mm** fc'r/■>■•;• ^ •■■ fc#.-,:V. ^*;V?,; ■■■-■" % v /i\ ^°o, .<£ ^OQO: AMERICAN DISPENSATORY. THE AMERICAN DISPENSATORY, CONTAINING THE OPERATIONS OF PHARMACY; TOGETHER WITH THE NA- TURAL, CHEMICAL, PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE DIFFERENT SUBSTANCES EMPLOYED IN MEDICINE; ILLUSTRATED AND EXPLAINED, ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPLES OF MODERN CHEMISTRY: THE ARRANGEMENT SIMPLIFIED, AND T.HE WHOLE ADAPTED TO THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE AJYD PHARMACY IN THE UNITED STATES. With several Copperplates, exhibiting the New System of Chemical Characters. and representing the most useful Apparatus. FOURTH EDITION, MUCH IMPROVED. BY JOHN REDMAN COXE, M. D. Professor of Chemistry in the University of Pennsylvania; Member of the Am. Phil. Society, and of the Batavian Society of Sciences at Haarlem; Ordinary Member of the Royal Medical Society of Co- penhagen; and Foreign Member of the Royal Society of Sciences at Copenhagen. PHILADELPHIA: PUBLISHED BY THOMAS DOBSON AND SON, AT THE STONE HOUSE, No. 41, SOUTH SECOND STREET. William Fry, Printer. 1818. District o/ Pennsylvania, to witc .*...*•»., BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the twenty-second day of May> J SEAL.; in tne thirtieth year of the independence of the United States ********** of America, A. D. 1806, Thomas Dobson, of the said district, hath deposited in this office the titla of a book, the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, to wit: " The American Dispensatory, containing the operations of Pharmacy, " together with the Natural, Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Medical His- " tory of the different substances employed in Medicine; Illustrated and " Explained, according to the principles of Modern Chemistry: The ar- " rangement simplified, and the whole adapted to the practice of Medi- " cine and Pharmacy in the United States. With several Copperplates, " exhibiting the new system of Chemical Characters, and representing " the most useful Apparatus. By John Redman Coxe, M.D. Professor of " Chemistry in the University of Pennsylvania; Member of the American " Philosophical Society, and of the Batavian Society of Sciences at " Haarlem." In conformity to the act of the congress of the United States, intituled, "An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned."—And also to the act, entitled, " An act supplementary to an act, entitled "An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned," and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints." D. CALDWELL, Clerk of the district of Pennsylvania. THE AMERICAN DISPENSATORY. MATERIA MEDICA. THE MATERIA MEDICA comprehends every substance, whe- ther natural or artificial, which is employed in medicine. But in most Pharmacopoeias the materia medica is confined to simples, and to those preparations which are not supposed to be prepared by the apothecary himself, but to be purchased by him as articles of com- merce from druggists and others. Much pains have been bestowed by the writers on the materia medica in attempting to form useful arrangements of these articles. Some have arranged them according to their natural affinities; others according to their active constituent parts; and others according to their real or supposed virtues. Each of these arrangements have their particular advantages. The first will probably be preferred by the natural historian, the second by the chemist, and the last by the physiologist. But no arrangement has yet been proposed which is not liable to numerous objections. Accordingly, in the Pharmacopoeias published by the Colleges of Physicians of London, Dublin, and Edinburgh, the articles of the materia medica are arranged in alpha- betical order; and the same plan is now also adopted in almost every Pharmacopoeia of much estimation lately published on the continent of Europe: it will therefore be followed in the present work. There appears to be no good reason why the different prepara- tions and compositions of the various articles of the materia medica, should not immediately follow the consideration of each article re- spectively, instead of dividing them under a great variety of distinct heads; it has therefore been deemed proper in the American Phar- macopoeia, to pursue that plan, as far as it could be conveniently ef- fected. Some preparations, as powders, pills, tinctures, &c. undoubt- edly arrange better under one general head: these are therefore still retained distinct, though they are brought into the general alpha- betical order, instead of being placed in separate chapters at the end of the materia medica. By the present plan a connected view is given of every preparation arising out of the article under considera- tion; instead of having to recur to so many different places. b X Materia Medica. The same reasons have induced me to give the chemical history of each article, in immediate connection with its natural, medical, and pharmaceutical history, from the "Epitome of Chemistry" of Dr. Duncan's Edinburgh Dispensatory; a portion of the work, in my opinion unnecessary for the complete chemist, and to the young beginner unintelligible, without a reference to other sources. To re- fresh the memory, it will be of more utility united with the con -ide- ration of each article; for with any other view, it will scarcely ever be consulted, either by the chemist or the tyro in that science. The nomenclature of the Edinburgh college is here adopted. The synonymes of the London and Dublin colleges are added for the sake of perspicuity; and the names of many of the articles are given in the most current languages; from the "Dictionary of Merchan- dise."* Dutch designated by Danish - D. DA. French - F. German - G. Italian .... I. Portuguese -Polish .... P. POL. Russian - - s - R. Spanish .... Swedish .... S. SW. The operations of Pharmacy, are necessarily included in a dis- tinct chapter, and precede the consideration of the other part of the work. * First American Edition. ELEMENTS OF PHARMACY. 1 HE object of Pharmacy is to provide those substances which may be employed for the prevention or cure of diseases. 1 o obtain this object completely, an acquaintance with the phy- sical and chemical properties of bodies is necessary. This may be termed the Science of Pharmacy. As few substances are found in nature in a state fit for their exhi- bition in medicine, they previously undergo various preparations. These constitute the Art of Pharmacy. PHARMACEUTICAL OPERATIONS. COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF SIMPLES. I. ll/ACH of the kingdoms of nature furnishes articles which are employed in medicine, either in their natural state, or after they have been prepared by thje art of pharmacy. 2. In collecting these, attention must be paid to select such as are most sound and perfect, to separate from them whatever is injured or decayed, and to free them from all foreign matters adhering to them. 3. Those precautions must be taken which are best fitted for pre- serving them. They must ii: general be defended from the effects of moisture, too great heat, or cold, and confined air. 4. When their activity depends on volatile principles, they must be preserved from the contact of the air as much as possible. 5. As the vegetable kingdom presents us with the greatest number of simples, and the substances belonging to it are the least constant in their properties, and most subject to decay, it becomes necessary to give a few general rules for ihcir collection and preservation. 6. Vegetable matters should be collected in the countries where they are indigenous; and those which grow wild, in dry soils, and high situations, fully exposed to the air and sun, are Ui general to be preferred to those which are cultivated, or which grow in moist, low, shady, or confined places. 7. Roots which are annual, should be collected before they shoot out their stalks or flowers; biennial roots in the harvest of the first. xii Materia Medica. or spring of the second year; perennial roots either in spring before the sap has begun to mount, or in harvest after it has returned. 8. Those which are worm eaten (except some resinous roots,) or which are decayed, are to be rejected. The others are immediately to be cleaned with a brush and cold water, letting them lie in it as short time as possible; and the fibres and little roots, when not essential, are to be cut away. 9. Roots which consist principally of fibres, and have but a small tap, may be immediately dried. If they be juicy, and not aromatic, this may be done by heat, not exceeding 100° of Fahrenheit; but if aromatic, by simply exposing them, and frequently turning them in a current of cold dry air; if very thick and strong, they are to be split or cut into slices, and strung upon threads; if covered with a tough bark, they may be peeled fresh, and then dried. Such as lose their virtues by drying, or are directed to be preserved in a fresh state, are to be kept buried in dry sand. 10. No very general rule can be given for the collection of herbs and leaves, some of them acquiring activity from their age, and others, as the mucilaginous leaves, from the same cause, losing the property for which they are officinal. Aromatics are to be collected after the flower-buds are formed; annuals, not aromatic, when they are about to flower, or when in flower; biennials, before they shoot; and perennials, before they flower, especially if their fibres become woody. 11. They are to be gathered in dry weather, after the dew is off them, or in the evening before it falls, and are to be freed from decayed, withered, or foreign leaves. They are usually tied in bun- dles, and hung up in a shady, warm, and airy place; or spread upon the floor, and frequently turned. If very juicy, they are laid upon a sieve, and dried by a gentle degree of artificial warmth. 12. Sprouts are collected before the buds open; and stalks are gathered in autumn. 13. Barks and woods are collected when the most active part of the vegetables are concentrated in them, which happens in spring and in autumn. Spring is preferred for resinous barks, and autumn for the others which are not resinous, but rather gummy. Barks should be taken from young trees, and freed from decayed parts, and all impurities. 14. The same rules direct the collection of woods; but they must not be taken from very young trees. Among the resinous woods, the heaviest, which sink in water, are selected. The alburnum is to be rejected. 15. Flowers are collected in clear dry weather, before noon, but after the dew is off: either when they are just about to open, or im- mediately after thejrlvave opened. Of some the petals only are pre- served, and the colourless claws are even cut away; of others whose calyx is odorous, the whole flower is kept. Flowers which are too small to be pulled singly, are dried with part of the stalk: These are called heads or tops. 16. Flowers and herbs are to be dried by the gentle heat of a stove or common fire, in such quantities at a time, that the process may Pharmaceutical Operations. xiii be finished as quickly as possible; for by this means their powers are best preserved; the lest of which is the perfect preservation of their natural colour. When they lose their colour and smell they are unfit for use. 17. Seeds and fruits, unless when otherwise directed, are to be gathered when ripe, but before they fall spontaneously. Some pulpy fruits are freed from their core and seeds, strung upon thread, and dried artificially. They are in general best preserved in their natural coverings, although some, as the colocynth, are peeled, and others, as the tamarind, preserved fresh. Many of these are apt to spoil, or become rancid; and as they are then no longer fit for medical use, no very large quantity of them should be collected at a time. 18. The proper drying of vegetable substances is of the greatest importance. It is often directed to be done in the shade, and slowly, that the volatile and active particles may not be dissipated by too great heat; but this is an error, for they always lose infinitely more by slow than by quick drying. When, on account of the colour, they cannot be exposed to the sun, and the warmth of the atmosphere is insufficient, they should be dried by an artificial warmth, less than 100° Fahrenheit, and well exposed to a current of air. When per- fectly dry and friable, they have little smell; but after being kept some time, they attract moisture from the air, and regain their pro- per odour. 19. The boxes and drawers in which vegetable matters are kept, should not impart to them any smell or taste; and more certainly to avoid this, they should be lined with paper. Such as are volatile, of a delicate texture, or subject to suffer from insects, must be kept in well covered glasses. Fruits and oily seeds, which are apt to become rancid, must be kept in a cool, and dry, but by no means in a warm, or moist place. 20. Oily seeds, odorous plants, and those containing volatile prin- ciples, must be collected fresh every year. Others, whose properties are more permanent, and not subject to decay, will keep for several years. 21. Vegetables collected in a moist and rainy season, are in general more watery and apt to spoil. In a dry season, on the contra- ry, they contain more oily and resinous particles, and keep much better. MECHANICAL OPERATIONS OF PHARMACY. a. The determination of the weight and bulk of bodies. b. The division of bodies into more minute particles. c. The separation of their integrant parts by mechanical means. d. Their mixture, when not attended by any chemical action. 22. The quantities of substances employed in pharmaceutical ope- rations are most accurately determined by the process called weigh- ing. For this purpose, there should be sets of beams and scales of different sizes; and it would be advisable to have a double set, one for ordinary use, and another for occasions when greater accuracy is ne- cessary. A good beam should remain in equilibrium without the xiv Materia Medica. scales, and when the scales are changed; and it should turn sensibly with a very small proportion of the weight with which it is loaded. Balances should be defended as much as possible from acid and other corrosive vapours, and should not be left suspended longer than is necessary, as it impairs their delicacy very much. For the'same rea- son, balances should never be overloaded. 23. The want of uniformity of weights and measures is attended with many inconveniences. In this country, (Great Britain,) drug- gists and grocers sell by avoirdupois weight; and the apothecaries are directed to sell by troy weight, although, in fact, they seldom use the troy weight for more than two drachms. Hence arise numerous and culpable errors, the troy pound being less than the avoirdupois, and the ounce and drachm being greater. Comparative tables of the value of the troy, avoirdupois, and new French decimal weights, are given in the appendix. 24. The errors arising from the promiscuous use of weights and measures, have induced the Edinburgh and Dublin colleges to reject the use of measures entirely, and to direct that the quantities of every thing fluid, as well as solid, shall be determined by troy weight: But as the London college have given their sanction to the use of mea- sures, and as, from the much greater facility of their employment, apothecaries will always use them, tables of measures are also insert- ed in the appendix. 25. For measuring fluids, the graduated glass measures are always to be preferred: they should be of different sizes, according to the quantities they are intended to measure. Elastic fluids are also mea- sured in glass tubes, graduated by inches and their decimals. 26. Specific gravity is the weight of a determinate bulk of any body. As a standard of comparison, distilled water has been assumed as unity. The specific gravity of solids is ascertained, by comparing the weight of the body in the air with its weight when suspended in water. The quotient obtained by dividing its weight in air by the dif- ference between its weight in air and its weight in water, is its speci- fic gravity. The specific gravity of fluids maybe ascertained by com- paring the loss of weight of a solid body, such as a piece of crystal, when immersed in distilled water, with its loss when immersed in the fluid we wish to examine; by dividing its loss of weight in the fluid by its loss of weight in the water, the quotient is the specific gravity of the fluid: Or a small phial, containing a known weight of distilled water, may be filled with the fluid to be examined andweighed, and by dividing the weight of the fltfid by the weight of the water, the specific gravity is ascertained. Although these are the only general principles by which specific gravities are ascertained, yet as the result is always influenced by the state of the thermometer and barometer at the time of the experi- ments, and as the manipulation is a work of great nicety, various in- genious instruments have been contrived to render the process and calculation easy. Of all these, the gravimeter of Morveau seems to deserve the preference. It would be of material consequence to science and the arts, if specific gravities were always indicated by the numerical term ex- Pharmaceutical Operations. xv pressing their relation to the specific gravity of distilled water. This however is unfortunately not the case. The excise in this country collect the duties paid by spiritous liquors, by estirnating the propor- tion which they contain of a standard spirit, about 0.933 in specific gravity, which they call hydrometer proof, and they express the rela- tion which spirits of a different strength have to the standard spirit by saying that they are above or under hydrometer proof. Thus one to six, or one in seven below hydrometer proof means, that it is equal in strength to a mixture of six parts of proof spirit with one of water. The only other mode of expressing specific gravities which it is necessary to notice, is that of Baume's areometer; as it is often used in the writings of the French chemists, and is little understood in this country. For substances heavier than water he assumes the spe- cific gravity of distilled water as zero, and graduates the stem of his instrument downwards, each degree being supposed by him to ex- press the number of parts of muriat of soda contained in a given solution, which however is not at all the case. For substances lighter than water the tube is graduated upwards, and this zero is afforded by a solution of 10 of salt in 90 of water. In the appendix tables are given of the specific gravities, corresponding with all the degrees of both of these areometers, from Nicholson's Journal. MECHANICAL DIVISION. 27. By mechanical division, substances are reduced to a form bet- ter adapted for medical purposes; and by the increase of their sur- face, their action is promoted, both as medical and chemical agents. 28. It is performed by cutting, bruising, grinding, grating, rasping, filing, pulverization, trituration, and granulation, by means of machi- nery or of proper instruments. 29. Pulverization is the first of these operations that is commonly employed in the apothecary's shop. It is performed by means of pes- tles and mortars. The bottom of the mortars should be concave; and their sides should neither be so inclined as not to allow the substances operated on to fall to the bottom between each stroke of the pestle, nor so perpendicular as to collect it too much together, and to retard the operation. The materials of which pestles and mortars are formed, should resist both the mechanical and chemical action of the sub- stances for which they are used. Wood, iron, marble, siliceous stones, porcelain, and glass, are all employed; but copper, and metals con- taining copper, are to be avoided. 30. They should be provided with covers, to prevent the finest and lightest parts from escaping, and to defend the operator from the ef- fects of disagreeable or noxious substances. But these ends «.re more completely attained by tying a piece of pliable leather round ;i>e pes- tle and round the mouth of the mortar. It must be closely applied, hkI at the same time so large, as to permit the free motion of the pe-tle. 31. In some instances, it will be even necessary for the operator to cover his mouth and nostrils with a wet cloth, and to stand with his xvi Materia Medica. back to a current of air, that the very acrid particles which arise may be carried from him. 32. The addition of a little water or spirit of wine, or of a few al- monds, to very light and dry substances, will prevent their flying off. But almonds are apt to induce rancidity, and powders are always in- jured, by the drying which is necessary when they have been mois- tened. Water must never be added to substances which absorb it, or are rendered cohesive by it. S3. Too great a quantity of any substance must never be put into the mortar at a time, as it very much retards the operation. 34. All vegetable substances must be previously dried. Resins and gummy resins, which become soft in summer, must be powdered in very cold weather, and must be beaten gently, or they will be converted into a paste instead of being powdered. Wood, roots, barks, horn, bone, ivory, &c. must be previously cut, split, chipped, or rasped. Fibrous woods and roots should be finely shaved after their bark is removed, for otherwise, their powders will be full of hair-like filaments, which can scarcely be separated- Some substances will even require to be moistened with mucilage of tragacanth, or of starch, and then dried before they can be powdered. Camphor may be conveniently powdered by the addition of a little spirit of wine, or almond oil. The emulsive seeds cannot be reduced to powder, unless some dry powder be added to them. To aromatic oily substances, sugar is the best addition. 35. All impurities and inert parts having been previously separated, the operation must be continued and repeated upon vegetable substan- ces, till no residuum is left. The powders obtained at different times must then be intimately mixed together, so as to bring the whole to a state of perfect uniformity. 36. Very hard stony substances must be repeatedly heated to a red heat, and then suddenly quenched in cold water, until they become sufficiently friable. Some metals may be powdered hot in a heated iron mortar, or may be rendered brittle by alloying them with a little mercury. 37. Trituration is intended for the still more minute division of bodies. It is performed in flat mortars of glass, agate, or other hard materials, by giving a rotatory motion to the pestle; or on a levigating stone, which is generally of porphyry, by means of a muller of the same substance. On large quantities it is performed by rollers of hard stone, turning horizontally upon each other, or by one vertical roller turning on a flat stone. 38. The substances subjected to this operation are generally pre- viously powdered or ground. 39. Levigation differs from trituration only in the addition of water or spirit of wine to the powder operated upon, so as to form the whole mass into a kind of paste, which is rubbed until it be of sufficient smoothness or fineness. Earths, and some metallic substances, are le- vigated. 40. Granulation is employed for the mechanical division of stme metals. It is performed, either by stirring the melted metal with an iron-rod until it cools, or by pouring it into water, and stirring it con- tinually as before, or by pouring it into a covered box, previously well Pharmaceutical Operations. xvii rubbed with chalk, and shaking it until the metal cools, when the rolling motion will be converted into a rattling one. The adhering chalk is then to be washed away. MECHANICAL SEPARATION. 41. Sifting. From dry substances, which are reduced to the due de- gree of minuteness, the coarser particles are to be separated by sieves of iron-wire, hair-cloth or gauze, or by being dusted through bags of fine linen. For very light and valuable powders, or acrid substances, compound sieves, having a close lid and receiver, must be used. The particles which are not of sufficient fineness to pass through the inter- stices of the sieve, may be again powdered. 42. Elutriation is confined to mineral substances, on which water has no action. It is performed for separating them from foreign parti- cles and impurities, of a different specific gravity, in which case they are said to be washed: or for separating the impalpable powders, ob- tained by trituration and levigation, from the coarser particles. This process depends upon the property that very fine or light powders have of remaining for some time suspended in water; and is per- formed by diffusing the powder or paste formed by levigation through plenty of water, letting it stand a sufficient time, until the coarser particles settle at the bottom, and then pouring off the li- quid in which the finer or lighter particles are suspended. Fresh water may be poured on the residuum, and the operation repeated; or the coarser particles which fall to the bottom may be previously levigated a second time. The fine powder which is washed over with the water, is separated from it, by allowing it to subside com- pletely, and by decanting off the water very carefully. 43. Decantation is very frequently made use of for separating the clear from the turbid part of a fluid, and for separating fluids from solids, which are specifically heavier, especially when the quantity is very large, or the solid so subtile as to pass through the pores of most substances employed for filtration, or the liquid so acrid as to corrode them. 44. Filtration. For the purposes of separating fluids from solids, straining and filtration are often used. These differ only in degree, and are employed when the powder either does not subside at all, or too slowly and imperfectly for decantation. 45. The instruments for this purpose are of various materials, and must in. no instance be acted upon by the substances for which they are employed. Fats, resins, wax and oils, are strained through hemp or flax, spread evenly over a piece of wire-cloth or net stretch- ed in a frame. For saccharine and mucilaginous liquors, fine flannel may be used; for some saline solutions, linen. Where these are not fine enough, unsized paper is employed, but it is extremely apt to burst by hot watery liquors. Very acrid liquors, such as acids, are filtered by means of a glass funnel, filled with powdered quartz, a few of the larger pieces being put in the neck, smaller pieces over these, and the fine powder placed over all. The porosity of this last filter retains much of the liquor; but it may be obtained by gently c xviii Materia Medica. pouring on it an equal quantity of distilled water; the liquor will then pass through, and the water will be retained in its place. 46. Water may be filtrated in large quantities through basins of porous stone, or artificial basins of nearly equal parts of fine clay and coarse sand. In large quantities it may be easily purified per as~ censum, the purified liquor and impurities thus taking opposite di- rections. The simplest apparatus of this kind is a barrel, divided perpendicularly^ by a board perforated with a row of holes along the lower edge. Into each side, as much well washed sand is put as will cover these holes an inch or two, over which must be placed a layer of pebbles to keep it steady. The apparatus is now fit for use. Wa- ter poured into the one half will sink through the sand in that side, pass through the holes in the division to the other, and rise through the sand in the other half, from which it may be drawn by a stop- cock. 47. The size of the filters depends on the quantity of matter to be strained. When large, the flannel or linen is formed into a conical bag, and suspended from a hoop or frame; the paper is either spread on the inside of these bags, or folded into a conical form, and suspended by a funnel. It is of advantage to introduce glass rods or quills between the paper and the funnel, to prevent them from ad- hering too closely. 48. What passes first is seldom fine enough, and must be poured back again until by the swelling of the fibres of the filter, or filling up of its pores, the fluid acquires the requisite degree of limpidity. The filter is sometimes covered with charcoal powder, which is a useful addition to muddy and deep-coloured liquors. The filtration of some viscid substances is much assisted by heat. 49. Expression is a species of filtration, assisted by mechanical force. It is principally employed to obtain the juices of fresh vege- tables, and the unctuous vegetable oils. It is performed by means of a screw press, with plates of wood, iron, or tin. The subject of the operation is previously beaten, ground or bruised. It is then inclosed in a bag, which must not be too much filled, and introduced between the plates of the press. The bags should be of hair-cloth, or canvas inclosed in hair-cloth. Hempen and woollen bags are apt to give vege- table juices a disagreeable taste. The pressure should be gentle at first, and increased gradually. 50. Vegetables intended for this operation should be perfectly fresh, and freed from all impurities. In general they should be ex- pressed as soon as they are bruised, for it disposes them to ferment; but subacid fruits give a larger quantity of juice, and of finer quali- ty, when they are allowed to stand some days in a wooden or earthen vessel after they are bruised. To some vegetables which are not juicy enough, the addition of a little water is necessary. Lemons and oranges must be peeled, as their skins contain a great deal of essen- tial oil, which would mix with the juice. The oil itself may be ob- tained separately, by expression with the fingers on a piece of glass. 51. For unctuous seeds iron plates are used; and it is customary not only to heat the plates, but to warm the bruised seeds in a ket- tle over the fire, after they have been sprinkled with water, as by Pharmaceutical Operations. xix these means the product is increased, and the oil obtained is more lim- pid. But as the oils obtained in this way are more disposed to ran- cidity, this process should either be laid aside altogether, or changed to exposing the bruised seeds, inclosed in a bag, to the steam of hot water. 52. Desfiumation is generally practised on thick and clammy li- quors, which contain much slimy and other impurities, not easily separable by filtration. The scum is made to arise, either by sim- ply heating the liquor, or by clarifying it, which last is done by mix- ing with the liquor, when cold, white of egg well beaten with a lit- tle water, which on being heated coagulates and rises to the surface, carrying with it all the impurities. The liquor may now be filtered with ease, or may be skimmed with a perforated ladle. Spirituous liquors are clarified without the assistance of heat, by means of isinglass dissolved in water, or of any albuminous fluid, as milk, which coagu- lates with the action of alcohol. Some expressed juices, as those of all the antiscorbutic plants, are instantly clarified by the addition of any vegetable acid, as the juice of bitter oranges. 53. Fluids can only be separated from each other, when they have no tendency to combine, and when they differ in specific gravity. The separation may be effected by skimming off the lighter fluid with a silver or glass spoon; or by drawing it off by a syringe or syphon; or by means of a glass separatory, which is an instrument having a projecting tube, terminating in a very slender point, through which the heavier fluid alone is permitted to run; or by means of the capillary attraction of a spongy woollen thread; for no fluid will en- ter a substance whose pores are filled by another, for which it has no attraction; and lastly, upon the same principle, by means of a fil- ter .of unsized paper, previously soaked in one of the fluids, which in this way readily passes through it, while the other remains be- hind. 54. Mechanical mixture is performed by agitation, trituration, or kneading; but these will be best considered in treating of the forms in which medicines are exhibited. APPARATUS. 55. Before entering on the chemical operations, it will be necessa- ry to make a few remarks on the instruments employed in perform- ing them. They may be divided into a. The vessels in which the effects are performed; b. Fuel, or the means of producing heat; and c. The means of applying and regulating the heat, or lamps and furnaces. VESSELS. 56. The vessels, according to the purposes for which they are in- tended, vary a. In form; and b. In materials. XX Materia Medica. 57. The different forms will be best described when treating of the particular operations. 58. No substance possesses properties which render it proper to be employed as a material in every instance. We are therefore oblig- ed to select those substances which possess the properties more es- pecially required in the particular operations for which they are in- tended. 59. The properties most generally required, are a. The power of resisting chemical agents; b. Transparency; c. Compactness; d. Strength; e. Fixity and infusibility; f. And the power of bearing sudden variations of temperature without breaking. 60. The metals in general possess the four last properties in con- siderable perfection, but they are all opaque. Iron and copper are apt to be corroded by chemical agents, and the use of the latter is often attended with dangerous consequences. These objections are in some measure, but not entirely, removed by tinning them. Tin and lead are too fusible. Platinum, gold, and silver, resist most of the chemical agents, but their expense is an insurmountable objection to their general use. 61. Good earthen ware resists the greatest intensity of heat, but is deficient in all the other properties. The basis of all kinds of earthen- ware is clay, which possesses the valuable quality of being very plas- tic when wrought with water, and of becoming extremely hard when burnt with an intense heat. But it contracts so much by heat, that it is extremely apt to crack and split, on being exposed to sudden changes of temperature; it is therefore necessary to add some sub- stance which may counteract this property. Siliceous sand, clay re- duced to powder, and then burnt with a very intense heat, and plum- bago, are occasionally used. These additions, however, are attended with other inconveniences; plumbago, especially, is liable to combus- tion, and sand diminishes the compactness, so that it becomes neces- sary to glaze most kinds of earthen-ware; but when glazed, they are acted upon by chemical agents. The vessels manufactured by Messrs. Wedgwood are the best of this description, except those of porce- lain, which are too expensive. 62. Glass possesses the three first qualities in an eminent degree, and may be heated red hot without melting. Its greatest inconveni- ence is its disposition to crack, or break in pieces, when suddenly heated or cooled. As this is occasioned by its unequal expansion or contraction, glass vessels should be made very thin, and of a round form. They should also be well annealed, that is cooled very slowly, when blown, by placing them immediately in a heated oven, while they are yet in a soft state. When ill annealed, or cooled suddenly, glass is apt to fly in pieces on the slightest change of temperature, or touch of a sharp point. We sometimes take advantage of this im- perfection} for by means of a red-hot wire, charcoal, or bit of a to- Pharmaceutical Operations. xxi bacco-pipe, glass-vessels may be cut into any shape. When there is not a crack already in the glass, the point of the wire is applied near the edge, a crack is formed, which is afterwards easily led in any di- rection. 63. Reaumeur's porcelain, on the contrary, is glass, which by sur- rounding it with hot sand, is made to cool so slowly, that it assumes a crystalline texture, which destroys its transparency, but imparts to it every other quality wished for in chemical vessels. The coarser kinds of glass are commonly used in making it; but as there is no manufacture of this valuable substance, its employment is still very limited. LUTES. 64. Lutes also form a necessary part of chemical apparatus. They are compositions of various substances, intended, a. To close the joinings of vessels; b. To coat glass vessels; c. To line furnaces. 65. Lutes of the first description are commonly employed to con- fine elastic vapours. They should therefore possess the following properties: a. Viscidity, plasticity, and compactness; b. The power of resisting acrid vapours; c. The power of resisting certain degrees of heat. 66. The viscidity of lutes depends on the presence either of a. Unctuous or resinous substances; b. Mucilaginous substances; or c. Clay or lime. 67. Lutes of the first kind possess the two first class of properties in an eminent degree; but they are in general so fusible, that they can- not be employed when they are exposed even to very low degrees of heat, and they will not adhere to any substance that is at all moist. Examples. a. Eight parts of yellow wax, melted with one of oil of turpentine, with or without the addition of resinous substances, according to the degree of pliability and consistence required. Lavoisier's lute. b. Four parts of wax, melted with two of varnish and one of olive oil. Saussure's lute. c. Three parts of powdered clay, worked up into a paste, with one of drying oil, or, what is better, amber varnish. The dry- ing oil is prepared by boiling 22.5 parts of litharge in 16 of linseed oil until it be dissolved. Fat lute. d. Chalk and oil, or glazier's putty, is well fitted for luting tubes permanently into glass vessels, for it becomes so hard that it cannot be easily removed. c. Equal parts of litharge, quicklime, and powdered clay, worked xxii Materia Medica. into a paste with oil varnish, is sometimes applied over the cracks in glass vessels, so as to fit them for some purposes. f. Melted pitch and brick dust. 68. Mucilaginous substances, such as flour, starch, gum, and glue, mixed with water, are sufficiently adhesive, are dried by moderate degrees of heat, and are easily removed after the operation, by moist- ening them with water; but a high temperature destroys them, and they do not resist corrosive vapours. The addition of an insoluble powder is often necessary to give them a sufficient degree of consist- ency. Examples. a. Slips of bladder, softened in water, and applied with the inside next the vessels. They are apt, however, from their great con- traction in drying, to break weak vessels. b. One part of gum-arabic with six or eight of chalk, formed into a paste with water. c. Flour worked into a paste with powdered clay or chalk. d. Almond or linseed meal formed into a paste with mucilage or water. e. Quicklime in fine powder, hastily mixed with white of egg, and instantly applied, sets very quickly, but becomes so hard that it can scarcely be removed. /. Slaked lime in fine powder, with glue, does not set so quickly as the former. g. The cracks of glass vessels may be cemented by daubing them and a suitable piece of linen over with white of egg, strewing both over with finely powdered quicklime, and instantly ap- plying the linen closely and evenly. 69. Earthy lutes resist very high temperatures, but they become so hard that they can scarcely be removed, and often harden so quickly after they are mixed up, that they must be applied immediately. Examples. a. Quicklime well incorporated with a sixth part of muriat of soda. b. Burnt gypsum, made up with water. c. One ounce of borax dissolved in a pound of boiling water, mixed with a sufficient quantity of powdered clay. Mr. Watt's fire lute. d. One part of clay with four of sand, formed into a paste with water. This is also used for coating glass vessels, in order to render them stronger, and capable of resisting intense heat. It is then made into a very thin mass, and applied in successive layers, taking care that each coat be perfectly dry before an- other be laid on. 70. The lutes for lining furnaces will be described when treating offurnaces. ° 71. The junctures of vessels which are to be luted to each other, should previously be accurately and firmly fitted, by introducing be- tween them, when necessary, short pieces of wood or cork, or if the Pharmaceutical Operations. xxiii disproportion be very great, by means of a cork fitted to the one vessel, having a circular hole bored through it, through which the neck of the other vessel or tube may pass. 72. After being thus fitted, the lute is either applied very thin, by spreading it on slips of linen or paper, and securing it with thread; or if it is a paste lute, it is formed into small cylinders, which are suc- cessively applied to the junctures, taking care that each piece be made to adhere firmly and perfectly close in every part before another is put on. Lastly, the whole is secured by slips of linen or bladder.- 73. In many cases, to permit the escape of elastic vapours, a small hole is made through the lute with a pin, or the lute is perforated by a small quill, fitted with a stopper. HEAT AND FUEL. 74. As caloric is an agent of the most extensive utility in the chemi- cal operations of pharmacy, it is necessary that we should be acquaint- ed with the means of employing it in the most economical and efficient manner. 0 75. The rays of the sun are used in the drying of many vegetable substances; and the only attentions necessary, are to expose as large a surface as possible, and to turn them frequently, that every part may be dried alike. They are also sometimes used for promoting spontaneous evaporation. 76. Combustion is a much more powerful and certain source of heat. Alcohol, oil, tallow, wood, turf, coal, charcoal, and coke, are all occasionally employed. 77. Alcohol, oil, and melted tallow, can only be burnt on porous wicks, which draw up a portion of the fluid to be volatilized and in- flamed. Fluid inflammables are therefore burnt in lamps of various constructions. But although commonly used to produce light, they afford an uniform, but not high temperature. This may however be increased, by increasing the number and size of the wicks. Alcohol produces a steady heat, no soot, and, if strong, leaves no residuum. Oil gives a higher temperature, but on a common wick produces much smoke and soot. These are diminished, and the light and heat increased, by making the surface of the flame bear a large proportion to the center; which is best done by a cylindrical wick so contrived that the air has free access both to the outside and inside of the cy- linder, as in Argand's lamp, invented by Mr. Bolton of Birmingham. In this way, oil may be made to produce a considerable temperature, of great uniformity, and without the inconvenience of smoke. 78. Wicks have the inconvenience of being charred by the high temperature to which they are subjected, and becoming so clogged as to prevent the fluid from rising in them. They must then be trim- med; but this is seldomer necessary with alcohol and fine oils than with the coarser oils. Lamps are also improved by adding a chimney to them. It must admit the free access of air to the flame, and then it increases the current, confines the heat, and steadies the flame. The intensity of the temperature of flame may be greatly increased by forcing a small current of hot air through it, as by the blowpipe. xxiv Materia Medica. 79. Wood, turf, coal, charcoal, and coke, solid combustibles, are burnt in grates and furnaces. Wood has the advantage of kindling readily, but affords a very unsteady temperature, is inconvenient from its flame, smoke, and soot, and requires much attention. The heavy and dense woods give the greatest heat, burn longest, and leave a dense charcoal. 80. Dry turf gives a steady heat, and does not require so much at- tention as wood; but it consumes fast, its smoke is copious and pene- trating, and the empyreumatic smell which it imparts to every thing it comes in contact with, adheres to them with great obstinacy. The heavy turf of marshes is preferable to the light surface turf 81. Coal is the fuel most commonly used in this country, (Scotland.) Its heat is considerable, and sufficiently permanent, but it produces much flame and smoke. 82. Charcoal, especially of the dense woods, is a very convenient and excellent fuel. It burns without flame or smoke, and gives a strong, uniform, and permanent heat, which may be easily regulated, especially when it is not in too large pieces, and is a little damp. But it is costly, and burns quickly. 83. Cake, or charred coal, possesses similar properties with char- coal; it is less easily kindled, but is capable of producing a higher temperature, and burns more slowly. 84. When an open grate is used for chemical purposes, it should be provided with cranes to support the vessels, that they may not be •verturned by the burning away of the fuel. FURNACES. 85. In all furnaces, the principal objects are, to produce a suffi- cient degree of heat, with little consumption of fuel, and to be able to regulate the degree of heat. 86. An unnecessary waste of fuel is prevented by forming the sides of the furnace of very imperfect conductors of caloric, and by con- structing it so that the subject operated on may be exposed to the full action of the fire. 87. The degree of heat is regulated by the quantity of air which comes in contact with the burning fuel. The quantity of air is in the compound ratio of the size of the aperture through which it enters, and its velocity. The velocity is increased by mechanical means, as by bellows, or by increasing the height and width of the chimney. 88. The size and form of furnaces, and the materials of which they are constructed, are various, according to the purposes for which they are intended. 89. The essential parts of a furnace are, a. A body for the fuel to burn in; b. A grate for it to burn upon; c. An ash-pit to admit air and receive the ashes; d. A chimney for carrying off the smoke and vapours. 90. The ash-pit should be perfectly close, except the door, which Pharmaceutical Operations. xxv should be furnished with a register-plate, to regulate the quantity of air admitted. 91. The bars of the grate should be triangular, and placed with an angle pointed downwards, and not above half an inch distant. The grate should be fixed on the outside of the body. 92. The body may be cylindrical or elliptical, with apertures for introducing the fuel and the subjects of the operation, and for con- veying away the smoke and vapours. 93. When the combustion is supported by the current of air na- turally excited by the burning of the fuel, it is called a wind-furnace; when it is accelerated by increasing the velocity of the current by bellows, it forms a blast furnace; and when the body of the furnace is covered, with a dome, which terminates in the chimney, it consti- tutes a reverberatory furnace. 94. Furnaces are either fixed and built of fire-brick, or portable, and fabricated of plate-iron. When of iron, they must be lined with some badly conducting and refractory substance, both to prevent the dissipation of heat, and to defend the iron against the action of the fire. A mixture of scales of iron and powdered tiles, worked up with blood, hair, and clay, is much recommended; and Professor Hagen says, that it is less apt to split and crack when exposed at once to a violent heat, than when dried gradually, according to the common directions. Dr. Black employed two different coatings. Next to the iron, he applied a composition of three parts, by weight, of charcoal, and one of fine clay, first mixed in the state of fine powder, and then worked up with as much water as permitted the mass to be formed into balls, which were applied to the sides of the furnace, and beat very firm and compact with the face of a broad hammer, to the thick- ness of about one inch and a half, in general, but so as to give an el- liptical form to the cavity. Over this, another lute, composed of six or seven parts of sand, and one of clay, was applied, in the same manner, to the thickness of about half an inch. These lutes must be allowed to become perfectly dry before the furnace is heated, which should at first be done gradually. They may also be lined with fire- bricks,of a proper form, accurately fitted and well-cemented together before the top-plate is screwed on. 35. The general fault of furnaces is, that they admit so much air, as to prevent us from regulating the temperature, which either becomes too violent and unmanageable, or when more cold air is ad- mitted than what is necessary for supporting the combustion, the heat is carried off, and the temperature cannot be raised sufficiently. The superior merit of Dr. Black's furnace consists in the facility with which the admission of air is regulated; and every attempt hitherto made to improve it, by increasing the number of its aper- tures, have in reality injured it. 96. Heat may be applied to vessels employed in chemical opera- tions, a. Directly, as in the open fire and reverberatory furnace; b. Or through the medium of sand; the sand bath; c. Of water; the water bath; d xxvi Materia Medica. d. Of steam; the vapour bath; e. Of air, as in the muffle. CHEMICAL OPERATIONS. 97. In all chemical operations, combination takes place, and there are very few of them in which decomposition does not also occur. For the sake of method, we shall consider them as principally in- tended to produce, a. Change in the form of aggregation; b. Combination; r. Decomposition. 98. The form of aggregation may be altered by, a. Fusion; b. Vaporization; c. Condensation; d. Congelation; e. Coagulation. 99. Liquefaction is commonly employed to express the melting of substances, as tallow, wax, resin, Sec. which pass through intermedi- ate states of softness before they become fluid. 100. Fusion is the melting of substances which pass immediately from the solid to the fluid state, as the salts and the metals, except iron and platinum. Substances differ very much in the degrees of their fusibility; some, as water and mercury, existing as fluids in the ordinary temperatures of the atmosphere; while others, as the pure earths, cannot be melted by any heat we can produce. 101. When a substance acquires by fusion a degree of transpa- rency, a dense uniform texture, and great brittleness, and exhibits a conchoidal fracture, with a specular surface, and the edges of the fragments very sharp, it is said to be -vitrified. 102. In general, simple substances are less fusible than com- pounds; thus the simple earths cannot be melted singly, but when mixed are easily fused. The additions which are sometimes made to refractory substances to promote their fusion, are tevmedfluxes. 103. These fluxes are generally saline bodies. a. The alkalies, potass, and soda, promote powerfully the fusion siliceous stones; but they are only used for accurate experi- ments. The -white flux is a mixture of a little potass with carbonat of potass, and is prepared by deflagrating together equal parts of nitrat of potass and supertartrat of potass. When an oxyd is at the same time to be reduced, the black flux is to be preferred, which is produced by the deflagration of two parts of supertartrat of potass, and one of nitrat of potass. It differs from the former only in containing a little charcoal. Soap promotes fusion by being converted by the fire into carbonat of soda and charcoal. b. Aluminous stones have their fusion greatly promoted by the addition of sub-borat of soda. Pharmaceutical Operations. xxvii c Muriat of soda, the mixed phosphat of soda and ammonia, and other salts, are also occasionally employed. 104. An open fire is sufficient to melt some substances; others re- quire the heat of a furnace. 105. The vessels in which fusion is performed, must resist the heat necessary for the operation. In some instances, an iron or cop- per ladle or pot may be used; but most commonly crucibles are em- ployed. Crucibles are of various sizes.—The large crucibles are generally conical, with a small spout for the convenience of pouring out: the small ones are truncated triangular pyramids, and are com- monly sold in nests. 106. The Hessian crucibles are composed of clay and sand, and when good, will support an intense heat for many hours, without softening or melting; but they are disposed to crack when suddenly heated or cooled. This inconvenience may be on many occasions avoided, by using a double crucible, and filling up the interstice with sand, or by covering the crucible with a lute of clay and sand, by which means the heat is transmitted more gradually and equally. Those which give a clear sound when struck, and are of an uniform thickness, and have a reddish-brown colour, without black spots, are reckoned the best. 107. Wedgwood's crucibles are made of clay mixed with baked clay finely pounded, and are in every respect superior to the Hes- sian, but they are expensive. 108. The black lead crucibles, formed of clay and plumbago, are very durable, resist sudden changes of temperature, and may be repeatedly used; but they are destroyed when saline substances are melted in them, and suffer combustion when exposed red-hot to a current of air. 109. When placed in a furnace, crucibles should never be set up- on the bars of the grate, but always upon a support. Dr. Kennedy found the hottest part of a furnace to be about an inch above the grate. They may be covered* to prevent the fuel or ashes from falling into them, with a lid of the same materials, or with another crucible in- verted over them. 110. When the fusion is completed, the substance may be either permitted to cool in ftie crucible, or poured into a heated mould anointed with tallow, never with oil, or, what is still better, covered with a thin coating of chalk, which is applied by laying it over with a mixture of chalk diffused in water, and then evaporating the water completely by heat. To prevent the crucible from being broken by cooling too rapidly, it should be either replaced in the furnace, to cool gradually with it, or covered with some vessel to prevent its being exposed immediately to the air. 111. Fusion is performed with the intentions, a. Of weakening the attraction of aggregation, 1. To facilitate mechanical division; 2. To promote chemical action. b. Of separating from each other, substances of different degrees of fusibility. xxviii Materia Medica. 112. Vaporization is the conversion of a solid or fluid into va- pour by the agency of caloric. Although vaporability be merely a re- lative term, substances are said to be permanently elastic, volatile, or fixed. The permanently elastic fluids or gases are those which can- not be condensed into a fluid or solid form by any abstraction of calo- ric we are capable of producing. Fixed substances, on the contrary, are those which cannot be converted into vapour, by great increase of temperature. The pressure of the atmosphere has a very consider- able effect in varying the degree at which substances are convert- ed into vapour. Some solids, unless subjected to very great pres- sure, are at once converted into vapour, although most of them pass through the intermediate state of fluidity. 113. Vaporization is employed, a. To separate substances differing in volatility. b. To promote chemical action, by disaggregating them. 114. When employed with either of these views, either a. No regard is paid to the substances volatilized, 1'. From solids, as in ustulation and charring; 2. From fluids, as in evaporation; b. Or the substances vaporized are condensed in proper vessels, 1. In a liquid form, as in distillation, 2. In a solid form, as in sublimation; c. Or the substances disengaged are permanently elastic, and are collected in their gaseous form, in a pneumatic apparatus. 115. Ustulation is almost entirely a metallurgir. operation, and is employed to expel the sulphur and arsenic contained in some metallic ores. It is performed on small quantities in tests placed within a muf- fle. Tests are shallow vessels made of bone ashes, or baked ciay. Muffles are vessels of baked clay, of a semi-cylindrical form, the flat side forming the floor, and the arched portion the roof and sides. The end and- sides are perforated with holes for the free transmission of the heated air, and the open extremity is- placed at the door of the furnace, for the inspection and manipulation of the process. Therever- beratory furnace is commonly employed for roasting, and the heat is at first very gently, and slowly raised to redness. The process is ac- celerated by exposing as large a surface of thi substance to be roast- ed as possible, and by stirring it frequently, so as to prevent any ag- glutination, and to bring every part in succession to the surface. 116. Charring may be performed on any of the compound oxyds, by subjecting them to a degree of heat sufficient to expel all their hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, while the carbon, being a fixed princi- ple, remains behind in the state of charcoal. The temperature neces- sary for the operation may be produced either by the combustion of other substances, or by the partial combustion of the substance to be charred. In the former case, the operation may be performed in anv vessel which excludes the air while it permits the escape of the va- pours formed. In the latter, the access of air must be regulated in such a manner, that it may be suppressed whenever the combustion has reached tRe requisite degree; for if continued to be admitted, the charcoal itself would be dissipated in the form of carbonic acid gas, Pharmaceutical Operations. xxix and nothing would remain but the alkaline and earthy matter, which these^substances always contain. When combustion is carried this length, the process is termed incineration. The vapours which arise in the operation of charring, are sometimes condensed, as in the manufacture of tar. 117. Evaporation is the conversion of a fluid into vapour, by its combination with caloric. In this process, the atmosphere is not a necessary agent, but rather a hindrance, by its pressure. This forms a criterion between evaporation and spontaneous evaporation, which is merely the solution of a fluid in air. 118. It is performed in open, shallow, or hemispherical vessels of silver, tinned copper or iron, earthen-ware or glass. The necessary caloric may be furnished by means of an open fire, a lamp or a fur- nace, and applied either directly, or by the intervention of sand, wa- ter, or vapour. The degree of heat must be regulated by the nature of the substance operated on. In general, it should not be greater than what is absolutely necessary. 119. Evaporation may be, a. Partial: 1. From saline fluids, Concentration; 2. From viscid fluids, Inspissation. b. Total, Exsiccation. 120. Concentration is employed, a. To lessen the quantity of diluting fluids; Dcflegmation: b. As a preliminary step to Crystallization. 121. Inspissation is almost confined to animal and vegetable sub- stances; and as these are apt to be partially decomposed by heat, or to become empyreumatic, the process should always be performed, especially towards the end, in a water or vapour bath. 122. Exsiccation is here taken in a very limited sense; for the term is also with pfcpriety used to express the drying of vegetables by a gentle heat, the efflorescence of salts, and the abstraction of moisture from mixtures of insoluble powders with water, by means of chalk- stones, or powdered chalk pressed into a smooth mass. At present, we limit its meaning to the total expulsion of moisture from any body by means of caloric. 123. The exsiccation of compound oxyds should always be per- formed in the water bath 124. Salts are deprived of their water of crystallization by expo- sing them to the action of heat in a glass vessel or iron ladle. Some- times they first dissolve in their water of crystallization (or undergo what is called the watery fusion,) and are afterwards converted into a dry mass by its total expulsion; as in the calcination of borax or burning of alum. 125. When exsiccation is attended with a crackling noise, and splitting of the salt, as in muriat of soda, it is termed decrepitation, and is performed by throwing into a heated iron vessel, small quan- tities of the salt at a time, covering it up, and waiting until the decre- pitation be over, before a fresh quantity is thrown in. 126. Exsiccation is performed on saline bodies, to render them XXX Materia Medica. more acrid or pulverulent, or to prepare them for chemical opera- tions. Animal and vegetable substances are exsiccated to give them a solid form, and to prevent their fermentation. 127. Condensation is the reverse of expansion, and is produced ei- ther, a. By mechanical pressure forcing out the caloric in a sensible form, as water is squeezed out of a sponge; or, b. By the chemical abstraction of caloric, which is followed by an approximation of the particles of the substance. 128. The latter species of condensation only is the object of our investigation at present. In this way we may be supposed to condense, a. Substances existing naturally as gases or vapours; b. Substances, naturally solid or fluid, converted into vapours by adventitious circumstances. 129. The former instance is almost supposititious; for we are not able, by any diminution of temperature, to reduce the permanently elastic fluids to a fluid or solid state. 130. The latter instance is always preceded by vaporization, and comprehends those operations in which the substances vaporised are condensed in proper vessels. When the product is a fluid, it is termed distillation; when solid, sublimation. 131. Distillation is said to be performed, a. Via humidd, when fluids are the subject of the operation; b. Via sicca, when solids are subjected to the operation, and the fluid product arises from decomposition, and a new arrange- ment of the constituent principles. 132. The objects of distillation are, a. To separate more volatile fluids from less volatile fluids or solids; % b. To promote the union of different substances; c. To generate new products by the action of fire. 133. In all distillations, the heat applied should not be greater than what is necessary for the formation of the vapour, and even to this degree it should be gradually raised. The vessels also in which the distillation is performed, should never be filled above one-half, and sometimes not above one-fourth, lest the substance contained in them should boil over. 134. As distillation is a combination of evaporation and condensa- tion, the apparatus consists of two principal parts; a. The vessels in which the vapours are formed; b. The vessels in which they are condensed. 135. The vessels employed for both purposes are variously shaped, according to the manner in which the operation is conducted. The first difference depends on the direction of the vapour after its forma- tion. It either a. Descends; distillation per descensum; Pharmaceutical Operations. xxxi a. Ascends.; distillation per ascensum: c. Or passes off by the side; distillation per latus. 136. In the distillation per descensum, a perforated plate, generally of tinned iron, is fixed within any convenient vessel, so as to leave a space beneath it. The subject of the operation is laid on this plate, and is covered by another, accurately fitting the vessel, and suffici- ently strong to support the fuel which is burnt upon it. Thus the heat is applied from above, and the vapour is forced to descend into the inferior cavity, where it is condensed. In this way the oil of cloves is prepared, and on the same principles tar is manufactured, and mer- cury and zinc are separated from their ores. 137. In the distillation per ascensum the vapour is allowed to arise to some height, and then is conveyed away to be condensed. The vessel most commonly employed for this purpose is the common copper-still, which consists of a body for containing the materials, and a head into which the vapour ascends. From the middle of the head a tube arises a short way, and is then reflected downwards, through which the steam passes to be condensed. Another kind of head, rising to a great height before it is reflected, is sometimes used for separating fluids, which differ little in volatility, as it was sup- posed that the less volatile vapours would be condensed, and fall back into the still, while only the more volatile vapours would arise to the top, so as to pass to the refrigeratory. The same object may be more conveniently attained by managing the fire with caution and address. The greater the surface exposed, and the less the height the vapours have to ascend, the more rapidly does the distillation proceed; and so well are these principles understood by the Scotch distillers, that they do not take more than three minutes to discharge a still containing 50 gallons of fluid. 138. The condensing apparatus used with the common still is very simple. The tube in which the head terminates, is inserted into the upper end of a pipe, which is kept cool by passing through a vessel filled with water, called the Refrigeratory. This pipe is commonly made of a serpentine form; but as this renders it difficult to be cleaned, Dr. Black recommends a sigmoid pipe. The refrigeratory may be furnished with a stop-cock, that when the water it contains becomes too hot, and does not condense all the vapour produced, it may be changed for cold water. From the lower end of the pipe, the product of the distillation drops into the vessel destined to receive it; and we may observe, that when any vapour issues along with it, we should either diminished the power of the fire, or change the water in the refrigeratory. 139. Circulation was a process formerly in use. It consisted in ar- ranging the apparatus, so that the vapours were no sooner condensed into a fluid form, than this fluid returned back into the distilling ves- sels, to be again vaporised; and was effected by distilling in a glass vessel, with so long a neck that the vapours were condensed before they escaped at the upper extremity, or by inverting one matrass within another. 140. When corrosive substances are distilled per ascensum, the Xxxii Materia Medica. cucurbit and alembic are used; but these substances are more con- veniently distilled per latus. 141. The distillation per latus is performed in a retort, or pear- shaped vessel, having the neck bent to one side. The body of a good retort is well rounded, uniform in its appearance, and of an equal thickness, and the*neck is sufficiently bent to allow the vapours, when condensed, to run freely away, but not so much as to render the ap- plication of the receiver inconvenient, or to bring it too near the fur- nace. The passage from the body into the neck must be perfectly Tree and sufficiently wide, otherwise the vapours produced hi the retort only circulate in its body, without passing over into the receiver. For introducing liquors into the retort without soiling its neck, which would injure the product, a bent funnel is necessary- It must be suf- ficiently long to introduce the liquor directly into the body of the re- tort; and in withdrawing it, we must keep it carefully applied to the upper part of the retort, that the drop hanging from it may not touch the inside of the neck. In some cases, where a mixture of different substances is to be distilled, it is convenient and necessary to have the whole apparatus properly adjusted before the mixture is made, and we must therefore employ a tubulated retort, or a retort furnish- ed with an aperture, accurately closed with a ground stopper. 142. The tubulature should be placed on the upper convex part of the retort before it bends to form the neck, so that a fluid poured through it may fall directly into the body without soiling the neck. 143. Retorts are made of various materials. Flint-glass is com- monly used when the heat is not so great as to melt it. For distilla- tions which require excessive degrees of heat, retorts of earthen ware, or coated glass retorts, are employed. Quicksilver is distilled in iron retorts. 144. The simplest condensing apparatus used with the retort, is the common glass receiver; which is a vessel of a conical or globular form, having a neck sufficiently wide to admit the neck of a retort. To prevent the loss and dissipation of the vapours to be condensed, the retort and receiver may be accurately ground to each other, or secured by some proper lute. Means must also be used to prevent the receiver from being heated by the caloric evolved during the conden- sation of the vapours. It may either be immersed in cold water, or covered with snow or pounded ice; or a constant evaporation may be supported from its surface, by covering it with a cloth, kept moist by means of the descent of water, from a vessel placed above it, through minute syphons or spongy worsted threads. But as, during the pro- cess of distillation, permanently elastic fluids are often produced, which would endanger the breaking of the vessels, these are permit- ted to escape, either through a tubulature, or hole in the side of the receiver, or rather through a hole made in the luting. Receivers having a spout issuing from their side, are used when we wish to keep separate the products obtained at different periods of any distillation, For condensing very volatile vapours, a series of receivers, commu- nicating with each other, termed Adopters, were formerly used; but these are now entirely superseded by Woulfe's apparatus. 145. This apparatus consists of a tubulated retort, adapted to a tu- Pharmaceutical Operations. xxxiii biriated receiver. With the tubulature of the receiver, a three-neck- ed bottle is connected by means of a bent tube, the further extremity of which is immersed, one or more inches, in some fluid contained in the bottle. A series of two or three similar bottles are connected with this first bottle in the same way. In the middle tubulature of each bottle, a glass tube is fixed, having its lower extremity immers- ed about a quarter of an inch in the fluid. The height of the tube above the surface of the fluid must be greater than the sum of the columns of fluid standing over the farther extremities of the connect- ing tubes, in all the bottles or vessels more remote from the retort. Tubes so adjusted are termed Tubes of safety, for they prevent that reflux of fluid from the more remote into the nearer bottles, and into the receiver itself, which would otherwise inevitably happen, on any condensation of vapour taking place ia the retort, receiver, or nearer bottles. Different contrivances for the same purpose have been des- cribed by Messrs. Welter and Burkitt; and a very ingenious mode of connecting the vessels without lute has been invented by Citizen Girard, but they would not be easily understood Without plates. The • further tubulature of the last bottle is commonly connected with a pneumatic apparatus, by means of a bent tube. When the whole is properly adjusted, air blown into the retort should pass through the receiver, rise in bubbles through the fluids contained in each of the bottles, and at last escape by the bent tube. In the receiver, those products of distillation are collected, which are condensable by cold alone. The first bottle is commonly filled with water, and the others with alkaline solutions, or other active fluids; and as the permanently elastic fluids produced are successively subjected to the action of all these, only those gases will escape by the bent tube which are not absorbable by any of them. PNEUMATIC APPARATUS. 146. The great importance of the elastic fluids in modern chemistry, has rendered an acquaintance with the means of collecting and pre- serving them indispensable. 147. When a gas is produced by any means, it may be received either, a. Into vessels absolutely empty; or b. Into vessels filled with some fluid, on which it exerts no action. 148. The first mode of collecting gases, may be practised by means of a bladder, moistened sufficiently to make it perfectly pliable, and then compressed so as to empty it entirely. In this state it may be easily filled with any gas. An oiled silk bag will answer the same purpose, and is more convenient in some respects, as it may be made of any size or form. 149. Glass or metallic vessels, such as balloons,may also be emptied for the purpose of receiving gases, by fitting them with a stop-cock, and exhausting the air from them by means of an air-pump. 150. But the second mode of collecting gases is the most conve- nient and common. e xxxiv Materia Medica. 151. The vessels may be filled either, a. With a fluid lighter; or b. Heavier than the gas to be received into it. 152. The former method is seldom employed; but if we conduct a stream of any gas heavier than atmospheric air, such as carbonic acid gas, muriatic acid gas, &c. to the bottom of any vessel, it will gradually displace the air, and fill the vessel. 153. On the contrary, a gas lighter than the atmospheric air, such as hydrogen, may be collected in an inverted vessel by conducting a stream of it to the top. 154. But gases are most commonly collected by conducting the stream of gas into an inverted glass jar, or any other vessel filled with water or mercury. The gas ascends to the upper part of the vessel, and displaces the fluid. In this way gas may be kept a very long time, provided a small quantity of the fluid be left in the vessels, which prevents both the escape of the gas, and the admission of at- mospheric air. 155. The vessels may be of various shapes; but the most com- monly employed are cylindrical. They may "be either open only at one extremity, or furnished at the other with a stop-cock. 156. The manner of filling these vessels with fluid, is to immerse them completely in it, with the open extremity directed a little up- wards, so that the whole air may escape from them, and then invert- ing them with their mouths downwards. 157. For filling them with convenience, a trough or cistern is commonly used. This either should be hollowed out of a solid block of wood or marble; or, if it be constructed of wood, it should be #ell painted, or lined with lead or tinned copper. Its size may vary very much; but it should contain a sufficient depth of fluid to cover the largest transverse diameter of the vessels to be filled in it. At one end or side, there should be a shelf for holding the vessels after they are filled. This shelf should be placed about an inch and a half below the surface of the fluid, and should be perforated with several holes, forming the apices of corresponding conical excavations on the lower side, through which, as through inverted funnels, gaseous fluids may be more easily introduced into the vessels placed over them. In general, the vessels used with a mercurial apparatus should be stronger and smaller than those for a water-cistern. 158. We should also have a variety of glass and elastic tubes for conveying the gases from the vessels in which they are formed to the funnels under the shelf. ^ 159. Rectification is the repeated distillation of any fluid. When distillation renders the fluid stronger, or abstracts water from it, it is termed Dephlegmation. When a fluid is distilled off from any sub- stance, it is called Abstraction; and if the product be redistilled from the same substance, or a fresh quantity of the substance, it is deno- minated Cohobation. 160. Sublimation differs from distiihuion only in the form of the product. When it is compact, it is termed a Sublimate; when loose and spongy, it formerly had the improper appellation of Flowers Pharmaceutical Operations. xxxy Sublimation is sometimes performed in a crucible, and the vapours are condensed in a paper cone, or in another crucible inverted over it; sometimes in the lower part of a glass flask, cucurbit, or phial, and the condensation is effected in the upper part or capital, and sometimes in a retort with a very short and wide neck, to which a conical receiver is fitted. The heat is most commonly applied through the medium of a sand-bath; and the degree of heat, and the depth to which the vessel is inserted in it are regulated by the nature of the sublimation. 161. Congelation is the reduction of a fluid into a solid form, in consequence of the abstraction of caloric. The means employed for abstracting caloric are the evaporation of volatile fluids, the solution of solids, and the contact of cold bodies. 162. Coagulation is the conversion of a fluid into a solid of greater or less consistence, merely in consequence of a new arrangement of its particles, as during the process there is ho separation of caloric or any other substance. The means of producing coagulation are, increase of temperature, and the addition of certain substances, as acids and runnets. COMBINATION. 163. Chemical combination is the intimate union of the particles of at least two heterogeneous bodies. It is the effect resulting from the exertion of the attraction of affinity, and is therefore subjected to all the laws of affinity. 164. To produce the chemical union of any bodies, it is necessary, 1. That they possess affinity for each other; 2. That their particles come into actual contact; 3. That the strength of the affinity be greater than any counter- acting causes which may be present. 165. The principal counteracting causes are, 1. The attraction of aggregation; 2. Affinities for other substances. 166. The means to be employed for overcoming the action of other affinities will be treated of under Decomposition. 167. The attraction of aggregation is overcome by means of 1. Mechanical division. , 2. The action of caloric. 168. Combination is facilitated by increasing the points of actual contact, 1. By mechanical agitation; 2. By condensation; compression. 169. The processes employed for producing combination, may be considered, 1. With regard to the nature of the substances combined; and, 2. To the nature of the compound produced. xxxvi Materia Medica. Gases, 1. Combine with gases; 2. Dissolve fluids or solids; 3. Or are absorbed by them. Fluids, 1. Are dissolved in gases; 3. Or absorb them; 3. Combine with fluids; A. And dissolve solids; 5. Or are rendered solid by them. Solids, 1. Are dissolved in fluids and in gases; or, 2. Absorb gases; , 3. And solidify fluids. 170. The combination of gases with each other, in some instances* takes place when simply mixed together: thus nitrous and oxygen gases combine as soon as they come into contact; in other instances, it is necessary to elevate their temperature to a degree sufficient for their inflammation, either by means of the electric spark, or the contact of an ignited body, as in the combination of oxygen gas with hydrogen or nitrogen gas. 171. When gases combine with each other, there is always a con- siderable diminution of bulk, and not unfrequently they are con- densed into a liquid or solid form. Hydrogen and oxygen gases form water: muriatic acid and ammonia gases form solid muriat of am- monia. But when the combination is effected by ignition, a violent expansion, which endangers the bursting of the vessels, previously takes place, in consequence of the increase of temperature. 172. Solution is the diminution of aggregation in any solid or fluid substance, in consequence of its entering into chemical combination. The substance, wrhether solid or fluid, whose aggregation is lessened, is termed the Solvend; and the substance, by whose agency the solu- tion is effected^ is often called the Menstruum or Solvent. 173. Solution -i said to be performed via humida, when the natural form of the solve- c is fluid; but when the agency of heat is neces- sary to give the solvent its fluid form, the solution is said to be per- formed yia sicca. 174. The dissolving power of each menstruum is limited, and is de- terminate with regard to each solvend. The solubility of bodies is also limited and determinate with regard to each menstruum. 175. When any menstruum has dissolved the greatest possible quantity of any solvend, it is said to be saturated with it. But, in some cases, although saturated with one substance, it is still capable of dissolving others. Thus a saturated solution of muriat of soda will dissolve a certain quantity of nitrat of potass, and after that a por- tion of muriat of ammonia. 176. The dissolving power of solvents, and consequently the solu- bility of solvends, are generally increased by increase of temperature; Pharmaceutical Operations. xxxvii and conversely, this power is diminished by diminution of tempera- ture; so that, from a saturated solution, a separation of a portion of the solvend generally takes place on any reduction of temperature.'This property becomes extremely useful in many chemical operations, es- pecially in crystallization. 177. Particular terms have been applied to particular cases of so- lution. 178. The solution of a fluid in the atmosphere is termed spontane- ous evaporation. It is promoted by exposing a large surface, by fre- quently renewing the air in contact with the surface, and by increase of temperature. 179. Some solids have so strong an affinity for water, that they at- tract it from the atmosphere in sufficient quantity to dissolve them. These are said to deliquesce. Others, on the contrary, retain their wa- ter of crystallization with so weak a force, that the atmosphere at- tracts it from them, so that they crumble into powder. These are said to effloresce. Both operations are promoted by exposing large surfaces, and by a current of air; but the latter is facilitated by a warm dry air, and the former by a cold humid atmosphere. 180. Solution is also employed to separate substances (for exam- ple, saline bodies,) which are soluble in the menstruum, from others which are not. When our object is to obtain the soluble substance in a state of purity, the operation is termed lixiviation. In this as small a quantity of the menstruum as is possible is used. When, how- ever, solution is employed to free an insoluble substance from solu- ble impurities, it is termed edulcoration, which is best performed by using a very large quantity of the menstruum. 181. Organic products being generally composed of heterogeneous substances, are only partially soluble in the different menstrua. To the solution of any of these substances, while the others remain un- dissolved, the term extraction is applied; and when, by evaporation, the substance extracted is reduced to a solid form, it is termed an Extract, which is hard or soft, watery or spiritous, according to the degree of consistency it acquires, and the nature of the menstruum employed. 182. Infusion is employed to extract the virtues of aromatic and volatile substances, which would be dissipated by decoction, and de- stroyed by maceration, and to separate substances of easy solution from others which are less soluble. The process consists in pouring upon the substance to be infused, placed in a proper vessel, the men- struum, either hot or cold, according to the direction, covering it up, agitating it frequently, and after a due time straining or decanting off the liquor, which is then termed the Infusion. 183. Maceration differs from infusion, it being continued for a long- er time, and can only be employed for substances which do not easily ment or spoil. 184. Digestion, on the hand, differs from maceration only in the ac- tivity of the menstruum being promoted by a gentle degree of heat. It is commonly performed in a glass matrass, which should only be filled one-third, and covered with a piece of wet bladder, pierced with one or more small holes, so that the evaporation of the menstruum xxxviii Materia Medica. may be prevented as much as possible, without risk of bursting the vesse.1. The vessel may be heated, either by means of the sun's rays, of acommon fire, or of the sand-bath; and when the last is employed, the vessel should not be sunk deeper in the sand than the portion that is filled. Sometimes, when the menstruum employed is valuable, a distilling apparatus is used to prevent any waste of it. At other times, a blind capital is luted on the matrass, or a smaller matrass is invert- ed within a larger one; and as the vapour which arises is condensed in it, and runs back into the larger, the process in this form has got the name of Circulation. 185. Decoction is performed by subjecting the substances opera- ted on to a degree of heat, which is sufficient to convert the menstru- um into vapour, and can only be employed with advantage for ex- tracting principles which are not volatile, and from substances whose texture is so dense and compact as to resist the less active methods of solution. When the menstruum is valuable, that portion of it which is converted into vapour is generally saved by condensing it in a distilling apparatus. 186. Solutions in alcohol are termed Tinctures, and in vinegar or wine, Medicated vinegars or wines. The solution of metals in mercu- ry is termed Amalgamation. The combinations of other metals with each other form Alloys. 187. Absorption is the condensation of a gas into a fluid or solid form, in consequence of its combination with a fluid or solid. It is facilitated by increase of surface and agitation; and the power of ab- sorption in fluids is much increased by compression and diminution pf temperature, although in every instance it be limited and deter- minate. Dr. Nooth invented an ingenious apparatus for combining gases with fluids; and Messrs. Schweppe, Henry, Paul, and Cuth- bertson, have very advantageously employed compression. 188. Consolidation. Fluids often become solid by entering into com- bination with solids; and this change is always accompanied by con- siderable increase of temperature, as in the slaking of lime. DECOMPOSITION. 189. Decomposition is the separation of bodies which were chemi- cally combined. 190. It can only be effected by the agency of substances possess- ing a stronger affinity for one or more of the constituents of the compound, than these possess for each other. 191. Decomposition has acquired various appellations, according to the phenomena which accompany it. 192. Dissolution differs from solution in being accompanied by the decomposition, or a change in the nature of the substance dissolved. Thus, we correctly say, a solution of lime in muriatic acid, and a dis- solution of chalk in muriatic acid. 193. Sometimes a gas is separated during the action of bodies on each other. When this escapes with considerable violence and agi- tation of the fluid, it is termed effervescence. The gas is very fre- quently allowed to escape into the atmosphere, but at other times is either collected in a pneumatic apparatus, or made to enter into Pharmaceutical Operations. xxxix some new combination—The vessels in which an effervescing mix- ture is made, should be high and sufficiently large, to prevent any loss of the materials from their running over; and in some cases the mixture must be made slowly and gradually. 194. Precipitation is the reverse of solution. It comprehends all those processes in which a solid is obtained by the decomposition of a solution. The substance separated is termed a Precipitate, if it sink to the bottom of the fluid; or a Cream, if it swim above it. Precipi- tation, like solution, is performed either via humida or via sicca. 195. The objects of precipitation are, I. The separation of substances from solutions in which they are contained; 2. The purification of solutions from precipitable impurities; 3. The formation of new combinations. 196. Precipitation is effected, 1. By lessening the quantity of the solvent by evaporation; 2. By diminishing its solvent power, as by reduction of tem- perature, or dilution; 3. Or by the addition of some chemical agent, which from its more powerful affinities, a. Either combines with the solvent, and precipitates the solvend, b. Or forms itself an insoluble compound with some constituen of the solution. 197. The two first means of precipitation have been already no- ticed. Indeed they are rarely considered as instances of precipitation, as the effect is gradual, and the precipitated matter most commonly assumes determinate figures. 198. In performing it in the last manner, we may observe the following rules: 1. The solution and precipitant must possess the requisite de- gree of purity. 2. The solution should be perfectly saturated, to avoid unneces* sary consumption of the solvent or precipitant. 3. The one is to be added slowly and gradually to the other. 4. After each addition, they are to be thoroughly mixed by agi- tation. 5. We most allow the mixture to settle, after we think that enough of the precipitant has been added, and try a little of the clear solution, by adding to it some of the precipitant: if any precipitation takes place, we have not added enough of precipitant. This precaution is necessary, not only to avoid loss, but, in many instances, the precipitant, if added in excess, redissolves, or combines with, the precipitate. 199. After the precipitation is completed, the precipitate is to be separated from the supernatant fluid by some of the means already noticed. 200. When the precipitate is the chief object of our process, and when it is not soluble in water, it is often advisable lo dilute, to a xl Materia Medica. considerable degree, both the solution and precipitant, before per- forming the operation. When it is only difficultly soluble, we must Content ourselves with washing the precipitate, after it is separated • by filtration. In some cases, the separation of the precipitate is much assisted by a gentle heat. . 201. Crystallization is a species of precipitation, in which the par- ticles of the solvend, on separating from the solution, assume certain determinate forms. 202. The conditions necessary for crystallization are, 1. That the integrant particles have a tendency to arrange themselves in a determinate manner when acted on by the at- traction of aggregation; 2. That they be disaggregated, at least so far as to possess suf- ficient mobility to assu ne their peculiar arrangement; 3. That the causes disaggregating them be slowly and gradually removed. 203. Notwithstanding the immense variety in the forms of crystals, M. Hauy has rendered it probable, that there are only three forms of the integrant particles: 1. The parallelopiped. 2. The triangular prism. 3. The tetrahedron. 204. But as these particles may unite in different ways, either by their faces or edges, they will compose crystals of various forms. 205. The primitive forms have been reduced to six: 1. The parallelopiped. 2. The regular tetrahedron. 3. The octohedron with triangular faces. 4. The six-sided prism. 5. The dodecahedron terminated by rhombs. 6. The dodecahedron with isosceles triangular faces. 206. Almost all substances, on crystallizing, retain a portion of water combined with them, which is essential to their existence as crystals, and is therefore denominated water of crystallization. Its quantity varies very much in different crystallized substances. 207. The means by which the particles of bodies are disaggregated, so as to admit of crystallization, are solution, fusion, vaporization, or mechanical division and suspension in a fluid medium. 208. The means by which the disaggregating causes are removed, are, evaporation, reduction of temperature, and rest. 209. When bodies are merely suspended in a state of extreme me- chanical division, nothing but rest is necessary for their crystallization. 210. When they are disaggregated by fusion or vaporization, the regularity of their crystals depends on the slowness with which their temperature is reduced; for if cooled too quickly, their particles have not time to arrange themselves, and are converted at once into a con- fused or unvaried solid mass. Thus glass, which, when cooled quickly, is so perfectly uniform in its appearance, when cooled slowly, has a crystalline texture. But in order to obtain crystals by means of fusion, Pharmaceutical Operations. xli it is often necessary, after the substance has begun to crystallize, to remove the part which remains fluid; for otherwise it would fill up « the interstices among the crystals first formed, and give the whole the appearance of one solid mass. Thus, after a crust has formed on the top of melted sulphur, by pouring off the still fluid part, we obtain regular crystals. 211. The means by which bodies, which have been disaggregated by solution, are made to crystallize most regularly, vary according to the habitudes of the bodies with their solvents and caloric. 212. Some saline substances are much more soluble in hot than in cold water; therefore, a boiling saturated solution of any of these will deposite, on cooling, the excess of salt, which it is unable to dissolve when cold. These salts commonly contain much water of crystallization. 213. Other salts are scarcely, if at all, more soluble in hot than in cold water; and therefore, their solutions must be evaporated, either by heat, or spontaneously. These salts commonly contain little water of crystallization. U14. The beauty and size of the crystals depend upon the purity of the solution, its quantity, and the mode of conducting the evaporation and cooling. 215. When the salt is not more soluble in hot than in cold water, by means of gentle evaporation, a succession of pellicles is formed on the top of the solution, which either are removed, or permitted to sink to the bottom by their own weight; and the evaporation is con- tinued until the crystallization be completed. 216. But when the salt is capable of crystallizing on cooling, the evaporation is only continued until a drop of the solution, placed upon some cold body, shows a disposition to crystallize, or at farthest only until the first appearance of a pellicle. The solution is then covered up, and set aside to cool; and the more slowly it cools, the more re- gular are the crystals. The mother-water, or solution which remains after the crystals are formed, may be repeatedly treated in the same way as long as it is capable of furnishing any more salt. 217. When very large and beautiful crystals are wanted, they may be obtained by laying well-formed crystals in a saturated solution of the same salt, and turning them every day. In this way their size may be considerably increased, though not without limitation; for after a certain time, they grow smaller instead of larger. 218. Crystallization is employed, 1. To obtain crystallizable substances in a state of purity; 2. To separate them from each other, by taking advantage of their different solubility at different temperatures. OXYRENIZEMENT. 219. The combination of oxygen is the object of many chemical and pharmaceutical processes. 220. With regard to the manner of combination, the oxygenize- ment may take place, either, Xlii Materia Medica. a. Without the production >f heat and light, to express which there is no other than the generic term oxygenizement; or, b. With the production of heat and light; combustion. 1. In substances which remain fixed at the temperature ne- cessary for their combustion, there is no other more speci- fic term; 2. In substances which exist as gases, or are previously re- duced to the state of vapour by the temperature necessary, it is termed inflammation; and if it proceed with very great violence and rapidity, deflagration. 221. Combustion and inflammation have been already described. 222. Deflagration, from its violence, must always be performed with caution. The common mode of conducting this process is, to introduce the substances to be deflagrated together into any conve- nient vessel, commonly an iron pot, or crucible, heated to redness. But to obviate any inconvenience, and to insure the success of the process, they are previously made perfectly dry, reduced to powder, and thoroughly mixed together. The compound is then deflagrated gradually, generally by spoonfuls; but we must take care always to examine the spoon, lest a spark should adhere to it, which might set fire to the whole mass. During the process, the portion introdu- ced should be frequently stirred. 223. The oxygen necessary for the process of oxygenation may be derived from the decomposition, a. Of oxygen gas, or atmospheric air; b. Of oxyds, particularly water; c. Of acids and their combinations. 224. The different modes of oxygenizement are intended, either, a. To produce heat and light; b. To obtain an oxygenized product; 1. An oxyd, when the process may be termed Oxydizement. 2. An acid, Acidification. c. To remove an oxygenizable substance. 225. Hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen, are never, unless for expe- riment, oxygenized as simple substance*. 226. Sulphur is converted into sulphuric acid by burning it in lead- en chambers, or by deflagrating it with nitrat of potass: and phos- phorus is acidified by inflammation in the atmosphere. 227. Of all the simple oxygenizable substances, the metals are most frequently combined with oxygen; and, as in consequence of this combination, they lose their metallic appearance, they were form* erly said to be calcined or corroded. 228. Metals differ very much in the facility with which they are oxygenized by the contact of oxygen gas. For some, as iron and manganese, the ordinary temperature of the atmosphere is necessa- ry; but others, as potassium and sodium, are oxygenized even by the contact of ice; while others as gold, and platinum, scarcely undergo any change in the most violent heat. Upon these Hie operation is performed by heating them to the requisite temperature, and expo- Pharmaceutical Operations. xliii sing them to the action of the air: and on the fusible metals it is pro- moted by stirring them when melted. 229. Metals also differ in the mode of their action upon water. They are either capable of decomposing water, a. At every temperature, as potassium and sodium. b. At ordinary temperatures, as iron, zinc, manganese, &o> c. At elevated temperatures, as antimony and tin; or d. When acted upon at the same time by an acid or an alkali, as copper, lead, bismuth; or, lastly, e. They are incapable of decomposing it, as gold, silver, mercury, platinum. 230. The oxygenizement of metal* by water is promoted by the action of air. Iron, for example, is more quickly rusted by being merely moistened with water, than when totally immersed in water. 231. But the acids are the most powerful agents in oxygenizing metals. They act, in two ways, either, 1. By enabling them to decompose water; 2. By being decomposed themselves. 232. The metals are susceptible of different degrees of oxygen- izement, some of them even of acidification, and, in general, they are more oxygenized according to the rapidity of the process. When proceeding too slowly, it may be accelerated by heat; when too vio- lent, it must be checked by diminution of temperature, as by plung- ing the vessel in which the operation is performed into cold water. 233. When the degree of oxygenizement is not very great, the oxyd formed generally enters into combination with the acid em- ployed, and forms a metallic salt; but when carried to its highest de- gree, the oxyd is often insoluble. DISOXYGENIZEMENT OF METALLIC OXYDS AND ACIDS. 234. This process was formerly termed reduction, from its restor- ing the metals to their metallic splendour, and is performed by causing some body to act upon them, which has a greater affinity for oxygen than they have. The different metals themselves vary very much in the degree of this affinity, so that they are reduced with very different degrees of facility. Gold, silver, platinum, and mercury, are reduced by merely exposing them to a sufficient de- gree of heat in close vessels. The oxygen at this temperature has a greater affinity for caloric than for the metals, and is therefore driven off in the form of very pure oxygen gas. 235. Some other metallic oxyds which resist the simple action of heat, may be reduced by melting them in contact with charcoal, or substances which may be charred, such as oil, fat, resin, pitch, &c. Besides the charcoal, different saline fluxes are also added to facili- tate the fusion of the oxyd. 236. The oxyd to be reduced is mixed with a sufficient quantity of any of these substances, and placed in the bottom of a crucible, which is afterwards filled up with charcoal powder, to prevent en- tirely the access of the air, and exposed for a length of time to a xliv Materia Medica. sufficiently high temperature, when a button of the metal will com- monly be found in the bottom of the crucible. Upon the volatile metals, such as arsenic and zinc, this operation must be performed in a distilling or subliming apparatus. Some metallic oxyds, such as those of platinum, columbium, &c. cannot be reduced, from our being unable to produce a degree of heat sufficient to melt them. 237. But galvanism is by far the most powerful disoxygenizing process. By means of it the metallic bases of the alkalies and earths have been discovered. 238. Metals may be also obtained from the metallic salts, by in- serting in a solution of these a plate of another metal, possessing a stronger affinity for oxygen than for the acid. This copper is preci- pitated by iron, and arsenic by zinc. We must only take care that the two metals have no remarkable affinity for each other, as in that case an alloy is commonly produced. For example, when mercury is placed in a solution of silver, a crystallized amalgam of silver, is obtained, formerly called the Arbor Dianae. 239. The compound oxyds, (vegetable and animal substances), may be further oxygenized, by treating them with nitric acid. In this way various oxyds and acids are formed, according to the nature of the oxyd operated on, the quantity of the acid, and the mode of conducting the process. 240. These substances also undergo changes by gradually com- bining with the oxygen of the atmosphere. In some cases, this com- bination is attended with remarkable phenomena, which have been classed under the term fermentation. 241. There are several species of fermentation, which have been named from the products they afford. 1. The saccharine, which produces sugar. 2. The vinous, which produces wine, beer, and similar fluids. 3. The panary, which produces bread. 4. The acetous, which produces vinegar. 5. The putrefactive, which produces ammonia. 242. The same substances are sometimes capable of undergoing the first, second, fourth, and fifth; or third, fourth, and fifth, success- sively, but never in a retrograde order. 243. The conditions necessaary for all of them are, 1. The presence of a sufficient quantity of fermentable matter- 2. The presence of a certain proportion of water- 3. The contact of atmospheric air; and, 4. A certain temperature. 244. The saccharine fermentation—The seeds of barley, when moistened with a certain quantity of water, and exposed to the con- tact of the atmospheric air, at a temperature of not less than 50°, swell, and show marks of incipient vegetation, by pushing forth the radicle. If at this period the fermentation be checked, by exposing hem to a considerable degree of heat, and drying them thoroughly, the insipid amylaceous matter, of which the seeds principally consist- ed, will be found to be changed in part into a sweet saccharine sub- Pharmaceutical Operations. xlv stance. The oxygen of the air, in contact with the seeds, is at the same time converted into carbonic acid gas, by combining with part of the carbon of the seeds; and there is a considerable increase of temperature in the fermenting mass, even to such a degree as sometimes to set it on fire. Similar phenomena occur in the matura- tion of fruits; in the cookery of some roots and fruits, and during the heating of hay, when put up too wet. 245. The vinous fermentation.—The conditions'necessary for the vinous fermentation, are, the presence of proper proportions of sugar, acid, extract, and water, and a temperature of about 70°. When these circumstances exist, an intestine motion commences in the fluid; it becomes thick and muddv, its temperature increases, and carbonic acid gas is evolved. Alter a time the fermentation ceases, the feces rise to the top, or subside to the bottom, the liquor becomes clear, it has lost its saccharine, taste, and assumed a new one, and its specific gravity is diminished. If the fermentation has been complete, the sugar is entirely decomposed, and theTermented liquor consists of a large proportion of water, of alcohol, of malic acid, of extract, of essential oil, and colouring matter. The substances most commonly subjected to this fermentation are must, which is the expressed juice of the grape, and which produces the best wines; the juice of the currant and gooseberry, which, with the addition of sugar, form our home-made wines; the juices of the apple and pear, which give cycler and perry; and an infusion of malt, which, when fermented with yeast, forms beer. The briskness and sparkling of some of these liquors depend on their being put into close vessels before the fermentation is completed, by which means a portion of carbonic acid gas is retained. 246. The acetous fermentation.—All vinous liquors are susceptible of the acetous fermentation, provided they be exposed to the action of the atmosphere, in a temperature not less than 70°. An intestine motion and hissing noise sensibly take place in the fluid; it becomes turbid, with filaments floating in it, and its temperature increases; it exhales a pungent acid smell, without any disengagement of car- bonic acid gas. Gradually these phenomena cease; the temperature decreases, the motion subsides, and the liquor becomes clear, having deposited a sediment and red glairy matter, which adheres to the sides of the vessel. During this process, the alcohol and malic acid disappear entirely, oxygen is absorbed, and acetous acid formed. 247. The panary and colouring fermentation—is less understood than those already described. A paste of wheat-flour and water, ex- posed to a temperature of 65°, swells, emits a'small quantity of gas, and acquires new properties. The gluten disappears, and the paste acquires a sour disagreeable taste. If a just proportion of this fer- mented paste or leaven, or, what is still better, if some barm, be formed into a paste with wheat-flour and water, the same fermenta- tion is excited, without the disagreeable taste being produced; the gas evolved is prevented from escaping by the viscidity of the paste, which therefore swells, and if baked, forms light spongy bread. 248. The putrefactive fermentation.—Although vegetable sub- Stances, when they are destroyed by spontaneous decomposition, are xlvi Materia Medica. said to putrefy, we shall consider this fermentation as belonging ex- clusively to animal substances, or those which contain nitrogen as an elementary principle. The essential conditions of putrefaction are humidity, and a temperature between 45° and 110°. The presence of air, the diminution of pressure, and the addition of ferments, are not essential, but acceleraie its progress. The smell is at first vapid and disagreeable, but afterwards insupportably fetid, although the fetor, for a time, is somewhat diminished by the mixture of an am- moniacal odour. Liquids become turbid and flocculent. Soft sub- stances melt do n into a gelatinous mass, in which there is a kind of gentle motion and swelling up from the slow and scanty forma- tion of elastic fluids. Solids, beside the general softening, exude a serosity of various colours, and by degrees the whole mass dissolves, the swelling ceases, the matter settles, and its colour deepens; at last its odour becomes somewhat aromatic, its elements are finally dissipated, and there remains only a kind of fat, viscid, and still fetid mould. The products of putrefaction are carburetted, sulphuretted, and phosphuretted hydrogen gases, water, ammonia, azote, and car- bonic acid. These are all dissipated in the form of gas or vapour. When in contact with air, oxygen is absorbed. /Vcetic acid, a fatty matter, a soap composed of this fat and ammonia, and often the nitric acid, fixed by a salifiable base, are also produced; and the ultimate remains, besides salts, composed of acid and earths, contain for a long time a portion of fat charry matter. APPENDIX TABLES OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. ENGLISH. APOTHECARIES' WEIGHT, L. Pound. Ounces. Drams. Scruples. Grains. Grammes. lb i = 12 = 96 = 288 = 5760 = 372.96 ^ 1 = 8 = 24 = 480 = 31.08 31 = 3 = 60 = 3.885 9 1 = iO = 1.295 gr. 1 == 0.06475 SIGNS OF QUANTITY. A pound Jfci An ounce ^i A drachm 3' A scruple 9i A grain gr. i Table for converting Ounces, Drams, and Grains Troy into Deci- mals of the Troy Pound. Grain. lbs. Troy. Dram. lbs Troy. Oz. lbs. Tro 1 = ,000173611* 1 = .0104166 1 =. 0833 2 = .000347222 2 = .0208333 2 = .1666 3 = .000520833 3 = .0312500 3 = .2500 4 = .000694444 4 = .0416666 4 = .3333 5 = .000868055 5 = .0520833 5 «= .4166 6 «= .001041666 6 = .0625000 6 = .5000 7 = .001215277 7 = .0729166 7 = .5833 8 = .001388888' 8 = .6666 9 = .001562500 9 = 10 = 11 = .7500 .8333 .9166 xlviii Elements of Pharmacy. Table for converting Decimals of the Troy Pound into Troy Ounces, Drams, and Grains. lb. .1 = .2 = .3 = .4 = .5 = .6 => .7 = .8 = .9 =a 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 dr. 1 ; 3 4 6 0 1 3 4 6 grs. : 36 : 12 : 48 : 24 : 0 : 36 12 48 ; 24 lb. oz. dr. grs. lbs. grains. .01 = 0 : 0 57.6 .001 = 5.76 .02 = 0 : I : 55.2 .002 = 11.52 .03 = 0 : 2 : 52.8 .003 = 17.28 .04 = 0 3 : 50.4 .004 =. 23.04 .05 «= 0 : 4 : 48.0 .005 = 28.80 .06 b 0 5 : 45.6 .006 = 34.56 .07 = 0 6 : 43.2 .007 = 40.32 .08 = 0 : 7 : 40.8 .008 = 46.08 .09 = 0 : 8 : 38.4 .009 = 51.84 AVOIRDUPOIS WEIGHT. Pounds. Ounces. Drams. Troy grains. Grammes. 1 « 16 = 256 = 7000 = 453.35 ls 16 = 437.5 = 28.32 1 = 27.34375 = 1.81 Table for converting Avoirdupois Ounces into Decimals of the Avoir' dupois Pound. oz. Av. .25 .50 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 lbs. Av. .015625 .03125 .0625 .1250 .1875 .2500 .3125 .3750 .4375 oz. Av. 8.00 9.00 10.00 11.00 12.00 13.00 14.00 15.00 lbs. Av. .5000 .5625 .6250 .6875 .7500 .8125 .8750 .9375 Table for converting Decimals of the Avoirdupois Pound into Avoir- dupois Ounces and Decimals. lbs. Av. oz. Av. .1 = 1.6 .2 *= 3.2 .3 = 4.8 .4 = 6.4 .5 = 8.0 .6 = 9.6 .7 = 11.2 .8 = 12.8 .9 = 14.44 lbs. Av. oz. Av. .01 = .16 .02 = .32 .03 = .48 .04 = .64 .05 = .80 .06 = .96 .07 = 1.12 .08 = 1.28 .09 = 1.44 APP» Weights and Measures. xfix Table for converting Troy Pounds into their equivalent Avoir- dupois Pounds. lbs. Troy. lbs. Avoirdup. 0.8228571*4 lbs. Troy. 6 = lbs. Avoirdup. 4.93714285 2 = 1.64571428 7 = 5.76OOO0OO 3 = 2.4685714*2 8 = 6.58285714* 4 = 3.29142857 9 = 7.40571428* 5 = 4.114*28571 Table expressing the relative Weight in Avoirdupois of various Weights Troy. THOT. AVOIRDUPOIS. TR01 AVOIRDUPOIS dr. dr. gr dr. dr. Ri*. 1 = 2 : 5.3 125 5 = 10 : 26.5625 2 = 4 : 10.625 6 = 13 : 4.53125 3 = 6 : 15.9375 '" 7 = 15 : 9.84375 4 = 8 : 21.25 8 = 17 : 15 15625 TROT. AVOIRDUPOIS. TROT. AVOIRDUrOIS. oz. OZ. gr- OZ. oz. gr. 1 = 1 : 42.5 7 = 7 : 297.5 2 = 2 : 85. 8 = 8 : 340. 3 = 3 : 127.5 9 = 9 : 382.5 4 = 4 : 170. 10 = 10 : 425. 5 = 5 : 212.5 11 = 12 : 30. 6 = 6 ; 255. 12 = 13 : 72.5 TROT. AVOftlDUPOIS. TROT. AVOIRDUPOIS. lb. lb. OZ. gr- lb. lb. oz. gr. 1 = 0 13 72.5 17 = 13 15 359.5 2 = 1 10 145 18 = 14 12 430 3 = 2 7 217.5 19 = 15 10 65 4 = 3 4 290 20 = 16 7 137.5 5 = 4 1 362.5 30 = 24 10 425 6 = 4 14 435 40 = 32 14 275 7 = 5 12 70 50 = 41 2 125 8 = 6 9 142.5 60 = 49 5 412.5 9 = 7 6 215 70 = 57 9 262.5 10 = 8 3 287.5 80 = 65 13 112.5 11 = 8 0 360 90 == 74 0 400 12 = 9 13 432.5 100 = 82 4 250 13 = 10 11 67.5 200 = 164 9 62.5 14 = 11 8 140 ■ 300 = 246 13 312.5 15 = 12 5 212.5 400 = 293 2 125 16 = 13 2 285 $00 = 411 6 375 g Elements of Pharmacy. Table for converting Avoirdupois Pounds into their equivalent Troy Pounds. App. lbs. Avoird. I = 2 = 3 = 4 = 5 = lbs. Troy. 1.215277 2.430555 3.645833 4.86111*1 6.076388 lbs. Avoird. 6 = 7 = 8 = lbs. Troy. 7.291666 8.506944 9.722222 8 = 10.937500 Table expressing the relative value in Troy Weight of various Weights Avoirdupois. AVOIRDUPOIS. TROT. AVOIRDUPOIS. TROT. dr. dr. gl oz. oz. dr. gr. 1 = 0 27.34375 1 = 0 : 7 : 17.5 2 — 0 54.68750 2 = 1 : 6 : 35 3 = 1 22.03125 3 = 2 : 5 : 52.S 4 — 1 49.37500 4 = 3 : 5 : !0 5 — 2 16.71875 5 = 4 : 4 : 27,5 6 = 2 44.06250 6 = 5 : 3 : 55 7 ;— 3 11.40625 7 s= 6 : 3 : 2.5 8 — 3 38.75000 8 = 7 : 2 : 20 9 = 4 6.09375 9 = 8 : 1 : 37.5 10 = 4 33.43750 10 = 9 : 0 : 55 11 == 5 00.78125 11 = 10 : 0 : 22.5 12 = 5 28.13 500 12 = 10 : 7 : 50 13 = 5 55.46875 13 = 11 : 6 : 57.5 14 = 6 22.81250 14 = 12 : 6 : 5 15 = 6 50.15625 15 = 13 : 5 : 22.5 16 = 7 17.50000 16 =s 14 : 4 : 40 AVOIRDUPOIS. TROT. AVOIRDUPOIS. TROT. lb. lb. OZ. dr. gr. lb. lb. OZ. dr. gr. 1 = 1 2 4 40 17 = 20 7 7 20 2 = 2 5 1 20 18 = 21 10 4 00 3 = 3 7 6 00 19 = 23 1 0 40/ 4 = 4 10 2' 40 20 sa 24 3 5 20 5 = 6 0 7 20 30 = 36 5 4 00 6 = 7 4 00 40 = 48 7 2 40 7 = 8 6 0 40 50 = 60 9 1 20 8 = 9 8 5 20 60 = 72 11 0 00 9 = 10 11 2 00 70 = 85 0 6 40 10 = 12 1 6 40 80 = 97 2 5 20 11 = 13 4 3 20 90 = 109 4 4 00 12 = 14 7 0 00 100 = 121 6 2 40 13 = 15 9 4 40 200 = 243 0 5 20 14 = 17 0 i 20 j 300 = 364 7 0 t)0 15 = 18 2 6 00 400 = 486 1 2 40 16 = 19 5 2 40 500 = 607 7 5 20 App. Weights and Measures. U MEASURE, LONDON PHARMACOPffilA. Gal. Pints. Fluidonn. Fluidr. Minims. Troy Gr. Cub. Inch. Litres. 1=8= 128 = 1024 = 61440 = 58443 =231 = 378515 O 1 = 16= 128 = 7680= 7305 = 28.875 = 0 47398 f ^ 1= 8 = 480 = 456.5= 1.8047 = 0.02957 f 3 1 = 60 = 57 = 9.2256 = 0.00396 ttl 1 = 0.9= 0.0374 = 0.00066 ENGLISH WINE MEASURE. Ton. Pipe or Butt. Punch. Hogsh. T ierce. Gallon. Cub. Inch. 1 = 2 = 3 = 4 = 6 = 252 = 58212 .1 = 4 = 2 = 3 = 126 = 29106 1 = 4 = i = 2 = l£ = 84 63 _ 19404 14553 1 = 42 = 9902 1 231 ENGLISH ALE MEASURE. Hogsh. Barrel. Kilderk. Firkin. Gallon. Quart. Pint. Cub. Inch. 1 = ^=3 = 6 = 51 = 204 = 408 = 14382 1 = 2 = 4 = 34 = 136 = 272 = 9588 1 = 2 = 17 = 68 = 136 = 4794 1 = 8| = 34 = 68 = 2397 1 = 4 = 8 = 282 1 = 2 = 70A 1 = 351 SCOTS LIQUID MEASURE. Gal. Quart. Pint. Choppin. Mutchkin. Gills. Cub. Inch. 1 = 4 = 8 = 16 = 32 = 128 = 840 1 = 2 — 4 = 8 = 32 — 210 1 =± 2 = 4 = 16 =3 105 1 =, 2 s= 8 !=3 52.5 1 =. 4 I = 26.25 6.56 lii Elements of Pharmacy. A pp. In the preceding Tables, the cubic inch of water is estimated at 253 Troy Grains. In the succeeding Tables calculated by Mr. Fletcher it is estimated at 252.506 Troy Grains 60° Fahr. and 29.5 Bar. Cubic Inches. 1 lb. Troy, 22.81134 1 lb. Avoirdupois, 27.72135 Wine Pint. 0.790003 1 0.960073 Ale Pint. 0.6471302 0.7864429 Cubic Inches. Trov. lbs. 1 ale gallon = 282 = 12.362372 = 12 1 ale quart = 70.5 = 3.090568 =3 : 1 ale pint == 35.25 == 1.545284 = I : oz. dr. grs. lbs. Avoir. : 4 : 2 : 48.12672 = 10.172384 1:0: 42.03168=: 2.543096 6:4: 21.01584= 1.271543 Table for converting Wine Pints of Water into their equivalent. Troy and Avoirdupois Pounds. Wine Pints. lbs. Troy. lbs Troy. oz. dr. grs. lbs. Avoirdup. 1 = 1.26581783 =i 1 : 3 : 1 31.1 = 1.04158725 2 = 2.53163566 = 2 : 6 : 3 2.2 = 2.08317450 3 = 3.79745349 —: 3 : 9 : 4 33.3 5— 3.12476175 4 = 5.06327132 = 5 : 0 6 : 4.4 = 4.16634900 5 =- 6.32908915 — 6 : 3 : 7 : 35.5 t= 5.20793625 6 = 7.59490698 — 7 : 7 1 : 6.6 — 6.24952350 7 =- 8.86072481 = 8 : 10 : 2' 37.7 =3 7.29111075 8 = 10.12654264 — 10 : 1 ; 4 8.8 =— 8.33269800 9 = 11.39236047 — 11 : 4 • 5 39.9 = 9.37428525 Table for converting Cubic Inches of Water (at 60" Fahr. and 29.5 Bar.) into their equivalents in Troy iveight. Cub. Inch of Water. weighs Troy grs. 252.506 505.012 757.518 1010.024 1262.530 1515.036 1767.542 2020.048 2272.554 1728 (1 cub. foot) oz. * 0 - 1 = 1 : 2 = 2 - 3 = 3 = 4 ■ 4 909 grs. 12.506 25.012 37.518 50.024 2.530 15.036 27.542 40.048 52.554 10.368 App. Weights and Measures. liii Table for converting the Ounce Measure used by Dr. Priestley to Cubical Inches. e measures. French Cubical Inches. English Cubical Inches. 1 1.5 67 1.898 2 3.134 3.796 3 4.701 5.694 4 6.263 7.592 5 7.835 9.490 6 9.402 11.388 7 10.969 13.286 8 12.536 15.184 9 14.103 17.082 10 15.670 18.980 20 31.340 37.960 30 47.010 56.940 40 62.680 75.920 50 78.350 94.900 60 94.020 113.880 70 109.690 132.860 80 125.360 151.840 90 141.030 170.820 100 156.700 189.800 1000 1567.000 1898.000 Correspondence between English and Foreign Weights and Measures. NEW FRENCH. ' To employ, as the fundamental unity of all measures, a type ' taken from nature itself, a type as unchangeable as the globe on 'which we dwell,—to propose a metrical system, of which all the 'parts are intimately connected together, and of which the mul- 'tiples and subdivisions follow a natural progression, which is simple, c easy to comprehend:—this is most assuredly a beautiful, great, and ' sublime idea, worthy of the enlightened age in which we live.' Such were the ideas which influenced the French National In- stitute, when they chose, as the base of the whole metrical system, the fourth part of the terreatial meridian between the equator and the north pole. They adopted the ten millionth part of this arc for the unity of measure, which they denominated meter, and applied it both to superficial and solid measures, taking for the unity of the for- mer, are, the square of the decuple, and for that of the latter, litre, the cube of the tenth part of the metre. They chose for the unity of weight, gramme, the quantity of distilled water which the same cube contains when reduced to a constant state presented by nature itself; Uv Elements of Pharmacy. App« and, lastly, they decide l. th ^ ;1^ mu'- pies and submultiples of each kind of measure, whtiner >A weight capacity, or length, should be always taken in the decimal progression, as being the most simple, the most natural, and the most easy for c,a.dilation, according to the system of numeration \v!ir h all Europe has employed for centuries, and they used the prefixes, deca, hecto, kih, and myria, taken from i the Greek numerals, to express the muhiiilicatiou of the integer by 10, 100, 1000, and 10000 respectively, and deci, centi, milli, takeR from the Latin numerals, to express its division. By a careful measurement of the arc between Dunkirk and Mountjoy, they found the length of the metre to be equal to 443.296 lines of the toise of Peru. The cubic decimetre of distilled water, taken at its maximum of density and weight in vacuo, that is, the unity of weight, was found to be 18837.15 grains of the pile of Char- lemagne. The metre at 32° = 39.371 English inches at 62". The square metre = 1550.075641 English square inches. The square decimetre = 15.50075 English square inches. 100 ares or square decametres = 2 English acres nearly. Cub. feet. cub. inch. The cubic metre = 61028.028 English cubic inches = 355 48.028. The cubic decimetre, or litre = 61.028 English cubic inches. Equal to the bulk of a killogramme of water. Troy gr. The gramme or weight of a cubic centimetre of water = 15.44402. MEASURES OF LENGTH: The Metre being at 32°, and the Foot at 62». English Inches, Millimetre = .03937 Centimetre = • .39371 Decimetre = 3.93710 Metre = 39.37100 Decametre = 393.71000 Hecatometre = 3937.10000 Kilometre = 39371.00000 Myriametre = 393710.00000 Mil. 0 Fur. 0 Yards. 10 Feet. 2 Inch, 9.7 0 0 109 1 1 0 4 213 1 10.2 6 1 156 0 6 App. Weights and Measures. lv Metr e. Eng. feet. Inches. Decimetre. Eng. inches 1 = 3 : 3.371 1 —i 3.9731 2 =3 6 : 6.742 2 — 7.8742 ■6 = 9 . 10.113 3 = 11.8113 4 = 13 1.484 4 = 15.7484 5 = 16 4.855 5 — 19.6855 6 = 19 • 8,226 6 — 23.6226 7 = 22 11.597 7 t=s 27.5597 8 == 26 2.968 8 = 31.4968 9 ace 29 6.339 9 = 35.4339 MEASURES OF CAPACITY. Millilitre _ Cubic Inches. .06103 Centilitre Decilitre Litre — .61028 6.10280 61.02800 ENGLISH. Tons. Hogs. Wine, ga = 00 0. Pints. 2.1133 Decalitre = 610.28000 = 0 0 2. 5.1352 Hecatolitre 6102.80000 = 0 0 26.419 Kilolitre = 61028.00000 = I 0 12.19 Myrialitre = 610280.00000 = 10 1 58.9 Litre. E ng. cub. inch. 61.028 = Ale pints. 1.7313 Wine pints. 2.11353 Oz. troy of water. 31.104 2 = 122.056 = 3.4626 = 4.22706 = 64.208 rt __ 183.084 = 5.1939 = 6.34059 = 96.312 4 = 244.112 = 6.9252 = 8.45412 = 128.416 5 = 305.140 = 8.6565 3= 10.56765 = 160 520 6 = 366.168 = 10.3878 = 12.68118 = 192.624 7 = 427.196 = 12.1191 = 14.79471 = 224.728 8 = 488.224 = 13.8504 = 16.90824 = 256.832 9 = 549.252 = 15.5817 = 19.02177 =s 288.936 MEASURES OF WEIGHT. Milligramme Centigramme Decigramme Gramme Decagramme Hecatogramme Kilogramme Mynagramme English grains. .0154 .1544 1.5444 15.4440 154.4402 1544.4023 15444.0234 154440.2344 AVOIRDUPOIS. Pounds. Oun. Dram 0 0 5.65 0 3 8.5 2 3 5 22 1 •2 lvi Elements of Pharmacy. App. Gram. 1. = Troy. grs. 15.444 Deca-gram. 1. = 1 dram. 2 : 2. = 30.888 2. = 5 : 3. m= 46 332 3. = 7 : 4. = 61.776 4. = 10 : 5. = 77.220 5. = 12 : 6. = 92.664 6. = 15 : 7. = 108.108 7. = 18 : 8. = 123.552 8. = 20 : 9. = 138.396 9. = 23 : Troy grs. 34.44 8.88 43.32 17.76 52.20 26.64 1.08 35.52 9.96 Hecto- gram. 1. = 2. = 3. = 4. = 5. = 6. = 7. =± 8. = 9. = Troy oz. 3.2175 6.4350 9.6525 12.8700 16.0875 19.3050 22.5295 25.7400 28.9575 'Avoird. oz. = 3.5279 = 7.0558 = 10.5837 = 14.1116 = 17.6395 = 21.1674 = 24.6953 =. 28.2232 = 31.7511 The decimal progression of all the French weights and measures renders it only necessary to change the decimal point in order to convert one into the equivalent of any other of the same species and numerically the same, but of a different denomination. Thus as 9 litres are equal to 15.5817 ale pints, 9 hectolitres will be equal to 1558.17 ale pints; and so of the rest. Weights and Measures used in France before the Revolution. DIVISION OF FRENCH WEIGHTS. Pound. Ounces. Gros. Deniers. Grains. Troy grs. PoidsdeMarcl ~r= 16 =128 = 384 ;= 9216 = 7561 Apothecary 1 = 12 = 96 = 288 = 6912 _, 5670.5 Marc 1 = 8 = 84 — 142 • = 4808 = 3780.5 1 = 8 — 24 = 576 = 472.6 1 = 3 = 72 = 59.1 1 = 24 =: 19.7 1 ,=: 0.8 Troy grains. The French pound = 7561 = ounce = 472.5625 gros = 59.0703125 a grain = 0.820421 1.31268 lb. troy. 0.984504 oz. troy. 0.984504 dram. The English troy pound of 12 ounces The troy ounce The dram of 60 grains The penny-weight or denier, of \ 24 grains - The scruple of 20 grains The grain ... The avoirdupois pound of 16 ounces, or 7000 troy grains. The ounce .... =7021 \ == 585.0833J = 73.13511 29.2544/ Paris grains. 4.3784 1.2189 8538. 533.6250 |» Paris grains. App. Weights and Measures. lvii To reduce Paris grains to English grains, divide by > English grains to Paris grains, multiply by ) Paris ounces to E^lish troy ounces, divide by 7 English troy ounces to Paris ounces, multiply by £ Pound (Poids de Marc) to troy pound, multiplyby > Troy pound to pound Poids de Marc, divide by 3 1.2189 1.015734 1.31268 Table showing the Comparison between English and French Weights (Poids de Marc.) English Grs. French Grs. English Grs. French Grs 1 = 1.2189 9 ■= 10.9704 2 = 2.4378 10 = 12.1890 3 = 3.6568 20 =, 24.378 4 = 4.8757 30 = 36.568 5 = 6.0947 40 = 48.757 6 = 7.3136 50 = 60.947 7 = 8.5325 60 c= 73.136 French Grs. Troy Grs. French Grs. Troy Grs. 1. u= 0.820421 10. = 820421 2. —- 1.640842 20. = 16 40842 3. —. 2.461263 30. e=- 24 61263 4. — 3.281684 40. 1—1 32.81684 5. — 4.102105 50. = 41 02105 6. C3 4922526 60. =, 49.22526 7. H=! 5.742947 70. = 57.42947 8. ^r. 6.563368 72. =1 59.070312 9. = 7.383789 ' Gros. Drams. Grs. Gros. Drams. Grs. 1 = 0 59.07 5 = 4 : 55.35 2 S=3 1 58.14 6 = 5 : 54.42 0 = 2 57.2.1 7 = 6 : 53.49 4 = 3 56.28 •. oz. Trov oz. Drs Grs. Fr. oz. Troy oz . Drs. Grs. 1. _ 0 : 7 52.56 9. = 8 6 : 53.04 2. .- 1 : 7 45.12 10. = 9 6 : 45.60 3. __ 2 : 7 37.68 11. = 10 6 : 38.16 4. ^_ 3 : 7 30.24 12. = 11 : 6 : 30.72 5. _ 4 : 7 22.80 13. = 12 : 6 : 23.28 6. __. 5 : 7 15.36 14. = 13 : 6 : 15.84 7. _ 6 : 7 : 7.92 15. = 14 : 6 : 8.40 8. — 7 : 7 : 0.48 h lviii Elements of Pharmacy, App. Fr. pounds. Tr. 02 1. = 15 2. B 31 3. = 47 4. e 63 5. ** 78 dr. : 6 : 4 : 2 : 0 : 6 Grs. : 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 Fr. pounds. 6. =a 6. = 9. — Tr. oz. 94 110 126 141 ' dr. : 4 . 2 0 6 Gri. : 6 : 7 : 8 : 9 —♦»- The French ell, The half toise Aune, LONG MEASURE. French Inches. feet, inches. lines. =37 10.5 = 3 English Inches. =, 46.69 —, 38.355 The foot The inch The line English Foot. rm£ 1.0654167 ~ 12.785 1.0654 0.0888 The English foo t French Foot. = 0.9386 French Inches. c 11.2632 The inch = 0.9386 ,The line =s» 00.7823 To reduce French feet or inches to English feet or inches, multi- ply by 1. 0654167, or divide by 0.9386. To reduce English long measure to French, multiply by 0.9386, or divide by 1.0654167. Tables expressing the value of French feet and inches in English Measure. Fr. feet or in. 1 = French feet 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. English inches. 12.785 25.570 38.355 51.140 63.925 76.710 89.495 102.280 115.065 127.850 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Eng. feet or in. 1.0654 + 2.1308 3.1962 4.2616 5.3270 6.3925 7.4579 8.5233 9.5887 10.6541 11.7195 12.7850 SQUARE MEASURE. The French square foot or inch = 1.13510 English. The English square foot or inch = .88126 French. To redtrce French square measure to English, multiply by 1.13510, or divide by 0.88126. To reduce English square measure to French, multiply by 0.88126, or divide by 1.13510. App. Weights and Measures. Hx CUBE MEASURE. The F rench cubic foot or inch, = 1.209367 English. The English cubic foot or inch, = 0.8263784 French. To reduce French cube measure to English, multiply by 1.209367, or divide by 0.8268784. To reduce English cube measure to French, multiply by 0.8268784, or divide by 1.209367. When one French cubic inch weighs 1 grain French, or contains 1 grain of any substance; one English cubic inch weighs or con- tains 0.67839 English grains. To reduce the weight or contents of French cube measure in French grains, to the weight or contents of English cube measure in Troy grains, multiply by 0.67839. Fr««*h eube foot Eng. cube foot French cube foot Eng. cube foot or inch. or inch. or inch. or inch. 1 — 1.2093 + 6 = 7.2562 2 — 2.4187 7 = 8.4655 3 =- 3.6181 8 = 9.6749 4 = 4.8374 9 = 10.8842 5 = 6.0468 10 = 12.0936 MEASURES OF CAPACITY FROM BAUME. Pint. chop. demisetier. poisson. demipoisson. OZ. Pinte 1 = 2 = 4 =8 = 16 == 32 Chopine 1 = 2=4 = 8 ■r= 16 Demisetier 1 =2 = 4 = 8 Poisson 1 = 2 = 4 Demipoisson 1 = 2 Once = 1 The legal pint in common use in Paris seems to have been different from that now taken from Baume, which perhaps is peculiar to apothecaries. Their relations are the following: Fr. cub. in. Eng. cub. in. Eng. wine pint. Tr. pound. Litres. Common pinte = 48 = 58.05 = 2.01 = 2.54 = 0.95 Baume's pinte = 49.52 = 59.89 = 2.07 = 2.62 = 0.98 lx Elements of Pharmacy. App. Table showing the relative value of the old and new French weights and measures in round numbers, (Parmentier.) Kilogramme Demikilogramme Gramme Demi gramme 2 Grammes 4 Grammes 8 Grammes 32 Grmiimes Decigramme Deuiidecigramme 3 Decigramme 12 Decigramme 1 Litre Demilitre Quart de Litre 2 livres, Poid de Marc 1 livre 18 grains 9 grains 1 gros 2 gros 1 once 2 grains 1 grain 6 grains 24 grains 1 pinte 1 chopine demisetier GERMAN. COLOGNE WEIGHT. Marc.'Oz. Loth. Drs. Pwts. Hellers. As. Eschen. Grs. St. parts. 1=8= 16 = 64 = 256 = 512 = 1792 =4352 = 6144 = 65536 1= 2= 8= 32= 64= 224= 544= 768= 8192 1= 4= 16= 32= 112= 272= 384= 4096 1 = 4 = 8 = 28 = 68 = 96 = 1024 Is- 2= 7= 17= 24= 256 NUREMBERG, OR APOTHECARIES WEIGHT. Pound. Ounces. Drachms. Scruples. Grains. Troy gn. 1 = 12 = 96 = 288 = 5760 = 5388 1 = 8 = 24 = 480 = 460.5 1 = 3 = 60 = 57.5 1 = 20 1 = 19.2 0.96 Table showing the Comparison between Grammes and Troy, French, and Nuremberg Apothecary Grains. Nuremberg. 16.128 = 32.256 48.384 = 64.512 = 80.641 96.769 = 112.897 129.026 = 145.154 161.282 Gramme. Troy. Poids de Marc. 1 ss 15.444 — 18883 2 = 30.888 = 37.766 3 = 46.332 = 56.648 4 = 61.776 = 75.530 5 = 77.220 = 94.413 6 = 92.664 = 113.296 7 = 108.108 = 132.179 8 = 123.552 = 151 062 9 = 138.996 = 169.944 10 = 154.440 = 188.827 Weights and Measures. lxi Swedish Weights and Measures, used by Bergman and Xchcele. The Swedish pound, which is d'vided like the English apothecary, or troy pound, weighs 6556 grains troy. The kanne of pure water, a< cording to Bergman, weighs 42250 Swedish grains; and occupies 100 Swedish cubical inches. Hence the kanne of pure water weighs 480S3.719444 English troy grains, or is equal tol89.9413 English cubic inches; and the Swedish longi- tudinal inch is equal to 1.238435 English longitudinal inches. From these data, the following rules are deduced: I. To reduce Swedish longitudinal inches to English, multiply by 1.2384, or divide by 0.80747. 2. To reduce Swedish to English cubical inches, multiply by 1.9, or divide by 0.5265. 3. To reduce the Swedish pound, ounce, drachm, scruple, or grain, to the corresponding English troy denomination, multiply by 1.1382, or divide by .8786. 4. To reduce the Swedish kannes to English wine-pints, multiply by .1520207, or divide by 6.J7804. 5. The lod, a weight sometimes used by Bergman, is the 32d part of the Swedish pound; therefore, to reduce it to the English troy pound, multiply by .03557, or divide by 28.1156. Relation of the Pound Weight in different Countries of Europe to each other; in French Grains. Warsaw 15288 Dantzic - 8791 Vienna - - 10688 Madrid - - - - 8656 Amsterdam - 9258 Frankfort 8650 Geneva - 9234 Marseilles - 80S4 Paris - - 9216 Stockholm - - - 8000 Lisbon - 9212 London - - - - 7140 Strasburgh - - -Copenhagen -Berlin 9015 - 8876 8816 German apothecary Florence and Rome Naples ... 6733 6386 6218 Manheim 8804 5 Genoa - 6180 Hamburgh Cologne - - 8799.5 \ - 8797.5 Milan -Venice - 5400 5040 TABLES OF SPECIFIC GRAVITIES. ACIDS. Acetic Acetous Arsenous < ° * ~ I common Benzoic T, C scales lioracic -i c , I iused Formic Citric ... Laccic Fluoric - Molybdic Muriatic, liquid Nitric, liquid common Oxalic, liquid Oxymuriatic, liquid T. T. B. B. Du. H. K. H. T. Du. P. T. R. K. Du. B. Bcr. 1.0626 L. 1.080 1.007 to 1.0095 5.000 3.706 1.8731 0.667 1.479 1.803 1.102 to 1.113 0.9942 L. 1.0345 1.025 1.5000 L. 3.460 1.1940 L. 1.583 1.5543 1.504 1.5800 L. 1.2715 L. 1.0503 1.003 Phosphoric dry glass liquid Saclactic, liquid Sulphuric Sulphurous, liquid Sulphuretted muriatic Tartaric Actinolite, asbestous common glassy - Adamantine spar Adhesive slate Adularia iEtites - . - Alalite - Du. 1.5575 B. 2.687 H. 2.8516 T. 1.417 M. 1.C015 2.125 L. T. 2.000 T. 1.85 1.8409 L. T. 1.05 13 1.623 T. H. 1.5962 2.584 to 2,916T. 3.000 to 5.310T. 2.95 to 3.903 Kl. 3.981 KI. 2.080 S. f 2.506 to 2.600 T.« 2.559 M. (_ 2.561 T. 2.574 3.3374 ha 3 <3 *C3 Alcohol, see table of specif IC gravity of Alcohol of sulphur T. 1.3 Agate, oriental L. 2T5901 onyx L. 2.6375 Aloes, hepatic L. 1.3586 socotorine L. 1.3795 Alabaster antique - L. 2.7141 Hy. 2.7302 Acajou, gum L. 1.4456 Alumine ... K.C H. t 2.000 0,8200 Amber, yellow transparent L. 1.0780 opaque Du. 1.0855 red Du. 1.0834 green Du. 1.0829 Ambergris L. 0.9263 Du. 0.7800 G. 0.844 to Amethyst, common T.J. 2.750 oriental - Hy. 2.651 Amianth ... T. 0.9888 to Ammonia, liquid T. 0.900 L. 0.8970 Du. 0.9054 Ammonium - — .3 Ammoniac-gum 1.2071 Amphigene Kl. 2.455 to Analcime - T. 2. + Anatase 3.8571 T. > Annatto 0.5956 L. Anime, oriental - 1.0284 L. occidental 1.0426 L. Alouchi-gum 1.0604 L. Arcanson 1.0857 L. Aqua marine, oriental 3.5489 L. occidental 2.7227 L. Assafoetida ... 1.3275- L. Asphaltum, cohesive \ 1.450 "] 2.060 ' r 1.070 f 1.165 J Du. ^ compact i ■& Andaluzite 3165 Haw. Andreolite - T. 2.333 to 2.361 Anhydrite ... 2.940 Kl. Anthracite T. 1.415 to 1.800 05 Antophyllite 3.156 T. Apatite - T. 2.824 3.2 Apophyllite - - - T. 2.491 Arclizite - 3.6063 Dan. P Arendate vel acanticone 3.4529 to 3.46 T. Argentine - 2.740 T. Argil, see alumine Arragonite - 2.9465 Haw. Argillite - T. 2.67 to 2.88 Asbestus, common - T. 2.547 to. 2.995 elastic B. 0.903 to 0.680 PT amianthus T. 0.9888 to 2.3134 ►-« Asparagus stone - J. 3.098 Augite W. 3.471 R. 3.777 3.2265 "I .477" ' Aurum graphicum - T. 5.723 paradoxicum Kl. 5 73 to 6.115 Automolite - - T. 4.261 Axinite - - - Haw. 3.213 to 3.300 K. S.295 Ger. 3.250 Azure stone - - Bl. 2.771 Haw. 2.767 2.945 K. 2.896 Barytes - Four. 4 000 H. 2.374 Baroselenite - T. 4.4 to 4.5 Basalt B. 3.000 Br. 2.864 K. 2.979 Beryl, precious - - 2.650 to y W. 2.759 2.683 to 2!722 schorlous - Kl. 3.530 Haw. 3.514 } I Br. Beryl, schorlous S.50S *) to y Buc. 3.530 J. <* Bildstein Kl. 2.785 1 to y ki. 2.815 J Baras, gum L. 1.0441 Benzoin ... L. 1.0924 T. 1.092 Bdellium - L. 1.3717 Du. 1.1377 3 Borax - T. 1.740 3 Bassora, gum L. 1 4346 ts Bitumen Judea - Du. 1.104 r Bitier spar - J. 2.480 Blood, human Hal. 1.0527 bullocks - Four , 1.056 Bole 1.400 I K 2.000 5 0 Bones, teeth, adult 2'2727? Fox. 2.0833 S children Boracite - T. 2.566 Brass - Wat. Br. 8.441 7.824 Bronzite ... T. 3.200 Butter - Du. 0.9423 of Caiva - Du. 0.8916 > of Cacao L. 0.8916 •XX —J App. Tables of Specific Gravities. lxv ^ ffij rsA^> r**A>^ rov^ «^a^> «^a0>'ONNNC':^'*,0 cocoCTMCTc^c^cic^c^c^wc^CTMCTdc^CTciciricocoeoco'cococi « v a "Is u a JC o t/J O" "c c D.'£ —c tf> PQ j? u o g t: .g It U s- oo o o o OfflH 3 o •OO—■■ CO tO —'tOtfl OO<0 — N C! (D - OOOjOCIOlitCI'* © b ^; ^ _• _; „• _: _. a . -j- C f5 c/3 » s j£pq^ H ^ jqa H W l»N^»"t<"N^O r»«s-o t^ V5 CO —ib--. CO OOOCOOCOCOOC«— NOWOOtoOOlcO CT>C7>a>0>C^O">0> — tO(NtOtOtOCO(N'<*tO>000 0000 — 00-'(N^^-. 3 c V x; w c« C *J u CS C3 ?3 « at o rj. O co — a 2SS-2S9^ffi. ^'*t>«-*^'*'j'to«o-* oto^.— — SJ^2i2^^?9^>loh-<:h00^-o>c^OtJ|oo—■ oi oo n » - oioi oo OJO^C3»O^»'OtO«O»OtO»^00>OtOtO00-tJ ft! § E£ "3 o d P3 *• 7] E o u in 3 60 «d ii fo Ph £ E E E o £ •" C • ^ Eft j^^.^fe «*««— . 3 J5 sT u «* . . . . 3 .c "5 FJ3 o Sj J-4 C* CN <0 h. 00fl O «) W O tO'*O>O>'*tO00K.O>CJ>CN C> ca eo co cn -i «" ««'«'« "♦' "«' o d d d d c d 6 d o c> «' « b © ■ "co w "2 3 3 '* .2* s 3 o 2 35 3 £ 5 tn »"■£ S "3 OS b£ c S 2 >» w _o e u 2.7111 | 2.7101 J 2 600 I 2.564 J 2.8160 0.92 2.7151 1.825 4.4161 1.2948 0.7690 1.5153 1.4573 1.7228 1.5263 3.575 3.420 3 365 ? 3.390 5 3.407 4.5 2.23 2.4 2.080 J. L. L. Hy. L. L. L. L. L. L. L. W. Kl. Kl. Haw T. T. Kl. Klinkstone .... 2.575 Kl. Labdanum ... 1.1862 I in tortis 2.4933 L. Lac .... 1.1390 L. Lapis obsidian us ... 2.3480 L. ollaris Dauphiny 2.7687 L. Sweden 2.8531 L. lazuli ... 2.771 Bl. 2.896 K. 2.767 J 2.945 £ Haw Lepidolite ... 2.816 Kl. 2.854 Haw Leucite .... 2.468 Br. 2 464 K. 2.461 Kar. 2.455 2.490 \ Kl. Lime stone, common compact 2.600 I J. 2.700 foliated granular 2.700 I J. 2.800 2.84 T. calc spar 2.693 I T. 2.718 Lime .... 2.3908 K. 2.37 Mus. 1.523S H. Magnesia ... 3.3298 0.346 K. H. Marl indurated - 1.6 > T. 2.877 £ Mastic . 1.0742 L. Marble, green compact 2.7417 L. red com pact 2.7242 L. white Carara 2.7168 L. Parian 2.8376 L. Milk asses' . 1.0355 L. cow's - - 1.0324 L. ewe's - 1.0409 L. goat's - . 1.0341 L. mare's - 1 0346 L. woman's . 1.0203 L. Meerschaum ... 1.600 Kl. Melanite - 3.691 3.800 Kar. W. Mellite - 1.666 I J. 1.5858 Menachanite ... 4427 Gr. Menilite . 2.185 Kl. Mesotype - 2.0833 Haw. METALS Antimony ... £1. e.720 L. 6.7Q21 App. Tables of Specific Gravities. lxxi to eo «o — eo »o m . c* — — c* •* co j •*■ .J fe «eoeo«jo-*.«:..^^t3_:t: -.4.^ ts « eoeoeocoeo"eoJW^UlC5pqK^O ffi as :-• pq pq K J ffi u< d '-'v^ „ CJ c» - 2 to o» o> at w 2S5^f^r22O000jO'^eN'0 »o — Oo^ — eo g WCTNCHOSPHOMM-OMMin ■* — »0 G K. O e?Sir;r»? tJ q?°.vJ~;^eo9,00i"*'0.010 0t«-»^ eo eo «* Mo«t(oeoco09 0»0000oo ■* co O to no o h to 00 eo — OlOW^iOlOOMtf-• Ol to -* ~ ON N iO ■* M ")C)OOlOnn N B « q a n n w w ^ "5 q s ■* O M iO N S lO « S t. u> vo 3.0 . . - • I £ I ..£ . 6 § •§ OQQ_3Ji4«pqd^w:2jKpqpqM pq ££«dpqJcohpq)§ pq • , , «*° ... , "^ 12 ' ' * ° c<- o cd e £ i fr -S £ ■ g s S 2 a >, ■ Wb0 B -a 'S I '§£ '& o o u E E'S a S £ Cobalt, grey ore black ore indurated Columbium columbite - Copper not hammered wire drawn native - sulphuret, com. ore variegated pyrites ore white grey ore 5.511 7.7207 2.019 2.425 5.918 8.830 8.895 9.3243 9.000 7.7880 8.8785 7.6 8.5844 7.728 4.129 5.452 4.8648 4.956 4.983 5.467 4315 4.080 4.160 4.344 4.500 4.8648 4.594 Haw. K Hat. Lew. Hat. B. Cr. L. L. K. Haw. G. K. Haw. K. Wied. K. G. Br. Lam. Haw. Wied. Copper, grey ore 4.4460 ? 4.560 5 Bour. red ore foliated 3.950 Wied. radiated azure 3.6082 Br. 3.231 Wied. 3.400 Bind. malachite fibrous - 3.5718 Br. compact 3.653 k. 3.6412 Br. 3.500 I 3.994 $ Mus. emerald 2.850 Lam. 3.300 Haw. mica 2.5488 J. lenticular ore 2.8819 Bour. oliven ore foliat. 4.2809 Bour. fibrous 4.2809 Bour. phosphuret of - 7.1220 D. alloys of, viz. brass not hammered 8.3958 L. wire drawn - 8.5441 L. common - 7.8240 L. Gold, pure, hammered - J. 19.258 to 19.640 19.3617 L. 19.3 T. not hammered 19.2581 L. 19.277 D. sterling 22 carats hammered 17.5894 L. not hammered 17.4863 L. rr Gold French coin 21f| carats not coined 20 carats not hammered hammered native N. Carolina Iridium, ore of Iron .... bar . . . . cast native pyrites, common radiated magnetic magnetic iron stone, common iron sand Iron glance, common - Iron mica Iron stone, ochery red Iron, compact K. > red hematites brown iron stone compact Br. K. 3» brown hem at. sparry iron stone black iron stone compact yenite ... clay iron stone (red chalk) K. Br. Wied. T. lenticular common Ro. S513 3 en T3 =p =r S* 3 5 —" O o = ffl -- is Si. , ~ » ° c S » 2. 3 O •3 >3 ►3 o 3* P °i E o 2, 3 O =/-3 §2 o o -rt 3 3 "3 o-o si •< 3 MSOiOiMMOlOJN»->-----^-SOli^MWMtaUUMOiMu L3-i»-^s^totabMk303^c,?uasb*obu,o5o!oio(jiu (Ck5^^BO>C05CMi--C!M«uCMOOV u OS O i^ O S Ol OOOOBOiUiONOOKSNMOOjOMO O) ic u it». ^ •{»■ -* CO ~4 WO- Ol ksv*J v^v>J <^6)T.~,*?.'"-..o:,'tt.r—•5r<,o p q • cc ceo- 2. s:* • •3,3 coco SIT. r-3 3 o 2 =; o 3_ a £* » ff' o » n 3 o_ *<" cr ° 3 ~>3 "3 3" cr o 3 P O- J_ '-4 io '•— co o> bo to to co m IW b b O ~* to to oi oi ooo. *-^to^.ottocT>OCoctoa)tooi*.-sc7>oi ^-o>tocooiObC'— O 0) si u h o> O co — to .— to — — O O 00 Ot at ^k pt b m * ^l CO 00 _ ot O Oi Ol Ol Oi Ot •< to at J c 2. •ddV '/tOVUlUDlfJ fo S)U9U19}7[ / AIXXJ Manganese, grey ore of, foliated 3.742 black ore (wad.) 2.000 3.000 red ore (carbonat) 3.233 peroxyd of 4.000 Mercury, fluid 13.545 13,508 13.575 13.613 solid 14.465 14.391 15 612 native 13.6 13.581 native amalgam 10.+ sulphuret (cinnabar) 7.786 dark red 6.9022 10.2185 10.000 hepatic ore of, compact 7.937 7.100 7.186 7 352 Molybdena ... 7.400 8 611 8.600 sulphuret 4.569 4.7385 4.048 Ha. Dol. K. D. Du. Br.Cau. F. Bid. Bid. Sch. Du. T. Hau. T. K. Br. Br. Du. G. Kl. K. Hie. Bu. Du. Kar. Br. K. Molybdena, sulphuret 64.67 Sc. > 8.38 D. •o 8.82 D. "p Nickel - 8.279 i Ri. hammered - 8 666 molten - 7.8070 L. copper nickel 7 560 G. forged 6.6081 6.6486 I Br. 3 Palladium ... 11.3 11.871 I Wol. r Platina - 23000 K. ^ 21 3 D. pure hammered 24.000 Chab. -5? 20.980 J. 22 0690 L. 10.481 F. Jo f 10.3946 T. hammered - < 10.4177 T. rolled - - (. 10.4812 T. hammered 10.500 Mus. 10.980 Lew. 10.5107 L. Pf Paris std. not hammered 10.1?52 L. •< Silver, std. Paris, hammered 10.3765 L. French coin 10,4077 L. native, common 10.000 G. 10333 Se. auriferous 10.64- T. antimonial ore of 9.4406 Hau. 10.000 Se. corneous ore of 4 804 G. (muriat) 4.7488 Br. 4.748 Hau. sulphuret, common 7.215 G. (vitrous ore) 7.200 Lam 6.9099 Br. antimonial (brittle S. ore) - 7.208 G. red S. ore dark 5.608 ~> 5.684 J G. 5.5637 Br. light red 5.443 G. 5.5886 Br. 5 592 V. Tellurium 6.115 Kl. 5.730 h. native 5.723 Mul. (aurum paradoxicum) 6.115 Kl. graphic ore 5723 Mul. 4 107 Jac. yellow ore 10 678 Mul. black ore - 8.919 Mul. Tellurium, black ore 6.157 Jac. Tin, pure melted 7.2914 L. X hardened 7.2994 L. < of Malacca, not hardened 7.2963 L. hardened 7.3065 pyrites (Sulphuret) 4350 4.785 Kl. Lam. tin stone 6.300 6.989 I G. ha 3 6.9009 6.9348 i Br. 5.845 6970 I Kl.' - s? wood tin 6.450 Kl. sS 6.738 Hum. S 5 800 Brun. 5 a Titanium, red oxyd of 4.2 T. menachanite - 4.427 Gr. 3 4.270 Lamp. a octahedrite 3.8571 Hau. ^ *? 4.180 Kl. 4.246 Lam. 4.1025 Hau. 4.2499 V. nigrine 4.445 4.543 Kl. Lamp. 4.673 Low. > T5 3.700 V. iserine 4.5 J. T5 Titanium, rutilite Tungsten wolfram tungstatof lime Uranium pitch ore uran mica uran ochre, indurated Zinc 3.510 3 480 17.6 17.33 17.3 6 835 7.130 7.1195 5.705 7.3333 7.006 6.955 4 355 5.800 6.028 6.0665 6 000 6.015 5.570 8.100 9.000 6.3785 6.5304 7.500 3.1212 3.1500 3.2438 6 861 7.1 Kl. Sc. E. Al. Ai. D. E. G. Br. Gm. Hau. K. Hat. Ley. K. Br. G. Kl. Kl. Bu. M. Hau. Kl. Cham. Lam. Hau. Lew. Br. Zinc, (hammered) sulphuret blend yellow brown B. foliated black B. calamine carbonat of hydrous carbonat of Meteoric stones Mica, black green Micarell Mineral tallow 7.1908 6.953 7.028 7.065 4.044 4 048 4.067 3 770 4 048 3.963 3 967 3.930 4 1665 5.398 3.5236 4.1000 3.434 4.334 3.584 3.352 4.281 2.9004 2.934 2.79 2.6546 3.1212 2.980 0.770 PPP°oo z 2: 2 2222 22 ^ 12.^5 ~"0 3 o ft 0 — »-*-lotO kO CO W CO CO -i-WMMMOSmO-i- oiototo — — u 01 - to bi -s b to to to *>.coio*>,tobotototo — b O £ — Ot*- — COtO^^JOi tO^lOi*-^ MOi«8J(jiO- >- 0iN01l0*kOi00iaiOi^*.SM-OiW-a)U(o00OiOW0iUSS N-S-MCOtOwi W^^W(OWSOiN03OIWCO-q09WCO00M,OCnO CCC3CCCCCCCCCCC3CC.......... •ddy •hjvmuvt/jfo siugutQffl *HAxxl Oil of Orange flowers 0.8798 Du. Hyssop 0.8892 Du. Filberts 0.916 Du. Walnut 0.9227 Du. Hempseed 0.9258 Du. Rape seed 0.9 193 Du. Ben - 0.9119 Du. Codfish 0 9233 Du. Obsidian 2.348 J. 2432 Hum Ochre red ... 2.952 T. Oliven ore, foliated 4.2809 T. fibrous 4281 T. Olivine ... 3.225 W. 1 3.265 Kl. Orpiment red - 3 3384 Br. yellow 3.048 K. 3.521 Gel. Paranthine - 368 > 3.70 5 Dan. Pearl stone - 2.340 Kl. Peat, hard ... 1.S290 L. Pebble of Rennes 2.6538 L. Pharmacolite 2.64 I 2.536 5 Kl. Phosphorite - 2.814 T. Pierre de Volvic - 2.3205 L. Phosphorus - 1.7140 L. Pinite ... 2.980 K. Pitch, mineral slaggy 107 I T 1.J65 $ elastic 0.9(^53 } T 1.233 J ore ... 6.3785 } V1 7 5+ \ KL stone ... 2.314 Bl. 1.645 Kl. black - 2.0499 L. blackish - 2.3191 L. red 2.6695 L. yellow 1.0860 L. Porcelain, Seves 2.1457 L. Limoges 2.3410 L. China 2.3847 L. Plumbago, scaly 1.987 I „ 2.267 J Porcelain earth 2.23 J 24 5 l' Porphyry, red 2.7651 L. of Dauphiny 2 7033 L. Prase .... 2.5805 L. Pumice stone ... 0.9145 L. Potash 1.7085 H. 4.6215 K. Potassium ... 0.6 D. Prehnite, Cape - 2.6969 Hau Phrenite, Cape - 2.942 2.9423 Br. K. of France - 2.6097 Hau Pyromachus 2.58 2 63 2 594 2.581 I T. Bl. Pyrophsalite - 3.451 T. Pyrope 3.941 3.718 W. Kl. Quartz amethyst, common 2.750 J. rock crystal - 2.650 Br. crystal, Madagascar 2.6530 L. Brazil 2.6526 L.- Europe 2.6548 L. 2.605 2 888 \ Kar common - 2.6404 J. 2.6546 £ Prase - 2.5805 L. crystallized - 2.6546 L. amorphous - 2.6471 L. Reddle - 3.931 S.1391 Bl. Br. Rosin, white - . 1 0819 H. yellow - 1 0727 L. Rhomb spar - 2.480 J. Ruby - 3.700 W. Ruby 3.645 Hau. X 3.570 Kl. K oriental 4.2833 L. X Brazil - 3.5311 L. Balass 3.6458 L. Spinell - 3.7600 L. Ruthile - - - 4.18 Kl. - 4.2499 V. Rutilite 3.510 T. 3 --- SALTS. Acetat of alumine 1.245 H. Barytes 1.828 H. Copper 1.779 Wen. ^ Iron 1.368 H. •tJ Lead 2.345 H. :> a Lime 1 005 H. 55 Magnesia - 1 378 H. Soda 2.1 H. «o Arseniat of copper, various 2.881 ] 2.548 > Bour. 4 280 J Iron 3. Bour. Borat of Magnesia 2.566 T. Mercury 2,266 H. Soda 1.740 K. s* 1.720 Wal. 13 1.757 Wat. T3 Carbonat of ammonia . 0.966 H. 1.824 K. 1.5026 Mus. 1.450 V. Barytes, native 4.331 T. ar tificial 3.763 T. Iron . 3.333 T. Lead . 7.2357 Bour Lime . 2.7 T. Magnesia • 0.2941 H. Potash - . 2.012 H. 2.749 Mus. sub- of Soda _ 1.3591 H. 1.421 K. Strontian . 3.66 T. Chromat of Lead . 6. T. Columbat of Iron . 5918 Hat. Fluat of Alumine and Soda 2.950 T. Lime . 3.15 T. Molybdat of Lead . 5.706 Hat. Muriat of Ammonia . 1.450 Wat. 1.453 Wal. 1.420 K. Barytes . 2 8257 H. oxy - of Copper - 1.6775 H. of Lead . 1.8226 H. Lime . 1.76 H. Magnesia - - 1.601 H. Mercury corrosive 5.1398 H. Muriat of mercury, corrosive 4.142 Wat n ild . 7.1758 H. Potash hype oxy- 1.836 1.989 K. H. Soda 2.1-5 2.120 2.143 2.200 F. K. Wat. H. Strontian . 1.14402 H. Tin - . - 2.2932 H. Zinc - 1 577 H. Nitrat of Alumine . . 1.645 H. Ammonia - 1.5785 H. Barytes ■ . 2 9149 H. Copper - 2.174 H. Lead . - 4 068 H. Lime - 1.6207 H. Magnesia - - 1.736 H. Potash 1.933 1.9369 1.900 2 150 Wat. H. Wal. F. Soda . 2.0964 H. Zinc . . 2.096 H. Oxalat of antmonia, solution of 1.0186 T. Phosphat ot Arimonia - 1.8051 H. Barytes - 1.2867 H. Copper -■ - 1.4158 H. Iron - 2.539 Cad. > 3 e* 2 Phosphat of Tron - - 2.6 T. Magnesia 1.5489 H. Mercury 4 9835 H. Potash 2 8516 H. Soda 1 333 H. and Ammonia 1.5-9 H. Prussiat of Mercury 2 76.2 11. Soda and Iron cryst. 1.458 T. Sulphat of alumine (Alum) 1 7109 H. 1 7i9 Wal. 1 757 1 738 1.714 Wat. r. N. 1 726 Mus. Copper 2 230 Wat. 2.1943 H. Iron 1.812 Wat. 1 880 Wal. 1 8399 H calcined 2 616 Wat. Lead 1.8742 H. Magnesia 1.6603 H. A err my 6.444 Wat. Potash ' - 2.298 Wal. 2.636 \\ at. 2 4' ■!3 H. Soda 2.246 Wal. 1.580 Wat. 1.4457 H. Sulphat of zinc Sulphite of potash Tartrai of potash and soda super- ot potash Sagapenum Salilite Saliva Sandarach Sappare Sapphyr oriental 2.3953 1.933 1.912 1.712 1.586 1.757 1.5.^67 1.953 1.8745 white Brazil 3 rb s? > Sapphyr of Puy 4.0769 L. Sarcocoll 1.2684 L. Suussurite ... S 200 ] 3.389 \ Saus Scammony, Aleppo 1.2354 L. Smyrna 1.2743 L. Scapolite 3 68 ) 3.70 \ Dan. 2 7404 T. Schiefer spar ... 2.740 T. Sea froth - 1 600 Kl. salt .... 2.125 F. 2 120 K. 2.143 Wat solution of 1.098 Wat Selenite - 2.322 T. Semiopal ... 2.540 Kl. Sardonyx ... 2.6025 L. Serpentine, common 2.5 74 1 T. 2.709 I green 2.896() L. Dauphiny 2 9983 L. black 2.9339 L. opaque green Ital. 2 4295 L. Serum of blood 1.0287 Jur. Schorl, common 3.092 Br. 3.150 Ger. 3 212 K. Tourmaline, green - 3.086 3 0863 3.3626 blue T. 3.155 W. 3 130 Br. black prismatic hexahedral 3.3852 L. sparry - 3.3852 L. umoiphous - 2.9225 L. Schorlite - - - 3 503 } n ^3 3.530 { Bu- I Sidero-calcite - - - 2 837 T. 2 Silica .... 2.66 K. «o Slate, common schistus - 2.6718 L. ^? for roots - - 2 8535 L. **> adhesive - - - 2.080 Kl. 3 drawing: - - 2 144 / ~, ^h 5 2.77 \ 1- ,. .. S before imbibing 0 590 } „. ^ polishing 1 t ° n -,. - > 1. 3 1 ° C water .0.606 S S I. Sr. after - 1.909 1.91 I whet - - - 2 722 T. Slate, clay ... 2.6 ? v 2 68 5 K' Slate spar ... 2.740 T. Smaragdite - 3. T.i ^ Soda - 1 336 H. * Sodium - - - 0 9348 1). * Sommite ... 3.2741 T. C: Sommite . 3.2474 Hau. Spar, pyram. calcar. . 2.7302 L. heavy - - 4.4300 L. 4 4 4.5 \ T. strontites - 3.7260 I L. 3 6500 fluor, white - . 3.1555 L. red • 3.mi L. green - - 3.1817 L. blue . 3.1688 L. violet - - 3.1757 L. Sanguis draconis - 1.2045 L. Storax - • 1.1098 L. Specular iron ore, common 5.01 16 Br. 5218 K. micaceous 3.50 5.07 I K. Spelter, see zinc - Spermaceti - - 0.9433 L. Spinell - 3.570 3.700 Kl. W. Spodumene - ■ 3.1923 3 218 Hau. Dun. Staurolite - 2.333 2.361 Hau. K. Staurolithe . - 3.2861 Hau. Steatite - 2.614 Bl. Steel 7.78 I T. £" 7.84 I X Stilbite 2.500 Hau. X Stone ware, viz. < East-India china 2 385 Br. 2.346 Wat. Limoges porcelain 2.341 Br. Bristol stone ware 2.340 Wat. Flint ware - 2.188 Wat. Sevres porcelain 2,146 Br. t* Yellow ware 1.988 Wat. 2 Strontian, carbonat 3-40 K. 3.675 Kl. 3.644 K. &» sulphat compact 3.830 Kl. "5, 3 5 } 3.596 J T. 5 ^4 fibrous 3.83 T. Sugar, white 1.6060 Du. 3 Sulphur, native 2.0332 L. roll 1 9907 L. Stone, paving ... 2.4158 L. Portland 2.533 Hy. Grind- ... 2.1429 L. Cutlers- - 2 1113 L. Fontainbleau 2.5616 L. Scythe, Auvergne 2.5638 L. > Lorrain 2.5298 L. 13 Mill- 2.4835 L. TJ Stone, various building Swinestone Tacamahac Talc Venetian or common Muscovy Topaz, occidental oriental pistachio Brazil Saxon white Touch stone Turpentine, liquid Tourmaline Triphane ... Tripoli - Urine, human 1.3864 2.3902 2.712 L. T. 1.0463 L. 2.7 2.8 2 7917 3.464 3.564 4.0106 4.0613 3.5365 3.5640 3.5535 2.4153 0.9910 3.0704 3 155 3.1923 3.218 2.080 2.529 1.0106 1.005 1.033 T. L. T. L. L. L. L. L. L. L. Hau. W. Hau. Dan. T. L. C. Vermillion 4.2299 L. Vcsuvian ... 3 0382 ) „ 3.409 J HaU Vinegar, red 1 025 1 white 1 014 I Du. distilled 1.010 J Volcanite ... 3.2265 Hau 3.4771 W. Wacke ... 2 535 I T 2 893 J Water, distilled 1.000 Wavellite, soft 2.22 Gr. compact 2.253 Gr. Wax, yellow 0.9648 L. white - 0.9686 L. Shoemakers 0 8970 Du. of Tallow tree - 0.8970 L. Whey, Cows 1.0193 L. Wernerite - 3 6063 T. Whet slate ... 2.722 T. Witherite - 4.3 / rp 4.338 £ ===B WOODS. Alder - 0.8000 L. Aloe .... 1.177 Mus Ash - 0.8450 L. Apple .... 0.7930 L. £<*-=-:Lr-5-—"5 c^--cr -' = o X — ~ ^ 2. E n -3 r S3 O 3 ? •— ^ r: — ro - *•< <_ tT E. o 2. S r« C f? - •-< 2. n = o 1 3 J) c' eg • E 3T . U3 ST" OO- OOi— oo — oooooooo — c>— ■— ocoop — o StO-aioONSiJioioffiN(ji*ii«oi'uiot,}OU'JiOis'KiCb 0MN'O*.0i3i^Ij — — COOCtOOi-^O — io ^j Ol — ^ - A U Ui OlSONi|iMtnOiWO)!,iwi|uOOOO-'OM100-C>U*«iO-M OOOOOOCOO OOOOOOOOOw GO ooo o rrrrrccrr^crcrrrrsrr^rgrrrg!- • • c c ' • = c • c ' v o — _:. o O i» b bo co to co s bi oi *• - s ^ n bi ot u _0 — OO^IOODOOOOCO £. — C(XwSCCI3OOi»(jiW00 COtOOO co ocoooooooo*.o .— •<,— • • • pa p * ptc; • • • • c c " * " " • • = e C • ■ ddy '/lODUUVlJJ fo S}U9lU9]fl IAXXX] App. Tables of Specif c Gravities. lxxxvii Names of Authors cited in the Tables of Specific Gravities. Ai Aik.n. (Jer. Gerhard. iMor. M'.rell. Al. AII, i. Um. Gn>tlin.' Mol Mollinghof. B. K I'Rnan. Gnu. d-n. Mul. Muller. Bl. B umenbach. Geh. G.-blen. Mac. Macquart. Hid Iii'Mle. H. Hassenfratz. Mus. M.ibdienbroek. ]}(»>. Host nek. Hat. Hatchett. N. Newton. Br. H is on. Ily. Henry. Hi. Hichter. IJnur Hnurtion. H'n>. liiel.n. Ho. Hctheram. Bind. Him'heiin. Hum. Mumlioldt. He. Keuss. Bu Hucholz. Hid. Muller. Hin. liinman. Brun. H.u'inii-h. Her. Herman. Sm. Smithson. C. Cruicksliank. ._! I. ^ ! lisinger and Sell. Schuitz. Cr. Croiisiadt. ' £ 15 rzelius. St. Stutz. Cad. ( a 4587 4555 2602 4717 4685 2780 5237 5205 9850 17977 17945 1 1414 20577 20545 11680 21097 21065 j 12001 21637 21605 12136 21877 21845 12857 23177 2314j 36 98 66 60 14.' 108 63 145 113 77 170 138 8(> 176 144 100 212 180 104 219 187 110 230 198 116 242 210 ' 120 248 216 140 283 251 282 540 508 290 554 522 299 570 538 310 590 558 315 600 5fi8 3j0 660 628 1 —68 —90 — 122 —44 —50 —82 —30 —23 —5 5 —25 — 14 —46 — 18 0 —32 + 6 + 43 + L 15 59 27 IS 66 34 Lead (Crichton) 594 (Irvine) 540(Newton) Zinc Wedg. Antimony Brass 21 Copper 27 Silver 28 Gold 32 Cobalt, cast iron 130 Nickel 150 Soft nails 154 Iron 158 Manganese 160 Platina, Tungsten, Molybdena, 170+ Uranium, Titanium, Sec. 3. Solids and Liquids Volatized. Ether Liquid'ammonia Camphor (Venturi) Sulphur (Kirwan) Alcohol 174 (Black) Water and essential oils Phosphorus (Pelletier) Muriat of lime (Dalton) Nitrous acid Nitric acid White oxyd of arsenic Arsenic Phosphorus in close vessels Sulphur Sulphuric acid (Dalton) 546 (Black) Linseed oil, Sulphur (Davy) Mercury (Dalton) 644 (Secondat) 600 (Black) 4. Miscellaneous effects of Heat. Greatest cold produced by Mr. Walker. Natural cold observed at Hudson's bay. Observed on the surface of the snow at Glasgow, 1780 At Glasgow, 1780 Fqual parts, snow and salt Phosphorus burns slowly- Vinous iermenta'ion begins to 135, Animal putref; ction XC1V Seau 19 20 21 25 28 33 40 44 59 120 269 315 341 342 380 448 462 564 737 1451 2313 2880 3750 4450 5370 58001 6270 6520 6925 7025 7100 7460 7650 9131 11106 Elements of Pharmacy. App. Cent. Fahr Amer 24 75 43 25 77 45 26 80 48 31 88 56 35 96 64 41 107 75 50 122 90 54 130 98 74 165 133 150 303 600 271 335 635 603 384 750 718 427 800 768 428 802 770 475 884 752 560 1050 1018 577 1077 1045 705 1300 1268 986 1807 1775 1814 2897 2865 2780 5237 5205 3580 6507 6475 4680 8480 8448 5610 10177 10145 6770 12257 12225 7330 ! 3297 13265 7850 14337 14305 8150 14727 14695 8650 15637 15605 8770 15897 15865 8880 16007 15975 9320 16807 16775 9600 17327 17295 11414 20577 20545 13900 25127 25095 to 80, Summer heat in Britain Vinous fermentation rapid, acetous be- gins (Got- Phosphorus burns in oxygen, 104 tling) Acetification ceases, phosphorus ductile to 100, Animal temperature Feverish heat Phosphorus burns vividly (Fourcroy) 148 (Thomson) Ammonia disengaged from water Albumen coagulates 156 (Black) Sulphur burns slowly Boracium burns Lowest heat of ignition of iron in the dark Iron bright in the dark Hydrogen burns, 1000 (Thomson) Charcoal burns (Thomson) Iron red'in twilight Iron red hot in a common fire Wedg. Iron red in daylight 1 Azotic gas burns +2 Enamel colours burned 6 Diamond burns (M'Kenzie) 5000 14 (Morveau) Settling heat bf plate glass 29 Delft ware fired 40 Working heat of plate glass 57 Flint glass furnace 70 Cream-coloured ware fired 86 Worcester china vitrified 94 Stone ware fired 102 Chelsea china fired 105 Derby china fired 112 Flint glass furnace greatest heat 114 Bow china vitrified 121 Plate glass greatest heat 1?4 Smith's forge 125 Hessian crucible fused 150 Greatest heat observed. 185 Extremity of Wedgewood 240 Table of High Degrees of Heat, according to the correction of Wedg- wood's scale by Guyton Morveau. Reaum. 215.9 252.4 257 8 271 4 299.2 Cent. 269 9 315.6 322.2 3 39.3 374. Fahr. 517.76 599.6 612. 642.75 705.25 Amer. 485.76 567.6 580. 610 75 673.25 Red heat in day light Linseed oil boils Lead melts Mercury boils /Cine melta Wedg. 0 App. Frigorific Mixtures. XCV Reaum Cent. Fahr. i Amer. Wedg. 382.6 478.2 892.74 860.74 Enamels melt 6 410 2 5129 955.23 923.23 Antimony melts 7 438.1 547.6 1017 73 985 73 Copper 1 and tin 3 melt 8 465.8 582.3 1080.23 948 23 Silver 1 and tin 1 melt 9 521.8 651 8 1205 22 1183 22 Copper and tin, equal parts, melt Copper 3 and tin 1 melt 11 632.6 790.7 1455 21 1423.21 15 799.2 998 9 1836.17 1804 17 Brass melts 21 827. 1033.7 1892.67 1860 67 Silver melts 22 965.9 1207.3 2205. 5 2173.15 Copper melts 27 1104 8 1380.9 2517.63 2485.63 Gold melts. 32 2715.8 3394.7 6196.40 616440 Iron, sweating heat 90 2854.7 3568.3 6508 88 6476.88 Iron, welding heat 95 3549.1 4436.3 8071.28 8039.28 Porcelain of China softens 120 3688. 4609.9 8383 76 8351 76 Smith's forge 125 3826.9 4783.5 8696.24 8664.24 Cast iron melts 130 4243.6 5651.5 9633.68 9601.68 Porcelain melts 155 4382 4 5825.1 10517.12 10475.12 Manganese melts 160 4821.3 5998 7 10829 60 10797 60 Heat of Macquer's furnace 165 4938.0 6172.3 11142.08 11 110 08 Furnace with three blasts 170 5076.9 6345.9 11454.56 11422.56 Soft iron melts 175 • * # # Nickel melts Platinum melts * TABLES. Frigorific Mixtures, selected from Mr. Walker's Publication, 1808, communicated by the Author. Frigorific Mixtures, without Ice. Mixtures. Thermometer sinks. Degr.of cold produced Muriat of ammonia 5 parts Nitrat of potash 5 Water - - 16 From + 50° to + 10° 40 Sulphat of soda 3 parts Diluted nitric acid 2 From + 50 to — 3 53 Sulphat of soda 6 parts Nitrat of ammonia 5 Diluted nitric acid 4 From + 50 to — 14 64 Phosphat ot soda 9 parts Nitrat of ammonia 6 Diluted nitric acid 4 From + 50 to — 21 71 i 1 N. B. If the materials are mixed at a warmer temperature than that expressed in the table, the effect will be proportionally greater; thus, if the most powerful of these mixtures be made when the air is + 85°, it will sink the thermometer to + 2°. xcvi Elements of Pharmacy. App. Frigorific Mixtures, with Ice. Mixtures. Thermometer sinks. Degr. of cold produced. Snow, or pounded ice, 2 parts Muriat of soda, - 1 J 1 to-5o **! # Snow, or pounded ice, 12 parts c ? f . 0_ Muriat ol soda - - 5 i s "^ • Nitrat of ammonia 5 ^ J * Snow .... 3 | r ioo. oo t^-i j i u • • i o From + 32 to — 23 Diluted sulphuric acid 2 1 ' 55 r, • * n- o i from + 32 to— 50 Cryst. muriat of lime 3 ' 82 N. B. The reason for the omissions in the last co'umn of this ta- ble is, the thermometer sinking in these mixtures to the degree men- tioned in the preceding column, and never lower, whatever may be the temperature of the materials at mixing. Combinations of Frigorific Mixtures. Mixtures. Thermometer sinks. Degr. of cold produced. Snow .... 3 parts Diluted nitric acid 2 From 0 to — 46 46 Diluted sulphuric acid 3 ) Diluted nitric acid 3 £ From—10 to —56 46 Muriat of lime - 3 From —15 to —68 53 Diluted sulphuric acid 10 From —68 to —91 23 N. B. The materials in the first column are to be cooled, pre- viously to mixing, to the temperature required, by mixtures taken from either of the preceding tables. Affinities. xcvii TABLES OF SIMPLE AFFINITY. OXYGEN. CARBON. .icids lioracic, Ac ius. tartaric Carbon, Oxygen, Nitrous, Succinic, ' Manganese, Iron, Carbonic, Phosphoric, Zinc, Hydrogen. Prussic, Mucic, iron, Oil, Nitric, Tin, NITROGEN. Water, Muriatic, Antimony, Oxygen, Sulphur. Suberic, Hydrogen, Sulphur ? Fluoric, ■ 'hosphorus, Phosphorus, BARYTA. Arsenic, Sulphur, Hydrogen. Acids. Sulphuric, Lactic, \rsenic. Oxalic, Succinic, Citric, Malic, Nitrogen, HYDROGEN. Mickd, Chlorine, Fluoric, Benzoic, Cobalt, Oxygen, Phosphoric, Acetic, Copper, Iodine, Mucic, Boracic, Bismuth. Sulphur, Nitric, Sulphurous, Caloric ? C.irbon, Muriatic, Nitrous, Mercury, Ph sphorus, Suberic, Carbonic, Silver, Nitrogen. Citric, Prussic, Arsenious acid. Tartaric, Aisenic, Sulphur, Phosphorus, Nitric oxyd, S'.1 LPHLR. Gold, PHOSPHORUS \ Lactic, Water, Platinum, Potass, Benzoic, Fixed oil. Carbonic oxyd, Muriatic acid, Soda, lion, Acetic, Boracic, MAGNESIA- White oxyd of Copner, Sulphurous, Acids Oxalir, maganesc, I'm,' Nitrous, Phosphoric, White oxyd of Lead, Carbonic, Sulphuric, lead. Silver, Prussi,c, Fluoric, Bismuth, Sulphur, Aisenic, OXYGEN. * Antimony, Phosphorus, Mucic, Titanium, Mercury, Water, Succinic, Manganese, Arsenic, Fixed oil. Nitric, Ziiic Molybdenum. Muriatic, Tartaric, Citric, Iron, Tin, S TRONTIA. Acids. Sulphuric, POTASS, SODA, & Uranium, AMMOX'U, Phosphoric, Malic? Mohbdenum, Acids. Sulphuric, Oxalic, Lactic, Tungsten, Nitric, Tartaric, Benzoic, Cobalt, Muriatic, Fluoric, Acetic, Antimony, Phosphoric, Nitric, Boracic, Nickel, Fluoric, Muriatic, Sulphurous, Arsenic, Oxalic, Succinic, Nitrous, Ciiromum, Tartaric, Acetic, Carbonic, Bismuth, Arsenic, Arsenic, Prussic, Lead, Succinic, 'Boracic, Sulphur. ! Copper, . Citric, Carbonic. Tellurium, Lactic, Water. ALUMINA. Platinum, Benzoic, Acids Sulphuric, Mi rcury, Sulphurous, LIME. Nitric, Silver, Acetic, Acids. Oxalic, Muriatic, Gold. Mucic, 1 Sulphuric, 1 Oxalic, * Vauquelin's table of the affinity of the metals for oxygen, according to the diffi cultv with which their oxyds are decomposed by heat. n xcviii Elements of Pharmacy. App. Tables of Simple Affinity,—continued. .icids. arsenic, 4c«tf*.Carboiuc, /Icids Mucic, OXYD OF TINf. Fluoric, Ammonia. Nitric, icids, Gallic, Arsenic, Muriatic, 1 artaric, Succinic, JXYD OFMERCURY Phosphoric, Sulphuric, Oxalic, Mucic, dcids. Gallic, Succinic, - Citric, Muriatic, Fluoric, Tartaric, Phosphoric, Oxalic, Citric, Arsenic, Lactic, Succinic, Lactic, Phosphoric, Benzoic, Arsenic, Acetic, Nitric, Acetic, Phosphoric, Boracic, Succinic, Boracic, Sulphuric, Prussic, Fluoric,* Sulphurous, Mucic, Carbonic, Mucic, Nitrous, Tartaric, Fixed alkalies, Citric, Carbonic, Citric, Ammonia, Lactic, Prussic. Malic, Fixed oils. Acetic, Sulphurous, Nitric, Boracic, Prussic, SILICA. Acid. Fluoric, Potass. Fluoric, OXYD OF ARSENIC Ammonia. Acetic, Acids Gillie, Benzoic, Boracic, Muriatic, OXYD f>F ZINC. OXYD OF PLATINUM. Oxalic, Acids. G ui'.c, CtXTl) O" GOLD * Prussic, Sulphuric, Ox a Ik, Acids Gallic, Carbonic. Nitric, SuipMu ic, Muriatic, Tartaric, Muriatic, Nitric, OXYD OF LEAD Phosphoric, Mucic, Sulphuric, Acids Gallic, Fluoric, Nitric, Arsenic, Sulphuric, Succinic, Tartaric, Fluoric, Mucic, Citric, Phosphoric, Tartaric, Oxalic, Acetic, Citric, Phosphoric, Arsenic, Prussic, Succinic, Oxalic, Tartaric, Fixed alkalies, Fluoric, Citric, Phosphoric, Vmmonia, Arsenic, Acetic, Muriatic, Fixed oils, Lactic, Succinic, Sulphurous, Water. Acetic, Prussic, Suberic, B.iracic, Carbonic, Nitric, Prussic, Ammonia. Fluoric. OXYD OF IRON. Carbonic, Citric, Malic, Succinic, Acids. Gallic, Oxalic, Tartaric, Fixed alkalies, Amm-mia. OXYD OF SILVER. Acids. Gallic, Muriatic, Lactic, Camphoric, OXYD OF ANTIMONY Oxalic, Acetic, Sulphuric, Acids. Ga'lic, Sulphuric, Benzoic, Mucic, Muriatic, Mucic Boracic, Muriatic, Benzoic, Phosphoric, Prussic, Nitric Oxalic, Sulphurous, Carbonic, Phosphoric, Sul huric, Nitric, Fixed oils, Arsenic, Nitric, Arsenic, Ammonia. Fluoric, Tartaric, Fluoric, Succinic, - Mucic, Tartaric, OXYD OF COPPER Citric, Phosphoric, Citric, Acids. Gallic, Lactic, Citric, (Lactic, Oxalic, Acetic, Succinic, Succinic, Tartaric, Boracic, Fluoric, Acetic, Muriatic, Prussic, Aisenic, Prussic, Sulphuric, | Crhor.ir Lacti.-, * Omitting the oxalic, citric, succinic, and carbonic, and adding sulphureted hydro- gen after ammonia. _ . f Bergman places the tartaric before the muriatic: ^PP* Affinities. xcix Tables of Simple Affinity,—continued. Acids Acetic, Boracic, Prussic, Fixed alkalies, Ammonia. SULPHURIC ACID PRUSSIC*. Baryta, Strontia, Potass, Soda, Lime, Magnesia, Ammonia, Glucina, Gadolina, Alumina, Zirconia, Metallic oxyds. immonia, Magnesia, Glucina, Alumina, Zirconia, Metallic oxyds, Silica Potass, Soda, Ammonia, Glucina, Alumina, Zirconia, Silica. Ammonia, Baryta, Lime, Magnesia, Alumina. CAMPHORIC ACID. Lime, Potass, Soda, B ryta, Ammonia, Alumina, Magnesia, PHOSPHOROUS ACID§. L;m^, Baryta, Strontia, Potass, Soda, Ammonia, jlucina, Vlumina, Zirconia, Metallic oxyds. ACETIC ACID. LACTIC. SUBERIC. Baryta, Potass, Soda, Strontia, Lime, Ammonia, Magnesia, Metallic oxyds, Glucina, Alumina, Zirconia. FIXED OILS. Lime, Baryta, Potass, Soda, Magnesia, Oxyd of mercury, Other metallic oxyds, Alumina. . ALCOHOL. Water, Ether, Volatile oil, Alkaline sulphu-rets. NITRIC ACID. MURIATIC ||. Baryta, Potass, Soda, Strontia, Lime, Magnesia, Ammonia, Glucina, Alumina, Zirconia, Metallic oxyds. SULPHUROUS ACID. SUCCINIC f-Baryta, Lime, Potass, Soda, Strontia, Magnesia, Ammonia, Glucina, Alumina, Zirconia, Metallic oxyds. PHOSPHORICACID. CARBONIC £. Baryta, Strontia, Lime, Potass, Soda, OXALIC ACID. TARTARIC. CI TRIC f f. Lime, Baryta, Strontia, Magnesia, Potass, Soda, Ammonia, Alumina, Metallic oxyds, Water, Alcohol. SULPHUHETED HYDROGEN. Baryta, Potass, Soda, Lime, Ammonia, Magnesia, Zirconia FLUORIC ACID BORACIC ^f. ARSENIC * *. TUNGSTIC. Lime, Baryta, Strontia, Magnesia, BENZOIC ACID White oxyd of arsenic, Potass, Sod-», * With the omission of all after ammonia. f Ammonia should come before magnesia; and strontia, glucina, and zirconia should be omitted. t Magnesia should stand above ammonia, and alumina and silica should be omitted. § Ammonia should stand above magnesia. || Silica should be omitted, and, instead of it, water and alcohol be inserted. If Except silica. * * With the omission of strontia, metallic oxyds, glucina, and zirconia, ft Zirconia after alumina. Elements of Pharmacy. App. Relative attractions at the lowest temperature qf Visible Ignition, by Sir H. Davy. OXYGEN. CHLORINE. SULPHUR. PHOSPHORUS Potassium Potassium Potassium Potassium Sodium Sodium Sodium Sodium Barium Zinc Iron Platinum Boron Iron Copper Zmc Carbon Lead Palladium. Antimony Manganesum Silver Lead Sulphur Zinc Antimony Silver Iron Bismuth Tin Phosphorus Phosphorus Copper Antimony Sulphur Bismuth Mercury Lead Platinum, Sulphur Gold Arsenic Tungstenum Azote Palladium Mercury Silver Gold Platinum Cases of Mutual Decomposition. I. FROM SIMPLE AFFINITY. Sulphat of potass soda ammonia magnesia Supersulphat of alumina Nitrat of potass ammonia Muriat of baryta soda lime ammonia Phosphat of soda Sub-borat of soda Nitrat of silver Acetat of lead Sulphat of mercury Soap of potass soda with Muriat of baryta — Nitrat of potass — Muriat of potass — Carbonat of potass — Muriat of lime — baryta — Phosphat of soda — All the sulphats and ni- trats — Carbonat of potass — Sub-borat of Soda — Carbonat of potass — Muriat of ammonia — Carbonat of potass — Muriat of soda — Citrat of potass — Muriat of soda — soda — Sulphat of lime App. Table of Incompatible Salts. d 2. FROM COMPOUND AFFINITY. Sulphat of baryta baryta potass soda Muriat of baryta Diito Ditto Ditto Ditto Muriat of lime Phosphat of soda Acetat of lead Ditto with Carbonat of potass — soda — Muriat of lime — Ditto — Phosphat of soda — Sub-b..rat of soda — Carbonat of potass — soda — ammonia — ammonia — lime — Sulphat of zinc — Nitrat of mercury. Cases of Disposing Affinity. The formation of water by the action of the sulphuric acid on th« compound oxyds. The oxydation of metals by water, in consequence of the presence of an acid. Table of Incompatible Salts.* SALTS 1. Fixed alkaline sulphats 2. Sulphat of lime 3. Alum 4. Sulphat of magnesia 5. Sulphat of iron 6. Muriat of barytes 7. Muriat of lime INCOMPATIBLE WITH C Nitrats of lime and magnesia I Muriats of lime and magnesia f Alkalies < Carbonat of magnesia (^ Muriat of barytes f Alkalies J Muriat of barytes j Nitrat, muriat, carbonat of liirfe [^Carbonat of magnesia {Alkalies Muriat of barytes Nitrat and muriat of lime {Alkalies Muriat of barytes Earthy carbonats f Sulphats < Alkaline carbonats (_ Earthy carbonats f Sulphats, except of lime < Alkaline carbonats (^ Carbonat of magnesia * That is, salts which cannot exist together in solution, vrithout mutual de- composition. en Elements of Pharmacy. App. SALTS 8. Muriat of magnesia 9. Nitrat of lime INCOMPATIBLE WITH C Alkaline carbonats l Alkaline sulphats f Alkaline carbonats < Carbonats of magnesia and alumina ^Sulphats, except of lime. Quantity of real Acid taken up by mere Alkalies and Earths, (Kirwan.) \ 100 Parts. Sulphuric.\ Nitric Muriatic. Carbonic Acid. Potash 82,48 84,96 56,3 105, almost. Soda 127,68 135,71 73,41 66,8. Ammonia 383,8 247,82 171, Variable. Baryt. 50, *56, 31,8 282. Strontia 72,41 85,56 46, 43,2. Lime 143, 179,5 84,488 81,81. Magnesia 172,64 210, 111,35 200, Fourcroy. Alumine 150,9 335, nearly, Bergmann. Quantity of Alkalies and Earths taken up by 100 parts of real Sulphuric, Nitric, Muriatic, and Carbonic Acids, Saturated, (Kirwan.) 100 Parts. \Potash. [ Soda. Ammonia J baryt. | Strontia. Lime. \ Macr. Sulphuric. 121,48 78, 2 26,05 200, 138, 70, 57,92 Nitrous. ! 117,7 73,3 40,35 178,12 116,86 55 7 47,64 Muriatic. ; 177,6 136,2 58,48 314,46 216,21 118.3 898, Carbonic. ! 95,1 149,6 [354-5 231--4- 122. 50. Table of the respective quantities of Acid and Base required to neu* tralize each other, calculated by Fischer from Richter's Experiments. BASES. ACIDS. Alumine - - 525 Fluoric 427 Magnesia - 615 Carbonic - 577 Ammonia - - 672 Sebacic 706 Lime - - * 793 Muriatic . 712 Soda ■ - 859 Oxalic 755 Strontites - 1329 Phosphoric - 979 Potash - - - 1605 Formic 988 Barytes 2222 Sulphuric Succinic Nitric - - 1000 1209 - 1405 Acetic Citric -Tartaric 1480 - 1563 1694 App. Table of Specific Heats. cm Table, showing the Maximum Quantity of Oxygen taken up by dif- ferent Substances. SIMPLE COMBUSTIBLES. 100 Hydrogen unite with ... 100 Carbon ---•_-. 100 Azote - - . . 100 Muriatic acid..... ion Phosphorus - 100 Sulphur...... 100 Chrome combine with 100 Iron 100 Manganese 100 Arsenic 100 Tin 100 Antimony 100 Zinc "■) 100 Copper f 100 Lead f 100 TungstenJ 100 Mercury 100 Platina 100 Silver - 100 Bismuth - 100 Gold METALS. 597.7 Oxygen. 257. 236. 194. 154. 71.3 200. Oxygen. 92.3 66. 53. 38.8 30. 25. 17.6 15. 12.8 12. 10. Table of the Specific Heats of equal Weights of some Bodies compared with Wafer. Water Atmospheric air Hydrogen gas Carbonic acid gas Oxygen ga_s Azotic gas Nitrous oxyd Nitrous g«*s Oleflant gas Carbonic oxyd gas Steam Ammoiiiacal gas Carbureted hydrogen Nitric acid gas Sulphureted hydrogen Muriatic acid gas Ether vapour Alcohol vapour Crawford. Dalton's De La Roche hypothesis. and Berard. 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.790 1 759 0.2669 21.400 9 382 3 2936 1.045 0.491 0.2210 4.749 1.333 0.2361 0.793 1.866 0 2754 - 0.549 0.2369 - 0.777 - 1.555 0.4207 - 0.777 0.2884 - 1.166 0.847(? w 1.555 . 1.333 . 0.491 . 0.583 - 0.424 . 0.848 . 0.586 Kirwan''s Table, showing the Composition of Salts. COMPONENT PARTS. SALTS. BASIS. | ACID. Carbonat of potash 41. 43. 16. Pearl-ash 60. 30. 6. Carbonat of soda 21.58 14.42 64. ditto 59.86 40.05 barytes 78. 22. - strontian 69.5 30. lime 55. 45. - magnesia 25. 50. 25. common ditto 45. 34. 21. - Sulphat of potash 54 8 45.2 soda 8 48 23.52 58. ditto 44. 56. ammonia 14.24 54.66 31.1 barytes 66.66 33.33 strontian 58. 42. - lime 32. 46. 22. ditto -.5.23 50.39 14.38 ditto 88.81 5 .84 5.35 ditto 41. 59. - magnesia 17. 29.35 53.65 ditto 36 68 63.32 Alum - - 12. ignited 17 66 51. of Ditto 63.75 36.25 1 crystals -+- 19.24 in the earth STATE. Crystallized. Dry. Fully crystallized. Desiccated. Natural or ignited. Natural or ignited. Natural if pure, or artificial ignited (. rystallized. Dried at 80°. Dry. Fully crystallized. Desiccated at 700°. Natural and pure, artificial ignited Natural and pure, artificial ignited Dned at 66°. Dried at 170°. Ignited. Incandescent. Fnlly ciys-tal.ized. Desiccated. Crystallized. Desiccated at 700*. Table, showing the Composition of Salts,-—Continued. COMPONENT PARTS. SALTS. BASIS. ACID. WATER. STATE. Nitrat of potash - 5 1.8 44. - _ 4.2 of Composition Dried at 70°. soda - 40 58 53.21 . - 6.21 of Composition Dried at 400°. ditto ... 42.34 5 7 55 - - . Ignited. ammonia - - - 23. 57. . . 20. barytes 57. 32. - - 11. - - Crystallized. strontian - 36.21 51.07 - . 32.72 - Crystallized. lime - - - 32. 57 44 . . 10.56 Well dried, that is, in air. Magnesia 22. 46. . . 22. Crystallized. Muriat of potash 64. 36. - . . Dried at 80°. soda ... 53. 47. aqueous, 38.88 real - Dried at 8 -". ammonia - . . . Crystallized. ditto ... 2 5. 42.75 . . 32.25 Sublimed. barytes ■>4. 20. - . - 16. Crystallized. ditto - 76 2 23.8 . - . Desiccated. strontian 40. 18. - . - 42. Crystallized. ditto - 69. 31. - . . Desiccated. lime - SO, 42. - . 8. Ked hot. sensibly dry. 1 magnesia il.07 34.59 - 34.34 - Colour of the Precipitates thrown down from Metallic Solutions by various Re-agents. Henry. Metals. I'russinted Alkalies. Tii., tvre of Calls. Water impregnated -with Sul-phureted Hydrogen. Hyilrosulphurets. Antimony White * wh'tr oxjd from dilution •)range Orange Arsenic White l.itth change Yellow Yellow Bismuth White Orange Black Black Cerium Yellowish Brown, becoming deep green Chrome Green Broun G reen Cobalt Brownish-yellow Yellowish-white Not precipitated Black Columbium Olive Orange Chocolate Copper Bright reddish brown Bi ou 11 ish Black Black Gold Yellowish-white Solution turned green, preciO pitate brown of redu-.-I :v»- _) Yellow Yellow Iridium No precip. colour discharged None; colour discharged Iron£l'Sreensalts lron £2, red salts White changing to blue Deep blue No precipitate Black Not precipitated Black Lead White White Black Black Manganese Yellow ish-white No precipitate Not precipitated White Mercury White changing to yellow Orange-yellow Black Brownish-black Molybdena Brown Deep-brown Brown Nickel Green Greyish-white Not precipitated Black Osmium Purple, changing to viyid blue Palladium Olive* deep orangef Dark-brown Dark-brown Platina Noprecipit.; but an orange") one hy prussiat of mercury 3 Dark-green becoming paler Precipitated in a metallic state Rhodium No precipitate No precipitate Silver White Yellowish-brown Black Black Tantalium Tellurium No precipitate Yellow • Blaekish Tin White No precipitate Brown Black Titanium Grass-green with some brown Ueddish-brown Not precipitated Grass-green 1 ungsten Uranium Brownish-red Chocolate Brownish-yellow Zinc White No precipitate Yellow White * Chenevix. f Wollaston. App. Solubility qf Saline Substances. cvii Table of the Solubility of Saline and other Substances, in 100 parts of Water, at the temperature of 60° and 212° Uery ACIDS. Sulphuric - - Nitric - Acetic Prussic - Phosphoric"') Tartaric Malic ^•▼ery soluble Lactic Laccic Arsenic Arsenious acid - Citric....... Oxalic - .... Gallic....... Boracic -----.. Mucic - - - - - - _ Succinic ---.... Suberic -----_. Camphoric ------- Benzoic ------. Molybdic....... Chromic, unknown..... Tungstic, insoluble..... SALIFIABLE BASES. Potass ---.... Soda, somewhat less than potass Baryta ....... crystallized - Strontia....... crystallized ..... Lime .-...._ SALTS. Sulphat of potass - Supersulphat of potass..... Sulphat of soda - - - .- ammonia - - - - magnesia - - - alumina, very soluble, proportion unknown Supersulphat of alumina and potass ~) . ammonia £ Nitrat of baryta - potass - - - . soda - - - Nitrat of strontia ... lime .... unlimited do do do 150 1.25 133 50 8.3 2 8 0.84 C4 I 1.04 0.69 1.04 0.208 50 5 57 0.6 1.9 0.2 6.25 50 37.4 50 100 8. 14.25 33 100 400 cviii Elements of Pharmacyt App. Temperature at Nitrat of ammonia - magnesia - - - - Muriat of baryta - potass . - - - soda - - - - strontia - - - - lime . - - - ammonia - magnesia - Oxymuriat of potass .... Phosphat of potass, very soluble soda .... ammonia - magnesia - - - Sub-borat of soda - - Carbonat of potass - - - soda - magnesia - - - - ammonia - Acetat of potass - - - - soda - ammonia, very soluble magnesia, ditto strontia - Supertartrat of potass Tartrat of potass - and soda Oxalat of potass - - - - ammonia ... Super-oxalat of potass - Citrat of potass, very soluble Prussiat of potass and iron Nitrat of silver, very soluble Muriat of mercury (corrosive sublimate) Sulphat of copper - Acetat of copper, very soluble Sulphat of iron .... Muriat of iron, very soluble Tartrat of iron and potass. Acetat of mercury Sulphat of zinc - Acetat of zinc, very soluble lead (Ed. Pharm.) Bostock as it exists in Goulard's extract, more sol. Tartrat of antimony and potass, Duncan Alkaline soaps, very soluble Sugar ..... Gum, very soluble Starch, ..... 60° 50 1(>0 20 33 35.42 150 200 33 100 6 25 35 6.6 8.4 25 50 2 50-f- 100 35 1.67 25 25 33 4.5 5 25 50 44 27 6.6 100 0 App. Solubility of Saline and other Substances. ci* Temperature at 60° Jelly - sparingly Gelatine .... soluble Urea, very soluble Cinchonin abundantly more so Salts not soluble in 100 times their weight of Water. Sulphats of baryta, strontia, and lime, and subsulphat of mercury. Phosphc.ts of baryta, strontia, lime, magnesia, and mercury. Fluat of lime. Carbonats of baryta, strontia, and lime. Muriais of lead and silver, and submuriat of mercury (Calomel). Subacetat of copper. Solubility of Saline and other Substances in 100 parts of Alcohol, at the temperature %f 176Q All the acids, except the sulphuric, nitric, and oxymuriatic, which decompose it, andthe phosphoric and metallic acids. Potass, soda, and ammonia, very soluble. Red sulphat of iron. Muriat of iron ..... 100 lime ..... 100 Nitrat of ammonia ..... 89.2 Muriat of mercury ... - 88.3 Camphor ...... 75. Nitrat of silver ------ 41.7 Refined sugar ..... 24.6 Muriut of ammonia ..... 7.1 Arseniat of potass .... - 3.75 Nitrat of potass _..--- 2.9 Arseniat of soda - - - - - 1.7 Muriat of soda (Mr. Chenevix.) Alkaline soaps. Magnesian do. Ex- tractive. Tannin. Volatile oils. Adipocire. Resins. Urea. Cinchonin. Substances insoluble in Alcohol. Earths. Phosphoric and metallic acids. Almost all the sulphats and carbonats. The nitrats of lead and mercury. The muriats of lead, silver and soda. The sub-borat of soda. The tartrat of soda and potass, and the supertartrat of potass. Fixed oils, wax. and starch. Gum, caoutchouc, suber, lignin, gelatin, albumen, and fibrin. ex Elements of Pharmacy. App. Table of the Solubility of Fats in 100 parts of alcohol and sulphuric^ ether. By P. F. G. Boullay. Alcohol, sp. gr. 0.828. Ether. 48 Fahr. 74 boiling. 48 Fahr. Hogs lard . . 1.04 . . 1.74 . . 25 Mutton suet . . 0.69 . . 1.39 . . 10 Spermaceti . . 1.39 . . 8.33 • . 20 Table of the Solubility of Fixed Fluid Oils in 100 parts of Alcohol and Acetic ether at 55* Fahr. By L. A. Planche. Alcohol sp. gr. 0.28. Acetic Ether. Castor oil every proportion. 800 and upwards. Poppy seed oil, a year old 0.8 50. 50. 33. 40. 20. 25. 14. Linseed oil 0.6 Walnut oil 0.6 Poppy seed oil, new 0.4 Beech i> t>st oil . 0.4 Olive oil 0.3 Oil of sweet almonds 0.3 Oil of bitter almonds 0.3 Nut oil 0.3 Proportion of Oil and Suet in various Fats according to Bractnnot. Oil. Suet. iticutu uuucr, summer . winter ou 35 40 65 Hogs lard 62 38 Beef marrow . 24 76 Mutton marrow 74 26 Goose grease . 72 32 Turkey grease • . 74 26 Olive oil ... 72 28 Oil of almonds .76 24 colsa 54 46 Table of the Absorption of Gases by 100 Parts of Water at 60° F. Volume. Nitric acid Muriatic acid Ammonia Sulphurous acid 361000. 51500. 47500. 78000. 12109. 3300. 1440. Thomson. Davy. Thomson. Fourcroy. Thomson. Priestley. App. Absorption of Gases, &?«. cxi Carbonic acid Sulphureted hydrogen Nitrous oxyd Olefiant gas Nitric oxyd Oxygen Phosphureted hydrogen Carbonic oxyd Hydrogen Nitrogen Carbureted hydrogen Volume. 108. Henry. 108. Henry. 86. Henry. 12.5 Dalton. 5. Henry. 3.7 Henry. 2.14 Henry. 2.01 Henry. 1.61 Henry. 1.53 Henry. 1.40 Henry. Table of Efflorescent Salts (Cadet de Vaux.) 288 grains of Sulph u of soda Phosphat of soda Carbonat of soda in days lost grains 61 203 39 91 51 86 Tublc of Deliquescent Salts (Cadet de Vaux.) S88 grains of Acetat of potass Min tut of lime --------manganese Nitrat of manganese --------zinc --------lime Muriat of magnesia Ni.rat of copper Muriat of antimony --------alumina Nitrat of alumina Muriat of zinc Nitrat of soda magnesia Acetat of alumina Supersulphat of alumina Muriat of bismuth Stiperphosphat of lime Muriat of copper in days absorbed 146 700 124 684 105 629 89 527 124 495 147 448 139 441 128 397 124 388 149 342 147* 300 76 294 137 257 73 207 104 202 121 202 114 174 93 165 119 148 cxii Elements of Pharmacy. App. Table of some Galvanic Circles, composed of two perfect Conductor*, and one Imperfect Conductor, (Davy ) u c5 ■n a N > X o &c. Water, holding in solur tion oxygen, atmos" pheric air. Solution of nitrats of silver, and mercury. >Nitric acid, acetous acid. Nitric acid. 1 silver, copper, tin. -----gold, silver, charcoal. -----gold, silver. —— gold, silver. gold. Galvanic Circles, composed of two Imperfect Conductors, and one Perfect Conductor. Charcoal Copper Silver Lead Tin Iron Zinc O Solutions of hydrogu- reted alkaline sul- phurets, capable of acting on the first three metals, but not on the last three. Solutions of nitrous acid, oxygenized muriatic acid, 8cc. Capable of acting on all the metals. App. Electrical System of Bodies. cxiii Electrical System of Bodies, by Ritter. INSULATORS. Sulphur CONDUCTORS. Water Sealing-wax Black silk White silk Oxyd of manganese Graphite Metallic sulphurets Paper Charcoal Wood Silver Wool Copper Glass Iron Tourmalin Lead Diamond v________ Zinc + P cxir Elements of Pharmacy. App. Table of the Weight of the Ultimate Particles or Atoms of Bodies, and of the constitution of compound bodies, according to M. Dalton's theory of definite proportions; drawn up by Dr. T. Thomson. Weight of an atom. Oxygen - - - - - 1.000 Hydrogen - - - - - 0.132 Carbon . . - - • 0.751 Azote . - - - - 1.803 Phosphorus . . - - - 2.618 Sulphur - - - - - 2.000 Boron . . - - - 0.733 Chlorine . - . - - 4.498 Iodine . . - - - 11.160 Potassium - . - - - 5.000 Sodium - . . - - 5.882 Barytum - - - - 8.731 Strontium . . . - - 5.900 Calcium - - - - - 2.620 Magnesium . - - - -■ 1.577 Ammonium . _ - - - 1.149 Gold . ■ - - - 24.968 Platinum - - - - - 12.161 Silver - . > - - 13.714 Mercury - - - - - 25.000 Palladium . - - - - 14.204 Copper - - - - - 8.000 Iron . - - - - 7 143 Nickel . . . • - 7.305 Tin - . . . - - 14.705 Lead . - - - . 12.987 Zinc - - - - - 4.095 Bismuth . - - - - 8.994 Antimony - - - - - 11.249 Tellurium - - - - - 4.027 Arsenic - - - - - 6.000 Cobalt - . . - - - - 7 326 Manganese - - - .. - 7.115 Uranium - - - - - - 12.000 Molybdenum - - - - 6.013 Tungsten - - - - - 12.121 Cerium - - - • 11.487 Chromium . - - - - 4.720 Titanium . - • - - 18010 Rhodium - - - - - 14.903 Number of Weight of an atoms. integrant particle. Water, composed of - - 1 0 -f 1 h 1.132 Carbonic oxyd - . _ 1 0 1 c 1751 Carbonic acid - - 2 o 1 C -2.751 Nitrous oxyd - - . - 1 o 1 a 2.803 App. Chemical Combinations. cxv Number of Weight of an atoms. in tegrant particle. Nitrous gas 2 o -f \ a 3.803 Nitrous acid ... 3 o 1 a 4.803 Nitric acid ... 5 0 1 a 6.803 Phosphorous acid 2 o \p 4.618 Phosphoric acid 3 o Ifi 5.618 Sulphurous acid 2 o 1 c 4.000 Sulphuric acid 3 o 1 « 5-000 Oxalic acid 3 o 2f + 1 h 4.634 Potash \p 1 0 6.000 Peroxyd of potash Ifi 3o 8.000 Soda .... 1 « 2 o 7.882 Peroxyd of soda 1 « 3 o 8.882 Barytes - - - - 1 b 1 0 9.731 Strontia ... 1 st 1 0 6.900 Lime - 1 l 1 0 3.620 Magnesia - - - 1 m 1 0 2.577 Alumina - - - - - 2.136 Glucina - - - - 3.600 Yttria .--. - - 8.400 Zirconia - - - - 5.656 Silica - - - - - - - 4.066 Protoxyd of gold l£ + 1 0 25.968 Peroxyd of gold is- 3o 27.968 Protoxyd of platinum \fi 1 0 13.161 Peroxyd of platinum \p 2o 14.161 Oxyd of silver 1 s 1 0 14.714 Protoxyd of mercury 1 m 1 0 26.000 Peroxyd of mercury - 1 m 2 o 27.000 Protoxyd of palladium - \p 1 0 15.204 Peroxyd of palladium \p 2 o 16.204 Protoxyd of copper 1 c 1 0 9.000 Peroxyd of copper - 1 c 2 o 10.000 Deutoxyd of iron 1 i 2 o 9.143 Peroxyd of iron \-i 3 o 10.143 Deuoxyd of nickel 1 n 2 o 9.30S Peroxyd of nickel 1 n 3o 10.305 Deutoxyd of tin 1 t 2 o 16.705 Tritoxyd of tin - 1 t 3c 17.705 Peroxyd of tin 1 * 4 o 18.705 Protoxyd of lead 1 I 1 0 13.987 - Red oxyd of lead 2 / 3 o 28.974 Deutoxyd of lead « 1 I 2 o 14.987 Oxyd of zinc 1 z 1 0 5.095 Oxyd of bismuth 1 b 1 0 9.994 Tritoxyd of antimony 1 a 3 o 14.249 W'hite oxyd of antimony 1 a 4 o 15.24-9 Antimonic acid 1 a 6 o? 17.249 Oxyd of tellurium 1 t 1 0 5.027 Deutoxyd of arsenic ■ 1 a 2 o 8.000 cxvi Elements of Pharmacy. App. Arsenic acid Deutoxyd of cobalt Peroxyd of cobalt Protoxyd ol manganese . Deutoxyd of manganese Tritoxyd of manganese Peroxyd of manganese Protoxyd of uranium Peroxyd of uranium Deutoxyd of molybdenum Peroxyd of molybdenum - Deutoxyd of tungsten Peroxyd of tungsten Deutoxyd of cerium Peroxyd of cerium Green oxyd of chromium Brown oxyd of chromium Chromic acid Protoxyd of titanium Peroxyd of titanium Protoxyd of rhodium Deutoxyd of rhodium Peroxyd of rhodium Olefiant gas Carbureted hydrogen Ammonia Hydrophosphorous gas - Phosphureted hydrogen Sulphureted hydrogen Chloride of oxygen Muiiatic acid Chloride of sulphur Prochloride of phosphorus Perchloride of phosphorus Chloride of azote Chloride of potassium Chloride of sodium Chloride of,ammonium Chloride of barytium Chloride of strontium Chloride of calcium Chloride of magnesium Chloride of silver Prochloride of mercury Perchloride of mercury Prochloride of copper Perchloride of copper - Prochloride of iron Perchloride of iron Number of Weight of an atoms. integrant particle. la + 3 0 9.000 \ c 2 o 9.326 lc 3o 10.326 1 771 1 o 8.115 1 ot 2 o 9,115 1 ot 3 o 10.115 1 ot 4o I 1.115 \ u \ o 13.000 \ u 3 o 15.000 1 ot 2 o 8.013 1 ot 3 o 9.013 \ t 2 o 14.121 \ t 3 o 15.121 \ c 2 o 13.487 \ c 3 o 14.487 lc e o 6.720 lc So 7.720 1 c 4 o 8.720 \ t \ o 19.010 \ t 2 o 20.010 \ rh \ o 15.903 1 rh 2 o 16.903 1 rh 3 o 17.903 \ h \ c 0.883 2 h \ c 1.015 \h \a 1.935 4 A \p 3.146 3 h Ifi 3.014? \ h \ s 2.132 1 ch \ o 5.498 I ch 2 A 4.762 1 ch \ o 6.498 1 ch \p 6.241 2 ch \ p 10.996 4 ch \ a 19.705 1 ch \ p 9.498 2 ch \ s 14.878 1 ch Yam 5.647 1 ch 16 13.229 1 ch 1 str 10.398 1 ch \ c 7.118 1 ch 1 ot 6.075 1 ch \ s 18.212 1 ch \ m 29.498 2 ch 1 ot 34 996 1 ch lc 12.498 2 ch 1 c 16.996 2 c/i 1 i 16.139 4 c/i. 1 * 25.13S App. Chemical Combinations. cxt8 Number of We ight of an atoms. integrant particle, Prochloride of tin 2 ch -f 1 t 23.701 Perchloride of tin 4 ch 1 / 32.697 Chloride of lead 2 ch 1 / 21.983 Chloride of zinc 1 ch 1 z 8.593 Chloride of bismuth 1 ch 1 b 13.493 Chloride of antimony 2 ch 1 a 20245 Chloride of aisenic 2 ch 1 a 14.996 Chloride of manganese 2 ch 1 m 16.111 Chloride of carbonic oxyd 1 cA 1 c. ox 6.249 Sulphurt t of carbon - I c 2 « 2.751 Phosphurct of sulphur \p 1 * 4.618 Sulphuret of gold *g 3 4 30.968 Sulphuret of platinum \p 2 * 16.161 Sulphuret of silver 1 e 1 t 15.714 Pro- ulphuret of mercury - 1 OT 1 a 27.000 Persulphuret of mercury or > 1 m 2 a 29.000 cinn.ibar 5 Sul|>i!uret of copper 1 c 1 « - 10.000 Magnetic pyrites 1 i 3 s 11.143 Cubic pyrites 1 i 4 « 15.143 Sulphuret of nickel 1 71 1 s 9.305 ProMtlphuret of tin 1 t 1 * 16.705 Persulphuret of tin or mosaic ? 1 t 2 5 18.705 gold 5 Sulphuret of lead 1 / 1 s 14.987 Persulphuret of lead 1 I 2 « 16.987 Sulphuret of zinc 1 z 1 s 6.095 Sulphuret of bismuth i k 1 < 10.994 Sulphuret of antimony 1 a 2 a 15.249 Sulphuret of tellurium - 1 t 2 s 8.027 Sulphuret of arsenic or realgar 1 a 1 * 8.00« Orpiment 1 « 2 s 10.000 Sulphuret of cobalt - 1 c 1 • ! 9.326? Sulphuret of manganese 1 OT 1 * 9.115 Sulphuret of molybdenum - 1 OT 2 a 10.013 Sulphuret of potassium Ifi 1 8 7.000 Sulphuret of potash Ifi 1 3 8.000 Sulphuret of sodium 1 £ 2 « 9.882 Carhuret of phosphorus 1 c l/> 3.S69? Hydrat of potash l* • 1 w 7.132 Hydrat of soda - 1 s 1 TO 9.014 Hydrat of iime 1 I 1 TO 4.752 Hydrat of barytes 1 b I TO 10.863 Hydrat of strontian - 1 St 1 TO 8.032 Hydrat of magnesia 2 772 1 TO 6.286 Hydrat of alumina - 1 a 1 TO 3.268 Hydrat of glucina is- 1 TO 4.732 Hydrat of yttria iy 3 TO 11.796 Hydrat of zirconia - 1 z 1 TO 6.788 cxviii Elements of Pharmacy. App. Hydrat of silica Hydrosulphuric acid, or acid of 1.85 2d hydrat of sulphuric acid, or acid ? of 1,780 3 3d hydrat of sulphuric acid, or acid > of 1.65 5 Hydronitric acid, or acid of 1.620 2d hydrat of nitric acid, or acid of 1.54 3d hydrat of nitric acid, or acid of ) 1.42 S 4th hydrat of nitric acid, or acid of 1.350 Hydrophosphorous acid Hydrat of boracic acid Hydrat of peroxyd of copper Hydrat of black oxyd of iron Hydrat of red oxyd of iron Hydrat of deutoxyd of tin Hydrat of peroxyd of tin Hydrat of deutoxyd of nickel Hydrat of deutoxyd of cobalt Hydrat of protoxyd of manganese Hydrat of oxyd of arsenic Sulphat of potash Supersulphat of potash Sulphat of soda Sulphat of ammonia Sulphat of magnesia Sulphat of lime Sulphat of barytes Sulphat of strontian - Sulphat of alumiua Subsulphat of alumina Sulphat of yttria Sulphat of glucina Sulphat of zirconia Alum ... Sulphat of potash and ammonia Sulphat of potash aijd magnesia Sulphat of soda and ammonia Sulphat of soda and magnesia Sulphat of magnesia and ammonia Supersulphat of copper Sulphat of copper Subsulphat of copper Supersulphat of iron Sulphat of iron Subsulphat of iron Number atoms. 1 ti + 1 a 1 a 1 a 2n 1 n 1 n 1 n 2P 1 b 1 c 1 * 1 i 1 / 1 t 1 n 1 c 1 m 1 a 1 s 2 « 1 a 1 « 1 a 1 a 1 s I • 1 a 1 s 1 a 1 a 1 s 6 s 2s Ss 5 a 4 a 3 s 2 s 1 a 1 9 2 « 1 8 2 a •f 1 w 1 TO 2 TO 3 w 1 t» 1 TO 2 TO 3 TO 1 W 3 w 1 TO 1 TO 1 l* 1 TO 1 TO 2 TO 1 W 1 TO 1 TO Ifi *fi 2 *o 2 a 1 OT 1 I 1 b 1 «rr 1 a 2a 2y 1* 1 z 5a/ + 1/* 1/i 2 so 2 40 2 771 c c c i i Weight of an integrant particle. 5.198 6.132 7.264 3 i 8.396 14.738 7.93* 9.067 10.199 5.750 9.106 11.132 10.275 11.275 17.837 18.969 11.569 10.458 9.245 9.132 11,000 16000 20.764 8.870 7.577 8.620 14.731 11.900 7.138 9.272 13.400 8.600 10.656 \p 46.689 2a 19.870 2ot 26.154 8a 56.244 3ot 43.495 2 a 24.024 20.000 15.000 25.OO0 19.143 14.143 37.429 App. Chemical Combinations. cxix Persupersulphat ef iron Sulphat of lead - Sulphat of zinc Sulphat of mercury Persulphat of mercury Sulphat of silver Sulphat of bismuth - Sulphat of nickel Sulphat of cobalt Sulphat of manganese Sulphat of uranium Persulphat of platinum - Nitrat of potash Nitrat of soda Nitrat of ammonia Nitrat of magnesia Nitrat of lime Nitrat of barytes Nitrat of strontian Nitrat of ammonia and magnesia Nitrat of copper - ^ Subn'urat of copper - Nitrat of iron Pernitrat of iron Nitrat of zinc - - - Nitrat of lead 1st Subnitrat of lead 2d Subnitrat of lead 3d Subnitrat of lead Nitrat of nickel Subnitrat of nickel Nitrat of silver Nitrat of mercury Pernitrat of mercury Subnitrat of platinum Nitrat of bismuth Nitrat of uranium Bicarbonat of potass Carbonat of potash Carbonat of soda Subcarbonat of soda Bicarbonat of ammonia Carbonat of ammonia Subcarbonat of ammonia Carbonat of lime Carbonat of barytes Carbonat of strontian Bicarbonat of magnesia Carbonat of magnesia Number of Weight of an atoms. integrant particl 3« + 1 i 25.143 1 « 1 / 18.987 1 « 1 z 10.095 1 « 1 m 31.000 1 « 1 OT 32.000 1 « 1 si 19.714 1 * 1 b 14.994 1 * 1 n 14.305 2s 1 c 19.326 2 • 1 m 19.115 1 « 1 u 20.000 2 • Ifi 24.161 1 n \p 12.803 2 n 1 s 21.488 In 1 a 8.868 1 n 1 OT 9.380 1 n 1 / 10.423 1 n 1 b 16.534 1 n 1 str 13.703 4in 3 OT -f la35.878 2 n 1 c 23.606 \n 2 c 26.803 2n 1 i 22.749 3» 1 i 30.552 In 1 z 1 1.942 1 n 1 I 20.790 1 n 21 34.777 1 n 3 / 48.764 1 n 6/ 90.725 3 n 1 nick 29.714 1 n 7 nick 71.938 1 n 1 s 21.517 1 n 1 OT 32.803 1 n 2 m 60,803 1 n At pi 63.447 1 n 1 6 16.797 1 n 1 m 21.803 2 c l^i 11.502 1 c 1* 8.751 3 c 1 s 16.135 2 c 1 4 13.384 2 c 1 a 7.437 1 c 1 o 4.686 1 c 2a 6.621 1 c 1 I 6.371 i c 1 6 12.482 1 c 1 sfr 9.651 2 c 1 OT 8.079 1 c 1 m 5.328 exx Elements of Pharmacy. App. Carbonat of yttria Carbonat of zirconia Carbonat of glucina - Carbonat of silver Percarbonat of mercury Percarbonat of copper Carbonat of iron -. Carbonat of lead Carbonat of nickel Carbonat of zinc - Carbonat of manganese Carbonat of cerium Percarbonat of cerium Oxalat of potash Binoxalat of potash - • Quadroxalat of potash Oxalat of soda Superoxalat of soda Oxalat of ammonia Binoxalat of ammonia Oxalat of magnesia - Oxalat of lime Binoxalat of lime Oxalat of barytes Oxalat of strontian Oxalat of alumina Oxalat of yttria Oxalat of glucina Oxalat of zirconia Oxalat of copper Oxalat of potash and copper - Oxalat of soda and copper Oxalat of ammonia and copper Oxalat of iron Peroxalat of iron Oxalat of nickel Oxalat of cobalt Oxalat of lead Oxalat of zinc Oxalat of mercury Oxalat of silver Oxalat of bismuth Oxalat of manganese Oxalat of uranium Oxalat of cerium Oxalat of platinum Number atoms. c + c c c c c 2 c 2 c 2 c 1 c 2 c 2 c 3 c 1 ox 2 ox 4 ox 2 ox 3 ox 1 ox 2 ox 1 ox 1 ox 2 ox 1 ox 1 ox 1 ox 1 ox 1 oz 1 ox 2 ox 2 ox 3 ox 2 ox 2 ox 3 ox 2 ox 2 ox 2 ox 1 ox 1 ox 1 ox 1 ox 2 ox 1 ox 2 ox ■ 1 ear of 1 7 1 i 1 n 1 c 1 I 1 z 1 OT 1 S 1 b 1 OT 1 U 1 C Weight of r.n integrant | article. 11.151 1.407 6.351? 16.369 56.751 12.751 14.645 17.489 14.807 7.890 13.617 18 996 21.747 10.634 15.268 24.536 17.150 21.784 6.783 11.417 7.211 8.254 12.888 14.365 11.534 6.770 13.034 14.467 10.290 19.261 29.902 32 410 26.051 18.383 23.017 18.573 18 594 37.242 9.661 30.634 19.348 14.628 17.101 19.634 23.115 17.796 \y 1 z \gl? 1 5 2 m 1 c 1 i 1 / 1 n 1 z 1 OT 1 ce I ce \p \p \p 1 s 1 s 1 a la 1 OT 1 / 1 / 1 b 1 St 1 al iy 1 z 1 c 1/i-f-l c \ 8 1 C la lc App. Chemical Equivalents. cxxi Table of Chemical Equivalents by Dr. Wollaston. Hydrogen 1.32 Carbon 7.54 Oxygen 10. Water - 11.32 = 10 ox. -j- 1.32 hyd. Phosphorus 17 40 Azote 17.54 Sulphur 20. Ammonia 21.5 = 17.54 az. + 3.96 hyd. Magnesia 24.6 = 10 ox. -f 14.6 mag. Calcium 25.46 Carbonic acid 27.54 = 20 ox. -f 7.54 carb. Sodium 291 Muriatic acid, (dry) 34.1 Iron 34.5 Lime 35.46 = 10 ox. + 25.46 calc. Phosphoric acid 37.4 = 20 ox. + 17.4 phos. Nitrous gas 37.54 = 20 ox. + 17.54 az. Soda 39.1 = 10 ox. -f- 29.1 sod. Copper 40. Zinc 41. Chlorine 44.1 = 10 ox. + 34.1 mur. acid. Green oxyd of iron 44.5 = 10 ox. + 34.5 ir. Muriatic gas 45.42 = 44.1 chl. + 1.32 hyd. Oxalic acid 47.0 Subcarbonat of am- monia 49.0 = 27.5 acid. + 21.5 am. Potassium 49.1 Red oxyd of iron 49.5 = 15 ox. + 34.5 iron. Sulphuric acid (dry' I 50. = 30 ox. + 20 sulph. Black oxyd of coppei : 50. = 10 ox. + 40 copper Oxyd of zinc 51. = 10 ox. + 41 zinc Potash 59.1 = 10 ox. + 49.1 pot. Sulphuric acid sp.gr 1.85; 61.32 = 50 sul. ac. wat. Carbonat of lime 63. =a 27.54 carb. ac. + 35.46 lime Subcarbonat of soda 66.6 =, 27.5 carb. ac. + 39.1 soda Muriat of ammonia 66.9 =: 34.1 acid + 21.5 am. -f 11.32 wat, Nitric acid (dry) 67.54 = 50. ox. -f 17.54 az. Strontia 69. Muriat of lime 69.6 = 34.1 acid -f 35.5 lime Muriat of soda - 73.2 = 34.1 acid + 39.1 soda Sulphat of magnesia 74.6 = 50. acid + 24.6 magn. Bicarbonat of ammo i. nia 76.5 = 27.5 carb. ac. + 49. subcarb. Sulphat of lime 85.5 = 50. acid -f 35.5 lime Subcarbonat of po- tash 86. = 27.5 acid -f 59.1 potash 9 cxxii Elements of Pharmacy. Ap,p. Sulphat of soda 89.1 Liquid nitric acid sp. gr. 1.50; - 90.2 Muriat of potash 93.2 Barytes - 97. Nitrat of lime - 103. Bicarbonat of soda 105.5 Nitrat of soda - 106.6 Selenite - U8.1 Sulphat of potash 109.1 Sulphat of strontia 119.0 Carbonat of barytes 124.5 Bicarbonat of po- tash - - 125.5 Mercury - 12j.5 Nitrat of potash 126.6 Lead - - 129.5 Muriat of barytes 131. Silver - - 135. Red oxyd of mer- cury - - 135.5 Litharge 139.5 Oxyd of silver - 145. Sulphat of barytes 147. Binoxalat of potash 153.0 Hyperoxymuriat of potash . - 153.2 Cryst. muriat of ba- rytes - - 153.6 Sulphat of mag- nesia - 153.9 Sulphat of copper 15 .6 Niti at of barytes 164.5 Carbonat of lead 167. Corrosive sublimat 170 1 Mirijt of lead 173.6 Sul^hrtt of iron 17 > 8 Phosphai of lead 176 9 Muriat of silver 179.1 Suiphat of zinc 180 2 Ox^iatoflead 186.5 Sulphat of lead 189.5 Sulphat of soda 202.3 Nitrat of lead 207.0 Protoxyd of mer- cury - 261. Calomel - 296.1 50. acid +39.1 soda 67.54 nit. ac. + 22.64 wat. 34.1 acid + 59.1 potash 67,5 acid + 35.5 lime 27.5 ac+66.6 car. *oda+l 1.3 wat, 67.5 acid + 39.1 soda 85.5 s.oflime + 22.4 water 50. acid +59.1 potash 50. acid + 69. stront. 27.5 acid + 97. barytes 27.5 acid + 86. sub.pot. + 11.3 wat. 67,54 acid + 59.1 potash 34. acid + 97. barytes 10. 10. 10. 50. 94. ox. ox. ox. acid acid + 125.5 + 129.5 + 135. + 97 + 59 = 93.2 mur.pot. + 60 = 131. mur. bar. + 22.6 mere. lead silver barytes potash wat. 74.6 sul. mag. + 79.3 water 50. acid + 50 cop. + 56.6 water 67.5 acid + 97 barytes 27.5 acid + 139.5 lead 34.1 acid + 10 ox. + 125.5 mere. 34.1 acid + 139.5 lead 50. acid + 34.5 iron + 79.3 water 37.4 acid + 139.5 lead 34-1 acid + 145. silver 50. acid + 51 zinc + 79.3 water 47. acid + 139.5 lead 50* acid + 139.5 lead 50. acid + 39.1 soda + 113.2 wat. 67.5 acid + 139.5 lead 10. ox. +251. mere. 34. acid + 10 ox. + 251 mere. App. Composition of some Organic Bodies. cxxiii Composition of some Organic Bodies, according to Berzelius. Oxyg. Hydr. Carb. Oxyg. Hydr. Carb. saturation. Benzoic acid lo + 3 A + 5c 20.02 5.27 74 71 -6.69 Gallic acid 1 0 2h 2c 38 02 5.02 5696 12~4 Tannin from galls 2o 3A 3c 45.00 445 50.55 3 718 Succinic acid 3o 4A 4c 47.923 4 218 47 859 159743 Acetic acid 3o 6A 4c 46.934 6.195 46 871 15.63 Sugar of milk io 8 A 5c 48.348 6-385 45 267 Sugar 10 o 21 A 12 c 49083 6.802 44.115 9.98 Potatoe starch So 13 A 7 c 49 583 7090 43.327 Gum Arabic 12 o 24 A 13 c 51.456 6.792 41752 Citric acid lo 1 A 1 c 55 096 3 634 41.270 13.585 Tartaric acid 5 o 5 A 4 c 59.200 3 912 36 888 11976 Saclactic acid 4 o 5h 3c 60 818 5018 34164 766 Oxalic acid* Go 1 A 4 c 66 534 0.244 33.222 22. * Oxalic acid 3 o + 1A + 2 c 64.739 2.848 32.413 Dr. Thomson. Composition of some Organic Bodies, according to Gay Lussac and Thenard. Carbon. Oxygen. Hydrogen. Wax ^ 81.79 5.54 12.67 Olive oil 77.21 9.43 13.36 Copal 76.81 10.-61 12.58 Rosin 75.94 13.34 10.72 Oak wood 52.53 41.78 5.69 Beech wood 51.45 42.73 5.82 Fecula 43.55 49.6$ 6.77 Sugar 42.47 50.63 6.90 Gum Arabic 44.23 50.84 6.93 Sugar of milk 38.825 53 834 7.341 Acetic acid 50.22 44.15 5.63 Citric acid 33.81 59 86 6.33 Tartaric acid 24.05 69.32 6.53 Mucous acid 33.69 62.67 3.62 Oxalic acid 26.57 70.69 2.74 Nitregen. Gelatin 47.881 27.207 7.914 16.998 Albumen 52.883 23.872 7.540 15.705 Fibrin 53.360 19.865 7.021 19.934 Theese 59.781 11.409 7.429T 21.381 cxxiv Materia Medica. App. EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. PLATE I. Fig. 1. Represents an improved mill for grinding colours, 8cc. (from the Transactions of the Society of Arts, &c. for 1814.) a. A moi tar of marble or hard stone. b. A muller or grinder, nearly in the form of a pear, in the upper part of which an iron axis is firmly fixed, which axis, at the parts cc turns in grooves or slits, cut in two pieces of oak projecting horizontally from a wall, and when the axis is at work, are secured in the grooves by iron pins, dd. c. The handle, which forms a part of the axis, and by which the grinder is worked. /.The wall in which the oak pieces cc are fixed. g. A weight, to be occasionally added to the upper part of the handle if more power is wanted. egh. The muller or grinder, with its axis separate from the other machinery: its bottom should be made to fit the mortar. A. A groove cut through the stone.* Fig. 2. 3. 4. Mortars and pestles of metal, marble, and earthen ware. Fig. 5. A levigating stone and muller. a. The table of polished porphyry or other siliceous stone. b. The muller of the same substance. Fig. 6. A compound sieve. a. The lid. | c. The body containing the sieve. b. The receiver. Fig. 7. A funnel. Fig. 8. A hooked glass rod. Several of which may be hung round the edge of the funnel, to prevent the filtering substances from adhe- ring too closely to its sides. •On grinding any substance in a dry state in this mill, the muller being placed in the mortar and secured in the oak pieces by the pins, the substance to be ground is thrown above the muller into the mortar; on turning the han- dle of the axis, the substance falls into the groove cut through the muller, and is f-om thence drawn under the action of the muller, and propelled to its outer edge within the mortar, from whence the coarser particles again fall into the groove of the muller, fcnd are again ground under it; and this operation is continued till the whole is ground to an impalpable powder. A wood cover in two halves, with a hcle for the axis, is usually placed upon the mortar, during the operation, to prevent loss to the substance, or bad effect to the operator. m .-.p— n -,- -~b—■ ^\i------ v) £tL App. Explanation of the Plates. cxxv Fig. 9. A board perforated with holes for supporting funnels. Fig. 10. A compound syphon. a, b, c. The syphon. f, g. The mouth-piece. d, e. A board for supporting it. When we insert the upper orifice a into any liquid, and close the lower orifice c with the finger, by sucking through /, the fluid will rise from a to 6 and proceed to g towards/. As soon as it has passed g, the finger is to be removed, and the fluid will immediately flow through c, and continue flowing as long as any remains above the orifice a. It is absolutely necessary that the point g where the mouth- piece joins the syphon, be lower than a. Fig. 11. A separatory. The fluids to be separated are introduced through the orifice a, which is then closed with a stopper. The one neck is then to be shut with the finger, and the phial is to be inclined to the other side. As soon as the fluids have separated by means of their specific gravity, the finger is to be removed, and the whoie of the heavier fluid will run through the lower neck, before any ot the lighter escapes. Fig. 12. and 13. Glass graduated measures. 12. A cylindrical one for large, 13. A conical one for small quantities. PLATE II. Fig. 14. External view of Dr. Black's furnace. a. The body. b. The ash-pit. c. The chimney. d. The circular hole for receiving the sand-pot. e. A door about the centre of the body, to be opened when the furnace is.used as a reverberatory. In Dr. Black's furnace, there is properly no aperture in the side, and indeed as its peculiar excellence consists in the power which it gives the operator of regulating the quantity of air admitted to the fuel, and by that means of regulating the intensity of the fire; every aperture is rather to be considered as an injury than as an improvement; and at all times when they are not employ- ed, they must be accurately closed and luted up. /. The door of the ash-pit. ^.The damping plate for regulating the admission of air, having six holes, fitted with stoppers, increasing in size in a geome- trical ratio. Fig. 15. A vertical section of the body of the same furnace, to show the manner of luting, and the form and position of the grate. o----g. As in the former figure, except the damping plate which is here closed by a sliding door with a graduated scale. h. The form which is given to the lute of clay and charcoal which is applied next to the iron. i. The form given to the lute of sand and clay, with which the former is lined. cxxvi Materia Medica. App. e. Is a semicircular aperture left unluted, to serve as a door when necessary. On other occasions it is filled up with a semi- cylindrical piece of fire-brick, Fig. 17. accurately luted in. k. The grate fastened on the outside of the body. Fig. 16. The sand-pot which is suspended in the aperture rf of the Furnace, by means of the projecting ring a b. Fig. 17. A semi-cylindrical piece of fire-brick, for closing the door e of the furnace. Fig. 18. A muffle, a a, apertures in its sides for the admission of the heated air. Fig. 19. A large black-lead crucible. Fig. 20. A small Hessian crucible. Fig. 21. 22. Tests. Fig. 23. A small support of clay, to raise the crucible above the grate. Fig. 24. A pair of crucible tongs. Fig. 25. A support for raising the muffle as high as the door e of the furnace. Fig. 26. A ring for suspending a retort within the furnace, when we wish to expose it to the immediate action of the fire. The ring itself a A is suspended within the aperture d of the furnace, by means of the three-hooked branches c c c. Fig. 27. Semicircular rings of plate iron, for applying round the neck of a retort when suspended within the furnace, in order to close as much as possible the aperture d, Fig. 14. The largest pair a are first made to rest upon the edge of the aperture d, the next pair b upon them, and soon until they come in contact with the neck of the retort. The whole are then to be covered with ashes or sand, to prevent the loss of heat, and the escape of vapours, from the burning fuel. Fig. 28. Circular rings a A to be applied in the same manner when we wish to evaporate with the naked fire. We must always take care that the fluid rises higher than the portion of the evaporating vessel introduced within the aperture of the ring: c a circular piece of iron, which when applied with the rings a b completely closes the aperture d of the furnace. PLATE III. Fig. 29. 30. 31. 32. Evaporating vessels of different shape*. Fig. 33. A long-necked-matrass. Fig. 34. A jar. Fig. 35. A phial or receiver. Fig. 36. A cucurbit. Fig. 37. A cucurbit with its capital. Fig. 38. The arrangement of the apparatus for distilling per de- scensum. The substance to be distilled is laid on the metallic plate a, which is perforated with holes. The burning fuel is laid upon the upper plate b, also of metal, but not perforated. On the application of heat the vapour descends into the cavity a c, where it is condensed Fig. 39. A retort and receiver; a, the retort, b, the receiver. App. Explanation of the Plates. cxxvii Fig. 40. A retort funnel. Fig. 41. A metallic still. c d ef. The body. a b ef The lower portion of the body, which hangs within the aperture d of the furnace, by the projecting part a b. dgc. The head of the still. d c. A gutter which goes round the bottom of the head, for con- veying any vapours which may be condensed there, into the spout A, which conveys away the vapour and the fluid con- densed in the head into the refrigeratory. Fig. 42. A refrigeratory. a b c d. A cylindrical vessel filled with cold water. ef. A spiral metallic pipe which passes through it. The spout A of the still is inserted within the upper orifice e; therefore the vapours which escape*from the head of the still enter it, and are condensed in their passage towards /, the lower termina- tion of the pipe from which the distilled fluid runs, and is re- ceived into proper vessels. As the water in the vessels abed continually abstracts caloric from the vapours, it is apt to be- come too warm to condense them. As soon, therefore, as any steam escapes by the spout /, the water must be drawn off by the cock g, and its place supplied by cold water. Fig.43. A vessel for boiling inflammable fluids.* abed. The body of the kettle. d ef. A long spout proceeding from it, for preventing any risk of boiling over. g. A short spout for pouring out. The vessel should not be filled above/, and the long spout d ef should be placed so as to be as little heated as possible. When the fluid begins to swell and boil up, both from the great increase of surface, and from part of it running up the cooler spout d ef, the ebullition will be checked, and all danger of running over be prevented. Fig.'44. A body with a bent tube. ab. The body. be. A sigmoid tube accurately ground to it. When any perma- nently elastic fluid is generated within the body a b, it escapes by the extremity of the tube, and may be collected by intro- ducing it under a jar filled with water or mercury in the pneumatic cistern. This simple apparatus can only be used conveniently when the production of the gas is not rapid, or requires the application of heat. PLATE IV. Fig. 45. A Woulfe's apparatus. a b c. c d e. A tubulated retort and receiver. //'/." Three three-necked bottles. The first/is commonly filled with water, and the two others with alkaline solutions. * This contrivance belongs to our late ingenious countryman T. P. Smith, whose account of it was given to the American Philosophical Society, see Vol. 4 of their Transactions, p. 431. The Edinburgh editor has not mentioned from whence it is taken. rjxxviii Materia Medica. App. dg, d' g*, d" g", d'" g"\ Bent tubes connecting the different parts of ihe apparatus, so that when an-;' vapouv escapes from the receiver c d e, it passes along the tube d g and rises through the fluid contained in the bottle /, where it remains in contact with the surface, and under considerable pressure, until the expansion of the vapour, not condensible in/, over- comes the column of fluid A .