s
N        S^  I       ' J     1   (fir  I        v
 
 
 
             THE


  STUDENT'S REVIEW;
              OR,

        EXAMINATIONS ON

THERAPEUTICS, MATERIA MEDICA,
              AND
PHARMACY
ADAPTED ESPECIALLY TO THE COURSE OF LECTURES
          DELIVERED IN
THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
BY ROBERT M. ANDERSON, M. D.
32.13 e
         RICHMOND:
H. K. ELLYSON, PUBLISHER, 176, MAIN STREET.
            1845. 
\NBC
   Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1845,
            by Robert M.  Anderson, M. D.,
in the Clerk's Office of the Eastern District Court of Virginia.
  J

J 
PREFACE.
  The utility of a work like  the  present,  was first
impressed upon  the mind of  the  Author,  while a
student at the University of  Pennsylvania,  in  the
year 1840.  The inconveniencies of the United States
Dispensatory, the text book of the lectures on Materia
Medica, delivered in that institution, he found to be con-
siderable ; for while  it contains a vast fund  of infor-
mation, so arranged as to render it valuable as a book
of  refeience,  it is too voluminous and  minute  on
many points, to adapt it to the wants of the student.
And although these inconveniencies  have been greatly
done  away with  by a syllabus of the course  of lec-
tures  on  that branch, published by the Professor,
which was intended as a guide  to the student, and to
direct his investigations to those facts deemed essential
to be known, yet the task of culling, thus imposed,
was found to be  not only  tedious, but very unfavora-
ble  to the operation of memory, so  that the  frequent
reviews which were necessary, to become familiar with
important facts, required much labor and consumption
of precious time.  The present work is  intended to 
IV                   PREFACE.
facilitate,  especially, the studies  of those who  may
attend the lectures on Materia Medica and Pharmacy
in that institution.   But while this is the case, and the
classification  of medicines  peculiar to that  chair has
been adopted and closely followed  in  the succeeding
pages, it is  believed  that the examinations  on parti-
cular  medicines, may be made greatly to subserve the
convenience of students of other colleges. 
EXAMINATIONS,
      PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF MEDICINES.

  What are the objects of Materia Medica, Pharmacy
and Therapeutics?
  Materia Medica treats of medicines as  they are re-
ceived by the apothecary, whether they be  derived
from nature or furnished  by the manufacturer.  Phar-
macy treats of preparing, preserving, compounding and
dispensing medicines.   And  Therapeutics  of  their
effects and applications in the cure of disease.
  How may medicines be defined ?
  Substances which are capable, when properly used,
of counteracting morbid actions and agencies.
  Upon what general principles do medicines operate?
  Their operation may be either vital,  chemical or
mechanical;  and the sanative impression which  they
produce, either absolute or relative, primary or second-
ary, local or general.
  By what methods are  medicines thought to operate
upon other and  distant parts of the system from that
to which they are applied, and how do they differ in
their peculiar tendencies ?
   They may operate  in three ways : 1, by absorption;
2,  by nervous communication ; and  3, by revulsion.
They differ  widely  in  their elective affinities, some
acting  by preference, on  one organ, and some on
others,  as the stomach, bowels, kidneys, &c.;  and
that, too, often independent of the parts of the body to
which they are applied.
           r 
6
MODIFYING  CIRCUMSTANCES.
  CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MODIFY THE EFFECTS OF
                    MEDICINES.

   What are some of the circumstances calculated to
modify  the action of medicines, and which should  be
kept in view  when we employ them  and apportion
their doses?
   The  most important  modifying  influences may be
expected from  disease, age, sex, mode of living, habit,
climate, temperament, idiosyncrasies and menial emo-
tions ; these, together with the strength of  the patient,
the duration of the disease, the variable strength of the
medicine employed, &c, should influence the dose or
quantity given.
   What practical  rules have these circumstances origi-
nated ?
   Age,  one of the most important of these, suggested
the following  excellent  scheme of Dr.  Young, for
graduating the doses to different ages :
   "For children  under 12 years,  the  doses of most
medicines must be diminished in the proportion of the
age to the age, increased by 12 ; thus, at two years to
J-—viz: 2
      -----=4..   At 21 the full dose mav be given.
      2x12
   Also,  the following table of Gabius:
   u The dose for a person of middle age being
                                1 or  1 drachm,
   from   14 to 21 years will  be § or  2 scruples,
          7 to 14  "     "     1 or  l drachm,'
          4 to  7  "     "    £ or  1 scruple,'
       of 4 years,        "    i or 15 grains,
          3   "          "     I- or 10 grains.
          2   "          "    & or  8 grains,
          1   "           "    TV o>'  5 grains."
   These rules  will be found  to approximate, what in
general  is  correct, but there are several  exceptions,
such as calomel and castor oil, which require to be
given to children in larger propoilions than the above
rules would indicate. 
FORMS IN WHICH  USED.
t
  Habit,  or  the  protracted  use of  a medicine, by
which, as a general rule, the susceptibility of the sys-
tem  to its  action is diminished, is another important
circumstance often requiring an augmented dose.
  The variable activity of a medicine, is another cir-
cumstance which should be kept in  view in prescrib-
ing,  and  whenever an active medicine has been given
for some  lime, in large and increasing doses, it is pru-
dent to reduce the close  on  commencing with a fresh
parcel, particularly when the medicine i<3  liable, from
its nature, to be of unequal  strength ; as digitalis, &c.
  The powers of the  system  should be duly consid-
ered, and the dose of  remedies  accommodated to the
strength  of the patient.  Sex,  temperament and idio-
syncrasies should influence  the dose.  Women require
somewhat smaller doses than  men,  and  persons of a
sanguine temperament,  than  those  of a  phlegmatic.
   Constitutional peculiarities or idiosyncrasies  render
some persons uncommonly susceptible, or insuscepti-
ble, to the action of  certain medicines, requiring a
modification of dose,  and in  some  cases, prohibiting
their use altogether.

      FORMS IN WHICH MEDICINES ARE USED.

   In what forms are medicines employed?
   In the  solid state,  in the  form  of powders, pilk
troches and confections ; in the liquid state, in the form
of mixtures  and solutions,  including, under the latter
head, infusions, decoctions, icines, tinctures, vinegars,
syrups, honeys and oxymels.   They are also used ex-
ternally, in the form of  liniments, ointments, cerates,
cataplasms and plasters, and  sometimes in  the  state
of vapor.

                  1.—Solid Forms.

               POWDERS.^-PULVERES

   How  are these divided ?
   Into simple and  compound—the  former consisting 
s
FORMS IN  WHICH  USED.
of a single substance, the latter, of two or more mixed
together.
  What is  the mode of  preparing and  preserving
powders ?
  Most substances are brought to the state of powder,
by means of a mortar and pestle, made either of iron,
brass, glass or  wedgewood—the  two former  used for
hard substances, the two latter, for triturating those of
a friable nature.  The coarser particles  separated by
sieves  made of  different materials,  as bolting cloth,
hair cloth,  gauze or  wire.   Earthy  insoluble  sub-
stances, sometimes reduced  to  powder by levigation,
which is performed by moistening them with water or
alcohol, and rubbing them on a hard fiat stone with a
muller of the same material.  The  powder  thus  ob-
tained,  may be rendered impalpable  by elutriation,
which consists in agitating it with water; allowing it
to stand till  the coarser particles  subside; pouring off
the liquid, for the finer ones to settle ;  and lastly, de-
canting and drying the powder.   In  the preparation of
compound powders, the constituents, when of unequal
hardness, should  be pulverized  separately, and after-
wards mixed, except in those cases where a hard sub-
stance is  used  to  effect a more  minute division  and
thorough  intermixture of  other ingredients, as  sul-
phate of potassa in the preparation of Dover's powder.
Some medicines are liable to be  injured by exposure
to air and light, and  as  the liability is  increased  by
pulverization, which exposes a more extended surface
to their action, such substances  should be pulverized
only in small quantities, as  needed,  or if kept, should
be preserved in well stopped bottles,  in dark places.
  For what substances is this form eligible and ineli-
gible ?
  It is preferable for those  medicines  which are not
given  in  very large  doses,  not exceeding 5 j., which
possess no  corrosive  property  nor very disagreeable
taste.  Deliquescent substances and those  containing
a large proportion of fixed  oil, are unfit to enter  into 
FORMS IN  WHICH USED.
9
the composition of powders;  as also, some  crystaline
salts, which contain a large proportion of water of crys-
talization.  This, however, may be  previously driven
off, in some cases, by the application of heat.
   How are they administered ?
   Light vegetable powders are  given suspended  in
water,  wine or other convenient liquid;  heavy resin-
ous and  metalic  ones,  in  syrup, honey or molasses.
Resinous powders may be given, also, suspended  in
water,  by the intervention of mucilage or sugar.

                  PILLS.—PILULE.

   What are pills and their  advantages, in prescription?
   They are small masses, of a globular shape, and of
a size  suitable for swallowing; an  eligible  form for
administering medicines which operate in small doses,
are unpleasant to the taste and smell, and ate insoluble
and too heavy to be suspended in aqueous vehicles.
   What substances are  unsuitable for pills?
   1. Those which require to be given in very large
doses.   2. Deliquescent and  efflorescent salts;  the
latter may be rendered  fit,  by depriving them of their
water  of crystalization.   3.  Substances requiring a
large proportion of dry powder to impart proper con-
sistence, as oils.  And 4. Such as from their insoluble
nature  in  the solid form, resist the  solvent  powers of
the gastric juice.
   What are the directions for the preparation and pre-
servation of pills ?
   The substance to be formed into pills, should  be
first made into a plastic mass of sufficient consistence
to  retain the  globular form, when made  into pills,
without being so hard as to tax the solvent powers of
the stomach.   Many substances are employed to im-
part the requisite softness  and plasticity  to pilular
masses; liquids and  very soft substances are brought
to this state  by being mixed with some dry and inert
powder,  as  crumb  of  bread, wheat flour, starch, or 
IP
FORMS IN WHICH USED.
powdered gum arabic ;  heavy metalic powders, with
soft extracts, confections, soap, &c.; and light vegeta-
ble powders, with syrup,  molasses, honey or  muci-
lage, or what is better, a  mixture of syrup and mu-
cilage.   Some substances  require  only the  addition
of water or a few drops of spirit, as some vegetable
extracts, and certain gum-resins.   The mass is formed
into pills by rolling it with a spatula into a cylinder of
uniform thickness, and dividing it by the  hand or by
a machine, and rolling the pieces between  the fingers,
to give them the proper form.   To prevent them from
adhering to each other, they may be agitated with
some dry powder, as powdered liquorice root, starch or
carbonate of magnesia;  care  being taken  not to em-
ploy any substance, either  for this purpose or  in  their
composition, which is incompatible with the  active
ingredients of the pills.  Pills are sometimes  covered
with gelatin, to conceal their disagreeable taste.   (See
U. S. Dispensatory, page 986.)   The  mass  may be
kept soft by wrapping  it in bladders, putting it in cov-
ered  pots,  and occasionally  moistening it, as  it be-
comes dry.

              TROCHES.—TROCHISCI.

   What are troches  or lozenges ?
   They are small solid masses, composed of powders,
sugar and mucilage, intimately incorporated and usu-
ally made into flat cakes and dried.
   How are they  used ?
   They are held in the mouth  and allowed to dis-
solve slowly, in the saliva;  employed chiefly in  affec-
tions of the throat.

          CONFECTIONS.—CONFECTIONES.

   What are these, and how divided ?
   They are soft solids, made by incorporating  medical
substances with saccharine matter.   They  are divided
into conserves and electuaries. 
FORMS IN WHICH USED.
11
  How are these prepared, and what are their uses?
  Conserves are made of recent vegetable substances
and refined sugar, beat into a uniform mass.   Intend-
ed, sometimes, to preserve, by means of the sugar, the
properties of recent vegetable  plants, but more fre-
quently used as vehicles of other substances.
  Electuaries  are usually  extemporaneous  prepara-
tions, made  by mixing dry powders, for the most part,
with syrup,  honey or molasses, to cover their taste and
facilitate their exhibition.

                 2.—Liquid Forms.

               MIXTURES.—MIXTURE.

  What are these and how prepared?
  They are generally  extemporaneous prescriptions,
consisting of one  or more insoluble substances, either
liquid or solid, suspended in water  by the intervention
of some viscid substance, as gum arabic, sugar or yolk
of eggs.  When an oil is suspended in this  way, the
mixture is called an emulsion.   As a general rule, the
substance to be suspended, should  be first thoroughly
mixed with  the intermedium and then with the water.
  What are the objects of this form of  preparation ?
  It  is intended to facilitate the administration, and
conceal the  taste of unpleasant medicines.

                INFUSIONS—INFUSA.

  What are these and how prepared ?
  They are aqueous solutions of vegetable principles,
obtained by maceration either with or without heat.
Hot water is more  frequently employed, its solvent
powers being generally greater.   Cold water is to be
preferred when the active principle of  the vegetable is
very volatile or easily injured by  heat, and when we
wish  to avoid the  solution of some principle which is
insoluble at a low temperature.   The substance sliced or 
12           FORMS IN WHICH USED.
bruised, is usually acted upon in a porcelain, or glazed
earthenware vessel, fitted with a cover, and when hot
water is employed, it is allowed to stand till it cools,
or if a  longer continuation of  the heat  be required,
the vessel is set near the fire; when cold water is used,
the maceration should be continued longer.  A very
strong infusion may be obtained by the process of dis-
placement.  (See U. S. Dispensatory, page 731.)  Ine
undissolved portions  may be  separated by filtration
through fine linen.

              DECOCTIONS.—DECOCTA.

   What are these, and how prepared?
   They are aqueous solutions  of vegetable principles,
obtained by ebullition.   The substance to be acted  on
is powdered or well  bruised,  when  dry,  and sliced
when fresh, and  boiled  for a short time in water, in a
covered vessel.  In compound decoctions, the  several
ingredients may be added  at different times, according
to  their relative solubility; and any substance, the
active  principle of which is volatile, may be added
after the vessel is removed from the  fire, and  the de-
coction allowed to cool with the vessel covered.
   What  are the advantages and disadvantages of this
 mode of  preparation ?
   The soluble principles of vegetables are more  rea-
 dily and rapidly extracted, as a general rule, by boiling
 than by maceration ;  consequently, it may  be preferred
 to infusion, when it is desired to obtain a  strong  solu-
 tion in a short time.   The  objections  to it, in certain
 cases,  are the same, though stronger, as those assigned
 to the  use of hot water, under the head of infusions.
    What is their liability to spoil, and the best mode of
 preserving them ?
    Most decoctions are soon rendered  unfit for use by
  the action of the air and  the  re-action of  their consti
  tuents; consequently, they should be made only when
  wanted for use, and not kept, in warm weather, longer 
FORMS IN  WHICH USED.
13
than 48 hours.  Decoctions  and  infusions may be
preserved, it is said, for several months, in bottles with
accurately ground stoppers.  They should  be strained
and  poured into the bottles, while hot, until these are
entirely filled,  to the exclusion  of the  air, and  the
stopper then made  to  displace its own bulk  of the
liquid.

       MEDICATED WINES.—VINA MEDICATA.

   What  are  the advantages and disadvantages of
wine, as a solvent?
   The alcohol which it  contains, enables it  to  dis-
solve substances  insoluble in water, and  exerts, also, a
preservative influence, rendering its preparations more
permanent than infusions or  decoctions.   They are
less  stimulating  than tinctures, owing to the smaller
proportion of alcohol they contain, and  the modified
state in which it exists in composition  ; but, for the
same reasons, they are more apt to undergo decompo-
sition.   A considerable inconvenience attending wine
as a menstruum, is  the variable proportion of alcohol
which it contains, and the consequent  inequality of
strength of its preparations.
   How are they prepared and kept ?
   Prepared by maceration, without heat, for about 14
days.  Teneriffe wine  is directed  to  be used, by the
U. S.  Phar., though good  Sherry or Madeira will an-
swer equally well.   They  are kept in  well  stopped
bottles, in cool places.

               TINCTURES.—TINCTURA.

   What are these, and how prepared?
   They are solutions of medicinal substances, in alco-
hol,  or diluted alcohol, obtained, usually,  by macera-
tion, at ordinary temperatures, for  two weeks,  in well
stopped glass bottles, frequently agitating.
   Of  what strength is the alcohol employed ? 
 14           FORMS IN WHICH USED.

   Officinal alcohol  or  iectified spirit, (sp. gr. 0.835,)
 is used when the substance to be dissolved is  insolu-
 ble in water, as resins, essential oils, &c.;  but diluted
 alcohol or proof spirit, (sp.  gr. 0.935,) is employed
 when the substance is soluble both in alcohol  and
 water, or when several  principles  are to be extracted,
 some of which  are  soluble in the one, and some in
 the other.
   What are the advantages  of diluted  alcohol, as a
 menstruum ?
   It  generally extracts  more  of the active principles
 of plants, and  affords a cheaper and less stimulating
 tincture than rectified spirit, and yet contains sufficient
 alcohol to prevent spontaneous decomposition.
   What are the conveniences of this  form in  pre-
 scription ?                            <
   It  affords a  convenient  method of  administering
 active medicines, which require to be given in small
 doses, but the  stimulating properties of the alcohol,
 and its liability to beget habits of intemperance, when
 long continued, should always be kept in view.

                VINEGARS.—ACETA.

  To what is this title applied ?
  To distilled vinegar and medicated vinegars.
  What are the advantages and disadvantages of vin-
 egar,  as a solvent ?
  The acetic acid which it contains, gives it the pow-
 er to  dissolve some  substances which are not entirely
soluble  in water alone, and renders it an excellent sol-
vent of the vegetable alkalies, which it converts into
acetates without injuring their medicinal virtues.  Its
infusions, however, are apt to spoil when long kept, to
prevent which, a small  portion of alcohol is usually
added.
                 SYRUPS.—SYRUPI.

  What are syrups, and how divided ?
  They are concentrated  aqueous solutions of sugar, 
FORMS IN WHICH USED.
15
with which medicinal substances are sometimes incor-
porated; hence  they  are  divided  into simple  syrup
and medicated syrup.
  How  are they prepared, and best preserved?
  Medicated syrups are prepared by dissolving refined
sugar in  vegetable  infusions,  decoctions, expressed
juices, fermented liquors, or simple aqueous solutions,
and are often concentrated by evaporating the watery
fluid, with a moderate heat, where the active ingredi-
ents are not liable to be injured  by it.  Principles
which are not readily imparted to water, or are vola-
tilized or decomposed by a  heat  of 212°, are some-
times extracted by alcohol, which can be driven off
with  less heat than water.  Medicated syrups are  apt
to undergo fermentation and  other changes, to prevent
which, several preservatives have been recommended;
as sugar  of milk, sulphate  and chlorate of potassa,
but it is best to prepare them in small quantities at a
time, and keep them in well stopped bottles, entirely
filled, in a cellar or some  other cool place.

                 HONEYS.- MELLITA.

   For what is honey used in pharmacy?
   Only as a vehicle for active medicines.
   What are the advantages and disadvantages attend-
ing it, as a vehicle ?
   Its preparations  are said to  be less apt to become
candied than those of syrup, but it is more apt to dis-
agree with the  stomach,  and its variable consistence
renders it difficult to apportion accurately the dose.
   What are those preparations called, in which honey
and vinegar are combined ?
   Oxymels.

       LINIMENTS, OINTMENTS AND CERATES.

   What are these ?
   Liniments are preparations intermediate in consist- 
16
FORMS IN WHICH USED.
ence, between that of water and  ointments, intended
to be applied  to the skin  by gentle friction with the
hand.
  Ointments are fatty substances, about the consist-
ence of butter, intended to be applied  to the skin by
inunction.
  Cerates are unctious compounds, consisting  of oil
or lard incorporated with wax, spermaceti or resin, and
frequently with various medicinal agents.   They are
intermediate in  consistence, between  ointments  and
plasters; can be  spread on linen or leather with a
spatula, at  ordinary temperatures, but  do not melt  or
run when applied to the skin.

           CATAPLASMS AND PLASTERS.

  What are these?
  Cataplasms or poultices are soft, moist preparations,
intended for external application.  They are general-
ly prepared extemporaneously, and. of different mate-
rials, according to the indications  to be fulfilled.
  Plasters  are solid substances  at ordinary tempera-
tures, but become soft  and adhesive with a moderate
heat, which qualities they retain at the temperature of
the human body.   As met with in the  shops, they are
usually in cylindrical rolls, enveloped in paper.
  What is the basis of most plasters ?
  The Emplastrum Plumbi, or  lead plaster ; a few
owe their consistence to resin or wax.
  How are they prepared  for use ?
  By spreading  them on  a piece of soft and pliable
leather, as sheep skin, when they are to be applied  to
the sound skin, or upon linen or muslin, when intend-
ed as dressings to abraded surfaces. A  border of about
half an inch in breadth, is usually left uncovered with
the plaster, to  prevent  its soiling  the  clothes, and  to
facilitate its removal.  This may be accurately done
by means of two rulers made of  sheet tin, (see a re-
presentation on  page 765, U. S. Dispensatory,  edit, 
            PARTS TO WHICH  APPLIED.         17

1845,) or by pasting  a piece of paper upon the leather
or cloth, with a portion cut out of the centre, of the
shape and dimensions of the intended plaster.   The
plaster may  be melted with a heated spatula, and
allowed to fall on a piece of coarse  paper,  and when
nearly cool, uniformly spread on the leather.

    PARTS  TO WHICH MEDICINES ARE APPLIED.

   What are they ?
   Medicines are applied to the stomach, the rectum,
the skin, the tracheo-bronchial mucous membrane, the
nasal or pituitary membrane,and are sometimes inject-
ed into the veins.  They aie also  applied chiefly for
their local effects,  to the mucous membranes of the
mouth, urethra, bladder, vagina, &c.
   The stomach.  What is the mode  of using medi-
cines by the stomach called, and what are  its advan-
tages ?
   It is called the method by ingestion, and is the one
most commonly and  advantageously resorted to, on
account of  the great susceptibility of the stomach, its
active absorbing power, and its strong and extensive
relations in the system.
   The rectum.  In what forms, and for what purpo-
ses are medicines applied to this part ?
   They are introduced in the solid and liquid  state,
 and  for one of two objects,—to  evacuate the bowels,
 or to obtain the peculiar effects of the medicine.
   What are solid substances called, when used in this
 way, and how are they prepared for the purpose ?
   They  are  called suppositories,  made usually like
 pills, of a globular shape, and of a convenient size.
   What are liquids  called ?
   Clysters, injections or enemata.
   What are the general rules in relation to the dose of
 a medicine, and the quantity of liquid vehicle  to be
 given by the rectum ?
   The quantity of  a medicine, as  a general rule, is
               2* 
18          PARTS TO WHICH APPLIED.

about  three times  the  oidinary  dose, but in cases of
very active  medicines, it  is safer to  begin with less.
The proper  quantity of  liquid varies  according to  the
object  in view,  and the  age  of  the  patient.   If  the
medicine is to be  retained, the  bulk of the vehicle
should be small,—from f § j. to f § ij., for an adult,—if
to operate on  the bowels, larger,—Oj.  And the first
impulse  to  evacuate the  bowels, even in this  case,
should be resisted, or prevented, if necessary, by press-
ing a folded towel against  the part.
  The skin.   How are medicines  applied to this part ?
  They are applied either epidermically or endermi-
catty, with the cuticle remaining  or removed, and in
the various  forms of vapor, bath, lotion, fomentation,
embrocation., ointment,  cerate, <fcc.   The  endermic
method is preferred, when the medicine acts by being
absorbed.   The  cuticle  may be removed by a blister,
and the epigastrium or inner parts of the  extremities
are the places generally selected.
  What circumstances  render a resort to this method
advisable ?
  Inability or  indisposition of the patient to swallow,
or of the stomach to retain medicines; inflammation
of the  gastric mucous membrane, or a want of sus-
ceptibility of this part to the action of the medicine,
from frequent repetition; the necessity, in some urgent
cases, of introducing medicine by  every possible ave-
nue ; the indication  to invite  irritation from internal
parts, by revulsion, or to apply the medicine to  or as
near the diseased part as possible.
  What is the relative dose by this method ?
  Two or there times the dose by the  mouth.
   Tracheo-bronchial mucous membrane.    How  are
medicines applied to this part ?
  Chiefly in  the form of vapor,  by an  inhaler,  or
when this cannot be had,  a tea-pot or basin, with  an
inverted funnel.
  Nasal ox pituitary membrane.   For what purposes
ate medicines applied to this part. 
WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES USED.        19
  Mostly  for their  excitant or derivative effects on
neighboring parts.   When  they produce a discharge,
they are called errhines, when sneezing, sternutatories.
  Into the veins.   What are  the  advantages and dis-
advantages of this method ?
  The  effects  of  medicines may be obtained  very
speedily in this way, and it is preferred by some, to the
method of  ingestion, as  they suppose the virtues of
medicines are injured or altered by the  digestive pro-
cess, in the latter case; but the danger from introdu-
cing too much liquid or air into the veins, is imminent,
so much so, that it is  seldom expedient to resort  to it.

          WEIGHTS AND MEASURES  USED.

  What weights and measures  are recognized by the
U. S. Pharm., and  used  by the apothecary  in com-
pounding and dispensing his medicines?
  The apothecaries' weight, and apothecaries'' or wine
measure, the divisions  and equivalents of which, are
as follows:

             APOTHECARIES' WEIGHT.

Pound.   Ounces.   Drachms.   Scruples.   Grains.
   fcl  =   12   =   96    =    288 =   5760
             §1'    =     8    =    24 =   480
                        31    =     3 =    60
                                    91  = gr. 20

        APOTHECARIES'  OR WINE MEASURE.

Gallon.  Pints. Fluidounces.  Fluidrachms. Minims.
Cong. 1—8  —  128    _   1024   =  61440
    *   ~ 01  —   16    ~     128   =    7680
                    f g 1    ~       8  =    480
                                 f3l   _    ni60
   What approximate measures are sometimes substi-
tuted for the above  ? 
20        CLASSIFICATION OF  MEDICINES.
   A tea-cup, estimated  to hold about f g iv. or a gill.
   A wine-glass,                      f § ij.
   A table-spoon,                      f g ss.
   A tea-spoon,                       f 3 j.
   A  drop is  generally  considered equivalent  to  a
minim, but varies in size according to the nature of
the fluid, and  the size and shape  of the vessel from
which it is dropped.

          CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES.

   What is Dr.  Wood's  classification  of  medicines,
and the basis upon which it is founded ?
  His classification, which is founded on the relations
that  medicines bear to the human system, in  a state
of health, is as follows :
Substances which act on the living  body.
  General remedies.
     Stimulants.
       Permanent stimulants.
         Astringents.
         Tonics.
       Diffusable stimulants.
         Arterial stimulants.
         Cerebro-nervous stimulants.
           Cerebral stimulants.
           Nervous stimulants.
    Sedatives.
       Arterial  sedatives, or refrigerants.
       Nervous sedatives, or sedative narcotics,
  Local remedies.
    Affecting the functions.
        Emetics.
         Cathartics.
        Diuretics.
        Diaphoretics.
        Expectorants.
        Emmenagogues.
        Sialagogues.
        Errhines. 
         CLASSIFICATION  OF MEDICINES.        21

    Affecting the organization.
         Rubefacients.
         Epispastics.
         Escharotics
    Operating mechanically.
         Demulcents.
         Emollients.
         Diluents.
  Medicines insusceptible of accurate classification.  ,
       Ergot.
       Nux vomica.
       Arsenic.
       Mercury.
       Iodine.
Substances  which  act on  foreign  matters  contained
    within the body.
  Antacids.
  Anthelmintics. 
I.  ASTRINGENTS.
  What are astringents ?
  They are substances which produce contraction and
condensation of the living tissues.
  What is their modus operandi?
  Their general action is thought to be entirely vital,
and is extended chiefly by nervous sympathy.
  What are their general effects upon the system ?
  They produce a gentle, but permanent excitement
of the system, a harder and more contracted pulse,
and a diminution of all  the secretions.
  What circumstances  indicate and  contra-indicate
their use ?
  They are indicated by all  morbid discharges which
depend upon relaxation of the tissues;  contra-indica-
ted by much general or  local excitement, and by any
discharge which is a mere effect of some disease, and
which it is  calculated  to relieve.
  Mention  some particular diseases in which astrin-
gents are frequently employed.
  Hemorrhages, particularly of a passive  character,
diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, diabetes, catarrh  of  the
bladder, ephidrosis, or  profuse sweating, (fee.  Locally,
they are employed in external hemorrhages;  in in-
flammatory affections  of the throat,  nostrils, rectum,
vagina, urethra, <fec, after the active stage of the in-
flammation has  subsided; and in relaxations of the
vagina, uvula, anus, and other  parts.
  How are astringents divided ?
  Into vegetable and mineral.
  To what proximate principle do  the  former owe
their astringency?
  To tannin, or tannic  acid.
  What  are the physical and  chemical  properties of
this principle ?
  When pure, it  is a yellowish-white, uncrystaliza- 
ASTRINGENTS.                 23
ble solid, of a strong astringent taste, and void of bit-
terness.  It is very soluble in water, moderately so in
alcohol,  but sparingly soluble in ether.  Exposed to
the air, it absorbs oxygen, and is partly converted into
gallic acid.   Its solution reddens  litmus  paper.  Its
ultimate constituents are carbon, hydrogen  and oxy-
gen.
   What  are its  relations  to  acids, alkalies, metallic
oxides and salts, starch, albufnen, gluten and gelatin ?
   In solution it forms precipitates with several  of the
acids, as the  sulphuric, nitric, muriatic, and arsenic ;
it unites with most of the  salifiable basis, forming
salts which are of difficult solubility.  It affords pre-
cipitates with  most of the metallic  oxides, and  with
many of the metallic salts;  with the  sesquisalts of
iron it forms a black precipitate, which is the basis of
ink.   It precipitates solutions of albumen, starch and
gluten, and forms an insoluble compound with gelatin,
which is the basis of leather.
   What are its therapeutical applications?
   It has been successfully used in  hemorrhages; in
colliquative sweats, diarrhoea, &c.
   What is the dose and mode of administration?
   Dose, from gr. ss. to gr. ij. ;  given in pill or solu-
tion.

             1.  Vegetable Astringents.

   What are  some of the principal  vegetable  astrin-
gents ?
   Oak bark,—white and black,—galls, kino, catechu,
 rhatany, logwood, cranesbill, blackberry root, dewber-
 ry root, uva ursi, and pipsissewa.

         WHITE-OAK BARK.-QUERCUS ALBA..
      BLACK-OAK  BARK.-QUERCUS TINCTORIA.

    What are the physical  properties of these barks?
    White-oak bark  is of  a light brown  color,  of a 
24                ASTRINGENTS.
coarse texture, and of difficult  pulverization.   It has
a feeble odor and an astringent, bitterish taste. Black-
oak  bark differs  fiom the above by its greater bitter-
ness, and by staining the saliva yellow, when chewed.
  What are their chemical properties ?
  The chief ingredients of white-oak bark, are tan-
nic and gallic acids ; of black-oak bark, tannin and
a coloring principle called  quercitrin—these are im-
parted to water and alcohol.
  For what purposes are these varieties of oak-bark
employed in the arts?
  They are sometimes used for tanning leather; and
the black-oak bark, in the form of a  coarse powder,
and  under the name of quercitrin, is much  employed
in Europe for dying wool and silk of a yellow  color.
   What  are the medical properties  and remedial ap-
plications of  oak-bark, both   internally  and  exter-
nally?
   It is astringent and slightly tonic; occasionally used
internally, in  chronic  diarrhoea  and  dysentery ;  in
hemorrhages and intermittent  fever, more frequently
employed externally.   In the form  of decoction, it
has been used as a bath in seme diseases  of children,
as marasmus, scrofula, cholera  infantum, intermittent
fever, &c.  It is also used as a gargle  in slight inflam-
mation or relaxation of the uvula and tonsils ;  as an
injection in fluor albus, prolapsus of  the  uterus and
rectum, and as a wash to flabby, ill-conditioned ulcers.
   Which, of the two officinal species, is to be preferred
for internal use, and why ?
   The white-oak  bark, as it is  less apt to irritate tbe
bowels ?
   What  are the forms of administration,  and dose of
each?
   Given in  powder, decoction  and extract.  Dose of
the powder, from  3 ss. to  3 j.;  of the decoction, pre-
pared by boiling gj. in Oij. of water down  to Oj.,
f | ij.; of the extract, 20 grains. 
ASTRINGENTS.               25
                 GALLS.—GALLA.

  What are these, and from what derived?
  They are morbid  excrescences, derived chiefly from
the Quercus infectoria—a small tree or shrub growing
in Asia Minor and Armenia.
  How are they produced ?
  They are formed  in  consequence of the irritation
occasioned by the puncture of a hymenopterous insect,
the Cynips  quercusfolii  of  Linnaeus, which  pierces
the young branches and deposits its  egg.
  From whence are they imported?
  From the Levant and the East Indies.
  What are their physical properties ?
  They are of a roundish shape, and of a size varying
from that  of a pea, to that of a  large  cherry.   They
are tuberculated  externally,  hollow and of a whitish
color  within. They have  no  odor, but a bitter and very
astringent taste.
   What are the commercial varieties of galls, and what
is the difference between them ?
   There are two  varieties—blue galls and white galls.
The  former are collected  before  the escape of the
insect, and are  the best;  the latter after it has escaped
and are perforated with around hole.   These are also
larger, of a lighter  color  and much  inferior  in  as-
tringency.
   What are the chemical properties of galls?
   The most important  ingredients are tannin  and
gallic acid, which  are   extracted  by  water  and
alcohol.
   With what substances are  they incompatible in pre-
scription ?
   With the mineral  acids, the salts of lead and iron,
the sulphate of copper, the nitrates  of  silver and mer-
cury,  the carbonates of ammonia  and potassa, with
tartar emetic and lime water, and with the infusions
of cinchona, columbo, opium, ipecacuanha, &c.
   What are their remedial uses?
            3 
26
ASTRINGENTS.
   Though powerfully astringent, they are seldom em-
ployed internally; occasionally  given in chronic diar-
rhoea.   In the  form of infusion or decoction they are
sometimes used as an  astringent wash, injection  or
gargle, and an ointment made with one part of pow-
dered galls to 8 parts of lard, to which opium is some-
times added, is much  used in  hemorrhoidal affec-
tions.
   How are they given, and  what is the  dose ?
   Given in powder, infusions and tincture.  Dose of the
powder, 10 to 20 grains; of  the infusion, made in  the
proportion of  § j. to Oj., f § j. to f g ij.   The tincture is
seldom given internally,  chiefly  used as  a chemical
re-agent.   Dose f 5 ij. to f 3 iij.

                       KINO.

   What is kino and its supposed origin ?
   It is thought to be an extract, derived  from  a plant
not certainly  known,  probably  from  the  Nauclea
Gambir, a twining East India shrub.
   What are the different varieties of kino?
   There are several varieties, viz  : African kino, Ja-
maica kino, Botany  Bay kino, and  East India,  or
Amboyna kino.
   Which of these  is mostly  used  in this country ?
   The East India  variety.
   What are its physical and  chemical properties ?
   As found in our  shops, it  is usually in small angu-
lar, shining, brittle  fragments, of a deep  brown color,
and affords a powder of  a lighter hue.   It is  without
odor, but  has a very  astringent,  bitterish  taste.   Its
most important constituents are tannin and extractive,
to the former of which it owes its astringency.   Water
dissolves it partially, alcohol, the larger portion.
   With what substances is it incompatible ?
   With all those enumerated under the head of galls.
   What are its medical properties and uses?
   It is a very efficient astringent, well suited for internal 
ASTRINGENTS.
27
uses.   It  may be resorted to in all those conditions of
the system which call for the use of  astringents.
  What are the forms of administration, and the dose
of each ?
  It is given in  powder, infusion and tincture.   Dose
of the powder, 10 to 30 grains; of the infusion, f g ss.
to f g jss.;  of the tincture, f 3 j. to f 3 ij.
  What is the objection to the tincture?
  It is apt to become gelatinous  when kept.

                     CATECHU.

  What is catechu ?
  It is an extract, obtained  from  the wood  of  the
Acacia Catechu, a small tree growing in Hindostan.
  What are its physical properties ?     J
  It occurs in irregular masses, weighing from a few
ounces to a pound each; of a chocolate brown color
externally, and varying from a yellowish-brown, to a
dark liver color internally ;  it  is  brittle, and presents
when broken, a  smooth,  shining,  resinous fracture, in
the best specimens.
   What are its impurities?
   It frequently contains  sand, sticks, <fcc.
  What are its chemical and medical properties?
  They  are nearly similar to those of kino, but it is
more impure, and consequently less used internally.
  What are the  forms of administration, and the dose
of each ?
   It is given in  powder,  infusion and tincture.   Dose
of the powder, 10 to 30  grains.   The  infusion, made
in the proportion of 3 ij. to Ojss. of boiling water, to
which cinnamon,  or  other aromatic, is sometimes
added, may  be given  in  the  dose of f g j. or f g ij.
Dose of  the tincture, f 3 j.  to 3 iij.

              RHATANY.—KRAMERIA.
What is this officinally ? 
28                ASTRINGENTS.

  It is the  root of the Krameria  triandra,  a small
plant or shrub growing in Peru.
  What are its physical properties ?
  The roots are long and branching, varying in thick-
ness from that of a quill  to that  of the thumb, and
often attached to the common root stock, which is still
larger and an inch or more in length.  They  consist
of  a reddish-brown bark, and a ligneous central por-
tion, which is of a reddish-yellow color.   The root  is
inodorous,  but the bark has  a strong astringent, some-
what bitter  taste.
  What are the relative virtues of the cortical and
ligneous portions ?
  The woody part is comparatively inert, and  conse-
quently the smaller pieces are preferred, as they con-
tain less of  this.
  What is  its active ingredient, and its  relation   to
water and alcohol ?
  The active principle is tannin, which is extracted
by  water and alcohol, along with the coloring matter
of the root.
  What are its medical properties and uses ?
  They are the same with those of kino and catechu.
  What are the forms of administration, and the dose  of
each?
  It is  given in  powder,  decoction,  tincture, and
extract.  Dose of the powder, 20 to 30 grains; of the
decoction, made by boiling one ounce  in  a point  of
water, f g j. to f g ij.;  of the extract, prepared  by eva-
porating the tincture or infusion, 10 to 15 grains.

            LOGWOOD—HiEMATOXYLON.

  From what tree is this derived ?
  From the  Haimatoxylon  Campechianum, a tree  of
medium size, growing  wild  in Campeachy, and other
parts of tropical America, and naturalized  in Jamaica.
  In what  state does the wood exist in commerce, and
in the shops? 
ASTRINGENTS.
29
  It is imported in the form of billets, deprived of the
sap-wood, and  kept in the shops for medical use, in
the state of chips or coarse powder.
  What are its sensible properties, and its relations to
water and alcohol ?
  It is of a deep red color, becoming dark  by expo-
sure, of a faint  agreeable odor, and of  a sweetish
astringent taste.   It  yields its  virtues to water and
alcohol.
  What is its characteristic ingredient?
  A peculiar coloring principle, called hematin, which
is also dissolved by water and alcohol, and imparts to
the solutions, a fine purple color.
  What are its medical properties and uses ?
  It is  a  mild astringent, given  in  chronic  diarrhcea
and dysentery, and in cholera  infantum, after the ac-
tive stage has subsided.
  How is it given, and what is the dose?
  Given in  decoction and extract.   Decoction pre-
pared  by  boiling,  g j. of the  rasped wood in Oij. of
water, down to Oj.  Dose, f g j. to f g ij.  Dose of the
extract, 10 to 30 grains.

             CRANESBILL.—GERANIUM.

  What is cranesbill, officinally ?
  It is the root of the Geranium maculatum, an herb-
aceous, perennial plant, growing in the woods, in every
part of  the United  States.
  What are the physical  properties of the root ?
  In the dried state, it is in pieces from  one to  two
inches in  length, and from a quarter to  half an inch
in  diameter; contorted,  wrinkled,  tuberculated  and
beset with  slender fibres, of an umber-brown color,
externally;  reddish-gray  internally.   It  is inodorous,
but has an  astringent taste,  devoid  of  bitterness or
other unpleasant flavor.
   What are its relations to water and alcohol ?
  They extract its virtues, which depend upon  tannin.
            3* 
30                 ASTRINGENTS.

  What is its character as an astringent ?
  It is one of our  best and most efficient indigenous
astringents, and in consequence of no unpleasant taste,
it is well adapted to cases of children, and persons with
delicate stomachs.
  What are some  particular diseases in which it  has
been given with benefit ?
  Diarrhoea,  chronic dysentery, the latter stages of
cholera infantum, and hemorrhages; as  an application
to indolent ulcers; as an injection in gleet and leucor-
rhoea, and  as a gargle in relaxed uvula, and aphthous
ulcerations of the throat.
  What are the forms of administration, and the dose
of each?
  Given in powder and decoction.   Dose of the pow-
der, 20 to  30 grains.  Of the decoction, made by boil-
ing g j. in Ojss. to Oj. f g j. to f g ij.  It is sometimes
boiled  in milk, for children.
       BLACKBERRY-ROOT.—RUBUS VILLOSUS.
       DEWBERRY-ROOT.—RUBUS TRIVIALIS.

  What is the character of these plants ?
  The former is an  erect  prickly shrub; the latter, a
creeping briar; both of which  are  very common in
the United States,  their berries  being much used  for
food.
  What is their active principle, and in what part of
the root does  it reside ?
  The active  ingredient  is tannin,  which  resides
chiefly in  the cortical portion, consequently, the small-
est roots are the best.
  Wh^at are their medical properties and uses ?
   They are slightly tonic and strongly  astringent.
Given in chronic diarrhoea, &c.
  How are they given, and what is  the  dose?
  They are usually given  in  decoction, prepared  by
boiling g j. of the small roots, or the bark of the larger
ones, in Ojss. of water,  to Oj., and  given  in the dose
of f g j. or  g ij.  Dose of the powder, 20 to 30 grains. 
ASTRINGENTS.
31
                     UVA URSI.

   What is this officinally ?
   The leaves of the Arbutus Uva Ursi, or bearberry, a
small trailing, evergreen shrub, growing in the north-
ern latitudes  of the old and  new continents, and  in
the United States, as far south as New Jersey.
   What are the physical properties of the dried leaves?
   They are thick and coriaceous, with entire rounded
margins, smooth, shining, and of a dark green  color,
on the upper surface ; paler and reticulated  beneath.
Their taste is bitterish  and  astringent, followed by a
sense of sweetness.   They  are inodorous when fresh,
but emit  a faint  odor  when dried  and pulverized,
somewhat similar to that of  hay.
   What are the  peculiarities by which they may be
distinguished  from other leaves, with which they are
sometimes adulterated?
   Their entire edges and reticulated  under surfaces,
together with their taste, will  enable  us to distinguish
them from those of the  Vaccinium Vitis Idcea,  or red
lohortleberry, and  the  common  box leaf, which are
the most  common adulterations; the  former of which
are sometimes minutely toothed on  their edges; and
dotted on their under surface ; while both are deficient
in astringency.
   What are its active ingredients, and its relations to
water and alcohol ?
   They owe  their virtues to tannin and bitter extract,
which they impart to water and alcohol.
   What are its medical properties and uses ?
   It is astringent and tonic, possessing, it is thought, a
specific tendency to the urinary organs, for the diseases
of which it is principally given, such as gravel, chronic
nephritis, ulceration of the  kidneys and bladder,  dia-
betes, catarrh of the bladder, (fee.
   What are the forms of administration, and the dose
of each?
   It is given in powder and decoction.  Dose  of  the 
32
ASTRINGENTS.
powder, from 20 to 60 grains ; of the decoction, made
by boiling  gj. in  Ojss., down  to  Oj.  fgj. to  fgij.,
repeated 3 or 4 times a day.

            PIPSISSEWA.—CHIMAPHILA.

  WThat is pipsissewa ?
  The leaves of the Chimaphila umbellata, or winter
green.
  What is the character of this plant, and where does
it grow ?
  It is  a small, beautiful  evergreen, growing in the
northern parts of Europe and Asia, and in all parts of
the United  States.
  How may the leaves be distinguished from the uva
ursi, with which they  are sometimes mixed?
  By their greater length, their cuneiform  or wedge
shape, and  their serrated edges.
  What are their sensible properties ?
  The  fresh leaves,  when bruised, emit  a peculiar
odor; their taste is bitter, astringent  and somewhat
sweetish.
  What are their active principles, and their relations
to water and alcohol ?
  Their active ingredients are tannin and bitter ex-
tractive, both of which are dissolved by boiling water,
and by alcohol.
  What are the medical properties and therapeutical
applications of pipsissewa?
  It is  diuretic, tonic and  astringent, and  has been
advantageously used in dropsies, especially when at-
tended with debility and disordered digestion.   It has
also been used, it  is said, with benefit in scrofula, and
in all those nephritic  affections, in which uva  ursi is
recommended.
  How is it given, and what is the dose ?
  It is  usually given in  decoction, made by boiling
 g ij. in Oiij. to Oij., the half of which may be taken
in the course of 24 hours.  The watery extract  may 
ASTRINGENTS.
33
be given in the dose of 20 or 30 grains, 3 or 4 times
a day.
  What other vegetable substances are occasionally
used for their astringency?
  The rind of the pomegranate, (granatum,) the pe-
tals of the red rose, (rosa gallica,) the bark and unripe
fruit of the persimmon, (Diospyros Virginiana,) tor-
mentil,  or  the root of the  Tormentitta erecta,  and
bistort, or the root of the Polygonum Bistorta.
  What are the  officinal preparations of red roses—
Rosa Gallica ?
  The two most important, are the confection of roses,
(confectio rosae,) and the compound  infusion of roses,
(infusum rosae compositum.)
  What are the uses of these ?
  The  confection is chiefly used  in the formation of
pills.  The compound infusion, which  is refrigerant
and  astringent, owing  to the small proportion of sul-
phuric acid it  contains, is sometimes used as a drink,
in hemorrhages  and colliquative sweats;  but  it is
more frequently  employed as  a vehicle for sulphate
of magnesia and  other saline  medicines, the taste of
which it partly covers.
   What are the  uses of rose water, (aqua  rosae,) an
officinal preparation of the Rosa centifolia, or hundred
leaved rose ?
  It is used in connection with other substances, as a
lotion for the eyes and other parts, on account of  its
pleasant odor.
  What are the  remedial uses of the unguentum
aquai rosce, prepared from it?
  It is much employed under the name of cold cream,
as a  cooling application to irritated and excoriated sur-
faces, and to chapped lips and hands.

             2.—Mineral Astringents.
  What mineral  substances aie used chiefly for their
astringency ?
  Alum, and some of  the preparations of lead. 
34
ASTRINGENTS.
                  ALUM.—ALUMEN.

  What is alum, chemically ?
  It is a double salt, consisting of sulphate of alumina
and potassa.
  What are its sources ?
  It sometimes occurs native, but  is more frequently
prepared from  alum ores, which contain some or all
of its constituents, or by  the direct  combination of its
constituents.
  What are its physical properties ?
   It crystalizes in  regular oclohedrons, but  as  met
with in the shops, it is  usually in crystaline  masses,
which are transparent, colorless, inodorous, and of a
sweetish astringent taste.
  What are the effects of exposure to the air  and to
heat ?
  It effloresces slightly, in the air, and when exposed
to heat,  it first melts in its  water of crystalization,
then parts with it, and is converted into a white porous
mass, constituting the officinal dried alum.   By a red
heat, part of the sulphuric acid is driven off, and a
mixture  of  sulphate of potassa and pure alumina
remains.
  What is its relation to water ?
  It is dissolved  by  cold, but  more readily by boiling
water.
  What arc its chemical incompatibles ?
  The alkalies and their carbonates ;  lime and mag-
nesia, and their  carbonates;  tartrate  of  potassa,  and
acetate of lead.
  What is its character as an  astringent, and its thera-
peutical applications as such ?
  It possesses  the property of astringency, in a high
degree, for which it is used, both internally and exter-
nally.   Internally administered, it has  been found
useful in  chronic diarrhoea  and dysentery—in  passive
hemorrhages—in  atonic mucous discharges—in the
colliquative sweatings of hectic, and  in  colica picto- 
ASTRINGENTS.
35
num, &c.  As a topical application, it is used to arrest
hemorrhages from minute vessels; as from leech bites
—in epistaxis—in menorrhagia, &c. In inflammatory
affections of the, throat, it is much used  as  a gargle,
prepared with  water, vinegar and honey ; and in the
early stages of  the inflammatory sore throat of scarla-
tina, measles and small  pox,  it  has  proved useful,
applied in the form  of powder, either  by  means of
the finger, or by insufflation.   As a collyrium, it  is
used in  chronic ophthalmia, and as an  injection, in
gleet and fluor  albus.
  What  are the modes of administration  ?
  It is given in  powder, pill  or  solution, and some-
times in the form of  alum whey, prepared by boiling
 3 ij. of powdered alum in Oj. of milk, and straining.
  What  is  the dose ?
  Dose,  in substance,  from 5 to 20 grains; of the
whey,  a  wine glass  full.  The gargle made in the
proportion  of 15  to  20 grains to the fluidounce of
water.
  What is alum cataplasm, and its remedial  use ?
  It is a coagulum, formed by  rubbing alum with the
whites of eggs; used as an astringent application, in
chronic and purulent ophthalmia, placed over the eye,
between folds of  linen.
  What is alum curd, and its use ?
  It is a coagulum, formed with milk;  used some-
times as  a  substitute for the cataplasm.

                 LEAD—PLUMBUM.

   What are the effects  of lead, on the system ?
   In the metallic state, it is considered inert, but in its
various preparations, it is astringent and sedative.
   What are the poisonous effects  of its  preparations ?
   In small doses, long  continued, they pioduce a pe-
culiar  spasmodic colic, called  lead colic, and  partial
paralysis, which  depend  upon their absorption.  In
large doses, they act locally, as irritant poisons, and  in 
36
ASTRINGENTS.
 consequence  of the  irritation produced, absorption is
 retarded, and the peculiar poisonous  impression of
 lead, less apt to result.
   How are its poisonous effects best counteracted?
   By the administration of opium and  sulphate of
 magnesia, or sulphate of soda; the former  allays the
 spasm and pain in the bowels, while the latter evacu-
 ates them, and, at the same time, acts as an antidote,
 by converting any portion of the  preparation, remain-
 ing in the bowels, into a sulphate which is  insoluble,
 and consequently inactive.
   What are the preparations of lead mostly used ?
   Litharge, or the semivitrified oxide ;  the carbonate,
 the acetate and the subacetate.

     LITHARGE.—PLUMBI OXIDUM SEMIVITREUM.
        \
   What is litharge,  chemically,  and how  is  it pre-
 pared ?
   It  is  the protoxide of lead, rendered crystaline by
 fusion.  It is obtained in the process  for  extracting
 silver from argentiferous galenas.   Argentiferous lead,
 or  an alloy  of silver and  lead is first extracted from
 the ore, which is then calcined in a current  of air,
 when the lead is converted into litharge, by oxidation
 and fusion.
   What are its physical  properties ?
   It is in small vitrified  scales, of a  red or yellow
 color, and without odor or taste.
   What are its impurities ?
   It usually contains copper, iron, silica and silver.
   What are its uses?
   It is never given internally.   Its chief use is in  the
preparation of the lead plaster, Emplastrum  Plumbi.
   How is this plaster prepared ?
   By boiling litharge with olive oil and water, over a
slow fire, constantly stirring, until the oil and litharge
unite in a plaster. 
ASTRINGENTS.
37
   What is the object of the water, in this process, and
what chemical changes are supposed to take place?
   Water is necessary to effect a union of the other
ingredients.  According to Chevreul, it is an instance
of saponification.   A  re-action of the constituents of
the oil, and  of a  small portion of the water, takes
place, by which a sweetish substance, called glycerin
and oleic, and  margaric acids, are formed : the acids
combine with the  oxide, and form a mixture of oleo-
margarate of lead,—the plaster.
   What are its medicinal and pharmaceutical uses?
  Lead plaster, or  diachylon, as it is frequently  called,
is used to retain the edges of fresh wounds in contact,
and to  protect them from  the action of the air; but
chiefly in the preparation of other plasters, in  many
of which it exists as the basis.

    CARBONATE OF LEAD.—PLUMBI CARBON AS.

  By what other name is this preparation called?
   White lead, and sometimes ceruse.
  How is it prepared.
   It is  prepared by two methods.   One  consists  in
passing  carbonic acid through a solution of subacetate
of lead,  when  the carbonic  acid  combines with  the
excess of protoxide to  form the  carbonate,  which pre-
cipitates and leaves a neutral acetate in solution. The
other  method, which is practiced on a  large scale  in
the United States,  consists in  exposing plates of lead
to  the fumes of vinegar or acetic acid.
   What are its physical  properties and its  relation  to
water ?
   It is in the form of a heavy, white opaque  powder
or lumps, devoid of odor or taste,  and is insoluble in
water.
   What are its medical properties and uses ?
   It is said to be astringent and sedative, but being the
most  poisonous preparation of lead, it is never given
internally: externally it is sometimes used as a  topical
           4 
38
ASTRINGENTS.
 application in neuralgia, and to ulcerated and excori-
 ated parts;  applied usually in  the form of ointment
 or cerate; sometimes  the  powder is sprinkled on  the
 part.
   What are the uses of the officinal plaster—Emplas-
 trum Plumbi Carbonatis?
   It is used  as an application to  inflamed and  excori-
 ated surfaces, as those occurring  on the back and hips
 from long confinement in one position.

        ACETATE OF LEAD.—PLUMBI ACETAS.

   What is the common name for this preparation, and
 how is it prepared ?
   Commonly called sugar of lead.   Prepared by two
 methods—one consists in  dissolving litharge  in dis-
 tilled vinegar, by the  aid  of heat, and  ciystalizing
 the solution; by  the other, a solution  of this salt is
 obtained by the combined action of  the  air and  vine-
 gar  upon plates  of  lead—the  plates  being partly
 immersed in vinegar and occasionally  turned,  so as to
 expose them alternately to  the action of  the air and of
 the vinegar.
   What are its physical properties ?
   It is a white salt, crystalized in prismatic needles,
 with dihedral summits.  It has an acetous odor and a
 sweetish astringent taste.
   What is its chemical composition ?
   It consists of 1 eq. of acetic acid, 1 of protoxide of
 lead, and 3 of water.
   How is it affected  by exposure to the air?
   It effloresces slowly in the air.
   What are its relations to water and alcohol ?
   It is dissolved by water and alcohol; forming  with
the first, a  turbid  solution, owing to the  carbonic acid
it contains.   This may be prevented by the addition
of a small quantity of  vinegar.
   What are its incompatibles ?
   It is incompatible with all  acids and  many salts; 
ASTRINGENTS.
39
with the alkalies, lime  water,  vegetable astringents,
mucilage and many other substances.
   What are its medical properties and therapeutical
applications ?
   It is powerfully  astringent and sedative, and may
be given in  medical doses,  not too long continued,
without risk of  producing poisonous  effects.  It is
much  used, either alone or combined with  opium, in
hemorrhages, dysentery, diarrhoea,  cholera infantum,
&c.  In solution, it is used as a topical application in
superficial inflammation, as injection in gonorrhoea, gleet
and leucorrhosa, and as a collyrium in ophthalmia when
unaccompanied  with ulceration of  the cornea; other-
wise, it is  apt to be deposited in the ulcers and leave
an indelible stain.
   What is the dose and mode of administration?
   Medium dose, 2 grains, repeated several times a day;
 usually given in pills, sometimes in water,  acidulated
 with vinegar.  Strength of the solution as a collyrium,
 1 or 2  grains to f § j of  water; of the  injection, from
 2 to 5  grains to the fluidounce, and as a lotion for the
 sound  skin, 3 ij to Oj.
 SOLUTION OF SUBACETATE OF LEAD.—LIQUOR PLUMBI
                    SUBACETATIS.

    What  is the common name of this solution, and
 what is the mode of preparation?
    It is commonly called Goulard's  extract of lead.
 Prepared by boiling  a mixture in due  proportions of
 acetate of  lead, litharge and distilled  water.   The
 acetic  acid combines with an additional portion of the
 oxide  to form the subacetate.
    What are its  sensible properties?
    It  is a  colorless liquid, of an acetous  odor and a
  sweetish astringent taste.
    What are the effects of exposure?
    It attracts carbonic acid from the air, and deposits
  a  white precipitate  of carbonate  of  lead;  hence  it
  should be kept in well stopped bottles. 
40
TONICS.
  What are its remedial uses ?
  It is used only as an external application, in sprains,
bruises, burns, blisters, &-c, applied by means of linen
cloths kept constantly wet.
  What is the proper strength for use ?
  It is too strong and should aways be diluted ; f 3 ij.
or f 3 iij., may be added to Oj. of distilled water.
  What are the  uses of the  cerate of subacetate of
lead— Ceratum Plumbi Subacetatis ?
  Goulard's cerate,  as it is  commonly  called,  is a
useful  application to  blistered surfaces  indisposed to
heal; to burns, scalds, chilblains and some cutaneous
eruptions.
  What  other mineral  preparations are  frequently
employed for their astringency ?
  The sulphates  of zinc, iron  and copper, &c,  but
these possess also tonic properties and  are  treated of
under that head.
                 II. TONICS.

  What are tonics ?
  They are moderately excitant substances,  the con-
tinued administration of which  imparts  strength and
vigor to the debilitated system.
  What is their modus operandi 9
  Operating  upon the  vital  principle, they  increase
the energies of the digestive organs, and  through  the
medium  of the  nerves  or blood-vessels,  impart vigor
to the whole system.
  In what conditions of the system are they  likely to
prove useful, and hurtful?
  The moderate but  permanent  excitement  which
they produce, render them useful in relaxation and de-
bility, and hurtful in  diseases of excitement  and in a
state of health;  as all excitement above the standard
of health is followed by a corresponding depression. 
                     TONICS.                    41

  How are tonics divided ?
  Into vegetable and mineral, according to the king-
doms from which they were originally derived.
  To what principles do they owe their tonic powers?
  The virtues of most vegetable tonics depend upon
bitter extractive, or upon a principle possessing bitter-
ness.   Mineral tonics have no principle in common, to
which their tonic property may be ascribed.

               1.  Vegetable  Tonics.

  What is Dr.  Wood's division of these ?
  He divides  them into  1., pure bitters; 2, bitters of
peculiar or modified properties ;  and 3, aromatics.

                 1. PURE  BITTERS.

   What are the effects of these  on the system ?
   In  moderate doses, they increase the appetite and
 promote  digestion, without exerting much influence
 over  either the circulatory or  nervous  systems.  In
 large doses, they sometimes purge and vomit.
   What are the articles composing this division ?
    Quassia,  simaruba  bark,   goldthread, gentian,
 American centaury and columbo.

                      QUASSIA.

   What is quassia officinally ?
  The wood of the  Quassia excelsa and Quassia amara
 —the former  a tall tree, sometimes 100  feet high,
 growing in Jamaica and other  West India islands;
 the latter a small tree or shrub inhabiting Surinam.
   From  which  of  these  trees  is  quassia  chiefly
 obtained?
   From the Quassia excelsa.
   What are iis physical properties ?
   It is  imported in cylindrical  billets of various sizes,
 frequently covered with a smooth whitish brittle bark.
            4* 
 42            #        TONICS.

 The  wood is  light, of a pale-yellow color, inodorous
 and of an intensely bitter  taste.   It  is kept in the
 shops split into small pieces, or rasped.
   What is its active ingredient, and its solubility in
 water and alcohol ?
   Active  principle,  bitter  extractive, called quassin,
 which is extracted by water and alcohol.
   What are  its medical  properties and  therapeutical
 applications ?
   It is one of the most  efficient  of the pure bitters,
 and may be given in all cases requiring a simple tonic
 impression.  Much used in dyspepsia, depending on
 atony of the digestive organs.
   What are the  forms of administration, and the dose
 of each?
   Given in infusion,  extract and tincture.   Infusion,
 made in the proportions of  3 ij. to Oj. of cold  water;
 dose f g ij. 3 or  4 times  a day; dose of the  extract,
 from 2 to 5 grains ; of the tincture, f 3 j. to  f 3 ij.

                     SIMARUBA.

   What is this officinally ?
   The bark of the root of the  Quassia Simaruba.
   What are its medical properties and uses.
   It is similar  in properties to quassia, and may  be
given for the same purposes.   It is seldom  employed
in this country; formerly much  used in Fiance in
dysentery and diarrhoea.
   How is it given, and in what dose ?
   Best given  in infusion  made in the proportion of
 3 ij. or  3 iij. to Oj of boiling water, dose f g ij.: dose
of the powder, from a scruple to a.drachm.

               GOLDTHREAD.—COPTIS.
   What is this officinally ?
   The root of the Coptis trifolia.
   What is the character of this plant, and place of
growth ? 
TONICS.
43
  It is a small  evergreen, with threadlike,  orange-
yellow roots, much  resembling the strawberry in ap-
pearance.  It inhabits the northern latitudes  of Asia
and  America, and abounds in  Canada and the New
England States.
  What  are its medical properties and uses?
  It is a simple  bitter, closely resembling quassia in
medical properties, and  may be given in  similar cases.
  What  are the forms of  administration, and the dose
of each?
  It may be given in substance, infusion  or tincture.
Dose of  the powder, from 10 to  30 grains; of  the
infusion, made in the proportion of  g j. to Oj. of boil-
ing water, f g j. to f g ij.;  of the tincture made in the
same proportions, f 3 j.  to f 3 ij.
               GENTIAN.—GENTIANA.

  What  is gentian officinally ?
  It is the root of the Gentiana lutea.
  What is the  character of this plant, and  place of
growth ?
  It is a beautiful plant, from 3 to 4 feet high, bearing
large yellow flowers, which  appear in July.   It  is a
native of the mountainous regions of Central Europe.
  What are the physical properties  of  the  root  as
found in the shops ?
  It is in pieces  of various sizes; sometimes split lon-
gitudinally, with a wrinkled grayish-brown epidermis,
yellowish within, and of a soft spongy texture.   Its
odor is faint but peculiar,  and its taste at first sweetish,
afterwards intensely  bitter.  It  affords  a yellowish
powder.
  What are its relations to water and alcohol?
  These solvents extract its virtues,  which according
to Henry and Caventou,  depend on a peculiar  crys-
talizable principle,  called  by them gentianin; but
this has been since  found to be  impure and not the
active bitter principle which  remains yet  to be sepa-
rated. 
44
TONICS.
   What are its medical properties and uses ?
   It is an excellent bitter tonic, more  generally em-
ployed  than  any  other of the  same class.  In very
large doses it has been known to vomit  and purge.
The diseases in which it has proved useful, are  atonic
dyspepsia, gout, amenorrhoea, hysteria,  scrofula, diar-
rhoea, worms, &c.
   What are the forms of administration, and the dose
of each?
   It is seldom  given in powder, usually in the form
of infusion, tincture  or extract.  Dose of the powder,
from 10 to 30 grains; of the infusion,  made with g ss.
to Oj. of water, f gj. to f g ij.;  dose  of the  tincture,
f 3 j. to f 3 ij ;  of the extract, 5  to 30 grains.   There
is an  officinal compound infusion,  which  may  be
given in the dose of  f § j.
         AMERICAN  CENTAURY—SABBATIA.

