the usual process of distillation.  It is of
a greenish-blue colour, and  has the peculiar  odour and the aromatic
taste of the flowers.  One cwt. of flowers yield from fgiss. to f§ij. of
the oil.   Its sp. gr. is 09083.   It contains a hydrocarbon, and an ox-
idated oil, the last  of which treated with potash infusion gives valeri-
anic acid, (Gerhardt  and  Cahours).  Chamomile flowers  yield their
active properties to  both water and  alcohol.   The single variety of
the chamomile flower should be preferred for medical purposes.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Chamomile is  an aromatic and bitter
tonic.  It was formerly in high esteem  as a remedy for  intermittent
fever, but its  employment as an internal  remedy is at present restrict-
ed to  those forms of  dyspepsia which depend  on debility  or  want of
tone of the digestive organs ;  in which cases it is exceedingly useful.
A concentrated infusion  produces vomiting, and consequently was at 
TONICS.
355
 one time much used to aid the action of emetics.  Chamomile flowers
 are commonly employed for preparing warm fomentations.  A strong
 infusion, applied cold two or three times a day is an excellent applica-
 tion,  in simple weakness of the eyes, and in the milder forms  of he-
 morrhoidal discharges.
   Dose and  Mode of Administration.—The powder is not admin-
 istered,  the dose would  be from 3ss.  to 3ij.—Decoctum Chamameli
 compositum, D.  (Chamomile flowers, dried §ss. ; fennel seeds, 3ij. ;
 water, by  measure Ibi.; boil for a short time and strain).  Employed
 as a basis  for enemata, or for fomentations—Infusum Chamameli, D.
 Infusum Anthemidis, L.  E. [U. S.] (Chamomile, 3ij.  (3v.,  L.  E.)
 [|ss. U. S.]; boiling water, (distilled, L.),  by measure  Ibss. (Oj., L.
 E. [U. S.]); infuse for 24 hours (ten minutes,  L.  E.  [U.  S.])  in a
 covered vessel, and strain).  If taken  warm  it produces  vomiting.
 The dose of the cold infusion is f§i. to f§ij.—Extractum Chamameli,
 D.  Extractum Anthemidis, E. (" Prepared as the simpler extracts,"
 D.—" Chamomile, ibj.;  boil  it with cong.  j. of water to Oiv. ; filter
 hot;  evaporate in the vapour-bath to the right consistence," E.).  The
 volatile oil is dissipated in the preparation of this extract, but it is an
 excellent bitter tonic ; Dose, gr. x. to §ss.
   Incompatibles.—With  the infusion;  the mineral acids; sesqui-
 salts  of iron ; sulphate of copper ; nitrate of silver ; acetate of lead ;
 and corrosive sublimate.

   Argenti chloridum.   Chloride of Silver.   This salt is readily ob-
 tained by the double decomposition of solution of nitrate of silver and
 of chloride of sodium.   When first  precipiated  it is  white, but on ex-
 posure to light soon acquires a dark  brown,  almost black colour.   It is
 insoluble in water or in alcohol, and is void of odour and taste.
   Therapeutical Effects.—It has been employed both in America
 and on the Continent in the treatment of disease, as a  substitute  for
 the nitrate of silver. It has been also used with success as a remedy
 in primary and secondary syphilitic affections.  It is stated not to pro-
 duce  the discoloration of  the skin caused by the nitrate ; but from its
 limited employment hitherto, I do not think  that such a conclusion can
 be depended on ; the more especially as  it is admitted  by all that the
 nitrate of silver is converted into the chloride immediately on its being
 taken into  the stomach.
   Dose and Mode  of  Administration.—Gr. iij four  or five  times
 daily, made into pill with conserve of roses  or extract of liquorice.

   Argenti_ nitras.—Nitrate of  Silver  (described  in  the  division
 Caustics),  may  be administered internally in much  larger doses than
 might a priori be supposed froui its caustic action when applied to the
 surface of the body ; from whence it would  appear to be decomposed
 by the free acids of the stomach.  Nevertheless, when taken in large
 quantity, it acts as a powerfully corrosive poison.  In  small but fre-
 quently repeated doses, this salt is an excellent tonic, and also appears
 to have a specific influence  over some  convulsive  disorders.   As a
 tonic, it is one of the best that can be employed in the early stages of
tubercular phthisis;  in chronic affections  of the stomach, especially
where there is morbid sensibility of the  gastric and intestinal nerves;
and in angina pectoris.  The principal convulsive disorders in which 
356
TONICS.
 nitrate of silver has been  used are epilepsy and chorea,  in both of
 which it proves very frequently successful, perhaps more so than any
 other remedy.   Its  administration must, however,  be  persevered in
 for a very long time; and  this is attended with  a very  serious disad-
 vantage, and one which has brought this remedy into great  disrepute,
 namely, the communication  of an  indelible and permanent leaden or
 bluish-grey hue to the skin over  the whole body.   Various attempts
 have been made to account for this phenomenon, but none are at all
 satisfactory to my mind ; it is certain, that  this consequence  has oc-
 curred so frequently, (I have myself seen several instances of it), and
 is of so disagreeable a nature, as to more than counterbalance its re-
 medial powers.
   Dose  and Mode  of Administration.—l-6th of a grain gradually
 increased to gr.  ij. or gr. iij.  three times a day ; in  some instances so
 large a dose as gr. xv. have  been taken.  It is best administered in
 the form of pill, as the solution blackens the skin wherever it  touches
 it, and also acts  more energetically on the stomach.   The pills should
 be made with some vegetable extract, as extract of gentian or of cham-
 omile ; crumb of bread  is  frequently ordered for this purpose, but it
 contains chloride of  sodium which decomposes nitrate of silver.   To
 prevent the discoloration of the skin, the surest method is,  not to con-
 tinue the use of the medicine too long.   The late Dr. James Johnson,
 of London, states, "  that there is no instance on record where the com-
 plexion has been  affected  by the  medicine when restricted to  three
 months administration."   Dr. A. T.  Thomson has suggested  the
 combined use of dilute nitric acid  to prevent the decomposition of the
 nitrate ; and more recently, Dr. Patterson, of Rathkeale, has proposed
 the employment of the iodide (prepared  by precipitating a solution of
 nitrate of silver with a solution of  iodide of potassium,)  instead of the
 nitrate of silver, which  he asserts is equally efficacious as a  remedy
 without possessing this great disadvantage.—Liquor Argenti nitratis,
 L- E.   (Nitrate  of silver, 3i.  (gr. xl. E. ;) distilled water, f§j. (gr.
 1600, E. ;) dissolve  the nitrate of silver in the water, (and strain ;
 then the access of light being prevented,  L.,) keep the solution in
 well closed bottles.)   Used only as a test.
 • Incompatibles.—Spring and river  water; the alkalies, and their
 carbonates ; lime water ;  muriatic, sulphuric,  phosphoric,  tartaric,
 and hydrocyanic acids, and their soluble salts ;  iodide of potassium ;
 solution of arsenite of potash ; solution of soap ; and astringent vege-
 table infusions.
  In poisoning with nitrate of silver, the  best antidote that can be em-
 ployed is common salt; its administration  should be followed by de-
 mulcent drinks, and if inflammatory symptoms arise, the usual antiphlo-
 gistic means.


  Argenti oxydum.   Oxide  of Silver.   This preparation has been
 employed within the  last few  years in the same cases as nitrate of sil-
ver, over which it does not appear to possess any advantage.  It is pre-
pared by adding caustic potash or lime-water to a solution of nitrate of
silver, when it is thrown down as a_^frown powder which becomes of
a darker colour when dried.  It is slightly soluble  in distilled water,
the solution having an alkaline reaction.  Its density is 7*143 ; and its 
tonics.                         357
composition Ag O.   The dose  of this preparation is from gr. ss. to
gr. j. three times a day in  the form  of pill.

  Arsenicum album.  Arsenic (described in the division Caustics,)
is a powerful irritant poison, a few grains being sufficient to occasion
death.  Its effects when taken in poisonous doses vary remarkably ; in
some instances the most prominent symptoms are those of inflammation
of the gastro-intestinal  membrane ; while in others, coma and extreme
depression of the circulation are most marked.   When administered
in minute doses for a short period, it appears to act as a general tonic,
without producing any remarkable physiological effect; but, if its use
be long continued, or the doses given be too  large, it acts as a  slow
poison.   In  medicine,  it  has  been principally used internally as an
anti-periodic, in the treatment of ague, and of other diseases of an inter-
mittent type, as in some forms of neuralgia, chorea, and periodic head-
ache ;  and its employment in  these  affections is often attended with
the most beneficial  results, more  especially in  cases in which quina
either  disagrees with the patient or fails to cure the disease.  In chro-
nic cutaneous  diseases, particularly  those of a scaly character, and
those which affect the scalp, arsenic is generally given in combination
with iodine (see page 316,) it is, however, often prescribed alone with
excellent effect.   It has been also employed as an internal remedy, in
epilepsy;  in chronic  rheumatism,  especially  when attended  with
change of structure in the joints ; in passive dropsy ; in  secondary
syphilis ; in lupus, &c
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—The employment of arsenic
as a  remedy requires great caution, and its  effects must be carefully
watched ; it may  be  administered in substance in doses of from l-16th
to l-8th of a grain made  into  pill with crumb of bread ; but, in con-
sequence of the great difficulty of accurately dividing so small a quan-
tity into pills, the following preparation is generally preferred :—Li-
quor  Arsenicalis, D. E.   Liquor  Potassa Arsenitis, L.  (Arsenic,
powdered (broken into  small fragments, L.) ;  and carbonate of potash
(from  tartar, D.,) of each, gr. Ix. (gr. lxxx., L.  E.;)  compound spirit
(tincture, L.  E.)  of  lavender, f3iv.  (f3v. L.  E.  ;) distilled water, by
measure ibss. (Oi., L. E.) ; boil the arsenic  and carbonate of potash
with the water (half  the water, L. E-) in  a  glass  vessel till they are
dissolved, (filter if necessary,  E. ;) add the  spirit of lavender to the
cooled liquor ; and then, sufficient distilled  water, till the whole mea-
sures,  ibj. [Oi., L. E.]  [" Arsenious acid, in small fragments, pure car-
bonate of potassa, each, gr. lxiv. ; distilled water, q. s.   Compound
spirit of lavender,  f§ss.   Boil the arsenious acid and  carbonate of pot-
assa with f§xij. of distilled water, in a glass vessel, till the acid  is en-
tirely dissolved.   To the  solution when cold, add the spirit of laven-
der, and afterwards sufficient distilled water to make it fill exactly the
measure of a pint."]  One fluid drachm of this preparation, commonly
known as Fowler's  solution, contains gr.  ss. of arsenious acid ;  the
preparation of the Dublin College is a little weaker.  Dose, min. v. to
min.  x. two or three  times a  day.—Arsenical  solution, Devergie.
(Arsenic ;  and corbonate  of potash, of each, gr. ij.; distilled water,
f§xvj. ; tincture of cochineal,  sufficient to colour it; mix.)   Every
fluid  ounce contains  l-8th of a grain of arsenic.   The advantage it
possesses over Fowler's solution, is that the preparation being so much 
358
TONICS.
 weaker and consequently the dose so much larger, dangerous accidents
 from an over dose are not so likely to occur.  Either  solution is in-
 compatible  in prescription with acids, lime water, chloride af calcium,
 sulphate of magnesia, sulphate of iron, sulphate of copper, alum, iodide
 of potassium, iodide of iron, nitrate  of silver, infusion and decoction of
bark,  &c—Pilula Asiatica.    (Arsenious  acid,  3j. ;  black  pepper,
 3ix. ;  liquorice root,  powdered;  and mucilage, of each, q.  s.;  mix,
 and divide into  800 jnlls.)  This combination  is highly  praised in the
 East Indies as a remedy for elephantiasis, lepra, psoriasis, and syph-
 ilitic eruptions.  Each pill contains about l-13th  of a  grain of arse-
 nious acid ;  Dose, one to two daily.
   In poisoning with arsenic, if the stomach-pump be at  hand it should
 be  immediately used, and the stomach repeatedly washed out  with tepid
 water, in which the hydrated sesquioxide of iron is suspended.   The
 mode of preparing this substance which is the best antidote for arsenic,
 and the manner in which it is to be used will be described hereafter.  In
 the absence of the stomach-pump, emetics of sulphate of zinc or sulphate
 of copper should be administered, and vomiting promoted by demulcent
 drinks.   Magnesia  has  been also recently proposed as an antidote for
 arsenic ;  from the observations  of Christison it appears that dense or
 heavy magnesia possesses little or no  action  on it, but magnesia in a
 gelatinous state, or the light magnesia at present pretty generally manu-
 factured, removes arsenic from its solution in water.  If light calcined
 magnesia be used as an  antidote in cases of  poisoning with  arsenic, it
 should  be administered  in the  proportion of between thirty and  fifty
 parts to one of the poison.

  Aurantii cortex,  L. E.  [U. S.]  Citrus aurantium,  fructus
 tunica exterior et  folia, D.  Bitter-orange rind (and leaves,  D.).
 The outer rind of the fruit of Citrus vulgaris (Risso), L. E.—The outer
rind of (he fruit, and the leaves  of Citrus aurantium, D.  The three
 British Colleges intend to refer the officinal products to the bitter-orange
tree, which  has been only lately separated as  a distinct species from the
 Citrus aurantium (described in the  division Refrigerants).   It  differs,
in being a smaller tree with more distinctly winged leaf-stalks, in the
 bitterness of the pulp, and the greater aroma of the rind of the fruit.
  Properties.—The  rind of the Seville or bitter-orange is cut  into
 narrow pieces and dried, the  inner white  part having been previously
 removed.  It is in rugged, uneven slices, of a dark orange-yellow colour;
 it has a peculiar fragrant odour,  and a warm, bitter taste, both of which
depend on  a volatile oil which exists in concave minute vesicles.  It
yields its aroma and taste to both water and  alcohol.  The leaves are
aromatic and bitter,  they are used on the Continent, but at present are
not employed in this country.
  Adulterations.—The rind of the sweet orange is often  substituted for
that of the bitter orange.  It does not possess the peculiar aroma of the
latter ;  the sophistication  may  be readily detected by the vesicles in
which the volatile oil is contained, being convex in the sweet, and  con-
 cave in the  bitter orange.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Bitter orange peel and leaves are feebly
tonic.   They are employed in medicine principally for their  agreeable
flavour.  The following preparations are  officinal.—Infusum Aurantii
compositum, D. L.   Infusum AurarUiU  E.   (Orange peel, dried, 3'j. 
TONICS.
359
 (§ss.  L. E.) ;  lemon peel, fresh, 3i. (3ij., L. E.); cloves bruised, 5ss.
 (3i., L. E.) : boiling water (distilled, L.), by measure ibss. (Oj., L. E.).
 Digest for  15 minutes in a vessel lightly covered, and strain, " through
 linen or calico," E.).   Dose, % to fgij.; chiefly used  as a vehicle for
 other medicines.—Confeclio  (Conserva, E.) Aurantii, L. E.  [U. S.l
 (« Fresh orange peel, separated  by a rasp, Ibj.; sugar, ibiij. ; bruise the
 rind with a wooden pestle in a stone mortar;  then  the sugar being
 added, again pound them until they are thoroughly incorporated," L.—
 " Grate off the outer rind of bitter oranges, and beat it into a pulp, add-
 ing gradually thrice  its weight  of white sugar,"  E.).   An  agreeable
 flavouring adjunct to electuaries, syrups, &c-; it possesses stomachic
 and  tonic properties.   Dose, 3ij. to  §i.—Syrupus Aurantii, D. L. E.
 [U. S.]   (Fresh  orange peel, §viij.  (§iiss.,  L. E.  [gij. U. S.]) ■  boiling
 water, by measure Ibyj.  (Oj., L. E. [U. S.]) ;   pure sugar, ibxivss.
 (Ibiij., L. E.  [Ibiiss., U. S.]) ; macerate the peel  in the water for  12
 hours in a vessel lightly covered ;  and then add the sugar to the liquor
 (filtered, D. E.) ;  " and  dissolve with the aid of heat,"  D.  E.) [" and
 proceed in  the  manner  directed for syrup,"  U. S.]   A  mild  stomachic,
 used for flavouring.  It may  be  prepared extemporaneously by adding
 f§i. of the tincture to Oj. of simple syrup.   Dose, f3ij.  to ffss.—Tinc-
 tura Aurantii,  D. L. E.   (Orange peel,] dried,  §iij. (giiiss., L.  E.) ;
 proof spirit, by measure ibij. (Oij., L. E.);  macerate  for 3  (14, L.  7,
 E.) days and filler.   "  This tincture may be  made by percolation, by
 cutting the peel into small pieces, macerating it in  a little of the spirit
 for 12 hours, and  beating the mass into a coarse pulp before putting it
 into the percolator," E.).   Dose, f3i. to f3iij.
   Incompatibles.—The salts of iron ;  and lime water.

   Baryta  murias, D. E.  Barii  chloridum,  L. [U. S.]—Muriate
 of Baryta.   Chloride of Barium.

   Preparation.—/?^.—"Sulphate  of baryta, 10 parts;  charcoal, in the
 finest powder, or lampblack, 1 part; roast the sulphate of baryta in the fire,
 and throw it while  red hot into water ;  then reduce it to very fine powder
 in J,he manner directed for prepared chalk.  Mix the powders intimately,
 put them into a crucible,  and expose them for 4 hours to a strong heat, until
 they become red hot.  Dissolve the mass when cold in a quantity of boiling
 distilled water, amounting to ten times the weight of the sulphate of baryta,
 and filter.  To this, add sufficient muriatic acid to saturate the baryta, avoid-
 ing the vapours, then filter the liquor, and crystallize by evaporation and
 cooling." Lond.—" Carbonate of  barytes, broken into small  fragments, §x:
 [Ibi., U. S.];  hydrochloric acid, Oss. [f§x., U. S.];   distilled  water, Oij.
 [water, Oiij., U. 8] ; mix the  acid with  the water, and add the carbonate
 gradually.   Then, heat being applied, and  the effervescence finished, strain,
 and boil down the  liquor, that crystals may be formed."  Edin.—"  First
 process, same as directed by the London College.  Or, sulphate of baryta,
 Ibj.; charcoal in fine poivder, §ij.; pure muriatic acid, a sufficiency ; heat
 the sulphate  to redness ; pulverize it finely  when cold, and mix it intimately
 with the charcoal; subject the mixture to a low white heat  for 3 hours in a
 covered crucible, pulverize the product, put it gradually into  Ov. of boiling
 water, and boil for a few  minutes ;  let it rest for a little over a vapour-bath ;
 pour off the clear liquor, and filter it  if  necessary, keeping it hot.  Pour
 Oiij. of boiling  water over the  residuum,  and proceed as before.  Unite
the two liquors, and  while they  are still hot, or if cooled, after heating them
again, add pure muriatic acid gradually so long as effervescence is occa-
sioned.  In this process the solutions ought to be as little exposed to the air 
360
TONICS.
as possible; and in the last step, the disengaged gas should be discharged
by a proper tube into a chimney, or the ash-pit of a furnace.  Strain the
liquor, concentrate it, and set it aside to crystallize."

  Physical  Properties.—This  salt  crystallizes in  flat  four-sided
tables, bevelled at the edges.  It is colourless and transparent; odour-
less; with an acrid, bitter taste.   Sp. gr. 282.
  Chemical Properties.—Muriate of baryta  is composed of one eq.
of barium, one of chlorine,  and two  of water of crystallization, Ba CI
-j- 2 HO.  It is permanent  in ordinary states  of the atmosphere, but
in very dry air, effloresces  slightly.   It is fused by a strong heat;  is
soluble in about twice its weight of  temperate, and in  somewhat  less
in boiling water;  it is said to  be soluble in 400 parts of absolute alco-
hol.   Sulphuric acid and the soluble sulphates  produce a heavy white
precipitate, insoluble in nitric  acid, with a solution of this salt.
  Adulterations.—As met with in  the shops, this salt is very seldom
adulterated.   The Edinburgh College has given the following test, by
which the freedom from any  impurity may be readily ascertained :—
" 100 grains in solution are not entirely precipitated by 100 grains  of
sulphate of magnesia."
  Therapeutical  Effects.—Chloride of barium  was  at one time
much employed in scrofulous  diseases, and in chronic glandular en-
largements, in consequence of its  supposed tonic and deobstruent pro-
perties.   In the  present day  it has fallen almost  completely into dis-
use.  In  large  doses, (an ounce or more),  it is  a  narcotico-acrid
poison.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—It is  only used in  solution.—
Aqua (Solutio, E.)  Baryta muriatis, D. E.   Liquor Barii chloridi,
D.   [U.  S.]   (Chloride of barium, 1 part (3i., L. E.) ; [§i. ; U. S.];
distilled  water, 3 parts (f§i.,  L. E.) ;  [f§iij., U. S.] ;  dissolve the salt
in the water.  "  Sp.  gr» 1230," D.).  Dose, min. v. to min. x.  pro-
perly diluted.  It is much employed as  a test for detecting the pre-
sence of sulphuric acid and  the sulphates.
   Incompatibles.—Sulphuric  acid ;  sulphates ;  carbonates ;  and
phosphates.
  In poisoning with this salt,  the  best antidotes are the soluble  sul-
phates, as sulphate of magnesia or sulphate of soda.

  Bebeerin^e sulphas.  Sulphate  of Bebeerina.   Bebeerina is the
active principle  of  Bebeeru—the  bark  of Nectandra Rodiei,  the
Green-heart tree of Demerara and of British Guina, which belongs to
the Natural family  Lauracea, and  to the Linnaean class and order
Dodecandria  Monogynia.   This   principle  is  also  found  in much
larger quantity in the fruit of the  same tree.

  Preparation.—The exact steps followed in its preparation have riot been
published, but  the  process is similar  to that followed for the preparation of
sulphate ofquina from cinchona bark.

  Properties.—It occurs in  small  tubular, shining crystals,  of a red-
dish-brown colour, void of odour,  with  a strongly astringent  taste.
According to  Dr. Douglas Maclagan's analysis of the commercial salt
it is a basic sulphate, being composed of 2083 of bebeerina  and  917
of sulphuric acid.  It is soluble in water,  but  like sulphate  of quina,
requires the addition of a  few drops of dilute sulphuric  acid for its 
tonics.                         361
complete solution.   Bebeerina  is an alkaloid and combines with acids
to form salts ;  the sulphate has been,  however, as yet  only  used in
medicine.
   Therapeutical Effects.—The introduction of this new medicine
into the Materia Medica, is  altogether  due to the researches  of my
friend Dr.  Douglas  Maclagan of Edinburgh.   It  is unquestionably a
tonic of much power, and as an antiperiodic  its effects  are  but little
if at all inferior to those of sulphate of quina.  From a report  of nu-
merous cases  in which it has been employed, and which have been
published by Dr. Maclagan in the 63rd Vol. of the  Edinburgh Medical
and  Surgical Journal, it appears to differ from that remedy " in not
being so liable to excite the circulation or affect the nervous system ;"
and this conclusion is fully borne  out  by my own experience  of its
effects in some cases in which I employed it.
   Dose  and Mode of Administration.—Gr. j.  to gr. v.  three or
four times a day, made into pill  with conserve of roses, or dissolved in
water by means of a few drops of dilute sulphuric  acid.
   Incompatibles.—The alkalies,'and  their carbonates ; lime water ;
tartaric acid ; the soluble tartrates ; and  all vegetable tinctures, infu-
sions and decoctions containing tannin.

    BlSMUTHI  SUBNITRAS,  D.    [U.  S.l   BlSMUTHI  TRISNITRAS,  L.
Bismuthum album, E.   Subnitrate (Trisnitrate) of Bismuth.   White
Bismuth.   Magistery of Bismuth.

   Preparation.—Dub.—" Bismuth, powdered, 7 parts; dilute nitric acid, 20
parts; distilled  water, 100 parts;  add the bismuth gradually  to  the acid,
and dissolve with heat.   Mix the solution with water, and set aside,  that
the powder may subside, which is to be washed with distilled water,  and
dried on bibulous paper with a gentle heat."  Lond.—" Bismuth, §i.; nitric
acid, fgiss.; distilled water, Oiij.; mix f§i. of the water with  the nitric acid,
and dissolve the bismuth in them, then pour off the solution, to this add the
remainder of the water, and set by that the powder may subside.  Afterwards
the supernatant liquor being poured off, wash the trisnitrate of bismuth with
distilled water, and dry it with a gentle heat."  Edin.—" Bismuth,  in fine
powder, |i.; nitric acid, (Dens. 1380), f^iss.; water, Oiij. ; add the metal
gradually to the acid,  favouring the action with a gentle heat, and adding a
very little distilled water as soon as crystals or a white  powder  begin, to
form.  When the solution is complete, pour the liquid into  the water, col-
lect the precipitate immediately on a  calico filter,  wash it quickly with cold
water, and dry it in a dark place."  [U. S.   " Bismuth, in fragments, §i.  ;
nitric acid, fgiss. ; distilled water, q.  s.  Mix a fluid  ounce of the distilled
water with the nitric acid, and dissolve the bismuth in the mixture.  When
the solution is complete, pour the clear liquor into Oiij. of distilled  water,
and set the mixture by, that the powder may subside.  Lastly, having poured
off the supernatant fluid, wash the subnitrate of bismuth, with distilled water,
wrap it in bibulous paper, and dry it  with a gentle heat."]

   Physical Properties.—This salt is met with in the form of a
heavy white powder  with  a  pearly lustre, which  appears under the
microscope to be composed of crystalline grains.  It  is inodorous and
tasteless.   It becomes of a grayish colour when exposed to the light.
   Chemical Properties.—The composition  of  this  substance has
been variously  stated ;  it is most  generally believed to be,  3  eq. of
oxide  of bismuth, and  1 of nitric  acid, (3  Bi203  (Kane), -f- NO5)  ;
but according to some  recent  researches of Buchner it appears to be 
362
TONICS.
 Bi O,  NO5 -f 2 Bi O, HO.   It  is very insoluble  in  water, but is
 readily dissolved by  nitric acid.
   Adulterations.—As  generally met with,  this  salt is free from im-
 purities.   It is said  sometimes to contain  carbonates, which may be
 detected by the effervescence  produced when the powder is dissolved
 in nitric acid.
   Therapeutical Effects.—In  large doses, nitrate of bismuth acts
 as an irritant poison, causing inflammation  of the stomach  and  intes-
 tines.  In medicinal doses it appears to act specifically in  painful de-
 rangements of the stomach.  The beneficial results derived from  its
 use in these affections have been generally  ascribed to  its tonic pro-
 perties ; more recently, however, they are said  to be owing to  a  pe-
 culiar sedative action which it exerts on the nerves  of the  stomach.
 The forms of dyspepsia in which it alone proves serviceable, are those
 chronic affections attended  with  much pain,  but unaccompanied  by
 organic diseases.   In the present day it is not, however, so much used
 as it formerly was.
   Dose and  Mode  of Administration.—Gr.  v.  to gr.  xx.  made
 into an electuary or bolus, with some aromatic powder and syrup, or
 honey.
   Incompatibles.—Potash, soda, ammonia,  and  their carbonates.

   Calcis  murias,  D.  E.   Calcu chloridum, L.—Muriate of Lime.
 Hydrochlorate of Lime.   Chloride of Calcium.

  Preparation.—Dub.—" Take of the liquor which remains after the dis-
 tillation of the water of caustic ammonia, any quantity, filter and expose it
 in aft open vessel to heat, until the muriate of lime becomes perfectly dry.
 Preserve it in very  close vessels."   Lond.—" Chalk, §v.; hydrochloric
 acid, and distilled water, of each, Oss.; mix the acid with the water,  and to
 these gradually add the chalk  to saturation.  Then the effervescence being
 finished, strain ; evaporate the liquor until the  salt is dried.  Put this into
 a crucible, and having  liquefied it in the  fire, pour it  upon a  clean  flat
 stone.  Lastly, when it is cold break  it into small  pieces, and  keep  it in a
 well-closed vessel."  E'-'in.—" White marble, in fragments, §x.; muriatic
 acid, of commerce; and water, of each, Oj.; mix the acid and water; add
 the marble, by degrees, and when the effervescence is over, add  a little mar-
 ble in fine powder till the  liquid no longer reddens litmus; filter and concen-
 trate  to one-half; put the remaining fluid in a cold place to crystallize;
 preserve the crystals in a well-closed bottle; more crystals will be obtained
 on concentrating the mother liquor."

  Physical Properties.—This salt is usually met with in colourless
 translucent masses, but it crystallizes from  a concentrated  solution  in
 long striated rhombic  prisms.  It is inodorous, and has an acrid, bitter,
 saline taste.
  Chemical Properties.—Crystallized  chloride  of calcium is com-
 posed of one eq. of calcium, one of chlorine, and six of water of crys-
 tallization, Ca CI + 6 HO.   Exposed to the  air it deliquesces rapidly ;
 it is very soluble in water and in alcohol.   By heat, the water of crys-
 tallization is driven off, and at  a red heat it fuses.
  Adulterations.—This salt should be perfectly colourless, the pre-
sence of iron with  which  it is occasionally  contaminated by giving a
yellowish tinge.  The adulteration with  magnesia may be detected by
ammonia giving a  white precipitate with a solution of the  salt.  In 
tonics.                        363
the following test the  Edinburgh  College has guarded against any
alkaline impurity.—" A solution of 76 grains in f§j. of distilled water,
precipitated by 49 grains of oxalate of ammonia, remains precipitable
by more ofthe test."
   Therapeutical Effects.—Chloride of calcium acts as an irritant
poison in large doses.  In medicine, it was at one time much employ-
ed in the treatment of bronchocele and in scrofulous diseases, being
given internally, and  at  the same  time used externally, dissolved in
water, in the form of bath; its action  was  said by some to be  tonic
aud deobstruent, by others cathartic.   In the present day,  however, it
has nearly fallen into  disuse.   It forms a principle ingredient in  many
mineral  waters.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—It is always administered
in solution ; the following is a convenient  formula.—Calcis muriatis
aqua,  D.—[Calcis  muriatis  solutio,  E.—Liquor calcii chloridi,  L.
(Chloride of calcium (crystallized, E.), 2 parts  (§tv.  L., gviij., E.);
distilled  water, 7  parts (fijxij.  L. E.) ;  dissolve the salt in  the water,
(and strain, L.,) "Sp. gr. 1202,"  D.).    [" Marble, in fragments, §ix.;
muriatic acid, Oj.  distilled water, q. s.   Mix the acid with Oss.  ofthe
distilled  water, and gradually  add the marble.  Towards the close of
the effervescence  apply a gentle,  heat, and when the action  has ceased,
pour  off the clear liquor and evoporate  to dryness.   Dissolve the re-
siduum in  its weight and a half of distilled water and filter the solution."
U. S.]  Dose min. xxx. to f5ij. diluted with water.
   Incompatibles.—Sulphuric acid, and the soluble sulphates ;  potash
and soda, and their carbonates ; and carbonate of ammonia.

   Calumba, L.  E.   [Columba, U.  S.]  Colomba,  radix,   D.—
Calumba;  Root of Cocculus  palmalus.  A native  of the  forests of
Mozambique and Oibo in Africa ; belonging to the Natural family Me-
nispermacea, and to the  Linnaean class  and order Diacia Hexandria.

   Botanical Characters.—An  annual climber ;Root, perennial, tuberose;
Stem, herbaceous; Leaves, alternate, cordate  at the base,  5-7 lobed, some-
what hairy; Flowers, dioecious,small, green, in axillary racemes; Fruit, a
drupe or berry, one-celled, one-seeded.
   Preparation.—The roots are dug up in March, cut horizontally into
slices and dried in the shade; the offsets or  tubers from the main root only
are used.

   Physical Properties.—As met with in  commerce, calumba root
is in circular flat pieces, from  3 to 10 lines  thick, and from half an inch
to three inches in diameter.  The pieces consist of a brownish-yellow
rugous epidermis, a thick yellowish inner-bark, and a light, spongy,
woody centre, of a grayish-yellow colour.   The flat surfaces are de-
pressed in  the  centre, and marked with  concentric yellowish lines.
It has a feeble, somewhat aromatic odour,  and  a strong purely bitter
taste.
   Chemical Properties.—Calumba  contains  a  crystalline, very bit-
ter neutral principle, which has  been  named Calumbin and on  which
its medicinal properties depend, about a  third of its  weight of starch,
a  trace of volatile oil,  gum, wax,   &c   Its bitter principle is dis-
solved  out by cold and  boiling water, by  alcohol, and by ether.  As
boiling water  dissolves out some starch,  a warm infusion becomes 
364                         tonics.
cloudy as it cools ; the Edinburgh College, therefore, employs  cold
water  for preparing the officinal infusion, a great improvement, inas-
much as the active principle is as completely extracted and the prepar-
ation is quite transparent.
  Adulterations.—The root of a species of Bryony (Bryonia epigaa,)
and the root of Frasera Walleri (American or false calumba,) have
been at times sold for  the  true calumba root.   The former may be  at
once detected by its  disagreeable, bitter, somewhat acrid  taste ; the
latter by  its infusion becoming dark-green on the  addition of a sesqui-
salt of iron,  an infusion of  the  true root remaining unchanged by the
same test.   Another false  calumba is met with in the French drug
market, which is known by its containing no starch, a cooled decoc-
tion  not being affected by tincture of iodine.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Calumba  is an  excellent bitter tonic,
being slightly aromatic, but free of all astringency.   It is  most use-
fully employed in the various forms of dyspepsia, depending on want
of tone in the digestive organs, and in irritability of the stomach ac-
companied by vomiting, when  there is no tendency to inflammation
present;  for this latter affection  it  is peculiarly  adapted  in conse-
quence of its property of arresting vomiting, whether it be the conse-
quence of disease or of the administration of emetics.   It is also used
with much benefit to allay the sympathetic vomiting of pregnancy, and
that  which depends on diseases of the  other abdominal viscera.  The
anti-emetic property of calumba probably depends on its active princi-
ple calumbin, which in addition to its action as a bitter, possesses also
narcotic properties.  In the advanced stages of diarrhoea and dysen-
tery, when the use of tonics is indicated, calumba is an excellent re-
medy.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder, gr. x. to ^ss.—Infu-
sum  Colomba, D. [U. S.J—Infusum Calumba, L. E. (" Calumba, sliced,
3ij- [§ss.U. S.] (3v., L.) ; [U. S.] boiling (distilled, L.) water, by measure
ibss. (Oj., L. [U. S. j) ; digest (macerate, L.) for two hours in a covered
vessel and strain," D. L.~"  Calumba, in coarse powder, §ss. ; cold water,
about a pint; triturate the calumba with a little water so as to moisten it
thoroughly,  put it into a percolator, and transmit cold water till f§xvj.
of infusion be obtained," E.)  For the reason before stated, the Edin-
burgh preparation is to be preferred ; it may be also prepared by sim-
ple maceration for four hours in a warm place, with constant agitation.
It is usually employed  as a vehicle for the more active tonics, and  is
given in doses of from f§i. to f§iij.   The salts of iron, the alkalies,
and their carbonates do not alter the colour of this infusion, and conse-
quently may be  advantageously combined with it in prescription.—
Tinctura  Colomba, D.  [U. S.]—Tinctura Calumba, L. E.   ("Ca-
lumba, sliced, giiss. (?iij-, L.)  [bruised, §iv., U. S.]; proof  spirit, ibij.
(Oij., L.) [U.  S.] ; macerate for  14 days and filter," D. L.—Calumba
in small fragments, (if by percolation in moderately fine powder,) §iij.;
proof spirit, Oij.; digest'for 7 days ; pour off the clear liquor,  express
the residuum strongly  and  filter the liquors.   This tincture is much
more conveniently prepared by the process of percolation, allowing the
powder to be soaked  with a little of the spirit for six hours before put-
ting  it  into the percolator," E.)  Dose, f3j. to  f5ij.—Extractum  Ca-
lumba, B.   (Calumba, sliced,  1 part; rectified  spirit, 6 parts; digest
for 2 hours at a temperature of from 86° to 104° F., and then express ; 
tonics.                          365
pour upon the residue 2 parts of rectified spirit, digest and express as
before; mix the  two  liquors,  distil  off the spirit, and evaporate to
a due consistence.)  An excellent tonic extract; Dose, gr. v. to gr. xx.
   Incompatibles.—Tincture of  iodine ; nitrate  of silver ; and  the
acetates of lead.

   Canella, L.  E. [U.  S.]   Canella alba, cortex, D.—Canella
bark ; Bark of Canella alba.  This, the  While Wood or Wild Cinna-
mon tree of the West  Indian Islands and of South  America, belongs
to the Natural family Meliacea (Canellacea, Lindley,) and to the Lin-
naean class and order Dodecandria Monogynia.

'  Botanical Characters.—A handsome tree, 40-50 feet high; Leaves, al-
ternate, obovate,  shining,  coriaceous; Flowers, small, glaucous-blue, in
clusters at the  extremities of the branches; Fruit, a  small, bluish-black
berry,  generally one-celled.

   Physical Properties.—Canella bark  is  met  with in pieces of
from 3-12 inches  long, generally quilled, and  from one to three lines
thick.  They are of a yellowish or pinkish-white colour, have a faint
aromatic  odour, and an acrid very spicy taste.  This bark is often
Called false Winter's bark, as it is frequently sold for the bark of Dry-
mis Winteri, hereafter to be described.
    Chemical Properties.—The medicinal activity of canella bark
 is due to  volatile oil and bitter extractive ; it  also contains a peculiar
 cystalline principle resembling mannite in its properties, and which has
 been named Cannellin.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Canella is an aromatic tonic of some
 power ; it is seldom employed alone in this country, but is used as an
 adjunct to the bitter  tonics in  dyspepsia.   It  is also  combined with
 cathartics  in debilitated states  of  the  digestive organs, and  to
 correct their griping  qualities ;  Dose,  in powder, gr. x. to 3ss.   It
 enters into the  composition  of the Pulvis Alois  cum Canella, D.
 [U. S.] of Ihe  Vinum Aloes, D.  L.. and of the Tinctura and  Vinum
 Gentiana, E.

   Cascarilla,  L. E. [U.  S.]   Croton cascarilla, cortex, D.—
 Cascarilla bark.   Bark of Croton cascarilla, D. L.—Probably of Cro-
 ton Eleuteria, and  possibly of other species of the same genus, E.
 [The bark of Croton Eleutheria, U. S.]   Croton Eleutheria, to which
 this bark is correctly referred by the  Edinburgh College, is a native
 of the Bahamas, being found chiefly on the island of Eleuthera, whence
 its specific  name ; it belongs to the Natural family Euphorbiacea, and
 to  the Linnaean class and order Moncecia Monadelphia.

   Botanical Characters.—A moderate  sized tree; Branches, angular,
 somewhat compressed; Leaves, alternate,  ovate, smooth, silvery beneath;
 Flowers, whitish, monoecious, in compound axillary racemes.

   Physical  Properties.—Cascarilla  bark  occurs in short broken
 quills or flattened pieces, generally somewhat twisted.   It is of a  red-
 dish-brown colour, with a  whitish or reddish-yellow fissured epider-
 mis ;  it is  hard and breaks with a close compact  fracture; it has an
 aromatic, bitter taste,  and a peculiar agreeable odour, which becomes
 very fragrant when the bark is burned. 
366                        tonics.
  Chemical Properties.—According to the analysis  of Duval, this
bark contains a bitter, crystalline, neutral principle which has been
named Cascarzllin, a peculiar form of tannin, albumen, a red colouring
matter, fatty matter, wax, gum, odorous volatile oil, resin, starch, pec-
tic acid, salts of lime and potash, and woody fibre.  It yields its active
properties to both water and alcohol; the colour of the infusion  is
deepened by the sesqui-salts of iron.
  Adulterations.—Copalche  bark, obtained  from the Croton  pseudo-
china, a native of Mexico, has been occasionally substituted in commerce
for cascarilla bark, which it resembles  much both.in odour and proper-
ties.  The quills  are  much larger than those of cascarilla bark, more
completely covered with minute white lichens, and have no transverse
cracks.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Cascarilla is an aromatic tonic, possess-
ing but little astringency.  It is principally used as an agreeable addition
to other remedies  of this  class  in atonic  dyspepsia, in  the advanced
stages of diarrhoea and dysentery, and in convalescence from fevers  or
other acute  diseases.   It has been also employed in intermittents as a
substitute for cinchona bark, and it is stated with great success.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder, gr. x. to 9ij.—
Infusum Cascarilla, D. L. E. [U. S.]   (Cascarilla bark, bruised, §ss.
(Jiss., L.  E. [pi., U. S.]) ;  boiling (distilled, L.) water,  ibss.  (Oj„  L.
E. [U. S.])  ; digest (macerate, L., infuse, E.) for 2 hours in a  covered
vessel and strain " through linen or calico," E.).   Dose, f|j. to f^ij. An
agreeable vehicle for more active medicines.'—Mistura Cascarilla com-
posita, L.   (Infusion of cascarilla, fgxvij.; vinegar of squill, f§i.; com-
pound tincture of camphor, f§ij. ; mix).  " A combination which is of
use in chronic affections ofthe mucous membrane of the lungs," Phil-
lips.  Dose, fgj. to f-§iss. two or three  times a day.—Tinctura Casca-
rilla, D. L. E.  (Cascarilla bark, in coarse (moderately fine, E.) powder
(bruised, L.),  §iv. (§v., L.  E.) ; proof spirit, by measure Ibij. (Oij.,  L.
E.j ; macerate for 7 (14, L.) days and filter.  " Proceed by percolation
or digestion as directed for tincture of cinchona," E.).  Dose, f3i. to fXss.
  Incompatibles.—Lime water ; sulphate of iron ;  sulphate of zinc ;
tartar emetic;  nitrate of silver ; and acetate of lead.

  Centaurium, L. E.  Erythr^a centaureum, folia, D.— Common
 Centaury.   Leaves (the herb, L., the flowering heads, E.) of Erylhraa
centaurium. Indigenous ; belonging to the Natural family Gentianacea,
and to the Linnaean class and order Pentandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Annual, 8-10 inches high ; Stem, nearly sim-
ple ;  Leaves, ovato-oblong, in  distant  pairs; Flowers, handsome, rose-
coloured, in corymbose panicles near the top of the stem.
   The whole of this plant is odourless, but has a strong purely-bitter
 taste.  It  should be collected when in  flower, and dried with a stove
 heat; all parts of the plant except the flowers contain bitter extractive,
 the Edinburgh College ie therefore incorrect in directing the flowering
 heads to be used.  It imparts its  properties, which depend on the bitter
 extractive,  to boiling water.  The common centaury is scarcely ever
 used in the present day, except as a domestic remedy;  nevertheless, it
 forms an excellent indigenous substitute for gentian.  It is best given
 in the form of infusion, (prepared  with gss. of the dried herb, and fgxij.
 of boiling water), in doses of f§i. or f§ij. 
tonics.                         367
  Cetraria, L. E.[U. S.]  Cetraria Islandica, planta, D.—Liver-
wort.  Iceland-moss.  Cetraria Islandica is a native of the northern parts
of the British Isles and of the colder regions of both the New and Old
Worlds.  It  belongs to the  Natural  family Lichenacea (Lichenales,
Lindley), and to the Linnaean class and order Cryptogamia Alga.
  Botanical  Characters.— Thallus  foliaceous,  erect, tufted,  laciniated,
channelled,  dentato-ciliate ; Apothecia, brown, appressed, flat, with an eleva-
ted border.
  Physical Properties.—As met with in the shops,  Iceland  moss is
greyish or brownish-white, silvery ;  it has a faint peculiar odour, and a
mucilaginous somewhat bitter taste.
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed of 808 percent, of a starchy
matter  (lichenin), 3 per cent, of bitter principle (cetraric acid), with un-
crystallizable sugar, gum, extractive, colouring matter  (Thallochlor),
some 6alts, and amylaceous fibre.  By maceration  in cold  water the
bitter principle is extracted, and the water acquires a  brownish colour.
By boiling  in water about 65 per cent, is dissolved, and when sufficiently
concentrated, the liquid cools into a firm jelly.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Iceland moss is a mild bitter tonic, and
as it is  also nutritive, it forms an excellent article of diet in diseases of
debility, and in convalescence  from acute diseases.  It is used also as
an article of food, the bitter principle having been previously removed
by maceration  in cold water or in  a weak alkaline ley, (water 300 parts,
and  carbonate  of potash 1 part)  ; but when itr* tonic powers are required,
the bitter principle should not be  removed as is frequently done.— Ce-
traric acid is the tonic principle of Iceland moss, it has been obtained in
a separate state  by the process described below, and has been  used in
Italy with  much success as a substitute for sulphate of quina.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Decoctum Lichenis Islandici,
D.  Decoctum  Cetraria, L.  [U.  S.]   (Iceland moss, §ss.  (3v., L.) ;
boiling water, by measure ibj. (Oiss , L. [U. S.])  ; " digest for two hours
 in a close vessel, then boil for 15 minutes and strain the liquor while
 hot," D.  " Boil down to Oj. and strain," L. [with compression, U. S.]).
 Dose, ffj. to f§iv.—Cetraric acid.   (Iceland moss, coarsely  powdered,
 any quantity:  digest in rectified spirit as long as it  acquires a bitter
 taste ;  distil off the greater part ofthe spirit and filter while hot.  The
 impure  cetraric acid which is deposited as the liquor cools, may be puri-
 fied by redissolving in boiling  alcohol and crystallizing).   Dose,  as  a
 febrifuge, gr. ij. to gr. v. every three hours.  Sixteen grains thus given
 in divided  doses, are said to be sufficient to check the return of the fit
 in ague.
   Incompatibles.—Potash ; the salts of lead and of copper ; the ses-
 qui-salts of iron ; and iodine.
   Chiretta, E.— Chirella or  Chirayta.   The herb and root of Aga-
 tholes chirayta.   A native of  the northern parts of  the Continent of
 India ;  belonging to the Natural family Genlianacea, and  to the Lin-
 naean class and order Pentandria Monogynia.

   Botanical Characters.—Annual  ;  Stems, smooth,  jointed, branched,
 erect, about 3 feet high; Leaves, opposite, amplexicaul, very acute; Flowers,
 yellow, very numerous, stalked, in terminal panicles.
   Preparation.—The whole plant  is  pulled up at. the time the flowers begin
to decay, and dried in the sun for use.   It is imported in bundles tied with
strips of cane, and packed in large  chests. 
368                        tonics.
   Physical Properties.—As met with in the shops, chiretta consists
 of the  root, stems  and branches.   The  stems are round and smooth,
 about the thickness of a writing pen, with  a  shining brown epidermis,
 and a yellow spongy pith.   The whole  plant  has a purely bitter, not
 unpleasant taste, without any astringency.
   Chemical Properties.—Chiretta is composed of resin, yellow bitter
 matter, brown colouring matter, gum, malic acid, salts of  potash and
 lime, and traces of oxide of iron, (Lassaigne and Boissel).   It yields its
 bitterness to water and to alcohol.
   Adulterations.—Bundles of another plant, bearing some resemblance
 to chiretta, are sometimes  found mixed with  it in the chests  in which
 it is brought to this country; they may be however readily detected as
 they do not possess the least bitter taste.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Chiretta is a  powerful,  purely bitter
 tonic, bearing much resemblance to gentian.  Under its use the bowels
 are relaxed and the secretion of bile promoted ;  it is therefore peculiarly
 adapted as  a tonic for dyspepsia accompanied by constipation.  It  is
 much employed in the East, where its febrifugal properties  are held in
 high estimation by the European practitioners, who use  it instead of
 cinchona when the latter is not to be procured.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder, a bad  form,gr. x.
 to gr. xx.—Infusum Chiretta, E.   (Chiretta, 3iv.; boiling water, Oj.;
 infuse for two hours and strain through linen or calico).  This  infusion
 would be better prepared by using double the quantity of chiretta, and
 employing cold water.  Dose, fgi. to f§ij.—Tinctura Chiretta.  (Chiretta,
 §ij.;  proof spirit, f§xyj.; macerate for 7 days and  filter).  Dose, f3j. to
 f3ij-

   Chondrus crispus, [U.  S. secondary.]—Carrageen  or Irish moss.
 This substance consists of  this and many allied species, dried and
 bleached in the sun.   For medical use it is principally gathered by the
 peasantry on the South-West coast of Ireland.  As commonly met with
 it is of a yellowish-white colour, dry and very crisp ;  in most of its pro-
 perties  it resembles Iceland moss, but  is more mucilaginous and less
 bitter.  It forms a  somewhat similar jelly with boiling water or milk,
 and is frequently used as a substitute for that substance.   Dr. Frank of
 Wolfenbuettel  recommends  the following  compound powder  of Irish
 moss as a  diet for phthisical patients, and for children affected with
 tabes mesenterica :—Take of, Carragheen moss, cleaned,  §ss.; spring
 water, fgxyj. ; boil down to  one-half, strain with expression,  and add to
 the strained liquor,  white sugar, §iv. ; gum-arabic, powdered, gi. ; and
 powdered orris-root, 3ss.; heat to dryness with a  gentle  temperature,
 stirring constantly so as to obtain a pulverulent mass, to  which giij. of
 arrow-root are to be added  with trituration.  A jelly is prepared with
 this powder, by rubbing a tea-spoonful of it with a  little cold  water, and
 then pouring a cupful of boiling water on it.  It has a most agreeable
 odour and taste, and is highly nutritious.

  [Cinchona, U. S.   Peruvian Bark.   The bark of different species of
 Cinchona from the  Western coast of South America.]

  Cinchona flava, D. E. [U. S-]   Cinchona cordifolia., L.— Yellow
 Cinchona  Bark.  Bark of  Cinchona cordifolia, D. L.—of an unascer-
tained species of Cinchona, E.  [The variety of Peruvian bark called in
commerce Calisaya Bark, U. S.] 
TONICS.
369
  Cinchona rubra, D. E. [U. S.]  Cinchona oblongifolia, L.—Red
Cinchona Bark.  Bark of Cinchona  oblongifolia (Zea), D.—of Cin-
chona oblongifolia (Lambert), L.—of an unascertained species of Cin-
chona, E.  [The variety of Peruvian Bark  called in commerce Red
Bark.   U. S.J

  Cinchona  officinalis, D.   Cinchona lancifolia, L.   Cinchona
corona, Y,.-—Pale Cinchona Bark.  Crown Bark.  Bark of Cinchona
lancifolia, D. L.—of Cinchona condaminea, E.

  Cinchona cinerea, E.—Gray Bark.  Silver Bark.  Bark of Cin-
chona micrantha.

  [Cinchona pallida, U. S.   Pale Bark.    The variety of Peruvian
Bark called in  commerce Loxa Bark.~\

  Much confusion still exists as to the  Natural History of the Cinchona
barks, and the more recent investigations have proved that the Botanical
references of the  Dublin and London Colleges are altogether erroneous.
The exact species from which the yellow and red barks ofthe  pharma-
copoeias are obtained  have not been  yet determined; but  crown bark
(pale bark, D. L.) is undoubtedly the produce of Cinchona Condaminea,
as also is silver bark of Cinchona micrantha.   All the cinchona trees
are inhabitants of the Andes, growing  at different elevations from 1200
to 10,080  feet  above the  level  of the  sea, and in the region extending
from  11° N. latitude to 20° S. latitude.   They belong to the Natural
family Cinchonacea,  and  to the Linnsean class and  order Pentandria
Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—Trees or tall shrubs ;  Leaves, shortly petioled
with plain  margins ;  Stipules, ovate or obloug, foliaceous, free, deciduous ;
Flowers, white  or rose-coloured, in terminal corymbose panicles;  stamens,
included within the tube ofthe corolla ;  Capsule, ovoid, elongated, crowned
with the teeth of the calyx, 2-celled, 2-valved, containing many winged seeds.
  Preparation.—Bark-peeling, as it is termed in South  America, is prac-
tised  by the native  Indians ; the bark of the entire- tree both stem and
branches is removed, the trees being in  general previously cut down ; it is
then dried with  great care so as to preserve its bright colour, the larger and
thicker pieces being dried so as to form flat pieces, the smaller being allowed
to curl into quills.  The epidermis with the lichens, which naturally grow
on it, is carefully  preserved on the bark, but if it be very coarse or injured
it is frequently removed.  Bark-peeling occupies the entire of the dry season
from May to November.

  Physical Properties.—It would  be  quite foreign to the  scope of
this work to enter into any detailed account  of the numerous varieties
of cinchona bark which are occasionally met with in commerce.   I shall
only describe those which most frequently occur, and  which are most
generally used  for medical purposes ;   and in so  doing  I shall adopt the
classification of the  Dublin College, more especially as it is  generally
followed in the English drug  trade :  namely, Yellow, Red, and Pale
Cinchona barks.

