-■■:i'{}S5pwW»;;-l. \.i::::|VS«hr- "" ";:VlvT."'."' A SYSTEM MATERIA MEDICA PHARMACY: INCLUDING TRANSLATIONS OF THE EDINBURGH, LONDON, AND DUBLIN PHARMACOPOEIAS. BY JOHN MURRAY, M. D. FELLOW OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH] THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, &C. LECTURER ON CHEMISTRY, AND ON MATERIA MEDICA AND PHARMACY. .Iftorn tfjt totirtl) & last JStiinirargf) ESittoti. p**r*a. \» WITH NOTES AND ADDITION „• °^ JOHN B. BECK, M. J^^^^J Fellow of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New-Yorh, and one of the Editors of the New-York Medical and Physical Journal. NEW-YORK: PUBLISHED BY EVERT DIJYCKINCK, GEORGE LONG, COLLINS & CO. AND COLLINS & HANNAY. W. E.Dean, Printer, 90 William-street. 1824. Southern District of New-York, ss. ?E it remembered, that on the 10th day of November, in the 48th year of the1 Inde- pendence of the United States of America, W. E. Dean, of the said district, hath depo- sited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, to wit:— "A System of Materia Medica and Pharmacy: including Translations of the Edin- burgh, London, and Dublin Pharmacopoeias—by John Murray, M.D. Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Geological Society of London, &c, Lecturer on Chemistry, and on Materia Medica and Pharmacy; from the fourth and last Edinburgh edition—with notes and additions by John B. Beck, M.D., Fellow of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New-York, and one of the Editors of the New-York Medical and Physical Journal." In conformity to the act of Congress of the United States, 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 time therein mentioned." And also to an act entitled " an act, supplementary to an act, entitled an act for the encourage- ment 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 bene- fits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints." JAMES DILL, Clerk of the Southern District of New-York, * INTRODUCTION. Medical Science, considered as relating to the treatment of dis ease, may be presented under two points of view. Under one, dis- eases are defined and classed; their symptoms are described, their causes investigated, the indications are delivered by which their cure is to be attempted, and the remedies are enumerated by which these indications are to be fulfilled. When this method'is followed, a pre- vious knowledge is supposed of the natural history, and the proper- ties of the substances employed as remedies; and they are no farther subjects of attention, than in so far as regards their applications to particular cases, and the cautions which peculiarity of circumstances may render necessary in their administration. But the subject may also be presented under another aspect. The symptoms of diseases, their causes, and indications of cure, may be supposed to be known, and the remedies themselves become princi- pally the objects of study,—their natural characters, their sensible qualities, their effects on the living system, the theory of their action? and their applications to the treatment of morbid affections, forming so many subjects of description or investigation. This Constitutes the department of Materia Medica,—understood in the most ex- tensive signification of the term. The medicinal powers of natural bodies are connected with their chemical constitution; they often reside, not in the entire matter composing them, but in principles capabe of'being extracted in an insulated state, and which in this state can be employed with peculiar advantages. When given in combination too, these substances are liable to act on each other, and from these mutual actions, to suffer alterations in their properties. Hence arises the necessity of strict attention to their chemical composition ; and a description of their constituent principles, and of their chemical relations, so far as these influence their actions as remedies, belongs to this department of Me- dicine. We are also often able, by chemical combinations, to modi- >v INTRODUCTION. fy the powers of these substances, to give them more activity, and even by the production of new compounds, to obtain remedies which nature does not afford. These are the leading objects of Pharmacy, which is thus evidently subordinate to Materia Medica. Regarding all these objects of inquiry as belonging to one department of Medicine, it includes three general divisions. Under the first may be delivered those principles which are common to Materia Medica and Pharmacy, which embrace the chemical relations of bodies, #nd the changes to which they are liable, so far as is connected with their medicinal operations,—forming what may be named Pharmaceutic Chemistry. Under the second js placed the history of the substan- ces employed as remedies, constituting what is regarded as Materia Medica in the more limited sense attached to the term. And under the third may be considered the processes to which these substances are subjected, with the view of preparing them for administration, forming what is more strictly denominated Pharmacy. On these di- visions is founded the arrangement of this Work. \ PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION, BY THE AUTHOR. This Treatise, on a more limited scale, was originally designed to afford an Outline of the Course of Lectures 1 deliver on Materia Medi- ca and Pharmacy. Having changed the plan of arrangement of these Lectures, its republication appeared to me unnecessary, and it was only in consequence of the continued demand for it, after the impres- sion had been exhausted, that I was induced again to publish it; and at the same time, as it was no longer subservient merely to its first design, to enlarge it so far as to form a System which should include the principles, and the more important facts belonging to these de- partments of Medical Science. The arrangement of the Materia Medica which I have followed, is that in which the individual substances are connected by their medi- cinal relations, an arrangement which has some important advantages, and which presents its objects under a scientific form. The processes of Pharmacy I have considered in the order in which they are given in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, to a translation of which I have added translations of the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, in the same order. The analogous processes in all of them are thus placed together, and a full view of Pharmacy, as regulated by the respective Colleges, is exhibited ; while advantage is derived from the processes being compared. In an Appendix to the history of the Materia Medica at the end of the first volume, I have given a view of that arrangement, in which the substances belonging to it are classed according to their natural affinities. This, besides affording a contrast with the classification according to their medicinal powers, will be of some advantage to those attending my Lectures, and enable them to derive more assist- ance from the present publication as a text-book, as it presents an outline of the arrangement of the Course. By the aid of the Index, it )s <°asy to render it subservient to this use. CONTENTS. Page Introduction, - - ■ . 3 PART. I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY, - ~ | Chap. I. Of the chemical analysis of the articles of the Materia Medica, - - - - ib. II. —Pharmaceutical Operations, - - . 43 PART II. ON MATERIA MEDICA. Chap. I. Preliminary Observations, , , 4y II. Of the operations and classification of Medicines, - 54 III. — Narcotics, - gg IV. —Antispasmodics, - - . _. jqq V. —Tonics, - - - - 106 VI. — Astringents. - - - . 254 VII. — Emetics, - -^ - - . • jyj VIII. — Cathartics, - - * - - _ |g^ IX. — Emmenagogues, - - . . £04 X. — Diuretics, - - . .. . . 209 XI. — Diaphoretics, ----- 223 XII. — Expectorants, - - - . 231 XIII. — Sialagogues, - ... 238 XIV. —~ Errhines, '> - .. 241 XV. — Epispastics and Rubefacients, - - - 244 XVI. — Escharotics, - - - 249 XVII, — Antacids, - 252 XVIII. —Lithontriptics, - - - 255 XIX. —Refrigerants, - - - - - 261 XX. —Diluents, - - - - - 267 XXI. — Demulcents, - - - - ib. XXII. — Emollients, - - 274 XXIII. —Anthelmintics, - ... 275 Table of Arrangement, - 281 VHI CONTENTS; PART III. PHARMACY. Page Chap. I. Drying of Vegetables, - 285 II. Extraction of Pulps, - - - 288 III. Conserves, ------ 289 IV. Inspissated Juices, ... - 290 V. Fixed or Expressed Oils, - - , - - 294 VI. Emulsions and Mixtures, - - „ - - 295 VII. Infusions, ----- 299 VIII. Mucilages, -'■ - - - - - 305 IX. Decoctions, - 306 X. Syrups, - . - - - - - 314 XL Medicated Honeys, ----- 321 XII. Wines, - - - - -. - 323 XIII. Medicated Vinegars, - - - 325 XIV. Tinctures,......327 XV. Ammoniated Tinctures, - 343 XVI. Etherial Spirits, - - - - - 345 XVII. Extracts, - - .... - 354 XVIII. Distilled Spirits, - - - - - 363 XIX. Distilled Waters, ----- 367 XX. Volatile Oils, - 370 XXI. Salts, Saline Substances, - 376 XXII. Earths, and Earthy Salts, - - - - 410 XXIII. Metallic Preparations, - - - - 417 XXIV. Preparations of Sulphur, - - - - 466 x XXV. Powders, ------ 468 XXVI. Electuaries, .... 473 XXVII. Pills, .... 477 XXVIII. Troches, - - 482 XXIX. Oily Preparations, - - - - - 484 XXX. Liniments, Ointments, and Cerates, - 485 XXXI. Plasters, - - - - - - 496 Appendix, - - - - - - - 503 Mineral Waters, ------ 503 Gases, - - - - - - ^ 515 Electricity, - - - - . _ 521 Galvanism, - - - - - - 523 Medical Prescriptions, - - - - 524 Table of the Doses of Medicines, - - - .- 527 • Table of changed Names in the New Edinburgh and London Pharmacopoeias, - - - - _ 531 Latin Index, - - - - - - 543 English Index, - - 550 v PART I CF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY Pharmaceutic Chemistry is that branch of chemical science whieb investigates the composition of bodies, and considers their mutual chemi- cal relations, so far as these are connected with their medicinal proper- ties and applications. It connects the doctrines of Materia Medica and Pharmacy, and forms a proper introduction to the study of each : an ex- position of its principles being necessary to the history of the articles of the Materia Medica, and being not less indispensable in explaining the operations of Pharmacy. It includes two subjects ; first, the analysis of bodies, so far as relates to the enumeration of their constituent principles : and, secondly, the general operations to which they are subjected m their preparation as remedies. CHAP.' I. OF THE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ARTICLES OF THE MATERIA MEDICA. The ultimate object of chemical investigations, is to discover the com- position of bodies ; and the result of these investigations is the reducing them into two classes, those which are Simple, and those which are Com- pound. The former are such as consist of parts perfectly alike ; the most minute particles into which a simple body can be resolved, retain- ing all its essential properties, and being similar to each other. The lat- ter can, on the contrary, be resolved into substances different in their qualities from each other, and from the compound which they form. It is from the union of simple substances that compounds are produc- ed. When two simple bodies are placed under those circumstances which favour the exertion of their mutual attraction, they unite and form a compound, having peculiar properties. These compounds are farther capable of combining with other simple bodies, or with each other, which gives rise-to a series of bodies still more extensive ; and these again are capable of new combinations, or of such intimate mixtures with each other, as to form many peculiar substances. There are thus produced 2 OF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES from a few simple substances, all the products of nature, and all those which are the results of the operations of art; It is the province, of Chemistry to trace these combinations ; to deter- mine whether bodies are simple or compound; and, if compound, to as- certain the number of their constituent principles, the proportions, and the modes in which they are combined. The general process by which these objects are attained, is termed, in the language of Chemistry, Analysis. It is merely the separation of a compound body into its constituent parts, and is effected either by the agency of heat, or by the exertion of a superior attraction. The analysis from the application of heat, differs according to the com- position of the hody analysed. If a compound consisting of two simple substances, be exposed to heat, it in many cases happens, that the mutual attraction by which its principles were united ceases, and a decompo- sition or separation of these principles takes place. This is an example of pure analysis ; no change being produced, but merely the separation of the component parts of the compound, so that each is obtained in its original state. An analysis more complicated is that where several substances are com- bined together, in such a manner that their attractions are balanced and one compound is formed. When a compound of this kind is exposed to a high temperature, this balance is frequently subverted,.and it suffers de- composition. But its constituent principles, instead of passing off pure, enter into new combinations with each other, and form other compounds, each of which may be collected, and in its turn analysed. It is in this manner that vegetable and animal substances are acted on by heat : the products afforded by their analysis are not such as pre-existed in them, but are compounds formed during the decomposition, by new combinations of their ultimate principles. This is what has been named False or Com- plicated Analysis. Chemical Analysis is also effected by the exertion of a superior attrac- tion. If a compound be placed successively with different substances in" situations favourable to the operation of chemical action, one or other of them may exert superior attraction to either of its component parts ; a decomposition will be produced, and from the products the constituent principles of the compound, as well as their proportions, may be deter- mined. As compound substances can combine together so as to form a new com- pound, it is obvious, that this compound may be resolved either into the immediate principles from the union of which it has been formed, or into those of which these consist. It is necessary, therefore, that these should be distinguished. The former are accordingly named the Proximate Principles of a compound ; the latter the Ultimate Principles. The proximate principles are compounds ; the ultimate principles are the elements of these compounds ; and the results of analysis are extremely different, according as one or other of these is obtained. When by analysis the constituent principles of a body have been ob- tained, they may often be combined, so as to reproduce the substance an- alysed. This operation is named Chemical Synthesis, and, when it can be effected, is the surest proof of the accuracy of the analysis. It is sel- dom that it can be applied to those compounds which suffer a compli- cated analysis; and hence the composition of vegetable or animal substan ce's can scarcely be confirmed by a synthetic experiment, or pharmaceutic chemistry. 3 In analysing the various products of nature, we arrive ultimately at Sub- stances which we are unable to decompose, and which are therefore regar- ded as simple. The absolute simplicity of these is not indeed establish- ed ; for our inability to decompose them may not arise from this, but from the imperfections of our modes of analysis ; and it is even probable, that all the substances which are yet known to us may be compounds, and that a more refined chemistry may discover their composition. Until this be effected, however, they are regarded as simple, and they are so with regard to our knowledge of them. As the ultimate principles, there- fore, of all analysis, they are first to be considered in proceeding to the general analysis of the articles of the Materia Medica. Of these bodies, Oxygen is the most important. There is no simple substance which exerts an attraction to so many others, or which gives rise to such important compounds. With a few exceptions, indeed, all the productions of nature are either capable of combining, or are already combined with this principle, and the developement of its agencies con- stitutes the most extensive and important part of chemical science. Oxygen, when uncombined, always exists in the gaseous state ; and its descriptive characters are therefore taken from it as it exists in this state. Like other gases, it is invisible and elastic ; its specific gravity is rather greater than that of atmospheric air ; it is absorbed by water, but in a very small proportion. The distinguishing properties of oxygen gas are those of supporting respiration and combustion. An animal lives longer in this air than it does in any other ; and combustion in it is more vivid, and continues longer. It is the only air, indeed, which, strictly speaking, can support either of these processes ; other aeriform fluids doing so only from the oxygen they contain. Iodine and Chlorine, if the views of Sir H. Davy, and the other advocates for the chlorine theory be just, are to be consi- dered as simple supporters of combustion. Its capacity of supporting combustion is more particularly to be as- sumed as its characteristic chemical property ; combustion being the combination of oxygen with combustible bodies, accompanied with the emission of heat and light. It also frequently, however, enters into com- bination without the phenomena of combustion being apparent, more especially when the absorption of it takes place slowly, or when it is transferred from a compound in which it exists to another substance. The combination of a body with oxygen is termed Oxygenation, or Ox- idation. The products of this combination have either certain common properties, belonging to a class of chemical agents long distinguished by the appellation of Acids ; or they are destitute of these properties, and they are then denominated Oxides. Oxygen forms one-fourth part of atmospheric air ; and it is principally on its agency that the many chemical changes produced in bodies by that air depend. Combined with another elastic fluid, hydrogen, in the pro- portion of 87 parts to 13, it forms Water, the substance which has the most extensive operation in promoting chemical action by the fluidity it communicates, and which more directly produces important chemical changes, by affording oxygen to the bodies. Oxygen exists too as a con- stituent principle of acids, and communicates to them their energy of action. It is an ingredient in the composition of the alkalis and earths, and is therefore the principle of alkalinity as well as of acidity. With all 4 OP THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES the metals it combines, communicating to them a greater susceptibility of chemical action, and greater activity in their relation to the living system ; and it exists as a constituent part of nearly all the vegetable and animal products. Hence no principle is more extensively diffused, and none has a more marked influence in the combinations into which it enters. The elastic fluid which, with oxygen gas, composes atmospheric air, is named Azote or Nitrogen. It too is a simple substance ; at least though there may be some reason to believe it is a compound, it has not been decomposed. Its chemical agency is less powerful than that of ox- ygen, nor does it possess any very remarkable property by which it can be characterized ; it is distinguished rather by negative qualities. It is lighter than oxygen gas, is incapable of supporting combustion or respira- tion, is scarcely sensibly absorbed by water, and is not combustible in the strict sense of the term ; for although it combines with oxygen, the combination is not rapid ; it does not, after it has commenced, proceed of itself, and is not attended with any sensible emission of heat or light. Nitrogen gas forms nearly four-fifths of atmospheric air, the remaining iifth being oxygen gas. In more intimate combination with oxygen, and in that proportion in which they are mutually saturated, it forms a pow- erful acid, the nitric acid ; and in lower degrees of oxygenation it forms compounds, nitric oxide and nitrous oxide, which have no acid powers. With hydrogen it forms ammonia, one of the alkalis ; it exists in some vegetable substances, and is a constituent principle of nearly all the va- rieties of animal matter. Atmospheric Air, of which oxygen and nitrogen are the essential con- stituent parts, has merely the aggregate properties of these two gases. their combination being so slight, that no new powers are acquired from it ; and, as the oxygen is the more energetic ingredient, the chemical agencies of this air depend chiefly on the operation of this principle. It yields oxygen to a number of substances, with more or less rapidity, and thus changes their chemical constitution. It sometimes acts too by com- municating humidity : and in a few cases, by affording an elastic fluid, carbonic acid gas, which is diffused through it in small proportion. Its nitrogen exerts no active power, but apparently serves merely to dilute, and thus to moderate the action of the oxygen gas. Hydrogen is another elastic fluid, which in the system of modern che- mistry has been regarded as elementary. In its a< rial form, in which form only it can be obtained uncombined, it is the lightest of all the elas- tic fluids, and the lightest substance, therefore, whose gravity we can as- certain. It is distinguished farther by its high inflammability ; it burns when an ignited body is approached to it in contact with atmospheric air and explodes if previously mixed with the air. The product of its com- bustion is water, which is therefore a compound of it with oxygen.— Combined with nitrogen, it forms ammonia ; with the primary inflam- mables, sulphur, carbon, and phosphorus, it forms compound gases • it dissolves even some of the metals, and it is an abundant ingredient in ve- getable and animal substances. Water, which is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen, is a substance extremely peculiar in its chemical relations. Its power of combination is extensive, there being few substances on which it does not act, or with which it does not combine ; yet in the greater number of these combi- nations no energetic action is displayed ; it scarcely produces any altera- Of PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY., U tun of properties ; and hence its most important operation is the com- municating that state of fluidity to bodies which is necessary to their mu- tual chemical actions. It is more peculiarly the solvent of all saline sub- stances, and of the greater number of the earths'; and it dissolves many of the vegetable and animal products. In some bodies, however, par- ticularly iu the powerful acids, and in the alkalis, it exists in intimate combination in certain definite proportions. When it communicates ox- ygen, it produces important changes. Several of the metals are slowly oxidated by it; and when they are dissolved by acids, it often acts by affording to them that oxygen which is necessary to the solution. Vege- table and animal substances often suffer chemical changes from the oxygen which water imparts, as well as from the fluidity it communicates, fa- vouring the re-action of their constituent parts ; and in their decompo- sition at elevated temperatures, the elements of the wattr they contain, enter into the composition of the products which these decompositions afford. There are three simple substances distinguished by the property of inflammability, and hence named Simple Inflammables, which exist as constituent principles of a number of natural products. These are car- bon, sulphur, and phosphorus. They are destitute of the metallic splen- dour, opacity, and specific gravity, and are connected chiefly by the common property of inflammability. When united with oxygen, they form acids. Carbon. The ultimate base to which the name of carbon ought to be appropriated, is perhaps still unknown ; but there are several substances of which it constitutes the greater part, and in which it appears to exist nearly pure. Wood charcoal in burning is almost entirely consumed, forming with the oxygen with which it combines a peculiar elastic fluid, carbonic acid, and leaving only a small residuum of earthy, saline, and metallic substances. Asa discriminating appellation of the pure inflam- mable matter which thus combines with oxygen, the term Carbon was in- troduced, and it denotes, therefore, this matter free from the other sub- stances mixed with it incharcoal, and not essential to its constitution. It was afterwards discovered, that the Diamond, which was known to be a combustible body, affords in burning the same product as charcoal, and hence therefore consists of the same inflammable matter. Different opi- nions were advanced with regard to the difference between charcoal and diamond ; as they combine in burning with the same proportion of oxy- gen, and afford precisely the same product, the difference appears to be merely in aggregation ; charcoal, in its common state, however, always contains a portion of hydrogen, and it is doubtful it it can be entirely freed from it. In the substance named Plumbago, the carbonaceous base is united with a small quantity of iron, It is to the inflammable matter common to all these substances, composing nearly the whole of the weight, and forming with oxygen a peculiar acid, that the term carbon is appropriated. Carbon, besides existing as an element in the composition of many mi- neral substances, is an abundant ingredient in the products of the vege- table and animal systems. Not being volatile, it forms the principal part of the residual mass when these are decomposed by heat ; and it is by this decomposition of vegetable matter, especially of the wood of plants, that it is obtained in the form of charcoal. With oxygen, combined in dif- 6 of jhi: general principles ferent proportions, it forms two elastic fluids, Carbonic oxide, and Car- bonic acid. With hydrogen, or with hydrogen and oxygen, in different proportions, it forms various inflammable gases, named carburetted, or oxy-carburetted hydrogen gases. Alcohol, or pure ardent spirit, which is the product of the fermentation of saccharine matter, is a similar com- pound ; and ether, which is formed from alcohol by the action of acids upon it, is of the same composition with a larger proportion of hydro- gen. Lastly, the ternary combination of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, in various proportions and modes of combination, appears to constitute the principal varieties of vegetable matter. Sulphur is found in nature principally as a constituent part of mineral bodies. It exists combined with many of the metals; and united with oxygen, forming sulphuric acid, it enters into the composition of a num- ber of saline and earthy compounds. It is highly inflammable ; inhum- ing it combines with oxygen, principally in that proportion which forms an elastic fluid, pungent and suffocating, sulphurous acid. With a larger proportion of oxygen, it forms a dense inodorous liquid acid, sulphuric acid. With hydrogen, it forms an inflammable gas, Sulphuretted Hy- drogen, which exists in nature impregnating water in the sulphurous mi- neral waters ; and which presents the singular anomaly that it is posses- sed of the properties of an acid, though it does not contain any oxygen in its composition. This compound alone, or with an additional propor- tion of hydrogen, forming what is named super-sulphuretted hydrogen, enters into combination with alkalis, earths, and metallic oxides, forming several important pharmaceutic preparations. Lastly, sulphur exists as a constituent part of animal substances : hence sulphuretted hydrogen is evolved in the decomposition of these by heat or putrefaction : it has also been detected in the composition of a few vegetables. Phosphorus exists chiefly as an ingredient of animal matter. Com- bined with oxygen, in the state of an acid, it also enters into the compo- sition of several products of the mineral kingdom. It is of a soft consis- tence like wax, semi-transparent, and of a white or yellowish colour - it is so highly inflammable, that it burns spontaneously when exposed to the air. It combines with two proportions of oxygen, forming two acids the phosphorous and the phosphoric. With hydrogen it forms a gas, phos- phuretted hydrogen, highly inflammable ; and it unites with sulphur and with the metals. The class of Metals is an extensive one, a number of substances hav- ing been discovered by the researches of chemists, which belong to it besides those which are generally known. The physical properties^ characteristic of the metals, are opacity, great lustre, density, ductility ^ and malleability. These are possessed in different degrees by the differ- ent metals; and if the bases of the alkalis and earths are to be admitted as metals, the property of density cannot be considered as distinctive, as some of these are even lighter than water. With regard to chemical properties, the metals are fusible, in general not volatile except at very intense heats ; they are capable of combining with oxygen with hydro- gen, sulphur, carbon, and phosphorus, with each other, and when oxidat- ed they unite with acids, alkalis, and earths. Of these combinations, that with oxygen is the most important; and in relation to the object of this outline, that principally which requires any further observations. This combination is effected in various modes u>i- PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 7 When heated in contact with the air, they attract its oxygen : if the temperature be highly elevated, they display during this oxidation the phenomena of conbustion ; even if the temperature is less elevated, several of them burn more or less rapidly; but the greater number are oxidated more slowly, and without any sensible light. Several metals are slowly oxidated by water, or by the joint action of air and water at na- tural temperatures. And all of them can be oxidated by acids, the acid either directly imparting oxygen to the metal, or enabling it to attract this principle from the water which is present. The compounds of metals with oxygen belong in general to the order of oxides. They are destitute of the physical properties of the metals, and have an earthy-lrKe appearance. Two or three metals acquire, in their highest state of oxygenation,. cid powers. In combining with oxygen, different metals unite with very different quantities of it. Each of them combines too with different proportions of oxygen, giving rise to the production, from the same metal, of oxides hav- ingdifferent properties. And these different oxides form the bases of com- pounds with acids, which are often also extremely dissimilar,—a circum- stance of much importance, as is to be afterwards pointed out, with regard to the pharmaceutical processes on the metals. When the metals are combined with oxygen, they become capable of combining with the acids, and in doing so they acquire greater activity and power of chemical action. This previous oxidation of a metal is always necessary to its combination with an acid, and hence, when acids act on metals, they first impart to them oxygen, or enable them to attract oxygen from the water, or sometimes from the air, and then combine with the oxide that is formed. As the same metal is capable of existing in different states of oxidation, so by combining in these states with the same acid, it forms very different compounds; and these compounds are farther di- versified by the different proportions of acid combined in them. Metals are rendered active on the living system, principally by being combined with oxygen, or farther combined with acids. In their metallic state, they seldom produce any sensible effect; and any effect they do produce appears to arise from their being chemically acted on by the gas- tric fluids. When oxidated, they become more active ; and still more so when the oxide is combined with an acid. And even the degree of oxy- genation considerably influences their powers ; so that from the same metal preparations of very different degrees of medicinal activity may be obtainedv though all agreeing in the kind of action they exert. Metals, both in their metallic form and in the state of oxide, combine with sulphur and sulphuretted hydrogen, and some of these compounds are possessed of medicinal powers. It would be foreign to the object of this sketch to give the description of the individual metals : it is sufficient to have stated with regard to them these general facts. Few of them exist as ingredients in the composition of natural substances, with the exception of iron. The class of Earths comprises a few substances, possessing certain common properties, which are the ultimate principles of the various com- pounds, not metallic or inflammable, which occur in the mineral kingdom. An analogy had often been observed to exist between these substances and metallic oxides, which led to the conjecture that they are of similar con- stitution, or consist of metallic bases combined with oxygen. Their de- composition has accordingly been effected by the application of galvan- op the general Principles ism, or still more completely by the action of potassium ; they are com-* pounds of certain bases with oxygen, and these bases possess properties, so nearly allied to those of metals, as to be sufficient perhaps to justify the placing them in that class, yet still so far different as to afford some reason for regarding them as a peculiar order. The Primary or Simple Earths, as they are named, to distinguish them from the various earthy aggregates which exist in nature, have been de- scribed as substances insipid, insoluble in water, fixed, and nearly infusi- ble by heat, uninflammable, and capable of combining with acids, so a* to neutralize the acid properties. All these characters are not equally- appropriate ; for there are several of the earths^hich have a pungent taste, and are soluble in water to a considerable extent, and all of them may be fused by very intense beats. The principal earths are Silex, Argil, Magnesia, Lime, Barytes, and Strontites ; Zircon, Glucine, and Ittria, have more doubtful claims to be ranked in this class, or exist in such minute quantities, as to be compa- rative^ unimportant. Silex is an abundant ingredient, not only in mineral substances, but is frequently contained in vegetable products, and forms part of the earthy residuum of their decomposition. It is tasteless, nearly infusible and in- soluble in water, and is peculiarly distinguished by its inertness, and comparatively limited range of combination ; among the acids it combines' only with the fluoric, and even scarcely neutralizes its properties. It is dissolved by the fixed alkalis, and it unites by fusion with them, and with the other earths, and the metallic oxides. Argil, or Alumina, is insipid, soft to the touch, infusible, insoluble in water, and particularly distinguished by forming with that fluid a ductile plastic mass, which hardens and contracts considerably when heated.— With the acids it forms compounds, which have generally a sweetish styptic taste, and which possess the property of astringency. Magnesia exists in the form of a very light white powder, smooth and impalpable ; infusible, insoluble in water, and not forming with it a cohe- rent paste ; it has a slightly bitter taste, changes the more delicate vege- table blue colours to a green, and combines with acids, forming com- pounds, in general very soluble, and having a bitter taste. In its pure form it is medicinally employed as an antacid, and its saline compounds have in general a cathartic power. Lime, or Calcareous Earth, displays still greater energy of action. It is so far soluble in water, as to communicate to the solution a harsh styp- tic taste, and the power of changing the vegetable colours to a green.— Being usually obtained by the decomposition of limestone, chalk, or mar- ble, by heat, it is in the form of a hard mass ; but when it imbibes water, either directly, or from exposure to the atmosphere, it splits, and falls down into a white powder perfectly dry. It is infusible. Combined with the acids, it neutralizes their properties. Its action is considera- ble on the animal system. Directly applied to animal matter, it acts che- mically, producing decomposition, and thus operating as an escharotic.— Given in solution, it exerts an astringent and tonic power, which power is also displayed in several of its saline combinations ; and by its chemical agency it acts as an antacid, and, as has been supposed, likewise as ali- thontriptic. Its base, Calcium, as it has been named, has been obtained, though not perhaps perfectly insulated ; it has the metallic lustre, and is highly inflammable. vT PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. i) Barytes surpasses lime in energy of chemical action. Like it, when in a solid mass, it absorbs water rapidly, and falls into a dry white pow- der ; its taste is harsh and caustic ; when water is combined with it, it fuses by heat comparatively moderate ; but when this is dissipated, the heat requires to be raised to a much higher degree. It is more soluble in water than any of the earths, cold water dissolving a twenty-fifth of its weight, and boiling water even more than half its weight ; this latter so- lution depositing, as it cools, transparent prismatic cyrstals. Its solution changes the vegetable colours to a green. This earth combines with the acids, and either from the superior strength of its attractions, or the influence of cohesion on its combination, it decomposes the greater num- ber ofthe salts of the other earths, and the alkalis. It exerts affinities to the other earths, and to sulphur and phosphorus. Of all the substan- ces of this class, it is the one which acts most powerfully on the living system ; and its preparations prove poisonous to animals. From this quality, and from another, the great specific gravity of several of its sa- line combinations, particularly the native sulphate and carbonate, barytes was often supposed to be of a metallic nature. Its decomposition has been effected by the application of galvanism, or of potassium, and a base obtained from it, of a metallic appearance, having the colour of silver, considerably heavier than water, fusible at a heat below redness, not volatile, inflammable, and reproducing barytes when combined with oxygen. Strontites, the last of these earths, bears a close resemblance to ba- rytes in many of its properties. Like it, it has a pungent acrid taste, is so- luble in water, crystallizable from its saturated solution by cooling, changes the vegetable colours to a green, combines with the acids, and decomposes a number of the compounds which they form with the other alkalis and earths. Its native compounds, too, have considerable specific gravity. It is, however much less soluble in water than barytes ; it requires nearly 200 parts of cold water to dissolve it; boiling water dissolves it in larger quantity. Barytes decomposes its salts. It is not poisonous, nor does it appear to'exert any marked action on the living system. A cha- racteristic property of it is that of its salts causing inflammable bodies to burn with a blood-red flame. Following the series of substances according to their chemical rela- tions from the metallic oxides through the earths, it is terminated by the Alkalis. These possess the chemical property most characteristic of the whole class, that of combining with acids, neutralizing the acid pro- perties ; and they form compounds, analogous in general properties to those formed by the earths and metallic oxides with the acids. But they display still more energy in their chemical actions than the earths do, and are more remote in their qualities from the oxides ofthe common me- tals. Their taste is extremely acrid; they are highly caustic ; abun- dantly soluble in water ; they change the vegetable blue and purple colours to a green, the yellow to a brown, and they combine with oils, rendering them diffusible or soluble in water. Two ofthe alkalis, Po- tassa and Soda, exist naturally in a concrete state, but they are easily fused, and at a heat not exceeding ignition are volatilized. The third, Ammonia, exists when uncombined as a permanent gas, but it is instantly condensed by water, and absorbed by it in large quantity. The alkalis present a singular anomaly in chemical constitution. At an 1-0 OF THE GENERAL TRlNCirLE-S early period ofthe researches of pneumatic chemistry, the decomposition of Ammonia was effected, and it was found to be a compound ot hydrogen and nitrogen. This suggested the conjecture, that the two fixed a kalis might be ©f similar composition, containing at least one or other ot these elements as a common principle. This conclusion from analogy has not, however, been established. Sir H. Davy, by the application of galvanic action in high intensity, succeeded in decomposing potash and soda ; the bases obtained from them are substances of a metallic appearance and lustre ;/ and these bases are combined with oxygen. The analogy of the fixed alkalis to the common metallic oxides was thus so far established, and the earths being afterwards found to be of a similar constitution, this analogy was extended to them, and all those substances, distinguished by the common property of neutralizing acids, appeared to be of similar con- tistution. Ammonia alone remains insulated, and it presents the singularity, that while it possesses the same general properties, and strictly resembles the other alkalis inchemical qualities, no traces of oxygen can be discover- ed in its composition. The analogy, therefore, either fails with regard to it, of if it be an oxidated substance, nitrogen or hydrogen must be com- pound, and contain oxygen as an element. The bases ofthe fixed alkalis are substances of very peculiar proper- ties. They have the lustre, opacity, and tenacity of metals ; but they want the most characteristic metallic property, that of density ; they are lighter even than water. They are very fusible, and pass through the changes of form, as well as different states of cohesion, within a very li- mited range of temperature. They are highly inflammable, they com- bine with oxygen with the phenomena of combustion, and are susceptible of different degrees of oxidation. These substances have been regarded as the simple bases o£the alkalis ; but some facts favour the opinion that they contain hydrogen, and are metallic hydrurets, instead of being sim- ple metals. Potash, or as it ought to be named, (in conformity to the rule of giving a similar termination to the names of substances belonging to the same order), Potassa, is obtained from the incineration of vegetables, espe- cially the woody part; the saline matter remaining after the wood has been burnt, consists principally of this alkali, in combination with carbonic acid. It is freed from the impurities by lixiviation : the acid is abstracted by the action of lime, the alkali is obtained in solution, and, by evapora- tion, can be obtained in a solid state. It is of a white colour, crystalliza- ble, fusible, and volatile at a red heat; abundantly soluble in water, sol- uble also in alcohol, powerfully caustic, and possessed of all the alkaline properties in a high degree. There is some uncertainty whether it ex- ists in the vegetable matter from which it is procured in the state in which it is obtained, or whether its base is a constituent principle of that mat- ter, and is oxygenated during the combustion : one reason for admitting the latter opinion, at least in part, is, that the alkali cannot be extracted in so large a quantity by any other process as by burning. Potassium, as the base of potash has been named, is at the tempera- ture of 32° a solid substance, hard and brittle, of a white colour, opaque, anq with the lustre of polished silver ; at 50° it becomes soft and malle- abli ; at 70° the form of small globules ; somewhat mobile and liquid ; and at l|p0o, or according to Gay Lussac andThenard at 136°, is completely so. It requires a temperature near to a red heat tovolatilize it. It is light- ls)P pharmaceutic chemistry. li ev than water, or even than alcohol or ether. It is highly inflammable "when heated to its vaporific point, burning with intense heat and vivid light ; at lower temperatures it combines more slowly with oxygen ; and such is the strength of its affinity to this principle, that it takes if rapid- ly from water, and from all the acids. It is susceptible of various degrees of oxidation. In its rapid combustion it combines with the maximum pro- portion of oxygen : the oxide thus formed is not potash, but a substance of a yellow colour, containing nearly three times more oxygen than the alkali does, which is fusible, and acts with energy on inflammable and metallic substances, by imparting its excess of oxygen. The degree of oxidation which forms potash, is established almost exclusively by the agency of water ; it is thus produced by decomposing water by potassium, or by adding water to the oxide at the maximum, the excess of oxygen in the latter being disengaged : the proportions in the real alkali are, accord- ing to Gay Lussac and Thenard, 83.37 of potassium, and 16.63 of oxy- gen. Besides these, there exists an oxide at the minimum, formed by the slow absorption of oxygen by potassium from atmospheric air ; it is brit tie and inflammable, and decomposes water, attracting a sufficient quan tity of oxygen to convert it into potash. Soda, or Mineral Alkali, as it has been denominated in contradistinc- tion to the other alkali, which has been distinguished by the epithet of Vegetable, exists as a constituent principle of several saline mineral sub- stances ; but is usually extracted from the combustion of marine plants, It is afforded by the combustion., combined with carbonic acid, and asso- ciated with various other saline substances, and is obtained pure by the same general process as that applied to potash. Whether it pre-exists in sea plants, or whether these, in common with land vegetables, afford potash in burning, which decomposes the muriate of soda with which they are impregnated from their situation, so as to afford soda, has not been well determined. In its physical properties, this alkali bears a consi- derable resemblance to the other. It is solid and white, crystallizable, though with difficulty, from its watery solution ; extremely acrid and caustic, fusible and volatile from heat, having a strong attraction to wa- ter, changing the vegetable colours to a green, and possessing all the al- kaline properties. From potash it is principally distinguished by the different compounds it forms. Sodium, the base of soda, is white and opaque, and has the lustre and appearance of silver ; is soft and malleable ; is somewhat lighter than water ; it is less fusible than potassium, not losing its cohesion at a lower temperature than 120°, and requiring for its perfect fusion a heat of 180° ; it is also less volatile. When heated to ignition, it burns vividly ; at lower temperatures it absorbs oxygen without undergoing combustion ; it abstracts oxygen from water, and from the acids, frequently with in- flammation. It appears, like potassium, to be susceptible of various de- grees of oxidation ; that which forms the alkali is established almost ex- clusively by the agency of water ; the proportions are 74.63 of sodium, and 25.37 of oxygen. Besides this, Gay Lussac and Thenard hare shewn, that in its rapid combustion sodium combines with a quantity of oxygen one and a half greater than that which exists in soda, forming an oxide at the maximum of oxidation. And there is also an oxide at the minimum, formed by the spontaneous absorption of oxygen by sodium at a low temperature. Ammonia. This alkali has usually been denominated vtlatile, from its i-2 uy I'HK GENERAL 1RJL\C1PL£? volatility, even when it is combined with water, being considerable. Li- lts insulated state it exists as a permanently elastic fluid ; its odour is ex- tremely pungent ; water absorbs it in very large quantity, and this solu- tion forms what is named Liijuid Ammonia. Its tendency to assume the elastic form, and its comparative dilution, lessen the energy of its action ; and hence, though possessed of the general alkaline properties, it ap- pears weaker than the others in the affinities it exerts. Its composition was established at an early period of the researches of pneumatic che- mistry, nitrogen and hydrogen appearing, both from analytic and synthetic experiments, to be its constituent principles. When the composition of the fixed alkalis was discovered, and they were proved to be oxides, analogy suggested the conjecture, that oxygen might exist in ammonia, and Davy, from some experiments, inferred this, and assigned the pro- portion. It has since been shewn that this is incorrect, and that ammo- nia, by decomposition, is: resolved into hydrogen and nitrogen alone.— The analogy in the chemical constitution of ammonia to that of the fixed alkalis, appeared to be established in another respect, that of its having a metallic base ; Berzelius and Pontin, Swedish chemists, having found, that when the alkali is placed at the negative wire in the galvanic circuit in contact with quicksilver, the quicksilver increases in bulk, becomes thick, and at length a soft solid,—changes similar to what are produced in it by the addition of metallic matter, and which can scarcely be conceived to arise from any other cause. They concluded, therefore, that in this experiment the ammonia suffered decomposition, and its metallic base combined with the quicksilver. And thfcy affirmed, that when the amal- gam is exposed to atmospheric air or dropt into water, it absorbs oxygen, hydrogen is disengaged, denoting a decomposition of the water and a transfer of its oxygen to the metallic matter, while in both cases ammonia and quicksilver are reproduced,—results which Davy confirmed. Gav Lussac and Thenard, however, have shewn, that so far as relates to the absorption of oxygen, they are incorrect ; the ammoniacal amalgam, they find, is resolved by decomposition merely into quicksilver, ammonia, and hydrogen, and they regard it therefore as a compound of these, the am- monia and hydrogen being retained by the quicksilver by a weak affinity, and in a state of slight condensation. It still appears, therefore, that am- monia is a compound of hydrogen and nitrogen, the proportions being 18.5 of hydrogen, with 81.5 of nitrogen. The last important class of chemical agents is that of Acids. Their characteristic properties are a sour taste, the power ofchanging the blue, purple, and green co' jrs of vegetables to a red, and that of corhbining with the alkalis, earths, and metallic oxides, forming compounds, in which, when the combination is established in the due proportion, the properties ofthe acid, and ofthe base with which it is united, are neutra- lized. The more powerful acids have a strong attraction to water are intimately combined with it, and can scarcely be procured free from it; they act with energy on inflammable and metallic substances. All the acids are compounds of oxygen, and this element is therefore regarded as the principle of acidity. This truth was established by La- voisier, with regard to a number ofthe acids, and extended by analogy to a few which had not been decomposed. The only well established ex- ception to it is that ofthe compound of sulphur and hydrogen, sulphuret- ted hydrogen, which undoubtedly possesses the general properties of an OF PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 13 . acid, thongh it contain no oxygen : this leads to the conclusion that hy- drogen as well as oxygen confers acidity, a conclusion confirmed by the fact that another acid, the prussic, is formed by the combination of its compound radical of carbon and nitrogen with hydrogen. And in con- formity to this, there is reason to believe that all the more powerful acids—the sulphuric, muriatic, and nitric, owe their superior acidity to the joint action of these two acidifying elements,—oxygen and hydrogen. The bases ofthe acids are either inflammable or metallic. The produc- tion of acidity is usually the result of the full oxygenation of these, and in some cases the base combines with two proportions of oxygen, forming two acids, different in their properties from each other. On these facts, with regard to the chemical constitution ofthe acids, their nomenclature is founded. The base beings pecific with regard to each acid, while the oxygen is common to them all, it is from the name ofthe former that the name ofthe acid is derived : and, by a variation in the termination of this name, the different acids formed from the base, by a difference in the degrees of oxygenation, are distinguished ; the name terminating in the syllable ic when the acid is that which con- tains the larger proportion of oxygen, and in the syllable ous when it con- tains the smaller proportion. Thus sulphur forms two acids, by combi- ning with two proportions of oxygen ; the term sulphur is the radical whence the names of these are derived, and according to the above prin- ciple, the one is denominated the sulphuric, the other the sulphurous acid. Where a large quantity of oxygen can be combined with an acid with- out increasing, but rather diminishing its acid powers, the name is ex- pressed by prefixing the epithet oxy, as oxymuriatic acid. Acids have an extensive power of combination. From the numerous affinities they exert, and from the facility with which they afford oxygen, they are the most active of any of the compound chemical agents, and are hence employed in many pharmaceutic operations. Those of most import- ance under this view are the sulphuric, nitric and muriatic. The Sulphuric Acid, formed from the full oxygenation of sulphur, exists combined with a portion of water equal to about 0.20, in the form of a liquid of great density. The real acid consists of 43 of sulphur and 57 of oxygen. From this state of concentration it acts powerfully, exert- ing strong attractions to other bodies ; and though, from the strength of affinity between its principles, it does not directly afford oxygen with facil- ity to many substances, it enables them to attract oxygen from water, and thus subjects them to chemical change. Many o£its saline compounds are applied to medicinal use. The Sulphurous Ac* * is formed from the same base in a lower degree of oxygenation ; it consists of 52 of sulphur, and 58 of oxygen ; existing naturally in the elastic form, which is an obsta- cle to its entering into combination, and not being largely absorbed by water, so as to form a strong solution, it is much weaker in its action. Nitric Acid is the result of the full oxygenation of nitrogen ; but in its insulated state it contains a quantity of combined water, about 0.25, which is necessary to its constitution in that state. The real acid consists of 30 of nitrogen, and 70 of oxygen. Its oxygen not being retained by a strong attraction, the acid yields it readily, and hence acts with more facility and energy on inflammable and metallic substances than any other acid,—oxi- dating the former, and first oxidating, then combining with the latter. In pharmacy it is used as the most general solvent of the metals. Nitrous Acid is the nitric, with an impregnation of nitric oxide gas; it is of a yel- / lfi OE THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES low colour ; and emits similar coloured dense fumes, while the othei1 is colourless : the chemical agencies of both are nearly the same. Ni- tric Oxide consists of 53 of oxygen, and 47 of nitrogen ; Nitrous Ox- ide of 37 of oxygen, and 63 of nitrogen. Both are permanent gases, and neither of them has any acidity. The former is distinguished by the great facility with which it combines with oxygen, and forms nitrous acid ; the latter by its singular exciting power on the living system, when it is inspired. Muriatic Acid exists when uncombined in the aerial form, but it is absorbed in large quantity by water, and forms a liquid acid of consider- able strength. Its composition has never been discovered by direct anal- ysis ; but from the law first established by Berzelius that the quantity of oxygen in an acid is either equ d to, or is a simple multiple of, the quan- tity of oxygen in a base which it saturates, it would be thus stated:-—a hundred parts of acid saturate a certain quantity of a base, containing 29.1838 of oxygen ; it therefore contains twice that quantity; and hence it is inferred that muriatic acid consists of 41.632 of radical, and 58.368 of oxygen. It appears, however, that in its gaseous form it always con- tains a quantity of water in intimate combination, amounting to about 0.25. This acid, not directly affording oxygen to bodies, oxidates them only by enabling them to attract oxygen from the water it contains ; it thus dissolves metals ; and it farther combines with other substances, as the alkalis or earths. It is capable of uniting with an additional proportion of oxygen, forming what is named Oxymuriatic Acid, which, although its acid powers are weaker, imparts oxygen more readily to bodies. And, with a still larger proportion of oxygen, it forms a third acid, Hyper-ox. ymuriatic Acid, which gives to the saline compounds in which it exists, the power of acting with much energy on inflammable bodies, in conse- quence of the very large quantity of oxygen condensed in the combina- tion, and not retained by any great force. An hypothesis has been sug- gested by Gay Lussac and Thenard, with regard to the nature of this acid, and these combinations of it with oxygen : and maintained by Davy, that oxymuriatic gas, instead of being a compound of muriatic acid and oxygen, as had been supposed, is a simple substance, and, like oxygen, an acidifying element; that this element, chlorine as it has been named, combined with hydrogen, forms muriatic acid ; that muriatic acid gas contains no combined water, and that the salts named muriates are not of a saline nature, contain neither acid nor salifiable bases, but are com- pounds of metals, or ofthe metallic bases ofthe alkalis and earths, with chlorine. This hypothesis, when proposed, was supported by no con- clusive independent evidence, but rested entirely on those facts which are explained more justly, and with more probability, from the peculiar relation of muriatic acid to that portion of combined water which in com- mon with other acids it contains in its insulated state ; and in the progress of the discussion with regard to it, the. evidence in support ofthe com- mon doctrine has been extended and confirmed ; and its explanations shewn to be more simple, and more conformable to the strictest analogies. Other acids, less important as pharmaceutic agents, are the Carbonic, Phosphoric, Boracic, and Fluoric. Carbonic Acid, the product of the full oxygenation of carbon, con- sists of 28 of carbon, and 72 of oxygen : existing in the elastic form, and being absorbed by water only in sparing quantity, it exerts no very ac- tive chemical power, but is of importance from existing in many natural ®F PHARMACEUTIC 0«EMISTRi:\ i^ combinations, particularly of saline and earthy substances belonging to the Materia Medica. The characters eminently distinguishing it are its only weakening, not entirely neutralizing the properties of the alkalis when in combination with them, and its being disengaged rapidly with ef- fervescence by other acids from its saline compounds. Phosphoric Acid has phosphorus, for its base ; and the affinity be- tween this base and the oxygen with which it is combined, being strong, it scarcely acts on bodies by oxygenating them, but simply by entering into combination with them ; nor are these combinations comparatively of much importance. Phosphorous Acid, in which the proportion of oxygen is smaller, is still less important. Boracic Acid exists in the concrete form, and its chemical action is comparatively weak. It has been decomposed by the agency of gal- vanism, or by potassium ; the product of its decomposition is a dark olive-coloured substance. This substance, boron or boracium, is infu- sible, insoluble in water or in alcohol, neither does it decompose water ; it attracts oxygen from other acids, and from a number of saline com- pounds : it burns vividly when heated in oxygen gas, and forms boracic acid ; the acid, according to the estimate of Gay Lussac and Thenard, containing about one third of its weight in oxygen. Fluoric Acid, in the state in which, until lately, it has been known to chemists, is elastic, and is not very largely absorbed by water ; its chemi- cal action is, from these circumstances, therefore, not powerful. It unites, however, easily with the alkalis and earths, and, what peculiarly distinguishes it, is capable of dissolving siliceous earth. In the usual processes for obtaining it, it is impregnated with a portion of this earth, derived either from the materials from which it is procured, or from the glass vessels in which the process is performed ; and this silex, Gay Lus- sac and Thenard have shewn, has a very important influence on its pro- perties. These chemists first procured it free from this, and in a pure state. It is liquid at the temperature of 60°; but it evaporates rapidly. and forms dense vapours when exposed to the air ; and the contact of silex causes it instantly to assume the gaseous form ; it combines with water with a hissing noise, and the production of much heat; is possess- ed of high acid powers, and is peculiarly distinguished by the energy of its action on animal matter, instantly destroying it, so that a drop of it al- lowed to fall on the skin, erodes it with severe pain, and produces deep- seated ulceration. This acid forms, with the boracic, a compound acid, the Fluo-boric, which is also distinguished by very peculiar properties, particularly by its strong attraction to water, and by its very powerful action on vegetable and animal matter. There is a series of acids with compound bases, derived from the ve- getable and animal system; but those of them entitled to notice will be best considered with the classes of substances with which they are more strictly connected. The Acids combine with the alkalis, the earths, and the metallic ox- ides ; and when the combination is established in the due proportion, the chemical properties ofthe acid, and of the base with which it is united, are mutually neutralized. Hence these compounds are named Neutral Salts, and as an order of chemical agents, they are distinguished by cer- tain common properties. They can always be obtained in the solid state : they are generally, though not universally, soluble in water % those of them which are soluble, are capable of assuming a crystalline ib OP I HE GENERAL PRINCIPLES form, the form being very different in different salts. Those which crys- tallize from their aqueous solution, always retain a quantity of water in combination, essential to the crystal, and therefore named their water of crystallization. When heated, the increase of temperature is often suffi- cient to enable this water to dissolve the real saline matter : this is nam- ed the watery fusion of salts ; as it evaporates, the salt becomes con- crete, and by a farther increase of heat, is either fused or decomposed. The term Neutral Salt is sometimes restricted to those of which the al- kalis are the bases ; those formed from the earths are named Earthy Salts ; and those from the metallic oxides, Metallic Salts. The first term, however, is properly applied to all those compounds in which both the acid and base are neutralized. Salts are also capable of being formed either with an excess of acid, or of base, andean be obtained in many cases concrete, or even crystallized, and of definite composition ; and in these compounds the ingredient in excess has usually a simple arithmetical ratio to the quantity of the same ingredient in the neutral compound, being a simple multiple of it. This is of importance in the analysis of these compounds, as facilitating the estimation of their pro- portions. The nomenclature of the compound salts is through the whole series in the modern chemical language simple, and, at the same time, system- atic and precise. They are formed into genera and species, according to the acids, and the bases of which they are composed ; the name of the genus is derived from that of the acid, the name of the species from that of the base with which the acid is united. Thus all the salts form- ed from sulphuric acid are considered as constituting one genus, and are named Sulphates ; and the name of each species is expressed, by adding the name of the base, as Sulphate of Soda, Sulphate of Lime, Sulphate of Iron, &c. The acid which sulphur forms in a different degree of oxygenation, the Sulphurous, forms a different order of salts ; these are named Sulphites; and in like manner we have Nitrates' and Nitrites, Phosphates and Phosphites, &c. Those formed from oxymuriatic acid are named Oxy-muriates. In the salts formed with an excess of acid, or with an excess of base, the acid being considered as the principle forming the genus, those compounds are distinguished by prefixing to the usual name the epithet super, in which the acid is predominant, and those by the epithet sub, in which it is deficient, or the base is in excess, as Super-sulphate of Potash, Sub-carbonate of Soda, &c. When an acid is combined in one compound with two bases, as sometimes happens, the names of both bases enter into the name of the salt, as Tartrate of Pot- ash and Soda. Thus, by this simple system, a facility of nomenclature is afforded ; the whole is uniform, and the memory is aided, by the name pointing out the na^ire of the salt; its adoption in Pharmacy is there- fore an important improvement, compared with the arbitrary and unsta- ble nomenclature formerly employed. So far the chemical analysis of unorganized substances connected with the Materia Medica, has been the subject of consideration. It remains to take notice of the analysis of those belonging to the vegetable and animal kingdoms,—a subject of much importance, particularly as it re- lates to the vegetable part of the Materia Medica, and which, from this Or PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 17 importance, as well as from the nature of the substances themselves re- quires to be considered with more minute details. These two classes of bodies, Organized and Unorganized, are distin- guished by very obvious chemical characters. In the latter, the princi- ples are few, and are combined generally in very simple states of union ; their analysis can be executed with accuracy ; the proportions of their principles can be determined with precision ; and these can be again combined so as to form the decomposed substance, thus confirming the analysis by synthesis. But, with regard to the products of organization, while the composition, so far as it relates to the ultimate elements, is more uniform, it is, with regard to the modes in which they are united, much more complicated. They consist of a few common principles ; but these, presented to each other in the vessels of the organic being, have been placed under circumstances infinitely varied, and which art can very imperfectly imitate. Combinations of the same elements are formed, therefore, greatly diversified, and properties are derived, from differences of proportions, or modes of union extremely minute. Hence their accurate analysis is executed with difficulty,—a difficulty increased by the circumstance, that these elements having strong mutual affinities, cannot in general be obtained insulated, but when the com- pound is decomposed enter into new combinations, liable to be modified by slight variations of circumstances ; the proportions therefore can sel- dom be determined with accuracy ; the modes of union in general remain unknown ; and the confirmation by synthesis is entirely pre- cluded. Another character distinguishes these two classes. The composition of unorganized bodies being more simple, is not so liable to be subvert- ed ; their constituent principles being few, their affinities operate with more force, and the combination is more permanent. That of organ- ized bodies being more complicated, has characters the reverse. Com- posed always of several elements, the affinities are more nicely adjust- ed, and are therefore more easily modified ; and their principles having tendencies to enter into numerous forms of combination, slight variations of circumstances subvert the equilibrium. Hence the susceptibility of decomposition by which they are distinguished : they are liable even to spontaneous changes from the re-action of their elements; and when this is favoured by humidity, elevation of temperature, or the action of the air, new combinations are established, whence the original compounds are decomposed. From the peculiar constitution of the products of organization, there are two kinds of analysis to which they are subject. The object of the one is to discover their ultimate composition ; that of the other is less refined, being confined to the investigation ofthe proximate principles of which they are composed. It is seldom that a vegetable substance is homogeneous. The seed, for example, the bark, or the leaves of a plant, is not of one uniform composition, but consists of various proximate principles in a state of mixture, or of slight combination, and capable of being easily separated from each other. Now, these are often connected with their medicinal virtues ; the virtue residing perhaps not in the entire substance of the leaf, bark, or seed, but in a principle capable of being separated, and which may frequently be employed with advantage in its insulated state. 3 18 OF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES Hence the importance ofthe analysis ofthe vegetable substances belong- ing to the Materia Medica, so far as relates to their proximate princi- ples ; the knowledge it conveys enabling us to employ them with more discrimination, and to submit them to the proper pharmaceutic treatment. An enumeration of their proximate principles, and more particularly of those on which their medicinal powers depend, accordingly always en- ters into their description as articles of the Materia Medica. This analysis is executed in various modes, adapted to particular cases, according to the principles which form the vegetable substance. Sometimes it is effected merely by heat. The temperature cannot indeed be elevated very high, as then the proximate principles of the vegetable would be themselves decomposed, and their elements brought into new combinations. But at a heat comparatively moderate, as that of boiling water, this does not happen ; and at this temperature several of these principles, such as essential oil, camphor, and some others not very well defined, are volatilized without decomposition, and of course can be obtained pure. The action of different solvents is of more extensive use in conducting the vegetable analysis. Water dissolves several of their component prin- ciples, such as gum and extractive matter, tannin, saline substances, and some others. These are dissolved in greater or less quantity, and in more or less purity, according to the temperature ofthe water employed. In general, by raising the water to its boiling point, it is able to dissolve them more completely ; but some of them are apt to be volatilized, and others altered in composition, especially if the atmostpheric air is not ex- cluded. Ofthe substances which the water holds dissolved, part are se- parated as it cools ; the gum can be precipitated by alcohol ; the saline substances may be crystallized, or can be discovered by evaporating the solution to dryness, and exposing the mass to such a heat as will destroy the inflammable parts ; tannin and some others are detected by their chemical tests. Alcohol is another agent of much importance in executing the vege- table analysis. It dissolves the resin, balsam, camphor, and essential oil: these solutions are decomposed by water, each substance being separat- ed, and discernible by its peculiar qualities. Equal parts of alcohol and water, or proof spirit as it is named, is also often employed as a solvent in the analysis of vegetables. Ether dissolves nearly the same principles as alcohol. And the acids, alkalis, and soluble earths, are sometimes of utility as re-agents, in pointing out the existence of peculiar principles. Lastly, in the analysis of vegetables, we are often able to procure several of their proximate principles, by mechanical means, particularly by expression. Sometimes too, they exude spontaneously from the growing vegetable, or are obtained from incisions made in the branches or trunk. After we have discovered the proximate principles of a plant, or of any part of it, the next step is to ascertain their composition. This is an investigation attended, however, with much difficulty, as being liable to all the errors arising from a complicated analysis, and incapable of being confirmed by the surer test which synthesis affords. The composition of these substances with respect to their ultimate principles is nearly uniform. All of them contain carbon and hydrogen, generally if not invariably united with oxygen ; some farther contain OP PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. IV nitrogen and phosphorus ; and in others several of the metals, particu- larly iron and manganese, exist. Lime, too, and the two fixed alkalis, either pure or more commonly in combination with some ofthe acids. are not unfrequently constituents of vegetable matter. These latter substances, however, are seldom in any considerable proportion ; nor in general do they appear to modify much the porperties of the substan- ces in which they exist. Nitrogen, and perhaps lime, when present, appear to have the most important influence, and with the exception of the few compounds of which they form a part, it may be said, that the vegetable proximate principles consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; the differences in their properties being produced by differences in the proportions of these principles, and of the modes in which they are com- bined. That a difference in the proportions of these elements may give rise to the differences in the properties ofthe compounds which they form, cannot be doubted ; since in many other cases of chemical combinations, where there is no difficulty in the analysis, differences equally important and well marked are produced by this cause. In vegetable substances we accordingly can often trace this as the cause, without being able to point out any other. Thus, fixed and volatile oils have properties in many respects dissimilar : by analysis both are found to consist of carbon and hydrogen, united in different proportions, the volatile oils having more hydrogen in proportion to the carbon than the fixed have ; this is a cause sufficient to account for the difference in their properties ; and it accords sufficiently with that difference, for hydrogen being a substance of great rarity and volatility, those compounds in which it predominates, as ether, alcohol, and others, are in general light and volatile. The greater volatility, therefore, of the essential, compared with the fixed oils, may be ascribed to its predominance. In other cases, it is probable that the mode in which the constituent principles of these substances are united, is the cause of the differ- ence in their qualities. This, indeed, can be but imperfectly investi- gated, either by analysis or synthesis ; but it is conceivable, apriori, and sufficiently confirmed by chemical facts, that a difference in the mode of union may give rise to very important diversities of properties. If a compound, for example, consist of three elements, these may be united in two modes. Their attractions may be reciprocally balanced, and theyr may form what is named, in strict propriety, a ternary combina- tion ; or, from a variation in the circumstances under which the union has been effected, or a difference in the strength of their attractive powers, two of them may be combined, and the compound thus formed may exert an attraction to the third principle, unite with it, and form a new substance. The compounds resulting from these different modes of com- bination, though composed of the same principles, united perhaps even in the same proportions, would still have properties different from each other. Still greater diversities will be produced where the elements are more numerous, and the possible modes of union are of course more di- versified. And when we consider these causes from difference of pro- portions, and modes of combination, we shall scarcely be surprised at the number of different substances, immense as it is, which nature form's from a few elementary principles. The proximate principles of vegetables are sometimes analysed by e"x- 20 OP THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES posure to heat: their elements enter into new combinations, and, from the nature of the products, we discover what the principles were. Thus, if the substance exposed to heat yields a .large quantity of acid, we con- clude that it contains a considerable proportion of oxygen. If it afford much empyreumatic oil, we infer that it contains a large quantity of hy- drogen, this principle being necessary to the constitution of that product. When ammonia or prussic acid is afforded by this kind of analysis, we conclude, for the same reason, that nitrogen has been a constituent ele- ment. And by the same mode are discovered the earths and metals which had been present in it; these remaining after the volatile parts have been expelled. Lastly, fiom the quantity of charcoal which re- mains as a residuum, we can form some conclusion as to the quantity of carbon which the vegetable substance contained. Their analysis is also effected by exposing them to heat with the ac- cess of atmospheric air, and collecting the products of the combustion that takes place. From the nature of these products, we can ascertain the proportions in which they were united. Oil, for example, when sub- jected to this analysis, yields nothing but carbonic acid and water. We conclude therefore that it is composed of carbon and hydrogen, since these principles, united with oxygen, form these products, and since, if any other simple substance had existed in the oil, it would have appeared either pure or in combination with oxygen. We can even determine in this manner the proportion in which the carbon and hydrogen existed in the combination. From knowing what quantity of carbon exists in a given quantity of carbonic acid, and what quantity of hydrogen exists in a giv- en quantity of water, we thus also discover whether any oxygen had existed in the composition of the oil. Their analysis is also sometimes executed by the agency of the nitric acid, which communicates to them oxygen, and by the product ascertains the nature of their acidifiable base. This mode of analysis by oxygenation, has lately been rendered more exact in the execution by a variation introduced by Gay Lussac,—that of employing hyper-oxymuriate of potash as the oxygenating substance ; a certain weight of this salt being heated with a portion of the vegetable matter in its dry est state ; and the products formed by the combination ofthe oxygen of the salt with the elements of the vegetable substance being collected. His experiments establish some very important general results. In one class of vegetable products, those which are ofthe nature of gum or fecula, the oxygen and hydrogen they contain are in that proportion to each other which forms water, there being added to this a certain quantity of carbon. In another class, those which are acid, the oxygen is to the hydrogen in a larger proportion than that which forms water. And in a third class, composed of those which are oily or inflammable, the hydrogen is in larger proportion. The following table presents these results, and the proportions of the elements of some of the most important vegetable proximate principles, as assigned bv thi* method. OP PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTR1. Substances analysed a 2 o .2 B ° a U o v S •S a ts ^ 8 s ££ O Hydrogen contained in that substance. Supposing the oxygen and ~ hydrogen in the state of water in the substance. s .8 "3 i i .9 OT. s 1 o Gum-arabic .... Sugar of milk . . . Beech-wood .... Mucous acid .... Oxalic acid .... Tartaric acid . . . Resin, common. . . Wax........ 42.47 '50.63 42.23 50.84 43.55 49.68 38.825 53 834 5253 41.78 51.45 42.73 33.69 | 62.67 26.57 70.69 24.05 69.32 33.81 59.B6 50.&> 44.15 75.94 13.34 76.81 10.61 81.79 5.54 77.21 9.43 6.90 6.93 6.77 7.341 5.69 582 3.62 2.74 663 6.33 5.63 10.72 12.58 12.67 13.36 42.47 42.23 43.55 38.825 52.53 51.45 33.69 26.57 24.05 33.81 50.22 7594 76.81 j 81.79 77.21 57.53 57.77 56.45 61.175 47.47 48.55 30.16 22.87 55.24 46.91 15.16 12.05 6.30 10.71 0 0 0 0 0 0 36.15 50.56 20.71 13.44 2.87 Hydrogen in excess. 8.90 11.14 11.91 12.08 The ultimate analysis of the vegetable suhstances belonging to the Materia Medica is seldom of utility, since we can scarcely ever discover any relation between the composition and the medicinal powers of the substance analysed. These, in common with all its properties, no doubt depend on that composition ; but our modes of analysis are still too li- mited and imperfect to admit of our tracing the connexion between them. The application of chemistry, therefore, to the vegetable substances be- longing to the Materia Medica, is in a great measure confined to the dis- crimination of their proximate principles. The Proximate Principles of vegetables are numerous, and of very different kinds. They are not all to be met with in every vegetable, or in every period of vegetation : some exist only in certain plants, and that only in their state of vigour and maturity : at other times they are to be found only before they have arrived at that period ; some are deposited in particular organs, others are diffused through the whole substance of the vegetable, and mixed more or less intimately with all its parts : and some are nearly peculiar to certain vegetables, while others are common to almost every plant. Those only require to be pointed out in this sketch, which are connected with medicinal properties. These principles are the products of vegetation from a common juice or sap, which circulates freely through every part ofthe vegetable sys- tem, being supplied by absorption from the soil, and peihaps from the atmosphere. It varies in its qualities, particularly according to the sea- son, and the progress of the plant to maturity ; frequently too it has an intermixture ofthe proper juices : it always contains the usual elements of vegetable matter, with generally saline substances, having principally lime for their base. Py the chemical changes it suffers from the action '.»* OF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES of the vessels of the plant, aided by the action ofthe air and of light, its elements pass into various states of combinations, whence the peculiar products of vegetation are formed. The first transition of the sap appears to be into Mucilage, or Gum, one of the proximate principles contained in greatest abundance in ve- getables. Gum is the name given to this principle when it is obtained in a concrete state ; Mucilage is the name given to it when it is express- ed in a liquid state, or extracted by maceration in water. Between these there exist some differences in their relation to re-agents, whence a distinction has been established between them ; but their general pro- perties are the same, and similar differences exist between different va- rieties of gum itself. This principle is found in all young plants, in greater or less quantity ; and is often so abundant in the plant, as to be discharged by spontaneous exudation. It abounds also in their roots, stalks, and leaves, and espe- cially in their seeds. It is an inodorous, insipid, and glutinous sub- stance, soluble in water in every proportion, and forming with it a thick viscid solution, which, by evaporation affords a tenacious mass, that when dried is brittle, and again soluble. It is insoluble in alcohol, ether, or oil, and is precipitated from its solution in water by the addition of alco- hol. It does not absorb oxygen from the atmosphere ; though its solu- tion becomes sensibly acid by keeping, owing to partial spontaneous de- composition, and the combination of part of the principles of the gum, so as to form acetic acid ; nor does it act upon the metals, but it combi- nes with several of the metallic oxides-. Exposed to heat it is neither fusible nor volatile. At a temperature superior to 212, but inferior to that of ignition, it is decomposed; its principles entering into new com- binations : the products are an acid liquor, consisting principally of ace- tic acid, carbonic acid, and carburetted hydrogen gases, with a little am- monia, and a residuum of charcoal containing lime, one ounce of gum, affording 6 grains of lime. This lime is also detected by adding sulphu- ric acid to a solution of gum. From these products ofthe analysis, it is evident that the ultimate principles of gum are, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon, with smaller proportions of nitrogen and lime. Berzelius states the proportions as follows :—oxygen 51.456, carbon 41.752, hydrogen 6.792. =100. Gum is not capable of passing into the vinous fermenta- tion, which appears to be owing to the portion of lime existing in it, as lime has the effect of preventing even sugar from suffering this change. Gum is not inflammable ; for although, when heated in contact with at- mospheric air, it combines with oxygen, it emits no flame. The prin- cipal products of this combination are carbonic acid and water. By the action of nitric acid it is converted into oxalic, malic, and saccholactic acids. Gum is usually obtained either by spontaneous exudation, or by in- cisions made in the trunks and branches of trees. It is more or less pure as it is obtained from different plants. Its existence in vegetables is detected by boiling gently the vegetable substance with water ; the water dissolves the gum, and if much of that principle be present, the solution is glutinous. It may be allowed to remain till the impurities have subsided ; if it then be evaporated to the consistence of thin sy- rup, the addition of three parts of alcohol will separate the whole of the gum in flake?. 05" PHARMACEUTIC CHEM1STR5T. £3 Pure gum is not an active substance, considered with respect to its ef- fect on the living system. In medicine it is only used for its lubricating quality ; and so little activity does it exert, that it has often been taken for a considerable time as an article of food. From its chemical proper- ties, it is of rather more importance. As a component part of vegetable matter, it renders the other parts more soluble in watery liquors, and may thus favour their action on the stomach. In Pharmacy, it is used as a medium to combine balsams, resins; and oils with water. If a small quantity of any of these substances be triturated with a little gum or mu- cilage, on the addition of water they remain suspended in it, forming a white milky-like mixture, retaining all the properties of the balsam or oil. Though pure gum is thus inactive, yet the virtues of many vegeta- bles depend on a gummy or mucilaginous matter. Fecula is a principle approaching in several of its characters to gum. Like it, it is soluble in hot water, and forms a viscid glutinous solution ; but it is at once distinguished by being perfectly insoluble in cold water. It exists principally in the tuberose roots and gramineous seeds. It is extracted by beating the dried root or seed with a large quantity of water : the liquid soon becomes milky, from the diffusion of a white powder through it. On being poured from the remaining vegetable matter, and allowed to remain at rest, this powder is deposited, and when washed and dried, is the fecula of the plant. It is generally mild and insipid, of a white colour, with a peculiar kind of brilliancy, soft to the touch; but portions ofthe other principles ofthe plant some- times adhere to it, from which it receives colour, smell, and taste. Starch is the fecula of wheat, and is the most abundant part of that grain- Fecula is insoluble in alcohol. The action ofthe acids on it, is some- what analogous to that they exert on gum, dissolving it when they are weak or diluted, but decomposing it when they are more concentrated. The alkalis also dissolve it. Exposed to heat, it is charred, and suffers decomposition, affording products which indicate carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, to be its constituent principles. A property eminently charac- teristic of it, and probably depending on its composition, is that of being convertible into saccharine matter, and thence ultimately passing into the vinous fermentation,—a property not belonging to gum or any other prin- ciple. This conversion takes place in germination, and is accompanied with an absorption of oxygen, and formation of carbonic acid. Lignin, however, according to the experiments of M. Braconnot, affords a gum which is converted into two new principles by the action of dilute nitric acid, sugar, and an acid which he calls vegeto-sulphuric acid. The component parts of fecula are stated us follows by Berzelius : car- bon 43.481, oxygen 48.455, hydrogen 7.064.