   What is  the  character of this plant,  and  place of
growth ?
   The Sabbatia angularis or American centaury,  is
an annual herbaceous  plant,  with an  erect  stem from
one  to two feet high, and grows  abundantly in the
Middle and Southern States, in low grounds ;  flower-
ing in July and August.
   At what season should the  herb be collected ?
   Whilst in flower.
   What are its  sensible properties, and its relations to
water and alcohol ?
   Its taste is  purely and  strongly bitter;  and  its  vir-
tues are extracted, both by water and  alcohol.
   What are its  medical properties and uses ?
   It is  analogous, in its action, to the  other simple
bitters, and has been given in the apyrexia of inter-
mittents, in slow convalescence from acute diseases,
dyspepsia, &c.
  How is it best given, and what is the dose ?
   Best  given in infusion, made with   gj. to Oj. of
boiling water.   Dose, f g ij. 
TONICS.
45
               COLUMBO.—COLOMBA.

   What is columbo, officinally ?
   The  root of  the Cocculus  paimatus,  a climbing
plant inhabiting the thick forests of Mozambique.
   How  is the root prepared  for market, and  from
whence is it imported ?
   The roots are dug up in March, and the offsets from
the main root, the part used, are cut  into transverse
slices and dried in the shade.  It is sent  by the Por-
tuguese, from the south-east of Africa, to India, and
then distributed to various parts of the  world.
   What are its physical properties, as met  with in our
shops ?
   It is in flat, circular pieces, from 3 to 10 lines thick,
and from half an inch to three  inches in  diameter.
The pieces consist of a  brownish, wrinkled epidermis,
a  thick, yellowish inner bark, and a  light, spongy,
grayish-yellow central  portion,  which is  depressed,
from  the shrinking during drying, and  frequently
marked with concentric circles and radiating lines.  It
has a feeble aromatic odor, and a strong, purely bitter
taste, which is greater in  the cortical than in the cen-
tral portion.   The pieces are brittle, easily pulverized,
and affords a greenish-yellow powder.
   What are its chemical properties ?
   It contains a crystaline, very bitter principle, called
colombin,  on  which  its  tonic  properties depend:
about one-third of its  weight of starch, mucilage, a
trace of volatile oil, &c.  Boiling water and alcohol
extract its virtues.
   What are  its medical  properties and therapeutical
application ?
   It is one of the best bitter tonics, and may be given
in all cases in which the  simple  bitters are indicated.
It is  frequently associated in  prescription, with other
tonics, with aromatics, mild  purgatives and antacids;
and an infusion made  with columbo, ginger and
senna, is highly spoken of by Dr. Wood, as a remedy 
46
TONICS.
for the permanent cure of a disposition to flatulent
accumulations in the bowels.
   What are the forms of administration, and the dose
of each?
   It is given in powder, infusion and tincture.  Dose
of the powder, 10 to 30 grains.  The  infusion is pre-
pared by  macerating  half  an ounce in a pint of  boil-
ing water, which dissolves also a portion  of starch, and
causes the infusion to spoil  very  soon;  hence  the
Edinburgh College directs  it to  be made  with cold
water, by percolation.   Dose of  the  infusion, from
f § j. to f g ij. ;  of the tincture, f 3 j. to f 3 ij.

2. BITTERS OF PECULIAR OR MODIFIED  PROPERTIES.

   How are these divided ?
   " Into 1. Those having a peculiar alkaline princi-
ple, as Peruvian bark.  2. Those in which the bitter
principle  is modified  by combination  with a sedative
principle,  as wild  cherry bark.  And 3.   Those  in
which it is associated with a stimulant principle, usu-
ally  a volatile oil, as serpentaria."

           Peruvian bark.—cinchona.

   What are the sources of Peruvian bark ?
   It is derived from  different species of  Cinchona,
tall shrubs or large forest trees, inhabiting the Andes,
from 11°  N. L., to 20° S. L.
   What are the officinal  varieties  of bark, and  the
botanical  origin  of  each ?
   There  are three officinal varieties :—1, pale bark ;
2, yellow  bark ; and 3, red bark.  The  exact species
from which these varieties  are respectively derived, is
unknown; though the London College refers the pale
bark to the C. lancifolia, the yellow to  the C. cordi-
folia, and the red to the  C.  oblongifolia.
   From whence are the officinal  barks imported ?
   From the Pacific ports of South America. 
TONICS.
47
  What are Carthagena barks ?
  This name is applied to all those inferior  varieties,
which are brought from the northern Atlantic ports of
South America.
   1.  Pale bark.— Cinchona  pallida.  What origi-
nated this name, and by what other title is this variety
frequently called ?
  The epithet pale is derived  from the color of the
powder, and  that of gray, by which the French dis-
tinguish  this variety, from the color of the epidermis.
The pale barks are also known, in commerce, by the
name of Loxa barks ; and  those of superior  quality
are sometimes called crown bark of Loxa.
  What are the physical properties of pale bark ?
  It  is met  with in the shops, in the form  of quills,
either single or  double, from a few  inches  to a foot
and a half in  length, from two lines to an inch in
diameter, and from  a half to  two or three lines in
thickness.  The epidermis, which is  always present,
is of a grayish color, owing to the lichens which  cover
it, and is usually marked with circular and longitudi-
nal fissures.   The interior  surface  of the quills is
smooth, and  of a cinnamon-brown color.  The  pow-
der is of  a pale-fawn color.  Its odor is feeble, and its
taste  moderately  bitter, and somewhat  aromatic and
astringent.
  2.  Yellow bark.—Cinchona flava.  What  is this
variety commonly called, in commerce ?
   Calisaya bark ; and by the French, royal yellow
bark.
   What  are the varieties of  yellow bark, and the
physical properties of each ?
  The varieties are two:—the quilled and the flat;
the former occurs in commerce, in pieces from half a
foot to a foot and a half long, from  half an inch to
two or three inches  in diameter, and from two to six
lines in thickness.  The epidermis, which is partially
covered with grayish-white lichens, is rough, wrinkled
longitudinally, furrowed transversely, easily  separable 
4S
TONICS.
 from the proper bark, and  yields, when pulverized
 separately, a dark red  powder, which is tasteless and
 inert.   The flat pieces, like  the  quilled, are of vari-
 ous lengths, from 1 to 4 inches broad, and generally
 freed of  their epidermis.  Both  sorts break  with  a
 fibrous, splintery fracture,  are of a  brownish-yellow
 color within  and without, when  deprived of the epi-
 dermis, and yield an orange-yellow powder.   Its taste
 is less  astringent than that  of the pale variety, but
 more bitter and nauseous.
   What is the relative strength of the quilled and flat
 varieties, and what the supposed cause of their physi-
 cal differences ?
   The flat variety, though  weaker than the bark pro-
 per  of the quilled,  yields  a  larger per cent,  of the
 active principles, because free from epidermis.   The
 cause of their most striking difference, is  supposed to
 be owing  to the quills being derived from the  small
 branches, and the flat  pieces  from the large ones and
 from the trunks.
  3. Red  bark.— Cinchona rubra.   What are the
 physical properties of this variety ?
  Like yellow bark, it is imported  in quills  and flat
 pieces ; the quills  being about the  same size, while
 the flat pieces are sometimes  very large and thick as
 if derived from the  trunk  of a tree.   They are
 covered  with a reddish-brown,  sometimes  giayish
 epidermis,  which is rough, wrinkled,  furrowed and
 often warty.   The powder  is  of a pale  reddish-brown
 color; the odor  feebly aromatic,  and the taste  bitter
 and astringent.
  What are the varieties of  Carthagena barks, and
 the signs by which they may be distinguished from
 the officinal varieties?
  There are several varieties, as  the yellow Cartha-
gena bark, the brown  Carthagena bark, the red Car-
thagena bark, &c.   The  following  marks, among
 others, will distinguish them : their whitish, smooth, mi-
 caceous epidermis; their  less bitter and more disagree- 
TONICS.
49
able  taste,  and  the comparative  small quantity  of
alkaline matter which they contain.
   What are the  chemical properties, and chemical
differences of the several varieties of bark ?
   The most important  ingredients of bark  and those
upon which its virtues chiefly depend, are two peculiar
alkalies, quinia  and cinchonia, which exist in combi-
nation  with kinic acid:  the other constituents  are
tannin, two peculiar coloring  matters called  cinchonic
red and cinchonic yellow, fatty matter, kinate of lime,
starch, lignin and gum, in  the pale  barks.   The three
officinal varieties of bark differ much in the proportion
of the alkaloids they  contain : thus quinia predom-
inates in yellow bark, cinchonia  in pale  bark, while
they are contained in  nearly  equal proportions in red
bark.
   Quinia  and  Cinchonia.  What are  the physical
properties of these alkalies,  and their chemical rela-
tions ?
   Quinia, when pure, is a white amorphous powder,
inodorous and of a very bitter taste; is almost insolu-
ble in water, very soluble in alcohol, soluble in  ether
and the fixed and volatile oils.  Cinchonia  is a white
chrystaline  substance, nearly  insoluble  in  cold,  but
slightly soluble in boiling water;  less soluble in alco-
hol, ether and the oils,  than  quinia, and  has a taste
less bitter.   They both form salts  with acids, the  tar-
trates, gallates and  oxalates; being insoluble in cold
water, unless the acid be in excess.
   With what substances is bark incompatible ?
   With the alkalies and  alkaline earths,  and with
all vegetable tinctures, infusions and decoctions, con-
taining  tannic acid;  the  former, precipitating  the
alkaline principles  in  a  separate  state;  the  latter,
forming with them insoluble tannates.   Other sub-
stances may form precipitates with its inert ingredients,
and not incompatible in  prescription.
   What are its effects on the system ?
  It  is  eminently tonic, and  by its peculiar excitant
            5 
50
TONICS.
action  on the nervous system, is antiperiodic.   In
large doses it sometimes produces nausea and vomiting,
and not unfrequently  purges.  Given so as to bring
the system under its full  influence, it produces  a feel-
ing of  tension or fullness in the head, with ringing in
the ears and partial deafness.
  What  are its  therapeutical  applications, both  as
a tonic, and  as an  antiperiodic?
  As  a tonic, bark and its  various  preparations  are
more highly  esteemed and generally employed, than
any other article of the Materia Medica.  It may be
given in  all conditions  of the system requiring  the
use of  tonics,  provided  the stomach and  digestive
organs  be not  in an  irritable  condition:   as  in  the
latter stages of typhus  gravior, and malignant  scarla-
tina, in the  suppurative  stage  of  small pox and car-
buncle, and  in all  other cases in which the system is
exhausted from  large purulent  discharges, in gangre-
nous erysipelas, in convalescence from acute diseases,
in scrofula, dropsy, passive  hemorrhages,  dyspepsia,
hysteria, amenorrhoea,  (fee.   As an antiperiodic, it is
the most efficacious;  given  in  intermittent fevers, in
remittent fevers, with decided remissions, and in neu-
ralgic  affections,  rheumatism,  headache,  amaurosis,
stricture, epilepsy, <fec, recurring  at regular intervals.
  What are  the modes of administration, the advanta-
ges and disadvantages of each, and their  doses?
  It is given in powder, in  infusion, simple  and com-
pound, in decoction, tincture, simple and compound,
and in the form of extract.   The  form of powder  to
be  preferred, when a very  powerful impression  is
desired;  objectionable  on account of its disagreeable
taste and  its tendency to oppress and irritate the stom-
ach and bowels.   But given diffused in water or some
aromatic infusion ; often combined with opium, which
corrects its tendency to purge, and increases its anti-
periodic  powers.   Dose  from 10  to 30  grains; as a
tonic,  pale  bark preferred; red  or yellow bark, most
efficient as an antiperiodic; dose 3 j  , repeated  so that 
TONICS.
51
 g j. or more may be taken during the intermission.
  Infusion, (Infusum Cinchonai, made by macerating
 g j. in Oj. of boiling  water;  may be given as a tonic,
in the dose of  f g ij.  Not sufficiently potent as an
antiperiodic.
   Compound infusion, (Infusum Cinchonai Composi-
tum,) prepared  with  g j. to Oj. of cold water, acidu-
lated with f 3 j. of aromatic sulphuric acid, is a much
better  and more  efficient  preparation  than the last;
the sulphuric acid combining with the alkalies and
facilitating their  solution.  Dose f g ij.
   Decoction, (Decoctum  Cinchona,,)  prepared by
boiling gj. in  Oj. of water for  10 minutes in  a
covered vessel, may be given in the dose of f gj.  or
fgij.  This form is  objectionable, as the virtues  of
bark are injured by long boiling, and  even prepared
as above, insoluble  compounds are  formed, which
precipitate a  portion of the alkalies on  cooling, and
render the decoction turbid;  to obviate  this the addi-
tion of aromatic sulphuric acid is recommended.
   Tincture, (Tinctura Cinchonai,)—a  very strong
preparation, but seldom given alone, on account of
 the large proportion  of alcohol contained in  an ordi-
nary dose; usually given as an adjuvant to the  infu-
 sion or decoction, in the proportion of f 3 j- or f 3 ij., to
 f g ij. of either of these preparations.
   Compound tincture,  (Tinctura  Cinchonai  Com-
posita,)  which  contains orange peel,  Virginia snake-
 root, saffron and red  saunders, and commonly known
 by the name of Huxham's tincture of bark, is a more
 agreeable, but  less powerful  tonic than  the simple
 tincture, and  like it  is frequently associated with the
 infusion and decoction.  Dose, from f 3 j. to f g ss.
    Extract,  (Extractum  Cinchonai)— prepared  by
 means of water and alcohol; contains  most of the
 principles of  cinchona,  but  is seldom used since the
 introduction of sulphate  of  quinia  into  medicine.
 Dose, 10 to 30  grains.
   Sulphate of  Quinia.  How is  this salt prepared, 
52
TONICS.
and what are  its physical and  chemical  properties ?
  Yellow bark is boiled in water and muriatic acid,
by  wThich  a muriate  of  quinia is  formed;  lime is
added  to  the  decoction, which displaces  the quinia
and allows it to precipitate, by combining with  the
muriatic acid  to form a muriate of lime, which re-
mains in solution.  The precipitate  is washed in  dis-
tilled wTater, dried, and digested  in alcohol.  The
alcohol is then distilled off, and upon the brown viscid
mass remaining, sufficient sulphuric  acid, largely dilu-
ted with water, is added to saturate  the quinia.   To
this solution, animal charcoal is  added, to remove the
coloring matter,  and  after  the  liquor  is sufficiently
evaporated, it  is  filtered while  hot, and set  aside to
crystalize.   Sulphate  of  quinia is  in  fine,  flexible,
needle-like  crystals, perfectly white, inodorous,  and
has a very  bitter taste.   Exposed to the air,  it  efflores-
ces slightly; is fused by a moderate  heat, and decom-
posed by red heat.  It is very slightly soluble  in cold
water, more soluble in boiling water, and very soluble
in alcohol,  and in dilute acids.   It consists of  1 eq. of
sulphuric  acid, 2 of quinia, and  8 of water, conse-
quently it is a disulphate.
  With what substances is it incompatible ?
  With the alkalies,and their carbonates; lime-water,
tannin,  fne soluble  salts of lead, &c.
  What are the most common adulterations, and how
may they be detected ?
  Sulphate of lime, starch, sugar and mannite, which
may be detected by digesting  in alcohol,  when  the
sulphate of quinia is dissolved and the impurities left.
  What are the advantages of this preparation ?
  While it contains all, or nearly all, of the medicinal
virtues of cinchona, it possesses the several advantages
over it,  of being less apt to nauseate and oppress  the
stomach ; and when the condition of that  organ  for-
bids its  use by the mouth, it may be more effectually
employed endermically, and by the rectum,  it being 
TONICS.                   53
more speedily absoibed  in the former case, and more
easily retained in the latter.
  How is it administered, and what is the dose ?
  It is given in solution and pill;  the former, though
more  disagreeable, is  yet  to be  preferred when  a
speedy or energetic impression is desired.   Best given,
dissolved in water, acidulated with aromatic sulphuric
acid, and the bitter taste  left, annihilated by chewing
a piece  of bread or apple.  The pill is prepared with
powdered gum arabic and syrup.   Dose, as a tonic, I
grain, 3 or 4 times a day; as an antiperiodic, from 10
to 20 grains or more, may be taken in divided doses,
during  the  intermission.  More effectual when given
in large doses, say from 5 to 10 grains, or more  imme-
diately after the  paroxysm has passed off.  Three times
the ordinary dose may  be  administered, per  anum,
in a few ounces of some bland liquid, or  when  this
mode is impracticable, from  5 to 10 grains mixed with
an equal quantity of some mild powder, as arrow root,
may be sprinkled on the surface, denuded by a  blister.
12 grains are equivalent to  g j. of good bark.
  Impure Sulphate of  Quinia.   How is this obtain-
ed, and what is  its chemical nature ?
  Obtained by evaporating the mother waters, poured
off from  crystals  of sulphate of quinia.   It is  a mix-
ture of  the sulphates of quinia and cinchonia,  with a
peculiar )^ellowish matter.
  What is its medical character and dose ?
  It produces the same effects on the system  as the
sulphate of quinia, but is much weaker, and requires
to be given in double the dose.
   Sulphate of Cinchonia.   How is this salt obtained,
and what are its relative virtues, as a medicine ?
   It  may be obtained  from  pale bark, in the same
way that sulphate of quinia is  prepared from  yellow
bark.   It possesses the same medical properties as the
sulphate  of quinia,  and, it  is thought, in nearly or
quite an equal degree.   Dose and modes of  adminis-
tration, the same.
            *5 
54
TONICS.
           DOGWOOD—CORNUS FLORIDA.

  What  is the  character of this tree,  and  the  part
used in medicine?
  It is a  small indigenous tree, very abundant in  the
Middle States, beautifying the forest, in the month of
April, with its numerous, large, white blossoms.  The
bark, from every part  of the  tree,  is used,  but  that
from the  root is best.
  What  are  the physical  properties of the  bark, as
met with in the  shops, and its relations to water and
alcohol ?
  It is in pieces  of various sizes, more or less rolled,
sometimes  covered with a fawn-colored epidermis.   It
is very bitter, and affords a reddish-gray powder.   Its
odor is  feeble,  and its taste  bitter and  astringent.
Water and alcohol extract its virtues.
  What  are its medical properties and uses ?
  It is tonic, astringent and feebly antiperiodic ;  and
is sometimes given as a substitute for Peruvian bark.
  How is it given, and in what dose ?
  Given  in powder, infusion  and decoction.  Dose of
the powder,  5 j., repeated, so that  an  ounce or  two
may be taken during the apyrexia.   Dose of the de-
coction and infusion,  prepared in the proportion of
 gj. toOj.  fgij.

                 WILLOW.—SALIX.

   What  is this officinally ?
  The bark of the Salix alba or white willow, a small
tree introduced into this country from Europe.
  What  are  the physical and chemical  properties of
the dried bark ?
  It is in pieces, usually quilled, and covered  with a
grayish  epidermis.   It has a  bitter, astringent taste.
Water and alcohol extract its virtues, which depend
chiefly upon a peculiar crystaline  principle, called
salicin.  This, when  pure, is in  white, slender crys- 
TONICS.
55
tals, very bitter, soluble in water and alcohol, and is
devoid of alkaline properties.
  What are its medical properties and uses ?
   Willow bark is tonic and astringent, and has been
successfully used  as an antiperiodic.  Salicin resem-
bles the sulphate of quinia, in  medical properties,  for
which it has been extensively substituted in intermit-
tent fever.
  What is the dose and mode of administration ?
  Dose of the bark, same as  that of cinchona, given
in powder or  decoction.  Dose of salicin, as  a tonic,
gr.ij.; as an antiperiodic,  9j. or  9 ij. maybe  taken
in divided doses, during the intermission.

    WILD-CHERRY BARK—PRUNUS VIRGINIANA.

   What is the character of the tree, and the part that
yields the most active  bark ?
   The Prunus Virginiana varies  much in size, in
different places, being very large in Ohio, and of small
or medium size in the Eastern States.  Its  trunk is
covered with a dark  colored epidermis, which sepa-
rates  circularly.  Its flowers are small and white, and
its fruit globular, about the size of a pea, and, when
ripe,  of a shining blackish-purple color,  much used to
impart flavor to spiritous liquors.   The inner bark,
from  all parts of the tree, is used, but that  from  the
root is the strongest.
   What are  its physical  and chemical properties, as
kept in the shops ?
   It is in pieces of various sizes, of a bright cinnamon
color, and yields a fawn-colored powder.   Its taste is
agreeably bitter and aromatic, with the flavor of bitter-
almonds.  It imparts its sensible and  medical proper-
ties to water, both cold and  hot, forming an  infusion
of  the color of Madeira wine.   It is injured by boil-
ing, in consequence  of the volatilization of hydrocy-
anic  acid, its active ingredient.   This is generated  by
the re-action of water upon amygdalin, one of  the 
56
TONICS.
natural  constituents of  the bark.  It also contains
tannin and some other principle, probably phloridzin,
which gives it tonic powers.
  WThat are its  medical  properties, and  therapeutical
applications ?
  It is tonic, and also sedative, owing to the  hydro-
cyanic acid.   It  is much used in cases of debility,
associated with  irritation, as  in the hectic fever  of
consumption,  and  scrofula.   It is also occasionally
used as an antiperiodic, in intermittent fever, and as a
tonic, in cases of dyspepsia, &c.
  How is it best administered, and what is the  dose?
  Cold infusion the best form, made with  g ss. to Oj.
Dose, f g ij.,  3 or 4 times a  day.  Dose  of  the pow-
der,  3 ss.  to 3 j.

              CHAMOMILE.—ANTHEMIS.

  What is this officinally ?
  The flowers of the  Anthemis  nobilis.
  What is the character of this plant, and place of
growth ?
  It is a small herbaceous plant, the flowers of which
are single, with a yellow convex disk, and white rays.
It is  a native of Europe, and cultivated in this and
other countries.
  What  are the physical  and  chemical  properties of
the flowers, as found  in  our shops, and from  whence
are they imported ?
  They are usually double  from cultivation, of a yel-
lowish-white  color, of  a  fragrant  odor, and of  an
aromatic bitter taste.  Water and alcohol extract their
sensible and medical  properties, which depend on bit-
ter extractive  and volatile oil.   Imported from Germa-
ny and England.
  What   is the  difference  between the single  and
double flowers ?
  The single ones  are rather  stronger, as the  proper-
ties of the flowers  exist  in the greatest  degree in  the 
TONICS.
57
disk, which is not fully developed in the double ones.
  What are the medical properties and uses of cham-
omile ?
  In  small doses, it is  an aromatic, bitter tonic; in
large doses, emetic.  It is much used  in  the debility
of convalescence, and  in dyspepsia, depending  on a
want of tone  in  the digestive  organs.  Given, some-
times,  as an emetic, but more frequently to assist the
operation of other emetics.   Sometimes applied to the
abdomen  as fomentations, in cases of inflammation of
the abdominal viscera.
  How is it best administered, and  what is the dose ?
  Cold infusion  best  form,  as a tonic;   dose, f g ij.
Hot infusion, as an adjuvant to emetics, may be given
in large draughts.  Dose of  the powder,  3 ss. to 3j.
Decoction  and extract, objectionable  forms, as the
volatile oil is  partly driven off by the heat employed
in their preparation.

  THOROUGHWORT—EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM.

   What is the character of this plant, and the parts
used  in medicine ?
   Thoroughwort or boneset, is an indigenous, herba-
ceous, perennial plant, from three to five feet high, with
long  narrow  leaves,  perforated by the stems.   The
flowers are numerous, white, and appear in the middle
and latter part of the summer.   The tops and  leaves
are the parts used.
   What are its sensible properties, and  its  relations to
 water and alcohol ?
   It  has a  faint odor, and  a strong  bitter taste.  It
yields  its  virtues  to  water  and  alcohol, which are
 "thought to depend upon bitter extractive.
   What are its medical properties and uses ?
   It  is tonic, diaphoretic,  and, in large doses, emetic
 and cathartic.  Given in cases demanding the use of
 a tonic and diaphoretic.  Intermittent, remittent and 
5S
TONICS.
typhoid fevers, rheumatism, catarrh and dyspepsia, are
some of the diseases in which it is employed.
  How is it administered, and in what dose ?
  As a tonic, best given in powder or cold infusion.
Dose of the  former, 20 to 30  grains;  of the  latter,
made with g j. to Oj., f g ij., 3 or 4 times daily.   As
a diaphoretic, warm infusion, given in the same dose,
every 2 or 3 hours, and the patient remain covered in
bed.  As an emetic and cathartic, a cupful or two.

       VIRGINIA SNAKEROOT.—SERPENTARIA.

  What is the name and character of the plant  which
yields this medicine ?
  It is  derived from the Aristolochia Serpentaria, a
small  herbaceous,  perennial  plant, growing in  the
woods,  throughout  the Middle,  Southern and  West-
ern States.
  Where is the root collected, and what are its  physi-
cal and chemical properties, as brought into market ?
  Collected in western Pennsylvania and  Virginia, in
Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, and brought into market
in bales, mixed with the leaves and stems of the plant,
and with dirt.  The roots are in tufts of long slender
fibres, attached to a short knotty head, of a  yellowish
color when fresh, becoming brown by age, and  afford-
ing a grayish powder.  It has an aromatic, agreeable
odor, and  a warm, very bitter taste.  Water and alco-
hol extract its virtues, which depend on a bitter prin-
ciple and volatile oil.
   With what is it sometimes  adulterated ?
   The Spigelia Marilandica.
   What are its medical  properties and uses ?
   It is an excitant tonic, producing also, diaphoresis or
diuresis, according as it is  used.   Given in typhoid
fevers, when tonics are  indicated—in low  grades of
exanthematous diseases, to bring out the eruption—in
intermittent fevers, associated with barks, (fee.
   How is it given, and what is the dose ? 
TONICS.
59
  Given in powder, infusion  and tincture.  Dose of
the powder,  10 to 30 grains; of the infusion, made
with  gss. to Oj.,  fgj.,  or fgij.;  of  the tincture,
f 3 j. to f 3 ij.   Seldom given alone;  frequently added
to the infusion of cinchona.

                MYRRH.—MYRRHA.
   What is myrrh, and from what derived ?
  It is the concrete  juice of the  Balsamodendron
Myrrha, a small tree growing  in Arabia Felix.
  What are the varieties of myrrh, and from whence
are they imported ?
  There are  two varieties: India myrrh, and Turkey
myrrh ; the  former imported from  the  East Indies,
the latter  from the Levant.
   What are the physical and chemical  properties of
myrrh ?
   Turkey myrrh, the purest and best  variety, is  in
small  irregular tears or masses, of a reddish-yellow
color, translucent, brittle, and  breaking with a shining
fracture.   It has a strong, peculiar odor, and a bitter,
 somewhat acid taste.
   India  myrrh is of a darker color, and  often mixed
 with impurities.  Myrrh consists, chiefly, of gum, resin
 and volatile oil.  Water dissolves the gum only; alco-
 hol  the resin and volatile oil, its active ingredients, and
 consequently, is the best menstruum.
   What are  its medical properties and uses?
   It is a  stimulating tonic, with some tendency to the
 lungs.  Used in debility, particularly when attended
 with excessive secretions from the mucous membranes,
 as chronic catarrh,  humoral asthma, chronic diarrhoea,
 <fec.   Combined with the chalybeates, as in the form
 of Misturi Ferri Composita,  it is much used in chloro-
 sis, hysteria, and  in the hectic fevers of phthisis  and
 chronic catarrh; sometimes,  combined with aloes, in
 amenorrhoea.  Used  externally as a stimulant appli-
 cation  to  spongy  gums,  aphthous ulcerations of the
 mouth, throat, &c. 
60
TONICS.
         ANGUSTURA BARK—ANGUSTURA.

   From what tree  is  this bark  derived, and  from
whence imported ?
   It is obtained from the  Galipea officinalis, a small
tree growing in South  America.  It is  brought  from
the West Indies, packed in casks.
   What are its physical and chemical properties ?
   It  is  in  pieces of  various  sizes,  flat  or slightly
curved, with a soft yellowish-gray epidermis, of a  yel-
lowish-brown color, internally, and yields a pale-yellow
powder.   It has a peculiar, rather  unpleasant odor,
and a warm, bitter, somewhat acrid taste.  Water  and
alcohol extract its virtues, which depend, chiefly, on a
peculiar neutral bitter principle, named cusparin, and
partly on a volatile oil.
   What is the most  important  adulteration, and  how
may it be detected ?
   The bark of the Strychnos Nux vomica, formerly
called false Angustura.  This may be distinguished
from  the true  bark,  by its physical, as  well as its
chemical properties.  It is thicker and heavier, cover-
ed with  a  motley-white epidermis,  is without odor,
and has  an  intense,  very  permanent bitter taste.  It
does not become soft, like the  true Angustura, when
steeped in water, and contains a  poisonous, alkaline
principle, called  brucia.  The best chemical test is
nitric acid, which, when dropped on the internal  sur-
face, produces, in consequence of the brucia, a blood
red spot, while it merely deepens the color of the  true
bark.
                  CASCARILLA.

   What is cascarilla,  and from whence imported ?
   The bark of the Croton Eleutheria, a small tree or
shrub, growing in the West  Indies, especially in  the
Bahama Islands;  from one of  which (Eleutheria,) it
derived its name,  and is chiefly imported.
   What are  its physical and chemical properties ? 
TONICS.
61
  It occurs in  short quills, or flattened pieces, of a
reddish-brown color, covered with a grayish-white fis-
sured epidermis.   It has a warm, aromatic, bitter taste,
and a peculiar, agreeable odor, which  becomes  very
fragrant when the bark is burnt.   Water and alcohol
extract its virtues, which are dependent  on extractive
and volatile oil.
   What are its medical properties and uses ?
   It is an aromatic tonic; given either alone, or com-
bined with other more  powerful tonics, in atonic dys-
pepsia—in  the  advanced stages of dysentery,  diar-
rhoea, <fcc.
   How is it administered, and what is the dose ?
   Given in powder and infusion.  Dose  of the former,
20 to 30 grains; of the latter, f g ij.

                   3. AROMATICS.

   What are these ?
   Substances  which  have  a fragrant  odor, and  an
agreeable,  pungent taste.
   To what do  they owe their sensible  and medical
properties ?
   To volatile oils.
   How  are these obtained, and what are they called
in the different Pharmacopoeias?
   Usually procured from the plants or substances con-
taining them, by distillation with  water.  The oil and
water pass over together, and the former collects at the
bottom or  on the surface  of the latter, according to
density.  Called, in the  U. S. and Lond. Pharmaco-
poeias, distilled oils, from the mode of obtaining them;
in the Dub. essential oils, from  their possessing, in a
concentrated  state,  the  properties  of  the  original
plants ; and in  the Edin. volatile oils.
    What are their physical and chemical properties?
   They have  a strong, penetrating odor, resembling
that of the plants from  which they are obtained, and
 a hot, pungent taste, which  is often agreeable, when
            6 
62
TONICS.
sufficiently  diluted.   Most of them are lighter than
water;  are  partially volatilized by ordinary tempera-
tures, and completely so by heat; hence, decoctions
and extracts of aromatics, are  improper.   Their boil-
ing point is  about 320°F., but most of them rise with
the vapor of boiling water.  They are inflammable;
burning in the open air, with a bright flame and much
smoke.  On exposure to the air, they gradually absorb
oxygen, become thicker, less odorous, and of a deeper
color, and are ultimately  converted  into  a resinous
substance.   They  are  very sparingly dissolved  by
water;  sufficiently, however, to impart to it their odor
and taste.   Their solubility  in water  is  greatly in-
creased  by trituration with magnesia, as  also by the
intervention of sugar.   They  are soluble in alcohol
and ether, and unite with the  fixed oils, in every pro-
portion.   Their  ultimate constituents  are  carbon,
hydrogen and oxygen, but some, as the oils of turpen-
tine and copaiba, when perfectly pure, consist of car-
bon and hydrogen, only.
  What are the  most common adulterations, and the
modes of detecting them ?
  Adulterations:  fixed oils, resinous substances, alco-
hol, &c.  When  a fixed oil is present, a  greasy stain
imparted to paper cannot be entirely removed by heat.
The comparative  insolubility of all the fixed oils, ex-
cept castor oil, in  alcohol, and their specific gravities,
will also afford  means of detection;  and when the
adulterated oil is  distilled with water, any fixed oil or
resinous substance will be left behind.  If alcohol be
present, the  oil will become milky  when agitated with
water, and after the separation  of the liquid, the water
will occupy  more space, and the oil less, than before.
  What are the medical properties and  uses of aro-
matics ?
  They differ from tonics, in  general, in being  more
stimulant, but less permanent in their effects ; closely
resemble the diffusible stimulants, but mote  local in
their action.   Given, in the absence of inflammation, 
TONICS.
63
to excite languid digestion, allay nausea, check vomit-
ing, relieve spasmodic pains  of the stomach and bow-
els, and to expel flatulence, in which latter case they
are called carminatives.   They are often employed as
flavoring or corrective adjuncts of other medicines.
  What are the substances belonging to this division ?
  They are very numerous; the  following are some
of them:

         ORANGE PEEL—AURANTII CORTEX.

  How many varieties of oranges are there ?
  Two: the sweet orange, and the bitter or Seville
orange ; the former the fruit of the Citrus Aurantium,
the latter, of the C. Vulgaris;  two small evergreen
trees, indigenous in Asia, and cultivated in almost all
of the warmer regions of the globe.
   What is the only officinal part, in the U. S. P. ?
   The outer rind of the mature fruit.
   What are the sensible properties of orange peel, and
its  relations to  water and alcohol ?
   It  has a  fragrant  odor, and  a warm, bitter  taste,
which depend  upon an essential oil  contained in mi-
nute  vesicles.  The rind of the Seville orange has  a
stronger odor, and  a more bitter  taste.  Both  yield
their  sensible properties to water and alcohol.
   What are its medical properties and uses 7
   It  is stomachic, and slightly tonic;  the rind of the
bitter orange  possesses  these properties in a greater
degree.   Chiefly used  in  the  form  of  infusion, or
some of its officinal  preparations,  as the confection
or sip-up, to  communicate a pleasant flavor to  other
 medicines.
             CINNAMON—CINNAMOMUM.

   What is this ?
   The bark of the  Cinnamomum  Zeylamcum, and
 C. aromaticum, small trees growing in Ceylon, Java,
 Malabar, tfec. 
64
TONICS.
  How is  the  bark prepared for market, and  from
whence is it imported ?
  It is removed from the three year old branches, by
making opposite longitudinal  incisions, and the  epi-
dermis, and green, pulpy matter are afterwards scraped
off, and the smaller pieces  introduced  in  the  larger
ones as they dry and contract into the form of quills.
Chiefly imported from  China;  some  from England,
and from the East and  West Indies.      .           .  '
  What are the commercial varieties ?   b^o*^**^***--^S
  Ceylon cinnamon, and China  cinnamon % the lat-
ter commonly called Cassia.
  What are the physical properties of the two  vari-
eties ?
  Ceylon cinnamon is in long rolls, composed of sev-
eral  quills,  the  smaller  being enclosed  within  the
larger; is nearly as  thin as paper, has a smooth sur-
face and a splintery  fracture.  It is  of a  brownish-
yellow color, a  pleasant,  fragrant odor, and a warm,
sweetish, slightly astringent taste.
  China cinnamon differs from  the above considera-
bly ; the quills are simple, the bark thicker, rougher,
denser, and breaks with a shorter fracture.  The odor
is also  less fragrant, and the taste more pungent.
  What are its active ingredients ?
  A light and heavy volatile oil, and tannin.
  What are the sensible properties of the oil ?
  It is of a light-yellow color at  first,  becoming deep-
er, and ultimately  reddish, by age; has the odor  of
the bark, and a hotter, more  pungent  taste.
  What are the medical properties  and  use  of cin-
namon ?
  It is an excellent aromatic, with some slight astrin-
gency.  Much  used as an  adjuvant  to other medi-
cines, and enters into numerous officinal preparations.
  What is the dose ?
  From 10 to 20 grains;  added to infusions of other
medicines, in the proportion of  3j.  or  3 ij., to  the
pint. 
TONICS.
65
  How is  cinnamon  water,  aqua cinnamomi, pre-
pared, and  what is its chief use?
  Prepared by rubbing oil  of cinnamon, first  with
magnesia,  and then  with  distilled  water gradually
added, and filtering through paper.   Used as a vehicle
for other less agreeable medicines.
  What is  the dose of the officinal tincture, and com-
pound tincture of cinnamon?
  From f 3 j.  to f 3 iij.

                     CAN ELLA.
  What is  this ?
  The bark of the Canella alba, a native  of the West
Indies.
  From what pait of the tree is the bark  obtained,
and what are its physical properties?
  Like cinnamon, it is derived from the branches and
deprived of its epidermis.   Comes in  pieces partially
or completely quilled, from a few  inches to a foot or
more in length, from one to  three lines thick, and the>
quills  from half an  inch to an inch and a half in
diameter.   It is brittle, breaking with a  short fracture,
of a pale orange-yellow color, and affords a yellowish-
white powder.  Its  odor is aromatic,  and its  taste
warm and  very pungent.
  What are its relations to water and alcohol, and its
active ingredients ?
  Its virtues, which  are partially extracted by water,
and completely by alcohol, depend on volatile oil and
bitter extractive.
  What are its medical uses ?
  Employed as an adjuvant to other more  powerful
tonics, and as a  corrigent  to purgatives, as in the
powder of  aloes and  canella.

              CLOVES—CARYOPHYLLUS.

  What are these ?
   The  undeveloped flower-buds  of  the  Eugenia
            6* 
66
TONICS.
caryophyllala, a  small, handsome  evergreen  tree, a
native of the Molucca Islands, and cultivated in many
parts of the East and West Indies.
   What are the physical  and chemical  properties of
cloves ?
  They resemble a nail, in shape, are  about half an
inch long, of a deep brown color, a strong aromatic
odor, and a  pungent, somewhat acrid taste.  Water
extracts their odor; alcohol the whole  of their sensi-
ble and active properties, which depend on  a vola-
tile oil.
   Oil of Cloves—Oleum  Caryophylli.   How is  this
prepared, and what  are its physical properties ?
  Prepared by distilling  cloves  with water, repeated
cohobation being  required to exhaust them complete-
ly.   It is at first colorless  or yellowish, becoming red-
dish-brown by exposure,  has the odor  and  taste of
cloves,  and is heavier than water.
  What is the character of cloves, as an aromatic ?
  One  of the most excitant aromatics.
  How  are they given, and what is the dose ?
  Given in powder, infusion  and oil.   Dose  of  the
powder, from 5 to  10 grains;  of the infusion, made
with 3 ij. to Oj., f g ij.; of the oil, 2 to 5 drops.

              NUTMEG— MYRISTICA.

  What is nutmeg?
  The kernel of the fruit of the Myristica moschata.
  W7hat is  the character of this tree, and its place of
growth ?
  It is  a small tree, from  20 to 30  feet  high, resem
bling, somewhat, the orange tree.  The fruit is oval,
about the size of a peach, with  a  smooth  covering,
which at first is pale-green, thick and fleshy, becoming
yellow, dry and coriaceous, when ripe,  and separating
from the apex into two valves, disclosing a yellowish
or reddish reticulated membrane—the mace of com-
merce—closely investing a thin  brown  shell, which 
TONICS.
67
contains the nutmeg.   Its places of growth  and cul-
ture are nearly the same as those of cloves.
  How is the mace and nutmeg prepared for market?
  The outside covering is rejected, and the mace then
carefully separated, flattened and dried in the sun, and
afterwards  sprinkled with salt water,  to  preserve it.
The nuts are dried in the sun, or in ovens, and exposed
to smoke until the kernels rattle in the  shells.  These
are then broken open and the kernels removed, steep-
ed in  a mixture of lime  and water, to prevent the
attack of worms, then  cleaned and  packed in casks
for exportation.
   What are  the physical  and  chemical properties of
nutmeg ?
   Its physical properties are well known.  It contains
a volatile and fixed oil, to the former of which it owes
its virtues.
   How is the volatile  oil prepared, and what are its
physical properties?
   It is obtained by distillation with water; is colorless
or yellow,  lighter than water, with the fragrant odor,
and warm, aromatic taste of  nutmeg.
   How is the fixed oil obtained, and what are its pro-
perties and uses ?
   This, which is commonly, though improperly, call-
ed oil of mace, is obtained by bruising the nutmegs in
a  heated mortar, and afterwards compressing  them
between heated plates; the liquid oil which  flows out,
acquires the  consistence of a soft solid, on cooling, is
of a yellowish color, with the slight odor and taste of
nutmeg.   Occasionally  used  as  an external  stimu-
lant ;  enters into the rubefacient Emplastrum  Picis
 Compositum.
   What are  the most interesting ingredients of  mace ?
   A volatile and fixed oil, essentially the same as
 those of nutmeg.
   What are  the medical properties and uses of nutmeg
 and mace ? 
OS                   TONICS.
   They possess  aromatic  and  narcotic  properties.
 Nutmeg much used for flavoring purposes.
   What is the dose of each ?
   Of the powder, obtained by grating, from  5 to 20
 grains; of the volatile oil, 2 or 3 drops.

               BLACK PEPPER—PIPER.

   What is this ?
   The  dried, unripe  berries of the  Piper  nigrum,
 a climbing, woody  vine, native  of India,  and culti-
 vated in the East and West Indies.
   What is white pepper 9
   The  ripe  berries, deprived  of  their teguments by
 maceration in water and subsequent friction.
   What are the active principles of pepper ?
   A peculiar crystaline  principle, named piperin, an
 acrid, soft resin, and a volatile oil.
   What are its medical properties and uses ?
   It is an aromatic  stimulant; extensively  used as a
 condiment; as a medicine to excite languid digestion,
 and correct flatulence.   Pepper or  piperin  sometimes
 a useful adjuvant to quinia in intermittents, especially
 where there is much insusceptibility of stomach, as in
 cases of drunkards.
   What is the dose  ?
   Of pepper, from 5 to 20  grains;  of piperin, from 2
 to 6 grains.

                CUBEBS—CUBEBA.

  What are these ?
  The  dried berries  of the  Piper  Cubeba,  a vine
growing in the East Indies.
  What are their physical properties ?
  They are about the size of black pepper, brownish
 externally, and have a small  portion of the peduncle
attached ; hence the name Piper caudatum has been
applied  to  them.   The shell is hard, and  contains 
TONICS.
69
within it a spherical seed, which is  blackish external-
ly, whitish and oily internally, has  an aromatic odor,
and a warm, bitterish and camphorous taste.
  What is their active ingredient?
  A volatile oil, obtainable by distillation.
  What are the physical properties  of this oil ?
  It is of a pale greenish-yellow color, with the pecu-
liar odor and taste of  the berries; lighter than  water,
and about the consistence of almond oil ?
  What are  the  effects  of time  and exposure, on
cubebs ?
  They deteriorate, from the volatilization of their es-
sential oil, which takes place more rapidly in the state
of powder; consequently, they should be kept whole
till wanted for immediate use.
   What are  their therapeutical  effects  and applica-
tions ?
  Their  effects  are  those  of  a stimulant  and car-
minative, but they also exercise a specific influence
over  the urinary organs, indicated  by their effects  in
arresting urethral discharges, as  in  the case of gonor-
rhoea, for which complaint they are chiefly used.
   What is the dose ?
  Of the powder,  3 j. to 3 ij., 3 or 4 times daily ;  of
the volatile oil, 10 to 20 drops.

                PIMENTO—PIMENTA.

   What is this ?
   The dried, unripe berries of the  Myrtus Pimenta,
a beautiful tree growing in the West Indies, and par-
ticularly abundant in Jamaica;  whence the  name
Jamaica pepper, by which it  is sometimes called.
   What are the physical properties of  the berries ?
   They are small, round and umbilicated; of a brown-
ish color, and an odor resembling a mixture of cinna-
mon, cloves and nutmeg; hence the  name allspice,
by which  they are commonly called.  Their taste is
aromatic, pungent and slightly astringent. 
70
TONICS.
  What are their active ingredients ?
  A volatile and fixed oil.
  What is the color, odor and taste of the volatile oil?
  It is of a reddish-brown  color, with  the odor and
taste of pimento, though stronger.
  What are its uses ?
  Employed in medicine, as an aromatic adjuvant to
tonics and purgatives ; more used as a condiment.
  What is the dose ?
  From 10 to 40 grains of the powder, and from 3 to
6 drops of the oil.

           CARDAMOM—CARDAMOMUM.

  What is this ?
  The fruit of the Alpinia  Cardamomum, a plant
growing in Malabar.
  What are the  physical and  chemical  properties of
the fruit ?
  It consists of a  yellowish-white,  coriaceous capsule,
with  numerous  reddish-brown seeds.   Its odor and
taste is agreeably aromatic.   Its virtues  are extracted
by water, but more readily by alcohol.  They depend
on a volatile oil, which is more abundant in the seeds.
  What are its medical properties and uses ?
  It is among the  most agreeable  of the aromatics;
much used  as an  adjuvant or corrective of cordials,
tonics and purgatives.
  How  is it used, and what is  the dose ?
  Used  chiefly  as  an ingredient  in compound pre-
parations.  The compound tincture is a very  agreea-
ble aromatic.  Dose, f 3 j.

            FENNEL SEED—FCENICULUM.

  From what are these  derived, and what are their
physical properties ?
  Derived from the Anethum Fceniculum, a perennial,
herbaceous plant, indigenous in Europe, and cultiva- 
TONICS.
71
ted in our gardens.  The seeds are small, oval, flat on
one side, convex on the other; of a brownish color, a
fragrant odor, and a warm, sweetish, aromatic taste.
   What are their relations to water and alcohol ?
   Hot water and  alcohol extract  their virtues, which
depend on a volatile oil—Oleum Fceniculi.
   How is this obtained, and what are its properties?
   Obtained by distillation with water.  It is colorless
or yellowish, with the odor and taste of the seeds, and
a sp. gr. of 0.997.   It possesses the medical properties
of the seeds, which are those of a grateful aromatic.
   How is it given, and what is the dose?
   Usually given in infusion, made with 2 or 3 drachms
to the pint.   Dose, from f g ij. to  f g iv.  Dose of the
oil, from 5 to 15 drops.                *

             LAVENDER—LAVANDULA.

   What is this ?
   The flowers of the  Lavandula vera,  a  native of
Southern Europe, and cultivated  in our gardens.
   What  are the sensible properties of  the flowers ?
   Their  odor is strong and fragrant, their taste warm,
bitterish and aromatic.
   What is their active ingredient ?
   A volatile oil—Oleum Lavandulae.
   How is this obtained, and what are its chief uses ?
   Obtained by distillation with water; chiefly employ-
ed as a perfume; sometimes  in the formation of the
spirit of lavender, which is also mostly used as a per-
fume ; enters into some officinal compounds.
   In what form is lavender chiefly used in medicine ?
   In the form of the  officinal Compound Spirit of
Lavender.
   What  are the constituents of this preparation ?
   Spirit  of lavender,  spirit of rosemary, cinnamon,
cloves and red  saunders.
   What  are the medical uses of this ? 
72
TONICS.
  It is much used  to  relieve nausea, flatulence and
faintness, and as an adjuvant to other medicines.
  What is the dose, and the best mode of administer-
ing it ?
  Dose, f 3 ss. to f 3 j., dropped on sugar.

            ROSEMARY—ROSMARINUS.

  What is this?
  The tops of the Rosmarinus officinalis, an ever-
green shrub  growing  in  the South  of Europe, and
cultivated in our gardens.
   What is its active ingredient?
  A colorless volatile oil.
  How, and for what, is  rosemary chiefly employed ?
  Used in the forms of the officinal spirit and  volatile
oil, to impart flavor and warmth to  lotions and  lini-
ments.

          PEPPERMINT—MENTHA PIPERITA.

   What  is the officinal part ?
   The whole herb.
   What  is the character of the plant, and the  place of
growth ?
   It is a  perennial, herbaceous  plant, about  two feet
high, with small purple flowers, appearing  in  August.
It is a native of Europe, and  cultivated  and  natural-
ized in this  country.
   What  are  its  sensible  properties  and relations to
water and alcohol.
   It has a grateful odor, and a warm, pungent, bitter-
ish  taste, leaving  a sense of coolness in  the  mouth,
during inspiration.   Its virtues, depending upon a vol-
atile oil, are extracted  by water, but  more  leadily by
alcohol.
   Oil of peppermint—Oleum  Menthce  Piperitm.
 How is this obtained, and what are  its  physical pro-
 perties ? 
TONICS.
73
  Obtained by the usual  process of distillation.  It
is lighter  than water, and of a greenish-yellow color,
with the odor and taste of the plant.
  What are the medical properties and uses of pep-
permint ?
  It  is a very grateful, aromatic stimulant;  much
used  in nausea, flatulence,  spasmodic pains in the
stomach and bowels, and to cover the taste and correct
the nauseating and griping tendencies of other medi-
cines.   The fresh herb bruised and  applied  over the
epigastrium often useful in allaying sick stomach, es-
pecially in the cholera of children.
  How is it given, and what is the dose ?
  It may be given in infusion; but the oil, or essence
of peppermint, prepared by dissolving f § ij. of the oil
in Oj. of alcohol, is usually preferred.   Dose of the
oil, i to 3 drops, on sugar; of the essence, 10 to 20
drops.
   How is peppermint water, Aqua Menthol Piperita,
prepared, and what are its  uses?
   Prepared like cinnamon water, carbonate of mag-
nesia  being substituted for  the  magnesia.   Chiefly
used as a vehicle for other medicines.

           SPEARMINT—MENTHA VIRIDIS.

   What are the medical properties and uses  of this ?
   Common mint possesses  the  same virtues as the
above, and may be used for the  same purposes, and
in similar ways and doses.

                GINGER—ZINGIBER.

   What is  this ?
   The root of the  Zingiber officinale, a  perennial
 herb, indigenous in the East  Indies, and cultivated in
 the West Indies.
   How is it prepared for  market, and what are the
 commercial varieties ?
            7 
74
TONICS.
  The root is dug up in January and February, after
the stem  has  withered, cleaned, scalded to prevent
germination, and then drier!  As thus prepared it con-
stitutes  ordinary  ginger, called  in commerce, black
ginger, from the daikish  color of  its surface ;  some-
times also, East  India ginger, from its origin.   In
Jamaica, the best  roots are sometimes deprived of their
epidermis and  carefully dried in the sun, without be-
ing scalded.   This  is called white ginger, or more
frequently Jamaica ginger, and is more highly prized.
  What,  are its sensible properties, and the  effects of
time and exposure on these ?
  Ginger has a peculiar aromatic odor, and a  hot, pun-
gent, biting taste,  which are  gradually diminished, and
ultimately destroyed  by exposure.
  Wliat^re its constituents,  and  its relations to water
and alcohol?
  It contains a volatile oil, an acrid soft resin, extract-
ive, starch, &c.  Its virtues depend upon the two first,
and are extracted  by  water and alcohol.
  What are its medical properties and uses ?
  It is an aromatic  stimulant, much  used to  impart
warmth and flavor  to  other medicines.   As a local
stimulant, it is chewed in  paralysis of the tongue, re-
laxation of the  uvula, &c.   The powder, made  into a
paste with boiling water, and spread  on  linen,  some-
times applied externally, as a rubefacient.
  How is it used, and what  is the dose?
  Used in powder, infusion and syrup.  Dose of the
powder, from 10 to  30 grains; of the infusion, made
with g j. to Oj., f g ij.; of the tincture, f 5 j. or f 3 ij.
The syrup used chiefly for flavoring.

             SWEET FLAG—CALAMUS.

  What is this officinally ?
  The root  of the  Acorus  Calamus, an indigenous
plant. 
TONICS.
75
  What are the sensible properties of the root, and its
relations to water and alcohol ?
  It has a strong, fragrant odor, and an  aromatic, bit-
ter taste. Boiling water and alcohol extract its virtues.
  What are its medical properties and uses ?
  It is an aromatic stimulant;  given  as a stomachic
and carminative in atonic  conditions  of the digestive
organs, and as an adjuvant to tonics and purgatives.
  What is the dose ?
  Of the powder, from 9j. to 3j.;  of an infusion,
made  with an ounce of the  root  to a pint of boiling
water, f g ij. or more.

                2. Mineral Tonics.

                  IRON—FERRUM.

  What are the therapeutical effects and applications
of iron.
  In the form of its various preparations, it is  tonic
and astringent in its general effects; but when given
in too  large doses, or for too long a period, the  pre-
parations of iron produce a state  of over  excitement,
characterized  by a feeling  of  determination of blood
to the head, of general fulness, and by other unpleas-
ant sensations.   They are chiefly used for  their  tonic
properties, and are applicable in  cases of  debility, es-
pecially when  accompanied with, or dependent  on,
anaemia, in which the blood is deficient both in quan-
tity  and in the relative proportion of its red particles.
Chlorosis,  hysteria, amenorrhoea, fluor albus, gleet,
scrofula, rickets, chorea, neuralgia, passive hemorrha-
ges, and dyspepsia, when dependent on deficient ener-
gy of the digestive functions, are some of  the diseases
in which they are used.
   What circumstances contra-indicate their use ?.
   They are improper where there is any tendency to
inflammation or active  hemorrhage in the system ;  in
irritability  of the digestive organs;  in  persons of full 
76
TONICS.
habit, and in those prone to determination of blood to
the head.
  How do they affect the stools ?
  They render them darker, less frequent, and more
solid.
  What are  the officinal preparations of iron ?
  They are numerous;  the following are  some of
them :
  Iron Filings.—Ferri Ramenta.  Whence  are these
obtained, and how purified ?
  Generally obtained from the  shops  of the  black-
smith, in an impure state, and purified, according to
the Edinburgh College, by placing a seive over them
and applying a magnet so that  the filings may be at-
tracted upward through it.
  What are  their effects on the system ?
  In their metallic state they are nearly inert, but ac-
quire tonic virtues by oxidation in the stomach.  But
little used.
  What is the dose ?
  From 5 to 20  grains, in molasses or honey.
  Scales of Iron.—Ferri Squamai.   How  are these
prepared and purified ?
  They are  found collected around  the anvil of the
blacksmith, produced by heating and hammering iron.
These are washed with water, dried  and  separated
from impurities by a  magnet.   They are then pulveri-
zed, and a fine powder obtained by elutriation.
  What is the color of the powder, and  its  chemical
nature ?
  It is of  a  dull grayish color, and is supposed  to con-
sist of protoxide, sesquioxide,  and metallic iron, in
varying proportions.
  What is the dose ?
  From 5 to 20 grains.
   Subcarbonate  of Iron.—Ferri Subcarbonas.  How
is this prepared,  and what is its chemical  nature ?
   This preparation, which is also called Carbonate of
Iron, Sesquioxide of Iron, and Red Oxide of  Iron, is 
TONICS.
77
prepared as follows: Solutions of sulphate of iron and
carbonate of soda are separately formed with boiling
water, then  mixed and  the mixture set by, that the
precipitate may subside.  This  is washed with hot
water  and  dried.   When the  above  solutions are
mixed, a double  decomposition  ensues: sulphate of
soda and protocarbonate  of iron are formed, the former
remaining in  solution,  and  the  latter precipitating.
This,  however, absorbs  oxygen  with  the disengage-
ment  of carbonic acid,  during the process  of drying,
and becomes converted almost  entirely into  sesqui-
oxide of iron.
   What are its physical  properties  and chemical rela-
tions ?
   It is a reddish-brown powder, with  a styptic taste ;
insoluble in water, but soluble in  water with carbonic
acid, and readily so in muriatic acid, with slight effer-
vescence of carbonic acid.
   What are its therapeutical uses ?
   It is considered one of the  best,  chalybeates, and is
used for most purposes to which they are generally
 applied.  Mr. Carmichael found it a useful palliative
in cancer, and Mr. Hutchinson, an efficient  remedy for
 neuralgia.
    What is the dose and mode of administration ?
   Ordinary dose, from  5 to 20  grains;  in neuralgic
 cases, 3 ss. to  3j.,  3 times daily, and gradually  in-
 creased.  Given in pill or powder, and should it disa-
 gree with the stomach, an aromatic may be added.
   What is  the composition and character  of  ValleVs
 Ferruginous Pills 9
    They consist of protocarbonate of iron, incorporated
 with honey, by which the absoption of oxygen is pre-
 vented, and the  protocarbonate  rendered permanent.
 Where the alterative effects of iron are desired, they
 are considered equal, if  not superior, to any other pre-
 paration of that  metal.
    What is  the dose of the pills ?
    Each pill weighs 3 grains, and  contains somewhat 
'<?
TONICS.
less than gr. 1^ of the protocarbonate; therefore, 8 or
10 pills may be given daily.
  Sulphate of Iron.—Ferri Sulphas.   What is  this
commonly called ?
  Green vitriol, in commerce, copperas.
  How is it prepared, and what  are its physical and
chemical properties?
  It is obtained, in an impure state, for the  purposes
of the arts, by  exposing the  native protosulphuret, or
iron  pyrites, to the combined agency of air and mois-
ture, for sometime, and  lixivating.  For medical pur-
poses, it is formed by the  action  of  dilute sulphuric
acid on iron wire or iron filings.  Obtained in  the
latter way, it is in large, transparent, bluish-green crys-
tals,  which  effloresce on exposure to the air, absorb
oxygen, and become covered with a  brownish-yellow
crust of the sulphate or subsulphate of the sesquioxide.
It has an  acid, disagreeable, styptic taste; is insoluble
in alcohol,  soluble in cold,  and more so in  boiling
water;  and the solution, on standing  for sometime,
exposed to the air, lets  fall a precipitate of the  disul-
phate of  the  sesquioxide.   Exposed to a moderate
heat, the crystalized sulphate undergoes  the  aqueous
fusion, becomes dry and white, and at a red heat, it is
decomposed ; sulphuric  acid is driven off,  and the red
sesquioxide  is  formed and remains.   VVhen pure, it
consists of 1 eq. of the acid,  1 of the protoxide, and 7
of water.
  What are the incompatibles ?
  The  alkalies and their carbonates ;  soaps, lime-
water, nitrate of silver, the acetates of lead, astringent
vegetable infusions, &c.
  What are its medical  properties and  uses ?
  It is tonic and astringent.   In  very large  doses it
acts as an  irritant, occasioning nausea  and vomiting,
and griping in the bowels. Given in passive hemorrha-
ges, colliquative sweats, atonic mucous discharges, &c.
  What is the dose ?
  From I to 5 grains of the  crystalized;  of the dried, 
TONICS.
79
(Ferri Sulphas exsiccatus, E.) which is more conve-
nient for  internal use,  from gr. ss.  to  gr. iij.  Given
in pill.
   What are the constituents of the officinal compound
mixture of iron 9
   Its most  important  ingredient, when recently and
properly prepared, is protocarbonate of iron, which
results from the  re-action of sulphate  of iron on car-
bonate  of potassa,  salts  used in its preparation.   It
contains, also, myrrh, spirit of lavender, rose water,
and sugar.
   What are its medical uses ?
   This preparation,  an imitation of Griffith's Mixture,
is considerably  used as a tonic, in cases of debility,
associated with  derangement of  the menstrual func-
tion.
    Tincture of  Chloride of Iron.— Tinctura Ferri
 Chloridi.   What is the mode of preparation ?
   This, which was formerly  officinal, under the title
of Tinctura Ferri  Muriatis— Tincture of Muriate
of Iron, is prepared by pouring muriatic acid (Oj,) on
subcarbonate of iron,"(#>$$,)  and  allowing  the mix-
ture to stand for 3  days, then pouring off the  liquor
from the  dregs,  if there be any, and adding alcohol,
(Ohj.)
   What are its physical and chemical properties ?
   It is of  a  reddish-brown  color; has an  acid, very
styptic taste, and the odor of  muriatic ether.  It con-
tains sesquichloride of iron,  held in solution by the
alcohol, and  also,  free muriatic acid, and   a trace  of
 muriatic ether.
   What are its remedial uses ?
   Being  a  very efficient chalybeate, and  usually
 acceptable to the stomach, it is much used in all cases
 in which they  are indicated:  sometimes  employed
 externally to  destroy venerial warts, and as a  styptic
 to cancerous and fungus ulcers.
   What is  the dose and mode of administration ? 
80
TONICS.
  Dose, from 10 to 30 minims, which may be gradu-
ally increased to f 3 j. or f 3 ij.   Given in  water or in
white wine, nothing forbidding the use of the  latter.
  Hydrated Oxide  of Iron.—Ferri  Oxidum Hy-
dratum.   How is  this prepared, and  what is its chief
use?                                         ,
  Prepared by adding nitric acid to a boiling solution
of crystalized sulphate of iron, acidulated with  sul-
phuric acid,  so  long as orange fumes (nitrous acid
vapors,) are  disengaged ; then  filtering the liquor  and
precipitating  by an  excess of ammonia.   The hydra-
ted sesquioxide, which is thrown down as a yellowish-
brown precipitate, is carefully washed by  decantation
to free it from sulphuric acid;  and as it is chiefly used
as an antidote  to  arsenic,  and is most efficacious as
such, in the moist  state, it should  be kept in well
stopped bottles, covered with water.    A  hydrated
sesquioxide of iron  may be also readily  prepared by
precipitating  the tincture of chloride of iron with am-
monia.
  What is the dose, and mode of administering it as an
antidote?
  To  convert  arsenic  into the  insoluble and  inert
arsenite of iron, it requires at least 12  parts of the
oxide to  1 of the  poison;  but as the  antidote  is per-
fectly innocent, it  should be given in as  large  doses
as the stomach will bear; say a table-spoonful mixed
with water, every 5 or 10 minutes.