   1st—Yellow Bark, Cinchona flava.  The botanical origin of this
bark, the China regia of Von Bergen, is as before remarked  yet un-
known.  It is  met with in two varieties, quilled and flat.  The quills 
370
TONICS.
are generally from  9 to 18 inches long, from half an inch to two
inches in diameter,  and from one to six  or  seven lines in thickness.
They are in general singly quilled, and coated with a very rough light-
gray epidermis; externally they are marked with  longitudinal wrink-
les, and traversed with horizontal fissures often extending completely
round the quills ; and large patches of grayish-white  lichens are usu-
ally adherent.   Internally, they are smooth and of a cinnamon-brown
colour. The flat pieces are from 8 to 18 inches long, from one to four in-
ches broad, and from one to five lines thick ; they are in general freed of
their epidermis, but when present it is similar to that ofthe quilled hark.
The colour is reddish-brown externally and cinnamon-brown within.
Both sorts break with a fibrous, splintery fracture, and yield an orange-
yellow powder. They have a faint aromatic odour,  and an aromatic bit-
ter, somewhat astringent taste.  An account of the cryptogamic plants
which are found on  this and the other sorts of cinchona bark has been
given by Fee and by Zenker, and an attempt made to distinguish the
different barks according to the species which predominate  on  each,
but it is much too refined and difficult for practical  purposes.   Yellow
bark is imported in serons and chests from Arica, a seaport of Bolivia.
   2nd—Red Bark,  Cinchona  rubra.  The species from which this
bark, the China rubra of Von Bergen, is obtained is as yet unknown.
It occurs in quills and in flat pieces.  The quills are  from 3  to  15
inches long, from two lines to an inch and a quarter in  diameter, and
from half a line to two lines thick.  Externally they are of a reddish-
brown colour (the smaller quills are grayish-brown);  they are usually
rough, wrinkled, and furrowed ; and  have a few scattered patches of
grayish-white lichens.   The flat pieces  are  from two inches  to two
feet in length, from one to five inches in  breadth,  and from  a third of
an inch to  three-quarters of an  inch in  thickness ; they are seldom
quite flat, being generally somewhat convex.  The  epidermis is seldom
absent, it is of a reddish or chesnut-brown  colour, rough,  wrinkled,
and usually warty.   The inner  surface of both sorts is  fibrous, and  of
a reddish-yellow or reddish brown colour, the thickest pieces  being
the darkest coloured. The transverse fracture is fibrous and splintery,
and the powder is pale  reddish-brown.   Red bark has a feebly aro-
matic, somewhat earthy odour,  and a bitter, strongly  astringent taste.
It is imported in chests, never in serons;  good red bark is now scarce
in the English market, when met with genuine it is much esteemed
and bears a high price.
   3rd—Pale  Bark, Cinchona corona, E. This bark, which is at pre-
sent generally called Crown or  Loxa bark, the   China loxa of Von
Bergen, is the produce of the Cinchona condaminea of  Humboldt and
Bonplandt.   It is always met with  in the form of quills, never in flat
pieces.  These quills are  simple or double, from six to fifteen inches
long, from two lines to an inch  in diameter, and from one-fourth of a
line to two lines thick.  The epidermis  is always present,  it is fur-
rowed with numerous  transverse fissures or cracks,  and  frequently
also with longitudinal splits.  Externally, the bark is of a pale gray-
ish-brown colour, and covered with a great  number of small whitish
and ash-coloured lichens.   Internally it is smooth  and of a pale cinna-
mon-brown colour; its fracture is fibrous, and it yields a paler coloured
powder than either yellow or red bark. The odour and taste  are nearly
similar to those of red bark.  The fourth variety  of bark which is  of- 
TONICS.                        371
ficinal in the Edinburgh pharmacopoeia is also a pale bark, and when-
ever met with, at least in the Dublin market, is sold  under that name ;
it is rather scarce at present, but is a very good bark ; it may be read-
ily distinguished from other barks by the edges of  the most perfect
quills being cut obliquely.  Both these varieties of pale bark are im-
ported in chests and in  serons,  and are often mixed together in the
same package.
  Several other varieties of Cinchona bark, although not officinal,
are frequently met with  in commerce, and are many of them of good
quality;  a detailed account of  them will be found in  the recent works
of Pereira and of Christison.   The so-called false cinchona barks will
be considered under the head of adulterations.
  Chemical Properties.—According to the analysis of various che-
mists, more especially those of Pelletier and Caventou, cinchona barks
appear to consist of two peculiar alkaloids—quina and cinchonia, in
combination with a peculiar acid—kinic  or cinchonic  acid, together
with a variety of tannin, two peculiar colouring  matters—cinchonic
red and cinchonic yellow, green fatty matter, kinate of lime,  starch,
gum, ligneous  fibre, and a trace of volatile oil.  The  proportion of
these ingredients, particularly  the alkaloids, differs remarkably in the
various kinds of bark, thus quina predominates in yellow bark, cincho-
nia in pale  bark, while  they are contained in nearly  equal proportions
in red bark.   The medicinal properties of bark depend principally on
the alkaloids, of which quina  is the more active;  it is  officinal in the
London pharmacopoeia,  but no process is  given for its preparation, nor
is it employed in medicine.  A  salt of quina, however, the disulphate,
is in  very general use as a substitute for cinchona bark ;  it is officinal
in the three British pharmacopceias and is prepared as follows :—

  CIuininje  sulphas, Dub.—" Yellow cinchona bark, in coarse  powder,
ibiv; distilled water, by measure Ibviij.; dilute sulphuric acid, |ij. ; mix,
and digest together for four hours  in a proper vessel  with a superior heat,
frequently agitating, then strain ;  mix what remains  of the bark with an
equal quantity of water and strain ; repeat the process a third time.  Add
to the mixed liquors  sufficient fresh-burnt and  slaked lime to saturate the
acid; separate the precipitate by means of a paper filter, and add to it ibiij.
by measure, of rectified spirit; digest for 6  hours with  frequent agitation
and filter; digest the residual powder with an equal quantity of  rectified
spirit and filter; repeat the process a third time. Evaporate the mixed spirit-
uous liquors nearly to dryness in a water-bath.  To the residuum  add by
degrees sulphuric acid till the acid is slightly in excess.   Then crystallize
by evaporation and cooling."—Q.uin.e disulphas, Lond.—" Yellow  bark,
bruised, Ibvij.;  sulphuric acid,  §ix.;  purified animal charcoal, §ij.; hy-
drated oxide of lead; solution of ammonia ;  and distilled water, of each,
q. s.; mix §iv. 3'j* °f tne ac*d with cong. vj. of distilled water, and add
the bark to them ; boil for an hour and strain.   In the same manner again
boil what remains in  acid and water, mixed in the same  proportions, for an
hour and again strain.  Lastly boil the cinchona in cong. viij. of distilled
water for 3 hours, and strain.  Wash what remains frequently with boiling
distilled water.   To the mixed liquors add oxide of lead while  moist, nearly
to saturation.  Pour off the supernatant liquor, and wash what is thrown
down with distilled water.   Boil the liquors  lor a quarter of an hour, and
strain ; then gradually add solution of ammonia to precipitate  the quina.
Wash this until nothing alkaline  is perceptible.  Let what remains be sat-
urated with the rest of the sulphuric acid, diluted.  Afterwards digest with
gij. of animal charcoal, and strain.  Lastly, the charcoal being thoroughly
washed, evaporate the liquor cautiously that crystals may be  produced."— 
372                           tonics.
Q.uin.e sulphas, Edin.—"Yellow bark, in  coarse powder, Ibi. ; carbonate
of soda, §viij.; sulphuric acid, f§ss.;  purified animal  charcoal, 3'j i boil
the bark for an hour in Oiv. of water, in which half the carbonate of soda
has been dissolved; strain and express  strongly through linen or  calico;
moisten the residuum with water and  express again ; and repeat this twice.
Boil the residuum for half an hour with Oiv. of water and half the sulphu-
ric acid ;  strain,express strongly, moisten with water, and  express again.
Boil the residuum with Oiij. of water, and a fourth part ofthe acid ; strain
and squeeze as before.  Boil again the residuum with the same quantity of
water and acid, strain and squeeze as  formerly. Concentrate the whole acid
liquids to  about a pint; let the product cool; filter it; and dissolve in it the
remainder of the carbonate of soda.   Collect  the impure quina on  a cloth,
wash it slightly, and squeeze out the liquor with the hand.  Break down the
moist  precipitate  in  Oj.  of distilled  water, add  nearly f^i. of sulphuric
acid, heat it to 212°, and stir occasionally.  Should any precipitate retain
its gray colour, and the liquid be neutral, add sulphuric  acid drop by drop,
stirring constantly till the gray colour disappears.  Should the liquid redden
litmus, neutralize it with a little carbonate of soda.  Should crystals form
on the surface add boiling distilled water to dissolve them.   Filter through
paper, preserving  the funnel hot, set  the liquid aside to crystallize; collect
and squeeze the crystals; dissolve them  in Oj. of distilled water  heated to
212Q ; digest the solution for 15 minutes with the animal charcoal, filter, and
c ystallize as before.  Dry the crystals with a heat not exceeding 140°.  The
mother liquors of each crystallization will yield a little more salt by concen-
tration and cooling."—[GIuinije sulphas. U. S. Yellow bark, in coarse pow-
der, Ibiv.; muriatic acid, fgiij.; lime, in powder,  5v. ;  water cong. v.; sul-
phuric  acid, alcohol, animal charcoal, each, q. s.  Boil the bark in one-third
of the water mixed with one-third of the muriatic acid, and strain  through
 linen.  Boil the  residue twice successively  with the same quantity of water
and acid  as before, and strain.  Mix  the decoctions, and, while the liquor
is hot, gradually add the lime, previously mixed with Oij. of water, stirring
constantly until the duinia is completely precipitated.   Wash the  precipi-
 tate with  distilled water, and having pressed and dried it, digest it in boil-
ing alcohol.   Pour off the liquor and repeat the digestion several  times, un-
til the alcohol is no" longer rendered bitter. Mix the liquors, and distil offthe
 alcohol, until a brown viscid mass remains.  Upon this substance, removed
from the vessel, pour about half a gallon of distilled water, and, having heat-
ed the mixture to the boiling point, add as much sulphuric acid as  may be
necessary to dissolve the impure alkali.   Then add §iss.  of animal char-
coal, boil for two minutes, filter the liquor while hot, and set it aside to crys-
 tallize.   Should the liquor, before filtration, be entirely neutral, acidulate  it
 very slightly with  sulphuric acid; should it, on the  contrary, change the
 colour of litmus paper to a bright red, add more animal charcoal. Separate
the crystals from the liquor, dissolve them in  boiling water slightly acidu-
lated with sulphuric acid, add a little animal  charcoal, filter, and set aside
 to crystallize.  Wrap the crystals in bibulous paper, and dry them with  a
gentle heat. The mother water may be made to yield an additional quantity
of sulphate of quinia by precipitating thequinia with solution of ammonia,
 and treating the precipitated alkali with water, sulphuric acid, and animal
 charcoal, as before."]

   The  quantity  of disulphate  of quina  obtained  from  yellow-bark
 varies with the quality  of the bark, the average may be  stated to be
 from 1£  to 3 per cent.   It occurs in  very fine, needle-like, silky crys-
 tals, of  a perfectly white  colour; they  are flexible,   inodorous, and
 have a very bitter taste.   Exposed  to air they effloresce slightly ; by
 a moderate  heat they are fused, and  by a red  heat are  decomposed.
 Sulphate of quina requires  for its  solution 740 parts of cold, but only 
TONICS.
373
30 of boiling water; it is soluble in 80  parts of cold alcohol (sp. gr.
•850), and in much less of boiling alcohol; it is very soluble in diluted
sulphuric acid.  It is composed of 2 eq. of quina (C20H12O2N,) 1 of
sulphuric acid, and 8 of  water.
  In the preparation of sulphate ofquina by any of the processes that
have  been hitherto employed, the  mother liquor that is left, has  a
strongly bitter taste, and on the addition of alkaline carbonate deposits
a yellowish white or brownish precipitate, which on being washed with
water and gently  heated  agglutinates into a resinous looking mass.
This  resinous substance was named by Sertuerner who first discovered
it Quinoidine, and was found by him, as well as by others who employ-
ed it in  medicine, to possess properties but little inferior to sulphate of
quina.  Liebig  has more recently investigated  this matter, and has
found that the so-called quinoidine, is  uncrystallizable or amorphous
quina, combined with various inert  substances. From these, the amor-
phous quina has been  separated ; it is identical in chemical  composi-
tion with, and has the  same atomic weight as, quina, from which it ap-
pears to differ  only in form—that is  to say, it  cannot be  made to
assume a crystalline appearance.  Amorphous quina is completely solu-
ble in dilute sulphuric  acid  and  in alcohol,  and combines  with the
various acids to form salts.
   Quina is most readily obtained  by precipitating  a  solution  of the
disulphate with ammonia ; when it occurs in the form of a snow-white
 amorphous powder, which may be readily obtained in the form of deli-
cate silky needles, by  dissolving it  to saturation in boiling alcohol, and
cooling the solution very slowly ; it is void of odour, has an extremely
bitter taste, and is strongly alkaline.   It requires for its solution 200
parts of boiling water,  but is very soluble  in alcohol and in ether.
 Cinchonia may be  obtained from pale bark, by a similar process to that
 for the  preparation of quina from yellow bark.   It crystallizes in col-
 ourless prisms, is inodorous, and has a feebly bitter taste. It requires
 2500 parts of boiling water to dissolve it,  is but slightly soluble in cold
 ether, and is much less  soluble in alcohol than  quina ; in  other re-
 spects it bears much resemblance to that alkaloid.  Its composition is
 C20H12 N O.  The other substances of which cinchona bark is com-
 posed,  are unimportant in a  medicinal  point of view.  A third alka-
 loid, which was named by its discoverers aricina, was found by Pelle-
 tier and Caventou in Arica or Cuzco-bark.  Gum is found only in the
 pale  barks.
   The  active  constituents  of cinchona bark are extracted  by water,
 alcohol, proof spirit, and the dilute acids. Of these  the acids much
 diluted, and  proof  spirit are the best solvents. Boiling water dissolves
 out the active principles more completely  than cold  water, but contin-
 ued boiling,  as in preparing the  decoction,  causes the red colouring
 matter  to form a very insoluble  compound with the  alkaloids.  The
 action of various re-agents on the  infusion of cinchona bark, has been
 proposed as  a means of ascertaining the medicinal value of  the differ-
 ent varieties ;  but the results obtained by those, who  have  published
 their experiments, are so dissimilar,  that it is unnecessary to give any
 account of them here.
   Adulterations.—The principal frauds that  are  practised with refer-
 ence to cinchona bark, are, the substitution of the inferior true barks
 for  the finer sorts ; the admixture of  bark which has  been  exhausted
                                 32 
374                         tonics.
by successive macerations and  then dried, with good bark; and the
substitution of the so-called spurious or false cinchona  barks  for the
true barks.   Of the false barks, three in particular have been descri-
bed, namely, Piton  bark, Caribbean bark, and Pitaya bark. They have
all a disagreeable bitter taste, not aromatic :  the latter  only has been
met with in British commerce, it occurs in quills, thin, compact, gray-
ish-yellow externally, blackish-brown  internally.  A class of barks
called on the continent, white  cinchonas, but always looked on in the
British market as spurious or false cinchonas, are often met with, mix-
ed with the officinal barks.  They are distinguished by  the epidermis
being whitish or pale yellowish, micaceous,  smooth  or  not cracked,
and  adherent to the cortical layers.  The other adulterations  which
have been  mentioned above, are very difficult to discover, as great ex-
perience is required to judge of the quality of bark (especially if in
powder), by its physical properties.  Of the quality of yellow bark,
the best characteristic is,—the quantity  of the alkaloid quina which it
yields when treated by the processes of the pharmacopceias;  but as
they are difficult of application on the small scale, the fidinburge Col-
lege has given the following test, by which the  greater part of the al-
kaloid contained, is readily procured in an impure state :—" A filtered
decoction of 100 grs. in fgij. of  distilled water gives, with f§i. of con-
centrated solution  of carbonate of soda, a precipitate, which, when
heated in the fluid becomes a fused mass, weighing when cold  two
grains or more, and easily soluble in solution of oxalic   acid."  Man-
ufacturers of the disulphate of quinia generally, however, employ the
test proposed by Guibourt, by which, the quantity of  lime contained in
the specimen is  ascertained, for it has  been found  that those barks
which are  most  rich in quina also contain most lime ; the process is as
follows :—" Mix the  bark in fine powder with water, so as to form it
into a fine  paste, place this on paper, filter and add  sulphate of soda to
the filtered liquor as long as the white sulphate of lime is precipitated."
According to Berzelius, the most efficacious barks  are  those  which
contain most tannin ; and consequently, those  which in infusion give
the largest precipitate with solution of gelatin and with  tartar  emetic,
should be preferred ; and this test is applicable to all sorts of cinchona
bark.  Powdered cinchona bark is often adulterated with red-saunders
wood in fine powder ; the fraud  may be  easily detected by agitating the
suspected specimen with oil of turpentine or sulphuric  ether : if it be
thus adulterated it will communicate a saffron colour to either of these
liquids after a few minutes, but  the pure bark has no effect on them.
   Disulphate of quina  is very liable to adulteration; the  substances
which are  generally employed  for this purpose are,  sulphate of lime,
gum, sugar or mannite, starch, fatty matters, and sulphate of cinchonia.
By the application of the tests of the Edinburgh pharmacopoeia the free-
dom from any of these impurities, except that with the salt of cincho-
nia will be ascertained:—" A solution of gr. x. in f§j.  of distilled water,
and two or three drops of sulphuric acid, if decomposed by a  solution
of §ss. of carbonate of soda in two waters, and  heated till the precipi-
tate shrinks  and  fuses, yields  on cooling a solid mass, which when
dry weighs 7*4 grains, and in powder dissolves entirely in solution  of
oxalic acid." The presence of a salt of cinchonia, from which, in the
present day, but few specimens are free, may be detected by precipi-
tating, with ammonia, a  solution of the salt in water, collecting the 
tonics.                         375
precipitate and boiling in rectified spirit; if any cinchonia be present it
will be deposited in  crystals as the liquor cools.   Salicin and  caffein
are stated to be frequently employed on the continent of late years  for
the adulteration of disulphate of quina, the  latter is  too  dear in this
country to be used for  that purpose ; the presence of the former may
be discovered by the addition of a few drops of sulphuric acid, if any
salicin be present it will be changed  to a bright red colour, but no ef-
fect is produced on pure disulphate ofquina.
  The preparation of amorphous  quina, has been made the  subject
of a patent in England, nevertheless, from  observations which  have
been  made on it, what has been hitherto offered for sale, does not  ap-
pear to be  quite pure.   Liebig  gives  the following simple test for  as-
certaining its purity :—Completely soluble in dilute sulphuric acid and
in alcohol ; the solution in  a  dilute acid yields upon precipitation by
means of ammonia, exactly the same amount of precipitate as  the
weight of the substance originally dissolved in the acid.
  Therapeutical Effects.—The topical action of cinchona  bark is
astringent, anti-septic,  and somewhat irritant; its general effects on
the system, especially when given where debility exists, are eminently
tonic ; and when administered  in  certain states  of disease, it  is anti-
periodic, that is  to  say, it  possesses  the power  of checking diseases
which recur at regular intervals, as ague, remittent fever, and periodic
neuralgia.   The cinchona  alkaloids, without  its astringency,  possess
the other properties of bark in a concentrated degree, and consequently
since their discovery have been substituted to   a great extent  for
the drug itself.   Of the two alkaloids it has been a  very generally
received opinion, that quina is much  more active than cinchonia, and
consequently the use of the latter has been very restricted ; recent  ex-
perience, however, particularly on the continent, goes  far to establish
the almost equal activity of cinchonia, indeed, according to some, while
equally energetic as a tonic and anti-periodic, it is less irritant.   Most
practitioners, however, are of opinion that neither of the alkaloids pos-
sesses the  same medicinal properties as cinchona bark, more especially
in the treatment of intermittent diseases ; but if reliance can be placed
on the statements of those who have employed it, the amorphous quina
of Liebig above described, is identical in action with the bark itself.
  As a topical agent, bark  has been  used  in  the form of powder or
decoction as an application  to  foul ulcers with  excessive  discharge,
and to mortified parts ;  but  for this purpose it is inferior  to many of
the vegetable substances contained in the  division Astringents (see
chapter 4.).   As an internal remedy, bark is  the most highly esteemed
and most generally employed tonic in the whole Materia Medica.   Its
employment is indicated in all cases of debility unaccompanied by any
tendency to  inflammation or to active hemorrhage, and provided also
the stomach and digestive organs be not in  an irritable condition.   It
is found peculiarly serviceable  in  those forms  of debility, with great
laxity of the  solids, which depend on, or are attended with,  profuse
discharges from  the secreting organs.  In  the  debility  attendant on
convalescence from acute diseases, cinchona and its alkaloids are also
found most efficacious tonics, but  they should  be at first  administered
with great caution, as any over-excitement is apt to cause  a recurrence
of the febrile or inflammatory symptoms.  The principal use, however,
of bark (or ofthe preparations ofquina,) is as  an antiperiodic.   In all 
376
TONICS.
diseases assuming an  intermittent  or remittent type, it is  found to be
the most efficacious remedy, which has been as yet  discovered ; but
its  modus operandi  in  the  cure  of these maladies is  so  obscure,
that it is in general said to be specific.  Bark and  the preparations of
quina are best administered during the stage of intermission or remis-
sion, and given in as full doses as the stomach can bear, for it is essen-
tial to their beneficial  influence that vomiting or  purging be not pro-
duced.  If there be irritability of the stomach or inflammatory tendency
present, they should be previously  removed by appropriate treatment ;
and indeed in  most cases of intermittent  fever, the administration of
an emetic and purgative, previous  to  the  employment of cinchona or
its  alkaloids,  will be  found serviceable.   In neuralgic affections, in
rheumatism, head-ache, amaurosis, stricture, &c, recurring at regular
intervals, bark is found equally efficacious  as in intermittent fever.  It
is also employed  with much benefit in some inflammatory affections,
when they occur in the old and debilitated, as in subacute rheumatism,
in scrofulous  ophthalmia, &c.  Disulphate of quina given  in  large
doses frequently repeated, has been in many instances found productive
of much  benefit in the treatment of tetanus; and it is now much used
in France, in doses of from one to three scruples, repeated three or
four  times  a day, as  a  remedy for  acute rheumatism.   In all the
diseased above  enumerated,  unless where an astringent effect  is re-
quired,  the cinchona alkaloids  may   be  used, and they are prefer-
red by many to the bark itself.   The principal advantages which they
possess,  are their much  greater energy and the little tendency which
they have to produce irritability  of the stomach.
  Dose  and Mode of Administration.—Cinchona  bark is seldom
given in  the form of powder in the present day ; the dose as a tonic, is
from gr. x. to 9ij. two or three  times a day ; as an antiperiodic, from
3i. to 3ij- every second or third  hour, but  few stomachs can bear such
large doses.   Its taste is best concealed by milk, with which, however,
it should not be mixed until immediately before it is taken.—Infusum
Cinchona,!). L. E.  [U. S.]   ("Pale bark, in coarse powder, §j.;
cold water, fgxij.  ; triturate the bark with a little ofthe water, and dur-
ing trituration pour on the remainder ; macerate for 24 hours frequent-
ly agitating and pour off the clear liquor," D.—" Pale bark bruised (any
species of chinchona according to  prescription, in powder, E.) [" Pe-
ruvian bark, bruised, U. S.] §i. ;  boiling  (distilled, L.,)  water, Oj.;
macerate (infuse, E.)  for 6 (4, E) [2, U.  S.] hours in a covered ves-
sel, and strain [through linen  or calico, E.,"] L.  E.)  This  prepara-
tion is a  mild stomachic and tonic, principally employed in dyspepsia
and in the milder forms of debility.  The Dublin infusion may be pre-
pared in eight hours provided constant trituration be used ; it  is  pecu-
liarly adapted for those cases in which there is great irritability of the
digestive organs.   Dose, f§i.  to fgiij.  [Infusum Cinchona  composi-
tum, U.  S.—" Peruvian bark, in powder, §i.; aromatic sulphuric acid,
f5i. ; water, Oj.  Macerate for  12 hours, occasionally shaking and
strain."]  Decoctum Chincona,!). L. E. [U.  S.]   (Pale (Pale, Yel-
low, or Red, L.   Crown, Gray,  Yellow, or Red, E.) cinchona bark in
coarse powder, [" Peruvian bark, bruised, U. S.] (bruised,  L. E.,)
|j. (3x., L.) ; water (distilled, L.,) q.  s. (Oj. L., [U. S.] fgxxiv., E.) ;
" make a decoction which shall yield  when filtered, ibj. by measure,"
D.   "Boil for 10 minutes in  a  lightly covered vessel, and strain the
liquor while  hot," L. [U. S.]  " Boil for 10 minutes, let the decoc- 
tonics.                         377
tion cool, filter it and evaporate to fgxvj.," E.)  Dose, f|i.  to f§ij.—
Tinctura Cinchona, D. L. E. [U. S.]   (" Pale (Yellow, L.) cinchona,
in coarse powder, (bruised, L.,) |iv. (Jviij., L.  [gvi. U.  S.]) ;  proof
spirit, by measure, ibij.   (Oij., L. [U. S.'j) ; macerate for  7 (14, L.
[U.  S-]) days and filter," D.  L.  [Express and  filter through paper,"
U. S.]—" Yellow bark, in fine powder,  or any other  species of cin-
chona, according to prescription, §viij. ;  proof spirit, Oij. ; percolate
the bark with the spirit, the  bark being  previously moistened with a
very little spirit, left thus for 10 or  12  hours, and then  firmly packed
in  the  cylinder.  This  tincture may also be  prepared, though  much
less expeditiously, and with much greater loss by the usual process of
digestion, the bark being in that case reduced to  coarse powder only,"
E.).  Dose f5i. to f3iij.—Tinctura Cinchona  composita, D. L. E.
[U. S.]  Pale (Yellow, E.) cinchona bark, in coarse powder (or fine
if percolation be followed, E., bruised, L.), §ij.  (§iv., L. E.); bitter-
orange  peel, dried, (bruised, E.), §ss. (§iij., L. E.) [§iss. U.  S.];
serpentaria, bruised (in  moderately fine  powder, E.),3iij- (3vj. L. E.) ;
saffron (chopped, E.), 3i-   (3ij., L. E.)  ; cochineal, powdered (bruised,
E-),  9ij. (5i-,  L.  E.)  [" Red  Saunders, rasped, 3i.  U. S.];  proof
spirit, by measure,  |xx. (Oij.,  L.  E.)  ;  " macerate  for  14 days and
filter," D. L.   " Macerate for 7 days, strain, and express strongly, filter
the liquors.   It may be also conveniently prepared by percolation  as di-
rected  for compound tincture  of cardamom," E.).   This is a  more
agreeable but less powerful tonic than the simple tincture.  It is  com-
monly known as Huxham's tincture of bark; Dose, f3j. to f^ss.—Liquor
Cinchona (prepared  by exhausting  any quantity of  powdered yellow
bark  in  a percolator first with proof spirit, and then with boiling water,
mixing the liquors, and concentrating in vacuo or with a gentle heat.) An
excellent and active preparation ; Dose, min. xx. to f3ss.—Extractum
Cinchona, D.  L. E.   (" Pale  (Yellow,  Pale or Red, L.) cinchona
bark, in  coarse powder (bruised, L.), Ibj. Qjxv., L. ; water (distilled,
L.), by  measure, Ibvj. (cong. iv., L.) ;  boil for 15 minutes in a vessel
nearly closed (boil  down  in  cong. j.  of water to Ovj., L.), and strain
the liquor while hot.  In the same  manner, boil down the bark  in an
equal measure of water, 3  (4, L.) times ;  lastly,  all  the liquors  being
mixed, evaporate  to  a  proper consistence,"  D. L.  [This extract
should be kept  in  two states, soft for making pills,  and hard that it
may be  reducible to powder, D.] [" Peruvian bark,  in coarse powder,
ibj. ;  alcohol, Oiv.;  water q. s.  Macerate the peruvian bark with the
alcohol  for four days ; then filter by means of an apparatus for displace-
ment, and when the liquid  ceases  to  pass, pour gradually upon the
bark sufficient water to  keep its surface  covered.  When the filtered
tincture  measures  Oiv., set it  aside, and proceed with the  filtration
until  Ovj. of infusion are  obtained.  Distil off the  alcohol from the
tincture, and evaporate the infusion, till  the liquids  respectively are
brought to the  consistence of thin honey;  then  mix them, and  evap-
orate so as to  form an extract," U. S.]—" Take  of any variety of
cinchona, but   especially  the  yellow   or  red cinchona, in   fine
powder,  §iv. ;  proof spirit,  fgxxiv.;  percolate the  cinchona  with
the  spirit ;  distil  off  the greater  part  of  the spirit,  and evapo-
rate  what remains in  an  open vessel.  over the vapour  bath  to  a
due consistence," E.).   The Edinburgh  preparation, in which  spirit
is used  as the solvent, is much the most active, but since the introduc- 
378                         tonics.

tion of the preparations of quina into medicine, the extracts are seldom
used ; Dose, gr.  v. to gr.  xx.
   Quina and Cinchonia are but  seldom employed in the  uncom-'
bined state, in consequence of insolubility ; nevertheless they are prefer-
red by some  continental practitioners to any ofthe salts.  The dose of
either is from gr. iij. to gr. v. frequently repeated.  Quinina sulphas,
D. Quina disulphas, L.   Quina sulphas, E   [Quinia sulphas, U. S.]
Dose, gr. i. to gr. v., three or four times a day.   As  an antiperiodic,
it is administered in ague during the intermission, in divided doses, so
regulated that from gr. xv.  to 9ij., according to circumstances, may be
taken in all.   It may be administered in the  form of pill, made with
conserve of roses or mucilage, or dissolved in some aqueous vehicle
with the aid  of dilute sulphuric acid :  it should not be prescribed, as is
frequently done, in the infusion of roses, as most  of it  is precipitated
in the form of an insoluble tannate of quina by  the  tannic acid con-
tained in that preparation.   Disulphate of quina may be administered
in  the  form of enema,  where there is very great irritability of the
stomach ; three times the ordinary dose or even more, may be mixed
with an ordinary starch enema, and administered about an  hour before
the paroxysm.  Or it may be introduced into the system by the ender-
mic method,  the ordinary dose being sprinkled over the surface of the
skin, denuded ofthe epidermis by means of a blister.   In  intermittent
head-ache, gr. j. of the disulphate, mixed with  gr. iij.  of starch, has
been snuffed up the nostrils  occasionally.—Pilula Quina, U. S.   (Sul-
phate ofquina, §i. gum acacia, in powder, 3ij- ; syrup, q. s. ;  mix the
sulphate ofquina and the gum, and beat them with the syrup so  as to
form a mass  to be divided into  480 pills;) each pill  contains gr. j. of
the disulphate of quina.— Vinum Quina, Collier, (Disulphate ofquina,
gr. xxiv. ;  citric acid, in crystals, gr. xv. ; rub together, and  dissolve
in orange wine, fgxxiv.).  An elegant  formula ; Dose, f§ss. to fgiij.—
Quinje murias, (Prepared by decomposing an aqueous solution ofthe
disulphate by means of an aqueous solution of chloride  of barium ;  fil-
tering to separate the sulphate of baryta, evaporating and crystallizing.)
The muriate ofquina is preferred  by many practitioners to the disul-
phate, but is much more expensive ;  the dose is  the same.—Acetate,
Citrate, Tartrate, Nitrate,  Phosphate, and  Tannate of Quina, have
been also used in medicine ;  they are  all expensive preparations, and
do not appear to me  to be  superior in  any respect to the disulphate.
They may be readily prepared by dissolving pure quina or amorphous
quina to saturation, in  the  respective  acids previously diluted with
water, evaporating and crystallizing ; their doses are the same as  those
of the disulphate.—Amorphous quina is administered in the same doses
as the disulphate ; it may be given dissolved in  water by means of a
few drops of any  dilute acid.
   The  Arseniate of  Quinia has been  recently employed in  France
with much  success in the treatment of intermittent fevers.  It is pre-
pared by boiling for a short  time in a glass flask, a  mixture of 3hiss.
of pure quina, 3i- of arsenic acid, and f§iv. of distilled water, allow-
ing the crystals to be deposited by cooling, separating  them by filtra-
tion,  and purifying by  re-crystallization  in  distilled  water.  When
well  prepared, it is in the form of minute, feathery, white crystals;
it is  a bibasic salt.   It is soluble in boiling  water,  from which the
greater portion is deposited as the solution cools;  it is slightly soluble
in proof spirit, but very sparingly so  in alcohol,  and is insoluble in 
tonics.                        379
 ether.  The dose of it is from a tenth to a fourth of a grain dissolved
 in  a large  quantity  of water. The Valerianate of quina has  been
 also lately used on the Continent as an anti-periodic, and from the re-
 ports which have been published of  its effects, it appears to be a val-
 uable remedy in obstinate intermittent affections.  Wittstein's process
 for its preparation is as follows :—Dissolve  1  part of valerianic  acid
 in  60 parts of water, and add 3 parts of recently precipitated quina;
 boil the mixture, and filter it while hot.  Set it aside  to cool and at
 the end of  some days, crystals of  the valerianate of quina will be de-
 posited, which are to be carefully  dried at a temperature not exceed-
 ing 122° F.  It  crystallizes in the form of satiny rhomboidal plates,
 grouped in masses.  It  has a bitter taste, and a feeble odour of vale-
 rian ;  it is unalterable  in the air.  Valerianate  ofquina is a bibasic
 salt; it is soluble in  110 parts of cold and 40 parts of boiling- water ;
 it  is more soluble in  alcohol and in ether, and is also soluble in the
 fixed oils.  The dose of it,  is gr.  j.  three times a  day in the  form of
 pill; it has been also employed, as an external application in the  form
 of  embrocation,  for which purpose one part is  dissolved in sixty  parts
 of  olive oil.
   The salts of cinchonia are prepared in a similar manner to those of
 quina ; their doses are the same.
   Incompatibles.—With the preparations of Cinchona bark.—Am-
 monia; lime water;  carbonate of potash; arsenite of potash; tartar
 emetic ; the sesqui-salts of iron ; the acetates  of lead ; corrosive sub-
 limate ; nitrate of silver ; tincture of galls ; and gelatin.   With di-
 sulphate of quina.—The alkalies, and their  carbonates ; lime water;
 tartaric acid ; the soluble tartrates ;  and all  vegetable tinctures, infu-
 sions and decoctions  containing tannin.

  Cnicus benedictus, folia, D.—Blessed-thistle.  Leaves of Cuicus
 benedictus. A native of the  South  of Europe ; belonging to the  Nat-
 ural family Composita  (Asteracea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean
 class and  order Syngenesia  JEqualis.
  Although at one time highly esteemed as a tonic, the blessed thistle
 is so little used in the present day  as scarcely to merit a place in  the
 Materia Medica.   An infusion or decoction  made with §i.  or §ij. of
 the leaves, and Oj. of boiling water, was given  in doses of f§iss, to
 f§iij.;  principally in the treatment  of scrofulous affections.

  Cochlearia  officinalis,  herba,  D.—Scurvy-grass;  Herb  of
 Cochlearia officinalis.  Indigenous ;  belonging to the  Natural family
 Crucifera (Brassicacea, Lindley), and to  the Linnaean class and order
 Tetradynamia Siliculosa.
  This plant was formerly esteemed as a tonic and antiscorbutic, but
 at present is only used as a domestic  remedy, eaten fresh as a salad,
 in which state, in addition to its tonic properties, it is also slightly di-
 uretic.  It is perfectly inert  when dried.

  [Coptis,  U. S. secondary.—Goldthread.  Root of Coptis trifolia.  A
native of the northern parts  of America  and  Asia, belonging to the
Natural family Ranunculacea, and to the Linnaean class and  order
Polyandria Polygyria.
  Physical Properties.—Gold thread comes  in loose masses formed 
380                        tonics.
of the yellow, thread  like, creeping root of the plant, intermixed fre-
quently  with the leaves or stems of the  plant.   It has no odour, and a
pure, strong bitter, taste.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Gold  thread is a pure bitter, resemb-
ling quassia in its properties though less powerful.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder from gr. x. to gr.
xxx.; or it may be given in infusion or tincture.]

  Contrajerva, L.  [U. S.]—Contrayerva. Root of Dorstenia  Con-
trayerva.  A native of South America;  belonging to the Natural fam-
ily Urticacea (Moracea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean class and order
Monacia Tetrandria.
  The contrayerva root of the  shops is imported  from Brazil, and is
obtained from  the Dorstenia Braziliensis.  It is of a reddish colour,
tapering, from 2 to 3  inches long, and about the thickness of the little
finger,  covered  with slender  root  fibres.  It has  a weak aromatic
odour, and a.warm bitter taste.   Contrayerva root is a mild aromatic
tonic at one time used in fevers of a low character, but at present  it
is very  rarely employed.  The dose of the  powder is  from 9i.  to
Bij-

  Cuprum ammoniatum, D.  E.  [U.  S.] Cupri ammonio-sulphas, L.
Ammoniated Copper.  Ammonio-sulphate of  Copper.

  Preparation.—Dvb.—Lond.—Edin.—" Sulphate of copper, 2 parts (§i.,
L.E. [§ss. U. S]); carbonate (sesquiearbonate, L.) of ammonia, 3  parts
(|iss., L. E. [3vi. U.  S.]); triturate them together  (in an  earthenware
mortar, D.) [" in a glass mortar," U. S.] till the effervescence has entirely
ceased ;  wrap the mass in  bibulous paper, and dry it in the air [with a
gentle heat, U. S.].  (It should be kept in well stoppered bottles, D." [U.
S.]).

  Physical Properties.—As usually met with, this preparation is of
a fine azure-blue colour, with an ammoniacal odour, and a styptic me-
tallic taste.  It is in the form  of powder,  but may be crystallized in
large right rhombic prisms.
  Chemical Properties.—The exact composition of this salt, as pre-
pared for  use in medicine, is doubtful.   Exposed to the air, ammonia
is given off, and a green powder left.   It is soluble in water, and the
solution has an alkaline  reaction.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Ammoniacal sulphate of copper is em-
ployed in  medicine as a tonic,  and  in consequence of its powers  as
such, as an antispasmodic  also.   It has been  principally used in the
treatment of epilepsy, chorea, and other spasmodic affections,  and  is
frequently productive of great benefit, when  these  diseases occur in
debilitated constitutions about the period of puberty, and are unasso-
ciated with organic disease.  It is not, however, as much used  in the
present as it formerly was.
  Dose and Mode of  Administration.—Gr. ss. gradually increased
to gr. v. twice or three times  daily ; it may be given in the form of
pill made  with bread crumb  or conserve of roses.—Pilula Cupri Am-
moniati, E.   (Ammoniated copper, in fine  powder,  1  part; bread
crumb, 6 parts ; solution of  carbonate of ammonia, q. s.  ; beat  into a
proper pill mass, and divide  it into pills  each containing gr. ss. of am- 
TONICS.
381
moniated copper).—Cupri Ammoniati  Aqua, D.  E.—Liquor Cupri
Ammonio-Sulphatis,  L.   (Ammoniated copper,  1  part (3i., L.  E.) ;
distilled  water, 100 parts  (Oj., L. E.) ; dissolve the salt  in the water,
and filter).   This solution is not employed  in medicine,  it was intro-
duced into  the pharmacopceias with the intention of being  used as a
test for arsenious acid, (see page 116.)
   Incompatibles.—Acids ; potash; soda ; and lime water.
   In  poisoning with this salt, the treatment is the  same as in poison-
ing with sulphate of copper, (see page 44).

   [Cornus  Florida, U.  S.—Dogwood.   Bark of Cornus Florida.
The dogwood is  indigenous in the  United  States, and belongs to the
Natural  family Cornacea, and to the Linnaean class and order Tetran-
dria Monogynia.

   Botanical Characters.—A small tree, with spreading branches; small,
aggregated greenish yellow  flowers, in the centre of  a four leaved white,
involucrum.

   Physical Properties.—The  bark is in quilled pieces of an ash
colour without odour,  and having a bitter and somewhat astringent taste.
   Chemical Properties.—Dogwood contains a bitter principle (cor-
nine) tannic and  gallic  acids, extractive matter, &c.  Its virtues are
extracted by both diluted  alcohol and water.
   Therapeutical  Effects—Dogwood bark  is a stimulant tonic,
possessing properties analogous to  those of the  cinchona  barks, but
much inferior in  degree.
   Dose  and Mode of Administration.—In powder from gr. xx.  to
gr. xxx.  Decoctum Cornus  Florida.  U. S. Dogwood bark, bruised,
|j.;  water,  Oj.   Boil in a covered  vessel for  10 minutes and strain
while hot.   Dose f§i. to fgij.J

   Cupri sulphas.—Sulphate  of Copper, (described in the division
Astringents), has been employed as a tonic in  chorea  and epilepsy,
but the ammoniacal sulphate is more generally preferred  in these dis-
eases.  The dose and mode of administration have been described in
the division  Astringents, (see page 45.)

   Cusparia, L. E.  Angustura, D. [U. S.]—Cusparia or Angostura
bark.  Bark of Galipea officinalis, T*l. [U. S.]—of Galipea cusparia,
L.—of Bonplandia trifoliata, D.  The bark is probably obtained  from
both species of Galipea mentioned  above.   They  are natives  of the
warmer regions of South America, and belong to the Natural family
Rutacea, andt o the Linnaean class and order Diandria Monogynia.
  Botanical  Characters —Galipea officinalis attains a height only of
from 12-15 feet; Leaves, trifoliate, from 8-12 inches long, having the odour
of tobacco;  Flowers, white, hairy, in stalked, axillary, terminal racemes.
— Galipea cusparia is a lofty tree, 60-80 feet high ; Leaves, trifoliate, about
2 feet long, agreeably fragrant;  Flowers, white, with fasciclesof hairs seat-
ed on glandular bodies  on the outside, in stalked, almost terminal racemes.
  Physical Properties.—Cusparia bark  occurs in pieces from 3-10
inches in length, some nearly flat, others incompletely quilled, covered
externally with a grayish-yellow, soft epidermis,  removed  from  one
edge apparently with  a sharp knife ? internally, it is of a dark yellow- 
382                       tonics.
ish-brown  colour, somewhat fibrous.   It breaks with a short resinoug
fracture ;  has a peculiar rather unpleasant odour, and  a  warm bitter,
somewhat  acrid taste.
   Chemical Properties.—According to the analysis of Fischer, this
bark consists of 3 7 per cent of a peculiar bitter principle (which has
been named  Cusparin by Saladin, who obtained it in a crystalline state
by submitting an  alcoholic tincture of the bark,  prepared by percola-
tion, to spontaneous evaporation), 1*7 of bitter hard resin, 1*9 of bal-
samic  soft resin,  0*3 of volatile oil, gum, lignin, &c. The active prop-
erties  of the bark are extracted by water  and alcohol;  it is probable
that they depend  on the neutral principle Cusparin,  and  on the bitter
resin.
   Adulterations.—About the commencement of this century, the sub-
stitution of a highly poisonous bark,  which  was  brought  from the
East Indies, for.true angostura bark, was very common in the British
Isles and in various parts of the  Continent; but since then, so far as
I am aware, it had not been met with until  some years since, when a
specimen of the false bark was sent to me from  a  druggist's in this
city, labelled Angustura bark.  Upon inquiry, I found that a chest con-
taining about 2 cwt. of the bark  had lain in their store-house for up-
wards  of forty yeas, but had never been before dispensed.  False an-
gostura bark may be readily distinguished from the  true bark  by its
physical as well as chemical properties.  It is generally in  more per-
fectly  quilled pieces, always much thicker and heavier; the  epidermis
is much mottled with  greyish spots or covered  with a rusty efflores-
cence  ; the  taste is  intensely  bitter,  very permanent, and it has no
odour.  The best chemical test is the  application  of nitric acid to a
transverse fracture;  it produces a bright  red colour  with the false
bark, but merely  deepens the colour of the true bark.  The rusty ef-
florescence on false angostura bark, is  stained greenish-black  by the
same acid.   This false bark was  for a long time referred to  the Bru-
cea antidysenterica a native of Africa; but the  recent investigations
of Christison, O'Shaughnessy and others, have  proved that it is the
bark of Strychnos nux-vomica, (see page 342).
   Therapeutical Effects.—Angostura bark is an  excellent tonic,
devoid of all astringency.   It  bears  much resemblance to  cinchona
bark, than  which it is generally held in much  higher estimation as a
febrifuge  in South America,—being adapted for  the worst and most
malignant  bilious fevers of the marshy district, while  the  fevers  in
which  cinchona bark is employed  there, are simple intermittents, for
the most part unattended with  danger.  It has  never come into gen-
eral use in  Europe, in  consequence  of the serious accidents  which
resulted from the  fraud above noticed ;  nevertheless, it will  be found
very serviceable  in  atomic  dyspepsia,  in  convalescence from acute
diseases, and in the advanced stages of diarrhoea and dysentery.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—In  powder, gr. x. to 5s3-—
Infusum Cusparia, L. E.—Infusum Angustura,  D.  (Angostura bark,
bruised, 3ij- (3v-» L. E. [§ss., U. S.]) ;  boiling water (distilled, L.), ibss.
(Oj., L. E- [U. S.]);  macerate  for two hours in a covered vessel and
strain,  "through linen or calico," E.).  Dose, f-jj. to f§ij.—Tinctura
Cusparia, E.—Tinctura Angustura, D.  (Angostura bark, in moderately
fine powder, §ij. (:$ivss., E.) ; proof spirit,  by measure Ibij. (Oij., E.);
" niacerate'for  14 days and strain," D. " Made like the tincture of 
tonics.                          383
cinchona  and most  expeditiously by the process of percolation," E.).
Dose, f3i. to f3ij.                                 r         '    '
  Incompatibles—The mineral acids ; sesqui-salts of iron ;  nitrate of
silver ; and the acetates of lead.

  Drymis aromatica, cortex, D.— Winter's Bark.   Bark of Drymis
aromatica (Drymis Winteri).  A native of the countries bordering on
the straits of Magellan.  It belongs  to  the Natural family Winleracea
(Magnoltacea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean class and order Polyandria
Tetragynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A large tree, about 40 feet high; Leaves, alter-
nate, petiolate, ovate,  elongated, glaucous and whitish on the under surface ;
Flowers, small, white, solitary, or 3 or  4 on a common footstalk.

  Properties.—This bark is at present rather scarce  as it is not much
employed, in consequence  of which  it  has been omitted from the late
editions of the London and Edinburgh pharmacopoeias ;  it occurs in
rolled quills from ten inches to a foot and a half long, and from half an
inch to two inches in  diameter, smooth externally, of"  a reddish-yellow
colour with red oval  spots.   It has  an aromatic odour, and an agreeable
somewhat spicy taste.  Its properties depend on volatile oil and resin,
it also contains some tannin.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Winter's bark is an excellent aromatic
tonic, superior in  many respects to  canella bark, which is now generally
substituted for it.  It is so  seldom  used, that there are no officinal pre-
parations of it contained in any ofthe British or Continental pharmaco-
poeias.  The dose of the powder is from 9j. to 3i.

  [Eupatorium,  U.  S.  Boneset.  The tops and leaves of Eupatorium
Perfoliatum.  Indigenous ; belonging to the Natural family Asleracea,
and to the Linnaean class and order Syngenesia JEqualis.

  Botanical Characters.—Stems, numerous, about two feet high; Leaves,
opposite, ovate, acute,  scabrous; Flowers, small, white, in terminal corymbs.

  Therapeutical Properties.—Boneset, or as it is sometimes called,
Thoroughwort, is the most  used of all our domestic remedies.  It has
very decided tonic powers ;  the warm  infusion is an excellent diaphoretic,
 and the warm decoction taken in sufficient doses will  commonly excite
vomiting.  In large doses it is said to act upon the bowels.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder, from gr. x. to gr.
xx.—Infusum Eupatorii, U. S.   Dried thoroughwort, §i. ; boiling water,
Oj.  Macerate for  two hours in  a  covered vessel and strain.   Dose,
f|ij. to f§iij.]

  Fel bovinum.—Ox- Gall.  The fluid contents of the gall bladder of the
ox,  inspissated by heat.
  Ox-gall although at one  time much employed  in medicine, fell com-
pletely into disuse until within  the  last few years, when it  has been
again brought under  the notice of the profession, as an excellent tonic
in various forms of dyspepsia.  From my own experience of its effects
in numerous cases in which I employed it, I can speak most highly of its
remediate powers, particularly in that morbid irritability  ofthe stomach
accompanied by vomiting  soon after the meals  have  been taken, and 
384                         TONrcs.
which does  not  depend on organic disease ; it appears also to act as a
gentle laxative.   The  following is the preparation which I have em-
ployed :—Fel Bovinum  inspissatum.  (Ox-gall, any  quantity;  dilute
with an equal quantity of distilled water, set aside for 12 hours until the
impurities subside ; pour off the clear liquor, boil and strain through linen
or calico.  Lastly, evaporate it in a water-bath to the consistence of an
extract).  Thus prepared,  it is odourless, but  has  an intensely bitter
taste, leaving a somewhat  sweetish  impression upon  the tongue and
palate ;  the dose of it is from gr. v. to gr.  x. two or three  times a day.

   Ferrum,  L.   Ferri  filum  et limatura,  E.  [Ferri  filum  et
ramenta, U. S.]  Ferrum, fila, scobs, et  oxydi  squamje, D.—Iron
filings, L.  Iron in the form ofwire, and in the form offilings, E.  Iron,
wire, filings, and scales of the oxide, D.   Iron  is said to be met with in
the  metallic state in Russia and America, but  it is very rare ; it  is
usually found combined with other minerals in the state of oxide, sulphu-
ret, carbonate, &c.

   Preparation.—Metallic iron is an article of the Materia  Medica in the
three British pharmacopoeias.  It is most generally obtained from the native
black oxide—magnetic iron ore, and  from the native carbonate  of the pro-
toxide—r-clay iron stone, by smelting in blast furnaces.

   Properties.—Pure metallic iron  is of a silver white  colour,  but as
ordinarily met with, it is greyish-white, very brilliant, hard, and ductile ;
it is very malleable, particularly when heated.   It has a peculiar taste,
and  emits an odour when rubbed.  At an intense heat it fuses, but be-
fore it arrives at the point  of fusion, it becomes  soft, and in this state
possesses the remarkable property of  being welded.   Iron is attracted by
the magnet, and becomes itself magnetic by induction, but if pure, im-
mediately loses its polarity  when withdrawn from the  magnet.  Its sp.
gr. is 77, and its atomic weight 27-2.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Iron,  like  other  metals, does  not exert
any influence >on the human system  while it retains the metallic  state ;
but  as  it is very readily oxidated and converted into salts, this change
takes place in  the stomach soon after it is  swallowed,  and then the
effects of a tonic are produced.  Iron filings were at one time much
used in   medicine, but  in the present day they are scarcely ever em-
ployed in regular practice;  the dose of them was from gr. x. to 3Ss.
administered  in the form of electuary or bolus made with treacle  or
honey.
   More  recently the employment of metallic iron, reduced to a state of
minute division  by means of hydrogen {fer reduit, of  the French), has
been employed  on the Continent, its  use having been first introduced by
M. M. Quevenne and Miquelard.  To obtain it,  a  certain quantity of
black oxide of iron (JElhic-ps martis)  is introduced into a tube of porce-
lain which  is heated to redness, and a current of hydrogen gas is then
passed over it until it is reduced;  which ordinarily occurs in from seven
to eight  hours.   The chief  circumstance  to be attended to during  the
operation, is the state ofthe temperature.  If it be not sufficiently high,
the reduction does not take place;  and if it be too high  the iron is re-
duced, but is agglutinated into  ductile plates.   For preparing it  on the
large scale, a metal water-pipe is employed, and the oxide is placed on
numerous small shelves  made of sheet iron and  supported on small iron 
TONICS.
385
bars.  When well prepared it is in the form of a fine light powder, of a
bright greyish-slate colour, in very minute  division, and  free from any
trace of sulphur.  The advantages which this preparation is said to
possess are, first, that it  is readily acted on  by the weak  acids—the
lactic and  muriatic, which are ordinarily present in the gastric juice
during digestion ; and secondly, that it is free from the inky taste, which
the preparations of iron  possess in a degree proportioned to their solu-
bility.  The dose of it is gr. j. to gr. x.; it may be given  in the form of
pill or of bolus.
   The  general effects of  the ferruginous preparations, when their use
has been continued for some time,  are tonic and astringent; out, when
they have been given  in too large doses, or their use persisted in for too
long a period, they produce a state of over-excitement, characterised by
a feeling of determination of blood to the head, of general fulness, and
by other uneasy sensations.   The morbid state of the system in which
the preparations of  iron are found most useful, is that which has been
denominated anamia, in which the blood is  deficient, in respect both of
its quantity, and of the relative proportion of red particles.  The diseases
therefore in which they have been  employed, are chiefly those of debility
accompanied  by or dependant on anamia, as in chlorosis, amenorrhoea,
menorrhagia, diseases ofthe urinary organs, scrofulous affections, passive
hemorrhages, certain  diseases of  the digestive organs, neuralgia, &c.
They have  been also used with benefit in diseases of an intermittent or
remittent type,  in dropsical affections, in  chronic enlargements of the
liver or spleen, in cancer, in the advanced stages of Bright's disease of
the kidney, in valvular diseases of the heart when a tonic is indicated,
in chronic cutaneous affections, &c The employment of the ferruginous
preparations is contra-indicated where there is any tendency to inflam-
mation or active hemorrhage  in the system, where there is irritability
of the digestive organs, in persons of a full habit of body, and in those
proue to a determination of blood to the head.


   Ferri acetas, D.—Solution ofthe acetate of Iron.

  Preparation.—"Carbonate of iron, 1 part; acetic acid, 6 parts; digest
for 3 days and filter."—Ferri acetatis tinctura, D.  " Acetate of potash,2
parts ; sulphate of iron, 1 part; rectified spirit, 26 parts;  rub the acetate of
potash, and sulphate of iron together in an  earthen-ware  mortar, till they
unite into a  mass, then dry them with a  medium heat, and triturate with the
spirit; digest the mixture, with frequent agitation, for 7 days in a well
stopped bottle ; lastly, pour off the tincture from the sediment and keep it m   ^
well closed vessels.",—Tinctura acetatis ferri cum alcohole, D." Sul-  -^
phate of iron, and acetate of potash,  cf each, §i.;  alcohol, by measure ibij.;
rub the salts together in an earthen-ware mortar till they unite into a mass;
then dry them with a medium heat, and  when cold triturate with the alcohol.
Put the mixture into a well  stopped bottle, and digest for 24 hours, frequently
agitating.  Lastly, pour off the clear liquor from the sediment, and keep in
a well closed vessel."

  Properties.—A  liquid of a dark  blood-red colour, with an  acetic   ^ *
odour, and a strongly acid chalybeate taste.  It is a solution of peroxide
of iron (Fe2 0J) in  acetic acid.
"  Therapeutical Effects.—Acetate of iron possesses the properties
of the ferruginous preparations generally ;  but as  its composition is
rather uncertain, it is scarcely ever  ueed at present   The tinctures 
386
TONICS.
were introduced into the pharmacopoeia on the authority of Dr. Percival,
who thought most highly of their chalybeate powers.   I have employed
them extensively in  the  treatment of chlorosis and of chronic diseases
of the heart, and am inclined  to think*most highly of their remediate
powers ; I have generally prescribed the alcoholic tincture.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—The  dose  of the acetate is
from min.  v. to min. xx. in some aromatic water ; that of the tinctures
from min. xxx. to f3i. ;  Dr. Percival was in the habit of  administering
fhem in asses' milk.                   *:^^-'-S


  Ferri  ammonio-chloridum, L.  [F-errum ;ammoniatum, U. S.]—
Ammonio-chloride of Iron.           '■',':.  »■*-.

  Preparation.-^" Sesquioxide of iron, §iij.; hydrochloric acid, Oss.; hy-
drochlorate of ammonia, ibiiss.; distilled water, Qiij.; mix the sesquioxide
of iron with the hydrochloric acid in a proper vessel, and digest them in a
sand-bath for two hours ; afterwards add the hydrochlorate of ammonia first
dissolved in the distilled water; strain  and evaporate all the liquor.  Lastly,
rub what remains to powder."

  Properties.—This preparation is commonly met  with in the  form
of an orange-yellow semi-crystalline powder, which attracts moisture
when exposed tp the air.  It emits a feeble odour when moistened, and
has  a saline metallic taste.  It is readily dissolved by water and by
weak  spirit.  According to Phillips, it  is  a mechanical mixture of
15  parts  of sesquichloride of iron, and 85 parts of hydrochlorate of
ammonia.                                   '
  Therapeutical Effects.—This preparation, the Flores martiales
of the older pharmacologists, was  at one time highly esteemed as a
tonic and deobstruent in scrofulous  affections;  but, in. consequence of
its liability to become decomposed  by keeping, and the variable quan-
tity  of iron which it contains, it  is  not  often prescribed  in the present
day.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—In the solid state, gr.  v. to
gr.  xv.—Tinctura Ferri Ammonio-chloridi, L.   (Ammonio-chloride
of iron, §iv. ; proof spirit, Oj.; dissolve the salt  in the spirit and strain).
Dose, min. xij. to min. xl.
  Incompatibles.—Alkalies, and their  carbonates ;  lime water ; and
all astringent vegetable preparations.