§■' in the bottle/' and escapes into the upper part of /.' In the same manner the uncon- densed vapours proceed to /" and at last to the pneumatic apparatus. But, as in processes of this kind, diminution of temperature and other causes, frequently produce sudden condensations of the gasesj contained in the different parts of the apparatus, especially in the retort and receiver, any such occurrence would cause the fluids to move through the connecting tubes in a retrograde direction. This accident is prevented, by inserting through the third neck of each bottle a small tube k.l having its lower extremity / immersed in the fluid contained in the bottle By this contrivance no fluid can possi- bly pass from one bottle into another, because the columns g m &c. which resist the absorption, arc much higher than the columns h I which opposes the admission of external air: while, on the contrary, no gas can escape through these tubes, because the columns h k which oppose their escape, are higher than the columns g A which resist its progress to the next bottle. From their use these tubes have got the name of Tubes of Safety. Another contrivance for the same purpose, the invention of C. Welter, seems now to be much used in France. It is fixed to the connecting tubes as at n. Fig. 46. To explain it more fully, we have given a separate view, taken in an oblique direction. When the apparatus is adjusted, a small quantity of water is poured through the funnel p until it rises to about the centre of the ball e. Now, on any absorption taking place, the fluid rises in the ball e, until the column g n be annihilated, when a quantity of air will immediately rush in through p g n e, Sec. and the water will regain its former equilibrium. On the other hand, no gas can escape by this tube, because the whole fluid contained in the ball and tube must previously enter the portion of the tube nfi where it would form a column of such a height that its pressure could not be overcome. Fig. 47. A vertical section of a pneumatic cistern. abed. The whole cavity of the cistern. ef. A shelf for holding the jars. e be f. The well for filling the jars. g A. The surface of the fluid contained in the cistern, which must always be higher than the surface of the shelf. Fig.48. 49. 50 51. Pneumatic jars of different shapes. Fig. 48. A jar in the situation in which it is filled with gas. Fig. 49. A jar fitted with a stop cock. Fig. 50. A jar placed upbn a tray for removing it from the pneu- matic cistern. Fig. 51. A graduated jar, commonly called an Eudiometer. App. Explanation of the Plates. exxix ^ Fig. 52. A hydrostatic funnel, for pouring fluids gradually into air tight vessels, especially when attended with the formation of gas. It is evident, that any portion of fluid, poured into the funnel x, more than sufficient to fill the two first parts of the bent tube up to the level z, will escape by the lower extremity b. At the same time, no gas can return through this funnel, unless its pressure be able to overcome the resistance of a column of fluid of the height of x y. Fig. 53. Another contrivance for the same purpose. It consists of a common funnel; in the throat of which is inserted a rod with a conical point, which regulates the passage of the fluid through the funnel, according to the firmness with which it is screwed in. Fig. 54. Nooth's apparatus lor promoting the absorption of gaseous fluids by liquids. It consists of three principal pieces; a lower piece a b, a. middle piece a c, and an upper piece d e; all of which are accu- rately ground to each other. The substances from which the gas is to be extricated are put into the lower piece. The middle piece is filled with the fluid with which the gas is to be combined, and the upper piece is left empty. As soon as a sufficient quantity of gas is formed to overcome the pressure, it passes through the valve fg, and rises through the fluid to the upper part of the middle piece. At the same time it forces a quantity of fluid into the upper piece through its lower aperture d. As soon as so much of the fluid has been forced from the middle piece, as to bring its surface down to the level of the lower aperture of the upper piece, a portion of gas escapes into the upper piece, and the fluid rises a little in the middle piece. The upper piece is closed with a conical stopper e, which yields, and permits the escape of a portion of gas, as soon as its pressure in the upper piece becomes considerable. A is a glass cock for drawing off the fluid. Fig. 55. The valve of Nooth's apparatus. It consists of an internal tube g of small caliber, but pretty stout in substance, and ground into an external tube/, closed at the upper end, but perforated with small holes, to allow the gas to pass. After the internal tube is fitted to the external, a portion of it is cut out as at A, sufficient to receive a small hemisphere of glass, and to allow the hemisphere to rise a lit- tle in its chamber, but not to turn over in it. The upper piece of the internal tube is then thrust home into the place where it is to remain, and the glass hemisphere introduced with its plane recumbent on the upper end of the lower piece of the tube, which is ground per- fectly flat, as is also the plane of the hemisphere. From this con- struction it is evident, that by the upward pressure of any gas, the glass hemisphere may be raised so as to allow it to pass, while no- thing can pass downwards; for the stronger the pressure from above, the closer does the valve become. We have been more particular in our description of this valve, because it has been very ingeniously applied to distilling apparatuses by Mr. Pepeys junior and Mr. Burkit. r cxxx Materia Medica. App. PLATE V. Description of Dr. Hamilton's Apparatus for the Distillation of Acids and other substances, on a Scale of about an Inch to a Foot. A. The retort; the neck of which is ground into, and passed through the thick stopper B. Which is represented below separately at b, with its ground stopper a. The external pari of the stopper B is accurately ground into the wide neck, of the receiver C. Whose narrow neck is ground into the wide neck of the re- ceiver D. The narrow neck of which is ground into that of the receiver E. The receiver D has another aperture in its superior part, into which the tube of safety H. Open at both ends, is fitted by grinding, so that its lower extre- mity may reach to the lowermost part of the receiver, and be immersed in any fluid that may be contained in it. Into the small neck of the receiver D, is ground, a crooked tube I. Forming a li'tle more than one-fourth of a circle, open at both ends, and extending nearly to the lower part of the receiver E, whose small neck receives a similar crooked tube K; and is re- ceived into the wider neck of F, which receives tube L in like manner, and is received into G, whose narrow neck also receives a crooked tube M N, open at both ends, and btnt as re- presented in the plate, to convey any gaseous fluid into the small inverted cup, through the hole of which it passes into one o; the four inverted bottles placed above it, by means of the frame P, having four notches to retain the bottles in an upright inverted position. This frame is moveable on its centre support, and is kept steady by a heavy leaden foot, in the middle of a flat pan of water, which covers the mouths of the bo ties. The water issuing from the bottles on the introduction of the air, is diiected by a notch in its lip, and the pipe Q, into the bucket R placed under the frame, which is raised upon four legs, and supports the whole apparatus. The different parts are successively applied to each other, begin- ning with the receiver C, and are kept fixed by slips of wood hollowed out, so as to fit the curvature of the receivers, as re- presented below, detached at S s. Heat is applied to the retort by means of an Argand's lamp. 1. The chimney, most conveniently made of thin metal, as brass, copper, or common tinned iron plates, because they are not liable to break, and the heat alone is wanted. 2. The wire which elevates or depresses the wick. 3. Reservoir of Oil. 4. The support of this, with a small cup to receive the oil which may drop. 5. A pin with a screw to fix the lamp at any distance. .Plate.a. CJIKAIirAll. SlUiNS \y M [i. I / 14 If) 16 1-7 II "5" O 12 |D 18 © 19 CFi3 ?o © 21 M Ozidcs 7 Aculs < IS) I'll ■® .y 5 M L/" nr H3- c P. u. ® ffi) «JET > & pr ^ Z y .$ pp N< 33 3.r> 30 38 3t) to ■11 ~? Secoiulurv Compounds EX ii i a v^ f\J> 2^ ■JJi 4f> to ir 18 19 f)0 f)l f)2 6 &3 ---(- iSM t>o Wu. yM AImI >ti r>8 >9 B^L j@U Gl tia (>r> 6 i 4) BO ^) App. Explanation of the Plates. cxxxi PLATE VI. CHEMICAL SIGNS. It is unnecessary here to point out the advantages which might result from a well-contrived system of chemical signs. About the same time that the French chemists introduced their methodical nomenclature, they also proposed a corresponding system of chemi- cal signs, which they intended should speak a language to be under- stood by the learned of all nations. In the explanation of their sys- tem, we shall nearly follow what Mr. Chenevix has said in his judicious remarks upon chemical nomenclature. There are six simple radical signs, which may be considered as so many genera. The first genus is the zig-zag line, and is used to denote light. See plate, No 1. The second genus is the straight line. It comprehends three spe- cies, characterized by its direction. Sp. 1. A perpendicular line denotes caloric, 3. Sp 2 A horizontal line denotes oxygen, 2. Sp, 3. An oblique line from right to left, nitrogen, 4. The third genus is a crescent, which is the generic sign of simple combustibles. Sp 1. With the horns inclined to the right, carbon, 5. Sp. 2. The reverse of the former, hydrogen, 6. Sp. 3. With the points upwards, sulphur, 7. Sp 4. The reverse of the latter, phosphorus, 8. The fourth genus is a triangle. It comprehends the simple salifiable bases. Sp. 1. With the point upwards, and the base horizontal, 9. the al- kalies. Sp. 2. With the point downwards, 10. the earths. Each of the species of this genus comprehends several individuals, which are distinguished by inserting within the triangle the first letter of its name in the Latin language, or, if two species begin with the same letter, the first letter of the second syllable is added; thus, for potass P. soda S. baryta B. strontia St. Iim6 C. magnesia M. glaucina Gc. gadolina Gd. or Y. for yttria, alumina Al. zirconia Z. silica SI. The fifth genus is a circle, 11. It comprehends the metals; and the species are distinguished in the same manner as the former, by inserting within it the primary letters of the first and second sylla- bles; thus, for gold Ar. plantinum Pt. silver Ag. Mercury H. copper Cp. iron Fr. lead Pb.tin Sn. Zinc Z. antimony Sb. or At. bismuth B. cobalt Cb. nickel Nk. manganese Mg. uranium U. Titanium Tt. tellu- rium Tl. chromium Cm. Arsenic As. molybdenum Ml. tungsten Ts. columbium CI. The sixth genus is a square: it comprehends all the unknown bases of the acids, and the bases of the compound oxyds and acids. Sp. l.A square with perpendicular sides, 12. It contains the un- known and compound acidifiable bases. » cxxxii Materia Medica. App. Sp. 2. A square with inclined sides, 13. It contains the compound oxyds. The individuals ot both species are distinguished as before. All compound bodies are expressed by combinations of these sim- ple characters. But as simple bodies are capable of uniungin various proportions, it becomes necessary that these proportions should be expressed; and relative position has appeared the most natural me- thod of doing so. In general, when the proportion of any body in a compound is small, its -ign is placed above, when large, below, as in 35. £6. 42. &c. Caloric exists in all bodies: But according to its relative quantity, they exist as solids, fluids, or gases To express the first state, it has not been thought necessary to introduce the sign of caloric; to ex- press the second, it is placed above; and to express the third, below, as in the examples in the pi te (22—32.) Oxygen al*o combines with nijiiy bodies, and in several propor- tions The products resulting from these combina'ions are eiiher oxyds or acids. The oxyds may be characterized by affixing the sign of oxygen to the left side of the sine of the base, and the acids by affixing it to the right; and the greater or less degree of each maybe marked by placing it above or below, as in the examples in the plate. In this then is a deviation from all the tables of chemical signs which have been seen, and, it is trusted, with proprietv; for M. Chenevix has remarked of the system, that 4; one of its chief' defects is the im- possibility of marking, by any principles it points out, the differ- " ence of the metallic oxyds. A circle, with the mark of oxygen at "the top, is the only method of marking a metallic oxyd; for if we " put the mark of oxygen lower, it will then have the force of an acid, "and we must not confound the situation of the signs to mark differ- " ences of states, or the whole system will become confused." But the alteration proposed enables us to mark no less than six states of oxy- genizement. When th sign of oxygen is placed on the left, it im- plies that the compound is an oxyd; if it be placed at top, ii expresses the smallest degree of oxydizement; at bottom, the highest, and we have room for an intermediate one. The degrees of acidification are expressed in the same manner, except that the character of oxy- gen is placed to the right of the base. See 14—2 1 The -,ame proposal has been made by Dr. Vandier in the Journ de Physique, Vol. 56. and this coincidence is a proof that it is noi arbitrary, but arises natu- rally from an attentive consideration of the subject. The other primary combinations are expressed in the same way. When they unite only in one proportion or when the proportions are indifferent, the signs are placed indiffeien'ly, though h would be better to place them in one determinate way; bu^ when either of them is in excess, its sign is always placed below. Thus heavy hydro-car- bonous oxyd is expressed by placing the sign of hydrogen above that of carbon, 36; light hydro-carbonous oxyd by reversing tneir position, 35. Glass is expressed by placing the signs of soda and silica side by side, 41; the liquor silicum, by placing the sign of the alkali under that of the earth, and adding the sign of fluidity above. 42 The secondary compounds are expressed in a similar manner. The basis has been generally placed before the acid, to admit of the App. Chemical Signs. cxxxiii sign of the degree of acidification being added to the acid; and the same position fortunately admits of the sign of the degree of oxy- dizement being added to the oxyd,,when a metallic oxyd forms the basis of the salt. The excess of acid or base is marked as before, by placing the acid or base below. With regard to the metallic salts, Mr Chenevix has given some reasons for not introducing the sign of oxygen; but-he himself has given the most powerful reason for introducing it, by proving, that the real difference between calomel and corrosive sublimate is in the state of oxydizement of the metal. The manner of marking the oxyds proposed above, enables us to express this difference distinctly, when the degree of oxydizement is ascertained. EXPLANATION OF THE TABLE OF CHEMICAL SIGNS. Generic Signs. No. 1. Light. 5. Carbon. 9. Alkalies. 1 I. Metals. 12. Acidifiable bases, un-known or compound. 2. Oxygen. 6. Hydrogen. 10. Earths. 3. Caloric. 7. Sulphur. 13. Compound oxyds. 4. Nitrogen. 8. Phosphorus. Combinations of Oxygen. No. Oxyds. Acids. 14. Nitrogen. 1 Atmospheric air. 2 Nitrous oxyd. 3 Nitric oxyd. 1 Nitrous. 2 3 Nitric. 1— 15 16. 17 18 19 20. Carbon. Incombusti-ble coal. Char-coal. Carbonic oxyd. Carbonic. Hydrogen. Water. Sulphur. Oxyd of Sulph u-sulphur. rous. Sulphuric. Mercury. Black oxyd. Yellow. Red. Iron. Green oxyd. Red. Arsenic. White. | Arsenic. 21. Muriatic radical. Muri-atic. Oxyge-nized muriatic. Hyper-ox-ygenized muriatic. cxxxiv Materia Medica. App. Combinations of Caloric. 22. Oxygen. 23. Nitrogen. 24. Sulphur. 25. Potass. 26. Acetic acid. 27. Ice. 28. Ammonia. 29. Sulphuric acid. 30. Mercury. 31. White oxyd of arsenic. 32. Acetat of ammonia. The three columns represent the mode of characterizing the three states or aggregation of each of these substances. Primary Compounds. 33. Ammonia. 34. Carburet of iron. 35. Light hydrocarbonous oxyd. 36. Heavy hydro-carbonous oxyd. 37. Sulphureted phosphorus. 38. Phosphureted sulphur. 39. Amalgam of gold. 40. Alloy of silver and copper. 41. Glass. 42. Liquor silicum. Secondary Compounds. 43. Sulphit of potass. 44. Sulphat of potass. 45. Super-sulphat of potass. 46. Sulphat of alumina. 47. Super sulphat of alumina and potass, alum. 48. Nitrat of potass. 49. Muriat of ammonia. 50. Hyper- oxygenized muriat of potass 51. Tartrat of soda and potass. 52. Sub- borat of soda 53. Sub-muriat of mercury less oxydized, calomel. 54. Muriat of mercury more oxydized, corrosive sublimate. 55. Green sulphat of iron. 56. Brown sulphat of iron. 57. Tartrat of antimony and potass. 58, Sub-acetat of copper. 59, Acetat of copper. 60. Soap of soda. 61. Soap of ammonia. 62. Hydrogureted sulphuret of potass. §3. Litharge plaster. 64. Ammoniuret of gold, Fulminating gold. App. Pharmaceutical Calendar. cxxxv Pharmaceutical Calendar for the Climate of Weimar, by Gottling, showing the principal objects which the Apothecary has to attend to in each Month of the Year. January—The concentration of vinegar by freezing, Muriat of antimony, Ethers, Dulcified spirits, Dippel's animal oil to be prepared; Some gum resins, as assafoetida, galbanum, ammoniac, &c. to be powdered. February—as in January. March—Mezereon bark, Misletoe of the oak to be gathered; Conserve of scurvy-grass to be prepared. April—Spirit of scurvy-grass, Syrup of violets, to be prepared. May—Sloe flower water, Conserve of sorrel, Plaster of henbane, Extract of succory, henbane, grass, dandelion, 8ec. Oil of beetles (Meloe majalis et proscarabaeus,) Spirit of ants, earthworms, 8ec. June—Distilled water of lily of the valley, Various distilled spirituous waters, Conserves of various herbs and flowers, as conserve of roses, Sec. Hemlock plaster, Extracts of hemlock, fumatory, wild lettuce, aconite, &c. July—Vinegar of roses, Rose water, Marjoram butter, Preserved cherries, walnuts, currants, Sec. Extract of elaterium, Honey of roses, Boiled oil of hypericum, Sec. Distilled oil of rosemary, mint, parsley, pennyroyal, wild thyme, Sec. Syrup of cherries, raspberries, Sec. Spirit of rosemary. August—Cherry water, Extract of blessed thistle, thorn apple, See. Boiled oil of wormwood, chamomile, Sec. Distilled oil of wormwood, chamomile, peppermint, miUe- foil, rue, Sec. Rob of mulberries, Syrup of ditto. September—Quince cinnamon water, Oxymel of meadow saffron, Quince cakes, Syrup of barberries, quinces, buckthorn. Tincture of steel, with quince-juice. October—Tincture of steel, with apple-juice. November and December—As in January. APPENDIX. No. I. List qf Substances contained in some of the latest and most esteemed Foreign Pharmacopoeias, but not inserted in the Materia Medica of any of the British Colleges. explanation or the abbreviations. 1. Brem.—Pharmacopceia in usum officinarum reipublicae Bremensis consciipta. 8vo. Biemae, 1792. 2. Aust. prov.—Pharmacopoeia Austriaco-provincialis, emendata. 8vo. Viennae, 1794. 3. Aust. cast —Pharmacopceia Austriaco-castrensis. 8vo. Ticini, 1795. 4. Ross.—Pharmacopceia Rossica. 8vo. Petropoli, 1798. 5. Mar.—Apparatus medicaminum nosocomiis, generatim curationi aegrotorum pauperum maxime accommodus Francisci Marabelli. 8vo. Pataviae, anno Reipub. Gall. VIto. 1798. 6. Bor.—Pharmacopceia Borussica. 4to. Berolini, 1799. 7. Gen.—Formulario Farmaceutico per uso dell' Ospedale di Pam- matone. 8vo. Genova, 1800. 8. Van M.—Pharmacopee manuelle, par J. B. Van Mons. 8vo. A Bruxeiles, an. IX. 1801. 9. Brugn.—Pharmacopceia ad uso degli speziali, e medici moderni della republica ltaliana, di L. Brugnatelli. 8vo. Pavia, 1802. 10. La G.—Manuel du Pharmacien, par E. J. B. Bouillon La Grange. 8vo. A Paris, an. XI. 1803. ll.Parm.—Code PI armaceutique, a I'usage des hospices civiles, des secours a domiciles, et des prisons, publie par ordre du Ministre de l'interieur. Par A. A. Parmentier. 8vo. Paris, 1803. 12. Al.—Nouveaux elemcns de Therapeutique et de Matiere Medi- eale. Par. J. L. Alibert. 8vo. Paris, an. XII. App. Materia Medica. cxxxvii 1. ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM. Mlllefolii herba, floret. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor. La G. Smell somewhat aromatic; taste slightly astringent and bitterish; effects stomachic and tonic. 2. Achillea Nobilis. MilUfolii nobilis herba,flores. Ross. Smell camphoraceous and aromatic, preferable in every respect to the preceding species. 3. Achillea Ptarmica. Ptarmica radix; herba cum floribus. Ross. No smell; taste acrid; effects sialogogue, sternutatory. 4. Adiantum Capillus Veneris^ Capillus veneris; herba. Aust. prov. Van M. La G. Used for preparing the syrup called Capillaire. 5. Agakicus Muscarius. Ross. Smell fetid; taste acrid; effects inebriating, and inducing delirium. 6. Alcea Rosea. Malvx arboreta flores. Ross. Brem. Bor. No smell; taste mucilaginous and sub-astringent; effects emollient and sub-astringent. 7. Ambra Ambrosiaca Grysea. Ambra Grysea. Ross. Bor. Van M. Smell agreeable; taste resinous and aromatic; effects exciting and augmenting the nervous power. 8. Amomum Curcuma. Van M. Curcuma radix. Bor. Taste bitterish, aromatic. 9. Amomum Ghana Paradisi. Grana Paradisi. Brem. La G. Smell slightly aromatic; taste acrid; effects stimulating. 10. Amygdalus Nana. JVuclei. Ross. No smell; bitterish taste; a substitute for sweet almonds. 11. Amygdalus Persica. Flores. Van M. La G. Aromatic; bitter; laxative. 12. Anagallis Arvensis. Anagallis. Herba% Aust. prov. Brem. Ross. Bor. No smell; taste at first herbaceous, afterwards bitter, and somewhat acrid. 13. Anemone Pratensis. Pulsatilla nigricantis herba. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. . Smell slight; taste acrid, caustic, durable; effects diuretic and sti-^ niulant. 14. Anemone Nemorosa. Ranunculi albi flores, et herba recent. Ross. . . Smell slight; taste acrid; effects rubefacient and blistering. 15. Antirrhinum Linaria. Linaria. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor. Smell urinous; taste bitterish; effects diuretic. 16. Aristolochia Clematitis. Aristolochia vulgaris. Radix. Smell fragrant, but heavy; taste bitter, durable; effects diuretic, emmenagogue. 17. Aristolochia Longa. Radix. La G. cxxxviii i Materia Medica. App. 18. Aristolochia Rotunda. Radix. Brem. Bor. La G. Smell, taste, and effects similar those of the preceding species. 19. Aristolochia Trilobata. Stipites; radix. Ross. Smell fragrant, strong; taste bitterish, corresponding with the smei); effect diaphoretic. 20. Artemisia Pontica. Absinthium penticum; herba. Aust. prov. Similar to A absinthium, but weaker. 21. Asclepias Vincetoxicum. Radix. La G. Stimulant cordial; diaphoretic 22. Asparagus Sativa. Radix. La G. Taste bitter-sweet; mucilaginous; aperitive; imparting its smell to the urine. 23. Asplenium Scolopendrium. Folia. Van M. Sub-astringent 24. Astragalus Kxscapus. Radix. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. No smell; taste bitterish and sub-astringent; effects demulcent, and falsely supposed anti-syphilitic. 25. Aurum. La G. 26 Bellis Perennis. Flos. Folium. Aust. prov. No smell; taste slightly acrid. 27. Betonica Officinalis. Folia. La G. Aperitive. 28. Betula Alnus. Aini folia. Ross. No smell; taste astringent and bitterish; effects discutient and vul- nerary. 29. Bismuthum, vulgo Marcasita. Bor. A very brittle, fusible, and volatile metal. White oxyd has specific effects in Gastrodynia. 30 Bitumen Asphaltum. Asphaltum. Bor. A black friable bitumen, shining in its fracture. 31. Boletus Laricis. Agaricua Albus. Agaricus chirurgorum. Brem. Aust prov Bor. Van M. La G. Taste nauseous and bitter; effects emetic, cathartic, drastic. 32. Boletus Salicis Bor, An unequally porous fungus growing on the willow, and diffusing an aromatic smell, especially after rain. 33. Bolus Alba. Aust. prov. 34. Bolus Armena. Aust. prov. Bor. Van M. No smell; adheres to the tongue; effects exsiccative. * 35. Borago Officinalis. Folia,flores. Van M. La G. Saline; aperitive. 36. Bos Taurus. Lac vaccinum. Aust. prov. Gen. Bor. Van M. Nutritious; demulcent. Serum lactis vaccini. Mar. Attenuant; antiseptic. Saccharum lactis. Bor. Nutritious; demulcent. Butyrum. Van M. Unctuous. Sevum Bovinum. Ross. Aust. cast. Unctuous, emollient. APP* Materia Medica. cxxxix Pel tauri. Bor. Mar. Van M. Stomachic. 37. Brassica (Eruca.) Eruccc semina. Rocs. Bor. Smell heavy; taste acrid; effects stimulant. 38. Bkunella Vulgaris. Folia. La G. Vulnerary; astringent. 39. Bubon Macedonicum. Semina. La G. Acrid, aromatic. 40. Buglossum Officinale. Folia, flores. La G. Demulcent. 41. Calendula Officinalis. Calendula. Aust. prov. Van M. Taste bitterish. 42. Cannabis Sativa. Cannabis: Semina. Ross. Brem. Bor. VanM. Smell weak; taste mawkish; effects emollient, anodyne. 43. Carduus Marianus. Carduus Maria. Semen. Brem. Emulsive. 44. Carex Arenakia. Radix. Ross. Bor. Smell agreeable, but not strong; effects demulcent, resolvent. 45 Carlina Acaulis. Carlinte, seu Cardopathia Radix. Bor. La G. Taste very acrid and bitter; smell somewhat aromatic, but nau- seous. 46. Carthamus Tinctorius, Grana. La G. Cathartic. 47. Ceratonia Siliqua. Siligua dulcia. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem, Bor. No smell; taste sweet; effects edulcorant, expectorant. 48. Chelidonium Ma jus. Radix, herba recens. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Smell heavy; taste acrid, bitterish, durable; effects acrid, purga- tive; when dried, aperient, diuretic. 49 Chenopodium Ambrosioides. Chenopodii herba. Brem. Bor. Van M. Smell strong, fragrant; taste acrid, aromatic; effects stimulant, carminative, anthelmintic. 50. Chenopodium Botrys. Botrys vulgaris. Herba. Ross. Van M. Qualities and effects similar to, but stronger than, those of the pre- ceding species. 51. Cichorium Intybus. Cichorii radix, herba. Ross. Aust. prov.^ et cast. Brem. La G. Van M. Gen. Bor. Mar. No-smell; taste of the herb agreeably bitter, of the root intensely bitter; effects aperient, tonic, diuretic. 52. Cicuta Virosa. Herba. Bor. Smell heavy; narcotic. 53. Clematis Erecta. Flammula Jovis folia, flores. Ross. Aust. prov. Bor. Van M. SmeH weak; taste acrid, blistering; effects diuretic, sudorific. 54. Coluber Vipera. La G. Nutritious. 55. Conferva Dichotoma. Fucia helminthocortos. Helminthocor' J*n. Ross. Brem. Gen. Bor. Mons. cxl Materia Medica. App. Smell marine, fetid; taste saline; effects purgative, anthelmintic. 56. Convallaria Majalis. Liliorum convallium flores. Bor. Mons. LaG. Aromatic; cephalic. 57. Convolvulus Americanus. Mechoacanha; radix. Brem. La G. Taste at first sweetish, than sub-acrid; effect purgative. 58. Convolvulus Turpethum. Radix. Van M. Cathartic. 59. Cordia Myxa. Fructus. La G. Pectoral. 60. Cucumis Melo. Melo. Semen. Aust. prov. Bor. Emulsive. 61. Cucurbita Pepo. Pepo. Semen. Aust. prov. Emulsive. 62. Cycas Circinalis. Sago grana. Ross Brem. Amylaceous; nutritious. 63. Cynoglossum Officinale. Radix. Van M. La G. Astringent; inspissant. 64. Cynomorium Coccineum. Fungus MclUc.nsis. Ross. No smell; taste styptic, bitterish, saline; effects roborant, astringent. 65. Cytinus Hypocistis. Hypocistis. Succus inspissatus. Aust. prov. Taste acrid, austere; effect astringent.» 66. Dictamnus Albus. Radix. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor. La G. Smell fragrant; taste bitter, sub-aromatic; effects tonic, anthel- mintic. 67. Digitalis Epiglottis. Folia. Gen. An Italian substitute for the D. purpurea. 68. Epidendbium Vanilla. Vanities siligua. Ross. Van M. La G. Smell fragrant, balsamic; taste aromatic, sub-acid, unctuous; effects heating, diuretic. 69. Eryngium Campestre. Radix. LaG. Aperitive; diuretic. 70. Erv imum Officinale. Erysimum. Herba. Brem. La G. Taste acrid; effects astringent, diuretic. 71. Eupatorium Cannabinum. Folia. Van M. Smell acrid, penetrating; taste intensely bitter; diuretic; emetic; cathartic. 72. Euphorbia Officinalis. Euphorbii Gummi. Ross. Aust. prov. Bor. Van M. No smell; taste, at first none, then pungent, burning; effects acrid, drastic. 73. Euphrasia Officinalis. Herba. Van M. La G. Ophthalmic. 74. Fagaha Octandra. Tacamahaca. Gummi-resina. Ross. Bor. Smell fragrant, like lavender; taste bitterish, nauseous; effects to- nic, stimulant. 75, Ficus Indica Religiosa. Lacca Gummi. Ross. Brem. Bor. Resinous. -76. Formica Rufa. Formica cum acervo. Ross. Brem. Bor. Qualities and effects depend on the little acetous acid they contain. App. Materia Medica. cxli 77. Fragaria Vesca. Radix. Van M. Refrigerant; diuretic. 78 Gadus Lota. Mustela fluviatilis. Liguamen hepatis. Aust. prov. Nauseous; diuretic, cathartic; chronic rheumatism. 79. Gentiana Pannonica. Gentiana. Radix. Aust prov.»e? cast. Qualities and effects the same as those of the gentiana lutea. 80. Geum Rivale. Geipalustris radix. Ross. Smell we*.k; taste styptic, austere; effects tonic, astringent, febri- fuge. 81. Geum Urbanum. Caryophyllata radix. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor. La G. Smell caryophyllaceons, lost by drying; taste styptic, bitter; effects tonic, astringent, febrifuge; said lo be an excellent substitute for Peruvian bark. 82. Glecoma Hederacea. Hedera terrestris. Herba. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor. Van M. La G. Taste bitterish, sub acrid; effects expectorant, roborant. 83. Glycyrrhiza Fchin at a. Liguiritia, radix. Bor. A Russian substitute for the G. glabra. 84. Guilandina Moringa. Nuces Behen. Bor. Oily. 85. Hedera Helix. Gummi-resina. La G. Agglutinant. 86. Humulus LupulUs. Lupuli strobuli. Bor. La G. Agreeably bitter; anodyne, diuretic, resolvent. ' 87. Hypericum Quadrangulare. Hypericum. Flores. Brem. Smell agreeable; taste bitterish, sub-astringent; balsamic; effects vulnerary. 88. Ilex Aquifolium. Aguifolii folia. Ross. Bor. No smell; taste astringent; effects febrifuge, antiarthritic. 89. Illicum Anisatum. Anisatum stellatum. Fructus. Aust. prov. Brem. Ross. Bor. Van M. La G. Smell aromatic; taste agreeable, like anise; effects pectoral, car- minative, diuretic. 90. Impkratoria Ostruthium. Imperatoria radix. Ross. Aust. prov. Smell aromatic; taste warm, pungent, very durable; effects stimu- lant, carminative, sudorific, diuretic. 91. Jasminum Officinale. Jasminiflores. Ross. Brem. Smell fragrant; taste bitterish; used as a perfume. 92- Lactuca Sativa. Folia. LaG. Refreshing; anodyne. 93. Lamium Album. Flores. Van M. La G. Astringent; tonic. 94. Laurus Pechurim. Faba. Van M. Bitter, aromatic; stimulant, stomachic. 95. Ledum Palustre. Rorismarini sylvestris herba. Ross. Aust. prov. Bor. Smell heavy, sub-aromatic; taste bitterish, sub-astringent; effects resolvent, diuretic. 96. Lepidum Sativum. Folia, semina. La G. Antiscorbutic, aperitive, diuretic. cxlii Materia Medica. App. 97. Lichen Pulmonarius. La. G. Taste saline, bitter; pectoral. 98. Ligusticum Levisticum. Levistici herba, radix, semen. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor. Smell unpleasant; taste warm, aromatic; effects stimulant, carmi- native, sudorific. 99. LiquiDAMBAR Styracifluum. Styrax Liguida. Balsamum. Aust. prov. Bor. Van M. La G. Smell fragrant; taste acrid, aromatic; effects stimulating, healing, 100. Lonicera Diervilla. Diervillx stipetes. Ross. Taste and smell nauseous; effects antivenereal. 10.1. Lopeziana. Radix. Van M. Syphilis. 102. Loranthus EuropjEUS. Viscum quercinum, lignum.Aust. prov. Smell nauseous; taste astringent, mucilaginous; effects tonic. 103. Lupinus Albus. Farina. Gen. Farinaceous; bitter. 104. Lycoperdon Bovista. Ross. No taste or smell; effects mechanical, suppression of haemorrhagy. 105. Lycopodium Clavatum. Lycopodii semen. Ross. Brem. Bor LaG. No taste or smell; effects absorbent. 106. Lythrum Salicaria. Lysimachia purpurea. Herba. Brem. Salicaria. Aust. prov. No smell; taste sub-astringent; effects astringent, tonic. 107. Malva Rotundifolia. Folia el flores. Gen. Demulcent. 108 Manganesium. Manganesium oxidatum nativum. Bor. Mag. nesia nigra. Ross. Magnesia vitrariorum. Aust. prov. Used for the production of oxygen gas, oxymuriatic acid, and some other chemical preparations. 109. Maranta Galanga. Galanga radix. Ross. Aust. prov Berm. Bor. Van M. La G. Smell fragrant; taste aromatic, pungent, biting; effects stomachic, heating. 110. Matricaria Chamomilla, V. Mons. ChamomilU vulgaris, flores, herba. Ross. Aust. prov. et cast. Brem. Bor. Mar. Smell strong; taste bitter, warmish; effects stomachic, discutient; substitute for chamomile. 111. Matricaria Parthenium. Matricaria. Flos, herba. Aust. prov. Bor. Van M. La G. Smell nauseous; taste bitter; effects stomachic. 112. Melissa Calamintha. Folia. La G. Anti-hysteric. 113. Mrloe PRoscARABiius. Aust. prov. Meloe majalis. Brem. Vermis majalis. Ross. Bor. No smeli; taste acrid; effects stimulating, diuretic, caustic. 114. Mentha Crispa. Herba. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Gen. Mar. Van M. Smell fragrant, strong; taste warm, aromatic, slightly bitter: ef- fects resolvent, stomachic, carminative. App. Materia Medica. exliii 115. Mentha Aquatic a. Mentha rubra. Oleum distillatum. Aust. cast. Similar to the former. 116. Mercurialis Annua. Herba. Van M. LaG. Purgative. 117. Mimosa Senegal. Arabicum gummi. Brem. Supposed to produce the finest gum-arabic. 118. Mvrobalanus Citrina, Cortexfructuum. Terminalia spe- ' cies? Aust. prov. Taste astringent; effects astringent. 119. Narcissus Pseudo-narcissus. Flores. Van M. Fragrant; antispasmodic. 120. Nigella Sativa. Nigella. Semen. Brem. La G. Smell fragrant; taste acrid, aromatic; effects stimulating, errhine, sialogogue, anthelmintic. 121. Nymphjea Lutea. Radix. La G. Demulcent. 122 Ocimum Basilicum. Van M. Basilici herba. Bor. Smell fragrant; expectorant. 123. Ononis Spinosa. Ononis radix. Aust. prov. Mar. No smell; taste sweetish; effects diuretic 124. Onopordum Acanthium. Cardui tomentosi herba recens. Ross. No smell; taste bitterish; effects specific, the cure of cancerous affections. 125. Orchis Mascula, Morio, Militaris, Maculata, Pyra- midalis, et Laiifolia. Salep. Satyrium. Radix. Ross. Aust. prov. et cast. Brem. Bor. Van M. Taste amylaceous; effects nutritious. 126. Origanum Dictamnus. Dictamnus creticus. Herba. Brem. Smell slight, aromatic; taste aromatic; effects stimulant. 127. Oryza Sativa. Oryza semen decorticatum. Ross. Van M. Taste farinaceous; effects nutritious, astringent. 128. PiEONiA Officinalis. Paonia radiv. Ross. Brem. Bor. LaG. Smell unpleasant; taste at first sweetish, then disagreeably bitter; effects antispasmodic. 129. Phellandrium Aquaticum. Semen. Ross. Fceniculum agua- ticum. Brem. Bor. Smell heavy, taste aromatic, acrid; effects stimulating, resolvent. 13Q. Phoenix Dactylifera. Fructus. Van M. La G. Demulcent. 131. Physalis Alkekengi. Bacca. Van M. La G. Diuretic. 132. Phytolacca Decandra. Phytolacca herba recens, radix Ross. No smell; taste acrid, corrosive; effects corrosive in cancer. 133. Pimpinella Saxifraga. Pimpinella alba radix. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor. La G. Smell fragrant; taste warm, acrid; effects stomachic, diaphoretic, diuretic. 134, Pinus Pinea. Pinus sativa. A'uciei. Aust. prov. Taste sweet, bland; effects nutritious. cxliv Materia Medica. App. 135. Pistacia Vera. Fructus. La G. Nourishing; analeptic. 136. Plantago Media. Plantago. Herba. Aust. prov. Taste sub-astringent; effects astringent. 137. Plantago Psyllium et Cynops. Psyllii semen. Ross. Bor. Taste nauseous, mucilaginous, then acrid; effects relaxant. 138. Polygala Amara. Herba, radix. Ross. Brem. Gen. Bor. Van M. No smell; taste bitter, acidulous, mucilaginous; effects demulcent, roborant. 139. Polygala Vulgaris. Polygala. Radix. Aust. prov. Mar. Taste sweetish, bitter; effects tonic, expectorant; substitute for seneka. 140. Polypodium Vulgare. Polypodii radix. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor. Taste at first sweet, then nauseous, bitter, and astringent; effects demulcent, resolvent. 141. Populus Balsamifera. Tacamahaca. Gummi-resina. Ross. Van M. Smell fragrant; taste nauseous, bitterish; effects stimulant, tonic. 142. Populus Nigra. Gemma. Van M. Emollient; soporiferous. 143. Prunus Cerasus. Cerasorum rubrorum acidorum\fructut. Ross. Brem. Bor. Taste acidulous, sweetish; effects refrigerating, antiseptic. Cerasorum 7iigrorum agua. Aust. prov. Narcotic. 144. Prunus Lauro-cerasus. Lauro-cerasifolia. ~Ros&. Brem. Bor. Smell fragrant; taste bitter, like that of bitter almonds; effects highly deleterious, narcotic, resolvent, diuretic. 145. Pteris Aquilina. Felicis fxmina radix, Ross. Smell nauseous; taste viscid, bitterish; effects anthelmintic. 146. Pulmonaria Officinalis. Folia. LaG. Antiphthysical. 147. Pyrus Malus. Poma acidula. Bor. Van M. Acidulous. 148. Rana Esculenta. La G. Nutritious. 149. Rhamnus Zizyphus. Fructus. Van M. Lubricant; expectorant. 150. Rheum Rhaponticum. Radix. La G. Astringent. 15 1. Rubus Arcticus. Bacca. Ross. La G. Smell fragrant; taste acidulous, vinous; effects refrigerant, anti- scorbutic. Similar properties are possessed by the fruits of the rubus idaus, casius,fructicosus, chamamorus. 152. Rumex Acurus. Lapathum acutum. Radix. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor. Mar. Van M. La G. Taste bitterish, acidulous; effects astringent, 153. Sagus Farinaria. Medulla. Van M. Nutritious. App. Materia Medica. cxlv 154. Saliva Horminum. Folia. La G. Astringent, tonic. 155. Sambucus Ebulus. Ebulus. Radix. Aust. prov. Smell fetid; taste nauseous, bitter, acrid; effects drastic, cathartic, emetic, narcotic. 156. Sanicula Europ^a. Folia. La G. Harsh, herbaceous taste. 157. Saponaria Officinalis. Saponaria radix. Ross. Aust. prov. et cast. Brem. Bor. Mar. Van M. La G. No smell; taste slightly sweet, bitter, and glutinous; effects deter- gent. 158. Scabiosa Succisa. Radix. La G. Alexipharmic. 159. Scabiosa Arvensis. Scabiosa. Folium. Aust. prov. Van M. Taste slightly bitter; effects expectorant, vulnerary. 160. Scandix Cerefolium. Cerefolii herba. Succus. Brem. Aust, prov. Smell weak, balsamic; taste aromatic, balsamic; effects aperient, pectoral, diuretic. 161. Scorzonera Hispanica. Scorzonera. Radix. Aust. prov. Bor. Taste sweetish; effects aperient, demulcent. 162. Secale Cereale. Secalis farina. Aust. prov. Gen. Van M. Taste farinaceous; effects nutritious. 163. Sempervivum Tectorum. Sedi majoris folia virentia. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Smell weak; taste sub-acrid, slightly styptic; effects refrigerant, astringent. 164. Senecio Jacob^ea. Herba. Van M. Anthelmintic. 165. Sepia Octopoda. Sepia os. Brem. A carbonat of lime agglutinated by animal gluten. 166. Sium Sisarum. Ginseng. Radix. Bitter sweet, tonic. 167. Smilax China. China Radix. Aust. prov. Brem. No smell; taste mucilaginous; effects sudorific, antivenereal. 168. Sol anum Nigrum. Herba. Bor. Van M. Mar. Smell nauseous; effects diuretic, narcotic. 169. Spigelia Anthelmia. Herba cum radke. Ross. Brem. Taste and smell fetid; effects narcotic, purgative, anthelmintic. 170. Strychnos nux Vomica. jVux Vomica. Bor. Van M. La G. No smell; taste intensely bitter; effects tonic, narcotic, deleterious. 171. Symphitum Officinale. Van M. La G. Symphitiradix. Ross. Consolida major. Aust. prov. Brem. No smell; taste mucilaginous; effects emollient, inspissant. 172. Testudo Ferox, &c. La G. Nutritious. 173. Teucrium Cham^epitys. Chamapityos herba. Ross. Smell fragrant; taste bitter and aromatic; effects tonic. 174. Theobroma Cacao. Van M. La G. Cacao. JVucleus. Oleum. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor. Little smell; taste pleasant and oily, very slightly astringent and t cxlvi Materia Medical App. bitterish; effects nutritious. Oil bland, sweetish; effects emollient, lubricating. 175. Thymus Serpyllum. SerpyHi herba. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor. La G. Smell fragrant; taste aromatic, bitterish; effects stimulant, diuretic, emmenagogue. 176. Thymus Vulgaris. Thymi herba. Ross. Brem. La G. Smell fragrant; taste warm, pungent, bitter; effects stimulant, diu- retic, emmenagogue. 177. Tilia Europjea. Flores. Van M. La G. Fragrant; anodyne. 178. Trifolium Melilotus Officinalis. Meliloti herba cum floribus. Ross. Aust prov. Brem. Bor. Van M Smell fragrant; taste herbaceous, bitterish; effects discutient. 179, Triticum Repens. Van M. La G. Graminis radix. Ross. Aust. prov. et cast. Brem. Gen. Bor. Smell herbaceous; taste sweetish; effects aperient, demulcent. 180. Vaccinium Myrtillus. Myrtilli bacca. Ross. Aust. prov. No smell; taste acidulous, sub-astringent; effects refrigerant, as- tringent. i 181. Vaccinium Oxycoccos. Oxycocci bacca. Ross. Taste acidulous; effects refrigerant. 182. Vaccinium Vitis Id^ea. Vitis idaa bacca, folia. Ross. Taste acidulous; effects refrigerant, antiseptic. 183. Veratrum Sabadilla. Van M. Sabadilla semen. Ross. Aust. prov. et cast. Brem. Bor. Mar. La G. Taste very bitter, acrid, and caustic; effects stimulant, drastic, ca- thartic, anthelmintic, errhine. 184. Verbascum Thapsus. Van M. La G. Verbasci flores, folia. Ross. Aust. prov. Brem. Bor Mar. Taste of the leaves herbaceous, bitterish; effects emollient, discu- tient; smeil of the flowers sweet; taste sweet; effects pectoral. 185. Verbena Officinalis. Folia. La G. Vulnerary. 186. Veronica Officinalis. Folia. Van M. La G. Vulnerary; pectoral. 187. Vic i a Fab a. Faba Semen. Aust. prov. Taste farinaceous; effects nutritious. 188. Viola Tricolor. Herba. Ross. Aust. prov. Jacea. Herba. Brem. Bor. Mar. \ an M. Smell agreeable; taste mucilaginous, bitterish; effects anodyne. 189. Viscum Album. Bor. La G. Glutinous; specific; anti-paralytic; anti-epileptic. 190. Vitis Vinifera Apyrena. Passula minores. Ross. Brem. Taste sweet, acidulous; effects refrigerant, demulcent, lubricating. App. Materia Medica. exlvii No II. List of Animals which furnish Articles of the Materi* Medica, ar- ranged according to Cuvier's System. rodentia. Pachydermata. ruminantia. Cetacea. MAMMALIA. Castor fiber. Sus scrofa. Moschus moschiferus, Cervus elaphus. Ovis aries. Bos taurus. Physeter macrocephalus. Gallin*. Anseres. AVES. Phasianus gallus., Anas anser. Pisces. ChondRopterygii. Acipenser sturio, stellatus, huso, ruthenus. Canceres. CRUSTACEA. Cancer pagurus, astacus. coleoptera. Hymenoptera. Hemiptera. Gnathaptera. INSECTA. Lytta vesicatoria. (Meloe vesicatarius.) Meloe proscarabaeus. Cyneps querci folii. Apis mellifera. Formica rufa. Coccus cacti. Oniscus asellus. Cephalopoda. Acephala. Sepia officinalis. Ostrea edulis. vermes. Hirudo medicinalis. Cbratophyta. Spongia. ZOOPHYTA. Gorgonia nobilis. (Isis nobilis.) Spongia officinalis. cxlviii Materia Medica. App. No. III. List of the Genera of Medicinal Plants, arranged according to the Linnaan System. CJ. T. MONANDHIA. Ord. Monogynia. Kaempferia. Curcuma. Amomum. Costus. Maranta. Lopezia. CI. II. DIANDIIIA. Ord. Monogynia. Olea. Veronica. Gratiola. Verbena. Rosmarinus. Salvia. Piper. • Ord. Trigynia. Cl. HI TRIANDR1A. Ord. Monogynia. Valeriana. Crocus. Iris. Ord. Digynia. Saccharum. Avena. Secale. Triticum. Hordeum. Cl. IV. TETRANDRIA. Ord. Monogynia. Scabiosa. Plantago. Penaea. Rubia. Fagara. Santalum. Alchemilla. Dorstenia. Cuscuta. Ord. Digynia. Cl. V. PENTANDRIA. Ord. Monogynia. Pulmonaria. Symphitum. Borago. Cynoglossum. Anagallis. Anchusa. Spigelia. Menyanthes. Ord. Monogynia. Convolvulus. Datura. Hyosciamus. Nicotiana. Verbascum. Chironia. Coidia. Strychnos. Capsicum. Solatium. Physalis. Atropa, Cinchona. Lobelia. Psychotria. Cephaelis. Lonicera. Rhamnus. Vitis. Viola. Ribes. Hedera. Ord. Digynia. Gentiana. Chenopodium. Ulmus. Eryngium. Sanicula. Daucus. Coniura. Sium. Cuminum. Ferula. Bubon. Angelica. Coriandrum. Phellandrium. Imperatoria. Cicuta. Carum. Pastinaca. Anethum. Apium. Pimpinella. Ord. Trigynia. Sambucus. Rhus. Ord. PENTAGYviA.Linum. App. Materia Medica. cxlix Cl. VI. HEXANDRIA. Ord. Monogynia. Loranthus. Berberis. Narcissus. Allium. Aloe. Convallaria. Dracaena. Scilla. Asparagus. Lilium. Acorus. Calamus. Oryza. Colchicum. Rumex. Ord. Digynia. Ord. Trigynia. Cl. Vll. HEPTANDRIA. Ord. Monogynia, iEsqulus. Cl. VIII. OCTANDRIA. Ord. Monogynia. Amyris. Vaccinium. Daphne. Coccoloba. Polygonum. Ord. Trigynia. Ord Ord. Ord. Ord. Ord Ord Cl IX. ENNEANDRIA. Ord. Monogynia. Laurus. Ord. Trigynia. Rheum. Cl. X. DECANDRIA. Ord. Monogynia. Myroxylon. Toluifera. Cassia. Guliandina. Dictamnus. Haematoxylon. Swietenia. Guajacum. Ruta. Quassia. Ledum. Rhododendron Arbutus. Styrax. Copaifera. Ord. Digynia. Saponaria. Dianthus. Ord. PENTAGYNIA.Oxalis. Ord.DECAOYNiA. Phytolacca. Ord Ord Ord Ord Ord Ord CJ. XI. DODECANDRIA. Monogynia. Asarum. Garcinia. Canella. Portulaca. Lythrum. Digynia. ' Agrimonia. Trigynia. Euphorbia. Cl. XII. ICOSANDRIA. Monogynia. Cactus. Eugenia. Myrtus. Punica. Eucalyptus. Amygdalus. Prunus. PENTAGYNIA.PyrUS. POLYGYNIA. Rosa. Rubus. Tormentilla. Fragaria. Potentilla. Geum. Cl. XIII. POLYANDRIA. , Monogynia. Papaver. Chelidonium. Cistus. Tilea. Nymphaea. . Digynia. Paeonia. Trigynia. Delphinium. Aconitum. .TETRAGYNiA.Wintera. .Pentagynia. Nigella. . Polygynia. Clematis. Helleborus. Cl. XIV. DIDYNAMIA. Ord. Gymnospermia. Glecoma. Hyssopus. Mentha. Lavandula. Teucrium. Lamium. Satureja. Marrubium. Thymus. Ocimum. Origanum, Melissa, cl Materia Medica. App. Ord. Angiospermia. Euphrasia. Scrophularia. Digitalis. Cl. XV. TETR ADYNAMIA. Ord. SiLicuLOSiE. ( ochleria. Lapidium. Raphanus. Cardamine. Sinapis. Sisymbrium. Cl. XVI. MONADELPHIA. Ord. Triandria. Tarnarindus. Ord. PoLYANDRiA.Malva. Althaea. Cl XVH DIADF.EPHIA. Ord. Hexandria. Fumaria. Ord. Octandria. Polygala. Ord. Decandria. Pterocarpus. Spartium. Genista. Lu pinus. Dolichos. Astragalus. Trifolium. Glycyrrhiza. Geoffroya. Trigonella. Cl. XVHI. POLYADELPHIA. Ord. Decandria. Theobroma. Ord. Icosandria. Citrus. Ord. Polyandria.Melaleuca. Hypericum. Cl. XIX. SYNGFNESTA. Ord. PoLYGAMIA .EQUALIS. Cichoreum. Scorzonera. Leontodon. Lactuca. Carlina. Arcitum. Carlhamus. Cynara. Carduus. Ord. PoLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA. Artemisia. Tanacetum. Bellis. Matricaria. Ord. POLYGAMIA 8UPERFLUA. Arnica. Inula. Solidago. Senecio. Tussilago. Anthcmis, Achillea, Ord. PoLYGAMIA FRUSTRANEA. Centaurea. Ord. POLYGAMIA NECEsSARIA. Calendula. Cl. XX. GYNANDR1A. Ord. Diandria. Orchis. Epidendrum. Ord. Hexandria. Aristolochia. Ord. Dodecandria. Cytinus. Ord. Polvandria.Arum. Cl. XXI. MONOECIA. Ord. Tetrandria. Betula. Morus. Urtica. Ord. Polyandria. Quercus. Juglans. Liquidamber. Ord. Monadelphia. Pinus. Ricinus. Croton. Ord. Syngenesia, Momordica, Cucumis. Cucurbita. Bryonia. Ord. Ord. Ord. Ord. Ord. Ord. Cl. XXII. DIOECIA. Diandria. Salix. TETRANDRIA.Viscum. Pentandria. Pistacia. Cannabis. Humulus. Hexandria. Smilax. OCTANDRIA. Populus. Monadelphia. Juniperus. Cissampelos. Cl. XXIII. POLYGAMIA. Ord. Monoecia, Veratum. Mimosa. Parietaria. Ord. Dioecia. Fraxinus. Panax. App. Materia Medica. di Ord. Trioecia. Ficus. Ceratonia. Cl. XXIV. CRYPTOGAMIA. Ord. Filice-s. Polypodium. Ord. Musci. Ord. Alga. Adiantum. Lycopodium. Lichen. Conferva. Ord. Fungi. Agaricus, Boletus. Lycoperdon. Cl. XXV. PALMJE. Cocos. Phoenix. Sagus. clii Materia Medica. App. List of Officinal Genera, arranged according to the Natural System of Jussieu, improved by Ventenat. Cl. I. ACOTYLEDONES. Ord. 1. Fungi. Lycoperdoii. Boletus. Agaricus. 2. Algjs. Conferva. Lichen. Plataphyllum. 3. HEPATIC.fi. 4. Musci. Lycopodium. 5. Filices. Polypodium. Peteris. Adiantum. Cycas. MONOCOTYLEDONES. Cl. II. STAMINA HYPOGYN1A. Ord. 1. Pluviales. ' 2. ARoiDEiE. Arum. Acorus. 3. Typhoideje. 4. CyperoidejE. 5*. Gramine.e. Saccharum. Lolium. Hordeum. Triticum. Secale. Avena. Oryza. Cl. III. PERIGYNIA. Ord. I.Palm^. Calamus. Areca. Cocos. Sagus. Phoenix. Ord. 2. Asparagoideje. Dracaena. Asparagus. Convallaria. 3. Smilaceje. Smilax. 4. 1oncace. Aqualythargyriacetati, L.D. 5 Acetis hydrargyri, E. L. D. Potassa. Ammonia. Plumbum. Hydrargyrum. A.—Acidum Acetosum, &c. 9 ACIDUM ACETOSUM FORTE. Ed. Strong Acetous Acid. Syn. Acidum Acetosum, L. Acetous Acid. Acid Aceticum, D. Acetic Acid. Take of Sulphat of iron dried, one pound; Acetat of lead, ten ounces. Having rubbed them together, put them into a retort, and distil in a sand bath with a moderate heat, as long as any acid comes over. (E.) Specific gravity, 1050. (L.)—1070. D. Acetic acid is a transparent and colourless fluid, of an extremely pungent smell and a caustic acid taste, capable of reddening and blis- tering the skin. It is very volatile, and its vapour is highly inflamma- ble; it combines with water in every proportion; it combines with su- gar, mucilage, volatile oils, alcohol; it dissolves boracic acid, and ab- sorbs carbonic acid gas; it is formed by the acidification of sugar, and by the decomposition of some other ternary and quaternary com- pounds by heat or acids. It is decomposed by the sulphuric and ni- tric acids, and by beat. The proportions of its constituents are not as- certained. In its ordinary state, it has only an acid taste, a pleasant odour; specific gravity 1.0005; congeals and crystallizes at —22°, and is vaporized at 212°. Acetats are very soluble in water; are decomposed by heat, by ex- posure of their solutions to the air, and by the stronger acids. By the above process the acetic acid is prepared. It is now gene- rally believed to differ from distilled vinegar only in strength, and in being perfectly free from all mucilaginous matter; therefore, accord- ing to the principles of nomenclature, which gives simple names to simple substances, the strong acid should be acetic acid, and our pre- sent acetous acid should be weak or dilute acetic acid. Many different processes have been proposed for preparing acetic acid, but they may be arranged in three classes. It may be prepared, 1. By decomposing metalline acetats by heat. 2.......... acetats by sulphuric acid. 3..........acetats by sulphats. The process of a former edition of the London college which uses the verdegris is an example of the first kind. But the heat necessary is so great, that it decomposes part of the acetic acid itself, and gives the product an empyreumatic and unpleasant smell. By the superior affinity of sulphuric acid, the acid may be easily expelled from every acetat, whether alkaline or metallic; but part of the sulphuric acid seems to be deprived of its oxygen, and to be con- verted into sulphurous acid, which renders the product impure. The processes of the last kind are preferable to the others in ma- ny respects. They are both more economical, and they furnish a pu- rer acid. Mr. Lowitz* directs one part of carefully-dried acetat of • For the mode of preparing the strongest acetic acid or glacial vinegar- see Lowitz's Memoirs in Crell's Chemical Journal. 10 Materia Medica. soda to be triturated with three parts of super-sulphat of potass, and the distillation to be conducted in a glass retort with a gentle heat. The Berlin college mix together twelve ounces of sulphat of potass with six of sulphuric acid diluted with eighteen of water, and evapo- rate to dryness. With the super-sulphat of potass thus prepared they decompose nine ounces of acetat of soda dried with a gentle' heat.* The process of the Edinburgh college also belongs to this class, and was first proposed by C. Badollier, apothecary at Chartres. Medical use. It is almost solely used as an analeptic remedy in syncope, asphyxia, hysteric affections, and headachs. Applied to the skin, it acts as a stimulant and rubefacient, but it is most frequently snuffed up the nostrials in a state of vapour. Officinal Preparation. Acidum acetosum camphoratum, E. vide Aceta Medicata. ACETA MEDICATA, MEDICATED VINEGARS, Infusions of vegetable Substances in acetic acid are commonly called medicated vinegars. The action of the acid in this case may be considered as twofold. 1. It acts simply as water, in consequence of the great quantity of water which enters into its composition, and generally extracts every thing which water is capable of extracting. 2. It exerts its own peculiar action as an acid. In consequence of this, it sometimes increases the solvent power of its watery portion, or dissolves substances which water alone is incapable of dissolving, and in a few instances it impedes the solution of substances which water alone would dissolve. As acetic acid, in itself sufficiently perishable, has its tendency to decomposition commonly increased by the solution of any vegetable matter in it, it should never be used as a menstruum, unless where it promotes the solution of the solvend, as in extracting the acrid prin- ciple of squills, colchicum, &c. and in dissolving the volatile, and especially the empyreumatic, oils, or where it coincides with the virtues of the solvend. ACETUM AROMATICUM. Ed. Aromatic Vinegar. Take of Tops of rosemary, dried, Leaves of sage, dried, each four ounces; Flowers of lavender, dried, two ounces; * The acid residuum of the distillation of nistrous acid would be an eco- nomies! substitute. A.—Aceta Medicata, &c. 11 Cloves, two drachms; Distilled acetous acid, eight pounds. Macerate for seven days, express the liquor, and filter it. (E.) This is given as an improved preparation of the Vinaigre des quaV tre voleurs, which was supposed to be a certain prophylactic against the contagion of plague, and similar diseases. It is in fact a pleasant solution of essential oils in vinegar, which will have more effect in correcting bad smells than in preventing fever. ACETUM COLCHICI. Dub. L. Vinegar of Meadow Saffron. Take of The recent root of colchicum, cut in slices, one ounce; Vinegar, one pound; Diluted spirit of wine, one ounce and a half. Macerate the root in the vinegar four days, in a glass-vessel; fre- quently agitating them; then express the acid, to which, decanted from the feces, after they have subsided, add the spirit. (D.) The acrid principle in which the virtue of the colchicum resides, is more soluble in vinegar than in water: this is therefore a prepara- tion of considerable activity. The diluted alcohol is added merely to prevent it from spoiling. ACETUM SCILLiE MARITIME. Ed. Vinegar qf Squills. Syn. Acetum Scill;e, L. D. Vinegar of Squills. Take of Squills, recently dried, one pound; Vinegar, six pints; Proof spirit, half a pint. Macerate the squills with the vinegar in a glass-vessel, with a gentle heat for twenty-four hours; then express the liquor, and set it aside until the feces subside. To the decanted liquor add the spirit, (L.) Vinegar of squills is a medicine of great antiquity. It is a very powerful stimulant; and hence it is frequently used, with great suc- cess, as a diuretic and expectorant. The dose of this medicine is from a drachm to half an ounce: where crudities abound in the first pas- sages, it may be given at first in a larger dose, to evacuate them by vomiting. It is most conveniently exhibited along with cinnamon, or other agreeable aromatic waters, which prevent the nausea it would otherwise, even in small doses, be apt to occasion. Officinal Preparation. Syrupus scillae, E. - vide Syrupi. 12 Materia Medica. ACIDUM ACETOSUM CAMPHORATUM. Ed. Camphorated Acetous Acid. Acidum Aceticum Camphoratum. Camphorated Acetic Acid. D. Take of The stronger acetous acid, six ounces; Camphor, half an ounce; v Alcohol, a sufficient quantity. Reduce the camphor to powder, by triturating it with the alcohol, then add it to the acid, and dissolve. The alcohol in this preparation is used merely to facilitate the re- duction of the camphor to powder; for the acetic acid is capable of dissolving even a larger portion of camphor than is directed in the above formula. This solution is a powerful analeptic remedy. Its vapour snuffed up the nostrils, which is the only method of using it, is one of the most pungent stimula we possess. It is so extremely volatile, that it cannot be preserved without excluding it from the contact of the air; and it is so powerful a menstruum, that it corrodes cork, and almost all common metals except gold. It should therefore be kept in glass phials, with ground glass stoppers, or in small gold boxes, such as are used for Henry's aromatic spirit of vinegar, for which it is in fact a simple substitute. ACIPENSER HUSO et RUTHENUS, Ichthyocolla, {L. D.) Isinglass. The Beluga or Isinglass fish. The Sterlet, or Caviar Sturgeon. Pisces Branchiostegi,Cuvier. D. Huisenblass. P. Cola de peixe. DA. Hausblaas, Carlock. POL. Klei ryby. Karluk. F. Colle de Poisson. R. Klei rubui, Karluk. G, Hausenblase. S. Col-pez. I. Colla di pesce. SW. Husblas. Besides those mentioned by the London College, isinglass is pre- pared from other species of acipenser, especially A. sturio, the Stur- geon, and A. stellatus, the Serruga. The preparation of isinglass is almost peculiar to Russia. It is made mull places where the large species of sturgeon are caught, as on the Dnieper, the Don, and especially on the Caspian sea, also on the Volga, the Ural, the Oby, and the Irtysh. That prepared from the sturgeon is reckoned the best, and next to it that from the beluga. It also vanes according to the mode of preparation. On the Volea and Lral, the sounds are watered while fresh, and dried to a certain degree. The outer skin is next taken off, and the inner glossy white membrane ,s twisted into proper shapes, and then completely dried. 1^ fSM^U-Ua,yr0,led.inl° theform °f a snake or heart; the se- cond folded in leaves, like a book; and the worst is dried without any care. In other places, as at Gurief, fish glue is extracted from A.—Aconitum Neomontanum. 13 the sounds by boiling. This is cut into slabs or plates, is perfectly transparent, and has the colour of amber. On the Okka, where the sterlet only is to be had, the sounds are beat just as they are extract- ed from the fish, and dried into glue. It appears that this valuable article is likely to become an article; of domestic manufacture; Mr. Waldron of Westchester county, New York, asserts that the vesicula natatoria of a certain fish frequent on the coasts of the United States affords it. Good isinglass is white, in some degree transparent, dry, cornjpo- sed of membranes not too thick, and without any smell. The properties of isinglass depend entirely on the gelatin,* of which it principally consists. One hundred grains of good isinglass was found by Mr. Hatchett to contain rather more than 98 of matter soluble iD water. A nutritious jelly may be prepared from it. A wa- tery solution of it is used as a test of the presence of tannin, and for the clarification of spirituous liquors. Mr. Davy's solution for the former purpose consists of 120 grains of isinglass dissolved in twen- ty ounces of water, and if properly made, at temperatures below 50. F. it has a tendency to gelatinize. It is also said to be employed for the preparation of English court- plaster. ACONITUM NEOMONTANUM. D. Aconitum Napellus, L. E. Large blue Wolfsbane, Monk's-hood, Aconite. The root. Aconitum Napellus. Folia. Ed. Aconitum. Herba, L. Aconitum. Folia, D. Linnai Species Plantarum, edit. Willdenow, genus 1062. species 9. Polyandria Trigynia.—Nat. ord. Multisiliqua. The Neomontanum we are assured by Willdenow is the species of aconite which has always been used in medicine, although it is al- most universally known by the name of Aconitum Napellus in conse- • Gelatin, when exsiccated, is a hard, elastic, semi-transparent substance, re- sembling horn, having a vitreous fracture: inalterable in the air, soluble in boiling water, and forming with it a gelatinous mass on cooling; it is also solu- ble, but less readily, in cold water. It is completely insoluble in alcohol, and is even precipitated by it from its solution in water; it is soluble in acids, even when much diluted, and also in the alkalies; but its most characteristic property is its affinity for tannin, with which it forms a thick yellow precipitate, which. soon concretes into an adhesive, elastic mass, readily drying in the air, and forming a brittle substance, of a resinous appearance, exactly resembling over- tanned leather, very soluble in ammonia, and soluble in boiling water. It is also precipitated copiously by carbonat of potass. The solution of gelatin in wa- ter first becomes acid, and afterwards putrid. When decomposed by nitric acid or heat, its products show that it contains only a small proportion of nitro- gen. It is principally contained in the cellular, membranous, and tendinous parts of animals, and forms an important article of nourishment. Glue and isinglass, which are much employed in the arts, are almost pure gelatin. 14 Materia Medica. quence of a botanical error of Stoerk, who introduced it into prac- tice. It is a perennial plant, found in the Alpine forests of Carinthia, Carniola, and other mountainous countries in Germany, and cultiva- ted in our gardens. The fresh plant and root are very violent poisons, producing re- markable debility, paralysis of the limbs, convulsive motions of the face, bilious vomiting, and cathaeresis, vertigo, delirium, asphyxia, death. The fresh leaves have very little smell, but when chewed have an acrid taste, and excite lancinating pains, and swelling of the tongue. By drying, its acrimony is almost entirely destroyed. For medical use the plant must be gathered before the stem shoots. Uses and dose. When properly administered, it acts as penetrating stimulus, and generally excites sweat, and sometimes an increased discharge of urine. On many occasions, it has been found a very effectual remedy in glandular swellings, venereal nodes, anchylosis, spina ventosa, itch, amaurosis, gouty and rheumatic pains, intermittent fevers, and con- vulsive disorders. We may begin by giving one or two grains of the dried leaves in powder, but it is commonly used in the form of an inspissated juice. As soon as the plant is gathered, the juice is expressed, and evapo- rated without any previous clarification, to the consistence of an ex- tract. It is an unfortunate circumstance, that the powers of this me- dicine vary very much, according to its age and the heat employed in its preparation. When recently prepared, its action is often too violent, and when kept more than a year it becomes totally inert. It may therefore be laid down as an universal rule, in the employment of this and of many other similar active medicines, to begin with very small doses, and to increase them gradually to the necessary degree; and whenever we have occasion to begin a new parcel of the medicine, we should commence with an inferior dose, and proceed with the same caution at first. We may begin by giving half a grain of this extract, either form- ed into a powder with ten grains of white sugar, or made up with any convenient addition into a pill, twice or thrice a day, and gradually increase the dose: Or a tincture of aconite may be pre- pared by digesting one part of the dried leaves in six parts of spirit of wine; the dose of which will be at first five or ten drops, and may be gradually increased to forty and upwards. A decoction of the roots is said to destroy bugs, and to prove fatal to rats and mice. Officinal Preparation. Succus spissatus aconiti napelli, E. vide Succi spissati. A.—Acorus.—Actea Spicata. 1-5 ACORUS CALAMUS. Ed. L. D. Sweet Flag. The Root. Syn. Calamus Aromaticus. Willd.g. 663, sp. 1. Smith. Flor. Brit. g. ,179. sp. 1.—Hexandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Piperita. This plant is perennial, and grows plentifully in rivulets and marshy places about Norwich and other parts of England, in the canals of Holland, in Switzerland, and in other countries of Europe. It is also abundant in America. The shops have been usually sup- plied from the Levant with dried roots, which are not superior to those of our own growth. The root of acorus is full of joints, crooked, somewhat flatted on the sides, internally of a white colour, and loose spongy texture; its smell is strong; the taste warm, acrid, bitterish, and aromatic; both the smell and taste are improved by exsiccation. This root is gene- rally looked upon as a carminative and stomachic medicine, and as such is sometimes made use of in practice. It is said by some to be superior in aromatic flavour to any other vegetable that is produced in the northern climes of Europe; which is by no means strictly true: it is nevertheless, a sufficiently elegant aromatic. The fresh root, candied, is said to be employed at Constantinople as a preservative against epidemic diseases. The leaves of this plant have a sweet fra- grant smell, more agreeable, though weaker, than that of the roots. Neumann obtained by distillation about two scruples of fragrant volatile oil from sixteen ounces of the dried root. It also rose in dis- tillation with water, but not with alcohol. The spirituous extract from two ounces weighed 370 grains, and water extracted from the resi- duum 190 grains. The watery extract from two ounces weighed 445 grains, and the residuum gave out to alcohpl 43. ACTEA SPICATA. Herb Christopher. The root. This vegetable is perennial, growing in woods and shady places. I-t attains the height of about two and a half feet, and flowers in the months of May or June; and produces black, shining, pulpy berries in Autumn, about the size of peas, which are considered as poison- ous. On account of its fetid smell, this plant is said to be frequented by toads. There are two varieties of this plant in the United States; one of which is thus described by the Rev. Dr. Cutler, "Christopher baneber- ries. Blossoms white, berry red. In woodland and shady places— May, The berries are exceedingly poisonous. Dr. Withering says, the plant is powerfully repellent; and that the root is useful in some nervous cases, but it must be administered with caution." Actea racemosa, says Dr, Mease, (Dom. Encyclop.) black snake root, or rich weed, is a very beautiful plant when in flower. The utility of the root of this plant is well known. It is an astringent; and Dr. Barton says, it was used in the form of decoction as a gargle, with 16 Materia Medica. success, in a putrid sore throat, which prevailed in New-Jersey, many years ago. A decoction of the root cures the itch. In North-Carolina, it has been useful as a drench in the disease of cattle, called the murrain. ADEPS.—FAT, TALLOW. D. Talg, Talg. P. Sebo. DA. Talg, Talg. POL. Lay. F. Saif. R. Salo toplenoe G. Talg. S. Sebo. I. Sevo, Sego. sw. Talg. Fat and tallow scarcely differ from the fixed oils, except in being more concrete and more disposed to rancidity. Fat melts between 92° and 127°. Tallow is still less fusible. They cannot be converted into vapour without suffering decomposition, and, when melted, leave, like oil, a greasy stain on paper. Fat enters into the composition of the various ointments, plasters, cerates, &c. hereafter to be noticed. It is chiefly obtained from the following sources, although many others might be advantageously employed. BOS TAURUS. Adeps. The Ox.Tallow. Cl. Mammalia. Ord. Ruminantia. The properties of this animal are well understood. Its fat is equally useful with that of mutton for all those medicinal preparations into which the latter enters. OVIS ARIES. Adeps. (Ed.) Ovis Sevum. (Lond.) Sevum ovillum. {Dub.) K The sheep. Mutton-suet. Cl. Mammalia. Ord. Ruminantia. Mutton is a highly nutritious and wholesome food. Ewe-milk is thick and heavy, and contains much cream and little whey. The cheese made from it has a bitter biting taste, especially when old, and is supposed to be stomachic. Mutton-suet is officinal, for the purpose of giving consistency to ointments and plasters. SUS SCROFA. Adeps. (Ed.) Sus. Adeps. (Lond.) Adeps suillus, (Dub.) The hog. The fat. Hogs-lard. Cl. Mammalia.—.Ord. Pachyderma. In hogs-lard we have a very pure animal fat, almost entirely free from any peculiar impregnation, and of a soft consistence. Hence it A.—^Esculus Hippocastanum. 17 is a very useful emollient for relaxing those parts to which it is ap- plied; and it is also a very convenient article for giving the proper consistence to ointments, plasters, and liniments. Indeed this and the sevum ovillum, or mutton suet, are the only fats now retained by the London and Edinburgh colleges, although formerly more than twenty different fats entered some lists of materia medica. Each par- ticular fat was then supposed to possess peculiar properties; but for this there is probably no foundation: even those retained are now less employed than before, as it has been imagined that a proper consis- tence of any kind may be more certainly obtained by determined proportions of wax and oil; but as these articles are more expensive, hogs-lard and mutton-suet are often substituted for them by the apo- thecaries. Officinal Preparations. Adipis bovis, suillae, sevique ovilli, praeparatio, vide Unguenta. Unguenta, 8cc. varia. - - - - Idem. Sebacic acid, or acid of fat, has no place in the Materia Medica. Its presence however must doubtless influence the properties of many of the preparations into which fat or tallow enter; it may therefore be proper to introduce its chemical properties. Sebacic acid has no smell, and a slightly acid taste. It is crystal- lizable, melts like fat, and is not volatile. It is so soluble in hot water as to become solid on refrigeration. It is also very soluble in alcohol. It precipates the nitrats of lead, silver, and mercury, and the acetats of lead and mercury. It does not precipitate the waters of lime, baryta, or strontia. Sebats are soluble salts. jERUGO.—Vide, Sub-Acetis Cupri. jESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM. (Ed.) Semen, Cortex. Horse chesnut, the fruit and bark. IVilld.g. 717. sft. 1. Heptandria Monogynia.—Nat. Ord. Trihilata. This is a very common and well-known tree. The fruit, which contains much amylaceous matter,* has been used as food for domes- tic animals, and even for men, in times of scarcity. But its introduc- tion into the Edinburgh Pharmacopceia, was probably owing to its having been used and recommended as a sternutatory in some cases of ophthalmia and headach. With this view it was drawn up the nos- trils in the form of an infusion or decoction. •Professor Woodhouse obtained from a single nut of the JEsculus Pavia, weighing half an ounce and twenty-five grains, forty-four grains of fine starch. Haifa pound of this starch, preserved its colour unimpaired two years. The doctor thought it superior to the finest Polish starch. The water of the first washing, used to receive the grated nuts, was found to hold a poisonous matter in solution. See Med. Repos. vol. 3. p. 211. c 18 Materia Medica. The bark has been proposed as a substitute for the very expensive and often adulterated Peruvian bark. Many successful experiments of its effects, when given internally in intermittent and typhus fever, and also when applied externally in gangrene, sufficiently warrant future trials. Although chemical analysis is not yet sufficiently ad- vanced to enable us to determine from it the medical uses of any substance, it appears that the active constituent of this bark is tannin, which is incompatible with the presence of Cinchonin, the predo- minant, and probably the active constituent, of Peruvian bark. In powder it may be given to the extent of a scruple and a half, or a drachm for a dose. Buchholz prefers a solution of a drachm of the extract in an ounce of cinnamon water, of which sixty drops are to be given every three hours. AGRIMONIA EUPATORIA. (D.) The Herb. Agrimony. The root. Willd. g. 951. sp. 1. Smith, Flor. Brit. g. 224. sp. 1.—Dodecandria Digynia. This is a native of the United States. The number of stamina from five to twelve. Blossoms on long terminating spikes; yellow. By fences—July. It is said the Indians used an infusion of the roots in inflammatory fevers with great success; and, according to Kalm, the Canadians have great confidence in it for the same purpose. The leaves of this vegetable are said to be aperient, detergent, and to strengthen the tone of the viscera; hence they have been used in lax- ity of the intestines, in scorbutic, and other disorders arising from debility. Digested in whey, agrimony affords a diet-drink grateful to the palate and stomach, and was formerly supposed to be an effec- tual remedy for the jaundice. The leaves and stalks, together with the closed flowers, afford a dark yellow decoction, which when previously impregnated with a diluted solution of bismuth imparts a beautiful and permanent gold- colour to animal wool. The herb, when fresh, has a pleasant smell, which however is lost on drying. Its taste is then bitterish and astringent. Lewis got from it an oil of a yellow colour. ALCOHOL. Ed. ALCOHOL. Syn. Spiritus Vinosus Rectificatus, D. Spiritus Rectificatus, L. Rectified Spirit of Wine. This is the spirit distilled from wine or other fermented liquors, perfectly free from any unpleasant smell, and of which the specific gravity is to that of water as 835 to 1000, such as may be easily pro- A.—Alcohol. 19 cured. (Ed.) The London college order a spirit of the same specific gravity, and add, that it contains 95 parts of pure alcohol, and 5 of water. The Dublin college order it of the specific gravity 840. Alcohol forms the true characteristic of vinous liquors, and arises from the decomposition of sugar, being always in proportion to its quantity. It is found in greatest quantity in the wines of warm coun- tries, and in wines prepared from thoroughly ripened fruit. In the south of France, some wines yield a third of brandy. It is the propor- tion of alcohol which renders wines more or less generous, and pre- vents them from becoming sour. The richer a wine is in alcohol, the less malic acid it contains, and, therefore, the best wines give the best brandy, because they are free from the disagreeable taste which the malic acid imparts 10 them. Old wines give better brandy than new wines, but less of it. Alcohol is procured from wine by distillation; in conducting which, the following rules are to be observed: 1. To heat the whole mass of fluid at once, and equally. 2. To remove all obstacles to the ascent of the vapour. 3. To condense the vapour as quickly as possible. The distillation is continued until the liquor which comes over is not inflammable. Beaume mentions a very remarkable fact concerning the prepara- tion of alcohol. He distilled two pounds of alcohol, sp gr. 832, in the water bath, and filled the refrigeratory with ice, and he obtained two pounds four ounces of an alcohol having only sp. gr. 862. This he ascribes to water condensed from the air in the worm by the cold- ness of the ice, and he assures us from experience, that to get an al- cohol of 827, it is absolutely necessary that the refrigeratory be filled with water of 145° F. Distillers judge of the strength of their spirits by the size and du- rability of the bubbles it forms, when poured from one vessel into another, or in agitating it in a vessel partly filled. Another proof is, by the combustion of gunpowder: some of which is put in a spoon; it is then covered with the spirit to be tried, which is set on fire; if it kindle the gunpowder, it is supposed to be strong, and vice versa. But a small quantity of spirits will always kindle gunpowper, and a large quantity never. Another proof is, by the carbonat of potass, which attracts the water, and dissolves in it, while the alcohol swims above. But all these are uncertain; and dependence can only be put in the proof by hydrometers, or some such contrivance, for ascertain- ing the weight of a given quantity at a given temperature. In this country, alcohol is procured from an infusion of malt, and before its rectification is termed Whiskey. In the East Indies, arrack is distilled from rice; in the West Indies, rum from the sugar cane; and in France and Spain, brandy from wine. Of all these, the French brandy is the finest spirit; for the others are more or less impregna- ted with essential oils, of which it is almost impossible to free them entirely. When any ardent spirit is redistilled to procure alcohol, the water bath is commonly used, which gives a more equal and tempe- rate heat, and improves the product. Gren says, that the addition qF 20 Materia Medica. four pounds of well burnt charcoal, and three or four ounces of sul- phuric acid, previous to this rectification, destroys entirely the pecu- liar taste of malt spirit; and that a second rectification with one pound of charcoal, and two ounces of sulphuric acid, affords an alcohol of very great purity.* But the affinity of alcohol for water is so very strong, that it cannot be obtained entirely free from it by simple dis- tillation We must, therefore, abstract the water by means of some substance which has a stronger affinity for it than alcohol has. Car- bonat of potass was formerly employed; but muriat of lime is prefer- able, because its affinity for water is not only very great, but by be- ing soluble in alcohol, it comts in contact with every particle of the fluid. For this purpose, one part of muriat of lime, rendered perfectly dry by having been exposed to a red heat, and powdered after it be- comes cold, is put into the still. Over this three parts of highly rec- tified spirits are to be poured, and the mixture well agitated. By dis- tillation with a very gentle heat, about two-thirds of the spirit will be obtained in the state of perfectly pure alcohol. 1 he chemial properties of alcohol are as follow. Alcohol is a transparent colourless liquid, of an agreeable penetrat- ing smell, and pungent burning taste: specific gravity 0.8. It remains fluid in the greatest natural or artificial cold. It boils at 176°, and in vacuo at 56°. Alcohol unites with water in every proportion. During the combination, caloric is evolved, and the specific gravity of the compound is greater than the mean of those of the components. Alcohol dissolves about 60 of sulphur, when they are presented to each other in the state of vapour. It also dissolves a little phosphorus. These solutions are decomposed by water. It dissolves the boracic and carbonic acids, ammonia, soda, and potass, and is the means employed to obtain the two last in a state of purity. Its action on the salts is various. It dissolves the volatile oils, resins, soaps, balsams, camphor, sugar, tannin, extractive, and in part the gummy resins. Alcohol is very inflammable, and when kindled it burns entirely away with a blue flame without smoke. The products of its combus- tion are carbonic acid and water. It is also decomposed by being transmitted in the state of vapour through a red-hot porcelain tube; by being heated with the fixed alkalies; and by the action of the sul- phuric, nitric, oxy-muriatic and acetic acids. From Lavoisier's expe- riment on the combustion of alcohol, it was found by calculation to consist of 51.72 oxygen, 29.88 charcoal, and 18.40 hydrogen; but by correcting the calculation according to Morveau's experiments, prov- ing the composition of charcoal, from the same experiment alcohol would seem to consist of 65.05 oxygen, 18.22 carbon, and 16.73 hy- drogen. Medical uses.—On the living body alcohol acts as a most violent stimulus. It coagulates all the albuminous and gelatinous fluids, and corrugates all the solids. Applied externally, it strengthens the ves- sels, and thus may restrain passive haemorrhagies. It instantly con- tracts the extremities of the nerves it touches, and deprives them of • Although this is an old established fact in Europe, yet a patent has been obtained m the United States for the same employment of charcoal!! A.—Alcohol, &c. 21 sense and motion; by this means easing them of pain, but at the same time destroying their use. Hence employing spiritous liquors in fomentations, notwithstanding the specious titles of vivifying, heating, restoring mobility, resolving, dissipating, and the like, usually attri- buted to them, may sometimes be attended with unhappy consequen- ces. These liquors received undiluted into the stomach, produce the same eftects, contracting allthe solid parts which they touch, and destroying, at least for a time, their use and office: if the quantity be considerable, a palsy or apoplexy follows, which ends in death. Taken in small quantity, and duly diluted, they act as a cordial and tonic: if farther continued, the senses are disordered, voluntary mo- tion destroyed, and at length the same inconveniences brought on as before. Vinous spirits, therefore, in small doses, and properly diluted, may be applied to useful purposes in the cure of diseases; whilst in large ones they produce the most deleterious effects. Officinal Preparations. Alcohol, L. D. ^Ether sulphuricus, E. L. D. jEther sulphuricus cum alcohole, E. L. D. Oleum vini, L. Spiritus aetheris nitrosi, E. L. D. It also enters into the preparations of all tinctures and distilled spirits. It is used undiluted in Tinctura Assafcetidae, E. L. D. Balsami Peruviani, L. Benzoes composita, L. E Camphorae, E. L. D. Guaiaci, E. Moschi, D. Myrrhae, D. Saponis, E. Toluiferae balsami, E. L. D. Spiritus Lavendulae, E. L. D. ? ., Pi. . , ,•/»,• r D . . '. „ T > vide, Spiritus destillatt. Ronsmanni, E. L. } ' l i> vide, Tinctura. ALCOHOL. L. D. Alcohol. Take of Rectified spirit of wine, five pounds; Pearl-ashes, dried at 300° Fahr., and still warm, one pound; Caustic kali, in powder, one ounce; Muriat of lime, dried, half a pound. Mix the spirit and kali; add the pearl-ashes, previously reduced to powder, and digest the mixture for three days in a close vessel, frequently agitating it; then pour off the spirit, mix with it the 22 Materia Medica. muriat of lime, and distil with a moderate heat, until the residuum begins to grow thick. (D.) Specific gravity 820. Dub. Specific gravity 815. Lond. The muriat of lime is readily obtained from the residuum left in the preparation of water of caustic ammonia. The theory of these processes has been already explained, and also the superiority of muriat of lime over carbonat of potass for se- parating the last portions of water from alcohol. The potass is used by the London and Dublin colleges in such small quantity that it can have little effect; when added in considerable quantity, it acts upon the alcohol itself, and decomposes it, converting it into an ethe- real liquor. The Edinburgh college gives no directions for the prepa- ration of a perfectly pure alcohol, as it is never used in pharmacy; but it is perhaps to be regretted, that they have given the title of al- oehol to a liquid which is not the alcohol of chemists. jETHER SULPHURICUS. Ed. L. D. Sulphuric Ether. Syn. Aether Vitriolicus, Vitriolic Ether. Take of Sulphuric acid, Alcohol, each thirty-two ounces. Pour the alcohol into a glass retort fit for sustaining a sudden heat, and add to it the acid in an uninterrupted stream. Mix them by degrees, shaking them gently and frequently; instantly distil from sand previously heated for the purpose, into a receiver kept cool with water or snow. The heat is to be so managed, that the liquor shall boil as soon as possible, and continue to boil till sixteen ounces are drawn off; then let the retort be removed from the sand. To the distilled liquor add two drachms of potass; then distil from a very high retort, with a very gentle heat, into a cool receiver, until ten ounces have been drawn off. If sixteen ounces of alcohol be poured upon the acid remaining in the retort after the first distillation, and the distillation be repeated, more ether will be obtained; and this may be repeated several times. (E.) AETHER RECTIFICATUS. Lond. Rectified Ether. Take of Sulphuric ether, fourteen ounces; Fused potass, half an ounce; Distilled water, two ounces. Dissolve the potass in the water, and add the ether to it, shaking A.—Alcohol.—JEther, &c. 23 constantly until they are mixed. Then with a heat of about 120°, distil from a large retort into a cold receiver twelve ounces of rec- tified ether. Ether is a transparent colourless fluid, of a very fragrant odour, and hot pungent taste: specific gravity 0.758. It freezes and crystal- lizes at —46°. It boils at 98°, and in vacuum at —20°. It is very solu- ble in air, and during its evaporation it produces an intense degree of cold. It is soluble in ten parts of water, and in alcohol in every proportion. It dissolves a small portion of phosphorus, and the so- lution is decomposed by alcohol. It absorbs nitrous gas, combines with ammonia, and dissolves the volatile oils, resins, and caoutchouc. Ether is extremely inflammable, and burns with a white flame. Its vapour explodes when kindled in contact with oxygen gas. It is de- composed by sulphuric acid, oxy-muriatic acid gas, and being trans- mitted through a red-hot porcelain tube. Its constituents are oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, the proportions not ascertained. ^THER SULPHURICUS cum ALCOHOLE. Ed. Sulphuric Ether with Alcohol. Syn. Spiritus ./Etheris Sulphurici. L. Spirit of Sulphuric Ether. Dulcified Spirit of Vitriol. LiquoR JLtherus Sulphuricus. D. Sulphuric Ethereal Liquor. Take of Sulphuric ether, one part; Alcohol, two parts. Mix them. (E.) Officinal Preparations. Tinctura aloes aethera. E. - - vide, Tincturae aetherae. iEther sulphuricus cum alcohole aromaticus. E. Idem. OLEUM jETHEREUM vel OLEUM VINI. L. Ethereal Oil or Oil of Wine. Take of Alcohol, Vitriolic acid, each one pint. Mix them by degrees, and distil; taking care that no black froth pass into the receiver. Separate the oily part of the distilled liquor from the volatile vitriolic acid. To the oily part add as much water of pure kali as is sufficient to correct the sulphureous smell; then distil off the little ether with a gentle heat. The oil of wine will remain in the retort, swimming on .the watery liquor; from which it is to be separated. (L.) 24 Materia Medica. After the distillation of sulphuric ether, continue the process with a reduced heat, until a black froth swell up. Immediately remove the retort from the fire, and pour water ^warm) upon the liquor in the retort. Skim off the oily matter, which swims upon the water, and mix with it as much lime water as will saturate the acid in it. Shake thiem together; and collect the ethereal oil after it has sepa- rated. SPIRITUS jETHERIS SULPHURICI COMPOSITUS.L. Compound Spirit of Sulphuric Ether. Syn. LiquoR ^thereus Oleosus; olim, LiquoR Hoffmanni Ano- dynus. D. Oily Ethereal Liguor, formerly Anodyne Liquor of Hoffman. Take of Spirit of sulphuric ether, one pint; Ethereal oil, two drachms. Mix them. (L.) The products arising from the decomposition of alcohol hy the action of the acids are extremely curious and interesting. The theory of their formation was not understood until lately, when it was very ingeniously attempted by Fourcroy and Vauquelin, who endeavour to show that the acid remains unchanged, and that the alcohol is con- verted into ether, water, and charcoal. The most convenient way of mixing the ingredients is to put the alcohol into a tubulated retort, and, with a long-tubed funnel reach- ing down to the bottom of the retort, to pour in the acid. By cautious agitation the two fluids unite, and heat is produced, which may be taken advantage of in the distillation, if we have a sand bath pre- viously heated to the same degree, to set the retort into immediately after the mixture is completed; nor is there any occasion for a tubu- lated receiver, if we immerse the ordinary receiver, which ought to be large, in water, or bury it in broken ice. The distillation should be performed with an equal and very gentle but quick heat; but Mr. Phillips says erroneously, for when the dis- tillation of ten ounces of product was completed in three hours, its specific gravity was 0.791; but when it occupied almost nine hours, it was only 0.782. The juncture of the retort and recipient is to be luted with a paste made of linseed meal, and further secured by a piece of wet bladder. Immediately on mixing the acid with the alcohol, there is a consi- derable increase of temperature, and a slight disengagement of alco- hol, somewhat altered, and having an aromatic odour. On placing the retort in the sand bath, a portion of pure alcohol first comes over; and when the mixture in the retort boils, the ether rises, and is con- densed in thin, broad, straight streaks, having the appearance of oil. Until the liquor which passes over into the receiver amounts to about half> or somewhat more than half, of the alcohol operated on, it A.—Alcohol.—Spiritus Athens, &c. 25 consists almost entirely of alcohol and ether, and there has been no production of any permanently elastic fluid; but now the product of ether ceases; the sulphuric acid is decomposed; and suphurous vapours begin to arise, which condense in irregular streaks, or in drops: we must therefore either put a stop,to the process, or change the receiver. In the latter case the products are, sulphurous acid, acetic acid, water, and oil of wine, as it was called, accompanied towards the end by a peculiar species of carbureted hydrogen gas, called by the Dutch chemists Oiefiant gas; because, when mixed with oxygenized muriatic acid, it forms oil. At last the matter in the retort, which has now become thick and black, sweils up, and pre- vents us from carrying the process further. If we stop the process before the sulphurous vapours arise, the whole acid, diluted with a proportion of water, and mixed with char- coal, remains in the retort; but if w« allow the process to go on, there is a continual decomposition of the acid, which is therefore diminished in quantity. In either case, according to Proust, the- sulphuric acid may be obtained from the black residuum in the retort, by diluting it with twice its weight of water, filtering it through linen, and evapo- rating it till it acquire the specific gravity 1.84, then adding about one five-hundredth part of nitrat of potass, and continuing the evapo- ration until the acid become perfectly colourless, and acquire the specific gravity of 1.86. The residuum, however, may be more ad- vantageously preserved, as the Edinburgh college direct, for prepa- ring more ether, by repeating the process with fresh quantities of alcohol. Proust indeed denies that this residuum is capable of con- verting more alcohol into ether; but that excellent chemist has somehow fallen into error, for it is a fact that was known in the time of that no less excellent chemist Dr. Lewis, and inserted in his first edition of the Edinburgh Dispensatory, published in 1753, and not a recent discovery of Citizen Cadet, as Fourcroy would lead us to believe. If farther confirmation be wanted, we shall instance Gott- ling, who says, that from three or four pounds of this residuum, he has prepared 60 or 70 pounds of the spirit of vitriolic ether, and more than twelve pounds of vitriolic ether, without rectifying the residuum, or allowing the sulphurous vapour to evaporate. The ether may be separated from the alcohol and sulphurous acid, with which it is always mixed, by re-distilling it with a very gentle heat, after mixing it with potass, or rather lime, which combines with acid; or with black oxyd of manganese, which converts the sulphurous into sulphuric acid, and thus deprives it of its volatility, Medical use.—As a medicine taken internally, ether is an excel* lent antispasmodic, cordial, and stimulant. In catarrhal and asthma-^ tic complaints, its vapour is inhaled with advantage, by holding in the mouth a piece of sugar on which ether has been dropt. It is given as a cordial in nausea, and in febrile diseases of the typhoid type; as an antispasmodic, in hysteria, and in other spasmodic, and painful diseases; and as a stimulus in soporose and apoplectic affec- tions. Regular practitioners seldom give so much as half an ounce, much more frequently only a few drops, for a dose; but empirics have sometimes ventured upon much larger quantities, and with in- D 26 Materia Medica. credible benefit. When applied externally, it is capable of producing two very opposite effects according to its management; for, if it be prevented from evaporating, by covering the place to which it is ap- plied closely with the hand, it proves a powerful stimulant and rube- facient, and excites a sensation of burning heat. In this way it is fre- quently used for removing pains in the head or teeth. On the con- trary, if it be dropt on any part of the body, exposed freely to the contact of the air, its rapid evaporation produces an intense degree of cold; and as this is attended with a proportional diminution of bulk in the part to which it is applied, in this way it has frequently facili- tated the reduction of strangulated hernia. The mixture of ether with alcohol, whether prepared directly by mixing them as the Edinburgh college direct, or in the impure state in which it comes over in the first part of the process for distilling ether, the spirit of vitriolic ether of the London, and the vitriolic ethereal liquor of the Dublin, colleges, possesses similar virtues with ether, but in an inferior degree. jETHER NITROSUS. Dug. JVitrous Ether. Take of Nitrat of kali, dried, and in coarse powder, a pound and a half; Sulphuric acid, one pound; Rectified spirit of wine, nineteen ounces, by measure. Put the nitrat of kali into a tubulated retort, placed in a bath of cold water, and pour upon it gradually, and in different portions, the sulphuric acid and spirit, previously mixed, and allowed to cool after having been mixed. Without any external heat, or only a very slight degree of it (such as the addition of tepid water to the bath,) an ethereal liquor will begin to arise, without applying fire under it. In a short time, the heat will spontaneously increase in the retort, and a remarkable ebullition will take place, which are to be moderated, by cooling the bath with cold water. The re- ceiver ought also to be cooled with water or snow, and furnished with a proper apparatus for transmitting the very elastic vapour (arising from the mixture, with very great force, if the heat should accidentally become too high) through a pound of rectified spirit of wine, placed in a cooled phial. Put the ethereal liquor, which has distilled spontaneously, into a phial with a ground glass stopper, and gradually add, (closing the phial after each addition,) as much very dry sub-carbonat of kali, in powder, as shall be sufficient to saturate the superabundant acid, according to the test of lithmus. This is done commonly on the ad- dition of about a drachm of the salt; and, in a short time, the nitrous ether will swim on the surface, and is to be separated by means of a funnel. If it be required very pure, re-distil the ether from a water bath, at about 140°, to one half. Its specific gravity is 900.^ A.—Alcohol.—iEther Nitrosus. 27 When alcohol and nitrous acid are mixed in the proportion neces- sary for the formation of nitrous ether, the utmost precautions must be taken to diminish their action on each other. Dr. Black contrived a very ingenious method of doing this, by rendering their mixture extremely slow. On two ounces of the strong nitrous acid put into a phial, pour slowly and gradually about an equal quantity of water, which, by being made to trickle down the sides of the phial, will float on the surface of the acid without mixing with it; then add, in the same cautious manner, three ounces of alcohol, which, in its turn, will float on the surface of the water. By these means the three fluids are kept separate on account of their different specific gravities, and a stratum of water is interposed between the acid and spirit. The phial containing the spirit must be stopped with a conical stopper, and this stopper confined to its place by a weak spring. The phial is now to be set in a cool place, and the acid will gradually ascend, and the spirit descend, through the water, this last acting as a boundary to restrain their action on each other. When this commences bubbles of gas rise through the fluids, and the acid gets a blue colour, which it again loses in the course of a few days, at which time a yel- low nitrous ether begins to swim on the surface. As soon as the for- mation of air-bubbles ceases, it is time to remove the ether formed; for if allowed to remain, its quantity decreases. By this method a quantity of nitrous ether is formed, without the danger of producing elastic vapours or explosion. The residuum of this process is still capable of forming a spirit of nitrous ether, with an additional quan- tity of alcohol. By adding the acid to the alcohol in very small quantities, and at considerable intervals, Mr. Dehne procured from two pounds of al- cohol, and one pound <■*»- «nces and three drachms of nitrous acid, one pound, nine ounctthe. three drachms of ether: the residuum weighed one pound tweln' ounces. There was therefore a loss of five ounces. Mr. Dehne put the alcohol into a tubulated retort, to which a receiver was luted, and poured the acid through the tubulature, and the ether passed over into the receiver, without the application of any heat. The action of the acid on the alcohol did not begin until six ounces and a half were added, and was exhausted, when, on adding more acid, it fell to the bottom in the form of green drops. By using Mr. Dehne's precaution of adding the acid gradually, Dr. D. pre- pared nitrous ether in a Woulfe's apparatus, with perfect ease and safety, although Fourcroy represents it as a most dangerous opera- tion. The acid was introduced gradually through a funnel luted into the tubulature of the retort. The tube of the funnel was very long, and its extremity was immersed in the alcohol in the retort. This simple contrivance not only enabled Dr. D. to add the acid as he pleased, but also acted as a tube of safety. There is still another method of forming nitrous ether, which is indeed said to be preferable to those mentioned. It was first prac- tised by M. Voigt. Four pounds of dried nitrat of potass are to be introduced into a tubulated retort, connected with a Woulfe's appa- ratus; and a mixture of four pounds of sulphuric acid, and three pounds four ounces of alcohol, is to be poured upon it. Without the 28 Materia Medica. application of an external heat, nitrous ether passes over into the receiver, and the residuum furnishes, on more alcohol being added to it, spirit of nitrous ether. When alcohol is converted into ether by the action of nitrous acid, the change produced on it is nearly the same with that produced by sulphuric acid. In the latter case, it is effected by the affinities which form water, and charcoal is precipitated. In the former it is effected by the affinities which form carbonic acid, and no water is formed. Nitrous ether seems to differ from sulphuric ether only in being combined witn nitric oxyd; at least it is highly inflammable, pungent, volatile, and is not soluble in water, while it gives a deep olive colour to grren salts of iron, and has a considerable specific gravity. When simply washed with water, it was found to be 0.912, when the acid which it evidently contained was removed by saturating it with potass it became 0.896, and when rectified, by re-distilling it, it became 0.866, but recovered decidedly acid properties, probably from the nitric oxyd being acidified by the air of the apparatus. SPIRITUS jETHERIS NITROSI. Ed. Spirit of Nitrous Ether. Syn. Spiritus jEthereus Nitrosus. D. Nitrous Ethereal Liquor. Spiritus Nitri Dulcis. Dulcified Spirit of Nitre. Spiritus ./Etheris Nitrici. L. Spirit of Nitric Ether. Take of Alcohol, three pounds; Nitrous acid, one pound. _ Pour the alcohol into a capacious phial, pkj:.^3 in a vessel full of cold Avater, and add the acid by degrees, constantly agitating them. Let the phial be slightly covered, and placed for seven days in a cool place; then distil the liquor with the heat of boiling water into a receiver kept cool with water or snow, till no more spirit comes over. (E. D.) The action of alcohol and nitrous acid upon each other is much influenced by their proportions. If we use a small proportion of alco- hol, or pour alcohol into nitrous acid, there immediately takes place a great increase of temperature, and a violent effervescence and dis- engagement of red fumes. On the contrary, by placing the phials containing the alcohol and acid, in cold or rather iced, water, they may be mixed, without danger, in the proportions directed by the colleges, and if the acid be added in small quanlites at a time, and each portion thoroughly mixed with the alcohol by agitation, no action takes place until heat be applied. It is therefore unnecessary to keep the mixture for seven days, but we may immediately proceed to the distillation, which must be performed with a very slow and well regulated fire; for the vapour is very apt to expand with so much violence as to burst the vessels; and the heat must at no time exceed 212°, otherwise a portion of undecomppsed acid will pass A.—Alcohol.—Spiritus yEtheris Nitrosi. 29 over and spoil the product. By performing this operation carefully in a Woulfe's apparatus, Dr. Duncan obtained from three ounces of alcohol, specific gravity 841, and one ounce of nitrous acid, two ounces four drachms of spirit of nitrous ether, specific gravity 887. Eight ounces of alcohol, contained in the first phial, gained one drachm and a half, and specific gravity 873, and eight ounces of water in the second, 18 grains: the residuum weighed seven drachms and a half. There was therefore a loss of two drachms forty-two grains of permanently elastic fluid. The first portion that was ex- amined seemed to be the air of the apparatus: in the next the candle burnt with an enlarged and brightened flame; was it nitrous oxyd? and all that passed afterwards was a mixture of carbonic acid and the etherized nitrous gas first described by the Dutch chemists. When recently prepared this gas is inflammable, and does not form red fumes, when atmospheric air is admitted to it: but when attempted to be kept over water, the water becomes acidulous, the gas is di- minished in bulk about two-thirds, has lost its inflammability, and is now converted into red vapour on the admission of atmospheric air. It therefore appears to consist of nitric oxyd gas, holding ether in chemical solution. Dr D. has formed a similar gas, by admitting a few drops ot eiher to nitric oxyd gas over mercury. The Edinburgh and Dublin colleges direct the distillation to be continued till no more spirit comes over. But how is this to be ascertained? After having drawn off about two thirds, according to the directions of the London College, Dr. D. again applied heat to the retort, and on examining the air, which began to come over into the pneumatic apparatus, by carelessly approaching a lighted candle to the extre- mity of the tube, it kindled and burst the whole with a violent ex- plosion. The spirit of nitrous ether thus obtained is a colourless fluid, of a fragrant odour, lighter than water, extremely volatile and inflamma- ble, possessing properties in general analogous to the spirit of sul- phuric ether, but of considerably greater specific gravity, striking a deep olive Avith a solution of green sulphat of iron, and often, if not always, acid. By age and exposure to the air, it is gradually decom- posed, and gives rise to the re-production of more nitrous acid. When this change has taken place, it may be rectified by saturating the acid with lime-water, and re-distilling the ethereal fluid. In all probability it is a mixture of nitrous ether and alcohol; for by di- minishing the quantity of alcohol employed, we obtain a fluid having a similar relation to the spirit of nitrous ether, that sulphuric ether has to the spirit of sulphuric ether; and by mixing nitrous ether with alcohol, Ave obtain a fluid exactly resembling spirit of nitrous ether. Medical use.—Spirit of nitrous ether has been long deservedly held in great esteem. It quenches thirst, promotes the natural secretions, expels flatulencies, and moderately strengthens the stomach. It may be given in doses of from twenty drops to a drachm, in any conve- nient vehicle. Mixed with a small quantity of spiritus ammoniae aro- maticus, it proves a mild, yet efficacious, diaphoretic, and often re- 30 Materia Medica. markably diuretic; especially in some febrile cases, where stich a salutary evacuation is wanted. A small proportion of this spirit added to malt spirits, gives them a flavour approaching to that of French brandy. ALCOHOL DILUTUM. Ed. Diluted Alcohol. Syn. Spiritus Vinosus Tenuior, D. Spiritus Tenuior, L. Spirit of Wine. Proof Spirit. D. Brandewyn. P. Aguardente. DA. Brandevin. POL. Gorzalka, Wodka. F. Eau de vie, Brandevin. R. Wino. G, Branntewein. S. Aguardiente. I. Acqua vita, Acquarzente. SW. Brdnnvin. Alcohol mixed with an equal quantity of wrate, being somewhat weaker than proof spirit; its specific gravity is to that of distilled water, as 935 to 1000 (Ed.) The London and Dublin colleges order it of the specific gravity of 930, which according to the former con- tains 55 parts of pure alcohol, and 45 of water. Although it be desirable that diluted alcohol should always be pre- pared by mixing rectified spirit with water, instead of employing an impure spirit of the requisite strength, it is hardly to be expected that apothecaries will either be at the trouble or expense. The diluted alcohol of the Edinburgh college is somewhat weaker than that of the other two colleges; but besides that it is more convenient for their mode of preparing it, this will be attended with no disadvantage, as it is still sufficiently strong for any purpose to which it may be ap- plied. Officinal Preparations. Alcohol ammoniatum, E. L. D. vide Ammonia. And all the tinctures and distilled spirits, except those made with alcohol. It is also used somewhat extravagantly in the preparation of various extracts. A.—Alkali. 31 Table of the Specific Gravities according to Gilpin, and degrees according to Beaume's hydrometer, and in Clark's hydrometer, which is used in the revenue (Great Britain,) of various mixtures of alcohol and water. Water. Alcohol. Specific Gravities. Degrees. Sp. Gr. Clark1 's Hydrom 60° 55° 55° 60° 0 100 .825 .82736 38 833 Spirit of Wine 10 100 .84568 .84802 34+ 858 1 to 2 20 100 .86208 .86441 30— 881 3 30 100 .87569 .87796 29 + 891 4 40 100 .88720 .88945 27 + 896 5 50 100 .89707 .89933 25 + 900 6 60 100 .90549 .90768 23— 904 7 70 100 .91287 .91502 22 907 8 80 100 .91933 .92145 21 — 909 9 90 100 .92499 .92707 20— 910 IP 100 100 .93002 .93208 19— 913 15 100 90 .93493 .93696 19 + 916 20 100 80 .94018 .94213 18 920 Proof Spirit. 100 70 .94579 .94767 17— 926 1 in 20 100 60 .95181 .95357 16— 928 15 100 50 .95804 .95966 16 + 932 10 100 40 .96437 .96575 15 + 933 9 100 30 .97074 .97181 14 + 934 8 100 20 .97771 .97847 13 + 936 7 100 10 .98654 .98702 12 + 938 6 '100 0 .1 10 942 945 954 964 5 4 3 2 ALKALI. The Avord Alkali is of Arabian origin, and was introduced into chemistry after it had been applied to a plant Avhich still retains the name of kali. Alkalies are a class of bodies which are commonly defined to be incombustible, soluble in Avater, caustic, and capable of neutralizing the acids, of combining with alcohol, oils, earths, sulphur, and phos- phorus, and of changing vegetable blues and reds to green: But as many of these properties are possessed in a greater or less degree by substances usually classed with the earths, and as there is a con- tinual gradation from the insipidity, insolubility, and infusibility of silica, to the causticity, solubility, fusibility, and comparative volatility of potass, they may be classed together under the general name of Salifiable Bases. Tbe alkalies at present known 1. Potass. 2. Soda. 3. Ammonia. - are three in number, viz, vide Potassa. Soda. Ammonia. 32 Materia Medica. The two first mentioned alkalies are calledfixed, because they re- quire a red heatlo volatilize them; the last is called volatile alkali, because it readily assumes a gaseous form, and consequently is dis- sipated by a very moderate degree of heat.* ALLIUM. Willd. g. 626.—Hexandria Monogynia.—Nat. Ord. Liliacea. ALLIUM SATIVUM. Sp. 14. Radix. Ed. D.L. Garlic. The Root. i The garlic is a percnnialb ulbous-rooted plant, which grows wild in Sicily, and is cultivated in our gardens. The root consists of five or six small bulbs, called cloves, inclosed in one common membra- nous coat, but easily separable from each other. All the parts of this plant, but more especially the roots, have a strong, offensive, very penetrating and diffusible, smell, and an acrimonious, almost caustic, taste. The root is full of a limpid juice, of which it furnishes almost a fourth part of its weight by expression. The root loses about half its weight by drying, but scarcely any of its smell or taste. By de- coction its virtues are entirely destroyed; and by distillation it fur- nishes a small quantity of a yellowish essential oil, heavier than water, which possesses the sensible qualities of the garlic in an emi- nent degree. Its peculiar virtues are also in some degree extracted by alcohol and acetous acid. By Neumann's analysis, it lost two-thirds of its Aveight by exsicca- tion. By decoction from 960 parts, water extracted S80, and the re- siduum yielded 27 to alcohol, and was reduced to 40. Alcohol ap- plied first, extracted 123, the residuum yielded 162 to water, and was reduced to 40. In both cases the alcoholic extract was unctuous and tenacious, and precipitated metallic solutions. But the active ingre- dient was a thick ropy essential oil, according to Hagen heavier than water, not amounting to more than 1.3 of the whole, in which alone resided the smell, the taste, and all that distinguishes the garlic. Medical use.—Applied externally, its acts successively as a sti- mulant, rubefacient, and blister. Internally, from its very powerful and diffusible stimulus, it is often useful in diseases of languid circu- lation and interrupted secretion. Hence in cold, leucophlegmatic habits, it proves a powerful expectorant, diuretic, and, if the patient be kept warm, sudorific: it has also been by some supposed to be em- menagogue. For the same reason, in cases in which a phlogistic dia- thesis, or other irritability prevails, large doses of it may be very hurtful. It is sometimes used by the lower classes as a condiment, and also * These substances having been discovered to be metallic, the probable changes which they will produce in chemistry, have prevented any present alteration of their situation.—They must (at least Potash and Soda) be re- garded as metallic oxyds. Barytes, Strontites, Lime, and Magnesia, require to be inserted in the same class. A.—Allium. 33 enters as an ingredient into many of the epicure's most favourite sauces. Taken in moderation, it promotes digestion; but in excess, it is apt to produce headach, flatulence, thirst, febrile heat, and in- flammatory diseases, and sometimes occasions a discharge of blood from the haemorrhoidal vessels. In fevers of the typhoid type, and even in the plague itself, its vir- tues have been much celebrated. Garlic is with some also a favourite remedy in the cure of intermit- tents; and it has been said to have sometimes succeeded in obstinate quartans, after the Peruvian bark had failed. In catarrhal disorders of the breast; asthma, both pituitous and spasmodic; flatulent colics; hysterical and other diseases, proceeding from laxity of the solids, it has generally good effects: it has likewise been found serviceable in some hydropic cases. Sydenham relates, that he has known the drop- sy cured by the use of garlic alone; he recommends it chiefly as a warm strengthening medicine in the beginning of the disease. It is much recommended by some as an anthelmintic, and has been frequently applied with success externally as a stimulant to in- dolent tumours, in cases of deafness proceeding from atony or rheumatism, and in retention of urine, arising from debility of the bladder. Garlic may be either exhibited in substance, and in this way seve- ral cloves may be taken at a time without inconvenience, or the cloves cut into slices may be swallowed without chewing. This is the com- mon mode of exhibiting it for the cure of intermittents. " The expressed juice, when given internally, must be rendered as palatable as possible by the addition of sugar and lemon juice. In deafness, cotton moistened with the juice is introduced within the ear, and the application renewed five or six times in one day. Intusions in spirit, wine, vinegar, and vvater, although containing the whole of its virtues, are so acrimonious, as to be unfit for gene- ral use; and yet an infusion of an ounce of bruised garlic in a pound of milk, Avas the mode in which Rosenstein exhibited it to children afflicted with worms. But by far the most commodious form for administering garlic, is that of a pill or bolus conjoined Avith some powder, corresponding with the intention of giving the garlic. In dropsy, calomel forms a most useful addition. It may also sometimes be exhibited with ad- vantage in the form of a clyster. Garlic made into an ointment with oils, 8tc. and applied externally, is said to resolve and discuss indolent tumours, and has been by some greatly esteemed in cutaneous diseases. It has likewise sometimes been employed as a repellent. When applied under the form of a poultice to the pubes, it has sometimes proved effectual in produ- cing a discharge of urine, when retention has arisen from a want of due action in the bladder. Sydenham assures us, that among all the substances which occasion a derivation or revulsion from the head, none operates more powerfully than garlic applied to the soles of the feet: he was led to make use of it in the confluent small-pox: about the eighth clay, after the face began to swell, the root cut in » K 34 Materia Medica. pieces and tied in a linen cloth, was applied to the soles, and renewed once a-day till all danger was over. Officinal Preparation. Syrupus allii, D. - - vide Syrupi. P. Cebola. POL. Cebula. R. Luk. S. Cebolla. SW. Rb'dldk. ALLIUM CEPA. Sp. 43. Cefia. Radix. D. Onion. The Root. D. Uyen, Ajuin. DA. Rodldg. F., Ognions. G. Zwiebel. I. Cipolla. This is also a perennial bulbous-rooted plant. The root is a sim- ple bulb, formed of concentric circles. It possesses in general the same properties as the garlic, but in a much Aveaker degree. Neumann extracted from 480 parts of the dry root, by means of alcohol, 360, and then by water 30; by water applied first 395, and then by alcohol, 30: the first residuum weighed 56, and the second 64. By distillation the whole flavour of the onions passed over, but no oil could be obtained. Medical uses.—Onions are considered rather as articles of food than of medicine: they are supposed to yield little or no nourishment, and when eaten liberally produce flatulencies, occasion thirst, head- achs, and turbulent dreams; in cold phlegmatic habits, where viscid mucus abounds, they doubtless have their use; as by their stimulating quality they tend to excite appetite, and promote the secretions: by some they are strongly recommended, in suppressions of urine and in dropsies. The chief medicinal use of onions in the present prac- tice is in external applications, as a cataplasm for suppurating tu- mours, &c. ALLIUM PORRUM. Sp. 2. L. Leek. The Root. The common leek is rather an article of the Materia Alimentaria, than of the Materia Medica, In its properties, it is an analogous to garlic, but weaker even than the common onion. A decoction of the beards or filaments of the bulbs is supposed by the vulgar to be lithontriptic. A.—Aloe. 35 9 ALOE. IVilkl.g. 6,59—Hexandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Liliacea. Sp. 2. Aloe spicata. Dub. Lond. Sp. 3. Aloe perfoliata. Ed. D. Aloe. P. Aloes, Azevre. HA. Aloe. 'POL. Aloes, Aloa. F. Aloe. R. ScfoV. G. ./#oe. S. Aloe, Acibar. I. ^/oe. SW. ./ftoe. The London College now agree with that of Dublin, and with Thunberg, in indicating the Aloe spicata as the species which pro- duces the Socotorine aloes, and they assume as the source of the Barbadoes aloes, a species to be described under the name of Aloe vulgaris, in the great work of the late Dr. Sibthorpe, the Flora Graeca, now preparing for publication by Dr. Smith, who informed Dr. Powell, the authorised translator and commentator of the London Pharmacopceia, " that the plant described under the above name is as- serted by Dr Sibthorpe to be the true Aloe of Dioscorides, which is described as producing our officinal Barbadoes aloes by Sloane, in his history of Jamaica." During the first four years that the Cape of Good Hope was in possession of the British, more than 300,000 pounds, the produce of that settlement, were imported into England; and as this quantity was infinitely greater than could be required for the purposes of medicine, it is not improbable, that, as Mr. Barrow states, its princi- pal consumption was by the London porter brewers. Officinal—The gum-resin or extract, called Socotorine Aloes. Aloes spicata extractum. Lond. Aloe socotorina; gummi-resina.* Dub. Aloes socotorina; Aloes perfoliatae gummi-resina. Var. b. Ed. This article is brought, wrapt in skins, from the island of Socoto- ra in the Indian ocean. This sort is the purest of the three in use; it is dark coloured, of a glossy clear surface, and in some degree pellu- cid; in mass, of a yellowish red colour, with a purple cast; fracture unequal; easily pulverisable; when reduced to powder, of a bright golden colour. It is hard and friable in the winter, somewhat pliable in summer, and growing soft between the fingers. Its taste is bitter and disagreeable, though accompanied with some aromatic flavour; the smell is not very unpleasant, and somewhat resembles that of myrrh. It is said not to produce haemorrhoidal affections so readily as Barbadoes aloes. It is prepared in July, by pulling off the leaves, from which the juice is expressed, and afterwards boiled and skimmed. It is then * Gum-resins are secondary compounds, and probably vary much in their nature. They seem to be compounds of resin with extractive and essential oil, and perhaps other immediate principles, not yet ascertained. 36 Materia Medica. preserved in skins, and dried in August in the s»n. According to others, the leaves are cut off close to the stem, and hung up. The juice which drops from them without any expression, is afterwards dried in the sun. Sp. 2. Aloe vulgaris. Lond. Sp. 5. Aloe sinuata? Dub. Sp. 3. Aloe perfoliata. Ed. Off.—The gum-resin or extract, called Hepatic Aloes. Aloes vulgaris extractum. Lond. Aloe hepatica; gummi-resina. Dub. Aloe hepatica; Aloes perfoliatae gummi-resina. Var. a. Ed. Hepatic aloes is of two kinds, one from the East Indies, the other from Barbadoes. The former has a light brown, or reddish yellow colour; a clean fracture, and possessing nearly the same medical properties as the socotorine. Barbadoes aloes is not so clear and bright as the foregoing sort; it is also of a darker colour, more compact texture, and for the most part drier; though not so brittle. Its smell is much stronger and more disagreeable; the taste intense- ly bitter and nauseous, with little or nothing of the aromatic flavour of the socotorine. The best hepatic aloes from Barbadoes is in large gourd shells, and an inferior sort of it, which is generally soft and clammy, is brought over in casks. In Barbadoes the plant is pulled up by the roots, and carefully cleaned from the earth and other im- purities. It is then sliced into small hand-baskets and nets, which are put into large iron boilers with water, and boiled for ten minutes, when they are taken out, and fresh parcels supplied till the liquor is strong and black, which is then strained into a deep vat, narrow at bottom, where it is left to cool and \o deposite its feculent parts. Next day the clear liquor is drawn off by a cock, and again commit- ted to a large iron vessel. At first it is boiled briskly, but towards the end it is slowly evaporated, and requires constant stirring to pre- vent burning. When it becomes of the consistence of honey, it is poured into gourds or calabashes for sale, and hardens by age. Bar- badoes aloes is extremely apt to induce haemorrhoids; but it is gene- rally preferred, because it is very difficult to adulterate it without altering its appearance. Fetid, Caballine, or Horse Aloes. This sort is easily distinguished from both the foregoing kinds by its strong rank smell; although, in other respects, it agrees pretty much with the hepatic, and is not unfrequently sold in its stead. Some- times the caballine aloes is prepared so pure and bright, as not to be distinguishable by the eye even from the socotorine, but its offensive smell of which it cannot be divested, readily betrays it. Its fracture also resembles that of common rosin, with which it is often adultera- ted, whereas the fracture of socotorine aloes is unequal and irregular. From sixteen ounces of aloes, Neumann extracted near fifteen by means of alcohol. From the residuum water took up one drachm, A.—Aloe. 37 about an ounce of impurities being left; on inverting the procedure, and applying water first, he obtained but thirteen ounces and a half of watery extract, and from the residuum alcohol dissolved an ounce and a half. According to this analysis, 1000 parts of aloes contain about 7.8 soluble in water only, or analogous to gum, 4. soluble in alcohol only, or resinous matter, and 825 soluble both in alcohol and water or extractive.* Tromsdorff makes them consist of 25 resin and 75 extractive, and Lagrange of 32 resin and 86extractive. Dr. Lewis also remarks, that decoctions of aloes let fall a precipitate, as they cool, probably from extractive being more soluble in boiling than in cold water. He also found the hepatic aloes to contain more resin and less extractive than the socotorine, and this less than the caballine. Tromsdorff, on the contrary, gives 81.25 extractive, 6.25 resin, and 12.50 albumen, as the constituents of hepatic aloes. Boul- duc also found in socotorine aloes i, and in hepatic aloes ^ of resin. The resins of all the sorts, purified by alcohol, have little smell; that obtained from the socotorine has scarce any perceptible taste; that of the hepatic, a slightly bitterish relish; and the resin of the caballine, a little more of the aloetic flavour. The extractive obtained separate- ly from any of the kinds is less disagreeable than the crude aloes: the extractive of socotorine aloes has very little smell, and is in taste not unpleasant; that of the hepatic has a somewhat stronger smell, but is rather more agreeable in taste than the extract of the socotorine: the extractive of the caballine retains a considerable.share of the peculiar rank smell of this sort of aloes, but its taste is not much more un- pleasant than that of the extractive obtained from the two other sorts. Medical use.—Aloes is a bitter stimulating purgative, exerting its action chiefly on the rectum. In doses of from 5 to 15 grains it emp- ties the large intestines, without making the stools thin; and likewise warms the habit, quickens the circulation, and promotes the uterine and haemorrhoidal fluxes. If given in so large a dose as to purge ef- fectually, it often occasions an irritation about the anus, and some- times a discharge of blood. It is frequently employed in cases of suppression of the menses, or of the haemorrhoidal discharge; but it is particularly serviceable in habitual costiveness, to persons of a phlegmatic temperament and sedentary life, and where the stomach is oppressed and weakened. For its use in typhus fever, searlatina, cynanche maligna, marasmus, chlorosis, haematemesis, chorea, hysteria, and tetanus, Dr. Hamil- ton's excellent work on Purgatives may be consulted. Aloes is also used as an anthelmintic, both given internally and applied to the ab- domen in the form of a plaster. Dissolved in alcohol, it is employed to check haemorrhagies in recent wounds, and as a detergent in ulcers. * Extractive is soluble in water, especially when hot, and in alcohol; it is also soluble in the weak acids, but is insoluble in ether. It attracts moisture from the atmosphere; and when dissolved in water, it absorbs oxygen, and becomes insoluble in water; it is also altered and precipitated by oxy muriatic acid; it has a strong affinity for alumina, and decomposes several metallic salts. It is found in almost all plants, but can scarcely be procured separate, so that its characters are not well ascertained. 38 Materia Medica. Some are of opinion, that the purgative virtue of aloes resides en- tirely in its resin; but experience has shewn, that the pure resin has little or no purgative quality, and that the extractive part separated from the resinous, acts more powerfully than the crude aloes. If the aloes indeed be made to undergo long coction in the preparation of the gummy extract, its cathartic power will be considerably lessened, not from the separation of the resin, but from an alteration made in the extractive itself by the action of the heat and air. The strongest vegetable cathartics become mild by a similar treatment. Socotorine aloes, as already observed, contains more extractive than the hepatic; and hence is likewise found to purge more, and with greater irritation. The first sort, therefore, is most proper where a stimulus is required, as for promoting or exciting the men- strual flux; whilst the latter is better calculated to act as a common purge. Aloes is administered either a. Simply, or b. In composition: 1. With purgatives. Soap, scammony, colocynth, rhubarb. 2, With aromatics. Canella. 3. With bitters. Gentian. 4. With emmenagogues. Iron, myrrh. It is exhibited in the form of a. Powder; too nauseous for general use. b. Pill; the most convenient form. c. Solution in wine or diluted alcohol. Officinal Preparations. Extractum aloes. - - - -vide Extracta. colocynthidis compositum, L. - Idem. Pilulae aloeticae, E. L. D. - - - Pilula. aloes compositae, L. - - Idem. cum assa fceiida, E. - - Idem. colocynthide, E. - Idem. myrrha, E. L. - Idem. rhei compositae, E. - - Idem. Pulvis aloes cum canella, L. - - Pulveres. aloeticuscum guaiaco, L. - Idem. ferro, L. - - Idem. Pulvis scammonii compositus cum aloe, L. Pulveres. Tinctura aloes setherea, E. - - - Tinctura atherea. Tinctura aloe socotorinae, E. L. D. - - Tinctura. cum myrrha, E. L. - - Idem. benzoes composita, L. E. - . Idem. " rhei cum aloe, E. Idem. Vinum aloes socotorinae, E. L. D. - . Vina medicata. A.—Ammonia. 39 ALTHiEA OFFICINALIS. Ed. Radix, Folia. Marsh-Mallow. The Root and Leaves. Syn. Althaea, L. Willd.g. 1289. sp. 1.—Monadelphia Polyandria.—Nat. ord. Column nacea. The marsh-mallow is a perennial plant, which is found commonly on the banks of rivers, and in salt marshes. The whole plant, but especially the root, abounds with mucilage. The roots are about the thickness of a finger, long and fibrous. They are peeled and dried, and then are perfectly white. From 960 parts of the dry root, Neumann extracted by water 650, and afterwards with alcohol 41; by alcohol applied first 360, and after- wards by water 348. Lewis extracted by alcohol only 120, and he ob- served that the alcoholic extract Avas sweeter than the watery, and had the smell peculiar to the root. The substance soluble in this in- stance, both in alcohol and water, is probably saccharine. From 960 parts of the dry leaves, Neumann extracted by water 340, and then by alcohol 213; by alcohol first 280, and then by water 2b8. The resi- duum of the root was only one-fourth; of the leaves one-half, of the whole. The root is therefore the most mucilaginous. The decoction of the root reddens turnsol, and gelatinizes silicized potass. Medical use.—It is used as an emollient and demulcent, in diseases attended with irritation and pain, as in various pulmonary complaints, and in affections of the alimentary canal and urinary organs; and it is applied externally in emollient fomentations, gargles, and clysters. Officinal Preparations. Decoctum althaeae officinalis, E. vide Decocta. Syrupus althaeas officinalis, E. L. Syrupi. AMMONIA.— AMMONIA. Syn, Alkali Volatile. Volatile Alkali. Ammonia is commonly classed with the alkalies, from the analogy of its taste, causticity, combinations with the acids, and effects upon vegetable blues; but it differs in many particulars, being extremely volatile, and a compound substance, which is readily decomposed, and formed in many chemical operations. It is now known to be composed of nitrogen and hydrogen, and consequently is no longer to be regarded as a simple substance; which is also the case with the other alkalies. Ammonia consists of one part of nitrogen, with three of hydrogen by bulk, or of three of hydrogen and thirteen of nitrogen by weight. it exists in its purest form combined with caloric as a gas, Avhich is 40 Materia Medica. Bprfectly transparent and colourless, elastic and compressible; spe- cific gravity eight to hydrogen, or one hundred inches weigh eigh- teen grains. It has an urinous and acrid odour, irritating the nostrils and eyes, and an acrid and caustic taste; it does not dissolve animal substances; is irrespirable; extinguishes flame; colours vegetable blues green; and is decomposed by being transmitted through a red-hot tube, and by the electric spark, into its constituent gases; and by oxy- gen and atmospheric air at a red heat, and by oxy-muriatic acid, it is converted into water and nitrogen gas. It is absorbed without change by porous bodies; it dissolves sulphur and phosphorus; and combines readily with water in all its states. Water at a mean tem- perature and pressure is saturated by 670 times its volume of gase- ous ammonia, and is thereby increased in bulk, and acquires the speci- fic gravity of 0.875. Ammonia combines with all the acids, forming neutral salts. It is formed during the putrefactive fermentation. Officinal Preparations. Carbonas Ammonias. Murias Ammonias. MURIAS AMMONIiE. Ed. Muriat of Ammonia. Syn. Sal Ammoniac us, L. D. Sal Ammoniac. D. Sal Ammoniak. P. Sal Ammoniaco. DA. Salmiak. POL. Salmiak, Salmoniak. F. Sel Ammoniac. R. Naschatiir. G. Salmiak. S. Sal Ammoniaca. I. Sale Ammoniaco. SW. Salmiak. Muriat of ammonia is found native, especially in the neighbour- hood of volcanos. It was first prepared in Egypt from the soot of camel-dung by sublimation. But the greatest part of that now used is manufactured in Europe, either by combining directly ammonia Avith muriatic acid, or by decomposing the sulphat of ammonia by means of muriat of soda, or the muriats of lime and magnesia by means of ammonia. In commerce, muriat of ammonia occurs either sublimed in firm, round, elastic, concavo-convex cakes, or crystallized in conical masses. The latter commonly contain other salts, especially muriat of lime, which renders them deliquescent; and therefore the sublimed muriat of ammonia is to be preferred for the purposes of medicine. Muriat of ammonia has an acrid, pungent, urinous taste. It is so- luble in about three times its weight of water at 60°, and in an equal weight at 212°. During its solution, it produces 32 degrees of cold. It is also soluble in about 4.5 parts of alcohol. It is permanent in the ordinary state of the atmosphere. By a gentle heat, it may be deprived of its water of crystallization, and reduced to the form of a white powder. At a higher temperature it sublimes unchanged. Its crystals are either six-sided pyramids, aggregated in a plumose form, or still more commonly four-sided pyramids. It consists of 42.75 muriat*' A.—Amtnonia.—Aqua Ammonia?. 41 acid, 25.00 ammonia, and 32.25 water. It is decomposed by the sul- phuric and nitric acids, by baryta, potass, soda, 6trontia, and lime; by several secondary salts, containing these acids or bases; and by those metalline salts whose bases form with muriatic acid an inso- luble compound. Medical use.—Muriat of ammonia is now seldom used internally. It Avas formerly supposed to be a powerful aperient and attenuant of viscid humours. Externally applied, it is a valuable remedy. It may act in two ways, 1. By the cold produced during its solution. It is from this cause that fomentations of muriat of ammonia pro- bably prove beneficial in mania, apoplexy from plethora, and in vio- lent headachs. When used with this intention, the solution should be applied as soon as it is made. 2. By the stimulus of the salt. On this principle we may explain its action as a discutient m in- dolent tumours of all kinds, contusions, gangrene, psora, ophthalmia cynanche, and in stimulating clysters. In some cases, as in chilbains and other indolent inflammations, both modes of action may be ser- viceable. When first applied, the coldness of the solution will dimi- nish the sense of heat and uneasiness of the part, and the subsequent siimulus will excite a more healthy action in the vessels. Officinal Preparations. Aqua ammonias, E. L. D. Alcohol ammoniatum, E. L. D. Carbonas ammoniae, E. L. D. Aqua carbonatis ammoniae, E. L. D Liquor cupri ammoniati, L. D. Murias ammonia et ferri, E. L. Calx hydrargyri alba, L. Spiritus ammoniae foetidus, L. - AQUA AMMONITE; olim, Aqua Ammonije Caustic a. Ed. Water of Ammonia, formerly Water of Caustic Ammonia. Syn. AquA Ammonite Caustics, D. Water *f Caustic Ammonia. LiquoR Ammonia, L. Uguor qf Ammonia. Take of Muriat of ammonia, sixteen ounces; Lime, fresh burnt, two pounds; Water, six pints. Sprinkle one pint of the Avater upon the lime, placed in a stoneware vessel, and cover it up. Twenty-four hours afterwards, mix the vide Cuprum. Ferrum. Hydrargyrum. Spiritus destillali. 42 Materia Medica. salt with the lime, which will have crumbled to powder, taking care to avoid the vapours. Then put the mixture into a retort, and pour upon it the rest of the water. Having previously agitated them, draAV off with a moderate heat, twenty ounces, by measure, of liquor, into a refrigerated receiver, having luted carefully the joining of the vessels. The specific gravity of this liquor is to that of distilled water as 936 to 1000. The lime is slaked before it is mixed with the muriat of ammo- nia, in order that the heat generated during the slaking may not de- compose the muriat when they are mixed before adding the water. In this process, the muriat of ammonia is decomposed by the lime, in consequence of its having a stronger affinity for muriatic acid than ammonia has. It is absolutely necessary that the lime em- ployed be very recently burnt, as the presence of carbonic acid would render the ammonia partially carbonated. This accident is also prevented by the great excess of lime used, which having a greater affinity for carbonic acjd than ammonia has, retains any small quantity of it which may be accidentally present. The water is es- sential to the existence of the ammonia in a liquid form; for, in itself, it is a permanently elastic fluid. In the process adopted by the Dublin college, a much greater quantity of water, however, is used than what is sufficient to absorb all the ammonia: the rest is intend- ed to render the decomposition slower and more manageable, and to keep the muriat of lime, which remains in the retort, in solu- tion; for otherwise it Avould concrete into a solid mass, adhering strongly to the bottom of the retort, very difficult to be washed out, and often endangering its breaking. A very small degree of heat is sufficient for the distillation, and the whole ammonia rises with the first portion of- water, or even before it. It is therefore necessary that the vessels be very closely luted to each other, to prevent it from escaping. But this renders the utmost care necessary in the distillation; for too sudden, or too great a heat, from the rapid disen- gagement of gas, or even.the expansion of the air contained in the vessels, would endanger their bursting. In the process directed in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, this dan- ger is completely obviated, by disengaging the ammonia in the form of gas, and combining it with the water, by means of pressure in a pneumatic apparatus. By this process, the water should be saturated with ammonia; but of this strength it is never sold in shops, unless particularly inquired for, as for common sale it is always diluted with a certain proportion of water. Ddrfurt, Bucholz, and Van Mons, agree in recommending nearly the following process, which resembles that of the Edinburgh college. Slake 16 oz. of lime with a sufficient quantity of water to forma thick paste; put it into a cucurbit, and add 16 oz. of sal ammoniac; lute on the capital, furnished with a bent tube, reaching to the bot- tom of a receiver containing 24 oz. of water, and draw off24 oz. so as to fill the space of 48 oz. previously marked on the receiver, and A.—Ammonia.—Aqua Ammonia. 43 keep it in phials perfectly closed, by dipping their necks when cork- ed in wax. We have already mentioned the properties of ammonia in its gaseous form. When combined with water, it imparts to it many of these properties, and lessens its specific gravity. Table of the quantities of Real or Gaseous Ammonia different Specific Gravities. (Dalton.) in solutions of Specific Gravity. Grains of ammo-nia in 100 water grain measures of liquid. Grains of monia in 1 grains of quid. am-100 li- Boiling point of the liquid. Fahr. scale. Volume of gas condensed in a given vol. of liquid. .85 30 85.3 26° 494 .86 28 32.6 38 456 .87 26 29.9 50 419 .88 24 27.3 62 382 .89 22 24.7 74 346 .90 20 ' 22.2 86 311 .91 18 19.8 98 277 .92 16 17.4 110 244 .93 14 15.1 122 21.1 .94 12 12.8 134 180 .95 10 10.5 146 147 .96 8 8.3 158 116 .97 6 6.2 173 87 .98 4 4.1 187 57 .99 2 2 196 28 Sir Humphry Davy's results were somewhat different. He found 100 parts of sp. gr. 0.875, to contain 32.5 of ammonia; of sp. gr. 0.9054, 25.37; and ofsp. gr. 0.9692,9.5 of ammonia. Water of ammonia decomposes many of the earthy, and all the metalline salts, and is capable of dissolving, or combining with, many of the metallic oxyds, and even of oxydizing some of the me- tals. When pure, water of ammonia does not effervesce Avith any of the acids, or form a precipitate with alcohol. As it readily absorbs carbonic acid from the atmosphere, the Edinburgh college, very pro- perly, order it to be kept in small phials. By neglecting this precau- tion in the shops, it often becont^carbonated before the large bot- tles, in which it is commonly kepvte half done. Medical use.—Water of ammonia is very rarely given internally, although it may be used in doses of ten to twenty drops, largely di- luted, as a powerful stimulant in asphyxia, and similar diseases. Ex- ternally, it is applied to the skin as a rubefacient, and, in the form of gas, to the nostrils, and to the eyes, as a stimulant; in cases of torpor, paralysis, rheumatism, syncope, hysteria, and chronic oph- thalmia. Officinal Preparations. Hydro-sulphuretum ammoniae, E. Oleum ammoniatum, E. L. vide Olea praparata. Linimentum camphoras compositum, L. D. Tinct. ammoniata, Spiritus ammoniae succinatus, L. Idem. 44 Materia Medica. ALCOHOL AMMONIATUM, olim Spiritus Ammoni*. Ed. Ammoniated Alcohol, formerly Spirit of Ammonia. Syn. Spiritus Ammonite, L. D. Spirit of Ammonia. Take of Proof spirit, three pints; Sal ammoniac, four ounces; Potashes, six ounces. Mix, and distil with a slow fire, two pints. (D.) When muriat of ammonia is decomposed by carbonat of potass, the product is a mixture of carbonat of ammonia with a variable quantity of ammonia; for the carbonat of potass is never saturated with carbonic acid. Again, as diluted alcohol is employed in this pro- cess, and one half only is drawn off, it is evident that there is either a want of economy, or the whole alcohol comas over before any of the water. But if the latter supposition be true, there is also a want of economy, for the alcohol will dissolve only the ammonia, and leave the whole carbonat undissolved. The fact is, that when we perform the process as directed by the colleges, a very large proportion of carbonat of ammonia sublimes, which remains undissolved in the dis- tilled liquor; but as this liquor (after the particles of carbonat of am- monia, which Avere diffused through it, have separated in the form of very regular crystals, adhering to the sides of the vessel) effervesces with acids, the distilled liquor cannot be pure alcohol, but must con- tain a proportion of water capable of dissolving some carbonat of am- monia. From both considerations, it appears that the process directed, if not un-chemical is at least un-economical. It is remarkable that the Edinburgh college, for what reason we. know not, should have adopted, in the two last editions of their Phar- macopceia, this process from the London college, and relinquish one which appears unexceptionable, as it is not attended with the small- est loss, either of alcohol or ammonia, and gives both a more active and a more uniform preparation. A strong proof of its superiority is, that the apothecaries still continue to follow it, although it has been rejected by the college. It is therefore inserted here Avithout any al- teration, except of the nomenclature. Take of Quicklime, sixteen ounces; Muriat of ammonia, eight ounces; Alcohol, thirty-tAvo ounces. ^Having bruised and mixed the quicklime and muriat of ammonia, put them into a glass retort; then add the alcohol, and distil to dryness, in the manner directed for the water of ammonia. The Berlin college directs this preparation to be made by simply .mixing two parts of alcohol Avith one of water of ammonia. A.—Ammonia.—Carbonas Ammoniae. 45 Officinal Preparations. Alcohol ammoniatum foetidum, E. D. vide Spiritus destillati. aromaticum, E. L. D. Tinct. ammoniata. Tinctura castorei composita, E. - Idem. guaiaci ammoniata, E. Idem. opii ammoniata, E. - - Idem. CARBONAS AMMONIA; olim, Ammonia Prjeparata. Ed. D. Carbonat of Ammonia, formerly Prepared Ammonia. Syn. Subcarbonas Ammonije, L. Subcarbonat of Ammonia. Take of Muriat of ammonia, one pound; Soft carbonat of lime (chalk), dried, two pounds. Having triturated them separately, mix them thoroughly, and sub- lime from a retort into a refrigerated receiver. (E.) In this process the two substances employed undergo a mutual decomposition, the muriatic acid combining with the lime, and the carbonic acid with the ammonia. The proportion of carbonat of lime directed, is perhaps more than sufficient to'decompose the muriat of ammonia; but it is the safe side to err on; for it is only sometimes inconvenient, from obliging us to make use of larger vessels, whereas, if any portion of the muriat of ammonia were to remain undecompos- ed, it would sublime along with the carbonat, and render the product impure. Gdttling uses three parts of chalk to two of muriat of am- monia, but he dries his chalk before he weighs it. The chalk is always to be very carefully dried before it is used in this preparation, as the presence of moisture injures the product. The ingredients are to be thoroughly mixed by trituration, before they are introduced into the retort, that no part of the muriat of ammonia may escape decomposi- tion; and Ave are even sometimes directed to cover the surface of the mixture, after they are in the retort, with powdered chalk. This however is unnecessary. Carbonat of lime does not act on muriat of ammonia till a considerable heat be applied. Gdttling says, that the sublimation must be conducted in the open fire, and therefore uses an earthenware cucurbit, with a tubulated capital. When a glass retort is employed, it should have a very wide neck; and the best form for the receiver is cylindrical, as it enables us to get out the carbonat of ammonia condensed in it without breaking it. The residuum which remains in the retort, furnishes muriat of lime by lixivation and eva- poration. Sometimes carbonat of potass or soda, is employed for the prepa- ration of carbonat of ammonia. The theory of the process is the same, and the decomposition is effected at a lower temperature. But as potass or soda are very rarely saturated with carbonic acid, part of the ammonia is evolved in the form of gas, which, if not permitted to escape, will burst the vessels. To prevent this loss, therefore, Mr. Gdttling uses 46 Materia Medica. a cucurbit and capital, furnished with a bent tube, Avhich is to be im- mersed in a phial of water; by which contrivance, while the carbonat of ammonia is condensed in the capital, the gaseous ammonia is ab- sorbed by the water.»The residuum contains either muriat of potass or soda. Carbonat of ammonia is obtained in the form of a white crystal- lized mass, of a fibrous texture, having the smell arid taste of ammo- nia, but weaker. It is soluble in tAvice its weight of cold water, and is more soluble as the temperament of the water increases; but when it approaches to a boiling heat, the carbonat is volatilized. It is insoluble in alcohol. It is permanent in the air, and is not decomposed, but is easily evaporized by heat. It is said to vary very much in its compo- sition, and to contain more ammonia, and less acid and water, in pro- portion to the high temperature employed in preparing it, the quan- tity of alkali varying from 50 to 20 per cent. It is decomposed by most of the acids, and all the alkaline, and some of the earthy, bases; by the earthy sulphats, except those of baryta and strontia; by the earthy muriats, and fluats; by the nitrats of baryta, and super-phosphat of lime. Medical use.—Carbonat of ammonia exactly resembles ammonia in its action on the living body; but is weaker, and is principally used as smelling salts in syncope and hysteria. • Officinal Preparations. Aqua acetitis ammoniae, E. L. D. Ammoniaretum cupri, E. L..D. vide Cuprum. AQUA CARBONATIS AMMONIA; olim, AquA Ammonia, E.D. Water of Carbonat of Ammonia, formerly Water of Ammonia. Syn. LiquoR Ammonite Subcarbonatis, L. Liquor of Subcarbonat of Ammonia. Take of Muriat of ammonia, Carbonat of potass, each sixteen ounces; Water, two pounds. Having mixed the salts, and put them in a glass retort, pour the wa- ter upon them, and distil to dryness in a sand bath, gradually in- creasing the heat. (E.) Specific gravity 1095. (D.) The product of this process is a solution of carbonat of ammonia, while the residuum in the retort is muriat of potass. In this instance, the decomposition of the muriat of ammonia cannot be effected by carbonat of lime, because the addition of the water prevents the ap- plication of the necessary heat, whereas carbonat of potass acts at a moderate temperature. The London college form this preparation by merely dissolving four ounces of subcarbonat of ammonia in a pint of distilled Avater, and filtering. This as more simple, is perhaps pre- A.—Ammonia.—Liquor, &c. C. Cervini. 47 ferable. The addition of more water than what is to be drawn off by distillation, must increase the size of the apparatus employed, an in- convenience always to be avoided, if possible. Officinal Preparations. Oxidum hydrargyri cinereum, E. D. vide Hydrargyrum. Linimentum camphoratum, D. - Tinctura ammoniata-. Pilula ammoniareti cupri, E. - Pilula. LIQUOR VOLATILIS CORNU CERVINI, D. Volatile Liquor of Hartshorn. Take of Harts-horn any quantity. Distil with a fire gradually increased, the volatile liquor, salt, and oil. Repeat the distillation of the volatile liqjior until it becomes as limpid as water, separating by filtration, the oil and salt after each distillation. The liquor is more easily purified, if, after each distillation, except the first, we add \ of wood charcoal, previously heated to redness, then extinguished, by covering it with sand and powdered while hot. If harts-horn cannot be had, the bones of any other land animal may be substituted. The wholesale dealers have very large pots for this distillation, with earthen heads, almost like those of the common still; for receiv- ers, they use a couple of oil jars, the mouths of which are luted to- gether; the pipe that comes from the head, is connected by means of an adopter with the lower jar, Avhich is also furnished with a cock for drawing off the fluids condensed in it. The upper jar is entire, and in it is condensed the solid carbonat of ammonia. When a large quantity of the subject is to be distilled, it is customary to continue the operation for several days successively; only unluting the head occasionally, to put in fresh materials. When the upper jar becomes entirely filled with carbonat of ammonia, it cracks. It is then to be re- moved, the salt to be taken out of it, and a fresh one substituted in its place. When only a small quantity of spirit or salt is Avanted, a common iron pot, such as is usually fixed in sand furnaces, may be employed; an iron head being fitted to it. The receiver ought to be large, and a glass, or rather tin, adopter, inserted between it and the pipe of the head. The distilling vessel being charged with pieces of horn, a mode- rate fire is applied, which is slowly increased, and raised at length al- most to the utmost degree. At first water arises, which gradually ac- quires colour and smell, from the admixture of empyreumatic oil and ammoniacal salts; carbonat of ammonia next arises, which at first dissolves, as it comes over, in the Avater, and thus forms what is called the spirit. When the water is saturated, the remainder of the salt concretes in a solid form to the sides of the recipient. If it be required to have the whole of the salt solid, and undissolved, the water should 48 Materia Medica. be removed as soon as the salt begins to arise, which may be known by the appearance of white fumes; and that this may be done the more commodiously, the receiver should be left unluted, till this first part of the process be finished. The white vapours which now arise, sometimes come over with such vehemence as to throw off or burst the receiver: to prevent this accident, it is convenient to have a small hole in the luting, which may be occasionally stopped Avith a wooden peg, or opened, as the operator shall find proper. Lastly, the oil arises, which acquires greater colour and consistency as the ope- ration advances. Carbonat of ammonia still comes over, but it is partly dissolved in the hot oily vapour. At the same time, there is a considerable disengagement of gas, consisting of a mixture of carbu- reted hydrogen, often containing sulphur and phosphorus, and of car- bonic acid. All the liquid matters being poured out of the receiver, the salt which remains adhering to its sides, is to be washed out with a little water and added to the rest. It is convenient to let the whole stand for a few hours, that the oil may the better disengage itself from the liquor, so as to be first separated by a funnel, and afterwards more perfectly by filtration through wet paper. None of these products, except perhaps a small quantity of the wa- ter, exist ready formed in the matter subjected to the distillation, but are produced by a new arrangement of its constituents. For the pro- duction of ammonia, it is absolutely necessary that it contain nitro- gen, or be what is called a quaternary oxyd. Although some vege- table, and most animal substances, are of this kind, yet only the most solid parts of animals, such as bone and horn, are employed for the production of ammonia; because they furnish it less mixed with other substances, are easily obtained, and at little expense, and are very manageable in the distillation. On the application of heat, as soon as all the water which they contained is expelled, their elements begin to act on each other, and to form binary, or at most ternary com- pounds. Water is formed of part of the oxygen and hydrogen, ammo- nia of nitrogen and hydrogen, carbonic acid of carbon and oxygen, then oil, of hydrogen and charcoal, while the superfluous carbon re- mains in the retort in the state of charcoal. As the formation of these substances is stimultaneous, or in immediate succession, they are not obtained separately, but are mixed with each other. The water is sa- turated with carbonat of ammonia, and impregnated with empyreu- matic oil, while the carbonat of ammonia is discoloured Avith oil; and the oil contains carbonat of ammonia dissolved in it. They may how- ever, be separated from each other in a great measure, in the manner already described. But a small portion of oil obstinately adheres both to the salts and its solution, Avhich constitutes the only difference be- tween salt and spirit of harts-horn, as they are called, and the purer carbonat of ammonia, as obtained bv the decomposition of muriat of ammonia. A.—Ammonia.—Aqua Acet. Amm. 49 AQUA ACETITIS AMMONITE; vulgo, Spiritus Minhereri. Ed. Water of Acetite of Ammonia, commonly called Spirit of Mindererus. Syn. LiquoR Ammonite Acetatis, L. Solution of Acetat of Ammonia. AquA Acetatis Ammonite, D. Water of Acetat of Ammonia. Take of Carbonat of ammonia in powder, any quantity. Pour upon it as much distilled acetous acid as may be sufficient to saturate the ammonia exactly. (E.) By this process we obtain acetat of ammonia, dissolved in the wa- ter of the acetic acid; but as this is apt to vary in quantity, the solu- tion also varies in strength, and the crystallization of the salt is at- tended with too much difficulty to be practised for pharmaceutical purposes. Its crystals are long, slender, and flatted, of a pearly white colour, and of a cool sweetish taste, are very deliquescent, melt at 170°, and sublime at 250°, It is decomposed by the acids, alkalies, and several of the earths, and metalline salts; and when in solution, its acid is decomposed spontaneously, and by heat. Different proposals have been made to get a solution of greater strength and uniformity, than that still retained by the British col- leges. Mr. Lowe saturates four ounces of carbonat of potass with dis- tilled vinegar, and evaporates the solution to 36 ounces He then mixes it with two ounces of muriat of ammonia, and distils the mix- ture in a glass retort. Acetat of ammonia comes over. The last edi- tion of the Prussian Pharmacopceia prepares it by saturating three ounces of carbonat of ammonia with a strong acetic acid, (obtained by distillation from acetat of soda, dissolved in two parts of water, and decomposed by sulphuric acid), and diluting the solution with water, so that it shall weigh twenty-four ounces. One ounce, therefore, con- tains the alkali of a drachm of carbonat of ammonia. Medical use.—Acetat of ammonia, when assisted by a warm regi- men, proves an excellent and powerful sudorific; and as it operates without quickening the circulation or increasing the heat of the body, it is admissible in febrile and inflammatory diseases, in which the use of stimulating sudorifics are attended with danger. Its action may likewise be determined to the kidneys, by walking about in a cool air. The common dose is half an ounce, either by itself, or along with other medicines adapted to the same intention. This medicine may be made very readily and extemporaneously by adding the acetic acid to the carbonat in a phial; and by corking it, the carbonic acid is prevented from escaping; it unites in conse- quence of the pressure, with the acetat of ammonia, and forms a much more pleasant mixture. G 50 Materia Medica. HYDRO-SULPHURETUM AMMONIA. Ed—D. Hydro-Sulphuret of Ammonia. Take of Water of ammonia, four ounces; Subject it in a chemical apparatus to a stream of the gas, which arises from Sulphuret of iron, four ounces, Muriatic acid, eight ounces, previously diluted with two pounds and a half of water. Sulphuret of Iron is conveniently prepared for this purpose, from Purified filings of iron, three parts; Sublimed sulphur, one part. Mixed and exposed to a moderate degree of heat in a covered cruci- ble, until they unite into a mass. Sulphureted hydrogen is capable of combining with different bases in the manner of an acid. In the present preparation, it is com- bined with ammonia. It is obtained by decomposing sulphuret of iron Avith muriatic acid. As soon as the acid, by its superior affinity, sepa- rates the iron from the sulphur, the latter immediately re-acts on the water, the oxygen of which forms with one portion of it sulphuric acid, while the hydrogen dissolves another portion, and forms sul- phureted hydrogen gas. The combination of this with ammonia is facilitated by reduction of temperature, and by making it pass through a column of the water of ammonia by means of an apparatus, such as Woulfe's or Nooth's. Tromsdorff has proposed, that the sulphuret- ed hydrogen gas should be obtained by the decomposition of sulphu- ret of potass; but in this way its formation is too rapid to be easily managed. Gdttling says, that the acid should be added gradually, and that the whole must be constantly agitated. But these precau- tions are rendered more unnecessary, by diluting the acid in the de- gree directed by the pharmacopoeia. Mr. Cruickshank, who first sug- gested the use of hydro-sulphuret of ammonia in medicine, directs the sulphuret of iron to be prepared by heating a bar of iron to a white heat in a smith's forge, and rubbing it against the end of a roll of sulphur. The iron at this temperature immediately combines with the sulphur, and formes globules of sulphureted iron, which should be received in a vessel filled with water. It is, however, more con- veniently obtained in the manner directed by the college. Proust has proved that iron is capable of combining with two proportions of sulphur. At a high temperature 100 parts of iron combine with 60 of sulphur, and form a compound of a dull blackish colour. In this state it is fit for the production of sulphureted hydrogen gas. At a lower temperature the same quantity of iron takes up 90 of sulphur, acquires a greenish yellow colour, and in every respect resembles na- tive pyrites. This cannot be decomposed by acids, and is therefore unfit for the production of gas; but it may be reduced to the state of iron sulphureted to the minimum, by exposing it to a sufficiently A.—Ammoniacum, &c. 51 high temperature, or by melting it with half its weight of iron filings. It was probably from not attending to the different states of sulphureted iron, that some of the German chemists failed in their attempts to procure from it sulphureted hydrogen gas, and had re- course to sulphuret of potass. Medical use.—.Hydro-sulphuret of ammonia, or more correctly, sul- phureted hydroguret of ammonia, acts powerfully on the living sys- tem. It induces vertigo, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting, and les- sens the action of the heart and arteries. According to the doctrine of the chemical physiologists, it is a powerful disoxygenizing remedy. It has only been used in diabetes by Dr. Rollo and others, under the name of hepatized ammonia, in doses of five or ten drops twice or thrice a day. AQUA SULPHURETI AMMONLE. Dub. Liquor of Sulphuret of Ammonia. Take of Fresh burnt lime, Muriat of ammonia in powder, each four ounces; Sublimed sulphur, Warm water, each two ounces, by weight. Sprinkle the water upon the lime, placed in an earthen vessel, and cover it up until the lime falls to powder, which, as soon as it is cold, is to be mixed by trituration with the sulphur and muriat of ammonia. Put the mixture into a retort, and distil with a sud- den and sufficiently strong degree of heat. Keep the liquor thus obtained in a phial, accurately closed with a glass stepper. This process of the Dublin college is totally different. The ammo- nia and sulphureted hydrogen are presented to each other in a nas- cent state, and, with the undecomposed part of the water, pass over into the receiver, while, in the retort, the lime remains combined with sulphuric and muriatic acid. The hydro-sulphuret of ammonia was formerly called the fuming liquor of Boyle. It is of a dark red colour, and is extremely fetid. It is decomposed by all acids, and almost all metallic solutions. AMMONIACUM. Gummi Resina. E. L. D. Ammoniac. A Gum-resin. Ammoniacum is a concrete, gummy-resinous juice, brought from the East Indies, usually in large masses, composed of little lumps or tears, of a milky colour, but soon changing upon being exposed to the air, to a yellowish hue. Gum-ammoniac is now referred by the London College, on the authority of Willdenow, to the Heracleum gummiferum, which he raised from seeds taken out of the Ammoniacum of the shops; and 52 Materia Medica. Which, he is satisfied, is the plant which yields it, although he has not been able to procure it from the plants raised at Berlin. I regret that I have not been able to see the Flora Berolinensis, in which this plant is described, as the question might be decided, with great cer- tainty, by comparing it with the figure, unfortunately not the draw- ing of a botanist, though sufficiently characteristic, published in his account of the empire of Morocco, by Mr. Jackson, who was perfect- ly familiar with it. He ^ives the following account of it: "Ammonia- cum, called Feshuok in Arabic, is produced from a plant similar to the European lennel, but much larger. In most of the plains of the inte- rior, and particularly about LI Araiche and M'sharrah Rummillah, it grows ten feet nigh. The gum ammoniac is procured by incisions in the branches, which, when pricked, emit a lacteous glutinous juice, whiuh being hardened by the heat of the sun, falls on the ground, and mixes with the red earth below; hence the reason that gum ammoniac of Barbary does not suit the London market. It might, however, with a little trouble, be procured perfectly pure; but when a prejudice is once established against any particular article, it is dif- ficult to efface it. The gum, in the above-mentioned state, is used in all parts of the country, for cataplasms and fumigations. The sandy light soil which produces the gum ammoniac, abounds in the north of Morocco. It is remarkable that neither bird nor beast is seen where this plant grows, the vulture only excepted. It is, however, attacked by a beetle, having a long horn proceeding from its nose, with which it perforates the plant, and makes the incisions whence the gum oozes out." Ammoniacum has a nauseous sweet taste, followed by a bitter one; and a peculiar smell, somewhat like that of galbanum, but more grateful: it softens in the mouth, and acquires a white colour upon being cliewed. It softens by heat, but is not fusible; when thrown upon live coals, it burns away in flame: it is in some degree soluble in water and in vinegar, with which it assumes the appearance of milk: but the resinous part, amounting to about one-half, subsides on standing. Such tears as are large, dry, free from small stones, seeds, or other impurities, should be picked out and preferred for internal use; the coarser kind is purified by solution, colature, and careful inspis- salion; but unless this be artfully managed, the gum will lose a con- siderable deal ot its more volatile parts. There is often vended in the shops, under the name of strained gum ammoniacum, a composition of ingredients much inferior in virtue. Neumann extracted from 480 parts, 360 by alcohol, and then by water 105; by water applied first 410, and then by alcohol 60. Alco- hol distilled from it arose unchanged, but water acquired a sweetish taste, and the smell of the ammoniac. More modern chemists say that the spirit drawn from it by distillation smelt strongly of the gum, and that a small portion of a very pungent strong smelling oil could be got from it The solution in alcohol is transparent; but on the ad- dition of water, becomes milky. It therefore seems to consist prin- cipally of a substance soluble both in water and in alcohol, combined with some volatile matter. Braconnot makes it consist of 700 resin, 184 gum, 44 gluten, and 60 water. A.—Ammoniacum Purificatum. 53 Medical Use.—The general action of gum-ammoniac is stimulant. On many occasions, in doses of from ten to thirty grains, it proves a valuable antispasmodic, deobstruent, or expectorant. In large doses it purges gently, excites perspiration, and increases the flow of urine. It is used with advantage to promote expectoration in some pulmo- nary diseases; in dropsical affections, to augment the flow of urine, and to support the salivation of small-pox: It is also an useful deob- struent; and is frequently prescribed for removing obstructions of the abdominal viscera, and in hysterical disorders occasioned by a defi- ciency of the menstrual evacuations. In long and obstinate colics, pro- ceeding from viscid matter lodged in the intestines, this gummy-resin has produced happy effects, after purges and the common carmina- tives had been used in vain. Externally, it is supposed to soften and ripen hard tumors. A solution of it in vinegar has been recommend- ed by some for resolving even scirrhous swellings. It is exhibited internally, a. In solution, combined with vinegar, vinegar of squills, assa- foetida, &c. b. In pills, with bitter extracts, myrrh, assafoetida. c. And externally combined with vinegar, turpentine, common plaster, Sec. Officinal Preparations. Ammoniacum purificatum, L. Lac ammoniaci, L. D. - - vide Mixtura. Pilulae scilliticae, E. L. D. - - Pilula. Emplastrum gummosum, E. - - Unguentum. ammoniaci cum hydrargyro, L. Idem. AMMONIACUM PURIFICATUM. L. Purified Gum Ammoniacum. If gum ammoniac do not seem to be pure, boil it in water till it be- comes soft; then squeeze it through a canvass bag, by means of a press. Let it remain at rest till the resinous part subside; then eva- porate the water; and towards the end of the evaporation, mix the resinous part with the gummy. In the same manner are purified assafcetida and similar gum resins. You may also purify any gum which melts easy, such as Galbanum, by putting it in an ox bladder, and holding it in boiling water till it becomes so soft that it can be separated from its impurities by pressing it through a coarse linen cloth. As one, and perhaps the most active constituent of gummy resins, as they are called, is of a volatile nature, it is evident that it must be in a great measure dissipated in the process just described, and that we cannot expect the same virtues in these substances after they are purified, which they possess in their crude state. This process is therefore contrary to the principles of good pharmacy; and such spe- cimens of these gummy resins as stand in need of it to give them an 54 Materia Medica. apparent degree of purity, should not be admitted into the shop of the apothecary. Besides, many of the impurities which they usually contain, are easily separated in compounding the preparations or ex- temporaneous prescriptions into which they enter. AMOMUM. Willd.g. 4.—Monandria Monogynia.—Nat. Ord. Scitaminea. Species I. AMOMUM ZINGIBER. Ed. Dub. Zingiber Officinale. L. Ginger. Off. (a)—The dried root, the ginger of the shops. Amomi Zingiberis Radix Siccata. Ed. Zingiberis Radix. Lond. (b) Preserved ginger imported from the East or West Indies. Amomi Zingiberis Radix Condita. Ed. Zingiberis Radix Condita. Dub. D. Gember. P. Gengibre. DA. Ingesaer. POL. Imbier. F. Gingembre. R. Jubir. G. Ingwer, Ingher. S. Jenjibre, Agengibre. I. Zenzero,Zenzovero,Zin- SW. Ingesara. zibo, Gengiovo. In the botanical arrangement of the well-known plant which pro- duces the Ginger, the London College have followed Mr. Roscoe of Liverpool, who has given a new classification of the Scitamineous plants in the eighth volume of the Linnaean Society, in which he has separated the Zingiber from the Cardamom. " It has been well re- marked by Jussieu," says Mr. Roscoe, " that the Zingibers flower in a dense spike near to the stem; the Cardamoms in a lax panicle in the base of the stem. Such an uniform natural distinction in the habit of these plants, gave great reason to suppose that, by a closer exami- nation, sufficient generic distinctions would be ascertained. This ex- pectation has been fully confirmed. In the plants of the Ginger tribe, it appears that the anthera-bearing filament is extended beyond the anthera, and terminates in an awl-shaped appendage, with a groove or furrow to receive the style after it has passed between the lobes of the anthera, and which terminates with the stigma, a little beyond the extremity of the filament; but in the plants of the Cardamom, or proper amomum tribe, the anthera-bearing filament terminates in an appendage of three or more lobes, and differs also in other respects, as will be more particularly noticed under the genus Amomum. Ginger is a perennial plant, indigenous in the East Indies, but now cultivated in the West India islands. It is cultivated there very much in the same manner as potatoes are here, and is fit for digging once a-year, unless for preserving in syrup, when it should be dug A.—Amomum.—Am. Zedoaria. 55 at the end of three or four months, at which time it is tender and full of sap. Ginger is distinguished into two sorts, the black and the white. The .ormer is rendered fit for preservation by means of boiling water, the latter by insolation; and as it is necessary to select the fairest and roundest sorts for exposure to the sun, white ginger is commonly one-third dearer than black. Black ginger consists of thick and knotty roots, internally of an orange or brownish colour, externally of a yellow-grey. White gin- ger is less thick and knotty, internally of a reddish-yellow, and ex- ternally of a whitish-grey or yellow. It is firm and resinous, and more pungent ihan the black. Pieces which are worm-eaten, light, friable, or soft, and very fibrous, are to be rejected. Preserved ginger should be prepared in India from the young and succulent roots. When genuine, it is almost transparent. That manu- factured in Europe is opaque and fibrous. Ginger has a fragrant smell, and a hot, biting, aromatic taste. Neumann obtained by distillation with water from 7680 parts of white ginger, about 60 of a volatile oil, having the smell and distin- guishing flavour of the ginger, but none of its pungency. The wa- tery extract Avas considerably pungent, and amounted to 2720, after which alcohol extracted 192 of a very pungent resin. Alcohol applied first extracted 660 of pungent resin, and water afterwards 2160 of a mucilaginous extract, with little taste, and difficultly exsiccated. The black ginger contained less soluble matter than the white. Medical use.—Ginger is a very useful spice in cold flatulent colics, and in laxity and debility of the intestines; it docs not heat so much as the peppers, but its effects are more durable. It may also be ap- plied externally as a rubefacient. Lately, the powder of ginger, taken in very large doses in milk, was supposed to be almost specific in the gout. Officinal Preparations. Syrupus amomi zingiberis, E. - vide Syrupi. Tinctura zingiberis, L. - Tinctura. It is also an ingredient in many of the powders, pills, electuaries, Sep. Sec. AMOMUM ZEDOARIA. Sp. 3. Radix. D. Long Zedoary. The Root. The Zedoary is perennial, and grows in Ceylon and Malabar. The roots come to us in pieces, some inches in length, and about a finger thick. Externally they are wrinkled, and of an ash-grey colour, but Internally are brownish red. The best kind comes from Ceylon, and should be firm, heavy, of a dark colour within, and neither worm- eaten nor very fibrous. It has an agreeable fragrant smell, and a warm, bitterish, aromatic taste. In distillation with water, it yields an essential oil, heavier than water, possessing the smell and flavour Anchusa Tinctoria. 61 AMYRIS GILEADENSIS. Sp. 6. Balsamum Gileadense. Ed. Resina. Balsam of Gilead. A Liquid Resin. This article, which has also had the name of Balsamum Judaicum, Syriacum, de Mecca, Opo-balsamum, &c. is a resinous juice, obtain- ed from an evergreen tree, groAving spontaneously, particularly near to Mecca, on the Asiatic side of the Red Sea. The best sort of it is a spontaneous exudation from the tree; and is held in so high esteem by the Turks, who are in possession of the country where it is pro- duced, that it is rarely, if ever, to be met with genuine among us. From the high price set upon it, many adulterations are practised. The true opo-balsamum, according to Alpinus, is at first turbid and white, of a very strong pungent smell, like that of turpentine, but much sweeter; and of a bitter, acrid, astringent taste: upon being kept lor some time, it becomes thin, limpid, of a greenish hue, then of a gold yellow, and at length of the colour of honey. This balsam is in high esteem among the eastern nations, both as a medicine and as an odoriferous unguent and cosmetic. It has been recommended in a variety of complaints. But in Europe it is never obtained genuine; and as all the signs of its goodness are fallacious, it has been very rarely employed. Nor need we regret it; for any of the other resinous fluids, such as the balsam of Canada or Copaiba will answer every purpose full as well. The dried berries of this tree were formerly kept under the title of Carpo-balsamum, and the dried twigs under that of Xylo-balsamum. Although Willdenow has inserted the amyris opo-balsamum as a distinct species, he thinks they are the same. ANCHUSA TINCTORIA. Radix. Ed. Anchusaj D. Alkanet. The Root. Willd. g. 277. sp. 7. Pentandria Monogynia.—>Nat. ord. Asperifolia. D. Ossetong, Orkanette. P. Alcanna basiarda, Orcaneta. DA. Oxetunge, Orkanette. POL. Czerwieniec. F. L'Orcanette. R. Wolowoi jasiik. G. Rothe Ochsenzunge, Orkanet. S. Arcaneta, Palomilla de Tinte. I. Ancusa. SW. Rod Oxtungerot. This plant is a native of Europe: it is sometimes cultivated in gar- dens; but the greatest quantities are raised in Germany or France, particularly about Montpelier, from whence the dried roots are usu- ally imported to us. The alkanet root produced in England is much inferior in colour to that brought from abroad; the English being only lightly reddish, the others of a deep purplish red; and it has been suspected, but without sufficient foundation, that the foreign roots owe part of their colour to art. The cortical part of the root is 1 62 Materia Medica. of a dusky red, and imparts an elegant deep red to alcohol, oils, wax, and all unctuous substances, but not to watery liquors. Alkanet root has but little or no smell; when recent, it has a bit- terish astringent taste; butwhen dried, scarcely any. As to its virtues, the present practice expects not any from it. Its chief use is for co- louring oils, ointments, and plasters. As the colour is confined to the cortical part, the small roots ace best, having proportionally more bark than the large. ANDROMEDA MARIANA. Broad-leaved Moor-wort. The different species of the andromeda are very nearly akin in botanical character to the rhododendron and kalmia, and are suspect- ed by professor Barton to be poisonous. A decoction of the plant un- der consideration has been successfully employed as a wash, in a dis- agreeable ulceration of the feet, which is not uncommon among the slaves, &c. in the southern states, and which is known by the name of the toe-itch and ground itch. The brown powder attached to the foot-stalks of the leaves of the andromeda, is considerably errhine. The powder about the seeds, in the seed-vessels, possesses a similar quality.* ANETHUM. IVilld.g. 560. Smith,g. 151. Pentandria Digynia.—Nat. ord. Umbellata. ANETHUM GRAVEOLENS. Sp. I. Semen. L. Dill. The Seed. Dill is an annual umbelliferous plant, cultivated in gardens, as well for culinary as medical use. The seeds are of a pale yellowish colour, in shape nearly oval, convex on one side, and flat on the other. Their taste is moderately warm and pungent; their smell aromatic, but not of the most agreeable kind. These seeds are recommended as a carminative in flatulent colics. The most efficacious prepara- tions of them, are, the distilled oil, and a tincture or extract made with rectified spirit. Officinal Preparation. Aqua anethi, L. - vide Aqua destillata, * Barton's Collections towards a Materia Medica, part 1st. A.—Angelica Archangelica. 63 ANETHUM FOENICULUM. Willd. Sp. 3. Smith. Sp. 1. Radix, Semen. Ed. Foeniculum dulce. L. D. Sweet Fennel. The Root and Seeds. D. Venkel. P. Funcho. DA. Fennikel. POL. Kopr wlowsky. F. Fenouil. ~ R. Woloskoi Ukropi G. Fenchel. S. Hinojo. I. Finocchio. sw. F'dnkol. This is a biennial plant, of which there are four varieties. One of these, the common fennel, is indigenous to England, on chalky cliffs. The sweet fennel, the variety of which is officinal, grows wild in Italy, but is also cultivated in gardens in England. It is smaller in all its parts than the common, except the seeds, which are considerably larger. The seeds of the two sorts differ likeAvise in shape and co- lour: those of the common are roundish, oblong, flattish on one side, and protuberant on the other, of a dark almost blackish colour; those of the sweet are longer, narrower, not so flat, generally crooked, and of a whitish or pale yellowish colour. The seeds of both the fennels have an aromatic smell, and a mo- derately warm, pungent taste: those of ihsfceniculum dulce ere in fla- vour most agreeable, and have also a considerable degree of sweet- ness. From 960 parts, Neumann obtained 20 of volatile oil, 260 of watery extract, and afterwards some alcoholic extract, which could not be exsiccated on account of its oiliness. By alcohol first, he got 84 re- sinous extract, 120 fixed oil, and then by water 129 of a bitter ex- tract. Officinal Preparations. Aqua foeniculi dulcis, L. D. vide Aqua d^stillata. Oleum volatile flor. F. dul. D \ Qka vola(iHa, seminum r. dul. D. ^ Decoctum chamaemeli, D. Decocta. ANGELICA ARCHANGELICA. Radix, Caulis, Folia, Semen. Ed. Angelica. L. D. Angelica. The root, stalk, leaves and seeds. Wild. g. 543. sp. 1. Smith, g. 138. sp. 1. Pentandria Digynia.—-Nat. ord. Umbellata. D. Angelica. I. Angelica. F. Racine d'Angclique. P. Angelica. G. Angelicawurzel, Engelwurz. S. Anjelica. Angelica is a large biennial umbelliferous plant. It grows spon- taneously on the banks of rivers in Alpine countries; but for the use of the shops, it is cultivated in gardens in different parts of Europe. All the parts of Angelica, especially the roots, have a fragrant aro- 64 Materia Medica. matic smell; and a pleasant bitterish warm taste, glowing upon the lips and palate for a long time after they have been chewed. The fla- vour of the seeds and leaves is very perishable; particularly that of the latter, which, on being barely dried, lose the greatest part of their taste and smell: the roots are more tenacious of their flavour, though they lose part of it with keeping. The fresh root, wounded early in the spring, yields an odorous yellow juice; which, slowly exsiccated, proves an elegant gummy resin, very rich in the virtues of the an- gelica. On drying the root, this juice concretes into distinct moleculae, which, on cutting it longitudinally appear distributed in little veins; in this state, they are extracted by alcohol, but not by watery liquors. Angelica roots are apt to grow mouldy, and to be preyed on by in- sects, unless thoroughly dried, kept in a dry place, and frequently aired. We apprehend, that the roots which are subject to this incon- venience, might be preserved, by dipping them in boiling spirit, or exposing them to its steam, after they are dried. Baume says that it is only the roots gathered in the spring that are subject to this incon- venience, and that when gathered in the autumn, they keep good se- veral years. Roots only worm-eaten are as fit as ever for making a tincture, or affording volatile oil. Angelica is one of the most elegant aromatics of European growth, though little regarded in the present practice. The root, which is the most efficacious part, is used in the aromatic tincture. The stalks make an agreeable sweetmeat. Officinal Preparation. Spiritus anisi compositus, L. vide Spiritus destillati. ANGUSTURA. Ed.D. Cortex. CUSPARIA FEBRIFUGA. L. Angustura Bark. Pentandria Monogynia.—Ord. nat. Quassia, Jussieu. The natural history of this bark Avas long but imperfectly known. Willdenow suspected that it was the bark of the magnolia plumieri.* The first parcel of it that was imported to England, came from Domi- nica in July 1788, with an account, "that it had been found superior to the Peruvian bark in the cure of fevers." Subsequent importations from the Spanish West Indies, either immediately or through the medium of Spain, gave reason to suppose, that it was the produce of South America. This has been fully established by the late travels of Hum- boldt in that country. He gave to Willdenow a dried specimen of the tree of which it is the bark, and that eminent botanist discovered it * The late professor Barton inclined to the opinion that this article of the materia medica is the bark of some species of magnolia. Barton's Collections, Part 1st, page 14. It is more lately asserted by Humboldt and Bonpland, to belong to a tree not before known, and which they have promised to describe under the name of Casparia. A.—Angustura.' 65 \a be a new genus, to which he gave the name of Bonplandia, in honour of the botanical companion of Humboldt's travels. It belongs to the first order of the fifth class of Linne's system; and its generic characters are, calyx 5 titus.; coroll. 5 petal, recept. versus margin adhaerent; 5 ncctaria germen obducent; caps. 5 locularis; monosperm. The London college, however, give this tree the name of Cus- paria Febrifuga, derived from Cuspa, the native appellation of the tree; but this name must be abandoned, for although it was inserted by Humboldt in the chart belonging to his geography of plants, that of Bonplandia Trifoliata is adopted by him in his Plantae £quinoc- tiales. The name Angustura bark is derived from the Spanish deno- mination, cascariila, or corteza del Angostura, which is the vulgar name of the town of St. Thomas, near the Straits of the Orinoco, where it forms a considerable article of commerce. The appearance of the bark varies, according as it has been taken from larger or smaller branches. It is only one or two lines in thick- ness, and is sometimes cracked externally. The outer surface is more or less wrinkled, and of a greyish colour, and the inner surface is of dark brown. The bark of the^ounger branches is of afine green co- lour, dotted with .greyish tubercles. Its substance is of a yellowish brown colour. Its fracture is short and resinous. Its taste is intensely bitter, and slightly aromatic, leaving a strong sense of heat and pun- gency in the '!>!>'; and fauces. The odour is peculiar. The powder is yellow. According to the experiments related by Mr. Brande, from 3840 parts of angustura, there were extracted by alcohol, 144 of resin, and 300 of an acrid unctuous substance, the residuum yielded to water 1500 of dry gummy extract. Treated first with water, it gave 2110 grains of a clear brown extract, bitter, but not acrid, and afterwards 161 of a resin of a light brown colour, and extremely acrid. By distil- lation it gave 26 of essential oil. The tincture is of a deep yellow co- lour, reddens infusion of turnsole, and becomes turbid and white on admixture with water. By repeated filtration a brownish resin is se- parated, and the transparent fluid has a pale yellow colour. It is not precipitated by solution of gelatin, but by infusion of galls. It there- fore does not contain tannin but cinchonin, and it has the peculiar property of acquiring a deep red colour with red sulphat of iron, and depositing a purplish slate-coloured precipitate. Medical use.-As an aromatic bitter, it has been found to be a tonic smd stimulant of the organs of digestion. It increases the appetite for food, removes flatulence and acidity arising from dyspepsia, and is a very effectual remedy in diarrhoea from weakness of the bowels, and in dysentery; and it possesses the singular advantage of not op- pressing the stomach, as Peruvian bark is apt to do. It does not cufc intermittents. It is exhibited, 1. In powder, in doses of from 5 to 20 grains, either alone or Avith rhubarb, magnesia, or carbonat of lime. 2. In infusion. The infusion ot one drachm in four ounces of water may be used daily. 3. In tincture. 4. In watery extract. I 66 Materia Medica. ANNONA TRILOBA. Papaw. Custard Apfile. The dried fruit is purgative, according to professor Barton. ANTHEMIS. Willd.g. 1517. Smith, g. 376. Syngenesia Polygamia superflua.—Nrt, ord. Composita radiata. ANTHEMIS NOBILIS. Flores. Ed. L. D. Chamamelum. Li D. Chamomile. The Flowers. Willd. sp. 15. Smith, sp. 1. Chamomile is a perennial plant, indigenous to the south of Eng- land, but cultivated in most gardens for the purposes of medicine. The flowers have a strong, not ungrateful, aromatic smell, and a very bitter nauseous taste. These are so very generally employed in medicine, as to render their extensive cultivation in the United States, well worthy of attention. Their active constituents are bitter extractive, and essential oil. To the latter is to be ascribed their antispasmodic, carminative, cor- dial, and diaphoretic effects; to the former their influence in promo- ting digestion. Neumann obtained from 480 parts, 180 of alcoholic extract, and afterwards 120 of watery; and reversing the prooedure, 240 watery, and 60 alcoholic. Medical use.—Chamomile flowers are a very common and excel- lent remedy, which is often used with advantage in spasmodic dis- eases, in hysteria, in spasmodic and flatulent colics, in suppression of the menstrual discharge, in the vomiting of puerperal women, and in the after pains, in gout, in podagra, in intermittents, and in typhus. As chamomile excites the peristaltic motion, it is useful in dysen- tery, but is not admissible in all cases of diarrhoea. From its stimu- lating and somewhat unpleasant essential oil, chamomile is also ca- pable of exciting vomiting, especially when given in warm infusion; and in this way it is often used to assist the action of other emetics. Externally, chamomile flowers are applied as a discutient and emollient, in the form of clyster or embrocation, in colic, dysentery and strangulated hernia, 8cc. Chamomile flowers are exhibited, 1. In substance, in the form of powder, or rather of electuary, in doses of from half a drachm to two drachms, either alone, or com- bined with Peruvian bark, as for the cure of intermittent fevers. 2. In infusion, in the form of tea. This may either be drunk warm, for promoting the action of emetics, or cold, as a stomachic. 3. In decoction or extract. These forms contain only the extrac- tive, and therefore may be considered as simple bitters. A. —Antimonium. 67 4. The essential oil may be obtained by distillation. This possesses the antispasmodic powers in a higher degree than the simple flowers, but on the contrary, does not possess the virtues depending on the presence of the bitter extractive. It is a most agreeable addition to many pills. Officinajl Preparations. Decoctum anthemidis nobilis. E. L. D. vide Decocta. Extractum anthemidis nobilis. E. L. D. Extracta. ANTHEMIS PYRETHRUM. Radix. Ed. L. D. Pellitory of Spain. The Root. Willd. Sp. 125. This plant, though a native of warm climates, as Barbary, bears the ordinary winters of England, and often flowers successively from Christmas to May: the roots also grow larger there than those with which the shops are usually supplied from abroad. They are seldom so big as the little finger, and the best are dry, compact, of a brown colour, and not easily cut with a knife. Pellitory root has no sensible smell; its taste is very hot and acrid, but less so than that of arum; the juice expressed from it has scarce any acrimony, nor is the root itself so pungent when fresh as after it has been dried. Neumann obtained from 960 parts of the dry root, only 40 of alcoholic extract, and afterwards 570 of watery, and by a reverse procedure, 600 of watery, and 20 of alcoholic extract. Both the alcoholic extracts were excessively pungent. Its acrimony, therefore, is derived from a resin. Medical use___The principal use of pyrethrum in the present prac- tice is as a masticatory, for promoting the salival flux, and evacuating the viscid humours from the head and neighbouring parts; by this means it often relieves the toothach, some kinds of pains of the head, and lethargic complaints. A vinous infusion is also useful in debility of the tongue. ANTIMONIUM. Stibium. Antimony. D. Spiesglas. P. Antimonio. DA. Spidseglas. POL. Spiszglas. F. Antimoine. R- Antimoma. G. Antimonium, Spiessglass. S. Antimonio. I. Antimonio. SW. Spitsglas. Antimony is white, very brilliant, lamellated; specific gravity 6.702; moderately hard; pulverizable; fusible at 809°; volatile when highly ignited; sensible taste and smell; unalterable in cold air; oxy- 6J5 Materia Medica. dizable by air and heat; oxyd fusible into a yellow brown glass; de- composes water when ignited; oxydized by the sulphuric, and nitric acids; combiies with phosphorus and sulphur. Oxyds are black, brown, orange, yellow, white; and they colour glass yellow or hya- cinthine. Antimony is found, a I. In its metallic state, at Stahlberg in Sweden, and Allemont in France. II. Mineralized with sulphur. 1. Grey antimony. a. Compact. b. Foliated. c. Striated. d. Plumose. 2. Red antimony. III. Oxydized. Mongez. IV. Acidified. 1. Muriated. 2. Phosphated. The grey ore of antimony is the state in which it is officinal, and also that in which it is most commonly found. SULPHURETUM ANTIMONII. E. L. D. Sulphuret of Antimony. Whatever opinion may be formed of the nomenclature adopted by the Edinburgh college in general, the propriety of the change which they have introduced in this and similar instances cannot be disputed: for while chemists, according to rational principles, desig- nated simple substances by simple names, the same names continued to be given by pharmaceutical Avriters to compound states of these bodies. To have established, therefore, an uniformity of nomencla- ture in sciences so intimately allied, cannot fail to be considered as an improvement of the greatest importance. Although sulphureted antimony be a natural production, yet it is commonly sold in the form of loaves, which have been separated from the stony, and other impurities of the ore by fusion, and a spe- cies of filtration. For the ore is melted in conical well-baked earthen pots, having one or more small holes in their apices. The fire is ap- plied around and above these pots; and as soon as the sulphureted antimony melts, it drops through the holes into vessels placed be- neath to receive it, while the stony and other impurities remain be- hind. As antimony is very volatile, the mouths and joinings of the pots must be closed and luted. The upper part of the loaves thus ob- tained is more spungy, lighter, and impure, than the lower, which is therefore always to be preferred. These loaves have a dark grey co- A.—Sulphuretum Antimonii, &c. 69 lour externally, but on being broken, they appear to be composed of radiated striae, of a metallic lustre, having the colour of lead. The goodness of the loaves is estimated from their compactness and weight, from the largeness and distinctness of the striae, and from their being entirely vaporizable by heat. Lead has been sold for anti- mony; but its texture is rather foliated than striated, and it is not va- porizable. The presence of arsenic, which renders the antimony use- less for medical purposes, is known by its emitting the smell of gar- lic when thrown upon live coals, and by other tests mentioned under arsenic. The presence of manganese or iron is known by their not being volatilized by a red heat. Antimony is obtained from its ores by gradually detonating in a large crucible four parts of sulphureted antimony, three of crude tartar, and one and a half of dry nitrat of potass, reduced to a fine powder, and intimately mixed. The detonated mass is then to be fused and poured into a heated mould, greased with a little fat, in Avhich it is allowed to consolidate. It is then turned out, and the scoriae are separated from the antimony, which will weigh about one-fourth part of the sulphuret employed. The scoriae are a mix- ture of sulphuret of potass and of antimony, and may be preserved for other purposes. Another method of obtaining antimony, is by melting three parts of sulphureted antimony, with one of iron. The sulphur quits the an- timony, and combines with the iron. Medical use.—Formerly antimony was given internally; but as its action depended entirely on the acid it met with in the stomach, its effects were very uncertain, and often violent. Cups were also made of antimony, which imparted to wine that stood in them for some time an emetic quality. But both these improper exhibitions of this metal are now laid aside. Sulphureted antimony was employed by the ancients in collyria against inflammations of the eyes; and for staining the eye brows black. Its internal use does not seem to have been established till to- wards the end of the fifteenth century; and even at that time it was by many looked upon as poisonous. But experience has now fully evinced, that it has no noxious quality, being often used, particularly in chronic eruptions; that some of its preparations are medicines of great efficacy; and that though many of them are most violently emetic and cathartic, yet even these, by a slight alteration or addi- tion, lose their virulence, and become mild in their operation. Officinal Preparations. Antimony is at present the basis of many officinal preparations, to be afterwards mentioned. But besides those still retained, aiany others have been formerly in use, and are still employed by different practi- tioners. The following table, drawn up by Dr. Black, exhibits a dis- tinct view of the whole. 70 Materia Medica. Dr. Black's Table of the Preparations of Antimony. Medicines are either prepared from crude antimony, or from the pure metallic part of it, called regulus. From Crude Antimony. I. By trituration. Antimonium praeparatum. Lond. II. By the action of heat and air. Flores antimonii sine addito. Vitrum antimonii. Ed. Antimonium vitrificatum. Lond. Vitrum antimonii ceratum. Ed. III. By the action of alkalies. Hepar antimonii mitissimum. Regulus antimonii medicinalis. Hepar ad kermes minerale. Geoffroi. Hepar ad tinct. antimonii. Kermes minerale. Sulphur antimonii praecipitatum. Ed. et Lond. IV. By the action of nitre. Crocus antim. mitissimus, vulgo, Regulus antim. medicinalis) Crocus antimonii. Ed. et Lond. Antimonii emeticum mitius. Boerh. Antim. ustum cum nitro, vulgo, Calx antimonii nitrata. Ed. Antimonium calcinatum. Lond. vulgo, Antimonium diaphoret. Antim. calcareo-phosphoratunv, sive pulvis antimonialis. Ed. Pulvis antimonialis. Lond. V. By the action of acids. Antim. vitriolat. Klaunig. Antim. cathartic. Wilson. Antimonium muriatum, vulgo, Butyrum antim. Ed. Antimonium muriatum. Lond. Pulvis algarothi, sive Mercurius Vitat Bezoardicum minerale. Antimonium tartarisatum, vulgo, Tartarus emeticus. Ed. Antimonium tartarisatum. Lond. Vinum antimonii tartarisati. Ed. et Lond. Vinum antimonii. Lond. From the Regulus. This'metal, separated from the sulphur by different processes, is call- ed Regulus antimonii simplex, Regulus martialia, Regulus jovialis, &e. From it were prepared, I. By the action of heat and air. Flores argentei, sive nix antimonii. II. By the action of nitre. Cerussa antimonii. Stomachicum Poterii. A.—Sulphuretum Antimonii, &c.' 71 Antihecticum Poterii. Cardiacum Poterii. Preparations which have their name from Antimony, but scarcely contain any of it. Cinnabaris antimonii. Tinctura antimonii. To this table of Dr. Black's, which is left unaltered, Dr. Duncan has added another, not taken from the mode of preparation, but from the nature of the product. Antimony is exhibited, I. In its metallic state. Combined with sulphur. Sulphuretum antimonii. (Ed.) D. L. ----------------------praeparatum. II. Oxydized. a. Protoxyd, Antimonii oxydum. L. b. Protoxyd combined with sulphur, 1. Oxydum antimonii cum sulphure vitrificatum. E. Melted with wax. Oxydum antimonii vitrificatum cum cera. E. 2. Oxydum antimonii cum sulphure per nitratem potassae. E. 3. Sulphuretum antimonii praecipitatum. E. 4. Sulphur antimoniatum fuscum. D. c. Protoxyd combined with muriatic acid, 1. Murias antimonii. E. 2. Oxyd. antimon. nitro-muriaticum. D. d. Protoxyd combined with tartaric acid and potash, Tartris antimonii. E. Antimonium tartarisatum. L. Tartarum antimoniatum, sive emeticum. D. Dissolved in wine, Vinum tartritis antimonii. E. Liquor antimonii tartai isati. L. e. Protoxyd combined with phosphat of lime, Oxydum antimonii cum phosphate calcis. E. Pulvis antimonialis. L. D. These are the principal preparations of antimony. In estimating their comparative value, we may attend to the following observations. All the metallic, preparations are uncertain, as it entirely depends on the state of the stomach, Avhether they act at all, or operate with dangerous violence. The sulphuret is exposed, though in a less de- gree, to the same objections. The preparations in which antimony is in the state of peroxyd, are perfectly insoluble in any vegetable or animal acid, and are also found to be perfectly inert when taken into the stomach. The remaining preparations of antimony, or those in which it is in- 72 Materia Medica. the state of protoxyd, are readily soluble in the juices of the stomach, and act in very minute doses. Of its saline preparations, only those can be used internally which contain a vegetable acid; for its soluble combinations with the simple acids are very acrid and corrosive. In general, the surest and best preparations of antimony are those Avhich contain a known quantity of the metal in the state of protoxyd. The general effects of antimonials are, in small doses, diaphoresis, nausea: in large doses, full vomiting and purging. Some allege that antimonials are of most use in fevers when they do not produce any sensible evacuation, as is said to be the case sometimes with James's powder. They therefore prefer it in typhus, and emetic tartar in synochus, in which there is the appearance at first of more activity in the system, and more apparent cause for evacuation. SULPHURETUM ANTIMONII PRjEPARATUM. Ed. L. D. Prepared Sulphuret of Antimony. Sulphuret of antimony is prepared in the same way as carbonat of lime. Vide Carbonas Calcis. By reducing the sulphuret of antimony to the state of an impalpable powder, it is both rendered much more active than it would otherwise be, and it is prevented from irritating the stomach mechanically, of which there would be some danger from the sharpness of its spiculae. Even in this state, however, it is not a very certain remedy. In general, it operates as a very mild sudorific or cathartic; but some- times, if it meet with much acid in the stomach, it becomes more active, producing vomiting or hypercatharsis. Therefore, it seems prudent to evacuate the primae viae before it be exhibited, and to com- bine it with an absorbent earth. It is principally given in scrofula, glandular obstructions, cutaneous diseases and rheumatism. Its dose is from 10 to 30 grains and up- wards, and it is best exhibited in the form of a powder or bolus. OXIDUM ANTIMONII cum SULPHURE, PER NITRATEM POTASSjE. Ed. Olim, Crocus Antimonii. Oxyd of Antimony, with Sulphur, by Nitrat of Potass, formerly Crocus of Antimony. Take of Sulphuret of antimony, Nitrat of potass, equal weights. After they are separately powdered and well mixed, let them be in- jected into a red hot crucible; when the deflagration is over, the reddish matter is to be separated from the whitish crust, and re- duced to powder, which is to be edulcorated by repeated washings with hot water, till the water come off insipid. A.—Antimonium.—Vitrum Antimonii. 73 In this process, the nitric acid of the nitre, and part of the sulphuret, are mutually decomposed: the sulphur is acidified, and combines with the potass of the nitre, while the antimony is converted into protoxyd, which combines with the undecomposed portion of the sulphuret, and forms a dark brown, opaque, vitrified mass; so that after the scoriae and other saline matters have been removed by washing, the substance which remains, according to Proust, consists of three parts of oxyd of antimony, and one of sulphuret of antimony. With regard to the mode of preparation, Bergmann observes, that by the common process of throwing the mixture into an ignited un- covered crucible, there is sometimes a loss of nearly one half; and therefore advises the mixture to be put into a cold crucible, which is to be covered and heated till the matter melts, by which means there is very little loss. What is kept in the shops-is almost universally prepared with less nitre than is here ordered^ The consequence is, that too much sul- phur remains not acidified, the an imony is scarcely oxydized, and the preparation is unfit for uses to which it ought to be applied. When nitre has been thus culpably economized, the crocus has a steel grey, instead of a liver brown colour. The sulphureted oxyd of antimony is a very uncertain preparation, often operating with very great violence. Its internal use is therefore almost proscribed, or at least confined to maniacal cases, and veterinary practice. It is, however, useful in pharmacy, as the basis of other per- parations. The London College reject it altogether. OXYDUM ANTIMONII, cum SULPHURE VITRIFICA- TUM. Ed. Olim, Vitrum Antimonii. Vitrified Oxyd of Antimony with Sulphur, formerly Glass qf Antimony. Strew sulphuret of antimony beat into a coarse powder like sand, upon a shallow unglazed earthen vessel, and apply a gentle heat underneath, that the antimony may be heated slowly: keeping it at the same time continually stirring, to prevent it from running into lumps. White vapours of a sulphurous smell will arise from it. When they cease with the degree ol heat first applied, increase the fire a little, so that vapours may again arise; go on in this manner, till the powder, when brought to a red heal, exhales no more va- pours. Melt this powder in a crucible with an intense heat, till it assumes the appearance of melted glass; then pour it out on a heated brass plate. (E.) Glass of antimony, according to Proust, consists of one part of sulphuret of antimony, combined with eight of oxyd of antimony; now, by this process, the greatest part of the antimony is deprived of its sulphur, and is at the same time converted into the protoxyd, which combines with the 3mall portion of sulphuret which remains undecomposed. But as this preparation is not easily made in the man- 74 Materia Medica. ner here directed, unless in a furnace constructed on purpose, apo- thecaries may advantageously adopt the synthetical method of Berg- mann, which consists in melting in a crucible, with one twelfth or eighth of its weight of sulphur, protoxyd of antimony prepared by deflagrating it with more than twice its weight of nitre. At the tem- perature necessary for melting it, part of the protoxyd of antimony loses its oxygen, and is converted into sulphuret and combines with the remaining protoxyd, in the proportions which form the glass of of antimony. In Avhichever way prepared, the glass of antimony is transparent, and has a fine hyacinthine colour. On dissolving it in muriatic acid, it gives out sulphureted hydrogen gas. Its medical operation is so uncertain, that it is only used in making other preparations. A glass of lead, within a few years, was fraudulently sold in Lon- don, for this preparation. OXYDUM ANTIMONII VITRIFICATUM cum CERA. Ed. Olim, Vitrum Antimonii Ceratum. Vitrified Oxyd of Antimony with Wax; formerly Cerated Glass of Antimony. Take of Yellow wax, one part; Vitrified oxyd of antimony, with sulphur, eight parts. Melt the wax in an iron vessel, and throw into it the powdered oxyd: roast the mixture over a gentle fire for a quarter of an hour, conti- nually stirring it; then pour it out, and when cold grind it into powder. (E.) The glass melts in the wax with a very gentle heat; after it has been about twenty minutes on the fire, it begins to change its colour, and in ten more comes near to that of Scottish snuff; which is a mark of its being sufficiently prepared; the mixture loses about one-ninth of its weight in the process. This medicine was for some time much esteemed in dysenteries. The dose is from two or three grains to twenty, according to the age and strength of the patient. In its operation, it makes some persons sick, and vomit; it purges almost every one; though it has sometimes effected a cure without occasioning any evacuation or sickness. It is noAV, however, much less used than formerly. It has been recom- mended of late in cases of cynanche trachealis, by Dr. Stearns, of the state of New York.