   Tartrate of Iron and Potassa.—Ferri ct Potassa.
Tartras.   How is this prepared ?
  By  digesting  hydrated  sesquioxide of iron  in  a
moist  state,  in  a solution  of bitartrate  of potassa.
The sesquioxide neutralizes the excess of acid  in the
bitartrate, so that a  double salt of tartrate of sesqui-
oxide  of  iron and potassa results.  The liquid con-
taining it is filtered, and evaporated to dryness.
  What are its properties ? 
TONICS.
81
  It is in  the form  of  a  greenish-brown powder,
devoid of smell, but of a styptic, sweetish taste.  It
deliquesces slightly in the air, and is entirely soluble
in water,  forming a  solution of  considerable perma-
nence.   It  is  a chalybeate tonic, well adapted  for
children, on account of its not unpleasant taste.
   What is the dose and mode of administration ?
   Dose, from 10 to 30 grains, made into a bolus, with
honey or treacle, or dissolved in some  aromatic water.
   Phosphate of Iron.—Ferri Phosphas.    What is
the mode of preparing this?
   A solution of sulphate  of  iron and  of phosphate of
soda, is made and mixed;  when, by an interchange of
their proximate constituents, sulphate of  soda and
phosphate of iron are  formed; the former remains in
solution, while  the  latter subsides.   This  is washed
with hot water,  and dried  with a moderate heat.
   What are its physical and  chemical  properties ?
   It is in the form of a light,  slate colored, insoluble
powder,  consisting,  it is  said, of  a  mixture, of  the
phosphates of the two oxides of iron.
   What are its medical properties  and uses?
   It possesses the general  properties of  the chaiybeates,
but is not much used.
   What is the dose ?
   From 5 to 10 grains.
   The Ferrocyanuret of iron, Acetate of iron, Am-
moniated iron, Lactate  of iron, Tartrate  of iron,
and Iodide  of iron, are also occasionally employed in
medicine.

       SULPHATE OF COPPER—CUPRI  SULPHAS.

   How is this prepared ?
   Sulphate of  Copper, sometimes called Blue Vitriol
and Bluestone,  is generally  prepared,  in this country,
on the large scale, by the action of sulphuric acid on
old scrap copper.
   What are its  physical and chemical properties ? 
>:2
TONICS.
               It occurs in  large rhomboidal prismatic crystals of
             a rich blue color,  and a strong styptic, metallic  taste.
             It is  insoluble in alcohol, but soluble in cold  and
             more  so in boiling water.   The crystals consists  of
             1 eq. of sulphuric acid, 1 of protoxide  of  copper, and
             5 of water. Exposed to the air, they effloresce slightly;
             to heat, they first melt in their water of crystalization,
             and then become dry and white.  Decomposed by a
             red  heat, with the escape of the acid.
               What are the incompatibles?
               The alkalies and their carbonates; acetate  of lead ;
             nitrate of silver; nearly all the salts of iron ; astringent
             vegetable  infusions,  &c.   The precipitate  thrown
             down by ammonia, from an aqueous solution of this
             salt, is immediately  re-dissolved  when that  alkali is
             added in excess.
               What are its effects on the system ?
               In  small doses, it is  tonic and astringent; in large
             doses, a prompt emetic, and in excessive ones, an irri-
             tant and corrosive poison.
               How are its poisonous effects best counteracted ?
. -m»<*. '   '*••  Albumen, as the whites of eggs  diffused in water,
\<-<■<.. <r> u.fv*vtshould be  freely  given to neutralize the poison, or if
'•.» ,'.w- ■ ■■•'■■ fihie cannot be had, copious draughts of some  bland
             liquid should  be taken, and vomiting  excited by tick-
   ."  <. ^t.Urjgjhe  throat  with a  feather:  if this should  fail to
             produce emesis, the stomach-pump may be resorted to.
               What are its therapeutical applications ?
               As a tonic, it has been given in intermittent fever,
             and in some affections of the  nervous system, as epi-
             lepsy and  chorea;  as an astringent, in  chronic  diar-
             rhoea  and dysentery.   Externally, a solution of sul-
             phate  of copper is used as a stimulant to indolent and
             ill-conditioned  ulcers;   as  a collyrium,  in  chronic
             ophthalmia, and  as an  injection, in chronic  mucous
             discharges  from the urethra or vagina.  It is also used
             as an escharotic for destroying warts, fungus,  and the
             callous edges of  ulcers.
               What is the dose and  mode  of  administration? 
TONICS.
  Dose as a tonic, gr. |- or gr. \, in the form of pill;
for a lotion, from 2 to 10 grains, to fgj. of water; for
an injection, from 1 to 4 grains, to f g j. of water.

  AMMONIATED COPPER—CUPRUM AMMONIATUM.

  What are the  directions for preparing and preserving
ammoniated copper ?^-»                  4. r:
  Sulphate of Copper and  Carbonate of Ammonia,  .  f
are directed to be rubbed together in a glass mortar till
the effervescence ceases, and the ammoniated  copper   ^ *
which results  to be wrapped in  bibulous paper, dried'  n-
with a gentle heat, and kept in a well stopped glass
bottle.
  What are its physical and chemical properties?
  It is of a fine azure-blue color, with an ammoniacal
odor, and  a  styptic, metallic  taste.   The  changes
which take place in its formation, and its precise com-
position  are not certainly known.  It is  soluble  in
water; exposed to the air, ammonia escapes and the
powder changes to green.
   What  substances are incompatible with it?
  Acids, potassa, soda and lime-water.
   What  are its medical properties and uses ?
  In small doses, it is  tonic; in over doses, an  irritant
poison.  It has been  used principally in spasmodic
affections, as epilepsy, chorea, (fee. >^**- ^* ' h ■'■":' "'J ' "
   What  is the dose and  mode of administration? <^ f ••  ;
  Dose, gr. ss., twice a day, and gradually  increased
to 4 or 5 grains.   Best given in  the form of pill. ■..-

       SULPHATE OF ZINC—ZINCI SULPHAS.

  How is this formed ?
   By the action of sulphuric acid, diluted with water,
on  metallic zinc. The water is decomposed, the oxygen
combining with the zinc to form the basis of the salt,
and its hydrogen escaping with effervescence.
  What  are its physical and chemical properties ?
  Sulphate of zinc, called in commerce  white  vitriol, 
84                    TONICS.
             is  a white, transparent, crystalized salt, bearing con-
             siderable resemblance to sulphate of magnesia.   It is
             inodorous, but has a disagreeable, metallic, styptic taste.
             Pure crystalized sulphate of zinc, consists of 1 eq. of
             sulphuric acid,  1  of oxide  of zinc, and 7 of water
                It effloresces in dry air ; heated, it first melts  in its
             water of crystalization, then parts  with it,  and at an
             intense heat is decomposed.  It is soluble in 2\ parts
             of cold water, and in  less than its  wreight of boiling
             water: insoluble in alcohol.
                What are the  incompatibles ?
                The  alkalies  and  their carbonates; lime-water;
             acetate of lead, and nitrate of silver.
                What are its medical properties and uses ?
        ,  . /    It is tonic, astringent, and in large doses, a  prompt
      t  IM^&W*\IC-   As  a tonic, it has  been used in  dyspepsia,
   f»Xv^w^ ancroccasionally in obstinate intermittents,  generally
       .fl;   associated with  cinchona or sulphate of quinia;  but
   7    /     it is in spasmodic  diseases, such as epilepsy,  chorea,
             pertussis, (fee, that it is mostly employed internally.
 1-*.  >v/tv'  ,ijLia/requently used externally for its astringency, as a
_^w"rww£.T*slypt'c t0 bleeding surfaces, a  collyrium,  in chronic
IT"^     ■.  ophthalmia, and as an injection, in fluor albus, gleet
%'*•]  ''■■''* Tand gonorrhoea.   A strong solution, (9ij., to f g vij.
'.*.,'«  U-i *  ' —dfyvater,) has been used with success in nasal polypi,
■  '■ S *.!;-.• .'aPPned  Dy  means  of lint and by injection.
\ti  'V        What is the dose ?
|/xv«.  «*'&         As a tonic, 1 or 2 grains, in pill;  as a topical appli-
fy            cation to mucous  surfaces, solution made in the  pro-
             portion of 1 to 3  grains or more, to the fluidounce of
             water; as a wash to ulcers and external inflammations,
             from 10 to  20 grains to the fluidounce.

                      ACETATE OF ZINC—ZINCI ACETAS.

                How is this prepared ?
                Prepared, according to the U. S. Phar.,by placing
             metallic zinc in a solution of acetate of lead, and al-
             lowing it to remain till  the zinc takes the place of the 
TONICS.                    85
lead.   But it is usually formed  by the changes which
take place when solutions of sulphate of zinc and ace-
tate of lead are mixed.  The acetate of zinc remains
in solution, and is obtained in the form  of white, silky
crystals, by evaporation.
   What are its sensible and chemical properties ?
   It is inodorous, but has a bitter, styptic taste; is very
soluble in water, slightly efflorescent in dry air, and
consists of 1 eq.  of acetic  acid, 1 of oxide of zinc,
and 7 of  water.
   What are its medical uses ?
   It is used only externally, as  a topical astringent, in
ophthalmia and  in chronic  mucous discharges, as in
gonorrhoea, (fee.
   What  is the proper strength  of a solution  for  such
purposes  ?
   It may be made in  the  proportion of from 1  to  4
grains or  more, to the fluidounce of distilled water.
          OXIDE OF ZINC—ZINCI OXIDUM.

   How is this prepared, and what are its properties?
   It is precipitated from a solution of sulphate of zinc,
 by aqua  ammoniee.  It is  in the form of a white, in-
 soluble powder, without  odor  or taste.  It  possesses
 tonic, astringent  and antispasmodic properties.
   What  are its therapeutical applications ?
   It is given in epilepsy, chorea, hooping-cough, gas-*-1 '^ '''  \
 trodynia, (fee.  Externally, it is used in the  form ofj\, r  -<
 powder,  or more frequently in that of  ointment, (un-
 guentum zinci oxidi,) as an exsiccant and  mild astrin-
 gent application to slight  excoriations, superficial ul-
 cerations, ophthalmia, tarsi, (fee.
    What  is the dose and mode of administration?
    Dose,  from 2  to 8 grains, several times a day, in the
 form of  a pill.
       CARBONATE OF ZINC—ZINCI CARBONAS.

    What  is the source of this,  and mode of preparing
 it for medical uses ?
            8 
86
TONICS.
   Carbonate of Zinc, or Calamine, occurs native  in
compact, or earthy masses, and  is directed to be cal-
cined with a red heat, and reduced to a fine powder in
the same manner as prepared chalk.   It then  consti-
tutes prepared carbonate of zinc, Zinci  Carbonas
Praparatus, of the U. S. Phar.
   What are the physical and chemical  properties  of
this?
   It is usually in the form of a heavy, insoluble, flesh-
colored powder, without odor or taste.  It is an impure
oxide  of zinc,  nearly all of the carbonic acid having
been driven off by the roasting.
   What are its  medical uses ?
   It is used only externally, as a mild astringent and
desiccant to excoriated and  ulcerated surfaces.  The
powder is dusted on the part, or more frequently ap-
plied  in the form of cerate.    Ceratum  Zinci Carbo-
natis, commonly called Turner's Cerate.

 SUBNITRATE OF BISMUTH—BISMUTHI SUBNITRAS.

   What are the synonymes ?
   Trisnitrate of Bismuth,  White Bismuth and Ma-
gistery of Bismuth.
   How is it prepared, and what is its chemical nature?
   Prepared  by  dissolving bismuth in dilute nitric acid,
and pouring the solution into  distilled  water.  The
metal is oxidized in the first part of the  process,  at the
expense of part of the nitric acid, while  the remaining
acid forms with it, a nitrate of bismuth,  which, on the
addition of the  water, is converted into  a supernitrate
and subnitrate,  the  former remaining  in solution, and
the latter precipitating.   It  consists of 1 eq. of nitric
acid, and 3  of protoxide of bismuth.
   What are its  sensible properties ?
   It is an insipid, inodorous, white powder, with a
pearly lustre; sold  by the perfumers, as a cosmetic,
under the name of pearl white.
   What are its therapeutical effects and  uses ? 
TONICS.
87
  In medicinal  doses, its effects are  those  of a tonic>»<  '-j\>  r,
and  antispasmodic, for which it has been used  in va-   ;n&v<,^
rious nervous and spasmodic affections, and in painfulyjn~^-i-'^J '
derangements of the stomach, as in cardialgia, pyrosis
and gastrodynia.  Its use blackens the stools.  In over
doses, it acts as an irritant poison, causing  inflamma-
tion of  the stomach and  bowels.
  What is the dose and mode of administration?
  Dose, from 5 to 20 grains; given in  pill, or electuary.

      NITRATE OF SILVER—ARGENTI NITRAS.

  How is this prepared ?
  By dissolving  thin plates of silver in  dilute nitric
acid.   Part  of the acid is decomposed into nitric oxide
and oxygen, the former escaping and  becoming nitrous
acid  vapor, with the oxygen of the  air, while the latter
oxidizes the silver.   The oxide combines with the re-
mainder of  the  acid to  form the nitrate in  solution,
which is deposited  in transparent, tabular  crystals, on
evaporation  and cooling.   The salt obtained by evapo-
rating  the solution to dryness, melted and cast  into
cylindrical sticks or  rods, constitutes Lunar Caustic,
which is directed to be wrapped in white  paper, and
kept in well stopped bottles.
  What are the  physical and chemical properties of
nitrate of silver ?
  It is  kept in the shops in the form of sticks or pen-
cils, and in the state of crystals.  The sticks are about
the thickness  of  a quill, brittle, breaking with a crys-
taline  fracture, of a  grayish color, inodorous, and of
an austere,  metallic taste.  They  are often impure,
containing nitrate of copper, which causes them to de-
liquesce, and  frequently traces of gold.  The crystals
are generally purer, and  consequently, better suited for
internal use.  They  are officinal  only in the Dub.
Pharm.   Nitrate  of silver is an anhydrous salt, consist-
ing of 1 eq.  of nitric acid, and 1 of oxide of silver.  It
is not deliquescent when pure, is soluble in its weight 
88
TONICS.
of cold water, and in four times its weight of boiling
alcohol.  Exposed to the light, it becomes blackish; to
heat, it fuses, and at a red  heat, is  decomposed, the
acid being expelled,  and the  oxide reduced.
  What are the incompatibles ?
  Spring and river water; soaps, the fixed alkalies and
their carbonates;  lime-water; muriatic, sulphuric and
tartaric acids, and their soluble salts; the soluble chlo-
rides; hydrosulphuric acid gas; solution of arsenite of
potassa; astringent vegetable infusions, (fee.
  What are its effects on the system?
  In small doses, frequently repeated, it acts as a tonic
and antispasmodic, but if too long continued, it is apt
to weaken  the stomach, and  impart a  leaden hue to
the skin, which  is very difficult to be removed, but is
said to yield to a steady course of cream of tartar.  In
large doses, it acts as a corrosive poison.   Applied ex-
ternally, moistened  or dissolved in  distilled water, it
stains  the  skin  black, and  may be made to  act as a
stimulant, vesicant, or escharotic.
  What  are  its  therapeutical applications as  a tonic ?
  Given in some forms of dyspepsia ; in angina pecto-
ris,  epilepsy, chorea,  (fee.
  What is the proper treatment  for the poisonous ef-
fects of this salt?
  The best  antidote  is  a  solution  of common salt,
which converts  the nitrate  into  the insoluble, and
therefore  inert chloride of  silver.    Consecutive in-
flammation combated upon general principles.
  What is the dose and mode of administration ?
  Dose, gr. |-, gradually increased to  2 or 3 grains,
three times daily.  It is best given in pill, made with
some  vegetable extract, as that  of gentian or chamo-
mile,  and not with crumb of bread, when  this  contains
common salt. Its use should not be continued longer
than two or three months at a time,  for reasons before
stated. 
TONICS.
89
     SULPHURIC ACID—ACIDUM SULPHURICUM.

  How is this prepared ?
  It is prepared, on  the large scale, by burning sul-
phur with  nitre in a  leaden chamber, fitted  for the
purpose.
  What are its physical properties?
  Sulphuric acid, or  oil of vitriol, as it is frequently
called, is a dense, colorless, oily-looking liquid, inodor-
ous, with an intensely acid, burning taste.   Its sp. gr.,
when pure, is about 1.845.
  With what substances is it incompatible ?
  With most metals and their oxides;  earths, alkalies
and their carbonates; with most salts, supplanting their
acids; with alcohol, converting it into ether; and with
all  organic substances, charring and destroying them.
  What are it3 effects on the system ?
  It is a powerful corrosive poison, destroying the ani-
mal tissues wherever it comes in contact  with them.
Properly  diluted, it  is  tonic, refrigerant and  astrin-
gent.
  What is the proper treatment  in poisoning with it ?
  Magnesia or  its carbonate should  be  immediately
given to neutralize  the  acid, or if these  are  not at
hand, a solution of soap  may be  substituted and fol-
lowed  by the  free use  of bland and mucilaginous
drinks.
   What are its therapeutical applications, both internal
and external ?
   It is  applicable in low typhoid fevers; in cases of
debility, especially when attended with excessive dis-
charges, as in passive hemorrhages, colliquative sweats
and diarrhoeas,  and in cases of  phosphatic depositions
from the urine. Externally, it is used largely diluted, as a
wash to foul and indolent ulcers and  some  cutaneous
eruptions.  It is also used as an  ingredient in  gargles
for  ulcerated sore throat, and for checking  excessive
ptyalism, but is apt to injure the teeth.
   How is it used ? 
90
TONICS.
   Never used,  in its  concentrated state, except  as  a
caustic.
   The following forms are officinal:
   Diluted  Sulphuric Acid.—Acidum  Sulphuricum
Dilutum.   What is  the strength of this preparation,
and the dose and mode of administering it ?
   Diluted in the proportion of fgj. of the strong acid,
to f g xiij.  of distilled water.   Dose, from  10 to 30
drops, three times a day, in a wine-glassful of sweet-
ened water, sucked through a quill, to  avoid injuring
the teeth.
   Aromatic Sulphuric Acid.—Acidum Sulphuricum
Aromaticum.—Elixir of vitriol.   What  are  the  con-
stituents  and sensible properties of this  preparation?
   It consists of sulphuric acid, alcohol, and the essen-
tial oils of cinnamon and ginger.   It is  of a reddish-
brown color, a peculiar,  aromatic odor, and of an
agreeable acid taste, when  sufficiently  diluted.  The
form most usually prescribed, as a tonic.
   What is the dose and mode of administration ?
   Same as  the preceding.
   Ointment of Sulphuric Acid.   How is this prepar-
ed, and what are its uses ?
   Made in  the proportion of f3j. of acid, to gj. of
lard.   Applied in scabies,  ringworm, (fee.

         NITRIC ACID—ACIDUM NITRICUM.

   How is this acid prepared, and what are its physical
properties ?
   Prepared by the action of sulphuric acid on nitrate
of potassa.   It is a dense, colorless liquid, when pure,
of a strong  disagreeable odor, an intensely acid, caustic
taste, and of the sp. gr. 1.5 ; but it is never as strong as
this in the  shops,  and is  often  of an  orange hue,
owing to the presence of nitrous acid.
   What are the incompatibles ?
   The alkalies; earths, some metals, and many oxides; 
TONICS.
91
sulphate of iron; acetates of lead and potassa; alcohol,
and all the carbonates and sulphurets.
  What are its effects on the system ?
  Sufficiently diluted, it acts as a tonic refrigerant and
antiseptic; concentrated, as a corrosive poison.
  What is the treatment for its poisonous action ?
  Antidote, magnesia or its carbonate, conjoined with
demulcent and emollient drinks.
  What are its remedial  applications, both internal
and external?
  Used as a tonic,  principally  in the treatment  of
chronic hepatitis, and sometimes of secondary syphilis,
either as an adjuvant to mercury or to remove the  ill-
effects of  that metal on the system.   Largely diluted
with water, sometimes useful as a drink in febrile dis-
eases,  especially in  typhus.  Externally, the concen-
trated  acid sometimes employed  as a caustic  in the
destruction of warts and corns,  and  the  surfaces of
poisoned  wounds  and  phagedenic ulcers.  A lotion,
made in the proportion of xij.  minim to Oj. of water,
applied as a stimulant and alterative to indolent ulcers,
and in the form of an ointment to some eruptive dis-
eases.   In  the state  of  vapor,  it was  considerably
employed as a disinfecting agent before the introduc-
tion of chlorine and its chlorides of lime and soda for
that  puipose.
  What is the dose and mode of administration ?
  Dose of the strong acid, from 5  to  10 minims ;  of
the diluted, from f3ss. to f 3 j-  Each given  in a
wine-glassful  or more of water, and repeated 3 or 4
times a day.

       MURIATIC ACID—ACIDUM MURIATICUM.

  By what other names is this called ?
  Sometimes  called liquid muriatic  acid, chlorohy-
dric acid, and hydrochloric acid.
  How is it prepared, and what are its physical pro-
perties ? 
92
TONICS.
  It is prepared by  the manufacturing chemist, on a
large scale, by  subjecting a mixture of sulphuric acid
and  chloride of sodium to distillation,  and condensing
the chlorohydric acid gas in water, contained in a sui-
table receiver.   It is a limpid, colorless liquid, when
pure, usually of a yellowish tinge, due to the presence
of iron or organic matter, with a suffocating ordor, and
an intensely acid, corrosive taste.   The sp. gr. of the
officinal acid is 1.16.
  What are the incompatibles?
  The alkalies; tartar emetic ; acetate of lead ; nitrate
of silver ; all the carbonates, &c.
  What are its medical properties and  uses?
  It is tonic, refrigerant and antiseptic.  Employed in
diseases with septic tendencies, as in typhoid and pete-
chial fevers, malignant  scarlatina, phagedenic ulcera-
tion  of the throat, scurvy, (fee.  Also used  in debility
of the digestive organs, attended  with phosphatic de-
posits from  the urine, and to  prevent  the  generation
of worms in the bowels.
  What  is  its  poisonous action, and how best coun-
teracted ?
  A corrosive poison; best antidotes, magnesia, chalk, or
a solution of soap may be substituted,  and  demulcent
drinks largely given.
  What  is the  dose and mode of administration?
  Dose,  from 5 to  20 drops, several times a day, in 3
or 4 fluidounces  of  sweetened water.   For a  gargle,
f 3 j. or f 3 ij. to f g vj. of water.

NITRO-MURIATIC ACID—ACIDUM NITROMURIATICUM.

  How is this prepared, and what are  its physical and
chemical properties ?
  Prepared  by mixing nitric and muriatic acids in the
ratio of one  measure of the former to two of the latter.
It has a deep-yellow color, an intensely acid taste, and
exhales the  odor of  chlorine and  nitrous acid.   It is a
solution of chlorine and nitrous acids in water, resulting 
TONICS.
93
from the mutual decomposition of the acids, the hydro-
gen of the muriatic parting with  its chlorine  to form
water, with one eq. of oxygen of the nitric.   It has
been long  known  under the name of aqua regia, for
its peculiar property of dissolving gold and platinum.
  What circumstance may prevent the above  changes
from taking place, when nitric and  muriatic acids  are
mixed, and how may it be obviated ?
  Prevented by the weakness of the acids, as occasional-
ly sold in the shops; obviated by the addition of a little
sulphuric acid, which, by its  superior attraction  for
water, concentrates the other acids and effects the re-
action.   This may be  known  to have taken place, by
the color and  odor of  the mixture,  together with its
power to dissolve gold-leaf.
  What are its remedial applications ?
  It is used, chiefly, externally, as a remedy in chronic
hepatic affections, syphilis, and some cutaneous dis-
eases.
  How is it applied ?
  In the form of a foot-bath, and by sponging the body
with  it, in a diluted  state.   The bath, prepared by
mixing f g ivss. of the acid, with cong. iij. of water, at
96°F. in a deep wooden vessel, and the feet immersed
in it for 20 or 30 minutes, daily; strength for sponging,
f g j. to cong. j.  Thus employed, it produces a tingling
sensation in the skin, and  occasionally salivation and
soreness of the gums, after its use has been continued
for sometime.   It has been used also, internally, in the
same  affections, in the dose of from 5 to 10 drops, 2
or 3 times a day, largely diluted with water. 
     III. ARTERIAL  STIMULANTS.

  What are these ?
  Medicines which excite, most prominently, the cir-
culation.
  To what cases are they applicable and inapplicable?
  They are  applicable to cases of great prostration,
when the natural powers of the system are sufficient
to sustain it, when raised;  otherwise, they impair the
vital energies, and increase the debility they are given
to remove.   Inapplicable, as a general rule, to febrile
and inflammatory affections.  Sometimes useful, how-
ever, in such cases, when there is  great depression of
tlxe vital  actions, and  especially  in  the  suppurative
and  gangrenous stages of  inflammation.  They are
improper in hypertrophy of the heart, and in recent
cases of paralysis,  particularly when the  encephalon
is in fault; also, in prostration from concussion of the
brain, and in the chills of fevers, as there  is danger
to be apprehended from the subsequent  re-action.   In
such cases, they should be administered  with  great
caution, and only when essential to life;  external
stimulation being preferable.
  What are  the individuals composing this class?
  Numerous substances possess stimulant properties;
but those which, in their general  effects, excite  more
especially the heart and arteries, are:  cayenne pepper,
oil  of  turpentine, carbonate of ammonia, and  phos-
phorus.

          CAYENNE PEPPER—CAPSICUM.

  What is officinal capsicum.
  The fruit of  the  Capsicum annuum, an  annual,
herbaceous plant, cultivated  in this country.
  What  are the physical and chemical  properties of
the fruit ? 
ARTERIAL STIMULANTS.
95
  It is a long, pointed, pendulous pod, with a smooth,
shining  surface, of  a  bright-red color, when  ripe.
Internally, it consists of a dry, loose pulp, with numer-
ous  flat, kidney-shaped, whitish seeds.   When  pul-
verized, it constitutes  red pepper, or cayenne pepper,
which is of  a reddish-yellow color, becoming paler on
exposure.  It has an aromatic, pungent  odor, and an
acrid,  burning taste.   Water and alcohol extract its
virtues, which  depend  upon an acrid  principle called
capsicin.
   What  are its  medical properties,  and  remedial
applications.
  It is a powerful stimulant, its general  influence,
though, not  proportionate  to its local  action.  Much
used as a condiment in tropical climates,  to correct the
flatulent tendency of certain  vegetable  articles of food,
and  to facilitate their  digestion.  As a medicine, it is
used in  cases  of  dyspepsia, which depend on fee-
ble  and languid  digestion,  such as occur in  atonic
gout,  and  in habitual  drunkards.   Sometimes given
as an adjunct to sulphate of quinia, in  intermittents,
where there is great want of gastic susceptibility.
Highly valuable  in malignant sore throat and scarlet
fever, in which it is used both internally and as a gar-
gle.
  What are the forms of administration, and the  dose
of each?
  Given in  substance, infusion and  tincture.  Dose of
the  powder, 5  to 10  grains, in pill; of the infusion,
made  with   3 ij.  to  Oss. of  boiling water, f g ss.;
of the tincture, f 3 j.  to f 3 ij.  Gargle, prepared with
 3 ss. to Oj.  of  boiling water, or f g ss.  of the tincture,
added to f g viij. of rose-water; in malignant scarlatina,
it is sometimes made much stronger, and with the
additions of  common salt and vinegar.
   OIL OF TURPENTINE.—OLEUM TEREBINTHINjE.

  How, and from what is this prepared?
  Oil of turpentine, or  spirit  of turpentine, as  it is 
96
ARTERIAL STIMULANTS.
commonly called, is prepared by distillation, from our
common turpentine.
  What are its physical and chemical properties?
  It is limped and colorless, of a peculiar, penetrating,
balsamic odor,  and a hot, pungent, bitterish taste.   It
is  much  lighter  than water, (sp.  gr. 0.86;) very
soluble in ether, less soluble in alcohol than most other
volatile oils, and  very sparingly  soluble  in water;
highly volatile and inflammable.   When pure, it con-
sists of carbon and hydrogen, but as usually met with,
it contains oxygen also, which is absorbed from  the
air, and changes a portion of the  oil into a yellowish,
resinous matter.  This is soluble in alcohol, by Lwhich
it is separated from the oil.
  What are  its medical properties, and therapeutical
applications as a stimulant?
    It  is  stimulant,  diuretic, anthelmintic;  in  large
 doses, cathartic,  and externally,  rubefacient.  As a
stimulant, it is used in typhoid fevers, especially  when
connected with ulcerations of the mucous membranes;
in chronic rheumatism, particularly sciatica and lum-
bago ; in neuralgia; in passive hemorrhages from  the
mucous surfaces; in chronic  dysentery, diarrhoea,  (fee.
   What is the dose as a stimulant, and the  best mode
 of  administration ?
  Dose, from v. minims to f 3 j.: given in emulsion with
 gum arabic, loaf sugar, and cinnamon or mint water
  CARBONATE OF  AMMONIA—AMMONliE CARBONAS.

   How is this salt prepared, and what are its physical
 and chemical properties ?
   It is prepared  by subliming a mixture of muriate of
 ammonia and carbonate of lime; when  a reciprocal
 action takes place, by  which carbonate of ammonia,
 chloride of calcium  and water are  generated.   The
 carbonate of ammonia and  water sublime together as
 a  hydrated carbonate of ammonia.   It is in  white,
 translucent, fibrous masses, of a  pungent odor, and a
 caustic, alkaline taste.  It is soluble  in water and di- 
ARTERIAL STIMULANTS.
97
luted alcohol, both of which decompose it when hot,
with effervescence of carbonic  acid.  It consists of 3
eq. of carbonic acid, 2 of ammonia, and 2 of water:
or, 1 eq. of bicarbonate, 1 of simple carbonate, with
the same quantity of water, and is therefore a hydra-
ted  sesquicarbonate.    It has  an  alkaline re-action,
changing turmeric paper brown.   Exposed to the air,
it effloresces  and soon falls  to  powder;  carbonate of
ammonia is evolved, and the remaining powder is the
bicarbonate.
   What are the signs of goodness ?
   It should affect  turmeric paper, as above  stated,
when held over it, and should evaporate, without resi-
due, when heated.
   What are its medical properties and  therapeutical
applications, as a stimulant?
   It is stimulant, diaphoretic,  antispasmodic, antacid,
and in large doses, emetic.  As a stimulant, it is much
used in the latter stages of typhus fever;  in the  ad-
vanced stages  of pneumonia, with great  prostration;
in  the  cases of habitual drunkards, (fee.  Mixed with
some aromatic  oil, as oil of lavender or bergamot, it is
much  used  under  the name of smelling salts, as  a
nasal stimulant, in syncope and hysteria.
   What is the  dose, as a stimulant, and the best mode
of administration ?
   Dose, 5  to 10 grains,every few hours; given in pill,
or  better  in solution, with sugar and  gum, to obtund
its acrimony.
                   PHOSPHORUS.

   What are the effects of phosphorus on the system ?
   In small doses, it is a powerful general stimulant;
in  large doses, an irritant  poison.  It is said  to in-
crease  the secretions from  the  kidneys, and to  excite
the venerial passion.  Rarely prescribed.
   What is the  dose and mode of administration?
   Dose, gr.Ty, given  in oleaginous or ethereal solu-
tion.
            9 
      IV.  NERVOUS STIMULANTS.

  What are the peculiarities of this class of medicines,
and the diseases to which they are applicable ?
  They are stimulating medicines wrhich, in addition
to their action on the circulation, exert an excitant
influence over the nerves at  large, without  any espe-
cial tendency to the brain.   Applicable to all cases of
nervous derangement,  unconnected with inflammation
or arterial excitement,  and particularly to such as de-
pend on, or are associated with, debility.  More gen-
erally  useful  than any other  class, in  spasmodic
affections ;  and hence, usually denominated antispas-
modics.
  What are the substances belonging to this class ?
  Musk, castor, assafetida, valerian, oil of amber, (fee.

                 MUSK—MOSCHUS.

  What is musk, and  its origin ?
  It is an inspissated or concrete secretion,  derived
from the Moschus moschiferus,  a wild animal inhabit-
ing the mountainous regions of  Central Asia, and  re-
sembling, in shape and size, the deer.
   From  what part of the animal is  it obtained, and
how is it prepared for  market ?
   It is contained  in a small, oval,  hairy sac, found
only in the male, situated immediately in front of the
preputial orifice.  This is removed from the  animal,
and dried for exportation.
   From whence is it imported, and what is the charac-
ter of  the sacs, as brought into market ?
   There are  two  varieties: the Chinese, and Russian;
the former is brought  from China, or Tonquin, by the
way of Canton—the  latter, which is a  more inferior
kind, comes from Siberia, through Russia.  The musk
pods are from two to three inches long, by one or two 
NERVOUS  STIMULANTS.
99
broad; smooth and bare on one side, convex and cov-
ered with  stiff, brownish-yellow hairs  on the other;
amidst which, there is a small, natural aperture.  They
are lined internally by a smooth membrane, the dupli-
catures  of which  form incomplete  partitions.  They
usually contain from  3j. to 3 iij.  of musk, mixed
with hairs.
   What are the physical and chemical  properties of
musk ?
   It is in the form of small grains, unctuous to the
touch; of a reddish-brown color;  a strong, diffusive,
very persistent odor, and of a bitter,  aromatic taste.
It is very  complex in its composition.  Water dissolves
its  active  principles, partially;  alcohol, more com-
pletely.
   How is it  usually adulterated, and the signs  by
which it may  be detected?
   Various substances are used  to  adulterate it;  but
the most common  is dried blood, from  its resemblance
to musk.   This, mixed  with a portion  of musk,  is
sometimes introduced  into the sacs through an arti-
ficial opening, which is  then carefully sewed up or
glued together; and sacs are sometimes  made of the
scrotum and skin,  and filled  with the same  mixture.
The fraud may be detected  by careful inspection, or
by immersion  in hot water, when glued together. The
musk itself should possess the physical properties be-
fore detailed.
   What are its medical properties and uses?
   It is a stimulating antispasmodic;  given in hysteria
and chorea;   in the subsultus tendinum and hiccough
of  typhoid diseases; in   spasmodic  affections of the
stomach and bowels ; in infantile convulsions, (fee.
   What is the dose and mode of  administration ?
   Medium dose, 10 grains;  given in pill or emulsion.
Sometimes given to children in the form  of enema.
   How is artificial musk prepared ?
   Bv the slow addition of nitric acid to the unrectified
oil of amber. 
100
NERVOUS  STIMULANTS.
               CASTOR—CASTOREUM.

   What is castor, and from what obtained ?
   It is a peculiar  concrete  secretion ;  obtained  from
two follicles situated between the anus and  external
genitals of both sexes of the Castor fibre, or Beaver.
   What are its physical and medical properties ?
   It is brought into market in pairs of membranous sacs,
attached together  by a kind of  natural ligament.  It
is of a reddish-brown  color, of  a strong, peculiar, un-
pleasant odor, and of a nauseous, bitter taste.  It is a
moderate stimulant and  antispasmodic;  occasionally
given in hysteria, and other nervous affections.
   How is it given and what is the dose ?
   Given in bolus, emulsion  or  tincture.  Dose, 10 to
20 grains; of the tincture, f 3 j. to f 3 ij.

            ASSAFETIDA—ASSAFCETIDA.

   What is assafetida, and the mode  of preparing it for
market ?
   It is the inspissated juice of the Ferula Assafcetida,
an herbaceous, umbelliferous plant, with a very large,
fleshy, perennial root, growing  in  Persia.   It is  ob-
tained  by slicing off the top of  the  root, and the juice
.which exudes  is scraped off, from  time to time, and
allowed to harden in the sun.
   What are the routes by which it reaches our market?
   It comes either by the way of Great Britain, or is
sent to India, and from thence imported.
   What are its physical and chemical properties ?
   It  comes  in  irregular masses, packed in  casks or
cases;  of a softish  consistence when fresh, becoming
hard on exposure; of a reddish-yellow color, externally,
and presenting, when broken or cut, a whitish surface,
variegated with pearl-white tears, which change rapidly
to a red tint, when exposed to the air. It  has a very fetid,
alliaceous odor, and a bitter, acrid taste; both of which
are diminished  by  time and exposure,  particularly the 
NERVOUS  STIMULANTS.
101
odor.   It softens by heat, without  melting, and  is in-
flammable.   Its most important constituents are vola-
tile oil, resin and gum, to the two former of which it
owes  its virtues.  Water dissolves  the  gum ;  alcohol,
the oil and  resin, forming a clear  tincture, which be-
comes milky on the addition of water.
   What are its medical properties  and therapeutical
applications ?
   It is stimulant, antispasmodic, expectorant and laxa-
tive.  A valuable  remedy in nervous  derangements,
depending on debility.  Much  used as  an antispas-
modic,  in  hysteria, hypochondriasis, chorea,  convul-
sions, hooping-cough, flatulent colic, (fee.
   What are  the  modes of  administration and the
doses ?
   It  is given  in  pill, emulsion and tincture.   Dose,
from  5  to 20 grains ; of the tincture, f 3 j.
   How is the officinal mixture (Mislura Assafoetida,)
prepared, and what is its dose?
   Prepared by rubbing 3 ij.  with  Oss. of water until
they  are thoroughly mixed.  This, which is frequent-
ly called lac assafoetida, or milk of assafetida, is given
in the dose of f g ss. or f g j. Often given as an enema,
in the dose of from f g ij. to f g iv.

             VALERIAN—VALERIAN A.

   What is this officinally ?
   It  is the root of the Valeriana  officinalis, a. large,
herbaceous plant, indigenous in Europe.
   What are the physical and  chemical  properties of
the root ?
   It  consists of numerous long, slender fibres, attach-
ed to a short, tuberous root-stock.  Externally, they
are of  a yellowish-brown color;  internally,  whitish,
and affords a yellowish-gray powder. Its odor is strong
and characteristic, disagreeable to  man,but pleasant to
cats; its taste warm and bitter.  Water  and  alcohol
            9* 
102
NERVOUS STIMULANTS.
             extract its virtues, which depend on a volatile oil, and
;             a peculiar volatile acid, called valerianic acid.
               What are the sensible properties of the oil ?
               It is of a pale greenish color, of the  odor of  vale-
             rian, and of an aromatic taste.
               What are the effects of  valerian  on the system, and
"• ,-»^Zt*c-~^~-*il$ remedial applications ?
L'    "ftf   octit^1 's ^ nervous excitant; given in hysteria, hypo-
             chondriasis, epilepsy, hemicrania, and in typhoid fevers,
 <s*r*T\^.   ^^ttended with restlessness, morbid vigilance, cfec.
  , /<   —^'t   What are the forms of  administration,  and the dose
 /**/"■' '   of each?
               Given in powder, infusion, tincture and  oil.  Dose
             of the powder,  from  3 ss. to 3 iss.;  of  the  infusion,
             made with  g ss. to Oj., f  g ij.;  of the tincture,  from
             f 3 ij. to f 3 iv.; of the oil, from 4  to 6 drops.
               How is the ammoniated  tincture of valerian  pre-
             pared, and what  are its  advantages over the  simple
             tincture ?
               Prepared by macerating valerian in aromatic ammo-
             niated alcohol.   The ammonia  is  thought  to  aid  in
             the  solution of the active principles of  the  valerian,
             and to contribute, by its own properties, to the efficacy
             of the preparation.
               What is the dose and mode of exhibition ?
               Dose, f 3 j. to f 5 ij.; given  in sweetened  water.

                             AMBER—SUCCIXUM.

               What is the source of amber ?
               It is a fossil resin, of vegetable origin,  found in va-
             rious parts of the world, but most abundantly on the
             shores of the Baltic,  where it  is thrown  by the waters
             of the sea.
               What are its  properties and  uses ?
               It is  in small, irregular, brittle  masses,  breaking
             with a vitreous fracture, usually translucent and of a
             yellow color, tasteless and  inodorous,  except when
             rubbed or heated, when it exhales an  aromatic  odor. 
7
                    NERVOUS STIMULANTS.           103

 v  ^ It is insoluble in water, and nearly so in alcohol.   Its
"^  1 most important constituents  are  a volatile  oil  and a
V> ^ volatile acid, called succinic acid.  It is not now used
 i ^ in medicine; employed in the arts, and in  pharmacy,
 £ v. to prepare succinic acid and oil of amber.
 J  ^   Oil of Amber.— Oleum  Succini.   How is this pre-
 X >f pared,  and what are its physical properties?
^ x   It is prepared by destructive distillation; and as thus
    T procured, it is very  impure, being dark, thick, and of
jj[ "7 a strong, empyreumatic odor.
^ V   How is  it purified, and  what are  the properties of
 3  1 the officinal rectified oil 9  ( Oleum Succini Rectifica-
 i  ^ turn.)
.<  w   It is purified by re distillation  with water.   When
 .1  «f perfectly pure, it is colorless, and  as  thin as alcohol;
" i^v but as usually met with,  it is  of a  yellowish-brown
 ^  2 color,  of a  strong, unpleasant odor, and a hot, acrid
    ^ taste.   It is soluble in alcohol, and imparts its proper-
    t ties, in some degree, to water.  On  exposure, it  be-
    f comes  darker and  thicker, and ultimately, black  and
      solid.  It is stimulant, antispasmodic, and, externally,
      rubefacient.
I
  What are its therapeutical applications ?             .
  Given in spasmodic and convulsive affections.   Ap- K^^a, ^V"
plied externally, as a liniment, in chronic  rheumatism  (A&r*-  a% \
and palsy;  in hooping-cough,  convulsions of child-^c /k'-£ *♦•«■¥«
ren, (fee.                                                  ,   /
  What is the dose and mode of administration ?
  Dose, from 5 to 15  drops;  given in emulsion.

          SKUNK CABBAGE—DRACONTIUM.

  What is this officinally ?
  The root of the Symplocarpus fcetidus.
  What  is  the  character of this  plant, and place of
growth ?
  It is  an  herbaceous, perennial  plant, flowering  in
March and April, and sending up afterwards, from the
root, numerous leaves, which, when  fully grown, are 
S3
v
^104           NERVOUS  STIMULANTS.

 very large and luxuriant.  It is  indigenous, growing
 abundantly, in meadows and  swamps, throughout the
 Northern and Middle States.
    What are the sensible properties of the roots, and
 how are they affected by  heat and exposure?
    The fresh root has a strong, fetid odor, and  an acrid
 taste, which  reside in a  very volatile principle; and
 consequently, are dissipated  by heat, and  diminished
 by drying.  It loses its properties by time, and should
 not be kept for use longer than a single season.
    What are its medical properties and uses ?
    It is stimulant, antispasmodic and narcotic, and has
 been used in asthma, hysteria, chronic catarrh, (fee.
    What is the dose?
    From 10 to 20 grains.
    Mention some other  substances which  possess the
 properties of nervous stimulants.
    Galbanum,,  Sagapenum, Ammoniacum and  Gar-
 lic ;  these, however, are but little used as such, except
 garlic, which is frequently applied externally, to relieve
 spasm and allay  nervous  irritation.  Tea  and  Coffee
 possess, together  with tonic and astringent properties,
 those of  nervous stimulants.    Electricity and  Gal-
 vanism  are also powerful nervous excitants,  and are
 sometimes resorted to in  paralysis, nervous deafness,
 amaurosis, chronic rheumatism, and in  many  other
 nervous and chronic affections. 

C  I    V. CEREBRAL  STIMULANTS.

      What are the characteristics of these ?
 2    They are defined  to  be " medicines which, with a
 *  stimulating influence over the circulation and the gen
 V  eral  nervous system, conjoin a peculiar determination
 &  to the brain."  Usually called narcotics, from the stupor
 )»  they occasion in large  doses;  sometimes  anodynes,
 *  from their influence in  relieving pain; and soporifics
*i  or hypnotics, from their power  to induce sleep.  The
    individuals of the  class, differ in many respects from
 ^  each other; each one having its own peculiar  mode of
^J  operation, and differing from  the  others, not  only in
 *^ the degree of its action, but in its particular tendency.
    They affect the brain more decidedly  in large doses,
 t  whilst their excitant effects on the nerves and  vascular
    system, are inversely proportionate, in degree  and du-
r~   ration, to the quantity  taken.   In very large doses,
 ^  they act as narcotic poisons, destroying  the functions
^   of the brain, when respiration ceases as  a  consequence.
 j.  Supposed  to  act partly through the medium  of  the
    nerves, and partly by absorption.   Their influence di-
 ^>  minished in a remarkable degree, by repetition or habit,
 i  which makes it necessary, when their  long continued
 *   use is  required, that they should be given in gradually
 <£  increased doses and frequently changed.
 r      What are the individuals composing  this class?
       Alcohol, sulphuric ether, opium, lactucarium, hen-
    bane,  hops, camphor, deadly  nightshade, thorn-apple
    leaves and seeds, bittersweet, hemlock, (fee.

                         ALCOHOL.

       What is the origin and mode of preparing  alcohol?
       It is a product of the vinous fermentation; obtain-
    ed  from the vinous or  fermented liquors, by distil-
    lation. 
106           CEREBRAL STIMULANTS.

  What is meant in commerce by proof spirit1)
  Those are called proof spirit which  have a sp.  gr.
of 0.920, when they contain only from 50 to 55 per
cent, of alcohol, mixed  with water, essential oil, and
other foreign matters.
  How is officinal or rectified alcohol prepared, and
what is its strength ?
  Prepared by re-distillation ;  sp. gr. 0.835; percent-
age of water, 15.
  What is Alcohol  Dilutum, or proof  spirit of  phar-
macy ?
  It consists of equal measures of alcohol,  or rectified
alcohol, and distilled water;  has a sp. gr. of 0.935,
and contains 42 per cent, of  absolute alcohol.
  What are its pharmaceutical uses ?
  Alcohol,  either in its rectified or diluted state, is
much  used for its  solvent  and  preservative powers;
employed  in the preparation of the tinctures, spirits,
ethers and resinous extracts ; is added to the vinegars,
lo some medicated waters, infusions and decoctions, to
assist in  their preservation.   Diluted  alcohol mostly
used in the formation of the tinctures, for  which it is
particularly adapted when the principles to be extracted
are partly soluble in water and partly in alcohol.
  What are its medical  and  poisonous properties ?
  Alcohol is the intoxicating principle of all spiritous
and vinous  liquors;  in  moderate doses, properly dilu-
ted, it acts as a powerful diffusible stimulant; in  some-
what larger doses,  it produces the well known effects
of intoxication, and  in  excessive  doses, it acts as  a
powerful  narcotic poison.
  What are its remedial applications?
  Employed in  the  advanced stages of typhoid  dis-
eases ; for this purpose brandy is usually selected, but
wine is preferable to any of  the distilled liquors, as its
effects are more permanent and more easily regulated.
Sometimes used  also,in flatulent colic; in  indigestion,
vomiting, fainting, (fee.  Applied  externally,  to in-
flamed surfaces to produce cold by  its  evapotion, or to 
CEREBRAL STIMULANTS.
107
stimulate when its evaporation is repressed; occasion-
ally used as an excitant  injection for the radical cure
of hydrocele.
   Wines.   What  is the  origin and composition of
these ?
   The fermented juice of the  grape.   All the varie-
ties of wine contain, in different proportions, alcohol,
water, mucilage, tannic and acetic acids, tartar, tartrate
of lime, coloring matter and a peculiar principle, upon
which the flavor and odor depend, called bouquet.
   What wines are  mostly  used in medicine ?
   Teneriffe, Sherry, Madeira, Port  and Claret.  As a
stimulant, Teneriffe, Sherry  or Madeira is generally
selected ; Port wine, when a stimulant and astringent
effect is indicated.
   What is the proportion of alcohol in each of these ?
   The two first contain between 19 and  20 per cent.
by measure, of alcohol;  Madeira and  Port,  from 20
to 25 per cent., and Claret, from 12 to  17.
   What is the objection to the light wines.
   They are the least generous of all the wines, and
 are  often acescent, which  renders them liable to disa-
 gree with the delicate  stomach,  and  improper  in
 dyspeptic acidity, and  in  the gouty and  uric acid dia-
 theses.
   What are the therapeutical applications of  wine ?
   An excellent stimulant in the  advanced  stages of
 typhoid fevers, especially  when there is  great prostra-
 tion of  the vital powers, attended with  delirium, sin-
 gultus, subsultus  tendinum and sleeplessness, and in
 extensive ulceration and gangrene; given either alone
 or combined with  bark or opium.   Given also, in con-
 valescence from acute diseases, and in some convulsive
 affections, as tetanus.
   What are the evidences of the favorable and unfa-
 vorable action of alcoholic liquors  in febrile diseases?
   Signs of their  good  effects:  an increased fulness,
 with diminished frequency of the pulse, and a mitiga-
 tion of all the nervous symptoms; of their unfavorable 
108
CEREBRAL STIMULANTS.
 action: a more  frequent  pulse, augmented  heat and
 thirst, and an aggravation of the nervous symptoms.
   What is the dose of wine, and mode of administer-
 ing it ?
   Dose very variable; from a few ounces to a bottleful
 or more  may be given in  the course of  24 hours, ac-
 cording to circumstances;  administered  either pure or
 in the form of wine-whey.  This  is  made  by adding
 from a gill  to half a pint of wine to a pint  of boiling
 milk, straining without pressure to separate the curd,
 and  sweetening  with loaf sugar.
   What are the peculiarities and medical uses of malt
liquors 9
   They  contain a smaller  proportion of alcohol than
wine, but  a larger quantity of  nutritive matter,  and
possess, in addition, a peculiar principle derived from
the  hop, which  gives them a bitter taste  and  tonic
powers.   Occasionally used in debility, with enfeebled
digestion ; in local gangrene, sloughing, &c.   Porter
or ale usually preferred.

     SULPHURIC  ETHER—/ETHER SULPHURICUS.

   How is this prepared and purified ?
   It  is formed by the action of sulphuric acid, aided
by heat,  on alcohol, and separated by distillation.  As
thus  procured, it  is impure, and is  mixed with  an
aqueous  solution of potassa and re-distilled, when it is
called rectified, sulphuric ether.
  What  are its properties ?
  It  is a transparent, colorless  liquid,  of a fragrant,
penetrating  odor, and a  hot, pungent taste, followed
by a sense of coolness.  Its sp. gr. is  about 0.750; it
is extremely volatile, and produces, by its speedy evap-
oration, considerable  coldness.  It boils at 98°; is
highly inflammable, and consequently should not be
handled  near a flame.   It becomes acid by keeping.
It  unites  in all proportions  with  alcohol, and is  dis-
solved by  about  ten  times its weight of water.   Its 
              CEREBRAL  STIMULANTS.          109

ultimate constituents are hydrogen, carbon and oxygen.
  What are its effects on the system, and its therapeu-
tical applications?
  It is a powerful diffusible stimulant, and its effects,
which are rapidly produced, are equally transient.   It
is also antispasmodic and narcotic.   Its vapor inhaled,
produces a transient intoxication,   resembling   that
caused by the protoxide of nitrogen, but very danger-
ous if carried too far.   Used in spasmodic and nervous
affections unaccompanied with inflammation, as cramp
of the stomach  and flatulent colic;  in nevous head-
ache, hysteria, and  some stages of low forms of fever,
attended with subsultus tendinum and hiccough.  Mix-
ed with a glass of white  wine, it is said to be useful in
cases of sea-sickness.   The vapor inhaled from a piece
of sugar held in  the mouth, or disengaged by adding
ether to warm water, has  proved  serviceable in  spas-
modic asthma and  some other spasmodic affections of
the respiratory organs.   Sometimes  applied externally,
as a rubefacient or  local  stimulant, in rheumatic and
neuralgic  pains, its evaporation being repressed; and
as a refrigerant, in strangulated hernia, its evaporation
being allowed.
   What is the dose and mode of administration ?
   Dose, from f 3 ss. to f 3 ij., often  repeated, when its
full effect  is desired.  Usually given in  aromatic or
sweetened  water, with which it may be thoroughly in-
corporated  by rubbing it up first with spermaceti, in
the proportion of f 3 j. to 2 grains, and  separating the
spermaceti by passing the mixture through  a piece of
muslin after the incorporation has been completed.
   Compound Spirit of Sulphuric Ether.   What is
this commonly called, and how is it prepared ?
   Commonly known as Hoffmann's Anodyne Liquor.
Prepared by mixing sulphuric ether and ethereal oil.
(Proportions, Oj. to f 3 ij-)
   How is  its transparency affected by water ?
   When  properly  prepared, it becomes milky  when
mixed with water, owing to the  precipitation of the
            10 
110
CEREBRAL STIMULANTS.
oil; this, howTever, does not prove its genuineness, as
the same  property may be given  to it by the addition
of various essential oils.
  What are its medical  properties and uses ?
  Like  ether, it is stimulant and antispasmodic, and
possesses the additional property of an anodyne.  Given
in nervous  irritation  and wakefulness.   Often  pre-
scribed in combination with  laudanum, to prevent the
nausea which sometimes follows the use of the latter.
  What is the dose and mode of  administration ?
  Dose, from f 3 ss. to f 3 ij.; given in a wine-glassful
of sweetened water.

                      OPIUM.

   What is opium ?
   The concrete juice from  the unripe capsules of
Papaver somniferum.
  What  is the  character of  this plant, and  where in-
digenous ?
  It is an annual plant, with an erect, branched stem,
from two to six feet high, with large, variously lobed
leaves, and very large  terminal flowers, which are  gen-
erally white, with a purple eye.  The capsules are of
a rounded shape, from two to four inches in diameter,
and contain  numerous small,  oily seeds,  which are
either white or blackish ; the ground of distinction be-
tween  the  white and black poppy.  It is  believed to
be a native of Asia,  but now grows wild  in several
other countries.
  Where is it cultivated, and for what  purposes?
  It is extensively cultivated  in  India, Persia, Egypt
and Asiatic Turkey, for the sake of opium ;  in Europe,
chiefly for  its capsules and  the oil contained in  the
seeds, and in this country, as an ornamental flower.
  What  are the properties  and  uses of  the mature
capsules ?
  As  met  with in  the shops, they are of  a globular
shape, about as large as a common size apple, crown- 
             CEREBRAL  STIMULANTS.          Ill

ed with the persistent, many-rayed stigma, of a dirty
white color, and of a thin, fragile structure, somewhat
like that of paper.  They are without odor, and  have
a slightly  bitter taste.   They contain principles similar
to those of opium, which they impart to boiling water.
In  medical  virtues also,  analogous to opium, but of
very  variable  strength, and often  exceedingly feeble.
Sometimes  employed in  the form of decoction as an
anodyne fomentation, to inflamed and painful parts.
   What, are the properties and uses of  the oil obtained
from the seed ?
   The oil, which is obtained by expression, is a bland,
yellowish fixed oil; used in some  places for culinary
purposes,  and  in the  arts, as a substitute for olive oil.
   How is opium obtained, and what are the  commer-
cial varieties ?
   Procured by making  incisions  into  the  capsules,
through  which a milky juice exudes; this is scraped
off, dried  without heat, formed into cakes, and usually
wrapped in  poppy leaves, to prevent them from adher-
ing.   The  varieties  of opium are  many, and called
after the countries in  which they are produced, or their
places of export.   Those  mostly met with in  our
maiket, are  Turkey opium and  Egyptian opium;
the former  is  produced  in  the Turkish province of
Anatolia  and  exported  from Smyrna  and Constanti-
nople ; usually called after these ports, and considered
by some as  distinct varieties.
   What are the physical properties of each of these
varieties ?
   Smyrna  opium, the variety by far the most abund-
ant  in our  market,  comes in irregularly  rounded or
flattened  lumps weighing  usually from half a pound
to a  pound;  hard externally, or  soon becomes so by
being kept, and soft  within.  Each lump is covered
externally with the  reddish capsules  of a species of
Runicx, and sometimes with poppy leaves.   It is of a
reddish-brown color, and presents a waxy lustre when
cut, and numerous small,"shining tears when  torn.  Its 
112          CEREBRAL  STIMULANTS.
odor is strong  and narcotic, and  its taste bitter and
acrid.
   Constantinople  opium.   The  most of  this differs
but little, in quality  and  external appearance, from
Smyrna opium, being  equally irregular in shape, and
covered with the capsules of the Rumex ;  but differs
internally, being destitute of the  tears which charac-
terize that variety.
  Egyptian opium, is in flat, round cakes, from three
to eight ounces in weight, wrapped up in a poppy leaf,
the midrib of which divides the surface by an indenta-
tion.   They are generally  hard  throughout,  breaking
with a conchoidal fracture  and waxy lustre.   It is of
a redder color, usually, than Smyrna opium, but has a
much weaker odor and about half the strength.
  What are the physical properties of good opium ?
  When good, it is of a reddish-brown coloi, a pecu-
liar, strong, narcotic odor, and a bitter, somewhat acrid
taste, exciting irritation in the lips and  tongue, when
long chewed.   When drawn over  paper, it leaves an
interrupted trace of a light brown color; becomes hard
and brittle  by exposure to the air; breaks with a uni-
form shining fracture;  affords a yellowish-brown pow-
der, and yields from 10 to 11 per cent, of morphia.
  What are the signs of inferiority ?
  It is said to be of inferior quality, when of a black-
ish color, a soft viscid consistence, a dull fracture, and
of feeble odor and taste; when it  leaves a daik uni-
form trace on paper, forms  a thick viscid solution with
water, and yields but little  morphia.
  What are the effects of heat on opium, and its rela-
tions to water and alcohol ?
   It is rendered  soft and  adhesive  by a slight heat,
and is inflammable.   Partially soluble in water and
alcohol.
   What is its chemical constitution ?
   It contains a great many principles;  the  following
are peculiar to it: morphia, narcotina, codeia, para-
morphia,  narcein, meconin, and meconic  acid;  of 
CEREBRAL STIMULANTS.
113
these the first is by far the most  important, and  is an
officinal preparation.
  Narcotina.   How is this prepared, and what are its
properties ?
  It  may be obtained from  opium or its aqueous ex-
tract, by means of sulphuric  ether, which only  dis-
solves the narcotina and  yields it on evaporation.  It
crystalizes  in  white silky needles ;  is without taste or
smell; fuses with a moderate heat; is nearly insoluble
in water; very soluble in ether,and soluble in boiling
alcohol and dilute acids; forming  with some of the
latter, compounds  resembling salts, and hence it  is
ranked among the vegetable alkalies, though it has no
alkaline re-action on vegetable colors.   It was former-
ly believed, by some, to  be the  stimulating, by others,
the narcotic, principle of opium, but, it is now thought
to be nearly devoid of these properties,  and  like  qui-
nia, is capable of  arresting the paroxysms of remittent
and intermittent fevers.
   Codeia.  What is  the character of this principle ?
   It is a white crystalizable alkali, in medical virtues
somewhat  similar  to morphia, and about  half the
strength.
   What are the effects of opium on the system ?
   It is a stimulant, narcotic.   In medical doses, it ex-
cites  the vascular  system and exhilarates the  nervous
functions, which are soon followed by a  sedative influ-
ence, attended with quiet and pleasurable sensations,
and in the course of half  an  hour or  so, by  sleep.
This usually continues  six or eight hours, when the
patient awakes, generally with more or less nausea,
headache,  tremors, loss  of appetite, and a  disinclina-
tion to active  exertion; at the same time,it diminishes
all of the secretions, except that from the skin, and less-
ens the peristaltic  motion of the bowels.   Such are the
ordinary effects of opium ; but  it has been known  to
act very peculiarly on some  persons, producing, even
in very small doses, nausea and vomiting, restlessness,
wakefulness,  headache,  and  even  delirium.   Again,
            10* 
114          CEREBRAL  STIMULANTS.
some persons are comparatively insusceptible to its ac-
tion, a state apt to be induced  by habit, whilst others
again,  and especially young children, are  extremely
susceptible, one drop of laudanum  having proved, in
some instances, a dangerous dose for  an infant a few
weeks  old.  And lastly, its effects are  greatly modified
by disease  and by combination.  In  excessive doses,
it acts as a powerful  narcotic poison, producing, soon
after it is taken, giddiness, drowsiness, and in a  short
time, complete stupor, with scarcely any previous ex-
citement.   In such cases, respiration is  slow and  ster-
torous ; the eyes closed and the pupils contracted ; the
muscles relaxed; the pulse at first full, slow and labor-
ing, becomes more and more feeble, and death quickly
ensues, unless prevented by active treatment.
  What are its therapeutical applications ?
  It is capable of fulfilling numerous indications, and
has a wide range of application.  Its  primary excitant
action, renders it useful in typhoid diseases ;  its power
to  relieve pain, invaluable in many cases, and its ef-
fects in inducing sleep, important in all cases of mor-
bid vigilance, unaccompanied with acute inflammation
of the  brain, as delirium tremens, (fee, &c.   Its influ-
ence in relaxing spasm, and allaying  nervous, and in
large doses, vascular irritation, makes it applicable to
various diseases, as colic, spasm of the ureters, and gall-
duct, from the passage of  calculi; to choleia, cough,
tetanus, hydrophobia,  hysteria;  to nervous  irritation,
from excessive losses of blood ; to tenesmus, strangury,
and  to various other spasmodic, convulsive and painful
affections.  In suppressing morbid discharges, it is a
valuable remedy in  many cases, as in some stages of
diarrhoea;  in  consumption, chronic catarrh, humoral
asthma, diabetis, and  in some forms of hemorrhage,
combined with astringents.  It is also  valuable  as  a
diaphoretic, when conjoined with small doses of emetic
medicines, as with ipecacuanha, in the form of Pulvis
Ipecacuanha, et Opii.
   What circumstances contra-indicate its use ? 
              CEREBRAL  STIMULANTS.          115

  Contra-indicated by high inflammatory excitement,
which should be  first reduced by antiphlogistic mea-
sures, and the opium given in full  closes, so as to se-
cure its sedative effects.  In such cases, often advanta-
geously combined with antimonials,  or  ipecacuanha,
which  modify  its excitant  action and  increase its
tendency to the skin.  Contra-indicated  also,  by in-
flammation  of the brain, or strong determination of
blood  to the head, and whenever constipation  of the
bowels should be  particularly avoided;  constipation,
however,  sometimes  relieved by it, when it depends
on intestinal spasm, as in colic.  Its constipating effects
may be counteracted in most cases, by laxatives.
   What  is the  proper treatment for  its  poisonous
effects?
   The stomach should be evacuated  as  soon as possi-
ble, either  by means  of emetics, or  by  the stomach-
pump; the former to be preferred when solid opium
has  been taken, and  their operation promoted  by the
free use of  warm  drinks, by irritating  the fauces with
a feather, by keeping  the  patient in  motion, and by
dashing cold water upon the head and shoulders. After
its evacuation, the subsequent debility should be coun-
teracted by stimulants, as  carbonate of ammonia, aro-
 matic spirit of ammonia, wine-whey, (fee.; while sina-
 pisms and  stimulating frictions are applied to the sur-
face.  Artificial respiration as a dernier  resort,  should
 not be neglected.
   What is  the dose of opium, and how administered?
   Medium  dose, 1 grain; given usually in the  form of
 pill, which is best prepared with powdered opium, as
 thus formed it is  more readily dissolved  in the  liquors
 of the stomach.   Sometimes applied with great advan-
 tage  by the rectum, in painful  affections of this and
 neighboring parts; and in cases of obstinate vomiting,
 employed  as a suppository, 3 or 4 grains being made
 into a cylinder,  with soap, and introduced into the
 rectum, or  in the  form of enema, made with laudanum
 and a small quantity  of some bland liquid. 
116          CEREBRAL  STIMULANTS.
   Tincture of Opium.— Tinctura  Opii.   By  what
other titles is this known?
   Commonly called Laudanum, sometimes  Thebaic
tincture.
   How is it prepared, and what are its advantages?
   Prepared by macerating powdered opium, ( g iiss.,)
in diluted alcohol, (Oij.,) for 14  days, and filtering.
It possesses the advantages over solid opium, of being
more easily administered, especially to  children, and
acts  more speedily.
   What is the dose?
   Dose of clear laudanum, equivalent to a grain of
opium, about 13 minims, or 25 drops ; but when long
kept, and exposed occasionally to  the air, it becomes
thick, and much stronger, in consequence of the evap-
oration of a portion of the alcohol, and  the deposition
of opium.
   How is it applied externally ?
   Often used  as an  addition to collyria, in ophthal-
mia ; to injections in gonorrhoea, (fee.;  and to lotions,
in various affections of the skin, as erythema and ery-
sipelas ; and in local pains, as those of gout and  rheu-
matism.
   Camphorated Tincture of Opium.— Tinctura Opii
Camphorata.   What is the  familiar name of this pre-
paration, and what are its constituents?
   It is the well  known Paregoric Elixir, consisting
of opium, benzoic acid, oil  of anise, extract of liquo-
rice, clarified honey, camphor and diluted alcohol.
   What are its theiapeutical  effects and  applications?
   It is a very pleasant anodyne, and antispasmodic;
much  used in pectoral  affections, as  cough, chronic
catarrh, asthma, pertussis, <fcc.; to relieve nausea, and
slight pains in the stomach and bowels, and to induce
sleep, in cases of children.
   What is its strength and dose ?
   Half fluidounce contains rather less than a grain of
opium ; ordinary dose for an adult, f 3 j., or f 3 ij.; for
an infant, from 5 to 20 drops. 
              CEREBRAL STIMULANTS.           117

   Acetated  Tincture  of  Opium.— Tinctura  Opii
Acetata.  How is this prepared, and for what is it in-
tended as a substitute ?
  Prepared by macerating opium in vinegar and alco-
hol, for 2 weeks, and filtering.  Introduced as  a sub-
stitute for the old Acetum Opii or  Black Drop.
  What are its advantages?
  It possesses the advantage over  the Black Drop, of
being of uniform  strength, and  is preferred  by some,
to laudanum,  as being less apt to occasion the unplea-
sant, subsequent effects of the drug.
  What is the dose ?
  Ten  minims, or twenty drops, equivalent to a grain
of opium.
  Morphia.   How is this prepared ?
  Opium is macerated  in distilled water, by which  a
solution of morphia is obtained in  the state of a meco-
nale; to this solution, after being  filtered, alcohol and
water of ammonia are  added, the ammonia displaces
the morphia, which, in precipitating, is partially purified
by  the alcohol.   To render it entirely pure, it is boiled
in alcohol, till dissolved, filtered through animal char-
coal while hot, and set  aside to crystalize.
  What are its physical properties and  chemical rela-
tions ?
  It is in the form of small colorless crystals;  is ino-
dorous, and of a bitter  taste.  Exposed to a moderate
heat, it loses  its crystaline form,  and  becomes white
and opaque.   It is  insoluble in  cold water; slightly
soluble in  boiling water and cold  alcohol, and readily
so in boiling alcohol, which deposits it upon cooling;
soluble also,  in  the fixed and volatile  oils,  and in
solutions of potassa, soda and ammonia ; insoluble in
ether.  It has an alkaline re-action, forming salts with
acids, most of which  are soluble.  Morphia and its
salts  are characterized  by striking a deep blue color
with  a  solution of a persalt of iron, and  by assuming
a blood-red color, on the contact of  nitric acid, chang-
ing  ultimately to yellow.  These tests, however, are 
118
CEREBRAL STIMULANTS.
not infallible, especially the latter, as  nitric acid pro-
duces a similar effect on brucia.
   What are the medical properties of morphia?
   It is  thought to  be the chief narcotic  principle of
opium, but  on account of its insolubility in water, it
is seldom prescribed in an uncombined state.
   What are the preparations of morphia  mostly used
in this country?
   The Sulphate and Acetate.
   Sulphate  of Morphia.—Morphia  Sulphas.  How
is this  prepared ?
   By mixing morphia in powder, with distilled water,
and  carefully adding  diluted sulphuric acid, till the
morphia is saturated and  dissolved.   The solution is
then evaporated with a gentle heat, until crystals form
upon cooling.
   What is the character of the  crystals, and their rela-
tion  to water ?
   They are small, white and feathery ; soluble in
water.
   Acetate of Morphia.—Morphia Acetas.   What is
the  form and  color of this salt, and  its  solubility in
water?
   As  usually prepared, it  is in the form of a white,
crystaline powder,  not entirely soluble in  water, in
consequence of the  uncombined morphia which it
contains; this, however, may be rendered soluble by
the addition of a few  drops of acetic acid.
   What are the therapeutical effects of these salts, and
their advantages over  opium?
   Like opium, they  possess  anodyne and  soporific
properties, but are  less stimulant, less disposed to con-
stipate  the  bowels, and  are more exempt from the
consecutive effects which  sometimes render opium in-
convenient, and often  disagreeable.  They are  usually
more acceptable to the irritated stomach, and are more
efficient, when applied externally to the denuded der-
mis, in relieving violent neuralgic pains and obstinate
sick stomach;  and may be used in many cases which 
CEREBRAL STIMULANTS.
119
do not admit of the internal  use of opium, or its pre-
parations.
  What are their doses and  modes of administration ?
  One-sixth of a grain considered equivalent to a grain
of opium.  Given  in pill or solution.  For endermic
application, triple the ordinary dose.
  Solution  of Sulphate of  Morphia.—Liquor Mor-
phia Sulphatis.  What is  the  advantage and dose of
this  preparation?
  It affords a convenient form  for administering  sul-
phate of morphia in  minute doses.   Full  dose for an
adult, from f 3 j. to f 3 ij., which contain from \  to ^
of a grain of the sulphate.