  Ferri ammonio-tartras.—Ammonio-tartrate of Iron.

  Preparation.—"Tartaric acid, 100 drachms; sesquiearbonate of ammo-
nia, crystalline, 39 1-2 drachms;  sesqui(pe?)-oxideof iron, 53 1-2 drachms;
muriatic acid, 180 drachms; solution of ammonia,  and water, of each, q. s.;
dissolve the tartaric acid in cong. j. of water,  and add the sesquiearbonate of
ammonia gradually.  Dissolve the sesquioxide of iron in the muriatic acid
by means of a gentle heat; dilute the solution with  Ovj.  of water, and add a
sufficient quantity of so!ution of ammonia to precipitate the oxide.   Separate
this on a flannel filter, wash it with water, until the washings pass tasteless;
and add it to the solution containing the bitartrate  of ammonia, then  apply
a gentle heat, by means of a water-bath, until the  whole of the sesquioxide
of iron is dissolved; and a deep reddish-brown solution results.  Lastly, eva-
porate this solution, by means of a water-bath, to dryness."—Mb. Procter,
in the American Journal of Pharmacy. 
tonics.                          387
  Properties.—This preparation, (which has been recently introdu-
ced  into  the practice of medicine, and  is  not  contained  in any of
the pharmacopoeias,) is met with in the form of  brilliant scales, semi-
transparent, of a beautiful reddish-brown colour.   It  is odourless, and
has a sweetish, slightly chalybeate taste.  It is soluble in about twice
its  weight  of water  at. 60°, and  in a  much  less quantity of boiling
water.  It is insoluble in absolute alcohol and in ether.   It is composed
of 1 eq. of tartrate of per-oxide of iron, 1 of tartrate  of ammonia, and
4 of water.
  Therapeutical Effects.—This  is  an  excellent  preparation of
iron,  void of all  astringency.   It is peculiarly suited as  a tonic for
those  derangements of the uterine  organs, in  which  the ferruginous
salts are indicated.  Its not disagreeable taste, its solubility  in water,
and the permanency of its composition give it an  advantage over most
ofthe other preparations of iron.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. v.  to  gr. viij.  in the.
form of powder, pill, or solution ; or made into a bolus with honey.
  Incompatibles.—The  mineral acids;  and all astringent  vegetable
preparations.                                                 -'

  Ferri  Bromidum.—Bromide of Iron.                         »

  Preparation.—" Bromine; and clean iron filings, of each, equal parts;
heat together under water, till the fluid becomes of a greenish colour; filter
and evaporate to dryness," Magendie.

  Bromide  of iron is of a brick-red colour, and has  a disagreeable,
styptic metallic taste.   It deliquesces rapidly when exposed to the air,
and is very  soluble in water.  It has been used on the Continent, it is
stated with  much success, in hypertrophy of the uterus, and in glandu-
lar  enlargements ;  more recently it has been employed as a  substitute
for the iodide of iron.   Dose, gr. iij. to gr.  viij.—Pilula  Ferri Bro-
midi, Werneck.    (Bromide of iron, 3i-; extract of liquorice, q. s.  ;
mix and divide into 60 pills.)  One or two, morning and evening.  It
has been also employed externally in the form of ointment, prepared by
rubbing together one part of the  bromide and fifteen of prepared lard.

  Ferri carbonas saccharatum, E.—Saccharine Carbonate of Iron.

  Preparation—Sulphate of iron, 5iv.; carbonate of soda, §v.; pure sugar,
§ij.; water, Oiv. ; dissolve the sulphate and carbonate, each, in Cij. of the
water; add the solutions  and mix them: collect the precipitate on a cloth
filter, and immediately wash it with cokl water, squeeze out as much of the
water as possible, and withoutdelay, triturate the pulp which remains, with
the sugar previously in fine powder.  Dry the mixture at a temperature not
much above 120°."

  Physical Properties.—A  grayish  or  bluish-green powder; in-
odorous, with a sweetish, strongly chalybeate  taste.
  Chemical Properties.—This preparation is composed of" carbon-
ate  of protoxide of iron in an undetermined state  of combination with
sugar and sesqui-oxide of iron," Edinburgh Pharmacopaia.   Sugar or
other saccharine matter prevents the decomposition  of the carbonate
of the protoxide of iron, which always  takes  place  rapidly from the
conversion of the protoxide into the sesquioxide and the escape of car- 
388                           tonics.
bonic acid.  The saccharine carbonate remains unchanged for a long
time even when exposed to the air.  It is insoluble in water or alco-
hol ; but dissolves completely in muriatic acid with effervescence.
  Adulterations.—This preparation  is not liable to adulteration ;  that
it  has been  properly prepared may be known by " its colour being
grayish green ;  and  by its being easily soluble in  muriatic acid, with
brisk effervescence," Edinburgh Pharmacopaia.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Carbonate of the protoxide of iron is
one ofthe best and most active of the ferruginous salts, and the per-
manency of its composition in the form  now described renders this
preparation a valuable addition to the Materia Medica.  It is peculiarly
adapted for children and delicate females, when the employment of a
chalybeate tonic is indicated.  Carbonate of iron held in solution by an
excess of carbonic acid, is the active principle of many chalybeate
mineral waters.
  Dose and Mode  of  Administration.—Gr. v. to gr.  xxx.  in  the
form of powder or made into an electuary with syrup or honey.—Pilula
Ferri Carbonatis, E.  (Saccharine  carbonate of  iron,  4  parts ; red-
rose conserve, 1 part; beat them into a proper mass, to be divided into
five  grain  pills.)  [Pilula Ferri Carbonatis, U. S.  " Sulphate of
iron, §iv.; carbonate of soda, §v.; clarified honey, §iiss.;.syrup, boil-
ing  water, each, a sufficient quantity.  Dissolve the sulphate of iron
and  carbonate of soda, each, in a pint ofthe water, and to each solution
add  f§i. of syrup;  then mix the two solutions in  a bottle just large
enough to  contain them, close it accurately with a stopper, and  set it
by that the carbonate of iron may subside.  Pour  off the supernatant
liquid, and, having washed the precipitate with warm water, sweetened
with syrup in the proportion of f§i. ofthe latter to a pint ofthe  for-
mer, until  the washings  no longer have a saline taste, place it upon a
flannel cloth, and express as much of the water as possible ; then im-
mediately  mix it with the honey.  Lastly, heat the mixture, by means
of a water bath, until it attains a pilular consistence."]  Dose, 1 to 4
pills.—In the following preparations, the  carbonate of iron, prevented
from undergoing decomposition by the presence of saccharine matter,
is the active ingredient:—Mistura Ferri composita, D. L. E. [U. S.]
(Myrrh, powdered, 3i. (3ij. L. E.  :)  carbonate of potash, gr. xxv. (3i.,
L. E.) ; rose water, gviiss., (fgxviij., L.  E.) ; sulphate of iron, pow-
dered, E)j.  0iiss., L. E.) ; spirit of nutmeg, [spirit of lavender, U. S.]
§ss.  (fgj. L.  E.) ; pure sugar, 3»,  (3ij., E- E.) ;  rub together  the
myrrh with  the  spirit of nutmeg and the  carbonate of potash, and to
these, while  rubbing, add first the rose water with- the sugar, then the
sulphate of iron.  Put the  mixture  immediately into a proper glass
vessel,  and stop it.)  This mixture, which was  introduced into the
pharmacopceias as a substitute for Dr. Griffith's tonic mixture, and by
which name it is commonly known, is one ofthe  best and most gene-
rally employed  ofthe pharmaceutical preparations of iron.  Its opera-
tion is stimulant as well as tonic, and consequently it should not be ad-
ministered in cases where there is  any teudency to  inflammatory ac-
tion in the digestive organs ; the dose is fgj. or f|ij. two or three times
a day.  As  it does not keep well,  it should  be  only prepared when
wanted for  use.—Pilula Ferri composita, D.  L.   [U.  S.]   Myrrh,
powdered, 3ij. ; carbonate of soda; sulphate of iron ;  and raw sugar,
(treacle, L.,) [syrup, U. S.] of each, 3i. [q- s., U. S.]; rub the myrrh, 
tonics.                         389
 with the carbonate of  soda; then add  the sulphate of iron (and  the
 sugar, D.,)and make into a mass with treacle [rub them again ; after-
 wards beat the whole,  in  a vessel previously warmed, until incorpor-
 ated,  L.]).  [Beat them  with the syrup  so as  to form a mass to be di-
 vided into 80 pills, U.  S.]  Dose, gr. x. to gr. xx. two or three times
 a day.  These pills  become so  hard  when  kept, as  to  be unfit for
 use.
    Incompatibles.—Acids, and  acidulous  salts;  and all astringent
 vegetable preparations.

   Ferri citras.—Citrate of Iron.   Ferri ammonio-citras.—Ammo-
 nio-citrate  of Iron.

   Preparation.—Citrate of Iron.  "Crystallized citric acid, 5§iv. ; dis-
 illed  water, l^iv.; moist hydrated peroxide  of iron, about gviij.; dissolve
 the acid in the water in  a glass  matrass with the aid of heat, and saturate
 the solution, while boiling, with the oxide of iron, adding rather more ofthe
 oxide than the acid will dissolve.  When cold, filter the solution, and make
 the quantity fgxvj. This solution spread out on glass will speedily dry, and
 separate itself from the  glass in thin plates."—Ammonio-citrate  of Iron.
 "Add to the solution of the  citrate prepared  as above, sufficient ammonia
 to neutralize the excess of acid, and evaporate with a gentle heat to dryness."
 Beral.

   Physical Properties.—Both these preparations are met with in
 the shops, and have been recently much  employed in medicine although
 not contained in any  ofthe pharmacopoeias.  They occur in the form of
 sernitransparent, shining scales, of a garnet-red colour, inodorous; the
 citrate has a styptic metallic taste, and the ammonio-citrate has a sim-
 ilar, but much milder taste.
   Chemical  Properties.—Citrate  of  iron is permanent  in the air, it
 is very slightly soluble in  cold water, but dissolves readily in boiling
 water ; the solution reddens litmus  paper strongly.  The  ammonio-
 citrate is a very deliquescent salt, it dissolves readily in cold or boiling
 water; it is neutral to test paper.   In both preparations, the iron is in
 the state of peroxide.
   Therapeutical Effects.—The citrates of  iron resemble much the
 tartrate before described, and are adapted for the same cases.   The
 ammonio-citrate should be preferred to the simple citrate in conse-
 quence of its greater solubility.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr.  v. to gr. viij.;  the am-
 monio-citrate  should  be always given in solution.  By combining to-
 gether 4 parts  of citrate of iron, and I  of citrate of quina, a prepara-
 tion is obtained, which has been named  Ferri et Quina  Citras ; it
 may be given in doses of from gr. iij. to gr. vj. in the form of a pill, in
 cases where a combination of these tonics is indicated.—Aqua Chaly-
 beata ; Under this name, a solution of citrate of iron in water charged
 with carbonic acid and flavoured with bitter orange peel, has been in-
 troduced to the notice ofthe profession  by Messrs. Bewley and Evans
 of this city.   The exact formula for its preparation has not been made
 public ; every f§vj. hold in solution gr.  xiij. of citrate of iron, it may
 he therefore given in doses of fgi. to fgij. two or three times a day.   It
 is the most agreeable form perhaps in which a ferruginous preparation
can be administered, the only objection  to its  use being, that it is  apt 
390                           TONICS.
to cause unpleasant eructations shortly after it  has been taken ;  this
may be, however, to a great extent prevented, by its not being drank
until  the effervescence  has nearly ceased.  It is very generally  em-
ployed, being found an efficacious preparation of iron.—Tinctura Ferri
Aurantiacea, Wirtemberg.  (Iron filings, §iv.  ; Seville  oranges, 4.
Remove the peel* the  white,  and the seeds; beat the pulp with the
filings in a stone mortar, and let the paste remain at rest for two days ;
then pour upon it, Madeira wine, fgx. and tincture of orange peel, fgij. ;
digest for  7 days, express, and filter.)  Avery agreeable preparation ;
Dose, f3j. to f3iv.
   Incompatibles.—The mineral acids; and all astringent vegetable
preparations.


   Ferri cyanuretum,  anglice Prussian Blue, D.  Ferri percyan-
idum,  L.  [Ferri  ferrocyanuretum, U.  S.]—Percyanide of Iron.
Prussian Blue.

   Preparation.—[U. S.  " Take of sulphate of iron, §iv.; sulphuric acid,
f3iiiss.; nitric acid, fv3i. q s.  Ferrocyanuret of potassium, givss.; water,
Oij. Dissolve the sulphate of iron in a pint of the water,  and having added the
sulphuric acid, boil the solution.   Pour into it the nitric acid, in small por-
tions,  boiling the liquid for a  minute or two after each addition, until it no
longer produces a dark colour; then allow the liquid to cool.   Dissolve the
ferrocyanuret of potassium in the remainder of the water, and add ihis solu-
tion gradually to the first liquid, agitating the mixture alter each addition ;
then pour it upon  a filter.  Wash  the precipitate with boiling water, until
the washings pass tasteless.  Lastly, dry it  and rub it  into powder."]

   This substance  was introduced into the Materia  Medica ofthe Dub-
lin and London pharmacopoeias solely as being employed for preparing
bicyanide  of mercury.  It has, however, been employed in  America in
the treatment  of intermittent and remittent fevers, and in dysentery ;
for which it is stated to have proved a very effectual remedy.  It  has
been  also employed in  Germany with  success  in  some cases of tld
standing epilepsy.  But according  to more recent  observations, it ap-
pears to possess very little, if any therapeutical powers.   The  dose
in which it has been administered is  from  gr. iij.  to gr. vj. three or
four times a day.


   Ferri iodidum, L. E. [U. S.]—Iodide of Iron.  Proto-iodide of
Iron, [U. S.]

   Preparation.—Lond.—" Iodine, §vj.; iron  filings,  §ij.; distilled water,
Oivss. ; mix the iodine with Oiv. of the water, and to these  add the iron.
Heat them in a sand-bath, and when it has acquired a greenish colour, pour
off the liquor.  Wash what remains  with  the half  pint of water, boiling.
Let the mixed and  strained liquors evaporate at a heat not exceeding 212°
in an iron  vessel, that the salt may be dried.   Keep in a well-stopped  ves-
sel, access of light being prevented."  Edin.—" Take any convenient quan-
tity of iodine, iron-wire, and distilled water, in the proportions for making
syrup of iodide of iron, (see below.) Proceed as directed for that purpose;
but before filtering the  solution, concentrate it to one-sixth of its volume,
without  removing the excess of iron-wire.  Put the filtered liquor quickly
into an evaporating basin, with twelve times its weight of quick-lime around
the basin, in some convenient apparatus in which it may be 6hut up accu- 
TONICS.                        391
rately in  a small space not communicating with the general atmosphere.
Heat the whole apparatus in a hot-air press or otherwise, until the water be
entirely evaporated ; and preserve the dry iodide in small well-closed bottles."
[U. S.   "Iodine,  §ij.; iron filings, §i. ; distilled water, Oiss.   Mix the
iodine with  a pint of the distilled water, in a glass or porcelain vessel, and
gradually add the iron filings stirring constantly.  Heat the mixture gently
until the  liquid acquires a light greenish colour; then filter, and after the
liquid has passed, pour upon the filter half a pint ofthe distilled water boil-
ing hot.  When this shall have  passed, evaporate the filtered liquor, at a
temperature not  exceeding 212°, in an iron vessel, to dryness.   Keep the
dry iodide  in  a  closely  stopped vessel."]  Ferri  iodidi  syrupus,  E.
" Iodine  (dry), 200 grains;  fine  iron-wire, recently  cleaned,  100 grains;
white  sugar,  in powder,  §ivss.  ;  distilled  water, f§vj.;  boil the iodine,
iron, and water together  in a glass  matrass,  at first gently to  avoid the
expulsion of iodine-vapour, afterwards  briskly till about f|ij. remain.  Fil-
ter this quickly, while  hot, into a matrass containing the sugar; dissolve
the sugar with a gentle heat, and add distilled water to make up f§vj.—
Twelve minims contain one grain of iodide of iron." — [Liquor ferri
iodidi, U. S.—"Iodine,  §ij.; iron  filings,  §i.; prepared honey,  f§v.  dis-
tilled water, q. s.  Mix  the iodine with f§x.  of the  distilled water, in a
porcelain or glass ves.-el,  and gradually add the iron filings, stirring con-
star.tly.  Heat the mixture gently  until  the liquor acquires a  light greenish
colour; then, having added the honey, continue the heat a short time, and.
filter.   Lastly,  pour distilled water upon  the filter, and allow it  to pass
until  the whole  of the filtered  liquor measures f§xx.   Keep  the solu-
tion in closely stopped bottles."]   The  following  simple  process for pre-
paring iodide of iron   has  been  recently  proposed by  M.  Cop:—Bruise
together  in  a large mortar, 4  parts  of  iodine  and  2 parts  of water;
then add quickly 1 part of  iron filings.   Sufficient heat is produced to drive
off I part of iodine in the state of vapour, the mixture becomes liquid ;  to
remove the  excess of iron it is to be dissolved in water and filtered. The
filtered liquor is  a solution ofthe iodide of iron free from oxide or per-oxide.
This  solution  may be readily preserved, by adding a sufficiency of pure
sugar to  it, to convert it into a syrup.

   Physical Properties.—Generally met with in small  crystalline
masses,  of  an iron-grey colour, o"paque, and having a metallic lustre.
It has a  very styptic metallic taste.
   Chemical Properties.—Iodide of  iron is composed of  1 eq. of
iodine and 1 of iron (Fe I.), combined  in  the crystalline state with 5
eq. of water.   It is very deliquescent, and attracting oxygen from the
air is converted  into a mixture  of peroxide and periodide of iron ;  it
dissolves readily in water  and  alcohol, but the  solution when left ex-
posed  to the air is rapidly decomposed, and peroxide of iron deposited ;
which change is,  however, prevented, if a sufficient quantity of sugar
be present.   Exposed  to heat it fuses, and at a temperature above 350°
F. it is decomposed, the iodine being volatilized and the  iron left in the
state  of  peroxide.
   Adulterations.—That  iodide of iron has been well prepared and pro-
perly preserved, may be readily known by its being entirely soluble in
distilled  water.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Iodide of iron was first employed in the
practice  of medicine by Dr. A.  T. Thomson of London.  In its opera-
tion on the  system it is more nearly allied to the  preparations of iron
than to those of iodide, but to a certain extent it possesses the combined
properties of both.  Thus, as a tonic it has been found especially use-
ful in scrofulous debility, and under  its  use strumous enlargements of 
392
TONICS.
 the glandular system have been dissipated.  It has been also adminis-
 tered with much benefit in"chlorosis  and 'amenorrhoea when the ferru-
 ginous preparations are indicated, and it is probably one of the most
 useful remedies that can be  employed in the treatment  of secondary
 syphilitic affections, occurring in  scrofulous or debilitated habits.   In
 large doses iodide of iron sometimes purges.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—The dose of iodide of iron is
 gr.  ij. to gr. v. gradually increased.   It is so deliquescent a substance
 and the solution of it decomposes so rapidly, that many methods have
 been proposed for preserving it unchanged in the form of solution;  of
 these  the only two that deserve notice  are, keeping in the bottle  in
 which  it is contained a piece of iron wire as first  proposed  by Mr.
 Squire of  London, or forming it  into a strong syrup as recommended
 by Dr. A.  T. Thomson.   The  former method has been found very
 effectual, but it entails the necessity of filtering the solution every time
 it is to be used ;  while in the latter it is not only preserved for a length
 of time unaltered, but it is also an elegant  form for the administration
 ofthe medicine.   The syrup of the Edinburgh pharmacopoeia may  be
 given  in doses of  from min. xv. to min. lx. simply dissolved in water,
 to which, however, it should not  be added until just before it is swal-
•lowed.  Owing to its great tendency to become deliquescent, and con-
 sequently to undergo decomposition, it is difficult to prescribe iodide  of
 iron in the solid state.   The  best form for doing so, which has been
 hitherto published, is  the following, communicated by Mr. Leslie  of
 Glasgow to  Professor  Christison :—Pilula Iodidi Ferri.  (Take  of
 iodine  127 grains ;  iron wire  about the thickness of a thin quill, |ss,. ;
 distilled water, min. lxxv.  Agitate them briskly together in a strong
 ounce phial, provided with  a well fitted glass stopper, until the froth
 which forms becomes white, which will happen in less than ten minutes.
 Pour the liquid upon 3'j- of finely powdered loaf sugar in a small mor-
 tar, and triturate immediately and  briskly for  a few minutes ; add
 gradually a mixture of the  following  powders, viz., liquorice powder,
 pss.; powder of  gum-arabic, 3iss. ;  end flour, 3i- ;  divide the  mass
 into 144 pills).  In making this preparation, the bottle should be wrap-
 ped in a coarse towel, for fear of its bursting; and the stopper held
 in firmly.  Each  pill contains one grain of iodide of iron.  I have used
 these pills in numerous cases within the last two years, and have found
 them the best form for administering this medicine.
   Incompatirles.—Acids,  and acidulous salts; and all substances in-
 compatible with sulphate of iron, (see page 41.)

   Ferri lactas.—Lactate  of Iron.  Proto-lactate of Iron.
   Preparation.—" Take any quantity of sour whey ;  evaporate it to a
third or a fourth of its volume; decant, filter, and saturate with milk of lime.
Separate the precipitated lactate of lime in a filter; treat it with solution  of'
oxalic acid to precipitate  the oxalate of lime.  Add to the liquor again fil-
tered ("which is now a solution of lactic acid), clean iron filings ; boil for a
short time, filter, evaporate to the consistence  of a syrup and crystallize by
cooling."  Louradolr.   |
   Physical Properties.—It occurs in the form of small greenish-
yellow acicular prisms, pr in powder of a dull, pale green colour, having
a feeble chalybeate, not disagreeable taste, but no odour.
  Chemical Properties.—It is composed of 1 eq. of protoxide of iron 
tonics.                         393
and 1 of lactic acid, combined in the crystalline state with 3 of water.
It is but slightly soluble in water, and during  solution the iron passes
to a higher state of oxidation ; when pure the solution in distilled water
is not affected by solution of nitrate of baryta or of oxalate of ammonia.
Proto-lactate of iron has an acid reaction on vegetable colours.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Lactate of iron has been administered
in the same cases as the other mild preparations of this metal.  It has
been principally used in the treatment of chlorosis and atonic amenor-
rhoea, in which it has  been found very  successful.  In  consequence,
however, of its high price, it  has been hitherto but little employed  in
this country.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. vj. to gr. xij. in the 24
hours.  It is best given in the form of lozenge or of syrup—Trochisci
Ferri Lactatis, Cap.  (Lactate of iron,  3vij- gr. lxxij.;  pure sugar,
§xiss.; mucilage, q. s. ;  make into  lozenges, each weighing gr. x.).
Each  lozenge contains gr. 4 of the salt.—Syrupus Ferri Lactatis,
Cap.   (Lactate of  iron, 3i. ; boiling distilled  water, f§viss.;  pure
sugar, §xiij.;  make into a syrup.)   Dose, f3ij. to f§ss.
   Incompatibles.—Same as  for citrate of iron.

   Ferri mistura aromatica, D.—Aromatic mixture of Iron.

   Preparation.—" Pale cinchona bark, in coarse powder,  §i. ;  colomba
root, sliced, 3iij. ;  cloves, bruised, 3ij-; iron filings, gss. ; digest for 3 days
in a close vessel with frequent agitation, with sufficient  peppermint water to
afford §xij. of strained liquor; then add, compound tincture of cardamoms,
§iij.;  and tincture of orange-peel, 3"j"

   This mixture is a combination of aromatic tonics holding in solution
some tannate of iron ; in consequence of its black colour it is commonly
known as Heberden's  ink.  Notwithstanding its  being an unchemical
compound, it is a most excellent tonic, in  very general use  in this city,
in the various states of debility attended  with anaemia.  Dose, f§i.  to
f§ij. two or three times a day.
    1
   Ferri muriatis tinctura,  E.  Muriatis ferri  liquor, D.   Tinc-
tura  FERRI SESQUICHLORIDE,  L.   [TlNCTURA  FERRI CHLORIDI, U. S.]
Tincture of the muriate of Iron.   Tincture of the sesquichloride  of
Iron.

   Preparation.—Dub.—" Rust of iron, 1 part; muriatic acid;  and rectified
spirit, of each, 6 parts; pourtheacidon the rust of iron putinto a glass vessel,
agitate frequently for 3 days, set aside that the dregs may subside, and pour
off the clear liquor; reduce  this by slow evaporation to a third, and add the
spirit  to it when cold."  Lond.—Edin.—"  Sesquioxide (red-oxide,  E.)  of
iron, |vj.;  hydrochloric (muriatic, E.) acid,  Oj. ;  rectified spirit,  Oiij.;
digest the  oxide in  the acid for 3 days in  a glass  vessel, with occasional
agitation ;  then add the spirit and filter."  [U. S.   " Subcarbonate of iron,
Ibss.;  muriatic acid, Oj.; alcohol, Oiij.  Pour  the acid upon the sub-carbo-
nate of iron, and shake the mixture occasionally for three days; then set it
by that the dregs, if there be any, may subside.  Lastly, pour ofl' the liquor,
and add to this the alcohol."]

   Physical Properties.—This preparation is  transparent, and of a
reddish-brown  colour,  it has rather an  agreeable  odour of  muriatic
ether, and a very acid styptic taste. 
394
TONICS.
  Chemical Properties.—It is a solution of perchloride of iron in
rectified spirit,  containing also free muriatic acid, and  a  trace of
muriatic ether.   It reddens litmus  paper strongly.   From the observa-
tions of Mr. Phillips, when prepared according to the London formula,
its sp. gr. is about  992, and f§i.  yields by decomposition nearly gr.
xxx. of peroxide of iron.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—Tincture  of muriate of  iron,  prin-
cipally in  consequence of  the  free muriatic  acid which it  con-
tains,  if taken in large doses acts as an irritant poison.   In medicinal
doses  it is one ofthe most generally employed ofthe officinal prepara-
tions of iron, and may be used as a tonic  in the cases in  which they
are indicated.   It  should be borne in mind, however, that it possesses
astringent properties (on which account it is sometimes used as a topical
agent  to check bleeding from small vessels), and also that it is more
irritant than  the other preparations of the metal.   Besides its tonic
powers, it possesses some specific  influence over the urinary organs, in
many  diseases of which it is employed with benefit.   Thus it is found
useful in irritability of the bladder especially when occurring in females,
in chronic mucous discharges from the urino-genital organs,  in atonic
hemorrhages from the kidneys  and bladder, and in spasmodic stricture
ofthe urethra preventing the introduction of a catheter.  In the latter
affection, its beneficial  effects are  generally ascribed  to  the  nausea
 which it produces, and  consequently it  is  administered in small but
 frequently  repeated doses,  min. x. to min. xij.  every ten or fifteen
 minutes.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Min. x.  to f3ss.  gradually
 increased to f3j- or f3ij.; is best administered in f§i. or f§ij.  of water,
 or in white wine if nothing forbids the use  ofthe latter ;  it may be also
 given in infusion of quassia.
   Incompatibles.—The alkalies, and their carbonates ; lime water ;
 carbonate of lime ; magnesia and  its carbonate ;  solution of gum; and
 all astringent vegetable preparations.
   In  poisoning with this preparation, the treatment is the same as in
 poisoning with muriatic acid, (see page 111).

   Ferri oxydum  nigrum, D. E.—Black oxide of Iron.  Ferroso-
ferricoxide of Iron.

   Preparation.—Dub.—" Wash with water, and dry the scales of oxide of
 iron which are found at the smiths' anvils, then remove them from impurities
 by means of a magnet.  Reduce to powder, and separate the finer particles
 in the manner directed for prepared  chalk." Edin —" Sulphate of iron,
 gvj.;  sulphuric acid (commercial), f5ij. IBij-; pure  nitric acid, f3ivss ;
 stronger aqua ammonia, fgiiss.  ; boiling  water, Oiij.; dissolve  halt the
 sulphate in half the water, and add  the sulphuric acid ; boil, add the nitric
 acid by degrees, boiling the  liquid  briskly after each  addition for a few
 minutes.  Dissolve  the  rest  of  ihe sulphate in  the rest of the water, mix
 thoroughly the two solutions, and immediately add  the ammonia in a lull
 stream, stirring the  mixture  at the  same time briskly. Collect the black
 powder o'n a calico filter, wash it with water till the water is scarcely preci-
 pitated by solution of nitrate of baryta, and dry it at a temperature not exceed-
 ing 180"-""."
   Physical Properties.—This compound is met with  native, when it
 constitutes magnetic iron ore.   Prepared  according to the Edinburgh 
TONICS.
395
 Pharmacopoeia it is a grayish-black powder with a velvety smoothness ;
 the Dublin preparation is of a richer black colour.   Both are strongly
 magnetic.
   Chemical Properties.—The oxide  of the Edinburgh College is a
 compound of 1  eq. ofthe protoxide and 2 ofthe peroxide of iron, (Fe
 0,2Fe203) ; that of Dublin, 5 ofthe protoxide and 2 ofthe peroxide,
 (Mosander).  Exposed to heat in close vessels they undergo no altera-
 tion, but when heated in the open air they absorb oxygen, and pass into
 the state of peroxide.  They dissolve readily in muriatic acid without
 effervescence.          '
   Adulterations.—Black  oxide of  iron sometimes contains metallic
 iron, when it does not dissolve completely in muriatic  acid.
   Therapeutical Effects.—This preparation of iron is not  much
 used in the present  day,  but  formerly under the  name of JEthiops
 martis, it bore a high reputation as a chalybeate tonic.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—The dose of it is from gr. v.
 to gr. xx. two or three times a day, made  into an  electuary with honey
 or treacle.  Ferruginous pills, Schneider, (Black oxide of iron, in fine
 powder, 15 parts ; calumba, and canella, of each, in fine  powder, 4 parts;
 cayenne pepper, 1 part;  extract of chamomile, a sufficiency ; make into
 a pill mass and  divide into  four grain pills).   Dose, 3 to 5 daily.   An
 excellent  combination in chlorosis.


   Ferri  oxidum  rubrum, E. "  Ferri  sesquioxydum,  L.   Ferri
 carbonas,  D.   [Ferri  subcarbonas,  U.  S.]—Peroxide of Iron  (by
 precipitation).   Sesquioxide of Iron.        fc


   Ferri oxydum rubrum,  D.—Peroxide  of Iron (prepared by decom-
 posing the sulphate by heat) ;  Colcothar.

   Preparation.—Ferri carbonas, D.  " Sulphate of iron, 25 parts; carbo-
 nate of soda, 26 parts; water, 800 parts;.dissolve the sulphate of iron in the
 water, then add the carbonate of soda previously dissolved in a sufficiency of
 water, and mix.   Wash the precipitated carbonate of iron with warm water,
 and dry it."—Ferri sesquioxidum, L.  " Sulphate of iron, ibiv.; carbonate
 of soda, Ibiv. gij.; boiling wafer, cong. yj.; dissolve the sulphate of iron and
 carbonate of soda separaiely  in cong. iij. of water ;  then  the liquors being
 mixed together, set them by that the powder may subside.  Lastly, the super-
 natant liquor being poured off, wash what is precipitated with water and dry
 it—Ferri oxidum rubrum, E.  " Sulphate of iron, §iv.; carbonate of soda,
 §v. ; boiling water, Oss.; cold water, Oiiiss. ; dissolve the sulphate in  the
 boiling water; add the cold water, and  then the carbonate of soda previously
 dissolved in about thrice its weight of water.  Collect the precipitate on a
 calico filter, wash it with water till the water is but little affected by solution
 of nitrate of baryta ;  and dry  it in the hot-air press or over the vapour-bath."
 —Ferri oxydum rubrum, D.  " Expose the sulphate of  iron to heat until
 the water of crystallization shall be expelled, then roast it with a strong  fire
 as long as it gives off acid vapours.   Wash the product  till the washings no
 longer  redden litmus, and lastly  dry it on bibulous paper."  [Ferri sub-
 carbonas, U. S.   *' Sulphate of iron, gviij. ;  carbonate of soda, §i.; boiling
 water, cong. i.  Dissolve the  sulphate of iron and carbonate of soda several-
ly in four pints ofthe water ;  then mix the solutions, and having stirred the
mixture, set it by that the powder may subside.  Lastly, having poured off
the supernatant liquor, wash  the subcarbonate of iron with hot water  wrap
it in bibulcus paper, and dry  it with a gentle  heat."]               ' 
396
TONICS.
  Physical  Properties.—As obtained by precipitation, peroxide of
iron is at first of a light reddish-brown colour, but becomes dark brown
when dried ;  prepared by decomposing  the  sulphate, its colour is red-
dish chocolate brown.  Both are tasteless and odourless.
  Chemical Properties.—Peroxide ef iron  is  composed of 2 eq. of
iron, and 3 of oxygen, (Fe2 O3).  The precipitated clxide  contains a
trace of carbonic acid unless a heat above 140° be employed in drying
it, whence it was formerly termed carbonate or subcarbonate of iron ;
and this nomenclature is still retained in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia.  It
is insoluble in water, and is not readily dissolved by any acid except
the muriatic, in which it dissolves freely, and if it be free from carbonic
acid,  without effervescence.
  Adulterations.—If it contain  any  earthy impurity,  as brick dust,
it will  not be completely soluble in  muriatic acid, aided by a gentle
heat.
  Therapeutical  Effects.—Peroxide  of iron  may  be  used as  a
chalybeate tonic in the same cases as  the other ferruginous prepara-
tions.   Its principal  use, however, is  in the treatment of neuralgic
affections, particularly tic doloureux, as a  remedy for  which  it was
first proposed, under  the old name of Carbonate, by Mr. Hutchinson.
In many instances it  will be found  to give complete relief, but it fre-
quently fails  to prove of the least service.  Mr. Carmichael of this
city  has  found this preparation  a  useful  palliative   in  cancerous
diseases.
  Dose and Mode  of  Administration.—The peroxide of iron is
administered in doses of from 3ss. to  3iv. three or four times a day.
It may be given in the fbrm of electuary made with  honey,  and some
aromatic powder combined  with  it.—Emplastrum Thuris, D.  (Lith-
arge  plaster, Ibij. ; frankincense, Ibss. ; red oxide of iron, §iij.;  melt
the plaster and  frankincense together, sprinkle in the oxide, stirring at
the same time, and make a plaster).—Emplastrum Ferri, E.  (Litharge
plaster, |iij.; resin,  3vj. ;  olive oil, f3iiiss. ; bees' wax,  3'ij- 5  red
oxide of iron, §i.;  triturate the oxide of  iron with the  oil and add the
mixture to the  other articles  previously melted with  a gentle heat;
mix the whole thoroughly).  These  plasters  are  employed spread on
leather to  give  mechanical  support in muscular relaxations and weak-
ness ofthe joints ; by some they are  believed  to be tonic.
  Incompatibles.—The mineral acids; and acidulous salts.

  Ferri phosphas, [U. S.]  Phosphate of Iron.

  Preparation.—[U. S.]—"  Take of sulphate of iron, gv. ; phosphate of
soda, §vi. ; water, cong. j.  Dissolve the sulphate of iron and phosphate of
soda', separately in Oiv. of the water; then mix the solutions; and set the
mixture by that  the powder  may  subside ;  lastly,  having poured off the
supernatant liquor, wash the  phosphate of iron with hot water,  and dry it
with a gentle  heal."

  Properties.—Phosphate of iron is in  the  form of a fine bluish or
greenish-white  powder.   It has a ferruginous  taste,  but  no odour.
According to Berzelius, it is  a compound of the phosphates of the
proto- and  per-oxides of iron.   It is insoluble  in  water.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Phosphate of iron possesses the  tonic
properties of the other ferruginous preparations  ; it is  so rarely used, 
tonics.                         397
 however, in the present day, that it is not contained in the British or
 French Pharmacopceias.  It appears to me to be peculiarly adapted for
 those scrofulous affections  of children, in which  there is softening of
 the  osseous  system, and for rickets.   In America it is employed in
 amenorrhoea and in some forms of dyspepsia.    ,
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. v. to gr. x. in powder or
 made into pill with extract of liquorice.

   Ferri sulphas.—Sulphate of Iron (described in the division Astrin-
 gents), is an excellent tonic, and is employed with much benefit in the
 same cases as the other ferruginous compounds, provided its astringent
 property does not contra-indicate its use.  I have found the dried sul-
 phate (see page 45), combined with the pill of aloes and myrrh, produce
 excellent effects in the treatment of chlorosis.

   Ferri tartras.—Tartrate of Iron.

   The preparation often met with in the shops under this name, is  the
 ammonio-tartrate described before.  In former editions of the British
 pharmacopceias, a wine of iron, Vinum Ferri, was contained, and is still
 frequently prescribed ;  the best method of preparing  it is as follows :—
 Vinum Ferri, Soubeiran.   (Tartrate of protoxide of iron, 1 part; tar-
 taric acid, 1  part;  white wine, 1000 parts.  Rub the tartrate of iron
 and  tartaric acid together in a porcelain or glass mortar ; then add the
 white wine, and filter the solution if necessary.  Tartrate of protoxide
 of iron is readily prepared, by decomposing an equivalent of proto-sul-
 phate of iron with an equivalent of neutral tartrate of potash,  instantly
 washing the precipitate with water, collecting it on a strainer, pressing
 it strongly and drying over a  water  bath).   The dose of the wine is
 from f3i. to f§ss.

   Ferri valerianas.—Valerianate of Iron.

   Preparation.—Prepare a  solution of valerianic  acid  by the process
 directed  in the preparation of  valerianate of zinc (page 32), saturate the
 solution of it thus obtained with carbonate of soda ; and boil the mixture
 until all the carbonic acid is  expelled.  Pour this liquid when cold on a
 solution of perchloride of iron (made with 3 parts of the perchloride and 100
 parts of  water), as long as any precipitaie is thrown down.   Wash the pre-
 cipitate and dry it at a temperature not exceeding 75" F.

   Physical Properties.—The salt thus procured is in the form  of an
 amorphous powder, of a brick-red  colour;  it has both the odour and
 taste of valerianic acid.
   Chemical Properties.—According to Wittstein's observations it is
 composed of  7 eq. of  valerianic  acid, 3 of peroxide of  iron,  and 2 of
 water; its formula being, 7 C1<>H903, 3  Fe2 O3 + 2 HO.  It  is in-
 soluble in water and alcohol; boiling water decomposes it, dissolving
 out the valerianic  acid and leaving pure  hydrated  per-oxide  of  iron.
 When heated, the acid is driven off at even a low  temperature.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Valerianate of ifon has not been as yet
much used in medicine.  It is a powerful tonic, possessing some  anti-
spasmodic properties also.   It appears to be peculiarly adapted for the
treatment of chorea and other nervous affections which  so frequently 
398                          tonics.
  occur in debilitated or anemic females.   It would also probably prove
  a useful remedy in chlorosis.
     Dose and, Mode  of  Administration.—In consequence of  its in-
  solubility, it must be prescribed in the solid form ; the dose of it is from
  gr. j. to gr. iij. three pr four times a day made into pill with hard manna
  and a little mucilage.

     Ferrugo,  E.—Hydrated Sesquioxide of Iron.  [Ferri oxydum
  hydratum, U.  S.]   Ferri rubigo, D.—Rust of Iron.

     Preparation.—Ferri  rubigo, D.  " Iron wire,  broken  into fragments,
t  any quantit}*; moisten with water, and expose to the air, until they are cor-
  roded into rust.   Triturate it in a mortar, and by affusion with water, wash
  out the finer powder, which  is to  be dried."—Ferrugo, E.   " Sulphate of
  iron, §iv.;  sulphuric acid (commercial), fgiiiss.;  nitric  acid  (D. 1380),
  f3ix.; stronger aqua ammoniae, fgiiiss.;  water, Oij.; dissolve the sulphate
  in the water, add the sulphuric  acid, and boil  the solution ;  add  then the
  nitric acid in small portions, boiling the liquid for a minute or two after each
  addition, until it acquires a yellowish-brown colour and yields a precipitate
  of the same colour to ammonia.   Filter; let the liquid cool;  and add in a
  full stream the aqua ammonia, stirring  the mixture  briskly.  Collect the
   precipitate  on a calico filter, wash  it with water till the washings cease to
  precipitate with nitrate of baryta ; squeeze out the water as much as possible;
   and dry the precipitate at a  temperature not above 180°.  When this pre-
   paration is kept as an antidote for poisoning with  arsenic, it is preferable to
   preserve it  in the moist state after being simply squeezed."  [Ferri oxydum
   hydratum, U. S.   " Sulphate of iroD, |iv. ; sulphuric acid, 13iijss.;  nitric
   acid, f3vj.  or q. s.;  solution of ammonia, q. s.; water.  Oij.  Dissolve the
   sulphate of iron in the water, and, having added the sulphuric acid, boil the
   solution ; then add the nitric acid, in small portions, boiling the liquid for a
   minute or two after each addition, until  the acid ceased to produce a dark
   colour.   Filter the liquid,  allow it to cool, and add solution of ammonia in
   excess, stirring the mixture briskly.   Wash the precipitate with water until
   the washings cease to yield a precipitate with chloride of barium, and keep
   it in close bottles with water sufficient to cover it."]
      A hydrated peroxide of iron may be also readily prepared by precipitating
   the tincture of the muriate with ammonia.
      These preparations are very nearly similar in chemical  composition, but
   as rust of iron is not used in medicine in the present day, in the following
   observations I shall refer to the Edinburgh preparation only.

      Properties.—The hydrated sesquioxide of iron is in the form of a
   yellowish-brown powder, inodorous and tasteless.  It is composed of 1
   eq. of per-(sesqui-) oxide of iron and 2 of water Fe203-j-2 HO).  It
   is insoluble in water  but dissolves readily in dilute acids; heated  it
   gives off water and a  little ammonia, and the red peroxide of iron is
   left.  If in the moisi state the hydrated sesquioxide of iron in consider-
   able excess (at least 12 parts of oxide to 1 part of arsenic, Dr.  Mac-
   lagan) be agitated with a solution containing arsenious acid, a very in-
   soluble compound (arsenite of protoxide of iron, Graham)  is  formed,
   and the  filtered liquor gives no trace of arsenious acid.
      Therapeutical Effects.—In its medicinal properties this prepara-
   tion is  precisely similar to the  dry peroxide.   It has been advisedly
   introduced into the last edition  of the  Edinburgh pharmacopoeia, as
   being the most  certain antidote  for poisoning with arsenic which has
   been yet discovered.  Its antidotal powers are now well established by
   the result of numerous cases, in which it has proved successful within 
TONICS.
399
the last fourteen years, both in this country and on the Continent.  The
quantity required to neutralize the poisonous  property of arsenic, as
above remarked, is at least  12 parts to 1  ofthe poison, but it should be
always  given  in as large  doses as  the stomach will bear.  Thus a
table-spoonful may be mixed witK water, and this quantity administered
every five or ten minutes.   Hydrated peroxide of iron does not prove
near so efficacious an antidote when dried, as when kept in the form of
moist magma.

   Ferrum tartarizatum, E.  Ferri tartarum, D.  Ferri potassio-
tartras, L.  [Ferri et potassje tartras, U. S.]—Tartrate of Iron
and Potash.   Potassio-tartrate of Iron.

   Preparation.—Dub.—"Thin  iron wire, 1 part,  bitartrate of potash, in
fine powder, 4 parts; distilled water,  8 parts or a sufficiency ;  mix them to-
gether, and expose to the air in  an open vessel  for 15 days; agitating  fre-
quently, and  adding water daily so  as  keep the mixture moist, but taking
care not to cover the iron completely  with water.   Finally, boil with a suffi-
cient quantity of distilled water, evaporate the filtered liquor to dryness in a
vapour-bath, and keep the tartar of iron in well-closed vessels."  Lond.—
"Sesquioxide of iron, §iij.;  hydrocholoric acid,  Oss.; solution of potash,
Oivss. or a sufficiency; bitartrate of potash, 5xiss.; solution  of sesquicar-
carbonate of ammonia, Oj. or a sufficiency; distilled water, cong. iij.; mix
the sesquioxide  of iron with  the acid,'and  digest  for two hours in  a sand-
bath.  Add to these, two gallons of the water and set aside for an hour; then
pour off the supernatent liquor.  The solution of potash being added, wash
what is precipitated frequently with water,  and while  moist boil it with the
bitartrate of potash, previously  mixed with a gallon of the water.   If the
liquor should be acid when tried by  litmus, drop  into it solution of sesqui-
earbonate of ammonia until it is staturated.  Lastly, strain the  liquor, and
with a gentle  heat let  it evaporate, so that the  salt  may remain dry."—
Edin—"Sulphate  of iron, §v.; bitartrate  of potash, |v. 3i-;  carbonate of
ammonia, in fine  powder,  a sufficiency.  Prepare  rust of iron from the
sulphate as directed for Ferrugo, and without drying it.  Mix the pulpy
mass with Oiv. of water; add the bitartrate; boil  till the rust of iron is dis-
solved ; let the solution cool; pour off the clear  liquid, and add to this the
carbonate  of ammonia so long as it occasions effervescence.   Concentrate
the liquid over the vapour-bath to the consistence  of thin extract, or till the
residuum becomes on cooling a firm solid; which must be preserved in well-
closed vessels."—[U. S.  Sub-carbonate of iron §iij. ; muriatic acid f§x.;
solution of potassa Ovss; bitartrate of potassa §viiss.; distilled water cong.
iss. Mix the subcarbonate of iron with  the muriatic acid  and digest for
two hours; then pour the solution into cong. j. ofthe distillad water,  set aside
for one hour, and pour off the supernatant liqour.   To this add the  solution
of potassa, wash the precipitate which is formed frequently with water, and,
while it is yet moist, mix it with the  bitartrate of potassa and cong. ss. ofthe
distilled water.   Keep  the mixture at the temperature of 140° for thirty
hours, frequently stirring ;  then  filter the solution, and evaporate by means
of a water-bath, at the same temperature to dryness."]

   Physical  Properties.—This  salt occurs in the form of a grayish-
brown  powder, with a greenish tint; it is  inodorous,  but has a  some-
what styptic, not disagreeable taste.
   Chemical Properties.—It is composed of 1 eq. of tartrate of pot-
ash, and 1 eq. of tartrate of sesquioxide of iron, (Philips).   It deliques-
ces slightly in  damp  air,  is very  soluble  in  water, requiring  about 4
parts of  cold water for its solution, and is slightly soluble in alcohol. 
400
TONICS.
The solution is of a greenish-yellow colour; it is not decomposed by the
alkalies or alkaline carbonates, unless with the aid of heat; and it will
retain its composition unchanged for  a considerable time.
  Adulterations.—As met with in the shops, tartrate of iron and potash
is often imperfectly  prepared, the oxide of iron not being chemically
combined  with the bitartrate of potash.  The tests of the Edinburgh
Pharmacopaia will detect this as well as other faults which are likely
to occur in the preparation  :—" Entirely soluble in  cold water;  taste
feebly chalybeate; the solution is not altered by Aqua potassae, and is
not precipitated by solution of ferrocyanide of potassium."   I  have in
several instances  met with  specimens of this salt which contained car-
bonate of potash; they were exceedingly deliquescent and effervesced
with dilute acids.
  Therapeutical Effects.—This  is  a mild chalybeate tonic, and
may be used in  all  cases  where the milder  preparations of  iron are
indicated.   In consequence 6T its taste, it is well adapted for children.
  Dose and Mode of Administation.—Gr. v. to gr. xx. made into
a bolus with honey or treacle, or dissolved in  some aromatic water.
  Incompatibles.—The mineral acids; lime water; and all astringent
vegetable preparations.

  [Frasera, U. S. secondary.  The root of Frasera Walteri,  Ameri-
can Columbo.  United  States west of the Alleghanies, belonging to the
Natural family Gentianacea, and to the Linnaean class and  order Te-
tandria Monogynia.
  Physical Properties.—The Frasera has a large root, often weigh-
ing' when  fresh several pounds, when  sliced  and dried  the pieces are
somewhat similar to  those of the imported Columbo.
  Therapeutical Effects.—The dried root is a pure tonic  of con-
siderable power and  is said to be much employed in the Western states.
When fresh it produces  vomiting and purging.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—The powder -of the dried root
may be given in dose of from 9i to 3i-   Or it may be given in  infusion
made with boiling water.]

  Gentiana,  L.  E.   Gentiana  lutea, radix, D.—Gentian.  Root
of Gentiana lutea.   A native of  the mountainous regions of central
Europe ; belonging to  the Natural  family  Gentianacea, and to the
Linnaean class and order Pentandria Digynia.
  Botanical Characters.—Root, perennial; Stem,  annual, simple, erect*
3-4 feet high, roundish, hollow; Leaves, opposite, broad, ovate, 5-7 nerved,
plaited; Flowers, yellow, whorled, numerous, on smooth peduncles;  Fruit,
a conical capsule, 2-valved, many-seeded.
  Physical Properties.—Gentian root is  imported in bales from
Switzerland by way  of Havre, Marseilles, &c.  It is in pieces varying
in length from two or  three  to eight or ten  inches, and from half an
inch to one or two  inches in thickness, usually  contorted and  much
branched ;  the epidermis is wrinkled  and somewhat annulated, of a
brownish-yellow colour ;  internally the root is of a bright-yellow colour,
and has a spongy texture.  It has a  faint aromatic odour, which in the
fresh state is said to  be strong and disagreeable, and an intensely bitter
taste, void of all astringency.
  Chemical Properties.—Gentian consists of odorous volatile oil, a 
TONICS.                          401
 yellow crystallizable bitter neutral principle (gentianin of.M. M. Henry
 and  Caventou ;  but which,  according to  Leconte and Tromsdorf, is a
 compound of simple colouring matter not bitter (gentisin), a bitter prin-
 ciple (gmtianite), and fatty matter),  a matter identical with bird-lime,
 green  fixed oily  matter, a free organic acid, uncrystallizable  sugar,
 gum, yellow colouring matter, and  lignin.   Gentian imparts its active
 principles readily to cold or boiling water, alcohol, and ether.
   Adulterations.—The roots of other species of gentian are frequently
 mixed with those of Gentiana lutea, an adulteration of little importance,
 as for the most part they possess analogous properties.   A more seri-
 ous fraud has been, however, sometimes practiced, that of mixing the
 Toots of belladona, monkshood, or white hellebore with gentian ; they
 may be readily detected, as they do not possess either the intense bit-
 ter taste or the bright-yellow colour  internally, of  gentian  root.   In
 France powdered gentian root is very commonly adulterated with yellow
 ochre, so much as 50  per cent being often mixed with it.  The fraud
 may be detected by boiling a small quantity of a suspected  specimen
 for a few minutes with very dilute sulphuric acid, filtering, and testing-
 the filtered liquor with tincture of galls ; if any ochre had been present,
 a blackish precipitate will be produced.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Gentian is an excellent pure bitter tonic,
 and is one of the most generally  employed of this class of medicines.
 In large doses it often causes vomiting, and it has a tendency to relax
 the bowels.  The diseases in which  gentian is employed ^with most
 benefit  are those forms of dyspepsia attended with torpid digestion and
 secretion of acid, but unaccompanied by any tendency to irritability or
 inflammation of the stomach.  It is also a useful tonic in the debility
 attendant on chronic diseases ;  and in  consequencejof its bitterness  it
 proves  anthelmintic.
   Dose and  Mode of Administration.—In powder,  seldom used,
 gr. x. to gr. xxx. ; as gentian possesses little if any aroma, aromatics
 are generally prescribed in combination with it.—Infusum Gentiana
 compositum, D.  L.  [U. S.]  Infusum  Gentiana, E.  (""Gentian,
 sliced;  orange-peel, dried, of each, 3i- (3ij-, L.);  lemnn-peel,  fresh,
 5i-  (3iv., L.);  boiling (distilled, L.)  water, §xij.  (Oj.,  L.); Digest
 (macerate, L.) for an hour in a covered vessel, and  strain," D. L.—
 "Gentian, sliced [bruised, U. S.], §ss. ; bitter orange peel, dried and
 bruised, 3j-;  coriander, bruised,  3'-i proof spirit, f§iv.; cold water,
 ^3xvj • [f§xlJ-»  U.  S] ; pour the spirit on the solids ; in three hours add
 the water;  in twelve hours more strain through  linen or calico," E.).
 The Edinburgh preparation keeps best, but the spirit it contains will in
 many cases render its use objectionable.  The infusion of the Dublin
 and London Colleges soon spoils by keeping, it  should therefore be
 prepared  only when  required for  use.  Dose, f§i.  to  f§ij. ;  it is an
 excellent vehicle for the alkaline  bicarbonates.—Mistura Gentiana
 composita, L.   (Compound infusion of gentian, f§xij. ; compound infu-
 sion of senna, f§vj.; compound tincture of cardamom, f§ij. ; mix).   An
 excellent cathartic in constipation attended with debilty of the digestive
 organs.   Dose, f§i. to f|ij.—Tinctura  Gentiana composita, D. L. E.
 [U. S.]   (" Gentian, sliced (and bruised, D.), §ij. (§iiss., L.) ;  orange-
peel,  dried, §i. (3x., L.) ; cardamom seeds, (without the capsules, D.
bruised L. [U. S.] ), §ss. (3v., L.) ;  proof spirit, by measure Ibij. (Oij.,
L. [U. S.] );  macerate for  14  days, and strain," D. L.—"Gentian, 
402                         to'nics.
sliced and bruised, §ij. ; dried bitter orange-peel, bruised, §i.; canella,
in moderately fine powder, §ss.;  cochineal, bruised, §ss. ; proof spirit,
Oij.;  digest for 7 days, strain and express strongly ; and then filter the
liquor.  This tincture may be more conveniently prepared by. percola-
tion, as directed for the compound tincture of cardamom," E.).  Dose,
f3i- to $6ij., generally used as an  adjunct to the  infusion.— Tinctura
Rhei et Gentiana, E. [U. S.]   (Rhubarb, in  moderately fine powder,
[bruised, U. S.,] §ij.; gentian, finely cut or in coarse powder, [bruised,
U. S.,] §ss.; proof spirit, Oij. ; mix the powders and proceed as direct-
ed for tincture of cinchona).  [" Macerate for 14 days, express and fil-
ter through paper."  U. S.]  Stomachic and tonic, with  mild laxative
properties.   Dose, f3i.  to f5ij.— Vinum Gentiana compositum, E.
(Gentian in coarse powder, §ss. ; yellow bark, in coarse  powder, §j.;
hitter  orange-peel, dried and  sliced, 3ij,;  canella, in  coarse powder,
3i. ; proof spirit, fgivss. ;  sherry,  fgxxxvj. ;  digest the root and  bark
for 24 hours in the spirit;  add the wine and  digest for 7 days more ;
strain  and express the residue strongly ; and filter the liquors).   An
excellent stomachic  and tonic ; Dose,  f§ss. to f§j.—Extractum  Gen-
tiana, D. L. E.  [U.. S.]  (Prepared, as the other simple extracts, as
follows :—" Boil the root in eight times its weight of water down to
one-half; then express the liquor  and  when the  feces have subsided,
filter ;  evaporate with  a superior heat, till it begins  to thicken, and
finally insipissate it with a medium heat obtained by means of the vapour
 of boiling water, frequently stirring it until it  acquires  a consistence
adapted to the formation of pills," D.—" Gentian, sliced, Ibiiss. ; boiling
distilled water,  cong. ij. ;  macerate for 24 hours; then boil down to a
gallon, and strain the liquor while hot; lastly, evaporate  to a proper
consistence," L.—" Gentian, any  convenient quantity ;  bruise it to a
moderately fine powder ; mix it thoroughly with half its weight of dis-
 tilled water; in 12  hours put  it into a percolator,  and  exhaust  it by
percolation with temperate distilled water.  Concentrate  the liquid ;
filter it before it becomes too thick ; and evaporate in the vapour-bath
to the  due consistence,"  E-).  ["Gentian, in coarse  powder,  Ibj.;
water, q. s.   Mix the gentian with Oj. ofthe water, and  after allowing
the mixture  to stand for 24 hours, introduce it into an apparatus for
displacement, and pour water upon it  gradually until  the liquid passes
but slightly impregnated with the properties of the gentian.   Heat the
filtered liquid to the boiling point,  strain, and evaporate to the proper
consistence," U. S.].  An  excellent tonio extract;  Dose, gr. x. to 3ss.
two or three times a day, in the form  of pill;  in this state it may be
prescribed with the preparations of iron.
   Incompatibles.—Solution of diaoetate  of lead ; nitrate of silver;
sulphate of iron; and analogous salts.