* * See Medical Museum. A.—Antimonium.—Sulph. Antim. Fuscum. 75 SULPHURETUM ANTIMONII PRjECIPITATUM. Ed. Precipitated Sulphuret of Antimony. Sulphur Stibiatum Rufum, D. Orange Antimoniated Sulphur. Take of Water of potass, four pounds; Water, three pounds; Prepared sulphuret of antimony, two pounds. Boil them in a covered iron pot, over a slow fire for three hours, add- ing more water, if necessary, and frequently stirring the mixture with an iron spatula; strain the liquor while warm through a dou- ble cloth, and add to it when filtered as much diluted sulphuric acid as is necessary to precipitate the sulphuret, which must be well washed with Avarm water. SULPHUR ANTIMONIATUM FUSCUM. D. Olim, Kermes Mineralis. Brown Antimoniated Sulphur; formerly Kermes Mineral. Take of Prepared sulphuret of antimony, Subcarbonat of potash, each one ounce. Mix and melt them together in a crucible, and when cold reduce the substance to powder. Put this into a matrass with four pounds of pure water, and boil for one quarter of an hour. Then remove the vessel from the fire; let it stand at rest for a little, and as soon as the liquor becomes clear, pour it cautiously from the sediment. When the liquor grows cool, the brown antimoniated sulphur will separate, in part; add sufficient diluted sulphuric acid to precipi- tate the whole—agitate the mixture to combine the Avhole; when settled, pour off the supernatant liquor, and wash the sediment with cold water as long as it affects litmus paper, and dry on blot- ting paper. In both these preparations, the result is an hydro-sulphuret of antimony with excess of sulphur. Formerly there were two offici- nal antimonials, one of which (Kermes mineral) contained no ex- cess of sulphur, and the other (Sulphur auratum antimonii) much more than in those now officinal, which therefore hold a middle place between them. According to Thenard they consist of Sulph. aur. 68.3 17.877 12. 1.823 Kermes min. Brown oxyd of antimony* 72.760 Sulphureted hydrogen, - 20.298 Sulphur, ... 4.156 Water and loss, 2.786 100. 100. 76 Materia Medica. Thenard considers the sulphur as only mechanically and accident- ally mixed; and that the essential difference between tnis preparation and kermes mineral consists in the degree of oxydizement of the an- timony. But notwithstanding the great celebrity of Thenard as a chemist, and his having paid particular attention to the combinations of anti- mony, we may be allowed to doubt the accuracy of his opinion; for it must appear to every one an affected refinement of analysis, lo dis- cover in such substances a difference of only 2 per cent, of oxydize- ment; and as Proust has since shown that both preparations contain the protoxyd, the only difference between these bodies appears to be the proportion of sulphur they contain. Hydro-sulphuret of antimony is prepared either in the dry way (Dublin), or in the humid, as by the Edinburgh and London Col- leges. When sulphuret of antimony is boiled in a solution of potash, Avater is decomposed, the hydrogen combines with the sulphur and the antimony is oxydized; and as long as the solution boils, it con- tains a mixture of hydro-sulphuret of potash and hydro-sulphuret of antimony. But, on cooling, a great part of the latter precipitates in the form of a red powder (Kermes mineral). In the dry way, when sulphuret of antimony and carbonat of potass are melted together, the carbonic acid is expelled with effervescence, and a sulphuret of antimony and potass is formed. On boiling this in water, water is decomposed, the antimony is oxydized, and the hy- drogen combines with the sulphur. The sulphureted hydrogen thus formed, combines partly with the potass, and with the oxyd of anti- mony. Such is the present theory for the formation of kermes mineral. With regard to the practice; Lemery melted sixteen parts of sul- phuret of antimony, and one of sulphur, with eight parts of carbonat of potass. The last edition of the Prussian Pharmacopceia directs two parts of sulphuret of antimony, and one of exsiccated carbonat of soda, to be melted, and afterwards boiled fifteen minutes in six or eight parts of water, which on cooling deposits a considerable quan- tity of kermes The fluid from which the kermes has been deposited may be again boiled in the residuum of the first decoction, and it will dissolve a fresh portion of kermes; and this process may be re- peated as long as there remains any to dissolve. After this, the resi- duum, Avhen melted, consists almost solely of antimony. It therefore appears, that the alkali renders almost all the sulphur soluble, and only disposes the oxydizement of as much antimony as is capable of combining with the sulphureted hydrogen. There appears to be no reason why the whole of the antimony should not be converted into kermes by employing a proper addition of sulphur and alkali. Kermes is also made in the humid way. Fourcroy boils, in twenty parts of water, six parts of pure potass of commerce, and into the boiling solution throws about the twentieth part of the weight of the alkali, or 0.3 of a part of powdered sulphuret of antimony, and con- tinues the boiling for seven or eight minutes, then fillers, and allows the kermes to precipitate by cooling. Hermbstadt uses very different A.—Antimonium.—Sulph. Antim. Fuscum. 77 proportions; for he boils twelve parts of sulphuret of antimony, and three of salt of tartar, in ninety-six parts of water, down to sixty-four, and then filters, &c. Gren employs four parts of sulphuret of antimo- ny, sixteen of carbonat of potass, and sixty-four of water, and boils for several hours. Gdttling boils eight parts .of sulphuret of antimony, and two of sulphur in a sufficient quantity of solution of potass down to one half. The precipitated sulphuret of antimony, like the kermes, may be prepared either in the dry or in the moist Avay. The latter mode seems to he the most universally employed on the Continent. Gin- ling boils two parts of sulphuret of antimony, and three of sulphur, in a sufficient quantity of a recent solution of potass, filters the solu- tion and precipitates with sulphuric acid, diluted with twelve times its weight of water. The Prussian college use equal parts of sulphu- ret of antimony and of sulphur. Wiegleb treats in the same manner two parts of sulphuret of antimony with one of sulphur. But to his proportions it has been objected, that the product resembles kermes more than sulphur auratum. If this objection be just, it must apply in a still stronger degree to the formula of the British colleges, in which no sulphur is added. In the dry Avay, two parts of sulphuret of antimony and three of sulphur may be melted with five or six of pure carbonat of potass in a covered crucible, as quickly as possible, poured into an iron mor- tar, reduced to powder, and dissolved by boiling the powder in water. The solution is to be filtered warm, diluted with a sufficient quantity of water, and precipitated with diluted sulphuric acid. By some, the solution is allowed to remain at rest for twenty-four hours before it be filtered, and some precipitate with nitrous acid. The processes for making the golden sulphuret of antimony, de- pend on the property which the hydrogureted sulphuret of potass possesses, of dissolving, and retaining dissolved, even at ordinary temperatures, a portion of orange oxyd of antimony; and as the at- traction by which potass exists in this compound is weaker than its affinity for acids, on the addition of any acid, the potass unites Avith the acid; a portion of sulphureted hydrogen gas escapes; and the oxyd of antimony, combined with the rest of the sulphur and hydro- gen, are precipitated in the form of a light orange powder. When the acid is added gradually, the proportion of oxyd of antimony al- ways decreases, while that of the sulphur increases in each succes- sive portion of precipitate. Hence in the old manner of preparing this substance from the scoriae, formed in reducing antimony from its sul- phuret, and which contained but little sulphur, the two first portions of precipitate, being dark coloured, were rejected, and only the product of the third precipitation retained for use. The want of economy in this process is sufficiently obvious, as well as the very great improve- ment in modern times, of adding a sufficient quantity of sulphur, and precipitating the whole at once. Medical Use—In its action on the body, the hydro-sulphuret of antimony is an active substance, and, according to its dose, acts as a 78 Materia Medica. diaphoretic, cathartic, or emetic. Its use is however, in Great Britain and America, in a great degree superseded by more certain prepara- tions. To adults the dose is a grain to two or more. Officinal Preparation. Pulvis Stibii compositus. D. MURIAS ANTIMONII. Ed. Muriat of Antimony. Take of Oxyd of antimony with sulphur, by nitrat of potass. Sulphuric acid, each one pound; Dried muriat of soda, two pounds. Pour the sulphuric acid into a retort, gradually adding the muriat of soda and oxyd of antimony previously mixed. Then perform the distillation in a sand bath. Expose the distilled matter for several days to the air, that it may deliquesce,- and then pour the liquid part from the faeces. (E.) Muriat of antimony Avas originally prepared by distilling sulphu- ret of antimony with muriat of quicksilver. Muriat of antimony, or butter of antimony, as it was called from its appearance when recent- ly prepared, passes over into the receiver, and black sulphuret of quicksilver remains in the retort, or, by increasing the heat, red sul- phuret of mercury, which, when obtained by this process, Avas for- merly termed Cinnabar of antimony, is sublimed. But this mode of preparation is both expensive, and dangerous to the health of the operator. To avoid these inconveniences, Scheele prepared a sul- phureted oxyd of antimony, by deflagrating two parts of sulphuret of antimony with three of nitrat of potass in an iron mortar. The mass thus obtained is to be powdered, and one pound of it put into a glass vessel, on Avhich is to be poured, first a mixture of three pounds of water and fifteen ounces of sulphuric acid, and afterwards fifteen ounces of powdered common salt. The whole is to be digested for twelve hours, and stirred all the while, and the solution, when cool, strained through linen. On the residuum one-third of the above menstruum is to be poured, and the mixture digested and strained, When diluted with boiling water, a copious precipitate of submuy- riat of antimony takes place from the decomposition of the muriat, while the other salts contained in the solution are not affected by it. Mr. Stott says, that the digestion need not be continued longer than two or three hours, and that the heat must be kept moderate, as the muriat of antimony begins to evaporate before it boils. This process furnishes an easy, if not the best, mode of preparing the submuriat of antimony, but it does not give us the solution of the muriat in a state of purity. But in consequence of its volatility, we may easily separate it from the other salts by distillation. This was first pro- posed by Gmelin, and improved by Wiegleb, who distilled a mixture of one part of sulphuret of antimony, four of muriat of soda, and three of sulphuric acid diluted with two of Avater; but in this process, A.—Antimonium.—-Oxyd. Antim. Nitro-Mur. 79 the product is rendered impure by the admixture of sulphur, and there is great danger of the vessels bursting from the immense quan- tity of sulphureted hydrogen gas disengaged. In 1781, the process adopted by the Edinburgh college was first introduced into the London Pharmacopceia. The Prussian Dispensatory pours upon two ounces of crocus of antimony, and six of dried muriat of soda, in a retort, four ounces of sulphuric acid, previously diluted with two ounces of distilled water, and distils. But Ave have already observed, that the oxyd of antimony made use of in this preparation, is seldom suffi- ciently oxydized or deprived of its sulphur, which occasions the pro- duction of much sulphureted hydrogen gas; and from the concentra- ted state in which the materials are employed, the muriatic acid gas is sometimes disengaged, especially if the heat be improperly applied, so rapidly, that it has not time to act upon the oxyd of antimony. At last, in 1797, Gottling, by substituting the glass of antimony for the crocus, diluting the sulphuric acid, and using the muriat of soda crystallized, removed these inconveniences. He introduces into a re- tort a mixture of four ounces of glass of antimony in powder, with sixteen of muriat of soda, and then pours into it twelve ounces of sulphuric acid, diluted with eight of water. He lutes on a tubulated receiver with gypsum, and distils to dryness in a sand bath, with a heat gradually increased. By this process, he says, about twenty ounces of very strong fuming solution of muriat of antimony are ob- tained. The residuum in the retort is sulphat of soda, but unfit for internal use, on account of its being mixed with some antimony. Butter of antimony* is crystallizable. It is remarkably deliquescent, and forms a permanent solution; but if more than a certain propor- tion of water be added, it is decomposed, a large quantity of sub- muriat of antimony being precipitated, in the form of Avhite silky crystals, while a super-muriat remains in solution. It consists accord- ing to Mr. J. Davy of 56 antimony, and 44 chlorine, or 1 proportion of antimony to 2 of chlorine. Medical use—Chiefly as a caustic, though not much of late years from being very unmanageable. OXYDUM ANTIMONII NITRO-MURIATICUM. Dub. Nitro-Muriatic Oxyd of Antimony. Take of Prepared sulphuret of antimony, two ounces; Muriatic acid, ele\'en ounces by measure; Nitrous acid, one drachm by measure. Add the sulphuret gradually to the acids, previously mixed in a glass vessel, avoiding the vapours. Digest with a heat gradually increas- ed, until the effervescence cease, and then boil for one hour. Filter the liquor when cold, and receive it when filtered in a gallon of water. The oxyd of antimony will fall to the bottom. Wash this repeatedly in a sufficiently large quantity of water, until the liquot • Antimonaneof SirH. Davy 80 Materia Medica. poured off is perfectly free from acid, as known by the test of litmus; and, lastly, dry the oxyd upon bibulous paper. Here, the antimony oxydized by the nitric acid, is dissolved in the muriatic; the muriat of antimony thus formed, is decomposed by water. According to Sir H Davy, a portion ot the water furnishes oxygen to the metal, and hydrogen to the chlorine, which are thus converted into protoxyd and muriatic acid, a supermuriat remains in solution, and an insoluble submuriat precipitates in white acicular or silky crystals, formerly known under the title of Pulvis Algarothi, the subject of the above prescription. That it is a submuriat, is proved by its yielding a small proportion of muriat on distillation, according to Bergmann. It is only used in the preparation of tartar emetic. Officinal Preparation. Tartarum antimoniatum. D. CALX STIBII PRjECIPITATA. Precipitated Calx of Antimony. Take of Mild vegetable alkali, Caustic muriated antimony, each eight ounces; Water, forty pounds. Dissolve the vegetable alkali in the water, and to the filtered liquor add the caustic muriated antimony. Dry the calx which subsides, after washing away the saline matters. (D.) This process is intended to separate the protoxyd contained in the muriat of antimony, by means of the superior affinity which potass possesses for muriatic acid. It is absolutely necessary that the muriat of antimony be poured into the alkaline solution, and not the solution into the muriat; for the muriat is partially decomposed by water alone, Avhich combines with part of the acid; and the salt, brought to the state of an insoluble submuriat, is precipitated. Therefore, if we pour the alkaline solution into the muriat of antimony, the muriat acts first upon the alkali, and immediately afterwards upon the water of each portion of the solution; and therefore Ave obtain a mixed preci- pitate of oxyd of antimony and submuriat of antimony. But if we pour the muriat into the alkaline solution, the whole acid of each portion of the muriat immediately finds a sufficient quantity of alkali to satu- rate it, and the whole or at least a much larger proportion of the an- timony, is precipitated in the state of oxyd. ANTIMONII OXYDUM. Lond. Oxyd of Antimony. Take of Tartarized antimony, one ounce; Subcarbonat of ammonia, two drachms; Distilled Avater, Avhat is necessary. A.—Antimonium.—Oxydum Antimonii. 81 Dissolve the salts separately in water, then mix the liquors, and boil until the oxyd of antimony be precipitated. Wash this with water, and dry it. This process, which is now introduced by the London college as a substitute for the numerous impure oxyds of antimony in preced- ing Pharmacopoeias, will furnish a very pure protoxyd of antimony, and does not seem liable to any objection. What its effects as a medi- cine are, are scarcely known, but Ave may think that they will be more uniform than those of the more uncertain products, and that therefore the introduction of the formula is a real improvement upon the phar- maceutical treatment of antimony. OXYDUM ANTIMONII cum PHOSPHAT CALCIS. Ed. Oxyd qf Antimony with Phosjihat qf Lime. Pulvis Antimonialis, L. D. Antimonial Powder. Take of Sulphuret of antimony, in coarse powder, Shavings of hartshorn, equal weights. Mix, and put them in a wide red-hot iron pot, and stir the mixture constantly, until it is burnt into a matter of grey colour, which is then to be removed from the fire, ground into powder, and put into a coated crucible. Lute to this crucible another inverted over it, and perforated in the bottom with a small hole, and apply the fire, which is to be raised gradually, to a white heat, and kept in that increased state for two hours. Lastly, grind the matter, when cold, into a very fine powder. (E. L. D.) This is supposed to be nearly the same with the celebrated nos- trum of Dr. James, the composition of which was ascertained by Dr. George Pearson, to whom we are also indebted for the above formula. By burning sulphuret of antimony and shavings of hartshorn in a white heat, the sulphur is entirely expelled, and the antimony is oxyd- ized, while the gelatin of the hartshorn is destroyed, and nothing is left but phosphat of lime, combined with a little lime. Therefore, the mass which results is a mixture of oxyd of antimony and phosphat of lime, which corresponds, at least as to the nature of the ingredients, with James's powder, which, by Dr. Pearson's analysis, was found to consist of 43 phosphat of lime, and 57 oxyd of antimony. M. Pulley also analysed some of James's powder, and found it composed of pro- toxyd of antimony 37, phosphat of lime 2 I, sulphat of potass 24, and potass combined with protoxyd of antimony 18. On which occasion, M. Cadet, ignorant that even quack-medicines were often imitated and adulterated, accuses Dr. Pearson of having sanctioned with his name a false analysis, in order to conceal a secret so profitable to his country! Mr. Chenevix, by considering the uncertainty of the appli- cation, and the precarious nature of the agency of fire, by which means a variable portion of the oxyd of antimony may be volatilized, and that L g2 Materia Medica. which remains may be oxydized in various degrees, proposes to pre- pare a substitute for James's ponder, by dissolving together equal weights of submuriat of antimony, and of phosphat of lime, in the smallest possible quantity ol muriatic acid, and then pouring this solu- tion gradually into water sufficiently alkalized with ammonia. As muriat of antimony is partially decomposed by water, it is absolutely necessary that the muriatic solution be poured into the alkaline li- quor, for, by an opposite mode of procedure, a great part of 'he anti- mony would be precipitated in the state of submuriat, and the first portion of the precipitate would consist chiefly of antimony, and the last of phosphat of lime. Phosphat of lime is most conveniently obtained pure by dissolving calcined bone in muriatic acid, and precipitating it by ammonia. If the ammonia be quite free from carbonic acid, no muriat of lime is decomposed. Mr. Chenevix also found, that this precipitate is en- tirely soluble in every acid which can dissolve either phosphat of lime or oxyd of antimony separately, and that about 0.28 of James's powder, and, at an average, 0.44 of the pulvis antimonialis of the late London Pharmacopoeia, resist the action of every acid. In the new edition, twice the -proportion of hartshorn shavings is used, which is said to obviate the inconvenience of the vitrification of part of the antimony when too high a temperature was applied, to render the process more manageable, and to furnish a whiter product, but it does not correspond with Dr. Pearson's analysis of James's powder, for which it was intended as a substitute, and alters materially the strength of an established preparation. Midical w*e.—The oxyd of antimony with phosphat of lime, how- soever prepared, is one of the best antimonials we possess. It is given as a diaphoretic in febrile diseases, in doses of from three to eight grains, repeated every third or fourth hour In larger quantities, it operates as a purgative or emetic. From its being insoluble in water, it must be given either in the form of a powder, or made into a pill or bolus. TARTRIS ANTIMONII; olim, Tartarus Emeticus, Ed. Tartrite of Antimony, formerly Tartar-Emetic. Syn. Antimonium Tartarisatum, L. Tartarised Antimony. Tartarum Antimoniatum sive Emeticum. D. Antimoniated or Emetic Tartar. Take of Nitromuriatic oxyd of antimony, tAvo ounces; Crystals of tartar, in very fine powder, two ounces and a half. Distilled water, eighteen ounces by measure. Boil the water in a glass vessel, then gradually throw into it the oxyd and tartar, previously mixed, and boil for half an hour; then filter the liquor through paper, and crystallize by slow cooling. The tartaric acid is capable of combining, in many example!, with two bases at the same time, forming with them triple crystalli- A.—Antimonium.—Tartris Antimonii. 83 zable salts. In the present instance, it is combined with oxyd of anti- mony and potass; and as the potass is essential to its constitution, and the real tartrat of antimony is a different salt, its name, on chemical principles, should certainly have been tartrat of antimony and potass. In the preparation of this salt, the different combinations of pro- toxyd of antimony have been employed. Any of them will afford a very pure salt. The crocus, precipitated oxyd, submuriat and glass, are all occasionally employed. The Edinburgh college uses the crocus. To this the principal objection is, that it is never found in the shops in a state fit for this purpose. Even when properly prepared, it is with diffi- culty acted upon by the supertartrat of potass, unless it be levi- gated and elutriated. Mr. Phillips found, tlut 100 parts of cream of tartar dissolved only six parts out of 100 of very finely powdered crocus, 16 when levigated but 75 when it was elutriated; and in the last case, the liquor assumed a deep green colour, which, though proceeding from the presence of iron, is a test ihat a sufficient pro- portion of the metallic oxyd is dissolved, as it does not occur until the tartar has taken up three fourths of its weight of the crocus. But, besides the expense of levigating and elutriating the crocus, it is liable to be mixed with carbonat of lime, derived probably from the stones employed in the levigation, and the crystals of tartarized anti- mony procured in this way, are consequently contaminated even with a larger proportion of tartrat of lime than is furnished by the tartar. The glass is more easily soluble than the crocus, as, when finely powdered, 78 parts were dissolved, and gave the solution a dark green colour. But this oxyd is very expensive, and glass of lead is sometimes fraudulently substituted for it. When the glass or crocus is used, Mr. Phillips recommends, that after being powdered or levi- gated, they should be boiled in dilute sulphuric acid to remove any carbonat of lime, and that a small quantity of sulphuric acid should be added to decompose the tartrat of lime. To the oxyd of antimony, as prescribed by the London college 1809, Mr. Phillips objected its great expense, its quantity being too small in proportion to the tar- tar, and that the crystals of tartar-emetic formed with it, as well as with the crocus or glass, are contaminated with the tartrat of lime usually contained in the tartar. To the use of the submuriat, as di- rected by the Dublin college, this last objection does not apply, be- cause the muriatic acid retains the tartrat of lime in solution when the tartrat of antimony crystallizes. Having criticized the processes of all the colleges, Mr. Phillips proposed to substitute one of his own. The qualities requisite in an eligible method of preparing tartar- emetic, he says, are, the certainty of obtaining protoxyd of antU mony unmixed with peroxyd or sulphureted oxyd, yet not abso- lutely pure, but mixed with a substance capable of preventing the crystallization of the tartrat of lime; moderate expense, and the possibility of using iron vessels, both in preparing the oxyd of antimony and the tartarized antimony. These requisites, Mr. Phillips thinks, he has found in employing the sulphat of anti- mony prepared by boiling powdered metallic antimony in twice its weight of sulphuric acid to dryness in an iron vessel over a common fire, and stirring it with an iron spatula. The greyish co- loured product was thrown into water, and washed, till the uncom- 84 Materia Medica. bined sulphuric acid was removed. 100 parts of the subsulphat thus procured were boiled in a solution of an equal weight of tartar; about 76 parts of the subsulphat were readily dissolved, and the solution, when filtered, afforded at the first crystallization rather more than 90 parts of crystals of tartarized antimony, perfectly white and unmixed with any extraneous salt. The solution, by further evaporation, fur- nished an additional quantity of crystals of emetic tartar, slightly in- crusted with sulphat of lime, from which, however, they were com- pletely purified by solution, and repeating the crystallization. A considerable quantity of sulphat of lime was also deposited and se- parated during the evaporation. This process Mr. Phillips asserts to be neither tedious, difficult, uncertain nor unsafe. The process adopt- ed in the present edition of the London Pharmacopceia is of the same nature, depending upon the formation of a sulphat of antimony, although in a more complicated way. Dr. Powell tells us that the new formula, which " has, after numerous trials, been adopted, is due to Mr. Hume of Long-Acre, to whose practical skill it is right to acknowledge great obligation. It is necessary that the whole of the supertartrat of potass should be combined with the oxyd, and therefore that there should be a full sufficiency of the latter, otherwise the first crystals, as it cools, will be of the supertartrat only; whilst, on the other hand, if a superabundance of oxyd of antimony be used, it will remain upon the filter, and not influence the crystals: the former inconvenience, therefore, is especially to be avoided, and for that purpose, more oxyd than may be strictly necessary is directed. The evaporation must not be carried too far, as there appears to be some tartrat of potass in the solution, whose crystals will, in that case, be mixed with the triple salt. The crystals ought always to be formed, for it is only when they are that the proportions of the salt can be considered as precise." But whatever form of protoxyd of antimony may be preferred, the quantity of water employed must be sufficient to dissolve the tartar-emetic formed. The time during which ebul- lition is to be continued, is stated differently by different pharma- ceutists. No harm can arise from continuing it longer than is abso- lutely necessary; but it is certainly a waste of time and fuel to pro- tract it for hours. Another circumstance which renders tartar-emetic variable in its effects, is, the mode of crystallization. Some evaporate it to dryness; others to a pellicle, and set it aside to crystallize; and others again crystallize by slow evaporation. On account of the silica wnich is combined with the oxyd of antimony, and which, being held in solu- tion by the potass, impedes the crystallization, and varies the nature of the product, Vauquelin recommends that the solution be first eva- porated to dryness, and that the saline mass obtained should be re- dissolved in boiling water, and then crystallized; for towards the end of the first evaporation, the silica separates, and becomes totally in- soluble. In this way, he says, that we obtain both a purer salt, and in larger quantity. If we employ an excess of supertartrat of potass, part of it will remain undecomposed, and will crystallize before, or along with the tartar-emetic. This source of impurity is easily avoid- ed, by using an excess of the antiraonial oxyd, which remaining un- dissolved, occasions no error, and prevents the necessity of throwing A.—Antimonium.—Tartris Antimonii. 85 away the crystals which form on the filtering paper, if the solution be saturated. The primitive form of the crystals of tartrat of antimony and pot- ass seems to be the regular tetrahedron, but it assumes a variety of secondary forms. It has a styptic metallic taste. It is soluble in three times its weight of water at 212°, and in fifteen at 60°. As this state- ment of its solubility is very different from that of most writers, from Bergmann to Fourcroy, who say that it requires 80 parts of water at 60°, and somewhat less than 40 of boiling water, it is necessary to mention,-that it was ascertained by careful experiment, with very fine crystals of tartar-emetic, more than half an inch in length, and perfectly free from the admixture of any foreign salt. The crystals, by exposure to the air, become white and opaque, but do not readily fall to poAvder. The property of deliquescing, ascribed to them by Gdttling, must have arisen from the presence of other salts, as he does not prepare his tartar-emetic by crystallization, but by evapo- rating the solution to dryness. The solution of tartar-emetic slightly reddens tincture of turnsole. It is decomposed by acids, alkalies, al- kaline carbonats, sulphureted hydrogen and its compounds, vegeta- ble juices, decoctions, and infusions, and many of the metals. According to Thenard, tartar-emetic consists of tartrat of antimony 64, tartrat of potass 34, water 8, and loss 4; or, oxyd of antimony 38, tartaric acid 34, potass 16, water and loss 12; and by estimation from the analysis of tartrat of potass, and supertartrat of potass, by the same chemist, it appears, that to saturate 38 parts of protoxyd of antimony, 70.4 of supertartrat of potass are necessary: the whole of the superfluous acid, being 16, combines'with the oxyd, while 34 of the tartrat of potass combine with the tartrat of antimony thus form- ed, and 20.4 of tartrat of potass remain in solution in the mother wa- ter. But Mr. Phillips found, that 100 parts of supertartrat of potass dissolve 70 of protoxyd of antimony. From what has been, said, it will appear, that without any fraudu- lent intention, tartar-emetic is often imperfect. Its goodness should be ascertained by taking a few crystals promiscuously from every fresh parcel, washing them in water, and then introducing each crystal separately into dilute solutions of sulphuret of potass, when, if the salt be perfect, a considerable orange precipitate will occur in each. But tartar-emetic is more commonly sold in the form of powder, to con- ceal its imperfections; this ought to be examined in the same way as the crystals; but as it may consist of a mixture of tartarized antimo- ny and tartar, it ought to be rejected, if, in attempting to prepare with it the liquor antimonii tartarizali, it do not readily and totally dissolve in the water, and form a perfectly clear solution, previous to and after the addition of the wine. We have been thus particular in the account of the preparation and chemical properties of tartar-emetic, because it is not only of all the preparations of antimony the most certain in its operation, but is almost indispensable for the successful practice of medicine.* * Mr. Hume of Long Acre proposes the following method of making emetic tartar. Boil the common black sulphuret of antimony in nitric acid largely di- luted with water. Wash the oxyd produced; then boil it with supertartrat of potass, filter, evaporate, crystallize. Tilloch. Ap. 1816. 86 Materia Medica. Medical use.—-In doses of from one to three grains it operates at an emetic, and sometimes as a cathartic. In smaller doses, it excites nausea, and proves a powerful diaphoretic and expectorant. As an emetic, it is chiefly given in the beginning of fevers and febrile dis- eases, in chincough, and, in general, whenever we wish to evacuate the stomach quickly. W hen great debility is present, and in the ad- vanced stages of typhoid fever, its use is improper, and even sometime! fatal. As a diaphoretic, it is giving in small doses, or from an eighth to a quarter of a grain; and as an expectorant, in doses still smaller. The only proper form for exhibiting it is in solution; and as the intensity of its action on the body is liable to variation, from difler- ences in its own strength, and in the constitution of the patient, it should almost always be given in divided doses, at short intervals, if we wish to excite vomiting; and at longer intervals, if we wish it to act only on the skin or lungs. Officinal Preparation. Vinum Tartritis Antimonii, E. L. D. vide Vina Medicata. ANTIMONIUM CALCINATUM. L. Calcined Antimony. Take of Antimony, powdered, eight ounces; Nitre, powdered, two pounds. Mix them, and project the mixture by degrees into a red-hot cruci- ble. Burn the white matter about half an hour; and, when cold, powder it; after which wash it with distilled water. On touching the ignited crucible, this mixture deflagrates with a lively white flame; the antimony is oxydized to the maximum, the sulphur is acidified, and the nitre is decomposed and reduced to its base. The product of this deflagration is a lemon coloured, scorified mass, which, after being washed with water, leaves the greater part of the oxyd of antimony united to about a fifth of its weight of potass; while the remainder of the oxyd, combined with a much larger pro- portion of potass, is dissolved in the water, along with the sulphat of potass formed, and a small quantity of nitre which has escaped de- composition. The peroxyd of antimony obtained by this process con- tains about 0.30 oxygen, is scarcely acted upon by acids, and is capa- ble of forming, with the alkalies, crystallizable compounds, enjoying a determinate degree of solubility. It may therefore be considered as nearly approaching to the state of an acid, and the insoluble resi- duum of this process might be named super-antimonite of potass, and the dissolved portion, from its different proportions, antimonite of potass. This is a preparation of no very great activity. It formerly bore the name of Diaphoretic antimony, from its supposed effect; but even that was doubted: and since the introduction of James's powder into general use, it has not been much employed. It may be given in doses of from five grains to half a drachm. A.—Aqua. 87 APIUM PETROSEL1NUM. Radix. Ed. Petroselinum. Radix, Semen. L. Parsley. The Root and Seed. Willd.g. 63. sp. 1. Pentandria Digynia.—Nat. ord. Umbellate. Parsley is a biennial plant, and a native of the South of Europe. It is very generally cultivated in this country for culinary purposes. The seeds have an aromatic flavour, and are occasionally made use of as carminatives. The taste of the root is somewhat sweetish, with a light degree of warmth and aromatic flavour, and it possesses gen- tle diuretic properties. AQUA— WATER. Water does not enter the list of materia medica of any of the colleges, but it is so important an agent both in the cure of disease, and in the practice of pharmacy, that a brief account of its varieties and properties can scarcely be considered as superfluous. Water consists of hydrogen, combined with oxygenin the proportion of 14.42, -o 35.58, by weight, or 2 of hydrogen to one of oxygen, by volume. Water is transparent, colourless, inodorous, and insipid. As water is assumed as the standard, or unity, in all tables of specific gravity, it is necessary to know that a cubic inch of it weighs, at 30 inches of the barometer, and 60° thermometer, 252.422 grains. At 32° it exists in a solid form, and is crystallized. At 212° it expands to 2000 times its bulk, and is converted into a very elastic vapour. It absorbs small quantities of the simple gases, especially oxygen. It dissolves several of the salifiable bases, and in some degree all sa- line bodies, and is essential to their crystallization. It is composed and decomposed in many instances, and its chemical agency is almost universal. It is the only binary combination of hydrogen with oxygen,* at present known with certainty. • Having1 already given an account of oxygen, it may be proper here to in- troduce the chemical properties of hydrogen, the other ingredient of water. Hydrogen gas is often found collected in mines and caverns It is permanent- ly elastic and compressible; 100 cubic inches weigh two and a quarter grains. Its specific gravity is 0 000094, being the lightest body with which we are ac- quainted. It is highly inflammable, and burns in contact with oxygen gas or at- mospheric air, and detonates on the application of a burning body when mixed with them. It extinguishes flame, and is deleterious to animal life. It dis- solves sulphur, phosphorus and carbon, and some of the metals, forming with them peculiar fetid gases. In estimating the specific gravity of the gases, it is assumed as unity. Primary Compounds of Hydrogen. A. Binary, a. With oxygen; water. b. With nitrogen; ammonia. c. With sulphur, sulphureted hydrogen. d. With phosphorus; phosphureted hydrogen. B. Ternary, a. With carbon and oxygen; 1. Oxyds; hydro-carbonous oxyds, vegetable substances. 2. Acids; vegetable acids. 4. With sulphur and oxygen; sulphnreted hydrogen. C. Qua- 88 Materia Medica. The purest natural water is snow, or rain water, collected in the open fields; that which falls in towns, or is collected from the roofs of houses, is contaminated with various impurities, although after it has rained for some time, the quantity of these diminishes so much, that Morveau says it may be rendered almost perfectly pure by means of a little barytic water, and exposure to the atmosphere. Rain water, after it falls, either remains on the surface of the earth, or penetrates through it until it meets with some impenetrable obstructions to its progress, when it bursts out at some lower part, forming a spring or well. The water on the surface of the earth either descends along its declivities in streams, which gradually wearing channels for them- selves, combine to form rivers, which at last reach the sea; or re- main stagnant in cavities of considerable depth, forming lakes or ponds; or on nearly level ground, forming marshes. The varieties of spring water are exceedingly numerous; but they may be divided into the soft, which are sufficiently pure to dis- solve soap, and answer the purposes of pure water in general; the hard, which contain earthy salts and decompose soap, and are unfit for many other purposes, both in domestic economy and in manufac- tures; and the saline, which are strongly impregnated with soluble salts. When spring waters possess any peculiar character, they are called mineral waters. River water is in general soft, as it is formed of spring water, which by exposure becomes more pure, and running surface water, which although turbid from particles of clay suspend- ed in it, is otherwise very pure. Lake water is similar to river water. The water of marshes on the contrary is exceedingly impure, ancrof- ten highly fetid, from the great proportion of animal and vegetable matters which is constantly decaying in them. Mineral waters derive their peculiarity of character in general, either from containing carbonic acid, or soda, not neutralized, sul- phureted hydrogen, purging salts, earthy salts, or iron, or from their temperature exceeding in a greater or less degree that of other sur- rounding bodies. The following are the most celebrated: a. Warm springs.—Bath, Bristol, Buxton, Matlock, in England. Barege, Vichy, &c. in France. Aix-la-Chapelle, Borset, Ba- den, Carlsbad, and Toeplitz, in Germany; and Pisa, Lucca, Baia, and many others in Italy. b. Carbonated springs—Pyrmont, Seltzer, Spa, Cheltenham, Scarborough. Saratoga, Ballston* c. Alkaline.—Carlsbad, Aix-la-Chapelle, Barege, Toeplitz. d. Sulphurous.—Engheim, Lu, Aix-la-Chapelle, Kilburn, Har- rowgate, Moffat, and many in Italy. e. Purging.—Sea water, Lemington Priors, Harrowgate, Lu, Carlsbad, Moffat, Toeplitz, Epsom, Sedlitz, Kilburn, and all brackish waters. C. Quaternary, Willi carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen: 1. animal oxyds. 2.------acids. * Vide Dr. Meade's Experimental Enquiry into the chemical properties and medicinal qualities of the principal mineral waters of Ballston and Saratoga, in the state of New York. A.—Aqua. 89 /. Calcareous.—Matlock, Buxton, and all hard waters. g. Chalybeate.—Hartfell, Denmark, Cheltenham, Pyrmont, Spa, Tunbridge, Bath, Scarborough, Vichy, Carlsbad, Lemington Priors. Medical Use.—Water is an essential constituent in the organiza- tion of all living bodies; and as it is continually expended during the process of life, that waste must be also continually supplied, and this supply is of such importance that it is not left to reason or to chance, but forms the object of an imperious appetite. When taken into the stomach, water acts by its temperature, its bulk, and the quantity ab- sorbed by the lacteals. Water at about 60° gives no sensation of heat or cold, between 60° and 45* it gives a sensation of cold followed by a glow and increase of appetite and vigour; below 45 the sensation of cold is permanent and unpleasant, and it acts as an astringent and se- dative; above 60 it excites nausea and vomiting, probably by partially relaxing the fibres of the stomach, for when mixed with stimulating substances it has not these effects. In the stomach and the intestines it acts also by its bulk, producing the effects arising from the disten- tion of these organs, and as the intestinal gases consist of hydrogen gas, either pure, or carbonated, or sulphureted, or phosphureted, it is probably in part, decomposed in them. It likewise dilutes the contents of the stomach and intestines, thus often diminishing their acrimony. It is absorbed by the lacteals, dilutes the chyle and the blood, increases their fluidity, lessens their acrimony, and produces plethora ad molem. Its effects in producing plethora and fluidity are however very tran- sitory, as it at the same time increases the secretion by the skin and kidneys. Indeed .the effects of sudorifics and diuretics depend in a great measure on the quantity of water taken along with them. Mineral waters have also a specific action depending on the fo- reign substances which they contain. It is however necessary to re- mark that their effects are in general much greater than might be expected from the strength of their impregnations, owing probably to the very circumstance of their great dilution, by which every par- ticle is presented in a state of activity, while the lacteals admit them more readily than they would in a less diluted state. Carbonic acid gas gives to the waters which are strongly impreg- nated with it a sparkling appearance, and an agreeable degree of pungency. In its effects on the body it is decidedly stimulant, and even capable of producing a certain degree of transient intoxication. It is of great service in bilious complaints, atony of the stomach, nau- sea, and vomiting, and in all fevers of the typhoid type. Alkaline waters produce also a tonic effect on the stomach, but they are less grateful. They are particularly serviceable in morbid acidity of the stomach, and in diseases of the urinary organs. Sulphurous waters are chiefly used in cutaneous and glandular dis- eases. Their effects are stimulant and heating, and they operate by the skin or bowels. Purging waters derive their effects from the neutral salts they con- tain, especially the muriats of soda, lime and magnesia, and the sul- phats of soda and magnesia. They are much more frequently used M 90 Materia Medica. for a length of time to keep the bowels open by exciting the natural action, than to produce full purging. Used in this way, instead of de- bilitating the patient, they increase his appetite, health and strength. Chalybeate waters are used as tonics. They stimulate considerably, and increase the circulation, but as they also generally contain neu- tral salts, they act as gentle laxatives. They are used in all cases of debility, cachexia, chlorosis, fluor albus, amenorrhoea, and in general in what are called nervous diseases. The external use of water depends almost entirely on its tempera- ture, which may be 1. Greater than that of the body, or above 97° F. The hot bath. 2. Below the temperature of the body. a. From 97 to 85, the warm bath. b. From 85 to 65, the tepid bath. c. From 65 to 32, the cold bath. The hot bath is decidedly stimulant in its action. It renders the pulse frequent, the veins turgid, the skin red, the face flushed, the respiraiion quick, increases animal heat, and produces sweat. If the temperature be very high, the face becomes bathed in sweat, the arte- ries at the neck and temples be.t with violence, anxiety and a sense of suffocation are induced, and if persisted in, vertigo, throbbing in the head, and apoplexy, are the consequences. It is very rarely em- ployed in medicine, except where there are hot springs, as at Baden in Switzerland. The Russians and some other nations use the hot bath as an article of luxury. The effects of the affusion of hot water have not been ascertained, and it is probable that when the heat is not so great as to destroy the organization of the skin, the very transient application of the wa;er would be more than counteracted by the subsequent evapora- tion. With regard to the action arising from their temperature, all baths below 97° differ only in degree, as they all ultimately abstract caloric from the surface, but with a force inversely as their tempe- rature. The warm bath excites the sensation of warmth, partly because our sei.sations are merely relative, and partly because its tempera- ture, though-less than that of the internal parts of the body, is actu- ally greater than that of the extremities which are the chief organs of touch. But as water being a much better conductor of caloric than air, and especially than confined air, as much caloric is abstracted from the body by water, which is only a few degrees lower than the internal temperature of the body, as by air of a much lower tempe- rature. The warm bath diminishes the frequency of the pulse, espe- cially when it has been previously greater than natural, and this effect is always in proportion to the time of immersion. It aho renders the respiration slower, and lessens the temperature of the body, relaxes the muscular fibre, increases the bulk of the fluids by absorption, re- moves impurities from the surface, promotes ihe desquamation and renewal of the cuticle, and softens the nails and indurations of the skin. A.—Aqua. 91 The stimulant power of the warm bath is therefore very inconsi- derable, and its employment in diseases will be chiefly indicated by preternatural heat of the surface and frequency of the pulse, rigidity of the muscular fibre, and morbid affections of the skin. It has accord- ingly been found serviceable in many cases of pyrexia, both febrile and exanthematous, in many spasmodic diseases, and in most of the impetigines. It is contra-indicated by difficulty of breathing, and internal organic affections, and should not be used when the stomach is full. The affusion of warm water very generally produces a considera- ble diminution of heat, a diminished frequency of pulse and respira- tion, and a tendency to repose and sleep; but its effects are not very permanent, and its stimulus is weak. It is recommended in febrile diseases depending on t'le stimulus of preternatural heat, and in those attended with laborious respiration, and in the paroxysms of hectic fever. As the tepid bath and affusion produce effects intermediate be- tween those of warm and cold water, it is unnecessary to enumerate them. The cold bath produces the sensation of cold, which gradually ceases, and is succeeded by numbness. It excites tremors in the skin, and shivering. The skin becomes pale, contracted, and acquires the appearance termed cutis anserina. The fluids are diminished in volume; the solids are contracted, the caliber of the vessels is lessen- ed, and therefore numbness and paleiuss are induced, and 'he visible cutaneous veins become smaller. There is a sense of drowsiness and inactivity, the joints become rigid and inflexible, and the limbs are affected with pains and spasmodic contractions. The respiration is rendered quick and irregular; the pulse slow, firm, regular, and small; the internal heat is at first diminished, but gradually and ir- regularly returns nearly to its natural standard, the extremities, how- ever, continue cold and numb, or swollen and livid; the perspiration is suppressed, and the discharge of urine is rendered more frequent and copious. If the col i be excessive on its application, long continu- ed violent shiverings are induced, the pulse ceases at the wrist, the mo- tion of the heart becomes feeble and languid, there is a sensation of coldness and faintness at the stomach, and a rapid diminution of ani- mal heat; and at last delirium, torpor, and death, are the conse- quences. If the application of the cold bath be not carried to an ex- cessive length, on emerging from the water, the whole body is per- vaded by an agreeable sensation of warmth, and the patient feels re- freshed and invigorated. The primary action of the cold bath is stimulant, and the degree of this action is in proportion to the lowness of its temperature. This opinion is indeed directly opposite to a theory of cold which has been advanced with the confidence of demonstration. " Heat is a stimu- lus; cold is the abstraction of heat; therefore cold is the abstraction of stimulus, or is a sedative." To this we might oppose another theo- ry, equally syllogistic, and nearer the truth: Free caloric is a stimu- lus, cold is the sensation excited by the passage of free caloric out of 92 Materia Medica. the body, therefore, cold is a stimulus.* But in fact the action of cold is by no means so simple, but is complicated, and varies according to its intensity, duration, and the state of the system to which it is ap- plied. It acts, at first, as a stimulant in exciting sensation, then as a tonic in condensing the living fibre, and lastly, however paradoxical it may appear, as a sedative, by preventing that distribution of blood in the minute and ultimate vessels, which is necessary for the exist- tence of sensibility and irritability. The cold bath may be therefore so managed as to procure any of these effects, by regulating the length of time for which it is applied. It may be employed in fevers, and febrile paroxysms, when the heat is steadily above the natural standard, and in many diseases arising from relaxation and debility. It is contra-indicated when the heat of the body is below 97°, when there is any notable perspi- ration from the surface, when there is general plethora, and when any internal organ is diseased. Irritable habits should be defended from the violence of its action, by covering the body with flannel. Cold affusion, or the pouring of cold water over the body, is a very convenient way of applying the cold bath in many cases. In this way cold is very suddenly applied to the surface, its operation is instan- taneous and momentary, but may be continued by repeated affusions for any length of time, and so as to produce its extreme effects. Where the effects of cold affusion may be thought too severe, spunging the body with cold water, or water and vinegar, may be substituted.t Pharmaceutical Preparation. Aquae Destillatae, E. L. D. vide Aqua Destillata. It also enters into the composition of the greatest number of pre- parations. AQUiE DESTILLATA. DISTILLED WATERS. Substances which differ in volatility may be separated from each other by applying a degree of heat capable of converting the most volatile into vapour, and by again condensing this vapour in a pro- per apparatus. Water is converted into vapour at 212°, and may be separated by distillation from the earthy and saline matters whicn it * This is certainly a syllogism of a very extraordinary nature! The question turns, it seems to me, on the proposition, Is cold material? According to our present ideas, we must say, no. It is incumbent then on the advocates of the stimulant effects of cold, to point out in what manner a non-entity can prove stimulating. They may, no doubt, evince their ingenuity in the explanation; but their arguments must be sophistical, whilst they admit the immateriality of cold. -j- For a particular account of the medical use of the cold bath, &c. see the valuable work of Dr. Currie of Liverpool, on that subject. A.—Aqua.—Aquae Destillatae. 93 always contains in a natural state. But it is evident, that if any sub- stances which are as volatile as water, be exposed to the same degree of heat, either by immersing them in boiling water, or exposing them to the action of its steam, they will rise with it in distillation. In this way the camphor and volatile oils of vegetable substances are sepa- rated from the more fixed principles; and as water is capable of dis- solving a certain quantity of these volatile substances, it may be im- pregnated with a great variety of flavours by distilling it from diffe- rent aromatic substances. If the subject of our distillation contain more volatile oil than the water employed is capable of dissolving, it will render the water milky, and afterwards separate from it. It is in this way that essential oils are obtained. Essential oils are obtained only from odoriferous substances; but not equally from all of this class, nor in quantity proportional to their degree of odour. Some, which, if we were to reason from analogy, should seem very well fitted for this process, yield extremely little oil, and others none at all. Roses and chamomile flowers, whose strong and lasting smell promises abundance, are found to contain but a small quantity of oil; the violet and jessamine flower, which perfume the air with their odour, lose their smell upon the gentlest coction, and do not afford any oil on being distilled, unless immense quantities are submitted to the operation at once; while savin, whose disagreeable scent extends to no great distance, gives out the largest proportion of oil of almost any vegetable known. Nor are the same plants equally fit for this operation, when pro- duced in different soils or seasons, or at different times of their growth. Some yield more oil if gathered when the flowers begin to fall off than at any other time. Of this we have examples in lavender and rue; others, as sage, afford the largest quantity when young, be- fore they have sent forth any flowers; and others, as thyme, when the flowers have just appeared. All fragrant herbs yield a larger pro- portion of oil, when produced in dry soils and in warm summers, than in opposite circumstances. On the other hand, some of the disagree- able strong-scented ones, as wormwood, are said to contain most oil in rainy seasons, and when growing in moist rich grounds. Several chemists have been of opinion, that herbs and flowers, moderately dr\ed, yield a greater quantity of essential oil, than if they were distilled when fresh. It is, however, highly improbable, that the quantity of essential oil will be increased by drying; on the contrary, part of it must be dissipated and lost. But drying may sometimes be useful in other ways; either by diminishing the bulk of the subject to be distilled, or by causing it to part with its oil more easily. The choice of proper instruments is of great consequence for the performance of this process to advantage. There are some oils which pass freely over the"swan-neck of the head of the common still: others, less volatile, cannot easily be made to rise so high. For ob- taining these last, we would recommend a large low head, having a rim or hollow canal round it: in this canal, the oil is detained in its first ascent, and thence conveyed at once into the receiver, the advantages of which are sufficiently obvious. With regard to the proportion of water to be employed; if whole plants, moderately dried, are used, or the shavings of wood, as much 94 Materia Medica. of either may be put into the vessel as, lightly pressed, will occupy half its cavity; and as much water may be added as will fill two-thirds of it. When fresh and juicy herbs are to be distilled, thrice their weight of water will be fully sufficient; but dry ones require a much larger quantity. In general, there should be so much water, that after all intended to be distilled has come over, there may be liquor enough left to prevent the matter from burning to the still. The water and ingredients, altogether, should never take up more than three-fourths of the still; there should be liquor enough to prevent any danger of an empyreuma, but not so much as to be apt to boil over into the receiver. The subject of distillation should be macerated in the water until it be perfectly penetrated by it. To promote this effect, woods should be thinly shaved across the grain, or sawn, roots cut trans- versely into thin slices, barks reduced into coarse powder, and seeds slightly bruised. Very compact aod tenacious substances require the maceration to be continued a week or two, or longer; for those of a softer and looser texture, two or three days are sufficient; while some tender herbs and flowers not only stand in no need of maceration, but are even injured by it. The fermentation which was formerly pre- scribed in some instances, is always hurtful. With regard to the fire, the operator ought to be expeditious in raising it at first, and to keep it up during the whole process, to such a degree only, that the oil may Ireely distil; otherwise the oil will be exposed to an unnecessary heat; a circumstance which ought as mnch as possible to be avoided. Fire communicates to all these oils a disagreeable impregnation, as is evident from their being much less grateful when newly distilled, than after they have stood for some time in a cool place: and the longer the heat is continued, the greater alteration it produces in them. The greater number of oils n quire for their distillation the heat of water strongly boiling: but there are many also which rise with a heat considerably less; such as those of lemon and citron peel; of the flowers of laverder and rosemary, and of almost all the more odoriferous kinds of flowers. We have already observed, that these flowers have their fragrance much injured, or even destroyed, by beating or bruising them; it is impaired also by the immersion in water in the present process, and the more so in proportion to the continuance of the immersion and the heat; hence oils, distilled in the common manner, prove much hss agreeable in smell than the sub- jects themselves. For the distilh tion of substances of this class, ano- ther method has been contrived; instead of being immersed in water, they are exposed only to its vapour. A proper quantity of water being put into the bottom of the still, the odoriferous herbs or flowers are laid lightly in a basket, of such a size that it niay enter into the sti'l, and rest against its sides, just above the water. The head being then fitted on, and the water made lo boil, the steam, percolating through the subject, imbibes the oil, without impairing its fragranee, and car- ries it over into the receiver. Oils thus obtained, possess the odour of the subject in an exquisite degree, and have nothing of the disagree- A.—Aqua.—Aquae Destillatae. 95 able scent preceivable in those distilled by boiling them in water in the common manner. Plants differ so much, according to the soil and season of which they are the produce, and likewise according to their own ages, that it is impossible to fix the quantity of water to be drawn from a certain weight of them to any invariable standard. The distillation may always be continued us long as the liquor runs well flavoured off the subject, but no longer. In the distillation of essential oils, the water, as was observed in a foregoing section, imbibes always a part of the oil. The dis- tilled liquors here treated of, are no other than water thus impreg- nated with the essential oil of the subject; whatever smell, taste, or virtue, is communicated to the water, or obtained in the form of watery liquor, being found in a concentrated state in the oil. All those vegetables, therefore, which contain'an essential oil, will give over some virtue to water by distillation: but the degree of the impregnation of the wa er, or the quantity of water which a plant is papable of saturating with its virtue, are by no means in proportion to the quantity of its oil. The oil saturates only the water that comes over at the same time with it: if there be more oil than is sufficient for this saturation, the surplus separates, and concretes in its proper form, not miscible with the water which arises afterwards. Some odoriferous flowers, whose oil is in so small quantity that scarcely any visible mark of it appears, unless fifty or a hundred pounds or more are dis- tilled at once, give nevertheless as strong an impregnation to water as those plan's which abound most with oil. Many have been of opinion, that distilled waters may be more and more impregnated with the virtues of the subject, and their strength increased to any assigned degree, by cohobation, that is, by re-distil- ling them repeatedly from fresh parcels of the plant. Experience, however, shows the contrary. A water skilfully drawn in the first dis- tillation, proves on every repeated one not stronger but more dis- agreeable. Aqueous liquors are not capable of imbibing above a certain quantity of the volatile oil of vegetables; and this they may be made to lake up by one, as well as by any number of distillations: the oftener the process is repeated, the ungrateful impression which they generally receive from the fire, even at the first time, becomes greater and greater. Those plants, which do not yield at first waters sufficiently strong, are not proper subjects for this process. The mixture of water and oil which comes over, may either be separated immediately by means of a separatory, or after it has been put into large narrow-necked bottles, and placed in a cool place, that the portion of oil which is not dissolved in the water may rise to the top, or sink to the bottom, according to its specific gravity. It is then to be separated, either by a separatory; by means of a small glass syringe; a filter of paper, or, lastly by means of a woollen thread, one end of which is immersed in the oil, and the other lower end in a phial: the oil will thus pass over into the phial by capillary attraction, and the thread is to be squeezed dry. Most distilled waters, when first prepared, have a somewhat un- 96 Materia Medica. pleasant smell, which, however, they gradually lose: it is therefore advisable to keep them for some days after their preparation in ves- sels but slightly covered; and not to cork them up until they lose that smell. That the waters may keep the better, about one-twentieth part their weight of proof spirit may be added to each after they are distilled. A respectable apothecary informed Dr. Duncan, that if the simple distilled waters be rectified by distilling them a second time, they will keep for several years without the addition of any spirit, which always gives an unpleasant flavour, and is often objectionable for other reasons. Distilled waters are employed chiefly as grateful diluents, as suit- able vehicles for medicines of greater efficacy, or for rendering dis- gustful ones more acceptable to the palate and stomach: few are depended on, with any intention of consequence, by themselves. To the chapter on Simple Distilled Waters, the London college has annexed the following remarks. The waters are to be distilled from the dried herbs, because fresh are not ready at all times of the year. Whenever the fresh are used, the weights are to be doubled. To every gallon of these waters add five ounces, by measure, of proof spirit, to preserve them. The Edinburgh and Dublin colleges order half an ounce of proof spirit to every pound of the water, which is nearly the same. AQUA DESTILLATA. E.L. D. Distilled Water. • Let water be distilled in very clean vessels, until about two-thirds have come over. (E.) Water is never found pure in a state of nature; and as it is abso- lutely necessary, particularly for many chemical operations, that it should be perfectly so, we must separate it from all heterogeneous matters by distillation. The first portion that comes over should be thrown away, not so much from the possibility of its being impreg- nated with volatile matters contained in the water, as from the pro- bability that it will be contaminated with impurities it may have contracted in its passage through the worm in the refrigeratory. The distillation is not to be pushed too far, lest the water should acquire an empyreumatic flavour. AQUA CITRI AURANTII. Ed. Orange-Peel Water. Take of Fresh orange-peel, two pounds. Pour upon it as much water as shall be sufficient to prevent any em- A.—Aqua Fceniculi Dulcis. 97 pyreuma, after ten pounds have been drawn off by distillation. After due maceration, distil ten pounds. AQUA FOENICULI DULCIS. Dub. Fennel Water. Take of The bruised seeds of sweet fennel, one pound; Water, as much as may be sufficient to prevent empyreuma, Distil one gallon. In the same manner, and in the same quantity, prepare Aqua Anethi. Lond. Carui. Lond. Citri Aurantii. Ed. Citri Medics. Ed. Foeniculi Dulcis. Dub. Lauri Cassi*. Ed. Cinnamomi. Lond. Mentha Piperita. Ed. Menthje Pulegii. Ed. . Mentha Sativa. Dub. -------ViRinis. Lond. Pimento. Lond. Rosa Centifoli^e. Ed. The virtues of all these waters are nearly alike; and the peculi- arities of each will be easily understood by consulting the account given of the substance from which they are prepared. Mr. Nichol- son mentions, that as rose water is exceedingly apt to spoil, the apothecaries generally prepare it in small quantities at a time from the leaves, preserved by packing them closely in cans with common salt. This we understand is not the practice in Edinburgh, and in- deed cannot succeed with the petals of the damask rose, for they lose their smell by drying. The London apothecaries, therefore, probably N Water of 5 Dill, from one pound of the seeds \ br uised. { Caraway, from one pound of the (_ seeds bruised. C Orange-peel, from two pounds I fresh. C Lemon-peel, from two pounds of £ the fresh peel. C Sweet Fennel, from one pound of £ the seeds bruised. < Cassia, from one pound of the £ bark bruised. /"Cinnamon, from one pound of the \ bark bruised, and macerated for "j twenty-four hours in a pint of ( water. 5 Peppermint, from three pounds qf I the herb in flower. C Pennyroyal, from three pounds of I the herb in flower. } Spearmint, one pound and a half. f Pimento,i/ro»i half a pound bruis- J ed, and macerated for twenty- \ four hours in a pint of water. C Rose,/rom six pounds of the recent 3 petals. §8 Materia Medica. use the red rose. The spoiling of some waters is owing to some mu- cilage carried over in the distillation; for, if rectified by a second dis- tillation, they keep perfectly. ARALIA SPINOSA. Angelica tree, Prickly Ash, T&oth-ach tree. " This is a native of Virginia, and other southern states. The height to which this tree will grow, when the soil and situation wholly agree with it, is about twelve feet. It is a very ornamental shrub, and the stem, which is of a dark brown colour, is defended by sharp prickly spines." In the second volume of the Philadelphia Medical Museum, p. 161, Dr. Mease recommends a watery infusion of the inner bark and root to remove the pains of chronic rheumatism. It is considerably acrimonious, and affects the salivary glands. A weak infusion proves sudorific, and does not nauseate, which»a strong one generally does. The berries, and a tincture of them, have been successfully applied to obviate the aching of decayed teeth. A spiritous infusion of the berries is employed in Virginia in violent colic. ARALIA NUDICAULIS. Dr. Mease, in the second volume of the Philadelphia Medical Museum, recommends the roots as a substitute for sarsaparilla. A watery infusion, he tells us, is employed in some parts ot this country for the shingles. It is useful also as a tonic, in a relaxed state of the stomach with loss of appetite. ARBUTUS UVA URSI. Folia. Ed. Uva Ursi. Folia. L. D. Bearberry— Whortleberry. Red-berried trailing Arbutus. The leaves. Willd.g. 871. sp. 7. Smith,g. 203. sp. 3.—Decandria Monogynia.— Nat. ord. Bicornes. This is a very small evergreen shrub. The leaves are oval, not toothed, and their under surface is smooth and pale green. It grows wild in the woods, and on sand hills in Scotland, and in almost every country in Europe. It is also abundant in America. The taste of the leaves is astringent, followed by bitterness. Digested in alcohol they give out a green tincture, which is rendered turbid by water, and when filtered, passes transparent and yellow, while a green resin re- mains on the filter. They are powerfully astringent, approaching in A.—Arctium Lappa. 99 the deepness of the colour which they give to red sulphat of iron, more nearly to nutgalls than any substance Dr. Duncan tried. In- deed in some parts of Russia they are used for tanning. Medical use___The medical effects of this medicine depend en- tirely on its astringent and tonic powers. It is therefore useful in various fluxes arising from debility, monorrhagia, fluor albus, cys- tirrhoea, diabetes, enuresis, diarrhoea, dysentery, 8cc. It has been strongly recommended in diseases of the urinary organs by De Haen, particularly in ulcerations of the kidneys and bladder. It cer- tainly alleviates the dyspeptic symptoms accompanying nephritic complaints. It is commonly given in the form of powder, in doses of from 20 to 60 grains, three or four times a day. Dr. Barton thinks it is peculiarly adapted to cases of nephritis depending upon gout, and he says he has known it to be useful even when it was ascertained that a calculus was present. Its use he thinks facilitates the expulsion of calculous granules through the urethra. In some cases of nephritis, however, he adds, uva ursi seems to in- crease the irritation which it so generally relieves.* It has of late been recommended in phthisis. ARCTIUM LAPPA. Radix. Ed. Bardana. Radix. L. D. Burdock. Clit-Bur. The root and seeds. mild. g^l429. sp. 1. Smith, g. 352. sp. 1. Syngenesia Polygamia Mqualis. Nat. ord. Composita Capitata. This is a perennial plant, which grows wild in uncultivated places. The seeds have a bitterish subacrid taste: they are recommended as very efficacious diuretics, given either in the form of emulsion, or in powder, to the quantity of a drachm. The roots taste sweetish, with a slight austerity and bitterishness: they are esteemed ape- rient, diuretic and sudorific; and are said to act without irritation, so as to be safely ventured upon in acute disorders. Decoctions of them have of late been used in rheumatic, gouty, venereal, and other disorders: and are preferred by some to those of sarsaparilla. *For further observations, see Dr. John S. Mitchell's inaugural dissertatiom #i the Arbutus Uva Ursi, &c. published at Philadelphia in 1803. 100 Materia Medica. D. Zilver. DA. Zolv. F. Argent. G. Silber. I. Argento ARGENTVM—JRGEJVTUM. E.L. Silver. Argentum in Laminas Extensum. D. Silver.—Silver Leaf. P. Prata. POL. Srebro. R. Screbro. S. Plata. SW. Silfver. Silver is very brilliant, white, insipid, inodorous; specific gravity 10.474 to 11.091; hardness between iron and gold; elasticity between. gold and copper; has a strong acute sound; of considerable ductility and tenacity; hardening much under the hammer; a good conductor of electricity, caloric, and galvanism, fusible at 28° Wedgwood; crytallizable by cooling; unalterable in the air; changed into a greenish oxyd by long and violent heat, burning with a greenish flame, and instantly by the electric shock. Its phosphuret is granu- lated, brittle and fusible; its sulphuret grey, black, lamellated or striated and fusible; it unites but slightly with the acidifiable metals and iron; is hardened by gold, bismuth, antimony, tin, lead, and cop. per, and amalgamates with mercury. It is oxydized, and dissolved by the sulphuric, sulphurous, nitric, and oxy-muriatic acids. Its oxyd is olive; reducible by light and heat, hydrogen, and the other metals; it colours some glasses of an olive green, and is very soluble in am- monia. Silver is found, I. In its metallic state: 1. Pure. 2. Alloyed with gold. Auriferous silver ore. 3. ■ ----antimony. 4.---------— iron and arsenic. 5.-----. bismuth. II. Combined with sulphur: 1. Sulphureted silver. Vitreous silver ore. 2. ■■■ with antimony, iron, arsenic and cop- per. Black or brittle silver ore. .3. ■' ---------with copper and antimony. Black silver ore. 4.----——-------«■— with lead and antimony. White silver ore. TII. Oxydized: I Combined with carbonic acid and antimony^ 2.---------------muriatic acid. a. Corneous silver ore, b. Earthy silver ore, c= Sooty silver ore. A.—Argentum.—Nitras Argenti. 101 3. Combined with sulphur and oxyd of antimony. Red silver ore. 4.---------------molyjbdic acid. Officinal Preparation. Nitras Argenti, E. L. D. NITRAS ARGENTI; olim, Causticum Lwnare. Ed. L. D, Nitrat of Silver, formerly Lunar Caustic. Take of Purest silver, flatted into plates, and cut in pieces, four ounces; Diluted nitrous acid, eight ounces; Distilled water, four ounces. Dissolve the silver in a phial with a gentle heat, and evaporate the solution to dryness. Then put the mass into a large crucible and place it on the fire, which should at first be gentle, and afterwards increased by degrees till the mass flows like oil; then pour if into iron-pipes, previously heated and anointed with tallow. Lastly, keep it in a glass-vessel well shut. (E.) The acid employed must be very pure. If it contain, as the acid of commerce always does, sulphuric or muriatic acid, these re-act upon the nitrat as soon as it is formed, and a white precipitate, con- sisting of sulphat and muriat of silver, falls to the bottom. The method which the refiners employ for examining the purity of their aquafortis (the name they gave to diluted nitrous acid,) and purifying it if necessary, is to let fall into it a few drops of a solution of nitrat of silver already made: if the liquor remain clear, and grow not in the least turbid or whitish, it is fit for use; otherwise, they add a small quantity more of the solution, which immediately turns the whole to a milky white colour; the mixture being then suffered to rest for some time, deposits a white sediment; from which it is cautiously decanted, examined again, and, if necessary, farther purified by a fresh addition of this solution. It is necessary to employ very pure water in this process, for the muriats and earthy salts which common water generally contain, pre- cipitate part of the silver in a state of a muriat or oxyd. If distilled water be not used, the water should be added to the acid before it be tried and purified by the nitrat of silver. The solution will go on the more speedily, if the silver, flatted into thin plates, be rolled loosely up, so that the several surfaces do not touch each other. By this management, a greater extent of the surface is exposed to the action of the menstruum, than when the plates are cut in pieces and laid above each other. If the silver be alloyed with copper, the solution will have a permanent greenish blue colour, and acquire a bright blue on the addition of ammonia. If it contain gold, the gold is not dissolved, but is found at the bottom of the solu- tion, in the form of a black or deep purple powder. 102 Materia Medica. The crucible ought to be of porcelain; as, with the common cruci- • bles, the loss arising from the nitrat of silver sinking into their sub- stance is too great. It ought also to be-large enough to hold five or six times the quantity of the dry matter; for it bubbles and swells up greatly, so as otherwise to be apt to run over. During this time, also, little drops are now and then spirted up; whose causticity is increas- ed by their heat, against which the operator ought therefore to be on his guard. The fire must be kept moderate till this ebullition ceases, and till the matter becomes consistent in the heat that made it boil before: then quickly increase the fire till the matter flows thin at the bottom like oil, on which it is to be immediately poured into the mould; for if the heat be continued after this, the nitrat of silver be- gins to be decomposed, and the silver is reduced. In want of a proper iron mould, one may be formed of tempered tobacco pipe clay, not too moist, by making, in a lump of it, with a smooth stick, first greased, as many holes as there is occasion for: pour the liquid matter into these cavities, and when congealed take it out by breaking the mould. Each piece is to be wiped clean from the grease, and wrapt up in soft dry paper, not only to keep the air from acting upon if, but likewise to prevent its corroding or discolouring the fingers in handling. Nitrat of silver is crystallizable. Its crystals are brilliant plates, having a variable number of sides. Their taste is austere, and in- tensely bitter. They are very soluble in water, but permanent in the air, and not deliquescent. They are decomposed by heat, light, phos- phorus, charcoal, many metals, all the alkalies and earths, sulphuric, muriatic, phosphoric and fluoric acids, and by the salts they form. When deprived of water, and melted according to the directions of the colleges, it forms a black or dark grey coloured mass, which, when broken, appears to consist of radii, diverging from the centre. It is not deliquescent when free from copper, which is seldom the case. It may, however, be prepared perfectly pure, even from a solution containing copper, by evaporating and crystallizing it as long as it furnishes firm tabular crystals. These are then to be washed with a little distilled water, and melted with a gentle heat. The nitrat of copper remains in the mother water, and the silver, which it contains, may be precipitated with muriatic acid. Medical use.—A strong solution of nitrat of silver corrodes and de- composes anima' substances; in a more diluted state it stains them of an indelible black; and for this purpose it is now much used as an inde- lible marking ink.* The fused nitrat of silver is the strongest and most manageable caustic we posses, and is employed to remove fungous excrescences, callous edges, warts, strictures in the urethra, and the like. It is also used to destroy the venereal poison in chancres, before it has acted on the system. A weak solution of it may be applied as a stimulus to indolent ulcers, or injected into fistulous sores. Notwithstanding its causticity, it has been given internally. Boer- haave, Boyle, and others, commend it highly in hydropic cases. The • See a preparation of one, by professor Woodhouse. Philadelphia Medical Museum, vol. I. A.—Aristolochia Serpentaria. 103 former assures us, that made into pills with crumb of bread and a little sugar, and taken on an empty stomach (some warm water sweetened with honey being drank immediately after,) it purges gently without griping, and brings away a large quantity of water, almost without the patient's perceiving it: that it kills worms and cures many inveterate ulcerous disorders. He nevertheless cautions against using it too freely, or in too large a dose; and observes, that it always proves corrosive and weakening to the stomach. It has been more recently employed, and with success, in epilepsy and angina pectoris. On account of its very great activity, each pill should not contain above one-eighth or one-fourth of a grain. This article has been employed with considerable advantage in epilepsy, according to the accounts of many respectable physicians. It has been given to the extent of eight grains in twenty-four hours to a child of eight years old. It might deserve inquiry whether it does not meet with muriatic acid, in some form or other, in the sto- mach, and thereby become decomposed.—Quere? What effect would the muriat of silver have as a medicine? has it ever been tried? and if the above surmise of its decomposition in the stomach is true, is it not the muriat that produces the effect? ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA. Radix. Ed. L. D. Virginia Snake-root. The Root. Willd. g. 1609. sp. 27. Gynandria Hexandria.—Nat. ord. Sarmentosa. This is a small, light, bushy root, consisting of a number of strings or fibres matted together, issuing from one common head; of a brown- ish colour on the outside, and paler or yellowish within. It has an aromatic smell, like that of valerian, but more agreeable: and a warm bitterish, pungent taste, very much resembling that of camphor. Treated with alcohol, it affords a bright green tincture, which is ren- dered turbid by water; by filtration a small portion of a green matter is separated, but its transparency is not restored. It neither precipi- tates tannin or gelatin, nor affects the salts of iron or tincture of turn- sole. When the diluted tincture is distilled, the spirit and tincture pass over milky, strongly impregnated with its peculiar flavour. Medical use.—Its virtues are principally owing to the essential oil with which it abounds. Its general action is heating and stimulant; its particular effects, to promote the discharge by the skin and urine. In its effects it therefore coincides with camphor, but seems to be a more permanent stimulus. It is recommended, 1. In intermittent fevers, especially when the paroxysms do not terminate by sweating; and to assist the action of Peruvian bark in obstinate cases. 2. In typhus, and in putrid diseases, to support the vis vita, and to excite gentle diaphoresis. ?. In exanthematous diseases, when the fever is of the typhoid 104 Materia Medica. type, to support the action of the skin, and keep out the erup- tion. 4. In grangrene. Externally it is used as a gargle in the putrid sore throat. It is exhibited, 1. In powder, which is the best form, in doses of twenty or thirty grains. 2. In infusion with wine or water. By decoction its powers are entirely destroyed. It is often combined with Peruvian bark, or with camphor.* Officinal Preparations. Tinctura Aristolochiae Serpentariae, E. L. D. vide Tincture. Cinchonae compositae, L. D. - Idem. Electuarium Opiatum, E. - - - Electuaria. Cataplasma Cumini, JL. ... - Castaplasmata. ARNICA MONTANA. Florest Radix. E. D. German Leopards-bane. The flowers, and root. Willd. g. 1491.s/z. 1. Syngcnesia Polygamia superflua.—Nat. ord. Composita radiata. Leopard's-bane is a very common perennial plant in the alpine parts of Germany, Sweden, Lapland, and Switzerland. The flowers, which are of a yellow colour and compound, consisting entirely of tubular florets, are distinguished from similar flowers, with which they are often mixed, from ignorance or fraud, by the common calyx, which is shorter than the florets, and consists entirely of lancet-shaped scales, lying parallel and close to each other, of a green colour, with purple points. The calyx of the different species of Inula are com- posed of bristle-shaped scales, reflected at the points, and beset with hairs. The florets of the genus Hypochseris are strap-shaped. These flowers have a weak bitterish taste, evidently combined with a degree of acrimony, and when rubbed with the fingers, have a somewhat aromatic smell. Their active constituents are not suffi- ciently ascertained. They evidently contain a great deal of resin, and some essential oil, and Bouillon Lagrange says, uncombined gallic acid. Medical use.—In their effects they are stimulating, and supposed to be discutient. In small doses, and properly administered, they pos- sess very beneficial effects, in raising the pulse, in exciting the action of the whole sanguiferous system, in checking diarrhoeas, in pro- moting expectoration, and, most particularly, in removing paralytic affections of the voluntary muscles; but their use is frequently at- tended with no sensible operation, except that in some cases of para- * Professor Barton says the root of the aristolochia sipho of L'Heritier, which grows in various parts of the United States, is, for certain purposes, perhaps preferable to the common snake root. A.—Arsenicum. 103 lysis, the cure is said to be preceded by a peculiar prickling, and by shooting pains in the affected parts. When given improperly, or in too large doses, they excite an insupportable degree of anxiety, shoot- ing and burning pains, and even dangerous haemorrhages, vomiting, vertigo, and coma. For these dangerous symptoms, vinegar is said to be'the best remedy. They have been recommended, 1. In paralytic disorders, in chronic rheumatism, in retention of the urine from paralysis of the bladder, in amaurosis. 2. In intermittent levers, combined with Peruvian bark. 3. In dysentery and diarrhoea, but in some cases they have had bad effects. 4. In putrid diseases. 5. In typhoid inflammations. 6. To promote the uterine discharge. 7. And in internal pains, and congestions from bruises. In the countries where they are indigenous, the flowers of the leopards-bane have long been a popular remedy in these ac- cidents. They are contra-indicated by an inflammatory diathesis, a predis- position to haemorrhagies, and internal congestions. They are best exhibited in the form of infusion. One or two scruples may be infused with half a pound of water, and drunk at proper in- tervals. The flowers should be wrapt up in a piece of linen, as other- wise their down is apt to be diffused in the liquid, and to cause violent irritation of the throat. The dried root of this plant is about the thickness of a small quill, and sends out fibres along one side. Externally it is rough, and of a red-brown colour, internally of a dirty white. Its taste is acrid, and slightly bitter. Neumann extracted from 960 parts, 840 watery ex- tract, and 5 alcoholic, and inversely 270 alcoholic, and 540 watery. Medical use.—It is exhibited in the same manner and circum- stances as the flowers, but it is mare apt to excite vomiting. In powder its dose is from five to ten grains. ARSENICUM—ARSENIC. D. Arsenik, Rottekruid. P. Arsenico. DA. Arsenik, Rottekrud. POL. Arsenik. F. Arsenic, Poudre aux rats. R. Muschjak. G. Arsenik. S. Arsenico. I. Arsenico. SW. Arsenik, Rotpulvir. Arsenic consists of gray plates of a lively brightness; friable; specific gravity between 8.310 and 5.703; vaporizable at 540Q; emit- ting a smell like garlic; crystallizable; oxydizable in the cold air; in- flammable at a red heat, and sublimed in the form of a white oxyd or acid; farther oxydizable by the nitric and nitrous acids; combines with phosphorus^ sulphur, and many of the metals; soluble in hydro- gen gas. o 106 Materia Medica. Arsenic is found, I. In its metallic state: 1. Alloyed with iron. Native arsenic. 2.------------iron and gold. 3.------------cobalt. 4. Combined with iron and sulphur. Arsenical pyrites. 5. Combined with iron, sulphur and silver. White arsenical pyrites. II. Oxydized: 1. Uncombined. White oxyd of arsenic. Arsenous acid. 2. Combined with sulphur: a. Oxyd of arsenic 90, sulphur 10, Orpiment. Yellow sul- phureted arsenic. b. Oxyd of arsenic 84, sulphur 16, Realgar. Red sulphu- reted arsenic. III. Acidified and combined, 1. With lime. 2. With copper. 3. With iron. 4. With lead. 5. With nickel. 6. With cobalt. OXYDUM ARSENICI. Ed. L. Arsenicum. Oxydum Album. Dub. Oxyd of Arsenic. (Arsenous acid, Fourcroy.) This substance, which was formerly named, improperly, arsenic, is most generally obtained in the process of roasting the ores of cobalt in Saxony. The roasting is performed in a kind of reverbera- tory furnace, with which a very long chimney is connected, lying in a horizontal direction. The arsenous acid is condensed in it in the form of a loose grey powder, which, by a second sublimation with a little potass, and in a great degree of heat, coalesces into a firm vitreous sublimate, which gradually becomes opaque by exposure to the air. In this state it is the white arsenic of commerce, or, as it should be termed, the arsenous acid. For internal use, the lumps of a shining appearance and dazzling whiteness should be chosen; but it is generally offered for sale in the form of powder, which is very often mixed with chalk or gypsum. The fraud is easily detected by exposing it to heat. The arsenous acid is entirely sublimed, and the additions remain behind. As this substance is one of the most virulent poisons, we shall give a full account of its properties. It is white, compact, brittle, and of a glassy appearance. Its taste is sweetish, but acrid, and slow in mani- festing itself. Its specific gravity 3.706. It sublimes entirely when ex- posed to 283° Fahrenheit. When the operation is performed in close vessels, the arsenous acid assumes a glassy appearance, which it soon loses on exposure to the air. Its specific gravity now becomes 5.000. A.—Arsenicum: 107 It consists of 75 of arsenic, and 25 of oxygen. In open vessels it sub- limes in dense white fumes, smelling strongly of garlic. If a plate of copper be exposed to the fumes, it is whitened. Arsenous acid is so- luble in 80 parts of water at 60° and in 15 at 212°. This solution has an acrid taste, and reddens vegetable blues. It is also soluble in 80 parts of boiling alcohol. From either solution it may be obtained re- gularly crystallized in tetrahedrons. From its solutions a white pre- cipitate is thrown down by lime-water, a yellow precipitate by sul- phureted hydrogen, or water impregnated with it, or by any alkaline sulphuret or hydro-sulphuret, and, still more characteristically, a fine green precipitate by a solution of sulphat of copper, and a copious yellow precipitate by a solution of nitrat of silver. But as the addition of an alkali, in order to saturate the acid, is necessary to the success of these metallic tests, the liquid ammoniarets of copper and of silver are preferable, and indeed the best fluid tests we possess. Mixed with a little sulphur, it sublimes of an orange or red colour. When treated with nitric acid, the arsenous acid is converted into arsenic acid. But by far the surest test of the presence of arsenic, is its reduction by carbonaceous substances. With this view, a small quantity of any suspected substance may be mixed with some carbonaceous or fatty or oily matter, and introduced within a tube closed at the bottom, and exposed to a red heat; if arsenic be present in any state, it will be sublimed in the form of brilliant metallic scales. By means of a small tube and a blowpipe, a very small quantity may be delected in this way. If arsenic be reduced between copper plates, or in contact with copper-filings, it whitens them, and, lastly, the fumes of reduced arsenic have a strong alliaceous smell. Arsenous acid is used by the dyers; as a flux in glass-making, in docimastic works, and in some glazes. Arsenous sulphuretsare much used by painters, but these advantages are not able to compensate for its bad eftects. In mines, it causes the destruction of numbers who explore them; being very volatile, it forms a dust, which affects and destroys the lungs, and the unhappy miners, after a languishing life of a few years, all perish sooner or later. The property which it pos- sesses of being soluble in water, increases and facilitates its destruc- tive power; and it ought to be proscribed in commerce, by the strict law which prohibits the sale of poisons to unknown persons.* Arse- nous acid is every day the instrument by which victims are sacrificed, either by the hand of wickedness or imprudence. It is often mistaken for sugar; and these mistakes are attended with the most dreadful consequences. The symptoms which characterize this poison are, a great constriction of the throat, the teeth set on edge, and the mouth strongly heated, an involuntary spitting, with extreme pains in the stomach, vomiting of glareous and bloody matter, with cold sweats and convulsions. , On dissection, the stomach and bowels are found to be inflamed, gangrenous and corroded, and the blood is fluid. Soon after death, ♦ It appears to be a very useless provision of the law to prohibit the sale of arsenic or other poisonous substances; a person intent on suicide, or on the destruction of others, can never be at a loss for means to carry his designs into execution, even if he is shut out from obtaining the poison above adverted to. 108 Materia Medica. livid spots appear on the surface of the body, the nails become blue, and often fall off along with the hair, the epidermis separates, and the whole body becomes very speedily putrid When the quantity is so very small as not to prove fatal, tremors, palsies, and lingering hectics succeed. Mucilaginous drinks have been long ago given to persons poisoned by arsenic. Milk, fat, oils, and butter, have been successively em- ployed. Mr. Navier has proposed a more direct counterpoison. He prescribes one drachm of sulphuret of potass to be dissolved in a pint of water, which the patient is directed to drink at several draughts: the sulphur unites to the arsenic, and destroys its causticity and effects. When the first symptoms are alleviated, he advises the use of sulphurous mineral waters He likewise approves the use of milk, but condemns oils. Vinegar which dissolves arsenic, has been recom- mended by M. Sage, but upon what grounds we know not. According to Hahneman a solution of soap is the best remedy. One pound of soap may be dissolved in four pounds of water, and a cupful of this solution may be drunk lukewarm every three or four minutes. The experiments however, detailed by Orfila in his treatise on poisons, seem to evince that little confidence is to be placed in the above treatment; and indeed unless the arsenic is discharged from the stomach, the only change ensuing is the formation of a sulphuret of arsenic in place of the oxyd, but which is also a poison of great activity. It has been of late asserted by Mr. Bertrand that charcoal was capable of arresting the deleterious action of both arsenic and corrosive sublimate: but this is fully disproved by the experiments of Orfila on the subject. See his Toxicology, Vol. I. p. 497, &x. Medical use.—Notwithstanding, however, the very violent effects of arsenous acid, it has been employed in the cure of diseases, both as applied externally, and as taken internally. Externally it has been chiefly employed in cases of cancer. Justamond used an ointment composed of four grains of white* oxyd of arsenic, ten grains of opium, and a drachm of cerate, and spread very thin upon linen. But its action is tedious. He also fumi- gated cancerous sores with sulphuret of arsenic, with a view to destroy their intolerable fetor, with great success. Le Febure washed cancerous sores frequently in the course of the day, with a solution of four grains of arsenous acid in two pounds of water. Arneman re- commends an ointment of one drachm of arsenous acid, the same quantity of sulpliur, an ounce of distilled vinegar, and an ounce of ointment of white oxyd of lead, in cancerous, and obstinate, ill-con- ditioned sores, and in suppurated scrofulous glands. The arsenous acid has even been applied in substance, sprinkled upon the ulcer. But this mode of using it is excessively painful, and extremely dan- gerous. There have been even fatal effects produced from its absorp- tion * The principal thing lo be attended to in arsenical applications, is * It appears by experiments of Brodie and others, that it is even more fatal when externally applied to a wounded surface, than when taken into the stomach. A.—Arsenicum. 109 to diminish their activity to a certain degree. They then cause little irritation or pain, but rather excite a gentle degree of inflammation, which causes the diseased parts to slough off; and it has the peculiar advantage of not extending its^operation laterally. No other escharotic possesses equal powers in cancerous affec- tions; but unfortunately its good effects often do not go beyond a certain length, and if in some cases it effects a cure, in others it must be allowed it does harm. While it has occasioned very considerable pain, it has given the parts no disposition to heal, the progress of the ulceration becoming even more rapid than before. Arsenical preparations have been also used internally. ARSENIAS KALI. Dub. Arseniat of Kali. Take of White oxyd of arsenic, Nitrat of kali, of each one ounce. Reduce them separately to powder; and, after mixing them, introduce them into a glass retort, placed in a sand bath, which is to be gra- dually heated, until the bottom of the retort becomes obscurely red. It is of advantage to transmit the vapours issuing from the retort, by means of a proper apparatus, through distilled water, that the nitrous acid extricated by the heat may be condensed. Dissolve the residuum in four pounds of boiling distilled water; and, after due evaporation, set it aside to crystallize. The use of this medicine in the cure of diseases has been lately extended to certain cases of protracted rheumatism, where the vital powers are much diminished, and the ends of the bones, periosteum, capsules, and ligaments, affected. It has been thus used for some time in Dumfries-shire, and has lately been recommended to further trials by Dr. Bardsley. The dose he uses is five drops of Fowler's solution (arsenite of potass) three limes a day. Arsenic may be exhibited in the form, 1. Of arsenous acid dissolved in distilled water, in the propor- tion of four grains to a pint. A table spoonful of this solution, mixed with an equal quantity of milk, and a little syrup of poppies, is directed to be taken every morning fasting, and the frequency of the dose gradually increased until six table-spoon- fuls be taken daily. M. Le Febure's method of curing cancer. 2. Of arsenite of potass. Sixty-four grains of arsenous acid, with an equal quantity of carbonat of potass, are to be boiled to- gether until the arsenous acid is dissolved, when as much water is to be added as will increase the solution to one pound. Of this, from two to twelve drops may be given once, twice, or oftener, in the course of a day. Dr. Fowler's method of curing intermittent fever.* * Arsenic has been highly spoken of by some practitioners of the United States in the cure of Tetanus.—It has been given in the form of pills and of Fowler's solution. 110 Materia Medica. 3. Qf arseniat of potass. Mix well together equal quantities of nitrat of potass, and of pure arsenous acid; put them into a retort, and distil it first with a gentle heat, but afterwards with so strong a heat as to redden the bottom of the retort. In this process the nitric acid is rjartly decomposed, and passes over into the receiver in the state of nitrous acid. The arse- nous acid is at the same time converted into arsenic acid, and combines with the potass. The product, which is arseniat of potass, is found in the bottom of the retort, which may be ob- tained in the form of crystals of a prismatic figure, by dissolv- ing it in distilled water, filtering the solution through paper, evaporating and cystallizing. Mr. Macquer. 4. Arsenous acid, in substance, to the extent of an eighth of a grain for a dose, combined with a little of the flowers of sul- phur, has been said to be employed internally in some very obstinate cases of cutaneous diseases, and with the best effect. 5. Combined with six times its Aveight of black pepper, it is given by the native physicians in the East Indies for the cure of the Persian fire (syphilis), and a species of elephantiasis, called juzam. The internal use of arsenic has been lately much extended, in con- sequence of the observations of Dr. Fowler, Mr. Jenkinson, Dr. Bardsley, Dr. Kellie, Mr. Hill, Sec. Before Dr. Fowler wrote, it was indeed in use empirically, for the cure of cancers, and even as a po- pular remedy, in various countries; as in the East Indies, against cutaneous affections; and in the fens of Hungary and Lincolnshire, against the ague. But Dr. Fowler first, by that inductive method of ascertaining its effects which he so successfully practised, recom- mended it to the notice of regular practitioners. He confined himself to the advantages derived from it in periodical diseases; and Mr. Jenkinson has, more recently, extended the use of it to certain pain- ful affections of the bones, cases of " very long standing, attended with great debility, and local affections, not of the muscles and inte- guments, but of the ends of the bones, cartilages, or ligaments, or of all three together." He thinks it hurtful in recent affections, except where there are regular intermissions, and in the disease described by Dr. Haygarth, under the title of nodosity of the joints. For a com- plete list of the diseases in which it has been tried, Mr. Hill's paper in the Edinburgh Medical Journal may be consulted. The great difficulty attending the exhibition of so very active a remedy, is regulating the dose so as to produce the full effect, with- out carrying it farther than is absolutely necessary. Dr. Kellie has ac- curately pointed out the precautions to be observed with this view. He always gives arsenic immediately after meals, under the idea that it will be less apt to affect the stomach when full than when empty. " From all I have observed, I have little apprehension of risk in a guarded and judicious use of the arsenical solution. It will al- ways be proper to begin with the smallest doses, in order to ascer- tain how it agrees with the stomach. Having suited the dose to this, the feeling of swelling and stiffness of the palpebrae and face, heat, A.—Artemisia. Ill soreness, and itching of the tarsi, or tenderness of the mouth, are proofs that the medicine is exerting its specific effects on the con- stitution; that the dose has been carried to a sufficient length; and that it is time to decrease the dose, and attentively to watch its fu- ture effects. On the appearance of erythema, or salivation, it is time to interrupt altogether, for a while, the exhibition of arsenic; if ne- cessary, it may be resumed when these symptoms have vanished. If pain of the stomach, nausea, or vomiting supervene; if the head be af- fected with pain or vertigo; or should a cough, with any signs of ir- ritation of the pulmonary organs, be observed, the use of arsenic should be totally and for ever abandoned." ARTEMISIA. Willd.g. 1743. Syngenesia Polygamia superfiua.—Nat. ord, Composita discoidea. ARTEMISIA ABROTANUM. Abrotanum. Folium. D. Southernwood. The leaves. This is a perennial shrub, which grows readily in our gardens, though a native of the south of Europe. Southernwood has a strong smell, which, to most people is not disagreeable; it has a pungent, bitter, and somewhat nauseous taste, These qualities are very completely extracted by alcohol, and the tincture is of a beautiful green colour. They are less perfectly ex- tracted by watery liquors, the infusion being of a light brown colour. Medical use.—Southernwood, as well as other species of the same genus, particularly the absinthium and santonica, has been recom- mended as an anthelmintic, and it has also been sometimes used as a stimulant, detergent, and sudorific. Externally, it has been employ- ed in discutient and antiseptic fomentations; and under the form of lotion and ointment for cutaneous eruptions, and for preventing the hair from falling off. But it is at present very rarely used in any way. Officinal Preparation. Decoctum pro fomento, L. - vide Decocta. ARTEMISIA MARITIMA. Absyntiiium Maritimum. Cacumina. D. Sp. 42. Sea Wormwood. The Tops. This species of artemisia is perennial and herbaceous. It grows wild in salt marshes, and in several parts about the sea-coasts. In taste and smell it is weaker and less unpleasant than the common wormwood, and is now almost rejected from practice. Officinal Preparations. Decoctum pro fomento, L. - vide Decocta. Conserva Absinthii Maritimaj L. - Conserva. 112 Materia Medica. ARTEMISIA SANTONICA. Cacumen. Ed. D. Wormsced. Semina. The tops. The seeds. All the British colleges have given this species as the plant which produces these seeds, but it is by no means ascertained. They have been ascribed by different writers to other species of the same ge- nus, the Judaica, the Contra, and the Austriaca, and are even said by Saunders to be the produce of u species of Chenopodium. The seeds themselves are small, oblong, smooth, and of a green- ish or greyish yellow colour. As the whole head is gathered after the seeds are ripe, they are mixed with the scales of the calices and bits of stalks. Their taste is bitter, and somewhat acrid; their smell strong and disagreeable. Those which come from Aleppo are es- teemed the best, and those from Barbary the worst. When they have no smell, and a less intensely bitter taste, and are discoloured, and mixed with a longer kind of seed, they are to be rejected. They are also adulterated with the seeds of tansy and wormwood. The latter are easily known, by having a light yellow colour, and resembling powdered hay more than seeds. Neumann obtained from 480 parts, 213 of alcoholic extract, and 110 watery, and inversely 260 watery, and 28 alcoholic. It gave a slight flavour to water distilled from it, but no oil. Medical use. Wormseed now rejected by the London College, is one of the oldest and most common anthelmintics, especially in the himbrici of children. On account of their essential oil, they are heat- ing and stimulating. They are given to children 1. In substance, to the extent of ten grains, or half a drachm, finely powdered, and strewed on bread and butter; or made into an electuary with honey or treacle; or candied with sugar; or diffused through milk, and taken in the morning when the stomach is empty. 2. In infusion or decoction, but to these forms their bitterness is a strong objection. After they have been used for some days, it is customary to give a cathartic, or they are combined from the beginning with rhubarb, jalap, calomel, sulphat of iron, or muriat of ammonia. ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM. Folia et summitatesflorentes. E.L.D.. Sp. 63. Common wormwood. The herb, leaves, and flowering heads. This perennial herb grows by the road-sides and on rubbish in many parts of Britain; and about London it is cultivated for medical use. Its smell is strong and disagreeable; its taste intensely hiiter. Its active constituents are bitter extractive and essential oil. It is used in stomach complaints, and is of great service to hypochondrists. It is also employed in intermittent fevers, in cachectic and hydropic affections, in jaundice, and against worms. Many persons cannot suf- fer the disagreeable smell of wormwood, which is apt to occasion headach, but it may be freed from it in a great measure by decoction, A.—Arum Araericanum. 113 The extract is a pure and simple bitter. The essential oil is of a dark green colour, and contains the whole flavour of the plant. It is sti- mulating, and is supposed to be a powerful antispasmodic and anthel- mintic. It was formerly much used for the preparation of medicated wines and ales. ARUM AMERICANUM. Cates. Draconitum Fyetidum. Linn. Scunk Cabbage. The root and seeds. This singular plant abounds in the swamps and meadows through- out New-England, and is found native in North America only. The vulgar name by which it is here generally known is taken from its very rank, and disagreeable smell, nearly resembling that of a scunk, or pole cat, and from its leaves resembling those of the cabbage. It is considered as a species of arum; the roots and seeds when fresh, im- part to the mouth a sensation of pungency and acrimony. But accord- ing to Dr. Cutler the fructification so essentially differs from all the genera of the order, it must undoubtedly be considered as a new ge- nus. This plant has no stem, and the flower is the first part that ap- pears in April and May. The leaves next appear at a small distance from the flower stalk in a conic form, very closely rolled together, expanding nearly ovate as they rise, supported on foot stalks. The calix consists of a very large, permanent spatha, of a thick porous substance, approaching to an ovate form; open on one side and bel- lied out on the opposite; the margin auriculated at the base, and some- what twisted at the apex. The spadix within the spatha. The florets numerous, placed around the receptacle in an oval form; and are so compact as to appear like a solid body, thick set with small regular protuberances on its surface. Corolla four erect, very thick, narrow obtruncated petals. Stamen four flattish filaments rising from the re- ceptacle; longer than the corolla. Anthera oblong. Germcn convex. Style cylindrical; rather longer than the stamina. Stigma bifid. Seeds large, roundish; single; inclosed within the receptacle. The globe of flowers is nearly of the colour of the spatha, which is beautifully va- riegated with scarlet and yellow. This valuable domestic article is found to be well deserving of a place in our Materia Medica, and may be ranked high in the class of antispasmodics. The roots dried and powdered have proved of ex- cellent use in asthmatic cases, and often afforded relief in this dis- tressing disease when other means were ineffectual. It should be ex- hibited during the paroxysm, and repeated as circumstances may re- quire, in doses of thirty or forty grains. It will be proper to perse- vere in the use of it for some time after the paroxysm has gone off, or till the patient is perfectly recovered, which is said to have been the method pursued by the Indians for the cure of this disease. The Rev. Dr. Cutler has announced his opinion of its efficacy as experi- enced in his own particular case after other remedies had disap- pointed his expectations. The antispasmodic powders of the scunk cabbage root have been displayed when prescribed in other diseases, P 114 Materia Medica. In one of the most violent hysteric cases I ever met with, says a cor- respondent, where the usual antispasmodics and even musk had fail- ed, two tea-spoons full of the powdered root in spirits and water pro- cured immediate relief, and on repeating the trials with the same patient, it afforded more lasting benefit than any other medicine. In those spasms frequently affecting the abdominal muscles in parturi- tion, he adds, it produces the desired effect in doses of one tea-spoon full repeated occasionally. In numerous other instances of spasmodic affection, and also in chronic and acute rheumatism, this root either in powder or decoction has evinced its efficacy, and performed im- portant cures. Two instances have been stated in which this medi- cine has been supposed to be remarkably efficacious in the case of dropsy; two tea-spoons full of the powdered root being taken every morning successively till the cure was effected. The seeds of this plant are said by some to afford more relief in asthmatic cases than the root. A caution is suggested by Dr. Cutler, that in collecting the roots, the white hellebore or poke root, which some people call scunk weed, be not mistaken for this plant, as the consequence might be fatal. There is an obvious distinction; the hellebore has a stalk, but the scunk cabbage has none; and the roots of the latter are much larger than those of the former. ARUM MACULATUM. D. Radix Recens. Wake-robin, Cuckow Pint or Dragon root. The recent root and leaves. Willd.g. 1705, sp. 17. Smith, g. 402, sp. 1. Monacia Polyandria__ Nat. ord. Piperita. This is a perennial, solid, bulbous-rooted plant, which grows wild in shady situations, and by the sides of banks, in many parts of Britain. The root is knotty, roundish and white. When collected in spring before the leaves shoot, or in autumn after flowering, it contains a milky juice of very great acrimony. Applied to the tongue, it causes a burning heat, which last for many hours, and excites considerable thirst. These disagreeable symptoms may be relieved by butter-milk or oily fluids. Rubbed between the fingers, it blisters and excoriates them; it is therefore a corrosive vegetable poison. In the state of dry powder, it is perfectly inert, but the roots may be preserved fresh for a year by burying them in a cellar in sand. It is also rendered perfectly mild by frequent washing with water. Its acrimony is therefore easily destructible; and as it does not arise from the pre- sence of an essential oil, it depends upon a vegetable principle, dif- ferent from all others, and not well understood.* It does not rise in distillation either with alcohol or with water, and is not contained in * Acrid principle, soluble in alcohol, water, acids and alkalies, rises in distil- lation, and is with water and alcohol, volatile, not neutralized by alkalies or acids. J A.—Arum Triphyllum. 115 its extract, although the root is thereby deprived of it. Neumann obtained from 480 of the dry root 20 of alcoholic extract, and about 180 watery. The former had some slight pungency, and the latter none. Medical use.—Arum is doubtless a very powerful stimulant, and by promoting the secretions, may be advantageously employed in cachectic and chlorotic cases, in rheumatic affections, and other com* plaints of phlegmatic and torpid constitutions; but particularly in a relaxed state of the stomach, occasioned by a prevalence of viscid mucus. In chronic rheumatism, and other disorders requiring the full effect of this medicine, great care should be taken, that the root be fresh and newly dried; and to cover its intolerable pungency, Dr. Lewis advises it to be administered in the form of emulsion, with gum arabic and spermaceti, increasing the dose from ten grains to upwards of a scruple two or three times in a day. In the recent root, the degree of acrimony is so very uncertain, and often so excessive, that its effects, as at} internal remedy, cannot be depended on. The dried root is perfectly inert, so much so, that the French prepare from it the harmless but high-priced cosmetic, called Cypress powder; but the fresh root may be kept in a state fit for medical use for a year, by burying it in a cellar in sand. It is given in chlorotic cachectic cases, and in a relaxed state of the stomach supposed to arise from an accumulation of phlegm, and in some rheumatic affections, in the dose of ten or fifteen grains, three times a-day, in the form of a conserve or bolus. Officinal Preparation. Conserva Ari, L. - vide Conserva. ARUM TRIPHYLLUM. Indian Turnip. The acrimony of the recent root of this plant is well known. By drying, much of this is lost. It has been very beneficial in asthma, especially in old people—in the croup and hooping cough. The re- cent root boiled in lard to the consistence of an ointment has been found useful in tinea capitis. The fresh root, boiled in milk, has been advantageously employed in consumption. Dr. Mease recommends the following as the best form for exhibiting it. " Grate one dried root, and boil it in a half a pint of milk." Some acrimony should be perceptible to the tongue and throat in its exhibition. He says, it never affects the general circulation, but acts solely on the parts just named; to the glands of which it is a powerful stimulus, causing a co- pious secretion of mucus. A fine sago has been prepared from the root in the proportion of one part, to four of the root, freed from its exterior coat.* • See Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 21, 49. Part II. p. 29. Philadelphia Me- dical and Physical Journal, Vol. II. p. 84. Philadelphia Medical Museum, Vol. II. p. 162. 116 Materia Medica. ASARUM EUROPjEUM. E. L. D. Asarabacca. Folia. The leaves. Willd.g. 925. sp. 1. Smith, g. 222. sp. 1.—Dodecandria Monogynia. Nat. ord. Sarmentacea. This is a perennial plant, which is a native of some places of Eng- land, although the dried roots are generally brought from the Levant. It grows in moist and shady situations. It produces only two leaves, which are uniform and very obtuse. The root is fibrous, of a grey brown colour externally, but white within. Both the roots and leaves have a nauseous, bitter, acrimonious, hot taste; their smell is strong, and not very disagreeable. In its analysis, it is said by Neumann to agree with ipecacuanha, but it seems to contain, besides its odorous principle, which is proba- bly camphor, a portion of the same acrid principle which has been noticed when speaking of arum. Upon this its virtues depend; and as this principle is volatile, we find accordingly that asarabacca loses much of its activity by decoction and long keeping. Medical use.—Given in substance from half a drachm to a drachm, it evacuates powerfully both upwards and downwards. It is said, that tinctures made in spiritous menstrua possess both the emetic and cathartic virtues of the plant: that the extract obtained by inspissat- ing these tinctures acts only by vomiting, and with great mildness: that an infusion in water proves cathartic, rarely emetic: that aqueous decoctions made by long boiling, and the watery extract, have no purgative or emetic quality, but prove good diaphoretics, diuretics, and emmenagogues. The principal use of this plant is as a sternutatory. The root of asarum is perhaps the strongest of all the vegetable errhines, white hellebore itself not excepted. Snuffed up the nose, in the quantity of a grain or two, it occasions a large evacuation of mucus, and raises a plentiful spitting. The leaves are considerably milder, and may be used to the quantity of three, four, or five grains. Geoffroy relates, that after snuffing up a dose of this errhine at night, he has fre- quently observed the discharge from the nose to continue for three days together; and that he has known a paralysis of the mouth and tongue cured by one dose. He recommends this medicine in stubborn disorders of the head, proceeding from viscid tenacious matter, in palsies, and in soporific distempers. Officinal Preparation. Pulvis Asari Compositus, E. L. D. - vide Pulveres. ASARUM CANADENSE. Wild Ginger. Coltsfoot. Doctor Barton says both the root and leaves may be used. The expressed juice of the fresh leaves is a powerful emetic. The leaves are errhine.* * Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 26. A.—Asclepias Decumbens. 117 ASCLEPIAS DECUMBENS. Pleurisy-root. Flux-root. Butterfly-weed, isfc. The root. This species of swallow-wort is one of our most beautiful perennial plants, flourishing best in a light sandy soil, by the way side, under fences, and near old stumps in rye fields, &c. It abounds in the south- ern states. There are sometimes fifteen or twenty, or more stalks, the size of a pipe stem, proceeding from one root, rising from one to two feet in height, and spreading to a considerable extent, generally in a decumbent position. The stalks are round and woolly, of a red- dish brown colour on the sun side; the leaves stand irregularly, and are spear, or tongue shaped, with a short foot stalk, and covered with a fine down on the under surface. The umbels are compact at the ex- tremities of the branches, and formed like the common silkweed, but differing from it in the colour of the flowers, being of a beautiful bright orange colour, while those of the silkweed are of a pale pur- plish hue. The flowers appear in July and August, and are distin- guished by their size and biilliancy from all the flowers of the field. These are succeeded by long slender pods, containing the seeds, which have a delicate kind of silk attached to them. This is probably the only variety of asclepias that is destitute of a milky juice. The root is spindle, or carrot shaped, of a light brownish colour on the outer surface, white, coarse and striated within. The root of this plant is a valuable addition to our Materia Medica, having been found to possess medicinal virtues of no inconsiderable importance. It has been long celebrated in Virginia and the Carolinas, as a remedy in pleuri- sy, and in pneumonic affections in general. It is said to display a re- markable power of affecting the skin, inducing general and plentiful perspiration without heating the body. In the form of decoction it often induces a diaphoresis when other medicines have failed to pro- duce that effect. We have the testimony of Professor Barton in favour of the great efficacy of this medicine in pulmonic affections. He cor- roborates the account published by Mr. Thompson Mason, of Vir- ginia, whose experience of its virtues in pleurisy has been so exten- sive as to establish its reputation. After the use of an antimonial emetic and the loss of some blood, he gives his patients about half a drachm of the root finely powdered in a cup of warm water, and re- peats the dose every two hours until the patient is perfectly recover- ed, which happens frequently in three days. Mr. Mason asserts that by those simple means he has cured hundreds, and never failed in a single instance. The powdered root frequently acts as a mild purga- tive, but it is particularly valuable for its virtues as an expectorant, diaphoretic, and febrifuge, and in this respect its efficacy is amply confirmed by the testimony of Dr. Benjamin Parker, of Bradford, Massachusetts, from his own observation during an extensive prac- tice of many years in Virginia. From the successful employment of the pleurisy root for twenty-five years, this respectable physician has imbibed such confidence, that he extols it as possessing the peculiar, and almost specific quality of acting on the organs of respiration, powerfully promoting suppressed expectoration, and thereby reliev- ing the breathing of pleuritic patients in the most advanced stage of 118 Materia Medica. the disease; and in pneumonic fevers, recent colds, catarrhs and dis- eases of the breast in general, this remedy has in his hands proved equally efficacious. He directs it to be given in the form of strong in- fusion, a tea-cup full every two or three hours. By many families in the country this root has long been esteemed as a domestic medicine, resorted to for the relief of pains of the stomach from flatulence and indigestion, hence the vulgar name of wind root, by which it is known in some parts of the country, and from its colour it is by some called white root. It is said that by a preseverance for several weeks in the use of about one drachm of the powdered root every day, the lost tone of the stomach and digestive powers has been restored. This plant is well deserving a place in every garden, its ornamental appearance and medicinal utility, will richly compensate the cultiva- tor. Other species of swallow-wort, it is highly probable, as suggested by Professor Barton, will be found on trial to possess medicinal vir- tues, and they ought to arrest the attention of physicians in the coun- try, until they become familiarized to the specific character, and properties of this valuable class of American plants. Dr. Cutler describes another species, asclepias syriaca, or common silkweed, often called also milkweed, from its abundance of milky juice. The leaves are spear or tongue shaped, larger than the pre- ceding, and in August its aggregate, reddish, or purple blossoms, are exhibited at the extremities of the branches, and axilla; of the leaves. The seeds are contained in large oblong pods, and are crowd- ed with down extremely fine and soft, resembling silk, which has oc- casioned the name of silkweed. This substance has been mixed with cotton and spun into candle-wicks. The stalk of this species is from three to six feet high, the leaves large, standing on short foot stalks. A milky juice exudes from the stems or leaves when broken. The root, as soon as it penetrates the earth, shoots off horizontally, and often sends out other stalks. The large roots are cortical and ligne- ous. It abounds near fences on the road side in all parts of the coun- try. Dr. Abijah Richardson, of Medway, Massachusetts, has been in- duced to try the effects of this species. He gave the cortical part of the root in powder, one drachm in a day, in divided doses, and also in strong infusion. An asthmatic patient was much benefited by its use. In one case of typhus fever with catarrhal affection of the throat and branchiae, it rendered the expectoration more copious, and the matter thicker and more digested. In both cases it had an ano- dyne effect, the patients were relieved from pain, from dyspnoea and cough, and expectoration became easier and sleep more refreshing. ASSA FCETIDA. vide Ferula. A.—Astragalus Tragacantha. 119 ASTRAGALUS TRAGACANTHA. Gummi. Ed. D. Astragalus Verus. L. Gum-Tragacanth. Goats-thorn. Willd.g. 1379. sp. 154. Diadelphia Decandria.—Nat. ord. Papi- lionacea. Tragacanth is opaque and white, not sweetish, very sparingly soluble in water, but absorbing and forming a paste with a large quan- tity. Its solution is adhesive, but cannot be drawn out into threads. It moulds readily and acquires a fetid smell. It is precipitated by nitrat of mercury. It is insoluble in alcohol, and seems to contain more ni- trogen and lime than gum does. Gum-Tragacanth is the produce of a very thorny shrub, which grows on the island of Candia, and other places in the Levant. Ac- cording to Olivier (Travels, 5th vol.) it is the produce of a species of astragalus not before known; he describes it under the name of a«- tragalus verus. It grows in the north of Persia. His words are, " This gummy substance is formed from the month of July to the end of September, on the trunks of several species of Astragalus, which grow in Natolia, Armenia, Curdistan, and all the north of Per- sia. Tournefort has described one of these, which also furnishes tra- gacanth, which he found on Mount Ida in Crete; and La Billardiere has described and figured another which he saw in Syria. The As- tragalus, which appears to us the most common, and that from which almost all the Tragacanth of commerce is derived, has not been de- scribed by any botanist. It differs essentially from the two species which we have mentioned, in its habits and its flowers." In a note upon the description, which it is unnecessary to insert, he charac- terises it as " Astragalus verus, fruticosus, foliolis villosis, setaceis, subulatis; floribus auxillaribus, aggregatis, luteis." After finishing the description, he continues, " Tragacanth exudes naturally, either from wounds made in the shrub by animals, or from fissures occasioned by the force of the succus proprius, during the great heats of summer. According as the juice is more or less abundant, tragacanth exudes in tortuous filaments, which sometimes assume the form of a small worm, or of a pretty thick worm, elongated, rounded, or compressed, rolled up upon itself, or twisted. The finest and purest tragacanth assumes this form. It is almost transparent, whitish, or of a yellowish white. It also exudes in large tears, which preserve more or less of the vermicular form. This is more of a reddish colour, and more contaminated with impurities. It sometimes adheres so strongly to the bark, as to bring part of it with it in gathering it. The quantity of tragacanth furnished by Persia is very considerable. Much is con- sumed in that country in the manufacture of silk, and the preparation of comfits. It is exported to India, Bagdad, and Bussorah. Russia also gets some by the way of Bakou." About the end of June a fluid exudes from the stem and larger branches, which dries in the sun, and is collected by the shepherds, on mount Ida, from whence it is sent to Europe, under the title of Tragacanth. It consists of whitish semi-transparent vermiform pieces, scarcely a line in thickness, without taste or smell 120 Materia Medica. There is also a dirty yellow, or brownish kind, which is not fit for medical purposes. Tragacanth is difficultly pulverizable, unless when thoroughly dri- ed, and the mortar headed, or in frost. According to Neumann, it gives nothing over in distillation, either to water or alcohol: alcohol dissolves only about 10 parts of 480, and water the whole. Lewis, however, more accurately observes, that it cannot be properly said to be dissolved, for, put into water, it absorbs a large proportion of that fluid, increasing immensely in volume, and forming with it a soft, but not fluid, mucilage; and although it is easily diffused through a larger proportion of water, after standing a day or two, the mucilage subsides again, the supernatant fluid retaining little of the gum. Besides these remarkable differences from gum arabic in regard to brittleness, insolubility, and the quantity of water which it thick- ens; tragacanth is not precipitated by silicized potass, and is precipi- tated by sulphat of copper and acetat of lead. In pharmacy it is employed for forming powders into troches, and rendering tough cohesive substances, such as colocynth, pulverizable by beating them with mucilage of tragacanth, and then drying the mass. For electuaries it is improper, as it renders them slimy on keeping. Officinal Preparations. Pulvis Tragacanthae compositus, L. - vide Pulveres. Cerussae compositus, L. - Idem. Mucilago Astragali Tragacanthae, E. L. D. - Muci/agines. Trochisci Glycyrrhizae, L. D. - - Trochisci. Nitri, L. - - - Idem. ATROPA BELLADONNA. Folia. Ed. L. D. Deadly Nightshade. Folia. The leaves. Willd.g. 381. sp. 2. Smith g. 100. sp. 1.—Pentandria Monogynia.— Nat. ord. Solanacea. The deadly Nightshade is a perennial plant, with an herbaceous stem, which is indigenous both in mountainous and woody situations in Great Britain, and is often cultivated in gardens. The whole plant is poisonous, and the berries, from their beautiful appearance, have sometimes proved fatal to children. The symptoms excited, are, a dryness of the mouth; a trembling of the tongue; a very distressing thirst; a difficulty of swallowing; fruitless efforts to vomit; and great anxiety about the praecordia. Delirium then comes on, with gnashing of the teeth and convulsions. The pupil remains dilated, and is not sensible even to the stimulus of light. The face becomes tumid, and of a dark red colour. The jaws are frequently locked. Inflammation attacks the oesophagus, stomach, and intestines, sometimes extending to the mesentery, lungs and liver, accompanied with violent pains in the abdomen. The stomach is very insensible to stimulus, and the peristaltic motion of the intestines is destroyed. General relaxation, A.—Atropa Belladonna. 121 palsy, especially of the lower extremities, convulsions, vertigo, blind- ness, coma, and death, succeed. The body soon putrefies, swells, and becomes marked with livid spots; blood flows from the nose, mouth and ears, and the stench is insufferable. On dissection, the blood is found to be fluid, the intestines are inflated and inflamed, or eroded and gangrenous. The best method of cure is to excite vomiting as soon as possible, by emetics and tickling the fauces; to evacuate the bowels by purgatives and clysters; and to give, largely, vinegar, honey, milk, and oil. In some children who recovered by this treatment, the delirium was succeeded by profound sopor, accompanied with sub- suit us tendinum; the face and hands became pale and cold, and the pulse small, hard and quick. Their recovery was slow, and the blind- ness continued a considerable time, but at last went off. By distillation in the vapour bath, Geoffroy procured from the re- cent leaves a slightly acrid liquor, and the residuum by destructive distillation yielded a suitable quantity of carbonat of ammonia. Medical use.—Yet this virulent poison, under proper management, may become an excellent remedy. Besides a very remarkable narcotic power, it possesses considerable influence in promoting all the ex- cretions, particularly by sweat, urine, and it is also said by saliva; but its exhibition requires the greatest caution; for it is apt, when con- tinued for any length of time, even in small doses, to cause dryness and tension of the throat and neighbouring parts, vertigo, dimness of sight, and even temporary blindness. When any of these symptoms occur, its use must be suspended for some time, and afterwards re- sumed in smaller doses. Deadly nightshade has been exhibited, 1. In several febrile diseases; in obstinate intermittents; and in the plague. 3. In inflammations; the gout. 3. In comatose diseases; in palsy and loss of speech from apo- plexy. 4. In spasmodic diseases; in chorea; epilepsy; chincough; hydro- phobia; melancholy, and mania. 5. In cachectic affections; in dropsies and obstinate jaundice. 6. In local diseases; in amaurosis; in ophthalmia; in scirrhus, and cancer. Deadly nightshade is best exhibited in substance, beginning with a very small dose of the powdered leaves or root, such as the fourth or eighth part of a grain for children, and one grain for adults, to be repeated daily, and gradually increased. In hydrophobia, Munch gave the powdered root every second morning, to the extent of from one to five grains to children, and fourteen or fifteen grains to adults. The watery infusion is also a powerful remedy. One scruple of the dried leaves are infused in ten ounces of warm water, and strained after cooling. At first, two ounces of this may be given daily to adults, and gradually increased, until the tension of the throat shows that it would be imprudent to go farther. The watery extract is not a judicious preparation, Q 122 Materia Medica. Externally, the powdered leaves are applied as a narcotic to dimi- nish pain, and to cancerous and ill-conditioned sores. From its effect in permanently dilating the pupil, Professor Reimarus proposed, and tried with success, the dropping a little of the infusion into the eye, a few hours before performing the operation for the cataract, with the view of facilitating the operation. Officinal Preparation. Succus spissatus Atropse Belladonna, E. vide Succus Spissati. AURUM. Gold. Gold is of a brilliant yellow colour, insipid, and inodorous; specific gravity between 19.258 and 19.300; soft and flexible; little elasticity or sonorousness; so ductile, that its surface may be extended more than 650,000 times; of very great tenacity; easily hammer hardened; a good conductor of caloric, eleotricity, and galvanism; fusing at 32° of Wedgwood; brittle when cooled too quickly; crystallizing in octo- hedrons; unalterable in the air; converted by a long and violent heat into a vitrified violet oxyd; oxydized and dispersed by electricity; soluble in alkaline sulphurets; rendered brittle by phosphorus, arse- nic, bismuth, tin, and antimony; less brittle by lead; soluble in mer- cury; hardened by zinc, copper, iron, steel, and silver; oxydizable, of a purple colour, and slightly soluble in nitrous acid; readily oxydized and dissolved by nitro-muriatic acid. Its oxyd is easily reduced by light and heat, colours glasses purple or topaz yellow, and forms a fulminating compound with ammonia. This metal was formerly supposed to possess medicinal properties, but its preparations were expunged from modern pharmacopoeias as being considered unfriendly to the human constitution, or devoid of efficacy as a remedy in disease. In a publication printed at Paris in 1811 by Dr. J. A. Chrestienof Montpellier, the medical faculty are again invited to investigate the properties of gold. The author proposes a preparation of this metal as a new remedy for the treatment of venereal and lymphatic disorders. His numerous experiments on the anti-syphilitic powers of the pre- parations of gold, have greatly elated his hopes, and rendered him so sanguine as to affirm, that their efficacy is equal if not superior to that of mercury; that they are capable of effecting a radical cure of the varied forms of this disease, without producing salivation, or any derangement of the functions of the body, and that no season, no temperament, and no complication of the disease can create any ob- stacle to their efficacy. Of the above assertion we are not left destitute of corroborative evidence. Doctors Seaman and Pascalis of New-York have experienced the anti-syphilitic virtues of the preparations of this metal, and their ob- servations, so far as they have extended, are in confirmation of the upinion of Dr. Chrestien. Gold may be employed, for this purpose, in the state—I. Of mi- A.—Aurura. 123 mite division. 2. Of oxyd. 3. Of oxyd in combination with ammonia. 4. Of oxyd in combination with oxyd of tin. 5. Of muriat. The first of these, denominated by the author, " Or devise," was prepared by forming an amalgam of gold and quicksilver, and after- wards withdrawing the latter by exposing the compound to the rays of the sun concentrated by a convex lens, to the heat of a fire, or to the action of nitric acid. The gold remained in the form of an impal- pable powder. The yellow oxyd of gold was obtained by precipitating it from its solution in nitro-muriatic acid by potash. The manner of effecting this he has not mentioned, and, as it will be seen below, there are some difficulties in the way of preparing it of an uniform strength. The oxyd precipitated from its solution by ammonia was soon laid aside from the danger of its spontaneous explosion. The compound oxyd of gold and tin, may be obtained by mixing the solutions of these metals, or by adding metallic tin in filings to a diluted solution of gold. He prefers the latter. The muriat of gold, says Dr. Chrestien, procured by evaporating the solution to dryness, was so deliquescent, and caustic, that I made but little use of it; but supposing a muriat with two bases might obvi- ate these inconveniences, I combined the muriat of soda with the solution of gold, and obtained the desired product. Numerous detailed cases are given in the subsequent part of his work on the effects of each of these preparations, in syphilis. They differ much from each other in activity, the oxyds producing more speedy effects than the powdered gold, and the muriat more power- ful action than the oxyds. They were all administered by friction on the tongue, cheeks, or gums. The or devise was thus prescribed to the extent of three grains in a day; the oxyd precipitated by potash in a dose of half a grain gradually augmented to two grains; the com- pound oxyd of tin and gold in rather smaller doses; and lastly, the muriat of gold in the quantity of from one-fifteenth to one-tenth of a grain. On account of the superior activity of the latter, he found it necessary to mix it with certain substances which were capable of diminishing its energy, without abstracting its oxygen. He employed for this purpose starch, charcoal, and painter's lac. From the variety of cases brought forward by the author, to prove the activity, and the anti-syphilitic virtues of gold, it appears that within a moderate time it cures chancres, warts, secondary ulcers, sore throats, and other forms of inveterate lues. This favourite reme- dy of Dr. Chrestien is said also to have effected important cures in cases of diseases of the uterus, of goitre, and other lymphatic dis- eases or obstructions. Gold, in a state of minute division, may be procured with facility, by pouring into a diluted solution of this metal a solution of green suU phat of iron; a brown or bluish brown powder will be precipitated, which is metallic gold minutely divided. The best proportions of the acids to dissolve this metal, according to Vauquelin are, two parts of muriatic to one of nitric acid. Potash and soda, and their carbonats, do not decompose the solution at common temperatures; they merely give it a deep red colour with a little turbidness. The red substance 124 Materia Medica. when dried has the appearance of dried blood. It has a styptic metal- lic taste, and is slightly soluble in water. It is inferred to be a com- pound of oxyd of gold with a minute portion of muriat of gold. To precipitate the greatest quantity of oxyd from its solution, by means of the alkalies, we must manage so that no useless acid shall remain in the solution, in order that less of the triple salt may be formed; this is effected by evaporation to dryness, very cautiously conducted, the product being again dissolved in distilled water. The compound oxyd of gold and tin, or the purple powder of Cas- sius, may be formed either by adding the solutions of tin and gold much diluted to each other, or by immersing metallic tin in a diluted solution of gold. It is so difficult properly to prepare the solution of tin, so as always to produce the same colour and the same relative proportions in the component parts of the precipitate, that the latter method is preferable; the neutral solution of gold being diluted with one hundred parts ot distilled water, and metallic tin being add- ed to it. The formation and preservation of the muriat of gold is a work of some difficulty. The evaporation of the solution must be very carefully conducted; for the affinity between this metal and oxygen is so slight, that a moderate degree of heat is sufficient to overcome it. When therefore the temperature is high, the muriat will be de- composed, part of the gold will appear in the form of purple oxyd, and part in its metallic state. When properly prepared, it has a strong attraction for moisture, it soon deliquesces, and becomes soft and even liquid. The preparations of this metal were administered by Dr. Chrestien, by friction; but if we reason from analogy, more positive effects might be supposed to follow from its being taken internally. No difficulty would be experienced in preparing the oxyd for this purpose; and the muriat might, with equal facility, be exhibited either by forming a triple muriat in the liquid form, or by dissolving the muriat of gold in a given portion of distilled water.—.Med. Repos Hex. 3. vol. 3. N. Eng. Med. Journal, No. 3. It may be very proper to state, that some reports are current, qf most of those cases said to be cured in New York, having been under the necessity of returning to the hospital, in consequence of the return of the syphilitic symptoms. Of this fact I know but little; yet it is my duty to mention it, for the purpose of enforcing attention to the subject, that we may as soon as possible be acquainted with the real value of gold as an article of the materia medica. A.—Avena Sativa. 125 AVENA SATIVA. Semen. Ed. Oats. The seed. Willd.g. 142. sp. 13.— Triandria Digynia.—Nat. ord. Gramina. D. Haver. P. Avea. DA. Havre. R. Owes. F. Avoine. S. Avena. G. Haber, Hafer. SW. Hafre. I. Vena, Avena. This is a well-known annual plant, which is very generally culti- vated in northern countries, and in many places furnishes the princi- pal subsistence. When simply freed from the husks, this grain gets the name of groats, but it is more frequently ground into meal. Groats are made into broths. Oat-meal is baked with salt and water into cakes, or with the same additions, is boiled to form porridge. An infusion of the husks in water, allowed to remain till it becomes acidu- lous, is boiled down to a jelly, which is called sowins. In all these forms it is nutritious, and easy of digestion. Medical use—Gruels or decoctions, either of groats or oat-meal, either plain or acidified, or sweetened, form an excellent drink in febrile diseases, diarrhoea, dysentery, &c. and from their demulcent properties, prove useful in inflammatory disorders, coughs, hoarse- ness, roughness, and exulcerations of the fauces. Porridge is also fre- quently applied to phlegmonous swellings, to promote their suppu- ration. 126 Materia Medica. B. BALSAMUM—BALSAM. D. Balsem. P. Balsamo. DA. Balsam. POL. Balsam. F. Baume. R. Batsam. G. Balsam. S. Balsamo. I. Balsamo. SW. Balsam. BALSAMUM CANADENSE, x>«fe /^a* Balsamea. BALSAMUM COPAIBA, Copaifera officinalis. BALSAMUM PERUVIANUM, Myroxylonperuiferum, BALSAMUM TOLUTANUM, Toluifera balsamum. BARIUM. Barium, the base of barytes, a dark grey-coloured solid; lustre less than cast-iron, heavier than sulphuric acid, decomposes water, and is oxygenized by exposure to the air. BARYTA.— BARYTA. Baryta is obtained in small, grey,porous masses, of a tolerable so- lidity; its taste is acrid, urinous, and pungent; applied to the skin, it proves caustic, and it is deleterious when swallowed; its specific gra- vity is 4.'; it is soluble in twenty times its weight of cold water, and in twice its weight of boiling water; depositing, on cooling, transparent, white, prismatic crystals; when slaked, it boils up with violence, be- comes very hot, increases in bulk, and is changed into a spongy white mass. It changes vegetable blues to green: it is fusible; it combines with all the acids, sulphur, sulphureted hydrogen, and phosphorus. It is the basis of some of the heavy spars. It is a metallic oxyd, and is classed by some writers amongst the alkaline earths; Fourcroy, how- ever, places it at the head of the alkalies themselves; and I think with great propriety, as it possesses their properties in a most eminent degree. CARBONAS BARYTM. Ed. Carbonat of Baryta. Carbonated Baryta is rarely found in nature, and as it was first discovered by Dr. Withering, Mr. Werner gave it the name of B.—Baryta.—Murias Baryta. 127 Witherite. Its colour is greyish-white, sometimes inclining to milk- white, and sometimes with a slight tinge of yellow from a mixture of iron, seldom greenish, often invested with a red ochry crust. It is found in solid masses, sometimes filling an entire vein, sometimes interspersed with sulphated baryta, frequently rounded or affecting that form, seldom crystallized. Texture, fibrous; fracture, conchoidal; fragments, long splinters; specific gravity, 4.3 to 4.338. Although it has no sensible taste, it is poisonous. In medicine it is only used for preparing the muriat of baryta. It is found at Anglesark in Lanca- shire, at Alstoon-moor in Cumberland, in Scotland, and in Sweden, but is not oommon. According to different analysis, its constituents are, Acid. Baryta. Water. Withering, 20 + 80 Pelletier, 22 + 62 -f 16 Kirwan, 22 + 78 Fourcroy, 10 + 90 SULPHAS BARYTA. Sulphat of Baryta. Ponderous Spar. This salt has been omitted in the list of the materia medica of the Edinburgh college, for they afterwards employ it for the preparation of the muriat of baryta. It is found in great abundance in many countries, either in a loose earthy form, or compact, or foliated, or striated, or acicular. The fo- liated is in general the purest. Its specific gravity is from 4.4 to 4.865 It is insoluble in water. It is soluble in boiling concentrated sul- phuric acid. It decrepitates when suddenly heated. By being formed into a thin cake with flour and water and being afterwards heated to redness, it becomes phosphorescent. Heated to redness with char- coal, it is converted into a sulphuret, and it may be decomposed either by boiling, or in a crucible, with the carbonats of potass or of soda. It contains about 84 of baryta, and 16 sulphuric acid and water. Officinal Preparation. Murias Barytas, E. MURIAS BARYTA. Ed. Muriat of Baryta. Take of Carbonat of baryta, Muriatic acid, one part; Water, three parts. Add the carbonat, broken into little bits, to the water and acid, previ- ously mixed. After the effervescence has ceased, digest for an hour, strain the liquor, and set it aside to crystallize. Repeat the evapo ration as long as any crystals are formed 128 Materia Medica. Ir the rarbonat of baryta cannot be procured, the muriat may be prepared in the following manner from the sulphat. Take of Sulphat of baryta, two pounds; Charcoal of wood, in powder, four ounces. Roasi the sulphat with fire, that it may be more easily reduced to a very fine powder, with which the charcoal is to be intimately mix- ed. Put the mixture into a crucible, and having fitted it with a cover, heat it with a strong the for six hours. Then triturate the matter well, and throw it into six pounds of water in an earthen or glass vessel, and mix them by agitation, preventing as much as possible the action of the air. Let the vessel stand in a vapour bath until the part not dissolv- ed shall subside, then pour off the liquor. On the undissolved part pour four pounds more of boiling water, which, after agitation and deposition, are to be added to the former liquor. Into the liquor, when still warm, or it it shall have cooled, again heated, drop mu- riatic acid as long as it excites any effervescence. Then strain it and evaporate it so as to crystallize. (E.) In the materia medica of the Edinburgh college, the carbonat of baryta is introduced, for the purpose of forming the muriat: but as that mineral is not very common, and sometimes not to be procured, it became necessary to describe the manner of preparing the muriat from the sulphat. This is, however, attended with considerable diffi- culties, on account of the very strong attraction which subsists be- tween the sulphuric acid and baryta. The sulphat of Baryta may be decomposed, 1. By compound affinity; by means of carbonat of potass or mu- riat of lime. Carbonat of potass is capable of effecting this decomposition, either in the dry or humid way. Klaproth boils sixteen ounces of finely powdered sulphat of baryta with thirty-two ounces of purified carbo- nat of potass, and five pounds of water, for an hour in a tin kettle, constantly agitating the mixture, and renewing the water as it eva- porates. He then allows it to settle, pours off the fluid, which is a so- lution of sulphat of potass, and edulcorates the precipitate with plenty of water. He next dissolves the carbonat of baryta, which it contains, in muriatic acid. The portion of sulphat which is not decomposed, may be treated again in the same manner. On the other hand, Van Mons mixes equal parts of sulphat of ba- ryta and carbonat of potass with one-fourth of their weight of char- coal all in powder, and heats the mixture to redness in a crucible. When it cools he washes out the sulphat and sulphuret of potass with water, then boils the residuum with a little potass, and washes it again. The carbonat of baryta thus obtained, he dissolves in mu- riatic acid. But by these methods of decomposing the sulphat of baryta, we do not get rid of the metallic substances which it often contains, and which often render the muriat thus prepared unfit for medical use. B.—Baryta.—Murias Baryta. 125 But the metalline muriats may be expelled, according to Westrumb, by heating the salt to redness as long as any fumes arise. The pure muriat of baryta is then to be dissolved in water and crystallized. Gdttling, with the same intention of getting: rid of metallic substances, chooses sulphat of baryta, perfectly colourless, and treats it with mu- riatic or nitro-muriatic acid before he proceeds to decompose it. La Grange has proposed a hew method of decomposing the sul- phat of baryta, by means of muriat of lime, which he prepares from the residuum of the decomposition of muriat of ammonia by lime,* by dissolving it in a small quantity of hot water, and evaporating it to dryness. He mixes equal parts of this muriat with sulphat of baryta in powder, and projects it by spoonfuls into a crucible previously heated to redness. When it is all in complete fusion, he pours it out upon a polished stone previously heated. The matter, which cracks as it cools, has a whitish-grey colour, is very hard, sonorous, and de- liquescent, is now to be boiled in about six times its weight of dis- tilled water, its solution filtered, and the residuum boiled in a smaller quantity of water. The mixed solutions are then evaporated to a pel- licle, and on cooling furnish beautiful crystals of muriat of baryta, which are to be washed with cold water, and purified by a second solution and crystallization. The mother water of the first crystalli- zation still contains muriat of baryta, which may be separated from the muriat of lime, with which it is mixed, by repeated solutions and crystallizations. La Grange thinks that this process not only saves time, fuel, and muriatic acid, but that it furnishes a purer muriat of baryta than the following process. 2. By decomposing its acid; by means of charcoal. The acid of the sulphat of baryta is decomposed at a very high temperature by charcoal. At such a temperature charcoal has a greater affinity for oxygen than sulphur has; it therefore decomposes sulphuric acid, by depriving it of its oxygen, and flies off in the state of carbonic oxyd or acid gas, while the sulphur combines with the baryta. On adding water to the sulphuret thus formed, new combina- tions take place. A portion of sulphat of baryta is regenerated, while hydrogureted sulphuret, and sulphureted hydroguret of baryta remain in solution. This solution is exceedingly prone to decomposition, and must therefore be preserved from the action of the air as much as possible. It also crystallizes by cooling, and therefore should be kept at a boiling heat. On the addition of muriatic acid, there is a violent effervescence and disengagement of sulphureted hydrogen gas, which must be avoided as much as possible, by performing the operation under a chimney, while very pure muriat of baryta remains in solu- tion. When prepared in this way, it cannot be contaminated with any of the noxious metals, as their compounds with sulphur and hydro- gen are not soluble. On this account, therefore, it is the process adopted by the Edinburgh college. Muriat of baryta commonly crystallizes in tables. It has a disagree- ♦ An excellent mode of •btaining the muriat of lime, as large quantities of this salt in solution may be readily procured from those who prepare ammonia, R 130 Materia Medica, able bitter taste; is soluble in five parts of water a 60°, and in less bo»ine water. It is scarcely soluble in alcohol; and its solution burns with a yellow flame. It crystallizes by evaporation: its crystals are permanent; and by the action of heat decrepitate, dry, and melt. When crystallized, it contains 20 acid, 64 baryta, and116 water; when dried, 23:8 acid, and 76.2 baryta. It is decomposed by the sulphats, nitrats, and sulphites; and by the alkaline phosphats, borate, and car- bonats! It is also decomposed by succinat of ammonia, nitrat of silver, acetat, nitrat and phosphat of mercury, acetat of lead, tartrate of iron and antimony, burnt sponge, and Hermbstadt's antimonial tincture, antimonial wine, soap, &c , extracts of gentian, marsh trefoil, and the inspissated juices of aconite, hemlock and hyoscyamus. It is not decomposed by muriat of iron, or corrosive sublimate, and bears the addition of aromatic distilled waters, simple syrups, gum arabic mucilage, some simple extracts, pure opium, and similar sub- stances, when they do not contain astringent matter. When pure it has no colour; does not deliquesce; does not burn with a red or purple flame, when dissolved in alcohol; and is not precipitated by gallic acid, prussiat of potass and iron, or hydro-sulphuret of ammonia, ay washing with alcohol muriat of baryta, rendered impure by the pre- sence of rnuriat of iron, the latter alone is dissolved. It is commonly given in solution. SOLUTIO MURIATIS BARYTA. Ed. Solution of Muriat of Baryta. Take of Muriat of baryta, one part; Distilled water, three parts. Dissolve. (E.) The proportion of water directed here for the solution of muriat of baryta, is considerably less than what is stated to be necessary by the writers on chemistry. It is however sufficient, even at the lowest ordinary temperatures; a circumstance which should be attended to in making saturated solutions of saline bodies. Medical use.—Muriat of baryta is generally said by writers on the materia medica to be a stimulant deobstruent; and yet Hufeland, one of its greatest supporters, says, that it succeeds better in cases at- tended with inflammation and increased irritability than with atony and torpor. When given in large doses, it certainly produces nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, vertigo, and death. Barytes is very poisonous, not only in its pure state, but likewise in its saline combinations. It is indeed asserted that the sulphat is not so; and this arises probably from its great insolubility. If then, by accident or design, dangerous symptoms occur from its exhibition, the best mode of obviating them, would be, to give dWuted sulphuric acid, or any of the sulphats, as Glauber's salt, by which the insoluble sulphat would be formed, and by purgatives may be removed from the stomach or intestines. Its effects on a morbid state of the body are also disputed. Some assert that it is of advantage in no disease; while others bestow upon B.—Betula Alba. 131 it the most unqualified praises. By the latter it is principally cele- brated, 1. In all cases of scrofula. 2. In obstructions and tumours. 3. In cases of worms. 4. In cutaneous diseases. The dose of the solution at first, is five or ten drops twice or thrice a-day, to be gradually and cautiously increased to as much as the patient can bear. The solution is also used externally as a stimulating and gently- escharotic application in cutaneous diseases, fungous ulcers, and specks upon the cornea. BENZOE. Vide Styrax Benzoin. BERBERIS VULGARIS. Berberis. Fructus. D. Barberry. The fruit. Willd.g. 677. sp. 1.—Hexandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Trihilata. The barberry is a small tree, or rather a large bush, covered with an ash coloured bark, under which is contained another of a deep yel- low: the berries are of an elegant red colour, and contain each two hard brown seeds. It grows wild on chalky hills in several parts of England; and is frequently planted in hedges and in gardens. The outward bavk of the branches and the leaves have an astrin- gent acid taste; the inner yellow bark a bitter one. This last is said to be serviceable in the jaundice; and by some to be an useful purga- tive. The berries contain a very acid red juice, which consists chiefly of malic acid. This juice forms an useful and pleasant addition to antiphlogistic drinks, in fluxes and in malignant fevers, for abating heat, quenching thirst, raising the strength, and preventing putrefac- tion. They also form a very elegant syrup or preserve, which may be employed with advantage in the same diseases. BETULA ALBA. Succus. D. The birch tree. The juice. Monoecia Tetrandria.—Nat. ord. Amentacea. This tree grows wild in most woods: its bark is astringent. Upon deeply wounding or boring the trunk of the tree in the begin- ning of spring, a sweetish juice issues forth, sometimes, it is said, m so large a quantity, as to equal in weight the whole tree and root: one branch will bleed a gallon or more in a day. This juice is chiefly 132 Materia Medica, recommended in scorbutic and similar disorders: its most sensible effect is to promote the urinary discharge. BISMUTHUM. Bismuth. This metal is of a white colour with a shade of yellow, has a folia- ted fracture, is brittle, very fusible, capable of being volatilized, and easily susceptible of oxydization. Though it has not been received into the pharmacopoeias it has a claim to a place in the materia me- dica, as its oxyd, or rather sub-nitrat, has been employed with con- siderable advantage in gastrodynia, pyrosis, and other affections connected with debility of the digestive organs. This preparation is obtained by decomposing the solution of bismuth in nitric acid by the affusion of water; the sub-nitrat is precipitated, and is washed and dried. It is given in a dose from two to six grains, two grains being given twice or thrice a day, or in more severe cases, five grains given at once. In these doses it scarcely produces any other sensible effect than a remission of pain, and ultimately, a removal of the morbid state from which this has arisen. The introduction of this remedy into practice is of recent date, but we are possessed of the most convincing proofs of its having been successfully employed by several eminent practitioners both in Eu- rope and the United States. Dr. Odier, of Geneva, first introduced this mineral into practice, and Dr. Marcet, physician to Guy's hospital, London, and Dr. Bards- ley of the Manchester infirmary, have experienced its medicinal powers; and Drs. Post, Osborn and Stringham of New-York, have added their testimony in favour of its efficacy, as an antispasmodic, particularly in cramps and other painful affections of the stomach. In an inaugural dissertation by Dr. Samuel W. Moore, of New- York, it is the object of the author to present a knowledge of the me- dicinal powers of the white oxyd of bismuth, and to recommend its use in gastrodynia, pyrosis, cardialgia, and other affections of the sto- mach connected with dyspepsia. He relates several cases of the suc- cessful employment of the remedy, and from the most unquestionable authority furnishes decisive evidence of its efficacy in the complaints above mentioned. In those affections of the stomach whether from in- temperance or other cause, which proceed from a want of tone in its muscular fibres, and where there is a disposition in that organ to ge- nerate acid, the oxyd of bismuth, it is said, effects a permanent cure, when alkalies and absorbent earths afford but temporary relief. The reviewers of Dr. Moore's dissertation in the New-England Medical Journal, after duly applauding the author, thus express their opinion of the utility of the oxyd of bismuth. " The action of this substance on the stomach is that of a mild and effectual tonic; and from our own experience of its virtues, we do not hesitate to affirm with Odier, Marcet, Bardsley, and Moore, that in pyrosis, cardialgia, and more particularly gastrodynia, it operates more speedily, and with more certainty, than any other article of the B.—Bismuthum. 133 materia medica. In the course of the last five years, we have fre- quently prescribed it in these forms of dyspepsia with almost uniform success; and although a medicine possessing such active properties might be supposed occasionally to produce some unpleasant effects on the system, we have never known any injurious consequences to result from its exhibition, A substance which discovers such qualities ought to be more generally known and more frequently administered; for even on the supposition that it is capable of producing no greater effects than those of the medicines usually prescribed in these com- plaints, its use will be attended with the advantage of discarding in some measure from practice the long continued employment of alco- hol and bitters, which ultimately lessen the activity of the digestive organs, and either prolong or perpetuate the diseases they were in- tended to relieve." The oxyd of bismuth is prepared, as recommended by Dr. M. ac- cording to the following process. The bismuth lo be dissolved should be previously reduced to pow- der in an iron mortar. Let three parts of nitric acid for one of bismuth be diluted with an equal weight of pure water. To this menstruum, contained in a glass vessel, add the bismuth at intervals, and let it stand till it is all dissolved. Let the clear solution be decanted from the sediment, and a few ounces of it be poured into a glass vessel, capable of containing half as many gallons as there have been mea- sured ounces put in; the vessel is then filled with pure (distilled") water, when a copious and perfectly white precipitate will be instan- taneously formed, giving to the liquid the appearance of milk. After this has subsided, the clear fluid must be decanted, and fresh water thrown on the precipitate to wash it. This operation must be repeated several times, till no acid taste is discoverable in the decanted water. This precipitate, which is pure white oxyd of bismuth, should be suf- fered to dry without heat, or indeed light, for the attraction between oxygen and bismuth, is so weak, that if the oxyd, while drying, be exposed either to a moderate artificial heat, or the direct rays of the sun, it parts with a portion of its oxygen, and loses its whiteness. The usual dose in which this substance is prescribed is five or six grains twice or thrice a day, mixed with any convenient vehicle, such as the powder of gum Tragacanth, gum Arabic, sugar, or starch, in the proportion of one grain of the oxyd to four or five of the powder of either of these substances. It is extremely probable that other medi- cal properties of this valuable article are yet to be ascertained by more extensive research and experiment. 134 Materia Medica. BITUMEN PETROLEUM. Ed. Petroleum Barbadense. D. Petroleum. L. Rock oil. Barbadoes tar. D. Steenoli. I- Petroleo. DA. Steenolje. POL. Skalney oley. F Petrole. R- Kamennoe masslo, G. Steinol.' SW. Stenolja. Bitumen is now employed as the generic name for several inflam- mable bodies of different degrees of consistency, from perfect fluidity to that of a brittle but very fusible solid, and of little specific gravity. Thev are insoluble in alcohol or in water, combine with essential oils and sulphur, decompose only a small proportion of nitrat of potass by deflagration, and on inflammation leave little or no residuum. Sn 1 Naphtha. It is nearly as colourless, transparent, and fluid as water. Specific gravity 0.729 to 0.847, of a highly penetrating, yet not disagreeable smell, somewhat like that of rectified oil of amber, very volatile, and remaining fluid at 0" Fahrenheit. Sp. 2. Petroleum. Not so fluid, transparent, or colourless, as the formen'smell less pleasant. Specific gravity 0 878. Sp. 3. Mineral Tar. Viscid; of a dark colour: smell sometimes strong, but often faint. Specific gravity 1.1. Sp 4. Mineral Pitch; maltha. Brittle in cold weather; of a dark colour; opaque. Specific gravity probably 1.07. S/i 5 Asphaltum. Very brittle; fracture conchoidal; glassy lus- tre; no smell, unless when melted or heated. Specific gravity 1.07 to 1.65. Fusible and inflammable. . According to Mr. Kirwan and Mr. Hatchett, the first species, by exposure to the air, and gradual decomposition, passes successively throueh the intermediate states, till at last it is converted into as- phaltum. When partially decomposed, the remaining naphtha may be separated by distillation from the superabundant charcoal. The first species, which is no longer officinal, is found abundantly in Persia; but what we receive comes from the dutchy of Modena in Italy It is very rarely met with in the shops; the second, mixed with a little of the third, and some subtile oil, is usually sent us instead ° Medical use.—Petroleum is at present very rarely employed as a medicine, though if the finer kinds could be procured genuine, they seem to deserve some notice: they are more agreeable than the oil of amber, and milder than that of turpentine; of the virtues of both ot which they participate. They are principally recommended by au- thors for external purposes, against pains and achs, in paralytic com- plaints, and for preventing chilblains. For these intentions, some ot the more common mineral oils have been made use of with good suc- cess; an oil extracted from a kind of stone-coal has been extolled among the common people, under the name of British oil, for rheu- matic pains &c; even this is often counterfeited by a small portion of oil of amber added to the common expressed oils. The Senekaoil B.—Bubon Galbanum. 135 of our own country is equal to any foreign article for the above pur- pose. The Barbadoes tar is found in several of the West India islands, where it is esteemed by the inhabitants of great service as a sudori- fic, and in disoixiers of the breast and lungs; though in cases of this kind, attended with inflammation, it is certainly improper; they like- wise apply it externally as a discutient, and for preventing paralytic disorders. Officinal Preparations. Oleum Petrolei, L. - Vide Olea volat. empyreumatica. Petroleum Sulphuratum, - Oleapraparata. BOLETUS IGNIARIUS. Agarkus. Ed. Female agaric, or agaric of the oak, called, from its being very easily inflammable, Touchwood, or Spunk. Cryptogamia Fungi.—Nat. ord. Fungi. F. Agaric. G. Ldrchenschwamm. This fungus is frequently met with, on different kinds of trees, in Britain, especially the cherry, and the plumb; and is said to have been sometimes brought into the shops mixed with the true agaric of the larch: from this it is easily distinguishable by its greater weight, dusky colour, and mucilaginous taste void of bitterness. The medul- lary part of this fungus, beaten soft, and applied externally, has been much celebrated as a styptic; and said to restrain not only venal but arterial hemorrhagies, without the use of ligatures. It does not ap- pear, however, to have any real styptic power, or to act any otherwise than dry lint, sponge, or other soft fungous applications. It is best when gathered in August or September. It has been analyzed by Bouillon Lagrange, who found it to con- tain, 1. An extractive matter soluble in water, sulphat of lime, and muriat of potass. 2. The residuum incinerated gave phosphats of lime, magnesia, and iron. 3. Alcohol extracted very little resin. Ihe alkalies also indicated the presence of an animal matter, but in less quantity than in the boletus agaricus, which also differed in contain- ing a free acid and much resin. BORAX, vide Sub-boras Soda. BUBON GALBANUM, Gummi-resina. Ed. D. L. Galbanum. A Gum-resin. Willd. g. 546. sp. 2.—Pentandria Digynia.—Nat. Ord. UmbeUata. This plant is perennial, and grows in Africa. It abounds with a milky juice, which sometimes exudes from the joints of the old 136 Materia Medica. plants, but is more frequently obtained by cutting them across some inches above the root. The juice which flows from the wound soon hardens, and is the galbanum which is brought to us from Syria and the Levant. The best sort of Galbanum consists of pale-coloured pieces, about the size of a hazel nut, which on being broken, appear to be compo- sed of clear white tears, of a bitterish acrid taste, and a strong pecu- liar smell. But it most commonly occurs in agglutinated masses, composed of yellowish or reddish and clear white tears, which may easily be torn asunder, mixed with seeds and leaves, of the consist- ence of firm wax, softening by heat, and becoming brittle by cold. What is mixed with sand, earth, and other imparities, and is of a brown or blackish colour, interspersed with no white grains, of a weak smell, and of a consistence always soft, is bad. Galbanum is almost entirely soluble in water, but the solution is milky; neither does wine nor vinegar dissolve it perfectly. Alcohol, according to Hagen, has very little action upon it. It is not fusible; but furnishes a considerable proportion of essential oil when distilled with water. Neumann obtained by distillation with water six drachms of oil, besides what was dissolved in the water. The watery extract amounted to about three ounces. It had somewhat of a nauseous relish, but could not have been recognized as a preparation of galba- num. From the same quantity alcohol extracted upwards of nine ounces and a half of a hard brittle insipid inodorous substance (resin?) Medical use.—-Galbanum agrees in virtue with gum ammoniacum; but is generally accounted less proper in asthmas, and more so in hysterical complaints. It is exhibited in the form of pills or emulsion, to the extent of about a drachm. Applied externally, it is supposed to resolve and discuss tumours, and to promote suppuration. Officinal Preparations. Galbanum purificatum, - vide Ammoniacum purificatum. Pilulae galbani compositae, L. - Pilula. assae foetida compositae, E. Idem. Tinctura galbani, L. - Tinctura. Emplastrum picis burgundicae, D. Unguenta. assae foetidae, E. - Idem. gummosum, E. - Idem. lithargyri compositum, L. Idem. BUTEA FRONDOSA. Dub. Willd. sp. plant, t. 3, p. 917. Diadelphia Monogynia. Roxburgh's Coromandel Plants, vol. \,p. 22. t. 21. Plaso Rheed. Malab. 6. p. 29, tab. 16, 17. The Maduga of the Telingas. Leafy Butea. Officinal. Kino.—Kino. Dub. This article is introduced into the last edition of the Edinburgh Dispensatory, because the Dublin College have quoted it as furnish- B.—Butea Frondosa. 137 ing the kino of the shops, though certainly erroneously; for not only is it well known that the greatest part of the kino of the- shops is the product of the eucalyptus resinifera of Botany Bay, but Dr Rox- burgh, whom they quote as their authority, distinctly nientions that the concrete juice of the maduga differs from kino. To prevent the error from being repeated or propagated, and still more, as the arti- cle seems worthy of further examination, his own words are quoted. " This is a middle-sized, or rather a large tree, not common in the low lands of this coast, but very common among the mountains; casts its leaves during the cold season, which- come out again with the flowers about the months of March or April; seed ripe in June and July. " From natural fissures and wounds made in the bark of this tree during the hot season, there issues a most beautiful red juice, which soon hardens into a ruby-coloured, brittle, astringent gum; but it soon loses its beautiful colour if exposed to the air. To preserve the colour, the gum must be gathered as soon as it becomes hard, and closely corked up in a bottle. This gum held in the flame of a candle swells, and burns away slowly, without smell or the least flame, into a coal, and then into fine light ashes; held in the mouth it s-jon dis- solves; it tastes strongly, but simply astringent; heat does not soften it, but rather renders it more brittle. Pure water dissolves it perfectly, and the solution is of a deep, clear, red colour. It is in a great mea- sure soluble in spirits, but the solution is paler, and a little turbid; the watery solution also becomes turbid when spirit is added, and the spiritous more clear by the addition of water; diluted vitriolic acid renders both solutions turbid; mild caustic (?) vegetable alkali changes the colour of the watery solution to a clear, deep, fiery blood red; the spiritous it also deepens, but in a less degree; sal martis changes the watery solution into a good durable ink." " These are, I think, proofs that it contains a very small propor- tion of resin; in which it differs from the gum resin called kino, or gummi rubrum astringcns Gambiense, which the Edinburgh College has taken into their materia medica. I have used the recent gum in making my experiments, which may make some difference; but as this can be most perfectly dissolved in a watery menstruum, it may prove of use, where a spiritous solution of kino (being the most com- plete) cannot be properly admitted: consequently it may prove a va- luable acquisition." The butea superba, a very large twining shrub, yields a similar juice. S 138 Materia Medica. C. CALOMELAS. Vide Hydrargyrum. CALX—LIME. CALX. L. Calx Viva. Ed. Calx recens usta. D. Quicklime. Lime recently burnt. a. Ex lapide calcareo. b. Ex testis conchyliorum. Calcium, the base of lime, is brighter and whiter than barium or strontium. Lime is of a grey-white colour, warm, acrid and urinous to the taste; sp. gr. 2.33, soluble in 450 times its weight of water. It is apy- rous; it changes vegetable blues to green; it combines with all the acids, sulphur, sulphureted hydrogen, and phosphorus; it is very abundant in the mineral kingdom, and forms the basis of animal bones and shells. The calcareous spars, marble, limestone, chalk and marl, consist chiefly of lime. Officinal. Hydrat of lime. When a small quantity of water is thrown upon fresh burnt lime, it is absorbed rapidly, with the extrication of con- siderable heat, and some phosphorescent light; at the same time the lime crumbles down into a very fine, white, dry powder, augmented much in bulk, but less caustic than before. Lime, thus slaked, does not renew these phenomena, on a farther addition of water, but may be diffused or dissolved in it. Lime is scarcely found in nature uncombined, but is easily prepar- ed from any of its carbonats, either mineral or animal, by the action of fire, which first expels tlje water, and then destroys any animal matters which may be present, and, lastly, expels the carbonic acid. This process is improperly termed the burning of lime. The product is lime, or, as it is commonly called, quicklime. If about half its weight of water be poured upon lime, a great in- crease of temperature takes place, steam is produced, and the lime crumbles down into a dry powder, somewhat increased in weight by the presence of part of the water, which has been solidified by the lime: and to the caloric of fluidity, which is expelled during the con- version of the water into a solid, the great increase of the tempera- ture is owing. Lime in this state is said to be slacked. If more water be poured upon slacked lime, there is no new evolution of caloric; but if the water amount to 700 times the weight of the lime, the lime is completely dissolved. The solution is termed Lime-water. As lime quickly attracts moisture and carbonic acid from the at- mosphere, it should be always recently prepared; and when kept, it C.-~Aqua Calcis. 139 should be preserved in very close bottles. Lime should not effervesce with acids, and should be entirely soluble in water. Medical wse—On the living body linje acts as an escharotic, and as such it was formerly applied to ill-conditioned and obstinate sores. Dissolved in water, it is sometimes given internally as a tonic or as- tringent in scrofula and various fluxes, and formerly it enjoyed con- siderable reputation as a lithontriptic. Officinal Preparations. Aqua calcis, E. L. D* - vide, Aqua potassae, E. L. D. - Potassa. ammoniae, E. L. D. - Ammonia. AQUA CALCIS. Ed. D. Lime-water. Liquor Calcis. L. Solution of Lime. Take of Fresh burnt lime, half a pound; Put it into an earthen vessel, and gradually sprinkle on it four ounces of water, keeping the vessel shut, while the lime grows hot, and falls into powder. Then pour on it twelve pounds of water, and mix the lime thoroughly with the water by agitation. After the lime has subsided, repeat the agitation; and let this be done about ten times, always keeping the vessel shut, that the free access of the air may be prevented. Lastly, let the water be filtered through paper, placed in a funnel, with glass rods interposed between them, that the wa- ter may pass as quickly as possible. It must be kept in very close bottles. (E.) We have already had occasion to speak of the properties of lime, and shall therefore now confine our remarks to the solution .of it in water, commonly called Lime-water. In making this, we should first add only so much water as is sufficient to slake the lime, which reduces it to a fine powder, easily diffused through water; for if we add more water at first, it forms a paste with the external part of the lime, and defends the internal from the action of the water. During the whole process, the air must be excluded as much as possible; as lime has a very strong affinity for carbonic acid, and attracts it from the atmosphere. The proportion of water used is scarcely able to dissolve one-tenth of the lime; but lime is of little value; and our object is to forma saturated solution quickly and easily. Lime is not more solu- ble in hot water than in cold; therefore it is unnecessary to use boil- ing water. The London college decant their solution from the undis- solved lime; but in this way we are not so sure of a perfectly trans- parent solution as by filtration; and if we use the precautions directed by the other colleges, it may be performed without the lime absorbing a perceptible quantity of carbonic acid. The bottles in which lime- water is kept, should be perfectly full, and well corked. Lime-water is transparent and colourless. It has an austere acrid taste, and affects vegetable colours as the alkalies do. It enters very readily into combination with all the acids, sulphur, and phosphorus; 140 Materia Medica. and decomposed the alkaline carbonats, phosphats, fluats, borats, oxa-* lats, tartrats, and citrats. Medical use.—When applied to the living fibre, lime-water corru- gates and shortens it; it thereforepossesses astringentpowers. It is also a powerful antacid, or at least it combines with, and neutralizes acids v when it comes in contact with them. It also dissolves mucus, and kills intestinal worms. From possessing these properties, it is used in me- dicine, in diseases supposed to arise from laxity and debility of the solids, as diarrhoea, diabetes, leucorrhcea, scrofula, and scurvy; in af- fections of the stomach accompanied with acidity and flatulence; when the intestines are loaded with mucus; and in worms. Lime-water is scarcely capable of dissolving, even out of the body, any of the sub- stances of which urinary culculi consists; it has therefore no pretensions to the character of a lithontriptic. It has also been recommended in crusta lactea, in cancer, and in chronic cutaneous diseases. Externally, it is applied to ill-conditioned ulcers, gangrenous sores; as a wash in tinea capitis and psora; and as an injection in gonorrhoea, fistulas, and ulcers of the bladder. Lime combined with Milk is found very advantageous in relieving the obstinate vomiting occurring in bilious, remitting and yellow fever. When taken internally, its taste is said to be best covered by lukewarm milk. Its dose is commonly from two to four ounces, fre- quently repeated; but when long continued it weakens the organs of digestion. Officinal Preparations. Liquor cupri ammoniati, L. D. - vide Cuprum. Oleum lini cum calce, E. Olea praparata. AQUA CALCIS COMPOSITA. Dub. Compound Lime-water. Take of Guaiac wood, in shavings, half a pound; Liquorice root, sliced and bruised, an ounce; Sassafras bark, bruised, half an ounce; Coriander seeds, threedrachms; Lime-water, six pints. Macerate, without heat, for two days, and filter. This, notwithstanding the name, may be considered as an equiva- lent for the compound decoction of guaiac, as the lime-water cannot fail to be decomposed during the preparation. CARBONAS CALCIS. Ed. Creta. L. D. Carbonated lime. Chalk. This is the most common of all minerals, is found under a great variety of forms, and various names, as chalk, lime-stone, marble, spar. In form it is either amorphous, stalactical, or crystallized. C.—Calx.—Aqua Aeris Fixi. 141 When amorphous, its texture is either foliated, striated, granular, or earthy. The primitive form of its crystals is a rhomboidal paral- lelopiped. Hardness, lustre and transparency, various; when trans- parent, it causes double refraction; specific gravity from 2.315 to 2.78; colour, when pure, white; effervesces violently with muriatic acid, and dissolves entirely or nearly so in it, forming a colourless solution. Its officinal varieties may be arranged under, 1. Soft carbonat of lime. Chalk. Creta alba. 2. Indurated carbonat of lime. Marble. Marmor album. They contain about 45 parts of carbonic acid, and 55 of lime. In medicine it is given to correct acidity in the primae viae, espe- cially when accompanied with looseness. Powdered chalk has been externally applied with success to scalds and burns. In pharmacy it is employed for the preparation of carbonic acid gas, and of the muriat of lime. Officinal Preparations. Aqua aeris fixi, D. - vide, super-carbonatis potassa, E. D. - Potassa. Carbonas ammoniae, E, L. D. - Ammonia. Aqua super-carbonatis ammoniae, E. L. D. Idem. Carbonas calcis praeparatus, E. L. D. Solutio muriatis calcis, E. - Potiocarbonatis calcis, E. L, D. - Mixtura. Trochisci carbonatis calcis, E. L. - Trochisci. AQUA AERIS FIXI. D. Water impregnated with Fixed Air. Take of White marble in powder, three ounces; Diluted sulphuric acid and water, of each, a pound and an hatf. Mix them gradually in a Nooth's apparatus, and let the air evolved pass through six pounds of pure spring water, placed in the upper part of the apparatus; and let agitation be occasionally employed until the water shall have acquired a sub-acid taste. (D.) Carbonic acid may be separated from carbonat of lime a. By the action of heat alone. b. By an acid having a superior affinity for the lime. In the former way the carbonic acid is perfectly, pure, in the latter it carries over a little of the stronger acid, which gives a slight de- gree of pungency. In this process the carbonic acid is separated from the carbonat of lime by the superior affinity of sulphuric acid. As it is disengaged, it assumes a gaseous form, and would be dissipated in the atmosphere, if it were not made to pass through water, which, at a medium tern- 142 Materia Medica. perature, is capable of absorbing about an equal bulk of this gas, and, by the assistance of pressure, a much greater proportion. Various contrivances have been made for this purpose. Of these the most easily managed, and most convenient for general use, is the apparatus of Nooth; and, for larger quantities, that of Woulfe, or some modification of it. By the proper application of pressure, M. Paul of Geneva, now of London, is able to impregnate water with no less than six times its bulk of carbonic acid gas. Medical use.__Water impregnated with carbonic acid, sparkles in the glass, has a pleasant acidulous taste, and forms an excellent beve- rage. It diminishes thirst, lessens the morbid heat of the body, and acts as a powerful diuretic. It is also an excellent remedy in in- creased irritability of the stomach, as in advanced pregnancy; and it is one of the best anti-emetics which we possess. CARBONAS CALCIS PRjEPARATUS. Ed. Olim; Creta Pr.«parata, et Cancrorum Lapilli; vulgo, Oculi Cancrorum Pr^iparati. Prepared Carbonat of Lime; formerly Prepared Chalk and Crabs Stones, commonly called Crabs Eyes. Carbonat of lime, whether the softer variety commonly called Chalk, or the harder variety called Crabs Eyes am! Crabs Stones, after having been triturated to powder in an iron mortar, and levi- gated on a porphyry stone with a li'tie water, is to be put into a large vessel, and water to be poured upon it, which after agitating the vessel repeatedly is to be again poured off, while loaded with minute powder. On allowing the water to settle, a subtile powder will subside, which is to be dried. The coarse powder which the water could not suspend, may be levi- gated again and treated in the same manner. (E.) In this manner are to be prepared, Chalk—Coral—Crabs claws, first broken into small pieces, and washed with boiling water. Oyster-shells and egg-shells, first cleaned from impurities; And also amber, antimony, calamine, tutty, and verdigris. The preparation of these substances merely consists in reducing them to an impalpable powder. Medical use.—Carbonat of lime is commonly called an absorbent earth. It certainly is an antacid; that is, it combines with and neu- tralizes most acids, while its carbonic acid is expelled in the form of gas. It is therefore exhibited in affections of the stomach accom- panied with acidity, especially when at the same time there is a ten- dency to diarrhoea. The fear of its forming concretions in the bowels, is probably imaginary; for it is not warranted either by theory of ex- perience. Applied externally, carbonat of lime may be considered as an ab- C.—Calx.—Solutio Muriatis Calcis. 143 sorbent in another point of view; for its beneficial action on burns and ulcers probably arises entirely from its imbibing the moistuie or ichorous matter, as a sponge would do, and thus preventing it from acting on the abraded surfaces, and excoriating the neighbouring parts. Officinal Preparations. Hydrargyrum cum creta, L. - vide Hydrargyrum. Pulvis carbonatis calcis compositus, E. L. Pulveres. opiatus, E. - - Idem. Trochisci carbonatis calcis, E. L. - Trochisci. CRETA PRjECIPITATA. Dub. Precipitated Chalk. Take of Water of muriat of lime, any quantity. Add as much carbonat of soda, dissolved in four times its weight of distilled warm water, as is sufficient to precipitate the chalk. Wash the matter which falls to the bottom three times, by pouring on, each time, a sufficient quantity of water. Lastly, having collected it, dry it upon a chalk stone, or paper. This preparation affords carbonat of lime in its purest state, and, although expensive, may be employed when it is intended for internal use. It is nevertheless a very unnecessary preparation; the preceding prepared carbonat being no ways inferior as a medicine, if proper at- tention is paid to its preparation. Officinal Preparations. Hydrargyrus cum creta. D. Electuarium aromaticum. D. Mistura cretacea. D. SOLUTIO MURIATIS CALCIS. Ed. Solution of Muriat of Lime. Aqua Muriatis Calcis. D. Water of Muriat of Lime. Take of Chalk, in coarse powder, one ounce; Diluted muriatic acid, two ounces. Gradually add the chalk to the acid, and, after the effervescence is finished, filter. From the difficulty of crystallizing this salt, it is directed by the Edinburgh college to be evaporated to the total expulsion of its water of crystallization, as being the surest way of obtaining a solu- tion of uniform strength. With the same view, the Dublin college saturate 'Muriatic acid of a given strength; and Dr. Wood directs, Chat the solution should always have a determinate specific gravity. 144 Materia Medica. It may be economically prepared from the residuum in the decom- position of muriat of ammonia, by lime or chalk, according to the directions of the Berlin Pharmacopoeia, now adopted by the London college, by watery fusion, solution, filtration, and crystallization. Its purity is ascertained by its remaining colourless and transparent, with infusion of galls and caustic ammonia; a brown colour indicating the presence of iron, and a precipitation that of alumina. But it may be purified by boiling it in solution an hour, with a sufficient quantity of pure chalk, or other carbonat of lime, filtrating it, evaporating it gently, till it acquire the specific gravity of 1.5, allowing it to stand some days in a corked bottle, decanting it carefully from the sedi- ment, and duly evaporating it. The crystals of this salt are prisms of six smooth and equal sides, but they are often so aggregated, that they can only be termed aci- cular. Its taste is pungent, bitter, and disagreeable. When heated, it melts, swells, and loses its water of crystallization, and, at a very high temperature, a small part of its acid. It is one of the most deliques- cent salts known, and is so soluble, that water seems capable of dis- solving twice its weight, or, at least, forms with it a viscid liquor; but as it is still capable of attracting moisture from the air, and of emitting caloric, when farther diluted, it can scarcely be considered as a true solution. It is soluble in alcohol, and its solution burns with a crimson flame. It is decomposed by the sulphuric, nitric, phos- phoric, fluoric, and boracic acids; by baryta, potass, soda, and strontia; by most of the sulphats, sulphites, nitrats, phosphats, fluats, borats, and the alkaline carbonats. Crystallized, it contains 31 acid, 44 lime, and 25 water; dried at a red heat, 42 acid, 50 lime, and 8 water. Medical use.-Yx. was first proposed as a medicine by M. Fourcroy, and has been lately extolled in scrofulous and glandular diseases, and cases of debility in general, by several eminent practitioners of our own country, Dr. Beddoes, Dr: R. Pearson and Dr. Wood. Thirty drops of the solution are a sufficient dose for children, and a drachm for adults, repeated twice or thrice a-day. In an over-dose it has produced qualms and sickness; and three drachms and a half killed a dog, the stomach of which, upon dissection, had its villous coat bloodshot, and in many parts almost black, and converted into a gelatinous slime. Perhaps it is the muriat of lime which is the ac- tive ingredient in the lotions prepared by triturating calomel or cor- rosive sublimate in lime-water. The compound resulting is a solu- tion of muriat of lime, with oxyd of mercury diffused through it. The property of this salt, of producing intense cold during its solu- tion, might also be applied to medical use. For this purpose it might be economically prepared, by saturating with muriatic acid the re- siduum of the distillation of ammonia or of carbonat of ammonia. Its strong affinity for water and alcohol, fits it for the rectification of al- cohol and ether. Officinal Preparations. Creta praecipitata. D. Alcohol. D. CAMPHOR A. Vide Laurus Camphora. C.—Cancer Pagurus. 145 CANCER. The Crab. A genus of crustaceous insects. Chela. L. Calculi oculi dicti; Chela. D. CANCER ASTACUS. Lapilli. Ed. The Craw-fish. Crabs stones, vulgarly called Crabs eyes. Crabs stones are generally about the size of ffeas, or larger; of a spherical shape, but a little flatted on one side; of a white colour; but sometimes with a reddish or bluish cast, and internally of a lami- nated structure. These concretions are found in the stomach, one on each side, at the time when the crab changes its shell, and also renews the inner membrane of the stomach, which commonly happens in the month of August. They afterwards gradually disappear, and no stones are found after the new shell has acquired its full degree of firmness. They therefore seem to furnish the materials for the induration of the new shell. They are brought in great numbers from Poland and Russia, especially from the province of Astracan, where the craw- fish are either bruised with wooden mallets, or laid up in heaps to putrefy, when the flesh is washed away with water, and the stones picked out. They consist of carbonat of lime, combined with a little phosphat of lime and gelatine. The quantity of the two last is too small, and their action on the living body too inconsiderable to make any con- siderable difference in medical properties, between these concretions and soft carbonat of lime, as it occurs in the mineral kingdom. Crabs stones are said by most writers on the materia medica to be frequently counterfeited with tobacco-pipe clay, or compositions of chalk with mucilaginous substances. This piece of fraud, if really practised, may be very easily discovered; the counterfeits wanting the leafy texture which is observed upon breaking the genuine; more readily imbibing water; adhering to the tongue; and dissolving in vinegar, or the stronger acids, diluted with water, either entirely, or not at all, or by piecemeal; whilst the true crabs stones, digested in these liquors, become soft and transparent, their original form remaining the same, as the organization of the gelatine is not altered by the acid. Officinal Preparation. Cancrprum lapilli praeparati, E. vide Carbonas calcis praparatus. CANCER PAGURUS. Chela. Ed. The black-clawed crab. The claws. This species of crab inhabits the sea, and is found especially in the North sea. Its claws are yellow, tipt with black, and in every • espect they resemble the former article. T 146 Materia Medica. Officinal Preparations. Cancrorum chelae praeparatae, l. n. vide Carbonas calcis praparattis. Trochisci cretae, L. - Trochisci. Pulvis chelarum cancri compositus, L. Pulveres. CA*TELLA ALBA. Cortex. Ed. L. D. Canella alba. The bark. Willd. g. 942. sp. 1.—Dodecand. Monogyn.—Nat. ord. Oleracea. The Canella alba is a tall tree, which is very common in Jamaica, and other West-India islands. The canella is the interior bark, freed from an outward thin rough one, and dried in the shade. The shops distinguish two sorts of ca- nella, differing from each other in the length and thickness of the quills: they are both the bark of the same tree, the thicker being taken from the trunk, and the thinner from the branches. It is brought to us rolled up in long quills, thicker than cinnamon, and both outwardly and inwardly of a whitish colour, lightly inclin- ing to yellow. It is a warm pungent aromatic, not of the most agree- able kind; nor are any of the preparations of it very grateful. Infu- sions of it in water are of a yellowish colour, and smell of the canella; but they are rather bitter than aromatic. Tinctures in rectified spirit have the warmth of the bark, but little of its smell. Proof spirit dissolves the aromatic as well as the bitter matter of the canella, and is therefore the best menstruum. It must not be confounded with the bark of the wintera aromatica. Medical use—Canella alba is often employed where a warm stimu- lant to the stomach is necessary, and as a corrigent of other articles. It is useful as covering the taste of some other articles. It is consider- ed by many as a powerful antiscorbutic. Officinal Preparation. Tinctura gentianae composita, E. vide Tinctura. CANTHARIDES. Vide Meloe. CAPSICUM ANNUUM. Fructus. Ed. E. D. Cocksfiur pepper. The pod. Willd. g. 384. sp. 1—Pentand. Monogyn.—Nat. ord. Solanacea. This is an annual plant, a native of South America, but cultivated in large quantities in the West-India islands; and it will even ripen its fruit in Great Britain. The pods of these species are long, pointed, and pendulous, at first of a green colour, and afterwards of a bright orange red. They are C.—Carbon. 147 filled with a dry loose pulp, and contain many small, flat, kidney- shaped seeds. The taste of capsicum is extremely pungent and acri- monious, setting the mouth as it were on fire. The pungency of Cayenne pepper is soluble in water and in alcohol, is not volatile, reddens infusions of turnsole, and is precipitated by infusion of galls, nitrat of mercury, muriat of mercury, nitrat of silver, sulphat of copper, sulphat of zinc, red sulphat of iron, (but not blue or green,) ammonia, carbonat of potass, alum, but not by sulphuric, nitric, or muriatic, acid, or silicized potass. Cayenne pepper is an indiscriminate mixture of the powder of the dried pods of many species of capsicum, but especially of the cap- sicum frutescens or bird pepper, which is the hottest of all. Cayenne pepper, as it comes to us from the West-Indies, changes infusion of turnsole to a beautiful green, probably owing to the muriat of soda, which is always added to it, and red oxyd of lead, with which it is said to be adulterated. Medical use.—These peppers have been chiefly used as a condi- ment. They prevent flatulence from vegetable food, and have a warm and kindly effect in the stomach, possessing all the virtues of the oriental spices, without, according to Dr. Wright, producing those complaints in the head which the latter are apt to occasion. An abuse of them, however, gives rise to visceral obstructions, especially of the liver. But of late they have been employed also in the practice of medicine. There can be little doubt that they furnish us with one of the purest and strongest stimulants which can be introduced into the stomach; while at the same time they have nothing of the nar- cotic effects of alcohol or opium. Dr. Adair Makitrick, who first introduced them into the practice of medicine, found them useful, particularly in that morbid disposition which he calls Cachexia Afri- cana, and which he considers as a most frequent and fatal predispo- sition to disease among the slaves. Dr. Wright says, that in dropsical and other complaints, where chalybeates are indicated, a minute portion of powdered capsicum forms an excellent addition, and re- commends its use in lethargic affections. This pepper has been also successfully employed in a species of cynanche maligna, which proved very fatal in the West Indies, resisting the use of Peruvian bark, wine, and the other remedies commonly employed. In tropical fevers, coma and delirium are common attendants; and in such cases, cata- plasms of capsicum have a speedy and happy effect- They redden the parts, but seldom blister, unless when kept on too long. In ophthalmia from relaxation, the diluted juice of capsicum is a sovereign remedy. Dr. Adair gave six or eight grains for a dose, made into pills, or prepared a tincture, by digesting half an ounce of the pepper in a pound of alcohol, the dose of which was one or two drachms diluted with water. CARBO__CARBON. Carbon, in a state of great purity and extreme aggregation, is well known by the name of diamond. It possesses a very high degree 148 Materia Medica. of lustre, transparency, hardness, and refractive power. It is crys- tallized, and generally colourless. Its specific gravity is about 3.5. It is insoluble in water, and can neither be melted nor vaporized by caloric, It is a non-conductor of electricity. It is not acted upon by any chemical agent, except oxygen, at very high temperatures. When exposed in oxygen gas to the rays of the sun, concentrated by a very powerful lens, its surface becomes sensibly blackened; it is ignited, and at last consumed. The result of this combustion is carbonic acid gas, which is exactly equal in volume to the oxygen gas consumed; and 100 parts of it consist, according to Messrs. Allen and Pepys, of 28.6 of carbon, and 714 of oxygen by weight. It combines with iron, forming steel. It is a constituent of almost all animal and vegetable substances; and is obtained from them by exposing them to heat in close vessels. Plumbago and incombustible coal are carbon in a state of less ag- gregation and somewhat impure. In the former, it is combined with about 5'T of iron; in the latter with earthy matter. The most remarka- ble known property of these substances is the very high temperature necessary for their combustion. Common Charcoal of wood, is another, and the commonest form of carbon. It is obtained in the form of solid masses, of a black colour, and more than twice as heavy as water. It has neither smell nor taste. It is brittle, and never crystallized; it rapidly attracts moisture, so as to acquire from 12 to 14 per cent, of weight. When dry, it also absorbs several times its bulk of any gas in which it is placed. It absorbs light strongly, is refractory in the fire, insoluble in water, and a bad conductor of caloric, but an excellent one of electricity. At a red heat, it burns rapidly in oxygen gas; 28.6 of charcoal, and 71.4 of oxygen, forming 100 of carbonic acid gas. It also burns in atmospheric air, but less vividly. In vacuo, and in gases on which it has no action, it is slowly volatilized by the highest power of galvanism. Common charcoal always furnishes a little water on its combustion; but char- coal from the decomposition of oil gives carbonic acid alone. Officinal. Gaseous oxyd of carbon (carbonic oxyd gas) is carbon in its first de- gree of oxydation. It is invisible and elastic; 100 cubic inches weigb about 30 grains, or its specific gravity to hydrogen is 13.2. It does not support combustion or respiration. With oxygen gas it burns with a lambent blue flame, and is converted entirely inio carbonic acid, with- out producing any moisture. It has no affinity for lime. It consists of about 4 carbon, and 56 oxygen. When mixed with an equal bulk of chlorine, and exposed to the direct rays of the sun, they unite, are condensed to one half, and form a peculiar gas discovered by Dr. John Davy. Carbonic acid gas is transparent, colourless, without smell, irrespi- rable, and incapable of supporting combustion. 