                   LACTUCARIUM.

   What is this, and how collected ?
   Lactucarium is the inspissated juice of the Lactuca
sativa or garden  lettuce.   Collected from the plant
after the flower-stern  shoots up, by cutting off the stem
and collecting and drying the milky juice which exudes.
   What are its properties and remedial uses?
   In sensible properties, it bears  considerable resem-
 blance to opium, and is sometimes called lettuce opium,
 but  in chemical constitution, it is very different, being
destitute of morphia  and  most of the other principles
of opium.  In  its operation on the system, it also re-
sembles opium  in some respects, but is much less, if
 at  all  stimulating, and produces  none of those bad
 effects which usually follow the use of that medicine.
 It is, however, uncertain  in  its action.  Employed  to
 allay the irritation and cough of phthisis, (fee.
   What is the dose?
   From 2 to 5 grains.

              HENBANE.—HYOSCYAMUS.

   What is this officinally ?
   The leaves and seeds of  the Hyoscyamus niger, a 
120           CEREBRAL  STIMULANTS.
biennial, herbaceous plant, indigenous in Europe, and
introduced into this country.
  What are the physical and  chemical properties of
the leaves and seeds ?
  The leaves of the second year, which are the most
efficient, have, when dried, a  clammy  feel,  a fetid,
narcotic odor, and a bitter, nauseous taste; in the fresh
state, the odor and taste are much stronger.  The seeds
are small, irregular in shape, and of a brownish-yellow
color.  They have the odor of  the plant, and  a bitter
taste.  The leaves and  seeds  impart their virtues to
water and alcohol.  They contain an alkaline princi-
ple, closely resembling  atropia, called  hyosciamia,
and to which some ascribe their virtues.
  What are the effects of henbane on the system ?
  It is narcotic in its operation, differing however from
many others of this class, in producing  but little ex-
citement in its primary operation, and exerting rather
a laxative, than a binding  influence over the  bowels.
In  over doses, it  acts as an acro-narcotic poison, pro-
ducing pain and irritation in the bowels,  with  purging
and delirium, followed  by stupor, with  dilatation of
the pupils, and sometimes by death.
  What are its therapeutical applications ?
  As an anodyne and hypnotic, it may be given with
advantage in many cases; but  being less efficient in
these respects than opium and its preparations, it is
generally resorted to, only  instead of these, when cir-
cumstances forbid their use.  An infusion  of the leaves,
or solution of the extract, is sometimes  dropped into
the eye, to dilate the pupil for the operation  for cata-
ract.
  What are the forms of administration ?
  Given in  substance, tincture  and  extract; most fre-
quently in the latter form, which is officinal.
    Extract  of Henbane.—Extractum  Hyoscyami.
How is  this prepared, and  what are its  physical pro-
perties ?
  Prepared by bruising the fresh leaves, sprinkled with 
CEREBRAL STIMULANTS.
121
a little water, in a stone  mortar, and  then expressing
the juice and  evaporating  to the proper consistence.
As thus prepared, it is the inspissated juice, and is  at
first  soft, becoming hard  in three or four years; of a
dark olive color, a narcotic odor, and a bitterish, nau-
seous taste.
  What is the dose ?
  Dose of the powdered leaves, from 5 to 10 grains ;
of the tincture, f 3 j.;  of the  extract, 2 or 3  grains,
gradually increased till some effect is produced.

                 HOPS—HUMULUS.

  What are these ?
  The strobiles of  the Humulus Lupulus, a climbing
plant, indigenous in Europe and North America.
  How are the  strobiles prepared for market, and what
are their physical properties?
  They are gathered  in September, when ripe, dried
by  artificial  heat,  and packed in  bales  for  market.
They consist  of numerous thin, papery scales, of a
conical  arrangement, are of a greenish-yellow color, a
fragrant sub-narcotic odor, and  a bitter, aromatic, slight-
ly astringent taste.  About the base  of the scales is
fottnd, adhering, a fine golden yellow powder, which
constitutes about one-sixth of the weight of dried hops,
and may be separated by rubbing and sifting the stro-
biles.  This is  officinal in the U.  S. P., under  the
name of Lupulina.
   What are the active ingredients of hops, and their
relations to water and alcohol ?
  Active ingredients, a volatile oil and a peculiar bitter
principle, which exist more abundantly in the  lupulin.
Alcohol extracts these principles readily, boiling water
the  bitterness,  with   the dissipation of part  of their
aroma.
   What are their medical  properties and uses ?
   They are tonic, and  slightly  narcotic.   Used  in
cases of debility, associated with nervous derangement.
             11 
122
CEREBRAL STIMULANTS.
A hop pillow  sometimes employed  to  induce sleep.
Hop fomentations and cataplasms often  used  in  local
pains and tumefactions; and an ointment of the pow-
der, or lupulin, with lard, has been found to be a use-
ful anodyne application to cancerous sores.
  What are the forms of administration, and  the dose
of each ?
  Hops are given in  infusion and tincture.   Dose of
the infusion, made  with  g ss. to Oj.,  fgij.; of the
tincture, from f 3 j. to f 5 iij.
  How is lupulin given, and what is the dose?
  Given in substance and  tincture.   Dose of  the sub-
stance, 6 to 12 grains,  administered in pill; of the
tincture, from f 3 j. to f 3 ij.

              CAMPHOR—CAMPHORA.

  What is Camphor, and from what derived ?
  It  is a  peculiar concrete  substance, derived  from
the Laurus Camphora, a  handsome evergreen tree,
indigenous in China and Japan.
  How is it procured and purified ?
  It is obtained from the chips of the roots and smaller
branches, by sublimation.   As thus obtained, it is im-
pure, and is mixed with a small  proportion of quick-
lime and sublimed a second time.
  What  are the physical and chemical properties of
refined camphor?
  It has the form of the vessel in which it  was con-
densed, and is generally in  hemispherical lumps, per-
forated in  the centre.   It is white, translucent, fragile,
and yet not easily pulverized, unless with the aid of a
little rectified spirit; of a shining fracture and a crys-
taline texture.   It has an  unctuous feel,  a peculiar,
strong fragrant odor, and a  bitter, cooling taste.  It is
lighter than  water, and is very volatile, being entirely
dissipated  when long exposed to the air;  it melts and
sublimes by heat, and is inflammable. Water dissolves
a very minute  proportion—sufficient, however, to im- 
              CEREBRAL  STIMULANTS.          123

part to it odor and taste—but  by means of magnesia,
mucilage, sugar, or  yolk of egg, a  large  quanti1
may be suspended in  water.  It is soluble in alcoh>.,
ether, and the fixed and  volatile oils.   The camphor
is precipitated from the alcoholic solution  by the addi-
tion of water.  Triturated with  resins or fats it forms
a soft, tenacious mass, with a diminution, and some-
times, extinction of its odor.  In composition it is very
analogous to the essential  oils.
   What are its effects on the system ?
   In  relation  to its  action, there is  great  difference of
opinion ; generally believed to be excitant in its opera-
tion, and is  thought,  by some, to affect primarily and
most prominently the brain and  nervous  system, and
to favor diaphoresis.  It also allays nervous irritation,
and sometimes promotes sleep.   In excessive doses, it
occasions anxiety, vomiting, syncope,  delirium, coma,
&c, which effects are said to be best counteracted  by
opium.
   What are its therapeutical applications ?
   It is much used  in the advanced stages of typhoid
fevers, attended with  subsultus tendinum, delirium and
other nervous symptoms;  in  spasmodic and nervous
diseases,as dysmenorrhosa,puerperal convulsions; some
forms of mania, as that produced by the abuse of ardent
spirit;  in atonic gout and chronic rheumatism, and  in
irritable and  painful affections of the  urinary  organs,
as strangury, especially when produced by cantharides.
   What is  the dose  and  best mode of administering
camphor ?
   Medium dose, 5  to 10 grains;  usually  given in the
form of pill, or made into an emulsion with water,  by
means of mucilage and  sugar.  The form of pill is
said  to  be objectionable, as  it is with difficulty dis-
solved  in the gastric liquors, and floating on the top is
apt to occasion nausea or uneasiness about the cardiac
orifice  of  the stomach.   In cases requiring  only a
slight  impression,  the officinal camphor water, Aqua
 Camphora, is a very convenient form. 
124          CEREBRAL  STIMULANTS.
  How is this prepared, and what is its strength and
tk>se?
   Prepared by  rubbing camphor, first with a  little
alcohol, then with magnesia, and lastly, with distilled
water  gradually added, and filtering through paper.
As thus  prepared, about 50 grains is contained  in  a
pint, or rather more than  3 grains  in a  fluidounce.
Dose,  fgj. or fgij.   Camphor is also given in the
form of tincture, the dose of which varies from 5 drops
tof3J.
   What  are its  external uses and modes of applica-
tion?
   It is often employed dissolved in spirit  or oil, as in
the form of the simple tincture;  the  Camphorated
 Tincture of Soap— Tinctura Sapo?iis Camphorata ;
the Camphorated Soap Liniment—Linimentum Sa-
ponis  Camphoratum,  commonly  called opodeldoc;
and  the  Camphor  Liniment—Linimentum  Cam-
phora;  as an anodyne or stimulating embrocation,  in
 rheumatic and  neuralgic  pains;  in sprains, bruises,
 chilblains, glandular enlargements, (fee.

       DEADLY NIGHTSHADE—BELLADONNA:

   What is this officinally ?
   The  leaves of the Atropa Belladonna, a perennial,
 herbaceous plant, indigenous in Europe.
   What are  the physical and  chemical  properties of
 the leaves?
   They are  ovate, acute, entire, of a dull greenish
 color when dried, a feeble narcotic odor, and  a sub-
 acrid, slightly nauseous taste. Its virtues are extracted
 by water  and alcohol, and are  said to depend on an
 alkaline principle called atropia.
    What are the effects of  belladonna on the system I
    In large doses, its effects  are those of a powerful
 narcotic poison, such  as dryness and constriction of the
 throat,  thirst, ineffectual efforts  to vomit, vfrtigo, deli-
  rium, usually of a mirthful character, coma, with ex- 
CEREBRAL STIMULANTS.
125
cessive dilation of the pupil, and sometimes  convul-
sions, followed  by  death.   In  medicinal doses,  its
action is  that of  an anodyne and antispasmodic.
  How are its poisonous effects best obviated ?
  The stomach should  be speedily evacuated, either
by stimulating emetics or the stomach-pump, and then
the bowels, by  active  cathartics, while cold water is
applied to the head ;  and  if coma be present, ammo-
nia should  be given, and external  stimulation em-
ployed.
  What  are its therapeutical applications ?
  It has been  used in  a number of spasmodic and
nervous affections,  as  hooping-cough in the advanced
stages, neuralgia, hysteria,  chorea, epilepsy, hydropho-
bia,  mania, paralysis, amaurosis, (fee.    It has  been
proposed and successfully used, it is said, as a prophy-
lactic of  scarlatina, in  consequence of its having pro-
duced, in some instances, a  rash on the skin,resembling
that disease.  Applied externally, to the eye or neigh-
boring parts, to  dilate  the  pupil before the operation
for cataract;  to the rectum  and urethra, in  spasmodic
and neuralgic affections of these and  contiguous parts,
and to the neck  of  the uterus, to hasten labor  when
protracted from rigidity of  the os tincse.
  How is it used and what is the dose ?
  It is  given in substance, infusion, or extract;  the
latter mostly  used.   Dose of the powder, j. grain ; of
the infusion, made  in the proportion of 9 j. to f g x. of
water, f g j. to f g ij.  The extract, which is the inspis-
sated juice,  is  of  very variable strength, in conse-
quence of which, it is best to begin with small doses,
a quarter or half a  grain, and repeat  it 2 or 3 times a
day, and gradually increas^fthe  quantity till  some of
its effects are experienced, as dryness  of the mouth,
stricture  of the fauces, dilatation of the pupil, dimness
of vision, giddiness or other unpleasant feelings in the
head.  To dilate  the  pupil, a strong infusion of the
leaves or extract is dropped  into the eye, or a little of
the  extract is rubbed upon the eyelids.   When  used
           11* 
126
CEREBRAL STIMULANTS.
to facilitate labor, the extract is mixed with simple
ointment, ( 3 ij. to gj.,) and applied  to the os uteri;
and  in  spasmodic constrictions  of the rectum  and
urethra, sometimes applied  smeared over a catheter.
Often applied in the form of plaster, in local neuralgic
and rheumatic pains.

                  STRAMONIUM.

  What is this officinally?
  The leaves, Stramonii Folia,  and the seeds, Stra-
monii  Semen, of the Datura Stramonium,  Thorn-
apple or Jamestown weed.
  What is the character of this  plant, and where is it
found ?
  It is an annual, herbaceous plant, from three to six
feet  high, found  in  various parts of  the  world,  and
growing in the U. States in rich soils about old settle-
ments, and dung-heaps.
  What  are  the  physical and  chemical properties of
the leaves and seeds ?
  The leaves emit, when  bruised, a  strong narcotic
odor, which they lose by drying.   Their taste is bitter
and  nauseous.  The seeds are  small, kidney-shaped,
of a dark-brown, almost black color; of a bitter, nau-
seous, somewhat acrid taste, and without odor, unless
when bruised.  They are said to contain, as also the
leaves, in a less degree, an  alkaline  principle called
daturia, to wdiich their  virtues are ascribed.  These
are imparted to water and alcohol.
  What are the effects of stramonium on the system,
and its remedial applications ?
  It is a powerful narcotic; producing, in  excessive
doses, poisonous effects nearly similar  to those of bel-
ladonna.   In medicinal doses, it resembles hyoscya-
mus in its action, and is given for the same  purposes.
It is  frequently used  in spasmodic asthma, during the
paroxysm, by smoking the dried leaves or bruised root,
in the same way  as tobacco.  In the form of an oint- 
CEREBRAL STIMULANTS.          127
ment, (Unguentum Stramonii,) it is used  as  an ano-
dyne application to irritable ulcers, painful hemorr-
hoids, (fee.
  What is the dose?
  Dose of the powdered leaves, 2 or 3  grains ;  of  the
extract, or inspissated juice of the leaves, (Extractum
Stramonii Foliorum,) I grain ;  of the  seeds,  gr. j.; of
the extract prepared from the seeds, (Extractum Stra-
monii Seminis,) gr. £; of the tincture, nix. to  t^xx.;
the dose of each to be gradually increased till some
effect is produced.

            BITTERSWEET—DULCAMARA.

  What is this ?
  The stems and twigs of the  Solanum  Dulcamara,
or woody nightshade, a climbing shrub, indigenous in
Europe and North America, growing in damp thickets
and hedges.
   What are the physical properties of  the dried twigs
as met with in the shops ?
   They are of various lengths, about  the thickness of
a goose-quill, consisting  of a thin, wrinkled, grayish-
ash colored bark, an interior light  woody portion,  and
a central pith.   They are inodorous, though  of a faint
nauseous  smell  when fresh.  Their taste is at first bit-
ter, afterwards sweetish; hence the  name bittersweet.
   What are its relations to water and alcohol ?
   They extract its  active properties, which  are sup-
posed to depend  partly upon a peculiar alkaline prin-
ciple called solania.
   What are its medical  properties and uses ?
   It possesses feeble narcotic, diaphoretic and diuretic
properties.  Its  principal use is in the  treatment of
cutaneous eruptions, as lepra, psoriasis, and ptyriasis.
   How is it given, and what is the dose?
   Usually given in the form of the officinal decoction.
Dose, f g  ij., 3 or 4 times a day. 
12S           CEREBRAL STIMULANTS.

                HEMLOCK—CONIUM.

   What is officinal hemlock?
   The  leaves, Conii  Folia, and  seeds, Conii Semen,
of the Conium  maculatum, a biennial, umbelliferous
plant, indigenous in Europe, and, naturalized in  this
country.
   What is the mode of collecting and preserving hem-
lock, and  what are  its physical properties?
   The  leaves should  be collected in June or  July,
when the  plant  is in full flower, dried in  the  sun or
with a very gentle  artificial heat, and kept in  wTell-
stopped opaque bottles  or jars, so  as  to  exclude the
air and light, by exposure  to which, their  medicinal
virtues are impaired.  The  seeds, which are collected
when fully ripe, are more active  than  the leaves, and
retain  their  medicinal  powers much  longer.  The
fresh leaves, as well as the whole plant, exhale a fetid
odor, compared  to  that  of mice  or the urine of cats,
which is  diminished by drying.  Their  color,  when
dried, is dark green, which is retained  in the powder,
and their taste nauseous  and bitter.  The seeds have
less odor, and a bitter, somewhat  acrid taste.
   What are the  relations of  hemlock to water, alcohol
and ether  ?
   Its active  principle, a peculiar, volatile, alkaline,
oily  substance, called  conia, is partially extracted by
water, and entirely  so by alcohol  and ether.
   What are its medicinal actions and uses?
   In relation to its  action, there  is great  discordancy
of opinion ; some consider  it  narcotic, with no veiv
marked excitant influence :  while others ascribe to it
the properties of an  anodyne  and direct sedative.   It
has been used in rheumatic and  neuralgic  affections,
and in various pectoral diseases, as pertussis, asthma,
chronic catarrh, and  consumption, to alleviate pain
and  allay  nervous  excitement.   Externally,  it  has
been employed in the form of  cataplasm  or ointment, 
             CEREBRAL  STIMULANTS.          129

as a palliative, in cancerous and painful ulcerations,
and to tender glandular enlargements.
  How is it administered and what is the dose ?
  Usually given in the form of  powdered leaves and
extract, or inspissated juice, (Extractum  Conii.)  Dose
of the former, 3 or 4 grains; of the extract, 3 grains,
repeated 2  or 3 times a day, and  gradually increased
till  some effect is produced.
  What are the evidences of its action on the system,
and what are its poisonous effects ?
  The evidences of its full action are, vertigo, dim-
ness of vision, nausea, faintness, and general muscular
debility.  Its  poisonous effects are said to be very
similar to asphyxia produced by  any other  cause, as
slight convulsive tremors and  twitches, general  paral-
ysis of the muscles, and consequent stoppage of breath-
ing.
  What caution is necessary to be observed in the use
of  different parcels of this medicine ?
   Its   very  variable  strength  renders  it important,
that when very large quantities have been  given, the
same parcel should be continued ;  or,  if a different
specimen be employed, the commencing doses should
be  small. 
       VI.  ARTERIAL SEDATIVES.

  What are sedatives ?
  Sedative  medicines  are  those which directly and
primarily reduce the vital actions.   Sometimes termed
contra-stimulants, their action being  the  reverse  of
stimulants.
  What is Professor Wood's division of sedatives?
  He divides  them into arterial and  nervous;  the
former acting more especially on  the circulatory sys-
tem, reducing the action of the heart and arteries, in
which way he conceives Refrigerants also to act, and
hence considers them under the same head.
  What conditions of  the system indicate their use?
  They are called for  in most cases of preternatural
vascular  excitement, as in fevers,  especially those of
an inflammatory character.
  What substances are embraced in this class?
  Some  of  the preparations of antimony,  as tartrate
of antimony and potassa, the precipitated  sulphuret,
and  the  antimonial powder;  nitrate of potassa;  the
vegetable acids, (fee.

TARTRATE OF  ANTIMONY AND POTASSA—ANTIMO-
            NII ET POTASSiE TARTRAS.

  By what other name is this preparation called ?
  Commonly called Tartar Emetic, sometimes Tar-
tarized antimony.
  How is it prepared ?
  The following are the directions of the U. S. P. for
its preparation :  Take of  Sulphuret of Antimony, in
fine  powder, g iv.; Muriatic Acid, g xxv. :  Nitric
Acid, 3 ij.; Water, a gallon.  Mix the acids together
in a  glass vessel,  add  by degrees  the sulp. ant. and
digest the  mixture with a gradually increasing heat,
till effervescence ceases; then boil for an hour. Filter
the liquor after cooling, and pour  it into the water. 
ARTERIAL SEDATIVES.
131
Wash the powder which precipitates, with water, till
it is entirely freed from acid, and  then  dry it.   Take
of this powder,  g ij.;  Bitartrate of Potassa, in very
fine powder,  g iiss.;  Distilled water, f g xviij.   Boil
the water in a glass vessel;  then  add the powders
previously  mixed together, and  boil  for  an  hour;
lastly, filter the  liquor while hot, and set  it aside to
crystalize.
   What are its physical and chemical properties ?
   Tartar emetic crystalizes in  transparent, colorless
octohedrons, with a rhombic base.  It is  inodorous,
but has a styptic, nauseous taste.   As met with in the
shops, it is usually in the form of powder, which when
pure, is perfectly white.  It is a double  salt, consisting
of two eq. of tartaric acid,  one of potassa,  one of ses-
quioxide of antimony, and  two of water.   By  expo-
sure to the air, the crystals  lose  their water of crystal-
ization, and become white and opaque.  It is soluble
in 14 times its weight of cold water, and in less than
twice its weight of boiling water;  insoluble in alcohol.
Its aqueous solution spoils by keeping.
   What is the  most common adulteration, and how
may it be detected ?
   In the crystaline state, it  is seldom adulterated, and
in this  form should always be preferred, it being one
of the  best evidences of its  purity.  The powder is
frequently  adulterated  with cream of tartar,  which
may be detected by  adding a few  drops of a solutj|n
of carbonate  of soda to a boiling solution  of tartar
emetic; a precipitate will be produced, which will be
immediately re-dissolved, if cream of tartar be present.
   With what substances is it chemically incompatible?
   With most of  the acids;  the alkalies and their car-
bonates; some of the metals and their oxides;  lime-
water; chloride  of  calcium ; the earths;  the  acetate
and subacetate of lead;  corrosive sublimate, and the
decoctions and infusions  of most  of  the  bitter and
astringent  vegetables, as those of cinchona,  rhubarb,
galls, catechu, (fee. 
132
ARTERIAL SEDATIVES.
   What are the therapeutical effects of tartar emetic?
   Its general  action  is that of an arterial sedative,
while it  excites at the same time, most  of the secre-
tions.   By varying the dose, and the circumstances
under which it is given, it may be made to act various-
ly, as an alterative, sedative, diaphoretic, diuretic, ex-
pectorant, purgative, or emetic.  Applied  to  the  skin,
it produces a painful pustular eruption, and to the sur-
face denuded of the cuticle, it acts as a caustic.
   In what diseases and doses is it used as an alterative
and sedative ?
   As an alterative, it is used in chronic cutaneous and
chronic pulmonary affections,  in the dose of gr. T^, or
gr. ^, dissolved in a large proportion of water,  and re-
peated, so that from gr. ^ to gr. ^ may be  taken daily.
As a sedative, it is employed  in  active hemorrhages,
and in various febrile and  inflammatory diseases, par-
ticularly those of the chest.  Dose as a sedative,  from
gr. TV to gr. |;  but in acute rheumatism, pneumonia,
and pleuritis, it has been given in much  larger doses,
even  in  the enormous quantity of 10 or  20 grains, in
divided doses during the day.  By commencing  with
half grain doses, dissolved in a small quantity of water,
and restricting the patient  in the  use of drinks, a tol-
erance of its action is  said  to be soon acquired, so that
1 or 2 giains may be  given at a  dose, every hour or
two, without producing  either vomiting  or purging.
Tikis practice, however, is thought to be hazardous.
 ^Vhat are its external uses and modes of application?
  It is used as a counter-irritant,in deep-seated pains;
in hooping-cough ;  in chronic inflammation  of the
thoracic  viscera,  and  other internal parts.  Applied
generally in the form of ointment, made  in the pro-
portion of  3 j. or  3 ij. to  g j.  of lard, a small  portion
of which is rubbed on the  sound skin 2 or 3 times a
day till  pustules appear, which usually occur in the
course of a few days.
   What conditions of the stomach contra-indicate  its
use? 
ARTERIAL  SEDATIVES.
133
  Great irritation or inflammation of that viscus.
  What are its poisonous effects, and how are they best
treated ?
  Its poisonous effects bear considerable  resemblance
to malignant  cholera;  they  are, an austere, metallic
taste, nausea, vomiting and purging, burning pain in
the bowels, cramp in  the  legs, great  prostration, (fee.
After free vomiting, which should  be encouraged, if
necessary, by tickling the  throat  with a feather, and
by the use of  warm  water, Peruvian  bark  should be
given  in  large quantities,  to decompose it;  or if this
cannot be had, a decoction of common  tea may be
substitute* "'
  Antimonial Wine.— Vinum Antimonii.   What is
the proportion of tartar emetic in this  preparation ?
  Each ounce of the wine contains two grains.
  What wines are preferable in its formation ?
  Good Teneriffe or  Sherry.   The inferior wines con-
tain principles which precipitate the tartar emetic.
  What are the advantages of this preparation?
  It affords  the  means of administering tartar emetic
in minute doses, and has the advantage over the aque-
ous solution of keeping well.
  Precipitated  Sulphuret  of Antimony.—Antimonii
Sulphuretum  Pracipitatum.  How is this prepared ?
  By  mixing prepared sulphuret of  antimony, solu-
tion of potassa, and  distilled water, and boiling them
for  three hours;  constantly stirring and occasionally
adding distilled  water,  so as to preserve the same
measure;  straining the liquor and  dropping  into it,
while yet  hot, diluted sulphuric acid, so long  as it
causes a  precipitate.  This is washed  with  hot water,
to remove the sulphate of potassa, and the precipitated
sulphuret  is then dried and rubbed into a fine powder.
  How is Kermes mineral   and golden sulphur  of
antimony prepared ?
  The former is prepared by treating the sesquisulphu-
ret of antimony  with a boiling solution of the caustic
or carbonated  alkalies, which deposits  a reddish-brown
            12 
134
ARTERIAL  SEDATIVES.
powder—Kermes mineral—on cooling.   The golden
sulphur is formed  by adding an  acid to the mother
liquor of the kermes.
  How do these differ, chemically, from the precipita-
ted sulphuret ?
  The  latter is considered to be a mixture of sesqui-
sulphuret,sesquioxide, and free sulphur; differing from
the golden sulphur, merely, in containing less free sul-
phur.  Kermes  mineral,  prepared with  the  caustic
alkalies, is a hydrated sesquisulphuret of  antimony.
  What are the physical properties of the precipitated
sulphuret ?
  It is a bright orange colored, insoluble powder, with-
out odor, and of a slightly styptic taste.
  What are its medical properties and uses ?
  It is diaphoretic or emetic, according  to the  dose.
It is,  however,  an uncertain remedy.    Sometimes
given in combination with calomel and guaiac, in the
form of Plummer's pills,  as an alterative, in seconda-
ry syphilis and cutaneous eruptions.
  What is the dose ?
  As an alterative, 1 or 2 grains ;  as an  emetic, from
5 to  20 grains.
  Antimonial Powder.—Pulvis Antimonialis.   What
is this an imitation of, arid what  is the Lond. formula
for its preparation ?
  It is intended as a substitute for James' powder, a
celebrated empirical preparation.   Preparation :  Take
of sesquisulphuret of antimony,  in  powder, 1  part;
horn shaving,  2 parts; mix and  throw  them  into a
red-hot crucible, and  stir constantly until vapor ceases
to arise.   Rub the residue to powder; and in a proper
crucible, expose it for two hours to a heat gradually
increased to redness.  Lastly, reduce to a fine powder.
   What are its physical and chemical properties ?
  It is of a dull white color, without odor or taste, and
is insoluble in water.   It  is  said to consist of phos-
phate of lime, mixed with antimony, in an uncertain
state of oxidation. 
ARTERIAL  SEDATIVES.
135
  What are its therapeutical effects ?
  It is alterative, diaphoretic, purgative, or emetic, ac-
cording to the dose.  But these  effects can  be much
more certainly and safely produced by tartar  emetic,
which is generally preferred to it.
  What is the dose and mode of administration ?
  Dose, as a diaphoretic,  from 3  to  8 grains; given
in pill.
   What are the saline refrigerants ?
   Most of the neutral salts possess, among other  pro-
perties, those of a refrigerant or sedative;  but the one
which is considered most eminently sedative, is
      NITRATE OF  POTASSA—POTASSiE NITRAS.

   What are the synonyma?
   Nitre and Saltpetre.
   What are the sources of nitre ?
   It is of both natural and artificial origin.   In some
 of the United  States, as  Kentucky,  Tennessee, Vir-
 ginia, (fee,  it  occurs naturally, for the  most part in
 caverns, associated with  nitrate of lime.   In the East
 Indies, from whence commerce  is chiefly supplied, it
 is found, in some  districts, crystalized, on the  surface
 of the soil,  which is lixiviated and the lixivium evapo-
 rated till crystals form.
   How are  artificial nitre-beds made ?
    They are formed  by mixing  ashes and  calcareous
 earth with vegetable and  animal  remains.  These
 materials are placed in  heaps under  open sheds, so as
 to shelter them from the rain, and yet  allow the free
 access of air, and  are frequently stirred and sprinkled
 with urine, as a substance containing a large quantity
 of  nitrogen, which,  in the  course  of a  few  years, is
 converted into nitric acid, and this, by combining with
 the potassa in the vegetable remains, forms nitre.
    In what  state is nitre brought  into market?
    In an impure state, called in commerce,  crude salt-
 petre, and  requires  to be purified for medicinal and
 most artificial purposes. 
136
ARTERIAL  SEDATIVES.
  How is its purification effected?
  It is purified from common salt, the most usual im-
purity, by taking advantage of the  greater solubility
of nitre in hot water.
  What are the physical and chemical properties of
the refined salt ?
  It is a colorless salt, crystalized  generally  in long,
striated, semi-transparent, six-sided  prisms, with dihe-
dral summits;  is inodorous, but has a cooling, saline,
slightly bitter taste.  It dissolves  in about four times
its weight of cold, and half its weight of boiling water;
insoluble in absolute alcohol.  It is composed of 1 eq.
of nitric acid,  and 1 eq.  of potassa, and though  de-
void  of  water of  crystalization,  the crystals  are
never  free from water  mechanically lodged within
them.   At a heat below redness it undergoes the igne-
ous fusion, and  if poured into moulds constitutes sal
prunelle.  It is decomposed by a red heat.
  What are its medical properties and  therapeutical
application, as a refrigerant ?
  It is refrigerant, diuretic, diaphoretic,  and  in large
doses, purgative.   As a sedative refrigerant, it  is used
in active hemorrhages, particularly haemoptysis,  and
in febrile and  inflammatory  affections, when  the in-
flammation is not seated in the gastro-intestinal mucous
membrane, the kidneys nor bladder.  Combined with
tartar  emetic  and  calomel, in  the form  of  nitrous
powder, it is frequently given to promote  the secretions
of the liver and skin, and  to reduce febrile excite-
ment.   Externally, it is employed as an ingredient in
gargles in inflammatory sore throat, and  in the  form
of sal prunelle, as an application to chapped lips.
  For what salt is it sometimes  taken,  through mis-
take, and what are the consequences ?
  Sometimes taken, in half  ounce or ounce doses, for
sulphate of  soda, (Glauber's salts,) when it  produces
violent pain in the stomach, vomiting and purging of
blood, great prostration, (fee.
   How are its poisonous effects best treated ? 
ARTERIAL  SEDATIVES.
137
  By the use of mucilaginous and demulcent drinks;
laudanum to allay pain and  irritation, and cordials to
support the system.
  What is the dose and mode of  administration ?
  Dose, from 5 to 15 grains;  given in solution, and
repeated every 3 or 4 hours.
  What are the proportions of the constituents of the
nitrous powder 9
  Eight or ten  grains of nitre, the \ of a grain of tar-
tar  emetic, and a £ or \ a grain of calomel.

                VEGETABLE ACIDS.

  Which of these are mostly used as refrigerants ?
  The citric  and  acetic;  the former generally pre-
ferred.
  What fruits contain citric acid?
  It  exists in limes,  lemons,  sour  oranges, tama-
rinds, (fee.
  In what form is this acid generally employed ?
  In the form of  lemon-juice ; though the citric  acid,
in solution, is sometimes substituted.
  What are the  most effectual modes of preserving
lemon-juice?
  One method consists in adding to the juice, express-
ed  and strained, a tenth part of spirit of wine, filtering
and preserving in well stopped bottles.  Another is to
allow the expressed juice to stand for a short time, till
a coagulable  matter separates, then  filter and put it
into glass bottles, with sufficient almond or  other sweet
oil  to cover its surface.
   What is the  mode of preparing citric acid ?
   Carbonate of lime or  chalk is  added  to  lime or
lemon-juice, which precipitates the citric  acid in the
form  of citrate of lime.   This is  repeatedly washed
with water, and decomposed by sulphuric acid.   An
insoluble sulphate of lime is formed, and  the  citric
acid  remains separated,  in the supernatant liquor,
which is concentrated with a gentle heat, and  then
            12* 
138
ARTERIAL  SEDATIVES.
f
allowed to cool and crystalize.   To obtain the crystals   ^
entirely pure, they require to be re-dissolved  and  re-   A.
crystalized for several  times.
  What is the color and shape of the crystals ?
  They are transparent, colorless, rhomboidal prisms,   .,
with dihedral summits.                                 r>
  How is a good substitute for lemon-juice prepared
with citric acid ?
  By dissolving  g j. of the acid in Oj. of water, and
flavoring  the  solution  with  a few  drops of  oil of
lemons.                                               ..
  What are the proportions for forming lemonade ?
  One scruple of the acid to a pint of water, to  which   p
a little oil of lemons may be added, as before, and the   h
solution sweetened with sugar, to the taste.
  What is  the most common adulteration  of citric
acid, and  how detected?
  Tartaric acid—*This may be detected, in solution,
by  the addition  of carbonate of  potassa,  which will   £*
form  with it  a crystaline precipitate  of bitartrate of   t/
potassa, (cream of tartar.)                            v^
  What are the medicinal uses of citric  acid ?
  It is much used in the aforesaid forms, as a refriger-   ^
ant drink, in  febrile and inflammatory complaints ;
but one of its most important uses is in the preven-   1
tion and  cure of scurvy, for which it  is  almost a   ^
specific—                                            ^
t 

      VII. NERVOUS  SEDATIVES.

  What are these defined to be ?
  " Medicines which, in their  primary  operation, re-
duce at the same time, the nervous power and  the
force of the circulation."  They act directly on  the
nervous system, and are closely allied, in their effects,
to narcotics,  with which they are frequently con-
founded.
  What are their general therapeutical applications ?
  They are applicable to cases of over  excitement of
the nervous and vascular systems.
   What substances are comprised in this class ?
   Foxglove, tobacco, and hydrocyanic acid.
              FOXGLOVE—DIGITALIS.

   What is this officinally ?                           -^   ■
   The leaves  of  the Digitalis purpurea, a biennial, '^ ^  :,
herbaceous plant, indigenous in Europe, and cultiva- ;  H  $
ted in  this country.                                 f  "^ ^
   Which are  thought  to be the most active, the wild j^ 3> ^
or cultivated plants ?                                ?-» * ^ ^
   The wild;  of  which, those  growing in sunny ex- v- £- J
posures are preferable.                              ,3  k j
   What is the botanical character of the leaves ?       ^ r c_l
   They are  large, ovate, lanceolate, obtusely serrated  £ ' 1, £
at  their edges, with  wrinkled, downy  surfaces;  the  ^  ^
upper  being  of a deep green  color, the  under paler  ^%.  ^
and more downy, **"                                I  ? r
   What is the mode of preparing them for market?
   They are gathered in June  and July, just before
the plant  comes  into flower, and the  leaf-stalk  and     £■ J
mid-rib being removed, are then carefully dried, either
in the sunshine or with a gentle stove heat.
   What are the physical properties of the dried leaves?        J
   When prepared as above and preserved  in tin canis-
ters, so as  to exclude light and moisture, they are of a
 
Ik
•#-**.
ft ' j,     140            NERVOUS SEDATIVES.         >"J-twr'"/n

 B v.     dull green color, affording a fine deep green powder;
 T  t     of a faint odor, and of a bitter, nauseous taste.   Digi-
          talis is often met with  in compressed  masses, as pre-
          pared by the Shakers, in which state it is frequently      '
          mouldy, and of inferior quality.                          2^.
             What are its relations to water and alcohol ?            p
             It imparls its virtues to these menstrua.
             What are its therapeutical effects?
             They are those of a narcotic, sedative and diuretic.    ^
          When  its  use has been continued  for sometime, its      ;$"
          sedative action is manifested  by the diminished  force      '»
          and frequency of the pulse, which is reduced to 50,
          40, or even 30 strokes in the minute.  In large doses,    ^T*
          and even in small doses, too long continued, it acts as
          a narcotico-acrid poison, producing giddiness, great de-
          bility, with a  slow, feeble and intermittent pulse, cold      *,
          sweats, stupor, and sometimes  death, immediately pre-      \
          ceded by coma and convulsions.                         ^^
             What peculiarity of digitalis renders  great  caution      <T
          necessary in its administration ?                          0
             Its tendency to act with accumulated force; which
          makes  it prudent,  that after  it has been  given for      -
          sometime,  even without effect, its  use should  be sus-       *
          pended for a short time; and this is particularly neces-    <jji
          sary,  after  its constitutional effects are experienced.
             How are its poisonous effects best counteracted ?
             By clearing the stomach of all the poison  it  may
          contain, and by the subsequent employment of stim-
         tulants, both internally and externally.                      tv
         £   What are its practical applications as  a sedative ?
         o   Applicable  to cases  of vascular excitement;  but       r\
         ^ where  much  inflammation is present, it can be  relied
         • on only as an adjuvant to the  lancet and other anti-
^ i   >  | phlogistic measures.   Used, either alone or conjoined      n
V tk  v  1 with other agents, to repress the excited action of the      f -
   j "*.  i heart, in hypertrophy of that  organ ; in  palpitations,
'' *   j   "aneurism,  phthisis, active hemorrhages, (fee.
   -^  <*     What are the forms of  administration, and the dose
   ^ l\   of  each ?   ^                                            *


■1! ^ \   * - ■ ^  i   X°?  ^ •  *•*■*—i"~ ■ t ~~ ^ c-"Jl.u
■ ' ' '   9.  1    "" -  -3  T-  \ )■               -                     * '
),utr. *iJt-  <~~<*-<  > ■  <*•»•    Ci-
 
               NERVOUS  SEDATIVES.            141

  Given  in  substance, infusion and tincture;  most
effectual in substance.  Dose  of the powder, gr. j. ;
of the officinal infusion, made  in the proportion of
 3j. to Oss. of boiling water, with fgj.  of the  tinc-
ture of  cinnamon,  f g ss.;  of the  tincture, 10 drops ;»
each to be repeated 2 or 3 times daily, and gradually
increased, under the precautions before mentioned.

                TOBACCO—TABACUM.

  What is officinal tobacco ?
  The leaves of the Nicotiana Tabacum, an annual
plant, cultivated in various  parts of the world.
  What are  the physical and chemical  properties of
the dried leaves ?
  They are of a yellowish-brown color, a strong, nar-
cotic odor, and a bitter, nauseous, acrid  taste.  Their
sensible and active  properties  are  imparted  to water
and alcohol, but aie destroyed by long  boiling.   Its
most active constituent is  a  peculiar, liquid, colorless,
volatile alkali, called  nicotia,  which has  the odor of
tobacco, and an acrid, burning taste, and is a virulent
poison.   It also consists of  a concrete,  volatile oil,
called nicotianin—the chief odorous principle—and
by  destructive distillation affords an empyreumatic oil,
of a dark-brown color, an acrid taste, and a peculiar
odor, similar  to that  of  tobacco pipes, which, when
long used, contain this oil.   It is a very active poison.
  What are the therapeutical  properties  and applica-
tions of tobacco ?
  It possesses the properties of a sedative narcotic, an
emetic, diuretic, sialagogue and  errhine, and, under
some circumstances, operates as a cathartic.   In ex
cessive  doses, it acts as a narcotico-acrid   poison, pro-
ducing distressing nausea and retching, faintness, great
prostration and vascular relaxation, a feeble, fluttering
pulse, coldness, convulsions and death.  It is chiefly
used in  the form of  enema,  to  relax the  muscular
fibres: thus it is employed  in strangulated hernia; in 
   :'• ,   v ^  «^-^^t-^v    i 4  ^rn-v  Lr^t^, jut-in**.,
.'ft-*-**  /^,,                  J±    ^rvn  -Whr,  „ mjL  i
  142   .   '    NERVOUS SEDATIVES.        ^ ^ ' 'v *"*'  '

  obstinate constipation, from spasm of the bowels; in/V/-
  retention of  urine, from spasmodic stricture of the
  urethra or neck of the bladder;  in colic,  tetanus, (fee.
  Sometimes applied to the throat, in the  form of  a cat-
  aplasm or cerate, made with snuff, or smoked in the
  usual way, in spasmodic croup and asthma.   It is also
  used externally, in the form of an  ointment, in  some
  chronic  cutaneous diseases, as tinea  capitis, &c.; its
  use is dangerous, however, and requires caution.
    What is the proper  treatment in cases of poisoning
  from it?
    The poison should be immediately evacuated,  either
  by emetics or enemata, according as it has been  taken
  by the mouth or rectum, and internal and external
  stimulation assiduously practiced.
    Why is moie  danger to be apprehended from its
  poisonous action, when taken by the  rectum, than by
  the mouth ?
    Because it  is more apt to be rejected in  the  latter
  case.
    What is  the strength of the officinal infusion, and
  the dose as an enema ?
    Made with 3j.  to  Oj.  of boiling water; half of
  which may be injected at once, and the remainder  in
  course of half an hour, if necessary.

    HYDROCYANIC ACID—ACIDUM HYDROCYANICUM.

    In what plants is this found ?
    Hydrocyanic or prussic acid exists in, or  is formed,
  by the re-action of water upon amygdalin, a peculiar
  principle found in the cherry laurel, wild cherry bark,
  the kernels of bitter almonds, peach, <$fc.                   t
    How is it obtained from these plants ?
    By distillation with water, when it comes  over along
  with a peculiar volatile oil.
    What is the  character of cherry laurel water as a
  remedy ?
    The proportion of hydrocyanic acid—its  active in- 
NERVOUS SEDATIVES.
143
gredient—is  very variable, and consequently, it is  an
uncertain and unsafe preparation.
  What is the advantage of the essential or volatile
oil of bitter almonds, as a substitute for the medicinal
hydrocyanic acid ?
  It is said to be less liable to decomposition ;  keep-
ing for several years, in well stopped bottles.
  In what state is hydrocyanic acid used in medicine?
  In a diluted state, and never in a concentrated form.
  How  is officinal  hydrocyanic acid  prepared, and
what is its strength ?
  It is obtained by distillation, from a mixture of sul-
phuric acid, ferrocyanuret of potassium, and distilled
water;  and to  the  acid product,  sufficient distilled
water is afterwards added to bring it to a proper state
of dilution, when, according to the U. S. P., it con-
tains 1.6 per cent, of the anhydrous acid.   It is some-
times prepared  for immediate use, by the action  of
dilute  muriatic acid on cyanuret  of silver.  By  the
double  decomposition  that  ensues, hydrocyanic acid
and chloride of silver are formed ;  the former remains
dissolved in the water,  and the latter subsides.  The
clear liquor is then poured off  for use.
   What are the sensible properties of the  medicinal
acid?
   It is  a transparent, colorless liquid, with a taste at
first cooling, afterwards%Tarm and  bitter, and an odor'
stated to resemble that of the oil of bitter almonds.
   What is the effect of exposure, and the  best mode
of keeping it?
   It is  decomposed by exposure  to light, and should
 be preserved in  well stopped opaque bottles.
   What are its  therapeutical properties and uses ?
   Prussic acid  is the most powerful poison known,
destroying  life, sometimes,  almost instantaneously.
When  not immediately fatal, the  symptoms produced
by it are, convulsions,  difficult and spasmodic breath-
ing, and insensibility, followed by death  in  a few
minutes.  In medicinal  doses, it acts as a sedative, 
144
NERVOUS  SEDATIVES.
and as such, has been used  to allay irritation, relieve
pain, and relax spasm.  Thus, it has  been employed
in gastrodynia and enterodynia; in chronic vomiting,
colica pictonum; and in various pulmonary affections,
as hooping-cough, chronic catarrh, phthisis, spasmodic
asthma, (fee.
  Hovv are its poisonous effects most successfully com-
batted ?
  If the person be seen immediately after  the  inges-
tion of the poison, he should be made to inhale chlo-
rine or ammoniacal gas, diluted with  atmospheric air,
or a solution of either of  these  gases in water, should
be administered in  small,  but frequently  repeated
doses;  but if some time has elapsed, and insensibility
be present,  powerful external  stimulants,  with cold
affusion and artificial respiration should  be employed.
  What is the dose and mode of administration ?
  Dose of the medicinal  acid, 1 or 2 drops,  every  2
or 3 hours, to be gradually increased, and its  effects
carefully watched.   Best  given  in  distilled water,  to
which  simple syrup may be added.   Dose of the oil
of bitter almonds, ^ of a  drop to begin with ;  given
in emulsion, with gum arabic, sugar and water.
  What substance  has been recommended as a good
substitute for medicinal hydrocyanic acid, and why  ?
   Cyanuret  of Potassium, which is of  uniform
strength,  and  less liable  to undergo  decomposition,
when carefully kept.
  How is it prepared ?
  By exposing ferrocyanuret of potassium, which  is
a double cyanuret of potassium and iron, to a red heat,
until  nitrogen gas ceases to be disengaged ; treating
the calcined product, after cooling, with distilled water,
and  evapoiating to  dryness.  The heat decomposes
the cyanuret of iron, converting it into quadricarburet
of iron, without affecting  the cyanuret of potassium ;
this alone is  dissolved by  the  water,  and  obtained
upon evaporation.
  What are its properties ? 
EMETICS.
145
  It is whitish, inodorous, when quite dry, and has an
acrid alkaline somewhat bitter taste.   On exposure, it
deliquesces, absorbs carbonic  acid, and  is converted
into carbonate of potassa with the  evolation of hydro-
cyanic acid.   It is  insoluble in strong alcohol, very
soluble in  water, and is converted, by solution, into
the hydrocyanate of potassa.   This is decomposed by
all the acids  with  the  liberation of the hydrocyanic.
  What is the dose, and best mode of administration ?
  Dose,  4; of a grain,  given  in  solution with some
vegetable acid, as vinegar or lemon-juice,  to set  free
the prussic acid.                        >
               VIII. EMETICS.

  How may these be defined?
  Substances  which  excite vomiting in certain doses
as an ordinary  result, and that, too, independent of the
stimulus, of mere  bulk,  or of any nauseous  taste or
flavor.
  What are the phenomena  that usually attend  their
operation ?
  In the course of 10 or 20  minutes after an emetic
has  been  taken,  a  disagreeable  sensation  termed
nausea, is experienced, accompanied with  symptoms
of depression ;  as  paleness, a cold  and moist skin, a
feeble, frequent pulse, and muscular relaxation. These
symptoms increase till  vomiting ensues,  when  they
are  followed by those  of  excited action; as a full,
vigorous pulse, and a warm and  florid skin, especially
that  of the neck and face: the  symptoms, however,
which  mark these two distinct stages, vary much in
intensity and duration, according to. the nature of the
emetic employed ;  thus the sulphates of zinc and cop-
per, act very speedily without  producing much nausea,
while tartar emetic, tobacco and some others,  operate
more slowly, and produce great nausea and depression;
           13 
146
EMETICS.
 facts of great practical importance to be borne in mind
 in selecting an emetic.
   What are the  physiological  agencies concerned in
 the production of vomiting ?
   The first impression of an emetic, is usually  made
 upon the  stomach, and  through the medium  of the
 cerebo-nervous system, the diaphragm and  abdominal
 muscles are excited to action, and by their contraction,    #
 together with the contraction of the stomach, the con-
 tents of the latter are expelled.  The necessity of cere-    y
 bral influence, is evidenced by the difficulty of produ-    ^
 cing emesis when the energies of the brain  have been    ^
 weakened  or  suspended  by profound  intoxication or    j
 contusions of the head.                                 £
   How do emetics differ in their modus operandi?
   Some, as tartrate of antimony and potassa, are said
 to exert their influence indirectly upon the  stomach,    ^
 and to act specifically, that is, they excite vomiting,
 when  applied to the skin, injected into the rectum or    ^
 into the veins, as well  as when taken into the stomach  ;
 while  others,  as  mustard,  act  directly and topically,
 producing emesis only when swallowed.
   What are the therapeutical indications that emetics    r
 are capable of fulfiling?
   They may do good in diseases, 1. by evacuating the   ^
 stomach;  2. by the  sedation  or muscular  relaxation
 that accompanies their nauseating effects; 3. by pio-    3
 moting absorption or secretion; 4. by powerfully agi-
 tating the  system or particular parts of it; and  5. by    £
 revulsion to the stomach.                                £
  What circumstances contra-indicate their use?
  Acute  inflammation of  the  stomach, bowels or    X
neighboring parts;  strong determination  of blood to    :
 the brain ;  some organic diseases  of the  heart and    £
arteries, as  aneurism; pregnancy,  in the  advanced    r
stages; and hernia and prolapsus uteri,  require their    I
avoidance or cautious  employment.
  How are emetics  usually administered ?
  Diffused in water, and when the object is merely
* 
EMETICS.
147
to evacuate the stomach, warm fluids, as warm water
or chamomile  tea, should be freely given,  but these
should not be allowed, however, where a poison  has
been taken, which acts only by solution, and in cases
where it is desired to make a powerful  impression on
the system, with much nausea and retching.
   How is excessive vomiting most effectually checked ?
   By  the use  of warm demulcent  drinks;  carbonic
acid, as contained in soda water, or given off by soda
powders, opiates, a spiced plaster or sinapism  over the
epigastrium,  and if  these  should^ fail,  by an enema
composed of  60 drops of laudanum, with f g ij. of a
solution of starch.

               1.  Vegetable  Emetics.

   What are the principle vegetable emetics?
   Ipecacuanha, gillenia and Indian tobacco.

                  IPECACUANHA.

   What is this?
   The root  of  the  Cephalis Ipecacuanha, a small
shrubby plant growing in Brazil.
   What are the physical properties of the root as  im-
ported ?
   It comes in pieces from 3 to  6 inches long, about
the thickness of a goose  quill, contorted, and present-
ing many circular depressions or grooves, which give it
an annulated or ringed appearance.   It  consists cf  an
exterior cortical portion, and  a white ligneous centre.
The former  constitutes about £ of good ipecacuanha,
is hard, semi-transparent, breaks with a  resinous frac-
ture, and possesses the active  properties of the root in
a much higher degree  than  the latter.  The color of
the external surface varies from browish. reddish-brown.
reddish-gray  to gray, and  hence the distinction into
brown, red and gray ipecacuanha, all of which, how-
ever, are  said to have been  derived from  the same 
148
EMETICS.
 plant, and to be essentially the same in chemical and
 medical properties.  The cortical portion is easily pul-
 verized, and  affords a  grayish, fawn colored powder,
 which  has  a faint nauseous  odor, exciting violent
 sneezing in some  persons, in others, dyspnoea and a
 bitter, acrid,  nauseous  taste.
   What are its relations to water and alcohol ?
   They extract its virtues, which are injured by decoc-
 tion.
   What is its active ingredient?
   A peculiar alkaline principle called emetia.
   What are the incompatibles ?
   The salts  of lead and  of  mercury,  and  astringent
 vegefable infusions.
   What are  the  medical properties  of ipecacuanha,
 and its therapeutical applications as an emetic ?
   In large doses, it is emetic, and sometimes cathartic,
 when the quantity is insufficient to vomit; in smaller
 doses,  diaphoretic  and  expectorant;   and  in   still
 smaller, stomachic.  As  an  emetic,  it is  mild,  but
 tolerably certain in its  operation, and may be  resorted
 to in all cases where the object is  merely to evacuate
 the stomach,  or a gentle impression only  is desired.
 It is frequently associated with other more energetic
 emetics; as with  sulphate of zinc and of copper, in
 narcotic poisoning, the action of which it renders safer
 by ensuring their discharge.   As a nauseant,  it is given
 in asthma, hooping-cough, hemorrhages, (fee.
   What is the dose and mode of administration ?
   Dose, as an  emetic, 15 or 20 giains, suspended in
 water, and  repeated at intervals of 20 or  30 minutes,
 if necessary;  tepid drinks being  taken the while to
 promote its action.  Dose as  a nauseant, 2 or 3 grains.
    Wine of Ipecacuanha.— Vinum Ipecacuanha.  For
 what purposes is this commonly used ?
? * ^As an expectorant and diaphoretic.   As  an emetic,
 it may be  advantageously substituted  for  antimonial
 wine, in infantile cases, when the antimonial is  dis-
 posed to  produce griping and irritation  of the bowels. 
                          EMETICS.                  149

 I       What is the dose ?
>i       As an emetic, for an adult, fgj.; for an infant, f 3 j.;
     as a diaphoretic and expectorant, 10 to 30 minims.  .

                          GILLENIA.    %X  .  1  c
                                       , 'A
        What is officinal gillenia ?
        The root of the  Gillenia  trifoliata,  though that of
 <-,     the G. stipulacea possesses  the same properties ; two
      indigenous, herbaceous, perennial plants, the  former,
     growing in the  Eastern and the latter in the Western    s
^.     States.                            - JjLtv t* e^x *w "r?Ti.<^-3
>      By  what other names is it known ? f\. v^^f. Ct^■• - * ■'. tfi*"u.. —
        It is frequently called  Indian physic;  sometimes,
      American ipecacuanha.
        What are the physical  properties of the dried root?
        It is about  the thickness of a small  quill, wrinkled
O    longitudinally,  with a few transverse fissures, and pre-
 $    senting in the  larger pieces, an  undulated, somewhat
 *    knotty appearance.   It is of a light brown color exter-
r     nally, and  consists of a thick brittle cortical  portion,
      with a slender,  whitish, ligneous central cord, which is
 I    comparatively  inert, and should  be  rejected.   The
      powder is of a light,  brownish color, a feeble  odor,
      and a bitter taste.
        What are its  relations to water and alcohol?
        It imparts its virtues to these menstrua.
        What are its  medical properties and uses?
        It is a mild and efficient emetic, and like most other
      emetics, acts occasionally upon  the bowels.   Some-
      times used as a substitute  for ipecacuanha, which it is
      thought to resemble in its  operation.
        What is the dose?
        From 20 to  30 grains, repeated like  ipecacuanha,
      till  it  vomits.

                  INDIAN TOBACCO—LOBELIA.

        What species of lobelia is principally used ?
        Lobelia inflata.
                 13* 
150
EMETICS.
   What is the character of this plant, and its place of
growth ?
   It is an annual, herbaceous plant, with an erect an-
gular, much  branched, hairy stem,  from 1 to 2 feet
high,  and with  numerous pale-blue flowers,  which
appear from the latter part  of July till frost.  The
fruit  is an oval,  striated,  inflated capsule, containing
in two cells numerous small brown  seeds.  It is indi-
genous in the  United States; growing on the road-
sides and in neglected fields.
   What parts of  the plant are used ?
   The whole herb  is officinal, but the root and infla-
ted capsule, are said to be most  active; consequently,
the plant should be collected in August or September,
when  the capsules are numerous.
   What are the sensible properties of dried lobelia ?
   It has a faint  but disagreeable odor, and an acrid
taste when chewed, resembling that of tobacco.   The
powder is of a greenish color.
   What are its relations to water and alcohol ?
   It yields its virtues to these  solvents.
   What are its medical properties?
   It is emetic, and occasionally cathartic, and in small
doses,  diaphoretic and expectorant.   It also  possesses
narcotic properties.
   What is its character and chief use as an emetic?
   It is a very  powerful  emetic,  operating with  much
nausea, and general relaxation;  and consequently, it
is but little used except in cases of spasmodic asthma,
in which it is often very useful.
   What are its poisonous  effects?
   In  large  doses, it  acts  as a narcotico-acrid poison,
producing effects  nearly similar to those occasioned  by
tobacco.  (See tobacco.)
   How is it given, and what is the dose ?
   Given in powder, infusion  and tincture.  Dose of
the powder,  from  5 to  20  grains,  as  an emetic;
repeated if necessary.  The  tincture is  mostly em-
ployed, the full dose  of which for an adult, is f g ss., 
EMETICS.
151
but in asthmatic cases, it is better administered in f 3 j.
or f5ij.;  dose repeated every 2 or  3 hours till it
operates.
  What other vegetable substances possess emetic pro-
perties,  for which they have been employed ?
  The  roots  of the  Euphorbia Ipecacuanha and E.
 Corollata, two indigenous  plants, are  emetic in  the
dose of  10 or 15 grains; but they are  not  more cer-
tain in  their operation than  ipecacuanha, and  are
much inferior to it in  mildness, their operation being
usually  attended with considerable nausea, and follow-
ed by brisk purging.
  Squill is emetic in the dose of 6 or 8 grains, but is
seldom  so employed.
   Tobacco is a very powerful emetic in the dose of 5
or 6 grains, but the  excessive nausea  which it pro-
duces,  and its narcotic  properties, render it  unfit for
internal use.
  Mustard, in the form of powder, and in the dose of
a large tea-spoonful,  sometimes acts as a  stimulant
emetic,  and  as such, is occasionally used  in cases of
great torpor  of the  stomach, resulting from  narcotic
poisons, (fee.
  The  root of the Sanguinaria Canadensis or  blood
root, an indigenous  plant,  also possesses emetic pro-
perties.
  What are  the  physical and chemical properties of
the dried root?
  It is  in pieces  from 1 to 3 inches long, and from \
to \ in thickness ; flattened,  much wrinkled and con-
torted, of  a reddish-brown  color externally, and of a
bright orange internally ; becoming of a dull brown
by long exposure.  It affords a brownish-red powder,
which has a faint narcotic odor, and a bitter, very acrid
taste.   Its virtues are extracted by water and alcohol,
and are ascribed to a peculiar alkaline principle, called
Sanguinarina.
  What is the character of blood root as an  emetic ? 
152
EMETICS.
  It is an acrid, stimulant emetic; not much  used: ^^w—
it also possesses narcotic powers. '«*fc   "'  ■***■" ' j  i"
  What is the dose and mode of  administration?   >^*'w -
  Dose of the powder, from 10 to 20 grains, given in
pill, but the  form of tincture is usually  preferred.
Dose, f 3 iij. or f 3 iv.