   Menyanthes, L.  E.  Menyanthes trifoliata, folia,  D.—The
common Buckbean.   Leaves of Menyanthes trifoliata.  An indigenous
plant, growing plentifully in marshy places : belonging to the Natural
family  Gentianacea,  and to the Linnaean  class and order  Pentandria
Monogynia.

   Botanical Characters.—Roots, densely creeping and matted; Leaves,
ternate  stalked ;-Leaflets, obovate, obscurely toothed ; Flowerstalk, simple,
from 5 to 8 inches high, bearing a compound raceme of many white flowers, 
TONICS.
403
lipped externally with red, and beautifully fringed with white filaments
within.

  The whole of this plant possesses a bitter taste,  which it retains
when dried ;  it contains bitter extractive, green colouring matter, albu-
men, starch, and a trace of tannic acid."  Buckbean is a tonic of some
power and may be used as  an indigenous substitute for gentian.   The
dose ofthe dried leaves in powder is from gr. x. to 3ss. ; or of an infu-
sion (prepared with |i. of the dried leaves, and Oj. of boiling water),
f§i. to f§ij.  An extract may be prepared in the same manner as extract
of gentian, the dose of it would be from gr. x. to gr. xx.
  Incompatibles.—The sesqui-salts  of iron; nitrate of silver; and
acetate of lead.

  Myrrha, D. L. E. [U. S.]—Myrrh.  Gum resin of  Balsamoden-
dron.myrrha, L.   Gummy  resinous exudation of  Balsamodendron
(Protium?) myrrha, E.   [Concrete juice of Balsamodendron myrrha,
U.  S.]   A native of Gison on the borders of Arabia Felix and  of
Southern Abyssinia ;  belonging to the Natural family Amyridacea, and
to the Linnaean class and order Octandria Monogynia.

  Botanical Character*—An arborescent shrub, with a  pale ash-grey
bark,  and spinescent branches; Leaves,  ternate, on short footstalks ;  Flow-
ers, unknown ; Fruit, somewhat larger than a pea, ovate, acuminate, brown.
  Preparation.—Myrrh exudes from the tree like cherry-tree gum, issuing
from natural fissures in the bark and  from bruises made  with stones; it is
at first of the consistence of oil, but soon becomes hard and darker-coloured.
It is imported into Britain by way  of the East Indies.

   Physical Properties.—Myrrh,  like the other gums, is met with in
commerce of different qualities.   The finest,  Turkey Myrrh,  (so called
because  it was formerly imported by way of Turkey,) is in irregular-
shaped tears or masses, varying in  size from that of a pea to that of a
chestnut, but pieces are often met with more than twice that size ; they
are semi-transparent,  of a reddish-yellow or reddish-brown colour, the
larger pieces being the darker coloured ;  their fracture is shining, some-
what  fatty, presenting often small white, striae in the centre, particularly
of  the largest  masses.   The taste of myrrh is acrid and  bitter, the
odour agreeable and aromatic ; the  finer pieces  of Turkey  myrrh are
often selected and  sold  as picked  myrrh.   The  inferior sorts, East
India myrrh,  are on  an average in much smaller  tears than Turkey
myrrh ; some of the tears are almost transparent and of a very pale col-
our, others are dark brown ; they are generally mixed with other gums.
   Chemical Properties.—Myrrh has been recently carefully analysed
by Ruickoldt.  Its specific gravity varies from 1*120 to 1180.   It is
composed of 2*183 per cent, of volatile oil (Myrrhol), 44*760 of resin
(Myrrhin), 40818 of gum  (Arabiri), carbonates of lime and magnesia,
and a trace of gypsum and oxide of iron.  -Its medicinal properties de-
pend on  the volatile oil and resin, both of which are dissolved out com-
pletely by rectified spirit, partially by proof spirit, and very slightly by
water ;  the latter menstruum dissolves all the soluble gum, and  forms
with it  a thicker mucilage than with gum-acacia.   By heat myrrh is
softened, but does not melt;  it is inflammable.
  Adulterations.—Myrrh  is frequently adulterated with  the inferior
sorts, and with other  gum-resins.   The finer pieces of Turkey myrrh 
404                         TONICS.
should alone be employed in medicine.  Righini has proposed the fol-
lowing method for ascertaining the purity of myrrh :—Reduce to very
fine  powder  4 parts each of myrrh and the muriate of ammonia, and
triturate them together for about a quarter of an hour ; then add gradu-
ally and with constant agitation, from 60 to 100 parts of water,  If the
myrrh be pure and does  not  contain any foreign bodies, the  mixture
dissolves readily.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Myrrh is a stiftiulating tonic, and is con-
sequently inadmissible in cases  where there is any tendency to inflam-
matory action.  It is principally used in debilitated states ofthe diges-
tive organs, or in diseases attended with  excessive  secretion from the
mucous membranes.  It is an excellent addition'to alteratives and as-
tringents in the protracted diarrhoeas of infancy and childhood.   Myrrh
was formerly in high esteem as  an emmenagogue, but it has completely
lost its repute as such.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Gr. x. to gr. xxx. in powder
or made into  an emulsion with water.—Tinctura Myrrha, D. L.  E.
[U. S.]  (Myrrh, bruised (in moderately fine powder, E.), §iij. (§iiiss.,
E. [§iv., U.  S.]) ;  rectified spirit [alcohol, U.  S.], by measure Ibss.
(Oij.,  L- E.  [Oiij., U.  S-]) ;  (proof spirit,  by measure Ibiss., D.) ;
" Digest (macerate, L.)  for 7 (14, L. [U. S.Delays, and filter," D. L. ;
" Pack the myrrh very gently  without pressure in a percolator ; then
pour on the spirit; and when two pints have passed through, agitate
well to dissolve the oleo-resinous matter which first passes, and which
lies at the bottom.  This tincture is much less conveniently prepared
by the process of digestion for 7 days," E.).   The dose of this tincture
for internal use is from f5i- to f3ij.  It is most generally employed
diluted with water as a lotion in sponginess or ulceration  of the gums ;
it is also used as a stimulant application to foul ulcers.   When mixed
with water, in consequence of  the precipitation of the resin, a milky
solution is formed.

  [Prinos, U. S.  (secondary.)   Black Alder.   The bark of Prinos
Verticellatus.  A native of the United States ; belonging to the Natural
family Aquifoliacea, and to  the Linnaean class and order Hexandria
Monogynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A shrub, from 5 to .15 feet high ; Branches, al-
ternate, horizontal, spreading; Leaves, oval, pointed serrate, of a dark green ;
Flowers, small, white, in axillary clusters.

  Physical Properties.—The bark comes in slender quilled pieces,
greenish-white internally, and  covered with a smooth, ash-coloured
epidermis.  It has no odour, and a bitter astringent taste.
  Therapeutical Properties.—The bark is astringent and tonic, and
is much used in domestic practice in some sections of the Union.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—In powder, from gr. 30 to 3i.
A decoction  may be made by boiling §ij. of the root in Oiij. of water
until reduced to Oij.  Dose, f§ij. to f§iij.]

  [Prunus virginiana, U. S.   Wild cherry bark.  Bark of Cerasus
Serotina.   A native of the  United States ; belonging to the Natural
family Rosacea Drupacea, Lindley,  and  to the  Linnaean class and
order Icosandria Monogynia, 
TONICS.
405
   Botanical Characters.—A large tree;  Leaves, oval, oblong, lanceolate,
 serrate, of a brilliant green, supported on petioles ; Flowers, small, white, in
 spreading racemes; Fruit, of the size of a pea and of a shining purplish-
 black colour.

   Physical Properties.—Wild cherry bark comes in pieces of various
 sizes, somewhat curved, generally deprived of their epidermis and of a
 reddish or cinnamon-browri colour.  It is easily powdered, has an odour
 when recent, resembling peach leaves, and a bitter aromatic taste, par-
 taking of the  peculiar flavour  of the  bitter almond.  Its virtues are
 impaired by keeping.
   Chemical Properties.—Wild cherry bark yields its  properties to
 both hot and cold water.   Boiling impairs its virtues by dissipating the
 volatile principle on which they depend.  By distillation  a volatile oil
 is obtained  containing hydrocyanic acid,  and almost identical with the
 essential oil of bitter almonds.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Prunus virginiana (owing to the hydro-
 cyanic acid eliminated by the action of water,) unites a  sedative action
 on the heart and  nervous system with a tonic  effect on the digestive
 organs.  This combination renders it particularly serviceable in many
 cases of disease ofthe chest.
   Dose and Mode of Administation.—In powder, 5i- to 3ij-  Infusum
 Pruni Virginiana, U. S.   Wild cherry bark, bruised, §ss.  ; cold water,
 Oj.  Macerate for 24 hours and strain.   Dose, f§ij. to f§iij.]

   Quassia, L. E. [U. S.]  Quassia excelsa, lignum, D.—Quassia.
 The wood  of  Quassia excelsa,  D.  L. [U.  S.]—chiefly  of  Picrana
 excelsa, and seldom of Quassia amara, E.—The Quassia  or  Picrana
 excelsa is a native of Jamaica;  belonging to the Natural family Sima-
 rubacea, and to the Linnaean  class and  order Decandria  Monogynia.
' The Quassia amara or true quassia tree  yields none of the quassia at
 present met with in British commerce ; it is a native of the Continent
 of South America and of many of the West Indian islands.

   Botanical Characters.—Picrana excelsa is a tall handsome tree often at-
 taining a height of 100 feet; Leaves, pinnated ; Flowers, small, yellowish-
 green, in axillary, very compound racemes.

   Physical Properties.—Quassia wood is imported  in  billets from
 two to nine inches in diameter, covered with a brittle, reticulated, dark-
 brown  bark.  The wood  is close, but light, of a pale  yellow colour,
 odourless, with an intensely bitter taste.   The billets are cut into chips
 for medical use.
   Chemical Properties.—It  is  composed of lignin, gummy matter,
 some salts of lime, a minute trace of volatile oil, and a peculiar, neutral
 bitter principle which has been  named quassin or quassite.  It  yields
 its bitterness" to boiling water and to alcohol.
   Adulterations.—Quassia wood being scarce, other woods which re-
 semble it in appearance are frequently substituted for it.  They may
 be at once detected by their wanting the  pure bitter taste of quassia ;
the infusion also of  most of the spurious  quassias is coloured blackish
by the sesqui-salts of iron, but no effect  is produced with  the infusion
ofthe true wood.
  Therapeutical Effects.—Quassia is amongst the  most powerful
of the pure  bitters, and consequently is essentially tonic ; according to 
406                         TONICS.
some it possesses narcotic properties also, and it undoubtedly acts as a
narcotic poison on insects and some of the lower animals.   In medicine
it  is chiefly used in dyspepsia resulting from atony of the  digestive
organs, and is found particularly useful in that form of it which is pro-
duced by dissipation.   The  infusion forms an  excellent vehicle for al-
kaline remedies in the acidity ofthe stomach of gouty and  rheumatic
habits, and for the saline purgatives in the constipation of atonic dys-
pepsia.  Owing to its intense bitterness, quassia is no mean  anthel-
mintic.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—In consequence  of the diffi-
culty of reducing  it to powder, quassia is not given in substance, the
dose of it would be from gr. xv. to gr. xxx.—Infusum Quassia, D. L.
E. [U. S.]  (Quassia, sliced, [rasped, U. S-] Bj. Oij., L. Biij., E.) ;
boiling (distilled, L.) water [water, U. S.l, by measure Ibss. (Oj., L.
E. [U. S.]) ; infuse  for  two hours in  a covered vessel,  and strain).
Dose, f§i. to f§ij. ;  if given in  too large doses it  is apt to occasion
vomiting.   The chalybeate  preparations de  not alter the colour of in-
fusion of quassia, it may therefore be employed as a vehicle for their
administration.—Tinctura Quassia, D.  E. [U. S.] (Quassia chips, §i.
(3x. E. [§ij., U. S.]) ; proof spirit, by measure Ibij.  (Oij.,  E. [U. S.]) ;
macerate  for 7 days [14 days, U. S.] and strain).   Dose, f3i- to f3ij.
—Tinctura Quassia composita, E.   (Cardamom seeds, bruised ;  and
cochineal, bruised, of each, §ss. ; cinnamon, in moderately fine powder ;
and quassia chips, of each, 3vj«;  raisins,  §vij. ;  proof  spirit, Oij. ;
digest for  7 days, strain the liquor, express strongly the  residuum,
and filter.  This tincture may be also made  by percolation, as directed
for compound tincture of cardamom, provided  the quassia  be rasped or
in powder).  An aromatic  and  bitter tonic  ;  Dose, f3i. to f§ss.—Ex-
tractum Quassia,  E.  (To be prepared from  quassia in the same way
with extract of liquorice root).  [In  the same manner as  extract of*
gentian, U. S.] Dose, gr,  v. to gr. xv. in pill.
   Incompatibles.—With the infusion.  Nitrate of silver;  and the
acetates of lead.

   [Sabbatia, U.  S.  American Centaury.   The herb  of Sabbatia
Angularis.  Indigenous ; belonging to the Natural family Gentianacea,
and to the Linnaean class and order Pentandria Monogynia.

   Botanical Characters.—An  herb,  with  an  annual or biennial root;
Leaves, smooth, entire, opposite and sessile ;  Flowers, terminal, numerous,
and of a rose colour, having a white star in the centre.

   The whole  plant is a pure, strong, bitter.    Dose, in powder, 3ss. to
3i.  It is commonly given in infusion.]

   Salix, E. [U. S.]   Salix caprea, cortex ;  Salix fragilis, cortex ;
Salix alba, cortex, D.—Willow-bark.  Bark of Salix  caprea, E.—
and of Salix fragilis and Salix alba, D.—[Bark of Salix alba, IJ. S-]
The genus salix is placed in the Natural family Salicacea, and in the
Linnaean class and order Diacia Diandria.  There are no less than 64
species of Salix indigenous to the British islands ; any of the species
which possess a bitter tasting bark may be used in medicine.

  Botanical Characters.—Shrubs or trees.  Barren flowers; Scales of the
catkin, single flowered, imbricated, with a nectariferous gland; Perianth, 
TONICS.
407
none; Stamens, 1-5.  Fertile flowers .* Scales ofthe catkin, single-flowered,
imbricated, with a nectariferous gland; Perianth, none;  Stigmas, 2, often
cleft; Capsule,  1-celled, 2-valved, mauy-seeded ; Seeds, comose.  Hooker.

   Physical Properties.—Dried  willow-bark is met with in partially
quilled pieces of from 6 to 8 inches in length ; the epidermis is smooth
and of a silver-gray colour.   It  is odourless, but has a very bitter,
somewhat astringent taste.
   Chemical Properties.—-Willow-bark yields its properties to boiling
water and to alcohol.  Its constituents are tannin, resinous extractive,
gummy matter, chlorophylle,  yellowish colouring matter, an  organic
salt of magnesia, and a peculiar principle named Salicin, on which the
febrifuge and tonic properties  of the bark depend.  The best process
for preparing Salicin is that  of Erdmann ;  it is as follows :—" Take
the. bark of Salix pentandra (or of any other ofthe species, the bark of
which  tastes bitter), ibj. ;  macerate for 24 hours in milk of lime con-
sisting of §ij. of recently burned lime in Oviij. of water; then boil for
half an hour.   Pour off the liquor and repeat the process twice with
the residuum.  Mix all  the decoctions ;  allow the  mixture to settle,
and pour off the clear liquor, concentrate to Oij. ;  digest with §viij. of
animal charcoal, filter and  evaporate to dryness.   Exhaust with spirit
containing 28 per cent, of alcohol, distil off the spirit, and  purify the
crystals which  form, by boiling with animal charcoal and recrystallizing.
Thus treated, Ibj. of bark  yields 3v. of salicin."  Salicin crystallizes
in delicate, colourless, silky  needles, which have  an intensely bitter
taste, but no odour; they are  neutral.   It  is permanent in  the air, is
not altered at a temperature of 212°, fuses at 248°, and is decomposed
at a higher temperature.  It is soluble in 18 parts of cold, and in 1 of
boiling water ;  is very soluble in alcohol, but insoluble in ether and oil
of turpentine.  Its composition is C26H180J 4,(Piria).  The presence
of salicin in large quantity in willow-bark is indicated by sulphuric acid
reddening a strong decoction.
  Therapeutical Effects.--Willow-bark is an excellent tonic and has
been used successfully as a febrifuge.  It may be employed in the same
cases as cinchona bark for  which it forms an admirable indigenous sub-
stitute.   Salicin-resembles in  its  properties disulphate of quina, over
which  it possesses the advantage of not being so liable to  irritate the
stomach.   I  have  used  it very extensively as a tonic in the debility
following acute diseases, particularly in cases accompanied  by irrita-
bility of the digestive organs, and consider its powers to be fully equal
to those of disulphate ofquina.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Of the powdered bark, 3ss.
to 3i-—Sal'rin.  As a tonic,  gr. ij. three  or four times a  day ; as a
febrifuge, £)i. to 3ij- in divided doses during the intermission.  It may
be given in powder combined with sugar or some aromatic powder; or
dissolved in water sweetened  with some agreeable syrup, as  syrup of
orange-peel, or syrup of Hemidesmus Indicus.
  Incompatibles.—Ammonia  and its carbonates ; lime water ; car-
bonate of potash ; the sesquisalts of iron ; acetate of lead ; corrosive
sublimate; and sulphate of zinc.

  Simaruba, L. E. [U. S.]  Quassia simaruba, cortex radicis, D.—■
Simaruba.   Bark of the root of  Simaruba amara, E.—of Simaruba
officinalis, L. [U. S.]—of Quassia simaruba, D.   The same tree is in- 
408
TONICS.
dicated by the three Colleges, but the nomenclature of different botan-
ists has been adopted.   It is a native of Jamaica and Guaiana, and be-
longs to the Natural family Simarubacea, and to the Linnaean class and
order Decandria Monogynia.

   Botanical Characters.—A tall tree, with long creeping roots; Leaves,
alternate, pinnate; Flowers, small, whitish, dioecious, in panicles; Fruit. 5
ovate smooth black capsules, placed on a fleshy disk.

   Physical Properties.—The bark of the root is alone officinal, it is
imported from Jamaica, and is in long pieces folded flat, covered with
a reddish-yelldw epidermis, wrinkled and warty ;  the inner surface of
the bark is yellowish-brown.  It has a bitter, persistent taste, but no
odour.
   Chemical Properties.—Simaruba bark contains a trace of volatile
oil, resinous matter, ulmin—a bitter principle  analogous  to  quassia,
lignin and some salts.  It yields its properties readily to water and to
alcohol.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Simaruba is  a bitter tonic, not much
prescribed in the  present day; in large doses it produces vomiting and
purging.  It has been highly praised for its remediate powers in chronic
diarrhoea and dysentery, by many practitioners  both  on  the Continent
and in this country.  As a bitter tonic it is, however, much inferior to
many remedies of this class.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—It  is  not given  in powder;
the following is its only officinal preparation.—Infusum  Simaruba, D.
L. E.   (Simaruba, bruised, 3ss. (3»ij., L. E.) ; boiling  (distilled, L.)
water, by measure ibss. (Oj., L. E.) ; infuse for two hours in a covered
vessel, and strain " through linen or calico," E.)  Dose, f§i. to f|ij.
   Incompatibles.—Lime  water;  alkaline carbonates ; the  salts  of
lead, mercury, and  silver ; and  astringent vegetable infusions or de-
coctions.

   Taraxacum, L.  E. [U.  S.]  Leontodon taraxacum, herba et
radix, D.—Dandelion.   The root (and herb, D.) of Leontodon taraxa-
cum, D. L.  [U.S.]  of Taraxacum dens-leonis, E.  .Indigenous;  be-
longing to the Natural family Composita (Asteracea, Lindiey,) and to
the Linnaean class and order Syngenesia AHqualis.

   Botanical Characters.—Root, perennial, spindle-shaped; Leaves, all
radical,  runcinate, glabrous,  toothed; Scape, with a  single, large, yellow
flower.

   Physical Properties.—The whole ofthe dandelion  plant abounds
in a milky juice, which is most abundant in the root in the months of
August and September, at which season they should  be gathered for
medical use.   The juice has a bitter taste but no odour.
   Chemical Properties.—Dandelion juice contains resin, gum, un-
crystallizable sugar, caoutchouc, various salts, ahd a peculiar bitter ex-
tractive, which has been recently obtained  by M. Polex in  a  crystal-
line state and named by him Taraxacine ; the latter is probably the ac-
tive principle of the plant.   Dandelion root and  herb yield  their pro-
perties to boiling water.
   Therapeutical  Effects.—Dandelion is a useful tonic in  chronic
diseases of the liver, and in other  affections accompanied  by derange- 
TONICS.
409
ment of the biliary organs, as in some forms of dyspepsia and of cu-
taneous disease.  It is also held by many to be diuretic and aperient,
but these effects  are  not produced  unless it be given in very large
doses.
  Dose and Mode of Administration.—Decoctum Taraxaci, D.  E.
[U. SJ  (Taraxacum herb  and root, fresh, giv. (§vii.,  E.;) water,
ibij.  (Oij.,  E.);  boil  down to ibj.  (Oj.  E.) ;  squeeze  and  strain).
[" Dandelion, bruised, §ij. ; water, Oij. ; boil down to a pint'and strain,"
U. S.]  Dose, fgi. to fgij.—Extractum Taraxaci, D.  L.  E.  [U. S.]
(" Proceed  as  for extract of gentian, employing the fresh root (and
herb, D.)," D. L.—" Fresh dandelion  root, ibi.  ; boiling water, cong.
j.; proceed as for extract of poppy heads," E.).  ["As for extract of
logwood." U. S.]  When properly prepared  this extract is of a fine
brown  colour, and has a bitter, not sweet, taste.  Dose, gr. x. to 3ss.
Liquor Taraxaci.  (Fresh dandelion roots, cleaned  dried and sliced,
|xij.; infuse for 24 hours in  a sufficient quantity of distilled water  to
cover them.  Press and set aside that the fecula may subside ; decant
and heat the clear liquor  to 180° F. ; filter the liquid whilst  hot, and
evaporate spontaneously  until the product weighs §xiv.,  to this  add
f§iv. of rectified spirit).   When  properly prepared, this liquid resem-
bles  in colour  pale  sherry ; it  is the  best preparation of dandelion.
The dose of it is from min. x. min. xl.
  Incompatibles.—Acetate of lead; the  sesqui-salts of iron; corro-
sive sublimate; nitrate of silver ; and infusion of galls.

  Ulmus, L.   Ulmus campestris, cortex interior, D.—Elm-bark.
The inner bark of Ulmus campestris.  Indigenous; belonging to the Na-
tural family  Cupulifera (Ulmacea, Lindley), and to the Linnaean class
and order Pentandria Digynia.

  Botanical Characters.—A large  tree,  with  rugged bark; Leaves*
rhomboid-ovate, acuminate, wedge-shaped, and oblique at the base; Flowers,
in dense heads, each subtended by a small scale.

   Properties.—The  inner bark alone of the elm should be used  in
medicine ;  it is. of a  reddish-yellow colour,  inodorous, with  a bitter,
somewhat astringent taste.  It contains resin, gum, tannin, mucus-ex-
tractive and some salts.  Its active principles are extracted by boiling
water.
   Therapeutical Effects.—Elm  bark is  at  present but little em-
ployed in medicine, it is a feeble tonic ; the decoction if taken in large
quantity  determines  to the skin,  and consequently  has been recom-
mended by many, in the  treatment of cutaneous affections occurring
in debilitated habits ;  in such cases it often acts beneficially.
   Dose and Mode of Administration.—Used only in  the form of de-
coction.— Decoctum  Ulmi, D. L.   (Fresh elm bark, gij.  (giiss., L.);
distilled water, by measure ibij.  (Oij., L.) ; boil down to ibj. (Oj., L.),
and strain.)   Dose, f§iv. to f§vj. three or four times a day.
  Incompatibles.—Sulphate of iron ; acetate  of lead ; nitrate of silver;
and gelatin.   ["Under the name of Ulmus, slippery elm bark, the
inner bark of the Ulmus fulva, is officinal in the  U. S.  Pharmacopoeia.
Unlike the bark of the European elm it is simply mucilaginous and is
used internally only as a demulcent.  Reduced to coarse powder, it
forms with boiling water an admirable and much used poultice.]
                        35 
410
supplementary  agents.
  Zinci  oxydum.—Oxide of zinc  (described in the  division  Astrin-
gents), is employed  internally as a tonic in some forms of convulsive
and spasmodic diseases, particularly  epilepsy,  in  which it has been
found in  many instances beneficial, but its use  must be persevered in
for a considerable period.  It may be given in powder or in pill, in doses
of gr. j. or gr. ij. gradually increased to gr. x. twice daily.

  Zinci sulphas.—Sulphate of Zinc (described in the division Astrin-
gents,) has been also administered  as a tonic  in  spasmodic diseases,
but its utility in their treatment is very doubtful.
                      CHAPTER  XXII.

                SUPPLEMENTARY AGENTS.

  In  this chapter are included the  different articles which, though
not employed in medicine for their remediate powers,  are  in fre-
quent use as Colouring agents, Perfumes, Tests,  and Pharmaceuti-
cal agents.
  Ammonle oxalas, E.—Oxalate of Ammonia.

  Preparation.—Edin.—" Oxalic acid,  §iv.;  carbonate of  ammonia,
gviij.; distilled water, Oiv.; dissolve the carbonate in the water, add gradual-
ly the acid, boil, and concentrate sufficiently for crystals to form on cooling."

  This salt is not used in medicine.   It was  introduced into the last
edition of the Edinburgh  Pharmacopaia, as a test for lime and its
salts, with which it forms  a  white precipitate, soluble in nitric acid, but
only sparingly soluble in  muriatic acid.

  [Apocynum  cannabinum, U. S.  Secondary.   Indian Hemp.  The
root of Apocynum  Cannabinum.  Indigenous to the United States.
Belonging to the Natural family Apocynacea; and to the Linnaean class
and order Pentandria Digynia.

  Botanical Characters.—An herbaceous  plant with a perennial root;
two to three feet high; Leaves, oblong-ovate, more or less pubescent. Flowers,
numerous, of a greenish hue, tinged with pink, in paniculate cymes ; Root,
long, and creeping, of a dark brown colour externally, yellowish-white in-
ternally.

  Therapeutical Effects.—In full doses, Indian hemp is an active
emeto  cathartic ; reducing  likewise  the  force  and frequency  of the
pulse.  The stools which it produces are large and watery, and its ac-
tion is followed by diaphoresis.   It sometimes produces marked diure-
sis, but this effect is uncertain.   It has been chiefly used in the treat-
ment of dropsies.
  Dose and Mode  of Administration.—As an  emetic in powder,
gr.  15 to 9i.  It is  commonly given in decoction.  An ounce of the 
supplementary agents.
411
root may be boiled in Oiss.  to  Oj.   Dose, f|i.  to  f§ij.  two or three
times a day.  A watery extract may be prepared and "given in doses
of gr. 3 to gr.  4.]

   Aqua  destillata,  L.  E.  [U. S.]   Aqua distillata, D.—Dis-
tilled water.

  Preparation.—Dub.—" Water, ibxx.; put into a glass retort, and hav-
ing rejected the first pound which comes over, distil with a moderate heat,
cong. j."   Lond.—"Water,  cong. x.; first let  Oij. distil,  which being
thrown away, let  cong.  viij. distil.  Keep the distilled water in a  glass
vessel "  Edin.—" Take any  convenient quantity of spring water, distil it
from a proper vessel, rejecting the first twentieth, and preserving the first half
ofthe remainder."   [" Water, cong. x. first distil Oij. and throw them away ;
then distil, cong. viij.  Keep the distilled water in glass bottles," U.  S.]

   Spring and river water contain foreign matters, which render  them
unfit  for  many pharmaceutical  purposes, and as vehicles for many
medicines ;  the above processes for their purification are therefore di-
rected  by the  Colleges.   In the Edinburgh  Pharmacopaia,  the fol-
lowing tests for the purity of distilled water are given : " Free of co-
lour and odour, unaltered  by sulphuretted  hydrogen  or  nitrate of sil-
ver, nitrate of baryta, or oxalate of ammonia."

   Argentum, D. L. E.  [U. S.]—Silver.  Metallic Silver.

   Silver is employed in pharmacy for preparing the nitrate.   As met
with in the shops, it usually contains traces of gold, copper, and lead ;
its freedom from which,  being desirable for the  above purpose, the
following tests for  its purity are given :—Lond.  Edin., " Entirely
soluble in diluted nitric acid ; this solution treated  with  an excess  of
solution of muriate of soda, gives a white precipitate entirely soluble in
aqua ammonia, and a fluid  which is not affected by sulphuretted hydro-
gen.   (Sp. gr. 10*4, L.)."

    Argenti cyanidum, L.—["Argenti cyanuretum,  U. S.]—Cy-
anide of Silver.   Hydrocyanate of Silver.

   Preparation.—Lond. [U. S.]—" Nitrate of silver, §ij. 3ij.; [3xv. U.
S.] diluted hydrocyanic  acid,  and distilled water, of each,  Oij.;  dissolve
the nitrate of silver in the water, and add to them the  diluted hydrocyanic
acid, and mix.  Wash what is precipitated with distilled waterand dry it."

   This preparation  has been introduced into the  London Pharmaco-
poeia, as a source of hydrocyanic  acid, (see  page 241.)

   Argenti ammoniati  solutio, E.   Solution of Ammoniaco-nitrate of
Silver.

   Preparation.—Edin.—" Nitrate of silver, gr.  xliv. ; distilled water, fgj.;
aqua ammoniae, q. s. ; dissolve the salt in the water, and add the aqua am-
monia? gradually, and towards the end cautiously, till the precipitate at first
thrown down is nearly, but not entirely redissolved."

  This solution is employed as a very delicate test for arsenious acid,
(see page 116.) 
412               supplementary  agents.
   [Asclepias tuberosa, U.  S.   Secondary.  Pleurisy-root.  Root
^of Asclepias  Tuberosa.  A native of the United States; belonging to
 the Natural family Asclepiadacea ; and to the Linnaean class and order
 Pentandria Digynia.
   Pleurisy, root  as it  is  popularly- called, is a large, tuberous root,
 brown externally and white internally.  When fresh it is nauseous
 and sub-acid, but the dried root has  simply a bitter flavor.   It possesses
 decided diaphoretic and expectorant powers, and is much used in  do-
 mestic practice.
   Dose and  Mode  of Administration.—It may be given in powder
 in doses of from Bi.  to 3j«, or a tea-cupful of an infusion or decoction,
 made in the proportion of §i. of the dried root to Oij. of water, may
 be given every two  or three hours.]

    Aurantii  flores, L.  Citrus  aurantium, flores, D.—Orange
 flowers.   The flowers of Citrius aurantium.

   Aurantii oleum, L.  E.—Oil of Orange.   Oil of Neroli.   The oil
 distilled from the flowers of Citrus aurantium, L.—Volatile oil of the
 flowers of Citrus vulgaris, and sometimes of Citrus aurantium, E.

   Aurantii aqua,  L. E.—Orange-flower water.   Distilled water of
 the flowers of Citrus vulgaris, and sometimes of Citrus aurantium.

   The Citrus aurantium has been  described in the division Refriger-
 ants, and the Citrus vulgaris, in the division Tonics.   Orange flowers
 have  a very agreeable odour which depends on volatile oil;  it is com-
 pletely dissipated by drying.  The volatile oil may be procured by dis-
 tillation with water  ; it is imported into  Britain from France  and  the
 South of Europe.   It has been introduced into the London and Edin-
 burgh Pharmacopoeias on account  of its agreeable odour,  and as an
 agent for the extemporaneous preparation of orange-flower water.
   Orange-flower water is an article of the Materia Medica in the Edin-
 burgh Pharmacopoeia, it being  usually imported ;  the London College
 has, given  the  following formula for  its preparation.—Aqua Florum
 Aurantii, L.   " Orange flowers, ibx.; proof spirit, f§vij.;  water, cong.
 ij. ; let a gallon distil."   It is only employed on account of its fra-
 grant odour as a vehicle for other medicines.  As imported it is often
 irqpure and frequently  contains traces  of lead or copper; its purity
 may be known by " its being nearly colourless, and unaffected by sul-
 phuretted hydrogen  gas," Edinburgh Pharmacopaia.

   Baryta carbonas, L. E. [U.  S.]—Carbonate of Baryta.  This
 substance is found native in many  parts of England, and is known to
 mineralogists by the name of  Witherite.    It is  introduced into the
 pharmacopceias as being  employed  for  the  preparation of muriate of
 baryta.  It acts as a narcotico-acrid poison on animals and on man.

   Barytte nitras, E.—Nitrate of Baryta.

   Preparation.—Barytje nitras, E.  " To be prepared like  the muriate
 of baryta, substituting pure  nitric for muriatic acid."  Solutio Baryta;
 nitratis, E.  "Nitrate of baryta, 40grains; distilled water,  800 grains;
 dissolve the salt in the water, and keep the solution in well closed bottles." 
supplementary  agents.                 413
   This salt is not used in medicine ;  it is directed to be employed by
 the Edinburgh College as a test, and formulae are given for its prepara-
 tion and also for a solution of a given strength.

   Baryta sulphas, D. E.—Sulphate of Baryta.  Heavy Spar.  Not
 employed in medicine; used in pharmacy for the preparation of the
 muriate of baryta.

   Bergamii oleum, L. [U.  S]  Bergamot^; oleum, E.—Oil of Ber-
 gamot.  The oil distilled from the rind of the fruit  of Citrus limetta
 bergamium, L.—Volatile oil ofthe rind of the fruit of Citrus limetta,
 E. [U. S.]  The bergamot citrus is cultivated in the  South  of Europe,
 and belongs to the  Natural  family Aurantiacea, and to the Linnaean
 class and order  Polyadelphia Polyandria.
   Oil of bergamot  exists in  the rind of the fruit, from whtch it is ob-
 tained either  by expression or distillation; it is  imported from the
 South of Europe.   It is of a pale greenish-yellow colour, has a pecu-
 liar fragrant odour, and a warm pungent taste.  Its Sp. gr. is  0862.
 It is only employed in medicine as a perfume, chiefly to give an agree-
 able odour to ointments.

   Bismuthum, D.  L. E. [U. S.]—Bismuth.  Metallic Bismuth.
   This metal is only employedin pharmacy for preparing the trisnitrate.
 As met with in the shops it  frequently contains traces of copper or iron ;
 its freedom  from which being requisite for the above purpose,  the fol-
 lowing tests for ascertaining its  purity are given by  the London and
 Edinburgh  Colleges :—" It is dissolved by diluted nitric acid ; when
 subnitrate of bismuth  is precipitated from this solution by ammonia,
 the liquor is free from colour.  Its sp. gr. is 9 8," L.—" Entirely solu-
 ble in nitric acid with the aid of heat; and the  solution is colourless
 or nearly so, and deposits a  white powder when much diluted with cold
 water," E.

   Calcis phosphas  pr^cipitatum,  D.—JPrecipitated  phosphate  of
 Lime.  Bone-phosphate of  Lime.  Sub-phosphate  of Lime.

   Preparation.—"Bones calcined and  [reduced to powder, 1 part; dilute
 muriatic acid, and water, of each, 2 parts; digest together for 12 hours and
 strain the liquor; add to it sufficient water of caustic ammonia to throw
 down the phosphate of lime.   Wash this with abundance of water, and dry
 it."

   Bone-phosphate of lime is composed of 8 eq. of lime,  and 3 of phos-
 phoric acid (8CaO-f-3P05).  It was  formerly employed in medicine,
 in rickets and mollities ossium on the supposition of its affording bone-
 earth to  the osseous system ; the fallacy  of such a doctrine  is well
 understood now, and at present it is only  used in pharmacy  for prepar-
 ing phosphorus and phosphate of soda.

   Carbo animalis, L. E. [U. S.]—Animal-charcoal.   Ivory-black ob-
tained from bones (and flesh, L.).
  Animal charcoal is usually prepared by  calcining  the bones of ani-
mals in close vessels ; thus  obtained,  it contains phosphate and carbon-
ate of lime, which would unfit it for the purposes to which it is applied
in pharmacy, namely, that of acting as a decolorizing agent in the pre-
                                   35* 
414
supplementary agents.
paration of the vegetable alkaloids ;  processes  are consequently given
in the pharmacopceias for purifying the commercial article.

  Preparation.—Carbo animalis purificatus, L. E.  " Animal charcoal,
Ibj.; hydrochloric acid, and water, of each, f§xij.; mix the hydrochloric acid
with the water, and pour it gradually upon the chaocoal, then digest for two
days with a gentle heat, frequently shaking them.   Set by, and pour off the
supernatant liquor, then wash the ^charcoal very often with  water, uutil no-
thing acid is precipitated; lastly, dry it." L. " Ivory-black, Ibj.; commercial
muriatic acid, and water, of each, fgxij.; mix the acid and water, add grad-
ually the ivory black, stirring occasionally.   Digest with a gentle heat lor
two days, agitating  from time to time; then boil, dilute with two pints of
water, collect the undissolved charcoal on a filter of linen or calico, and wash
it with water till what passes through scarcely precipitates with solution of
carbonate of soda.   Heat the charcoal  first moderately and then  to redness
in a closely covered crucible," E.

   After animal  charcoal has been employed as a decolorizing agent,
it loses its powers as such ; which, however, may be again restored to
it by drying and heating to  redness.  When properly prepared, " if it
be incinerated with its own volume of red-oxide of mercury, it is dis-
sipated leaving  only a scanty ash,"  Edinburgh Pharmacopaia.

   Carbo ligni, D. L. E. [U.  S.]—Wood-charcoal.
   Wood-charcoal is obtained  by burning billets of wood, the access of
air being prevented.  It  is an article of the Materia Medica in the three
Pharmacopceias, being prepared on the large scale for various uses in
the  arts, particularly for the manufacture of gunpowder.  In medicine
it is at present only employed to destroy fetor; for which purpose it is
used in the form of powder or poultice to gangrenous sores,  phagedenic
ulcers, &c.;  it is also used as a dentifrice, for which it is very gener-
ally employed, as by its mechanical action it removes incrustations from
the  teeth, and  by its antiseptic  powers  it corrects the fetor of the
breath.  Charcoal has been employed  in the treatment of various dis-
eases, but  the only one in which it is ever employed in this country is
dysentery, and  it is merely t«  correct the fetor of the evacuations,  for
which purpose  it is given in  doses of gr..xx. frequently repeated.—
 Cataplasma Carbonis ligni, D.  (Take of wood-charcoal, red hot, and
just extinguished by pouring dry sand over it, q. s.;  reduce it to very
fine powder and add it to the simple cataplasm (see page 175) warmed).
For gangrenous and fetid sores.

   [Cimicifuga, U.  S.  Secondary.—Black Snakeroot.  The root of
 Cimicifugatracemosa.   Indigenous in the United States ; belonging to
the  Natural family Ranunculacea, and  to the Linnaean class and  order
Pentandria Di-Pentagynia.

   Botanical CHARACTERs:^-An  herbaceous plant with a perennial root; 4 to
8 feet high;  Leaves ternate; Leaflets ovate, serrated ; Flowers  white, in
long, terminal racemes.

   Therapeutical Effects.—Black Snakeroot  or Cohosh root, is
 deemed a mild  tonic.  In ftill doses  it produces some effect on the ner-
vous system, causing headache, vertigo,  and ringing in the ears.  It is
 likewise stated to increase  the secretions of the lungs,  skin, and kid-
 neys.  It is chiefly employed as a remedy in rheumatism, which, given in 
supplementary  agents.
415
full doses it sometimes relieves in a very remarkable manner.  It has
been successful likewise in chorea.
   Dose and  Mode of Administration.—Cimicifuga is given in sat-
urated tincture in the dose of 5i., frequently repeated, until some effect
is caused upon the head.  Or a decoction may be made by boiling §1. of
the root for a few minutes in Oj. of water.  Dose f§j. to fgij.]

   Cocci. L.  E.  Coccus cacti,  D.—Cochineal.   The  entire insect,
 Coccus cacti.  A native of  Mexico; belonging to the  class Insecta,
order Hemiptera.  The cochineal insect and the plant on which it feeds
have  been  recently introduced  into Algeria; and France is now to a
great extent supplied with cochineal from that colony.
   The cochineal insect feeds chiefly on the Nopal plant (Opuntia cochi-
nillifera), large plantations of which are cultivated for its nourishment
in Mexico.   They are collected three times a year, killed by immersion
in boiling water, and dried with stove-heat;  the first gathering is the
best, consisting entirely of impregnated females, when they are ofthe
largest size, and afford more colouring matter.  As met  with in com-
merce, cochineal  is in the form of small roundish grains (each grain
being a separate insect); they are wrinkled, from one to two lines long,
and of a silvery-purplish colour.   They are inodorous, but have a rather
bitter taste.  Cochineal consists of some peculiar fatty substance and a
brilliant purplish-red colouring matter which has been named cochinil-
lin; and which is a principal constituent in the pigment, technically
known as carmine.
   Cochineal was  at one time supposed to  possess anodyne properties
and was employed in medicine in the treatment of hooping-cough and
neuralgia;  and as a remedy  for the former  disease, its use  has been
again resorted to  of late years on many parts ofthe Continent, particu-
larly in Germany.  In this country, however^ it is at present only used
as a colouring agent.

   Cornu, L. E.  Cornua cervina, ramenta, D.—Hartshorn shavings.
 The Horns of Cervus Elaphas.
   Hartshorn shavings are introduced into the Materia Medica as being
employed  in  the  preparation of antimonial  powder  (see page 124);
boiled with water, they form a jelly similar to that obtained from cow-
heels, calves' feet, &c.  Calcined Hartshorn is officinal in the London
and Dublin Pharmacopoeias ;  it is nearly similar in composition to the
bone-phosphate of lime, and  was  used for the same purposes.—Pul-
vis Cornu  Cervini usti,  D.  Cornu uslum, L.  " Burn pieces of
hartshorn in an  open  vessel  until they  became perfectly white;
and then (proceeding  as for prepared chalk, L.) reduce  them to  very
fine powder," D. L.

  Curcuma, L. E. [U.  S.]   Curcuma longa, radix, D.—Turmeric.
Root  (Rhizome,  L. E.) of  Curcuma longa.  A  native  of the East
Indies, and of China ; belonging to the Natural family  Zingiberacea,
and to the Linnaean class and order Monandria Monogynia.
  Turmeric is  in short, roundish, somewhat  curved  pieces, about
the thickness of the little  finger, reddish-yellow  externally, reddish-
brown within ; they have a peculiar aromatic  odour, and a warm bitter
taste.   The colouring principle of turme ric has been obtained in asep- 
416
supplementary  agents.
arate state by treating  the  alcoholic extract with  ether ; it has been
named curcumin.  Turmeric possesses some aromatic properties in
consequence of which,  as well as its colour, it is an ingredient in curry-
powder.   It is not employed as a medicine, but is generally used as a
testing agent for alkalies, which change its yellow colour to reddish-
brown.   For this purpose Turmeric paper is  employed; it is prepared
by soaking white unsized paper in a decoction (obtained by boiling §i.
of coarsely powdered turmeric  in f§xii. of water, straining through a
cloth and allowing the  fluid to settle for a few minutes), and drying.

  Ferri sulphuretum, D. E.—Sulphuret of Iron.

  Preparation.—Dub.—"Expose a rod of iron to the strongest heat of a forge
till it becomes white hot, and having removed it from the  fire apply it in-
stantly to a solid mass of sulphur. Receive  the sulphuret  of iron  (which
drops) in water, and having separated it from the sulphur, keep in  well-
closed vessels."  Edin.—"Iron filings, 3 parts;  sublimed sulphur, 1  part;
mix them thoroughly ; heat the mixture in a covered crucible till it becomes
red hot; remove the crucible from  the fire and allow  the  action to go on
without heat.  A much purer sulphuret may be obtained by a process simi-
lar to that ordered by the Dublin college."

  Sulphuret of iron is  not used in medicine ; it is employed in phar-
macy for the preparation of sulphuretted hydrogen gas.

  [Gentiana catesbcei,  U.  S. Secondary.   The root of Gentiana
Calesbai.  The blue gentian a native of the southern states of the
Union, has been employed at the south as a substitute for the gentiana
lutea.   The root when fresh is said to act upon the bowels, but when
dried it is very similar in its properties to the foreign article for which
it may be substituted.]

  Lacmus, L. E.  Litmus, D.—Litmus.   A prepared colouring mat-
ter from Rocella  tinctoria, E.  The plant (prepared Thallus, L.) of
Rocella  tinctoria, D.  L.   (Also  obtained from Rocella fusiformis,
Lindley.)  Natives ofthe Mediterranean and Channel islands ; belong-
ing to  the Natural family Lichenacea (Lichenales,  Lindley),  and to
the Linnaean class  and  order Cryptogamia  Alga.
  It is probable  that these are  not the only lichens  employed in the
preparation of litmus, but the plants used, as well as the exact process
followed, is kept secret by the manufacturers.  Sir Robert Kane, who
has bestowed much  attention on the  subject, states  that the lichens
employed are ground with water to form a uniform pulp, and sufficient
water added to  make the whole into a thick fluid ; ammoniacal liquors
from time to time are mixed with this, the whole being exposed to the air
and frequently  agitated ; when it  has acquired the  requisite shade of
blue, chalk and plaster of Paris are added to the liquor  so as to form a
consistent paste, which, when cut into little cubical masses and dried,
forms the litmus of commerce.  It is not employed in medicine ; in
pharmacy it is used as a test for acids  and alkalies, its colour being
changed to red  by  the former, and the original blue tint again restored
by the latter.   Litmus paper  is  prepared  in  a  similar  manner to
Turmeric paper (see above).

  Lycopodium.  A powder contained in the spore cases of Lycopodi- 
supplementary agents.
417
um clavatum and Lycopodium selago.  Vegetable brimstone.   These
two species of club-moss belong to the Natural family Lycopodiacea.
  Lycopodium  is an extremely fine, very light  powder, of a delicate
yellow colour, inodorous and tasteless.  It is exceedingly inflammable,
burning like gunpowder, on which account it is used in the preparation
of fire-works.   It is commonly employed in France for rolling pills in,
to facilitate their formation and to  prevent them from adhering; and
for this purpose it is far superior to liquorice  powder  or magnesia
which are ordinarily used for the purpose in this country.  Pills coated
with lycopodium may be put into water without being injured.

  Manganesii oxidum, E.  Manganesii binoxydum, L.—Black oxide
of Manganese.   Peroxide of Manganese.  Found native in some parts
of England and Scotland ; it is known to mineralogists under the name
of Pyrolusite.
   It is  only used as a pharmaceutical agent, at least in this  country,
being employed in the preparation of oxygen, chlorine, and iodine.

   Ossa, D.—Bones.
   Bones are an article of the Materia Medica in the Dublin pharma-
copoeia ; they are employed in the preparation of animal charcoal, the
Calcis phosphas pracipitatum, and the Soda phosphas of the pharma-
copoeias.

   Plumbi chloridum, L.—Chloride of Lead.
  Preparation.—"Acetate of lead, |xix.; boiling distilled water, Oiij.;
chloride of sodium, §vj.;  Dissolve the acetate of lead and chloride of sodium
separately;  the former in three pints of distilled water, and the latter in one
pint of distilled water.  The liquors being then mixed together, wash what
is precipitated with distilled water, when it is cold, and dry it."
   This salt is  employed by the London College in the preparation of
the hydrochlorate of morphia.    It is not used  in medicine.

   Plumbi nitras, E.—Nitrate of Lead.
  Preparation—" Litharge, givss.;  dilute nitric acid, Oj.; Dissolve the
litharge to saturation with the aid  of a gentle heat;  filter, and set the liquor
aside to crystallize.  Concentrate the residual liquor to obtain more crystals."

   This salt is employed by the Edinburgh College  for the preparation
of iodide of lead;  and as a test for  ascertaining the purity of bitartrate
of potash (see page 90) ; it is not used in medicine.

   Plumbi oxydum hydratum, L.—Hydrated  oxide of Lead.
  Preparation.—«' Solution of diacetate of lead, Ovj.; distilled water, cong.
iij. ; solution  of potash, Ovj., or as much as may be sufficient to precipitate
the oxide ; mix;  wash with water what is precipitated until nothing alkaline
remains."
   It is employed by the  London College in preparing the disulphate
ofquina;  but it is not used in medicine.

   Plumbi  oxidum rubrum, E.—Red-oxide of Lead.  Minium.
   Red  lead  is employed by the Edinburgh College for purifying the
strong acetic acid (see page 111), and for preparing Aqua Chlorinei.
It is not used in medicine. , 
418
supplementary agents.
  Potassii  ferrocyanidum, L. E.  [Potassii ferrocyanuretum, U.
S-]—Ferrocyanide of Potassium.
  This salt has been used by some physicians in America as a sedative,
but the results obtained from it are very uncertain, and it would appear
to be rather an inert substance.  It has been introduced into the phar-
macopceias as being a cheap material for preparing hydrocyanic acid,
(see page 241.)

  Pterocarpus, L. E.  Pterocarpus santalinus, lignum, D.—Red-
sandal wood.   Wood of Pterocarpus santalinus.  A native of Ceylon ;
belonging to the Natural family Leguminosa (Fabacea, Lindley), and
to the Linnaean class and order Diadelphia Decandria.
  Red-sandal, or as it is often called, Red-saunders wood, is contained
in the Pharmacopceias, only as being employed as a colouring ingredient
in the compound spirit of Lavender.

  Rosa centifolia, petala, D. L. E.—Petals of Rosa centifolia.

  Rosa: oleum, E.  Attar or Otto of roses.   Volatile oil of the petals
of Rosa centifolia.
  The hundred-leaved or Cabbage-rose, originally a native of Asia, is
now cultivated freely in our gardens.   It belongs to the Natural family
Rosacea,  and to the Linnapan class and order Icosandria Polygyria.
  The pharmaceutical preparations of this rose are employed in medi-
cine as perfumes for giving an agreeable odour to mixtures* &c. ;  the
volatile oil introduced into  the last edition of the Edinburgh Pharma-
copoeia is too expensive an article for general use.  Laxative proper-
ties have  been ascribed by some to the syrup, but they  probably depend
on the sugar which it contains.

  Pharmaceutical Preparation.—Aqua Rosa, D. L. E.  (" Petals of rosa
centifolia, ibviij.; water, sufficient to prevent empyreuma ; distil one gallon,"
D.—" Petals of rosa centifolia, Ibx.;  proof (rectified, E.) spirit, fgvij. (f§iij.,
E.); water, cong. ij. ; mix and distil a  gallon," L. E.  [" The petals should
be preferred fresh ; but it also answers well to use those which have been
preserved, by beating them with twice their weight of muriate of soda," E.])
—Syrupus Rosa, D. L.—Syrupus Rosa centifolia, E.  (Petals of  rosa cen-
tifolia, dried (fresh, E.), §vij., (ibj.,  E.);  boiling water,  by measure  ibiv.
(Oiij.. L. E.); pure sugar, Ibix. §viij.  (ibvi., L. ibiij., E.); macerate  (in-
fuse,'E.) the petals in the water for 12 hours and strain ; [evaporate the
strained liquor to Ibiiss. (Oij., L.), in a water bath, D. L.] and then add the
sugar, and (with the aid of heat, D. E.) dissolve it).   Syrup of roses is some-
times employed as a laxative for newly-born infants, in doses of f3ij. or f3'ij.

  [Rubus villosus, U. S. (secondary.)  Blackberry  root.   The root
of  Rubus villosus-  Indigenous; belonging to the  Natural  family
Rosacea, and to the Linnaean class and  order Icosandria Polygyria.
  The root of the common blackberry is a mild astringent, and is fre-
quently employed in  domestic  practice, in  the  bowel complaints of
children.   It is given  in  decoction made by boiling §i. of the root in
Oiss. of water to Oj.   Dose, for a child, f3i- to f3ij.]

  Sambuci nigr.2e, flores, D. L.  E.—Flowers ofthe Common Elder.
  A water  distilled from elder flowers is  sometimes used, in  conse-
quence of its agreeable odour, as a vehicle for other medicines.   It is 
supplementary agents.
419
officinal in the London and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias, and is obtained
as follows :—Aqua  Sambuci, L.  E.—Elder flower  water.  " Elder
flowers, Ibx. ;  (or oil  of elder, 3ij., L.) ; proof (rectified, E.) spirit,
fgvij. (f|iij., E.) ; water, cong. ij.; mix and distil a gallon."

  Sod;e phosphatis solutio, E.—Solution of Phosphate of Soda.

  Preparation—" Phosphate of soda, free of efflorescence, 175 grains; dis-
tilled water, fgviij.; dissolve the  salt in the water and keep the solution in
well closed bottles."

  Phosphate of soda has been  described in the division Cathartics;
this solution is only employed as a test.