100 cubic inches weigh 47 grains, or its specific gravity to hydrogen is 20.7. Water at 41° absorbs an equal bulk of it, and acquires a specific gravity of 1.0015, an agreeable viscidity, and a sparkling appearance, especially if heated to 88°. It is separated from water by freezing or boiling. It is also absorbed by alcohol, volatile and fixed oils. It contains 28.6 carbon, and 71.4 oxygen. Its compounds are called carbonats. Carbureted hydrogen gas is the gas evolved in stagnant waters. It C.—Carbo Ligni. 149 has no taste, but a disagreeable empyreumatic smell. 100 cubic in- ches weigh about 17 grains, and its specific gravity is rather less than 8. It is incapable of supporting respiration or combustion. It burns with a bright yellowish flame, consuming two parts of oxygen gas. It detonates with two of chlorine by the electric spark, forming four of muriatic acid gas. Super carbureted hydrogen or Olefiant gas. 100 cubic inches weigh between 29 and 30 grains, or its specific gravity is 13. It does not support respiration or combustion. It burns, with a splendid white flame, and detonates by the electric spark with great violence, with three volumes of oxygen. With an equal volume of chlorine, it forms a fluid resembling an oil. Chloride of carbonic oxyd was discovered by Dr. John Davy, who called it phosgene gas. It consists of equal volumes of chlorine and carbonic oxyd gases; is colourless, has a suffocating smell like chlo- rine, affects the eyes. It reddens turnsole. 100 cubic inches weigh 111.91 grains. It does not support combustion, and is not decomposed by any of the simple combustibles, but is acted upon by zinc, antimony, ar- senic, and other metals, which absorb the chlorine, and disengage the carbonic oxyd, while the oxyd disengages carbonic acid. It is de- composed by water, and alcohol dissolves twelve times its volume. Carbo-chloride of ammonia. The preceding gas unites with four times its bulk of ammoniacal gas, forming a neutral salt, solid, white, volatile, pungent, deliquescent, and very soluble in water, which is decomposed by the sulphuric, nitric, muriatic and phosphoric acids. CARBO LIGNI. Charcoal of wood. E. D. L. Charcoal, as it is commonly prepared, is not a pure oxyd of car- bon, but contains also a notable proportion of hydrogen, from which it may be purified by exposingit for some time to a strong heat. Munch directs, that for medical use it be reduced to fine powder, and heated in a covered crucible as long as any flame appears, on removing the cover, and until it be fully red. It is to be allowed to cool in the furnace, the upper layer of the powder to be removed, and the re- mainder to be sealed accurately up in ounce vials. Medical use.—When the pneumatic pathology was in fashion, and phthisis and similar diseases were ascribed to hyper-oxygenation of the system, charcoal was strongly recommended as a powerful dis- oxygenizing remedy, and cases of its successful employment are even recorded. In this place it will not be superfluous to notice the power ascribed to charcoal of purifying various fetid or discoloured fluids, Lowitz found that it destroyed the adventitious colour and smell of vinegar, carbonat of ammonia, tartaric acid, alcohol, super-tartrat of potass, and other salts, and that it prevented water from becoming putrid at sea, especially when assisted by a little sulphuric acid. Meat which has acquired a maukish, or even putrid smell, is also said to be ren- dered perfectly sweet by rubbing it with powdered charcoal. 150 Materia Medica. From its acknowledged effects in correcting the putridity of animal substances, it is probable that the virtues ascribed to it of preventing the putrid eructations which take place in some kinds of dyspepsia are not unfounded. Ten grains may be given for a dose. A table spoonful taken two or three times a-day, with syrup of roses, is said to remove habitual costiveness. In the additions to the German trans- lation of the third edition of this dispensatory, we are informed that Hahnemann and Juch found that charcoal taken to the extent of two drachms daily, completely took away the fetor of the stools of dysen- teric patients. It is also said to be useful in the itch, worms, florid phthisis, scrofula, arid other atrophys. The latest extension of the use of charcoal as a remedy, is for the cure of intermittent fevers, by Dr. Calcagno of Palermo, and his success has been corroborated by Dr. Calvert, and other army practitioners on that station. A scru- ple of the powder was given as a dose three times a-day, or every three hours, and the patients generally recovered before they had taken two ounces. It was also used with advantage in dysentery. Dr. Calvert says, its general effects seemed to be "to take away bitter and disagreeable tastes in the mouth, to allay sickness, wherever there is a tendency to vomit, and sometimes to stop the vomiting when it has occurred, to promote appetite, and to assist digestion. It has some tendency, however, to constipate the bowels, but it neither pro- duces griping, nor any other unpleasant symptom." As an external application, powdered charcoal has been recommended in the cure of inflammation from external causes, gangrene, and all descriptions of fetid ulcers. The good effects of charcoal, or burnt bread, used as a tooth powder, in correcting the bad smell which the breath sometimes acquires from carious teeth, are well known. It is appli- ed in powder to tinea capitis. ' Pharmaceutical Preparation. Murias barytae. - - vide Baryta. CARBON AS—CARBONA1. Carbonat is a generic name for the combinations of the carbonic acid with earths, alkalies, and metallic oxyds. The nature of these substances was totally unknown, until the year 1756, when the genius of Dr. Black at once removed the veil, and displayed to his contemporaries a new and immense field, in which the most important discoveries might be made; and to their ardour in cultivating it, we are indebted for the present slate of chemical knowledge. Before the brilliant epoch we have mentioned, the carbonats were supposed to be simple bodies; and the fact of their acquiring new and caustic properties by the action of fire, was attempted to be explained by supposing that the particles of me fire combined with them. Dr. Black, however, demonstrated by proofs which carried universal con- viction along with them, that these bodies in their caustic state are C.—Cardamine Pratensis. 151 simple, and that their mildness is owing to their being combined with an acid, to which the name of carbonic is now given. The carbonats always preserve their alkaline properties in some slight degree. They are decomposed by all the acids, forming a brisk effervescence, (which is colourless,) when any of the stronger acids are poured upon them. This phenomenon is owing to these acids displacing, by their greater affinity, the carbonic acid, which flies off in the form of a gas. The carbonats may be also deprived of their carbonic acid, either by the action of heat alone, or by heating them when mixed with charcoal, which decomposes the carbonic acid by combining with part of its oxygen, so that both the acid and the charcoal are converted into carbonic oxyd gas. The carbonats maybe divided into three great families, the alkaline, the earthy, and the metallic. Family 1. The alkaline carbonats have an urinous taste, tinge vege- table blues green, and are soluble in water, and insoluble in alcohol. Family 2. The earthy carbonats are insipid, and insoluble in water, but soluble in water saturated with carbonic acid. Family 3. The metallic carbonats scarcely differ in appearance from the metallic oxyds. Officinal. Carbonas barytae, - vide Baryta. calcis, .... Calx. magnesiae, ... Magnesia. Potassae, ... - Potassa. sodae, - - - Soda. ammoniae, ... Ammonia. zinci, ... Zincum. ferri, - - Ferrum. CARDAMINE PRATENSIS. Flores. Ed. D. L. Meadow Ladies smock. Flowers. Cuckono flower. Willd. g. 1257. sp. 19. Smith, Flor. Brit. g. 304. sp. A.—Tetradyn. Siliquos.—Nat. ord. Siliquosa. The Cardamine is a perennial plant, which grows in meadow- grounds, send forth purplish flowers in the spring; and in its sensible qualities resembles the sisymbrium nasturtium. Medical use.—Long ago it was employed as a diuretic; and of late it has been introduced in nervous diseases, as epilepsy, hysteria, chorea, asthma, &c. A drachm or two of the powder is given twice or thrice a day. It has little sensible operation, except that it some- times acts as a diaphoretic. 152 Materia Medica. CARUM CARUI Semina. Ed. D. L Common Caraway. The Seeds. Willd. g. 561. sp. 1__Pentandria Digynia.—Nat. ord. Umbellat*. D. Karwey, Veldkomyn. P. Alcaravia, Alchirivia,Chiri- DA. Kummen, Dansk Kummen, via. Karve. POL. Karuy, Kmin fiolny. F. Carvi, Cumin des pres. R. Dikii Timon. G. Kuemmel. S. Alcaravea. I. Carvi. S W. Kummin, Brodkumin, Karf. Caraway is a biennial umbelliferous plant, cultivated in gardens, both for culinary and medicinal use. The seeds have an aromatic smell, and warm pungent taste, and yield much essential oil. Medical use.—They are employed as stomachic and carminative in flatulent colics. Officinal Preparations. Oleum volatile carui, L. D. Spiritus cari carui, E. L. D. Decoctum anthemidis nobilis, E. Tinctura cardamomi composita, L. D. sennae, L. D. Confectio opiata, L. - - Emplastrum cumini, L. - - vide Olea volqtilia. Spiritus deslillati. Decocta. Tinctura. Idem. Electuaria. Unguenta. CASSENA. Ilex Vomitoria of Alton. South-sea-tea; Evergreen Cassine; Cusseena— Yaupon, or Yopon. This is a native of Carolina West Florida, &c. and is thought to be one of the most powerful diuretics hitherto discovered. It also vomits severely. It is much esteemed by the southern Indians.* CASSIA. CASSIA FISTULA. Fructus. Pulpa. Ed. D. L. Sp. 18. Cassia tree. The fruit and its pulp. Willd.g\ 813. Decandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Lomentacea. D. Kassie, Pypkassie, Riet- I. Cassia fistola. kassie, Purgeerende Kassie. DA. Cassia, Roercassia. F. Casse solutive, Casse en batons ou en canons, Canefice, Cassefistule. G. Kassia, Rochrenkassia, Purgier Kassia. P. Cassia fiurgante, Cana fistula. POL. Fistula. R. Kassia. S. Canqfistola, Casia pur- gante, Casia fistola. SW. Cassia, Roercassia. * Barton's Collections, part I. p. 36. C—-Cassia Senna. 153 This tree is indigenous in India and Egypt, and is cultivated in Jamaica. It rises to about thirty feet high, and has long flower spikes, with yellow papilionaceous blossoms. Its fruit is a cylindrical pod, a foot or more in length, and scarcely an inch in diameter: the outside is a hard brown bark; the inside is divided by thin transverse woody plates, covered with a soft black pulp, of a sweetish taste, with some degree of acrimony. There are two sorts of this drug in the shops; one brought from the East Indies, the other from the West, (Cassia Javanica?) the canes or pods of the latter are generally large, rough, thick-rined, and the pulp nauseous; those of the former are less, smoother, the pulp blacker, and of a sweeter taste; this sort is preferred to the other. Such pods should be chosen as are weighty, new, and do not make a rattling noise (from the seeds being loose within them) when shaken. The pulp should be of a bright, shining, black colour, and have a sweet taste, neither harsh, which happens from the fruit being gathered before it has grown fully ripe, nor sourish, which it is apt to become upon keep- ing, not at all mouldy, which, from its being kept in damp cellars, or moistened, in order to increase its weight, it is very subject to be. Greatest part of the pulp dissolves both in water and in alcohol; and may be extracted from the pod by either. The shops employ water, boiling the bruised pod therein, and afterwards evaporating the solu- tion to a due consistence. Vauquelin has analyzed this pulp, and found it to consist of paren- chyma, gluten, gelatin, gum, extractive and sugar. Medical use.—The pulp of Cassia, from its saccharine and extrac- tive constituents, is a gentle laxative medicine, and is frequently given, in a dose of some drachms, in costive habits. Some direct a dose of two ounces or more as a cathartic, in inflammatory cases, where the more acrid purgatives are improper; but in these large quantities it generally excites nausea, produces flatulencies, and some- times gripings of the bowels, especially if the cassia be not of a very good kind: these effects may be prevented by the addition of aroma- tics, and by exhibiting it in a liquid form. , Officinal Preparations. Pulpa expressa, E. L. - - - vide Sue. inspissati. Electuarium cassiae fistulae, E. L. D. - Electuaria. sennae, E. L. - - - Idem. CASSIA SENNA. Folia. Sp. 24. Ed. L. D. Senna. The leaves. D. Sencbladen. P. Sene, Senna. DA. Scmsblader. POL. Sene, Senna. F. Sene, Sent en feuilles. R. Senetniie listii. G. Senna, Senesblatter. S. Sen, Sena. I. Sena. SW. Sennetsblader. This species of cassia is annual, although in its mode of growth it 154 Materia Medica. resembles a shrub, and sends out hollow wooden stems, to the height of four feet. It grows principally in Upper Egypt, from whence the leaves are brought, dried, and picked from the stalks, to Alexandria in Egypt, and thence imported into Europe. They are of an oblong figure, sharp-pointed at the ends, about a quarter of. an inch broad, and not a full inch in length, of a lively, yellowish green colour, a faint, not very disagreeable smell, and a sub-acrid, bit erish, nauseous taste. Some inferior sorts are brought from other places. These may easily be distinguished by their being either narrower, longer, and sharper pointed, from Mocha; or larger, broader, and n.und pointed, with small prominent veins, from Italy; or larger and obtuse, of a fresh green colour, without any yellow cast, from Tripoli. It has been customary to reject the pedicles of the leaves of senna, as causing gripes and pains in the bowels; but this is a mere preju- dice, for both leaves and pedicles act in the very same way. Neumann from 480 parts of senna got 143 alcoholic extract, and afterwards 140 watery; and inversely, 245 watery, and only 28 alcoholic, so that it seems to consist chiefly of mucilage and extractive Medical use___Senna is a very useful cathartic, operating mildly and yet effectually; and, judiciously dosed and managed, rarely oc- casions the ill consequences which too frequently follow the exhibi- tion of the stronger purges. The only inconveniences complained of in this drug are, its being apt to gripe, and its nauseous flavour. These are best obviated by adding to the senna some aromatic substance, as ginger, cinnamon, 8cc. and by facilitating its operation by drinking plentifully of any mild diluent. Senna may be given in substance to the extent of about a drachmj but it is rather too bulky, and it is therefore better to divide it into two doses, and to take the one half at night, and the other in the morning. It is more conveniently given in the form of infusion, which is generally made by pouring about six ounces of boiling water upon from two to six drachms of senna leaves in a tea-pot, and letting it stand about an hour. Senna ought never to be ordered in decoction, Gren says, because it becomes perfectly inert from the total dissipa- tion of ihe nauseous and volatile principle on which its purgative ef- fects depend. The tincture, on account of the menstruum, cannot be given in doses large enough to purge. Officinal Preparations. Infusum sennas, L. D. - - - - vide Infusa. sennae tartarisatum, L. - - Idem. tamarindi cum senna, E. Idem. Syrupus mannae, D. Syrupi. Tinctura sennae composita, E. L. D. - Tinctura. Electuarium sennae, E. L. D. - - Electuaria. Extractum cassias sennae, E. L. D. - - Extracta. Pulvis senna? compositus, L. - - Pulveres: C—Castoreum. 155 CASSIA MARILANDLCA. This plant, which is abundant in America, is of the same genus with the senna of the shops, and it possesses nearly the same virtues as the eastern species * It is used as a purgative in different parts of the United States, and from the high price of foreign senna, certainly deserves to be more attended to. CASTOR FIBER. Ed. L. D. Materia in folliculis prope anum collecta. The Beaver. Castor. The substance collected in the follicles near the anus. Mammalia rodentia, Cuvier. D. Bevergeil. P. Castor eo. DA. Bavergel. POL. Stroybobowry,. F. Castoreum. R. Bobrowaja struja. G. Bibergeil. S. Castor eo. I. Castorio. SW. Bafvergall. a. Castoreum Rossicum, Dub. b.---------Canaoense, Dub. The beaver is strongly characterized by its flat, horizontal, scaly tail. It is an amphibious animal, and is found in the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and America, on the banks of lakes and rivers. In inhabited countries it is a solitary slothful animal, but in desert re- gions it lives in society; the remarkable manners of which, and the immense works effected by the united labours of all the individuals of their republic, have rendered the natural history of this animal familiar to every one. In both sexes, between the anus and puden- dum, there are four follicles of an oblong shape, smaller above and larger below, formed of a tough membrane, almost resembling lea- ther. The two largest and undermost of these, which are also con- nected, and lie parallel and close to each other, contain an oily fluid secretion, which is the substance known by the name of castor. It is preserved by cutting out the entire bags, and drying them in the smoke. The best castor comes from Russia, Prussia, and Poland. The cods should be dry, gibbous, roundish, heavy, solid, and filled with a solid substance, contained in membranous cells, somewhat tough, but brit- tle, of a dark brown colour, of a peculiar, disagreeable, narcotic smell, and a nauseous, bitter, acrid taste. The Canadian castor is of an in- ferior quality; the cods are smaller, thin, oblong, and much corru- gated, and the castor itself has much less smeU and taste: what is very old, quite black, and almost destitute of smell and taste, is unfit for use, as well as the counterfeited castor, which is a mixture of Various gummy resins and other substances, with a little real castor, ♦Baton's Collections, Part I. p. 39. 156 Materia Medica. artificially interspersed with membranes, and stuffed into the scrotum of a goat. This imposition is easily detected by the weaker degree of its smell and taste, by chemical analysis, and even by mere external examination; for to the real bags, the two smaller and upper follicles, filled with a fatty matter, are always attached. Neumann got from 480 parts of castor, 140 alcoholic extract, and afterwards 80 watery; inversely, 140 watery, and 20 alcoholic. The first alcoholic extract retained the whole flavour of the castor, as none of it rose in distillation with the alcohol. The distilled water, on the contrary, contained the whole flavour, and the watery extract was merely bitter. Cartheuser obtained from it a volatile oil by distillation. Bouillon Lagrange says it is composed of a resin, adipocere, volatile oil and extractive, and Langier has discovered benzoic acid in it. Medical use.—-Castor is an excellent antispasmodic. It is very little heating, and acts particularly upon the uterine system. It is given with advantage, 1. In typhoid fevers. 2. In spasmodic diseases, especially in hysteria and epilepsy, and in cases of difficult parturition, from a spasmodic con- traction of the mouth of the uterus after the membranes have burst. 3. In amenorrhoea. It is exhibited most advantageously in the form of powder, in doses of from 10 to 20 grains, and in clysters to a drachm. Diluted alcohol extracts its virtues; therefore it may be also given in the form of tincture. But its exhibition in the form of extract or decoction is im- proper. Officinal Preparation. Tinctura castorei, E. L. D. - vide Tinctura. CATAPLASMATA.—CATAPLASMS. By cataplasms are in general understood those external applica- tions which are brought to a due consistence or form for being properly applied, not by means of oily or fatty matters, but by water or watery fluids. Of these many are had recourse to in actual prac- tice; but they are seldom prepared in the shops of the apothecaries; and in some of the best modern pharmacopoeias no formula of this kind is introduced. The London and Dublin colleges, however, al- though they have abridged the number of cataplasms, still retain a few; and it is not without some advantage that there are fixed forms for the preparation of them. C.—Cataplasroata. 157 CATAPLASMA FERMENTI. Lond. Yeast Cataplasm. Take of Flour, one pound; Beer yeast, half a pint. Mix and expose to a gentle heat, till the mass begins to swell. The yeast excites fermentation in the flour, and converts the whole into a thin dough. This cataplasm is considered as a very efficacious application to putrid or putrescent ulcers or tumours. CATAPLASMA ALUMINIS. L. Cataplasm of Alum. Coagulum Aluminosum. D. Alum Curd. Take The white of two eggs. Shake them with a piece of alum till they be coagulated. (L.) This preparation is taken from Riverius. It is a useful astringent epithem for sore moist eyes. Where the complaint is violent, this preparation, after the inflammation has yielded a little to bleeding, is one of the best external remedies. It is to be spread on lint, and ap- plied at bed-time. CATAPLASMA SINAPIS. L. Mustard Cataplasm. Take of Mustard seed, powdered, Crumb of bread, of each half a pound; Vinegar, as much as is sufficient. Mix and make a cataplasm. Cataplasms of this kind are commonly known by the name of Sinapisms. They were formerly frequently prepared in a more com- plicated state, containing garlic, black soap, and other similar articles; but the above simple form will answer every purpose which they are capable of accomplishing. They are employed only as stimulants: they often inflame the part and raise blisters, but not so perfectly as cantharides. They are frequently applied to the soles of the feet in the low state of acute diseases, for raising the pulse and relieving the head. The chief advantage they have depends on the suddenness of their action.* * On this quickness of action a very important end in practice maybe attain- ed, and which I have repeatedly pursued with the best effect, viz. to apply a mustard cataplasm (in pleurisy, &c.) for an hour, or less, when the disposition 158 Materia Medica. CENTAUREA BENEDICTA. Herba. Folia. Ed. D. Blessed Thistle. The leaves or plant. Willd. g. 1548. sp. 89. SyngeJiesia Polygamiafrustranea.—Nat. ord. Composita capitata. This is an annual plant, indigenous in the Grecian islands, and cultivated in gardens: it flowers in June and July, and perfects its seeds in the autumn. The herb should be gathered when in flower, quickly dried, and kept in a very dry airy place, to prevent its rotting or growing mouldy, which it is very apt to do. The leaves have a penetrating bitter taste, not very strong or very durable, accompanied with an ungrateful flavour, from which they are in a great measure freed by keeping. Water extracts, in a little time, even without heat, the lighter and more grateful parts of this plant; if the digestion be continued for some hours, the disagreeable parts are taken up. A strong decoction is \ttvy nauseous and offensive to the stomach. Rec- tified spirit gains a very pleasant bitter taste, which remains uninjured in the extract. Neumann got from 1920 parts 270 alcoholic, and afterwards 390 watery extract, and inversely 600 watery and 60 alcoholic. Medical use.—The virtues of this plant seem to be little known in the present practice. The nauseous decoction is sometimes used to provoke vomiting, and a strong infusion to promote the operation of other emetics. But this elegant bitter, when freed from the offensive parts of the herb, may be advantageously applied to other purposes. Excellent effects have been frequently experienced from a slight in- fusion of carduus in loss of appetite, where the stomach was injured by irregularities. A stronger infusion made in cold or warm water,if drunk freely, and the patient kept warm, occasions a plentiful sweat, and promotes the secretions in general. Tne extract prepared by evaporating the expressed juice, with the addition of a little alcohol to prevent it from becoming mouldy, has been strongly recommended in the catanh of children. The seeds of this plant are also considerably bitter, and have been sometimes used with the same intention as the leaves. to vesication is so strongly excited, that an epispastic will rise in half its usual rime, which in many cases is of the utmost consequeuce. American Editor. \ C.—Cephaelis Ipecacuanha. 159 CEPHAELIS IPECACUANHA. Willd. g. 356. species nova___Pentandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Aggregate. Callicocca Ipecacuanha. E. L. D.—Brotero, Linnaan Trans. vol. 6— Radix. Ipecacuan. The Root. D. Braakwortel Roodenloop- I. Ipecocacanna. wortel. P. Cip6 de camaras, Ipecacut- DA. Brcekrod. nah. F. Ipecacuanha. S. Ipecacuana. G. Amerikanische Brechwur- SW. Krdkrot. zel, Ruhrwurzel. Ipecacuan, in the language of South America, means vomiting root, and is applied to various vegetables which possess that property in any remarkable degree; hence the confusion and contradictions which have long prevailed concerning the plant which furnishes our officinal Ipecacuan: and this confusion is increased by several varieties of ipecacuan being found in the shops. 1st, The ash-coloured or Peruvian ipecacuan is a small wrinkled root, bent and contorted into a great variety of figures, brought over in short pieces, full of wrinkles and deep circular fissures, quite down to a small white woody fibre that runs in the middle of each piece: the cortical part is compact, brittle, looks smooth and resinous upon breaking: it has very little smell; the taste is bitterish and subacrid, covering the tongue as it were with a kind of mucilage. This, ac- cording to Mutis, is obtained from the Psycotria enietica, and is that commonly used. 2d, The brown ipecacuan is small, and somewhat more wrinkled than the foregoing; iis bark is of a brown or blackish colour without, and white within; this is brought from Brazil, and is the root of a ce- phaelis, which is perennial, and grows in moist shadowy situations. A complete monography of it, and an excellent plate, were published, in the sixth volume of the Transactions of the Linnaean Society, by Professor Brotero, who calls it the Callicocca Ipecacuanha; but the genus Callicocca has been united by Willdenow with that of Cepha- elis, to which we have therefore referred it. The plate of Brotero corresponds with that published in Woodville's Medical Botany, vol. iii. from a plant sent in spirits from Brazil by Governor Philips to Sir Joseph Banks, but which unfortunately was not in flower, and also with the rude draught of Piso, who first examined it. It has been sometimes observed, even in a small dose, to produce violent effects. 3d, The white sort is woody, has no wrinkles, and no perceptible bitterness in taste. It is probably the root of a viola. Though taken in a large dose, it has scarcely any effect at all. Besides these, the name of Ipecacuan is given to various species of Cynanchum, Asclepias, Euphorbia, Dorstenia, and Ruellia. With regard to their comparative strengths, Decandolle says, that vomiting is produced by 22 grains of the Cynanchum Ipecacuanha, 24 of the 160 Materia Medica. Psycotria emetica, 60 to 72 of the Viola calceolaria, and one to three drachms of the Viola Ipecacuanha. Ipecacuan was first brought into Europe about the middle of last century, and an account of it published at the same time by Piso; but it did not come into general use till about the year 1686. when Hel- vetius, under the patronage of Lewis XIV, introduced it into prac- tice. The root is one of the mildest and safest emetics with which we are acquainted; and has this peculiar advantage, that when it does not operate by vomiting, it passes off by other emunctories. Neumann got from 7680 parts 1440 alcoholic, and afterwards 1880 watery extract, and inversely 2400 watery, and 600 aicoholic. The tincture of ipecacuan does not redden infusion of litmus, it is pre- cipitated by water, after which it does not precipitate a solution of gelatin, but is precipitated by red sulphat of iron, and readily ac- quires a green colour from excess of the chalybeate, and precipitates infusion of gall nuts. Dr. Irvine ascertained that the watery solution is much more powerfully emetic than the alcoholic; that the cortical is more active than the ligneous part; and that the whole root pos- sesses considerable influence, both as an antiseptic and astringent; that the distilled water has very little influence; but that the decoc- tion which remained in the still, operated violently as an emetic, produced rigours, cold sweats, and other alarming symptoms; that by long continued boiling, the activity of the root is almost totally destroyed; and that the emetic property of ipecacuan was most effec- tually counteracted by means of the acetous acid, insomuch that thirty grains of the powder taken in two ounces of vinegar, produced only some loose stools. From these experiments it evidently appears, that ipecacuan con- tains cinchonin and a resin, and that its emetic property does not de- pend upon the latter, although we can scarcely attribute it to the former, as in other substances it does not manifest any emetic pro- perty. It is therefore probably owing to some other principle soluble in water and alcohol. Others have found, that the resinous part is more apt to act upon the intestinal canal, and to operate by stool. Medical use.—The primary effect of ipecacuan is that of stimulat- ing the stomach. If the dose be sufficiently large it excites vomiting, by inverting the peristaltic motion of the stomach and duodenum; in a smaller dose, it only produces nausea, and operates by stool; and in still smaller closes, it generally stimulates the stomach, increases the appetite, and facilitates digestion. Its secondary effects depend on the sympathy of other parts with the stomach; and in this way only can we explain its action as an antispasmodic, diaphoretic, ex- pectorant, and in checking hemorrhagies. Its beneficial effects in some cases also seem to be owing to the general concussion given to the whole system during the action of vomiting. Ipecacuan, properly administered, often proves serviceable, 1. In intermittent fevers. It has frequently succeeded in stop- ping these, when given about an hour before an accession was expected, and also when given so as to produce vomiting at the time of an accession, or at the end of the cold stage. C.—Cephaelis Ipecacuanha. 161 2. In continued fevers. Its beneficial effects are very decided in the commencement of typhus fever. An emetic, succeeded by a diaphoretic regimen, when administered sufficiently early in this disease, very frequently cuts it short at once, and when it fails in this desirable object, it always has a beneficial influence on the progress of the fever. 3. In inflammatory diseases, rheumatism, bubo, swelled testicle. 4. In exanthematous diseases, when the eruption is disposed to recede. 5. In hemorrhagies, when given in nauseating doses. 6. In profluvia, especially in dysentery, so much so, that it was formerly esteemed a specific against that disease. But Cullen attributes its good effects in this instance to its producing a steady determination of the peristaltic motion of the intestines downwards, when given in repeated small doses. 7. In many spasmodic diseases; in epilepsy; asthma; dyspnoea; pertussis; chronic diarrhoea; hysteria; melancholia; mania. 8. In cachectic diseases, as in some kinds of dropsy. 9. In impetiginous diseases; in jaundice. 10. In local diseases; in amaurosis, and several of the dysorexiae. 11. Lastly, in every instance when we wish to evacuate the sto- mach, as when it is overloaded with food, or when poison, es- pecially opium, has been swallowed. The use of ipecacuan, as an emetic, is contra-indicated, 1. Where there is a disposition to hemorrhagy. 2. Where there is an increased flow of blood towards the head. 3. In very irritable subjects. 4. In pregnant women, and persons afflicted with hernia. Ipecacuan is exhibited, 1. In substance; in powder. Full vomiting will generally be pro- duced in an adult by a scruple or half a drachm, and though less might answer the purpose, fortunately an over dose is scarcely attended with any inconvenience, as the whole of it is vomited with the contents of the stomach as soon as it ope- rates. The vomiting is promoted an/1 facilitated by drinking copiously of warm watery fluids. On the contrary, when vo- miting is not intended, liquids must be rather drunk sparingly, and the dose must be diminished to a grain or less. In such small doses it is conveniently combined with any proper ad- junct, in the form of powder, pill, or bolus. 2. In infusion. One drachm may be infused in four ounces of water, and taken in repeated doses till it operate. 3. Infused in wine. Ipecacuan not only checks the narcotic effects of opium, and is therefore one of the best antidotes for its poison, but reciprocally the emetic powers of ipecacuan are checked by the addition of opium, and the combination operates by increasing the cuticular discharge. " It has recently been announced by Thomas Clark, M. D. an Eng- lish physician, that a decoction of the root of ipecacuanha has X 162 Materia Medica. been administered as injections in dysentery and internal piles with surprising success. The practice has been adopted by several physi- cians, all of whom testify their confidence in the superior efficacy of the remedy. Dr. Clark directs for an adult affected with dysentery three drachms of the bruised root to be boiled in a quart of water down to a pint, strained, and given all at once as a lavement, and re- peated if necessary. In cases of internal piles, half that quantity will be sufficient." Officinal Preparations. Vinum ipecacuanhae, E. L. D. - vide Vina medicata. Pulvis ipecacuanhae et opii, E. L. D. - Pulveres. CEREVISIjE FERMENTUM. Lond. Barm or Yeast. Barm or yeast has lately been much extolled as an antiseptic re- medy in putrid fevers. A table spoonful is recommended to be given as a dose, in porter, or wine and water. It is also applied externally, in the form of a poultice, to foul and putrid sores. CERA. —WAX. D. Wasch. P. Cera. DA. Vox, POL. Wosk. F. Cire. R. Wosk. G. Wacks. S. Cera. I. Cera. sw. Vax. CERA FLAVA. Ed. L. D. Yellow Wax. Wax is a solid, of cqasiderable consistence, granulated and crys- talline in its fracture, of a white colour, and without any remarkable odour or taste. It softens and becomes plastic when very slightly heated; at 140° it melts; at a higher temperature it is in part vapo- rized and decomposed, and its vapour is inflammable. It resists in a remarkable degree the action of the acids; but in most of its other properties it resembles the fixed oils. From its combustion it appears to consist of carbon 53.12, hydrogen 16.91, and oxygen 29.97; or, ac- cording to the former calculation, of 82.28 charcoal, and 17.72 hy- drogen. For this useful substance we are indebted to the common honey bee (apis mellifica), an insect belonging to the class of Hymenoptera mellita of Cuvier. It is, however, a vegetable production, and is col- lected by the bees from the surface of leaves, and the antherae of flowers. They employ it to form the combs in which the honey and larvae are deposited. It is found in the shops in round cakes, which are formed by melt- C__Cera. 163 ing the combs, after all the honey has been expressed from them, in hot water. The wax swims above, and the impurities either sink to the bottom, or are dissolved in the water. When recent, it is tenacious, but brittle, of a yellow colour, and sweet honey-like smell; dry, not greasy to the feel; insoluble in water, alcohol and ether; soluble in the fat oils and alkalies; fusible and inflammable. In selecting it, we should observe that the cakes be brittle, have a pleasant yellow co- lour, an agreeable smell, no taste, do not adhere to the teeth when chewed, and burn entirely away. When adulterated with resin, the fraud is detected by its taste, and the action of alcohol, which dis- solves the resin. When mixed with pease meal, or earthy substances, it is more brittle, of a paler colour, and may be separated from them by liquefaction and straining. When combined with tallow, it be- comes less brittle, but at the same time softer, and has an unpleasant smell. CERA FLAVA PURIFICATA. Dub. Purified Yellow Wax. Take of Yellow wax, any quantity. Melt it with a moderate heat, remove the scum, and after allowing it to settle, pour it cautiously off from the faeces. Yellow wax is so often adulterated, that this process is by no means unnecessary. CERA ALBA. Ed. L. D. White Wax. The yellow colour of beeswax, and its peculiar smell, maybe des- troyed by the combined action of water, air, and the sun's rays. In the process for bleaching wax, we therefore, extend its surface as much as possible, by melting it and forming it into thin plates, which are fully exposed to the sun's rays, upon linen stretched in frames, and repeatedly moistened, until it acquires the whiteness desired. It is then usually melted into thin disks. White wax is more brittle, less fusible, and heavier than yellow wax. It is sometimes mixed with white oxyd of lead, or with tallow. For medical use, it has no advan- tage over yellow wax. Medical use—When taken internally, wax agrees in its effects with the fat oils, and though less frequently prescribed in this way, it is preferable, it being less apt to become rancid. Poerner recom- mends it as an excellent remedy in diseases of thenntestines^attend- ed with pain, excoriation, and obstinate diarrhoea. He gave a scruple, or half a drachm of wax, three or four times a-d?y, in the form of an emulsion, by melting it first with some fixed oihjand then mixing it with a decoction of groats by trituration with the-^olk of an egg. But 164 Materia Medica. by far its principal use is for the formation of cerates, ointments, plasters, &c. Officinal Preparations. Oxydum antimonii vitrificatum cum cera, E. vide Antimonium. Wax enters likewise into the composition of most of the various cerates, plasters, and ointments, of the colleges. .... Unguenta, ifc CERATA__CERATES. Vide Unguenta. CERUSSA. Vide Plumbum. CERVUS ELAPHUS. Cornua. Ed. L. D. The stag or hart. The horns. Mammalia Ruminantia. The male has two round solid horns on his forehead, with several conical branches, the number of which ascertain the age of the ani- mal to which they belong. These horns fall off and are renewed every year. When first reproduced, they are soft, full of bloodvessels, and covered with a velvety skin, but they soon lose their covering, and become hard, compact and bony. In their nature they do not seem to differ from bone except in con- taining a larger proportion of cartilage. They afford a very consider- able quantity of gelatin by decoction with water, and hartshorn shav- ings are still employed in domestic economy for furnishing a nutriti- ous and demulcent jelly. By the action of fire, their products are the same with those of animal substances in general; and they were former- ly so much used for the preparation of ammonia, that it was com- monly called salt or spirit of Hartshorn. By burning they are totally converted into phosphat of lime. Officinal Preparations. Cornu cervi ustum, L. D. Liquor volatilis, sal, et oleum cornu cervi, L. D. vide Ammonia. Oxydum antimonii cum phosphat calcis, E. L. D. Antimonium. PHOSPHAS CALCIS. Phosphat of Lime. ■;:' Pulvis Cornu Cervini Usti. D, Burnt Hartshorn. Burn pieces of hartshorn till they become perfectly white; then re- duce them to a v"ry fine powder. L. D. C.—Chenopodium Anthelminticum. 165 The pieces of horn generally employed in this operation, are thosa left after distillation. In the burning of hartshorn, a sufficient fire and the free admission of air are necessary. The potter's furnace was formerly directed for the sake of convenience; but any common furnace or stove will do. Indeed too violent a heat makes their surface undergo a kind of fu- sion and vitrification, which both prevents the internal parts from being completely burnt, and renders the whole less soluble. If the pieces of horn be laid on some lighted charcoal, spread on the bottom of the grate, they will be burnt to whiteness, still retaining their original form. According to the analysis of Merat Guillot, hartshorn was found to consist of 27. gelatin, 57.5 phosphat of lime, 1. carbonat of lime, and there was a loss of 14.5, probably water. Now, as the gelatin is destroyed by burning, and the water expelled, the substance which remains is phosphat of lime, mixed with less than two per cent, of carbonat of lime. Fourcroy and Vauquelin have analysed bones more accurately, and found that they contain phosphat of magnesia, iron, and manganese, and that human bones contain less of the first of these, and more of the two others than animal bones, which is probably owing to the constant excretion of phosphat of magnesia in human urine. In human bones there are also traces of alumine and silex. Medical use.—From its white earthy appearance, it was formerly considered as an absorbent earth. But since it has been accurately analyzed, that idea has been laid aside, and its use has been suggest- ed as a remedy in rickets, a disease in which the deficiency of the natural deposition of phosphat of lime in the bones seems to be the essential or at least most striking symptom. M. Bonhomme, there- fore, gave it to the extent of half a scruple, mixed with phosphat of soda, in several cases with apparent success. Whatever objections may be made to his theory, thcpractice certainly deserves a trial. Pharmaceutical Preparations. Decoctum cornu cervi, L. - - vide Decocta. Pulvis opiatus, L. - Pulveres. Phosphas sodae, L. - • Soda. CHAMiEMELUM. Vide Anthemis. CHENOPODIUM ANTHELMINTICUM. Worm seed. Jerusalem oak. This plant grows plentifully in the United States, and is much used for worms. The whole plant has a powerful smell, of which it is very retentive. Its taste is bitter, with much aromatic acrimony. The whole plant may be employed. The expressed juice is used, in doses of a table-spoonful for a child of two or three years old. A decoction of the plant made by boiling a handful of the green leaves in a quart 166 Materia Medica. of milk, for about one quarter of an hour; to which orange peel may be added, may be given to a child of four or five years old, in doses of about a wine glass full two or three times a day. The seeds are more employed, reduced to a fine powder, and made into an elec- tuary with syrup. Of this, a child of two or three years old may take a table-spoonful early in the morning; abstaining from nourishment for some hours: a like dose is given at night, or they may be strewed on bread and butter. It is often necessary to continue this course for several days. Great numbers of lumbrici are frequent discharged after the use of a few doses of the medicine.* CHIRONIA CENTAUREUM. Summitates Florentes. E. D. L Centaureum Minus. Smaller Centaury. The flowering heads. Willd, g. 394. sp. 9. Smith, Flor. Brit. g. 102, sp- 1. Pentandria Monogynia. Nat. ord. Rotacea. This plant is annual, and grows wild in many parts of England on barren pastures. It flowers between June and August. The corolla is said to have no taste; and therefore the herb, which is intensely bitter, should be preferred to the flowering tops, which derive their virtues only from the stalks connected with them. It agrees in every respect with our pure bitters. Ne-umunn got from 480 parts 210 alcoholic, and 140 watery ex- tract- *nd inversely 320 watery, 40 alcoholic. Tins plant is found native within the limits of the United States.t CHIRONIA ANGULARIS. Linn. This is a beautiful annual plant which grows abundantly in many parts of the United States. Every part of the plant is intensely bitter, in which respect it differs from the gentiana centaureum, the blos- soms of which are nearly insipid. In other respects it is closely allied to the lesser centaury; and it is in no respect as a bitter, inferior to it. It is much more common than the other, and may without injury supersede it in practice. It is called by Dr. Schoepf wild-succory.| CICUTA. Vide Conium. • Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 38, 60. Dr. Mease mentions the essential oil of the seeds as being equally or more powerful. Its dose is from four to eight or ten drops rubbed up with su^ar. Medical Museum, vol. II.—For a more particular account, see Dr. Wilkins' statement, in a paper in the 5th vol. Med. Mus. t Barton's Collections, Part II. p. 15. * Ibid. C.—Chinchona. 167 CINCHONA. Willd. g. 346. Pentandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Contorta. D. Kina, Quinquina. POL. Kwinkwinna. DA. Kina, China, Chinabark. R. China, Chinchina. F. Quinquina. S. Quina,Quina-Quina,Corteza G. Chinarinde. de Loja. I. China, Chinacchina. SW. Feberbark, China. P. Quina, Quinquina. CINCHONA. Peruvian Bark. Sp. 1. Cinchona Officinalis. Ed. Dub. Sp. Cinchona Cordifolia. Lond. Sp. Cinchona Lancifolia. Lond. Sp. Cinchona Oblongifolia. Lond. Off.—The bark, commonly called Peruvian bark, of which there are three varieties, the pale, the yellow, and the red. Cortex Peruvianus. Dub. (a) Cinchona Officinalis Cortex Communis. Ed. ClNCHON.fi LANCIFOLI.fi CORTEX. Lond. (b) Cinchona Officinalis Cortex Flavus. Ed. ClNCHON.fi C0RDIF0LI.fi CORTEX. Lond. (c) Cinchona Officinalis Cortex Ruber. Ed. Cinchona Oblongifolia Cortex. Lond. By the recent observations of the Spanish botanists, it is now as- certained, that the different varieties of Peruvian bark are not only the barks of distinct species of cinchona, but that probably each of them is indiscriminately taken from several different species. The first and most esteemed species was described in 1738 by Conda- mine. Ruiz and Pavon have described fifteen species, natives of Peru and Chili; and if to them we add those of Tafalla and Vahl, twenty- five distinct species have been described, independently of any addi- tions which we may owe to the zeal of Humboldt and Bonpland, of which seven have been found in the neighbourhood of Santa Fe de Bagota, by Mutis. Cinchona, considered as a genus, is a mountainous tree, never found in the plains, and growing between the height of 1282 and 975 toises above the level of the sea. It grows to a great height, and formerly its trunk was often thicker than a man's body. But since its bark has come into such general use, few trees are to be seen thicker than the arm. Indeed, there is reason to fear that it will become still more scarce, as no attention is paid to its cultiva- tion, and the trees always die after being stripped of their bark. This operation is performed in the dry season from September to No- vember. The bark is then carefully dried in the sun, and packed in skins, which contain from 100 to 150 pounds, and are called by the Spaniards zeronne. In these, coarse and fine pieces of the same kind of bark are promiscuously mixed, but they are afterwards sorted. Humboldt says, that from 12 to 14,000 quintals are annually exported. 2000 are exported from Carthagena, and come from the kingdom of 168 Materia Medica. Santa Fe. Loxa furnished, previous to 1779,4000 quintals, but now only 110, which are sent to Spain on account of the. king. The rest is furnished by the provinces of Huamanga, Cuenc,a, Braccamoros, &c. and are exported from Lima and the other parts of the Pacific Ocean. 1. Pale Bark. Cascariila fina. Quina amarilla. This is the bark of the Cinchona lancifolia of Mutis, which is the C. officinalis of Conda- mine, Act. Paris 1738; of Linnaeus, Spec. Plant, edit. 2. p. 244; Syst. Veget. edit. 10. p. 929; Mat. Med. p. 66; Lamark, Encyclop. p. 164, f. 1; Lambert, a description of the genus Cinchona, fig, 1; Willd. Spec. Plant, p. 957; C. condaminea of Humboldt and Bonpland; Plant. Aequinoct. p. 33. t. 10. To the same species, Zea, according to Fab- broni, refers the glabra or lanceolata, fusca or rosea, anguslifolia or tunita, and the nitida; but Ruiz, as well as Humboldt and Bonpland, consider the nitida to be a distinct species; and these last botanists refer to the same species the C. officinalis of Ruiz. Quinologia, Art. 2. p. 56. They also inform us, that the greatest part of the bark of commerce is produced in the province of Jean de Braccomoros, and that the most esteemed is obtained from a species to which they have given the name of Cinchona scrobiculata, the young bark of which can scarcely be distinguished from that of their C. condaminea. The Cinchona lancifolia grows near Loxa, and also near Guanca- bamba and Ayavaca in Peru, at a height between 75 and 82 toises above the level of the sea, and always upon micaceous schistus. In commerce, we have several varieties of the common pale bark, the most remarkable of which are, the quilled bark, which comes from Loxa, and the flat bark, from Guanaco. The bark which comes from Loxa consists ol thin, singly or doubly rolled pieces, four or five inches long, and scarcely a line in thick- ness; externally rough, of a greyish brown colour, and generally co- vered with a kind of lichen; internally of a cinnamon colour. Its frac- ture should not be fibrous or powdery, but even and shining. It has a peculiar aromatic smell, and a pleasant bitter astringent taste. The bark which comes from Guanaco consists of much thicker, coarser, and flatter pieces; externally of a dark brown, or almost black colour, but internally it has the same cinnamon colour; and in its resinous fracture, smell, and taste, it exactly resembles the former. When genuine, both varieties are excellent remedies, although the former be generally preferred on the continent, and the latter in Britain. 2. Yellow Bark. Quina naranjada. Callisaya. This is the bark of the cinchona cordifolia of Mutis, under which Zea, according to Fab- broni, includes the hirsuta, ovata, purpurea, and micrantha of the Flora Peruviana, the pubescens of Vahl. Humboldt and Bonpland give as synonimes of the C. pubescens of Vahl, Act. Soc. Hist. Nat. Half. 1. p. 19. t. 2. and Symb. Bot. p. 2. p. 37; Lambert, p. 21. t. 2. Willd. Sp. PI. p. 958; the C. officinalis Linn. Syst. Nat. edit. 12. p. 164; Syst. Veget. edit. 13. p. 178; Suppl. p. 144; Gaertner de fruct. et sem. t. 1. p. 169. t. 33. f. 4. But Drs, Powell and A. T. Thomson also include under the C. cordifolia of Mutis, the C. macrocarpa of Willdenow, misled probably by the confusion among the synonimes C.—Cinchona. 169 cited; for Ruiz, Flor. Peruv. vol. 3. p. 3. t. 198. has referred it to a new genus under the title of Cosmibuena obtusifolia, of which Hunv boldt and Bonpland have given the following synonimes: Cinchona macrocarpa, Vahl, Act. Soc. Hist. Nat. Half. 1. p. 20. t. 3. without the synonimes; Lambert, p. 22. t. 3. Willd. Sp. PI. p. 598. without the synonimes: Cinch, ovalifolia of Mutis, and grandiflora of Ruiz and Pavon. Flor. Peruv. p. 54. f. 198; and Fabbroni says it is the White bark of the English. The Cinchona cordifolia grows in the province of Cuenea, where there is also immense quantities of another species, called Cascariila peluda, which Humboldt has described under the name of Cinchona ovalifolia, and of which the bark is not much esteemed, although a great quantity of it was cut about twenty years ago. Yellow bark consists of pieces about six inches in length, thicker, and less rolled up than the common bark. Its internal surface is of a deeper red. It sometimes wants the epidermis, which is often as thick as the bark itself. It is lighter and more friable than the former variety; its fracture is fibrous; and when reduced to powder, its colour is paler. Its taste is much more bitter, astringent, and stronger; but its smell is weaker. Its decoction, when hot, is redder; but when cold, paler. Its solution strikes a deeper colour with sulphat of iron. It contains more of the active constituents than either of the others, but less gum than the common, and less resin than the red. It is much more powerful than the preceding species; according to Mutis, it is the only one which is directly febrifuge; and we are informed by Humboldt, it is that which is most esteemed at Loxa, and known by the name of Cascariila fina. 3. Red Peruvian bark is obtained from the Cinchona magnifolia of Ruiz and Pavon, the oblongifolia of Mutis. It occurs generally in much larger, thicker, flatter pieces, but sometimes also in the form ot quills. It is heavy, firm, sound, and dry; friable between the teeth; does not separate into fibres; and breaks, not shivery but short, close, and smooth. It has three layers: the outer is thin, rugged, of a reddish brown colour, but frequently covered with mossy matter; the middle is thicker, more compact, darker coloured, very resinous, brittle, and yields first to the pestle: the inmost is more woody, fibrous, and of a brighter red. Its powder is reddish, like that of Armenian bole. Its astringency and bitterness are more intense, and it contains more resin than the pale bark. It is not, however, allowed by Mutis to be, like the yellow bark, directly febrifuge. It is said to be more frequent* ly adulterated. The great price of cinchona bark has sometimes tempted dishonest men to adulterate it with other similar and less powerful barks, and, what is still more blameable, with genuine bark, from which the active constituents have been entirely extracted, by decoction wifth water. In selecting Cinchona bark, we must therefore take care, that be- sides the characteristics already noticed, it be dense, heavy, and dry, hot musty, or spoiled by moisture, and that a decoction made of it have a reddish colour when warm, but when cold become paler, and deposite a brownish red sediment. Those pieces whose taste is simply 170 Materia Medica. intensely bitter or very astringent, or nauseous, or merely muci- laginous, whose surface is smooth, or polished, of a dark colour, or pale yellow, or red, which are tough or spongy, whose fracture is fibrous, woody, or powdery, and their internal colour white or grey, are to be rejected. There are few vegetable substances which have been subjected to analysis more frequently, and by abler chemists, than the Cinchona bark. But from the difficulty of the subject, and from essential differ- ences in the chemical properties of several varieties confounded un- der one denomination, contradictory results have arisen, and our knowledge of the subject is still imperfect. Neumann got from 7680 parts of common cinchona 640 alcoholic, and afterwards 300 watery extract; and inversely 330 watery and 600 alcoholic; from which it might be inferred, that there were about 600 parts soluble in alcohol only, 300 in water only, and 30 or 40, in both; but the proportion of the last is certainly too small. Four- croy extracted from 576 parts of red bark, 38 by water, and afterwards 24 by alcohol. Marabelli got from a pound of yellow bark 464 grains of gum, 470 of extractive mucous matter, 292 of extractive resinous matter, and 125 of resin, besides saline matters, &c Lewis observed, that the decoction became turbid on cooling, and that the precipitate Was soluble in alcohol. He also pointed out the deep green colour which decoctions of cinchona acquire from the addition of chaly- beates. Dr. Irvin afterwards found, that recent decoctions gave a black colour, while those which had been kept some time gave a green. The tincture gives a black, while the cold infusion gives a green; and that, in all cases where an excess of the chalybeate is used, a green colour is produced. These effects have been ascribed to the presence of tannin; but they have little resemblance to the intensity and durability of the blue colour produced in infusions of gall-nuts, and other powerful astringents. They, however, show, that the prin- ciple on which the colour depends is more soluble in alcohol and in boiling water, than in cold water, and that it is very destructible. It was long believed that cinchona was a powerful astringent; but after Seguin's discovery of gelatin as a test of the principle of astringency, Dr. Maton found that cinchona contained very little tannin. In Dr. Duncan's experiments, solution of gelatin did not affect the cold in- fusion, but precipitated the tincture, diluted with water and filtered, slightly, and the filtered decoction copiously. The precipitate in the last case was filamentous, and exactly resembled that produced by gelatin in infusion of galls. Hence it appears that the tannin in cin- chona is much less soluble in alcohol and in cold water, than in hot. Dr. Maton discovered, that infusion of cinchona was precipitated by infusion of nut-galls. Seguin, who afterwards made the same observa- tion, concluded from it that cinchona contained gelatin, but errone- ously, as Dr. D. soon after proved. Infusion of galls is precipitated copiously, not only by the filtered decoction of cinchona, but also by the infusion and tincture diluted and filtered; and as these phenomena are inconsistent with the properties of gelatin or starch, (the only other principles which precipitate infusion of galls,) Dr. Duncan con- ceived himself authorised to ascribe them to a vegetable principle, not C.—Cinchona. 171 hitherto examined, soluble in alcohol and in water, and called it Cinchonin.* Seguin supposed that it was the tannin of the infusion of galls which formed the precipitate in infusion of cinchona; but this is extremely doubtful; for, as Dr. D. stated in Nicolson's Journal, vol. vii, a decoction of cinchona is precipitated both by gelatin and galls, and when saturated by eicfcer of these re-agents, is still acted upon by the other; but an infusion of galls, after being saturated with gelatin, does not act on a decoction of cinchona. " Now, if gelatin deprived the infusion of galls of no other principle but tannin, it would follow, that a decoction of cinchona contains both tannin and a principle precipitable by tannin, which can scarcely be the case; and indeed we do not at present see any way of accounting for the facts, but by supposing that the galls and cinchona contain each of them tannin, and another principle, of a different nature in each, not precipitable by tannin, but by each other." It is satisfactory to find that great master of analysis, Vauquclin, drawing nearly the same conclusion from his observations. "It would seem that it is to the tannin of the oak bark and galls that this principle (cinchonin) unites to form the precipitates observed in ihe infusions of these sub- stances; but as this principle exists in some species which at the same time precipitate glue, it is doubtful I hat it really unites to the tannin of the oak bark, or that the principle in the other species of cinchona which precipitate glue, is actually tannin. But the one or the other of these suppositions must be correct, as the infusions of the two species precipitate each other." Following up Dr. Duncan's experiments, Dr. Gomes, in the Tran- sactions of the Royal Academy of Lisbon, has published an Essay on Cinchonin, and has described its properties when obtained in a state of purity. Dr. Irving obtained from cinchona, a small portion of volatile oil, on which its aroma depends; and Fourcroy and other chemists have observed, that during the evaporation of an infusion or decoction of cinchona, exposed to the air, an insoluble pellicle is formed on the surface. Fabbroni observed, that cinchona loses its solubility by long exposure to the air, and even by being reduced to very fine powder; 100 parts of cinchona, when bruised, yielding from 12 to 16 of extract, and when finely powdered only 6 or 7; and that cinchona destroys the emetic property of tartrat of antimony, without losing its febrifuge virtues. Vauquclin has lately done much to lessen this confusion, by show- ing that there are three, if not four classes of Cinchona bark, differ- ing essentially in chemical constitution; but unfortunately he has not been able to designate, with botanical accuracy, the individuals he found to belong to each. The fy-st class precipitate astringents, but not gelatin. The second precipitate gelatin, but not astringents. The third precipitate both astringents and gelatin. And, Lastly, some barks confounded with these precipitate neither as» * Cinchonin, not acrid, soluble in alcohol and in water, precipitated by infu- sion of galls Dr Thomson discovered a principle, possessing similar chemical properties, in black pepper. Dr. Duncan has since found it in capsicum, and it probably exists in other peppers. 172 Materia Medica. tringents nor gelatin; but these Vauquelin, viewing the genus chemi- cally, does not consider as Cinchonas. Individuals in each of the three first classes are capable of curing intermittents, which shows how insufficient our analysis, in its present state, is for explaining the connection between the medical virtues and chemical properties of this remarkable genus. Besides these principal differences, on which Vauquelin founds his classification, Cinchona barks vary in the effects of many chemical agents. The infusions of some kinds redden turnsole, others do not affect it; some impart a deep colour to water, others very little; some affect certain metallic solutions, which others do not; and the decoctions of some kinds remain transparent after becoming cold, others grow turbid as they cool, and deposite a copious precipitate. The following mode of analysis, however, will give an Idea of the composition of the second class:—-The cold infusion has a red colour, more or less brown or yel- low, bitter taste, with more or less astringency; becoming, in a few days, covered with a green mould. On evaporating the infusion, if it be permitted to cool repeatedly during the process, it becomes tur- bid, and depositee a precipitate for several times. If these precipitates be separated, and the supernatant fluid, after it ceases to become tur- bid on cooling, be evaporated to the consistence of a soft extract, and treated with alcohol, there remains only a viscid substance, of a brown colour, almost without bitter taste, insoluble in alcohol, perfectly so*- luble in water, not rendering it turbid on cooling, and which, by spon- taneous evaporation, is analysed into a saline mass, consisting of red- dish brown crystals, hexahcdral, rhomboidal, or square, and a muci- laginous matter, which remains dissolved in the mother-water. The precipitate which is deposited on the cooling of the concen- trated infusion, when dried, has a red brown colour and an intensely bitter taste. It is readily soluble in alcohol, especially when heated. The tincture is decomposed by water, and yields crystals on spon- taneous evaporation. It is sparingly and only partially soluble in cold water, more copiously and completely in boiling water, which, how- ever, again becomes turbid on cooling. Its solution reddens tincture of turnsole, grows mouldy in a few days, does not precipitate tartar emetic, or solution of gelatin; is not visibly acted upon by acids, but with alkalies is coagulated into a thick whitish matter, becoming brown and somewhat hard by the exposure to the air, softening with heat, and acquiring the ductility and silky gloss of turpentine. The saline mass which crystallizes from the mother-water, on being purified by repeated solutions and crystallizations, is obtained in the form of white square or rhomboidal plates, often grouped, with almost no taste, soluble in about five waters at 50°, insoluble in alcohol, destructible by fire, not decomposed by ammonia, acetat of lead, or nitrat of silver, but by the fixed alkalies, and the oxalic and sulphuric acids, and by infusion of tan, and of some varieties of cin- chona. This salt M. Vauquelin discovered to consist of lime, and a new acid, which crystallizes in plates, has a very acid taste, forms soluble and crystallizable combinations with the alkalies and earths, and does not precipitate the nitrats of silver, mercury, or lead. M. Vauquelin has given it the name of Kinic acid; but as this would lead us to suppose that it was obtained from Kino, it appears to me C.—Cinchona. 173 that it ought to be named the Cinchonic acid, from the systematic name of the tree from whose bark it has been first obtained. M. Vauquelin has also analysed the barks of the cinchona pubes- cens and officinalis, which he refers to the first class. In almost every respect the analysis agrees with that now detailed, except in the che- mical properties of the deposite from the concentrated infusion, which in the present instance produces a copious precipitate in the infusion of nut-galls, as well as in tartar emetic and nitrat of mer- cury. These deposites, he observes, differ from resins in being solu- ble in water, in acids and in alkalies, in acting as a dye, in decom- posing metallic solutions, and in their watery solution becoming mouldy. He is inclined to consider them as a peculiar vegetable prin- ciple, not yet sufficiently examined. How little the analysis has hitherto accounted for the virtues of cinchona, is evident from three of the latest writers referring its vir- tues to totally different principles: Deschamps to the cinchonat of lime, two doses of which, of 36 grains each, according to him, cure every intermittent; Westring to the tanning principle; and Seguin, on the contrary, to the principle which precipitates tannin, and which he at first mistook for gelatin; and upon the faith of this mistake, he and other French and Italian physicians gave clarified glue in inter- roittents, and it is said with success. M. Seguin, it appears, however, has now seen his error, though without retracting it, and has lately published two memoirs upon cinchona, which we proceed to abridge. He says, that hitherto apothecaries had only the external appearance, fracture, taste, and smell, to enable them to judge of the quality of cinchona; but that these characters are insufficient, and that it is only by means of chemical tests that we can ascertain the presence or proportion of the febrifuge principle. He gives with confidence the following criterions: 1. Cinchona, if good, precipitates the solution of tannin, but not those of gelatin or of sulphat of iron. 2. The precipitate which the febrifuge principle forms with the solution of tan, is reddish, slightly flocculent, and heavy. If the pre- cipitate be considerable and sink quickly, it is a proof that the febri- fuge principle is abundant and of good quality. If it be not very de- cided, and remain suspended in the liquor, only disturbing its trans- parency, it is a proof that it is scanty and of bad quality. 3. If it does not precipitate the solution of tannin, it is a proof that it does not contain any febrifuge principle. 4. If it only precipitate the solutions of tannin and of sulphat of iron, it a proof that it contains an astringent substance not capable of tanning, which is foreign to it. 5. If it precipitate solutions of tannin, sulphat of iron and gela- tin, it is a proof that it contains an astringent substance analogous to that of the oak. The application of these tests he describes as easy. He powders a drachm of cinchona, infuses it for half an hour in two ounces of boil- ing water, decants and filters the infusion. The solution of tannin is prepared by mixing two ounces with three ounces of cold water, and filtering it. A solution of nut-galls may be substituted, but it is rather too delicate. The solution of gelatin is made by dissolving an ounce 174 Materia Medica. of fine glue in three ounces of water in a sand bath, and filtering it through fine linen; the solution of sulphat of iron, by dissolving an ounce in two ounces of water. A little of the infusion of cinchona is put into a glass, and the re-agents added drop by drop. He tried by these tests, &c. 600 different specimens of cinchona in Paris and Versailles, and he found very few genuine or good, but there was very little difference between the good, whether red, yellow, or pale. Following these principles, Seguin makes six classes of cinchona. Class 1. precipitate neither tannin nor gelatin, but form with sul- phat of iron a precipitate soluble in acids and insoluble in alkalies; properties common to astringents. False cinchona, having no febri- fuge property. Class 2. precipitate neither tan, gelatin, nor sulphat of iron. Class 3. precipitate neither gelatin nor sulphat of iron, but act slightly on solution of tan. These act only in large and inconvenient doses. Class 4. precipitate neither gelatin nor sulphat of iron, but solu- tion of tan abundantly. The best cinchona of commerce, as well as the genuine specimens sent by Mutis, are of this class. Class 5. precipitate solutions of tan and sulphat of iron, but not gelatin. The chalybeate precipitate was ferruginous, yellow and abundant, and soluble in alkalies. He found these properties to belong to a specimen of a bark sold as angustura. Class 6. precipitate tannin and gelatin, but not sulphat of iron. M. Seguin rarely met with this kind, but he thinks favourably of it. He also notices, as Dr. Duncan had previously done, the co-exist- ence of the febrifuge principle and tannin in the same solution. Medical use.—On dead animal matter cinchona acts as an antiseptic, and on the living body it acts moreover as a stimulant, tonic, and antispasmodic. The discovery of its medical virtues was, in all pro- bability, the result of accident. In fact, according to some, the Peru- vians learned its use by observing certain animals affected with inter- mittents instinctively led to it; or, according to others, a Peruvian having an ague was cured by accidentally drinking of a pool which, from some trees having fallen into it, tasted of cinchona: and its use in gangrene is said to ha\e originated from its curing one in an aguish patient. It has had various appellations. About the year 1640, from curing the lady of the Spanish viceroy, the Comitissa del Cinchon, it was called Cortex or Pulvis Commitissae, Cinchona, &c; from the interest which Cardinal de Lugo, and the Jesuit fathers took in its distribution, Cortex or Pulvis Cardinalis de Lugo, Jesui- ticus, Patrum, Sec; from the place where it was originally found, Peruvian bark, or simply, from its pre-eminence, Bark. On its first introduction into Europe, it was reprobated by many eminent physicians; and at different periods long after, it was con- sidered as a dangerous remedy; but its character, in process of tinK; became universally established. It was first introduced for the cure of intermittent fevers; and these, when it is properly exhibited, it rarely fails to cure. But there have been considerable differences of opinion with regard to the best C.—Cinchona. 175 mode of exhibition; some prefer giving it just before the fit, some during the fit, others immediately after it. Some, again, order re- peated doses between the fits; and this mode of exhibition, although it may perhaps sometimes lead to the employment of more bark than is necessary, upon the whole appears preferable, from being best suited to most stomachs. The requisite quantity is very diffe- rent in different cases; and in many vernal intermittents, cinchona seems even hardly necessary. It is now given from the very commencement of the disease, with- out previous evacuations, which, by retarding the cure, often seem to induce abdominal inflammations, scirrhus, jaundice, hectic, dropsy, &c; symptoms formerly imputed to the premature or immoderate use of the bark, but which are best obviated by its early and liberal use. It is be continued not only till the paroxysms cease, but till the natural appetite, strength, and complexion return. It is then to be gradually left off, and repeated at proper intervals to secure against a relapse; to which there often seems to be a peculiar disposition, especially when the wind blows from the east. Although, however, evacuations rather counteract the effects of cinchona in the cure of intermittents, yet, previous to its use, it is advisable to empty the alimentary canal, particularly the stomach; and on this account good effects are often obtained from premising an emetic. It is a medicine which seems not only suited to both formed and latent intermittents, but to that state of fibre on which all periodical diseases seem to depend; as periodical pain, inflammation, hasmor- rhagy, spasm, cough, loss of external sense, &c. Cinchona is now used by some in all continued fevers; at the same time attention is paid to keep the bowels clean, and to promote when necessary the evacuation of redundant bile, always, however, so as to weaken the patient as little as possible. In confluent small-pox, it promotes languid eruption and suppura- tion, diminishes the fever, and prevents or corrects putrescence and gangrene. Dr. Haygarth has lately extolled its use in acute rheumatism, from the very commencement, even without premising venesection. In gangrenous sore throats, and indeed in every species of gan- grene, it is much used, both externally and internally. In contagious dysentery, after due evacuation, it has been used, taken internally and by injection, with and without opium. In all those haemorrhugies called passive, and likewise in other increased discharges, it is much used; and in certain undefined cases of haemoptysis, some allege that it is remarkably effectual when joined with an absorbent. It is used for obviating the disposition to nervous and convulsive diseases; and some have great confidence in it, joined with sulphuric acid, in cases of phthisis, scrofula, ill-conditioned ulcers, rickets, scurvy, and in states of convalescence. In these cases, it is proper to conjoin it with a milk diet. In dropsy, not depending on any particular local affection, it is often alternated or conjoined with diuretics or other evacuants; and by its early exhibition alter the wat«r is once drawn off, or evew begins to be freely discharged, a fresh accumulation k» prevented, and a radical cure obtained. 176 Materia Medica. Mr. Pearson of the Lock Hospital praises very highly the powers of this remedy in different forms of the venereal disease; in reducing incipient bubo, in cleansing and healing ulcers of the tonsils, and in in curing gangrenous ulcers from a venereal cause. But in all these cases mercury must also be given to eradicate the venereal virus from the system. Peruvian bark may be exhibited, 1. In substance. The best form of exhibiting this valuable remedy is in the state of a very fine powder, in doses of from ten grains to two drachms and upwards. Mutis and Zea say, that two drachms of true yellow bark in powder are sufficient to prevent the access of an intermittent, while, to produce the same effect, it requires the decoction of two ounces. Nay, even the residuum of an infusion is capable of curing agues, provided it be given in a larger dose than the entire powder. As it cannot be swallowed in the form of a dry powder, it must either be diffused in some liquid, as water, wine, or milk, or mixed with some viscid substance, as currant jelly. Its taste, which is disagree- able to many people, is best avoided by taking it immediately after it is mixed with the vehicle. In this respect, therefore, it is better for the patients to mix it up themselves, than to receive it from the apo- thecary already made up, into a draught with some simple distilled water, or into an electuary with a syrup. A much more important objection to giving cinchona in substance is, that some stomachs will not bear it, from the oppression, and even vomiting, which in these cases it excites. We must endeavour to obviate this inconvenience by the addition of some aromatic, and by giving it in small doses more frequently repeated. If we are unable to succeed by these means we must extract the most active constituents of the bark by means of some menstruum. It has therefore long been a pharmaceutical pro- blem to discover which menstruum extracts the virtues of cinchona most completely. But it would be contrary to analogy to suppose, that its constituent principles should subsist so intimately mixed as they must be in an organic product, without exerting upon each other some degree of chemical affinity, and forming combinations possessed of new properties. Accordingly, we find, whether it arise from this cause, or merely from the state of aggregation, that neither water nor alcohol extract these constituent* from cinchona bark it the same quantity in which they are able to dissolve them sepa- rately, and that we must have recourse to direct experiment to de- termine the degree of action possessed by each menstruum upon it. With this view, many experiments have been made, and by very able chemists. But most of them were performed when the science of chemistry was but in its infancy; and even at this time that branch of it which relates to these substances is so little understood, that the results of the latest experiments ate far from conclusive. 2. In infusion. To those whose stomachs will not bear the powder, this is the best lorm of exhibiting cinchona bark. Water, at a given tempera- C.—Cinchona. 177 lure, seems capable of dissolving only a certain quantity of its active constituents, and therefore we are not able to increase the strength of an infusion, either by employing a larger quantity of the bark, or allowing them to remain longer in eontact. One part of bark is suffi- cient to saturate sixteen of water in the course of an hour or two. To accelerate the action of the water, it is usual to pour it boiling hot upon the bark, to cover it up, and allow it to cool slowly. After standing a sufficient length of time, the infusion is decanted off for use. The propriety of this process may, however, be doubted; for if a cold infusion be boiled, or even gently heated, it acquires a deeper colour, and lets fall a deposite, in part insoluble in alcohol and in water. The infusion in water is however liable to one very great ob- jection, that it cannot be kept even a very short time without be;ng decomposed and spoiled. Therefore, in some instances, we prepare the infusion with wine; and it fortunately happens that very often the use of the menstruum is as much indicated as that of the solvend. Cinchona also prevents wine from becoming acid, but in the course of a few days throws down its colouring matter, as nut-galls and charcoal do. 3. In tincture. The great activity of the menstruum in this preparation, prevents the barkJYom being given in sufficiently large doses to exert its pe- culiar virtues. It is, however, a powerful stimulant. 4. In decoction. Water of the temperature of 212° is capable of dissolving a much larger proportion of the soluble parts of cinchona bark than water at 60°, But the solvent powers even of boiling water have their limits, and by protracting the decoction we do not increase its strength, but rather, by diminishing the quantity of the menstruum, we lessen the quantity of matter dissolved. Besides, at a boiling temperature, some of the active constituents are dissipated, while others absorb oxygen rapidly from the atmosphere, and are converted into what seems to be an insoluble and inert resinous substance. 5. In extract. In this preparation, we might expect to possess the virtues of cin- chona bark in a very concentrated state. The principal objections to its use are its great expense, and the decomposition and destruction of the active constituents of the bark during the preparation, even when most carefully conducted. Not above half the weight of the dry extract is again soluble in water. It is convenient for the formation of pills and boluses, but we would always prefer a fresh infusion or de- coction to any mixture in which the extract is redissolved. Externally, cinchona bark is used in substance, as an application to ill-conditioned, carious, or gangrenous ulcers. In the form of clyster it may be given in substance, decoction, or extract. The powder is used as a tooth-powder for spongy and bleeding gums, and the decoction is an excellent astringent gargle or wash. To increase the power of cinchona bark, or to direct its efficacy z 178 Materia Medica. to a particular purpose, or to correct some inconveniences occasion- ally produced by it, it is frequently combined with other remedies. AV hen it produces vomiting, carbonic acid forms a useful addition; when it purges, opium; when it oppresses the stomach, aromatics; and when it induces costiveness, rhubarb. But we are afraid that many additions are made, chiefly saline substances, of which the ef- fects are not at all understood. Sulphuric acid, super-sulphat of alu- mina and potass (alum), muriat of ammonia, carbonat of potass, tar- trat of potass, tartrat of antimony and potass (tartar emetic), iron, lime-water, astringents, &c. have been frequently prescribed with it; but we know that in many of these mixtures decomposition occurs, which renders the whole either inactive, or completely deceives us with regard to the expected effects. CINCHONA CARIB.EA. Ed. Sp. 4. Caribaan Cinchona. The bark. ClNCHON.fi CARIB.fi.fi CORTEX. Ed. This tree is found in the Caribacan islands. It grows to a very large size. Dr. Wright, to whom we are indebted for all our knowledge of it, found some in the parish of St James's, Jamaica, fifty feet high, and proportionally thick. The wood is hard, clouded, and takes a fine polish. The bark of the large trees is rough, the cuticle thick and inert, and the inner bark thinner than that of the young trees, but more fibrous. The bark is brought to us in pieces about a span in length, rolled together, and a line or half a line in thickness, of a brown colour on the surface, which is most commonly covered with white lichens: internally it is of a dark brown colour, and very fibrous in its fracture. It has at first a sweetish taste, but after being chewed some time, it becomes extremely nauseous and bitter. Dr. Wright says he made use of this bark in all cases where Peruvian bark was indi- cated, and with the greatest success. It has often been confounded with the cinchona floribunda ( Willdenow's 7th species,) so excellently ana- lyzed by Fourcroy, under the title of the Cinchona of St. Domingo, and which, taken internally, is apt to excite vomiting and purging. CINNAMOMUM. Vide Laurus. CISSAMPELOS PAREIRA. Pareira Brava. Radix. L. D. Pareire brava. The root. Dioccia Monadelphia.—Nat. ord. Sarmentacea. This is a perennial climbing plant, which grows in the West-India islands, and in South America. The root, which is officinal, is brought C.—Cistus Creticus. 179 to us from Brazil, in pieces of different sizes, some no bigger than one's finger, others as large as a child's arm; it is crooked, and va- riously wrinkled on the surface; outwardly of a dark colour, internally of a dull yellowish, and interwoven with woody fibres; so that, upon a transverse section, a number of concentric circles appear, crossed with fibres, which run from the centre to the circumference. It has no smell; the taste is a little bitterish, blended with a sweetness like that of liquorice. Neumann got from 480 parts 123 alcoholic, and 60 watery extract, and inversely 140 watery, and 66 alcoholic. Nothing rose in distillation. Medical use.—This root is highly extolled by the Americans and Portuguese, in a great variety of diseases, particularly against sup- pressions of urine, nephritic pains, and calculus. Geoffroy also found it useful in nephritic disorders, in ulcers of the kidneys and bladder, in humoral asthmas, and in some species of jaundice. The common people of Jamaica use a decoction of the roots for pains and weakness of the stomach, proceeding from relaxation. The dose of the root in substance is from twelve grains to half a drachm; in decoction to two or three drachms. CISTUS CRETICUS. Laoanum. Resina. L. Cretan Cistus. Ladanum. A Resin. Willd. g. 1048. sp. 13.—Nat. ord. Ascyroidea. This is a perennial shrub which grows in Syria, and more espe- cially in the Grecian islands. This resin is said to have been formerly collected from the beards of go.its who browsed the leaves of the cistus: at present, a kind of rake, with several straps or thongs of skius fixed to it, is drawn lightly over the shrub, so as to take up the unctuous juice, which is afterwards scraped off with knives. It is rarely met with pure, even in the places where it is produced; the dust blown upon the plant by. the wind, mingling with the viscid juice, and the inhabitants also being said to mix it with a certain black sand. In the shops two sorts are met. with: the best (which is very rare) is in dark-coloured almost, black masses, of the consistence of a soft plaster, which grows still softer upon being hajidled; of a very agreeable smell, and of a light, pungent, bitterish taste: the other sort is harder, not so dark-coloured, in long rolls coiled up: this is of a much weaker smell than the first, and has a large admixture of a fine sand, which in the ladanum ex- amined by the French academy, made up thye-fourths of the mass; and that found in the shops seems even more sandy. What Neumann examined, however, gave him 5400 alcoholic, and 480 watery, and inversely 960 watery, and 4960 alcoholic extract, from 7680 parts. In distillation water carries over a volatile oil, and alcohol distilled from it becomes milky on the addition of water. Officinal Preparations. Emplastrum ladani compositum, L. vide Unguenta,. picis burgundicae, L. - - Idem. 130 Materia Medica. CITRUS. Willd. g. 1391. Polydelphia Icosandria.—Nat. ord. Pomacea. CITRUS AURANTIUM. Ed. sp. 2. L. D. Var. At'RANTIUM HlSr-ALENSE. Folia, flores, aqua stillatitia et oleum volatile flor urn, fructus succus, fructus immaturus, et cortex exterior. Seville orange. The leaves, flowers, distilled water, and essential oil of the flowers, the juice and outer rind of the fruit, and the unripe fruit. D. Oranjen. P. Laranjas. DA. Pomerantser. POL. Pomeranczy. F. Oranges. R. Pomerancza, G. Pomeranzen. S. Naranjas. I. Melarance. sw. Pomeranser. The orange tree is a beautiful evergreen, a native of Asia, but now abundantly cultivated in the southern parts of Lurope and in the West-India islands. There are several varieties of this species, but they may all be referred to the bitter or Seville orange, and the sweet or China orange. The leaves are neither so aromatic nor so bitter as the rind of the fruit. The flowers (flores 7iapha,) are highly odoriferous, and have been for some time past in great esteem as a perfume; their taste is some- what warm, accompanied with a degree of bitterness. They yield their flavour by infusion to rectified spirit, and in distillation both to spirit and water, (aqua forum naphe)'. the bitter matter is dissolved by water, and, on evaporating the decoction, remains entire in the extract. A very fragrant red-coloured oil, distilled from these flowers, is brought from Italy under the name oi oleum or essentia neroli; but oil of behen, in which orange flowers have been digested, is frequently substituted for it. The fraud, however, is easily detected, as the real oil is entirely volatile, and the adulterated is not. The juice of oranges is a grateful acid liquor, consisting principally of citric acid, syrup, extractive, and mucilage. The outer yellow rind of the fruit is a grateful aromatic bitter. The unripe fruit dried are called Curacoa oranges. They vary in size from that of a pea to that of a cherry. They are bitterer than the rind of ripe oranges, buUnot so aromatic, and are used as a stomachic. Medical use—The leaves have been celebrated by eminent physi- cians as a powerful antispasmodic in convulsive disorders, and espe- cially in epilepsy; with others they have entirely failed. Orange flowers were at one time said to be an useful remedy in convulsive and epi- leptic cases; but experience has not confirmed the virtues attributed to them. As by drying they lose their virtues, they may be preserved for this purpose by packing them closely in earthen vessels, with half their weight of muriat of soda. The juice is of considerable use in C—Citrus.—C. Medica. 181 febrile or inflammatory distempers, for allaying heat, quenching thirst, and promoting the salutary excretions: it is likewise of use in genuine scorbutus, or sea-scurvy. Although the Seville, or bitter orange, as it is called, has alone a place in our pharmacopoeias, yet the juice of the China, or sweet orange, is much more employed. It is more mild, and less acid; and it is used in its most simple state with great advantage, both as a cooling medicine, and as an useful antiseptic in fevers of the worst kinds, as well as in many other acute diseases, being highly beneficial as alleviating thirst. Dr. Wright ap- plied the roasted pulp of oranges as a poultice to fetid sores in the West-Indies, with very great success. The rind proves aii excellent stomachic and carminative, promot- ing appetite, warming the habit, and strengthening the tone of the viscera. Orange-peel appears to be considerably warmer than that of lemons, and to abound more with essential oil; to this circumstance, therefore, due regard ought to be had in the use of these meduiiies. The flavour of the first is likewise supposed to be less perishable than that of the latter. Officinal Preparations. Of the rind. Syrupus cort. aurantii, L. D. - vide Syrupi. Aqua cort. aur.-destillata, E. - - Aqua destillata. Spiritus raphani compositus, L. D. - Sp. destillati. Tinctura corticis aurantii, L. D. - - Tinctura. cinchonae composita, L. D. - Idem. gentianae composita, E. - Idem. Conserva cort. aurantii, E. L. D. - - Conserva. Of the fruit. Succus cochliariae offic. compositus, E. L. Succi expressi. CITRUS MEDICA. Ed. L. D. Sp. 1. Succust cortex exterior, ejusdemque oleum volatile. D. Lemon tree. The juice and outer rind, and the volatile oil of the fruit. D. Lemoenen, Citroenen. POL. Limonii. DA. Limoner, Citroner. R. Limonii. F. Citrons, Limons. S. Limones, Limoes. G. Limonen, Citronen. SW. Limoner, Citroner. I. Limoni. The juice of lemons is similar in quality to that of oranges, from which it differs little otherwise than in containing more citric acid and less syrup. The quantity of the former is indeed so great, that the acid has been named from this fruit, Acid of Lemons, and is com- monly prepared from it, The simple expressed juice will not keep on account of the syrup, extractive, and mucilage, and quantity of water which it contains, which causes it to ferment. It was therefore extremely desirable that an easy method should 182 Materia Medica'. be discovered of reducing it to such a state that it would not spoil by keeping, and would be less bulky. Various means have been proposed and practised with this view. The juice has been evaporated to the consistence of rob; but this always gives an empyreumatic taste, and does not separate the ex- tractive or mucilage; so that it is still apt to ferment when agitated on shipboard.in tropical climates. It has been exposed to frost, and part of the water been removed under the form of ice; but this is liable to all the former objections, and besides, where the lemons are produced in sufficient quantity, there is not a sufficient degree of cold. The addition of a quantity of alcohol to the inspissated juice separates the mucilage, but not the extractive or sugar. By means, however, of Scheele's process, as reduced to determinate quantities by Proust, we can obtain the acid perfectly pure and crystallized. To 94 parts of lemon juice, 4 parts of carbonat of lime are to be added: the carbonic acid is separated by effervescence, and a quantity of insoluble citrat of lime is precipitated. By evaporating the super- natant liquor, another portion of citrat of lime is obtained. These added together amount to about 7£ parts, and require 20 parts of sul- phuric acid, of the specific gravity of 1.15, to decompose them. The sulphat of lime, being nearly insoluble, is precipitated, while the citric acid remains in solution, and is to be separated by washing and crystallized by evaporation. If too much sulphifric acid be added, when the liquor is much concentrated, it reacts upon the citric acid, and chars a portion of it. When this is the case, a little chalk must be added. By this or some similar process, it is now manufactured in this country, in large quantities, and sold under the name of Coxwell's concrete Salt of Lemons. The'yellow peel is an elegant aromatic, and is frequently employed in stomachic tinctures and infusions: it is considerably less hot than orange-peel, and yields in distillation with water a less quantity of essential oil: its flavour is nevertheless more perishable, yet does not arise so readily with spirit of wine; for a spiritous extract made from lemon-peel possesses the aromatic taste and smell of the subject in much greater perfection than an extract prepared in the same manner from the peels of oranges. Medical use.—Lemon Juice is a powerful and agreeable antiseptic. Its powers are much increased, according to Dr. Wright, by saturating it with muriat of soda. This mixture he recommends as possessing very great efficacy in dysentery, remittent fever, the belly-ach, pu- trid sore throat, and as being perfectly specific in diabetes and lien- teria. Citric acid is often used with great success for allaying vomit- ing: with this intention it is mixed with carbonat of potass, from which it expels the carbonic acid with effervescence. This mixture should be drunk as soon as it is made: or the carbonic acid gas, on which actually the anti-emetic powers of this mixture depends, may be ex- tricated in the stomach itself, by first swallowing the carbonat of po- tass dissolved in water, and drinking immediately afterwards the citric acid properly sweetened. The doses are about a scruple of the car- C—Clematis Crispa. 183 bonat dissolved in eight or ten drachms of water, and an ounce of lem- on juice, or an equivalent quantity of citric acid. Lemon juice is also an ingredient in many pleasant refrigerant drinks, which are of a very great use in allaying febrile heat and thirst. Of these, the most generally useful is lemonade, or diluted lemon- juice, properly sweetened. Lemonade, with the addition of a certain quantity of any good ardent spirit, forms the well-known beverage punch, which is sometimes given as a cordial to the sick. The Ger- man writers order it to be made with arrack, as rum and brandy, they say, are apt to occasion headach. But the fact is directly the reverse, for, of all spirits, arrack is most apt to produce headach. The lightest and safest spirits are those which contain least essential oil, or other foreign matters, and which have been kept the longest time after their distillation. Officinal Preparations. Of the Rind. Aqua citri medicae destillata, E. - vide Aqua destillata. Spiritus ammoniae compositus, E. L. D. Tinctures ammoniata. Of the Juice. Syrupus citri medicae, E. L. D. - Syrupi. Succus spissatus limonis, L. - Sued spissati. Of the Oil. Unguentum sulphuris, E. - Unguenta. hellebori albi, L. D. Idem: As the citric acid has been noticed as abounding in the two last articles enumerated, it may be proper to state something of its pro- perties. Citric acid crystallizes in rhomboidal prisms, which suffer no change from exposure to the air, and have an exceedingly acid taste. When sufficiently heated, they melt, swell, and emit fumes, and are partly sublimed unchanged, and partly decomposed. Water, at ordi- nary temperatures, dissolves \ of its weight of these crystals, and at 212° twice its woight. The solution undergoes spontaneous decompo- sition very slowly. Sulphuric acid chars it, and forms vinegar. Nitric acid converts it into oxalic and acetous acids. Citrats are decomposed by the stronger mineral acids, and also by the oxalic and tartarous, which form an insoluble precipitate in their solutions. The alkaline citrats are decomposed by a solution of barytes. CLEMATIS CRISPA.—CLEMATIS VIORNA. The leaves of these species of Clematis are extremely acrid, and may be found useful in chronic rheumatism, palsy, old ulcers, and in fine, in all the diseases in which Stork found the Clematis recta useful. It is npcassary to use them in small doses.* • Barton's Collections, Part II. p. 3®. 184 Materia Medica. CLEOME DODECANDRA. This plant is a native of Pennsylvania, New-York, &c. and grows abundantly in the neighbourhood of Albany. The whole plant has an extremely fetid smell. In some parts of the United States, the root is employed as an Anthelmintic* COCCUS CACTI. Ed. L. D. Coccinella. D. Cochineal. D. Conchenilje, DA. Cochenille. F. Cochenille. G. Koschenil. 1. Cocciniglia. P. Cochenilha. POL. Cochinelha. R. Konssenel. S. Cochinilla, Grana SW. Cochenille. Cochineal is the dried body of the female of a hemipterous in- sect. It is found only in Mexico, chiefly in the province of Oaxaia, on the leaves of a non-descript cactus, according to Humboldt. There are two kinds of the cochineal insect, which live on different species of cactus. The wild cochineal, grana Sylvester, which is covered with a silky or cottony envelope, and is found in many places, New Gra- nada, Quito, Peru, Mexico, is less valuable than the cultivated or powdery eochineal, which is without that covering, grows to a larger size, and furnishes a finer and more permanent colour. The Spaniards endeavour to confine both the insect, and the plant on which it feeds, to Mexico. But this attempt at monopoly will, we hope, be frustrated, by the exertions of some gentlemen in the East Indies, whither the insect was carried from Rio Janeiro in 1795 by Captain Nelson. The male only is furnished with wings; the female has none, and remains constantly attached to the leaf of the cactus. During the rainy season, the Mexicans preserve these insects, with the succulent leaves to which they are attached, in their houses; and after the rainy season is over they are transferred to the living plants, and in a few days they lay innumerable eggs, and die. Or the preg- nant mothers are rapidly conveyed to the neighbouring mountains, where they are kept till October, when the rains cease in the plains and commence in the mountains. They are collected three times in the year; first, the dead mothers are gathered, as soon as they have laid their eggs, grana de pa3tle: in three or four months, the young, which have grown to a sufficient size, are collected; and in three or four months more, all the young are collected, large and small indis- criminately, except those which they preserve for breeding next year. They are killed by throwing them into hot water, or by turning them over in heaps in the sun, or by placing them on mats in their furnaces; which last method, though least common, preserves upon the insect that whitish powder, which enhances their price at Vera Cruz and Cadiz Good cochineal loses but -| of its weight by being dried. From a very distant period, laws have existed against the * Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 64. C.—Cochlearia Officinalis. 185 adulteration of cochineal, and it is ordered to be exposed for sale in separate grains, not in agglutinated masses. 800,000 pounds are brought annually to Europe; and each pound contains at least 70,000 insects; Humboldt says, 32,000 arobas of 32 pounds each. From their appearance, when brought to us, they were long supposed to be the seed of some plant. They are small, irregular, roundish bodies, of a blackish red colour on the outside, and a bright purple red within. Their taste is acrid, bitterish, and astringent. They are used chiefly for the sake of the fine colour which they produce, and they are prin- cipally consumed by the scarlet dyers. It is worthy of notice, that not only the fruit, but even the green joints of several species of cactus, dye cotton purple or red. In pharmacy, they are employed to give a beautiful red to some tinctures. Their colour is easily ex- tracted, both by alcohol, water, and water of ammonia; and in the dried insect it is not impaired by keeping for any length of time. " The true cochineal has been found in South Carolina, and Mr? Raphael Peale of Philadelphia asserts, that he has discovered it upon the island of Little St. Simons, on the coast of Georgia. It is extremely desirable that the insect, and the cactus coccinellifer plant on wh«ch it breeds, should be cultivated in the southern states. The planter might find it a valuable source of revenue, when, from vicissitudes in the season, their crops of rice or cotton should fail." Neumann got from 1920 grains, 1440 watery extract; and in ano- ther experiment, from the same quantity, 1430 alcoholic. The for- mer was extremely gelatinous. Medical use.—They have been lately recommended as an anodynej and antispasmodic in whooping cough. Officinal Preparations. Tinctura cardamomi composita, L. D.' - vide Tinctura. aristolochiae serpentariae, E. - - Idem. gentianae composita, E. Idem. cinchonae composita, L. - - Idem. hellebori, E. L. D. - - - - Idem. cantharidum, L. - - - - Idem. COCHLEARIA. Willd. g. 1228. Smith, Flor. Brit. g. 297. Tetradynamia Siliculosa.— Nat. ord. Siliquosa. COCHLEARIA OFFICINALIS. Herba. Ed. L\. Sp.l. Willd. and Smith. Common scurvy-grass. The Plant. This is an annual plant, which grows on-the sea-shore of the northern countries of Europe, and is sometimes cultivated in gardens. As long as it is fresh it has a peculiar smell, especially when bruised, and a kind of saline acrid taste, which it loses completely-hy drying, but which it imparts by distillation to water or alcohol. It also fur- nishes an essential oil, the smell of which is extremely pungent. Medical use.—The fresh plant is a gentle stimulant and diuretic, and is chiefly used for the cure of sea-scurvy. It is employed exter- 2 A 186 Materia Medica. nally as a gargle in sore throat, and scorbutic affections of the gums and mouth. It may be eaten in substance in any quantity, or the juice may be expressed from it, or it may be infused in wine or water, or its virtues may be extracted by distillation. Officinal Preparations. Succus cochleariae compositus, L. E. vide Succi expressi. Spiritus raphani compositus, L. D. Spiritus destillath COCHLEARIA ARMORACIA. Radix. Ed. L. D. Sp. 8. Willd. and Smith. Horse-radish. The root. This perennial plant is sometimes found wild about river sidesj and other moist places: for medicinal and culinary uses, it is culti- vated in gardens; flowers in June, but rarely perfects its seeds in Great Britain. Horse-radish root has a quick pungent smell, and a penetrating acrid taste; it nevertheless contains in certain vessels a sweet juice, which sometimes exudes upon the surface. By drying, it loses all its acrimony, becoming at first sweetish, and afterwards almost insipid: if kept in a cool place, covered with sand, it retains its qualities for a considerable time. 3840 parts, according to Neumann, were reduced by drying to 1000, and gave of watery extract 480, and 15 of alcoholic, and inversely 420 alcoholic, and 480 watery; all these extracts were sweetish, without pungency. About 15 of volatile oil, extremely pungent, and heavier than water, arose in distillation with water. Medical use.—This root is an extremely penetrating stimulus. It excites the solids, and promotes the fluid secretions. It has frequent- ly done service in some kinds ot scurvies and other chronic disorders, proceeding from a viscidity of the juices, or obstructions of the ex- cretory ducts. Sydenham recommends it likewise in dropsies, par- ticularly those which sometimes follow intermittent fevers. Officinal Preparation. Spiritus raphani compositus, L. D. vide Spiritus destillati- COFFEA. The Coffee Tree. The fruit. A shrub from twelve to eighteen feet high, originally a native of Arabia, but is now cultivated in the East and West-Indies, and in several parts of America. The Arabian, or Mocha coffee, imported from the Levant, is far the most aromatic and resinous, and, on account of its superior flavour, is the most esteemed. Very various have been the opinions entertained by different physicians relative to the medi- cinal qualities of the coffee-berry; some inveighing against its use as a pernicious indulgence, others, on the contrary, are as vehement in its praise. It has been suspected of producing palsies; and Dr. Per- cival assures us, from his own observations, that the suspicion is not, altogether, without foundation. According, however, to the experi- ments, and, in the language of the same respectable author, coffee is C.—Cocus Butyracea. 187 slightly astringent and antiseptic; it moderates alimentary fermenta- tion, and is powerfully sedative. Its medicinal qualities seem to be derived from the grateful sensation it produces on the stomach, and from the sedative powers it exerts on the vis vitcs. Hence it assists digestion, and relieves the headach; but in delicate habits it often occasions watchfulness, tremors, and many of those complaints de- nominated nervous. The celebrated Sir John Pringle, bestows high encomiums on coffee, as a remedy in paroxysms of the periodic asthma He directs the best Mocha coffee, newly burnt, and made very strong immedi- ately after grinding it, an ounce to one dish, without milk or sugar, to be repeated after the interval of a quarter or half an hour, until relief be obtained. We are assured also, that Sir John Floyer, during the latter year of his life, kept free from, or lived easy under this afflictive complaint, by the use of strong coffee. With respect to the medicinal properties of coffee, says Dr. Wil- lich, it is in general excitant and stimulating, though we doubt whether it relaxes the animal fibres, as has by some authors been supposed. Its more or less wholesome effect greatly depends on the climate, as well as the age, constitution, and other peculiarities of the individual. Hence it cannot be recommended to children, or persons of a hot, choleric, nervous, or phthisical habit; nor will it be so useful in warm, as in cold and temperate climates; but to the phlegmatic and sedentary, a cup of coffee, one or two hours after a meal, or, which is still better, one hour before it, may be of service to promote digestion, and prevent or remove a propensity to sleep. In cases of spasmodic asthma, hypochondriasis, scrofula, diarrhoea, agues, and particular.y ag inst narcotic poisons, such as opium, hemlock, &c. coffee olten produces the best effects; nor is there a domestic remedy, better adap'ed to relieve periodical headachs which proceed from want of tone, or from debility of the stomach. The heaviness, headach, giddiness, sickness, and nervous affections, which attack some persons in the morning, after taking an opiate at night, are abated by a cup or two of strong coffee. Dr. Barton recommends a strong infusion of Coffee, with or with- out sugar and milk,in cases of retention and suppression of the menses, accompanied with very weak arterial action. He opposes its use in all cases of active hemorrhagies, and even in common fluor albus, when connected with febrile action. COCOS BUTYRACEA. Oleum nucisfxum. Ed. The mgckaw tree. The fixed oil of the nut, commonly called Palm Oil, Palma.—Nat. ord. Palma. D. Palm olie. I. Olio di palma. DA. Palmeolie. P. Oloe de palma. F. Huile de palme, Huile S. Aceite de palma. de Senegal. SW.Palmolja^ G. Palmbi. This tree is a native of South America, The fruit is triangular*. 188 Materia Medica. yellow, and as big as a plumb. The nut or kernel yields the oleum palma of the shops, it is first slightly roasted and cleaned, and then ground to a paste, first in a mill, then on a levigating stone. This paste is gentle heated, and mixed with ^g its weight of boiling water,i put into a bag, and the oil expressed between two heated plates of iron. It yields /-. or T8^ of oil If coloured, this oil may be purified by filtration when melted. This oil has the consistence of butter, a golden yellow colour, the smell of violets, and a sweetish taste. When well preserved, it keeps several years without becoming rancid. When spoiled, it loses its yellow colour and pleasant smell. It is said to be often imitated with axunge, coloured with turmeric, and scented with Florentine iris root. It is rarely used in medicine, and only exter- nally as an emollient ointment. COLCHICUM AUTUMNALE. Radix. Ed. L. D. Meadow saffron. The root. Willd.g. 707. sp. 1. Smith, Flor. Brit. g. 187. ep. 1. Hexandria Trigy* nia.—Nat. ord. Liliacea. Meadow Saffron is a perennial bulbous-rooted plant, which grows in wet meadows in the temperate countries of Europe. It flowers in 'he beginning of autumn, at which time the old bulb be- gins to decay, and a new bulb to be formed. In the following May the new bulb is perfected, and the old one wasted and corrugated. They are dug for medical use in the beginning of summer. The sen- sible qualities of the fresh root are very various, according to the place of growth, and season of the year. In autumn it is inert; in the beginning of summer highly acrid: some have found it to be a corro- sive poison, others have eaten it in considerable quantity without experiencing any effect. When it is possessed of acrimony, this is of the same nature with that of garlic, and is entirely destroyed by drying. Medical use—Stork, Collin, and Plenk have celebrated its virtues as a diuretic in hydrothorax and other dropsies. But it is at best a very uncertain remedy. The expressed juice is used in Alsace to de- stroy vermin in the hair. Officinal Preparations. Syrupus colchici autumnalis, E. - vide Syrupi. Oxymel colchici, L. Mella medicata. COLOMBA. Ed. L. Non descript. Columbo. D. Colombo. The root. D. Columbo wortel. I. Radice di Columbo DA. Columborod. P. Raiz de Columba. F. Racine de Colombo. S. Raiz de Columbo. G. Columbo wurzel. SW. Colomborot. This is the root of an unknown plant, which, however, is conjee- C.—Conium Maculatum. 189 cured by Willdenow to be a species of bryonia.* It was supposed to have its name from a city in Ceylon, from which it is.sent over all India. But more recent accounts say, that it is produced in Africa, in the country of the Caffres, and that it forms an important article of commerce with the Portuguese at Mozambique, in the province of Tranquebar. It is generally brought in transverse sections, from half an inch to three inches in diameter, rarely divided horizontally. This is evidently done to facilitate its drying, for the large pieces are all perforated with holes. The bark is wrinkled and thick, of a dark brown colour on the outside, and bright yellow within. The pith in the centre is spongy, yellowish, and slightly striped. Its smell is slightly aromatic, and readily lost when not preserved in close ves- sels; its taste is unpleasant, bitter, and somewhat acrid; the bark has the strongest taste; the pith is almost mucilaginous. Its essential con- stituents are cinchonin, and a great deal of mucilage. It is accord- ly more soluble in water than in alcohol. The tincture is not precipi- tated by water, and does not affect the colour of infusion of turnsole, or solution of red sulphat of iron. Medical use.—In India it is much used in diseases attended with bilious symptoms, particularly in cholera; and it is said to be some- times very effectual in other cases of vomiting. It often produces ex- cellent effects in dyspepsia. Half a drachm of the powder is given repeatedly in the day. Officinal Preparation. Tinctura Colombae, E. L. D. - vide Tinctura. CONFECTIONES. vide Electuaria. CONIUM MACULATUM. Folia, Semen. Ed. L. D. Hemlock. The leaf, flower, and seed. Willd. g. 533. sp. 1. Smith, Flor. Brit.g. 130. sp. 1. Pentandria Digy- nia.—Nat. ord. Umbellata. This is a large biennial umbelliferous plant, which grows very commonly about the sides of fields, under hedges, and in moist shady places. As it may easily be confounded with other plants of the same natural order, which are either more virulent, or less active, we shall give a full description of its botanical characters. The root is white, long, of the thickness of a finger, contains when it is young a milky juice, and resembles both in size and form the carrot. In spring it is very poisonous, in harvest less so. The stalk is often three, four, and even six feet high, hollow, smooth, not beset with hairs, and marked with red or brown spots. The leaves are large, and have long and thick foot-stalks, which, at the lower end, assume the form of a • In the last edition of the London pharmacopoeia, it is said to be of the natu- ral order of MenUpermum; the genus has not yet been determined. 190 Materia Medica. groove, and surround the stem. From each side of the foot-stalk other foot-stalks arise, and from these a still smaller order, on which there are sessile, dark green, shining, lancet-shaped, notched leafits. The umbels are terminal and compound. The flowers consist of five white heart-shaped leaves. The seeds are flat on the one side, and hemispherical on the other, with five serrated ribs. This last circum- stance, with the spots on the stalks, and the peculiar very nauseous smell of the plant, somewhat resembling the urine of a cat, serve to distinguish it from all other plants. We must not be misled by its offi- cinal name Cicuta, to confound it with the Cicuta virosa of Linnaeus, which is one of the most virulent plants produced in Great Britain, and readily distinguishable from the conium, by having its roots al- ways immersed in water, which those of the conium never are. The possibility of this mistake shows the propriety of denominating all vegetables by their systematic names, as the Edinburgh college now do. The other plants which have been mistaken for the conium ma- culatum are, the aethusa cynapium, caucalis anthriscus, and several species of chxrophyllum, especially the bubosum. Hemlock should not be gathered unless its peculiar smell be strong. The leaves should be collected in the month of June, when the plant is in flower. The leafits are to be picked off, and the foot-stalks thrown away. The leafits are then to be dried quickly in a hot sun, or rather on tin plates before a fire, and preserved in bags of strong brown pa- per, or powdered and kept in close vessels, excluded from the light; for the light soon dissipates their green colour, and with it the virtues of the medicine. Medical use.—Fresh hemlock contains not only the narcotic, but also the acrid principle; of the latter much, and of the former little, is lost by drying. The whole plant is a virulent poison, but varying very much in strength according to circumstances. When taken in an over-dose, it produces vertigo, dimness of sight, difficulty of speech, nausea, putrid eructations, anxiety, tremors, and paralysis of the limbs. But Dr. Stork found, that in small doses it may be taken with great safety; and that, without at all disordering the constitution, or even producing any sensible operation, it sometimes proves a power- ful resolvent in many obstinate disorders. In scirrhus, the internal and external use of hemlock has been found useful, but then mercury has been generally used at the same time. In open cancer, it often abates the pains, and is free from the constipating effects of opium. It is likewise used in scrofulous tumours and ulcers, and in other ulcers that are only defined by the term ill-conditioned. It is also re- commended by some in chincough, and various other diseases. Its most common, and best form, is that of the powdered leaves, in the dose at first of two or three grains a-day, which in some cases has been gradually increased to upwards of two ounces a day, without producing giddiness. An extract from the seeds is said to produce giddiness sooner than that from the leaves. Officinal Preparation. Succus spissatus conii maculati, E. L. D. Vide Sued spissati. C.—Conserva^ 191 CONSERVE.—CONSERVES. Conserves are compositions of recent vegetable matters and sugar, beaten together into a uniform mass. This management is introduced for preserving certain simples, un- dried, in an agreeable form, with as little alteration as possible in their native virtues; and in some cases it is very advantageous. Vegetables, whose virtues are lost or destroyed in drying, may in this form be kept uninjured for a considerable time: for, by carefully securing the mouth of the containing vessel, the alteration, as well as dissipation, of their active principles, is generally prevented; and the sugar pre- serve^ them from the corruption which juicy vegetables would other- wise undergo. The sugar should be pounded by itself, and passed through a sieve, before it be mixed with the vegetable mass, for without this it cannot be properly incorporated. Rose buds, and some other vegetables, are prepared for mixing with sugar by a small wooden mill contrived for that purpose. There are, however, vegetables whose virtues are impaired by this treatment. Mucilaginous substances, by long lying with sugar, be- come les3 glutinous; and astringents sensibly become softer upon the palate. Many of the fragrant flowers are of so tender and delicate a texture, as almost entirely to lose their peculiar qualities on being beaten or bruised. In general, it is obvious, that in this form, on account of the large admixture of sugar, only substances of considerable activity can be taken with advantage as medicines. And, indeed, conserves are at present considered chiefly as auxiliaries to medicines of greater effi- cacy, or as intermediums for joining them together. They are very convenient for reducing into boluses or pills the more ponderous powders, as sub-muriat of mercury, the oxyds of iron, and other mi- neral preparations; which, with liquid or less consistent matters, as syrups, will not cohere. The shops were formerly encumbered with many conserves alto- gether insignificant; the few now retained have in general either an agreeable flavour to recommend them, or are capable of answering some useful purposes as medicines. Their common dose is the bulk of a nutmeg, or as much as can be taken up at once or twice upon the point of a knife. There is, in general, no great danger of exceeding in this particular. CONSERVA Citri Aurantii. Ed. Aurantii Hispalensis. L, Corticis Aurantii. D. Ros.fi CANiNfi. Ed. CYNO:^BATI. L. RoSiE RuBR.fi. Ed. L. Ros.e. D. Red rose buds. Absinthii Maritimi. L, - - Sea wormword. 192 Materia Medical Pluck the leaves from the stalks, the unblown petals from the cups, taking off the heels. Take off the outer rind of the oranges by a grater. When prepared in this way, beat them with a wooden pestle in a marble mortar, first by themselves, afterwards with three times their weight of double refined sugar, until they be mixed. La Grange says, that by infusing the red rose leaves in four times their weight of water, which is afterwards to be expressed from them, they lose their bitterness, and are more easily reduced to a pulp, which he then mixes with a thick syrup, prepared by dissolving the sugar in the expressed liquor, and boiling it down to the consistence of an electuary. , • It is scarcely necessary to make any particular remarks on these conicrves. Their taste and virtues are compounded of those of sugar, and the substance combined with it. The hips are acidulous and refri- gerant; the orange-rind and wormwood bitter and stomachic, and the cd rose buds astringent. CONTRAYERVA. Vide Dorstenia. CONVOLVULUS. Willd. g. 323.—Pentandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Campanacea. CONVOLVULUS SCAMMONIA. Sp. 4. Gummi-resina. Ed. L. D, Scammony. The gum-resin. D. Skammoneum. I. Scamonea. DA. Skammonium. P. Escamonea. F. Scammonee. S. Escamonea. G. Skammonie. SW. Scammonium. The scammony convolvulus is a climbing perennial plant, which grows in Syria, Mysia, and Cappadocia. The roots, which are very long and thick, when fresh contain a milky juice. To obtain this, the earth is removed from the upper part of the roots, and the tops of these are cut obliquely off. The milky juice which flows out, is col- lected in a small vessel, sunk in the earth at the lower end of the cut. Each root furnishes only a few drachms, but it is collected from se- veral vessels, and dried in the sun. This is the true and unadulterated scammony. It is light, of a dark grey colour, but becomes of a whitish yellow when touched with the wet finger, is shining in its fracture, has a peculiar nauseous smell, and bitter acrid taste, and forms with water a greenish milky fluid, without any remarkable sediment. In this state of purity it seldom reaches us, but is commonly mixed with the expressed juice of the root, and even of the stalks and leaves, and often with flour, sand or earth. The best to be met with in the shops C.—Convolvulus Jalapa. 193 comes from Aleppo in light spongy masses, having a heavy disagree- able smell, friable, and easily powdered, of a shining ash colour verg- ing to black; when powdered, of a light grey or whitish colour. An inferior sort is brought from Smyrna in more compact ponderous pieces, with less smell, not so friable, and less easily powdered, of a darker colour, not so resinous, and full of sand and other impurities. Resin is the principal constituent of scammony. Sixteen ounces of good Aleppo scammony give eleven ounces of resin, and three and a * half of watery extract. Bouillon La Grange and Vogel obtained from 100 parts, 60 of resin, 3 of gum, 2 of extract, and 35 of insoluble matter. Medical use.—Scammony is an efficacious and strong purgative. Some have condemned it as unsafe, and laid various ill qualities to its charge; the principal of which is, that its operation is uncertain, a full dose proving sometimes ineffectual, whilst at others a much smaller one occasions dangerous hypercatharsis. This difference, however, is owing entirely to the different circumstances of the pa- tient, and not to any ill quality, or irregularity of operation, of the medicine: where the intestines are lined with an excessive load of mucus, the scammony passes through, without exerting itself upon them; where the natural mucus is deficient, a small dose of this or any other resinous cathartic irritates and inflames. Many have en- deavoured to diminish the activity of this drug, and to correct its imaginary virulence, by exposing it to the fumes of sulphur, dissolv- ing it in acids, and the like: but these only destroy a part of the medicine, without making any alteration in the rest. Scammony in substance, judiciously managed, stands not in need of any corrector: if triturated with sugar, or with almonds, it becomes sufficiently safe and mild in its operation. It may likewise be conveniently dissolved, by trituration, in a strong decoction of liquorice, and then poured off from the feces. The common dose of scammony is" from three to twelve grains. Officinal Preparations. Electuarium scammonii, L. D. Pulvis sennae compositus, L. scammonii compositus, E. L. D. cum aloe, L. - - calomelane, L. - - Extractum colocynthidis compositum, L. - Pilulae aloes cum colocynthide, E. vide Electuaria. Pulveres, - Idem. Idem. • Idem. Extracta. - Pilula. 2B I0i Materia Medica. CONVOLVULUS JALAPA. Sp. 61. Radix. Ed. L. D. Jalap. The root. D. Jalappe. P. Jalappa. DA. Jalaprod. POL. Jalapa. F. Jalap. R. Jalap. G. Jalapwurzel. S. Jalapa. • I. Sciarappa.' SW. Jalaprot, Purggerrot. Jalap is another climbing perennial species of convolvulus. It is an inhabitant of Mexico and Vera Cruz. It is brought to us in thin transverse slices, which are covered with a blackish wrinkled bark, are of a dark grey colour internally, marked with darker or black- ish stripes. It has a nauseous smell and taste; and when swallowed it affects the throat with a sense of heat, and occasions a plentiful discharge of saliva. When powdered it has a yellowish grey colour. Such pieces should be chosen as are most compact, hard, weighty, dark-coloured, and abound most with black circular striae and shining points: the light, whitish, friable, worm-eaten pieces must be re- jected. Slices of bryony root are said to be sometimes mixed with those of jalap: but they may be easily distinguished by their whiter colour, and less compact texture. Neumann got from 7680 parts, 2480 alcoholic, and then by water 1200, and inversely 2160 watery, besides 360, which precipitated, during the evaporation, and 1440 alcoholic: the tincture, extracted from 7680 parts, when precipitated by water, gave 1920. Medical use.—Jalap in substance, taken in a dose of about half a drachm (less or more, according to the circumstances of the patient) in plethoric, or cold phlegmatic habits, proves an effectual, and in general a safe purgative, performing its office mildly, seldom occa- sioning nausea or gripes, which too frequently accompany the other strong cathartics. In hypochondriacal disorders, and hot bilious tem- peraments, it gripes violently, if the jalap be good; but rarely takes due effect as a purge. An extract originally made by water purges almost universally, but weakly; and at the same time has a conside- rable effect by urine: what remains after this process gripes violently. The pure resin, prepared by spirit of wine, occasions most violent gripings, and other distressing symptoms, but scarcely proves at all cathartic: triturated with sugar, or with almonds, into the form of an emulsion, or dissolved in spirit, and mixed with syrups, it purges plentifully in a small dose, without occasioning much disorder: the part of the jalap remaining after the separation of the resin, yields to water an extract, which has no effect as a cathartic, but operates powerfully by urine. OfFICINAL PREPARATlONS. Tinctura jalapae, E. L. D. - - - - vide Tinctura. Extractum jalapae, E. L. D. - - - . . Extracta. Pulvis jalapae composite, E. Pulveres. Tinctura sennae composita, E. Tinctura. C.—Copaifera Officinalis. 195 CONVOLVULUS PANDURATUS. Wild potatoe. The root. This is supposed by professor Barton to be the Mechameck or wild-rhubarb of some of our Indians. In the state of Delaware it is called wild-potatoe vine; and the root Kussauder, or Kassader (a cor- ruption of the word Cassada). From one of our species of Convol- vulus, an extract has been procured, but little, if any thing, inferior to the scammony of the shops. In Virginia, and some other parts of the United States, the root of this plant has been much recommend- ed in cases of gravel. It is used either in powder or in decoction. Dr. Harris, of New-Jersey, has found an infusion or decoction of the root very useful in his own case. He is persuaded, that it has enabled him to pass the calculous granules, with much facility.* COPAIFERA OFFICINALIS. Resina. Ed. L. D. Copaiva tree. The resin called Balsam of Copaiva. Willd. g. 880. sp. 1. Decandria Monogynia___Nat. ord. Dumosa. The tree which produces this resin is a native of the Spanish West-India islands, and of some parts of the continent of South America. It grows to a large size, and the resinous juice flows in considerable quantities from incisions made in the trunk. The juice is clear and transparent, of a whitish or pale yellowish colour, and agreeable smell, and a bitterish pungent taste. It is usually about the consistence of oil, or a little thicker; when long kept, it becomes nearly as thick as honey, retaining its clearness, but has not been observed to grow dry or solid, as most of the other resinous juices do. The best resin of copaiva comes from Brazil; but we sometimes meet with a thick sort which is not at all transparent, or much less so than the foregoing, and generally has a portion of turbid watery liquor at the bottom. This is probably either adulterated by the mixture of other substances, or has been extracted by decoction from the bark and branches of the tree: its smell and taste are much less pleasant than those of the genuine resin. Pure resin of copaiva dissolves entirely in alcohol: the solution has a very fragrant smell. Distilled with water it yields a large quantity of a limpid essential oil, but no benzoic acid: it is therefore not a balsam, but a combination of resin and essential oil. Neumann says that it effervesces wtth liquid ammonia. Medical use—The resin of copaiva is an useful corroborating de- tergent medicine, but in some degree irritating. It strengthens the nervous system, tends to loosen the belly; in large doses proves pur- gative, promotes urine, and cleans and heals exulcerations in the urinary passages, which it is supposed to perform more effectually than any of the other resinous fluids. Fuller observes, that it gives * Barton's Collections, Part. I. p. 29. 54. Part II. 49. 196 Materia Medica. the urine an intensely bitter taste, but not a violet smell as the tur. pentines do. This resin has been principally celebrated in gleets and the fluor albus, and externally as a vulnerary. The dose of this medicine rarely exceeds twenty or thirty drops, though some authors direct sixty or upwards. In this country it has been given in doses of half an ounce and more, with great advantage in gonnorrhcea. It may be conveniently taken in the form of an eleo- saccharum, or in that of an emulsion, into which it may be reduced, by triturating it with almonds, with a thick mucilage of gum arabic, or with the yolk of eggs, till they are well incorporated, and then gradually adding a proper quantity of water. CORIANDRUM SATIVUM. Semen. Ed. L. D. Coriander. The seeds. Wild.g. 552. sp. 1. Smith, Flor. Brit.g. 142. sp. X.Pentandria Digy- nia.—Nat. ord. Umbellate. D. Koriander. P. Coentro, Coriandro DA. Koriander. POL. Koryander. F. Coriandre. R. Koriander. G Koriander. S. Cilantro, Culantro. I. Coriandro, Curiandolo. sw. Koriander. Coriander is an annual, umbelliferous plant, a native of the south of Europe, differing from all the others of that class in producing spherical seeds. These, when fresh, have a strong disagreeable smell, which improves by drying, and becomes sufficiently grateful: they are recommended as carminative and stomachic. Officinal Preparations. Infusum sennae tartarisatum, L. vide Infusa. tamarindi cum senna, E. - - - Idem. Tinctura sennae composita, E. Tinctura. Electuarium sennae, E. L. - - - - Electuaria. CORNUS FLORIDA. Common Dogwood. This beautiful shrub is found in every part of the United States. In the New-England states it is known by the name of Boxwood. The bark is considerably astringent, and has long been employed in intermittent fevers. A decoction of it has likewise been found useful in the yellow water of horses, so fatal within the few last years. An agreeable bitter is made by infusing the ripe fruit or berries, in spirits or brandy. The Indians employ an infusion of the flowers in inter- mittents; and the same has been recommended in flatulent colic. The bark of the root, stem, and smaller branches is employed. That of the root is deemed most efficacious. It is sometimes com- C.—Crocus Sativus. 197 bined with the bark of the |»iriodendron, either in decoction or in substance.* CORNUS SERICEA. Red-Willow. Rose-Willow. The bark of this shrub has been found but little inferior to the common pale Peruvian bark in intermittents. The bark forms a beautiful tincture with proof spirits, and is, as also the powdered bark of both species, deserving of a place in the shops.t For a particular account of these vegetables, the reader is referred to Dr. John M. Walker's " Experimental inquiry into the similarity in virtue between the Cornus Florida and Sericea, and the Cinchona Officinalis of Linnsus, Sec. &c Philadelphia, 1803." CORTEX PERUVIANUS- Vide Cinchona. CRETA. Vide Carbonas Calcis. CROCUS SATIVUS. Floris stigmata. Ed. D. L. Saffron. Crocus. The summits of the Pistils, called Saffron. Willd. g. 92. sp. 1. Smith, Flor. Brit. g. 16. sp. 1, Triandria Monogy- nia.-—Nat. ord. Liliacea. D. Saffraan. P. Acafrao. DA. Saffran. POL. Szafran. F. Safran. R. Schafran. G. Saffran. S. Azof ran. 1. Zafferano, Gruogo. SW. Saffran. Crocus is a bulbous-rooted perennial plant, probably a native of the East, although it is now found wild in England, and other tem- perate countries of Europe. It is very generally cultivated as an ornament to our gardens, and in some places for the saffron, which is formed of the dried summits of the pistil, and not of the filaments, as stated by the Dublin College. Each flower has one pistil, the summit of which is deeply divided into three slips, which are of a dark orange-red colour, verging to white at the base, and are smooth and shining. Their smell is pleasant and aromatic, but narcotic; their taste a fine aromatic bitter, and they immediately give a deep yellow colour to the saliva when chewed. The flowers are gathered early in the morning, just before they open; the summits of the pistils are • Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 12.45. f Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 1? 198 Materia Medica. picked out, very carefully dried by the heat of a stove, and corrf. pressed into firm cakes. In Great Britain the saffron is superior to what is imported from other countries, and may by distinguished by its blades being broader. On the continent they reckon the Austrian and the French from Gatinois the best. The Spanish is rendered useless, by being dipt in oil, with the intention of preserving it. Saffron should be chosen fresh, not above a year old, in close cakes, neither dry, nor yet very moist; tough and firm in tearing; difficultly pulverizable; of a fiery, orange red colour; of the same colour within as without; of a strong, acrid, diffusive smell; and capable of colouring a' very large propor- tion of water or alcohol. Saffron which does not colour the fingers when rubbed between them, or stains them with oil, has little smell or taste, or a musty or foreign flavour, is too tender, and has a whitish, yellowish or blackish colour, is bad. It is said that it is some- times adulterated with the fibres of smoaked beef, and with the flowers of the carthamus tinctorius, calendula officinalis, &c The imposition may be detected by the absence of the white ends, which may be ob- served in the real saffron, by the inferior colouring power, and by the want of smell, or bad smell when thrown on live coals. By distillation with water, saffron furnishes a small proportion of essential oil, of a golden yellow colour, heavier than water, and pos- sessing the characteristic smell in an eminent degree. According to Hermbstadt, the soluble matter of saffron is extractive nearly pure. Neumann obtained from 480 dried saffron 360 grains of watery ex- tract which was soluble in alcohol, except 24 of a colourless matter like sand, and afterwards-20 of alcoholic; and inversely, 320 of alco- holic extract entirely soluble irr water, and then 90 of watery. On account of the great volatility of the aromatic part of the saf- fron, it should be wrapt up in a bladder, and preserved in a box or tin case. Medical use.—Saffron is a very elegant aromatic: besides the virtues which it has in common with all the bodies of that class, it has been alleged that it remarkable exhilarates, raises the spirits, and is de- servedly accounted one of the highest cordials: taken in large doses, it is said to occasion immoderate mirth, involuntary laughter, and the ill effects which follow from the abuse of spirituous liquors. The me- dicine is also said to be particularly serviceable in hysteric depres- sions, or obstruction of the uterine secretions, where other aromatics, even those of the more generous kind, have little effect. But some experiments made by Dr. Alexander serve to show that it is much less powerful than was once imagined: and it was given in the Edin- burg Infirmary by Dr. Henry Cullen, even to the extent of half an ounce a day, in several hysterical cases, without any sensible effect whatever; so that of late the estimation in which it was held as a me- dicine has been on the decline. Officinal Preparations. Syrupus croci, L. - - - - vide Syrupi. Tinctura croci, E. Tinctura. aloes cum myrrha, E. L. - - Idem. C.—Croton Eleutheria. 199 Tinctura cinchonae composka, L. D. - vide Tincture. rhabarbari, L. - - Idem. composita, L. - - Idem. aloes aetherea, E. - - Tinctura atherea. Vinum rhabarbari, L. - ... Vina medicata. Pilulae aloes cum myrrha, L. E. - - Pilula. Electuarium aromaticum, D. - - - Electuaria. Confectio aromatica, L. - - - - Idem. CROTON ELEUTHERIA. (Swartz. Prod.) Cortex. Ed. Croton Cascarilla L. D. Eleutheria or Cascariila. The bark. Willd. g. 1713. sp. 2. Monoecia Monadelphia.—Nat. ord. Tricocca. This bark is imported into Europe from the Bahama Islands, and particularly from one of them of the name of Eleutheria; from which circumstance it was long known by the title of Eleutheria. But Dr. Wright also found the tree on the sea-shore in Jamaica, where it is common, and rises to about twenty feet. It is the Clutia eluteria of Linnaeus: the bark of whose Croton cascarilla has none of the sensi- ble qualities of the cascarilla of the shops. The cascarilla is in general brought to us either in curled pieces or rolled up into short quills, about an inch in width, somewhat re- sembling in appearance the Peruvian bark. It is covered with a rough whitish epidermis; and in the inside it is of a brownish cast. When broken, it exhibits a smooth, close, dark-brown surface. This bark, when freed from the epidermis, which is insipid and inodorous, has a light agreeable smell, and a moderately bitter taste, accompanied with a considerable aromatic warmth. It is easily in- flammable, and yields, when burning, a very fragrant smell, resem- bling that of musk; a property which distinguishes the cascarilla from all other barks. Its active constituents are aromatic essential oil and bitter extrac- tive. Its virtues are partially extracted by water, and totally by rec- tified spirit; but it is most effectual when given in substance. Medical use.—It produces a sense ot heat, and excites the action of the stomach; and it is therefore a good and pleasant stomachic, and may be employed with advantage in flatulent colics, internal he- niorrhagies, dysenteries, diarrhoeas, and similar disorders. As the essential oil is dissipated in making the extract, this prepa- ration acts as a simple bitter. It was much employed by the Stahlians in intermittent fever, from their fear of using Cinchona bark, to which, however, it is much inferior in efficacy. Officinal Preparations. Tinctura cascarillae, L. D.....vids Tinctura Lxtractum cascarillae, L. - Extracta, 200 Materia Medical CUCUMIS COLOCYNTHIS. Frucjus, corticc seminibusque objectis. Ed. Coloquinlida, or bitter apple The medullary part of the fruit. Willd. g. \7i\.sp. 1. Monoecia Syngenesia.—Nat. ord. Cucurbitaccx. D. Bitterappelcn, Quintappelen.V'. Coloquintidas. Cabacinhas. DA. Coloquinter. POL. Kolokwintyda. F. Coloquintes. R. Kolozintii. G. Koloquinten. S. Coloquintidas, Tueras, I. Coloquinlida. Calabacillas. SW. Coloquinter. This is an annual plant of the gourd kind, a native of Turkey. The- fruit is about the size of an orange; its medullary part, freed from the rind and seeds, is alone made use of in medicine; this is very light, white, spongy, composed of membranous leaves, of an extremely bit- ter,* nauseous, acrimonious taste. It is gathered in autumn when it begins to turn yellow, and is then peeled and dried quickly, either in a stove or in the sun. In the latter case it should be covered with paper. Neumann got from 7680 parts 1680 alcoholic extract, and then 2160 watery; and inversely, 3600 watery and 224 alcoholic. Medical use.—Colocynth is one of the most powerful and most violent cathartics. Many eminent physicians condemn it as danger- ous; and even deleterious: others recommend it not only as an effi- cacious purgative, but likewise as an alterative in obstinate chroni- cal disorders. This much is certain, that colocynth, in the dose of a few grains, acts with great vehemence, disorders the body, and some- times occasions a discharge of blood. Many attempts have been made to correct its virulence, by the addition of acids, astringents, and the like: these may lessen the force of the colocynth, but no otherwise than might be equally done by a reduction of the dose. The best method of abating its virulence, without diminishing its purgative virtue, seems to be by triturating it with gummy farinaceous sub- stances, or the oily seeds. Officinal Preparations. Extractum colocynthidis compositum, L. vide Extracta. Pilulae aloes cum colocynthide, L. - Pilule. * Bitter principle, (Thomson), intensely bitter, of a yellowish colour, ductile while soft, brittle when dry, not fusible, soluble in alcohol and in water, not crystallizable, precipitated by nitrat of 9ilver, acetat of lead. C-—Cuprum. 201, CUMINUM CYMINUM. Semen. L. Cummin. The seeds. Willd. g. 547. sp. 1.—Pentand. Monogyn.—Nat. ord. Umbellata. D. Komyn. POL. Kmin, Kmin kramny. DA. Kummen. R. Kmin, Timon. F. Cumin. S. Comino. G. Kumin, Langer Kummel. SW. Kummin, Cumin, Spis- I. Comino, Cumino. kumin. P Cuminho, Cominhos. The Cummin is an annual umbelliferous plant, in appearance re- sembling fennel, but much smaller. It is a native of Egypt; but the seeds used in Britain are brought chiefly from Sicily and Malta. Cummin seeds have a bitterish warm taste, accompanied with an aromatic flavour, not of the most agreeable kind, residing in a vola- tile oil. Officinal Preparations. Cataplasma cumini, L. - vide Cataplasmata. Emplastrum cumini, L. - - - - Unguenta. CUPRUM.- -COPPER. Ed. L. D. D. Coper. p. Cobre. DA. Kobber. POL. Miedz. F. Cuivre. R. Mjed, Kresnoi mjed. G. Kufifer. S. Cobre. I. Rame. SW. Koppar. Copper. Bright red; disagreeable taste and smell when rubbed or heated; sp. gr. 7.79; ductile; of great tenacity: sonorous; fusible at 27° Wedgwood; granulated texture, and subject to blisters; a good conductor of caloric, electricity, and galvanism; becomes brown, and at last green in the air; when heated, turns blue, yellow, violet, deep brown; when ignited and plunged into water, forms brown, brittle scales of oxyd. Its phosphuret is brilliant, brittle, hard and fusible; its sulphuret, brown, fusible, and very phosphoric; its alloy with arsenic is white, with bismuth reddish, with antimony violet, mercury deep red, with zinc forms brass, and with tin is orange; it is oxydized and dis- solved by the sulphuric, nitric, and muriatic acids; its oxyd is brown, brittle, and soluble in ammonia, producing a beautiful blue. Copper is found in many countries, a. In its metallic state: 1. Crystallized. 2. Alloyed with arsenic and iron. 3. Sulphureted. b. Oxydized: 4. Uncombined. 5. Combined with carbonic acid. 6._____________sulphuric acid. 7 ____ ,. arsenic acid. 2C 202 Materia Medica. Copper has a more perceptible smell and taste than almost any other metal. Its effects when taken into the stomach are highly de- leterious, and often fatal. It particularly affects the primae viae, excit- ing excessive nausea, vomiting, colic pains, and purging, sometimes of blood, or, though more rarely, obstinate constipation. It also pro- duces agitation of the mind, headach, vertigo, delirium; renders the pulse small and weak, the countenance pale, and causes fainting, con- vulsions, paralysis, and apoplexy When any of these symptoms occur, we must endeavour to obviate the action of the poison by large and copious draughts of oily and mucilaginous liquors, or to destroy its virulence by solutions of potass, or sulphuret of potass. Poisoning from copper is most commonly the effect of ignorance, accident, or carelessness; and too many examples are met with of fatal consequences ensuing upon eating food which had been dressed in copper vessels not well cleansed from the rust which they had contracted by lying in the air; or pickles, to which a beautiful green colour had been given, according to the murderous directions of the most popular cookery books, by boiling them with halfpence, or al- lowing them to stand in a brass pan until a sufficient quantity of ver- digris was formed. Great care ought to be taken that acid liquors, or even waters) designed tor internal use, be not suffered to stand long in vessels made of copper, otherwise they will dissolve so much of the metal as will give them dangerous properties. But the sure preventive of these accidents is to banish copper utensils from the kitchen and laboratory. The presence of copper in any suspected liquor is easily detected by inserting into it a piece of polished steel, which will soon be coated with copper, or by dropping into it some carbonat of am- monia, which will produce a beautiful blue colour if any copper be present. But although copper be thus dangerous, some preparations of it are in certain cases used with great advantage both externally and internally. The chief of these are, 1. The sub-acetat of copper. 2. The sulphat of copper. 3. The sub-sulphat of copper and ammonia. 4. The muriat of copper and ammonia. 5. A solution of the sulphat of copper, and super-sulphat of alumina in sulphuric acid. The two first of these are never prepared by the apothecary, but are bought by him from the manufacturer. f C—Cuprum.—Sub-Acetis Cupri. 203 SUB-ACETIS CUPRI. Ed. Sub-acetat of Copper, ^rugo, L. D. Verdigris. D. Spaansch groen. POL. Gryszpan. DA. Spansk grb'ht. R. Jar. F. Verd-de-gris, Verdet. S. Cardenillo, Verdete, Ver-de- G. Griinspan. gris. I. Verderame. SW. Spansk grb'na. P. Verdete, Verdegris, Cardinilho. The preparation of this substance was almost confined to Mont- pelier in Frao.ce, owing chiefly to an excellent regulation which ex- isted, that no verdigris could be sold until it had been examined and found of sufficiently good quality. For since that regulation has been abolished, Chaptal informs us, that so many abuses have crept into the manufacture, that the Montpelier verdigris has lost its decided superiority of character. It is prepared by stratifying copper plates with the husks and stalks of the grape, which have been made to ferment after the wine has been expressed from them. In from ten to twenty days, when the husks become white, the plates of copper are taken out, and their surfaces are found to be covered with detach- ed and silky crystals. They are now placed on edge, with their sur- faces in contact, in the corner of a cellar, and alternately dipt in water, and replaced to dry every seven or eight days, for six or eight times. By this management, the plates swell, and are every where covered with a coat of verdigris, which is easily separated with a knife. In this state it is only a paste, and is sold by the manufacturers to com- missioners, who beat it well with wooden mallets, and pack it up in bags of white leather, a foot high and ten inches'wide, in which it is dried by exposing it to the air and sun, until the loaf of verdigris cannot be pierced with the point of a knife. Sub-acetat of copper should be of a bluish green colour, dry and difficult to break, and should neither deliquesce, have a salt taste, contain any black or white spots, nor be adulterated with earth or gypsum. Its purity may be tried by diluted sulphuric acid, in which the sub-acetat dissolves entirely, and the impurities remain behind. Verdigris, as it comes to us, is generally mingled with stalks of the grape; they may be separated, in pulverization, by discontinuing the operation as soon as what remains seems to be almost entirely composed of ttoem. Acetat of copper is readily prepared by adding acetat of lead to sulphat of copper, both in solution; an insoluble sul- phat of lead precipitates; and by evaporating the supernatant fluid the verdigris is procured in very beautiful crystals. Medical use—Verdigris is never, or rarely used internally. Some writers highly extol it as an emetic, and say, that a grain or two act as soon as received into the stomach; but its use has been too often followed by dangerous consequences to allow of its employment. Ver- digris applied externally, proves a gentle detergent and escharotic, and is employed to destroy callous edges, or fungous flesh in wounds. It is also advantageously applied to scorbutic ulcers of the mouth, 204 Materia Medica. tongue, or fauces, and deserves to be carefully tried in cancerous sores. With these intentions it is an ingredient in different .officinal compositions. The best remedy for persons poisoned by verdigris, appears to be sugar, largely administered. See Orfila's Toxicology, Vol. I. Officinal Preparations. i&rugo prseparata, L. Oxymel aeruginis, L. vide Mella medicata. Acidum acetosum, L. .-- Acidum acetosum. Unguentum sub-acetitis cupri, E. - - Unguenta. Emplastrum meloes vesicatorii composi- tum, E......Idem. iERUGO PRSEPARATA. D. L. Prepared Verdigris. Let the Verdigris be ground to powder, and the minute particles be separated in the manner directed for the preparation of crabs claws. Vide Carbonas calcis praparatus. The intention of this process is merely to obtain the sub-acetat of copper in the state of the most minute mechanical division. Officinal Preparation. Liquor cupri ammoniati, L. D. AQUA CUPRI AMMONIATI; olim Aqua Sappharina. D. Water of Ammoniated Copper, formerly Sapphire Water. Liquor Cupri Ammoniati. L. Solution of Ammoniated Copper. Take of Lime water, fresh made, eight ounces; Sal ammoniac, two scruples; Verdigris prepared, four grains. Mix and digest them for twenty-four hours, then pour off the pure liquor. (D.) Ik this preparation the lime water decomposes the muriat of am- monia and forms muriat of lime; while the ammonia disengaged im- mediately re-acts upon the oxyd of copper contained in the verdigris, and renders it soluble. But as the quantity of lime employed is not sufficient to decompose all the muriat of ammonia, the solution con- tains muriat of ammonia, muriat of lime, and ammoniuret of copper, forming probably a triple salt, with the acetic acid. Medical use—This compound solution is applied externally for cleaning foul ulcers, and disposing them to heal. It has been recom- mended also for taking off specks and films from the eyes? but when C.—Cuprum.—Sulphas Cupri. 205 used with this intention, it ought to be diluted with some pure water, as in the degree of strength in which it is here ordered, it irritates and inflames the eyes considerably. It is the best test of arsenic, which changes its blue colour into green. SULPHAS CUPRI. Ed. D. L. Sulphat of Copper. Blue Vitriol. D. Blaauw Vitriool, Koper- F. Vitriol bleu, Couperose bleue, vitriool, Roomsch Vi- Vitriol Romain, Vitriol de triool. Chypre. DA. Blaa, Vitriol, Kobber P. Vitriolo de cobre. Vitriol, Blaat Kobber- R. Sinei Kuperos. vand. S. Vitriolo azul, de cobre, Ro- G. Blauer Vitriol, . Kupfer mano, de Chipre. Vitriol, Rbmischer Vi- SW. Bla Vitriol, Koppar Vitriol. triol. POL. Koperwas cypryyski mo- I. Vitriuolo turchino, di- dry. rame, ciprio. This metallic salt is rarely formed by combining directly its com- ponent parts; but it is obtained, either by evaporating mineral waters which contain it, or by acidifying native sulphureted copper, by ex- posing it to the action of air and moisture, or by burning its sulphur. When pure it has a deep blue colour, and is crystallized generally in long rhomboids. It effloresces slightly in the air, is soluble in four parts of water at 60°, and in two at 212°, and is insoluble in alcohol. By heat it loses, first its water of crystallization, and afterwards all its acid. It is decomposed by the alkalies and earths, and some of the metals, the alkaline carbonats, borats, and phosphats, and some me- tallic salts. It is composed of, Copper, Oxygen, 8 J. 42 hydro-oxyd of copper. Water, 24") .si 33 sulphuric acid. 25 water of crystallization. 100 Medical use.—The sulphat of copper has a strong, styptic, metallic taste, and is chiefly used externally as an escharotic for destroying warts, callous edges, and fungous excrescences, as a stimulant appli- cation to ill-conditioned ulcers, and as a styptic to bleeding surfaces. Taken internally, it operates, in very small doses, as a very powerful emetic. It has, however, been exhibited in incipient phthisis pul- monalis, intermittent fever, and epilepsy; but its use is not free from danger. 206 Materia Medica. Officinal Preparations. Solutio sulphatis cupri composita, E. Ammoniuretum cupri, E. L. D. SOLUTIO SULPHATIS CUPRI COMPOSITA. Ed. Olim, Aqua Stvptica. Compound Solution qf Sulphat of Copper, formerly Styptic Water. Take of Sulphat of copper, Sulphat of alumina, each three ounces; Water, two pounds; Sulphuric acid, an ounce and a half. Boil the sulphats in the water to dissolve them, and then add the acid to the liquor filtered through paper. (E.) In this preparation, the substances dissolved in the water exert no chemical action on each other, and the composition was probably con- trived from the false idea, that the sum of the powers of substances having similar virtues was increased by mixing them with each other. Medical use.—It is chiefly used as a styptic for stopping bleedings at the nose; and for this purpose, cloths or dossils, steeped in the liquor, are to be applied to the part. AMMONIURETUM CUPRI; olim, Cuprum Ammoniacum. Ed. Ammoniuret of Copper, formerly Ammoniacal Copper. Cuprum Ammoniatum. D. L. Ammoniated Copper* Take of Pure sulphat of copper, two parts; Carbonat of ammonia, three parts. Rub them carefully together in a glass mortar, until after the efferves- cence has entirely ceased, they unite into a violet-coloured mass, which must be wrapped up in blotting paper, and first dried on a chalk stone, and afterwards by a gentle heat. The product must be kept in a glass phial well closed. (E.) It may seem strange, that particular directions should be given con- cerning the manner of drying a mixture which is prepared by rubbing two dry substances together. But such a phenomenon is by no means uncommon, and arises from the quantity of water of crystallization con- tained in the ingredients being greater than what is required in the new compound formed: As soon, therefore, as the ingredients begin to act upon each other, a quantity of water is set at liberty, which renders the mass moist. The nature of this compound, and consequently the name which C.—Curcuma Longa. 207 should be given it, are not yet sufficiently ascertained. Prepared ac- cording to the directions of the colleges, it evidently contains oxyd of copper, ammonia, and sulphuric acid. If these substances be chemi- cally combined, it should be denominated the Sulphat or Subsulphat of copper and ammonia. By exposure to the air during its exsicca- tion, and hy keeping, it is apt to lose its blue colour entirely, and be- come green, and is probably converted into carbonat of copper. It should therefore be prepared in small quantities at a time. Medical use.—Ammoniaret of copper has been strongly recom- mended in epilepsy; but, from its good effects sometimes ceasing after it has been used for some time, a want of success, in some cases, and the disagreeable consequences with which its use is sometimes attended, it has not lately been much prescribed. In my practice, however, its success has been almost uniform and astonishing. It is employed by beginning with doses of half a grain twice a-day, and increasing them gradually to as much as the stomach will bear. Dr. Cullen sometimes increased the dose to five grains. CURCUMA LONGA. Curcuma. Radix. L. Turmeric. The root. Willd. g. 11. sp. 2. Monandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Sdtaminea. D. Kurkuma. POL. Szafranica, Ostrzyz DA. Gurgumeye. indyyski. F. Curcuma, Tcrre merite. R. Kurkuma. G. Kurkuma. S. Curcuma. I. Curcuma. SW. Gurkmaja. P. Curcuma, Acafrao da India. Turmeric is a perennial plant, a native of the East Indies. The roots are tuberous, knotty, and long; wrinkled, externally of a pale yellow colour, and internally of a shining saffron brown. They have a weak aromatic smell, and a slightly bitter aromatic taste. They contain a very little essential oil; and Neumann got from 960 parts, 320 watery, and afterwards 50 alcoholic extract, and inversely 150 alcoholic, and 210 watery. Medical use.—Turmeric, when taken internally, tinges the urine of a deep yellow colour, and acts as a gentle stimulant. It has been celebrated in diseases of the liver, jaundice, cachexy, dropsy, inter- mittent fevers, &c. But its internal use in Great Britain is almost confined to its being a principal ingredient in the composition of curry powder, in which form it is used in immense quantities in the East Indies. It is also a valuable dye-stuff, and an excellent chemical test of the presence of uncombined alkalies; for the yellow colour of turmeric is changed by them to a reddish brown. 208 Materia Medica. CYNARA SCOLYMUS. Folia. Ed. Artichoke. The leaves. Willd. g. 1436. sp. 2. Syngenesia Polygamia aqualis.—Nai. ord. Com- posita capitata. The artichoke is a perennial plant, indigenous in the south of Europe, but very frequently cultivated in our gardens for culinary purposes. The leaves are bitter, and afford by expression a considerable quantity of juice, which is said to be diuretic, and to have been suc- cessfully used in dropsy. D. DAPHNE MEZEREUM. Radicis Cortex. E. L. D. Mezereon, or spurge olive. The bark of the root. Willd. g.773. sp. 1. Smith, Flor. Brit. g. 194. sp. 1 Octandria Mono- gynia.—Nat. ord. Veprecula. Mezereon is a shrub which grows in woody situations in the northern parts of Europe, and is admitted into our gardens from its flowering in winter. The bark, which is taken from the trunk, larger branches, and root, is thin, striped reddish, commonly coveied with a brown cuticle, has no smell, and when chewed, excites an insup- portable sensation of burning in the mouth and throat. When applied to the skin in its recent state, or infused in vinegar, it raises blisters. Its acrid principle is said to be soluble in ether. Medical use.—The root was long used in the Lisbon diet-drink, for venereal complaints, particularly nodes and other symptoms re- sisting the use of mercury. The bark of the root contains most acri- mony, though some prefer the woody part. Mezereon has also been used with good effects in tumours and cutaneous eruptions not ve- nereal. Dr. Cullen says that it acts upon the urine, sometimes giving it a filamentous appearance, and upon the perspiration, without diminish- ing the strength remarkably; and that in irritable habits it quickens the pulse, and increases the heat of the whole body. But Mr. Pear- son of the Lock Hospital says, that excepting a case or two of lepra, in which a decoction of this plant conferred temporary benefit, he very seldom found it possessed of medicinal virtues, either in syphilis, or in the sequelae of that disease. In scrofula, or in cutaneous affec- tions, it is employed chiefly under the form of decoction; and it enters the decoctum sarsaparillae compositum of the London college; but k has also been used in powder, combined with some inactive one, as D.—Datura Stramonium. 209 that of liquorice-root. It is apt to occasion vomiting and purging; so must be begun in grain doses, and gradually increased. It is often combined with mercury. The berries are still more acrid than the bark, and they have even been known to produce fatal effects on children, who have been tempted by their beauty to eat them. It is said that they are some- times infused in vinegar, to make it more pungent, and appear stronger. Officinal Preparations. Decoctum daphnes mezerei, E. - - Vide Decocta. sarsaparillae compositum, L. D. - Idem. DATURA STRAMONIUM. Herba. Semina. Ed. D. Stramonium Officinale. Thorn-apple. James-town weed. The leaves and seed. Willd. g. 377. sp. 2. Smith, Flor. Brit.g. 98. sp. 1. Pentandria Mono- gynia.—Nat. ord. Solanacea. The Thorn-apple is an annual plant, a native of America, but now growing wild on dry hills and uncultivated places in England and other parts of Europe. The leaves are dark green, sessile, large, egg-shaped, pointed, angular, and deeply indented, of a disagreeable smell and nauseous taste. Every part of the plant is a strong narcotic poison, producing vertigo, torpor, death. The best antidote to its effects is said to be vinegar. Medical use.—Dr. Stork first tried it as a remedy in mania and melancholy with considerably success. Several cases of the same dis- eases were also cured or relieved by it, under the direction of different Swedish physicians; and although in other experiments it frequently failed, it deserves the attention of practitioners, and well merits a trial, in affections often incurable by other means. Besides maniacal cases, the stramonium has been also employed and sometimes with advantage, in convulsive and epileptic affections. It is not only taken internally, but has also been used externally. An ointment prepared from the leaves of the stramonium has also been said to give ease in external inflammations and haemorrhoids. The inspissated juice of the leaves has been commonly used, but its exhibition requires the greatest caution. At first, one-fourth of a grain is a sufficient dose. The powder of the leaves or seeds promises to furnish a more certain or convenient formula than the inspissated juice. According to Professor Barton, the stramonium is a southern plant, which is gradually diffusing itself, where, a few years since it was entirely unknown. In 1797, the Doctor adds, he was shown a solitary plant, at Wilkesbarre, in the Wyoming settlement, where it was deemed a great curiosity, and a new-comer. Taken in large quantities, this vegetable sometimes induces tetanus. Br Barton 2 D 210 Materia Medica. mentions the cases of three British soldiers, who ate the stramonium by mistake for lambs-quarters (Chenopodium album). One became furious and ran about like a madman. A second was seized with genuine tetanus, of which he died. The fate of the third person is not remembered. Dr. Barton considers the stramonium as a medicine of great and invaluable powers. He begins its use, in doses of a few grains, in- creasing it in a few days to 15 or 20 grains. In one case of mania he gave it to the extent of 60 grains, at a dose. In a case, in which it was exhibited to 30 grains, it dilated the pupil of one eye, and produced palsy of the palpebra of the same, which was removed by a blister.* Hufeland gave it in the form of a tincture, prepared of two ounces of the seeds in four ounces of wine, and one of diluted alcohol, in dis- eases of the mind. The inspissated juice of the leaves has been most commonly used; but its exhibition requires th< greatest caution. At first, a quarter of a grain is a sufficient dose. An ointment prepared from the leaves has been said to give ease in external inflammations and haemorrhoids. And the bruised leaves, according to Plenk, soften hard and inflamed tumours, and discuss tumours in the breasts of nurses, from indurated milk. The smoke of the stramonium has lately been much extolled for the cure of asthma. Its use in this manner has been derived from ihe East Indies, where, however, other species of datura, the fatuosa and ferox, are employed. Dr. Anderson of Madras recommended these to General Gent, who made the practice known in Britain, where the stramonium seems first to have been substituted by Mr. Sills. This gentleman received so much benefit from inhaling its smoke, that he published his case in the Monthly Magazine, and recommended it it very freely. According to all those who have employed it, it is the root only and the lower part of th-- stem which is to be used. These are to-be dried as quickly as possible, cut into slips, and beat so as to divide the fibres. The manner of using them is by filling me bowl of a tobacco-pipe, as with tobacco, and inhaling the smoke. The sal va excited, is directed to be swallowed, but its safety may be considered doubtful. Used in this way, it is however said to excite a sens*- of heat in the chest, followed by copious expectoration, and sometime* attended with temporary vertigo or drowsiness, and rarely naust a. It frequently gives relief when a pipe is thus smoked upon a pa- roxysm being threatened, or even after its commencement: the pa- tient falls asleep, and awakes recovered from the paroxysm In some cases, a perfect cure is effected, but more commonly the relief is only temporary. It seems however valuable as a palliative, and the direct application of the remedy to the seat of the disease is rational at least. * Barton's Medical and Physical Journal, Vol. I. p 146—Collections, Part I-p 46. See also Dr. Cooper's " In;uigur-il dissert.vJon on the properties and effects of the Datura Stramonium, &c. Philadelphia: 1797-" D.—Decocta. 211 DAUCUS C A ROTA. Semen. Ed. L. D. Carrot. The seed. Willd. g. 530. sp. 1. Smith, g. 128. sp. 1. Pentandria Digynia.—Nat. ord. Umbellate. This is a biennial plant, which grows wild in Britain, and is culti- vated in great quantities as an article of food. The seeds, especially of the wild variety, have a moderately warm pungent taste, and an agreeable aromatic smell. They are carminative, and are said to be diuretic. The roots, especially of the cultivated variety, contain much mucilaginous and saccharine matter, and are therefore highly nutri- tious and emollient. When beaten to a pulp, they form an excellent application to carcinomatous and ill-conditioned ulcers, allaying the pain, checking the suppuration and fetid smell, and softening the callous edges. DECOCTA.—DECOCTIONS. Decoctions differ from infusions only in the action of the men- struum being assisted by a boiling heat. At the same time, however, that the increase of temperature facilitates and expedites the solution of some fixed principles, it gives others a tendency to decomposition, and dissipates all volatile matters. Decoction, therefore, can only be used with advantage for the extraction ol principles which are neither volatilized nor altered by a boiling heat. To promote the action of the menstruum, infusion is sometimes premised to decoction. In compound decoctions it is sometimes convenient not to put in all the ingredients from the first, but in succession, according to their hardness, and the difficulty with which their virtues are extract- ed; and if any aromatic, or other substances containing volatile prin- ciples, enter into the composition, the boiling decoction is to be simply poured upon them, and covered up until it cool. Decoctions should be made in vessels sufficiently large to prevent any risk ot boiling over, and should be continued without interrup- tion, and gently. DECOCTUM ALTHA^ OFFICINALIS. Ed. Decoction qf Marshmallows. Take of Dried marshmallow roots, four ounces; Raisins of the sun, stoned, two ounces; Water, seven pounds. Boil to five pounds; place apart the strained liquor till the feces have subsided, then pour off the clear liquor. (E.) 212 Materia Medica. Marshmallow roots contain nothing soluble in water except mu- cilage, which is very abundant in them. This decoction is therefore to be considered merely as an emollient, rendered more pleasant by the acidulous sweetness of the raisins. DECOCTUM ANTHEMIDIS NOBILIS; vulgo, Decoctum Chamjemeli sive Commune. Ed. Common Decoction, or Decoction of Chamomile. Decoctum Cham^emeli; sive, Decoctum pro Enemate. D. Decoction of Chamomile, or Decoction for Clysters. Decoctum pro Enemate. L. Decoction for Clysters. Take of Chamomile flowers, dried, one ounce; Caraway seeds, half an ounce; Water, five pounds. Boil a quarter of an hour, and strain. (E.) DECOCTUM PRO FOMENTO. L. Decoction for Fomentations. Take of The leaves of southernwood, dried, The tops of sea-wormwood, dried, Chamomile flowers, dried, each one ounce; Bay leaves, dried, half an ounce; Distilled water, six pints. Boil them a little, and strain. (L.) These decoctions are merely solutions of bitter extractive, com- bined with essential oils. In making them, the aromatic substances should not be added until the decoction is nearly completed; for otherwise their flavour would be entirely dissipated. It must, however, be acknowledged, that these impregnations are for the most part unnecessary for the purpose of clysters; and in ordinary cases, the bulk and warmth produce a discharge before these medicines can have any effect. As fomentations, their virtues are also in a great measure to be ascribed to the influence of the warm water: and when the herbs themselves are applied, they act only as retaining heat and moisture for a longer time. D.—Decocta. 213 DECOCTUM CICHONA OFFICINALIS; E. L. D. Vulgo, Decoctum Corticis Peruviani. Ed. Decoction of Cinchona Bark. Take of Cinchona bark, in powder, one ounce; Water, a pound and a half. Boil for ten minutes in a covered vessel, and strain the liquor while hot. (E.) Cinchona bark readily yields its active principles to the action of boiling water, and in greater quantity than cold water is capable of retaining dissolved; therefore, when a saturated decoction cools, it becomes turbid, and there is always a deposition of a yellowish or reddish powder, while the supernatant liquor is reduced to the strength of a saturated cold infusion. Decoction therefore presents us with an easy means of obtaining immediately an active prepara- tion of cinchona bark, and with one of greater strength than a cold or even a warm infusion, provided it be drunk while tepid, and before it forms any deposition, or if the precipitate be diffused by agitation, after it is formed. As the precipitate contains no woody fibre, or other inert matter, it is extremely probable that in very small doses it would prove, if dried, a very powerful preparation of cinchona bark. Formerly it was supposed that the strength of a decoction of cin- chona bark, and similar substances, was increased by continuing the boiling for a great length of time; but this is now known to be a mis- take; and indeed, after a certain time, the decoction becomes weaker instead of stronger, because water at different temperatures is capable of dissolving only a determinate proportion of its active principles; and therefore, as soon as it is saturated, any farther decoction is un- necessary. But moreover, these principles, when dissolved in water, are liable to be decomposed and become inert, by the absorption of atmospheric oxygen, and this decomposition is increased by increase of temperature; and as boiling constantly presents new surfaces to the action of the air, it is evidently hurtful when protracted longer than what is just necessary to saturate the water. Ten minutes is supposed by the colleges to be sufficient for that purpose. DECOCTUM CORNU CERVI. L. Decoction of Hartshorn. Take of Burnt and prepared hartshorn, two ounces; Gum arabic, six drachms; Distilled water, three pints. Boil, constantly stirring, to two pints; and strain. (L.) Prepared hartshorn is phosphat of lime in a minute state of mechanical division. By boiling in a mucilaginous liquid, it will be diffused and imperfectly suspended, but not a particle of it will be dissolved. This is therefore an extremely injudicious preparation; for phosphat of lime would be much more easily and effectually 214 Materia Medica. suspended by triturating it with a large proportion of gum arable, and adding the water gradually But we believe that this preparation has no other action than that of a weak mucilage. DECOCTUM DAPHNES MEZEREI. Ed. Decoction qf Mezereon. Take of The bark of Mezereon root, two drachms; Liquorice root, bruised, half an ounce; Water, three pounds. Boil it, with a gentle heat, down to two pounds, and strain it. (E.) From four to eight ounces of this decoction may be given four times a-day. in some obstinate venereal and rheumatic affections. It operates chiefly by perspiration. DECOCTUM DIGITALIS. D. Decoction of Foxglove. Take of Foxglove leaves, dried, one drachm; Water, as much as will furnish a strained decoction of eight ounces, by measure. Place the vessel upon a slow fire, and, as soon as the liquor boils, re- move it. Digest for a quarter of an hour, and strain. This decoction, according to the proportion employed, is twenty times weaker than that so much praised by Dr. Darwin; but with a medicine of so great activity, it is an advantage to be able to regulate the doses easily; and it is probable that the strength of decoctions is not increased in proportion as the quantity of the menstruum is dimi- nished. DECOCTUM GEOFFRiE^ INERMIS. Ed. Decoction of Cabbage-tree bark. Take of Bark of the cabbage-tree, powdered, one ounce; Water, two pounds. Boil it with a gentle fire down to one pound, and strain. (E.) This is a powerful anthelmintic. It may be given in doses of one table-spoonful to children, and four to adults. If disagreeable symp- toms should arise from an over-dose, or from drinking cold water during its action, we must immediately purge with castor-oil, and dilute with acidulated drinks. D.—Decocta. 215 DECOCTUM GUAIACI OFFICINALIS COMPOSITUM; vulgo, Decoctum Lignorum. Ed. Compound Decoction qf Guaiacum, commonly called Decoction of the Woods. T^ke of Guaiacum raspings, three ounces; Raisins, stoned, two ounces; Sassafras root, Liquorice, each one ounce; Water, ten pounds. Boil the guaiacum and raisins with the water, over a gentle fire, to the consumption of one half; adding, towards the end, the sassafras and liquorice. Strain the liquor, without expression. (E.) This decoction is of use in some rheumatic and cutaneous affec- tions, it may be taken by itself, to the quantity of a quarter of a pint twice or thrice a-day, or used as an assistant in a course of mercurial or antimonial alteratives; the patient in either case, keeping warm, in order to promote the operation of the medicine. DECOCTUM HORDEI DISTICHI. Ed. Decoctum Hordei. L. Decoction of Barley. Barley water. Take of Pearl barley, two ounces; Water, five pounds. First wash the barley, from the mealy matter that adheres to it, with some cold water; then boil it a little with about half a pound of water, to extract the colouring matter. Throw this away; and put the barley thus purified into five pounds of boiling water, which is to be boiled down to one half, and strained. (E.) DECOCTUM HORDEI COMPOSITUM. L. D. Compound Decoction qf Barley. Take of The decoction of barley, two pints; Figs, sliced, two ounces; Liquorice root, sliced and bruised, half an ounce; Raisins, stoned, two ounces; Distilled water, one pint. Boil to two pints, and strain. (L.) These liquors are to be used freely, as diluting drinks, in fevers and other acute disorders: hence it is of consequence that they should be prepared so as to be as elegant and agreeable as possible; for this reason they are inserted in the pharmacopoeia, and the several cir- cumstances which contribute to their elegance set down: if any one of them be omitted, the beverage will be less grateful. However trivial medicines of this class may appear lo be, they are of greater 216 Materia Medica. importance in the cure of acute diseases than many more elaborate preparations. Barley water, however, is much more frequently prepared by nurses than apothecaries, particularly in its simple state. DECOCTUM LICHENIS ISLANDICI. Dub. Decoction of Iceland Moss. Take of Iceland moss, half and ounce; Boiling water, a pint. Boil to a pint, and strain. As in the present preparation the bitter principle is not removed, it may have some action as a tonic; but it renders it at the same time too nauseous to be used in sufficient quantity to have much effect as an article of diet. DECOCTUM POLYGALA SENEGJE. Ed. L. Decoction of Seneka. Take of Seneka root, one ounce, Water, two pounds. Boil to sixteen ounces, and strain. (E.) The virtues of this decoction will be easily understood from those of the root from which it is prepared. The dose in hydropic cases, and rheumatic or arthritic complaints, is two ounces, three or four times a-day, according to its effect. It is recommended in affections of the lungs, attended with debility, and inordinate secretion. DECOCTUM SMILACIS SARSAPARILLAE. Ed. Decoctum Sarsaparilla. L. D. Decoction of Sarsaparilla. Take of The root of sarsaparilla, sliced, six ounces; Distilled water, eight pounds. Digest for two hours, with a heat of about 195°; then take out the root, and bruise it; return the bruised root to the liquor, and again macerate it for two hours. Then, the liquor being boiled to the measure of four pints, press it out, and strain. (E.) Its diaphoretic effects are probably owing to its being drunk warm. It is totally incapable of curing syphilis; but by some it 13 thought useful in the sequelae of that disease, and in syphiloid affections. D.—Decocta. 217 DECOCTUM SARSAPARILL/E COMPOSITUM. L. D. Compound Decoction of Sarsaparilla Take of The root of sarsaparilla, sliced and bruised, \\ ounces; Bark of the root of sassafras, Shavings of guiacum wood, Liquorice root, bruised, of each two drachms; Bark of Mezereon root, one drachm; Boiling water, three pints. Macerate, with a gentle heat, for six hours; then boil it down to one half, adding, towards the end of the boiling, the liquorice and me- zereon, and strain the liquor. (L.) Tins compound decoction is an elegant mode of preparing an arti- cle once highly celebrated under the title of the Lisbon diet drink, which, for a long time after its first introduction into Britain, was kept a secret; but an account of the method of preparing it was at length published in the physical and literary Essays of Edinburgh, by Dr. Donald Monro, It operates as a diaphoretic, and may be given with advantage in rheumatic cases, and in some of the sequelae of syphilis. Three or four ounces may be taken four times a-day. DECOCTUM ULMI. L. D. Decoction of Elm. Take of The fresh inner bark of elm, bruised, four ounces; Water, four pints. Boil to two pints, and strain. (L). Under this form, the elm bark has been employed for combating those cutaneous eruptions, agaipst which it has of late been so highly celebrated. Experience however, in actual practice, by no means con- firms the very favourable account which some have given of its use. DELPHINIUM STAPHISAGRIA. Semen. L. D. Stavesacre. The seed. Willd. g. 1061. sp. 13. Polyandria Trigynia.—Nat. ord. Multisiliqua. Stavesacre is a biennial plant, a native of the south of Europe. The seeds are usually brought from Italy. They are large and rougfi, «f an irregular triangular figure, of a blackish colour on the outside, and yellowish or whitish within; they have a disagreeable smell, and a very nauseous, bitterish, burning taste. Neumann got from 480 parts, 45 alcoholic extract, besides 90 of fixed oil, which separated during the process, and afterwards 44 in- 2 E 218 Materia Medica. sipid watery, and inversely 95 watery, and then by alcohol only oh«| besides 71 of oil. Medical use.—Stavesacre was employed by the ancients as a cathartic; but it operates with so much violence, both upwards and downwards, that its internal use has been, among the generality of practitioners, for some time laid aside. It is chiefly employed in ex- ternal applications for some kinds of cutaneous eruptions, and for destroying lice and other insects; insomuch, that from this virtue it has received its name, in different languages. DIANTHUS CARYOPHYLLUS. Flores. Ed. D. Clove Gillyflower. Clove Pink or Carnation. The flowers. Willd. g. 893. sp. 9. Smith, g. 209. sp. 3. Decandria Digynia.—Nat. ord. Caryophyllea. This species of dianthus is a native of Italy, and is perennial. By cultivation, its varieties have increased to a very great number, and they form one of the greatest ornaments of our gardens. Most of these are termed Carnations, but the variety which is officinal sur- passes all the others in the richness of its smell, and is also distin- guished by its colour, being of a uniform deep crimson. Their only use in pharmacy is to give a pleasant flavour and beautiful colour to an officinal syrup. Officinal Preparation. Syrupus dianthi caryophilli, E. L. - Vide Syrupi. DIGITALIS PURPUREA. Folia. Ed.L. D. Foxglove, The leaves. Willd. g. 1155. sp. 1. Didynamia Angiospermia.—Nat. ord. Solanacea. This is an indigenous biennial plant, very common on hedge- banks, and sides of hills, in dry, gravelly, or sandy soils, and the beauty of its appearance has gained it a place in our gardens and shrubberies. The leaves are large, oblong, egg-shaped, soft, covered with hairs, and serrated. They have a bitter, very nauseous taste, with some acrimony. Destouches analysed foxglove. Four ounces of the dried leaves yielded successively 9 drachms of watery, and 78 grains of alcoholic extract. The first was brown, smooth, and of a consistence fit for making pills. The second had a very deep green colour, a virose and disagreeable smell, the consistence of tallow, but more tenacious: did not furnish ammonia by distillation, and was not acted upon by acids. The ashes contained salts of lime and potass. Medical use—Its effects when swailow.d are, 1. To diminish the frequency of the pulse. 2. To diminish the irritability of the system D.—Digitalis Purpurea, 219 3. To increase the action of the absorbents. 4. To increase the discharge oy urine. In excessive doses, it produces vomiting, purging, dimness of *ight, vertigo, delirium, hiccough, convulsions, collapse, death. For these symptoms the best remedies are cordials and stimulants. Internally, digitalis has been recommended, 1. In inflammatory diseases, from its very remarkable power of di- minishing the velocity of the circulation. 2. In active hemorrhagies, in phthisis. 3. In some spasmodic affections, as in spasmodic asthma, palpita* tion, &cc. 4. In mania from effusion on the brain. 5. In anasarcous and dropsical effusions. 6. In scrofulous tumours. 7. In aneurisms of the aorta, it has alleviated the most distressing symptoms. Externally, it has been applied to scrofulous tumours. It may be exhibited, 1. In substance, either by itself, or conjoined with some aromatic, or made into pills with soap or gum ammoniac. Withering directs the leaves to be gathered after the flowering stem has shot up, and about the time when the blossoms are coming forth. He rejects the leaf-stalk, and middle rib of the leaves, and dries the remaining part either in the sunshine or before the fire. In this state they are easily reduced to a beautiful green powder, of which we may give at first one grain twice a-day, and gradually increase the dose until it act upon the kidneys, stomach, pulse, and bowels, when its use must be laid aside or suspended. 2. In infusion. The same author directs a drachm of the dried leaves to be infused for four hours in eight ounces of boiling water, and that there be added to the strained liquor an ounce of any spirit- ous water, for its preservation. Half an ounce or an ounce of this in- fusion may be given twice a-day. 3. In decoction. Darwin directs that four ounces of the fresh leaves be boiled from two pounds of water to one, and half an ounce of the strained decoction be taken every two hours, for four or more doses. 4. In tincture. Put one ounce of the dried leaves coarsely powdered into four ounces of diluted alcohol; let the mixture stand by the fire- side twenty-four hours, frequently shaking the bottle; and the satu- rated tincture, as Darwin calls it, must then be separated from the residuum by straining or decantation. Twenty drops of this tincture may be taken twice or thrice a-day. The Edinburgh college use eight ounces of diluted alcohol to one of the powder, but let it digest seven days. A tincture of the flowers is said by Dr. Barton to be equally or more powerful. 5. The expressed juice and extract are not proper forms of exhi- biting this very active remedy. When the digitalis is disposed to excite looseness, opium may be advantageously conjoined with it; and when the bowels are tardy, 220 Materia Meaica. jalap may be given at the same time, without interfering with its diuretic effects. During its operation in this way, the patient should drink very freely. An ointment of the flowers is said to have been useful in scrofulous ulcers. In a letter from Dr. Gregg to Dr. Walmsley, published in the Philadelphia Medical and Physical Journal, two cases of phthisis are mentioned, in which this remedy induced a copious ptyalism, which lasted some time, but without producing any beneficial effect. In the second case, the ptyalism was a se.ond time induced by its use. There is a singular anomaly attending the operation of foxglove noticed by a writer in the third volume of the Edinburgh Medical Journal, and also by Dr, Hamilton in his treatise on digitalis, and some others, which appears to merit attention in its administration. That its action is considerably influenced by the different positions of the patient's body, whether erect or recumbent. In one case of phthisis, after taking this medicine, the pulse was not lessened in frequency when the patient stood erect, being 120. When he sat down it fell to 70, and when lying on his back it fell to 40. The ex- periment was repeated many times, and always with the same effect. Dr. Mease, of Philadelphia,, being of opinion that not unfrequently disappointment to the expectations of the prescriber is to be attributed to the improper manner of preparing and exhibiting digitalis, advises physicians to cultivate the plant for their own use, and to observe the greatest care in preserving the leaves, rejecting the leaf-stalk and middle rib. Some farther observations relative to this important plant will be found under its several preparations;* and a number of inte- resting experiments and observations on this powerful plant, are to be found in the first volume of Orfila's Toxicology. Officinal Preparations. Infusum digitalis purpureae, E. vide Infusa. Tinctura digitalis purpureae, E. Tinctura. DIOSPYROS VIRGINIANA. Persimmon. This has been found useful in intermittents. Dr. Barton has used it in ulcerous sore throat. The ripe fruit is said to be useful in the worm cases of negro and other children.f * Disappointment more probably ensues, from other plants being mistaken for Digitalis. Cox in his treatise on Insanity speaks of the apothecaries drying mullein leaves for it. And a species of Cynoglossum has likewise been used for it. f Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 11. Part II. p. 52. See also Professor Wood. Rouse's Inaugural Dissertation on this subject. D.—Dorstenia Contrayerva. 221 DIRCA PALUSTRIS. Lin. Moose-wood. Leather-wood. The bark of this plant is said to produce a blister. It is allied to the genus daphne, all the species of which are blisters.* DOLICHOS PRURIENS. Pubes leguminis rigida. Ed. L. D Cow-itch. The stiff hairs which cover the pods. Willd. g. 1349. sp. 16.—Diadelphia Decandria.—Nat. ord. Papi- lionacea. The dolichos is a climbing plant, resembling our common scarlet runner, growing in great abundance in warm climates, particularly in the West Indies. The pods are about four inches long, round, and as thick as a man's finger. On the outside they are thickly beset with stiff brown hairs, which, when applied to the skin, occasion a most intolerable itching. In the choice of cow-itch, we must reject all those pods which are shrivelled, brown, and diminutive in size, have lain long in damp warehouses, and are musty, or of a bad colour. Medical use.—The ripe pods are dipped in syrup, which is again scraped off with a knife. When the syrup is rendered by the hairs as thick as honey, it is fit for use. It acts mechanically as an anthelmin- tic, occasions no uneasiness in the primae viae, and may be safely taken, from a tea-spoonful to a table spoonful in the morning, fast- ing. The worms are said to appear with the second or third dose; and by means of a purge, in some cases the stools have consisted entirely of worms. For further information, the publications of Mr. Chamber- layne may be consulted, or the Philadelphia Medical Museum. DORSTENIA CONTRAYERVA. Radix. Ed. L. Contrayerva. The root. Willd. g. 244. sp. 5. Tetrandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Scabrida. This plant is perennial, and grows in South America, and some of the Caribaean islands. The root is knotty, an inch or two long, and about half an inch thick, of a reddish brown colour externally, and pale within: long, rough, slender fibres shoot out from all sides of it; and are generally loaded with small round knots. It has a peculiar kind of aromatic smell, and a somewhat astringent, warm, bitterish taste, with a slight and sweetish kind of acrimony, when long chewed; the fibres have little taste or smell; the tuberous part, therefore, should be alone chosen. • Barton's Collections. 222 Materia Mediea. This root contains so much mucilage, that a decoction of it will not pass through the filter. Neumann got from 480 parts, 190 watery extract, and afterwards with alcohol 7, and inversely, 102 alcoholic, and 60 watery. The tincture reddens infusion of lithmus, is precipi- tated by water, and has no effect on the salts of iron. Medical use.—Contrayerva is a getitle stimulant and diaphoretic^ and is sometimes given in exanthematous diseases, typhus, and dy- sentery. Its dose is about half a drachm. Officinal Preparation. Pulvis contrayervae compositus, L. vide ^Pulveres. DRACONTIUM PERTUSUM. The leaves of this plant (which is a good deal allied to the Arum triphyllum), are employed by the Indians of Demarara, in a very singular manner, in the treatment of general dropsy. The whole body of the patient is covered with the leaves. A universal sweat, or rather vesication, is induced, and the patient often recovers.* *\.\_____________-__________it E. EAU MEDICINALE, - - Vide Veratrum album. ELECTUARIA & CONFECTIONES. ELECTUARIES AND CONFECTIONS. Electuaries are composed chiefly of powders mixed up with syrups, &c. into such a consistence, that the powders may not sepa- rate in keeping, that a dose may be eaaily taken up on the point of a knife, and not prove too stiff to swallow. Electuaries are composed chiefly of the milder alterative medi- cines, and such as are not ungrateful to the palate. The more power- ful drugs, as cathartics, emetics, opiates, and the like, (except in officinal electuaries to be dispensed by weight,) are seldom trusted in this form, on account of the uncertainty of the dose: disgustful ones, acrids, bitters, fetids, cannot be conveniently taken in it; nor is the form of an electuary well fitted for the more ponderous substances, as mercurials, these being apt to subside on keeping, unless the com- position be made very stiff. * Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 21. E.—Electuaria. 223 The lighter powders require thrice their weight of honey, or syrup boiled to the thickness of honey, to make them into the con*. sistence of an electuary: of syrups of the common consistence, twice the weight of the powder is sufficient. • Where the common syrups are employed, it is necessary to add likewise a little conserve, to prevent the compound from candying and drying too soon. Electuaries of Peruvian bark, for instance, made up with syrup alone, will often in a day or two grow too dry , for taking. This is owing to the crystallization of the sugar. Dcyeux, therefore, advises electuaries, confections, and conserves, to be made up with syrups from which all the crystallizable parts have been sepa- rated. For this purpose, after being sufficiently evaporated, they are to be exposed 10 the heat of a stove as long as they form any crystals. The syrup which remains, probably from the presence of some ve- getable acid, has no tendency to crystallize, and is to be decanted and evaporated to a proper consistence. In hospital practice, the same object may be oblained much more easily by using molasses instead of syrups. The quantity of an electuary, directed at a time, in extempora- neous prescription, varies much according to its constituent parts*, but is rarely less than the size of a nutmeg, or more than two or three ounces. ELECTUARIUM AROMATICUM. Ed. D. Confectio Aromatica. L. Aromatic Electuary. Aromatic Confection. Take of Aromatic powder, one part; Syrup of orange-peel, two parts. - Mix and beat them well together, so as to form an electuary. (E.) This simple compound serves all the purposes of a cordial, or as a vehicle for more active substances, as well as the complicated for- mulae of the London and Dublin colleges. It is given in form of a bolus, in doses of from 5 grains to 20 and upwards. ELECTUARIUM CASSIA FISTULA. Ed. Electuarium Cassia. L. D. Electuary of Cassia. Take of Pulp of cassia fistularis, six ounces; Pulp of tamarinds, Manna, each an ounce and a half; Syrup of pale roses, six ounces. Having beat the manna in a mortar, dissolve it with a gentle heat, in the syrup; then add the pulps, and evaporate them with a regularly continued heat, to the consistence of an electuary. (E.) 224 Materia Medica. This composition is a very convenient officinal, to serve as a basis for purgative electuaries and other similar purposes. The tamarinds give it a pleasant taste, and do not subject it, as might be expected, to turn sour. After standing for four months, the composition has been found no sourer than when first made. This electuary, like- wise, is usefully taken by itself, to the quantity of two or three drachms occasionally, for gently loosening the belly in costive habits. ELECTUARIUM CASSIA SENN.E; olim, Electuarium Lenitivum. Ed. CONFECTIO SENN.S, L. D. Electuary of Senna, commonly called Lenitive Electuary Take of Senna leaves, in very fine powder, four ounces; Pulp of French prunes, one pound; ------ tamarinds, two ounces; Molasses, a pound and a half; Essential oil of caraway, two drachms. Boil the pulps in the syrup to the thickness of honey; then add the powders, and, when the mixture is cooled, add the oil; then beat them all well together, so as to form an electuary. (D.) This electuary is a very convenient laxative, and has long been in common use among practitioners. Taken to the size of a nutmeg or more, as occasion may require, it is an excellent laxative for loosen- ing the belly in costive habits. ELECTUARIUM CATECHU; olim, Confectio Japonica. E. Electuary of Catechu, formerly Japonic Confection. Electuarium Catechu Compositum. D. Compound Electuary of Catechu. \ Take of Extract of mimosa catechu, four ounces; Kino, three ounces; Cinnamon, Nutmeg, each one ounce; Opium, diffused in a sufficient quantity of Spanish white wine, one drachm and a half; Syrup of red roses, boiled to the consistence of honey, two pounds and a quarter. Reduce the solids to powder; and having mixed them with the opium and syrup, make them into an electuary. (E.) This electuary is an extremely useful astringent medicine, and is often given in doses of a tea-spoonful, frequently repeated, in cases of diarrhoea, kc. Ten scruples contain one grain of opium.' E.—Electuaria. 225 ELECTUARIUM SCAMMONII. D. Electuary of Scammony. Confectio Scammonii. L. Take of Scammony, in powder, one ounce and a half; Cloves, bruised, Ginger, in powder, of each six drachms; Essential oil of caraway, half a drachm; Syrup of roses, as much as is sufficient. Mix the spices, well powdered together, with the syrup; then add the scammony, and lastly, the oil of caraway. (L.) This electuary is a warm brisk purgative. A drachm and a half contain fifteen grains of scammony. ELECTUARIUM OPIATUM; olim, Electuarium The- BAICUM. Ed. Opiate Electuary, commonly called Thebaic Electuary. Confectio Opii. L. Confection of Opium. Take of Aromatic powder, six ounces; Virginia snake root, in fine powder, three ounces; Opium diffused in a sufficient quantity of Spanish white wine, half an ounce; Syrup of ginger, one pound. Mix them and form an electuary. (E.) The action which this electuary will produce on the living system is abundantly apparent from the nature of the ingredients. They are combinations of aromatics with opium; one grain of opium being contained in forty-three of the Edinburgh electuary. CONFECTIO AURANTIORUM. L. Confection of Orange-peel, Take of Fresh orange-peel, grated off, one pound; Refined sugar, three pounds. Bruise the peel in a stone mortar with a wooden pestle; then, adding the sugar, beat them into a homogeneous mass. CONSERVA ROSiE. Dub. Conserve of Red Roses. Pluck the petals of red rose buds from the calyces; and having cut off the heels, beat them, gradually adding three times their weight of refined sugar. 2F 226 Materia Medica. La Grange says that by infusing the red rose leaves in four times their weight of water, and squeezing them out of the infusion, they lose their bitterness, and are more easily reduced to a pulp, which he then mixes with a thick syrup, prepared by dissolving the sugar in the expressed liquor, and boiling it down to the consistence of an electuary It is scarcely necessary to make any particular remarks on these conserves. Their taste and virtues are compounded of those of sugar, and the substance combined with it. The hips are acidulous and re- frigerant, the orange rind bitter and stomachic, and the red rose buds astringent. EMPLASTRA, .... Vide Unguenta. EMULSIONES, .... Vide Mixtura. ERIGERON PHILADELPHICUM. Philadelphia Flea-bane. This is one of the most common plants in many parts of the United States. It has been used in decoction or infusion in Philadel- phia, for gouty and gravelly complaints, and in some instances with much benefit. It operates powerfully as a diuretic and sudorific. It is known by the name of Skevish in Pennsylvania, which Dr Barton suspects to be a corruption of the word Scabious. This plant is em- ployed by the Cochin-Chinese, according to Father Lureiro; who speaks of it as an active emmenagogue.* ERYNGIUM AQUATICUM. Water-Eryngo. This plant is nearly allied to the contrayerva of the shops, and acts more especially as a sudorific. It is used in decoction by the southern Indians.! ERYNGIUM MARITIMUM. Eryngium. Radix. D. Sea-Holly. Sea Eryngo. The root. Willd. g. 518. sp. 6. Smith, g. 121. sp. 1—Pentandria Monogynia.— Nat. ord. Umbellata. This plant grows plentifully on some of the sandy and gravelly shores of Great Britain: the roots are slender, and very long; of a pleasant sweetish taste, which, on chewing them for some time, is followed by a slight degree of aromatic warmth and acrimony. They are accounted aperient and diuretic, and have also been celebrated as aphrodisiac: their virtues, however, are too weak to admit them under the head of medicines. * Barton's Collections, Part II. p. 46. t Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 20, E.—Eugenia Caryophyllata. 227 EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLATA. D. L. Floris germen, et oleum ejus volatile. Ed. Caryophyllus Aromaticus. E. The clove tree. The flower-bud and its essential oil. Willd. g. 972. sp. 54.—Icosandria Monogynia.'—Nat. ord. Hes- peridea. D. Kruidnagelen, Geroffles. P. Cravos da India, Cravos DA. Nelliker, Kry dene Hiker. girofes. F. Cloux de Girqfle. POL. Gozdziki kramne. G. Gewiirznelken. R. Gwosdika. I. Chiovi di Garofano, Garo- S. ClavosdeEspecia,Clavillos. fani, Garoffoli. SW. Kryddeneglikor. This is a beautiful tall tree, a native of the Molucca islands. The Dutch, from the desire of monopolizing the valuable spice produced by it, destroyed all the trees except in Amboyna, where it is care- fully cultivated. But their scheme has been frustrated, and the clove is now thriving in the Isle of France and other places. Every part of this tree is highly aromatic, but especially the leaf-stalk. Cloves are the flower-buds, which are gathered in October and November, be- fore they open, and when they are still green, and which are exposed to smoke for some days, and then dried in the sun. Cloves have somewhat the form of a nail, consisting of a globular head, formed of the four petals of the corolla, and four leaves of the calyx not yet expanded; but this part is often wanting, being easily broken off; and a germen situated below, nearly round, but somewhat narrower towards the bottom; scarcely an inch in length, and covered with another thicker calyx, divided above into four parts. Their co- lour should be of a deep brown; their smell strong, peculiar, and grateful; their taste acrid, aromatic, and permanent. The best cloves are also large, heavy, brittle, and when pressed with the nail, exude a little oil. When light, soft, wrinkled, dirty, pale, and without smell or taste, they are to be rejected. The Dutch from whom we had this spice, frequently mix it with cloves from which the oil has been distilled. These, though in time they regain from the others a considerable share both of taste and smell, are easily distinguishable by their weaker flavour and lighter colour. Cloves yield by distillation with water about one-seventh of their weight of volatile oil; 960 parts also gave to Neumann 380 of a nau- seous, somewhat astringent, watery extract. The same quantity gave only 300 of excessively fiery alcoholic extract. When the alcoholic extract is freed from the volatile oil by distillation with water, the oil that arises proves mild, and the resin that remains insipid. Its pungency therefore seems to depend on the combination of these principles. The Dutch oil of cloves is extremely hot and fiery, and of a reddish brown colour, but it is greatly adulterated, both with fixed oils and resin of cloves; for the genuine oil when recently dis- tilled, is comparatively quite mild, and colourless, although it gra- 228 Materia Medica. dually acquires a yellow colour. It is heavier than water, and rises in distillation with some difficulty, so that it is proper to use a very low-headed still, and to return the distilled water several times upon the residuum. Medical use.—Cloves, considered as a medicine, are very hot sti- mulating aromatics, and possess in an eminent degree the general virtues of substances of this class. Officinal Preparations. Spiritus lavendulae compositus, E. L. D. vide Tinctura. ammoniae compositus, L. Tincturaammoniat. Confectio aromatica, L. Electuaria. Electuarium scammonii, L. D. - - Idem. Pilulae aloes cum colocynthide, E. Pilula. EUPATORIUM AYA-PAYNA. This plant has of late excited attention amongst the French phy- sicians, through the means of Captain Augustin Baudin, by whom it was carried from Brazil to the Isle of France. In Brazil it has re- ceived the name of the miraculous plant, from its many real or at- tributed virtues in the cure of disease. This plant, is particularly described by Mr. De Ventenat, in his superb work, entitled " Le Jardin de la Malmaison." He refers it to the genus Eupatorium. It belongs to the Corymbiferae of Jussieu, and to the Polygamia aequalis of Linnaeus. It grows plentifully on the River of Amazons, and is easily propagated by slips. It is reputed to be an alexipharmic, emmenagogue, diaphoretic, &c. It is also said to possess lithontriptic virtues. It is chiefly on account of its first mentioned property that it is so highly esteemed by the South Americans; in confirmation of which numerous well authenticated cases have been published. In two cases, the one of the sting of a scorpion, the other from the prick of the fish called the Last in fish- ing, both detailed in the Colonial Gazette, the application of the pounded leaves to the wounded parts, speedily removed the pain and inflammation, and the persons were soon restored. The latter case is particularly remarkable, since it is said so dangerous is the wound of the Last, and so generally considered as mortal, that the only remedy hitherto employed was excision or amputation. It has been successfully employed as a diuretic in ascites; and is eminently useful in rheumatism and in gout. Its external application produces redness and inflammation. As yet we know too little of this plant to credit the high encomiums bestowed upon it; yet they are fully sufficient to induce a wish to see the plant naturalized amongst us; and it is to be hoped that by the in- termedium of our captains or physicians who visit Brazil, the Aya* Payna may not be long a stranger to us. E.