               2.  Mineral Emetics.

  What are the principal mineral  emetics?
  Tartar emetic, sulphate  of zinc and sulphate of
copper.

                 TARTAR EMETIC.

  What characterizes this salt as an emetic?
  Certainty, power and permanency  of action.   In
the  course of from 20 to 30  minutes after a full dose
has been taken, vomiting usually ensues, which is fre-
quently  repeated and attended  with much nausea,
and general  depression.
  What are its therapeutical applications as an emetic ?
  It is applicable in cases where the object is  to eva-
cuate the duodenum as  well  as the stomach,  and
where a sedative, revulsive, or relaxing effect is  also
indicated.   Much used in  the commencement of fe-
brile and inflammatory affections, in jaundice,  hoop-
ing-cough and croupj in  several  nervous diseases, as
mania,  amaurosis, neuralgia, (fee.; and its  relaxing
effects are sometimes taken  advantage of  in reducing
old  dislocations.
  What is the dose and  mode of administration?
  Medium dose, as an emetic, from 2 to 3  grains; but
the usual and  better plan, is to give 1  grain, dissolved
in a table-spoonful of water every  15 or 20 minutes,
until it  vomits,  the operation being  aided  by warm
water,  or warm  chamomile tea.  Often combined
with ipecacuanha, in the proportion of 1 grain of the
tartrate, to 10 of ipecacuanha, and repeated  as above. 
EMETICS.
153
  What is the dose of antimonial wine as an emetic ?
  Dose, for a child under five years old, from 20 to 60
drops, repeated every 15 minutes, till it acts.   Seldom
given to adults as an emetic.

                SULPHATE OF ZINC.

  By what is  this salt characterized as an emetic ?
  By its promptness and the  little nausea it produces.
  What is its  chief  use as an emetic ?
  Chiefly employed for the  purpose of discharging
poisons from the stomach.
  What is the dose  and mode of administration ?
  Dose,  from  10 to 30 grains, dissolved in  3  or  4
ounces of tepid water, and the whole taken at once.

               SULPHATE OF COPPER.

  What is the character and chief use of sulphate of
copper as an emetic ?
  It resembles sulphate of zinc in  its action, but is
more prompt  and powerful.  Used in cases  of  nar-
cotic poisoning.
  What is the dose?
  From 2 to 3 grains, under  ordinary circumstances;
but in cases of insensibility  of stomach  from narcotic
poisons,  larger doses are  required, from 5 to 15 grains.
  What is the danger  of giving very large doses of
sulphate of copper and of zinc in such cases?
  They are apt to act as irritant poisons if they do not
speedily vomit, and thus produce  an increase of  mis-
chief.   Their administration  rendered safer by  com-
bining them with ipecacuanha. 
IX. CATHARTICS.
  What are Cathartics ?
  Medicines which produce alvine evacuations.
  How do  the individuals of this class differ in their
operations ?
  Some act merely by exciting the muscular coat of
the intestines  to  increased  peristaltic  motion, thus
causing their  contents to be more quickly and com-
pletely expelled.  Some  stimulate the mucous fol-
licles  and  exhalants, rendering the evacuations more
liquid and  copious; while others  extend their  stimu-
lus to the neighboring viscera, producing an increased
flow of the supplemtaiy  intestinal  secretions, as the
bile and pancreatic juice.  Cathartics, differ also, as to
the part of  the intestinal canal on which they act; the
effects  of some being chiefly  confined to the small, of
others, to the  large intestines, while  many  appear to
stimulate the  entire tube.  This  difference  thought
to be owing partly to difference in solubility, but chiefly,
to the peculiar susceptibilities of different  portions of
the bowels.  They differ, moreover, in the degree of
their action; and hence, the division into 1.  Laxa-
tives, which operate mildly,  merely producing loose-
ness; 2.  Purgatives, which  operate with more ener-
gy ; and 3.  Drastics or Hydragogues, which act with
still  greater power, producing, in  over doses;  inflam-
mation of the bowels; characterized by vomiting and
purging, with intense pain.
   What are  the therapeutical  applications  of  ca-
thartics?
  They  are useful  as simple  evacuants,  in constipa-
tion, and various other affections, by removing offend-
ing matters, whether taken by the mouth, or generated
in the  system.   They act as depletives, by increasing
the action of the intestinal exhalants, and thus become
beneficial as antiphlogislics in febrile  and  inflammato- 
CATHARTICS.
155
ry affections.   In  the  same  way, they  diminish the
amount of circulating  fluid, and thereby promote ab-
sorption ;  thus proving  useful in dropsies.   By  the
gentle irritation  which they  occasion in the bowels,
they are useful as revellents  in various affections, and
especially in those of the brain and nervous system.
   They require to be  cautiously administered in in-
flammations of the alimentary canal, in cases of ex-
treme  debility,  and during  menstruation  and  preg-
nancy.
   What are  some circumstances  found to influence
greatly the operation of cathartics ?
   By combination with each other,  their operation is
often greatly increased, and at the same time, lendered
less  irritating;  as in  the  case of the  Compound
Cathartic Pill.   Explained,  by the  fact, of  their dif-
ferent tendencies and modes of operation.   Their ope-
ration accelerated by combining them with  small doses
of emetic medicines and with bitters.  Saline cathar-
tics, rendered more  active by  copious dilution  with
water;  as  also,  their solution, by impregnation  with
carbonic acid gas.
   The  operation of cathartics,  has been promoted,
also, by venesection, in diseases with plethora, and in
some cases of obstinate  constipation,  and  when  this
depends upon spasm of the bowels, even by combina-
tion with  opiates.  The griping tendency of cathartics,
obviated or diminished, by the  addition  of aromatics,
and  the griping from senna and resinous  cathartics, by
combination with alkalies, or  saline purgatives. Their
nauseating effects lessened by aromatics also, and by
carbonic acid water.
   Their operation most speedy, when  taken on an
empty stomach,  and is increased by exercise, as also,
by mild diluent drinks, as molasses and water, barley-
water, gruel, (fee.
   Their action retarded and  diminished during sleep.
Hence, when  a prompt and energetic effect is desired,
they  should  be  given  in the day  time,  on an empty 
156
CATHARTICS.
stomach ; avoiding, if practicable, disturbing the quiet
of the patient at night, by their operation.
   How may hypercatharsis be checked ?
   By laudanum, administered either by the  mouth or
the rectum.

              I.  Vegetable  Cathartics.

   Recite the vegetable cathartics ?
   Manna, prunes,  purging cassia,  castor oil, rhubarb,
senna, extract of butternut,  aloes, jalap, may-apple,
scammony,  black  hellebore,  colocynth,  gamboge,
elaterium and croton oil.

                      MANNA.

   What is  manna ?                     '2l~^/>*-«^
   The  concrete juice of the Fkazct&tts Ornus, and
other species of Fraxinus; small trees  growing in the
south of Europe, chiefly in Sicily, and the south of
Italy.
   How is the manna  obtained ?
   The  juice exudes spontaneously during the hot
months, through fissures  in the bark, but more abun-
dantly  through  incisions made for the purpose, and
concretes on the surface of the tree, or upon straw or
chips, placed to receive it.
   How many varieties of manna are there?
   Three varieties; flake manna, common manna and
fat manna.
   To what are these varieties principally owing ?
   To the character of the season,  and  the mode, and
time of collection.
   What are its physical properties ?
   Flake manna, which is the purest, having been col-
lected in the hottest and dryest weather of summer, is
in irregularly shaped pieces, resembling stalactites, fre-
quently concave on the surface, by  which they adhered
to the tree; rough, porous, light and brittle, presenting, 
CATHARTICS.
157
when broken, a crystaline  or granular structure; of a
white  or  yellowish-white  color,  a faint odor, and  a
sweetish taste.   Common manna or  manna in sorts,
which is collected in the fall, is not so completely con-
creted,  and is  mixed  with more impurities, from por-
tions falling  to the ground.   It  consists of small frag-
ments, similar to flake manna, mixed with  soft, viscid,
brownish-yellow masses, which are identical with the
fat or fatty manna, the most inferior variety, collected
still later in  the season, when the weather is cooler,
and rains more frequent.
   What ate the chemical properties of manna?
   Its  most important and abundant ingredient, is a
peculiar,  saccharine principle, called mannite.   This
may be obtained separate, by boiling manna in alco-
hol, and pouring off the spirit, from which, as it cools,
the mannite  is deposited in the form of white crystals;
of a sweetish  taste, but differing from  sugar, in not
being susceptible of the  vinous fermentation.   Manna
is  soluble in water and  alcohol.   It  softens with the
heat of the  hand, melts at a higher  temperature, and
is inflammable.
    What are  its medical properties and uses ?
   It is a gentle laxative ; peculiarly  adapted to chil-
dren and pregnant women.
    What is the dose and mode of administration ?
    Dose,  for an adult,  gj. or  g ij.; for a child, from
 3 j. to 3 iv.  More frequently prescribed as an adjunct
 to other purgatives, as senna, rhubarb, magnesia, and
 the neutral salts.
                 PRUNES—PRUNUM.

    What are these?
    The dried fruit of the Prunus  domestica or plum
 tree.
    What are their sensible and chemical  properties?
    They have  a feeble odor, and a sweet, mucilaginous
 taste.   They contain  sugar, gum, and malic and pec-
 tic acids.  Water extracts  their virtues.
            14 
158                CATHARTICS.
  What are their medical properties and uses?
  They are mildly laxative and  nutritious.  Stewed,
the)T are used as a laxative article of diet, in  cases of
costiveness.   Sometimes added to cathartic  infusions
and  decoctions,  to conceal  their taste, and assist in
their operation.   The pulp  enters into  the confection
of senna.
        PURGING CASSIA—CASSIA FISTULA.

  What is this officinally ?
  The fruit of the Cassia Fistula, a  large, handsome
tree, growing in  the East and West Indies.
  What is the character of the fruit ?
  It consists of dark-brown, cylindrical  pods, of a foot
or more in length ; straight or slightly curved, and less
than an inch  in diameter.   They have an external
woody shell,  marked with three longitudinal  bands,
two of which  are near  each other, and the  third, on
the  opposite side.  Internally,  they are  divided  by
thin, transverse  plates,  into  numerous  cells, each of
which, contains  an oval, shining seed,  imbedded in a
soft, black pulp.
  How is the  pulp extracted from the pods, and what
are its sensible properties?
  Extracted from the  dried  pods,  by  bruising and
boiling them in  water, and evaporating  the decoction ;
from the fresh pods, by a knife or spatula.  The pulp
is of a black, shining color, and has a slight odor, and
a sweetish,  mucilaginous taste.            Xl-  '  -
  What are its medical  properties and uses ?
  In small  doses, it is laxative; in large ones, purga-
tive ; but given as a purgative, it is apt  to occasion
nausea, flatulence and tormina.  Sometimes given as
a laxative,  in habitual  costiveness, and  enters, as one
of  the  laxative ingredients,  into  the   confection of
senna.
   What is the dose ?
   As a gentle laxative, 3j. or 3 ij.; as a purgative,
 gj. or  gij. 
i                   CATHARTICS.                159

            CASTOR OIL—OLEUM RICINI.

   From what is castor oil derived ?
   From the seeds of the Ricinus  communis or pal-
ma Christi.
   What is the character of this plant, and  the places
of growth?
   In temperate latitudes, it is an  annual, herbaceous
plant, from 3  to 8  feet high; in warm climates, it at-
tains the character of a tree, and the height of 30 or
40 feet.   The flowers  appear in July, and  the seeds
ripen successively in August  and September.  These
are oval, somewhat  compressed, about the  size of a
small bean, with a smooth, shining surface, of a pale
gray  color, marbled with reddish-brown spots and
stripes.   The  seed has a  small tubercle at one end,
and  bears  considerable  resemblance  to  the tick;
whence the name Ricinus.  They consist  of  a hard,
brittle shell, enclosing a white, oily nucleus.  The
plant is a  native  of the East  Indies and  Northern
Africa;  has been  naturalized in the West Indies, and
is cultivated  in various parts of  the  world ; in  the
United  States, most largely in Illinois.
   How  is the oil extracted  from the seeds?
   It is usually obtained by expression, either with, or
without heat;  that obtained without  heat, is called
cold  drawn or  cold pressed castor oil, and possesses
the highest character.   In the United States, the seeds
are first  subjected  to a very gentle heat, to  render  the
oil sufficiently liquid for easy expression, and  then to
compression in a powerful  screw press.  The  oily
liquid thus obtained, is boiled with a large quantity of
water,  and the impurities, as they rise upon the sur-
face of  the oil, is  skimmed off; after which, the clear
oil is removed, and carefully  boiled a  second time,
with a  small  proportion of water, till aqueous vapor
ceases to rise, the  object of which is, to clarify the  oil,
and render it less irritating, by driving off the acrid
volatile  matter.  In the East and  West  Indies, it is 
160                CATHARTICS.
frequently  extracted by decoction,  and the oil skim-
med off as it rises to the surface.
   What are the physical properties of the oil ?
   It is a thick, viscid liquid,  colorless, or of a  pale
straw color,  having a very faint  odor, and a greasy,
nauseous taste.  It  is lighter than water.
   How may adulterations  be detected ?
   The adulteration of castor oil with other fixed oils,
a fraud rarely practiced in  this country, may be detect-
ed by  its complete  solubility  in absolute alcohol, and
pure sulphuric ether, differing in this respect from all
the fixed oils, except palm oil.   It is also heavier than
most of the other fixed oils.
   What are its medical properties and uses ?
   When free from rancidity, it  is a mild and efficient
cathartic; particularly adapted to cases of constipation,
and diseases  attended with irritation or inflammation
of  the bowels;  as colic,  diarrhoea, dysentery  and
enteritis.   Best cathartic  in  cases of  pregnant  and
puerperal women, and for children.
   What is the dose and best mode of exhibition?
   Dose,  for  an adult, fgj.; for an infant, f 5 j. or
f 3 ij.  Usually  administered floating on the surface
of some aromatic water,  as that of mint or cinnamon.
Sometimes  more  conveniently given, in  a  cup  of
sweetened coffee.   Frequently made into an emulsion
with the  yolk of egg or mucilage, and  some aromatic
water.

                RHUBARB—RHEUM.

   What is rhubarb ?
   The root of Rheum palmatum,  and other species
of Rheum, perennial, herbaceous  plants,  inhabiting
Central Asia, and cultivated in  Europe.
   How is the root prepared for market ?
   It is dug up when the  plant is  about 5 or 6 years
old, washed, scraped, and cut into various sized pieces
to facilitate  the drying; they are then  pierced, strung 
CATHARTICS.
161
upon cords  and dried, some  by the air, and  some by
artificial heat.
   What are the varieties of rhubarb, their commercial
histories and physical properties ?
   There  are three chief varieties—Russian, Chinese
and European Rhubarb.
   Russian  Rhubarb, sometimes called Turkey Rhu-
barb, is collected by the Bucharians, on the mountains
of Tartary, and carried by them to the Russian fron-
tier town, Kiachta, for bartar,  when  it undergoes a
rigid inspection  by an apothecary appointed  by the
Russian government for that  purpose, and those pieces
which are found to be sound and free from the attacks
of worms, are sent on to St. Petersburg for exportation.
This, which is the best and  most costly variety, is met
with in irregularly shaped pieces,  somewhat angular,
as if the  cortical portion had been  shaved off longitu-
dinally with a knife.   They are  heavy, of a  bright-
yellow color, generally perforated with connical holes,
extending, in some pieces, completely, in others, only
partly through their substance, made evidently for the
 purpose of  inspection.   Internally, they are compact,
 beautifully marbled with  red, yellow and white veins
 or points.  It has a peculiar, somewhat aromatic odor,
 and a bitter ^slightly astringent taste; feels gritty under
 the teeth when chewed, owing  to the presence of crys-
 tals of oxalate of lime ; stains the saliva  j-ellow, and
 affords a bright yellow powder when pulverized.
    Chinese or East India Rhubarb, is imported from
 Canton,  and is the variety mostly used in this country.
 It is met with in round or flattened pieces, smooth on
 the surface, as if the cortical portion  had been scraped
 off; of a brownish-yellow color; perforated with cylin-
 drical holes, in many of which, are found pieces of cord,
 by which they were suspended  while being dried.  It is
 heavier,  closer, and  more compact than the Russian,
 and affords a yellowish powder, with a tinge of orange.
 Its odor and  taste, are nearly  similar to the Russian,
 and like it, is gritty when chewed, and stains the saliva 
162
CATHARTICS.
yellow.  It sometimes contains  mouldy and worm-
eatened pieces,  but when free from  these, it  is but
little inferior to the Russian, and is much cheaper.
  European Rhubarb, which is derived from the cul-
tivated  plant, occurs  in  irregularly cylindrical pieces,
or in  pieces  resembling the  Russian;  the former,
called in England, stick  rhubarb, the  latter, trimmed
rhubarb.  This  is  soft and  spongy,  and of difficult
pulverization; affording  a powder more deeply tinged
with red than  the Asiatic varieties. It  has  an astrin-
gent taste; scarcely feels gritty when chewed, and but
slightly colors the  saliva, on which  accounts, it  is
sometimes preferred for chewing.                  /
  What are the chemical properties of  rhubarb?'
  Its active ingredients are supposed to be, a  peculiar
principle,  called  rhabarbarin  and tannin.  Besides
these,  it  contains several  other  principles; as  gum,
starch, oxalate of lime,*(fec.  The European, contains
most tannin, least rhabarbarin, and very little oxalate
of lime.  Water and alcohol extract its virtues.
  What are its medical properties and uses ?
  It possesses the  properties of a  cathartic,  astringent
and tonic.  In full doses, it operates as  a mild purga-
tive, stimulating the muscular coat of the whole intes-
tinal canal, without augmenting  materially its  secre-
tions,  followed  by its astringent  effects.   Its  action
sometimes accompanied with  griping  in the bowels.
Used in dyspepsia  with  constipation, in chronic dys-
entery, diarrhoea and cholera infantum, when a purge
is indicated ; unsuitable  in inflammatory diseases.   Its
astringent and griping  tendencies counteracted, the
first,  by  combining  it  with  soap;   the last,  with
aromatics.  Roasting  has the effects,  it is said, of  in-
creasing its  astringent and  diminishing its  purgative
power.
  What are the  forms of administration, and  the dose
of each?
  Usually given in powder, with molasses or syrup, or
in pill; sometimes, in the form of one of the follow- 
CATHARTICS.
163
ing  officinal   preparations:   Infusion of  Rhubarb,
Tincture of  Rhubarb,  Tincture of Rhubarb  and
Aloes, Tincture of Rhubarb and Gentian, Tincture of
Rhubarb and Senna, commonly called   Warner's
Gout  Cordial, Syrup of Rhubarb,  Syrup  of Rhu-
barb  and Senna, and Aromatic Syrup  of Rhubarb,
commonly  called  Spiced Rhubarb.   Dose of  the
powder,  as  a stomachic  and laxative, from 5  to 10
grains; as a purgative, from 20 to 30 grains.  The
European, requires to be given in  double this quanti-
ty. Average dose of the officinal forms, f 3 j. or f 3 ij.,
as a laxative; f g j., as a purgative.

                      SENNA.

   What is senna ?        - ■"f
   The  leaflets of  Cassia acutifolia,  Cassia obovata
 and  Cassia elongata, small shrubs growing  in  the
 north of Africa and in Arabia.
   What are the commercial varieties ?
   Three varieties  brought  to this country,  Alexan-
 dria, Tripoli and India Senna.  .
   1. Alexandria Senna.  Where  is this collected, and
 how is it prepared for market ?
   Collected in Upper Egypt.  The shrubs,  chiefly
 the C. acutifolia, fire cut clown, dried in the sun, and
 the leaves and pods  afterwards  stripped off, packed in
 bales, and sent  to Boulac,  the great entrepot of this
 variety.   Here, it  is  mixed  with the leaflets of the
 C. obovata, and adulterated with  those of  argel, and
 then transmitted to Alexandria for exportation.
   How may the adulterating leaves be distinguished ?
   By their paler yellowish color;  their greater length,
 being usually more than an inch long;  their coria-
 ceous texture, and  by their being  equal-sided; the
 leaflets  of all the  true sennas being unequal  at  their

   2.  Tripoli  Senna.  Where  is  this exported,  and
 what are its distinguishing characters ? 
164
CATHARTICS.
  Exported from Tripoli.   It  consists, principally, of
the C. acutifolia, much broken  up.  It seldom con-
tains argel or cynanchum.
  3. India Senna.   From  whence is  this  derived,
and what are its distinguishing characters?
  Imported from Calcutta, whither it is carried from
Arabia.  It is  the  product of the C. elongata,  and
may be  readily distinguished  by  the greater length
and comparative narrowness of the leaves.
  How is commercial senna prepared for use ?
  By  picking  out  the  leaflets  from the  fragments,
leafstalks and leaves of other plants.
   What are the sensible  and chemical properties of
senna?
  It is of a greenish color,  and has a faint, sickly odor,
and a viscid, nauseous taste.  Water and  alcohol  ex-
tract its  virtues, which are supposed  to depend on a
peculiar  principle, called  cathartin.   The  infusion
deposits, on  exposure to the air, a yellowish, insolu-
ble precipitate,  the nature of which is not  well under-
stood.
   What is its character as a cathartic ?
   It is a prompt, efficient  and safe  cathartic; its ope-
ration  attended sometimes, however, with considerable  •
griping.     ,/.-
   What are its therapeutical applications?
   Applicable in febrile,  and  most other  complaints
requiring  an effectual  purgative.   Often combined
with the saline cathartics to obviate its griping tenden-
cy, and  to increase, in febrile diseases, its antiphlogis-
tic effects.
   How  is it given,  and what is the dose?
   Usually given in  infusion.   Dose of the officinal
infusion, prepared with  gj. of senna, 3j. of bruised
coriander seed, and Oj.  of boiling water,  from fgij-
to f § iv.
   What are the medical  properties and  uses of the
officinal Tincture of Senna and Jalap.
   It is a purgative, possessing also cordial properties. 
CATHARTICS.
165
due to its aromatic constituents.   Used in costiveness
with flatulence;  in atonic gout, (fee.
   What is the dose ?
   From f 3 ij. to fgj.
   What  are  the constituents of  the  Confection of
Senna.
   It is prepared with senna, coriander seed, liquorice
loot,  figs, the pulp of prunes,  tamarinds  and purging
cassia, refined sugar and water.
   What are its medical properties and uses?
   It is a very pleasant laxative, well adapted  for cases
of habitual costiveness,especially in pregnant women,
and  persons affected with the piles.
   What  is the dose?
   From  3 ij. to 3 iv, taken at bed-time.

      AMERICAN SENNA—CASSIA MARILANDICA.

   What  is the character of the plant that  yields Amer-
ican  Senna,  and its place of growth ?
   It is an herbaceous, perennial plant, from 3 to 6 feet
high, bearing beautiful,  golden-yellow flowers, which
appear in July and August.   It is found in all parts of
the United  States, south of New York, growing  most
abundantly in low, moist situations.
   At what time should the leaves be collected ?
   In August, or the beginning of September.
   What are  their physical  and chemical  properties ?
   The leaves are sometimes found in the shops in the
 form of compressed cakes, as prepared by the Shakers;
 they are from \\ to 2 inches long, and from \ to \ an
 inch in breadth ; of a pale green  color, a feeble odor,
 and a nauseous  taste,  somewhat similar to that of
 senna.  Water and alcohol extract their  virtues, which
 depend  on a principle analogous to  the cathartin of
 senna.                       .           _
   What are its  medical  properties and uses .'
   They are similar to those of senna.
   How is it administered, and what is the dose? 
166
CATHARTICS.
  Given in infusion.   Dose one-third larger than that
of the imported senna.

EXTRACT OF BUTTERNUT—EXTRACTUM JUGLANDIS.

  From what is this obtained ?
  From the  inner  bark of the  root of  the  Juglans
cinerea, an indigenous forest-tree, called by the several
names of  butternut, oilnut, and white walnut.
  How is the extract prepared ?
  By evaporating a decoction of the coarsely powder-
ed inner bark of the root, or by the  process of dis-
placement.
  What are its sensible properties ?
  It is of  a black color, a peculiar  odor, and  a bitter,
astringent taste.
  What are its medical  properties and uses ?
  It is cathartic, analogous in  its action to  rhubarb,
and often useful in  habitual constipation.
  What is the dose  ?
  From 20 to 30 grains, as a  purgative; from 5 to 10,
as a  laxative.
                   ALOES—ALOE.
  What is aloes ?
  The inspissated  juice of  the leaves  of the Aloe
spicata, and  other  species of Aloe, as A.  Socotrina,
A. Vulgaris, cy*c.
  What is the character of these plants, and their
places of growth ?
  They have a round, erect stem, from  2 to 4 feet
high, with numerous, large, fleshy leaves, and scarlet,
bell-shaped flowers.   They inhabit the south of  Af-
rica, Barbary, Socotra,  and the  East and West  India
Islands; in some of the latter of which, as in Barba-
does and Jamaica, they are extensively cultivated.
  What are the different modes of obtaining aloes, and
the quality of the drug yielded by each ?
  One method  consists in  cutting the  leaves  trans- 
CATHARTICS.
167
versely  near their  base,  and  inspissating the juice,
which flows spontaneously from them, either  in  the
sun or with a gentle artificial heat.  This method af-
fords  the best  aloes.  The  flow of juice from  the
leaves is sometimes promoted, by plunging them in
hot water, and sometimes by pressure, when an infe-
rior  sort  of aloes is obtained.   A  still more inferior
kind  is  prepared by  boiling the leaves and  evapo-
rating the decoction.
   What are the commercial varieties ?
   Three varieties of  aloes reach  our  markets,  viz :
 Cape Aloes, Socotrine Aloes, and Hepatic Aloes.
   1.  Cape  Aloes.  What is the source and mode of
preparing Cape  aloes?
   It  is  procured from the A. spicata,  by the method
 first mentioned, and is of excellent qualities.
   From whence is it imported ?
   Imported from the Cape of Good  Hope into Great
 Britain, whence it is brought into the United States.
   What are its physical properties ?
   Cape aloes, the variety mostly used in  this country,
 has a shining, resinous appearance; is of a dark-brown
 color, with a greenish-yellow tinge in the small  frag-
 ments,  which  are  also semi-transparent.   It  is  hard
 and brittle in cold  weather, breaking with a smooth,
 glassy  fracture, and  affording,  when  pulverized, a
 greenish-yellow powder.   It has a strong, disagreeable
 odor, much increased  by breathing on  it, and  a  very
 bitter taste.
   2. Socotrine Aloes.  Where, and  from what  plant
 is this prepared ?
   The  genuine is prepared  in the Island of Socotra,
 from the .1. Socotrina.   But the best specimens  of
 other varieties, particularly those prepared in Spain
 and  the West  Indies, without expression  and by in-
 spissation in the sun, bear this name as a mark of
 superior quality.
   What are its physical properties ?
   It is in pieces of a yellowish-brown color, becoming 
168
CATHARTICS.
darker by exposure to the air.  Its surface is somewhat
glossy, and its fracture smooth and glassy, with trans-
lucent,  reddish  edges.   Its  odor  is  fragrant,  and its
taste bitter, and somewhat aromatic. It yields a bright,
golden-yellow powder.
  3. Hepatic Aloes.  From what places and plants is
this derived ?
  It is derived from Spain and  the West Indies, and
a small quantity is brought from India.   That  derived
from Spain and  the West Indies, is the product of the
A. Vulgaris.
  What are its physical properties ?
  It is in large masses, of a dull liver-brown color,
whence the name; of a dull opaque fracture,  a  disa-
greeable odor, and  a nauseous, intensely  bitter taste.
The powder is of a dull olive-yellow color.
  WThat are the  chemical properties of aloes ?
  Its most important constituent is a bitter extractive
matter,  called aloesin, which amounts to  75 or SO per
cent, in the best  specimens.  It contains also, a resinous
substance, (apotheme,) and  a  trace of volatile oil, in
the socotrine variety.   It is rendered  soft and tena-
cious by  heat, and is  inflammable.  Cold water dis-
solves its active matter only, and forms  a very  perma-
nent solution ; boiling water dissolves  it  wholly, but
deposits the resinous portion on cooling.  Long  boiling
impairs its purgative properties, by converting the ex-
tractive into insoluble apotheme.   Soluble  also in
alcohol.
  Which is the best, and which the most inferior  vari-
ety  of aloes?
   The socotrine is considered the best, and the  hepatic
the most inferior.
  What is the character of aloes as a cathartic ?
  It is slow,  but certain in  its  operation, acting  espe-
cially on the large intestines, increasing their peristaltic
motion,and producing feculent drscharges.  Frequent-
ly repeated, it is apt to irritate the rectum, and  may
produce hemorrhoids.               y  t_ .     i ,.^

      ;''          /    /          /    /    -^~

                   /   "'      / 
CATHARTICS.
169
  How may its irritating effects be prevented ?
  By combining  it with hyoscyamus;  and in some
degree, with soap, or an alkaline carbonate.
  What are its remedial applications ?
  In  small doses, it  is very useful in habitual  cos-
tiveness, especially when  attended  with torpor of the
digestive organs;  peculiarly useful in the treatment of
ascarides, and is much employed in  amenorrhcea.
  What conditions of the system contra-indicate its use?
  Hemorrhoids; irritation or inflammation of the large
intestines, and pelvic viscera;  pregnancy  and men-
struation.
  What is the dose and best mode of administration ?
  Dose, as a laxative, from  2 to 6 grains; as a purga-
tive, from 10 to 15 grains; given in  the form  of pill.
  What is peculiar about its action, as connected  with
the dose ?
  When given beyond the medium  dose, the increase
of action is not in proportion to the increase of quan-
tity.
   What are some of the most important officinal  pre-
parations of aloes, in the solid form, and the dose of
each ?
   Pills of Aloes and Assafetida ; Pills of Aloes and
Myrrh, sometimes  called Rufus's Pills ;  Compound
Pills of Rhubarb, and Powder of Aloes and Canella,
commonly called hiera picra.  The  dose of each of
these is from 10 to 20 grains.
   What are some of  the  liquid preparations  of aloes,
and their doses ?
   Tincture  of Aloes;   dose, from fgss.  to  f  g iss.
 Tincture of Aloes and Myrrh, formerly called elixir
proprietatis; dose, f 3 j. or f 3 ij.,  as  a laxative and
stomachic.   Wine of Aloes ;  dose, f 3 j. or  f 3 ij., as
a laxative; as a cathartic, from f g ss. to f g j.
                  JALAP—JALAPA.
   What is this?
   The root of the Ipomaa Jalapa, a climbing plant,
with a tuberous root, growing in Mexico.
            15 
170
CATHARTICS.
   What are its physical properties?
   It comes either in whole or half tubers, or in trans-
verse circular slices.  The entire tubers are  ovoid ;  of
a size usually smaller than the fist;  generally incised
more or less deeply, to facilitate their drying; wrink-
led, and of  a brown color  externally.   They are
heavy,  compact, hard  and  brittle,  breaking  with  a
shining, undulating fracture, of a grayish color, diver-
sified with concentric, darker circles,  and  numerous
brilliant, resinous points.  The odor is  nauseous, and
the taste somewhat acrid and  disagreeable.   It is pul-
verized with  difficulty, and affords a  yellowish-gray
powder.
   What are its chemical properties?
   It consists of resin, hard  and soft;  of  gum, starch,
lignin, (fee.   Alcohol dissolves the resin, its  active in-
gredient;  water only  its non-cathartic  components.
The starch is  often eaten  by insects, and  the  relative
strength of the root thereby greatly increased.
   What are the adulterations and the evidences of such?
   It is sometimes  adulterated with light or fusiform
jalap, called  in Mexico, male jalap, and occasionally,
also, with the mechoacan, or American  bryony, as it is
sometimes called in Europe.   The presence of  adul-
terations may be suspected, when the drug is light;  of
a whitish color internally; of a dull fracture, and of a
spongy or friable texture.
   What is the character of jalap, as a cathartic ?
   It is  an active and brisk cathartic, producing copious
watery  stools, and occasionally, considerable  griping  in
the bowels.   In over doses, it produces hypercatharsis
and inflammation of  the  alimentary  mucous mem-
brane.
   What are its remedial applications ?
   It may be given in most cases, where an  active ca-
thartic is indicated.  Much used, combined with calo-
mel, in bilious fever; and with supertartrate of potassa,
in dropsy, and in  scrofulous affections of  the joints, as
 coxalgia,
f
ii. A c     - * -wcy a~£JL* m. ,^ A ih  i< ■ iter- 
CATHARTICS.
171
  What is the dose ?
  From 15 to 30 grains;  of jalap and supertartrate of
potassa, 10 to 20 grains of the former, with 3 j. or  3 ij.
of the latter;  of calomel and jalap, 10 grains of each.
Dose of the resin of jalap, 8 or 10 grains.
   What are the disadvantages of this preparation ?
  It is apt to produce severe griping, and considerable
irritation of the mucous  membrane of  the  bowels;
consequently, it  is  less  eligible than the  officinal
extract—Extractum  Jalapa—which  is prepared by
means of  both alcohol and  water.   Dose, 10 to 20
grains ;  but it is seldom given alone.
            MAY-APPLE—PODOPHYLLUM.

   What is the character of this plant, and its place of
growth ?
   The  Podophyllum peltatum, May-apple, or Man-
drake, is an  indigenous, herbaceous plant, flowering
about the  end of May,  or the  beginning of June,
and the fruit, a large oval berry, ripens in  the latter
part of September, when it is of a lemon-yellow color,
has  a peculiar, sweetish,  sub-acid taste, and is some-
times eaten with impunity.
   What is the officinal portion ?
   The root.   The leaves  are said to  be poisonous ?
   What are the physical  properties of the dried root?
   It is in pieces of about two lines in diameter; thick-
ly jointed;  much wrinkled longitudinally, and  of  a
reddish or yellowish-brown color externally;  whitish
within.  The  powder is yellowish-gray, resembling
that of jalap.   It  has aiavoottil^sidriy^odOT, in  the? * /
slate  of powder, and  a taste,  at  fiist  sweetish, after-
wards bitter, acrid  and nauseous.
   What are its relations to water and alcohol ?
   It  yields its virtues to alcohol and to boiling water.
   What are its medical properties and uses?
   It is  an active hydragogue cathartic, resembling
jalap in its operation, and maybe employed in similar
cases, forms and doses.  J ,^<:  /.,,  ,,u jfVjt/y 
172
CATHARTICS.
             SCA M MON Y—SCAMMONIUM.

   What is this ?
   The concrete juice of the  root of the Convolvulus
 Scammonia.
   What is the character of this plant, and its place of
 growth ?
   It has numerous, herbaceous, climbing stems, and a
 very thick, fusiform, fleshy root,  which  abounds in a
 milky juice.  It is  a native of Syria  and the neigh-
 boring countries.
   What is the mode of collecting  and  preparing the
juice?
   The earth having been cleared away, the top of the
 root is sliced off obliquely, and the juice received in
shells as it exudes;  afterwards mixed  with  that  from
 other plants, and exposed to the air until it concretes.
 In this  way the best scammony is prepared, but a
more inferior kind is usually met with;  prepared by
adding to the juice  collected as above, that obtained
from the leaves and stalks by expression, together with
such  impurities  as  wheat flour,  chalk, ashes, fine
sands, (fee.
   Whence  is scammony exported, and what are the
varieties ?
   Exported from Aleppo and Smyrna, and was formerly
 called Aleppo Scammony and •^myrna^^cttmrnony,
after these places.   The  finest kind is called the Vir-
gin Scammony.
   What are its physical properties ?
   The best, or Virgin Scammony, is in small amor-
phous masses, of an ash-gray color externally; porous,
friable, breaking with a conchoidal,  resinous fracture,
of a  dark greenish  color, and forming, when rubbed
with the saliva, a greenish-yellow emulsion.   Its odor-
is  strong, resembling somewhat that of old cheese,
and  its  taste, bitterish and acrid.   But scammony,
as usually met with in our shops, is more or  less im-
pure, and occurs in  larger, darker, heavier, more  com- 
CATHARTICS.
173
pact masses than virgin scammony, and is less brittle,
and presents a duller, more earthy fracture.
  What are the best chemical tests of its purity?
  Chalk may be  detected by the  effervescence pro-
duced when muriatic acid  is dropped on a small frag-
ment, and flour by a cooled  and filtered decoction of
the powder, being rendered blue by tincture of iodine.
  What are its chemical properties?
  It  is a gum-resin.   Its chief constituent is  resin,
which constitutes more than  two-thirds of the weight
of  good  scammony.   It is partially  dissolved  by
water, more largely by alcohol, and completely, with
the exception of impurities, by diluted alcohol.
   What is its character as a cathartic ?
  It  is a drastic  cathartic, operating sometimes with
considerable harshness.
  What are its therapeutical applications?
  It  is applicable  in  cases of habitual constipation,
arising from a torpid state of the bowels.  It is  usual-
ly given  in combination with other cathartics, the ac-
tion of which it promotes, while its  own harshness is
diminished.   In  the form of the Compound  Extract
of  Colocynth, and the Compound  Cathartic Pill, it
is often beneficially employed in the  commencement
of bilious fevers, and other complaints,  attended with
congestion of the liver and portal circle.
   What is the dose and best mode  of administration ?
   Dose, from 5  to 10 grains, made into an emulsion
with milk.

      BLACK HELLEBORE—HELLEBORUS NIGER.

   What is the character of  this plant, and its place of
growth ?
   It is an herbaceous  plant with a perennial root, con-
sisting of numerous, long,  simple  fibres  or  radicles,
proceeding from  a knotty head.  Its flowers,  which
are large  and rose-like, expand in the middle of winter,
and hence the name Christmas  Rose, by  which  the
            15* 
174
CATHARTICS.
plant is sometimes called.  It is  a native of the mid-
dle and southern parts of Europe.
   What is the part used in medicine ?
   The whole root is officinal, but the fibres  are chiefly
used.
   What are the physical and  chemical properties of
the dried root ?
   The  root-stock is  black,  and the fibres  brownish-
black  externally, whitish within.  They  are  about
the thickness of a straw, brittle,  have a faint odor and
a bitterish, nauseous,  acrid taste; its acrimony having
been much diminished by drying.  Water and alcohol
extract its virtues, which are impaired by long boiling.
   What are its medical  properties, and therapeutical
applications as a cathartic ?
   It is a drastic, hydragogue  cathartic, possessing  also
emmenagogue  properties.  In over doses, it produces
inflammation of  the  gastro-intestinal  mucous  mem-
brane, with vomiting, hypercatharsis,  vertigo,  cramps,
and  convulsions, ending sometimes  in death.  As a
cathartic, it is not much used at present.  It was high-
ly prized by  the ancients,  as a   purgative, in cerebral
and  nervous affections,  and  in   dropsy.  It was  the
chief ingredient of Bacher's Pills—celebrated for the
cure of  dropsy.
  How is it given, and  what is the dose?
  Given in  powder,  decoction,  tincture, or  extract.
Dose of the powder, from 10 to 20 grains ; of the de-
coction, made with  3 ij.  to Oj.,  fgj., every 4  hours
till it acts; of the tincture, f 3j. ; of the extract, 12
or 15 grains.

            COLOCYNTH.—COLOCYNTHIS.

  What is colocynth officinally ?
  The fruit  of  the  Cucumis  Colocynthis  or  bitter
cucumber, deprived of its rind.
   What is the character of the plant,  and  its place of
growth ? 

                    CATHARTICS.                1 f O

  It is an annual herbaceous plant, with trailing stems,
much resembling our common garden cucumber.  It
is  a native of Turkey, the  islands of the Archipe-
lago, (fee.
   What is the character of the fruit, and the mode of
preparing it for  market ?
   It is a globular berry,  about  the size of a small
orange, of a  yellow color  when ripe,  and contains
within  a  coriaceous rind, numerous white seeds, im-
bedded in a soft pulp.   It is gathered in autumn when
it  begins to  yellow, peeled  and dried quickly, either in
the sun, or in a stove.
   What are  the physical  properties of the fruit, as
found in the shops?
   It is in whitish balls, very  light and spongy, and of
difficult pulverization.  It has a feeble odor, and a
nauseous, intensely bitter  taste.  The seeds constitute
about three-fourths of their weight,  and are entirely
inert, and should be rejected.
   What are its chemical properties?
   Its active ingredient, is a  peculiar, bitter principle,
called  colocynthin, which  is  extracted by  water and
alcohol.
   What is its character as a cathartic?
   It is a powerful, drastic hydragogue cathartic, opera-
ting harshly when given alone, and  is therefore usual-
ly combined with other purgatives to mitigate its harsh-
ness.
   What is the preparation mostly used ?
   The  Compound Extract.—(Extractum Colocynthi-
dis Compositum.)
   What is the composition of this preparation, and its
character as a cathartic ?  7v»C&GL** < > /-•■> < i *
   It is composed of colocynth, aloes, scammony, car-'
damon and castile soap.   It is a very active and safe-:
cathartic.
   What are its remedial applications?
   It is much used in obstinate constipation; in  the 
176
CATHARTICS.
commencement  of fevers;  and combined with  calo
mel, in congestion of  the liver and portal system.
  What is the dose of the  pulp of colocynth, and of
the compound extract?
  Dose of the pulp, from 5 to 10 grains; of the  com-
pound extract, from 10 to 15 grains.

              GAMBOGE—GAMBOGIA.
  What is this ?
  The concrete juice  of an unascertained tree, inhab-
iting  Siam, probably  of the  Stalagmitis Cambogio-
ides and Hebradendron Cambogioides.
  How is it prepared, and from what places is it im-
ported ?
  Procured  by  breaking off  the  leaves and young
shoots, from which  the juice  issues in  drops, and is
either  received into the hollow joints of the bamboo,
which gives it a  cylindrical form, or into some suitable
vessel, and allowed  to stand until  it attains the requi-
site thickness, when it is usually rolled into cylinders,
and wrapped in  leaves.  Imported from Canton and
Calcutta.
  What are its physical properties?
  It is generally met with in cylindrical rolls,  from
one to two inches in diameter, sometimes hollow in
the centre; often folded double and agglutinated to-
gether, striated  externally,  and  of a reddish-yellow
color, with greenish  stains, and usually dusty with the
bright yellow7 powder  of the drug.   It is brittle, break-
ing with a shining, conchoidal fracture. This is some-
times called pipe gamboge.   A more inferior kind is
sometimes met with, under the name of cake or lump
gamboge, in  irregular masses, weighing from two to
three  pounds, often mixed with slicks and other im-
purities. Gamboge  has no odor, but a slightly  acrid
taste.
  What are its chemical properties  ?
  It is a gum-resin  ;  its medicinal  virtues  residing in
the resin.  It is insoluble in water,  but forms with it a 
CATHARTICS.
177
perfect emulsion. Alcohol dissolves it, almost entirely.
Like all the gum-resins, it softens by heat, without melt-
ing, and is inflammable, burning with much  smoke.
   What are its medical properties  and uses?
   It is a powerful, drastic, hydragogue cathartic, with
an aptitude to produce nausea and vomiting, in  full
doses; and imflammation of the mucous membrane of
the stomach and bowels, in over doses.  Sometimes
given  in dropsies and encephalic affections, in small
doses; but usually combined with  other and milder
cathartics, to temper its action.
   What is the dose and  best mode of administration?
   Dose, 2 or 3 grains, repeated every 3 or 4  hours, till
it  operates.  Given  in pill or emulsion.
   Compound Cathartic  Pills.—Pilula  Cathartica
Composita.   What are the constituents of this prepa-
ration ?
   It consists of compound extract of colocynth, extract
of jalap, calomel and gamboge.
   What are the advantages of this form ?
   It combines smallness of bulk, with  efficiency and
comparative mildness of action, and a peculiar tenden-
cy to the liver.  Smallness of bulk obtained by using
extracts, and the more energetic cathartics; a tendency
to the liver imparted by the calomel; and greater effi-
ciency, with mildness, the result of  the union.  This
before explained, (page 155.)
   What are their remedial applications?
   They may be employed  in  all cases requiring an
active cathartic; particularly  applicable to  the early
stages of bilious fevers, hepatitis, jaundice, (fee.
   What is the dose ?
   Three pills, which  contain 4 grains of comp. ext.  of
colocynth, 3 of extract of jalap, 3 of calomel, and §
of a grain of gamboge, making lOf grains of the mass.

                   ELATERIUM.
What is elaterium ? 
178
CATHARTICS.
  A substance deposited from the juice of the Momor-
dica Elaterium, wild or squirting cucumber.
  What is the character of this plant, and  its place of
growth and culture?
  It is an annual, trailing plant, with a thick, rough,
blanching stem.  The fruit, (pepo,) is about an inch
thick, and an  inch and  a half long,  greenish,  and
covered with  prickles; when  ripe, it  falls off,  and
throws out its juice and seeds with considerable force,
through the  place of its attachment to the foot-stalk;
from which  circumstance, it is thought, it derived its
name.   It is a native of the south of Europe, and  is
cultivated in Great Britain.
  What are  the modes of obtaining elaterium, and the
one that yields  the best?
  It is  mostly prepared as follows:  the ripe fruit  is
sliced, and the  juice gently expressed through  a fine
hair-sieve, and  allowed to stand until the thicker  part
has subsided;  the  thinner, supernatant part, is then
poured off, and the thicker, dried with a gentle  heat.
Dr. Clutterbuck's method, which yields the genuine
elaterium, differs  from the above, in allowing the juice
to flow out without expression.   A very inferior kind
is sometimes prepared by expressing and  evaporating
the juice.
  What are its physical properties?
  It is in thin, flat cakes or fragments;  light and  fria-
ble ; of a greenish-gray color,  and generally bearing
the impression  of the muslin upon which it was dried.
It has a very faint odor, but a bitter, acrid taste.
  W'hat is its active ingredient?
  A peculiar crystalizable  principle, called elaterin.
  What are its medical properties and uses ?
  It is a powerful, hydragogue  cathartic, and generally
excites, in full doses, nausea, and  frequently vomit-
ing ; and in over doses, inflammation of the stomach
and bowels.   It  also possesses diuretic  properties.   It
has proved to be  a very efficient remedy in dropsy.
   What is the  dose ? 
CATHARTICS.
179
  Of the purest, gr. fc; of the common, gr. ^;  every
hour  till it operates.   Dose of elaterin, from J-s to TV
of a grain.
           CROTON  OIL—OLEUM TIGLII.

  From what is this derived ?
  From the seeds of the  Croton Tiglium,  a small
tree, growing in India, the Molucca Islands and Cey-
lon.
  What were the seeds formerly called ?
   Grana Tiglia, Grana Molucca, (fee.
  What are their physical  and medical properties ?
  They are  rather larger than  a  grain of coffee, and
of an irregular, quadrangular  shape.   They consist  of
a soft,  yellowish-brown epidermis, a blackish shell,
and a  yellowish-brown, oily kernel.   In the dose  of
one or two grains, the kernel  purges actively.
   How is the oil extracted from the seeds ?
   By expression;  the seeds  having  been  previously
roasted, and  deprived of their shells.
   What are  the sensible properties of  the oil ?
   As found  in the shops, it is of an orange color, with
a faint but peculiar odor, and a very acrid taste.
   What is its chemical constitution?
   It consists of a peculiar  acid, named  crotonic acid,
dissolved in  a bland, fixed oil, to the former of which,
it owes its active properties.
   What  is the most common adulteration, and  how
 may it be detected ?
   Castor oil is the  most  common adulteration, and
 may readily be detected,  by  its solubility in alcohol,
 whilst croton oil is insoluble.
   What is its character as a cathartic ?
   It is a powerful, hydragogue  cathartic, operating
 usually, in small  doses, with ease to the patient; but
 in large doses, it is apt to occasion vomiting and severe
 griping, and in over doses, may prove fatal.
    What  are  its therapeutical applications  as a  ca-
 thartic ? 
ISO
CATHARTICS.
  It is used  in obstinate constipation; in dropsy; in
comatose affections,  and in  various  convulsive and
neuralgic diseases.
  What is the dose and best mode of administering it?
  Dose, 1 or  2 drops, given in the form of pill; which
may be made with  a crumb of bread.  It is safer to
give it in divided doses, till it operates.  Where a pa-
tient  is unable  or  unwilling to  swallow, one drop
placed on the tongue, will  generally operate;  and its
purgative action may be obtained, it  is said, even  by
rubbing 4 drops around the umbilicus.
  What are  its  effects when  applied externally, and
how, and for  what purposes is it thus used?
  It produces inflammation of the skin, with a  pustu-
lar  eruption.   Diluted with  three parts  of  olive oil,
soap-liniment, or other convenient vehicle, it has been
used as a revellent and counter-irritant, in pulmonary
diseases; in  neuralgia,  rheumatism,  gout, glandular
swellings, (fee, applied in the way of  a liniment.

              2.  Mineral Cathartics.

  Mention these.
  The following, though  not all strictly mineral, are
embraced in this division: sulphur, carbonate of mag-
nesia, magnesia, the saline cathartics and calomel.

                     SULPHUR.

  What is the origin and mode of preparing crude sul-
phur or brimstone 9
  Sulphur is found in all three of the great kingdoms
of nature; but it is usually prepared  by sublimation,
from the  native sulphurets of iron  and  copper, and
from  sulphur earths, which are found in  great abun-
dance, in volcanic regions.
  How is crude  sulphur purified?
  By a second sublimation, in an apparatus so con-
structed, that it may be condensed, either in the state 
CATHARTICS.
181
of flowers—officinal in the last edition of the U.  S.
Pharm.—or in the  liquid state, by the application of
more heat; and constituting, when cast into cylindri-
cal sticks, roll sulphur, or cane brimstone.   To free it
from sulphuric acid, it is washed  with successive por-
tions of boiling water, and then dried, when it is call-
ed washed sulphur.
   Whence is it imported ?
   Chiefly from Italy and Sicily.
   What are its physical and chemical properties?
  Roll sulphur is  in cylindrical pieces, from two to
three inches long, and nearly an inch in  diameter;
friable, and breaking with a  shining, crystaline  frac-
ture.   Sublimed  sulphur, or flowers of sulphur, is  in
the state of a very fine powder.  It is of a bright yel-
low color, has a very slight  taste, and a peculiar odor,
when rubbed.  It is a simple  substance, insoluble  in
water and in alcohol, but soluble in the fixed and vol-
atile oils.
  What are its effects  on the system ?
  It acts as a gentle laxative and diaphoretic, and from
a portion being converted into sulphureted  hydrogen,
in the bowels, it imparts  to the evacuations and the in-
sensible perspiration, a very offensive smell, for  some
time  after its use.
  What are its therapeutical applications ?
  It is employed in hemorrhoidal affections;  in chronic
rheumatism, gout and catarrh ; in cutaneous diseases,
and especially in scabies, in which it is used both in-
ternally and externally.
  What is  the dose and mode of  administration?
  Dose, as a laxative,  3j. or  3 ij.; given  in syrup,
molasses or milk.   Often combined with magnesia or
bitartrate of potassa, to assist in its cathartic  action.
  How is it applied externally ?
  Usually in the form of an ointment, made by mix-
ing sulphur intimately, with four times its  weight of
lard, to which a little oil of lemons, or bergamot, may
            16 
182
CATHARTICS.
be added, to conceal its disagreeable odor.  Sometimes
applied, also, in the state of vapor.
  Pracipitated Sulphur.—Sulphur Precipitatum.—
How is this prepared, and what is its character ?
  Lac sulphuris, or  milk of sulphur, as  it is some-
times called, is prepared by boiling sulphur with fresh
burnt lime, in water; filtering the solution, and  drop-
ping into it sufficient muriatic acid to precipitate the
sulphur, which is washed with water until it becomes
tasteless.   It  is preferred  by some  to sublimed sul-
phur, on account of its  freedom from  color  and its
smoothness, being in a state of very minute division ;
but it is liable to be contaminated with sulphuric acid,
from exposure  to the air, and frequently  contains a
large proportion of sulphate of lime; sulphuric acid,
instead of muriatic, having been used in  its prepara-
tion.

CARBONATE OF MAGNESIA—MAGNESLE  CARBONAS.

  How is this obtained ?
  It sometimes occurs as a native mineral, but that in
the shops  is prepared, on a large scale, by decompos-
ing sulphate of magnesia, in solution, with carbonate
of soda, or carbonate of potassa.
  Whence do  we  derive our supply of carbonate of
magnesia ?
  Chiefly from Scotland ; but a  considerable quantity
is manufactured in the New  England States  and in
Baltimore.
  What are its physical properties?
  It is a light, white,  inodorous and  nearly  insipid
powder.
  What is its  relation to water, and its chemical na-
ture?
  It is nearly insoluble in water, but dissolves  readily
in carbonic acid water.   It is a compound of 3 eq. of
carbonate  of magnesia, with  1 of hydrate of magnesia.
  What are its adulterations ? 
CATHARTICS.
183
  Lime, sulphate of lime, silica, &c.
  What are its medical pioperties and uses?
  It is antacid, and  by combining  with acid in the
stomach, becomes gently purgative.   Used  in  cases
requiring a laxative  antacid, and as an antilithic, in
excessive secretions of uric acid.
  What renders it inconvenient in many cases ?
  The flatulence which  is occasioned by the libera-
tion  of  its  carbonic  acid, when it  meets with  other
acids.   But in  sick-stomach, with acidity,  it might
prove the more useful by this change.
  What is the dose and mode of administration ?
  Dose, as a cathartic, from 3 ss. to' 3 ij.; supended
in water or milk, which may be more uniformly done
by first rubbing it with syrup.

                    MAGNESIA.

  How is this prepared ?
  Magnesia, or calcined magnesia, as it is sometimes
called, is prepared by exposing carbonate of magnesia
to a  red heat, in an earthen vessel, till all the carbonic
acid  is expelled, which is known to have been effect-
ed by the absence of effervescence, when vinegar or
muriatic acid is added to it.
  What are its physical and chemical properties ?
  It is  in  the form of a very light, white, inodorous
powder, with a  slight alkaline  taste.   It  consists of
one eq.  of magnesium and one of oxygen.   Exposed
to the air, it absorbs  carbonic acid and moisture.  It
is very slightly soluble in water, but  more so in cold
than in  hot.
  What is the  most striking peculiarity of Henry's
magnesia, and the supposed cause ?
  Its greater density, being at least four times that of
ordinary magnesia.  Attributable, it is  thought, to tri-
turation, or to  an intense heat, employed in its cal-
cination.
  What is its character as a  cathartic? 
184
CATHARTICS.
   In full doses, it acts as a gentle cathartic; its opera-
tion, however, is uncertain,as it depends on the  quan-
tity of free acid it meets in the stomach.  From  the
absence of acid in the stomach, it has accumulated in
some instances to a great extent, and even formed con-
cretions in the  bowels.
   What are its remedial uses as a cathartic ?
   Much used in constipation, with acidity of stomach,
and especially in  cases of  children.   Frequently com-
bined with rhubarb, in bowel complaints.
   What is the dose, and  best mode  of administer-
ing it?
   As a laxative, for an adult, from 9j. to 3 j.; for in-
fants, from 2 to 10 grains, thoroughly triturated with
water or milk.  When it does  not operate from defi-
ciency of acid, lemonade may be taken.

                   Saline Cathartics.

   What is the character of these, and  to what  cases
are they applicable  and inapplicable ?
   They are, for the most  part, mild and efficient ca-
thartics, operating on the intestinal exhalents, and pro-
ducing  watery evacuations.  They  act at  the  same
time as refrigerants or  arterial sedatives, and hence,
are applicable to inflammatory and active febrile com-
plaints, and inapplicable to typhoid diseases.

       SULPHATE OF SODA—SOD^ SULPHAS.

   WThat is this commonly called ?
   Glauber's salts.
   Where is it found, and how is it prepared for medi-
cal use ?
   It  is  contained in many  mineral springs, and  its
constituents exist  in sea-water.  It is usually obtained
from the salt  generated in the formation of muriatic
acid.   The residuary salt, which is a sulphate  of soda,
with an excess of sulphuric acid, is dissolved  in boil- 
CATHARTICS.
185
ing water, and the excess of acid, either neutralized
by the addition of soda, or precipitated by carbonate
of lime.
  What are its physical and chemical properties?
  It is a  white salt, crystalizing in four-sided, striated
prisms, with dihedral summits.   It is inodorous, but
has a cooling, saline,  very bitter taste.   It is composed
of 1 eq. of sulphuric acid, 1 of soda, and 10 of water
of  crystalization.   Exposed  to the air, it  effloresces
rapidly;  to heat, it first melts in  its water of crystali-
zation, then dries, and at a  red heat, undergoes the
igneous fusion.  It is soluble in water, and more rea-
dily in warm than cold.  Insoluble in  alcohol.
   What is the dose and mode of administration?
   Ordinary dose of  the  crystalized,   g j.;   of  the
effloresced,  half the  quantity.   Given, dissolved in
water, to  which a little dilute  sulphuric acid,  lemon-
juice or  cream of tartar  may be added to  cover  its
taste.  Much  less  used than the next, on account of
its disagreeable taste.

  SULPHATE OF MAGNESIA—MAGNESLE SULPHAS.

   What is this commonly called?
   Epsom Salts.
   Where does this occur in nature, and how is it pre-
pared for medical use ?
   It occurs in great abundance, in the numerous caves
west of the Alleghany Mountains; in  many  rocks;
in mineral springs; sea-water, (fee.  There are several
 modes of preparation, but the one practised in Balti-
 more, where it is extensively manufactured from mag-
 nesite, the  siliceous  hydrate of  magnesia,   which
 abounds  in the vicinity of that city, is  as  follows:
 " The mineral is reduced to a fine powder, and satu-
 rated  with sulphuric acid.   The  mass is  then dried
 and calcined  at  a  red heat,  in  order  to convert  the
 sulphate of iron which may be present, into red oxide.
 It is  then dissolved in  water, and sulphuret of lime
            16* 
186
CATHARTICS.
added to separate any remaining portion of iron.   The
salt is crystalized and dissolved  a  third time, in order
to purify it."
   What are its physical and chemical properties?
   Usually met with in small acicular crystals, transpa-
rent and colorless, without odor, but of a bitter, saline
taste.  It consists of 1 eq. of acid,  1 of magnesia, and
7 of water.  It effloresces slowly in  the air; exposed
to heat,  it first melts  in  its  water  of crystalization—
and  at a higher temperature becomes  anhydrous, and
undergoes the igneous fusion.  Soluble in  its own
weight of water,  at 60°,  and  in three-fourths of its
weight of boiling water.   Insoluble in alcohol.
   What is the dose and mode of administration?
   Dose,  gj., dissolved in  a large  quantity  of  water,
to which dilute sulphuric acid  may be added, or what
is more acceptable to the  palate and  stomach, in car-
bonic acid water with lemon syrup.

   SULPHATE OF POTASSA—POTASSA  SULPHAS.

  How is this prepared ?
  It  is prepared, on the large  scale, from  the  salt
which remains after the distillation of nitric acid from
a mixture, of  nitre and sulphuric acid.   This salt con-
tains an excess of sulphuric acid, which is either ex-
pelled by ignition in a crucible, or neutralized by car-
bonate  of potassa, or  precipitated by  carbonate of
lime.
  What are its physical and chemical properties ?
  It is a white salt, ciystalizing usually in single or
double six-sided prisms, terminated  by six-sided pyra-
mids ; inodorous, with a bitter, saline taste.   The crys-
tals are very hard and are  therefore  employed in phar-
macy for triturating and  dividing vegetable powders,
as in  the  case of Dover's Powders.  It. is composed
of 1 eq. of sulphuric  acid,  and 1 of  potassa.  When
thrown on live coals, or heated, it decrepitates, and at
a strong red heat, fuses.   It  requires 16 parts  of tern- 
CATHARTICS.                187
         perate, and 5 of boiling water, for its solution.  Inso-
         luble in alcohol.
           What is the dose ?
           As a purge,  gss., but seldom  so  employed, on ac-
         count of its difficult solubility.

          BITARTRATE  OF POTASSA—POTASSA BITARTRAS.

           By what other name is this called ?
           Frequently called supertartrate of potassa, cream
         of tartar, and crystals of tartar, when crystalized.
           What is its source, and mode of preparation?
           It is deposited in an impure state, on the inside of
         casks during the fermentation  of  acidulous  wines.
         This, which is  called crude tartar or argol, is purified
         by solution  and crystalization a second time.
           Whence, and in what state is it imported?
           Imported from France, in  crystaline crusts.
           What are its physical and chemical properties, as
         kept in the shops ?
           It is usually  in the  form of a fine white powder,
         without  odor,  but of an agreeable  acid taste.   It  is
         composed of 2 eq.  of tartaric acid, and 1 of potassa,
         combined in the crystaline  state with 1 of  water.   It
         is soluble in about 60 parts of cold, and in 15 of boil-
         ino- water.  Insoluble in alcohol.
!           What  are its medical properties, and therapeutical
         applications?
            It  is cathartic, diuretic and  refrigerant.  In  large
         doses it  acts as  a  hydragogue  cathartic, and for its
         hydragogue and  diuretic effects, it is much used in
         dropsical affections, often  combined with jalap.  Drs-
1        solved in water and  sweetened with sugar, it forms a
         pleasant laxative, refrigerant drink in fevers.
            What is the dose and mode of administration?
            Dose,  3j. or  s ij., as an aperient; and from gss.
         to  gj., as a hydragogue  cathartic, mixed with  mo-
         lasses. 
188
CATHARTICS.
   TARTRATE OF POTASSA—POTASSiE TARTRAS.