= 100. Proust mentions a principle of barley called Hordein, but it appears rather to be a variety of starch than a distinct vegetable principle. Fecula is a substance highly nutritive, and is usually contained in those plants which serve as food. It is sometimes employed in its pure state in medicine, on acconnt of its nutritive quality, and from being easy of digestion ; sago and Salop are substances of this kind. Gluten. This principle is usually associated with fecula, and is ob- tained in the process in which the fecula is separated. It then appears as a viscous, elastic, and fibrous-like substance, which, from its resemblance to the animal product named Gluten, has been denominated Vegetable ■M OS THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE? Gluten. It is obtained from the flower of wheat in greatest abundance: the flower is made into a paste with water, which being compressed by the hand, while a stream of water falls upon it, the fecula is carried off in the state of powder : the mucilaginous and saccharine parts of the grain are dissolved by the water, and there remains a tenacious ductile mass, forming the gluten ; it has scarcely any taste, is of a greyish colour, and when dryed is semi-transparent: it is insoluble in water and is dissolved in very small quantity by alcohol: it is dissolved by acetic acid ; by the action of nitrous acii, it is converted into oxalic acid, giving out, at the same time, nitrogen gas : decomposed by heat, it affords a large quanti- ty of ammonia and it is subject like animal matter to putrefaction. It contains a larger proportion of nitrogen than any other vegetable pro- duct does, and it is supposed to render those vegetables in which it is present highly nutritive. It has lately been discovered by M. Taddey, that gluten may be separated into two distinct principles, one of which, Gliadine, is procured by successively dissolving the gluten in alcohol; the solution gradually deposits a whitish matter, and on evaporation, a yellowish-coloured sub- stance, or a sweet balsamic taste, is obtained. The other principle is the gluten which remains undissolved by the alcohol ; he calls it Zimo- ma. Gliadine is in some respects similar to the resins, but differs from them in being insoluble in sulphuric ether. It is pretty soluble in alco- hol, and is scarcely affected by the mineral or vegetable acids ; it also of itself undergoes slow fermentation, and causes the same process in sac- charine substances. Zimoma presents the appearance of a hard, tough, shapeless mass, of an 'ash-white colour ; its specific gravity is greater than that of water, and during fermentation it exhales a foetid urinous odour. The mineral acids and vinegar dissolve it completely at a boil- ing temperature. Another principle which has been supposed to exist in vegetables, is that which has been named Albumen, from its resemblance to the animal principle of that name. It is soluble in cold water, its solution being coagulated also by heat 5 it is coagulated also by alcohol, but is dissolved by the alkalis ; like gluten, it is liable to putrefaction, and furnishes a large quantity of ammonia by distillation. This principle is found in hem- lock, scurvy grass, cresses, and several other plants, and is obtained from the fresh expressed juice of the leaves when they are heated nearly to the boiling point; the albuminous matter coagulating, and separating in the form offtakes. A similar separation takes place on the addition of spirit of wine. It is contained also in the seeds of other plants, particularly in the different nutritive grains ; in the farina of wheat, for instance, it is found dissolved in the water which is employed in separating the fecula from the gluten. This principle, has, however, been regarded, and per- haps justly, as a variety of gluten ; it differs little from it in chemical pro- perties ; and the peculiar physical qualities supposed to be distinctive of gluten are obviously derived from the process by which it is obtained. Saccharine Matter. This exists in many vegetable substances espe- cially in their fruits and roots, but often intimately united with their mu- cilaginous and extractive matter. When freed from these, its taste is sweet, without any peculiar flavour ; it is soluble in water and in alco- hol ; is capable of crystallizing ; its watery solution enters first into the ■vinous, and then into the acetous fermentation. By the action of nitric OF PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. £c;ci, it is converted into oxalic acid ; decomposed by heat, it affords a large quantity of empyreumatic oil, carbonic acid, and carburetted hydrogen gases, the residuum being charcoal. It consists, therefore, of carbon. hydrogen, and oxygen ; and from the large quantity of acid which its analysis yields, it appears to contain more oxygen than any other vege- table substance that is not acid. Sugar appears to be often formed from the fecula of the vegetable in which it exists. It contains nearly the same principles as fecula does, and theoperation of malting throws considerable light on its formation; in this process the fecula of grain is converted into saccharine matter ; oxygen is absorbed, and carbonic acid formed : and this abstraction of carbon, it" it constitutes the whole change, of course proves that the sugar, which is the product ofthe operation, has an increased proportion of hydrogen and oxygen. In other cases, as in the maturation of fruit, sugar appears to be formed from the acid juice of the fruit, and this is probably effected by the abstraction of oxygen. Saccharine matter has little activity, though there are some varieties of it, in which some weak medicinal powers re- side. Oil is a common proximate principle of vegetable matter ; it is of two kinds, expressed or fat oil, and distilled, volatile or essential oil. These have the common qualities of unctuosity and inflammability; but they also possess peculiar properties, by which they are distinguished as species. The Expressed, fat, or fixed oils, are thick and unctuous, insipid and" inodorous ; they congeal on exposure to cold, are lighter than water, and insoluble in that liquid ; they are likewise insoluble, except in mi- nute quantity, in alcohol, and they combine with the alkalis, forming soap. They are not volatilized at the temperature of 212° : some re- quire to be raised to 600° to make them boil, and the condensed oil is changed in its properties. At a temperature somewhat higher, they are. decomposed in close vessels, and burn when the^ atmospheric air is ad- mitted. They also slowly absorb oxygen at a low temperature ; a small quantity of acid is formed, which renders them rancid ; by longer ex- posure to the air they are inspissated, and become at length concrete : at least those oils which have been expressed with the aid of heat, and which are named drying oils, suffer this last change, and are ultimately converted into a resinous matter.. Expressed oils consist chiefly of carbon and hydrogen, as is establish- ed by the products of their decomposition by heat, which are chiefly carburetted hydrogen and carbonic acid. The products of their com- bustion are water and carbonic acid. These oils are contained in the seeds and fruit of vegetables, and only at the period of their maturity. They are extractgd by expression, or by decoction with water ; they are frequently impregnated with part of the extractive, mucilaginous, or resinous particles, which the seed or fruit contains ; from which they derive colour, and in many cases a pe- culiar taste and odour, and even perhaps certain medicinal powers. In general, however, they have little activity as medicines. They are mild and emollient, and are used principally for these virtues. They are rendered miscible with water by the medium of gum or sugar, or by the addition of a small quantity of any of the alkalis. Volatile or Essential oils have characteristic properties different from 4 26 QF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES those of expressed oils. They are volatile at a low temperature, and are entirely and quickly converted into vapour at the heat of boiling water, without being decomposed ; they are soluble in a small proportion m water, and hence the taste and flavour which water receives from many vegetables by distillation. In alcohol they are completely soluble ; but they do not combine with the alkalis with facility ; they are in general odoriferous, pungent, and even acrid ; they are more highly inflammable than the fixed oils, and by exposure to the atmosphere they slowly absorb oxygen, are thickened and coloured, lose much of their smell and pungency and are at length converted into substances of a resinous nature. This change is partly owing to the volatilization ofthe oil, but principally to the oxygen absorbed combining with a portion of their hydrogen. These oils, from their analysis by heat, or by combustion, appear to consist principally of carbon and hydrogen. They differ from the fixed oils in containing a larger proportion of hydrogen ; hence they are more Volatile, and more inflammable, and by combustion afford a larger quan- tity of aqueous vapour. Volatile oils are less abundant in the products of vegetation than some other principles ; they do not exist indeed in any considerable quantity hut in the aromatic plants ; in some plants, the oil is confined to the flowers, fruit, leaves, or bark ; sometimes it is contained in several of these parts, and in a few instances it is found diffused through every part. The quantity varies, not only according to the age, but also according to the vigour of the plant; hence it is much influenced by climate, soil, and reason. It is remarkable, that some of the most odoriferous flowers, as the rose or jessamine, yield scarcely any essential oil, though they lose their flavour by a gentle heat. Some of these oils being contained in distinct vesicles, may be obtain- ed by pressure. It this manner essential oils can be obtained from or- ange or lemon rhind. More usually they are procured by distillation ; the vegetable is boiled in water ; the essential oil is volatilized with the aqueous vapour ; both are condensed in close vessels; the water has the taste and flavour of the plant, from having dissolved a small part of the oil: the greater part, however, is collected pure, either swimming on the surface of the water, when the oil is lighter, as is generally the case, or in a few cases, when it is heavier, having fallen to the bottom. The essential oils of vegetables are not without some degree of medi- cinal activity. They have the odour, and generally the taste of the ve- getable from which they are obtained, accompanied with more or less pungency. Some of them, however, are less pungent and less acrid than the vegetable matter from which they are procured, these qualities residing in the resin, or some other proximate principle. A proximate principle found in some vegetables, similar in many of its properties to essential oil, is Camphor. It is a solid substance of a white colour, semi-transparent, having a strong peculiar smell, and a penetrat- ing taste ; tenacious, and slightly unctuous to the touch. It is very spar- ingly soluble in water, but is abundantly soluble in alcohol, ether, and oils ; from these solutions it is precipitated by the addition of water. It evaporates entirely, though slowly, at the common temperature of the atmosphere ; at a higher temperature, in close vessels, it is sublimed without alteration; it is also highly inflammable, the products ofthe cpmbustioa being carbonic acid, and what is named camphoric acid. It OF PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. is acted on by the more powerful acids, sulphuric acid charring it and forming a portion of tannin ; nitric acid dissolving it, and decomposing a portion of it, converting it into an acid ; muriatic, fluoric, acetic, and car- bonic acid dissolving it, without materially changing its composition, as the greater part can be precipitated by water. Mitric acid repeatedly distilled from it, converts it into a concrete acid named camphoric acid, which appears to be different from any known acid, though it approaches in many of its properties to the benzoic. By peculiar arrangements, which impede its volatilization, camphor may be decomposed by heat. This is effected by mixing it intimately with six parts of pure clay, making the mixture into balls by the addition of water, and when these are dry, subjecting them to a strong heat, sud- denly raised. A volatile oil, fragrant and pungent, of a golden yellow colour, amounting to one-third of the weight of the camphor, distils over ; a quantity of charcoal, about ^th of the weight of the camphor, remains; the remaining products of the decomposition are carburetted hydrogen, carbonic acid gas, and camphoric acid. From the result of this analysis, camphor appears to differ from the essential oils, principal- ly in containing a much larger proportion of carbon, since, by its decom- position by heat, it is resolved principally into charcoal, or compounds of carbon, and into an oil which has all the properties of an essential oil, being odorous and pungent, volatile and inflammable, soluble in alcohol, and precipitated from it by the addition of water. Camphor is found in distinct vesicles, in the wood and bark of certain vegetables. It is also contained in many essential oils, as those gf laven- der, sage, and others, from which it is deposited on long keeping. A substance analogous to it in many of its properties, is capable of being ar- tificially formed, by the action of muriatic acid on oil of turpentine. The same relation which camphor bears to the volatile, Wax seems to have to the fixed oils. This substance, though formed by the bee, is also a product of vegetation ; it is yielded by the leaves and fruit, and it is sometimes intimately mixed with the resin, gum or extractive matter of plants. It is insoluble in water, and is soluble in very small quantity with the aid of heat in alcohol. It combines with the fixed alkalis, though with some difficulty. It unites easily with the expressed oils. It melts at a moderate heat. By distillation in close vessels it affords an acid, and a thick oil, a small quantity of charcoal being the residuum. Resin. This principle is in some measure connected with essential oil, and in plants is often united with it, as well as with other principles. Some vegetables, however, exude juices which concrete into a matter entirely resinous, and it is from these that the characters of the substancejs belonging to this genus are taken. The distinguishing properties of a re sin are its existing in a solid state/being insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, ether, and oils ; the solution in ether or alcohol is decomposed by water ; resins are in general odorous and sapid, though neither of these qualities is essential to a pure resin ; they are inflammable, and burn with much smoke ; at a temperature nearly that of boiling water, they melt; but they cannot be volatilized without being decomposed. In close ves- sels the products of their decomposition by heat are water, empyreuma- tic acetic acid, an empyreumatic oil, and a residuum of charcoal, indica- ting carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, to be their ultimate principles. At the common temperature of the atmosphere, they do not combine with 2t OP THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES oxygen ; neither are they acted on by water ; the solutions of them >.<. alcohol are therefore employed under the form of varnishes, to preserve other bodies from alteration by exposure to the air. They are dissolved by the fixed alkalis ; likewise by some ofthe acids, especially the ace- tic : the stronger acids decompose them. The existence of resin in a vegetable is discovered by infusing it in alcohol ; this dissolves it if any is present, and it can then be precipi- tated from the solution by the addition of water. The method of esti- mating the quantity is by ascertaining the increase of weight which al- cohol acquires from it by digestion, or the alcohol may be evaporated by a moderate heat, and the resin obtained pure. Ptesins are in general more active than gums, with respect to their me- dicinal powers. The purest resins are indeed nearly inert, but there are many vegetable substances which act powerfully on the system, that appear to consist princip illy of resinous matter, and it is in this resinous part that their powers reside. The proper solvent or menstruum of re- sin is alcohol ; by this it can be extracted from some ofthe other con- stituent parts of vegetables ; there are others, however, which are so- luble in the same fluid, and therefore it is'difficult to obtain the resin pure. Though resin is insoluble by itself in water, yet part of it can be taken up, and kept suspended by the medium of gum. These two principles, Gum and Resin, are often naturally mixed in vegetables, at least what are named-GuM Resins, which form some ofthe most active articles ofthe Materia Medica, are considered as natural compositions of this kind. Their chemical properties are derived from the two principles of which they consist: thus, they are only partially soluble either in water or in alcohol; they are soluble in alkaline liquors : they are not fusible by heat, they only soften, and if the heat is raised higher, are decomposed, affording a little ammonia with the usual products, pro- bably derived from the gum they contain. The proportions of gum and resin, thus mixed, are in different substances of this family very various : it is not even always practicable to separate them into distinct portions of these two principles ; resinous matter generally predominates ; but the whole composition is usually such, that a mixture of equnl parts of water and alcohol dissolves it. This solvent al?o dissolves some other vegeta- ble principles, particularly extract, and hence it is the menstruum most generally used in Pharmacy to extract the active matter of vegetables. Balsams are resinous juices, with an intermixture generally of es- sential oil, and containing always a portion of the acid named Benzoic acid. They are usually thick and tenacious, becoming by age concrete. They are odorous and pungent, principally from the essential oil they contain. A principle of considerable importance in its pharmaceutic relations, which is supposed to constitute the active matter of many vegetables, is what has been named by the French chemists, by whom its characters were first established, Extract, or Extractive Matter. The soluble matter of saffron affords one ofthe best examples of it. Its leading charac- ter is, that it is soluble equally in pure water and in alcohol ; and hence a solution of it in the one fluid is not precipitated by the addition of the. other. By this property it is distinguished both from gum and resin the one being insoluble in water, the other in alcohol. The compound of the two, or gum-resin, is indeed partly soluble in either of these fluids, OF PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. but it never is competely so, since, if it is entirely soluble in water, it is only partially dissolved by alcohol ; and if it be completely dissolved by alcohol, it is imperfectly dissolved by water. If a gum-resin oe digested with alcohol, the tincture it aft'oms is decomposed by water, and, vice versa, its watery solution is decomposed by alcohol. There is another character by which extractive matter is distinguished, that of suffering decomposition when exposed in a humid state to the at- mospheric air; this takes place even at natural temperatures, and with more rapidity when the temperature is raised, as when the extractive matter is boiled in water: it then becomes insoluble and comparatively inert. This change Fourcroy ascribed to the fixation of oxygen. Ac- cording to T. Saussure, oxygen is indeed absorbed, but carbonic acid is at the same time formed ; he supposes, too, that part ofthe oxygen and hydrogen of the extractive matter combine and form water, and that the inert insoluble precipitate has therefore an increased proportion of car- bon. It is from this cause apparently that the medicinal powers of many vegetables are injured by decoction in water with the admission of air, and not, as was at one time believed, from the dissipation of any volatile active principles ; many plants, indeed, which sustain injury from this operation, containing no such principles. By oxymuriatic acid, extract is converted into a concrete substance of a yellow colour, insoluble in water. It exerts affinities to argil and to metallic oxides, and is hence acted on by a number of metallic salts. Mu- riate of tin, at the maximum of oxidation precipitates it copiously, and forms therefore a delicate test of it which is liable however to the fallacy that it precipitates some other vegetable principles. By heat it is decom- posed, affording empyreumatic oil and acid, with a portion of ammonia ; and in this, as well as in its spontaneous decomposition, when the re-ac- tion of its elements is favoured by humidity, it leaves as a residuum car- bonates of potash and lime. This principle is supposed to be the base of what are named the Ex- tracts of Plants ;—preparations formed by boiling vegetables in water, and evaporating the clear liquor to a thick consistence. As procured in this way, it must have an intermixture, greater or less of those princi- ples which are soluble in water ; and from being so liable to decomposi- tion, it must be injured during the evaporation. If is the basis, too, though in a similar state ot intermixture and partial decomposition, of what are named the inspissated juices of plants. It exists in the seeds, leaves, bark, and wood. Though the characters of this principle appear to be distinctive, there is still some ambiguity with regard to it, particularly from the circum- stance, that these characters are not uniform ; a principle existing in some vegetables which has some of these distinctive properties, without the others ; as, for example, in Peruvian bark, the active matter of which is rendered inert and insoluble by decoction in water, and so far has one ofthe peculiar properties of extract ; while it has not the other, that of equal solubility in alcohol and water, but is more soluble in the former than in the latter. Nor is there any certainty that this extrac- iive matter has been obtained pure and insulated ; and it is therefore possible that it may consist of some of the other principles in a state of mixture, their properties bility, a more simple apparatus is employed, consisting usuallv ofa-con- OF PHARMACEUTIC CHEittiSlRY, ■17 ical bottle or flask, with a round bottom, thin and equal, named a Cucur bit, in which the materials are contained, heat being applied by the me- dium of a sand bath. The vapour condenses in the upper part of the flask, forming a cake, which adheres to it, the orifice being lightly closed to prevent any part from being lost; or a globular head, with a groove at its under edge, and a tube to convey off' any liquid that may be condensed, (a Capital as it is named), is applied. When a solid substance is thrown down from a liquid by chemical ac- tion, it forms the operation of Precipitation, and the matter thrown down is named a Precipitate. Frequently the substance precipitated is one that has been dissolved in the liquid, and which is separated by a substance which renders it soluble, and weakening its attraction to the one which it held in solution. Or sometimes it arises from a compound being formed by the union of one body with another, insoluble in the li- quid that is the medium of action. The precipitate is allowed to subside, is usually washed with water, and is dried. From the law of chemical attraction, that quantity influences the force of affinity, it often happens that the precipitate either retains in combination a portion of the substance by which it had been dissolved, or attracts a portion ofthe substance by which it is thrown down, and this sometimes proves a source of impurity, or of peculiar powers in medicinal preparations. When a substance, in passing to the solid state, whether from fusion or solution, assumes a regular geometric form, the process is named Crys- tallization, and these figured masses are denominated Crystals. Their forms are various, though nearly constant with regard to each substance : they are usually transparent, hard, and have a regular internal structure. The crystallization may happen in two ways from a state of solution. If a saturated solution has been prepared with the aid of heat, the increased quantity of the solid, which the heat has enabled the liquid to dissolve, separates as the temperature falls ; and the attraction of cohesion being thus slowly exerted between the particles, unites them so as to form crys- tals. Or, if a portion of the solvent be withdrawn by evaporation, and especially by slow evaporation, the particles of the solid unite slowly, and with a similar result. In both these kinds of crystallization from a watery solution, the crys- tallized substance always retains a quantity of water, and frequently even a considerable proportion, in its composition. It is essential to the con- stitution ofthe crystal, its transparency, structure, and form, and is hence named the Water of Crystallization. Some crystals lose it from exposure to the air, when they are said to effloresce; others attract water, and be- come humid, or deliquesce. Crystallization is promoted' by the mechanical action of the air ; like- wise by affording a nucleus, whence it may commence, and especially a crystal ofthe substance dissolved ; and with regard to a few substances, their affinity to the solvent requires to be diminished by the addition of another substance to enable them to crystallize. In Pharmacy, crystallization is of importance by enabling us to obtain substances, especially those belonging to the class of salts in a pure form ; different salts, even when present in the same solution, being thus se- parated by their different tendencies to crystallization, according as they are more or less soluble in the solvent, or have their solubility more or less promoted by heat, and each salt, when it does crystallize, being in general pure. ■48 OF THE OENERAL PRINCIPLES These are the principal operations of Pharmacy. Connected wn this subject, there remain to be noticed the weights and measures whicx are usually employed. The division, according to what is named lroy weight, is that ordered in the Pharmacopoeias. Its parts, with the symoois by which they are denoted, and their relative proportions, are represent- ed in the following table : A pound (libra), Ife contains 12 ounces. An ounce (uncia), 5 ------- 8 drachms. A drachm (drachma), 3 ------- 3 scruples. A scruple (scrupulus), ------- 20 grains (grana) gr. Measures have been subdivided in a similar manner, being made to corres-, pond to the Specific gravity of water. As the specific gravities of liquids vary considerably, a source of error is introduced in applying the stand- ard measure to different liquids, unless the due allowance be made for the differences in specific gravity. This, it is to be presumed, will often be neglected, and hence the Edinburgh College have rejected the use of measures, and given the proportions of every liquid by weight. The use of measures, however, in apportioning liquids, those at least whicl are not too dense, being more easy and convenient, will probably always be retained ; and it is therefore sanctioned by the Dublin and the London Colleges, in their late edition of their Pharmacopoeias. The Dublii College adopt the usual division of the wine gallon into eight pounds o pints, the pound into sixteen ounces, and the ounce into eight drachms The London College distinguish them, at the same time, by particular ap pellations, which cannot be confounded with those denoting the weights These are represented with their symbols in the following table : A gallon (congius), contains 8 pints. A pint (octarius), O-------16 fluidounces. A fluidounce (fluiduncia), f3-------8 fluidrachms. A flu 'drachm (fluidrachma), f3 ------- 60 minus, (minima), \. This last measure is one newly introduced. In apportioning liquids into very small quantities, the quantity has been usually estimated by drops (gutta, gtt.) allowed to fall from the edge ofthe mouth of a bottle ; but the size of the drop is liable to vary, not only according to the mobility and specific gravity of the liquid, a circumstance of inferior importance, since with regard to each substance it remains the same, but also according to the thickness ofthe edge ofthe vessel, and the degree of inclination. The London College have therefore substituted this division of minims, which are measured in a slender graduated glass tube. It is necessary to recol- lect that these minims have no strict relation to drops, as indeed is evident from the circumstance, that a drop is a very variable quantity, both in size and weight, from different liquids. A drop of water is equal to about a grain, but 60 grains of alcohol are equal to about 175 drops of it, 60 grains of white wine to 96 drops, and 60 grains of tinctures with diluted alcohol, to from 135 to 145 drops. The measures of a table and of a tea spoonful are sometimes used in extemporaneous prescription, and, though not very accurate, may be admitted, were a small difference in.the dose is not important. The one is understood to be equal to half an ounce by measure, the other to about one drachm. PART If. OF MATERIA MEDICA. Materia Medica, in the extensive signification which has been attached to the term, comprises the history both of Aliments and of Medicines. It is used, however, more frequently and more correctly, as opposed to the Materia Alimentaria ; and in this limited sense may be defined—that de- partment of Medicine, which describes the properties, and investigates the effects on the living system, of those substances which are employed as remedies against disease,—substances which are not necessary to the immediate support of the functions of life, to repair the waste of body, or to furnish matter whence its secretions are derived, but which are more peculiarly adapted to excite actions in the system, or produce changes. with a view to the removal of morbid states. It includes the history of these substances, independent ofthe preparations to » hich they are sub- jected to fit them for administration, this belonging to the department of Pharmacy. CHAP. I. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS OS THE OBJECTS OF STUDY IN THE HISTORY OF THE ARTICLES OF THE MATERIA MEDICA, AND ON THEIR CLASSIFICATION. The subjects of inquiry, in the study ofthe articles ofthe Materia Medica, may be comprised undertheir Natural History, their Chemical History, and what may be more strictly denominated their Medical History. The utility of Natural Historv in furnishing appropriate characters by which the productions of nature may be distinguished from each other. is abundantly obvious ; and its application to the articles of the Materia Medica is under this point of view indispensable. From want of such characters, many of the remedies described by the ancient physicians cannot now be accurately ascertained ; did we not possess them, our ob- servations would, in the progress of time, be liable to the same inconve- nience ; and the accurate distinctions which the methods of natural his- tory afford, are at present necessary to discriminate between substances which have a near resemblance to each other, or to describe with accu- racy the remedies employed in different countries. This subject has likewise been considered under a higher point of view. From attention to the characters of the articles of the Materia Medica, as they are objects of natural history, it has been supposed, that assistance may be derived in the investigation of their virtues. In those artificial systems of ratification, indeed, in which the arrcmjrinents are JO MATERIA MEDICA. i-iidod on a few leading discriminating character.-, tiie natural alliance? wnich exist among bodies an* often disregarded, and they are in no case particularly traced ; the substances which are associated being placed to- il's her merely from possessing these characters, though they may differ widely in thc"gencral assemblage of their qualities. But in those natural methods of classification in which the arrangement is founded on the con- currence of a number of characters taken from what is essential to the substance, the gradations of nature are more strictly observed, and those bodies are arranged together, which, in their general appearance, nature, and qualities, have a close resemblance. It is the prosecution of this na- tural method that b <.s been supposed useful in ascertaining the medicinal Virtues of the productions of nature,—a supposition not unreasonable, since, where there exists a natural resemblance in structure and qualities, it is no improbable inference that there may be a resemblance in medici- nal powers. In the vegetable kingdom especially, this natural affinity has been indus- triously traced and applied to this purpose. Tho;.e vegetables which agree in their general structure, habit, and appearance, are thrown into what are named Natural Orders or Families ; and experience has shewn, that the individuals composing many of these natural orders have a remarkable similarity in their effects on the sy.-tem. In the subdivisions ofthe order, this analogy is not less striking, the different species having in general, similar virtues. If, therefore, a new species of any of these genera be dis- covered, the discoverer may infer, with some probability, a priori, that it will possess virtues similar to those ofthe genus to which it belongs. This criterion of the virtues of medicines, though undoubtedly so far just, is however liable to many exceptions. Many natural orders are composed of vegetables, which, though they agree in structure, h;n e the most vari- ous and opposite qualities,; and even in those in which there is the great- est similarity, there are important differences in the properties of many plants arranged under them. Even in the subdivision ofthe genus, there is often a remarkable difference in the properties ofthe species ; and what sufficiently points out the deficiency of this method, different parts ofthe same plant have frequently opposite- powers. Yet it is to be admitted, that with all these exceptions, Naturalists have often been led by such analogies to just conclusions respecting the virtues of plants; and in studying the vegetable part ofthe Materia Medica, attention is undoubtedly due to these natural distinctions. A part of the Natural History of Medicines, of not less importance than theit generic and specific characters, is the accurate description of their sensible qualities. Such descriptions afford the most obvious method of distinguishing them, and in many cases also the most easy and certain criterion of their purity and perfection. A knowledge of these qualities is not less necessary in leading to their proper administration, since, from the peculiar qualities of taste, flavour, specific gravity, "or consistence in any substance one form may be better adapted to its exhibition than another. It has also been imagined, that the sensible qualities of medicines, par- ticularly their taste and smell, afford indications of their peculiar powers and experience to a certain extent confirms this supposition. In the ve- getable kingdom it has been found, that substances which are insipid and inodorous rarely possess any medicinal virtue, and a number of such s'ub- --ancos have been discard^.] from practice from attention to this circum- VRELIMIiMAfl,* OBSERVATION. Oi stance ; their insipidity having led to suspicion of their activity, and occa- sioned a more strict examination ofthe evidence on which their supposed virtues were said to be established. On the other hand, plants possessing much odour or taste, are in general active remedies ; and those which re- semble each other in these qualities, have often the same general pow- ers : thus astringency is indicated by a styptic taste ; bitters are tonic, aromatics are stimulating, and fcetids are usually narcotic. There are, however, so many causes of obscurity and error in these indications, that they do admit of very extensive accurate application. The different tastes and odours are so little reducible to precise definition or description, that few general rules can be formed from them ; and even to the few that have been delivered on this subject, there are many exceptions. The most active vegetable substances, too, have not these properties more peculiar than many others comparatively inert, and hence it is not often that much assistance can be derived from this crite- rion of the virtues of plants. The Chemical History of the articles of the Materia Medica forms another important object of investigation. The opinion seems to have been early adopted by those who cultivat- ed chemistry with a view to its application to medicine, that those sub- stances which act in a similar manner on the living body must be compos- ed of the same principles, and that therefore chemical analysis may be a successful method of investigating their medical virtues,—an opinion not altogether unreasonable. The properties of any compound depend on its chemical composition ; they originate from that composition, and are altered by every variation which it suffers. The medicinal powers of such substances must, in common with their other qualities, depend on the same cause ; and it is not unreasonable to presume, that where similar powers exist, they arise from similarity of composition, either with regard to the constituent principles, or to the peculiar mode in which these are united. Confiding in the justness of these conclusions, the chemists, about the beginning of the 17th century, bestowed much labour on the analysis of the different vegetables used in medicine. Above 500 plants were ana- lysed ; but this labour led not to a single useful result; and had even the analysis been performed with all those essential precautions which it was impossible that the state of Chemistry at that period could have furnish- ed, the nature of it was such, that it could afford no useful information. The plants subjected to analysis were exposed to heat, and the products collected ; but as these products do not pre-exist in the vegetable, but are formed by new combinations of its elements, and as these elements are all in vegetables nearly the same, no connection can be traced be- tween them and the qualities of the substance from which they are ob- tained. It was found, accordingly, that the most inert and the most poi- sonous vegetables afforded the same products ; and if the experiment were now to be repeated with all the advantages of the rigorous methods of Modern Chemistry, no information of any value to the physician would be obtained. Similar proximate principles of different plants, though possessed of different medicinal powers, would give similar re- sults ; or if any difference were observed, it would be impossible to con- nect this with the difference in their powers. Nor can we expect, from the chemistry at least of our times, to be able to discover on what chemi- cal principle, or what peculiarity of combination, the medicinal virtues of any active vegetable depend ; for although these, in common with othei: 0- MATERIA MELUt. a. qualities, may arise from chemical composition, yet the varieties of corn- bination, from which they derive their origin, are too minute to be de- tected by our modes of analysis. The pretensions of Modern Chemistry, as applied to Materia Medica, are more limited, but they are also more just. By discovering these proximate principles of vegetables in which their active powers reside,and enabling us to separate them from each other, or from inert matter with which they may be mixed, it allows us to apply them with much more advantage ; it de- termines how far in every case such operations are useful: whether the principles thus operated on are altered by these operations, and by what means such alterations, if injurious, may be obviated. Similar advanta- ges are obtained from its application to the few products of the animal kingdom that are employed in medicine. And those belonging to the mineral kingdom can be used with much more advantage and discrimina- tion, when their nature has been ascertained by analysis, than when we are left to collect their virtues from experience. By the combinations which Chemistry regulates, it furnishes us with many remedies which owe to these combinations their sole power, and which are equally active with many of those afforded by nature. Lastly, it has taught us the proper methods of administering these substances. Many of them exert a mutual action, combine together, or decompose each other ; and were such facts which Chemistry discovers not precisely known, important errors would frequently be committed in their mixture and administration. The last object in the study of the Materia Medica, that to which the others are subservient, is their Medical History, or the investigation of the virtues and uses of remedies. This comprehends several important subjects of inquiry. There belongs to it the consideration of the action of these substances on the system, both in its healthy and morbid condition. When the action of any substance in a state of health is ascertained, this leads to its appli- cation to the treatment of disease. It may in general be affirmed, though the principle is not without exception, that substances which do not act sensibly on the body in a healthy state, will not prove active remedies ; and that, on the contrary, every substance which is capable of produc- ing any important change in the system, must be more or less extensively adapted to the removal of morbid affections. The kind of change, too, indicates the morbid state it is calculated to remove ; though sometimes the virtues of remedies are not capable of being inferred from their ob- vious effects, but are discovered only by their employment from accident, or suggested by analogy, in actual disease. Another subject of inquiry, scarcely less important, relates to the mode in which remedies act, and by which they produce their peculiar effects. It is not sufficient merely to have ascertained, by the evidence of expe- rience, the virtues of certain remedies in certain cases. It is of impor- tance, farther, to arrange the facts thus collected : to institute some com- parison between remedies possessed of nearly the same general power, and, so far as can be done, to investigate their mode of operation with the view of extending their application by just analogies, and of adminis- tering them with more precision. Lastly, with regard to what may be more strictly termed the medicinal powers of remedies, there are several subjects of consideration of im- portance. It is necessary to take notice of the applications for which PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. .i>d t.;ch individual article is distinguished,—the forms of disease to which it is adapted,—the circumstances that may influence its operation, or may in certain cases render its exhibition doubtful or improper,—the cautions necessary in its use,—the dose in which it is given,—the usual and pro- per forms of exhibition ; and the effects of the combinations of remedies with each other. These observations point out the subjects to which the attention is principally to be directed in the study ofthe articles ofthe Materia Medica. Very different systems have been followed, according to which these substances are arranged. Two methods are superior to the others, and are possessed of undoubted advantages,—one in which the classification is founded on the natural distinctions of the substances arranged, the other in which it rests on their medicinal powers. The latter classification appears more systematic, and more conforma- ble to the Object of the study itself, than any other. These substances are subjects of inquiry, from being possessed of certain medicinal proper- ties : they ought to be classed, therefore, it might be concluded, on prin- ciples conformable to this : and by founding the classification on this basis, some important advantages are obtained ; we are enabled to place to- gether the remedies which are possessed of similar virtues,—to deliver the theory of their operation,—to compare the powers of the individual substances arranged under the class ; and by a reference to this general- ization, to point out more distinctly their degrees of activity, and the pe- culiarities which may attend the operation of each. The principal difficulty which attends it, is one arising perhaps from our imperfect knowledge of the laws of the animal economy, and ofthe operation of remedies, in consequence of which, we cannot always assign their primary action but are often under the necessity of arranging them from their more obvious, though secondary effects. Hence, as many sub- stances are capable of producing various effects of this kind, and are em- ployed in medicine to obtain this diversity of effect, the same substance frequently requires to be considered under different classes, and under each its history is incomplete. It may be capable of acting, for example, as an emetic, as a cathartic, and as a diuretic : did we know precisely the primary operation of it, whence these effects arise, this might serve as the basis of its classification ; but this being unknown, and the classifica- tion being established on these secondary operations, it must necessarily be placed under each of these classes, and under each its history is imper-^ feet, as it must be limited to the operation which gives the character ol the class under which it is arranged. In a course of lectures this is inconvenient; the history of many im- portant articles of the Materia Medica, being placed under different divi- sions, frequently remote from each other. But in a treatise, to the differ- ent parts of which it is easy to refer, it is of less importance, and is more than compensated for, by the other advantages of which this method of classification is possessed. And when the merits of two modes of classi- fication are so nearly balanced, it is even of importance to exhibit the subjects connected with them under the points of view which each mode more peculiarly affords. Though I have adopted, therefore, the one of these modes in my course of lectures, I have thought it preferable to fol- low the other in the present work. GENERAL VIEW OF THE CHAP. IL GENERAL VIEW OF THE OPERATIONS OF MEDICINES AND OF THEIR CLASSIFICATION FOUNDED ON THESE OPERA I IONS. The advantages of an arrangement of the articles of the Materia Me- dica, founded on their medicinal operations, I have stated under the pre- ceding observations ; and in endeavouring to exhibit this branch of me- dicine strictly as a science, it is that undoubtedly which ought to be fol- lowed. The difficulty of executing such an arrangement, has at the same time always been experienced. No subject is involved in greater obscurity, than what relates to the action of substances on the living sys- tem. Their effects are not always easily appreciated with accuracy, es- pecially in a state of disease, and our knowledge ofthe laws of their ac- tion is extremely imperfect. When we attempt, therefore, to class them according to these actions, we can scarcely form an arrangement strictly just and systematic, but are forced to admit of some deviations, and to be guided not unfrequently by imperfect analogies. The difficulty of constructing a classification of medicines from their operations, will be apparent from the failure even of Cullen, when he attempted its execution ; for there can be little hesitation in affirming that the one he has given rests on principles nearty altogether false. The fol- lowing table exhibits this classification. MEDICAME3TA AC-UisT IN Fluida. Solida. Now, without examining it minutely, it may be remarked, that the basis of this classification, the assumption that some medinines act exclusively on the fluids of the body, is in correct; for, with the exception of two or three classes, the action ofthe whole is on the living solids. Emetics, cathartics, diuretics, diaphoretics, emmenagogues, expectorants, sialogogues, and err- hines, which Cullen has placed as medicines acting on the fluids, produce their effects, unquestionably by no operation on the fluids which they evacuate, but by exciting particular organs to action. The distinction is equally nugatory, in the greater number of cases, between the action of OPERATIONS OF MEDICINE. oo medicines 6n the simple^olids and on the living solids. It cannot be doubted but that tonics produce their effects in removing debility, not, as the classification of Cullen assumes, by any action on the inanimate fibre of the body, giving it density or tone, but by their operation on the vital powers of the system. Nor can the effects of astringents be ascri- bed entirely to their corrugating quality. In this arrangement too, are placed classes of medicines which have probably no existence, the action ascribed to them being merely hypo- thetical. We may be allowed to question the existence of attenuants and inspissants,—medicines which render the fluids of the body more thin, or which produce the opposite effect. Nor is there any reason to believe in the reality of antiseptics. The process of putrefaction probably never takes place in the living body ; and if it did, we know of no specific me- dinines by which it could be retarded or counteracted. In the system of Brown, advanced in opposition to that of Cullen, more just views were unquestionably given of the relations of external agents to the living system, and of the lav - regulating their action. The operations of medicines, however, are even in ihi- system imperfectly explained, partly from the imperfect st >te of the science, and partly from its author having surveyed his subject with those views of generalization which preclude minute distinctions. Medicin * he supposed to operate merely as other external agents, by exciting to action either the general system, or the particular organs on which they operate ; and to differ from each other in little more than in the degree in which they exert this stimulating power. They have, farther than this, no specific proper- ties, but are adapted to the removal of morbid affections, by producing excitement, partial or general, with certain degrees of rapidity or force. This proposition is far from being just, at least in an unlimited sense. Medicines, and even external agents in general, unquestionably differ, not only in degree, but in kind of action._ Every substance applied to the or- gans of sense, gives a different sensation, not referrible to the mere force of the impression, but which must be attributed to some essential varieties in the modes of action of the agents themselves. Every organ is excited to its usual or healthy action only by its appropriate stimulant. It is the same with regard to medicines, differences in the kind of artion they ex- ert being not less conspicuous. Opium and mercury both excite the ac- tions of the system, and so far they agree in their general operation. But the ultimate effects they produce are extremely di imilar, nor from either of them can we, by any variation of dose, or mode of administration, ob- tain those effects which usually result from the action of the other. All the important articles nearly of the Materia Medica might be brought forward as similar examples, and as proving, that they are not to be re- garded simply as stimulants varying in strength, but that their action is mo- dified by peculiar powers they exert. Still the principles of this system approach to the truth, and appear most conformable to the laws which regulate the animal economy, and, with some modifications, they may be applied so as to afford a more satis- factory view of the operations of medicines, as well as a basis for arrang- ing them under different classes. The general operation of medicines, is that of exciting to action, either the whole system or particular organs. This is the primary effect ; and to express the agency of the substance producing it, the term of stimu- lant operation may bo employed. And, according to the kind and degree 5.G GENERAL VIEW* OP THE of this, different effects are produced, the discrimination of which may afford several important distinctions. Thus, of those stimulants which act on the general system, the opera- tion is extremely different with regard to diffusibility and permanence. Some are highly diffusible in their action, or, soon after they have been received into the stomach, they produce increased vigour, which is immediately conspicuous in the force of the circulation, the nervous sys- tem, or the different functions of the body ; while, with regard to others, the same general effect is produced more slowly, and is scarcely percep- tible but from their repeated or continued administration. Those which are diffusible are at the same time usually transient in their operation ; while those which produce excitement more slowly, are generally more permanent. And by both diversities of action, it is obvious their opera- tion must be productive of very different effects : the high excitement produced by the one, is soon followed by proportional languor ; the grad- ual excitement from the other being reduced more slowly, they occasion no such sudden changes, but are fitted to produce more lasting effects. These varieties of action serve, accordingly, to explain the differences in the power of some of our most important medicines, and they afford the distinction of two principal classes, Narcotics and Tonics ; the one, so far as their action is understood, being apparently general stimulants, diffusi- ble and transient, the other slow and permanent. Another important difference among stimulants is derived from the ac- tion of some being general with regard to the system, while that of others is more peculiarly directed to particular organs. The effect with regard to either is not easily explained ; but the fact is certain, that some sub- stances, as soon as they are received into the stomach, not only produce on it a stimulant effect, but extend this to the general system ; while there are others which, without any very evident action on the stomach, still less without any general action, excite particular organs : some for example, stimulating the intestinal canal; others exciting the action of the secreting vessels of the kidneys, others operating on the exhalent vessels of the skin. These afford the distinctions of cathartics, diuretics, and diaphoretics, and there are other classes founded on similar local operations. With this local action, many substances exert, at the same time, more or less of a general operation, by which the indi- viduals of a class become capable of producing peculiar effects, and many of them, by peculiarity of administration, act specifically on more than one part of the system, by which their effects are still more diversified. When medicines are thus determined to particular parts, they are ei- ther directly conveyed, by being received into the blood, or their action is communicated indirectly from the stomach by the medium of the ner- vous system : and in both ways important local effects are produced. Thus, there are many substances which appear to be capable of being so far assimilated with the food, as to enter into the composition of the chyle, and are received into the circulating mass. Bein°- brought in the course of the circulation, to particular organs, they often excite in them peculiar actions. Mercury affords an example of this. It enters the circulation, and, when accumulated to a sufficient extent, generally acts on the salivary glands. It is on secreting organs that these local ef- fects are usually produced, and frequently the substance is separated with the secreted fluid, so as to act on the secreting vessels. Such is the case with the alkaline salts, or with nitre, which are secreted by the vessels OPERATIONS OF MEDICINES. .}7 ' t the kidneys, stimulate them at the same time to inereas.'ii action, and are capable of being detected in the urine by chemical tesis. But the most general mode in wdiich the operation of medicines taken into the stomach is extended, either to the system in general, or to any particular organ, is by the medium of nervous communication. An im- pression is made on the fibres of the stomach by the substance received into it; and however difficult it may be to conceive the mode in which this can be communicated by the nerves to distant parts, the fact is established by sufficient evidence. It is evident from the effects of these substances being produced in a shorter time after they have been received into the stomach, than they could be were they to act by being absorbed by the chyle into the circulating mass. The stimulus of wine or of opium re- ceived into the stomach, will instantly remove lassitude, and increase the vigour of the circulation, or of muscular exertion ; or the same substan- ces, in a larger dose, will, with the same celerity, depress all the functions and exhaust the powers of life. Digitalis given to sufficient extent will , speedily reduce, to a great degree, the frequency of the pulse ; or a large dose of cinchona, given half an hour before the expected recur- rence of the paroxysm of an intermittent, will prevent its attack. It has also been proved by experiment, that this communication of action from the stomach to other parts, in a number of cases, does not take place where the brain and spinal marrow have been destroyed, though the heart and vascular system have been preserved uninjured. From this susceptibility of impression and of communicating action to other parts, the stomach becomes an organ of the first importance, since, independent of its being the vehicle by which substances are conveyed into the blood, it is that by means of which medicines are brought to act on the system by the medium of the nerves. It sometimes happens, however, that a similar extension of action may take place from other parts ; and hence effects may be obtained from medicines, by applying them to the surface of the body, similar to those which they produce when they have been received into the stomach. Sometimes the effect is conveyed by nervous communication, and sometimes the substance ap- plied is absorbed by the lymphatics, and enters the blood. Examples of the first are to be found in many narcotics. Opium, applied to the skin, either in the solid form, or in that of tincture, often relieves pain, acd removes spasmodic affections, either general or local. Tobacco applied to the region of the stomach excites vomiting ; and garlic applied to the feet acts as a powerful stimulant, and raises the strength ofthe pulse. Ex- amples of the second mode of operation are still more frequent. Fric- tion on the surface ist a common method of introducing mercury into the circulating mass. By the same means oxide of arsenic, tartrate of antimo- ny, and other active substances, may be introduced ; a solution of them in water being rubbed on the palms of the hand ; and under certain circum- stances, this is preferable to their administration by the stomach. Many substances applied to a wound, produce important effects on the system, affecting the functions of the heart or brain : in such cases they appear to act by entering the circulation through the divided veins of the part to which they are applied These are examples of the various relations which medicines bear to the living system. We are unable to assign a cause for these peculiar properties, to ascertain why the action of some should be'extended to ->b 0ENTERAL VIEW 01 THE the system in general, or why that of others should be determined to par- ticular parts, either where substances enter the blood, or where they act by the medium of the nerves. But from the possession of properties it is evident, that their powers as medicines must be more diversified than if they were merely general stimulants, varying in the degree of their sti- mulating power ; and farther, that distinctions are thus afforded for esta- blishing a variety of classes. Another cause remains to be pointed out, by which the actions of me- dicines are diversified. Besides acting as stimulants, they sometimes oc- casion changes, either mechanical or chemical, in the state of the fluids, or ofthe simple solids, and these changes are productive of medicinal ef- fects. This operation of medicines was formerly supposed to be more exten- sive than it really is. Sufficient weight was not allowed to the important fact that the actions of external agents on the living body are governed by laws different from those which regulate the actions exerted between the mass- es or particles of inanimate matter. Hence we find, in medical specula- tions, constant attempts to trace the causes of diseases to changes merely mechanical or chemical, to plethora or obstruction, to laxity or rigidity, to the abundance of acid or of alkali, or to the presence of other specific acrimonies still less defined. The explanations ofthe operations of medi4 cines were of course founded on these notions, and hence the distinctions of inspissants, attenuants, antacids, antalkalies, antiseptics, and several others with which the Materia Medica was loaded. These errors are now nearly exploded. We have learned to consider the living system as endowed with peculiar properties and modes of action, incapable of being explained on mere mechanical or chemical principles ; and to regard external powers acting upon it as producing changes con- formable to these peculiar properties of life. Yet still we can sometimes refer a salutary changes either general or partial, to changes mechanical or chemical in the solids or fluids. Thus, symptoms arising from irritation may be removed by lubricating the irritated surface ; acid in the stomach may be corrected by the exhibition of alkalies or absorbent earths ; and urinary concretions may be dissolved, or at least their increase may be prevented, by the use of alkaline remedies. These properties of certain medicines are not perhaps highly important; but they demand attention, and they afford sufficient distinctions for the formation of several classes. In conformity to these views, the classification of the articles of the Materia Medica, founded on their medicinal operations, may be established. It is only necessary to observe, principally to obviate hasty criticism, that in classifications founded on this principle, perfect precision is not to be ex- pected. The science of medicine is still in so imperfect a state, particu- larly in what regards the relation* of external agents to the living body, that both in arranging the classes, and associating the substances which we place under each, we must frequently rest satisfied with remote analogies, which will not always bear a strict examination. This is an imperfection at present unavoidable ; it must either be submitted to, or such modes of clas- sification must be altogether rejected : and the question therefore ultima- tely is, not whether these arrangements are unobjectionable, but whether the advantages belonging to them are not such as to justify their adoption even with their imperfections. Under the first division of the arrangement I propose, may be placed ihose substances which exert a general stimulant operation on the svstem. OPERATIONS OP MEDICINES. 59 Of these there are two subdivisions, the Diffusible and the Permanent; the former including the class of Narcotics, with which may be associated, as not very remote in their operation, the class of Antispasmodics ; the latter comprising two classes, Tonics and Astringents. Through these there is a gradual transition from the more highly diffusible stimulants, to those more slow and durable in their action. A second division comprehends Local Stimulants,—those, the action of which is determined to particular parts of the system. Such are the classes of Emetics, Cathartics, Emmenagogues, Diuretics, Diaphoretics, Expectorants, and Sialogogues ; with which may be associated the classes of Errhines, and of Epispastics, founded on direct local application. The remaining classes include substances which do not operate accor- ding to laws peculiar to the living system. To one division may be re- ferred those, the effects of which depend on the chemical changes they produce in the fluids or solids : the classes which may be established on this principle are Refrigerants, Antacids, Lithontriptics, and Escharotics. To another division belong those, the operation of which is purely me- chanical,—Diluents, Demulcents, Emollients, and Anthelmintics. Under these classes may be comprehended all those substances which are capable of producing salutary changes in the human system, and which are used as remedies. A view of this classification is exhibited in the following table : TABLE OF CLASSIFICATION. A. General Stimulants. B. Local Stimulants. Emetics. Diuretics. Sialogogues. Cathartics. Diaphoretics. Errhines. Emmenagogues. Expectorantes. Epispastics. C. Chemical Remedies. Escharotics. Antacids. . Lithontrfptics. Refrigerants. D. Mechanical Remedies. » Diluents. Demulcents. Emollient?. Anthelmintics From this arrangement, some classes are excluded that have usually found a place in others ; but these have either appeared to me to be not essentially different from those that are admitted, or to have been found- ed on false or hypothetical distinctions. There is no great advantage in extending the arrangement in systema- tic subdivisions of the classes. The substances under each may follow each other according to their natural affinities, their chemical relations, or analogies in medicinal power less important than those which form the basis ofthe class itself; and in the different classes, one of those methods will frequently be found better adapted to any purpose of utility than the others. That which gives the most natural and useful arrangement may therefore always be followed. There are some substances which it is of peculiar advantage to con- sider together, instead of placingunder different classes, to which, when ar- the diffusibility and little ih> vVARCO'i'IC-3.. n lability of.their action. On this principle, their effects were explained in the following manner. It is the necessary effect of stimulant operation, to produce for a time increased action ; but as this is attended with a diminution of vital power, the excitement soon ceases, and diminished action succeeds. These ef- fects are proportional, partly to the absolute force ofthe exciting power, and partly to the rapidity with which it operates. If sufficiently strong, and if it be diffusible and transient in its operation, the excitement it pro- duces is general, is quickly raised to its highest point, and is as quickly followed by proportional languor and diminished action. Or if the dose is large, the stimulant effect is so rapid as to be hardly perceptible, and the sedative or depressing effects only appear. Thus narcotics were re- garded as powerful stimulants, the operation of which is notconfined to the part to which they are applied, but is rapidly extended over the sys- tem. In a moderate dose, they promote action of every kind, which is conspicuous in the functions both of the nervous and vascular systems : but this is succeeded by debility proportioned to the excitement that had been raised ; and in a large dose, they produce diminution of power, and consequently of action, without any symptom of previous excitement.— Hence they are directly stimulant, and indirectly sedative. If, in investigating this subject, we merely contrast these two theories. little doubt can remain ofthe superiority of the latter. The former is founded on the fanciful hypdthesis, established by no evidence, that a pow- er presides over the system, ready to resist every noxious application ; the latter is more strictly deduced from the properties ofthe substances whose operation is to be explained : For, as it is proved, and indeed ad- mitted, that the stimulant effects from the exhibition of narcotics follow im- mediately, and previous to any symptoms of languor and debility, these ought to be considered as the consequences of the former. The most. extensive analogy, too, may be traced between the operation of narcotics, and other substances allowed to be stimulant, but which are less rapid in their action : as. for example, between ardent spirits and opium, though in the one the stimulant, in the other the sedative operation is usually more apparent. And the advantage derived from the administration ot narcotics in some diseases of diminished action, is scarcely compatible with the supposition of their exerting a depressing power. The principal difficulty attending the theory, arises from the sedative power of these substances not being always proportional to their stimu- lant operation : it is often greater than this, and in several of them, in- deed, any previous stimulant effect is scarcely perceptible. Yet this dif- ficulty is in some measure obviated by the fact, unquestionably established, that substances, the stimulating action of which is undoubted, as ardent spirit, if given in a very large dose, produce depression without any pre- vious perceptible increased action. In like manner, electricity, in mo- derate intensity, stimulates the muscular fibre to contraction, while in a highly concentrated state, it produces total exhaustion of the contractile power. The more forcibly, therefore, a stimulant operates, the more ra- pid does the immediate action appear to be produced, and the more quick- ly to cease, so as to be followed by the secondary effect ; and with the admission of this principle^ may perhaps be explained the fact, that the sedative effects of narcotics appear often greater than their previous :d- mul ding operation ; the exhaustion following so rapidly, that any previous excitement is scai'felv to be perceived, Narcotics; fberefore. ^ {?*r,* VAKCOIICs. we can speculate with any probability on their action, maybe regarucJ as general diffusible stimulants. The hypothesis may also be maintained, perhaps, that along with their stimulating operation, they directly exhaust the powers of life ; and that these two modes of action are not strictly proportional, but are different in different narcotics. The effects of certain chemical agents on the vital functions, as of nitrous oxide, and carburetted hydrogen, favour an hypo- thesis of this kind ; the one producing high excitement without propor- tional depression, the other producing exhaustion of power without pre- vious increased action. The truth, however, is, that from our imperfect knowledge ofthe laws ofthe living system, all such speculations are defi- cient in precision : nor can we do more than state the most general analo- gies, without attempting to extend them to minute applications. Thus, in all the theories which have been advanced with regard to the operation of narcotics, the conclusions have been drawn from the action of a few ofthe most powerful,—alcohol or opium. They are, after all, imperfectly adapted to these, and are still more deficient in relation to the others. As narcotics are capable of being administered so as to obtain from their action either stimulant or sedative effects, they may be employed as remedies, with the view of producing either of these. The exciting operation j however, is in general so transient, that few of them can be administered with advantage as stimulants. .When given with this inten- tion, they re applied in small doses, frequently repeated, as thus the state of excitement is best sustained. More usually they are given with the view of obtainingthat state of diminished action and susceptibility to im- pression, which is the more common, and more easily regulated conse- quence of their operation ; they are then given in larger doses at more distant intervals. As stimulants, they are employed in various forms of continued fever, remittent and intermittent fever, and numerous diseases of debility. As sedatives, they are still more extensively used to alle- viate or remove spasmodic action, to allay pain and irritation, to induce sleep, and to restrain morbidly increased evacuations arid secretions. There is a peculiarity in the operation of narcotics, that by repetition their action on the system is diminished, so that, after having been used for some time, they require to be given in increased doses to produce their usual effects, and quantities of them have at last been taken, which at first would have destroyed life. No satisfactory explanation has been given of this, for it is not connected with any apparent permanent change in the system ; but it requires to be attended to in their administration. It appears too to be more peculiarly the case with some than with others. It is remarkably so with opium, tobacco, hemlock, or henbane, while it is scarcely to be observed with regard to foxglove. The individual narcotics may be arranged partly from their chemical relations, partly from analogies in power. NARCOTICS. Atropa Belladona- Aconitum Napellup. Conium Maculatum Digitalis Purpurea. Nicotiana Tabacum. Alcohol. Ether. Camphor. Papaver Somniferum, Hyoscyamus Niger. VARCOTIGStf 1'6 iacLuca Virosa. Arnica Montana. Lactuca Sativa. Humulus Lupulus. Datura Stramonium. Strychnos Nux Vomica, Rhododendron Chrysanthum. Prunus Lauro-Cerasus* Rhus Toxicodendron. Alcohol. Alcohol. Ardent Spirit. Spirit of Wine. By the process of vinous fermentation, liquors are formed from cerfam vegetable juices, or infusions, possessed of pungency, spiritous flavour and intoxicating power. From these liquors a product is obtained by the process of distillation, which, in the diluted state in which it is at first' procured, forms what was named Pure Ardent Spirit, or Spirit of Wine., by the older chemists,—names for which that of Alcohol is substituted in modern chemical language. This substance operates on the living system as a highly diffusible stimulant; in the state of spiritous and vinous li- quors, it is employed for medicinal purposes ; and in its pure form is an important pharmaceutic agent. Alcohol is formed during the process of fermentation ; and from the changes which occur during that process, we endeavour to infer the theory of its formation. Saccharine matter, in the state in which it exists in sweet vegetable juices, and fecula which has been converted by malt- ing into sugar, or even fecula to a certain extent unmalted, are the sub- stances susceptible of fermentation : the access ofthe air is not necessary to it ; and the water of the fermenting liquor does not appear to suffer decomposition. The series of changes, whence the alcohol is formed, must arise therefore, from the re-action of the elements of the vegetable matter, and the new combinations which are established. These ele- ments are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen ; during the fermentation, car- bonic acid is formed and disengaged : this must be derived from the com- bination of portions of the oxygen and carbon of the saccharine matter, (or of the fecula, which is of similar composition) ; and the alcohol, which is the other product of the process, may, under this point of view, be considered as a compound ofthe remaining elements ; in other words, ofthe hydrogen ofthe sugar with its remaining carbon and oxygen. This is the theory of the vinous fermentation, and of tha composition of alco- hol inferred by Lavoisier, from experiments undertaken with the view of investigating this subject. More recent researches, however, have shewn that it is imperfect. Lavoisier had supposed that saccharine matter alone is capable of fer- menting, and that the whole changes which occur during the process are changes in its composition. But this is not strictly true. To excite fer- mentation in a solution of sugar, a certain quantity of what is named ferment, of which yeast is a variety, is necessary, and sweet vegetable juices suffer it only from naturally containing this ferment. The agency of this substance remains to be explained, and this has not been done in a satisfactory manner. It appears to approach to gluten or albumen in its nature, and, in particular, contains nitrogen in its composition. This nitro- gen, it is shewn by the experiments of Thenard, disappears during the fermentation, and he has supposed that it enters into the composition of the alcohol, while a portion too of the carbon of the ferment combines with a part of the oxygen of the sugar, and contributes to form the car- bonic acid disengaged. in 74 NARCOTICS. From the analysis of alcohol, it appears to be a compound ot carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen ; hence, in burning, it affords water and carbonic acid, and the quantity of water produced exceeds even the alcohol in weight. Lavoisier inferred, that it consists of 28.5 of carbon, 7.8 of hy- drogen, and 63.5 of water, without any conclusive proof, however, that this large quantity of waters exists in it fully formed, and not in part in the state of its elements. Saussure, in decomposing alcohol, by detonating the vapour of it with oxygen gas, or by passing it through an ignited tube, discovered a little nitrogen in its composition, and has given the following as the proportions of its elements : carbon 43.65, oxygen 37.85, hydro- gen 14.94, nitrogen 3.52. But with regard to the results of this analysis, it remains uncertain what proportions of oxygen and hydrogen exist in the composition of the alcohol as immediate principles, and what exist m it in the state of water. The process of obtaining alcohol consists in submitting vinous or fer- mented liquors to distillation. It distils over with a quantity of water, and in this manner are formed the spiritous liquors of commerce, these deri- ving peculiar flavour from the substances from which the fermented liquor has been prepared. Tliese spiritous liquors, by repeated distillations, af- ford alcohol in a more concentrated state, different substances being added to facilitate the concentration and rectification. The details of the pro- cess belong to the pharmaceutical part of the work. It had usually been supposed, that the alcohol obtained by distillation from fermented liquors, pre-exists in them. The opposite opinion, that it is formed during the distillation, was advanced by Fabroni, principally from his finding that no portion of alcohol can be detected in wine pre- vious to distillation by dissolving potash in it to saturation, though by this method a small quantity of alcohol added to the wine is, according to his experiments easily separated, and floats on the solution. This result al- ways appeared improbable, and Mr. Brande, on repeating Fabroni's ex- periments, found them incorrect. He afterwards succeeded in obtaining Spirit from wine without distillation by first precipitating the extractive and colouring matter by acetate of lead, and then adding subcarbonate of potash in large quantity, which combines with the water and separates the spirit. It is a singular fact, however, that the intoxicating power of wine is not equal to what might be expected from the portion of spirit it yields by distillation. Brandy, for example, according to Brande's experiment, affords about 53 per cent, of alcohol, while Port Wine yields from 21 to 25 per cent. Yet the spiritous strength of the latter, estimated by its ac- tion on the living system, is certainly not equal to one half that ofthe for- mer. If the whole ofthe alcohol, therefore, obtained from wine by dis- tillation, pre-exist in it, its powers must be materially modified by the other principles with which it is combined. Pure alcohol is colourless and transparent; its odour is fragrant, and its taste highly pungent; it is lighter than water, the difference being greater as the alcohol is more pure and concentrated ; hence the specific gravity is the best test of its strength. As prepared by the usual pro- cesses, it is ofthe specific gravity .835, and it is of this strength that it is ordered in the Pharmacopoeias, as fit for pharmaceutical purposes. By careful rectification, however,it maybe brought to. 815, and even to.800; and still, when of this degree of concentration, we have no method of dis- covering what quantity of water is contained in it; hence we do not know xvhat constitutes real alcohol. When ofthe common strength, it is so vo- latile as to evaporate speedily at the common temperature of the atoms- ,VARCOTICi. *75 I? fie re ; it boils at 165" of Fahrenheit. It is highly inflammable, burning when in contact with the air, when its temperature is raised not much above 300° ; the products of its combustion are water and carbonic acid. Alcohol exerts chemical affinities to a number of substances. With water it combines in every proportion. It dissolves a number of saline ' substances, especially the pure alkalies, and several neutral salts. It like- wise dissolves sulphur and phosphorus ; and is the solvent of a number ofthe vegetable principles,—resin, camphor, essential oil, balsam, extract, and saccharine matter. From this solvent power, alcohol is a very important pharmaceutic agent, particularly as applied to the vegetable articles of the Materia Medica; the principles which it dissolves being those in which medicinal powers frequently reside, and being dissolved by it in such quantity as to afford very active preparations. It has another important property, that of coun- teracting the spontaneous changes to which vegetables are liable from the re-action of their elements ; and hence these solutions or tinctures retain their properties unimpaired When diluted with an equal quantity of wa- ter, it atill exerts its solvent power to a certain extent, added to the sol- vent power of the water ; and this diluted alcohol, or Proof Spirit, as it is-named, the standard specific gravity of which is .935, that of the Lon- don and Dublin Colleges being .930, and made by mixing four parts by measure of alcohol with" three parts of water, is even more generally em- ployed in pharmacy as a solvent of vegetable matter, than alcohol in its pure form. Alcohol is a powerful and highly diffusible stimulant. Taken in a mo- derate quantity, it immediately increases the force ofthe circulation, com- municates a greater degree of muscular vigour, and excites exhilaration of mind ; these gradually subside, and are followed bj' proportional lan- guor. If the quantity is more considerable, its exciting effects are more, quickly produced, and are followed by intoxication, temporary delirium, and stupor : and in a large dose it occasions death, with scarcely any symp- toms of previous excitement. Its analogy in producing these effects to other narcotics is sufficiently obvious. Its exciting power, however, ap- pears to be rather more permanent than that of some ofthe medicines of this class ; hence, while it can be successfully employed to rouse the pow- ers of the System, it can scarcely be used with equal advantage to repress irregular action, diminish irritation, or induce sleep. Alcohol, in its pure state, can scarcely be said to be employed in medj- cine. Sometimes it is used as an application to burns, and to certain states of local inflammation not connected with increased action ; it is ap- plied by friction to relieve muscular pains, or to bleeding wounds to re- strain haimorrhage. Spiritous liquors, which consist of diluted alcohol, are employed as general stimulants to excite the actions of the system. Their stimulant operation, however, is not sufficiently permanent or capa- ble of being regulated, so as to avoid the injurious consequences they ar&- liable to produce, to admit of their being employed, except as occasional remedies. The action of Wine on the system, though analogous to that of alcohol, is not precisely alike ; its stimulant operation appears to be less sudden and more durable ; hence it can be employed with more advantage as a tonic. It is as a tonic, indeed, rather than as a narcotic, that wine is ad- ministered. Its chief medicinal application is in the treatment of fevers ■of the typhoid type, to support the strength of the system, and to ©bViafip! *. grains, slightly unctuous, of a black colour, having a very strong durable smell, and a bitter taste. It yields part of its active matter to water, by infusion ; by distillation the water is impregnated with its flavour ; alcohol dissolves it, the impurities excepted. It consists of resin combined with volatile oil, a mucilaginous extractive matter, with small portions of muri- ate of ammonia, phosphate of soda, albumen, and gelatine. Musk is an antispasmodic supposed to be of considerable power ; it is administered occasionally in a number of spasmodic diseases, especially hysteria, epilepsy, and singultus, and also in diseases of debility. In ty- phus fever it is employed to relieve subsultus tendinum, and other symp- toms of a spasmodic nature. In cholera, it is given with the view of checking vomiting. In retrocedent gout it is employed as a stimulant. Combined with ammonia, it has been celebrated for its power of arresting the progress of gangrene. Its efficacy in some of these affections has un- doubtedly been exaggerated ; and from this, as well as from its high price, it is at present not very often employed. Its dose is from 6 to 20 grains, repeated if necessary, every five or six hsurs. It is best given in the form of bolus. To children, it has been given under the form of enema, as a remedy in the convulsions arising sometimes from the irritation of den- tition."* Offic. Prep.—Mist. Mosch. Lone?.—Tinct. Mosch. Dub. Castoreum. Castor. Castor. Fiber. Mammalia. Glires. The beaver, an amphibious quadruped, is a native of the North of Europe, Asia, and America. Castor is a peculiar product collected in membranous cells near the extremity ofthe rectum, in this animal. The follicles inclosing it are cut off, and dried by exposure tothe smoke of fuel. The eastor, which is naturally soft and oily, becomes hard. It is imported of superior quality from Russia; an inferior kind is brought from New Eng- land. The former is dry, slightly unctuous, of a reddish brown colour, in- termixed with fibres, and covered with a tough membrane ; it has a strong unpleasant smell, and a bitter acrid taste. The American castor is more shrivelled, and inferior in taste and smell. The active matter of castor is dissolved by alcohol, proof spirit, and partially by water ; the tincture with alcohol is the least nauseous. Castor is used as an antispasmodic, in hysteria principally, sometimes in amenorrhcea, in a dose from 10 to 20 grains, or from one to two drachms of the tincture. From the experiments of Dr. Alexander, it appears to be a remedy of no power, as, given in a quantity much larger than its usu- al dose, it produced no sensible effect on the system. Offic. Prep.—T. Castor. Ph. Ed. Lond. Dub. T. Castor. Comp. Ed. Oleum Animale Empyreumaticttm. Empyreumatic Animal Oil. 01. Cornu Cervi. The fresh bones or horns -of animals, when exposed to heat in close vessels, afford an empyreumatic oil, derived from new combinations ofthe elements of the animal matter which is attached to the phosphate of lime, the base of bone. This oil is at first of a thick consistence, black colour, and foetid smell, but by repeated distillation becomes thinner, colourless and transparent, though it remains still foetid. In this state it has been * Incompatible Substances. The solutions are decomposed by oxymuriate of mer- cury: sulnrjp'p of iron: nitrnte nf «ilver- and the infusion of yellow bark. Paris. Ed. ANiTriPASMftWiCS. iUJ ■isect as On antispasmodic, in a dose of 10 or 15 drops. It retains its place in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, under the name of Oleum Cornu Cervini Ilectific itum, beinj; obtained in the process of the distillation of hartshorn or none <, for the preparation of carbonate of ammonia ; but it is entirely discarded from practice. Succinum. Oleum et Acidum Succini. The bituminous substance, amber, though it has a place in the list of the Materia Medica of the different Pharmacopoeias, is perfectly inert, and is introduced only as affording, by distillation, an empyreumatic oil, which has been applied to some medicinal uses. This oil is at first thick and of a dark brown colour ; but by repeated distillations with water it becomes limpid, still retaining, however, a very fcetid odour. It has been celebrated for its antispasmodic power, and has been employed in hysteria and amenorrhoea in a dose of from 10 to 15 drops. It is now discarded from practice, or is used only as an external stimulating appli- cation in paralysis and chronic rheumatism. Along with this oil, a concrete acid is produced in the distillation, which is at first impure, but is purified by sublimation, or by solution and crystal- lization. It has a place in the Edinburgh and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, but is destitute of any medicinal power, and is never applied to any use ; its crystals are soluble in twenty-four parts of water, and have a slightly acid taste ; they are also volatilized by heat. Bitumen Petroleum. Petroleum Barbadense. Mineral Tar. Various kinds of liquid bitumens exist as natural productions, of dif- ferent degrees of thickness, of a colour more or less deep, and more or less volatile. That which has been usually kept in the shops, under the name of Barbadoes Tar, is thick, of a dark brown colour, having a smell that is fcetid, and a warm bitter taste. It has an analogy to the pieceding empyreumatic oils in its properties ; and like them has been used as an antispasmodic and expectorant in asthma and chronic catarrh, and exter- nally as a stimulating application in rheumatism' and paralysis. Though it retains its place in the Pharmacopoeias, it is scarcely ever used. Sub-Carbonas Ammonia Pyro-Oleosus. Empyreumatic Sub-Carbo- nate of Ammonia. Sal Cornu Cervi. The bones of animals, when exposed to a sufficient degree of heat, afford a large quantity of sub-carbonate of ammonia, formed by new combinations of the elements ofthe animal matter contained in the bone. There is a similar production of empyreumatic oil, and with this oil the ammoniacal carbonate is always impregnated, whence it derives a peculiar fcetid odour. It has also been supposed to derive from it certain medi- cinal powers, and has been used in preference to the pure sub-carbonate of ammonia as an antispasmodic. Having been first procured from the bones of the deer, it has retained the name of Sal Cornu Cervi; being procured dissolved in the water which distils over, and this being rectified by repeated distillations. When thus rectified, it differs in little from pure sub-carbonate of ammonia; and even combined with the empyreu- matic oil, it has probably no additional medicinal efficacy, while from its fcetor it is unpleasant. Pure ammonia, dissolved in alcohol, is used as a solvent of the active matter of castor, assafoctida, and other antispasmo- 104 Antispasmodics. dies, on the supposition that it coincides with them in their action on ike system. Ferula Assafoetida. Assafcetida. Pentand. Digyn. Umbellate. Gum- mi-Resina. Persia. Assafoetida is a concrete gum-resin, obtained by exudation from inci- sions made in the roots of the plant; the juice, after it exudes, being inspis- sated by exposure to the sun. It is in-small masses, of a variegated tex- ture, yellow on the external surface, white within, having an extremely foetid smell, and a taste bitter and sub-acrid. It consists of sixty parts of extractive, according to Brugnatelli, thirty of resin, and ten of essential oil, its taste and smell residing in the resinous part. It yields all its virtues to alcohol. Triturated with water, it forms a milky-like mixture, the resin being diffused by the medium of the gum. Distilled with water, it affords a small quantity of essential oil, extremely foetid. Assafoetida is used as an antispasmodic in different nervous diseases, es- pecially in amenorrhoea, hysteria, dyspnoea, dyspepsia, attended with flatu- lence, and tympanitis, and is regarded as superior in efficacy to any ofthe foetid gums. Its usual dose is from 5 to 20 grains, in the form of pill, or diffused in water : it usually proves slightly laxative, and to obtain any ad- vantage from it requires its continued use. It is likewise given under the form of enema, in tympanitis, flatulent colic, in the violent hysteric pa- roxysm, and as a remedy against worms, 2 drachms being diffused in 8 oun- ces of warm milk or water : it is sometimes too applied as a plaster. Offic. Prep.—Emp. Assafcet. Pil. Assafcet. Comp. Tinct. Assafoet. Ed.—Mist. Assafoet. Lond. Dub. Enem. Fcetid. Dub. Bubon Galbanum. Galbanum. Pentand. Digyn. Uinbellatce. Gummi Resina. Africa. The plant which affords this resinous substance is a native of Syria, and also of the Cape of Good Hope. The Galbanum is obtained in the form of a milky juice, by exudation^rom incisions in the stem of the plant; when hardened it is in the form of a mass somewhat variegated in its tex- ture, tenacious, of a yellowish brown colour, having a smell somewhat; foetid, and a bitter acrid taste. Alcohol dissolves its resin, in which its powers have been supposed to reside ; proof-spirit dissolves it entirely, the impurities excepted. Tritu- rated with water, it is diffused, and forms a milky-like fluid ; by distillation it affords about one-twentieth of its weight of essential oil. The follow- ing is its composition as given by M. Meisner :— Resin. 