  Zincum, D. L. E. [U. S.]—Zinc.   Metallic Zinc.
  Zinc is employed in  pharmacy for preparing the different compounds
ofthe metal which are used as medicines.  As met with in commerce
it frequently contains many impurities, as carbon, iron, copper, arsenic,
&c.  The London  and Edinburgh Colleges  have therefore given the
following tests, by which it may be ascertained if it is sufficiently pure
for  the above purpose :—" Almost entirely dissolved by dilute sulphuric
acid,  and the solution  is colourless; what is thrown down  from the
solution by ammonia is white, and when the ammonia is added in excess,
it is again dissolved.   The specific gravity ofthe metal  is 686," L.—
" It dissolves in a great measure in diluted sulphuric acid, leaving only
a scanty grayish-black residuum.  This solution presents the characters
ofthe solution of sulphate of zinc," E. 
 
421
APPENDIX   A.

          FORMULAE.
The following Formula are principally confined to the new remedies
 which are described in this work, or to those as yet not in general use.

   The prescriptions not contained in the first edition, are marked with an asterisk.
                          ANTACIDS.

  R Aquae Ammoniae, min. x.; Infusi Chirettae, f§i.; Tincturae Auran-
tii,  f3ij. M.  Fiat haustus, mane meridieque sumenAis.   (A useful
antacid draught in the dyspepsia of the debilitated, attended with acid
eructations.)

  R Ammoniae  Bicarbonatis, gr. viij.: Infusi Calumbae, f|i.; Tincturae
Humuli, f5i.; Tincturae Hyoscyami, min.  xx. M.  Fiat haustus, bis
quotidie sumendus.  (Less stimulating  than  the former, and better
adapted for cases in which the stomach is irritable.)

  R Ammoniae  Carbonatis, gr. xxiv.; Fellis  Bovini Inspissati, 3ss.;
Mucilaginis, q. s.  M.  Fiant pilulae duodecim ; Capiat unam ter in die.
(In dyspepsia accompanied by vomiting of food and constipation.)

  R Aquae  Ammoniae  Carbonatis,  fgss. ;  Infusi Cascarillae, fgvij. ;
Spiritus ^Etherei Nitrosi, f3i. 5  Spiritus Cinnamomi, f3iij. M.  Fiat
mistura, de qua sumantur cochlearia  ij. ampla  ter in die.   (In the lithic
acid diathesis, with debility of the digestive organs.)

  R Aquae Calcis, f|iv. ;  Confectionis  Aromaticae, 3ij. ;  Tere simul
et gradatim adde, Misturae Amygdalarum, fgiiiss. ; Aquae Lauro-cerasi,
f3i. M.  Fiat mistura; Capiat  cochlearia ij.  ampla bis terve in die,
phiala prius concussa.  (Useful in cardialgia  and in gastrodynia.;
  • R  Aquae Calcis  Effervescentis (Carrara water, page 6) ; Lactis
Recentis, ana, f|ij.; fiat haustus, ter quaterve in die sumendus.  (In
dyspepsia, with much irritability ofthe stomach, and cardialgia.)

  R Misturae Creta;, fgvi. ; Tincturae  Humuli, fgi.;  Tincturae Carda-
momi, f3vij. ; Vini Opii, f3i- M.  Capiat semiunciam sextis horis.  (In
diarrhoea dependant on acidity of the prima via.) 
422                        FORMULjE.
  R Pulveris Cretae compositi, gr. xviij.; Carbonatis Sodae siccati, gr.
vj. ; Pulveris Tragacantha?, gr. xij. M.  Divide in partes sex aequales,
quarum capiat unam quaque secunda vel tertia hora.  (In the diarrhoea
of children.)
  R Aquae Magnesia? Bicarbonatis, f§ss.; Spiritus Lavandula; compositi,
f3ij- M.   Fiat haustus, sumat statim et repetatur semihorio si opus sit.
(An excellent remedy in heart-burn.)

  R Solutionis Alkalinae  (Brandish),  f5v.;  Infusi Chiretta*;, f§viij.;
Spiritus  Anisi  compositi, f3iij. ;  Syrupi Aurantii, f§i. M.  Fiat mis-
tura ;  Capiat cochlearia  ij.  magna ter in die.  (In the  lithic acid
diathesis.)

  * R Liquoris  Potassa? effervescentis, f?$iv.  ;  Tincturae  Chiretta?;
Tinctura? Humuli, a a, f3ss.;  Fiat haustus, ex effervescentia sumendus,
et repetatur ter in die.  (An  excellent antacid draught in dyspepsia
with deposit of lithates in  the urine.   This draught is best prepared by
putting the tinctures mixt together into  a tumbler, and pouring the effer-
vescing potash water on them ; it should be swallowed immediately.)
  * R Liquoris Potassa? effervescentis, f§iij.;  Vini Seminum Colchici,
min. xx. ; Tinctura? Cardamomi composita?, f3ss.   Fiat  haustus ter in
die sumendus.   (In dyspeptic affections occurring in gouty habits : see
observations on  last prescription, for preparation.)

  R  Soda? Bicarbonatis, gr. x.; Infusi Calumba?, fgiss.; Aqua? Lauro-
cerasi, min. xij.; Creasoti, min. j. M.   Fiat haustus sextis  horis su-
mendus, et ad tertiam vel quartern vicem repetendus si opus sit.  (In
acidity ofthe stomach with vomiting.)

  R  Soda? Carbonatis siccati, 5ss. ; Pulveris Myrrha?, gr. xviij.; Pul-
veris Ipecacuanha?, gr. iij. M.  Divide  in  chartulas vj. quarum unam
sumat quarta quaque hora.  (An excellent antacid in chronic diarrhoea
and dysentery.)
                      ANTHELMINTICS.

  R Syrupi Allii sativi (page 17), f§i. ; Olei Terebinthina?, fgss.;  De-
cocti Hordei, f§vij. M.  Fiat  enema, injiciatur statim, et hora? unius
spatio adhibeatur enema catharticum.  (For ascarides in the  rectum ;
Half or a fourth part of the above may he used for children.)
  R Artemisia? Santonica?,  gr. xxx.;  Calomelanos, gr. vj. ;  Muriatis
Sodae, gr. xij. ; Saponis Jalapini (page 83), gr. xxiv.  ; Mellis Despu-
mati, q. s. M.  Divide  in bolos,  ij. ;  Sumat unum  mane, et alterum
post horas sex, nisi prius bene dejecerit alvus.   (In cases of lumbrici
or ascarides.)

  R Decocti Geoffroya?, f|i. ;  Infusi Gigartina? (page 18), fgiss. ; Tine- 
FORMULiE.                        423
turae Valerianae; Syrupi Zingiberis, a a, f3ij. M.  Fiat mistura, Capiat
partem tertiam trihorio.  (For expelling lumbrici.)
  R Olei Filicis-maris (page 19), min. xxx. ; Misturae Amygdalarum,
f|ij. M.  Fiat emulsio, et divide in partes aequales ij., quarum sumatur
una hora somni, et altera mane sequente.  ' (A most efficacious anthel-
mintic for the tape worm.   If it do not purge, an active cathartic should
be given in four hours after the second dosfi.)

  * R Mucuna?, 3ss. ;  Pulveris Tanaceti, 3j-;  Syrupi, f|ss. ; in mor-
tario terendo misce intime.  (An excellent  anthelmintic in cases of
lumbrici; the above quantity should be administered for  three succes-
sive mornings before breakfast, and the third dose followed by an active
mercurial purge.)
  R Granati radicis corticis, 3iij.; Pulveris Sabadillae, gr. vj. ; Pulveris
Aromatici, 3ss. M.   Divide in pulveres sex, Capiat unum omni  semi-
hora ad  sextam vicem.   (In cases of taenia; the last dose should be
followed by an active saline purge.)
  R  Pulveris Spigelise, gr. x.; Pulveris Stanni, 3ij- ; Syrupi Zingi-
beris, f3ss. ;  Mellis, q.  s. M.   Fiat Bolus,  hora ante jentaculum
sumendus, et per  dies  tres  repetendus; postea  adhibeatur  mistura
purgans ad plenam alvi solutionem.  (In cases  of lumbrici.)

  *  R  Infusi Tanaceti, fgiss. ;  Decocti  Geoffroyae, f|ss. ;  Syrupi
Zingiberis, f3i. M.   Fiat haustus.   (An effectual anthelmintic in cases
of lumbrici;  its effects must be carefully watched.—See page 18.
                      ANTISPASMODICS.

  R Tinctura? Fuliginis,  f§ss. ;  Mistura?  Camphorse.  cum Magnesia,
f^viss. ; Syrupi Aurantii,  fgj. M.  Fiat mistura, Capiat  unciam omni
hora donee abierit spasmus.   (In the hysteria of females.)

  R Spiritus Fuliginis, f3ss.;  Aquae Sodae carbonatis, f3ij. ;  Syrupi
Aurantii, f3iss. ;  Aquae Menthae pulegii, f§iss. M.   Fiat mistura, sumat
cochleare medium tertiis vel quartis horis.   (In the advanced stages of
hooping-cough in children ; a tea-spoonful for infants.)
  * R Extracti Fuliginis, gr. xxx. ;  Pilula? Galbani composita?, £)j. ;
Olei Valerians, min.  x. r M.   Divide in pilulas  duodecim, quarum
capiat duas ter in die.   (In hysterical neuralgia in  females.)

  R Tinctura? Galbani, f3i. ;  Spiritus Ammoniae aromatici, f3ss. ; Mis-
tura? Moschi, fgj. M. Fiat haustus. (A useful antispasmodic in hysteria
and spasmodic colic.)

  R Tinctura?  Castorei compositae, f3v. ; iEtheris Sulphurici, f3iij. ;
Misturae  Moschi, f§vij. M.  Fiat  mistura, de qua  sumatur cochleare 
424                        formjul^:.
unum  magnum  secundis horis,  donee evanescant  symptomata.   (In
cramp of  the stomach, in spasmodic or flatulent  colic, in hysteria, in
hiccup, in nervous palpitations, &c)
   * R Pilulae Sagapeni composita?, gr. xl. ;  Olei Ruta?, min. xv.; fiant
pilulsa duodecim.  Capiat duas vel tres pro dosi.  (In the flatulent colic
of hysteria.)

  * R Zinci Valerianatis, gr. viij. ;  Tincturae  Valerianae, f3ij«; Aquae
Florum Aurantii, fgiiiss.; Syrupi Hemidesmi (page  172), fSij-; fiat
mistura cujus capiat semiunciam sextis horis.  (An excellent mixture
in hysteria, chorea and other nervous affections.)
                        ASTRINGENTS.

  R Aceti Destillati, f§ij. ; Aquae Lauro-cerasi, f3ij.; Syrupi Rhoeados,
f3vj. ;  Aquae destillatae, f§v. M.  Fiat mistura, cujus capiat cochlearia
duo ampla sextis horis.  (An  excellent sedative astringent in chronic
mucous or purulent discharges, attended with much debility and irrita-
bility ofthe stomach.)
  * R Acidi Gallici, gr. xx.; Mucilaginis Acacia?, f3ij.; Aquae destil-
lata?, fgiiiss. ;  Syrupi Rhoeados, f5ij.; M.  Fiat mistura, de qua suma-
tur uncia secundis vel tertiis horis.  (In hemorrhage from the kidneys
or bladder.)

  R Acidi Sulphurjci aromatici, f3iiss.; Syrupi Rosoe, f5vss.;  Syrupi
Hemidesmi Indici(page  172), f§ss.; Aqua? destillatae, fgviss. M.  Fiat
mistura, sumat unciam sextis horis.  (A useful astringent mixture in
passive  hemorrhages, and in the colliquative sweating of hectic.)

  R Tincturae Cinnamomi compositae, fgijj.; Acidi Sulphurici diluti,
f§ij-   Fiat mistura, cujus capiat  guttas xx.  ter in die,  ex cyatho De-
cocti Horaei.   (In the same cases as the above mixture.)
  R Aluminis, 3'ss.;  Syrupi Rosa?, f§j. ;  Aqua? Rosa?, fgvij. M.  Fiat
mistura, cujus sumat cochleare amplum tertiis vel quartis horis.  (In
old cases of diarrhoea, and in painter's colic.)
  R Infusi  Rosae acidi; Decocti Althaeae, ana, fgiij. ; Aluminis, 3j- ;
Mellis Rosa?, f§ij. M.  Fiat ga < arisma, sa?pe  utenda.   (A  u  eti 1
gargle in relaxed sore throat, and in chronic ulcerations of the  mouth
and fauces.)
  * R Creasoti, min. j. ; Spiritus Juniperi compositi, min. xx. ; Aqua?
destillata?, f§i. M.   Fiat haustus, secundis vel tertiis horis sumendus.
(In chronic diarrhoeea with vomiting.)
  R Creasoti,  min. iv.;  Tincturae Gallarura, f5ij. ; Aquae distillatae,
f§ij. M. Fiat lotio.   (In  indolent ulcers with excessive discharge.) 
FORMUL.fi.                          425
  R Sulphatis Ferri;  Carbonatis  Potassae, ana,  3ss. ; Mucilaginis
Gummi Tragacantha;, q. s.  Fiat massula et  divide in pilulas, xij.;
Capiat unam ter in die.   (An excellent remedy in leucorrhcea.)

  R Ferri Pernitratis, f3ij. ;  Syrupi Simplicis, f3yj. ; Aquae destilla-
tae,  f§»ij- M.   Capiat cochleare amplum sextis horis.   (A very useful
astringent and tonic mixture  in chronic mucous diarrhoea, and in leu-
corrhcea.)

  R Sulphatis Cupri, gr.  vj. ; Pulveris Myrrhae, gr. xij.;  Conserva?
R«sa?, 9ij. M.   Divide in pilulas, xij.,  Sumat unum sextis horis.   (In
chronic diarrhoea and dysentery.)
  R Tincturae Gallarum, f§j.;  Misturae Amygdalarum, f§iss. ; Mucil-
aginis, f§ss. ; Aqua, fgv. M.  Capiat cochleare amplum post singulas
liquidas dejectiones.   (An excellent astringent mixture in colliquative
diarrhoea.)
  R  Pulveris Kino compositi, gr. x. ;  Pulveris Creta? compositi, gr.
xv. ; Syrupi Zingiberis, q. s.  M.  Fiat Bolus, sexta quaque hora  su-
mendus.   (In diarrhoea occurring in the old and debilitated.)
  R  Decocti Haematoxyli, f§vj. ; Tincturae Monesiae, (page 52), f§j.;
Syrupi Aurantii,  f§j.  Fiat mistura, cujus capiat cochleare amplum
post singulas liquidas dejectiones. (In chronic diarrhoea and dysentery.
  R Monesiae, 3j« j Aluminis, gr. xxiv.; Confectionis Aromaticae, 3ss.;
Syrupi, q. s. ut  fiant pilula? xxiv. ; Sumat  ij.-ter  in die.  (In leucor-
rhoea, in chronic diarrhoea, and in pyrosis.)
  * R  Tinctura?  Matico, (page  5*2), f5yj.; Infusi Krameriae, f§vij.;
Syrupi Croci, f3ij.  M.   Fiat mistura, cujus capiat semunciam tertiis
vel quartis horis.   (In chronic  mucous diarrhoea, or in  the diarrhoea
of phthisis.)

  R  Plumbi Acetatis;  Digitalis, ana, gr. vj. ;  Opii,  in  pulvere,
gr.  iij. ;  Conservae Rosa?,  gr.  xij. M.  Divide  in  pilulas  sex, e
quibus una ter in die sumatur.  (In active hemorrhages.)
  * R Plumbi Acetatis, gr.  ix. ; Pilula? e Styrace, gr. v. M.  Divide
in pilulas tres, quarum capiat unam tertiis vel quartis horis.  (An ex-
cellent remedy in the autumnal cholera of this country.)
   R  Decocti Bistorta?, (page  56,) f§yj.;  Decocti Papaveris, f§ij. ;
Acidi  Tannici,  gr.  xviij.   M.  Fiat  liquor, cujus quantum satis sit
quater der  die, ope siphunculi eburnei,  in  vaginam  injiciatur.  (In
chronic leucorrhoea-)

  R Acidi  Tannici, gr. xij.;  Conserva?  Rosa?, 3ss. M.   Divide in
pilulas xij. e quibus sumatur una quartis horis.  (An excellent astrin-
gent in the colliquative sweating and diarrhoea of phthisis.) 
426
FORMULAE.
  R Decocti Granati, fgvij. ; Mellis Boracis, f§j. M.   Sit gargaris-
ma saepe utendum.  In aphthous ulcerations  of the mouth and fauces.)
  R Sulphatis Zinci,  9j. ; Aqua?  destillata?, f§iv.'; Tinctura?  Croci,
f3ij- M.  Fiat collyrium, sa?pe  utat.  (A useful  eye-wash  in chronic
ophthalmia.)

  R Pulveris Uva?-ursi, 3hj*.:  Acidi Tannici, gr.  vj.; Pulveris Opii,
gr.  ij. M.   Divide in portiones duodecim a?quales;  Capiat unam ter in
die.  (In passive hematuria, in albuminuria, and  in chronic catarrh of
the bladder.)                  -------
  R Sulphatis Zinci, gr. xxiv. ;  Ipecacuanhae, gr. iv. ; Pulveris Myrrhae,
gr.  xxiv.; Lactucarii; Conservae Rosa?, ana, 3ss.  M.  Divide in pilulas
xxiv., e quibus sumatur una sexta quaque hora.  (In  chronic diarrhoea
and dysentery.)----—
  R Calcis Chlorinate, 3iv.;  Aqua? destillata?, fgxj.; Solve et cola,
dein adde, Mellis Rosa?, §i. M.   Fiat liquor, quo gingivas sa?pe garga-
rizet.  (A most efficacious gargle  in excessive salivation.)

  * R Tinctura? Acetatis Zinci, f3ij- ; Infusi Matico, (page 51), f§viiss.;
Mucilaginis Gummi Tragacantha?, f3ij. ; M.   Fiat  injectio, frequenter
utenda.  (An excellent injection in the advanced stages of gonorrhoea,
in gleet, and in leucorrhcea.)
                         CATHARTICS.

  R Decocti Aloes compositi, f§ij. ; Syrupi Croci, f§ss. ; Syrupi Rhei,
(page 96), f§ss. M.  Fiat mistura duabus  vicibus sumenda.  (In tor-
pidity of the bowels, and in chlorosis.)
  R Calomelanos, gr. xxx. ; Saponis Crotonis, (page 77,) gr. vj. ; Pi-
lula? Colocynthidis et Hyoscyami, gr. xxiv. M.   Divide in pilulas xij.
e quibus sumatur una ter de die.   (In spasmodic and nervous diseases.)
  R Pilula? Colocynthidis composita?; Saponis  Jalapina?, (page 83,)
ana, 5i- M.  Fiat massula, et divide in pilulas, xxiv. e quibus sumantur
dua?, prout res poscit.  (A good  formula  for purgative pills for gene-
ral use.)

  R Pilula? Cambogia?  composita?, 9ij.;  Pilula? Hydrargyri, 9i.  M.
Divide in pilulas, xij.; Capiat ij.  pro re  nata.   (In constipation with
deficient secretion of bile.)
  R Extracti Colchici acetici, gr. xij.; Pilula? Hydrargyri, gr. xxx. ;
Extracti Hyoscyami,  gr. xviij. M.  Fiant pilula? duodecim, e quibus
sumantur dua? tertia quaque nocte.  (An excellent cathartic in gouty
and rheumatic  habits,  the following draught being  administered the
next morning.)
  R Succi Colchici, (page 75.) min. x. ; Magnesiae Carbonatis, gr. xij.;
Spiritus Cinnamomi, f|ss. Aquae Cinnamomi, f^iss. M.  Fiat haustus. 
FORMULAE.                        427
(To be given in the morning, two of the above pills having been taken
the previous evening.)

  R Vini Seminum Colchici,  f§ss. ;  Tinctura? Rhei et  Alofis, f§i.;
Spiritus  Myristica?,  fgss. ; Infusum Rhei, f§vi. M.  Fiat  mistura, de
qua sumantur cochlearia ampla ij., tertiis vel quartis horis ad effectum.
(A useful cathartic in gouty and rheumatic habits.)

  R Tinctura? Colocynthidis, (page 76,) min.  xx.; Infusi  Senna? cum
Tamarindis,  fgij. ; Tinctura? Cardamomi composita?,  f3ss. M.  Fiat
haustus, bis quotidie sumendus.  (In dropsical  cases.)
  R  Tinctura? Elaterii, (page 79,) f3i.; Syrupi Senna?, fgss.; Syrupi
Zingiberis, f3i. 5 Aqua? Mentha? Piperita?, fj$i. M.   Fiat haustus,  quam
primum sumendus et, nisi alvus sit interea copiose soluta, quadrihorio
repetatur.  (In ascites occurring in the robust, provided  no inflamma-'
tory tendency be present.)
  R Olei Euphorbia? Lathyris, (page 79,) min. vj. ; Mucilaginis Gum-
mi Arabici, fSij.; Tere optime simul, hisque inter terendum paulatim
adjice, Syrupi Croci, f3ij.; Aqua? destillata?, f§iss.   Fiat haustus.  (A
safe and efficacious purgative draught.)

  R Saponis Crotonis, (page 77,) gr. ss.; Extracti Hyoscyami.;  Pi-
lula? Hydrargyri, ana, gr. iv. ; Olei Pimenta?, min. ij. M.   Divide in
pilulas ij. hora somni  sumat.
  R  Tinctura? Hellebori, f3iss.; Infusi Senna? compositi, f|j.; Syrupi
Zingiberis, f3ij. M.  Fiat haustus, primo mane sumendus.  (The above
pills and draught will be found very useful in cephalagia dependant on
cengestion of the vessels of the  head, and  accompanied by a torpid
state ofthe bowels ; also in mania.)
  R  Hydrargyri cum creta,  gr. xij. ;  Pulveris  Scammonii, gr. xij. ;
Carbonatis Soda? siccati, gr. vj. ; Pulveris Aromatici, gr. xij. M.  Di-
vide in portionibus paribus vj., e quibus sumatur una omni mane.  (An
excellent alterative and  cathartic for children ; very useful in worm
cases.)
  R Lini Cathartici, herba? recentis, 3iij.; Aqua? ferventis, fgij. ;  Di-
gere per horas duas in vase clauso,cola et adde, Tinctura? Cardamomi
composita?, f3i.   Fiat haustus.   (In simple constipation.

  R Resina? Jalapa?,  (page 83,) gr.  v.;  Confectionis Amygdalarum,
gr  xxx. * Simul terantur, hisque inter terendum adde, Aqua? destilla-
ta?,  f§iss.'M.  Fiat haustus, illicb sumendus.  (An excellent cathartic
in simple constipation.)

   R  Sulphatis  Magnesia?, 3vj.; Infusi  Rosa?  acidi, f^ij. M.  Fiat
haustus.   (An excellent purgative draught in mild febrile and inflamma-
tory affections, accompanied by constipation. 
428                        FORMULA.
  * R Manganesia?  Sulphatis,  (page 85,)  3iv*;  Vini Seminum Col-
chici, min.  xxx. ; Aqua? Rosa?, f-fiv. ; M.  Fiat haustus.  (A  useful
purgative draught in gouty  or rheumatic habits.)
  * R  Manganesia? Sulphatis, 3iv. ; Acidi Sulphurici diluti, min. viij. ;
Infusi Senna? compositi, f§ij. ; M.  Fiat haustus.   (An excellent pur-
gative  draught in dyspeptic affections with deficient secretion of bile.)
  R Mannitae, (page 86,) 3ss.;  Aqua? Mentha? piperita?, fgss.  Solve ;
Fiat haustus.  (An excellent laxative for children.)

  R Potassa? Sulphatis, §ss.; Acidi  Sulphurici diluti, min. v.; Aqua?
Rosa?, fijij. M.  Fiat haustus.  (In mild febrile and inflammatory affec-
tions.)
  R Potassa? Bitartratis,  3iv. ;  Acidi Boracici, 3j-;  Aqua? destillata?,
f§xij.  Fiat mistura, cujus sumatur pars quarta tenia quaque hora ad
plenam alvi solutionem.   (In dropsical effusions, more especially into
the abdomen.)
  R Potassa? Bitartratis, |ss.; Pulveris Jalapa?, 3ss. ; Electuarii Sen-
na?, §jss. ; Extracti Senna? fluidi, (page 104.) fgss. M.  Fiat electua-
rium, de quo sumat instar nucis moschata?, ter quotidie, vel donee alvus
commode purgetur.   (In hemorrhoidal affections.)
  R Infusi Senna? cum Tamarindis, f^iss.; Syrupi  Rhei, (page  96,)
f§ij. ; Spiritus Nucis Moschata?, f§ss. M.   Fiat mistura, de qua suma-
tur cochlearia ij. ampla secundis horis donee  alvus leniter dejecerit.
(In simple constipation ofthe old or debilitated.)
  *  R Extracti Senna? fluidi, (page 104) ; Vini Rhei, a a, f5ij.;  Aquae
Cinnamomi, f§iss: M.  Fiat haustus.  (A  purgative  draught,  suited
for cold leucophlegmatic habits.)

  R Mellis Violae, (page 109) ; Mannae, ana, §ss.; Syrupi Violae, q.
s.   Fiat electuarium, cujus  capiat cochleare parvulum  pro re  nata.
(A mild laxative readily taken  by  children.)
  R Resinae  Scammonii, gr. v.;  Confectionis  Amygdalarum,  gr.
xxx.;  Simul terantur, bisque inter terendum adde, Aqua? 'destillatae,
fpiss. M.   Fiat haustus.  (An excellent cathartic in simple  constipa-
tion.   The dose for children is one-third, or one-half of the above.)
  R Pulveris Scammonii, 3ss. ; Pulveris Jalapa?, 3j. ;  Syrupi AAiran-
tii, q. s.  Ut fiant  pilula? xxiv. e quibus sumantur duae alternis horis
vel donee bis dejecerit alvus.   (In the constipation of lead colic.)

  R Resina? Julapae ;  Calomelanos;  Saponis Hispanici, ana, gr. xv. ;
Olei Caryophyli, min. vj. M.  Divide  in pilulas xij. e quibus sumatur
una semihorio ad plenam alvi solutionem.  (In obstinate constipation.) 
                            FORMULA.                       429

#**• R ^dffi HyPosulPhitis» Cpage 104), 3vj. ; Aquae Menthse piperita,
I5X1V.;  1 mctura? Cardamomi compositae, f3ij. M. Fiat haustus.   (An
active cathartic draught in the constipation of atonic dyspepsia.)

  R Soda?  Sulphatis, 3v. ;  Infusi Rosa? acidi, f|iss. ;  Acidi Sulphu-
rici diluti, min. ij. M.  Fiat haustus.   (A useful antiphlogistic cathar-


  R Soda?  Phosphatis, 3iv.; Aqua?  Mentha? Piperita?,  f|iij. ;  Solve,
dein adde, Extracti  Senna?  fluidi, f§ss.  Fiat  mistura, de qua capiat
cochleare amplum secundis horis donee alvus commode moveatur.   (A
useful purgative mixture in the mild febrile affections of children.)

  R Olei Terebinthina?;  Olei Ricini, ana, fSiij.; Decocti Hordei, ff vj.
M.   Fiat enema.   (The best purgative in purpura  hamorrhagica oc-
curring in children ; it may be administered twice daily until the spots
begin to fade.)
CAUSTICS.
  R Chloridi Zinci, 3ss. ; Muriatis Antimonii, min. xv.;  Farina?, 5i-;
Aqua? destillatae, q. s.  Fiat massa, qua pars morbida exedatur.  (An
excellent caustic paste in cancer, and in lupus.)

  R Chloridi Zinci, 5ss. ; Farina?,  3j.  vel, 3ij-  vel, 3iij- M.  Fiat
massa.  (The above proportions of flour may be used according to the
strength the caustic paste is wished to be;  it is employed in the same
cases as the former.)

  R Arsenici Albi, partes vj.:  Calomelanos,  partes xevj. M.  Fiat
pulvis Dupuytren.   (Sprinkled on lint, and applied  in small  portions
at a time to open cancer ; the practice is not unattended with danger.)

  * R Hydrargyri Nitratis Acidi, f3ij.; Pulveris Tragacantha?, quan-
tum sufficit ut fiat massa.   (A caustic paste for cancer or lupus.)
  R Hydrargyri  Oxydi nitrici; Aluminis siccati,  ana, 3i- M.  Fiat
pulvis.  (Sprinkled on  the  parts  to repress  exuberant and  spongy
granulations.)

  R Hydrargyri Oxydi Nitrici; Amyli, ana, 5ss.;  Sacchari Puri, §i.
Misce bene terendo simul, ut fiat pulvis subtilissimus.  (In thickening
of the cornea, to be blown into the eye three or four times a day.)
  R Carbonatis Cupri, (page  106),  3ij. ; Adipis preparatae, §i.  M.
Fiat unguentum.  Devergie.   (In the chronic forms of eczema and
impetigo of the scalp, where stimulating applications are admissible.) 
430 '
FORMULAE.
                       DIAPHORETICS.

  R Antimonii  Oxydi  Nitromuriatici,  3iss. ;  Muriatis  Morphia?, gr.
iss. ; Conserva? Rosa? q.  s.  Fiant pilula? xxiv.  e quibus sumanter
dua?, tertiis horis.   (In chronic  cutaneous diseases, and in  chronic
rheumatism.)
  R Pulveris Antimonialis,  gr. iij.;  Calomelanos, gr.  ss. ;  Extracti
Hyoscyami, gr. iss. M.   Fiat pilula, sumenda quaque teria hora.   (In
acute rheumatism, and in mild febrile affections with a harsh dry skin.)
   R Antimonii  Tartarizati, gr. ij. ; Decocti Dulcamara?, f^vij.; Sy-
rupi Hemidesmi, (page 173), f§i. M.   Fiat mistura, de qua capiat coch-
leare amplum secundis horis.   (An  excellent diaphoretic mixture in
febrile and inflammatory  affections.)

   R Tinctura? Guaiaci Ammoniata?, f3ij.; Mucilaginis Gummi Trag-
acantha?, f3yj.; Tere simul, et paulatim adjice, Mistura? Amygdalarum,
f§ij.  Fiat mistura, sumenda in die partitis vicibus..   (In atonic gout,
•in chronic rheumatism, and in chronic cutaneous diseases.)
  R Sarsaparilla?  Radicis, incisa?,  §iss. ; Aqua? Destillata?  ferventis,
Oj.  Macera per horas duodecim in vase clauso, subinde agitans, dein
cola.
                                                                 4
  R Hujus Infusi, f§x.; Infusi Sassafras, (page 136) ;  Decocti Mez-
erei, ana, f§i.;  Syrupi Hemidesmi, (page 173), f§ij. M.   Fiat Mistu-
ra, de qua sumatur cyathum vinarium ter quaterve in die.  (In second-
ary syphilitic affections,  particularly the forms of cutaneous disease.)
  * R Resina?  Guaiaci,  gr. xij.; Olei Sassafras, min. v.; Theriaca?,
quantum  sufficit ut fiat  bolus, ter quaterve  indie  sumendus.   (In
chronic rheumatic affections, more especially if of syphilitic origin.)
                          DIURETICS.

   R Decocti Chimaphila?,  f§iij. ;  Nitratis  Potassa?,  3ss.;  Spiritus
^Etherei Nitrosi, f§ss. ;  Spiritus Juniperi compositi, f5iij. M.   Fiat
mistura; Capiat cochleare amplum  quaque tertia hora.   (A stimula-
ting diuretic in old cases of dropsy.)

  *  R Tinctura?  Buchu, f§ss.;  Decocti Uva? Ursi, fgviiss. M.   Fiat
mistura, cujus  capiat unciam, rjuater in die.  (In chronic catarrh of
the bladder, and  in chronic mucous discharges  from the  vagina or
urethra.)
  R Extracti Pareira?, 5i- j Carbonatis Soda? siccati, gr. xij. ; Ex-
tracti Conii,  gr. vj. ;  Syrupi Papaveris, q. s. ut  fiant pilula? xxiv. ;
Capiat ij. sexta quaque hora.  (In calculous affections, and in chronics
catarrh ofthe bladder.) 
                            FORMULAE.                        431

ele^rium*^ ^^  ^ ''  Ureae'  3iJ- • Mellis>  §88'  M*   Fiat
anasarca o^'n«tqU° caPiat i»s*« nucis moschata?, ter  quotidie.   (In
anasarca or ascites, with deficient secretion of urine.)


StiU*a™iSMrm%gI- X£fv  ftaSS*  Acetatis< 5**!  Oxymellis
rium de n 'o'oS  ' ^ '' ° 61 JuniPeri' min- xx' M*  Fiat electua,
ofTn'asarca )  P         nWUt moschatae sexti* *««.  (In old cases


,p£ RthJ.gda,arUmDql0ium de«ort^atarum, gj. ; Cantharidum,in pul-
Z?J£?*  Agr" X;J ?aC«ari£nri» Sss- *  Tere bene simul> ^grada-
tim adjice, Aqua? tepida?  f§x. Cola.  Liquoris colata? capiat cochleare
amplum tertiis horis.  (In torpor  of the kidneys, and in incontinence
of urine caused by paralysis of the neck of the bladder.)

  * R  Boracis, gr. xxx. ; Decocti  Pareira?, (page 144), fgxij.  M.
Fiat mistura,  de  qua sumatur  cyathum  vinarium sextis horis.   (In
chronic mucous discharges from the bladder with excess of uric acid.)

  R Olei Terebinthinae,  f3i. ;  Gummi Tragacantha?, 3ss.;  Syrupi
Aurantii, f|i.;  Tere bene simul,  et  gradatim adjice, Aqua? Mentha?
Piperita?, fgyj.; Spiritus ^Etherei  Nitro'si, f3ij. M.   Capiat cochleare
amplum, quaque secundi  hora.  (A stimulating diuretic.)
EMETICS.
  R Ammonia? Carbonatis, gr. xxx.;  Infusi  Senega?,  f|i.;  Syrupi
 Croci, f5ij. M.  Fiat haustus statim sumendus.   (In the  suffocative
 catarrh of typhus.)

  R Emetina? Impura?,  gr. ij.  ; Syrupi  Aurantii  florum, f§i.; Aqua?
 destillata?, fgij.  M.  Capiat cochleare amplum semihorio, donee super-
 venerit vomitio.   (A certain  emetic, applicable to the same cases as
 Ipecacuanha.)

  R Viola? Odorata? Radicis, 3ss. ; Syrupi Scilla?, f3i. M.   Fiat bolus
 statim sumendus, et post horam repetendus si opus  sit.   (An excellent
 substitute for Ipecacuanha.)

  R Sinapis, §i.; Aqua? tepidae, f§xij.  M.   Fiat mistura statim sum-
enda.   (An excellent stimulating emetic, particularly useful when the
vital powers are sinking.)
                      EMMENAGOGUES.

  * R Ergotinae,  (page  157), gr. xij.;  Syrupi Croci, fgss. ;  Aqua?
Mentha? piperitae,  fgiiiss. M.  Fiat mistura cujus  capiat cochlearia
ampla duo quarta parte hora? ad  effectum.  (To accelerate delivery.) 
432                       FORMULA*.
  R Tinctura?  Ergota?, (page 160), fSiss. ; Syrupi Croci, f§ij.;  De-
cooti Aloes compositi, f|vj. M.  Fiat mistura, cujus capiat cochlearia
ampla ij. sextis horis.  (In amenorrhoea, with torpor of the circulation.) .

  R Tinctura?  Ergota? iEthereae, (page  160), f3i, 5  Infusi Sabina?,
page  161), fgiiiss.;  Syrupi Croci,  f§ss. M.   Fiat mistura,  de  qua
sumatur cochleare  magnum  ter in  die.   (In  chlorotic amenorrhoea
after the use of ferruginous preparations for some time.)

  R Sulphatis Ferri siccati, gr. xx.; Pilula? Aloes cnm Myrrha, 3i-;
Olei Ruta?, min. vj. M.  Fiat massula et  divide in pilulas xxiv. e qui-
bus sumanter ij. bis quotidie.   (Useful in chlorosis.)
  R Rubia? Tinctorum, §i.; Theriaca?, q. s.;  Olei Sabina?, min.  xij.
M.   Fiat electuarium cujus cupiat sextam  partem ter de die.  (In
simple atony ofthe uterine organs.)
                        EMOLLIENTS.

  R Olei Oliva?, f3ij. ; Vitelli Ovi unius;  Syrupi Althaea?, f§i.;  Infusi
Lini Compositi, f§iij.   Fiat mistura secundum artem; Capiat aeger
cochleare amplum subinde.   (In inflammatory affections ofthe kidneys,
in ardor urina?, and as a general demulcent.)
  R Decocti Hordei compositi, f§x.;  Syrupi Hemidesmi, (page 173),
f§ij. M.  Fiat mistura, cujus sumatur cochlearia ampla duo  interdim.
(An agreeable demulcent and emmollient mixture, useful  in inflamma-
tions ofthe mucous membranes.)
  R Decocti Tussilaginis  (page 181);  Mistura? Amygdalarum, ana,
f§iij.; Syrupi Hemidesmi, f§ij. M.   Fiat mistura, de qua capiat coch-
learia ampla duo horis intermidiis.   (A useful demulcent mixture in
chronic bronchitis.)

  R Decocti Althaea?, f§vi.;  Decocti  Glycirrhiza?, f§i.; Tincturae Opii
camphoratae, f3ii. j Syrupi  Hemidesmi, f|i. M.  Fiat mistura, capiat
cochleare amplum tussi urgente.  (In the troublesome cough of phthisis,
and of chronic bronchitis.)
                         EPISPASTICS.

  R Cantharidum, in crasso pulvere, §iv.; Acidi Pyrolygnei concen-
trati, f§ij. ; Spiritus Vini rectificati, Oj.  Digere in vase vitreo clauso
per dies tres, dein exprime et^*ola;  Tinctura destillat? calore gradus
160 F. ad idoneam spissitudinem.  (By this process a syrupy-looking
extract is obtained, which, spread thinly on paper and applied to the
skin, vesicates rapidly and freely.)

  R Terebinthina? Vulgaris; Mastiche, ana, partes sex ; Cantharidum, 
formula.                        433
in pulvere, partes duas ;  Euphorbia? Pulveris, partem unam, M.  (For
a perpetual blister, or to  act as a powerful counter-irritant.)
  R Euphorbia?, in pulvere subtili, gr. xxx.;  Adipis praeparati, §j. M.
fiat unguentum.   (An excellent issue ointment, see page 189.)
  R Olei Terebinthina?, f§j. ;  Vitelli Ovi unius;  Tinctura? Capsici,
f§iss. ; Cetacei, §ss. ;  Tere bene, et adde inter terendum, Olei Olivae,
fgnj.  Fiat linimentum. (An excellent rubefacient liniment.)
  R Linirnenti Ipecacuanha? (page 189} ;  Linimenti Ammonia?, ana, p.
re. M.  Fiat linimentum.  (An excellent counter-irritant applied with
friction.)
                      EXPECTORANTS.

  R Syrupi Hemidesmi, f§iv. ;  Tinctura?  Balsami Tolutani, fgss. ;
Tinctura? Opii Camphoratae, f3j• ;  Vini Ipecacuanha?, f3iij. ; Aqua?
destillatae, f^iij. M.   Fiat syrupus expectorans, cujus sumat cochleare
amplum quaque secunda hora.  (In chronic bronchitis.)
  R Vini Ipecacuanha?,  f3iij-;  Syrupi' Tolutani, f3v. ;  Mucilaginis
Acacia?, f§j. M.  Fiat  Mistura, capiat cochleare parvum  omni hora
vel quaque  secunda hora.  Cheyne.   (For children threatened with
an attack of croup or bronchitis.)

  R Antimonii et Potassa? Tartratis, gr. ij.; Aqua?  destillata?, fgvij. ;
Aqua? Lauro-cerasi, f3ij. ; Syrupi Simplicis, f3vj. M.  Fiat mistura,
de qua sumatur cochleare amplum bihorio.   (In acute attacks of catarrh
and  bronchitis, combined  with general antiphlogistic treatment.)
  R Pulveris Senega?, gr. xxx. ; Carbonatis Soda? siccati, gr. vj.; Pul-
veris Scilla?, gr. j. ;  Sacchari Puri, gr. xij. M.  Divide  in pulveres
sex, Capiat unum quarta quaque hora.  (In the  advanced stages  of
hooping cough and bronchitis in children.)
   R Tinctura? Lobelia? JEtherea? (page 200), f3ij.;  Mistura? Amygdala-
 rum, f^viss.; Succi  Conii  (page 252), f5ij.;  Syrupi Hemidesmi, f§j.
 M.  Fiat  mistura, cujus capiat cochleare amplum tertiis horis.  (An
 excellent mixture in asthma and in paroxysmal coughs.)

  R Pilula?  Ipecacuanha? composita?, 3j. ; Styracis Colati, 3ss.;  Pul-
veris Lobelia?, gr. xij. M.  Divide in pilulas viginti quatuor, e quibu
sumantur dua? sextis horis.   (In old cases of bronchitis and in humoral
asthma.)
                          NARCOTICS.

  R Succi Belladonna? (page 206), f3iv.; Mistura? Camphora?, fgvij.;
Syrupi Rhceados, fgss. M.   Fiat mistura, cujus capiat cochleare amplum
sextis horis   (An  excellent anodyne in neuralgia and tic doloureux.)
                                      --        37       . 
434
FORMULA.
  R Tinctura? Belladonna? (page 207), f3ij.; Linimenti Saponis cum
Opio, ffviij.  M.   Fiat  linimentum  anodynum,  saepe  utendum.  (In
neuralgic pains and painful glandular enlargements.)

  R Unguenti Belladonna?, §ij. ;  Camphors, rasa?  et  redactae, 3i- J
Tinctura? Opii Camphoratae, f3i- M.  Fiat unguentum.   (An excellent
application to painful hemorrhoids, and along the urethra in chordee.)

  R Tinctura? Cannabis (page 209), f3i. ;  Mucilaginis Gummi Arabici,
f3ij.; Aquae Cinnamomi, fgiss. M.   Fiat haustus, statim sumendus  et
repetatur secundis horis vel saeptus si minetur morbus.  (In tetanus,  or
hydrophobia;  half the above  quantity may be taken every five or six
hours in sciatica and other neuralgic pains.)

  R Succi 'Hyoscyami  (page 210), f3ss. ; Mistura? Camphora?, fgj-;
Syrupi  Rhceados, f3ij. M.  Fiat haustus hora somni sumendus, et re-
petatur alterna hora si non dormiat.  (An  excellent  narcotic draught
in cases where from any caifse opium is inadmissible.)

  * R  Olei  Hyoscyami (page  210), min. xl. ad f3ij-; Cataplasmatis
Lini, quantum sufficit, ut cataplasma idoneae magnitudinia fiat.  (An
admirable poultice in  painful glandular enlargements.)

   R Tinctura? Lactucarii, f3i.; Aquae Destillata?, f§i. ; Aquae Lauro-
cerasi, min. xx.;  Syrupi  Simplicis, f3ii. M.  Fiat  haustus  mane  et
ser6 sumendus.  (An excellent anodyne draught in phthisis.)

   R Lupulinae, gr. viij.; Mucilaginis, q. s.  Fiant  pilulae dua?, hora
 decubitus  sumenda?.   (A doubtful  narcotic,  used  sometimes  in the
 restlessness and watchfulness of mania and other nervous affections.)

   R Morphia? Sulphatis  (page 217), gr. -J. ; Extracti Glycirrhiza?, gr.
 ij.  M.  Fiat pilula, hora somni sumat.   (For relieving pain and pro-
 curing rest.)

   R Muriatis Morphia?  Solutionis (Ed.  Phar.),  min.  xxx. ;  Aquae
 Florum Aurantii, f§i. ;  Syrupi  Aurantii,  fgss.  M.   Fiat  haustus
 pacificas, hora somni sumendus.  (An excellent anodyne draught.)

    R Morphia? Sulphatis (page 219), gr. ss.; Acidi Sulphurici  diluti,
 min. ij.;  Aqua?  Destillatae, fgij.;  Syrupi Limonum,  f§ss.  M.  Fiat
 solutio, duabus vicibus sumenda.  (An excellent anodyne where night-
 watchings are troublesome.)
  R Pilulae Saponis cum  Opio, gr. xx. ; Camphorae, rasa? et redactae,
3ss.; Mucilaginis, q. s. M.  Divide in pilulas xij., capiat unam quaque
sexta hora.   (In priapism and irritation of the neck of the bladder.)

  *  R Liquoris Opii Sedativi (page 227), min. xx. ; Syrupi Papaveris
Rhceadis, f"3ij. ; Mistura? Camphora?, f§i. M.  Fiat haustus.  (A useful
anodyne draught in febrile and inflammatory affections.) 
FORMULA.
435
  R Tinctura? Stramonii (page 231), min. xv.; Aqua? Destillatae, f§i. ;
Syrupi Limonum, fgss. M.   Fiat haustus tertiis horis repetendus, donee
dolor mitescat.  (Exceedingly useful in tic doloureux, sciatica, and all
forms of chronic disease attended with acute pain.)

  R  Extracti Stramonii, gr. ij.; Extracti Hyoscyami, gr. vj.;  Ex-
tracti Humuli, 3ss.  M.  Divide in pilulas duodecim, quarum capiat
unam quarts, quaque hora dolorem lenire.  (In painful nervous affections,
and in all forms of chronic  disease attended with acute pain.)

  * R Tinctura?  Toxicodendri (page 232). f3ss.; Syrupi Papaveris,
f3j.;   Syrupi  Limonum, f3ss. ;  Aqua?,  fgiss. ;  M.   Fiat haustus.
Capiat unum  talem sextis  horis.  (In the  acute pains which so fre-
quently attend on chronic paralysis.
                      REFRIGERANTS.

  R  Acetosella?, §j.;  Aqua? ferventis, fgviij.; Infunde per  horam in
vase clauso, exprime et cola, dein adde Syrupi Mori, f§ij.   Fiat mis-
tura, de qua. sumatur  cochlearia ampla duo subinde.  (An  agreeable
refrigerant in febrile and inflammatory disorders.)

  * R Acidi Oxalici, gr. v.; Syrupi Limonum, f|ss.; Aquae destillatae,
fgviiss.;  M.  Fiat Mistura, cuius  capiat cochlearia ampla duo tertiis
horis.  (In inflammation of the stomach.)
  R  Succi spissati Sambuci, §ss. ;  Aquae destillatae, fgviiss.;  Tere
simul ut fiat solutio,  dein adde,  Nitratis Potassae, 3ss. ;  et solve.
Capiat cochleare amplum bihorio.  (A useful refrigerant in hemoptysis
with active inflammation.)
  R  Syrupi Aceti, fgij.;  Aquae Destillata?, f|viij. M.  Fiat mistura,
capiat cochleare amplum subinde.  (To allay thirst in febrile affections.)

  R Nitratis Potassae, gr. xv.; Aqua? Destillatae, fgiss.;  Syrupi Limo-
num, f3ij. M.  Fiat haustus, ter in die sumendus.  (In active hemor-
rhages.)

  R  Soda? Bicarbonatis, 9i. ; Aquae, fgiss.;  Syrupi Simplicis,  f3ij.
M   Fiat haustus in effervescentis. cum succi  Limonum recentis coch-
leari magno, subinde sumendus.  (To allay thirst in febrile and inflam-
matory disorders.)
         SEDATIVES  OR CONTRA-STIMULANTS.

  R Acidi Hydrocyanici, min. j.;  Aquae Destillatae, f3vij.;  Syrupi
Simmicis f3i M   Fiat haustus quaque secunda hora sumendus donee
evanescant symptomata.  (In gastric irritability, in nervous palpitations,
in angina pectoris, &c.) 
436
FORMULAE.
  R Tincturae  Aconiti (page 243), min. v. ;  Mistura? Camphora?, fyi.
M.   Fiat haustus, sextis horis sumendus donee dolor mitescat.  (Most
useful in acute rheumatism and in neuralgia ;  its effects should be care-
fully watched.)
  R Tinctura? Aconiti (page 243); Succi  Conii (page 252), ana, fgss.
M.   Sit pro lotione.  (Exceedingly useful applied over the seat ofthe
pain in tic doloureux.)
  R Extracti Alcoholici Aconiti (page 243), gr. iss. ; Myristica? Adipis,
gr.  xviij. ;  Mucilaginis, q. s., ut  fiat  massula.   Divide in pilulas sex,
quarum sumatur una sextis horis.  (In chronic rheumatism and other
painful affections.)
  * R Carbonis  Chloridi,  (page 248), min. v.;  Syrupi  Papaveris
Rhceadis, f3j. ;  Aqua? destillata?, f§i.; M.   Fiat haustus, urgenti dolore
sumendus.   (A sedative draught in cancerous and spasmodic diseases.)
  * R Carbonis Chloridi, min. xx.; Pulveris pro cataplasmate, §vi. ;
Aqua? ferventis, q. s.   Fiat cataplasma.   (An anodyne poultice for
cancerous and other painful ulcerations.)
  R Succi Conii,  (page  252),  f3vj. ; Syrupi  Aurantii, f3x. ;  Aqua?
Cinnamomi, f§vj. M.  Fiat mistura, cujus capiat cochleare  amplum
ter  de die.   (In chronic rheumatism, in neuralgia, and in painful spas-
modic diseases.)

  R Creasoti,  min. ij. ;  Mucilaginis  Gummi  Arabici, f3ij-,"  Aqua?
Destillatae,  f§j. ;  Spiritus Myristica?, f3ss. M.  Fiat haustus quSque
secundS  hora sumendus,  donee  sedantur vomitiones.   (In  obstinate
vomitings.)
  R Succi Digitalis, (page 255), min. xij.; Mistura? Camphora?, fgj. ;
Syrupi Aurantii, f5ij.; Acidi Hydrocyanici, min. j. M.  Fiat haustus,
bis terve in die sumendus.  (An excellent remedy in nervous palpita-
tions.)

  * R Naphtha? medicinalis, (page 256), min. x.; Syrupi Aceti, f5ij.;
Aqua?, fjjj. M.   Fiat haustus, capiat unum talem sextis horis.  (A use-
ful anodyne in the hectic of phthisis.)
  R Cyanidi Potassii, gr. j. ; Aqua? Destillata?, fgiiiss.;  Syrupi Limo-
num, fgss. M.  Divide in haustus octo, sumatur unus pro dosi, Dono-
van.  (Used as a substitute for hydrocyanic acid.)
                  GENERAL STIMULANTS.

  * R iEtheris Acetici, (page  263), min.  xxx.;  Misturae  Camphorae
cum MagnesiS, fgj. M.  Fiat haustus statim sumendus, et si opus sit
post horam repetatur.  (In hysteria.) 
FORMULA.
437
  R iEtheris sulphurici, f3j. ; Cetacei, gr. ij.;  Tere simul et grada-
tim adde  Aquae Mentha?  Piperita?, f|j.   Fiat haustus.   (In nervous
headache, spasmodic colic, fainting,  &c.)

   R Spiritus ^Etheris  Sulphurici,  f3j.;  Mistura? Camphorae,  fgj. ;
Tinctura? Cardamomi composita?, f3ij. M.   Fiat haustus statim sumen-
dus, et repetatur bihorio molestante flatulentia.   (In flatulent colic.)

  R Spiritus  iEtheris Sulphurici compositi, f5ss. ;  Tinctura?  Opii,
min. x.;  Mistura?  Camphora?, fgj.;  Spiritus Anisi compositi, f3j.  M.
Fiat haustus sextis horis sumendus.  (A useful stimulant in the low
stages of fever.)

  R Carbonatis Ammonia?, gr. v. ; Misturae Camphorae, f§j.; Infusi Ar-
nica?, (page 276 ;)  Spiritus Armoracia?  compositi, ana, f3ij.  M.  Fiat
haustus,quSque secundahorS. sumendus. (In adynamic febrile affections.)

  * R Ammonia? Muriatis, 3i-; Syrupi Hemidesmi, fgss. ; Aquae Cinna-
momi,  fgviiss. M.   Fiat mistura cujus capiat cochlearia ampla duo
sextis  horis.  (A  useful  mixture in adynamic  fevers  and subacute
laryngitis.)

  R Olei Cajuputi, min. v. ; Mucilaginis Tragacantha?, f3j. ; Tere si-
mul et  adde, Infusi Caryophyllorum, fgiss. ; Tinctura?  Ammonia?  com-
posita?, min. vj. M.  Fiat haustus.   (In hysterical and nervous affec-
tions.)

  R Spiritus iEtheris Sulphurici, f3j. ; Solutionis Muriatis Morphia?,
min. xv.; Aqua? Mentha? Piperitae, fg. M.  Fiat haustus statim  sumen-
dus, et repetatur, si opus  sit, quarts parte hora?.   (A  powerful stimu-
lating antispasmodic ; very useful in spasm of the stomach and in spas-
modic colic.
  * R Tinctura? Arnica?, (page 276), fgss.; Infusi Acori, (page 277),
f§viiss. M.  Fiat mistura, cujus capiat unciam tertiis vel quartis horis.
(In nervous headache and in old paralytic cases.)
   R Calcis Chlorinatae, 3ij.; Aqua? Destillatae, Oj.; Solve et cola, dein
 adde, Mellis despumati, §j.  Fiat gargarismus saepe  utendus,  prius
 phiala concussa.   (An exceedingly useful gargle in excessive mercu-
 rial salivation.)

   R Calcis Chlorinatae, §j.; Aqua?  Destillata?, f§x.;  Solve et cola,
 dein adde,  Acidi Prussici, f3j.  Fiat  lotio; Signetur, Poison.   (An
 excellent application in chronic cutaneous diseases, when itching and
 tingling are very troublesome.)

   R  Camphora?, rasa? et  redactae, 3ij.; Mucilaginis  Gummi Arabici,
 f5i ;  Aquae Destillatae, f§vij. M.  Fiat mistura, de qua sumatur  coch-
 leare amplum quartis horis.  (In cases of chronic bronchitis in the old
and debilitated.) 
438                        FORMULA.

  R Camphora? rasa?  et  redacta?, 3ij. ; Lactis recentis, fgvj. ; Aqua?
Mentha?  Pulegii, f§ij. M.   Fiat mistura, cujus capiat cochleare am-
plum quarts quSque hoiS.   (In the same case as the above.)
  R Camphora? rasa? et redacta?, gr. xij. ;  Carbonatis Ammonia?, gr.
iX.;  Extracti Hyoscyami, gr. vj. ; Mucilaginis, q. s.  Fiat massula et
divide in pilulas sex, quarum  sumatur una bihorio.  (In the advanced
stages of typhoid and nervous fevers.)
  R Cerevisia? Fermenli;  Mistura? Camphora?, ana, f§vj. ; Tinctura?
Arnicae, (page 276), f3ij. M.  Fiat mistura, de quS sumantur cochlearia
tria  ampla tertiis horis.   (An  excellent stimulant in  the advanced
stages of fevers when nervous symptoms predominate.)
  R Muriatis Ammonia?, £)j.;  Pulveris Aromatici, gr. vj. ;  Theriaca?,
q. s. ut fiat bolus.  Capiat unum talem sextS quaque horS.   (For uses,
see page 272.)
  R Potassii Sulphureti, gr. xl. ;  Aqua? Destillatae, fgvj. ;  Syrupi He-
midesmi, f§ij. M.   Fiat mistura, cujus  capiat cochleare  amplum ter
quaterve in die.   (In rebellious cutaneous diseases.)
  R Tincturae Sabadilla?, (page 306), f§i.; Tinctura? Camphorae, f§ii.;
Spiritus "Rosmarini, f§ss. M.   Fiat embrocatio, cum panno laneo par-
tibus dolentibus applicanda.   (In neuralgia and in muscular pains.)