—Eupatorium Perfoliatum. 229 EUPATOR1UM PERFOLIATUM. Thorough Wort. Leaves and flowers. This plant is known by the name of Thorough-stem, Cross-wort, Bone-set, and Indian sage. It is one of the remedies of the Indians; and acts powerfully as a sudorific and emetic, and has been success- fully employed in intermittents and other fevers, either in decoction or the leaves in powder. The aya-payna, so celebrated of late, is a species of the same family. Every part of the eupatorium may be advantageously employed, though the flowers appear most active. A watery infusion of the leaves is a powerful-and not disagreeable bitter, and the flowers are deemed superior in this respect to those of the anthemis nobilis, by Dr. Barton.* This is a native annual plant, flourishing abundantly in wet mea- dows and other moist places. The stalk is hairy and rises from two to four feet, perforating the leaves at each joint, from which it is sometimes called thorough stalk or stem. The flowers are white and appear in July and August, forming a corymbus at the termination of the branches. The leaves at each joint are horizontal, serrated and rough, from three to four inches long, and about an inch broad at their base, gradually lessening lo a very acute point, of a dark green, and covered with short hairs. Thorough wort certainly possesses active properties, and deserves the attention of American physicians. It acts powerfully as a sudorific and emetic, and sometimes as a purgative, and has been successfully employed in intermittents and other fevers, either in deooction or the leaves in powder. Every part of the plant may be advantageously employed, though the flowers appear most active. A watery infusion of the leaves is a powerful and not disagree- able bitter, and the flowers are deemed superior in this respect to those of camomile, and ought to be kept in the shops. The dried leaves in powder, or made into pills with lenitive electuary, given in doses of twelve or fifteen grains, are of excellent effect as a mild laxative, obviating costiveness without inducing debility or heat; cor- recting bile and promoting perspiration. This plant is frequently em- ployed in the country as a drench in diseases of cattle. There are several species in the United States. Dr. Andrew Anderson, of New York, in his inaugural disserta- tion, thus designates the species in the following botanical terms: L. Perfoliatum. Lin. E. Virginianum. Morris Hist. E. Virginianum. Pluk. Aim. E. Connatum. Mich. Flor. Bor. Amer. He then proceeds to enumerate the various trivial names by which the plant has long been familiarly known throughout the United States, such as thorough wort, Indian-sage, cross-wort, bone-set, ve- getable antimony, &c. The chemical properties of this plant the author has ascertained by accurate analysis, and its medicinal virtues by practical experiment. According to his chemical experiments it seems to be satisfactorily proved, that the E. Perfoliatum contains * Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 52. Part II. p. 22. 230 Materia Medica. firstly, a free acid; secondly, tannin; thirdly, extractive matter; fourth- ly, a gummy matter; fifthly, a resin; sixthly, azote; seventhly, lime, probably the acetat of lime; eighthly, gallic acid, probably modified; ninthly, a resiniform matter, soluble in water and in alcohol, and which seems to contain a bitter principle. Hence he deems it warrant- able to conclude that this plant possesses active medicinal properties; that many of them are similar to those which characterize the cin- chona officinalis, the anthemis nobilis, and other valuable articles of the materia medica; but that these virtues reside in greatest quantity in the leaves. As pharmaceutical preparations of this plant the author recom- mends the decoction of the flowers and of the leaves; infusions of the same parts; the leaves in substance pulverized; and a tincture of the flowers and of the leaves, prepared with proof spirits. This last form is the most pleasant and convenient, and at the same time the most powerful, for proof spirits was ascertained to be the best menstruum. Our author does not hesitate to assert that the chemical properties of E.- Perfoliatum as deduced from experiment are in very many re- spects exactly similar to the Peruvian bark; and that for its active medicinal virtues, particularly as a sudorific and as a tonic, it will not suffer by comparison with any of the articles drawn from the vegeta- ble kingdom. In addition to his own opportunities of witnessing the employment of this plant, in different diseases in the New York Alms-house, he appeals to the observations and experience of several distinguished practitioners, particularly of Dr. Barton and of Dr. Hosack, for the importance and efficacy of this remedy in the treat- ment of most febrile disorders, particularly in intermitting and re- mitting fevers, yellow fever, and in other disorders of specific con- tagion; in many cutaneous affections, and in diseases of general debility. It may however be observed, that if it be exhibited as a warm decoction, it often proves emetic, and acts especially upon the skin, in producing diaphoresis: if in the form of cold infusion or de- coction, or in substance, it acts as a powerful tonic. Dr. Anderson proceeds to detail six cases of intermittent fever in which after a single evacuant, the thoroughwort effected radical cures, and adds that the same remedy was administered in almost all the instances of intermittents that occurred in the New York alms-house in the year 1812 to the exclusion of the Peruvian bark, and with uniform success. It was given either in decoction, or in powder from 20 to 30 grains every second hour during the intermission. In remitting fever, as a sudorific it produced the most salutary effects, and in those cases where tonics were indicated it proved no less advantageous. In the treatment of yellow fever he adduces the high authority of Dr. Hosack and Dr. Bard, who after proper evacuations placed almost exclusive dependence on sudorifks, and among this class of medi- cines the eupatorium administered in the form of decoction was deservedly considered of great value. The disease called by some the petechial or spotted fever, and by others the malignant pleurisy or typhoid peripneumony, has been more successfully treated by the class of remedies denominated sudorifics than by any other, and in many cases of this epidemic which occurred in the city of New York E.—Euphorbia Ipecacuanha. 231 in the winter of 1812-13, after the proper evacuations had been em- ployed, the eupatorium was resorted to, and its sudorific, its tonic and its cordial properties were clearly demonstrated, and much be- nefit was derived from its use. In some obstinate cutaneous diseases, according to Dr. Barton, eupatorium has produced very beneficial effects. During the author's attendance in the New York alms-house in the year 1812, very liberal recourse was had to this remedy in dis- eases arising from general dpbili y. In anasarcous affections of the extremities, and in ascites when it may be considered as a disease of debility, the alcoholic tincture of eupatorium may be safely recom- mended as an excellent tonic; and in addition to its tonic effects, the properties of a diuretic render the employment of it still more advan- tageous in cases of this description. EUPATORIUM PILOSUM. Wild Horehound. The leaves. This species of Eupatorium is also an annual plant; it rises from one to two feet. It grows wild in abundance in the southern states, where it has acquired great repute as a domestic remedy in the pre- valent fevers of that climate. We are indebted to the honourable George Jones, Esq. president of the Georgia medical society, for the following sketch of its medical virtues. " It serves as an excellent substitute for the Peruvian bark; indeed, among the planters on or near the sea-board it supersedes the use of the bark in the cure of fevers. It is tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, and mildly cathartic, and does not oppress the stomach as the Peruvian bark is apt to do; hence it may often be exhibited where the cinchona is inadmissible. It is usually exhibited in the form of infusion; one ounce of the dried leaves infused in a quart of water may be taken daily in doses of from two to four ounces every hour or two. It may be advantageously combined with Peruvian bark; and although it may sometimes fail of producing the desired effect, it well deserves a station among the ar- ticles of the Materia Medica. EUPHORBIA IPECACUANHA. Spurge. This species of Euphorbia grows spontaneously in various parts of the United States. It is pretty common in the dry and sandy soil of New Jersey, withinla few miles of Philadelphia. This is an extremely active plant, the root of which is employed as an emetic by some of the country people. The dose is not known, though Dr. Barton sup- poses it is small, as it belongs to the head of drastic emetics.* * Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 25 232 Materia Medica. EUPHORBIA OFFICINARUM. L. Gummi-resina. Officinal Euphorbia. Gum-resin. Willd. g. 959. sp. 7. Dodecandria Trigynia.—Nat. ord. Tricocca. The London college have restored this drastic and corrosive sub- stance to the list of officinals. It is produced from several species of the African genus Euporbia; such as the E. qfficinarum of the Cape of Good Hope, the E. antiquorum which grows in Egypt, Arabia, and the East Indies, and which is said to have furnished the Euphor- bium of the ancients, and the E. Canadensis. Mr Jackson, in his ac- count of Morocco, has described it, but unfortunately not in the lan- guage of science Furbiune, he says, is the Arabic name of this gum, which is produced by a very curious succulent plant, growing on the Atlas mountains, and called by the bhellahs and Arabs Dergmuse. From the main body of the plant, proceed several solid leafless bran- ches, about three inches in circumference and one in diameter, from the top of which shoot out similar ones, each bearing on its summit a vivid crimson flower; these branches are scolloped, and have on their outer side small knots, from which grow five extreme- ly sharp-pointed thorns, about one-third of an inch in length. The stalk is at first soft and succulent, but becomes hard in a few years, when the plant assumes the above-mentioned form, and may then be considered as at its maturity The inhabitants of the lower regions of Atlas make incisions in the branches of the plant with a knife, from which a corrosive lacteous juice issues, which, after being heat- ed by the sun, becomes a substance of a whitish yellow colour, and in the month of September drops off, and forms the gum Euphorbium. The plants produce abundantly only once in four years; but this fourth year's produce is more than all Europe can consume; for, being a very powerful cathartic, it is there little used. The people who collect the gum are obliged to tie a cloth over their mouth and nostrils, to prevent the small dusty particles from annoying them, as they produce incessant sneezing. The branches are used in the tanning of Morocco leather, and it is in great request among the women as a depilatory. The gum is brought to us immediately from Barbary, in drops of an irregular form; some of which, on being broken, are found to con- tain little thorns, small twigs, flowers, and other vegetable matters; others are hollow, without any thing in their cavity; the tears, in gene- ral, are of a pale yellow colour externally, but somewhat white with- in: they break easily between the fingers Braconnot has analysed eu- phorbium. He got from 100 parts, 37 of resin, 19 of wax, 20.5 of malate of lime, 2 of malate of potass, 13.5 of woody matter, 5 of water, and there was 3 of loss. Euphorbium is extremely trouble- some to pulverize; the finer part of the powder, which flies off, affect- ing the head in a violent manner. The acrimony of this substance is so great, as to render it unfit for internal use. It burns with an agreeable smell and a bright flame. When applied to the tongue, it seems at first to have no taste, but on being held some time in the mouth, it excites a very violent biting and burning, which lasts a long time, and cannot be abated by washing the mouth. E—Extracta et Resina. 233 EXTRACTA ET RESINA.— EXTRACTS AND RESINS. Extract, in pharmacy, has long been used, in the common and true acceptation of the term, to express a thing extracted, and there- fore it was applied to substances of all kinds which were extracted from heterogeneous bodies, by the action of any menstruum, and again reduced to a consistent form, by the evaporation of that men- struum. Lately, however, Extract has been used in a different and much more limited sense, as the name for a peculiar principle, which is often indeed contained in extracts, and which before had no proper appellation. It is in the former sense that we employ it here, and in which we wish it to be only used, while a new word should be in- vented as the name of the new substance. Till a better be proposed, we shall call it Extractive. The London college have also added to the confusion in their last edition, by applying the term extract to what are commonly called inspissated juices, where no menstruum is employed. Extracts are of various kinds, according to the nature of the sub- stances from which they are obtained, and the menstruum employed: but they commonly consist of gum, sugar, extractive, tannin, cin- chonin, gallic acid, or resin, or several of them mixed in various pro- portions. The menstrua most commonly employed are water and al- cohol. The former is capable of extracting all the substances enu- merated, except the resin, and the latter all except the gum. Wine is also sometimes employed, but very improperly; for as a solvent it can only act as a mixture of alcohol and water, and the principles which it leaves behind, on evaporation, are rather injurious than of advantage to the extract. Water is the menstruum most economically employed in making extracts, as it is capable of dissolving all the active principles except resin, and can have its solvent powers assisted by a considerable de- gree of heat. Watery extracts are prepared by boiling the subject in water, and evaporating the strained decoction to a thick consistence. It is indifferent, with regard to the medicine, whether the subject be used fresh or dry; since nothing that can be preserved in this pro- cess will be lost by drying. With regard to the facility of extraction, however, there is a very considerable difference; vegetables in gene- ral giving out their virtues more readily when dried than when fresh. In many cases, it is necessary to assist the action of the menstruum by mechanical division, but it should not be carried so far as to re- duce the substance to a very fine powder; as Fabbroni found that cinchona, at least, yielded a larger proportion of extract, when only coarsely powdered. The quantity of water ought to be no greater than is necessary for extracting the virtues of the subject. This point, however, is not very easily ascertained; for, although some of the common princi- ples of extracts be soluble in a very small proportion of water, there 2G 234 Materia Medica. are others, such as the tannin, of which water can dissolve only a certain proportion, and cannot be made to take up more by any length of boiling; besides, we have no very good method of knowing when we have used a sufficient quantity of water; for vegetable substances will continue to colour deeply successive portions of water boiled with them, long after they are yielding nothing to it but colouring matter. One of the best methods is to boil the subject in successive quantities of water, as long as the decoctions form a considerable precipitate with the test which is proper for detecting the substance we are extracting, such as a solution of gelatin for tannin, of alum for extractive, &C. The decoctions are to be evaporated after they have been filtered boiling hot, without any farther depuration; because some of ihe most active principles of vegetable substances, such as tannin, are much more soluble in boiling than in cold water, and because almost all of them are very quickly affected by exposure to the atmosphere. There- fore, if a boiling decoction, saturated with tannin, be allowed to cool, the greatest part of the very principle on which the activity of the substance depends, will separate to the bottom, and, according to the usual directions, will be thrown away as sediment. The same objection applies more strongly to allowing the decoction to cool, and deposite a fresh sediment, after it has been partially evaporated. Besides, by allowing the decoctions to stand several days before we proceed to their evaporation, we are, in fact, allowing the active prin- ciples contained in the decoction to be altered by the action of the air, and to be converted into substances, perhaps inactive, which also are thrown away as sediment. The evaporation is most conveniently performed in broad shallow vessels; the larger the surface of the liquor, the sooner will the aque- ous parts exhale. This effect may likewise be promoted by agitation. When the matter begins to grow thick, great care is necessary to prevent its burning. This accident, almost unavoidable if the quantity be large, and the fire applied, as usual, under the evaporating basin, may be effectually prevented, by pouring the extract, when it has acquired the consistence of a syrup, into shallow tin or earthen pans, and placing these in an oven with its door open, moderately heated; which, acting uniformly on every part of the liquid, will soon reduce it to any degree of consistence required. This may likewise be done, and more securely, by setting the evaporating vessel in boiling water; but the evaporation is in this way very tedious. Dr. Powell has figured a modification of the common tin sauce-pan for this purpose. It is nothing but putting a tin evaporating dish over a sauce-pan filled with water, which is made to boil. Alcohol is much too expensive to be employed as a menstruum for obtaining extracts, except in those cases where water is totally in- adequate to the purpose. These cases are, 1st, When the nature of the extract is very perishable when dis- solved in water, so that it is liable to be decomposed before the eva- poration can be completed; especially if we cannot proceed imme- diately to the evaporation. 2dly, When water is totally incapable of dissolving the substance to be, extracted; and, E.—Extracta et Resina. 235 rsdhj, When the substance extracted can bear the heat of boiling alcohol without being evaporated, but would be dissipated by that of boiling water; that is, when it requires a heat greater than 176°, and less than 212°, for its evaporization. In the last case, the alcohol must be perfectly free from water, be- cause the heat necessary to evaporate it at the end of the process would frustrate the whole operation. Hence, also, the subject itself ought always to be dry: those substances, which lose their virtue by drying, lose it equally on being submitted to this treatment with the purest alcohol. In this way the alcoholic extract of some aromatic substances, as cinnamon, lavender, rosemary, retain a considerable degree of their fine flavour. In the second case, the alcohol need not be so very strong, because it is capable of dissolving resinous substances, although diluted with a considerable proportion of water. In the first case, the alcohol may be still much weaker; or rather, the addition of a small proportion of alcohol to water will be sufficient to retard or prevent the decomposition of the decoction. The alcohol employed in all these cases should be perfectly free from any unpleasant flavour, lest it be communicated to the extract. The inspissation should be performed from the beginning, in the gentle heat of a water-bath. We need not suffer the alcohol to evapo- rate in the air: the greatest part of it may be recovered by collecting the vapour in common distilling vessels. If the distilled spirit be found to have brought over any flavour from the subject, it may be advan- tageously reserved for the same purposes again. When diluted alcohol is employed, the distillation should only be continued as long as alcohol comes over; and the evaporation should be finished in wide open vessels. In this chapter we have also included the processes intended for purifying inspissated juices and resinous substances. Pure resins are prepared, by adding, to spiritous tinctures of resin- ous vegetables, a large quantity of water. The resin, incapable of re- maining dissolved in the watery liquor, separates and falls to the bottom; leaving in the menstruum such other principles of the plant as the spirit might have extracted at first along with it. But this i6 only practised for the purpose of analysis. Extracts made with Water, EXTRACTUM ALOES PURIFICATUM. L, Purified Extract of Aloes. Take of Socotorine aloes, in powder, half a pound; Boiling water, four pints. 236 Materia Medica. Macerate in a gentle heat for three days, then strain, and set it at rest till the faeces subside. Pour off the clear liquor, and evaporate to a proper thickness. This is supposed to be less irritating than the aloes itself, but it appears to be an unnecessary refinement. EXTRACTUM ANTHEMIDIS. L. Extract of Chamomile. Take of Chamomile flowers, dried, one pound; Water, one gallon. Boil down to four pints, and filter the liquor while hot. Then evapo- rate to a proper thickness. EXTRACTUM CINCHONA. D. L. Extract qf Cinchona. Take of Cinchona, in coarse powder, one pound; Water, six pints. Boil, for a quarter of an hour, in a vessel almost covered; filter the decoction while hot through linen, and set it aside. Boil the resi- duum again, in the same quantity of water, and filter it in the same manner. This may be repeated a third time, and all the decoctions are to be mixed and reduced to a proper degree of thickness by evaporation. This extract ought to be kept in two states; one soft, adapted for making pills; and the other hard, capable of being pulverised. (D). EXTRACTUM COLOCYNTHIDIS. L. Extract of Colocynth. Take of Pulp of colocynth, one pound; Water, one gallon. Boil to four pints, and filter the liquor while hot. Lastly, evaporate to a proper thickness. Mr. Phillips says, that it is scarcely possible to boil the colocynth in the assigned quantity of water, and that the extract obtained is remarkably spongy, and very soon becomes hard and mouldy. E.—Extracta et Resina. 237 EXTRACTUM COLOCYNTHIDIS COMPOSITUM. D. Compound Extrqct of Colocynth. Take of Pith of colocynth, cut small, six drachms; Hepatic aloes, one ounce and a half; Scammony, half an ounce; Lesser cardamom seeds, husked, one drachm; Castile soap, softened with warm water, so as to have a gelatinous consistence, three drachms; Warm water, one pint. Digest the colocynth in the water, in a covered vessel with a moder rate heat, for four days. To the liquor, expressed and filtered, add the aloes and scammony, separately reduced to powder: then eva- porate the mixture to a proper thickness for making pills, having added, towards the end of the evaporation, the soap-jelly and pow- dered seeds; and mix all the ingredients thoroughly together, EXTRACTUM GENTIANS. L. Extract of Gentian. Take of Gentian root, one pound; Boiling water, one gallon. Macerate for twenty-four hours; then boil down to four pints, and filter the liquor while still hot; lastly, evaporate it to a proper thickness. EXTRACTUM GLYCYRRHIZ.E. L. Extract of Liquorice. Take of Liquorice root, sliced, one pound; Boiling water, one gallon. Macerate for twenty-four hours; then boil down to four pints, and filter the liquor while still hot; lastly, evaporate it to a proper thickness. EXTRACTUM HjEMATOXYLI. L Extract of Logwood. Take of Logwood, bruised, one pound; Boiling water, one gallon. Macerate for twenty-four hours, then boil to four pints.—Strain the liquor while hot, and evaporate to a proper consistence. 238 Materia Medica. EXTRACTUM HUMULI. L. Extract of Hops. Take of Hops, four ounces; Water boiling, a gallon. Boil down to four pints, strain the hot liquor, and evaporate it to a proper consistence. In the former edition, 1809, the quantity of hops was half a pound, in regard to which Mr. Phillips says that the proportion of water or- dered was considerably too small. It has accordingly been corrected. EXTRACTUM OPII AQUOSUM. D. Watery Extract qf Opium. Take of Opium, two ounces; Boiling water, one pint. Triturate the opium in the water, for ten minutes; then, after waiting a little, pour off the liquor, and triturate the remaining opium with the same quantity of boiling water, pouring off the infusion in the same manner. This may be repeated a third time. Mix the decant- ed liquors, and expose the mixture to the air, in an open vessel, for two days. Lastly, filter through linen, and, by slow evaporation) form an extract, EXTRACTUM PAPAVERIS. L. Extract of Poppy. Take of Poppy heads, bruised without the seeds, one pound; Boiling water, a gallon. Macerate for twenty-four hours; then boil to four pints: strain the liquor while hot, and evaporate to a proper thickness. EXTRACTUM SARSAPARILLiE. L. Extract of Sarsaparilla, Take of Sarsaparilla root, sliced, one pound; Boiling water, one gallon. Macerate for twenty-four hours; then boil to four pints, and filter the liquor while hot; lastly, evaporate to a proper thickness. E.—Extracta et Resina. 239 EXTRACTUM TARAXACI. L. Extract of Dandelion. Take of Fresh dandelion root, bruised, one pound; Boiling water, one gallon. Macerate for twenty-four hours; then boil to four pints, and filter the liquor while hot; lastly, evaporate to a proper thickness. EXTRACTUM VALERIANAE. D. Extract of Valerian. Take of Valerian root, in coarse powder, six ounces; Boiling water, three pints. Mix and digest, with a moderate heat, twenty-four hours, in a covered vessel; and then express the liquor, and evaporate it to a proper thickness. Extracts made with Alcohol. EXTRACTUM CINCHONA OFFICINALIS. Ed. Extract of Cinchona. Take of Cinchona bark, in powder, one pound; Alcohol, four pounds. Digest for four days, and pour off the tincture. Boil the residuum in five pounds of distilled water, for fifteen minutes, and filter the decoction, boiling hot, through linen. Repeat this decoction and filtration, with the same quantity of distilled water, and reduce the liquor, by evaporation, to the consistence of thin ho- ney. Draw off the alcohol from the tincture, by distillation, until it also be- come thick; then mix the liquors, thus inspissated, and evaporate them in a bath of boiling water, saturated with muriat of soda, to a proper consistency. EXTRACTUM CONVOLVULI JALAPtE. Ed. Extract of Jalap, Is prepared in the same way, from the root. 240 Materia Medica* EXTRACTUM CINCHONA RESINOSUM. L. Resinous Extract of Cinchona. Take of Lance-leaved Cinchona, bruised, one pound; Rectified spirit of wine, four pints. Macerate for four days, and strain; distil the tincture, in a water-bath, to a proper thickness. EXTRACTUM COLOCYNTHIDIS COMPOSITUM. L. Compound Extract of Colocynth. Take of Pulp of colocynth, sliced, six drachms; Socotorine aloes, in powder, one ounce and a half; Scammony, in powder, half an ounce; Cardamom seeds, powdered, one drachm; Proof-spirit, one pound. Macerate the pulp of colocynth in the spirit, with a gentle heat, for four days. Strain the liquor, and add to it the aloes and scammony. Then evaporate to a proper thickness, adding, towards the end of the operation, the cardamom seeds. EXTRACTUM RHEI. L. Extract of Rhubarb. Take of Rhubarb root, in powder, one pound; Proof-spirit, one pint; Water, seven pints. Macerate, with a gentle heat, for four days; then filter and set it aside, until the faeces subside. Pour off the liquor clear, and evaporate to a proper thickness. EXTRACTUM JALAPS. L. Extract of Jalap. Take of Jalap, in powder, one pound; Rectified spirit, four pints; Water, two pints. Macerate the jalap in the spirit, for four days, and pour off the tinc- ture. Boil the residuum in the water to two pints. Then filter the tincture and decoctions separately, and evaporate the latter, and distil the former until both thicken; lastly, mix the extract with the resin, and evaporate to a proper thickness. E.—Extracta et Resina. 241 This extract is to be kept in two states, one soft, proper for making pills, and one hard and pulverizable. EXTRACTUM CASCARILLA RESINOSUM. D. Resinous Extract of Cascarilla. Take of Cascarilla, in coarse powder, one pound; Rectified spirit of wine, four pints. Digest for four days; then pour off the tincture, and strain; boil the residuum, in ten pints of water, to two: evaporate the filtered de- coction, and distil the tincture, in a retort, till both begin to grow thick; then mix them, and evaporate them to a state fit for making pills. Lastly, they are to be intimately mixed. In this way are prepared EXTRACTUM CINCHONA RUBRA RESINOSUM. I). Resinous Extract qf Red Cinchona Bark. EXTRACTUM JALAPA RESINOSUM. D. Resinous Extract of Jalap. OPIUM PURIFICATUM. D. Purified Opium. Take of Opium, cut into small pieces, one pound; Proof-spirit of wine, twelve pints. Digest with a gentle heat, stirring now and then till the opium be dissolved; filter the liquor through paper, and distil in a retort until the spirit be separated: Pour out the liquor which remains, and evaporate, until the extract acquires a proper thickness. Purified opium must be kept in two forms; one soft, proper for form- ing into pills; the other hard, capable of being reduced into powder. All these extracts are supposed to contain the virtues of the sub- stances from which they are prepared, in a very pore and concen- trated form; but this supposition is, probably in several instances, er- roneous; and the directions for preparing them are frequently inju- dicious and uneconomical. As the changes which opium and aloes undergo by solution, and subsequent evaporation, have never been ascertained by careful and satisfactory experiments, well-selected pieces of these substances are to be preferred to the preparations in which they are supposed to be purified. As a farther proof of the superiority of gootl opium over all its preparations, I may also remark, that the latter, however well prepared, soon become mouldy, the former never does. Mr. Phillips, however, prefers the preparing of an extract of opium, bv first submitting it to the action of boiling water, as long as, any 2 H 242 Materia Medica. portion of it continues to be dissolved, and then digesting the resi- duum in rectified spirit, and mixing the watery and alcoholic extracts thus obtained. He found, that 72 parts of opium, dried by steam till it became pulverizable, yielded to cold water 30 parts, then to boiling water 9, and, lastly, to alcohol 7. The first solution or cold infusion was of a deep brownish-red colour, remained transparent, and smelt strongly of opium; the second or decoction was of a pale brown co- lour, deposited on cooling the greater part of what had been dissolved, and had no smell of opium; and the third or tincture very much re- sembled common tincture of opium, and furnished, on the addition of water, an abundant yellowish-white precipitate. Dr. Powell also says, that proof-spirit by heat dissolves 9-12ths of opium; and water, although heated, only 5-I2ths. Cinchona bark is a medicine of very great importance; but, un- fortunately, the proportion of woody fibres, or inert matter, which en- ters into its composition, is so great, that weak stomachs cannot bear it, when given in quantity sufficient to produce any very power- ful effects. On this account the preparation of an extract, which may contain its active principles in a concentrated form, is a desirable ob- ject. On this subject there is still much room for experiment. The London college, in its former Pharmacopoeia, certainly erred in two important particulars; in the first place, in desiring the decoction to be continued until the greatest part of the menstruum was eva- porated; and, in the second place, in separating, by filtration, the pow- der which separated from the decoction after it had cooled. The first error probably originated in the idea, that, by continuing the boiling for a great length of time, more of the bark would be dissolved; but it is now known, that water is incapable of dissolving more than a certain quantity of the active principles of cinchona; and that after the water has become saturated, by continuing the decoction we di- minish the quantity of the menstruum, and therefore also diminish the quantity of bark dissolved. It is not easy to account for the se- cond error; for, according to the old idea, that the powder which sepa- rated, on cooling, from a saturated decoction of cinchona, was a re- sinous substance, it surely ought not to have been rejected from what were supposed to be resinous extracts. This precipitate is now known to be caused by the much greater solubility of its active principles in boiling than in cold water; so that the precipitate is not different from what remains in solution. Accordingly, I ascertained, by experi- ment, that cinchona gave at least one half more extract when the de- coction was conducted according to the directions of the Edinburgh college; and the London college, in their present Pharmacopceia, have improved their processes on the same principles. The real advantage of so expensive an agent as alcohol, in pre- paring any of these extracts, has not been demonstrated; and, if I be not misinformed, it is seldom employed by the apothecaries in pre- paring even what is called the Resinous Extracts. E.—Extracta et Resina. 243 RESINA FLAVA. D. Yellow Resin. This remains in the retort after the distillation of the oil of turpentine. Turpentines are combinations of volatile oil and resins, which are easily separated by distillation. The process, however, cannot be carried so far as to separate the whole of the oil, without charring and burning part of the resin. In this state it has a brown colour, and a certain degree of transparency, and is well known under the name of Fiddler's Rosin. But if water be added to the residuum of the distil- lation, and be thoroughly mixed with it by agitation, it becomes opa- que, and is called Yellow Rosin. Yellow rosin is a useful ingredient in the composition of plasters and hard ointments. GUMMI RESINA. L. Gum Resins. Those gum-resins are to be reckoned the best which are selected so pure, that they do not stand in need of purification. But if they seem impure, boil them in water until they grow soft; then squeeze them through a canvas bag, by means of a press. Let them remain at rest till the resinous part subside; then evaporate, in a water- bath, the part of the water decanted off; and towards the end of the evaporation, mix the resinous part with the gummy into a homogeneous mass. Gum-resins which melt easily may be purified by putting them into an ox bladder, and holding it in boiling water till they become so soft, that they can be separated from impurities by pressing them through a hempen cloth. As one, and perhaps the most active, constituent of gummy resins, as they are called, is of a volatile nature, it is evident that it must be, in a great measure, dissipated in the process just described, and that we cannot expect the same virtues in these substances after they are purified, which they possess in their crude state. This process is, therefore, contrary to the principles of good pharmacy; and such , specimens of these gummy resins as stand in need of it to give them an apparent degree of purity, should not be admitted into the shop of the apothecary. Besides, many of the impurities which they usually contain are easily separated, in compounding the preparations or ex- temporaneous prescriptions into which they enter. 244 Materia Medica. F. FERRUM.—IRON. D. *Yzer. P. Ferro. DA. Iern. POL. Zelazo. F. Fer. R. Sheleso. G. Eisen. £. Hierro. I. Ferro. SW. iirm. Iron is of a bluish-grey colour; texture either fine-grained, fibrous, or dense plates; sapid and odorous; specific gravity 7.600; the hard- est and most elastic and most tenacious metal; very ductile; fusing at 158° Wedgwood; fusion at first clammy, afterwards very fluid; igniting by strong percussion, and inflaming by the collision of flint; magnetic. It is oxydized slowly in the air, especially when moist; when heated in contact with air, it is changed to a black oxyd, con- taining 20 to 27 of oxygen; fusible, hard, brittle, lamellated, still at- tracted by the magnet; afterwards into a brown, red, fine, pulveru- rent oxyd, not attracted by the magnet, containing 0.40 to .49 of oxy- gen. It burns with splendour and deflagration in oxygen gas, and is converted into a fused, black oxyd; it decomposes water slowly, and when ignited, very rapidly. In some instances it is dissolved in hy- drogen gas. Carbon united to iron, converts it into steel. Steel is of a grey colour, brilliant and granular in its fracture; spe- cific gravity 7.795; harder than any of the metals, and more elastic, ductile, malleable, and fusible at a lower temperature than pure iron. Its characteristic property is, that after being heated, if suddenly plunged into cold water, it becomes harder, more elastic, less pliable and brittle; but by being again heated and cooled slowly, it acquires its former softness, pliability and ductility. Steel contains only some hundredth parts of carbon, and is known chemically, by letting a drop of acid fall upon it, which produces a grey or black spot. Plumbago consists of about 0.1 of iron, combined with carbon in its first degree of oxydizement. The phosphuret of iron is white, granu- lated, brittle, permanent in the air. Its sulphuret is yellow, hard, brit- tle, and very fusible, oxydizing slowly in a humid atmosphere. Iron forms alloys with arsenic, cobalt, manganese, bismuth, antimony, zinc, and tin. Iron is oxydized and dissolved by almost all the acids; oxyds, black, brown, red. It gives glasses a brown, smoky, deep green, or black colour. Iron is the most common of all metals. It seems even to be a con- stituent of organic substances, and is the only metal which when taken into the body, exerts no deleterious action upon it, the numer- ous ores of it which are found in every part of the globe, may be re- duced to the following genera. 1. Native iron. Immense isolated masses of this have been found F.—Ferrum. 245 in Siberia and in South America. Their origin is still perfectly pro* blematical. 2. Carbureted iron. Plumbago. 3. Sulphureted iron. Pyrites. 4. Oxydized iron. a. Protoxyd. Magnetic iron ore; colour black or grey. b. Peroxyd. Not magnetic; colour red or brown. c. Carbonated. d. Arseniated. e. Tungstated. As its mechanical division is extremely difficult, it is directed to be kept in the shops in the state of filings or wire, and the scales of black oxyd, which are found around the smith's anvil. Soft malleable iron is the only kind fit for internal use, as steel and cast iron always contain impurities, and often arsenic. Iron is prescribed, I. In its metallic state. Ferri limatura. Ed. -------------purificata. Ed. Ferri ramenta et fila. Lond. Ferri scobs. Dub. II. Oxydized. 1. Protoxyd, Ferri squamae. Ed. Ferri oxydi squamae. Dub. Oxydum ferri nigrum purificatum. Ed, Oxydum ferri nigrum. Dub. 2. Peroxyd. Oxydum ferri rubrum. Ed. Dub. 3. Supercarbonated; as in the chalybeate mineral waters. 4. Carbonated, a. Carbonas ferri praeparatus. Ed. Ferri rubigo. Dub. b. Carbonas ferri praecipitatus. Ed. Carbonas ferri. Lond Dub. 5. Sulphated, Sulphas ferri. Ed. Lond. Dub. 6. Subsulphated, Sulphas ferri exsiccatus. Ed. Dub. 7. Muriated, a. Tinctura muriatis ferri. Ed. Lond. Dub. b. Tinctura muriatis ferri cum oxydo rubra. Dub. 8. With muriat of ammonia, Murias ammoniae et ferri. Ed. Dub. Ferrum ammoniatum. Lond. Tinctura ferri ammoniati. Lond. 9. With nitrat of potass, Liquor ferri alkalini. Lond. 246 Materia Medica. 10. Acetated, Acetas ferri. Dub. Tinctura acetatis ferri. Dub. Tinctura acetatis ferri cum alcohol. Dub 11. With tartrat of potass, Ferrum tartarizatum. Lond. Tartarum ferri. Dub. Vinum ferri. Dub. Medical use.—The general virtues of this metal, and the several preparations of it, are, to constringe the fibres, to quicken the circu- lation, to promote the deficient secretions in the remoter parts, and at the same time to repress inordinate discharges into the intestinal tube. After the use of them, if they take effect, the pulse is very sen- sibly raised; the colour of the face, though before pale, changes to a florid red; the alvine, urinary, and cuticular excretions are increased. Fetid eructations, and the faeces voided of a black colour, are marks of their taking due effect. When given improperly or to excess, iron produces headach, anx- iety, heats the body, and often causes hemorrhages, or even vomit- ing, pains in the stomach, and spasms and pains of the bowels. Iron is given in most cases of debility and relaxation, 1. In passive hemorrhagies. 2. In dyspepsia, hysteria, and chlorosis. 3. In most of the cachexiae. 4. In general debility produced by disease, or excessive hemor- rhage. Where either a preternatural discharge, or suppression of natural secretions, proceed from a languor and sluggishness of the fluids, and weakness of the solids; this metal, by increasing the motion of the former, and the strength of the latter, will suppress the flux, or re- move the suppression; but where the circulation is already too quick, the solids too tense and rigid, where there is any stricture or spas- modic contraction of the vessels, iron, and all the preparations of it, will aggravate both distempers. FERRI LIMATURA. Ed. Ferrum. L. Ferrum in fila deductum. D. Iron-filings. Iron. Iron-wire. Iron probably has no action on the body when taken into the sto- mach, unless it be oxydized. But during its oxydizement, hydrogen gas is evolved; and accordingly we find that fetid eructations are con- sidered as a proof of the medicine having taken effect. It can only be exhibited internally in the state of filings, which may be given in doses of from five to twenty grains, either in the form of powder, with some aromatic, or made into an electuary or bolus or pills with any bitter extract. Iron-wire is to be preferred for pharmaceutical \ F.—Ferrum.—Sulphas Ferri. 247 preparations, both because it is the most convenient form, and be- cause it is always made of the purest iron. Officinal Preparations. Ferri limatura purificata, E. Carbonas Ferri, E. L. D. Aqua ferri aerati, D. Sulphas ferri, E. L. D. Tinctura ferri muriati, D. - - vide Tinctura. Ferrum ammoniacale, L. Ferrum tartarisatum, L. Vinum ferri, L. D. - - - Vina medicata. Hydrargyrum purificatum, E. L. - Hydrargyrum. FERRI OXYDI SQUAMA. D. Ferri Squam*. Ed. The scales qf Iron, or of the Oxyd. When iron is heated to redness in the smith's forge, to render it' more malleable, its surface becomes oxydized by the action of the atmospheric air; and as the oxyd formed does not adhere to the iron, it is easily separated by percussion on the anvil, and flies off in the state of sparks which, on cooling, constitute the scales of iron. In these the iron is oxydized to that degree in which it is soluble in acids, without the production of hydrogen gas; therefore, when taken into the stomach, they do not produce the distention and flatulence occasioned by the use of filings. Officinal Preparations. Ferri oxydum nigrum purificatum, E. Tinctura muriatis ferri, E. - - vide Tinctura. SULPHAS FERRI. Ed. L. D. Sulphat of Iron. Green vitriol. Copperas. Vitriolated Iron, formerly Salt of Steel. D. Groene vitriool, Yzervitriool. P. Caparroza verde. DA. Grb'nt kobberwand. POL. Koperwas z zelaza. F. Couperose verte. R. Seleniii kuparos. G. Kupferwasser, Eisenvitriol. S. Vitriolo de Marte. I. Copparosa verde. SW. Grb'n Victriol, Jernvitriol. The sulphat of iron of commerce is commonly obtained by the spontaneous oxydizement of sulphureted iron, and subsequent lixivia- tion and crystallization. It is never pure, and often contains zinc or copper. The copper may be separated by adding some metallic iron to the solution, but we have no means of separating the zinc. Although the native sulphat of iron may be purified by solution, 24a Materia Medica. filtration and crystallization, sufficiently, for many purposes, yet it cannot be procured perfectly pure except by the direct union of sul- phuric acid and iron; and as it is of consequence that it should be pure when administered internally, directions for its preparation have been given. The following is the formula of the Edinburgh college. Take of Purified filings of iron, six ounces; Sulphuric acid, eight ounces; Water, two pounds and a half. Mix them, and after the effervescence ceases, digest the mixture for some time upon warm sand; then strain the liquor through paper, and after due evaporation set it at rest to crystallize. (E.) The crystals of sulphat of iron are transparent rhomboidal prisms, of a fine green colour. They are soluble in two parts of cold, and in less than their own weight of boiling water. They are insoluble in alcohol. They are composed of Black oxyd of iron, 28) „.. ~ . , , _. Water of composition, 8 J 36 Green M'-o-oxyd of iron. 26 Sulphuric acid. 38 Water of crystallization. 100 Green sulphat of iron is decomposed by all the earths and alkalies, and by those salts whose base forms an insoluble compound with sul- phuric acid. It is also decomposed by exposure to the air, especially when in solution, and by all substances which part readily with their oxygen. The oxyd of iron absorbs oxygen, and passes to the state of red oxyd, which forms a red sulphat, possessing properties very dif- ferent from those of the green sulphat. Taken into the stomach, the green sulphat is apt to excite pain in the stomach, and spasms in the bowels; and in large doses it causes vomiting. In small doses, however, of from one to three grains, it is sometimes given as a tonic, astringent, or anthelmintic. Officinal Preparations. Acidum acetosum forte, E. - vide Acidum acetosum. Carbonas ferri praecipitatus, E. Tinctura ferri acetati, D. - - Tinctura. Pulvis aloeticus cum ferro, L. - - Pulveres. SULPHAS FERRI EXSICCATUS. Ed. Dried Sulphat of Iron. Take of Sulphat of iron, any quantity. Expose it to the action of a moderate heat in an unglazed earthen vessel, until it become white and perfectly dry. (E.) F.—Ferrum.—Carbonas Ferri Prsecipitatus. 249 The heat applied here must not be so great as to decompose the sulphat of iron, but only to deprive it of its water of crystallization. FERRI LIMATURA PURIFICATA. Ed. Purified Filings of Iron. Place a sieve over the filings, and apply a magnet, so that the filings may be attracted upwards through the sieve. (E.) This process does not fulfil the purpose for which it is intended. For the adhesion of a very small particle of iron renders brass and other metals attractable by the magnet. The filings of iron got from the shops of different artificers, which are always mixed with solder, and other n.etals, cannot be purified in this way, so as to render them fit for internal use; and indeed the only way they can be obtained sufficiently pure, is by filing a piece of pure iron with a clean file. Officinal Preparation. Hydro-sulphuretum ammoniae, E. - vide Ammonia. OXYDUM FERRI NIGRUM PURIFICATUM; Olim, Ferbi Squamje Purificat^e. Ed. Purified Black Oxyd of Iron, formerly Purified Scales of Iron. Let the scales of the oxyd of iron, which are to be found at the foot of the blacksmith's anvil, be purified by the application of a mag- net. For the magnet will attract only the smaller and purer scales, and will leave those which are larger and less pure. (E.) Here the application of the magnet is useful, because these scales contain no foreign metal, but are mixed with earthy and other im- purities, which could be separated in no other way. CARBONAS FERRI PRAPARATUS. Ed. D. Carbonat of Iron. Olim, Ferri Rubioo, formerly Rust of Iron. Moisten purified filings of iron frequently with water, that they may be converted into rust, which is to be ground into an impalpable powder. (E.) Iron is one of the most easily oxydized of the metals. It is capable of attracting oxygen from the air, and of decomposing water even in the cold. By exposure at the same time to air and moisture, it is very quickly oxydized, while it also absorbs carbonic acid, and is converted into a reddish brown pulverulent substance, well known by the name 2 I 250 Materia Medica. of rust of iron. For medical use his prepared as Ukb other substances insoluble in water. Officinal Preparation. Tinctura ferri muriati, L. vide Tinctura. CARBONAS FERRI PRACIPITATUS. Ed. Precipitated Carbonat of Iron. Ferri Subcarbonas. Subcarbonat of Iron. L. Take of Sulphat of iron, four ounces, Carbonat of soda, five ounces, Water, ten pints. Dissolve the sulphat in the water, and add the carbonat.of soda, pre- viously dissolved, in a sufficient quantity of water, and mix them thoroughly. Wash the carbonat of iron, which is precipitated, with warm water, and afterwards dry it. (E.) On mixing the solution of these salts together, there is an imme- diate mutual decomposition. Sulphat of soda is formed, which remains in solution, and carbonat of iron, which is precipitated of a green co- lour. The precipitate when first formed, is the carbonat of black oxyd of iron, or contains the iron in the state of black oxyd, the stale in which it exists in the green sulphat of iron; but in the process of drying, it absorbs more oxygen, becomes of a red colour, and is con- verted into the carbonat of red oxyd of iron. As the precipitate is extremely light and bulky, it is not easily separated by allowing it to subside, and pouring off the clear liquor; filtration should therefore be employed. The carbonat of soda is used in preference to the car- bonat of potass, on account of the greater solubility of sulphat of soda than of sulphat of potass, which renders the subsequent ablution of the salt more easy. Mr. Phillips found very great differences in the results, from very slight differences in conducting the process, as appears from the fol- lowing table, to which is added the results when subcarbonat of potass was employed instead of subcarbonat of soda.. Subcarbonat of Subcarbonat of Soda. Potass. *J rt4 5 Chocolate br. ^ r7 Orange 5 14.5 Yellowish br. € ^ 15 Orange br. i 2 Brick r< 80 Purplish br. ■cX 10 Keriflish br. 5H none Ochre yel. 0 ■f 1.3 Blackish br. es 3 Orange C » O I rHot w. Colclv r Hot w. , 1..... j J Cold «. '•■\ Hot w ' Coldw. ( Coldv .....1 -v'' Water ke|>t near 212° for an hour. (""steam. " die air ihtaii steam. These differences indicate the precipitates to be mixtures of per- F.—Ferrum.-*-Oxyduni Ferri Rubrum. 251 oxyd, protoxyd, and subcarbonat of protoxyd of iron, in various pro- portions. The peroxyd is deep red or yellow, as the oxygen is quickly or slowly absorbed; ihe protoxyd is black, and its carbonat. brown. When cold waier only is used in this process, carbonat of iron re- mains in the solution, from which the oxyd lias been precipitated; when hot water is used, part of the carbonic acid is expelled, the sub- carbonat is precipitated mixed with oxyd; but when heat is long ap- plied, the subcarbonat itself is decomposed, and the precipitate is chiefly oxyd Mr. Phillips concludes, that it is more economical to use hot water in every part of the process, and to use potass instead of soda in the preparation. Medical «*-».— The carbonat of iron is an excellent and safe chaly- beate. It may be given in doses of from five grains to sixty; but all cha- lybeates answer better in small doses, frequently repeated, than in large doses. Q. E. D. AQUA FERRI AERATI. D. Water of Aerated Iron. It is prepared in the same manner as the water of fixed air, by sus- pending in the water half an ounce of iron wire. (D.) This is a very elegant chalybeate. The iron is in the state of black oxyd, and is dissolved by means of carbonic acid. It was first prepared by lierginann, in imitation of the natural chalybeate waters, and it forms an excellent substitute for them. OXYDUM FERRI RUBRUM. Ed. D. Red Oxyd of Iron. Expose dried sulphat of iron to an intense heat, until it is converted into a very red matter. (E.) By the violent heat applied in this preparation, the sulphat of iron is completely decomposed, and copious white fumes are expelled. The iron is converted into the red oxyd; part of the sulphuric acid is therefore reduced to the state of sulphurous acid, and the rest of the acid is expelled in a very c ncentrated state. This process was for- merly employed in Great Britain, and still is employed in Germany, for the preparation of sulphuric acid; which, however, from the pre- sence of the sulphurous acid, was possessed of some peculiar pro- perties, such as emitting fumes and crystallizing. The residuum is composed of red oxyd of iron, combined with a little red sulphat of iron, which renders it deliquescent. To obtain the oxyd perfectly pure, the residuum must therefore be washed with water, and dried quickly, to prevent the absorption of carbonic acid. Officinal Preparation. Murias ammoniae & ferri, E. 252 Materia Medica. MURIAS AMMONIA ET FERRI. Ed. Muriat of Ammonia and Iren. Ferrum Ammoniatum. L. Ammoniated Iron. Take of Red oxyd of iron, washed and again dried; Muriat of ammonia, equal weights; Mix them thoroughly, and sublime. (E.) Although at a low temperature ammonia decomposes the muriat of iron, at a high temperature iron and its oxyds decompose muriat of ammonia. But as muriat of ammonia is itself a volatile salt, great part of it escapes undecomposed; so that the product is a mixture of muriat of ammonia with red muriat of iron. According to the formula of the Edinburgh college, the decomposition is effected by simple affinity. As soon as the oxyd of iron acts on the muriat of ammonia, the ammonia which is separated comes over: then as the heat increases, undecomposed muriat of ammonia is sublimed; which, as the process advances, is mixed with an increasing7 proportion of muriat of iron. In the process of the London college, the decomposi- tion is more complex; and a considerable quantity of hydrogen gas is produced. Both colleges employ a much larger quantity of iron than is necessary. According to the German pharmaceutists, if the iron be equal to one sixteenth of the muriat of ammonia, it is sufficient. The new Prussian Dispensatory directs one ounce of iron to be dissolved in two ounces of muriatic acid, and one of nitrous acid; this solution of red muriat of iron to be mixed with a watery solution of twelve ounces of muriat of ammonia, and the whole evaporated to dryness; and the dry mass to be sublimed in a wide-necked retort, with a heat increased to redness. Whatever process be employed, the heat must be applied as quickly as possible; and the sublimed product thoroughly mixed by trituration, and kept in well-stopt glass vessels. It should have a deep orange colour, and a smell resembling saffron, and should deliquesce in the air. Medical use.—This preparation is supposed to be highly aperient and attenuating; though no otherwise so than the rest of the chalybeates, or at most only by virtue of the saline matter joined to the iron. It has been found of service in hysterical and hypochondriacal cases, and in distempers proceeding from a laxity, and weakness of the solids, as the rickets. From two or three grains to ten may be con- veniently taken in the form of a bolus. FERRUM TARTARISATUM. L. Tartarized Iron. Tartarum Ferri. D. Tartar qf Iron. Take of Carbonat of iron, half an ounce; F.—Ferrum.—Ferrum Tartarisatum. 253 Crystals of tartar, in very fine powder, one ounce; Distilled water, a pint. Boil them in a glass vessel over a slow fire for an hour, and filter the liquor through paper. When cool, and filtered a second time, eva- porate it until a pellicle appears on the surface. In cooling, it will form a saline mass, which is to be powdered, and kept in close vessels. (D.) This is in fact a triple tartrat of iron and potass, the excess of acid in the super-tartrat of potass being saturated by oxyd of iron. In this process the combination is direct; in that of the London college, the iron is oxydized during the first part of the process, in which it is moistened and exposed to the action of the air. Mr. Phillips has examined this preparation attentively. He says, that as usually prepared it has a light green colour, and is readily attracted by the magnet, unalterable by exposure to the air, and with difficulty soluble in water, and that one-fifth of the iron filings em- ployed remain unaltered, so that it mast be considered as merely a mixture of metallic iron with super-tartrat of potass, coloured by oxyd of iron. Dr. Perceval of Dublin says, that when prepared according to the directions of the Irish college, and the precipitated carbonat was found to answer best, it forms a mass of concreted spicular crystals of an olive colour, which attracts humidity from the air. In solution it destroys the colour of litmus, and its taste is rather sweetish than sour. To prepare a real tartarized iron, Mr. Phillips digests 32 parts of filings of soft iron in 64 parts of tartar, adding water occasionally to the mass during the action of the tartar upon the iron, until it ap- pear by the test of litmus paper that the acid is perfectly saturated. During this process, 15 parts of the iron are dissolved, being con- verted into nearly 22 parts of peroxyd. To this he adds seven times its weight of water, (532 parts), which easily dissolves the tartarized iron by trituration, forming a solution which readily passes through the filter, and contains one-eighth part of its weight of tartarized iron or nearly 16 grains of oxyd in the fluidounce. This solution is of a deep greenish-brown colour, remains for a great length of time without undergoing any change, (except at first the deposition of the tartrat of lime of the tartar.) It is precipitated by alcohol, and de- composed by lime-water, by solutions of potass and soda and their subcarbonats, when heated, but not when cold; nor by ammonia or its subcarbonat, hot or cold. It is not crys'tallizable, but when dried, is of a dark greenish brown colour, and attracts moisture from the atmosphere, but does not deliquesce, is exceedingly tenacious, re- sembling gum, and can scarcely be made to form a perfect solution. It is evident, that when properly prepared, tartarized iron cannot be exhibited in powder as commonly directed, and the advantage of exhibiting this preparation in solution is, that when ihe acid is per- fectly saturated, the taste of the iron is scarcely perceptible; and hence it can be exhibited with success to persons to whom the com- mon solutions of iron are nauseous. It deserves notice, that when 254 Materia Medica. there is acid in excess, the taste of the iron is much more easily detected. ACETAS FERRI. Dub. Acetat of Iron. Take of Carbonat of iron, half an ounce; Acetic acid three ounces by measure; Digest for three days, and strain. Dr. Perceval found, that in experiments made to determine the comparative solubility of iron in its different states in acetic acid, that two drachms of the acid acquired a light amber tinge from ten grains of scales of iron, and left a residuum of 9£; a reddish amber colour from iron-filings, residuum 6|; a light red from the red oxyd, residuum 8|; and from the precipitated carbonat a deep claret co- lour, and the whole was dissolved. Hence the last was preferred for making directly an acetat of iron. FERULA ASSA FCETIDA. Gummi-resina. Ed. L. D. Assafcetida. A gum-resin. Willd. g. 539. sp. 11. Pentandria Digynia__Nat. ord. Umbellata, D. Duivelsdreck. P. Assafetida. DA. Dyvelsdrak. POL. Snrodzieniee, Czarzit F. Asa-fetida, Assef Merde la no. de diable. S. Asafeiida. G. Teufelsdreck. SW. Dyfvelstrack. I. Assa-fetida, Zaffetica. The plant which furnishes assa foetida is perennial, and a native of Persia. It has, however, borne fertile seeds in the open air in the botanical garden of Edinburgh.* The gum-resin is procured from the roots of plants which are at least four years old. When the leaves begin to decay, the stalk is twisted off, and the earth removed from about their large tapering roots The top of the root is some time afterwards cut off transversely; and forty-eight hours afterwards, the juice, which has exuded, is scraped off, and a second transverse section is made. This operation is repeated until ihe root be entirely exhausted oTjtrice. After being scraped off, the juice is exposed to the sun to harden. It is brought to us in large irregular masses, composed of various little shining lumps or grains, which are partly of a whitish colour, * It is said in the last edition of the London Pharmacopoeia that the plant raised in the Edinburgh garden, is the Ferula Persica, the seeds of which were obtained from the mountains of Ghian, in Persia. They are different ape- cies only, of the same plant, and this is stated in the last edition of the Edin- burgh Dispensatory. F.—Ficus Carka. 255 partly reddish, and partly of a violet hue. Those masses are account- ed the best which are clear, of a pale reddish colour, and variegated with a number of elegant white tears. This drug has a strong fetid smell, somewhat like that of garlic; and a bitier, acrid, biting taste. It loses some of its smell and strength by keeping: a circumstance to be particularly regarded in its exhi- bition. Neumann got from 1920 parts, 1350 alcoholic extract, and after- wards 190 watery, and inversely 550 watery. The smell resides en- tirely in an essential oil which rises in distillation, both with alcohol and water Neumann got more than 60 from 1920 grains. Medical use.—It is the most powerful of all the fetid gums, and is a most valuable remedy. It acts as a stimulant, antispasmodic, ex- pectorant, emmenagogue and anthelmintic. Its action is quick and penetrating. It is often serviceable, 1. In croup. 2. In dyspepsia, amenorrhoea and chlorosis. 3. In asthma, dyspnoea and hysteria. 4. In tympanites and worms. It is exhibited, I. In substance, in the form of pills; in doses of from five to twenty grains, either alone, or combined with bitter extracts or purgatives. 2. Dissolved in some simple distilled water. 3. Dissolved in alcohol. 4. In the form of clyster, to the extent of about two drachms. Officinal Preparations. Assa foetida purificata, L. - vide Amoniacumpurificatum. Lac assae t'oetidae, L. - Mixtura. Tinctura assae fcetidae, E. L. D. - Tinctura. castorei composita, E. Idem. Spiritus ammoniae foetidus, E. L. D. • Spiritus destillati. Pilulae aloes cum assa foetida, E. Pitula. assae fceiidae compositae, E. - Idem. galbani compositae, L. - Idem. Emplastrum assae foetidae, L. • Unguenta. FICUS CARICA. Fructus. Ed. L. D. The jig tree. The fruit. Willd. g. 1931. sp. 1. Polygamia Dietcia.—Nat. ord. Scabrida.. D. Vygen. P. Figos. DA. Figen. POL. Fiki. F. Figues. R. Winnila jagodi. G. Feigen. • S Higos. I. Fichi. SW. Fikon. 256 Materia Medica. This tree is probably a native of Asia, but grows plentifully in the south of Europe. As the fruit is very pulpy, it is dried when it is to be preserved. To this country they are chiefly brought from the Levant. They consist almost entirely of sugar and mucilage, and are therefore demulcent. They are also esteemed by some as suppura- tives; and they are sometimes applied by themselves, heated as warm as they can easily be borne, to promote the suppuration of a phlegmon, particularly when so situated that other cataplasms cannot easily be kept applied. Figs ripen very well by the middle of September in Philadelphia, when enjoying a free exposure to the sun. In the Southern states they flourish luxuriantly, and might become an article of extensive ex- portation, and home consumption, if pains were taken to introduce the large Levant fig. Officinal Preparations. Decoctum hordei compositum, L. - vide Decocta. Electuarium senns, E. L. - - Electuaria. FRASERA CAROLINIENSIS. Walter. Frazera Walteri. Michaux. Colunlbo of Marietta. The root. This plant is nearly allied in botanical habits, to the genus gen- tiana. It is a native of the states of New-York, Carolina, &c. and is furnished with a large tuberous root, of a yellow colour, which pro- mises to be little inferior, as a bitter, to the gentian of the shops.* This species of columbo is produced in the vicinity of Marietta in Ohio, and we are indebted to Dr. S. P. Hildreth of that place for a partial description of the plant. According to him the Columba Americana is a regular and very elegant proportioned plant, grow- ing to the height of seven feet. It is a production of high land, a rich and loamy soil that is covered with white oak, white thorn, and tufts of prairie grass. The stalk is covered with a smooth delicate membrane of a deep purple colour at the root, but becoming lighter as it ascends towards the top. Beneath this is a pulpy coat, fibrous and vascular, which covers another that is entirely ligneous, which is the chief support of the stalk. The remainder is medullary, and completely fills the woody circle. The columbo of Marietta is a triennial plant. The radical leaves, when it springs from the seed, are five in number, to these are added the second season five more. The third spring it sends up a stalk with five whorls of leaves, when each whorl consists otfive leaves, and four, when each whorl consists oifour, before it puts out any flowering branches. The leaves are in whorls smooth and spear shaped. The branches are axillary, upright, and of the same number with the leaves, from the * Barton's Collections, Part II. p. 16. F.—Fraxinus Ornus. 257 basis of which they immediately rise and send out opposite fruit stalks. From the whorls where the flowering branches commence to the top of the stalk, if it consists of five leaves, there are ten whorls growing gradually less to the ape*, which ends with five peduncles. It flowers in July. The root as soon as it enters the earth shoots out in a horizontal direction; is spindle shaped; and when well grown is from eighteen to thirty inches in length, and two in diameter at the turn. Near the surface of the earth the root is wrinkled; its colour in the young plant is a light yellow; and is solid and brittle. After the stalk is grown the root becomes softer and less bitter. The proper time for collecting it seems to be in the spring of the third year. Dr. Hildreth asserts that from the experiments he has made with Ameri- can columbo, he is induced to believe it fully equal, if not superior to the imported. It is in common use there, and has in one instance, in the heat of summer, put a stop to a wide spreading gangrene, on one of the lower extremities, by internal use and external application, when bark and other remedies had failed. The columbo plant is undoubtedly to be estimated as a valuable acquisition to our Materia Medica. The root, however, is found on examination to be of a lighter colour, and to possess less of the bitter principle than the imported root; its comparative efficacy is therefore doubtful, and yet to be ascertained. FRAXINUS ORNUS. Succus concretus. Ed. L. D. Manna-ash. The Concrete juice. Manna. Willd. g. 1908. sp. 15. Polygamia Dioecia.—Nat. ord. Ascyrbidaa. D. Manna. P. Manna. DA. Manna. POL. Manna. F. Manne. R. Manna. G. Manna. S. Mana, Mangla,Almangre. I. Manna. SW. Manna. Manna is obtained frcm other species of fraxinus besides the ornus, and especially from the rotundifolia. It is principally collected in Calabria, Apulia and Sicily. In the warmest season of the year, from the middle of June to the end of July, a clear juice exudes from the stem and branches of these trees, which, when naturally concreted on the plants and scraped off, is called Manna in the tear; but if al- lowed to exude on straws, or chips of wood fastened to the tree, it is called canulated or flaky manna. The common, or fat manna, is got by incisions made after the spontaneous exudation is over, and is in larger masses and of a redder colour. The best Calabrian manna is in oblong, light, friable pieces or flakes, of a whitish or pale yellow colour, and somewhat transparent. The inferior kinds are moist, unctuous, and dark coloured. Derjon, in his travels in Sicily, has given an account of the manna produced there, which, though less known, is dearer than that of Calabria, and preferred to it. As soon as the trees are seven or eight 2K 258 Materia Medica. years old, and about eight feet high, horizontal incisions are begun to be made in the bark one over the other, from the surface of the earth to the top of the tree. The operation is repeated every two days, from the 15th July, until the» rains or fogs of autumn suspend the circulation or deteriorate the quality of the saccharine juice which exudes. The liquor first appears like a white froth extremely light, pleasing to the palate, and of a very agreeable flavour. The heat of sun coagulates this frothy juice, and gives it the form of stalactites. The glutinous and more highly coloured liquor that now distils from the wounds, is received on leaves of the Indian fig, placed for the purpose at the foot of the tree. This too becomes at length con- gealed by the sun, and being then taken up in lumps, forms what is calledya* manna, which is heavier, more purgative, and of much less value. The wood of the manna-ash is hard, heavy, and bitter, and the de- coction of it is said to be aperient, and of great efficacy in the dropsy. Olivier mentions mentions different kinds of manna found in Persia, one called Cherker, more purgative than Calabrian manna, got from the North of Khorassan and Little Tartary; another very good to eat, which must be collected before sunrise, because it melts with the heat of the sun; and a third, called Therenjabri, the product of the Hedysarwn alagi, in the warmest provinces of Persia and Arabia. It is gathered during a month at the end of summer. It is found in all parts of the plant, especially the young shoots, in little round grains, which have the taste and consistence of well-crystallized sugar, and like it crackle under the teeth. It is very common, and found in all the druggists' shops of Persia, but commonly mixed with leaves and other impurities. It is not more purgative than honey, but is much used as a pectoral. Manna appears often to be formed and deposited by insects. Manna is said to be sometimes counterfeited by a composition of sugar and honey, mixed with a little scammony: there is also a factitious manna, which is white and dry, said to be composed of sugar, manna, and some purgative ingredient, boiled to a proper consistence. This may be distinguished by its weight, solidity,, and transparent white- ness, and by its taste, which is different from that of manna. According to Neumann, manna dissolves in alcohol. On setting the solution in a digesting heat, it gradually deposites 5-8ths of the manna, of a fine white colour, light, spongy, and in some degree crys- talline, melting instantly upon the tongue, and impressing an agree- able sweet taste, without any of the nauseousness of the manna. By further evaporation l-4th more is obtained, similar to manna; and on continuing the evaporation, a thick extract is formed, of the consist- ence of a balsam, which can scarcely be fully exsiccated, but con- tinues moist, and resembles civet grown brown by age. This extract, which is about l-8th, contains all the nauseous matter of the manna. The experiments which Dr. Duncan has made verify these observa- tions. The quantity of matter which a hot alcoholic solution of manna deposites on cooling is various: a saturated solution concretes into a perfectly dry, white, spongy, crystallized mass. When much less concentrated, it deposites a congeries of most beautiful sn/>w white F.—Fuligo Ligni Combusti. 259 acicular crystals. A saturated solution in boiling water also forms a solid crystallized mass on cooling. Fourcroy says, that when a solu- tion of manna is clarified with whites of eggs, and sufficiently con- centrated, crystals of sugar may be obtained from it. But with Dr. Thomson the experiment did not succeed: its crystals were always acicular, and more difficultly formed. Medical use.—Manna is a mild agreeable laxative, and may be given with safety to children and pregnant women: nevertheless, in some particular constitutions, it acts very unpleasantly, producing flatulency, and distension of the viscera: these inconveniences may be prevented by the addition of any grateful warm aromatic. Manna operates so weakly as not to produce the full effect of a cathartic, unless taken in large doses; and hence it is rarely given by itself with this intention. It may be commodiously dissolved in the purg- ing mineral waters, or joined with the cathartic salts, senna, rhubarb, or the like. Officinal Preparations. Syrupus mannae, D. - - - - -vide Syrupi. Electuariiyn cassiae, E. L. D. - - - Electuaria. FUCUS VESICULOSUS. L. D. Quercus marina, fructibus prasentibus. D. Yellow bladder wrack. Murray, g. 1205. sp. 8.—Nat. ord. Alga. This is one of the most common sea-weeds found on our shores. Its value in the manufacture of kelp is well known. In medicine it is little used; but the charcoal obtained by burning it in close vessels has in some places got the name of Athiops vegetabilis. It is to be considered as a compound of charcoal and carbonat of soda. Officinal Preparation. Pulvis quercus marinae. D. FULIGO LIGNI COMBUSTI. D. Wood-soot. This substance is inflammable, of a shining black colour, a disa7 greeable smell, and an empyreumatic, bitter, nauseous taste.. It varies somewhat according to the nature of the substance, and the strength of the fire employed in its production. But it consists principally of charcoal, empyreumatic oil, and acetous acid. It some- times contains ammonia, and the other alkalies and earths. Its medi- cal properties are to be ascribed solely to the empyreumatic oil it contains, 260 Materia Medica. FUMARIA OFFICINALIS. Fumaria. Herba. D. Common Fumitory. The planH Diadelphia Hexandria.—Nat. ord. Lomentacea. This is a common annual weed in shady cultivated grounds. It is Very juicy, of a bitter taste, without any remarkable smell. The al- leged medical effects of this herb are, to strengthen the tone of the bowels, gently loosen the belly, and promote the urinary and other natural secretions. It is principally recommended in melancholic, scorbutic, and cutaneous disorders. G. GALBANUM. Vide Bubon. GALEGA VIRGINIANA. Virginia Goats-rue. This is one of the most beautiful of the known North American plants of the class Diadelphia. It is common in many parts of Penn- sylvania, New Jersey, &c. It is called cat-gut in Jersey, from the re- semblance of its roots to that article. A decoction of the roots is a powerful anthelmintic* GALLA. Vide Quercus Cerris. GAMBOGIA. Vide Stalagmitis. GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS. Mountain-Tea. It is also called berried-tea, grouse-berry, and deer-berries; and is one of the principal articles of the materia medica of some Indian tribes. It is extensively spread over the more barren, mountainous parts of the United States. In infusion it possesses a stimulant and anodyne quality, and is said to be useful in cases of asthma.t * Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 64. f Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 19. G.—Geoffrsea Inermis. 261 GENTIANA LUTEA. Radix. Ed. L. D. Gentian. The root. Willd. g. 512. sp. 1.—Pentandria Digynia.—Nat. ord. Rotacea. D. Gentiaan. P. Genciana. DA. Entian, Sbdrod. POL. Goryczka. F. Qentiane. R. Enzian. G. Enzian, Gentian. S. Jenciana. I. Genziana. SW. Bagsb'ta. Gentian is a perennial plant, which grows upon the Alps, Pyre- nees, Appenines, and other mountainous situations in the temperate parts of Europe. The roots are long, thick, externally of a brown colour, and wrin- kled; internally spongy, and of a yellow colour, without any remark- able smell, but surpassing in bitterness all other European vegetables. Alcohol dissolves only the bitter extractive, water both the extractive and mucilage. \ Neumann got from\960 grains 390 alcoholic, and afterwards 210 insipid watery extract, and inversely 540 watery, and only 20 alco- holic. Medical use—Gentian possesses the general virtues of bitters in an eminent degree, and is totally devoid of. astringency. On dead animal matter it acts as an antiseptic. Taken into the stomach, it proves a powerful tonic, and in large doses it evacuates the intes- tines. It is useful in debility of the stomach, in general debility, and in gout. Combined with astringents it cures intermittents. Externally, it is applied to putrid ulcers. Officinal Preparations. Infusum gentianae compositum, E. L. D. vide Infusa. Tinctura gentianae composita, E. L. - - Tinctura. rhei cum gentiana, E. Idem. Vinum gentianae compositum, E. Vina Medicata. Extractum gentianae, E. L. D. - - - Extracta. GEOFFRAA INERMIS. Cortex. Ed. D. Cabbage tree. The bark. Willd. g. 1362. sp. 3. Diadelphia Decandria.—Nat. ord. Papilionacea. The bark of this tree, which grows in the low savannas of Jamaica, is of a grey colour externally, but black and furrowed on the inside. The powder looks like jalap, but is not so heavy. It has a mucilagin- ous and sweetish taste, and a disagreeable smell. Medical use.—Its medical effects are much greater than its sensible qualities would lead us to expect. It is given in cases of worms, es- pecially for lumbrici, in form of powder, decoction, syrup, and ex- tract. The decoction is preferred; and is made by slowly boiling an ounce of the fresh dried bark in a quart of water, till it assume the 262 Materia Medica. colour of Madeira wine. This sweetened, is the syrup; evaporated, it forms an extract. It commonly produces some sickness and purg- ing; sometimes violent effects, as vomiting, delirium, and fever. These last are said to be owing to an overdose, or to drinking cold water; and are relieved by the use of warm water, castor oil, or a ve- getable acid. Officinal Preparation. Decoctum geoffraeae inermis, E. vide'Dccocta. GERANIUM MACULATUM. Spotted Geranium. This is improperly called crow-foot in some parts of the United States. It grows plentifully about Philadelphia. The root boiled in milk is an excellent medicine in the cholera of children. In Kentucky it has been collected for the tormentil of the shops. It is called in some of the northwestern parts of the United States, Racine a. Bee- quet, after a person of this name. The western Indians say it is the most effectual of all their remedies for the cure of the venereal dis- ease. An aqueous infusion of the roots forms an excellent injection in gonorrhea, and old gleets.* Dr. Mease mentions its efficacy in stopping bleedings, by applying the root to the bleeding orifice.f GEUM URBANUM. D. Common Avens, or Herb-bennet. The root. Willd. g. 1002, sp. 3. Smith, g. 237. sp. 1. Icosandria Polygynia.— Nat. ord. Senticosa. Avens is a common perennial plant in shady uncultivated places, and flowers from May to August. The root is fibrous, externally of a dark red colour, internally white, and has the flavour of cloves, with a bitterish astringent taste. Its virtues are said to be increased by cultivation, and the large roots are preferred to the smaller fibres. It must be dug up in the spring, when the leaves begin to appear, for the smell is then strongest; indeed it is hardly to be perceived when it flowers. It must be dried in the air, but not with a strong heat, as its flavour would be dissipated, and its virtues diminished. It tinges both water and alcohol red. Half an ounce yielded 30 grains of resin- ous, and 20 of gummy extract; the former had the smell of the root, the latter was without smell, and merely astringent. Water distilled from it has a pleasant flavour, and carries over a little thickish es- sential oil. It has been more recently analyzed by Melandri and Mo- retti, who got from two ounces 118 grains of tannin, 181 extractive, * Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 8, 43. Part II. p. 1. f Philadelphia, Medical Museum, Vol. II. p. 163. G.—Glycyrrhiza Glabra. 263 61 of saponaceous extract and saline matter, 92 of mucous extract, 23 of resin, 496 of woody fibres, and 76 of volatile oil, water and loss. The blossoms are purplish. In boggy meadows. May. The root is powerfully astringent. A decoction of it has been used, with good success, as a gargle, and a drink, in inflamed and ulcerated sore throats, and cankers. It is said, that the powdered root will cure tertian agues, and that it is much used by the Canadians for that purpose. Medical use.—Avens is an old febrifuge mentioned by Ray, but again brought into notice by Buckhave. It is recommended as a sub- stitute for cinchona, in intermittent fevers, dysentery, and chronic diarrhoeas, flatulent colic, affections of the primae viae, asthmatic symptoms and cases of debility. Haifa drachm or a drachm of the powder may be given four times a-day, simply, or made up into an electuary with honey or rhubarb. Two table spoonfuls of the decoc- tion n.ay be given every hour; or a table spoonful of a tincture, made with an ounce of the root to a pound of alcohol, three or four times a-day. As an indigenous remedy it deserves notice. D. Zoethout. P. DA , Lakrizrod. POL F. Regtisse. R. G. Siissholzsaft. S. I. Pasta liquirizia. SW. GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA. Radix. Ed. L. D. Liquorice. The root. Willd. g. 1366. sp. A.Diadelphia Decandria.—Nat. ord. Papilionacea. Regoliz, Rogoliz, Alcacuz. Lakrycia, Slodki korzen. Koren soledkowoi. Regaliz, Orozuz. Lakritsrol. Liquorice is a perennial plant, and a native of theTsouth of Europe, but it is cultivated in considerable quantities in England for medical purposes; and the roots which are raised there, are preferred to those imported from abroad, which are very frequently mouldy and spoiled, which this root is extremely apt to be when not well pre- served in a perfectly dry place. The ropts are very long, about an inch thick, flexible, fibrous, externally of a brown colour, internally yellow, and, when fresh, juicy. Their taste is very sweet, combined with a slight degree of bitter, when long kept in the mouth. They are prepared for use by peeling them, cutting away all the fibres and spoiled or mouldy parts. The powder of liquorice usually sold is often mingled with flour, and perhaps also with substances not quite so wholesome: the best sort is ol a brownish yellow colour, the fine pale yellow being gene- rally sophisticated, and it is of a very rich sweet taste, much more agreeable than that of the fresh root. Neumann got from 960 parts of dried liquorice, 300 alcoholic ex- tract, and afterwards 210 watery, and inversely 540"watery, and only 30 alcoholic. The original alcoholic extract is the sweetest. Robiquet obtained from liquorice root, 1. Amylaceous feculum; 2, 264 Materia Medica. A saccharine substance having no resemblance to sugar; 3. A new crystalline substance; 4. A resinous oil, which is the cause of the acrimony in the decoctions; 5. Phosphat and malat of lime and mag- nesia; 6. Woody fibre. Medical use.—Its predominant constituents being saccharine and mucilaginous matter, its only action is that of a mild demulcent, and as such it is frequently used in catarrh, and in some stomach-com- plaints, which seem to arise from a deficiency of the natural mucus, which should defend the stomach against the acrimony of the food, and the fluids secreted into it. On account of its bulk it is rarely exhibited in substance, but more frequently in infusion or decoction. Officinal Preparations. Extractum glycyrrhizae, E. L. D. - - vide Extracta. Decoctum daphnes mezerei, E. - - Decocta. guaiaci compositum, E. - - Idem. hordei compositum, L. Idem. sarsaparillae compositum, L. D. - - Idem. Electuarium sennae, E. L. - - - - Electuaria. Trochisci amyli, L. - ... Trochisci. Tinctura rhabarbari composita, L. - Tinctura. Pilulae hydrargyri, L. D. - Pilula. EXTRACTUM GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA. Ed. Extract of Liquorice. As this extract is never prepared by the apothecary, but commonly imported from other countries, the Edinburgh college have inserted it in their list of materia medica. It is imported in cylindrical rolls, covered with bay-leaves. It should be perfectly, black, brittle when cold, and break with a smooth and glossy fracture, have a sweet taste, with empyreuma, and be entirely soluble in water. It is pre- pared from the fresh roots by expression, decoction, and inspissation. The best foreign extract of liquorice is prepared in Catalonia, but it is not so pure or so agreeable as the refined liquorice sold in the shops in small cylindrical pieces, not thicker than a goose-quill. This article is much employed in cases of catarrh, 8cc. in combi- nation with other substances, as paragoric elixir, &c. to allay the cough. It is troublesome to dissolve it in water in the solid masses in which we receive it. An excellent mode of keeping it for use, is to pulverize it in very cold weathec, and mix it with about one-fourth part of the powdered root, which prevents its agglutinating; and a mixture is readily made with it, even in cold water. Neumann got from 480 parts of Spanish extract 460 watery ex- tract, and the residuum was not affected by alcohol, and inversely he got 280 alcoholic, and 180 watery extract. In this last case the alco- holic extract contained all the sweetness, the watery having scarcely any taste. From the similarity of their taste, Dr. Thomson has made G.—Guajacum. 265 it a species of his new genus sarcocoll, but Neumann's more accu- rate analysis shows that it is a compound. The extract possesses the same properties with the root, and is used for the formation of several kinds of troches. Officinal Preparations. Tinctura aloes, E. L. D. - - - - vide Tinctura. Trochisci glycyrrhizae, E. L. D. - - - Trochisci. cum opio, E. D. - - Idem. GRATIOLA OFFICINALIS. Herba. Ed. D. Hedge-Hyssop. The plant. Willd. g. 49. sp. I.—Decandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Personata. This is a perennial plant, a native of marshy situations in the south of Europe. It is gathered for use when in flower. It has no smell, but a very bitter somewhat nauseous taste. It is a drastic purgative and emetic, and a very powerful anthelmintic, but its use requires caution. In substance it may be given to the extent of half a drachm, and in infusion to three drachms. Vauquelin has analysed hedge-hyssop. Its expressed juice con- tains, in a state of solution. 1. A brown gummy matter; 2. A parti- cular resinous matter extremely bitter; 3. A small quantity of animal matter; 4. Muriat of soda, and perhaps malat of potass. What re- mains after expression, contains malat and phosphat of lime and iron, probably in the state of phosphat. M. Vauquelin thinks, that the active and purgative ingredient is the substance soluble in alco- hol, which he has called a resinoid, as it is the only one possessing taste. Its solubility in water, which is increased by the gum and salts, explains why the infusion, and still more the decoction, are drastic purgatives. GUAJACUM OFFICINALE. Lignum, Gummi-resina. Ed. L. D. Guaiac. The wood, and gum-resin. Willd. g. 819. sp. 2.—Decandria Monogynia.—.Nat. ord. Gruinales. D. Pockhout. P. GuaiacO, Poa sancto. DA. Pokkentrae, Fransostrae. POL. Gwaiak. F. Gayac, Bois saint. R. Bakaut. G. Pockholz. S. Guayaco, Palo santo. I. Guajaco, Legno santo. SW. Pockenholts, Fransosenholts. This tree is a native of the West-Indies, where it grows to a mid- dling size. The wood is heavier than water, very hard, resinous, and of a greenish black colour. Its taste is bitterish, and when kindled it gives out a pleasant smell. It is brought either in pieces, which are sometimes covered with a pale yellow alburnum, or already rasped, when by division its colour appears greenish, brown, or yellow. The 2L 266 Materia Medica. bark is thin, of an ash-grey or blackish colour, and apparently com- posed of several laminx. It is less resinous than the wood. Neumann got from 7680 parts of the wood 1 680 alcoholic, and 280 watery ex- tract, and inversely 740 watery, and 960 alcoholic; from 3840 of the bark he got 560 alcoholic, and 320 watery, and inversely 6 0 watery, and 240 alcoholic. The resin exudes spontaneously in tears, but is principally obtained by sawing the wood into billets about three feet long, which are then b >red with an auger longitudinally. One end of these is laid upon a fire, so that a calabash may receive the melted resin, which runs through the hole as the wood burns. It may be also obtained by boiling the chips or sawings of the wood, in water and muriat of soda. The resin swims at the top, and may be skim- med off. Guaiac resin has a brownish yellow colour externally; when held against the light is transparent, creaks wilh an uniform smooth shin- ing fracture, of a bluish-green colour, is pulverizable. and the powder has a white colour, gradually becoming bluish-green; is fusible in a modetate heat, but not softened by the heat of the fingers; without proper smell or taste, but when thrown on hot coals diffusing an agreeable odour, and when swallowed in a state of minute division, causing an insufferable burning and prickling in the throat. Its spe- cific gravity is 1.23. Neumann got from 480 parts, 4C0 alcoholic, and only 10 wateiy extract; and inversely, 80 watery, and 280 alco- holic. Mr. Brande has more lately investigated this substance with much care. Digested with water, about one-tenth of it is dissolved, the water acquiring a sweetish taste and greenish-brown colour. The liquid, when evaporated, leaves a brown substance, soluble in hot water and alcohol, but scarcely in sulphuric ether, and precipitating the muriats of alumina and tin. Alcohol readily forms with guaiac a deep brown-coloured solution, rendered milky by water, and preci- pitated pale green by the muriatic and sulphuric acids, brown by the nitric, and pale blue by the oxy-muriatic, but not by the acetic acid or alkalies. The solution in ether exhibits nearly the same proper- ties. Guaiac is soluble in about 15 parts of solution of potass, and in 38 of ammonia; and the solutions are precipitated by the nitric, mu- riatic, and diluted sulphuric acids. Sulphuric acid dissolves it, and nitric acid converts it into oxalic acid. On being burnt it leaves a large proportion of charcoal. Dr. Wollaston has discovered a curious property of guaiac. By exposure to air and light, it acquires a green colour. This effect is produced in the greatest degree by the most refrangible rays. In the least refrangible rays it is disoxydized, and the yellow colour is restored. The same effect is produced by hot metal. According to this analysis, it differs from the resins in the changes of colour produced on it by air and light, and the action of the acids, in not forming tannin but oxalic acid when treated with nitric acid, and in the large proportion of charcoal it affords when burnt. It is sometimes adulterated with colophony or common resin; but the fraud is easily delected by the smell of turpentine emitted when thrown on live coals. Medical use.—Taken internally, guaiac commonly excites a sense of warmth in the stomach, a dryness of the mouth, with thirst. It in- «i G.—Guajacum. 267 creases the heal of the body, and quickens the circulation. If the pa- tient be kept warm, it produces diaphoresis; if exposed freely to the air, an increased flow of urine.*ln large doses it is purgative. Guaiac is a useful remedy, 1. In rheumatism and gout. 2. In certain venereal symptoms, as in foul indolent ulcers, and a thickened state of the ligaments or periosteum, remain- ing after the body is reduced bv a mercurial course. Guaiac will also suspend the progress of some of the secondary symptoms; but it is totally incapable of eradicating true syphilis. 3. In cutaneous diseases. 4. In ozena, and scrofulous affections of the membranes and li- gaments. The wood is always exhibited in decoction. From the resinous na- ture of the active constituent of this substance, this cannot be a very active preparation, as the menstruum is totally incapable of dissolving, though it may suspend a little of the resin. The decoction of an ounce may be drunk in cupfuls in the course of a day. The res'n may be exhibited, 1. In substance, either made into pills, or suspended in water in the form of an emulsion. In this way from 10 to 30 grains of the resin may be taken in the day. 2. In solution; in alcohol. About half an ounce of the tincture, with three ounces of water, is a sudorific dose for an adult, if he attend to keeping himself warm. 3. Combined with an alkali. Officinal Preparations. Tinctura guaiaci officinalis, !•'.. vide Tinctura. ammoniata, E. L. D. Tinctura ammoniata. Pulvis aloeticus cumguaiaco, L. Pulveris. Decoctum guaiaci officinalis compositum, E. Decocta. sarsaparillae compositum, L. D. Idem. GUMMI ARABICUM. - Vide Mimosa. GUMMI TRAGACANTHA. - Vide Astragalus. 268 Materia Medica. H. HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA. Witch-hazel. The bark. This tree is a native of the United States. The leaves are nearly inversely ovate. Blossoms, yellow: stand three or four together on short flower stalks. In loamy land. Blossoms, September and Oc- tober. This singular shrub does not commonly bloom until its leaves are destroyed by frost, when its numerous blossoms make a gay and agreeable appearance; and continue until the weather becomes very cold, often until snow falls. The germen endures the severity of our winters uninjured; for the fruit does not ripen Until the next Sep- tember, the time of its blossoming again, when ripe fruit and blos- soms will be found on the same tree. The Indians consider this tree as a valuable article in their Materia Medica. They applied the bark, which is sedative and discutient, to painful tumors and exter- nal inflammations. A cataplasm of the inner rind of the bark, is found to be very efficacious in removing painful inflammations of the eyes. The bark chewed in the mouth is, at first, somewhat bitter, very sensibly astringent, and then leaves a pungent, sweetish taste, which will remain for a considerable time. The specific qualities of this tree seem by no means to be accurately ascertained. It is probably pos- sessed of very valuable properties. HAMATOXYLON CAMPECHIANUM. Ed. L. D. Lignum. Logwood-tree. The wood. Hilld. g. 830. sp. 10.—Decandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Lomen- tacea. D. Kampechehout. P. Pao de Campeche. DA, Blauholt, Campeschetra. POL. Kampesza. F. Bois de Campeche. R. Kampetschkoe derewo. G. Blauholz. S. Paolo de Campeche. I. Campeggio, legno tauro. bW. Campeschetra. This tree was introduced from the Honduras into Jamaica, where it is now very common. The wood is firm, heavy, and of a dark red colour. Its taste is sweet, with a slight degree of astringency. It forms a precipitate with solution of gelaiin, very readily soluble in excess of gelatin, and Dr Duncan says, that with sulphat of iron it strikes a brighter blue than any other astringent he tried. It is used principally as a dye-wood, but also with considerable advantage in medicine. Its extract is also sweet and slightly astringent; and is, therefore, useful in obstinate diarrhoeas, and in chronic dysentery. H.—Helleborus. 269 HELLEBORUS. Willd. g. 1089. Smith, g. 256.—Polyandria Polygyria.—Nit. ord. Multisilique. HELLEBORUS NIGER. Willd. sp. 2. Radix. Ed. L. D. Black Hellebore. The root. D. Nieswortel. DA. Nyserod. F. Httiebore. G. Nieswurz. I. Elleboro. P. Helleboro. POL. Ciemierzyca R. Tschemeriza S. Vedegambre SW. Prustrot. This plant, formerly called Melampodium, is perennial, and grows wild in the mountainous parts of Austria, and on the Pyrenees and Appenines: the earliness of its flowers, which sometimes appear in December, has gained it a place in gardens. The roots consist of a black furrowed roundish head, about the size of a nutmeg, from which short articulated branches arise, send- ing out numerous corrugated fibres, about the thickness of a straw, from a span to a foot in length, deep brown on the outside, white, or yellowish-white within, and of an acrid, nauseous and bitterish taste, exciting a sense of heat and numbness in the tongue, and of a nause- ous acrid smell. These fibres only are used in medicine, and the head, and decayed parts are rejected. For the roots of the real black helle- bore, the roots of the Adonis vernalis, Trollius Europaeus, Actaea spicata, Astrantia major, Helleborus viridis fceiidus, Veratrum album, and Aconitum neomontanum, are often substituted. The last is a most virulent poison, and may be distinguished by iis roots being fusiform, or nearly globular, sending out numerous very brittle fibres, of a grey- ish black or brown colour, as thick as a man's finger, and repeatedly divided. But the surest uay to avoid mistakes, is by the apothecary cultivating the plant itself in his own garden. Neumann got from 2880 grains 380 alcoholic, and 181 watery ex- tract, and inversely 362 watery and 181 alcoholic. Medical use.—In large doses, hellebore is a drastic purgative; in smaller doses it »s diuretic and emmenagogue. It is principally used as a purgative in cases of mania, melancholy, coma, dropsy, worms and psora, and as an emmenagogue. But its use requires very great caution, for its effects are very uncertain, and affected by many circumstances. It is commonly exhibited in the form of extract, although its ac- tivity be much dissipated by the preparation. An infusion or tincture certainly promise to be medicines of more uniform powers. Will- denow says, that the black hellebore of the ancients is his fifth spe- cies, the Helleborus orientalis. Officinal Preparation. Tinctura hellebori nigri, E. L. D. - vide Tinctura. 270 Materia Medica. HELLEBORUS FOETIDUS L. D. WiUd. sp. 6. Smith, *fi. 2. Folium. L. Bears-foot. Stinking Hellebore. Settiswort. The leaves. This species is a native of England. It is perennial, and grows in shady places, and under hedges. The leaves have an acrid, bitter, nau- seous taste, and unpleasant smell, especially when they are fresh. When dried, they are frequently given as a domestic medicine to destroy worms; but they must be used sparingly, being so violent in their operation that instances of their fatal effects are recorded. HERACLEUM SPHONDYLIUM. Common Cow Parsnip. This article was brought into notice by the late Dr. Joseph Orne, of Salem. In a communication to the Massachusetts Medical Society, October, 1803, he thus describes it: Common Cow Parsnip, (Sphon- dylium vulgare hirsutum. Park. C. B.) It grows in hedges; the stalk is large and tubular, invested with a down which also covers the leaves, that are large and jagged, five on each stalk, and of the colour of wormwood; it is umbelliferous, and flowers in June; the root is divided into several long and fibrous branches, resembling a large parsley root; and the height of the plant, in its maturity, may be from two to four feet: the root has a rank strong smell, and a pungent and almost caustic taste; it should be carefully distinguished from the common parsnip, that grows wild in gardens, and hedges; and indeed, it has a very different appearance. The particular disease in which Dr. Orne commends the Cow Parsnip, is that of epilepsy. Three of the five cases which are exhibi- ted in his communication, were cured by the use of this medicine. The author judiciously observes, that in the three successful cases, the patients were remarkably liable to flatulence, with symptoms of morbid sensibility of the stomach, and date their first relief from the sensation of a more firm and healthful tone of that organ, and the carminative effects of the medicine. He commonly prescribed two or three drachms of the pulverized root, to be taken every day for a great length of time, and a strong infusion of the leaves and tops to be drunk at bed time. In the hands of other practitioners, this plant has manifested con- siderable efficacy, exerting its peculiar powers immediately on the stomach, as an excellent carminative, and, if it does not cure epilepsy, it generally mitigates the distressing symptoms attending that dis- ease. In some cases of dyspepsia, accompanied with flatulencies and cardialgia, a strong decoction of this plant has been given by Dr. Mann with satisfactory success. HEUCHERA AMERICANA. American Sanicle. Alum root. The root is an intense astringent; and is the basis of a powder H.—Hirudo Medicinalis. 271 which has lately acquired some reputation in the cure of cancer. It is one of the anicles in the materia medica of our Indians. They apply the powdered root to wounds and ulcers and cancers.* HIRUDO MEDICINALIS. Dub. The Leech. Cl. Vermes. Ord. Helmintheca. Only one species of leech is used in medicine. It has a flat and slimy body, romposed of rings, tapering towards the head, which is turbinated, commonly about two or three inches long, and of the thickness of a goosequill, but capable of elongating or contracting it- self very much. Its back is of a dull olive-green colour, divided into three nearly equal parts by four yellow longitudinal lines, the two la- teral entire, the two central broken with black. Besides these, between the lateral and central lines on each side, there are two others, re- sembling a chain of black and yellow. The belly is turkey, blue, ir- regularly marked with yellow spots. It attaches itself to solid sub- Stances by either end, being furnished with a circular sucker at the anal extremity, and a horse-shoe one at the head, with a triangular mouth in the centre. They should be collected in summer, in waters having a clear sandy bottom, as the bite of those found in stagnant waters and marshes is said to cause pain and inflammation. For the same reason, the horse leech, which is entiiely brown, or only marked with a marginal yel- low line, is commonly rejected, although they are used frequently in the north of Europe, and during the late scarcity of leeches have oc- casionally been employed, without any bad consequences, in this coun- try The vulgar story of their drawing the whole blood out of the body, by evacuating it at one end as fast as they sucked it in at the other, if true, would give them a superiority over the others, as when a sufficient quantity of blood was drawn, there could be no difficulty in making them quit, even without passing a ligature round their necks. Leeches are best preserved for use in a bottle half filled with pure spring or river water, ami covered with gauze or muslin, although they are said not to die even in an exhausted receiver, nor in a vessel filled with oil. It is advisable frequently to change the water in which they are kept, although there are instances of their being many months and even years in the same water; and it is remarkable, that water in which they are, keeps much longer sweet, than by itself. It is scarcely necessary to observe, that whenever the water becomes turbid or foul, or gets an unpleasant smell, or any of the leeches die in it, it should be changed. They should always be kept in a moderate temperature, about 50° Fahr. Some recommend throwing a little bran into the water; but it is so well ascertained that they will live for years without any such addition, that it is better not to attempt to feed them, until we are better acquainted with their natural food. * Barton's Collections, Part I. and II. 272 Materia Medica. Though apparently so hardy, leeches are sometimes subject to great mortality from unknown causes, as in 1798 and 1799. Infection in some cases, seems evident. To avoid danger from this source, they should be kept rather in several small vessels, than in one large reser- voir; and when fresh leeches are procured, they should always be kept by themselves, and their health ascertained, before they are added to the general stock. When they have gorged themselves with blood, they frequently die of indigestion, and cause a great mortality even among those who have not been used. To avoid this danger, leeches which have recently sucked, should also be kept by them- selves, until they have recovered their usual vigour. The treatment of the individuals which have performed their office, has been the subject of some controversy. One recommends using no means to ' make them disgorge the blood they have sucked, but only to im- merse them for half an hour in milk warm-water, and to change their water regularly every second day for some time; others advise strip- ping them, as it is called, that is, taking hold of the tail between the finger and" thumb of the left hand, and drawing the animal through those of the right, so as to evacuate the blood; while others, again, apply salt to their heads until they vomit all the blood they have sucked. Leeches change their skin frequently. At that time they are subject to indisposition, and will not bite. The removal of the old cut- tide may sometimes be assisted by wiping them with a bit of soft linen. Medical use.—Leeches are a very old and useful remedy in every case requiring local blood-letting. They cause less irritation than cupping, and can often be applied nearer to the part. They are used, 1. In inflammation of all kinds, ophthalmia, phrenitis, cynanche, rheumatismus, odontalgia, podagra. 2. In some cases of rubeola and scarlatina. 3. In suppressed natural or habitual haemorrhagies, especially piles. 4. In plethora of the head, chincough, in mania from suppressed discharges. 2 Dysuria phlogistica. The application of leeches is sometimes attended with difficulty. When changing their skin they will not bite, and are averse to it in cloudy rainy weather, and in the evening. When kept out of the water some minutes before they are applied, and allowed to crawl on dry linen, they are said to bite more eagerly. The part to which they are to be applied should be very well washed, first with soap and water, and afterwards with water, or milk and water, and if covered with strong hairs, should be shaved. When they are not inclined to bite, the part may be moistened with milk, or a little blood drawn from it by a scratch with a lancet. When they fix, they inflict, without causing much pain, a wound of three minute flaps, meeting at equal angles, from which they suck blood until they are gorged, and drop off spon- taneously, or are forced to quit their hold by sprinkling on them a little salt. A large leech will draw about an ounce of blood; but the quantity may be much increased by bathing the wounds with tepid H.—Humulus Lypulus. _ 273 water, or applying over them cupping glasses. Sometimes it is more difficult to stop the bleeding; but it will always cease on applying a little lint, and continuing pressure a sufficient length of time. HORDEUM DISTICHON. Semen nudatum. Ed. D. L. Barley. The seed, called Pearl barley. IVilld. g. 151. sp. 3. Triandria Digynia.—Nat. ord. Gramina. Barley is an annual plant, cultivated in almost every country of Europe. Linnaeus says that it is a native of Tartary, but without ad- ducing sufficient proof. Pearl barley is prepared by grinding off the husks of rough barley, and forming the grain into little round granules, which appear of a kind of pearly whiteness. In this state barley consists almost solely of amylaceous matter, and when boiled forms an excellent article of nourishment; while a decoction of it, properly acidulated, is one of the best beverages in acute diseases. Barley meal, according to Fourcroy and Vauquelin, contains a little unctuous coagulable oil, sugar, starch, an animal substance partly so- luble in water, and partly in glutinous flocculi; phosphat of lime and magnesia, silica, iron, and a little acetic acid. Officinal Preparation. Decoctum hordei distichi, E. L. - vide Decocta. HUMULUS LUPULUS. Strobili. L. Hop. The strobiles dried. Willd. g. 1795. sp. 415. Smith, g. 415. sp. 1. Diacia Pentandria— Nat. ord. Scabrida. The hop is an indigenous perennial climbing" plant, cultivated to a great extent in Kent, and some otlrtr countries in England, for its leafy tops, which are used in the brewing of ale and porter; and as a very considerable revenue arises front the duty imposed on them, the use of all other bitters, such as quassia, &c is prohibited by act of parliament; as, indeed, hops themselves once were. In the north of Europe the young shoots are eaten instead of asparagus. Hops are intensely bitter, aromatic, and astringent. By simple in- fusion the aroma is extracted; by short boiling the bitter, and by long- continued boiling, the aroma is dissipated, and the astringency pre- dominates. The aroma resides in a volatile oil, and the astringency in a species of tannin, for sulphat of iron is blackened by it. It also con- tains a resin from which it has its bitterness, and a nauseous mucila- ginous extractive, which alcohol precipitates from the infusion. Crys- tals of nitrat and muriat of potash appear in a long kept extract. The old writers say, that hops are added to malt liquors on account of the lithontriptic virtues which they were supposed to possess; thus Ray 2 M 274 Materia MediCa. affirms, that since the Londoners added hops to their beer, they have been less subject to calculous complaints; and if we were to believe Lobb, a very hard urinary calculus was softened by a decoction of hops. Their evident effects are to impart an aromatic bitter, and to retard the acetous fermentation; for malt liqours keep longer in pro- portion to the quantity of hops added, and the bitterness decreases as the liquor becomes ripe, and disappears as it verges to acidity. Bergius supposes that the sweetness of the malt would hurt the stomach, were it not corrected by the bitterness of the hop. It also probably commu- nicates a narcotic quality. A pillow stuffed with hops is said to have long been a popular remedy, and recent experiments have confirm- ed the fact, and led to the employment of various preparations of hops in medicine. The dose of the powder is about three grains, al- though it may be remarked that it is very difficult to powder. It pro- duced sleep, in the experiments of Dr. De Roches, in rheumatic, sy- philitic, and pectoral complaints. The tincture seemed to possess the same anodyne virtues, but it was not so uniform in its action. Dr. Maton gave it in the form of tincture and extract with the best ef- fects, in articular rheumatisms. He did not observe that it had any influence in relaxing the bowels, but the contrary; and he is disposed to believe that the pulse is reduced in frequency, and increased in firmness, by this medicine, in a very direct manner. An ointment compounded with the hop is said, by Mr. Freake, to have eased the violent pain in the last stage of cancer, when all other applications were ineffectual. HYDRARGYRUM. D. L. Hyorargyrus. Ed. Mercury. Quicksilver. D. Kwikzilver. P. Azougue. DA. Queksb'lv. POL. Zywe srebro. F. Vifargent. R. Rtut. G. Quecksilber. S. Azogue. I. Argentovivo. SW. Quicksilfver. Mercury is very bright white; specific gravity 13.568; freezing at — 39; boiling at 660°, partly ductile and malleable; oxydizable by trituration in the air, and in a farther degree by the action of the air and heat; does not decompose water; forms amalgams with many metals; and is oxydized and dissolved by the sulphuric, nitric, and oxy-muriatic acids. Oxyds, black, red. It is found, I. In its metallic state: a. Uncombined. b. Alloyed with silver. c. Alloyed with copper. d. Combined with sulphur, (Cinnabar.) e. Combined with hydrogureted sulphur, (Athiops minerale.) H.—-Hydrargyrum. ' 275 H. Oxydized: a. Combined with muriatic acid. b.------------- sulphuric acid. There are considerable mines of mercury in Hungary, Spain, and South America; and what is employed in. England is principally im- ported from the former country. Mercury taken into the stomach in its metallic state has no action on the body, except what arises from its weight or bulk. It is not poisonous as was vulgarly supposed, but perfectly inert.* But in its various states of combination., it produces certain sensible effects. It quickens the circulation, and increases all the secretions and ex- cretions. According to circumstances, the habit of the body of the patient, the temperature in which he is kept, the nature of the pre* paration and the quantity in which it is exhibited, its effects are indeed various; it sometimes increases one secretion move particu-i larly, sometimes another, but its most characteristic effect is the in- creased flow of saliva, which it generally excites, if given in sufficient quantity. Its particular effects, and means of producing each of them, will be noticed hereafter. Mercury, or some of its preparations, is exhibited, 1. As an errhine. The sub-sulphat of mercury. 2. As a sialagogue. Mercury, in almost any form. 3. As a cathartic. The sub-muriat of mercury, (calomel). 4. As a diuretic. T he oxyds, the muriat, and the sub-muriat, combined with other diuretics. 5. As a sudorific. Calomel, conjoined with a sudorific regimen. 6. As an emmenagogue. 7. As an astringent. Muriat of mercury. 8. As a stimulant. Muriat of Mercury. 9. As an antispasmodic. 10. As an anthelmintic. With some of these views mercury is frequently exhibited, 1. In febrile diseases; in obstinate agues. 2. In inflammatory diseases; in indolent and chronic inflamma- tions, especially of the glandular viscera, as the liver, spleen, &c. 3. In exanthematous diseases; variola. 4. In profluvia; in dysentery. 5. In spasmodic diseases; tetanus, trismus, hydrophobia, 8tc. 6. In cachectic diseases; anasarca, ascites, hydrothorax, hydro- cephalus, &c. 7. In impetigines; scrofula, syphilis, lepra, icterus, &c. 8. In local diseases; in caligo corneae, amaurosis, gonorrhoea, obstipatio, amenorrhoea suppressionis, tumours of various kind, herpes, tinea, psora, Sec. Mercury occasionally attacks the bowels, and causes violent purg- • This is somewhat doubtful, fro^n the observations of Orfila. See his Toxi- cology, Vol. I. 276 Materia Medica. ing, even of blood- The effect is remedied by intermitting the use of the medicine, and by exhibiting opii-m. At other time* it is suddenly at'c mined to the mouth, and pro- duces inflammation, ulceration, and an excessive flow of saliva. In this case, too, the use of the mercury must be discontinued for a time; when, according to Mr. Pearson's advice, the patient should be freely exposed to a dry cold air, with the occasional use of cathartics, Peruvian bark, and mineral acids, and the assiduous application of astringent gargles. On the other hand, the sudden suppression of ptyalism is not without danger. It is most frequently caused by cold liquids being taken into the stomach, or exposure to cold and mois- ture, while under the influence of mercury. The danger is to be ob- viated by the quick introduction of mercury, so as to affect the gums, with the occasional use of the warm bath. Sometimes also a morbid condition of the system occurs during a mercurial course, and tends to a fatal issue. Mr. Pearson has termed it Erethismus. It is characterized by great depression of strength; a sense of anxiety about the praecordia; frequent sighing; trembling, partial or universal; a small quick pulse; sometimes vomiting; a pale contracted countenance, a sense of coldness, while the tongue is sel- dom furred, or the vital or natural functions much disordered. In this state, a sudden or violent exertion of muscular power will sometimes prove fatal. To prevent dangerous consequences, the mercury must be discontinued, whatever may be the stage, extent, or violence of the disease for which it has been exhibited, and the patient must expose himself freely to a dry and cool air, in such a manner as shall be at- tended with the least fatigue; and in the course of ten or fourteen days, he will sometimes be so far recovered, that he may safely re- sume the use of mercury. In some particular habits it also produces an exanthematous dis- ease, which sometimes proves fatal, well known by the name of ery- thema or eczema mercuriale and hydrargyria. From many motives, both laudable and culpable, mercury has been tortured into a greater variety of forms than any other article of the materia medica. Of these Swediaur has given a complete table, in the last edition of his works on the venereal disease It is too long for insertion in this place: we therefore give, a systematic view of those mercurial preparations only which enter at least one of the British Pharmacopoeias. Mercury is exhibited, I. Purified by distillation. Hydrargyrum purificatum. D.L. Hydrargyrus purificatus. E. II. Oxydized. A. Protoxyd. 1. By precipitation, from its solution in nitrous acid, by am- monia. Oxydum hydrargyri cinereum. E. L. Pulvus hydrargyri cinereus. D. H.—Hydrargyrum. 277 2. By trituration, c. With unctuous substances, Unguentum hydrargyri. E. D. --------------------fortius. L. -------------------mitius. L. D. Linimentum hydrargyri. L. Emplastrum ammoniaci cum hydrargyro. L. D. ---------- hydrargyri. E. L. b. With saccharine substances, Pilulse hydrargyri. L. D. E. c. With carixmatof lime, Hydrargyrum cum creta. L. D. d. With carbonat of magnesia, Hydrargyrum cum magnesia. D. B. Peroxyd. 1. By the action of heat and air, Oxydum hydrargyri. D. Hydrargyri oxydum rubrum. L. 2. By the action of nitrous acid, Oxydum hydrargyri rubrum per acidum nitricum. E. Oxydum hydrargyri nitricum. D. Hydrargyri nitrico-oxydum. L. Unguentum oxydi hydrargyri rubri. E. ■ subnitratis hydrargyri. D. ■ hydrargyri nitrico-oxydi. L. III. Oxydized and combined with acids. A. Protoxyd. 1. With nitrous acid: Unguentum nitratis hydrargyri. L. E. --------— supernitratis hydrargyri. D. 2. With sulphuric acid: Sub-sulphas hydrargyri flavus. E. Oxydum hydrargyri sulpburicum. D. 3. With muriatic acid: a. By sublimation, Sub-murias hydrargyri. E. L. ■■-----sublimatum. D. Pilulae hydrargyri sub-muriatis. L. b. By precipitation, Sub-murias hydrargyri praecipitatus. E. D. 4. With acetic acid: Acetas hydrargyri. E. Acetis hydrargyri. D. B. Peroxyd. 1. Muriat. Murias hydrargyri. E. ■■ corrosivum. E. 278 Materia Medica* Oxymurias hydrargyri. L. Liquor oxymuriatis hydrargyri. L. 2. Sub-muriat with ammonia. Sub-murias hydrargyri ammoniatum. D. Hydrargyrum prsecipitatum album. L. Unguentum sub-muriatis hydrargyri ammoniati. D* -----------hydrargyri praecipitati albi. IV. Combined with sulphur: l.By trituration, Sulphuretum hydrargyri nigrum. E. D. 2. By sublimation, Hydrargyri sulphuretum rubrum. L. Sulphuretum hydrargyri rubrum. D. HYDRARGYRUM PURIFICATUM. D, L. E. Purified Quicksilver, Take of Quicksilver, four parts; Filings of iron, one part. Rub them together, and distil from an iron-vessel. (E.) The quicksilver of commerce is often adulterated with lead, tin, or other metals, which renders it unfit for internal use, and for many preparations. It therefore becomes necessary to purify it, and fortu- nately its comparatively great volatility supplies us with an easy pro- cess. The Dublin college distil it simply without any addition; but, lest towards the end of the process the mercury should elevate any impurities along with it, they draw off but two thirds. The principal objection to this process is the want of economy; for although the re- maining third may be used for some purposes, its value is very much depreciated. As iron has a mpch stronger affinity for almost all the substances with which quicksilver may be adulterated than quicksil- ver has, by adding iron-filings we may draw off the whole quicksilver by distillation, without any fear of the impurities rising along with it. Glass-retorts are inadmissible in this distillation; because when the mercury begins to boil, the concussion is so great, that they would certainly be broken. Iron-retorts are the best, although strong earthen ones may be also used. The receiver may be of the same materials^ or of glass, if we wish to inspect the progress of the operation; but in this case we must interpose an adopter between the retort and re- ceiver, and fill the receiver nearly full of water, that the mercury may not crack it by falling hot into it. The retort employed should be so large, that the quicksilver should not fill above one third of it. H.—Hydrargyrum.—Acctas Hydrargyri. 279 ACETAS HYDRARGYRI. D. E. Acetat of Quicksilver. Take of Purified quicksilver, three ounces; Diluted nitrous acid, four ounces and a half, or a little more than may be required for dissolving the mercury; Acetat of potass; three ounces; Boiling water, eight pounds. Mix Uie quicksilver with the diluted nitrous acid; and after the effer- vescence has ceased, digest if necessary with a gentle heat, until the quicksilver be entirely dissolved. Then dissolve the acetat of potass in the boiling water, and immediately to this solution, still hot, add the former, and mix them by agitation. Then set the mix- ture aside to crystallize. Place the crystals in a funnel, and wash them with cool distilled water; and, lastly, dry them with as gentle a heat as possible. (E.) Glass vessels must be used throughout. This process of the Edinburgh college was ascertained by very careful experiment, and if its directions be accurately followed, the preparation succeeds admirably. Nitrat of mercury is decomposed by acetat of potass; and the products are acetat of mercury and nitrat of potass. The nitrat of potass being much more soluble than the acetat of mercury, remains in solution after the latter is separated by crys- tallization. Mercury is capable of forming different combinations with nitrous acid, which possess each their characteristic properties. When we employ a sufficient quantity of acid to dissolve the mercury with- out the assistance of heat, and to retain it in solution, there is always an excess of acid; and therefore it is a solution of super-nitrat of mer- cury. If we evaporate this solution very gently, or if we employ a larger proportion of mercury at first, and assist the action of the acid by a gentle heat, we obtain nitrat of mercury crystallized in various forms. In these the mercury is in the state of protoxyd. But if we as- sist the action of the acid by boiling, the mercury is converted into peroxyd, and a larger quantity is dissolved. This solution is very apt to crystallize, both on cooling and by the diminution of the quantity of acid during the process; and if we attempt to dilute the solution with water, a copious precipitate of sub-nitrat of mercury immediately takes place, and the solution contains super-nitrat of mercury. If the* dilution be made with cold water, the sub-nitrat has a white colour, which, by a very slight application of heat, passes to a beautiful yel- low, the colour which it has at first when separated by boiling water. For making the acetat of mercury, the nitrat is prepared with a very gentle heat, and with excess of acid, that it may be retained in perfect solution, and that there may be no possibility of any admixture of sub-nitrat with the acetat formed. A larger proportion of acid is used by the Edinburgh college than by the other colleges, but by careful experiment it was ascertained to be necessary for the success of the process. In mixing the solutions, we must be careful to pour the mercurial solution into that of the aoetat of potass, because, by adopting the contrary procedure, the sub-nitrat of mercury will be precipitated undecomposed, if any peroxyd be contained in the mercu- 280 Materia Medical rial solution. For dissolving the acetat of potass, the London college only use as much water as is capable of retaining the nitrat of potass in solution; the acetat of mercury is therefore precipitated, and is purified by again dissolving it in boiling water and crystallizing it. This part of the process is simplified by the Edinburgh and Dublin colleges, who use as much water for dissolving the acetat of potass as is capable of retaining, as long as it is hot, the acetat of mercury in solution, and of allowing it to crystallize as it cools. In this way, therefore, it is procured at once sufficiently pure. The exsiccation of the acetat of mercury is an operation of great delicacy; for it is so spongy, that it retains the moisture with great obstinacy; and it is de- composed so easily, that heat can scarcely be employed. It is best dried by compressing it between several folds of bibulous paper. The Prussian Dispensatory directs acetat of mercury to be prepar- ed by dissolving two ounces of the red oxyd of mercury in about seven Ounces of concentrated acetic acid, and evaporating the solution to dryness; but this process affords a salt of a very different nature from that prepared according to the directions of the British col- leges, the latter containing protoxyd, and being crystallizable; and the former the peroxyd and not crystallizable. Acetat of mercury is scarcely soluble in cold w"ter, but dissolves readily in boiling water. It generally crystallizes in micaceous plates, and is extremely easy of decomposition. It is supposed to be a mild preparation of mercury, and was the active ingredient of the celebrated Keyser's pills. In solution it has also been recommended externally, to remove freckles and cutaneous eruptions. MURIAS HYDRARGYRI; olim, Mercurius Suulimatus Cor- rosivus. Ed. Muriat of Quicksilver, formerly Corrosive Sublimate. Hydrargyrus Oxvmurias. L. Murias HvnRARGYRi Corrosivum.D. Oxy-muriat qf Quicksilver. Corrosive Muriat of Quicksilver. Take of Purified quicksilver, two pounds; Sulphuric acid, two pounds and a half; Dried muriat of soda, four pounds. Boil the quicksilver with the sulphuric acid in a glass vessel placed in a sand bath, until the matter be dried. Mix the matter when cold in a glass vessel, with the muriat of soda; then sublime in a glass cucurbit, with a heat gradually increased. Lastly, separate the sub- limed matter from the scoriae. (E.) By boiling the quicksilver to dryness with sulphuric acid, the metal ■ s oxydized by the decomposition of part of the acid, and combines with the rest to form sub-sulphat of quicksilver. In the second part of the process, this sub-sulphat is decomposed by dried muriat of soda; H.—Hydrargyrum.—Murias Hydrargyri. 281 muriat of quicksilver sublimes, and sulphat of soda remains behind. In Holland it is manufactured by subjecting to sublimation a mixture of dried sulphat of iron, nitrat of potass, muriat of soda, and quick- silver In the former editions of the Edinburgh Pharmacopceia, the mercury was oxydized by boiling it to dryness in nitrous acid, and then sublimed with muriat of soda and sulphat of iron. Bergmann re- commends the sublimation of sub-nitrat of mercury and muriat of soda, and Mr. Murray seems inclined to prefer it to the new process.* Muriat of quicksilver crystallizes by sublimation in prismatic needles, forming a white semi-transparent mass. It is ponderous. Its taste is acrid, styptic, and durable. It is soluble in 20 parts of cold water, and in 2 at 212°. It is also soluble in 3.8 parts of alcohol at 70°, and in almost an equal weight of boiling alcohol. It gives a green colour to syrup of violets. It is not altered by exposure to the air, and is sublimed, unchanged by heat. It is not decomposed by any of the acids; but is soluble, without alteration, in the sulphuric, nitric, and murb.tic acids. It is precipitated by all the alkalies and earths, of an orange yellow colour, which gradually changes to a brick red; and by their carbonats, of a permanent yellow colour. Ammonia forms with it an insoluble, white, triple salt. It is also decomposed by several of the metals. It consists, according to Mr. Chenevix, of 69.7 quicksilver, combined with 12.3 of oxygen, and 18 muriatic acid; and, according to Mr. Zaboada, of 71.5 quicksilver, combined with 8.5 of oxygen, and 20 muriatic acid. Sir H. Davy has a very different opinion of the nature of this salt. He considers it as a compound of metallic mercu- ry and chlorine, without any oxygen, in the proportion of one of mer- cury to two of chlorine, or 380 to 134, and in his nomenclature should be called Mcrcurana. Medical use.—Muriat of mercury is one of the most violent poisons with which we are acquainted. Externally it acts as an escharotic or a caustic; and in solution it is used for destroying fungous flesh, and for removing herpetic eruptions; but even externally it must be used with very great caution. It has, however, been recommended to be given internally, by the respectable authorities of Boerhaave and Van Swieten; and it is the active ingredient of all the empirical antivene- real syrups. Were it really capable of curing the venereal disease, or equal in efficacy to the common modes of administering mercury, it would possess many advantages over them in other respects: but that it cannot be depended upon, is almost demonstrated by its use as an antivenereal being very much confined to the quacks;, and by the testimony of the most experienced practitioners. Mr. Pearson says, that it will sometimes cure the primary symptoms of syphilis, especi- ally if it produce considerable soreness of the gums, and the common effects of mercury; but that it will often fail in removing a chancre; and where it has removed it, that the most steady perseverance will not secure the patient from a constitutional affection. It is on some • If a person should want this salt immediately, and be so situated as to be unable to procure it, it mav be readily maile by boiling muriatic acid over red precipitate, to drvness; dissolving the soluble part of the mass, and evaporating to crystallization.'—It would probably be the readiest mode of formation evew in the lar.ro wav; for it requires no sublimation 2 N 282 Materia Medica. occasions, however, a useful auxiliary to a mercurial course, in quickly bringing the system under the influence of mercury, and in support- ing its action after the use ol trictions, and is peculiarly efficacious in relieving venereal pains, in healing ulcers of the throat, and in pro- moting the desquamation of eruptions. Corrosive sublimate in solu- tion is often useful in croup, to excite screatus and vomiting, ac- cording to Dr. Barton. It is to be given lor this purpose, guttatim. Officinal Preparations. Sub-murias hydrargyri, E. L. D. Calx hydrargyri alba, L. LIQUOR HYDRARGYRI OXYMURIATIS. L. Solution of Oxymuriat qf Quicksilver. Take of Oxymuriat of quicksilver, eight grains; Distilled water, fifteen fluidounces; Rectified spirit, one fluidounce. Dissolve the oxymuriat of quicksilver in the water, and add to it the spirit. This solution contains in each fluidounce, half a grain of the oxy- muriat of quicksilver. The spirit is added to preserve the solution from spoiling. SUB-MURIAS HYDRARGYRI; sive, Calomelas. Ed. Sub-muriat of Quicksilver, or Calomel. Sub-murias Hydrargyri Sublimatum; sive, Calomelas. D. Sublimed Sub-muriat of Quicksilver, or Calomel. Hydrargyri Sub-murias. L. Sub-muriat of Quicksilver. Take of Muriat of quicksilver, ground to powder in a glass mortar, four ounces; Purified quicksilver, three ounces. Rub them together in a glass mortar, with a little water, to prevent the acrid powder from rising, until the mercury be extinguished; and having put the powder, after being dried, into an oblong phial, of which it fills only one third, sublime from warm sand. After the sublimation is finished, having broken the phial, throw away both the red matter found near the bottom of the phial, and the white matter near its neck, and sublime the rest of the mass Grind this into a very minute powder, which is lastly to be washed with boiling distilled water. (E.) When quicksilver is triturated with muriat of quicksilver, it ab- stracts from the oxydized quicksilver of the muriat a part of its oxy- gen, and the whole mass assumes a blackish grey colour. When this is exposed to a degree ot' heat sufficient to convert it into vapour, the action of the different portions of quicksilver upon each other, H.—Hydrarg.—Sub-murias Hydrargyri. 283 and upon the muriatic acid, is much more complete: and the whole is converted into a solid white mass, consisting of mercury, in a state of less oxydizement, and combined with less acid than in the muriat, or of about twice the quantity of mercury, with the same quantity of oxygen and acid. According to Sir H Davy's theory, in the first part of the process, the additional mercury is merely mechanically divided, and by the sublimation twice the quantity of mercury is combined with the same quantity of chlorine. The trituration of the muriat of mercury is a very noxious opera- tion, as it is almost impossible to prevent the finer particles from rising and affecting the operator's eyes and nostrils. To lessen this evil, the Edinburgh college direct the addition of a little water. In the second part of the process, when the heat is applied, a small portion of quicksilver and undecomposed muriat first arise, and con- dense themselves in the highest part or neck of the phial; then the sub-muriat rises, and, being less volatile, condenses in the upper half of the body, while a small quantity of quicksilver, in a state of con- siderable oxydizement, remains fixed, or near the bottom. The Edinburgh college separates the sub-muriat from the other matters, and sublimes it again. The London and Dublin colleges triturate the whole together again, and re-sublime it twice. As in the first sublimation, a portion of the quicksilver and of the muriat of quick- silver always arise undecomposed, a second sublimation is necessary, especially if we triturate the whole products of the first sublimation together: but any farther repetition of the process is perfectly use- less Lest any portion of muriat should have escaped decomposition, the sub-muriat must be edulcorated with boiling distilled water, until the water which comes off forms no precipitate with alkalies. Sub-muriat of mercury is generally obtained in the form of a white solid mass, but is capable of crystallizing in tetrahedral prisms terminated by pyramids. It has no taste, and is scarcely soluble in water or in alcohol. It is less volatile than muriat of mercury. It is blackened by light, and becomes brown or black when triturated with lime water or the alkalies. It is converted by oxymuriatic acid into muriat of quicksilver. According to Mr. Chenevix, it consists of 79 quicksilver, with 9.5 oxygen, and 11.5 muriatic acid; and ac- cording to Mr. Zaboada, of 85 quicksilver, with 4.4 oxygen, and 10.6 muriatic acid. From Mr. Chenevix's analysis, we should conclude that 54 parts of quicksilver were sufficient to convert 100 of the muriat into sub- muriat; but, according to Zaboada's, 75 are necessary, which is ex- actly the proportion directed by the colleges, and is also more conformable to Sir H. Davy's view of their composition; for he considers the muriat, mercurana, as consisting of one proportion of mercury 380, and two of chlorine 134, and the sub-muriat, mercu- rane, of one of mercury 380, and one of chlorine 67; which gives us 73.9 as the quantity of mercury necessary to convert 100 of muriat into sub-muriat. Medical use.—-The sub-muriat* of quicksilver is one of the best * This substance is very improperly called swi-muriat. Both it, and corro- 284 Materia Medica. mercurials we possess. By proper management it may be made to increase, in a remarkable manner, almost any of the secretions or excretions. One grain mixed with sugar, and snuffed up the nostrils, is recommended as a powerful errhine in amaurosis. The same mix- ture is blown into the eye, to remove specks from the cornea. Given in doses of one grain morning and evening, or in larger doses com- bined with opium, to prevent it from acting as a purgative, it excites ptyalism. In larger doses of five grains and upwards, it is an excel- lent purgative. Combined with diuretics, it proves diuretic, and with sudorifics, sudorific. It is one of the preparations of mercury which is capable of curing syphilis.in every form. It also produces very powerful and salutary eftects in obstructions and chronic inflammations of the viscera, especially of the liver; andrin general, it is applicable to every case in which mercurials are indicated. Officinal Preparations. Pulvis scammonii cum calomelane, L. vide Pulveres. stibii compositus, D. Idem. SUB-MURIAS HYDRARGYRI PRAECIPITATUS. Ed. Precipitated Sub-muriat of Quicksilver. Sub-murias Hydrargyri Prjecipitatum. D. Precipitated Sub-muriat of Quicksilver. Take of Diluted nitrous acid, Purified quicksilver, each eight ounces; Muriat of soda, four ounces and a half; Boiling water, eight pounds. Mix the quicksilver with the diluted nitrous acid, and towards the end of the effervescence digest with a gentle heat, frequently shak- ing the vessel in the mean time. But it is necessary to add more quicksilver to the acid than it is capable of dissolving, that a per- fectly saturated solution may be obtained. Dissolve at the same time the muriat of soda in the boiling water, and into this solution pour the other while still hot, and mix them quickly by agitation, pour off the saline liquor after the precipitate has subsided, and wash the sub-muriat of quicksilver by repeated affusions of boiling water, which is to be poured off each time after the deposition of the sub-muriat until the water come off taste- less. (E.) In the first part of this process, a perfectly saturated solution of nitrat of quicksilver is formed. In the second, there is a mutual de- composition of this nitrat, and of the muriat of soda; nitrat of soda is formed, and muriut of quicksilver with excess of oxyd: or, according to Sir H. Davy, the chlorine of the sodane combines with the mer- sive sublimate are perfect muriats; the one of the red or higher oxyd; the other of the black or inferior oxyd. They are best distinguished as the mild or ccrresive muriat in prescription, H.—Hydrargyrum.^-Sub-mur. H. Praecip. 285 cury of the nitrat, forming mercurane, while the hydrogen of the mu- riatic acid and the oxygen of the mercurial oxyd combine to form water, nitric acid, and soda. In this preparation, our object is to ob- tain the insoluble compound which results from the combination of live protoxyd of mercury with muriatic acid. In this view, the appli- cation .f heat, in dissolving the mercury in the nitrous acid, is im- proper; for a portion at least of the mercury is converted into its peroxyd, which occasions, in the first place, the formation of a little sub-nitrat of mercury, when poured into the saline solution; and, secondly, the formation of a proportion of muriat of mercury (corro- sive sublimate), which must be washed away. Accordingly, Mr. Mur- ray has found, that more of mild, and less of corrosive muriat of mer- cury are formed, when the solution is made slowly and in the cold, than when the directions of the colleges are complied with. In Sir H. Davy's view of the subject, according to which calomel and corrosive sublimates are compounds of metallic mercury, with different proportions of chlorine, the object in this preparation is to get the largest quantity of mercury dissolved in the nitrous acid, so that in decomposing muriat of soda, the smallest quantity of chlorine may be set at liberty; and as the peroxyd contains twice as much oxygen as the protoxyd, and acids seem to combine with a certain quantity of oxygen in oxyds, whatever be the quantity of metal united with them, the nitrat of the protoxyd of mercury will contain twice as much mercury as the nitrat of the peroxyd, and will of course give a double proportion of mercury to the chlorine set at liberty by the acid and oxygen. When properly prepared, the sub-muriat obtained by precipitation scarcely differs from that obtained by sublimation. Gottling found no other difference than that the precipitated sub-muriat became grey, when triturated with lime-water, whereas the sublimed sub-muriat becomes black. But he exposed to heat half an ounce of the precipi- tated sub-muriat in a subliming apparatus; scarcely a grain of a red- dish matter remained fixed; and the sublimed matter now became black when triturated with lime-water and differed in no respect from sub-muriat prepared in the ordinary way by sublimation. It therefore would seem to be an improvement in the process, to sublime the sub- muriat after it is precipitated; especially as by that operation it would be most effectually separated from any sub-nitrat which might be mixed with it. There is still another way of preparing the sub-muriat of mercury, without using corrosive sublimate, which must be noticed. It was contrived by Hermbstaedt, and is recommended by Moench with the confidence derived from experience, as the very best process for pre- paring the sub-muriat of quicksilver. Take of Pure quicksilver, seven ounces and a half; Sulphuric acid, four ounces; Dried muriat of soda, five ounces and a half. Distil in a glass retort the sulphuric acid, with four ounces of the quicksilver, until they be converted into a dry white mass. Tritu- rate the sulphat of mercury thus formed, with the remaining three ounces and a half of quicksilver, until the globules disappear; then 286 Materia Medica. add the muriat of soda; mix them and sublime. As the product of the first sublimation still contains un-oxydized quicksilver, it is to be again triturated and sublimed. The sublimate being washed, is now pure sub-muriat of quicksilver, and weighs about six ounces. The theory of this process is the same with that of the formation of the muriat of quicksilver. The difference between the two pro- ducts arises from the proportion of quicksilver being greater, and that of the munat of soda employed being less. We are not prepared to state the comparative economy of the processes described, for pre- paring sub-muriat of quicksilver; but of the last process, we may observe, that according to Mr. Chenevix's analysis, seven ounces and a half of quicksilver should furnish nine ounces and a half of sub- muriat of quicksilver; and according to M. Zaboada's nearly nine; so that there is evidently a considerable loss, which must be owing either to the formation of muriat of quicksilver, or of oxyd of quick- silver. SUBMURIAS HYDRARGYRI AMMONIATUM. D. Ammoniated Sub-muriat of Quicksilver. Add to the liquor decanted from the precipitated sub-muriat ol quicksilver, as much water of caustic ammonia as is sufficient to precipitate the whole metallic salt. Wash the precipitate with cold disiilled water, and dry it on blotting paper. HYDRARGYRUM PRjECIPITATUM ALBUM. L. White Precipitated Quicksilver. Take of Oxymuriat of quicksilver, half a pound; Muriat of ammonia, four ounces; Solution of subcarbonat of potass, half a pint; Distilled water, four pints. Dissolve first the muriat of ammonia, and afterwards the oxymuriat of quicksilver, in the distilled water, and add to these the solution of subcarbonat of potass. Wash the precipitate until it become in- sipiu, and then dry it. Muriat of quicksilver is about thirty times more soluble in a so- lution of muriat of ammonia than in pure water; and, during the solu- tion, there takes place a considerable increase of temperature. Now, as these facts sufficiently prove a reciprocal action of the two salts, and as there is no decomposition, it is evident that they must have combined to form a triple salt; especially as they cannot be again se- parated eitner by sublimation or crystallization. This compound may therefore, with propriety, be termed muriat of mercury and am- monia. It is the sal alembroth ot the alchemists. It is very soluble in water, and is sublimed by heat without decomposition. When to a so- lution of thi's sail we add a solution of an alkaline carbonat, either of potass, as directed by the London college, or of soda, as by that of" H.—Hydrargyrum.—Oxy. Hyd. Cinereum. 287 Berlin, there occurs a partial decomposition. The alkali combines with a portion of the muriatic acid, and reduces the muriat of mer- cury and ammonia to the state of a sub-muriat, which being insolu- ble, falls to the bottom of the solution. The proportion of muriat of ammonia has been reduced in edition 1815 to one-half, probably in consequence of a remark of Mr. Phillips. The process of the Dublin college is new and wef^c#itrived, as it converts to use the washings of the precipitated sub-nturiat, and thus partly obviates the objection of want of economy in the directions given by the college for preparing it. By the simple addition of am- monia, the whole muriat of mercury contained in the washings is precipitated, in the form of sub-muriat of mercury and ammonia. The sub-muriat of mercury and ammonia thus precipitated, has at first an earthy, and afterwards a metallic taste. It is not soluble in water It is decomposed by heat, furnishing water, ammonia, and ni- trogen gas, while 0.86 of sub-muriat of mercury remain behind. Sulphuric and nitric acids partially decompose it, and convert it into muriat of mercury, and triple salts of mercury and ammonia. Mu- riatic acid dissolves it, and converts it into muriat of quicksilver and ammonia. According to Fourcroy's analysis, it consists of 81 oxyd of mercury, 16 muriatic acid, 3 ammonia. 100 It is only used for ointments; and its principal recommendation is its white colour. Officinal Preparation. Unguentum calcis hydrargyri albi, L. vide Unguenta. OXYDUM HYDRARGYRI CINEREUM. Ed. L. Ash-coloured Oxyd of Quicksilver. Pulvis Hydrargyri Cinereus. D. Ash-coloured Powder of Quicksilver. Take of Purified quicksilver, four parts; Diluted nitrous acid, five parts; Distilled water, fifteen parts; Water of carbonat of ammonia, a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the mercury in the nitrous acid; then gradually add the dis- tilled water, and pour into the mixture as much water of the car- bonat of ammonia as shall be sufficient to precipitate the whole of the oxyd of mercury, which is then to be washed with pure water and dried. (E.) This process is intended lo furnish a substitute for the black oxyd of quicksilver, on which the efficacy of the mercurials most frequently 288 Materia Medica. employed, and most certainly useful, depends. In these, the mercury is oxydized by trituration, in contact with the atmosphere; but this operation is both so tedious and troublesome, that it is often imper- fectly performed or assisted by improper means. In the process we are now explaining, it was supposed that as am- monia has a stronger affinity for nitric acid than oxyd of mercury has, it would^s^aratc oxyd of mercury from its solution in nitric acid; and, therefore, that the precipitate obtained was oxyd of mer- cury similar to that formed by trituration. But since the nature of the triple metalline salts has been better understood, this has been discovered to be an error, although the exact mode of their action is not yet explained. The grey precipitate which is formed, may, speak- ing generally, be called a sub-nitrat of mercury and ammonia; for it consists of oxyd of mercury and ammonia, not saturated with nitric acid; hut even to ocular inspection it does not seem to be homoge- neous; and when it is digested in acetic tfcid, it is partially dissolved, and the residuum acquires a very pale, or almost white colour. The portion dissolved seems to be black oxyd, and the white residuum to be pure sub-nitrat of mercury and ammonia, which, according to Fourcroy, crystallizes in brilliant polyhedral crystals, without smell, of an extremely styptic taste, scarcely soluble in water, is decom- posed by heat, by the sulphuric and muriatic acids, and by lime, pot- ass, and soda, and consists of 68.20 oxyd of mercury, 16 of ammonia, and 15.80 of nitric acid. According to these observations, this prepa- ration ought not to be called the grey oxyd of mercury, and is not identical with the black oxyd of mercury prepared by trituration. If, however, it answered the same purposes, the identity would be of little consequence; but from its never having been introduced into general use, although so much more easily prepared, we may pre- sume that it is not equal in point of efficacy. Black oxyd of mercury may however be obtained, according to the direction of Saunders, by triturating with lime water, and subsequent edulcoration, the sublimed sub-muriat of mercury, or rather the pre- cipitated sub-muriat, as proposed by Gottling; and that the decompo- sition may be more easy and complete, we shall venture to suggest, that for this preparation the latter sub-muriat should not be dried, but should be triturated with the lime-water as soon as it is edulco- rated. This simple black oxyd certainly merits a fair trial. This oxyd is said, however, by M. Braamcamp and Sigueira-Oliva, to be prepared in the greatest purity, by boiling the ash-coloured oxyd of the Edinburgh college, long and violently in water, until the triple salt be dissolved or decomposed. The proportion of oxygen, which protoxyd of mercury contains, has been very differently esti- mated by different chemists. Mr. Chenevix makes 100 parts of mer- cury unite with no less than twelve of oxygen, the Portuguese che- mists with 8.1, M. Fourcroy with 4.16, M. Sefstrom and Sir H. Davy with '3.95, which last, besides the remarkable coincidence, is the most probable from other reasons. The Prussian college directs a black oxyd of mercury to be pre- pared, by mixing four ounces of mercury with six ounces of nitrous acid, diluted with two ounces of distilled water, and occasionally agi- H.—Hydrargyrum.—H. cum Magnesia. 289 tating them, without heat, until the acid be saturated. The solution is then to be diluted with distilled water, and water of caustic ammo- nia to be dropt into it, as long as the precipitate formed is black. Officinal Preparation. Unguentum oxydi hydrargyri ciner. E. vide Unguenta. HYDRARGYRUS CUM CRETA. L. Quicksilver with Chalk. Take of Purified quicksilver, three ounces; Prepared chalk, five ounces. Triturate them together until the globules disappear. (L.) Quicksilver has a strong affinity for oxygen, and absorbs it slowly from the atmosphere. But the combination may be considerably acce- lerated by agitation, and still more by triturating quicksilver with any substance which promotes its mechanical division, and thus in- creases its surface. With this view, quicksilver is triturated with viscid substances, as fats, honey, syrup, &c. or with pulverulent sub- stances, as the chalk in the present example. The black oxyd is the mildest, but at the same time the most effi- cacious of the preparations of mercury. Combined with chalk it is not in general use; but in the form of the common mercurial pill and ointment, it is more employed than any other preparations of the same metal except calomel. HYDRARGYRUM CUM MAGNESIA. D.ub. Quicksilver with Magnesia. Take of Quicksilver, Magnesia, each one ounce; Manna, half an ounce. Triturate the quicksilver with the manna, in an earthen-ware mortar, adding some drops of water, to give the mixture the consistence of a syrup, until the metallic globules become no longer visible. Then add, with constant trituration, a drachm of the magnesia. After they are thoroughly mixed, rub into them a pint of warm water, and shake the mixture: then let the liquor rest, and decant from the sediment as.soon as it subsides. Repeat this washing twice, that the manna may be totally washed away, and, with the sediment still moist, mix the remainder of the magnesia. Lastly, dry the powder on blotting paper. D. 20 290 Materia Medica. HYDRARGYRI OXYDUM RUBRUM. L. Calcined Quicksilver. Oxydum Hydrargyri. D. Oxyd of Quicksilver. Take of Purified quicksilver, any quantity. Put it into an open glass vessel, with a narrow mouth and wide bot- tom. Expose this to about the six-hundredth degree of heat, until the metal be converted into red scales (D.) This is an extremely tedious, and therefore expensive operation, because mercury is incapable of absorbing from the atmosphere the quantity of oxygen necessary to convert it into the red oxyd, except when in the state of vapour. But as the form of a vessel, which will prevent the dissipation and loss of the mercurial vapour, will at the same time hinder the free access and frequent renewal of the air, the operation can only proceed slowly. The vessel most advantageously employed, is a wide, flat bottomed matrass, with a very narrow, al- most capillary neck. Only so much mercury is introduced into it as will cover the bottom of the matrass; and the vessel is not inserted in the sand deeper than the mercury stands within it. A degree of heat is then applied sufficient to cause a gentle ebullition in the mer- cury, which is thus alternately converted into vapour, and condensed again in the upper part of the vessel. While in the state of va- pour, it absorbs the oxygen of the air contained in tbje vessel: by which means it is gradually changed into a black, and then into a red, powder; but a complete conversion into the latter state is not effected in less than several months. Red oxyd of quicksilver, thus prepared, consists of small crystalline grains, of a deep red colour, and very brilliant sparkling appearance. By heat, it may be sublimed in the form of a beautiful ruby-coloured vitrified substance. At a red heat it is decomposed, giving out oxy- gen gas, while the metal is revived, and is immediately volatilized. It is soluble in several of the acids; and during its solution, it does not decompose them or water. It is easily disoxydized It consists, according to Chenevix, of 100 of mercury and 17.65 oxygen; Zaboa- da, 11.11; Fourcroy, 8.69; and M. Sefstrom and Sir H. Davy, 7.9; which last is the most probable estimate. Medical use.—It is not only an acrid substance, violently purgative and emetic but even caustic and poisonous. Its internal use is pro- scribed; but it is applied externally as an escharotic, being previously triturated to a very fine powder; or it is formed into a stimulating ointment with unctuous substances. H.—Hydrargyrum.—Ox. Hy. R. per Acid. N. 291 OXYDUM HYDRARGYRI RUBRUM per ACIDUM NITRI- CUM; olim, Mercurius Prjecipitatus Ruber. Ed. Red Oxyd of Quicksilver by Nitric Add, formerly Red Precipitated Mercury. Hydrargyri Nitrico-Oxydum. L. Nitric Oxyd of Quicksilver. Oxydum Hydrargyri Nitricum. D. Nitric Oxyd of Quicksilver. Take of Purified quicksilver, one pound; Diluted nitrous acid, sixteen ounces. Dissolve the quicksilver, and evaporate the solution, with a gentle heat, to a dry white mass; which, after being ground inlo powder, is to be put into a glass cucurbit, and to have a thick glass plate laid upon its surface. Then, having adapted a capital, and placed the vessel in a sand bath, apply a gradually increased heat, until the matter be converted into very red scales. (E.) Ik the first part of this process a fully saturated nitrat of mercury is formed. In the second part, the metal is oxydized to the maximum by the decomposition of the acid. When a sufficient heat is applied, the nitrat of mercury first melts, then exhales nitric oxyd gas, and changes its colour successively to yellow, orange, and brilliant purple red. If well prepared, it should have a crystalline scaly appearance; and it is entirely volatile at a red heat, and soluble without any resi- duum in nitrous acid. According to Fourcroy, it contains no nitrous acid, unless a sufficient heat has not been applied; but according to most other chemists it contains some nitrous acid; and differs from the red oxyd prepared by the action of heat alone, in always being more acrid. This is an extremely difficult operation, and skilful operators not unfrequently fail to obtain it of that brilliant crystalline appearance which is esteemed. M. Paysse, who paid great attention to this pre- paration in Holland, where it is manufactured in large quantities, giv^s the following directions:—-Dissolve 100 pounds of pure mer- cury in 140 of pure nitrous acid, of sp. gr. 1.3 to 1.37, promoting their action by a sand-bath; evaporate by distillation, and, when the formation of nitrous gas indicates the decomposition of the nitrat of mercury, remove the receiver, and apply a steady and moderate heat for about eight hours, until a match, which has been just blown out, inflames, on being introduced into the matrass, which is a proof that the operation is finished. To its success it is necessary, 1. That the nitrous acid be not mixed with muriatic; 2. That it be sufficiently strong; 3. That the evaporation be conducted with a moderate heat; 4. That the vessel be sufficiently large and flat, so that a large sur- face be exposed, and the whole equally heated; 5. That the heat be gradually augmented; and, lastly, That it be steadily maintained the whole time Turf is the fittest fuel. Medical use.—It is only used as an escharotic, and care must be taken that it is finely levigated, otherwise it only irritates, without 292 Materia Medica. destroying the parts to which it is applied. It is a very common ap- plication in chancres. Officinal, Preparation. Unguentum oxydi hydrargyri rubri, E. vide Unguenta. SUB-SULPHAS HYDRARGYRI FLAVUS; olim, Turpethum Minerale. Ed. Yellow Sub-Sulphat of Quicksilver, formerly Turpeth Mineral. Oxydum Hydrargyri Sulphuricum. D. Sulphuric Oxyd of Quicksilver. Take of Purified quicksilver, four ounces; Sulphuric acid, six ounces. Put them into a glass cucurbit, and boil them in a sand bath to dry- ness. Throw into boiling water the white matter, which is left in the bottom, after having reduced it to powder. A yellow powder will immediately be produced, which must be frequently washed wth warm water. (E.) The action of sulphuric acid on mercury has been examined with considerable attention by Fourcroy. In the cold they have no action on each other, but on the application of heat, the sulphuric acid be- gins to be decomposed, sulphurous acid gas is extricated, and the metal is oxydized, and combines with the undecomposed acid, form- ing with it a white saline mass, covered with a colourless fluid. In this state it reddens vegetable blues, is acrid and corrosive, does not become yellow byjthe contact of the air, and is not decomposed by water either warm or cold. It is therefore super-sulphat of quicksil- ver, and the proportion of the acid in excess is variable. By washing the saline mass repeatedly with small quantities of water, it is at last rendered perfectly neutral. It no longer reddens vegetable blues. It is white; it crystallizes in plates, or fine prismatic needles; it is not very acrid; it is not decomposed either by cold or boiling water: but is soluble in 500 parts of the former, and in about 250 of the latter. It is much more soluble in water acidulated with sulphuric acid. The following estimates of its composition have been made: Fourcroy. Braamcamp and Sigueira. Quicksilver, 75. 57.42 Oxygen, 8. 6.38 Sulphuric acid, 12. 31.8 Water, 5. 4.4 100. 100. But if, instead of removing the excess of acid from the super-suL- phat of quicksilver, by washing it with water, we continue the action of the heat according to the directions of the colleges, there is a to- H.—Hydrargyrum.—Sulph. Hyd. Nigrum. 293 pious evolution of sulphurous acid gas, and the saline residuum is converted into a white mass, which therefore evidently contains both a larger proportion of mercury, and in a state of greater oxydizement, than the salt from which it was formed. But this white saline mass is farther analysed by the infusion of hot water; for one portion of it is dissolved, while the remainder assumes the form of a beautiful yellow powder. The portion dissolved is said to contain excess of acid. The yellow powder is, on the contrary, a sub-sulphat. The sub-sulphat of quicksilver has a bright yellow colour, a con- siderable acrid taste, is soluble in 2000 parts of cold water, is also soluble in sulphuric acid, slightly diluted, and is decomposed by the nitric acid, and forms muriat of quicksilver with the muriatic acid, while the neutral sulphat forms sub-muriat. It oxydizes quicksilver, and is converted by trituration with it into a black powder. At a red heat it gives out oxygen gas, and the metal is revived. It consists of 76 mercury, 11 oxygen, 10 sulphuric acid, and 3 water. Medical use.—It is a strong emetic, and with this intention ope- rates the most powerfully of all the mercurials that can be safely given internally Its action, however, is not confined to the primae viae; it will sometimes excite a salivation, if a purgative be not taken soon after it. This medicine is used chiefly in virulent gonorrhoeas, and other venereal cases, where there is a great flux of humours to the parts. Its chief use at present is in swellings of the testicle from a venereal affection; and it seems not only to act as a mercurial, but also, by the severe vomiting it occasions, to perform the office of a discu- tient, by accelerating the motion of the blood in the parts affected. It is said likewise to have been employed with success, in robust con- stitutions, against leprous disorders, and obstinate glandular obstruc- tions: the dose is from two grains to six or eight. It may be given in doses of a grain or two as an alterative and diaphoretic. Dr. Hope, senior, has found, that in doses of one grain, with a little powder of liquorice root, it forms a very convenient errhine. It is an excellent errhine, mixed with snuff, or the powder of Asa- rum; and has been usefully employed as such in affections of the eyes and ears. It is stated by Dr. Barton to have produced salivation in two cases under his care, by such topical application. This medicine was lately recommended as the most effectual pre- servative against the hydrophobia. SULPHURETUM HYDRARGYRI NIGRUM; E. D. Olim, .Ethiops Mineralis. Hydrargyrum Sulphuretum Nigrum. L. Black Sulphuret of Quicksilver, formerly Mthiops Mineral, Take of Purified quicksilver, Sublimed sulphur, of each, equal weights. 294 Materia Medica. Grind them together in a glass or earthen mortar with a glass pestle, till the mercurial globules totally disappear. (E. D ) It is also prepared with twice the quantity of quicksilver. Ed. This process, simple as it appears, is not, even in the present ad- vanced state of chemistry, perfectly understood. It was formerly imagined, that the quicksilver was merely mechanically divided, and intimately mixed with the sulphur. But that they are really chemically united, is indisputably proved by the insolubility of the compound in nitrous acid. Fourcroy is of opinion, that during ihe trituration, the mercury absorbs oxygen, and is converted into the black oxyd, and that in this slate it is slightly combined with the sulphur. The editors of Gren also suppose it to be in the state of black oxyd, but that it is combined with hydrogureted sulphur, and they direct a little water to be added during the trituration, that by its decomposition it may facilitate the process. The black sulphuret of quicksilver, thus prepared by trituration, has a pulverulent form, is insoluble in nitric acid, is totally soluble in a solution of potass, and is precipitated unchanged from this solution, by acids. It is not altered by exposure to the air; and when heated in an open vessel, it emits sulphurous acid gas, acquires a dark violet colour, and, lastly, sublimes in a brilliant red mass, composed of crys- talline needles. The combination of quicksilver with sulphur may be much more speedily effected by the assistance of heat, by pouring the mercury, previously heated, upon the sulphur in a state of fusion, and stirring them until they cool, and form a consistent mass, which may be after- wards powdered. The sulphuret prepared by fusion, differs, however, from that prepared by trituration; for it is not soluble in a solution of potass, but is converted by long ebullition in it into the red sulphuret, and it also reddens spontaneously in course of time from the action of the air. Black sulphuret of mercury may be also prepared in the humid way, as it is called, by precipitation, or even by direct solution. Ac- cording to Berthollet, mercury agitated with sulphureted hydroguret of ammonia, forms a black sulphuret exactly resembling that pre- pared by trituration; but if hydrogureted sulphuret of ammonia be used, the black precipitate formed gradually assumes a red colour, and the solution contains sulphureted hydroguret of ammonia. The same phenomena take place with all the mercurial salts. As a medicine, black sulphuret of quicksilver possesses no very conspicuous effects. It is principally used as an alterative in glandu- lar affections, and in cutaneous diseases. It has been commonly given in doses of from 5 to 10 grains; but even in doses of several drachms, and continued for a considerable length of time, it has scarcely pro- duced any sensible effect. H.—Hydrargyrum.—Sulph. Hyd. Rubr. 295 SULPHURETUM HYDRARGYRI RUBRUM. D. L. Red Sulphureted Quicksilver. Take of Quicksilver purified, forty ounces; Sublimed sulphur, eight ounces. Mix the quicksilver with the melted sulphur; and if the mixture take fire, extinguish it by covering the vessel; afterwards reduce the mass toj>owder and sublime it. (L. D.) As soon as the mercury and sulphur begin to unite, a considerable explosion frequently happens, and the mixture is very apt to take fire, especially if the process be somewhat hastily conducted. This accident the operator will have previous notice of, from the matter swelling up, and growing suddenly consistent; as soon as this hap- pens, the vessel must be immediately close covered. During the sublimation, care must be had that the matter does not rise into the neck of the vessel, so as to block up and burst the glass. To prevent this, a wide-necked bolt head, or rather an oval earthen jar, coated, should be chosen for the subliming vessel. If the former be employed, it will be convenient to introduce at times an iron wire, somewhat heated, in order to be the better assured that the passage is not blocking up; the danger of which may be prevented by cauti- ously raising the vessel higher from the fire. If the ingredients be pure, there is no residuum. In such cases, the sublimation may be known to be over, by introducing a wire as be- fore, and feeling with it the bottom of the vessel, which will then be perfectly smooth: if any roughness or inequalities be perceived, either the mixture was impure, or the sublimation is not completed; if the latter be the case, the wire will soon be covered over with the rising cinnabar. M. M. Tucckert and Paysse have described, from actual observa- tion, the process followed in the manufactory of M. Brand at Am- sterdam, where 48,000 pounds of cinnabar are annually prepared, 150 pounds of sulphur are mixed with 1080 pounds of mercury, and exposed to a moderate heat in a bright iron-kettle, one foot deep, and two and a half in diameter. The black sulphuret of mercury, thus produced, is reduced to powder, and put up in earthen pots capable of containing about a quart of water. The subliming apparatus consists of three large coated crucibles, bound with iron, and surmounted with domes of iron, through the top of which the black sulphuret is intro- duced. These are built into a furnace, in such a manner that two- thirds of each apparatus is exposed to the action of the flame, which circulates freely around them. The fuel made use of is turf, which is found preferable to all others, probably from its affording a steady and moderate heat. The fire is kindled in the evening; and when the crucibles have become red, the pots containing the black sulphuret are emptied into them successively, at first one into each, and after- wards two, three or more, at a time, according to the violence of the inflammation which succeeds. Sometimes the flame rises four, or even six feet above the domes; when its violence is a little abated, the aperture is covered closely up with a lid of iron. In this manner 296 Materia Medica. the whole quantity is introduced into the three crucibles in about thirty-four hours. The fire is steadily supported in a proper degree fqr thirty-six hours, and the sublimation assisted by stirring the matter every quarter of an hour with a triangle of iron, until the whole is sublimed, when the fire is allowed to expire. The colour of the flame change* during the process from a dazzling white to a yellow white, orange yellow, blue and yellow, green, violet, and blue and green. When it acquires a fine sky-blue, or indigo colour, and rises only and inch or two above the aperture, the aperture is closed hermetically, and luted with clay and sand. After the apparatus has cooled, 400 pounds of sublimed red sulphuret of mercury are found in each, so that there is a loss of 30 pounds on the 1230 of materials employed. The process by which cinnabar is converted into vermilion is kept a secret by the Dutch; but M. Paysse discovered, that by keeping some levigated cinnabar in the dark, covered with water, and stirred frequently for a month, it acquires the brilliant colour of Chinese vermilion. When taken out of the subliming vessels, the red sulphuret of quicksilver is a brilliant crystalline mass, and first acquires its very rich colour when reduced to the form of a fine powder by trituration. It has neither smell nor taste, and is insoluble in water and in alcohol. In close vessels it sublimes entirely unchanged, but requires for this purpose a pretty great degree of heat. It is not soluble in any acid, and is only decomposed by the nitro-muriatic, which dissolves the quicksilver, and separates the sulphur. It is not decomposed by boil- ing it with solutions of the alkalies, but is decomposed by melting it with potass, soda, lime, iron, lead, copper, antimony, and several other metals. Proust has proved it lo consist of 85 quicksilver, and 14 or 14^ sulphur, and that the quicksilver is not oxydized to a maximum, as had been falsely supposed, but in its metallic state. His analysis is confirmed by the other methods by which cinnabar may be pre- pared. Thus, the black sulphuret of quicksilver by fusion is converted into the red sulphuret, by boiling it in a solution of potass, which can only act by dissolving the sulphureted hydrogen and superfluous sulphur. Sub-muriat, or sub-sulphat of mercury, sublimed with sul- phur, furnish red sulphuret of mercury, and muriat or sulphat, of mercury. Medical use.—Red sulphuret of quicksilver is sometimes used in fumigations against venereal ulcers in the nose, mouth and throat. Haifa drachm of it burnt, the fume being imbibed with the breath, has occasioned a violent salivation. This effect is by no means owing to the medicine as a sulphuret; for when set on fire, it is no longer such, but mercury resolved into vapour, and blended with the sul- phurous acid gas; in which circumstances this mineral has very pow- erful effects. Mr. Pearson, from his experiments on mercurial fumigation, con- cludes, that where checking the progress of the disease suddenly is an object of great moment, and where the body is covered with ulcers or large and numerous eruptions, and, in general, to ulcers, fungi, and excrescences, the vapour of mercury is an application of great efficacy and utility; but that it is apt to induce a ptyalism rapidly, and H.—Hydrargyrum.—Phosphas Hydrargyri. 297 great consequent debility, and that for the purpose of securing the constitution against a relapse, as great a quantity of mercury must be introduced into the system, by inunction, as if no fumigation had been employed. PHOSPHAS HYDRARGYRI. Mercurius Phosphoratus. Phosphat of Mercury. fake of Sulphuric acid, eight ounces; Water, four pounds. Mix them carefully in a capacious glass vessel, and add White calcined bones powdered, 14 ounces. Place the vessel in a temperature of 60° for three days to digest, stirring the mixture frequently with a glass rod, then filter the whole through fine linen, washing the residuum with distilled water till completely edulcorated. Evaporate to dryness, and dissolve in the smallest possible quantity of luke-warm water, by which a considera- ble portion of gypsum will remain undissolved. After straining off all the liquor, again dilute with distilled water and a solution of the purest potass, till it be completely saturated. The small portion of gypsum still held in solution will thus be decomposed, and some calcareous earth precipitated, which must be separated by filtration. Evaporate to a proper consistence, and expose in a cool place to crystallize. A small portion of vitriolated tartar first appears from the decomposition of the gypsum; but if the liqour be again evaporated, the phospho- rated potass will be produced in rhomboidal prismatic crystals. Dis- solve these in distilled water, and decompose by a super-saturated solution of mercury in the nitric acid. The precipitate after complete edulcoration with warm distilled water should be slowly dried, and is the purest phosphat of mercury. The above is Bergmann's method of procuring the phosphat of mercury. It may be also obtained, by adding phosphoric acid in a liquid form to a solution of mercury in nitric acid.* Phosphat of mercury is a very active preparation, and requires to be used with great caution, as it is otherwise apt to produce nausea, violent vomiting, ptyalism, &c. even in doses not exceeding half a grain. The following formula is employed to prevent these effects. Take of Phosphat of mercury, four grains; Powdered cinnamon, fourteen grains; White sugar, half a drachm. Mix and make into eight powders, of which one is to be taken every • An easier method appears to be the union of a solution of phosphat of soda, and nitrat of mercury. The superior affinity of the nitric acid to soda, causes it to leave the mercury, whilst the phosphoric acid unites with the mercury in the form of a fine white precipitate, which is the phosphat of mercury, and which must be thoroughly edulcorated with boiling distilled water. Am. Editor. 2 p % 298 Materia Medica. morning and evening, unless ptyalism is induced, when it must be suspended. Some bear from one to two grains without incon- venience. This remedy heals inveterate venereal ulcers in a short time, es- pecially such as are seated about the pudenda. In venereal inflamma- tions of the eyes, chancres, rheumatisms and chronic eruptions, it has proved of eminent service. It is on the whole, a valuable medi- cine in the hands of a judjf ious practitioner. It is particularly preferable over other mercurial preparations in an inveterate stage of syphilis, especially in persons of torpid insensi- ble fibres; in cases of exostosis, as well as of obstructions in the lym- phatic system; and in chronic complaints of the skin, Sec* HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS. Yellow Root. This is a commop plant in various parts of the United States. The root is a very powerful bitter. When dried, it has a strong and virose smell. A spiritous infusion of the root is employed as a tonic bitter in the western parts of Pennsylvania. A cold infusion of the root in water is also used as a wash in inflammation of the eyes. The Chero- kee Indians employ a plant in the cure of cancer, which is thought to be the Hydrastis. The root supplies us with a most brilliant yellow colour, which will probably be found a most valuable dye.f HYOSCYAMUS NIGER. Herba. Semen. Ed. L. D. Common Henbane. The herb and seeds. Willd. g. 378. sp. 1. Smith, g. 99. Pentandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord, Solanacea. Henbane is an annual plant, which grows in great abundance in most parts of Britain, by the road sides, and among rubbish, and flow- ers in July. Its smell is strong and peculiar, and, when bruised, some- thing like tobacco, especially when the leaves are burnt; and, on burn- ing, they sparkle, as if they contained a nitrat: when chewed, however, they have no saline taste, but are insipid, mild, and mucilaginous. Henbane, in a moderate dose, often produces sweat, and sometimes an eruption of pustules, and generally sound sleep, succeeded by se- renity of mind, and recruited vigour of the body;- but like the other narcotics, instead of these, it sometimes gives rise to vertigo, headach, and general uneasiness. With particular individuals, it occasions vomiting, colic pains, a copious flow of urine, and sometimes purg- ing. In excessive doses, its effects are fatal; general debility, delirium, remarkable dilatation of the pupils of the eyes, convulsions, death. Upon the whole, like opium, it is a powerful anodyne; and, like cicuta, * London Medical and Physical Journal. f Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 9. Part II. p. 13- H.—Hypericum Perforatum. 299 it is free from any constipating effect, having rather a tendency to move the belly. Medical use—From the writings of Dioscorides and others, it^p- pears, that different species of henbane have been long used iri the practice of medicine By Celsus it was applied externally as a colly- rium in ophthalmia; for allaying the pain of the tooth-ach; and he gave it internally as an anodyne. Its use, however, was for a long period entirely relinquished, un- til revived by Dr. Stork of Vienna, in those cases where an anodyne is requisite, and where there are objections to the use of opium. It is employed in wandering rheumatic pains, in indurations ot the mammae from retained milk, painful swellings, whether scirrhous or not, scrofulous and cancerous ulcers, inflamed piles, and spasms of the bowels from increased irritability; under the form of a. cata- plasm of the bruised leaves, with bread and milk; of an ointment, made of the powder of the leaves, with wax and oil; of a simple pow- der, sprinkled on the sore, or of a decoction in milk as an injection. An infusion prepared by digesting the bruised leaves in olive oil, is also usefully applied in inflammation of the bowels, kidneys, tes- ticles, urethra, painful retention of urine, and in blind piles. An extract from the leaves, or from the seeds, is the form in which it is given internally; and it has been used with advantage in a variety of nervous affections, as mania, melancholia, epilepsy, hysteria, trismus, and spasms from injured nerves, in rheumatism and arthritis, in glandular swellings, in obstinate ulcerations, and in every case where it is desirable either to allay inordinate action, or to mitigate pain, its dose may be gradually increased from half a grain. Colin pushed it to the length of 30 grains for a dose. The extract of henbane has been lately much used by oculists for dilating the pupils of the eyes, in order to facilitate the extraction or breaking down of the cataract, .to diminish sensibility, to destroy adhesions, to reduce protrusions of the iris, and to dilate contraction of the pupil. The mode of application is by dropping a few drops of solution of the extract into the eye, or applying them with a camel's hair brush. The greatest effect is produced in about four hours, and it is generally over in twelve. Vision is not impaired during its ac- tion. HYPERICUM PERFORATUM. Hypericum. Flos. L. Common St John's-wort. The. flower. Polyadelphia Polyandria.—Nat. ord. Ascyroidea. This plant is perennial, and grows wild in woods and uncultivated places in Britain. Its taste is rough and bitterish, and its smell dis- agreeable. It abounds with vesicles, containing a transparent matter, so that when viewed, by holding the plant between the eye and the light, they resemble perforations. From the fresh flower buds, a red juice may be expressed, which imparts its colour to alcohol, water, and fixed oils. The red colour of the infusion is brightened by acids, 300 Materia Medica. and is changed to black by sulphat of iron. Neumann got from 480 grains, 300 of watery, and 40 of alcoholic extract, and inversely 240 alcoholic, and 120 watery. Nothing considerable arose in distillation with either water or alcohol. HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS. Herba. Folia. Ed. D. Hyssop. The herb. Willd. g. 1096. sp. l.—Didynamia Gymnospermia.-Nat. ord. Verticillata. Hyssop is a perennial herb, which grows wild in Germany. Its leaves have an aromatic smell, and a warm pungent taste. Their vir- tues depend entirely on an essential oil which rises in distillation both with water and alcohol. Besides the general virtues of aroma( tics, they were formerly recommended in humoral asthmas, coughs, and other disorders of the breast and lungs, and were said to promote expectoration. I. J. ICHTHYOCOLLA. - Vide Accipenser. mFUSA.—INEUSIONS. We have already explained the sense in which we employ the term infusion. We confine it to the action of a menstruum, not assist- ed by ebullition, or any substance consisting of heterogenous princi- ples, some of which are soluble, and others insoluble, in that men- struum. The term is generally used in a more extensive, but we are inclined to think, a less correct, sense: thus, lime-water and the mu- cilages, which are commonly classed with the infusions, are instances of simple solution, and the chalk mixture is the mechanical suspen- sion of an insoluble substance. When the menstruum used is water, the solution is termed simply an infusion; but when the menstruum is alcoholic, it is called a tincture; when wine or vinegar, a medicated wine or vinegar Infusions in water are extremely apt to spoil, and are generally extemporaneous preparations. I.—Infusar 301 INFUSUM ANTHEMIDIS. L. Infusion of Chamomile. Fake of Chamomile flowers, two drachms; Boiling water, half a pint. Macerate, for ten minutes, in a vessel loosely covered, and filter. This is a very common extemporaneous prescription under the title of chamomile tea. It is a good stomachic. INFUSUM ARMORACIiE COMPOSITUM. L. Compound Infusion of Horse-Radish. Take of Fresh horse-radish root, sliced, Mustard seed, bruised, of each one ounce; Boiling water, one pint. Macerate for two hours, in a loosely covered vessel, and strain; then add of Compound spirit of horse-radish, one fluidounce. This is a pungent and stimulant infusion. IMFUSUM AURANTII COMPOSITUM. L. Compound Infusion of Orange-peel. Take of Orange-peel, dried, two drachms; Lemon-peel, fresh, one drachm; Cloves, bruised, half a drachm; Boiling water, half a pint. Macerate for ten minutes, in a loosely covered vessel, and strain. A stomachic infusion. INFUSUM CALUMBjE. L. Infusion of Columbo. Take of Columbo root, sliced, one drachm; Boiling water, half a pint. Macerate for two hours, in a loosely covered vessel, and strain A stomachic bitter. INFUSUM CARYOPHYLLORUM. L, Infusion qf Cloves. Take of Cloves, bruised, one drachm; Boiling water, half a pint. 302 Materia Mea\ca. Macerate for two hours in a vessel loosely covered, and strain. An aromatic stimulant. INFUSUM CASCARILLA. L. Infusion of Cascarilla. Take of Cascarilla root, bruised, half an ounce; Boiling water, half a pint. Macerate for two hours, in a loosely covered vessel, and straip. An aromatic stimulant. INFUSUM CINCHONA OFFICINALIS. Ed. Infusion qf Cinchona Bark. Infusum Corticis Peruviani. D. Infusion of Peruvian Bark. Take of Peruvian bark in powder, one ounce; Water one pound. Macerate for twenty-four hours, and filter. (E.) INFUSUM CINCHONA SINE CALORE. D. Cold Infusion of Cinchona. Take of Peruvian bark, in coarse powder, one ounce; Cold water, twelve ounces, by measure. Triturate the bark with a little of the water, and add the remainder during the trituration. Macerate for twenty-four hours, and decant the pure liquor. This is a very elegant form of exhibiting the active principles of cinchona bark, and that in which it will sit lightest on weak and deli- cate stomachs. The trituration directed by the Dublin college will promote the solution. The residuum of the cold infusion may be afterwards employed in making other preparations, especially the ex- tract, for its virtues are by no means exhausted. But it must never be dried, and sold, or exhibited in substance, for that would be a cul- pable fraud. INFUSUM CUSP ARIA. L. Infusion of Angustura. Take of Angustura bark, bruised, two drachms; Boiling water, half a pint. Macerate for two hours, in a loosely covered vessel, and strain, A stimulating febrifuge. I.—Infusa. 303 INFUSUM DIGITALIS PURPUREA. Ed. Infusion of Foxglove. Take of Dried leaves of foxglove, one drachm; Boiling water, eight ounces; Spirit of cinnamon, one ounce. Macerate for four hours, and filter. (E.) This is the infusion so highly recommended by Withering. Half an ounce, or an ounce of it, may be taken twice a day in dropsical complaints. The spirit of cinnamon is added to improve its flavour, and to counteract its sedative effects. INFUSUM GENTIANA COMPOSITUM. Ed. L. D. Compound Infusion of Gentian. Take of Bruised gentian root, half an ounce; Dried peel of Seville oranges, one drachm; Coriander seeds, half a drachm; Diluted alcohol, four ounces; Water, one pound. First pour on the alcohol, and three hours thereafter add the water; then macerate without heat for twelve hours, and strain. This infusion is an extremely good bitter, and is of great service in all cases where bitters in general are necessary. It strengthens the stomach, and increases the appetite; besides acting as a tonic on the other parts of the body, and on the vascular system. INFUSUM LINI. L. Infusion of Linseed. Take of Linseed, bruised, one ounce; Liquorice root, sliced, half an ounce; Boiling water, two pints. Macerate for four hours near the fire, in a loosely covered vessel, and strain. This is a mucilaginous emollient liquor, much used in gonorrhoeas, strangury, and in pectoral complaints. INFUSUM MENTHA COMPOSITUM. Dub. Compound Infusion of Mint. Take of The leaves of spearmint, dried, two drachms; Boiling water, as much as will afford six ounces of the infusion, when filtered. 304 Materia Medica. Digest for half an hour, in a covered vessel; strain the liquor when cold, and then add of Double refined sugar, two drachms; Oil of spearmint, three drops, dissolved in Compound tincture of cardamums, half an ounce. Mix. This infusion is slightly stimulating and diaphoretic, and forms a very agreeable herb-tea, which maybe used in any quantity in diet, or as a vehicle for more active remedies. INFUSUM MIMOSA CATECHU; vulgo, Infusum Japonicum. Ed. Infusion of Catechu, commonly called Japonic Infusion. Take of Extract of catechu, two drachms and a half; Cinnamon, half a drachm; Boiling water, seven ounces; Simple syrup, one ounce. Macerate the extract and cinnamon in the hot water, in a covered vessel, for two hours, then strain it, and add the syrup. (E.) Extract of catechu is almost pure tannin. This infusion is there- fore a powerfully astringent solution. The cinnamon and syrup render it a very agreeable medicine, which will be found serviceable in fluxes proceding from a laxity of the intestines. Its dose is a spoonful or two every other hour. As this preparation will not keep above a day or two, it must always be made extemporaneously. The two hours' maceration, therefore, becomes very often extremely inconvenient; but it may be prepared in a few minutes by boiling, without in the least impairing the virtues of the medicine. INFUSUM QUASSIA. L. Infusion of Quassia. Take of Quassia shavings, a scruple; Boiling water, half a pint. Macerate for two hours in a loosely covered vessel, and strain. One of the most intense and purest bitters. INFUSUM RHEI PALM ATI. Ed. Infusion of Rhubarb. Take of Rhubarb bruised, half an ounce; Boiling water, eight ounces; Spirit of cinnamon, one ounce. I.—Infusa. 305 Macerate the rhubarb in a close vessel with the water, for twelve hours; then having added the spirit, strain the liquor. (E.) This appears to be one of the best preparations of rhubarb, when designed as a purgative; water extracting its virtues more effectually than either vinous or spiritous menstrua. INFUSUM ROSA. L. D. Infusion of Roses. Olim, Tinctura Rosarum; formerly Tincture of Roses. Take of The petals of red roses, dried, one ounce; Boiling water, five pounds; Sulphuric acid, one drachm; White sugar, two ounces. Macerate the petals with the boiling water in an earthen vessel, which is not glazed with lead, for four hours; then having poured on the acid, strain the liquor, and add the sugar, (E.) In this infusion the rose leaves have very little effect, except in giving the mixture an elegant red colour. Its sub-acid and astringent virtues depend entirely on the sulphuric acid. Altogether, however, it is an elegant medicine, and forms a very grateful addition to juleps in hemorrhagies, and in all cases which require mild coolers and sub- astringents: it is sometimes taken with boluses or electuaries of the bark, and likewise makes a good gargle. INFUSUM SENNA SIMPLEX. L. Simple Infusion of Senna. Infusum Sennae. D. Infusion of Senna. Take of Senna, three drachms; Ginger, powdered, half a drachm; Boiling water, as much as will yield a filtered infusion of six ounces. Macerate them for an hour, in a covered vessel, then filtered. (D.) This is a very elegant infusion of senna, the ginger acting as an useful corrigent. But if the senna were employed to the quantity of a drachm and a half, or two drachms only, in place of the quantity here ordered, it would be more convenient, as it is of advantage that it should be used fresh as here prepared. Of the present infusion, an ounce or two is a sufficient dose. 2 Q 306 Materia Medica. INFUSUM SENNA TARTARISATUM. L. Tartarised Infusion of Senna. Take of Senna, one ounce and a half; Coriander seeds, bruised, half an ounce; Crystals of tartar, two drachms; Distilled water, one pint. Dissolve the crystals of tartar by boiling in the water; then pour the liquor, as yet boiling, on the senna and seeds. Macerate for an hourin a covered vessel, and strain when cold. (L.) The addition of the super tartrat of potass renders the taste of the senna less Unpleasant, and also promotes its action. INFUSUM TAMARINDI CUM SENNA. Ed. Infusion of Tamarinds and Senna. Take of Preserved tamarinds, one ounce; Senna, one drachm; Coriander seeds, half a drachm; Brown sugar, half an ounce; Boiling water, eight ounces. Macerate them lor four hours, occasionally agitating them, in a close earthen vessel, not glazed with lead, and strain the liquor. It may also be made with double, triple, &c. the quantity of senna. (E) This forms a mild and useful purge, excellently suited for delicate stomachs, and inflammatory diseases. The taste of the senna is well covered by the aromatic sugar vide Mella medicata. Oxymel colchici, L. - scillae, L. - - seruginis, L. M.—Mel.—Mel Boracis. 341 MELLA MEDICATA.—MEDICATED HONEYS. MEL DESPUMATUM. L. D. Clarified Honey. Melt the honey in a water bath, and remove the scum as it rises. In this simple process, the honey is rendered so liquid by the heat of the boiling water, that the wax and other lighter impurities which it commonly contains, rise to the surface in the form of a scum, which is easily removed. At the same time, sand or any heavier mixture of that kind sinks to the bottom. Honey was supposed to be peculiarly balsamic, and was therefore at one time much used in pharmacy. But as its saccharine matter is absolutely of the same nature with that of sugar, and as the extra- neous matters which it always contains, make it disagree with the stomachs of many individuals, the number of medicated honeys has been much diminished, and their place in some instances supplied by syrups. Medicated honeys are known to be of a proper consistence, by allowing a small quantity to cool on a plate; if when divided- by the edge of a spoon, the portions do not immediately unite, or if the spe- cific gravity when hot, be 1.26, or 1.31, when cold. MEL ACETATUM. L. Oxymel Simplex. L. Oxymel. D. Simple Oxymel. Take of Honey, two pounds; . Distilled vinegar, one pound by weight. Boil in a glass vessel with a gentle fire to the consistency of a syrup, skimming it. (D.) This was once in great repute as a cooling and attenuating medi- cine; it is scarcely used in modern practice, except in colds attended with coughs, and in sore throats, for which, when diluted with some aromatic or astringent infusion, as sage tea, ruse flower tea, Sec. it makes useful gargles. MEL BORACIS. L. Honey of Borax. T^ake of Sub-borat of soda, powdered, one drachm; Clarified honey, an ounce. Mix them. This is an useful formula, much employed as a detergent in aph- thae ajnd ulcers of the mouth. 342 Materia Medica. OXYMEL COLCHICI. D. Oxymel of Meadow Saffron. Take of The fresh root of meadow saffron, cut into thin slices, one ounce; Distilled vinegar, one pint; Clarified honey, two pounds. Macerate the root of meadow saffron, with the vinegar, in a glass vessel, with a gentle heat, for forty-eight hours. Strain the liquor, pressed out strongly from the root, and add the honey. Lastly, boil the mixture, frequently stirring it with a wooden spoon, to the thickness of a syrup. (D.) This is an active preparation, but its use may be entirely super- seded by the syrup of the same root. MEL ROSiE. L. D. Honey of Roses. Take of Dried red-rose petals, four ounces; Boiling water, three pints; Clarified honey, five pounds. Macerate the^ rose leaves in the water for six hours; then mix the honey with the strained liquor, and boil the mixture to the thick- ness of a syrup. (L.) This preparation is not unfrequently used as a mild cooling deter- gent, particularly in gargarisms for ulcerations and inflammation of the mouth and tonsils. The rose buds here used should be hastily dried, that they may the better preserve their astringency. The Dublin college, in making this and other similar preparations, use unclarified honey, with the idea, probably, that it may be equally well clarified in the course of the preparation itself. This is no doubt true, but as we do not know what effect the clarification may have on the active substances added to the honey, we think that the use of clarified honey, as directed by the London college, is preferable. OXYMEL SCILLAE. L. D. Oxymel of Squills. Take of Clarified honey, three pounds; Vinegar of squills, two pints. Boil them in a glass vessel, with a slow fire, to the thickness of a sy- rup. (L.) Oxymel of squills is an useful aperient, detergent, and expecto- rant, and of great service in humoral asthmas, coughs, and other dis- orders where thick phlegm abounds. It is given in doses of two or three drachms, along with some aromatic water, as that of cinnamon, to prevent the great nausea which it would otherwise be apt to ex- cite. In large doses, it proves emetic.. M.—Mel.—Oyxmel iEruginis. 343 SYRUPUS SCILLiE COMPOSITUS; vulgo Hive Syrup. fake of Seneca root, bruised, Squills, dried and bruised, of each half a pound; Water, eight pounds. Boil together over a slow fire, till the water is half consumed-—strain off the liquor, and then add of Strained honey, four pounds. Boil the honey and the strained liquor to six pounds, or to the con- sistence of a syrup, and add to every pound of this syrup, sixteen grains of tartar emetic; that is, one grain to the ounce. The dose varies from ten drops to one or more tea-spoons full, every quarter, half, or one hour, according to the age of the patient, or the violence of the disease. It operates by purging, vomiting, and sweat. Any quantity may be made at a time, using the ingredients in the above proportions. From the misfortune of having all my children, five in number, from their birth, subject to attacks of trachitis or the hives, I found it very necessary to turn my particular attention to that disease. All the common remedies, as syrup of squills, decoction of seneka, &c. &c. have been found of little advantage; at length I fell upon the plan of combining the virtues of the remedies most celebrated, into the form of a syrup, which I denominated hive syrup. As I have been frequently asked for it, by those who have in their families experi- enced its efficacy, I have here given the receipt, which will enable every one at a trifling expense to prepare it for themselves as a do- mestic medicine. It is far superior to every other form of hive syrup I have ever tried, and is equally superior to them in common colds, hooping cough, and those other complaints for which syrup of squills, 8cc. are so constantly employed. I may add, that as it sometimes fer- ments in the hot months, all that is necessary, is merely to boil it down a little, which prevents the continuance of the fermentative pro- cess, without diminishing the efficacy of the remedy. Editor. OXYMEL .ftRUGINIS. D. Oxymel of Verdigris. Linimentum jEruginis. L. Liniment of Verdigris. Take of Prepared verdigris, one ounce; Vinegar, seven ounces; Clarified honey, fourteen ounces. Dissolve the verdigris in the vinegar, and strain it through linen; thei. add the honey, and boil the whole to a proper thickness. (L.) This is used only externally for cleansing foul ulcers, and keeping down fungous flesh. It is also often serviceable in venereal ulcerations of the mouth and tonsils: but there is some danger from its applica- 344 Materia Medica. tion to places from the situation of which it is apt to be swallowed; for even a small quantity of verdigris passing into the stomach may be productive of distressing, if not deleterious effects. MELALEUCA LEUCADENDRON. Oleum volatile. Ed. D. Melaleuca Cajuputi. L. The broad-leaved Cajeput tree. The es- sential oil. Willd. g. 1428. Species JYova.—Polyadelphia Polyandria^—'S&t. ord. Hesperidea. The tree which furnishes the cajeput oil is frequent on the moun- tains of Amboyna, and the other Molucca islands. Drs. Maton and Smith have lately examined specimens of this tree, which correspond with Rumphius, tab. 17, vol. ii.; and, as an unclassified species, have named it Melaleuca cajuputi. But, as Thunberg says, it is got from the leucadendron, perhaps both species yield it. Indeed, Rumphius himself would lead us to the same opinion. The oil is obtained by distillation from the dried leaves, and is prepared in great quantities, especially in the island of Banda, and sent to Holland in copper flasks. As it comes to us, it is of a green colour, very limpid, lighter than water, of a strong smell, resembling camphor, and a strong, pungent taste, like that of cardamoms. It burns entirely away, without leaving any residuum. It is often adulterated with other essential oils, co- loured with the resin of milfoil. In the genuine oil, the green colour depends on the presence of copper; for, when rectified, it is colourless. Medical use.—Like other aromatic oils it is highly stimulating, and is principally recommended in hysteria, epilepsy, flatulent colic, and paralysis of the tongue. The dose is from one to four drops' on a lump of sugar. It is applied externally where a warm and peculiar stimulus is re- quisite; and is employed for restoring vigour after luxations and sprains, and for easing violent pain in gouty and rheumatic cases, in toothach, and similar affections. The tree yielding this oil, is asserted in the last addition of the Lon- don pharmacopoeia, to be the Melaleuca Cajuputi. MELIA AZEDARACH. Poison Berry Tree. Pride of India or China. The fruit and root. This is not a native of America, but is now completely naturalized to the states of Carolina and Georgia; where it is highly valued for the beauty of its foliage, and agreeable shade, which it affords during the sultry season. In the city of Savannah the streets and public walks are ornamented by rows of this charming tree, and the com- piler has recently been gratified with the enchanting view which they exhibit. The azedarach has also obtained considerable repute for the medicinal virtues which it is found to possess. Professor Bferton says if is one of the most valuable anthelmintics that has hitherto been M.—Meloe Vesicatorius. 345 discovered, and many respectable physicians in Savannah repose the fullest confidence in its efficacy. To Dr. L. Kollock, vice-president of the Georgia Medical Society, we are indebted for the following information. "It is a vermifuge of efficacy. Its use is in some mea- sure general among the planters; and with many supersedes the use of all others. I have given it with success where all others in com- mon use have failed of relieving. But when given in the months of March and April, while the sap is mounting into the tree, it has sometimes been followed by stupor, dilatation of pupil, stertorous breathing, subsultus, &c. But these symptoms, like those sometimes produced by spigelia, pass off without any perceptible injury to the system. This article, like the spigelia, is also a useful febrifuge me- dicine, in those affections usually denominated verminous fevers, but where no worms are voided. The common form is that of decoction. A large handful, say about four ounces of the bark of the fresh root, is boiled in a quart of water, till it acquire the colour of strong cof- fee, i. e. to about a pint, of which from half an ounce to an ounce may be given every two or three hours, till it operates. Given in this manner, its operation is powerful, sometimes both vomiting and purg- ing The strength of the decoction is however varied according to the intention." The dried berries of this tree have been advantageously employed as an anthelmintic, in Carolina; children being allowed to eat them at pleasure. The pulp of the fruit formed into an ointment with lard, it is said, has been successfully employed in tinea capitis. MELISSA OFFICINALIS. Herba. Ed. Balm. The herb. Willd. g. 1118. sp. 1. Didynam. Gymnosp.—Nat. ord. Verticillata. Balm is a perennial plant, which grows wild on the Alps and Py- renees, and is frequently cultivated in our gardens. It has a pleasant smell, somewhat of the lemon kind; and a weak, roughish, aromatic taste. The young shoots have the strongest flavour; the flowers, and the herb itself when old, or produced in very moist rich soils or rainy seasons, are much weaker both in smell and taste. It is principally used in the form of a watery fusion, which is drunk in the manner of tea. MELOE VESICATORIUS. Ed. L. D. Lytta Vesicatoria, Fabricii. Spanish fly. Blistering fly. Insecta, Coleoptera, Vesicantia. Syst. nat. Gmelin. g. 2013. D. Spannsche vliegen. P. Cantaridas. DA. Spanske fluer. POL. Kantarjdy, Hiszpanskic F. Cantharides,.Mouches muchy. d'Esfiagne. R- Hischpanskie muchi. G. Spanische Fliegen. S. Cantaridas. I. Cantarelle. SW. Spanska ,/lugor. 346 Materia Medica. These insects have a longish, green, and gold-shining body with flexible green-striped elytra, which cover the whole back of the body, and under which are their brown membranous wings. On their head they have two black articulated feelers. They are found on the fraxi- nus, sambucus, salix, ligustrum, Sec. in Spain, Italy, France, and Germany. The largest come from Italy, but the Spanish cantharides are preferred. They are gathered by shaking the trees on which ihey are found, and catching them on a cloth spread beneath it. They are then killed by the fumes of vinegar, and dried carefully in a stove. The melolontha vitis is sometimes found mixed in considerable num- bers with the cantharides. They are easily distinguished by their almost square body, and as probably they do not stimulate the skin, they should be picked out before the cantharides are powdered. The analysis of Cantharides is still imperfect. Neumann got from 1920 grains, 920 watery, and afterwards 28 alcoholic extract; and in- versely, 400 alcoholic, and 192 watery. Lewis ascertained that their active constituent is entirely soluble, both in water and in alconol; for extracts made with each of these solvents blistered, as far as could be judged, equally, and as effectually as cantharides in substance. Both the residua were inactive. rl houvenel considered the vesicating power to reside in a green matter of an oiiy nature. Beaupoil in two substances, one yellow and the other black, both soluble in water, but separable by alcohol. Lastly, Robiquet, in a very detailed analysis, says, that neither of these three principles blisters of itself; but that this property is owing to their combination with a particular white crystalline substance, soluble in warm alcohol, separating as it cools, soluble in oils, and insoluble in water. He also found, besides known principles, free acetic acid, phosphat of magnesia, a reddish yellow oil insoluble in alcohol, and, lastly, uric acid. Medical use.