65.8. Gum, 22.6. Cerasin, 1.8. Malic acid, volatile oil, and Vegetable debris, 6.4. Loss, 3.4. Galbanum has the virtues of the foetid gums, and is used for the same purposes, and sometimes combined with them in hysteria and amenorrhoea; being inferior in strength, however, to assafoetida, it is less employed. It is slightly laxative, and is sometimes used as an aperient: it is employed too as an expectorant with myrrh and ammoniac, to check effusion from the mucous glands of the lungs. Its dose is 10 grains. Externally, it is more frequently used as a discutient to indolent tumors, and as a stimulant to promote suppuration. Offic. Prep—Emplast Gummos. Ed.—Pil. Galb. Comp. Lond.—Tinct. Galban. Dub. Emp. Galb. Comp. Lond. Dvb. antispasmodics. i.05 >agapenum. Gummi-Resina. This gum-resin, usually imported from Alexandria, is the produce of an unknown tree, said to be a native of Persia. It is in small masses, of •a yellow colour, having a smell slightly fcetid, and a nauseous taste ; it is soluble in proof spirit: by distillation it affords a small quantity of essen- tial oil. Its virtues and uses are the same as those of the assafoetida, to which, however, it is inferior in power, and is therefore seldom employ- ed. Its dose is from 10 to 20 grains. It is sometimes applied externally as a discutient. Valeriana Officinalis. Wild \alerian. Triand. Monogyn. Ag- gregate. Radix. Indigenous. The root of this plant, which is the part of it used in medicine, consists of slender fibres twisted and attached to one head, of a light brown colour, having a smell strong and unpleasant, and a warm bitter taste, the smell and taste being stronger in wild valerian than in that which is cultivated. Its active matter is dissolved equally by water and alcohol, and appears therefore to consist of extractive matter, with perhaps a small portion of tannin, as its infusion changes colour on the addition of sulphate of iron. By distillation, water is impregnated with its flavour, but not with its taste, and scarcely any essential oil is obtained. Valerian is an antispasmodic, not unfrequently employed in modern prac- tice, especially in hysteria, chorea, and epilepsy, where these depend not on organic derangement, or on any permanent irritation, but on increased susceptibility of the nervous system. Sometimes, also, it is used with ad- vantage in hemicrania. Its dose is from one scruple to one drachm, three or four times a-day, which is increased gradually as far as the stomach can bear it. Sometimes it is taken under the form of infusion, or of tinc- ture. It appears on the whole to be a remedy of little power.* Offic Prep.—Tinct. Valer. Ammon. Ed. Lond. Dub. Tinct. Valer. Ph. Lond. et Dub. Extr. Valer. Infus. Valer. Dub. Crocus Sativus. Saffron. Triand. Monogyn. Liliacece Floris Stigmata. Indigenous. This plant is cultivated in the South of England to afford the Saffron of the shops. The stigmata which crown the pistil of the flower are separated from the other parts, are submitted to pressure with a moder- ate heat, and thus form a soft mass of intermixed fibres, named Cake Saf- fron ; when dried separately, they form Flower Saffron. The former is what is usually kept. It is in tough cakes somewhat moist, of a deep reddish yellow7 colour ; its flavour is aromatic and diffusive, its taste warm and bitterish. The active matter is dissolved by alcohol, water, proof spirit, and vinegar, and appears, therefore, to afford an example of the principle named Extract : the residuum, which is not more than 6 parts out of 16, is inert ligneous fibre. By distillation with water, a small quantity of essential oil is obtained. The extract has been called Poly- chroite ; it is of a deep yellow colour, deliquescent, very soluble in wa- ter and alcohol, but insoluble in sulphuric ether. Sulphuric acid added to it causes it to assume a deep blue colour, and nitric acid gives it a green hue. Nitrate of mercury precipitates a red powder from the so- lution, and lime water gives a yellow precipitate. * Incompatible Substances. The salts of Iron. Paris. FA 14 106 ANTISPASMODICS i Saffron was formerly regarded as a very active medicine, possessed oi high stimulant and antispasmodic power, and requiring, it was imagined, to be given with much caution. Experience has proved it to be nearly inert, and it is now banished from medical practice. It sometimes enters into compositions on account of its colour, and is used as a popular rem^ dy in the exanthemata, particularly in small-pox. Offic. Prep.—Tinct. Croci. Ed. Dub.—Syr. Croci. Lond. Melaleuca cajufuti. Polyadelph. Polyand. Hysperidce. Oleum Vol- atile. 01. Cajeputce. Cajeput Oil. India. The essential oil, known by the name of Cajuput Oil, was supposed to be obtained from the Melaleuca Leucadendron ; but, from later investi- gation, it appears to be procured from another species, to which the name of Melaleuca Cajuputi has been given. It is a native of Borneo and Am- boyna. The oil is obtained by distillation from the leaves and fruit: it has a green or yellowish colour, a strong fragrant odour, somewhat simi- lar to that of camphor, and an extremely pungent taste. It is highly vol- atile and inflammable. This oil has been used as a diffusible stimulant and antispasmodic, in tympanitis; flatulent cholic, hysteria, palsy, chronic rheumatism, and va- rious other diseases of debility. Its dose is 3 or 4 drops. It is also ap- plied externally to relieve rheumatic and gouty pains, and sometimes^ gives sudden temporary relief; it often succeeds in relieving the pain of toothach, when applied to the affected tooth. Several substances are employed as antispasmodics, and which I have therefore placed in the table, which more strictly belong, however, to some of the other classes. Under these, therefore, their history is giyen, including the notice of those few applications of them as remedies, connected with their antispasmodic power. [Although not mentioned by Dr. Murray, Emetics may be considered among the most powerful antispasmodics at present in our possession. In many cases of spasmodic disease they possess an evident and decided advantage over most of the remedies ordinarily resorted to, in the facility with which they may be administered and the promptness with which they operate. In hysteria, epilepsy, and convulsions more especially, their efficacy has been confirmed by repeated trials, and there is just reason for believing that their use might be advantageously extended to a still larger number of diseases of a similar character. For some interesting views on this subject, I refer to a paper by Dr. Joseph M. Smith of this city, published in the transactions of the Phvsico-Medical Society of New-York.— Ed.] CHAP. V. OF TONICS. Bvr Tonics are understood those substances, the primary operation of which is to give strength to the system. It has been conceived, that mus- cular vigour depends on a certain degree of tension, or tone, as it is nam- tonics. 107 cd, of the muscular fibre : and those substances which renew that vigour when impaired, have been considered as restoring this due degree of ten- sion, and have thus received the appellation of Tonics. They are not, however, to be considered as operating by any change they produce in the state of the solids, as this opinion implies, They act upon the living principle, and, so far as their action is understood, are stimulants of con- siderable power, permanent in their operation. The distinction has been already pointed out between stimulants, which is founded not so much on a difference in their power, as in the quickness with which their full effect is produced, and in the transient nature of that effect. If a medicine suddenly raises a high state of excitement, this is usually as quickly followed by proportional languor or debility, and the changes from both modes of action, in the state ofthe functions ofthe body, are well marked. But if the stimulant operation be more slowly exert- ed, any change is much less conspicuous, and the succeeding collapse takes place to no considerable extent; when the administration ofthe re- medy is continued, it is prevented by the renewed excitement, and when it is suspended, the effect is merely a gradual abatement of excitement. which is rendered less evident from being counteracted by the action of the stimulants habitually applied. On these principles the action of to- nics is explained. It is only by their stimulant operation that they can obviate debility ; as their effect is gradual, their action is not followed bj' that exhaustion and diminished susceptibility which invariably follows from excitement suddenly raised ; and the state of increased action which they excite and sustain is fa»vourable to the acquisition of power. If their administration, however, be carried to excess, or be continued too long, it may at length diminish the powers of the system ; and if employed in a state of health, or high vigour, their effects may be injurious. Tonics act primarily on the stomach, the action they excite in that or- gan being conveyed generally by nervous communication to the rest ofthe system. This is evident from their effects often taking place in a short time ; and there are experiments which prove, that when some tonics, as Peruvian bark, have been taken for a considerable length of time, no portion of them can be discovered by any chemical test in the blood. There are some of them, however, especially the metallic tonics, which seem to be received into the circulation. The stimulating effect of tonics is principally to be observed from their continued administration ; they increase gradually the force ofthe circu- lation, promote the action ofthe digestive organs, augment the secretions, or moderate them when they have been morbidly increased, and give vi- gour to the muscular system. From the action of some ofthe more pow- erful remedies of this class, these effects are apparent, even in a short time. The diseases in which they are employed must be obviously those of diminished power. Tonics may be subdivided into those derived from the mineral, and those from the vegetable kingdoms : the former division comprehends several of the metals, and one or two of the earths. Under the vegetable tonics are comprised a number of substances possessing bitterness, and an aro- matic pungency. These two qualities are generally blended in the most powerful tonics belonging to the vegetable kingdom ; and there is a tran- sition from these to the more pure bitters and aromatics. The stimulating action of the latter is rather too local and transient to give rise to much permanent tonic effect: yet they can scarcely by placed under any other 10$ > TONICs. ■dass, and I have therefore associated them with the substances with which they are thus connected. The purest Bitters are powerful Tonics, as is proved by their efficacy in curing intermittent fever, as well as by the ad- vantage derived from them in a debilitated state of the digestive function. Aromatics may also be considered as tonic in their action on the stomach, if not on the general system, and are often employed to obviate debility in that organ, and to promote the powers of digestion. TONICS. FROM THE MINERAL KINGDOM. Argentum. Bismuthum. Hydrargyrum. Barytes. Ferrum. Calx. Zincum. Acidum Nitricum. « Cuprum. Hyper-Oxymurias Potassje. Arsenicum. FROM THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. Cinchona Officinalis. Laurus Cinnamomum. Cinchona Caribaea. Laurus Cassia. Cinchona Floribunda. Canella Alba. Aristolochia Serpentaria. Myristica Moschata. Dorstenia Contrayerva. Carophyllus Aromaticus. Croton Eleutheria. Capsicum Annuum. Cusparia Febrifuga. Piper Nigrum. Swietema Febrifuga. Piper Longum. Swietenia Mahagoni. Myrtus Pimenta. Colomba. Amomum Zingiber. Quassia Simarouba. Amomum Zedoaria. Quassia Excelsa. Amomum Repens. Gentiana Lutea. Carum Carui. Anthemis Nobilis. Coriandrum Sativum. Citrus Aurantium. Pimpinella Anisum. Citrus Medica. Mentha Piperita. Acorus Calamus. TONICS FROM THE MINERAL KINGDOM. These are in general more local in their action than the vegetable to- nics ; they either operate more directly on the stomach without their action being so quickly extended to the whole system, or they act by being re- ceived into the blood. Hence they produce less immediate general excite- ment, and it is only from their continued administration, that their tonic effect is obtained. The analogies from which I have associated the sub- stances under this division, are somewhat remote and imperfect ; and, to some of them, the appellation of tonics may be considered as applied by too free an extension of the term. But such imperfections in the classi- fication of substances, from their action on the living system, are in the present state of medical science unavoidable to a certain extent. The substances with regard to which this objection may be urged in the pre- sent case, could scarcely be referred with propriety to any other class: affinities may be traced in their operation, sufficient to connect them by their medicinal effects ; and, even considered individually, the claim of each may be established to a certain degree of tonic power. TONICS. iOB Augentum. Silver. This metal is distinguished by its pure white colour, its high degree of lustre, and its great ductility and malleability. It is not very susceptible of oxidation ; it does not suffer that change from exposure, even in a state of fusion, to atmospheric air. Those acids which yield oxygen readi- ly oxidate and dissolve it, particul uly nitric acid, which is hence employ- ed as its usual solvent. The solution, when evaporated, affords the ni- trate of silver in a crystalline form. This fused, forms themitrate of sil- ' ver of the Pharmacopoeias. It appears that nitrate of silver was sometimes employed by the older physicians, but the harshness and violence of its operation led to its disr use. More lately, it has been introduced as a remedy in epilepsy,—a dis- ease which, when not depending on organic derangement, is frequently connected with morbid susceptibility, and which tonics sometimes re- move. The advantage derived from the administration of nitrate of silver has been established on the testimony of Dr. Sims, Dr. Cappe, Dr. Bostock, and others. The dose is a quarter of a grain of the crystalliz- ed nitrate, which may be given three or four times a-day. It must al- ways be given in a state of solution, as otherwise it might act with vio- lence on the stomach ; and distilled water mast be employed to dissolve it, as spring water, from the saline matter it contains, decomposes it; to avoid, however, its nauseous taste, the solution may be made into pills with crumbs of bread. It sometimes acts as a cathartic, and if it occa- sion much purging with griping, or if it excite nausea, the dose must be diminished. In one case of Angina Pectoris, the symptoms were remov- ed by a similar administration of nitrate of silver. Fused nitrate of sil- ver, lunar caustic as it is named, is used as an escharotic.¥ Hydrargyrum. Hydrargyrus. Argentum Vivum. Mercurius. Mer- cury or Quicksilver. It has not been usual, in arrangements of the articles of the Materia Me- dica from their medicinal power, to place mercury under the class of tonics, but rather under that of sialogogues. Its power, however, of exciting the salivary discharge is merely a secondary effect, not constant nor uniform, and which is not essential to its efficacy in any disease. On the contrary, its tonic power is its primary operation ; it is the most general stimulant belonging to the Materia Medica, pervading every part of the system ; act- ing, as Dr. Cullen has remarked, as a stimulus to every sensible and mov- ing fibre of the body, and producing the most permanent effects. Hence it is the most general evacuant we possess ; and from its stimulant opera- tion, exerted directly or indirectly, is derived its utility in many diseases. This metal is peculiarly distinguished by its fluidity at all natural tem- peratures, with the exception of the intense cold that sometimes prevails in very northern regions. Its congealing point is —40° of Fahrenheit. In its liquid state, it has the perfect opacity and lustre characteristic of metals, and likewise the property of great density, its specific gravity being to that of water as 13.5 to 1 nearly : It boils at a temperature a little above 600®, and when boiling suffers oxidation from the action of the atmospheric air. It is oxidated even at natural temperatures, when subjected to agitation ; Incompatible Substances. Fixed alkalies and alkaline earths, the muriatic, sulphuric and tartaric acids, and all the salts which contain them. Soaps, arsenic, hydro-sulphif- rets, astringentjvegetable infusion', and undistilled waters. Paris. Ed. j 10 tonics. or still more easily, when triturated with any viscid matter, which is in- terposed between its globules, so as to extend their surface. Quicksilver occurs in nature combined with sulphur, and is obtained from this ore submitted to heat mixed with iron or lime, either of which combines with the sulphur, and the mercury is separated by distillation. The quicksilver of commere is sometimes impure, or adulterated by the intermixture of other metals, particularly lead and bismuth. This may be suspected when the metal loses its lustre speedily, and is covered by a grey film, or from its diminished mobility, in consequence of which its glo- bules do not preserve exactly the spherical form, nor unite easily with each other: and it may be discovered, with certainty, by exposing it to a heat sufficient to volatilize the quicksilver, when any other metal present will remain. It is best purified by distillation from iron filings in an iron retort. Mercury is not, in its metallic state, applied to any medicinal use ; but tinder various forms of preparation, in which it is either simply oxidated, or its oxides are combined with acids, it is extensively employed, and af- fords a series of active remedies. When rendered active on the system by any of the modes of prepara- tion to which it is subjected, it operates as a powerful and general stimu- lant. When given in moderate quantity, it communicates general vigour ; it increases the force of the circulation when this has been languid ; by the increased vascular action which it excites, it gives to the blood the dis- position to assume the buffy coat; and by its stimulant operation on secret- ing organs, it promotes the secretions, and hence acts as a very general evacuant. It peculiarly stimulates the salivary glands, and under all its forms of preparation speedily excites the salivary discharge, an effect scarcely produced by any other substance not locally applied, and probably owing, as will be explained under its history as a sialogogue, to its affinity to the saline matter existing in that secretion. It increases also the cuti- cular discharge, and it appears to promote the secretion of bile, and pro- bably of the other intestinal fluids. Its stimulant operation on the absor- bent system is not less evident; hence the emaciation which is the conse- quence of its continued action. From these diversified effects which Mercury produces, it is capable of being applied to the treatment of nu- merous states of disease. In the febrile affections of warm climates, yellow fever and bilious re- mitting fever, it is a remedy of the highest value. It is probably useful principally as an evacuant, these forms of fever being peculiarly connect- ed with a disordered state of the intestinal canal and abdominal secret- ing organs ; and mercury always promoting the evacuation of the intesti- nal fluids ; it is accordingly under the form of calomel, the mercurial which acts most powerfully on the liver and intestines, that it is chiefly employed. Some benefit may also be derived from its general stimulant action, as it proves most successful when given to that extent as to affect the system. Advantage is derived from it, probably from a similar mode of operation, in dysentery, especially when it is given in combination with opium. In the fevers of cold climates it is less employed. There are some forms of inflammatory action in which mercury is use- ful. In that chronic inflammation particularly which affects glandular or- gans, it is the principal remedy both in counteracting it, and in removing that state of morbid structure which is often its consequence. Hence the peculiar advantage derived from mercurials in chronic hepatitis and TONICS.. Ill induration of the liver, in glandular obstruction and schirrosity; and in indolent tumors. Calomel is the preparation which in these cases ap- pears to be most effectual, though the introduction of mercury by friction is also employed, perhaps with equal success. Considerable advantage is also derived from it in rheumatism. In various diseases dependent on spasmodic action, mercury affords the most powerful remedy. In tetanus particularly, if the mercurial action on the system can be fully established, the violent spasm is sometimes re- solved, and calomel given to a large extent, aided by mercurial inunction, affords the remedy which has been most frequently attended with success. In the milder affection of trismus, it is employed with the same views. And cases of hydrophobia have occurred, in which the disease appears to have yielded to a similar mode of treatment. It is also a valuable re- medy in croup. In all these cases calomel is the preparation usually em- ployed. The stimulant operation of mercury on the absorbent system, renders it useful in the different forms of dropsy. It is given to the extent of exciting salivation in hydrocephalus ; in ascites it is more usually employ- ed to promote the action of diuretics, and in that species of dropsy when it depends on induration of the liver ; and also in dropsy ofthe ovarium, it proves still more useful by its deobstruent power. Its stimulant opera- tion on the uterine system leads to its employment as an emmenagogue. And its determination to the intestines promotes the operation of purging. Cutaneous diseases, lepra, tinea capitis, scabies, and others, are occa- sionally removed by the internal administration of mercury as an altera- tive ; and these, as well as various forms of cutaneous eruption and ul- ceration, often yield to the external application of mercurial preparations. The most important medicinal operation of mercury remains to be sta- ted,—that displayed in removing the disease induced by the syphilitic poi- son. In this its power is nearly, if not altogether specific ; no article of the Materia Medica could be substituted for it; and there may be affirmed of it, what cannot with equal justice be said of any remedy employed in the treatment of any other morbid affection, that, if duly administered, it will scarcely ever fail in effecting a cure. It is difficult to assign any satisfac- tory theory of its operation. Its efficacy has been ascribed to its general evacuant power, in consequence of which the syphilitic virus is discharged from the body. But the speedy disappearance of the local symptoms of syphilis under its use, and even from its local application, affords a proof that it operates on some other principle ; no similar advantage is derived from other evacuanis ; and its efficacy is not proportional to the evacuation it excites, but is frequently displayed where this is insensible. The opin- ion has been advanced, that it acts as an antidote to the venereal virus, neu- tralizing it somewhat in the manner in which one chemical agent subdues the properties of another,—an opinion vague and hypothetical, and ren- dered improbable from the consideration of the small quantity of some of the more active preparations of mercury, from which a cure may be ob- tained, compared With the large quantity of others less active that requires to he administered. The explanation advanced by Mr. Hunter, that the ef- ficacy of mercury in the treatment of syphilis depends on its general and permanent stimulant operation on the system, by which it induces and keeps up an action incompatible with that morbid action which constitutes the disease, until the virus is destroyed by the chemical changes going on in the system, or until it is eliminated from the body by the usual excre- 112 re&'ics. tions, is on the whoie'most probable ; it rests on a principle undoubted, that there are states of morbid action incompatible, so that one suspends the action ofthe other ; mercury does exert a very general action, inducing and keeping up what may be regarded as a morbid stale : and if this is in- compatible with the action which constitutes syphilis, the continuance of it for some sime will suspend the latter ; and the venereal virus will, in com- mon with any other matter contained in the circulating mass, be changed or discharged. Of late, however, some opinions have been brought forward, which, without denying the efficacy of mercury in the treatment of syphilis, place the subject in a different light. The disease in all its forms, it is affirmed can be cured without the use of mercury, and by remedies of the sim- plest kind :—common dressings applied to sores, rest in the horizontal position, the common antiphlogistic regimen, and occasionally the use of the decoction of sarsaparilla. Under such treatment, the primary symp- toms of syphilis, it is affirmed, disappear, though, it is admitted, more slowly than with the administration of mercury ; and secondary symp- toms do not supervene, it is asserted, more frequently than they do even after a common mercurial course, while the injurious effects of mercury on the constitution are avoided. This subject remains under discussion, and the determination of it is attended with considerable difficulties, from the ambiguity of what consti- tutes real syphilis. It has been long known that there are morbid affec- tions similar in their appearances and symptoms to those of lues venerea, and yet not arising from the syphilitic virus. And such affections, it ap- pears from the observations which have been made since the attention of practitioners has been directed to the subject, by the introduction of ni- tric acid as a remedy, are more common and numerous than had been supposed. It is also known, that in many of these affections mercury is not only useless, but often injurious, especially when pushed to too great extent; while on the contrary, they are removed by milder treatment. Independent of such affections, however, the disease of syphilis arising from the action of a specific poison is admitted to exist. It is also admit- ted, that the symptoms of this disease are removed, and the poison expel- led, by the administration of mercury. When cases occur which yield to other remedies, there is always the doubt remaining that these may not be truly syphilitic ; and it will require an experience more ample and more varied than has yet been afforded, before the question can be finally determined. The mode of administering mercury, for the cure of the venereal dis- ease, under all its forms, is now ascertained with sufficient precision. There is no advantage in giving it so as to induce profuse salivation ; this is even to be avoided as hurtful; but it is proper that salivation should be excited to a certain extent; not probably as essential to its efficacy, but as a proof of its action on the system being obtained. This is kept up for a certain time, longer or shorter, according to the state ofthe symp- toms, and the previous continuance of the disease. Exposure to cold is avoided, as being liable to cause the more partial operation of mercury on the salivary glands ; and the state of irritation is diminished, or deter- mination to the intestines producing purging is obviated, by the exhibi- tion of an opiate. When profuse salivation occurs, the remedies employ- ed to check it are cathartics in moderate doses, small doses of opium, the application of a blister to the throat, and the administration <><"su)phu- TONICS. 3 I ti vet of potash; the last being employed from the doubtful hypothesis, that its chemical agency may neutralize the mercury. Free exposure to a cool dry air is, according to the observations of Mr. Pearson, more effectual than any other method. When the morbid irritation, from the action of mercury, rises too high, producing a state of exhaustion, which sometimes proceeds rapidly to an alarming extent, the administration of the remedy must be immediately suspended ; and in this case also, expo- sure to a cool atmosphere is advantageous. The preparations of mercury, medicinally employed, are those in which it is oxidated, in which the oxidated metal is combined with an acid, or in which either the metal or the oxides of it are combined with sulphur. The particular processes for obtaining them are inserted and explained in the pharmaceutical part ofthe work. Here it is sufficient to notice briefly their distinctions and applications. The Grey Oxide, formed by the trituration of mercury, is the basis of a number of preparations. In these, the metal has been supposed indeed to be merely mechanically divided ; but in its metallic state, mercury does not appear to exert any action on the living system, and the activity of it in these preparations, is a proof that it is oxidated. This is established more directly ; quicksilver, by agitation, is converted into a black powder, and this, like other oxide's, is soluble in muriatic acid, which metallic mer- cury is not. This oxidation is much promoted by the quicksilver being triturated with any viscous substance which facilitates the division of its globules. By trituration with mucilage of gum arable, a preparation is obtained, ni- med Plenk's Mercurial Solution, the operation of which is extremely mild. Rubbed with chalk, it forms the Hydrargus cum Creta of the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, and with Magnesia the Hydrargyrus cum Magnesia ofthe Dublin Pharmacopoeia, preparations having notbing to recommend them. The Mercurial Pill, prepared by triturating quicksilver with con- serve of rose, and adding a sufficient quantity of starch to form a pill mass, is, of all the preparations adapted to affect the general system, the one most commonly employed, and is perhaps equal to any other, having the advantage of not being liable to produce much irritation, while we can de- pend on the certainty and permanence of its action. In a dose of eight grains, morning and evening, it soon affects the general system ; in a lar- ger dose, it is liable to occasion purging. Quicksilver, triturated with lard, soon loses its metallic form ; and the ointment, after it has.been kept|forsome time, contains little of it in the metallic state, the unctuous matter proba- bly promoting its oxidation. The oxide is diffused through the lard, and, it has been conjectured, is in part too combined with sebacicacid, formed from the oxygenation of the fat. Rubbed on the skin, in the quantity of one drachm of the strongest ointment, (that composed of equal parts of quicksilver and lard,) it is forced through the cuticle, and is taken up by the absorbents ; the system is thus affected, without the unpleasent conse- quences of nausea and purging, sometimes occasioned by the internal ad- ministration of even the mildest mercurial preparation ; this method is em- ployed therefore, where, from the state ofthe system, these affections are liable to be produced. Where it is necessary too, to give the remedy in a large dose, or to bring the system speedily under its action, mercurial friction is employed, along with the administration of some of the mercuri- al preparations by the mouth. And lastly, it has been supposed, that in 11"4 ton icti.' certain local affections, particularly bubo, some advantage is derived front the mercury being conveyed through the affected gland. The Mercurial Plaster is the metal triturated with melted resin and oil, and mixed with litharge plaster : It is sometimes applied to indolent glan- dular tumours as a discutient. Its power is supposed to be increased by the addition of gum-ammoniac, and this compound plaster has a place in the London and Dublin Parmacopceias. Mercury oxidated by exposure to atmospheric air, af a high temperature, gives an oxide in scales of a red colour, containing about 7 of oxygen in 100 parts. This, the red oxide (Oxidum Hydrargyri Rubrum ofthe London Pharmacopoeia), affords a preparation, which has been supposed to be the most uniform in its strength, and most certain in its operation, of all the mer- curials. Its dose is one grain night and morning. It is more active than the grey oxide, but is more liable to produce irritation. Various preparations are obtained from the metal oxidated by the acids. The nitrate of mercury decomposed by heat, furnishes what is named Oxi- dum Hydrargyri Rubrum per Acidum Nitricum by the Edinburgh College, Hydrargyri Nitrico-Oxydum by the London, and Oxydum Hydrargyri Ni- tricum by the Dublin. It is probably not an oxide, but a sub-nitrate, and from the acid combined with it is derived its escharotic power, on which any medicinal application of it is founded ; it is applied externally to change the diseased surface of ulcers, or to other purposes for which escharotics are used. This sub-nitrate, and also the nitrous solution of mercury, form, with lard, ointments which, from their stimulating power, are applied with the greatest advantage in chronic ophthalmia and psor-ophthalmia. When the nitrate of mercury, containing the mercury in a low state of Oxidation, is decomposed by ammonia, a precipitate is thrown down of a grey colour, which appears to be nearly a pure oxide. According to the Dublin and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias, it is prepared by triturating the sub-muriate of quicksilver with lime-water. It is the Oxidum Hydrargyri Cinereum fof the Pharmacopoeias ; is mild in its operation, and is fre- quently employed, its dose being one or two grains. It is also sometimes used under the form of ointment, as a mode of applying mercurial friction. Mercury, oxidated by sulphuric acid, forms the Sulphate of mercury, which, decomposed by the affusion of boiling water, affords a yellow pow- der, the Sub-sulphate, formerly named, Turbith Mineral. This acts with too much violence to be used as a mercurial. In a dose of 3 or 4 grains, it operates as a powerful emetic, and it is sometimes used as an errhine. The preparations in which the mercury is saturated with an acid, are very active. The nitrous solution of it is highly caustic. Mixed with lard, it forms an ointment, Unguentum Nitratis Hydrargyri, used with much advantage in cutaneous diseases. Mercury, oxidated and combined with muriatic acid, forms two active preparations, differing in the degree of oxidation, and in the proportion of acid with which the oxide is combined. The one has been long known by the name of Corrosive Sublimate of Mercury, the other by that of Mild Sublimate or Calomel. The one is now named Corrosive Muriate of Quicksilver by the Edinburgh College, and Oxymuriate of Quicksilver by the London College ; the other by the former College Mild Sub-muriate of Mercury, by the latter Sub-muriate of Mercury. The first of these compounds, Corrosive Muriate of Mercury, is com- posed of the metal highly oxidated, and this-oxide is combined with a large jtreoGftipn Qf muriatic acjid. The proportions, according to Chenevix's TONICS', 115 analysis, are 69.6 mercury, 12.3 oxygen, and 18 of acid ; those assigned from the later analysis by Zaboada, are 71.5 of mercury, 8.5 of oxygen, and 19.5 of acid. According to the hypothesis of Gay Lussac and Thenard., it is acompound of potassium and chlorine. It is obtained by sublimation in the form of a solid white mass, or if more slowly sublimed, in crystalline nee< dies. It is soluble in water and in alcohol, has a taste styptic and metallic, and exerts a degree of escharotic power. It is the most active of all the prepa- rations of this metal: even in a small dose it occasions severe griping and purging ; a larger quantity causes inflammation ofthe intestines, tenesmus, and discharge of blood, profuse salivation, and convulsions which termi- nate in death. As a poison, it affects both the heart and nervous system, the affection of the latter being marked by the convulsions and the state of insensibility which it induces ; ofthe former by the rapid cessation of the circulation ; it appears at the same time to act chemically on the stomach, the mucous membrane of that organ in an animal killed by it, being found on dissection soft and pulpy, so as to be easily detached. The remedies which have been employed to counteract it, are alkaline solutions, or lime- water, by which it may be decomposed, and mucilaginous diluents to fa> cilitate vomiting. Corrosive muriate of mercury is distinguished by some peculiarities of action from the other mercurials. From its great activity it sooner afi- fects the system, and hence is calculated, in the treatment of syphilis-, speedily to arrest the progress ofthe symptoms. Its operation too, when it is not given in too large a dose, is more general; it is less liable, there- fore, to induce salivation, or any other local affection, and hence fewer precautions, with the exception of the due regulation of the dose, are required during its use. It succeeds best when given in small doses, such as the | or ± of a grain twice a-day, and its operation is rendered more mild by the free use of diluents. It must always be given in solution, in order that the dose may be apportioned with sufficient accuracy. Its so- lution in diluted alcohol is supposed to sit easier on the stomach than its watery solution, and under this form it was recommended by Van Swie- ten, who introduced its free use. Another form of prescribing it is, to increase its solubility by the addition of muriate of ammonia, so that a small quantity of water dissolves it, and to form this solution into pills by the addition of crumb of bread, each pill containing { grain. Much cau- tion is required in increasing the dose, and whenever it produces nausea, or purging, it ought to be intermitted. The advantages belonging to this preparation have led to its frequent use. It has disadvantages, however, which counterbalance them. Its effects are liable to be violent, and what forms the most important objec- tion to it, its operation does not appear to be sufficiently permanent; hence, when the symptoms of syphilis have disappeared under its use, they are liable, it has been alleged, to return when it is suspended, or the disease recurs in some of its secondary forms. From these circumstances it is now not much employed in the general treatment of syphilis, but is ra- ther used from particular indications.* Some ofthe empirical medicines * Several physicians of high reputation in this country are in the constant praecipe of administering; the corrosive muriate of mercury both in the primary and secondary forms of Syphilis. Among these may be mentioned more especially Doctors Hosack and Francis of this city. For a full exposition of their views on this subject the follow- ing works may be consulted; the American Medical and Philosophical Register, vol. 3. V.°/¥i4. vol. .4- p. 476. Thomas's Practice of Physic, note by fit. HosjaSl* p» 899. E$ *it» TONICS. which arc boasted of as antisyphilitic remedies, and as containing no mer- cury, owe their efficacy to it; its activity rendering the dose so small that it is more easily disguised by substances with which it is mixed, and its action being less liable than that of others, when the dose is small, to excite salivation. It is employed in other diseases in regular practice, particularly as an alterative in lepra and other obstinate cutaneous affec- tions, and in rheumatism. A very dilute solution of it is used as a gargle in venereal sore throat, and as a lotion in some cutaneous affections. The. system has sometimes been observed to be affected from its free exter- nal application, especially in a concentrated state, under the form of oint- ment or plaster ; and some cases arc related by Plenk, of death having been the consequence of such applications. When introduced into an wound, it occasions death, producing, at the same time, total disorganiza- tion of the part.* Mild Muriate of Mercury, or Calomel, is obtained by triturating the cor- rosive muriate with nearly an equal part of the metal, and favouring their mutual action by the action of heat, by which also the product is sublimed. The additional metallic mercury which is thus brought into combination, shares the oxygen and the acid of the corrosive muriate, so that the whole ofthe metal is in a lower degree of oxidation, and this oxide is combined with less muriatic acid. The quantity of acid, however, is as much as the oxide requires to combine with it, and hence the product is not a sub-mu- riate, as the name given to it in the Pharmacopoeias implies. The propor- tions of its principles, according to its analysis by Chenevix, are mercury 79, oxygen 9.5, and acid 11.5 ; according to its analysis by Zaboada, they are 85 of mercury, 4.4 of oxygen, and 10.6 of acid. According to the hy- pothesis of Gay Lussac and Thenard, it is a compound of potassium and chlorine, containing half the quantity of chlorine that the corrosive muri- ate does. It is obtained in the form of a dense crystalline cake, composed of short aggregated prisms ; if its vapour be condensed on the surface of water, this aggregation is prevented, and it is obtained in powder, as it is also when prepared in the humid way, by decomposing a solution of nitrate of mercury at the minimum of oxidation, by muriatic acid or a solution of muriate of soda. It is perfectly insipid, and insoluble in water. Mild muriate of mercury is one of the mildest of the mercurials, and one ofthe most certain in its operation on the general system. It is not so much employed as a remedy in syphilis, principally from its being liable to induce purging ; but when this is obviated by the addition of small do- ses of opium, it is given in the dose of one or two grains morning and even- ing, and soon affects the general system. It is the mercurial, however. which is chiefly employed in the treatment ofthe other diseases in which mercury is prescribed. To the treatment of some of them it is peculiar- ly adapted by its action on the intestinal canal, and the secreting organs connected with it; hence its employment in febrile affections, in hepatitis and chronic induration ofthe liver, in schirrous affections of other viscer- al organs, in dysentery, and as a remedy in worms. The mildness of its operation rendering it safe to administer it in large doses, so as speedily to . * Incompatible Substances. Alkalies, alkaline earths, tartarized antimony nitrate • of silver, acetate of lead, sulphur, sulphuret of potash, and soaps ; iron, lead 'copper bismuth and zinc in their metallic state; the volatile oils and the following vegetable infusions, viz. infusions and decoctions of chamomile, horse radish root, columbo-root, catechu, cinchona* rhubarb, senna, simarouba, oak bark, tea, and almond emulsion. Paris. Ed. TONICS. 117 aring the system under the action of mercury, renders it equally proper for administration in tetanus, hydrophobia, croup, and other diseases in vhich this is required. The same mildness adapts it to continued use ; lence the preference given to it in cutaneous affections, in glandular ob- tructions, in dropsy, and wherever mercury is employed as an alterative. t not only produces the general effects of a mercurial, but also, when giv- en in sufficient dotes, acts with certainty and safety as a cathartic. It is hence often employed to promote the operation of other cathartics, and it has the peculiar advantage, that it does so without adding to the irritation which they are liable to occasion. Hence this combination is peculiarly useful where it is difficult to cause purging, or where from the state of the stomach, the usual cathartics are liable to be rejected, especially when they are given in large doses. Its dose as a carthartic is from five to ten or even fifteen grains. When prescribed with other intentions, the dose is various ; as an alterative, a grain is given night and morning, and this, after being continued some time, will affect the system. When it is ne- cessary that this should be done more speedily, a larger dose is prescri- bed, and, if necessary, its purgative operation may be obviated by opium.* Hydrargyrum Prascipitatum Album ofthe London Pharmacopoeia, Sub- Murias Hydrargyri Ammoniatum ofthe Dublin College, is prepared by de- composing corrosive muriate of mercuTy by ammonia. A precipitate is thrown down, which consists of oxide of mercury combined with a portion of muriatic acid and a small quantity of ammonia, the proportions being 81 of oxide, 16 of acid, and 3 of ammonia. It is too acrid for internal use, but is employed externally as a mild escharotic, and as an application in various cutaneous affections. An ointment adapted to these purposes has a place in the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias. With acetic acid mercury forms the Acetas Hydrargyri, which, as the basis of Keyser's pill, was at one time much celebrated for the mildness of its action : it is given in a dose of from 2 to 5 grains ; its operation has been supposed, however, to be uncertain, and it has fallen into disuse. This, as well as other saline compounds of Mercury, are most easily ob- tained by adding to a solution of nitrate of mercury a solution of a com- pound salt, containing the acid with which the oxide of mercury .is to be combined. Thus, to form the acetate, a solution of acetate of potash is added to the solution of the nitrate. United with sulphur, mercury forms two preparations, the black sui- phuret, and the red. In both of them the metal has been supposed to be oxidated. This has not been established, however, and it is probable that they are metallic sulphurets without oxygen. The black sulphuret, for- merly named Ethiops Mineral, is prepared by triturating eqnal parts of mercury and sulphur together, so as to form a black powder. It is an in- active preparation, and has been used only as an anthelmintic, in a dose to an adult of one scruple or half a drachm. The red sulphuret, or Cin- nabar, is the mercury united with about one-sixth of its weight of sulphur by sublimation. It is applied principally by fumigation, with a view of stopping the progress of venereal ulcers, being converted into vapour by being laid on a hot iron, and this vapour being directed on the part. Ferrum. Iron. - This metal is the one which has been regarded as most salutary to the * Incompatible Substances. Alkalies, Hme-water, soaps, sulphurets of potash.and an- timony, iron, lead and copper. Paris. Ed. JL1-8 'I0NLQ5. animal system ; and the remark is perhaps just, that it is the only metal having any sensible activity, which has no poisonous quality. It exists as a constituent principle of the blood, and has hence been supposed to serve Some important purpose in the animal economy. When given medicinally, the effects obtained from it are those of a tonic; it increases the vigour of the circulation, causes the blood, it has been affirmed, to assume a more florid hue, promotes digestion, excites the secretions, or restrains them when they have been morbidly increased, and by its astringency checks profuse evacuations, and counteracts the tendency to haemorrhage. It is in diseases of debility that it is employed, and as its operation is only grad- ual, chiefly in chronic affections—dyspepsia, hypochondriasis, hysteria, amenorrhea, leucorrhea, passive menorrhagia, chronic catarrh, hectic, paralysis, scrofula, and rickets. It is less proper where there is any ten- dency to inflammatory action, or a plethoric state of the vessels ; and its administration ought to be suspended when it renders the pulse quick in such cases, or when it occasions a sense of fulness, headach, or costive- ness. The remark has been made by Cullen, that " the good effects of " the preparations of iron have been often missed, by their being given in " too small doses." The opposite observation is brobably more just, that they are lost from too large.doses being employed ; and in practice this is perhaps the more common error. Large doses ofthe less active prepar- ations, as the rust of iron, seem to load the stomach without any equiva- lent advantage; the more active saline preparations, on the other hand, cause disorder of its functions, impaired digestion, pain, and irritation ; it is this indeed which gives rise to the principal difficulty in the adminis- tration of iron as a tonic. And this very irritation which the active cha- lybeates excite, counteracts their salutary operation, and probably pre- vents their conveyance into the circulation, on which their efficacy may de- pend. These inconveniences are best obviated by giving the active pre- parations of iron in small doses, regularly taken, continued for some time, and rendered milder by dilution. Hence, probably, the greater benefit derived from the chalybeate mineral waters than from iron in any other form. Besides dilution, the addition of an aromatic is often useful, and in all cases the precaution ought to be attended to, of diminishing the dose, or intermitting the remedy when it produces irritation, nausea, or impair- ed digestion. Numerous preparations of this metal are medicinally employed. The filings ofiron, (Limatura Ferri), which, for medicinal use, are pu- rified by the magnet, are given in a dose from a scruple to a drachm or two ; their activity is probably dependent on the oxidation they suffer in the stomach, from the action of the gastric fluids. They are adminis- tered mixed with a little sugar and aromatic. The Sub-carbonate, or Rust of Iron, (Sub-Carbonas Ferri Praeparatus, Ph. Ed. Rubigo Ferri, Ph. Dub.), is the metal oxidated by the action of atmospheric air and water, and combined with carbonic acid ; it is more active than the pure metal, and less irritating than the saline preparations. It is given in a dose from 5 to 20 grains. Besides its use as a general ton- nic in the cases in which chalybeates are usually employed, it has been used as a remedy in cancerous ulceration, both internally administered in its usual-dose, and externally applied sprinkled on the sore. Cases have been given in which this practice has proved successful, while, from the experience of others, it has appeared to operate merely as a palliative. or at farthest, to be of permanent advantage only in gome forms of jll-rnrr- u'w^ic&r fit) Uitioned ulcers, not truly of a cancerous nature. Another form of it, Supposed to be more pure, is what is named Carbonas Ferri Praecipitatus, prepared by adding a solution of carbonate sof soda to a solution of sul- phate of iron. This was first used under the form of an extemporaneous preparation combined with Myrrh, Griffith's Antihectic Mixture which had obtained celebrity as a remedy in chronic catarrh, connected with increas- ed mucous secretion, in obstinate sympathetic cough, in phthisisand hectic. It is still used in these cases, and as a mild tonic in other affections con- nected with debility or morbid irritability. In the Edinburgh Pharmaco- poeia the precipitate of carbonate of iron is ordered to be washed and dried. In this case it absorbs oxygen, and in consequence of this differs little from the rust of iron.* Muriate of Iron and Ammonia, ofthe Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, what is named by the London College Ferrum Ammoniatum, is obtained, by subli- mation, from a mixture of muriate of ammonia and red oxide or carbonate of iron. It is an active preparation, but liable to be variable in composition. It is given in a dose from 5 to 10 grains. Dissolved in diluted alcohol, it forms an officinal tincture, the dose of which is 30 drops. The Muriate of Iron, employed under the form of tincture, (Tinctura Muriates Ferri), is prepared by.dissolving black oxide of iron in muriatic acid, and diluting the solution with alcohol. It is a very active prepara- tion ; sometimes too much so to admit of being used in an irritable state of the stomach. Its dose is 10 or 15 drops diluted with water, or taken in wine, in which it is more grateful. If it occasions nausea or pain, the dose must be diminished. It is the preparation' usually employed where the full operation of iron is attempted to be obtained. Besides its employ- ment in the diseases in which chalybeates are usually prescribed, Mr. Cline has mentioned a peculiar application of it in which it had proved of singular efficacy, that of suppression of urine from spasm of the urethra, 10 drops being given every ten minutes ; after the sixth dose the suppres- sion in different cases was relieved. Sulphate of iron is formed in the large way, by the oxygenation of the native sulphuret by exposure to air and humidity; or it is obtained more pure by dissolving iron in diluted sulphuric acid, and evaporating the solution. It crystallizes in rhomboidal prisms of a green colour. It is one ofthe most active preparations ofthe metal, and is not unfrequent- ly prescribed in amenorrhoea. Its dose is from one to five grains.! The red sulphate appears to be possessed of still higher tonic power, and has been employed with much advantage as a remedy in the various forms of dys- pepsia and hypochondriasis. It is prepared by adding to nitrous acid the green sulphate in powder, as long as any effervescence takes place, apply- * Much interesting evidence has lately been communicated to the public concerning the efficacy of carbonate of iron in Tic Douloureux. To Dr. Hutchinson, a respecta- ble English surgeon, is due the eredit of originally suggesting the practice, as also of confirming it afterwards by numerous examples of its success. . In a few cases, the practice has been tested in this country, and with the happiest results. Dr. Eights, of Albany, has related two cases of this disease, which yielded very promptly under the use of the iron after every other remedy had been perseveringly tried, but without ef- fect. See New-York Med. and Phys. Journal, vol. I. p. 323. According to Dr. Hut- chinson, it is to be administered in doses of from half a drachm to a drachm, two or, three times a-day. Ed. t Incompatible Substances. Every salt whose base forms an insoluble compound with sulphuric acid ; the earths, the alkalies, and their carbonates; borate of Soda, nitrate gi potash, muriate of ammonia, tartrate of potash and soda, acetate of amjnoQtffe uitnjlfi , 12b g>ven twice or thrice a-day, or in more severe cases, five grains being giv- en at once. In these doses, it scarcely produces any other sensible effect than a remission of pain, and ultimately a removal ofthe morbid state from which this has arisen. Barytes. Terra Ponderosa. Barytes. This earth is found in nature combined with sulphuric acid, and With car" bonic acid. The native carbonate was known to prove poisonous to ani- mals, and the degree of activity which this indicated, suggested the applica- tion of it to medicinal purposes. The form under which the barytes has been used, is in combination with muriatic acid ; for the preparation of which two processes are inserted in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia : one consists in decomposing the carbonate by muriatic acid ; the other in de- composing the sulphate by heating it with charcoal, and adding muriatic acid to the solution obtained by washing the residual matter with water. The muriate in either case is obtained by crystallization, and a formula is given for a solution of it to be medicinally employed, in which one part of the salt is dissolved in three of water. It is a substance of great activity, acting as a poison when given in too large a quantity : it occasions reduc- tion of the force of the circulation, insensibility and paralysis, and on dissection the stomach is frequently found inflamed. The same effects arise from its application to an wound, and with great rapidity ; the symp- toms indicate the brain principally to be affected, and on dissection, if a large quantity has been applied, that organ is found inflamed ; the motion ofthe heart is also diminished ; the stomach is sometimes, but not always, slightly inflamed. It is detected by sulphuric acid, which forms a white precipitate, insoluble in nitric acid, or by adding the nitrate of silver, when a curdled precipitate will be formed, insoluble in water and nitric acid. When it has been taken as a poison, diluents should be given, holding the sulphate of soda or magnesia in solution, and vomiting should be excited. Medicinally, barytes has been employed as a remedy in scrofula, in can- cer, some forms of syphilis, and in hectic fever connected with ulceration. Its sensible effects, where advantage has been derived from it, have been, improving the appetite and general strength ; sometimes it occasions dia- phoresis or diuresis, and in an over dose is liable to produce nausea, tre- mors, and insensibility. Its usual dose is 5 drops of the saturated solution, gradually increased to 20 or more. Its virtues have been either over- rated, or its mode of administration not properly conducted, as it has fal- len into disuse. Calx. Lime. This earth exists in nature combined with carbonic and other acids. From the native carbonate, it is obtained by expelling the carbonic acid by heat. It is soluble in water in small quantity ; the solution has a styptic taste, and is the form under which lime has been medicinally employed. Lime Water,* as it is named, is used with advantage in dyspepsia ; its ben- eficial effects arise principally from its tonic and astringent quality, as in the small quantity which water can dissolve, it can have little effect by any f * Incompatible Substances. All alkaline and metallic salts, borates, tartrates, citrates, sulphur, spirituous preparations and the infusions of all astringent vegetables. It should be kept in close vessels, for if exposed to the air, the lime will attract the carbonic acid, and become an insoluble carbonate : the addition of an alkaline carbonate pro- duces the same effect instantaneously. Paris. Ed. M 130 TONICti. chemical agency in obviating acidity. It is employed, too, as an astringent in chronic diarrhoea and in leucorrhcea. Carbonate of lime is used as an antacid : and Phosphate of lime has, from theoretical views, been propos- ed as a remedy in rickets and mollifies ossium. Muriate of lime is a more active substance, and more powerful tonic ; it is prepared according to a formula given by the Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges, by decomposing carbonate of lime by muriatic acid, and is obtained in the state of a satur- ated solution. In its action on the system, it has a considerable analogy to muriate of barytes, and, like it, has been used in scrofula and hectic fe- ver, and in dyspepsia. Its dose is half a drachm ofthe saturated solution ; and as it is a medicine of considerable activity, it requires to be given with caution. Like other saline substances designed to act on the general sys- tem, it is probably most successful when administered in small doses, with large dilution, as in large doses, and a more concentrated state, its absorp- tion is counteracted, and its action is confined to the intestines. Hence, probably, the greater benefit derived from it in scrofulous affections un- der the form of mineral waters, of which it is not unfrequently an in- gredient. The two following substances, though not strictly belonging to the min- eral kingdom, may be associated with the preceding tonics, as connected with them by chemical relations. Acidum Nitricum. Nitric Acid. This acid is the product of the saturation of nitrogen with oxygen, and consists of 29.5 of the former, and 70.5 of the latter. It is obtained by decomposing nitrate of potash by sulphuric acid, assisted by heat; the sulphuric acid combines with the potash, and the acid of the nitre distils over in the state of nitrous acid ; this exposed to a gentle heat, loses the portion of nitric oxide gas loosely dissolved in it, and is converted into nitric acid. It is colourless ; emits white fumes ; its specific gravity is 1.55 ; is corrosive, acts with energy on inflammables and metals from part- ing with oxygen readily, and is eminently possessed of all the acid pro- perties. The tonic powers of this acid are conspicuous in supporting the sys- tem under the irritation of a mercurial course. As a remedy against lues venerea, it was some years ago introduced into practice, and received an extensive trial. Very discordant opinions were for a time maintained with regard to its powers, but the question appears now to be sufficiently de- termined. There can be no doubt that the primary symptoms of syphilis are often removed by its use, and that even the secondary symptoms are alleviated, or altogether disappear ; venereal ulcers heal, enlargements of the glands subside, venereal pains become less severe, eruptions be- come less vivid or entirely fade, and the vigour ofthe system is improved. But even in producing these effects, nitric acid frequently fails, and it ap- pears to be established, that when it has removed the symptoms, its action is not in general sufficiently powerful or permanent to eradicate the sy- philitic poison ; the symptoms recur, or the disease appears, after some time, in one or other of its secondary forms. Though in this respect, however, nitric acid is inferior to mercury, and cannot be relied on alone in the treatment of syphilis, there are other important indications which it fulfils, and which render it a remedy of value. It supports the strength ofthe system under the irritation of mer- cury, and wherever this remedy requires to be given to a considerable TONICS. 131 extent, is in this respect advantageous ; it appears even to promote, in many cases, the operation of mercury ; symptoms, especially those of constitu- tional affection, disappearing under their combined administration, which are more slowly removed, or resist the administration ofthe latter alone. In cases, too, where from circumstances mercury cannot for a time be given to the requisite extent, the symptoms are arrested by the use ofthe acid, or where some secondary symptoms, ulceration ofthe thioat in par- ticular, are making a rapid progress, they are more speedily checked when it is given ; though still in these cases the precaution is proper, of employing as much mercury as would have, been judged necessary alone for their removal. Lastly, in symptoms occurring during a protracted mercurial course, probably arising from the excessive use of mercury, and aggravated rather than removed by its continuance, much benefit is derived from the acid ; and it sometimes succeeds in the removal of ob- stinate sores, when all other remedies, local and constitutional, have fail- ed. There are other diseases in which it is administered with advantage, particularly in that chronic affection of the liver frequently arising from residence in a warm climate, in dyspepsia with the view of relieving sick- ness and anorexia, and in obstinate cutaneous eruptions. Its medium dose, in its continued administration, is from one to two drachms in twen- ty-four hours ; the latter quantity in general cannot be exceeded, without nausea or griping being produced. It is given largely diluted with water, adding usually a little sugar, so as to form a beverage not unpleasant. Oxv-murias potass.e. Oxy-muriate of Potash. This salt, which, strictly speaking, is the Hyper-oxymuriate of Potash.. is prepared by introducing a current of oxymuriatic gas into a solution of potash. This is decomposed, one portion of it yielding oxygen to the other ; the one returns to the state of muriatic acid, the other becomes fayper-oxymuriatic acid, and common muriate and hyper-oxymuriate of potash are formed, the latter separating.by crystallization in brilliant white plates. The process has been introduced into the Dublin Phar- macopoeia. As a remedy, hyper-oxymuriate of potash may be classed with nitric acid, and it was the hypothesis of nitric acid acting medicinally by im- parting oxygen to the system, that led to its medicinal use ; that salt con- taining a large quantity of oxygen, which is not retained in it by a strong affinity. Its operation in checking or removing the symptoms of syphilis is similar ; it also increases the force of the circulation, and excites the actions ofthe system. Its efficacy as an anti-venereal remedy was infer- red, from the trials made of it, to be superior to that of the nitric acid, but it does not appear to be equally advantageous as an auxiliary to mer- cury. Hence, as its operation alone cannot be relied on for certainty, and as it frequently fails, it is little employed, while nitric acid still continues to be used with the views already stated. The dose in which the oxymu- riate has been given, is 10 grains three or four times a-day, and increased gradually to 20 or "ib grains. [Aurum. Gold. It is unnecessary to dwell upon the physical and chemical properties of this metal. As a medicine it appears to have been known as early as the times of the Arabians, and is even said to have enjoyed among them no inconsiderable popularity. Subsequently to this it seems to have los< I3i! TONICS. all its reputation, and it had for a long time been struck from the list oi medicines, when a French physician of Montpellier, Dr. Chrestien, re- vived its use, and in 1811 called the attention ofthe public to it in a work entitled " De La Methode Jatraleptique," in which he proposes gold as a new remedy for the treatment of venereal and lymphatic disorders. Accor- ding to the representations contained in this work, it would appear as the result of a lengthened experience on the part of the author, that Gold is capable of curing syphilis under all its various forms ; and tbat moreover it possesses many and decided advuntages over mercury Its effects upon the system are efficacious and gentle. It produces no salivation—nor does it in any way disturb the general health during its use., the only sensible ef- fects produced by it being an increase of urine and of perspiration, ft may be administered with perfect sifety at any season ofthe year and under any complication of the disease. Persons of *-iiber *ex may be put upon its use with equal security. The only precaution which he enjoins du- ring its administration is the strict observance of temperance. In other respects the patient is not required to change his accustomed mode of living. In addition to its antisyphilitic virtues Dr. Chrestien recommends the use of gold in glandular t-wellings, gleets, schirrus of the womb ; in the latter complaint more especially, he speaks of its efficacy in a tone of great decision. Very shortly after the appearance of this work in France, our distinguished countryman, Dr. Samuel L. Mitchill made the medi- cal public in this country acquainted with its contents, and immediately commenced a st ries of experiments with the gold in the New-York Hos- pital. The result of his experience is contained in the following letter ad- dressed to the late Dr. Dyckman : " The efficacy ofthe medicine has been tried year after year in the New-York Hospital. My practice with it there, has been witnessed by all the attendants ofthe wards. It possesses admira- ble virtues against syphilis. Without presuming to affirm, that it is capable of eradicating the distemper in every instance, my opinion upon the whole is that the muriate of gold will effect all that is achieved by muiiate of quick- silver, with incomparably less inconvenience to the patient. He gets well under the operation ofthe former without the hazard of a sore mouth, or a salivation, and with very little wear and tear of constitution. I consider the introduction of this preparation into common use, as one ofthe great- est improvements in modern medicine : and I wish it was already as uni- versal as the malady it is intended to remove. The muriate of gold is found to increase the qu ntity of urine, in many instances, to such a de- gree, that it ought to be ranked among the diuretics ofthe Materia Medi- ca." In 1812 an inaugural dissertation " on the Medical properties of Gold" was published in this city by Dr. J C. Cheeseman, in which are detailed a number of cases of primary syphilis which had been successful- ly treated by this remedy in the New-Fork Hospital ; and since that peri- od a still larger number of successful cases have been reported at that in- stitution. The results ofthe whole experience on this subject at the New- York Hospital seem to be these : 1. In the treatment of primary Syphilis muriate of gold possesses pow- ers fully equal to those of mercury. 2. In cases cured by gold secondary symptoms do not supervene more frequently than in cases which have been cured by mercury. 3. In secondary Syphilis gold is not to be depended upon for a radi- cal cure. TONICS. 133 Haying never had occasion to administer the gold myself, I am unable from my own experience either to confirm or to contradict the preceding testimony. I am, however, acquainted with more than one physician in this city who is in the constant habit of using this remedy, who expresses him- self entirely satisfied with its effects. At the same time it is proper to men- tion that very opposite opinions are maintained by some of our most res- pectable physicians. Dr. Hosack more especially reprobates the use of this article, and states that several instances of secondary symptoms ensu- ing after the use of Gold, have follen under his immediate observation. I am inclined to believe that much ofthe discrepancy which pervades the testimony in relation to this subject may be accounted for by the fact already noticed, that it is only in its primary stage that gold is adequate to the cure of syphilis. Be this as it may. 1 cannot doubt that this metal has been successful in eradicating the venereal virus from the system without the aid of mercury or any other remedy. With regard to its use in other diseases our knowledge is more limited. By Dr. Eberle it was administered in a case of s. rofula, and succeeded in healing very rapidly the ulcerations. The cure, however, he states was not permanent. From its very decided diuretic properties much was expected in the treatment of dropsies, and in a few cases it has been attended with the happiest effects. The late Dr. James Low, of Albany, relates that he tried it in a well marked case of ascites, and that it " was attended with more than the expected success." In the New-York Hospital a similar result has followed its exhibition. In the management of certain forms of dropsy, therefore, I am inclined to believe that it may become a very valuable auxiliary. Various preparations ofthe metal were tried by Dr. Chrestien—as the metallic divided gold—oxide of gold precipated by potash—oxide preci- pitated by tin—triple muriate of Gold and soda—and these were applied by friction to the gums.—In this country the medicine has been given in- ternally, generally in the form of the muriate. The method of preparing it according to the Pharmacopoeia ofthe Uni- ted States is the following, viz. take of pure gold, any quantity. Dissolve it by means of a moderate heat, in a mixture formed by uniting one part of nitric acid, with two parts of muriatic acid; evaporate the solution to dryness by a gentle heat; add to the residuum an equal weight of muri- ate of Soda, and mix them thoroughly together. Dissolve the mixture in distilled water, and evaporate slowly to dryness. Collect the miss and keep it in a glass-stopped phial, which should be accurately closed and pre- served from the action of light. The dose ofthe muriate is from one fif- teenth to one fourth of a grain given in pills, every six, eight, or twelve hours, according to circumstances—B.] TONICS FROM THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. The tonic power of vegetable substances is intimately connected with certain sensible properties which they possess, particularly with bitterness and the aromatic quality. In those tonics in which these qualities are blended, tbey are their most distinctive properties : and in those vegeta- bles in which either of them is predominant, we discover a degree of to- 134 TONICS. nic power, or at least of that stimulating operation on which this power depends. The vegetable products in which bitterness, without any other sensible medicinal quality, predominates, have more or less of a tonic power ; the stimulant operation on which this is dependent seems, however, to be not much extended over the system : hence bitters have scarcely any sensible effect in augmenting the force of the circulation or the heat of the body, in increasing the secretions, or in stimulating to action any particular part: their operation is principally in giving vigour to the stomach, and other di- gestive organs, and obviating those symptoms connected with debility of these organs. Still their operation is not entirely local: they prove tonic to the general system, not only indirectly by their action on the stomach but by a more direct operation. This is displayed in their power of remo- ving diseases connected with general debility, as intermittent fever, or the different species of dropsy, particularly anasarca, which so frequently depend on diminished energy ofthe absorbents. The injurious conse- quences which sometimes arise from the use of bitters too long continued, afford another proof of their action on the general system. Bitterness in vegetables has been suppo-ed to reside in a peculiar proxi- mate principle, which has been named the Bitter Principle. This opinion, however, is vague, and rests on no sufficient evidence. The quality of bitterness may reside in any ofthe known principles of vegetable matter: in many of the bitters ofthe Materia Medica it appears to be connected with extractive matter, as it is obtained equally by the action of water and alcohol; it is not volatile, and in general is not much impaired by de- coction. Aromatics are more rapid and diffusible in their action ; they stimulate the general system and augment the force of the circulation ; but this is scarcely sufficiently permanent to admit of their being administered with advantage as tonics. They are therefore rather employed as temporary stimulants, to obviate debility ofthe digestive organs, or as promoting the action of bitters. Still, as strictly connected with the substances belonging to this class, I have not hesitated to place them under it. There is one general virtue they posi-ess, and for which they are often used, that of preventing or relieving nausea ; this they do partly from their agreeable taste and odour, and partly probably from their stimulant operation on the stomach. The aromatic quality in general resides in their essential oil; hence it is communicated both to water and alcohol by infusion : their oils are usually pungent and stimulant, and their distilled waters and spirits partake of these powers. From the qualities which bitters and aromatics possess, the stimulant operation of the one being slow and permanent, that of the other being more diffusible and transient, it might be inferred, perhaps, that their com- bination will afford a superiority of tonic power. In the most powerful vegetable tonics, accordingly, these qualities are generally blended ; these may be placed first, and from them there is a series to the more pure bit- ters and aromatics. Cinchona Officinalis. Cortex Peruvianus. Cinchona. Peruvian Bark. Pentand. Monogyn. Contortce. Cortex. Peru. The natural history of the genus Cinchona was, until lately, imper- fectly elucidated. Linnasus had described a species under the name of Cinchona Officinalis ; the characters of whir h were indistinctly given un- i'OMCa. 135 der this "general name. The Edinburgh College have inserted in their catalogue of the articles of the Materia Medica, the three kinds of Peru- vian bark at present met with in the shops, the Common or Yellow, the Pale, and the Red, distinguished by the names of Cinchona Cordifolia, Lancifolia, and Oblongifolia. The species of this genus, it now appears, are numerous, and many of them natives of Peru. The subject has late- ly been investigated by Mutis and Zea, and on their authority the London College nave inserted three species, Cinchona Lancifolia, Cinchona Ob- longifolia, and Cinchona Cordifolia ; the first furnishing the pale bark, the second the red, and the third the yellow bark of the shops. Thev are natives of different provinces of Peru. These barks appear to be procured and prepared in a similar manner. The bark is stripped from the trunk and branches, during the dry season ; it is dried by exposure to the sun, and after being imported into Europe, is sorted by separating the finer from the coarser. The Pale Bark is considered as the bark of the Cinchona Lancifolia of Mutis, though it is very probable that, as it occurs in commerce, it is also furnished by other species. The tree producing it is found in the moun- tains of Quito and Santa Fe; what is brought from Loxa is regarded as of superior quality ; the best kind met with in the shops is in thin pieces, singly convoluted, forming small quilled twigs, internally of a cinnamon colour, smooth but fibrous in the texture ; externally it is covered with a thin epidermis of a greyish-brown colour, to which a crust of lichen sometimes adheres ; it breaks close and smooth, and is friable between the teeth ; its powder is of a pale colour. There are often intermixed with this, what is considered as bark of inferior quality, in thicker pieces, flat, or very little convoluted, rougher externally, and of a more distinct- ly fibrous texture. The taste of pale Peruvian bark is bitter, and slight- ly astringent; its flavour is slightly aromatic, with a degree of mustiness. The Red Bark is the bark of the Cinchona Oblongifolia of Mutis, a tree of considerable size, which grows on the Andes. It is in large thick pieces, usually flat, though sometimes quilled, externally covered with a brown rugged epidermis, internally more smooth and compact, but fibrous, the fibres being coarse, of a dark red colour ; its taste and smell are simi- lar to those of the pale, but the taste is rather stronger, and more astrin- gent. It first appeared in Europe about the year 1780. The Yellow Bark, so named, not from its colour being distinctly yellow, but because it approaches more to that than the colours of the others, is the bark of the Cinchona Cordifolia of Mutis. It was imported as a new variety about fifteen years ago, but it has been stated to be that which was first known, though the importance of it had ceased, and to be there- fore the real Peruvian Bark. It is in flat pieces, not convoluted like the, pale, nor dark-coloured like the red ; is externally smooth, internaly, of a light cinnamon colour, friable, and fibrous ; it has no peculiar odour different from the others, but a taste much more bitter, with scarcely any sensible astringency. Cinchona has often been subjected to chemical examination, but its con- stituent proximate principles are still far from being well determined. This indeed appears to be attended with peculiar difficulties, from the dif- ferent species containing different principles, and from the nature of some of these being not well ascertained. The basis of all of them is the ligneous fibre, constituting the greater part of their weight, but to *his are attached, vnrious principles capa b 136 :i.omcs. of being extracted by different solvents. Cold water infused on pale hark for some hours, acquires a bitter taste, with some share of its odour ; when assisted by a moderate heat, the water takes up more of the active matter ; this infusion is transparent while warm, but as it cools becomes slightly turbid ; by decoction a fluid, deep coloured, of a bitter styptic taste, is obtained, which, when cold, deposites a precipitate soluble in al- cohol. By long decoction, the virtues of the bark are nearly impaired or destroyed, owing to the chemical change and precipitation of its active matter. Alcohol is a more powerful sol vent of its active principles than water, the tincture being of a deeper colour and stronger taste, and hold- ing more matter dissolved. Brandy and other spirits and wines afford strong solutions in proportion to the quantity of alcohol they contain. A saturated solution of ammonia is a powerful solvent; vinegar is less so than water. By distillation, water is impregnated with the flavour of bark ; but it is doubtful whether any essential oil can be obtained. The action of menstrua on the red bark is nearly the same, the solutions being rather stronger, or containing a larger quantity ofthe matter which is precipitated from the decoction as it cools, and which is more peculi- arly soluble in alcohol, this matter being apparently composed of the principles in which the activity of the bark resides. The analysis of the yellow bark shows that its active principles are more powerful than in either of the others ; its infusions in water, alco- hol, &c. are at least more bitter. It is not easy to determine from these results, the nature of the princi- ples extracted, or what relation they have to the powers of the bark. As the active matter appears to be more soluble in hot than in cold water, being partially precipitated from the former as it cools, and as it is still more soluble in alcohol, it might be concluded to be of a resinous nature. Being soluble to a certain extent, however, in water, and suffering a par- tial decomposition when boiled under exposure to the air, it may also be considered as approaching in its characters to extract. Besides this, from the effects of re-agents, Peruvian baik has been con- sidered as containing a quantity of astringent matter, and this appears to have some relation to the matter extracted by water with the aid of heat, and by alcohol. On adding a solution of sulphate of iron to the infusion, a deep, colour is struck, not purple indeed like that produced by the action of that test on the vegetable astringents, but rather of a dark olive green ; the same colour is deeper when the salt is added to the decoction, or the tincture. This was regarded as a proof of the presence ofthe astringent principle or tannin, and hence it might be inferred, that a precipitate would be produced by the addition of gelatin. This accordingly happens with some kinds of Peruvian bark; a solution of gelatin added to the in- fusion giving a precipitate more or less copious. But the singular fact has been discovered, that there are other varieties which do not precipi- tate gelatin ; and that even as Dr. Maton observed, a precipitate is produ- ced with tannin, or at least with infusion of oak-bark, or of infusion of galls. This latter result Seguin considered absurdly as depending on the presence of gelatin, and pretended that gelatin exerted the specific power of Peruvian bark on the system, so that with animal glue he had cured in- termittent fever. Dr. Duncan inferred, that the precipitation with tannin is owing to the presence of a peculiar principle of vegetable matter not before observed, to which he gave the name of Cinchonin. Vauquelin, in his analysis of the different species of Peruvian bark, found generally. T01VU-S* 137 that their aqueous infusion gave a precipitate both with tannin and gelatin ; pome, however, gave no sensible precipitate with gelatin, while they pre- cipitated tannin. Among these, he ranks the common pale bark. Others again did not precipitate tannin, but formed a precipitate with gelatin. His observations, however, are of less value, as, although deduced from ex- periments on seventeen species, as he calls them, of cinchona, these are not distinguished by their specific characters, and we therefore scarcely know to what the observations apply. From the intermixture of different kinds of Peruvian bark in commerce, and the uncertainty of their uniformi- ty, it is not easy to determine what species more peculiarly afford this prin- ciple. I have found, that the watery infusion ofthe pale bark is not sensi- bly precipitated either by gelatin or tannin ; that of the red bark is not precipitated by gelatin, but gives a copious precipitate with tannin ; and that ofthe yellow is rendered turbid by gelatin, and precipitated copious*, ly by tannin. There is a difficulty in determining the nature of the principles on which these phenomena depend,—either that which gives a precipitate with gelatin, or that which is precipitated by tannin, if these differ from each other. In a dissertation by B. A. Gomes, a process is given to ob- tain Cinchonin pure, and its qualities in this state are described as differ- ent in several respects from those which had been assigned to it. The process consists in evaporating tincture of bark to the consistence of an extract, adding to this successively small portions of distilled water, while any colour or taste is acquired : filtering these solutions, then evaporating them, and adding to the solid matter successive portions of a solution of potash, until these come off colourless. A white substance is thus obtain- ed, which is washed with a small portion of cold water. When dry it forms a powder, which is nearly pure cinchonin. By dissolving this in alcohol, straining the solution, adding to it an equal quantity of distilled water, leaving it exposed to the air until the alcohol evaporates, straining the residual liquor, and allowing the solid deposite to dry on the filtre, the cinchonin is obtained in fine white filiform crystals. These are de- scribed as insipid and inodorous, inflammable, insoluble in water cold or warm, soluble in alcohol, ether, and in acids, and yielding a precipitate from solutions in acids, on the addition of infusion of galls, which is re-dis- solved by alcohol. This principle, as Gomes remarks, is analogous to resin in its inflammability, insolubility in water, and solubility in alcohol and. ether ; but it differs by its crystallization, and its solubility in acids. In these, as well as in the other properties, it bears a more close resem- blance to camphor ; but it differs from it in want of odour, in greater spe- cific gravity, as it sinks in water, and in giving a precipitate with infusion of galls. The solubility of this principle in water, as it exists in cincho- na, must, according to this statement, be owing to principles with'which it is combined. It does not clearly appear, what relation these principles of Peruvian bark, whether cinchonin, or that which gives a precipitate with gelatin, have to the matter in which the active powers ofthe cinchona reside. It may be concluded, howe'ver, that they are not essential to it, since they are in sparing quantity in pale bark, and since they are not uniform in the other species in any relation to the medicinal qualities. The same facts prove, that they have no relation to the resino-extractive matter,, the principle probably of greatest activity of any which bark tidfitaw }38 TOMCS. Gomes affirms, however, that cinchonin is contained in all the varieties of cinchona which are febrifuge, and that in those which are not it ig wanting. The cinchonin, or active principle of the barks, first noticed by Dr. Duncan, Jun. appears, from the experiments of Pelletier and Caventou, to exist in them combined with a peculiar acid, called the Cinchonic ; it is thus an alkali combined with an acid, and its properties are said to be as follows :—it is transparent, white, and christallizable, nearly insoluble in water, as it requires 7000 parts for its solution ; dissolved in an acid or alcohol it has the bitter taste of the barks, and in the fixed or volatile oils, it dissolves only in small quantities ; from analysis it appears to contain oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. As a base it combines with the acids, form- ing neutral salts. Of these the sulphate of cinchonin is the most impor- tant, from its having been employed as a remedy in intermittents. Fou- quier, Magendje, Chomel, and several other French physicians, have em- ployed it as a remedy in intermittents, and found it equal, if not superior, to bark administered in the usual way, in preventing the recurrence of the febrile paroxysm. In one of the late Numbers of the Revue Medieale, a full account is given by M. Double of the effects produced by this salt employed in similar cases ; and from the results he obtained it is inferred, that the virtues of cinchona depend on the cinchonin combined with the peculiar acid called the cinchonic, and that the neutral salt, the sulphate of cinchonin, acts more powerfully as a remedy against intermittents, than bark administered in any other form whatever. Ten grains of the salt given in divided doses, are considered sufficient to prevent the recurrence of the febrile paroxysm. The infusions of some varieties of bark redden the more delicate vege- table infusions ; and Vauquelinhas discovered, in the matter extracted by water with the aid of heat, a salt composed of lime, with a peculiar crystalli- zable acid, which he has named Kinic Acid. The active matter of bark is rendered more soluble in water by acids, a circumstance of some importance in its pharmaceutic preparation. The alkalies also add to its solubility ; and some of the earths, particularly lime and magnesia, have the same effect. The comparative medicinal activity of the different kinds of Peruvian hark is not easily determined, owing to the variable state in which they are found in the shops. The red, at its first introduction, was represent- ed as much superior in efficacy to the pale, and this appeared to be con- firmed by chemical experiments on the proportion of active matter in it to that of the ligneous fibre ; but there is some reason to doubt of this superiority with regard to the red bark now usually met with. The yel- low bark has a mucb greater degree of bitterness, and some clinical obser- vations appear to establish its superior medicinal power. According to Mutis and Zea, it is far superior to the other species in curing intermit- tent fever, and they regard it as the only species directly febrifuge: If even its superiority be admitted, its intense bitterness renders it unpleas- ant, and liable to occasion nausea, at least unless it be taken in a dose in- ferior to that of the other. The effects of Peruvian bark are those of a powerful and permanent tonic, so slow in its opetation as to be scarcely perceptible by any altera- tion in the state of the pulse, or of the temperature of the body. Its tonic power is inferred, therefore, principally from obviating states of de- bility ; and it is one of those medicines, the efficacy of which in removing topics. i3f» disease is greater than could be expected, a priori, from its effects on the system in a healthy state. The only effects from too large a dose, are nau- sea and headach. Intermittent fever is the disease for the cure of which bark was intro- duced into practice, and there is still no remedy which equals it in power. —a superiority of which, from its known operation, it is difficult to give any explanation. Little diversity ef opinion now exists with regard to the rules regulating its administration. It is given in the earliest stage ofthe disease, and without any previous preparation, farther than the exhi- bition of an emetic to evacuate the stomach. And it may be employed with safety and advantage in every period of the fever. It has been sup- posed more effectual when given before the recurrence of the paroxysm, and that, from this mode of employing it, less is required for that cure. The usual practice, however, is to give it in doses of a scruple or half a drachm every fifth or sixth hour during the interval ofthe paroxysm ; it may be even given with safety during the hot fit, but is then more apt to excite nausea. It requires to be given for some time, and continued after the fever has been removed, in order more effectually to guard against a relapse. In remittent fever it is given with equal freedom, even though the re- mission of the fever may be obscure, and frequently with advantage. The remissions become more distinct, and the febrile state is at length subdued. And in all those obscure and often protracted forms of febrile affection, which observe periodic exacerbations, it is often beneficial. In those varieties of continued fever which are connected with debility, as in typhus, cynanche maligna, and confluent small-pox, &c. Peruvian bark has been regarded as a valuable remedy. His difficult, however, to give it in such quantities as to obtain much sensible effect from it, as from the weakened state of the organs of digestion, it remains in the stomach unaltered, and is liable to produce nausea and irritation. In modern prac- tice, therefore, bark is less employed in typhus than it was at one period, preference being given to the more powerful exciting operation of opium and wine. It has been regarded as even hurtful in those forms of fever where the brain or its membranes are inflamed, or where there is much ir- ritation, marked by subsultus tendinum, and convulsive motions ofthe ex- tremities. Advantage is sometimes derived from it in the convalescent stage of the disease. Even in fevers of an opposite type, where there are marks of inflamma- toryjaction, particularly in acute rheumatism, bark has been found useful, blood-letting being generally previously employed. In erysipelas, in gangrene, in extensive suppuration, and in scrofulous and venereal ulceration, the free use of cinchona has been regarded as of the greatest advantage. In some of these diseases, however, the slowness of its operation renders it less effectual, and this is not easily obviated by any increase which can be made in the dose. In the various forms of passive haemorrhagy, in many other diseases of chronic debility, dyspepsia, hypochondriasis, paralysis, rickets, scrofula, dropsy, and in a variety of spasmodic affections, epilepsy, chorea, and hys- teria, cinchona is administered as a powerful ,and permanent t©nic,"either alone, or combined with other remedies suited to the particular case. The more common combinations of it are with sulphuric acid as an astringent, with preparations of iron as a tonic, with mercury in syphilis, in spasmo- dic diseases with valerian, and with cicuta in scrofula^and extensive ul- ceration. HO conic*. Its usual dose is half a drachm. The only inconvenience of a larger dose is its sitting uneasy on the stomach. It may therefore if necessary, be frequently repeated, and in urgent cases may be taken to the extent of an ounce or even two ounces, in twenty-four hours, though from such large doses probably no adequate advantage is derived. If it excite nau- sea, smaller doses may be taken and repeated more frequently, and may be reconciled to the stomach by the addition of any grateful aromatic. The powder is more effectual than any ofthe preparations ; it is given in wine, or in any spirituous liquor diluted with water, sometimes in milk, especially in butter-milk, or diffused in water by the medium of syrup or extract of liquorice. For particular purposes different preparations are employed. The cold infusion is the least powerful, but is grateful and sits easy on the stomach : it is however so weak, that it is scarcely used but as a bitter in dyspepsia. Prepared by previous tiituration of the bark with a little magnesia, it is rather more active. The decoction contains more ofthe active matter of the bark, and is the preparation generally used when the powder is rejected ; its dose is from 2 to 4 ounces ; but it cannot be relied on for any important effect. The spirituous tincture, ?hough containing more of the active principles, cannot be extensively nsed on account ofthe menstruum, but is principally employed occasion- ally, and in small doses of °2 or 3 drachms, as a stomachic. The extract is a preparation of some power, when prepared by the joint action of al- cohol and water ; but as this is expensive, the watery extract is usually found in the shops, and is very variable in strength. It is given in the form of a pill, in a dose from 5 to J 5 grains, and affords the best form for com- bining bark with iron. Bark is sometimes given in the form of enema ; a scruple of the extract, or 2 drachms of the powder, being diffused in 4 ounces of starch mucilage, The decoction is sometimes applied as a fomentation to ill Conditioned ul- cers, or the powder is sprinkled on the ulcerated surface.