  R Liquoris Soda? Chlorinata?, f5'iiss.; Infusi  Serpentaria?, f§yj.;
Syrupi Aurantii, fgiss. M.  Fiat mistura ;  Capiat cochlearia ampla
duo quartis horis.   (In the advanced stages  of typhoid fever.)
  R Olei Terebinthina?, fgiiss. ; Mucilaginis Tragacantha?, f^ss. ;  In-
fusi Armoracia? compositi, f§v. M.   Capiat cochleare amplum unum
quSque secunda horS.  (A useful stimulant in adynamic fevers.)
  R Olei Terebinthinae, f§ss. ; Adipis  Pra?parati, §iss.; Olei Berga-
motae, min.  xij. M.   Fiat unguentum, mane nocteque applicandum.
(In chronic  eczema and impetigo of the scalp.)
                   SPECIAL STIMULANTS.

  R Arsenici Iodidi, gr.  ij.;  Manna? dura?, gr. xl. ; Mucilaginis, q. s.
M.   Fiat massula et divide in pilulas xx. quarum capiat unam ter de
die.   (In psoriasis and lepra;  the  dose should be gradually increased,
until one-fourth of a grain is taken three  times a day.)

  R Auri Iodidi, gr. j. ; Pulveris Gummi  Arabici, gr.  xxx.  Misce
intime et divide in partes aequales quindecim, e  quibus sumatur una ter
in die.  (In secondary syphilitic  affections ; the dose should be gra-
dually increased to one-tenth of a grain.) 
FORMULAE.
439
  R  Auri Chloridi, gr. j. ;  Extracti Alcoholici Aconiti, (page  245,)
gr. vj.*, Pulveris Glycirrhiza?, Qij. ; Syrupi, q. s.  Misce intim£  et di-
vide  massulam in pilulas viginti, quarum sumatur una  ter in die.   (In
secondary syphilitic affections attended with much pain.)

  *  R Solutionis Ammonia?  Arseniatis, (page  315,) f§i.; Decocti Ul-
tra, f§vij. M.  Fiat mistura,  cujus capiat cochlearia ampla duo quater
in die.  (In obstinate cutaneous affections, especially  lepra and psori-
asis.)

  R  Sodii Auro-terchloridi, gr.  ij.; Manna? dura?, gr. 1.   Tere bene
simul, et ope  mucilaginis, forma  in  pilulas viginti quatuor, e quibus
sumatur una ter in die.  (In  syphilitic affections both  primary and se-
condary.)

   R Sodii Auro-terchloridi, gr.  iv.; Solve  in  aqua?  destillata?, q. s. ;
Extracti Aconiti, 9ss.; Extracti Dulcamara?, 3j-»  Althaeae Radicis,
in pulvere, q. s. M.   Divide  in pilulas lxxx., quarum  capiat unam ter
in die ; Grotzner.   (Said to be very efficacious in venereal skin dis-
eases.)
  R  Sodii  Auro-terchloridi,  gr.  ij. ; Aqua? Destillata?, fgj. ;  Syrupi
Simplicis, f3ij. M.  Fiat solutio, de qua sumantur gutta? duodecim ter
in die.   (One of  the best forms for administering the preparations of
gold, as the dose can be apportioned with great accuracy.)
  * R Hydrargyri Bromidi, (page 320,) gr. ss: Infusi  Sarsaparilla?,
(page 134,) f§viij.  M.  Fiat mistura,capiat cochlearia duo ampla sex-
tis horis.  (In secondary syphilitic affections.

  R Copaiba?, f3iij-; Solutionis  Alkaline?, (Brandish,)  fgiss. ; Tere
bene simul  in mortario vitreo, dein adde  inter terendum, Olei Limo-
num, f3ss.;  et Syrupi Simplicis, f3iii.  Fiat mistura, capiat cochleare
minimum ter in die  ex cyatho aqua?.   (This is an excellenl  form for
administering copaiva.)

  * R Hydrargyri Iodidi (flavi,) gr. ij. ;  Hydrargyri  cum cretS,  gr.
xij.; Pulveris Aromatici, gr. ix.  M.   Divide in pulveres sex, quorum
capiat unum omni mane.   (An excellent  alterative in  the cutaneous
eruptions  of infancy and childhood.  The above proportions are for a
child two years old.)

  R Hydrargyri  Iodidi  rubri, gr. j.; Extracti Gentiana?;  Extracti
Chamaemeli, ana,  3ss. M.   Divide in pilulas xij.   Capiat unam mane
nocteque.   (Alterative and tonic.)

  R Hydrargyri Iodidi rubri, gr.  v. ; Spiritus  Vini Rectificati, f3i. ;
Tere  simul dein  adde, Aqua;  Destillata?,  f§ij.;  Iodidi  Potassii, 3ij.;
Syrupi Aurantii, fgss. M.   Fiat  solutio, cujus sumantur min. xx., ter
in die.  (In secondary syphilitic affections ; every twenty-one minims
contain  a twefth of a grain of iodide of  mercury and two  grains of
iodide of potassium.) 
440                        formula.
  R Indigo (aquae guttis nonnullis subacta,) 3ij. to §ss.; Pulveris Aro-
matici, gr. xv.  to  gr.  xxx.; Syrupi Simplicis, f§ss. to f$i. M.  Fiat
electuarium sumendum  in die  in portionibus divisis.  (For use, see
page 338.)
  R Iodinii, gr. iv.; ^Etheris Sulphurici, f3i. Solve.  Capiat guttas
decern ter in die.  (Magendie's ethereal tincture of iodine.)
  R Potassii Bromidi, gr. xx. ; Aqua? Florum aurantii, fgiij. ; Syrupi
Aurantii, f§i. M.  Fiat  mistura, cujus capiat partem quartam sexta
quSque  horS.   (In chronic enlargements of the liver and spleen, and
in secondary syphilitic affections.)

  R Olei Morrhuae, f|iv.; Aquae Potassa? Carbonatis, fgss.; Olei Limo-
num, f5ij. ;  Aquae Carui, fgiiss-; Spiritus  Carui, f§ss. M.   Fiat  mis-
tura cujus sumantur cochlearia ampla duo ter in die.  (In the cases in
which cod-liver oil is indicated ; see page 341.)

  R Olei Morrhua?, f§ss. ; Liquoris Potassae, f3ss.; Adipis  praeparati,
q. s. M.  Fiat unguentum, saepe utendum.   (In scrofulous ulcerations,
and in obstinate cutaneous diseases.)
   * R Tinctura? Nucis Vomicae, f5ij-; Tincturae Cinchonae, f3vj. ; In-
fusi Cinchonas flava?, Ed. Ph., f§vij. M.   Fiat  mistura cujus capiat
unciam ter in die.  (Ah excellent mixture in paralysis consequent on
fevers and other acute diseases.)

   R Strychnia?, gr.j.;  Acidi Sulphurici diluti, min. ij.; Spiritus Vini
Rectificati, f3j.; Aquae  Destillata?, f5xj. M.   Fiat solutio, cujus capiat
cochleare minimum ter in die.   (Each fluid-drachm contains a twelfth
of a grain of strychnia in the state of sulphate.)

   R Strychnia?, gr. j.;  Acidi Acetici, min.  iv. ; Spiritus Vini Rectifi-
cati, f3j. M.   Fiat solutio, cujus sumantur min. v., ter in die.  (Every
five minims contains a  twelfth of a grain of strychnia  in  the state of
acetate.)

  R Strychnia?, 3ss.; Olei Olivae, f§iss. M.   (Ten drops to be rubbed
over the temples three  or  four times a day in cases of amaurosis de-
pending on paralysis of the optic nerve.)
  R Potassii Bromidi, 3sB- ;  Adipis Praeparati, §i. ; Brominei, min. vj.
M.   Fiat unguentum.  (About the size of a nut of this ointment should
be rubbed over chronic glandular enlargements twice daily.)
                          TONICS.

* R Acidi Phosphorici Diluti, f|ss.; Infusi  Calumba?,  Ed.  Ph., 
formula.                       441
fgvij.; Tinctura? Cardamomi composita?, fgss. M.   Fiat mistura, cujus
capiat unciam ter in die.  (In phosphatic deposits from the urine.)

  R Argenti  Nitratis,  gr.  ij.; Fellis Bovini  inspissati;  Extracti
Chamaemdli, ana, 3ss. M.   Divide in pilulas duodecim, quarum suma-
tur  una mane meridieque.   (In  chronic  affections of the stomach ac-
companied by much pain, but without organic disease.)

  * R Argenti Chloridi, (page 355,)  gr. xxxvj. ;  Muriatis Quina?,
(page 378,) gr. xviij.; Manna?  Durae, gr.  viij.  M.  Fiat  massula opi
mucilaginis, et divide in pilulas duodecim ; quarum capiat unam sextis
horis.  (An excellent tonic in the early stages of tubercular phthisis,
and in dyspepsia occurring in debilitated habits.)

  R Argenti  Oxydi, gr. vj. ;  Extracti Artemisiae Absinthii, 3j- M.
Divide in  pilulas xij. e quibus sumatur una ter indie.   (In angina pec-
toris, epilepsy, chorea, &c)

  R Iodinei  Liquoris compositi, (E.,) f§ss. ; Liquoris Arsenicalis,
ffiss.  M.   Fiat mistura, cujus capiat min. v. ter in die e cyatho vina-
rio  mistura? sequentis.

  R Infusi Absinthii, (page 351,) fgvij.;  Syrupi Aurantii  fgj. M.
(This combination of iodine and  arsenite of potash will be found  very
effectual  in the treatment  of chronic cutaneous affections of a scaly
character.)
  * R Bebeeriiiae Sulphatis, gr. xvi. ; Acidi Sulphurici diluti, min. x.;
Aqua? destillatae, fgiiiss. ;  Syrupi Florum  Aurantii, f§ss. :  M.   Fiat
mistura, cujus capiat cochlearia ampla duo, sextis horis.  (In cephala-
lgia or neuralgic affections assuming a periodic character.)

  R  Bismuthi Subnitratis,gr. 1.; Pilulae Colocynthidis composita?, 3i- ;
Syrupi Zingiberis, q.  s. M.   Fiant pilula? xxiv., quarum capiat duas
mane meridieque.   (In pyrosis with constipation.)

  R  Cetrarici Acidi,  (page  367,) gr. xxiv. ; Extracti Calumba?,  (page
363,)  3ss. M.  Divide in pilulas xij. quarum sumatur una quarts quSque
horS per dies duos, febre aggrediente.   (An excellent febrifuge.)

  R  Tinctura? Chirettae, (page  367),  fgss. ; Liquoris Cinchona?,  (page
377),  f3ij.; Infusi Cascarilla?, f§viss. ; Syrupi Aurantii, f3vj. M.   Fiat
mistura, cujus capiat  cochlearia ampla duo ter in die.   (An  excellent
tonic mixture in convalescence from acute diseases.)
'  R Quina? Muriatis,  gr. xij.;  Acidi Muriatici diluti, mm. v.; Aqua?
Destillatae, fgvij. ;  Syrupi Florum Aurantii, f|j.  M.   Fiat  mistura,
Capiat cochlenria  ampla  duo ter in  die.  (A useful tonic mixture  in
chronic debility.)

  * R Quina? informis, (page  373,) gr. ij.; Acidi Citrici, gr. j.; Sy- 
442                        FORMULA.
rupi Limonum, f5j. ;  Aquae destillatae, ffj. M.  Fiat haustus ;  Capiat
unum talem ter in die.  (In general debility and in convalescence from
acute diseases.)

  * R Quina? Arseniatis, (page  378,) octavam  partem  grani; Aqua?
destillata?, fgiss.; Syrupi Florum Aurantii, f3j- M.  Fiat haustus : Ca-
piat aeger unum talem, quartis horis per  dies  duos, febre aggrediente.
(In tertian agues, when quina and  arsenic separately fail to cure the
disease.)
  * R Quinae Valerianatis, (page 378,) gr. vij. ; Infusi Cascarillae, f|iv.
M.   Fiat mistura cujus capiat semiunciam sextis horis.  (An excel-
lent  remedy for hysterical and neuralgic affections  occuring in debili-
tated habits.)

  * R Ferri Redacti, (page 384,) gr. xxxvi. ; Pilulae Aloes cum Myrrha,
3i-;  Olei Juniperi, min. x. M.  Fiat massula et in pilulas viginti qua-
tuor divide : Capiat duas ter de die.  (An excellent form for adminis-
tering iron in chlorotic amenorrhoea.)
  R Ferri Ammonio-tartratis, 9ij.;  Aqua? Destillatae, f§vij.; Syrupi
Hemidesmi, f§j. M.   Fiat mistura, cujus capiat cochlearia ampla duo
ter  in die.  (A mild chalybeate tonic.)
  * R Ferri Bromidi, (page 388,) 3i- » Syrupi Florum Aurantii, f|ss.;
Aqua? Florum Aurantii, f|iss. M.  Fiat solutio, cujus capiat cochleare
minimum sextis horis ex cyatho infusi amari.   (In secondary syphili-
tic diseases attended with debility, in anemic affections,  &c.)

  R Ferri Carbonatis Saccharati, 3ss.; Pulveris  Myrrha?, gr. xxiv. ;
Pulveris Aromatici,  3ss-  M.   Divide in partes  aequales  duodecim,
quarum sumatur una ter in die.  (An excellent combination in the pro-
tracted diarrhoeas of infancy and childhood.)

  # R Ferri  Ammonia? Citratis, (page 389,) 3i*; Aqua? Florum Au-
rantii, f§viiss. ; Syrupi Simplicis, fljss. M.  Fiat mistura cujus capiat
cochleare amplum quartis horis.   (An agreeable form for administer-
ing a mild  preparation of  iron.)                        <

  R Ferri Iodidi, 3ss. ;  Croci, in pulvere, 5ij-»  Sacchari puri, §iv.
M.   Fiant Trochisci, No. 120 ; sumantur sex usque ad  decern quoti-
die ; Pierquin.  (An agreeable mode of administering the iodide of
iron in amenorrhoea  and chlorosis.)
  *  R Ferri Phosphatis, (page 408), gr. xxx.; Pulveris Myrrhae, gr.
xij.; Sacchari pnri, gr. vi. M.  Divide in pulveres sex, quorum suma-
tur unus mane meridieque.  (In scrofulous diseases  of the bones in
children.)

  *  R Ferri Valerianatis, gr. xij.; Olei Sabina?, min-vi.; Manna? durae,
quantum sufficit ut fiant pilula? sex, quarum capiat unam ter in die.  (In
chorea and other nervous affections occurring in young girls about the
age  of puberty.) 
FORMULiE.
443
  R  Salicin, (page 417,) gr. xvj. ;  Infusi Gentianae compositi, fgvij.;
Syrupi Hemidesmi, f§j. M.  Capiat cochlearia  ampla duo ter in die.
(An excellent tonic in convalescence from acute diseases of the diges-
tive organs.)

  R Salicin, Bij. ; Pulveris aromatici, 3j. M.   Divide in partes aequales
duodecim, quarum capiat unam quarts quSque horS. per dies duos, febre
aggrediente.  (An excellent substitute for disulphate ofquina.
♦.
«*'• 
444
APPENDIX    B.

   POSOLOGICAL  TABLE.
  The Doses in this table are those adapted for an adult, but the  ordinary
proportion, according to  the age of the patient,  may be regulated by  the
following rules:—The dose for an adult being 1, suppose 3'- •  under one
year it will be from l-16th to l-12th, that is from gr. iv. to gr.  v. : at two
years old, l-8th or gr. viij.: at three years old, l-6tnor gr. x.; at four years
old, l-4th or gr. xv.: at seven years old, l-3rd  or 9i.:  at fourteen years old,
I or 3ss.:  at twenty years old 2-3ds or 9ij.:  and from  twenty to sixty a
full dose.
Absinthium    -
Acetum   -----
-------Colchici     -
-------Opii    -
------Scilla?  -    -     -     -
Acidum  Benzoi'cum -
-------Citricum    -     -     -
------Gallicum    -
------Hydrocyanicum
-------Muriaticum dilutum, D. -
------------------dilutum, L. E.
------Nitricum dilutum, D.
                 dilutum, L. E.
 Nitro-muriaticum  -
 Oxalicum   -
 Phosphoricum dilutum  -
 Succinicum  -     -     -
 Sulphuricum dilutum
------------aromaticum
Tartaricum   -
Aconiti pulvis  -    -     -
iEther Aceticus
------Nitrosus
------Sulphuricus  -
Allium sativum
Aloe Socotrina vel Indica  -
----Hepatica vel Barbadensis
Alumen   -    -    -     -
Ammoniacum  -     -     -
Ammonia?  aqua
 3ss. to 3j-
 f ij. to f§ss.
 f5ss. to f3ij.
 min. viij. to min. xxv.
 f3ss. to fSiss.
 gr. v. to gr. xxx.
 9j- to 3j*
 gr. v. to gr. x.
 min. j. to min. ij.
 gtt. xx. to gtt. xl.
 f3ss. to f5j.
 gtt. x. to gtt. xxx.
 f3ss. to f3j.
 gtt. x. to gtt. XX.
 gr. i. togr. ij.
 min. xx. to  f3j.
 gr. v. to gr.  viij.
 min. x. to min. xxx.
 min. x. to min. xx.
 gr. x. to 3ss.
 gr. iij. to gr. xij.
 f3ss. to f3ij.
 min. x. to min. xxx.
 f3ss. to f3ij.
§ss. to §j.
 gr. iij. to gr. xv.
 gr. ij. togr.  v.
 gr. x. to 3ss-
gr. x. to 3»s.
min. x. to min. xxv. 
POSOLOGICAL  TABLE.
445
Ammonia? arseniatis solutio-
--------- bicarbonas   -
Ammoniae carbonas (Antacid)   -
------------------(Emetic)
------------------ (Stimulant) -
---------hydrosulphuretum
---------murias     -
Anethi fructus -
Angelica? fructus     -
---------radix      -
Anisi fructus   -
Anthemis nobilis     -
Antimonii oxydum nitromuriaticum
Antimonii sulphuretum    -
---------------------aureum   -
Antimonium tartarizatum (Diaphoretic)
-----------------------(Emetic)
-----------------------(Expectorant)
■-----------------------(Sedative)  _
Aqua Ammonia? acetatis   -
-------------carbonatis  -
----Anethi   -
----Baryta? muriatis      -
----Calcis    -
-----------Composita    -
            Muriatis      -
----Carui
----Cassia?   -
----Chalybeata
----Chlorinii  -
----Cinnamomi
----Fceniculi -     -     -
----Lauro-cerasi
----Magnesia? bicarbonatis
----Mentha? piperita?
------------pulegii -
-----------— viridis -
----Picis liquida?
----Pimenta?  -
----Potassae  -
-------------carbonatis  -
——---------effervescens
               sulphureti  -
Soda? carbonatis
    effervescens
Argenti chloridum
-------nitras  -
-------oxydum
Arnica?  radix  -
Arsenicum album
Arsenici iodidum
Artemisia santonica  -
Assafoetida
 f3i. to f3iij.
 gr. v. to gr. xxv.
 gr. v. to gr. xx.
 gr. xxx. to gr. xl.
 gr. v. to gr. xv.
 min. iv. to min. vj.
 gr. v. to gr. xxx.
 gr.x. to3j-
 3ss. to 3j.
 gr. x. to 3ss.
 gr. x. to 3ss.
 3ss. to 3ij.
 gr. iij. to gr. x.
 gr. x. to 3ij.
 gr- j. to gr. iv.
 gr. 1-12th to  gr. l-6th.
 gr. ij. to gr. v.
 gr. l-16th to  gr. l-10th.
 gr. j. to gr. iij.
 fgss. to f§ij.
 min. xxx. to min. xl.
 fgss. to f§iij.
 min. v. to min. x.
 f§i. to fgiv.
 f|ij. to f|iv.
 min. xxx. to f3ij.
 f j. to f§iv.
 f§j. to fgiv.
f§j. to fgij.
f3ss. to f3ij.
ffj. to fgiv.
f j to f  i *.
f3ss. to f3j.
fgss. to fgiss.
f§j* to f§ij.
f j. tof-Mj.
 f§j. to f?ij-
Oj. to Oij.
f§Mof§ij.  .
min. x. to min. xl.
min. x. to f3j-
fgij- to ffvii.
min. x. to f3j.'
fgss. to f|j.
f§vj. to f§viij.
gr. iij. to gr. v.
gr. l-6th to gr. iij.
gr. ss. to  gr.j.
gr. x. to gr. xx.
gr. l-16th to gr. l-8th.
gr. l-10th togr.  l-4th.
gr. xx. to gr. xxx.
gr. x. to 3ss.
       38 
446                POSOLOGICAL  TABLE.
Auri iodidum   -
----perchloridum  -
----peroxydum    -  .   -
----pulvis    -

Balsamum Peruvianum
----------Tolutanum
Barii bromidum
Baryta? murias -
Bebeerinae sulphas  -
Belladonna? folia
----------- radix
Bismuthum album
Brominei solutio,     -     -
Buchu    -
Black Drop    -

Calamus aromaticus -
Calcii bromidum
Calomelas (Alterative)
---------(Antiphlogistic)
---------(Cathartic)
Calumba  -    -    -     -     .
Calx chlorinata
Cambogia-     -
Camphora     -
Canella   -     -    -     -
Cantharis     -
Capsicum -     -     -     -
Carbonis chloridum -
Cardamine pratensis -
Cardamomi fructus -
Carui fructus  -
Caryophylli     -
Cascarilla      -
Cassia? cortex            -     •
------pulpa   -    -     -
Castoreum     -     -     r
Catechu   -
Cerevisia? fermentum
Cetraric acid             -
Chiretta   -
Cinchona? cortex  (Antiperiodic)
--------■-------(Tonic)  -
Cinchonia?     -
Cinnamomum  -
Colchici  cormus  y  -
--------semina
Colocynthis    -
Confectio aromatica -
---------Anrantii
---------Cassia?
---------Opii -
gr. l-15th to gr. l-10th.
gr.  l-20th to gr. l-15th.
gr.  1-10th to gr. l-4th.
gr.  \%h to gr. iij.

min. xx. to  min. xl.
gr.  x. to gr. xxx.
gr. j. to  gr. v.
gr.  ij. to  gr. v.
gr. j. to gr. v.
gr.ss. togr. j.
gr. \Ha. to gr. ss.
gr. v. to gr.  xx.
min. v. to min.  vj.
E)i.  to 3ss.
min. v. to min. viij.

gr.  xx. to 5j.
gr.  iij. togr. x.
gr.  j.togr.  iij.
gr.  iij. to gr. v.
gr.  ij. to gr. vj.
gr.  x. to 3ss.
gr.  ij. to gr. v.
gr.  ij. to gr. v.
gr. v. to gr. x.
gr.  x. to 3ss.
gr.  ss. to gr ij.
gr.  ij. togr.viij.
min. iij. to min v.
3ij. to 3"j-
gr.  v. to gr. xx.
3j-  to 3ij.
gr.x. to 3ss.
gr.  x. to 9ij.
gr.  x. to 3ss-
§ss. to §iij.
3j-  to 3ij-
gr.  x. to 3i-
fgij. to fgiij.
gr. ij.togr. v.
gr.  x. to gr. xx.
3j- to 3ij-
gr. x. to 9ij.
gr. iij. to gr. v.
gr.  x. to 3ss-
gr. ij. to gr. viij.
gr. ij. togr.v.
gr. ij. to gr. viij.
gr. xx. to 3i.
3ij- to gj.
3ij- to §j.
gr. x. to 3j. 
POSOLOGICAL TABLE.
447
Confectio Piperis nigri    ...    3j. to 3ij.
---------Scammonii     ...    3SS. to 3j.
--------- Senna?     -    -     -    .    3ij. to gss.
Conii folia     -                          gr. v. to gr. x.
■-----fructus.....gr. iij. to gr. vj.
Conserva Aurantii    -                    5ij. i0 gj.
—-------Rosa?      ....    3j-to3ij.
---------Rutae      -    -     -    _    9j. to 3j-
Contrajerva.....9j. to Bij.
Copaiba  ------    min. x. to f3j.
Coriandri fructus    -                    3ss. to 3j-
Corrosivus  sublimatus                    gr. l-12thtogr. l-8th.
Creasotum     -                          min. j. to min. ij.
Creta praeparata      -    -     -    -    gr. x. to  3ij-
Crocus sativus -----    gr. xij. to 3j-
Cubebae pulvis.....3j. to 5iij.
 Cumini fructus.....gr. x. to 3ss.
 Cupri sulphas (Astringent and Tonic)     gr. ss. to gr. iij.
 -------------(Emetic)  -     -    -    gr. xij. to gr. xv.
 Cuprum ammoniatum                     gr. ss. to gr. xv.
 Cusparia? cortex     -    -     -    -    gr.  x to  3ss.

 Dauci fructus.....gr. xx. to £)ij.
 Decoctum Aloes compositum    -     -     fgss.  to fgij.
 --------Altha?ae     -    -     -     -     fgj. to fgij.
 --------Arctii lappa?     -      -     -     fgiv.  to fgvj.
 .------— Bistorta?    ...     -     fgj. to fgij.
 --------Cetraria?    -     -      -     -     fgj. to fgiv.
 --------Cinchona?  -    -     -     -    ' fgj. to fgij.
 --------Cntei benedicti  -      -     -     fgj. to fgiij.
 --------• Colocynthidis   -                f3'j- to fgss.
 Dulcamara?      -     -     -    fgj-to fgij.
 Ergota?   -                     f3ss. to fgj.
 Gei.....fgss. to fgj.
 Geoffrova?      -     -     -    fgss. to fgj.
 Glycirrhiza?     -     -     -    f§j. to fgij.
 Granati    -     -     -     -    fgss. to fgj.
 Guaiaci compositum  -     -    fgij. to fgiv.
 Haematoxyli     -     -     -    fgj. to fgij.
 Malva? compositum    -     -    fgiv. to fgvj.
• Mezerei   -    -     -     -    fgiv. to fgv.
• Pareira?    -    -     -     -    fgj.  to fgiij.
■Pyrola?    -                    I?j. tof^ij.
•Quercus   -                     ^J* tof|jy-
-Sambuci  -    -     -     -    3!J*t0*5v:..
■ Sarsaparilla?     -     -    -     f|iv. to fjvnj.
             compositum    -     tgiy. to fgvj.
Senegae    -    -     -    -     gl-10^'
Scoparii   -    -     -    -     gl-^fT-
Taraxaci  -    -     -    -     gj* to fgij.
Tormentillae    -     -    -     «3J- to fgiss,
Tussilaginis    -     -    -     fgij. to fgnj.
Ulmi -----     fSiv. to fgvj. 
448                  POSOLOGICAL TABLE.
Decoctum Uvae-ursi
Delphinia
Digitaline -
Digitalis (Diuretic)
---------(Sedative)
Drymis aromatica
fgj. to fgiij.
gr.  l-12th to gr.
gr.  l-12th to gr.
gr.  ss. to gr. j.
gr.  j. to gr. iij.
9i.  to 3j.
l-4th.
l-10th.
Elaterina -     -     -    -     -
Elaterium      -
Electuarium aromaticum  -
-----------Catechu compositum
-----------Cassia?  -
-----------Opii
-----------Scammonii
-----------Senna?  -    -    -
Emetina, pure  -     -    -    -
--------, impure     -
Ergota   -     -     -    -    -
Ergotin   -
Essence of Ginger   ...
----------Pennyroyal
            Peppermint
— Spearmint
Extractum Aconiti
--------alcoholicum -
 Aloes    -
 Anthemidis
 Artemisia? absinthii  -
 Belladonna?
 Calumba?
 Cannabis
 Caryophyllorum
 Cinchona?
 Chamaemeli
 Colchici  -
         aceticum
Colocynthidis
— Conii
— Digitalis  -
— Fuliginis -
— Gentiana?
— Haematoxyli
■— Humuli lupuli
— Hyoscyami
— Jalapa?, D. L.
— Jalapae, E.
— Krameria?
— Lactucae  »
— Menyanthes
— Nucis-vomica?
- Opii
   Papaveris
compositum
 gr- l-20th to gr. 1-lOthT
 gr- l-16th to gr. l-4th.
 gr- x. to gr. xl.
 B[j- to 3ij.
 3ij. to gj.
 gr. x. to 3j.
 3ss. to 3j-
 3ii. to gss.
 gr- l-8th  to gr. ss.
 gr- ss. to gr. iij.
 3j- to 3j.
 gr. iss. to gr. iij.
 min.  xx. to min. xl.
 gtt. xx. to gtt. xxx.
 gtt. xx. to gtt. xxx.
 gtt. xx. to gtt. xxx.
 gr. ij. to gr. viij.
 gr. l-6th  to gr. l-3rd.
 gr. v. to gr. xv.
 gr. x. to 3ss.
 gr. x. to gr. xx.
 gr. ss. to gr. iv.
 gr. v. to gr. xx.
 gr. j.  to gr.  viij.
fgi. to fgij.
gr. v. to gr. xx.
gr. x. to 3ss.
gr. j.  to gr. iij.
gr. j.  to gr. iij.
gr. v. to Bj.
gr. v. to gr. "kv.
gr. iij. to  gr. v.
gr. ss. to  gr.j.
gr. v. to gr. x.
gr. x. to 3ss.
gr. x. to gr. xxx.
gr. v. to gr. xx.
 gr. v. jo gr. xv.
 gr. x. to 9j.
 gr. x. to gr. xv.
gr. xx. to  gr. xl.
Bj- to 3j.
gr. x. to 3ss.
gr. ss. to gr. iij.
 gr. ss. to gr. iv.
 gr. i). to gr. xx. 
POSOLOGICAL TABLE.
449
Extractum Pareiraa  -
—--------Quassias  -
---------Quercus  -
—-------Rhei
        — Ruta?
           Sabadilla?
        — Sarsaparilla?
        -----------— fluidum
        — Scammonii
        — Spartii scoparii
        — Stramonii
        — Taraxaci
        — Uva? nrsi
gr-	x. to 3ss	
gr-gr-gr-	v. to gr. x. to 3j-x. to 3ss	XV.
gr. x. to gr. gr. 1-8 to gr. 3ss. to 3ij. fgss. to fgj.		XX. 1-4
gr-gr-gr-gr-	ij. to gr. x. to 3SS 1-4 to gr. x. to 3ss.	v. ss.
gr-	v. to gr.	XV.
Fel Bovinum inspissatum       -     -    gr. v. to gr. x.
Ferri acetas   -----    min. v. to min. xx.
----ammonio-chloridum -     -     -    gr. v. to gr. xy.
----ammonio-citras     ...    gr. v. to gr. viij.
----ammowio-tartras    -     -     -    gr. v. to gr. viij.
----bromidum     -    -     -          gr. iij. to gr. viij.
----carbonas saccharatum     -     -    gr- v. to gr. xxx.
----citras.....gr. v. to gr. viij.
----cyanuretum    -                    gr. iij. to gr. vj.
----et quina? citras -    -     -     -    gr. iij. to gr. vj.
----iodidum.....gr. ij. to gr. v.
----lactas.....gr-vj. to gr. xij.
----limatura.....gr. x. to 3ss.
----oxydum nigrum     -     -     -    gr. v. to gr. xx.
-----------rubrum     -     -     -    3ss. to 3iv.
----pernitras.....min. xx. to min. xxx.
----phosphas.....gr. v. to gr. x.
----sulphas.....gr. j-togf. v.
            exsiccatus  -     -     -    gr. ss. to gr. iij.
----valerianas      -                     gr. j-to gr. nj.
Ferrum redactum    -     -    -    -     gr. j. togr. x.
------ tartarizatum      -    -    -     gr- v. to gr. xx.
Filix-mas     ...    -    -     3j-to 3"j-
Fceniculi fructus     -     -    -    -     3ss. to 3j.

Galbanum.....gr. x. to gr. xx.
Gentiana......gr. x. to gr. xxx.
Geoffroya? cortex    -                     gr. xv. to gr. xxx.
Geum  urbanum      -                     3SS* to 3j.
Gigartina helminthocorton     -    -     |r* x* t0 ?*J*
Granatum     -     -     -    -    -     3ssVt03i_
Guaiaci resina-     -     -    -    -     gr. x. to 3ss.

Helleborus niger    -     -    -    -     gr- jij; to gr - xij.


__________-biniodidum   -    -    **     gr. l-16th to gr. l-8th.
__________bromidum    -    -    -     gr. l-16th  to  gr. l-4th.
___________iodidum     -    •    -     gr.j. togr. nj. 
450                    POSOLOGICAL  TABLE.
Hydrargyri oxydum rubrum
■-----------sub-bromidum
-----------sulphuretum nigrum
Hydrargyrum cum creta  -
-------------------magnesia
Hyoscyami folia    -     -    -
------------semina  -     -    -
Indigo
Infusum Absinthii
--------Allii  -
— Anthemidis
— Armoracia? compositum
— Arnica?    ...
— Aurantii compositum  -
— Buchu     ...
— Calami aromatici
— Calumbae   ...
— Caryophylli
— Cascarilla? -
— Catechu compositum  -
— Centaurei  -
— Chamaemeli
— Chirettae   ...
— Cinchona?  -
— Cnici benedicti   -
— Cusparia?  -     -     -
— Digitalis (Diuretic)
          — (Sedative)
— Ergota?
— Galla?
— Gentiana? compositum
— Gigartinae  -     -     -
— Granati radicis   -
— Hemidesmi
— Juniperi   -
— Krameria?  -
— Lauri nobilis
— Lini  -    -     -     -
— Lupuli     -     -     -
— Marrubii   -
— Matico     ...
— Melissa?   ...
— Menthae simplex -
           compositum   -
Menyanthis
Pareirffl
■— Quassia?   -
— Rhei  -
— Ruta? -    -     -     -
— Rosa? acidum
— Sabinae    -
— Sarsaparilla?  compositum
— Sassafras  -
 gr. 1-4 to gr. ss.
 gr. j. togr. ij.
 gr. v. to  3ss-
 gr. x. to  3ss.
 gr. x. to  3ss.
 gr. v. to  gr. x.
 gr. iij. to gr. viij.
 gr. v. to  gr. x.
 fgj. to fgij.
 f3ijtof3iij.
 fgj- to fgij.
 fgj. to fgij.
 f3ij.  to fgss.
 fgj. to fgij.
 fgj- to fgij.
 fgj- to fgij.
 fgj. to fgiij.
 fgj. to fgij.
 fgj. to fgij.
 fgi. to fgij.
 fgj- to fgij.
 fgj-to fgij.
 fgj. to fgij.
 fgj. to fgiij.
 fgiss. to  fgiij.
 fgj- to fgij.
 f3-j-  to fgss.
  fgj. to fgij.
 f3ss. to fgj.
  fgss. to fgij.
  fgj. to fgij.
 f3ij.  to fgss.
 fgss. to fgiss.
  fgj. to fgij.
  fgiv. to fgvj.
  fgj- to fgij.
- fgss. to fgij.
  fgij.  to fgiv.
  fgj. to fgij.
  fgiij. to fgiv.
  fgj- to fgij.
  fgij.  to fgiv.
  *SJ- to fgij.
  fgj. to fgiij.
  fgj- to fgij.
  fgj. to fgiv.
  fgi- to fgij.
  fgj. to fgiv.
  fgj- to fgij.
  fgj- to f%%.
  fgss. to  fgj.
  fgiv. to  fgvj.
  fgj. to fgij. 
POSOLOGICAL TABLE.
451
Infusum Scoparii    -    -    -     -     fgj. to fgij.
.-------Senegae    -    -    -     -     ffij. to fgiij.
-------Sennae compositum   -     -     fgij. to fgiv.
--------------cum Tamarindis     -     fgij. to fgiv.
-------Serpentaria?     -    -     -     fgj. to fgij.
-------Simarubee  -    -    -     -     fgj. to fgij.
.-------Spigeliae   -    -    -     -     fgij. to fgiv.
-------Tanaceti   -    -    -     -     fgj. to fgij.
-------Valerianae  -    -    -     -     fgj- to fgij.
Inula helenium.....Bj-to 3ij-
Ipecacuanha (Emetic)    -    -     -     gr. xij. to gr.
.-----------(Expectorant)    -     -     gr. £ to gr. ij.
Kino.....
Krameria     -    -     -     -

Lactucarium   -    -     -     -
Linum catharticum -     -     -
Liquor Ammoniae  -
                  sesquicarbonatis
Arsenicalis -
Arsenici et Hydrargyri hydriodatis
Calcis.....
Cinchona?   -     -     -    -
Hydrargyri bichloridi  -
Iodinei compositus
Opii sedativus     -
Potassa?    ....
     — carbonatis
         effervescens
Potassii iodidi compositus
Soda? chlorinatae  -
      effervescens
Taraxaci
Tartari emetici
Lupulin
Lythrum salicaria   -     -    -

Magnesia (Antacid) -
--------(Cathartic)
Magnesia? carbonas (Antacid)  -
----------------- (Cathartic) -
-------- sulphas   -
Manganesia? sulphas -
Manna    -
Mannite  -
Matico    -     -     "
Mel Rosa?
---Viola?
Menyanthes
Mistura Alth»»
gr. x. to gr. xxx.

gr. x. to 3ss.
gr. x. to 3ss-

gr. v. to gr. xx.
3j. to 3iss.
min. x. to min. xxx.
min. xxx. to min. lx.
min. v. to min. x.
min. x. to min. xxx.
fgj. to fgiv.
min. xx. to f5ss.
f3ss. to f3ij-
min. v. to min. xv.
min. xv. to min. xxx.
min. x. to  min. xl.
min. x. to  f3j.
fgij. to fgviij.
f3j- to fgss.
min. xx. to min. xxx.
fgvj. to fgiij.
min. x. to  min. xl.
min. xx. to min. xxx,
gr. vj. to gr. xij.
3ij. to  3iv-

 gr. x. to gr. xv.
9J-to 3j-
 gr. xv. to  3ss-
 3j- to 3ij-
 3>j- to gj.
 3j- to 3vi-
 gj. to gij.
 gss. to gj.
 gr. x. to 3ss.
 3ij. to 3iv-
 3j. to 3iv.
 gr. x. to 3ss-
fgj. to fgij. 
452              X    POSOLOGICAL TABLE.
Mistura Ammoniaci -
        Amygdalarum
-- Assafoetida?
- Camphorae
cum Magnesia
Cascarillae composita
Creasoti
Cretae  -
Ferri composita  -
Crete
Ferri composita  -
      aromatica  -
Gentiana? composita
Guaiaci
Monesia?
Moschi
Scammonii  -
Spiritus Vini Gallici
Monesia
Morphia
Morphia? acetas
------— murias
-------- sulphas
Moschus -
Mucuna pruriens
Myristica -
Myrrha   -
Naphtha medicinalis
Nux-vomica
fgss. to fgj.
fgj. to fgij.
fgss. to fgiss.
fgj. to fgij.
fgss. to fgj.
fgj. to fgiss.
fgj- to fgij.
fgj- to fgij.
fgj. to fgij.
fgj- to fgij.
fgj- to fgij.
fgj. to fgij.
fgj. to fgij.
fgss. to fgij.
fgss. to fgij.
fgj- to fgij.
fgss. to fgiss.
fgss. to fgiss.
gr. v. to gr. xv.
gr. £ to gr. ss.
gr. i to gr. ss.
gr. J  to gr. ss.
gr. A to gr. ss.
gr. x  to gr. xx.
3j. to gss.
gs. x. to gr. xxx.
gr. x. to gr. xxx.

min. v. to min. xx.
gr. v. to gr. xx.
Oleum Amygdalae amara?  -
------Anethi  -     -     -
------ Anisi
------ Anthemidis  -
------ Cajuputi
------ Carui   -
------ Caryophylli  -
------ Cassia?  -     -     -
------ Cinnamomi  -
------Copaiba?
------ Crotonis
------ Cubebae -
------ Euphorbiae lathyris
------ Filicis maris -
------ Foeniculi
------ Juniperi
------ Lavandula?
------ Limonum
     - Menthae piperitae   -
               pulegii
— viridis
Morrhuae
min.	i	to min.	i 2*
min.	J-	to min.	V.
mm.	•1-	to mm.	VIIJ.
min.	,1-	to min.	V.
min.	v.	to min.	X.
mm.	J-	to min.	X.
min.	«.l-	to mm.	vnj.
mm.	■1-	to min.	V.
mm.	.1-	to mm.	V.
min xv		. to mm	. xxx.
min.	.1-	to mm.	>J*
mm.	X	to min	xxx.
min	IV	. to min	. vnj.
min	xx. to min. xxx		
mm	•1	to mm	X.
min	v.	to mm	X.
mm.	•1	to min	V.
min	M	to min	V.
mm.	■J	to min	V.
mm	'.1	to min	V.
mm	»1	to min	Y.
flss	to	m-	
 
P0S0L0GICAL  TABLE.
453
Oleum Myristicae    -
.-----Olivae   -
•-----Origani -    -    -    -
•-----Pimenta?     ...
-----Ricini   -    -    -    -
•-----Rosmarini    ...
----- Ruta?   -
----— Sabina? -    -    -    -
----- Sassafras    -    -    -
----- Succini -    -    -    -
    — Terebinthinae (Anthelmintic)
                   (Cathartic)
(Diuretic) -
(Stimulant)
Olibanum     -    -    -    -
Opium   -    -    -    -    -
Opoponax     -    -    -    -
Oxymel.....
------- Colchici   -    -    -
.------Scilla? (Emetic) -
-------------(Expectorant)  -

Pareira-brava -    -    -    -
Pilulae Aloes  -
.-----------compositae
----—-----cum Myrrha -
------.-----et Assafoetida?
-----------et Ferri
------ante cibum -    -    -
------Asiatics?    .    -    -
------Assafoetida? -    -    -
------Calomelanos composita? -
                   et Opii
Cambogia? composita?
Colocynthidis composita?
             et Hyoscyami -
 Conii composita?
■ Cupri ammoniati  -
 Digitalis et Scilla? -
 e Styrace
 Ferri bromidi
------carbonatis
------compositae  -
------iodidi  -
      sulphatis
 Galbani composita?     -
 Gambogiae et Scammonii
 Hydrargyri (Alterative)
____- (Cathartic) -
         — Iodidi
Ipecacuanha? composita?
       -----et Opii
Opii sive TheBaicae
mm	j. to min. v.
f§j*	to fgij.
mm	j. to min. iij.
min	ij. to min. v.
fgss	• to fgij.
min	. ij. to min. v.
mm	. ij. to min. v.
min	. ij. to min. vj.
min	. ij. to min. x.
min	. v. to min. x.
fgss	• to fgij.
f3ij	to fgij.
min	. x. to mm. xxx
min	. x. to min. xx.
3ss	to 3j-
gr-	ss. to gr. iv.
gr-	xx. to gr. xl.
f5j-	to fgj.
f3j-	to f3ij-
■UH-	to fgij.
min	. x. to mm. xxx
3ss	. to 3i.
gr-	x. to 3ss.
gr-	v. to gr. xv.
gr-	x. to gr. xx.
gr-	x. to gr. xv.
No	1 to 3.
No	1 to 2.
No	1 to 2.
gr-	x. to 9i.
gr-	v. to gr. xv.
No	1 to 2.
gr-	x. to gr. xx.
gr-	v. to gr. xv.
No	1 to 3.
gr-	v. to gr. x.
No	1 to 5.
gr-	iij. to gr. v.
gr-	nj. to gr. x.
No	1 to 2.
No	1 to 4.
gr-	x. to gr. xx.
No	1 to 3.
gr-	v. to gr. xv.
gr-	x. to Bi.
gr-	x. to gr. xx.
gr-	nj. to gr. v.
gr-	xij. to gr. xx.
gr-	v. to gr. xv.
gr-	v. to gr. xx.
gr-	iv. to gr. viij.
No	. 1 to 3.
 
454
POSOLOGICAL TABLE.
Pilulae Plumbi Opiatae                   gr. viij. to gr. xij.
------Quinae.....No. 2 to 5.
------Rhei.....gr. v. to gr. xv.
------------composita?   -    -    -    gr. v. to 9i.
-----------et Ferri     -    -    -    gr. x. to gr. xv.
------Sagapeni compositae    -    -    gr. v. to gr. xx.
------Saponis cum Opio     -    -    gr. iij. to  gr. x.
       Scilla? compositae  -     -    -    gr. v. to gr. xv.
Pimenta   ------    3ss. to 3j-
Piper longum -     -     -     -    -    gr. v. to 9j.
----- nigrum -     -     -     -    -    gr. v. to gr. xx.
Piperin......gr. iij. to gr. v.
Plumbi acetas -----    gr. ij. togr. viij.
-------iodidum                          gr. iij. to gr. v.
Polygonum bistorta  -                    3ss. to 3j.
Potassae acetas (Cathartic)     -    -    3'j- to 3uj-
               (Diuretic)               gr. x. to gr. xx.
bicarbonas  -     -     -     -     gr. x. to gr. xx.
bisulphas    -                    3ss.  to 3!ss.
bitartras (Cathartic)    -     -     3"j-to3vj.
         (Diuretic)     -     -    gr. xx. to 3j-
carbonas    -     -     -     -    gr. v. to gr. xx.
chloras     -     -     -     -    gr. x. to gr. xx.
nitras (Diuretic)   -     -     -    gr. xxx. to gr. xl.
      (Refrigerant)     -     -    gr. x. to gr. xx.
sulphas     -    -     -     -     3j- to 3iv.
        cum sulphure   -     -     3ss. to 3j-
------tartras.....3ij. to 3x-
Potassii bromidum   -    -    -    -    gr. iij. to gr. xij.
-------  cyanidum   -    -    -    -    gr. | to gr. £.
-------  iodidum     -    -    -    -    gr. y. to gr. xv.
------  sulphuretum-    -    -    -    gr. iij. to gr. x.
Pulvis Aloes compositus                 gr. x. to Bj.
-----------cum CanellS.-    -    -    gr. vj. to gr. xviij.
-------Aluminis compositus   -    -    gr. xij. to 9ij.
------Antimonialis -    -              gr. iij. to gr. x.
-------Aromaticus  -    -    -    -    gr. v. to gr. xx.
-------Cinnamomi compositus -    -    gr. v. to gr. xx.
------Creta? compositus -    -    -    gr. x. to gr. xxx.
                         cum Opio -    gr. xx. to gr. xl.
Gallae.....gr. v. to 9j
Ipecacuanhae compositus     -     gr. v. to gr. xx.
Jalapa? compositus      -     -     3SS- to 3jss*
Kino compositus -     -     -     gr. x. to gr. xxx.
Lobelia? inflata?   -     -     -     gr. j. to gr. v.
Rhei (Stomachic) -     -     -     gr. v. to gr. x.
   - (Cathartic) -     -     -     9j. to 9ij.
     compositus -     -     -     3ss. to  3j-
Salinus compositus     -     -     3'j* t0 3SS-
Scammonii compositus  -     -     gr. x. to gr. xx.
Spongia? ustae                    3j- to 3i'j-
Stanni.....§ss.  to gj.
Tragacantha?      -     -     -     3ss.  to  3ij. 
POSOLOGICAL TABLE.
455
Pulvis Tragacantha? compositus     -     3j. to 3ii
Punica granatum, radicis cortex     -     gss. to gij.


guassia   *.....gr. xv. to gr. xxx
Quercus cortex     ....     Iss. to 3j
Qulna    ".....gr. iij. to gr. v.
Q^'aS       '     "     "          gr.iij.to|r.v.
yuma? aceias.....„r .  t
arsenias -
citras
gr. j. to gr. v.
gr.  l-10th  to gr. l-4th.
gr. j. to gr. v.
----- disulphas     -    -     -     -    gr.j.togr. v
----- murias.....gr. j. to gr. v.
----- nitras   -     -  ,  -     -     .    gr. j. to gr. v.
----- phosphas     -    -     -     -    gr. j. to gr. v.
----- tannas   -----    gr. j  to err. v.
----- tartras  -----    gr. j. to gr. v.
-----valerianas    -    -     -     -    gr. j. to gr. iij.

Resina Copaiba? ]     -    -     -     -    gr. x. to 3ss.
       Jalapa?  -     -    -     -     -    gr. iij. to gr. *.
Scammonii
gr. ij. to gr. v.
 Rhamni bacca?.....No.  10 to 20.
 Rubia tinctorum     -                     5SS.  to 3ii.

 Sabadilla? pulvis     -                     gr.j.togr. v.
 Sabina   -     -     -     -    -     -     gr. v. to gr. xv.
 Sagapenum.....gr. v. to gr. xx.
 Salicin (Febrifuge)  -     -    -     -     §j. to Bij.
 —:— (Tonic)      -     -    -     -     gr. ij. to gr. v.
 Salix     -......    gss.  to 3j.
 Sapo Crotonis -     -     *    -     -     gr. j. to gr. iij.
 ----Jala pinus.....gr. xij. to Bj-
 Sarsaparilla    -     -     -    -     -     3j. to 5ij.
 Scammonium  -----     gr. -yiij. to gr. x.
 Scilla  (Emetic)                           gr. viij. to  gr. xij.
 -----(Expectorant)      ...     gr. j. to gr. iss.
 -----(Diuretic)     -                     gr. j. to gr. iij.
 Senega......gr. x. to 5ss.
 Senna? folia    -     -     -    -     -     3ij. to gss.
 Serpentaria radix    -     -    -     -     gr. x. to gss.
 Sinapis (Emetic)    -     -    -     -     |ss. to gj.
 ------alba.....§•• to 3>j-
 Soda? acetas    -     -     -    -     -     gr. x. to gr. xx.
 ---- bicarbonas     -     -    -     -     gr. x. to 3ss.
---- boras.....gr. xx. to gr. xxx.
---- carbonas -     -     -    -     •     gr. x. to 3ss.
              siccatum   -    -     -     gr. v. to gr. xx.
----et potassae tartras    -    -    -     3ij-to gj.
----hyposulphis    -     -    -    -     3vj.to3j\.
----murias   -     -     -    -    -     gr. x. to 3j-
----phophas.....3»v. to 3xij.
----sulphas.....3v- to 3x.
Sodii auro terchloridum   -    -    -     gr. l-20th to gr. l-15th. 
456                   POSOLOGICAL  TABLE.
Solutio alkalina (Brandish)
-------Morphia? muriatis -
Spigelia  -          -
Spiritus ^Etheris nitrici
——------------ sulphurici
Ammonia?
compositus
aromaticus
foetid us -
Anisi
compositus  -
 Armoracia? compositus
 Carui  -
 Cassiae -'
 Cinnamomi  -
 Fuliginis
 Juniperi compositus
 Lavandulae compositus
 Mentha? piperita?   -
--------pulegii
------**- viridis
-------Myristicae
-------Pimentae
-------Rosmarini
Stramonii folia -
---------semina
Strychnia -
Sulphur (Cathartic) -
-------(Stimulant) -
------- praecipitatum
Succus Belladonna?  -
-------Colchici
-------Digitalis
-------Hyoscyami  -
Syrupus Aceti -
--------Allii  -
--------Altha?ae
--------Aurantii
--------Croci -
--------Ferri iodidi -
               lactatis
Hemidesmi -
Ipecacuanha? (Emetic) -
            - (Expectorant)
 Limonum
 Mori
 Papaveris  -
----------rhceadis
 Potassii cyanidi -
 Rhamni
 Rhei  -    -
■ Rosa? gallica?
f3ss. to f3ij.
min.  xx. to min. xl.
gr. xx. to gr. xl.
f3ss. to f3iij.
f3j- to f3iij-
f3ss. to f3ij.
f3ss. to f3iss.
min.  xxx. to f3i.
f3j. to f3iss.
f3ss. to f3j.
f3ss. to f3j.
f3j- to f3iv.
f3j. to f3iv.
f3ss. to f3j.
f3j. to fgss.
min.  xx. to min. xxx.
f3'j-  to f3iv.
min.  xxx. to f3ij-
f3ss. to f3j-
f3ss. to f3j-
f3ss. tof3j-
f3jtof3iv.
f3j- tof3»j  .
min.  x. to min. xxx.
gr. j. to gr. iv.
gr. itogr. j.
gr. l-12th to gr. l-8th.
3iij.  to 3iv.
gr. x. to gr. xxx.
3iij.  to 3iv- .
min.  xx. to  mm. xl.
min. v. to min. xx.
min. xx. tof3J-
f3j-tof3ij-   .    ,
min. xxx. to min. xl.
f3ij. to fgj.
fgss.  to fgj.
fgss.  to fgj.
f3ij. to fgss.
f3ij. to fgss.
min.  xv. to  min. lx.
f3ij. to fgss.
fgj. to fgij.
fgj. to fgij.
f3j- to f3ij.
fgj. to fgij.
fgj-to fgij.
fgss.  to fgj.
fgss.  to fgj.
f3»j-  tof3vj.
fgss.  to fgj.
fgss.  to fgj.
fgss.  to fgj. 
POSOLOGICAL TABLE.                   457
Syrupus Sarsaparilla? -
-------Scillae (Emetic)  -
--------------(Expectorant)
-------Sennae -    -     -
-------Tolutanus  -
-------Viola? -
-------Zingiberis  -
f3iv. to f3vj-
fgj. to fgij.
min. x.  to min. xxx.
fgss. to fgj.
f3y. to fgss.
f3j- to f3iv.
f3j- to fgss.
Tamarindus
Tanacetum vulgare  -
Tannin    -
Terebinthina Canadensis
------------Chia   -
Tinctura Absinthii
-------Aconiti
-------Aloes  -
              composita
Ammonia? composita
Arnica?
Assafoetida? -
Aurantii
Belladonna? -
Benzoini
Buchu -    -    -
Columba?
Camphora? composita
Cannabis
— Cantharidis -
  Capsici
— Cardamomi
composita
 Cascarillae
 Cassiae
 Castorei
—-------composita
 Catechu
 Chiretta?
 Cinchona?
           composita
Cinnamomi -
Colchici
composita
--------composita
 Colocynthidis
 Conii  -     -    -
 Croci  -     -    -
 Cubeba?
 Cusparia?
 Digitalis (Diuretic)
          (Sedative)
 Ergota?
-------- etherea
Ferri acetatis
gss. to giss.
Bj- to 3j-
gr. ss. to gr. ij.
gr. x. to gr. xxx.
gr. x. to gr. xxx.
f3ij- to fgss.
min. v. to min. viij.
min. xxx. to f3ss.
f3ss. to f3ij.
min. v. to min. x.
f3ss. to f3ij.
f3ss. to f3ij.
f3j- to f3iij.
min. ij  to min. iij.
f3ss. to f3ij.
f3j. to f3iij.
f3j- to f3ij-
f3j- to f3iij.
f3ss. tof3ij.
min. x. to min. xl.
min. xx. to f3j-
f3j- to f3ij.
f3j- to f3ij.
f3j. to fgss.
f3j- to f3ij.
f3ij. to f5iv.
f3j- to f3ij-
f3j- to f3ij.
f3j- to f3ij.
f3j-tof3iij-
f3j- to fgss.
f3j. to fgss.
f3j- to f3i.i-
f3j.tof3ij-
min. xx. to min. xxx.
min. x. to min. xv.
min. xx. to min. xl.
f3j- to f3ij-
f3j- to f3ij-
f3j- to f3ij-
min. xx. to min. xxx.
f3ss. to f3iss.
min. x. to f3j.
min. x. to f3j-
min. xxx. to f3j-
     39 
458
POSOLOGICAL TABLE.
Tinctura Ferri acetatis cum alcohole
-------------ammonio-chloridi -
-------------aurantiacea -
-------------muriatis
--------Fuliginis    -
-------Galbani     ...
--------Gallarum    -     -     -
-------■ Gambogiae  -     -     -
--------Gentiana? composita
--------Guaiaci     -
ammomata
— Hellebori
— Hyoscyami -
— Iodinii -
--------composita -
— Jalapa?
— Kino   -
— Lactucarii   -
— Lobelia?
        — aetherea  -
          (Whitlaw)
 Lupuli ■
 Matico
 Monesiae
 Moschi
 Myrrha?
 Nucis vomicae
 Opii   -     -
----ammoniata   -
----camphorata  -
 Quassia?
         composita
Rhei
-------composita  -
-------et Aloes
-------et Gentiana?
— Scilla?  -
— Senna? composita -
— Serpentaria? -
— Stramonii
— Tolutana
— Toxicodendri
— Valerianae   -
- Veratriae
  Zingiberis
ammoniata
Toxicodendron
Tormentilla
Tragacantha
Trochisci Creta?
--------Ferri lactatis
■--------Lactucarii  -
--------: Morphia?
 min. xxx. to f3j.
 min. xij. to min. xl.
 f3j- to f3iv.
 min. x. to f3ss.
 f3j- to f3ij-
 f3j- to f3ij.
 f5ss. to f3ij.
 f3ss. to f3j.
 f3j- to f3ij-
 f3j- to fgss.
 f3j- to f3ij.
 f3j- to f3ij.
 f3ss. to f3ij.
 min. v. to min. xx.
 min. x. to min. xxx.
 f3jtof3iv.
 f3j. to f3ij.
 f3j- to f3ij.
 f3ss. to f3j.
 min. xx. to min. xl.
 min. v. to min. xx.
 f3ss. to f3ij.
 f3j.tof3ij.
 f3j- to f3ij.
 f3iij- to f3yj.
 f3j'-tof3ij-
 min. x. to min. xxx.
 min. x. to min. xxx.
 f3ss. to f3ij.
 f3j- to f3iij.
 f3j. to f3ij.
 C5j- to fgss.
 f3j- to  f3iij.
 f*3j- tc^ f3iij-
fgss. to fgj.
f3j- to f3ij.
min. x. to min. xxx.
fgss. to fgj.
f3j- to f3ij.
min. x. to rnin. xxx.
f3j-tof3ij.
f3ss. to f3j.
f3ij. to f3iv.
f3j-tof3ij-
min. v. to min. Xv.
f3j-.tof3ij-
gr. j. to gr. v.
3ss. to 3j.
3ss. to 3ij.
3j- to 3ij-
No. 6 to 18. (Daily)
Bj- to Bij-
No. 10 to 12. (Daily) 
POSOLOGICAL TABLE.                  45 9
Trochisci Morphia? et Ipecacuanha?
--------Opii -     -     -    -

Uva-ursi  -    -     -     -    -
Urea     -    -     -     .    -

Valeriana -
Veratria  -
Veratrum album      -
Violae radix (Emetic)
Vinum    -    -     -     -    -
------Aloes  -
------Antimoniale  -
------ Colchici      -
------Ferri  -     -     -
----— Gentiana? composita
------Ipecacuanhae (Emetic)  -
.-----------------(Expectorant)
------Opii   ...    -
------Quinae  -
------Rhei
------Scilla?   -
------ Tabaci  -
------Veratri -

Zinci aferois
-----cyanidum -
-----oxydum  -
-----sulphas • -
           — (Emetic)
valerianas
Zingiber  -
No. 10 to 12. (Daily)
No. 10 to 12. (Daily)

gr. xx. to 3j.
gr. x. to gr. xx. „

3ss. to 3j-
gr. l-12th to gr. l-10th.
gr. ij. to gr. v.
3ss. to 3j.
fgi. to fgiv.
fgss. to fgij.
min. xx. to min. xxx.
f3ss. to f3ij.
f3j. to fgss.
fgss. to fgj.
f3ij. to f3iv.
min. x. to min. xl.
min. x.  to f3j.
fgss. to fgi.
f3ij. to fgj.
fSj.tofSiij..
min. x. to min. xl.
min. v. to min. x.

gr. j. to  gr. iij.
gr. i to  gr. f
gr. j. to gr. ij.
gr. j. to gr. v.
gr. xv. to gr. xxx.
gr. | to  gr. j.
gr. v. to gr. xxx. 
 