—Cantharides have a peculiar nauseous smell, and an extremely acrid, burning taste. Taken internally, they often occasion a discharge of blood by urine, with exquisite pain: if the do^e be con- siderable, they seem to inflame and exulcerate the whole intestinal canal; the stools become mucous and purulent; the breath fetid and cadaverous; intense pains are felt in the lower belly: the patient faints, grows giddy, delirious, and dies, Applied to the skin, they first in- flame, and afterwards excoriate the part, raising a more perfect blis- ter than any of the vegetable acrids, and occasioning a more plenti- ful discharge of serum. But even th external application of canthari- des is often followed by a strangury, accompanied with thirst and feverish heat. The inconveniences arising from the use of cantharides, whether taken internally, or applied externally, are best obviated by drinking plentifully of bland emollient liquids, such as milk, emulsions, &c. The specific property of counteracting cantharides ascribed to cam- phor, has no foundation. The internal use of cantharides is at all times doubtful, and requires the most prudent management. They have, however, been sometimes employed with success in dropsy, and in diseases of the urinary or- M.—Meloe Vesieatorius. 347 gans, arising from debility. They are given in substance in very small doses, or in tincture.* Applied externally, they are one of our best and most powerful remedies. By proper management, they may be regulated so as to act as a gentle stimulus, as a rubefacient, or as a blister. Blisters are applied, I. To increase the activity of the system in general, by means of their irritation. 2. To increase the activity of a particular organ. 3. To diminish morbid action in particular organs, by means of the irritation they excite in the parts to which they are ap- plied. They may be employed with advantage in almost all diseases ac- companied with typhus fever, especially if any important viscus, as the brain, lungs, or liver, be at the same time particularly affected. In these cases the blisters are not applied to the diseased organs themseLves, but as near them as may be convenient. When we wish to excite action in any organ, the blisters are, if possible, applied di- rectly to the diseased organ. Cantharides are employed externally, either in substance, mixed up with wax and resin, so as to form a plaster or ointment, or in the form of tincture. Officinal Preparations. Tinctura meloes vesicatorii, E. L. D. - vide Tincture. Unguentum cantharidis, E. L. D. - - Unguenta. pulv. meloes vesicatorii, E. - Idem. Ceratum cantharidis, L. D. - - Idem. EmplaStrum meloes vesicatorii, E. L. D. - Idem, compositum, E. Idem. LYTTA V1TTATA. Potatoe Fly. There are four species of meloe that blister, found in the United States. Tl«e lytta vittata was first brought into notice by Dr. Isaac Chapman, of Buck's county, Pennsylvania. It feeds principally upon the potatoe vine, and, at the proper season of the year, may be col- lected in immense quantities. This insect has a very near resemblance, in its outward form, to the meloe vesicatorius, or Spanish fly; but is rather smaller, and of a very different colour; the head is a very light red, with black antennae; the elytra or wing cases are black, margined * The tincture has been of late much recommended in tetanus, &c and doubt- less it has proved useful in some instances. Th.it it will not do to depend on this alone, is evident from a case which fell under my care, (See Philadelphia Me- dical Museum, vol. 1.) in which in two weeks the patient took about 2000 drops of the tincture. One thousand of these were exhibited iu the space of ten hours, in doses of one hundred drops an hour, without any effect. Dr. Chapman states, from experiment, that a blister is very speedily and certainly raised by the ap- plication of the cantharides until their rubefacient operation is produced; they are then to be removed, and a warm poultice is applied, by which the cuticle is very quickly distended. Amer. Editor. 348 Materia Medica. with pale yellow, and a stripe of the same colour extends along the middle of them; the tarsi have five articulations; the mouth is armed with jaws, and furnished with tarsi. In the abdomen of this fly, is a hard, white substance, about the size of a grain of wheat, which, when powdered, appears like meal, and, when rubbed with water, forms a milky emulsion. The experiments and investigation of Dr. Chapman have proved, that, when applied to the human system, the effects of the potatoe fly, are perfectly analogous to those of the Spanish cantharis; being equal, if not superior to them in medicinal powers.* The lytta vittata is now introduced into the Materia Medica of the Massachusetts Pharma- copoeia, and its properties have been made the subject of a valuable communication to the Medical Society of Massachusetts, by Dr. John Gorham of Boston. From this interesting paper, it appears, that for some years past, the potatoe fly has been employed as a vesicatory by Dr. Israel Allen, of Sterling. That the insect in its dried state, is from four to six lines in length, its head and elytra are uniformly black, and the latter want the margin and stripe of yellow, observable in that described by Dr. Chapman. Its belly is ash coloured, and in the cavity of the abdomen is found the hard white substance already described. The thickness of the potatoe fly, which is nearly uniform throughout, is from one quarter, to one third its length. It generally appears on the vines, about the end of July, and the first week in Au- gust. They inhabit the soil at the foot of tie plant; they ascend in the morning and afternoon, but generally avoid the heat of the sun at noon. As they fly with great difficulty, they are easily caught, and are prepared for medicinal purposes, by shaking them from the plant into hot water, and afterwards drying them by the sun's rays. Dr. Gor- ham proceeds to observe, that he has instituted an extensive series of experiments with the lytta vittata; and that they have never failed, even in a single instance, of producing all the immediate effects which he anticipated, from their external application, or internal exhibition: as a vesicatory, he has found them equal, if not superior to the can- tharis usually employed for that purpose in this country. The satura- ted tincture has been administered internally, in many cases of dimi- nished sensibility of the urinary organs, in gleets, and as a diuretic in dropsy; and it has been found, in all, to increase the discharge of urine, and to produce a considerable irritation in the urethra, and in the neck of the bladder. It appears- therefore, from the combined testimony of Drs. Chapman, Gorham, and Allen, that physicians, in various parts of the country, may collect from their own fields, an an- nual visitor, possessing ?!l the properties of the genuine cantharis. This indigeneous production cannot fail of being generally adopted, as an excellent substitute for ?.n expensive exotic, not always to be ob- tained. We shall notice another kind of indigenous blistering fly, the me- loe niger of Professor Woodhouse, or the Pennsylvanicus of Linnaeus. This is not more than half the size of Chapman's fly, and is uniform- ly black. It feeds upon the prunella vulgaris, or self heal, and ambrosia * Med. Repos. vol. II. M.—- Mentha. 349 trifida, or stick weed. During the month of August, the farmers of New England find them in immense quantities, extracting nourish- ment from the potatoe vine, which in some seasons they almost des- troy. These flies, it is well ascertained, are not inferior in point of effi- cacy to any other species, whether of foreign or domestic production, and they seldom excite strangury when applied externally. MENTHA. Willd.g. 1102. Smith, g. 262.—Didynamia Gymnospermia.—Nat. ord. Verticillate. MENTHA VIRIDIS. Sp. 7. Willd. Sp. 3. Smith. Mentha sativa. Herba. L. D. Spearmint. The plant. Spearmint is perennial, and a native of Britain. The leaves have a warm, roughish, somewhat bitterish taste; and a strong, not unplea- sant, aromatic smell Their virtues are stomachic and carminative. Officinal Preparations. Aqua menthae sativae, - - vide Aqua destillata. Ol. vol. menthae sativae, L. D. - Olea volatilia. Spiritus menthae sativae, L. - Spiritus destillati. MENTHA PIPERITA. Herba. Ed. D. L. Sp. 13. Willd. Sp. 4. Smith.—Peppermint. The plant. This species of mint is also perennial, and a native of Britain, where it is cultivated in very great quantities for the sake of its essen- tial oil. The leaves have a strong, rather agreeable smell, and an in- tensely pungent, aromatic taste, resembling that of pepper, and ac- companied with a peculiar sensation of coldness. Its predominant constituents are essential oil and camphor, both of which rise in distillation, and are combined with what is called Oil of Peppermint. Medical use—Peppermint is principally used as a carminative and antispasmodic. The distilled water is a domestic remedy for flatulent colic, and the essential oil is often given with advantage in doses of a few drops in cramps of the stomach. Officinal Preparations. Aqua menthae piperitae, E. L. D. - vide Aqua destillata. Ol. vol. menthae piperitae, E. L. D. - Olea volatilia. Spiritus menthae piperita, E. L. - - Spiritus destillati. 350 Materia Medica. MENTHA PULEGIUM. Herba. Ed. L. D. Sp. 2\). Willd. S/i. 12. Smith. Penny-royal. The herb. This is also perennial, and a native of Britain. In its sensible quali- ties, it is warm, pungent, and aromatic, somewhat similar to spear- mint, but less agreeable. It is seldom used. Officinal Preparations. Aqua menthae pulegii, E. L. D. - vide Aqua destillata. Ol. vol. menthae pulegii, L. D. - Olea volatilia. Spiritus menthae pulegii, L Spiritus destillati. MENYANTHES TRIFOLIATA. Folia. Ed. L. D. Buckbean, Marsh-trefoil. The leaves. Willd. g. 299. sp. 4. Smith,g. 84. sp. 1. Pentandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Rot ace a. This perennial plant is very common in marshy situations, and is one of the most beautiful of the native flowers of Great Britain. The leaves grow by threes on footstalks. They are excessively bit- ter, and their bitterness is extracted by infusion They are said to be sometimes used in brewing ale, and that one ounce will go as far as half a pound of hops. Medical use.—A drachm of them in powder purges and vomits. In infusion or extract they have been recommended in intermittents, in several cachectic and cutaneous diseases. The dose of the extract is from ten to twenty grains. METALLA.—METALS. Metals are crystallizable; their form depends on the regular tetra- hedron or cube; their surface is specular; they are perfectly opaque, even when melted; their colour is various; their lustre peculiar and shining, or splendent; their hardness various, but at least considerable; many of them are brittle, others possess malleability and ductility in a surprising degree, and some are scissile, flexile, or elastic; their frac- ture in general is hackly; their texture compact, fibrous or foliated; many of them are remarkably sonorous; their specific gravity greater than five;* they possess no smell or taste, unless when heated or rub- bed; they are the best conductors of caloric and electricity, are power- ful agents in producing the galvanic phenomena, and a few of them are the only substances which exhibit the phenomena of magnetism. By the action of caloric they melt, but with different degrees of faci- * Excepting in the cases of the newly discovered metals by Mr. Davy. M.—Metalla. 351 lity, and some of them may be vaporized. Except iron and platinum, they melt suddenly, without undergoing any intermediate state of softness; and when melted, their surface is convex and globular. They are insoluble in water, but some of them decompose it, and are oxyd- ized by it. Primary CoMPOUNns of the Metals. a. With oxygen: 1. Metallic oxyds. 2. Acids of arsenic, tungsten, molybdenum, chrome, and ce- lumbium. b. With hydrogen. Hydrogurets. c. Wi'h carbon. Carburets. d. With phosphorus. Phosphurets. e. With sulphur. Sulphurets. /. With each other. Alloys and amalgams. They are oxydized with different degrees of facility, some by mere exposure to air, and others seem almost to resist the action of heat and air. The oxydability is always increased by increase of tem- perature. Their oxyds are in the form of powder, laminae, or friable fragments; sometimes crystalline; of various colours, determinate with regard to each metal; possess greater absolute weight; are re- fractory, or fusible into glass; insipid, or acrid, and styptic; in general insoluble in water; and combine either with acids and alkalies, or only with acids. Some of those are disoxygenized by light alone, others by calonc, and others require hydrogen, carbon, &c. Most of them are capable of combining with different proportions of oxygen. Dr. Thomson proposes to call the oxyds with a minimum of.oxygen Protoxyds, and with additional doses Deutoxyds, Trit- oxyds, Sec. in succession, and the oxyds with a maximum of oxygen Peroxyds. Hydrogen gas is capable of holding arsenic, zinc, and iron, in so- lution. Carbon unites, only with iron. The metallic phosphurets are fusible, brilliant, brittle, granulated, lamellated, scarcely combustible, and permanent. The sulphurets are brittle; crystallizable in large brilliant and metallic laminae, more easily fusible than the refractory metals, but less easily than the very fusible metals; decomposable by heat, humi- dity, and the acids. The mixtures of the metals with each other are termed alloys: those in which mercury is contained are amalgams. They acquire by mixture new properties, and are in general more fusible than their components. The reguline metals are not soluble in the acids; but when acted upon by them, are first oxydized, and then dissolved. The metallic oxyds, by fusion, colour glasses and enamels. The metals at present amount to 23, and are arranged by Dr. Thompson under three heads, viz. 352 Materia Medica. I. Malleable. 1 Gold, 4 Mercury, 7 Tin, 9 Nickel, 2 Platinum, 5 Copper, 8 Lead, 10 Zinc. 3 Silver, 6 Iron, II. Brittle and easily fused. 1 Bismuth, 3 Tellurium, 2 Antimony, 4 Arsenic. III. Brittle and difficultly fused. 1 Cobalt, 4 Molybdenum, 7 Chromium, 2 Manganese, 5 Uranium, 8 Columbium, 3 Tungsten, 6 Titanium, 9 Tantalium. Those employed in medicine, are noticed in their respective places. MILLIPEDES. - Vide Oniscus. MIMOSA. Willd. g. 1902. Polygamia Monoecia.—Nat. ord. Lomentacea. MIMOSA CATECHU. Ligni Mimosa Catechu Extractum. E. Acacia Catechu. L. Willd. sp. 73. Catechu. The extract of the wood. This tree is a native of Hindostan. The extract of catechu, which was formerly termed, with peculiar impropriety, Japan Earth, is principally prepared in Bengal, from the internal coloured part of the wood, by decoction, evaporation, and exsiccation in the sun. But catechu is also prepared in India from several other species of Mimo- sa, and even from the woods, barks, and fruits of other genera. In Bombay, it is chiefly prepared from the nuts of the Areca catechu. The nuts are taken as they come from the tree, and boiled for some hours in an iron vessel. They are then taken out, and the remaining water is inspissated by continued boiling. The process furnishes the Kossu, or the most astringent terra japonica, which is black, and mixed with paddy husks and other impurities. After the nuts are dried, they are put into a fresh quantity of water, boiled again; and this water being inspissated like the former, yields the best or dearest kind of catechu, called Coury. It is yellowish-brown, has an earthy fracture, and free from the admixture of foreign bodies. The Bombay catechu is of a uniform texture, and of a red-brown tint, its specific gravity being generally about 1.39. The extract from Bengal is more friable and less consistent. Its colour is like that of chocolate externally; but when broken, its fracture presents streaks of chocolate and of red brown.—Its specific gravity is about 1.28, Their tastes are precisely similar, being astringent, but leaving M.—Mimosa Nilotica. 353 m the mouth a sensation of sweetness. They do not deliquesce, or apparently change by exposure to the air, and are not fusible. By Mr. Davy's analysis, 200 grains gave, Bombay. Bengal. Tannin, - - -« - - 109 97 Peculiar extractive matter, 68 73 Mucilage, - - - - - 13 16 Residual matter, chiefly sand and calca- reous earths, 10 14 This more exact analysis confirms the observations made by Dr. Duncan in the first edition of the Edinburgh Dispensatory. Medical use.—Catechu is one of the most convenient and powerful astringents we possess, and may be exhibited in every case where astringents are indicated. It is particularly serviceable in diarrhoea, in hoarseness from relaxation of the fauces, ulcers and aphthae in the mouth, and in excoriations, with lymphatic exudations. Officinal Preparations. Infusum mimosae catechu, E. vide Infusa. Electuarium mimosae catechu, E. D. - - Electuaria. Tinctura mimosae catechu, E. L. - - Tinctura. MIMOSA NILOTICA. Ed. D. Willd. sp. 87. Acacia Vera. L. Gum Mimosa. The gum. Gum-Arabic. Gummi Mimos-e Nilotic^. Ed. Acacije Gummi. L. Gummi Arabicum. D. This species of mimosa grows in the sandy deserts of Africa, Arabia Petraea, and Egypt. The greatest quantity of pure gum, commonly called Gum-Arabic, is furnished by this tree, from w'tich it exudes either spontaneously, or from incisions made into the bark, and afterwards hardens in the air. But a similar gum may be obtain- ed from all the species of mimosa, and from many other trees, such as the Swietenia febrifuga, Melia azadirachta, and the different spe- cies of Terminalia. It is remarkable that the barks of all the trees which furnish this bland mucilaginous substance are highly astrin- gent; that of the mimosa nilotica itself is used in India for tanning; and in our country, the cherry and plumb trees, which sometimes yield a little gum, have very astringent barks. There are two kinds of gum found in the shops, and sold promis- cuously, distinguished by the names of Gum-Arabic, and East-India gum. Gum-Arabic consists of roundish transparent tears, colourless, or of a yellowish colour, shining fracture, without smell or taste, and perfectly soluble in water. The pieces which are most transparent, 2 Y 354 Materia Medica. and have least colour, are reckoned the best. They are sometimes selected from the Gum-Arabic in sorts, and sold for about double the price, under the title of picked gum. The East-InciLi gum is darker coloured than Gum-Arabic, and is not so readily soluble in water. Dr Duncan possesses a mass of gum, gathered from a mimosa in New South Wales, by Mr. Jamieson. It is darker coloured even than East-India gum, and is also less soluble than it; for when suspended in water, it t^ives off white films, which float through the mucilage. But its most remarkable property is, that it does not precipitate si- licized potass; in which respect it agrees, as far as the Doctor's ex- periments go, with Ktim collected in this neighbourhood from the common cherry and plum trees. It is also remarkable, that the coarsest gum forms the thickest mucilage; at least Botany-Bay gum forms a thicker mucilage than Last-India gum, and this than Gum- Arabic. Gum-Arabic was originally brought from Arabia, by the way of Egypt, to Marseilles; and it was not until the beginning of the seven- teenth century that the Dutch made the gum of Senegal known in Europe. After the French got possession of that river, they directed their attention to it, as an important object of commerce, and ascer- tained, by experiments marie in the latter half of the seventeenth century, that gum Senegal was superior to the best gum of Arabia; and for about fifty yeais it has had the preference. M. Adanson examined all the gum trees of West Africa with great care, and has given tne best description of them. They amount to forty in number; but the three great forests which supply the Sene- gal market consist chiefly of two kinds; one which produces a white gum, called Vereck, and another, called Nebueb, which yields a red gum. About the middle of November, that is, after the rainy season, which begins early in July, a gummy juice exudes spontaneously from the trunk and principal branches. In about fifteen days, it thickens in the furrow, down which it runs, either in a vermicular shape, or more commonly assuming the form of round or oval tears, about the size of a pigeon's egg, of different colours, as they belong the white or red gum-tree. About the middle of December, the Moors encamp on the borders of the forest, and the harvest lasts six weeks. The gum is packed in very large sacks of tanned leather, and brought on camels and bullocks to certain ports, where it is sold to the French and English merchants. In 1787, the annual quantity pur- chased by the former was about 800,000 pounds, and by the latter 400,000, according to the information of M. Golberry. Mr. Jackson, in his account of the Empire of Morocco, informs us, that from Mogodor they export two sorts of gum, one the com- mon Gum-Arabic, the produce of Morocco, and called Barbary gum; the other finer, called Gum Soudan, or Senegal, brought from Tim- buctoo by the Caravans. He also says, but it must be observed that he is no botanist, that the gum called Morocco or Barbary gum is pro- duced from a thorny tree called Actaleh, having leaves similar to the juniper, whereas all the acacias have pinnated leaves. It yields most M.—Mixture. 355' gum during the hot and parching heat of July and August; and the hotter the weather, and the more sickly the tree appears, the more gum it yields. A wet winter and a mild summer are unfavourable to gum. Gum is highly nutritious. During the whole time of the harvest, of the journey, and of the fair, the Moors of the desert live almost entirely upon it; and experience has proved that six ounces are suf- ficient for the support of a man during twenty-four hours. Medical use —It possesses the powers of a mucilaginous demul- cent in a high degree; and is frequently exhibited in diarrhoea, dy- sentery, chmcough, hoarseness, strangury, &c; and is an extremely useful article for giving form to some remedies, and for correcting the acrimony of others.* M. Golberry says, that he saw a young Englishman in Gambia re- cover from a very severe haemoptysis, by taking three ounces of gum daily, dissolved in milk. Officinal Preparations. Mucilago mimosae niloticae, E. L. D. - vide Mucilagines. Emulsio arabica, L>. Mixtura. Mixtura moschata, L - - - Idem. cretacea, L- D. ... - Idem. Decoctum cornu cervi, L. - . - - Decocta. Trochisci carbonatis calcis, L. - Trochisci. glycyrrhizae, E. - - - - Idem. cum opio, E. Idem. gummosi, E. D. - - - Idrm. Pulvis cretae compositus, L. ... Pulveres. tragacanthae compositus, L. - Idem. MIXTURE & EMULSIONES. MIXTURES AND EMULSIONS. Under these heads are comprehended those mixtures in which oils and other substances insoluble in water are mixed with, and suspended in, watery fluids, by means of viscid substances, such as mucilage and syrups. * It deserves a constant place on ship-board, in well-secured vessels, as an article capable of supporting life in small amount, in case of shipwreck..—Other substances of similar nutritious properties, in small amount, might also be ad- vantageously preserved for a similar case of misfortune, as salop, &c. Garri- sons, supplied with due quantities of such articles, might thereby be enabled to sustain a longer siege. Even paper itself, boiled down to a pulp, might serve to support life, in case of great necessity. 356 Materia Medica. EMULSIO AMYGDALE COMMUNIS. Ed. Almond Emulsion. Lac Amygdala. D. Mistura Amygdalarum. L. Almond Mixture. Take of Sweet almonds, blanched, an ounce and a half; Double refined sugar, half an ounce; Distilled water, two pints and a half. Beat the almonds with the sugar; then, rubbing them together, add by degrees the water, and strain the liquor. (D.) EMULSIO MIMOSA NILOTICiE; vulgo Emulsio Arabic a.-Ed. Emulsio Arabica. D. Arabic Emulsion. This is made in the same manner as the almond emulsion; only add- ing, whii*r heating the almonds, Mucilage of gum arabic, two ounces. (E.) These possess nearly the same qualities, and are merely mecha- nical suspeiifiions of oil of idinonds in watery fluids, by means either of the mucilagt with which it is naturally combined in the almonds by itself, or assisted by the addition of gum arabic and sugar. There- fore, on standing for some days, the oily matter separates and rises to the top, not in a pure form, but like thick cream. By heat the same decomposition is immediately effected. Great care should be taken that the almonds have not become rancid by keeping, which not only renders the emulsion extremely unpleasant, a circumstance of great consequence in a medicine that requires to be taken in large quantities, but likewise gives it injurious qualities. The almonds are blanched by infusing them in boiling water, and peeling them. The success of the preparation depends upon beating the almonds to a smooth pulp, and triturating them with each portion of the watery fluid, so as to form an uniform mixture before another portion be added. These liquors are principally used for diluting and correcting acrimonious humours; particularly in heat of urine and stranguries, arising either from a natural acrimony of the juices, or from the operation of cantharides, and other irritating medicines: in these cases, they are to be drunk frequently, to the quantity of half a pint or more at a time. EMULSIO CAMPHORATA. Ed. Camphorated Emulsion. Mistura Camphorata. D. Mistura Camphors. L. Camphorated Mixture. Take of Camphor, one scruple; M.—Mixtura;. 357 Sweet almonds, blanched, two drachms; Refined sugar, one drachm; Water, six ounces. This is to be made in the same manner as the common almond emul- sion. (E.) This mixture is not very permanent, as the camphor separates and swims upon the surface in the course of a few days. As an extempo- raneous prescription, however, it is a very convenient mode of exhi- biting that active drug, and may be given to the extent of a table spoonful every three or four hours in typhoid fevers. LAC AMMONIACI. L. D. Emulsion of Gum Ammoniac. Take of Ammoniac, two drachms; Water, half a pint. Rub the gum-resin with the water, gradually poured on, until it be- comes an emulsion. (L.) In the same manner may be made an emulsion of assa foetida, and of the rest of the gum-resits. The lac ammoniaci is employed for attenuating tough phlegm, and promoting expectoration, in humoral asthmas, coughs, and obstruc- tions of the viscera. It may be given in the quantity of two spoonfuls twice a-day. The assa foetida emulsion is employed in spasmodical, hysterical, and other nervous affections. And it is also not unfrequently used un- der the form of injection. It answers the same purposes as assa foetida in substance, but is very disagreeable. MISTURA FERRI COMPOSITA. Compound mixture of Iron. L. Take of Myrrh, powdered, a drachm; Sob-carbonat of potass, twenty-five grains; Rose water, seven ounces and a half; Sulphat of iron, powdered, a scruple; Spirit of nutmeg, half an ounce; Refined sugar, a drachm. Rub together the myrrh, the sub-carbonat of potass, and sugar, and during the trituration, add gradually; first, the rose water and spirit of nutmeg, and last the sulphat of iron. Pour the mixture imme- diately into a proper glass bottle and stop it close. This is the celebrated antihectic mixture of Dr. Griffith, and is now introduced from the London pharmacopoeia, for the purpose of 358 Materia Medica. giving precise directions fbr its preparation. As first invented, says Mr. Murray, it was undoubtedly an unchemical mixture, the pre- server not being aware of the changes produced in the active ingre- dients by their mutual action, but which, in practice, was found pos- sessed of peculiar advantages. The sulphat of iron, it is obvious, is decomposed by the sub-carbonat of potass, the sulphuric acid com- bining with the potass, while the carbonic acid unites with the oxyd of iron. The carbonat of iron which is formed is diffused in the mix- ture along with the myrrh, and both are probably kept more com- pletely suspended by an excess of alkali. This chalybeate proves much icss irritating than the sulphat of iron, producing no unpleasant effect on the stomach, and at the same time it is more active than the common carbonat or rust of iron is at the maximum of oxydation, wnile, in the present preparation, it is at the minimum, is in a diffe- rent state of aggregation, and probubly combined with a larger quan- tity of carbonic acid. To preserve it in this low state of oxydation, it is ordered to be kept in a bottle closely stopped; but as iron has a strong tendency to pass to a more highly oxydated state, and suffers this change very rapidly from the action of the air, it is preferable that the preparation should be always extemporaneously made. Grif- fith's mixture was employed as a remedy in hectic fever, in chlorosis, and other diseases, in which iron is uiven as a tonic. The mixture of the London pharmacopoeia, which is nearly of the same strength, may be given in the same cases, in a dose of an ounce, once or iwice a-day. It is employed with the greatest success in those cases of hec- tic fever which are unattended by any great degree of heat or thirst, and which do not show manifest signs of inflammation. It will in ge- neral be found to sit easy on the stomach; but should it disagree, or should hectic fever and flushings prevail to a high degree, the pro- portion of the ingredients may be changed, or the sulphat of iron al- together omitted. MISTURA MOSCHI. L. Musk Mixture. Take of Musk, Gum arabic, powdered, Double refined sugar, of each one drachm; Rose water, six ounces by measure. Rub the musk first with the sugar, then with the gum, and add the rose water by degrees. (L.) Unless the musk be very thoroughly triturated with the sugar and gum before the addition of the water it soon separates. An ounce, or an ounce and a half, may be taken for a dose. M.—Mixtura. 359 POTIO CARBONATIS CALCIS; olim, Potio Cretacea, Ed. Chalk Potion. Mistura Cretje. L. D. Mixture of Chalk. Take of Prepared carbonat of lime, one ounce; Refined sugar, half an ounce; Mucilage of gum arabic, two ounces. Triturate together, and then gradually add of Water, two pounds and a half; ' Spirit of cinnamon, two ounces. Mix them. (L.) This is a very elegant form of exhibiting chalk, and is an useful remedy in diseases arising from, or accompanied with, acidity in the primae vise. It U> frequently employed in diarrhoea proceeding from that cause. The mucilage not only serves to keep the chalk uniformly diffused, but also improves its virtues. The dose of this medicine re- quires no nicety. It may be taken to the extent of a pound or two in the course of a day. MISTURA GUAIACI. L. Guaiac Mixture. Take of Guaiac, one drachm and a half; Refined sugar, two drachms; Mucilage of gum arabic, two fluidrachms; Cinnamon water, eight fluidounces. Triturate the guaiac with the sugar, then with the mucilage, and dur- ing the trituration with these, gradually add the cinnamon water. This is one of the best forms of exhibiting guaiac, although it is not dissolved, but only mechanically suspended in the mixture, by means of the sugar and mucilage. MISTURA CORNU USTI. L. Decoctum Cornu Cervini. D. Mixture of burnt Horn. Decoction of Hartshorn. Take of Burnt and prepared hartshorn, two ounces; Gum arabic, in powder, one ounce (three drachms, D.); Water, three pints. Boil, constantly stirring, down to two pints; and strain. Prepared hartshorn is phosphat of lime in a minute state of me- chanical division. By boiling in a mucilaginous liquid, it is diffused and imperfectly suspended, but not a particle of it is dissolved. This 360 Materia Medica. is therefore an extremely injudicious preparation; for phosphat of lime would be much more easily and effectually suspended by tritu- rating it with a larger proportion of gum arabic, and adding tie water gradually. But we believe that this preparation has no other action than that of a weak mucilage. ENEMA CATHARTICUM. D. Purging Clyster. Take of Manna, one ounce. Dissolve in ten ounces, by measure, of Compound decoction of chamomile; then add of Olive oil, one ounce; Sulphat of magnesia, half an ounce. Mix them. ENEMA FCETIDUM. D. Fetid Enema Is made by adding to the former two drachms of the tincture of assa foetida. These are very useful extemporaneous preparations. MOMORDICA ELATERIUM. Ed. L. D. Fructus recens tub- maturus. Wild Cucumber. The fresh fruit, when almost ripe. Willd. g. 7139. sfi. 13.—Monoecia Syngenesia.—Nat. ord. Cucurbi- tacea. This plant is a native of the south of Europe, and is perennial. When cultivated in Great Britain, it does not survive the winter. The fruit is oblong, about an inch and a half long, and an inch in diameter. It is of a green colour, and beset with stiff hairs. When nearly ripe, it bursts on a slight touch, separates from its stalk, and sheds its seeds with great violence. From this circumstance, it was named by the Greeks Elaterium, which name was also applied to the faecula of the juice of the fruit, the only preparation used* in medicine. Planche found it to contain animo-vegetable matter. Medical use.—In a few grains it operates as a drastic purgative, and is sometimes used in dropsies. It is high priced and seldom used, though lately recommended by Dr. Ferriar. Officinal Preparation. Succus spissatus momordicae elaterii, E. L. D. vide Sued spissati. M.—Moms.—Moschus. 361 MORUS NIGRA. Morus. Fructus. L. Mulberry tree. The fruit. WiM. g. 1664. sp. 5. Monoecia Tetrandria.—Nat ord. Scabrida. This tree, which is supposed to have come originally from Persia, bears the cold of the winters, and ripens its fruits in England. The fruit has the same properties with other sub-acid fruits. Its juice contains tartaric acid. Officinal Preparation. Syrupus succi fructus mori, L. - - ' vide Syrupi. MOSCHUS MOSCHIFERUS. Materia in folliculoprope umbilicum collecta. Ed. The mutk deer. The substance contained in a follicle situated near (he navel. Moschus. L. D. Musk. Mammalia. D. DA. F. G. I. Muskus. Drsmcr. Muse. Bisam. Muschio. P. Almiscar. POL. Pizmo. R. Muscus. S. Almizele. SW. Desman. The musk animal is an inhabitant of the most elevated region of Asia, particularly of the Altayan Alps, and the mountains which di- vide Thibet from China. It is a gentle and timid animal, and its chase is difficult and dangerous. Its general form resembles the deer tribe, and it is about three feet in length. In the male, behind the navel and before the prepuce, there is situated an oval bag, flat on one side and convex on the other, about three inches long and two broad, projecting about an inch, and having a small open orifice, beset with short hairs, which is empty in the young animal, but in the adult is filled with a secreted matter, known by the name of musk. When the bag becomes too full, the animal expresses part of its contents by rubbing itself against stones or trees. The musk expressed in this manner is said to be the purest, but none of it pro- bably reaches this country. The best musk is brought from Tonquin, an inferior sort from Agria and Bengal, and a still worse from Russia. Fine musk comes to us in round thin bladders; which are gene- ally about the size of a pigeon's egg, covered with short brown hairs, lined with a thin brown membrane, well filled, and without any ap- pearance of having been opened. The musk itself is dry, with a kind of unctuoiity, of a dark reddish brown, or rusty blackish colour, in small round grains, with very few hard black clots, and perfectly free from sandy or other visible foreign matter. If chewed and rub- bed with a knife on paper, it looks smooth, bright, yellowish, and is free from grittiness. Laid on a red-hot iron, it catches flame, and 2 Z 362 Materia Medica. burns almost entirely away, leaving only an exceeding small quantity of light greyish ashes. The largest and fullest bag scarcely contains more than two drachms of musk. Its taste is somewhat bitterish, and its smell extremely powerful and peculiar Neumann got from 30 grains of musk 12 of watery and 4 of alcoholic extract; and inversely, 10 of alcoholic and 6 of watery. Its smell and taste were elevated in distillation with water, but not with alcohol. Neither the fixed nor volatile oils dissolved it. The very great price of musk has given rise to many modes of adulterating it To increase its weight^sand, and even particles of lead are introduced through very small openings into the bags. The real musk is frequently abstracted from the bag, and its place sup- plied with dry and coarsely powdered blood, or some mixture with asphaltum. These adulterations are to be detected by discovering that the bag has been opened. The presence of blood is also known by the fetid smell it emits when heated sufficiently, and by the for- mation of ammonia when rubbed with potass. Asphaltum is known by its shining fracture and melting on hot iron, while musk is con- verted into charcoal. But there are even artificial bags filled with a composition containing some real musk. These are in general thicker, and covered with longer hair, and want the internal brown membrane which lines the real musk-bag. Medical use.—.Musk is a medicine of very great efficacy, and for which in some cases, there is hardly any substitute. When properly administered, it sometimes succeeds in the most desperate circum- stances. It raises the pulse, without heating much; it allays spasms, and operates remarkably on the brain, increasing the powers of thought, sensation, and voluntary motion. It may be employed in every instance of typhus fever, especially when attended with delirium, or spasmodic affection of any particular organ, or of the whole system, or subsultus tendinum, &c. It is also used with the greatest benefit in exanthematous and phlegmonic diseases, accompanied with typhoid fever; and in many spasmodic affections, as chincough, epilepsy, tris-mus, Sec. It is most conveniently given in substance in powder, in doses of three grains or upwards, repeated every one or two hours, its best preparation is the tincture. Officinal Preparations. Tinctura moschi, D. vide Tinctura. Mistura moschata, L. - Mixtura. M\JC\\,KOm¥&.—MUCILAGES. MUCILAGO AMYLI. Ed. L. D. Mucilage of Starch. Take of Starch, half an ounce; Water, one pound. Triturate the starch, gradually adding the water; then boil them a little. (E. D.) M.—Mucilagines. 363 The mucilage thus formed is very usel>il in those cases where a glutinous substance is required; it is often successfully employed as a clyster, in diarrhoeas depending on acrimony in the intestines. MUCILAGO ASTRAGALI TRAGACANTH^. Ed. Mucilaoo Gummi Tragacanth^. D. Mucilage of Gum Tragacanth. Take of Tragacanth, half an ounce, Distilled water, ten ounces, by measure. Macerate them, with a gentle heat, till the tragacanth be dissolved. (L.) Gum Tragacanth is difficultly soluble in water. When macera- ted in it, it swells, but does not dissolve. To effect the solution it must be beaten into a paste with some of the water; and the rest of the water must be added gradually, and incorporated with the paste by beating them together. Gum tragacanth is a very tenacious sub- stance, and requires a very large proportion of water to form a fluid mucilage. That of the Edinburgh college, which is made with eight parts of water, is a paste rather than a mucilage. The Dublin is made with thirty-two. MUCILAGO MIMOSA NILOTIC^. Ed. Mucilago Gummi Arabici. D. Mucilage of Gum Arabic. Take of Gum Arabic, in powder, one part; Boiling water, two parts. Digest, with frequent agitation, until the gum be dissolved; then press the mucilage through linen. (E.) It is very necessary to pass the mucilage through linen, in order to free it from pieces of wood and other impurities, which always adhere to the gum: the linen may be placed in a funnel. Mucilage of gum arabic is very useful in many operations in phar- macy, it is also much used for properties peculiar to those substan- ces of its own class, and of all the gums it seem to be the purest. Officinal Preparations. Infusum corticis Peruvian!, D. - vide Infusa. Emulsio arabica,E.......Mixtura. Potio carbonatis calcis, E. - - - " lacm. 364 Materia Medica. DECOCTUM CYDONLfi. L. Decoction of Quince-seed. Take of Quince-seeds, two drachms, Water, one pound. Boil with a slow fire for ten minutes; then pass it through linen. (L.) This mucilage, though sufficiently agreeable, is perfectly super- fluous, especially as it is apt to spoil, from being mixed with the other principles of the seeds soluble in water. It is besides never so transparent as mucilage carefully prepared from gum arabic, is not cheaper, and is unfit for many purposes, being coagulated by acids. MURIAS.—MURIAT. Muriat is the generic term for those secondary compounds which contain muriatic acid. The muriats may be divided into three families: 1. Alkaline muriats, soluble in water, fusible, and vaporizable without decomposition, forming no precipitate with alkaline car- bonats. 2. Earthy muriats, soluble in water in general, decomposable by heal, forming a white precipitate with alkaline carbonats. 3. Metalline muriats. The muriatic acid is capable of combining with many metals, in two states of oxydizement. The muriats which contain the metal in the state of protoxyd, are in general very acrid, and soluble both in water and alcohol. The muriats which con- tain the metal in the state of peroxyd are often insoluble, have a white colour, and contain an excess of base, or are sub-muriats. The muriats are also the most volatile metalline salts, and often rise un- decomposed in sublimation or distillation. Officinal Preparations. Murias ammoniae, ... - vide Ammonia. antimonii, - - - - - Antimonium. barytae,......Baryta. calcis, -.....Calx. hydargyri, .... - Hydrargyrum. soda, ...... Soda. ACIDUM MURIATICUM. Ed. L. D. Muriatic Acid. Take of Muriat of soda, two pounds; Sulphuric acid, sixteen ounces; Water, one pound. Heat the muriat of soda for some time red-hot in a pot, and after it has cooled, put it into a retort. Then pour upon the muriat of M.—Acidum Muriaticum. 365 soda the acid mixed with the water and allowed to cool. Lastly, distil in a sand bath, with a moderate fire, as long as any acid is produced. The specific gravity of this acid is to that of distilled water as 1170 to 1000. (E.) In this process the muriat of soda is decomposed, and the mu- riatic acid disengaged by the superior affinity of the sulphuric acid. But as muriatic acid is a permanently elastic fluid, the addition of the water is absolutely necessary for its existen&e in a fluid form. The London college put a portion of water into the receiver, for the purpose of absorbing the muriatic acid gas, which is first disengaged, and which would otherwise be lost for want of water to condense it: the other colleges, however, order the whole of the water to be pre- viously mixed with the sulphuric acid; and it is indispensably neces- sary that the mixture of acid and water be allowed to cool before it be added to the salt; for the heat produced is so great, that it would not only endanger the breaking of the retort, but occasion considera- ble loss and inconvenience, by the sudden disengagement of muriatic acid gas. Dr. Powell thinks it is an improvement to add the salt to the diluted acid, but it is less convenient. Mr. Phillips has given us a tabular view of the results of the pro- cesses of the London pharmacopoeias, 1809 and 1787, and of a modi- fication of the latter. Mur. soda. 1787 35 Sulph. acid. 21 Water. 17.5 Cost. 56 Product. 29.75 Sp. gr. 1.188 Marble decomp. 15.09 Mxlif. 35 21 22. 56 35. 1.174 16.43 1809 32 24 39.4 56 43.68 1.142 17.16 It may be observed, that according to these experiments, the new process does not produce an acid nearly of the strength ordered by the college, its specific gravity being 1.142 instead of 1.160, and the fluidounce decomposing only 204 instead or 220 grains of marble, while muriatic acid from Apothecaries Hall is of specific gravity 1.158. The difference of strength from the statement in the edition 1809 was greater, as the sp.gr. was said to be 1.170, and the solvent power 240; it may now be accounted for by some variation in the manipulation, especially as Dr. Powell quotes the present statement as the result of experiment. At any rate, the new process is more economical, as at a given expense it produces a greater solvent power. The muriat of soda, which should be of the kind called Bay Salt, is directed by Dublin and Edinburgh to be heated to redness, before it be introduced into the retort, that the whole of the watetof crys- tallization may be expelled, which being variable in quantity, would otherwise affect the strength of the acid produced; and besides, with- out this precaution, the acid obtained is too high coloured. The Lon- don college use the salt dried but not decrepitated. The charge should not occupy more than half the body of the re- tort; and if a common retort and receiver be employed for this dis- tillation, they must not be luted perfectly close, for if any portion of 366 Materia Medica. the gas should not be absorbed by the water employed, it must be allowed to escape; but the process will be performed with greater economy, and perfect safety, in a Woulfe's, or some similar appa- ratus. The muriatic acid gas, on its condensation, gives out, accord- ing to Dr. Powell, a considerable heat, so that it is necessary to keep the receiver cooled during the process. The residuum in the retort consists principally of sulphat of soda, which may be purified by solution and crystallization; and to save the retort, Dr. Powell directs it to be filled with boiling water, after the process is over, and it has cooled down to 212°. If properly prepared, the muriatic acid is perfectly colourless, and possesses the other properties already enumerated; but in the shops it is very seldom found pure. It almost always contains iron, and very frequently sulphuric acid or copper. The copper is detected by the blue colour produced by super-saturating the acid with am- monia, the iron by the black or blue precipitate formed with tincture of galls or prussiat of potass. The sulphuric acid may be easily got rid of by re-distilling the acid from a small quantity of dried muriat of soda But Mr. Hume discovered, that muriat of baryta is precipi- tated when poured into pure muriatic acid, from the acid attracting the water of the salt. Medical use.—In its effects on the animal economy, and the mode of its employment, it coincides with the acids already mentioned, which, almost proves, that they do not act by oxygenizing the sys- tem. On the contrary, according to Sir. H. Davy's view of its consti- tution, it contains no oxygen, and can only act chemically by impart- ing chlorine or hydrogen to the system, or withdrawing from it oxygen or some other principle which has an affinity for chlorine or hydrogen. Officinal Preparations. Sulphas sodae, E. L. D. - - - - vide Soda. Hydro-sulphuretum ammoniae, E. Ammonia. Murias barytaej E...... Baryta. Solutio muriatis calcis, E......Calx. ACIDUM MURIATICUM DILUTUM. D. Diluted Muriatic Acid. Take of Muriatic acid, Distilled water, each one pound. Mix. The specific gravity is 1080. This diluted acid of a fixed strength, is convenient for apportioning its dose; and as it is now introduced by the Dublin college, it is to be hoped that the same proportions will be adhered to by the others. M.—Acidum Muriaticum. 367 Table of the quantity of real Acid in 100 parts of Liquid Acid, at the temperature of 60°. Dalton. Muriatic Atoms. Acid per Acid per Specific I cent, by cent, by Gravity. ^cid Water. weight. measure 1 + » 73.3 1+2 1 + 3 57.9 47.8 71.7? 1.500? 1 + 4 40.7 1 + 5 35.5 1 + 6 31.4 1 + 7 28.2 I + 8 25.6 30.5 1.199 1 + 9 23.4 27.5 1.181 1 + 10 21.6 25.2 1.166 I + 11 20.0 23.1 1.154 1 + 12 187 21-4 1.144 1 + 13 17.5 19.9 1.136 I + 14 16.4 18.5 1.127 I + 15 15 5 17.4 1.121 I -j- 20 12.1 13.2 1.094 1 -|- 25 9-91 10.65 1.075 1 + 30 8.40 8.93 1.064 1 -f 40 6.49 6.78 1 047 1 + 50 5.21 5.39 1.035 1 -}- 100 2 65 2 70 1.018 1 + 200 1.36 1.37 I 1.009 Boiling Point. 60°. 120 145 170 190 212 217 222 228 232 228 225 222 219 216 214 Table of the quantity of Muriatic Acid Gas in solutions of different Specific Gravities. Sir H. Davy. Jit temperature 45° Fahrenheit. Barometer 30. At temperature 45° Fahrenheit. Barometer 50. 100 parts of solu-tion of muriatic Of muriatic acid 100 parts of solu-tion of muriatic Of muriatic acid acid gas in water, of spec gravity 1.21 gas, parts 42.43 acid gas in water, of spec, gravity 1.10 gas, parts 20.20 1.20* 40 80 1.09 18.18 1.19 .5 38.38 1.08 .2 16.16 1.18 "a 36.86 1.07 "3 4-1 14.14 1.17 c o 34.34 1.06 s o 12.12 1.16 U 32.32 1.05 O 10.10 1.15 30.30 1 04 8.08 1.14 28.28 1.03 6.06 1.13 26 26 1.02 4.04 1.12 24.24 1.01 2.02 1.11* 22.3 368 Materia Medica. AQUA ALCAL1NA OXYMURIATICA. D. Oxymuriatic Alkaline Water. Take of Dried muriat of soda, two pounds; Manganese, in powder, one pound; Water, Sulphuric acid, each two pounds. Mix the muriat of soda and manganese; put them into a matrass, and pour on the water. Then, by means of a proper apparatus, add the sulphuric acid gradually, and at different times, and pass the gas thus extricated through a solution of four ounces of carbonat of kali, in twenty-nine ounces, by measure, of water. Towards the end of the operation, heat the matrass moderately. The specific gravity is 1087. This is commonly considered as a solution of the oxygenated muriat of potass; the oxymuriatic acid is disengaged in the matrass by the action of the sulphuric acid on the muriat of soda, and black oxyd of manganese, which latter furnishes the additional dose of oxy- gen to the muriatic acid disengaged from the former; and the oxy- muriatic acid gas thus formed, readily combines with the potass of the solution of the alkaline salt, through which it is made to pass while the carbonic acid is expelled. But, according to Sir Humphry Davy, this is a combination of chlorine with potass: the hydrogen of the muriatic acid in the muriat of soda combining with the oxygen of the black oxyd of manganese, the chlorine is set at liberty, and combines with the potass dissolved in the water througfi which it is made to pass. Oxymuriat of potass in solution was some years ago strongly re- commended as an antisyphilitic remedy, and its use extended to other cutaneous diseases, and finally to fever and spasmodic diseases, as a general stimulant. It was given in the dose of from three to ten grains, four times a-day, gradually increasing to 25 or 30. At the time, many singular cures performed by means of it were recorded, but it has fallen into disuse, and we do not now hear of its employment; although its introduction so latelyinto the Dublin Pharmacopoeia would lead us to presume that it is still used in Ireland. It sometimes acted as a diu- retic, always as a stimulant; and it is singular, that in some cases, in which it produced little or no effect, it passed off undecomposed in the urine, in these cases Mr. Cruickshank proposed to remedy the defect, by giving, after each dose, 10 or 15 drops of muriatic acid. AQUA OXYMURIATICA. D. Oxymuriatic Water, Is prepared by transmitting, in a proper apparatus, the superfluous gas of the preceding process through a pint of water. The specific gravity is 1003. The oxygenated muriatic acid was also, when the chemical patho- logy was fashionable, recommended as an antisyphilitic remedy, and M.—Acidum Oxymuriaticum. 369 it certainly seemed, in some instances, to effect cures; but it has since been laid aside. Mr. Braithwaite also recommended it strongly in scar- latina. He gave, according to the age of the patient, from half a drachm to a drachm, in the course of the day, mixed with eight ounces of distilled water; but it is advisable to divide it into doses, in different phials, as it loses every time the phial is opened, and it should be kept in a dark place. Dr. Willan confirms its use in cynanche maligna. The vapours of this powerfully decomposing acid have been recom- mended by Morveau as the best means of destroying contagion. As, however, they are deleterious to animal life, they cannot be employed in every situation. Where applicable, they are easily disengaged by mixing together ten parts of muriat of soda, and two parts of black oxyd of manganese in powder, and pouring upon the mixture, first four parts of water, and then six parts of sulphuric acid. Fumes of oxygenized muriatic acid are immediately disengaged. Morveau has sinced contrived what he calls Dis-infecting or Pre- servative phials. If intended to be portable, 46 grains of black oxyd of manganese, io coarse powder, are to be put into a strong glass phi- al, of about 2^ cubic inches capacity, with an accurately ground stop- per, to which must be added about T^ of a cubic inch of nitric acid of 1.4 specific gravity, and an equal bulk of muriatic acid of 1.134; the stopper is then to be replaced, and the whole secured by inclosing the phial in a strong woooen case, with a cap which screws down so as to keep the stopper in its place. They are used by simply opening the phial without approaching it to the nose, and shutting it as soon as the smell of the muriatic gas is perceived. A phial of this kind, if properly prepared, will preserve its power during many years. For small wards, strong bottles, with ground stoppers an inch in diameter, of about 25 or 27 cubic inches of capacity, may be used, with 372 grains of the oxyd, and 3.5 inches of each of the acids, and the stopper kept its place by leaden weights; or for larger wards, very strong glass jars, about 43 cubic inches in capacity, containing an ounce of the oxyd, and six inches of each of the acids. These jars are to be cover- ed with a plate of glass, adjusted to them by grinding with emery, and kept in its place by a screw. In no case is the mixture to occu- py more than one-third of the vessel. ACIDUM OXY-MURIATICUM. Oxygenized Muriatic Acid.—Chlorine. (Davy.) Muriatic acid gas is transparent and colourless. It destroys life, and extinguishes flame. Its specific gravity is 0 002315. Water is ca- pable of dissolving about an equal weight of it. Its specific gravity is then 1.500; it is generally of a pale yellow colour: is very volatile, and emits white fumes of a peculiar unpleasant odour. The gas de- composes alcohol and oil, and destroys putrid exhalations. It is far- ther oxygenized by the nitric acid. Oxygenized muriatic acid (or by contraction, oxy-muriatic acid) gas, is composed of muriatic acid 84 and oxygen 16. It is of a yellow 3 A 370 Materia Medica. colour, and very pungent smell, and acrid taste. It supports flame, but is deleterious when respired. It destroys the vegetable colours. It oxygenizes all oxygenizable substances, and repasses to the state of muriatic acid. It is decomposed by light. It does not unite readily with water. Water when saturated with it weighs 1.003. The oxy-muriats have lately had their existence rendered doubt- ful by Mr. Chenevix. Hyper-oxygenized muriatic acid consists of muriatic acid 35, and oxgun 65 It has not been obtained in a separate state. yper-oxy-muriats give out very pure oxygen gas by the action of caloric, and become muriats. Their acid is expelled from them wuh noise, by the stronger acids; and they inflame combustible bo- dies, even spontaneously, and with detonation. The composition of muriatic and oxy-muriatic acid as heretofore received, is denied by Mr. Davy; he regards the last mentioned sub- stance as a simple body to which he has given the name of chlorine.* The former, he asserts, is a compound of chlorine and hydrogen. The subject is still in dispute. * Chlorine, Sir H. Davy, (oxymuriatic acid gas of other chemists), is of a yellowish-green coiour, has an extremely disagreeable smell, 100 cubical inches weigli 76 or 77 grains, its specific gravity to hydrogen being 33 5 to 1; is irrespirable, and does not support the combustion of charcoal: but phospho- rus; and many metals burn spontaneously in it, and it maintains the flame of a taper. It is not changed by heat or cold, or electricity, and when perfectly dry docs not act on vegetable colours; but they are quickly destroyed by it when vapour or moisture is present. Water at 60 absorbs about double its volume, weighs 1.003, freezes at 40°, and acquires a strong acrid taste, and disagree- able smell. Chloride of oxygen (Euchlorine) was first obtained in a separate state by Sir H. Davy It is a gas ot a bright yellow green colour, having somewhat the smell of burnt sugar. It is not respirable. 100 inches weigh 74 or 75 grains. Even th^ he .t of the hand causes it to explode, 50 parts expanding to 60, consisting of 40 chlorine and 20 oxygen. Metals do not burn in it, but phos- phorus and sulphur decompose it It gradually destroys vegetable colours, Water takes up eight or ten times its volume, and acquires a lemon colour, and a strongly acrid taste, approaching to sour. Muriatic acid gas is transparent and colourless. It destroys life, and extin- guislu s flame. 100 cubic inches weigh between 39 and 40 grains; or its sp. gr. is 0.00^315, water being unity; or 17, hydrogen gas being 1. According to Sir. H D.ivy, it consists of equal volumes of chlorine and hydrogen gas. It decomposes alcohol and oil, and destroys putrid exhalations. Water is capa- ble of absorbing about an equal weight of the gas. Its specific gravity is then 1.500; it is generally of a pale yellow colour, is very volatile, and emits white fumes of a peculiar unpleasant odour. It is further oxygenized by the nitric acid, or, according to Sir H. Davy, de-hydrogenated. Officinal: Muriatic acid.—Edinb. J\re Dispens. eighth Edit. M.—Myristica Moschata. 371 MYRISTICA MOSCHATA. E. D. L. JVux Moschata et Oleum volatile. Macis ct Oleum Mads. The Nutmeg tree. Nutmeg. Its essential oil Oil of Mace. Mace. Willd g. 1351. sp. 1. Monoecia Monandria.—Nat. ord. Oleracea.. D. Muskaatnooten, Noote- P. Noz moscada. muskaat. POL. Muszatowa galka. DA. Muskadnbdder. R. Muskatniie oreschki. F. JVoix de Muscade. S. Nuez muscada. G. Muscatniisse. SW. Muskot. I. Noci muscade. D. Foelie, Foely, Muscaat- P. Macis, Flor de noz mos- bloom. cada. DA. Muskatblomer. POL. Muskatotvy knviat, F. Macis, Fleur de Mus- R. Muskatnoi zwet. cade. * S. Macio. G. Muskatbliithe. SW. Muskottblomma. I. Mace. The tree which furnishes this elegant spice is a native of the Mo- lucca islands. It is not, however, cultivated in any of them except Banda, from which all Europe has been hitherto supplied with m ice and nutmegs. The entire fruit is about the size of a peach, and is marked with a longitudinal furrow. The external covering is smooth, fleshy, and bitter. As the fruit ripens, this bursts and dis- closes the mace, which is an oily membranous pulp, of a dark-red colour aud aromatic flavour, divided into narrow branched slips. Within the mace is inclosed the nut, which consists of a brown, thin, hard shell, and a fat parenchymatous kernel, of an oval shape The fruit is gathered three times a-year. The external covering is sepa- rated on the spot, and the mace and nut carried home,.where they are carefully dried in the sun. After they are dried, the nutmegs are dipt in lime water, and the mace is sprinkled with salt water, pro- bably to preserve them from the attacks of insects. Mace by drying acquires a reddish-yellow colour. When good, it is flexible, thin, oily, of a deep colour, strong agreeable smell, and an aromatic, bitterish, acrid taste. When brittle, divided into fewer slips of a whitish or pale yellow colour, and of little smell or taste, it is so be rejected. Neumann got from 7680 parts of mace, 2160 alcoholic, and 1209 watery extract; and inversely, 1920 watery, and 1440 alcoholic ex- tract, with 300 of volatile oil heavier than water, which arose during the inspissation of the watery extract. The expressed oil of mace is less consistent than that of nutmegs. Nutmegs are oval, flvttened at both ends, of a grey-brown colour, and reticularly furrowed on the outside, of a yellow colour within, variegated with brown undulating lines, solid, hard, unctuous to the feel, and easily cut with a knife; and have a balsamic smell, and 372 Materia Medica. agreeable aromatic taste. The small round nutmegs are better than the large oval ones; and they should have a strong smell and taste, and should neither be worm-eaten, musty, nor variegated with black lines. Their activity is, however, confined to the dark coloured veins which are not apt to be worm-eaten Neumann got from 1920 parts of nutmeg, 480 of an oily alcoholic extract, and 280 watery, with 320 fixed oil: these two last were both insipid: and inversely 600 watery extract, with 50 of fixed oil, which rose to the surface during the inspissation, and 10 of volatile oil which distilled over; and afterwards, 120 unctuous alcoholic extract, and 300 more of fixed oil. By expression 1920 gave 540 of oil, and afterwards 480 of watery extract, a pretty strongly tasted distilled water, and 80 unctuous alcoholic extract, with 60 of insipid fixed oil. Officinal Preparations. Spiritus nucis moschatae, E. L. D. - vide Spiritus destillati. lavandulae compositus, E. L. D. - Tinctura. Pulvis carbonatis calcis compositus, E. - fulveres. Confectio aromatica, D. L. - - - - Ehetuaria. Electuarium catechu, E D. ... Idem. Trochisci carbonatis calcis, E. - - - Trochisci. Volatile Oil of Nutmeg. By distillation nutmegs yield a considerable quantity of essential oil, of a whitish yellow colour, lighter than water, and possessing the aromatic taste and smell in an eminent degree. In doses of a few drops it is a powerful carminative and stomachic. Officinal Preparation. Spiritus alkali vol. aromaticus, D. - vide Tinctura volatiles. Expressed Oil of Mace. Nutmegs also yield by expression a considerable quantity of limpid yellow oil, which on cooling concretes into a sebaceous con- sistence. They are previously beaten to a soft paste in a warm mortar, then inclosed in a linen bag, exposed to the vapour of hot water, and squeezed in a press, of which the plates have been heated. It is a mixture of the volatile oil, on which their flavour depends, and of a fixed oil, of a white colour, without taste or smell; and as the properties which characterize it depend on the presence of the vola- tile oil, the denomination of Fixed Oil, applied to it by the Edin- burgh college, is less correct than that of Expressed Oil, given to it by the other colleges, from the manner of its preparation. In shops we meet with three sorts of unctuous substances called Oil of Mace, though really expressed from the nutmeg. The best is brought from the East Indies in stone jars; this is of a thick con- M.—Myroxylon Peruiferum. 373 sistence, of the colour of mace, and an agreeable fragrant smell: the second sort, which is paler coloured, and much inferior in quality, comes from Holland in solid masses, generally flat and of a square figure: the third, which is the worst of all, and usually called Com- mon Oil of Mace, is an artificial composition of suet, palm oil, and the like, flavoured with a little genuine oil of nutmeg. 7680 of the second sort yielded to Neumann 330 volatile oil heavier than water, 2880 of fluid expressible oil, and 4560 of solid but fusible sebaceous matter, perfectly insipid, inodorous, and of a chalky whiteness. Medical use.—Both mace and nutmegs are rather to be considered as aromatic spices than as articles of medicine. From the essential oil they contain they are heating and stimulating, and they are added to other medicines for the sake of their agreeable flavour. Officinal Preparation. Emplastrum ladani compositum, L. - vide Unguenta.. MYROXYLON PERUIFERUM. Balsamum. Ed. L. D. Sweet-smelling balsam tree. Peruvian balsam. Willd. g. 829. sp. 1.—Decandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Lomentacea. Tins tree grows in the warmest provinces of South America, and is remarkable for its elegant appearance. Every part of it abounds with resinous juice, even the leaves are full of transparent resinous points like those of the orange tree. This balsam as brought to us, is commonly of the consistence of thin honey, of a reddish brown colour, inclining to black, an agreeable aromatic smell, and a very hot biting taste. It is very often adulterated, and sometimes what is sold for Peru- vian balsam, is a spurious mixture of resin and essential oil, flavoured with benzoin. These frauds are not easily detected, and fortunately they are of little importance. It is said to be obtained by boiling the cuttings of the twigs in water, and skimming off with a spoon the balsam which swims on the top. By incision this tree yields a much more fragrant white or colour- less balsam, which, when inspissated by the heat of the sun, forms, the red or dry balsam of Peru; but they are very rarely in use in Britain, and almost never to be met with in our shops. Peruvian balsam consists of a volatile oil, resin, and benzoic acid. It is accordingly entirely soluble in alcohol, and in essential oils. Water dissolves part of the benzoic acid, and fixed oil combines with the resin. It may be suspended in water by trituration with mucilage and yolk of eggs. Medical use.—Balsam of Peru is a very warm aromatic medicine, considerably hotter and more acrid than Copaiva. Its principal effects are, to warm the habit, and lo strengthen the nervous system. Hence its use in some kinds of asthmas, gonorrhoeas, dysenteries, suppres- sions of the uterine discharges, and other disorders proceeding from 374 Materia Medica. D. Mir rhe. DA. Myrre. F. Myrrhe. G. Myrrhen I. Mirra. a debility of the solids. It is also employed externally, for cleansing and healing wounds and ulcers, and sometimes against palsies and rheumatic pains. Officinal Preparations. Tinctura balsami Peruviani, L. - - vide Tinctura. Trochisci glycyrrhizae compositi, D. - - Trochisci. MYRRHA. Gummi-resina. Ed. L. D. Myrrh. The gum-resin of a non-descript tree. P. Mirra. POL. Mirra. S. Mirra. SW. Myrha. The tree which produces this gum-resin is not yet ascertained. Mr. Bruce has given some reasons for supposing that it is a mimosa; but we may observe, that all the mimosas with which we are suffi- ciently acquainted furnish a pure gum, and not a gum-resin. The best myrrh is brought from Troglodytitia, a province of Abyssinia, on the borders of the Red sea; but what we receive conies from the East Indies, and is produced on the eastern coast of Arabia Felix. The best myrrh is in the form of tears. It should be of a yellow, or reddish-yellow colour, becoming redder when breathed on, li^ht, brittle, of an unctuous feel, pellucid, shining; presenting white semi- circular striae in its fracture; of a very bitter aromatic taste, and a strong, peculiar, not unpleasant odour. It is not good if whitish, dark- coloured, black, resinous, ill-smelled, or mixed with impurities, which is too commonly the case. Neumann ascertained that water and alcohol are both of them capa- ble of taking up the whole of the taste and smell of the myrrh, the ex- tract made by either after the other being insipid. The alcohol distil- led from the tincture elevated none of the flavour of the myrrh; but during the inspissation of the decoction a volatile oil arose, contain- ing the whole of the flavour of the myrrh, and heavier than water, while the extract was merely bitter. From 7680 parts of myrrh, he got 6000 watery extract, 180 volatile oil, and 720 alcoholic: and invers- ly, 2400 alcoholic, and 4200 watery. Braconnot found that myrrh chiefly consisted of a gum, differing from all others. 1. It acquires cohesion by heat, which renders it partly insoluble in water, when the solution is evaporated; 2. It furnishes ammonia by distillation, and azote with nitric acid. 3. It precipitates lead, mercury and tin from their solution. Myrrh also contains 2.3 pans in the 100 of a bitter, very fu- sible, resinous matter. I have observed that the tincture is transparent, and when poured into water, forms a yellow opaque fluid, but lets fall no precipitate, While the watery solution is always yellow and opaque; and that myrrh is not fusible, and is difficultly inflammable. Mr. Hatchett found it soluble in alkalies. Vauquelin obtained from the root of the Andropogon Schoenanthus, M.—Myrtus Pimento. 375 oy means of alcohol, a thick brown oil, having an acrid, burning taste, like an essential oil, and exactly the smell of myrrh. It differs from myrrh chiefly in having less solidity; but Vauquelin thinks, that if it was united to a gummy matter, it would exactly resemble it. He does not suppose, however, that this is the plant which produces the myrrh of commerce, but considers it as a proof that myrrh is form- ed in various vegetables. 'Medical use.—Myrrh is a heating stimulating medicine. It fre- quently occasions a mild diaphoresis, and promotes the fluid secre- tions in general. Hence it proves serviceable in cachectic diseases, arising from inactivity of the system, and is supposed to act especially upon the uterine system, and to resist putrefaction. It is exhibited, 1. In substance; in the form of powder, or made up into pills, in doses of ten to sixty grains. 2 Dissolved in water, as in Griffith's famous but unchemical myrrh mixture. 3. Dissolved in alcohol. Officinal Preparations. Tinctura myrrhae, E. L. D. - - - vide Tinctura. aloes cum myrrha. E. L. - - Idem. aloes aetherea, E. - - - Tinctura atherea. Pulvis myrrhae compositus, L. - - - Pulveres. aloes cum ferro, L. - - - Idem. Pilulae galbani compositae, L. - - - Pilula. rhsei compositae, E. - - - - Idem. aloes cum myrrha, E. L. - - - Idem. assae foetidae compositae, E. - - Idem, MYRTUS PIMENTO. Fructus. Ed. L. D. Pimento tree. The fruit, commonly called Jamaica pepper. Willd. g. 973. sp. 28.—Icosandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Hesperidea. D. Piement. Jamaica peper. P. Amomo, Pimenta da Ja- DA. Piment, AlLhaande. maica. F. Piment. R. Anglinskoi perez. G. Pimento, Jamaica pfeffer. S. Pimienta de Jamaica. I. Pepegarofanato. SW. Kryddpeppar. POL. Pieprz z Jamaiki. This is a native of Jamaica, and grows in all the woodlands on the north side. Soon after the trees have blossomed, the berries become fit for gathering; the fruit not being suffered to ripen, as in that state it is moist and glutinous, and therefore difficult to cure, and when dried becomes black and tasteless. The berries are dried by spread- ing ihem on a terrace, exposed to the sun, for about seven days, dur- ing which time they gradually lose their green colour, and become of a reddish brown. 376 Materia Medica. The smell of this spice resembles a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmegs: its taste approaches to that of cloves, or a mixture of the three foregoing; whence it has received ihe name oi allspice. Neumann ascertained that its flavour resides entirely in a volatile oil heavier than water, and its pungency in a resin or a substance solu- ble in alcohol and insoluble in water. From 480 parts he got 120 watery extract, 30 volatile oil, and 20 alcoholic extract; and inversely, 66 alcoholic and 100 watery. Medical use.—Pimento is a warm aromatic stimulant, and is much used as a condiment in dressing food. As a medicine, it is advanta- geously substituted for the more costly spices, especially in hospital practice. Officinal Preparations. Aqua myrti pimentae, E. L. - - vide Aqua destillata. Oleum volatile myrti pimentae, E. - - Olea volatilia. Spiritus myrti pimentae, E. L. D. - - Spiritus destillati. Syrupus spinae cervinae, L. - - Syrupi. Pilulae opii, E. - - - - Pilula. N. NICOTIANA TABACUM. Ed. L. D. Folium. Tobacco. The dried leaves. Willd. g. 379. sp. 1.—Pentandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Solanacea. D. Tabak. P. Tobacco. DA. Tobak. POL. ' Tabaka. F. Tabac. R. Tabak. G. Tabak. S. Tabaco. I. Tobacco. SW. Tobak. This is an annual plant, a native of America, from whence it was first carried to Europe, about the year 15 60; where it is now some- times cultivated for medicinal use in gardens; but in general it is exported from America in large quantities. The leaves are about two feet long, of a pale green colour whilst fresh, and when carefully dried, of a lively yellowish cast. They have a strong, disagreeable) narcotic smell, and a very acrid burning taste. The active constituent of tobacco is an essential oil; for, by long boiling, the decoction and extract of tobacco become almost inert; and by distillation an oil is obtained from it, so active, that small animals are almost instantly killed when wounded by a needle dipped in it. Vauquelin has lately analysed tobacco, both in its fresh and pre- N.—Nicotiana Tabacum. 377 pared state. The expressed juice is manifestly acid, and contains a great quantity of albuminous matter, super-malat of lime, acetic acid, nitrat and muriat of potass, muriat of ammonia, a red matter, soluble in alcohol and in water, which swells and becomes charred by heat, and an acrid principle on which its peculiar properties depend. The infusion of prepared tobacco is alkaline, and contains beside the same principles, carbonat of ammonia, and muriat of iime, proceeding fi om the mutual decomposition of the muriat of ammonia and lime which is added to give it pungency. The principle to which the acrimony of tobacco is owing, is soluble in alcohol and in water, is volatile, but still may be concentrated by slowly evaporating its solution in water, and still more easily its tincture. Its volatility is also diminislied by the malic acid with which it is combined. It is obtained in a state nearest to purity in the distilled water of the infusion of the dry, or of the expressed juice of the fresh plant. This water is colout less, but has the acrid smell and taste of tobacco smoke: with acetat of lead and nitrat of mercury, it forms white precipitates, soluble in acids, and with infusion of galls one soluble in alcohol and the alkalies. The principle on which the properties of tobacco depends seems not ea- sily destructible, as it is the same in the dry and in the fresh plant, and is not destroyed by oxymuriatic acid. Medical use.—On the living body, whether taken into the stomach in suhstance or solution, or into the lungs in the form of smoke, or applied to abraded surfaces, tobacco is capable of producing deleteri- ous eftects. It often proves virulently cathartic or emetic, and occa- sions intolerable cardialgia, anxiety and vertigo. The system becomes easily habituated to the action of tobacco; and many people use very large quantities of it in various ways as a lux- ury, without experiencing any other bad effect than what arises from their being unable to relinquish it after the habit is confirmed. As a medicine it is exhibited in various forms: 1. In substance. When chewed, it causes an increased flow of saliva, and sometimes relieves the toothach; and reduced to powder it proves an excellent errhine and sternutatory, when snuffed up the nostrils. 2. In infusion in water or wine. Taken in such small doses as to have little effect on the stomach, it proves powerfully diuretic, and was employed by Dr. Fowler with very great success in cases of dropsy and dysuria. It is also applied externally for the cure of psora, tinea, and other cutaneous diseases. 3. In the form of smoke, it is injected into the anus by means of bellows of a peculiar construction. By acting as a stimulus to the rectum, it sometimes succeeds in reviving the vital powers in some kinds of asphyxia, and in evacuating the intestines in cases of obstinate constipation.* It has likewise been employed with advantage as a bougie in re- moving strictures of the urethra.f • See Dr. Brailsford's Inaugural Dissertation on Tobacco. j See an account, by Dr. Shaw, in the Philadelphia Medical Museum, Vol. II, 3 B 378 Materia Medica* Officinal Preparation. Vinum nicotians tabaci, E. - vide Vina Medicata. NIGELLA. Golden-thread. Mouth Boot. (Cutler.) The root. " Golden-thread is a very small plant found in wet swampy situa- tions. The stems are erect and naked. The leaves grow by threes at the termination of the stems and are circular and scalloped. The white solitary blossoms appear in May. The roots appear singular, being thread shaped, running, and of a bright yellow colour. They possess a considerable degree of astringency and bitterness, and have long been employed by the people in the country as a remedy in aphthas and cankerous sores in the mouths of children with consider- able benefit. From the bitter property possessed by these roots they are supposed by some to be useful as a stomachic bitter. NITRAS—NITRAT. Nitrat is the generic term for secondary compounds, which con- sist ff nitric acid, combined with any base. There are three families of nitrats. 1. Alkaline nitrats;—soluble in water; solubility increased by in- crease of temperature; crystallizable; forming no precipitate with alkaline carbonats. 2. Earthy nitrats;—soluble in water; forming a white precipitate with alkaline carbonats. 3. Metallic nitrats;—generally soluble, both in water and in alcohol; decomposable by beat, furnishing nitric oxyd gas and leaving the metal oxydized to a maximum. NITRAS POTASSjE. Ed. Nitrum. L. D. Nitrat of Potass. Purified Nitre. D. Salpeter. P. Salitre. F. Salpetre, Nitre. POL. Saletra, Salnitra. G. Salpeter. R. Senitra. I. Nitro, Salnitro. S. Nitro, Salitre. Nitrat of potass is annually produced on the surface of the earth in many countries. For this production, the presence of a calcareous base, heat, and an open, but not too free, communication with dry at- mospheric air, are requisite. The putrefaction of organic, especially animal substances, is not necessary to, but accelerates the formation N.—Nitrum Purificatum. 379 of, this salt, by affording the Nitrogen in a state in which it combines readily with the oxygen of the atmosphere, and forms the nitric acid. Accordingly, in Germany and Franr e, nitrat of potass is prepared, by exposing mixtures of putrefying animal and vegetable substances, and calcareous earths, to the action of the atmosphere. The salt is afterwards extracted by lixiviation and crystallisation. The nitre used in Great Britain is chiefly imported from ihe Last indirs. It is found abundantly in several parts of the United States. As it occurs in com- merce, it often contains a little muriat of potass and muriat of soda, from which it is easily purified by dissolving it in boiling water, and filtering it; on cooling, the nitrat of potass crystallizes, and the other salts remain dissolved. Nitrat of potass has a sharp, bitterish, cooling tas-te. It shoots in pretty large crystals, which are generally six-sided prisms, terminat- ed by six-sided pyramids; very brittle, and permanent in the atmo- sphere; soluble in seven times their weight of water at 60°, and in an equal weight at 212°; melting when exposed to a strong heat, giving out at first oxygen, and afterwards nitrogen gas, until the whole acid be decomposed, and the potass alone remain behind. It deflagrates more or less violently with all oxygenizable substances, oxydizing or acidifying them. When dried in a temperature of 70°, it consists, ac- cording to Kirwan, of 44 nitric acid, 51.8 potass, and 4.2 water. It is decomposed by the sulphuric acid and baryta, by the muriat and acetite of baryta, and the sulphats of soda, ammonia, magnesia, and alumina. Medical use.—Taken to the extent of from a drachm to half an ounce in the course of a day, in repeated doses, it diminishes the heat of the body, and the frequency of the pulse, and operates by stool, and acts upon the secretion of urine, but is apt to produce pains in the stomach. In large doses, such as an ounce, taken at one time, it produces the most dreadful symptoms, constant vomiting, purging, mixed with blood, convulsions, and death. Accidents of this kind have happened from its being sold by mistake for sulphat of soda. It is best given in small doses, as 5 to 20 grains frequently repeat- ed, and is only admissible in inflammatory diseases. Externally it is used in gargles, for inflammatory sore throats. Officinal Preparations. Nitrum purificatum, L. Acid, nitrosum, E. L. D. Sulphas potassas cum sulphure, E. - vide Potassa. Antimonium calcinatum, L. - - Antimonium. Oxydum ant. cum sulph. per nit. pot. E. L. D. Idem. Trochisci nitri, E. L. - - - - Troehisa. NITRUM PURIFICATUM. L* Purified Nitre. Take of Nitre, two pounds; Distilled water, four pints. 380 Materia Medica. Boil the nitre in the water, till it be dissolved; strain the solution, and set it aside to crystallize. (L.) Common nitre contains usually a considerable portion of muriat of soda, which in this process is separated, for it remains dissolved after the greatest part of the nitrat of potass has crystallized. The crystals which shoot after the first evaporation, are large, regular, and pure: btit when the remaining liquor is further evaporated, and this repeat- ed a second or third time, the crystals prove at length small, imper- fect, and tipt with little cubical crystals of muriat of soda. When pure, the solution is not affected by nitrat of silver, or nitrat of baryta. ACIDUM NITROSUM. Ed. L. D. Nitrous Acid. Take of Nitrat of potass, bruised, two pounds; Sulphuric acid, sixteen ounces. Having put the nitrat of potass into a glass retort, pour upon it the sulphuric acid, and distil in a sand bath, with a heat gradually in- creased, until the iron pot begins to be red hot. The specific gravity of this acid is to that of distilled water as 1550 to 1000. (E.) ACIDUM NITRICUM. Ed. Nitric Acid. Take of Nitrous acid, any.quantity. Pour it into a retort; and having adapted a receiver, apply a very gentle heat, until the reddest portion shall have passed over, and the acid which remains in the retort shall have become nitric acid. (E.) Nitrous acid is of a brown or red colour, exceedingly volatile, and emitting an intolerable and suffocating odour. By the addition of water, its colour is successively changed to blue, green, and yellow. In the state of vapour, it is absorbed by water, oil, and sulphuric acid. It consists of about 70 parts of oxygen, and 30 of nitrogen, or rather of nitric acid and nitric oxyd. It forms Nitrites.* The nitrites are characterised by their emitting the nitrous acid in orange fumes, on the addition of sulphuric acid. In this process, the sulphuric acid, by its superior affinity, com- bines with the potass of the nitre to form sulphat of potass, while the nitric acid is separated, and is not only converted into vapour by the application of the heat to the retort, but is also partially decomposed. A portion of oxygen escapes in a gaseous form, and the nitric oxyd gas combines with the nitric acid; so that the liquor condensed in the receiver is nitrous and not nitric acid. In performing this process, we must take care, in pouring in the sulphuric acid, not to soil the neck of the retort. Instead of a common * It does not form them by direct union, the nitric acid alone unites to the base, and nitrats are formed, by the combination. N.—Acidum Nitrosum. 381 teceiver, it is of advantage to use some modification of Woulfe's ap- paratus; and as the vapours are extremely corrosive, the fat lute must be used lo connect the retort with it. The London college, intending that the product should be nitric acid, directs us to continue the pro- cess only until red fumes appear; but there are red fumes from the very first. Mr. Stocker says, that by careful distillation, the London process affords nine ounces of straw-coloured nitric acid, sp. gr. 1.5404; after which the fumes become deeper red, and the product darker, inclining to orange; but the total product is but slightly co- loured, amounts to ten or eleven ounces, and has the sp. gr. required. The London college formerly used no more sulphuric acid than what was necessary to expel all the nitric acid, and the residuum was a neutral sulphat of potass, so insoluble, that it could not be got out without breaking the retort. The Edinburgh and Dublin colleges order as much sulphuric acid as renders the residuum an acidulous sulphat of potass, easily soluble in water, and the London college now employ a still larger quantity. We are informed by Dr. Powell, that the reason for the adoption of these proportions for nitric acid is ex- pressed in the following report to the college. Dried Sulph. Colour of Sp. Gr. Weight of Marble Relative nitre. acid. product. product, dissolv. value. 6 6 White. 1.50 4 0.73 29 6 3 Red. 1.53 3 0.70 21 60 29 Red. 1.456 30-f 0.62 19 + When the proportions were 6 nitric and 3 sulphuric acid, there remained no redundant acid." this report cannot be correct. It was incredible, that there should be so great a difference between the se- cond and third of the results stated in the report, when the difference in the materials used is so trifling; that the specific gravity of the first product, consisting of nitric acid, should be less than that of the second, red nitrous acid; and that of these two, the one whose spe- cific gravity is least should dissolve most marble. Accordingly Mr. Phillips obtained, by the first and third processes, acids of a pale greenish yellow colour, and the specific gravity in the last instance was 1.5 1 instead of 1.456. Nitric acid, from Apothecaries'Hall, is greenish yellow, and weighs specific gravity 1.424. The former im- pression of this edition of the London Pharmacopoeia stated, that a fluidounce of this diluted acid dissolved 420 grains of marble. The quantity is increased in the present to 480. Mr. Phillips found a fluidounce sp. gr. 1.5 to dissolve 476 grains. It is also to be regretted, that in the report, there is no statement of the results of the process of the Edinburgh and Dublin colleges, for although the old London proportion of one half acid was manifestly too little, equal parts may be too much, and the intermediate proportions of 6 to 4 may be pre- ferable to either. The manufacturers of nitrous acid use rough nitre with one half its weight of sulphuric acid. Nitrous acid is frequently impure. The presence of sulphuric acid is detected by nitrat of barytes; but before applying this test, the acid must be diluted, as otherwise the salt itself is precipitated in conse- 382 Materia Medica. quence of the acid attracting the water in which it is dissolved. Sul- phuric acid is easily got rid of by re-distilling the nitrous acid from a small quantity of nitrat of potass, and this rectification forms part of the new London process; as, from the large proportion of sulphuric acH used by them, they seem to have anticipated this contamination, which however does not take piace, not even, according to Mr. Stocker, when the distillation is continued, until the saline mass is brought into a state of fusion. Muriatic acid is detected by the precipitate formed with nitrat of silver, and may be separated by dropping into the nitrous acid a so- lution of nitrat of siiv /VI - , Sinapis,D. $ Oil of mustard. An account of the medical virtues of each will be found under their respective heads. OLEA VOLATILIA.—VOLATILE OILS. Volatile oils differ from the fixed oils most remarkably in being vaporized unchanged by a heat under 212°; by evaporating completely without leaving a stain on paper; by being sapid, often pungent, and odorous; and by being soluble in alcohol, and to a cer- tain degree in water. They are more inflammable than the fixed oils, and burn with a large white flame, emit a great deal of smoke, and require more oxygen for their combustion. By exposure to air they become coloured and thick, and are at last converted into an almost inodorous resin. They are also oxydized and converted into resins by muriat of mercury, and muriat of antimony; the acids acts on them with great violence, and are even capable of inflaming them. On the other hand, they resist considerably the action of the alkalies. In their other general properties they agree with the fixed oils, from which they seem to differ in composition, only in containing a larger pro- portion of hydrogen. In other respects, these oils are infinitely varied, especially in their taste and odour. Some are as limpid as water, others are viscid, others congeal on a slight diminution of tempera- ture, and are even naturally concrete, and others are capable of forming crystallizations. Their predominant colours are the different shades of yellow and red, but there are also blue, green, and glau- cous essential oils. Their specific gravity varies from 0.8697 to 1.0439. Substances which differ in volatility, may be separated from each other by applying a degree of heat capable of converting the most volatile into vapour, and by again condensing this vapour in a proper apparatus. Water is converted into vapour at 212°, and may be se- parated by distillation from the earthy and saline matters which it always contains in a natural state. But it is evident, that if any sub- stances which are as volatile as water, be exposed to the same degree of heat, either by immersing them in boiling water, or exposing them to the action of its steam, they will rise with it in distillation. In this way the camphor and volatile oils of tegetable substances are separated from the more fixed principles. Volatile oils are obtained only from odoriferous substances; but not equally from all of this class, nor in quantity proportional to their degree of odour. Some, which, if we were to reason from analogy O.-—Olea Volatilia. 391 should seem very well fitted for this process, yield extremely little oil, and others none at all. Roses and chamomile flowers, whose strong and lasting smell promises abundance, and found to contain but a small quantity of oil; the violet and jessamine flower, which perfume the air with tneir odour, lose their smell upon the gentlest coction, and do not afford any oil on being distilled, unless immense quantities are submitted to the operation at once: while savin, whose disagreeable scent extends to no great distance, gives out the largest proportion of volatile oil of almost any vegetable known. Nor is the same plant equally fit for this operation, when produced in different soils or seasons, or at different times of their growth. Some yield more oil if gathered when the flowers begin to fall off than at any other time. Of this we have examples in lavender and rue; others, as sage, afford the largest quantity when young, before they have sent forth any flowers; and others, as thyme, when the flowers have just appeared. All fragrant herbs yield a larger propor- tion of oil, when produced in dry soils, and in warm summers, than in opposite circumstances. On the other hand, some of the disa- greeable strong-scented plants, as wormwood, are said to contain most oil in rainy seasons, and when growing in moist rich grounds. Several chemists have been of opinion, that herbs and flowers, moderately dried, yield a greater quantity of volatile oil, than if they were distilled when fresh. It is, however, highly improbable, that the quantity of volatile oil will be increased by drying; on the contrary, part of it must be dissipated and lost. But drying may sometimes be useful in other ways, either by diminishing the bulk of the subject to be distilled, or by causing it to part with its oil more easily; and aromatic waters, distilled from the dry herb, are more fragrant than from the fresh. But the directions of the London college to dry the herb used in the distillation of volatile oils, would be extremely in- convenient, as large quantities of the oils of lavender, peppermint, spearmint, and pennyroyal, are annually distilled in this country from the fresh herb; and the oils of aniseed, chamomile, caraway, juniper, origanum, rosemary and pimento, are usually imported. The choice of proper instruments is of great consequence for the performance of this process to advantage. There are some oils which pass freely over the swan neck of the head of the common still: others, less volatile, cannot easily be made to rise so high. For ob- taining these last, we would recommend a large low head, having a rim or hollow canal round it: in this canal, the oil is detained in its first ascent, and thence conveyed at once into the receiver, the ad- vantages of which are sufficiently obvious. We cannot separate the volatile oil from aromatic substances by distilling them alone, because the proportion of these oils is so small, that they could not be collected; and besides, it would be impossible *o regulate the heat so as to be sufficient, and yet not to burn the subject, and destroy the product. Hence it is necessary to distil them with a proportion of water, which answers extremely well, as the oils are all more volatile in water, and soluble in it only to a certain ex- tent. With regard to the proportion of water to be employed; if whole 392 Materia Medica. plants, moderately dried, are used, or the shavings of wood, as much of either may be put into the vessel as, lightly pressed, will occupy half its cavity; and as much water may be added as will fill two- thirds of it. When fresh and juicy herbs are to be distilled, thrice their weight of water will be fully sufficient; but dry ones require a much larger quantity. In general, there should be so much water, that after all intended to be distilled has come over, there may be liquor enough left to prevent the matter from burning to the still. The water and ingredients, altogether, should never take up more than three-fourths of the still; there should be liquor enough to pre- vent any danger of empyreuma, but not so much as to be in danger of boiling over into the receiver. The subject of distillation should be macerated in the water until it be perfectly penetrated by it. To promote this effect, wood should be thinly shaved across the grain, or sawn, roots cut transversely into thin slices, barks reduced into coarse powder, and seeds slightly bruised. Very compact and tenacious substances require the mace- ration to be continued a week or two, or longer; for those of a softer and looser texture, two or three days are sufficient, while some tender herbs and flowers not only stand in no need of maceration, but are even injured by it. The fermentation which was formerly prescribed in some instances, is always hurtful. The fire ought to be quickly raised, and kept up during the whole process; but to such a degree only, that the oil may freely distil; otherwise the oil will be exposed to an unnecessary heat; a circum- stance which ought, as much as possible, to be avoided. Fire com- municates to all these oils a disagreeable impregnation, as is evi- dent from their being much less grateful when newly distilled, than after they have stood for some time in a cool place; and the longer the heat is continued, the greater alteration it produces in them. The greater number of oils require for their distillation the heat of water strongly boiling; but there are many also which rise with a heat considerably less; such as those of lemon and citron peel, of the flowers of lavender and rosemary, and of almost all the more odorife- rous kinds of flowers. We have already observed, that these flowers have their fragrance much injured, or even destroyed, by beating and bruising them; it is impaired also by the immersion in water in the present process, and the more so in proportion to the continu- ance of the immersion and the heat; hence oils, distilled in the com- mon manner, prove much less agreeable in smell than the subjects themselves. For the distillation of substances of this class, another method has been contrived: instead of being immersed in water, they are exposed only to its vapour. A proper quantity of water being put into the bottom of the still, the odoriferous herbs or flowers are laid lightly in a basket, of such a size that it may enter into the still, and rest against its sides, just above the water. The head being then fitted on, and the water made to boil, the steam, percolating through the subject, imbibes the oil, without impairing its fragrance, and carries it over into the receiver. Oils thus obtained, possess the odour of the subject in an exquisite degree, and have nothing of the O.—Olea Volatilia. 393 disagreeable scent perceivable in those distilled by boiling them in water in the common manner. Plants differ so much, according to the soil and season of which they are the produce, and likewise according to their own ages, mat it is impossible to fix the quantity of water lo be drawn from a cer- tain weight ol them lo any invariable stai.dard. The distillation may always be continued as 1 ng as the liquor runs well flavoured off the the subject, but no longer. The mixture of water and oil which comes over may either be se- parated immediately, by means of a separatory, or after it has been put into large narrow-necked bottles, and placed in a cool place, that the portion of oil which is not dissolved in the water may rise to the top, or sink to the bottom, according to its specific gravity. It is then to be separated, either by a separatoiy, or by means of a small glass syringe; or by means of a filter of paper; or, lastly, by means of a woollen thread, one end of which is immersed in the oil, and the other lower end in a phial: ihe oil will thus pass over into the phial by capillary attraction, and the thread is to be squeezed dry. The water employed in the distillation of volatile oils always im- bibes some portion of the oil, as is evident from the smell, taste, and colour, which it acquires. It cannot, however, retain above a certain quantity; and hence, such as has been already used, and, therefore, almost saturated, may be advantageously employed, instead of com- mon water, in a second, or any future distillation of the same subject. After the distillation of one oil, particular care should be had to clean the worm perfectly before it be employed in the distillation of a different substance. Some oils, those of wormwood and aniseeds for instance, adhere to it so tenaciously, as not to be melted out by heat, or washed off by water; the besl way of removing these, is to run a little spirit of wine through it Volatile oils, after they are distilled, should be suffered to stand for some days, in vessels loosely covered with paper, till they have lost their disagreeable fiery odour, and become limpid: then put them up in small bottles, which are to be kept quite full, and closely stop- ped, in a cool place. With these precautions, they will retain their virtues in perfection for many years. Most of the oils mentioned above are prepared by our chemists in Britain, and are easily procurable in a tolerable degree of perfection: but the oils from the more expensive spices, though still introduced among the preparations in the foreign Pharmacopoeias, are, when employed among us, usually imported from abroad. These are frequently so much adulterated, that it is not easy to meet with such as are at all fit for use: nor are these adulterations easily discoverable. The grosser abuses, indeed, may be readily de- lected. Thus, if the oil be mixed with alcohol, it will turn milky on the addition of water; if with expressed oils, alcohol will dissolve the volatile, and leave the other behind; if with oil of turpentine, on dip- ping a piece of paper in the mixture, and drying it with a gentle heat, the turpentine will be betrayed by its smell. But the more subtile artists have contrived other methods of sophistication, which elude all trials of this kind. 30 394 Materia Medica. Some have looked upon the specific gravity of oils as a certain cri. terion of their genuineness. This, however, is not to be absolutely* depended on; for the genuine oils, obtained from the same subjects, often differ in gravity as much as those drawn from different ones. Cinnamon and cloves, whose oils usually sink in water, yield, if slowly and carefully distilled, oils of great fragrancy, which are specifically lighter than the aqueous fluid employed in their distillation; whilst, on the other hand, the last runnings of some of the lighter oils prove sometimes so ponderous as to sink in water. As all volatile oils agree in the general properties of solubility in spirit of wine, sparing solubility in water, miscibility with water, by the intervention of certain intermedia, volatility in the he«t of boiling water, &c it is plain that they may be variously mixed with each other, or the dearer sophisticated with the cheaper, without any pos- sibility of discovering the abuse by any trials of this kind: and, in- deed, it would not be of much advantage to the purchaser, if he had infallible criteria of the genuineness of every individual oil. It is of as much importance that they be good, as that they be genuine; for genuine oils, from inattentive distillation, and long and careless keep- ing, are often weaker, both in smell and taste, than the common so- phisticated ones. The smell and taste seem to be the only certain tests of which the nature of the thing will admit. If a bark should have in every respect the appearance of good cinnamon, and should be proved indisputably to be the genuine bark of the cinnamon tree; yet if it want the cinna- mon flavour, or has it but in a low degree, we reject it; and the case is the same with the oil. It is only from use and h^bit, or compari- sons with specimens of known quality, that we can judge 'of the good- ness, either of the drugs themselves, or of their oils. Most of the volatile oils, indeed, are too hot and pungent to be tasted with safety: and the smell of the subject is so much concentra- ted in them, that a small variation in this respect is not easily distin- guished; but we can readily dilute them to any assignable degree. A drop of the oil may be dissolved in spirit of wine or received on a bit of sugar, and dissolved by that intermedium in water. The quantity of liquor which it thus impregnates with its flavour, or the degree and quality of flavour which it communicates to a certain determinate quantity of liquor, will be the measure of the degree of goodness of the oil. OLEA VOLATILIA. Ed. Volatile Oils. Volatile oils are prepared nearly in the same manner as the distilled waters, except that less water is to be added. Seeds and woody substances are to be previously bruised or rasped. The oil comes over with the water, and is afterwards to be separated from it, ac- cording as it may be lighter than the water, and swim upon its sur- face, or heavier, and sink to the bottom. Resides, in preparing these distilled waters and oils, it is to be observ- ed, that the goodness cf the subject, its texture, the season of th» O.— Olea Volatilia. 395 year, and similar causes, must give rise to so many differences, that no certain or general rule can be given to suit accurately each ex- ample. Therefore many things are omitted, to be varied by the ope- rator according to his judgment, and only the most general pre- cepts are given. In distilling fennel, peppermint, spearmint, penny-royal, and pimento, the liquor which comes over along with the oil is to be preserved for use in the manner directed under the head of Distilled Waters. According to these directions, prepare Volatile, or distilled oil of Caraway, from the seeds. Fennel, from the seeds. Juniper)%/ro77z the berries. Savine,yrom the leaves. Sassafras, from the root, bark, and wood. ~) Lavender,- from the flowering ^ spikes. Chamomile,/rom the flowers. > Peppermint, from the herb in ^ flower, 5 Spearmint, from the herb in \ flower. Oleum Volatile. E. Oleum Distillatum. L. D. Caiiui. D. L- Foeniculi Dulci. D. Juniperi Communis. E. Juniperi. L. D. Junifeui Sabina. E. Sabina. D. Lauri Sassafras. E. Sassafras. D. Lavendul.* Spic.fi. E. LAVENDUL.fi. L. D. Anthemidis. L. Mentha Piperita. E. L. Mentha Pipeiiitidis. D. Mentha Sativa. D. Mentha Vihidis. L. Myrti Pimenta. E. Pimento. D. Pimenta, L. Origani. D. L. PlMPINELLA AniSI. E. Anisi. L. D. }" mento, from the fruit or berry. the herb i Pulegii. L. D. Rorismarini Officinalis. E. Rorismahini. D. Rosmarini. L. Ruta. D. Origanum, from flower. Aniseed, from the seeds. the herb in Pennyroyal, from flonver. } Rosemary, from the flowering tops. Rue,fro?n the herb in flower. Medical use.—Volatile oils, medicinally considered, agree in the general qualities of pungency and heat; in 'xirticular virtues, they differ as much as the subjects from which they are ob- tained, the oil being the direct principle in which the virtues, or at least a considerable part of the virtues of the several subjects reside. Thus, the carminative virtue of the warm seeds, the diuretic of juni- per berries, the emmenagogue of savine, the nervine of rosemary, the stomachic of mint, the cordial of aromatics, &c. arc supposed to be concentrated in their oils. There is another remarkable difference in volatile oils, the foun- dation of which is less obvious, that of tht degiee of their pungency 396 Materia Medica. and heat. These are by no means in proportion, as might be expect- ed, to those of the subject they were drawn from. The oil of cinna- mon, for instance, is excessively pungent and fiery; in its undiluted state it is almost caustic; whereas cloves, a spice which, in substance, is far more pungent than the other, yields an oil which is much less so. This difference seems to depend partly upon the quantity of oil afforded, cinnamon yielding much less than cloves, and consequent- ly having its active matter concentrated into a smaller volume, part- ly upon a difference in the nature of the active parts themselves; for though volatile oils contain always the specific odour and flavour of their subjects, whether grateful or ungrateful, they do not always contain the whole pungency: this resides frequently in a more fixed matter, and does not rise with the oil. After the distillation of cloves, pepper, and some other spices, a part of their pungency is found to remain behind; a simple tincture of them in alcohol is even more pungent than their pure essential oils. The more grateful oils are frequently made use of for reconciling to the stomach medicines of themselves disgustful. It has been cus- tomary to employ them as correctors for the resinous purgatives: an use to which they do not seem to be well adapted. All the service they can here be of is, to make the resin sit more easily at first on the stomach; far from abating the irritating quality upon which the vio- lence of its operation depends, these pungent oils superadded a fresh stimulus. Volatile oils are never given alone, on account of their extreme heat and pungency; which in some is so great, that a single drop let fall upon the tongue produces a gangrenous eschar. They are readily imbibed by a piece of dry sugar, and in this form may be convenient- ly exhibited Ground with eight or ten times their weight of sugar, they become soluble in aqueous liquors, and thus may be diluted to any assigned degree. Mucilages also render them miscible with water into an uniform milky liquor. They dissolve likewise in alcohol; the more fragrant in an equal weight, and almost all of them in less than four times their own weight. These solutions may be either taken on sugar, or mixed with syrups, or the like. On mixing them with wa- ter, the liquor grows milky, and the oil separates. The more pungent oils are employed externally against paralytic complaints, numbness, pains, and aches, cold tumours, and in other cases where particular parts require to be heated or stimulated The toothach is sometimes relieved by a drop of these almost caustic oils, received on cotton, and cautiously introduced into the hollow tooth. OLEUM TEREBINTHHSLE. L. D. Oil of Turpentine. Take of Common turpentine, five pounds; Water, four pints Distil the turpentine with the water in a copper alembic. After the distillation of the oil, what remains, is yellow resin. (L.) O.—Olea Volatilia Empyreumatica. 397 OLEUM TEREBINTHINjE PURISSIMUM. Ed. Oleum Tkrebinthina Rectificatum. L. D. Rectified oil of Turpentine. Take of Oil of turpentine, one pound; Water, four pints, Distil, as long as any oil comes over. (E.) This rectified oil, which, in many Pharmacopoeias, is styled Ethe- real, is said not to have its specific gravity, smell, taste, or medical qualities, much improved by this process, which is both tedious and accompanied with danger. It must be conducted with great care, for the vapour, which is apt to escape through the junctures of the ves- sel, is very inflammable. Medical use.—The spirit of turpentine, as this essential oil has been styled, is frequently taken internally as a diuretic and sudorific; and it has sometimes a considerable effect when taken to the extent of a few drops only. It has, however, been given in much larger doses, especially when mixed with honey. Recourse has principally been had to such doses in cases of chronic rheumatism, particularly in those modifications of it which are termed sciatica and lumbago; but some- times they induce bloody urine. Of its singularly beneficial and al- most specific effects in taenia, we have already spoken at considerable length in the Materia Medica. Oil of turpentine, melted with as much ointment of yellow resin as is sufficient to give it the consistence of a liniment, constitutes the application to recent burns, so strongly recommended by Mr. Ken- tish. He first bathes the part with heated oil of turpentine, alcohol, or tincture of camphor, and then covers it up with rags dipped in the liniment, which are to be renewed one at a time, once a-day. As the inflammation subsides, less stimulating applications are to be used; and when the secretion of pus commences, the parts are then to be covered with powdered chalk, heated to the temperature of the body. In this way, he assures us that he cured very many extensive burns in a few weeks, which, under the use of cooling applications, would have required as many months, or would have been altogether incur- able. OLEA VOLATILIA EMPYREUMATICA. EMPYREUMATIC VOLATILE OILS. Empyreumatic Oils agree in many particulars with the volatile oils already treated of, but they also differ from them in several im- portant circumstances. The latter exist ready formed in the aromatic substances, from which they are obtained, and are only separated from the fixed principles by the action of a heat not exceeding that 398 Materia Medica. of boiling water. The former, on the contrary, are always formed by the action of a degree of heat considerably higher than that of boiling water, and are the product of decomposition, and anew arrangement of the elementary principles of substances, containing at least oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. Their production is therefore always attended with the formation of other new products In their chemical proper- ties they do not differ very remarkably from the volatile oils, and are principally distinguished from them by their unpleasant pungent em- pyreumatic smell and rough bitterish taste. They are also more apt to spoil by the contact of the air, and the oftener they are redistilled they become more limpid, less coloured, and more soluble in alco- hol; whereas the essential oils, by repeated distillations, become thicker and less soluble in alcohol. Their action on the body is exceedingly stimulant and heating. OLEUM PETROLEI. L. Oil of Petroleum. Distil petroleum in a sand bath. The oil obtained from this bitumen will be more or less thin ac- cording to the continuance of the distillation; and by its continuance the tar will at last be reduced to a black coal; and then the oil will be pretty deep in colour, but perfectly fluid, though very acrid and stimu- lating. It is less disagreeable t^an some of the other empyreumatic oils which had formerly a place in the pharmacopoeias, such as the oleum lateritium. OLEUM SUCCINI PURISSIMUM. Ed. Purified Oil of Amber. Oleum Succini Rectificatum. L. D. Rectified Oil of Amber. Distil oil of amber in a glass retort with six times its quantity of water till two thirds of the water have passed into the receiver; then separate this very pure volatile oil from the water, and keep it for use in close shut vessels. (E.) The rectified oil has a strong bituminous smell, and a pungent acrid taste. Given in a dose often or twelve drops, it heats, stimulates, and promotes the fluid secretions: it is chiefly celebrated in hysterical disorders, and in deficiencies of the uterine purgations. Sometimes it is used externally, in liniments for weak or paralytic limbs, and rheumatic pains. O.—Olea Volatilia Empyreumatica. 399 Moschus Artificialis- Artificial Musk. By treating one part of oil of amber with four of nitrous acid, added in small proportions at a time, and stirring them together with a glass rod, the oil is at last converted into a yellow resin, having the smell of musk, and known in Germany by the name of Artificial Musk, where it is often used as a substitute for that expensive drug. A tinc- ture of it has been found useful in the hooping cough by some of our medical practitioners. OLEUM CORNU CERVINI RECTIFICATUM. D. Rectified Oil of Hartshorn. Oleum Animale. L. Animal Oil. Take of The oil which ascends in the distillation of the volatile liquor of hartshorn, three pounds; Water, six pounds. Distil a pound and a half. (D.) Animal Oil, thus rectified, is thin and limpid, of a subtle, pene- trating, not disagreeable, smell and taste. Medical use.—It is strongly recommended as an anodyne and anti- spasmodic in doses of from 15 to 30 drops. Hoffman reports, that it procures a calm and sweet sleep, which continues often for 20 hours, without being followed by any languor or debility, but rather leaving the patient more alert and cheerful than before: that it procures like- wise a gentle sweat, without increasing the heat of the blood: that given to 20 drops or more, on an empty stomach, six hours before the accession of an intermittent fever, it frequently removes the dis- order; and that it is likewise a very general remedy in inveterate and chronical epilepsies, and in convulsive motions, especially if given before the usual time of the attack, and preceded by proper evacua- tions. How far empyreumatic oils possess the virtues that have been ascribed to them, has not yet been sufficiently determined by expe- rience; the tediousness and trouble of the rectification having pre- vented their coming into general use, or being often made. They are liable also to more material inconvenience in regard to their medi- cinal use, namely, precariousness in their quality; for how perfectly soever they may be rectified, they gradually lose, in keeping, the qualities they had received from that process, and return more and more towards their original fetid state. 400 Materia Medica. OLEA PR^PARATA—OILY PREPARATIONS. OLEUM AMMON1ATUM; vulgo, Linimentum Volatile. Ed. Ammoniated Oil, commonly called Volatile Liniment. Linimentum Ammonia. L. Liniment of Ammonia. Take of Olive oil, two ounces; Water of ammonia, two drachms. Mix them togelher. (E.) The London college order a stronger liniment of ammonia of one ounce of water of pure ammonia, and two ounces of olive oil. The most commonly adopted generic name for the combination of oil with alkalies is soap, and the species are distinguished by the addition of that of the alkalies they contain. On these principles, vo- latile liniment should be called soap of Ammonia, as hard soap is soap of soda, and soft soap, soap of potass. Medical use.—They are frequently used externally as stimulants and rubefacients. In inflammatory sore throats, a piece of flannel moistened with these soaps, applied to the throat, and renewed every four or five hours, is one of the most efficacious remedies. By means of this warm stimulating application, the neck, and sometimes the whole body, is put into a sweat, which, after bleeding, either carries off", or lessens the inflammation. When too strong, or too liberally applied, they sometimes occasion inflammations, and even blisters. Where the skin cannot bear their acrimony, a larger pro- portion of oil may be used. This preparation is sometimes used internally, made into a mix- ture with syrup and some aromatic water. A drachm or two taken in this manner three or four times a-day, is a powerful remedy in some kinds of catarrh and sore throat. LINIMENTUM AQUA CALCIS, sive Oleum Lini cum Calcs. Ed. Linseed Oil with Lime. Take of Linseed oil, Lime water, of each equal parts. Mix them. This liniment is extremely useful in cases of scalds or burns, be- ing singularly efficacious in preventing, if applied in lime, the in- flammation subsequent to burns or scalds; or even in removing it, after it has come on. It is also a species of soap, and might be called soap of lime, al- though it probably contains a great excess of oil. O.—Oleum Sulphuratum. 401 OLEUM CAMPHORATUM. Ed. Camphorated Oil. Take of Olive oil, two ounces; Camphor, half an ounce. Mix them so that the camphor may be dissolved. This is a simple solution of camphor in fixed oil, and is an excel- lent application to local pains from whatever cause, and to glandular swellings. OLEUM SULPHURATUM. Ed. L. Sulphureted Oil. Take of Olive oil, eight ounces; Sublimed sulphur, one ounce. Boil them together in a large iron pot, stirring them continually, till they unite. (E.) Gottling directs the oil to be heated in an iron pot, and the sul- phur to be gradually added, while the solution is promoted by con- stant stirring with an iron spatula. The pot must be sufficiently large, as the mixture swells and boils up very much; and as it is apt to catch fire, a lid should be at hand to extinguish it by covering up the pot. Medical use.— Sulphureted oil was formerly strongly recommend- ed in coughs, consumptions, and other disorders of the breast and lungs: but the reputation which it had in these cases, does not ap- pear to have been derived from any fair trial or experience. It is manifestly hot, acrimonious, and irritating; and should therefore be used with the utmost caution. It has frequently been found to injure the appetite, offend the stomach and viscera, parch the body, and oc- casion thirst and febrile heats. The dose of it is from ten to forty drops. It is employed externally for cleansing and healing foul run- ning ulcers; and Boerhaave conjectures, that its use in these cases gave occasion to the virtues ascribed to it when taken internally. Officinal Preparations. Emplas. ammoniac, cum hydrarg. L. vide Unguenta. litharg. cum hydrarg. L. Idem. PETROLEUM SULPHURATUM. L. Sulphureted Petroleum. This is prepared in the same way as sulphureted oil. 3 E 402 Materia Medica. ONISCUS ASELLUS. Millepeda. D. Insecta aptera. Millepeda. Slaters, killed by the vapour of alcohol. These insects are found in cellars, under stones, and in cold moist places; in warm countries they are rarely met with. They have a faint disagreeable smell, and a somewhat pungent, sweetish, nauseous taste. Neumann got from 480 parts 95 watery, and 10 alcoholic extract; and inversely, 52 alcoholic, and 45 watery. Nothing rose in distilla- tion with either. Their medical virtues have been very much over-rated. The millepeds are prepared by enclosing them in a thin canvass cloth, and suspending it over hot proof spirit in a close vessel, till the\ be killed by the steam, and rendered friable. This barbarous practice is now nearly exploded. OPIUM. - - - vide Papaver. ORCHIS MASCULA. Salop. The root of this plant, by maceration in water and beating, affords the tecula known by the name of salop. Its qualities and virtues are similar to those of sago. Both of these when boiled in milk or water, with the addition of sugar and wine, form a nutritious jelly, prescribed in diarrhoea and dysentery as a demulcent, and in convalescence as a nutritious article of diet, easy of digestion. Dr. Cutler describes one species of orchis, the production of our own soil, thus,' Lady's Plume, Female-handed Orchis. Blossoms in large spikes; white or purplish, or flesh-coloured. In wet meadows. August. ORIGANUM. Willd. g. 1116. Smith, g. 273.—Didynam. Gymnosp.—Nat. ord. Ver- ticillata. ORIGANUM VULGARE. Willd. sp. 10. Smith, sp. 1. Herba. L. D. Common marjoram. The herb. This is a perennial plant, and is met with upon dry chalky hills, and in gravelly soils, in several parts of Britain. It has an agreeable sraeil, and a pungent taste, warmer than that of the garden marjoram, and much resembling thyme, with which it seems to agree in virtue. O.—Oxalis Acetosella. 403 An essential oil distilled from it is kept in the shops, and'is very acrid. ORIGANUM MAJORANA. Sp. 15. Herba. Ed. D. Sweet marjoram. The plant. Sweet marjoram is an annual plant, which grows wild in Portu- gal, but is cultivated in our gardens, principally for culinary pur- poses. It is a moderately warm aromatic, yielding its virtues both to aqueous and spiritous liquors by infusion, and to water in distillation, Officinal Preparation. Pulvis asari compositus, E. L. D. - - vide Pulveres. OROBANGHE VIRGINIANA. Virginian broom-rape. Beech-drops. Cancer-root. This plant is common in many parts. It is astringent, and a pecu- liar and extremely nauseous bitter. It is most powerful when recent. It has been used in dysentery, and externally to obstinate ulcers; and is supposed to have formed a part of the late Dr. Martin's cancer powder.* OSTREA EDULIS. Ostrea. Testa. L. Oyster. The shell. Cl. Vermes. Ord. Testacea. The oyster is a very nutritious article of diet, and in some dis- eases not only admissible, but even advantageous. Their shells, which are officinal, are composed, like all the mother-of-pearl shells, of al- ternate layers of carbonat of lime, and a thin membranaceous sub- stance, which exactly resembles coagulated albumen in all its pro- perties. By burning, the membrane is destroyed, and they are con- verted into lime, which, although very pure, possesses no advantage over that of the mineral kingdom. OXALIS ACETOSELLA. Folium. L. Common Wood-sorrel. The leaves. Willd. g.9\8.sp. 25. Smith,g. 217. sp. 1.—Decandria Pentagynia.— Nat. Ord. Gruinales. his is a small perennial plant, which grows wild in woods, and * Barton's Collections, Part II. p. 6. 404 Materia Medica. shady hedges. The leaves contain a considerable quantity of super- ox«lat of potass, and have an extremely pleasant acid tasie. They possess the same powers with the vegetable acids in general, and may be given in infusion, or beaten with sugar into a conserve, or boiled with milk to form an acid whey. The super oxalat of potass is extracted in large quantities from them, and sold under the name of Essential salt of Lemons. Twe-ity pounds of the fresh leaves yielded to Neumann six pounds of juice, from which he got two ounces two drachms and a scruple of salt, besides two ounces and six drachms of an impure saline mass. Oxalic acid is obtained in quadrangular crystals, transparent and colourless, of a very acid taste. They are soluble in their own weight of water at 212°, and in about two waters at 65°. Boiling alcohol dis- solves somewhat more than half its weight, and at an ordinary tem- perature, a little more than one third- It is soluble in the muriatic and acetous acids. It is decomposed by heat, sulphuric acid, and ni- tric acid. According to Fourcroy, it consists of 77 oxygen, 13 carbon, and 10 hydrogen. Oxalats are decomposed by heat; form a white precipitate with lime water, which is soluble in acetous acid after being exposed to a red heat The earthy oxalats are very sparingly soluble in water; the alkaline oxalats are capable of combining with excess of acid, and become less soluble. OXYDUM—OXYD. By the term oxyd, is meant a substance composed of oxygen and some other body, and destitute of the properties which belong to acids. The oxyds, like the acids, are simple or compound, and like them are either binary, ternary and quaternary. The simple oxyds consist of oxygen in union with nitrogen, hy- drogen, ca bon, sulphur, phosphorus and the metals. The compound oxyds are characterized by their great alterability, and by their affording, when burnt with a sufficient quantity of oxy- gen, both water and carbonic acid. They may be divided into a. Ternary oxyds, containing various proportions of carbon, hy- drogen, and oxygen. b. Quaternary oxyds, consisting of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The ternary oxyds coincide nearly with the class of vegetable sub- stances, and are characterized, a. By their being converted entirely into water and carbonic acid gas, when completely decomposed by oxygen. b. By their undergoing the acid fermentation, from the action of air and water. O.—Oxydum. 405 c. And by their furnishing nitrous gas and carbonic acid, when treated with nitric acid. The quaternary oxyds coincide nearly with animal substances, and* are characterized, a. By their furnishing, when decomposed by oxygen, ammonia as well as water and carbonic acid gas. b. By their becoming putrid from the action of air and water. c. And by their furnishing nitrogen gas when treated with nitric acid. The ternary oxyds may be subdivided into gaseous, fluid, or easily fusible, and solid infusible. In general the gaseous and volatile com- pound oxyds contain the largest proportion of hydrogen, and the in- fusible dense oxyds the largest proportion of carbon. For the names and references of the various ternary and quaternary oxyds, see Carbo ligni. As most of the metals are capable of combining with different por- tions of oxygen, Dr. Thompson has proposed to call the oxyds with a minimum of oxygen, Protoxyds; and with additional doses Deut- oxyds, Tritoxyds, &c. &c. in succession, and the oxyds with a maxi- mum of oxygen, Peroxyds.* Vide Arsenicum. Plumbum. Zincum. * " As it is absolutely necessary to be able to distinguish the different oxyds of the same metal from each other with perfect precision, and as the present chemical nomenclature is defective in this respect, I shall, (says Dr. Thomp- son,) till some better method be proposed, distinguish them from each other, by prefixing to the word oxyd the first syllable of the Greek ordinal numerals. Thus the protoxyd of a metal will denote the metal combined with a minimum of oxygen, or the first oxyd which the metal is capable of forming; deutoxyd will denote the second oxyd of a metal, or the metal combined with two doses of oxygen. When a metal has combined with as much oxygen as possible, I shall denote the compound formed by the term peroxyd; indicating by it, that the metal is thoroughly oxydized. " Thus we have the term oxyd to denote the combination of metals with oxygen in general; the terms protoxyd and peroxyd to denote the minimum and maximum oxydizement; and the terms deutoxyd, tritoxyd, &c. &c. to denote all the intermediate states which are capable of being formed." Thompson's Chemistry, Vol. I.p. 103, 2d edition. The only objection to this mode of distinction, arises from the uncertainty of our acquaintance with all the oxyds, which the respective metals are capable of forming Hence, some, now called protoxyd, deutoxyd, &c. may at a future period, be found to require a different denomination; and such changes are illv calculated to promote the progress of science. OXYDUM ARSENICI. OXYDUM PLUMBI ALBUM. OXYDUM PLUMBI RUBRUM. OXYDUM PLUMBI SEMIVITR1UM. OXYDUM ZINCI IMPURUM. '406 Materia Medica. P. PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUM. Ginseng. Radix. Ginseng. The Root. Polygamia Diegins to be vaporized, and at 554° boils. It is crystallizable into prismatic needles or long octohe- drons. It exists in many minerals, and is obtained from bones and other animal substances. Primary Compounds of Phosphorus. a. With oxygen: I. Oxyd of phosphorus. 2. Phosphorous acid. 3. Phosphoric acid. b. With nitrogen. Phosphureted nitrogen gas. c. With hydrogen. Phosphureted hydrogen gas. d. With sulphur. Phosphuret of sulphur. e. With metals. Metallic phosphurets. f. With salifiable bases. Alkaline and earthy phosphurets. * Albumen is a brittle, transparent substance, of a pale yellow colour, and glutinous taste, without smell, readily soluble in cold water, insoluble in boiling water, but softened and rendered opaque and white when thrown into it; inso^ luble, and retaining its transparency in alcohol; swelling; becoming brown and decrepitating when suddenly exposed to heat. It generally exists in the form of a viscid, transparent fluid, having little taste or smell, and readily soluble in cold water. When exposed to a temperature of 165°, it coagulates into a white opaque mass, of considerable consistency; it is also coagulated by alcohol and acids. Albumen forms with tannin a yellow precipitate, insoluble in water. Coagulated albumen is not soluble either in cold or in boiling water. It is solu- ble, but with decomposition, in the alkalies and alkaline earths. It is also so. luble in the acids, greatly diluted, but may be precipitated from them by tan- nin. When slowly dried, it becomes brittle, transparent, and of a yellow colour, resembling amber. When decomposed by nitric acid or heat, it is found to contain more nitrogen than gelatin does. White of egg consists of albumen, combined with a very little soda, sulphur, and phosphat of lime. Albumen also forms a large proportiort of the serum of the blood, and is found in th.G sap of vegetables. It is highly nutritious. 414 Materia Medica. In its solid state, phosphorus is not acted upon by pure oxygen gas, but when melted, burns in it at 80° with a dazzling splendour, ab- sorbing about half its weight of oxygen, and forming phosphoric acid. In atmospheric air, it undergoes a slow combustion at 43°, emitting light in the dark, but without the production of sensible heat; absorbing a portion of oxygen, and forming phosphorous acid; at 148° it burns rapidly, but less brilliantly than in oxygen gas, form- ing phosphoric acid. It is therefore always kept immersed in boiled water; but even there its surface is oxydized, becoming white and opaque. Oxyd of phosphorus is a solid of a red colour, not volatile, and re- quiring a heat above 212° for its fusion. Sir H. Davy thinks it may consist of two parts of phosphorus and one of oxygen. Hydro-phosphorous acidh a white crystalline solid, but water is es- sential to its composition. It contains four of phosphorous acid and two of water. It is readily soluble in water. The solution has a fetid odour, and disagreeable taste; and gives out a thick while smoke and vivid flame when strongly heated. It is decomposed by ignited char- coal, and by heating it in contact with ammonia. Phosphoric acid is also composed of phosphorus and oxygen. It is crystallizable, fusible, and vitrescent. It specific gravity is 2.687. It dissolves in water, producing great heat. It readily attracts mois- ture from the atmosphere, and then its specific gravity becomes 1.417. It is decomposed at a high temperature by hydrogen and car- bon, and by several of the metals. It consists of 40 phosphorus and 60 oxygen. Phosphorus burns in chlorine with a pale flame, throwing off sparks, and forms two compounds according to their proportions. Prochloride of phosphorus is a fluid as clear as water, to which its sp. gr. is 1.45. It emits acid fumes when exposed to the air by decom- posing the air. It does not redden dry litmus paper. Its vapour burns in the flame of a candle. It dissolves phosphorus when heated. It is decomposed by water, forming phosphorous and muriatic acids, and by ammonia, depositing a part of its phosphorus. It is converted by chlorine into the perchloride. It consists of one proportion of phos- phorus, and two of chlorine. Perchloride of phosphorus is a snow-white substance, crystallizable, very volatile, but fusible under pressure. It produces flame when ex- posed to a lighted taper. Its vapour reddens litmus paper. It forms an insoluble compound with ammonia, having characters analogous to an earth. It is decomposed in a red-hot tube by oxygen, and it acts violently on water, forming phosphoric and muriatic acids. It con- sists of one of phosphorus and four of chlorine. Phosphureted hydrogen gas varies in specific gravity from 4 to 7, hydrogen being 1. It has a disagreeable alliaceous smell. It explodes with a most intense white light in oxygen gas. It detonates with a brilliant green light in chlorine. Water absorbs about ^ of its vo- lume; and it is decomposed by electricity, heated metals, 8cc. Hydrophosphoric gas, disagreeable smell, specific gravity 12. to hydrogen. Water absorbs ■£ of its volume. It explodes with a white flame in chlorine, one volume absorbing four of the latter. It does P.—Physeter Macrocephalus. 415 not explode spontaneously with oxygen, but detonates violently when heated lo 303 Fahrenheit, three volumes absorbing more than five. Sulphureted phosphorus contains various proportions of its ele- ments. It is exceedingly inflammable and more fusible than either of its constituents. 1 of phosphorus and 3 of sulphur congeal at 100 Fahrenheit. 2 of phosphorus and 1.5 of sulphur remain liquid at 40°, and 8 of phosphorus and 1 of sulphur at 68°. Nitrogen gas dissolves phosphorus, forming a fetid gas, which in- flames at a low temperature. Phosphuret of lime is insoluble in water, but they decompose each other, producing phosphureted hydrogen gas, which arises in bub- bles to the surface of the water, where they explode with a clear flame. Phosphuret of baryta is a brown mass; of a metallic appear- ance; very fusible; luminous in the dark; decomposed by exposure to air; emitting an alliaceous smell when moistened; and decomposed by water, furnishing phosphureted hydrogen gas. The phosphuret of strontia is very similar. Officinal Preparations. Phosphas sodae, - - vide Soda. calcis, - - Cervus claphus. hydrargyri, - - Hydrargyrum. PHYSETER MACROCEPHALUS. Sevum. Ed. L. D. Spermaceti. L. D. Spermaceti-whale. The suet. Spermaceti. Cl. Mammalia. Ord. Cetacea. D. Walschot. P. Espermaceli. DA. Hvalruv, Hvalsperme. POL. Spermaceti, Olbrod. F. Blanc de balcine, Sperme R. Spermazet. de baleine. S. Esperma de ballena, G. Wallrath. Espermaceti. I. Spermaceti. SW. Vallrat, Valraf. The spermaceti whale is characterized by his enormous head, great part of which is occupied by a triangular cavity of bone, cover- ed only by the common integuments. In the living animal this cavity is filled with a white, fluid, oily substance, amounting sometimes to many tons in weight. On the death of the whale, it congeals into a white unctuous mass, from which a considerable quantity of very pure whale oil is obtained by expression. The residuum, afterwards freed from impurities, by washing with water, melting, straining, expres- sion through linen bags, and, lastly, washing in a weak ley of potass, is the peculiar substance well known by the name of spermaceti. It is also contained in solution in the common whale and other fish-oils; for it is often found deposited, by a species of crystallization, in the reservoirs containing them. 416 Materia Medica. Spermaceti may be obtained crystallized in white argentine plates, of an unctuous feel and taste, and a vapid smell. It melts between 90° and 95°, and at a higher temperature may be sublimed almost un changed, its vapour is inflammable, and its flame is bright, clear, and without smell. By exposure to air it becomes rancid. It is soluble, especially by the assistance of heat, in alcohol and in ether. In its other properties it agrees with t,he fixed oils, with which it unites very readily by fusion. Muscular flesh by long maceration in water is converted into a substance very analogous to spermaceti, but more fusible, melting at 82°; and biliary calculi often consist of another, which is much less fusible, requiring a heat of 192° for its fusion. For all these varieties, Fourcroy has proposed the generic name Adipocere. . As a medicine, for internal use, it agrees with the fixed vegetable oils; and in the composition of ointments, &c. its place may be very well supplied by a mixture of oil and wax. PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA. American Nightshade. Garget. The leaves, berries, and root. This is one of the most common North American plants, well known in New-England by the name of cunicum, shoke, or coakum. In the southern states it is called pokeweed. It has a thick, fleshy, perennial root as large as parsnips. From this rise many purplish herbaceous stalks, about an inch thick, and six or seven feet long; which break into many branches irregularly set with large, oval, sharp pointed leaves, supported on short foot stalks. These are, at first, of a fresh green colour, but as they grow old they turn reddish. At the joints and divisions of the branches, come forth long bunches of small bluish coloured flowers, consisting of five concave petals each, surrounding ten stamina and ten stiles. These are succeeded by round depressed berries, having ten cells, each of which contains a single smooth seed. The young stems when boiled are as good as asparagus, but when old ihey are to be used with caution, being a plant of great activity, operating both as an emetic and cathartic. A tincture of the ripe berries in brandy or wine, is a popular remedy for rheumatism and similar affections; and it may be given with safe- ty and advantage in all cases where guaiacum is proper. The extract of the juice of the ripe berries has been employed in some cases of scrofula; and cancerous ulcers have been greatly benefited by its'ap- plication. The juice of the leaves, however, is said to be more ef- fectual. Dr. Shultz in his ingenious inaugural dissertation on this subject observes, that " scabies and herpes have often been removed by it. In these cases, a solution of the extract in water is generally substi- tuted where the expressed juice cannot be had. In rheumatisms, the whole substance of this plant has at different times been of essential service; although the berries have generally been preferred. In those rheumatic affections which sometimes occur to syphilitic patients, its P.—Pilulse. 417 virtue far exceeds that of opium; and it seems more valuable than guaiacum, especially when combined with mercury. " For medicinal purposes, the leaves should be gathered about July, when the foot stalks begin to assume a reddish colour, dried in the shade, and powdered for use. An extract may easily be obtained from the leaves when gathered at this period, by gently evaporating their expressed juice to a proper consistence." A tincture may be made by dissolving either the extract or the leaves, in their green or dry state, in common brandy, or in the spi- rit distilled from the berries. An ointment is also made by powdering the dried leaves, and mix- ing them well with hogs lard, or simple cerate; or by boiling some hogs lard and bees wax with fresh leaves, and straining the mass. The proper time for gathering the berries in this climate is in Oc- tober, when they become soft and ripe, and are of a blackish colour. The root is to be gathered about November or December, when the stalks of the plant are perfectly dead, and to facilitate drying, it should previously be divided into small pieces. An extract may be made from the root in the same manner as from the leaves or berries. It is affirmed by a physician of reputation and experience, that the leaves of phytolacca decandra have been found an admirable remedy in hsemorrhois. A strong infusion is given internally, and if it does not speedily relieve, the same infusion is to be injected into the rec- tum. This method will in general effect a perfect cure. According to the experience of Drs. Jones and Kollock, of Savan- nah, this plant may be relied on as an effectual remedy for syphilis in its various stages, even without the aid of mercury; and they em- ploy it with much confidence, both internally and externally, in rheu- matisms, and in cutaneous eruptions. One ounce of the dried root in- fused in a pint of wine, and given to the quantity of two spoonfuls, operates kindly as an emetic. The roots are sometimes applied to the hands and feet of patients in ardent fevers. Many country people use the extract with great confidence in its efficacy in discussing indolent tumours, and in healing various kinds of ulcers. It is found to ope- rate as a mild vegetable caustic, cleansing and healing foul ulcers better than most other remedies of that class. In three cases of ap- parent fistula lachrymalis, it is reputed to have performed cures, by being applied to the tumours twice a day for two or three weeks. This root has also been employed in compounds as an article of dyeing. PILULiE.—PILLS. This form is peculiarly adapted to those drugs which operate in a small close, and whose nauseous and offensive taste or smell require them to be concealed from the palate. Pills should have the consistence of a firm paste, a round form, and a weight not exceeding five grains. Essential oils may enter them in small quantity: deliquescent salts are improper. Efflorescent salts, 3 G 418 Materia Medica. such as carbonat of soda, should be previously exposed, so as to fall to powder: deliquescent extracts should have some powder combin- ed with them. The mass should be beaten until it become perfectly uniform and plastic. Powders may be made into pills with extracts, balsams, soap, mucilages, bread crumb, 8cc. Gum-resins, and inspissated juices are sometimes soft enough to be made into pills, without addition: where any moisture is requi- site, spirit of wine is more proper than syrups or conserves, as it unites more readily with them, and does not sensibly increase their bulk. Light dry powders require syrup or mucilages: and the more ponderous, as the mercurial and other metallic preparations, thick honey, conserve or extracts. Light powders require about half their weight of syrup; or of ho- ney, about three fourths their weight; to reduce them into a due con- sistence for forming pills. Haifa drachm of the mass will make five or six pills of a moderate size. Gums and inspissated juices, are to be first softened with the liquid prescribed: the powders are then to be added, and the whole beat thoroughly together, till they be perfectly mixed. The masses for pills are best kept in bladders, which should be moistened now and then with some of the same kind of liquid that the mass was made up with, or some proper aromatic oil. When the mass is to be divided into pills, a given weight of it is rolled out into a cylinder of a given length, and of an equal thickness throughout, and is then divided into a given number of equal pieces, by means of a simple machine. These pieces are then rounded be- tween the fingers; and, to prevent them from adhering, they are Co- vered either with starch, or powder of liquorice, or orris root. In Germany the powder of lycopodium is much used. Magnesia is per- haps preferable to any other powder for covering pills. PILULE ALOETICiE. Ed. Aloctic Pills. Take of* Aloes, in powder, Soap, equal parts. Beat them with simple syrup into a mass fit for making pills. PILULE ALOES cum ZINGIBERE. Dub. Pills of Aloes and Ginger. Take of Hepatic aloes, one ounce; Ginger root, in powder, one drachm; Soap, half an ounce; Essence of peppermint, half a drachm. Powder the aloes with the ginger, then add the soap and the oil, so as to form an intimate mixture^ P.—Pilulae. 419 PILULiE ALOES COMPOSITE. L. Compound Pills of Aloes. Fake of Socotorine aloes, powdered, one ounce; Extract of gentian, half an ounce; Oil of caraway seeds, two scruples; Syrup of ginger, as much as is sufficient. Beat them together into an homogeneous mass. Although soap can scarcely be thought to facilitate the solution of the aloes in the stomach, as was supposed by Boerhaave and others, it is probably the most convenient substance that can be added to give it the proper consistence for making pills. When extract of gentian is triturated with aloes, they re-act upon each other, and be- come too soft to form pills, so that the edition of any syrup to the mass is perfectly unnecessary, unless at the same time some powder be added to give it consistency. These pills have been much used as warm and stomachic laxa- tives: they are very well suited for the costiveness so often attendant on people of sedentary lives. Like other preparations of aloes, they are also used in jaundice, and in certain cases of obstructed menses. They are seldom used for producing full purging; but if this be re- quired, a scruple or half a drachm of the mass may be made into pills of a moderate size for one dose. PILULjE ALOES et ASSjE FCETIDjE. Ed. Pills of Aloes, and Assa Fatida, Take of Socotorine aloes, in powder, Assa Foetida, Soap, equal parts. Form them into a mass with mucilage of gum arabic. These pills, in doses of about ten grains twice a-day, produce the most salutary effects in cases of dyspepsia, attended with flatulence and costiveness. PILULjE ALOES cum COLOCYNTH1DE. Ed. Pills of Aloes with Colocynth. Take of Socotorine aloes, Scammony, of each eight parts; Colocynth, four parts; Oil of cloves, Sulphat of potass with sulphur, of each one part. 420 Materia Medica. Reduce the aloes and scammony into a powder with the salt; then let the colycynth, beat into a very fine powder, and the oil, be added; lastly, make it into a proper mass with mucilage of gum arabic. (E.) In these pills we have a very useful and active purgative; and where the simple aloetic pill is not sufficient for obviating costiveness, this will often effectually answer the purpose. Little of their activity can depend upon the salt which enters the composition. These pills often produce a copious discharge in cases of obstinate costiveness, when taken to the extent only of five or ten grains; but they may be employed in much larger doses. They are, however, seldom used with the view of producing proper catharsis. Half a drachm of the mass contains about five grains of the colocynth, ten of the aloes, and ten of the scammony. PILULE ALOES et MYRRHA. Ed. D. L. Pills of Aloes and Myrrh. Take of Socotorine aloes, two ounces; Myrrh, one ounce; Saffron, half an ounce. Beat them into a mass with a proper quantity of syrup. (E.) These pills have long continued in practice, without any other alteration than in the syrup with which the mass is made up, and in the proportion of saffron, which might indeed be altogether omitted, without any disadvantage. The virtues of this medicine may be ea- sily understood from its ingredients. Give to the quantity of half a drachm or two scruples, they prove considerably cathartic, but they answer much better purposes in smaller doses as laxatives or altera- tives. PILULAE ARSENICI cMu OPIO. Pills of Arsenic with Opium. Take of White oxyd of arsenic (arsenious acid) one grain; Opium, four grains. Make them into a mass with conserve of roses, or honey, or soap. Te be divided into sixteen pills. An adult may take two or three of these pills at different periods of the day and night. Arsenic is sometimes used in larger doses, but the above quantity is sufficient in the space of twenty-four hours, for most cases of intermittents.* * Barton's Collections for an Essay towards a Materia Medica of the United States, Part II. p. 19. P.—Pilule. 421 PILULE ASS.E FCETIDiE COMPOSITE. Ed. Compound Pills of Assa Foetida. Pilulje Myrkhje Composite. D. Compound Pills of Myrrh. Take of Assa foetida, Galbanum, Myrrh, each eight parts; Rectified oil of amber, one part. Beat them into a mass with simple syrup. (E.) PILULE GALBANI COMPOSITE. L. Compound Pills of Galbanum. Take of Galbanum, one ounce; Myrrh, Sagapenum, of each one ounce and a half; Assa foetida, half an ounce; Simple syrup, as much as is sufficient. Beat them together into an homogeneous mass. These pills are designed for anti-hysterics and emmenagogues, and are very well calculated for answering those intentions; half a scruple, a scruple, or more, may be taken every night or oftener. The rectified oil of amber is a very injudicious addition, as it pre- vents the pills from acquiring a proper degree of hardness. The tincture of assa foetida is preferable, and this is certainly the case with all those pills, formed of substances of which a tincture is likewise prepared. PILULE CAMBOGIjE COMPOSITE. L. Compound pills of Gamboge. Take of Gamboge, in powder, Socotorine aloes, in powder, Compound powder of cinnamon, of each one drachm; Soap, two drachms. Mix the powders, then add the soap, and beat the whole into an ho- mogeneous mass. This is a very useful purgative pill, being considerably more ac- tive than aloes alone. 422 Materia Medica. PILULjE AMMONIURETI CUPRI. Ed. Pills of Ammoniuret of Copper. Take of Ammoniuret of copper, sixteen grains; Bread crumb, four scruples; Water of carbonat of ammonia, as much as may be sufficient. Beat them into a mass, to be divided into thirty-two equal pills. (E.) Each of these pills weighs about three grains, and contains some- what more than half a grain of the ammoniuret of copper. They-seem (o be the best form of exhibiting this medicine. PILULjE FERRI COMPOSITE. Lond. Compound Pills of Iron. Take of Myrrh in powder, two drachms; Subcarbonat of soda, Sulphat of iron, Sugar, of each one drachm. Powder the myrrh with the subcarbonat of soda; then having added the sulphat of iron, rub them again; then beat the whole, mixed together, into an homogeneous mass. This is Griffith's mixture in a solid form, and may often be con- venient. PILULE HYDRARGYRI. Ed. L. D. Mercurial Pills. Take of Purified quicksilver, two drachms; Conserve of roses, three drachms; Liquorice root powdered, one drachm. Rub the quicksilver with the conserve until the globules disappear; then, adding the liquorice powder, mix them together. (L.) The common mercurial pill is one of the best preparations of mercury, and may in general, supersede most other forms of this medicine. In its preparation the mercury is minutely divided, and probably converted into the black oxyd. To effect its mechanical divi- sion it must be triturated with some viscid substance. Soap, resin of guaiac, honey, extract of liquorice, manna, and conserve of roses, have all been at different times recommended. The soap and guaiac have been rejected on account of their being decomposed by the juices of the stomach; and the honey, because it was apt to gripe some peo- ple. With regard to the others, the grounds of selection are not well understood; perhaps the acid contained in the conserve of roses may P.—Pilulae. 423 contribute to the extinction of the mercury. We learn when the mer- cury is completely extinguished, most easily, by rubbing a very li tie of the mass with the point of the finger on a piece of paper, if no globules appear. As soon as this is the case, it is necessary to mix with the mass a proportion of some dry powder, to give it a proper degree of consistency. For this purpose, powder of liquorice root has been commonly used; but it is extremely apt to become mouldy, and cause the pills to spoil. The Edinburgh college have, therefore, with great propriety, substituted for it starch, which is a very unal- terable substance, and easily procured at all times in a state of purity. It is necessary to form the mass into pills immediately, as it soon be- comes hard. One grain of mercury is contained in four grains of the Edinburgh mass, and three of the London and Dublin. The dose of these pills must be regulated by circumstances; from two to six five- grain pills may be given daily. It is believed, that experiments fairly made, would sanction the manna in preference to any other substance for the speedy and ef- fectual extinction of the quicksilver: and whatever mey be thought of the conserve of roses, it appears probable its use is only dependent on the sugar in its composition. PILULAE HYDRARGYRI SUBMURIATIS COMPOSITE. L. Compound Pills of Submuriat of Mercury. Take of Submuriat of quicksilver, Precipitated sulphuret of antimony, of each one drachm; Guaiac, in powder, two drachms. Triturate the submuriat with the precipitated sulphuret of antimo- ny, and then with the guaiac; add as much mucilage of gum arabic, as will give the mass a proper consistence. These pills were recommended to the attention of the public, about forty years ago, by Dr. Plummer, whose name they long bore. He represented them, in a paper which he published in the Edin- burgh Medical Essays, as a very useful alterative; and on his au- thority they were at one time much employed; but they are now less extensively used than formerly. PILULE SCILLAE COMPOSITE. Lond. Compound Pills of Squill. Pilule Scillje cum Zingibere. Dub. Squill Pills with Ginger. Pilul.b Sciluticje. Ed. Squill Pills. Take of Powder of Squills, one drachm; 424 Materia Medica. Ginger, in powder, two drachms; Essential oil of aniseed, ten drops. Triturate together, and form into a mass with jelly of soap. This is an elegant and commodious form for the exhibition of squills, whether for promoting expectoration, or with the other in- tentions to which that medicine is applied: As the virtue of the com- pound is derived chiefly from the squills, the other ingredients are often varied in extemporaneous prescription. PILULE SAPONIS cum OPIO. L. Pills of Soap with Opium. Take of Hard opium, in powder, half an ounce; Hard soap, two ounces. Beat them into an homogeneous mass. PILULE E STYRACE. D. Stor ax Pills. Take of Purified storax, three drachms; Soft purified opium, Saffron, of each one drachm. Beat them into an uniform mass. PILULjE OPIATE; olim PILULAE THEBAICjE. Ed. Opiate, or Thebaic Pills. Take of Opium, one part; Extract of liquorice, seven parts; Jamaica pepper, two parts. Soften the opium and extract separately with diluted alcohol; and having beat them into a pulp, mix them: then add the pepper reduced to a powder: and lastly, having beat them well together, form the whole into a mass. It is unfortunate that these compositions should differ so much in strength, the first containing one grain of opium in three, the second one in five, and the last only one grain of opium in ten of the mass. Under the idea that opium is to operate as a sedative, the addition of the pepper is somewhat injudicious. The title adopted by the Edin- burgh college is ambiguous, as it may be mistaken for pills of opium, P.—Pimpinella Anisum. 425 without any addition. That of the Dublin college is better, although it does not mention the only active ingredient, as it is often necessa- ry to conceal from our patients that we are giving them opium, which both the name and smell of the storax enable us to do. But that of the London college is upon the whole perhaps the best. PILULAE RHEI COMPOSITE. Ed. Compound Pills of Rhubarb. Take of Rhubarb, one ounce; Socotorine aloes, six drachms; Myrrh, half an ounce; Essential oil of peppermint, half a drachm. Make them into a mass, with a sufficient quantity of syrup of orange peel. (E.) This pill is intended for moderately warming and strengthening the stomach, and gently opening the belly. A scruple of the mass may be taken twice a day. PIMPINELLA ANISUM. Semen. Ed. L. D. Anise. The seed. Hid. g. 562. sp. 8. Pentandria Digynia.—Nat. ord. Umbellata. D, Anys. P. Anis, Anise. DA. Anis. POL. Anyz. F. Anis. R. Anis. G. Anis. S. Anis. I. Anice, Anese. SW. Anis. Anise is an annual umbelliferous plant, growing naturally in Crete, Syria, and other places of the east. It is cultivated in some parts of France, Germany and Spain, and may be raised also in England: the seeds brought from Spain, which are smaller than the others, are preferred Aniseeds have an aromatic smell, and a pleasant warm taste, ac- companied with a degree of sweetness. Water extracts very little of their flavour; rectified spirit the whole. Officinal Preparations. Ol. volat. anisi, E. L. D. - - vide Olea volatilia. Spiritus anisi, L. - - - - Spiritus destillati. 3 H 426 Materia Medica. PINUS. Willd. g. 1711. Smith, g. 408. Monoecia Adelphia.—Nat. ord. Conifera. PINUS SYLVESTRIS. Willd. Smith, sp. 1. Scotch fir. E. L. D. Resina. Pix liquida. 'Terebinthina vulgaris. 01. Terebinthina. Resina alba. Common turpentine. Oil of turpentine. Rosin. Tar. Black pitch. PINUS LARIX. Willd. sp. 7. The Larch. E. D. L. Resina. Terebinthina Vcneta, vel Resina liquida. Oleum volatile. Venice turpentine. Oil of turpentine. PINUS BALSAMEA. Willd. sp. 27. Hemlock fir. E. D. L. Resina. Balsamum Canadense. Balsam of Canada. Canada turpentine. PINUS ABIES. Willd. sp. 32. Spruce fir. E. L. D. Resina, Pix Burgundica. Resina alba. Burgundy-pitch. Common Frankincense. These different species of fir are all natives of sandy situations. The first only grows wild in Great Britain. They all abound in every part wi h a resinous juice, which possesses the same general quali- ties, but presents some varieties, according to the nature of the spe- cies anu mode of preparation. The products may be arranged, 1. Into those which exude spontaneously. 2. Into those produced by wounding the tree. 3. Into those procured by decoction And 4. Into those which are procured by the action of fire. By exudation. The pinus larix exudes a species of manna, called Briancon Manna, but it is not used; as, besides the saccharine matter, it evidently con- tains turpentine. From the pinus abies, and also from the pinus sylvestris, in warm seasons and climates, a resinous juice exudes spontaneously, which hardens into tears, by exposure to the air. It is the common frankin- cense, or Thus of the iormer editions of the London Pharmaco- poeia, but no longer officinal 1 is a solid brittle resin, brought to us in tears, or masses, of a brownish or yellowish colour on the outside; P.—Pinus. 427 internally whitish, or variegated with whitish specks, of a bitterish, acrid, not agreeable taste, with little smell. Real burgundy pitch is collected, according to Tingry, from the Pinus picea, or spruce fir tree. The resinous juice which exudes from this species is less fluid and less transparent than the proper turpentines. It is collected by the peasants, strained through cloths, and put into barrels. If its consistence be too thick, it is mixed over the fire with a little turpentine and oil of turpentine. By incision. To obtain the products of the second kind, a series of wounds is made through the bark into the wood, beginning at the bottom, and rising gradually upwards, until a stripe of the bark, about nine feet high, be removed, which is commonly effected in about four years. The same operation is then repeated on the opposite side. The ope- ration is then recommenced close to the edge of the former wound, which by this time is nearly closed. A tree worked in this manner will survive, and furnish turpentine for near a century. The juice, ov turpentine, which flows from these wounds, during summer, is col- lected in a small cavity formed in the earth, at the bottom of the in- cisions, from which it is occasionally removed inlo proper reservoirs, previous to its purification. As the trees exude very little juice during cold weather, no new incisions are made in winter; but the old ones get covered with a soft resinous crust (called barras, when it is impure, and mixed with bits of bark, dust, and sand; gallipot, when collected with more care; or white incense, when it is allowed to remain so long exposed that it becomes resinified), which is scraped off, and also collected for subsequent purification. All these products are purified by iiquefae- tion and filtration. They consist almost entirely of essential oil and a resin, and differ only in the proportions, the turpentine containing the largest proportion of oil, and the gallipot of resin. Although gallipot contains essential oil, the quantity is so small, that it is never sub- jected to distillation, but is purified by melting it with a very gentle fire, and filtrating it. By this process it still contains essential oil, and is often sold by the name of Burgundy pitch. If boiling water be added to it after it is strained, but while it is still fluid, and they be agitated together till the mass cools, we have a yellow resin, which, from still containing some essential oil, is preferred to that prepared, by a similar process, from the residuum of the distillation of turpentine. A simple mixture of gallipot and barras, made without heat, is often sold under the name of Burgundy pitch; but the mass resulting from this combination soon becomes friable. It has neither the unctuosity, viscidity, tenacity, nor smell which distinguish the real kind. Turpentines. Turpentines, or fluid resinous juices obtained by incision, have different appellations, chiefly according to the country from which they are procured. 428 Materia Medica. Balsam of Canada, from the Pinus balsamea and Pinus Canadensis. Resina liquida Pini Balsamea. E. Terebinthina Canadensis. L. Balsamum Canadense. D. Cyprian turpentine, from the Pistada terebinthus. Terebinthina chia. L. Strasburgh turpentine, from the Pinuspicea. Venice turpentine, from the Pinus larix. Resina liquida pini laricis. E. Terebinthina veneta. D. Common turpentine, from the Pinus sylvestris. Terebinthina vulgaris. L D Hungarian balsam from the Pinus sylvestris, var. Mughos. Carpatian balsam, from the Pinus cembra. None of these are properly balsams; which term is now confined by chemists to those resinous substances which contain benzoic acid. The Edinburgh college have denominated them liquid resins, which is rather a description than a name. Perhaps the London college have done better in retaining Turpentine as a proper generic name for these resinous juices. All these species of turpentine possess the same general proper- ties. They are more or less fluid, with different degrees of transpa- rency: of a whitish or yellowish colour; a penetrating smell, and a warm, pungent, bitterish taste. They are entirely soluble in alcohol, combine with fixed oil, and impart their flavour to water, but are not soluble in it. They are decomposed by a moderate heat, being sepa- rated into an essential oil and a resin, and are exceedingly inflamma- ble, burning with a large white flame, and much smoke. Each species has some peculiarities. The Canadian is reckoned the best, and next to it the Chian. They are more transparent, and have a more agreeable flavour than the other kinds. The common turpentine, as being the most offensive, is rarely given internally; its principal use is in plasters and ointments among farriers, and for the distillation of the essential oil. Medical use.—Taken internally; they are active stimulants, open the bowels, and increase the secretion of urine, to which they give the smell of violets, even though applied only externally. In all cases accompanied with inflammation, they ought to be abstained from, as this symptom is increased, and not unfrequently occasioned by them. They are principally recommended in gleets, fluor albus, and the like. Their dose is from a scruple to a drachm and a half. They are most commodiously taken in the form of a bolus, or blended with watery liquors, by the mediation of the yolk of an egg, or mucilage. They also may be given in the form of electuary, mixed with twice their weight of honey, and in the dose of a drachm of the compound twice or twice or thrice a-day; or of clyster, half an ounce being well tri- turated with the yolk of an egg, and mixed with half a pound of gruel, or decoction of chamomile. By distillation turpentines are analysed into two products, a solid resin and a volatile oil. P.—Pinus. 429 Oil of turpentine is officinal in the Edinburgh and London Pharma- copoeias; by the Dublin college directions are given for its prepara- tion At Queensferry, there is a considerable turpentine work: the turpentine used comes from America, and therefore it is not a pro- duct of any of the officinal species of pine. Oil of turpentine is lighter than water, transparent, limpid, and volatile. It has a hot pungent taste, and a penetrating smell; is highly inflammable, and possesses all the other properties of essential oils. It is remarkably difficult of solution in alcohol, although turpentine itself dissolves easily. One part of the volatile oil is indeed apparently taken up by seven of alcohol; but on standing, the greatest part of ihe oil falls to the bottom, a much larger quantity of alcohol being neces- sary to retain it in solution. Medical use.—As a medicine, it is highh/stimulating and pene- trating. Internally it acts as a diuretic or sudorific in very small doses. It has also been given in large doses, mixed with honey, principally in those modifications of chronic rheumatism which are styled scia- tica and lumbago. But it has not been often successful, and sometimes has had the effect of inducing bloody urine. Lately, however, its use in very large doses has been renewed, and with almost invariable success, in one of the most obstinate com- plaints to which the human body is subject, the tape worm. For this valuable discovery we are indebted to Dr. Fenwick of Durham; al- though its use both in worms and epilepsy seems to have been pre- viously known to Dr. Latham, P. L. C. P.; and cases of its efficacy have been published by Drs. Bateman and Laird. It has been given to the extent of four ounces in one dose, without any perceptible bad effects, and scarcely more inconvenience than would follow from an equal quantity of gin. In large doses it is not apt to produce stran- gury, but only an approach to intoxication, and it generally acts as a speedy purgative, and discharges the worm in all cases, dead. Dr. Percival of Dublin has also lately given it in epilepsy, and with some success. 3n- 3lv- ov §*• were mixed by means of syrup, with ftjj. of mint water; and of this emulsion, one or two table spoon- fuls were given every four hours. In this form, and given to the ex- tent of several drachms in the course of the day, it produced no dis- tressing symptoms of the urinary organs, stomach, or bowels. It generally procured immediate and decided relief, but it was not al- ways lasting. Dr. Latham suggests, that a large dose should at first be given, and then small doses, so as to keep up the affection of head peculiar to its use. Externally it often produces excellent effects as a discutient in in- dolent tumours; as a stimulus in paralysis of the extremities, and in bruises; as an antispasmodic; and as a styptic, when applied on com- presses to the bleeding mouths of the vessels, as hot as the patient can bear it, and it is particularly useful as a domestic application in cases of burns.* * Since the spruce pine and other varieties afford with molasses, a species of beer, highly useful in scurvy; may it not be worth trial, whether oil of turpen- tine mixed with sugar so as to unite with water, might not be capable, by fer- mentation, of yielding a liquor that might be useful on ship-board, where the fresh leaves, Ike. or the extract of spruce could not be obtained? 430 Materia Medica. Resins.* The residuum of the distillation gets different names, according to some peculiarities in its treatment. When the distillation is perform- ed without addition, and continued until the whole essential oil be driven off, and there appear some traces of empyreuma, the residuum is Fiddlers rosin, or Colophony; but if, while the mass is still fluid, a quantity of water be added, and thoroughly blended with the resin by long and constant agitation, it is then called Yellow rosin. The under part of the cake of the residuum of the distillation re- sembles fiddlers rosin, the action of the fire having entirely expelled the water and volatile oil, and rendered it slightly empyreumatic and transparent, while the upper part, from retaining some water, is opaque and yellow. By decoction. A fluid extract prepared by decoction from the twigs of the pinus sylvestris, is the well known essence of spruce, which, fermented with molasses, and water, forms the fashionable and wholesome be- verage of Spruce Beer. By fire. The last kind of products from the different species of fir is ob- tained by the action of fire. With this view, a conical cavuy is dug out in the earth, communicating at the bottom with a reservoir. Bil- lets or thin laths of wood are then placed, &o as not only to fill the cavity, but to form a conical pile over it, which is covered with turf, and kindled at the top. The admission of air is so regulated that it burns from above downwards, with a slow and smothered combustion. The wood iiself is reduced to charcoal, and the smoke and vapours formed are obliged to descend into the excavation in the ground, where they are condensed, and pass along with the matters liquefied into the receiver. This mixture is denominated Tar, Pix liquida. Ed. L. D. By long boiling, tar is deprived of its volatile ingredients, and converted into Pitch, Resina nigra. L. Tar is a mixture of resin, empyreumatic oil, charcoal, and acetic acid. Its colour is derived from the charcoal; and the other proper- ties in which it differs from a common resin depend on the presence * Resins are concrete substances, possessing a certain degree of transparen- cy, and are generally of an amber or brownish red colour. Their texture is homogeneous, and their fracture vitreous. They are easily reduced to powder, which readily agglutinates. Their specific gravity varies from 1 0452 to 1.2289. They have little taste or smell. They are electrics. Exposed to a certain de- gree of heat, they melt without suffering alteration, but they are decomposed when converted into vapour. Their vapour is inflammable, and burns with a large strong flame and a great deal of soot. Resins unite by fusion with sulphur, difficultly with phosphorus. They are soluble in alcohol, the fixed and the vo- latile oils, alkalies, and in nitric acid with evolution of nitric oxyd gas. They are insoluble in water, and are not acted upon by metallic oxyds. Officinal. Pine resins, dragons blood, guaiac, balsams of Peru, Tolu, Gilead, and Canada, tur- pentine, benzoin, storax, olibanum, tacamuhac, mastiche, sandarac, elemi. Amber, Copal, and about one fifth of sandarac differ from the resins in not being soluble in alcohol without particular management. P.-—Piper. 431 of acetic acid and empyreumatic oil. The acid itself is not only soluble in water, but also renders the empyreumatic oil more soluble. Medical use.— Far-water is a heating diuretic and sudorific remedy; but by no means so powerful, or so generally admissible, as it was re- presented by Bishop Berkeley. Tar is applied externally, in tinea capitis and some other cutaneous diseases. Dr. Bateman has seen good effects in ichthyosis from pitch given internally. It occasioned the rough cuticle to crack and fall off, with- out the aid of external means, and left a sound skin underneath. This medicine, made into pills with flour, or any farinaceous powder, may be taken to a great extent, 3uj- or ^ss- daily, not only without injury, but with advantage to the general health; and affords one of the most effectual means of controlling the languid circulation, and the inert and arid condition of the skin. AQUA PICIS LIQUIDjE. Dub. Tar-water. Take of Tar, two pints; Water, one gallon. Mix, by stirring them with a wooden rod,'for a quarter of an hour, and, after the tar has subsided, strain the liquor, and keep it in well-corked phials. Tar Water should have the colour of white wine, and a sharp empyreumatic taste. It is, in fact, a solution of empyreumatic oil, effected by means of acetous acid. It was at one time much extolled as a panacea, but has of late been little employed. It acts as a stimu- lant, raising the pulse, and increasing the discharge by the skin and kidneys. It may be drunk to the extent of a pint or two in the course of a day. PIPER. Willd. g. 74. Diandria Trigynia.—Nat. ord. Piperita. PIPER NIGRUM. Sp. 1. Fructus. Ed. L. D. Black pepper. The berry. D. Peper. P. Pimenta. DA. Peber. POL. Pieprz. F. Poivre. R. Perez. G. Pfeffer. S. Pimienta. I. Pepe. SW. Peppar. The black pepper is the fruit of a shrubby creeping plant, which grows wild in the East Indies, and is cultivated in Java and Malabar, by which means the fruit is much improved. The berries are gather- ed before they are ripe, and are dried in the sun. They become black 432 Materia Medica. and corrugated on the surface; their taste is hot and fiery, and their smell slightly aromatic. Neumann got from 7680 parts 4300 watery, and afterwards 180 al- coholic extract; and inversely, 1080 alcoholic, and 3640 watery. The principle on which the pungency depends, was soluble both in water and in alcohol, and was not volatile, for 7680 grains furnished about 150 of a very bland volatile oil. From this analysis Dr. Thomson's differs remarkably. By macerating pepper in alcohol, and distilling the tincture, he got a green volatile oil, having the whole flavour and pungency of the pepper. Besides this essential principle, he found it to contain an extractive and starch. It is singular, that the Sumatrans, who eat such vast quantities of Cayenne pepper, never mix black pepper with their food. They esteem the latter heating, and ascribe a contrary effect to the former; and Mr. Marsden, from experience, agrees with them. White pepper is the fruit of the same plant, gathered after it is fully ripe, and freed of its external coat, b maceration in water. It is smooth on the surface, and less pungent than the black pepper. Officinal Preparation. Emplastrum meloes vesicatorii compositum, E. vide Unguenta. PIPER LONGUM. Sp. 12. Fructus. Ed. L. D. Long pepper. The. fruit. The plant which bears the long pepper is also a sarmentaceous climber. The berries are small round grains, disposed spirally in a long cylindrical head. They are gathered before they are ripe, and dried; and are the hottest of all the peppers. The warmth and pungency of these spices reside entirely in a re- sin; their aromatic odour in an essential oil. In medicine they are sometimes employed as acrid stimulants; but their chief use is in cookery as condiments. Officinal Preparations. Tinctura cinnamomi composita, E. L. D. - vide Tincture. Confectio opiata, L...... Electuaria. Pulyis aromaticus, L. D. - - - - - Pulveres. cretse compositus, L. - - - - Idem. PISTACIA. Willd. g. 1782. Dioecia Pentandria.—Nat. ord. Amentacea. PISTACIA TEREBINTHUS, Sp. 4. Therebinthina Chia. L. Chian Turpentine. The shrub which yields this turpentine grows in India, the north P.—Platinum. 433 of Africa, and south of Europe, but the turpentine is principally col- lected in the islands of Chios and Cyprus, by wounding the tree. It does not differ in any thing material, except its price, from the other turpentines.—See Pinus. PISTACIA LENTISCUS. Sp. 6. Resina. Ed. L. Mastic he. Resina. L. Mastich. A resin. This species is a native of the same countries with the former. It is obtained principally in the island of Chios, by making transverse incisions in the tree, and allowing the juice to harden. It is brought in small yellowish, semi-transparent, brittle grains; of a smooth and shining fracture, softening when chewed, fusible, burning with a pleasant smell, insoluble in water, and partially soluble in alcohol and fixed oils. Neumann found that during digestion with alcohol, a por- tion separates insoluble in alcohol, though in appearance resinous, amounting to about one tenth of the mastich, and analogous to caout- chouc. La Grange and Vogel say it contains free acetic acid. Its flavour is communicated to water. It is therefore a resin, com- bined with a little essential oil. It is principally used by the Turkish women as a masticatory, to preserve the teeth) and give a pleasant smell to the breath. PLANTAGO. Plantain. The leaves. Great plantain is perennial, common in fields and by the road sides, flowering from June to August. The country people apply the bruised leaves of this vegetable to slight wounds, and inflamed sores and swellings, with a favourable effect. It has been recorded in a Vir- ginia Gazette, 1802, that a gentleman was bitten above the knee by a venomous spider. In a few minutes he observed a pain shooting upwards from the spot, which presently reached his heart. A quan- tity of plantain leaf was immediately procured, and the juice being bruised out was swallowed largely, by which the progress of the poi- son was stopt, and finally a cure was effected. Some oil was also swallowed, but the plantain leaf had the entire credit of his recovery, and but for this remedy, he said he could not have survived an hour longer. PLATINUM.—PLATINA. This metal is tbund in South-America, Spain, and St. Domingo, and as far as is known only in those countries. It has been asserted to have been discovered in Siberia, but this has not been confirmed. In the former, at Choco, Santa Fee, and in a district of the Brazils, in form of small roundish flattened grains, See. In Spain, in a vein 3 I * 434 Materia Medica. principally consisting of silver. It is obtained from its ore, by solution in nitro-muriatic acid, and precipitating by the muriat of ammonia. The yellow powder which falls down, is reduced to the metallic state by various processes detailed in chemical writings. The metal is of a white colour, between silver and lead; it is not so hard as malleable iron; and by hammering is capable of being brought to a specific gravity of 23. It is consequently the heaviest of all known bodies. It is ductile and malleable; capable of being drawn into wires of about ^qq of an inch diameter, and of being hammer- ed into thin plates. A wire of 0.078 of an inch diameter supports a weight of 274.31 lbs. avoirdupois. It is infusible by the heat of a forge. Dr. Bollmann, of this city, having lately paid much attention to this singular metal, and rendered it malleable, it occurred to him to as- certain whether perhaps it might not be possessed of medicinal vir- tues? He made for that purpose a very convenient preparation—the nitro-muriatic solution of the purified metal, combined with soda; convinced himself that it might be given with safety, by taking it in small quantities himself, without experiencing from it any disagree- able effects; and then supplied with this preparation several of the most eminent practitioners of Philadelphia. Professor Barton used it in several decided cases of syphilis, in all of which the medicine effected a prompt, and. to all appearance, a perfect cure. Mercury, however, had been used previously in all of those cases, except one; but in this, though no medicine whatever had been taken before, and venereal ulcers in the throat attested, unequivocally, the presence of the disease, the beneficial operation of the platina was as prompt, and satisfactory, as in the former cases. There seems there* fore to be sufficient ground for further trials, the result of which will, no doubt, be laid before the public, as soon as a sufficient number of facts have been collected to warrant positive conclusions with regard to the medical efficacy of this substance.* The only effect apparently produced, was a diminution of the ap- petite. Further experiments are necessary to establish its antisyphi- litic virtues. As it is, professor Barton was disposed to think very fa- vourably of it. The cases in which it has been administered have continued well during an interval of several months. PLUMBUM. Ed. L.—LEAD. D. Lood, Loot. P. Chumbo. D \. Bly, Bye. POL. Olow. F. Plomb. R. Swinez. G. Bid. S. Plomo. I. Piombo. SW. Bly. Lead is of a grey, blue, livid colour, streak grey, disagreeable * Since the last edition of this work, the use of Platina does not appear to have become common; and nothing further has come to my knowledge, beyond what is stated above. P.—Plumbum, 435 taste, and odour: specific gravity 11.352; soft; very laminable; har- dens little under the hammer; very flexible; slightly tenacious; fusi- ble at 612° Fahrenheit; volatile at a red heat; tarnished in the air; slightly oxydized by air and water; by heat and air it forms a grey, then a yellow, and lastly, a red oxyd, which is vitrifiable. Its phos- phuret and sulphuret are brittle; it forms alloys with arsenic, bis- muth, antimony, mercury, zinc, and tin; it is oxydized by, and com- bines with the sulphuric, nitric, muriatic, phosphoric, and other acids. Its oxyds impart to glass a uniform density, and strong refract- ing power. Lead is found, I. Oxydized: 1. Lead ochre of different colours. II. Oxydized, and combined with acids. 2. Carbonated lead. White lead spar. 3. Murio-carbonated. 4. Phosphated lead. Green lead ore. 5. Arseniated lead. 6. Arsenio-phosphated lead. 7. Molybdated lead. 8. Sulphated lead, III Sulphureted: 9. Sulphureted lead. Galena. 10. Sulphureted oxyd of lead. Lead is obtained by various processes from these ores. In its me- tallic form it is scarcely an officinal article, as its different oxyds are purchased from the manufacturers, and never prepared by the apo- thecary. States of oxidation of Lead. Thompson. Davy. Lead. Oxygen. Lead. Oxygen. 1. Yellow, - 91-5 8.5 2. Yellow, Massicot, 90.5 9.5 398 30 3. Red, Red lead, 88. 12, 398 45 4. Brown, - 80. 20. 398 60 Medical use.—Its effects on the body are emaciation, violent colics, paralysis, tremors, and contractions of the limbs; and as they gene- rally come on gradually, the cause is sbmetimes overlooked till it be too late. Poisoning from lead is never intentional, but only accident- al, either from liquors becoming impregnated with leach by being im- properly kept in vessels lined or glazed with lead, or to which lead has been criminally added to correct its acidity; or among manufac- turers who work much with lead, as painte.s and plumbers, and who are not sufficiently attentive to avoid swallowing any of it. The presence of the lead in any suspected liquor is detected by the hydro-sulphuret of potass, which forms with it a brown precipitate, not insoluble in diluted muriatic acid; and still more certainly by 436 Materia Medica. evaporating a portion of it to dryness, and exposing the extract to a heat sufficient to reduce the lead. OXYDUM PLUMBI ALBUM. Ed. White oxyd of lead. Cerussa. Cerusse. Sub-acetas Plumbi. D. Sub-acetat of lead. Sub carbonas Plumbi. L. Sub-carbonat of lead. White lead. Carbonat of lead. ' This substance, which is now said to be a carbonat of lead, is ma- nufactured in several countries. It is prepared by exposing lead to the vapour of vinegar. To accelerate the oxydizement, the lead is cast in thin plates, which are rolled up spirally. A number of these are placed perpendicularly on a support, over a flat vessel containing vinegar, which is converted into vapour by a gentle heat, such as that of dung. The plates become slowly covered with a white crust, which is in due time removed; and the remains of the plates again exposed to the vapour of vinegar, until they be entirely corroded. Van Mons says, that if lead ashes be dissolved in nitric acid, and precipitated by chalk in impalpable powder, the precipitate, when washed and dried, will be cerusse in its purest state. VV hite oxyd of lead has a scaly or foliated texture, is brittle, fria- ble, heavy, of a snowy whiteness, and a sweet taste. It is often adul- terated with earthy substances, which may be discovered by mixing it with oil, and reducing the lead in a crucible. Although very fria- ble, the coarser particles cannot be separated by means of a sieve, because its interstices soon get filled up. It can only be obtained in the state of a fine powder, by rubbing a loaf of cerusse on a sieve placed over a sheet of paper. It consists of 84 yellow oxyd of lead, and 14 carbonic acid. In pharmacy the white oxyd of lead is used in the composition of ointments and plasters. Officinal Preparations. Acetis plumbi, E. L. D. Unguentum oxydi plumbi albi, E. - vide Unguenta. Pulv. cerussas comp. L. - Pulveres. OXYDUM PLUMBI RUBRUM. Ed. Minium, Red oxyd of lead. The preparation of red lead is so troublesome and tedious, as scarce ever to be attempted by the apothecary or chemist; nor indeed is this commodity expected to be made by ihem, the preparation of it being a distinct branch of business. The makers melt large quan- tities of lead at once, upon the bottom of a reverberatory furnace built P.—Plumbum.—Acetis Plumbi. 437 for this purpose, and so contrived, that the flame acts upon a large surface of the metal, which is continually changed by the means of iron rales drawn backwards and forwards, till the fluidity of the lead is destroyed; after which, the oxyd is Only now and then turned. The red oxyd of lead is obtained in the form of a very heavy pow- der, consisting of minute shining scales, of a bright scarlet, verging towards yellow, especially if triturated It is sometimes adulterated with red oxyd of iron, red bole, or powdered brick. These frauds are detecttd by the inferiority of colour, by mixing it with oil, and sub- jecting it to the test of reduction; and by its forming a black preci- pitate with tincture of galls when dissolved in nitrous acid. OXYDUM PLUMBI SEMIVITREUM. Ed. D. Lithargtrum. L. D. Litharge. Semi-vitrified oxyd of lead. If oxydized lead be urged with a hasty fire, it melts into the ap- pearance of oil, and on cooling concretes into litharge. Greatest part of the litharge met with in the shops, is produced in the purification of silver from lead, and the refining of gold and silver by means of this metal. According to the degree of fire and other circumstances, it proves of a pale or deep colour; the first has been commonly called Litharge of Silver, the other Litharge of Gold. The oxyds of lead dissolve by heat, in expressed oils; these mix- tures are the basis of several officinal plasters and ointments. Lead and its oxyds when undissolved, have no considerable effects as medicines. Dissolved in oils, they are supposed to be (when ex- ternally applied) anti-inflammatory and desiccative. Combined with vegetable acids, they are remarkably so: and taken internally, prove powerful though dangerous styptics. Officinal Preparations. Aqua lythargyri acetati, L. D. Emplast. ox. plumbi semivit. E. L. D. vide Unguenta. Ceratum saponis, L. D. - - Idem. ACETIS PLUMBI; olim, Saccharum Saturmi. Ed. Acetite of Lead; formerly Sugar of Lead. Super-Acetas Plumbi. L. Super-Acetat of Lead. Acetas Plumbi. D. Acetat of Lead. Take of- White oxyd of lead any quantity; Put it into a cucurbit, and pour upon it of Distilled acetous acid, ten times its weight. Let the mixture stand upon warm sand till the acid beeome sweet; 438 Materia Medica. when it is to be poured off, and fresh acid added until it cease to become sweet. Then evaporate all 'the liquor, freed from impuri- ties, in a glass vessel, to the consistence of thin honey, and set it aside in a cold place, that crystals may be formed, which are to be dried in the shade. The remaining liquor is again to be evaporated, that new crystals may be formed; and the evaporation is to be re- peated until no more crystals concrete. (E.) The acetat of lead is seldom prepared by the apothecary, as he can procure it at an infinitely cheaper rate from those who manufac- ture ii in large quantities. The preparation of it as directed by the colleges, is a case of simple solution. The process frequently fails, from he oxyd of lead employed being adulterated with carbonat of lime, or some other earthy substance. The acetic acid employed, should be as strong as can be procured; for with a weak acid the pro- duct of pure salt is small, and tire quantity of mother-water is in- creased. The addition of a small quantity of alcohol to the solution after it has been duly evaporated, is said to improve the beauty of the crystals. The mother-water may also be made to furnish pure crys- , tals, by adding to it a fresh portion of acetic acid; for without that precaution it furnishes only a very heavy, yellow, pulverulent, mass, in which there seems to be an excess of oxyd of lead, and hence it is probably essentially the same with Goulard's extract of lead. The manufacture of acetat of lead is conducted more economically when the oxyd is dissolved in the acid at the same time that it is pre- pared; which is done by alternately exposing plates of lead to the vapour of acetic acid, and immersing the plates, thus covered with oxyd, into the acid itself. Acetat of lead has a sweet styptic taste. It has a white colour, and crystallizes in flat parallelopipeds, terminated by a wedge, or more commonly in shining needles. It is soluble in water, and in alcohol; effloresces slightly in the air, and is decomposed by heat and light. It is also decomposed by the alkalies, and most of the earths and acids. Medical use.—The internal use of acetat of lead, has of late been much greater than formerly, and it promises to be a most valuable addition to our list of active remedies, although Dr. Duncan and others, have proscribed it from internal use. It has been successfully employed in several cases of epilepsy.* It is strongly recommended in cases of hemorrhage. It forms a very valuable external application in superficial and phlegmonic inflammations, bruises, and diseases of the skin. It is always applied in solution, either simply, as to the eyes, or by means of cloths soaked in it, or mixed with bread-crumb. A drachm, with five ounces of any distilled water, forms a strong solu- tion, and with ten ounces of water, a weak solution. If common water be used, the addition of about a drachm of acetous acid will be neces- sary to keep the lead in solution. * Philadelphia Medical Museum, Vol, I. and II, P.—Plumbum.—Aqua Litharg. Acet.' 439 Officinal Preparations. Acidum acetosum forte, E. - vide Acidum acetosum. Solutio acetitis zinci, E. - - Zincum. Unguentum acet. zinci, E. L. D. - Unguenta. AQUA LITHARGYRI ACET ATI. L. Liquor Lithargyki Acetati; olim, Extractum Saturni. D. Water of Acetated Litharge, formerly Extract of Lead. Take of Litharge, two pounds; Distilled vinegar, one gallon. Mix and boil to six pints, constantly stirring; then set it aside. After the feces have subsided, strain. (L.) Mr. Phillips thinks, that too much litharge is employed by the London college in this preparation, as a gallon of distilled vinegar, sp. gr. 1.007, will dissolve only ten of the twenty-four ounces ordered, and the residuum having iis bulk much increased by the action of the acid, retains much of the solution. When properly prepared, it is of a straw colour, with a slight admixture of green, and has a sp. gr. of 1.22, and it is not, as said by Ur. Pov ell, " a dense solution of a deep brown colour," unless the acid which remains after the distil- lation of vinegar be employed instead of the distilled vinegar. Notwithstanding Scheele showed that a solution of s\igar of lead was converted into Goulard, by allowing it to act for a day on a plate of lead, yet, until the experiments of Dr. Bostock, it was generally believed that these preparations did not differ, except in the acciden- tal variations of strength to which the latter was subject. By his analysis, however, it appears that the constituents in the saturated solution of the sugar of lead, and of the water of acetated litharge, are respectively, Former. Latter. Oxyd qf lead, - - - 16.8 2Z\ Acetic acid, - - - ' - 7.5 5. Water, - 75.7 71.9 100. 100. Thenard obtained the salt in crystallized plates, by boiling 150 parts of litharge in a solution of 100 parts of sugar of lead; and on analysing it, found it to consist of 17 acid, 7 8 oxyd, and 5 water. These experiments, the coincidence of which confirm their accuracy, show, that in sugar of lead, 100 parts of acid are combined with 224 of oxyd of lead, and in Goulard's extract, with 450 or 460, or some- what more than twice the quantity of oxyd. Now, according to the doctrine of definite proportions, aaiy acid always combines with the same proportion of oxygen in oxyds, whatever the proportion of me- tal may be: it is therefore evident, that the oxygen in the oxyd of 440 Materia Medica. lead, contained in Goulard's extract, is combined with twice as much lead as it is in the oxyd in the sugar of lead; or Goulard's extract is the acetat of the protoxyd of lead, and sugar of lead the acetat of the peroxyd of lead. Officinal Preparation. Ceratum lithargyri acetati, L. D. - vide Unguenta. LIQUOR SUB-ACETATIS LITHARGYRI COMPOSITUS. D. Compound Liquor of Acetated Litharge. Take of Liquor of acetated litharge, a drachm; Distilled water, fourteen ounces; Weaker spirit of wine, a drachm. Mix the spirit and liquor of acetated litharge, then add the distilled water. (D.) These preparations do not differ from solutions of the same strength of acetat of lead, and are less proper, as their strength is apt to vary. The vitrified oxyd of lead made use of in this instance, is less easily soluble, on account of its great force of aggregation, than the white oxyd; but, on the other hand, it is less liable to be adulterated. The addition of the diluted alcohol to the weak solution, is intended to prevent its decomposition, but it also renders it slightly stimulant. PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM. May-apple. Mandrake, Isfc. The root. This plant is very common throughout North America. The fruit is esculent and by many thought delicious. The leaves are poisonous. The root is an excellent purgative in doses of 20 grains. It is most advantageously used in combination with calomel, or crystals of tar- tar. An extract from the root is also sometimes employed, and has been found useful in colica pictonum. This plant is thought by some, to be especially adapted as a purge, to cases of intermittents, remit- tents, and dropsy. The root also often operates as an anthelmintic, and as such it is used by the Cherokee, and other southern Indians. The late Dr. Barton thought this plant possessed some narcotic quality. The best time for gathering the May-apple, for medical purposes, is the autumn, when the leaves have turned yellow, and are about felling off. The Indians dry it in the shade and powder it for use.* * Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 30, 38. P.—Polygala Senega. 441 POLYGALA SENEGA. Radix. Ed. L. D. Seneka, or Rattlesnake Root. Willd. g. 1313.S/J. 67. Diadelphia Octandria.—Nat. ord. Lomentace£. Seneka is a perennial plant, which grows wild in North America, particularly in Virginia and Pennsylvania. This root is usually about the thickness of the little finger, variously bent and contorted, and appears as if composed of joints, whence it is supposed to resemble the tail of the animal whose name it bears; a kind of membranous margin runs on each side, the whole length of the root. The root was first introduced into use in 1739, by Dr. Tennent, of Virginia, who wrote a pamphlet on the subject, and highlyextolled it as a remedy for many complaints, and particularly, as a specific for the cure of the bite of the rattle-snake. The bark is the active part of the root. Its taste is at first acrid, afterwards very hot and pungent. It has no smell. Its acrimony resides in a resin; for it is entirely extracted by alco- hol; is precipitated by water; does not rise in distillation; and is not destroyed by keeping. Medical use.—It is an active stimulus, and increases the force of the circulation, especially of the pulmonary vessels. It has therefore been found useful in typhoid inflammations of the lungs: but it is apt to disorder the stomach, and to induce diarrhoea. Dr. Brandreth of Liverpool has derived great benefit in some cases of lethargy from an extract of seneka combined with carbonat of ammonia. Some have likewise employed this root in hydropic cases, and not without success. There are examples of its occasioning a plentiful evacuation by stool, urine, and perspiration; and by this means re- moving the disease, after the common diuretics and hydragogues had failed. It sometimes induces salivation, and it possesses diuretic, emetic, cathartic, expectorant and diaphoretic powers. It has become greatly celebrated in the cure of cynanche trachealis, and is used by the In- dians in syphilis and malignant sore throat. The Polygala sanguina, a new species discovered at Savannah, has been used as a substitute for it.* Dr. Archer, of Maryland, discovered the great utility of seneka snake-root, as a remedy for that fatal disease, the croup, and speaks with confidence as to the general good effects produced by it. The decoction of the root is the manner in which he generally gives it; the strength must be determined by the physician; it must be so strong, as to act sensibly on his own mouth and throat, in exciting coughing, &c. for in this disease, the larynx (mouthof the wind-pipe) in a manner loses its natural sensibility. Half an ounce of the root of seneka, bruised, and simmered in a close vessel, in half a pint of water, until reduced to four ounces, will, probably, in most cases be suffi- ciently strong. A tea-spoonful of this to be given every hour or half hour, as the urgency of the symptoms shall demand; and during these * Barton's Collections, Medical Repository, &c. 3 K 442 Materia Medica. intervals, a few drops occasionally, to keep up a sensible action of the medicine, in the mouth and throat, until it acts as an em'tic and ca- thartic; then repeat in small quantities, and so frequently as to keep up a constant stimulus in the same. By these means, in the course of two, four, six, or eight hours, a membrane is often times discharged by the mouth, one, two, and often three inches in length; sometimes it is swallowed and voided by stool. Patients who use the medicine should not be permitted to drink any thing whatever, for some minutes after each dose. The reason must be obvious to all. The powder has lately been used by Drs. Archer and Son, in doses of four or five grains, mixed with a little water, with effects equally as pleasing as the decoction, and more so, unless the latter have been carefully prepared. It should be remarked that this powerful stimulant cannot with safety be exhibited during the inflammatory stage of croup. It is in the third or last stage only, it has been found extremely useful in exciting the vessels of the tra- chea and lungs to a powerful excretion. Seneka has been usefully employed in the decline of pleurisies and catarrhs, to promote expectoration. In suppressed coughs of aged persons, and in asthma, it is doubtless useful; a gentle and constant stimulus on the throat should be kept up in these diseases. It has also been exhibited as a powerful remedy in cases of female obstructions. Professor Chapman has found it of great utility in obstinate amenor- rhoea when given in decoction prepared by adding an ounce of the root to a pint of boiling water, which is slowly reduced by simmering to the quantity of one third. Four ounces of the decoction is to be taken during the day, increasing it when the menstrual effort is ex- pected, as far as the stomach will allow. If this excite nausea, he adds aromatics. To prevent disgust, it is omitted a week or two in the intervals of the menstrual periods. Officinal Preparation. Decoct, polygalae senega, - - - vide Decocta. POLYGONUM BISTORTA. Radix. Ed. L. D. Great Bistort, or Snakeweed. The root. lillld. g. 785. sp. 3. Smith, g. 196. sp. 6.— Octandria Trigynia.— Nat. ord. Oleracra. This plant is perennial, and grows wild in moist meadows in several parts of Britain. The root is about the thickness of the little finger, of a blackish-brown colour on the outside, and reddish within: it is writhed or bent vermicularly (whence the name of the plant) with a joint at each bending, and full of bushy fibres; the root of the species here mentioned has, for the most pari, only one or two bend- ings; others have three or more. All the parts of bistort have a rough austere taste, particularly the root, which is one of the strongest of the vegetable astringents. P.—Populus Tremula. 443 Medical use.—It is employed in all kinds of immoderate hemor- rhagies and other fluxes, both internally and externally, where as- tringency is the only indication. It is certainly a very powerful styp- tic, and it is to be looked on simply as such. To the sudorific, antipes- tilemial, and other virtues attributed to it, it has no other claim than in- consequence of its astringency. The largest dose of the root in powder is one drachm. POLYPODIUM FILIX MAS. Radix. Ed. D. AspmiuM Filix Mas. I- Male Fern. Male shield Fern. The root. Willd. g. 1962. sp. 94. Smith, g. 429. sp. 4. Cryptogamia. Filices.— Nat. ord. Filices. This fern is perennial, and grows in great abundance in almost every part of Britain where the ground is not cultivated. The greatest part of the root lies horizontally, and has a great number of appen- dages placed close to each other in a vertical direction, while a num- ber of small fibres strike downwards The large root, together with its appendages, are to be reserved for use. Ihe two ends, however, are to be cut off, the one being too old and spongy, the other too new and green. When chewed, its taste is somewhat mucilaginous and sweet, and afterwards slightly astringent and bitter. lis smell is also weak. Medical use.—This root was used as an anthelmintic in the days of Dioscorides. It gradually became neglected; but its use was again revived at different times by Madame Nuft'er, Herrenschwand, and others, who certainly frequently succeeded in killing and expelling the tsenia, both lata and cucurbitina, by the exhibition of secret reme- dies, of which the fern-powder was, or rather was supposed to be, the principal ingredient; for there is much reason to believe, that the active purgatives with vvhich it was always combined, were really the remedies which effected the cure. The same, or nearly a similar, secret, has been bought by different potentates, and published for the benefit of those suffering under this obstinate disease. The internal solid part of the root only is to be powdered, and the powder should have a reddish colour; and as the dose and exhibition of the remedy must be regulated according to the age, sex, and con- stitution of the patient, it must be given always under the direction of an experienced practitioner. POPULUS TREMULA Aspen. The bark of this tree is a powerful tonic, and deserves the atten- 444 Materia Medica. tion of the American physician. It has been used in intermittents; and has been found useful as a stomachic, in the diseases of our horses.* POTASSA— POTASS. Alkalizable metals. The heavier earths, and even the alkalies, have long been supposed by different chemists to be metallic oxyds, and were even stated to have been reduced to their metallic form, hut their supposition rested only on the vaguest analogies, and their ex- periments were completely fallacious. The merit of discovering the metallic bases of the earths and alkalies belong to Sir H. Davy, lo whose ingenuity and skill, in applying the powerful agency of galva- nism, we are indebted for the most unexpected conclusions ever ob- tained in experimental chemistry. Potassium, the base of potass, is a white metal, brittle and crystal- lized; in its section resembling polished silver; and at 150° perfectly fluid, very much resembling quicksilver. At a red heat it is convert- ed into vapour. Its specific gravity is between 8 and 9, water being 10. Exposed to the air, it attracts oxygen, and becomes covered with a crust of potass; when gently heated, it burns with an intense heat, and a red light. It explodes and inflames with water, and even with ice. It acts upon all bodies containing water or much oxygen. It burns vividly in chlorine. It is soluble in hydrogen gas, forming a compound which inflames with atmospheric air. It combines with sulphur and phosphorus, and the metals, forming readily oxydizable compounds. Protoxyd of potassium scarcely known; of a greyish colour, effer- vesces with water without inflaming. Potassa, (Sir H. Davy), a difficultly fusible substance of a grey colour, vitreous in its fracture, dissolving in water, without efferves- cence, but with much heat, forming an alkaline solution. Potass (hydrat of potassa) is a solid white substance, containing 90 potassa and 17 water, which cannot be separated by heat; ex- tremely acrid to the taste; unctuous to the feel, but highly caustic; destroying the skin, and dissolving all soft animal substances. It is deliquescent, and soluble in half its weight of water at 58° Fahren- heit; it is fusible, and may be vaporized, but is perfectly incombus- tible; it is capable of crystallizing into very long quadrangular, com- pressed prisms,.terminated by sharp pyramids; it changes vegetable blues to green, and combines with all the acids, oils, sulphur, sulphu- reted hydrogen, and the earths. It is obtained from the ashes of ve- getables, and exists in some minerals. Officinal. Orange oxyd of potassium, fusible, the result of the slow combus- tion of potassium in oxygen or air. It supports the combustion of in- flammable bodies, supplying the oxygen. It is decomposed by water and carbonic acid, oxygen being evolved. * Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 14 P.