* Offic. Prep.—Decoct. Cinch. Extr. Cinch. Inf. Cinch. Tinct. Cinch.— T. Cinch. C. Ed. Lond. Dub. Cinchona Caribou. Caribcean Bark. This species, a native of the Caribbee Islands, belonging to the same genus with the officinal cinchona, has been proposed as a substitute for it. It is more bitter, and less aromatic, is of a brown colour, somewhat con- voluted and fibrous. According to the observations of Dr. Wright, who employed it in Jamaica, its effects are similar to those of the officinal cin- chona. The Cinchona Floribunda, or St. Lucia bark, has been also some- times used. It is of a darker brown colour ; its taste is sweetish, but be- comes extremely bitter. It has been found more liable than the other species to produce nausea and purging. Aristolochia Serpentaria. Serpentaria Virginiana. Virginian Snake- root. Gyand. Hexand. Sarmentosce. Radix. Virginia, Carolina. This root consists of a number of small fibres, issuing from one stem, of a greyish brown colour ; it has a slightly aromatic smell, and a warm bitterish taste. Its active matter is extracted partially by water, and by Incompatible Substances. Precipitates are produced by the salts of iron, sulphate of sine, nitrate of silver, oxymuriate of mercury, tartarized antimony, solutions of ar- senic to Pari?, Fd. TuMCS. at alcohol; entirely by proof spirit. By distillation u affords a small quantity of an essential oil, somewhat fragrant, but not pungent. Serpentaria is an aromatic tonic, which used to be employed in fevers of the typhoid type, to support the powers of the system. It was given in a dose of from 10 to 20 grains every fourth or fifth hour ; with this in- tention, it is now very rarely prescribed, and in any power it has of obvi- ating debility or febrile action, it is probably considerably inferior to cin- chona. It is sometimes combined with cinchona in the treatment of inter- mittent fever, and it occasionally enters as an ingredient into the composi- tion of bitter infusions and tinctures used in dyspepsia. Offic. Prep.—T. Arist. Serpent. Ed. Lond. Dub. Dorstenia Contrayerva. Contrayerva. Tetrand. Monog. Scabridce. Ra- dix. Peru, West Indies. This root is in twisted fibres of a yellowish colour ; has an aromatic smell, and a bitterish taste ; it yields its active matter to water and alco- hol. Contrayerva, like serpentaria, was formerly used as a stimulant and diaphoretic in typhoid fevers, in a dose from 5 to i'O grains, but like it too it has fallen into disuse. Mixed with carbonate of lime, it forms the com- pound powder of contrayerva ofthe London Pharmacopoeia, which is used in typhus, the exanthemata, and in atonic gout. Offic. Prep.—P. Contrayerv. C. Lond. Croton Eleutheria. Cascarilla. Monoec. Monadelph. Tricoccce. Cor- tex. Bahama Islands, North America. Cascarilla bark is in quills of a grey colour; has a slightly aromatic smell, and a warm bitter taste ; it is highly inflammable. It consists, ac- cording to Trommsdorff, of mucilage and bitter principle 864, resin 688, volatile oil 72, water 48, woody fibre 3024—4696. It has been used as a substitute for Peruvian bark, and has been employed as a remedy in dys- entery, and in obstinate diarrhoea Its usual dose is a scruple or half a drachm, but in modern practice it is little used. Offic. Prep.—Tinct. Croton. Eleuth. Ed. Lond.—Infus. Case. Lond.— Extr. Case. Resin. Dub. Bonplandia Trifoliata. Cusparia Febrifuga. Angustura. Pentand. Monogyn. South America. This bark was imported some years ago from the Spanish West Indies, the botanical characters ofthe tree producing it being unknown. These have been lately determined by Humboldt, and the London College have adopted the name Cusparia Febrifuga, in order to distinguish it. It is in flat pieces, externally grey and wrinkled, internally of a yellowish-brown colour, and smooth ; it has little odour ; its taste is bitter and slightly aromatic. Water, assisted by heat, takes up the greater part of its ac- tive matter, which does not seem to be injured by decoction. Alcohol dissolves its bitter and aromatic parts, but precipitates the extractive mat- ter dissolved by water, and its solution is on the contrary decomposed bv water. Proof spirit appears to be its proper menstruum. By distillation it affords a small quantity of essential oil. The bark, triturated with lime or potash, and water, gives a smell of ammonia. Its watery infusion gives no precipitate with gelatin ; but, on the contrary, becomes turbid with infuson of galls. Its powder is powerful in counteracting putre- faction. 142 'i'ccac^. M. M. Pelletier and Caventou extracted from the bark of this angustu- ra a vegetable alkali, soluble in 500 times its weight of boiling water, and in 850 of cold. It has a very bitter and acrid taste ; and in -the dose of a few grains is a violent poison. By a strong heat it is resolved into carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen ; and it forms neutral salts with the acids. It is insoluble in sulphuric ether and the fixed oils, and is slightly soluble in volatile oils. • , Angustura was originally introduced in the West Indies as a remedy in fevers, equal or even superior to Peruvian bark. In this country it has not been much employed as a substitute for Cinchona ; and in the treat- ment of intermittent, it has in the trials that have been made of it failed. It has been used principally in obstinate diarrhoea, and in chronic dysentery, or as a remedy in dyspepsia. Its dose is from 10 to 20 grains of the pow- der, or one drachm in infusion or decoction. Its tincture with proof spirit is given in a dose of one or two drachms.* * B Offic. Prep.—Tinct. Bonpland. Trifol. Ed. Dub.—Infus. Cusp. Lond. , Swietenia Febrifuga. Swietenia. Decand. Monogyn. Trihilate. Cor- tex. East Indies. The bark of the wood of this tree is of a red colour internally ; exter- nally it is covered with a grey epidermis ; it has an astringent bitter taste : it yields its active matter to water by infusion or decoction, and by evapo- ration affords an extract highly astringent. It was introduced as a substi- tute for Peruvian bark, and in India has been used with advantage in the treatment of intermittent and remittent fever. Its dose in substance is half a drachm. Swietenia Mahagoni. Mahogany. Cortex. Spanish America. West Indies. Tins species, of the same genus as the preceding, has similar qualities and virtues, its bark being equally bitter and astringent. It has therefore been received into the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, and may be employed to answer similar indications. Colomba. (Calumba, Pharm. Lond.) Colomba. Of the plant which furnishes this root, no botanical account has been obtained. It has been said to be brought from Ceylon ; but from later ac- counts, it appears to be the produce of the Eastern coast of Africa, and to be imported from Mozambique. It is in round thin pieces, evidently form- ed by transverse sections ofthe root; the circumference of these is cov- ered with a bark ; the woody part is of a light yellow colour, spongy, and often worm-eaten. It has a fai*t aromatic smell, and a bitter taste. It yields its bitterness to water; proof spirit is its proper menstruum, though the tincture is not very strong. Colomba is a powerful antiseptic and bitter, and its bitterness is free from all nauseous flavour ; it is vised with much advantage in affections ofthe stomach and intestinal canal, accompanied with redundance of bile ; it is also employed in dyspepsia, and forms a more powerful and grateful stomachic than the common bitters. Its dose is half a drachm of the pow- * Incompatible Substances. Sulphate of iron, sulphate of copper, oxymuriate of mercury, nitrate of silver, tartarized antimony, sub-acetate and acetate of lead, pot- ash, and perhaps the mineral acids, for they produce preciptates, as Co also the infir- srons of galls and vellow cinchona. Paris. Ed. 'I'wInICS*- 143 der, which, in cases of cholera or bilious remitting fever, may be repeat- ed every third or fourth hour. When used in dyspepsia, it may be given under the form of infusion, or sometimes the root is chewed.* Offic. Prep.—Tinct. Colomb. Ed. Lond. Dub.-*-Infus. Colomb. Lond. Quassia Simarouba. Simarouba. Decand. Monogyn. Gruinales. Cortex. South America. The bark of the root of this tree, which is the part medicinally employ- ed, is in long pieces, of a fibrous texture and yellowish colour; destitute of odour, and having a strong bitter taste. It is however variable in its sensible qualities, some specimens having scarcely any bitterness. Wa- ter and alcohol dissolve its active matter ; the solution in either men- struum suffers no change from sulphate of iron. Simarouba has been celebrated as a remedy in intermittent fever, dys- entery, and chronic diarrhoea, and has been given generally in the form of decoction : in substance the dose is one scruple. Though used in the countries of which it is a native, it is with us rarely prescribed.- An infu- sion of it has a place in the London Pharmacopoeia. Offic. Prep.—Infus. Simaroub. Lond. Ojjassia Excelsa. Quassia. Decand. Monogyn. Gruinales. Lignum. West Indies. The wood of the root «v" j.bjfe tree is of a yellowish-white colour ; it has1 a taste intensely bitter, without any odour or aromatic flavour. The bit- terness is extracted equally by water and by alcohol. It is used as a remedy in dyspepsia, diarrhoea, and in remittent and inter- mittent fevers, and is also sometimes employed to check vomiting. It is given under the form ofthe watery infusion when employed as a bitter ; in substance, in which state it has been employed in the treatment of inter- mittents, its dose is from 10 to 30 grains. Offic, Prep.—Infus. Quass. Lond.—Tinct. Quass. Dub. Gentian a Lute a. Gentian. Pentand. Digyn. Rotacece. Radix. Swit- zerland, Germany. This root is in long slender pieces, soft and flexible, of a yellowish co- lour, with a greyish epidermis. It has a very bitter taste, without any peculiar flavour. This bitterness is extracted both by water and alco- hol. Diluted alcohol is its proper solvent. The liquor obtained by decoction with water, affords by inspissation an extract intensely bitter. From the experiments of Neumann, it appears to consist of bitter prin- ciple, mucilaginous matter, resin, and extractive, to the first of which it nwes its medicinal properties. Gentian is a commpn remedy in dyspepsia,, in the form of infusion or tincture; as^ bittef,**it is more frequently used perhaps than any other, and usually forms the basis of stomachic remedies. In substance, it has been given, for the cure of intermittents, in a dose of half a drachm. Offic. Prep.—Extr. Gent. Lut. Inf. Gent. C. Tinct. Gent. C. Ed. Lond. Dub.—Vim Gent. C. Ed. * Incompatible Substances. Precipitates are produced by the infusion of galls and yellow cinchona, sub-acetate and acetate of lead, oxymuYiute of mercury, and lime- water. Paris. Ed. 144 IONICS. Anthemis Nobilis. Chamaemelum. Chamomile. Syngenes. Polygam, superfl. Composites Flores. Indigenous. The flower of this herb is collected before it is fully expanded, and dried. There are two varieties of it obtained by cultivation, the single and double flowered : the former is much stronger than the latter, the odour and taste residing not in the white petals, but in the disk or tubular florets, which are larger in the single flowers. They have a bitter nau- seous taste, and a strong unpleasant odour. The bitterness, with part of the odour, is extracted by water and alcohol, and if the infusion has been made with warm water, it is nauseous, probably from the extraction of a portion ofthe essential oil. This oil, strongly odorous, is afforded in a small quantity by distillation with water. Chamomile is a powerful bitter, and as such is useful in dyspepsia, pri- mary or symptomatic, and forms a popular remedy which is in common use. It is equal perhaps to any of the vegetable bitters, and has even a superiority in the facility with which its bitterness is extracted by water. The cold infusion is most grateful, and hence it ought to be used under this form. The infusion in tepid water, when strong, acts as an emetic, and is often used to promote the action of other emetics. In substance, it has been given as a remedy in intermittent fever, in a dose of half a drachm three or four times a-day. Externally, the flowers steeped in water are employed as a fomentation. The extract which, is intensely bitter, free from any nauseous flavour, affords a convenient bitter in the form of a pill; it is also a convenient vehicle for forming pills, es- pecially when it coincides in virtue with the substance prescribed under that form. Offic. Prep.—Extr. Anth. N. Edin. Dub. Lond.—Inf. Anth. 01. Anth. Edin. Lond.—Decoct. Anthem. Edin. Dub. The following plants, possessing bitterness in a greater or less degree, were formerly employed, but are now discarded from practice. They possess no virtues but those of bitters, and as they have all more or less of a nauseous flavour, gentian, columba, or quassia, is preferred to them- It is necessary to notice only their botanical characters. Artemisia Absinthium. Wormwood. Syngenes. Polygam. superfl. Com- posite. Herba. Indigenous. Chironia Centaurium. Centaury. Pentand. Monogyn. Rotacete. Herba. BIaf.kubium Vulgare. Hoarhound. Didynam. Gymnosperm. Verticil- late. Herba. Menyanthes Trifoliata. Trefoil. Pentand. Monog. Rotacece. Herba. Centaurea Benedicta. Blessed Thistle. Syngenes. Polygam. frustran. Composite. Herba. Spain. The remaining substances belonging to this class are those in which the aromatic quality predominates, blended in some of them with a degree of bitterness. They are much inferior in tonic power, and a number of them are employed only as grateful stimulants to the stomach. 'IONICS. Citrus Acrastium. Orange. Polydelph. Icosand. Pomaceaz. Cortex flavus Fructus ; Fructus; Fructus immaturus. India. The Orange-tree is a native of India, but is abundantly cultivated in the south of Europe. The outer rind ofthe fruit, especially of that variety named the Seville or Bitter Orange, has a grateful aromatic flavour, ami a warm bitterish taste, both of which depend on an essential oil, which, existing in the rind in distinct vesicles, may in part be obtained by expres- sion, but more abundantly by distillation. It is dried for use ; both taste and flavour are extracted by water by infusion, as well as by alcohol. Its qualities are those of an aromatic and bitter, it has been employed to restore the tone ofthe stomach ; and is a very common addition to com- binations of bitters used in dyspepsia, communicating to them its grateful odour, and coinciding with them in power. It has likewise been given in intermittents in a dose of a drachm twice or thrice a-day. Offic. Prep.—Cons. Citr. Aur. Syr. Citr. Aur. Ed. Lond. Dub.—Aqua Citri Aurant. Ed.—-Infus. Surant. Composit. Lond. The unripe fruit of the same variety Aurantia Curasslaventia, Curasso Oranges as they are named, retain when dried the aromatic flavour of the peel, with rather a larger share of bitterness, and are applied to the same uses. The juice of the ripe fruit of the variety named the China Orange, consists principally of citric acid and saccharine matter, and so far as it has any medicinal virtue, is a refrigerant, and is to be afterwards considered, Citrus Medica. Lemon. Polyadelph. Icosand. Pomacece. Cortex fruC' tus. Asia. The Lemon-tree, though a native of the warmer countries of Asia, has been long cultivated in the south of Europe. The exterior rind of the fruit contains an essential oil in distinct cells, whence it derives its aromatic quality. The dried rind is similar in flavour and taste to that of the or- ange, but is rather less bitter and aromatic ; its flavour, too, is more per- ishable, and from both circumstances it is less frequently used, though it may be employed for similar purposes. The oil is in use as a perfume. The juice is strongly acid, consisting chiefly of citric acid ; its medicinal applications fall to be considered under the class of refrigerants. Offic. Prep.—Aqua Citri Medicae. Ed.— Syr. Citr. Med. Ed. Lond. Dub.—Acid. Citric. Lond. Acorcs Calamus. Sweet-scented Flag. He:«tnd. Monogyn. Piperite. Radix. Indigenous. Tins plant grows in marshy situations in this and other countries of Europe. Its root dried and covered with the bark, is kept in the shops. It is soft, flat, and jointed ; has a faint aromatic smell, and a warm bitter- ish taste. By distillation it yields an essential oil, in which its flavour re- sides ; and it contains a considerable quantity of fecula. It has been used as a tonic in intermittent fever ; and sometimes it enters, as an aromatic and bitter, into the composition of bitter infusions and tinctures. Laurus Cinnamomum. Cinnamon. Enneand. Monogyn. Oleracece. Cor- tex. Ceylon. This tree, a native of Ceylon, is now cultivated in India. The cinna- mon is the interior bark ofthe branches ofthe tree ; it is thin and convo- 19 I'd 6 IONICS. luted, of a texture somewhat fibrous, friable, of a ligh^ brown colour, ha ving an agreeable pungent taste, with a degree of sweetness, and a grateful aromatic flavour. Its virtues chiefly depend on a small quantity of essen- tial oil which it contains, and which, obtained by distillation, is highly odorous and pungent. It yields its aromatic flavour and taste both to wa- ter, by infusion, and to alcohol; and water distilled from it has also it- pungency. Cinnamon is one of the most grateful of the aromatics. It is used to cover the unpleasant taste and flavour of other medicines, and to reconcile them to the stomach. It is also employed by itself as a moderate stimu- lant and cordial, given under the form of the watery infusion or distilled water. The former is more grateful, and is often successful in relieving nausea and checking vomiting. Offic. Prep.—Aq. L. Cinn. Sp. L. Cinn. T. L. Cinn. T. L. Cinn. C. Ed. Lond. Dub. Pulv. Cinnamon. Composit. Lond. Laurus Cassia. Cassia. Enneand. Monogyn. Oleracece. Cortex. Flores nondum exphciti. India. The Cassia-tree has been regarded as a variety of the cinnamon, but' appears to be a distinct species. Its bark resembles that of cinnamon in appearance, taste, and flavour ; it is distinguished by its taste being more pungent, less sweet, and more mucilaginous, than that of the real cinna- mon ; by its texture being denser, or less shivery, so that it breaks close and smooth ; and by the pieces of it being thicker and less convoluted. Its aromatic quality, like that of cinnamon, resides in an essential oil. It af- fords a distilled water, stronger than that of cinnamon, and yields also its taste and flavour to water by infusion. It is used for the same purposes as cinnamon ; it is, however, much less agreeable to the stomach, and rath- er more pungent and stimulating. It cannot, therefore, be always with propriety substituted for the other, especially where the stomach is in an irritable state. The Cassia buds are collected before they are fully ex- panded, and are dried ; they are of a dark grey colour, are similar in taste and flavour to the bark, and are often substituted for it in officinal preparations. Offic. Prep.—Aq. L. Cass. Ed. Canella Alba. Dodecand. Monogyn. Oleraceaz. Cortex. West Indies. This is the inner bark ofthe branches ofthe tree. It is in quills or flat pieces, of a light yellowish grey colour ; its flavour is somewhat aromatic, and its taste is pungent. By distillation it affords a thick essential oil. Al- cohol extracts its aromatic quality ; water does so imperfectly. Canella is employed principally on account of its aromatic quality, and generally in combination with other remedies to render them more grate- ful. It thus enters into the composition of several officinal tinctures, and has been supposed, in particular, well adapted to cover the flavour of aloes. Offic. Prep.—V. Aloes cum Canella. Lond. Dub.—Pulv. Aloes cum Canella. Dub. Myristica Moschata. Dioecia. Monadelphia. Fructus nucleus. «A/wx Moschata dictus ; Macis; Hujus Oleum Jixum. India. Under the officinal name Myristica, are comprehended Nux Moscha- ta or Nutmee, and Macis or Mace ; the former being the seed or kernel TONICS. H? ' -ofthe fruit, the latter the covering with which it is immediately surround- ed. The tree is a native of the Molucca islands. The external cover- ing and pulp ofthe fruit are removed, and the nutmeg and mace are dried by exposure to the sun. Nutmegs are round, of a greyish colour, streaked with brown lines, slightly unctuous ; they have a strong aromatic flavour; and a pungent taste. They yield their active matter entirely to alcohol: distilled with water, they afford a fragrant and pungent essential oil ; by expression, a sebaceous oil is obtained from them, retaining their fragrant odour, and part of their pungency, probably from part of the essential oil being ex- pressed along with.it. Nutmeg is used in medicine as a grateful aromatic. It may be given in a dose from 5 to 15 grains, and is sometimes employed to relieve nausea 01: vomiting, or to check diarrhoea, taken generally in wine. It has been said to prove narcotic in a large dose. It is also frequently employed to con- ceal the taste and flavour of unpleasant medicines, and to obviate the nausea they might excite. Mace is a membranous substance, unctuous, of a yellow colour, and hav- ing a flavour and taste similar to nutmeg, but rather less strong. It is used for the same purposes. The expressed oil of nutmeg, generally known by the name of Oil of Mace is sometimes used as an external stimulating application, but in the chops is seldom genuine. Offic. Prep.—OI. Myrist. Mosch. Sp. Myrist. Mosch.— Ed. Lond. Dub. .Eugenia Caryophyllata. Caryophyllus Aromaticus. Clove. Polyand. Monog. Hesperideoz. Flores cum pericarpio immaturo. India. The tree producing cloves is a native ofthe Molucca islands, but is cul- tivated in other parts of India. The cloves are the expanded flowers, which are dried by exposing them first to the smoke of fuel, and afterwards to the sun. They are of a greyish-brown colour, slightly unctuous on the surface; have a strong aromatic odour, and a warm pungent taste. They afford to water their flavour principally ; to alcohol their taste. By distil- lation with water, they yield a fragrant essential oil, not very pungent. The oil of cloves commonly met with is rendered acrid by a portion of ■the resinous extract obtained by the action of alcehol on cloves being dis- solved in it. Cloves are among the most stimulating of the aromatics. They are employed principally as adjuvants or corrigents to other medicines, partic- ularly in combination with bitters, or with the vegetable cathartics. The essential oil is used with the same intention, and as a local, application to severe toothach. The infusion in tepid water has been employed as a grateful stimulant to relieve the sense of coldness in the stomach, which attends some forms of dyspepsia. Offic. Prep.—Infus. Caryoph. Lond. Capsicum Annuum. Capsicum. Guinea Pepper, or Capsicum. Pentand. Monog. Solanaceoe. Fructus. East and West Indies. The fruit of this plant is an oblong pod, of an orange colour, containing a pulp inclosing seeds. The membranous pod has an odour aromatic and penetrating, but which is impaired by drying; its taste is extremely hot and acrid, the sensation which it- excites remaining long impressed on Ute I'^XlC'. palate. Its pungency is completely extracted by alcohol, aim partially by water. Capsicum is a powerful stimulant. As such it has been given in atonic gout, in palsy and dyspepsia, in tympanitis and dropsy, and in the latter stage of fever, where the powers of life are nearly exhausted. It is given in the dose of 5 or 10 grains, in the form of pills. In chronic affections it is combined with preparations of iron or other tonics. It is used as a con- diment to food, especially in warm climates, and proves useful by obvia- ting flatulence and promoting digestion. An infusion of it in diluted vinegar, with the addition of salt, has been used as a gargle in cynanche ; but the practice, though it has been successful in the West Indies, is not without danger, from the violent inflammation it is liable to induce. The capsicum pod is sometimes employed as an ingredient in rubefacient cataplasms, ap- plied to the soles ofthe feet, to relieve the coma of fever. The seeds have been found useful in obstinate intermittents, two grains being given at the approach ofthe cold paroxysm.* Offic. Prep.—Tinct. Capsici. Lond. Dub. Piper Nigrum. Black Pepper. Diand. Tricryn. Piperita. Fruct. India. Black or Common Culinary Pepper is the unripe fruit of this plant dried in the sun. Its smell is aromatic ; its taste pungent. Both taste and smell are extracted by water, and partially by alcohol. The essential oil obtained by distillation has little or no pungency. Pepper, from its stimulating and aromatic quality, is employed as a con- diment to promote digestion : as a medicine it is given to relieve nausea, or check vomiting, to remove singultus, and as a stimulant in retrocedent gout and paralysis. Its dose is 10 to 15 grains. Its infusion has been used as a gargle in relaxation ofthe uvula. White Pepper is the ripe berries ofthe same plant, freed from the outer covering, and dried in the sun. It is less pungent than the black. Piper Longum. Long Pepper. Diand. Trigijn. Piperita. Fruc- tus. East Indies. This is the berry ofthe plant, gathered before it is fully ripened, and dried in the sun. It is oblong, indented on the surface, of a dark grey colour. In flavour, taste, and other qualities, it is similar to the black pep- per, and may be used for the same purposes. Piper Cubeba, Cubebs. Diand, Trigyn. Piperita. Fructus. East Indies. Cubebs are the dried fruit of this tree. They have an aromatic odour, and a moderately warm taste. Their virtu c-s are similar to those ofthe other peppers, and being rather weaker, they are little used. It has, how- ever, lately been employed as a very powerful remedy in checking gon- orrhoea, three or four drachms being taken in the course ofthe day, and continued for a day or two after the discharge has ceased.! * Incompatible Substances. The infusions of Capsicum are disturbed by infusions of galls, nitrate of silver, oxymuriate of mercury, acetate of lead, the sulphates of iron, copper, and zinc ; ammonia, carbonate of potash and alum, but not by sulphuric, ni- tric, or muriatic acid. Paris. Ed. t According to the analysis of M. Vauquelin, the cubebs contains 1. a volatile oil, which ia nearly solid. 2. Resin, resembling that of balsam copaiva. 3. A quantity Toxics. 3 4h Uyrtus Pimenta. Piper Jamaicensis. Jamaica Pepper. Icosand. Monog. Hesperideoz. Baccce. West Indies. The berries of this tree are collected before they are ripe, and are dried in the sun. Their taste, though pungent, is less so than that of the peppers ; their flavour is fragrant, and has been compared to that of a mix- ture of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The flavour resides in an essen- tial oil ; the pungency in a resin. Pimento is used in medicine as an aro- matic, and principally on account of its flavour. Offic. Prep.—Aq. Myrt. Pim. 01. Vol. Myrt. Pirn. Sp. Myrt. Pirn. Ed. Lond. Dab. Amomum Zedoaria. Zedoaria. Zedoary. Monand. Monog. Sci- taminece. Radix. India. This root is in oblong pieces, of an ash colour; its smell is aromatic ; its taste pungent and bitterish. It contains a portion of camphor, which is deposited from its essential oil. Its virtues are merely those of an aromatic, and as it is rather weak, it is little used. Amomum Zingiber. Zingiber Officinale. Ginger. Monand. Monog. Scitaminece. Radix. India. This plant has been placed under the genus Amomum, but the London College have admitted the alteration proposed by Mr. Roscoe, and insert it as the species of a different genus, under the name of Zingiber Offici- nale. It is a native of India, but is now abundant in the West Indies, whence the dried root is imported. It is in wrinkled pieces, of a greyish or white colour, having an aromatic odour, and a pungent,somewhat acrid taste. The Black Ginger is the root prepared with less care than the White ; the latter, previous to drying, being scraped and washed. Ginger yields its aromatic matter to alcohol, and in a great measure to water. By distillation it affords a small quantity of essential oil, which is fragrant, but not pungent, the pungency residing in a resino-extractive principle. This root is employed as a grateful and moderately strong aromatic, in combination with other remedies, to promote their efficacy or obviate symptoms arising from their operation, or by itself as a stimulant. With the latter intention, it is used in dyspepsia, flatulence, and tympanitis, ei- ther in the form of powder or infusion. Its dose may be 10 grains. Chew- ed, it excites the salivary discharge. of another and coloured resin. 4. A coloured gummy matter. 5. An extractive prin- ciple similar to that which is found in leguminous plants. 6. Some saline substances. With regard to the use of this article in Gonorrhoea, 1 cannot say from my own experi- ence, that I consider it in any respect superior to the Balsam Copaiva. I have used it in several cases and to a very great extent, and although in every case it sensibly dimin- ished the discharge, yet in very few did it effect a permanent cure. In some instan- ces, after administering the cubebs unsuccessfully, the disease has yielded very readily to the copaiva. By Dr. Trail of Liverpool, cubebs has been used with success in Leu- corrhaea. Dr. Paris states that the w Turkey yellow berries," the dried fruit of the Rharnnus Catharticus, are frequently substituted for cubebs, and that the rt semblance between them is so great, as to render an imposition very easy. This is a fact which de- serves to be generally known, and may perhaps account in part for the uncertainty which has hitherto been observed in the operation of the oubebe. Ed, 150 'Ijdh iCt5» Offic. Prep.—Syrup. Amom. Zingib. Tinct. Amom. Zingik Ed. hond. Dub. Amomum Repens. Amomum Cardamomum. Elettaria Cardamo- mum. Cardamomum minus. Lesser Cardamom. Monand. Mon- ogyn. Scitaminea:. Semen. India. Two species had been described as affording the lesser cardamom seeds; the Amomum Repens, and Amomum Cardamomum. The Edinburgh Col- lege refer to the former.; but from a more accurate description of the plant, it has been removed from the genus amomum, and placed under a new genus, named Elettaria, the name chosen for the species being Elet- taria Cardamomum. This has been admitted by the London College. The seeds are dried, and imported by their capsules, by which their fla- vour is better preserved. Their smell is aromatic, their taste pungent, and both are communicated by infusion to water, as well as to alcohol. They afford by distillation an essential oil. They are used as grateful aromat- ics, and are frequently combined with bitters, or with purgatives, to ob- viate flatulence. Offic. Prep.—Tmct. Amom. R. Ed. Lond. Dub.—Tmct. Car- flam. Comp. Lond. Dub. Carum Carui. Caraway. Pentand. Digyn. JJmbellatai. Se- men. Indigenous. Caraway, though an indigenous plant, is usually cultivated for its seeds. They have an aromatic flavour, and a warm taste, depending principally on an essential oil, which they contain in considerable quantity. They are used to relieve flatulence, one or two drachms being swallowed entire; their essential oil, which has considerable pungency, and is grate- ful, is not unfrequently added to other medicines, to obviate nausea or griping. Offic. Prep.—Sp. Car. Carv. Ed. Lond. Dub. Aq. Car. Lond. Ol. Car. Lond. Dub. Coriandrum Sativum. Coriander. Pentand. Digyn. Umbella- tee. Semen. South of Europe. This plant is cultivated in our gardens for its seeds. They have a more pleasant odour when dried than when fresh; their taste is moderately warm. Their taste and flavour depend on an essential oil. Like cara,- way, they are used as carminative, and likewise to cover the taste and fla- vour of some medicines, particularly of senna, when given under the forttK of infusion or tincture. Pimpinella Anisum. Anise. Pentand. Digyn. Umbellate. Se- men. Egypt. This plant is cultivated in the South of Europe, and sometimes also in our gardens. Its seeds have an aromatic odour, and a warm taste, with a share of sweetness. They afford, by distillation with water, an essential oil, having a strong rather unpleasant odour, aud a sweet taste, without much pungency, and distinguished by the property of congealing at a ve- ry moderate degree of cold. They are used chiefly as a carminative in dyspepsia, and in the flatulence to which infants are subject. A small 4jW,MU£y 151 quantity of the seeds may be taken, or, what is preferable, a powder com- posed of a few drops of the oil rjbbed with sugar. Offic. Prep.—01. Pimpin. Anis. Ed. Lond. Z)u6.-—Sp. Anis. Lond.—Sp. Anis. C. Dub. The seeds of the following plants have qualities so similar to those of anise or caraway, that they do not require distinct consideration. They are used for similar purposes, but are scarcely entitled to a place in the Materia Medica. Anethum Fceniculum. Fceniculum dulce. Sweet Fennel. Pen* tand. Digyn. Umbellatce. Semen. Indigenous. Anethum Graveolens. Dill. Pentand. Digyn. Umbellata}, Se- men. Spain and Portugal. Cuminum Cyminum. Cumin. Pentand. Digyn. Umbellata. Se- men. South of Europe. Angelica Archangelica. Angelica sativa. Garden Angelica. Pentand. Digyn. Umbellata;. Semen; Folia; Radix. North of Europe. Of this plant, the root possesses the greatest share of aromatic qual- ity, though it also belongs to the seeds and leaves. Mentha Piperita. Mentha Piperitis. Peppermint. Didynam> Gymnosp. Verticil lata. Herba. Indigenous. Of the different mints, this is one which has the greatest degree of pun- gency. The leaves have a considerable degree of aromatic odour and taste ; the taste being pungent, followed by a sensation of coolness on the tongue. They afford an essential oil, rich in the aromatic quality and pun- gency ofthe herbs. Peppermint is used as a stimulant and carminative, to obviate nausea or griping, or to relieve the symptoms arising from flat- ulence, and very frequently tocover the taste and odour of other medicines. It is used for these purposes under the forms of the watery infusion, the distilled water, the essential oil, and the lozenge prepared from the oil, or the essence as it is called, formed by dissolving it in alcohol. Offic. Prep.—Aq. Menth. P. 01. Menth. Ed. Lond. Dub. —Spirit. Menth. Piperit. Ed. Lond. Mentha Viridis. Mentha sativa. Spearmint. Didynam. Gymnos- perm. Verticillatce. Herba. Indigenous. Mentha Pulegium. Pennyroyal. Didynam. Gymnosp. Ver- ticillatuz. Herba. Indigenous. These two mints, spearmint and pennyroyal, resemble the peppermint in their qualities, and are used for the same purposes, but are less agreea- ble and pungent. Their essential oil and distilled water are inserted in the Pharmacopoeia. Hyssopus Officinalis. Hyssop. Didynam. Gymnosp. Verti- cillata. Herba. Asia, South and East of Europe. This plant, which grows in our gardens, nearly allied to the preceding in botanical characters, is possessed of very similar qualities and virtues, iotl I'UMCn and is sometimes employed for the purposes tor which they are used It has also been considered as a remedy in catarrh, but it can have no efficacy. EIupatorium Perfoliatum. Bone-set, Thorough-wort. Syngenesia Polygamia (Equalis. Nat. Ord. Lin. Composite discoideoe. Her* ba et fores. America. This is a plant indigenous to our country, and has acquired very great and deserved celebrity as a remedy in various diseases. It is to be met with in every part of the United States, and flourishes in the vicinity of low and marshy situations. It is known by a variety of popular appella- tions, such as thorough-wort, thorough-wax, cross-wort, Indian sage, ve- getable antimony, bone-set, &c. &c. In the neighbourhood of this city it flowers in the month of July. The whole plant is intensely bitter, and slightly astringent. The chem- ical composition ofthe Eupatonium has been investigated with much abil- ity and success by Dr. Andrew Anderson of this city, and it results according to his analysis, that it contains first, a free acid ; second, tannin ; third, extractive matter ; fourth, a gummy matter ; fifth, a resin ; sixth, azote ; seventh, lime, probably the acetate of lime ; eighth, gallic acid, probably modified ; ninth, a lesiniform matter, soluble in water and in alcohol, and which seems to contain a bitter principle ; that the free acid may be ob- tained from all parts ofthe plant; that tannin is obtained in much the larg- est quantity from the leaves, and least from the roots ; that the extractive and gummy matter reside chiefly in the roots ; that the leaves and flow- ers also contain a larger proportion of resin than the roots : that azote exists in the flowers, leaves and roots.* The active properties of Bone-set are yielded both to alcohol and water. With regard to the Medicinal virtues of this plant there has existed a great diversity of sentiment. If all that has been written on this subject could be credited, we should have to admit it to be one ofthe most extra- ordinary articles in the Materia Medica, for there is scarcely an indication to be encountered in the management of the diversified forms of disease which it has not been represented as equally capable of fulfilling. It has, accordingly, at different times and by different persons, been considered as a tonic, cathartic, emetic, diaphoretic, deobstruent, &c. &.c. It is gen- erally known that the effects of a medicine are entirely different accord- ing to the dose and form in which it is given, and the peculiar circumstan- ces ofthe patient at the time. If this fact be kept in view, there will be little difficulty in accounting for the great variety of virtues ascribed to the Bone-set, without calling in question the candour or variety of the wri- ters just alluded to. If given in substance or cold infusion, and in moderate doses, the bone-set exhibits all the properties of a vegetable tonic ; while on the other hand if taken warm and in large doses, it proves emetic, ca- thartic, diaphoretic, &c. There can be no question, however, that the effi- cacy of this plant is to be ascribed chiefly to its tonic and diaphoretic powers, and it is with this view that it has been principally uSed in the treatment of diseases. A very large number of practitioners have given their testimony in fa- vour ofthe success which has attended the use of this article in intermit- tent and remittent fevers. Dr. Anderson states that it was extensively used in the New-York Alms House in 1812 in the treatment of these dis- ■ * Inaugural Dissertation. New-York, 1813. T«2UCa. 10.4 eases, and that it proved generally successful. In yellow fever the vir- tues of the Eupatorium have been much commended by Drs. Bard and Hosack. It seems to have been used by these gentlemen chiefly as a dia- phoretic. In the typhoid peripneumony, which prevailed so extensively in our country a few years since, the bone-set is stated to have pro- ved an admirable sudorific, after the system had been properly prepared by previous evacuations. In this way it was very commonly prescribed by our physicians. In catarrh it has for a long time been a favourite rem- edy in this country. As a simple tonic it has been highly recommeded in diseases of general debility. The most efficacious preparation of it in this case is the alcoholic tincture. As an alterative, according to Dr. Bar- ton, it has also proved highly beneficial in diseases ofthe skin. The bone-set may be administered in powdery in decoction or infusion, and in tincture. When given as a tonic the dose ofthe powder is from 20 to 30 grains, and of the infusion from two to four ounces. When intended to act as a sudorific, the infusion must be given in larger quantities, and fre- quently repeated.—B.] [Cornus Florida. Common Dogwood. New England Boxwood. Te- trandria Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Stellate. Cortex. The Dogwood is a forest tree to be found in every part of our country, although it flourishes in the greatest abundance in the states of New-Jer- sey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. It is slow in its growth, and the general height to which it attains is from fifteen to twenty feet, with a diameter of from four to six inches. It flowers in the months of May and June. The berries succeeding to the flowers ripen in September, and are oblong in shape and of a rich crimson colour. The bark is the part used in medicine, and according to the analysis of Dr. J. M. Walker, it con- tains tannin, gallic acid, resin, gum-resin, bitter extractive and mucilage. (Inaugural Dissertation in Caldwell's collection of Medical Theses.) By Dr. Ives of this city the experiments ef Dr. Walker have been repeated, and with confirmatory results. (Ives's Edition of Paris's Pharmacologia.) The medical properties ofthe Dogwood are those of a powerful tonic. In its operation on the system it bears a great resemblance to the Peruvian bark, and is used with great success as a substitute for that article in the management ofthe intermitting forms of fever. In the advanced stages of typhoid fevers, it has also been used with advantage. In dyspepsia, loss of appetite and general debility, it has proved probably quite as success- ful as any of the stomachics and tonics in ordinary use. A circumstance of considerable importance in relation to the operation of this article is that if administered in its fresh state, the bark is apt to disturb the sto- mach and bowels. By keeping it for about a year previous to use, this property will be completely corrected. The Dogwood may be adminis- tered in substance, in doses of from 3j to 3ij ; in extract, in doses of from 5 to 15 grains, or in infusion or decoction. There are two other species ofthe Cornus which are used in medicine, the cornus circinata and cornus sericea. In their general properties, they so nearly resemble the C. Florida, as to render unnecessary any particu- lar account of them. The Circinata has been made the subject of minute pxamination by Pr. Ives of this city*, and he states it to resemble the cin- * Medical Repository, Vol. XXII- 20 loA ASTRINGENTS- chona cordifolia more than any other article, but that it differs from it in ipossessing more astringency and aroma. From its astringent properties it has been found very beneficial in debilitated conditions of the stomach and bowels. In chronic diarrhoea it is even recommended by some as sur- passing in efficacy every other remedy. The doses in which it is to be administered are the same as those ofthe cornus florida. B.] CHAP. VI. OF ASTRINGENTS. it has been supposed by medical theorists, that the fibres ofthe living body, over the whole, or in part of the system, may become relaxed, or lose that density and contraction necessary for the due performance ofthe several functions. And this is considered as an affection of the matter of which the fibre is composed, not ofthe living or irritable principle con- nected with it. It has farther been imagined, that this relaxation may be removed by the application of those substances, which, when applied to dead animal matter, condense and constringe it. Such substances, classed as remedies, have been named Astringents. They are defined by Cullen: " Such substances as, applied to the human body, produce contraction and condensation in the soft solids, and thereby increase their density and co- hesion.1' By the operation of this corrugating power either directly ex- erted on a part, or extended by sympathetic action, the morbid affectims arising from a state of relaxation are supposed to be removed. The arguments adduced in support of these medicines exerting such a power, appear more conclusive than those brought in proof of any ofthe other explanations of the operations of medicines, founded on the me- chanical physiology : hence they have generally commanded assent. As- tringents, it is observed, exert this corrugating power on dead mat- ter ; they are serviceable as medicines in those affections which seem to depend on a relaxed state ofthe solids ; they even corrugate the fibres of living matter, as is evident from the sensation they impress on the tongue and fauces ; and applied to bleeding wounds, they restrain the flow of blood apparently by the same power. We cannot, however, admit, without limitation, the supposition on which this hypothesis is founded,—that the affections which astringents obviate depend on mechanical laxity of the solids, and that these substances act solely by removing that laxity, by inducing a mechanical or chemical change. Debility was indeed once ascribed to such a cause ; but with little rea- son: every degree of strength or weakness depends more on correspond- ent variations in the state ofthe powers peculiar to living matter ; and sub- Stances capable of obviating disease dependant on any state of debility, must be such as are capable of acting on these powers. Many substances accordingly, arranged as Astringents, occasion considerable alterations in some ofthe functions : they produce effects which cannot be referred to their condensing power, allowing them to possess it; and, therefore, in all the changes they produce, part of their operation at least must be referred to actions which they exert, conformable to the laws ofthe living system. ASTRINGENTS. loo For reasons of this kind, some have denied the existence of such a class of medicines as astringents. The substances which have received that appellation, they have considered as moderate stimulants, permanent in their action, and as differing little therefore from tonics. It must be admitted, however, that there are substances which immedi- ately restrain excessive evacuations ; and that although between these and tonics there is in several respects a resemblance, in others they differ widely. The most powerful astringents, oak-bark for example, or galls, are much inferior in tonic power to other substances, having little or no astringency ; while there are powerful tonics which do not produce the immediate effects of astringents. There appears, therefore, to be a foundation for establishing such a class as astringents, though it is difficult to point out the precise nature of their operation. It must be admitted, perhaps, that astringents possess a power of corrugating or condensing the animal fibre. The sensation they excite in the mouth appears to be a sufficient proof of this, and it is farther estab- lished by chemical facts- That they likewise act as permanent stimulants, is proved by their power of removing intermittent fever, and other states of the system connected with debility. The one power may be conceived to modify the other ; and to this modification or to their combined action, their effects may be ascribed. Darwin advanced an hypothesis, that they act by producing absorption ; this accounts for some of their effects, but not for others, particularly for their power of stopping haemorrhage. Astringents, from the powers they possess, are applied extensively to the treatment of diseases. As stimulants, acting with considerable permanence, they may be sub- stituted for tonics in diseases of debility. It has been found accordingly, that they have power to stop the paroxysm of an intermittent fever, when given a short time before its accession ; and in cases of debility, they seem to be often of utility, independent of their power of checking debili- tating evacuations. It is, however, for restraining increased evacuations that astringents are usually employed. Haemorrhage, where it does not arise from a solution of continuity, depends on the force of contraction in the extreme arterial branches not being sufficient to resist the impulse of blood from the larger branches,—a deficiency of contraction generally owing to a debilitated state of these vessels. Astringents, as stimulants, slow and permanent in their action, and not sensibly increasing the force of the circulation, are calculated to obviate such a state : and this may be farther promoted by their corrugating power, which may be extended from the stomach by sympathetic action to the vascular fibre ; somwhat in the same manner that the constringing effect of cold suddenly applied is extended from the surface of the body. Hence their use in menorrhagia, haemoptysis, and other discharges*of blood ; though they likewise frequently fail, from their operation being too slow and feeble to resist the impetus ofthe cir- culation, or counteract the flow from a ruptured vessel. In epistaxis, or bleeding wounds, they are more powerful, as they can be more directly applied to the part. By an operation probably similar, astringents check serious effusions ; hence their use to retain colliquative sweats. In diarrhoea too, they ap- pear to operate by checking the effusion of fluid from the exhalent ves- sels ofthe intestines, and thus diminishing the increased stimulant opera- Io6 astringents. tion, which from this cause is exerted on the moving fibres of the canal^ and increases its peristaltic motion. In the latter stage of dysentery,where an increased evacuation appears to be connected with debility ofthe exhalent vessels, their cautious administration is advantageous. And in passive in- flammation, attended with increased serous discharge, as in gleet, and in some forms of ophthalmia, the topical application of astringents affords the most successful mode of treatment. In the administration of astringents, it is an obvious caution, that they ought not to be applied to check evacuations where these are critical, or where they are necessary to relieve a plethoric state ofthe vessels, or a state of increased action ; at least unless the evacuation proceed to an alar- ming extent. Some narcotics, as opium, produce effects apparently astringent. When increased discharges take place from irritation, these remedies, by diminish- ing irritability, lessen the discharge ; they are thus serviceable both in haemorrhage, and in diarrhoea arising from that cause. But their mode of operation is obviously different from that of astringents ; and in the cases in which they are of benefit, the latter would be useful artd only by an indirect operation. Astringents may be subdivided into those belonging to the mineral, and those belonging to the vegetable kingdoms, which differ considerably from each other in their chemical properties, and probably therefore in the mode in which they produce their astringent effect. All the vegetable astringents of any considerable power contain tannin, and hence it has been considered, perhaps with justice, as the principle in which their as- tringency resides. AVhether they produce their astringent effect by the tannin combining chemically with the animal fibre, as their corrugating effect in dead animals is produced, cannot be determined. We can scarcely conceive of any other mode of operation, yet any change of this kind, if it did take place, might be exp«*cted to be more permanent, and productive of more important effects than it actually is. ASTRINGENTS. FROM THE MINERAL KINODO.,1. Acidum Sulphuricum. Alumina. Ferrurn Zincum. Super-Sulphas Alumina2. et Potassae. Calx. Cuprum. Plumbum. FROM THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. Quercus Robur. Quercus Cerris. Tormentilla Erecta. Polygonum Bistorta. Anchusa Tinctoria. Rosa Gallica. Arbutus Uva Ursi. Acacia Catechu. Kino. Pterocarpus Draco Haematoxylon Campechianum. Pistacia Lentiscus astringents. ii>. OF ASTRINGENTS FROM THE MINERAL KINGDOM. Acidum Sulphuricum. Sulphuric Acid. Acidum Vitriolicum. Vitrio- lic Acid. Sulphur combines with oxygen in different proportions ; when united with the largest proportion, it forms an acid extremely powerful from its state of concentration, the Sulphuric Acid. This acid used to be obtain- ed from the decomposition of sulphate of iron, the Green Vitriol of com- merce, by heat, and hence the name of Vitriolic Acid which was given to it. It is now formed by the combustion of sulphur. The sulphur, redu- ced to powder, is mixed with from one-eighth to one-tenth of its weight of nitrate of potash; the mixture, in small quantities, is kindled upon a hollow stone, placed within a large leaden chamber, the bottom of which contains water to the depth of two inches, and which is closed, or only occasionally opened to admit the renewal ofthe atmospheric air. The combustion ofthe sulphur is supported partly by the oxygen ofthe nitre, partly by that of the air which is admitted ; the sulphuric acid produced is absorbed by the water in the bottom of the chamber; and when the liquor has arrived at a certain degree of impregnation, it is withdrawn, and con- centrated first by evaporation from leaden troughs,and afterwards by boil- ing in glass retorts. The use ofthe nitre in this mode of conducting the process is indispensible ; it was supposed to operate simply by affording oxygen to the sulphur, and thus enabling the combustion to proceed at a lower temperature, and with a less free exposure to the atmospheric air. The theory of its action, however, appears, from the view of it giv- en by Clement and Desormes, to be more complicated. The product of the combustion of the sulphur is principally sulphurous acid, which can scarcely be condensed. But by the partial abstraction ofthe oxygen of the nitric acid ofthe nitre during the combustion, nitric oxide gas is evol- ved ; this diffused through the chamber combines with the oxygen ofthe atmospheric air, and forms nitrous acid vapour, which re-acts on the sul- phurous acid, communicates to it oxygen, and converts it into sulphuric acid. Sulphuric acid, prepared by this process is of the specific gravity of 1.850, and at this degree of concentration has been estimated to contain 21 of water in 100 parts : the real acid is composed of 42 of sulphur, and 58 of oxygen ; but it cannot be obtained insulated without the presence of water, and hence the common acid is properly hydro-sulphuric acid. In its usual state of concentration, it is of a thick consistence, and has an apparent unctuosity ; it is colourless and transparent; is highly corrosive, and possesses all the general acid properties in an eminent degree. As obtained by this process, it is not perfectly pure, but contains a little sul- phate of potash, and sometimes a little sulphate of lead. The quantities of these, however, especially ofthe latter, are very inconsiderable ; they are in a great measure separated when the acid is diluted, and hence this dilution not only renders it more convenient for administration, but like- wise more pure. Sulphuric acid has a very strong attraction to water, so as to imbibe it vapidly from the atmosphere ; and hence the necessity of its being kept in bottles well stopt. It is also liable to acquire a brown colour from the contact ofthe smallest quantity of vegetable matter. As a medicine, this acid is employed as a refrigerant, but principally as an astringent, and in this property it is undoubtedly superior to any oth^r liiti ASTRINGENTS. acid. It is used as an astringent to check the flow of blood in haemoptysis, and the colliquative sweat in hectic fever; indications which it fulfils better than any other article in the Materia Medica. It is sometimes also used in menorrhagia and diabetes ; and as a tonic, founded on its astrin- gent property, in dyspepsia. In its concentrated state, its dose can scarce- ly be measured. In the Pharmacopoeias, it is therefore ordered to be di- luted. According to the formula given by the Dublin and Edinburgh Col- leges, the Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum consists of one part ofthe strong acid with seven of water ; it is given in a dose from 10 to SO drops. Ac- cording to that ofthe London College, it consists of one part and a half of acid, to 14 parts and a half of water. The Acidum Sulphuricum Aromat- icum consists ofthe acid diluted with alcohol impregnated with aromatics, and is given in a similar dose. From its astringency, this acid is added to gargles, which are employed to check salivation, or relieve relaxation of the uvula. Externally mixed with lard, in the proportion of half a drachm to an ounce, it has been used with advantage in psora, and it has also been given internally in the same disease. Offic. Prep.—Acid. Sulph. Dil. Ed. Lond. Dub.—Acid. Sulph. Am- mat. Ed. Argilla. Alumina. Argil. Alumine. This earth, in its pure form, is insipid and inert; but in its saline com binations, at least all of them which, from their solubility, are sufficiently active, their exists a greater or less degree of astringent power. The Boles, of which the Armenian Bole (Bolus Armena) is the chief, are ar- gillaceous earth, impregnated with oxide of iron ; they were at one time employed as astringents, but are entirely inert, and are now expunged from practice. Alumen. Super-sulphas alumina et potass^. Alum. This salt is composed chiefly of argillaceous earth and sulphuric acid, the acid being in excess. It likewise always contains, however, a por- don of potash, which is essential even to its constitution, and in some of the forms of it met with in commerce, a small quantity of ammonia. It is found native, efflorescing generally in the interstices of what is named al- um slate ; or it is prepared from what are named alum ores, which con- sists essentially of clay impregnated with sulphur, or sulphuret of iron. The ore being calcined is exposed to atmospheric air ; the sulphur absor- bing oxygen, forms sulphuric acid, which unites with the argillaceous earth ofthe clay, with a portion of potash which the ore often contains ; or if this alkali is not present in sufficient quantity, carbonate or sulphate of pot- ash, or sometimes even muriate of potash, is added to afford it: sometimes too a portion of impure ammonia, obtained by distilling urine or bones, is employed. The liquoris concentrated by boiling, so as to yield, on cooling, the alum in a solid state, of a crystalline structure, though of no regular form. This salt is in large masses, transparent, colourless, and vitreous in ap- pearance : it has a styptic taste, with a degree of sweetness. From the excess of its acid it reddens the vegetable colours. It is soluble in eigh- teen parts of cold, and in less than two of boiling water. The variety ter- med Roche or Rock Alum(Alumen Rupeum) is in similar fragments, efflo- rescent on the surface, and of a reddish colour. Common alum consists of 26 of acid, 12.8 of argil, 10 of potash, and 51.5 of water. This water ASTRINGENTS. 159 of crystallization causes it to liquify when exposed to moderate heat; when it is expelled by the continuance ofthe beat, a white spongy mass remains named Calcined or Dried Alum. Alum, from its astringent power, is employed to check haemorrhagies and serous evacuations ; it is thus given in menorrhagia, leucorrhcea, and diabetes ; and in leucorrhoea, is perhaps more successful than any other astringent. It has likewise been used, tfiough less frequently, in intermit- tent fever, and in colica pictonum. Its'dose is from 5 to 10 grains. The addition of an aromatic is generally necessary, to prevent it from excite- ing nausea, when it is given in the solid form ; but the best form of admin- istering it, is that of Alum Whey (Serum Aluminosum), prepared by ad- ding two drachms of pounded alum to a pint of hot milk ; the dose of this is 3 or 4 ounces. Externally alum is frequently used as the basis of as- tringent gargles, and of injections used in gleet; and dissolved with sul- phate of zinc or copper, it forms very styptic solutions, employed to check haemorrhage by direct application.* Offic. Prep.—Alum. Exs. Pulv. Sulph. Alum. C. Ed.—Liq. Alum. C. Lond. Calx. Lime. Calx Viva. Quicklime. (Page 129.) This earth is found abundantly in nature, in several states of combina- tion. It is usually obtained by exposing any of its native compounds with carbonic acid,—chalk, limestone, or marble, to a heat gradually raised to a degree of intensity sufficient to expel the acid : the lime remains more or less pure. It is soluble in water, in sparing quantity ; about 700 parts being required for its solution. Yet even in this weak state of impregna- tion, the solution which is known by the name of Lime Water (Aqua Cal- cis), prepared by agitating water with slacked calcined lime, has a strong styptic taste, and is capable of exerting important chemical agencies, as well as of acting on the living system. As an astringent, lime water is em- ployed in diabetes, and in diarrhoea : the dose is one or two pounds in the course of the day. It is used likewise in dyspepsia, in which it proves useful, more by its tonic and astringent power, than by its effect in neu- tralizing acid in the stomach. Externally it is applied as a wash to ill-con- ditioned ulcers. Offic.' Prep.—Aqua Calc. Ed. Lond. Dub.—Aqua Calcis Composit„ Dub.—Linim. Aquae Calcis. Ed. Dud. Carbonas Calcis. Carbonate of Lime. The. various kinds of carbonate of lime, Chalk (Creta Alba), Crabs Claws (Chelae Cancrorum), Oyster Shells (Testa? Ostreorum), are not un- frequently used in diarrhoea, but they evidently prove useful, not by any real astringent power, but by correcting the acidity which so frequently occasions or aggravates that disease. They rather belong, therefore, to the class of Antacids. Ferrum. Iron. (Page 117.) This metal has been already considered as a tonic; it is likewise em- ployed as an astringent to check increased evacuations. It is thus used * Incompatible Substances. Alkalies and alkaline salts, carbonate and muriate of ammonia, carbonate of magnesia, tartrate of potash, lime-water, super-acetate of lead, the salts of mercury, as well as many vegetable and animal substances, especially gall? and kino. Pari?. Ed. it»o as IK INDENTS. with advantage in some forms of passive haemorrhage, particularly monor- rhagia. The advantages derived from it in such cases may be supposed to depend on its tonic power ; the styptic taste, however, of its saline preparations, is a sufficient proof of the presence of astringency to a cer- tain extent ; and it is not improbable that this may coincide with, or mod- ify the operation connected with its action as a tonic. The sulphate and the muriate of iron are the preparations in which the astringent property is most obvious. Zincum. Zinc. (Page 121.) This metal has likewise been considered as a tonic. Its saline prepar- ations have, however, a considerable degree of astringency ; and there are several medicinal applications of them founded on this quality. Sulphate of Zinc (Sulphas Zinci) has been employed internally as an astringent in chronic dysentery, and in the treatment of intermittent fever; but from its emetic power, its operation is liable to be harsh, and is not easily regulated. Its solution is in common use as an injection in gonor- rhoea when the inflammatory state has subsided, and in gleet, two grains being dissolved in an ounce of water ; and it frequently succeeds in check- ing the discharge, apparently from its astringent power. A solution of nearly the same strength is used as a collyrium in ophthalmia ; the astrin- gent power of this being increased, according to a formula in the Edin- burgh Pharmacopoeia by the addition of a few drops of diluted sulphuric acid. Dissolved with alum, it forms a very styptic liquor which is an offi- cinal preparation, and has long been in use for stopping haemorrhage, and checking increased discharges, by external application. Acetate of Zinc, under the form of solution (Solutio Acetatis Zinci), is obtained by adding a solution of acetate of lead to a solution of sulphate of zinc, a mutual decomposition taking place, and sulphate of lead being precipitated, while acetate of zinc remains dissolved. This has been in use as a mild astringent injection in gonorrhcea, less liable to produce irri- tation, or to check the discharge suddenly, than the solution of sulphate of zinc, and rather more active than the solution of acetate of lead. It has therefore received a place in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. A solu- tion ofthe salt in alcohol has been introduced into the Dublin Pharmaco- poeia, and is used largely diluted with water. Cuprum. Copper. (Page 122.) Copper has so far an analogy to the preceding metals, that along with the general action which-it. exerts on the system, capable of obviating spas- modic affections, it has a degree of astringent power. This too is conspic- uous, principally in its combination with sulphuric acid, the sulphate of copper. This salt in solution, is sometimes used externally as an astrin- gent; and dissolved with alum in water, to which a portion of sulphur- ic acid is added, it forms a very styptic solution, formerly named Aqua Styptica, sometimes employed by direct application to restrain haemorr- hage. The formula has a place in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. Offic. Prep.—Sol. Sulph. Cupr. Comp. Ed. Plumbum. Lead. This metal, when rendered capable of acting on the system by oxida- tion, or combination with acids, produces very deleterious effects, and proves a powerful, though insidious pois'ii) Nor is it easy to explain its ASTRINGENTS. i ti i mode of action. It appears to act peculiarly on the muscular fibre, re- pressing action, and at length exhausting the irritability ofthe muscles. When introduced slowly into the system, the intestines are first affected, constipation from diminished action takes place, accompanied frequently with severe pain. Tremor and debility ofthe voluntary muscles succeed, and are followed by paralysis, the muscles losing their firmness and cohe- sion. When a large quantity of any ofthe active preparations of lead is received into the stomach, these symptoms occur suddenly and with vio- lence, giving rise to the disease named Colica Pictonum, which is also sometimes suddenly induced by the progressive accumulation ofthe met al in smaller quantities. A sense of constriction is felt in the stomach and bowels, with obstinate constipation and the most severe pain : the pulse is small and hard ; respiration becomes laborious ; there is general muscular debility and tremor, accompanied with cold sweats and convul- sions, which have often a fatal termination. From Dr. Campbell's experiments, (Inaugural Dissertation), it appears, that lead, applied to a wound, is less active than the other mineral poi- sons. A saturated solution of acetate of lead, applied in small quantity, did not produce any deleterious effect; two drachms ofthe salt itself ap- plied to a wound in the neck of a dog, occasioned little immediate injury. Still the kind of action appears to be nearly the same, though more slow- ly induced. In the latter experiment, after a number of days, the power of motion in the limbs was impaired, the pulse became small and quick, the respiration difficult, the belly was swelled, and on the twenty-third day the animal died : On dissection, the internal surface ofthe stomach appear- ed inflamed, and part ofthe intestinal canal was slightly inflamed, with in- to-susception. In the production of these local effects, lead is analogous to other metallic poisons ; and they farther display its peculiar determi- nation to the intestines. From the external application of lead, its usual deleterious effects have been stated to be produced, and numerous cases have been adduced in sup- port of this. Infants have been observed to be affected with convulsions from the too free application of cerusse to the skin ; and even in adults, pain in the abdomen, spasms of the muscles, and paralysis, have been in- duced fromthe'application of saturnine solutions or cataplasms. Other facts again have been stated in opposition to these, proving, that from the most free external application of the preparations of lead, no injurious conse- quences whatever arise ; and this appears to be confirmed by the freedom with which they are employed in common practice. The comparative in- activity, too, of the preparations of this metal, when applied even to a wound, would lead to the conclusion, that from mere application to the skin, they can have little effect. Yet, as deleterious effects do result from the former mode of application, it is possible they may also from the lat- ter, in irritable or susceptible habits : and the facts stated in proof of this, seem to rest on evidence which cannot well be denied. The explanation of this is probably to be found in the influence of idiosyncracy, which, with regard to the action of lead, exists to a very considerable extent, some in- dividuals being much more susceptible of its action than others, as has been remarked in cases where it -has been taken internally to nearly the same extent, from the use of articles of food or drink which have receiv- ed an impregnation of the metal,—some suffering severely, while others have sustained rm.'.ch less apparent injury. 21 m ASTRINGENTS. From its power of repressing muscular action, lead produces effects" analogous in some respects to those of astringents, and it is usually ranked as an astringent, though its mode of operation is probably dissimilar. The preparations of lead which have been applied to medicinal use, are the semi-vitrified oxide, the white oxide or sub-carbonate, and the acetate and super-acetate. Oxidum Plumbi Semi-Vitreum. Lithargyrum. Litharge. This sub- stance is usually obtained in the calcination to which lead is submitted, with the view of separating the silver frequently associated with it; the flame, with a current of air, being made to reverberate on the surface of the melted metal. It is in flakes of a yellow colour, with a vitreous lustre. A small quantity of carbonic acid, not exceeding 4 parts in 100, exists in it, apparently not essential to its constitution. It is used only in some phar- maceutical preparations, particularly for forming, when bailed with oil, a plaster which serves as the basis of other compound plasters, and which is sometimes applied as a healing dressing to wounds. Offic. Prep.—Emp. Oxid. Plumb. Ed. Lond. Dub. Oxidjjm Plumbi Rubrum. Minium. Red Lead.—This is an oxide containing about 12 of oxygen in 100 parts. It is prepared by calcining lead with a fire gradually raised, stirring the oxide constantly, to expose it better to the action of the air. It is sometimes applied to the same pur- poses as litharge, and an ointment formerly in use as a cooling application was prepared by rubbing it with vinegar and off. It might be discarded, however, from the Pharmacopoeia. Carbonas Plumbi. Sub-Carbonas Plumbi. Cerussa. Cerusse, or White Lead.—-This is prepared by inclosing plates of lead with vinegar in earthen vessels, which are exposed to a gentle heat, so as to convert the vinegar into vapour; it acts chemically on the lead plates ; and a white crust is formed on their surface, which, when it has accumulated, is scra- ped off, and reduced to a fine powder by levigation. The nature of this substance has not been very well ascertained. It has been regarded as an oxide. A little carbonic acid being generally contained in it, either ab- sorbed from the atmosphere, or formed by the partial decomposition of the acetic acid, it has been considered as a sub-carbonate ; and the London College have defined and named it as such. From theory, it might be in- ferred to contain a portion of the acetic acid by which it is formed ; the Dublin College have accordingly named it Sub-Acetas Plumbi. It is used only externally, being applied in fine powder to slight cases of excoriation or inflammation, and used particularly to relieve these affections in children, -—a practice, however, which, from some observation, appears not to be without danger, and which is unnecessary, as the levigated calamine stone answers equally well. It is used likewise as the basis of an ointment, which is sometimes applied as a cooling dressing to inflamed parts. Offic. Prep.—Ungt. Carbon. Plumbi. Ed. Dub. Acetas et Super-Acetas Plumbi. Acetate and Super-acetate of Lead. —There are two compounds of lead with acetic acid, medicinally employ- ed. One is the salt which has been long known by the name of Sugar ot Lead, (Saccharum Saturni;) the other a solution, which was named Gou- lard's Extract of Lead. The first of these had been regarded as the proper acetate of lead. Thenard found, that it is the super-acetate, or contains an excess of acid, which is necessary to give it its usual crystalline form, which is that of a slender four or six-sided prism. When its solution is boiled with a little ox- ASTRINGENTS. >to3 ide of lead, the neutral acetate is formed, which crystallizes in plates Goulard's Extract, which is prepared by boiling vinegar on litharge, Dr. Bostock found to be a solution ofthe neutral acetate. Super-Acetas Plumbi. Super-acetate of Lead.*—This is the Saccha- rum Saturni; it is still named Acetate of Lead (Acetas Plumbi) in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. The process for preparing it consists in boil- ing distilled vinegar on cerusse, until the acid acquire a sweet taste, and evaporating the liquid, so that, on cooling, it affords crystals : it is usually prepared on a large scale. It is in masses composed of slender prismatic crystals, aggregated, of a yellowish colour, slightly efflorescent: it has a very sweet and styptic taste, is abundantly soluble in water, but scarcely forms a transparent solution even with distilled water, owing to a slight de- composition, in consequence of which a little sub-acetate is precipitated. It consists, according to Thenard's analysis, of 58 of oxide, 26 ot acid, and 16 of water. The "excess of acid in it is very inconsiderable. The medicinal use of this salt is nearly limited to its external applica- tion. Yet some practitioners have recommended it in cases of profuse evac- uation, particularly in haemorrhage, where other remedies have failed : it has thus been given in menorrhagia, in the dose of half a grain repeated every four hours : it has likewise been employed in obstinate leucorrhcea, and to restrain the colliquative sweat accompanying hectic fever. From the deleterious agency, however, of lead on the system, it is a remedy which must be used with reluctance, and which is accordingly scarcely ventured on in modern practice. There is one circumstance, too, that venders its administration more difficult,—its being liable to be considera- bly influenced by idiosyncracy ; many facts having sufficiently established that the action of lead is extremely unequal, quantities of it having been of- ten taken without any injurious effect, which, in other cases, would have proved in the highest degree deleterious. It would not be easy, therefore, to regulate its dose so as to obtain its beneficial, without the hazard of its injurious effects. As an external application, Sugar of Lead, as it is named, is often em- ployed to obtain its astringent effect. A solution of it, of the strength of three grains to an ounce of water, is used as an injection in gonorrhoea ; and producing no irritation, is not liable to be attended with thejnjurious conse- quences which sometimes arise from preparations more active. A solu- tion rather weaker is employed as a collyrium in ophthalmia, and can be applied with safety, even in the state of active inflammation. A stronger so- lution is a common application in superficial inflammation; and an oint- ment, of which it is the basis, is employed as a dressing to inflamed or ex- coriated parts. Its saturated solution, combined with vinegar, is frequent- ly employed as a discutient. Facts have been brought forward which ap- parently prove, that the general effects of lead on the system have been produced by the incautious or too long continued use of these external ap- plications ; while, in many cases, they have unquestionably been exten- sively employed without the production of any bad effect, and indeed are so in common practice ; a discordance which, as has been already stated, is probably to be accounted for from the peculiar idiosyncracy with regard to the action of lead on the system, in consequence of which some individ- uals are more liable to be affected by it than others. * Incompatible Substances. The alkalies, alkaline earths and their carbonates, most of the acids, alum, borax, the sulphates and muriates, soaps, all sulphurets, am<- mqniated and tartarjzed iron, tartarized antimony, undistilled water. Pari«v ffl ■134 ASTRINGENTS.- 'the neutral acetate of lead forms the basis of what has been named Goulard's Extract,—a preparation which has long been in use among sur- geons. It is named Liquor Plumbi Sub-acetatis ; and is prepared by boil- ing vinegar on litharge. Although it differs in chemical composition from the preceding preparation, it does not appear to differ from it in medicinal powers. It is used diluted with water, as a lotion in cutaneous diseases, or as an application to inflamed surfaces. In the original formula for the preparation of this lotion given by Goulard, a little ardent spirit was added to it, and this being in common use, has been received as an officinal pre- paration by the London and Dublin Colleges. Offic. Prep.—Ungt. Acet. Plumb. Ed. 'Lond. Dub.—L\c[. Plumb. Sub- acet. Dilut. Lond. Dvb.—Cerat. Plumb. Composit. Lond.—Unguent. Car- bonat. Plumb. Ed. OP VEGETABLE ASTRINGENTS, The property of astringency in vegetables, denoted by its effect of cor- rugating the animal fibre, appears to be dependent on a common chemical principle, or at least to be connected with some peculiarity of composi- tion ; since vegetable astringents uniformly possess certain common chemi- cal properties. Thus, their astringency is extracted both by water and by alcohol ; these infusions strike a purple or black colour with the salts of iron, deeper in general as the astringent is more powerful : and they are capable of corrugating, more or less strongly, dead animal matter, as is shewn in their operation in the process of tanning. In the farther investigation of this subject, it was found, that a peculiar acid exists in the more powerful astringents ; the acid which, from being contained abundantly in galls, has been named Gallic, and the general che- mical characters of which, in the preliminary sketch on the principles of Pharmaceutic Chemistry, have been enumerated. This acid having the property of striking a purple colour with the salts of iron,—the chemical change which had been more particularly considered as the test of astrin- gency, it was supposed to be the astringent principle. To this, however, there existed a very obvious objection, that the acid, when obtained insulated, is possessed of no great astringency, and scarce- ly indeed of that property in any sensible degree ; and farther, that the colour it strikes with the salts of iron is less deep than that from the infu- sions of the more powerful astringents. The researches of Seguin threw more light on this subject, by the dis- covery of a different principle existing in astringents, having a better claim to be ranked as the principle of astringency. Applying the proper test to discover it, that of the animal matter on which it peculiarly operates, he found, that on adding a solution of animal gelatin to the infusion of a ve- getable astringent, as that of galls or oak bark, a precipitation takes place, arising from the combination of this principle with the gelatin. Being the agent which gives to astringents their property of tanning, it has received the name of Tannin, and its properties, as a principle of vegetables, have been already stated. That it is the principle of astringency in vegetables, admits of little doubt. Gallic acid has no such power, while tannin has a harsh styptic taste, and the power of corrugating the animal fibre. Seguin had supposed, that in ASTRINGENT:!, lb'i> i he operation of tanning, its action is facilitated by that of the gallic acid, the acid partially de-oxidating the skin, and bringing it nearer to the state of gelatin, with which the tannin combines. A similar action might be sup- posed to be exerted on the animal fibre to the production ofthe astringent effect. The theory of Seguin, however, was not established, and the fact that some ofthe strongest astringents, as catechu or kino, contain no gallic acid, but tannin only mixed with mucilage or extract, is a proof that it is to the action of this principle that the effect is to be ascribed. If astringency, as exerted by vegetables, is thus to be considered as the result ofthe chemical action ofthe principle on which it depends, there is considerable difficulty, as has been already remarked, first, in conceiving how it can be produced in the part to which the astringent is applied, and, secondly, in conceiving how it can be exerted in the animal system, espe- cially in a distant part, when the astringent acts only on the stomach. It can only be supposed, that corrugation, or some similar change, is produ- ced by it in the fibres of the stomach, which may be propagated by sym- pathy to distant parts, nearly in the same way as the impression of cold is communicated. £ut the supposition that the corrugation is the effect of any combination ofthe tannin with the animal fibre, it is# rather difficult to admit. Ojjercus Robur. Oak. Aionoec. Polyana. Amentaccce Cortex. lad* genous.. The bark of this tree possesses a large share of astringency,which it yields to water. The infusion contains both gallic acid and tannin, the lat- ter in considerable quantity, attached to the ligneous fibre, which forms the basis ofthe bark. An ounce of bark afforded, in Davy's experiments 9n astringents. 111 grains of solid matter by lixiviation, of which 77 were tannin ; but the quantity varies much according to the season and the age ofthe tree. Oak bark has been used as a remedy in haemorrhage, diarrhoea, and in- termittent fever, given in a dose from 15 to 30 grains. In modern prac- tice, its strong infusion or decoction is occasionally employed as an astrin- gent gargle in cynanche, as an injection in leucorrhoea and profuse mon- orrhagia, and as a fomentation in haemorrhoids and prolapsus ani. Offic. Prep.—Decoct. Qiiercus. Ed. Lond.—Extr. Cort. Querc. Dub. Quercus Cerris. Monoec. Polyand. Amentaceui. Cynipkis nidus. Galla. Galls. Asia Minor. South of Europe. The turbercles named Galls, are found on the branches of this tree ; their production is occasioned by the bark being pierced by an insect ofthe cynips genus, to deposit its e£g. The juice exuding slowly, is inspissated and hardens. The best galls are heavy, knotted on the surface, and of a blue colour. They are nearly entirely soluble in water, with the assis- tance of heat; the infusion reddens the vegetable colours from the action of the gallic acid and this acid can be procured in considerable quantity, by allowing the infusion to remain exposed to the air until its other princi- ples are decomposed ; or it is at once obtained by sublimation from the galls. The infusion, too, contains a large quantity of tannin, as it gives a very copious precipitate with solution of gelatin. It has farther been sup- posed to hold dissolved extract and mucilage ; but the existence of extract is doubtful, and from Dr. Bostock's experiments there appears to be no sensible portion of mucilage. The proportion of tannin varies considera- ib.b ASTRINGENTS. bly in different specimens of galls. In Davy's analysis of Aleppo galls, 500 grains afforded to w^ter by lixiviation 185 grains of solid matter, of which 130 were tannin, 31 gallic acid, 11 saline and earthy matter, and 12 supposed to be mucilaginous and extractive matter. In medical practice, galls, though powerfully astringent, are -seldom internally administered. The strong infusion or decoction has been ap- plied to the same purposes as the decoction of oak bark. And an oint- ment composed ofthe galls in fine powder, with eight-parts of simple oint- ment, is used as an astringent application to hemorrhoidal affection.* Offic Prep.—Tinct. Gallar. Ed: Dub. ' Tormentilla Erecta. Tormentil. Icosand. Polygn. Senticosx. Ra- . dix. Indigenous. The root of tormentil, which is small and knotted, is strongly astringent, with little flavour or bitterness ; and though it has not been chemically ex- amined, it probably owes its astringency to tannin. It has been used in diarrhoea under the form of decoction, and in intermittent fever in sub* stance, in the dose of from half a drachm to a drachm^ But it is now nearly discarded fr^qm practice.! Polygonum. Bistorta. Bistort. Octand. Trigyn. Oleracece. Radix* Indigenous.. The root of this plant is a pure and very strong astringent; as such it has been used in diarrhoea and in intermittent fever, in a dose from a scru- ple to a drachm.. But having probably no superiority over other astrin- gents, and no peculiar virtue, it has fallen into disuse. Anchusa Tinctoria. Alkanet. Pentand. Monogyn. Asperifolice. Radix» South of Europe. The cortical part of the root of this plant has a deep red colour, which has the singular property of not being extracted by water, but readily by expressed oils. Its watery infusion, however, strikes a dark colour with sulphate of iron, probably from the presence of tannin ; and it posseses a slight degree of astringency ; it is only employed to communi- cate colour to ointments. IIematoxylon Campechianum. Lignum Campechense. Logwood. De- cand. Monog. Lomentacece. Lignum. Soidh America. The wood of this tree is of a deep red colour ; it has scarcely any smell; its taste is sweetish and astringent. Its active matter is extracted by water and by alcohol, leaving the ligneous fibre undissolved ; both solutions strike a deep purple colour with the salts of iron, and give a precipitate with gelatin. Logwood has been employed as an astringent in diarrhoea and chronic dysentery, under the form ofthe decoction, or the watery ex- tract. The extract has been proposed to be used as a substitute for kino.| * Incompatible Substances. Metallic salts, especially those of iron, produce precipi- tates with infusion of galls, composed of tannin, gallic acid, and the metallic oxide. Sulphuric, muriatic and mtric acids, the carbonates of the alkalis and lime-water. Paris. Ed. t Incompatible Substances. Solutions of isinglass, the salts of iron, alkalies and alka- line earths. Paris. Ed. £ Incompatible Substances. Acetate of lead, alum, the sulphates of copper and ift>n, tartarized antimony, sulphuric, muriatic and acetic acids. Pari?. Ed. AaTRlUQENT^i. / 11>'7 Qffic. Prep.—-Extr. Haematoxyl. Camp. Ed. Dub. Lond. Hosa Gallica. Rosa Rubra. Red Rose. Icosand. Polyg. Senticosee.' Fe- tala. South of Europe. The petals of this species of rose have a slight degree of astringency, which is most considerable before they are expanded, and it is in this state that they are collected and dried for use. The fresh leaves of the flowers are made into a conserve with sugar, which was at one time regarded as a remedy of some power in haemoptysis and phthisis, but which has long been acknowledged to be inert. The infusion of the dried leaves, acidula- ted by the addition of sulpuric acid, forms a pleasant astringent gargle. Offic. Prep.—Inf. Ros. Gal.—Cons. Ros. R.—Syr. Rosa?.—Mel. Ro- sae.