INDEX.
                            Page
Abies balsamea................ 149
     excelsa................. 3IS
Abietis resina.................312
Absinthium...................351
Aborul'acient ergotauia........ 157
Acacia........................ 171
       arabica............... 171
       catechu...............  40
       rera................. 171
Acetate or ammonia, solution or 122
          copper............. 117
          irou................ 3S4
                tincture of    384
                tincture of
                  with alcohol 3S-
          lead...............  52
          mercury............328
          morphia............213
          oxide of ethyl.......261
          potash..........88, 144
          quina..............378
          soda................. 148
          zinc................  61
Acetic, acid................... 110
            camphorated.....263
            glacial........... 110
       ether..................263
Acetosa! folia.................. 23J
Acetosella..................... 232
Acetum...................34,231
        aromaticum..........263
        britannicuin..........  34
        cantharidis........... 187
        colchici..............  74
        destillatum...........  35
        eallicum.............  34
        Spii..................226
        scilla;................. 147
        vini..................  34
Acid, acetic........  .......... 110
            camphorated.....363
            glacial........... Ill
     aloetic..................  f6
     angelicic  ...............274
     arsenious............... 116
     auric................... 319
     benzoic................. 198
     carbolic ................  27
     catechuic...............
     cevadic ................
     cetraric  ................367
     chrysopbanic  ...........  94
     cinchonic...............
     cinnamic...............
     cinnamomic ............
     citric..................."3
     copahuyic..............
     crotomc................  ''
     claiodic.......■........  *7
     gallic...................  36
     gambogic...............  71
     guaiacic................ JfJ1
     nemidesmic............. J'3
     hydrochloric............> >'
      '          dilute.......352
     hydrocyanic.............|jj
     ijrasunc.................•"*
     kunc....................
     krameric................ igq
     lobelic.................. '«
     margarine..............  »'
     meconic.................*'»
     muriatic................"'
                             Page
Acid, muriatic dilute..........352
      myronic.................  155
      nitrate of mercury.......  118
      nitric...................  112
            dilute.............352
      nitromuriatic............  353
      oxalic...................234
      parallinic...............  134
      phosphoric..............353
      pinic....................311
      polygalic...............  201
      prussic..................241
      rhabarberic.............  94
      ncinic..................  97
      smilasperic..............  173
      Btrychnic...............  343
      succinic.................  31
      sulphuric............36, 113
               uromatic......  38
               commercial...  37
               dilute.........  38
               pure..........  37
      sylvic...................  311
      tannic...................  60
      tartaric.................235
      valerianic...............  31
      virgeneic................201
Acidulated djops.............236
Acidum aceticum..............  110
                 camphoratum  26'*
        arseniosum............  116
        benzoicum............  198
        citricum..............233
         fallicum..............  36
         ydrargyri nitras......  118
        hydroehloricum.......  Ill
                       dilutum  352
        hydrocyanicum.......241
                       dilutum  041
        muriaticum...........  Ill
                       dilutum  352
        nitricum.............112
                       dilutum  352
        nitromuriaticum......353
        oxalic........,........231
        phosphoricum dilutum  353
        prussicum.............241
        Buccinicum............  3)
        sulphuricum....... 36,113
                  aromaticum  38
                  dilutum....  38
                  purum.....  37
                  venale.....  37
        tannicum.............  60
        tartaricum............235
Acinula clavis.................  157
Aconite.......................243
Aconitum napetlui............243
          paniculatum........243
Aconitina.....................245
          ointment of.........246
          solution of..........246
Acorus calamus...............  277
Acroleine.....................  175
Adeps myristica!...............299
       ovillus..................  162
             prseparatus......  162
       suillus..................  162
             prseparatus......  162
Adhesive plaster..............  56
Adragantine..................  18l_
iErugo........................  117
iEther........................264
                            Page
£!ther, aceticus...............263
      nitrosus................264
      sulphuricus............ 264
jEthereum oleum..............267
.E there us nitrosus spiritus.....137
          oleosus liquor.......267
iEtheris sulphurici spiritus..:.. 267
                  compositus . 267
iGthiops martis............... 284
         mineral........-......337
         perse................ 324
Agathotes chirayta............ 367
Agenu, coloring.............410
        pharmaceutical.......410
        supplementary........410
Albespeyrre's paper........... 187
Alcohol......................267
Algaroth, powder of........... 114
Alkalines.....................   1
Alkaline solution, Brandish*!...  10
Allium cepa...................286
       porrum................303
       sativum...............  17
Allspice.......................300
Almonds...................... 163
         bitter................ 163
              oil of...........246
         Jordan.............. 164
         Mogadore............ 164
         sweet................ 164
         Valentia............. 164
Aloe..........................  65
     Barbadensis..............  65
     Capensis.................  66
     hepatica.................  66
     Indica...................  66
     Socotrina................  66
     spicata...................  66
     vulgaris..................  66
Aloes.........................  65
     Barbadoes................  66
     Cape....................  66
     hepatic...*...............  66
     Indian...................  67
     Socotrine................  67
Aloine........................  66
Aloesin.......................  66
Aloetic acid...................  66
Alpinia cardamomum.......... 282
Alteratives....................315
Althaea officinalis.............. 163
Alum.........................  38
      burnt...................  39
      cataplasm...............  39
      dried...................  39
      whey...................  39
Alumen.......................  38
        eiccatum..............  39
Aluminas et potassae sulphas ...  38
Amber........................  30
American calumba............364
A midide of hydrogen..........   S
Amidin.......................165
Amidogene...................   3
Ammoniacal caustic..........183
Ammoniacum.................270
Ammonia: acetatis aqua....... 122
                      liquor . 122
          aqua..............I, 271
               fortior____113, 183
          arsenias............315
          bicarbonas..........   3
          carbonas.....4, 151, 371
39* 
462                                        INDEX.
                            Page
Ammonia carbonatis aqua.....   4
          caustics aqua
                   I, 113,  183, 280
          cupro-sulphas.......380
          ferro-citras..........389
          ferro-tartras......... 386
          hydrochloras........273
          hvdrosulphuretum .. 271
          liquor.............I, 271
               fortior........ 183
          murias..............272
          oxalas..............410
          sesquicarbonas 4, 151, 271
          sesquicarbonatis   li-
            quor..............   4
          Bpiritus.............273
                 aromaticus.. 273
                 fcetidus.....  26
Ammoniated copper...........380
            submuriate of mer-
              cury...........336
Ammonio-chloride of iron.....386
                    mercury . 336
Ammonio citrate of iron.......389
Ammoiuaco-iiiitate of silver.... 411
Aminoiiio-sulphate of copper .. 380
Amuionio-lartrate of iron.....386
Amomum cardamomum.......2*2
Amomum zingiber............. 314
A morphus quina..............375
Amygdalae ainarae............. 163
                 oleum.......246
          duleea............. 163
Amygdalin................... 164
Amygdalua communis.........163
           Persica............147
Amylin....................... 165
Amylum...................... 165
Amyris elemifera..............293
Anacyclus pyrethrum.........262
Anamiria cocculus............2*9
Alidira inermis................  18
Anethum faniculum...........293
          graveolens...........974
Angelica archangelica.........274
         fruit.................274
         root.................274
Angelicic acid................274
Angostura bark............... 3sl
               false.......... 381
Animal charcoal..............413
Aniseed.......................275
Anisum.......................275
Anodyne, Hoffman**...........267
          liniment............227
Anodynes.....................204
Antacids......................   1
Anthelmintic powder..........  17
Anthelmintics.................  16
Anthemis nobilis..............354
          pyrethrum..........262
Antihectic mixture............351
Antilithics...................   I
Antimonii et potassae tartras.'..
              127, 151, 184, 196, 247
Antimonii murias............. 114
          oxydum............ 123
                 nitromuriati-
                   cum  ......114
          oxysulphuretum.... 126
          potassio-tartras___
              127, 151, 184, 196, 217
          pulvis.............. 124
                compositus... 124
          sesquichlondum  .... 114
          sesquisulphuretum.. 135
                      aureum 126
Antimonial powder............ 124
Antimonium tartarizatum......
              127, 151, 184, 196, 247
Antispasmodics................  25
Apis mellinca...............87, 167
Apocynum cannabinum........410
Appendix A...................421
          B...................455.
Aqua ammonia:.....2, 113, 183,271
               acetatis....... 122
               carbonatis....   4
               fortior.....113, 183
      anethi...................274
      aurantii...:.............412
      barytas muriatis.........360
      calcis...................   4
                            Page 1
Aqua calcis composita......... 131
           muriatis..........-. 363
     camphorae...............281
     carbonatis sodee acidula..  14
     carui..................283
     cassia:..................285
     chalybeata.............. 38d
     chlorinu................2^6
     cinnamomi..............288
     cupri ammoniati........ 381
     destillata................411
     fervens.................. 184
     funiculi.................294
     lauro-cerasi.............256
     magnesia! bicarbonatis ..   8
     meulha! piperita:........297
             pulegii..........298
             viridis..........298
     picis liquids............312
     piments................300
     potassa:.................   9
             carbonatis......  13
             caustica  .......   9
             effervescens.....  II
             sulphureti.......301
     regisu...................353
     rose....................418
     sambuci................419
     sodae carbonatis.........* 16
          effervescens........  14
Arabin........................ 171
Arbutus uva-ursi..............  61
Arctium  laWa................ J">9
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi.......  61
Areca catechu................  40
Argenti ammoniati solutio.....411
       chloridum.............355
       cyanidum.............412
       iodidum...............356
       nitras..............114,855
       oxydum...............356
Argentum.....................411
Argol.........................  90
Aricina.......................373
Aristolochia serpentaria ,
sent.
,. 307
0,275
Arnica molilalia......
Aromatic confection...........289
         iron mixture........393
         powder............. 289
         spirit of ammonia... 273
         sulphuric acid.......  38
Aromatic vinegar............263
Arrow root.................... 176
          Brazilian........... 176
          East Indian........176
          gruel.............. 177
          Jelly................ 177
          milk..............177
          West Indian........ 176
Arseniate of ammonia..........315
         solution of...........316
         quina...............378
Arsenic....................116, 357
Arsenical paste................ 117
         powder............. 117
         solution.............357
Arsenici  et  hydrargyri hydrio-
  datis liquor..................316
Arsenici  iodidum .............3'6
         oxydum album.... 116, 357
Arsenious acid.............116, 357
Arsenite  of potash, solution of.. 357
Artemisia absinthium..........351
~      Chinensis........... 184
         Indica.............. 184
         santonica............   17
Asagrcca officinalis.............   21
Asarabacca.................... 192
Asarin........................ 192
Asarum Europaeum............ 192
Asclepias tuberosa............. 412
Asiatic pills...................358
Aspidium filix mas............   19
AssafcEtida....................   25
Astragalus creticus............ 180
          verus.............. 180
Astringents....................   33
Atropa belladonna.............204
Atropia.......................205
Attar of rows..................418
Aurantii aqua.................412
         cortex...............358
                             Para
Aurentia flores.................412
        oleum................418
Aurantium.................... 336
Auri iodidum..................318
     perchlnndum...'..........SI8
     pen.xycliim...............319
     pulvis....................317
Auric acid..................... 119
Aurum........................317
Avena sativa.................. llitj
Avens, common...............  47
Axunge....................... 163

                B.
Balm, common................396
      tea.....................298
Balneum acidi nitromunatici... 353
        sulphuretum..........304
Balsam  Canada............... 149
        copaiba...............320
        friars'................ 198
        Peru.................. 196
        Tolu.................. 197
            pomade of........276
Balsamodendron myrrha....... 40J
Balsamum Canadeuse......... 149
          Peruvianum.'........ 196
          Tolutanum......197,276
Bang.........................207
Barbadoes tar.................  20
             aloes............  65
Barii chloridum................359
Barilla........................  15
Barium, bromide of............ 320
Bark.......................... 368
     angostura................381
              false...........382
     Arica....................373
     cabbage-tree.............  18
     canella...................365
     Caribxan.................374
     cascarilla.................365
     cinchona........i........368
     copalche.................366
     crown....................369
     cuzco....................373
     elm......................409
     gray..................... 369
     Loxa.....................369
     oak......................  57
     pale......................370
     Pitaya...................3.4
     Piton....................374
     pomegranate-root........  20
     red..................... 389
     silver....................369
     strychnos................342
     willow...................407
     Winter's.................383
             false............ 365
     vellow................... 368
Barley........................ 173
      pearl................... 174
      water.................. 174
Barm.........................386
      poultice.................286
Barosma...................... 138
        crenata.............. 139
         crenulata............ ltd
         serratifulia........... 133
Baryta carbonas..............412
        mu.-ius................ 359
        nitras.................412
        sulphas...............413
Barytin....................... 194
Basilicon  ointment.............311
Bassorin...................... 171
Bath of nitromuriatic acid.....353
     sulphuretted.............304
Bay berries....................294
     leaves....................294
Bcarberry.....................   61
Beaver........................   26
Bebeerina.....................360
          sulphate of..........360
Bebeeru.......................360
Beeswax...................... 167
         bleached............-.  167
Belladonna....................204
Benzimide.....................246
Benzoic acid..................  195
Benzoil........................216 
INDEX.
463
Benzoin....................... l§g
Bergamii oleum.............'.'. 413
Bergamotss oleum.............413
Betel..........................  40
Bicarbouate.of ammonia.......'  3
              magnesia.......   8
              potash.........  10
              soda...........  13
Bichloride of mercury.........  329
Bicyamde of mercury..........330
Bmiodide of mercury..........331
Binoxide of manganese........ 417
           mercury..........335
Biscuits of scammony......... 100
Bismuihi subuitras............361
         trisniiras............361
Bismuthum...................413
           album............361
Bistort........................  56
Disulphate of potash...........  89
Bisiuphuret ol mercury........337
Bitartrate of potash.........90, 144
Bitter orange..................358
      sweet................... 129
Black draught................ 103
      drop....................227
      flux.....................  90
      hellebore................  79
      mustard................ 154
      oxide of iron............394
              manganese.....417
              mercury.......334
      pepper..............
      Buiphuret of mercury
      wash...............
 Bladder wrack................323
 Bleaching powder.............2:8
 Blessed thistle................. 379
 Blistering cloth................  187
          ointment.....
 Bloodroot.....................204
 Blue pills...................81,  327
     vitriol....................  43
 Bone-phosphate of lime........413
 Bones.........................413
 Bonnlandia trifoliata..........381
 Borax.................59, 148,  151
      honey of................   50
 Boswellia serrata..............  30C
 Bovinum fel..................
 Brandish** alkaline solution----
 Brandy mixture...............
 Brimstone...................... 107
 British vinegar................  34
 Bromide of barium............320
          of calcium............3>U
                            Page
Calcis aqua...................   4
           composita.........  131
      carbonas praecipitatum..   5
      liquor.................   4
      murias.................362
      phosphas praecipitatum..  413
Calendula arvensis............  157
Calmative lotion..............359
Calmatives....................240
Calomel....................68,  332
       ointment..............  333
       pills of, compound.127,  333
                            Page
Cassia elongata............... 100
      fistula..................  72
      lanceolata.............. 100
      obovata................ lnn
oil.
precipitated.
        ublimed
          >s pilula: composite:.  127
          praecipitatum.......  68
          sublimatum........  68
Calumba......................363
Calumbin.....................  363
Calx chlorinata...............278
Cambogia..................70,  139
         Siameusis...........  70
         Zeylanica...........  70
Camphogen...................279
Camphor......................279
        essence..............281
        julep.................£81
         ointment.............281
Camphora officinarum.........279
Camphorated acetic acid......263
             liniment.......  281
                    compound 183
oil.
ofi
387
        ot mercury...........320
        of potassium.........347
Bromine......................  319
Brommeum...................319
Broom tops...................  147
Brown resin...................»'l
      catechu................   40
Brucea antidysenienca........382
Brucia....;.?...........-----344
Bryonia^pigsa...............364
Bubon galbanum..............   28
Buckbean.....................  402
Buckthorn berries.....*......   92
Bucku........................  J"
Burdock......................  \*>
Burgundy pitch...............  187
Burul alum  ...........
     sponge.......
Butter of antimony.
      of zinc......
350
285
Casto
Cast.
ire...................  26
I.....................  96
 draught of..........  98
 Eastlndian.........  97
 emulsion of......
 North American .
 purgative  emulsion..  98
 tincture of..........  98
 West Indian........  97
97
             spirit........... 281
Canada balsam................  149
Caudle, mercurial.............33d
Canella alba.................365
Canellin...................... 365
Canna coccinea...............  177
Canuabin.....................207
Cannabis indica.
    tharides...............139, 185
    tharidine..................  140
    tharis vesicatoria
Cape aloes..........
Caper-spurge.................   79
Caphopicrite..................   94
Capsiciu......................  188
Capsicum annuum.........187,281
Capsules of copaiva...........  322
Caraway......................283
Carbo animaiis................4)3
               puriffcalus.....414
     •ligni....................414
Carbolic acid..................  27
Carbon,  chloride of............248
Carbonate of ammonia. ..4, 151,271
             baryta...........412
             copper........... 118
             iron.............396
                 saccharated. 387
             lead.............  54
             lime.............   5
                 water of ....    6
             magnesia........   8
             potash
    plasma aluminis..........  39
           carbonis ligni.....414
           conii..............251
           dauci.............291
           fermenli...........286
           lini............... 175
           rubel'acieus........303
           simplex........... 175
           sinapis............ 190
Catechu......................  40
        brown................  40
        in cubes..............  40
        lozenges..............  40
Catechuic acid................  40
Cathartin..................... 101
Cathartic enema...............  85
         pills.................  70
Cathartics....................  64
Catheretics.................... 110
Caustic arsenical.............. 117
        Filhos.........
luna
114
soda.
water of..  13
       ...  15
Carbonis chloridum...........248 | Ce
Cardamine pratensn
Cardamoms.
        ofRecaimer...........31
        potash................ 119
        Vienna................ 120
Caustics....................... HO
Cauterants.................... 110
Cayenne lozenges.............282
         pepper............187,282
Cazenave s arsenical  paste.....117
Centaurium................... 366
Cepa..........................296
Cephaelis ipecacuanha........ 152
Cera.......................... 167
     alba.....................  167
     flava..................... 167
Cerate, Turner's..............   62
Ceratum...................... 167
         calamina:............   62
         cantharidis...........  186
         cetacei..............  168
         hydrargyri   composi-
           tum ...............328
         plumbi acetatis.......   53
                compositum...   65
         resins...............  311
         sabina...............  190
         saponis..............   56
         simplex..............  167
Cerevisis ferinentum...........286
Cerusse.......................  51
Cervuselaphas................415
Cabbage-tree bark............  18
Cachalot......................J™
C.jeput.o.l....................276
Cajuputi......................276
Calamine.....................  D;
          cerate of............  «£
          ointment............  Jjj
          prepared............  02
Calamus aramaiicus..........*'»
Calcii  chloridum..............*«
Calcium, bromide of..........."U
Calcined hartshorn............415
        magnesia............   '
Caribsan bark................  374 J Cetraric acid
Carmine......................415
Carolina pink.................   22
Carotin.......................»J
Carrageen moss...............»»
Carrara water..............'-■•   6
Carron oil.....................  17"
Carrot........................g
       fruit...................?91
Carthamus tiuctorius..........  157
Carum carui..................283
Caryophyllin..................284
Caryophyllus aromaticu-
                             168
                             168
Cetraria Islandica.............367
Cascarilla.....................365
Cascarilliu....................365
Cassava bread.................  180
Cassia acutifolia|..............  100
      bark...................285
      buds...................285
  vadic acid..................  22
Cevadilla...................21,305
Ceylon gamboge..............  70
Chalk.............**..........5,43
      mixture................6, 43
      powder compound......   7
                  with opium  43
      precipitated............   5
      prepared...............   5
      with mercury...........  80
Chalybeate water..............389
Chamomile....................3M
Charcoal, animal..............413
               purified......414
        wood................414
             cataplasm of... 414 
464
INDEX.
                            Page
Charta vesicatoria............  1*7
Chavica Roxburgbii...........  301
Cherry-laurel.................255
             water...........256
Chian turpentine..............  149
Chili vinegar..................282
Chillies.......................  187
Chimaphila...................  145
           corymbosa........145
           umbellata.........145
China loxa....................370
      regia...................369
      rubra...................370
Chirayta......................367
Chiretta.......................367
Chlorate of potash.............338
Chloric ether..................248
Chloride of ammonium........272
           barium...........  359
           calcium...........362
           carbon............348
           formyle...........248
            f-old and sodium ..  318
            ead..............417
           mercury...........329
           silver..............355
           soda..............  307
           sodium............308
Chlorinated lime...............378
soda
307
Chlorine water................286
Chlorioii aqua.................286
Chloro-ainidide of mercury.....336
Chloroform....................248
Chloromctry...................278
Chondrus crispus..............368
Christmas rose................   79
Chrysophainc acid............   94
Chrvsophyllum buranhem.....   5"
Churrus.......................207
Cimicifuga....................414
Cinchoua ............
cinerea..........369,370
condaminea......369, 370
cordifolia...........368
corona...........369, 370
flav
369
         lancifolia...........  369
         micrantha..........  369
         oblongifolia.........
         officinalis............  3d9
         rubra............369, 370
Cinchonia......,...........371,373
Cinchonic acid................371
          red.................  371
          yellow..............
Cinnabar......................337
Cinnameiue...................+96
Cinnamic acid.................
Cinnamumic acid............~-  196
Cinnamomum aromaticum.....
             cassia...........
             zeylanicum......287
Cinnamon bark................287
                       .......288
■ild.
          officinalis..........379
Codeia........................219
Cod-liver oil...................341
Colchici cormus...............   72
        semina..............    72
Colchicum autumnale.........   72
                               75
Colcolhar...................45,395
Colocynth.....................   75
         Mogadore...........   75
Colocynthin...................   75
Colomba......................363
Colophony.........,..........  311
Coloring agents......m.......412
Coltsfoot......................  181
Colutea arborescens...........102
Common salt.................108
Conein........................250
Confectio amygdalarum........  164
         aromatica...........289
         aurantii.............359
Confectio opii................. 225
         piperis nigri......... 3(14
         ross................  5f
                canina:........ 239
                gallics.......  58
         ruta...........'.....  30
         Bcammouii.......... 11)0
         senna...............103
Conia.........................25a
Conicin.......................25u
Conium maculatum............250
Conserva amygdalarum........ 164
         aurantii.............359
                           ..  58
                              365
Cissampelin...................  143
Cissampelos pareira...........  143
Citrate of ijon.................389
             and quina.......389
         quina...............378
Citric acid....................833
Citrine ointment...............  334
Citrus aurantium.......236, 358,412
      bergamium.............413
      liruetta.................413
      limonum............337, 295
      mediea..............237,2^5
      vulgaris.............358, 412
Claret.........................  314
Clavelli cinnamomi............285
Clay iron-stone................384
Clove pink....................291
Cloves........................284
Cnicus benedictus..............  379
Cocci.........................415
Cocculus Indicus..............389
         palmatus.............363
         suberosus............289
Coccus cacti..................415
                              415
                              415
eal.
Cochmill
              Iructus ..
         ruts.................  30
Constringenls.................  33
Contrajerva .................. 380
Coniraslimulants.............240
Contrayerva...................380
Convolvulus jalapa.....
            scammonia.......  98
Copahuvic acid...............22o
Copaiba.......................32o
Copaifera Langsdorfii.........32u
          officinalis............320
Copaiva.......................320
Copalche bark................3c"6
Copper, ammoniated.........  ""
         ammonio-6Ulphate of. 380
            water of..........381
         carbonate of.......... lit)
         impure diacetate of... 117
         subacetate of......... 117
         sulphate of, 43, 118,152,381
Coriander.....................290
Coriandrum sativum...........390
Coriana myrtifolia............ 103
Cornu ustum...........
Corutia cervina................415
Corroborants.................. 351
Corrosive sublimate........... 329
Corsican moss..........
              infusion of......  19
              Jelly of..........  19
Cortex aurantii................358
       limonum...............295
Cotton....................... 170
Counlerirrilanls............... 182
Cowitch.......................  2fl
Cream of tartar.............144, 90
          effervescing  aperient
           with...............  90
          whey................ 144
Creasote....................42, 253
        mixture...............253
        ointment..............   44
Creta prsparata........t.......   4
Crocus sativus.................156
 Croton cascarilla..............365
        eleuteria...............365
        oil..................77,188
        pseudo-china..........366
        seeds..................   77
        tiglium................   77
 Crotonic acid.................   77
I Crown bark...................369
 Crude tartar..................   90
       antimony...............  125
I Crystalli tartari............\..   90
                            Page.
Crystals of tartar..............  90
Cubeba officinalis..............322
Cubebin...................... 332
Cubebs........................ 323
    koo flower.................281
Cucumber, wild or squirung....  75
Cucumis colocynthis...........  75
Cuminum  cyminum............891
Cummin.......................891
Cupri ammomo-aulphas........380
     carbonas...............118
     diacetas impurus........ 117
     subacetas............... 117
     sulphas...........43,118,381
Cuprum ammoniatum.........380
Curcuma longa................415
Curcumiu.....................415
Currants...................... 181
Cusparia bark................381
Cusparin......................3d2
Ctizco bark...................  3/3
Cyanide or iron...............390
          mercury...........  330
          potassium.........257
          silver..............411
          zinc...............260
Cyanuret of iron...............  390
           mercury..........330
           potassium.........257
           zinc...............360
Cydonia vulgaris.............. 163
Cydonin...................... 168
Cyminum.....................891
Cynanchum argel............. 101
Cyusin.......................876
Cytisus scoparius.............. 147
Dandelion....................408
Daphne mezereu-i-........132, 189
Daphnin...................... 133
Datura stramonium...........229
Daturia.......................230
Daucus carota........
                  ............"91
       sylvestris..............2Jl
Deadly nightshade............204
Decuction uf sweet woods...... 134
woods.
131
Decoctum aloes .
               compositum...  68
         althaa..............163
         amyli............... 165
         bistorta.............  56
         cetraria............ 3-J7
          :hamameli  composi-
                             355
            imaphils......... 146
         cinchona...........376
         cnici benedicti......379
         colocynthidis.........  76
         cvdo
asp"

1h'
dulc.i
ergo
fuiigu
129
160
gcorlroi a.....______   18
glycyrrhizs........   170
57
guaiaci............. 131
       compositum . 131
hamatoxyli.........  48
bordei.............. 174
      compositum .. 174
lichenis Islaudici.... 367
malva compositum . 175
mezerei............. 133
papaveris...........229
pareira............. 144
pyrola.............. 146
quercus.............  57
sarsaparilla......... 134
         compositum 134
sarza............... 134
      compositum... 134
scoparii............. 148
        compositun
senega............
taraxaci..........
tormentilla.......
tussilaginia.......
ulmi..............
202
409 
INDEX.
465
                            Page
Decoctum uva ursi............  61
         veratri..-.....;......313
Delphinia.....................  309
Delphinium staphisagria.......109
Demulcents................... 161
Derivatives.................... 182
Dessiccants...................  33
Diacetate of lead..............  54
Diachylon plaster.............  56
Dianthus caryophyllus........ 291
Diaphoretic mixture...........123
    F       pill............... 124
Diaphoretics.................. 122
Diapnoics..................... 122
Digitaline.................141, 254
   £     granules of..........255
Digitalis purpurea........ 141, 254

^ater.:::/:::"::.:::.":::™
 Dinner pills...................  68
 Diosma crenata............... 138
 Dtosmin....................... 138
 Diplolepisgalla-tinctorum.....  46
 Disinfecting liquor............307
 Distilled vinegar..............  35
         water................ 411
 Dikulphas quina..........371, 373
 Diuretic potion................ 138
 Diuretics..................... 136
 Duck-root.....................240
 Dog-rose......................239
 Dolichos pruriens..............  20
 Donovan s solution  of hydrio-
   date of arsenic and mercury . 316
 Dorema ammoniacum.........270
 Dorstenia Brazitlensis.........380
          contrajerva......... 380
 Dover's powder...............  131
 Drastics......................  65
 Drvmis  aromatica............. 383
         winteri............... 383
 Dryobalanops camphora.......279
 Dulcamara....................  129
 Dyer's madder................  160
 Dioudi's pills.................330
Ecbalium agreste..............  77
Eczema mercuriale............325
Eggs......................... 181
Elaiodic acid.................  97
Elaterin......................  78
        solution of............  78
Elaterium.....................  77
Elder bark....................  98
     berries..................340
     flowers..............180, 418
            ointment of......180
            waierof.........419
     leaves................... 180
Elecampane..................294
Electricity....................292
         galvanic............392
         magnetic..........292
Electuarium aromaticum......289
           cassia............  72
           catechu...........  40
                 compositum  40
           opii...............225
           scammonii........ 103
           senna............ 103
           stanni.............  S3
Electuary, lenitive............103
Elemi.........................293
Elettaria cardamomum.......282
Elm bark.....................409
Embrocation, Roche's.........191
                            Page
Emplastrum  cantharidis com-
               positum.......187
            cera............. 167
            conii.............253
            crotonis olei...... 188
            ferri............. 396
            galbani..........  28
              fummosum......271
              ydrargyri....... 328
            lilhargyri........  55
                   cum resina  56
            opii.............. 227
            picis.............312
            plumbi..........  55
            resina...........  56
            resinorum........  56
            saponis..........  56
                 adherens....  56
                 compositum.  56
            simplex..........167
            thuris............396
Emulsio Arabica.............. 164
Enema or aloes................  68
        catharticum...........  85
        ofcevadilla...........  22
        ofcolocyntb...........  76
        of disulphate ofquina . 378
        fa:tidura ..............  26
        of opium..............227
        of tobacco ............260
        of turpentine..........  24
Epispastics................... 184
Epsom salts...................  W
Erethism, mercurial...........*«
Ergot of rye..................  57
Ergota........................  ?7
Ergotin.......................  5?
Ergotoetia abortifaciens........157
Errhines.......................192
Erythraa centaurium..........*6
Escharotics...................  lljj
Essence of bitter almonds......246
           camphor...
           ginger .. ...
           pennyroyal.
           peppermint.........297
           spearmint..........«9Q
                            Page
Extractum hamatoxyli.......  48
           humuli............2J"
           hvoscyami........209
           Jalapa-...........  li
            iuglandis..........  °*
            irameria..........  50
           lactuca...........212
           lupuli.............213
           nucis-vomica.....345
           opii...............224
               aquusum......224
               purificatum ... 224
           papaveris.........228
           pareirs...........  144
           podophylli........   88
           quassia...........  405
           quercus...........  57
           rhei...............  «
           ruts..............  3°
           sabadilla..........306
           sanguinaria.
315
Ether.
      acetic......
      chloric.....
      hyponitrous
      sulphuric...
Ethyl, oxide of,
263
                              151
Emetic tartar.128, 151, 184, 196, 247
             wine of......... 128
Emetiiia           ........... 153

Imoihent^!6':::::::::::::::!«
Emplastrum adhesivum.......  56
            ammoniaci.......*<'
            amm.niaci   cum
              hydrargyro .... 328
            aromaucum......JB9
            assalcetida.......  26
            belladonna.......206
            calefaciens.......  85
            cantharidis.......186
          acetate of..........263
          hydrated...........268
          nitrate of...........264
Eucalyptus resinefera..........  49
Eugenia acris.................300
        caryophyllata.........284
        pimenta.............300
Euphorbia antiquorum........ [88
          canariensis......... 188

          >»th3™............ .2
          officinarum......... loo
Euphorbium...............188, 193
Evacuants....................  °*j
Excitants.....................•»"
Exogonium  purga.............  °'
Expectorants.................. 'j4
Extract of Gowlard............  54
          saturn..............  J4
          senna, fluid ........ 104
Extractum  aconiti...... - - ■ •• «*
                  alcoholicum 243
            aloes hepatica---  67
                   purificatum  67
            anthemidis........355
            artemisia absinthii 351
            belladonna........§06
       i    calumba..........364
            cannabis..........208
            chamameli........355
            cinchona.........377
            colchici...........  74
                    aceticum..  74
            colocynthidis......  76
                   compositum  7o
            ccnii.............."52
            digitalis..........255
            elaterii.........• *•  78
            fuliginis...........  27
            gentiana..........401
            glycirrhiza........170
203
135
fluidum 135
        135
sarza......
           fluidum  135
senna fluidum.....104
scammonii........  102
scoparii...........  148
stramonii.........231
styracis...........202
taraxaci..........409
uva-ursi..........   61
                 F.
False angustura bark..........382
     cinchona barks.........371
Farina........................ J«9
      lini.................... 'W
Febrifuges....................»'
Fecula........................ '65
Fel bovinum..................•;«
            inspissatum...... 384
Fennel........................293
Fer reduit.....................*>4
Fern, male-shield.............  19
                 oil of........  20
Ferri acetas................... 385
      acetatis tinctura........  *S5
             cum alcohole.... 385
      ammonio-chloridum.....386
      ammunio-citras.........389
      ammonio-tartras........386
      bromidum..............387
      carbonas...............^95
               saccharatum... *87
      citras.-..................|f9
      cyanuretum.............■*""
      emplastrum.............**>
      et quina citras.......: ■ • 2?i
      fil""?....................S
      iodidum.................*£
      lactas...................«j
      limatura................*»
      mistura aromatica.......«*
      muriatis tinctura........39J
      nitras...................  «
      oxydi squama........... 384
      oxydum nigrum.........««
              rubrum .
      percyanidum---
      pernitras................   --
      -crsesquinitras..........  44
      Phosphas................396
      potassio-tartras.........399
      rubigo.................. 3-J9
      scobs.......■■;.........|81
      sesquichlondi tinctura... 393
      sesquioxydum...........395
                    hydratum 398
      sulphas...............4". 397
              exsiccatus......  45
      sulphuretum............416
      tartarum................399
      tartras..................397
      tinctura aurantiacea.... 390
      Valerianae..............397
      vinum..................397
 Ferrocyanide of potassium.....418
 Ferroso-ferric oxide of iron----394
 Ferruginous pills..............395
 Ferrugo.
390
Ferrum.......................384
I 
466
                            Page
Ferrum tartarizatum..........399
Ferula assafceiida............. 25
       orientalis...............370
       Persica................ 25
Ficus carica.................. 169
Figs.........................  169
    sugar of.................. 169
Figwort......................306
Filhos caustic................. 120
Filix mas..................... 19
Flax,common..............174
     purging................. 83
Flores au
      mar;
      sambuci nigra......180,  418
viola
109
r&y
 Flour......................... 169
 Flowers of benjamin........... 195
           zinc.................  63
 Flux, black...................  90
 Fceniculum....................293
           officinale...........293
           vulgare............293
 Formula......................421
 Formyle, chloride of...........248
 Foxglove..................... 141
 Frankincense.................312
 Franks' specific solution of co-
  paiba....................... 3"2
 Frasera Walteri..............364
 Fraxinus ornus................  86
 French vinegar.................  34
       wadding............... 171
 Friar's balsam................ 198
 Fucus vesiculosus.............32S
 Fuligo ligni...................  27
 Fumigations, mercurial.......336

               G.
 Gadeine......................341
 Gadus brosma.................341
      callana................341
      lota.................... 341
Galbanum....................  28
         officinale............  28
Galipea cusparia..............381
        officinalis.............381
Gall nuts..................... 46
                            Pan
Gold, syrup or.................117
Golden sulphuret of antimony.. 126
             ering ointment
     ard's cerate
          extract.............  55
Grana tiglii...................  77
Granati flores.................  56
        radix.................  20
Granatum....................  56
Granules or digitaline.........255
Gray bark.....................374
Green vitriol.................  44
Gregory's powder.............  95
Griffith's mixture..............388
Groats........................ 166
Gruel......................... 166
Guaiaci lignum............... 129
        re»ina................ 130
Guaiacic acid................. 129
Guaiacum officinale........... 130
Gumacacia................... 171
     ammoniac............... 270
     Arabic................... 171
     Barbary.................. 171
     Cape................... 171
     East India............... 171
     Elemi....................293
     picked...................  171
     Senegal..................  171
     Tragacanth.............. 180
     Turkey............t..... 171
Gunjah.......................207

               H.
 Galla.........................  46
 Gallic acid....................  36
 Galls..........................  46
 Gallus domesticus............. 177
 Galvanism....................292
 Gambeer......................  40
 Gamboge..................70, 139
         cake  ...............  71
         Ceylon..............  71
         lump................  71
         pipe.................  71
         Siam................  71
 Gambogic  acid................  71
 Garcinia cochinchiuensis.......70
 Garlic........................  17
       syrup of................  17
 Gelatine capsules of copaiva... 322
 Geoeva....................... 143
 Gentian.......................400
 Gentiana catesbai.............416
         lutea.................400
 Gentianin.....................401
 Gentiamle...................401
 Gentisin......................401
 GeoffVova inermis..............  18
 Geranium.....................  47
 Geum urbanum................ 47
 Gigartina helminthocorton ....  18
 Gmger........................314
       essence of..............315
Glauber's salts.............t.. 103
Glass of borax................ 59
Glycirrhiza  glabra............. 169
Glycirrluzine..................170
Gold..........................317
     and 6odium, terchloride of 318
     iodide  of.................318
     ointment of..............318
     perchloride of............318
    peroxide of...............319
    powder of................317
    sesquichloride of.........318
    sesquioxide of............319
Hamatin......................
Hamatoxylin.................
Hamatoxylum................
              Campechianum.
Hartshorn.....................
          and oil.............
          calcined............
Heavy spar...................
Heberden's ink................
Hebradendron cambogioides...
Helianthus annus........•.....
Helenin.......................
Hellebore, black...............
          officinal............
ntal.
          white.....;■.....194,
Helleborus niger..............
          officinalis...........
Helonias officinalis.............
Hemidesmus Indicus..........
Hemlock......................
Hemp, Indian.................
Henbane......................
Hepatic aloes.................
Heracleum gummiferum.......
Hiera picra...................
Hoffman's anodyne.
■■•.•rW-i->*-V •+£*!»
Hog's-lard
Hollands..'....
Honey........
      clarified
      of borax ...
         cowitch.
         roses.....
         squills...
         violets...
Hops.............
Hordein...........
Hordeum distichon
Horehound........
          candied
vMiy.:
Horse-radish...............261,
Humulus lupulus..............:
H undred-leaved rose...........<
Huxham's tincture of bark.....1
Hydragogues.................
Hydrargyri acetas.............I
          -"ammonio-cliloridum ;
           bichloridum.......S
           bicyanidum.......*
bimodidu
binoxydum. ..
bisulphurelura
bromidum. ..
chloridum.....
                            Page
Hydrargyri cyanuretum.......3.1"
           iodidum  ..........331
                              32J
:ulun
nitratis  unguentum  334
nitrico-oxydum....  118
oxydum...........334
    nigrum.......331
    nitricum......  118
    rubrum. ...118,  335
   . sulphuricum ..  113
persnlphas........336
pilala..........81,327
pracipitalum   al-
bun
            submunas ammoni-
             atum............336
            sub-sulphas....... 193
            sulphuretum cum
                  sulphurs___337
                  nigrum.....337
                  rubrum.....8.17
           unguentum fortius. 327
„  ,       . ,        mitius.  327
Hydrargyro-iodo-cyaniile of po-
  tassium .....................242
Hydrargyrum.................' 303
         cum creta........80, 327
              magnesia... .80, 327
         purificatum.........  323
Hydrated oxyde of ethyl.......268
               of lead........417
         peroxide of iron.....398
         sesquioxide of iron... 398
Hydriodate or arsenic  and mer.
               cury..........316
             potash..........347
Hydrochlorate of ammonia.....273
               baryta.......359
               lime.........3C2
               morphia.....215
Hydrochloric acid............ Ill
                 dilute.......152
Hydrocyanate of potash.......257
               protoxide of
                              260
                silver........411
Hydrocyanic acid.............  241
            vegetable........847
Hydrosulphale of ammonia ....  271
Hyoscyamia...................209
Hyoscyamus niger.............209
Hypnotics.....................205
Hypochlorite of lime..........278
               soda..........307
Hyponitrous ether.............264
                 with rectified
                   spirit.....  137
Hyposulphite of soda..........  104
Iceland moss.................. 367
Icica icicariba.................293
Igasuric acid.................. 313
lliicium anisatum.............275
Imperial...................... 144
IncitantB......................262
Iudian aloes...................  65
       hemp..................207
       sarsaparilla............ 172
       tobacco................ 199
Indigo........................338
       pills of.................339
Indigofera cerulaa............338
          tinctoria............338
Iruligotin.....................338
Infusion of angostura.........382
           arnica.............276
           balm..............296
           blessed thistle.....379
           broom-tops........148
           buchu............. 139
           buckbean.........402
           calumba..........364
           cascarilla.........366
           catechu...........  41
               compound ....  41
           Chamomile........355
           chiretta...........368
           cinchona bark..... 376
.68, 332
clo
Corsican moss..
284
 19 
INDEX.
467
Infusion of cusparia........   3ga
           d,'gHaiis.......'.;;; u2
           'I'osma...........139
           ergot of rye.......lpo
           (fall"..............  46
           gentian...........401
                   compound. 401
           hops..............213
           horehound........200
           horseradish.......275
           juniper...,....... 143
           krameria.-.........  51
           linseed............175
                 compound . 175
           matico............  51
           orange-peel.......358
                   compound 358
           pareira-brava.....144
           pomegranate-root.  21
           quassia...........406
           rhatany...........  51
           rhubarb...........  96
           roses, acid........  58
                   compound  58
           rue...............  30
           sarsaparilla....... 134
                   compound 134
           savin.............. 161
           seneka............202
           senna............. 102
                compound .. 102
                with  tama-
                   rind......103
           serpentaria.......307
           simaruba........'. 408
           spigelia...........  22
           spearmint........298
                   compound 398
           tansy.............  23
           'tobacco...........260
           valerian..........  32
           wormwood........352
Inspissated ox-gall............383
Inula helenium................294
Inulin.......................294
Iodide  of arsenic..............316
                and mercury . 316
         gold................318
         iron................390
         lead................346
         mercury........330, 333
         potassium.. ~.......347
         silver...............356
         sulphur.............352
Iodine........................339
lodinium...................... 339
Ioihsm........................340
loduretted iodide  of potassium . 349
Ipecacuanha..........152, 189, 199
Ipecacuanha et opii pilula.....  132
            pulvis compositus  131
Ipomaa jalapa................  81
       purga.................  81
Irish moss..................";.. 368
Iron..........................384
    acetate of................385
    ammonio-chloride of......386
    ammonio-citrate of.......389
    ammonio-lartrate of......386
    and quina, citrate of......389
    aromatic mixture of......393
    Mack oxide or............391
    bromide of.............^.  387
    carbonate of..............395
                saccharated..  387
    citrate of.................389
    ferroso-ferric oxide of.....  394
    filings....................384
    iodide of.................390
           pills of...........392
           syrup of..........392
    lactate of.................392
    muriated tincture of......393
    nitrate of.................  44
    percyanrdi of...........•  **0
    pernitrate of. .,.,...»......  44
    peroxide of...............*•»
    persesquinitrate of........  44
    phosphate of..............*•*>
    plaster of.........•.......£*°
    potassio-tartrate of.......399
    red-ox.de of..............395
    reduced..................*"
Iron rust of....................359
     sesquioxide of............395
                  hydrated ... 399
     scales ofthe oxide of......384
     sulphate of.............44, 3%
       ,  .       dried.........  45
     sulphuret of..............4I6
     tartrate of................397
     valerianate of..........'.', 397
     wine of...........         397
.    **■".....................'. 384
Issue ointment............     ]gg
iMues----,................120, 191
Ivory black..................413

                J.

•J»lap.........................  81
James'powder............... 124
Jamaica pepper...............300
Jamaicina.....................  ig
Janipha manihot.............'. 180
Jecons aselli oleum...........', 341
Jelly of Corsican-inoss.........  19
Jervin......................... 194
Juglans cinerea...............  83
Julep of camphor..............281
Juuiperus communis...........142
         aabina...........160, 190

                K.
Kali water....................  \\
Keyser's pills..................339
Kinic acid....................371
Kino:.........................  49
     Botany Bay..............  49
     East Indian..............  49
Krameria triaudria............  50
Krameric acid................  50
Kreosote....................42, 253

                L.
Lac sulphuris.................  108
Lacmus.......................416
Lactate of iron,...............392
Lactuca altissima.............211
        sativa................211
        scariola..............211
         sylvestris.............211
        virosa................211
Lactucarium..................211
            lozenges.........212
Lactucin......................212
Lappa minor.................. 129
Lard.......................... 162
Laudanum.................... 226
Laurel water..................256
Lauro-cerasus................255
Laurus camphora............. 279
        cassia.................285
        cinnamomum..........287
        nobilis................294
        sassafras.............. 136
Lavandula spica..............895
          vera...............295
Lavender.....................295
         drops..............."295
Laxatives.....................  65
Lead, acetate of...............   52
      carbonate  of............   54
      chloride of..............417
      compound cerate of.....  55
                ointment of...  55
      diacetate of.............  54
      fused protoxide of.......  55
      hydrated oxide of........417
      iodide of................346
      nitrate of................417
      ointment, compound of..  55
      plaster of...............  55
      red oxide of.............417
      subacetate of............   54
      sugarof.................  52
      white...................  54
Leek..........................303
Lemonade.................... 337
Lemon-juice.........•........237
        peel..................295
        syrup.................237
Lenitive electuary.............  103
Leontodon taraxacum.........408
                             Page
 Leopard's bane................276
 Lettuce-opium.."..............311
 Libanus ttiurifera..............300
 Lichen Islandicus.............367
 Lichen in......................367
 Ligni carbo...................41.4
 Lignum vita.................. 129
 Ligusticum levisticum.........274
 Lime.........................   5
      bone-phospnate of.......413
      carbonate of.............   5
      chlorinated.............278
      hydrochlorate of.........363
      hypochlorite of..........278
      muriate of...............362
      phosphate precipitated .. 413
      subphosphate...........413
      water...................   4
            compound........131
 Limes.........................237
 Limones......................237
 Linimeut, anodyne............227
          camphorated acetic . 283
          mercurial...........323
          St. John  Long's.....193
 Linimentum  sruginis.......... 118
            ammonia.........183
              compositum.....183
              sesquicarbonatis 183
            calcis............. 175
            camphora.........281
              compositum.....183
            crotonis........... 188
            cupri subacetatis.. 118
            hydrargyri compo-
              situm ...........328
            ipecacuanha...... 189
            opii...............327
           saponis...........281
                   cum opio.. 237
           simplex........... 168
           terebinthina......192
 Linseed....................... 174
        oil.................... 174
        tea................... 174
 Linum catharticum............  83
       usitatissimum.......... 174
 Liquor athereus oleosus.......267
        aluminis compositus...  39
        ammonia............I, 271
                 acetatis.....122
                 fortior... II3, 183
                 sesqui-carbo-
                   natis......   4
        ammonio-sulphatis cu-
          pri..................381
        argentri nitratis.......356
        arsenicalis............357
        arsenici et hydrargyri
          hydriodatis..........316
        barii chloridi..........360
        calcii chloridi.........363
        calcis.................   4
        cinchona.............377
        cupri ammonio-sulpha-
          tis..................381
        hydrargyri  bichloridi.. 330
        iodiuei compositus .... 349
        muriatis ferri..........393
        opii sedativus.........227
        plumbi diacetatis......  54
                       dilutus  54
               subacetatis....  54
               compositus....  54
        potassa...............   9
               arsenitis......357
               carbonatis....  13
               effervescens...  11
        potassii iodidi composi-
          tus........'.........349
        soda chlorinatae ....... 307
             effervescens......  14
        taraxaci..............409
        tartari emetici........128
 Liquorice..................... 169
          refined.............. 170
Litmus.......................416
        paper................416
Litharge...................... 55
         plaster with resin .... 55
Lithootriptics ................   1
Liver of sulphur...............303
Liverwort.....................380 
468                                        INDEX.
                            Page
Lix-.vum cinis.................   II
Lobelia.......................  199
        Whitlaw'e tincture of.  199
Lobelina....................  199
Logwood.....................   48
Long pepper..................301
Loosetrife,  purple.............   51
Lotio flava....................336
      nigra...................335
Lovage.......................274
Loxa bark....................369
Lozonges of bicarbonate of soda  14
           catechu...........   42
           cayenne...........282
           chalk..-...........    7
           gum..............  172
           lactate of iron.....392
           lactucarium.......212
           liquorice..........  170
           magnesia.........    9
           morphia..........217
           opium............225
           tartaric acid......236
Lunar caustic.................  114
Lupulin......................212
Lupulne......................212
Lupulus......................212
Lycopodium.........v....t ..  416
            clavatum.........417
            selago............417
Lythrum salicaria.............   51
               M.