—Potassa.—Aqua Potassae. 445 Chloride of potassium (muriat of potass.) When muriatic acid and solution of potass are mixed and heat;.a to redness, the hydrogen of the acid and ihe oxygen of the alkali are set free as water, while the metal and the chlorine combine to form the substance known by the name of muriat of potass. Chlorine also decomposes potassa and the orange oxyd, expelling its oxygen, and potassium attracts chlorine from hydrogen and phosphorus. Officinal. AQUA POTASSA; vulgo LIXIVIUM CAUSTICUM. Ed. Solution of Potass, commonly called Caustic Ley. Liquor Potassa. L. Solution of Potass. Aqua Kali Caustici. D. Solution of Caustic Kali. Take of Newly prepared lime, eight ounces; Carbonat of" potass, six ounces. Put the lime into an iron or earthen vessel, with twenty-eight ounces of warm water. After the ebullition is finished, instantly add the salt; and having thoroughly mixed them, cover the vessel till they cool. When the mixture had cooled, agitate it well, and pour it into a glass funnel, the throat of which is obstructed with a piece of clean linen. Cover the upper orifice of the funnel, and insert its tube into another glass vessel, so that the solution of potass may gra- dually drop through the rag into the lower vessel. As soon as it ceases to drop, pour into the funnel some ounces of water, but cauti- ously, so that it may swim above the matter in the funnel. The solution of potass will again begin to drop, and the affusion of water is to be repeated in the same manner until three pounds have dropped, which will happen in the space of two or three days; then mix the superior and interior parts of the liquor together by agi- tation, and keep it in a well-stopt phial. (E.) The specific gravity of this liquor is to that of distilled water as 1100 to 1000. The processes of the colleges do not differ materially. They are founded upon the affinity of lime being stronger than that of potass for carbonic acid. Of course, when lime comes in contact with car- bonat of potass, the carbonic acid quits the potass to unite with the lime, and the results of the mixture are potass and carbonat of lime. Now, as the carbonat of lime is insoluble in water, and the potass is very soluble, they may be separated by filtration. In doing this, how- ever, we must take care to employ instruments on which the solu- tion of potass does not act, and to prevent the free access of air, from which it would attract carbonic acid, and thus frustrate the whole operation. The latter object is attained by covering the upper or broad end of the funnel with a plate of glass, and inserting the lower end into the neck of a phial, which it fits pretty closely. The former object is attended with greater difficulties, and indeed scarcely to be 446 Materia Medica. effected, so powerful and general is the agency of potass. All animal substances are immediately attacked and destroyed by it; therefore, our filters cannot be made of silk, woollen, or paper which contains glue; and although neither vegetable matters nor silica entirely escape its action, linen and sand are, on the whole, the least objectionable. A filter of sand was used by. Dr. Black: he first dropt a rugged peb- ble into the tube of the funnel, in some part of which it formed itself a firm bed, while the inequalities on its surface afforded interstices of sufficient size for the passage of the filtering liquor. On the upper surface of this stone he put a thin layer of lint or clean tow; imme- diately above this, but not in contact with it, he dropped a stone si- milar to the former, and of a size proportioned to the swell in the upper part of the tube of the funnel. The interstices between this second stone and the funnel were filled up with stones of a less di- mension, and the gradation uniformly continued till pretty small sand was employed. Finally, this was covered with a layer of coarser sand, and small stones to sustain the weight of the fluid. A filter of sand being thus constructed in the funnel, it was washed perfectly clean, by making clean water pass through it, till it dropt from the lower extremity of the funnel perfectly clear and transparent; and before using it, it was allowed to stand for some days, that no water might remain among the interstices of the sand. From the spongy nature of the residuum which remains upon the filter, and especially if we use that of sand, a considerable quantity of the solution of potass will be retained. It is, however, easily ob- tained, by pouring gently over it, so as to disturb it as little as possi- ble; a quantity of water; the ley immediately begins again to drop from the funnel, and as, from the difference of their specific gravity, the water does not mix with it, but swims above it, the whole ley passes through before any of the water. By means of the taste we easily learn when the whole ley has passed. As it is natural to suppose that the strongest solution will pass first, and the weakest last, we are directed to agitate the whole to- gether, to render their strength uniform. If the solution of potass be pure, it will be colourless, and it will neither effervesce with acids, nor form a precipitate with carbonat of potass. If it effervesces, carbonic acid is present, and must be sepa- rated by again boiling the solution with a little lime, or by dropping it into lime-water, as long as it produces any precipitate. But Mr. Phillips has remarked, that even when a small quantity of carbonic acid is contained in it, no precipitate is produced unless a consider- able quantity of lime-water be added. If, on the contrary, it contain lime, from too much of it having been employed in the preparation, it may be separated by dropping into the ley a solution of the carbo- nat of potass. When we have thus purified our solution of potass, it must be again filtered. Mr. Phillips objected to this process as in the London Pharmacopoeia of 1809, that the quantity of lime employed was much too large, and that a half of the weight of the subcarbonat is sufficient, as in fact 33 parts of lime will saturate the 26 of carbo- nic acid commonly contained in 100 parts of subcarbonat of potass; and his suggestion has been adopted in the edition qf 1815. But this P.—Potassa.—Aqua Potassse. 447 abjection is obviated by the mode of filtration used by the Edinburgh college; and although from calculation the quantity of lime seems ex- cessive, it is necessary to render the potass perfectly caustic. Medical use.—The solution of caustic potass, under various names, has at different times been celebrated as a lithontriptic, and as often fallen again intq disuse. The very contradictory accounts of its effects as a solvent are now, in some degree, explicable, since it has been discovered that urinary calculi are very different in their natures, so that some of them are only soluble in acids, and others only in alka- lies. Of the last description are the calculi of uric acid,* which are very frequent, and those of urat of ammonia. On these, therefore, alkalies may be supposed to make sOme impression; and that alka- lies, or alkaline carbonats, taken by the mouth, have occasionally re- lieved calculous complaints, is certain* It is however said, that their continued use debilitates the stomach; and M. Fourcroy has proposed applying the remedy immediately to the disease, by injecting into the bladder a tepid solution of potass or soda, so dilute that it can be held in the mouth. Before the alkaline solution be injected, the blad- der is to be completely evacuated of urine, and washed out with an injection of tepid water. After the alkaline injection has remained in * Urea is obtained in the form of brilliant micaceous crystals, in groups, form- ing a mass of a yellowish white colour, adhering to the vessel containing it; difficult to cut or break; hard and granulated in its centre; gradually becoming soft, and of the consistence of honey on its surface; of a strong disgusting allia- ceous odour; of an acrid; pungent, disagreeable taste. It is deliquescent; its solution causes a sensible diminution of temperature; it is also soluble in alco- hol, especially when assisted by heaUOn cooling, the alcoholic solution depo- sits crystals of pure urea. By the application of heat it melts, swells rapidly, and at the same time begins to be decomposed; emitting an insupportably fetid odour, and is converted into carbonat of ammonia, and carbureted hydrogen gas. Urea is charred by concentrated sulphuric acid; diluted sulphuric acid aided by heat, is capable of converting it entirely into acetous acid and ammo- nia; concentrated nitrous acid decomposes it with rapidity; diluted nitric acid aided by heat, changes it almost entirely into carbonic acid gas and nitrogen gas; muriatic acid dissolves and preserves it; oxy-muriatic acid converts it into ammonia and carbonic acid; potass aided by heat, converts it into the carbonat and acetat of ammonia. It influences the form of the crystallization of the mu- riats of ammonia and soda. The solution of urea in water varies in colour from a deep brown to a pale yellow, according to its quantity. With eight parts of water it is perfectly fluid; it scarcely undergoes spontaneous decomposition when pure, but the addition of some albumen occasions it to ptitrefy rapidly. By repeated distillation it is completely converted into carbonat of ammonia. With nitric acid it forms a pearly crystalline precipitate; it also forms precipi- tates with the nitrats of lead, mercury, and silver. It is not precipitated by tannin or gallic acid. Urea is only obtained from urine by evaporating the so- lution of a thick extract of urine and alcohol. Uric acid is obtained in the form of acicular brilliant crystals, of a pale yellow colour, almost insoluble in cold, and very sparingly soluble in boiling water, but becoming very soluble when combined with an excess of potass or soda. It is decomposed at a high temperature, and furnishes carbonat of ammonia, and carbonic acid, with very little oil or" water, and leaves a charcoal which con- tains neither lime nor alkali. It is also decomposed by the nitric and oxygenized muriatic acids. The urats are almost insoluble in water. The sub-muriats of soda and potass are very soluble, and the uric acid is precipitated from the solutions even by lite carbonic acid. 448 Materia Medica. the bladder half an hour or more, it is to be evacuated, and allowed to settle. If, on the addition of a little muriatic acid, a precipitate be formed, we shall have reason to conclude that the calculus contains uric acid, ;>.nd that the alkali has acted on it. Very dilute alkaline solutions may also be taken into the stomach as antacids, but we possess others which are preferable. Mr. Brandish, who has strongly recommended the solution of caus- tic potash for the cure of scrofula, gives the following complicated formula for its preparation. Take of American pearl ashes, six pounds; Fresh burnt lime, Fresh ashes of ash wood, each two pounds; Boiling water, six gallons. He reverses the common method of slaking lime, by desiring it to be gradually added to the water kept boiling: He then adds the pearl ashes, then the wood ashes; stirs all together, and lastly draws off the clear liquor slowly. He used to prepare it without the pearl ashes, but found they rendered it softer, which no doubt they would, as the quantity of lime is insufficient to abstract all the carbonic acid, and would leave the liquor in a state of subcarbonat. He says that a wine pint of his solution should weigh 18 or 19 ounces. He re- commends the addition of a drop or two of genuine oil of juniper to the pint of liquor, and orders it to be taken twice a-day in the fol- lowing doses; to a child from four to six, 1 drachm by measure; from six to eight, one drachm and a half; eight to fifteen, 2 drachms; fif- teen to eighteen, two and a half; to adults 3 and sometimes 4. It should, however, he begun in rather smaller doses. The vehicle may be fresh beer, malt-tea, barley-water, or water-gruel. Externally, alkaline solutions have been more frequently, used either very dilute, simply as a stimulus, in rickets, gouty swellings, gonorrhoea, and spasmodic diseases, or concentrated as a caustic, to destroy the poison of the viper, and of rabid animals. POTASSA; olim CAUSTICUM COMMUNE ACERRIMUM. E. Potass; formerly Strongest Common Caustic. Potassa Fusa. L. JMeltcd Potass. Kali Causticum. D. Caustic Kali. Take of The solution of potass, any quantity. Evaporate it in a covered very clean iron vessel, till, on the ebulli- tion ceasing, the saline matter flow gently like oil, which happens before the vessel becomes red. Then pour it out on a smooth iron plate; let it be divided into small pieces before it hardens, and im- mediately deposited in a well-stopt phial. (E.) The principal thing to be attended to in this operation, is to con- P.—Potassa, 449 duct the evaporation so rapidly that the ley shall not absorb any car- bonic acid from the atmosphere. As long as any water of solution re- mains, the ebullition is evident, and the evaporation is to be continu- ed until it cease. The heat is then to be increased a little, which ren- ders the potass ocrfectly fluid, and gives it the appearance of an oil, when it is ready to be poured out either on a slab, as directed by the colleges, or into iron moulds, such as are used for the melted nitrat of silver. The potass prepared according to these flirections is sufficiently pure for medical use, but is not fit for chemical experiments. We can, however, obtain it perfectly white and crystallized, according to Berthollet, by adding to the ley, when evaporated so far that it would assume the consistence of honey, if permitted lo cool, a quantity of alcohol equal to one-third of the carbonat of potass operated on, mix- ing them together, and letting them boil a minute or two. The mix- ture is then to be poured into a glass vessel, and corked up, when the' impurities will gradually subside, partly in a solid form, and partly dissolved in water. The supernatant alcoholic solution is then to be evaporated rapidly, till its surface become covered with a black crust, which is to be removed, and the liquid below is to be poured into a porcelain vessel, when it will concrete into a white substance, which is to be broken in pieces, and immediately excluded from the action of the air. A less expensive way of obtaining potass perfectly pure is that of Lowitz. Evaporate a solution of potass till a thick pellicle form on its surface; allow it to cool, separate all the crystals formed, as they con- sist of foreign salts: renew the evaporation, in an iron or silver bason; and remove the pellicles which form on the surface with an iron skimmer, as long as any appear. When the ebullition ceases, remove the vessel from the fire, and agitate the fused salt with an iron spa- tula while it cools. Dissolve the saline mass in twice its weight of water, and evaporate in a silver bason till it begins to crystallize. The crystals are pure potass. The fluid which swims over them has a dark brown colour, and must be poured off: but if kept in a close- stopt phial, it will deposite its colouring matter, and by evaporation will furnish more crystals of potass. Medical use.—Potass is only used as a caustic, or to form solutions of a known strength; and even its use as a caustic is inconvenient, from its being so quickly affected by the air, and from its rapid deli- quescence, which renders it apt to spread. Officinal Preparations. Alkali vegetabile sulphuratum, D. Alcohol, L. D. .... vide Alcohol. .-Ether sulphuricum, E. L. D. - - Idem. •3 L 450 Materia Medica. POTASSA cum CALCE. Ed. L. Potass with Lime. Kali Causticum cum Calce. D. Caustic Kali with Lime. Take of Solution of potass, any quantity. Evaporate it in a covered iron vessel till one-third remains; then mix it with as much new slakea lime as will bring it to the consistence of pretty solid pap, which is to be kept in a vessel closely stopt (E.) The addition of the lime in this preparation renders it less apt to deliquesce, more easily managed, and milder in its operation than fused potass. CARBONAS POTASSA 1MPURUS. Ed. Cineres Clavellati. L. D. Pearl ashes. Potashes. Impure Carbonat of Potass. D. Potds. P. Potassa. DA. Pottaske. POL. Potasz. F. Potasse. R. Potasch. G. Pottasche. S. Potassa. I. Potassa. SW. Potaska. The potashes of commerce arc sent to Britain from the shores of the Baltic and from America. They are prepared by lixiviating the ashes of vegetables in barrels, first with cold and then with hot water, filtering the ley, and evaporating it to dryness in an iron pot. In this state they still contain some vegetable matter, not perfectly incine- rated, which gives them a brown or black colour. To destroy this, and render their colour purer, they are again burnt in a reverberatory furnace. They now get the name of pearl ashes; but even yet they are very impure, and often contain the sulphats of potass and of lime, and the muriat of potass. They are also frequently adulterated with vegetable ashes, sand, and sulphat of potass. The ashes are detected by their difficult and imperfect solution, the sand, by the precipitation of silica in a gelatinous form by the addition of an acid, and the sul- phat of potass by its crystallization. All vegetables which grow at a distance from the sea afford potashes by incineration; herbs give the largest proportion, then the leaves of trees, then shrubs, and woods the least. It formerly had the name of Fixed Vegetable Alkali, but it is also found, though much more sparingly, both in the animal and mineral kingdoms. Vauquelin has given a table of the quantity of pure potass, and of heterogeneous matters, contained in 1152 parts of the different pot- ashes of commerce. P.—Potassa.—Carbonas Potassae. 451 Sulphat Muriat Insoluble Carh. acid , Potass, ofpotass. of potass, residuum, and water. Russian potashes, 772 65 5 56 254 American do. 857 154 20 2 119 Pearl ashes, 754 80 4 6 308 Potashes of Treves, 720 165 44 24 199 Dantzick ashes, 603 152 14 79 304 Potashes of Vosges, 444 148 510 34 304 The potass was estimated by the quantity of diluted nitrous acid saturated by it; the sulphat of potass by the precipitate formed with nitrat of baryta; and the muriat ofpotass by that formed with nitrat of silver. All these different potashes, except the last, may be purified suffi- ciently tor pharmaceutical purposes, by lixiviating them with a small proportion of cold water, and evaporating the ley to dryness in an iron pot. Medical use.—Carbonat ofpotass is used in formof lotion, in rachitic and some cutaneous diseases, and as a stimulant to the inactive state of the vessels in certain ulcers. It is used internally as a diaphoretic or diuretic, and of late in calculous complaints and diseases of the alimentary canal: but its continued use seldom fails to injure the con- stitution, or the intestinal canal. Officinal Preparations. Carbonas potassae, E. L. D. Alcohol ammoniatum, E. L. D. - vide Ammonia. Spiritus ammoniae foetidus, - - Spiritus destillati. CARBONAS POTASSjE. Ed. Carbonat qf Potass. Potass^ Subcarbonas. L. Subcarbonat of Potass'. Subcarbonas Kali. D. Subcarbonat of Potash. Let impure carbonat ofpotass (called in English pearl ashes) be put into a crucible, and brought to a low red heat, that the oily impu- rities, if there be any, may be burnt out: then triturate it with an equal weight of water, and mix them thoroughly by agitation. After the feces have subsided, pour the liquor into a very clean iron pot, and boil to dryness, stirring the salt towards the end of the process, to prevent its sticking to the vessel. (E.) A purer subcarbonat ofpotass may be prepared in the same manner from Tartar, previously burnt till it becomes of an ash colour. 452 Materia Medica. CARBONAS POTASSjE PURISSIMUS; olim, SAL TAR PARI. Ed. Pure Carbonat of Potash; formerly Salt of Tartar. Kali. eTartaro. D. Kali from Tartar. PotassjE Carbonas. L. Carbonat of Potass. Take of Impure super-tartrat of potass, any quantity. Wrap it up in moist bibulous paper, or put it into a crucible, and burn it into a black mass, by placing it among live coals. Having reduc- ed this mass to powder, expose it in an open crucible to the action of a moderate fire, till it become white, or at least of an ash-grey colour, taking care that it do not melt. Then dissolve it in warm water; strain the liquor through a linen cloth, and evaporate it in a clean iron vessel, diligently stirring it, towards the end of the process, with an iron spatula, to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the vessel. A very white salt will remain, which is to be left a little longer on the fire, till the bottom of the vessel becomes almost red. Lastly, when the salt is grown cold, keep it in glass vessels, well stopped. (E.) The potash of commerce we have already shown to contain a con- siderable proportion of foreign salts. By the process directed by tha colleges, it is purified from those which are crystallizable; and, al- though it still contains muriat of potass and silica, it is sufficiently pure for the purposes of medicine. Mr. Phillips says, when prepared from pearl ash, it consists of about 26 carbonic acid, 71 potash and water, two muriat of potash, and one sulphat of potash, and a little silica. The purest subcarbonat of potass, in common use, is that obtained by incinerating the impure supertartrat of potass, as all the sub- stances it contains, except the potass, are decomposed by the heat. The tartaric acid and colouring matter are destroyed, and part of the carbonic acid, which is formed, unites with the potass. But this salt, in whatever way obtained, is not strictly entitled to the appellation of carbonat, given it by the Edinburgh college; for it is not saturated with the acid, or rather it is a mixture of potass and carbonat ofpotass, in variable proportions. It is owing to the uncom- bined potass that it is still deliquescent, and in some degree caustic. Subcarbonat of potass is easily saturated with carbonic acid, by ex- posing it, in solution, to the contactof the air for a considerable time, or more quickly by making a stream of carbonic acid gas evolved from carbonat of lime by sulphuric acid, pass through a solution of it, or by distilling it with carbonat of ammonia, as proposed by Ber- thollet, and directed by the London college. The last is more ex- pensive than the second, but it does not require any particular appa- ratus. M. Curadow has invented a cheaper mode of saturating potass with carbonic acid. He dissolves the potass in a sufficient quantity of boiling water, mixes it with as much dried tanner's bark as to make it pretty dry, and then exposes the mixture, in a covered crucible, to P.—Potassa.—Liquor Potassae Subcarb. 453 the heat of a reverberatory furnace for half an hour. By lixiviation and crystallization, the mixture affords beautiful permanent crystals of carbonat of potass. In this state it consists of about 43 acid, 40 potass, and 17 water. The saturation with carbonic acid is one of the best means of purifying the subcarbonat ofpotass; for it always sepa- rates silica from the uncombined alkali; and hence, perhaps, the em- ployment of the subcarbonat from tartar is unnecessarily expensive. Medical use.— subcarbonat of potass is frequently employed in me- dicine, in conjunction vith other articles, particularly for the forma- tion of saline neutral draughts and mixtures; but it is used also by itself, in doses from three or four grains to fifteen or twenty; and it frequently operates as a powerful diuretic, particularly when aided by proper dilution. Officinal Preparations. Aqua potassse, E. L. D. Aqua super-carbonatis potassae, E. D. Acetis potassae, E. L. D. Sulphas potassae, E. Sulphuretum potassae, E. L. Tartris potassae, E. L. D. Sulphur stibiatum fuscum, D. - - - vide Antimonium. Calx stibii praecipitatum, D. - - - > Idem. Alcohol, L. D. - - - - - Alcohol. LIQUOR POTASSjE SUBCARBONATIS. L. Solution of Subcarbonat of Potass. AquA Subcarbonatis Kali. D. Solution of Subcarbonat of Kali. Take of Subcarbonat of potass, one pound; Distilled water, twelve fluidounces. Dissolve the subcarbonat of potass in the water, and filter through paper. (L.) The preparation of the Dublin college is the old Oleum tartariper deliquium, and is a solution of carbonat of potass in a variable quantity of water; for, by exposure to the air, the subcarbonat attracts not only water, but carbonic acid. It is therefore improperly named. The name of the London college is correct, and the preparation nearly uniform in point of strength. Dr. Powell says, that the quantities ordered by the college will commonly give a solution amounting to nearly 18 ounces in bulk. 454 Materia Medica. AQUA SUPERCARBONATIS POTASSA. Ed. Solution of Super carbonat of Potass. Take of Water, ten pounds; Pure carbonat of potass, one ounce. Dit>sohe, and expose the solution to a stream of carbonic acid, aris- ing from Carbonat of lime in powder, Sulphuric acid, each three ounces; Water, three pounds, gradually and cautiously mixed. The chemical apparatus invented by Dr. Nooth is well adapted for this preparation. But, if a larger quantity of the liquor be required, the apparatus of Dr. Woulfe is preferable. The colder the air, and the greater the pressure, the better will the solution be, which must be kept in well-corked vessels. As soon as the preparation is finished, the liquor should be drawn off into pint bottles, which are to be well corked, and kept in a cool situation,with the head down, or laid on one side. It should be perfectly transparent, and have an acidulous, not at all alkaline, taste; and, when poured out of the bottles, it should have a sparkling appear- ance. Medical use.'—In this solution, carbonat of potass is combined with excess of carbonic acid, by which means it is better adapted for in- ternal use, as it is rendered not only more pleasant to the taste, but is less apt to offend the stomach. Indeed, it is the only form in which we can exhibit potass in sufficient doses, and for a sufficient length of time, to derive much benefit from its use in calculous complaints. It has certainly been frequently of advantage in these affections, but probably only in those instances in which the stone consists of uric acid, or urat of ammonia: for, although supersaturated with carbonic acid, yet the affinity of that acid for potass is so weak, that it really operates as an alkali. Six or eight ounces may be taken two or three times a-day. It in general proves powerfully diuretic, and sometimes produces inebria- tion. The last effect is ascribed to the carbonic acid. ACETIS POTASSA. Ed. Acctite of Potass. Pot ass jE Ac etas. L. Acetat of Potass. Acetas Kali. D. Acetat of Kali. Take of Pure carbonat of potass, one pound. Boil it with a very gentle heat, in four or five times its weight of dis- tilled acetous acid, and add more acid at different times, till on the watery part of the preceding quantity being nearly dissipated by evaporation, the new addition of acid ceases to raise any eflerves- . cence, which will happen when about twenty pounds of acid have P.—Potassa.—Acetis Potassae. 455 been consumed. It is then to be slowly dried. The impure salt re- maining is to be melted with a gentle heat, for a short time, but no longer than necessary, and afterwards dissolved in water, and filter- ed through paper. If the liquefaction has been properly performed, the filtered liqour will be limpid; but if otherwise, of a brown colour. Afterwards evaporate this liquor with a very gentle heat, in a very shallow glass vessel, occasionally stirring the salt as it becomes dry, that its moisture may be sooner dissipated. Lastly, the acetite of potass ought to be kept in a vessel very closely stopped, to pre- vent it from deliquescing. (E.) This is both a troublesome and expensive preparation; for, when attempted to be made by simply evaporating to dryness, the salt has always a dark unpleasant colour, which can neither be removed by repeated solution and crystallization, nor even by solution in alcohol. It is doubtful to what the colour is owing. It has been ascribed by some to part of the acetic acid being decomposed by heat during the ex- siccation of the salt: they accordingly recommend the evaporation to be conducted very gently, and the pellicles to be skimmed from the surface of the liquor as fast as they are formed; and in this way, they say, they have procured, at once, a very white salt. Others again as- cribe it to accidental impurities, contracted during the operation, and recommend the utmost attention to cleanliness, and the use of earthen vessels; while others ascribe it to some foreign matter, which rises in distillation with the last portions of the acetous acid, and therefore direct, that only the first portions which come over should be used, or that the acetous acid should be distilled with charcoal. The last opinion appears to be the most probable, since, when acetic acid pro- cured from the distillation of an acetat is employed, a colourless so- lution is obtained, and solutions which become coloured do not at the same time become alkaline. But to whatever cause it be owing, the colour is most effectually destroyed by fusing the salt. The heat ne- cessary to do this decomposes the colouring matter; and on dissolv- ing the fused mass in water, and filtering the solution, we find a fine light charcoal on the filter. But this fusion is attended with consider- able loss; for part of the acetic acid itself is decomposed. To ascertain the exact saturation, litmus and turmeric paper should be alternately employed. Mr. Phillips says, that rather more than 21 pints of distilled vinegar, of 1.007, are required to saturate 18 ounces of subcarbonat of potass. The operator must be particularly careful, in melting it, not to use a greater heat, nor keep it longer liquefied, than what is abso- lutely necessary: a little should be occasionally taken out and put into water; and, as soon as it begins to part freely with its black colour, the whole is to be removed from the fire. The exsiccation of the solution of the salt, after it has been fused, must be conducted very carefully, as it is exceedingly apt to be de- composed, vvhich would render a new solution and exsiccation neces- sary. The test of its purity, by dissolving it in alcohol, as directed by the London college, is to discover if any of the acetic acid itself bar 456 Materia Medica. been decomposed in the operation; for the carbonat of potass, which is in that case formed, is insoluble in alcohol. To spare trouble and expense, attempts have been made to pre- pare acetat of potass with undistilled vinegar, and even with the re- siduum of the distillation of acetic acid: and they have been, to a certain degree, successful: but, as repeated fusion and crystallization are necessary to bring the salt to a certain degree of purity, it does not appear that they were more economical. But if, to acetat of potass, prepared with impure vinegar, we add a sufficient quantity of sulphuric acid, we obtain by distillation an acetic acid of great strength, which forms a beautiful acetat of potass without fusion. Lastly, this salt may be prepared by the decomposition of acetats; for example, of the acetat of lime, by tratrat of potass. Acetat of potass has a sharp, somewhat pungent taste. It is deli- quescent, and is soluble in about its own weight of water, at 60°, but Mr. Phillips says in half its weight, at 40°. It is also, according to Dr. Powell, soluble in alcohol in four times its weight. It is decom- posed by the stronger acids; by a decoction of tamarinds; by the sul- phats of soda and of magnesia; by muriat of ammonia; by the tartrat of soda and potass; and by some metalline salts. Its acid is destroyed by a high temperature. Medical use.—Acetat of potass, however prepared, provided it be properly made, is a medicine of great efficacy, and may be so dosed and managed as to prove either mildly cathartic, or pow- erfully diuretic: few of the saline deobstruents equal it in virtue. The dose is from half a scruple to a drachm or two. A simple solution, however, of carbonat of potass in vinegar, without exsiccation, is per- haps not inferior, as a medicine, to the more expensive salt. Two drachms of the alkali, saturated with vinegar, have produced, in hy- dropic cases, ten or twelve stools, and a plentiful discharge of urine, without any inconvenience. Officinal Preparations. Tinctura ferri acetati, D. - - - vide Tinctura. Acetis hydrargyri, E. L. D. - - - Hydrargyrum. SULPHAS POTASSjE. E. L. Sulphat of Potass, formerly Vitriolated Tartar. Sulphas Kali. D. Sulphat of Kali. Take of Sulphuric acid, diluted with six times its weight of water, any quantity. Put it into a capacious glass-vessel, and gradually drop into it of pure carbonat of potass, dissolved in six times its weight of water, as much as is suffic/jut thoroughly to neutralize the acid. The effer- vescence being finished, strain the liquor through paper; and after evaporation, set it aside to crystallize. P.—Potassa. 457 Sulphat of potass may be also conveniently prepared from the resi- duum of the distillation of nitrous acid, by dissolving it in warm water, and saturating it with carbonat of potass. (E.) This salt is very seldom prepared on purpose, as it may be obtain- ed from the residuum of many other preparations, by simple solution and crystallization. For so strong is the affinity between sulphuric acid and potass, that they scarcely ever meet without combining to form this salt. All the sulphats, except that of baryta, are decompos- ed by potass and most of its combinations; and reciprocally, all the compounds of potass are decomposed by sulphuric acid and most of its combinations; and in all these decompositions, sulphat of potass is one of the products. The greatest part of the sulphat of potass of commerce is obtained from the residuum of the distillation of sulphat of iron with nitrat of potass, by lixiviating it, supersaturating the solution with carbonat of potass, filtering it boiling hot; and allowing it to crystallize. The liquor remaining after the precipitation of magnesia, is also a solution of sul- phat of potass. It is also got in considerable quantities from the resi- duum remaining in the retort, after the distillation of nitrous acid; and all the colleges have given directions for obtaining it in this way, by simply saturating the excess of acid with subcarbonat of potass. Mr. Phillips says it would be more economical to saturate any una- voidable excess of acid by lime, and reject the sulphat of lime formed, as the sulphat of potass is not so costly as the carbonat of potass used to make it. As the residuum of the distillation of nitrous acid may not always be at hand, the Edinburgh college also give a receipt for making this salt, by directly combining its constituents. It would have been more economical to have used a solution of sulphat of iron, in place of sul- phuric acid, by which means not only an equally pure sulphat of potass would have been procured at less expense, but also a very- pure carbonat of iron. Sulphat of potass forms small, transparent, very hard crystals, ge- nerally aggregated in crusts, and permanent in the air. Their primi- tive form is a pyramidal dodecahedron with isosceles triangular faces meeting at the summit, at an angle of about 66.15, and the base 113.45. It has a bitter taste, is slowly soluble in water, requiring 16 waters at 60°, and 4 at 212°. It is not soluble in alcohol. It decrepi- tates when thrown on live coals, and melts in a red heat. It consists of 32.8 acid, and 67.2 potash and watei;, according to Mr. Phillips. It is decomposed by the barytic salts; by the nitrats and muriats of lime and of strontia; by the tartrats partially; and by the salts of mercury, silver, and lead. Medical use.—Sulphat ofpotass, in small doses, as a scruple or half a drachm, is an useful aperient; in larger ones, as four or five drachms, a mild cathartic, which does not pass off so hastily as the sulphat of soda, and seems to extend its action farther. Officinal Preparations. Pulvis ipecacuanhae et opii. E. L. D. - - vide Pulveres. scammonii compositus, L. - - • - Idem. 3M 458 Materia Medica. POTASS^ SUPERSULPHAS. L. Supersulphat of Potass. Take of The salt which remains after the distillation of nitric acid, two pound; Boiling water, four pints. Mix, dissolve the salt, and filter. Then boil down to one half, and set it aside to crystallize. Pour off the liquid, and dry ihe crystals on blotting paper. This salt is acid to the taste, reddens vegetable blues, and effer- vesces with alkaline carbonats. Mr. Phillips found, that 100 grains required 25 of dried subcarbonat of soda for saturation. It is directed by Lowitz to be prepared by mixing seven parts of sulphuric acid with the same quantity of water in a large matrass, and adding to the hot mixture, as quickly as possible, four parts of potashes in fine powder. On cooling, the supersulphat of potass shoots in fine large crystals, whose primitive form is an acute rhomboid of 74° and 106°. These are to be quickly washed in water and dried. This mode of directly preparing it is, however, unnecessary, as it is produced in sufficient quantity in the distillation of nitric acid. Its preparation, however, is attended with some difficulty, and Mr. Phillips at first thought that there was no supersulphat, as he only obtained from the residuum of the distillation of nitrous acid, sulphat with acid adher- ing to it. From subsequent experiments, he is of opinion, that it may be made to yield supersulphat, or sulphat, according as the solution is more or less concentrated. When the residual salt is dissolved in only about an equal weight of water, Mr. Phillips found it deposite on cooling supersulphat of potass, without any appearance of pellicle; but if the solution be evaporated to a pellicle-, according to the former directions of the college, the whole concretes into a solid mass; and when the solution is not perfectly concentrated, the crystals obtained are sulphat of potass. It is also with extreme surprise that we learned from Mr.'Phillips, that on sending to Apothecaries Hall, where at least the directions of the college ought to be minutely adhered to, what he received was a mixture of 58 sulphat of potass, with 42 ni- trat of potass. With such an excessive quantity of acid as the college order in preparing nitrous acid, it is perfectly impossible that so much, if any, nitre could have escaped decomposition. This salt was formerly calh Sal enixum and Tartarus vitriolatus acidus. It is so- luble in two waters at 60°, and less than one at 212°. It consists of 37 parts of sulphat of potass, and 33 sulphuric acid. It is used in its unrefined state by silversmiths, and is recommend- ed by Lowitz for preparing acetic acid, by decomposing acetat of soda. It promises to be a valuable medicine, as enabling us to give sulphuric acid in combination with an aperient salt, and being less disagreeable and more soluble than the neutral sulphat. P.—Potassa.—Sulphuretum Potassae. 459 SULPHAS POTASSA cum SULPHURE; olim, Sal Poly- chrestus. Ed. Sulphat of Potass with Sulphur, formerly Sal Polychrest. Take of Nitrat of potass in powder, Sublimed sulphur, of each equal parts. Mingle them well together, and inject the mixture, by little and little at a time, into a red-hot crucible: the deflagration being over, let the salt cool, after which it is to be put up in a glass vessel well stopped. (E.) In this process the nitric acid of the nitrat of potass is decomposed by the sulphur, which is in part acidified. But the quantity of oxygen contained in the nitric acid is not always sufficient to acidify the whole sulpbur employed; therefore, part of it remains in the state of sul- phurous acid, which is probably chemically combined with part of the potass in the state of sulphite; for the whole saline mass formed is more soluble in water than sulphat of potass. It is crystallizable, and by exposure to the air gradually attracts oxygen, and is converted into sulphat, or perhaps supersulphat of potass; for even when re- cently prepared, it is manifestly acid. But this preparation, like all those depending on the uncertain action of fire, is apt to vary. In some experiments which Dr. Duncan made to determine the state in which the sulphur existed in this salt carefully prepared, it seemed to be sulphuric acid; for it neither gave out a sulphureous smell on the addition of sulphuric acid, nor was a solution of it precipitated by acids. In others the presence of sulphureted hydrogen was obvious; but in no instance could sulphur, in any notable quantity, be detected. Hence its Edinburgh name Sulphas potassa cum sulphure, and the mode of preparation proposed by some, of simply triturating these substances together, are are manifestly incorrect. In its medi- cal effects and exhibition, it agrees with sulphureous mineral waters, which contain a proportion of neutral salt. Officinal Preparation. Pilulae aloes cum qolocynthide, E. - vide Pilula. SULPHURETUM POTASSAE; olim, Hepar Sulphuris. Ed. Sulphuret of Potass, formerly Liver of Sulphur. Kali Sulphuratum. L. Sulphureted Kali. Alkali Vegetabile Sulphuiiatum. D. Sulphureted Vegetable Alkali. Take of Caustic vegetable alkali in powder, Sublimed sulphur, each two ounces. To the sulphur, melted by a gentle heat, add the alkali; covering the vessel, if the mixture shall take fire. (D.) Keep the sulphuret in well-closed phials. 460 Materia Medica. Thebe exists a very strong affinity between sulphur and potass, but they must be united in a state of perfect dryness; because, if any moisture be present, it is decomposed, and alters the nature of the product. If potass be employed as directed by the Dublin college, it wilt unite with the sulphur by simple trituration, and will render one third of its weight of sulphur soluble in water. If carbonat of potass be used as directed by the other colleges, it is necessary to bring the 6ulphur into a state of fusion; it then acts upon the carbonat, and expels the carbonic acid. It is evident, that to combine with the same quantity of sulphur, a larger proportion of carbonat of potass than of potass is necessary; but the quantity ordered by the London college is certainly much too large. Gottling directs only one part of carbo- nat of potass to two of sulphur; and to save the crucible, he directs the mixture, as soon as it melts, to be poured into a heated mould, anointed with oil. The colleges also differ in the mode of conducting the process. The London and Dublin colleges direct the alkaline salt to be projected upon the melted sulphur. The fault of this process is, that there is a considerable loss of sulphur by sublimation, which is avoided, if the substances be previously intimately mixed, and brought into fusion by a very gradual and cautious application of heat, according to the process of the Edinburgh college; but, if the fusion be not very cautiously performed, the sudden extrication of so large a quantity of carbonic acid gas, is apt to throw the melted matter out of the crucible, and may be attended with unpleasant consequences. La Grange projects one part of sulphur, on one and a half of potass in fusion, and keeps the compound melted half an hour before he pours it out. If the heat be too great, and the crucible uncovered, the sulphureous vapour is apt to inflame, but it is easily extinguished by covering it up. For the preparation of precipitated sulphur. Hermb- staedt proposes to obtain the sulphuret of potass, by heating together in a crucible four parts of sulphat of potass with one of charcoal powder. The charcoal is converted into carbonic acid gas, and the sulphat into sulphuret. Sulphuret ofpotass, properly prepared, is of a liver-brown colour, hard, brittle, and has a vitreous fracture. It has an acrid bitter taste, and the smell of sulphur. It is exceedingly prone to decomposition. It is deliquescent in the air, and is decomposed. It is very fusible, but a strong heat separates the sulphur by sublimation. The moment it comes in contact with water, there is a mutual decomposition. Part of tho sulphur becomes acidified, deriving oxygen from the water, and forms sulphat of potass. Part of the hydrogen of the water de- composed, combines with another portion of the sulphur, and escapes in the form of sulphureted hydrogen gas: another portion of the hydrogen combines with a third portion of the sulphur, and remains in solution, united with the alkali, in the state of hydrogureted sul- phuret ofpotass. By acids, sulphuret ofpotass is immediately decom- posed, the acid forms a neutral salt with the potass, and the sulphur is separated. Officinal Preparation. Sulphur praecipitatum, L. D. - - - vide Suphut. P.—Potassa.—Tartris Potassae. 461 LIQUOR SULPHURETI KALI. Dub. Sulphuret of Kali. Take of Sublimed sulphur, half an ounce; Liquor of caustic kali, nine ounces, by measure. Boil for ten minutes, and strain through paper. Keep the liquor'*in phials well corked. The specific gravity of this liquor is 1120. The Dublin college have substituted for the sulphuret of potass, a preparation which is exactly similar to a solution of it in water. When sulphur is boiled in a solution of caustic alkali, a portion of the water is decomposed; the oxygen forms, with °ome of the sulphur and po- tass, sulphat of potass, and the hydrogen with the remainder hydro- sulphuret of potass. The former being difficultly soluble, is piecipi- tated and separated by filtration. The solution must be well pi> served from the action of the air, which gradually decomposes it, ioi ming sulphat of potass. MedicaTuse.—Hydro-sulphuret of potass is an exceedingly nause- ous remedy; but it is used internally as an antidote to metallic poiso: s, to check excessive salivations from mercury, and in cutaneous a: ac- tions. Externally, it is used with success against tinea capitis, and in psora. It is one of the articles which is particularly recommended in croup, by one of the successful candidates for the prize proposed by Bonaparte for the best treatise on that disease. TARTRIS POTASSjE; olim, Tartarum Solubile. Ed. Tartrite of Potass, formerly Soluble Tartar. Alkali Vegetabile Tartarisatum. D. Tartarised Vegetable Alkali. Kali Tartarisatum. L. Tartarised Kali. Take of Carbonat of potass, one pound; Super-tartrite of potass, three pounds, or as much as maybe suf- ficient; Boiling water, fifteen pounds. To the carbonat of potass dissolved in the water, gradually add the super-tartrite of potass in fine powder, as long as it raises any ef- fervescence, which generally ceases before three times the weight of the carbonat of potass has been added; then strain the cooled liquor through paper, and after due evaporation set it aside to crys- tallize. (E.) The tartaric acid is capable of uniting with potass in two propor- tions, forming in the one instance a neutral, and in the other an acidu- lous salt. The latter is an abundant production oi nature, but it is easily converted into the former, by saturating it with potass, or by depriving it of its excess of acid. It is by the former method that the 462 Materia Medica. colleges direct tartrat of potass to be prepared, and the process is so simple, that it requires little comment. For the sake of economy, we .should come as near the point of saturation as possible: but any slight deviation from it will not be attended with much inconvenience. In- deed, it is perhaps advisable to leave a slight excess of acid, which, forming a small quantity of very insoluble salt, leaves the remainder perfectly neutral. The evaporation must be conducted in an earthen vessel, for iron discolours the salt. It is easily crystallized, and the crystals become moist in the air. It has an unpleasant bitter tast^. It is soluble in four parts of cold water, and still more soluble in boiling water, and it is also soluble in alcohol. It is totally or partially de- composed by all acids. On this account it is improper to join it with tamarinds, or other acid fruits; which is too often done in the extem- poraneous practice of those physicians who are fond of mixing dif- ferent cathartics together, and know little of chemistry. It is also to- totally decomposed by lime, baryta, strontia, and magnesia, and par- tially by the sulphats of potass, soda, and magnesia, and by the muriat of ammonia. . Medical use.—In doses of a scruple, half a drachm, or a drachm, this salt is a mild cooling aperient: two or three drachms commonly loosen the belly; and an ounce proves pretty strongly purgative. It has been particularly recommended as a purgative for maniacal and melancholic patients. It is an useful addition to the purgatives of the resinous kind, as it promotes their operation, and at the same time tends to correct their griping quality. PRINOS VERTICILLATUS. Lin. Black-alder. Virginian Winter-berry. This is a very common shrub in many parts of the United Slates, and grows in the greatest perfection in swamps or marshy places. The bark is manifestly astringent. It is likewise considerably bitter and pungent. The berries greatly partake of the bitter quality, and if infused in wine or brandy, might be advantageously en.ployed in cases where bitter tinctures are exhibited. The bark has been used as a substitute for Peruvian bark in intermittents and other diseases, both in substance and decoction. It is supposed to be chiefly useful in cases of great debility unaccompanied by fever; as a corroborant in anasarcous and other dropsies, and as a tonic in cases of incipient spacelus or gangrene. It is both given internally, and employed ex- ternally as a wash. On many occasions, it appears to be more useful than the Peruvian bark; and the late Professor Barton says it ought to have a place in t:-e shops, and in the Pharmacopoeia of this country, when such a desideratum shall be supplied.* Dr. Mease says (Philadelphia Medical Museum, vol, II.) it is use- ful in mortification, united with the root of sassafras, in decoction, Sec. * Barton's Collections, Part II. p. 5. P.—Prunus. 463 PRUNUS. Willd. g. 982. Icosandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Pomacea. PRUNUS DOMESTICA. Sp. 29. Fructus. Ed. L. D. Prunus Gallica. Plum tree. The fruit, called French prunes. This tree is found wild in hedges in England, but has probably originated from the stones of the cultivated kinds being dropped there by accident. Great quantities of the dried fruit are imported from the continent, but the French prunes are reckoned the best. Medical use.—They contain much mucilaginous and saccharine matter, and their medical effects are, to abate heat, and gently loosen the belly, which they perform by lubricating the passages, and soften- ing the excrement. They are ot considerable service in costiveness, accompanied with heat or irritation, which the more stimulating cathartics would tend to aggravate: where prunes are not of them- selves sufficient, their action may be promoted by joining with them a little rhubarb or the like; to which may be added some carminative ingredient to prevent their occasioning flatulency. Officinal Preparation. Electuarium sennae, E. L. D. - - - vide Electuaries PRUNUS LAURO CERASUS. Cherry Tree Laurel. The leaves. An exotic narcotic plant, not cultivated among us, but preserved in some hot houses and botanic gardens as a curiosity. The leaves have an odour slightly fragrant: their taste is extremely bitter. They possess a highly narcotic quality, which is extracted by infusion in alcohol or water, and is even brought over by distillation in the state of an essential oil, which the water partly dissolves. And the very singular fact has been established, that the volatile principle in which the narcotic quality of this plant resides is the prussic aeid. It had often been observed, that the odour of this acid is similar to that of the cherry-laurel, peach blossom, and bitter almond. Bohn found, that the distilled water of the bitter almond contained prussic acid. Schroe- der discovered it in the distilled water of the peach blossom and cherry- laurel, prussiat of potass being obtained by distilling them from the alkali; and Bucholz succeeded in separating the prussic acid from the essential oil of the cherry-laurel, by agitation with an alkaline solution. This acid in its pure state has been further found to be highly nar- cotic; and the narcotic power of all these plants no doubt depends on it. The distilled water of the cherry-laurel has long been known as a poison to animals, and its effects are those of a pure narcotic. It has not, says Mr. Murray, been employed in medicine, but a cataplasm prepared from the leaves has been used as an anodyne application to painful tumours and ulcers. 464 Materia Medica. Cherry-laurel has ever been considered as a poison of the most deleterious energy, but it is now known, it may be administered in- ternally with perfect safety. In the few instances of its trial it has been found to give tone to the stomach, increase the appetite, and to exhilarate. Dr. Mayer, of Naples, gives the distilled water of laurel for the cure of virulent gonorrhoea, and by his advice an American captain affirms, that he cured thirty sailors by this medicine alone. It appears to retard the pulse and produce some sedative effects. It has been found serviceable in phthisis pulmonalis on a few trials. Profes- sor Wurzer, of Bonn, gave fifty drops of the laurel water three times in a day, which was very efficacious in hypochondriac and nervous complaints. He finds the laurel water diminishes the too great irri- tability of the heart and muscular fibre, and augments at the same time, the action of the absorbent vessels. It is recommended by some German authors in hydrophobia. It may be given in saturated tinc- ture, a few drops cautiously increased until some effect be observ- able. PRUNUS SPINOSA. Sp. 32. Prunus Sylvestris. L. Fructus. L. The Sloe tree. The fruit. The sloe also grows wild in Britain. The fruit has a very astring- gent sourish taste. It contains malic acid.* The inspissated juice of the unripe fruit is very astringent, and is called Acacia Germanica. An infusion of a handful of the flowers is a safe and easy purge. The powdered bark will sometimes cure agues. Officinal Preparation. Conserva pruni sylvestris, L. vide Conserva. PRUNUS V1RGINIANA. Wild Cherry Tree. This tree is very common. The bark has been found useful in in- termittents. The leaves are poisonous to certain animals, and even the berries intoxicate different kinds of birds. The Indians use the bark in the cure of syphilis. It is considerably bitter and astringent, and possesses some aromatic warmth, and likewise an evident nar- cotic quality. It is manifestly stimulant. The bark of the root seems most powerful. * Malic acid is a viscid fluid, incapable of crystallization, of a reddish brown colour, a«d very acid taste. It exists in the juice of apples, and combined with lime in that of the common house leek. It forms precipitates in the solution of the nitrats of mercury, lead, and silver. Officinal. Barberry, plum, sloe, elder, &c. Malats having alkalies for their base, are deliquescent. The acidulous malat "flime is soluble in cold water. P.—Pterocarpus. 465 It has been found useful in dyspesia, consumption of the lungs and lumbar abscess, (see Medical Repository, vol. V. No. III.) The distilled water of the leaves is a powerful poison to different animals, which seems dependent on the presence of the same princi- ple which exists in peach kernels, &c. lately shown to be prussic acid. A strong decoction of the bark is anthelmintic* PTEROCARPUS. Willd. g. 1318. Diadelphia Decandria.—Nat. ord. Papilionacea. PTEROCARPUS SANTALINUS. Sp. 6. Lignum. Ed. L. D. Santalum Rubrum. L. D. Red Saunders wood. D. Sandelhout. P. Sandalo. DA. Sandelholt. POL. Cyndal. Y. Santal, Sandal. R. Sandal. G. Sandelholz. S. Sandalo. I. Sandalo. SW. Sandel. This tree grows in the East Indies, and acquires a very large size. The wood is brought in large billets, of a compact texture, a dull red, almost blackish colour on the outside, and a deep brighter red within. It has no manifest smell, and little or no taste. It communi- cates a deep red to rectified spirit, but gives no tinge to aqueous liquors: a small quantity of the resin, extracted by means of spirit, tinges a large one of fresh spirit, of an elegant blood red. Neumann got from 960 grains 210 alcoholic, and afterward 20 of watery extract; and inversely, 126 tough watery extract, and 120 alcoholic. Accord- ing to the same chemist, it gives out its colouring matter to volatile oil of lavender, but not to volatile oil of turpentine. Is this difference to be ascribed to the camphor contained in the former? Officina l Prep a ra tion. Tincturalavandulae composita, E. L. D. vide Tinctura. PTEROCARPUS DRACO. Sp, I. Resina. Ed. Sanguis Draconis. Dragons blood. A resin. D. Draakenbloed. P. Sangue de drago. DA. Drageblod. POL. Smocza krew. F. Sang dragon. R. Drakonowa krow. G. Drachenblut. S. Sangro de drago. I. Sangue di drago. SW. Drakblod. This is also a very large tree. It is a native of South America, and the resin which exudes from incisions made in its bark used to be fre- • Barton's Collections, Part I. and II; 3N 466 Materia Medica. quently sent from Carthagena to Spain. It is however doubtful, if the dragons blood of the shops be produced from this tree, as many oihers furnish a similar resin, as the dracaena draco, dalbergia monetaria, and especially the calamus draco, which probably furnishes all that is brought from the East Indies. The best dragons blood is not in cakes, but is brought in small masses, of the size of a nutmeg, wrapt up in the dried leaves of some kind of reed, breaks smooth, free from any visible impurities, of a dark-red colour, which changes, upon being powdered, into an ele- gant bright crimson. This drug, in substance, has no sensible smell or taste: when dissolved, it discovers some degree of warmth and pungency. It is fusible and inflammable, and totally soluble in alcohol, tinging a large quantity of the menstruum of a deep red colour. It is likewise soluble in expressed oils, and gives them a red hue, less beautiful than that communicated by anchusa. It is not acted upon by water, but precipitated by it from its alcoholic solution. Dr. Dun- can found that it is soluble in nitrous acid and alkalies, and that it neither precipitates gelatin, nor affects the colour of the salts of iron. It therefore appears to be a pure resin without any astringency. He has been more particular in proving that this resin is not astringent, because both Mr. Murray and Dr. Thompson have adopted Mr. Proust's account of it. But the substance examined by Mr. Proust could not be the resin known in this country by the name of Dragons blood, as it was as soluble in water as in alcohol. Dr. Fothergill, who first described kino, received it as the finest Dragons blood. Some- thing similar must have happened to Mr. Proust, as the characters of his sang dracon correspond with those of kino. Officinal Preparation. Emplastrum thuris compositum, L. - vide Unguenta. PULVERES.—POWDERS. This form is proper for such materials only as are capable of being sufficiently dried to become pulverisable, without the loss of their virtue. There are several substances, however, of this kind, which cannot be conveniently taken in powder; bitter, acrid, fetid, drugs are too disagreeable; emollient and mucilaginous herbs and roots are too bulky; pure gums cohere, and become tenacious in the mouth: fixed alkaline salts deliquesce when exposed to the air; and volatile alka- lies exhale. Many of the aromatics, too, suffer a great loss of their odorous principles when kept in powder; as in that form they expose a much larger surface to the air. The dose of powders, in extemporaneous prescription, is generally about half a drachm; it rarely exceeds a whole drachm; and is not often less than a scruple. Substances which produce powerful effects in smaller doses are not trusted to this form, unless their bulk be in- P.—Pulveres. 467 creased by additions of less efficacy; those which require to be given in larger ones are better fitted for other forms. The usual vehicle for taking the lighter powders, is any agree- able thin liquid. The ponderous powders, particularly those prepared from metallic substances, require a more consistent vehicle, as sy- rups; for from thin ones they soon subside: Resinous substances likewise are most commodiously taken in thick liquors; for in thin ones, they are apt to run into lumps, which are not easily again soluble. IN PULVEREM TRITI. D. Powders. Substances to be powdered, previously dried, are to be pulverized in an iron mortar. The powder is then to be separated, by shaking it through an hair-sieve, and is to be kept in close vessels. PULVIS ALOES cum CANELLA. D. Powder of Aloes with Canella. Fake of Hepatic aloes, one pound; White canella, three ounces. Powder them separately, and then mix them. This composition has long been known in the shops under the title of Hiera picra. It furnishes us with an useful aloetic purgative, the canella operating as a good corrigent for the aloes. But it is more frequently employed as the basis of electuaries, or pills. PULVIS ALOES cum GUAIACO. D. Powder of Aloes with Guaiacum. Take of Hepatic aloes, one ounce and a half; Gum guaiacum, one ounce; Aromatic powder, half an ounce. Rub the aloes and gum guaiacum separately to powder; then mix them with the aromatic powder. This also furnishes us with a useful purgative: but when taken only in small doses, its chief effect is that of promoting perspiration. PULVIS ALOETICUS cum FERRO. L. Aloetic powder with Iron. Take of Socotorine aloes, an ounce and a half; 468 Materia Medica. Myrrh, two ounces; Dry extract of gentian, Vitriolated iron, of each one ounce. Reduce them separately to powder, and mix them. (L.) In this powder we have an aloetic and chalybeate conjoined. It is an useful medicine; and is particularly employed with advantage in cases of obstructed menstruation. PULVIS AROMAT1CUS. Ed. D. Aromatic powder. P. Cinnamomi Compositus. L. Compound powder of Cinnamon. Take of Cinnamon, two ounces* Cardamom seeds, an ounce and a half; Ginger, one ounce; Long pepper, half an ounce. Rub them together to a very fine powder. (L.) This composition is an agreeable, hot, spicy, medicine; and as such may be usefully taken in cold phlegmatic habits and decayed consti- tutions, for warming the stomach, promoting digestion, and strength- ening the tone of the viscera. The dose is from ten grains to a scruple and upwards. Officinal Preparations. Pulvis aloes cum guaiaco, L. Electuarium aromaticum, E. opiatum, E. PULVIS ASARI COMPOSITUS. Ed. D. Compound Powder of Asarabacca. Tajie of The leaves of asarabacca, three parts; The leaves of marjoram, Flowers of lavender, of' each one part. Rub them together to^g©wder. (E.) This is an agreea%$^d efficacious errhine, and superior to most of those usually soldtojndei; the name of herb snuff. It is often em- ployed with great ady/ajltage- in cases of obstinate head-ach, and of ophthalmias resisting o^her modes of cure. Taken under the form of snuff' to the extent of five or six grains at bed-time, it will operate the succeeding day as a powerful errhine, inducing frequent sneezing, and likewise a copious discharge from the nose. It is, however, ne- cessary, during its operation, to avoid exposure to cold. P.—Pulveres. 469 PULVIS CARBONATIS CALCIS COMPOSITUS; olim, Pulvis Cuetaceus. Ed. Compound Powder of Carbonat of Lime, formerly Chalk Powder. Pulvis Cretai Compositus. L. Compound Powder .of Chalk. Take of Prepared carbonat of lime, four ounces; Nutmeg, half a drachm; Cinnamon, one drachm and a half. Reduce them together to powder. (E.) The addition of the aromatics in the above formula, coincides with the general intention of the remedy, which is indicated in weakness and acidity in the stomach, and in looseness from acidity. PULVIS CASSII. - - - vide Aurum. PULVIS CRET-E COMPOSITUS cum OPIO. L. Compound Powder of Chalk with Opium. Take of Compound powder of chalk, six ounces and a half; Hard opium, powdered, four scruples. Mix them. From the addition of the opium this remedy becomes still more powerful than the preceding in restraining diarrhoea. PULVIS CERUSSE COMPOSITUS. L. Compound Powder of Ceruse. Take of Ceruse, five ounces; Sarcocoll, an ounce and a half; Tragacanth, half an ounce. Powder them together. (L.) This is employed for external purposes, as in collyria, lotions, and injections for repelling acrimonious humours, and in inflammations; but for all these purposes it is very inferior to solutions of acetat of lead. PULVIS CONTRAYERVA COMPOSITUS. L. Compound Powder of Contrayerva. Take of Contrayerva, powdered, five ounces; 470 Materia Medica. Compound powder of chalk, one pound and a half. Mix them. This medicine has a very good claim to the title of an alexiphar- mic and sudorific. The contrayerva by itself proves very serviceable in low fevers, where the vis vitae is weak, and a diaphoresis to be promoted. PULVIS IPECACUANHA ET OPII. Ed. Pulvis Ipecacuanha Compositus; olim, Pulvis Doveri. L. Powder of Ipecacuan and Opium; or Compound Powder of Ipecacuan, formerly Dover's Powder. Take of Ipecacuan in powder, Opium, of each one part; Sulphat of potass, eight parts. Triturate them together into a fine powder. (E.) The sulphat of potass, from the grittiness of its crystals, is perhaps better fitted for tearing and dividing the tenacious opium than any other salt: this seems to be its only use in the preparation. The ope- rator ought to be careful that the opium and ipecacuanha be equally diffused through the whole mass of powder, otherwise different por- tions of the powder must have differences in degree of strength. This powder is one of the most certain sudorifics, and, as such was recommended by Dr. Dover as an effectual remedy in rheumatism. Modern practice confirms its reputation, not only in rheumatism, but also in dropsy and several other diseases, where it is often difficult by other means to produce a copious sweat. The dose is from five to twenty grains, according as the patient's stomach and strength can bear it. It is proper to avoid much drinking immediately after taking it, otherwise it is very apt to be rejected by vomiting before any other effects are produced. PULVIS JALAPA COMPOSITUS. Ed. Compound Powder of Jalap. Take of Jalap root, one part; Super-tartrat of potass, two parts. Grind them together to a very fine powder. (E.) The use of the tartrat in this preparation, is to break down and divide the jalap; and therefore they are directed to be triturated to- gether, and not separately. P.—Pulveres. 471 PULVIS KINO COMPOSITUS. L. Compound Powder of Kino. Take of Kino, fifteen drachms; Cinnamon, half an ounce; Hard opium, one drachm. Reduce them separately to a very fine powder, them mix them. This, though well known in extemporaneous prescription, is a new officinal preparation, und one which promises to be convenient. It is anodyne and astringent, containing one part of opium in twenty. PULVIS MYRRHA COMPOSITUS. L, Compound Powder of Myrrh. Take of Myrrh, Dried savin, Dried rue, Russian castor, of each one ounce. Rub them together into a powder. (L.) This is a reformation of the Trochisci e Myrrha, a composition contrived by Rhazes against uterine obstructions. From a scruple to a drachm or more, two or three times a-day, may be taken in any convenient vehicle, or made into boluses. PULVIS OPIATUS. Ed. L. Opiate Powder. Take of Opium, one part; Prepared carbonat of lime, nine parts. Rub them together to a fine powder. (E.) In this powder the opium is the active ingredient; and it is imma- terial whether the phophat (as the London college directs) or carbo- nat of lime be used to promote its mechanical division. PULVIS SCAMMONII. E. Powder of Scammony. Pulvis Scammonii Compositus. L. Compound Powder of Scammony. Take of Scammony, Hard extract of jalap, each two ounces; Ginger, half an ounce. Powder them separately and then mix them. (L.) In this composition, the ginger is an useful addition, and will ren- der it less apt to gripe. 472 Materia Medica. PULVIS SCAMMONII COMPOSITUS cum ALOE. L. Compound Powder of Scammony with Aloes. Take of Scammony, six drachms; Hard extract of jalap, Socotorine aloes, of each an ounce and a half; Gingsr, half an ounce. Powder them separately, and mix them. (L.) In this formula, the combination of scammony, jalap, and aloes, furnishes a very active purgative, which, with some intentions at least, may be preferable lo the preceding. From five to ten grains of it operate as a purgative, even in cases of obstinate costiveness. PULVIS SCAMMONII cum CALOMELANE. L; Powder of Scammony with Calomel. Take of Scammony, half an ounce; Calomel, Double refined sugar, of each two drachms. Powder them separately, and then mix them. (L.) In this formula, we have the scammony in a more simple state) united with such a proportion of calomel, as must very considerably aid its purgative power; and accordingly it may be employed with advantage, both in cases of obstinate costiveness, and in dropsical af- fections, where a considerable discharge is required from the system. PULVIS SENNA COMPOSITUS. L, Compound Powder of Senna. Take of Senna, Crystals of tartar, of each two ounces; Scammony, half an ounce; Ginger, two drachms. Triturate the scammony by itself, reduce the rest together into a powder, and then mix. (L.) This powder is given as a cathartic, in the dose of two scruples, or a drachm. The spice is added, not only to divide, but to warm the medicine, and make it sit easier on the stomach. The scammony is used as a stimulus to the senna; the quantity of the latter necessary for a dose, when not assisted by some more powerful material, being toe bulky to be conveniently taken in this form. P.-~Punica Granatum. 471 PULVIS SULPHATIS ALUMINA COMPOSITUM, olim, Pulvis Styptic us. Ed. Compound Powder of Sulphat of Alumina, formerly Styptic Powder. Take of Sulphat of alumina, four parts; Kino, one part. Rub them together to a fine powder. (E.) This powder is composed of two very powerful astringents, but which we believe are not combined with propriety. At least, it is cer- tain that a solution of alum is decomposed by a solution of Kino. PULVIS TRAGACANTHA COMPOSITUS. L. Compound Powder of Tragacanth. Take of Tragacanth, powdered, Gum arabic, Starch, of each an ounce and a half; Refined sugar, three ounces. Rub them together into a powder. (L.) This composition is a mild emollient; and hence becomes ser- viceable in hectic cases, tickling coughs, strangury, some kinds of alvine fluxes, and other disorders proceeding from a thin acrimoni- ous state of the humours, or an abrasion of the mucus of the intes- tines: they soften, and give a greater degree of consistency to the former, and defend the latter from being irritated or excoriated by them. All the ingredients coincide in these general intentions. The dose is from half a drachm to two or three drachms, which may be frequently repeated. PUNICA GRANATUM. Cortexfruct&s. Flores pleni, Balaustia died. Ed. L. D. Pomegranate tree. The outer rind of the fruit. The double flowers, called Balaustine. Willd. g. 980. sp. 1. Icosandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Pomacea. The pomegranate is a low tree, or rather shrub, growing wild in Italy and other countries in the south of Europe; it is sometimes met with in our gardens; but the fruit, for which it is chiefly valued, rare- ly comes to perfection. This fruit has the general qualities of the other sweet summer fruits, allaying heat, quenching thirst, and gently loosening the belly. The rind is a strong astringent, striking a per- manent blue with sulphat ot iron, and as such is occasionally made use of. It has been lately given by Dr. Buchanan with success in the East Indies for the cure of taenia. Dr. Duncan also made some trials 3 O 474 Materia Medica. of it and of catechu in Great Britain, on the supposition that it was the astringent principle which acted chemically on the gelatinous body of the worm, and the result was promising; but the introduction of the oil of turpentine prevented him from prosecuting the experiment. The flowers are of an elegant red colour, in appearance resembling a dried red rose. Their taste is bitterish and astringent. They are re- commended in diarrhoeas, dysenteries, and other cases where astrin- gent medicines are proper. PYROLA UMBELLATA. Ground-holly. Pippsiseva. This is a very common North American plant, belonging to the same class and order as the uva ursi. The two plants are nearly allied to each other in botanical affinity, as well as in their medical proper- ties, u It is considerably astringent, and was considered by Dr. Barton as highly worthy the notice of physicians. It has been used with advan- tage in the same cases in which uva ursi has been found beneficial. It has also been used with good effect in some cases of intermittents. In one case its diuretic operation was evident. The bruised leaves externally applied sometimes induce redness, vesication, and des- quamation of the skin.* PYRUS CYDONIA.L. The Quince. The seeds. Semena. L. Willd. g. 992. sp. 17. Icosandria Pentagynia___Nat. ord. Pomacea. The quince is originally a native of Crete, but ripens its fruit per- fectly in our climate. Quinces have a very austere acid taste: taken in small quantity, they are supposed to restrain vomiting and alvine fluxes; and more liberally, to loosen the belly. The seeds abound with a mucilaginous substance of no particular taste, which they readily impart to 'watery liquors; an ounce will render three pints of water thick and ropy like the white of an e^tr. They will not however supply the place of gum arabic, because their mucilage spoils very quickly, and is precipitated by acids. Officinal Preparation. Mucilago pyri cydoniae, L. ... vide Mucilagines. • Barton's Collections, Part II. p. 2. Mitchell's Inaugural Essay, on Uva ursi, and Pyrola umbellata. Q.—Quassia Simaruba. 475 Q. QUASSIA. Willd. g. 849-. Decandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Gruinales. QUASSIA EXCELSA. Sp. 3. Lignum. Ed. L. D. Quassia Tree. Quassia, the wood, bark, and root. ) D. KwassiehoutJ I. Legno di Quassia. DA. Quassebark. P. Pao de Quassia. F. Bois de Quassie. S. Leno de Quassia. G. Quassienholz.X SW. Quassiatrad. This tree grows in Jamaica, and in the Caribaean islands. The quassia of the shops is the wood of its root, and not of the quassia amara, which is a very rare tree, but surpasses all others in bitter- ness, i This root is about the thickness of a man's arm: its wood is whitish, becoming yellowish by exposure the air. It has a thin, grey, fis- sured, brittle bark, which is deemed in Surinam more powerful than the wood. Quassia has no sensible odour, but is one of the most in- tense, durable, pure bitters known. Its infusion, decoction, and tinc- ture, are almost equally bitter and yellowish, and are not blackened by chalybeates. The properties of the extract of quassia have been detailed by Dr. Thompson, under the title of the bitter principle. Medical use.—It is a very pure and simple bitter, and may be given in all cases where bitters are proper. It has been exhibited in inter- mittent and bilious fevers, in stomachic complaints, in lienteria, in cachexy, dropsies, leucorrhcea, and gout. It is much used in Great Britain to give the bitterness to malt liquors, though it subjects those brewers who employ it to a very heavy penalty. It can scarcely be reduced to a sufficiently fine powder to be given in substance, and is therefore generally given in the form of infusion, decoction, or extract. QUASSIA SIMARUBA. Sp. 2. Cortex, Lignum. Ed. L. D. Simarouba. Mountain or bitter damson. The bark and wood. D. Roodenloop wortel. I. Simaruba. DA. Simaruba. P. Simaroba. F. Simarouba. S. Simaruba. G. Ruhrwurzel. SW. Simaruba. This tree grows in Guiana and in Jamaica. The simarouba of the shops is the bark of the root of this tree, and not of the quassia amara, 476 Materia Medica. as stated by the Dublin college. It is brought to us in pieces some feet Iom;'-, and some inches broad, folded lengthwise. It is light, fibrous, very tough; of a pale yellow on the inside; darker coloured, rough, scaly, and warted .n the outside; has little smell, and a bitter, not disagreeable taste. It gives out its bitterness both to alcohol and water. Medical use.—It has been much celebrated in obstinate diarrhoea, dysentery, anorexia, indigestion, liemeria, and intermittent fevers; but it is doubtful that it is better than other bitters. It is given in powder, in doses of half a drachm, or a whole drachm; hut it is too bulky, and very difficultly pulverizable. It is best ex- hibited in decoction. Two drachms of the bark may be boiled in two pounds of water to one, and the decoction drunk in cupfuls in the course of the day. QUERCUS. Willd. g. 1692. Smith, g. 404. Monoecia Polyandria.—Nat. ord. Amentacea. QUERCUS ROBUR. Willd. sp. 65. Smith, sp. 1. Cortex. Ed. D. Quercus Pedunculata.L. Common British Oak. The bark. D. Eik. P. Roble, Carvalho. DA.Eeg. POL. Dab. F. Chene. R. Dab. G. Eiche. S. Roble, Carballo. I. Querela. SW. Ek. The oak grows wild in Britain. The superior excellence of its wood for ship-building has rendered its cultivation an object of national concern. Its saw-dust is an useful dye stuff, and its bark is the prin- cipal article used in tanning. M. Vauquelin has discovered a remark- able chemical difference between the -bark and nut-galls, the latter precipitating tartrui of antimony and infusion of cinchona, which are not acted on by the former. Medical use.—The bark is a strong astringent, and is recommended in hemorrhagies, alvine fluxes, and other preternatural or immoderate secretions. In these it is sometimes attended with good effects. But it is by no means capable of being employed as a substitute, in every instance, for Peruvian bark, as some have asserted; and indeed it is so difficultly reduced to a sufficiently fine powder, that it can scarcely be given internally in substance. Dr. Rousseau, in a communication published in the Philadelphia Medical Museum, Vol. Ii. has mentioned the efficacy of the black oak bark in intermittents, and it would appear to be well worthy the attention of physicians. Q.—Quercus Cerris. 477 The Spanish oak, (Quercus rubra montana) Dr. Barton has used in gangrene, and he thinks it equalled in.power the best Peruvian bark. Officinal Preparation. Extractum querci, D. - vide Extracta. QUERCUS CERRIS. Cyniphis nidus. Ed. Galla. L. GalljE. Cynipidum nidi. D. Oriental oak. The nest of the cynips quercifolii. or Gall-nuts. D. Galnooten. P. Galhas, Bugalhos. DA. Galdabler. POL. Galas. F. Guiles, Noix de Galles. R. Tschernilniie oreschki. G. Galldpfel. S. Agallas. 1. Galle, Galluzze. SW. Galldpplen. Olivier has, in his travels in the Ottoman Empire, given us an accurate botanical description of the oak which produces the gall-nut, and which, he says, was till then unknown to botanists. He calls it Quercus infectoria, and characterizes it foliis ovalo oblongis, sinuato dentaiis, glaberrimis, deciduis; fructibus sessilibus, longissimis. It is scattered through all Asia Minor, from the Bosphorus to Syria, and from the shore of the Archipelago to the frontiers of Persia, It has a crooked stem, and seldom reaches the height of six feet. It oftener has the appearance of a shrub than of a little tree. The gall-nuts come at the shoots of the young boughs, and are produced by the puncture of diplolepis galla tinctoria to deposite an egg. They acquire from four to twelve lines in diameter, and are generally round and covered with tuberosities. They are in perfection when they have acquired their full size and weight, but before the insect has pierced them, after which they get a brighter colour, and lose some of their weight. The harvest takes place about the middle of Messidor. The galls first picked are laid apart, and are known under the name of Yorli, and in commerce are called black and green galls. Those ga- thered later are called white galls, and are very inferior in value. In commerce they occur of different sizes, smooth or knotty on the sur- face, of a whitish, reddish, or blackish colour, and generally penetrated with a small hole. Internally they consist of a spongy, but hard, more or less brown substance, and they have a very rough astringent taste. Good galls are of a blackish-grey, or yellow colour, heavy, and tu- berculated on the surface. They are the most powerful astringents we possess; and since the discovery of the tanning principle by Mr. Seguin, have very much engaged the attention of chemists. Neumann got from 960 grains of coarsely powdered galls 840 watery extract, and afterwards only 4 alcoholic; and inversely, 760 alcoholic, and 80 watery. But the most minute analysis is that of Sir H. Davy, who found that 500 grains of good Aleppo galls gave, by lixiviating them until their soluble matters were taken up, and evaporating the solu- 478 Materia Medica. tion slowly, 185 grains of solid matter, which, when examined by analysis, appeared to consist of, Tannin,* 130 Mucilage, and matter rendered insoluble by evaporation, 12 Gallic acid,t and a little extractive matter, 31 Remainder, calcareous earth and saline matter, 12 From his experiments, Dr. Duncan is disposed to think that Sir H. Davy has under-rated the tannin of nut-galls; for by simple re- peated infusions in hot water, the residuum of 500 grains in one ex- periment amounted only to 158, and in another only to 136 grains. The quantity of-tannin, estimated in Sir H. Davy's way, amounted, in the first to 220 grains, and in the second to 256. The great differ- ence in these results from Sir H. Davy's must be entirely ascribed to some differences in the galls themselves, or in the mode of opera- tion. A saturated decoction of galls, on cooling, deposites a copious pale yellow precipitate, which seems to be purer tannin than what can be got by any other process; but it still requires and deserves a more minute examination. In Dr. Duncan's experiments, a very weak infusion of nut-galls was precipitated by sulphuric acid, lime- water, sub-carbonat of potass, acetat of lead, sulphat of copper, nitrat of silver, sulphat of iron, tartrat of antimony, nitrat of mercury, infu- sion of officinal cinchona, and solution of gelatin; it was not precipi- tated by nitrous acid, ammonia, sulphat of zinc, muriat of mercury, infusion of quassia, or infusion of saffron. To what principles these precipitates are owing remains still to be ascertained. Vauquelin justly observes, that the infusions of nut-galls and of cinchona agree in precipitating both gelatin and tartrat of antimony, but that they precipitate each other. Another fact, equally curious, occurred in Dr. Duncan's experiments: a mutually saturated mixture of the infusions of nut-galls and cinchona still precipitates gelatin; but these infusions, separately saturated by gelatin, do not act on each other. Hence it appears, that the action of these infusions on each other depends on principles contained in each, compatible with the presence of tannin, but re-acting on each other, and that gelatin precipitates these prin- ciples along with the tannin. Sir H. Davy has concluded that tannin * Tannin, when completely dried, is a brittle substance, of a black colour, and vitreous fracture; it is soluble in alcohol; it is much more soluble in hot than in cold water. The solution has a dark brown colour, astringent taste, and peculiar smell; it is precipitated by acids, in the form of a viscid fluid, like pitch: it is also precipitated by carbonat of potass in yellow flakes; it forms an inso- luble elastic precipitate with gelatin, and dark blue or black precipitates with iron. f Gallic acid crystallizes in brilliant colourless plates, of an acid and some- what austere taste, and of a peculiar odour when heated. It may be sublimed without alteration, although a strong heat decomposes it in part. It is not ah tered by exposure to the air, is soluble in 1 1-2 of water at 212°, and in 12 ■waters at 60°, and in four times its weight of alcohol. It has a strong affinity for metallic oxyds, especially iron. It precipitates gold, copper, and silver brown, mercury orange, iron black, bismuth yellow, and lead white. Gallats have not been examined. R.—Ranunculus Sceleratus. 479 and gelatin unite in fixed proportions, viz. 46 of tannin with 54 gela- tin: were this correct, it would very much facilitate the analysis of astringents, but unfortunately Dr. Duncan's experiments do not con- firm it. A twelve hours' infusion of 500 grains of nut-galls in twelve ounces of water, precipitated successively with equal quantities of so- lution of gelatin, containing each twenty-four grains, gave precipitates weighing 98, 64, 48, and 36 grains: hence, if we suppose the whole gelatin used to be contained in each precipitate, Ihese consisted of 24 grains of gelatin, and 74, 40, 24, and 12 grains of tannin; so that, from the weight of the precipitate alone, we cannot estimate the tannin. Dr. Bostock has drawn the same conclusions from a set of experiments which he made, without any knowledge of Dr. Duncan's. It has been generally asserted, that the precipitate of tannin and gelatin is insolubfe in water, either cold or hot; but Dr. Duncan found that in boiling water it not only becomes soft and viscid, but a certain por- tion is dissolved, which separates again when the solution cools. He also remarks, that if the precipitate be dried without any heat, it has a yel- lowish-white appearance, opaque, and without lustre; but if exposed to a very moderate increase of temperature before it be dry, it seems to undergo a kind of fusion, and acquires transparency, a dark brown- red colour, and a resinous lustre; with a higher temperature, even when almost dry, it will become so fluid as to pass through filtering paper. Mr. Davy discovered that it is soluble in excess of gelatin. It is also extremely soluble in ammonia, forming a red solution. Medical use.—An infusion or decoction of galls may be used with advantage as an astringent gargle; and an ointment of one part of finely powdered galls to eight of any simple ointment is applied with success in haemorrhoidal affections. «. i1 -■ R. RANUNCULUS SCELERATUS. Celery-leaved Crowfoot. This is a very acrid plant; when bruised and laid upon any part of the body, it will in a few hours' time raise a blister. The Ranunculus bulbosus, (bulbous crowfoot or butter-cups) possesses the same pro- perties. The former is a native of both Europe and America, the lat- ter, which grows here very plentifully, Dr. Barton thinks is not •*. native.* • Barton's Collections, Part I. p 23. 480 Materia Medica. RHAMNUS CATHARTICUS. Baccarum succus. Ed. D. L. Purging Buckthorn. The berry. The juice of the berries. Willd. g. 405. sp. 1. Smith, g. 105. sp. 1. Pentandrid Monogynia.— Nat. ord. Dumosa. This tree, or bush, is common in hedges: it flowers in June, and ripens its fruit in September or the beginning of October. In the markets, the fruit of some other trees, as the black berry-bearing alder, %nd the dogberry tree, have of late been frequently mixed with, or substituted for, those of buckthorn. This abuse maybe discovered by opening the berries: those of buckthorn have almost always four seeds, the berries of the alder two, and those of the dogberry only one. Buckthorn berries, bruised on white paper, stain it of a green colour, which the others do not. Those who sell the juice to the apothecaries, are said to mix it with a large proportion of water. Medical use.—Buckthorn berries have a faint disagreeable smell, and a nauseous bitter taste. They have long been in considerable es- teem as cathartics: and celebrated in dropsies, rheumatisms, and even in the gout: though in these cases they have no advantage above other purgatives, but are more offensive, and operate more severely, than many which the shops are furnished with. They generally oc- casion gripes, sickness, dry the mouth and throat, and leave a thirst of long duration. The dose is about twenty of the fresh berries in sub- stance, and twice or thrice this number in decoction; an ounce of the expressed juice, or a drachm of the dried berries. Officinal Preparation. Syrupus rhamni cathartici, E. L. - - vide Syrupi. RHEUM. Willd.g. 803. sp. 5. Enneandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Oleracea. RHEUM PALMATUM. Sp. 3. Radix. Ed. L. D. Palmated Rhubarb. The root. Rheum Uhdulatutv;. D. Sp. 2. Radix. D. Rhabarber. POL. Reubarbarum, Rum lu- DA. Rabarbcr. reckie. F. Rhubarbe. R. Rewen. G. Rhabarber. S. Ruibarbo. I. Rabarbaro, Reobarbaro. SW. Rabarber. P. Ruibarbo. Both of these species grow spontaneously in China, and endure ihe colds of our climate. But it is not ascertained that the Chinese or Russian rhubarb is the dried root of this plant. Pallas thinks that it is obtained indhv R.—Rheum. 481 criminately from the rheum undulatum, palmatum, and compactum, more especially from the first; while Mr. Sievers, an apothecary who was sent by Catherine II. on purpose to obtain the true rhubarb plant, and travelled for several years in the countries contiguous to that whence the rhubarb is brought, is of opinion, that the botanical cha- racters of the plant which furnishes it are still unknown, excepting that it is said not to grow to a great size, and to have round leaves, which are toothed oft the edges with almost spinous points. All the rhubarb of commerce is brought from the Chinese town Sini, or Selim, by the Bucharians. It grows on the neighbouring chain of lofty mountains which stretches to the lake Koko-Nor, be- tween 35° and 40° north latitude. It is dug up by the poor peasants, cleaned from the earth, cut in pieces, strung with the bark on strings, and exposed to dry under cover in the shade for a whole year, before it is again cleaned and prepared for exportation. There is a distinction made in commerce between the Russian and Chinese rhubarb, although they both come from the same country. The Russian is dearer, and always good, as very great attention is paid both in purchasing and transporting it, by order of the govern- ment. In Kiachta, on the Russian frontier, it is received from the Bucharians by a Russian apothecary, who examines it. The bad is immediately burnt, and the good is freed from its bark, woody parts, and every impurity, in the most careful manner. It is then sent to Moscow and to Petersburgh, where it is again examined. It is commonly in round pieces, of a reddish or whitish yellow co- lour, feels gritty between the teeth, and is often perforated with so large a hole, that many pieces have the appearance of a mere rind. The Chinese or East-Indian rhubarb is brought by sea from Can- ton. It is heavier, harder, and more compact, than the other; seldom perforated with holes, and either in long pieces, or with two flat sides, as if they had been compressed. Dr. Lewis thinks that this is less aromatic, but stronger, than the Turkey; and that, it has required less care in drying from having been lifted when the root was less watery. The general characters of good rhubarb are, its having a whitish or clear yellow colour, being dry, solid, and compact, moderately heavy; brittle; when recently broken appearing marked with yellow or reddish veins, mixed with white; being easy pulverizable; forming a powder of a fine bright yellow, having the peculiar, nauseous, aro- matic smell of rhubarb, and a sub-acrid, bitterish, somewhat astrin- gent taste, and when chewed feeling gritty under the teeth, speedily colouring the saliva, and not appearing very mucilaginous. The size and form of the pieces are of little consequence; only we must break the large ones, to see that they are not decayed or rotten within; and we must also observe that they are not musty or worm-eaten. This is the more necessary, as damaged pieces are frequently so artfully dressed up, and coloured with powdered rhubarb, as to impose on the buyer. The principal constituent of rhubarb is extractive matter, soluble both in alcohol and in water. By gentle decoction, it loses above one 3 P 482 Materia Medica. half its weight. Rhubarb also contains some volatile odorous matter* on which its peculiar nauseous smell and its activity as a purge, de- pend; for when dissipated, either by age or any preparation to which the rhubarb has been subjected, the powers of the medicine are almost destroyed. It also contains about one-sixth of its weight of oxalat of lime, and some tannin, which resides entirely in the dark-coloured veins, for on wetting the surface with a weak chalybeate solution, these alone are blackened, while the white v»ins do not change their colour. Neumann got from 480 grains 180 of alcoholic, and af- terwards 170 watery extract; and inversely, 350 watery, and only 5 of alcoholic extract. Various species of rhubarb, especially the palmatum, are cultivated in this country, and sometimes in very large quantities; so that there can be no doubt that the roots, the growth of this country, may be so prepared as to have the appearance, at least, of foreign rhubarb. The greatest difficulty seems to be the drying it properly. Its cultivation is easy. It is sown in spring, in a light soil, and transplanted next spring into a light soil, well trenched, and the plants set at a yard distance from each other each way. The third year some plants begin to flower, but the roots are not lifted till the autumn of the sixth year. They are first to be washed in a large quantity of water, and after the fibres and small roots are cut off, to be well brushed in fresh water, and cut into pieces of a proper size. The brown bark is then rasped off, and they are again thrown into fresh water for three or four hours, in which they give out a great quantity of gummy matter. They are then taken out, and laid upon twigs to drip till next morning, and it is chiefly in this time that they exude at every part a white transparent gummy matter, resembling jelly. They are lastly placed in a stove, heated to 120° or 140°, till they dry. Twenty-five pounds of the recent root gave only about eight pounds dry. It is not, how- ever, yet fit for sale. All the wrinkles must be rasped and filed out, and the pieces thus dressed put in a barrel fixed on an axis, and rolled about in it for twenty minutes or half an hour, when they get covered by a fine powder, formed by their rubbing against each other. Prepared in this way, Beaume assures us that it not only has the ap- pearance of foreign rhubarb, but like it could also be immediately powdered. The chief peculiarity in his process is the steeping the roots, after they are cleaned, in water, by which means they are de- prived of a great quantity of gummy mailer; and without this pre- caution, even when apparently perfectly dry, the roots cannot be re- duced into powder, but become pasty under the pestle, until it be two years old, and even then the powder is apt to concrete into lumps, and to get a dark-brown colour. Four ounces of French rhubarb yielded to Beaume 1644 grains of extract, and the same quantity of foreign rhubarb 1500. British rhubarb, as it called, is cultivated in considerable quantities in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, and sold at nearly the price of foreign rhubarb. It is easily reduced to a very fine powder, although it is merely washed and peeled before it be cut into proper pieces, and dried upon the top of a baker's oven. The leaf-stalks of rhubarb contain a pleasant acid juice, and are used for making tarts, which are very like those of quinces; and Olivier tells R.—Rheum. 483 us that the Persians have long been in the habit of using the Rheum ribes in the same manner, preserved or raw. Attempts have been successfully made to introduce the culture of this valuable drug into Britain, and it appears from authentic ac- counts, that sufficient quantities of it may be reared, and that the English root has proved to be fully equal to the best sort obtained from Turkey or China. The cultivation of rhubarb in the United States is to be consi- dered as an object of high importance. That our climate is perfectly congenial to its growth, has been clearly ascertained by successful experiments, which ought to encourage other attempts and more ex- tensive plans. The palmated or officinal rhubarb may be raised from seed sown either in the spring or autumn. When the plants appear they require to be kept clear from weeds, and during the winter their roots should be covered with litter. The ensuing season they may be transplanted, or thinned, to the distance of four or five feet. The soil must be a light fine mould, deeply ploughed, and the plants should be frequently watered, though too much wet will injure the roots. The young plants require to be sheltered from the sun till they have obtained a good degree of strength. The seed stalks ought to be cut off' on the withering of the radical leaves, and their roots covered. The roots of rhubarb must not betaken up until six or seven years old, and it is supposed by some that they increase in medicinal pro- perties if suffered to remain in the earth for seven, eight, ten, or even twelve years. Much care is requisite in curing and preserving the roots for use. They lose about four-fifths of their weight in dry- ing, which process is accomplished in six months. The roots may be taken up early in the spring, or in autumn, when the leaves are decayed. They are to be washed clean, and the small fibres and external rind being pared, or cut off, they should be di- vided into pieces about one ounce in weight. A hole should be per- forated in the middle, and the roots suspended on pack-thread, in a common kitchen, to dry; care being taken that none of the pieces come in contact with each other so as to occasion mouldiness. The foot stalks of the leaves of the young plants impart an agreeable aci- dity, similar to that of gooseberries, and are frequently used in pies and tarts. Medical use.—Rhubarb is a mild cathartic, which operates without violence or irritation, and may be given with safety even to pregnant women, and to children. In some people, however, it occasions se- vere griping. Besides its purgative quality, it is celebrated as an astringent, by which it strengthens the tone of the stomach and in- testines, and proves useful in diarrhoea and disorders proceeding from laxity. Rhubarb is exhibited, 1. In substance, in the form of powder. It operates more power- fully as a purgative in this form than in any other. The dose for an adult is about a scruple or upwards. On account of its great bulk, it is sometimes unpleasant to take, and its hixative effects are often 484 Materia Medica. increased by the addition of neutral salts, or other more active par- gatives. In smaller doses it often proves an excellent stomachic. 2. In infusion. Rhubarb yields more of its purgative property to water than to alcohol. The infusion is, however, considerably weaker than the powder, and requires double the dose to produce the same effect. It is well adapted for children, but must be always fresh pre- pared. 3. In tincture. On account of the stimulating nature of the men- struum, this preparation frequently cannot be exhibited in doses large enough to operate as a purgative. Its principal use is as a tonic and stomachic. The virtues of rhubarb are destroyed by roasting, boiling, and in forming the extract. Officinal Preparations. Infusum rhei, E. vide Infusa. Vinum rhei, E. L. - - - - Vina medicata. Tinctura rhei, E. L. - - - Tinctura. composita, L. - - Idem. cum aloe, E. - - Idem. cum gentiana, E. - Idem. Pilulae rhei compositae, E. - , - Pilula. RHODODENDRON CHRYSANTHUM. Folia. Ed. Yellow-flowered Rhododendron. The leaves. Willd. g. 867. sp. 7.—Decandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Bicornes. This small shrub grows in the coldest situations, and highest parts of the snow-covered mountains in East Siberia, and especially in Dauria. The leaves are oblong, rigid, reflected at the edges, rough on the upper surface, smooth, and paler on the lower. When dried, they have no smell, but a rough, astringent, and bitterish taste. They also contain a stimulant, narcotic principle; for they increase the heat of the body, excite thirst, and produce diaphoresis, or an increased discharge of the other secretions or excretions; and in a large dose, inebriation and delirium. Medical use.—The Siberians use a decoction of it in rheumatism and gout. They put about two drachms of the dried shrub in as ear- then pot, with about ten ounces of boiling water, keeping it near a boiling heat for a night, and this they take in the morning. Besides its other effects, it is said to produce a sensation of prickling or creeping in the pained parts; but in a few hours the pain and dis- agreeable symptoms are relieved, and two or three doses generally complete the cure. The use of liquids is not allowed during its ope- ration, as this is apt to induce vomiting. R.—Ricinus Communis. 485 RHODODENDRON MAXIMUM. Pennsylvania Mountain Laurel. This plant, which is poisonous, is a species of the same genus the Rhododendron, which has lately acquired much reputation in t cure of chronic rheumatism. The powder around the foot-stalks errhine.* RHUS TOXICODENDRON. Folia. Ed. L. Poison Oak. The leaves. Willd. g. 566. sp. 17. Penlandria Trigynia.—Nat. ord. Dumosa. This is a deciduous shrub of moderate growth, a native of North America. The leaves are alternate, and stand upon very long leaf- stalks. Each leaf consists of three leafits. It is said that its juice is so extremely acrid as to cause inflammation, and sometimes even sphace- lation, in the parts touched with it. Medical use___It was first tried as a medicine by.Dr. Alderson of Hull, in imitation of the experiments of M. Fresnoi with the rhus radicans. He gave it in four cases of paralysis, in doses of half a grain, or a grain, three times a day, and all his patients recovered, to a certain degree the use of their limbs. The first symptom of amend- ment was always an unpleasant feeling- of prickling or twitching in the paralytic limbs. It has been given in larger doses, without expe- riencing the same success. It was not, however, inactive. In one case the patient discontinued its use on account of the disagreeable prick- ling it occasioned; and in general it operated as a gentle laxative, notwithstanding the torpid state of the bowels of such patients. This family of plants deserves more attention than has yet been paid them. The excellent Inaugural Dissertation of Dr. Horsefield, on the Rhus Vernix, Rhus Radicans, and Rhus Glabrum, published in 1798, will amply repay the trouble of perusing it. See also Dr. Barton's Collections, Part I. and II. RICINUS COMMUNIS. Semen, et oleumfixum. Ed. L. D. Palma Christi. The seeds, and the fixed oil obtained from them. Castor Oil. Willd. g. 1720. sp. 2. Monoecia Monadelphia.—Nat. ord. Triccoca. F. Huile de Ricin. P- Oleo de Ricino. G. Unachtes Palmoel, Ricinus oel. S. Aceite de Ricino 6 Palma I. Olio di Ricino. Christi. This plant grows in both Indies, Africa, and the south of Europe. * Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 18 486 Materia Medica. It also grows luxuriantly in the southern states of America, where it is now becoming an article of export. It is of speedy growth, and in one year arrives at its full height, which seldom exceeds twenty feet. The capsules are prickly and triangular, and contain, under a thin, dry, grey, and black-marbled husk, a white oily kernel. The skin is extremely acrid; and one or two of the seeds swallowed entire ope- rate as a drastic purgative or emetic. The kernels yield almost a fourth part of iheir weight of a bland fixed oil, commonly called Castor oil. It is'obtained from them either by expression or by decoction with water. The former method is prac- tised in Europe, the latter in Jamaica. To increase the product, it is common to parch the seeds over the fire, before the oil is extracted from them; but the oil thus obtained is inferior to that prepared by cold expression or simple decoction, and is apt to become rancid. Genuine castor oil is thick and viscid, of a whitish colour, insipid or sweetish to the taste, and without smell. Medical use.—As a medicine, it is a gentle and useful purgative; it in general produces its effects without griping, and may be given with safety where acrid purgatives are improper, as in colic, calculus, gonorrhoea, 8cc: some likewise use it as a purgative in worm cases. Half an ounce or an ounce commonly answers with an adult, and a drachm or two with an infant. With many the aversion to oil is so great, that this purgative can- not be taken without great reluctance; and accordingly different modes of taking it have been, proposed. Some prefer taking it swim- ming on a glass of water, of milk or peppermint water, or in the form of emulsion, with mucilagej or with the addition of a little rum. ROSA. Willd.g. 997. Smith, g. 232. Icosandria Polygynia.—Nat. ord. Senticosa. ROSA GALLICA vel RUBRA. Sp. 16. Petala. Ed.h. D. Red Rose. The petals. This has not the fragrance of the succeeding species; but the beau- tiful colour of its petals, and their pleasant astringency, have rendered them officinal. It must, however, be remarked that their odour is in- creased by drying, while that of the damask and moss roses is almost destroyed. Officinal Preparations. Syrupus rosae gallicae, E. - - - - vide Syrupi. Mel rosae, L. D. - - - - - Mella medicata. Infusum rosae Gallicae, E. L. D. - - - Infusa. Conservae rosx rubrae, E. L. D. - - Conserva. R.—Rosmarinus Officinalis. 487 ROSA CENTIFOLIA. Sp. 15. Petala. Ed. L. D. Damask rose. The petals. The native country of this shrub is unknown, but the delightful fragrance of its flowers has rendered it the favourite ornament of every garden. In the former editions of Linnaeus, the damask rose was considered as a variety only of the rosa centifolia; but Aiton, Du Roy, and Willdenow have arranged it as a distinct species. It is how- ever highly probable, that the petals of all the varieties of the rosa centifolia, or Dutch hundred leaved rose, are employed indiscrimi- nately with those of the real damask rose in the distillation of rose water. Officinal Preparations. Syrupus rosae centifoliae, E. L. .- - vide Syrupi. Aqua ro3ae centifoliae, E. L D. - Aqua destillata. ROSA CANINA. Willd. sp. 31. Smith, sp. 6. Fructus recens. Ed. L. Common Dog rose. Wild Briar, or Hep-tree. The fruit called Heps. This shrub is found in hedges throughout Britain. The pulp of the fruit, besides saccharine matter, contains citric acid, which gives it an acid taste. The seeds, and stiff hair with which they are sur- rounded, must be carefully removed from the pulp before it can be used. Officinal Preparation. Conserva rosae caninae, E. L. - - vide Conserva. ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS. Herba et flores. Ed. L. D. Rosemary. The herb and flowers. Willd. g. 62. sp. 1. Diandria Monogynia—Nat. ord. Verticillata. Rosemaiiy is a perennial shrub, which grows wild in the south of Europe, and is cultivated in our gardens. It has a fragrant smell, and a warm pungent bitterish taste, approaching to those of lavender: the leaves and tender tops are strongest; next to these the cup of the flower; the flowers themselves are considerably the weakest, but most pleasant. Medical use.—Its virtues depend entirely on its essential oil, which seems to be combined with camphor, not only from its peculiar taste, but from its possessing chemical properties, which depend on the presence of camphor; and from its depositing crystals of camphor when long kept. 488 Materia Medica. Officinal Preparations. Oleum volatile rosmarini, E. L. D. - - vide Olea volatilia. Spiritus rosmarini, E. L* * - - - Spiritus destillati. RUBRA TINCTORUM. Radix. Ed. L. D. Madder. The root. Willd. g. 187. sp. 1. Triandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Stellata. D. Mee, Meekrap, Krap. P. Granca, Ruiva. DA. Krap. POL Marzana. F. Garance. R. Mariana, Krap. G. Krapp, Ferberrb'the. S. Granza, Rubia. I. Robbi. SW. Krapp. Madder is perennial, and grows wild in. some parts of Britain, but the dyers are principally supplied with it from Zealand, where it is cultivated in large quantities. The roots consist of articulated fibres, about the thickness of a quill, which are red throughout, have a weak smell, and a bitterish astrigent taste. For the use of dyers, they are first peeled and dried, then bruised and packed in barrels. Madder possesses the remarka- ble property of tinging the urine, milk, and bones, of animals which are fed with it, of a red colour, Medical use.—It is said to be useful in the atrophy of children, and some believe in its reputed powers as an emmenagogue. It is given in substance in doses of half a drachm, several times a day, or in decoction. RUMEX. Willd. g. 699. Smith,g. 184. Hexandria Trigynia.—Nat. ord. Oleracea. RUMEX AQUATICUS. Willd. sp. 18. Smith, sp. 8. Radix. D. Great Water-dock. The root. This is a perennial weed, growing in ditches and by the sides of rivers. It grows to the height of five feet, and flowers in July and Au- gust. The root is large, and is manifestly astringent. It evidently is the Herba Britannica of the ancients, so much celebrated for the cure of scurvy and cutaneous diseases. Even syphilis, probably some sy- philoid affection, has been said to yield to an infusion of water-dock in wine and vinegar. R.—Ruta Graveolens. 489 RUMEX ACETOSA. Willd. sp. 31. Smith, sp. 10. Folia. Ed. L. Common sorrel. The leaves. "Sorkel is a perennial plant, which grows wild in fields and mea- dows throughout Britain, and flowers in June. The leaves have a plea- sant acid taste, without any smell or particular flavour; their medical effects are, to cool, quench thirst, and promote the urinary discharge: a decoction of them in whey affords an useful and agreeable drink in febrile or inflammatory disorders. All these effects are to be ascribed entirely to the super-oxalat of potass which they contain. RUMEX ACUTUS. Narrow Dock. ( RUMEX CR1SPUS. Curled Dock. These grow about barn yards and in cultivated fields, flowering in July. The roots of both species are somewhat cathartic. The seeds are said to have been given with advantage in dysentery. The fresh roots bruised and made into an ointment or decoction cure the itch. Some instances have occurred among the country people, of ill con- ditioned ulcers, and hard tumours apparently of a cancerous nature, having been entirely removed by the application of the bruised roots of dock or a decoction of the same. RUTA GRAVEOLENS. Herba. Ed. L. D. Rue. The herb. Willd. g. 927. sp. 1. Decand. Monogyn.—Nat. ord. Multisiliqua-. This is a small shrubby plant, a native of the south of Europe, and cultivated in our gardens. Rue has a strong ungrateful smell, and a bitterish penetrating taste: the leaves, when in full vigour, are extremely acrid, insomuch as to inflame and blister the skin, if much handled. Neumann got from 960 grains of the dried leaves 330 alcoholic extract, and afterwards 290 watery; and inversely, 540 watery and 40 alcoholic. Both primary ex- tracts are bitter and acrid. Rue also contains a volatile oil, which con- geals readily, and is obtained in greatest quantity by distilling the plant with the seeds half ripe. Medical use.__With regard to their medical virtues, like other remedies, of which the active constituent is an essential oil, they arc heating and stimulating, and hence sometimes are serviceable in spasmodic affections, and cases of obstructed secretions. Officinal Preparations. Oleum volatile rutae, D. - vide Olea volatilia. Extractum rutae graveolentis, E. L. D. Extracta. Pulvis myrrh, compositus, L. .. - - Pulveres. 3Q 490 Materia Medica. s. SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM. E. L. D. Willd. g. 122. sp. 4. Triandria Digynia.—Nat. ord. Gramina. a. Saccharum non purificatum. Ed. L. Saccharum rubrum. D. b. Saccharum purificatum. L. D. Saccharum purissimum. Ed. c. Sacchari rubri syrupus. D. Sugar-cane. Raw or brown Sugar. Double refined Sugar. Melaxses. D. Suiker. P. Assucar. DA. Suker. POL. Cukier. F. Sucre. R. Sachar. G. Zucker. S. Azucar. I. Zuccaro. SW. Socker. The sugar cane grows wild in both Indies, and forms the princi- pal object of cultivation in the West Indies. Sugar is a hard, but brittle substance, of a white colour, disposed to form semi-transparent crystallizations, of a sweet taste, and without smell. When heated sufficiently it melts, is decomposed, emits a pe- culiar smell (caromel), and becomes inflamed. Sugar at 40° is soluble in its own weight of water, and in still less at 212°. It is also soluble in about four parts of boiling alcohol. It combines with volatile oils, and renders them miscible with water. It also unites with potass and lime. It is decomposed by the concentrated sulphuric and nitric acids. According to Lavoisier's experiments, it consists of 71.76 oxygen, 17.89 carbon, and 10.35 hydrogen; or, according to the original cal- culation, of 64 oxygen, 28 charcoal; and 8 hydrogen. Sugar is principally obtained from the plant, by boiling down its expressed juice, with the addition of a certain proportion of lime or potass, until the greater part is disposed to concrete into brownish or yellowish crystalline grains. The lime or potass is added to saturate some malic acid, whose presence impedes the crystallization. The mclasses, or that portion of the inspissated juice which does not crys- tallize, is separated from the raw sugar, which is sent to Europe to be refined. This is performed by dissolving it in water, boiling the solution with lime water, clarifying it with blood or white of eggs, and straining it through woollen bags. The solution, after due eva- poration, is permitted to cool to a certain degree, and then poured into conical forms of unglazed earthen ware, where it concretes into a mass of irregular crystals. The syrup which has not crystallized is then permitted to run off through a hole in the apex of the cone. The upper or broad end of the cone is then covered with moist clay, the water of which gradually penetrates into the sugar, and displaces S.—Sagapenum. 491 a quantity of syrup, which would otherwise be retained in it, and dis- colour it. It is then carefully dried, and gets the name of loaf or lump sugar. When the solution and other steps of the process are repeat- ed, the sugar is said to be double refined. Sugar is sometimes made to assume a more regular form of crystallization, by carrying the evaporation only a certain length, and then permitting the syrup to cool slowly. In this form it is called Brown or White sugar candy, ac- cording to the degree of its purity. Raw sugar varies very much in quality. It should be dry, crystal- lized in large sparkling grains, of a whitish or clear yellow colour, without smell, and of a sweet taste, without any peculiar flavour. Refined sugar should have a brilliant white colour, and a close com- pact texture. It should be very hard, but brittle, and break with sharp, semi-transparent, splintery fragments. Medical use.—Sugar, from being a luxury, has now become one of the necessaries of life. In Europe sugar is almost solely used as a con- diment. But it is also a very wholesome and powerful article of nou- rishment; for during crop time, the negroes in the West-Indies, not- withstanding their increased labours, always grow fat. It is in this way also that its internal employment is useful in some diseases, as in sea-scurvy; for sugar produces no particular effect as a medicine, except that the coarser and impure kinds are slightly purgative. Applied externally it acts as an escharotic in spongy and unhealthy granulations; and to abraded or inflamed surfaces it proves gently stimulant. In pharmacy it is principally employed to cover bad tastes, to give form, and to preserve more active substances. In using it for the last purpose, we must always remember, that if the proportion of sugar employed be too small, it will promote instead of retard, the fermentation of the articles it is intended 10 preserve. Officinal Preparations. Syrupi omnes, &c. - - - vide Syrupi. Mistura moschata, L. - - - Mixtura. Potio carbonatis calcis, E. L. D. - Idem. Melasses or treacle is a very impure syrup. It is thick, viscid, of a dark brown, almost black colour, and has a peculiar smell; and a sweet, somewhat empyreumatic taste. Treacle is applied to many domestic and economical purposes; and in hospital practice may su- persede the use of sugar in many instances. Officinal Preparation. Electuarium sennae, D. - - vide Electuaria. SAGAPENUM. Gummi-resina. Ed. L. D. Sagapenum. A gum-resin. The plant which furnishes this substance is not ascertained, but is conjectured by Willdenow to be the Ferula Persica. Sagapenum is a concrete juice brought from Alexandria, either in 492 Materia Medica. distinct tears, or agglutinated in large masses. It is outwardly of a yellowish colour; internally, somewhat paler, and clear like horn; it grows soft upon being handled, and sticxs to the fingers; its taste is hot, nauseous, and bitterish, and its smell disagreeable and alliaceous. Neumann got from 480 grains, 306 alcoholic, and 108 watery, ex- tract, and inversely 170 watery, and 241 alcoholic, extract. The alco- hol distilled from it was sensibly impregnated with its flavour, and along with the water a considerable portion of volatile oil arose. It is not fusible. Medical use.—\x\ medical virtues it holds a kind of middle place between assa foetida and galbanum, and may be employed in the same manner, and under similar circumstances. Officinal Preparation. Pilulae galbani compositae, L. vide Pilula. SAL AMMONIACUM. - Vide Ammonia. SAL COMMUNIS. - Vide Murias soda. SALIX. Willd. g. 1756. Smith, g. 409. Diacia Diandria.—Nat. ord. Amentacea. SALIX CAPREA. Willd. sp. 101. Smith, sp. 40. Cortex. L. D. Great round-leaved Sallow. The bark. SALIX ALBA. Willd. sp. 33. Smith, sp. 45. D. Common White Willow. The bark, and the bark of the root. The species or varieties of the willow, which have been noticed by botanical writers, are very numerous; and it is probable that the bark of all of them possesses properties in many respects similar. In 1763, Mr. Stone, an English clergyman, presented a paper to the Royal Society, on the beneficial effects of the salix alba, or white willow, in intermittent fevers. The barks of these as well as of other indigenous species of willow, have been recommended as substitutes for cincho- na. The white willow was first introduced into practice by Mr. Stone; and strong evidence in favour of the use of the broad-leaved, in debi- lity, intermittents and foul ulcers, has been published by Messrs. James, White and Wilkinson; and Dr. Cullen, on this authority, and from the sensible qualities it possesses, recommends it, in his Materia Medica, as a substitute for the cinchona. Mr. Stone gathered the bark in summer, when it was full of sap; dried it by a gentle heat, and gave a drachm of it powdered every four hours, betwixt the fits. In a few obstinate cases he mixed it with one-fifth part of the cinchona. Some judicious physicians here, says Dr. Cutler, made trial of the S.—Salix Latifolia. 493 bark of white willow, and recommend it as a valuable substitute for the Peruvian bark. They have used principally the bark of the root. These barks possess very considerable astringency and bitterness, but differ chemically from cinchona in containing no tannin. An ounce and a half of the dried bark should be first macerated six hours in two pounds of water, and then made to boil in it for ten or fifteen minutes. An ounce or two of this decoction may be given three or four times a-day, or oftener. SALIX FRAGILIS. Cortex. D. Crack-willow. The bark. WHld. sp. 10. Smith, sp. 17. Dioecia Diandria.—Nat ord. Amentacea. This willow grows wild in England. The bark possesses a consi- derable degree of bitterness and astringency. Different species of willow have at different times been recommended as substitutes tor the Peruvian bark: they are certainly powerful astringents, but in point of efficacy in the cure of disease, they are in no degree to be com- pared with the Peruvian bark, from which they differ in containing no cinchonin. SALIX LATIFOLIA. Broad-leaved Willow. The bark. This possesses greater medicinal properties than an.y of the other species of salix; and is now substituted by many British physicians for the Peruvian bark! Three British pamphlets upon this subject have been published within a few years; the last, by Dr. Wilkinson (1803) is replete with encomiums on the remedy in question. This species of salix may be distinguished by the shape of its leaves from all others, except the salix pentandria, or bay-leaved willow. But the leaves of the latter are smooth and shining, and of a deeper green; nor have they the downy appearance on the under surface, which is so remarkable in the salix caprea or latifolia. It is found in woods and hedges on hilly situations, and delights in cold, clayey, moist ground. The most proper time to gather the bark, is in May or June; it should be cut in small pieces, and dried in the shade. This bark is very as- tringent to the taste, and somewhat bitter, but it loses the latter quality when dry. Dr. Wilkinson directs one ounce and a half of the coarse powder of the bark to be infused in one quart of water for six hours; then to boil it over a gentle fire for a quarter of an hour, and strain for use: of this the ordinary dose is two or three large spoon- fuls, three or four times a-day; but in the ague and fever, one or two ounces may be given every third hour, in the interval of the fit. The strong decoction of this bark resembles port wine in colour, for which, by several who have seen it in vials, it has been mistaken. Dr. Wilkinson relates sixteen cases of disease, in which this bark was employed with decided advantage, and from which he does not 494 Materia Medica. hesitate to assign to it virtues greatly superior to those of the cin- chona: in particular he relates a case of extreme emaciation from an ulcerated foot, which was perfectly cured, after having resisted the continued use of Peruvian bark, and the exertion of the physicians of two public charities It is, doubtless, a remedy of considerable efficacy, and is strongly recommended on account of its cheapness, and the facility of procuring it. It appears to be useful in most cases where the cinchona is usually resorted to. The attention of medical men should be directed to the inquiry, whether the salix latifolia may be found in the United States, as it promises to afford a valuable substitute for the cinchona; il»e price of which has become exorbitant, and its quality greatly impaired by base and fraudulent adulterations. SALVIA OFFICINALIS. Folia. Ed. D. Sage. The leaves. Willd. g. 63. sp. 7. Diandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Verticillata. Sage is a perennial plant, a native of the south of Europe, and cul- tivated in our gardens. There are several varieties of it, differing in size, or in the colour of its flower, but their properties are the same. They have a peculiar aromatic smell, and a warm aromatic taste, with some degree of bitterness and astringency. Medical use.—In its effects sage agrees with other aromatics. It is stimulant, carminative, and tonic. In cold phlegmatic habits, it ex- cites appetite, and proves serviceable in debilities of the nervous sys- tem. The best preparation for these purposes is an infusion of the dry leaves, drunk as tea; or a tincture, or extract, made with rectified spirit, taken in proper doses; these contain the whole virtues of the sage; the distilled water and essential oil, only its warmth and aro- matic quality, without any of its roughness or bitterness. Aqueous in- fusions of the leaves, with the addition of a little lemon-juice, prove an useful diluting drink in febrile disorders, being sufficiently agree- able to the palate. SAMBUCUS NIGRA. Flores, Bacca, Cortex. Ed. L. D. Common Elder. The inner berk, flowers, and. berries. Willd. g. 569. sp. 3. Smith, g. 157. sp. 2. Pentandria Trigynia.—Nat. ord. Dumosa. This tree is frequent in hedges; it flowers in May, and ripens its fruit in September. The berries contain malic acid, and have a sweet- ish, not unpleasant, taste; nevertheless, eaten in substance, they offend the stomach. For the market they are gathered indiscriminately from the Sambucus nigra and ebulus, a very venial fraud, as their effects are exactly the same. They are, however, easily distinguished, by the S.—Sanguinaria Canadensis. 495 latter, when bruised, staining the fingers of a red colour, and the for- mer of the colour of a withered leaf. Medical use.—The expressed juice, inspissated to the consistence of a rob, proves an useful aperient medicine; it opens obstructions of the viscera, promotes the natural evacuations, and, if continued for a length of lime, does considerable service in various chronical disor- ders. The inner green bark of its trunk is gently cathartic. An infu- sion of it in wine, or the expressed juice, in the dose of half an ounce or an ounce, is said to purge moderately, and in small doses to prove an efficacious deobstruent, capable of promoting all the fluid secre- tions. The young leaf-buds are strongly purgative, and act with so much violence as to be deservedly accounted unsafe. The flowers are very different in quality: these haye an agreeable aromatic flavour, which they yield in distillation with water, and impart by infusion to vinous and spiritous liquors. Officinal Preparations. Succus spissatus sambuci nig. E. L. vide Sued spissati. Unguentum sambuci, L. D. - - Unguenta. SANTALUM RUBRUM. - Vide Pterocarpus. SANGUIS DRACONIS. - Vide Pterocarpus. SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS. Blood Root. Puccoon. The seeds and root. This is a common plant in the United States, and is called also red root, Indian paint, turmeric. The leaves are roundish, and deeply indented; stems naked, supporting single flowers; blossoms white. It grows in rich woodland, and flowers in April. When the fresh root is broken, a juice issues in large drops resembling blood. The Indians used it for painting themselves, and highly esteemed it for its medi- cinal virtues. It is emetic and cathartic, but must be given with cau- tion. An infusion of the root in rum or brandy, makes a good bitter. If it be planted in rich shady borders, it flourishes well in gardens! and the large leaves and blossoms make an agreeable appearance soon after the frost is out of the ground. [Cutler's account qf indigenous vegetables.] From #n Inaugural Dissertation on Sanguinaria, by Dr. Downy (Philadelphia, 1803), the following useful information is obtained. " The root is from one fourth to half an inch in diameter, from three to four inches long, sending forth numerous stringy fibres, two or three inches long: a coloured liquor is thrown out when the root is broken. The stalk is six or eight inches long, and of the thickness of a quill. The leaves are cordate and lobate. 496 Materia Medica. " There is but one leaf to a stalk; on each lobe, one large fibre, of a light yellow colour, may be seen running from the stalk, and many smaller ones branching from it in all directions. The powdered root, in doses of fifteen or twenty grains, is powerfully emetic. Eight grains is a mild close, and is but little inferior to ipecacuan. It contains a large proportion of gum, some resin, and extractive matter. The first and last are the most active parts. u The leaves and seeds of the plant are powerful and diffusible stimuli; promote sweat, and are given in Maryland with that view to horses, to promote the shedding of their coats. A tincture of the root is used to prevent the intermittent fever; and a decoction of the roots lo cure the dysentery. In one case, it operated powerfully upon the uterus, and produced abortion; he,nce it might be useful in female obstructions." The seeds are said, by professor Barton (collection for Materia Medica) to possess nearly the same quality of those of stramonium, viz. they induce fever, delirium, dilated pupil, &c. A deleterious property resides also in the leaves. The root has been used in gonor- rhoea, for the bites of serpents, and in bilious diseases; and the juice is employed to destroy warts. In some parts of New England, a spi- rituous tincture of the root is used as a tonic bitter. It is expectorant, and is apparently allied in properties to rattle-snake root. The medical properties of Sanguinaria have been investigated by numerous trials in the hands of Aaron Dexter, M. D. professor of chemistry and Materia Medica, university at Cambridge. The ex- perimental tests of this gentleman, corroborated by those of other respectable physicians, afford the most satisfactory evidence, that it possesses very active powers, and that in doses of one grain of the powdered root, or ten drops of a saturated tincture, it proves effica- cious as a stimulant and diaphoretic. But in large doses, it excites nausea and vomiting, and if incautiously administered, it is of danger- ous tendency. It is said to be efficacious in removing jaundice, and is believed to be a chief ingredient in the quack medicine known by the name of Rawson's bitters. Dr. Israel Allen, of Sterling, and others, have had recourse to this medicine as a substitute for digitalis, in coughs and pneumonic com- plaints; and on some occasions it is said to have proved equally effica- cious, and less debilitating than foxglove, when exhibited with the same precautions. The dose of the saturated tincture of the root is from thirty to eighty drops twice in the day, increasing or decreasing the number as particular circumstances may require. S.—Sapo. 497 SAPO. Sapo ex oleo olivarum et soda confectus. Ed. Sapo. L. Sapo Durus Hispanicus. D. Hard Soap, composed of Soda and Olive Oil. D. Zeep. DA . Sabe. F. Savon. G. Seife. I. Sapone. P. Sabao. POL. Mydlo. R. Miilo. S. Jabon. SW. Tval, Griine Sapa. Soaps are combinations of the fluid or concrete fixed oils with alkades, earth*., or metallic oxyds. The alkaline soaps have an unplea- sant taste and peculiar smell, form a milky solution with water, and a transparent one with alcohol, and are powerfully detergent. White soap is made of soda and olive oil or tallow. Brown soap contains also resin. Soft soap consists ofpotass and whale oil: the white spots in it are from the addition of a little tallow. The volatile liniment of the pharmacopoeias is a soap of a.noionia and olive oil. The alkaline soaps are decomposed by all the earthy salts. The alkali of the soap com- bines with the acid of the salts, and an earthy soap is formed from the union of the earth and oil. Ihe earthy soaps are insoluble in water. The alkaline soaps are decomposed in the same way by the metallic salts. The metallic soaps are also insoluble in water: many of them are soluble in oil, and some of them in alcohol. Soap is of two kinds, hard and soft, hard when it is made with soda, and soft when made with potass. The latter is a strong, but coarse soap, and in medicine is only used externally as a detergent and ca- taplasm. The officinal species of the former is composed of olive oil and soda. It is only prepared in the countries which produce the oil. For medicinal use we prefer the Spanish. It should be white and hard, dissolve entirely in water and in al- cohol, forming with the former a milky, and with the latter a trans- parent solution: the solutions should froth freely on agitation. It should not be variegated in its colour, feel greasy or moist, or be covered with a saline efflorescence; and the solutions should not have a rancid smell or taste. Some of the foreign dispensatories are so very par- ticular about the nature of the soap used in medicine, as to direct it to be prepared by the apothecary, by simply triturating, without the assistance of heat, Provence oil, with hall its weight of a solution of soda, of the specific gravity of 1.375, until they unite. Soap is decomposed by all the acids, earths, and earthy and metal- line salts The acids combine with the alkali, and separate the oil. The earths form an insoluble earthy soap with the oil, and separate the alkali; while with the salts there is a mutual decomposition, their acid combines with the alkali, and earthy or metalline soaps are formed. Medical use—The detergent property of soap, or the power it pos- sesses of rendering oily and resinous substances miscible with water, has given rise to very erroneous notions of its medical virtues. It was supposed to render such substances more readily soluble in the juice* 3R 498 Materia Medica. of the stomach, and in the fluids of the body, and to be well fitted for dissolving such oily or unctuous matters as it may meet with in the body, attenuating viscid juices, opening obstructions of the viscera, and deterging all the vessels it passes through. It has likewise been supposed a powerful menstruum for the urinary calculus; and a solu- tion of soap in lime-water, has been considered as one of the strongest dissolvents that can be taken with safety into the stomach; for the virtue of this composition has been thought considerably greater than the aggregate of the dissolving powers of the soap and lime-water when unmixed. How erroneous these ideas are, appears evidently, when we re- colleci the very easy decomposition of soap, which renders it perfect- ly impossible that it should enter the circulating system, or indeed come into contact with the fluids even of the mouth, without being decomposed As to the solution of soap in lime-water, we may ob- serve, that it is only a clumsy way of exhibiting a solution of soda; for the soap is decomposed, an insoluble soap of lime is formed, and the soda remains in solution. The internal use of soap should there- fore be confined, in our opinion, to the giving form to other substances which are not decomposed by it, and to decompose metallic poisons when they have been taken into the stomach. For this last purpose, a tea cupful of a solution of soap, in four times its weight of water, may be drunk every three or four minutes, until a sufficient quantity be taken. Applied externally, it is a very powerful detergent, and combines the stimulating properties of the alkali with the lubricating nature of the oil. In this way it often proves a powerful discutient, and a use- ful application to sprains and bruises. Officinal Preparations. Tinctura saponis, E. - - vide Tinctura. saponis cum opio, E. Linimentum saponis, L, D. Spiritus ammoniae sue. L. D. Pilulae aloeticae, E. - aloes cum assa foetida, E. scillit. L. D. - - stibii compositae, D. - Ceratum saponis, L. D. - Emplastrum saponis, E. L. D. SARSAPARILLA. SASSAFRAS. - - Vide Laurus Sassafras. Idem. Idem. Tinctura volatiles. Pilula. Idem. Idem. Idem. Unguenta. Idem. Vide Smilax. S.—Scilla Maritima. 499 SCAMMONIUM. - - Vide Convolvulus. SCILLA MARITIMA. Radix. Ed. L. D. Squill. The root. Willd. g. 640. sp. 1. Hexandria Monogynia.—Nat. ord. Liliacea. D. Zeeajuin, Squille. P Ceb'ila alvarraa. DA . Skille, Strandiqgrod. POL. Cobula zamorska. F. Scille, Oignon marin. R. Luk morskii. G. Meerzwiebel. S. Cebolla alburrana. I. Scilla, Cipolla marina. SW. Skilla, Hafstb. The squill is a perennial bulbous-rooted plant, which grows wild on the sandy shores of Spain, Portugal, north of Africa, and the Le- vant. The root is about the size of the fist, pear-shaped, with the apex upwards, and consists of fleshy scales, attenuated at both edges, sur- rounded by other scales, which are arid, shining, and so thin that the root at first sight seems to be tunicated. The recent roots are full of a white viscid juice, have scarcely any smell, but a very bitier. nau- seous, and extremely acrid, taste. Rubbed on the skin, it inflames and blisters. . . , , • . c ex. It is more commonly met with in the shops, in the form ot the dried scales, which should be brittle, semi-pellucid, smooth, but marked with lines, and when chewed, should feel tenacious, and taste very bitter, without manifest acrimony. The active constituent of the squill is the acrid principle; and, there- fore, it becomes almost inert by too much drying, or by being kept too long in the form of powder. It also contains bitter extractive, much mucilage, albumen, and starch. Medical use.—Given internally in large doses, it produces purging and vomiting, sometimes even strangury, bloody urine, inflammation and erosion of the stomach. In smaller doses it proves an useful expectorant and diuretic, and it is said to lessen the frequency of the pulse. . Squill is sometimes given as a general stimulant in typhus, espe- cially to cattle. But it is much more frequently exhibited as an expectorant where the lungs are loaded with viscid matter, and as a diuretic in dropsical cases, for which purpose it is commonly con- joined with calomel. The dose of dried squill is one or two grains three or four times a-day; and the most commodious form for the taking of squills, unless when designed as^an emetic, is that of a bolus, or pill: liquid forms are to most people too offensive, though these may be rendered less disagreeable both to the palate and stomach by the addition of aro- matic distilled waters. 500 Materia Medica. Officinal Preparations. Acetum scillae, L. D. - vide Aceta medicata. Conserva scillae, L. . Conserva. Mel scillae, L. D. - Mella Medicata. Oxymel scillae, L. . Idem. compositum, - Idem. Pilulae scillae, E. L. D. - . Pilula. Sciila maritima exsiccata, E. L. D. - Syrupus scillae maritimae, E. . Syrupi. Tinctura scillae, L. D. - Tinctura. SCILLA MARITIMA EXSICCATA. Ed. Dried Sea Squill. Cut the root of the sea-squill, after having removed its external coat, transversely into thin slices, and dry it by a gentle heat. The sign of its being properly dried is, that although rendered friable, it re- tains its bitterness and acrimony. By this method the squill dries much sooner than when its several coats are only separated; the internal part being here laid bare, which, in each of the entire coats, is covered with a thin skin, which impedes the exhalation of the moisture. The root loses in this process four fifths of its original weight; the parts which exhale with a moderate heat appear to be merely watery: hence six grains of the dry root are equivalent to half a drachm of it when fresh; a circumstance to be particularly regarded in the exhibition of this medicine. But if too great heat has been employed to dry it, it becomes almost inert, and it also loses by long keeping in the state of powder. Dried squills furnish us with a medicine, sometimes advanta- geously employed as an emetic, often as an expectorant, but still more frequently as a powerful diuretic. SCROPHULARIA NODOSA. Herba. D. Knotty-rooted Figwort. The herb. Willd. g. 1152, sp. 2. Smith, g. 285, sp. 1. Didynamia Angiospermia. Nat. ord. Personata, This is a perennial plant, growing in woods, and under hedges. It flowers in July. The roots are grey and knotty, and have a nauseous smell, and a sweet but somewhat acrid taste, both of which they partly lose by drying. S.—Secale Cornutum. 501 SCUTELLARIA LATERIFLORA. Blue Scull-cap. Hooded Willow Herb. The plant. The Scutellaria is perennial, of which there are numerous species indigenous to the United States. The plant is found in great abun- dance on the banks of rivers and the borders of ponds; flowering in July or August. The stem is square, branched, and attains the height of from one to three feet. The-leaves are opposite, nanow-pointed, on long foot-stalks. The racemes are axillary and lateral, bearing small violet coloured blossoms, intermixed with small leaves. The calyx is hooded, or helmet-formed, from whence originated the ge- neric name of Scull-cap or Scutellaria. It is now introduced here on account of its recently reputed efficacy as an antidote against the effects of canine madness. Should this plant ultimately prove a suc- cessful remedy for a disease so truly deplorable in its nature, and destructive in its consequences, no encomiums can surpass its merit even if recorded in letters of gold. The remedy was for many years a secret, in the possession of a family by the name of Lewis, in West Chester county, and in 1809 it was promulgated by Mr. R. Bowne, of New York, accompanied with strong evidence in favour of its an- tidotal powers To the publication of Mr. B. [Med. Repos. Hexade 3. Vol. 2. No. 3.] was annexed an accurate engraving of this species of Scutellaria, yet in his description he erroneously attached to it a specific name belonging to a different species, the Scutellaria Gale- riculata. This last species is to be distinguished by its axillary flowers in pairs, on pedicles from the alae of the leaves, and pendulous. With regard to ihe anti-rabid virtues of Scutellaria, it is "to be ob- served, that subsequent to its promulgation, it has been investigated and tested by practical experiment, so far as opportunity and the na- ture of the subject permitted. A mass of evidence in favour of its effi- cacy may be found in a production entitled, "Observationson Hydro- phobia," lately published by Dr. Thacher. As, however, it is still doubtful, and yet desirable to have the fact clearly ascertained how far this plant is entitled to the character of a specific preventative of hydrophobia, every humane person must consider himself warranted in resorting to the use of it on any occasion which may offer, either of alleviating the misery and distress of mankind, or of arresting the devastation among the brute creation. This remedy is to be given in the form of strong infusion of the leaves every morning, fasting, and to be continued for several weeks. For cattle it may be mixed with their food or drink. SECALE CORNUTUM. Ergot, or Spurred Rye. Rye is subject to a disease, particularly when a hot summer suc- ceeds a rainy spring; the spurious substance thus produced is in France called ergot, from its resemblance to a cock's spur, but in Eng- land it is termed horned rye, spur, or hornseed. In Cullen's Materia Medica it is termed secale cornutum. Bread made of this kind of rye 502 Materia Medica. has a nauseous acrid taste, and produces numerous fatal diseases, as spasm, extreme debility, and mortification of the extremities. At va- rious periods subsequent to the year 1596, the most alarming and destructive consequences were occasioned among the poor in France and England, by the use of bread made of such damaged grain. Horned rye is said to have been equally fatal to brutes and fowls, when fed with it by way of experiment. Rye is affected with the disease in this country similar to that in Europe, particularly summer rye, in low, wet situations. The singu- lar production called ergot, is found projecting from among the leaves of the spike, or ear; it is a long crooked excrescence, resem- bling the spur of a cock, pointed at its extremities, of a dark brown colour externally, and white within. Some spikes are occupied wholly by spurs, while others have two or three only, interspersed with genuine seeds of rye. The medicinal properties of this extraordinary substance were first announced to the public by Dr. John Stearns, of Saratoga county, in a letter to Dr. Akerly, of New York, in which the article is extolled for its powers, ad partum accelerandum. It is now satisfactorily ascer- tained, that ergot is capable of exerting a specific action on the uterus, and of augmenting the powers of this organ during the efforts of parturition. Hence, in lingering and laborious cases it is found to be an invaluable medicine, speedily inducing forcible pains, and greatly expediting delivery. For obvious reasons, however, it is proper to caution against employing this powerful parturient in cases of pre- ternatural presentation. In the form of powder, it is given from five to ten or fifteen grains; but it has sometimes been found more active in the form of decoction, half a drachm of the powder being gently boiled in half a pint of water; one third may be given every twenty minutes, until proper pains shall have commenced. A large dose of decoction, or of pulvis ad partum accelerandum will excite nausea and vomiting. No example of ergot having induced deleterious effects, has come to our knowlege; but there is much reason to suppose that it is capable of producing abortion at any stage of pregnancy. We have now the satisfaction of deriving instruction on this subject from the experience of some practitioners of eminence in our own metropolis. A writer in the New England Medical Journal, No. I. Vol. I, asserts that it has not appeared to relax the rigidity of the muscular fibres, " but it has almost uniformly increased the efforts of the uterus to expel the foetus." And also, that occasions have oc- curred, authorizing a caution of the highest importance in practice. The powerful and continued efforts of the uterus, from the effects of ergot, prevent the retreat of the child's head after being advanced, and that the unceasing pressure has in some instances occasioned the death of the child. Let this circumstance, therefore, have its due effect, and induce the utmost precaution in the administration of this powerful article. In one case of amenorrhoea, Dr. Beckman adminis- tered one drachm of ergot in decoction; bearing down pains imme- diately ensued, and the suppression was the next day removed. It has been successfully employed, on similar occasions, by other practi- tioners. However extraordinary it may appear, the assertion is from S.—Sesamum Orientale. 503 the most creditable source, that ergot has often proved one of the most efficacious remedies in menorrhagia in all its stages; and more- over, it restrains in a remarkable manner the profusio uterina follow- ing the separation of the placenta in parturition. In two instances ergot is stated to have been administered in con- siderable quantities during the early stage of pregnancy. In one case, about four drachms were taken within a few days; the consequence was regular pressing down pains, resembling the severest throes of parturition; and these recurred with every repetition of the medicine, yet on examination, the os uteri was not much dilated. In neither case was the natural term of gestation interrupted by the operation of the medicine. The fact has long been known among our farmers, that rye itself possesses a quality of inducing abortion in females of the animal tribe, and they carefully withold that grain from such, during their periods of gestation.* SESAMUM ORIENTALE. Oily Grain. Benne. The Leaves and Seeds. This originally an African plant has become well known by the name of benne in South Carolina and Georgia, or the Vangloe of the West Indies. It is an annual plant, rising with an herbaceous four cornered stalk, two feet high, sending out a few short side branches; the leaves are oblong, oval, a little hairy, and stand opposite. The flowers terminate the stalk in loose spikes; they are small, of a dirty white colour, shaped somewhat like those of foxglove. After the flowers ate past, germen turns to an oval acute pointed capsula, with four cells filled with oval compressed seeds, which ripen in autumn. Of late years the seeds have been introduced into the states of Geor- gia and South Carolina, by the African negroes, where the plant suc- ceeds extremely well; and they boil a handful of the seeds with their allowance of Indian corn, which forms a nourishing food. But the excellency of these seeds, consists in their yielding a larger propor- tion of oil than any other vegetable with which we are acquainted. One hundred weight of seed will produce ninety pounds of oil of an equal and even preferable quality to Florence oil. It will keep good many years without contracting any rancid smell or taste, and when the warm taste of the seed, discovered in .the oil when first drawn, is worn off, it becomes quite mild, and is found to be a pleasant and agreeable substitute for all the purposes of salad oil. The benne oil in some parts of the southern states is esteemed as a gentle laxative, in those cases where the more nauseous castor oil is usually employed. It also burns well in lamps. The leaves of this plant by infusion or decoction are found to afford an excellent mucilage, well adapted to all the intentions of that class of remedies, and in 1803, was used with • See Prescott's Dissertation on the Nat. Hist, of the Secale Cornutum, &.c, and a review of the same in the Eclectic Repertory, Vol. 4, No. 2. 504 Materia Medica. the most marked good effect, in an epidemic dysentery in South Ca- rolina. Considering, therefore, the great utility and importance of the benne plant, its cultivation by our patriotic planters cannot be too strongly recommended. S1LENE VIRGINICA. Ground J'ink. This species of silene or catch-fly, is abundant in many parts of the United States. Some of the Indians say it is a poisonous plant. In decoction, the root has been found a very efficacious anthel- mintic* SINAPIS. Willd. g. 1246. Smith, g. 312. Tetradynamia Siliquosa.—Nat. ord. Siliquosa. D. Mosterd. DA. Senep. F. Grainede Moutarde. G. Senfsaat. 1. Mosiarda, Senapa. P. Mostarda. POL. Gorrozyka. R. Gortschiza. S. Moslaza. SW. Senap. SINAPIS ALBA. Willd. sp. 4. Smith, sp. 2. Semen. Ed. D. White Mustard. The seeds. SINAPIS NIGRA. Willd. sp. 5. Smith, sp. 3. Semen. L. Common Mustard. The seeds. These plants are both annual, both grow wild in England, and possess similar virtues. They produce small round compressed seeds, which have an acrid bitterish taste, and a pungent smell when reduced to powder. The common mustard has blackish seeds, and is more pungent than the white. They impart their taste and smell in perfection to aqueous liquors, whilst rectified spirit extracts extremely little of either: ihe whole of the pungency arises with water in distillation. Committed to the press, they yield a considerable quantity of a soft insipid oil, perfectly void of acrimony: the cake left after the expression, is more pungent than the mustard itself. Medical use.—Mustard-seed is swallowed e'ntire, to the quantity of a table spoonful or more, to stimulate the stomach in some cases of dyspepsia, and to excite the peristaltic motion of the intestines, espe- cially when they are torpid, as in paralysis. The powder made into a paste with water, is commonly used as a condiment with animal food; * Barton's Collections, Part I. p. 39. S.—Sium Nodiflorum. 505 infused in water, it proves emetic when taken in considerable doses, and in smaller ones, acts as a diuretic and aperient; but it is more fre- quently applied externally as a topical stimulus, made into a paste or sinapism with vinegar and bread-crumb. A weak infusion of mustard seed has been employed with success to check vomiting. Officinal Preparations. Oleum sinapis, L. D. .... -vide Oleafxa. Cataplasma sinapis, L. D. - - - - Cataplasmata. Emplastrum meloes vesic. compositum, E. - Unguenta. S1SYBRIUM NASTURTIUM. Herba. Ed. Common Water-Cresse3. The recent herb. ll'illd.g. 1238. sp. 1. Smith, g. 306. sp. 1. Tetradijnamia Siliquosa— Nat. ord. Siliquosa. This plant is perennial, and grows wild in clear springs and rivu- lets throughout Britain. Its leaves remain green all the year, but are in greatest perfection in the spring. They have a quick pungent smell (when rubbed betwixt the fingers,) and an acrid taste, similar to that of scurvy-grass, but weaker. By drying or boiling, it loses its sensible qualities entirely. Medical use.—It acts as a gentle stimulant and diuretic: for these purposes, the expressed juice, which contains the peculiar taste and pungency of the herb, may be taken in doses of an ounce or two, and continued for a considerable time. SIUM NODIFLORUM. Herba. D. Procumbent Water Parsnip. The herb. Willd. g. 544. sp. 4. Smith, g. 139. sp. 3. Pentandria Digynia—Nat. ord. Umbellata. This plant is perennial, and grows wild in rivers and ditches in England. It was formerly alleged to be not only a diuretic, but also an emmenagogue and lithontriptic. With these intentions, however, it is not now employed. Dr. Withering mentions, that a young lady of six years old was cured of an obstinate cutaneous disease by taking three large spoonfuls of the juice twice a-day; and he adds, that he has given repeatedly to adults three or four ounces every morn- ing, in similar complaints. In such doses it neither affects the head, stomach, nor bowels. Children take it readily when mixed with milk. 3S 506 Materia Medica. SMILAX SARSAPARILLA. Radix. Ed. L. D. Sarsaparilla. The root. Willd. g. 1800. sp. 9. Dicecia Hexandria.—Nat. ord. Sarmcnlacea. This root is brought from the Spanish West Indies. It consists of a great number of long strings hanging from one head: the long roots, the only part made use of. arc of a blackish colour on the outside, and white within, about the thickness of a goose-quill, or thicker, flexible, composed of a very small woody heart, surrounded with fibres running their whole length, which renders them extremely apt to split. They have a glutinous, bitterish, not ungrateful taste, and no smell. Inferior kinds of this root are also sold. They are in gene- ral thicker, of a paler colour.on the outside, and less white within, with a much thicker woody heart. Neumann got from 960 grains, 360 watery, and 10 alcoholic, extract, and inversely 240 alcoholic, and 120 watery. Medical use.—It was first brought into Europe by the Spaniards, about the year 1563, with the character of being a specific for the cure of the lues venerea, a disease which made its appearance a little before that time, and likewise of several obstinate chronic disorders. It is, however, a very inert mucilaginous substance; and the diapho- resis, which it is sometimes supposed lo produce, is entirely owing to the warm and diluent regimen employed at the same time. More recently, however, it has come into favour for the cure of many cu- taneous affections, and especially of syphiloid diseases; and if upon just grounds, it will explain why it should have been so strongly re- commended in syphilis, and why it should have failed. Officinal Preparation. Decoctum sarsaparillae, E. L. D. - - vide Decocta. SODA.-— SODA. D. Souda. P. Soldo, Barilha. DA. Soda. R. Solianka. F. Sonde, Barillc. S. Sosa, Soda, Barrilla. G. Soda, Barrilla. SW. Souda, Soda. I. Soda, Burriglia. Sodium, the base of soda, resembles in its appearance silver, has great lustre, and is a conductor of electricity. It fuses at 200° Fah- renheit. It is not volatilized by the heat which melts plate glass. Its specific gravity is 0.9348, water being 1. It absorbs oxygen slowly from the atmosphere, and at a high temperature burns with bright sparks. It decomposes water with effervescence, and is inflamed by nitrous acid. Protoxyd of sodium, scarcely known; of a dark grey colour. Soda, of a grey colour, and vitreous fracture, a non-conductor of electricity. S.-—Soda.—-Carbonas Sodse Impurus. 507 Hydrat of soda, formerly considered as pure soda, contains 22 per rent, of water, which cannot be separated by heat, of a greyish white colour, urinous taste, and burning causticity, acting with considerable violence on animal matter. Water, in a certain proportion, when thrown upon it, is absorbed and solidified, with the disengagement of caloric, and a lixivial smell. A larger quantity dissolves it. From the atmosphere it absorbs moisture and carbonic acid, becoming less caustic. In the fire it melts like an oily substance; boils, and is con- verted into vapour, but is incombustible. It is crystallizable into transparent prismatic crystals. It changes vegetable blues to green; unites with all the acids, oils, sulphur, sulphureted hydrogen, phos- phorus, many metallic oxyds, and the earths. It forms the basis of rock-salt, and sea-salt; is obtained from the ashes of marine plants, and exists in some minerals. Chloryd of sodium (muriat of soda) consists of one proportion of sodium and two of chlorine. It is a non-conductor of electricity. It fuses in a strong red heat, and volatilizes in a white heat. It crys- tallizes in cubes. It is decomposed by potassium, which attracts its chlorine. Sodium readily forms sulphurets and phosphurets which are less inflammable than those of potassium. Potassium and sodium combine readily in various proportions. A small quantity of potassium renders sodium brittle and very soft. A small quantity of sodium renders potassium fluid at a very common temperature, and reduces its specific gravity considerably. CARBONAS SODjE IMPURUS. Ed. Impure Carbonat of Soda. Subcarbonas Sod^e Impurus. L. Barilla. D. Barilla. Fixed mineral Alkali. Soda is a very common mineral production. It is the basis of sea salt; and combined with carbonic acid, it is found on the surface of the earth in Egypt, Syrii, Barbary, Hungary, &c. and is obtained by the incineration of marine vegetables, especially the salsola soda and kali, the salicornia herbacea, kc. The Spaniards even cultivate these in salt marshes for the sake of the soda. After being cut down, they are dried like hay. A deep pit is then prepared, and a bundle or two of the dried vegetables set on fire are thrown into it. When well kin- dled, other bundles are thrown in until the pit is fihed. When the in- cineration is completed, the soda is found in the bottom, caked into u solid mass, which is worked like a stony substance. When good, it is firm, hard, heavy, dry, sonorous, spongy, and internally of a blue colour mixed with white spots, does not deliquesce, emits no unplea- sant smell on solution, and does not leave a large proportion of inso- luble matter. Incinerated soda is mixed with potass, muriat of soda, and other saline mutters; mineral soda with clay and other earthy sub- stances. The Egyptian soda was reckoned the best; then the Spanish (Barilla); afterwards the Carthaginian; and that prepared from diffe- rent species of fuci (kelp), is the worst. 508 Materia Medica. But all these carbonated sodas are inferior in purity to those now manufactured in Britain, by decomposing the sulphai of soda. That commonly used, is obtained by the bleachers as a residuum in their method of preparing oxygenized muriatic acid, by decom- posing muriat of soda with sulphuric acid and the black oxyd of manganese. The sulphat of soda is decomposed, 1. By carbonat of potass. Mr. Accum has described the mani- pulations of this mode. A boiling concentrated solution of about 560 pounds of American potashes is ladled into a boil- ing solution of 500 pounds of sulphat of soda, agitated toge- ther, and the whole quickly heated to ebullition. It is then drawn off into leaden cisterns, lined with thick sheet-lead, and allowed to cool in a temperature which should not ex- ceed 55°. The fluid is then drawn off, and the mass of salt washed with cold water, to free it from impurities, and again put into the boiler with clean water. This second solution is also eva- porated at a low heat, as long as any pellicles of sulphat of potass form on its surface, and fall to the bottom of the fluid. The fire is then withdrawn, and the fluid ladled out into the cistern to crystallize. Unless the fluid be allowed to cool pretty low before it is removed to crystallize, the salt obtained will contain sulphat ofpotass. 2. By acetat of lime. The acetous acid for this purpose is ob- tained by distillation from wood, during its conversion into charcoal. 3. By litharge or sub-acetat of lead. Very pure carbonat of soda is prepared by this process in the vicinity of Edinburgh. 4. By decomposing the sulphuric acid by charcoal. About 500 cwt. of sulphat of soda, and 100 cwt. of charcoal are ground to- gether, and the mixture exposed in a reverberatory furnace until it becomes pasty. It is then transferred into large casks, and lixiviated. The ley is afterwards evaporated and crystal- lized. By this or a similar process, very pure carbonat of soda is manufactured in the west of Scotland. On the continent, muriat of soda is sometimes decomposed by potass, and sometimes by lime. Carbonat of soda is an article of the greatest importance in many manufactures. Medical use.—In medicine, it possesses similar virtues with the carbonat of potass; and from its crystallizabilily and efflorescence when exposed to the air, it is preferable to it, because its dose may be more accurately ascertained, and it may be given either in the form of powder, or made up into pills. Officinal Preparation. Carbonas sodae, E. L. D. S.—Soda.—Sodae Subcarbonas Exsiccata. 509 CARBONAS SODjE; olim, Sal Alkalinus Fixus Fosilis PURIFICATUS. Ed. D. Carbonat of Soda, formerly Purified Fixed Fossil Alkaline Salt. SoDiE Sub-carbonas. L. Sub-carbonat of Soda. Take of Impure carbonat of soda, any quantity. Bruise it; then boil in water till all the salt be dissolved. Strain the solution through paper, and evaporate it in an iron vessel, so that after it has cooled, the salt may crystallize. (E.) These directions are principally intended for the purification of the Spanish barilla, which is a fused mass, consisting indeed princi- pally of carbonat of soda, but also containing charcoal, earths, and other salts. From the two first causes of impurity it is easily sepa- rated by solution and filtration, and the salts may be separated by taking advantage of their different solubility in cold and in hot water. Frequently the soda does not crystallize freely, from not being satu- rated with carbonic acid, which is the reason why the London college order the solution to be exposed to the atmosphere for eight days, that it may absorb carbonic acid, before they attempt the crystallization of the salts. But the preparation of carbonat of soda, by the decomposi- tion of sulphat of soda, has now become a manufacture, and is carried to such perfection, that its further purification is almost unnecessary for the purposes of the apothecary. The primitive form is an octohedron, with a rhombic base of 60° and 120°, the planes of which meet at the summit at 104, and at the base at 76°. Officinal Preparations. Aqua super-carbonatis sodae, E. Phosphas sodae, E. Tartris potassae et sodae, E. L. D. Carbonas ferri praecip. E......vide Ferrum. SOD.E SUB-CARBONAS EXSICCATA. L. Dried Sub-carbonat of Soda, Carbonas Sod.e Siccatum. D. Dried Carbonat of Soda. Liquefy, over the fire, crystals of carbonat of soda, in a silver cruci- ble, and then, increasing the heat, stir the liquefied salt, until, by the consumption of the water, it become dry. Reduce it to fine powder, and keep it in close vessels. (D.) Sub-carbonat of soda, deprived of its water of crystallization, is a very excellent remedy, for which we are indebted to Dr. Beddoes: he desires it to be prepared by simply exposing the pounded crystals be- fore the fire: which appears to be preferable to the process directed by the Dublin college, in which much of the carbonic acid may be 510 Materia Medica. expelled. By simple efflorescence, crystallized carbonat of soda loses more than half is weight, and falls down into a fine permanent pow- der. Whenever soda is prescribed in the form of pills, the effloresced carbonat is to be used, as, when made of the crystallized salt, they crack, and fall to pieces by the action of the air upon them. M dial use.—Dr. Beddoes first recommended the powder of ef- floresced soda, in calculous complaints, as a substitute for the super- carbonated alkaline waters, when these produced giddiness, or were too expensive; but its use has since been extended much farther; anil it is found lo be, not only on excellent antacid, but seems almost to possess specific virtues in affections of the urinary organs. One or two scruples'may be given, in the course of the day, in the form of powder, or in pills, made up with soap and some aromatics. SODjE CA.RBONAS. L. Carbonat of Soda. Take of Subcarbonatof soda, one pound; Subcarbonat of ammonia, three ounces; Distilled water, a pint. Add the ammonia to the subcarbonat of soda dissolved in the water; then apply a heat 180°, in a sand bath, for three hours, until all the ammonia be expelled. Lastly, set it aside to crystallize. In the same manner evaporate the residuary liquor, and set it aside again to crystallize. This salt bears the same relation to the subcarbonat of soda that the carbonat of potass does to its subcarbonat. Klaproth first describ- ed it, and says it consists of 39 carbonic acid, 38 soda, and 23 water. It is found native in hard striated masses in the province of Sukena in Africa, and is called Trona. Mr. Phillips objects on calculation to the quantity of carbonat of am- monia employed, as unnecessarily too large; for in subcarbonat of soda, the alkali is to the acid as three to two, and in the carbonat they are equal, and in 100 parts of crystals of subcarbonat are 35 of salt, con- sis ing of 21 soda and 14 acid, requiring therefore 7 additional acid to neutralize it. Now, as 100 carbonat of ammonia contains 50 acid, it follows, that 14 will furnish the necessary acid, and that 25, the quantity ordered by the college, is excessive. AQUA SUPER-CARBONATIS SODii. Ed. Solution of Super-Carbonat of Soda. This is prepared from ten pounds of water, and two ounces of car- bonat of soda, in the same manner as the water of super-carbonat of potass. By supersaturating soda with carbonic acid, it is rendered more S.—Soda.—Phosphas Sodae. 511 agreeable to the palate, and may be taken in larger quantities, with- out affecting the stomach. This is now in common use as a cool- ing beverage, under the title of soda-water; and it may not be unne- cessary to mention, that its place cannot be at all supplied by what is sold as soda powder, which is not a supcrcarbonat of soda, but merely a mixture of salts, which effervesces on being dissolved. Indeed, one moment's reflection must show the impossibility of reducing to a solid form, a salt which cannot exist in solution, except under very great pressure. PHOSPHAS SODjE. Ed. Phosphat of Soda. Take of Bones burnt to whiteness, and powdered, ten pounds; Sulphuric acid, six pounds; Water, nine pounds. Mix the powder with the sulphuric acid in an earthen vessel; then add the water, and mix again. Then place the vessel in a vapour bath, and digest for three days; after which dilute the mass with nine pounds more of boiling water, and strain the liquor through a strong linen cloth, pouring over it boiling water, in small quantities at a time, until the whole acid be washed out. Set by the strained liquor, that the impurities may subside, decant the clear solution, and evaporate it to nine pounds. To this liquor, poured from the impurities, add carbonat of soda, dissolved in warm water, until the effervescence cease. Filter the neutralized liquor, and set it aside to crystallize. To the liquor that remains after the crystals arc taken out, add a little carbonat of soda, if necessary, so as to saturate exactly the phosphoric acid, and disposcthc liquor, by eva- poration, to form crystals. Lastly, the crystals are to be kept in a well-closed vessel. (E.) The first part of this process consists in destroying the gelatine of the bones by the action of heat. When burnt to perfect whiteness, they retain their form, but because friable, and consist of phosphat of lime, mixed with a very little carbonat of lime and carbonat of soda. In performing this part of the process, we must take care not to heat the bones to a bright red, as by it they undergo a kind of semi-fusion, and give out :i phosphoric light. The complete combus- tion of the charcoal is facilitated by the free contact of the air; we must therefore bring every part in succession to the surface, and break the larger pieces. In the second part of the process, the phosphat of lime in decom- posed by the sulphuric acid. This decomposition is however only partial. The sulphuric acid combines with part of the lime, and forms inspluble sulphat of lime. The phosphoric acid separated from that portion of lime, immediately combines with the rest of the phosphat of lime, and forms super-phosphat of lime, which is not further de- composable by sulphuric acid. 512 Materia Medica. The super-phosphat of lime, thus formed, is soluble in water: but as the sulphat of lime, with which it is mixed, concretes into a very solid mass, it is in some measure defended from the action of water. On this account the whole mass is directed to be digested for three days in vapour, by which means it is thoroughly penetrated and pre- pared for solution in the boiling water, which is afterwards poured on it. It is probably to render the subsequent solution easier, that Thenard directs the bone-ashes to be made into a thin paste (bouille) with water, before the sulphuric acid is added to them. Having thus got a solution of super-phosphat of lime, it is next decomposed by carbonat of soda, dissolved in water. This decomposi- tion, likewise is only partial, as it deprives the super-phosphat of lime of its excess of acid only, and reduces it to the state of phosphat. The phosphat of lime, being insoluble, is easily separated by filtra- tion, and the phosphat of soda remains in solution. According lo Thenard, the nicest point in the whole process is the determination of the proper quantity of carbonat of soda to be added. As the phosphat of soda does not crystallize freely unless there be a slight excess of base, he directs that a little more carbonat of soda be added than what is merely sufficient to saturate the excess of acid in the super-phos- phat of lime, but not to continue the addition until it cease to produce any precipitate. We must also take care not to carry the evaporation of a solution of phosphat of soda so far as to form a pellicle, for it then concretes into an irregular mass, and does not form beautiful crystals. After each crystallization, we must examine the liquor which remains, and if it be acid, or merely neutral, add to it a little of the solution of carbonat of soda. In this way Thenard got from 2100 parts of bone-ashes, 700 of sulphuric acid, and 667 of carbonat of soda, 885 of phosphat of soda. According to Fourcroy, phosphat of lime consists of 0.41 acid and 0.59 lime, and super-phosphat of lime, of 0.54 acid and 0.46 lime; phosphat of lime, treated with sulphuric acid, is only deprived of 0.24 lime, and changed into 0.76 of super-phosphat, con- sisting of 0.59 phosphat of lime, and 0.17 phosphoric acid, and it is only with this portion of acid that we are able to combine soda. Fourcroy is also of opinion that phosphat of lime requires only 0.4 of its weight of sulphuric acid to decompose it, whereas 0.6 are employ- ed by the Edinburgh college, and others use even 0.7. This is not only, therefore, a waste of acid, but renders the product impure, by being mixed with sulphat of soda, which is sometimes actually the case in the phosphat of soda of commerce. Besides, as bone-ashes are of very little value, it is better that a portion of them should escape undecomposed than that an excess of acid should be added to them. Mr. Funcke, of Linz, has discovered a still more economical and expeditious method. It consists in saturating the excess of lime in calcined bones with diluted sulphuric acid, and then dissolving the remaining phosphat of lime in nitric acid. To this solution he adds an equal quantity of sulphat of soda, and then recovers the nitric acid by distillation. The phosphat of soda is then separated from the sul- phat of lime, by the affusion of water and crystallization. Phosphat of soda crystallizes in rhomboidal prisms, terminated by three-sided pyramids. Its taste resembles that of common salt. At / S.—Soda—Murias Sodae. 513 60° it is soluble in four parts of water, and at 212° in two. It efflores- ces in the air. By heat it undergoes the waiery fusion, and at last melts into a white mass. It consists according to Thenard, of 15 phosphoric acid, 19 soda, and 66 water of crystallization. It is decom- posed by most of the salts having an earthy base. Medical use.—Phosphat of soda was introduced into the practice of physic by the ingenious Dr. Pearson of London. It possesses the same medical qualities as sulphat of soda, and the tartrat of potass and soda, being an excellent purge in the quantity of an ounce or ten drachms; and has the peculiar advantage over these two salts of being much less nauseous than they are. Its taste is extremely similar to that of common salt; and when given in a bason of water-gruel, or veal- broth made without salt, it is scarcely perceptible by the palate, and consequently is well adapted for patients whose stomachs are delicate, and who have an antipathy against the other salts. The only objection to its general use is the very great difference between its price and that of sulphat of soda, a difference which might certainly be dimi- nished. POL Sol. R. Sol. S. Sal. SW. Salt. MURIAS SOD.E. Ed. Muriat of Soda. Sal Muuiaticus. L. Sal Communis. D. Common Sea-Salt. D. Zout. P. Sal. DA. Salt. F. Sel. G. Salz. I. Sale. This is the most common of all the neutral salts. It is not only found in immense masses, on and under the earth's surface, and contained in great quantities in many salt springs, but it is the cause of the saltness of the sea. Native muriat of soda presents two varieties, the lamellar and fibrous. It is found in Poland, Hungary, Spain, England, &c. When not perfectly pure, it is purified by solution and crystallization. Salt springs occur in many parts of the world. The quantity of muriat of soda contained in these varies, from an inconsiderable quantity, even up to one third. Sea-water also varies much in strength. It is said to contain most salt in warm climates, and at great depths. Muriat of soda, as obtained from these natural solutions of it by evaporation and crystallization, is seldom pure, but commonly mixed with earthy muriats, which being deliquescent salts, dispose it to attract moisture from the atmosphere. It may, however, be purified by precipitating the earths by means of carbonat of soda, or by wash- ing the crystallized salt with a saturated solution of muriat of soda, heated to ebullition. In this state it is not capable of dissolving any more muriat of soda, but will dissolve a considerable quantity of the earthy muriats. 3 T 514 Materia Medica. Muriat of soda has a pure salt taste, is soluble in 2.8 times its weight of water at 60°, and in 2.76 at 212°. It is not soluble in al- cohol. By the action of heat it first decrepitates, then melts, and lastly, sublimes without decomposition. The primitive form of its crystals is cubic, and they are permanent in the atmosphere. According to Kirwan, they consist of 38.88 muriatic acid, 53. soda, and 8.12 water. It is decomposed by the sulphuric and nitric acids, by potass and baryta, by secondary salts containing these, and by metalline salts, whose base forms an insoluble compound with muriatic acid. It is also gradually decomposed by lime, iron, and litharge. Medical use—Muriat of soda is one of the most important articles in the arts, and in domestic economy. As a medicine, it is useful in some cases of dyspepsia; and in large doses it is said to check vo- miting of blood. It is a common ingredient in stimulating clysters, and is sometimes applied externally as a fomentation to bruises, or in the form of bath, as a gentle stimulus to the whole surface of the body. Officinal Preparations. Murias sodae exsiccatus, E. D. Acidum muriaticum, E. L. D. Murias antimonii, E. L. D. - - - vide Antimonium. Sub-murias hydrargyri praecipitatus, E. L. D. Hydrargyrum. MURIAS SODjE EXSICCATUS. Ed. D. Dried Muriat of Soda. Murias Sodje Siccatum. D. Dried Muriat of Soda. Take of Muriat of soda, any quantity. Roast it over the fire in an iron vessel, loosely covered, until it cease to decrepitate, agitating it from time to time. (E. D.) By this process the muriat of soda is reduced into the state in which it is employed for the distillation of muriatic acid. It not only deprives it entirely of its water of crystallization, which, from being variable in quantity, would otherwise render the acid obtained un- equal in strength, but also destroys some colouring matter it con- tains; for if we prepare muriatic acid from crystallized muriat of soda, we obtain a coloured muriatic acid, while the dried muriat fur- nishes a perfectly colourless one. Officinal Preparations. Acidum muriaticum E. L. D. Murias hydrargyri, E. L. D. - - vide Hydrargyrum. S.—Soda.—Sulphas Sodae. 515 SULPHAS SODjE; olim, Sal Glauberi. Ed. L. D. Sulphat of Soda; formerly Glauber's Salt. Dissolve the acidulous salt which remains after the distillation of muriatic acid, in water; and having mixed chalk with it to remove the superfluous acid, set it aside until the sediment subsides, then evaporate the liquor decanted from them, and strain through paper, so that it may crystallize. (E.) The observations made respecting the different methods followed by the colleges, for extracting sulphat ofpotass from the residuum of the distillation of nitrous acid, apply in the present instance, except that the Edinburgh college do not preserve the superabundant acid when present, by saturating it with carbonat of soda, but get rid of it by saturating it with carbonat of lime, with which it forms an insolu- ble sulphat of lime, in fact, the price of sulphat of soda is so very small, that it would be no economy to use carbonat of soda to saturate the superabundant acid. By far the greatest part of the sulphat of soda is obtained from manufacturers, as a result of processes performed for the sake of other substances, as in the preparation of muriat of ammonia, oxygenized muriatic acid, Sec. It may be economically obtained by making into a paste with a sufficient quantity of water, eight parts of burnt gypsum, five of clay, and five of muriat of soda. This mixture is burnt in a kiln or oven, then ground to powder, diffused in a sufficient quantity of water, and after being strained, is evaporated and crystallized. Sulphat of soda crystallizes in six-sided prisms, terminated by dihedral summits. The crystals are often irregular, and their sides are usually channeled. Their taste is at first salt, and afterwards disa- greeably bitter. They are soluble in 2.67 parts of water at 60°, and in 0.8 at. 212°. In the air they effloresce. They undergo the watery fu- sion, and in a red heat melt. They consist of 23.52 sulphuric acid, 18.48 soda, and 58 water,* when dried at 700°, of 56 acid and 44 soda. It is decomposed by baryta and potass, and salts containing these bases, and by the salts of silver, mercury, and lead. Medical use.—Taken from half an ounce, to an ounce, or more, it proves a mild and useful purgative; and in smaller doses, largely diluted, a serviceable aperient and diuretic. It is commonly given in solution, but it may also be given in powder, after it has effloresced, In this form the dose must be reduced to one half. * This immense quantity of water of crystallization may be well dispensed with on various occasions, as for the army or navy. By efflorescence, the salt is converted into a fine dry powder of half its original bulk and weight, and no way injured in its medical properties. It is also by this means prevented from injuring the adjoining medicines, or any instruments of surgery. 516 Materia Medica. TARTRIS POTASSjE et SOD£. Ed. Tar trite of Potass and Soda, formerly Rochelle Salt. Soda Tartarizata. L. Tartarus Sod^e et Kali. Tartarized Soda. Tartrat of Soda and Kali. Take of Carbonat of soda, twenty ounces; Crystals of tartar, powdered, two pounds; Distilled water, boiling ten pints. Dissolve the natron in the water, and gradually add the crystals of tartar: filter the liquor through paper; evaporate, and set it aside to crystallize. (L. D.) The tartaric acid in several instances is capable of entering into combination at the same time with two bases. In the present example, the superabundant acid of the super-tartrat of potass is neutralized with soda, and in place of a mixture of tartrat of potass and tartrat of soda, each possessing their own properties, there results a triple salt, having peculiar properties. The tartrat of potass and soda forms large and very regular crys- tals, in the form of prisms with eight sides nearly equal, which are often divided longitudinally, almost through their axis. It has a bitter taste. It is soluble in about five parts of water, and effloresces in the air. It is decomposed by the strong acids, which combine with the soda, and separate super-tartrat ofpotass, and by baryta and lime. By heat its acid is destroyed. It consists of 54 tartrat of potass, and 46 tartrat of soda. Eighteen parts of subcarbonat of soda, will neutralize 24 of super-tartrat of potass. Medical use.—It was introduced into medical practice by M. Seig- nette, an apothecary at Rochelle, whose name it long bore. It is still frequently employed; and though less agreeable than the phosphat of soda, it is much more so than the sulphat of soda. It is less purgative than these, and must be given in larger doses. SOLANUM DULCAMARA. Dulcamara. Stipites. D. L. Woody Nightshade. Bitter-sweet. The twigs. Willd. g. 383. sp. 15. Smith,g. 100. sp. 1. Pcntandria Monogynia.— Nat. ord. Solanacea. This climbing plant grows wild in moist hedges, has woody brittle stalks, and climbs on the bushes. The taste of the twigs and roots, as the name of the plant expresses, is both bitter and sweet; the bit- terness being first perceived, and the sweetness afterwards. They have a nauseous smell when fresh. Medical use.—The dulcamara was formerly much esteemed as a powerful medicine. It is in general said to increase all the secretions and excretions, to excite the heart and arteries, and, in large doses, to produce nausea, vomiting, and convulsions; but its effects s,eem to S.—Sophora Tinctoria. 517 differ according to the nature of the soil on which it grows, being most efficacious in warm climates, and on dry soils. It has been re- commended in cutaneous affections, especially lepra and in syphiloid diseases, in rheumatic and cachectic swellings, in ill-conditioned ulcers, scrofula, indurations from milk, leucorrhoea, jaundice, and obstructed menstruation. It has principally been used in decoction: two or three ounces of that of the London Pharmacopceia maybe given thrice a-day, and gradually augmented, till a pint be consumed daily. A stronger decoction may be used externally as a lotion. In the form of extract, from 5 to 10 grains may be given for a dose. SOLIDAGO VTRGA AUREA. Virga Aurea. Flores. Folia. D. Golden rod. The flowers and leaves. Willd.g. 1483. .k, two drachms; Rectified spirit of wine, one pound. Mix and macerate for seven days, and strain. (D.) Rectified spirit is the most complete menstruum for musk; but in this form it is often impossible to give such a- quantity of the musk as is necessary for our purpose; and hence this article is more fre- quently employed under the form of julep or bolus. TINCTURA MYRRHA. Ed. L. D. Tincture of Myrrh. Take of Myrrh, in powder, three ounces; Alcohol, twenty ounces; Water, ten ounces. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper. (E.) Tincture of myrrh is recommended internally as a cardiac, for removing obstructions, particularly those of the uterine vessels, and resisting putrefaction. The dose is from fifteen drops to forty or 576 Materia Medica. more. The medicine may perhaps be given in these cases to advan- tage; though with us, it is more commonly used externally, for clean- ing foul ulcers, and promoting the exfoliation of carious bones. Officinal Preparations. Tinctura sabinae composita, L. Trochisci glycyrrhizae cum opio, D. vide Trochisci. TINCTURA OPII, sive THEBAICA; Vulgo, Laudanum Liquidum. Ed. L. D. Tincture of Opium; Thebaic Tincture; or Liquid Laudanum. Take of Opium, two ounces; Diluted alcohol, two pounds. Digest seven days, and filter through paper. (K.) As these tinctures, on evaporation, furnish the same quantity of ex- tract, they are believed to be of nearly equal strength; but it is to be regretted that they are not so well adapted for keeping as could be wished: after some time, a part of the opium is gradually deposited from both,and consequently the tinctures become weaker: the part which thus separates, amounts sometimes, it is said, to near one- fourth of the quantity of opium at first dissolved. Mr. Phillips found, that when alcohol of sp.gr. 0.930 was employed with select crude opium, the tincture acquired sp. gr. 0.952, and contained 26 grains of opium/?er fluidounce; but when purified opium was used, the sp. gr. of the tincture was 0.958, and the quantity ot opium in the fluidounce 36 grains; of the crude opium one grain in 3.5 remained undissolved, and of the purified only one in twenty-five; while in the tincture made with the former, one grain of opium was contained in 18.3 minims, and in that with the latter in 13.3, so that from calculation the strength of the tincture made with purified opium to that made with crude opium is as three to two nearly. But we must here observe, that calculation cannot be altogether relied upon in this case, because, although purified opium contains more soluble matter than crude opium, its narcotic powers are diminished by the preparation it has undergone. TINCTURA OPII CAMPHORATA; sive Elixir Paregoricum. D. Camphorated Tincture of Opium. Paregoric Elixir. Tinctura Camphors Composita. L. Compound Tincture of Camphor. Take of Hard purified opium, Flowers of benzoin, of each one drachm; Camphor, two scruples; T.—Tincturas. 577 Essential oil of aniseed, one drachm; Proof spirit of wine, two pints. Digest for ten days, and strain. (L.) In this formula the virtues of the opium and camphor are combin- ed. It gets an agreeable flavour from the acid of benzoin and essential oil. The latter will also render it more stimulating; but whether it derives any salutary virtues from the former, we do not know. It was originally prescribed under the title of Elixir Asthmaticum, which it does not ill deserve. It contributes to allay the tickling which pro- vokes frequent coughing; and at the same time it is supposed to open the breast, and give greater liberty of breathing. It is given to children against the chincough, &c. from five drops to twenty: to adults, from twenty to a hundred. Half an ounce, by measure, contains about a grain of opium. TINCTURA QUASSIA. Dub. Tincture of Quassia. Take of Shavings of quassia, one ounce; Proof spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days, and filter. As the Dublin college have introduced into their Pharmacopceia the most powerful of all astringent tinctures, in the present instance, they have also first directed a tincture to be prepared from the purest and most intense of all bitters. TINCTURA RHEI PALMATE Ed. Tinctura Rhabarbari. L. D. Tincture of Rhubarb. Take of Rhubarb, three ounces; Lesser cardamom seeds, half an ounce; Diluted alcohol, two pounds Ad a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper. (E.) TINCTURA RHABARBARI COMPOSITA. L. Compound Tincture of Rhubarb. Take of Rhubarb, sliced, two ounces; Liquorice root, bruised, half an ounce; Ginger, powdered, Saffron, each two drachms; Distilled water, one pint; Proof spirit of wine, twelve ounces, by measure, Digest for fourteen days, and strain. (L.) 4 D 578 Materia Medica. TINCTURA RHEI CUM ALOE; olim, Elixir Sacrum. Ed* Tincture of Rhubarb with Aloes, commonly called Sacred Elixir. Take of Rhubarb, ten drachms; Socotorine aloes, six drachms; Lesser cardamom seeds, half an ounce; Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper. (E.) TINCTURA RHEI CUM GENTIANA; Olim, Tinctura Rhei Amara. Ed. Tincture of Rhubarb with Gentian, formerly, Bitter Tincture of Rhubarb. Take of Rhubarb, two ounces; Gentian root, half an ounce; Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and'then strain the tincture through paper. (E.) All the foregoing tinctures of rhubarb are designed as stomachics, and corroborants, as well as purgatives: spiritous liquors excellently extract those parts of the rhubarb in which the two first qualities reside, and the additional ingredients considerably promote their ef- ficacy. In weakness of the stomach, indigestion, laxity of the intes- tines, diarrhoeas, colic, and other similar complaints, these medicines are frequently of great service. TINCTURA SABINA COMPOSITA. L. Compound Tincture of Savin. Take of fe Extract of savin, one ounce; Tincture of castor, one pint; myrrh, half a pint. ' Digest till the extract of savin be dissolved, and then strain. (L.) This preparation is improved from one described in some former dispensatories under the name of Elixir Uterinum. It is said to be a medicine of great importance in uterine obstructions, and in hypo- chondriacal cases; though, possibly, means might be contrived of superadding more effectually the virtues of savin to a tincture of myrrh and castor. It may be given from five drops to twenty or thirty, or more, in any suitable vehicle. T.—Tincturae. 579 TINCTURA SAPONIS. Ed. Tincture of Soap. Linimentum Saponis Compositum. L. Compound Soap Liniment. Linimentum Saponaceum. D. Saponaceous Liniment. Take of Castile soap, two ounces; . Camphor, one ounce; Alcohol, Water, each eight ounces; Essential oil of rosemary, two scruples. Dissolve the soap in the water over a gentle fife; strain the liquor through linen; and when it is almost cold, add the camphor and oil, dissolved in the alcohol. (D.) Officinal Preparation. Linimentum volatile, D. - - vide Tinctura volatiles. TINCTURA SAPONIS cum OPIO; olim, Linimentum Anodynum. Ed. Tincture of Soap with Opium, formerly Anodyne Liniment. This is prepared in the same way, and from the same substances, as the simple tincture of soap, but with the addition from the begin- ning of one ounce (half an ounce to conform to the Dublin formula) of opium. (E.) These tinctures are only used externally, and possess great effi- cacy in removing local pains when rubbed on the affected part. TINCTURA SCILLA. L. D. Tincture of Squills. Take of Squills, fresh dried, four ounces; Proof spirit of wine, two pints. Digest for eight days, and pour off the liquor. (L.) The active principle of squills is soluble in alcohol, and there are cases in which a tincture may be useful. TINCTURA TOLUIFERA BALSAMI; olim, Tinctura TOLUTANA. Ed. Tinctura Balsamic a Tolutani. L. D, Tincture of the Balsam of Tolu. Take of Balsam of Tolu, one ounce; Alcohol, one pound. 580 Materia Medica. Digest until the balsam be dissolved; and then strain the tincture through paper. (E. D ) This solution of balsam of Tolu possesses all the virtues of the balsam itself. It may be taken internally, with the several intentions for which that valuable balsam is proper, to the quantity of a tea spoonful or two, in any convenient vehicle. Mixed with the plain syrup of sugar, it forms an elegant balsamic syrup. T'lNCTUR A VALERIANA. L. Tincture of Valerian. Take of The root of wild valerian, in coarse powder, four ounces; Proof spirit of wine, two pints. Digest with a gentle heat for eight days, and strain. (L.) The valerian root ought to be reduced to a pretty fine powder, otherwise the spirit will not sufficiently extract its virtues. The tinc- ture proves of a deep colour, and considerably strong of the valerian; though it has not been found to answer so well in the cure of epileptic disorders as the root in substance, exhibited in the form of powder or bolus. The dose of the tincture is, from half a spoonful, to a spoon- ful, or more, two or three times a-day. TINCTURA VERATRI ALBI. Ed. Tincture of White Hellebore. Take of White hellebore root, eight ounces; Diluted alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest them together for seven days, and filter the tincture through paper. (E.) This tincture is sometimes used for assisting cathartics, &c. and as an emetic in apoplectic and maniacal disorders. It may likewise be so managed, as to prove a powerful alterative and deobstruent, in cases where milder remedies have little effect. But a great deal of caution is requisite in its use: the dose, at first, ought to be only a few drops; if considerable, it proves violently emetic or cathartic. TINCTURA ZINGIBERIS. L. Tincture of Ginger. Take of Ginger, powdered, two ounces; Proof spirit, two pounds. Digest in a gentle heat for eight days, and strain. (L.) T.—Tincturse iEthereae. 581 This simple tincture of ginger is a warm cordial, and is rather intended as an useful addition, in the quantity of a drachm or two, to purging mixtures, than for being used alone. TINCTURE MTUEREJE. ETHEREAL TINCTURES, OR TINCTURES MADE WITH ETHEREAL SPIRITS. We have classed these tinctures by themselves, because they are more strongly characterised by the nature of the menstruum than of the substance dissolved in it. Indeed, the ethereal spirits are used in these instances, not to dissolve bodies which would resist the action of alcohol and water, but for the sakeof their own direct action on the system. TINCTURA ALOES ATHEREA. Ed. Ethereal Tincture of Aloes. Take of Myrrh, Socotorine aloes, of each an ounce and a half; English saffron, one ounce; Sulphuric ether with alcohol, one pound. Digest the myrrh with the liquor for four days, in a close vessel; then add the saffron and aloes. Digest again for four days, and, when the feces have subsided, pour off the tincture. (E.) This tincture agrees generally in its effects with the other tinctures of aloes, the only difference arising from the more penetrating and stimulating nature of the menstruum itself. ATHER SULPHURICUS cum ALCOHOLE AROMATI- CUS. Ed. Aromatic Sulphuric Ether with Alcohol. This is made of the same aromatics, and in the same manner, as the compound tincture of cinnamon (p. 573); except that, in place of the alcohol, sulphuric ether with alcohol is employed. (E.) This is designed for persons whose stomachs are too weak to bear the following acid tincture: to the taste, it is gratefully aromatic, without any perceptible acidity. 582 Materia Medica. ACIDUM SULPHURICUM AROMATICUM. AV. Aromatic Sulphuric Acifi.—Elixir of Vitriol. Take of Alcohol, two pounds; Sulphuric acid, six ounces. Drop the acid gradually into the alcohol. Digest the mixture with a very gentle heat in a close vessel for three days, and then add of Cinnamon, an ounce and a half; Ginger, one ounce. Digest again in a close vessel for six days, and then filter the tincture through paper placed in a glass funnel. (E.) Although the name given to this preparation by the college does not sanction its arrangement with the ethereal tinctures, yet we have ventured to place it here, from the belief that the alcohol is com- pletely or partially changed, by the digestion with the acid, into an ethereal spirit, and that the principal difference between this and the preceding tincture consists in the presence of the acid, which is not to be considered as the menstruum by which the tincture is formed, but as an acid mixed with the ethereal tincture. This is commonly known as the Acid Elixir of Vitriol. Medical use.—This is a valuable medicine in weakness and relaxa- tions of the stomach, and decays of constitution, particularly in those which proceed from irregularities, which are accompanied with slow febrile symptoms, or which follow the suppression of intermittents. It frequently succeeds, after bitters and aromatics by themselves had availed nothing; and, indeed, great part of its virtues depend on the sulphuric acid; which, barely diluted with water, has, in those cases where the stomach could bear the acidity, produced happy effects. It is very usefully conjoined with cinchona, and other tonic barks, both as covering their disagreeable taste, and as coinciding with them in virtue. It may be given in doses of ten to thirty drops, or more, several times a-day. It is best sucked from the glass by means of a quill, which prevents its coming in contact with the teeth. TINCTURJE AMMONIATA seu VOLATILES. AMMONIATED OR VOLATILE TINCTURES. Amm»Nia, like ether, is so powerful an agent on the living system, that we think it gives a peculiar character to the compositions into which it enters. They are all highly stimulating and pungent, and apt to exite diaphoresis. As ammonia exerts considerable and pecu- liar powers as a solvent, these tirictures must never be combined in prescription with any thing acid, which would not only neutralize the ammonia, and destroy its peculiar action on the living system, bur T.—Tincturse Ammoniata*. seu Volatiles. 583 would precipitate whatever was dissolved by its agency. In prescribing these ammoniated tinctures, the practitioner must attend to the very great increase of strength in the ammoniated alcohol of the London. College, being not less, according to Mr. Phillips, than as five to one. LINIMENTUM CAMPHORA COMPOSITUM. L. Compound Camphor Liniment. Take of Camphor, two ounces; Water of pure ammonia, six ounces; Spirit of lavender, sixteen ounces. Mix the water of ammonia with the spirit; and distil from a glass re- tort, with a slow fire, sixteen ounces. Then dissolve the camphor in the distilled liquor. (L.) This is more pungent and penetrating than the solution of cam- phor in alcohol. Is the distillation necessary to get an ammoniated alcohol without water? Probably. Mr. Phillips, dreading the extreme causticity of the Aqua ammonia of the present Pharmacopoeia, pro- poses the substitution of an equivalent quantity of subcarbonate of ammonia. LINIMENTUM VOLATILE. D. Volatile Liniment. Take of The aromatic spirit of volatile alkali, one ounce; Liniment of soap, two ounces. Mix them. (D.) This is an entirely different composition from the volatile liniment of the Edinburgh and London pharmacopoeias. The latter is a soap formed of ammonia and fixed oil, whereas the present is an ammoni- ated tincture of camphor, soap of soda, and volatile oils. In its effects it differs from the soap-liniment of the Dublin coltege only in being more stimulating. TINCTURA CASTOREI COMPOSITA. Ed. Compound Tincture of Castor. Take of Russian castor, one ounce; Assa foetida, half an ounce; Ammoniated alcohol, one pound. Digest for seven days, and filter through paper. (E.) This composition is a medicine of real efficacy, particularly in hvsterical disorders, and the several symptoms which accompany 584 Materia Medica. them. The spirit here used is an excellent menstruum, both for the castor and the assa foetida, and greatly adds to their virtues. TINCTURA CINCHONA AMMONIATA. L. Ammoniated Tincture of Cinchona. Take of Cinchona, powdered, four ounces; Compound spirit of ammonia, two pints. Digest in a close vessel for ten days, and strain. (L.) We are not acquainted with this tincture; but from our knowledge of the active principles of cinchona bark, we are not disposed to think it a very judicious preparation; for the nature of the men- struum is so stimulating, that little effect can be expected from any portion of the bark it is capable of dissolving. TINCTURA GUAIACI AMMONIATA. Ed. D. L. Ammoniated Tincture of Guaiac. Take of Gum guaiac, four ounces; Ammoniated alcohol, one pound and a half. Digest for seven days, and filter through paper. (E.) This is a very elegant and efficacious tincture; the ammoniated spirit readily dissolving the resin, and at the same time promoting its medicinal virtue. In rheumatic cases, a tea, or even table, spoonful, taken every morning and.evening, in any convenient vehicle, particu- larly in milk, has proved of singular service. It is rendered much more agreeable by adding an ounce of oil of sassafras to the ingre- dients. TINCTURA OPII AMMONIATA; olim, Elixir Paregoricum. Ed. Ammoniated Tincture of Opium, formerly Paregoric Elixir. Take of _ Benzoic acid, English saffron, of each three drachms; Opium, two drachms; Essential oil of aniseed, half a drachm; Ammoniated alcohol, sixteen ounces. Digest for seven days, in a close vessel, and strain. (D.) This is a preparation of considerable efficacy in many spasmodic T.—Tormentilla Erecta. 585 diseases, as chincough, &c. the ammonia removing the spasm im- mediately, while the opium tends to prevent its return. Each drachm contains about a grain of opium. " TINCTURA VALERIANA AMMONIATA. L.D, Ammoniated Tincture of Valerian. Take of Valerian root, in coarse powder, four ounces; Compound spirit of ammonia, two pints. Digest for seven days in a vessel closely covered, and strain. (D.) The compound spirit of ammonia is here an excellent menstruum, and at the same time considerably promotes the virtues of the vale- rian, which in some cases wants assistance of this kind. The dose may be a tea-spoonful or two. TOLUIFERA BALSAMUM. Balsamum. Ed. L. D. Balsamum Tolutanum. L. D. Balsam of Tolu. Willd. g. 828. sp. 1. Decand. Monogyn.—Nat. ord. Lomentacea. This tree grows in Spanish America, and the balsam flows from incisions made in its bark, during the hot season, and is brought to us in gourd shells. It is of a yellowish-brown colour, inclining to red: in consistence thick and tenacious: by age it grows hard and brittle, without suffering any great loss of its more valuable parts. The smell of this balsam is extremely fragrant, somewhat resembling that of lemons; its taste warm and sweetish. Lewis says that he has some- times procured benzoic acid from it; it yields very little volatile oil, although it impregnates the distilled water strongly with its flavour. By dissolving a proper quantity of sugar in this water, a syrup is obtained greatly superior to that prepared in the common way, with a decoction of the balsam. In its medical virtues it agrees with the other balsams. Officinal Preparations. Syrupus toluiferse balsami, L. - - vide Syrupi. Tinctura toluifer* balsami, E. L. D. - - Tinctura. benzoes composita, E. L. - - Idem. TORMENTILLA ERECTA. Willd. Radix. Ed. D. Tormentilla Erecta. Smith. L. Septfoil. Common Tormentil. The root. Willd.g. 1001.s/J. 1. Smith, g..236. sp. 1. Icosandria Polygynia.—mi. ord. Senticosa. Tormentil is perennial, and found wild in woods and on com- mons- it has long slender stalks, with usually seven long narrow 4 E 586 Materia Medica. leaves at a joint; the root is for the most part crooked and knotty, of a blackish colour on the outside, and a reddish within. This root has an austere styptic taste, accompanied with a slight kind of aromatic flavour; it is one of the most agreeable and efficacious of the vegeta- ble astringents, and is employed with good effect in all cases where medicines of this class are proper. Neumann got from 960 grains, 365 alcoholic, and 170 watery extract, and inversely 570 watery, and 8 alcoholic. Officinal Preparation. Pulvis cret. compositus, L. - - vide Pulveres. TRAGACANTHA. - - vide Astragalus. TRIGONELLA FGENUM GRACUM. Foenum GRiECUM. Semen. L. Fenugreek. The seeds. Diadelphia Decandria.—Nat. ord. Papilionacee. D. Bokshoornzaad. I. Fienogrcco. DA. Fonuggreak. ps Alforvas, Fcnogrego. F. Fenu-grec. S. Alforva, Altholva. G. Bockshornsamen, Fanumgraecum. SW. Fenugrek. This plant is annual, and a native of the south of France. In Po- land it is cultivated in large quantities. The seeds have a yellowish colour, a rhomboidal figure, a disagreeable strong smell, and a mu- cilaginous taste. Their principal use was in cataplasms, fomentations, and the like, and in emollient clysters. Neumann got from 7680 parts, 620 bitter watery, and 30 unctuous alcoholic, extract, and inversely 270 very ungrateful alcoholic, and 390 watery. The distilled water had a slight smell of fenugreek, which it soon lost. TRITICUM. Willd. g. 152. Triandria Monogynia—Nat. ord. Gramina. TRITICUM ASTIVUM. Sp. I. Seminum Farina. Amylum. D. TRITICUM HYBERNUM. Sp. 2. Farina. Amylum. L. Wheat. Flour. Starch. D. Tarw. p. Trigo. DA. Huede. POL. Pazenica. F. Froment. R. Pscheniza. G. Weizen. S. Trigo. I. Grano,froment6. SW. Hvcde. T.—-Triticum. 