—Ed. Lond. Dub. The petals of the Rosa Centifolia have no astringency, but are slightly laxative, and are employed from this quality in the preparation of a syrup, which is sometimes given to infants as a laxative. Their distilled water is recommended as a vehicle by its grateful flavour. Arbutus Uva Ursi. Bears Whortle-Berry. Decand. Monog. Bicornes-. Folia. Europe, America. This shrubby plant is a native of this, as well as some of the other countries of Europe, and grows on our mountains. Its leaves, which are small, and of a dark green colour, have a bitter astringent taste, without any odour. Their watery infusion strikes a deep black colour with the salts of iron, and from their known astringency, which adapts them even to the purpose of tanning, they probably contain a large proportion of tannin. From its astringency, uva ursi has been employed in menorrhagia and other fluxes. It has however been used more particularly in cystirrhoea, calculus, and ulcerations ofthe urinary organs. In checking the increased secretion of mucus from the bladder, which constitutes the first of these dis- eases, it appears to be superior to other astringents; it affords relief, pro- bably by its action on the stomach preventing the generation of acid. More lately it has been recommended in phthisis, and some cases of cough, accompanied with symptoms of hectic, in which advantage was derived from it, have been related. Its dose is half a drachm of the leaves in pow- der, twice or thrice a-day. AeAciA Catechu. Polygam Moneoc. Lomentacecc. (Acacia Catechu. Ph. Lond.) India. Ligni Extractum. Catechu. Terra Japonica. To this substance^ formerly known by the absurd name of Japan Earth, the appellation of Catechu is now appropriated. The tree which affords it (formerly regarded as a species of Mimosa, but referred by Wildenow to a new genus, and named by him Acacia Catechu) is a native of India. The catechu is an extract prepared from its interior hard wood, by boiling it, cut into chips, in water ; the decoction is evaporated ; it is inspissated by exposure to the heat of the sun, and by continued exposure is rendered concrete and dry. It is of a yellow or brown colour, has a bitter and as- tringent taste, leaving an impression of sweetishneSs; but its qualities vary considerably, owing to its being prepared with more or less care, or even as has been affirmed, to its being obtained from different plants. Two kinds are met with in the shops ; one is Of a light yellowish brown colour is smooth and uniform in texture, breaks short, is soft and light; the other ids astringents. is of a dark brown colour, more heterogeneous, heavier, and considera- bly harder. Catechu is almost entirely soluble in water with the assistance of heat, the residuum consisting of accidental impurities. It is nearly equally so- luble in alcohol. Its solution strikes a deep black colour with salts of iron, and gives an abundant precipitate with animal gelatin. From Davy's ex- periments, it appears to be composed of tannin, extractive matter, and mu- cilage : the proportions in the best catechu being 54.5 of the first, 34 of the second, 6.5 ofthe third, and 5 residual matter. Our knowledge with regard to the principle named Extract is so imperfect, that it is difficult to establish any conclusion with regard to it; and the subsequent experiments of Dr. Bostock, as to the modes of separating the Extract from the Tannin of catechu, do not exactly accord with those of Davy. Dr. Bostock has remarked, too, that catechu gives indications ofthe presence of gallic acid, and that its watery infusion even reddens the more delicate vegetable colours. Catechu is in common use as an astringent, and in the uniformity and certainty of its operation is probably equal, .Or even superior to any of the vegetable astringents. It is the astringent most commonly and successful- ly employed in diarrhoea : it is also used in chronic dysentery, and some- times in passive haemorrhagies. It is given under the form of the infusion, or the tincture; or the officinal preparation, the electuary of catechu, consisting of catechu and kino, with some aromatics and a little opium, is diffused in water, forming what has been named the Japonic Mixture, and which affords one ofthe best forms for its administration. In substance it may be given in a dose from 10 to 20 grains, which may be frequently re- peated. Under the form of troches, it is sometimes used in relaxation of the uvula, or sponginess of the gums, being allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth.* Offic. Prep.—Elect. Catechu. Inf. Catech. Tinct. Catech.—£i. Lond. Dub. Kino. Kino. The substance distinguished by this name was introduced a number of years ago into the Materia Medica as a powerful astringent, little being known with regard to its origin, farther than it was said to be the produce of Africa, and obtained probably from the plant affording it by exudation. Subsequent to its introduction, it was met with in the shops very various in its qualities ; it still is so, and is obviously of different origin, though there is considerable obscurity with regard to the natural history of tliese varieties. The London College have described it as the extract of an Af- rican plant unknown. The Edinburgh College have inserted it in their catalogue of simples, as the concrete juice of the Eucalyptus Resinifera, —a tree a native of New Holland ; and there is reason to believe that part of what is called Kino in the shops is imported from that country, and is the produce of this vegetable. The Dublin College have considered kino as the product ofthe Butea Frondosa, on the authority of Roxburgh ; but incorrectly, as Dr. Duncan has remarked. He has further observed, what is just, that much ofthe kino of the shops bears the appearance of * Incompatible Substances. The astringency of catechu is destroyed by alkaline salts, and precipitates are produced by metallic salts, especially by those of ircc *, acil '.v:th gelatin it forms an insoluble compound. Paris. Ed. ASTRINGENT, it)u an extract artificially prepared, and is known to be formed from different astringent vegetables.* It is not easy to discriminate exactly among these various substances awl to assign to each its real origin. One variety, which bears the high- est price in the shops, has the appearance of a natural production : slen- der twigs are intermixed in its substance ; it is of a reddish brown colour. with a resinous lustre, is very brittle, feels gritty between the teeth, and has a bitterish taste. This corresponds in its characters with the substance first introduced as kino, and is said to be the produce of Africa, and to be imparted from Senegal: the plant which affords it is unknown. The kind from New Holland has also the appearance of a natural production, frag- ments of bark being intermixed with it; it is in more solid masses than the other, is less brittle, and with its astringency has a disagreeable mawkish sweetish taste. The third kind has the appearance of an extract thorough- ly dried ; it is in small fragments, with a resinous fracture, is of a brown colour, nearly black, and has a taste astringent and slightly bitter. This Dr. Duncan has stated to be the produce ofthe Coccoloba Uvifera. I have been informed, that it is the Extract ofthe wood ofthe mahogany. The analysis of kino has been executed; but from the difficulty of as- certaining exactly to what substance the name is applied, there is a diffi- culty in appropriating the results to any ofthe varieties that are met with. All of them appear to contain a large proportion of tannin ; their solutions giving a deep colour, usually rather green than purple, with salts of iron, and a copious precipitate with gelatin. They are partially soluble in water and in alcohol. Diluted alcohol is their most perfect solvent. They ap- pear to consist therefore of tannin, resinous matter, and mucilage. Kino has been employed as an astringent for the same purposes as cate- chu, and they are often given in combination. The catechu, being more uniform jin its qualities, ought perhaps to be preferred. Ofthe different va- rieties of kino, that to which the name was originally given, imported from Africa, is the most grateful, and appears too, to be the most active as- tringent.! Offic. Prep.-Tmct. Kino. Ed. Lond. Dub.-Y\\\v. Kino. Comp. Lond. Pterocarpus Draco. Sanguis Draconis. Dragon's Blood. Diadelph. Decand. Papilionaceoz. Resina. South America. The substance to which the absurd name of Dragon's Blood has been given, is a resinous concrete of a dark red colour and heterogeneous tex- ture, varying also frequently in its qualities as it is met with in the shops. When genuine, it is the produce, by exudation, from ipcisions in the bark ofthe above tree. It is insipid ; and«though it has been considered as an astringent, has probably no such power, nor is it noto applied to any med- ical use. Pterocarpus Santalincs. Santalum Rubrum. Red Saunders. Diadelph. Decand. Papilionaccce. India. The wood of this species is of a very deep red colour, which it yields to alcohol, but not to water. It was once supposed to be astringent; but it is altogether inert, and is used only to give a colour to tinctures. * According to Dr. Paris, the plant which produces Kino, i$ satisfactorily proved to be the Pterocarpus Erinacea. Ed. + Incompatible Substances. The same as the Galls. Ed, (jcr 170 astringents. Pistacia Lentiscus. Mastiche. Mastich. Dioccia. Pentand. Amenta-. cece^ Resina. South of Europe. The resin named Mastiche is the produce of this shrub by exudation, and is imported from the island of Chios. It is in small round fragments of a light yellowish colour, nearly transparent, brittle, and hard, but when pressed or chewed becoming tenacious. It is chiefly resinous, and is hence dissolved by alcohol, a substance however remaining undissolved, tenacious and elastic, approaching in its characters to caoutchouc. Mas- tiche is insipid, and nearly inodorous, giving only a slightly fragrant smell when heated. Though it has been regarded as an astringent, and as such was at one time employed in medical practice, it has no activity, and might be discarded from the Materia Medica. It is used, from its insolubility and tenacity, to fill up the cavity in carious teeth. [Geranium Maculatum. Spotted Geranium. Common Cranesbill. Monadelphia Decandria. Nat. Ord. Succulente. United States. Radix. This plant is found in abundance in every part ofthe United States, and is generally to be met with in low grounds and the vicinity of damp woods. Its time of flowering is in May and June. In its Medicinal properties this plant is decidedly astringent, the experiments of Dr. Bigelow having shown it to contain even a larger proportion of tannin than the Kino. In almost every case where vegetable astringents are called for, the Geranium may be advantageously exhibited. In chronic dysenteries; diarrhoea, and other debilitating discharges from the bowels, it has acquired great celebrity. Dr. Barton testifies to its virtue in the cholera of infants. In this case the pre- ferable mode of giving it is in a decoction of milk. As a gargle it has been found very serviceable in aphthous eruptions and ulcerations ofthe mouth and throat. The Geranium may be given in powder, in doses of from 20 to 30 grains—in extract, 10 grains—in tincture, 3j to 3ij—in decoction and infusion, from 3j to 3ij. B] [Statice Limonium. Marsh Rosemary. Pentand. Pentagyn. Nat. Ord. Aggregate. Radix. The Marsh Rosemary is a perennial plant, flourishing in salt marshes. It is found in great abundance in the vicinity of this city and flowers in the months of July and August. The root, which is the part used in medicine, is intensely astringent, and on chemical analysis is found to contain large proportions of tannin and gallic acid. As a medicine it is quite popular in this country, and has been prescribed with advantage in various diseases where powerful astringents are indicated. In chronic dysentery it is said to have succeeded in effecting a cure after several other tonics and astrin- gents had been used to no purpose. It has also proved successful in di- arrhoea, cholera infantum, hoemoptysis, &c. In Cynanche Maligna, much advantage has been derived from its use when administered as a gargle in the form of decoction. The Rosemary may be given in infusion or decoc- tion by adding 3ij ofthe root to 3xij of water.—* B.] * Much valuable and interesting information concerning the virtue of the Statice may be found in the Inaugural Dissertation of Dr. Valentine Mott, Professor of Sur- gery in the University of New-York, published in 1806. Ed. K.UETICS. 171 SECOND DIVISION—OF LOCAL STLMULANTS. Under this division are comprehended those remedies, the stimulant op- eration of which is directed to particular organs. It comprises Emet- ics, Cathartics, Diuretics, Sialogogues, and those various classes that have usually been arranged under the title of Evacuants, their local operation giving rise to increased secretion, or increased evacuation. CHAP. VII. OF EMETICS. Emetics are defined, Medicines which excite vomiting, independent of any effect arising from the mere quantity of matter introduced into the stomach. This definition, however, requires to be more limited ; for there are many substances which occasionally induce vomiting, that are not usu- ally ranked as emetics. All bitter and nauseous drugs have this effect, when given in large doses, or in an irritable state of the stomach; and it occurs frequently as the consequence of the action of stimulants and nar cotics. The emetic operation, however, in these cases, is neither uniform nor certain : there are, on the contrary, a number of substances, many of which have no very nauseous taste, or which can have that taste conceal- ed, but which still excite vomiting when given in a sufficient dose, in ev- ery individual, and in every state ofthe stomach. To these substances the appellation of Emetics is exclusively applied. They may therefore be de- fined,—^Substances which excite vomiting, independent of any effect arising from the quantity of matter introduced into the stomach, and independent of any nauseous taste or flavour, or of any narcotic or acrid power. When an emetic has been given in a proper dose, the stomach remains for some time undisturbed. But in 10, 15, or 20 minutes, an uneasy sensa- tion, with nausea, supervenes, which continues increasing until vomiting begin. While the nausea only is present, the countenance is pale, the pulse is feeble, quick and irregular, and there is a feeling of cold ; but during the action of vomiting the face becomes flushed, the pulse is quick- ened, though still feeble, and it remains so in the interval of vomiting. The vomiting generally recurs twice or thrice, and then ceases ; a degree of nausea continues, which goes off only gradually ; languor remains, with of- ten a disposition to sleep ; the pulse is weak and slow, but becomes gradu- ally fuller ; the skin is usually moist. The general theory of the operation of vomiting is sufficiently evident. The vermicular or peristaltic motion of the stomach, by which the fooff is propelled through the pylorus, is inverted ; the diaphragm and abdomi- nal muscles are excited to contraction ; the pylorus is contracted, ancfthe contents of the stomach are forcibly discharged upwards. In many cases of vomiting, especially when violent, the peristaltic motion even of the upper part ofthe intestinal canal is also inverted, and bile is brought from he duodenum. \t the same time, it is difficult to explain how the peristaltic motion j* LMEiiC^. ■ averted by emetics. It is a singular fact, that any substance acting as aa inusual stimulus on the stomach seldom increases its motion, so as to oc- casion a more speedy discharge of its contents by the pylorus. The mo- tion, instead of being increased, is more commonly inverted, and hence vomiting is the effect peculiarly resulting from such local stimulant action. Nor is it easy to assign any cause for this specific operation. Dr. Darwin gave a different explanation ofthe nature of vomiting. He considered it as the effect, not of increased but of decreased action ofthe fibres of the stomach. When an emetic is administered, it produces, he observes, the pain of sickness, as a disagreeable taste in the mouth produ- ces the pain of nausea: these uneasy sensations not being acutely painful, do not excite the organ into greater action, but rather repress the motions already existing. The peristaltic motion ofthe fibres ofthe stomach be- comes languid from the want of the usual stimulus of pleasurable sensation, and in consequence stops for a time, and then becomes inverted, which gives rise to the phenomena of vomiting. In this hypothesis, there is however equally a deficiency in explaining how the inversion of the mo- tion is effected. Some have supposed, that the internal surface of the stomach is the part immediately effected by the action ofthe emetic, and that the diaphragm and , abdominal muscles are called into action by association ; while others sup- pose the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to be chiefly affected, and to be so in consequence of nervous irritation ; the former opinion resting principally in the circumstance, that the inner surface of the stomach is the part more directly exposed to be acted on, the hitter being founded on the fact observed by experiment, that in vomiting, the stomach itself does not contract, and that all the phenomena of vomiting are excited by emet- ics injected into the veins, or applied to a wound. The strong and forci- ple contraction ofthe diaphragm seems to have the principal share in pro- ducing vomiting. There is a considerable difference among individuals with regard to the facility with which vomiting is excited. This susceptibility is also liable to be altered by disease. In the greater number of febrile affections, vomiting is easily excited ; while in several of the diseases of the class Neuroses, as mania, melancholia, and hypochondriasis, it is excited with much more difficulty. In the case of poisons, which induce inflammation ofthe stomach, vomiting is almost a constant symptom; while in those which act by a narcotic power, and in which the irritability of the sto- mach is impaired, a powerful emetic is required to produce any effect. Although nausea or sickness generally accompanies vomiting, this con- nection is not a necessary one. Some emetics, as sulphate of zinc, act without occasioning much nausea; while others, as tobacco, excite it in a greater degree than is proportioned to their emetic power,—a circum- stance sometimes requiring to be attended to in the administration of indi- viduals of this class. The feeble and low state of the pulse, which attend vomiting, has been ascribed either to direct association between the motions of the stomach and those of the heart; or to the nausea excited, which, like other dis- agreeable sensations not acutely painful, has a depressing effect, being equivalent to an abstraction of stimulus. Emetics, at least those which are mild in their operation, do not appear to waste the irritability of the stomach : they have rather an opposite ef- fect : hence digestion is often vigorous after vomiting, and hence too gen- EMETICS. 173 tie emetics are often serviceable in dyspepsia, and in the temporary dimi- nished tone of the stomach occasioned by intoxication. The state of the stomach produced by vomiting seems to be often ex- tended to the vessels of the skin ; it is therefore followed frequently by diaphoresis, and is one ofthe most powerful means of removing spasmodic stricture from the surface of the body. Emetics have a remarkable power of increasing absorption ; hence the benefit they afford in anasarca, and the sudden disappearance of tumors which sometimes happens after violent vomiting. Emetics frequently occasion increased evacuation from the intestinal ca- nal ; and if they fail to excite vomiting, very generally operate as cathar- tics. Some are more apt to have this effect than others, as the prepara- tions of antimony compared with ipecacuhan. From the different indications which emetics are capable of fulfilling, they are adapted to the treatment of many morbid affections. Where disease depends on a disordered state of the stomach, arising from over-distention, the presence of acrid or indigestible matters, or any other cause, vomiting is the easiest and most effectual mode of affording at least present relief. Hence its utility in all cases of indigestion, impair- ed appetite, acidity in the stomach, pyrosis, or anorexia ; in the symptoms arising from intoxication, and where poisons of any kind have been swal- lowed. From the strong action of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles in vomiting, the gall-bladder and hepatic ducts are emptied of their contents : hence jaundice, owing to obstruction from biliary calculi, is sometimes suddenly relieved by vomiting. A similar pressure is supposed to be ex- erted during vomiting on the thoracic viscera ; from this has been explain- ed the expectorant effect of emetics, and the relief they afford in some varieties of asthma and catarrh. In the varieties of febrile diseases, much advantage is derived from the administration of an emetic, especially in the commencement of the disease. In synocha, where there are symptoms of increased action, and partic- ularly where there is a determination of blood to the head, full vomiting may be attended with danger ; and in typhus, when fully established, it cannot be expected to be of much benefit. But in the slighter cases of pyrexia, it is often attended with marked advantage. The emetic should be given in the evening, as its operation leaves a tendency to sleep, and to diaphoresis, which it is useful to promote. At one time, the practice of giving emetics in fever, in such doses as to excite nausea without producing vomiting, was common, but is now less frequent. It is more distressing to the patient, and does not appear to be equally effectual in stopping the progress of the disease. This mode, however, of giving nauseating doses of emetics, is useful in haemorrhage, where full vomiting would be dangerous, the nausea diminishing the force ofthe circulation ; it is therefore sometimes employed in haemoptysis and menorrhagia. From the powerful effects of emetics, their improper administration may be injurious, and there are various states of the system which prohibit their use, or allow them to be employed only with caution. During the operation of vomiting, the blood returns with more difficulty from the head, owing partly to the pressure on the descending aorta, and partly to the in- terrupted respiration, by which the transmission of blood through the lungs is impeded ; hence the redness of the countenance and thf vertigo 174 EMETICS. which sometimes accompany it. From this cause it must be attended with danger where there are symptoms of determination to the head, and more especially in plethoric habits. From the strong action of the ab- dominal muscles exerted in vomiting, it has been considered as not with- out risk in visceral inflammation, in the advanced stage of pregnancy, and in hernia and prolapsus uteri. In extreme debility, there is danger of the patient sinking under the violence of the operation. The frequent repetition of emetics in chronic diseases is prejudicial, by weakening the tone of the stomach, and rendering its motion more liable to be inverted by slight causes. The mode of administering emetics does not admit of many general ob- servations. They should be given in the form of draught ; as if in a solid form, the emetic might pass from the stomach into the intestines, without exciting vomiting. A common practice is to promote the action of emetics by taking large draughts of tepid water, or of an infusion of camomile. If an emetic is given in a large dose, this is not necessary, as it will excite vomiting repeatedly at intervals ; but if given in a moderate dose, it may excite vomiting only once ; nausea and efforts to vomit will recur, how- ever, at intervals, and then vomiting may be renewed by a draught of tepid water, or of a bitter infusion. We thus obtain the advantages of repeated vomiting, without the risk attending a large dose of a powerful emetic. Too large a draught ought not to be taken, as it renders the operation more difficult or painful. Some acrid emetics, as mustard, require always to be largely diluted. The most natural subdivision of this r.lass is into Emetics from the Ve- getable, and from the Mineral Kingdom. EMETICS. FROM THE MINERAL KINGDOM. Vntimonium. Zincum. Cuprum. Ammonia. Hydro-Sulphuretum Ammoniffi. FROM THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. Callicocca Ipecacuanha. Sinapis Alba. Scilla Maritima. Asarum Europaeum. AnthemisNobilis. Nicotiana Tabacum. EMETICS FROM THE MINERAL KINGDOM. Antimonium. Stibium. Antimony. The metal to which this name is given is peculiarly distinguished as an evacuant, and under various forms of preparation furnishes some of our most powerful cathartics, diaphoretics, and expectorants. All its prepa- rations in larger doses act as emetics, and several of them are in common use for their emetic power. It is therefore under this class that-its gene- ral history may be introduced. Antimony, in the modern chemical nomenclature, is the name applied to "EMETICS. 175 the pure metal. It occurs in nature combined with sulphur, and to this ore the name of Antimony was once generally given by chemical and me- dical writers ; the epithet Crude being added to distinguish it, when it is melted out from the impurities mingled with it. The ore in this state is now named Sulphuret of Antimony, and the name Antimony is appropria- ted to the metal itself. The native sulphuret of antimony is of a grey or blue colour, with me- tallic lustre ; it is opaque, and has usually a striated texture. To free it from the earthy matter with which it is mixed, as it is dug from the vein, it is fused ; the fused sulphuret subsides, and is run off. Its lustre is greater the more completely it is purified. The proportions of its prin- ciples are various ; sometimes they are nearly equal; in other specimens the quantity of metal is larger ; and there are some varieties unfit for me- dicinal use, as containing other metals, particularly lead, and sometimes copper. These have inferior lustre and a less distinctly striated texture. The pure metal is usually obtained by fusing the ore with iron filings, the iron combines with the sulphur, while the antimony, being very fusi- ble, is run out. The metal is of a bluish-white colour, and a plated tex- ture, has a specific gravity of 6.7, is moderately hard, and very brittle ; it melts at a heat not much higher than that of ignition, and is volatilized by a heat not very intense ; it is oxidated by exposure to the air at the temperature at which it is volatilized ; and in the state of oxide, it is ca- pable of combining with the greater number ofthe acids. The sulphuret of antimony has little activity, and indeed produces scarcely any sensible effect on the system. The preparations of the me- tal are much more active, and though of very different degrees of strength, retain the same mode of action, and possess therefore the same medicinal virtues. They do not exert any general stimulant operation on the sys- tem, but are always directed in their action to particular parts, so as to oc- casion some sensible evacuation, thus acting as emetics, cathartics, or dia- phoretics. The principal general medicinal application of antimony, under its dif- ferent forms of preparation, has been for the cure of febrile affections ; and in the treatment of fever, it has long been more or less extensively used. It is given either so as to induce vomiting or purging, or sometimes in smaller doses, so as to produce only gentle diaphoresis ; and exhibited in either mode in the commencement of the disease, it has been consider- ed as capable of cutting short its progress. The use of James's powder, which is an antimonial, has been extensive with this view, and both it, and the tartrate of antimony and potash, or emetic tartar, continue to be used. Their efficacy has usually been ascribed to the evacuation they occasion, while others have considered antimony, apparently with little reason, as exerting an action specific or peculiar in itself in the removal of febrile action, and not explicable on the known effects it produces. The practice of giving antimonials in fever is unquestionably often attended with mar- ked advantages ; yet it is also liable to considerable difficulties, and is not without some hazard. The administration of the remedy, whatever anti- monial be employed, is not easily regulated with precision; in small do- ses it often fails of producing the favourable crisis expected from its ope- ration ; and in larger doses it is liable to act with violence, and produce evacuations under which the powers of the system have sunk. It is principally in the commencement of fever that the practice is successful; i7t> EMETICS. in the more advanced stages, when the state of debility is induced, more hazard attends its employment, and less benefit is to be expected from it. Antimonials are administered with advantage in intermittent as well as in continued fever, in the phlegmasia? and exanthemata, and even in seve- ral of the profluvia, probably from their evacuating operation. As an emetic, antimony is distinguished by the certainty, extent, and permanence of its operation. The action it excites in the stomach is both more forcible, and continues for a longer time, than that from other eme- tics, and hence it produces more complete evacuations, and occasions in a greater degree all those effects which result from the action of vomiting. Its action is also less local. It is generally extended to the intestinal ca- nal, so as to produce purging, and very frequently to the surface of the body, so as to occasion diaphoresis or sweat. It is used more particularly where the effects of full vomiting are required ; but where these are not wished for, more gentle emetics are usually preferred : The antimonial emetics, even the emetic tartar, which is the mildest, and the one most easily regulated, are always liable to prove harsh in their operation ; they occasion severe vomiting, debilitate the stomach, and are altogether unfit for administration to children, or to those of weak and irritable habits. The propriety of caution in the use of the preparations of antimony is rendered more obvious, perhaps, from the strict analogy which exists be- tween it and arsenic in their operation. In Mr. Brodie's experiments, eme- tic tartar produced, when applied to a wound, vomiting, reduction of the pulse, paralysis, insensibility, and death, and the stomach was sometimes found inflamed. And it is given with less immediate risk than arsenic, probably principally from its greater emetic power. Of the preparations of antimony, it is necessary to take only a very cur- sory view, as they are to be more fully noticed in the pharmaceutical part of the work. They may be arranged under those in which the metal is combined with sulphur ; those in which it is oxidated ; and those in which it is brought into a saline state by combination with acids. ,v Ofthe first class, the Levigated Antimony, (Sulphuretum Antimonii Prasparatum), which is merely the native sulphuret reduced to a state of mechanical division, is the only preparation. It has been given as a dia- phoretic, especially in chronic rheumatism, and in some cutaneous affec- tions, in a dOse from 15 grains to 1 drachm ; but it is so inert and uncer- tain, that it is now discarded from practice. The oxides of antimony are more active, but they are liable to the in- convenience of being uncertain in their operation, partly perhaps from their activity being dependent on the state ofthe stomach with regard to acidity, partly from the various degrees of oxidation in which they may exist, and which are not easily rendered uniform, and partly too from their state of aggregation. Proust supposed, that there are only too oxides of antimony, one at the minimum, containing 1&.5 of oxygen in 100 parts, the other at the maximum, containing 23 of oxygen. This supposition rested principally, however, on assumption, that metals are susceptible only of two degrees of oxidation. Thenard has endeavoured to prove, that there are six oxides of antimony capable of being distinguished } the one in the lowest degree of oxidation, containing not more than 0.02 of oxygen, that in the highest degree containing 0.32. Berzelius contends for the existence of four oxides, and the one at the maximum of oxidation he considers as an acid, and names it Acidum Stibicum. It is obtained by deflagrating anti- mony with a large quantity of nitre. He also supposes the existence of EMETICi, 177 Vhat he calls Acidum Stibiosum. It may be doubtful if these degrees of oxidation are established with precision : but it is sufficiently probable, that antimony combines with very different quantities of oxygen. ■The following oxides of antimony retain a place in one or other ofthe Pharmacopoeias. Oxidum Antimonii cum Phosphate Calcis, also named Pulvis Antimoni- alis.—This is prepared by exposing to heat sulphuret of antimony and bone-shavings, until they are converted into a grey-coloured substance, which is then exposed in a crucible to a more intense heat, until it become white. The Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges order equal weights of the sulphuret of antimony and bone shavings; the London College have al- tered the proportion to two parts of the latter to one ofthe former, which must give rise to a diversity of strength in the product. By the high tem- perature the aninml matter of the bonas is iecomposed, the sulphur of the sulphuret is dissipated, the metal is oxidated, and this oxide remains mixed or combined (part of it being also in a vitrified state) with the phos- phate of lime ofthe bones. The preparation is similar in composition to the celebrated James's Powder, for which it is designed as a substitute. It acts as a diaphoretic, emetic, or cathartic, according to the dose in which it is administered, and is employed principally as a remedy in fever, to ar- rest th^ progress of the disease at its commencement, or in its more ad- vanced stages to obtain a favourable crisis. It is given in a dose from 5 to 10 grains, repeated, if necessary, after an interval of five or six hours, until sweating, purging, or vomiting, is induced. Its peculiar advantages are, that with a considerable degree of activity, it is less harsh in its oper- ation, and more uniform, than some ofthe other antimonial oxides, while, from its insolubility, it acts less rapidly on the stomach than emetic tartar does : it is therefore less liable to excite nausea or vomiting, and can be given so as to obtain with more certainty the general action of antimonials on the system. Its exhibition is best adapted to those forms of fever in which there is increased vascular action ; in typhus, less advantage can be expected from it, and it is even hazardous, from the excessive evacua- tions it is liable to induce. Sulphuretum Antimonii Precipitatum.-—This name, obviously incorrect, is given by the London and Edinburgh Colleges to a preparation formerly named Sulphur Auratum Antimonii. The Dublin College have named it Sulphur Antimoniatum Fuscum. It is prepared by boiling sulphuret of antimony with a solution of potash, and adding to the filtered liquor sul- phuric acid, while any precipitate is thrown down. This precipitate is of a reddish yellow colour; it is a combination of oxide of antimony with sulphuretted hydrogen and sulphur, and might be named Hydro-sulphure- tum Oxidi Antimonii. In a dose from 5 to 10 grains, it produces the usual effects of antimonials, and has been employed as a remedy in fever; but from the uncertainty of its operation, it is discarded from practice. The analogous preparation named Kermes Mineral, which is used on the Continent, is the precipitate that subsides on cooling from the liquor form- ed by boiling a solution of potash on sulphuret of antimony ; it differs from the former in containing less sulphur, and appears, indeed, to be merely a combination of oxide of antimony with sulphuretted hydrogen. It is given in a similar dose. Oxidum Antimonii.—Under this name, a preparation is inserted in the London Pharmacopoeia, obtained by decomposing tartrate of antimony 23 V*s EMETICS. by sub-carbonate of ammonia. It has been introduced in place of a prepa* ration formed by boiling sulphuret of antimony in muriatic acid, with the addition of nitric acid, straining the liquor, and adding to it a solution of sub-carbonate of potash. This, which is probably a sub-muriate, has a place in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, under the name of Oxydum Antimonii Nitro-Muriaticum. It is designed to be employed only in the preparation of other antimonials. By combining the oxides of antimony with an acid, the sources of uncer- tainty in their operation are in a great measure removed, as their degree of oxidation is rendered determinate, and their activity is not influenced by the state ofthe stomach with regard to acidity. The greater number of these saline combinations, however, are too acrid to admit of internal administration, and there is one only, that in which the oxide of antimony is combined with tartaric acid, employed in practice. Of all the antimo- nials, this is most extensively used, and it is also the principal emetic de- rived from the mineral kingdom. This preparation is the Emetic Tartar ofthe old nomenclature, the Tar- trate of Antimony and Potash, (Tartras Antimonii et Potassae,) improper- ly named in the Pharmacopoeias, Tartrns Antimonii, and Antimonium Tar- tarizatifm.* It is obtained by boiling super-tartrate of potash with oxide of antimony : the brown oxide obtained by the deflagration of sulphuret of antimony with nitre, is ordered by the Edinburgh College; the white ox- ide, or rather sub-muriate, obtained from the decomposition of muriate of antimony, is employed by the Dublin College. In all these processes, the excess of tartaric acid in the super-tartrate is saturated by the antimonial oxide; and by evaporation and crystallization, a triple salt, tartrate of an- timony and potash, is procured. Its crystals are triedral pyramids, gen- erally small; and it is readily soluble in water. It consists, according to Thenard's analysis of it, of 38 of oxide of antimony, 16 of potash, 34 of tartaric acid, and 8 of water of crystallization. Tartrate of antimony and potash is superior to all the antimonials as an emetic ; as with a degree of activity, which admits of its being administer- ed with safety, its operation is sufficiently certain and uniform ; hence it is the only antimonial emetic that is now used. It usually excites vomit- ing in the dose of a grain, or a grain and a half; but the proper mode of administering it is in divided doses, three or four grains being dissolved in four ounces of water, and an ounce of this solution being given every quarter of an hour until it operate. It generally excites full vomiting, and is liable to be more harsh in its operation than the milder emetics, such as ipecacuan, evacuating not only the contents of the stomach, but invert- ing even the motion ofthe duodenum, and either by this or from the com- pression exerted by the action of the muscles on the abdominal viscera, causing bile to be discharged : it also frequently excites purging. In ma- ny cases, however, these are advantages, and in such cases, as well as in all morbid affections, where the stomach is not easily affected, it is the emetic properly employed ; while, when the stomach is irritable, where its contents are merely to be evacuated, or when the system is in a debili- tated state, the milder emetics are to be preferred. In smaller doses it has been employed as a nauseating remedy in fever,—a practice now near- * Incompatible Substances. Mineral acids, alkalies and their carbonates, most of the metals, soaps, hydrosulphurets, infusions and decoctions of bitter and as- tringent vegetables, such as cinchona, &c. infusion and tincture of galls and rhuharb Paris. Ed. EMETIC*. J 79 ly relinquished. Assisted in its operation by tepid diluents, it may be brought to operate as a diaphoretic, and to produce the effects of antimo- nials on the general system, though from its action being exerted at once on the stomach, owing to its solubility, it is more difficult to administer it with this intention, without occasioning nausea or vomiting, than some of the less active antimonials, as the phosphate of antimony and lime. Ap- plied to the skin by friction, it acts on the system, and produces also its usual effects on the stomach. Applied to a wound it occasions vomiting, and if in a concentrated state, produces insensibility, paralysis, and the other effects of mineral poisons : in its action indeed, it bears a strict re- semblance to arsenic ; and this analogy undoubtedly suggests, as has al- ready been remarked, the necessity of employing it with caution. Vinum Tartratis Antimonii.—This name is given to a solution of tartrate of antimony and potash in white wine, in the proportion of two grains to the ounce. It is intended as a substitute to what was formerly named An- timonial Wine,—a preparation obtained by digesting wine on oxide of an- timony, and which owed its power to the portion of oxide which the tar- taric acid ofthe wine dissolved. A similar preparation is inserted in the London Pharmacopoeia, under the name of Liquor Antimonii Tartarizati, in which the tartrate of antimony and potash is dissolved in wine diluted with water. The propriety of either is doubtful. It has no advantage. over a solution of extemporaneous preparation ; and there is some rea- son to believe, that the tartrate in this state of solution is liable to spontane- ous decomposition. In the preparation of the London College, this will probably happen still more readily from the dilution of the wine. It is prin- cipally as a diaphoretic that antimonial wine has been employed, in a dose of one dracan, its operation being often promoted by combination with tinc- ture of opium. Zincum. Zinc. (P. 121.) Sulphate of Zinc, it has already been remarked, is a powerful emetic. It is not employed in common cases, in which an emetic is indicated, but it is had recourse to, as it operates speedily, and with much force, in cases where it is of importance that the contents of the stomach should be im- mediately evacuated, but where it is difficult to excite vomiting, as where any narcotic poison has been swallowed. Its dose is from 5 to 20 grains, according to the state ofthe stomach; it should be given in solution, in three or four ounces of water. Cuprum. Copper. (P. 122.) Sulphate of Copper acts as an emetic, and its operation takes place at most as soon as it has reached the stomach, and without inducing much nausea. It has hence been recommended in some cases, where the object is merely to obtain the mechanical effects from the operation of vomiting, as incipient phthisis, in which advantage has been supposed to be derived from the compression exerted on the thoracic viscera. Its operation is, however, liable to be very harsh, even in the small dose of 1 or 2 grains, in which it has been prescribed. In a larger dose, it has sometimes suc- ceeded in producing vomiting, where the stomach, from the operation of a narcotic poison, has not been affected even by the sulphate of zinc. In such cases, where the irritability of the stomach is greatly impaired, and the patient is nearly in a state of insensibility, it has produced instantane- ous vomiting, when given to the extent of 10 or 15 grains dissolved in wa« 3 80 LMETICS. ter ; and, therefore, in very urgent cases, or where the tartrate of anti mony or sulphate of zinc has failed, it may be employed with propriety. The acetate or sub-acetate of copper has, like the sulphate, an emetir power, and has been employed in similar cases in a dose of one or two grains. They are liable to the same disadvantages. Ammonia. Ammonia. Volatile Alkali. Ammonia exists naturally in the gaseous form, but is condensed in very large quantity by water ; and this solution, for the preparation of which formulas are given in the Pharmacopoeias, is the form under which it is applied to different medicinal purposes. It is capable of fulfilling various indications ; it in particular acts as a diaphoretic, antacid, and externally as a rubefacient. Under some of these classes, it is to be more fully con- sidered. It operates as an emetic when given in a pretty large dose, and is sometimes employed to quicken the operation of other emetics where they have failed, a tea-spoonful being given in a cup-full of cold water, and a draught of tepid water being swallowed after it. Hvdro-sulphuretum AmmonijE.—The hydro-sulphuret of Ammonia, ob- tained by passing a current of sulphuretted hydrogen gas through a so- lution of ammonia in water, was introduced into practice by Dr. Rollo, and has been received into the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. It acts with much energy on the stomach, inducing nausea in a small dose, and in a larger dose occasioning vomiting. It is scarcely used as an emetic, but rather as a nauseating remedy ; and the principal application of it has been in the treatment of diabetes, with the view of reducing the morbid appetite, and increased action of the stomach. It was given at its intro- duction in a dose of from 5 to 15 drops twice a day, and in different cases with advantage, so far as related to the reduction of the increased action of the digestive organs : and where this indication is to be fulfilled, no re- medy seems better adapted to it. EMETICS FROM THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. Ipecacuanha. Ipecacuan. Callicocca Ipecacuanha. Cephaelis Ipecacu- anha. Pentand. Monogyn. Aggregate. Radix. South America. The natural history of this vegetable is still obscure, and the obscurity is increased by the roots of different plants being sometimes met with in the shops as ipecacuan. Hence the plant affording it has been successive- ly referred to different genera. It is now,by the Edinburgh and London Colleges, referred to the genus Callicocca, and distinguished as a species by the name Ipecacuanha ; and as the" genus Callicocca is united by Wil- denow with that of Cephaelis, the name Cepha-Tis Ipecacuanha is also given to it. It is still uncertain, however, whether the two more common varieties of Ipecacuan, the Peruvian and the Brazilian, are the roots of the same vegetable : while the latter is the species referred to in the Pharmacopoeias, the former has been said to be a different species ; and the roots of other plants are also said to be sometimes mixed with these EMETICS. m That usually met with, the Grey Ipecacuan as it is named, is in 9mall wrink- led pieces, externally grey, internally whiter ; has a faint smell, more obvious in the powder, and a bitter, slightly acrid taste. It contain? both a resinous and gummy matter, or at least a matter principally soluble in alcohol, and another more soluble in water. It is generally stated, that its emetic power, and indeed its principal virtues, reside in the for- mer. Dr Irvine has affirmed that they depend on the latter. Its active matter is completely extracted by proof-spirit or wine. Vinegar likewise dissolves it, but at the same time weakens its power. By decoction with water, its activity is greatly impaired, though the water distilled from it has scarcely any emetic effect. It is even injured by being kept long ex- posed in the state of powder to the air and light. The principle on which the virtues of this medicine depend, was lately discovered by M. M. Magendje and Pelletier, from whom it received the name of emetin. It is of a brownish-red appearance, inodorous, of a slight- ly acid, taste, soluble in water, but does crystallize. It is insoluble in sulphuric ether, but is easily soluble in alcohol. It is precipitated from its solution by gallic acid, infusion of galls, acetate of lead, and the corro- sive muriate of mercury. It is decomposed by nitric acid, and is dissolv- ed, without being altered in its properties by the phosphoric and muria- tic acids. Half a grain of it produces violent vomiting, followed by sleep; six grains are said to occasion death. Ipecacuan is the mildest of those emetics which are at the same time sufficiently certain in their operation ; and the acquisition of it has been an advantage in modern practice. It evacuates the contents ofthe stomach, without exciting violent vomiting, or extending its action beyond this or- gan ; it is hence adapted to cases where an excess of effect would be pre- judicial ; and as a mere evacuant, is preferable to every other emetic. The mildness and certainty of its operation render it also the emetic best adapted to children. The medium dose of it as an emetic, is 15 grains to an adult, though 20 or 30 may be taken with perfect safety, as it only op- . erates more speedily; and a full dose is even preferable to a smaller one, as more certain, and producing less nausea. The officinal infusion of it in white wine acts as an emetic in the dose of an ounce. Though principal- ly employed as an emetic, ipecacuan is occasionally prescribed with other views. It was originally introduced as a remedy in dysentery, given either in such a dose as to produce full vomiting, or in the quantity of 2 or 3 grains repeated every three or four hours, till it occasioned vomiting, diaphoresis, or purging. It has been given in a similar mode in obstinate diarrhoea. In spasmodic asthma, it is exhibited in a full dose to relieve the paroxysm ; and in a dose of 3 or 4 grains continued every morning for some weeks to prevent its recurrence. A singular idiosyncracy has been observed in some individuals with regard to it, difficulty of breathing be- ing induced by the effluvia arising from it in powder, especially when it is diffused in the air. In haemorrhagies it is given in nauseating doses, the nausea diminishing the force ofthe circulation. Combined with opium it forms a very powerful sudorific* Offic. Prep.—P. Ipecac, et Opii. Vin. Ipecac. Edin. Lond. Dub. * Incompatible Substances. All vegetable astringents, as infusion of galls, &c,vege- *ibleacids,especially the acetic. Paris. Ed. \4Si EMEHCa. Scilla Maritima. Squill. Hexand. Monog. LiliaceH Cathartics- Offic. Prep.—T. Conv. Jalap. Extr. Conv. Jalap. Ed. Lond. Dub.— Puiv. Jalap. C. Ed. Helleborus Niger. Melampodium. Black Hellebore. Folyand. Po- lygn. Multisiliquce. Radix. Austria, Italy. The root of this plant consists of short articulated fibres attached to one head, externally dark-coloured, internally white. Its taste is very acrid, but the acrimony is much impaired by drying and by age. Its ac- tive power seems principally to reside in an oil obtained by digesting the root in alcohol, also in its resinous part, which alcohol dissolves, the tinc- ture affoiding, by evaporation, a very active extract. By decoction with water it yields half its weight of gummy matter, with some resin ; and the extract obtained by inspissation of this, is milder than the spiritous extract, and milder even than the root itself. Its distilled water, it is affirmed, is acrid, and even cathartic. Black hellebore root is a very powerful cathartic in a dose of a few grains ; so violent, indeed, and at the same time uncertain in its operation, that it is scarcely ever used in substance ; the watery extract of it, which is milder, has sometimes been employed. On its cathartic power proba- bly depends any advantage that may be derived from its administration in mania and melancholia, in which diseases it was highly celebrated by the ancients. In dropsy it has been employed as a hydragogue cathartic, prin- cipally under the form of the spiritous extract. It was likewise recom- mended by Mead as an emmenagogue, in the form of tincture, but with others has seldom been successful. Offic. Prep.—T. Helleb. N. Ed. Lond. Dub.—Extr. Helleb. Ed. Dub. Bryonia Alba. Bryony. Monoec. Syngenes. Cucurbitaceas. Radix. Indigenous. ". '' The root of this plant, when recent, is highly acrid ; by drying it be- comes milder. In a dose of 20 grains ofthe dried root, it acts as a strong cathartic, and generally alsrAas a diuretic. It is, however, somewhat un- certain, and liable to be violent in its operation, and is therefore little used. Cucumis Colocynthis. Colocynth. Monoec. Syngenes. Cucurbitacea. Fructus Pulp a. Syria. The part of this plant used in medicine is the dried medullary substance of the fruit. It is white, soft, and porous ; the seeds mixed with it are comparatively inert. Its taste is intensely bitter. Boiled in water, it gives out a large portion of mucilage, so as to form a liquor of a gelatinous con- sistence. This is less active than colocynth itself. Alcohol also dissolves only part of its active matter. Colocynth is one of the most drastic purgatives, so much so that its ope- ration is not easily regulated. Its dose is from 3 to 6 grains, but it is so liable to occasion griping, tenesmus, and other symptoms, that itis scarce- ly ever given by itself, being rather used to promote the operation of other cathartics. Combinations of it with jalap, aloes, or mild muriate of mer- cury, are thus given in obstiuate constipation, in mania, and coma ; and in these combinations it operates more mildly and more effectually than if giv- en alone. Its infusion has been recommended as an anthelmintic* * Incompatible Substances. Sub-acetate and acetate of lead, nitrate of silver, su! phate of iron, and the fixed alkalies. Paris. Ed. cathartics. i 'J 5 Offic. Prep.—Pil. Aloes cum Colocynth. Ed. Dub.—Extr. Colocyntli. Lond.—Extr. Colocynth. Comp. Lond. Dub. Momordica Elatericm. Wild Cucumber. Monoec. Syngenes. Cucurbi- taeece. Fecula Fructus. South of Europe. x The expressed juice ofthe fruit of this plant deposites a fecula, which' when dried, has been known by the name of Elaterium. It is a very pow- erful cathartic, and from the violence of its operation has been ventured to be exhibited only in the most obstinate cases. Its dose is half a grain, repeated every second or third hour, till it operate. As a drastic purga- tive, it has sometimes been given in mania, and as a hydragogue cathartic in dropsy. The principal objection to the employment of this powerful medicine, is the uncertainty of its action. It has been given to the extent of ten grains with scarcely any effect upon the intestinal canal; and in other cases, the small dose of half a grain has acted as a most powerful cathartic. Tho reason of this diversity of effects, has been very clearly shown by Dr. Clut- terbuck to arise from the different plans that have been adopted in procu- ring the medicine ; those that prepared it taking it indiscriminately from the stalks, leaves, roots, &c. The different parts ofthe plant were submitted to analysis by Dr. Clut- terbuck, and he found them to possess different degrees of cathartic pow- er. From these he inferred, that the most active principle of the plant did not belong to any of those particular parts he analysed ; but he found it to reside in the juice around the seeds. This juice, he states, is per- fectly colourless, and limpid when it first exudes; but after some time, it assumes a turbid appearance, and deposites a sediment of a yellowish-white colour. This is the real elaterium, and when dry, it is light and pulver- ulent. Its taste is acrid, it is insoluble in water, and appears, from its so- lubility in alcohol, to be of a resinous nature. The extract presenting the appearance of a resin, is obtained from it dissolved in spirit, possessing very great activity as a medicine, the sixteenth part of a grain being fol- lowed by purging, and not unfrequently vomiting. One-eighth of a grain is a powerful dose, perhaps too much so, as its effects are rather violent. The following is the plan he adopted in procuring the elaterium :—" The cucumbers should be gathered when as nearly ripe as possible, and with- out violence, that might endanger their bursting. They should then be wetted by the affusion of cold water, that less of the juice, when they are cut, may adhere to the external surface. In this state, they should be cut through longitudinally, and the juice allowed to strain through a fine sieve, placed in a large earthen-ware vessel. The seeds and surround- ing pulp should be scooped out upon the sieve, and washed with repeat- ed affusions of cold water, by which they will be freed from all adhering juices.'" " After standing a few hours, a sediment is formed, from which the clear liquor is to be poured off; it is then to be thinly spread on fine linen, and exposed to the air to dry : a gentle warmth may be employed without in- jury ; but the access of sunshine destroys the fine green colour which the substance otherwise acquires." Offic. Prep.—Extract. Elater. Lond. !9b' cathartics. Rhamnus C.«.tharticus. Buckthorn. Pentand. Monogyn. Dumojce Baccarum Succus. Indigenous. The berries of this vegetable are very succulent; the juice they afford by expression has a cathartic power. Made into a syrup by boiling with sugar, it operates in a dose of an ounce. It is liable, however, to occasion thirst and griping, and is therefore seldom used. Offic. Prep.—Syr. Rhamn. C. Ed. Lond. Aloe. Aloe Socotorina. Aloe Barbadensis. Aloes Socotorine, and Barba- does. Aloe Perfoliata, et Spicata. Hexand. Monogyn. Liliacea. Succus spissatus. Africa. Asia. America. Aloes is a concrete resinous juice. Several varieties of it are met with in the shops, which differ in purity, and in their sensible qualities. The Socotorine, originally brought from the African Island of Socoto- ra, is considered as the purest. It is in small pieces of a reddish-brown colour, nearly black in the mass. The Barbadoes aloes is of a lighter colour, and has an odour stronger and more unpleasant. It is also named Hepatic Aloes. The Cabbaline is more impure, more foetid, and is weak- er in its power. There is still some uncertainty with regard to the spe- cies producing these varieties. The Aloe Perfoliata is that referred to by the Edinburgh College, as affording the varieties both of hepatic and Socotorine Aloes. The Dublin College refer to the Aloe Spicata, and it is said to be this species which is a native ofthe Cape of Good Hope, whence much ofthe aloes, sold under the name of Socotorine Aloes, is now imported. The London College give it as that which affords the Socotorine Aloes ; while the Barbadoes Aloes, on the authority of Sibthorp, they consider as the produce of a species named Aloe Vulgaris. The Socotorine Aloes is the expressed juice of the^eaves of the plant, inspissated by exposure to the air and sun. The Barbadoes Aloes is prepared by cutting the plant, and boiling it in water. The liquor is evaporated to the consistence of honey, and is run into large gourd shells, in which it becomes concrete. The taste of all the kinds of aloes is intensely bitter ; their odour is disagreeable. They consist of extract and resinous matter ; the former being in larger quantity ; the latter, obtained by the action of alcohol, has little smell or taste. Alcohol diluted with one, or even with two parts of water, dissolves all the active matter of this concrete juice. Boiling wa- ter also dissolves if, but a portion of resin is deposited as the solution cools. Aloes, as a cathartic, has some peculiarities. It is slower in its operation than other purgatives ; it merely evacuates the contents ofthe intestines ; and no greater effect is obtained from a large dose than from one compara- tively moderate. These have been regarded as proofs, and perhaps justly, that its operation is principally on the larger intestines. Its medium dose is from 5 to 10 grains, and its usual form of exhibition that of pill. As a purgative, it is employed to obviate habitual costiveness ; and from oper- ating simply as an evacuant, and without irritation, it is peculiarly adapted to this. Hence its use in hypochondriasis, in jaundice, and other cases attended with torpor of the intestinal canal It is also often combined with other cathartics to produce more complete evacuation. From the suppo- sition of its stimulant operation being particularly exerted on the rectum, it has been supposed to have a tendency to occasion haemorrhoids,—an opi- nion for which there does not appear much foundation. On the supposition, too, of its stimulating effect being extended to the uterus, it has been regard- ed as a purgative to be. avoided during pregnancy : on the same hypothe- cathartics. !!•* m«, it has been supposed to act as an emmenagogue, and is not unfrequent* ly used in amenorrhoea. Offic. Prep.—Pil. Aloet. Pil. Al. et Assafoet. Pil. Aloes cum Colo-* cynth. P. Aloes cum Myrrh. Tinct. Aloes. Socc. T. Aloes iEth. T; Aloes cum Myrrh. Vin. Aloes Socc. Ed.—Pil. Aloes cum Zingib. Pulv} Al. cum Canella. Pulv. Al. cum Guaiac. Dub.—Pulv. Aloes Comp. Tg Aloes C. Decoct. Aloes. Compos. Lond.—-Extractum Aloes purificaU Lond. Dub. Convolvolus Scammonia. Scammony. Pentand. Monogyn. Campana-* cea. Gummi-resina. Syria. Scammony is obtained by cutting the root of the plant obliquely, a few inches above the ground. A milky juice exudes, whicn is collected, and inspissated by exposure to the sun and air. It is in small fragments, of* a blackish-grey colour, having little smell, and a bitter sub-acrid taste! It is, however, variable in its qualities, and is often adulterated by the in- termixture of earthy matter. It is one of what are. named Gum-resins and consists of resin and gum in general nearly in equal proportions. Wa- ter dissolves about one-fourth of it; alcohol dissolves about two-thirds, proof-spirit almost entirely, the*impurities excepted. Scammony is one of the drastic purgatives, and is employed chiefly where the less powerful substances of this class would fail. . Ita dose is from 5 to 10 grains, but it is generally combined in a smaller dose with other cathartics. It is also used as a hydragogue purgative in dropsy, com- bined usually with super-tartrate of potash ; and it is employed as an an- thelmintic cathartic, combined with jalap and calomel.* Offic. Prep.—Pulv. Scamm. C. Ed.—Pulv. Scamm. C. Confect Scamm. Lond. Dub. Gambogia. Gamboge. Stalagmitis Cambogioides. Polygam. Monoec, Tricoccee. Gummi-resina. India. This gum-resin is obtained by exudation, from incisions in the branches and trunk of the tree, and is afterwards inspissated. It is brittle, of a lively yellow colour, and resinous fracture ; has a taste bitter and acrid. Water and alcohol partially dissolve it, and its solution in alcohol becomes turbid on the addition of water ; the alkalis also dissolve it. It affords one ofthe best examples of what is named a Gum-resin ; the proportion of resin appears to exceed considerably that of gum, alcohol dissolving a muchlar- gar quantity of it than water does. Gamboge is a very powerful cathartic, liable in large doses to excite vomiting, or to act with violence, and occasion profuse evacuation, with griping and tenesmus. Its medium dose is from 2 to 6 grains. It is seldom employed but in combination with some ofthe other powerful cathartics in obstinate constipation. It is also used to expel the tape-worm, and as a powerful hydragogue cathartic in dropsy. In the latter application of it, it is usually combined with super-tartrate of potash. Offic. Prep. —Pil. Gambog. comp. Ed. Lond. Sub-murias Hydrargyri. Murias Hydrargyri Mitis. Calomelas. Mild Muriate of Mercury. Sub-muriate of Mercury. Calomel. Nearly all the preparations of mercury have a purgative power, and pe- * Incompatible Substances. The fixed alkalies occasion yellow precipitates, and the mineral acids appear to destroy a part of the substance without in the least altering the rest. Paris. Ed. ' n 198 CATHARTICS. euliarly promote the action of other cathartics. This effect, as has been already stated, is even obtained when the general mercurial action is estab- lished, by the introduction of mercury by friction, and shews therefore a peculiar determination to the intestines. The cathartic power is more con- siderable, however, in the mild muriate than in the other mercurials, and it is in common use as a cathartic. It operates as such, when given alone in a dose of from 5 to 10 grains, but with more certainty and power when its operation is promoted by the addition of a little jalap or rhubarb. One valuable quality which it has, is that of promoting the operation of other cathartics, without exciting any additional irritation or rendering them liable to act with violence ; it is therefore, in obstinate cases of constipation, or where it is an object to procure full evacuation, combined with colocynth, scammony, or gamboge ; and such a combination affords the safest of the powerful cathartics. Calomel also appears to be adapted to answer par- ticular indications, from its action on the liver, and its power of promoting the discharge of bile. Hence the advantage derived from it as a purgative in different forms of fever, particularly those of warm climates, and in chronic hepatis. A division of Cathartics remains, intermediate in their operation be- tween the Laxatives and Purgatives, more powerful than the one, less acrid and stimulating than the other. These are the compound Salts. They appear to act principally by stimulating the exhalent vessels on the internal surface of the intestines, so as to cause a larger proportion of se- rous fluid to be poured out, which dilutes the contents of the canal, and by its operation, aided by the stimulus of the saline matter, accelerates the peristaltic motion. By the watery evacuation which they thus occasion from the general system, they are particularly adapted to those cases where inflammatory action or tendency to it exists. Sulphas Magnesia;. Sulphate of Magnesia. This salt, formerly known by the names of Bitter Purging Salt, and Epsom Salt, is found in mineral waters, whence it is used to be extracted, but is now principally obtained from the liquor remaining after the crys- tallization of muriate of soda from sea-water, which holds a quantity of it and of muriate of magnesia dissolved. This is boiled down, and when exposed to sufficient cold affords acicular crystals of sulphate of magnesia ; the quantity of which is sometimes increased by previously adding to the bittern sulphate of iron, by which part ofthe muriate of magnesia is de- composed. The crystals procured by this process are deliquescent from the presence of a little muriate of magnesia ; they are obtained more pure by a slower evaporation, or by a second crystallization, and then form large regular crystals, which are rather efflorescent. They are soluble in nearly an equal weight of water at 60°. Their taste is extremely bit- ter. This salt is used as a purgative, in a dose of from one to two ounces, dissolved in water. Though its taste be bitter, it has been remarked that it remains better on the stomach than many other cathartics, especial- ly when given in small repeated doses, and in a solution largely diluted. Exhibited in this manner, it has been particularly reccommended in ileus and colica pictonum ; and is besides in common use in all cases in which saline cathartics are indicated. It is often an ingredient also in purgative enemas.* * Incompatible Substances. Muriates of ammonia, baryta, and lime, nitrate of silver. cathartic;-. 199 Sulphas Sod.e, Sulphate of Soda, long known by the name of Glauber's Salt, is prepared by various processes on a large scale. In the process given in the Pharmacopoeias, it is obtained from the residuum ofthe de composition of muriate of soda, by sulphuric acid, in the preparation of muriatic acid. The saline mass is dissolved in water ; any excess of acid is neutralized by the addition of lime, and the pure sulphate of soda is ob- tained by evaporation. Its crystals are six-sided prisms ; they are efflores- cent, soluble in three parts of cold, and in an equal part of boiling water. The taste of this salt is very bitter and nauseous ; but operating effectually and mildly, it is one ofthe saline purgatives in common use. Its medium dose is an ounce and a half, dissolved in six or eight ounces of water.* Sulphas Potassae. Sulphate of Potash, formerly named Vitriolated Tartar, is prepared by adding dilute sulphuric acid to a solution of sub- carbonate of potash, or by neutralizing the excess of acid in the saline mas* which is the residuum of the distillation of nitric acid from sulphuric acid and nitre. It forms in irregular crystals, which require 17 parts of cold water for their solution. In a dose of 4 or 6 drachms, it acts as a purga- tive, but its sparing solubility prevents it from being much employed ; in one of 2 or 3 drachms, it is given as an aperient, frequently in combina- tion with rhubarb or other vegetable cathartics.! Super-tartras Potass^. Sup»r-Tratate of Potash, formerly Tartar; Crystals or Cream of Tartar, (Tartarum Crystalli velCremor Tartari)- This salt is deposited from wine, in the progress of the slow fermenta- tion which it suffers when kept. It appears to be derived from the juice ofthe grape, and is probably separated by the diminution of the solvent power of the juice by the evolution of its spiritous product. The depo- site, Tartar as it is named, adheres to the sides ofthe casks in which wine is preserved ; it is of a red colour, from part of the colouring matter ad- hering to it : from white wines it is deposited of a lighter shade, and hence the distinctions of red and white tartar in commerce. This saline matter consists essentially of tartaric acid and potash, the acid being in excess ; it is therefore the Super-tartrate of Potash : it also usually contains a small portion of tartrate of lime. It is purified by boiling it in water with a por- tion of pure white clay, which appears to attract its colouring matter; from the boiling liquor strained while hot, crystals are deposited on cool- ing, white and semi-transparent, of no very regular form. These used to be named Crystals of Tartar, while the crust collected from the surface of the boiling liquor was named Cream of Tartar. The crystals are reduced to powder for use, and to this powder the latter name is still frequently given. This salt consists, according to Thenard's analysis, of 57 of acid, 33 of potash, and 7 of water. Its taste is sour from its excess of acid. It subacetate and acetate of lead. The fixed alkalies and their carbonates precipitate from it magnesia and its carbonate. Phosphate of soda occasions no immediate precipi- tate unless ammonia be present, in which case the triple ammoniaco-magnefian phos- phate will be produced. The addition of ammonia, which in the form of spiritus am- monias aromat. is not unfrequently prescribed in conjunction with a solution of this sulphate, forms also a triple salt, and a portion of magnesia is precipitated; whenever therefore this ammoniacal stimulant is ordered with a purgative salt, the scientific phy- sician will prefer a solution ofthe sulphate of soda. Paris. Ed. * Incompatible Substances. The same as those which decompose sulphate of magne- sia. Paris. Ed. t Incompatible Substances. It is partially decomposed by the nitric and muriatic acids. It is entirely decomposed by lime and its compounds, oxymuriate of meivurv. nitrate of silver, acetate and subacetate of lead. Paris. Ed. 20U cathartics. is sparingly soluble in water, requiring about 60 parts of cold, or 30 of boiling water, for its solution. It operates as a purgative in a dose of 4 or 6drachms, and being free from any unpleasant taste, it is not unfrequent- ly used, more especially in inflammatory states of the system. It is, from its insolubility, given generally under the form of electuary j the only in- convenience attending its operation, is its being liable to occasion flatu- lence : and if habitually used, it is liable from its acidity to injure the tone ofthe stomach. It appears, at the same time, to increase the action ofthe absorbent system ; hence it acts as a diuretic, and as a hydragogue and diuretic, is one of the remedies most frequently employed in dropsy ; it is also the cathartic most effectual in removing obesity. As a diuretic and refrigerant, it is to be afterwards noticed.* Tartras Potassa:. Tartrate of Potash. Tartarum Solubile. Soluble Tartar. This salt, the neutral tartrate of potash, formerly named Soluble Tartar, from its great solubility, is prepared by saturating the excess of acid in the super-tartrate by the addition of a solution of carbonate of potash. From its affinity to water, it is not easily crystallized with regularity ; when obtain- ed hy evaporation in the state of a dry powder, it is even somewhat deli- quescent ; its taste is bitter. It is a mild purgative, and at the same time operates effectually, given in a dose of six drachms or an ounce.t Tartras Soda; et Potassa;. Tartrate of Soda and Potash. This salt formerly known by the name of Rochelle Salt, is a triple one, being prepared by saturating the excess of acid in the super-tartrate of potash by adding a solution of carbonate of soda. It crystallizes in large and regular transparent rhomboidal prisms, which are permanent in the air, and soluble in about six parts of cold water. Its taste is less unpleas- ant than that of the greater number of the saline purgatives, and it is therefore often prescribed. Its medium dose is an ounce, given usually dissolved in tepid water. Phosphas Soda;. Phosphate of Soda. To prepare this salt, bones are calcined to whiteness, so as to consume the animal matter, and obtain the phosphate of lime, which is their base. The calcined bone in powder is submitted to the action of sulphuric acid, which combines with part of the lime, and leaves a super-phosphate of lime, which is dissolved by water. To this solution, a solution of carbon- ate of soda is added, till there remain a slight excess of alkali ; the soda combines with the excess of phosphoric acid of the super-phosphate ; the neutral phosphate of lime, which the excess of acid held in solution, is precipitate:, \>.nd by evaporation the phosphate of soda is obtained crystal- lized. Its crystals are rhomboidal prisms. Its taste is the least nauseous of all the saline purgatives, and is indeed perfectly mild, and its operation is equally mild and effectual. Hence it has been introduced into practice, and is peculiarly useful as a cathartic where there is any tendency to nau- * Incompatible Substances. Alkalies and alkaline earths, mineral acids, &c. Paris. Ed. | Incompatible Substances. Magnesia, baryta, lime, acetate and sub-acetate of lead, nitrate of silver. All acids, even he carbonic, and acidulous salts, tamarinds, and uther sub-acid vegetables, by neutralizing a proportion ofthe base, convert it into the state of super-tartrate. Paris. Ed. cathartics. iO > sea. One ounce of it is given, dissolved generally in tepid water, or in soup made without salt. Murias Soda;. Muriate of Soda. This salt, formed of soda and muriatic acid, is the most abundant saline natural product. It exists in a fossil state, forming what is named Rock Salt; it is the principal saline ingredient in the water of the ocean ; and is a common ingredient in mineral waters. It is usually procured by evapo- ration from sea-water in small irregular crystals ; when more regularly crystallized, the form of its crystals is a cube ; its taste is purely saline. Like other salts, it excites thirst, an effect probably arising from its action on the absorbents; it also operates as a grateful stimulant on the stomach, and hence its universal use as a condiment. In large doses it proves purgative ; but its strongly saline taste prevents it from being employed : it is some- times, however, the principal ingredient in purgative mineral waters, in which it operates more powerfully, probably from the state of dilution. It forms the active ingredient of the common domestic enema ; from half an ounce to an ounce of it being dissolved in a pound of tepid water, and a small quantity of expressed oil added. Murias Magnesia;. Muriate of Magnesia. This salt is, next to muriate of soda, the principal saline ingredient in sea-water, and communicates to it its purgative quality. It frequently com- municates the same quality to mineral waters, of which it is a common in- gredient ; but not being easily obtained crystallized, or even solid, owing to its strong affinity to water, it is not used in its pure form. Besides the preceding Carthartics, there are some which are employed as such only under the form of Enema. Terebinthina Veneta. Venice Turpentine. Pinus Lariat. Monoec. Monadelph. Conifera. The resinous juice of this tree, the Larch, exudes from incisions made in its trunk. It is of the consistence of honey, has the peculiar smell of the turpentines, and a bitter acrid taste. It consists of resin and essential oil; sometimes it is employed as a cathartic under the form of enema, half an ounce of it being triturated with the yolk of an egg, and suspended in a sufficient quantity of water. As it has a considerable share of acrimo- ny, it is employed only where those of milder operation fail. Nicotiana Tabacum. Tobacco. (Page 95.) The smoke of tobacco, introduced into the intestines, has succeeded in producing evacuation in colic and ileus, after other purgatives have failed, probably from its narcotic operation inducing relaxation of the muscular fibre. An infusion of one drachm of it in a pint of warm water is more convenient; but much caution is requisite in the use of either, as tobacco, from its narcotic power, is apt to induce extreme sickness and debility. It is only where other methods have been unsuccessful, that its administration can be proper 26 Mi cathartics. [Juglaxs Cixerea. Butternut. Oilnut. White Walnut. Monoec, Pdlyand. Nat. Ord. Amentaceoz. Cortex. America. The Butternut is a well known forest tree, abundant in almost every part ofthe United States. It flowers in April and May. The part used in medicine is the inner bark, an extract of which furnishes us with one of our most valuable indigenous cathartics. Dr. Bigelow informs us that the bark of the branches affords a large quantity of soluble matter, princi- pally ofthe extractive kind. In a concentrated tincture he could discern no appearance of resin. Gelatin did not detect the presence of tannin. The sulphate of iron caused a brownish-black colour. Water is an ade- quate solvent for the butternut, and the watery extract one of its best pre- parations. As a cathartic it has been known and used in this country for many years. During the revolutionary war it was extensively used in our military hospitals, and found to be a valuable substitute for jalap and other cathartics. The character which it then acquired, it has since re- tained ; and it is at present very generally used in the practice of this coun- try. Having used it myself, I am enabled to speak with confidence of its effects. As a mild laxative, calculated to obviate habitual cestiveness, it may be considered as unrivalled, as itis not succeeded by any of those unpleasant consequences which generally attend the frequent use of other articles. From the mildness of its operation, it has been much celebrated in the treatment of dysentery. As an active purge, its powers may be greatly increased by the addition of calomel. As the virtues of this ex- tract depend very much upon the method of preparing it, as well as upon the season when the bark is collected, both these circumstances should be carefully attended to. The proper time for gathering it is in the months of May and June. The bark of the root is said to possess the property of exciting a blister when applied to the skin. The dose of the extract is from 10 to 30 grains, according to the effect intended to be produced. B.] [Podophyllum Peltatum. May apple. Mandrake. Wild Lemon. Ipe- cacuanha. Polyand. Monogyn. Nat. Ord. Rheades. Radix. Uni- ted States. This plant is common to almost every part ofthe United States, and is found inhabiting low, moist, and shady situations. It flowers in May and Jyme. The leaves of this plant are poisonous, and the root is the only part used in medicine. ..According to, Dr. Bigelow it contains a resin, a bitter extractive matter, foecula, and a slight proportion of a gummy substance. As a medicine this plant holds a high rank in the list of our indigenous cathartics. From a series of very ingenious comparative trials instituted by Dr. Schneck, it appears to possess virtues strikingly similar to those of Jalap. He con- cludes that «' the only difference between them is that the May-apple root is more prompt in its effect, causes somewhat more nausea, but not occa- sioning any griping, which has been a constant attendant in the experi- ments made with the jalap."* In intermittent and remittent fevers, as well as in dropsies, the podophyllum has been esteemed more especially ser- viceable. According to Schoepf, it acts as an emetic. This effect, however, only follows its use in very large doses. In moderate doses, it operates simply as a cathartic. The dose is twenty grains to be given in substance * New-York Medical and PhysicalJournal, No. 5. CATHARTICS. ;2Qo in powder. According to Dr. Barton, it is most advantageously used in combination with calomel or crystals of tartar. By our Indians it is con- sidered as an anthelmintic ; whether it possesses any powers of this sort independently of its operation as a cathartic is extremely doubtful. The proper period for collecting the root for medicinal use is the autumn, when the leaves of the plant have turned yellow. It should be carefully dried, and then pulverized. B.] [Croton Tiglium. Tiglii Oleum. Oil of Tiglium. Monoec. Monadelph. Nat. Ord. Tricoccce. Ceylon. Twenty three species of this plant are noticed by Linnaeus. The Cro- ton Tiglium is that to which the attention of practitioners has again been called. It is a native of Ceylon, and found in China, Cochinchina, and the Molucca Islands. Remedial powers seem to reside in every part ofthe plant. The expressed oil ofthe seeds is that part more especially which is now used ; and Rumphius, a century ago, under the name of grana molucca, made mention of its activity. Long before this time, how- ever, it was well known to be endowed with very potent qualities. The recent experiments of Dr. Nimmo have shown that the oil of croton con- sists of 45 parts of an active purgative principle and 55 of a fixed oil, re- sembling that of olives, and void of any cathartic power. It would appear that this active principle is a resinous matter. Dr. Paris thinks that it bears a strong analogy to that which he separated from the elaterium. The oil of croton possesses medicinal qualities of a very active nature ; and is in its effects upon the system somewhat peculiar. It is probably more certain as a cathartic than any other article of the Materia Medica. A comparison has been instituted between the properties ofthe elaterium and the oil of croton. Dr. Francis of New-York, who has for a consider- able time been in the habit of employing both these articles, has furnished me with the following notice on the subject. " We find," says he, " the elaterium occasionally to disappoint us in its hydragogue effects ; and its dose must be increased, sayTrom the eighth of a grain to perhaps two or three grains. The evacuations induced by the elaterium are copious and watery : the croton, I think, is more speedy in its action, and frequently produces such discharges as result from the saline purgatives. A half a drop or a half a grain given either in a fluid form or made into pill, will almost invariably excite the bowels. I have given it in the earlier months of pregnancy with safety and advantage. When given to the extent of two drops, it has occasioned tremor of the whole system, dizziness of sight, an oppressed respiration, and unsteadiness ofthe hand. We hence learn to give it with much caution. It may prove serviceable in consti- pation, because it does not irritate like aloes, scammony, and gamboge. In pneumonic inflammation and in congestion of the brain, in both of which disorders there is often great torpidity ofthe bowels, the croton may prove highly advantageous. Further experience is required to point out more satisfactorily the medicinal properties of this substance : whether as an emmenagogue it lays claim to any peculiar powers, and how far if; may be ventured upon in the more efficient treatment of many dis- eases. The facility with which it may be administered and the cer- tainty of its action, are circumstances of no small consideration in behalf of its more general use. B.] '.'04 :>1MEXAG0GUE>. CHAP- IX. OF EMMENAGOGUES. The medicines distinguished by the appellation of Emmenagogues, are Ihose which are capable of promoting the menstrual discharge. The suppression of this discharge is supposed .to arise from debility of the uterine vessels, or deficiency of action in them. Hence it might be inferred, that the medicines capable of exciting it must be such as can sti- mulate these vessels. General stimulants, or tonics, may to a certain degree have this effect, since, in consequence of their action, the uterine vessels must be stimula- ted in common with other parts. There are accordingly several stimulants, both diffusible and permanent, employed as emmenagogues. It is doubtful whether there is farther any particular determination to these vessels. It is sufficiently certain, that there are many substances, which, when received into the stomach, have their stimulant operation more particularly determined to one organ than to another. It seems pos- sible, a priori, that there may be substances disposed to act more peculi- arly on the uterine system ; yet experience does not confirm this supposi- tion ; there being perhaps no proof of any of the substances styled em- menagogues, producing their effect from any specific power. A stimulant effect, however, produced in neighbouring parts, seems to be in some degree propagated to the uterine vessels ; hence several me- dicines exert an emmenagogue power, greater than can be ascribed to any general action they exert on the system. It is thus that some cathartics, such as aloes and black hellebore, have been supposed to act, their stimu- lus being communicated from the larger intestines to the uterus. They are probably of advantage too in amenorrhoea, simply as cathartics, remo- ving the state of torpor in the intestinal canal connected with the disease ; and more advantage is derived from the emmenagogues of this class, than from any ofthe others. There is also one stimulus, that of electricity, which can be brought to act more directly, and it has been sometimes found, under the form of weak shocks transmitted through the pelvis, to operate as a powerful em- menagogue. Suppression ofthe menstrual discharge seems to be sometimes connect- ed with spasmodic affection, and hence some remedies belonging to the rlass of antispasmodics are prescribed occasionally as emmenagogues. The individuals belonging to this class may be arranged in some measure according to these distinctions ; the most active of them being substances belonging to other classes ; and there being a few only supposed to have any specific emmenagogue power. With regard to all of them, it may be added, that there are no medicines so uncertain in their operation, and none in which the conclusions respecting their efficacy are more liable to fallacy. In general, their administration requires to be continued for some fime to obtain their beneficial effects. EMMENAGOGUES. FROM THE CLASS OF ANTISPASMODICS. Castoreum, Ferula Assafoetida. Bubon Galbanum. EMMENAGOGUES. 203 FROM THE CLASS OF TONICS. Ferrum. Hydrargyrum. FROM THE CLASS OF CATHARTICS. Aloe. Rheum Palmatum. Helleborus Niger. Sinapis Alba. Ruta Graveolens. Rubia Tinctorum. Juniperus Sabina. Castoreum. Castor. (Page 190.) Under the history of Castor as an antispasmodic, it was remarked, that it appears to be a substance wholly inert. As an emmenagogue, it has been given in the dose of 10 grains in substance, or more frequently under the form of tincture in the dose of one drachm. No reliance is now placed on its powers. Assafostida. Assafoetida. (Page 193.) All the foetid gums have been supposed to possess, along with their an- tispasmodic property, the power of acting more peculiarly on the uterine system, and have been therefore employed as emmenagogues. Assafoetida, the strongest of them, has been given in amenorrhoea in a dose of 10 to 15 grains, or in the form of tincture in the dose of one drachm. Galbanum, another of these fcetid gums already noticed, next in strength to assafoetida, has been given in a similar dose. Both of them are usually employed in that form of amenorrhoea which is connected with hysteria ; they are also occasionally combined with aloes. Ferrum. Iron. (Page 222.) The powers of iron as atonic may be supposed capable of being exert- ed on the uterine system, and of removing suppression of the discharge arising from deficient action ofthe uterine vessels, more especially when this is connected with a state of general languor and debility.' In such cases, accordingly, it is frequently employed as an emmenagogue. The car- bonate of iron combined with an aromatic, is given in a dose of 5 or 10 grains daily, continued for some time ; the more active preparations ofthe sulphate and muriate are likewise prescribed, but in general there is some difficulty in continuing their administration, unless in very small doses, from the irritation they are liable to occasion. The chalybeate mineral waters afford perhaps the best form of administering iron in amenorrhoea, an advantage derived from the state of dilution in which it is taken. Hydrargyrum. Quicksilver. (Page 205.) The general stimulant operation of this metal may, like that of iron, be supposed to be so far exerted on the uterine system, as to obviate any state of diminished action : some of its preparations are accordingly occasionally employed in amenorrhoea, and with very evident advantage. The mild muriate or calomel is the preparation generally used. It is given in the dose of a grain ; and more frequently in combination with other emmenago- gues, to promote their action, than alone. Aloe. Aloes. (Page 196.) This cathartic, it has already been remarked, is supposed to operate, m EMMENAGOGUES. more peculiarly on the larger intestines ; and its stimulant operation, it has been imagined, is thence propagated to the uterus. Hence its celebri- ty as an emmenagogue, though what efficacy it has, probably depends prin- cipally, if not entirely, on its cathartic power, and its effect, in consequence of this, of removing the torpor of the intestinal canal. The peculiarity of its operation as a cathartic already pointed out, renders it however ex- tremely proper for continued administration. It is given under the form of pill or tincture; and frequently in combination with other remedies, particularly with myrrh, rhubarb, and the preparations of iron. The aloetic wine, and the etherial aloetic tincture, are common forms of pre- paration under which it is prescribed in amenorrhoea. Rheum Palmatum. Rhubarb. (Page 192.) Rhubarb has some analogy to aloes in its cathartic operation, and, like it, has been supposed to produce, probably in consequence of this opera- tion, an emmenagogue effect. It is usually given combined with aloes, ei- ther under the form ofthe Compound Pills of Aloes and Rhubarb, or the Tincture of Aloes and Rhubarb. The latter forms a popular remedy usually employed in occasional suppression ofthe menses, being taken in the dose of two drachms at bed-time. Helleborus Niger. Black Hellebore. (Page 194.) Black Hellebore is a powerful cathartic ; it was recommended by Mea as an emmenagogue under the form of tincture, one drachm of this being given as a dose at bed-time, and continued for some time. Its emmena- gogue power might be supposed to depend on its cathartic operation ; in this dose, however, and under this form, it has little sensible effect; and any advantage derived from it is extremely doubtful. The extract has been employed as a more active preparation in combination with aloes, or with carbonate of iron. Sinapis Alba. Mustard. (Page 182.) Semen. The seeds of this plant have a considerable degree of pungency, and when taken unbruised to the extent of half an ounce or an ounce, have a purgative effect. This is a popular remedy, not unfrequently used in amenorrhea and chlorosis, and may have some effect by its stimulant ac- tion on the intestinal canal. Rubia Tinctorum. Madder. Tetrand. Monogyn. Stellate. Radix. South of Europe. The root of this plant, freed from its bark, is dried and prepared for its use in dyeing ; it is in slender twigs, of a red colour ; has a bitter taste, with little smell. Its colouring matter is extracted by water and alcohol. From the fact that the bones of animals are tinged of a red colour when it is taken mixed with their food, it was once supposed to be a medicine of great subtilty ; but this appears to be an effect purely chemical, depend- ing on the affinity exerted by the colouring matter to phosphate of lime. It has been celebrated as an emmenagogue, in a dose of half a drachm thrice a-day. It appears to be nearly inert, and its inefficacy is generally acknowledged. Ruta Graveolfns. Ruta. Rue. Decand. Monogyn. Mustisiliquoe. Her- ba. South of Europe. This herb, when recent, has a strong unpleasant smell, and a hitter EMMENAGOGUES. 