  What is the mode of preparing this salt ?
   Tartrate of potassa, or  soluble tartar, is prepared
by neutralizing the excess of acid in  the bitartrate of
potassa, with carbonate of potassa.  To the latter, in
the state of a boiling solution, the  bitartrate is added,
until the effervescence  ceases, when the liquor is filter-
ed and evaporated, so that crystals form on cooling.
  What are its physical properties ?
  When properly prepared, it is  in white crystals, but
as usually met with,  it is in the form of a granular
powder, owing to  the solution being  evaporated to
dryness.   It is inodorous, with a saline, bitter taste.
  What are its chemical properties ?
  It is composed of 1 eq.  of tartaric  acid, and  1 of
potassa.   Exposed  to a  damp atmosphere,  it  attracts
moisture ; to heat, it fuses, and  is decomposed, being
converted into carbonate of  potassa and charcoal.  It
is decomposed by all the strong acids, and by many
acidulous  salts.  It is  soluble in  an equal weight of
cold water.   Soluble also in alcohol.
  What are its medical uses?
  Not much used at the present day.  Occasionally
given as a refrigerant laxative in  febrile diseases, and
sometimes associated with  the  resinous purgatives, to
correct their griping tendencies.
  What is the dose ?
  From  gss. to  gj.

TARTRATE OF POTASSA AND  SODA—SOD^  ET PO-
                 TASSiE TARTRAS.

  What  is this commonly called, and how it is pre-
pared?
  Commonly called Rochelle Salt.  Prepared by ad-
ding bitartrate of potassa to  a solution of carbonate of
soda, when the carbonic acid  escapes and the  soda
unites with the excess  of acid in the bitartrate, to form 
CATHARTICS.
189
the salt in question, which remains in solution, and is
crystalized in the usual way.
  What are its physical and chemical properties?
  It is in large, white, transparent crystals, which are
right rhombic prisms, or more frequently half prisms;
inodorous, with a saline, slightly bitter  taste.   It  ef-
floresces slightly in dry air; exposed to a strong heat,
it  is decomposed, and a mixture of the  carbonates of
potassa  and  soda remains.   It  is soluble  in cold, and
more so, in  boiling water.  It is a double salt, com-
posed of 2 eq.  of tartaric acid,  1  of potassa, 1 of soda,
and 8 of water.
  What are its medical properties and uses ?
  It is a mild, refrigerant aperient, frequently used  in
febrile diseases, in the form of  Seidlitzpowder; which
consists of a mixture of two drachms of this salt, and
two scruples of bicarbonate of  soda, put up in a white
paper;  and of thirty-five grains  of tartaric acid, in a
blue paper.  These are dissolved separately  in  water,
mixed,  and taken in the state of  effervescence.
   What is the  dose?
   Of tartrate of potassa and soda, from g ss. to g j.

      PHOSPHATE OF SODA—SODiE PHOSPHAS.

  How is this salt prepared?
  It is prepared from bone ashes, or bone earth, which
consists of phosphate of lime, with a small quantity of
carbonate of lime. This is mixed with sulphuric acid,
and macerated  in water for three days.  The sulphuric
acid combines with  the greater  portion of the lime,
and precipitates as sulphate of lime, while the  carbo-
nic acid escapes,  and  the  liberated phosphoric acid
unites with  the undecomposed portion of phosphate,
forming a super-phosphate of lime, which remains  in
solution.  To  the solution, after  being  entirely freed
from sulphate of lime, by filtration, partial evaporation,
cooling and  decantation, is added carbonate of soda,
to neutralize the excess of phosphoric acid.   The car- 
190
CATHARTICS.
bonic acid  is disengaged, the soda forms, with the ex-
cess of phosphoric acid, phosphate of soda, which re-
mains in solution, and the neutral phosphate of lime
precipitates.  The liquor is again filtered, and evapo-
rated, so as to crystalize.
  What are its  physical and chemical properties?
  It is in  large, transparent, colorless  crystals, which
have the shape of oblique rhombic prisms; is inodo-
rous, with a cooling, saline, not disagreeable taste.  It
is composed of  1 eq. of phosphoric acid, 2 of soda, 1
of basic water,  and 24  of water of crystalization.  It
effloresces by exposure  to the air;  dissolves  in four
times its weight of cold water, and twice its weight of
boiling water, and is nearly insoluble in alcohol.
  What are its  remedial applications ?
  It is well suited to cases of  children, and persons of
delicate stomach, on account of its mild taste.
  What is  the dose, and best mode of administration?
  Dose, as a cathartic, from g j. to g ij.,given in soup
or gruel, to which it imparts a saline taste, like com-
mon salt.
                     CALOMEL.

  What is  the officinal  title?
  Mild Chloride of Mercury.—Hydrargyri Chlori-
dum Mite  ;  under which head, it will  be more  fully
treated of.
  What is  its character, as a cathartic?
  When given alone, it is usually slow, and somewhat
uncertain  in its operation.  It stimulates the liver to
increased action, causing bilious stools, and it  is to the
augmented quantity, and disordered  quality of the bile
which it produces, that Dr. Wood attributes the severe
griping pain, and bilious vomiting,  which sometimes
attend its  action.   It  does not act in  a direct ratio
with the dose, three or four grains sometimes operating
with as much energy as double or treble that quantity.
It acts with less comparative force on infants or young
children, than on adults.  Some persons are extremely 
CATHARTICS.
191
susceptible to its action ; in such cases there is danger
to be apprehended, from its excessive action on  the
mouth.
  What are its remedial applications as a cathartic?
  It is  useful  in hepatitis;  in inflammation  of the
stomach and bowels, and in all diseases attended with
functional  derangement of the hepatic system, as in
the commencement of bilious fevers ;  in bilious colic,
jaundice,  &c.   It is  peculiarly suited  for  children,
being easily administered, and generally operating
efficiently, without pain.
  What are the modes of administration?
  It is  usually followed, or combined with other ca-
thartics, to ensure its purgative operation.  Frequently
given at night, in the form of pill, or in powder, mixed
with syrup or molasses, and followed by a dose of  cas-
tor oil,  or some  saline or other cathartic,  on the suc-
ceeding morning.   Often  combined with  jalap, rhu-
barb, aloes, (fee, and sometimes with  opium, in colic,
enteritis, (fee.
  What is the dose, as a cathartic?
  For an adult, from 5 to  20 grains;  for a child,  two
or three years old, 3 to 6  grains.   Smaller quantities
will generally suffice when combined with other ca-
thartics.

               PURGATIVE ENEMATA.

  What are the uses of these ?
  They are employed to hasten, facilitate, or increase
the action of cathartics, or  to supply their place, where
there is unwillingness or inability on  the  part of the
patient  to swallow, or of the stomach  to retain them,
or where, from  inflammation of this viscus, they are
inadmissible, or from debility of body, there is danger
of exhaustion from their operation.  Also, used to re-
move feculent accumulation  in the lower bowels, and
to relieve habitual constipation, depending on a want
of due  irritability of the rectum. 
192
CATHARTICS.
  What are the substances  commonly used  for these
purposes ?
  Warm water, bailey water, flaxseed tea, soap and
water, molasses and water, or gruel, with the addition
of salt, or castor oil.  The laxative injection common-
ly used in this country, is composed of common salt,
molasses, and lard, or olive oil, each a table spoonful,
and  a pint of warm water.  To these, f g ij. of castor
oil are frequently added, when a more powerful ene-
ma is required.   From f g ss. to f g ij.  of oil of turpen-
tine, suspended in  Oss. of warm water, by means  of
the yolk of an egg, forms an exciting, purgative clys-
ter, very useful in  typhous  cases, and  in tympanitic
states of the abdomen.  An injection made  by rub-
bing up 3j. of assafetida, with Oj.  of warm water,
will  often  greatly  aid  the operation of cathartics,  in
flatulent or spasmodic colic;  and in obstinate constipa-
tion, depending on spasm of the  intestine, a  tobacco
clyster is sometimes resorted to, but it is not without
danger,  and should always be done with great caution.
Large quantities of warm water, barley water, or flax
seed tea, are sometimes  made to  operate upon the
bowels,  by the mere stimulus of distention.   Nearly
all of the cathartics, in   three times the ordinary dose,
may be used in this way. 
X. DIURETICS.
  What are diuretics?
  Medicines which augment the urinary secretion.
  What are their modes of operation?
  They are supposed to act in one  or more  of three
ways:  1, by entering  the circulation, changed  or un-
changed  in transitu,  and stimulating  the secreting
vessels of the kidneys by direct contact; 2, by acting
primarily on the alimentary canal, and secondarily on
the kidneys by sympathy; or  3, by  promoting ab-
sorption, and thus  secondarily stimulating the  kidneys,
by surcharging the blood with serum.
  What circumstances are found to  modify the action
of diuretics, and what practical rules do they  suggest?
  Their  action greatly  modified by the state  of the
skin ; so  much so, that  if the  surface of the  body be
excited by  external warmth, after the administration
of a diuretic, its action will be  diverted from the kid-
neys to the vessels of the  skin, and  diaphoresis will
be  the result.  A  cathartic action  also incompatible
with diuresis; consequently some medicines, as cream
of tartar,  oil of turpentine, (fee, which, when  given
in  small  doses, properly  regulated,  act as diuretics,
when  administered in  large  doses pass  off by the
bowels without affecting the kidneys.   Diluent drinks
favor the action of diuretics, by increasing the bulk of
the circulating fluid.  Hence, the practical importance
of keeping the surface of the  body cool,  using cold
diluent drinks and avoiding catharsis during the ad-
ministration of diuretics.  High arterial  excitement
and inflammation  of the kidneys, are opposed to their
action, and demand the use of blood-letting and de-
pletives.    Strong mental  emotions, as anxious  dread
or excessive fear, have  caused the discharge  of  urine,
and may  influence, to some extent, its secretion, but
this is of but little practical importance.
            17 
194
DIURETICS.
  What are their therapeutical applications ?
  They are chiefly used in the treatment of dropsical
diseases.   Some of  them  are employed in  chronic
nephritic affections.
  How are they  thought to  operate in the cure of
dropsy ?
  " Partly by  diminishing the quantity  of circulating
fluids,  and thereby  promoting absorption; partly as
evacuants, reducing arterial excitement, and diminish-
ing the irritation  upon  which the effusion depends;
and  partly, perhaps, on the principle  of revulsion."
(Wood.)
  What are the substances comprised in this class ?
  Foxglove, squill,  meadow-saffron root,  and seed,
indian hemp, dandelion, juniper berries, fleabane, wild
carrot, turpentine,  copaiba, Spanish flies,  some of the
salts of potassa, as  the carbonates, acetate,  bitartrate,
and nitrate; spirit  of nitric ether, &c.

              FOXGLOVE—DIGITALIS.

  What is the character and  therapeutical application
of digitalis as  a diuretic?
  It is one of the  most efficient diuretics; supposed to
act partly by directly exciting the kidneys,  and partly
by increasing absorption : Much used in dropsy.   For
dose, &c. see nervous sedatives.

                  SQUILL—SCILLA.

  What is this?
  The bulb of Scilla maritima,  an herbaceous plant,
growing on the shores of the Mediterranean.
  What is the character of the bulb, and the mode of
preparing  it for market ?
  It  is pear-shaped, varying  in  size from that of the
fist to that of a child's head,  covered externally with
layers of  thin, membranous, reddish, or whitish scales,
and composed internally  of  thick, fleshy,  concentric 
DIURETICS.
195
lamellae, of a white or pale rose color.   The entire
fresh bulb, is sometimes sent  into  market  packed in
sand; but more frequently they are cut into thin trans-
verse slices, and  dried quickly with a  gentle  heat—
the outer dry and central mucilaginous scales  having
been rejected as inert.
   What are  the physical properties of dried squill, as
kept in the shops ?
   It is in yellowish-white, or white, somewhat trans-
lucent slices, brittle when  dry,  but  readily attracting
moisture, when they become  flexible ;  inodorous, but
has a bitter, nauseous, acrid taste.
   What are its  relations  to water, alcohol and vine-
gar?
   It imparts its virtues to these menstrua.
   To  what has its virtues been ascribed?
   To  a peculiar  acrid principle called  scillitin.
   What are its effects on the system ?
   In large doses it acts as an acro-narcotic poison.  In
medicinal doses it operates as  an emetic, expectorant
and diuretic.
   What,  are its  therapeutical applications as a  diu-
retic ?
   It is much used  in  dropsical diseases,  generally
combined with  calomel;  the  squill exciting the kid-
neys,  and the calomel the absorbents.
   What is the dose ?
   From j. to iij. grains, 2 or 3 times a day, and gra-
 dually increased till it  produces nausea, whereby its
 action on the system is evinced and absorption  pro-
 moted.

     MEADOW-SAFFRON ROOT—COLCHICI RADIX.
     MEADOW-SAFFRON SEED—COLCHICI SEMEN.

   What is the character of the plant from which these
 are obtained, and what is  the  place of its growth and
 cultivation ?
   The Colchicum autumnale  is a perennial bulbous 
196
DIURETICS.
plant, flowering in autumn and its seeds appearing in
the following spring.  It propagates itself by a lateral
offset, or new bulb, which begins to form in the latter
part of the summer, and grows rapidly at the expense
of the parent one.  It is  a native of the temperate
parts of Europe,  growing in  moist meadows, and is
cultivated to some extent in the U. States.
  What  is the time  for  collecting the bulb, and the
mode of preparing it for market ?
  It should be  collected about the end of July, when
it is fully developed, and before its strength is dimin-
ished by the offset.  It is  cut into  thin transverse
slices and dried with a gentle heat.
  What are its physical properties ?
  The recent bulb, resembles the tulip  in shape and
size; is solid, white and fleshy internally, and covered
with a brown, membranous coat.  The dry slices are of
a grayish-white color, firm, and  with a notch on one
part of their circumference.   The seeds are  small,
nearly round, and  of a reddish brown  color.   Both
seeds and dry slices are  inodorous, but have  a bitter,
acrid taste.
  What are their chemical properties?
  The active  ingredient, is a peculiar alkaline princi-
ple identical with,  or  closely  resembling  veratria.
Their active properties, which in  the seeds, reside in
their outer coating, are extracted  by water, alcohol,
vinegar, and wine.
  What are the effects of colchicum on the system ?
  It appears to act as an arterial and nervous sedative,
and at the same time stimulates most of the secretions.
In full doses it  sometimes purges and vomits, and in
over doses, acts as an  acro-narcotic poison.
  What are its remedial applications ?
  Its chief use, at present, is in the treatment of gout
and rheumatism.
  What are the forms in  which  it is used,  and  the
dose of each ?
  It is seldom given in the form of powder—the dose 
DIURETICS.
197
is from ij. to viij. grains, usually given in the form of
one  of the  following officinal preparations.
   Wine of Colchicum Root— Vinum Colchici  Radi-
cis.   Prepared  by macerating a large proportion of
the root  in wine, (fess. to Oj.,) to ensure a saturated
tincture.  Dose, from  10 drops tof5J.; often com-
bined with magnesia, and with morphia.
   Wine of Colchicum Seed— Vinum Colchici Semen.
Made  in the  proportion of  gj.  to  Oj.   Dose, from
f 3ss. to f 5 ij.
   Vinegar of  Colchicum—Acetum  Colchici.   Pre-
pared  by  maceration or displacement.   Dose, from
f 3 ss. to f 3 j.  Less used than the wines.

      INDIAN  HEMP—APOCYNUM CANNABINUM.

   What is this officinally ?
   The root of the Apocynum cannabinum, an herb-
 aceous,  perennial  plant, growing  in the U.  States,
 along fences and skirts of woods.
   What are the sensible properties of the root,  and its
 relations to water and alcohol ?
   The fresh root has a strong odor, and slightly acrid,
 bitter taste.   Water and alcohol extract its virtues.
   What are its medical properties and uses ?
   It is  a  powerful emetic and cathartic; sometimes
 acts  as  a diuretic, diaphoretic and expectorant.  It
 possesses also, narcotic properties.   It is  used  chiefly
 in dropsy, and has effected  cures in several obstinate
 cases.
    How it it given, and what is the dose ?
    Given in decoction, made by boiling gss.  of the
 root, in Oiss.  of  water, down to Oj.  Dose, fgj., or
 f g ij., 2 or 3  times a day.

              DANDELION—TARAXACUM.

    What is this officinally?
    The  root of the Leontodon Taraxacum, an herba-
            17* 
198
DIURETICS.
ceous, indigenous  plant, growing in meadows and
pastures.
  What are the physical properties of the root ?
  The  fresh, full-grown root, is about as large as the
little  finger, fusiform, of a  light brown color, exter-
nally, whitish within, and abounds, as also the whole
plant, in a  milky juice.  It is  inodorous, but has  a
sweetish, mucilaginous, bitterish taste.
  How is its taste and activity affected by drying ?
  They are said to be greatly diminished, hence, it
should be preferred in the recent state.
  What is its relation to water ?
  Boiling water extracts its virtues.
  What are its medical  properties and uses ?
  It is slightly tonic, diuretic and aperient, and is said
to be useful in chronic  inflammation of  the liver and
spleen, and  in  cases  of dropsy, dependent upon ob-
struction of  these organs; in some forms  of dyspepsia,
connected with deficient biliary secretion, &c.
  How is it used, and what is the dose?
  Used in decoction and extract.   Decoction  prepared
by boiling  g j.  of the dried, or g ij. of the fresh root,
in Oj. of water, to Oss.   Dose, f g ij  2  or 3 times  a
day.  The extract, which is officinal, should  be  pre-
pared from the fresh root, in August.   Dose  from 20
to 30 grains.

          JUNIPER BERRIES—JUNIPERUS.

  From what are these  derived ?
  From the Juniperus  communis, an  ever-green
shrub, indigenous in Europe, and naturalized in some
parts of this country.
  What are their physical and chemical properties?
  They are round, about the size of a pea, more  or
less shrivelled, of a bluish-black color, covered with  a
glaucous bloom.   They have an aromatic, terebinlhi-
nate  odor, and a  sweetish, pungent, terebinthinate
taste.   Water and  alcohol extract their virtues, which 
DIURETICS.
199
depend on a volatile oil, (Oleum Juniperi.)   This is
separated  by distillation, and  is of a pale, greenish-
yellow color.
  What is the character of juniper, as a diuretic, and
what are its therapeutical applications, as such ?
  It is a  stimulating diuretic, imparting to the  urine
the odor of violets.  It is chiefly used  as an  adjunct
to other diuretics, in dropsical  diseases.
  How are they best given, and what is the dose?
  Best  given in infusion, made by pouring a pint of
boiling water on an ounce of  the  berries, and allow-
ing it  to  stand till  cold.  The whole pint  may be
taken in the course of the day. Frequently associated
with cream of tartar.   Dose of the oil, from  5 to 15
drops.
                    FLEABANE.

  What is officinal fleabane ?
  All  parts  of the Erigeron  Philadelphicum,  E.
heterophyllum, (fee, herbaceous, indigenous plants.
  What are the sensible properties of the herb, and its
relations to water and alcohol ?
  It has  an aromatic  odor, and  a  slightly  bitterish
taste.  It  imparts  its virtues to  boiling water and to
alcohol.
  What are its medical properties and uses?
  It is a diuretic, used in dropsy, gravel, and  other
nephritic affections.
  How is it administered, and what is the dose?
  Given  in  decoction,  made with  gj.  to  Oj., the
whole to be taken  during the day.

             WILD CARROT—CAROTA.

  What is this officinally?
  The seeds of the Daucus Carota.
  What is the character of this plant, and where does
it grow ?
  It is  a perrenial, herbaceous plant,  closely resem- 
200                 DIURETICS.
bling the common garden carrot, which is the same
plant, somewhat altered by cultivation.   It grows wild
in Europe, and  in this country, along fences and  in
neglected fields, which, in the  months  of June and
July, are sometimes white with  its flowers.
  What  are the  physical and chemical properties  of
the seeds?
  They are  small, compressed, ovate, of a brownish
color, with a strong, aromatic  odor  and  taste, which
depend on a volatile oil.   Boiling water extracts their
virtues.
  What are their medical properties  and uses?
  They  are aromatic and diuretic;  used in chronic,
nephritic affections, and in dropsy.
  How is it used, and what is the dose?
  Given  in decoction, prepared with half an ounce of
the seeds, and a pint of water; the whole taken in 24
hours.
  What  are the  external  applications of the root  of
the garden carrot ?
  In the form of a poultice, prepared  by scraping, it
is sometimes applied  to phagedenic  and cancerous ul-
cers, to correct their fetor, and to change the character
of the diseased  action.  When  boiled and mashed, it
forms a  mild, emollient cataplasm.
         PARSLEY ROOT—PETROSELINUM.
  What are the  medical  properties  and uses of  this?
  The root of the Apium Petroselinum, or  common
garden parsley, possesses  the properties of a ^diuretic
and aperient, and is occasionally used as an adjuvant
to more active diuretics, in dropsical and nephritic af-
fections.
  How is it used, and what is the dose ?
  Usually given  in  the  form  of a strong  infusion,
without regard to quantity.
          TURPENTINE—TEREBINTHIN A.
  What  is this?
  The juice of different species of  Pinus Abies, fyc. 
DIURETICS.
201
   What are the varieties mostly used in this country?
   American or white turpentine, and Canada tur-
pentine.
   1.  White Turpentine.— Terebinthina of the  U.
 S. Pharm.  From what  tree is this derived ?
   Chiefly from the Pinuspalustris, a large tree grow-
 ing in the southern parts of the United States.
   How is it collected ?
   In the winter months, holes are cut  into the  trunk
 of the  tree near the ground,  into which  the juice
 flows during the warm season,  and from which it  is
 transferred into casks for market.
   What are its physical properties, as found in the
 shops ?
   It is of a white color, tinged with  yellow, slightly
 translucent, and of a consistence  which  varies with
 the  temperature.  Its odor is characteristic, and  its
 taste warm, pungent and bitterish.
   2.  Canada  Turpentine.— Terebinthina  Canaden-
 sis.   What is this commonly called, and from what is
 it derived ?
   Kept in the shops under the name of Canada bal-
 sam, or balsam of fir.   It is derived  from the  Abies
 balsamifera, or Pinus balsamea, an elegant tree grow-
 ing in Canada and the Northern States, and  cultivated
 as an ornamental tree,  under the name of Balm of
 Gilead.
   Where is it found in  the tree, and how is  it col-
 lected ?
   It  is contained in  vesicles  situated between the
 bark and  wood, of the  trunk  and  branches.  These
 are ruptured, and their liquid contents received into a
 bottle.
   What are its physical properties ?
   When fresh, it is yellowish, transparent, and  of  the
 consistence of thin honey ; but it gradually concretes,
 by time and exposure, into a yellow, resinous looking
 mass.   Its  odor  is agreeably terebinthinate, and   its
 taste bitterish and somewhat acrid. 
202
DIURETICS.
  What  are  the  chemical  properties  of the  turpen-
tines?
  They consist of resin and a  peculiar volatile oil,
called oil of turpentine, in  the  latter of which, their
virtues reside.  By exposure to  the  air, they  become
thick, and ultimately solid, owing to the volatilization
and oxidation of a portion of their essential oil.   Ex-
posed to heat, they soften, and at a high temperature,
take fire, burning  with a white flame and much
smoke.   They are very slightly  soluble  in water, but
wholly so in  alcohol and ether.
  What are their therapeutical effects and uses?
  They are stimulant, diuretic, anthelmintic, and, in
large doses, laxative.  Applied externally, they act as
rubefacients.   They are occasionally given in the ad-
vanced stages of gonorrhoea and  cystitis; in gleet and
leucorrhcea;  in chronic catarrh,chronic inflammations
and ulcerations of the bowels, rheumatism, (fee. Some-
times used as an injection, in cases  of ascarides, and
constipation, with flatulence, g ss. or gj. being sus-
pended in Oss.  of some mucilaginous fluid, by means
of the yolk of an egg.
  What is the dose and mode of administration ?
  Dose,from 10 grains to 3 j.; given in pill or emul-
sion.
  Oil of Turpentine.—Oleum Terebinthina.  What
are its effects on the urinary organs ?
  In  small doses, frequently repeated,  it  stimulates
the renal vessels, causing an increased flow of urine,-
to which it imparts a violet odor.   It also exerts  a
specific action on the mucous membrane of the urina-
ry passages,  checking excessive mucous discharges,
and restoring tonicity to the secretory-vessels. In small
doses, too long continued, it is apt  to produce  stran-
gury and bloody urine.
  What are its remedial uses in reference to the urin-
ary organs ?
  It is employed in chronic nephritis and cystitis;  in 
DIURETICS.
203
obstinate  gleet  and  leucorrhcea, and  sometimes  in
dropsical effusions, from debility.
  What is the dose as a diuretic ?
  From 10 to 20 drops, 2 or 3 times a day.
  Resin.—Resina.  What is this?
   Resin, commonly called rosin, is the residuum after
the distillation of the oil from turpentine.
   What are the  varieties of resin, and the difference
between them ?
   Two varieties:  the  yellow  and white  resin ;  the
latter owing its  distinctive qualities to  the  water it
contains.
   What are its physical and chemical properties ?
   It  is a semi-transparent, brittle solid, varying from
 pale yellow to brownish-black,  according to purity;
and of a faint, terebinthinate odor  and* taste.  It is
rendered  adhesive by  a moderate heat, and  fuses at
276°F.   It is insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol
and ether, and unites readily, by fusion, with  wax and
the fixed oils.  Its ultimate  constituents are, carbon,
 oxygen and hydrogen.
   What are its uses ?
   It is never given internally.  It  enters, as an im-
 portant ingredient, in several plasters,  cerates,  and
 ointments, rendering them more excitant and adhe-
 sive.  It forms the basis of basilicon  ointment or resin
 cerate—Ceratum Resina.
   What are the uses of this cerate ?
   Used as a gentle stimulant  application, to  blistered
 surfaces, to keep up a discharge;  to indolent ulcers,
 burns, (fee.
                  TAR—PIX LIQUIDA.

   Where, and from what, is this prepared ?
   In the United States, it is prepared principally in
 North Carolina  and  the south-eastern parts of Vir-
 ginia, from the dead wood of  the Pinus palustris.
   What  are its physical and chemical properties?
   It is a thick, tenacious liquid; of a dark-brown, al- 
204
DIURETICS.
most black color, with a peculiar odor, and  a bitter,
somewhat acrid taste.  Its most important constituent
is  creasote.   It  contains, also, a large proportion  of
resin, a little  acetic acid, an empyreumatic  oil, and
charcoal.  It yields its virtues partially to  water, form-
ing an officinal infusion, called tar water—Aqua Picis
Liquida. Dub.
   What are its medical properties and uses?
   It is said to possess properties similar to  those of the
turpentines.   It  is sometimes given in chronic coughs.
 Tar water was first introduced by Bishop Berkley, as
a remedy for diseases of the chest and kidneys.  Not
much esteemed at present.  The vapors of tar, occa-
sionally inhaled with  benefit in chronic laryngitic and
bronchitic affections, and were  at  one time  highly
 spoken of as a remedy for phthisis.  The chief use of
 tar,  at the  present day, is as  a local stimulant  in
 chronic cutaneous diseases,  especially those  which
 affect the scalp, as tinea capitis.
   What is the dose and mode of administration ?
   Dose, from f3ss. to f 5 j., made  into pills with
 wheat flour, or into an electuary with  sugar; dose of
 tar water, Oj. or Oij., daily.
   How is it applied externally ?
   The vapors applied by placing tar over a  lamp, in
 some  suitable vessel,  and  boiling it  slowly in  the
 chamber, night  and  day.  The  previous addition of
 carbonate of potash to the tar, is advised, to neutralize
 the pyroligneous acid, which  might otherwise  excite
 coughing.   Applied  in eruptive diseases, in  the form
 of an ointment, (Unguentum Picis Liquida.)
   Creasote.—Creasotum.  What is this?
   A peculiar substance, prepared usually from tar, by
 a complicated process.
   What are its physical properties ?
   When pure, it is a colorless, transparent, oleaginous
 liquid, of the consistence of  oil of almonds, and  the
 sp. gr. 1.037; volatile, having a smoky odor, and a
 bitter, acrid, somewhat caustic taste. 
DIURETICS.
205
  What are its chemical properties ?
  It is a compound of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
It forms two compounds with water :  one a solution
of 1.25 parts of creasote in 100 of water; the other, a
solution of 10  parts of water in  100 of creasote.  It
mixes in all proportions with alcohol, ether and acetic
acid.  It coagulates albumen, and is a powerful anti-
septic.
  What are its medical properties and uses?
  Various  properties  have  been imputed  to  it, and
hence, it has been employed for a contrariety  of pur-
poses.  The following are some of the  diseases in
which it  has been used: diabetes  mellitus, epilepsy,
neuralgia,  hysteria,  haemoptysis, hamateuiesis,  and
phthisis.  Highly efficacious in  sea-sickness, and in
allaying nausea and vomiting  in  other cases, when
not  dependent on inflammation or  other organic dis-
ease.  Applied externally, in itch, tetters, burns, chil-
blains, indolent and gangrenous  ulcers, and from its
power to coagulate albumen, as a styptic  in capillary
hemorrhages.   Used  as a gargle  in putrid sore throat;
as an injection in fistulous ulcers, and in chronic sup-
 puration of the external meatus  of the ear.  In tooth-
 ache it is a valuable remedy.
   What is  the dose and mode of administration?
   Dose, 1 or 2 drops, in mucilage.
   How is it applied externally ?
   Applied in  the form of ointment or  aqueous solu-
 tion, made  with from 2 to 6 drops to the ounce of dis-
 tilled water.
                      COPAIBA.
   What is  this ?
   Copaiba, commonly  called  balsam of copaiva, is
 the juice  of different  species  of Copaifera,  growing
 in South America.
   How is it procured from the trees ?
   By making deep incisions into the  stems, through
 which it flows out, and  is collected  and  poured into
 small casks for exportation.
            18 
206                 DIURETICS.
   What are its physical properties ?
   When first procured, it is very thin  and colorless;
 but as usually met with in the shops, it is of the con-
 sistence  of  olive oil, and of a pale yellowish color,
 with  a  peculiar,  and  to many persons, disagreeable
 odor, and a bitter, hot, nauseous taste.
   What are its chemical properties ?
   Its chief  constituents  are, volatile oil and resin, in
 nearly equal proportions. It contains no benzoic acid,
 and is therefore  improperly called balsam of copaiva.
 The oil is thought to be the  active ingredient, and
 may be  separated by distillation.  When pure, it  is
 colorless; has the odor  and  taste of copaiba; is lighter
 than water,  and  possesses the power of  preserving po-
 tassium, being free from oxygen.  Copaiba is  insolu-
 ble in water;  soluble in alcohol.  Exposed  to the air,
 it gradually thickens,  and   becomes darker colored.
 Triturated  with about  a sixteenth  of  its  weight of
 magnesia, it becomes  sufficiently  consistent,  in the
 course of 6  or 8 hours, to be  made into pills, thus
 constituting the  officinal pills  of  copaiba—Pilula
 Copaiba. U. S.
   What  are its medical properties  and therapeutical
 applications ?
   It is a special  stimulant to the mucous membrane,
 its action being particularly directed to the bladder and
 urethra.   Its use is sometimes  followed by an erup-
 tion on the  skin resembling  urticaria.  In  very large
 doses,  it  vomits and purges.   Used  in  gonorrhoea,
 leucorrhcea, gleet,  chronic irritation and catarrh of the
 bladder, chronic  dysentery, and  in other chronic affec-
 tions of the mucous membranes.
   What  are the  modes of administration, and the dose
of each?
   It is usually given dropped on sugar; sometimes in
 emulsion with mucilage, sugar and mint,  or  cinna-
mon water.   It  is sometimes administered also, en-
closed  in capsules of  gelatin, to  conceal its taste.
Dose, from 10 to 30 drops, 3 times a day ; dose of the 
DIURETICS.
207
     volatile oil, 5 to 15 drops;  of the  officinal pills, 2 to
     6, each one containing nearly 5 grains of  copaiba.

                SPANISH FLIES—CANTHARIS.

       What are the effects of these on the system ?
       In small or medicinal doses, they act as  a stimulant
     to  the uiino-genital organs, producing diuresis,  and
* ■£-  exciting the  venereal  appetite.  In large  doses, they
     are apt to produce strangury, with severe pain and the
     discharge of  bloody urine;  and in still larger ones,
     they act as a  powerful  irritant poison.
       What are their remedial uses internally ?
       They have been given in amenorrhoea ; in dropsy,
     associated with  debility ; in  gleet,  leucorrhcea, semi-
     nal weakness, incontinence of urine, arising from par-
     tial paralysis  of the bladder, &c.
       What is the dose of  the powder, and of  the officinal
     tincture— Tinctura Cantharidis 9
       Dose of the powder, 1 grain; of the tincture, from
     10 drops to f 3 j., repeated 3 or 4 times a day, in some
     demulcent fluid.

       CARBONATE  OF POTASSA.—POTASSA CARBONAS.

       What is the source and mode of preparing this salt?
       An impure carbonate of potassa—Potassa  Carbo-
     nas Impurus—is obtained from wood ashes, by lixi-
     vation and evaporation.  If the lixivium,  when evap-
     orated to  the consistence of brown sugar,  be fused by
     a powerful heat, it constitutes potash of  commerce;
     but if  it be calcined, a rather purer salt results, called
     pearlash.  The carbonate of potassa  is prepared  by
     purifying pearlash, which is effected by dissolving it in
     cold water; filtering the solution, and evaporating it in
     an iron vessel until the salt granulates  on being stirred.
       How is the pure carbonate of potassa—Potassa
     Carbonas Purus—prepared ?
       Bv burning a mixture of powdered cream of tartar 
208
DIURETICS.
and nitre, in  a brass vessel, and preparing the pure
carbonate from the residue, in the same manner as the
carbonate is prepared from  pearlash.  This is called
salt of tartar, from its origin.
  What are the physical and chemical properties of
the carbonate of the shops?
  It is in the form of a  coarse, white, granular pow-
der ; is inodorous, but has a nauseous,  alkaline taste.
It has  an alkaline  re-action;  attracts moisture from
the air, rapidly deliquescing and becoming liquid.   It
is soluble in its own weight of water, and its solution,
on exposure to the air, or on the addition of an acid,
deposits flocculi of hydrate of silica.  It is insoluble
in alcohol.
  What are its medical uses ?
  It is occasionally used  as  a diuretic, in dropsy; as
an antacid, in dyspepsia, and  as  an antilithic, in ex-
cessive secretions of uric acid.  It is sometimes used,
also, in jaundice;  but its most important use is in the
formation of the neutral mixture, and the effervescing
draught.
   What is the dose and mode of administration?
  Dose, from 10 to 30 grains, in sweetened water.

BICARBONATE OF POTASSA—POTASSA BICARBONAS.

   How is the bicarbonate prepared ?
   By passing carbonic acid through a solution of the
carbonate, till it is  fully saturated, then filtering, and
evaporating  the solution, with a moderate  heat, until
crystals form.
   What are its physical and chemical properties?
   It is in the form of white  crystals, which  have no
odor, but a mild, alkaline taste.  It is composed  of  2
eq. of carbonic acid, 1 of potassa, and 1 of water.  It
is permanent in the air;  exposed to a red 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 cold 
DIURETICS.
209
water, and in less than its  weight of boiling water,
with the loss of a portion of its carbonic acid.
  What are its advantages over the carbonate?
  It is less unpleasant to the taste, and more accepta-
ble to the stomach.
  What is the dose?
  From  3 ss.  to  3j.

     ACETATE OF POTASSA—POTASSA ACETAS.

  How is this prepared ?
  Distilled vinegar or acetic acid is added to a  solu-
tion of carbonate of  poiassa,  when, by  the aid of a
gentle  heat,  the carbonic  acid  is displaced by the
acetic, and escapes with effervescence.  The solution
is then  evaporated, and the pellicles, as  they form on
the surface, are scraped off  and dried.
   What are its physical properties ?
   It is  usually met with in  white flakes, of a satiny
appearance, and a soapy feel; is  without odor, but has
a warm, saline taste.
   What is the effect  of exposure, and its solubility in
water ?
   It deliquesces rapidly on exposure, and is very sol-
uble in water.
   What are its medical properties and uses?
   It is  diuretic, and  in  large doses,  cathartic.   It is
given in dropsy, and  under the old name of sal diu-
reticus, was highly celebrated as a   diuretic in  that
disease.
   What is the dose?
   As a diuretic, from 9j. to  3 j., every 2 or 3  hours.

  BITARTRATE OF POTASSA.—POTASS.E BITARTRAS.

   What is its character as a diuretic ?
   In small doses, largely diluted with water, it is one
of  the  most efficient  saline  diuretics.
   What are its remedial applications as such?
            IS* 
210
DIURETICS.
  It is much used in dropsical diseases.
  What is the dose ?
  As a diuretic, from g j. to g ij. may be taken daily,
in divided doses.

     MTRATE OF POTASSA.—POTASS^ NITRAS.

  What are the therapeutical applications of nitre as
a diuretic ?
  It is applicable to cases of anasarca and ascites, con-
nected with  a phlogistic condition of the system.
  What is the dose?
  As a diuretic, from 10 to 20 grains, repeated  so  as
to amount to 5 j. or 3 ij. in the day.
  What are its effects on the stomach, when too long
continued ?
  It is apt to derange the digestive functions, and pro-
duce pain in the stomach.

  SPIRIT  OF NITRIC ETHER—SPIRITUS iETHERIS
                      NITRICI.

  What is this commonly called, and how is it pre-
pared ?
  Commonly called sweet spirit of nitre.   It may be
prepared by distilling a mixture, in due proportions, of
alcohol and  nitric acid.   According to the U. S. Phar.,
it is distilled from  a mixture of nitrate of potassa,
sulphuric acid  and alcohol,  and  then  re-distilled from
carbonate of potassa,  to free it from acid,  a  small
quantity of  diluted alcohol being previously added, to
preserve the measure.
  What are its physical and chemical properties ?
  It is a colorless liquid, with a fragrant, ethereal odor,
and a pungent, sweetish, acidulous  taste.  Its sp.  gr.
is 0.834.  It is very volatile and  inflammable, and
mixes  with  water and alcohol in  all proportions.  It
gradually becomes acid by keeping.  It is a mixture of
hyponitrous ether and alcohol, in variable proportions. 
DIAPHORETICS.
211
  What are the adulterations ?
  Frequently adulterated with alcohol and water.
  What is its character, and therapeutical application,
as a diuretic?
  It is a mildly stimulating diuretic; given in dropsy,
usually combined with other  diuretics, such as squill,
digitalis,  nitre, cream of tartar, (fee.
  What  is the dose and mode of administration ?
  Dose,  from f 3 ss.  to  f 5 ij. every 2 or 3 hours, in
water.
                     XI. DIAPHORETICS.

            What are these ?
            Medicines which augment the cutaneous exhala-
         tion.   When  they increase it to such a degree as to
         amount to sweating, they are called sudorifics.
            What are their modes of operation ?
           Obstructed perspiration may be associated with two very
         opposite states of the system—with an excited or languid
         circulation.   In the first case, as in fevers, the surface of
         the body is  morbidly hot and the cutaneous capillaries
         are constricted ; here medicines act as diaphoretics, by
         lowering the  action of the heart and arteries, and re-
         laxing  the  constricted  capillaries.  In this way the
         antimonials and  saline  diaphoretics  act, and when
         the arterial excitement is  high, their operation will be
         promoted by venesection.  It  is in this way, too, that
         the  warm bath, and cold affusions are thought to pro-
l         mote perspiration  in fevers, and  cold  diluent drinks
         act partly by  a refrigerant influence propagated from
         the stomach to the capillary system, and partly by fill-
         ing the blood-vessels.  In the second  case, those me-
         dicines which stimulate the cutaneous capil'aries, and
         increase, at the same time,  the action of the vascular
         system,  are most likely to prove diaphoretic,  especially 
212
DIAPHORETICS.
when their influence is invited to the surface, by keep-
ing the body warm with flannel.  The operation of
these is promoted also by tepid drinks.
  How may they act beneficially in diseases ?
  In febrile and inflammatory affections, by depleting
from the blood-vessels,  and by exerting a sedative and
equalizing influence over the circulation ; in dropsy,
by promoting absorption indirectly; and in many dis-
eases, especially in some of  those  of the kidneys, by
eliminating excrementitious and other noxious matter
from the blood.
  What is Dr. Wood's division of  diaphoretics?
  He considers  them under the three heads of 1, nau-
seating  diaphoretics;  2, refrigerant diaphoretics;
and 3, alterative diaphoretics.

            1. Nauseating Diaphoretics.

  What are these ?
  Most  emetic  medicines are  diaphoretic  in  small
doses, but ipecacuanha and tartar  emetic are the two
principally used.

                  IPECACUANHA.

  What is  the  dose and mode of administering ipe-
cacuanha as a diaphoretic ?
  Dose, 1 grain, several times a day, but it  is  rarely
given alone ; usually in  combination  with opium, in
the form of the  officinal Powder of Ipecacuanha and
Opium—Pulvis Ipecacuanha  et  Opii,  commonly
called Dover's Powder.
  How is  this prepared ?
  By rubbing powdered opium and ipecacuanha, each
one drachm, with an  ounce of sulphate of potassa to
a very fine powder.
  What is the object of the sulphate of potassa?
  It is used to  effect, by its hardness, a minute divi- 
DIAPHORETICS.
213
sion and consequent intimate union of the other ingre-
dients.
   What is its character as a diaphoretic ?
   It  is one of our most efficient  diaphoretics.  The
opium  is said  to stimulate the  vessels of the skin,
while ipecacuanha relaxes them, making  the com-
bined effect much greater than that of either, taken
separately.  The stimulating  influence of the opium
on the brain  and  general  system, is  so  modified  or
counteracted by  the ipecacuanha, as that the  mixture
may  be given with safety  in  cases where  the opium
alone would be inadmissible.
   What are its therapeutical applications ?
   It  is useful  in  rheumatism;  typhoid pneumonia,
dysentery,  diarrhoea, hemorrhages,  dropsy,  and  in
most other cases where  diaphoresis is indicated.  Con-
tra-indicated by sick or  irritable stomach, by  cerebral
disturbance, or much general excitement.
   What is the dose and mode of administration?
   Ordinary dose, 10 grains,  which contain one grain
 each, of opium  and  ipecacuanha.  Given  in pill or
 bolus, or mixed with syrup,  and the patient  not per-
 mitted  to drink for sometime afterwards, as a precau-
 tion  against vomiting.

 TARTRATE OF ANTIMONY AND  POTASSA.—ANTIMO-
             NII ET POTASS^ TARTRAS.

    What are  its therapeutical applications as a  dia-
 phoretic ?
    It is applicable to  febrile complaints, and some cu-
 taneous diseases.
    What is the dose and mode of administering it as a
 diaphoretic?                        .     .
    Dose, from ^ to £  of a grain—given  in  a  large
 quantity of water, and  repeated  every  hour  or two.
 Frequently associated with saline remedres,  as nitre.
 Its diaphoretic effects greatest when it induces nausea. 
214
DIAPHORETICS.
           2.  Refrigerant Diaphoretics.

     CITRATE OF  POTASSA— POTASSiE CITRAS.

  How is this salt prepared ?
  It is readily prepared by saturating a solution of citric
acid with carbonate of potassa, but it is usually prepared        •*
extemporaneously in solution, as in  the  formation of
the neutral mixture and effervescing draught.
  How are these prepared ?
  The  neutral  mixture made  by saturating Oss. of
fresh lemon-juice, with  carbonate of potassa, or by
dissolving  g ss.  of citric  acid in  Oss.  of water, and
adding  in.ij. of oil of lemons, and  sufficient carbonate
of potassa to saturate the acid.
  The effervescing draught  may  be made by adding
f g ss. of a solution of carbonate  of potassa, containing
15 grains of the salt, to fgj. of  a mixture of equal
parts of lemon-juice  and water,  or of a  solution of
citric acid of the same strength, and  the  whole taken
in the state of effervescence.
  What is the cause  of its sometimes failing to effer-
vesce, and how may this be secured ?
  It is owing to the weakness of the lemon-juice,
which unites with only a part of the potassa, and  the
liberated carbonic  acid instead of escaping, combines
with the remaining carbonate,  forming the bicarbo-
nate.   This may be remedied by adding more lemon-
juice.
   What are the therapeutical applications of these so-
lutions of citrate of potassa?
   They are used as refrigerant diaphoretics in fevers,
and  where these  are  attended  with  irritability  of
stomach, the effervescing draught  is especially  useful.        *
   What is the dose of the neutral mixture ?
   Half a fluidounce every hour or two.
SOLUTION OF ACETATE  OF  AMMONIA—LIQUOR AM-
                 MONLE ACETATIS.

   What is this commonly called, and how is it prepared? 
                         DIAPHORETICS.               215

         Commonly called spiritus Mindereri, or spirit of
       Mindererus.  Prepared  by saturating  diluted  acetic
       acid with carbonate of ammonia.
         What is the objection  to  the  use of common vine-
       gar in its preparation ?
         It furnishes a solution of variable  strength,  and of
       a brownish  color.
         What  are its sensible properties?
         When pure, it is limpid and  colorless, with a faint
       odor and a cooling, saline taste.
         What  are its therapeutical applications as a  dia-
       phoretic ?
         It is  applicable  to febrile  and inflammatory affec-
       tions.
         What is the dose?
         From f g  ss. to f g j., repeated every 3 or 4 hours?

            NITRATE OF POTASSA—POTASS^ NITRAS.


         What are the therapeutical applications of nitre as
       a diaphoretic.
         It is thought to be useful in febrile and  inflamma-
       tory diseases.   Usually combined with  tartar  emetic.

          SPIRIT OF  NITRIC ETHER—SPIRITUS ^THERIS
                             NITRICI.


         What  are  its  therapeutical applications as a  dia-
       phoretic ?
         It is said to  be adapted to febrile complaints, attend-
\       ed with nervous derangement,  or typhoid tendencies,
'       and especially for such occurring  in  children.   Some
       claim for it, excitant properties, rendering it unsuitable
       in fevers.
         What is the dose ?
         From f 3  ss. to f 3 j., every 2 or 3  hours. 
216
DIAPHORETICS.
            3. Alterative Diaphoretics.

       GUAIACUM WOOD—GUAIACI LIGNUM.

               GUAIAC—GUAIACUM.

  What are these?
  The wood  and concrete juice of the Guaiacum
officinale.
  What is the character of this tree, and its place of
growth ?
  It is a large tree growing in the West Indies.
  What are the physical properties of the wood ?
  Guaiacum wood, commonly  called  Lignum vita,
is imported in  logs  or  billets, which consist of  a pale
yellow sap-wood, (alburnum,) and a dark green heart-
wood, (duramen ;) it is  extremely  hard and heavy,
sinking in water; is without smell, unless when rubbed
or heated, when it has an  aromatic odor.  Its taste is
bitterish and acrid.  It is kept in the shops in the state
of shavings, derived from the workshop of the turner.
  What are its relations to water and alcohol ?
  Its virtues, which depend chiefly upon the resin or
guaiac which it contains, are  extracted  by  alcohol;
but only partially by water.
  What  are  the  different  modes  of obtaining the
guaiac ?
  It is obtained from the tree as a spontaneous exuda-
tion, or by incisions made into it; from the wood, by
boring a hole through the billets lengthwise, and heat-
ing one end in the fire, until the resin melts and flows
out at the other; or by boiling  the chips and raspings
of the wood,  in  a strong  solution  of common  salt,
and skimming off the resin  as it rises to the surface.
  What are its physical and chemical properties ?
  Guaiac  is met with in the shops in irregular, semi-
transparent, brittle lumps, breaking with a shining, vitre-
ous fracture, of a diversified color, becoming greenish
on exposure to the light and air.  The odor and taste are 
DIAPHORETICS.
217
similar to, but stronger than those of the wood.  It is
said to be a substance sui generis, and not a gum-resin, as
usually considered.  Water dissolves about 9 per cent.,
alcohol 95 ; soluble also in ether,  and in alkaline solu-
tions.
   What are their medical properties and uses ?
   Guaiac  and guaiacum wood  are stimulating dia-
phoretics, used in chronic, rheumatic and gouty affec-
tions ;  in  amenorrhoea, secondary syphilis,  chronic
diseases of the skin and  scrofulous affections.
   What are the  modes  of administration,  and  the
doses ?
   Guaiacum  wood is usually  given  in decoction,
which  may  be  made  by boiling  an  ounce  of  the
shavings in a pint and a half of water,  down to a
pint, the whole  of which may  be taken  in divided
doses during the  day.   Guaiac is given in substance,
 or in the form of one of the officinal tinctures.  Dose
 of the powder, from 10 to  30 grains, given in pill or
 emulsion ;  of  the tinctures,  Tinctura Guaiaci,  and
 Tinctura  Guaiaci Ammoniata,  f 3 j- or f3y-> m
 milk, sweetened water, or  mucilage.

               MEZEREON—MEZERIUM.

    What is this ?
    The bark of   the  Daphne Mezereum,  and other
 specimens of Daphne, shrubs growing in Great Britain,
 and in central and northern Europe.
    What are its physical properties as  met with in the
 shops?
    The bark, which is derived chiefly from the branch-
 es, is in strips of greater or  less length, folded in bun-
 dles, or wrapped in balls.   It is  tough,  pliable and
 fibrous, with a brown epidermis, and  a whitish inner
 bark.   Its odor  is faint, nauseous when fresh, and  its
 taste, at first, sweetish, afterwards extremely  acid.
    What are its  most interesting ingredients, and  their
 relations to water and alcohol ?
             19 
218
DIAPHORETICS.
   It contains a peculiar crystalizable principle called
 daphnin, and an acrid resin, to the latter of which its
 virtues are  chiefly owing.   These  are extracted by
 alcohol and boiling  water.
   What are its  effects  on the system, and its reme-
 dial applications as a diaphoretic?
   In  medical doses, it is an  excitant diaphoretic; in
 over doses,  an acrid poison ;  applied  to  the skin it
 excites inflammation and vesication.  It  is  occasion-
 ally used in secondary syphilis, chronic cutaneous dis-
 eases, (fee.
   How is it usually given, and what is the dose ?
   Given in decoction, made by boiling 3 ij. of mezer-
 eon and  gss.  of liquorice root  in  Oiij.  of water to
 Oij., the dose of which is f g iv., or a tea-cupful 3 or
 4 times a day.   It enters  into the composition of the
 Compound Decoction of Sarsaparilla.

                     SASSAFRAS.

   What are the officinal portions of  the Laurus Sas-
 safras 9
   The bark of the root—Sassafras Radicis Cortex—
 and the pith of the  stems—Sassafras Medulla,—are
 officinal in the U. S. Pharm.
   Bark of Sassafras Root.   What are the  physical
 properties of the  bark  as found in the shops, and its
 relations to water and alcohol ?
   Usually found in small irregular pieces, very brittle,
 of  a reddish color, a fragrant odor, and a sweetish aro-
 matic  taste.   Water and  alcohol extract its  virtues,
 which  depend  upon a  volatile  oil, (Oleum Sassa-
fras.)
   How is this obtained, and what are its  properties ?
   Obtained by distillation with water.  It is of a yel-
 low color, becoming  reddish  by  age; has the odor of
 sassafras, and a warm,  pungent  aromatic  taste.   It is
 one of the heaviest of the volatile oils (sp. gr. 1.094,)
 and possesses the power to dissolve caoutchouc. 
DIAPHORETICS.              219
  What are its medical properties and uses?
  Sassafras  is a  stimulant  diaphoretic,  occasionally
used in the form of infusion, as an alterative drink in
chronic rheumatism, cutaneous eruptions, and syphili-
tic and scorbutic affections, but it is chiefly used as an
ingredient of  the Compound Decoction of Sarsapa-
rilla.
  What is the dose of the oil ?
  From 2 to 10 drops.
  Sassafras Pith.  What are the properties and uses
of this?
  It is in slender cylindrical pieces, which  are very
light and spongy, and have a mucilaginous taste, with
a slight  flavor of sassafras.   It abounds in  gummy
matter and forms with water  a limpid mucilage.   This
is used as a mild and soothing application in ophthal-
mia, and  as a drink in  inflammation of the mucous
membranes.
  How is the mucilage made ?
  By adding  3 j. of the pith to Oj. of boiling water.

                  SARSAPARILLA.

  What is this ?
  The roots of several species of Smilax, as & offi-
cinalis, S. syphilitica, fyc.
  What is  the general character of these plants, and
where do they grow ?
  They have a climbing prickly stem, and a rhizoma
sending out numerous  long, horizontal roots or radi-
cals,  which  constitute the  sarsaparilla of the shops.
They  inhabit the warm  regions of South America,
Mexico and  Guatemala.  The  &  sarsaparilla is a
native of  the Southern States, but is thought to be a
doubtful source of the sarsaparilla of the shops.
  What are the commercial varieties, and the places
from which they are imported ?
  The variety mostly used in this country is the Hon-
duras sarsaparilla, so  called from its place of export. 
220
DIAPHORETICS.
Two other varieties are met with here, the  Vera Cruz
sarsaparilla, imported from Vera Cruz and Tampico,
and  the   Caracas  sarsaparilla, brought from  La
Guayra.
  In what state is it imported, and what are its physi-
cal properties as found in the shops ?
  The roots are brought folded in bundles, and packed
in bales containing about 100 lbs. each.  As met with
in the shops,  they are several  feet  long,  about  the
thickness  of a goose-quill, flexible,  and  wrinkled
longitudinally.   They consist of a thin epidermis, of
a dirty ash or reddish-brown color; a thick  whitish or
rose  colored  inner  bark—a layer  of longitudinal
woody  fibres,  and  a central pith.   It has scarcely
any odor, but  a mucilaginous bitterish taste, with a
sense of acridity when long chewed.
  What are its chemical  properties ?
  It contains a peculiar  acrid, crystalizabie principle,
upon which its virtues are supposed to depend, and to
which several names  have  been  given,  as smilacin,
sarsaparillin, (fee.  It  contains also volatile  oil,  resin,
a large proportion  of  starch, &c.   Its virtues,  which
reside chiefly in  the  cortical portion, are extracted by
water, cold or hot, but are impaired  by long boiling.
They are imparted also to diluted alcohol.
  What are its therapeutical applications ?
  It is employed, as an alterative,  in chronic cutane-
ous and scrofulous affections, but chiefly  in syphilitic
and mercurio-syphilitic cases.
  How is it used, and what is the dose?
  It is occasionally given  in  powder, in the dose of
from  3 ss. to 3 j., but more frequently in  the form of
the officinal infusion, compound decoction,  compound
syrup or extract.
  Infusion of Sarsaparilla.—Infusum  Sarsaparilla.
How is this prepared, and what is the dose?
   Prepared by  macerating  g j. in Oj. of  boiling wa-
ter, or by displacement with cold water.  Dose, f g iv.
to f % vj., 2 or 3 limes a day. 
DIAPHORETICS.
221
  Compound Decoction of Sarsaparilla.—Decoctum
Sarsaparilla  Compositum.   What is the composition
and dose of this?
  It is a decoction of sarsaparilla,  bark  of sassafras
root, guaiacum  wood,  liquorice root, and  mezereon.
Dose, same as the preceding.
  Compound  Syrup of Sarsaparilla.—Syrupus Sar-
saparilla  Compositus.  What is the composition and
dose of this ?
  It  is  prepared with sarsaparilla,  guaiacum wood,
red roses, senna, liquorice root, oil  of sassafras, oil of
anies, oil of partridge-berry, sugar and diluted alcohol.
Dose, f g ss., 3 or 4 times a day.
  Extract  of Sarsaparilla.—Extractum Sarsaparil-
la.  How is this prepared, and what is the dose ?
  Prepared by displacement, or by means of alcohol
and water, and  evaporating to the  proper cCnsistence
with a gentle  heat.   Dose, from 10 to 20 grains.
  How is the fluid extract of sarsaparilla prepared ?
   A simple method is, to form a tincture with diluted
alcohol  by displacement, concentrate it by means of
a water-bath,  and  then add a little alcohol to make it
keep.
19* 
XII. EXPECTORANTS.
  What are these defined to be ?        •
  " Medicines which  increase the secretion from the
mucous membrane of  the air  cells and air passages of
the lungs, or facilitate  its discharge."
  How are they conceived to  act ?
  They  may  increase the secretion by relaxing the
secretory vessels when  in  a  state of constriction, or
by stimulating them to  increased action  when in a
state of debility, either by a  direct influence,  or  by
sympathy with other  parts of the system, as with the
stomach, larynx,  (fee.   Stimulating  medicines may
promote expectoration also, when, from debility, the
bronchial secretion is  excessive, or of an  unhealthy
character, by imparting tone to the secretory vessels, thus
diminishing the quantity or altering the quality of the
secretion, and bringing it  within  the  power  of the
patient to  discharge ; or by imparting strength  to the
muscles  concerned  in expectoration,  thus enabling
them to act more vigorously in its discharge.  Emetics
also, by the concussion which they occasion in the act
of vomiting, favor the expulsion of mucous and other
accumulations from the respiratory organs.
  What are the substances arranged under this head ?
  Some emetic substances, squill, garlic, seneka, black
snakeroot,  ammoniac, assafetida, balsam of tolu, and
balsam of peru.

               EMETIC SUBSTANCES.

  Which of these are mostly used as expectorants, and
to what cases are they applicable ?
  Ipecacuanha and tartar emetic mostly employed,
and their relaxing  and sedative influence,  especially
when pushed to the extent of inducing nausea, adapt
them for cases of irritation  or inflammation  of the 
EXPECTORANTS.
223
lungs and bronchial mucous membrane.  Lobelia oc-
casionally given as a  sedative expectorant in asthma,
hooping  cough, (fee.
  What  are the doses of these as expectorants ?
  Of ipecacuanha, 1  or  2 giains;  of wine of ipeca-
cuanha,  30 drops; of tartar  emetic, gr. -|-; of anti-
monial wine, 15 to 20 drops ; of lobelia, 1 to 5 grains;
of the tincture, f 3 ss. to f 3 j.

                  SQUILL—SCILLA.

  What  are the therapeutical  applications of squill as
an expectorant?
  Being but little, if at  all  stimulant, it is given in
the sub-acute and chronic stages of pulmonary inflam-
mation ;  in the former case,  usually associated with
tartar emetic or ipecacuanha; in the latter, with some
of the stimulating expectorants.
  How is it given, and what is the dose?
  Sometimes employed in substance in  the dose of 1
grain, 3  or 4 times a  day, but  it is usually given in
the form  of the vinegar, syrup,  oxymel, or tincture.
Dose of  the vinegar, f 3 ss. to f 3 j.  ; of the syrup or
oxymel,  from f 3 j. to f 3 ij.;  of  the tincture, 20 to 40
drops.
  What  is the mode of preparing the syrup and oxy-
mel from the vinegar ?
  The syrup prepared by adding sugar to the vinegar
and boiling them by  means  of a water-bath,  to  the
proper consistence.   The oxymel  prepared in  ihe
same way, clarified honey being substituted for  the
sugar.
                 GARLIC—ALLIUM.

  What  is this  officinally ?
  The  bulb of the Allium sativum, a  native of the
south of Europe, and cultivated in our gardens for
culinary purposes.
  How are the bulbs prepared for market? 
224
EXPECTORANTS.
  They are dug up, with a portion of the stem attach-
ed, dried in the sun, and tied together in bunches, for
market.
   What  are its physical properties, as found in the
shops ?
   The bulb, which is somewhat spherical in shape,
consists of  several small  bulbs, called cloves, grouped
together within a common, dry, whitish, membranous
covering.  The cloves, which have each a separate co-
vering, are white, fleshy and succulent, of a strong pe-
culiar odor, and a pungent, acrid taste.
   What  are its relations  to  w7ater  and  alcohol, and
what is its active ingredient?
   Water and alcohol extract  its virtues, which depend
on a volatile oil.
   What is its character as  an expectorant, and its re-
medial applications as such ?
   Garlic is a stimulating expectorant, used in chronic
catarrh, humoral asthma, and other pectoral affections,
attended with a debilitated slate of  the  secretory ves-
sels.
   How is it administered, and what  is the dose?
   Best given in the form of the expressed juice, mixed
with sugar.  Dose, f 3 ss. to  f 3 j., for a child.  Dose
of the officinal syrup, f 3 j. to f 3 ij.

                 SENEKA—SENEGA.

   What is this?
   Seneka, or seneka snakeroot, is the root of the Po-
lygala Senega, an herbaceous, perennial plant, grow-
ing in all  parts of  the United States, but  most abun-
dantly in the southern and western  portions, where it
is collected for market.
   What are the physical properties of the root, as met
with in the shops ?
   It is about the thickness of a writing pen, contorted,
knotty and naked, with a projecting line extending
along  its whole length.   The cortical portion is of a 
EXPECTORANTS.
225
yellowish-brown, or greyish-brown color; the central
portion, whitish, woody and inert.   The root has a
faint, peculiar odor, and a  taste at first mucilaginous,
afterwards, nauseous and acrid.
  What are its relations to  water and alcohol ?
  Its virtues, which reside  in the cortical portion, are
extracted by water and alcohol.
  To what are its virtues ascribed?
  To a peculiar acrid principle, called senegin.
  What are  its medical properties, and its therapeuti-
cal applications as an expectorant?
  It is a stimulating expectorant, and diuretic, and in
large doses,  emetic and cathartic.   Used in  chronic
catarrh, humoral asthma, in the latter stages of croup,
and in  the advanced stages of chronic  bronchitis and
pneumonia; especially when occurring in  the  aged
and debilitated.  Contra-indicated by high inflamma-
tory action.
  How is  it administered,  and what is the dose ?
  Rarely given in powder,—dose of which is from 10
to  20 grains.   Usually given in decoction, made  by
boiling gj. of the bruised root, with gj. of liquorice
root, in Oiss. of water, to  Oj., and given in  the dose
of  f g j. or f g ij., 3 or 4 limes a day.
   What is the composition, common name, and dose
of  the Compound Syrup of Squill,—Syrupus Scilla
 Compositus 9
   It is prepared  with squill,  seneka, tartar emetic,
 sugar and water.  This, which was  formerly  prepared
with honey instead  of sugar, was  called  compound
honey  of squill,  or more commonly  Coxe's  Hive
 Syrup.  Dose, as  an expectorant, for an adult, from
 20 to 30 drops.
          BLACK SNAKEROOT—CIMICIFUGA.