Mace.........................!
Madder....................... i
Magistery of bismuth..........;
Magnesia.................. 7,
          calcined............
          carbonate of........
                     heavy..
                     light...
                     lozenges
                       of____
          sulphate of..........
                    pure.....
          water of bicarbonate
of.
           'tlh mercury....
Magnetic electricity.......
         iron ore.........
Male-shield fern...........
Mallow, common.........
Malva sylvestris...........
Manganese, black oxide of..
           peroxide of....
           sulphate of.....
Manihot utilissima.........
Manna.....................
       flake...............
Mannite.................
Maranta..................
        arundinacea......
        Indica...........
Margaritic  acid...........
Marrubium vulgare.......
Marsh-mallow..............
Masticatories.............
Mastich...................
Maticine...................
Matico....................
May-apple.................
Meadow saffron...........
Meconic acid.............
Me
Medicinal naphtha.
Mel................
    boracis........
    despumalum...
    mucuna.......
    viola...............
Melaleuca cajuputi......
          leucadendron.
          minor........
Melissa officinalis........
Meloe vesicaturiua......
Menispermin............
Mentha piperita.........
        pulegium.......
        viridis.....
Menyanthes trifoliata....
Mercurial candle........
                            Page
Mercurial eczema.............325
         erethism............325
         fumigations.........  338
         pills.............80,  327
         salivation...........  324
         Boap................  328
         tremor..............324
Mercury......................323
         acetate of............328
         acid nitrate of........  118
         ammoniated eubmuri-
          ate of..............336
         ammonio-chloride of .  336
         and arsenic,  hydrio-
          dateof.............316
         bichloride of.........389
         bycyanide of.........330
         bmiodide of..........331
         binoxide of..........334
         black oxide  of........334
         black sulphuret of....  337
         bromide of...........320
         chloride of.........68,  332
         chloro-amidide of....  336
         cyanide of............330
         cyanuret of...........330
         iodide of, red.........331
                 yellow......333
         nitric oxide  of........  118
         ointment of..........327
                   milder____327
         oxide of..............  118
         persulphate  of........336
         pillsof...............   80
         plaster of............328
         purified..............324
         red iodide of.........331
            oxide of.....118,  334
                  ointment of 118
            sulphuret of......337
         subchloridtfof........   68
         suboxide of.........334
         subsulphate  of.......  193
         sulphate of...........336
         while precipitate of..  336
        while precipitate of..  336
        with chalk...........   80
             magnesia.......   80
Methule, oxide of..............357
Mezereon..............132,189, 261
Mindererus' spirit.............  122
Minium.......................417
Mistura acacia................  172
       althaa................  163
       ammoniaci............270
       amygdalarum.........  164
       anlinectica............   35
       assafretida............   26
       camphora.............280
                cum magnesia  281
       cascarilla composita ..  366
       creasoti...............253
       creta.................    6
       ferri aromatica........393
            composita........  388
       gentiana composita....  401
       guaiaci...............  131
       hordei.................  174
       monesia...............   52
       moschi................   29
       naphtha medicinalis...  257
       scammonii............  100
       spiritus vinigallici....  269
Mogadon colocynth...........   75
Molasses......................  178
Momordica elaterium..........   77
Monesia......................   52
Monesine.....................   58
Monkshood....................843
Mora..........................237
Morphia...................217,219
        acetate of.............314
        hydrochlorate of.......215
        lozenges of............217
        muriate of.............2IJ
        sulphate of............217
Morrhua oleum...............341
Morus nigra...................237
Moschus......................  28
        moschiferus...........  29
Moxas........................184
       Dr. Osborne's.......... 184
Mucilage..................... 172
Mucilago.....................172
                            Page
Mucilago amyli...............  166
         rummi Arabic!......  171
         Tragacantha........ 181
Mucuna pruriens..............  80
Mulberries.....................237
          syrup or............237
Mullein....................... 182
Muriate of  ammonia..........372
            antimony.........  114
            baryta............359
            iron, tincture of...  393
            lime..............362
            mercury, corrosive.  329
                    mi Id...68, 332
            morphia...........315
            quina.............  378
            soda.............t  308
Muriatic acid.................  Ill
            dilute............358
Murray's solution or magnesia,-.    8
Mii6covado....................  177
Musk.........................  28
Mustard...,...............155,191
       while.................307
Mutton suet................... 183
Mvristica moschata............298
Myristicine.................... 899
Myronic acid.................. 155
Myrospermum Toluiferum.....  197
Myrosyne.....................  155
Myroxylon Peruiferum.........  196
          Peruvianum........  196
Myrrh.........................403
      East India...............403
      Turkey.................403
Myrrhin.......................  403
Myrrhol.......................404
Myrtus pimenta...............300

               N.
Naphtha medicinalis..........256
Narcein.......................219
Narcotics..................... 205
Narcotina.....................219
Nectandra Rodisi.............360
Nephrodium filix-mas.........  19
Neroli, oil of..................4|2
Nicotiana tabacum............259
Nicolianin....................259
Nicotina......................259
Nightshade, deadly............204
            woody............ 139
Nitrate of baryta..............413
          bismuth.............361
          iron................  44
          lead.................417
          mercury............. 118
          potash...........144,238
          quina...............378
          silver............114,355
Nitre......................144,238
      whey.....................239
Nitric acid.................... 112
          dilute.............. 352
          ointment of.........263
      ether....................364
      oxide of mercury........ 118
Nitrite of oxide of ethyl........264
Nitro-muriatic acid...........353
             oxide of antimony  123
Nitrous ether..................264
        ethereal spirit.........  137
Nutgalls......................   46
Nutmegs......................298
Nux-vomica...................343
Oakbark.....................  57
    gall......................  46
Oat, common.................. 186
Oatmeal...................... 166
Oil of allspice.................301
      almonds................. 164
      amber................30, 191
      anise...................375
      bergamot................413
      bitter almonds...........247
      cajeput.................278
    camphorated..............381
    carrou.................... 175
    of caper-spurge...........  79 
INDEX.                                         469
                            Page
Oil of caraway................883
    cassia...................285
   castor.....................  96
   of chamomile..............355
    cinnamon...............288
    cloves................... 284
   cod-liver..................341
   of copaiba.................321
   croton..................77, 188
   of cubebs..................323
    dill.....................274
     ergot of rye............. 158
     fennel..................294
     juniper.................. 142
      f-raiu....................269
      avender................295
     lemons..................295
   linseed..................... 175
   of mace...................298
     male-shield fern.........  20
     marjoram...............300
     neroli...................412
     nutmegs................298
     olives f................87,177
     orange..................412
     origanum................300
     pennyroyal..............298
     peppermint..............298
     pimento.................301
    reck......................  20
    of rosemary...............304
      roses.................... 418
      rue.....................  30
      sassafras................ 135
      Bavin................... 161
      sweet bay-berries........294
      spearmint............... 298
      spurge  .................  79
      star-anise............... 275
      thyme..................300
      turpentine 24,109,140,191, 310
      valerian.................  33
      vitriol...................  38
 Ointment, acetate of lead......  53
          aconite.............243
          aconitina..........243
          ammonio-chloride of
            mercury..........337
          antimonial.........  184
          basilicon...........313
          belladonna.........206
          biniodide of mercury 333
          olack pepper.......303
          bromide of potassium 347
          calamine...........  62
          calomel............333
          camphor...........281
          cantharides......... 187
          carbonate of lead...  54
          citrine............. 334
          cocculus indicus.... 290
          creasote............ 43
          elder...............  180
          elemi...............293
          euphorbium........ 189
          galls............... 47
               compound..... 47
           Sold................318
           oudret's.......... 183
          hemlock............253
          hydriodate of potash 348
          iodide oflead....... 341
                  mercury... 334
                  sulphur ...
          iodine..........341,
               compound....
          lead, compound ....
          mercury............327
          mezereon.........  190
          nitrate of mercury 119,334
          nitric acid..........263
              oxide of mercury 119
          oxide ofzinc........ 63
          picrotoxin..........J™
          pitch............... *  -J
          red precipitate...... '  »

          savin.....■.........iSS
          scrophularia........jyo
          ■permaceti......... |°°
          sSbacetate of copper 17

          'ulphUVompouna:: III
                            Page
Ointment, sulphuret of  potas-
Bulphurlc acid.
tar.
312
          tartar emetic
          veratria............306
          wax................ 167
          white hellebore.....313
                precipitate ... 337
          zinc................  62
Olea Europaa.................  87
Oleum  stnereum............. 267
        amygdalarum......... 164
                     amara .. 247
        anethi.................274
        anisi..................275
        anthemidis............355
        aurantii...............412
        bergamii..............413
        bergamota............413
        cajuputi.............. 276
        camphoratum.........281
        carui.................283
        caryophylli........... 284
        cassia................285
        cinnamomi............288
        copaiba............... 321
        crotonis t'.glii.......77, 188
        cubeba...............323
        ergota................ 158
        euphorbia lathyris ....  79
        filicis maris...........  19
        funiculi...............894
        hyoscyami............210
        jecofcis aselli...........341
        juniperi............... 142
        lauri nobilis...........294
        lavandule.............295
        limonum..............295
        lini...........
        mentha piperita......298
                       pulegii 298
                       viridis 298
        morrhus..............341
        myristica.....
        neroli.............---412
        oliva...............87, 177
        origani........
        pimenta.........~..... 301
        riciui................. 96
        rosa..................418
        rosmarini.............304
        ruta.................. 30
        sabina................ 160
        sassafras.............. 135
        succini.............30,191
        terebinthina'..........
               24, 109, 148, 191, 310
                   purificatum   24
                   rectificalum  24
        tiglii...............77, 188
        valerians.............  32
 Olibanum..................... 300
 Ohvs oleum................87, 177
 Olive oil....................87, 177
 Onions........................286
 Opium........................218
        Algiers............... 219
        Bengal................219
        Constantinople........219
        East Indian...........219
        English..............  219
        Egyptian.............219
        French................219
        Garden Patna.........219
        lettuce................ 211
        lozenges..............225
        Malwah...............219
        Persian...............219
        pills..................225
        plaster................227
        sedative liquor of......227
        Smyrna...............218
        Turkey...............219
        wine..................227
 Opodeldoc....................281
 Opoidia.......................  »8
         galbanifera...........  28
 Opoponax.................... 29
           chironium.......... 29
 Opuntia cochinillefera.........415
 Orange.......................236
        flowers................412

               40
                            Page
Orange flowers, water of......412
       Juice..................236
       oil of.................412
       peel..................358
Orchis mascula................ 179
          ....................300
          majorana...........300
          vulgare............300
Ornus Europaa..............   87
Osborne's moxas.............. 185
Ossa..........................417
Otto of roses..................418
Ovis aries..................... 1S2
Ovum......................... 177
Oxalate or ammonia...........411
Oxalic acid....................234
Oxalis acetosella...............212
Ox-gall.......................381
       inspissated............384
Oxide of arsenicum.:......... 116
         ethyl...............264
               hydrated......263
         gold................319
         iron.................394
              scales of.........384
         lead, hvdrated.......417
              red.............418
         semivitrified.........  55
         manganese.......... 417
         mercury.............335
         eilver................ 356
         zinc...............63,410
Oxymel.......................  35
         colchici..............  74
         cupri subacetatis ..... 118  /
         scilla................ 154  '
Oxysulphuret of antimony.....126

              ' P.
Pale cinchona bark............370
Papaver rhoeas................229
         somniferum...........228
Papier D'Albespeyrres.........  187
Paraglin...................... 134
Parallinic acid.................  134
Paramorphia..................219
Paregoric elixir...............226
               Scotch.........223
Pareira.......................  143
        brava.................  143
Passula  majores...............  182
         minores............... 183
Pastinaca opoponax...........  29
Peach-tree....................247
Pearlashes...................  12
Pearl barley................... 173
Pearl sago..................... 179
Pectorals...................... 194
Pellitory of Spam..............262
Pennyroyal...................297
           water...............298
Pepper,  black................. 301
         cayenne............187,281
         cubeb................. 322
        Jamaica...............300
        long..................301
         narrow-leaved.........  51
        white.................302
Peppermint....................297
            on oi..............*yi
            water.............297
Perchloride of gold............318
Percyanide of iron.............390
Perfumes......................410
Pernilrate or iron..............  44
Peroxide or gold...............319
           Son................ 395
           manganese.........417
Persian opium.................219
Persica vulgaris...............247
Persulphate of mercury........336
Peru balsam................... 196
Peruvian bark.................368
Petroleum Barbatlense ........  20
Pharmaceutical agents.........410
Phasianus gallus.............. 177
Phosphate of iron.-.............396
             lime..............413
             quina............378
             soda............. 104
                  solution of... 419
Phosphoric acid...............353 
4*70
                            Page
Physeter maero-cephalu........ 168
Phytocolla.....................205
Picrana excelsa...............405
Picrotoxin....................290
         ointment of..........290
Pills,  antispasmodic...........  26
      Asialic.................358
      blue..................81,327
      cathartic................  70
      copaiva.................322
      diaphoretic.............. 125
      dinner...................  68
      Dzondi's................330
      ferruginous..............395
      iodide of iron............ 390
      Keyser's................329
      mercurial.............81,327
      of oxide of gold..........319
      Plummer's.............. 127
      quina................... 378
      Rufus...................  67
Pilule aloes...................  67
            composita.........  67
            cum myrrha.......  68
            et assafoetida......  68
            et (erri............  68
      ammoniareti cupri.......380
      ante  cibum..............  68
      Asiatics................358
      assafoetida..............  26
      calomelanos  composita,
                          127, 333
                   et opii___333
      cambogia...............  72
               composita.....  72
      cathartica composita....  70
      colocynthidis............  76
                 composita__  76
                 et hyoscyami  76
      cohit-COTnpositffi..........252
      cetpaibe.................322
      oonasrvrfubtimati.......330
      cupri anjmataau......... 880
      digi«s4t'» et'a*IIa........la
      e styracfcijjltei.......235
      fern  brerflgaR,.....-..' 387
           carbonaJis.""....»,.. .;388
           cofnposHHL....."JLWi
           iodidi..-..***......'J.'390
           sulphatis...........  46
      galbani composita.......  23
       fambogis composite....  72
       ydrargyri............81, 327
            chloridi composite 127
            iodidi.............334
      ipecacuanha composita.. 199
                  et opii......132
      opii.....................225
      plumbi opiate..*.-;........  53
      purgantes cum fltereurio.  70
      quina...........'..-......378
      rhei.....................  95
         composira...........  95
         et ferri..........«...  95
      sagapeni composita..'....  30
      saponis composite....... 825
             cum opiu........225
      scilla...................201
           composita......... 201
      Btyracis..................-335
             -composite......225
      Thebaica..............225
Pimento.......................301
Pimpinella  anisum.............275
Pink, clove....................291
Pinusabiea....................311
      balsamea................ 149
      sylvestris..............34, 311
Piper album...................302
      angustirolium.....,.....  51
      caudatum...............322
      cubeba.................. 383
      longum......'...........301
      nigrum..................301
Piperin.......................302
Pipsissewa..............'...... 145
Pistacia atlanuca.............296
         lentiscus.............296
         terebintbus..........149
Pitayabaik....................374
Pitch.........................312
      Burguudy...............318
               plaster........312
Piton bark...................374
Pix al-ielina...................312
    anda...................... 312
    Burgundir.a........V......312
    liquida.................... 311
    nigra.....................312
Plaster, adhesive ...:..........  56
        ammoniac............371
        aromatic..............389
        assafoetida............  26
        belladonna............206
        burgundy pitch.......312
        cantharides...........  186
                   compound.  187
        croton oil.............  188
        diachylon.............  55
        frankincense..........396
        galbanum.............  28
        gum..................270
        hemlock..............250
        iron..................396
        lead..................  55
        litharge...............  55
        mercurial............. 328
                with ammoniac 328
        opium................227
        resin..................  56
            with litharge.....  57
        simple................ 167
        soap..................  56
            compound........  56
        sticking...............  56
        warm................. 186
        wax.................. 167
Plocaria helminthocorton......  18
Plumbi acetas..............„  52
        carbonas.............  54
        ceratum compositum..  55
        chloridum.............„417
        diacetatis liquor.......  54
                       dilutus  54
                 solutio......  54
        emplastrum...........  55
        iodidum..............346
        nitras................. 417
        oxydum hydratum .... 417
                rubrum.......418
                semivitreum ..  55
      * subacetatis liquor.....  55
                   compositus  55
        unguentum   composi-
          tum  ................  55
Plummer's pill................ 127
Podophyllum..................  88
Poison oak.................... 231
Polychroite................... 157
Polygala senega...............201
Polygonum  bistorta...........  56
Pomegranate  bark............  20
                  infusion of..  21
              flowers..........  56
              rind of the fruit of 56
                  decoction of  57
Pomade of balsam of Tolu.....276
Poppy, corn...................229
       heads..................228
       red......,,............2vK>
       white.....v............228
Porridge...................... 166
Porrum....................... 303
Penological  table..............455
Pot'sj*.........._..*........ 119
       acetate of............88, 144
       and alum, sulphate of..  38
       and iron, tartrate of.... 386
       and soda, tartrate of....  105
       bicarbonate of..........  10
      ■Disulphate of...........
   iettrtrttartrate of........-JXVJ44
  , ^^caTbonate c4V-.*........"..  12
 JaHaSSetic................. 119
 7 ■ "• chlorate of.............238
 ■;■«■'■ hydrate of..............  119
       hydrioda-te of........... 347
       hydrocyanate of........ 257
       nitrate of...........144, 238
       solution of.............   9
       sulphate of.............  90
                 with  sulphur  90
       tartrate of..............  91
Potashes......................  12
Potassa....................... 119
        caustica.............. 119
      Pi
:.-\80;l^

......#*•«
■'■■■•". »LS
Potassa cum calce
Potassa acetas.....
        aqua......
            effervescens.
        bicarbonas
        bisulphas .
        bitartras-----
        carbonas..............  •*•»
              e lixivo cinere...  JJ*"
              e tartari crystallis   <•*'
              impura.........   *"*
              purum.........   «""*
        carbonatis aqua.......   *■•••
                       liquor.   **
        caustica aqua.........  a**"
        chloras................n1'-*
        et alumina sulphas....  3
        et ferri tartras........38 V
        et soda tartras........ 10*''
        hydros................11 •-
        hydriodas.............34rB|1
        liquor................   !
               effervescens....  1
        nitras.............144, 23f
               purificatum.... 14  ""
        sulphas...............  91'.
               cum sulphure .  91 «*
        sulphuretum..........301>-*
        tartras................  JI->*
Potassii bromidum............34V»-
        cyamdum.............25',
        ferrocyanidum........411-'-'
        hydrargyro - iodocyani-    t
          dum................24k«*
        iodidum..............347
        sulphuretum..........301
Potassio-tartrate of antimony
              127, 151. JIM, 198, 24J:
         tartrate of iron.......394
                   soda......101
Potassium, bromide of.........341
          cyanide of.........351 c
          cyanuret of........251
          ferrocyanide of..... 411
          hydrargyro-iodocya-
            nide of...........211
          iodide of..........347
          sulphuret of........303
Potato-starch..................I7f
178,
Potentilla tormentilla..........  60M
Potio  cathartica...............103K
      diuretica................130;
Poultice, alum................  39,
         carrot...............29B:,
         charcoal............. 414,
         hemlock.............253;.
         linseed...............17*fsj,
         mustard............. 191s'
         yeast................286V
Powder, antimonial  .......... 124u
        aromatic.............289 j
        bleaching............278,.
        caustic............... 121*
        diaphoretic...........121 ^
        Dover's..............131 -
        Gregory''............  »»j
        James'............... 1H0
        of ulgnroth...........114,.
        of burnt sponge......350
        of gold...............317
        of tin................  S3
        saline compound.....  85
        vermiruge............  17'
Precipitate, red................ 118.,
           white..............3J8!*
Precipitated phosphate of lime. 411
            sulphur..........i081,
Prinos........................40L
Proof spirit....................SffC
Protium myrrha............... 4ttjt
Protoiodide of iron............390^
Protolactate of iron............391
                     .........  91
Prunus domestica......
       lauro-cerasus..........2i
       Virginiana.....
Prussian blue.................41
Prussic acid..................&
Pseudotoxin...................2
nics.
Pta
Pterocarpu 
INDEX.
ill
•\Jearp. i'santalinue.........4?8
                            297
                             72
LCo.ocynth...............  75
1 aloes compositus........  67
       cum cnnclla.......  67
w aluminis compositus....  39
•'antimonialis............ 124
  antimonii compositus... 124
  aromaticus.............289
  asari compositus........ 192
  auri....................317
  einnamomi compositus.. 289
  cornu cervini ustl.......425
  crete compositus.......    7
                 cum opio  43
       opiatus............  43
  JDoveri................. 132
  elaterii compositus......  78
  ipecacuanha compositus 132
                   et opii 132
  Jacobi.................. 124
  jalapa compositus......  82
  kino compositus........  50
  pro cataplasmate....... 175
  rhei compositus.........  96
  ■abadilla...............306
  salinus compositus......  85
  scammonii compositus .. 100
  BCilla.................. 147
  spongia uste...........350
  Btanni..................  23
  tragacantha compositus 181
 ica granatum............20, 56
Bicine......................  21
 ratives....................  64
 ringflax..................  83
 fibrin.....................262
 tthrum.............
            .............  28
i-scetic spirit.............256
Klin .
amara.........
excelsa.........
simaruba..............407
asisin.......................406
aamte......................406
fcercus infectoria............  46
*      pedunculata.........  57
      robur................  57
tiicksilver...................323
 Since....................... 168
 na..-...................... 373
    acetate of.............. 378
    amorphous.............375
    and iron, citrate of..... 389
    arseniate of....,.......373
    citrate of...............378
    disulphate of...........371
    mtu"i{t*f of..............378
    nitrate of...............378
    phosphate of...........378
    pills of.................378
    sulphate of.............371
L tannate of..............378
    tartrate of.............378
    valerianate of..........378
    wineflf.................378
    disulphas..............371
    murias................378
    sulphas...............371
 (Ins, sulphas...............371
   lidine.........
 lometry........

            R.
.. 373
 clavata
 ins.....
unculus acris.
                     ..... 181
                ..........190
        flammula......... 190
'h**........:.............2f2
mier's caustic............J''
."■ed  "Pir"........■■-—tm
u bark
  iodide of mercury
  oxide of iron.....
Red oxide of lead.............fl8
            mercury.........335
    poppy....................229
    precipitate............... 110
               ointment of ... 119
    rose petals................  58
    sandalwood..............418
    Saunders wood............418
    sulphuret of mercury......337
Reduced iron.................384
Refrigerants..................232
Refrigeratory mixtuie.........273
Relaxants...................... 161
Renealmia cardamomum......282
Resin plaster..................  66
Resina  copaiba...............322
        flava..................311
        guaiaci............... 130
        jalapa................  83
        nigra.................311
        scammonia............  99
Revulsives.................... 182
Rhabarberic acid..............  94
Rhabarberin..................  94
Rhamnus catharticus..........  92
         frangula............  93
Rhatany......................  50
Rhein.........................  94
Rheum.......................  93
        compactum...........  93
        crassinervium.........  93
        Emodi................  93
        leucorrhizum..........  93
        moorcroftianum.......  93
        palmatum.............  93
        rhaponticum..........  93
        spiciforme.............  93
        undulatum............  93
        Webbianum...........  93
Rheumin......................  94
Rhoeados petala...............229
Rhubarb......................  93
         Bucharian............  94
         Canton-stick.........  94
         Chinese..............  94
         East Indian..........  94
         English..............  94
         French...............  94
         Himalayan...........  94
         Russian..............  93
         Siberian.............
         stick.................
         trimmed.............  94
         Turkey..............  93
Rhus toxicodendron...........231
Ricini oleum..................  96
Ricinic acid...................  96
Ricinus communis.............  96
Rocella fusiformis.............416
        tinctoria.............416
Roche's embrocation..........  191
Rochelle salt.................105
Rockoil......................  20
Rosa canina..................239
      centifolia................ 418
      gallica..................  58
Rosa fructus..................239
      oleum...................418
Rose, attar of.................418
      cabbage.................418
      Christmas...............  79
      dog.....................239
      French.................  68
      hundred leaved..........413
      oil of...................418
      ottoof..................418
      syrupof.................418
      water...................418
Rosemary.....................304
Rosin.........................311
Rosmarinus officinalis.........304
Rubefacient cataplasm........303
Rubefacients.................. 182
Rubia tmctorum.............. 160
Rubigo ferri...v............. 398
Rubus Villorus........,.......418
Rue....................29,160, 190
Rufus's pills.................  68
Rumex acetosa................839
        aquaticus.............240
Rustofiron...................398
Rutagraveolen.........29, 160, 190
Rye, ergot of..................157
                            *ag«
Sabadilla...................21, 305
Sabbatia.....................406
Sabina....................160, 190
  cchari fax.................. 177
Saccharine carbonate of iron... 387
Saccharum.................... 177
          commune.......... 177
           officinarum......... 177
          purum............. 177
Saffron....................... 156
        cake.................. 157
        hay................... 157
        meadow..............  73
        syrupof...............157
        tincture of............ 157
Sagapenum...................  30
Sago.......................... 179
     brown................... 179
     jelly.........:......;,... 179
     meal................;.... 179
     milk...:-........._»....... 179
     pearl...........7>....... 179
     pudding................. 179
Saguerus Rumphii............ 179
Sagus genuina................ 179
       Tavis...................179
       Rumphii..............179
Sal ammoniac.................272
Sal prunelle................... 144
Salep......................... 179
Salicin........................407
Saline powder, compound.....  85
Salivation....................324
Salix......................... 406
      alba.....................406
      caprea..................406
      fragilis................. 406
Salseparine................... 133
Salt.........................308
     Rochelle................. 105
Saltpetre...................... 144
Sails, Epsom..................  84
Sambucus nigra........98, 180, 240
Sambuci  nigra, flores..........419
Sandal-wood.................418
Sanguinaria..................203
Sanguinurina.................203
Santomne....................  17
Sap-green....................  93
Sapo crotonis.................  77
      jalapinus................  83
Sarcoptes huminis.....,.......310
Sarsaparilla................... 133
            Brazil............. 133
            Honduras......... 133
            Indian............ 172
            Jamaica..........133
            Lima,............. 133
            red-bearded.......133
            scented........... 173
Sarza......................... 133
Sassafras officinale,............ 136
          oleum............... 136
Saturnine extract.............  54
Saunders-wood...............428
Savin.....................160, 190
      ojl.....................  161
      ointment................ 190
Scales of the oxide of iron.....396
Scammony....................  98
           biscuits of......... 100
           resin of............ 100
           virgin..............  98
Scilla maritima........146, 154,200
Scillilfna..................... 146
Scobs ferri....................384
      guaiaci................. 130
Scoparium.................... 147
Scrophularia nodosa..........306
Scurvy-grass.................. 379
Secale cereale................. 157
Sedatives.....................240
Seeds......................... 160
Seidlitz powders...............108
Seignette's powders........... 106
Seneka........................201
Senna........................ 100
      Alexandrian............ 100
      fluid extract of.......... 100
      Indian.................. 100 
472
INDEX.
                             Page
Senna Tinnivelly.............. 100
       Tripoli................. 101
Serpentaria...................307
Sesquiearbonate or ammonia
                        4, 151, 271
                   soda......  13
Sesquichloride of antimony .... 114
                gold.........318
                iron......... 393
Sesquioxide of antimony.......133
              gold............319
              iron............395
                  hydrated... 398
Setons........................ 190
Seville oranges................ 358
Sevum........................ 162
       ovillum................ 162
       praparatum............ 162
Sheep........................ 162
Sherry wine...................313
Sialogogues...................261
Siam gamboge...............  70
Sidhee........................207
Silver.........................411
      ammoniated solution of.. 411
      chloride of.............. 355
      cyanide of..............411
      iodide of................356
      nitrate of............114, 355
      oxide of.................356
Silver bark.................... S69
Simaruba.....................407
          amara..........v>. 407
          officinalis.......T... 407
Sinapis...................  154, 190
        alba.............. 155, 307
        nigra................. 154
Sinapisin..................... 155
Sinapisms..................... 191
Sinilacin...................... 134
Smilax aspera................. 178
        officinalis.............133
        papyracea............133
        sarsaparilla........... 133
        siphilitica............. 133
Snake root....................201
           Virginian..........307
Soap cerate...................  56
      liniment................281
      ofcrotonoil.............  77
      ofjalap.................  83
      of mercury.............. 328
      plaster..................  56
            compound........  56
Socotrine aloes................  65
Soda, acetate of............... 148
      and poiash,  tartrate of... 105
      biborate of........59, 148, 151
      bicarbonate of...........  13
      borate or................  59
      carbonate of.............  15
                   dried......  16
      chloride of..............307
      chlorinated  .............307
      hydroch lorate or........307
      hypochlorite or..........307
      hyposulphite or.......... 104
      muriate or............-.. 308
      phosphate or............ 104
      potassio-tartrate of...... 105
      Besquicarbonate of......  13
      sulphate of.............. 106
      sulphuretted sulphite of.. 104
      water...................  14
Soda acetas................... 148
      biboras...........59, 148, I si
      bicarbonas..............  13
      boras...................  59
      carbonas................  16
              exsiccata........  16
              impure..........  15
              siccatum........  16
              venale...........  15
      carbonatis aqua..........  16
      chlorinate liquor........307
      et potassa tartras........105
      byposulphis............. 104
      murias.................308
             purum...........308
      phosphas................ 104
      phosphatis-solutio........419
      potassio-tartras.......... 105
      aesquicarbonas...........  13
                             Page
Soda sulphas..................  106
Sodii auro-lerchloridum........  318
      chloridum...............308
Solania.......................  12g
Solanum dulcamara...........  129
         nigrum...............205
Soluble tartar.................   92
Solution, arsenical............367
          Brandish's alkaline..   10
          of acetate of ammonia  182
          or acetate of iron....  385
          of aconitina.........246
          of ammonia........2,  271
            concentrated . .113,  183
          of atropia...........206
          of chloride of soda ..  307
          of diacetate of lead..   64
          of elaterin...........   79
          of muriate or baryta.  360
                     lime____363
                     morphia.  215
          of pernitrate of iron..   44
          of phosphate of soda.  419
          of potash............   9
          of silver, ammoniated  411
          of tartar emetic......  128
Soot..........................   27
Soporifics.....................  204
Sorrell........................239
Spanish fly....................  139
        white wine............313
Spartium scoparium...........  147
Spearmint....................298
          water..............298
Special stimulants.............315
Specifics......................315
Spermaceti....................  168
Spermoedia  clavus............  157
Spigelia marilandica..........   22
         rool..................   22
             infusion of.......   23
Spirit camphorated............279
      Mindererus'.............  122
      of nitric ether........137,264
      ofsoot..................   28
      or sulphuric ether........267
                    compound  207
      of wine..................268
      pyro-acetic..............256
      pyroxylic................256
Spirits of turpentine...........   £4
Spiritus  atheris nitrici.....137,264
         sulphurici............267
                  compositus..  867
         ammonia.............273
                  aromaticus..  273
                  fcetidus.....   26
         anisi.................285
              compositus......285
         armoracia compositus  275
         carui.................284
         cassia................  285
         cinnamomi...........289
         fuliginis..............   27
         Jumperf compositus...  143
         lavandula............  295
                   compositus.  295
         menthe..............297
                piperita......297
                pulegii.......298
                viridis........?98
         myristice............  299
         nucis moschata......299
         pimenta..............301
         rectificatus...........268
         rosmarini.............304
         tenuior...............268
Sponge.......................350
        burnt.................350
Spongia officinalis.............  350
Spurge........................   79
Spurred rye...................  157
Squilla................146, 154,  200
Squirting cucumber...........   79
Si. John Long's Liniment.....193
Stalagmilia  cambogia.........   70
            cambogioidea......   70
Stannum......................   23
Staphisagria..................  309
Star-anise-oil.................275
Starch.......................  165
Stavesacre....................  309
Sternutatories.................  192
                             Page
Sticking plaster...............  56
Stimulants, general............362
            special............315
Storax........................?oa
        common..............202
        liquid.................208
Stramonium...................329
            cigar.............230
Strychnia.....................313
Sirychnic acid................143
Strychnos bark................848
Strychnos nux-vomica.........312
Styptics.......................  S4
Styrax  benzoin.............. \w
        colaius................2(18
        officinalis..............20J
Subcarbonate of iron..........396
Subchloride of mercury.....70, 345
                  ammoniated 348
Subiodide of mercury..........131
Subjee........................207
Subnitrate of bismuth.........361
Suboxide of mercury..........334
Subphosphate or lime..........423
Subsulphute or mercury....... 193
Sttccinum.....................  30
Succus aconiti spissatus.......  251
        belladonna...........206
                  spissatus...  206
        colchici.............. 75
        conii..................252
             spissatus........252
        digitalis..............255
        hyoscyami............210
                  spissatus... 210
        sambuci spissalus.....249
Sudorifics..................... 121
Suet.......................... 181
Sugar........ ................ 177
      oflead.................. 52
Sulphate of alumina and potash 38
           baryta............413
           bebeerina.........  360
           copper..43, 118, 152,380
                  ammoniated 392
            iron............44,397
            magnesia......... 84
            manganese........ 86
            mercury...........336
            morphia...........217
            potash............ 91
                  with sulphur 91
           quina.............371
            soda..............106
           zinc.......63, 166,410
Sulphur...................107,310
         antiinoniatum fuscum. 125
         flowers or.........107, 310
         iodide or.............350
         liver of..............103
         milk or...............108
         ointment.............SI9
         roll..................UH
         sublimed ........107, 310
         vapor bath...........110
         washed...............108
Sulphuret of autimony.........125
                      golden.. 126
            iron..............416
            mercury.........337
            potassium........30]
Sulphuretted sulphite of soda.. 101
Sulphuric acid.............36, 111
               aromatic....... 38
               dilute.......... 38
               ointment....... 33
           ether...............264
               spirit of........267
Sumach.......................211
Supplementary agents.........410
Sus scrofa.....................161
Sweet almonds................163
      bay.....................»4
      flag.....................»n
      spirits ornitre.......137,864
Syhncacid....................Ill
Syrup........................177
       of balsam of Tolu......IW
         buckthorn........... W
         cyanide of potassium.f5>
         garlic...............'17
         ginger...............Hi
         fold.................ta 
INDEX.
473
   Syrup of guaiacum......... P11|?
           fiemidesmus indicus."". 173
           iodide of iron........392
           ipecacuanha.....154, 197
           lactate of iron.......392
           lemons............" 237
           marsh-mallow....... 163
           mulberries...........24^
           orange peel..........359
           poppies..............228
           red poppy...........229
           red rose.............  59
           rhubarb.............  96
           roses................418
           saffron............... 157
           sarsaparilla.......... 135
           senna................ 103
           smilax aspera........ 172
           squilla............... 151
 /.'.A  t?wyW»oinpound---201
 fKAA.'l'olur.............. 197
           vinegar..............233
           violets............... 110

                  T.
   Tabacum.....................259
   Tamarinds.................... 108
             whey of............ 109
   Tamarindus Indica............108
   Tanacetitie...................  23
   Tanacetum vulgare...........  23
   Tannate of quiua.............378
   Tannic acid..................  60
   Tannin.......................  60
   Tansy........................  23
         infusion of.............  23
   Tapioca...................... 180
           jelly................. 180
           milk................. 180
           pudding.............. 180
   Tar........................... Ill
       Barbadoes................  20
       ointment.................. 312
       water.....................  312
  , fjaraxaciiie.............„___408
 £-4sJs*axacum...................  408
              dens leonis........408
   Tartar, cream of..............  90
          crude.................   90
          crystals of............  90
          emetic___127,151, 184, 196
                 liquor of........128
                 ointment of.....  184
                 wine of.........128
          soluble................  92
   Tartaric acid.................235
                lozenges of......236
   Tartrate of iron...............399
                  and potash....  399
           of potash.............91
                   and antimony
                 129, 151, 184, 196,217
           ofquina..............379
           of soda and potash ...  105
   Tela vesicatoria............... 187
^ Temperants...................232
ff Tephrosia apollinea...........  101
   Terebinthina Canadensis......149
               Ctna............  149
               vulgaris.........   24
   Terebinthina enema...........   24
               oleum
                 24, 109, 148, 191, 310
                purificatum.....   24
               recuficaium.....   24
   tTeriodide of arsenic...........316
   •Terra Japonica................  40
   Teste.........................410
   ^haUoehlor...................380
   Mbaina.....................819
   Katie, blessed...............392

        .r.1?1.*.::::::::::::::::::  ™
     iyme, oil of.................   30
     ghi oleum ...?..............   77
  Tin powder....................  %
  "Tinctura abeinihn............a»J
           acetatis  zinci........  61
                    ferri........386
           aconiti..............843
           aloes................  g
                 et myrrha......  68
Tinctura aloes composita......  68
          ammonia corqposita. 283
          ammonio-chlondi fer-
            ri................. 386
          angustura..........395
          arnica..............276
          assafoetida...........26
   *      aurantii.............359
          balsami tolutani..... 197
          belladonna..........207
          benzoini composita.. 198
          buchu............... 139
          calumba  ...........334
          camphora..........281
                   composita. 226
          cannabis............ 20'j
          cantharidis......... 141
          capsici..............282
          cardamomi.........283
                    composita 283
          cascarilla........... 366
          cassia.............. 285
          castorei.............  27
                 composita...  27
          catechu.............  41
          chiretta.............368
          cinchona...........377
                   composita. 377
          cinnamomi......... 288
                   composita. 289
          colchici.............  75
                 composita...  76
          cplocynthidis.......  78
          colomba............364
          conii................252
          croci................ 157
          cubeba.............323
          cusparia............382
          digitalis............142
          diosma............. 139
          elaterii..............  79
          ergota.............. 160
                etherea......160
          ferri acetat is........385
              acetatis cum al-
                cohole .......385
              ammomo-chlo-
                ridi..........386
              aurantiacea.... 390
              muriatis.....'.. 393
              sesquichloridi.. 393
         fuliginis.............  27
         galbani.............  27
         galla...............  47
         gambogia...........  72
         gentiana composita  . 402
         guaiaci............. 131
                 ammoniata.. 131
                 composita... 131
         hellebori............  80
         humuli.............213
         hyoscyami..........210
         iodinii..............340
                composita.... 350
         jalapa..............  83
         kino................  51
         lactucarii...........212
         lavandula composita 295
         lobelia.............. 200
                etherea......200
         lupuli...............213
         matico..............  52
         monesia............  52
         moschi..............  29
         muriatis ferri........393
         myrrha............403
         nucis vomica........345
         opii.................225
             ammoniata......226
             camphorala.....226
         quassia.............405
                 composita... 405
         rhei.................  96
             composita.......  96
             etaloes.........  96
             et gentiana.....402
         ricini..............,. 98
              etherea........  98
         sabadilla............306
         scilla............-... 147
         senna composita___103
         serpentaria.........307
         stramonii...........831

               40*
                            Page
Tinctura tolutana............. 197
          toxicodendri........232
          Valeriana...........  32
                   ammoniata  32
          veratria.............306
          zinci acetatis........  62
          zingiberis...........315
Tobacco......................259
        enema of ............260
        Indian................ 199
        wine of...............260
Tolu balsam.................. 197
     lozenges.................. 198
     pomade..................276
Toluifera balsamum... .*....... 197
Tonic mixture, Gritfiih'i.......400
Tonics........................351
Tormentilla officinalis..........  60
Tons les-mois................. 177
Toxicodendron................231
Tiagacanlh................... 180
Treacle....................... 177
Tremolemeul metallique.......324
TriMiilrale of bismuth.........361
Triticum hybernum........165, 169
         vulgare...........165, 169
Trochisci acacia.............. 161
          acidi tartarici.......236
          catechu.............  42
          creta...............   7
          ferri lactatis........392
           flycirrhize.......... 170
           actucarii...........212
          magnesia...........   9
          morphia............217
               et ipecacuanha 217
          opii.................225
          soda bicarbonatis ...  15
Turbith mineral............... 193
Turmeric.....................415
          paper...............416
Turner's cerate...............  62
Turpentine...................  24
           Chian............ 149
           enema of..........  24
           oil of..............
               21, 109, 149, 191, 310
           Scio.............. 149
Tusilago farfara............... 181

                V.

Ulmin........................409
Ulmus........................409
      campestris............. 409
Uncaria gambir...............  40
Unguentum acidi nitrici.......3G3
            sulphurici........  38
            aconiti...........243
            aconitina.........243
            aruginis.......... 117
            antimoniale...... 184
            antimonii  potassio-
              tartratis........184
            auri..............318
            belladonna.......203
            calamine.........   62
            calomelanos......333
            camphora........291
            cantharidis....... 187
            ceraalba......... 167
                flava........ 167
            cetacei........... 168
            cilrinum.........334
            cocculi...........290
            conii.............253
            creasoti..........   43
           cupri subacetatis..  117
           elemi.............293
           galla compositum   47
           gallarum.........   47
           ttydrargyri ammo.
             nio chloridi.....337
               biniodidi.....332
               chloridi......333
               fortius........327
               iodidi........334
               mitius........327
               nitratis___119, 354
               oxtdi nilnci ..  llg
               Bubmunatis*
                 ammoniati . 337
           infusi cantharidis. 187 
474                                         INDEX.
                             Page
Unguentum iodinei...........148
            iodinii............341
                  compositum 348
            picis liquid a:.....312
                 nigra.......312
            picrotoxin........290
            piperis nigri......302
            plumbi acetatis...  63
                carbonatis ...  54
                compositum..  55
                iodidi  .......341
            potassa hydrioda-
              tis.............348
            potassii bromidum 347
                    BUlpbureti 304
            precipitati albi ... 337
            resina alba.......311
            resinosum........311
            sabina........... 190
            sambuci..........180
            scrophularia.....303
            simplex.......... 177
            sulphuris.........310
                  compositum 310
                  iodidi......350
            tartari emetici.... 184
            veratri ...........313
            veratria..........30tl
            zinci  ............  63
                carbonatis .'..  62
                oxydi........  63
Urea.......................... 150
Urginea maritima............. 146
Uva ursi.....................,  61
Uve passe.................... 181

                V.
Valerian......................  30
         oilof.................  31
Valeriana officinalis...........  81
Valerianate of iron............397
              quina..........379
              ziuc............  32
Valerianic acid................  31
Veratria................21, 194, 306
Veratrum album...........194, 312
          sabadilla............  21
Verbascum thapsus............ 182
Verdigris..................... 117
Vermifuge bolus.........-......  17
          powder.............  17
Vermifuges....................  16
Vermilion.....................337
Vegetable brimstone...........416
Vesicants..................... 182
Vienna caustic................ 120
Vinegar....................34, 233
        aromatic..............263
        British................  34
        Chili..................282
        distilled...............  35
        French................  34
        of cantharides.........187
        of colchicum..........  74
        of opium..............226
        of squill.............. 154
        proof.................  35
        syrupof...............233
        wine..................  34
Vinum........................ 313
       album.................313
              Hispanum.......313
                             Page
Vinum aloes...................
       antimoniale............
       antimonii  potassio-tar-
         tratis................  128
       colchici..............,.
              seminum.......   75
       ferri...................397
       gentiana compositum...  402
       ipecacuanha...........  154
       opii....................227
       quina..................378
       rhei....................   98
       scilla..................  147
       tabaci.................259
       veratri.................313
       Xericum...............313
Viola odorata.............109,  155
Violet flowers.................  109
             honey of.........  110
             syrup of.........110
      root.....................  155
Violina......................  155
Virginian snake root...........307
Vitis vinifera..................  181
Vitriol, blue...................  43
       green.................  44
       oilof.................  36
       white.................  63
Vomits........................ 151

               W.
Ward's paste.................302
Warm plaster.................  186
Wash, black..................336
       yellow.................  333
Water, barley.................  174
       boiling................  184
       Carrara...............   6
       cherry-laurel.........266
       distilled..............411
            of elder flowers... 419
            of orange flowers .  412
            of roses..........418
       of acetate of ammonia.  122
       of bicarbonate of potash   11
                       soda .   14
       of carbonate of potash.   13
                      soda...   16
       of caustic ammonia
                        1,113,  183
                  potash.....    9
       of chlorine, j..........  286
       pennyroyal............  298
       peppermint...........  297
       spearmint.............  298
       tar....................312
Wax.........................  167
      white...................  167
      yellow..................  167
Wheaten flour.................  169
         starch...............  165
Whey, alum..................   39
       cream of tartar........  144
       nitre..................239
       tamarind.............  108
White arsenic.............116,  357
       bismuth................  361
       cinchonas..............  370
       hellebore...........194,  312
       horehound.............200
       lead...................   54
       mustard...............  155
                             Page
White pepper.................308
       precipitate.............338
       sugar.................. 177
       vitriol..................  63
       wax................... 167
       wine...................313
       wood..................165
Whitlaw's ethereal  tincture of
  lobelia...................... 200
Wilde's solution of atropia .... 206
Willow bark..................409
Wine.........................313
      Cape.................... 314
      claret...................311
      Madeira.................314
      of aloes.................  68
        colchicum.............  75
                  seeds.......  75
       gentian................408
       nellebore..............313
        ipecacuanha.......154, 199
       iron..................397
       opium.................327
       quina.................378
       rhubarb...............  98
       squills.................  147
       tartar emetic..........  128
       tobacco...............269
      Port.....................314
      Sherry..................319
      Spanish.................319
      vinegar.................. 34
Winter-green................. 145
Winter's bark.................381
             false.............365
Wire.......................... 384
Wnherite.....................412
Wood charcoal................414
      soot.................... 27
      sorrell..................232
Woody nightshade............ 129
Worm-seed...................   18
Wormwood...................351

               i*.

Yeast....**....................388
      poultice.................888
Yellow bark..................168
        gentian................402
        resin..................311
        wash..................336
        wax...................167

                Z.

Zinc..........................419
    acetate  of..................  62
    butter of.................. 121 '
    chloride of................. 121
    cyanide or.................360
    cyanuret or................360
    flowers of ................  63
    hydrocyanate of protoxide of 260
    impure  carbonate of........  62
                      prepared  62
    oxide of...................  63
    sulphate of..............63,156
    valerianate of.............  32
Zincum.......................419
Zingiber.......................314
    officinale..................114 
                  RECENTLY  PUBLISHED
                               BY

       W.  E.  DEAN,  NO.  2 ANN  STREET,


ESSAYS  ON  INFANT   THERAPEUTICS.
                 BY JOHN B.  BECK,  M. D.,
Professor of Materia  Medica and Medical Jurisprudence in the Col-
  lege  of Physicians and Surgeons of New York; Corresponding
  Member ofthe Royal Academy of Medicine of Paris ;  Correspond-
  ing Member of the Medical Faculty of London ;  one of the  Vice
  Presidents of the Academy of Medicine of New  York,  cj-c.
   " Dr. Beck has done well in collecting together, as he has done in the
 present work, the essays published by him, at different periods, in the medi-
 cal journals, on the effects of opium, emetics, mercury, blisters and  blood-
 letting on the young subject.  The remarks of Dr. Beck upon each of these
 remedies, the leading circumstances under which its use may be beneficial
 or injurious, and the proper mode of its employment, are clear and judicious,
 and will be found of great value at the bedside,  by the young members, es-
 pecially, of the profession."—The American Journal of the Medical Sciences,
 for January, 1849, Philadelphia.

   "These  essays  are eminently practical  in  their  scope, and sound in
 doctrine ; nor do we know of any publication, of recent date, in which so
 much information and counsel of great value to the young practitioner, on
 the subjects of which it treats, is to be found, as  in  this  small volume of
 Professor Beck."— The Medical Examiner and Record of Medical Science,
 for January, 1849, Philadelphia.

  " The work should be in the hands of every student and practitioner."—
 The Annalist,  a  Record of Practical Medicine in the  City of New York,
for December, 1848.

  " Dr. Beck has  given the medical public a series of  essays on a subject
 that cannot be too closely studied by  professional gentlemen, viz:  Infant
 Therapeutics."—The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, for December,
 1848.

  " In the history of medical literature in this country, there never has been
 a series of essays which commanded more attention and been so extensively
 republished as these.   And need we say, that they are  deserving of so much
 notice and attention 1  We would gladly see  in the hands of every young
practitioner of our extended country, a copy of this little work.   A careful 
perusal and observance of the instructions contained in it would, we doubt
not, save many an anxious doubt at the bedside ofthe infant sufferer.  We
commend these essays  to the particular attention of the profession."—New
 York Journal of Medicine and the Collateral Sciences, for  January, 1849:
page 94.                                                 v

  •' We have seldom  met with a work  of more practical value, condensed
in so small a space."—The New Jersey Medical Reporter  and Transactions
of the N. J. Medical Society, January, 1849.

  " The directions given and rules laid down by Dr. Beck are thefruits of
extensive experience, guided  by a  sound judgment, and  matured by a re-
flecting mind.  *  *  They afford to the junior practitioner  much  practical
information, which he  con find in  no other work, in so condensed a form,
and which will be of  great assistance to those  whose experience in  this
branch of the profession  remains to be acquired.— The Charleston Medical
Journal and Review, for March, 1849.

  " Our own high opinion of the merits of these papers is in nothing more
strongly evinced, than in our introduction of them into our columns, from
the  pages of the valuable journals in which  they first appeared as original
communications.  The author has rendered the profession a signal service,
in the manner in which he has treated these much used,  yet much abused,
remedial agents;  the essays, containing practical lessons of great value to
the  young practitioner, and hints not undeserving the attention of many an
old  one."— The  British American Journal  of Medicine and Physical
Science, for April, 1849.

  " This forms a valuable contribution to the literature of the medical pro-
fession.   No praise of ours, however, could add to the welrdeserved reputa-
tion of these essays, as they are so extensively known and highly appreciated
already."— The North-western Medical and Surgical Journal. 
          WILLIAM  E. DEAN,

PRINTER  AND  PUBLISHER,
            No. 2 Ann-st., New York,
OFFERS TO THE TRADE IN QUANTITIES THE FOLLOWING

  CLASSICAL  AND SCHOOL  BOORS.
SCOTT'S COMMENTARIES ON THE BIBLE, 3 vols. Royal
  Octavo.
LEMPRIERE'S CLASSICAL DICTIONARY; containing  the
  principal Names and Terms relating to the Geography, Topogra-
  phy, History, Literature, and Mythology, of the Ancients. Revised,
  corrected, and arranged in a new form, by Lorenzo L. da Ponte and
  John D. Ogilby.  8vo.
ADAMS' ROMAN ANTiaUITIES;  anew Edition, from a late
  English Copy, illustrated with upwards of 100 Engravings on steel
  and wood,  with notes and  improvements, by L. L. da Ponte,
  Editor of the Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth American Editions
  of Lempriere's Classical Dictionary.
LATIN READER;  Parts I. & II. by Frederick Jacobs and Frede-
  rick William Doring; with Notes and Illustrations, partly translated
  from the Qerman and partly drawn from other sources. By John
  D. Ogilby.  l2mo.
MAIR'S  INTRODUCTION  TO  LATIN SYNTAX; from  the
  Edinburgh  Stereotype Edition; revised and corrected by A. R.
  Carson, Rector of the High  School of Edinburgh.  To which is
  added, Copious Exercises  upon the Declinable Parts of Speech,
  and an Exemplification of the several Moods  and Tenses.  By
  David Patterson, A. M.  12mo.
ADAMS' LATIN GRAMMAR;-with numerous expansions and
  Additions, designed to make the work more elementary and com-
  plete, and to facilitate the acquisition of a thorough knowledge of
  the Latin Language.  By Jamas D. Johnson, A. M.  12mo.
SALLUST;  with English  Notes.   By Henry R. Cleveland, A. M.
  12mo.                                .  ,           ,
PLAYFAIR'S  EUCLID; a New  Edition, revised and corrected;
  for the use of Schools and Colleges in the United States.  By James

LEE'S^PHYSIOLOGY.  l2mo.
COFFIN'S NATURAL PHILOSOPHY, with Questions for Prac-
  tice Experiments and Questions for Recitation.
BONNYCASTLE'S ALGEBRA; with Notes and Observations,
  designed for the use of Schools. To which is added, an Appendix
  on The  Application of Algebra to Geometry.  By James Ryan.
  Also a large collection  of Problems for exercise, original and
  selected  By John F. Jenkins, A. M.  l2mo.
KEY TO* BONNYCASTLE'S ALGEBRA; containing correct So-
  lutions of all the Questions.  By James Ryan.   18mo.
JACOB'S GREEK READER; Corrected and Improved, with  nu-
  merous Notes, Additions, and Alterations, not in any former edition,
  alsc a copious Lexicon.  By Patrick S. Casserly, T. C. D. 8vo, 
CASSERLVS TRANSLATION TO JACOB'S GREEK READ-
  ER; for'the use of Schools, Colleges, and private lessons, with
  copious notes, and a complete Parsing Index.   l2mo.
LEUSDEN'S GREEK  AND LATIN TESTAMENT.   12mo.
GR^ECA MINORA; with extensive English Notes and a Lexicon.
VALPY'S GREEK GRAMMAR; greatly enlarged and improved,
  by Charles Anthon, LL. D.  12mo.
BECK'S CHEMISTRY; a new and improved edition.
THE SCHOOL FRIEN1 >.  By Miss Robbins.  18mo.
LEVIZAC'S  FRENCH GRAMMAR; revised and  corrected by
  Mr. Stephen Pasquier, M. A.  With the Voltarian Orthography,
  according to the Dictionary of the French Academy.   12mo.
CHRESTOMATHE DE LA LITTERATURE FRANCAISE,
  &c.  By C. Ladreyt.   l2mo.
RECUEIL CHOISI de Traits Historiques et de Contes  Moqiux;
  with the signification  of Words in English at the bottom of each
  page; for the use of Young Persons of both Sexes, by N. Wanos-
  trocht.  Corrected and enlarged, with the Voltarian Orthography,
  according  to  the  Dictionary of the French  Academy,  by Paul
  Moules. 12mo.
HISTORY OF CHARLES XII., in French, by Voltaire.   18mo.
LE BRETHON'S FRENCH  GRAMMAR;  especially designed
  for persons who wish to study the elements of that language.   First
  American  from the seventh London edition,  corrected,  enlarged
  and improved;  by P. Bekeart.  1 vol. 12mo.
SIMPLE  AND  EASY GUIDE TO  THE STUDY OF THE
  FRENCH GRAMMAR.  By Wm. P. Wilson.  12mo.
FRENCH COMPANION, consisting of familiar conversations on
  every topic  that can  be useful: together with models of  letters,
  notes and cards.  The whole exhibiting the true pronunciation ot
  the French Language,  the silent letters being printed in  Italic
  throughout the work.   By Mr. De  Rouillon.  Second American,
  from the tenth London edition.  By Prof. Mouls.  1 vol. l8mo.
BLACKSTONE'S COMMENTARIES on  the Laws of  England ;
  with Notes by Christian, Chitty, Lee,  Hovendon,  and Ryland.
  Also, a life of the Author, and References to American Cases.   By
  a member of the New  York bar.  2 vols. 8vo.
DUBLIN PRACTICE OF MIDWIFERY, with Notes and Addi-
  tions.  By Dr. Gil man.  12mo.
BLAIR'S LECTURES ON RHETORIC; abridged, with questions
  for the use of Schools.  l8mo.
ENGLISH HISTORY;  adapted to the use of  Schools, and  young
  persons. Illustrated by a map and  engravings, by Miss Robbins.
  Third edition.   1 vol. 12mo.
ENGLISH EXERCISES; adapted to Murray's English Grammar,
  consisting of Exercises in Parsing, instances of False Orthography,
  violations  of the Rules of Syntax, Defects in Punctuation; and
  violations of the Rules respecting Perspicuous  and Accurate Writ-
  ing.   Designed for the benefit of private learners, as well as for the
  use of Schools.  By Lindley Murray.  18mo.
RYAN'S ASTRONOMY on an improved  plan, in three Books;
  systematically arranged  and scientifically illustrated with several
  cuts and engravings, and  adapted  to the instruction  of youth, in
  Schools and Academies.   l8mo.
MYTHOLOGICAL FABLES ; translated by  Dryden, Pope, Con-
  greve, Addison, and  others;  prepared expressly for the  use of
  Youth.  12mo.
YOUTH'S PLUTARCH,  or Select Lives of Greeks and Romans
  Bv Jfiss Robbins. l8mo. 
 
 
 
NLM041422936