207 taste. By distillation it affords a pungent essential oil. It has been pre- scribed as an emmenagogue under the form of the watery infusion of the dried leaves ; and the oil is sometimes combined with aloes, and other medicines ofthe same class, probably with little advantage. Offic. Prep.—Extr. Rutie. Gr. Ed. Dub.—-0\. Rutae. Dub.—Confect. Rutae. Lond. Juniperus Sabina. Savin. Dioecia. Monadelph. Coniferce. Folia. South of Europe. The leaves of this shrub have a bitter penetrating taste, a strong un- pleasant odour, and a considerable degree of acrimony. They afford a very large quantity of essential oil, possessing the general virtues of the plant. Savin is a stimulant, the operation of which has been supposed to be powerfully directed to the uterine system ; so much so, that, according to the common opinion, it is capable of procuring abortion. It has in confor- mity to this been considered as an emmenagogue, but it is scarcely ever administered internally, nor are its effects known with any precision. Ex- ternally, the powder ofthe dried leaves is used as an escharotic, and mix- ed with lard is applied as a stimulant to excite suppuration from inflamed surfaces. Offic. Prep.—Cerat. Sabin. Ed. Lond. Dub.—Extr. Sabinae. Dub.— 01. Sabinaj. Ed. Dub. [Polygala Senega. Seneka or Rattlesnake root. The general properties of the seneka being noticed under the class of expectorants, I shall in this place only allude to the virtues which it is al- ledged to possess as an emmenagogue. It is to Dr. Hartshorne of Philadel- phia that we are originally indebted for this discovery. Dr. Chapman however first announced it to the public in an essay which appeared in the Eclectic Repertory for the year 1812. Both of these gentlemen appear to have had very extensive experience on this subject, and they con- cur in considering it as entitled to the highest rank in the class of emme- nagogue medicines. Dr. Chapman more especially speaks of it in terms ofthe most unqualified commendation. He says " ofthe emmenagogues which I have tried, this is among the most efficacious, and will be found so in all the forms of amenorrhoea, if administered with a due regard to the state ofthe system, and in other respects with correct discrimination."* He adds that he thinks it more particularly useful in those cases where the decidua exists. Notwithstanding this decided and highly respectable testimony in favour of this article, it should not be concealed that by other physicians very different opinions are entertained with regard to it. Dr. Eberle affirms that he has tried it repeatedly, but uniformly without suc- cess. And he adds, that he is " entirely convinced that Dr. Chapman has expressed an opinion much too favourable of its efficacy as an emmenago- gue."t The best mode of administering the seneka is in the form of de- coction, made by simmering in a close vessel 3j of the bruised root in a pint of boiling water, until the quantity is reduced about one third. Dr. Chapman directs about 3iv of this decoction to be taken during the day, to be increased as far as the stomach will bear at the period when the menses are expected to appear. B.] * Elements of Materia Medica and Therapeutics, vol. II. p. 8. second edition t A Treatise ofthe Materia Medica, &c. vol. I. p. 423. [208 EMMENAGOGUES. [Secale Cornutum. Spurred Rye. Horned Rye. Ergot of Rye. The precise nature and origin of the ergot is not yet understood. By some it is believed to be a morbid modification of the seed of the rye. Others suppose it to be the production of an insect, while by a third par- ty it is viewed as a parasitic fungus, resembling the different sorts of smut, &c. The latter of these opinions seems to be in every respect the most probable. Besides rye, the ergot is found attached to several other spe- cies of the gramina. Low and moist situations, wet seasons, and newly cleared grounds are said more particularly to favour its production. When taken into the mouth, the taste of the ergot is imperceptible. After a short time it becomes disagreeable, nauseous, and sub-acrid. According to the analysis of Vauquclin, it contains, 1. A fawn yellow colouring matter, soluble in alcohol, and having a taste resembling that of fish oil. 2. A white oily matter, of a sweetish taste, which appears to be very abundant. 3. A violet colouring principle, of the same shade as that of orchil, but differing from it by its solubility in alcohol, and tthich can be readily fixed on aluminated wool and silk. 4. A free acid, supposed to be partly phos- phoric. 5. A very abundant vegeto-animal substance, much disposed to putrefaction, and which furnishes a considerable quantity of thick oil and of ammonia by distillation. 6. A small quantity of free ammonia, which can be obtained at the temperature of boiling water. As an article of the Materia Medica, the ergot was first introduced to the notice ofthe medical public in 1807, by Dr. Stearns of New-York, as a substance capable of acting specifically upon the uterus and of accelerat- ing in a very extraordinary manner the process of parturition. As might naturally be expected from the announcement of a remedy so novel and unique, it excited much interest, and as soon as subsequent experience had confirmed its virtues, rose at once into the most unlimited popularity. At present we believe it is universally used throughout this country, and has in a very great degree superseded tbe use of instruments in difficult and pro- tracted labours. Notwithstanding this very general use ofthe ergot, there are not a few of our most respectable medical men who look upon it with suspicion, considering it in almost every case in which itis administered as jeopardizing the life ofthe child. The editors of the New-England Jour- nal of Medicine and Surgery first suggested this opinion in 1812, and they stated that they had been led to it, from " observing that in a large pro- portion of cases where the ergot was employed, the children did not re- spire for an unusual length of time after the birth ; and in several cases the children were irrecoverably dead." It will not be denied by any one acquainted with the operation ofthe ergot, that if given in very large do- ses or at improper periods, it may produce effects exceedingly injurious, if not fatal, to the child. Yet that these are to be considered as the usual and necessary consequences attending its use, is contradicted by evidence the most clear and satisfactory. In a very instructive paper on the subject of the secale cornutum, Dr. Stearns has laid down a set of comprehensive rules regulating its adminis- tration. They are in all respects entitled to the serious consideration of every practitioner of the obstetric art. The cases in which he states that it ought never to be administered are the following : 1. It should never be administered where nature is competent to a safe delivery. 2. It should never be administered until the regular pains have ceased, or are ineffectual, and there is danger to be apprehended from delay. UlURETlCh. 209 3. It should never be administered until the rigidity ofthe os tincae has subsided, and a perfect relaxation been induced. 4. It should never be administered in the incipient stages of labour, nor until the os tincae is dilated to the size of a dollar. 5. It should never be administered in any case of preternatural presen tation that will require the foetus to be turned. 6. It should never be administered during the continuance of one la- bour, in larger quantities than thirty grains by decoction in half a pint of water. A table spoonfull of this given every ten minutes, generally suc- ceeds better than a larger dose. While this quantity produces its most favourable effects upon the uterus, it does not effect the stomach with nau- sea or vomiting, which sometimes interrupts its successful operation. The ergot is indicated, and may be administered, I. When, in lingering labours, the child has descended into the pelvis, the parts dilated and relaxed, the pains having ceased, or being too inef- fectual to advance the labour, there is danger to be apprehended from de- lay, by exhaustion of strength and vital energy from hemorrhage, or other alarming symptoms. II. When the pains are transferred from the uterus to other parts of the body, or to the whole muscular system, producing general puerperal convulsions. After premising copious bleeding, the ergot concentrates all these mis- placed labour-pains upon the uterus, which it soon restores to its appro- priate action, and the convulsions immediately cease. III. When in the early stages of pregnancy, abortion becomes inevita- ble, accompanied with profuse hemorrhage and feeble uterine contrac- tions. IV. When the placenta is retained from a deficiency of contractions. V. In patients liable to hemorrhage immediately after delivery. In such cases the ergot may be given as a preventive, a few minutes before the termination ofthe labour. VI. When hemorrhage or lochial discharges are too profuse immediately- after delivery, and the uterus continues dilated and relaxed without anjf ability to contract.* From what has already been advanced concerning the operation of the ergot, it is evident that it can have no claims to be considered as an emmenagogue. It seems in all cases rather to check than to promote uter- ine discharges. B.] CHAP. X. OF DIURETICS. Diuretics are those medicines which increase the urinary discharge ; an effect which is probably produced by different modes of operation. It is obvious, that any substance capable of stimulating the secreting ves- sels ofthe kidneys, by direct application to them, may increase their action, ond thus produce a morecopious discharge of urine. It is probably in this * !STpw-York Medical and Physk-al Journal, No. H, 27 210 L>IURET1C>. way that many of the saline diuretics act; the principal purpose of the urinary secretion seems to be to separate from the blood the saline mat- ter it contains, and which would otherwise accumulate in the system ; when substances of this kind, therefore, do not operate as cathartics, but are re- ceived into the circulating mass, they are brought to the kidneys in the course of the circulation, are secreted by their vessels, and exciting in them increased action, a larger portion of watery fluid is at the same time secreted. Several of these substances, as nitre, or the fixed alkalis, can be detected in the urine by chemical tests after they have been adminis- tered, and therefore there can be little doubt of this being the mode in which they operate. There is evidence even of some vegetable diuretics passing off by the same emunctory. The flavour of asparagus, or of gar- lic, or turpentine, for example, may be observed in the urine discharged an hour or two after they have been received into the stomach. It is also probable, however, that a diuretic effect is in other cases pro- duced by substances acting only on the stomach, the action they excite be- ing communicated by sympathy to the kidneys. Squill and tobacco appear to act in this manner; there is no proof that they are received into the circulating mass ; they act very peculiarly on the stomach, and when tbey occasion vomiting or purging, they generally fail in their diuretic effect. It may be concluded, therefore, that they exert a peculiar action on the stomach, which, propagated to the kidneys, by means of the general con- nection subsisting between all the parts of the system, causes an increase in the urinary discharge. The different kinds of ardent spirits, diluted with water, seem to act in a similar manner, as their diuretic effect usually takes place very speedily. There is still a third mode, in which it is probable that some substances produce a diuretic effect, especially in a state of disease. It is known that persons who drink sparingly discharge less urine than others ; and also that where the watery part ofthe blood is carried off by perspiration, the urinary discharge is diminished. It is farther known, that large draughts of water, or of any mild diluent, if not determined to the skin by exter- nal warmth, occasion an increased discharge of urine. It seems probable, therefore, that a similar effect may be produced by the action of sub- stances which powerfully stimulate the absorbent system, and thus bring an increased quantity of serous fluid into the circulating mass. Digitalis is probably a remedy of this kind. Its effect as a diuretic is more certain and powerful, when given to a person labouring under dropsy, than to one in health ; in the latter state, indeed, any such effect is scarcely ap- parent. It appears too to be one of those medicines which stimulate most powerfully the absorbent system ; its diuretic power in dropsy, therefore, is probably principally owing to its enabling the absorbents to take up the serous fluid effused ; this is of course brought into the circulation, and, like any other watery fluid, is discharged by the kidneys. In cases where a large quantity of fluid has been accumulated, it often produces a discbarge so sudden and profuse, as could not be produced unless the action of the absorbents were greatly excited. On the same principle may be explained the utility of a practice, which is often employed to promote the action of diuretics, that of conjoining mercury with them. Thus, the action of squill as a diuretic is rendered more certain and powerful by combination with calomel; each of them be- ing given in separate doses, or both being united in one formula. The ef- ficacy of this is probaidy derived from the mercury stimulating the absor- DIURETICS. 211 oents, and, by introducing the effused fluid into the system, promoting the direct diuretic action of the squill. The effect of these remedies is promoted by drinking moderately of wa- tery liquors ; hence the practice that was formerly adopted in dropsy, of diminishing the allowance of drink, is exploded ; it was of little benefit in preventing the accumulation of effused fluid, and the abstinence from li- quids that was enjoined, rather prevented the action ofthe diuretic reme- dies that were employed for the cure of the disease. Many cases even have occurred, in which pure water, mineral waters, or mild diluents, have acted as diuretics, and effected a cure in dropsy. The action of diuretics is also considerably dependent on the state of the vessels of the skin. If, whm a medicine of this class has been given, these vessels are stimulated by external warmth, its action is rather deter mined to the surface, and sweat or diaphoresis takes place. But if the surface is kept cool, the diuretic effect is more certain ; so much indeed does this state of the surface determine to the kidneys, that the usual dia- phoretics may be brought to act as diuretics. The general effects of diuretics are sufficiently evident. They dis- charge the watery part ofthe blood, and by that discharge they indirectly promote absorption. Drftpsy is the disease in which they are principally employed, and they are adapted to every form of it. When the urinary discharge can be excited by their administration, the disease is removed with less debilitating effect, and with less injury to the patient, than by any other method. The only other, indeed, than can be employed, is eva- cuation by purging, which the exhausted state of the system is often un- able to sustain. The success of diuretics in dropsy is, however, very pre- carious ; sometimes none of them succeed ; sometimes one act more pow- erfully than another, though in this there is no uniformity ; nor are the causes of this variety of operation well understood. In general it is obvi- ous, that where a strong predisposition to the disease exists, or where it originates from organic affections ofthe liver, or other chylopoetic viscera, no great advantage can be expected from the mere evacuation ofthe water by the action of diuretics : it is only in those cases where an accumulation of fluid has taken place from diminished absorption, or some similar cause, that they can be expected Jo effect a cure. It accordingly often happens in practice, that an increased discharge of urine is effected by the exhibi- tion of diuretics, and still the dropsical swellings are not removed, or if they are, they speedily return. The combination of tonics with diure- tics, or the administration of a tonic aftor the diuretic has operated, is useful in preventing a relapse. Diuretics have been used in calculous affections, with the view of pre- venting the increase of the calculus, by rendering the urine more watery ; and they have occasionally, though rarely, been employed to lessen ple- thora, or check profuse perspiration. The use of diluents, so as to in> crease the quantity of urine, is of advantage in gonorrhoea, and other af- fections of the urinary passages, by lessening the acrimony of the urine, which excites pain from its action on these parts when they are in an in- flamed state. The cautions with regard to the administration of diuretics are obvious from what has been said of their operation. The surface of the body must be kept cool, and therefore the doses ofthe medicine oughtto be giv- en in the course of the day, and the patient should, if possible, be kept iut of bed : their operation is thus more effectually determined to the 112 DIURETICS. kidneys. The use of diluents ought to be permitted, at least this is more necessary with respect to those diuretics belonging to the class of salts, and which operate directly on the secreting vessels ofthe kidneys, and in- deed is probably useful with regard to them all. The individual diuretics may be considered under the subdivisions of Salts, Vegetable Diuretics, and one or two derived from the animal king- dom. DIURETICS. SALINE DIURETICS. Potassa. Nitras Potassae. Acetas PotassaB. Spiritus Etheris Nitrosi. Super-Tartras Potassa?. FROM THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. Scilla Maritima. Spartium Scoparium. Digitalis Purpurea. Ulmus Campestris. Vicotiana Tabacum. Juniperus Communis Solanum Dulcamara. Copaifera Officinalis Lactuca Virosa. Pinus Balsamea, Colchicum Autumnale. Pinus Larix. Cratiola Officinalis. KROM THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. Meloe Vesicatorius 6aline diuretigs. Kotassa. Potash. This alkali, the chemical history of which has been already given, (p. 10.), either pure, or in the state of sub-carbonate, operates as a diur- etic ; and, as has been already remarked, it is secreted by the kidneys, so that, when continued for a sufficient time, it renders the urine alkaline. In its pure state it is scarcely ever employed with a view to this opera- tion ; but the saline matter from the ashes of broom, wormwood, and other plants, which consist chiefly of sub-carbonate of potash, used for- merly to be frequently prescribed in dropsy. It is difficult to continue the administration ofthe alkali, however, even in this mild form, to the requi- site extent, without occasioning irritation ; and being much inferior in diu- retic power to the super-tartrate of potash, it has fallen into disuse. When employed, it is given in a dose of 20 or 30 grains dissolved in a large quan- tity of water, and repeated three or four times in the course of the day. Those mineral waters which contain carbonate of soda, have sometimes proved successful in slighter cases of dropsical affection. Acetas Potass^. Acetate of Potash. Sal Diureticus. This salt prepared according to the process ofthe Pharmacopoeias, by saturating the potash ofthe sub-carbonate of potash with distilled vinegar, and evaporating the solution to dryness, is obtained in the state of a white foliated mass, deliquescent and very soluble in water. It has been con- sidered as a powerful diuretic, and has been used in dropsy, half a drachm of it dissolved in water being given every hour or two until it operate. DIURETICS. i'lS It is uncertain in its operation, however, and has therefore fallen into disuse.* Super-tartras Potass.k. Crystalli vel Cremor Tartari. Super-tartrate of Potash. Cream of Tartar. (Page 199.) This salt, of which the chemical history has been already given, and its application as a cathartic noticed, is extensively employed as a remedy in dropsy, and is inferior in efficacy to few of the substances belonging to this class. There are two modes under which it is exhibited, one so as to ex- cite principally its diuretic effect, the other so as to obtain, along with this, its action as a hydragogue cathartic. When given with the first intention, the form of exhibition is solution in water, from half an ounce to an ounce ofthe super-tartrate being dissolved in the due proportion (8 or 10 ounces) of water, and this being taken in the course of the day, its operation on the kidneys being promoted by dilution. The more usual practice, how- ever, is to give it in substance, either diffused in a little water, or made into an electuary with syrup, and in such doses as to occasion purging to a certain extent. The dose is various, its operation being apparently much dependent on the action of the absorbents being excited, and this, in differ- ent states of disease, being effected with more or less difficulty. Half an ounce is given at first, and this is increased to an ounce or even two ounces in twenty-four hours, the increase ot dose being gradually made until its effect on the kidneys or bowels is obtained, this being continued to keep up the effect to the requisite extent, and care being taken not to push it so far as to produce greater evacuation than the strength of the patient can support. It generally causes a considerable discharge of serous fluid into the intestinal canal, so as to produce watery evacuations, and at the same time augments the quantity of urine ; the size ofthe dropsical swel- ling soon begins to be reduced ; and the effused water, according to those practitioners who have represented its efficacy in the most favourable light, is not only removed, but any renewal of the effusion is prevented with more certainty than by the action of other diuretics : hence it has been regarded as in general superior to the other medicines of this class in the treatment of dropsy. There can be no doubt that super-tartrate of potash proves often a pow- erful remedy in all the forms of dropsy, and more especially perhaps in as- cites ; yet the general remark applies to this as well as to the other diuret- ics, that it sometimes fails where others succeed. It can scarcely be ex- pected to succeed where the disease is connected with visceral obstruc- tions, and in such cases the combination of squill and Caiomel is probably more successful. It has also some disadvantages. Itis frequently neces- sary to give it in such large doses to obtain its diuretic or its hydragogue effect, that it excites nausea and flatulence, weakens the appetite, and in- jures the tone ofthe stomach : and as a greater degree of debility is indu- ced by the operation of purging than by merely exciting the urinary dis- charge, there is some risk of the powers of the system being exhausted under its use, when it is too long continued, or given to a great extent. These effects, therefore, require to be guarded against, and sometimes lead to a preference of other diuretics, or render it necessary to substitute them where the super-tartrate has received a fair trial. * Incompatible Substances. It is decomposed by tamarinds and most sub-acid fruits ; by almost every acid as well as every variety of neutral salt, whether alkaline. acid, or metallic. Paris. Ed. 214 OlURETii".-. Nitras Potassa;. Nitrate of Potash. Nitrum. Mtre. This salt, consisting of nitric acid and potash, is frequently formed on \hd surface ofthe soil in warm and dry climates. In the South of Europe, its pro- duction is usually accelerated by artificial arrangements. Animal and vegeta- ble substances, in a state of decomposition, are mixed with a quantity of car- bonate of lime ; the mass is exposed to the air, but protected from the rain, and is occasionally stirred. After a number of months, the materials are found to contain nitrate of lime and nitrate of potash. These salts are ex- tracted by lixiviation with water : impure subcarbonate of potash is added, by which the nitrate of lime is decomposed, and the quantity of nitrate of potash increased ; and this salt is purified by repeated solutions and crys- tallizations. During the process by which the nitrate of potash is formed, it appears that the oxygen ofthe atmospheric air, and probably also part ofthe oxygen of the vegetable matter, combine with the nitrogen of the animal matter, so as to form nitric acid; the affinities whence these combinations arise being favoured by the affinities exerted by the lime. The acid is attracted in part by the lime, and in part by a quantity of potash, either contained in the materials, or, as some have supposed, formed during the process. The nitre used in this country is imported from India, where it occurs as a natural formation. Nitrate of potash is crystallized in hexaedral prisms. Its crystals are soluble in six parts of cold, and in an equal weight of boiling water. It is decomposed by heat, affording a large quantity of oxygen gas ; ana from the facility of this decomposition, is an important pharmaceutic agent in ox- idating bodies by deflagration. Nitre has a cool and sharp taste* and occasions a sense of coldness in the stomach when swallowed. When given in moderate doses, continued for some time, its presence can at length be detected in the urine by chemi- cal tests. Its virtues are those of a refrigerant and diuretic, and, as pos- sessing both, it has been used to relieve ardor urinae in gonorrhoea. The practice, however, is now relinquished, either as inefficacious, or as hurt- ful, if the nitre is secreted with the urine, as it must render it more stimu- lating. From its refrigerant power, it has been used in haemoptysis and in acute rheumatism. Its dose is from 5 to 20 grains repeated twice or thrice a-day, with the free use of diluents or demulcents. Its diuretic power is too inconsiderable to admit of its being employed as a remedy in dropsy.* Offic. Prep.—Troch. Nitrat. Pot. Ed. Spiritus Etheris Nitrosi. Spirit of Nitrous Ether. Nitric acid, added in due proportion to alcohol, converts it into a spe- cies of ether ; but as the process is difficult, from the violent chemical ac- tion that takes place, it has long been the practice to use less acid th..n is required to change the whole alcohol into this product ; a portion of ni- tric ether is formed, and tnis is obt lined by distillation, combined with the unchanged alcohol, and generally also from the mutual action not having been complete with a portion of free acid. This process has a place in the Pharmacopoeias, and forms what used to be named Spiritus Nitri Dul- * Incompatible Substances. Alum, sulphate of magnesia, sulphuric acid, the s ulphates of zinc, copper and iron ; according to the usual laws of affinity it should be abo decom- posed by sulphate of soda; this however only takes place at the temperature of 32°. and then but partially. Paris. Ed. DIURETICS. 215 Cis, what is now named Spiritus Etheris Nitrosi. Its odour is fragrant: its taste sharp and acidulous. In medicine it is employed as a refrigerant and diuretic, in a dose of 20 or 30 drops. Being grateful to the stomach, and relieving flatulence, it is often used to correct or promote the action of more powerful diuretics in dropsy.* DIURETICS FROM THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. Scilla Maritima. Squill. (Page 182.) The medicinal applications of squill as an emetic, have been already- stated. Under this article are to be considered its powers as a diuretic. Squill, foxglove, and super-tartrate of potash, are the diuretics princi- pally employed in modern practice in the treatment of dropsy ; and it is not easy to assign precisely their comparative powers, one frequently pro- ving successful when either of the others has previously failed. Squill operates more directly as a diuretic than the super-tartrate of Potash does, and is not liable, even if its administration has been carried rather far, to produce those injurious effects which arise from the action of foxglove in an overdose. Hence it is frequently preferred. It often deranges, how- ever, the action of the stomach, and occasionally fails in its diuretic effect. As a diuretic, Squill is always given in substance, under the form of either the recent or the dried root. The dose of the former is from five to fifteen, of the latter from one to three grains : the smaller dose being given at first, morning and evening, in the form of a pill, and this increased slowly until its diuretic effect is obtained. If the dose is too large, it is liable to excite nausea; and the rule has even been delivered, to give it to the extent necessary to induce some degree of nausea. The pro- duction of this effect can be regarded, however, only as a test of the squill being in an active state ; it is not necessary to its diuretic opera- tion : it proves distressing to the patient; and it has been observed, that when it has once been given to such an extent as to induce this state of the stomach, the same state is more liable to recur even when after an interval it is given in smaller doses. Its nauseating operation, therefore, ought rather to be avoided by the due regulation ofthe dose. The diuretic power of squill is promoted by combination with mercury, and it is more frequently employed in this combination than alone. Ofthe mercurial preparations, either the common mercurial pill, or calomel, may be used ; the usual medium dose from which we obtain the general action of either on the system, being added to the dose of the squill, or being given in the evening, while the squill is given in the morning. The supe- riority of their combined action probably depends on the mercury stimula- ting the absorbent system, while the squill excites the action of the ves- sels of the kidneys. This combination is farther adapted to the treatment of dropsy, connected as it frequently is with obstruction or chronic inflam- mation of the liver or neighbouring organs, and is more successful in this case than any other diuretic. Where the mercurial preparation occasions purging, as this impedes the diuretic action ofthe squill, mercurial friction may be substituted. * Incompatible Substances. With a solution of green sulphate of iron it strikes a deep olive colour, owing probably to its holding a portion of nitro«s gas in iolution; with tV. tinctures of guaiacum it produces a green or blue coagulum. Paris. Ed. 216 DIURETICS. Digitalis Purpurea. Foxglove. (Page 92.) Foxglove has been considered as a narcotic ; it is a still more impor- tant article of the Materia Medica as a diuretic. It had frequently been used as an empirical remedy in dropsy ; but the violence of its narcotic operation, when not administered with due precaution, prevented it from being employed in practice, until Dr. Withering pointed out, with more precision, the rules to be attended to in its exhibition. It is difficult to compare the powers of the principal diuretics; yet, on the whole, perhaps foxglove is more powerful than any of them in evacua- ting the water in dropsy : and the conclusions of Withering are still nearly just, that " so far as the removal of water will contribute to cure the pa- tient, so far may be expected from this medicine ;" and that " although di- gitalis does not act universally as a diuretic, it does so more generally than any other."—In hydrothorax, its superiority to other diuretics is more clearly established than in ascites or anasarca ; and in the first of these states of dropsy, it is unquestionably superior to ar^ other remedy. With- ering affirmed^ that it was most successful in those cases of dropsy in which debility is completely marked, where the countenance is pale, the pulse weak, and the muscular energy reduced ; while, in an opposite state of the system, it was more liable to fail. In the latter case, therefore, he recommended a previous exhibition of squill, or of super-tartrate of pot- ash, by which some reduction of strength might be induced. The obser- vation, however, has not been confirmed by experience. There is a peculiarity in the operation of this remedy, that it may be continued for some time without sensibly increasing the flow of urine ; the increase then suddenly commences, and often continues of itself for sev- eral days, and to a very great extent, without requiring the continued ad- ministration of the remedy, so that the dropsical effusion is more speedily reduced by the action of it than by any other diuretic. Its diuretic pow- er, too, appears only when it is administered in dropsy, and hence there can be little doubt that it operates principally, if not entirely, by exciting the action of the absorbents, the absorbed fluid being discharged by the kidneys. The diuretic effect is not connected with its nauseating operation, or with the reduction in the force of the circulation ; it can, on the con- trary, be obtained without either of these accompanying it; and Wither- ing remarked even, that he had found the increased discharge of urine to be checked, when the doses had been imprudently urged so as to occasion sickness. He observed also, that if it purges, it almost certainly fails, probably owing to its action being determined from the absorbents to the intestines. Foxglove is given under the form of the dried leaves in substance, or in infusion or tincture. The tincture has been supposed to be better adapt- ed to its exhibition as a narcotic. The infusion is a preparation sufficient- ly uniform and active, and its dose is rather more easily regulated with precision, so as to admit of a gradual increase, than that of the powder. Its action, too, is at once exerted on the stomach, and there is therefore less risk of its effect being delayed until it is accumulated. The medium dose of the powder is at first from half a grain to a grain twice a-day : from half an ounce to an ounce ofthe infusion, prepared according to the formula of Withering, now received into the Pharmacopoeias, is a similar medium dose. The great desideratum with regard to this remedy, is to conduct its administration so as to obtain its diuretic effect, without those consequence? DIURETICS. 217 Which arise from its action accumulated in the system. The rules given by "'ithering for its administration, are to give it in a dose from 1 to 3 grains of the powder, or one ounce of the infusion, which, if the symp: toins be urgent, or the patient stronger than usual, may be given once in eight hours : and the dose is to be continued until the medicine acts on the kidneys, the stomach, the pulse, or the bowels ; and is to be stopped on the first appearance of any one of these effects. Though Withering enjoined strictly the caution necessary in the use of Foxglove, the doses prescribed in his directions are perhaps rather large ; and the propriety ofthe method which has sometimes been recom- mended, of progressively increasing the dose until the effects are obtained, is doubtful. If the dose be at first small, or at least if, having been raised to one grain ofthe powder, or one ounce ofthe infusion, twice in twenty- four hours, it be continued at this quantity, the diuretic operation will be obtained in no long time without any unpleasant symptom, and when it commences, will continue of itself, even though the dose be suspended. Or if, from peculiarity of habit, or the state of disease, the dose requires to be increased, it ought to be done slowly, and without that regularly pro- gressive augmentation which has been recommended. And if the effect begin to cease before the reduction of the dropsical-swelling be completed, it may be easily renewed by a repetition of this moderate dose. This mode of administering foxglove is that suggested by the nature of its ac- tion. The peculiarity which is characteristic of it, is its tendency to ac- cumulate in the system, its effects not appearing for a time, but at length being suddenly induced. There is no necessity, therefore, to increase its dose, or to give one that is large, with the view of speedily inducing its action, since, from its continued administration, this will in no long time be established, and without that hazard which is otherwise incurred from this peculiarity in its operation. The administration of it, however, ought not to be long continued, if it fail in producing its diuretic effect. It al- ways injures the tone ofthe stomach, even where it has not been pushed to that extent to occasion nausea ; and there is reason to believe, that from its general debilitating operation, the powers of the system have some- times sunk under its protracted use. The alarming symptoms which an over-dose of foxglove is liable to produce, it has already been remarked, are best obviated by small doses of spiritous cordials warm; sulphuric ether, aromatic spirit of ammonia, bitter infusions, and aromatics. Vine- gar, which is an antidote to other narcotics, might be tried. There are other diseases in which foxglove has been supposed to prove useful by its diuretic power ; as in insania, and in epilepsy connected with serous effusion in the brain ; and in dyspnoea arising from serous effusion in the bronchiae,—anasarca pulmonum, as this affection is named. It may, in the treatment of dropsy, be advantageously combined with other diuretics ; and its action, like that of squill, is said to be promoted by mercury. An occasional dose of the spirit of nitrous ether is useful as counteracting nausea and flatulence, and aiding its diuretic effect. Nicotiana Tabacum. (See page 95.) Tobacco, in its general action, has some resemblance to foxglove, be- ing narcotic, emetic, and diuretic. As a diuretic, it has been employed in dropsv, under the form of infusion, one ounce of the dried leaves being 28 iiS DIURETICS. infused in a pint of water, and ten drops being given, and gradually increase ed to 60 or even 100. It possesses, however, no peculiar advantage, and its diuretic effect is generally accompanied with sickness and vertigo. It has been given with more advantage in dysuria, and probably where that disease is connected with spasmodic action, the tobacco may prove useful by its antispasmodic, added to its diuretic power. Solanum Dulcamara. Woody Nightshade. Bitter-Sweet. Pentand. Monogyn. Solanacece. Stipites. Indigenous. The young shoots or branches are the part of this plant used in medi- cine ; when first chewed, they have a bitter taste, which is soon followed by a degree of sweetishness, a peculiarity whence its name is derived ; their smell is strong and disagreeable. By drying, their activity is much impaired. This plant has a degree of narcotic and of diuretic power. An infusion or decoction ofthe dried stalks in water has been recommended in dropsy, but it is a remedy of uncertain operation, and is scarcely ever prescribed. Offic. Prep.—Decoct. Dulcamar. Lond. Lactuca Virosa. Strong-scented Lettuce. (P. 96.) This plant, though it possesses a narcotic quality, is also a diuretic, and has been recommended under the form ofthe inspissated juice as a reme- dy in dropsy, the dose being gradually increased from 5 or 10 grains to 2 or 3 dracbms. Though celebrated by the German practitioners, it is ne- ver used in this country. Colchicum Autumnale. Meadow Saffron. Colchicum. Hexand. Tri- gyn. Liliaceae. Radix. Indigenous. The root of this plant is bulbous ; when recent, it is extremely acrid, a small quantity occasioning a sense of burning heat in the stomach, stran- gury, and tenesmus ; at other times it is entirely void of acrimony ; dif- ferences which are owing to climate age, or season. Vinegar dissolves its active matter. It was recommended by Stork as a remedy in dropsy, under the form of oxymel or syrup. These have been received into the Pharmocopceias, the dose of either being 2 or 3 drachms. From the un- certainty, however, of its operation, colchicum has not been established in practice. Lately, it has been employed in the treatment of inflamma- tory diseases, both acute and chronic, in some cases with success; but it appears rather to be a doubtful remedy. The Eau Medicinale de Husson, so highly recommended abroad as a re- medy in hydrothorax and humoral asthma, but more particularly as a speci- fic in gout, is now discovered to be a preparation of the colchicum autum- nale. It is prepared by boiling two ounces of the root of colchicum in four ounces of white Spanish wine, and then filtering. Offic. Prep.—Syr. Colch. A. Ed.—Oxymel. Colch. Dub.—Acet. Colch. Lond. Gratiola Officinalis. Hedge-Hyssop. Diand. Monogyn. Personatw. Herba. South of Europe. This plant is cultivated in our gardens. Its leaves have a strong bitter taste, with little smell. They prove emetic and cathartic, but in a smaller dose produce a diuretic effect, and have been recommended under the DIURETIGS. 219 form of infusion in the treatment of dropsy, two drachms being infused in half a pint of warm water, and a table-spoonful being given twice or thrice a-day. Their operation, however, is always uncertain, and liable to be violent. Spartium Scoparium. Broom. Diadelph. Decand. Papilionaceae. Sum- mitates. Indigenous. The tops ofthe young branches ofthe broom have a bitter taste, which is communicated both to water and alcohol. The watery decoction, pre- pared by boiling an ounce of the tops in a pint of water to half a pint, is used as a popular remedy in dropsy, and sometimes with success. It acts as a cathartic and diuretic ; being taken in divided doses through the day until its operation is obtained. Ulmus Campestris. Common Elm. Pentandria. Digynia. Scabridce, Cortex interior. Indigenous. The interior bark of the elm has a place in the Pharmacopoeias, though little employed. It has a bitterish taste, and when boiled with water, af- fords a mucilaginous liquor. The decoction, which is an officinal prepa- ration, is the form under which it has been used. It is said to operate ns a diuretic, but does not appear to be of sufficient activity to form a reme- dy of any value in the treatment of dropsy. Advantage has been said to be derived from it in some cutaneous affections, especially some forms of lepra. % The dose ofthe decoction is 4 or 6 ounces twice a-day. Offic. Prep.—Decoct! Ulmi. Ed. Lond. Dub. Juniperus Communis. Juniper. Dioecia. Monadelph. Coniferce. Bac- ccc. Indigenous. The berries of this shrub have an aromatic smell, and a warm sweetish taste, with a degree of bitterness, the former qualities residing in the pulp, the last in the seeds. Distilled with water, they afford a considera- ble quantity of essential oil. The flavour and warmth are also extracted by water by infusion. Juniper berries given in infusion prove diuretic. The essential oil re- tains this property ; and the spirit of Juniper, or diluted alcohol impreg- nated with it, forming the spiritous liquor known by the name of Gin, is prescribed, in a diluted state, as a cordial and diuretic in dropsy. Offic. Prep.—01. Juniper. Com. Spir. Junip. C. Comp. Ed. Lond Dub. Copaifera Officinalis. Balsamum Copaibae. Balsam of Copaiba or Copaiva. Decand. Monogyn. Dumoscc. South America. This resinous juice, for it is improperly named a balsam, is the pro- duce by exudation from incisions made in the trunk ofthe tree. It flows thin, but becomes thick and tenacious, is transparent, with a yellow tinge ; has a peculiar smell not disagreeable, and a pungent bitter taste. It is insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, and in expressed and essential oils, and with alkalis forms a kind of saponaceous compound. Distilled with water, it affords nearly half its weight of an essential oil, an insipid resin being the residuum. Balsam of Copaiba increases the urinary discharge, and communicates to the urine a violet odour. In too large a dose, it is liable to excite in- flammation ofthe urinary passages. From its power of stimulating the«e 220 D1URETIC&. parts, it frequently proves successful in the cure of gleet, where the in- flammation has entirely subsided, and the discharge continues from weak- ness of the exhalents or absorbents of the urethra. It has also been given in leucorrhcea, and in haemorrhoidal affections. Its dose is 20 or 30 drops twice or thrice a-day, given in the form of bolus, or, what is pre- ferable, as remaining more easily on the stomach, and less irritating, dif- fused in water by the medium of mucilage. Pinus Balsamea. Balsamum Canadense. Canadian Balsam. Monoecia, Monadelph. Coniferce. Balsamum. North America. This resinous juice, like the preceding, improperly named abalsam, as it affords no benzoic acid, exudes spontaneously from the trunk of the tree. It is of a light yellow colour, transparent, tenacious, and inflamma- ble. By age it becomes thicker ; its smell is agreeable ; its taste pun- gent. It is soluble in alcohol and oils, and affords an essential oil by dis- tillation, similar to the oil from the other turpentines or resinous juices of the different species of pinus. The medicinal virtues of this resinous juice seem to be the same as those of copaiba, and it is used for the same purposes. Its do6e is from 30 to 50 drops. Of any ofthe turpentines it is the purest. Pinus Larix. Larch. Terebinthina Veneta. Venice Turpentine. Pinus Sylvestris. Scotch Fir. Common Turpentine. Monoecia. Monadelph. Coiiiferce. From these trees a resinous juice exudes spontaneously, and in greater abundance from incisions in the trunk ofthe tree. It is thick and tena- cious : that from the larch tree is semi-pellucid, of a yellowish colour, has a strong peculiar smell, and a bitter pungent taste ; it is named Venice Turpentine : that from the Scotch Fir is thicker, less limpid, and its odour is less grateful; it is named Common Turpentine. Both of them, by distillation, with the addition of a little water to prevent the temperature from rising too high, afford an essential oil, which is volatile and inflam- mable, but more sparingly soluble in alcohol than any other essential oil. The residuum is a resin nearly insipid. The Venice turpentine affords more oil than the other. This oil, Oleum Terebinthinae, Oil of Turpentine, is used in medicine much more frequently than the resinous juice itself. Itis light, limpid. and volatile ; has a strong penetrating smell, and a very pungent taste. It is a powerful stimulant, directed more particularly in its action to the urinary passages, as is evident from the violet odour it communicates to the urine, and from the inflammation it excites when given in too large a dose. From this specific action it has been employed in gleet in a dose from 5 to 10 drops, but its operation is always liable to be violent. It was highly recommended by Cheyne as a remedy in chronic rheumatism, es- pecially lumbago, given to the extent of 2 or 3 drachms mixed with honey. In such a dose, however, it is liable to be rejected from the stomach ; and it has generally been supposed hazardous from its tendency to act violent- ly on the urinary organs. This oil has lately been employed with much success as a remedy against the taenia or tape-worm, as is to be noticed under the class of anthelmintics. Externally it is applied by friction as a stimulant to parts affected with cramp and rheumatism ; it forms one of the best applications to scalds ; sometimes too it is used as a styptic to DIURETICS. J21 bleeding wounds. The Venice turpentine diffused in water by the yolk of an egg, forms a powerful cathartic enema. Resina Alba vel Flava. White or yellow resin is the residuum of the distillation of turpentine ; its various shades of colour arise from the pu- rity of the juice, or from the degree of heat applied. It is fusible and in- flammable ; is soluble in oils and in alcohol, but insoluble in water. It has little smell or taste, but appears from the practice ofthe farriers, who give it to horses, to have some degree of diuretic power. It is only em- ployed in the composition of ointments and plasters, which it renders more adhesive, and perhaps more stimulating. Various compositions of this kind have a place in the Pharmacopoeias, as the Ceratum Resinae, or Un- guentum Resinosum, long known by the name of Basilicon.the Emplastrum Resinosum, and others. From the wood ofthe different species of fir, exposed lo a low heat, Tar (Pix Liquida) is obtained. It is the resinous matter melted out, in- termixed with empyreumatic acetic acid, empyreumatic oil, and a portion of carbonaceous matter. When water is macerated on it, it receives an impregnation of taste and smell,—and this liquor, Tarwater, prepared from a gallon of water macerated on two pounds of tar, was at one period highly celebrated as a remedy in many diseases. It operates chiefly as a stimulating diuretic and diaphoretic. Tar by boiling loses its volatile prin- ciples, and acquires a stiffer consistence. This forms Pitch, (Resina Ni- gra), which is sometimes employed externally as a stimulating application. Pistacia Terebinthinus. Chio or Cyprus Turpentine. Dioec. Pen- tand. The Chio turpentine resembles the other turpentines, but is more lim- pid, fragrant and grateful; its powers are the same, but not being easily procured, it is never used. diuretics from the animal kingdom. Meloe Vesicatorius. Cantharis. Spanish Fly. Lytta Vesicatoria., Blistering Fly. Coleoptera. This insect is found adhering to the leaves of certain plants in Spain and Italy ; they are detached by shaking the branches, are killed by being ex- posed to the vapours'of vinegar, and are then dried in the sun. They are of a rich lively green and yellow colour ; have a faint unpleasant smell, and a taste slightly acrid. Their acrid matter is extracted both by water and alcohol ; and a process has been given by Robiquet, by which, as he affirms, it can be obtained in a pure and concentrated form. It consists in reducing the aqueous decoction of cantharides to an extract by evapora- tion, digesting this repeatedly in boiling alcohol, evaporating the spiritous solution to a thick consistence, and digesting this in cold sulphuric ether ; after a few days it is poured off from the undissolved residue, and by spon- taneous evaporation it affords a matter in soft scales, with a little oil. The latter is removed by cold alchohol; the former is the acrid vesicating principle pure ; the smallest particle of it dissolved in oil, forms a liquor which, applied to the skin, quickly raises a blister. Cantharides inflame and excoriate the skin, and are hence used as the basis ofthe common vesicatories. Their active matter appears to have a :m diuretic*. peculiar determination to the urinary organs, as even from external appli- cation strangury is sometimes induced ; and a small dose of the cantharides internally administered is liable to act with much violence on the kidneys and "bladder, producing inflammation and a discharge of bloody urine. In dropsy, it has been given as a diuretic in a dose of one grain once or twice a-day, continued for some time, but it does not appear to be a safe or mana- geable diuretic: it has been prescribed in a similar dose in obstinate gleet and leucorrhoea, and in retention of urine arising from debility ofthe body ofthe bladder, or in the opposite affection of incontinence of urine. It is principally in the latter of these affections that the internal administration of cantharides is attempted,—where the inability to retain the urine arises from weakness of the sphincter vesicae, a state which the cantharides by its local stimul int operation is adapted to remove. Its action requires to be moderated by the free use of diluents. It has also been employed as a stimulant in amenorrhoea. It is still more extensively used externally as an epispastic, an application of it to be afterwards noticed. The tincture is a milder form, and has been given in a dose of 15 or £0 drops : but it has failed in cases where the cantharides in substance have succeeded, particularly as a remedy in incontinence of urine. Offic. Prep.—Emplast. Cantharid. Vesicat. Tinct. Cantharid. Vesicat. Ungu-mt. Infus. Cantharid. Vesicat. Unguent. Pulv. Cantharid. Vesicat, Emplast. Cantharid. Vesicat. Compos. Ed. Lond. Dub. Emplast. Cale- faciens. Dub. [Aurum. Gold. (Page 131.) The diuretic properties of this metal have already been noticed when treating of it under the head of tonics. To what is there stated I would merely add that the muriated tincture of gold has been prescribed with great advantage by Dr. Francis, in the local irritability attending affections ofthe prostate gland and the neck ofthe bladder. In such cases he gives it a decided preference over the muriated tincture of iron.* B.] [Pvrola UmBellata. Pippsissewa. Groundholly. Wintergreen. Rheu- matism weed. Decand. Monogyn. N.«t. Ord. Bicornes. Herba. United States. This is an evergreen plant found in every part of the United States, and flowers in June and July. Its leaves have a sweetish bitter taste, con- bined with a degree of aromatic pungency. Its properties are extracted both by alcohol and water. Chemical analysis proves it to contain resin, gum resin, tannin, and bitter extractive. The effects of the pippsissewa upon the system are those of a tonic and diuretic. As a diuretic more especial- ly it sustains a very high character. In dropsy it has been exhibited with decided success both in Europe and in this country. In hematuria, ne- phritis, and ischuria it has also been used with much advantage, producing effects very analogous to those of the uva ursi. By the elder Dr. Barton it was highly esteemed as an antilithic. Dr. Chapman considers it useful in scrofula, and states that he has 4i witnessed some striking effects from its exhibition " As an external application to indolent tumours it has frequently proved highly serviceable. It may be administered in tincture, in doses of from 3j- to 3ij. ; or in infusion, made by pouring one pint of boiling water upon 3i. of the plant in doses of from 3ij to jiv. B.] * Eberle's Materia Medica, Vol. 2. p. 366. DIAPHORETICS, 223 CHAP. XL OF DIAPHORETICS. i Diaphoretics are those medicines which increase the natural exhala- tion by the skin. When they excite this so copiously as to produce sweat, they are named Sudorifics. The operation of both is the s ime, differing only in degree ; diaphoretics in doses sufficiently large acting as sudorifics, and sudorifics in diminished doses, or under peculiar circumstances, oc- casioning only diaphoresis. The fluid effused too is. in both cases alike, being chiefly the watery part ofthe blood, with a slight impregnation of saline matter. In the one case it is discharged more slowly, and there- fore passes off in the state of vapour; in the other it is discharged copious- ly from the exhalent vessels in the liquid form. The operation of these medicines is nor. obscure ; the natural exhala- tion is merely increased ; the action ofthe exhalent vessels on the surface must therefore have been augmented, and the substances belonging to this class must be those which stimulate these vessels. Of stimuli of this kind, external heat affords an example ; it is directly applied to the vessels, and must occasion in them increased action ; hence it often produces sweat, and always promotes the action of sudorifics. The same effect may be produced by a different operation,—by increas- ing the general force ofthe circulation : this propelling the blood into the minute vessels more forcibly acts as a stimulus on the exhalents, and in- creases their discharge. Hence violent, muscular exercise is attended with copious sweating. In one or other of these modes, the medicines belonging to this class operate,—either directly stimulating the cutaneous exhalent vessel-, or indirectly communicating to them increased action by increasing the force of the circulation. The saline diapboretics seem to act in the former manner; they have little or no action on the vascular system, neither increasing the velocity nor force ofthe circulation ; their action therefore is exerted on the sto- mach, and thence communicated to the vessels ofthe skin. Perhaps they may likewise be absorbed into the mass of blood, as they readily pass with the chyle, or enter the absorbent vessels, and may act more directly on the cutaneous vessels. Those diaphoretics, on the contrary, which are more stimulating, pro- bably act by increasing the force of the vascular system, as they usually augment the force and frequency of the pulse, previous to occasioning sweat. Diaphoresis is not, however, the necessary consequence of the circu- lation being increased in force ; for it often happens that the pulse is fre- quent and hard, when the skin remains dry. In this case there seems to exist a constriction ofthe exhalents, sufficient to resist the impetus of the blood, and whatever can remove this will favour sweating. Diaphoresis, therefore, it may in general be said, will follow from increased vascular ac- tion, when the exhalents ofthe skin are not morbidly constricted ; and it will take place still more copiously when the circulation is increased in the larger vessels, while the exhalents are relaxed. On this view is to be ex- -J24 DIAPHORETICS. plained the operation of tepid diluents, and of external warmth in promo ting sweat, the tendency of both being to increase the force of the circula- tion, and at the same time occasion relaxation of the cutaneous vessels. From producing the latter effect too, small doses of emetics are favoura- ble to diaphoresis ; and, from the same principle, the diaphoretic opera- tion of the combination of opium with ipecacuan, or the preparations of antimony, may be accounted for ; the primary effect of the opium being to increase the action ofthe vascular system ; that ofthe ipecacuan or an- timony, by its nauseating operation, to diminish the action at the surface, as is apparent from the paleness ofthe skin, and the sense of coldness with which nausea is attended. Hence the superiority of this combination in sudorific power. The primary effects of diaphoretics are to evacuate the watery part of the blood, and thus lessen the quantity of it in the circulating system ; to determine the blood to the surface from the internal parts ; to increase the action ofthe absorbents, and to remove spasmodic stricture ofthe cutane- ous vessels, and render the skin moist and relaxed. It is doubtful whether the first of these effects takes place to any ex- tent ; for, during sweating, there is generally considerable thirst: as much fluid may therefore be taken in, as will supply what is thrown out; and besides, the other fluid secretions, particularly that of urine, are diminish- ed during the operation. It is probable, therefore, that little alteration takes place in the quantity of fluid contained in the body from the action of diaphoretics; and we can scarcely, in any case, ascribe any beneficial effects they produce to this cause. The last effect is perhaps the most important; at least it is on this prin- ciple,—the removing spasmodic stricture of the cutaneous vessels,—that the efficacy of diaphoretics in inflammatory diseases has been explained. In such affections the skin is dry, and the external heat augmented ; but when diaphoresis has been induced, that state is removed, and the skin remains moist and cool. It is with the view of producing these effects that diaphoretics are used in synocha, acute rheumatism, and in the various phlegmasiae. Several circumstances contributed to lead physicians to the free use of diaphoretics in fevers. The skin is generally dry and hot; and it was of- ten observed, that a spontaneous salutary crisis is marked by diaphoresis, or even by a copious sweat. Hence it was concluded, that by following the path nature pointed out, and inducing this relaxed state of the ves- sels of the skin, the disease might be removed. Theory too had its in- fluence in carrying this practice to an immoderate extent, fever being sup- posed to arise from the presence of morbific matter in the system, and sweating being an evacuation by which it was supposed to be discharged, The limits to the practice have long been established ; little advantage ap- pears to be derived from it in the treatment of fevers ofthe typhoid type, and it is principally in the phlegmasiae that it is employed in inflammatory catarrh particularly, and in acute rheumatism. As evacuating the serous part ofthe blood, and as promoting absorption, sudorifics have been sometimes employed in the different species, of drop- sy, especially in anasarca, in which the circulation in the extreme vessels on the surface is more or less languid. Cases occur where it is not easy to increase the discharge by urine,'and in these sweating has been had re- course to as less debilitating than purging, the only other evacuation that can be excited with advantage. It has been remarked too, that the opera diaphoretics. 1-2.0 tion of diaphoretics, when it has been excited, has been accompanied by an increase in the quantity of urine, a proof of absorption having been pro- moted. It is difficult, however, to excite sweating in dropsy, and the prac- tice is rarely attempted. By determining to the surface, and preserving a gentle diaphoresis, the remedies of this class are found serviceable in asthma, dyspepsia, habitual diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, and chronic rheumatism. t In various obstinate cutaneous affections, as herpes and lepra, advantages have been derived from the use of diaphoretics, probably from altering the morbid state ofthe extreme vessels on the surface. The use ofthe warm bath, and the antimonial and mercurial diaphoretics, are found more par- ticularly serviceable in such affections. Several circumstances require to be attended to in the administration of sudorifics. If the disease is inflammatory, the action of the vascular sys- tem strong, and the skin dry, with great heat on the surface, those which are of the stimulating kind are to be avoided, as, if they fail in producing sweat, they may aggravate the symptoms. The free use of warm diluents is proper and even necessary, under the operation of full sweating. The patient should be covered with flannel, not only as preserving the tempera- ture more uniform, but also as it absorbs the moisture, which would other- wise carry off the heat too rapidly, and cool the surface. The cover- ing ought rather to be light, as there is no necessity for much external warmth. Too much heat, especially when unaccompanied by humidity, sometimes prevents sweating, probably by stimulating the exhalent vessels, and increasing their force of resistance. It is promoted by partial fomen- tation, as the application of flannel dipped in warm water, and pressed out, to the feet. Lastly, care is to be taken to avoid the application of cold, either by the admission of cold air to the surface, or the drinking of cold water while the sweat continues, or for some time after it has ceased. When the sweat is to be checked, it is best done by drying the skin, re- moving the patient into dry flannel, diminishing the covering, and allowing the hands and arms to be exposed to the air. The particular diaphoretics may be arranged according to the affinity in their operation, as they operate by increasing the action of the vascular system, or as they act without any senible stimulant operation, though it is somewhat difficult to trace the distinctions of these, or even with regard to every individual, to assign the kind of action it exerts. The saline dia- phoretics act principally in the latter mode ; the vegetable diaphoretics in the former. DIAPHORETICS. Acetas Ammoniac. Opium. Citras Ammonias. Camphor. Sub-Carbonas Ammoniae. Guaiacum Officinale. Murias Ammoniae. Daphne Mezereum. Sub-Murias Hydrargyri. Laurus Sassafras. 1 Antimonium. Salvia Officinalis. Sulphur. 226 DIArHORETICS. Acetas Ammonia;. Acetate of Ammonia. All the ammoniacal salts are supposed to have a diaphoretic power. The acetate is the one which has been principally used ; its solution (Aqua Acetatis Ammoniae) having been celebrated under the name of Spirit of Mindererus (Spiritus Mindereri) as a diaphoretic in febrile affections. It is prepared, according to the formula of the Pharmacopoeias, by neutral- izing distilled vinegar, by adding to it sub-carbonate of ammonia, the car- bonic acid being disengaged with effervescence, and the acetate of ammo- nia remaining in solution. Its strength must be various, according to the degree of concentration ofthe vinegar ; but as itis not an active substance, this is not of much importance, especially as it is usually given in divided doses. An ounce is given every hour or two, and its operation is promo- ted by tepid diluents and the sweating regimen. As it produces no in- crease of vascular action, it has been supposed well adapted to exhibition in inflammatory fevers, as synocha and acute rheumatism, and it is in such cases that it is usually employed. Its diaphoretic power, there is reason to suspect, is not very great; but it may be rendered more active by its- operation being promoted by the addition of small proportions of opium and antimony. Externally it is used as a discutient, and sometimes as an application to inflamed parts.* Citras Ammonia;. Citrate of Ammonia. Lemon juice, neutralized by potash, affords a remedy, which has long been employed under the name of Saline Mixture, as a refrigerant in fe- ver. When it is neutralized by ammonia, it is supposed, along with its refrigerant, to have a diaphoretic power. Citric acid being the chief con- stituent ingredient of the juice of the lemon, this preparation is of course a citrate of ammonia. In the diluted state in which the mixture is pre- pared, it can have no great power; but its diaphoretic operation is some- times promoted by the addition of a few drops of tincture of opium and an- timonial wine. Sub-carbonas Ammonia. Sub-carbonate of Ammonia. The salt which has obtained this name, is employed either under the solid form, or in a state of solution, for the preparation of both of which formulas are given in the Pharmacopoeias. It is obtained in the solid state by sublimation from a mixture of muriate of ammonia and carbonate of lime, the heat applied giving rise to a double decomposition, the carbonic acid combining with the ammonia, the muriatic acid with the lime, and the am- moniacal carbonate being sublimed. It forms a solid mass, white and ef- florescent, which retains the pungent ammoniacal odour, and which, as it also changes the vegetable colours to a green, is rather to be regarded as a sub-carbonate than a carbonate. Its solution (Solutio Sub-carbonatis Ammoniae) is prepared, according to the formula in the Dublin Pharma- copoeia, by distilling water from a mixture of muriate of ammonia and sub- carbonate of soda, sub-carbonate of ammonia being formed by a double de- composition, sublimed, and dissolved by the water which distils over ; ac- cording to the formula of the Edinburgh and London Pharmacopoeias, by * Incompatible Substances. Acids, the fixed alkalies, alum, lime water, sulphate of magnesia, corrosive sublimate, nitrate of silver, the sulphates of zinc, copper andiron, acetate of lead and magnesia. Paris. Ed. DIAPHORETICS. in dissolving the sub-carbonate of ammonia in distilled water, and filtering- through paper. Under either form it is used as a stimulant, and some- times as a sudorific, its dose being 10 or 15 grains ofthe concrete salt, and from half a drachm to a drachm ofthe solution. Its operation is pro- moted by the sweating regimen. As a stimulant, the solution is given in a similar dose in languor or faintness, or with this intention, it is used un- der the more grateful form of its solution in alcohol, with the addition of some of the more fragrant essential oils, forming the officinal preparation ofthe aromatic spirit of ammonia. The concrete salt is applied to the nostrils, forming what is named the pungent smelling salt.* Murias Ammonia:. Muriate of Ammonia. Sal Ammoniacus. Sal Ammo- niac. This salt is prepared by various processes, on a large scale, for the purposes to which it is applied in the arts. The ammonia, which is its base, is usually procured by distillation from urine or bones, and is com- bined with sulphuric acid, so as to form sulphate of ammonia; or some- times this salt is procured by maceration from the soot of coal used as fuel, in which it exists in greater or less quantity. As obtained in either way, it is mixed with muriate of soda ; the two salts are decomposed by double affinity, the sulphuric acid uniting with the soda, the muriate acid with the ammonia, and the muriate of ammonia is sublimed. It is thus ob- tained in a solid dense mass, of a striated texture, somewhat ductile and semi-transparent. It is soluble in about three parts of cold water, and may be crystallized from its hot solution. In medical practice it is little employed. It has been supposed, in the dose of one drachm, to act either as a diuretic or diaphortic, according to the mode in which it is adminis- tered ; the first effect being obtained when the surface of the body is kept cool ; the other when external warmth is applied, with the use of tepid di- luents. It is also applied externally as a discutient to indolent tumors, dis- solved in distilled vinegar, with sometimes the addition of a little alcohol; and a similar solution is used as an application in some forms of inflamma- tion, to chilblains, and to some cutaneous eruptions. But it has a place in the Pharmacopoeias principally as being employed in pharmacy.! Sub-murias Hydrargyri Mitis. Sub-murias Hydrargyri. Mild Muriate of Mercury. Sub-muriate of Mercury. Calomel. (Page 116.) This preparation of mercury is sometimes employed to obtain its action on the cutaneous vessels ; and in certain diseases, particularly eruptions on the surface, and chronic rheumatism, has been supposed to prove use- ful by increasing the insensible perspiration. Combined with opium, or with guaiac, it has been supposed to exert a still greater degree of dia- phoretic power. * Incompatible Substances. Acids, fixed alkalies and their carbonates, lime, magne- sia, alum, supertartrate of potash and all the acidulous salts, sulphate of magnesia, ace- tate, submuriate and oxymuriate of mercury, superacetate of lead, tartarized iron and the sulphates of iron and zinc. If it be added to decoctions and infusions, they must be previously cooled. Paris. Ed. t Incompatible Subtances. Sulphuric and nitric acids, fiotash and its carbonate, car- bonate of soda, linte, magnesia, superacetate of lead, nitrate of silver, and all the metal - He salts whose bases form insoluble compounds with muriatic acid. Paris. Ed. 228 diaphoretics. Antimonium. Antimony. (Page 174.) A sympathy appears to exist between the stomach and the surface of the body, in consequence of which, the state of the one is to a certain extent communicated to the other ; the nauseating effect, for example, of emetics, being accompanied with diminished action at the surface. This sympa- thetic affection is apparently produced by the prepartions of antimony ; and some of them, particularly the oxide of antimony with phosphate of lime, and the tartrate of antimony and potash, are hence employed as dia- phoretics in febrile affections. The former is given in a dose from 3 to 8 grains, repeated every third or fourth hour, until its operation as a su- dorific, cathartic, or emetic, is produced ; the latter being given in a dose of one-half or one-fourth of a grain in a similar manner. The action of both is aided by warm diluents ; the phosphate of antimony and lime, being less liable to excite vomiting, and its action being more general in the sys- tem, is to be preferred, wherever the object is to cut short the progress of fever, by obtaining a favourable crisis. Where the intention is merely to determine to the surface so as to produce diaphoresis, the tartrate of antimony and potash given in divided doses, is rather more manageable, and it is rendered more certain and powerful in its effect by combination with opium. The sulphuret of antimony levigated has been employed as a remedy in some cutaneous diseases, and chronic rheumatism ; and has been supposed to operate by increasing the insensible perspiration. Sulphur. Sulphur. (Page 191.) Sulphur, it has already been remarked, passes off by cutaneous vessels, and with some increase, it has been supposed, of the insensible perspira- tion. - Hence has been explained the advantage sometimes derived from it in habitual dyspnoea, and in chronic catarrh. The solution of it in oil, Oleum Sulphuratum, has been used in the same cases, but is a preparation both acrid and nauseous. Opium. Opium. (Page 79.) * Opium produces diaphoresis, particularly when its operation is promo- ted by diluents and external warmth, and in large doses it excites even profuse sweating. It is difficult, however, to employ it alone as a sudori- fic, from its narcotic power being necessarily exerted at the same time. But by combination with antimony or ipecacuan, a modification of power is produced, more important perhaps than any other arising from the combi- nation of remedies : the narcotic operation of the opium is counteracted, the nauseating effect of the ipecacuan or antimony is also diminished, and we obtain a sudorific more powerful and certain than any other. In the combination with antimony, thirty-five drops of antimonial wine are added to twenty-five of tincture of opium. The combination with ipecacuan is still more powerful. It is an officinal preparation, (Pulvis Ipecacuanhae et Opii,) and consists of one part of ipecacuan, one of opium, and eight parts of sulphate of potash : these are rubbed together into a fine powder, the sulphate of potash rendering this more easy by dividing the opium, and lessening its tenacity. Thjs has long been celebrated as a sudorific, un- der the name of Dover's Powder, and is the medicine which is employed where copious sweating is to be induced, as in acute rheumatism, in ana- sarca, and in every other disease in which this indication is to be fulfilled. Its medium dose is ten grains, given generally in a bolus : its operation is DIAPHORETICS. Hfi promoted by tepid diluents and external warmth, the patient being confined to bed. If it fail in producing sweat, other five grains may be given at the end of an hour, and sometimes even it is necessary to give a larger dose. When it operates, the sweating is generally profuse, and by proper man- agement can be kept up for several hours. The power of the combina- tion probably depends on the joint action ofthe opium and ipecacuan, the former increasing the force of the circulation, while it also produces re- laxation at the surface, and the latter aiding this effect by its action, pro- pagated from the stomach to the surface ofthe body, diminishing the resis- tance in the exhalent vessels. Such is the effect of this modification, that the combination can be given with safety in pure inflammatory affections, attended with increased vascular action, where the exhibition of opium alone would be attended with hazard. Camphora. Camphor. (Page 78.) Camphor has been employed as a diaphoretic in acute rheumatism, in different forms of fever, and in several of the exanthemata, particularly small-pox, in a dose from 5 to 15 grains : but its operation is not sufficient- ly certain, when it is given alone. Sometimes it is combined with nitre, with antimonials, mild muriate of mercury, or opium. Guaiacum Officinale. Guaiac. Decand. Monogyn. Gruinales. Lignum et Gummi-resina. South America and West Indies. Tue wood of this tree, and a concrete resinous substance obtained by exudation from incisions in its trunk, are the parts of it used in medicine. The wood is hard and heavy, of a yellowish colour, has little smell, and a slightly warm bitter taste. Its virtues depend on the small portion of resinous matter which it contains. It is rasped for medicinal use : by boiling in water, its virtues appear to be extracted, and it is under the form of decoction, a formula for which is inserted in the Pharmacopoeias, that it is always employed. Guaiac wood was introduced into practice as a remedy in the treatment of lues venerea, and was at one time even considered capable of affecting a radical cure. It has however no such power ; but it is employed as an auxiliary, and sometimes with evident advantage, in promoting the action of mercury in the confirmed state ofthe disease, and in alleviating the va- rious symptoms which arise from a protracted mercurial course. It is likewise occasionally prescribed in cutaneous diseases, in scrofulous affec- tions, and in chronic rheumatism. The dose in which it is given is a quart of the decocton drunk in the course of the day. If taken warm, it pro- duces diaphoresis. Offic. Prep.—Dec. Guaiac. Off. Comp. Ed. Guaiacum. Gummi-Resina. This is obtained by exudation from incisions made in the trunk of the guaiac tree, the juice being inspissated by exposure to the sun. It is also extracted by another process, probably not without some injury, that of placing billets of the wood, bored longitudinally, across a fire ; the resin- ous matter is melted, runs into the internal cavity, and is collected at the extremity. It is friable, of a greenish or greyish colour, variegated when it has been obtained by exudation ; it has a resinous lustre, an odour some- what fragrant, and a warm bitterish taste. It was regarded as a gum-resin, but, according to the experiments of Brande, it possesses some pecuhV 230 DIAPHORETICS. properties, whence it has been regarded as a distinct principle. It in pax ticular suffers changes of colour, apparently from the action of oxygen. Its powder is at first of a grey colour, but becomes green from exposure to the air ; and when its solution in alcohol is decomposed by acids, the pre- cipitate assumes various tints of colour. When acted on by concentrated nitric acid, it affords oxalic acid; by the diluted acid a product is formed more highly resinous. It is almost entirely soluble in alcohol. Water by digestion on it dissolves a little extractive matter. Mr. Brande obtain- ed the following products by distilling one hundred parts of it:—Acidulous water, 5.5. thick brown oil, 24.5. thin empyreumatic oil, 30.0. charcoal, 30.5. gases consisting of carbonic acid and carburetted hydrogen, CO. loss, 0.5.= 100.0. Guaiac is a stimulating medicine, proving diaphoretic in a dose of about half a drachm, and purgative in a larger dose. It is a remedy employed in chronic rheumatism, being given so as to excite sweat, or more usually in smaller doses to keep up a gentle diaphoresis. Its sudorific power is promoted by opium, or the preparations of antimony. It is given either in substance in the form of bolus, or diffused in water by the medium of mucilage, or in tincture. The tincture of it in spirit of ammonia is more highly stimulating than that in proof-spirit, and is generally preferred.* Offic. Prep.—T. Guajac. T. Guajac. Amm. Ed. Lond. Dub.—Mist. Guaiac. Lond. Daphne Mezereum. Mezereon. Octand. Monogyn. Vepreculce. Cortex radicis. Indigenous. The bark of the root of this plant is the part used in medicine ; the en- tire slender twigs ofthe root are, however, often found in the shops : its taste when it is chewed for some time is acrid: but this acrimony is somewhat impaired in drying it ; it is extracted by water and by vinegar. Mezereon is a stimulating diaphoretic, which has been found of service in chronic rheumatism, and in cutaneousdiseases. Its principal medicinal application has been, however, in the treatment of some syphilitic affections ; and it has in particular been regarded as efficacious in removing venereal nodes, and thickening of the ligaments and periosteum, and in disposing ulcerations to heal. It is given in the form of decoction ; two drachms of the bark, according to the officinal formula, with half an ounce of liquor- ice root, being boiled in three pounds of water, to two pounds, and •* or 6 ounces of this being given four times a day. From its acrimony it is lia- ble to excite nausea hence it is often given in a weaker decoction, and combined with guaiac and sarsaparilla. Such a combination forms the Decoctum Sarsaparillae Composituni, an improved formula for the Lisbon diet-drink, a preparation which at one period was celebrated in the treat- ment of these affections. Offic. Prep.—Dec. Daphn. Mez. Ed. Laurus Sassafras. Sassafras. Enneand. Monogyn. Olcracece. Lig- num. America. This wood has a moderately fragrant smell, and a sweetish aromatic taste. It affords an essential oil by distillation, and yields to water, by in- fusion or decoction, its flavour and part of its taste. It is slightly stimu- lant and diaphoretic. Its infusion has been drunk freely in cutaneous dis- * Incompatible Substances. The mineral acid?. Paris. Ed EXPECTORANTS. 231 eases, and in chronic rheumatism ; it has even been celebrated for its ef- ficacy in the removal of some of the symptoms of syphilis, and it is fre- quently added to decoctions of sarsaparilla, guaiac, and mezereon, employ- ed in the treatment of protracted syphilitic affections, probably without communicating any real virtue. Offic. Prep.—01. Laur. Sassaf. Ed. Lond. Dub. Salvia Officinalis. Sage. Diand. Monogyn. Verticillate. Folia. South of Europe. The leaves of this shrub have an aromatic smell, and a warm bitterish taste. Its aqueous infusion, drunk warm, has been used to produce sweat, or to promote the action of sudorifics ; the aromatic quality of the sage adding something perhaps to the power of the warm diluent. [Eupatorium Perfoliatum. Boneset. (Page 152.) The diaphoretic properties ofthe Boneset will be found noticed in the general account given of this plant under the head of Tonics. B.] [Asclepias Tuberosa. Decumbent Swallow wort. Pleurisy root. Butter- fly weed. Pentand. Digyn. Nat. Ord. Contortce. Radix. United States. This plant grows in every part of the United States, but is most abun- dant in the Carolinas and Georgia. It flowers in June and July. The root, which is the part used in medicine, has a bitter though not unpleas- ant taste. According to Bigelow its most abundant soluble portions are a bitter extractive matter and fecula. Boiling water is its best menstruum. As a diaphoretic and expectorant the asclepias deserves a high rank a- mong our native medicinal productions. It has been found highly servi- ceable in rheumatism, catarrh, bronchitis and the secondary stages of pneu- monic inflammation. It has also been recommended as a palliative in phthisis pulmonalis. It may be given in substance and decoction. Ofthe former the dose is from 9j to3ss. The decoction is made by boiling 3ss ofthe root in a pint of water. Of this a teacup full may be taken several times during the day. B.] CHAP. XII. OF EXPECTORANTS. Expectorants have been defined, those medicines which facilitate or promote the rejection of mucus, or other fluids, from the lungs and tra- chea. The theory that has been given of their mode of operation is ex- tremely obscure and hypothetical. It has been supposed, that in certain diseases, a greater quantity of serous fluid is thrown out by the exhalent vessels in the lungs than the absorbents can take up, and that expecto- rants facilitate the rejection of this fluid. But as expectoration of this kind is a complicated, and partly voluntary operation, dependent on the action of a variety of muscles, it is difficult to perceive how these reme- dies can produce any such effect. There are only two classes of medi 232 EXTECTORANTS. cines which seem capable of promoting expectoration in this manner powerful stimulants, which^ when extreme debility is present, may pro- mote it by giving vigour to the voluntary muscles exejted in the opera- tion, arid emeticsj which, by exciting vomiting, compress the thoracic vis- cera, and by calling all the neighbouring muscles into strong action, and rendering both expiration and inspiration more forcible, may facilitate the expulsion of matter from the cavity ofthe lungs. But these exert no spe- cific action, and are therefore not entitled to the appellation of expecto- rants ; nor indeed are they usually ccnsidered as such. If, therefore, by expectorants, are understood substances capable of promoting, by some specific action on the parts concerned, the expulsion of fluid from the lungs, there appears no reason to believe in the exist- ence of such remedies. Dr. Cullen, after admitting the difficulty of giving a theory on this sub- ject, supposes that the promoting of expectoration by these remedies, may be owing to their " increasing the secretion ofthe liquid, that is, to afford a mucus; this, as it is poured from the arteries into the follicles, being al- ways a thin fluid, it may dilate the mucus in the follicles, and may cause it to be poured out from these in a less viscid state, and thereby render it more easy to be brought up by coughing, that is, to be more freely expec- torated." It is possible that some expectorants may act in this manner ; but the action of the different individuals belonging to the class, and especially their action in different diseases, cannot always be explained on this prin- ciple. There appear indeed to be several modes of operation, by which certain medicines promote expectoration, and which give them a claim to the title of expectorants. In the first place, by removing constriction on the exhalent vessels in the lungs, expectoration will appear to be promoted. From this constrict- ed state, the usual quantity of fluid is not thrown out to lubricate these parts ; expectoration must of course be more scanty than usual; and if medicines are given capable of removing the constriction, expectoration Avill become more copious. At the same time, the disease will be at least partially relieved, as that morbid state ofthe vessels, from which some of its symptoms originate, is removed. It is apparently by such a mode of operation that the promoting of expectoration is of service in pneumonia, inflammatory catarrh, and asthma, the principal diseases in which expec- torants are employed. The remedies by which such an effect is induced, according to this mode of operation, must be principally those belonging to the class of an- tispasmodics, or those which have the power of inducing nausea, either of these being capable by their action of removing constriction ofthe ex- halent vessels. The antimonial preparations, which are perhaps the most powerful expectorants, appear to operate on this principle. Opium must operate in a similar manner. Itis not possible, however, to explain the effect of all the medicines ranked as expectorants from this mode of operation. On the contrary, some of them seem to act on a very different principle. In certain diseases, as in humoral asthma and catarrhus senilis, there is, from debility ofthe ex- halents, or from deficient action of the absorbents, an increased quantity of fluid in the lungs. Some medicines have been supposed to promote its expectoration : but it is more probable that any relief they afford is by di- minishing its quantity. There appear to be certain substances peculiarly EXPECTORANTS. 233 determined to the pulmonary vessels, as their odour is discernible in the air expired. These may stimulate the exhalent vessels through which they pass, and by this stimulus may moderate the effusion of fluid, and thus render the expectoration ofthe remainder more easy. Any medicine promoting absorption of the effused fluid, will to a certain extent have a similar effect. There is another mode, too, in which the quantity of fluid in the lungs may be diminished, that of determining to the surface of the body, so as to increase the insensible perspiration ; and it is probable, that some ofthe substances which have been used as expectorants, particularly those connected with the class of diaphoretics, owe what virtues they have to this operation. Expectorants are not, then, to be regarded as medicines which assist the rejection of a fluid already secreted, or which, according to Dr. Cullen's opinion, alter its consistence, and render it thin where it is too viscid, by which its expulsion is rendered more easy. They are rather to be con- sidered either as increasing the natural exhalation where it has been defi- cient, in which case the expectoration that takes place is the consequence of this, and not the cause of any relief that is afforded ; or as diminishing the quantity of fluid where it is too copious, either by stimulating the ex- halent vessels, increasing the action ofthe pulmonary absorbents, or de- termining to the surface of the body, by which diminution the expulsion of the remaining fluid is facilitated. On one or other of these principles we may, with sufficient probability, explain the effects of this class of rem- edies, and their application to the treatment of diseases. From this diversity of operation, it is evident that expectorants will prove useful in opposite diseases, and that in some morbid affections ad- vantage may be derived from those belonging to one division, but not from the other. In pneumonia, where the expectoration is deficient, as this arises not from any deficiency of power to expectorate, but from a diminution ofthe fluid usually thrown out into the bronchiae, owing to a constricted state of the exhalent vessels, it is evident that those expectorants which act by re- moving such a state, will be most useful, while such expectorants as stim- ulate these vessels would be rather prejudicial. Hence the utility in this case of nauseating doses of tartrate of antimony, or of ipecacuan; and similar advantage may be derived from the use of these remedies in catarrh, and perhaps also in spasmodic asthma. On the contrary, where the effu- sion of fluids into the bronchiae is too great, as in humoral asthma, or in the chronic catarrh to which old people are subject, those expectorants which are more directly stimulant, as the different balsams, and several of the gum resins, as myrrh or ammoniacum, so far as they have any efficacy, or those which promote absorption, as squill or foxglove, will be found more useful. In considering the particular expectorants, they may be arranged as nearly as possible according to these subdivisions, EXPECTORANTS. Antimonium. Allium Sativum. Ipecacuanha. Polygala Senega. Digitalis Purpurea. Ammoniacum. Nicotiana Tabacum. Myrrha. •^cillaMaritima. Mvroxylon Peruiferum :<0 EXPECTORANTS, Toluifera Balsamum. Styrax Officinale. Styrax Benzoin. Amyris Gileadensis. Antimonium. Antimony. (Page 174.) Antimony, it has been already remarked, is in use as an expectorant, and probably operates by its power of removing constriction of the exha- lents, and thereby favouring the effusion of fluid into the mucous cells of the lungs, when from an inflammatory state this secretion had been sup- pressed. It of course then apparently causes expectoration. Ofthe pre- parations of it which have been employed as expectorants, the principal are the hydro-sulphuretted oxide, and the tartrate of antimony and potash. The first, under the forms of what are named kermes mineral, and preci- pitated sulphuret of antimony, was at one time celebrated as a remedy in pertussis and in pneumonia, in a dose of from 5 to 10 grains ; but being uncertain in its strength, has fallen into disuse. The tartate of antimony and potash is used in the same cases, and in some forms of asthma and ca- tarrh, in the dose of one-eighth of a grain, repeated every second or third hour. It is also frequently combined with squill and other expectorants, to promote their operation. Ipecacuanha. Ipecacuan. (Page 160.) Ipecacuan, operating in the same manner nearly as antimony, has like it been used, as an expectorant in a dose of two or three grains. It is, however, less frequently employed. Advantage is sometimes derived from it in this dose continued for some time in chronic asthma. Digitalis Purpurea. Foxglove. (Page 92.) Digitalis is employed with advantage in humoral asthma, dyspnoea aquosa, and in catarrhus senilis, obviously from its power of promoting absorption* by which it removes the fluid accumulated in the lungs from diminished action of the absorbents. By diminishing the quantity of this fluid, it facilitates the expectoration of the remainder ; it hence appears to act as an expectorant, and relieves the difficulty of breathing, and the irritation to which this accumulation gives rise. In such cases, it is pro- per to give it rather in small doses, than to push its operation to any great extent; a grain of the dried leaves, twenty drops of the tincture, or half an ounce of the infusion, daily, will be a sufficient dose. Nicotiana Tabacum. Tobacco. (Page 95.) Tobacco has been celebrated as an expectorant in chronic catarrh and humoral asthma, under the form of the watery extract, the dose of which is two or three grains. Its general action being similar to that of foxglove, it probably operates in these morbid affections on the same principle, though it is much inferior in efficacy. Scilla Maritima. Squill. (Page 182.) Sq.uill, the history of which has been given as a diuretic, is one of the the principal expectorants. It is used more peculiarly in those cases where there is an accumulation of the pulmonary mucus : hence it proba- bly operates by its power of promoting absorption,diminishing the quanti- ty of fluid effused, and thus facilitating the expectoration of the remain- EXPECTORANTS. 