   What is this officinally ?
   The root of the Cimicifuga  racemosa, sometimes
 called cohosh, an herbaceous,  perennial  plant, grow-
 ing in the woods, throughout the U. States. 
226
EXPECTORANTS.
  What are the physical properties of the root, and its
relations to water and alcohol?
  It consists of a thick, rough head, with a number of
slender radicles; is of a dark-brown color, externally,
whitish within, with a peculiar odor, and a bitter, as-
tringent taste.  It  yields its virtues to  boiling water
and to alcohol.
  What are its therapeutical effects and  applications?
  It is said to act as a tonic, and to promote, at the same
time, most of the secretions.   It  has  been  used in
dropsy, rheumatism, hysteria, chorea, and in various
chronic affections of  the lungs.
  How is it administered, and what is the  dose?
  Given in powder and decoction.  Dose  of the pow-
der, from  10  to 30 grains;  of the decoction, made in
the proportion of  gj.  to  Oj., fgj. or  f g ij., several
times a day.
           AMMONIAC—AMMONIACUM.

  What is this ?
  The concrete juice of the Dorema Ammoniacum,
an umbelliferous plant, growing in Persia.
  How is it collected, and by what route does it reach
this country ?
  The juice  exudes through  innumerable punctures,
made by beetles, and concretes on the stems, when it
is picked off by the natives.  It  is sent  to  Bushire,
thence to  Bombay,  or Calcutta, whence it is imported
into this country.
  What are its physical properties?
   It comes either in roundish tears, or in masses com-
posed of  the tears agglutinated  together.   The tears
are of yellowish color externally, whitish within ; hard,
brittle and breaking with  a shining fracture.   The
lumps are of a darker color, and presents, when broken,
whitish tears, imbeded in a brownish  substance, and
often mixed  with seeds, sand and other impurities.
The odor is peculiar and nauseous; the  taste bitter and
disagreeable. 
EXPECTORANTS.
227
  What are its chemical properties ?
  It is a gum-resin, with  a trace of volatile oil; it is
softened  by heat, and is inflammable; it is miscible
with water, forming a milky emulsion, the gum being
dissolved, suspends the  resin in the  mixture.   It is
soluble in alcohol.
  What are its therapeutical applications?
  It is used  as a stimulating expectorant in chronic
catarrh, asthma and other pectoral  affections; in the
absence of acute  inflammation, to increase the secre-
tion from the bronchial  mucous membrane, when de-
ficient, or  to diminish it, when superabundant, from
debility  of the vessels.    More  used as  an external
stimulant, in the form of plaster, (Emplastrum Am-
moniaci,) to scrofulous tumors, chronic  enlargement
of the joints, indolent glandular swellings, (fee.
   What is the dose, and mode of administration ?
   Dose, from 10 to 30  grains, usually given in emul-
sion, sometimes in pill.
   What is the character and composition of the com-
pound pills of squill 9
   They are an  excellent expectorant,  composed of
squill, ammoniac, ginger and soap.

            ASSAFETIDA—ASSAFOETIDA.

   What are its properties and uses as an expectorant ?
   It is one of the most efficient expectorants, its stim-
ulating and  anti-spasmodic properties adapting it  to
spasmodic asthma, hooping-cough,  chronic  catarrh,
chronic  bronchitis, and other pectoral affections, with
deficient nervous energy  in the respiratory apparatus,
without acute inflammation.
   What is the dose, and mode of administration ?
   Dose, from 5 to 15 grains, in pill or emulsion.

          BALSAM OF TOLU—TOLUTANUM.

   What is this, and how procured ? 
22S
EXPECTORANTS.
  It is the juice of the Myroxylon Toluiferum, a tree
growing in tropical America.  Incisions are made into
the trunk of the tree, and the juice, which exudes, is
received into suitable vessels, and allowed to concrete.
  What are its physical properties?
  When first imported, it is usually soft and tenacious,
becoming  hard and brittle, like  resin, by age.  It is
translucent, of a yellowish-brown color, and has a  pe-
culiar, fragrant odor, and a sweetish aromatic taste.
  What are its chemical properties ?
  Its constituents are  resin, volatile  oil  and benzoic
acid, the latter, a characteristic  ingredient of  balsams.
Exposed to the air, it becomes harder; to  heat, it melts
and  inflames,  burning  with a very  agreeable odor.
Alcohol dissolves it wholly; boiling water, its benzoic
acid.
  What are its therapeutical effects and uses ?
  It is a stimulating expectorant,  and  in  consequence
of its pleasant  flavor, is  much  used  as an adjunct to
cough mixtures; but it should  not be used during  in-
flammatory action.   In chronic  catarrhal affections,
the vapor  of the ethereal solution, sometimes inhaled
with benefit.
  What is  the close, and mode of administration ?
  Dose, from  10 to 30 grains, given in mucilage of
gum arabic and sugar.   The tincture  sometimes given
in the dose of  f 3 j. or f 3 ij.; but is said to be an  ob-
jectionable foim for ordinary use, on account  of  the
large proportion of alcohol which it contains.

         BALSAM OF PERU—MYROXYLON.

  What is  the source, and mode of procuring Balsam
of Peru 9
  It  is derived from the  Myroxylon Peruiferum,  a
tall tree, growing in  Peru, and other  parts of tropical
America.   It is said to  be  obtained from the bark of
the tree, by incisions, or from  the  bark and young
branches, by decoction.   By the former method, a bal- 
EMMENAGOGUES.
229
sam is obtained, it is said, identical with the balsam of
tolu, and  by the latter, a dark colored liquid, called
black Peruvian balsam or balsam of Peru.
   What are its physical and chemical properties?
   It is about the consistence of molasses, of a reddish-
brown color, with a  fragrant odor,  and a warm, bitter-
ish taste.   Its  chemical properties are the same with
those of balsam of tolu.
   What are its remedial applications ?
   It has been used  internally, as an excitant expecto-
rant, in chronic, pulmonary and bronchial affections;
and externally, as a  stimulant to indolent ulcers.
   What is the dose, and mode of administration?
   Dose, f 3 ss., in emulsion.
   How is Benzoic Acid separated from the  balsams,
and what are its properties and uses ?
   Separated by sublimation; is in  soft, white, feathery
crystals, of an agreeable odor, and acrid,  acidulous
taste.   Formerly used  as a  stimulating expectorant,
now, only as an  ingredient  of paregoric  elixir, and
ammoniated tincture of opium.
         XIII. EMMENAGOGUES.

  How are these defined ?
  " Medicines which promote the menstrual secretion."
  What is their modus operandi 9
  They are believed to act, either by entering the cir-
culation and exerting a direct or specific influence over
the uterine  vessels, or by  the  propagation  to  these,
sympathetically, an impression made upon other parts,
as upon the rectum and bladder.  Many deny the ex-
istence of specific  emmenagogues, and maintain, that
amenorrhoea is generally  the effect  of some morbid
state of the body, by removing which, they restore the
menstrual secretion, only as relative  agents.  Thus,
           20 
230
EMMENAGOGUES.
tonics and stimulants act in amenorrhoea, from  gene-
ral debility, and venesection, and other depletive mea-
sures, in suppression from plethora or inflammation.
  What are the substances comprised in this class ?
  The preparations of iron, aloes, black  hellebore,
seneka, guaiac, savine and Spanish flies.

             PREPARATIONS OF IRON.

  What is the relative importance of these, as emmen-
agogues, and to what cases are they applicable?
  They are considered to be among the most efficient
of the class;  applicable to  cases of amenorrhoea, de-
pendent on, or associated with, an asthenic condition
of the system.
                  ALOES—ALOE.

  What is the character of aloes, as an emmenagogue,
and how is it  supposed to act ?
  Dr. Wood thinks it one of the most  effectual em-
menagogues,  and that it  acts both specifically upon
the uterus, and, by a sympathetic extension  of the irri-
tation which it produces, on  the rectum.
  To what cases is it applicable, and  how  is it  used ?
  Adapted for cases of amenorrhcea, with constipation
of the bowels,  unaccompanied with hemorrhoids, or
inflammation  of  the intestinal  mucous membrane.
Given in the dose of 1 or 2 grains, 2 or 3 times a day.
Sometimes combined with myrrh, some of  the prepa-
rations of iron, &c.  Often used in the form of ene-
ma, just before the catamenial period.

     BLACK HELLEBORE—HELLEBORUS NIGER.

  What is the character of this, as  an' emmenagogue?
  It is highly esteemed by some practitioners; exciting
the uterus by sympathy with the  rectum, and probably
by a specific influence.
  How is it  usually given as an emmenagogue,  and
what is the dose ? 
EMMENAGOGUES.
231
  Usually given in tincture, in the dose of from f 3 ss.
to f 3 j., 2 or 3 times a day.
                SENEKA—SENEGA.

  What  is the character of seneka, as an  emmena-
gogue?
  It is said to excite, more or less, all of the secretions,
and hence, may prove emmenagogue under some  cir-
cumstances.
               GUAIAC—GUAIACUM.

  What is its character as an emmenagogue ?
  Dr. Dewees placed  more reliance on it, in the cure
of amenorrhoea, than on any other remedy.  Especial-
ly useful  in amenorihcea, associated with rheumatism
of the neuralgic kind, and in dysmenorrhcea.
  How is it given, and what is the dose?
  Usually given in the form of one of  the officinal
tinctures, and in the dose of f 3 j., 3 or 4 times a day.

                 SAVINE—SABINA.

  What is this  officinally ?
  The tops of the Juniperus Sabina.
  What is the character of  this plant, and its place of
growth ?
  It is an evergreen shrub, bearing considerable re-
semblance to the Juniperus Virginiana, or common
rdd cedar, which is sometimes substituted for it.   It is
a native of the south of Europe.
  What are its physical and chemical properties, as
found in the  shops ?
  It consists  of the young  tops, with their numerous,
small, pointed leaves attached, which are of a yellow-
ish-green color, having a strong, peculiar odor, and a
bitter, acrid  taste.   Water and alcohol extract its  vir-
tues, which depend upon a volatile  oil, called oil of
savine,—Oleum  Sabina.   This is yellow, strongly
odorous, and of an  exceedingly acrid taste. 
232
SIALAGOGUES.
  What are its therapeutical effects and uses?
  In  large doses, it is  an acrid poison; in medicinal
ones,  a powerful stimulant, with a special direction, it
is thought, to the  uterine organs.   Employed as an
emmenagogue in amenorrhoea and chlorosis, depend-
ing on torpor, or deficient action of the uterine system.
It is contra-indicated by much general or local excite-
ment, and  by the  existence of pregnancy.   It  is the
drug usually resorted to for the purpose  of producing
abortion, but always at  the hazard of the mother.
  What is the dose?
  Of  the powder, from  5 to 15 grains, 2 or 3 times a
day;  of the oil, from 2 to 5 drops.

           SPANISH FLIES—CANTHARIS.

  What is their character and remedial application, as
an emmenagogue.
  One of the most efficient emmenagogues; useful in
amenorrhoea, particularly when complicated with leu-
corrhcea.   Their stimulating  properties  render  them
inadmissible in  cases with  much general or local ex-
citement.
  What is the dose?
  Of  the tincture,  from 10 to 30 drops, 3 times a day,
gradually increased.
           XIV.  SIALAGOGUES.

  What are these, their modes of operation, and  re-
medial uses ?
  They are medicines which  increase the secretion of
saliva.  They have been divided into local and remote
or specific sialagogues; the former producing the effect
by irritating the salivary glands, when  chewed ;  the
latter, as the preparations of mercury, by their internal 
ERRHINES.
233
use, when continued for  some time.  These, never
used for their sialagogue effect.  Local sialagogues, or
masticatories, sometimes  employed  as revulsives, in
rheumatism and neuralgia of the face, tooth-ache, (fee,
or as direct irritants, in paralysis of the  tongue and
throat.  Many irritating substances are chewed for this
purpose.
              XV.  ERRHINES.

  What are these, their modes of action, and remedial
uses?
  They are  medicines which increase the secretion
from  the  pituitary  membrane.   When  they  excite
sneezing,  they are  called sternutatories.   They act
upon the same principles as the  sialagogues, and are
occasionally used as  revulsives, in affections  of the
eyes, head, (fee.
  What substances are thus employed, and how are
they applied ?
  Tobacco, in the form of snuff, white  hellebore,
Turpeth's  mineral,  (fee,  are used as errhines, snuffed
up the nostrils in  the  form of powder.  The two  lat-
ter should  be diluted with  five or six  parts of some
bland  substance,  as starch,  powdered liquorice  root,
(fee,
20* 
            XVI.  EPISPASTICS.

  What are these ?
  Medicines which, when applied to the  skin, excite
inflammation, followed by an effusion of serum under
the cuticle, forming a blister.   Frequently called vesi-
cants or vesicatories.
  In what ways do  they  produce salutary effects in
diseases?
  They act, 1, as local stimulants; 2, as general stim-
ulants, by sympathy with  the  local inflammation; 3,
as revulsives; 4, as local depletives; 5, by exciting a
new action in the diseased part, to which they are ap-
plied ;  and 6, by the pain which they occasion.
  What are their therapeutical applications, in refer-
ence to each of these modes of action?
  As local stimulants, they are useful in partial para-
lysis, in some cases of threatened gangrene, (fee. ; as
general stimulants, in  low or  typhoid  diseases,  and
sometimes in intermittent fevers, by subverting morbid
action, and preventing the subsequent paroxysm, when
employed  so as to be in full operation at the time for
its recurrence; as revulsives, they prove useful  in va-
rious nervous irritations, and in inflammation ; also, in
local determinations of  blood, and  as local  depletives,
in erysipelas and many other local inflammations.  By
altering the nature of  the morbid action, in  parts to
which  they are  applied, they act beneficially in tinea
capitis, obstinate herpes and various other  chronic cu-
taneous eruptions, and  by the pain which  they excite
in hypochondrical cases, (fee.
  What are some  practical rules in relation to the
time and part to which they should be applied?
  They should not be  employed  in  inflammatory af-
fections, during the  existence  of high  febrile  excite-
ment,  on  account of  their  stimulating effects.  In
local inflammations  they should  be applied near the 
EPISPASTICS.
235
seat  of the  disease,  but in local  determinations  of
blood, at a distance from the point of fluxion.
  What are the substances belonging to this class?
  A number of substances  are capable of producing
vesication, but the two  following are chiefly used for
this  purpose:

           SPANISH  FLIES—CANTHARIS.

  Where  are these insects  found, and how are  they
collected and prepared for use ?
  They are  found most abundantly in Spain, Italy
and  the south  of France.  They make their appear-
ance in May and June, and attach themselves to cer-
tain  trees, as the white  poplar, privet, ash, (fee, upon
the leaves of which they subsist.  . Early in the morn-
ing,  while they are torpid from cold, men, with  their
faces and hands covered with masks and gloves, shake
or knock  them from the trees, with poles, and receive
them as they fall, upon linen cloths spread underneath.
They are then  exposed to the vapor of vinegar, to de-
prive them of life, and afterwards, dried by the heat of
the sun or stoves.
  What are their physical properties?
  They are from six  to ten lines in length, by two or
three in breadth ; are of a golden-green color, afford-
ing, when pulverized, a grayish-brown powder, inter-
spersed with numberless shining,  green particles of the
elytra.  They  have a peculiar, disagreeable odor, and
an acrid burning taste.
  What are  their chemical properties?
   Its active  ingredient is a peculiar, white, crystaline
substance, called cantharidin.   This  is insoluble in
water and  cold alcohol; but these dissolve it, as it ex-
ists  in combination with the other ingredients of the
insect.
   What is their liability to  be injured by the attacks
of insects, and  how may it be obviated ?
  They are very apt  to be attacked  by mites, which 
236
EPISPASTICS.
feed upon their  interior, soft parts, and destroy, in a
great degree, their activity.  Best protected from these,
it  is said, by keeping them  in well  stopped bottles,
and adding a few drops of  strong acetic acid, or a few
grains of camphor.
   How are cantharides employed externally ?
   Usually in  the form of one of the  following offici-
nal preparations :
   1. Cerate  of Spanish Flies—Ceratum Canthari-
dis.  What are the constituents of this?
   It consists of powdered Spanish flies, yellow wax,
resin, and olive oil, intimately mixed together.
   What is its use and mode of application ?
   It is used  for blistering, and  is commonly called
blistering plaster.  It is applied spread on soft leather,
linen, or oiled silk, with a cold spatula, and the mar-
gin covered with  adhesive plaster  to make it adhere to
the skin.   To prevent the absorption of cantharidin,
and its  irritating  effects on  the urinary organs, a piece
of gauze or unsized paper may be placed between the
plaster and the skin.
   How may  strangury  be prevented,  and how best
treated when produced ?
   Several  means of prevention  have been recom-
mended, such as  the  internal use of the decoction of
uva ursi, and boiling the flies  in water fifteen minutes,
which  will deprive them of their property of produ-
cing strangury, it is said, without affecting their vesica-
ting powers.   Where  the object  is only  to produce
slight vesication, the  chances  of producing  strangury
may be greatly diminished by allowing the blister to
remain on  only so long as is necessary to excite  full
redness of  the skin, and then applying an  emollient
poultice to bring out  the vesicles.   Strangury  treated
by the free use of diluent drinks, and  when severe, an
anodyne injection, composed  of laudanum and some
mucilaginous  fluid, may be usefully resorted to.
   What time do they require  to  produce rubefaction
and vesication, both on  children and adults? 
EPISPASTICS.
237
   As a general rule they excite  rubefaction on  chil-
dren, in 1 or 2  hours,  and  on adults, in from 3 to 5
hours.  They produce vesication on children, in from
2  to 4 hours, and on adults, in from 6 to 12 hours.
   What is  the  proper management of a blister, both
when the object is to heal it, and to maintain the dis-
charge or form what is called a. perpetual blister 9
   The vesicles should be punctured to allow the serum
to escape, and then dressed with  simple  cerate, when
the object is to heal it speedily; but when a continua-
tion of the discharge is desired, the  cuticle  should be
removed, and the blistered surface dressed  with  resin
cerate, savine  cerate, or ointment of  Spanish  flies.
Should  much  inflammation supervene, it  may be  re-
lieved by emollient poultices or lead water.  An indis-
position to heal, may be removed by  an  application
composed  of  equal parts of cerate of subacetate  of
lead and simple cerate.   Deep and  extensive  ulcera-
tion, which sometimes occurs in consequence of  gen-
eral debility, must be cured  by  the  use of tonics and
a  nutritious diet.
   2.  Ointment of  Spanish Flies—Unguentum Can-
tharidis.  How is this prepared, and what are  its
uses?
   Prepared by forming a decoction of Spanish flies in
powder, with  distilled water, and  with the  strained
liquor mixing  resin cerate and evaporating to the pro-
per consistence.   Used as a dressing to  blistered  sur-
faces to sustain a discharge.
   3.  Plaster  of Pitch  with  Spanish Flies—Em-
plastrum Picis cum Cantharide.  What is this com-
monly called ?
   Emplastrum  Calefaciens or warming plaster.
   What are its constituents and uses ?
   It consists of burgundy pitch and cerate of Spanish
flies, melted together.  Employed as a rubefacient in
chronic  rheumatism, chronic  catarrh,  the  habitual
cough of the old and debilitated, (fee.
   4.  Liniment  of Spanish Flies—Linimentum Can- 
238
EPISPASTICS.
tharidis.  How is  this  prepared, and what are its
uses?
  Prepared by digesting powdered Spanish flies in oil
of turpentine, for three  hours in a  water-bath, and
straining.   Used  as  an external stimulant in the col-
lapsed stage of  typhus fever, (fee

       POTATO FLIES.—CANTHARIS VITTATA.

  Where  are these  insects  found, and how are they
collected and prepared for use?
  They  are natives of the  Middle   and  Southern
States,  inhabiting  chiefly the  potato vine.   Early
in the  morning  or late in  the  evening,  they are
shaken from the plant  into hot water, and then care-
fully dried in the  sun.
  What is their shape, size and color ?
  It resembles in  shape, the C. vesicatoria or Spanish
fly, but is rather smaller.   The head is of  a light red
color, with dark spots upon the  top, and the body and
elytra are  black, with yellow longitudinal stripes.
  What are its  properties and uses ?
  In sensible, chemical, and medical properties, it re-
sembles the  Spanish fly, and may be used for the same
purposes, and in similar ways. 
XVII. RUBEFACIENTS.
  What are these ?
  Medicines which  when applied a  certain time to
the skin, inflame it, without blistering.
  In what cases are these said to be preferable to blis-
ters?
  In  cases  where the object is to produce a sudden
and powerful, but transient impression,  or where a
slight but long continued action is desired.   They are
said to be more useful also as revulsives in spasm and
other forms of nervous irritation; and the powerful ones
of the class more efficient where the object is merely
to produce pain.
   What are the individuals of this class ?
  Mustard,  cayenne pepper, oil  of  turpentine, bur-
gundy pitch, hemlock pitch, and water of  ammonia.

                MUSTARD—SINAPIS.


   What is this officinally?
   The seeds of the Sinapis nigra and S. alba.
   What is the character of  these plants, and the place
of  their growth and culture?
   They are annual  plants, rising  from three to four
feet high,  with  small  yellow  flowers  appearing in
June.   They are natives of Europe, and  cultivated
in  this country.
   How are their seeds distinguished?
   By  their size and color—those derived from the S.
nigra are small and of a dark  brown color,  and are
called black mustard seeds; those from  the & alba
are much  larger,  of a  yellowish  color, and  called
white  mustard seeds.
   What is the color, taste, and odor of the powder ? 
240
RUBEFACIENTS.
   It is of a greenish-yellow color, with an oily aspect;
an acrid burning  taste,  and a  faint odor, which  is
greatly increased by moisture.
   What is the chemical composition of mustard?
   They contain mucilage and a bland fixed oil ; the
former residing in their skin and may be extracted by
boiling water; the latter  in  their interior part, obtain-
able by expression.   They also contain  a peculiar
principle which by the re-action of water, is convert-
ed into an acrid volatile oil in the  black mustard, and
into an  acrid substance not volatile in the white.   It
is  upon these principles that their sensible and  active
properties are thought to depend.
   What are its effects on  the system, and its remedial
applications  both internal and external?
   When taken whole, in the dose of  a tea-spoonful,
once or twice a  day, they act as  a laxative,—thus
used in dyspepsia, (fee.  The bruised seeds  or powder,
in the dose of a large tea-spoonful, operates  as an
emetic.   Used for this purpose in cases of great torpor
of the stomach, as in narcotic  poisoning,  malignant
cholera,  some  forms  of  paralysis,  (fee.   In smaller-
doses,  used as a  stimulant to  the digestive organs;
but it is chiefly used as a  rubefacient.  The powder,
diluted with an  equal portion of wheat flour or  rye
meal, and  made into a cataplasm  (sinapism) with
water, will excite rubefaction in  the course  of half an
hour or hour, and ofren in  less  time.   Applied  in this
way to the soles of the feet and calves of the  legs, to
excite the system  in  low  forms of  fever, and to pro-
duce revulsion from the head in  coma, narcotic poison-
ing, (fee.
   What unpleasant effects may  result from  the incau-
tious  application of sinapisms?
   When allowed  to  remain  on too  long, they may
produce vesication, followed  by ulceration  and even
sphacelus. This should be particularly guarded against,
where the patient is insensible to their  action. 
RUBEFACIENTS.
241
           CAYENNE PEPPER—CAPSICUM.

  What is its character as a rubefacient,  and how is
it applied ?
  It is a powerful rubefacient, applied in the form of
cataplasm, or more efficiently as  a lotion mixed with
heated spirit.
  What are its remedial  uses as such ?
  Employed in local rheumatism, and as a stimulant
in low forms of disease.

   OIL OF TURPENTINE—OLEUM TEREBINTHINA.

  What is its character as a rubefacient, and the mode
of applying it?
  It is a speedy and effectual rubefacient.  Usually
applied hot, when a  speedy and  powerful effect is
desired, but in mild cases diluted with olive oil.
  What peculiar effects does it produce on some per-
sons ?
  In some constitutions it produces violent inflamma-
tion of the skin with extensive eruptions.
  What  are its particular applications as a  rubefa-
cient?
  It is used as an excitant  in low forms of fever with
cold skin.   As a counter-irritant in inflammation of
the viscera; in colic, peritonitis,  sore  throat, rheuma-
tism, and  neuralgia.   Sometimes applied to extensive
burns, where the vital powers are sinking, mixed with
resin cerate, in the form of the Linimentum  Tere-
binthina.
          BURGUNDY PITCH—PIX ABIETIS.

  What is this?
  The prepared concrete juice of the Abies excelsa,
Pinus abies, or Norway  spruce fir,  a large,  lofty,
evergreen  tree, growing in Europe  and  Northern
Asia.
  What is the mode of preparation ?
            21 
242
RUBEFACIENTS.
  The tree is deprived of its  bark in places, and the
juice which flows out and concretes, is removed, melt-
ed with hot water, and  then  strained through  coarse
cloths.   Much of the burgundy  pitch of the shops is
said to  be fictitious, consisting  of resin  rendered
opaque by incorporation  with water,  and colored with
palm oil.
  What are its physical and  chemical properties as
found in the shops?
  It is hard,  brittle, opaque,  of a  brownish-yellow
color, and a feeble terebinthinate odor and taste.   Its
consistence varies with the temperature, being harder
in cold and softer in  warm weather.   It melts by heat
and is rendered soft and  adhesive  by the heat of the
body.  It differs  from turpentine in containing less
essential oil.
  What is its character as a rubefacient?
  It acts in most cases as a gentle rubefacient, but on
some persons it excites violent inflammation, followed
by vesication and even ulceration.
  What are its therapeutical  uses and  modes  of ap-
plication?
  Used in chronic rheumatism and chronic affections
of  the  thoracic and abdominal  viscera.    Applied
spread upon leather or cloth, in the form of a plaster,
and frequently in the form of the  Emplastrum  Pices
cum Cantharide, or warming plaster.

        HEMLOCK PITCH—PIX CANADENSIS.

  What is this?
  The prepared concrete juice of the Abies Canaden-
sis, Pinus Canadensis,  or hemlock spruce, an ever-
green tree,  growing  in  Canada  and  the  Northern
States.
  How is it collected and prepared for use ?
  The juice  exudes spontaneously from  the  full
grown  trees and concretes upon  the bark.  This is
removed and boiled  in water, and the pitch,  which 
RUBEFACIENTS.
243
melts and rises to the surface, is skimmed off.   To
free it from fragments of bark, it is melted and strain-
ed in the shops.
  What are its properties ?
  It is of a dark yellowish-brown  color, but in  other
respects closely resembling burgundy pitch, for which
it may be substituted.

      WATER OF AMMONIA—AQUA AMMONLE.

  How is this prepared, and what is its chemical
nature?
   Muriate  of ammonia is decomposed  by slaked
lime with the  aid  of heat, and the ammoniacal  gas
evolved, is  received  into distilled  water, forming a
solution of the sp. gr. 0.96,  and containing about 9^
per cent,  of ammonia.
  What is its odor  and taste, and  its relation  to oils?
  It has  a strong  pungent odor,  and a caustic alka-
line taste.  With oils it forms a liquid soap.
  What is its character as a rubefacient, and how is it
applied ?
  It is an active and prompt rubefacient, usually em-
ployed, diluted with olive oil, as  in the form of  the
volatile  liniment—Linimentum  Ammonia.    This
may be applied by  rubbing it gently  upon the  skin,
or placing a piece of flannel,  saturated with  it, over
the affected part. 
XVIII.   ESCHAROTICS.
  What are these, and their modes of operation ?
  They are substances which  when  applied  to  the
body produce an eschar or slough.  This they  do  by
chemically disorganizing the part, or by destroying its
vitality.
  What are their therapeutical uses?
  They are used to excite  counter-irritation ; to form
issues; to destroy  morbid  excrescences; to produce
healthy action in diseased surfaces,  by destroying  the
part affected, and to open abscesses.
  How are caustics divided?
  Into actual and potential cauterants.

              1. Actual Cauterants.

  What are the two forms of actual  cautery  used ?
  The hot iron and moxa.

                  THE HOT IRON.

  What is this used for?
  Iron, heated to  whiteness, is sometimes used to  de-
stroy morbid growths, but chiefly to arrest hemorrhages
in places where a ligature cannot be applied.
  How is it applied ?
  To protect the surrounding parts from the  action of
the radient  heat,  layers of wet paper should be laid
over them, with a hole in the centre, through  which,
the iron should be  quickly applied.

                      MOXA.

  What is this, and how prepared ?
  Moxa  is  the  term applied  to small  combustible
masses, intended to be burnt in  contact with the skin. 
ESCHAROTICS.
245
They  are  prepared with different materials, such  as
the leaves of some trees, spunk, and  the pith of the
sun-flower: but those mostly used are made of  cotton,
impregnated with nitre to render them more combus-
tible.   The cotton is first  impregnated with a strong
solution of nitre and dried.  It is then formed into a
cylinder of half an inch or  inch in diameter, by roll-
ing it around  a linen cord  and securing it by  a piece
of silk or linen sewed tightly  around it.    This,
when  used, is cut into transverse slices of suitable
length—from  a few lines to  an inch.
   How is it  applied, and  what  are  its principles of
action ?
   The apex is set on fire and the base kept firmly ap-
plied  to  the  skin  by means of a piece of wrire, or a
pair of forceps.   The surrounding  parts  should  be
protected  by  pieces  of wet linen.  It  is allowed to
burn  until consumed,  when the  object is to produce
an eschar, but for a snorter  time, when it is desired to
excite only inflammation.   It  acts as a powerful re-
vulsive, and as an excitant to neighboring parts.
   What are its therapeutical applications?
   It has been used in curvature of the  spine, in in-
veterate sciatica and neuralgia, in paraplegia, chronic
inflammation of the joints, amaurosis, (fee.

              2.  Potential  Cauterants.

   What substances belong to this  division ?
   Potassa, nitrate of silver, arsenious  acid, sulphate
of copper, corrosive chloride of mercury, dried alum,
and the mineral acids.

                     POTASSA.

   What is the mode  of preparing potassa, or common
caustic 9
   Liquor  potassae  is evaporated till  ebullition ceases
           21* 
246
ESCHAROTICS.
and the potassa melts; this is then poured into suita-
ble moulds.
   What are its physical properties ?
   It is generally  in pencils, of a grayish or bluish
color;  inodorous, with a caustic alkaline taste.
   How is it affected by exposure, and how best kept?
   Exposed  to the  air it deliquesces rapidly;  attracts
carbonic acid, and becomes converted into the carbo-
nate.   Best preserved in green glass bottles, with ground
stoppers.
   What are the usual impurities ?
   Silica, oxide of  iron,  the sulphate and carbonate of
potassa, &c,  but  they  do  not unfit it for  medical
uses.
   What is its character as an escharotic?
   It is a  powerful caustic, but its extreme deliques-
cence,  and  consequent liability to spread,  render it
very unmanageable.
   For  what is it used?
   For  opening abscesses, destroying poisoned surfaces,
but chiefly for forming issues.
   How are  issues  formed, and upon what principles
do they act in the cure of disease?
   The skin  is covered  with two or three layers of ad-
hesive  plasters, in the centre of which a hole is cut of
the size of the intended  issue; through this the caus-
tic is rubbed on until the surface is destroyed ;  a milk
and bread  or  flaxseed poultice is  then applied, and
when the slough separates an issue pea is inserted, or
some irritating dressing,  as savine cerate, is used  to
keep it open.  Issues do  good  by the revulsion they
produce, and in some cases by the discharge.

     NITRATE OF  SILVER—ARGENTI NITRAS.

   What is its character as an escharotic?
   Lunar caustic  possesses many advantages  as an
escharotic.   Its mild but  effectual action, and the ab-
sence of any deliquescent  property,  or  tendency  to 
ESCHAROTICS.
247
spread, render it one of the safest and most manage-
able caustics that can be employed.
  What are its applications?
  It is  U6ed to  destroy  fungus growths, warts, corns,
strictures  in the urethra, incipient  chancres, and the
surfaces of various  unhealthy  ulcers.  A  weak  solu-
tion—2 to 5 grains  in fgj. of distilled water—is used
as a local stimulant to indolent ulcers, and as an injec-
tion in fetid discharges from the ear, in fistulous  sores,
gonorrhoea,  leucorrhcea, (fee.
  How is it applied ?
  As a  caustic, usually in the solid state previously
moistened.   A  solution of  3j. in fgj. of water will
act  as  a  caustic.  Solution applied by means of a
camel's hair pencil.

      ARSENIOUS ACID—ACIDUM ARSENIOSUM.

   By what other  names is  this called, and how is it
obtained ?
   Called also white arsenic  and white oxide of arsenic.
 It is obtained as a  collateral product during the roast-
 ing of cobalt ores, which usually contain arsenic. The
 arsenic is converted by  the combustion,  into arsenious
 acid, which sublimes and  condenses on  the  sides of
 the flues  of the furnace.  In  this state  it is impure
 and is sublimed a second time.
   What are its  physical properties?
   It occurs in commerce in  large transparent vitreous
 masses, becoming  white and opaque on exposure to
 the air;  it is inodorous, has a faintly  sweetish taste,
 and yields a fine white powder,  in  which state it is
 kept in the shops.
   What are its  chemical properties?
   It is composed of 2 eq. of  arsenic and 3 of oxygen ;
 it is soluble in cold water, and more so in  boiling, and
 its solution reddens litmus paper slightly.   The  chemi-
 cal characteristics of arsenious, are as follows : thrown
 on ignited charcoal it emits an alliaceous odor;  heated 
248
ESCHAROTICS.
with carbonaceous matter in a glass tube, it is reduced,
and the metal sublimes and forms a grayish-black ring
in the upper, cooler part of the tube; its solution pre-
cipitates lemon-yellow with ammoniacal nitrate of  sil-
ver; grass-green (Scheele's green,)  with ammoniacal
sulphate of copper, and  sulphur-yellow (orpiment,)
with sulphuretted hydrogen.
   What is its character  and therapeutical application
as a caustic ?
   It is a powerful escharotic, destroying the life of  the
part and its decomposition  is the consequence.  But
on account of the danger which  may accrue from its
absorption, it is  seldom employed, its use being  restrict-
ed entirely to malignant and cancerous ulcers.

      SULPHATE OF COPPER—CUPRI SULPHAS.

  What are the therapeutical applications of sulphate
of copper as an  escharotic ?
  A strong solution made with 20 grains of  the  salt
to f g j.  of water occasionally used as a mild  escharotic
to destroy fungus, the callous edges  of ulcers, venereal
warts, and  as an application to chancres in their early
stage.

CORROSIVE CHLORIDE  OF MERCURY—HYDRARGYRI
             CHLORIDUM CORROSIVUM.

   What are its  external uses?
   Bichloride of Mercury,  or  Corrosive sublimate, is
sometimes applied as a  caustic, mixed with an equal
portion of sulphate of zinc, in onychia maligna, but
it is mostly used in solution (gr. ^ to gr. 3 to fgj.,) as
a local stimulant to venereal ulcers,  to lepra and other
scaly eruptions, and as an injection in gleet.

        DRIED  ALUM—ALUMEN EXSICCATUM.

   How is dried or burnt alum  prepared? 
DEMULCENTS.
249
  Alum is melted in an earthen or iron vessel over the
fire, and the heat continued until it becomes dry, when
it is rubbed into powder.
   What is its character and use as an escharotic?
   It is a mild escharotic, used to destroy fungus flesh,
the powder being sprinkled over  the surface.

                THE MINERAL ACIDS.

   What is the character of these as escharotics?
   They  are  powerfully  escharotic, but  their  liquid
form  renders their application inconvenient.
   What are their external uses?
   They are sometimes  used as caustics in the bites of
rabid animals, to destroy warts, and to remove the cu-
ticle hastily, and produce speedy revulsion.   Sulphur-
ic and nitric acids diluted, sometimes  employed as
stimulants to indolent ulcers, and in the form of oint-
ment, in some cutaneous affections.
           XIX.  DEMULCENTS.

  What  are these and their uses?
  They  are  substances, which, from their  mild and
viscid properties when mixed with water, are  used  to
sheath and protect  irritated or  inflamed surfaces from
the action of  irritating matters, and by  mixing with
these to obtund their acrimony.  They are used also
as diet for the sick, and as vehicles for other medicines.
  How are they supposed to do good, where they do
not admit of  direct application?
  In catarrhal  afflictions, their  soothing  influence is
probably extended from  the top of the larynx to  the
tracheo-bronchial mucous membrane by  contiguous
sympathy, but in nephritic diseases, they  act as mere
diluents.
  What  are the substances embraced under this head 1 
250                DEMULCENTS.
   Gum arabic, tragacanth, slippery-elm bark, flaxseed,
liquorice root,  Iceland and Irish moss,  sago tapioca,
arrow-root, and barley.

               GUM ARABIC—ACACIA.

   What is this ?
   The  concrete juice cf the Acacia vera, and other
species of Acacia, small thorny trees  or  shrubs grow-
ing in Arabia and Africa.
   How is it obtained?
   The juice exudes either through natural fissures in
the bark, or through  incisions  made to  facilitate its
flow, and  concretes on exposure.
   What are the places of collection and export ?
   It is  collected in  Arabia, Upper Egypt, Barbary,
&c, and brought into this  country  from the ports of
the Mediterranean.
   What are the commercial varieties ?
   The two  principal  are Turkey gum  and Senegal
gum.
   What are the physical properties of  each of these
varieties ?
   Turkey gum consists  chiefly of small, irregular,
very brittle fragments, of a whitish or yellowish-white
color, and with numerous fissures, impairing its trans-
parency.  Senegal gum  is  usually  in   roundish  or
oval pieces, larger than  those  of the Tuikey gum,
more transparent, less  brittle and pulverizable, and of
yellowish or reddish color.   Both afford a white pow-
der, are inodorous and have a feeble  taste.
   What are its chemical properties ?
   It consists  chiefly of gum, which is insoluble  in
alcohol, but soluble in water, either cold or hot, form-
ing a  viscid  solution called mucilage, which, when
long kept, becomes sour from the generation of  acetic
acid.
   What is  its character as a demulcent and its thera-
peutical applications as such ? 
DEMULCENTS.
251
  It is an excellent  demulcent, much  used  in  the
form of solution, in irritation and inflammation of the
mucous membranes, and especially that of the stomach
and bowels.
  What are its dietetic and pharmaceutical uses?
  A solution made with  g j. of gum to Oj. of water,
is an excellent article of diet in  febrile and other  af-
fections  requiring a strictly  antiphlogistic regimen.
Used in  pharmacy  for suspending heavy insoluble
substances in water,  and for forming pills and troches.

          TRAGACANTH— TRAGACANTHA.

   What is  this?
   The concrete juice  of the  Astragulus verus, and
other species of Astragulus, small thorny shrubs grow-
ing in Persia, Asia Minor, (fee.
   What is the mode of collection ?
   It exudes spontaneously during the summer from
the stems and branches, and hardens on  the surface.
   What are its physical and chemical properties?
   It occurs in thin plates, of  a whitish or citron-yel-
low color, semi-transparent, hard, and of difficult pul-
 verization, except at a temperature of 100°  or 120°,
 or at a freezing temperature.  It is inodorous and taste-
 less ;  is  very partially soluble in  water, but when
 mixed with it, it swells up and forms a soft adhesive
 paste.  It consists chiefly of gum and bassorin.
   What are its uses ?
   It is seldom given internally, on account of its  dif-
 ficult solubility in  water.   Used  principally for the
 suspension of heavy insoluble powders in water, and
 to impart consistence to troches.

            SLIPPERY-ELM BARK—ULMUS.

   What is this officin ally ?
    The inner bark of the Ulmus fulva, slippery-elm
 or red elm, a lofty indigenous tiee. 
252
DEMULCENTS.
   What are its physical properties ?
   It is found  in the shops in  long, nearly flat  pieces,
 freed of the epidermis; of a fibrous texture, a reddish-
 yellow color,  a sweetish odor, and a highly mucila-
 ginous taste, when chewed.
   What are its relations to water?
   It imparts  the  mucilaginous matter, in which it
 abounds, to water, forming a thick mucilage.
   What are its therapeutical applications, both  inter-
 nal  and external?
   It is an excellent demulcent, and  may be  used in
 all cases for which such  medicines are  adapted.   In
 the  form of poultice, made by adding hot water to the
 powder, it is sometimes used as an emollient  applica-
 tion to inflamed surfaces.
   How is it usually given ?
   In infusion, made in the proportion of  g j. to Oj.

                FLAXSEED—LINUM.

   From what is this derived ?
   From the Linum usitatissimus, or common flax.
   What are the most important  constituents of flax-
 seeds?
   They contain mucilage and a fixed oil;  the former
 residing in the skin, the latter in the nucleus.
   How is the  oil obtained, and what  is it commonly
 called ?
   Obtained  by expression; commonly called Linseed
 oil—Oleum Lini.  U. S.
   What are the properties and uses of the oil ?
   It is of a yellowish-brown color, a faint disagreeable
 odor, and nauseous taste.  On exposure to the air, it
 concretes  into a  transparent varnish, and hence, is
 called a drying oil. As a medicine, it is sometimes ad-
 ded  to purgative enemata, and applied to burns, mixed
with an equal  portion of lime-water, as  in  the  Lini-
mentum Calcis.   In  the  arts, it  is extensively used
for painting  and printing. 
DEMULCENTS.
253
  What is the character  of flaxseed as a demulcent,
and how is it used?
  It is an excellent demulcent, much used in the form
of an infusion, made in the  proportion of  § j. to Oj.
of boiling water.
  What are the uses of the powdered seeds ?
  Flaxseed meal mixed with hot water, is used as an
emollient poultice.
         LIQUORICE ROOT—GLYCYRRHIZA.
      LIQUORICE—EXTRACTUM GLYCYRRHIZA.

  What are these?
  The root and extract of the root of the Glycyrrhiza
glabra, an herbaceous, perennial plant, growing in the
south of Europe.
   Whence is  liquorice  root imported, and what are its
physical properties, as found in the shops?
  Much of it is said to come from  the ports of Messi-
na and Palermo, in Sicily.  As met with in the shops,
it is in  long  pieces, about the thickness of the  little
finger, wrinkled, and of a grayish-brown color, exter-
nally, yellowish internally, aud affording a  grayish-
yellow powder, when  pulverized.  It  is without odor,
but  has a sweet, mucilaginous, subacrid taste.
   What is  its relation  to water, and  its characteristic
ingredient?
   Boiling water extracts its virtues.   Its characteristic
principle, a peculiar sweetish substance called  glycyr-
rhyzin, differing from sugar in not being susceptible
of the vinous  fermentation.
   What is  its character as a demulcent, and its reme-
 dial uses as such ?
   It is  an excellent  demulcent, used in  irritation  of
 the  mucous membranes.   It is frequently added to the
 decoctions of seneka, mezereon and other acrid vege-
 table substances, to conceal their acrimony.
   How is it used ?
   In  the form of decoction, prepared by boiling gj.
 of the root, for a few minutes, in Oj.  of water.
            22 
254
DEMULCENTS.
  What are the uses of the powdered root?
  It is used in  the preparation of pills.
  How is the extract prepared, and whence imported?
  Prepared  by boiling the root in water, and evapora-
ting the strained decoction.  Imported chiefly  from
Messina and Leghorn.
  What are its  physical properties?
  It comes in  cylindrical or flattened rolls, covered
with bay leaves;  brittle, breaking with a shining frac-
ture ; very black, and of a sweet, bitterish, sub-acrid
taste.
  What are frequent  impurities, and  how are they
separated ?
  It sometimes  contains  sand,  starch, prune  juice,
copper, (fee.; from which it is purified  by solution in
water,  filtering  and evaporating.
  What is the  shape and size of the pieces of refined
liquorice ?
  It is in small, cylindrical pieces, about the thickness
of a pipe stem.
  What are its  uses ?
  It is used in  coughs, and bronchial affections, being
allowed to dissolve slowly  in the mouth.   Frequently
added  to cough mixtures, and to infusions or decoc-
tions, to conceal or  modify the taste of other medi-
cines.   Used also, to impart consistence to pills  and
troches.
            ICELAND  MOSS—CETRARIA.

  Where is this plant found, and what are its  physical
properties, as met with in the shops?
  It is found in the northern  legions of both  the new
and old worlds.  It is a small, foliaceous plant, of a
coriaceous consistence.   As met with in the  shops, it
is of a brownish or grayish-white color.   It has a faint
odor, and a mucilaginous, bitter taste.
  What are its chemical properties?
  Its most important ingredients are a peculiar starch-
like principle, (lichenin,) a bitter principle, (cetrarin,) 
DEMULCENTS.
255
gum, uncrystalizable sugar, (fee.   The bitter princi-
ple is separable  by maceration  in water, or in a weak
alkaline solution;  the  gum and  starchy matter, ex-
tracted  by  decoction,  which, on  cooling, acquires  a
gelatinous consistence.
   What are its therapeutical effects and uses ?
   It is demulcent and tonic, with nutritive properties.
Useful in diseases of the mucous membranes, accom-
panied with general debility, or an enfeebled condition
of the digestive organs, as  in chronic  bronchitis and
catarrh ; in chronic dysentery and diarrhoea; in dys-
pepsia,  pulmonary consumption, (fee.
   What is  the form of administration, and  the dose?
   Usually given in decoction,  made  by boiling Oj.,
in Oiss. of water, to Oj., and the whole taken  in di-
vided doses, during the day.

              IRISH MOSS—CHONDRUS.

   Where is this found, and what are its properties and
uses?
   It is found most  abundantly, growing on the rocks
on the south-west coast of  Ireland, where it is gather-
ed, dried  and bleached in the sun for use.   It some-
what resembles  Iceland  moss, in  properties, but is
more mucilaginous, and  less  bitter.   A decoction,
made in  the proportion of gss. to Oj., is frequently
used as a substitute  for that substance.

                       SAGO.
   What is this ?
   The prepared fecula of the pith of the Sagus Rum-
phii, or sago palm, a tree growing in the East Indies.
   How is it prepared ?
   The  pith is collected from the tree in the state of a
coarse powder, and the fecula separated from it, by re-
peated washings with water, over a hair seive.   The
milky liquor which passes through, is allowed  to stand
until the sago is deposited, when the water is  strained
off, and the paste afterwards rubbed into grains. 
256
DEMULCENTS.
\ i
  What  are  the  varieties of sago, and  the  physical
properties of  each ?
  Two varieties—pearl sago and  common sago; the
former, in  hard,  whitish grains, about the size of a
pin's  head;  the  latter, in larger size  grains,  of  a
brownish color.  It has a  feeble  odor, and but little
taste.
  What  is  its chemical nature,  and its  relation to
water ?
  It consists almost entirely of starch.   It is insoluble
in cold water, but forms  a  gelatinous  solution with
boiling water.
  What  are its uses, and modes of exhibition ?
  It is used as a  mild and  digestible article of diet, in
febrile diseases, and in convalescence  from acute dis-
orders.   Used  in decoction, made by boiling  gj. of
sago in Oj. of water or milk, and seasoning with sugar
and nutmeg, or other spices, where these are not con-
tra-indicated.
                     TAPIOCA.          .
   What is this?                  U^M -
   The fecula of  the root of the Jatropha Manihot.
   What is the character of this plant,  and its place of
growth and culture?
   It is a small shrub, with a very large, fleshy, tube-
rous root;  indigenous in Brazil, and cultivated in the
 West Indies, under the name of  Cassava.
   How  are the plants distinguished ?
   By the names of sweet and bitter.   The root of the
latter, abounds in an acrid, milky juice, which is poi-
sonous.
   How  is the tapioca prepared ?
   The juice is obtained from the rasped root, by ex-
 pression, and allowed  to stand  until it deposits the
 fecula;  this is repeatedly washed with  cold water, to
 free it from the poisonous juice, and then dried on hot
 plates.
   What are its physical and chemical properties ?
 
l+ti^4>d± C  ur&  t+—~cr *}jtut- /fee ^iZT^ r^/tf ,


            > ^TtU^w. VfTdDEMULCENTS.  rr  ^r>^Z^257 **'
                    .■■■K^f  't~  ft   rz^-L  *~/rt-  to 'i-+*x\
         It is in hard, irregular grains or fragments, whitish,
      /•inodorous and tasteless.   It is nearly pure starch.
         How, and for what is it used?
         Used in the same way  as sago, and for similar pur-
       poses. %
                   ARROW ROOT—MARANTA.
r-
  What is this ?
  The fecula of the root of the Maranta arundinacea,    *
a native of South America and the West Indies, where £" >»
it is largely cultivated.
  What is the mode of preparation?                £., *
  The fresh root, cleansed, is beat into a pulp, and p^ -  *
the fecula separated  by means of water, in the usual ;  ^  ^.
way, and dried in the sun.                          i  T^ •*)
  What are its physical and chemical properties?        }
  It is in the form of a white  powder,  or pulverulent  j!fc-?  ^"
masses, and  is without odor or taste, when free from  $ \  1
mustiness.   Examined by the microscope, it is seen, j* *^ £
like the  other varieties of fecula, to consist of small  rv^t r>
granules.  It is identical in chemical properties, with  > „
wheaten starch, but  forms a firmer jelly with  boiling  ,     ^
water.                                              *   fNS
  What are its  uses ?                                 ** - n*
  It is much used as a mild and digestible article of    f^ -*r
diet for the sick and  convalescent; well adapted, from     r a
its demulcent properties, for diseases of the alimentary    «o "^
canal.   Used also, as food for infants,  h . ►<.  * (*     J.4 c\ *<
  How is it prepared for  use ? as^%«..."^^K* \
  A table-spoonful may be made into a paste  with  a
little cold  water, and  then  mixed  with Oj. of water
boiling, and continued so for a few minutes.   It may
be flavored with sugar and lemon-juice, and in some
low forms of fever, wine  and  spices may be  added.
It is usually prepared with milk, for children.

                BARLEY—HORDEUM.

  What is barley, and how is it prepared for use ?
           22* 
25S
EMOLLIENTS.
  It is  the decorticated  seeds  of several  species of
Hordeum, small plants cultivated in the United States
and other parts of the world.  The seeds are deprived
cf their husk, and then rounded and  polished in  a
mill of a peculiar construction.
  What is it called as thus prepared, and what are its
physical and chemical properties ?
  Called pearl barley—Hordeum perlatum.  It is
in small round grains; of a pearly whiteness, without
odor, but of a sweetish, mucilaginous taste.  It con-
sists chiefly of starch, with some gluten, gum, sugar,
&c.  Boiling water extracts its virtues.
  What are its uses ?
  It is used in the form of decoction,  as  a nutritive
and demulcent drink, in febrile and inflammatory af-
fections, as a vehicle for other medicines, and to give
bulk to enemata.
  How is the decoction prepared ?
  The officinal  decoction—Decoctum  Hordei, com-
monly  called barley water—is prepared  as follows:
Two ounces of barley is first washed with cold water,
and then boiled in another portion for a short time, to
free it from all extraneous  matters, mustiness or other
unpleasant flavor.   This water is thrown away, and
four pints of boiling water added and boiled down to
two pints, and strained.
            XX. EMOLLIENTS.

  What are these, and their uses ?
  They are substances which  diminish  the  tone or
cohesion of the living tissues to which  they  are ap-
plied, and thereby render them more lax  and flexible.
Opposite in their  effects  to astringents.  They are
used to sooth  inflamed  parts, and  to promote  suppu-
ration.
(♦-nfir *-^

i  fu,-fc-r   <»o-k--  ittu- **  y 
DILUENTS.
259
  What substances are chiefly  used  for  these pur-
poses ?
  Warm, mild cataplasms, such as those prepared with
flaxseed meal and hot water; powdered slippery-elm
and hot water;  milk and the crumb of bread; mush
of indian corn meal, (fee.  Warm water, especially in
in the form of vapor, is also much used.
             XXI.  DILUENTS.

  What are these, and their uses ?
  They are mild, watery liquids, which serve to dilute
the contents of the stomach  and  bowels, to  increase
the fluidity of the blood, and  to increase, and at  the
same time, dilute  the secretions.  Used, therapeutical-
ly,  in febrile and  inflammatory affections, and are es-
pecially serviceable when  the inflammation is located
in  the  alimentary or  urinary mucous  membrane.
They are used, also, to dilute acrid and corrosive  poi-
sons, which destroy by inflicting local mischief.
    XXII.  PECULIAR  MEDICINES.

  What medicines are considered by Dr. Wood insus-
ceptible of accurate classification ?
  Ergot, nux vomica, arsenic, mercury and iodine.

                ERGOT—ERGOTA.
  What is this ?
  Ergot, secale cornutum, or spurred rye, is  derived
from the secale cereale, or common rye, and is thought
by some, to be  the diseased seed, by others, the de-
generated seed, mixed with a  species of fungus.
  What are its  physical properties ? 

£*
           260           PECULIAR MEDICINES.

              It  is in brittle, somewhat flexible grains, from the
           third of an inch to an inch and  a half in  length, by
           one or two lines in thickness ;  usually curved like the
           spur of a cock, whence the name.   It is marked with
           a longitudinal  furrow, on one  or both  sides ;  is of a
           violet-brown color externally, yellowish-white inter-
           nally, with a peculiar fishy odor, and a slightly acrid,
           disagreeable taste.  It is liable to be attacked  and de-,
           stroyed by small iusects. ^/4vw*.t  «$ ?*■ i~C£V*^^ *< I *^*&
               -->'.>>..■..tv  {..■ '"•■•'  \ ..?<»# /it-rtt, >'- •' —
              What is its active ingredient, and the relation of this
           to water,  and to alcohol ?
              Its virtues are supposed  to  depend  on a  peculiar
           fixed oil, which is extracted by water and alcohol.
              What are its medical properties and uses?
o-tiT^m.*    In medicinal doses, it exerts a specific influence  on
yLc^ ip"^ lfle uterus, increasing  its contractile  power.  In very
«.<• -..wi^-A^^ylarge doses, it is said to act  as  a narcotic.  It  is  used
,>vv^ *-l ^"1 *• ^° accelerate delivery, when delayed from feeble  or
L^ ^»«^«,W&md contractions  of the  uterus,  and to cause the
           expulsion of the  placenta  retained from  a  similar     %
           cause ;  to promote the expulsion of sanguineous clots,   "^
           hydatids and polypi; to restrain  uterine hemorrhages,     ^
           (fee.  Contra-indicated in parturition, by the want  of
           dilatation  of the  os uteri,  great rigidity of  the soft     M
           parts, deformity of the pelvis, and mal-presentalion.
                                                                   ?»
              What evil consequences  have been  know to result     N
           from its free and long continued  use?
              Dry  gangrene, typhus  fever, and  great disorder  of
           the nervous system, have resulted, and  even prevailed
           epidemically, in some parts of  Europe, from  the  use
           of rye bread contaminated  with  it.
              How is it given, and what is the dose?
              Usually given  in  powder  and infusion.  Dose  of
           the powder, for a woman in labor, 10 to 20 grains, re-    .3k
           peated every twenty  minutes,  until  its  effect  on the    b
           uterus is produced, or  5 j. has been taken ;   dose  of    f*
           the infusion, prepared with 5j. to Oj.,  one-third.       ^ 

.■*-■
'4-
                     PECULIAR MEDICINES.           261

                         NUX VOMICA.                          J  Y"

         What is this ?                                          -^ -b
         The seeds of the Strychnos Nux  Vomica, a mode-       } _ ^
      rate sized tree growing in the East Indies.               -vq  *
         What is the character of the plant?
         It is a round smooth berry, resembling in size and       *^T~
      color, the orange, and containing numerous seeds im-
      bedded in a juicy pulp.
         What are the physical properties of the seeds ?
         They are flat, circular, nearly an inch  in diameter,
      and two or three lines in  thickness;  concave  on one
      side and convex  on the other.   They consist of an
      external fragile coating, thickly  covered  with short,
      satiny, yellowish hairs;  and an internal  hard, horny
      nucleus, of a whitish or  yellowish  color.   They are
      of difficult pulverization ; are inodorous,  but have an
      acrid, very bitter taste.
         What are its chemical properties ?
         Its active ingredients are two peculiar alkalies, call-
      ed strychnia and  brucia.   These  are extracted by
      water, but more readily by diluted alcohol.
         In what other substances  are  these alkalies found,
      and how do they  differ ?
         They exist, also, in the bean of  St.  Ignatius, and
      brucia is found in  false Angustura  bark.  They are
      nearly similar  in  medicinal  properties, but differ  in
      strength, brucia being  much weaker.
         What are the properties of strychnia?
         It is in the form of white grains or crystals; is in-
      odorous, but has  an intensely bitter taste.   It is de-
      composed by heat, is soluble in a  large proportion of         ^
      water, and readily soluble in  alcohol.
         What are the effects of nux vomica on the system ?         \^
         It appears to excite specifically the nerves of motion          p.
      through the medium of the  spinal marrow, as indica-           -v
***"'   ted by  the spasmodic twiching of the voluntary mus-          £
      cles when the system is brought  under its  influence.
      It is a very  active poison, strychnia being, with the          £\
        > ,„ji-6  JL&4j~J 'tr***.( cCi.-n.i.y-Ctct a^^t) A^t«L^*-*-ww«—ccy
>* 
262            PECULIAR MEDICINES.

exception of prussic acid, the most violent one known.   £
The symptoms of its poisonous  effects  are  simply   \
those of tetanus and asphyxia.                         "-
  What are its therapeutical applications?              -^
  It is chiefly employed in the treatment of paralytic   j
affections, in which it  has often proved  successful   '
when unattended with inflammation or other organic   P
lesion  of  the  brain  or spinal marrow.   It  more fre-   *
quently acts beneficially  in general than  in partial   *"
paralysis, and in paraplegia than in hemiplegia.
  What  is the dose of nux vomica, and its prepara-
tions ?
  Dose of the powdered seed, 5 grains ; of the alco-
holic extract,  from \ to 2  grains; of strychnia, from
T>2 to \ of a grain ; of brucia, j. grain.
  For  what is strychnia used  externally, and how is
it applied ?
  It has been  use in amaurosis, applied by the ender-
mic method, cyr- Si t*> tt-^fr**: ovy ■ ■. t-«. >a *** r>-»^-v^ *
r
              ARSENIC—ARSENICUM.

  What are the effects of arsenic on the system ?
  In the metallic state it is thought  to be inert,  but in
combination, alterative, tonic and antiperiodic.   Under
the  continued  use of the arsenical preparations  a feel-
ing  of stiffness of the face and eyelids are experienced,
attended with  an  edematous swelling of these parts
called oedema arsenicalis;  itching  of the skin, sore-
ness of the  mouth, Joss  of appetite,  and uneasiness
and pain in the stomach and bowels.   In over doses
they act  as powerful  irritant poisons, producing  in-      .
flammalion  and  disorganization of the gastro-intesti-      >
nal, mucous membrane, attended with great general      f
prostration,  and a number of  distressing symptoms.      £
The same  effects may be produced by its absorption      f
when applied  externally.                                 j.
  How  are its poisonous effects best counteracted ?
  If the stomach-pump beat hard it should  be im-      ft* 
PECULIAR MEDICINES.
263
mediately used,  and  the  hydrated  oxide of iron,
which is the best antidote should be given in all cases.
For the mode of preparing, preserving, and exhibiting
this,  see  page  80.   Mucilaginous  drinks should be
freely given, and inflammation  succeeding, combat-
ted on general principles.
   What are  its remedial applications?
   It  is used internally in diseases of  an intermittent
character, as ague,  some forms of neuralgia, chorea,
periodic headache, (fee.; in some cutaneous diseases,
particularly those  of  a scaly character; and in secon-
dary  syphilis ;  contraindicated  by irritation or inflam-
mation of the stomach, and by debility.
   What two preparations of arsenic are chiefly used ?
   Arsenious acid and Solution of Arsenite of Potas-
sa—Liquor Potassa Arsenitis.'
   How is the latter prepared ?
   Fowler's solution,  as it is commonly called, is pre-
pared by  boiling arsenious acid and carbonate of po-
tassa in distilled  water until  the acid is entirely dis-
solved, and adding to the solution, when cold, a little
compound  spirit  of  lavender,  to give  it color  and
flavor.
   What is the dose of each of these preparations ?
   Of arsenious acid, gr. y1^, made into pill with crumb
of bread ; of Fowler's solution, 10 drops, both to be re-
peated 2 or 3 times a day.

            MERCURY—HYDRARGYRUM.

   What are the effects of mercury on the system ?
   In its metallic or uncombined state, it  is considered
inert, but in its various  forms  of preparation, it  acts
very  peculiarly.   Administered in very small doses it
acts as an alterative ;  in somewhat larger doses often
repeated, it produces certain constitutional  effects, char-
acterized by a quick jerking pulse, increased nervous
sensibility, invigorated absorption, and an increase of 
264
PECULIAR MEDICINES.
the secretions,  particular  that of saliva constituting
salivation or ptyalism.
   What  are the symptoms which announce its con-
stitutional effects?
   A metallic or brassy taste  in the mouth ; redness,
soreness  and tumefaction  of the gums with a whitish
matter along  their edges; a  disagreable sensation in
the sockets  of the teeth when the jaws ate  pressed to-
gether, and  peculiar fetor of the  breath called the
mercurial fetor, followed  by  an  increased  flow of
saliva.
   What are  the effects of  excessive salivation, and the
remedies for it?
   The symptoms of its excessive  action are  severe
pain in  the jaws, swelling  and  ulceration of the
cheeks, tongue and throat, accompanied with a copi-
ous flow  of  saliva, amounting sometimes  to several
pints in the day, slow  fever  and  rapid emaciation;
gangrene and sloughing of the soft parts of the mouth
and throat, loss of the teeth, caries  of the bones of the
face, with horrible deformity,  have resulted  from its
abuse.   The remedies for excessive salivation, are as-
tringent  and detergent gargles, such as lead-water,
weak solution  of creasote, chloride of soda  or of
lime.
   How do persons differ in their  susceptabilily to its
action ?
   While a few person are  totally insensible to its ac-
tion, others are met with who  are extremely  suscepti-
ble, the smallest quantities in some instances  produ-
cing salivation.  On some individuals, too, it appears
to act as a poison, causing a vesicular eruption  called
eczema mercuriale, and sometimes a febrile condition
characterized by great  adynamia termed  mercurial
erethism by Mr. Pearson, who first described  it, in
which  a sudden emotion  or  physical exertion may
prove fatal.
   Upon what principles does  mercury act in the cure
of diseases ? 
PECULIAR MEDICINES.           265
  It is absorbed, and is supposed to do good in several
ways; principally by its influence over the secretions,
particularly that of the liver; by promoting absorption,
but above all, by a general revolutionizing action, or
by substituting its own action for that of the disease.
   What are its therapeutical applications?
   It has been used in a variety of diseases; the follow-
ing are some of them : functional derangement and
inflammation of the liver,  whether attended with a
deficient or superabundant secretion of bile;  syphilis,
colica pictonum. paralysis,  dysentery, and various
other  nervous  and  inflammatory  affections.   It  is
thought to be  particularly adapted for those forms of
 inflammation which frequently  result in  the effusion
 of coagulable lymph, or of serum; as croup, laryngitis,
 bronchitis, pleuritis,  pericarditis,  peritonitis, meningi-
 tis, &c.   Its use in these cases should be preceded by
 blood-letting, and so regulated as  to produce a slight
 impression on  the  gums,  which, when  maintained,
 will be sufficient in a great majority of  cases.   Its al-
 terative action is often  only required.
    How is it used as an  alterative, and to  induce its
 specific effects ?
    As an alterative, from a quarter of a grain to a graiu
 of calomel, or two or three grains of blue pill, may be
 given every night, or  every other  night,  and to pro-
 duce a gentle ptyalism,  one grain of  the  former, or
 from 3 to 5 grains of the latter, may be administered
 three  times  daily.  In  the former case, the  bowels
 should be kept open by mild laxatives;  in the latter,
 purgation should be prevented  by opium, otherwise,
 the mercury may pass off by the bowels, without af-
 fecting the system.  Where circumstances  forbid its
 internal  use, it may be  applied  externally.   For this
 purpose,  3 j. of mercurial ointment may be rubbed on
 the inner surface of the thighs and arms, twice a  day.
  In this way it is frequently employed  conjointly with
  the internal use of the drug, where a speedy or pow-
  erful impression is desired, and in such cases, the oint-
              23 
266
PECULIAR MEDICINES.
              ment is sometimes applied to the surface, deprived of
              the cuticle, to facilitate its absorption.
                In what states is mercury employed?
                In the metallic state, mixed with other substances ;
              in the  state of  oxides, chlorides, salts, sulphurets and
              iodides.
                             1. Metallic Mercury.