587 By some these are considered only as varieties, not as distinct species. The latter, however, is the most productive, and is most commonly cultivated on that account; for there is no material differ- ence between the grains they produce, which are indiscriminately employed for every purpose. Wheat-flour consists principally of gluten, starch, albumen, and a sweet mucilage. These may be separated by forming the flour into a paste with a little water, and washing this paste with fresh quantities of water, until it runs from it colourless. What remains is the gluten: which, if not the same, is very analogous to the fibrin of animal sub- stances.* From the water with which the paste was washed, a white powder separates on standing. This is the starch which we have already mentioned under the title Amylum. The albumen and sweet mucilage remain dissolved in the water. By evaporating it, the albumen first separates in white flakes, and the sweet mucilage may be got by total evaporation. It is the presence of gluten which characterizes wheat flour; and on the due admixture of it with the other eonstituents depends the superiority of wheat flour for baking bread. Bread is made by working the flour into a paste with water, a quantity of some ferment, such as yeast, and a little muriat of soda to render it sapid, allowing the paste to stand until a certain degree of fermentation take place, and then baking it in an oven heated to about 488°. During the fermentation a quantity of gas is formed, and as it is prevented from escaping by the toughness of the paste, and dilated by the heat of the oven, the bread is rendered light and spongy. In this process the nature of the constituents of the flour is altered, for we are not able to obtain either gluten or starch from bread. Medical use.—Bread is not only one of the most important articles of nourishment, but is also employed in pharmacy for making cata- plasms, and giving form to more active articles. An infusion of toasted bread has a deep colour and pleasant taste, and is an excellent drink in febrile diseases, and debility of the stomach. AMYLUM. Starch. The general properties of starch have been a:ready enumerated. It is found in many vegetables combined with different substances. Fourcroy, accordingly, makes various species of it; as, combined, * Fibrin is of a white colour, without taste or smell, tough, and elastic, but when dried, hard and almost brittle. It is not. soluble in water or in alcohol. The concentrated caustic alkalies form with it a kind of a fluid viscid soap. It is dissolved even by the weak and diluted acids; but it undergoes some change by which it acquires the properties of jellying, and being soluble in hot water. By maceration in water it becomes putrid, and is converted into adipocere. By long boiling' in water, it is rendered tough and corneous. When decomposed by heat or nitric acid, it is found to contain a large proportion of nitrogen. It forms the basis of the muscular fibre, and is contained in small quantity in the blood. The gluten of wheat does not seem to differ from it in any important property. It is eminently nutritious. 588 Materia Medica. 1. With gluten or fibrin; as in wheat, rye, and other similar seeds.. 2. With extractive; as in beans, peas, lupins, &c. 3. With mucilaginous matter; as in the potatoe, and many other roots, in unripe corn. 4. With saccharine matter in most roots, and in corn after it has begun to germinate. 5. With oil; in the emulsive seeds, almonds, &c. 6. With an acrid principle; as in the root of the burdock, jatropha manihot, arum asarum, and other tuberous roots. Medical use___As a constituent of many vegetable substances, it forms a most important alimentary substance. In a medical point of view, it is to be considered as a demulcent; and accordingly, it forms the principal ingredient of an officinal lozenge, and a mucilage pre- pared from it often produces excellent effects, both taken by the mouth, and in the form of a clyster in dysentery and diarrhoea, from irritation of the intestines. Externally flour or starch is the usual ap- plication in erysipelatous affections of the skin, but upon what prin- ciple is not very apparent, unless it be an empirical practice remaining from the pathology which dreaded the repulsion of all external inflam- mations. TRIOSTEUM PERFOLIATUM. Bastard Ipecacuanha. In very large doses it sometimes proves emetic. The bark of the root is a good cathartic in doses of 20 or 30 grains. It sometimes operates as a diuretic* TROCHISCI.—TROCHES. Troches and lozenges are composed of powders made up with glutinous substances into little cakes, and afterwards dried. This form is principally made use of for the more commodious exhibition of certain medicines, by fitting them to dissolve slowly in the mouth, so as to pass by degrees into the stomach; and hence these prepara- tions have generally a considerable proportion of sugar or other materials grateful to the palate. Some powders have likewise been reduced into troches, with a view to their preservation; though possi- bly for no very good reasons; for the moistening, and afterwards drying them in the air, must rather tend to injure than to preserve them. The lozenges of the confectioner are so superior in elegance to those of the apothecary, that they are almost universally preferred; and hence it probably is that the Dublin and London colleges have en«- tirely omitted them. * Barton's Collections, Part 1. p. 28. T.—Trochisci. 589 TROCHISCI CARBONATIS CALCIS. Ed. Troches of Carbonat of Lime. Trochisci Cret^e. L. Troches of Chalk. Take of Carbonat of lime, prepared, four ounces; Gum arabic, one ounce; Nutmeg, one drachm; Double refined sugar, six ounces. Powder them together, and form them with water into a mass fo_r making troches. (E.) These are used against acidity of the stomach, especially when ac- companied with diarrhoea. TROCHISCI GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA. Ed. L. D. Troches qf Liquorice. Take of Extract of liquorice, Gum arabic, each one part; Refined sugar, two parts. Dissolve them in warm water, and strain; then evaporate the solu- tion over a gentle fire, till it be. of a proper consistence for being formed into troches. These are agreeable pectorals, and may be used at pleasure in tickling coughs. The solution, and subsequent evaporation, of the extract of liquorice, directed by the Edinburgh college, is exceed- ingly troublesome, and apt to give the troches an empyreumatic flavour. They are more easily made, by reducing the liquorice also to powder, and mixing up the whole with rose-water. Refined ex- tract of liquorice should be used; and it is easily powdered in the cold, after it has been laid for some days in a dry and rather warm place. TROCHISCI GLYCYRRHIZA cum OPIO. Ed. Liquorice Troches with Opium. Trochisci GlycyrrhizjE Compositi. D. Compound Troches qf Liquorice. Take of Opium, two drachms; Tincture of Tolu, half an ounce; Common syrup, eight ounces; Extract of liquorice, softened in warm water, Gum arabic, in powder, of each five ounces. 590 Materia Medica. Triturate the opium well with the tincture, then add by degrees the syrup and extract; afterwards gradually sprinkle upon the mixture the powdered gum arabic. Lastly, dry them so as to form a mass to be made into troches, each weighing ten grains. (E.) These troches are medicines of approved efficacy in tickling coughs depending on an irritation of the fauces. Besides the me- chanical effect of the inviscating matters in involving acrid humours, or lining and defending the tender membranes, the opium must no doubt have a considerable share, by more immediately diminishing the irritability of the parts themselves. Six of the Dublin troches, and seven and a half of the Edinburgh, contain about one grain of opium. TROCHISCI GUMMOSI. Ed. Gum Troches. Take of Gum arabic, four parts; Starch, one part; Double refined sugar, twelve parts. Powder them, and make them into a proper mass with rose water, so as to form troches. (E.) This composition is a very agreeable pectoral, and may be used at pleasure. It is calculated for allaying the tickling in the throat which provokes coughing. TROCHISCI MAGNESIA. L. Troches of Magnesia. Take of Burnt magnesia, four ounces; Double refined sugar, two ounces; Ginger, powdered, one scruple. Triturate them together, and, with the addition of the mucilage of gum arabic, make troches. (L.) These are excellent antacids, and at the same time tend to keep the bowels open. TROCHISCI SULPHURIS. L. Troches of Sulphur. Take of Washed flowers of sulphur, two ounces; Double refined sugar, four ounces. Rub them together, with a sufficient quantity of the mucilage of quince seeds, and make troches. (L.) This composition is to be considered only as an agreeable form for the exhibition of sulphur, no alteration or addition being here made to its virtues. U.—Ulmus. 591 TROCHISCI N1TRATIS POTASSA. Ed. Troches of Nitrat of Potass. Trochisci Nitri. L. Troches of Nitre, Take of Nitrat of potass, one part; Double refined sugar, three parts. Rub together to powder and form them with mucilage of gum traga- canth into a mass, to be divided into troches. (E.) This is a very agreeable form for the exhibition of nitre; though when the salt is thus taken without any liquid, (if the quantity be considerable,) it is apt to occasion uneasiness about the stomach, which can only be prevented by large dilution with aqueous liquors. TUSSILAGO FARFARA. Folia. Flores. Ed.'*L. D. Coltsfoot. The herb and flowers. Willd. g. 1483. sp. 12. Smith, g. 360. sp. 1. Syngenesia superflua.— Nat. Ord. Composita radiatce. This grows wild in moist situations, producing yellow flowers in February and March: these soon fall off, and are succeeded by large roundish leaves, hairy underneath: their taste is herbaceous, some- what glutinous and subacrid. Tussilago is recommended in coughs, phthisis, and other disorders of the breast and lungs, and some use it in scrofula. It is chiefly directed to be taken with milk, and upon this probably, more than on the tussilago itself, any benefit derived from it in practice is to be explained. u. ULMUS CAMPESTRIS. Ed. L. D. Cortex interior. Common Elm. The inner bark. Willd. g. 505. sp. 1. Smith, g. 117. sp. 1. Pentandria Digynia.— Nat. ord. Scabrida. This tree grows wild in Britain. The inner bark has a yellowish colour, and a mucilaginous, bitter, astringent taste, without smell. A decoction formed from it, bjj boiling an ounce with a pound of water, to the consumption of one half, has been highly recommended in the lepra ichthyosis, and has been said to cure dropsies. 592 Materia Medica. ULMUS AMERICANA. Rough-leaved Elm tree. Red Elm. The inner bark. The inner bark is esculent. It is useful in pleurisies, Sec. and forms an excellent poultice for tumours, and liniment for chaps, &c. It aids the suppuration of gun-shot wounds, and is thought superior to the bread and milk and flaxseed poultice. It is highly beneficial in old ulcers and fresh burns, and forms an excellent diet drink in diarrhoea and dysentery.* We have two species of ulmus or elm in the United States. The red or slippery elm, or American rough leaved elm of Marshal, (ul- mus rubra of Muhlenburgh) on account of its many valuable proper- ties, deserves particular mention. It rises to the height of thirty feet, with a pretty strong trunk, dividing into many branches, and covered with a light coloured rough bark. The leaves are oblong, oval, and sharp pointed, unequally sawed on their edges, unequal at the base, very rough on their upper surface, and hairy underneath. The flowers are produced thick upon the branches, upon short, collected foot stalks, and are succeeded by oval, compressed membraneous seed vessels, with entire margins, containing one oval compressed seed. The inner bark, by infusion or gentle boiling in water, affords a great quantity of insipid mucous substance, that is applicable to a variety of important uses. Dr. Mitchel says it has been beneficially adminis- tered in catarrhs, pleurisies, and quinsies; it has been applied as a poultice to tumours, and as a liniment to chaps and festers. [Lettef to Dr. North, Amer. Museum, vol. 7th.] The surgeons of our revolutionary army, and also those of general Wayne's army, who defeated the Indians in August 1794, experi- enced the most happy effects from the application of poultices of the elm bark to gun shot wounds, which were soon brought to a good suppuration, and to a disposition to heal. It was applied as the first remedy. When tendency to mortification was evident, this bark bruised, and boiled in water, produced the most surprising good effects. After repeated comparative experiments with other emol- lient applications, as milk and bread, and linseed poultice, its supe- riority was firmly established. In old ill-conditioned ulcers, and in fresh burns, equal benefit was derived from it. The infusion of the bark was used with advantage as a diet drink, in pleurisy, and ca- tarrh, and also in diarrhoea and dysentery. Many of the above facts relative to the medicinal qualities of the red elm, were communis cated, says the editor of the Domestic Encyclopaedia, by Dr Joseph Strong, of Philadelphia, who served as surgeon in the western army; and adds, as a proof of the nutriment which it affords, that a soldier who lost his way supported himself for ten days upon this mucilage and sassafras. The editor of the above mentioneoVwork, (vol. 2d, p. 448) proceeds to observe, that the red elm tree may be considered as a highly valuable addition to our stock of medicines, exclusively American, and ought to be careffllly searched for by the medical gentlemen in the country, and preserved from the indiscriminate ax. * Philadelphia Medical Museum, Vol. II. U.-—Unguenta. 593 The inner bark of the slippery elm, or its mucilage, has been found by recent experience to be singularly beneficial when applied to chil- blains, cutaneous eruptions, and various kinds of sores and ulcers; and there is mu:h reason to believe, thatits internal use in dysentery, con- sumption, 8cc. may be attended with greater advantage than is gene- rally imagined. This tree certainly may be recommended to the par- ticular regard of medical practitioners as a new, and domestic article of our Materia Medica, whose medicinal virtues will probably be found to merit a large share of confidence. UNGUENTA.—OINTMENTS. Under this general head may be comprised, Linimenta, - - Liniments. Cerata, ... Cerates. Emplastra, - - Plasters. Unguenta, - Ointments, properly so called. These are all combinations of fixed oil, or animal fat, with other substances-, and differ from each other only in consistence. Deyeux has, indeed, lately defined plasters to be combinations of oil with me- tallic oxyds; but as this would comprehend many of our present oint- ments, and exclude many of our plasters, we shall adhere to the old meaning of the terms. Liniments are the thinnest of these compositions, being only a little thicker than oil. Ointments have generally a degree of consistence like that of butter. Cerates are firmer, and contain a larger proportion of wax. Plasters are the most solid, and derive their firmness, either from a large proportion of wax, rosin, &c. or from the presence of some metallic oxyd, such as that of lead. Plasters should have such a consistence, that when cold they do not adhere to the fingers, but become soft and plastic when gently heated. The heat of the body should render it tenacious enough to adhere to tiie skin, and to the substance on which it is spread. When prepared, it is usually formed into rolls, and inclosed in paper. Plas- ters of a small size are often spread on leather, sometimes on strong paper, by means of a spatula gently healed, or the thumb. The leather is cut of the shape wanted, but somewhat larger; and the margin all round, about i inch in breadth, is left uncovered, for its more easy re- moval when necessary. Linen is also often used, especially for the less active plasters, which are used as dressings, and often renewed. It is generally cut into long slips of various breadths, from one to six inches. These may either be dipt into the melted plaster, and passed through two pieces of straight and smooth wood, held firmly together, so as to remove any excess of plaster, or, what is more elegant, they are spread on one side only, by stretching the linen, and applying the plaster, which has been melted and allowed to become almost cold, evenly by means of a spatula gently heated, or, more accurately, by 594 Materia Medica. passing the linen on which the plaster has been laid, through a ma- chine formed of a spatula, fixed by screws, at a proper distance from a plate of polished steel. To prevent repetition, the Edinburgh college gives the following canon for the preparation of these substances. In making these compositions, the fatty and resinous substances are to be melted with a gentle heat, and then constantly stirred, adding, at the same time, the dry ingredients, if there be any, until the mixture, on cooling, becomes stiff. Ed. ADIPIS BOVIS, SUILLA, SEVIque OVILLI, PRAPA- RATIO. The Preparation of Hog's Ixird, and Beef and Mutton Suet. Cut them into pieces, and melt them over a slow fire; then separate them from the membranes by straining. (L.) Before proceeding to melt these fats, it is better to separate as much of the membranes as possible, and to wash them in repeated quantities of water until they no longer give out any colour. Over the fire they become perfectly transparent, and if they do not crackle on throwing a few drops into the fire, it is a sign that all the water is evaporated, and that the fats are ready for straining, which should be done through a linen cloth without expression. The residuum may be repeated melted with a little water, until it become discoloured with the fire. The fluid fat should be poured into the vessels, or blad- ders, in which it is to be preserved. These articles hud formerly a place also among the preparations of the Edinburgh college. But now they introduce them only into their list of the materia medica; as the apothecary will in general find it more for his interest to purchase them thus prepared, then to pre- pare them for himself; for the process requires to be very cautiously conducted, to prevent the fat from burning or turning black. CERA FLAVA PURIFICATA. D. Purified Yellow Wax. Take of Yellow wax, any quantity. Melt it with a moderate heat, remove the scum, and after allowing it to settle, pour it cautiously off from the faeces. Yellow wax is sooften adulterated, that this process is by no means unnecessary. U.—Unguenta. 595 LINIMENTUM SIMPLEX. Ed. Simple Liniment. Take of Olive oil, four parts; White wax, one part. (E.) This consists of the same articles which form the Unguentum simplex of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, but merely in a different proportion, so as to render the composition thinner; and where a thin consistence is requisite, this may be considered as a vfcry elegant and useful application. LINIMENTUM TEREBINTHINA. L. Turpentine Liniment. Take of Cerate of resin, one pound; Oil of turpentine, half a pint. Add the oil of turpentine to the cerate melted, and mix. Much used for rubbing parts affected with rheumatic pains, and on sprained joints. LINIMENTUM HYDRARGYRI. L. Liniment of Mercury. Take of Stronger mercurial ointment, Prepared lard, of each four ounces; Camphor, one ounce; Rectified spirit, fifteen minims; Water of ammonia, four fluidounces. First rub the camphor with the spirit, then with the lard and mer- curial ointment, lastly, having gradually added the water of am- monia, mix all the ingredients together. CERATA— CERATES. CERATUM CANTHARIDIS. L. D. Cerate of Cantharides. Take of Cerate of spermaceti, softened with heat, six drachms; Spanish flies, finely powdered, one drachm. Mix them. (L.) Under this form cantharides may be made to act to any extent that is requisite. It may supply the place either of the blistering plaster or ointment; and there are cases in which it is preferable to either. 596 Materia Medica. It is particularly more convenient than the emplastrum cantharidum, where the skin to which the blister is to be applied is previously much affected, as in cases of small pox; and in supporting a drain under the form of issue, it is less apt to spread than the softer ointment CERATUM CARBONATIS ZINCI IMPURE Ed, Cerate of Impure Carbonat of Zinc. Ceratum Lapidis Calamine; olim, Ceratum Epuloticum. L. D. Calamine Cerate, formerly Epulotic Cerate. Take of Calamine, prepared, Yellow wax, of each half a pound; Olive oil, one pint. Melt the wax with the oil; and as soon as the mixture, exposed to the air, begins to thicken, mix with it the calamine, and stir the cerate until it be cold. (L.) This composition resembles the cerate vvhich Turner strongly re- commends in cutaneous ulcerations and excoriations, and which has been usually distinguished by his name. It appears from experience to be an excellent epulotic, and as such is frequently made use of in practice. CERATUM PLUMBI SUPERACETATIS. L. Cerate of Superacetat of Lead. Take of Superacetat of lead, in powder, two drachms; White wax, two ounces; Olive oil, half a pint. Melt the wax in seven fluiddunces of the oil, and gradually add t« these the superacetat of lead, separately triturated with the rest of the oil, and stir the mixture with a wooden spatula until they unite. These are also excellent cooling ointments, of the greatest use in many cases. CERATUM PLUMBI COMPOSITUM. L. Ceratum Lithargvri Acetati, D. Compound Cerate of Acetated Litharge. Take of Water of acetated litharge, two ounces and a half; Ytelldw wax, four ounces; U.—Unguenta. 597 Olive oil, nine ounces; Camphor, half a drachm. Rub the camphor with a little of the oil. Melt the wax with the re- maining oil, and as soon as the mixture begins lo thicken, pour in by degrees the water of acetated litharge, and stir constantly until it be cold; then mix in the camphor previously rubbed with oil. (L. D.) This application has been rendered famous by the recommenda- tions of Mr. Goulard. It is unquestionably in many cases very useful. It cannot, however, be considered as varying essentially from the saturnine ointments to be mentioned. It is employed with nearly the same intentions, and differs from them chiefly in consistence. CERATUM RESINA FLAVA. L. D. Cerate of Yellow Resin. Take of Ointment of yellow resin, half a pound; Yellow wax, one ounce. Melt them together, and make a cerate. (L. D.) This had formerly the name of Unguentum dtrinum. It is not other- wise different from the Yellow basilicum, or Unguentum resinae flavae, than being of a stiffer consistence, which renders it for some purposes more commodious. CERATUM SAPONIS. L. D. Soap Cerate. Take of Hard Spanish soap, eight ounces; Yellow wax, ten ounces; Litharge, powdered, one pound; Olive oil, fourteen ounces; Vinegar, eight pounds. Boil the vinegar with the litharge, over a slow fire, constantly stirring, until the mixture unites and thickens; then mix in the other articles, and make a cerate. (D.) Notwithstanding the name, this cerate may rather be consider- ed as a saturnine application; its action depending very little on the soap. CERATUM SABINA. L. Cerate of Savine. Take of Fresh savine leaves, bruised, one pound; Yellow wax, half a pound; Prepared hogs lard, two pounds. 598 Materia Medica. Boil the savine leaves with the lard and wax melted together, and express through linen. This is an excellent issue ointment, being in many respects pre- ferable to those of cantharides. If fresh leaves are not to be had, it may be made by mixing the dried leaves finely powdered, with any ointment of proper consistency. CERATUM SIMPLEX. Ed. Simple Cerate. Ceratum Spermatis Ceti. L. D. Cerate of Spermaceti. Take of Olive oil, six parts; White wax, three parts; Spermaceti, one part. (E.) This differs from the simple ointment, in containing a greater proportion of wax to the oil, and in the addition of the spermaceti. But by these means it obtains only a more firm consistence, without any essential change of properties. It scarcely differs from the Ceratum Spermatis Ceti of the London and Dublin colleges, the latter containing one-thirteenth part of spermaceti, and the former one-tenth part; we have therefore intro- duced one formula only. The ceratum spermatis ceti had formerly the name of Ceratum album, and it differs in nothing from the Unguentum spermatis ceti, or Linimentum album, as it was formerly called, excepting in con- sistence, both the wax and the spermaceti bearing a greater propro- tion to the oil. EMPLASTRA.—PLASTERS. EMPLASTRUM AMMONIACI cum HYDRARGYRO. L. Plaster of Gum Ammoniac with Quicksilver. Take of Gum ammoniac, strained, one pound; Purified quicksilver, three ounces; Sulphureted oil, a drachm, or as much as may be necessary. Triturate the quicksilver with the sulphureted oil, until its globules disappear; then gradually add the gum ammoniac melted, and mix them. (L.) This mercurial plaster is considered as a powerful resolvent and discutient, acting with much greater certainty for these intentions than any composition of vegetable substances alone; the mercury ex- erting itself in a considerable degree, and being sometimes introduc- ed into the habit in such quantity as to effect the mouth. Pains in the U.—Unguenta. 599 joints and limbs from a venereal cause, nodes, tophi, and beginning indurations, are said to yield to them sometimes. EMPLASTRUM AROMATICUM. 2"*^ Aromatic Plaster. Take of Frankincense, three ounces; "Yellow wax, half an ounce; Cinnamon, in powder, six drachms; Essential oil of pimento, lemon, each two drachms. Melt the frankincense and wax together, and strain; when getting stiff, from being allowed to cool, mix in the cinnamon and oils, and make a plaster. v EMPLASTRUM ASSA FOETIDA; Vulgo, Emplastrum Anti-hystericum. Ed. Plaster of Assa foetida, commonly called Anti-hysteric Plaster. Take of Plaster of semi-vitrified oxyd of lead, Assa foetida, each two parts; Galbanum, Yellow wax, each one part. (E.) This plaster is applied to the umbilical region, or over the whole abdomen, in hysteric cases; and sometimes with good effect; but pro- bably more from its effect as giving an additional degree of heat to the part, than from any influence derived from the fetid gums. EMPLASTRUM CALEFACIENS. Dub. Calefacient Plaster. Take of Plaster of cantharides, one part; Burgundy pitch, seven parts. Melt together, at a moderate heat, and make into a plaster. This is a very convenient plaster, being more active as a stimulant and rubefacient than the simple Burgundy pitch plaster, while it will scarcely ever raise a blister. EMPLASTRUM CERA. D. Emplastrum Cer,e Compositum. L. Compound Wax Plaster. Take of Yellow wax, 6Q0 Materia Medica. Prepared mutton suet, of each three pounds; Yellow resin, one pound. Melt them together, and strain the mixture while it is fluid. (L. D.) EMPLASTRUM CUMINI. L. Cummin Plaster. Take of Cummin seeds, Caraway seeds, Bay-berries, of each three ounces; Burgundy pitch, three pounds; Yellow wax, three ounces. Melt the pitch and wax together, and mix with them the rest of the ingredients, powdered, and make a plaster. (L.) This plaster has been recommended as a moderately warm dis- cutient; and is directed by some to be applied to the hypogastric region, for strengthening the viscera, and expelling flatulencies: but it is a matter of great doubt, whether it derives any virtue, either from the article from which it is named, or from the caraway seeds or bay-berries which enter its composition. EMPLASTRUM GALBANI. D. Plaster of Galbanum. Take of Plaster of litharge, two pounds; Galbanum, half a pound; Yellow wax, sliced, four ounces. Add the plaster and wax to the galbanum, melted, and then melt the whole together with a moderate heat. EMPLASTRUM GALBANI COMPOSITUM. L. Compound Plaster of Galbanum. Take of Strained galbanum, eight ounces; Plaster of lead, three pounds; Turpentine, ten drachms; Frankincense, in powder, three ounces. With the galbanum and turpentine melted together, mix first the frankincense, and afterwards the litharge plaster, melted also with a very slow fire, and make a plaster. EMPLASTRUM GUMMOSUM. Ed. Gum Plaster. Take of Plaster of semi-vitrified oxyd of lead, eight parts; U.—Unguenta. 601 Gum ammoniacum, Galbanum, Yellow wax, each one part. Melt together. (E.) These plasters are used as a digestive and suppurative; particu- larly in abscesses, after a part of the matter has been maturated and discharged, for suppurating or discussing the remaining hard part; but it is very doubtful whether it derives any advantage from the gums entering its composition. EMPLASTRUM HYDRARGYRI. Ed. Plaster of Quicksilver. Take of Olive oil, White resin, each one part; Quicksilver, three parts; Plaster of semi-vitrified oxyd of lead, six parts. Melt the oil and resin together, and when this mixture is cold, let the quicksilver be rubbed with it till the globules disappear; then add by degrees the litharge plaster, melted, and let the whole be accurately mixed. (E.) See the observations on Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyria. EMPLASTRUM LADANI COMPOSITUM. L. Compound Ladanum Plaster. Take ©f Ladanum, three ounces; Frankincense, one ounce; Cinnamon, powdered, Expressed oil of mace, of each half an ounce; Essential oil of mint, one drachm. To the melted frankincense, add first the ladanum, softened by heat"; then the oil of mace. Mix these afterwards with the cinnamon and oil of mint, and beat them together, in a warm mortar, into a plaster. Let it be kept in a close vessel. (L.) This has been considered as a very elegant stomach plaster, It is contrived so as to be easily made occasionally, (for these kinds of compositions, on account of their volatile ingredients, are not fit for keeping), and to be but moderately adhesive, so as not to offend the skin, and that it may, without difficulty, be frequently renewed; which these sorts of applications, in order to their producing any consider- able effect, require to be. 4 G 602 Materia Medica. EMPLASTRUM LITHARGYRI COMPOSITUM. L Compound Plaster of Litharge. Take of Litharge plaster, three pounds; Strained galbanum, eight ounces; Turpentine, ten drachms; Frankincense, three ounces. The galbanum and turpentine being melted, mix with them the powdered frankincense, and afterwards the litharge plaster, melted also with a very slow fire, and make a plaster. (L.) See the observations on Emplastrum Gummosum. EMPLASTRUM LITHARGYRI cum HYDRARGYRO. L. Litharge Plaster with Quicksilver. Take of Litharge plaster, one pound; Purified quicksilver, three ounces; Sulphureted oil, one drachm, or what is sufficient. Make the plaster in the same manner as the ammoniacum plaster with quicksilver. (L.)—The observations on which, see. EMPLASTRUM MELOES VESICATORII; olim, Emplastrum Vesicatorium. Ed. Plaster of Spanish Flies, formerly Blistering Plaster. Emplastrum Cantharidis. D. Emplastrum Lyttje. L. Plaster of Spanish Flies. Take of Mutton suet, Yellow wax, White rosin, Cantharides, each equal weights. Mix the cantharides, reduced to a fine powder, with the other ingre- dients, previously melted, and removed from the fire. (E.) This formula is very well suited to answer the intention in view, that of exciting blisters; for it is of a proper consistence and suf- ficient degree of tenacity, which are here the only requisites. Can- tharides of good quality, duly applied to the skin, seldom fail of pro- ducing blisters. When, therefore, the desired effect does not take place, it is to be ascribed to the flies either being faulty at first, or having their activity afterwards destroyed by some accidental cir- cumstance; such as too great heat in forming, or in spreading the plaster, or the like. It is therefore not unusual to sprinkle powder of cantharides on the blister after it is spreatL U.—Unguenta. 603 EMPLASTRUM MELOES VESICATORII COMPOSITUM. Ed. Compound Plaster of Spanish Flies. Take of Venice turpentine, eighteen parts; Burgundy pitch, Cantharides, each twelve parts; Yellow wax, four parts; Sub-acetite of copper, two parts; Mustard seed, Black pepper, each one part. Having first melted the pitch and wax, add the turpentine, and to these, in fusion, and still hot, add the other ingredients, reduced to a fine powder, and mixed, and stir the whole carefully together, so as to form a plaster. (E.) This is supposed to be the most infallible blistering plaster. It certainly contains a sufficient variety of stimulating ingredients. EMPLASTRUM OXYDI FERRI RUBRI; olim, Emplastrum Rohorans. Ed. Plaster of Red Oxyd of Iron, commonly called Strengthening Plaster. Take of Plaster of semi-vitrified oxyd of lead, twenty-four parts; White resin, six parts; Yellow wax, Olive oil, each three parts; Red oxyd of iron, eight parts. Grind the red oxyd of iron with the oil, and then add it to the other ingredients previously melted. (E.) This plaster is used in weaknesses of the large muscles, as of the loins: and its effects seem to proceed from the artificial mechanical support given to the part, which may also be done by any other plaster that adheres with equal firmness. EMPLASTRUM OXYDI PLUMBI SEMIVITREI; olim, Emplastrum Commune. Ed. Plaster of the Semi-vitrified Oxyd of Lead, formerly Common Plaster. Emplastrum Lithargyri. L. D. Litharge Plaster. Take of Semi-vitrified oxyd of lead, one part; Olive oil, two parts. .... Boil them, adding water, and constantly stirring the mixture till the oil and litharge be formed into a plaster. (E.) 604 Materia Medica. Oxyds of lead, boiled with oils, unite with them into a plaster of an excellent consistence, and which makes a proper basis for several other plasters. In the boiling of these compositions, a quantity of water must be added, to prevent the plaster from burning and growing black. Such water as it may be necessary to add during the boiling, must be pre- viously made hot; for cold liquor would not only prolong the process, but likewise occasion the matter to explode, and be thrown about with violence, to the great danger of the operator: this accident will equally happen upon the addition of hot water, if the plaster be ex- tremely hot. It is therefore better to remove it from the fire a little before each addition of water. These plasters, which have been long known under the name of Diachylon, are common applications in excoriations of the skin, slight flesh wounds, and the like. They keep the part soft and somewhat warm, and defend it from the air, which is all that can be expected in these cases from any plaster. EMPLASTRUM PICIS BURGUNDICA. D. Emplastrum Picis Compositum. L. Compound Burgundy Pitch Plaster. Take of Burgundy pitch, two pounds; Galbanum, one pound; Yellow resin, Yellow wax, of each four ounces; Expressed oil of mace, one ounce. To the pitch, resin, and wax, melted together, add first the galba- num, and then the oil of mace. (D.) EMPLASTRUM RESINOSUM; Vulgo, Emplastrum Adh^sivum. Ed, Resinous Plaster, commonly called Adhesive Plaster. Emplastrum Lithargyri cum Resina. L. Litharge Plaster with Resin. Take of Plaster of semi-vitrified oxyd of lead, five parts; White resin, one part. Melt them together, and make a plaster. (E.) This plaster is chiefly used as an adhesive for keeping on other dressings, for retaining the edges of recent wounds together, when we are endeavouring to cure them by the first intention, and for giving mechanical support to new flesh, and contracting the size of ulcers, in the manner recommended by Mr. Baynton, for the cure of ulcers of the legs. U.—Unguenta. 605 EMPLASTRUM SAPONACEUM. Ed. D. Saponaceous Plaster. Emplastrum Saponis. L. Soap Plaster. Take of Soap, one part; Litharge plaster, six parts. Mix the soap with the melted litharge plaster, and boil them to the thickness of a plaster. (L. D.) This plaster has been supposed to derive a resolvent power from the soap; *but it is a matter of great doubt, whether it derives any material advantage from the addition. EMPLASTRUM SIMPLEX, sive EMPLASTRUM CEREUM. Ed. Simple or Wax Plaster. Take of Yellow wax, three parts; Mutton suet, White resin, each two parts. (E.) This plaster had formerly the title of Emplastrum Attrahens, and was chiefly employed as a dressing after blisters, to support some discharge, and it is a very well contrived plaster for that purpose. Sometimes, however, it irritates too much on account of the resin; and hence, when designed only for dressing blisters, the resin ought to be entirely omitted, unless where a continuance of the pain and irritation, excited by the vesicatory, is required. Indeed, plasters of any kind are not very proper for dressing blisters; their consistence makes them sit uneasy, and their adhesiveness renders the taking them off painful. Cerates, which are softer and less adhesive, appear much more eligible: the Ceratum spermatis ceti will serve for general use; and for some particular purposes, the Ceratum resinae flavae may be applied. EMPLASTUM THURIS COMPOSITUM. L. Compound Frankincense Plaster. Take of Frankincense, half a pound; Dragons blood, three ounces; Litharge plaster, two pounds. To the melted litharge plaster, add the rest, powdered. (L.) It has been supposed that plasters composed of styptic medicines constringe and strengthen the part to which they are applied, but on no very just foundation; for plasters in general relax rather than as- tringe; the unctuous ingredients necessary in their composition coun- teracting and destroying the effect of the others. 606 Materia Medica. If constantly worn with a proper bandage, it will, in children, fre- quently do service, though, perhaps, not so much from any strength- ening quality of the ingredients, as from its being a soft, close, and ad- hesive, covering. UNGUENTA.—OINTMENTS. UNGUENTUM ACETATIS PLUMBI; , olim, Unguentum Saturninum. Ed. Ointment of Acetat of Lead, formerly Saturnine Ointment. Unguentum Cerusse Acetatje. L. D. Ointment of Acetated Ceruse. Take of Acetated ceruse, two drachms; White wax, two ounces; Olive oil, half a pint. Rub the acetated ceruse, previously powdered, with some part of the olive oil; then add it to the wax, melted with the remaining oil. Stir the mixture until it be cold. (L.) This is an excellent cooling ointment* of the greatest use in many cases. UNGUENTUM ACIDI NITROSI. Ed. Ointment of Nitrous Acid. Take of Hog's lard, one pound; Nitrous acid, six drachms. Mix the acid gradually with the melted axunge, aiid diligently beat the mixture as it cools. (E.) The axunge in this ointment seems to be oxydized; for during the action of the acid upon it, there is a great deal of nitric oxyd gas dis- engaged. It acquires a yellowish colour, and a firm consistency; and forms an excellent and cheap substitute, in slight herpetic and other cutaneous affections, for the ointment of nitrat of mercury. UNGUENTUM ADIPIS SUILLA. L. Ointment of Hog's Lard. Take of Prepared hog's lard, two pounds; Rose water, three ounces. Beat the lard with the rose water until they be mixed; then melt the mixture with a slow fire, and set it apart that the water may sub- side; after which, pour off the lard from the water, constantly stir- ring it until it be cold. (L) U.—Unguenta. 607 In the last edition of the London Pharmacopoeia, this was styled Unguentum Simplex; the name given by the Edinburgh college to the following preparation. UNGUENTUM SIMPLEX. Ed. Simple Ointment. Take of Olive oil, five parts; White wax, two parts. (E.) Both these ointments may be used for softening the skin and heal* ing chaps. The last is, however, preferable, as being more steadily of one uniform consistence. For the same reason it is also to be prefer- red as the basis of other more compounded ointments. UNGUENTUM CERA. L. D. Wax Ointment. Take of White wax, four ounces; Spermaeeti, three ounces; Olive oil, one pint. Stir them, after being melted with a slow fire, constantly and briskly, until cold. (L.) This ointment had formerly the title of Unguentum album in the London Pharmacopoeia. It differs very little from the Unguentum simplex of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, and in nothing from the Unguentum spermatis ceti of the other Pharmacopoeias, excepting that in this ointment the proportion of wax is four times greater. It is an useful cooling ointment for excoriations and other frettings of ihe skin. UNGUENTUM SPERMATIS CETI. D. Ointment of Spermaceti. ' Take of Spermaceti, one pound; White wax, half a pound; Prepared hogs lard, three pounds. Make into an ointment. This had formerly the name of Linimentum album, and it is per- haps only in consistence that it can be considered as differing from the unguentum simplex, or the ceratum simplex, already mentioned. 608 Materia Medica. UNGUENTUM CANTHAR1DUM. L. Ointment of Spanish Flies. Take of Spanish flies, powdered, two ounces; Distilled water, eight ounces; Ointment of yellow resin, eight ounces. Boil the water with the Spanish flies to one half, and strain. To the strained liquor add the ointment of yellow resin. Evaporate this mixuire to the thickness of an ointment in a water-bath, saturated with sea-salt. (L.) UNGUENTUM INFUSI MELOES VESICATORII; olim, Unguentum Epispasticum Mitius. Ed. Ointment of Infusion of Cantharides, formerly called Milder Epispas- tic Ointment. Take of Cantharides, Pine resin, .' Yellow wax, each one part; Hog's lard, Venice turpentine, each two parts; Boiling water, four parts. Infuse the cantharides in the water for a night; then strongly press out and strain the liquor, and boil it with the lard till the water be consumed; then add the resin and wax; and when these are melted, take the ointment off the fire and add the turpentine. (E.) These ointments, containing the soluble parts of the cantharides, uniformly blended with the other ingredients, are more commodious, and in general occasion less pain, though little less effectual in their action, than the compositions with the fly in substance. This, how- ever, does not uniformly hold, and accordingly the Edinburgh college, with propriety, introduce the following. UNGUENTUM PULVERIS MELOES VESICATORII; olim, Unguentum Epispasticum Fortius. Ed. Ointment of the Powder qf Spanish Flies, formerly Stronger Epispas- tic Ointment. Take of Resinous ointment, seven parts; Powdered cantharides, one part. (E.) This ointment is employed in the dressings for blisters, intended to be made perpetual, as they are called, or to be kept running for a considerable time, which in many chronic, and some acute cases, is of great service. Particular care should be taken, that the cantharides U.—Unguenta. 6Q9 employed in these compositions be reduced into very subtile powder, and that the mixtures be made as equal and uniform as possible. But with these precautions, there are some particular habits in which this ointment operates with even less pain than the former, while at the same time it is generally more effectual. UNGUENTUM ELEMI. D. Unguentum Elemi Compositum. L. Compound Ointment of Elemi. Take of Elemi, one pound; Turpentine, ten ounces$ Mutton suet, prepared, two pounds; Olive oil, two ounces. Melt the elemi with the suet; and having removed it from the fire) mix it immediately with the turpentine and oil; after which strain the mixture. (L. D.) This ointment, formerly known by the name of Linimentum Arcai, has long been used for digesting, cleansing, and incarnating; and for these purposes is preferred some by surgeons to all the other com- positions of this kind, probably because it is more expensive. UNGUENTUM HELLEBORI ALBI. L. D. Ointment of White Hellebore. Take of White Hellebore, one ounce; Hog's lard, four ounces; Essence of leriton, half a scruple. Mix, and make them into an ointment. (D.) White hellebore externally applied has long been celebrated in the cure of cutaneous diseases. UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI FORTIUS; vulgo, Unguentum Coeruleum. Stronger Mercurial Ointment, commonly called Blue Ointment. Take of Purified mercury, by weight, two pounds; Prepared lard, twenty-three ounces; Prepared suet, an ounce. First triturate the quicksilver with the suet and a little of the hog s lard, until the globules be extinguished; then add the rest of the lard, and form it into an ointment. (L.) 4 H 610 Materia Medica. UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI M1T1US Milder Mercurial Ointment. Take of The stronger ointment of quicksilver, one part; Hog's lard, prepared, two parts. Mix them. (L.) UNGUENTUM OXYDI HYDRARGYRI CINEREI. Ed. Ointment of Grey Oxyd of Quicksilver, Take of Grey oxyd of quicksilver, one part; Hog's lard, three parts. (E.) These ointments are principally employed, not with a view to their topical action, but with the intention of introducing mercury in an active state into the circulating system: which may be effected by gentle friction on the sound skin of any part, particularly on the inside of the thighs or legs. For this purpose, these simple ointments are much better suited than the more compounded ones with turpen- tine and the like, formerly employed. For, by any acrid substance, topical inflammation is apt to be excited, preventing further friction, and giving much uneasiness. To avoid this, it is necessary, even with the mildest and weakest ointment, to change occasionally the place at which the friction is performed. It is requisite that the ointments, in which the mercury is extin- guished by trituration, should be prepared with very great care: for upon the degree of triture which has been employed, the activity of the mercury very much depends. The addition of the mutton suet, now adopted by the colleges of London and Edinburgh, is an advan- tage to the ointment, as it prevents it from running into the state of oil, which the hog's lard alone, in warm weather, or in a warm chamber, is sometimes apt to do, and which is followed by a separa- tion of parts. We are even inclined to think, that the proportion of suet directed by the London college is too small for this purpose, and indeed seems to be principally intended for the more effectual triture of tie mercury: but it is much more to be regretted, than in a medi- cine of such activity, the colleges should not have directed the same proportion of mercury to the fatty matter. UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI PRACIPITATI ALBI. L. Ointment of White Precipitated Quicksilver. Unguentum Submuriatis Hydrargyri Ammoniati. D. Ointment of Ammoniated Submuriat of Quicksilver. Take of White precipitated quicksilver, one drachm; Prepared lard, one ounce ana* a half. U.—Unguenta. 611 Add the precipitated quicksilver to the lard, melted with a slow fire, and mix. This is a very elegant mercurial ointment, and frequently made use of in the cure of obstinate cutaneous affections. UNGUENTUM OXYDI HYDRARGYRI RUBRI. L. Ointment of red Oxyd of Quicksilver. Unguentum Subnitratis Hydrargyri. D. Ointment of Subnitrat of Quicksilver. Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitrico-oxvdi. L. Ointment of Nitric-oxyd of Quicksilver. Take of Red oxyd of quicksilver by nitrous acid, one part; Hogs lard, eight parts. (E.) The oxyd should be reduced to very fine powder before it be added to the axunge. This is an excellent stimulating ointment, often of very great service in indolent ill-conditioned sores, when we wish to excite them to greater action. As an eye-ointment, its effects are most remarkable, in the cure of all inflammations of the tunica conjunctiva, and more particularly when there is a thickening and swelling of the inner membrane of the palpebrae. In such cases, it seems to act with much greater certainty, if applied immediately after the eyelids have been scarified. In inflammation, accompanied with specks, it has a most powerful effect in removing both. It is also useful in all those ophthalmias vvhich so frequently appear after small pox, measles, and eruptive diseases of the hairy scalp. It is used in the same quantity, and in the same manner as the Unguentum nitratis hydrargyri; and if it prove too stimulating, it may be diluted with axunge. It is useful to know that if it be mixed with any ointment containing resin, the red oxyd is very quickly converted into the black, and the ointment gradually loses its red colour, and passes through olive-green to black. UNGUENTUM NITRATIS HYDRARGYRI: vulgo, Unguentum Citrinum. Ed. Qintment of Nitrat of Quicksilver, commonly called Yellow Ointment. Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitrati. L. D. Ointment of Nitrated Quicksilver. Take of Quicksilver, one part; Nitrous acid, two parts; Hog's lard, twelve parts. Dissolve the quicksilver in the nitrous acid, by digestion in a sand heat; and, while the solution is very hot, mix with it the lard, pre- 612 Materia Medica. viously melted by itself, and just beginning to grow stiff. Stir them briskly together in a marble mortar, so as to form the whole into an ointment, (E. L. D.) UNGUENTUM NITRATIS HYDRARGYRI MITIUS. Ed. Milder Ointment ofAitrat of Quicksilver. Jhis is prepared in the same way with three times the quantity of hog's lard. (E.) This ointment, when prepared with lard alone, soon becomes so very hard, that it is necessary to mix it with fresh axunge before it can be used. The substitution of olive oil for part of the axunge obvi- ates, in a great measure, this inconvenience. The hardening is en- tirely owing to the excess of the acid in the solutiun of mercury. Hence the London college have acted in 1809 very inconsiderately in increasing the quantity of nitrous acid, from two ounces by weight to two fluidounccs, which caused, as Mr. Phillips found, violent action, and the evolution of much noxious vapour, when the solution of mercury is mixed with the axunge, and renders the ointment ex- tremely corrosive. They have in 1815 corrected this error: But the property which nitrat of mercury, prepared by ebullition, has, of being decomposed by water, furnished me with an easy way of get- ting rid of all excess of acid, and of procuring the subnitrat of mer- cury in the state of the most minute division possible. An ointment, prepared with this subnitrat, had a most beautiful golden colour; after six months was perfectly soft; and had all the properties desired. When the citrine ointment is too hard, it should be softened by triturating it with lard or oil; for, if melted with them, it very soon hardens again. Medical use.—This ointment has the very best effects in herpes, tinea capitis, and similar obstinate cutaneous affections, and is almost specific in psorophthalmia, in those slight excoriations- of the tarsi, attended with extreme itching, and in all the inflammations of the eyes, attended by eruptive disorders of the hairy scalp or face. It is most conveniently and effectually used, by rubbing a piece of the the size of half a garden pea, with the point of a hair pencil, over the tarsi, among the roots of the ciliae, and allowing a small quan- tity to get on the inner membrane of the palpebrae. In obstinate cases, a weak solution of muriat of mercury, used as a collyrium along~with this ointment, proves a most powerful remedy. UNGUENTUM OXYDI PLUMBI ALBI; vulgo, Unguentum Album. Ed. Ointment of White Oxyd of Lead, formerly White Ointment. Take of Simple ointment, five parts; White oxyd of lead, one part. (E.) U.~Unguenta. 613 This is a cooling desiccative ointment, of great use when applied to excoriated surfaces. UNGUENTUM OXYDI ZINCI IMPURI; olim, Unguentum TutijE. Ed, Ointment of Impure Oxyd of Zinc, formerly Ointment of'Tutty, Unguentum Tuti.e. L. D. Ointment of Tuttxj. Take of Simple liniment, five parts; Prepared impure oxyd of zinc, one part. (E.) UNGUENTUM OXYDI ZINCI. Ed. Ointment of Oxyd of Ziric. Take of Simple iiniment, six parts; Oxyd of zinc, one part. (E.) These ointments are chiefly used in affections of the eye, particu- larly in those cases where redness arises rather from relaxation than from active inflammation. UNGUENTUM PICIS. Ed. L. D. Tar Ointment. Take of Tar, Mutton suet, prepared, of each half a pound. Melt them together, and strain. (L. D.) This composition, from the empyreumatic oil and saline matters the tar contains, is undoubtedly of some activity. Accordingly, it has been successfully employed against some cutaneous affections, par- ticularly tinea capitis. UNGUENTUM PIPERIS NIGRI. Dub. Ointment of Black Pepper. Take of Prepared lard, one pound; Black pepper, in powder, four ounces. Make into an ointment. This is stimulating and irritating. 614 Materia Medica. UNGUENTUM RESINOSUM. Ed. Resinous Ointment. Unguentum Resinje FlavjE. L» D. Ointment of Yellow Resin. Take of Hog's lard, eight parts; White resin, five parts; Yellow wax, two parts. (E.) This is commonly employed in dressings, for digesting, cleansing, and incarnating, wounds and ulcers. The addition of spirits of tur- pentine to this ointment so as to give it the consistence of a liniment, forms the application employed by Mr. Kentish, to burns, &c. UNGUENTUM SABINA. Dub. Savine Ointment. Take of Fresh savine leaves, separated from the stalks, and bruised, half a pound; Prepared hog's lard, two pounds; Yellow wax, half a pound. Boil the leaves in the lard until they become crisp; then filter with expression; lastly, add the wax, and melt them together. This is an excellent issue ointment, being, in many respects, pre- ferable to those of cantharides. UNGUENTUM SAMBUCI. L. Unguentum Sambucinum. D. Elder Ointment. Take of Elder flowers, four pounds; Mutton suet, prepared, three pounds; Olive oil, one pint. Boil the flowers in suet and oil, till they be almost crisp; then strain with expression. (L. D.) Compositions of this kind were formerly very frequent; but vege- tables, by boiling in oils, impart to them nothing but a little muci- lage, which changes the greasy oils to drying oils, and any resin they may contain; but that also is never in such quantity as to affect the nature of the oil. We, therefore, do not suppose that this ointment possesses any properties different from a simple ointment of the same consistency. UNGUENTUM SUB-ACETITIS CUPRI. Ed. Ointment of Sub-Acetite of Copper. Take of Resinous ointment, fifteen parts; Sub-acetite of copper, one part. (E.) U.—Unguenta. 615 This ointment is used for cleansing sores, and keeping down fun- gous flesh. Where ulcers continue to run from a weakness in the vessels of the parts, the tonic powers of copper promise considerable advantage. It is also frequently used with advantage in cases of ophthalmia, depending on scrofula, wliore the palpebrae are principally affected^, but when it is to be thus applied, it is in general requisite that it should be somewhat weakened by the addition of a proportion of simple ointment or hog's lard. UNGUENTUM SUB-MURIATIS HYDRARGYRI AMMONIATI. Dub. Ointment -qf Ammoniated Sub-muriat of Quicksilver. Take of Ointment of white wax, one pound; Ammoniated sub-muriat of quicksilver, an ounce and a half. Make into an ointment. This is a very elegant mercurial ointment, and frequently made use of in the cure of obstinate cutaneous affections. UNGUENTUM SULPHURIS. Ed. L. D. Sulphur Ointment. Take of Hog's lard, four parts; Sublimed sulphur, one part. To each pound of this ointment may be added, Volatile oil of lemons, or of lavender, half a drachm. (E.) Sulphur is a certain remedy for the itch, more safe than mercury, A pound of ointment serves for four unctions. The patient is to be rubbed every night, a fourth part of the body at each time. Though the disease may be thus cured by a single application, it is in general advisable to touch the parts most affected for a few nights longer, and to conjoin with the frictions the internal use of sulphur. 616 Materia Medica. V. VALERIANA OFFICINALIS. Ed. D. Valeriana Sylvestris. Radix. L. Wild Valerian. The root. Willd.g. 75. sp. 6. Smith,g.\5. sp. 3. Triandria Monogynia.—Nat.ord. Aggregata. This plant is perennial, and grows wild in Britain. It varies in its appearance and sensible qualities, according to the situation in which it grows. In marshes and shadowy places its leaves are broader than on dry heaths and high pastures. The roots produced in low watery grounds, have a remarkably faint smell in comparison of the others, and sometimes scarcely any. The roots in autumn or winter, have much stronger sensible qualities than those collected in spring and summer. The root consists of a number of strings or fibres matted together, issuing from one common head, of a whitish or pale brown- ish colour: its smell is strong, like a mixture of aromatics with fetids; the taste unpleasantly warm, bitterish, and sub-acrid. Neumann got from 480 grains of the dry root, 186 alcoholic, aud 74 watery extract; and inversely, 261 watery and 5 alcoholic. The distilled alcohol was slightly, the water strongly impregnated with the smell of the valerian, but no separable oil was obtained. Medical use.—Wild valerian is a medicine of great use in nervous disorders, and is particularly serviceable in epilepsies proceeding from a debility^of the nervous system. Some recommend it as useful in procuring sleep, particularly in fever, even when opium fails: but it is principally useful in affections of the hysterical kind. The common dose is from a scruple to a drachm in powder: and in infusion, from one to two drachms. Its unpleasant flavour is most effectually concealed by a suitable addition of mace. As its virtues reside entirely in an essential oil, the decoction and watery extract are improper forms for exhibiting it. Officinal Preparations. Tinctura Valerianae, L. - - vide Tinctura. ammoniata, L. D. Tinctura Ammoniata. Extrattum Valerianae, D. - - Extracta. VERATRUM ALBUM. Radix. Ed. L. D. Helleborus Albus. L. D. White Hellebore. The root. Willd. g. 1859. sp. 1. Polygamia Moncecia.—Nat. ord. Liliacea. This plant grows spontaneously in Switzerland and the mountain- ous parts of Germany. The root has a nauseous, bitterish, acrid taste V.—Veratrum Album. 617 burning the mouth and fauces: if wounded when fresh, it emits an extremely acrimonious juice, which, when inserted into a wound, is said to prove very dangerous. Neumann got from 960 grains 560 watery and 10 alcoholic extract; and inversely, 420 alcoholic and 180 watery. Nothing rose in distillation. This perennial plant grows in wet meadows and swampy places, often locally associated with scunk cabbage, which, early in the spring season, it considerably resembles in appearance; the latter plant, how- ever, has no stalk, while the hellebore sends forth one which attains to tne height of two or three feet, terminating in June in a spike of flowers and seeds. The leaves are large and handsomely plaied. The root is bulbous, and when fresh has i nauseous, bitUrish, acrid taste, burning the mouth and fauces. Snuffed up the nostrils in very small quantities, it excites violent sneezing, with a sense of heat and a copious discharge of mucus. The fresh root, in form of ointment or decoction, cures the itch. Crows are destroyed by boiling Indian corn in a strong decoction of the roots, and strewing it on the ground where these birds resort. The root when dried has no particular smell, but a durable nauseous and bitter taste, and when powdeied and applied to issues or ulcers, is said to produce griping and purging. Taken internally, it acts with extreme violence as an emeiic and cathartic, and even in a small dose, has occasioned spasms, convul- sions, and fatal consequences. The ancients sometimes employed this as a remedy in obstinate maniacal cases, and it is s>id, with success; but it has scarcely been regarded in modern practice. The American species very probably possesses all the properties of the foreign officinal root. It is undoubtedly a plant of highly active pow- ers, meriting a particular investigation as an article of our Materia Medica. In fact, a new interest has lately been excited both in Eu- rope and the United States, relative to the properties of white helle- bore. It is even supposed to be the basis of the French, specific remedy, called Eau Medicinale d'Musson, so higiily tamed for its almost infallible powers in the cure of gout, as to command the enor- mous price of from one to two crowns adose. This remedy was dis- covered about forty years ago, by M. Husson, a French officer, who affirms it to be prepared from a plant whose virtues were before unknown in medicine; and it lias long been celebrated in France and other parts of the European continent. Dr. Edwin G. Jones, member of the Royal College of Physicians, London, after a thorough investigation of the subject, has, in a late publication, adduced the most unequivocal evidence of the superior powers of the Eau Medicinale, in curing the most distressing pa- roxysms of gout. His experience of its efficacy has been extensive, and among the numerous and remarkable instances to which he re- fers, are persons of distinguished rank and respectability, and whose cases were marked with symptoms of extreme severity. We have therefore the authority of Dr. Jones to assert, that this singular re- medy exerts an extraordinary influence over the gout; and that it will safely, and almost immediately remove, often by a single dose, the severest paroxysms of that cruel disease, is sufficiently ascertain- ed by a multitude of facts, collected from various sources of unques- 4 I 618 Materia Medica. tionablc authenticity. Scarcely an instance of its failure has yet been known to occur in practice. It is not, however, asserted, that it per- forms a radical cure of gout, eliminating the disease altogether from the system, bat its operation is different from that of any remedy hitherto employed, it removes the paroxysms as often and almost as soon as they occur. It in fact relieves the patient from agonizing pain, from all the miseries of long confinement, and restores him to his usual state of health, and the exercise of his limbs. It appears to be a powerful sedative, diminishing almost immediately the irrita- bility of the system. Hence it allays pain, procures rest and sleep, reduces the pulse and abates fever. This remedy has been extended to other diseases, and in several cases it has removed very severe acute rheumatisms in the same singular manner it does the gout.—The full dose of this medicine, according to Husson, and Dr. Jones, is about two drachms for an adult, mixed with an equal quantity of water, and taken on an empty stomach. Its operation may be promoted by some aromatic, or by peppermint, pennyroyal, or ginger teas. It in general occasions some nausea and vomiting, followed by bilious stools. A single dose will often carry off an attack, but it sometimes requires to be repeated in under doses.* Some instances are recorded of its violent effects when exhibited in a dose disproportionate to the constitution, and particu- lar circumstances. On some occasions much advantage has been de- rived from small doses taken every day for a considerable time. The discovery of the substance from which this remedy is prepa- red would be an invaluable acquisition to our Materia Medica. The importance and popularity of the subject were incitements to various attempts for that purpose, and to the ingenuity of Mr. J. Moor, member of the royal college of surgeons, London, the public are indebted for the composition, which if not identically the same, bears a strong resemblance lo the Eau Medicinale in smell, tase, and dose; and also in all its effects, so far as it has been tried in the cure of gout. The composition of Mr. Moor consists of wine of opium Sy- * Extracts of Letters from a Sufferer from Gout.—In proof qf the efficacy of the Eau Medicinale. Mr.------was perfectly right when he told me that I would give him any price for a bottle of his Eau Medicinale when I had the gout.—I have been tormented with it all this week, and have it now in my two feet so as to be unable to stand on them.—If Mr. - will have the goodness to spare me one bottle, he will infinitely oblige a distracted and suffering brother, who is his very obedient servant. Dear Sir.—I have this moment received your polite note of yesterday, and thank you cordially for your kind intention of even taking from your stock of Eau Medicinale, one bottle for me.—As you expected I got one at Mr. Mar- shal's on Saturday evening, and took one half of it, by which I was pretty well at ease on Sunday morning; I took the remainder in the evening, and on Mon- day was almost free from pain and could walk in my room, when I had the honor of a visit from your friend Major------who found me, I may say, very well; and was it not for the rainy weather, I could without any difficulty or inconvenience, being entirely free from swelling and pain, have carried this note myself to Mr. -----■ who, I hope, will be so obliging as to forward it tp you, &c. &c. V.—Veronica Beccabunga. 619 denham, one part, wine of white hellebore, three parts, made by infusing, for ten days, eight ounces of the sliced root of that plant, in two and a half pints of white-wine, and strained through paper. '1 his compound, when exhibited in doses of from one to two drachms, has in a variety of instances effected a speedy cure of gouty paroxysms. There are indeed well attested examples where the most painful gouty affection has yielded to a single dose of about one drachm, and the instances of its failure have hitherto, it is believed, been more rare than can be said of any other remedy. The employment of the composition of Mr. Moor, has also, in the hands of respectable phy- sicians, been extended to acute rheumatism, and to some comatose affections, with ihe most decided advantage, and a perseverance in similar trials is strongly recommended. It has been observed, that beneficial effects may more certainly be expected when it excites some degree of nausea and vomiting, which an overdose like Eau Medicinale seldom fails to induce. We have hitherto been furnished with the additional evidence of every day's experience of the efficacy of Mr. Moor's composition in the cure of both gout and rheumatism, and no circumstance, it is be- lieved, has yet occurred, tending to impair our faith in the analogy of its principles with the original preparation of M. Husson. Farther particulars respecting the character and properties of this interesting article, and the most eligible mode of preparation, are anxiously an- ticipated. It has lately been discovered, that the root of white hellebore is employed as a valuable article in a new process for tanning leather. Officinal Preparations. Decoctum hellebori albi, L. vide Decocta. Tinctura veratri albi, E......Tinctura. Unguentum hellebori albi, L. D. - - - - Unguenta. VERONICA BECCABUNGA. Beccabunga. Herba. D. Brooklime. The herb. Willd. g. 44. sp. 30. Smith, g. 9.sp. 8. Diandria Monogynia—Nat. ord. Personata. This is a low perennial plant, common in little rivulets and ditches of standing water. The leaves remain all the winter, but are in greatest perfection in the spring. Their prevailing taste is an her- baceous one, accompanied with a very light bitterness. If any good effecis be expected from brooklime, it should be used as food. Officinal Preparation. Succus cochlearis compositus, L. - - vide Succi expressi 620 Materia Medica. VERATRUM LUTEUM. Devil's bit. Blazing Star. The root is a. pungent bitter, and is employed as a tonic in some parts of the union, in a spirituous infusion. A watery infusion of the same is deemed an excellent anthelmintic, which in part seems owing to a narcotic quality belonging to it.* VINA MEDICATA—MEDICATED WINES. Parmentier has occupied thirty-two pages of the Annales de Chi- mie, to prove that wine is an extremely bad menstruum for extract- ing the virtues of medicinal substances. His argument, (for there is but one,) is, that by the infusion of vegetable substances in wine, its natural tendency to decomposition is so much accelerated, that at the end of the process, instead of wine, we have only a liquor containing the elements of bad vinegar As a solvent, diluted alcohol perfectly supersedes the use of wine; and if we wish to use wine to cover the taste, or to assist the operation of any medicine, M. Parmentier pro- poses, that a tincture of the substance should be extemporaneously mixed with wine as a vehicle. Notwithstanding this argument appears to us to have great weight, we shall give to the medicated wines, retained in the pharmacopoeias, the. characters they still generally possess. VINUM ALOES SOCOTORINAE; vulgo, Tinctura Sacra. Ed. Wine of Socotorine Aloes, commonly called Sacred Tincture. Vinum Aloes. L. D. Aloetic Wine. Take of Socotorine aloes, four ounces; Canella alba, two ounces; Spanish white wine, three pounds. Powder the aloes and canella alba separately, then mix and pour on the wine, afterwards digest for fourteen days; frequently shaking the vessel: and, lastly, filter the liquor. (D.) This medicine has long been in great esteem, not only as a ca- thaitic, but likewise as a stimulus. It appears from long experience to be a medicine of excellent ser- vice. The dose, as a purgative, is from one to two ounces. It may be introduced into the habit, so as to be productive of excellent effects, as an alterant, by giving it in small doses, at proper intervals: thus managed, it does not for a considerable time operate remarkably by •Barton's Collections, Part II. p. 52. V.—Vina Medicata. 621 stool; but at length proves purgative, and occasions a lax habit of much longer continuance than that produced by the other common cathartics. VINUM FERRI L. Wine of Iron. Vinum Ferratum; olim, Vinum Chalybeatum. D, Ironated Wine, formerly Chalybeate Wine. Take of Iron filings, four ounces; Spanish white wine, four pints. Digest for a month, often shaking the vessel, and then strain. (L.) This is merely a solution < f the ferrum tartarisatum in wine; for the iron is only dissolved in the wine by means of the supertartrat of potass it contains. The Rhenish wine directed by the Dublin col- lege, will, therefore, dissolve a larger quantity of iron than the Span- ish white wine ol the London college. But a solution of a know:, pro- portion of the ferrum tartarisatum in wine, will give a medicine of more equa powers, and may be made extemporaneously. The dose is from a drachm to half an ounce, repeated twice or thrice a-day in chlorotic cases. VINUM GENTIANS COMPOSITUM; Vulgo, Vinum Amarum. Ed. Compound Wine of Gentian, commonly called Bitter Wine. Take of Gentian root, half an ounce; Peruvian bark, one ounce; Seville orange peel, dried, two drachms; Canella alba, one drachm; Dilu'ed alcohol, four ounces; Spani-h white wine, two pounds and a half. First pour the spirit on the root and bark cut and bruised, and after twenty-four hours add the wine; then macerate for seven days and strain. (E.) This wine is intended to supply the place of the Tinctura ad sto- machicos,as it was for eriy called. Wine is a menstruum fully capa- ble of extracting the active powers of the different ingredients; and it supplies us with a very useful and elegant stomachic medicine, answering the purposes intended much better than the celebrated elixir of Van Helmont, and other unchemical and uncertain prepa- rations, which had formerly a place in our pharmacopoeias. 622 Materia Medica. VINUM IPECACUANHA. Ed. L. D. Wine of Ipecacuanha. Take of The root of Ipecacuanha, bruised, two ounces; Spanish white wine, two pints. Digest for ten days, and strain. (L.) This wine is a very mild and safe emetic, and equally serviceable in dysenteries also, with the ipecacuanha in substance; this root yield- ing nearly all its virtues to the Spanish white wine. The common dose is an ounce, more or less, according to the age and strength of the patient. VINUM OPII. L. Wine of Opium. Take of Extract of opium, one ounce; Cinnamon, bruised, Cloves, bruised, of each one drachm; Wine, one pint. Macerate for eight days, and filter. This is the Tinctura Thebaica of the Dispensatory 1745; the Lau- danum Liquidum of Hoffman, which has continued to be popular, notwithstanding its exclusion from the late Pharmacopoeias. Mr. Ware, in particular, considers it as superior to every other solution of opium as an application in chronic inflammation of the eyes: and, with the same intention, it is sometimes used when inspissated by spontaneous evaporation. VINUM NICOTIANS TABACI. Ed. Tobacco Wine. Take of The dried leaves of tobacco, one ounce; Spanish white wine, one pound. Macerate for seven days, and then strain the liquor. (E.) Wine seems to extract more fully the active principles of the to- bacco than either water or spirit taken separately. VINUM RHEI PALMATE Ed. Vinum Rhabarbari. L. Rhubarb Wine. Take of Rhubarb, sliced, two ounces; Canella alba, one drachm; V.—Vina Medicata. 023 Diluted alcohol, two ounces; Spanish white wine, fifteen ounces. Macerate for seven days, and strain through paper. (E.) By assisting the solvent power of the wine, the diluted alcohol in the above formula is a very useful addition. This is a warm, cordial, laxative medicine. It is used chiefly in weakness of the stomach and bowels, and some kinds of loosenesses, for evacuating the offending matter, and strengthening the tone of the viscera. It may be given in doses of from half a spoonful to three or four spoonfuls or more, according to the circumstances of the disorder, and strength of the patient. VINUM TARTRITIS ANTIMONII; olim, Vinum Anti- MONIALE. Ed. Wine of Tartrat of Antimony, formerly Antimonial Wine. Vinum Tartari Stibiati. D. Wine of Antimoniated Tartar. Vinum Ant. Tartar. L. Wine of Tartarized Antimony. Take of Antimoniated tartar, two scruples; Distilled water, boiling hot, two ounces; Spanish white wine, eight ounces. Dissolve the antimoniated tartar in the water, and then add the wine.- (L.) This is a solution of tartrat of antimony and potass in wine: in preparing it with the glass of antimony, a portion of the glass is dis- solved by the super-tartrat of potass contained in the wine; and as the quantity of this is variable, so also the quantity of oxyd of antimony dissolved, varies: and therefore the preparation ought to be entirely rejected, since its strength can never be known. It is to be regretted, that the strength of the solutions of tartar-emetic in wine, as prescrib- ed by the different colleges, is not uniform. According to the Edin- burgh college, one ounce of the solution contains two grains of tartar- emetic, while the same quantity, according to the other colleges, contains four grains. I would recommend our apothecaries to prepare this uniformly; and to employ the prescription above, containing four grains to the ounce., In its employment and effects, the vinous solution of tartar-emetic does not differ from one made with water. VIOLA ODORATA. Ed. L. D. Flats recens. Sweet Violet. The recent flower. Willd. g. 446. */*. 12. Smith, g. 96. sp. 2. Pentandria JStonogynia.— Nat. ord. Campanacea. This plant is perennial, and is found wild under hedges and in shady places; but the shops are generally supplied from gardens. Its 624 Materia Medica. flowers are so remarkable for their delightful odour, and their pecu- liar richness of colour, that they have given a name to both. In our markets we meet with the flowers of other species; these may be distinguished from the foregoing by their being larger, of a pale colour, and of no smell. Medical use.— They impart their colour and flavour to aqueous liquors: a syrup made from this infusion has long maintained a place in the shops, and is said to be an agreeable and useful laxative for children, but is chiefly valued as a delicate test of the presence of uncombined acids or alkalies, the former changing its blue to a reck and the latter to a green colour. Officinal Preparation. Syrupus violae odoratas, E. L. D. - - vide Syrupi. VITIS VINIFERA. Fructus siccatus, ejusque succus fermentatus. Fid. L. D. Vitis. Fructus. Uva passa, Vinum. Tartarum^ Tartari crystalli. Acetum. L. Uvje Pass^e. Vinum album Hispanicum, Vinum album Rhenanum, Vinum rubrum Lusitanicum. D. The Vine. Grapes. Raisins. Wine. Tartar. Crystals of Tartar. Vinegar. Willd g, 453. sp. 1. Pentand. Monogyn.—Nat. ord. Hederacea. The vine grows in temperate situations in many parts of the world, and is cultivated very generally for the sakeof its agreeable sub-acid fruit. Before they are ripe, grapes are extremely harsh and acid, and by expression furnish a liquor which is called Verjuice. It contains malic acid, super-tartrat of potass, and extractive, and may be made to furnish wine by the addition ot sugar. As the grape advances to maturity, the quantity of sugar increases, while that ;>f malic acid diminishes: it however never disappears entirely. When thoroughly ripe, the grape is one of the most agreeable fruits. It is cooling, anti- septic, and nutritious; and, when eaten in considerable quantity, diu- retic, and gently laxative. In inflammatory diseases, and all others where acids are indicated, they form an excellent article of diet. Raisins, (uva passa,) are grapes which have been carefully dried. By this means not only the water they contained is dissipated, but the quantity of acid seems to be diminished. They become more sac- charine, mucilaginous, and laxative, than the recent grape, but are less cooling. Officinal Preparations. Decoctum althaeae officinalis, E. - - - vide Decocta. guaiaci compositum, E. Idem. hordei compositum, L. - - - Idem. Tinctura cardamomi composita, L. D. - - Tinctura. sennae, L. D. - . - Idem, V.—Vinum. 625 VINUM.— WINE. D. Wyn. DA. Vin. F. Vin. G. Wein I. Vino. P. Vin ho. POL. Wino. R. Wino, Winogradnoe Wino S. Vino. SW. Vin. Wine is the juice of the grape altered by fermentation. The nu- merous varieties of wine depend principally on the proportion of sugar contained in the must, and the manner of its fermentation. When the proportion of sugar is sufficient, and the fermentation complete, the wine is perfect and generous: if the quantity of sugar be too large, pan <>t it remains undecomposed, as the fermentation is languid, and the wine is sweet and luscious; if, on the contrary, it be too small, the wine is thin and weak; and if it be bottled before the fermentation be cort'pieie i, it will proceed slowly in the bottle, and, on drawing the coll., the witit will froth and sparkle in the glass, as for example, Cii .in|>ai'..vne. When the must is separated from the husk of the grape before it s fei mented. the wine has little or no colour: these are cal- led Wnite wines. If, on the contrary, the husks are allowed to remain in the x.ijst wiille the fermentation is going on, the alcohol dissolves the cob m: ng matter of the husks, and the wine is coloured: such are called Red vrii.es. Besides in these principal circun.stances, wines vary very j :>u:h in flavour. The red wines most commonly drunk in Great V>\ - cum alcohole, 3ss to 3ij cum alcohole aromaticus, gss to 3'j ,/Etheris nitrici spiritus, 3ss to 3*j- Alcohol, 3ss to 31 ammoniatum, 3SS to 3* aromaticum, 3ss to 31 fcstidum, 3ss to 3* succinatum, gt. x to gt. xl Allii porri radicis succus, 3i to 5ss. sativi radix, 31 to 3»j succus. 3i to 5ss Aloes perfoliatae (socotorinae) decoctum, 5ss to 5ij extractum, gi». v to xx Posological and Prosodial Table. Aloes perfoliatae pilulae, gr. xv to 3ss. pilulae compositae, gr. x to xxv cum assafoetida, gr. x to ^i cum colocynthide, gr. v to gr. cum myrrha, gr. x to 9i pulvis compositus, gr. x to 9i pulvis cum canella, gr. x to 9>i pulvis cum ferro, gr. v to £i pulvis cum guaiaco, gr. x to 9i Aloes vulgaris (hepaticae) succus spissatus, gr. v to gr. tinctura 3ss to 3ij tinctura cum myrrha, 3ss to 3ij tinctura aetherea, 3ss to 3'j vinum, 5ss to 5i Althaeae officinalis decoctum, ad libitum syrupus, 3i to 3ij Aluminse sulphas, gr. x to 9i sulphatis pulvis compositus, gr. x to 3ss Ammoniae aqua, gt. x to gt. xx acetitis aqua, 3ij to ^ss carbonas, gr. v to gr. xv carbonatis aqua, gt. xx to 31 hydro-sulphuretum, gt. v to xij murias gr. x to 3ss Ammoniacum gummi resina, gr. x to 3ss Ammoniaci mistura, 3ij to ^i Amomi zingiberis radix, gr. v to 9i syrupus, 3i to 3ij tinctura, 31 to 31J repentis semina, gr. v to 9i tinctura, 3i to 3*j composita, 51 to 3ij zedoariae radix, 9i to 3i Amygdali communis oleum fixum, ^ss to i emulsio, ffeij daily Amygdalae confectio, 3i to ^ss. Amyli mucilago, 3i to |i; giv to |vj in clyster trochisci, 3i to 3ij Amyridis elemiferae resinae, gr. x to 3ss gileadensis resina liquida, 9i to 3* Anethi graveolentis semina, 9i to 3i 644- Materia Medica. Anethi graveolentis aqua destillata, ^i to 5iij Anethi foeniculi semina, 9i to 31 aqua destillata, 5i to 5iij oleum volatile, gt. ij to gt. v Angelicae archangelicae radix, herba, semen, 3ssto 3"J Angusturae cortex, gr. x to 3i infusum, 5ss to 5iv. Anthemidis nobilis flores, 9i to 31 decoctum, in clyster extractum, gr. x to 3ss infusum, 5ss to ?iv oleum, gt. v to gi. x pyrethri radix, gr. iij to 9ss Antimonii sulphuretum praeparatum, gr. v to 9ij fuscum {kermes mineralis) gr. i to iss prsecipitatum, gr. i to v oxydum, gr. i to x oxydum cum sulphure per nitratem potassae, gr. i to iv cum sulphure vitrificatum, gr. \ to iss vitrificatum cum cera, gr. iij to 3i cum phosphat calcis, gr. iij to viij album {antimonium calcinatum,) gr. x to 3ss et potassae tartris, as a diaphoretic, gr. i to ^ as an emetic, gr. ^ to gr. iij. tartarizati liquor, 3'j to 3vi. tartritis vinum, 3ij to vi vinum, 3iij to 5ss pilulae composita, gr iij to v Apii petroselfni semina, 9i to ij Arbuti uvae ursi folia, gr. x to 9ij Arctii lappae radix, a decoction of^ij in fttij of water, daily Argenti nitras, gr. } to | Ari maculati radix, gr. vi to 9i conserva, %ss to 3iss Aristolochiae serpentariae radix, gr. x to 3ss tinctura, 3i to 3ij Arnicae montanae herba, gr. v to x Arsenici oxydum album, gr. -§• to .1 aqua, gt. v to x Artemisiae abrotani folia, 9i to 3i Posological and Prosodial Table. 645 Artemisiae absinthii herba, $\ to 3'i maritimae cacumina, 3i to 3ij conserva, 3ij to ?ss santonicae cacumina, 3ss to 3i Asari Europaeae folia, gr. v to x pulvis compositus, gr. v to 31 Astragali tragacanthi gummi, gr. x to 3i Astragali tragacanthae pulvis compositus, 3ss to 3i Atropae belladonnae folia, gr. ss to gr. v succus spissatus, gr. i to gr. iij Barytae muriatis solutio, gr. v to x Bitumen petroleum sulphuratum, gr. v to 3ss Bituminis petrolei oleum, gr. x to 3ss Bolus gallicus, 9i to 31 Bubonis galbani gummi resina, gr. x to 9i pilulae compositae, gr. x to 3SS tinctura, 3i to iij Calcis aqua, 3jiv to ftti daily muriatis solutio, gt. xl to 3'j carbonas praeparatus, 9i to 3ij carbonatis mistura, 5i to iv pulvis compositus, 31 to ij pulvis compositus cum opio, gr. xv to 9i trochisci, 31 to ij Cancri astaci lapilli praeparati, 3ss to i paguri chelae praeparats, 3ss to i chelarum pulvis compositus, 9i to 3j Canellae albae cortex, gr. v to 9ij Capsici annui fructus, gr. v to x tinctura, 3ss to 3i- Cardamines pratensis flores, 9i to 3* Cari carui semina, gr. x to 31 aqua, 5i to 5iij. oleum volatile, gr. i to v spiritus, 3i to 5i Caryophylli aromatici floris germen, gr. v to 3'i oleum volatile, gt. iij to vi infusum, 3 * j to $i Cassiae fistulae pulpa, 3ss to i electuarium, 31 to 5i sennae folia, 9i to 51 646 Materia Medica. Cassias sennae electuarium, 3ss to 5ss extractum, gr. x to 3»s infusum, 5i to iij infusum tartarizatum, 5iss to iij pulvis compositus, 9i to $i tinctura, 5ss to 5i Castoreum Rossicum, gr. xto 9i Castorei tinctura, 3ss to i composita, 3SS to i Centaureae benedictae herba, gr. xv to 3i Cephaelidis ipecacuanhae radix, as a stomachic, gr. ss to gr. ij as an emetic, 9*1 to 3ss Cephaelidis ipecacuanhae vinum, as a stomachic, gt. xx to xl. as an emetic, 5ss to 5i pulvis compositus, gr. x to 9i Cera, 9i to ty, in emulsion Chironiae centaurei summitates, 9i to 3' Cinarae scolymi folia, ^ss to i, of the expressed juice Ginchonae officinalis cortex, 9i to 3ij decoctum, 5i to 5iv extractum, gr. x to 9i extractum cum resina, gr. v to 9i infusum, 5i to iv tinctura, 31 to 3»j tinctura ammoniata, 3ss to ij tinctura composita, 3! to ij Gissampeli pareirae radix, gr.xv to 9ij Cisti cretici resina (Ladanum,) gr. x to 3ss Citri aurantii folia, flores, gr. x to 3i fructus cortex exterior, 3ss to 9ij aqua destillata, ^i to iij conserva corticis, 3i to v infusum compositum, 5i tb ^iv. syrupus corticis, 3i to ij tinctura corticis, 3! to ij Citri medicae, succus expressus, 3i to "33s. succus spissatus, 3! to 3'j syrupus succi, 3* to ij fructus cortex exterior, 5ss to ij, in infusion Posological and Prosodial Table. Citri medicae aqua destillata, 5i to ij oleum volatile, gt. ii to gt. v Cocci cactus, gr. v to 9"i Cochleariae officinalis herba, 5ito iv, of the juice succus compositus 5i to iv Cochleariae armoraciae radix, J}i to 3i infusum compositum, ^ss to 5iv spiritus compositus, 31 to 5i Colchici autumnalis radix, gr. ss to iij syrupus, 31 to 5i oxymel, 3i to 5ss Colchici autumnalis acetum, 3ss to 3» Colombae radix, gr. x to 9i infusum, 5i to 5iv. tinctura, 3i to ij Confectio aromatica, gr x to 3! opiata, gr. x to 3ss Conii maculati folia, gr. ij to £i. succus spissatus, gr. i to gr. ij Convolvuli scammoniae gummi resina, gr. v to gr. xv electuarium, 9i to 31 pulvis compositus, gr. x to gr. x pulvis cum aloe, gr. x to xv pulvis cum calomelane, gr. x to Convolvuli jalapse radix, gr. xto 3ss extractum, gt. v to xv. pulvis compositus, 3ss to 31 tinctura, 3i to ij Copaiferae officinalis resina, gr. xv to 3SS Coriandri sativi semina, 9i to 3i Cornu ustum, 3ss to 3vj Cornu usti mistura, 5iv to jfoss cum opio pulvis, gr. xv to 3ss Croci sativi floris stigmata, gr. v to 3ss syrupus, 31 to ij tinctura, 3ss to ij Crotonis elutheriae cortex, gr. x to 3* extractum, gr. x to 5ss. tinctura, 31 to 3ij« infusum, $i to ^iv. Cucumeris colocynthidis fructus medulla, gr.rto viij 648 Materia Medica. Cucumeris colocynthidis extractum, gr. v to 3ss extractum compositum, gr. v to Cumini cymini semina, 9i to 3i Cupri sub-acetis, gr. £ to ± ammoniaretum, gr. |to v ammoniareti aqua, gt. v to gt. xxx ammoniareli pilulae, No. 1 sulphas, gr. i to x Curcumae longae radix, 9i to 31 Daphnes mezerei radicis cortex, gr. i to x decoctum Jfji daily Daturae stramonii herba, gr. i to v Dauci carotae semina, 9i to 3i Delphinii staphisagriae semina, gr. iij to x Dianthi caryophylli flores, 9i to 3i syrupus, 3i to ij Digitalis purpureae folia, gr. ss to iij infusum, 5ss to 5i tinctura, gt. x to xl Dolichi prurientis pubes leguminis rigida, gr. v to x Dorsteniae contrayervae radix, gr. x to 3ss pulvis compositus, 9i to ij Electuarium opiatum, 3i to ij Eryngii maritimi radix, 3i to ij Ferri ace tat itinctura, gt. x to xxx alkalini aqua, 3ss to $i carbonas, 3»s to 3i carbonas praecipitatus, 3ss to 31 limatura, gr. iij to gr. x mistura composita, 5i to Iij muriatis tinctura, gt. x to xx et ammoniae tinctura, gt. xx to 31- et potassae tartris, gr. x to 3ss. et ammoniae murias, gr. iij to xv. oxydum nigrum purificatum, do. supercarbonatis aqua, t^>i. daily. pilulae cum myrrha, gr. x to 9"i sulphas, gr. i to v. vinum, 3i to 5ss. Ferulae assae foetidae gummi resina, gr. x to 3ss. mistura, 5ss to 5i. Posological and Prosodial Table. 649 Ferulae assae foetidae pilulae compositae, gr. x to xx. tinctura, 3SS to $i. Fici caricae fructus, No iv, in decoction. Fraxini orni succus concretus (manna,) jss to iss. succi concreti syrupus, ^i to 31J. Fumariae officinalis herba, |i to §ij. of the expressed juice. Gentianae luteae radix, gr. x to Bij. infusum compositum, 3iss to iv. extractum, gr. x to 3SS- tinctura composita, 3' to ij. vinum compositum, jss to 31. Geoffi-seae inermis cortex, 9i to ij. decoctum, ^i. Glycyrrhizae glabrx radix, gr. x to 3i. extractum, %i to ij. trochisci, ^i to ij. trochisci cum opio, 3i to gss during the day. Gratiolae officinalis herba, gr. x to 9i. Guaiaci officinalis resina, gr. x to 3ss. decoctum compositum, ftij- daily. mistura, *^i to ^ij- tinctura, 3^ to 3M- tinctura ammoniata, 3* to ij. Hsmatoxyli Campechiani extractum, 9i to ij. lignum, 3i to <$i. Hellebori nigri radix, gr. x to 9i. extractum, gr. v to gr. x. tinctura, ^ss to i. fcetidi folia, gr. x to 3i. Hordei distichi decoctum, §ij- to vj. compositum, jij. to vj. Humuli lupuli extractum, gr. v to 9i. strobuli, gr. x to 9*i. Hydrargyrum purificatum, ^ij to iv. cum creta, gr. x to 3ss. Hydrargyri acetis, gr. i to vj. murias, gr. £ to £• oxymuriatis liquor, 3i to |ss. oxydum cinereum, gr. i to gr. v. oxydum rubrum, gr. ss to gr. ij. pilulze, gr. v to xv. 4N 650 Materia Medica, Hydrargyri submurias, gr. i to gr. v. praecipitatus, gr. i to gr. v. submuriatis pilulae, gr. v to gr. xv. subnitras et ammonia:, gr. v to gr. x. subsulphas, gr. i to gr. v. sulphuretum nigrum, 9i to $i. rubrum, gr. x to 3ss. Hyosciami nigri herba, semen, gr. iij to x. succus spissatus, gr. i to v. tinctura, gt. xx to 3i. Hyperici perforati flores, 9i to 3i- Hysopi officinalis herba, 9i to 5i- Inulae helenii radix, $i to 3i- Iridis florentinx radix, 9i to 3i- Iridis pseudacori radicis succus expressus, gt. Ix to lxxx. Isis nobilis (Corallium), gr. x to 3i- Juglandis regiae fructus, externally in decoction. Juniperi communis baccx, 3ss to i. oleum volatile, gt. ij to x. spiritus compositus, 51 to 5i. Juniperi lyciae gummi resina, (Olibanum), 9i to ij Juniperi sabinae foliae, gr. x to 9'ij. extractum, gr. x to 3ss. tinctura composita, gt. xxx to 3i- Kino, gr. x to 9i. pulvis compositus, gr. v to 9i. tinctura, 3i to 3ij- Lactucae virosae succus spissatus, gr. iij to xv. Lauri cinnamomi cortex, gr. v to 3i. aqua destillata, 5i to iij. oleum volatile, gt. i to ij. pulvis compositus, gr. v to gr. x. spiritus, 3i to 5i. tinctura, 31 to 3*1 j - - tinctura composita, 3ss to ij Laurus cassia, considerably weaker than the preceding species, in other respects similar. Lauri camphorae; Camphora, gr. iij to 9i. Acidum acetosum camphoratum, odour analeptic. Emulsio camphorata, 5ssto ij. Camphorae tinctura composita, 3ss to 5ss. Lauri nobilis folia; baccae, gr. x to 3ss Posological and Prosodial Table. 651 Lauri sassafras lignum, radix, eorumque cortex,&i to3i. oleum volatile, gt. ij to gt. x. Lavandulae spicae, spicae florentes, 9i to 31. oleum volatile, gt. i to v. spiritus, an analeptic perfume. spiritus compositus, 3»s to 5ss. Leontodi taraxaci radix, 3ss to 3i, herba, |i to ij, of the juice. extractum, gr. x to 31. Lichen, 9i to 3i- Lichenis islandici decoctum, 5i to ?iv. Lilii candidi radix, externally as a poultice. Lini usitatissimi semina, in infusion 5i to water JKi. oleum fixum, ^ss to "^i; or, in clysters, 5iij to vj. infusum, 5iss to 5iv. Lini cathartici herba, 3ss to 31, or an infusion of an handful of the fresh plant. Lobeiiae syphiliticae radix, ^ss, boiled in ffcxij of water to ffoviij; half a pint twice a-day. Magnesia, gr. x to 9i. Magnesiae carbonas, 9i to 31- trochisci, 3i to ij. sulphas, 31 to 5i. Malvae sylvestris folia, flores, 3ss to 3i« Marrubii vulgaris herba, 3ss to $i. Mel despumatum, 3ij to 5i; in clysters, 5iij. acetatum, 3! to 5ss. boracis, 3i to 3ij> rosae, 3i to Iss. Meleleucae leucadendri oleum volatile, gt. i to v. Melissae officinalis herba, gr. x to 9'j. Meloes vesicatorii pulvis, gr. ss to i. tinctura, gt. x to xxx. Menthae viridis herba, gr. x to 3i- aqua, 5i to iij. oleum volatile, gt. ij to gt. v. spiritus, 3! to 5i. Menthae piperitae herba, gr. x to 9ij. aqua, 5i to iij. oleum volatile, gt. i to gt. iij; spiritus, 3i to 5i. Menthae pulegii herba, gr. x to 9ij. 652 Materia Medica. Menthae pulegii aqua, $i to iij. oleum, gt. ij to v. spiritus, 3i to 5i. Menyanthis trifoliatae herba, 3ss to 3i- Mimosae catechu extractum, gr. x to 3ss. electuarium, 9i to 3i- infusum, 5i to iij. tinctura, 31 to ij. Mimosae niloticae gummi, 3i to ij. emulsio, ftrij daily. mucilago, 3i to 5ss. Momordicae elaterii succus spissatus, gr. ss to gr. vi. Mori nigrae syrupus, 3i to ±ss. Moschus, gr. v to 9i Moschi tinctura, 3i to 5ss. mistura, 3*s to 3'- Murias ammoniae, gr. x to 3ss. Murias sodae, 3'ij to 5ss in clysters. Myristicae moschatae frucuis nucleus, gr. v to J}i. involucri oleum expressum, externally. nucis involucrum, (Macis,) gr. x to 9i. oleum volatile, gt. ij to gt v. spiritus, 3>j to 5i. Myroxyli peiuifcri balsamum, gr. v to 3ss. tinctura, 3ss to 3i- Myrrha, gr. x to 3ss. Myrrhae tinctura, 31 to ij. pulvis compositus, gr. xv to ^i. Myrti pimentae fructus, gr., v to 5ij. aqua destillata, 3*1 to iij. oleum volatile, gt. ij to v. Myrti pimentae spiritus, 3i to 5i. Nicotianae tabaci folia, gr. ss to v. vinum, gt. xxx to gt. Ixxx. Oleac Europaeae oleum fixum, 5ss to 5i. Oleum animale, gt. x to xl. vini, gt. i to iv. Onisci aselli (Millipede praeparatae,) 3i to ij. Opium, gr. ss to gr. ij. Opii pilulae, gr. v to 3i. extractum, gr. ss to gr. v. Posological and Prosodial Table. 653 Opii tinctura, gt. xx to xl. ammoniata, 3ss to ij. camphorata, 3ss to ij. vinum, gt. x to 3ss. Origani vulgaris herba, gr. x to 5i. oleum volatile, gt. i. to ij. marjoranae herba, 9*i to 3i. Ostreae edulis testae praeparatae, 3SS to i. Ovis arietis sevum praeparatum, externally. Oxalis acetosellae folia, 5ss to 5iss of the juice. conserva, 3'j to 5ss. Paeneae sarcocollae gummi resina, (Sarcocolla) gr. x to 3ss. Panacis quinqutfolii radix, £i to 3i- Papaveris rhoeae flores, 31 in decoction. syrupus, 31 to iij. Papaveris somniferi syrupus, ^ss to i to adults; 3i to ij to children: one ounce is supposed to contain one grain of opium. extractum, gr. i to v. succus spissatus (Opium,) gr. ss to gr. ij. Parietariae officinalis herba, gr. x to 3i» or ^i to iij of the juice. Pastinacae opoponacis gummi resina, gr. x to 3ss. Phasiani galli ovorum testae praeparatae, 3SS to i. Physeteris macrocephali sevum (Spermaceti,) 3SS to iss. Pimpinellae anisi semina, gr. xv to 3ss. oleum volatile, gt. v to gt. x. spiritus compositus, 3i to 5ss. Pini abietis resinae, gr. x to 3ss. Pini balsameae resina liquida, (Balsamum Canadense) gt. x to 5ss. Pini laricis resina liquida, (Terebinthina veneta,) gt. x to 3ss; and in clysters, ?ss to i. Pini sylvestris resina, liquida, (Terebinthina vulgaris) gt. x. to ^ss; and in clysters 5ss to i. resina empyreumatica (Pix liquida,) ^i to 3i- Pini oleum volatile (Oleum terebinthinae) rectificatum, gt. x to 5ss. lately 5i to ij in taenia. Piperis nigri baccae, gr. x to 9i. cubebae baccae, gr. v to 9i. longi fructus, gr. v to ^i. Pistaciae lentisci resina (Mastiche.) gr. v to 3SS- terebinthi resina liquida (Terebinthina Chia,) 3i lo 5i- Plumbi acetis, gr. ss to ij. 654 Materia Medica. Polygalae senegae radix, 9i to 5ss. senegae decoctum, 5ss to ij. Polygoni bistortae radix, gr. x to 3i« Polypodii filicis maris radix, 31 to ij. Potassae aqua, gt. x to xxx. acetis, 9i to 3i- carbonas gr. v to 9i. carbonatis aqi'-a, 3ss to 3i- nitras, gr. v to 9i. nitratis trochisci, 3* to ij. sulphas, 9i to ^ss. sulphas cum sulphure, gr. xv to 3SS- supersulphas, 9i to 3'j. supercarbonatis aqua, 5ij to 5iv. subcarbonas, gr. v to 9i. sulphuretum, gr. v to xv. supertartris, 3i to 5i. tartris, 3» to ^i. Potentillae reptantis radix, 3ss to i. Pruni domesticae fructus, ^ij to iij, stewed. spinosae fructus. conserva, 3ij to 5ss. Pterocarpi draconis resina, gr. x to 9ij. Pulvis aromaticus, gr. v to gr. x. opiatus, gr. v to gr. x. Punicae granati fructus cortex, £)i to 3i. floris petala, 3ss to iss. Pyri cydoniae decoctum, ^i to ^iv. Quassiae simarubx cortex, 9'i to 3ss, or 3ij in decoction. simarubae infusum, 5iss to ^iv. excelsae lignum, gr. v to £i; or ^i to ij of an infusion of 3'j *ra lb' "u>ater- infusum, 5iss to ^iv. Quercus roboris cortex, gr. x to 3ss; or ^i to ij of an infusion of 3ij in ftji water. Quercus cerris gallae, gr. x to 3ss. Rhamni cathartici baccae, 3i to 3ij. succus expressus, 3ss to i. syrupus, 5ss to iss. Rhei palmati radix, gr. x to 9ij. extractum gr. x to 3ss. Posological and Prosodial Table. 655 Rhei pal mati infusum, ?iss to iv. pilulae compositae, gr. x to 3ss. tinctura, ^ss to iss; as a stomachic, 3i to 3ij. composita, 5ss to iss. cum aloe, zss to i. cum gentiana, ^ss to iss; or, 5ij to 3ss as a stomachic. vinum, ?ss to iss. Rhododendri chrysanthi folia, gr. v to x; or an infusion o/3ij in ^x. of water. Rhi toxicodendri folia, gr. ss to gr. ij. Ribis nigri succus spissatus, 5ss to i. syrupus, 3i to ^ss. Ricini communis oleum expressum, 5ss to 5i. Rosae Gallicae, petala, 9i to 3i. conserva, 3 to 5. infusum, 5ij to vj. mel, 3i to ij. syrupus, 31 to iij. Rosae damascenae petala, 9"i to 3L aqua destillata, ?i to iij. syrupus, 31J to ss. caninae (Cynosbatus) conserva, 31 to 3i« pulpa, 3i to 5ij. Roris marini officinalis summitates, gr. x to 3'ji an to iij. tinctura, gt. x to xx. Sinapeos alba semina, ^i to 5ss. oleum fixum, 5-s to i. Sii nodiflori herba, 5ij, or iij of the juice. Sisymbrii nastunii herba, 3'-» or iij of the juice. Smilacis sarsaparillae radix, 9'i to 3i- decoctum, 5iv to ffess. compositum, ^iv to Jfjss. extractum, gr. x to 3i« Sodae carbonas, gr. x to 3ss- subcarbonas, gr. x to 3SS- exsiccata, gr. v to gr. xv. supercarbonatis aqua, ^iv to Jfess. et potassae tartris. 31 to ^i. sulphas, 9i to 5i. murias, 3"j to 5ss, in glysters. phosphas, 5i to iss. sub-boras, gr. x to 3ss« tartris, 9i to 31. Solani dulcamarae stipites, 3ss to 3l> in infusion. decoctum, 3SS to ^ij. Spartii scoparii summitates, 9i to 3i- extractum, 3SS to i. Spigeliae marilandicae radix, 9ss to 3i. Spiritus aetheris sulphurici compositus, 3ss to iss. nitrosi, 3ss to %\. Spongia usta, 3i to ^i. Stalagmitidis camb'igiodis sue. spissat. (Gambogia) gr. i to gr. x. Cambogi« pilulae compositae, gr. x to 9i. Stanni pulvis et limatura, 31 to 5ss. Styracis officinalis balsamum, gr. x to 3ss. benzoini balsamum, gr. x to 3ss. tinctura composita, 3ss to i. Succinum praeparatum, 9i to 3i- Penological and Prosodial Table. 657 Succini oleum rectificatum, gt. x toxx. Sulphas aluminae, 9ss to9i. Sulphur praecipitatum, 9i to 3i. sublimatum lotum, 9i to 3i- Sulphuratum oleum, gt. x to 3ss. Sulphuris trochisci, 3i to iij. Swieteniae mahagoni cortex, 9"i toij. . febrifugae cortex, 9i to ij. Tamarindi indicae fructus, 5ss to 5ii. infusum cum cassia senna, jij to iv. Tanaceti vulgaris herba, 3ss to i. Teucrii maris herba, gr. x to 3ss. scordii herba, 9i to %i. Toluiferi balsami balsamum, gt. v to Jss. syrupus, 3i to iij. tinctura, 3SS to ij. Tormentillae erectae radix, 9i to ij. Tussilaginis farfarae herba, 3ss to 3i: §ij to iv of the expressed juice, Ulmi campestris cortex interior, 9i to %i. decoctum, ^iv to Jfoss. Urticae dioicae herba, ^i to ij of the expressed juice. Valerianae officinalis radix, 9i to 3*- tinctura, 3i to 3ij- ammoniata, 3ss to $1. extractum, gr. x to 9i. Veratri albi radix, gr. iij to gr. x. tinctura, gt. v to x. Vinum, gt. v to x. Veronicas beccabungae herba, §ij to iv of the juice daily. Violae odoratae syrupus, 3i to ij. Winterae aromaticae cortex, gr. x to 9i. Zinci carbonas, gt. x to 3i. oxydum, gr. iij to x. sulphas, gr. to 3ss. V B These are in general the doses for adults from twenty to sixty, but they may be diminished for children, and people past the prime of life, nearly in the following proportions, 1 40 658 Materia Medica. Ages. Proportionate doses. Months 2 — ' — 1 7 — — 1 T2 14 — — 1 s 28 — — 1 T Years 3 — — 1 A 5 — — 1 7 — — 1 14 — — 2 7 63 — — I 1 12 77 _ — 5 6 100 — — 4 The practice of administering active fluids by drops has long been known to be inaccurate; but the extent of the evil has been only lately ascertained, by the accurate experiments of Mr. Shuttleworth, sur- geon, of Liverpool. Not only do the drops of different fluids from the same vessel, and of the same fluids from different vessels, differ much in size; but it appears that the drops of the same fluid differ, even to the extent of a third, from different parts of the lip of the same vessel. The custom of dropping active fluids should, therefore, be abolished entirely; and, as weighing is too troublesome and diffi- cult for general use, we must have recourse to small measures, ac- curately graduated, in the manner of Lane's drop measure, and the grain measure recommended by the Edinburgh college; but we must not be misled by their names; for they are measures of bulk, not of drops or of grains. In the following table, the first column shows the weight, the se- cond the number of drops, and the third the weight of the extract, in a measured drachm of several active fluids, in circumstances as nearly similar as possible, as ascertained by Mr. Shuttleworth; the last column shows the number of drops in a drachm of different fluids, according to Dr. Niemann. Grains. Distilled water weighed, 60 Dr. Fowler's solution of arsenic, 60-J White wine, 581 Ipecacuanha wine, 59| Antimonial wine, 59| Rectified spirits of wine, 51-| Proof spirit, 55| Laudanum, 591 Tincture of foxglove, 58 Drops. Grains. Drops. 60 60—80 60 94 84 2J 84 15I-| 140 134 2* 90—110 144 Posological and Prosodial Table. 659 Balsam of copaiva, Drops. 60—70 Spring water, 60—70 Diluted mineral acid, 60—80 Water of ammonia, 100—120 Spirit of sulphuric aether, 120—140 Tinctures, 140—180 .Ether, • HO—180 A tea cup commonly contains three or four ounces of an infusion, decoction, or mixture; a wine glass about an ounce and a half; a table spoon about half an ounce of watery fluids, and two or three drachms of alcoholic; a tea spoon from half a scruple to a scruple of a light powder, such as magnesia, from half a drachm to two scruples of a heavier powder, as sulphur, and from one drachm to four scruples of a metallic oxyd; from one scruple to half a drachm of alcoholic fluids, from half a drachm to two scruples of watery fluids; from two scru- ples to two drachms of tinctures and syrups, and from one to two drachms of electuaries. But all this is very uncertain. Table of Synonimes qfthe Medicines, simple and tompound, in the Pharmacopoeias of London, Dublin and Edinburgh. EDINBURGH. DUBLIN. LONDON. VARIOUS. Acidum Acetosum Acetum vini Acetum Acidum aceticum impurum distillatum distillatum Acidum aceticum 3 forte Acidum aceticum Acetum radicale; Spiritus aceti camphoratum camphoratum syrupus Syrupus acetcsus ffc Acetum aromaticum Acetum prophylacticum •a. Acidum benzoicum Acidum benzoicum Acidum benzoicum Flores benzoini, seu benzoes Acidum citricum Acidum citricum crystallis concretum Acidum citricum Acif'um limonum £ Acidum muriaticum Acidum muriaticum Acidum muriaticum Spiritus salis Glauberi, seu funians dilutum Spiritus salis communis acidus a Acidum oxymuriaticum Aqua oxymuriatica Chlorine Acidum nitricum Acidum nitricum S nitrosum Acidum nitrosum Spiritus nitri Glauberi, seu fumans dilutum dilutum Acnlum nitricum dilutum Aqua fortis simplex 2 unguentum unguentum ** Acidum succinicum Acidum succinicum i Kutyium ant. Causticum ant. Puivis Mgari'thi Tartarus, emetious Vinum antimoniale Lappa major Causticum lunare Doronicum Grrmanicuin Confectiocardiica, siveRaleighana Species aromaticae Arsenicum album 3 ■3. o 3 o> * EDINBURGH. Artemisia abrotanvm Artemisia absinthium; folium etsum- mitas floiens maritima santonica; cacumen Arum maailatum Asarum Eu;o;;a< -urn; folium pulvis compositus Astragalus tragacantha; gummi mucilago Atropa belladona; folia succus spissatus Avena sativa; semen Barytae carbonas murias solutio sulphas Bitumen petroleum Boletus igniarius Bubon galbanum; gummi resina Emplastrum gummosum Calx a ex lapida calcareo b ex testis conchy liorum Calcis aqua linimentum DUBLIN. Abrotanum Absinthium vulgare extractum maritimum Sanlonicum Arum Asarum pulvis compositus Tragacantha mucilago Belladonna Petroleum Barbadense Galbanum emplastrum Calx recens usta Aqua calcis Linimentum caleis LONDON. Liquor arsenicalis Absinthium Asaria folia Tragacantha Pulvis tragacanthae compositus Belladonna folia Extractum belladonnas Avenae semina Petroleum Galbani gummi resina Pilulae galbani compositae Emplastrum galbani compositum Calx VARIOUS. Solutio mineralis Fowleri Semen cinae, seu contra Aron Pulvis sternutatorius, seu cephalicus Astragalus verus. Lond. Species diatragacanthae frigidae Solatium lethale Oi o* Liquor calcis Barytes. Terra ponderosa Terra pond, vitriol. Spathum pond. Ol'-um petrae Agaricus chiru'rgorum Pilulae gummosae Emplastrum commune cum gummi Calx vi\a \(]U'i calcis simplex. Solutio caleis • Oleum lini cum caloe ST © 8 ? EDINBURGH. Calcis carbonas a creta alba b marmor album praeparatus potio trochisci pulvis compositus muriatis sriutio Cancer pagurus et astacus; chelae lapilli Canella alba; cortex Capsicum anuuum; fructus Carbo ligni Cardamine pratensis; petalum folium Carum carui; semen spiritus Caryophyllusaromaticus;florisgermen oleum volatile Cassia fistula; fructus electuarium senna; folium tinctura composita DUBLIN. Creta, carbonas calcis praeparata praecipitata mistura Aqua muriatis calcis Cancer Canella alba Capsicum Carbo ligni Cardamine Caruon spiritus oleum essentiale Caryophyllus aromatica Cassia fistularis electuarium Senna tinctura LONDON. Creta Lapis calcareus Creta praeparata Mistura cretae Pulvis cretae compositus cum opio Liquor calcis muriatis Calcis murias Canellce cortex Capsiei buccae Tinctura capsiei Carbo ligni Cardaniines flores Carui semina Spiritus carui Oleum carui Aqua carui Caryophylli Caryophyllorum oleum Infusum caryophyllorum Cassiae pulpa Confectio cassiae Sennae folia Tinctura sennae VARIOUS. Carbonas calcis friabilis Carbonas ealcis dura Julep urn e creta, Potio cretacea Tabellae eardialgicae Pulvis e bolo comp. Pulv. cretaceus cum opio Cancrorum oculi Costus corticosus Piper Indicum Carvi Aqua carvi spirituosa Eugenia earyophyllata. Dub. Lond. Diacasia Electuarium e cassia Elixir salutis * EDINBURGH. DUBLIN. Cassia fistula electua; ium Senna electuarium extractum syrupus infusum Castor fiber; castoreum Castoreum Rossicum tinctura tinctura composita Castoreum Canadense tinctura Centaurea benedicta; herba Carduus benedictus Cera alba Cera alba Linimentum simplex Unguentum simplex unguentum Cera flava flava purificata unguentum f^ervus elaphus; cornu Cornu cervinum cervini usti pulvis decoctum liquor volatilis oleum rectificatum Chironia centaurium; summitasflorens Centaureum minus Cinara scolymus; folium Cinchona carribaea; cortex LONDON. Confectio sennae Syrupus sennae Infusum sennae Pulvis sennae compositus Castoreum Tinctura castorei Cera alba Cera flava Ceratum simplex Emplastrum cerae Cornua Cornu ustum Mistura cornu usti Pulvis cum usti cum opio Centaurii cacumina ST. VARIOUS. cn Electuarium lenitivum CO Infusum sennae commune Pulvis diasenae a3 o s^ f» Acanthus Cermanicus •5, Apis mellifica. Dub. Unguentum album £ S © a Emplastrum attrahens §' i n! Phosphas calcis Oi Decoctum album Pulvis opiatus Spiritus cornu cervi Oleum cornu cervi foetidum e cornibus Cinara hortensis EDINBURGH. Cinchona officinalis a communis b flavus C ruber extractum decoctum infusum tinctura Citrus aurantium; fructus succus • tructus cortex exterior aqua distillata DUBLIN. extractum rubrae extractum resinosum decoctum infusum sine calore tinctura composita ' Aurantium Hispalense syrupus Citrus medica; fructus aqua distillata syrupus Coccus cacti Cochlearia armoracia; radix officinalis; herba succus compositus Limon conserva tinctura syrupus syrupus Coccinella Kaphanus rusticanus spiritus compositus Cochlearia LONDON. Cinchonae laneitbliae cortex cordifoliae cortex oblongifoliae cortex Extractum cinchonae molle durum resinosum Decoctum cinchonae Infusum cinchonae Tinctura cinchonae composita ammoniata Aurantii haccae cortex Infusum aurantii compositum Confectio aurantiorum Tinctura aurantii Syrupus aurantiorum Limones Limonum oleum cortex Syrupus limonum Coccus Armoraciae radix Spiritus armoraciae compositus Infusum armoraciae compositum VARIOUS. Cortex pallidus. Cortex Peruvianus flavus ruber Decoctum corticis Peruviani Tinctara corticis Peruviani Elixir antihypochondriacura Mala aurantia Conserva flavedinis cort. aur. Tinctura corticis aurantii Syrupus e corticibus aurantiorum Syrupus e succo citnorum Aqua raphani composita ^3 a" <§= a o a % Succi ad scorbuticos Oi EDINBURGH. Coco3 hutyracea; nucis oleum fixum Colchicum autumnale; radix syrupus Colomba; radix tinctura Conium maculatum; folium semen succus spissatus Convolvulus scammonia; gummi-re- sina pulvis compositus jalapa?; radix Convolvuli jalapae extractum tinctura pulvis compositus Copaifera officinalis, resina liquida Coriandrum sativum; semen Crocus sativus; floris stigma tinctura Groton eleutheria; cortex DUBLIN. Colchicum oxymel Colombo tinctura Cicuta succus spissatus Scamonium electuarium Jalapa Jalapae extractum resinosum tinctura Balsamum copaibae Coriandrum Crocus tinctura Cascarilla tinctura extractum resinosum LONDON. Colchici radix Acetum colchici Calumbae radix Infusum calumbae Tinctura calumbae Conii folia Extractum conii Scammoneae gummi resina Pulvis scammoneae comp. Confectio scammoneae Jalapa Extractum jalapae Tinctura jalapae Copaiba Coriandri semina Croci stigmata Syrupus croci Cascarillae cortex Tinctura cascarillae Infusum cascarillae VARIOUS. Oleum palmae Diagrydium Pulvis comitis Warwicensis Electuarium caryocostinum Mechoacanna nigra Extractum jalapii Tinctura jalapii Balsamum Brasiliense Crocus Anglicus Corton cascarilla. Dub. Lond. Clutia eleutheria. Linn. EDINBURGH. Cucumis colocynthis; fructus Cuminum cyminum Cuprum subacetis unguentum ammoniaretum pilulae sulphas solutio composita Daphne mezereum; radicis cortex Daphnes mezerei decoctum Datura stramonium; herba Daucus carota; semen Delphinium staphisagria; semen Dianthus caryophyllus; flos syrupus Digitalis purpurea; folium tinctura infusum Dolichos pruriens; leguminis puh rigida Dorstenia cootrajerva; radix DUBLIN. Colocynthis extractum compositum Cuprum JErugo, subacetas cupri praeparata 0X^ mel unguentum Cuprum ammoniatum aqua Sulphas cupri Mezereum Stramonium Daucus sylvestris Staphisagria Caryophyllum rubrum syrupus Digitalis decoctum tinctura Dolichos LONDON. Colocynthidis pulpa Extractum colocynthidis Cumini semina Emplastrum cumini iErugo Linimentum aeruginis Cuprum ammoniatum Liquor cupri ammoniati Cupri sulphas Mezerei cortex Dauci semina Dauci radix Staphisagriae semina Digitalis folia Tinctura digitalis Infusum digitalis Dolichi pubes Contrajervae radix Pulvis contrajervae comp comp. VARIOUS. Extractum catharlicum. Pil. rudii F.mplastr um e cymino Aes Yiride aeris Mel .Hgyptiacum Cuprum ammoniacum Aqua saphirina Cuprum vitriol. Vitr. coeruleum Aqua stvptica Laureola; Cocognidium Carota Caryophylla rubra Lapis contrajervae "5, a a 9 EDINBURGH. Eryngiwn mar •..mum F.uplwrbii ofiic,nulis gummi resina Ferrum; limafHra, squama . limatura purificata carbonas praeparatus praecipitatus oxidum nigrum purificatum sulphas exsiccatus oxidum rubrum emplastrum muriatis tinctura et ammoniae murias Ferula assa fcetida; gammi resina tinctura pilulae compositae DUBLIN. Eryngium Ferrum Rub i go Carbonas ferri Oxydum ferri nigrum Sulphas ferri exsiccatum Oxydum ferri rubrum Emplastrum thuris Tinctura muriatis ferri cum oxydo rubro Murias ammoniae et ferri tartarum ferri Vinum ferri Acetas ferri Tinctura acetatis ferri cum alcohol Sulphuretum ferri Assa fcetida lao tinctura Enema fostidum Pilulae myrrhae compositae LONDON. Euphorbiae gummi resina Ferrum Ferri subcarbonas Mistura ferri composita Pilulae ferri compositae Ferri sulphas Tinctura ferri muriatis Ferrum ammoniatum Tinctura ferri ammoniati Ferrum tartarizatum Vinum ferri Liquor ferri alkalini Assae fcetidaj gummi resina Mistura assafcetidae Tinctura assafcetidse VARIOUS. Chalybs Ferrum alcoholisatum Chalybis rubigo praeparata Mistura myrrhae Griffiths Squamae ferri purificatae Sal martis. Vitr viride. Sal chalybis Vitriolum calcinatum Colcothar vitrioli Emplastrum roborans Tinctura martis in spiritu saKs . Tinctura martis aurea Flores martiales. Ens veneris Tinctura martis. Mvnsichti Mars solubilis. Tartarus martialis Vinum chalybeatum. Vin. martis Extractum martis Tinctura martis alkalina Tinctura foetida Pilulae gummosa*- CO- 3 3 a o s. S EDINBURGH. Ferula assa foetida; emplastrum Ficus carica; fructus Fucus vesiculosus Fraxinus ornus; Manna Gambogia; gummi resina Gentiana lutea; radix extractum infusum tinctura composita vinum compositum Geoffraea inermis; cortex decoctum Geum urbanum •^ Glycyrrhiza glabra; radix g+. ' extractum ^Glycyrrhiza? glabra? trochisci cum opio Gratiola officinalis Guaiacum officinale; lignum Guaiaci offioinalis resina tinctura ammoniata decoctum comp. Hxmatoxylum campechianum; lig- num extractum FTelleboros aiger; radix DUBLIN. Carica Quercus marina pulvis Manna Gambogia Gentiana extractum infusum compositum tinctura composita Ge office a Geum urbanum Glycyrrhiza extractum Gratiola Guaiacum tinctura ammoniata Aqua calcis compositum Ha?matoxylum extractum Helleborus niger; melampodium LONDON. Caricae fructus Fucus Manna Gambogia Pilulae gambogiae comp. Gentianae radix Extractum gentianae Infusum gentianae compositum Tinctura gentianae comp. Glycyrrhizae radix Extrastum glycyrrhizae Guaiaci lignum resina Tinctura guaiaci ammoniata Mistura guaiaci Ha?matoxyli lignum Extractum hsematoxyli Hellebori nigri radix VARIOUS. Emp. antihysterisum .ffithiops vegetabilis Manna caiabrina (Stalagniitis gambogioides. L. D. \ Gummi guttae Gentiana rubra Infusum amarum simplex Tinctura amara, Elixir stomachicum Vinum amarum Geoffroya inermis. Dub. Caryophyllata Radix liquiritia? Succus liquiritia? depuratus Trochisci becchici nigri Lignum sanctum Elixir guaiacinum volatile Decoctum lignorum Lac guaiaci Lignum Campechense Extractum ligni Campechensis Melampodium EDINBURGH. Helleborus niger extractum tinctura Helleborus fcetidus Birudo medicinalis Hordeum distichon; semen decoctum Humulus lupulus Hydrargyrus purificatus pilulae Hydrargyri emplastrum unguentum acetis murias submurias praecipitatus oxidum ciaereum DUBLIN. Helleborus niger extraetum tinctura Helleboraster Hirudo medicinalis Hordeum distichum decoctum • compositum Hydrargyrum purificatum pilulae Hydrargyri unguentum ' mitius Hydrargyrum cum magnesia creta Acetas hydrargyri Murias hydrargyri corrosivum Submurias hydrargyri sublimatum praecipitatum ammoniatum unguentum Pulvis hydrargyri cinereus LONDON. Tinctura hellebori nigri Hellebori foetidi folia Hordei semina Decoctum hordei compositum Cerevisiae fermentum Cataplasma fermenti Humuli st'obiii Extractum humuli Tinctura hamuli Hydrargyrum pn rifiea turn Pilulae hydrargyri Emplastrum hydrargyri Unguentum hydrargyri fortius mitius Linimentum hydrargyri ' Hydrargyrum cum creta Hydrargyri oxymurias Liquor hydrargyri oxymuriatis Hydrargyri submurias Pilulae hydvargyi i submuriatis comp. Hydrargyrum praecipitatum album Unguent, hydrargyri praecipitati albi Hydrargyri oxydum cinereum VARIOUS. Extractum raelampodii Tinctura melampodii Aqua hordeata Decoctum pectorale Extractum lupuli Argentum vivum; Mercurius Pilulae cceruteae Emp. litha'gvri cum hydrarg. Unguemtum oceruleum fortius mitius Mercurius alkalisatus Mercurius eonosivus sublimatus Liquor Be'.loMii Caiomc-lys, Panacea mere. Pilulae Plumraeri Hydra. ayi us pracHjipitatUS dulcis ."tlcrcu'ius coynv ticus I :igiit-iit e hi., rcurio praecip. Mercurius solubilis EDINBURGH. Hydrargyri oxidi einerei unguen- tum rubrum per acidum nitricum rubri unguentum nitratis ung fortius ung mitius subsulphas flavus sulphuretum nigrum rubrum Hyosciamus niger; herba; semen succus spissatus tinctura Hyssopus officinalis; herba Inula helenium Ipecacuanha; radix Ipecacuanhae et opii pulvis vinum Iris Florentina; radix Juniperi spiritus compositus oleum volatile Juniperus communis; bacca lycia; resina sabina; folium oleum volatile DUBLIN. Oxydum hydrargyri nitricum Suhnitratis hydrargyri unguentum Supernitratis hydrargyri unguent. Oxydum hydrargyri sulphuricum Sulphuretum hydrargyri nigrum rubrum Hyosciamus succus spissatus tinctura Hyssopus Enula campana Ipecacuanha Ipecacuanhae pulvis compositus vinum Juniperi spiritus compositus oleum essentiale Juniperus Olibanum Sabina oleum essentiale extractum unguentum LONDON. Hydrargyri oxydum rubrum nitrico^xydum Unguentum hydrargyri nitrico-oxydi nitratis Hydrargyri sulphuretum nigrum rubrum Hyosciami folia et semina Extractum hy osciami Tinctura hyosciami Ipecacuanhae radix Pulvis ipecacuanhae comp. Vinum ipecacuanhae Spiritus juniperi compositus Oleum juniperi Juniperi baecae cacumina Olibanum Sabinae folia Ceratum sabinae VARIOUS. Mercurius caleinntus praecipitatus ruber Unguentum citrinum Tutpethum miner.Merc.emet.flav. ^3 iEthiops mineralis; Pulv.hypnoticus §^ Cinnabaris factitia $J- a Calicocca or Cephaelis ipecacuanha S Pulvis Doveri ••. 3 Orris 8 Aqua juniperi composita "* Thus 3 EDINBURGH. Kino; succus concretus tinctura Lactuca virosa; folium succus spissatus Lavandula spica; spica florens spiritus compositus oleum volatile Laurus camphora; Camphora Tinctura camphorae Emulsio camphorata Oleum camphoratum Laurus cassia; cortex flos nondum pxplicittis aqua destillata Laurus cinnamomum; cortex aqua destillata spiritus tinctura composita Laurus nobilis; bacca folium oleum fixum sassafras; lignum, radix, cor- tex oleum volatile DUBLIN. Kino tinctura Lavandula spiritus compositus oleum essentiale Camphora . Spiritus camphoratus Mistura camphorata Oleum camphoratum Cassia lignea Cinnamomum aqua spiritus tinctura composita Sassafras •leum essentiale LONDON. Kino Tinctura kino Pulvis kino comp. Lavandulae flores Spiritus lavandulae compositus Oleum lavandulae Camphora Spiritus camphorae Mistura camphorae Linimentum camphorae comp. Tinctura camphorae comp. Cinnamomi cortex Aqua cinnamomi Cinnamomi oleum Spiritus cinnamomi Tinctura cinnamosui composita Lauri baccae folia VARIOUS. ("Eucalyptus resinifera. Ed. £ Butea frondosa. Dub. Lactuca sylvestris Spiritus lavand. simp. Oleum spicae Spiritus vinosus camphoratus Julepum e camphora Linimentum camphorae Tinctura opii camphorata. Dub Xylocassia. Cau. Malab. Canella Aqua cinnamomi simplex Aqua cinnamomi spirituosa Tinctura aromatica Sassafras lignum et radix EDINBURGH. Leontodon taraxacum; radix, herba. Lichen Islandicis Lichen rocella Linum usitatissimum; semen oleum Linum catharlicum Lobelia s) philitiea; radix Lythrum salicaria Magnesia carbonas sulphas Malva sylvestris; herba, flos Manganesium Mel Marrubium vulgare; herba Melaleucae leucadendri oleum volat. Melissa officinalis; folium Meloe vesicatorius tinctura pulveris unguent. infusi unguentum emplastrum emplust. aomp. DUBLIN. Taraxacum extractum Lichen Tslandicus decoctum Litmus Linum oleum catharticum Lythrum salicaria Magnesia usta Magnesia Sulphas magnesia Manganesium Mel despumatum Oxymel Marrubium album Oleum cajeput Cantharis tinctura unguentum Cantharidis emplastrum LONDON. Taraxaci radix Extractum taraxaci Lichen Decoctum lichenis Lini usitatissimi semina 01 "vim lini Infusum lini Linum catharticum Magnesia Magnesia? carbonas sulphas Malva Decoctum malvae composit. Mel despumatum Oxymel simplex Marrubium Cajuputi oleum Lytta Tinctura lyttae Ceratum lyttae Unguentum lyttae Emplastrum lyttae VARIOUS. Dens leonis Muscus Islandicus Lacmus tinctorius Sal catharticum amarum Anthemidis nobilis decoctum, Ed. Decoctum commune pro clystere Magnesia vitriariorum Melaleuca cajuputi. Lond. Lytta vesicatoria. Lond. Unguentum epispasticum fortius mitius Emplastrum vasieatorium EDINBURGH. Mentha piperita; herba aqua destillata spiritus oleum volatile Mentha pulegium; herba aqua destillata Mentha viridis Menyanthes trifoliata; folium Mimosa catechu; ligni extractum electuarium tinctura infusum Mimosa ntlotica; gummi mucilago emulsio Momordica elaterium succus spiss Morus nigra Moschus moschiferus; Moschus Myristica moschata; fructus Macis DUBLIN. Emplastrum calefaciens Mentha piperitis aqua oleum essentiale Pulegium aqua oleum essentiale Mentha sativa oleum essentiale aqua infusum compositum Trifolium paludosum Catechu electuarium compositum tinctura Gummi arabicum mueilago Emulsio arabica Oucumis agrestis Elaterium Moschus tinctura Nux moschata LONDON. Mentha piperita Aqua menthae piperitae Spiritus menthae piperitae Oleum menthae piperitae Pulegium Aqua pulegii Oleum pulegii Spiritus pulegii Mentha viridis Oleum menthae viridis Spiritus menthae viridis Menvanthes Catechu extractum Tinctura catechu Infusum catechu Aeaciae gummi Mucilago aeaciae Elaterii noma Extractum elaterii Morus Svrupus mori Moschus Mistura mosehi Myristicae nuclei VARIOUS. Aqua menth. pip. simplex spirituosa Aqua menthae vulgaris simplex spirituosa Trifolium palustre Acacia catechu, L. Terra Japonica Confectio Japonica Tinctura Japonica Infusum Japonicum Acacia vera, L. Gummi Senegal Julepum e moscho Macis ott'. aU\t: M !;-tic-i iuosc;l •■■-■■ •".vi--;u?3 M . .-ox- lo- P: • ■ ■■ ■■<:>, balsamum M\ rjw , ?,~.iiiD' 'tjina ti.iclura Myrtus pimenta: fructus aqua dt itiluita spiritus ole'im \oialile Nicotiana tabacum; loliu.n vinum Oleae Europaeae fructus; fixum oleum OnisciM asellus Opium tinctura ammoniata Electuarium opiatum Pilulae opiatae Pulvis opiatus Origanum m^jo'-ana; herba Origanum vulgure ! DUBLIN. Nf.ix moschat'i; s.-iritus i P.aisamum Peruvianum Myrrha tinctura Pimento; Piper Jamaicense aqua spiritus oleum essentiale Nicotiana Oleum olivarum Mille,iedae Opium extractum aquosum purificatum tinctura tinctura camphorata syrupus Pilulae e styrace Majorana Origanum I Origani eleum essentiale LONDON. Spiritus myristicae Balsamum Peruvianum Myrrha Tinetura myrrhae Pimentae baccae Aqua pimentae cjp'n itus pimentae Oleum pimentae Tabaci folia 1 nfusum tabaci Ollvae oleum Opium Extractum opii Tinctura opii camphorae composita Emplastrum opii Vinum opii Confectio opii Pilulae saponis cum opio Origanum Oleum origani VARIOUS. Aqua nucis moschatae spirituosa Balsamum Indicum nigrum Piper Jamaicense Aqua pimentae simplex spirituosa Extract, thebaicum. Opium colatum Tinctura thebaica Laudan. liquidum Elixir paregoricum. Ed. paregoricum. Lond. Dub. Laudanum liquidum Sydenhami Philonium Londlnense Pilulae thebaicae a o a ? Ch •a EDINBURGH. Os;rea edulis Oxalis acetosella Ovis aiies; adeps Papaver somniferum; capsula extractum syrupus Papaver rhceas Pastinacae opoponaeis gummi resina Phasianus gallus Pimpinella anisum; semen oleum volatile' Pinus abies; resina sponte concreta balsamea; resina liquida larix; resina liquida oleum volatile sylvestris; resiuaempyreumatica Picis unguentum DUBLIN. Ostrearum testae praeparatae Sevum ovillum Papaver album syrupus erraticum syrupus Ovorum testae praeparatae Anisum oleum essentiale spiritus compositus Pix Burgundica Emplastrum aromaticum Balsamum Canademse Terebinthina Veneta Pix liquida unguentum Piois liquida? unguentum LONDON. Testae praeparatae Acetosella Sevum praeparatum Papaveris capsulae Extractum papaveris Svrupus papaveris Decoctum papaveris Rhoeados petalla Syrupus rhoeados Opoponaeis gummi resina Ovum Anisi semina Oleum anisi Spiritus anisi Pix arida Picis aridae unguentum Emplastrum picis compositum Abietis resina Terebinthina Canadensis Pix liquida Unguentum picis liquidae Resina nigra Unguentum resinae nigrae VARIOUS. Lujula Syrupus diacodion; Syr. e meconio D. pro fomento. Fotus communis. Unguentum basilieum nigrum Emplastrum picis Burgundicae cephalicum Thus Tar Pitch Oi 00 o 3 fr a o a 3 s EDINBURGH. Pini oleum volatile purissimum Pini resina Emplastrum simplex Unguentum resinosum Emplastrum resinosum Piper lougum; fructus nigrum; fructus Pistacia terebinthus a^. Pistacia leutiseus; resina Plumbum £0 oxydum album unguentum oxydum scmi-vitreum emplastrum acetis acetitis unguentum oxydum rubrum Polygala senega; radix decoctum DUBLIN. Terebinthina vulgaris Oleum terebinthinae rectificatum Resina flava; resina alba Unguentum resinae albae l.itharg. emp. cum resina Piper longum nigrum unguentuui Cerussa; subacetas plumbi sive subacetatis plumbi ungu entum Lithargvrum Lvthargvri emplastrum Liquor subacetatis lithargyri Lithargyri suhacetatis liquor comp. Acetas plurnl(i Acetitis plumbi unguentum Seneka LONDON. Terebinthina vulgaris Linim nlum terebinthinae fer. biiilhinae oleum 01> uni terebinthinae rectificatum Resina fla\a Emplastrum cerae Ceratum resinae Emplastrum resinae I'ipei is longi fructus nigri baccae Terebinthina Chia Mastiche Plumbi subcai bonas oxydum semi-vitreum Emplastrum plumbi Liquor plumbi subacetatis dilutus Ceratum plumbi comp. Plumbi superacetas Ceratum plumbi superacetatis Senegae radix Decoctum senegae VARIOUS. Oleum tereb. aethereum. Resina alba, Ed Colophonium Km]>. cereum. Cc rat. citrin. 1'iigt. basilicum flaMim Emplastrum adhaesivum Subcarbouas plumbi Unguentum album Plumbum ustura Diacht Ion sim[ilex Extractum salurni Saccharum satnrni Unguentum satuininnm Plumbum ustum rubrum a^ a § 3 Oi CO EDINBURGH. Polygonum bistoi ta, radix Poly podium tilix mas; radix Potassa cum calce aqua carbonas purissimus impurus supercarbonatis aqua acetis sulphas eum sulphure sulphuretum tartris et soda? tartris supertartris impurus nitras trochisci Prunus domestica; fructus Pterocarpus draco; lesina santalinus; lignum Punica granatum; fructus cortex flos plenus DUBLIN. Ristorta Filix mas Kali causticum cum calce aqua subcarbonas e tartaro Cineres clavellati: kali impurum Aqua subcarbonatis kali Kali acetas sulphas sulphuretum aqua tartaras Tartaras soda? el kali Crystalli tartari Tarta um Nitrum, nitras kali Aqua alkalina oxymuriatica Prunus Gallica Santalum rubrum Granatum LONDON. Bistortae radix Fiiicis radix Potassa fusa cum calce Liquor potassae Potassae subcarbonatis ex tartaro Potassa impura Liquor potassae subcarbonas Potassae carbonas acetas sulphas supersulphas sulphuretum tartras Soda tartarizata Potassse supertartras Tartarum Potassa? nitras Pruna (drapae siccatae) Pterocarpi lignum Granati cortex VARIOUS. \spidium filix mas Lond. Lapis mternalis sive septicus Causticum commune mitius Lixivium saponarium causticum Salabsinthii tartari Alk. fix. vegt. Subcarb. pot. imp. Oleum tartari per deliquium Sal diureticus de duohus. Arcanum duplicatum polychrestus Glaseri Hepar sulphuris Tartarum solubile Sal rupeUensis. Sal polych. Seignette Tartarus purificatus crudus Nitrum prismaticum Aqua oxymunatis potassa? Oi CO 3 "5, a a ? Sanguis draconis EDINBURGH. Pyrus cydon.a Quassia excelsa; lignum Quassia simaruba; cortex Quercus cerris; cyniphis nidus, Galla rubor; cortex Rhamnus catharticus; baccae succus sy rupus Rheum palmatum; radix tinctura et aloes tinctura et gentianse tinctura infusum vinum pilulce composita? Ilheum undululnm Rhoilo cm'.oi. ch ysauthum; folium Rhus toxicodendron; folium Ricinis communis; semen oleum fixum liosa canina; fructus recens conserva Quassia tinctura Simarouba Galla? tinctura Quercus extractum Rhamnus catharticus Rheum Rheum undulatum Ricinus LONDON. Cydonia? semina Decoctum cvdnuia? Quassia? lignum Infusum quassiae Simaroubae cortex Infusum simaroubae Galla Quercus cortex Decoctum quercus Rhamni baccae Svrupus rhamni Rhei radix Tinctura rhei Tinctura rhei composita Infusum rhei Extractum rhei Toxico lendri folia IJicmi Semina Oleum ricini Rosae raninae pnlpa I Confectio rosae cauinae VARIOUS. Cotonea Mucilago cydoniorum Cy.iipidum nidi. Cyni ps quercus folii Quercus pedunculata. Lond. Spina cervina S> rupus doruesticus Rhaharbarum Tinctura rhabarbari spirituosa Elixir sacrum S" Tinctura rhoji amara a rhabarbari vinosa Pilulae stomachicae Extractum ihei aquosum 5 Toxicodendron Palma christi. Cataputia major Oleum de kerva. Ol palmae liquidum Cvnosbatus Conserva fructus cynosbati 2* 03 EDINBURGH. DUBLIN. Rosa centifolia; petalnm Rosa damascena aqua destillata aqua syrupus * Gallica; petalum rubra mel conserva conserva infusum infusum syrupus Rosmarinus officinalis; summitas flo- Rosmarinus rens spiritus spiritus oleum volatile oleum essentiale Rubin tinctorium; radix Rubia Rumex aquaticus Rumex aquaticus acetosa; folium Ruta graveolens; herba Ruta extractum extractum oleum essentiale Saccharum officinarum Saccharum non purificatum purificatum Syrupus simplex Svrupus simplex Sagapenum; gummi resina Sagapenum Salix alba Salix fragilis fragilis cuprea Salria officinalis; folium Salvia Sambucus nigra; flos Sambucus bacca LONDON. Rosae centifolae petala Aqua rosae svrupus rosae Rosae Oallicae petala Mel rosae Confectio Rosae Gallicae Infusum rosae Rosmarini cacumina Spiritus rosmarini Oleum rosmarini Rubia radix Acetosae folia Confectio rutea Saccharum purificatum Syrupus simplex Sagapenum Salicis cortex Sambuci flores VARIOUS. Rosa pallida Synipus rossrum solutivus Mel rosaceum Tinctura rosarum Biitanniea; Hydolapathum Oleum rutae aethereum Electuarium e baccis lauri Syrupus communis Serapinum Herba salviae minoris Cb CO 3 fr a o a S EDINBURGH, Sambucus nigra; cortex succus spissatus Sapo albus Hispanus tinctura et opii tinctura Emplastrum saponaceum Scilla maritima; radix exsiccata acetum syrupus Pilulae scilliticae Scrophulario nodosa Slum nodiflorum Sinapis alba; semen Sisymbrium nasturtium; herba Smilax sarsaparilla; radix decoctum Sodae carbonas impurus carbonas 6upercarbonatis aqua phosphas sulphas DUBLIN. Sambucus unguentum succus spissatus Sapo durus Hispanicus Saponis linimentum emplastrum Scilla Scillae pulvis aaetum oxymel tinctura cum zingiberc pilulae Scrophularia Sium Sinapi cataplasma Sarsaparilla decoetum compositum Barilla, soda impura Sodae carbonas sicoatum phosphas sulphas LONDON. Sambuci unguentum Sapo durus Ceratum saponis Linimentum saponis compositum Emplastrum saponis Sapo mollis Scillae radix ■Vcetum scillae Oxymel sci'.lae Tinctura scillae Pilulae scillae comp. Sinapis semina Cataplasma sinapis Sarsaparillae radix Decoctum sarsaparillae compositum Extractum sarsaparillae Soda impura Sodae subcarbonas exsiccata carbonas sulphas VARIOUS. Rob baccarum sambuci Sapo ex olivae oleo et soda oonfectus Balsamum saponaceum anodynum Emplastrum e sapone Sapo ex oleo et potassa confectus Squilla Scilla praeparata •Vcetum scilliticum Oxymel scilliticum Essentia squillae Sinapis nigra Sinapismus Nasturtium aquaticum Natron impurum Sal sodae. Alcali minerale aeratum Sal catharticus Glauberi 3 a o a 3 § Pi Ob CO EDINBURGH. Sodae murias boras Solanum dulcamara Solidago virga aurea Spartium scoparium; summitas Spigelia Marilandica; radix Spermaceti Ceratum simplex Spongia officinalis Stannum; limatura pulvis Styrax Benzoin; Ralsamum tinctura composita officinalis; Balsamum Succinum oleum purissimum Sulphur sublimatum lotum unguentum DUBLIN. Sal commune; murias sodae Murias codae siccatim Borax, sub-boras sodae Dulcamara Virga aurea Genista extractum Spigelia Sperma ceti Spermatis ceti unguentum Spongia ustae pulvis Stannum pulvis Benzoe tinctura composita Styrax calamita purificata Succinum oleum rectificatum Sulphur sublimatum lotum unguentum LONDON. Sodae murias Sodae sub boras Mel boracis Dulcamarae caulis Decoctum dulcamarae Spartii cacumina Spigeliae radix Cetacenm Unguentum cetacei Cerai'im cetacei Spongia usta Stannum Ben7,oinum Tinctura benzoini composita St) racis balsamum Succinum Oleum succini Sulphur sublimatum lotum praecipitatum Unguentum sulphuris composit. VARIOUS. Muria; sal commune Solanum scandens Physeter roacrocephalus Linimentum album Ceratum album Assa dulcis Balsamum traumaticum Electrum, Carabe Flores sulphuris Unguentum antipsoricum OO aJ o a © a ? EDINBURGH. Sulphur oleum sulphuratum Sus scrota; adeps prat parata Sv/ietenia f> brifuga; cortex mahagoui; cortex Tamaiindus Indica; fructus conditus infusum cum senni Tanacttum vulgare; folium, flos Teucrtum chamxdrys murum Toluiferae balsami; Balsamum tinctura syrupus Tormentilla erecta; radix Triticum b\ bernum; amylum Mucilago amyli Tr chisci gummosi Farina Tussilago farfara; folium, flos Valeriana officinalis; radix Veratrum album; radix DUBLIN. \deps suillus praeparatus Swietenia febrifuga Tamaiindus Infusum sennae cum tamarindis Tanacetum Cbamaedrys Marum syriacum Ualsamum Tolutanum tinctura Tormentilla Amylum Mucilago amyli Tussilago Valeriana tinctura ammoniata extractum infusum Helleborus albus unguentum LONDON. Oleum sulphuratum Adeps praeparata Tamarindi pulpa Balsamum Tolutanum S) rupus Tolutanus Toi'iiientilloe radix Amylum Mucilago amyli Farina Cerevisiae fermentum Cataplasma fermenti Tussilago Valerianae radix Tinctura Valerianae ammoniata Veratri radix Decoctum veratri Vinum veratri Unguentum veratri VARIOUS. Balsamum sulphuris Axungia Balsamum de carthagena Syrupus balsaraicus Tormentilla officinalis. Lond. Trochisci becchici albi Tinctura Valerianae volat. 3 a © a 3 5 o* 09 EDINBURGH. Veratrum album; tinctura Veronica beccabunga Vinum album Ilispauum Viola odorata; flos syrurus Vitis vinifera; fructus siccatus Ulmus campeslris Wintera aromatica Zincum oxidum unguentum impuru n praeparatum unguentum carbonas impurus praeparatus ceratum sulphas solutio acetitis solutio DUBLIN. Beccabunga Viola s)rrupus Uvae passae sole siccatae Ulmus decoctum Zincum Oxvdum zinci Tutia unguentum Unguentum tutiae Calaminaris Lapis calaminaris praeparatus unguentum Sulphas zinci Tinctura acetatis zinci LONDON. Vinum (Sherry) Uvae passae Ulroi cortex Decoctum ulmi Zincum Zinci oxydum Unffuentum zinci Calamina praeparata Ceratum calaminae Zinci sulphas VARIOU*. Viola martialis VVinteranus cortex Flores zinci Cadmia fossilis Ceratum epnloticum Sal vitrioli; Calcanthum album Aqua vitriolica 0> CO CO 3 ©» a o a 5 Abte.—The ai tides in italics in the first column are the scientific names of articles not in the Edinburgh Pharmacopceia. TABLE OF NAMES CHANGED IN THE LAST EDITION LONDON PHARMACOPCEIA. .\ames Changed. JYew Names. A. Acetum sciiuucum jEthiops mineralis Aqua aluminosa bateana calcis simplex cinnamomi simplex spirituosa fortis hordeata juniperi composita menthae piperitidis simplex spirituosa vulgaris simplex spirituosa nucis moschatae piperis Jamaicensis pulegii simplex spirituosa raphani composita rosarum damascenarum sapphirina seminum anethi anisi composita carui vitriolica camphorata Argenti vivi purificatio Axungiae porcinae curatio Acetum scillae Hydrargyrus cum sulphure Aqua aluminis composita calcis cinnamomi Spiritus cinnamomi Acidum nitrosum dilutum Decoctum hordei Spiritus juniperi compositus Aqua menthae piperitidis Spiritus menthae piperitidis Aqua menthae sativae Spiritus menthae sativae nuclei fructus myristicae sive nucis moschatae Aqua pimento pulegii Spiritus pulegii raphani compositus Aqua rosae cupri ammoniati anethi Spiritus anisi compositus carui _. Aqua zinci vitriolati cum cam- phora Hydrargyri purificatio Adipis suillffl prjeparatio 4S 690 Materia Medica. Names changed. New Names. B. Balsamum sulphuris barbadense simplex traumaticum C. Calx antimonii Cataplasma e cymino Causticum antimoniale commune fortius lunare Ceratum album citrinum epuloticum Chalybis rubigo praeparata Cinnabaris factitia Coagv-lum aluminosum Confectio cardiaca Cornu cervi calcinatio D. Decoctum album commune pro clystere corticis peruviani pectorale E. Electuarium lenitivum Elixir aloes myrrhae compositum paregoricum Emplastrum ex ammoniaco cum mercuric Emplastrum attrahens cephalicum commune adhaesivum communecum gum- mi commune cum mer- curio e cymino roborans e sapone stomachicum vesicatorium Emulsio communis Petroleum sulphuratum Oleum sulphuratum Tinctura benzoes composita Antimonium calcinatum Cataplasma cumini Antimonium muriatum Calx cum kali puro Argentum nitratum Ceratum spermatis ceti resinae flavae lapidis calaminaris Ferri rubigo Hydrargyrus sulphuratus ruber Cataplasma aluminis Confectio aromatica Cornu cervi ustio Decoctum cornu cervi pro enemate cinchonae sive corticis peruviani hordei compositum Electuarium sennae Tinctura aloes composita sabinae composita opii camphorata Emplastrum ammoniaci cum hy- drargyro Emplastrum cerae compositum picis burgundicae compositum lithargyri cum resina lithargyri composi- tum lithargyri cum hy- drargyro cumini thuris compositum saponis ladani compositum cantharidis Lac amygdalae Table of Names changed. 691 Names changed. Extractum catharticum ligni campechensis corticis peruviani thebaicum sive opium colatum New Names. Extractum colocynthidis com- positum haematoxyli sive ligni campechiani cinchonae sive eorticis peruviani Opium purificatum Flores benzoini martiales Fotus communis Hiera picra H. I. Infusum amarum simplex sennae communis Julepum e camphora e creta e moscho L. Linimentum album saponaceum volatile Lixivium saponarium tartari M. Mel aegyptiacum rosaceum Mercurius calcinatus corrosivus sublimatus ruber dulcis sublimatus emeticus flavus praecipitatus albus N. Nitrum vitriolatum O. Oleum petrolei barbadensis terebinthinae aethereum Opium colatum Oxymel scilliticum simplex Flores benzoes Ferrum ammoniacale Decoctum pro fomento Pulvis aloes cum canella Infusum gentianae compositum sennae tartarisatum Mistura camphorata cretacea moschata Unguentum spermatis ceti Linimentum saponis ammoniae Aqua kali puri kali praeparati Oxymel aeruginis Mel rosae Hydrargyrus calcinatus muriattis nitratus ruber Calomelas Hydrargyrus vitriolatus Calx hydrargyri alba Kali vitriolatum Oleum petrolei terebinthinae rectificatum Opium purificatum Oxymel scillae Mel acetatum 692 Materia Medica. Names changed. P. Philonium Londinense Pilulae aromatics ecphracticae gummosae rufi Pulvis e bolo compositus cum opio e cerussa compositus e chelis cancrorum com- positus sternutatorius R. Rob baccarum sambuci S. Saccharum saturni Sal absimhii catharticus amarus glauberi diureticus martis tartari vitrioli volatilis salis ammoniaci Species aromaticae Spiritus cornu cervi lavendulae simplex nitri dulcis glauberi salis ammoniaci salis ammoniaci dulcis salis marini glauberi vinosus camphoratus vitrioli dulcis volatilis aromaticus fcetidus Succi scorbutici Syrupus ex althaea e corticibus aurantiorum balsamicus e meconio rosarum solutivus T. Tabellae cardialgicae Tartarum emeticum solubile New Names. Confectio opiata Pulvis aloeticus cum guaiaco aloes cum ferro Pilulae Galbani compositae aloes cum myrrha Pulvis oretae compositus cum opi cerussae cancri chelarum composi- tus asari compositus Succus baccae sambuci spissatus Cerussa acetata Kali praeparatum Magnesia vitriolata Natron vitriolatum Kali acetatum Ferrum vitriolatum Kali praeparatum Zincum vitriolatum Ammonia praeparata Pulvis aromaticus Liquor volatilis cornu cervi Spiritus lavendulae aetheris nitrosi Acidum nitrosum Aqua ammoniae Spiritus ammoniae Acidum muriaticum Spiritus camphoratus aetheris vitriolici ammoniae compositus foetidus Succus cochleariae compositus Syrupus althaeae corticis aurantii tolutanus papaveris albi rosae Trochisci cretae Antimonium tartarisatuna Kali tartarisatum Table of Names changed. 693 Names changed. New Names. Tartarum vitriolatum Tinctura amara aromatica corticis peruviani sim- plex corticis peruviani vola- tilis foetida florum martialium guaiacina volatilis japonica martis in spiritu salis melampodii rhabarbari spirituosa vinosa rosarum sacra stomachica thebaica Valerianae volatilis Trochisci bechici albi nigri Kali vitriolatum Tinctura gentianae composita cinnamomi composita cinchonae sive corticis peruviani cinchonae, sive corticis ' peruviani ammoniata assae foetidae ferri ammoniacalis guaiaci catechu ferri muriati hellebori nigri rhabarbari Vinum rhabarbari Infusum rosae Vinum aloes Tinctura cardamomi composita opii Valerianae ammoniata Trochisci amyli glycyrrhizae Vrinum antimoniale chalybeatum Unguentum album basilicum flavum caeruleum fortius mitius e gummi elemi e mercurio praecipi- tato saturninum simplex ad vesicatoria Vinum antimonii ferri Unguentum cerae resinae flavae hydrargyri fortius mitius elemi compositum calcis hydrargyri al- bae cerussae acetatae adipis suillae cantharidis TABLE OF NAMES CHANGED, AND OF SOME SYNONIMES, IN the last edition of the EDINBURGH PHARMACOPCEIA. Names changed New Names. A. Absinthium Acetosa Acetum vini Acidum vitriolicum vitrioli aromaticum iErugo .ffither vitriolicus ^Lthiops mineralis Agaricus Alkali causticum fixum fossile vegetabile volatile Alumen ustum Ammonia muriata praeparata Amygdala dulcis Angelica sativa Anisum Antimonium calcareo-phosphora- tum muriatum tartarisatum Aqua ammoniae acetatae causticae cupri vitriolati composita, vel aqua styptica lixiviae causticae zinci vitriolati AFabicum gummi Argentum nitratum Arsenicum Artemisia absinthium Rumex acetosa Acidum acetosum sulphuricum aromaticum Sub-Acetis cupri iLther sulphuricus Sulphuretum hydrargyri nigrum Boletus igniarius Potassa Carbonas sodae potassae impurus ammoniae Sulphas aluminae exsiccatus Murias ammoniae Carbonas ammoniae Amygdalus communis Angelica Archangelica Pimpinella anisum Sulphuretum antimonii Oxydum antimonii cum phos- phate calcis Murias antimonii Tartris antimonii Aqua carbonatis ammoniae acetitis ammoniae ammoniae Solutio sulphatis cupri composita Aqua potassae Solutio sulphatis zinci Gummi mimosae niloticae Nitras argenti Oxydum arsenici Table of Names Changed. 695 Names changed. New Names. Assa foetida Aurantium Hispalense B. Balsamum Canadense Copaibae Gileadense Peruvianum Tolutanum traumaticum Bardana Barilla Barytes Belladonna Benzoinum Bistorta Borax Buiyrum antimonii C. Cajeputa Calamus aromaticus Calomelas Calx viva Cancrorum lapilli Cantharis Cardamomum minus Carduus benedictus Carica Carvi Caryophylla aromatica rubra Cascarilla Cassia fistularis lignea Catechu Causiicum commune acerrimum mitius lunare Centaurium minus Cerussa acetata Chamaemelum Cicuta Cinnubaris factitia Cinara hortensis Cineres clavellati Cinnamomum Cocci nella Colocvnthis Gummi-resina ferulae assae foetidae Guru's aurantium Resina pini balsameae copaiferae officinalis amyridis Gileadensis Balsamum myroxyli peruiferi toluiferae balsami Tinctura benzoes composita Arctium lappa Carbonas sodae impurus barytae Atropa belladonna Balsamum styracis benzoes Polygonum bistorta Boras sodae Murias antimonii Melaleuca leucadendron Acorus calamus Sub-murias Hydrargyri ' Calx Carbonas calcis praeparatus Meloe vesicatorius Amomum repens Centaurea benedicta Fructus ficus caricae Carum carvi Caryophyllus aromaticus Dianthus caryophyllus Croton eleutheria Cassia fistula Laurus cassia Extractum mimosae catechu m Potassa cum calce Nitras argenti Gentiana centaurium Oxydum plumbi album Acetis plumbi Anthemis nobilis Conium maculatum Sulphuretum hydrargyri rubrilm Cinara Scolymus Carbonas potassae impurus Laurus cinnamomum Coccus cacti Cucumis colocynthis 696 Materia Medica Names Changed. New Names. Confectio Japonica Contrayerva Cortex peruvianus Creta alba Crocus antimonii > metallorum ) Crystalli tartari Cucumis agrestis Cuprum ammoniacum vitriolatum Cynosbatos D. Daucus sylvestris Decoctum chamaemeli vel com- mune lignorum Dens leonis Electuarium catechu Dorstenia contrayerva Cortex cinchonae officinalis Carbonas calcis Oxydum antimonii cum sulphure per nitratem potassae Super-Tartris potassae Fructus recens momordicae elate- rii Ammoniaretum cupri Sulphas cupri Fructus recens rosae canitiae Daucus carota Decoctum anthemidis nobilis guaiaci officinalis com- positum Leontodon taraxacum Elaterium Electuarium lenitivum Elixir paregoricum sacrum salutis stomachicum Emplastrum adhaesivum cereum lithargyri vel com- mune lithargyri composi- tum vel roborans vesicatorium Emulsio communis F. Ferri rubigo squamae purificatae praeparatae Ferrum ammoniatum vitriolafum ustum Filix mas Flores martiales sulphuris zinci Foeniculum dulce Succus spissatus momordicae ela- terii Electuarium cassiae sennae Tinctura opii ammoniata rhei cum aloe cassiae sennae composita gentianae composita Emplastrum resinosum simplex oxydi plumbi semi- vitrei oxydi ferri rubri meloes vesicatorii Emulsio amygdalae communis Carbonas ferri Ferri oxydum nigrum purificat. praeparat. Murias ammoniae et ferri Sulphas ferri Oxydum ferri rubrum Poly podium filix mas Murias ammoniae et ferri Sulphur sublimatum Oxydum zinci Anethum fceniculum Table of Names changed. 697 Names changed. New Names. G. Galbanum Genista Granata malus H. Helleborus albus Hepar sulphuris Hippocastanum Hydrargyrus acetatus muriatus corrosivus mitis praecipita- tus nitratus ruber praecipitat. cinereus sulphuratus niger vitriolatus flavus Gummi-resina bubonis galbani Spartiu^i scoparium Punica granatum Veratrum album Sulphuretum potassae iEsculus hippocastanum Acetis hydrargyri Murias hydrargyri Sub-murias hydragyri praecipitatus Oxydum hydrargyri rubrum per acidum nitricum Oxydum hydrargyri cinereum Sulphuretum hydrargyri nigrum Sub-sulphas hydrargyri flavus Infusum amarum rosarum J. Jalapa L. Lapis calaminaris Lavendula Laudanum liquidum Lignum Campechense Limon Linimentum anodynum vel opia- turn aquae calcis saponaceum volatile Lithargyrus Lixivia acetata e tartaro purificata tartarisata vitriolata sulphurea Lixivium causticum Infusum gentianae luteae compo- situm rosae Gallicae Convolvulus jalapa Carbonas zinci impurus Lavandula spica Tinctura opii Lignum Haematoxyli Campechi- ani Fructus citri medicae Tinctura saponis cum opio Oleum lini cum calce Tinctura saponis Oleum ammoniatum Oxydum plumbi semivitreum Acetis potassae Carbonas potassae purissimus Carbonas potassae Tartris potassae Sulphas potassae cum sulphure Aqua potassae 4T 698 Materia Medica. Names changed. New J\ames. M. Magnesia alba usta vitriolata Majorana Manna Mastiche Melampodium Mercurius praecipitatus ruber sublimatus corrosivus Mezereum Minium Muria Carbonas magnesiae Magnesia Sulphas magnesiae Origanum majorana Succus concreius fraxini orni Resina pistachiae lentisci Helleborus niger Hydrargyrus Oxydum hydrargyri rubrum Murias hydrargyri Daphne mezereum Oxydum plumbi rubrum Murias sodae N. Nasturtium aquaticum Nitrum Nux moschata O. Olea stillatitia Oleum succini rectificatum terebinthinae rectificatum Olibanum Oliva Sysimbrium nasturtium Nitras potassae Nucleus fructus myristicae mos- chatae Olea volatilia Oleum succini purissimum terebinthinae volatile pu- rissimum Gummi resina juniperi Olea Europaea Palma Petroleum Barbadense Petroselinum Pilulae cupri thebaicae Pimento vel piper Jaroaicensis Piper lndicum Pix Buigundica Plumbum ustum Potio cretacea Prunus Gallica Pulegium Pulvis antimonialis cretaceus Doveri Pyrtthrum Cocos butyracea Bitumen petroleum Apium petroselinum Pilulae ammoniareti cupri opiatae Myrtus pimenta Capsicum annuum Resina pini abietis Oxydum plumbi semivitreum Potio carbonatis calcis Prunus domestica Mentha pulegium Oxydum antimonii cum phosphat calcis Pulvis carbonatis calcis composi- tus ipecacuanhae et opii Anthemis pyrethrum Table of Names changed. 699 Names changed. R. Raphanus rusticanus Resina alba Rhabarbarum Rosa pallida rubra Rubigo ferri praeparata S. Sabina Saccharum saturni Sal alkalinus fixus fossilis vegetabilis ammoniacus catharticus amarus cornu cervi Glauberi marinus Hispanus polychrestus , RupeUensis succini tartari Sanguis draconis Santalunv rubrum Santonicum Sarsaparilla Sassafras Scammonium Seneka Senna Serpentaria Virginiana Simarouba Sinapi album Soda muriata phosphorata tartarisata vitriolata Spiritus aetheris vitriolici ammoniae aromaticus fcetidus cornu cervi Mindereri vinosus rectificatus tenuior camphoratui New Names. Cochlearia armoracia Resina pini Rheum palmatum Rosa centifolia Gallica Carbonas ferri prseparatus Juniperus sabina Acetis plumbi Carbonas sodae potassae Murias ammoniae Sulphas magnesiae Carbonas ammoniae Sulphas sodae Murias sodae Sulphas potassae cum sulphure Tartris potassae et sodae Acidum succinicum Carbonas potassae purissimus Resina pterocarpi dracosis Pterocarpus santalinus Artemisia santonicum Smilax sarsaparilla Laurus sassafras Gummi-resina convolvuli scam- moniae Polygala senega Cassia senna Aristolochia serpentaria Quassia simaruba Sinapis alba Carbonas sodae Murias sodae Phosphas sodae Tartris potassae et sodae Sulphas sodae jEther sulphuricus cum alcohole Alcohol ammoniatum aromaticum foetidum Aqua carbonatis ammoniae acetitis ammoniae Alcohol dilutum Tinctura camphorae 700 Materia Medica. Names changed. New Names. Staphisagria Stramonium Sulphur antimonii praecipitat auratum antimonii Syrupus balsamicus vel Toluta- nus papaveris albi Delphinium staphisagria Datura stramonium Sulphuretum antimonii praecipi- tatum Syrupus toluiferae balsami papaveris somniferi Taraxacum Tartarus crudus Tartari crystalli Tartarum solubile vitriolatum Tartarus emeticus Terebinthina Veneta Terra Japonica Tinctura aloes vitriolata aromatica ferri cantharidum Japonica rhei amara Tolutana sacra Toxicodendron Tragacantha Trifolium Trochisci Arabici Turpethum minerale Tutia U. Unguentum album vel cerussse seruginis coeruleum citrinum epispasticum fortius mitius saturninum tutiae Uva passa ursi Leontodon taraxacum Super-Tartris potassae impurus potassx Tartris potassae Sulphas potassae Tartris antimonii Resina pini laricis Extractum mimosae catechu Tinctura aloes ae'herea lauri cinnamomicompo- sita muriatis ferri meloes vesicatorii mimosae catechu rhei cum gentiana toluiferae baUami Vinum aloes socotorinae Rhus toxicodendron Gumh.i astragali tragacanthae Menyanthes trifoliata Trochisci gummosi Sub-sulphas hydrargyri flavus Oxydum zinci impurum Unguentum oxydi plumbi albi sub-Acetitis cupri hydrargyri nitratis hydrargyri pulveris meloes ve- sicatorii infusi meloes vesi- catorii acetitis plumbi oxydi zinci impuri Fructus siccatus vitis viniferi Arbutus uva ursi V. Valeriana sylvestris Vinum amarum Valeriana officinalis Vinum gentianae compositum Table of Names changed, &c. 701 Names changed. New Names. Vinum antimoniale Vitriolium album cceruleum viride Vitrum antimonii ceratum Vinum tartritis antimonii Sulphas zinci cupri ferri Oxydum antimonii cum sulphure vitrificatum antimonii vitrificatum cum cera W. Winteranus cortex Cortex Winterae aromaticae Zincum ustum vitriolatum Zingiber Oxydum zinci Sulphas zinci Amomum zingiber Note.__(Edin.) In these Indexes of changed names, fearing lest they might become too long, and satisfied if every possible error might be avoided, we have only introduced those simples of winch we have changed the principal and common names, called in natural history Generic Names; such as anethum fceniculum for foenicu- lum, Anthemis nobilis for Chamaemelum, Gentiana centaureum for Centaurium minus; but we have omitted all those simples, whose former geneiic names remain, and to which we have only added their specific or trivial names, such as Digitalis purpurea, Rheum palmatum, Papaver somniferum. For the same reason, we have thought it sufficient to introduce into these Indexes the changed name of every simple, having gene- rally omitted the titles of the preparations and compositions which are formed of them. Thus, we have mentioned that Laurus cinnamomum is to be used in place of cinnamomum; but we have omitted the Aqua, Spiritus, and Tinctura Lauri Cinnamomi, trusting that their new names cannot be a source of doubt or error to any person. ENGLISH INDEX. A Page Page ABSORPTION xxxviii Alkali, volatile 39 Abstraction xxxiv Alkalies SI Acetated kali 454 Alkanet 61 Acetat of iron 254 Alloys xxxviii of quicksilver 279 Almond 57 Acetite of lead 43T emulsion or mixture 356 of potass 454 oil 389 Acetous acid, distilled 7 Aloes 35. impure 6 Barbadoes 36 strong 9 hepatic 36 camphorated 12 socotorine 35 Acetous fermentation xlv caballine 36 Acidification xlii Alum 539. Acids 1 burnt 541 solubility of cvii curd 157 with simple bases 4 purified 541 with compound bases 5 root 270 ternary 5 Amalgams xxxviii quarternary 5 Amber 532 Aconite 13 prepared 142 Adipocere 416 Ammonia 39. Adopters xxxii prepared 45 iLthiops mineral 293 Ammoniac 51 Affinity xcvii Ammoniacal copper 206 tables of xcvii Ammoniac, gum 51 laws of 2 purified 53 Agaric, female 135 Ammoniuret of copper 206 Agrimony 18 Ammoniated alcohol 44 Albumen 413 alcohol aromatic 523 Alcohol 18.21 Ammoniated copper 206 diluted 30 iron 252 Alder, black 462 oil 400 Alkali 31 Angelica 63 fixed mineral 507 tree 98 fossil, purified -509 Angustura 64 704 English Index. Page Animal oil 399 Anise - 425 Anodyne liquor of Hoffmann 24 Antimonial powder 81 wine 623 Antimoniated tartar 82 sulphur, brown 75 orange 77 Antimony 67 calcined by nitre 86 prepared 72 Apparatus xix Arabic emulsion 356 Areometer xv Aromatic ammoniat. alcohol 629 confection 223 powder 468 sulphuric ether with alcohol 581 sulphur;c acid 582 Arrow root, Indian 338 Arsenic 1°5 Arsenous acid 107. 109 Arseniat HO of kali 109 Arsenite of potass 109 Artichoke 208 Asarabacca 116 Asphaltum 134 Aspen 443 Assa fcetida 254 purified 53 Atmospheric air 385 Avens, common, 262 Avoirdupois weight xlviii Azotic gas 385 B Balaustine 473 Balm 345 Balsam 126 of Canada 426 of Copaiva 195 ofGilead 61 of Peru 373 of Tolu 585 Barberry 131 Barbadoes tar 134 Barilla 507 Barium 126 Barks Barley Barm Barras Baryta Bay-tree Beams Bears-foot Bear-berry Beaver Beech-drops Beluga Benne Benzoates Benzoic acid Benzoin Birch Bismuth Bistort Bitter apple principle sweet Bitumen Blazing-star Blessed thistle Blistering-fly Blood-root Blue scull-cap Bole, French Boracic acid Borats Borax Brimstone Broad-leaved moorwort Brooklime Broom, common rape, Virginia Buckthorn, purging Burdock Butterfly-weed Burgundy pitch Butternut-walnut Cabbage-tree bark Cajeput Calamine prepared Calcined antimony magnesia xii 273 162 427 126 321 xiii 270 98 155 403 12 503 530 530 529 131 132 442 200 200 516 134 620 158 345 495 501 62 532 532 531 542 62 619 518 403 486 99 117 426 309 261 344 631 632 86 English Index. 705 Pa^e Calcined quicksilver 290 zinc 630 Calico-tree 312 Calomel 282 Calx of antimony, precipitat . 80 of zinc 630 Camphor 319 liniment, compound 583 Camphorated acetous acid 12 emulsion or mixture 356 liniment 583 oil 401 spirit 565 Camphorates 320 Camphoric acid 320 Canella 146 Cancer-root 403 Caraway 152 Carbon 147 Carbonat 150 of ammonia 45 of baryta 126 of iron ^ 249 precipitated 250 of lime 140 prepared 142 of magnesia 334 of potass 451 pure 452 impure 450 of soda 509 dried 509 impure S07 of zinc, impure 631 prepared 632 Carbonats 150 Carbonic acid 148 acid gas 148 oxyd gas 148 Cardamom, lesser 56 Cardinal flower, blue 332 Carrot 211 Cascarilla 199 Cassia bark 316 pods 152 Castor 155 oil 485 Catalogue of new articles 636 Cataplasm of yeast 157 of alum 157 of mustard 157 4 Page Catechu 352 Caustic, common, strongest 448 lunar 101 Cayenne pepper 146 Centaury, smaller 166 Cerated glass of antimony 74 Cerate of acetat.Utharge,com .596 calamine 596 of cantharides 595 epulotic 596 of impure carbon, of zinc 596 of savine 597 of soap 597 of spermaceti 598 of super-acetat of lead 596 of yellow resin 597 simple 598 Cerusse 436 Chamomile 66 Chalk 140 potion or mixture 359 powder 469 precipitated 143 prepared 142 Charcoal 149 Charring • xxviii Chemical operations XXVI signs cxxxi explanation of table of cxxxiii Cherry-tree, wild 464 laurel 463 Chesnut, horse 17 Chian turpentine 432 China, pride of 344 Chlorine gas 370 Christopher, the herb 15 Cinchona bark 167 Caribaean 178 Cinchonin 171 Cinnabar, factitious 295 Cinnamon 316 Circulation xxxi Cistus, Cretan 179 Citrats 183 Citric acid 183 Clarification xix Clematis 183 Clit-bur 99 Clove gillyflower 218 Clove-tree 227 u 706 English Index. Page Page Clyster, purging 360 Crowfoot, celery-leaved 479 Coagulation XXXV Crucibles xxvii Coal, incombustible 148 Crystallization xl Cochineal 184 Crystals of tartar 548. 624 Cockspur pepper 146 Cucumber root 339 Coffee 186 wild 360 Cohobation xxxiv Cumin 201 Collection of simples xi Custard apple 66 Colomba 188 Cusseena 152 Colophony 430 Correspondence between En- Coloquintida 200 glish and foreign weights Colouring fermentation xlv and measures liii Colt's foot 591 Columbo of Marietta 256 D Combination XXXV Damson, bitter 475 of caloric exxxiv Dandelion 323 Combustion xlii Decantation xvii Compounds exxxiv Decoction xxxviii. 211 of oxygen 3 of barley 215 Concentration xxix compound 215 Condensation xxx of cabbage tree bark 214 Confections 222 of chamomile 212 Congelation XXXV of cinchona 213 Conserves 191 of elm 217 Conserve of orange peel 191 foxglove 214 of hips 191 of*guaiacum, compound 215 of red rose-buds 191 of hartshorn 213. 359 of sea wormwood 191 Iceland moss 216 Consolidation xxxviii of marshmallows 211 Contrayerva 221 of mezereon 214 Copaiva tree 195 of Peruvian bark 213 Copper 201 of quince seed 364 Copperas 247 of sarsaparilla 216 Coral, prepared 142 compound 217 Coriander 196 of seneka 216 Corn rose 406 for fomentation 212 Corrosive sublimate 280 for glysters 212 Cowitch 221 Decomposition Xxxviii Cow parsnip, common 270 Decrepitation xxix Crab 145 Deflagration xlii Crab's claws 145 Deliquescence xxxvii prepared 142 Dephlegmation xxxiv eyes 142 Despumation xix prepared 142 Devil's bit 620 stones 145 Diamond 147 prepared 142 Digestion xxxvii Craw-fish 145 Division, mechanical XV Cream of tartar 548 Dill 62 Cresses, water 505 Disoxygenizement xliii Crocus 197 Dissolution xxxviii of antimony 72 Distillation xxx English Index. 707 Distilled waters Dock, narrow curled Dogwood Dover's powder Dragon's blood Drying of herbs and flowers xii E Edulcoration xxxvii Effervescence xxxviii Efflorescence xxxvii Egg 412 shells, prepared 142 Elaterium 3.60 Elder, common 494 rob 537 Elecampane 307 Electuaries and Confections 222 Electuary, aromatic 223 of cassia 223 of catechu 224 compound 224 lenitive 224 opiate 225 of scammony 225 of senna 224 thebaic 225 Elemi 60 Eleutheria 199 Elixir of health 566 of vitriol 582 Elm, common 591 red 592 Elutriation xvii Empyreumatic oils 397 Emulsions 355 Emulsion, almond 356 Arabic 356 camphorated 356 of assa foetida 357 of gum ammoniac 357 Epsom salt 336 Ergot 501 Eryngo 226 water -*-*0 Ether 22 Euphorbia, officinal 232 Evergreen cassine 152 Evaporation XX1X rage 92 Expression xviii 489 Exsiccation xxix 489 of simples xii 196 Extracts and resins 233 470 Extract of aloes 235 465 of cascarilla, resinous 241 of catechu 352 of chamomile 236 of cinchona 236. 239 resinous 240 of colocynth 236 comp. 237. 240 of dandelion 239 of gentian 237 of hops 238 of jalap 239. 240 resinous 241 of lead 439 of liquorice 237.264 of logwood 237 of opium, watery 238 purified 241 of poppy 238 of Peruvian bark 236 hard 236 soft 236 resinous, of red P. bark 241 of rhubarb 240 of sarsaparilla 238 of spruce 4S0 valerian 239 Extraction xxxvii of pulps 538 Extractive 27 Fat 16 Fennel, sweet 63 Fennel water 97 Fenugreek 586 Fermentation xliv Fern, male 443 sweet 328 Fetid enema 360 Fibrin 587 Fig 255 Fig-wort 500 Filings of iron, purified 249 Filtration xvii Fir 426 708 English Index. Page I'.^e Fixed oils 388 Goats thorn 119 Flax, common 327 Granulation xvi purging 327 Grapes 624 Flour 586 Groats 125 Flowers xii Ground holly 474 F lowers of benzoin 530 Guaiac , 265 of sulphur, washed 544 mixture 359 of zinc 630 Gum resins 243 Fluids, specific gravity of xc Gum, sweet 328 Flux-root 117 Arabic 353 Fluxes xxvi mimosa 353 Fly, Spanish 345 tragacanth 119 Fowl, dunghill 412 troches 590 Fox-glove 218 resins 35 Frankincense, common 426 Frigorific mixtures xcv H Fruits xiii Hamilton's apparatus cxxx Fuel xxiii Hartshorn 164 Fumitory, common 260 Hartshorn, burnt 164 Furnaces xxiv Heat xxiii. xc Fusion xxvi Hellebore, black 269 watery xxix white 616 G Hemlock 189 Galbanum 135 Hepatrzed ammonia 50 purified 135 Henbane, common 298 Galipot 487 Herb-bennet 262 Gallats 478 Herbs xii Gallic acid 478 Heps 487 Galls 477 Hive syrup 343 Galvanic circles cxii Hog 16 Gamboge 525 Hog's lard 16 Garget 416 prepared 594 Garlic 32 Honey 339 Gaseous oxyd of carbon 148 acetated 341 Gases, specific gravities clarified 341 of lxxxviii of borax 341 Gelatin 13 of squills 342 Gentian 261 of roses 342 Geranium, spotted 262 Hop 273 Germander, wall 561 Holly, ground 474 German leopard's bane 104 Horehound, white 339 Ginger 54 wild 231 Ginger, wild 116 Horse chesnut 17 Ginseng 406 radish 186 Glass of antimony 73 Hydrogen 87 Glauber's salt 515 Hydroguret of nitrogen 39 Gold 122 Hydrometer, Baume's Ixxxix Golden rod 517 Hydro-nitrous acid 386 thread 378 Hydro-nitric acid 386 Goats-rue, Virginia 260 Hydro-sulphuret of ammonia 50 English Index. 709 Hyper-oxygenized muriats 370 muriatic acid 370 Hyssop 30() hedge 264 I Iceland moss 324 Incineration xxix Incombustible coal 148 Indian turnip 115 pink snake root 518 physic 519 Indigo weed 517 Inflammation xlii Infusion xxxvii. 300 of angustura 302 of catechu 304 of cinchona 302 of cascarilla 302 of chamomile 301 of columbo 301 of cloves 301 of foxglove 303 of gentian, compound 303 of horseradish, comp. 301 of linseed 303 of mint, compound 303 of orange-peel, comp. 301 of quassia 304 of rhubarb 304 of roses 305 of valerian 307 of senna, simple 305 tartarized 306 of simarouba 306 of tamarinds with senna 306 of tobacco 306 Inspissation xxix Ipecacuan 159.519 bastard 588 Iron 244 filings 246 purified 249 scales of 247 purified 249 wire 244 mixture of, compound 357 Isinglass 12 J James-town weed 209 Jalap 194 Page Japonic confection 224 infusion 304 Jelly 13 Juices, expressed 534 Juice of scurvy grass comp. 536 Juices, inspissated 536 Juice of black currant 537 of deadly nightshade 537 of elder-berries 537 of hemlock 537 of henbane 537 of lemon 537 of poisonous lettuce 537 of thorn-apple 537 of wild cucumber 537 of wolfsbane 536 Juniper 310 K Kali, pure 448 caustic with lime 450 Kermes mineral 75 Kino 312 L Ladanum 179 Ladies' smock 151 Larch 426 Lard 16 prepared 594 Laudanum, liquid 576 Laurel, broad-leaved 312 Lavender 323 Lead 434 Leather wood 221 Leaves xii Leeches 271 Leek 34 Lemon 181 Lenitive electuary 224 Leopard's bane, German 104 Lettuce, strong-scented 315 garden 315 Levigation xvi Ley, caustic 445 mild 450 Lily, white 326 Lime 138 water 139 compound 140 Liniment, anodyne 579 of ammonia 400 710 English Index. Page Page Liniment, simple 595 Mastich 433 Linseed 327 Syrian herb 560 oil 390 Materia medica ix with lime 400 May apple 440 Liquefaction xxvi Measures xiv. Ii Liquidamber, maple-leaved 328 Mechanical operations of Liquor of acetated litharge, pharmacy xi compound 440 Melasses 490 of ammoniated copper 204 Mercury 274 of ammonia 41 Metals 350 of mercury 595 Mezereon 208 of sulphuret of antimony 51 Mi llipeds, prepared 402 of turpentine 595 Mill mountain 327 of volatile alkali 46 Mineral waters 88 volatile, of hartshorn 47 Miraculous plant 228 Liquorice 263 Mixture, mechanical xix List of substances in foreign Mixtures, frigorific xcv Pharmacopoeias exxxvi Monk's hood 13 of animals cxlvii Moose wood 221 Linn, genera of plants cxlviii Motherwort 324 of D. Jussieu's system clii Mountain tea 260 of mineral substances civ Mucilage of gum Arabic 363 Litharge 437 tragacanth 363 Liver of sulphur 459 of starch 362 Lixiviation xxxvii Mulberry 361 Logwood 268 Muriats 364 Lobelia 329 Muriat 364 Loose-strife 333 of ammonia 40 Lunar caustic 101 of do. and iron 252 Lutes xxi of antimony • 78 ofbiryta 127 M •f quicksilver 280 Mace 371 of soda 513 Maceration xxxvii dried 514 Mackaw tree 187 Muriated antimony 78 Madder 488 quicksilver corrosive 280 Magnesia 334 Muriatic acid 364 alba 334 diluted 366 calcined 334 gas S65 Mahogany 549 Musk 361 Mallow 337 artificial 399 Mandrake 440 mixture 358 Manganese 337 Mustard 504 Manna 257 Mutton suet « 16 Marble 141 prepared 594 Marjoram, sweet 403 Mutual decomposition c common 402 Myrrh 374 Marshmallow 39 Marsh rosemary 527 N Marsh-trefoil 350 Naphtha 134 English Index. 711 Page Page Nightshade, American 416 Oil of olives 387 deadly 120 of orange-peel 180 woody 516 of origanum 395 Nitrats 378 of pennyroyal 395 Nitrat 378 of pepermint 395 of potass 378 of petroleum 398 of silver 101 of pimento 395 Nitre 378 of rosemary 395 purified 379 of rue 395 Nitric acid 380 of sassafras 395 diluted 383 of savin 395 oxyd gas 385 of spearmint 395 Nitrogen 385 of turpentine S96. 426 Nitrous acid 380 rectified diluted 383 of vitriol 545 ethereal liquor 28 of wine 23 oxyd gas 385 animal 399 Nitrous ether 26 fixed 388 Nitrous gas 385 rock 134 Nit. muriat. oxyd of antimony 79 • volatile 390.394 Nitrites 380 empyreumatic 397 Nitrogen 385 Oily ethereal liquor 24 Nooth's apparatus cxxix grain 503 Nutgalls 477 preparations 400 Nutmeg 371 Ointments 593. 606 Ointment of acetated ceruse 606 O of acetat of lead 606 k 476 black pepper 613 Jerusalem 477 blue 609 oriental 477 of elemi, compound 609 ts 125 elder 614 1 of almonds 389 epispastic, stronger 608 of amber 533 milder 608 rectified 398 of grey oxyd of quick- purified 398 silver 610 of aniseed 395 of hog's lard 606 of cajeput 344 of infusion of cantharides 608 of caraway 395 mercurial, milder 610 of castor 390 stronger 609 of chamomile 395 of nitrat of quicksilver 611 of cloves 227 milder 612 of fennel-seeds 395 of nitric oxyd of quick- of hartshorn rectified 399 silver 511 of juniper berries 395 of nitrous acid 606 of lavender 395 of oxyd of zinc 613 of lemon-peel 181 impure 613 of linseed 390 of powder of Span- of mace 371 ish flies 608 of mustard 390 ammoniated sub-muriat of nutmeg 371 of quicksilver 610 . 615 712 English Index. Page Ointment of red oxyd of quicksilver resinous saturnine savine of Spanish flies of spermaceti of sub-acelite of copper 614 of sub-nitrat of quick- silver of sulphur of tar of tutty of wax of white precipitated quicksilver of white hellebore of white oxyd of lead of yellow resin simple white yellow Olibanum Olive Onion Operations, chemical mechanical Opiate powder Opium purified Opoponax Orange Orange-peel water Orris, Florentine Ox Oxalic acid Oxalats Oxyd Oxyd of antimony of antimony, with phos- phat of lime of antimony, with sulph. by nitrat ofpotass 72 of do. with do. vitrified 73 of do. vitrified with wax 74 of arsenic 106 of hydrogen 87 of iron, black, purified 249 red 251 of lead, white 436 red 436 semivitrified 437 611 614 606 614 608 607 611 615 613 613 607 610 609 612 614 60? 612 611 311 387 34 xxvi xiii 471 407 241 412 180 96 308 16 404 404 404 80 81 Ft.gc Oxyd of phosphorus 414 of quicksilver, ash-co- loured 287 red by nitric acid 291 of sulphur 542 of zinc 630 impure 630 of zinc, impure, prep. 631 Oxydizement xlii Oxygen 1 Oxygenized muriats 369 muriatic acid 369 gas 369 Oxygenizement xii. 2 Oxymel, simple 341 of meadow saffron 342 squills 342 verdigris 343 Oxymuriat of quicksilver 280 Oxymuriatic alkaline water 368 water 368 Oyster 403 shells prepared 142 P Paint, Indian 495 Palm oil 187 Palma christi 485 Panary fermentation xlv Papaw 66 Paregoric elixir 576 .584 Pareira brava 178 Parsley 87 Parsnip, common cow 270 procumbent water 505 Pearl ashes 450 barley 273 Pellitory of Spain 67 Peppermint 349 Penny royal 350 Pennsylvani mountain lau- rel 485 Pepper, black 431 Cayenne 146 cockspur 146 Jamaica 375 long 431 Persimmon 220 Peruvian bark 167 Petroleum 134 Pharmaceutical operations xi Pharmacy, elements of xi English Index. 713 Pharmaceutical calendar cxxxv Philadelphia flea-bane 226 Physic, Indian 519 Phosphat of lime 164 of mercury 297 of soda 511 Phosphoric acid 414 Phosphorus 413 Phosphureted hydrogen gas 414 Pills • " 417 of aloe.s 418 compound 419 and assa foetida 419 with colocynth 419 and ginger 418 and myrrh 420 of arsenic with opium 420 of ammoniuret of copper 422 of ass. foetida, comp. 420 of galbanum, compound 421 of gamboge, compound 421 of iron, compound 422 of mercury 422 sub-mur. comp. 423 of myrrh, compound 42 i opiate 424 squill, compound 423 of rhubarb, compound 425 of soap with opium 424 storax 424 Thebaic 424 Pimento 375 Pink, Carolina 518 ground 504 Pippsiseva 474 Pitch, Burgundy 426 black 426 mineral 134 Plasters 598 adhesive 604 antihysteric 599 aromatic 599 blistering 602 catetacient 599 common 603 cumin 600 of galbanum 600 compound 600 gum 600 4 Page Plaster, of ladanum, comp. 601 li.harge plaster 603 litharge, compound 602 do. with resin 604 do. quicksilver 602 resinous 604 saponaceous 605 soap 605 of wax 605 compound 599 of assa fcetida 599 of Burg, pitch, comp. 6O4 of frankincense, comp. 605 of gum animon. with quicksilver 598 of litharge, compound 602 of quicksilver 602 of red oxyd of iron 603 of semiviirified oxyd of lead 603 simple 605 of Spanish flies 602 compound 603 Plantain 433 Plates, explanation of exxiv Platina 433 Pleurisy root 117 Plum 463 Plumbago 148- 2^4 Pneumatic apparatus. xxxiii Poke 416 Poison berry tree 344 oak 485 Polypody 443 Pomegranate 473 Poplar 328 Poppy, red 406 white 407 Potass 444 with lime 450 Potato-fly 347 wild 195 Potashes 450 Powders 466 Powder of aloes, with canella 467 guaiac 467 with iron 467 aromatic 468 of asarabacca, comp. 468 of carbonat of lime, com. 469 X 714 English Index. Page Cage Powder of chalk 469 Receiver xxxii of chalk, compound 469 Rectification xxxiv with opium, com- Reduction xliii pound 469 of ounce measures to of ceruse, compound 469 to cubical inches liii of contrayerva, comp. 469 Red precipitate 291 of ipecacuan and opium 470 willow 197 compound 470 cedar 312 of jalap, compound 470 Resins 430 of'kino, • ompound 471 Resin, yellow 243 of myrrh, compound 471 Retorts xxxii of quicksilver, ash co- Rhododendron 484 loured 287 Rhubarb 480 of scammony 471 Rochelle- salt 516 with aloes 472 Rock oil 134 with calomel 472 Roots xi of senna, compound 472 Rose, damask 487 of sponge, burnt 524 dog 487 of sulphat of alumina 473 red 486 of tin 527 Rosemary 487 of tragacanth, compound 473 Rosin 426 of yellow bladderwrack 525 Rue 489 Precipitation xxxix Rust of iron 249 Preservation of simples XI Rye, spurred 501 Prickly ash 98 Proof spirit 30 S Prunes 463 Saccharine fermentation xliv Prussiats 59 Sacred tincture 620 Prussic acid 58 elixir 578 Puccoon 495 Saffron, common or English 197 Pulps, extraction of 587 meadow 188 Pulverization XV Sagapenum 491 Putrefactive fermentation xlv Sage 494 Purging clyster .360 Indian 317 Salop 402 Q St. John's wort, common 376 Quassia Quicklime 475 Sai ammoniac 40 138 pG.lychrest 459 Quicksilver 274 Salifiable t>ases, solubility of cvii calcined 290 Sallow, round-leaved, 492 purified 278 Salt of steel 247 with chalk 289 of tartar 452 white precipitated 286 Salts, solubility of cvii Quicksilver with magnesia 289 specific gravity of Jxxxix with sulphur 293 Sanicle. American 270 Quince 474 Sapphire water 204 Sarsaparilla 506 R Sassafras 322 Raisins 624 Saunders wood, red 465 Rattlesnake root 441 Savin 311 English Index. 715 U«n1 ~- Page Scales . xiii of iron, purified 249 Scammony 192 Scunk cabbage 113 Scurvy-grass, garden 185 Sea salt 513 Sebacic acid 17 Sebats 17 Seeds xiii Seneka 441 Senna 153 Separation, mechanical xvii Septfoil 585 Sheep 16 Sifting xvii Signs, chemical cxxxi of quantity xlvii Silver 100 leaf 100 Simples, collection of xi Simarouba 475 Sinapism 157 Slaters 402 Sloe 464 Snake-root, Virginian 103 Snake weed 442 Soaps 497 Soda 31.506 carbonat of 510 impure 507 Solubility, table of cvii Soluble tartar 461 Solutions of salts Ixxxix Solution xxxvi of potash 445 of acetat of ammonia 49 of acetite of zinc 634 of subcarbonat of potass 453 of muriat of baryta 130 of muriat of lime 143 of oxymuriat of quick- silver 282 of sulphat of zinc 633 of sulphat of copper, compound 206 of super-carbonat of potass 454 of super-carbonat of soda 510 Sorrel 489 Page Swedish weights and mea- sures lxi Sorrel wood 4.03 Soot of wood 259 South-sea tea 152 Southern wood 111 Spanish fly 345 Spar, ponderous 127 Spearmint 349 Specific gravity xvi. Ixii Spermaceti 415 Spirit of ammonia 44 aromatic 523 fetid 522 succinated 523 of aniseed, 520 of aniseed, compound 521 of carraway 520 of cinnamon 520 of horse-radish, comp. 522 of juniper, compound 522 of lavender 521 compound 574 of mindererus 49 of nitrous ether 28 of nutmeg 520 of pennyroyal 520 of peppermint 520 of pimento 520 of rosemary 520 of spearmint 520 of sulphuric ether 23 compound 24 of wine 30 rectified 18 Spirits, distilled 519 Sponge 524 burnt 524 Spontaneous evaporation xxxvii Sprouts xii Spurge 231 Spurge-laurel 208 Squill 499 dried 500 Starch of wheat 59,586 Stavesacre g17 St. John's wort 299 Steel 244 Sterlet jo 716 English Index. Stomachic elixir Storax purified Sturgeon Styptic powder water Sub-acetite of copper Sub-borat of soda Sub-carbonat of »oda Fage 571 528 529 12 473 206 203 531 509 dried 509 Sub-muriat of quicksilver 282 precipitated 284 sublimed 282 of do. ammoniated 286 Sub-sulphat of quicksilver, yellow 292 Sublimation xxxiv Succinats 534 Succinic acid 533 Suet 16 prepared 594 Sugar 490 cane 490 double refined 490 raw 490 of lead 437 Sulphat 539 of alumina, dried 541 of baryta 127 of copper 205 of iron 247 dried 248 of magnesia 336 ofpotass 436 with sulphur 459 of soda 515 of zinc 632 Sulphites 546 Sulphur 542 brown antimoniated 75 of antimony, precipitated 75 precipitated 544 sublimed 543 sublimed, washed 544 Sulphureted kali 459 oil 401 petroleum 401 vegetable alkali 459 quicksilver, black 293 red 295 Page Sulphureted hydrogen gas 543 phosphorus 415 Sulphurets 543 Sulphuret of antimony 68 prepared 72 of iron 50 of kali 461 ofpotass 459 of quicksilver, black 293 Sulphuric acid 545 diluted 547 aromatic 582 ether 22 with alcohol 23 do. aromatic 581 Sulphurous acid gas 542 Super-sulphat of potass 458 Super-sulphat of alumina and potass 539 Super-tartrat of potass 548 impure 548 Sweet flag 15 Sweet spirit of nitre 28 vitriol 23 Swietenia, febrifuge 549 Syrup of acetous acid 551 of balsam of Tolu 557 of black currants 553 of buckthorn 556 of clove July flower 554 of colchicum 553 of garlic 551 of ginger 552 of lemons 553 of manna 555 of marshmallows 551 of mulberry 553 of opium 555 of orange-peel 552 of poppies, red 556 white 555 of raspberries 553 of roses, damask 557 red 556 of saffron 554 of squills 557 of senna 558 of Tolu 557 of vinegar 551 of violets 558 English Index. 717 Page Syrup, simple 551 hive 343 Tables of simple affinities xcvii of effects of heat xcii of therm, deg. of chemi- cal phenomena xcii of frigorific mixtures xcv of decomposition c of galvanic circles cxii of weights and measures xlvii of specific gravities Ixii of solubilities cvii of absorption of gases ex of proportions of antimo- ny, opium and quick- silver, contained in some compound medi- cines 638 of incompatible salts ci of saturation cii of composition civ of composition of some organic bodies cxxiii of precipitates cvi of temperatures cvii of effervescence cxi of deliquescence cxi of electrical systems cxiii of chemical signs exxxiii of the contents of differ- ent wines and spiritu- ous liquors 625 of synonimes of medi- cine 661 of names changed in the last edition of the Lon- don Pharmacopoeia 689 of specific gravit. of mix- tures of alcohol and water 31 of specific gravities of dif- ferent substances lxii of relative attraction at the lowest temperature of visible ignition c posologicaland prosodial 642 Tables of weight of ultimate particles or atoms of bodies xciv for converting ounces, drams, and grains troy into decimals of the troy pound xlvii for converting decimals of the troy pound into troy ounces, drams, and grains xlviii for converting avoirdu- pois ounces into deci- mals of the avoirdu- pois pound xlviii for converting decimals of the avoirdupois pound into avoirdu- pois ounces and deci- mals xlviii for convert, troy pounds into their equivalent avoirdupois pounds xlix expressing the relative weight in avoirdupois of various weights troy xlix for converting avoirdu- pois pounds into their equivalent troy pounds 1 expressing the relative value in troy weight of various weights avoir- dupois 1 for converting wine pints of water into their equi- valent troy and avoir- dupois pounds Iii for converting cubic in- ches of water (at 60° Fahr. and 29.5 Bar.) into their equivalents in troy weight Iii for converting the ounce measure used by Dr. Priestley to cubical inches liii showing the comparison between English and French weights lvii 718 English Index. Page Tables expressing the value of Tartaric acid I'age 548 French feet and inches Tartrats 548 in English measure Iviii Tartrite of antimony 82 showing the relative value ofpotass 461 of the old and new of potass and soda 516 French weights and Thebaic electuary 225 measures in round tincture 576 numbers Jx Thermometers xc showing the comparison Thistle, blessed 158 between grammes and Thoroughwort 229 troy, French, and Nu- Thorn-apple 209 remberg apothecary Tin 526 grains lx Tinctures 561 for reducing Baume's hy- of acetated iron 570 drometer to the com- with alcohol 570 mon standard Ixxxix of aloes 562 of high degrees of heat, ethereal 581 according the correc- compound 562 tion of Wedgewood's and myrrh 562 scale by Guyton Mor- of acetat of zinc 635 veau xciv of ammoniacal iron 570 showing the maximum of angustura 564 quantity of oxygen of assa foetida 564 taken up by different of balsam of Peru 565 substances ciii of balsam of Tolu 579 of the specific heats of of benzoin, compound 565 equal weights of some of camphor 565 bodies compared with of cantharides 574 wafer ciii of cardamom 563 of the solubility of fats ex compound 563 of the solubility of fixed of cascarilla 565 fluid oils ex of castor 566 of efflorescent salts cxi compound 583 of deliquescent salts cxi of catechu 575 of chemical equivalents exxi of cinchona 567 Tallow 16 compound 567 prepared 594 ammoniated 584 Tamarind 559 of cinnamon 573 Tannin 478 compound 573 Tansy 560 of colomba 568 Tar 426 of foxglove 568 Tar-water 431 of galbanum 571 Tar, Barbadoes 134 of galls 571 mineral 134 of ginger 580 Tartar 548. 624 of gentian, compound 571 emetic 82 of guaiac 571 Tartarized antimony 82 ammoniat. 584 iron 252 of hellebore, black 572 kali 461 white 580 Tartarized vegetable alkali 461 of henbane 572 English Index. 719 Page Page Tincture of hops 572 Turnsole 326 of jalap 568 Turpentines 427 of kino 573 Turpentine, chian 432 of lavender, compound 574 oil of 426 of muriat of iron 659 baked 489 of musk 575 Venice 426 of myrrh 575 Turpeth mineral 292 of opium 576 Tutty 630 camphorated 576 prepared 631 ammoniated 584 Tulip tree 328 of orange-peel 564 quassia 577 U of Peruvian bark 567 Urats 447 compound 567 Urea 447 of rhubarb 577 Uric acid 447 bitter 578 Ustulation xxviii compound 577 with aloes 578 V with gentian 578 Valerian, wild 616 of roses 305 Vaporization xxviii of saffron 568 Verdegris 203 of savin, compound 578 prepared 204 of senna, compound 566 Vessels xix tartarised 306 Verjuice 624 of snake-root 564 Vine 624 of soap 579 Vinegar 6.624 with opium 579 distilled 7 of socotorine aloes 562 medicated 10 of Spanish flies 574 aromatic 10 of squills 579 of meadow saffron 11 tamarinds and senna 306 of squills 11 of valerian 580 Vinous fermentation xlv ammoniated 585 Violet, sweet 623 Tobacco 376 Virginia winterberry 462 Indian 329 snake-root 103 Tooth-ach tree 98. 628 goatsrue 260 Tragacanth 119 Vitrification xxiv Trituration xvi Vitrified antimony 73 Troches 588 Vitrif. oxyd of ant. with wax 74 of carbonat of lime 589 Vitriol, blue 205 of chalk 589 green 247 of liquorice 589 white 632 compound with opium 589 589 Vitriolated iron tartar 247 456 633 545 547 22 23 '39 of magnesia 590 of nitrat of potass 591 of nitre 591 of sulphur 590 Troy weight xiv. xlvu Turmeric zinc Vitriolic acid diluted ether ethereal liquor Volatile alkali 720 English Index. Page Volatile liniment 400. 583 oils 390. 394 empyreumatic 397 W Wake-robin 114 Walnut 309 white 309 Water 87 of alum compound 634 distilled 92. 96 of acetated ammonia 49 litharge 439 of acetat of ammonia 49 of aerated iron 251 ofanimonia, 46 of ammonia, caustic 41 of ammoniated copper 204 of caraway 97 of carbon, of ammon. 46 of cassia 97 of cinnamon 97 of dill seed 97 of fennel 97 of fixed air 141 of lemon-peel 97 of orange-peel 96 ofpennyroyal 97 of peppermint 97 of pimento 97 of roses 97 styptic 206 of spearmint 97 of supercarbon. of soda 510 of vit. zinc with camph. 634 Water flag 308 Waterdock 488 Watery fusion xxix WTax 162 yellow 162 purified 594 white 163 Weights xiv. xlvii apothecaries xlvii avoirdupois xlxix troy xlvii Cologne lx Nuremberg lx Weights and Measures used Page in France before the Revolution lvi Wheat 586 Whortleberry 98 Wild succory 166 Willow-strife 333 Willow, crack 49S red 197 broad-leaved 493 white 492 Wine 625 aloetic 620 of antimoniated tartar 623 bitter 621 chalybeate 621 of gentian, compound 621 ipecacuanha 622 of iron 621 ironated 621 of opium 622* of rhubarb 622 of socotorine aloes 620 of tartarized antimony 623 of tartrat of antimony 623 oftobacco 622 Wines, medicated 620 Winter's bark 626 Witch-hazel 268 Wolfsbane 13 Wood-soot 259 Wood, white 328 Woods xii Wood-sorrel 403 Worm-seed 112. 165 Wormwood, common 112 sea 111 Woulfe's apparatus xxxiii. cxxvii Yaupon—Yopon 152 Yeast 162 Yellow bladderwrack 259 Yellow-root 298 parsley-leaved 627 Z Zedoary, long 55 Zinc 629 LATIN INDEX. ABROTANUM Absinthium maritimum Aceta medicata Acetas ferri hydrargyri kali Acetis plumbi potassae Acetum aromaticum colchici destillatum scillae maritimae scillae vini Acidum acetosum camphoratum destillatum forte impurum benzoicum muriaticum dilutum oxy-muriaiicum nitricum dilutum nitrosum dilutum succini sulphuricum aromaticum dilutum vitriolicum dilutum Acipenser Aconitum napellus neomontanum Acorus calamus Actea spicata Page Page 111 Adeps 16 111 bo vis tauri 16 10 ovis arietis 16 254 sus scrofae 16 279 suillus 16 454 praeparatus 594 437 Mrugo 203 454 praeparata 204 6 iEscuhis hippocastanum 17 10 pavia 17 11 ^Either sulphuricus 22 7 cum alcohole 23 11 aromat. 581 11 vitriolicus 22 6 nitrosus 26 6 .flLthiops mineralis 293 12 Ag'*ricus 135 7 Agrimonia eupatoria 18 9 Alcohol 18 21 6 ammoniatum 44 530 aromaticum 523 364 fcetidum 522 366 dilutum 30 369 Alkali vegetable sulphilrat. 459 380 tartarisatum 461 383 volatile 39 380 Allium cepa 34 383 porrum 34 533 sativum 32 545 Aloe perfoliata 35 582 Althaea officinalis 39 547 Alumen 539 545 Aluminis, purificatio 541 547 ustum 541 12 Ammonia 39 13 praeparata 45 13 Ammoniaretum cupri 206 15 Amomum cardomomum 56 15 repens 56 4 Y J 22 Latin Index. Page f'age Amomum zedoaria 55 Aqua lauri cinnamomi 97 zingiber 54 lithargyri acetati 439 Ammoniacum 51 composita 440 purificatum 53 menthae piperitae 97 Amygdalae 57 pulegii 97 Amygdalus communis 57 sativae 97 Amylum 59, , 587 picis liquida 430 Amyris elemifera 60 pimentae 97 Zeylanica 60 potassae 445 Gileadensis 61 pulegii 97 Anchusa tinctoria 61 rosae centifoliae 97 Andromeda mariana 62 sappharina 2041 Anethum graveolens 62 styptica 206 fceniculum 63 super-carbonat. potass, 454 Angelica archangelica 63 sodae 510 Angustura 64 zinci vitr. cum camph. 634 Annona triloba 66 Aquae destillatae 92 Anthemis nobilis 66 Aralia spinosa 98 pyrethrum 67 nudicaulis 98 Antimonii oxydum 80 Arbutus uva ursi 98 Antimonium 67 Arctium lappa 99 calcinatum 86 Argentum 100 muriatum 78 nitras 101 praeparatum 72 Aristolochia serpentaria 103 tartarisatum 82 sip ho 104 vitrificatum 74 Arnica montana 104 Apis mellifica 339 Arsenicum 105 Apium petroselinum 87 Arsenias kali 109 Aqua 87 Artemisia abrotanum 111 aeris fixi 141 absinthium 112 acetitis ammoniae 49 maritima 111 alcalina oxymuriatica 368 santonica 112 oxymuriatica 368 Arum maculatum 114 aluminis composita 634 Americanum 113 ammoniae 41 tryphylium 115 acetatis 49 Assa fcetida 254 caustics 41 Asarum Europaeum 116 anethi 97 canadense 116 carui 97 Asclepias decumbens 117 calcis 139 Asphaltum 134 composita 140 Astragalus tragacantha 119 carbonatis ammoniae 46 Atropa belladonna 120 cinnamomi 97 Aurantium Hispalense 181 citri aurantii 96 Aurum 122 citri medicae 97 Avena sativa 125 cupri ammoniati 204 destillata 96 B ferri aerati 251 Balaustia 473 fceniculi dulcis 97 Balsamum 126 lauri cassiae 97 Canadense 426 Latin Index. 723 Page Copaiva 195 Carbonas potassae impurus Gileadense 61 purissimus styracis benzoini 529 sodae officinalis 528 siccatum Tolutanum 585 impurus traumaticum 565 zinci impurus Bardana 99 praeparatus Barilla 507 Cardamine pratensis Barium 126 Cardamomum minus Baryta 126 Carpo-balsamum Beccabunga 619 Carum carui Belladonna 120 Carui Benzoin um 530 Caryophylla aromaticus Berberis vulgaris 131 Cascarilla Betula alba 131 Cassena Bismuthum 132 Cassia fistula Bitumen petroleum 134 marilandica Boletus igniarius 135 senna Boras sodae 531 Castor fiber Borax 531 Castoreum Bos taurus 16 Cataplasmata Bubon galbanum 135 Cataplasma aluminis Butea frondosa 136 fermenti sinapis C Catechu Calamus aromaticus 15 Causticum com. acerrimum Calculi cancrorum 145 lunare Calomelas 282 Centaurea benedicta Calx 138 Centaureum minus stibii praecipitata 80 Cepa viva 138 Cephaelis ipecacuanha zinci 630 Cera flava Camphora 319 purif. Cancer astacus 145 alba pagurus 145 Cerata Canella alba 146 Ceratum cantharidis Cantharides 345 carbonatis zinci impuri Capsicum annuum 146 epuloticum Carbo 147 lapidis calaminae Carbo ligni Carbonas 149 lithargyri acetati 150 plumbi super-acet. ammoniae 45 compositum barytae calcis 126 140 resinae flavse sabinae praeparatus 142 saponis ferri 249 simplex praecipitatus praeparatus 250 249 spermatis ceti Cerevisae fermentum . 334 Cerussa magnesiae potassae 45 1 Cervus elaphus Page 450 452 509 509 507 631 632 151 56 61 152 152 227 199 152 152 155 153 155 155 156 157 157 157 352 448 101 158 166 34 159 162 594 163 595 595 596 596 596 596 596 596 597 597 597 598 598 162 436 164 724 Latin Index. Page Page Chamaemelum 66 Cortex Peruvianus 167 Chelae cancrorum 145 Cremor tartari 548 praeparatae 142 Crocus antimonii 72 Chenopodium anthelminti- sativus 197 cum 165 Croton eleutherk 199 Chironia angularis 166 Creta 140 centaureum 166 praecipitata 143 Cicuta 156 praeparata 142 Cinchona 167 Crystalli tartari 548 Cinchona Caribaea 178 Cucumis colocynthis 200 Cineres clavellati 450 Cuminum cyminum 201 Cinnabaris factitia 295 Cuprum 201 Cinnamomum 316 ammoniacum 206 Cissampelos pareira 178 ammoniatum 206 Cistus Creticus 179 Curcuma 207 Citrus aurantium 180 Curcuma longa 207 medica 181 Cynara scolymus 208 Clematis crispa 183 Cyniphis nidus 477 viorna 183 Cleome dodecandra 184 D Coagulum aluminosum 157 Daphne mezereum 208 Coccinella 184 Datura stramonium 209 Coccus cacti 184 Daucus carota 211 Cochlearia armoracia 186 Decocta 211 officinalis 185 Decoctum althaeae officinalis 211 Cocos hutyracea 187 anthemidis nobilis 212 Cofl'ea 186 chamaemeli 212 Colchicum autumnale 188 cinchonae officinalis 213 Colocynthis 200 cornu cervi 213 Colomba 188 cornu cervini 359 Confectio aromatica 223 cydoniae 364 aurantiorum 225 corticis Peruviani 213 Japonica 224 guaiaci officinalis com- opii 225 positum 215 Conium maculatum 189 daphnes mezerei 214 Conserva 191 digitalis 214 absinthii mftritimi 191 Geoffraeae inermis 214 citri aurantii 191 hordei distichi 215 aurantii Hispalensis 191 compositum 215 rosae 225 lichensis Islandici 216 caninae 191 lignorum 215 rubrae 191 polygalae senegae 216 Contrayerva 221 pro enemate 212 Convolvulus panduratus 195 pro fomento 212 jalapa 194 sarsaparillae 216 scammonia 192 compositum 217 Copaifera officinalis 195 smilacis sarsaparillae 216 Coriandrum sativum 196 ulmi 217 Corn us fluid a 196 Delphinium staphisagria 217 sericea 197 Dianthus caryophyllus 218 Cortex angusturae 64 Digitalis purpurea 218 Latin Index. 725 Page 220 221 221 221 516 222 Diospyros Virginiana Dirca palustris Dolichos pruriens Dorstenia contrayerva Dulcamara Dracontium pertusum E Elaterium 360 Electuaria et confectiones 222 Electuarium aromaticum 223 cassiae fistulae 223 sennae 224 catechu 224 Electuarium catechu compo- situm 224 lenitivum 224 opiatum 225 sennae 224 scammonii 225 Thebaicum 225 Elemi 60 Elixir paregoricum 576. 584 sacrum 578 salutis 566 stomachicum 571 vitrioli 582 lichensis islandici 216 Emplastra 598 Emplastrum adhaesivum 604 ammoniaci cum hydrar. 598 antihystericum 599 aromaticum 599 assae foetidae 599 calefaciens 599 cantharidis 602 cerae 599 compositum . 599 cereum 605 commune 603 cumini 600 galbani 600 compositum 600 gummosum 600 hydrargyri 601 ladani compositum 601 lithargyri 603 compositum 602 cum hydrargyro 602 cum resina 604 Page Emplas. meloes vesicatorii 602 compositum 603 oxydi ferri rubri 603 plumbi semivitrei 603 picis Burgundicae 604 compositum 604 resinosum 604 roborans 603 saponaceum 605 saponis 605 simplex 605 thuris compositum 605 vesicatorium 602 Emulsio amygdalae com- munis 356 Arabica 356 camphorata 356 Enema catharticum 360 foetidum 360 Enula campana 307 Erigeron Philadelphicum 226 Eryngium maritimum 226 aquaticum 226 Eugenia earyophyllata 227 Eupatorium perfoliatum 229 pilosum 231 aya-payna 228 Euphorbia ipecacuanha 231 officinarum 232 Extracta et resina 233 Extractum aloes 235 anthemidis 236 cascarillae resinosum 241 rubFa resinosum 241 cinchonae 236 officinalis 239 resinosum 240 colocynthidis 236 comp. 237. 240 convolvuli jalapae 239 gentianae 237 glycyrrhizae 237 glabrae 264 gratiola 265 haematoxyli 237 humuli 238 jalapae 240 resinosum 241 mimosae catechu 352 opii aquosum 238 726 Latin Index. Page Page Extractum opium purif. 241 Gummi Arabicum 353 papaveris 238 astragali tragacanthae 119 pini 430 mimosae niloticae 353 rhei 240 tragacantha 119 sarsaparillae 238 resina aloes perfoliatae 35 saturni 439 ammoniaci 51 taraxaci 239 bubonis galbani 135 Valerianae 239 con vol v. sc amnion i. 192 ferulae assae foetidae 254 F gambogiae 525 Fecula 537 guaiaci officinalis 265 Ferri limaturae 246 juniperi lyciae 311 limatura purificatae 249 kino 312 oxydum nigrum puri- myrrhae 374 ficatum 249 sagapeni 491 xydi squamae 247 rubl-o 249 H Ferrum 244 Haematoxylon Campech. 268 ammoniatum 252 Hamamelis Virginiana 268 tartarisatum 252 Helleborus fcetidus 270 Ferula assa fcetida 254 albus 616 Ficus carica 255 niger 269 Filix mas 443 Hepar sulphuris 459 Flores benzoes 530 Heracleum sphondylium 270 sulphuris loti 544 Heuchera Americana 270 zinci 630 Hippocastanum 17 Fceniculum dulce 63 Hirudo medicinalis 271 Foenum Graecum 586 Hordeum distichon 273 Frasera Caroliniensis 256 Humulus lupulus 273 Fraxinus ornus 257 Hydrargyri submurias 282 Fucus vesiculosis 259 oxydi rubrum 290 Fuligo ligni combusti 259 nitrico-oxydum 291 Fumaria officinalis 260 Hydrargyrum 274 cum creta 289 G -■;:■' cum magnesia 289 Gaultheria p'rocum.bens 260 muriat. praecip. album 286 Galbanum 135 purificatum 278 Galega Virginiaha 260 sulphuretum nigrum 293 Gallae 477 rubrum 295 Gambogia 525 Hydrargyrus oxymurias 280 gutta 525 Hydrastis canadensis 298 Garcinia gambogia 525 Hydro-sulphuretum ammo- Gentiana lutea 261 niae ■-: 50 Geoffraea inermis 261 Hyosciamus niger 298 Geranium maculatum 262 Hypericum perioratum 299 Geum urbanum 262 Hyssopus officinalis 300 Ginseng 406 Glycyrrhiza glabra 263 I Gratiola officinalis 264 Ichthyoeolla 12 Guaiacum officinale 264 Ilex vomitoria 152 Gummi resinae 243 Infusum anthemidis 301 Latin Index. 727 Infusum armoraciae comp. aurantii comp. calumbae caryophyllorum cascarillae cuspariae cinchonae officinalis digitalis purpureas gentianae comp. Japonicum lini menthae compositum mimosae catechu quassiae rhei palmati rosx sennae simplex tartarisatum simaroubae tabaci tamarindi cum senna Valerianae Inula fielenium Ipecacuanha Iris Florentina pseudacorus Jalapa Juglans regia cinerea JunipeTus communis lycia sabina Virginiana K Kalmia latifolia Kali causticum cum calce sulphuratum tartarisatum Kermes mineralis Kino Lac ammoniaci amygdalae assae foetidae Lactuca virosa sativa Pa Page 301 Ladanum 179 301 Lapilli cancroi*um 142 301 Lapis calaminaris 631 301 praeparatus 632 302 Laudanum liquidum 576 302 Laurus camphora 319 302 cassia 318 303 cinnamomum 316 303 nobilis 321 304 sassafras Lavandula spica 322 303 323 303 Leonarus cardiaca 324 304 Leontodon taraxacum 323 304 Lichen Islandicus 324 304 rocella 226 305 Lilium candidum 326 305 Limaturae ferri 246 306 purificatae 249 306 Limon 181 306 Linimentum ammoniae 400 306 anodynum 579 307 aqua calcis 400 307 camphorae compositum 583 159 hydrargyri 595 308 saponaceum 579 308 saponis compositum 579 simplex 595 terebinthinae 595 309 volatile 400 583 309 Linum catharticum 327 309 usitatissimum 327 310 Liriodendron tulipifera 328 311 Liquidambar asplcnifolium 328 311 styraciflua 328 812 Liquor aethereus oleosus 24 ammoniae acetatis 49 sulphuricus 23 312 cupri ammoniati 204 450 Hoffmanni anodynus 24 459 hydrargyri oxymuriatis 282 461 lithargyri acetati 439 75 compositus 440 312 potassae subcarbonatis 453 sulphureti ammoniae 51 sulphurati kali 461 357 volatilis cornu cervini 47 356 Ltth argy rum 437 357 Lixivium causticum 445 315 Lobelia syphilitica 325 inflata 329 728 Latin Index. Lupulus Lytt<* vesicatoria vittata Lythrum salicaria M Macis Magnesia alba Magnesia usta vitriolata Mahagoni Majorana Malva sylvestris Manganesium Manna Maranta aurandinacea Marrubium vulgare Mastiche Medeola Virginiana Mel acetatum boracis despumatum rosae Melaleuca leucadendron cajeputi Melia azedarach Melissa officinalis Meloe vesicatorius Mentha piperita pulegium sativa viridis Menyanthes trifoliata Metalla Mercurius praecipitat. ruber sublimatus corrosivus phosphoratus Mezereon Millepedae praeparata Mimosa catechu Nilotica Minium Mistura camphorata amygdalarum arabica cretae moschi Page 273 345 347 333 371 334 334 334 336 549 403 337 O Of oo/ 257 a e\ Q OOO 339 433 339 339 841 341 341 342 344 344 344 345 345 349 350 349 349 350 350 291 280 297 208 402 402 352 353 436 356 356 356 359 358 Mistura ferri composita guaiaci cornu usti Momordica elaterium Morus nigra Moschus artificialis moschi ferus Mucilago amyli Arabaci gummi astragali tragacanthae mimosae niloticae Murias Murias ammoniae et ferri antimonii barytae hydrargyri sodae exsiccatus Myristica moschata Myroxylon Peruiferum Myrrha Myrtus pimento N Naphtha Nasturtium aquaticum Nicotiana tabacum Nigella Nitras argenti potassae Nitrogen Nitrum purificatum Nux moschata Page 357 359 359 360 361 361 399 361 362 363 363 363 864 40 252 78 127 280 513 5'4 371 373 374 375 134 505 376 378 378 101 378 385 378 379 371 O Oculi cancrorum praeparati 142 Olea F.uropaea 387 fixa 388 volatilia 390.394 empyreumatica 397 Oleum animale ammoniatum amygdalae communis aethereum cajeputae camphoratum 399 400 389 23 344 401 Latin Index. 729 Oleum coci butyraceae cornu cervini rectificat. lauri nobilis lini cum calce usitatissimi macis palmae petrolei ricini sinapeos succini purissimum rectificatum sulphuratum vini vitrioli terebinthinae rectificatum volatile anisi anthemidis juniperi carui caryoph. aromat. citri aurantii medicae flor. fceniculi dulc. juniperi communis sabinae lauri sassafras lavandulae spicae melaleucae leuca- dendron menthae piperitae sativae myristicae moschat. myrti pimentae volatile origani pini laricis pulegii roris marini officin. rutae sabinae sassafras fceniculi dulci terebinth, purissi- mum 397 Olibanum ODiscus asellus Opium purificatum Page 187 399 321 400 390 371 187 398 390 390 533 398 398- 401 23 545 396 397 395 395 395 395 227 180 181 395 395 395 395 3§5 Opo-balsamum Opoponax Orchis mascula Origanum majorana vulgare Orobanche Virginiana Ostrea edulis Ostrearum testae oraeparatae 142 16 142 412 403 404 Page 61 412 402 403 402 403 403 344 395 395 371 395 395 426 395 S95 395 395 395 395 . 426 311 402 407 241 4 Ovis aries Ovorum testae praeparatae Ovum gallinum Oxalis acetosella Oxydum Oxyd. antim. cum phosph. calc. cum sul. per nit. pot sulph. vitrif. nitro muriaticum vitrificat. cum cera arsenici ferri nigrum purificatum rubrum hydrargyri cinereum 287 rub. per acid, nitric. 291 plumbi album rubrum semivitreum zinci impurum praeparat. Oxymel aeruginis colchici scillae simplex 81 72 73 79 74 106 247 249 251 436 436 437 630 630 631 343 342 342 341 Panax quinquefolium Papaver album er rati cum rhoeas somniferum Pareira brava Pastinaca opoponax Petroleum Barbadense sulphuratum Petroselinum Phasiunus gallus Phosphorus Phosphas calcis z 406 407 406 406 407 178 412 134 401 87 412 413 164 730 Latin Index. Page Pag- Phosphas hydrargyri 297 Potassa 444 sodae 511 Potassa cum calce 450 Physeter macrocephalus 415 Potassae supersulphas 458 Phytolacca decandra 416 Potio carbonatis calcis 359 Pilulae aloes compositae 419 cretacea 359 et assa fcetida 419 Praeparatio quorundum, aqua , cum zingibere 418 non solubilium 142 colocynlhide 419 Prinos verticillatus 462 et myrrha 420 Prunus domestica 463 aloetica 418 Gallica 463 amnioniareti cupri 422 lauro cerasus 463 arsenici cum opio 420 spinosa 464 assae icetidae compositae 421 sylvestris 464 galbani compositae 421 Virginiana 464 ferri compositae 422 Pterocarpus santalinus 465 gambogiae compositae 421 draco 465 hydrargyri 422 Pulegium 350 sub-mur. comp. 423 Pulparum extractio 538 myrrhae compositae 421 Pulvis aloes cum canella 467 opiatae 424 aloeticus cum guaiaco 467 rhei compositae 425 ferro 467 scillae compositae 423 antimonialis 81 scilliticae 423 aromaticus 468 saponis cum opio 424 asari comp. 468 e styrace 424 carbonatis calcis comp. 469 Thebaicae 424 cretaceus 469 Pimento 375 cretae compositus 469 Pimpinella anisum 425 cum opio 469 Pinus abies 426 cerussae compositus 469 balsamea 426 contrayervae compositus 469 larix 426 Doveri 470 sylvestris 426 hydrargyri cinereus 287 Piper Indicum 146 ipecacuanhae et opii 470 Ion gum 432 compositus 470 nigrum 431 jalapse compositus 470 Pistacia lentiscus 433 kino compositus 471 terebinthus 432 myrrhae compositus 471 Pisces Branchiostegi 12 opiatus 471 Pix Burgundica 426 quercus marina 525 liquida 426 scammonii 471 Plantago 433 cum aloe 472 Platinum 433 cum calomelane 472 Plumbum 434 sennae compositus 472 Podalyria tinctoria 517 spongiae uslx 524 Podophyllum peltatum 440 stanni 527 Polygala senega 441 stypticus 473 Polygonum bistorta 442 sulphatis aluminae comp ..473 Polypodium filix mas 443 tragacanthae compositU! I 473 Populus tremula 443 Punica granatum 473 Latin Index.' 731 Pyrethrum Page 67 Pyrola umbellata 474, Pyrus cydonia 474 Q Quassia excelsa 475 simaruba 475 Quercus robur 476 cerris 477 R Ranunculus sceleratus 479 Resina alba 426 amyridis Gileadensis 61 copaiferae officinalis 195 flava 243 guaiaci 265 pini abietis 426 balsameae 426 laricis 426 sylvestris • 426 pistaciae lentisci 432 pterocarpi draconis 465 Rhamnus catharticus 480 Rheum palmatum 480 Rhododendron chrysanthum 484 maximum 485 Rhus toxicodendron 485 Ricinus communis 485 Rob sambuci 537 Rosa canina 487 centifolia 487 Gallica 486 rubra 486 Rosmarinus officinalis 487 Rubia tinctorum 488 Rubigo ferri 249 Rumex acetosa 489 aquaticus 488 acutus 489 crispus 489 Ruta graveolens 489 Sabina 385 Saccharum non purificatum 490 officinarum 490 purificatum purissimum rubrum Page Saccharum saturni 437 Sagapenum 491 Sal alkalinus fix. foss. purifi- catum 509 Sal ammoniacus 40 communis 5 13 Glauberi 515 muriaticus 513 polychrestus 459 tartari 452 Salix caprea 492 fragilis 493 latifolia 493 alba 492 Salvia officinalis 494 Sambucus nigra 494 Sanguinaria canadensis 495 Sanguis draconis 465 Santalum rubrum 465 Sapo 497 Sarsaparilla 506 Sassafras 322 ScarnmoDium 192 Scilla marilima 499 exsiccata 500 Scrofularia nodosa 500 Scutellaria lateriflora 501 Secale cornutum 501 Seneka 441 Senna 153 Serpentaria Virginiana 103 Sesanum orientale 503 Sevum bovinum 16 ovillum 16 praeparatum 594 physeteris macrocephali 415 490 490 Silene Virginioa Simaruba Sinapis alba nigra Sisybrium nasturtium Sium nodiflorum Smilax sarsaparilla Soda Sodae sub-carb. exsic. carbonas Solanum dulcamara Solidago virga aurea Solutio acetitis zinci muriatis barytae 504 475 504 504 505 505 506 506 509 510 516 517 634 130 732 Latin Index. ' Page Page Solutio muriatis calcis 143 Styrax officinale 528 Solutio sulphatis cupri comp . 206 purificata 529 zinci 633 Sub-acetis cupri 203 Sophora tinctoria 517 plumbi 436 Spartium scoparium 518 boras sodae 531 Spermaceti 415 murias hydrargyri 282 Spigelia Marilandica 518 amnioi.ialum 286 Spiraea trifoliata 519 praecipitatus 284 Spiritus aetheris nitrosi 28 sulphas hydrarg. flavus 292 sulphurici 23 Succinum 532 compositus 24 Succi ad scorbuticos 536 ammoniae 44 expressi 534 aromaticus 523 spissati 536 fcetidus 522 Succus cochleariae offic. comp (.536 succinatus 523 concretus-fraxini orni 257 armoraciae comp. 522 rhamni cathartici 480 anisi 520 spissatus aconiti napelli 537 anisi compositus 531 atropae belladonnas 537 camphoratus •565 cicutae 537 cari carui 520 conii maculati 537 cinnamomi 520 daturae strammonii 537 juniperi comm. comp. 522 hyosciami nigri 537 lauri cinnamomi 520 lactucae virosae 537 lavandulae spicae 521 limonis 537 compositus 574 momordicae elaterii 537 menthae piperitae 520 papaveris somnifer i407 sativae 520 ribis nigri 537 Mindereri 49 sambuci nigri 537 myristicae moschatae 520 Sulphas 539 myrti pimentae 520 aluminae 539 nucis moschatae 520 exsiccatus 541 pimento 520 barytae 127 pulegii 520 cupri 205 raphani compositus 522 ferri 247 rosmarini 520 exsiccatus 248 rorismarini officinalis 521 magnesiae 336 vinosus camphoratus 565 potassae 456 rectificatus 18 cum sulphure 459 tenuior 30 sodae 515 Spongia officinalis 524 zinci 632 usta 524 Sulphur 542 Squamae ferri 247 Sulphur antimonii praecipital :. 75 purificatae 249 praecipitatum 544 SJalagmitis cambogioides 525 antimoniatum fuscum 75 Stannum 526 rufum 75 Staphisagria 217 sublimatum 543 Statice limonium 527 lotum 544 Stibium 67 Sulphuretum antimonii 68 Strammonium officinale 209 praeparatum 72 Styrax benzoin 529 Sulph. hydrarg. nigrum 294 Latin Index. 733 Sulphuret. hydrarg. rubrum potasse Super-sulphas alum, et pot. tartris potassae impurus Sus scrofa Swietenia febrifuga mahagoni Syrupi Syrupus acidi acetosi allii althaeae officinalis amomi zingiberis balsamicus caryophilli rubri citri aurantii medicae colchici autumnalis communis corticis aurantii croci dianthi caryophilli limonum mannae mori opii papaveris somniferi albi erratici rhamni cathartici rosae Gallicae centifoliae sacchari rubri scillae maritimae compositus sennae simplex succi ribis nigri rubi idaei limonis Toluiferae balsami Tolutanus violae odoratae zingiberis Tamarindus Indica Tanacetum vulgare Tartari crystalli Page Page 295 Tartarus emeticus 82 459 Tartarum • 548 539 ferri 252 548 solubile 461 548 Tartris antimonii 82 16 potassae 461 549 et sodae 516 549 Terebinthina 436 550 Chia 432 551 Veneta 426 551 vulgaris 426 551 Teucrium marum 560 552 chamaedrys 561 557 Tincturae 561 554 Tinctura acetatis zinci 635 552 aconiti 14 553 aloes aetherea 581 553 socotorinae 562 551 et myrrha 562 552 composita 562 554 amomi repentis 563 554 angusturae 564 553 aristolochiae serpentariae 564 555 aromatica 573 553 assae foetidae 564 555 aurantii corticis 564 555 balsami Peruviani 565 555 Tolutani 579 556 benzoes composita 565 556 camphorae 565 557 cantharidum 574 556 cardamomi 563 557 composita 563 490 cascarillae 566 557 cassiae sennae composita 566 343 castorei 566 558 composita 583 551 catechu 575 553 cinchonae ammoniata 584 553 composita 567 553 officinalis 567 557 cinnamomi 573 557 composita 573 558 colombae 568 552 convolvuli jalapae 568 corticis Peruvianae 567 cort. Ptruv. composita 567 559 croci 568 560 digitalis purpureae 568 548 ferri acetati 570 734 Latin Index. Page Page Tinctura ferri cum alcohol 570 Trigonella foenum-graecum 586 ferri ammoniacalis 57Q Triticum aestivum 586 muriati 569 hybernum 586 galbani 571 Triosteum perfoliatum 588 gallarum 571 Trochisci carbonatis calcis 589 gentianae composita 571 cretae 589 guaiaci ' 571 glycyrrhizae glabrae 589 ammoniata 584 cum opio 589 hellebori nigri 572 compositi 589 humuli 572 gummosi 590 hyosciami nigri 572 magnesiae 590 jalapae 568 nitratis potassae 591 Japonica 575 nitri 591 kino 573 sulphuris 590 laura cinnamomi 573 Turpethum minerale 292 composita 573 Tussillago farfara 591 lavandulae composita 574 Tutia 630 meloes vesicatorii 574 praeparata 631 mimosae catechu 575 moschi 575 U myrrhae 575 Ulmus Americana 592 muriatis ferri 569 campestris 591 opii 576 Unguenta 593 .606 camphorata 576 Unguentum acetatis plumbi 606 ammoniata 584 acidi nitrosi 606 quassiae 577 adipis suillae 606 rhabarbari 577 album 612 composita 577 cantharidum 608 rhei amara 578 cerae 607 cum aloe 578 cerussae acetats: 606 gentiana 578 citrinum 611 palmati 577 coeruleum 609 rosarum 305 elemi 609 sabinae composita 578 compositum 609 sacra 620 epispasticum fortius 608 saponis 579 mitius 608 cum opio 579 hellebori albi 609 scillae 579 hydrargyri fortius 609 sennae 566 mitius 610 serpentariae 564 nitrati 611 thebaica 576 nitrico-oxydi 611 Toluiferae balsami 579 praecip. albi 610 Tolutana 579 infusi meloes vesicatorii 608 Valerianae 580 nitratis hydrarg. 611 ammoniata 585 mitius 612 veratri albi 580 oxydi hydrarg. einerei 610 zingiberis 580 rubri 611 Toluifera balsamum 585 oxydi plumbi albi 612 Tormentilla erecta 585 zinci 613 Tragacantha gummi 119 impuri 613 Latin Index. 735 Unguent, picis 613 piperis nigri 613 pulveris meloes vesicat. 608 resin as flavae 614 resinosum 614 sabinae 614 sambuci 614 saturninum 606 simplex 607 spermatis ceti 607 sub-acetitis cupri 614 sub-muriatis hydrargyri ammoiv.ati 610. 615 sub-nitratis hydrargyri 611 sulphuris 6 IS tutiae 613 Uva ursi 98 Uvae passae 624 Valeriana officinalis 616 sylvestris 616 Veratrum album 616 luteum 620 Veronica beccabunga 619 Vina medicata 620 Vinum 625 aloes socotorinae 620 aloes 620 amarum 621 antimoniale 622 antimonii tartarisati . 623 chalybeatum 621 Page Vinum ferratum 621 ferri 621 gentianae compositum 621 ipecacuanhae 622 opii 622 nicotianae tabaci 622 rhei palmati 622 rhabarbari 622 tartari stibiati 623 tartritis antimonii 623 Viola odorata 623 Virga aurea 517 Vitis vinifera 624 Vitriolum album 632 Vitrum antimonii 73 ceratum 74 W Wintera aromatica 626 Winteranus cortex 626 Xylo-balsamum 61 Zanthoxylum clava Herculis 628 Zanthoriza apiifolia 627 tinctoria 627 Zedoaria 54 Zincum 629 calcinatum 630 vitriolatum 633 Zingiber 54 DIRECTIONS FOR THE PLATES. 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