235 I der. By stimulating the exhalents ofthe lungs, where they are in a debili- tated state, it may also lessen the secretion where it is too abundant. In in- flammatory states ofthe system, where, from constriction ofthe pulmonary vessels, the exhalation is diminished, itis less useful; it has even, from its acrimony and stimulating quality, been considered injurious in pneumonia, unless when the state of active inflammation has subsided, or when its stimu lating operation is diminished by combination with nitre, or with tartrate of antimony. As an expectorant, it is also used in pertussis, and when the removal of that disease is attempted by exciting vomiting at intervals, it is the emetic usually prescribed. In all these cases it is used under the form of the vinegar or the syrup of squill, the dose of the former being half a drachm, of the latter a drachm, repeated every third or fourth hour, with the view of promoting expectoration, or considerably larger when it is intended to produce vomiting, The squill pill is used in chron- ic catarrh, in a dose of 10 grains daily. Allium Salivum. Garlic. Hex and. Monogyn. Liliacece. Radix. South of Europe. The bulbs of the root of this plant have, when recent, a fcetid smell and acrid taste. By being long kept, they become shrivelled and inert. Their taste and smell are extracted by water by infusion ; by decoction they are nearly lost. By distillation they afford an essential oil odorous and acrid. Garlic has an analogy to squill in its qualities and operation : it acts as a diuretic, diaphoretic, and expectorant; hence its use in dropsy, frheuma- talgia, and humoral asthma : it has also been employed in the treatment of intermittent fever; and as a stimulant in dyspepsia. Its dose is half a drachm or 2 scruples, swallowed whole, or made into pills with soap. A syrup prepared by digesting it in vinegar, and boiling the liquid with the due proportion of sugar, has been used as an expectorant. Externally, garlic bruised is used as a stimulant and rubefacient: it is applied to the soles of the feet, to relieve coma in fever ; its juice is sometimes introdu- ced into the ear in cases of deafness. Qffic. Prep.—Syr. Alii. Dub. Polygala Sf.nega. Seneka. Rattlesnake-root. Diadelph. Octand. Lo- mentac. Radix. North America. This root is in articulated shoots, of a greyish yellow colour ; its taste is bitter and pungent. Its active matter is extracted principally by water with the assistance of heat, and completely by alcohol. Seneka has been employed as an expectorant in pneumonia, after the highly inflammatory stage of the disease has been subdued, and also in pertussis and chronic catarrh. Its dose in substance is from 10 to 20 grains, but it is generally used in the form of decoction, of which, when prepared according to the formula ofthe Edinburgh College, an ounce, or an ounce and a half, may be given every second or third hour. As it op- erates also as a diuretic, it is probable that its efficacy depends on its pow- er of increasing absorption, and hence that it is more adapted to those ca- ses where there is an accumulation of fluid in the bronchiae, than to affec- tions of an opposite nature. It is however little used.* * In this country the Seneka is a much more popular article than it appears to be in Europe from the representation of our author. As a remedy m croup particularly, it has long sustained with us a very high character, and it is also in common use in many of 236 EXPECTORANT:?, Offic. Prfp___Dec. Polygal. Seneg. Ed. Lond. Ammoniacum. Ammoniac. Heracleum Gummiferum. Pentand. Digyn, Umbellate. Gummi-resina. This gum-resin is brought from Egypt and the East Indies ; the tree which produces it has not been accurately described. Wildenow, how- ever, succeeded in raising, from the seeds often found mixed in the gum- ammoniac of the shops, a vegetable which he has described, and named Heracleum Gummiferum : and the London College have, on his authority, inserted it as the plant which affords ammoniac. It appears that the gum- resin is yielded by exudation. It is in large masses, or, when ofthe best quality, in round fragments, yellow on the surface, and white within. It has a faint smell, and a nauseous taste. It is partially soluble in alcohol. Water triturated with it forms a milky-like mixture, from which a resin- ous matter subsides. The following are its constituent parts, according to the analysis of Braconnot: resin 70.0, gum 18.4, glutinous matter 4.4, water 6.0, loss 1.2 = 100.0. Ammoniac is principally employed as an expectorant, and is sometimes prescribed in asthma and chronic catarrh, probably with little benefit. Its dose is from 10 to 20 grains, given under the form of pill, or diffused in water, and frequently combined with squill or tartrate of antimony. Some- times it is used as an emmenagogue, combined with myrrh, or with pre- parations of iron. Externally it is applied as a discutient, under the form of plaster, to white swelling of the knee, and to indolent tumors, being beat into a soft mass with vinegar, and spread on leather. Offic. Prep.—Emp. Amm. Emp. Ammon. cum. Hydr. Lond.—Mist. Ammon. Lond. Dub, Myrrha. Myrrh. Gummi-resina. Myrrh is the produce of Arabia and Abyssinia ; the plant from which it is obtained has never been accurately described. It is in small pieces of a reddish-brown colour, has a smell rather fragrant, and a warm bitter taste. It consists of gum and resin ; the latter appearing to constitute its active matter. Alcohol dissolves the resin, and the solution is rendered turbid by the affusion of water. Water boiled on myrrh dissolves the mucilaginous matter, to which part ofthe resin adheres, and this evapora- ted affords the watery extract, which is less active than the myrrh itself. According to Pelletier, myrrh is composed of 67 parts of gum, and 33 parts of resin, containing some volatile oil. Myrrh is an expectorant which has been regarded as too stimulating to be employed in pneumonic inflammation, but which has been often em- ployed in asthma and chronic catarrh, and sometimes in phthisis where there is little tendency to inflammatory action. Its dose is from 10 to 20 grains : and to lessen its stimulating operation, it is not unfrequently com- bined with nitre, or with super-tartrate of potash. The watery extract, which has been preferred by many physicians to the myrrh itself, and the forms of pneumonic inflammation. From its very stimulating character it is evi- dent that it can only be administered with safety in the secondary stages of these dis- eases, after bloodletting and other evacuations have been liberally premised. The best form in which it can be given is that of decoction, prepared from Jss of the bruised root boiled in 3 viij of water down to giv. In croup, a tea spoonful of this may be given every hour or half hour according to circumstances. It is proper to state that Dr. Archer of Maryland first suggested this practice. Ed. EXPECTORANTS. 237 which is a form under which it has been used in phthisis, seems to be an injudicious preparation, as the myrrh is merely weakened in power. Myrrh is also sometimes employed in amenorrhoea, usually combined with iron. Its tincture is in common use as a stimulating application in spongi- ness ofthe gums, and sometimes also to foul ulcers. Offic. Prep.—Tinct. Myrrh. Ed. Lond. Dub.—Tinct. Aloes et Myrrhae, Ed. Myroxylon PeruifCrum. Balsamum Peruvianum. Peruvian Balsam- Decand. Monogyn. Lomentacece. South America. This balsam is said to be extracted by boiling the bark and young branches of the tree with water ; it has also been affirmed that it is ob- tained by exudation. It is thick and viscid, of a reddish-brown colour, has a strong smell somewhat fragrant, and a bitter pungent taste. It affords a small portion of essential oil by distillation, and of acid of benzoin by sublimation. Its remaining matter is resinous. It is entirely soluble in alcohol. Peruvian balsam is considerably stimulant. It has been employed as an expectorant in catarrh and dyspnoea, more particularly in those forms of these diseases where the secretion of pulmonary mucus is increased ; and from its stimulating action on the stomach, or from a similar action on the exhalents or absorbents ofthe lungs, may be attended with advantage. It has also been prescribed as a remedy in paralysis, chronic rheumatism, and leucorrhcea. Its close is from 5 to 15 grains, and it is best given dif- fused by mucilage, or made into pills by any vegetable powder. Its tinc- ture is employed as a stimulating application to foul ulcers. Toluifera Balsamum. Balsamum Tolutanum. Balsam of Tolu. De- cand. Monogyn. Lomentacece. South America. Tolu balsam is obtained from incisions in the trunk of the tree ; it thickens and becomes concrete, and of a resinous fracture and appearance ; it is of a brown colour, has a fragrant odour, and a warm sweetish taste. It dissolves entirely in alcohol, and communicates its odour and taste to water by boiling. It contains a small quantity of acid of benzoin, which is expelled from it by heat. This is the mildest of all the balsams. It has been used as an expecto- rant, and its tincture or syrup sometimes enters into the composition of mucilaginous mixtures used in catarrh, but its powers are very inconsider- able, and it is employed principally on account of its flavour. Offic. Prep.—Tinct. Tolnif. B. Ed. Dub.—Syrup. Tolutan. Lond. Styrax Benzoin. Benzoinum. Benzoin or Benjamin. Decand. Mo- nogyn. Bicornes. Balsamum. India. The tree which affords the concrete balsam named Benzoin, is a native of Sumatra. It yields it by exudation from incisions which are made in the bark of the stem. Benzoin is in brittle masses, composed of brown and white fragments ; its smell is fragrant; it has little taste. It consists almost wholly of resin, and is therefore nearly entirely soluble in alcohol. It likewise contains a considerable portion of that peculiar acid, which, as it exists in greater quantity in it than in any other vegetable matter, is nam- ed Benzoic acid. This is obtained from it by sublimation, or by decoction with water, and likewise by boiling it with potash or lime, with either of which it combines, and is afterwards separated by the addition of an acid. 238 61ALAG0GUES. It is in white brilliant scales, retains the flavour of the benzoin, and with acidity has likewise a degree of pungency. From 1500 grains of Benzoin, analysed by Bucholz, 1250 of resin were obtained, 187 of benzoic acid, i'5 of a substance resembling the balsam of Peru, 8 of an aromatic substance soluble in water and alcohol, and 30 of woody fibre and impurities. When nitric acid is added to it, a quantity of artificial tannin is formed. Benzoin is rarely employed in medicine. Its acid has been prescribed as an expectorant in asthma, in a dose of 10 or 15 grains ; but is a medi- cine of little power. It enters into the composition ofthe ammoniated and camphorated tinctures of opium, and is scarcely applied to any other use. Offic. Prep.—T. Benz. C. Ed. Lond. Dub, Styrax Officinale. Storax. Decand. Monogyn. Bicornes. Balsa- mum. South of Europe, Asia. The resinous juice afforded by the Storax-tree, from incisions in the bark of the slein, is, in the state in which it is imported from the Levant, very impure, from the intermixture of saw-dust, and sometimes of earthy matter. It is in masses -oft and slightly unctuous, of a brown colour, with scarcely any resinous appearance ; it retains, however, a strong fragrant odour, and has a bitterish pungent taste. It consists principally of resin, with a small portion of benzoic acid. It resembles benzoin in its virtues ; was formerly used as an expectorant, but is now little regarded. Offic. Prep.—Styrax Purif. Pil. Styrac. Dub. Amyris Gileadensis. Balsamum Gileadense. Balsam of Gilead. Ocr and. Monogyn. Dumosce. Arabia. This balsam is obtained from incisions made in the bark ofthe trunk of the tree ; it is in the form of a milky juice, highly fragrant, and is so much valued in the East, that it is said not to be imported into Europe. A coarser kind is obtained by strong decoction of the branches and leaves, of a yellow colour and thick consistence ; its taste is warm and bitter; and its flavour is fragrant. What is met within the shops, under the name of Balsam of Gilead, is a resinous juice having none of these quali- ties, and probably the produce of a different plant. It seems little su- perior to the finer kinds of turpentine. The medicinal virtues of the genuine balsam of Gilead have been high- ly extolled, undoubtedly with much exaggeration. Even the inferior bal- sam, that said to be procured by decoction, is not easily procured, so that itis never used in European practice : but its qualities seem to be similar - to those of the balsam of Peru, with more acrimony. CHAP. XIII. OF S1ALAG0GUES. Sialagogues are those medicines which increase the salivary discharge. This may be effected either by the mastication of substances, which, by rheir acrimony and pungency, excite the action of the vessels which se- Sialagogues. 239 rete 'the saliva, or by the internal exhibition of certain medicines. Of the latter, mercury is the only sialagogue ; and such is the certainty of this operation of it, that all its preparation, when administered in certain quantities, produce salivation to a greater or less extent. As a class of remedies, sialagogues are of little importance. The sia- lagogue operation of mercury, it has already been remarked, does not ap- pear essential to its efficacy in any disease, but is regarded merely as a test of the mercury acting on the system. The acrid sialagogues, which are applied locally, by increasing the secretion of saliva, and by their pungency, sometimes relieve the pain of toothach ; they have been sup- posed useful, by the derivation they occasion, in some kinds of headach ; and their pungency has been believed to operate with some advantage in paralysis of the. tongue, or of the muscles concerned in deglutition. SIALAGOGUES. Hydrargyrus. Daphne Mezereum. Anthemis Pyrethrum. Amomum Zingiber. Arum Maculatum. Nicotiana Tabacum. Cochlearia Armoracia. Hydrargyrus. Quicksilver. (Page 109.) No satisfactory explanation has been given of the peculiarity which mercury, under every form of preparation, has of exciting the secretion ofthe saliva. Some have remarked, that inconsequence ofthe gravity of this metal, by which, when received into the circulation, it is disposed to retain the " direct line in which it is propelled from the heart, it is more certainly determined to the vessels of the head," asolution of the difficulty which is altogether absurd. It has likewise been supposed to act by les- sening the consistence of the blood, and disposing it to pass more easily into the salivary glands, so as to increase their secretion,—an opinion equal- ly gratuitous and imperfect. Dr. Cullen endeavoured to solve the prob- lem, by supposing that mercury has " a particular disposition to unite with ammoniacal salts, and that such salts are disposed to pass off by the salivary glands more copiously than by any other excretion." But mer- cury has no peculiar tendency of this kind ; and if it had, these salts are not more abundant in the saliva, than in some other secretions. If anoth- er hypothesis, might be hazarded, the following perhaps may afford some explanation of this singular property. The urine appears more peculi- arly designed to convey matter which has been received into the circula- ting mass, but which is excrementitious, from the system. To pass with this fluid, it is necessary that the matter conveyed should be dissolved ; and when it is so, we can discover it in the secretion by chemical tests. If there is any property connected with it which shall prevent this solution, this probably will prevent its secretion. Now, the phosphoric acid which is abundant in urine, must in this mode counteract the secretion of mer- cury in any form of preparation, by forming with it a compound insoluble, and to which the slight excess of acid cannot communicate solubility. The mercury, therefore, when brought in the course of the circulation, to the secreting vessels of the kidneys, will not pass through their whole course, but if conveyed so fiir as to be combined with the phosphoric acid which is secreted, will, from this combination, be incapable of being con- 240 SIALAGOGUES. veyed onwards, but will be retained in the composition of that part of the blood which does not enter into the secretion, and return into the circula- tion. If must be discharged by some other emunctory ; a portion of it appears to pass off by the insensible perspiration ; but the tenuity of this secretion, if the term may be employed, must be unfavourable to this mode of discharge. The salivary secretion is one by which it may be more easily transmitted, and this transmission may even be facilitated by the affinity exerted to the oxide of mercury by the muriatic acid, the soda and ammonia, which are the chief saline ingredients in saliva; for it de- serves to be remarked, that triple compounds of these substances,—a soda- muriate, and ammoniaco-muriate of mercury,—are to a certain extent so- luble in water. If the mercury is thus secreted, it will of course stimu- late the secreting vessels through which it passes, and increase the salivary discharge. The increase in this discharge, effected by mercury, is attended with pain and sense of heat in the mouth, with softness and swelling of the gums, or even slight ulceration ; sometimes with considerable swelling, extend- ing over the throat and face. These effects, when excessive, are best checked by the use of opium, of purgatives, of a blister applied to the throat, and, as Mr. Pearson has recommended, free exposure to a cool dry air. From theory, the administration of sulphur, or sulphuret of potash, has been recommended. The remaining Sialagogues act by topical application. Anthemis Pyrethrum. Pellitory of Spain. Syngenes. Polygam. superfl. Composite. Radix. South of Europe. This plant is cultivated in this country, but the root found in the shops is generally imported from Spain. Its taste is hot and acrid, its acrimony residing in a resinous principle, which alcohol dissolves, forming a very acrid tincture. It is a remedy which, from stimulating the salivary glands and exciting a discharge of saliva, is used in toothach, and sometimes gives relief. It has also been chewed in palsy ofthe muscles of the throat. Arum Maculatum. Wake-Robin. Gynand,. Polyand. Piperitce. Ra- dix. Indigenous. The root of this plant when recent, is extremely acrid ; by drying, its acrimony is much impaired. In chewing it, it impresses at first a sense ofsweetishness, but soon afterwards of acrimony on the tongue ; and ap- plied moist to the skin, it inflames or excoriates it. In digesting it with alcohol, or with water, and evaporating either solution, an extract is obtain- ed less acrid than the root itself, the vapour condensed has not much acri- mony, and hence the principle in which this property resides appears to be one easily decomposed. By merely washing the root, too, the acrid matter is removed, and a mild fecula is obtained. Arum resembles pelli- tory, and may be applied to the same purposes, but its pungency is un- pleasant. Internally, it has sometimes been used as a stimulant in palsv and rheumatism. Cochlearia Armoracia. Raphanus Rusticahus. Horseradish. Tetra- dyn. Silic. Siliquosce. Radix. Indigenous. The root of this plant, when recent, has a penetrating taste, with a de- gree of sweetness. It excites, when chewed, a sense of heat, and a dis- ERRHINES. 241 charge of saliva. Its pungency resides in an essential oil, and is lost by drying. Water and alcohol may be impregnated with it, but it is lost by boiling ; and by distillation with water, a portion of oil is procured, pun- gent and acrid. Horse-radish is a stimulant which, as a sialagogue, has been used in pa- ralysis of the tongue. It has also been used internally in paralysis and rheumatism as a stimulating diaphoretic, in asthma as an expectorant, and in dropsy as a diuretic Its dose is about a drachm ofthe recent root cut in small pieces, and swallowed entire. Externally it has been applied as a rubefacient, and its syrup has been used as a remedy for hoarseness. Offic. Prep.—Infus. Armorac. Comp. Lond.—Spir. Armorac. Comp. Lond. Dub. Daphne Mezereum. Mezereon. (Page 230.) The bark of the root of mezereon has a considreable degree of acri- mony, so that when chewed it impresses a sense of heat and irritation in the mouth and upper part of the throat, and excites the salivary discharge. A case of paralysis of the muscles of the throat, causing difficulty of swal- lowing, is related by Withering, in which, from chewing frequently small pieces of mezereon, a cure was obtained. Amomum Zingiber. Ginger. (Page 149.) Ginger-root, from its pungency, excites, when masticated, a sense of heat and increased discharge of saliva, and is sometimes, like other siala- gogues, employed to remove the pain of toothach. Nicotiana Tabacum. Tobacco. (Page 95.) Tobacco, when chewed, increases the action ofthe salivary glands, and the same effect is produced in the usual method of smoking it. Partly from this, and partly from its narcotic operation, exerted at the same time to a certain extent, it sometimes relieves, especially nn the latter mode of us- ing it, the pain of toothach, or of earach. CHAP. XIV. OF ERRHINES. Errhines or Sternutatories, are substances which occasion a discharge from the nostrils, of a mucous or serous fluid. They operate by direct application, and generally in consequence of a slightly acrid quality. Any substance in fine powder snuffed up the nostrils has this effect in a certain degree ; but it is, as is to be expected, more copious as the substance is more acrid or stimulating. The discharge, as produced by different err- hines, varies, in extent, and in the time during which it continues. Some also occasion a sense of heat, or even inflame the membrane to which they are applied, while others have no such effects. It is evident, that the effects ©fthis class of remedies must be very lim- ited, as applied to the treatment of disease. By the evacuation they or 31 242 errhines. casion, it has been supposed that they diminish the quantity of fluid circu- lating in the neighbouring vessels ; hence they have been inferred to be useful in rheumatic affections of the muscles of these parts, and in tooth- ach. It has even been supposed, that their effects may extend to all the branches of the external carotid, and Dr. Cullen mentions, that he has, ap- parently from this operation, known headach. pain ofthe ear, and some cases of ophthalmia, cured or relieved by the use of errhines. He has likewise supposed, that they may have been of use in preventing apoplexy or palsy : this at least should, he remarks, be so far attended to, that when any approach to these diseases is suspected, the drying ofthe mucus dis- charge should be attended to, and if possible obviated. ERRHINES. Iris Florentina. Asarum Europaeum ^Esculus Hippocastanum. Veratrum Album. Origanum Majorana. Nicotiana Tabacum. Lavandula Spica. Euphorbia Officinalis. Rosmarinus Officinalis. Sub-Sulphas Hydrargyri. Iris Florentina. Florentine Orris. Triand. Monogyn. Ensate. Ra- dix. South of Europe. The root of this plant, freed from its outer bark, is of a white colour, has a pleasant odour, and slightly bitter taste. It is a mild sternutatory, and enters into the composition of some cephalic snuffs. jEsculus Hippocastanum. Horse-Chesnut. Heptand. Monogyn. Tri- hilate. Semen. Cortex. North of Asia. The fruit of this tree is principally farinaceous ; and this farina acts as a sternutatory. The bark is bitter, and has been proposed as a substitute for Peruvian Bark. Origanum Majorana. Sweet Majoram. Didynam. Gymnosperm. Verti- cillate. Herba. South of Europe. The leaves of this herb have an aromatic odour, and when dried and re- duced to powder, a slight errhine power. Rosmarinus Officinalis. Rosemary. Diand. Monogyn. Verticillate. Summitates florentes. South of Europe. The flowers and flowering tops of this plant have a fragrant odour, which resides in an essential oil. It is used as a stimulating perfume, under the form of the distilled spirit, and the powder is sometimes mixed with other errhines. Offic. Prep.—01. Rorism. Spirit. Rorism. Lond. Dub. Ed. Lavandula Spica. Lavender. Didynam. Gymnosperm. Verticillate. Spi- ca* florentes. South of Europe. amLiiVEN?ER is cultivated in °ur gardens. Its flowers have a fragrant smell and a warm bitterish taste. They yield a quantity of essential oil, wnicn 13 employed in medicine as a stimulant, when combined with alco- noi, and other aromatics, under the form of what is named Compound ERRHINES. 243 Spirit of Lavender. The simple spirit or solution of the oil in alcohol is used as aiperfume, and the dried leaves in powder are errhine. Offic. Prep.—Spir. Lavand. Spirit. Lav. C. 01. Lavand. Ed. Lond. Dub. Nicotiana. Tobacco. (Page 95.) The leaves of tobacco are in common use as an errhine ; their powder forming the different kinds of snuff. Asarum Europium. Asarabacca. Dodecand. Monogyn. Sarmentacecs. Folia. Indigenous. This plant has been already noticed as an emetic, but is now retained in the Pharmacopoeias only as an errhine. Its leaves possess rather more errhine power than those hitherto noticed, while they are less acrid than some other substances belonging to this class. They are on the whole, therefore, best adapted to the purposes which errhines serve, and are hence employed as the basis ofthe officinal sternutatory powders. Offic. Prep.—F. Asar. Europ. C. Ed. Veratrum Album. Helleborus Albus. White Hellebore. Polygam. Mo- noec. Liliaceee. South of Europe. The root of this plant has a strong disagreeable smell when fresh, which is lost by drying, and an acrid taste, which is retained. Snuffed up the nostrils in very small quantity, it excites violent sneezing, with a sense of heat, and a copious discharge of thin mucus. It is therefore sometimes used as a sternutatory, mixed with some of the milder and more fragrant errhines. Taken internally, in the dose of a few grains, it acts as a vio- lent emetic and cathartic. Externally, when mixed with lard, so as to form an ointment, or in the form of decoction, it is used as an application in psora and some other cutaneous diseases. It contains an alkaline element, lately discovered by M. M. Pelletier and Caventou, who have given it the name of Veratria, or Veratrine. It ap- pears to exist in the seed, combined with gallic acid : it is in the form of a white powder, inodorous, very soluble in alcohol, but scarcely so in wa- ter ; at 122° it melts, and has the appearance of wax ; the salts it forms with the acids are uncrystallizable by evaporation, and present the appear- ance of gum. Veratria, given in very small doses, produces violent vomiting; and ac- cording to some, a few grains of it act as a powerful poison. Offic. Prep.—T. Verat. A. Ed.—Vin. Verat. Dec. Verat. Uungt, Verat. Lond.—Ung. Helleb. A. Dub. Euphorbia Officinalis. Dodecand. Trigynia. Gummi-resina. Africa. This substance, which is of a resinous nature, is said to be obtained by exudation from incisions in the branches of the plant producing it, a native of different countries of Africa: it is usually imported from Barbary. It is in small fragments, having scarcely any smell, but a very Jicrimonious taste. Its operation as a drastic purgative is so violent, that it is never given internally. Its powder is the most violent of all the errhines, occa- sioning a copious discharge of mucus, with a sense of heat, and sometimes haemorrhage or inflammation. Hence it is scarcely ever employed. Ex- ternally it is used as a rubefacient or vesicatory. 244 epispastics and Sub-sulphas Hydrargyri. Sub-sulphate of Mercury. This preparation of mercury is an errhine, and has been employed in chronic ophthalmia and amaurosis; one grain of it being mixed with a few grains of any mild vegetable powder, and snuffed up the notrils oc- casionally. CHAP. XV. EPISPASTICS AND RUBEFACIENTS. Epispastics and Rubefacients operate nearly on the same principle, and produce similar effects, differing only in degree. They may therefore be considered as subdivisions of one class. The term Epispastic has been applied to whatever application has the power of producing a serous or puriform discharge, by exciting a previous state of inflammation or suppuration. The term includes blisters, issues, and setons ; but it is more commonly restricted to the first of these, and it is this wbich chiefly falls under the department of Materia Medica. Blisters are those external applications which by their acrimony excite inflammation on the skin, and which occasioning a thin serous fluid to be poured from the exhalents, separate the cuticle from the true skin, and form the appearance of a vesicle or blister. The mode in which they produce this effect is sufficiently evident; it is to be referred to the stimulating power of the substances applied, which, exciting increased action in the extreme blood-vessels, induces inflamma- tion, and causes the pouring out ofthe serous fluid with which the vesicle is filled. Hence may be deduced the primary effect of these applications on the general system. By the increased action they excite, and the pain they occasion, they act as stimulants, and they may also act, it has been supposed, as evacuants, by the quantity of fluid which they cause to be poured out. There can be little dispute by which of these modes of operation blis- ters are used with advantage in the treatment of diseases. The quantity of fluid discharged is so inconsiderable, while the relief obtained is often so sudden and complete, that it would be assigning a very inadequate cause for their effects, if we should ascribe these to any evacuating power. Some have imagined that the substance of cantharides, which forms the basis ofthe common blistering applications, is absorbed in part by the in- flamed surface, and that it is to the peculiar action of this acrid matter sti- mulating the system, that many of the effects of blisters are owing. But there is no proof, nor indeed any reason to believe, that this absorption is uniform or frequent; the same effects are obtained from blistering ap- plications into the composition of which cantharides do not enter, while they are not obtained from the internal administration of cantharides. The effects of blisters are therefore to be ascribed to the pain and inflamma- tion they excite in the part to wbich they are applied, and the stimulus which is thence propagated to the general system. It is a principle with regard to the living body, demonstrated by many facts, that where a morbid action exists, it may be often removed by in- ducing a different action, even of a morbid kind, in the same part, or in rubefacients. 245 parts as contiguous to it a3 possible ; and where the morbid action extends to the whole system, it may be removed by one of a different kind being excited either generally, or in any particular part of the body. From this principle is explained the efficacy of blisters in all cases of inflammation and of spasmodic constriction ; a new inflammation being ex- cited by the blister which occasions derivation of action. Hence, too, the advantage obtained is greater when the blister is applied as near as possible to the part affected. This principle regulates the application of blisters in pneumonia, hepatitis, phrenitis, angina, opthalmia, rheumatism, and every other case of active inflammation. In these affections, blisters are used with very evident advantage ; the local inflimmdion which is ex- cited more than counterbalancing, by this operation, the stimulant effects at the same time produced. A similar principle exists with respect to the pain excited by blisters, which may be applied to the explanation of the advantages derived from them in other diseases. It has long been remarked, that exciting one pain often relieves another, and hence blisters afford relief in toothach, and other painful affections. Epilepsy and hysteria arising from irritation have been removed by blisters: apparently from their exciting pain, engaging the attention, and diminishing the sensibility to the morbid irritation. Lastly, blisters exert a stimulant operation on the general system, and raise the vigour of the circulation. Hence their utility in fevers of the typhoid kind, where extreme debility prevails. From their peculiar ope- ration, too, they are the only remedy that can be used to obviate the local inflammation of the brain, or other parts, that sometimes exists in fevers of this kind, as they contribute to resolve it without reducing the strength of the system. ft is also from their stimulating power, and perhaps from exciting pain, that blisters are of advantage in apoplexy and paralysis. Rubefacients operate precisely in the same manner as blisters ; the}' excite pain and inflammation, but only in an inferior degree ; the skin is merely inflamed, and no vesicle raised so that any fluid shall be discharged. By these effects they more peculiarly obviate local inflammation. They are used, therefore, for the same purposes. EPISPASTICS AND RUBEFACIENTS. Meloe Vesicatorius. Pix Burgundica. Sinapis Alba. Elemi. Allium Sativum. Ammonia. Euphorbium. Cantharis Vesicatoria. Meloe Vesicatorius. Lytta Vesicatoria. The natural history of this substance has been given under the class of Diuretics, to which it belongs. It is a more important article ofthe Ma- teria Medica as an epispastic, and is the substance, indeed, which is now almost exclusively employed to raise a blister, as it acts with certainty, and is not liable to induce that deep-seated ulceration which sometimes fol- lows the application of other acrid substances that have been used for the same purpose. • The cantharides in powder is mixed with lard and wax, so as to form a plaster of a proper consistence, which is applied to the part, generally for 16' or 12 hours : at the end of that time, the cuticle is raised. forming a vesicle ; this is then cut, to allow the serous fluid to be discharg- 24 f> EPISPASTICS ANL ed, and the inflamed part is dressed with any mild ointment. The princi pal circumstance which requires caution in the application of the cantha- rides plaster, is that determination of action to the neck of the bladder which gives rise to strangury. This is more peculiarly liable to occur where the system is uncommonly irritable, where the blister is large, or where it is applied to a newly abraded surface, as to the head recently shaved ; and as it is a very painful affection, not easily removed, care ought to be taken to guard against it. Camphor has been sometimes added to the blistering plaster, with the view of obviating this. But itis doubt- ful if it has any such effect; the plentiful use of diluents, while the blister is applied, prevents it more certainly ; and it is always proper when a blister is applied, especially if large, or in inflammatory diseases, to order the patient to drink freely of any mild diluent liquor. Where the stran- ■gury does occur from the application of a blister, it is best relieved by an enema of tepid water, with a little expressed oil, and 40 drops of tincture of opium, and by the use ofthe warm bath, or warm fomentation. In some diseases, as in apoplexy, it is of importance to be certain of the operation of an epispastic, and to have its effect produced in a short time. To attain these, a compound plaster is ordered by the Edinburgh College, Emplast. Cantharid. Vesicat. Comp. in which the stimulating power of the cantharides is increased by the addition of other acrid substances, bur- gundy pitch, turpentine, verdigrease, mustard, and pepper. In the ap- plication of this still more caution is necessary to guard against the occur- rence of strangury. After a blister has been raised, it is often of advantage to convert the serous discharge into one of a purulent nature, by exciting suppuration, or to form what is termed an Issue ; this can easily be effected by the ap- plication of any acrid stimulating ointment; one composed of wax and oil, with a small proportion of cantharides, is commonly used for the purpose, as, by the irritation it excites, it keeps up the inflammation, and at length produces suppuration, Any foreign body retained on the inflamed part answers the same purpose. What are named Orange Pease, the small unripe iruit of the orange, polished, are usually employed, as by their odour they cover the fcetor ofthe discharge. One of these is retained on the blistered part by a slip of adhesive plaster, and by the irritation it oc- casions, keeps up a constant discharge. A seton, or cord introduced by a needle, answers the same purpose. When a puriform discharge is thus established in a part, considerable effects arise from the morbid action which it continues, and the evacuation it occasions. It is a practice often employed with advantage in asthma, paralysis, and a numher of chronic affections.* *" The United States, rich in the articles ofthe Materia Medica, furnish us with severai species of insects, which may be employed as valuable substitutes for the cantharides of the shops. The species commonly called " Potatoe-Fly," which is now much em- ployed (and which 1 have often employed) as an epispastic, 13 the Lytta vittata of Fa- bricius : the Cantharis vittata of Olivier. This, during certain seasons, is so extreme- ly common in many parts ofthe Union, that it might be codected and sold at a much cheaper rate than the foreign cantharides of the shops, to which it is by no means in- ferior in strength. On the contrary, from frequent employment ofthe two articles, I cannot hesitate to prefer the American to the foreign fly. Long-keeping, provided it be carefully kept, does not materially impair the blistering property of the Lytta vit- tata. At the end of three or four years after being collected, I have found it equal in power to the best shop cantharides. This insect, though commonly called the Potatoe- Fly, is frequently met with upon other vegetables of very different natural families, such as garden peas and beans, species of Amaranthus, the Acetrea racemosa (formerly RUBEFACIENTS. 247 Sinapis. Mustard. (Seepage 182.)—The flour of mustard-seed, mix- ed with an equal part of wheat flour or crumbs of bread, and made into a paste with vinegar, forms what is named a Sinapism, an application which acts as a powerful rubefacient. It is applied to the soles of the feet in ty- phoid fevers, where there is extreme debility, or determination to the head. It is used in the same manner in comatose affections ; the ap- plication of it in either case being continued for an hour or two. It soon excites a sense of pain, and if applied long produces inflammation. Offic. Prep.—Catap. Sinapeos. Lond- Dub. Allium. Garlic. (See p. 935.)—The bruised root of this plant, ap- plied to the sole of the feet, produces effects similar to those of the sinap- ism, and is used for the same purpose. It is less powerful, and its odour is ungrateful. Euphorbium. Euphorbia Officinalis. (Page 243.) This resinous substance, already considered as ah errhine, is a power- ful vesicatory. It enters into the epispastic compositions of the farrier, and might be employed, mixed with other epispastics, when it is of impor- tance to obtain the effects of a blister to their full extent speedily and with certainty. As a rubefacient, it has the advantage over cantharides, that from its fusibility, it can be diffused uniformly through the resinous mat- ter which forms the composition of plasters, while cantharides can only be mixed in powder. The action of a rubefacient plaster prepared with it is therefore more equal. Twelve parts of burgundy pitch, or of li- tharge plaster with resin, with one of euphorbium, forms an excellent ru- befacient of this kind. Pix Burgundica. Burgundy Pitch. Resina Pini Abietis. Pinus Abies. Monoecia Monadelph. Conifer a. This substance is obtained by exudation from incisions made in the trunk of the tree. It is boiled with water ; is strained ; and when cold forms a concrete resinous matter, retaining a little essential oil. As a ru- befacient, it is spread upon leather, and applied to the skin : it excites a slight degree of inflammation, and an exudation of serous fluid, without se- parating the cuticle, so as to produce a blister. Hence it is less painful in its operation, and the application of it can be continued for a considera- ble time. It is used with advantage in catarrh, pertussis, and dyspnoea. mentioned), and others.----Besides this, there are, in the United States, several other species of the genus Lytta, such as Lytta atrata, Lytta marginata, &c.—4. Lytta atra- ta (of which I have observed two varieties, differing both in size and in the shades of colour) is an extremely common insect, in many parts of North America. It is most commonly found, in the autumn, upon different species of syngenesious plants, such as Aster, Solidago, &c. Though inferior in power to the Lyttn vittata, it is well worthy ofthe attention of physicians, and may always, I think, be collected in quantity nearly sufficient to answer the demand ofthe practitioner.—2. Lytta marginata of Fabricius (the Cantharis marginata of Olivier) is much less common: but it is more powerful than either of the preceding species —3. Lytta cinerea is also very powerful, but not common; at least within the field of my explorations. The blistering property of these two insects is so very great, th.it the discovery of them, in large quantities, would be a matter of great importance to the interests of medicine, though they inhabit (one ofthe species, in particular) plants of a very acrid nature, it does not appear, that from this source they derive much, if any, of their peculiar power : for I find that these insects exert equally energetic effects upon the human skin, when they have been con- fined entirely to a diet of vegetables of a very mild nature, such as the legumina," Sic. (Barton's Collections for an Essay towards a Materia Medica of the United States, p. 22.) Ed. 248 EPISPASTICS and rubefacients. Offic. Prep.—Emp. Pic. Burg. Dub. Emplastr. Pic. Compos. Lond. Elemi. Amyris Elemifera. Octand. Monogyn. This resinous substance is obtained by exudation from incisions which are made in the bark of the tree. It is in large masses of a greenish co- lour, has an odour slightly fragrant, and a warm bitterish taste. It is used to promote the purulent discharge from an issue, and as a stimulating ap- plication to foul ulcers, under the form of an ointment which is officinal in the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias. Offic. Prep.—Unguent. Elemi. Compos. Lond. Dub. Ammonia. Ammonia. (Page 180.) The solution of ammonia in water of the usual strength, (Aq. Ammoniae), applied to the skin, acts as a rubefacient. The common form under which it has been employed, is combined with expressed oil, with which it forms a thick saponaceous compound, (Oleum Ammoniatum), formerly known by the name of Volatile Liniment. A piece of flannel moistened with this, and applied to the skin, soon excites superficial inflammation. It is of- ten employed instead of a blister to the throat, in angina tonsillaris, being less painful, yet frequently effectual. It is also applied by friction to re lieve the pain of rheumatism. Offic. Prep.—01. Ammon. Ed. Dub. {Acidum Nitricum. Nitric acid. From the certainty and rapidity with which it operates, nitric acid may be esteemed one of our most efficient means of exciting vesication. It was first introduced into practice a few years ago in the East Indies, where it was very successfully used in the treatment of the spasmodic cholera which prevailed epidemically in that quarter of the globe. Since then its use has been extended to other diseases in which it is found necessary to produce prompt and powerful counter irritation. It is stated to be par- ticularly useful in all those cases in which venesection is inadmissable. In applying it, the acid may be used either pure or diluted with one third wa- ter. With this the surface is to be rubbed", and as soon as pain is produc- ed, the acid is to be neutralized by washing the part with a solution of salt of tartar. The cuticle is now easily detached, and the cutis left raw. If itis found desirable to continue the irritation, a common blister may af- ter this be laid upon the part.* B.] THIRD DIVISION.—OF CHEMICAL REMEDIES. Under this division are comprised those few classes of medicines, the operation of which either depends on the chemical changes they produce, or is materially modified by these changes. I have placed under it the classes of Escharotics, Antacids, Lithontriptics, and Refrigerants. * See Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, No 65. ESCHAROTICS, ■-M>< CHAP. XVL OF ESCHAROTICS. Escharotics are substances which erode or dissolve the animal solids This they do, either by combining with the animal matter, and forming a soft pulp, or a species of eschar, or by resulting affinity, causing the ele- ments ofthe soft solids to enter into new combinations, whence their cohe- sion is subverted, and their composition is changed. In both cases the life of the part is destroyed. They are employed principally to remove excres- cences, to establish an ulcer, or to change the surface of an ulcerated part, converting it into a simple sore ; and the principal distinction among them is that founded on the energy of their action,—some eroding merely the cuticle or external surface to which they may be applied, as nitrate of sil- ver, or sulphate of copper; others, as potash, producing the decomposi- tion of the animal matter to a much greater depth. The action of some of them too, that of arsenic for example, appears to be so far specific, that effects are obtained from their operation, not easily obtained from the others. ESCHAROTICS. Acida Mineralia. Sulphas Cupri. Super-Sulphas Aluminas Acetas Cupri. et Potassae. Murias Hydrargyri. Potassa. Sub-Nitras Hydrargyri. Nitras Argenti. Oxidum Arsenici Album. Murias Antimonii. Juniperus Sabina. The Mineral Acids act rapidly as escharotics, especially the sulphur- ic and nitric acids ; but from their fluidity, they can seldom be convenient- ly applied. Super-sulphas alumina; et potassa;. Alumen. Alum. (Page 158.) Alum, from its excess of acid, has an escharotic power; and under the form of dried alum, in which its water of crystallization is expelled, is used in fine powder, to check the growth of fungous excrescences from ulcers. This powder, rubbed with a little sugar, is, from the same prope'rty, ap- plied to remove opaque specks from the cornea, Potassa. Potash. (Page 212.) Pure potash, in its solid state, forms a powerful escharotic, which has long been in use under the name of Causticum Commune Acerrimum. When its solution, before being evaporated entirely to dryness, is mixed with a portion of lime, its opertion is rendered rather weaker ; this pre- paration is named Causticum Commune Mitius, vel Causticum Commune cum Calce. Either of them is made into a paste with soap, and is appli- ed to the part, being covered by a slip of adhesive plaster. This appli- cation is frequently employed to establish an ulcer, and sometimes in pre- ference to incision to open a tumor : its action is attended with a consider- able degree of pain, and a sense of burning heat; after it is removed, a 32 *0U ESCHAROTICS. cataplasm is applied, by which this is relieved, and suppuration is establish ed. Mr. Simmons has recommended potash in preference to other escha- rotics, to prevent the effects from the bite of a rabid animal ; it is applied freely to the bitten part: and the preventative operation of excision, he has supposed, may be rendered more certain by touching the surface with potash. ^itras Argenti. Nitrate of Silver. Causticum Lunare. Lunar Caustic. This preparation is obtained by dissolving silver in nitric acid, eva- porating the solution to dryness, melting the mass by a gentle heat, and while liquid running it into cylindrical moulds, in which, as it cools, it be- comes concrete. It is the caustic which is in common use for checking the growth of fungous excrescences, or changing the diseased surface of an Tilcer, a little of it being dissolved in as small a portion of water as i6 sufficient, and being applied by a pencil to the part. Murias Antimonii. Muriate of Antimony. This preparation of antimony has been used as an escharotic, but being liquid, it is not easily confined to the part on which it is designed to act, and it has no particular advantage to recommend it. Sulphas Cupri. Sulphate of Copper. Vitriolum Cceruleum. Blue Vitriol. (Page 122.) This salt is a mild escharotic, and from this mildness of its operation is adapted to particular cases. Its solution in water is sometimes employed to change the diseased surface of sores, especially in venereal sores ; and either in solution, or in powder mixed with any mild vegetable powder, it is applied to remove specks on the cornea. Sub-acetas Cupri. Sub-acetate of Copper. iErugo iEris. Verdi- grease. (Page 123.) This preparation is in frequent use as an escharotic, principally to change the surface of foul ulcers, being applied under the form of ointment mixed with lard. In the same form, it is applied as a stimulant in some kinds of ophthalmia. There is an officinal ointment of it, and the oxymel or solution of it in vinegar, with the addition of honey, is another form un- der which it is used. Offic. Prep.—Ungl. Sub-acet. Cupr. Ed. Dub .-—Oxymel /Eruginis* Dub. Lond. Murias Hydrargyri Corrosivus. Corrosive Muriate of Mercury. (Page 109.) This preparation of mercury is occasionally employed as an escharotic. Its solution in water, in the proportion of one grain to an ounce, is in par- ticular applied to venereal ulcers. And still more dilute, it is sometimes used as a lotion to herpetic eruptions. Sub-nitras Hydrargyri. Sub-nitrate of Mercury. (Page 109.) This, the red precipitate of mercury, as it has been named, has long been in common use as an escharotic, and as a stimulant application to foul and languid ulcers. Reduced to fine powder, it is sprinkled on the part, KSCHAR0TIC5. i'51 7 FOURTH DIVISION.—OF MECHANICAL REMEDIES. The last subdivision ofthe classification includes these classes of reme- dies, the operation of which is merely mechanical. Under this I have placed Diluents, Demulcents, Emollients, and Anthelmintics. They are classes of comparatively little importance. CHAP. XX. OF DILUENTS. Diluents have been defined, Substances which increase the fluidity of die blood, by augmenting the proportion of fluid in it. Watery liquors, it is obvious, will have this operation to a certain extent, and, strictly speak- ing, water is the only proper diluent. But different mild substances are added to it to give a slight taste and flavour, so as to render it more pleas- ant when it is to be drunk in large quantities ; and frequently to communi- cate to it a demulcent quality, diluents and demulcents being generally em- ployed to answer the same indications. With the former intention water is infused on scorched bread ; or a decoction of bran is used. Gruel, which is a decoction ofthe grains ofthe oat, freed from their husk, is the most common lubricating diluent. Whey (Serum lactis) affords a form still more grateful, which is less liable to pall the appetite or load the sto- mach than any other, and which, at the same time, conveys some nutrition. Diluents are prescribed principally in acute inflammatory diseases, with the view of quenching thirst, diminishing the stimulating quality of the blood, promoting the fluid secretions, and, in particular, rendering the urine more dilute, and therefore less acrid and irritating. They are em- ployed too to favour the operation of sweating, being given tepid; and some- times to promote the action of diuretics, especially of those which are sa- line. And there are some chronic diseases, more particularly affections of the glandular system, in which diluents appear to be advantageous. Some mineral waters, celebrated for their efficacy, are water uncommon- ly pure ; and the advantage derived from these in scrofula, and some other morbid affections, can scarcely be attributed to any other operation than mere dilution. CHAP. XXL OF DEMULCENTS. Demulcents are defined, " Medicines used to obviate and prevent the action of acrid and stimulant matters ; and that, not by correcting or changing their acrimony, but by involving in it a mild and viscid matter, which prevents it from acting upon the sensible parts of the body," or by covering the surface to which they may be applied. Their action has boen supposed to be exemplified in catarrh, where the irritation at the top 268 DEMULCENTS. of the trachea, occasioning coughing, is removed by mucilaginous substan- ces ; or in gonorrhoea, where the sense of heat and pain from the applica- tion of the stimulus of urine to the inflamed surface ofthe urethra is pre- vented by similar means.. When these substances are directly applied to the part, it may be under- stood how this operation is obtained from them. But where they are re- ceived by the medium of the stomach into the circulating system, it has been supposed that they can have no such effect. They must be chang- ed by the process of digestion, and lose that viscidity by which only they operate, so that they cannot afterwards be separated by any secretion in their original form. Hence their utility in gonorrhoea and similar affections has been altogether denied. It is not clear, however, that such a conclusion is just. It is sufficiently certain, that many substances, which undergo the process of digestion, are afterwards separated in their entire state from the blood, by particular se- creting organs. Their is no gland which has this power more particularly than the kidneys ; substances received into the stomach and digested, af- terwards passing off in the urine with all their peculiar properties. Sac- charine matter, for example, there is reason to believe, can be separated in this manner ; yet there is no substance which can be supposed to be more completely assimilated by digestion, or to be more easily changed in its composition by the chemical operations of the system. If it therefore can be re-produced by secretion, it is equally probable, that mucilaginous or oily substances, which form the principal demulcents, are capable of such a separation. There can be no doubt, however, but that a great share of the relief demulcents afford in irritation, or inflammation of the urinary passages, is owing to the large quantity of water in which they are diffused, by which the urine is diluted, and rendered less stimulating. Per- haps the relief is to be ascribed solely to this dilution ; since no alteration is perceived in the quality of the urine, from the use of these substances. And, in general, demulcents may be considered as substances less stimula- ting than the fluids usually applied to the parts that are in a state of irrita- tion. The diseases in which demulcents are used, are principally catarrh, diarrhoea, dysentery, calculus, and gonorrhoea. They are evidently not medicines of any great power ; they are only calculated to alleviate symp- toms, and may be freely used in as large quantities as the stomach will re- ceive them. Demulcents may be arranged under the two divisions of Mucilages, and Expressed Oils ; to which may be added some substances of a similar na- ture. , DEMULCENTS. Acacia Arabica. Maranta Arundinacea. Astragalus Tragacantha. Triticum Hybernum. .. Linum Usitatissimum. Lichen lslandicus. Althaea Officinalis. Cornu Cervi. Malva Sylvestris. Ichthyocolla. Glycyrrhiza Glabra. Amygdalus Communis, Smilax Sarsaparilla. Olea Europaea. Cycas Circinalis. Sevum Ceti. Orchis Mascula. Cera. DEMULCENTS.. 'i6"9 Acacia Arabica. Arabicum Gummi. Gum Arabic. Polygam. Monoec' Lomentacea. {Acacia Vera, Ph. Lond.) Africa. Gum is a proximate vegetable principle, which is obtained by exudation from a number of plants. The Gum Arabic of commerce is not exclu- sively the produce of one vegetable ; that which is most pure, and used to be imported from Egypt, is from a species of mimosa. The London College admit, on the authority of Wildenow, a different genus, Acacia, as substituted for that of Mimosa ; they refer, therefore, to the species pro- ducing this gum by the name of Acacia Vera, and name the gum itself Gummi Acaciae, while the Edinburgh College name it Acacia Arabica. The trivial name, Gummi Arabicum, is retained, perhaps with propriety, by the Dublin College. The greater part of the gum Arabic of com- merce, it appears, is imported from Barbary, being the produce of Moroc- co, and principally of the mountains of Atlas. It is an exudation in the form of a viscid pellucid juice, from the bark ofthe trunk and branches of the tree, which hardens by exposure to the air and sun. The purest gum ofthe shops is in small irregular pieces, white or yellowish, semi-pel- lucid, without taste or smell; there are other varieties coarser, of a yellow or red colour : these are sometimes named Gum Senegal, and appear to be of different origin. All of them have the properties of Gum ; are in- soluble in alcohol or oils, and soluble in water, forming a viscid solution named Mucilage. Gum Arabic is in common use as a demulcent. In calfcrrh it is allow- ed to dissolve slowly in the mouth, and its mucilage is theTiasis of the mix- tures usually employed to allay coughing. Sometimes too, it is employ- ed in tenesmus, strangury, and ardor urinaz. In Pharmacy, mucilage of gum Arabic is employed for a variety of purposes. It serves to suspend heavy powders in waters ; to diffuse oils, balsams, and resins in water, and give tenacity to substances made into pills. Offic. Prep.—Emuls. Acac. Arabic. Ed. Dub.—Mucilag. Acac. Ara- bic, Ed. Lond. Dub.—Troch. Gum. Ed. Astragalus Tragacantha. (Astragalus Verus, Ph. Lond.) Tragacanth. Diadelph. Decand. Papilionacece. Gummi. South of Europe, Asia. Tragacanth is a gum obtained by exudation. The plant which was supposed to afford it, was described by Linnaeus as a species under the name of Astragalus Tragacantha. According to Oliver, it is of a different species, which he describes under the name of Astragalus Verus ; and this is admitted by the London College. Tragacanth is the produce of Persia and of Asia Minor ; itis in small wrinkled pieces, semi-transparent and brittle, and has neither taste nor smell. It is regarded as a gum, yet it differs from the other pure gums in not being perfectly soluble in cold water ; it is softened and diffused, but remains flocculent and turbid. When heat is applied, it communicates to the wateca great degree of vis- cidity, but still the solution remains turbid : it appears, therefore, to be intermediate between gum and fecula. It is greatly superior to all the gums, in giving viscidity to water ; its power in this respect being to that of gum Arabic as 1 to 24. Tragacanth has virtues similar to gum Arabic. It is less employed, except in some pharmaceutical processes, in which, from its greater vici- dity, it is preferred, as in the making of troches. Offic. Prep.— Mucil. Astrag. Trag. Ed. Dub.—?u\v. Trag. C. Lond. i7u DEMULCENTS. Linvm Usitatissimum. Flax. Pentand. Pentagyn. Gruinales. Semtu. Indigenous. The seeds of this plant yield a strong mucilage by infusion or decoction m water : by expression they afford a quantity of oil. This being inferi- or in purity to the olive or almond oil, is little used in medicine. But the mucilage having no unpleasant taste or smell, the infusion is frequently used as a demulcent in catarrh and gonorrhoea, being rendered more grate- ful by the addition of a little sugar and lemon juice. The decoction, con- taining a portion ofthe oil diffused in the mucilage, is less grateful. Offic. Prep.—Infus. Lini. Usitatis. Ed. Lond. Altha;a Officinalis. Althaea. Marsh-mallow. Monadelph. Potyand. Columniferve. Radix. Indigenous. This indigenous plant grows, as the name implies, in marshy situations. All the parts of it yield a mucilage by infusion or decoction in water ; the root does so most abundantly, and freed from the outer bark, is kept in the shops. It is white, inodorous, and insipid. Its mucilage is similar to that from lintseed, and is used for the same purposes. It is even prefer- able, as being more pure. Offic. Prep.—Decoct. Alth. Ed.—Syr. Alth. Ed. Lond. Malva Sylvestris. Common Mallow. Monadelph. Polyand. Colum- niferaz. Folytk Indigenous. The leaves of this plant afford a mucilage by infusion in water, which is weaker, however, than that from lintseed or althaea, and is therefore little used. The leaves have also been used for the purpose of fomenta- tion, and their decoction affords an emollient enema. Offic. Prep.—Decoct. Maly,. Comp. Lond. Glycyrrhiza Glabra. Liquorice. Diadelph. Decand. Papilionac. Radix. South of Europe. The root of this plant, which is long, slender, and flexible, covered with a thin epidermis, has a sweet agreeable taste, with no flavour. This sweetness is extracted by water by infusion or decoction ; and by evapora- tion a dark-coloured extract of the same sweet taste is obtained, consist- ing principally of saccharine and mucilaginous matter. Alcohol extracts the sweetness of liquorice, with less of the mucilage. Liquorice-root is employed as a demulcent, and on account of its sweet taste is frequently added to infusions of lintseed or althaea. The extract is in common use as a demulcent in catarrh, being allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth, to allay the irritation which produces coughing: it also relieves the sensation of heart-burn from acidity in the stomach. Offic. Prep.—Extr. Glycyrrh. Gl. Lond. Dub.—Troch. Glycyrrh. Troch. Glycyrrh. cum opio, Ed. Smilax Sarsaparilla. Sarsaparilla. Dioecia Hexand. Sarmentaceee. Radix. South America. This root, which is imported from the Spanish West Indies, is in long slender twigs, which for pharmaceutic preparation are split and cut into small pieces. It is internally white, and covered with a brownish bark * has scarcely any smell; its taste is mucilaginous, and slightly bitter. Wa- ter extracts its bitterness ; by beating it with water, a portion of fecula is DEMULCENTS. 272 separated, white and insipid, in which the virtues of the root appear to reside. Sarsaparilla produces no sensible effect on the system, and it can scare- ly be regarded in any other light than as a demulcent. It has, howev- er, been considered as a specific in the treatment of some venereal affec- tions, particularly those of the bones or periosteum, and as a restorative in that state of debility which is the consequence of the disease long pro- tracted, or of the mercurial irritation. Without allowing to it any speci- fic power, it appears in such cases to be sometimes productive of benefit, probably from its mild demulcent and nutritious quality, and partly per- haps from the suspension of the use of mercury during its administration. It has also been recommended in extensive ulceration, in cutaneous affec- tions, and in chronic rheumatism. It is always given in the form of de- coction, and is frequently joined with guaiac and mezereon, the pungency of which it covers. Offic. Prep.—Dec. Similac. Sarsap. Ed. Lond. Dub.—Dec. Sarsap. Comp. Lond. Dub.—Extr. Sarsaparill. Lond. Cycas Circinalis. Sago. Cryptogamia. Filices. East Indies. Sago is a fecula obtained from the pith or medullary part ofthe branches of the plant, by maceration in water. Itis dried, and is then in grains of a brownish colour, without taste or smell. Boiled in milk or water, it dissolves entirely ; and this with sugar, and the addition frequently of a little wine, forms a nutritious jelly, prescribed in diarrhoea as a demulcent, and in convalescence as a nutritious article of diet, easy of digestion. Orchis Mascula. Salop. Gyand. Diand. Orchidece. Indigenous. The root of this plant, by maceration in water, and beating, affords the fecula known by the name of Salop. Its qualities and virtues are similar to those of Sago. Maranta Arundinacea. Indian Arrow. Monand. Monogyn. Scitami- neae. South America. This plant is cultivated in several of the West India islands, for the preparation of the fecula which is extracted from its root. The root, freed from its cuticle, is grated down in water, which is poured off repeat- edly, allowing the fecula to subside : when it appears to be perfectly pu- rified, the remaining water is strained off on a linen cloth, and the fecula is dried. It forms a powder in fine grains, of a brilliant whiteness. It is used as a demulcent in diarrhoea and dysentery, and as a nutritious article of diet for convalescents. A jelly is prepared by boiling with water or milk, and it is under this form that it is taken. Triticum Hybernum. Wheat. Triand. Digyn. Gramina. Fecula semi- num. Amylum. j Starch, the fecula of wheat obtained by beating the grains previously soaked in water, forms a gelatinous solution when boiled in water, which is used as a demulcent. This, Starch Mucilage as it is named, is sometimes given as an enema in tenesmus, and is the common vehicle for giving opium under that form. Starch powder is sometimes used to facilitate friction on the skin, when this is employed as a method of discussing indo- lent tumors. Offic. Prep.—Mucilag. Amyli. Ed. Lond. Dub. 212. DEMULCENTc Lichen Islandicus. Iceland Liverwort. Cryptogamia Atgaz. Iceland. The different lichens contain a fecula, which is extracted by boiling in water. The lichen islandicus, so named as being abundant in Iceland, though it is a native also of other countries of the North of Europe, con- sists principally of this, with a portion of extractive matter, having a degree of bitterness. The bitterness is removed by maceration in cold water, and then by decoction with water a gelatinous solution is obtained. This is used as an article of diet in the countries of which this lichen is a native ; and it has been introduced into medical practice as a demulcent, and a nu- tritious substance easy of digestion : it has from these qualities been used with some advantage in haemoptysis and phthisis : and from its supposed efficacy, the decoction has received a place in the Pharmacopoeias. Offic. Prep.—Decoct. Lichenis. Island. Ed. Lond. Dub. Cornu Cervi Rasura. Hartshorn Shavings. Cervus Elaphus. Cornu. Mammalia. Pecora. Horn consists chiefly of indurated albumen; the horns of the deer, however, it is singular, are similar to bone in composition, and contain a considerable quantity of gelatin, along with phosphate of lime ; they have therefore been received into the Materia Medica. They are freed from their outer rough covering, and the internal white part is rasped down for use. The shavings afford, by decoction in water, a transparent, colourless, and inodorous jelly, which, rendered grateful by sugar and a little wine, is used in diarrhoea and dysentery as a demulcent, and in convalescence as a light nutritious article of diet. Ichthyocolla. Isinglass. Acipenser Sturio. Pisces. Chondropterygii. Isinglass is obtained from the sound and other parts ofthe sturgeon, as well as several other kinds offish caught in the Volga, the Oby, and other rivers, which flow into the Caspian or the Nothern Ocean. The sound being well cleansed, is freed from the thin membrane which covers it, is dried by exposure to the air, and is rolled up in a twisted form. It is of a fibrous texture, insipid and iuodorous. It is nearly pure gelatin, is there- fore almost entirely soluble in water by boiling, and forms a gelatinous so- lution, which has sometimes been employed as a demulcent; and when rendered grateful by a little sugar and lemon juice, as a nutritive jelly, easy of digestion. Amygdalus. Icosandria. Monog. Pomaccce, Fructus; Nucleus; 01. Express. Syria, Barbary. The kernel ofthe fruit of the almond is farinaceous, with a portion of expressed oil. There are two varieties of it, the one sweet, the other bitter ; these are the produce of mere varieties ofthe same species, their production being dependent, it is said, on culture. The expressed oil af- forded by both is the same ; the principal part of each, too, appears to be fecula ; but with this, in the sweet almond, there is a portion of saccharine matter ; the nature of the principle in which the bitterness of the other resides, is not well ascertained : it contains, however, a portion of prussic acid, on which its odour depends, and which appears to communicate to it some degree of narcotic power ; none of this seems to be contained in the sweet almond. The oil is obtained by expression from the seeds, or by decoction of them in water. It is very similar to the olive oil, but purer DEMULCENTS. 21S and more tree from any rancidity. In common with expressed oils, it has the properties of a demulcent ; and diffused in water by the medium of mucilage, or a few drops of an alkaline solution, it is givdn in catarrh. There is another mode in which this oil is given as a demulcent, more grateful,—that of emulsion. The sweet almonds, the external rind being removed by immersion in warm water, are triturated with water; the oil is diffused in the water by the medium of the mucilage and fecula of the almond, and a milky-like liquor is formed, which is used as a pleasant de- mulcent and diluent, particularly to obviate strangury from the application of a blister. Offic Prep.—Emuls. Amygd. Ed. Lond. Dub.—Confect. Amygd. Lond. Olea Europa;a. Olive Oil. Oleum Olivarum. Diand. Monogyn Sepiarice. Oleum Expressum. South of Europe. The oil obtained from the fruit ofthe olive by expression, is of a light yellowish or greenish colour, without taste or smell, and possessed ofthe general properties of expressed oil. It is the oil of this class which is most commonly used in medicine. It is employed as a demulcent in ca- tarrh, and some other affections, diffused in water by the medium of mu- cilage, or by a very small quantity of one of the alkalis, forming what is called the oily mixture, and is thus taken in as large quantities as the stomach can bear ; it may be doubted, however, whether with any advan- tage. It is employed to involve acrid substances which may have been introduced into the stomach. It is also given as an anthelmintic. Exter- nally it is used as an emollient, applied by friction, or forming the basis of liniments and ointments. Sevum Ceti. Spermaceti. Physeter. Macrocephalus. Mammalia. Cetacece. v This fatty matter is obtained from the head ofthe particular species of whale above stated. The cavity of the head contains a large quantity of an oily fluid, from which, on standing, a concrete substance separates. This, freed from the oil by expression, and purified by melting and boil- ing with a weak alkaline solution, is the common spermaceti. It is in masses of a flaky texture, unctuous and friable ; white, with some de- gree of lustre ; and has neither taste nor smell. It is fusible and inflam- mable, and its chemical properties and relations are similar to those ofthe expressed oils and fats ; it is however less unctuous, does not easily unite with the alkalis, and is soluble to a certain extent in alcohol and ether : it forms a variety of what, from being intermediate in its properties between fat and wax, has been named Adipocire. Its medicinal virtues are those of a mild demulcent, and as such it is given in catarrh and gonorrhoea, mixed with sugar, or sometimes diffused in water by the medium of the yolk of an egg. It enters as an unctuous substance into the composition of ointments. Offic. Prep.—Cerat. Simplex. Cerat. Cetacei. Ed. Lond. Unguent. Ce- tacei. Lond. Dub. Cera. Wax.—This is a concrete substance of a particular nature, sup- posed to be collected 4by the bee from the antherae of vegetables. The experiments of Huber appear, however, to have proved, that it can be 35 274 EMOLLIENTS. formed by the bee from changes produced on its saccharine food. Still ix is to be regarded as a vegetable product. It forms a covering on the leaves, fruit, and flowers of many plants, and some, as the MyricaCerifera, afford a substance perfectly analogous in large quantity. Wax, in its che- mical properties, resembles most nearly the expressed oils, differing from them principally in solidity, and in combining less readily with the alka- lis. When merely melted from the comb, it retains a portion of colour- ing matter, and forms yellow wax ; it has also an agreeable odour. It may be deprived of both by bleaching,—the wax being melted and cast into thin cakes, which are exposed to the action of light, air, and humidi- ty. It then forms white wax, which is harder and more brittle than the yellow, and rather less fusible. Wax has been used as a demulcent in dysentery, being diffused in wa- ter by means of mucilage of gum Arabic, the wax being first melted with a little oil, to facilitate its trituration ; but it has no particular quality to recommend it. It is used in the composition of ointments and plasters, communicating to them consistence and tenacity. Offic. Prep.—Emp. Cerae, Ed. Lond. CHAP. XXII. OF EMOLLIENTS. The class of Emollients, according to the definition given by Cullen, in eludes those medicines whicifi diminish the force of cohesion in the particles of the solid matter of the human body, and thereby render them more lax and flexible. Their operation is evidently mechanical; they are insinuat- ed into the matter of the solid fibre, and either diminish its density, or lessen the friction between its particles. Hence they are useful where the fibres are rigid, or where they are preternaturally extended, and there- fore afford relief when topically applied to inflamed parts, to tumors dis- tending the skin, or where the skin is dry and rigid. There may be includ- ed under the same class, those substances which, applied to the surface, by their bland quality, afford relief from irritation. Heat, conjoined with moisture, is the principal emollient. Warm water is of itself useful; but when applied by the medium of some vegetable substances, as in the different fomentations and cataplasms, it is more ad- vantageous, as the heat is longer retained ; bread in crumbs, or the flour or meal ofthe common grains, forms the basis of the common cataplasm ; the flowers ofthe chamomile, or the mallow, are often used as the vehicle for fomentations. The emollient power is little increased by such addi- tions, though some have supposed that the mucilaginous vegetables have some efficacy of this kind. The other emollients are the oils, or unctuous substances • thev are merely introduced by friction ; and in distension ofthe animal fibre, as in dropsical swelling, afford some relief. Axungia Porcina, Hog's Lard is the principal substance of this kind not hitherto noticed. It is the fat of the hog, treed from the cellular fibre. This is done by melting it with ANTHELMINTICS. 275 the addition of a little water, to prevent the heat from rising too high. When cold, it becomes concrete; has all the properties of animal fat; and from its softness is adapted to the purposes of an external emollient appli- cation. It forms the basis of ointments, which are applied as a dressing to inflamed parts. Such compositions too are formed from the expressed oils, melted with a due proportion of spermaceti or wax ; they prove use- ful in a great measure by excluding the air, while, from their smoothness and softness they excite no irritation. The thick and bland liquid formed by the combination of lime-water with expressed oils, (Linimentum Aquae Calcis), is another emollient composition, employed as a soothing ap- plication to burns, and proving useful by a similar operation. There are some other unctuous substances which have been introduced for similar purposes ; such as Palm Oil, an expressed oil nearly concrete, obtained from the kernal ofthe fruit ofthe Cocos Butyracea, a native of Brazil. It is obtained by decoction ofthe kernels bruised in water, the oily matter separating : it is of a lively yellow colour, and rather agreeable odour, and is applied as an emollient by friction. The Oil of the Laurel Berry (Laurus Nobilis) is of similar qualities, and is obtained in the same man- ner, the berries bruised being boiled in water. It is concrete, of a yeb Lowish-green colour, and has an odour slightly fragrant. CHAP. XXIIL OF ANTHELMINTICS Anthelmintics are remedies which expel worms from the intestinal ca- nal. They have been supposed to produce this effect by various modes of operation, principally mechanical. Some which are in rough particles, as iron or tin filings, or consist of sharp spiculae, as the down of the dolichos pruriens, are supposed, by mechanical action, to dislodge from the mucus ofthe intestines the worms which are evacuated. Other substances ranked as anthelmintics seem to have no other proper- ty than bitterness. By this quality they have been supposed to prove noxious to these animals; it has also been imagined, that so far as they prove useful, they do so by restoring the tone of the digestive organs ; the production of worms being supposed to proceed from debility of these organs, in consequence of which, either the food is not properly assimila- ted, or the secreted fluids poured into the intestines are not properly pre- pared. Lastly, other remedies of this class apparently operate by their cathar- tic power. Those cathartics which discharge the mucus ofthe intestines, as gamboge, scammony, or calomel, are supposed more peculiarly to have this effect ; and perhaps it is this subdivision of anthelmintics that have most efficacy. Some anthelmintics, it is observed by Dr. Hamilton, " have been considered as a specific poison to the insect, and others are conceiv- ed to destroy it by mechanical triture. Most of them have had their par- tisans for the day, and have passed in succession through the ordeal of ex- perience into oblivion. The utility of such anthelmintics as have been 27ti anthelmintics. found to be most beneficial, has, in my opinion, been in proportion to the purgative powers which they possessed." After a course of those anthelmintics which are not directly cathartic, it is usual to give a full dose of a purgative, which is even repeated two or three times, and to this a considerable share of the effect, when worms are evacuated, is probably to be ascribed. Calomel, with jalap, gamboge, or scammony, is the cathartic usually employed. ANTHELMINTICS. Hydrargyrum. Artemisia Santonica. Ferrum. Spigelia Maribindica. Stannum. Polypodiurn Filix Mas. Oleum Oleae Europasao. Tanacetum Vulgare. Oleum ferebiuthinae. Geoflrae.i Intrrnis. Dolichos Pruriens. Cambogia Gutta. Hydrargyrum. Quicksilver. (Page 109.) Several mercurial preparations have been employed on account of their anthelmintic power. The black sulphuret, ethiops mineral as it was named, prepared by triturating sulphur and quicksilver in equal parts, has been given in the dose of a few grains to children, and of a scruple or half a drachm to adults. Mercury has been supposed to prove noxious to the class of vermes, and from this any efficacy belonging to this preparation has been inferred to arise. There is another mode in which it may ope- rate. Sulphuretted hydrogen is deleterious to animals of this class, and the natural sulphureous waters impregnated with it, hence sometimes prove powerfully anthelmintic. The sulphuretted mercury may, by its chemi- cal action on the fluids ofthe intestines, cause a production of sulphuretted hydrogen, whence may arise its anthelmintic power. Of the other mer- curials, calomel has the advantage, besides any direct anthelmintic power it may exert, of exciting the action ofthe intestines, and evacuating the in- testinal mucus. It is given alone in a dose of one or two grains to chil- dren, and of from 5 to 10 grains to an adult ; or in smaller doses combined with jalap, scammony or gamboge. It is also generally the basis of the cathartic which is administered after a course of any other anthelmintic remedy. Ferrum. Iron. (Page 117.) The filings of this metal has been given as an anthelmintic, in a dose of one or two drachms ; and the sub-carbonate, or rust of iron, was highly recommended by Rush as a remedy against the tape-worm, when taken to the extent of three or four drachms. Stannum. Tin. Tin is reduced to a powder, consisting of small rounded particles, by beating it nearly to its melting point, and agitating it brisklv. Either this powder, or what has been recommended in preference, the metal in filings, is used as an anthelmintic, in a dose of one or two drachms, or even in a much larger quantity, a cathartic being administered after, a few doses of it. Its effect has been supposed to be mechanical, dislodging the worm b* DRYING OF VEGETABLES, <$ZC. Pulvis Scillje. Powder of Squill. Dub. " Let the roots of squill, freed from their membranous integuments, and »:ut into transverse slices, be dried on a sieve with a gentle heat: then re- duce them to powder, which must be kept in glass phials well stopt." The layers of squill root being covered by a thin membrane, can be dried properly only by being cut into transverse slices. By the drying, the squill loses about four-fifths of its weight, and with little diminution of its powers, if too much heat has not been applied. It is in this state that it is commonly employed in medicine, and for other pharmaceutic prepara- tions. It requires to be kept in a dry place, as otherwise it regains its soft- ness, and is liable to become mouldy. Though the Dublin College order it to be reduced to powder, it is better to preserve the dried root without pounding it. It should be prepared, too, only in a small quantity at a time ; and in general the recent squill will be found more certain and uniform in strength. Pra;parata ex Animalibus. Preparations from Animals. Lond. Adeps Pralparata. Prepared Lard. Lond. '• Cut the fat into small pieces ; then press it, liquified by a gentle heat, through linen." Adeps Suillus Pu.eparatus. Prepared Hogs Lard. Dub. " Let fresh lard, cut into small pieces, be melted by a gentle heat, and strained by pressing it through a cloth. " Lard, which is prepared by those who sell it, and which is preserved with salt, is to be melted with twice its weight of boiling water, the mix- ture being well stirred. It is then to be set aside to cool, and the lard is to be separated." Sevum Pr/efap.atum. Prepared Suet. Lond. " Out suet into pieces ; then press it, melted by a gentle heat thiough linen." The design of these processes is to free the fat from the membranous fi- bres intermixed with it; but as it is generally prepared before it is brought to the shops, the Edinburgh College have omitted the directions they for- merly gave. If the heat be raised too high, the fat acquires a brown co- lour and empyreumatic smell; it is therefore usually melted with a little water, by which this is prevented. Cera Flava Purificata. Purified Yellow Wax. Dub. " Take of yellow wax any quantity, melt it with a moderate heat; take oft'the scum, and after allowing it to settle, pour it off from the impurities." CoR.fo Ustum. Burnt Horn. Lond. " Burn pieces of Horn in an open fire, until they become perfectly white ; then rub them to powder, and prepare them in the same manner that chalk is prepared." Pulvis Cornu Cervini Usti. Powder of Burnt Hartshorn. Dub. "Burn pieces of Hartshorn, until they become perfectly white, then re- duce them to a very fine powder." Horn consists chiefly of indurated albumen, with a portion of gelatin ; ihe quantity of phosphate of lime it conhir.s is usually small, and in this DRYING OF VEGETABLES, &C. 287 respect it differs essentially from bone. It is singular, however, that the horns ofthe deer approach closely to bone in composition, and afford a large quantity of phosphate of lime when calcined, The Dublin College, therefore, properly name Hartshorn as the kind of horn to be burnt. Du- ring the burning, the gelatin of the horn is decomposed ; its carbonaceous matter partly remains, giving a black colour ; but by continuing the heat, this also is burnt out. The phosphate of lime, which is the product of the process, is a substance apparently inert, though, from a theoretical view as to the cause of rickets and mollities ossium, it has been proposed to be given as a remedy in these diseases. It is used to reduce substances which are soft and tenacious, as opium, to powder, being rubbed along with them ; and is better adapted to this purpose than chalk, which is sometimes employed, as it is more gritty. Its powder is sometimes employed as a den- tifrice. Spongia Usta. Burnt Sponge. Lond. " Cut sponge into pieces ; and bruise it, so that it may be freed from ad- hering extraneous bodies ; then burn it in a close iron vessel, until it be- come black and friable ; lastly, rub it into a very fine powder. Pulvis Spongia; Usta;. Powder of Burnt Sponge. Dub. " Bruise sponge cut in small pieces, so as to free it from small stones ; then burn it in a close iron vessel, until it become black and friable ; and, lastly, reduce it to powder." Burnt sponge has been celebrated as a remedy in bronchocele, and in scrofulous affections of the glands, given in a dose from 20 to 30 grains. It contains carbonate and muriate of soda, carbonaceous matter, and a small quantity of iodine, to the latter of which, its virtues as a remedy in bron- chocele appear to be owing. Dr. Coindet of Geneva has employed iodine very extensively as a reme- dy in goitre, to the exhibition of which it appears he was led by the cir- cumstance of burnt sponge, which contains iodine, forming the basis of all those remedies which have been used with any success in that disease. The form under which he preferred to employ it, was that of the ioduret- ted hydriodate of potass : this is prepared by dissolving 36 grains of the hydriodate, and 10 of iodine, in an ounce of distilled water : the hydriod- ate is obtained by saturating potass with hydriodic acid, the acid itself be- ing procured by transmitting sulphuretted hydrogen through a solution of alcohol containing iodine. The dose of this medicine is from five to ten drops, thrice a-day, in syrup : this may be gradually increased to twenty, but with great caution, for when given to excess, it acts very violently up- on the system. Under this treatment, continued for a few weeks, it is stated that the goitre will disappear. If, during its exhibition, the pulse should become more quick, and the patient should lose flesh rapidly, ac- companied by palpitation, a dry cough, and want of sleep, with increased appetite in some, the diminution ofthe goitre will be observed, and it will become necessary to intermit the medicine for some days, resuming it af- wards, when the state of the patient's health will permit it. Pulvis Quercus Marina;. Powder of Sea Oak, or Sea Wrack. Dub, " Take of sea wrack with its vesicles any quantity. Dry and free it from its impurities ; then expose it in an iron pot or crucible, to which a perforated cover is adapted, to the fire, until the vapours which arise 288 EXTRACTION OF l'ULI'n having ceased, the mass becomes of a dull red. Reduce the carbonaceous matter which remains to powder." This substance is analogous to the preceding preparation, and is sup posed to have similar medicinal powers. CHAP. II. PULPARUIVl EXTRACTIO—EXTRACTION OF PULPS. Pulparum Extractio. Extraction of Pulps. Ed. " Those fruits which afford a pulp, if they are unripe, or if ripe and dry, boil with a little water, that they may become soft. Then express the pulp through a hair-sieve, and boil it with a gentle heat in an earthen vessel, stirring it frequently that it may not burn, until it attain the consis- tence of honey. " The pulp of cassia fistula is to be boiled from the bruised pod ; and then, by evaporating the water, to be reduced to the due consistence. The pulps of ripe and fresh fruits are to be pressed through a sieve, with- out previous boiling." Pulparum Extractio. Extraction of Pulps. Dub. " Fruits, the pulps of which are to be extracted, if they are unripe, or if ripe and dry, are to be boiled with a small quantity of water until they become soft. The pulps being pressed through a hair-sieve are to be eva- porated to a proper consistence, by a slow evaporation." Vegetabilium Pra;paratio. Preparation of Vegetables. Lond. •' Vegetables, soon after they are collected, those excepted which are to be used in the recent state, are to be spread out lightly, so as to dry as quick as possible, with a heat so gentle, that their colour may not change ; they are then to be kept in proper vessels, or situations where the access of light and humidity may be excluded. " Roots, which are ordered to be kept fresh, ought to be buried in dry sand. The root of squill, before drying it, is to be cut transversely into thin slices, the outer dry layers being removed. " Pulpy Fruits, if they are not ripe, or if ripe and dry, are to be ex- posed in a damp place until they become soft, then press out the pulp through a hair sieve, afterwards boil with a gentle heat, stirring frequent- ly ; lastly, dissipate the water by the heat of a water bath, until it has be come ofthe proper consistence. " On the pods of cassia bruised, pour boiling water, so as to wash out the pulp, which press first through a sieve with large holes, afterwards through a hair-sieve, then evaporate the water by the heat of a water-bath, until the pulp attain the proper consistence. " Press the pulp or juice of ripe and fresh fruits through a sieve, with- out any previous boiling." These directions are given principally for the preparation ofthe pulps of several fruits which enter into the composition ofthe Electuary of Sen- na. Pulps are seldom otherwise medicinally employed, and they cannot be long preserved unchanged. CONSERVE?;, r-j8H CHAP. III. CONSERVE.