                What are the officinal preparations containing me-
              tallic mercury?
                Mercurial ointment, plaster and pills, and mercury
              with chalk.
                In what state  is the mercury supposed to exist  in
              these preparations ?
                In a state of  minute division, with some  slight de-
              gree of oxidation.
                1. Mercurial Ointment—Unguentum Hydrargyri.
              How is this prepared ?                                   j
                By rubbing purified mercury, with  lard^and suet,
              until the globules disappear, a-f ■"***■ [*-*-*>-•>             £*
                What is its color when first prepared, and how is     $j
              this affected by time ?               &»-rL->«  ^n-t,     ;^.
                It is of a bluish color at first, becoming darker by«ge.     a'«
                What are its uses  and  modes of application?            *
!£,Ji.«.. «l/-i.'«*^*- J*"'13 used t0 discuss buboes, and chronic,  glandular   ^.
L> m  Lfrtf)ii.  swellings,  applied in  the course of the absorbents,     £
|L  1^v.v, /, t^   which pass through the affected gland, and to produce
^  JilS*v~t•« «lke  specific effects of  mercury, applied as  before di-
              rected.                                                  ^
                2.  Mercurial Plaster—Emplastrum Hydrargyri.    ^r-
              What are the constituents of this  plaster, and what is    x
              the mode of preparing it ?   t      /                     Y
                It consists of mercxiry, olive oil, resin and lead plas-     *.
              ter.  The  oil and resin  are melted, and when cool,     *
              are rubbed with the mercury, till  the globules disap-     £
              pear; the melted lead plaster is then added and mixed.    **
                What are its uses ?                                    •
                It is  applied  as a  discutient to venereal buboes,
              nodes, &c. /i/iL«-*-«-  *y+^  *^+**siu> ti  <-> . v* .'u. *• 
PECULIAR MEDICINES.           267
  3.  Mercurial  Pills—Pilula Hydrargyri.   How
are these prepared, and  what are they commonly call-
ed ?                                                        ,
  Prepared  by robbing mercury with the confection £, . /w A.
of  roses, till all the globules disappear, and  then add-^^ ^^^^^-yJL
ing  powdered liquorice root, and beating the whole/ujvt,/rc^^f. (-
into a mass.   In  this state it is kept in the shops, and
is called blue mass, when made into pills, blue pills.
  How much of  the mass  does the officinal pill con-
tain, and what proportion of mercury?
  Three  grains of the  mass constitute  a pill; which
contains one grain of mercury.
  What are the relative virtues of  this preparation ?
  It is  one of the mildest mercurials, much used  to
produce the alterative and sialagogue effects of mer-
cury.                /
  What is the dose?
  As an alterative, 1 pill every night or two ; as a sia-
lagogue, 1 pill, 3  times  a day.
  4. Mercury with chalk—Hydrargyrum  cumcreta.^ y/.^^4*
How is  this prepared, and what are its medical proper^^^  k^tJ»
ties and uses ?                                          ft
  Prepared by rubbing purified mercury with prepared
chalk, till its  globules are extinguished.   It possesses
the properties  of a mild mercurial  and antacid.   Well
adapted for  diseases of children,  attended with defi-
cient secretion of  bile, indicated by clay-colored stools,
and in  cases of diarrhoea, with acidity of the  primae
vise.
  What is the dose?
  For an infant, from 2 to  5 grains;  and for an adult, ''y^'j '
from 5 to 30.                                      *w*<?'-'H
                    2. Oxides.

  What are the officinal oxides? ft ■**&*-+** —
  The black oxide, and the red oxide.
  1. Black Oxide of Mercury—Hydrargyri Oxidum
Nigrum.  How is this prepared?
  It is prepared by agitating the mild chloride of mer-
V 
268
PECULIAR MEDICINES.
 cury, (calomel,) with  a solution of potassa, and the
 black oxide, which precipitates on standing, is washed
 with distilled water, and dried with a gentle heat.
   What are its physical and chemical properties ?
   It is in the form of a black  powder, at first, chang-
 ing to olive, on exposure to light, and is without odor
 or  taste.   It is the protoxide, consisting of 1  eq. of
 mercury, and 1 of ogygen, but on exposure to light, a
 portion  of it is resolved into the peroxide and  metallic
 mercury.
   What is its character and dose ?
   It produces the usual effects of the mercurials, but
 owing to its varying composition, and  the difficulty of
 preserving it unchanged, it  is but little employed in-
fernally ; sometimes applied externally, in the form of
 an ointment. It is the active ingredient of black wash,
 (Hydrarg. chlorid.  mit., 3 ss., liquor calcis,  Oss.,)
 which  is  much  used  as a wash for venereal sores.
 Dose, as  a sialagogue, is from  1  to  3 grains, 2 or  3
 times a day.
   2.  Red Oxide of Mercury—Hydrargyri  Oxidum
 Rubrum.   What is this commonly called, and how is
 it prepared ?
    Commonly called red precipitate.   Prepared by
 dissolving mercury with a gentle heat, in  diluted nitric
 acid, and evaporating it to dryness.  The mass is then
 rubbed into powder and heated in a shallow vessel, till
 red vapors cease  to arise.  The mercury is oxidized at
 the expense of the nitric  acid, which escapes in the
 form of nitric oxide gas.
   What is its form, color, solubility  and chemical na-
 ture ?
   When properly prepared, it is in brilliant red scales,
 with an orange  tint, is but slightly soluble in water,
 and is the peroxide of mercury, containing usually, a
 small proportion of nitric acid.
    What are its uses and modes of application ?
    On account of the harshness and uncertainty of its
 action, it is rarely given internally;  employed  exter- 
               PECULIAR MEDICINES.           269

 nally as a local stimulant and escharotic.  In the state
 of powder, it is sometimes sprinkled over the surface
 of chancres and indolent and fungus ulcers.  It forms
 the active part of yellow wash, (Hydrarg. chlorid. cor-
 rosiv. gr. xv liquor calcis, Oss.,) which is much used
 in venereal sores.  In the form of the officinal oint-
 ment, (Unguentum Hydrargyri  Oxidi Rubri,) it is ^^^**£
"much used as a  stimulant application to syphilitic and*^,1 v
-indolent ulcers;  to porrigo of the scalp;  to ophthal-./,. /- £*^w*«
 mia tarsi, &c.                                    ^^-e- —
                    3.  Chlorides.

    What are the two chlorides of mercury ?
    The mild chloride and the corrosive chloride.
    1. Mild Chloride of Mercury.—Hydrargyri Chlo-
 ridum Mite.  By what other names is this preparation
 called, and what is it chemically ?
    Commonly called calomel, sometimes submuriate
 of mercury.  This, however, is incorrect, as it is the
 protochloride of mercury.
    How is it prepared ?
    A bipersulphate of mercury is  first formed  by boil-
  ing two pounds of purified  mercury in  three  pounds
  of sulphuric  acid, until the salt is  left dry.  This,
  when cold, is rubbed with two additional  pounds of
  mercury, and then with a pound  and a  half  of chlo-
  ride of sodium, (common salt,) until all the  globules
  disappear.  The mild chloride is now sublimed, and
  afterwards reduced to powder and washed  with boil-
  ing distilled water till this affords no precipitate upon
  the addition of water of ammonia, an  evidence  that
  it is free from corrosive sublimate, which is  apt to be
  present.  Howard's or Jewell's  calomel, is  prepared
  by causing it, in the state of vapor, to come in contact
  with steam in  the subliming vessel, by  which  it is
  fieed from  corrosive sublimate, and condensed in the
  form of an impalpable  powder.
    What are its  properties, as kept in the shops ?
    It is  in the form of a  fine powder, devoid of  odor
             23* 
 270           PECULIAR  MEDICINES.

 and taste, and of a light buff color, becoming darker
 by exposure to light.  Its  sp. gr. is 7.2.   That which
 is condensed in steam is perfectly white, and is lighter.
 than common calomel, in the proportion of three to
 five.
   What are its relations to water and alcohol, and  its
 incompatibles ?
   It is insoluble in water and alcohol, and  is incom-
 patible with the alkalies, the alkaline earths and alka-
 line carbonates, soaps, (fee. <l/rJ>    *+<{'*■■  ' ''-0, ■-*'»*
   What is the relative value of calomel  as  a mercu-
 rial, and its dose?
   It is  the most valuable and  most extensively em-
 ployed of all  the mercurial preparations.  The dose,
 as an alterative, is from gr. £ to gr. j., every night or
 every other night; as asialagogue,the same quantity,
 repeated 3  times a day.
   2. Corrosive  Chloride  of Mercury.—Hydrargyri
 Chloridum  Corroswum.   What  is  this commonly
 called ?
   Corrosive sublimate.
   How  is it prepared, and what is its chemical nature?
   The mode of preparation is the same as that of the
 mild chloride, only that the mercury is omitted in the
 second place.  Hence, from the double decomposition
 which occurs, the bichloride of mercury and sulphate
 of soda  result; the former  sublimes and  the latter re-
 mains behind.
   What are its physical properties ? h*-
   It is  in  white, semi-transparent, crystaline masses,
 which are pulverized for use. It is inodorous, but has
 an intensely acrid, disagreeable taste.  Sp. gr. 5.2.
  What are its relations to water and  alcohol, and its
incompatibles?     /£
   It is soluble in IS or 20 parts of cold, and in 3 parts
of boiling water, and in 2\ parts of alcohol.   The in-
compatibles are numerous:  the alkalies and  their car-
 bonates; soap; lime-water; many metals and metallic 
 \fJU  &*p4UH-*JU11■./lT?4, *"*^*' i+>»4 si yix.>.-4-+"rit e±m €■ V-»» a.

 i          \,\4      PECULIAR MEDICINES.           271

        salts, and some vegetable and animal substances, de-
        compose it.
           What is its  character as a  sialagogue, and  as  a
        poison? n~u>-~t*-tJ  H^ >'ty«.£ti*i ..    >,*  . *>*-•-»*  4f+ttt<* (^
           Though the most powerful of the mercurials, it is ' ^ **■■*   '
        least apt to salivate.   In over doses, it is a violent cor-'  "-'<• ^ ^'^
        rosive poison.                                ft k-Cny^h»' I  f-l
           What are its internal uses ?
           It is used in syphilis, and in some obstinate cutane-
  i      ous affections.
' l^'         What is  its dose and its antidote ?
f^         Dose, from ^ to 4; of a grain,  3 times daily, in pill
Mt      or solution.   Antidote, albumen, as found in  eggs, or
^^   gluten, in wheat flour. Ic+s ^r*- e**s*y £*-*.>  r to*

                              4. Salts.

  "^k       1. Yellow Sulphate of Mercury.—Hydrargyri  Sul-
  7>    phas Flavus.   What is this commonly called ?
           Turpeth Mineral.
           How is it prepared, and what is its chemical nature?
           The bisulphate of the peroxide of mercury, obtain-
        ed as in the preparation of the chloride and bichloride,
  *-     is  rubbed into powder and thrown into boiling water,
  t     and the yellow precipitated powder repeatedly washed
__^    with hot water, and then dried.  It consists of 1 eq.
  ^^    of sulphuric acid, and  1^ of peroxide, and is therefore
  C     a subsesquisulphate.
           What is its form, color and taste?
           It is in the  form of  a powder, of a  lemon-yellow
  ir     color, and has a somewhat acrid  taste.
 .  _        What are its medical properties and uses?
          It is alterative, emetic, and errhine.  But little used
        for the two  former  purposes;  sometimes as an errhine,
        diluted with  5 parts  of starch or powdered liquorice
        root.
          What is the dose ?
          As an alterative, 1 grain ; as an emetic, from 2  to 5
        grains. 
u^'i^
272           PECULIAR MEDICINES.

   2. Ammoniated Mercury.—Hydrargyrum Ammo-
niatum.  What is the common  name ?
   White precipitate.
   How is it prepared, and what is its chemical com-
position ?
   Muriate of ammonia and  corrosive  sublimate are
dissolved in distilled water, and  solution of carbonate
of potassa added, when the white precipitate subsides
and is washed till  tasteless, and dried.   It consists of
1  eq. of peroxide of mercury, and 1 eq. of muriate of
ammonia.                        ' '•wvu*C 'n***^ ~** «-*~^
   What are its physical properties ?  *v*~m^. -
   It is in the form of a light, white, insoluble pow-
der, with an earthy taste. • ■'•  ■**'*' >*vv<t*/<\ c. -
   What are its remedial uses ?
'.;t Jt is employed only externally  in the form of oint-
ment  (Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Ammoniati,)  in
cutaneous  eruptions,  such   as  porrigo,  psora, and
herpes.
   3. Nitrate of Mercury.  In what  form is this offi-
cinal?
   In the form of ointment—Unguentum  Hydrargyri
Nitratis.
   How  is this prepared, and what  is it commonly
called ?
   Mercury is dissolved in nitric acid and then incorpo-
rated with a melted  mixture of  lard and neatsfoot oil.
It is commonly called citrine  ointment.       ^Jo-c-v "*~**-\
   What is its color?     y •''•< •*~~^"*"7f
   When freshly prepared, it is of a beautiful golden-
yellow color, acquiring a greenish hue by time.
   What are its therapeutical applications ?
   It is used as  a stimulant and  alterative application         i
in  ophthalmia  tarsi  and in  various ulcerative  and
eruptive diseases; as porrigo,  impetigo, lupus, herpes,
psoriasis, (fee.   Usually diluted with lard.

                   5.  Sulphurets.
   What are  the two sulphurets of mercury, and their
uses ?
                                                           i 
PECULIAR MEDICINES.
273
  The red sulphuret  of mercury, commonly  called
cinnabar, and in the powdered  state vermillion ; and
the black  sulphuret  of mercury, sometimes  called
Ethiops  mineral.   They are sometimes employed in
the way of fumigation, where a speedy mercurial  im-
pression is desired, half a  drachm  or so  being thrown
upon a hot plate  and  the fumes inhaled as they arise.

                    6. Iodides.

  What are these and  their remedial uses ?
  The  Iodide or Protiodide, and the Biniodide  or
Red  Iodide  of Mercury, are occasionally  used  in
scrofulous and syphilitic affections, and in the form  of
ointment in  scrofulo-venereal ulcers  and  glandular
swellings, (fee.
   What are their doses ?
   Of the protiodide, 1 grain, gradually increased to 3
or 4; of the biniodide, TV of a grain,  gradually  in-
creased to 4>

                 IODINE—IODINUM.

   From what is this obtained,  and what  are it physi-
cal and chemical properties?
   It  is obtained chiefly from  kelp, or  the ashes  of
sea-weeds.  It is met  with  in  crystaline scales  of a
bluish-black color  with a  metallic lustre.  It has a
strong odor resembling that of a chlorine and a very
acrid taste.  Its sp. gr. is a little less than 5.   It is  an
elementary substance, existing in combination in both
kingdoms  of nature.   It is soluble in  alcohol and
ether, and in a  large  proportion of water.  When
heated it melts, and  is  volatilized  in  purple  vapor,
whence its name, but  the best characteristic of it  is,
the blue compound which it forms with starch.
   What are its therapeutical effects and  applications?
   Given  in small closes, it acts as a general excitant,
increases the  appetite, promotes absorption, and aug-
4 
274
PECULIAR MEDICINES.
ments the secretions.  Its long continued  use has pro-
duced, in some instances, great nervous derangement,
with impaired digestion, emaciation and hectic symp-
toms.  In over doses it acts as a corrosive poison.   It
has been used in a great  variety of diseases, but prin-
cipally in those of the absorbent and  glandular sys-
tems.  In scrofula, bronchocele, and  other  glandular
enlargements, it has proved eminently successful.
  What is the dose and mode of administration?
  Dose,  from  ^  to £  of a grain, 3 times a day, and
gradually increased to  1 grain.  Best given  in an
aqueous  solution  of  iodide  of potassium,  never  in
powder.   Given also  in  tincture—Tinctura  Iodini,
which is  made in the  proportion of  § ss. of iodine  to
Oss. of alcohol, and  given  in  the  dose of 10 to 20
drops, mixed with  sweetened water.
  What are  the objections to  the tincture.
  The iodine is liable to be  converted into  hydriodic
acid, by  uniting  with the hydrogen of  the  alcohol
when long kept, and when carelessly  kept is apt to  be
deposited in the crystaline form, from the eveporation
of the alcohol; hence it should be prepared in  small
quantities at a time,  and preserved  in well-stopped
bottles.
  How is iodine applied externally?
  In the form of bath and ointment.
  What  is the strength of the latter, and its effects on
the skin?
  It contains  9j. of iodine to  |j. of lard.   It im-
parls an orange color to  the skin, which gradually dis-
appears with the evaporation  of the  iodine.  It occa-
sionally produces a pustular eruption  by repeated ap-
plication.
  Iodide  of Potassium—Potassii Iodidum.   What
are the properties and uses of this ?
  It crystalizes in  white,  opaque  cubes,  which  deli-
quesce on exposure, has a pungent  saline  taste, and
is soluble in water and  alcohol.  Its solution is capa-
ble of dissolving a  large quantity  of iodine,  and is 
ANTACIDS.                 275
therefore its best  vehicle.  In medical properties it is
analogous to iodine, but is weaker.
  What is Lugol's solution, and the dose?
  It consists of  9 j. of iodine,  B ij. of iodide of po-
tassium, and f 3 vij. of water.   Dose, 6 drops twice a
day, and gradually increased.  Dose of the iodide of
potassium, 1 to  2 grains.
             XXIII. ANTACIDS.

  What are these and their uses ?
  They are substances which, from their properties of
combining with and  neutralizing acids, are given to
correct acidity in the primee viae and urine.
  What are the substances used as antacids?
  The alkalies, alkaline earths, and their carbonates.

                    AMMONIA.

  What is its  character as an  antacid, and to what
cases is it applicable?
  It is a stimulant antacid, applicable  to cases of
atonic gout and dyspepsia, attend with acidity.
  How is it employed ?
  In the form of the  officinal aqueous or alcoholic
solution—Aqua Ammonia  and  Alcohol Ammonia-
turn.  The aromatic  ammoniated  alcohol,  frequent-
ly called aromatic spirit of ammonia,  is sometimes
given in  flatulent colic, nervous weakness, (fee.
  What is the dose of each of these preparations ?
  Of solution of ammonia,  from 5 to 20 drops; of
ammoniated alcohol and aromatic  ammoniated  al-
cohol? from  20  to  60 drops, each  to be given in a
wine-glassful of water.   The carbonate of ammonia
sometimes given  also  as  an antacid  in atonic  dys-
pepsia.                      ( 
276
ANTACIDS.
                    MAGNESIA.

  What  is the character of magnesia  as an antacid,
and what are its particular applications as such ?
  It is an excellent antacid, much used in  dyspepsia,
sick  headache,  gout,  and  other diseases associated
with acidity of the stomach, and constipation of the
bowels.  Used also in gravel, with excessive secretion
of uric acid.
  What is the dose ?
  As an antacid from 10 to 30 grains.
  What is the character and  dose of the carbonate of
magnesia as an antacid?
  It is very useful in some  cases of sick stomach, at-
tended with acidity, but is objectionable in most cases
on account of its tendency  to  produce flatulence, by
the  extrication  of its  carbonic  acid.  Dose, 3 ss. to
 3j-
                   LIME—CALX.

  How is lime used internally.
  In solution under the name of Lime-water—Liquor
 Calcis.
  How is this prepared and kept ?
  Prepared by  pouring  a  gallon  of water on  four
ounces of quicklime, and the solution, together  with
the undissolved lime, is kept in  stopped glass bottles.
  What are  its sensible  properties, and the effects of
exposure to the air?
  Lime-water is colorless and odorless, but has a dis-
agreeable alkaline taste.   Exposed to the air it attracts
carbonic acid and  becomes converted into the insolu-
ble carbonate.
  What are its medical properties and uses?
  It is antacid  and astringent, much used in dyspep-
sia, with acidity and irritability of stomach ;  in  diar-
rhoea,  diabetis,  and excessive secretion of uric  acid.
Mixed with an  equal quantity of milk, which com-
pletely covers its taste; it is a very efficient  remedy
               i 
ANTACIDS.
277
for nausea and vomiting, dependent on irritability of
stomach ; and a diet 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 effec-
tual plan of treatment in dyspepsia accompanied with
vomiting of food.   Used externally as  a wash to flab-
by ulcers, and to chronic eruptions, as tinea capitis and
scabies; as an injection in leucorrhcea, and ulceration
of the bladder or urethra, and mixed  with linseed or
olive oil, as a liniment in burns and scalds.
   What is the dose?
   From  fgij.  to  fgiv., several times  a day.   To
allay nausea, a table-spoonful, each of  lime-water and
new milk, every twenty or thirty minutes.
   Carbonate of lime.  How is this used ?
   In the form of prepared chalk—Creta Praparata—
and prepared oyster shell— Testa Praparata.
   How is the former prepared ?
   Chalk is prepared for use by levigation and elutria-
tion,  and the soft mass which remains after decanting
the clear liquor, is dropped  in small  portions, on an
absorbent surface,  and  dried in  the  shape of small
cones.
   What are its sensible properties, and its relations to
water ?
   It is inodorous and tasteless, and is insoluble in pure
wrater, slightly soluble in carbonic acid water.
   What are its medical  properties, and  therapeutical
 applications ?
   It  is antacid and slightly astringent; much used in
diarrhoea, accompanied with acidity.
   How is it given, and what is  the dose?
   Given in powder,  or in mixture—Mistura Creta.
 This consists of prepared chalk § ss.,  sugar and  pow-
 dered  gum  arabic,  each  31J., cinnamon  water  and
 water  fgiv.  Dose  of the powder,  from 10  to 30
 grains ; of the mixture, f % ss. to f § ij.  ^   J   ( f ^ r£T£?
   How are oyster-shells prepared ? Tv-*7'-*  y    |
   Thev are freed from extraneous matter, washed with
               24 
278                 ANTACIDS.
 boiling water, and then leduced to powder in the same
 manner as prepared chalk.
   How does it differ from this ?
   Prepared  oyster-shell, is carbonate of lime, differing
 from chalk in being intimately associated with  animal
 matter, which is thought by some, to render it  more
 acceptable to the stomach.
   What is the dose?
   From  10 to 30  grains, or the same as that  of pre-
 pared chalk.
             CARBONATES OF POTASSA.

   What is the dose of these as antacids?
   Dose of the carbonate, from 10 to 30 grains ; of the
 bicarbonate,  20 grains to  3j.
   How is the alkaline infusion of hickory ashes and
 soot prepared, and what is its chemical nature,  and its
 dose?
   Prepared by digesting a quart of clean  hickory ashes
 and half a pint of soot, in a  gallon of  hot water, for
 24 hours, and decanting the clear liquor.  It  is  an im-
 pure solution of the carbonate of potassa. Dose, f § j.,
 or f § ij.
              CARBONATES OF SODA.

   1.  Carbonate of Soda.  What are the sources  of
 this?
   It is sometimes prepared by solution and crystaliza-
 tion, from  barilla, or kelp, impure carbonates of soda,
 obtained by burning certain marine plants, but usual-
 ly, from sulphate of soda, or chloride of  sodium,  on a
 large scale.
   What are its properties ?
   It is a white salt, crystalizing in large rhomboidal
prisms.   It contains nearly two-thirds of  its weight of6tj**r
water of crystalization, which it parts with by exposure  /
to  the air, and hence, is of variable strength,  as found
in  the shops.   It has an alkaline taste and re-action,
and is very soluble in water. 
ANTHELMINTICS.
279
  What is  the dose of the crystalized and  anhydrous
salt?
  Dose of  the former, from  30 to 60 grains; of the
latter, which is preferable, from 10 to 30 grains.
  2. Bicarbonate of Soda.  How is this prepared, and
what is its  chemical nature, as found in the shops?
  It is prepared by passing carbonic acid through a
solution of carbonate  of soda, until it is fully satura-
ted, and  then crystalizing it by a gentle heat.   As it
exists in  the shops, it  is considered to be a mixture of
the bicarbonate and carbonate, and is sometimes called
super-carbonate of soda.
   What is its color and taste, and its relation to water?
  It is of a white color, has a mild alkaline taste, and
is soluble in  13 times its weight of cold water.   Boil-
ing water  dissolves it more readily, but with the dis-
engagement of  a portion of its carbonic acid.
   What  are its advantages as an antacid and antilithic?
   It is preferable to the carbonate  on  account of its
greater acceptability to the palate and stomach, and to
the bicarbonate of potassa, on account of its greater
neutralizing power, the eq. of soda being smaller than
that of potassa.
   What is the dose, and best mode of administration?
   Dose, from 3 ss. to 3 j., taken in a glass of carbo-
nic acid  water, to which a little ginger syrup may be
added.
        XXIV.  ANTHELMINTICS.

  What are these ?
   Substances,  which by poisoning or  debilitating
worms in the alimentary canal, favor  their expulsion.
  What is their modus operandi 9
  Some act by a poisonous influence on  the worms,
others by a mechanical one.
  What are the particular anthelmintics? 
280
ANTHELMINTICS.
(^.
  Pink-root, azedarach,  worm-seed,  cowhage, male
fern, bark of pomegranate root, oil of turpentine, tin,
&c.
              PINK-ROOT—SPIGELIA—

  What is this officinally ?
  The root of the Spigelia Marilandica or  Carolina ,
Pink, an herbaceous  plant, indigenous  in the south- ^ ^
ern states, flowering from May to July.               ;k ;
  What are its physical properties ?                   ?   >*
  It consists of numerous small,  crooked,  wrinkled *
fibres, of a yellowish-brown color, attached to a knot-
ty head.   It has a faint odor,  and a sweetish, slightly
bitter taste.
  What are its relations to water and alcohol, and the
effects of exposure ?
  Water and alcohol  extract its virtues, which  are
somewhat impaired  by age and  exposure.
  What  are  its effects on the system, and  on  the
worms?                                            .-■- \:
  In the ordinary dose, it produces little apparent ef-
fect  on  the system, in larger ones, it sometimes ope-
rates as a cathartic, and in over doses it  produces nar-  ^ X
cotic symptoms.  These less apt  to  occur, when it \x
acts  on the bowels.   It is  one of the most  efficient
anthelmintics, supposed to  act  by a direct poisonous
influence upon the worms.
  What  are the modes of administration ?
  It is  given in powder, sometimes  combined with     ^
calomel; and in infusion, often associated with senna, ^ cf
to ensure its action on the bowels.                        ^,
  What  is the dose?
  Of the powder, for  a child  a few years old, from 10
to 20 grains; for an adult, 3 j. or 3 ij.,repeated morn-    . ^°
ing  and  night, for  several  successive days,  and then
followed by a brisk cathartic.  Dose  of the infusion,
made with § ss. of the root, to  Oj. of water, to which
 § ss. of  senna is usually added, from f § ss. to f § j.,
for a child, repeated 2 or 3 times a day.           ^ ...   t;

4
.si 
ANTHELMINTICS.
281
            AZEDARACH—AZEDARACH.

  What is this officinally?
  The bark of the root of the Melia Azedarach, or
Pride of China,  &c, a native of oriental countries,
and naturalized in our Southern States.
  What are its effects on the system ?
  It is  cathartic  and  emetic, and,  in  large doses,
narcotic.
  What is its character  as an  anthelmintic, and  the
mode of exhibition and dose ?
  It is considered to be a very efficient anthelmintic
in the South, where it is chiefly employed.  Used in
decoction made by boiling Oij. of water with § iv. of
the fresh bark to  Oj.,  and given in the dose of  f § ss.
to a child, every 2 or  3 hours, till  it operates on  the
bowels, or twice a day for several days, and then  fol-
lowed by a  cathartic.

            WORM SEED—CHENOPODIUM.

   What is this?
   The  seeds of the Chenopodium anthelminticum, or
Jerusalem oak, an indigenous, herbaceous plant.
   What are their physical and chemical properties?
   They are small, roundish, light; of a greenish-yel-
low color, and, when deprived of their  capsular cov-
ering, of  a dark  shining appearance.   They have a
bitter, pungent taste, and a strong, peculiar odor, which
is possessed by the whole plant.   Their virtues reside
in a volatile oil, which is officinal  under the name of
 Oleum Chenopodii.
   How is this prepared, and  what is its color?
   Obtained by  distillation  with  water.  It is of a
bright yellow color, when freshly distilled, becoming
deeper  and darker by age.
   What is the dose of  the seeds and of the oil ?
   For a child, 9j. or  Bij.,of  the powdered  seeds,
 and from 4 to 8  drops of the oil, once or twice a day
 for several days, and then followed by a cathartic.
            24* 
282
ANTHELMINTICS.
              COWHAGE—MUCUNA.

  What is this officinally ?
  The bristles of the pods of Mucuna pruriens, Doli-
chos pruriens, or  Cowitch,  a climbing West  India
shrub.
  What is the character of the pods or legumes ?
  They are about four inches long, shaped  like  the
italic /, and covered with brown spiculse or hairs.
  What is their mode of action ?
  They act mechanically by piercing the worms, and
are best adapted  for the removal of the round worm.
  How is it administered and what is the dose ?
  Usually given in  the state  of  electuary, prepared
by dipping the pods in syrup or molasses and  scrap-
ing it off with the hairs until it attains the consistence
of thick  honey; the dose of which is  § ss. for an
adult,  3 j.  for a  child ; given for three nights success-
ively, and then followed by a brisk cathartic.

             MALE  FERN—FELIX MAS.

   What is  this officinally ?
   The root or rhizome of the Aspidium Felix Mas,
or male fern, a plant growing in the United States,
from  New  Jersey to Virginia, and also in  Europe,
Asia and Africa.
   What are the  physical properties of the root ?
   It is large, tufted and  scaly, but as met with in the
shops, it is usually broken up into fragments.  The
inner greenish part of the root-stock is  the  part used.
When dry, it has a feeble odor, and a nauseous, bitter,
somewhat acrid  taste.
   What are its relations  to alcohol, water and ether,
and the effects of time upon its virtues?
   Its virtues, which are most readily extracted  by
ether, are lost in two years.
   What are its effects upon the system, and upon the
worms ? 
ANTHELMINTICS.
283
  It produces but little sensible effect on the system,
but acts as a poison to the worms, and is said to have
proved veiy effectual in the  expulsion of the  tape-
worm.  It is seldom employed in this country.
  How is it given and what is the dose ?
  Given in powder and ethereal extract. Dose of the
former, from  3 j. to 3 iij.;  of the  latter, from 12 to
24 grains.
BARK OF POMEGRANATE ROOT—GRANATI RADICIS
                     CORTEX.

  What is its character as an  anthelmintic ?
  It is said to be an excellent vermifuge  in cases of
tape-worm,  but it is  not  often  employed  in this
country.
  What is the mode of  administration, and the dose?
  Given  in decoction, made by  boiling  § ij.  of the
bark In Oij. of  water to*Oj., and the whole taken, by
an adult, in three doses, with intervals of half an hour.

   OH, OF TURPENTINE—OLEUM TEREBINTHINA.

  What is its character and particular application as a
vermifuge ?
  It is a powerful anthelmintic, particularly adapted
for  cases of taenia, which it  destroys by a poisonous
influence, and expels by its cathartic operation.  Some-
times used in  the form of enema, for ascarides in the
rectum.
  What is the dose ?
  For an adult, from f gss. to fgij., followed by a
dose of castor oil, if it do not operate in 2 or 3 hours.
Sometimes given in small doses—4  or 5 drops—sev-
eral times a day, for the stomachic worms of children.

         POWDER OF TIN— PULVIS  STANNI.

  How is this prepared ?
  By melting tin, and stirring it  while cooling  until 
284             ANTHELMINTICS.
it is reduced to a powder; after which it is passed
through a sieve to separate the coarser particles.
  What is  its  particular application, and  its modus
operandi 9
  It  is  most effectual in  the  expulsion of lumbrici,
and appears to act mechanically;  consequently, its
administration should always  be followed  by a brisk
cathartic.
  What is the dose and mode of administration ?
  Dose for a child,  from  3 j. to 3 ij.;  for an  adult,
§ ss. to  § j.; given in molasses, for 2 or 3 successive
mornings.


c/c^w  i  Ln>   lit* 1* a.  i 3- /*■ *v) —
7r^:x,.'
 
INDEX.
A
Acacia		250
Aceta		14
Acetate of iron		81
Acetate of lead		38
Acetate of morphia		118
Acetate of potassa		209
Acetate of zinc		84
Acetated tincture of opium		117
Acetic acid		137
Acetum colchici		197
Acetum scillae		223
Acidum aceticum		137
Acidum arseniosum	247	263
Acidum benzoicum		229
Acidum citricum		137
Acidum hydrocyanicum		142
Acidum muriaticum		91
Acidum nitricum		90
Acidum nitro-muriaticum		92
Acidum succinicum		103
Acidum sulphuiicum		89
Acidum sulphuricum aroma-		
ticum		90
Acidum sulphuricum dilutum 90		
Actual cauterants		244
./Ether sulphuricus		108
/Ether sulphuricus rectifica-		
tus		108
Alcohol		105
Alcohol ammoniatum		275
Alcohol ammoniatum aroma-		
ticum		275
Alcohol dilutum		106
Allium		223
Aloe	166	230
Aloes	166	230
Alterative diaphoretics		216
Alum		34
Alum curd		35
Alum cataplasm		35
Alumen		34
Alum whey		35
Alumen exsiccatum	34	248
Amber		102
American centaury		44
American senna		165
Ammonia		275
Ammoniae carbonas		96
Ammoniac		226
Ammoniac plaster		227
Ammoniacum	104	226
Ammoniated alcohol		275
Ammoniated copper		83
Ammoniated iron		81
Ammoniated mercury		272
Ammoniated tincture	of	
guaiac		217
Ammoniated tincture of va-		
lerian		102
Angustura		60
Angustura bark		60
Anodynes		105
Antacids		275
Anthelmintics		279
Anthemis		56
Antimonial powder		134
Antimonial wine	133	153
Antimonii et potassse	tar-	
tras	130	213
Antimonii sulphuretum	prae-	
cipitatum		133
Antispasmodics		98
Apocynum cannabinum		197
Approximate measures		20
Aqua ammoniae		243
Aqua camphora?		123
Aqua cinnamomi		65
Aqua menthse piperitae		73
Aqua picis liquidae		204
Aqua regia		93
Aqua rosae		33
Argenti nitras	87	246
Aromatic ammoniated alco-		
hol		275
Aromatic spirit of ammonia		275
Aromatic sulphuric acid		90
Aromatic syrup of rhubarb		163
Aromatics		61
Arrow-root		257
Arsenic		262
Arsenicum		262
 
286
INDEX.
Arsenious acid	247	263	C	
Arterial sedatives		130	Calamine	66
Arterial stimulants		94	Calamus	74
Artificial musk		99	Calcined magnesia	183
Artificial nitre-beds		135	Calomel 190	,269
Assafetida	100	227	Calx	276
Assafoetida	100	227	Camphor	122
Astringents		22	Camphor liniment	124
Atropia		124	Camphor water	123
Aurantii cortex		63	Camphora	122
Azedarach		281	Camphorated soap liniment)	124
V B			Camphorated tincture of	
Bacher's pills		174	opium	116
Balsam of capaiva		205	Camphorated tincture of	
Balsam of Peru		228	soap	124
Balsam of Tolu		227	Canada balsam	201
Bark of sassafras-root		218	Canada turpentine	201
Barley		257	Canella	65
Barley water		258	Cantharidin	235
Basilicon ointment		203	Cantharis 207, 232	,235
Belladonna		124	Cantharis vittata	238
Benzoic acid		229	Capsicin	95
Bicarbonate of potassa		208	Capsicum 94	,241
Bicarbonate of soda		279	Carbonate of ammonia	96
Bichloride of mercury	248	270	Carbonate of lead	37
Biniodide of mercury		273	Carbonate of lime	277
Bismuthi subnitras		86	Carbonate of magnesia	182
Bitartrate of potassa	209	187	Carbonate of potassa	207
Bitters of peculiar or modi-			Carbonate of soda	278
fied properties		46	Carbonate of zinc	85
Bittersweet		127	Cardamom	70
Blackberry-root		30	Cardamomum	70
Black drop		117	Carminatives	63
Black hellebore	173	,230	Carolina pink	280
Black mustard seeds		239	Carota	199
Black-oak bark		23	Caryophyllus	65
Black oxide of mercury		267	Cascarilla	60
Black pepper		68	Cassia firtula,	158
Black snakeroot		225	Cassia Marilandica	165
Black sulphuret of mercury		273	Castor	100
Black wash		268	Castoreum	100
Blistering plaster		236	Castor oil	159
Blisters		236	Cataplasma aluminis	35
Blood-root		151	Cataplasma lini	253
Blue pills		267	Cataplasma sinapis	240
Bluestone		81	Cataplasm ata	16
Blue vitroil		81	Cataplasms	16
Boneset		57	Catechu	27
Brimstone		180	Cathartics	154
Brucia		261	Cathartin	164
Burgundy pitch		241	Caustics	244
 
INDEX.                   287
Cayenne pepper 94,	241	Comp. infusion of cinchona	51
Cerata	15	Comp. infusion of gentian	44
Cerate of carbonate zinc	86	Comp. infusion of roses	33
Cerate of Spanish flies	236	Compound mixture of iron	79
Cerate of subacetate of lead	40	Compound pills of rhubarb	169
Cerates	15	Comp. pills of sqill	227
Ceratum cantharidis	236	Comp. spirit of lavender	71
Ceratum plumbi subacetatis	40	Comp. spirit of sulphuric	
Ceratum resinae	203	ether	109
Ceratum zinci carbonatis	86	Comp. syrup of sarsaparilla	221
Cerebral stimulants	105	Comp. syrup of squill	225
Ceruse	37	Compound tincture of car-	
Cetraria	254	damom	70
Chalk mixture	277	Comp. tincture of cinnamon	65
Chamomile	56	Comp. tincture of Peruvian	
Chenopodium	281	bark	51
Cherry laural water	142	Confectiones	10
Chimaphila	32	Confections	10
Chlorides of mercury	269	Confection of orange peel	63
Chlorohydric acid	91	Confection of roses	33
Chondrus	255	Confection of senna	165
Cimicifuga	225	Confection of aurantii cortisis 63	
Cinchona	46	Confectio rosae	33
Cinchonia	49	Confectio sennae	165
Cinnabar	273	Conia	128
Cinnamomum	63	Conium	128
Cinnamon	63	Conserves	11
Cinnamon water	65	Copaiba	205
Circumstances that modify		Copperas	78
the effects of medicines	6	Coptis	42
Citrate of potassa	214	Cornus Florida	54
Citric acid	137	Corrosive chloride of mer-	
Citrine ointment	272	cury 248	270
Claret wine	107	Corrosive sublimate 248	,270
Classification of medicines	20	Coxe's hive syrup,	225
Cloves	65	Cowhage	282
Clysters	17	Cranesbill	29
Codeia	113	Cream of tartar	187
Coffee	104	Creasote	204
Colchici radix	195	Creasotum	204
Colchici semen	195	Creta praeparata	277
Cold cream	33	Crotonic acid	179
Colocynth	174	Croton oil	179
Colocynthis	174	Crude saltpetre	135
Columba	45	Crude sulphur	180
Columbo	45	Gubeba	68
Common caustic	245	Cubebs	68
Compound cathartic pills	177	Cupri sulphas 81, 155	, 248
Compound decoction of sar		Cuprum ammoniatum	83
saparilla	221	Cyanuret of potassium	144
Comp. extract of colocynth	175		
 
288                  INDEX.
D		Emollients	258
Dandelion	197	Emplastra	16
Daturia	126	Emplastrum ammoniaci	227
Deadly nightshade	124	Emplastrum calefaciens	237
Decocta	12	Emplastrum picis cum can	
Decoction of barley	258	tharide	237
Decoction of bittersweet	127	Emplastrum plumbi	36
Decoction of dogwood	54	Emplas. plumbi carbonatis	38
Decoction of logwood	29	Emulsion	11
Decoction of mezereon	218	Enemata	17
Decoction of Peruvian bark	51	Epispastics	234
Decoction of pipsissewa	32	Epsom salts	185
Decoction of seneka	225	Ergot	259
Decoction of uva ursi	32	Ergota	259
Decoctions	12	Errhines	233
Decoctum chimaphilae	32	Escharotics	244
Decoctum cinchona?	51	Essence of peppermint	73
Decoctum cornus Florida?	54	Essential oils	61
Decoctum dulcamarse	127	Ethiops mineral	273
Decoctum haematoxyli	29	Eupatorium perforatum	57
Decoctum hordei	258	Euphorbia corollata	151
Decoctum mezerei	218	Euphorbia ipecacuanha	151
Decoctum sarsaparillae com-		Expectorants	222
positum	221	Extract of belladonna	125
Decoctum senega?	225	Extract of black hellabore	174
Decoctum uvae ursi	32	Extract of butternut	166
Demulcents	249	Extract of gentian	44
Dewberry-root	30	Extract of hemlock	129
Diachylon	37	Extract of henbane	120
Diluents	259	Extract of jalap	171
Diluted alcohol	106	Extract of logwood	29
Diluted sulphuric acid	90	Extract of Peruvian bark	51
Diospyros	33	Extract of sarsaparilla	221
Distilled oils	61	Extract of thorn-apple	127
Diuretics	193	Extractum belladonna?	125
Dogwood	54	Extractum cinchona?	51
Dover's powder	212	Extractum colocythidis com	
Dracontium	103	positum	175
Dried alum	248	Extractum conii	129
Dulcamara	127	Extractum gentiana?	44
E		Extractum glycyrrhizae	253
		Extractum haematoxyli	29
Effervescing draught	214	Extractum hellebori nigri	174
Elaterin	178	Extractum hyoscyami	120
Elaterium	177	Extractum jalapa?	171
Electricity	104	Extractum juglandis	166
Electuaries	11	Extractum quassiae	42
Elixir of vitriol	90	Extractum sarsaparillae	221
Emetia	148	Extractum stramonii	127
Emetics	145		
Emmenagogues	229		
 
INDEX.
289
F			Guaiacum 216, Guaiacum wood	331 216
False angustura		60	Gum Arabic	250
Fennel seed		70	H	
Ferri acetas		81	Haematoxylon	28
Ferri et potassa? tartras		80	Helleborus niger 173	230
Ferri filum		76	Hemlock	128
Ferri oxidum hydratum		80	Hemlock pitch	242
Ferri phosphas		81	Henbane	119
Fer^i ramenta		76	Henry's magnesia	183
Ferri squama?		76	Hiera picra	169
Ferri subcarbonas		76	Hoffmann's anodyne liquor	109
Ferri sulphas		78	Honeys	15
Ferrocyanuret of iron		81	Hops	121
Felix mas		282	Hordeum	257
Filters		8	Howard's calomel	269
Flaxseed		252	Humulus	121
Flaxseed oil		252	Huxham's tincture of bark	51
Fleabane		199	Hydrargyri chloridumcorro-	
Flowers of sulphur		181	sivum 248	,270
Fluid extract of sarsaparilla		221	Hydrargyri chloridum	
Fceniculum		70	mite 190	,269
Forms in which medicines			Hydrargyri oxidum nigrum	267
are used		7	Hydrargyri oxidum rubrum	268
Fowler's solution		263	Hydrargyri sulphas flavus	271
Foxglove	139	194	Hydrargyrum	263
G			Hydrargyrum ammoniatum	272
Galbanum		104	Hydrargyrum cum creta	267
GaUa		25	Hydrated oxide of iron	80
Gallic acid		23	Hydrochloric acid	91
Galls		25	Hydrocyanic acid	142
Galvanism		104	Hyoscyamia	120
Gamboge		176	Hyoscyamus	119
Gambogia		176	Hypnotics	105
Garlic	104	223	I	
Gentian		43	Iceland moss	254
Gentiana		43	Impure sulphate of quinia	53
Geranium		29	Indian hemp	197
Gillenia		149	Indian physic	149
Ginger		73	Indian tobacco	149
Glauber's salts,		184	Infusa	11
Glycyrrhiza		253	Infusion of cascarilla	61
Glycyrrhizin		253	Infusion of chamomile	57
Golden sulphur of antimony		133	Infusion of columbo	46
Goldthread		42	Infusion of foxglove	141
Goulard's cerate		40	Infusion of Peruvian bark	51
Goulard's extract		39	Infusion of quassia	42
Granatum		33	Infusion of rhubarb	163
Green vitriol		78	Infusion of sarsaparilla	220
Griffith's mixture		79	Infusion of tobacco	142
Guaiac	216	231	Infusion of Virginia snakeroot 59	
25 
290
INDEX.
Infusion of wild cherry barl	: 56	Light wines	107
Infusions	11	Lime	276
Infusum anthemidis	57	Lime-water	276
Infusum cascarilla?	61	Linimenta	15
Infusum cinchona?	51	Liniment of lime	252
Infusum cinchona? composi-		Liniment of Spanish flies	237
tum	51	Liniments	15
Infusum columba?	46	Linimentum ammonia?	243
Infusum digitalis	141	Linimentum calcis	252
Infusum pruni Virginianae	56	Linimentum camphora?	124
Infusum quassiae	42	Linimentum cantharidis	237
Infusum rhei	163	Linimentum saponis cam-	
Infusum sarsaparilla?	220	phoratum	124
Infusum serpentaria?	59	Linseed oil	252
Infusum tabaci	142	Linum	252
Iodide of iron	81	Liquor ammonia? acetatis	214
Iodide of potassium	274	Liquor calcis	276
Iodides of mercury	273	Liquor morphia? sulphatis	119
Iodine	273	Liquor plumbi subacetatis	39
Iodinum	273	Liquor potassae arsenitis	263
Ipecacuanha 147, 212	,222	Liquorice	253
Ipecacuanha spurge	151	Liquorice root	253
Irish moss	255	Litharge	36
Iron	75	Lobelia	149
Iron filings	76	Logwood	28
J		Lozenges	666
Jalap	169	Lunar caustic	87
Jalapa	169	Lupulin	121
Jamaica pepper	69	Lupulina	121
James' powder	134	M	
Jewell's calomel	269	Mace	66
Juniper berries	198	Madeira wine	107
Juniperus	198	Magistery of bismuth	86
K		Magnesia	183
		Magnesia? carbonas	182
Kermes mineral	133	Magnesia? sulphas	185
Kino	26	Male fern	282
Krameria	27	Malt liquors	108
L		Manna	156
		Mannite	157
Lac assafoetida?	101	Maranta	257
Lac sulphuris	182	May-apple	171
Lactate of iron	81	Meadow saffron root	195
Lactucarium	119	Meadow saffron seed	195
Laudanum	116	Meconic acid	112
Lavandula	71	Meconin	112
Lavender	71	Medicated wines	13
Lead	35	Mel scillse compositum	225
Lead plaster	36	Mentha piperita	72
Levigation	8	Mentha viridis	73
Lichenin	254	Mercurial ointment	26C
 
INDEX.
291
Mercurial pills	267	Oil of cinnamon	64
Mercurial plaster	266	Oil of cloves	66
Mercury	263	Oil of cubebs	69
Mercury with chalk	267	Oil of fennel	71
Mezereon	217	Oil of juniper	199
Mezerium	217	Oil of lavender	71
Mellita	15	Oil of mace	67
Mild chloride of mercury	190,269	Oil of nutmeg	67
Milk of assafetida	101	Oil of peppermint	72
Milk of sulphur	182	Oil of pimento	70
Mineral astringents	33	Oil of rosemary	72
Mineral cathartics	180	Oil of sassafras	218
Mineral emetics	152	Oil of savine	231
Mineral tonics	75	Oil of turpentine 95, 202	241
Mistura assafoetida?	101	Oil of valerian	102
Mistura camphorae	123	Oil of vitriol	89
Mistura ferri composita	79	Oil of wormseed	281
Misturae	11	Ointment of ammoniated	
Mixtures	11	mercury	272
Morphia	117	Ointment of biniodide of	
Morphiae acetas	118	mercury	273
Moschus	98	Ointment of nitrate of	
Moxa	244	mercury	272
Mucuna	282	Ointment of protoiodide	
Muriatic acid	91	of mercury	273
Musk	98	Ointment of red oxide oi	
Mustard	151, 239	mercury	269
Myristica	66	Ointment of oxide of zinc	85
Myroxylon	228	Ointment of rose-water	33
Myrrh	59	Ointment of Spanish flies	237
Myrrha	59	Ointment of stramomium	127
N		Ointment of sulphuric acid	90
Narcein	112	Ointments	15
Narcotics	105	Oleum caryophilli	66
Narcotina	113	Oleum chenopodii	281
Nauseating diaphoretics	212	Oleum cinnamomi	64
Nervous sedatives	139	Oleum foeniculi	71
Nervous stimulants	98	Oleum juniperi	199
Neutral mixture	214	Oleum lav anduli	71
Nicotia	141	Oleum lini	252
Nicotianin	141	Oleum mentha? piperita?	72
Nitrate of potassa 135,	210, 215	Oleum myristica?	67
Nitrate of silver	87, 246	Oleum pimenta?	70
Nitre	135	Oleum ricini	159
Nitric acid	90	Oleum rosmarini	72
Nitro-muriatic acid	92	Oleum sabina?	231
Nitrous powders	137	Oleum sassafras	218
Nutmeg	66	Oleum succini	103
Nix vomica	261	Oleum succini rectificatum	103
0		Oleum terebinthina? 95, 202	241
Oil of amber	103	Oleum tiglii	179
 
292
INDEX.
Opium	100	Plumbi carbonas		37
Opodeldoc	124	Plumbi oxidum semivitreum		26
Orange-peel	63	Plumbum		35
Oxide of zinc	85	Plumniers pills		134
Oxymels	15	Podophyllum		171
Oxymel of squill	223	Pomegranate Poppy capsules		33 111
P		Port wine Potassa		107 245
Paramorphia	112	Potassa? acetas		209
Paregoric elixir	116	Potassa? bicarbonas		208
Parsley root	200	Potassa? bitartra3	187	209
Parts to which medicines ar€		Potassa? citras		214
applied	17	Potassa? carbonas		207
Pearlash	207	Potassa? nitras 135,	210	215
Pearl white	86	Potassa? sulphas		186
Peculiar medicines	259	Potassa? tartras		188
Peppermint	72	Potash		207
Perpetual blister	237	Potato flies		238
Persimmon	33	Potential cauterants		245
Peruvian bark	46	Powders of aloes and	ca-	
Petroselinum	200	nella	65,	169
Phosphate of iron	81	Powders of ipecacuanha		
Phosphate of soda	189	and opium		212
Phosphorus	97	Powder of tin		283
Physiological effects of meds. 5		Powders		7
Pills	9	Precipitated sulphur		182
Pills of aloes and assafa?tida 1 69		Precipitated sulphuret of an-		
Pills of aloes and myrrh	169	timony		133
Pills of copaiba	206	Prepared carbonate of .	sine	86
Pilula?	9	Prepared chalk		277
Pilulae alces et assafaetida?	169	Prepared oyster-shell		277
Pilula? et myrrha?	169	Poof spirit	14	,106
Pilula? cathartica? composita? 177		Protiodide of mercury		273
Pilula? copaiba?	206	Prunes		157
Pilula? hydrargyri	267	Prunum		157
Pilula? rhei compasita?	169	Prussic acid		142
Pimenta	69	Pure bitters		41
Pimento	69	Purging cassia		158
Pink root	280	Purgative enemata,		191
Piper	68	Pulveres		7
Piperin	68	Pulvis aloes et canella?	60	,169
Pipsissewa	32	Pulvis antimonialis		134
Pix abietis	241	Pulvis ipecacuanha? et opii		212
Pix canadensis	242	Pulvis stanni		283
Pix liquida	203	Q		
Plaster of carbonate of lead 38		Quassia		41
Plaster of pitch with Spanish		Quercitrin		24
flies	237	Quercitron		24
Plasters	16	Quercus alba		23
Plumbi acetas	38	Quercus tinctoria		23
 
INDEX
293
Quinia                      49
Quinia? sulphas              51
Quinia? sulphas impurus      53
R
Rectified alcohol            106
Rectified oil of amber       103
Rectified sulphuric ether    108
Red oxide of mercury       268
Red pepper                 95
Red precipitate             268
Red roses                   33
Red sulphuret of  mercury   273
Refrigerant diaphoretics     214
Refrigerants                130
Resin                      203
Resin cerate                203
Resina                     203
Rhabarbarin                162
Rhatany                    27
Rheum                     160
Rhubarb                   160
Rochelle salts              188
Rosa centifolia              33
Rosa gallica                 33
Rose water                  33
Rosemary                   72
Rosemarinus                 72
Rubefacients                239
Rubus trivialis              30
Rubus villosus               30
Rufus's  pills                169
              S
Sabbatia                    44
Sabina                     231
Sagapenum                 104
Sago                      255
Salicin                      54
Saline cathartic?            184
Salix                       54
Sal diureticus               209
Sal prunelle                136
Saltpetre                   135
Salt of tartar               208
Sanguinarina               151
Sarsaparilla                219
Sarsaparillin                220
Sassafras                   218
Sassafras medulla          218
Sassafras pith               219
              25*
Sassafras radicis cortex		218
Savine		231
Scales of iron		76
Scammonium		172
Scammony		172
Scilla	194	223
Secale cornutum		259
Seidletz powders		189
Semivitrified oxide of lead		36
Senega	224	231
Senegin		225
Seneka	224	231
Senna		163
Serpentaria		58
Sherry wine		107
Sialagogues		232
Simaruba		42
Sinapis		239
Sinapism		240
Skunk cabbage		103
Slippery-elm bark		251
Smelling salts		97
Sodse bicarbonas		279
Soda? carbonas		278
Soda? et potassa? tartras		188
Soda? phosphas		189
Solania		127
Soluble tartar		188
Solution of acetate of am-		
monia		214
Solution of arsenite of	po-	
tassa		263
Solution of subacetate	of	
lead		39
Solution of sulphate of	mor-	
phia		119
Soporifics		105
Spanish flies 207	232, 2;	
Spearmint		73
Spigelia		280
Spirit of lavender		71
Spirit of mindererus		115
Spirit of nitric ether	210	215
Spirit of rosemary		72
Spiritus aetheris nitrici	210	,215
Spiritus lavandula?		71
Spiritus lavandula? compositus 71		
Spiritus mindereri		215
Spiritus rosmarina?		72
Spreading of plasters		16
Spurred rye		259
 
294
INDEX.
Squill             151, 194, 232
Stramonii folia             126
Stramonii semen            126
Sternutatories              233
Strychnia                  261
Subcarbonate of iron         76
Sublimed sulphur           181
Subnitrate of bismuth        86
Succinic acid               103
Succicum                  102
Sudorifics                  211
Sugar of lead               38
Sulphate of cinchonia        53
Sulphate of copper  81, 153, 248
Sulphate of iron             78
Sulphate of magnesia       185
Sulphate of morphia        118
Sulphate of potassa         186
Sulphate of quinia           51
Shlphate of soda            184
Sulphate of zinc        83, 153
Sulphur                    180
Sulphur precipitatum        182
Sulphuric acid               89
Sulphuric ether             108
Supertartrate of potassa     187
Suppositories                17
Sweet flag                  74
Sweet spirit of nitre         210
Syrup of ginger              63
Syrup of orange peel         63
Syrup of rhubarb           162
Syrup of rhubarb and senna  163
Syrup of squill             223
Syrups                      14
Syrupi                      14
Syrupus aurantii corticis      63
Svrupus sarsaparilla? compo-
 "situs                     121
Syrupus scilla? compositus    225
Syrupus rhei                163
Syrupus rhei  et senna?       163
Syrupus rhei  aromaticus     163
Tabacum                   141
Table for graduating the dose
  of medicines               6
Tables of weights and mea-
  sures                      19
Tannic acid	22
Tannin	22
Tapioca	256
Tar	203
Tar ointment	204
Tar water	204
Taraxacum	197
Tartar emetic	152, 222
Tartar emetic ointment      132
Tartarized antimony        152
Tartrate of  antimony  and
  potassa               130, 213
Tartrate of iron and potassa  80
Tartrate of iron             81
Tartrate of potassa         188
Tartrate of potassa and soda 188
Tea                        104
Teneriffe wine          ,    107
Terebinthina               200
Terebinthina canadensis     201
Testa pra?parata            277
Thebaic tincture of opium   116
The mineral acids           249
The hot iron               244
Thorn-apple leaves         126
Thorn-apple seeds           126
Thoroughwort               57
Tinctura aloes              169
Tinctura et myrrha?         169
Tinctura assafoetida?        101
Tinctura camphora?         124
Tinctura cantharidis        207
Tinctura capsici             95
Tinctura cardomomi com-
  posita                    70
Tinctura castorei            100
Tinctura catechu             27
Tinctura cinchona?           51
Tinctura cinchona? compo-
  sita                       51
Tinctura cinnamomi         65
Tinctura cinnamomi com-
  posita         "          65
Tinctura colomba?           46
Tinctura digitalis           141
Tinctura ferri chloridi       79
Tinctura galla?               26
Tinctura gentiana? compo-
  sita                       44
Tinctura guaiaci            217
Tinctura guaiaci ammoniata 217 
 Tinctura hellebori
 Tinctura humuli
 Tinctura iodini
 Tinctura kino
 Tinctura kramera?
 Tinctura lupulina?
 Tinctura lobelia?
 Tinctura opii
 Tinctura opii acetata
 Tinctura opii camphorata
 Tinctura quassa?
 Tinctura rhei
 Tinctura rhei et aloes
 Tinctura rhei et gentiana?
 Tinctura rhei et senna?
 Tinctura sanguinaria?
 Tinctura senna? at jalapa
 Tinctura serpentaria?
 Tinctura tolulani
 Tinctura Valeriana?
 Tinctura Valeriana? ammo-
   niata
 Tinctura?
 Tincture of aloes
 Tincture of aloes  and myrrh
 Tincture of assafetida
 Tincture of black hellebore
 Tincture of camphor
 Tincture of castor
 Tincture of catechu
 Tincture of cayenne pepper
 Tincture of chloride of iron
 Tincture of cinnamon
 Tincture of foxglove
 Tincture of galls
 Tincture of guaiac
 Tincture of hops
 Tincture of iodine
 Tincture of kino
 Tincture of lobelia
 Tincture of lupulin
 Tincture of opium
 Tincture of Peruvian bark
 Tincture of quassia
Tincture of rhatany
 Tincture of rhubarb
 Tincture of rhubarb and
  aloes                     163
 Tincture of rhubarb and
  gentian                   163
Tinct. of rhubarb  and senna  163
X.	295
Tincture of senna and jalap	164
Tincture of Spanish flies	207
Tincture of squill	223
Tincture of stramonium	127
Tincture of tolu	228
Tincture of valerian	102
Tincture of Virginia snakeroot 59	
Tinctures	13
Tobacco 141	, 151
Tolutanum	227
Tonics	40
Tormentil	33
Tormentilla	33
Tragacanth	251
Trisnitrate of bismuth	86
Tragacantha	251
Troches	10
Torchisci	10
Turner's cerate	86
Turpentine	200
Turpeth mineral	271
u
Ulmus	251
Unguenta	15
Unguentum antimonii	132
Unguentum aqua? rosa?	33
Unguentum cantharidis	237
Unguentum hydrargyri	266
Unguentum hydrargyri am-	
moniati	272
Unguentum hydrargyri bin-	
iodidi	273
Unguentum hydrargyri iodid	i 273
Unguentum hydrargyri ni-	
tratis	272
Unguentum hydrargyri ox-	
idi rubri	269
Unguentum iodini	274
Unguentum picis liquida?	104
Unguentum stramonii	127
Unguentum zinci oxidi	85
Uva ursi	31
V	
Valerian	101
Valeriana	101
Valerianic acid	102
Vallet's ferruginous pills	77
Vegetable acids	137
Vegetable astringents	23
Vegetable cathartics	15C
IN
 174
 122
 274
 27
 28
 122
 150
 116
 117
 116
 42
 163
 163
 163
 163
 152
 164
 59
 228
 102

 102
 13
 169
 169
 101
 174
 124
 100
 27
 95
 79
 65
141
 26
217
122
274
 27
150
122
116
 51
 42
 28
163 
296
INDEX.
Vegetable emetics           147
Vegetable tonics             41
Vermillion                 278
Vesicants                  234
Vesicatories                234
Vinegar of colchicum       197
Vinegar of squill           223
Vina medicata               13
Vinegars                    14
Vinum aloes                169
Vinum antimonii           133
Vinum colchici radicb      197
Vinum colchici semen       197
Vinum ipecacuanha?        148
Virginia snakeroot           58
Volatile liniment           243
Volatile oih                 61
              W

Warming plaster           237
Warner's gout cordial       163
Washed sulphur            181
Water of ammonia      243, 275
Weights and measures used   19
White arsenic              247
White lead
White mustard seeds
White-oak bark
White bismuth
White pepper
White precipitate
White turpentine
White vitriol
Wild carrot
Wild cherry bark
Willow
Wines
Wine of aloes
Wine of ipecacuanha
Wine of colchicum root
Wine of colchicum seed
Wine-whey
Wormseed
              Z
Zinci acetas
Zinci carbonas
Zinci carbonas praeparatus
Zinci oxidum
Zinci sulphas
Zingiber
    37
   239
    23
    86
    68
   272
   201
    83
   199
    55
    54
   107
   169
   148
   197
   197
   108
   281

    84
    85
    86
    85
83,153
    73 
 

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