—CONSERVED Conserves are compositions of fresh vegetable matter with sugar The form is designed to preserve such vegetables as lose their virtues by drying ; sugar in some measure counteracting the spontaneous decom- position to which vegetable matter is liable in a humid state. For this pur- pose, about three times the weight ofthe vegetable of refined sugar is em- ployed. Its operation, however, is but imperfect : the powers of any ac- tive vegetable can scarcely be preserved unimpaired for any length of time in this form ; and, therefore, there is no conserve ordered in the Pharmacopoeias of any powerful medicine, those which are inserted being merely recommended by their agreeable flavour, and being not used but as vehicles for the exhibition of more active remedies, under the form of bolus, pill, or electuary. The Edinburgh College admits three conserves. Conserva Citri Aurantii, ex cortice recentis fructus, radula abraso : Conserve ofthe outer rhind ofthe Orange rasped by a grater ; Conserva Rosa; Canine, ex fructu maturo, a seminibus eorumque pube solicite purgato : Conserve ofthe fruit of the Dog-hip, carefully freed from the seeds and included down ; Conserva Rosa; Gallica:, ex petalis nondum explicitis : Cohserve of the Unblown Petals ofthe Red Rose ; With regard to all which, they give, as the directions for their prepa- ration, that the vegetable matter is to be beat into a pulp, to which is to be added gradually, during the beating, three times its weight of refined sugar in powder. The London College have united the Conserves with the preparations named Electuaries, and have given them the common name of Confection, —improperly, as conserves are compositions of fresh vegetables with su- gar added to prevent decomposition, while electuaries are composed usu- ally of dry powders with syrup added to give merely a convenient form. Of those which correspond with what have usually been denominated Conserves, they have retained the three which have a place in the Edin- burgh Pharmacopoeia; and have given the following directions for the preparation of each. The Dublin College admit only the Conserve of the Rhind ofthe Orange, and the Conserve ofthe Petals ofthe Red Rose. Confectio Aurantiorum. Confection of Orange Peel. Lond. " Take ofthe exterior Rhind ofthe Orange fresh, separated by a gra- ter, a pound ; Refined Sugar, three pounds. Bruise the rhind in a stone mortar with a wooden pestle, then adding the sugar, bruise again until they unite into a mass." Conserva Aurantii. Conserve of Orange Peel. Dub. " To the Rhind of the fresh Seville Orange, rasped off, add, while beating it, three times its weight of refined sugar." Confectio Rosa; Canina;. Confection of Dog-hip. Lond. " Take of the Pulp of the Dog-hip, a pound ; Refined Sugar, beat down, twenty ounces. Expose the pulp in a water-bath to a gentle heat, -- 37 29U INSPISSATED juices. then gradually add the sugar, and rub them together until they form an uniform mass." Confectio Rosa; Gallica;. Confection ofthe Red Rose. Lond. " Take ofthe Petals ofthe Red Rose, not fully blown, with the heels removed, a pound; Refined Sugar, three pounds. Bruise the petals in a stone mortar, then, adding the sugar, beat again until they form an uni- form mass. Conserva Rosa;. Conserve of Red Rose. Dub. " Pluck off the Petals of the Red Rose-buds, from the calyces, and having freed them from the heels, beat them, adding gradually three times their weight of refined sugar." Ofthe above Conserves, that of Orange Peel is so little used, that it is seldom to be found in the shops. The Conserve of Dog-hip is smooth and uniform in its consistence, and is therefore well adapted to the purpose to which it is applied, that of serving as a vehicle for active medicines, un- der the form of bolus or pill. The Conserve of the Petals of the Red Rose is supposed to retain their slight astringency, and at one time was celebrated as a remedy in haemoptysis and phthisis. It is still a popular medicine in these diseases, being taken in the dose of an ounce in the morning, diffused in warm milk. The Confections ofthe London Pharmacopoeia, which correspond witb the Electuaries of the other Pharmacopoeias, will be noticed in a sue reeding chapter. CHAP. IV. SUCCI SPISSATI.—INSPISSATED JUICES. The juice expressed from succulent vegetables, frequently holds dis solved, or diffused through it, the principles in which the medicinal pow ers of the plant reside ; mucilage, the principle more peculiarly named extract, tannin, fecula, and even a portion of resin. But containing a large proportion of water, and being liable to decomposition, the process of in- spissation is employed to obtain the active matter in a more concentrated state, and to obviate this spontaneous change. The preparations thus obtained are named Inspissated Juices, formerly Extracts. In the greater number of cases, however, this operation cannot be per- formed without injury to the active matter. Any volatile principle is neces- sarily dissipated ; and even where there is no injury of this kind, the ve- getable matter, at the temperature necessary for the evaporation, suffers decomposition, either from the reaction of its elements, or from the chem- ical action ofthe oxygen ofthe air. Extractive matter, such as that con- tained in the juicesoof plants, becomes insoluble from mere exposure to the air, as Vauquelin observed : this change takes place more rapidly at the temperature of boiling water, as Fourcroy has shewn ; and T. Saussure, who examined these changes more minutely, found that they are accom- panied with an absorption of oxygen from the air, and a formation of car- bonic acid, with probably, likewise, as he inferred, a formation of water INSPISSATED JUICES, 291 from the union of part of the oxygen and hydrogen of the vegetable matter. Such changes must give rise to alterations in the medicinal powers of these substances, and hence we cannot rely on the activity and uniformity of operation in these inspissated juices. Even after they are prepared, too, they continue to suffer spontaneous decomposition, and their activity must diminish with age. From the analysis of these inspissated juices, they appear to contain usually a large proportion of saline matter, principally acetates of potash, lime and ammonia, sulphate and muriate of potash, and sulphate of lime, with frequently so much free acetic acid as to redden litmus ; they exhale vapours of acetic acid when acted on by sulphuric acid, and they give an ammoniacal smell when rubbed with lime. This predominance of sa- line matter must modify their powers, and probably hasten their decompo- sition. The Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia gives the following general directions for preparing the inspissated juices. " The fresh leaves are to be bruised, and being inclosed in an hempen hag, are to be pressed strongly, that they may give out their juice, which is to be reduced by evaporation in open vessels, heated by boiling water saturated with muriate of soda, to the consistence of thick honey. The mass, after it has cooled, is to be kept in glazed earthen vessels, and mois- tened with alcohol." In this manner inspissated juices are obtained from the leaves of Wolfs- bane, (Aconitum Napellus ;)—from the leaves of the Deadly Nightshade, (Atropa Belladonna;)— from the leaves of Hemlock, (Conium Macula- turn ;)—from the herb of Henbane, (Hyoscyamus Niger ;)—from the herb of Garden Lettuce, (Lactuca Sativa ;)---and from the herb of Strong-scent- ed Lettuce, (Lactuca Virosa). The London College admit the same Inspis- sated Juices, with the exception of the last, giving them the name of Ex- tracts. They give the following directions with regard to each. " Bruise the recent leaves in a stone mortar, sprinkling upon them a small quantity of water, then express the juice, and without any defecation evaporate it until it attain a proper consistence ;" the general direction being also given with regard to the evaporation, "that it is to be performed in a broad shallow vessel, by the heat of a water-bath, until the consistence is that fit for forming pills, stirring constantly with a spatula towards the end of the evaporation." The Dublin College admit only the Inspissated Juices of Hemlock and Henbane, giving the following directions under the prepara- tion ofthe former. " Express the leaves of Hemlock, gathered when the flowers are just appearing, and put aside the juice for six hours, that the impurities may subside, then evaporate the pure juice with a gentle heat to the consistence of an extract." The propriety of the direction of al- lowing any matter to subside from the juice before evaporation, is doubt- ful, as" the matter deposited has frequently considerable activity. It is not given, therefore by the other Colleges, and the London College order even the juice to be evaporated without any purification. Succus Spfssatus Aconiti Napelli. Inspissated Juice of Wolfsbane. Ed. Extractum Aconitp. Extract of Wolfsbane. Lond. This inspissated juice is the form under which wolfsbane was introduced into practice by Stiirk. He recommended it in glandular swellings, scrofu- lous and venereal affections, gout, and in obstinate chronic rheumatism, in 292 INSPISSATED JUICES*. a dose of a grain night and morning, and gradually increased to 5 or t> grains. It is very seldom prescribed. Succus Spissatus Atropa: Belladona:. Inspissated Juice of Deadly Nightshade. Ed, Extractum BelladoNjE, Lond. This has been recommended by the German practitioners in scirrhus, cancer, in epilepsy and mania, in a dose of one grain, usually in the form of a pill, gradually increased. It retains the peculiar property of the plant, that of occasioning dilatation of the pupil, whence it has been pre- scribed in amaurosis, and has frequently been employed previous to the operation for cataract. Succus Spissatus Conii Maculati. Inspissated Juice of Hemlock. Ed. Succus Spissatus CicuTiE. Dub. Extractum Conii. Lond. Under this form, hemlock was employed by Stork in scirrhus and cancer. The dose given is at first two grains, but it requires to be quickly increas- ed, and it has at length been taken to the extent of several drachms in the day. It retains the strong odour of the plant, and seems to be one of the most powerful of thi expressed juices. It is always liable, however, to be uncertain in its strength, according to the heat applied in its evapora- tion ; it is also injured by keeping, and we have no other test of its acti- vity than the strength of its narcotic odour. It is, therefore, on the whole, inferior to the dried leaves of the plant, though these are 1 ikewie liable to a considerable degree of uncertainty, according to the manner in which they have been dried and preserved. According to Dr. Fothergill, the proper time forgathering this plant for medicinal purposes, and thus obtaining a medicine always nearly about the same strength, is when its flowers fade, the rudiments of the seed become apparent, and the habit ofthe plant inclines to yellow. Yet with all these precautions, it cannot be procured always of the same strength ; and it is only from observing the effects it produces on the constitution, that we can at all determine whether it has been given in sufficient quantity to answer the end it was intended for. The effects usually observable when a full dose has been given, are giddiness, nausea, tremors of the body, a gentle catharsis, and sometimes a peculiar heavy sensation about the eyes. A common form of exhibition is that of the inspissated juice made into pills by the addition ofthe powder ofthe leaves ; but perhaps the powder alone is to be perferred, both as being in general more active and uniform, and as we have a test of its proper preparation more certain in the rich- ness of its green colour. Succus Spissatus Hyoscyami Nicmi. Inspissated Juice of Black Hen- bane. Ed. Dub. Extractum Hyoscyami. Lond. This inspissated juice retains a considerable degree of narcotic power, and is a form under which Henbane is occasionally employed as a substi- tute for opium. The dose has been usually one grain, increased to a scru- ple, commonly in the form of pills ; two grains are perhaps not more than equivalent to one grain of opium. The tincture has been introduced as a more certain preparation. Succus Spissatus Lactuca; Sativa:. Inspissated Juice of Garden Let- tuce. Ed. This preparation was received into the last edition of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. It was first recommended by Dr. Duncan sen. for its se- dative properties, and as such has been frequently employed principally in inspissated juices. 293 allaying the cough attending phthisis pulmonalis. From the experiments of Dr. Coxe of Philadelphia, its action on the pulse, and the general effects produced by it, are nearly similar to those of laudanum. The dose in which it is given is from three to five grains. Succus Spissatus Lactuca; Virosa;. Inspissated Juice of Strong-scented Lettuce. Ed. This plant, though a narcotic, has been principally used as a diuretic. It was recommended as a remedy in dropsy by the German practitioners, in a dose of four or five grains, gradually increased to one or two drachms in twenty-four hours ; in this country it has been little used. Succus Spissatus Sambuci Nigra;. Inspissated Juice of the Black El- der. Ed. Five parts of the juice of ripe Elder Berries, and one part of purified Sugar, are to be boiled with a gentle heat to the consistence of thick ho- ney. Succus Spissatus Sambuci. Inspissated Juice of Elder. Dub. Let the juice from the fresh Berries of the Elder be prepared in the same manner as the inspissated juice of hemlock. This preparation has been given as an aperient or moderate laxative and diuretic, in a dose of half an ounce, or one ounce ; but it possesses no quality to recommend it. Extractum Elaterii. Extract of Elaterium. Lond. " Cut the ripe fruit of Elaterium, and strain the juice very lightly ex- pressed through a fine hair sieve into a glass vessel ; then put it aside for a few hours, until the thicker part subsides. The thinner part which swims above being rejected, dry the thinner part with a gentle heat." Elaterium. Elaterium. Dub. " Cut ripe Wild Cucumbers, and strain the juice lightly expressed through a very fine hair sieve into a glass vessel. Put it aside for some hours until the thicker part subsides ; the liquid above being rejected, dry the fecula on a linen cloth, covered by another, with a gentle heat.'' From the mode of preparation, itis obvious that this consists of a matter which had been suspended in the juice : hence it has been regarded as a species of fecula, without having been, however, very particularly exam- ined ; and from its not being dissolved during the slight boiling of the juice, it would appear to be of a different nature. Its active principle, accord- ing to Dr. Clutterbuck, appears to reside solely in the juice around the seEds ; and this, when properly extracted, acts as a violent purgative in the small dose of j grain*. It has been used as a hydragogue in dropsy, and as a cathartic in obstinate constipation ; and used for this purpose, its action is peculiar, as it produces a great degree of febrile excitement. The violence, and in some measure, the uncertainty of its operation, pre- vent its frequent use ; though in dropsy, where other powerful evacuants have not succeeded, it is sometimes tried in small repeated doses, cautious- }y administered. * Vide p. 1^ MXET) OILS. CHAP. V. OLEA FIXA SIVE EXPRESSA.—FIXED OR EXPRESSED OILb. These Oils were formerly denominated Expressed in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, which name is retained in those ofthe London and Dublin Colleges ; but as several of the volatile oils are obtained by expression, the Edinburgh College have appropriated the term Fixed to that class of oils. The fixed or expressed oils are distinguished by their unctuosity and in- sipidity, by being insoluble in water and in alcohol, incapable of volatiliza- tion without change, and by combining with the alkalis, forming soaps. The ultimate principles of these oils, are hydrogen and carbon. They exist in the fruit and seeds of vegetables, and are obtained by expression, or decoction with water. The former method is in general to be preferred ; and to afford the oil pure, it must be performed without heat, which, though it favours the separation of the oil, communicates to it acrimony and an unpleasant flavour. The process, however, is seldom performed in the shops. To preserve them from becoming rancid, they ought be kept secluded from the air, this change being produced in them by absorption of oxygen. A process in Pharmacy somewhat difficult, is to mix these oils with any watery fluid, so that they may be conveniently exhibited. It is usually done by the medium of mucilage, or of an alkali. If triturated with mucilage, and a small quantity of sugar, the oil is diffused through the water, and a milky liquor is formed, in which, however, the diffusion is rather imper- fect. A combination more complete and permanent is effected, by adding a few drops of water of ammonia, or two or three grains of sub-carbonate of potash, without the mucilage. Oleum Amygdala; Communis. Oil of Almonds. Ed. " Take of Fresh Almonds, any quantity. Bruise them in a stone-mor- tar, inclose them in a hempen bag, and express the oil by a press with- out heat." Oleum Amygdalarum. Almond Oil. Lond. " Macerate Almonds, either sweet or bitter, in cold water for twelve hours, and bruise them ; then, without applying any heat, express the oil." Oleum Amygdalarum. Oil of Almonds. Dub. " Bruise Fresh Almonds in a mortar, and express the oil without heat, by a press. This is the purest ofthe expressed oils, being free from odour or taste. It is used as a demulcent, and for the general purposes to which express- ed oils are applied. Oleum Lini UsiTATissiMi,OiI of Lintseed ; Oleum Lini. Lond. and Dub. This oil is directed to be expressed in the same manner, from the seeds of the plant. Being less pure, it is used only as an external application. Usually, it is prepared on the large scale ; and to remove the mucilage, heat is employed in the expression. Oleum Ricini. Castor Oil. Lond. "Bruise the seeds,from which the external pellicle has been removed, and express thf oil without any application of heat." EMULSIONS. 295 This oil is usually prepared in the West Indies by decoction, and is milder than when obtained by expression. Hence in the Pharmacopoeias of the other colleges, it is merely inserted in the catalogue ofthe Materia Medica. This is the case too with the Olive Oil, Oleum Olea; Europa;a:, which of all the expressed oils is most largely employed ; it is imported from the South of Europe. CHAP. VI. EMULSIONES. EMULSIONS. ED.—MISTUR.E. MIXTURES. LOND. Emulsions are preparations in which the expressed oil ofthe seeds or kernels, from which they are made, is diffused through water by the me- dium ofthe sugar, mucilage, and fecula, which the seeds contain. They may be made from lintseed, from the seeds ofthe poppy, and from other oily seeds, but almonds are always preferred, as being free from any disa- greeable flavour or taste ; and they afford a much more grateful form of preparation of an expressed oil than any other. They are employed as mere demulcents, and are always extemporaneous preparations. The oil being merely diffused through the water, they are opaque and milky, and after some time it begins to separate and rise like a cream to the surface. The fluid beneath is like whey in its appearance, and soon becomes aces- cent from the slow fermentation of the saccharine matter. The addition of vinous spirits, or of any weak acid, decomposes emulsions, separating the oil. In prescribing them, therefore, it is necessary to avoid combining with them any tincture, or any substance having acidity. Emulsio Acacia; Arabica;. Arabic Emulsion. Ed. " Take ofthe Mucilage of Gum-Arabic, two ounces ; Almonds, one ounce; Refined Sugar, an ounce and a half; Water, two pounds and a half. Macerate the almonds in warm water and peel them, then carefully beat them in a stone mortar, first with the sugar, and next with the mucil- age ; the water is then to be gradually added, and the mixture strained." Emulsio Arabica. Arabic Emulsion. Dub. " Take of Gum-Arabic, in powder, two drachms ; Sweet Almonds, blanched, Refined Sugar, of each half an ounce ; Decoction of Barley, a pint. Dissolve the gum in the warm decoction, and when it is nearly cold, pour it gradually on the almonds, previously triturated with the su- gar, rubbing them at the same time together, so as to form a milky liquor, which strain." This emulsion is used in the same cases as those following, and from the addition ofthe mucilage, is supposed to have more demulcent power. Emulsio Amygdali Commumis. Almond Emulsion. Ed. " Take of Sweet Almonds, one ounce ; Purified Sugar, half an ounce ; Water, two pounds and a half; beat the blanched almonds carefully in a stone mortar with the sugar, adding the water gradually, then strain." Lac Amygdala;. Milk of Almonds. Dub. " Take of Sweet Almonds, blanched, an ounce and a half; Refined Su 2B6 mixtures- gar, half an ounce, Water, two pints and a half. Triturate the almonds with the sugar, adding the water gradually, then strain." Mistura Amygdalarum. Mixture of Almonds. Lond. " Take of Almond Confection, two ounces ; Distilled Water, a pint, add the water gradually to the confection during the trituration, and then strain." The almonds are blanched, are freed from their thin rhind, by keeping them a minute or two in boiling water, and after which the rhind is easily detached. They require to be well triturated with the first portions of water, as it is added. The formula ofthe London College affords a me- thod of preparing the emulsion more easily, extemporaneously ; but this is an advantage scarcely of sufficient importance to require an alteration ofthe mode of preparation ; and the almond confection, if long kept, may be liable to spontaneous decomposition, and probably, from the sugar it contains, will become acescent, and therefore unfit for the preparation. The emulsion is used as a diluent and demulcent in catarrh and gonorrhoea, or during the application of a blister, to prevent the occurrence of stran- gury, being drunk ad libitum, and it is more grateful than any other dilu- ent. Emulsio Camphora;. Camphor Emulsion. Ed. " Take of Camphor, one scruple; Almonds, Refined Sugar, of each half an ounce ; Water, a pound and a half. Beat the blanched almonds in a stone mortar, with the camphor and sugar previously well rubbed to- gether, then pour the water on gradually, and strain." Camphor is less apt to occasion nausea or uneasiness in the stomach when given in a liquid than when in a solid form ; and this is one of the best forms of preparation for its diffusion. Its dose is two ounces, given every four hours ; but as this narcotic is not much employed internally in modern practice, the camphor emulsion is not often prescribed. This preparation should always be extemporaneous, as in the course of a few days the camphor separates, and rises to the surface. MISTURiE.—MIXTURES. To the preparations named Emulsions, the London College have extend- ed the general name of Mixture, which is employed in Pharmacy to denote those preparations in which different ingredients are mingled together in the liquid form, or in which solid substances are diffused through liquids by the medium of mucilaginous or saccharine matter. And under the name of Mixture are inserted several compound medicines, both in the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeia, of which it is necessary to take notice. Some of them had formerly a place in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia ; but they have been discarded, probably from the consideration that they must always be prepared extemporaneously, and may therefore be varied ac- cording to the intention of the prescriber. Mistura Ammoniaci. Gum Ammoniac Mixture. Lond. " Take of Ammoniac, two drachms ; Water, half a pint. Triturate the ammoniac with the water poured on it gradually until they are intimately mixed." Lac Ammoniaci. Milk of Ammoniac. Dub. " Take of Gum Ammoniac, one drachm ; Pennyroyal Water, eight ounces MIXTURES. 297 by measure. Rub the gum with the pennyroyal water added gradually, un- til the mixture has the appearance of milk, which strain through linen." In this mixture the resinous matter is suspended in the water by the me- dium of the gum, and a milky liquor is formed. From this the resin sub- sides slowly. Under this form this gum-resin is sometimes prescribed as an expectorant, the dose of the mixture being from half an ounce to an ounce: the bitter taste, however, of ammoniac renders it not so well adapted to its exhibition as the form of pill. Mistura Assafcstida:. Assafoetida Mixture. Lond. " Take of Assafoetida, two drachms ; Water, half a pint Rub the assa- foetida with the water added gradually until they are perfectly mixed." Lac Assafoetida:. Milk of Assafoetida. Dub. " Take of Assafoetida, a drachm ; Pennyroyal Water, eight ounces by measure. Rub the assafoetida with the water gradually added, until it form an emulsion." The resin of the assafoetida is in this mixture likewise suspended in the water by the medium of the gum. It is a form under which this fcetid drug is prescribed in the hysteric paroxysm, from half an ounce to an ounce being given and repeated at short intervals. Its operation as an antispas- modic is thus sooner obtained than when it is given in the solid form. Mistura Camphora;. Camphor Mixture. Lond. " Take of Camphor, half a drachm ; Rectified Spirit, ten minims ; Wa- ter, a pint. Rub the camphor first with the spirit, then add the water gradually and strain." Mistura Camphorata. Camphorated Mixture. Dub. " Take of Camphor, a scruple ; Rectified Spirit of Wine, ten drops ; Refined Sugar, half an ounce ; Water, a pint. Rub the camphor first with the spirit, then with the sugar; lastly, add the water while rubbing, and strain the mixture through linen." Boiling water was formerly ordered in making this mixture, by which much of the camphor was volatilized, and very little of it dissolved. Even at a low temperature, the water scarcely dissolves any appreciable quan- tity, and it can be regarded only as receiving odour and some degree of taste, without any such impregnation as shall communicate to it medicinal efficacy. It serves, therefore, merely as a vehicle for other medicines. Mistura Cornu Usti. Mixture of Burnt Horn. Lond. " Take of Burnt Horn, two ounces ; Gum Arabic in powder, one ounce; Water, three pints. Boil down to two pints, stirring constantly, then strain." Decoctum Cornu Cervini. Decoction of Hartshorn. Dub. " Take of Burnt Hartshorn, rubbed to powder, two ounces ; Gum Ara- bic, three drachms ; Water, three pints. Boil, stirring constantly, to two pints, and strain." This is an absurd preparation, introduced at a time when the principles of Pharmacy were nearly unknown. The burnt hartshorn (which is cheifly phosphate of lime) is perfectly insoluble in water ; the gum alone therefore is dissolved ; the hartshorn, by the continued boiling, is diffus- ed, and kept suspended by the mucilaginous liquid ; but this might equal- c2.y& MIXTURES. ly be done without this operation ; and when done, it can communicate to the preparation no medicinal power whatever. Mistura Ferri Composita. Compound Mixture of Iron. Lond. " Take of Myrrh in powder, one drachm ; Sub-carbonate of Potash, twenty-five grains ; Rose Water, seven fluidounces and a half; Sulphate of Iron in powder, one scruple ; Spirit of Nutmeg, half a fluidounce ; Re- fined Sugar, a drachm. " Rub the myrrh with the sub-carbonate of potash and sugar, and, dur- ing the rubbing, add first the rose water, and the spirit of nutmeg, and afterwards the sulphate of iron. Put the mixture immediately into a pro- per glass vessel, which stop closely." This, with a few trivial alterations, is the celebrated Antihectic Mix- ture of Griffith ; which, as first invented, was undoubtedly an unchemical mixture, the prescriber not being aware of the changes produced in the active ingredients by their mutual action, but which, in practice, was found possessed of some peculiar advantages. The sulphate of iron, it is obvi- ous, is decomposed by the sub-carbonate of potash, the sulphuric acid combining with the potash, while the carbonic acid unites with the oxide of iron. The carbonate of iron which is formed, is diffused in the mixture with the myrrh, and both are probably kept more completely suspend- ed by an excess of alkali. This chalybeate proves less irritating than the sulphate of iron, producing no unpleasant effect on the stomach, and at the same time is more active than the common carbonate or rust of iron, in which the iron is at the maximum of oxidation, while in the present preparation, itis at the minimum, is in a different state of aggregation, and probably combined with a larger quantity of carbonic acid. To preserve it in this state, it is ordered to be kept in a bottle closely stopt; but as iron has a strong tendency to become more highly oxidated, and suffers this change rapidly from the action of the air, it is preferable that the prepa- ration should be extemporaneously made. Griffith's mixture is employed as a remedy in hectic fever, in some forms of phthisis and chronic catarrh, in chlorosis, and other diseases in which iron is given as a tonic, and is often attended with marked benefit. The mixture ofthe London Pharma- copoeia is nearly of the same strength, and may be given in a dose of an ounce once or twice a-day. Mistura Guaiaci. Guaiac Mixture. Lond. " Take ofthe Gum-Resin of Guaiac, a drachm and a half; Refined Su- gar, two drachms ; Mucilage of Gum Arabic, two fluid drachms; Cinna- mon Water, eight fluidounces. Rub the guaiac with the sugar, then with the mucilage, adding gradually, while these are rubbed together, the cin- namon water." This may be a convenient form for the exhibition of guaiac, but is not possessed of any very peculiar advantage ; nor does there appear to be much propriety in multiplying these extemporaneous prescriptions. Mistura Moschi. Musk Mixture. Lond. "Take of Musk, Gum Arabic, Refined Sugar, of each one drachm: Rose Water, six fluidounces. Rub the musk with the sugar, then with the gum, and add gradually the rose water." The same observation applies to this as to the preceding preparation. It; dose is an ounce, or an ounce and a half. INFUSIONS. 299 Ao.ua Picis Liq.uida;. Tar-Water. Dub. " Take of Tar, by measure, two pints ; Water, a gallon. Mix them, stirring with a wooden rod for a quarter of an hour ; then, after the tar has subsided, strain the liquor, and keep it in well-closed vessels." The water dissolves the empyreumatic acetic acid with a little of the oil ofthe tar, and from this impregnation acquires colour, smell and taste. Tar-water was at one time highly celebrated for its efficacy in many dis- eases, being drunk to the extent of a pound or two daily ; it operates slight ly as a diuretic and diaphoretic, but has long fallen into disuse. CHAP. VIL INFUSA.— INFUSION'S. Infusion is a general term, which might be applied to that process by which the soluble parts of any solid are extracted by the action of any fluid kept in contact for some time with the body on which it acts. In Pharma- cy it is usually limited to that case where the active matter of vegetable substances is extracted partially ot completely by water, though it is some- times extended to the same process where other liquors, as alcohol, are employed. It is in the former sense, or as denoting an aqueous prepara- tion, that the term is used in the Pharmacopoeias. Infusions, therefore, are solutions of vegetable matter in water obtained by maceration. Several of the principles of vegetables being soluble in water, they can often by this operation, be extracted with advantage. But there are others with regard to which it is useless. Thus the astringent power of oak bark, or the purgative quality of rhubarb, is extracted by infusion in water: even the cathartic power of senna, though it appears to reside in a princi- ple more peculiarly soluble in alcohol, is obtained by the action of water, when a large quantity is employed, and its solvent power is promoted by heat. But the power of jalap is scarcely procured, the watery infusions of it being comparatively weak. In prescribing infusions, therefore, re- gard must be had to the composition of the substance ordered to be infus- ed. In general, mucilaginous plants yield their mucilage readily to water ; bitterness and astringency are also usually extracted by water with facility, and the aromatic quality where this resides is an essential oil. With re- gard to other properties, scarcely any general rule can be delivered. To any resinous substance aqueous infusion can never properly be applied. The quantity and quality ofthe matter extracted by infusions are varied by the temperature ofthe fluid. Infusions with warm water areconsidera- bly stronger than those made with cold water ; in some cases, however, especially with respect to bitters, they are less grateful. In the infusion of gentian, therefore, of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, which is designed to be used as a bitter, cold water is directed to be used ; in all the others, boiling water is ordered to be poured on the materials ofthe infusion, and the vessel is generally placed near a fire. Dried vegetables yield their virtues to water by infusion, more readily than when they are in the recent state, probably from the vegetable mat- ter being more easily penetrated by the water. 300 INFUSIONS. Infusions are always injured by keeping. Though at first transparent, they soon become more or less turbid ; they deposite a mucous-like sub- stance, lose their peculiar taste, and after some time acquire a putrid smell,—changes owing to the gradual decomposition ofthe vegetable mat- ter they hold dissolved. Infusions are therefore never kept ready prepar- ed in the shops ; they are to be regarded as extemporaneous preparations, which, in general, require several hours before they can be prepared. rNFusuM AcACf.a; Catechu. Infusion of Catechu. Ed. " Take of Extract of Acacia Catechu in powder, two drachms and a half; Bark of Cinnamon bruised, half a drachm; Boiling Water, seven ounces ; Simple Syrup, one ounce. Macerate the extract and bark with the water in a closed vessel, for two hours, then strain through linen, and add the syrup." Infusum Catechu Compositum. Compound Infusion of Catechu. Lond. " Take of Extract of Catechu, two drachms and a half; Cinnamon Bark bruised, half a drachm ; Boiling Water, half a pint. Macerate for an hour in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." The Extract of Catechu is entirely soluble in water. This prepara- tion, therefore, possesses all its virtues unimpaired, and rendered more grateful, by the addition of the cinnamon. Hence it is one of the best forms under which catechu can be prescribed. Its principal use is in di- arrhoea : its dose, one ounce every third or fourth hour. A small quan- tity of tincture of opium is frequently added to it with advantage. Infusum Anthemidis Nobilis. Infusion of Chamomile. Ed. " Take of Chamomile Flowers, two drachms ; Water, eight ounces. Macerate for twenty-four hours, in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." Infusum Anthemidis. Infusion of Chamomile. Lond. " Take of Flowers of Chamomile, two drachms : Boiling Water, half a pint. Macerate for ten minutes in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." Under the form of infusion, chamomile is used as a bitter in dyspepsia : it is more grateful when prepared with cold water, and then is equal per- haps in efficacy to any other bitter. The infusion in warm water is gene- rally employed to promote the operation of an emetic. Infusum Cassia: Sennje. Infusion of Senna. Ed. " Take ofthe Leaves of Senna, six drachms ; Ginger Root bruised, one scruple ; Boiling Water, nine ounces. Macerate for an hour, in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." Infusum Senna:. Infusion of Senna. Lond. " Take of Senna Leaves, an ounce and a half; Ginger root sliced, one drachm ; Boiling Water, a pint. Macerate for an hour in a vessel lightly closed, and strain the liquor.'' Infusum Senna;. Infusion of Senna. Dub. " Take of Senna Leaves, three drachms ; Lesser Cardamom Seeds, freed from the capsules and bruised, half a drachm ; Boiling Water, as much as that six ounces by measure may be strained off. Digest for an hour, and when the liquor has cooled, strain it." Under this form, senna may be given as a purgative, the dose being three or four ounces. It is however less grateful than the infusion of senna and tamarinds of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. The proportion of senna in INFUSIONS. 301 the London formula, appears to be considerably greater than what is ne- cessary ; and there is no propriety in preparing more of the infusion than what is required for a dose, as it suffers decomposition in a very short time. Infusum Cinchona: Lancifolia:. Infusion of Peruvian Bark. Ed. " Take of Lance-leaved Bark in powder, one ounce; Water, one pound. Macerate for twenty-four hours, frequently shaking, and strain." Infusum Cinchona:. Infusion of Peruvian Bark. Lond. " Take of Lance-leaved Peruvian Bark, bruised, half an ounce ; Boiling Water, half a pint. Macerate for two hours in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." Infusum Cinchona; sine calore. Infusion of Peruvian Bark without heat. Dub. " Take of Peruvian Bark in coarse powder, an ounce ; Cold Water, twelve ounces, by measure. Rub the bark with a little water, and add the remainder during the rubbing ; then macerate for twenty-four hours, shaking occasionally, and pour off the pure liquor." By infusion, water is capable of dissolving only a small portion of the active matter of cinchona, and the preparation thereof cannot be employed with advantage in any case in which the full operation of the remedy is required. It is used as a bitter in dyspepsia, in a dose of two ounces oc- casionally, but is seldom prescribed. Infu&um Columba:. Infusion of Columbae. Ed. " Take of Colombo Root sliced, one drachm ; Boiling Water, eight ounces. Macerate for two hours in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." Infusum Calumba:. Infusion of Colombo. Lond. " Take of Colombo Root cut, one drachm; Boiling Water, half a pint, Macerate for two hours in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." The active matter of Colombo is imperfectly extracted by water ; and this can be regarded only as a bitter infusion, which, like other bitters, may be used in dyspeptic affections. Its dose is two ounces. To obtain the more active operation of Colombo, it must be given in substance. Infusum Digitalis Purpurea:. Infusion of Foxglove. Ed. " Take ofthe dried leaves of Foxglove, one drachm ; Boiling Water, eight ounces ; Spirit of Cinnamon, one ounce. Macerate the leaves in the water for four hours in a vessel lightly covered, and after adding the spirit, strain." Infusum digitalis. Infusion of Foxglove. Lond. " Take ofthe dried leaves of Foxglove, one drachm ; Boiling Water, half a pint. Macerate for four hours in a vessel lightly closed, and strain ; then add of spirit of cinnamon, half a fluidounce." Infusion is the form under which Dr. Withering, who introduced the use of digitalis in dropsy, recommended it to be given, and it is on the whole the best form, with the view at least to obtain its diuretic operation. The above is the formula of Withering ; the addition of the aromatic is designed to counteract the nauseating effect. Its dose is an ounce taken twice a-day, and continued till the effects ofthe remedy appear. Infusum Gentiana: Compositum, vulgo Infusum Amarum. Compound In- fusion of Gentian. Ed. •'« Take of Gentian Root cut, half an ounce : Dried Orange-Peel bruised. 30-2 IN VI SIO.N". Coriander Seeds bruised, of each a drachm ; Diluted Alcohol, four ounces ; Water, one pound. First pour on the alcohol, and after three hours the water; then macerate for twelve hours, in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." InfuSum GentiaNa: Compositum. Compound Infusion of Gentian. Lond. " Take of Gentian Root cut, Orange-Peel dried, of each a drachm; Fresh Lemon-Peel, two drachms ; Boiling Water, twelve fluidounces. Ma- cerate for an hour, in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." Infusum Gentians Compositum. Compound Infusion of Gentian. Dub. " Take of Gentian Root bruised, two drachms ; fresh Lemon-Peel, half an ounce ; dried Orange-Peel. a drachm and a half; Proof-Spirit, four ounces by measure ; Boiling Water, twelve ounces by measure. Pour on first the spirit, and after three hours, the water ; macerate for two days, and strain." This bitter infusion is employed in dyspepsia : a sufficient quantity of alcohol is added to aid the solvent power of the water, and to preserve the infusion from spontaneous decomposition, while there is not so much as to give spiritous pungency. It is therefore better adapted to continued use than the bitter tinctures. Its dose is two ouuces occasionally. The London College omit the alcohol; and in an infusion which may always be extemporaneously prepared, and does not therefore require to be long kept, this is perhaps preferable as avoiding the pernicious consequences arising from the stomach being accustomed to the stimulus of ardent spirit. Infusum Lini Usitatissimi. Infusion of Lintseed. Ed. " Take of Lintseed, an ounce, Liquorice Root, bruised, two drachms ; Boiling water, two pounds. Digest for four hours in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." Infusum Lini. Infusion of Lintseed. Lond. " Take of "Lintseed bruised, one ounce ; Liquorice Root cut, half an ounce ; Boiling Water, two pints. Macerate for four hours, nigh the fire, in a vessel lightly closed, and Strain." The mucilaginous matter of Lintseed is very readily dissolved by tepid water ; and this forms a demulcent liquor, often taken with advantage in gonorrhoea, dysuria, and sometimes in catarrh. It is rendered rather more grateful by the addition of a small portion oflemon juice, and ofthe rhind ofthe lemon with a little sugar. Infusum Quassia Excels^:. Infusion of Quassia. Ed. "Take of Quassia Wood, rasped, half a drachm ; Boiling Water, eight ounces. Macerate for two hours in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." Infusum Quassia. Infusion ot Quassia. Lond. " Take ofthe Wood of Quassia cut, one scruple ; Boiling Water, half a pint. Macerate for two hours, in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." Quassia is a very pure bitter, and its bitterness is extracted by water. Under this form it is used as a remedy in dyspepsia. Its dose may be two ounces. Infusum Rhei. Infusion of Rhubarb. Ed. " Take ofthe Root of Rhubarb bruised, half an ounce ; Boiling Water, eight ounces ; Spirit of Cinnamon, one ounce. Macerate the root with the water in a closed vessel for twelve hours, then, adding the spirit, strain the liquor." INFUSIONS. 303 Infusum Rhei. Infusion of Rhubarb. Lond. " Take of Root of Rhubarb cut, a drachm ; Boiling Water, half a'pint. Macerate for two hours in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." The infusion of rhubarb is supposed to have more ofthe purgative than of the astringent power. It is accordingly used as a mild cathartic, in a dose of two or three ounces. There appears to be an unnecessary waste of rhubarb in the formula of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia ; and that in the London Pharmacopoeia, in which only a drachm of rhubarb is ordered to eight ounces of water, will probably afford as much active matter as the water can dissolve, or at least will give an infusion sufficiently strong. Infusum Rosa: Gallica;. Infusion of Red Rose. Ed. " Take of the Dried Petals ofthe Red Rose, one ounce ; Boiling Water, two pounds and a half; Dilute Sulphuric Acid, half an ounce; Refined Sugar, one ounce. 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." Infusum Rosa;. Infusion of Rose. Lond. "Take ofthe Dried Petals of the Red Rose, half an ounce; Boiling Water, two pints and a half; Diluted Sulphuric Acid, three fluiddrachms ; Refined Sugar, an ounce and a half. Pour the water on the petals in a glass vessel; then drop in the acid, and macerate for half an hour.—Last- ly, strain the liquor, and add the sugar to it." Infusum Rosa;. Infusion of Hose. Dub. «' Take ofthe Dried Petals ofthe Red Rose, freed from the heels, half an ounce ; Diluted Sulphuric Acid, by weight, three drachms ; Boiling Wa- ter, three pints ; Refined Sugar, an ounce and a half. Pour first the wa- ter on the petals in a glass vessel ; then add the acid, and digest for half an hour, strain the cold liquor, and add the sugar." This infusion is used principally as a moderately astringent gargle, in slight cases of cyna,nche, or to check salivation. It owes little else than colour, and a pleasant flavour, to the petals of the rose ; the astringency depending almost entirely on the sulphuric acid. Infusum Senna: Compositum. Compound Infusion of Senna. Ed. " Take of Senna Leaves, one drachm ; Preserved Tamarinds, one ounce ; Coriander Seeds bruised, one drachm ; Raw Sugar, half an ounce 5 Boil- ing Water, eight ounces. Macerate them in a close earthen vessel, which is not glazed with lead, shaking frequently, and, after four hours, strain. It may be made also with double or triple the quantity of senna," Infusum Senna: cumTamarindis. Infusion of Senna with Tamarinds. Dub. This infusion is prepared in the same manner as the simple infusion of senna, (already noticed), adding only an ounce of tamarinds before the af- fusion of the water. This affords a purgative not ungrateful mild in its operation, and not lia- ble to excite nausea. The whole quantity may be taken at intervals as a dose. If a more powerful cathftic is indicated, it may be made with a larger proportion of senna. The direction of not infusing the materials in a vessel glazed with lead, ought to be attended to, as the acid of the tamarinds acting on the lead, the infusion might receive a noxious impreg nation. 304 INFUSIONS. There are some infusions peculiar to the Dublin and London Pharma- copoeias. Infusum Armoracia Compositum. Compound Infusion of Horse-Radish. Lond. " Take of Fresh Horse-Radish Root cut, Mustard Seed bruised, of each one ounce ; Boiling Water, a pint. Macerate for two hours in a vessel lightly closed, and strain ; then add of Compound Spirit of Horse-Radish, a fluidounce." Under this form the horse-radish may be prescribed in the diseases in which it is employed, more particularly as a stimulant in chronic rheuma- tism, paralysis, and some forms of dropsy, especially if they should occur after intermittents. Its dose is two ounces twice a-day. Infusum Aurantii Compositum. Compound Infusion of Orange-Peel. Lond. " Take of Dried Rhind of the Orange, two drachms ; of Fresh Rhind of Lemon, one drachm ; of Cloves bruised, half a drachm ; Boiling Water, half a pint. Macerate for a quarter of an hour in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." This affords a bitter, grateful, and somewhat pungent taste, which may be employed with advantage in some forms of dyspepsia. Its dose is two ounces. Infusum Caryophyllorum. Infusion of Cloves. Lond. " Take of Bruised Cloves, a drachm ; Boiling Water, half a pint. Ma- cerate for two hours in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." The aromatic odour and pungency ofthe clove are extracted in this in- fusion ; it may be used with advantage as a warm and grateful stimulant in some forms of dyspeptic affection, where a sensation of cold and uneasi- ness is felt at the stomach,—a state which is.often produced where the ha- bit of taking spiritous cordials has been indulged in. Its dose is a wine glassful. Infusum Cascarilla. Infusion of Cascarilla. Lond. " Take of Cascarilla Bark bruised, half an oune ; BoilingWater, half a pint. Macerate for two hours in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." Cascarilla is a substance little valued in modern practice ; and there does not appear to be much propriety in the introduction of this infusion as an officinal preparation. Its dose is two ounces. Infusum Cusparia. Infusion of Angustura. Lond. " Take ofthe Bark of Angustura bruised, two drachms ; Boiling Wa- ter, half a pint. Macerate for two hours in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." The same remark nearly applies to this preparation, as to the preceding one. Under this form, however, angustura may be occasionally used as a remedy in dyspepsia. The dose is two ounces. Infusum Simarouba;. Infusion of Simarouba. Lond. " Take ofthe Bark of Simarouba bruised, half a drachm ; Boiling Water, half a pint. Macerate for two hours in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." Simarouba yields its bitterness to water ; the infusion, however, is infe- rior to that of quassia, and does not appear to have any particular advan- tage to recommend it. MUCILAGES. 30.j Infusum Tabact. Infusion of Tobacco. Lond. " Take ofthe Leaves of Tobacco, one drachm ; Boiling Water, a pint. Macerate for an hour, in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." This infusion is prepared of that strength which is proper for giving to- bacco under the forms of enema, as a narcotic in incarcerated hernia, or to produce evacuation from the intestines, in ileus and obstinate constipa- tion. Infusum Mentha; Compositum. Compound Infusion of Mint. Dub. " Take ofthe Leaves of Spearmint dried, two drachms ; Boiling Water, as much as is sufficient to afford six ounces of infusion when strained. Di- gest for half an hour in a covered vessel ; strain the liquor when cold, and add to it, of Refined Sugar, two drachms ; Oil of Spearmint, three drops, dissolved in half an ounce of compound tincture of cardamom." This is a grateful stomachic, which may be used to obviate flatulence, or as a vehicle to cover the taste of unpleasant medicines. Infusum Valeriana:. Infusion of Valerian. " Take of the root of Valerian, in coarse powder, two drachms ; Boil- ing Water, seven ounces. Digest for an hour, and strain the liquor when it is cold." Valerian is frequently taken in hysteric affections under the form of in- fusion, and this affords a preparation of proper strength. Its dose is from one to two ounces. CHAP. VIII. OF MUCILAGES. The term Mucilage, in Pharmacy, is applied to solutions of gummy matter in water, sufficiently concentrated to have a degree of viscidity ; or to similar solutions obtained by the maceration of water and vegetables, in %vhich this kind of matter abounds. They are principally employed as vehicles for other substances, either to suspend powders in liquids, to diffuse oils or resinous matter in water, or to give form and tenacity to pills. Mucilago Acacia; Arabica;. Mucilage of Gum Arabic. Ed. " Take of Gum Arabic, one part; Boiling Water, two parts. Digest with frequent agitation until the gum be dissolved, then strain through linen." Mucilago Acacia;. Mucilage of Gum Arabic. Lond. " Take of Gum Arabic in powder, four ounces ; Boiling Water, half a pint. Rub the gum with the water, gradually added, until it form a mu- cilage." Mucilago Gummi Arabici. Mucilage of Gum Arabic. Dub. '* Take of Gum Arabic in coarse powder four ounces ; Boiling Water, eight ounces. Digest them, agitating frequently, so as to dissolve the gum - then strain through linen." siOta DECOCTIONS Mucilage of gum arabic is sometimes employed as the basis ofthe com- mon demulcent mixtures used in catarrh. It is more generally used as an agent in Pharmacy, to suspend in water substances insoluble in that liquid, to diffuse oils in water, and for similar purposes. Mucilago Amyli. Starch Mucilage. Ed. "Take of Starch, three drachms ; Water, one pound. Rub the starch with the water gradually added to it, then boil them for a short time." Mucilago Amyli. Lond. "Take of Starch, three drachms; Water, a pint. Rub the starch, with the water gradually dropt upon it, then boil until it form a mucilage." Mucilago Amyli. Starch Mucilage. Dub. " Take of Starch, half an ounce ; Water a pint. Rub the starch, adding the water gradually ; then boil a little." Starch is the fecula of wheat, and though insoluble in cold water, is dis- solved by boiling water, and forms a gelatinous solution. The starch-mu- cilage is used as a vehicle for giving opium under the form of enema. Mucilago Astragali Tragacantha:. Mucilage of Gum Tragacanth. Ed. " Take of Gum Tragacanth, two drachms; Boiling Water, eight ounces. Macerate for twenty-four hours, and rub carefully, that it may be dissolv- ed ; then strain through linen." Mucilago Gummi Tragacantha:. Dub. " Take of Gum Tragacanth in powder, two drachms ; Water, eight ounces. Macerate in a close vessel until the gum is dissolved ; then strain the mucilage through linen." Tragacanth is not easily dissolved in water, and, even with the aid of heat, the viscid mucilaginous liquor that is formed remains turbid and floc- culent. The proportion ofthe gum to the water is rather large in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, but is designed to form a stiff mucilage to be us- ed principally in making troches. CHAP. IX. OF DECOCTIONS. The power of water as a solvent, is, like that of all other chemical a- gents, increased by heat. Hence, in general, the active matter of vege- table substances is extracted more completely by boiling them with water, than by mere infusion, either cold or warm, the residuum in the one case being found more inert than in the other. It is not to be concluded, however, from this fact, that the decoction is proportionally more powerful in medicinal operation. On the contrary, though the active matter ofthe substance is dissolved, it is often much in- jured in the operation : in few cases is the decoction equal in power to the quantity of the substance from which it is prepared; in many it is much DECOCTIONS. 307 impaired ; and in some it is totally lost, the decoction itself and the residu- al matter being both nearly inert. This change is often owing to the dissipation of the volatile principles of * the substance operated on. All the essential oils are volatilized at the temperature of boiling water. It is evident, therefore, that substances, whose virtues depend wholly or in part on their essential oil, must be in- jured by this operation : for this reason, aromatics are always useless ad- ditions to decoctions ; and the aromatic flavour of many active substances is also lost in this form of preparation. But there are many cases in which the virtues of medicines are injured by decoction, in which we cannot ascribe the injury to the dissipation of their active principles. The powers of opium, cinchona, and ipecacuan, for example, are much weakened by boiling in water ; yet, when the ope- ration is conducted in close vessels, so as to collect the water that is evapora ted, that water is not found to be impregnated with the active matter ofthe substance operated on. The distilled water of opium has been given to the extent of six ounces, without exerting any great narcotic effect; and the distilled water of ipecacuan, though it proves emetic, is much less so than the simple infusion. Since, then, the active matter is neither to be found in this fluid which is evaporated, nor in that which remains, it is evident that it must have been destroyed in the operation, by decomposition ofthe principles on which it depends. It is accordingly found that some such change is induced. When a decoction is strained, so as to be transparent, and is subjected anew to boiling, it acquires a deeper colour, becomes tur- bid, an insipid substance being gradually formed, which is deposited. This change may be owing, either to the re-action of the elements ofthe vege- table matter being favoured by the humidity, and the high temperature, so that they enter into new combinations, or to the action of the air upon it imparting oxygen. Experiments have been brought in proof of this last circumstance taking place in some cases, especially in the decoction of Pe- ruvian bark, oxygen being absorbed, combining with the extracto-resinous matter, and forming an insipid substance. This in particular is affirmed by Fourcroy. And itis farther rendered probable by the experiments ofthe younger Saussure, who found that extractive matter, in a humid or dis- solved state, exposed to the air, was precipitated after a few days in an in- soluble state ; oxygen was absorbed ; carbonic acid was also formed : and he concluded from the results, that while part of the carbon of the vegetable matter is abstracted by the action of the oxygen of the air, part also of its oxygen and hydrogen combine and form water, so that the residual matter has an increased proportion of carbon, and its composition is thus totally changed. These changes will be favoured by a high temperature : they are those, therefore, probably that take place in decoction, and impair or destroy the powers ofthe vegetable substance ; though it is also possible, that chemical changes may arise from the re-action of the elements ofthe vegetable matter itself, independent of any action of the air. From these observations, it is evident that decoction can seldom be a proper form for the administration of medicines. The pungency and aro- matic flavour, on which part of their virtues depend, and which render them at least more grateful, must always be impaired or lost, and their more important virtues must often be injured. It is accordingly a form which is not now often applied to active remedies. Decoctions, like infusions, are extemporaneous prescriptions. They rannot be kept ready prepared, as in a few days they become turbid, and • i08 DECOCTION?. run into the acetous fermentation. They can be prepared, however. sooner than infusions ; the boiling not requiring to be continued in gene- ral for more than ten or fifteen minutes. While the boiling continues, the air ought to be excluded by covering the vessel ; and it ought not to be continued long. The method therefore often followed, of boiling down a considerable quantity of water on a vegetable, is generally impro- per. The liquor ought to be strained while hot, as, on cooling, a portion of the dissolved matter is frequently deposited, which is as active as that which remains dissolved, and this precipitate ought to be mingled with the liquid by agitation, when the dose is to be taken. Decoctum Altha:.e Officinalis. Decoction of Althaea. Ed. " Take of Dried Althaea Root, bruised, four ounces ; Raisins, freed from their seeds, two ounces ; Water, seven pounds. Boil to five pounds, put aside the strained liquor until the impurities have subsided, and pour off the clear liquor." The gummy part of vegetables is less injured by decoction than any other. In this decoction, therefore, all the powers ofthe althaea root are obtained, and the liquor is concentrated by the evaporation. It is under this form that it is used as a demulcent, the decoction being taken to the extent of two or three pounds in the day, in nephritic complaints, in ardor urinae, and sometimes in catarrh. Decoctum Anthemidis Nobilis. Decoction of Chamomile. Ed. " Take ofthe Dried Flowers of Chamomile, one ounce ; Caraway Seeds bruised, half an ounce; Water, five pounds. Boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain." Decoctum Chamameli Compositum. Compound Decoction of Chamo- mile. Dub. " Take of Chamomile Fowers dried, half an ounce ; Sweet Fennel Seeds, two drachms ; Water, one pint. Boil a little, and strain." These decoctions are used as an enema, and as a fomentation. When applied to the former purpose, the effect is to be ascribed principally to the water ; in the seccond, the vegetables are not more useful, except as retaining longer the heat and moisture when applied to a part, and rend- ering its application more convenient. The decoction of the Dublin Phar- macopoeia is rendered more active as an enema, by dissolving in ten oun- ces of it an ounce of manna, and half an ounce of sulphate of magnesia, adding an" ounce of olive oil. It then forms what is named Enema Ca- tharticum. When to this are added two drachms of tincture of assafoeti- da, it forms the preparation of the same Pharmacopoeia named Enema Fcetidum. -Decoctum Cinchona; Lancifolia:. Decoction of Peruvian Bark. Ed. " Take of Lance-leaved Bark bruised, one ounce ; Water, one pound and a half. Boil for ten minutes in a covered vessel, and strain the liquor while hot." Decoctum Cinchona;. Decoction of Peruvian Bark. Lond. '.' Take of Lance-leaved Cinchona Bark bruised, an ounce ; Water, a pint. Boil for ten minutes in a vessel lightly closed, and strain the liquor while warm." Decoctum Corticis Cinchona:. Decoction of Peruvian Bark. Dub. " Take of Peruvian Bark in coarse powder, an ounce ; Water, a pint. Boil for ten minutes in a vessel nearly close, and strain the liquor while warm through linen." DECOCTIONS. 309 The resino-extractive matter of Peruvian bark appears to be decom- posed by decoction ; hence the reason ofthe directions given in the Phar- macopoeia under this preparation,—the boiling not being continued longer than ten minutes, as in this time the active matter, it is supposed, will be as fully extracted as it would be by longer boiling, and the decoction be- ing performed in a covered vessel to exclude as much as possible the ac- cess ofthe air, to the chemical agency of which the change in the extract- ive matter has been supposed owing. The liquor is ordered to be strain- ed while hot, as it holds dissolved a larger portion of the resinous matter than it can retain in solution when cold. Hence, after having been strain- ed, it becomes turbid as it cools, depositing a reddish precipitate. This is its active matter, and ought to be mixed with it by agitation when the dose is to be taken. The addition of a little acid causes it to remain dissolved, and where this can be prescribed with propriety it may be employed. Decoction of bark is used in those cases which require the free admin- istration ofthe remedy, but in which in substance it sits uneasy on the sto- mach. The dose is two or three ounces, taken as often as the stomach will receive it ; but itis scarcely sufficiently active to produce any ofthe more important effects of Peruvian bark. Decoctum Daphnes Mezerei. Decoction of Mezereon. Ed. " Take ofthe Bark ofthe Root of Mezereon, two drachms ; of Liquor- ice Root bruised, half an ounce ; Water, three pounds. Boil with a gen- tle heat to two pounds, and strain." A compound decoction, prepared from guaiac wood, sarsaparilla, sassa- fras, mezereon, and liquorice, had been highly celebrated, under the name of Lisbon Diet Drink, for its efficacy in the treatment of symptoms connect- ed with syphilis, particularly thickening ofthe ligaments, affections ofthe bones and periosteum, and obtinate ulceration. Dr Russel, from a series of experiments, concluded, that the mezereon is the ingredient on which its activity depends ; and this decoction, in which the liquorice serves to cover the pungency of the mezereon, has been substituted for the more complicated composition. It is used in the same cases ; sometimes also in cutaneous affections, particularly lepra, and in chronic rheumatism. Ac- cording to Mr. Pearson's experience of it, it has little efficacy in removing the syphilitic symptoms for which it is usually prescribed. It is not, how- ever, an inactive preparation : its dose is from four to six ounces twice or thrice a-day. And in a large dose it is liable to excite nausea. Decoctum Geoffra;a; Inermis. Decoction of Cabbage-Tree Bark. Ed. "Take of Cabbage-Tree Bark in powder, one ounce ;,Water, two pounds. Boil with a gentle heat to one pound, and strain." This decoction is the form under which this medicine has been usually administered, the bark in substance being too violent in its operation. In the West India Islands, the decoction has been used as a very effectual remedy in worms, especially the lumbrici. The dose given is two ounces to an adult ; if this occasion nausea, griping, or tenesmus, which it some- times does, especially, it is affirmed, if cold water is drunk freely during its operation, these symptoms, are relieved by a dose of castor oil. In this country it has been much employed. Decoctum Guajaci Compositum. Compound Decoction of Guaiac. Ed. ,; Take of Guaiac Wood Shavings, three ounces ; Raisins, two^ounces; 310 DECOCTIONS. Sassafras Root cut, Liquorice Root, bruised, of each one ounce ; Water. ten pounds. Boil the water with the guaiac wood and raisins, on a gen tie tire, to five pounds, adding the roots towards the end of the boiling, then strain." This decoction derives its virtues principally from the guaiac. It acts as a diaphoretic, and has been used in cutaneous diseases, and in chronic rheumatism, taken in the quantity of a pound twice or thrice a-day. It has also been employed in the treatment of obstinate venereal symptoms. especially as an auxiliary to mercury. Decoctum Hordei Distichi. Decoction of Barley. Ed. " Take of Pearl Barley, two ounces ; Boiling Water, five pounds. First wash off with cold water the flour adhering to the barley ; then boil the bar- ley for a short time with about half a pound of water, to extract the colour- ing matter. This being rejected, put the barley thus purified into five pounds of boiling water. Boil this to one half, and strain." Decoctum Hordei. Decoction of Barley. Lond. " Take ofthe Seeds of Barley, two ounces ; Water, four pints aad a half. First wash off the impurities adhering to the barley in cold water, then pouring on half a pint of water, boil the seeds a little ; this water be- ing rejected, pour on the remaining water previously heated ; then boil fa two pints, and strain." Decoctum Hordei. Decoction of Barley. Dub. " Take of Pearl Barley, two ounces. Having first cleansed the barley with cold water, boil it in about half a pint of water for a little. The li- quor being rejected, put the barley into five pints of boiling water ; then boil until the half of the water has been evaporated, and strain." This decoction is never prepared in the shops. It is, however, very extensively used as a diluent in febrile diseases ; and as it is of some im- portance that it should be grateful, it has been judged proper to give di- rections how it may be best prepared. Decoctum Hordei Compositum. Compound Decoction of Barley. Lond. " Take of Decoction of Barley, two pints ; Figs cut, two ounces ; Li- quorice Root cut and bruised, half an ounce; Raisins freed from the seeds, two ounces ; Water, a pint. Boil to two pints, and strain." Decoctum Hordei Compositum. Compound Decoction of Barley. Dub. " Take of Decoction of Barley, four pints ; Raisins freed from the seeds. Figs cut, of each two ounces ; Liquorice cut and bruised, half an ounce. During the boiling, add first the r.isins, then the figs, and lastly the liquor- ice, a little before the end of the boiling, which will be complete when about two pints ofthe liquor remain." The additions in these compound decoctions can communicate little efficacy, and probably render the liquor rather cloying to the taste and stomach. Decoctum Lichenis Islandici. Decoction of Iceland Liverwort. Ed. " Take of Iceland Liverwort, an ounce ; Water, two pounds ; boil down to sixteen ounces, and strain." Decoctum Lichenis. Decoction of Liverwort. Lond. " Take of Liverwort, one ounce ; Water, a pint and a half; boil down to a pint, and strain." Decoctum Lichenis Islandici. Decoction of Iceland Liverwort. Dub. DECOCTIONS. 6lt u Take of Iceland Liverwort, half an ounce ; Boiling Water, a pint, Digest for two hours in a close vessel; boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain the liquor while warm." The fecula or mucilage ofthe lichen is extracted by water by boiling, and it is under this form of decoction that it has been employed as a de- mulcent, and a mild nutritious substance easy of digestion. It may be ren- dered more grateful by removing the bitter matter of the lichen, by pre- vious maceration. Decoctum Pol v gala; Senega;. Decoction of Seneka. Ed. " Take of Seneka Root, one ounce ; Water, two pounds. Boil to six- teen ounces, and strain." Decoctum Senega;. Decoction of Seneka. Lond. " Take of Seneka Root, an ounce ; Water, two pints. Boil to a pint, and strain." Under the form of decoction, senega has been employed as an expecto- rant in pneumonic affections, attended with accumulation of mucus in the bronchiae. and as a diaphoretic in chronic rheumatism. The dose is two or three ounces three or four times a-day. Decoctum Quercus Roboris. Decoction of Oak Bark. Ed. " Take of Oak Bark bruised, an ounce ; Water, two pounds and a half. Boil down to sixteen ounces, and strain." Decoctum Quercus. Decoction of Oak Bark. Lond. " Take of Oak Bark, an ounce ; Water, two pints. Boil down to a pint, and strain." The astringency of the oak bark is extracted by boiling in water ; and the decoction is the form under which it is used locally as a styptic in hae- morrhoids, prolapsus ani, leucorrhoea, and profuse menorrhagia. Decoctum Smilacis Sarsaparilla;. Decoction of Sarsaparilla. Ed. " Take of Sarsaparilla Root cut, six ounces ; Water, eight pounds. Di- gest for two hours, in a temperature of about 195°, then take out the root and bruise it; put it again into the liquor, and boil it with a gentle fire to four pounds; then express it, and strain." Decoctum Sarsaparilla. Decoction of Sarsaparilla. Lond. " Take of Sarsaparilla Root cut, four ounces ; Boiling Water, four pints. Macerate for four hours in a vessel lightly closed, nigh the fire, then cut and bruise the sarsaparilla ; return it bruised into the liquor, and again macerate in a similar manner for two hours ; lastly, Doil to two pints, and strain." Decoctum Sarsaparilla:. Decoction of Sarsaparilla. Dub. " Take of Sarsaparilla Root cut, an ounce and a half; Boiling Water, two pints. Digest for two hours in a medium heat, (between 100 and 200*), then take out the sarsaparilla and bruise it; return it bruised into the liquor, and again digest for two hours ; lastly, let the liquor, after the half of it has been consumed by boiling, be expressed, and strained through linen." ' The fecula, which is the principle in which the power of sarsaparilla re- sides, is not easily extracted merely by boiling the root. This is the rea- son of the particular directions to digest the root first, and then bruise it: it is thus softened, and yields its soluble matter more readily in the subse- . 312 DECOCTIONS. quent boiling. This decoction is the form under which sarsaparilla is al- ways given, its dose being from a pint to a quart in the course of the day. It has been used in venereal cases, either to promote the action of mercu- ry, or to remove symptoms which have remained after a long continued mercurial course. Dr. Fordyce celebrated its efficacy in very high terms in giving relief in nocturnal pains, removing eruptions, and as being the best restorative in the emaciations, and debility remaining after the long continued use of mercury. Its efficacy has however probably been over- rated ; the opinion is perhaps more just which regards it only as belong- ing to the nutrientia, or as a demulcent; and the benefit sometimes deriv- ed during its use has as frequently arisen from the exhibition of mercury too long continued having been suspended, as from any action ofthe sarsa- parilla itself. The decoction has been used with considerable advantage as a demulcent in dysuria, and in morbid irritability of the bladder, occa- sioning incontinence of urine. Decoctum Ulmi Campestris. Decoction of Elm. Ed. " Take ofthe Fresh Bark ofthe Elm bruised, four ounces ; of Water, five pounds. Boil down to twd pounds and a half, and then strain." Decoctum Ulmi. Decoction of Elm. Lond. " Take ofthe Fresh Bark of the Elm bruised, four ounces ; Water, four pints. Boil to two pints, and strain." Decoctum Ulmi. Decoction of Elm. Dub. " Take of the interior Fresh Bark of the Elm bruised, two ounces ; Water, two pints. Boil to a»pint, and strain." This decoction has been highly praised by some practitioners in cer- tain cutaneous diseases, and by others again it has been as much depreci- ated. The decoction is the form in which it is usually given, the dose being from four to six ounces, taken twice or thrice a-day. A few decoctions, peculiar to the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeia;, remain to be noticed. Decoctum Aloes Compositum. Compound Decoction of Aloes. Lond. " Take of Extract of Liquorice, half an ounce ; Subcarbonate of Pot- ash, two scruples ; Extract of Aloes, Myrrh in powder, Saffron, of each one drachm; Water, a pint. Boil down to twelve fluidounces, and strain ; then add of Compound Tincture of Cardamoms four fluidounces." The gum-resinous substances in this decoction are retained in solution) partly by the solvent power of the water, and partly by the action of the alkali; and by the addition of the spiritous tincture, any spontaneous de- composition will be more effectually prevented. The composition is new- ly introduced into the Pharmacopoeia, and is said to be analogous to one formerly in use, under the name of Baume de Vie. It is one which it might be supposed must be very nauseous, but it is said to be not ungrate- ful, and to form a good stimulating aperient. It is, given in the dose of two ounces. Decoctum Cydonia:. Decoction of Quince Seeds. Lond. " Take of Quince Seeds, two drachms ; Water, a pint. Boil with a gentle heat for ten minutes, then strain. Quince seeds abound with mucilage, which is extracted by hoiling in wa DECOCTION'S. 31 J ter. It is liable to spontaneous decomposition, and having no peculiar ad- vantage, is little used. Decoctum Dulcamara:. Decoction of Woody Nightshade. Lond. " Take ofthe Stalks of Woody Nightshade cut, one ounce ; Water, a pint and a half. Boil to a pint, and strain." Under this form the woody nightshade may be employed ; but there seems no propriety in giving a formula for its preparation, more than any other vegetable substance, which may be given under the same or any simi- lar form. Decoctum Malva Compositum. Compound decoction of Mallow. Lond. " Take of Mallow dried, an ounce ; Chamomile Flowers dried, half an ounce ; Water, a pint. Boil them for a quarter of an hour, and strain." This is designed for the same purpose as the decoction of chamomile, that of serving as a vehicle for fomentations and enemas ; and the same ob- servation applies to it. Decoctum Papaveris. Decoction of Poppy. Lond. " Take of the Capsules ofthe White Poppy cut, four ounces ; Water, four pints. Boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain." The decoction ofthe capsules ofthe poppy has been frequently used as an anodyne fomentation, and is now, with propriety, introduced as an officinal preparation. Decoctum Sarsaparilla; Compositum. Compound Decoction of Sarsa- parilla. Lond. " Take ofthe Simple Decoction of Sarsaparilla boiling, four pints ; Sas- safras Wood cut, Raspings of Guaiac Wood, Liquorice Root bruised, of each one ounce ; Mezereon three drachms. Boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain." Decoctum Sarsaparilla; compositum. Compound Decoction of Sarsapa- rilla. Dub. " Take of Sarsaparilla Root cut and bruised, an ounce and a half; Sha- vings of Guaiac Wood, Bark of Sassafras Root, Liquorice bruised, of each two drachms : Bark of Mezereon Root, a drachm ; Boiling Water, three pints.—Digest the Sarsaparilla, guaiac and sassafras, in water at a heat between 100* and 200° for six hours ; then boil until the half of the water is evaporated, adding towards the end ofthe boiling the liquorice with the mezereon ; lastly, strain." This is nearly the same composition as the Lisbon Diet Drink, celebra- ted, as has been already remarked, in the treatment of secondary venereal affections, or symptoms appearing during a protracted mercurial course. The efficacy ofthe preparation has been supposed to depend principally on the mezereon ; the other substances may, however, add something to its power, and it is perhaps preferable, as a general rule, to adhere to the original composition of remedies of this kind, the efficacy of which is in some measure specific, where it appears otherwise unexceptionable. Its dose is four or six ounces, three times a-day. Decoctum Veratri. Decoction of White Hellebore. Lond. " Take of White Hellebore Root beat, an ounce ; Water, two pints; 40 314 \ Sk'RUPS. Rectified Spirit, two fluidounces. Boil the white hellebore root with the water down to a pint, and strain ; when cold, add the spirit." This decoction is employed as an external application in some cutane- ous diseases, principally in psora. It is as much less unpleasant applica- tion than the sulphur ointment, and is occasionally successful. It must, however, be used with caution, as it is very acrid and stimulant. Decoctum Digitalis. Decoction of Foxglove. Dub. " Take ofthe Leaves of Foxglove dried, one drachm, Wrater, as much as may be sufficient to afford eight ounces of strained liquor. Place the vessel on a gentle fire, and remove it when the liquor begins to boil; then digest for a quarter of an hour, and strain." Water extracts sufficiently the active matter of the leaves of foxglove by infusion, and there is therefore no necessity for boiling it upon them. The decoction in this preparation is, however, so slight, that it cannot alter the powers of the.medicine, and it may be regarded as analogous to the infu- sion of theother Pharmacopoeias. The proportions too are the same, and it may therefore be given in the same dose. CHAP. X. 8YRUPI.—SYRUPS. Syrups are saturated solutions of sugar in water, in watery infusions. or in vegetable juices. They are seldom active medicines ; and are more commonly employed to render others agreeable, and in Pharmacy to com- municate peculiar forms. The proportion of sugar in syrups is generally two parts to one of the fluids ; if it is more than this, the solution is disposed to crystallize ; if less, it is liable to ferment, and become acescent. Refined sugar ought always to be employed. It is to be melted in the liquid by a gentle heat, and any im- purities which collect on its surface when boiling are to be removed. The syrup ought to be kept in a cool place, to prevent the fermentation, which is favoured by a high temperature. The London College order them to be kept at a temperature not higher than 55°. The Dublin College give the general formula with regard to the preparation of all the syrups which they prescribe, that " twenty-nine ounces of refined sugar in powder, and a pint ofthe prescribed liquor, are to be digested with a moderate heat, in a close vessel, stirring frequently, until the sugar, which must be gradually added, is dissolved ; the liquor is to be put aside for twenty-four hours, the scum removed, and the syrup poured off from any impurities." Syrupus Aceti. Syrup of Vinegar. Ed. " Take of Vinegar, five parts ; Refined Sugar, seven parts. Boil so as to form a syrup. This is a very simple syrup a little acidulated, and may be given mixed with barley-water, or demulcents of that nature, in febrile or inflammato- SYRUPc, SU ry diseases. As it is sufficiently pleasant as an acid, it may be mixed with all those medicines in which the acid does not effect any chemical change. Syrufus Althaea: Officinalis. Syrup of Althaea. Ed. " Take of Fresh Althaea Root cut, one part; Water, ten parts ; Refined Sugar, four parts. Boil the water with the root to one half, and express- ing it strongly, strain. Put aside the strained liquor, that the impurities may subside, and to the purified liquor, add the sugar. Boil it so as to form a syrup." Syrupus Althaa:. Syrup of Althaea. Lond. " Take of Fresh Althaea Root bruised, half a pound; Refined Sugar, two pounds ; Water, four pints. Boil the water with the root to one half, and express the cold liquor. Put it aside for twenty-four hours, that the impurities may subside ; then pour off the liquor, and having added the sugar, boil to a proper consistence." The water dissolving the mucilage of the althaea, less than the usual proportion of sugar is required to give it the consistence of a syrup. This mucilage is supposed to give the syrup some demulcent power ; but this must be very trivial, and it renders it more liable, to spontaneous de- composition. Syrupus Amomi Zingiberis. Syrup of Ginger. Ed. " Take of the Root of Ginger beat, six drachms -, Boiling Water, one pound ; Refined Sugar, twenty-two ounces. Macerate the root with the water, in a close vessel, for twenty-four hours, then add the sugar to the strained liquor, and dissolve by a gentle heat." Syrupus Zingiberis. Syrup of Ginger. Lond. " Take of Ginger Root cut, two ounces ; Boiling Water, a pint; Re- fined Sugar, two pounds. Macerate the ginger in the water for four hours, and strain ; then add the sugar, in the manner ordered with regard to sim- ple syrup." Syrupus Zingiberis. Syrup of Ginger. Dub. " Take of Ginger Root bruised, four ounces ; Boiling Water, three pints. Macerate for twenty-four hours ; then to the strained liquor add the sugar, and form a syrup." The infusion is impregnated with the flavour and pungency of the gin- . ger, which render it sufficiently grateful, and it affords a cheap aromatic syrup. Syrupus Casta; Senn*:. Syrup of Senna. Ed. " Take of Senna Leaves, two ounces ; Boiling Water, a pound and a half; Empyreumatic Syrup, eight ounces. Macerate the leaves in the water, in a lightly covered vessel, for four hours, and strain ; add the syrup, and boil with a gentle heat, to the thickness of the empyreumatic syrup." Syrupus Sennje. Syrup of Senna. Lond. " Take of Senna Leaves, two ounces ; Bruised Fennel Seeds, an ounce ; Manna, three ounces ; Refined Sugar, one pound ; Boiling Water, one pint. Macerate the senna leaves and the fennel seeds in the water, with a gentle heat, for an hour ; strain the liquor ; mix with this the manna and sugar, and boil to a proper consistence." Syrupus Senna;. Syrup of Senna. Dub. " Take of ivr.ipna. Refined Sugar, of^ach a nound : Senna Leave?, hah ■ i i ■> SIRUPS- an ounce ;i Boiling Water, a pint. Macerate the senna in the water in a • lose vessel for twelve hours ; then mix with the strained liquor the man na and sugar, so that they may dissolve." This is designed as a purgative syrup for children. The proportion of saccharine matter is too large, and renders the syrup as thick as honey, The inftTsion of senna, sweetened with sugar or manna, which is in com- mon use, being of extemporaneous preparation, is preferable. Syrupus Citri Aurantii. Syrup of Orange-Peel. Ed. "Take ofthe Fresh Outer Khind ofthe Orange, three ounces ; Boiling Water, one pound and a half; Refined Sugar, three pounds. Macer- ate the rhind with the water for twelve hours in a closed vessel, then strain the liquor, and add the sugar to be dissolved by a gentle heat." Syrupus Aurantiorum. Syrup of Orange-Peel. Lond. " Take ofthe Fresh Rhind ofthe Orange, two ounces ; Boiling Water, a pint : Refined Sugar, three pounds. Macerate the rhind in the water for twelve hours, in a vessel lightly closed ; then pour off the liquor, and add the sugar to it." Syrupus Aurantii. Syrup of Orange-Peel. Dub. " Take of the Fresh Rhind ofthe Seville Orange, eight ounces ; Boil- ing Water, six pints. Macerate for twelve hours in a close vessel ; then in the strained liquor dissolve sugar to form a syrup." This syrup, like that of Ginger, is used on account of its grateful aro- matic flavour. Syrupus Citri Medica. Syrup of Lemon. Ed. " Take of the juice of Lemons strained, after the impurities have sub- sided, three parts ; Refined Sugar, five parts ; dissolve the sugar so as to form a syrup." Syrupus Limonum. Syrup of Lemons. Lond. " Take of Lemon Juice strained, a pint; Refined Sugar, two pounds. Dissolve the sugar in the lemon juice in the manner ordered for preparing simple syrup." Syrupus Limonis. Syrup of Lemon. Dub. " Take of Strained Lemon Juice, one pint; Refined Sugar, two pounds Dissolve the sugar in the lemon juice, in the manner ordered, for prepar- ing simple syrup.'' This is a pleasant syrup, used to sweeten and acidulate mixtures, espe- cially those of the mucilaginous kind : there are others, into the compo- sition of which it cannot properly enter, from the chemical agency ofthe acid. Syrupus Colchici Autumnalis. Syrup of Colchicum. Ed. ' Take'of the Fresh Root of Colchicum, cut into small pieces, one ounce ; Vinegar, sixteen ounces ; Refined Sugar, twenty-six ounces. Ma- cerate the root in the acid for two days, shaking the vessel occasionally • then expressing it gently, strain it; to the strained liquor add the sugar, and boil a little, so as to form a syrup." rW°!ChiCT halbf/n "Sed imder this form as a diuretic in dropsy, the dose being from half.an ounce to an ounce. SY» TakpDn?7hHI rAR,° d ILV- ,SyrUP 0f Clove July-Flower. Ed. 1 ake of the Fresh Petals of the Clove July-Flower freed from the SYRUPS. Li i f. heels, one part; Boiling Water, four parts ; Refined Sugar, seven parts. Macerate the petals in the water for twelve hours ; then to the strained liquor add the sugar, which dissolve with a gentle heat." Syrupus Caryophilli Rubri. Syrup of Clove July-Flower. Dub. " Take ofthe Fresh Petals of the Clove July-Flower, freed from the heels, two pounds ; Boiling Water, six pints. Macerate for twelve hours in a glass vessel, dissolve the sugar in the strained liquor, so as to form a syrup." This syrup derives from the flowers a rich red colour, and an agreea- ble flavour, and from these qualities is frequently used in mixtures. Syrupus Papaveris Somniferi. Syrup of White Poppy. Ed. " Take ofthe Dried Capsules of the White Poppy, freed from the seeds, one part; Boiling Water, fifteen parts ; Refined bugar, two parts. Mace- rate the capsules cut in the water for twelve hours; then boil until a third part only ofthe liquor remain ; and pressing it strongly strain ; last- ly, the sugar being added, boil so as to form a syrup." Svrupus Papaveris. Syrup of Poppy. Lond. " Take ofthe Capsules ofthe Poppy, dried and bruised, the seeds be- ing removed, fourteen ounces ; Refined Sugar, two pounds ; Boiling Wa- ter, two gallons and a half. Macerate the capsules in water for twenty- four hours; then boil down the liquor in a water-bath to a gallon, and ex- press it strongly ; boil it again to two pints, and strain it while hot. Put it aside for twelve hours, that the impurities may subside ; then boil down the purified liquor to a pint, and add the sugar as ordered for the prepa- ration of simple syrup." Syrupus Papaveris Albi. Syrup of White Poppy. Dub. " Take ofthe Capsules ofthe White Poppy, gathered before they are ripe, and dried, (the seeds being removed,) a pound ; Boiling Water, three pints. Cut and bruise the capsules ; then pour on them the water, and macerate for twelve hours ; express the liquor, and evaporate it by a moderate heat to a pint; strain it through a thin linen cloth, and put it a- side for six hours, that the impurities may subside ; lastly, having freed the liquor from the impurities, add sugar so as to form a syrup." The active matter ofthe capsule ofthe poppy is extracted by water by decoction, and, by boiling down the liquor, it is obtained in a more con- centrated state, whether with any diminution of its powers from the conti- nued decoction has not been ascertained. The syrup has a considerable degree of narcotic power ; and the taste being agreeable and the dose easi- ly regulated, it is more convenient than any preparation of opium for ex- hibition to children. The medium dose is about a drachm to a child a year old. From the supposition that it is uncertain in its strength, it has been proposed to substitute for it a composition of simple syrup and tinc- ture of opium ; but it is not altogether certain that the operation of this is exactly the same ; and there is some risk, that from spontaneous decom- position, part of the active matter of the opium may be precipitated gra- dually, which would give rise to more uncertainty, and might sometimes occasion dangerous consequences. The quantity of syrup prepared from a given weight of the capsules is considerably larger, according to the formula ofthe Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, than those ofthe others. Whe- ther it is proportionally weaker remains to be ascertained. Syrupus Ro?a. Centifolia. Syrup of Damask or Pale Rose. Ed 318 SYRUPY. "Take of the Fresh Petals of the Damask Rose, one part; Boiling Water, four parts ; Refined Sugar, three parts. Macerate the petals in water for twelve hours ; then to the strained liquor add the sugar, and boil, so as to form a syrup.'' Syrupus Rosa:. Syrup of Rose. Lond. " Take ofthe Dried Petals ofthe Damask Rose, seven ounces ; Refin- ed Sugar, six pounds : Boiling Water, four pints. Macerate the petals of the rose in water for twelve hours, and strain. Evaporate the strained liquor by a water-bath, to two pints and a half; then add the sugar as or- dered for the preparation of simple syrup." The agreeable flavour ofthe rose is lost in this syrup ; but it has a weak pargative power, and is sometimes givenj.0 infants in a dose of two or three tea-spoonfuls. Syrupus Rosa Gallica:. Syrup of Red Rose. Ed. " Take ofthe Dried Petals ofthe Red Rose, one part; Boiling Water, nine parts ; Refined Sugar, ten parts. Macerate the petals in water for twelve hours ; then boil them a little, and strain ; to the strained liquoF add the sugar, and again boil, so as to form a syrup." Water, by infusion, extracts the slight astringency and the colour ofthe red rose ; the astringency has been supposed to be such as to counteract the laxative quality ofthe sugar, and hence it is usually this syrup that enters into the composition of astringent mixtures. Syrupus Scilla; Maritima:. Syrup of Squill. Ed. " Take of the Vinegar of Squill, four parts ; Refined Sugar in powder, seven parts. Dissolve the sugar with a gentle heat, so as to form a syrup." This is a syrup of considerable power, the active matter of squill being dissolved by vinegar without much change, and being little injured in form- ing it into a syrup. It is a form under which squill is often prescribed as an expectorant; itis given in a dose of one or two drachms, and is often added to combinations of expectorant remedies. It is also given to chil- dren as an emetic, especially in pertussis, the operation of it being some- times promoted by the addition of a little ipecacuan or antimonial wine. Syrupus Simplex. Simple Syrup. Ed. " Take of Refined Sugar, fifteen parts ; Water, eight parts. Dissolve the sugar with a gentle heat, and boil a little so as to form a syrup." Syrupus Simpi ex. Simple Syrup. Lond. " Take of Refined Sugar, two pounds and a half; Water, a pint. Dis- solve the sugar in the water in a water-bath put aside for twenty-four hours ; then remove the scum, and pour off the clear liquor from anv impurities." This solution of sugar is used merely to communicate sweetness of taste or for the pharmaceutical purposes to which syrups are applied. Syrupus Toluifera: Balsami. Syrup of Tolu B;dsam. Ed. " Take of Common Syrup, two pounds ; Tincture of Tolu Balsam. one ounce. With the syrup newly prepared, and removed from the fire, when it has nearly cooled, mix the tincture gradually, continually stirring it." Syrupus Tolutanus. Tolu Syrup. Lond. " Take of Balsam of Tolu, one ounce ; Boiling Water, a pint; Refin ed Sugar, two pounds. Boil the balsam in the water for half an hour in SYRUPS. 31CJ a close vessel, stirring frequently, and strain the liquor when cold, then add the sugar as directed for preparing simple syrup." The formula ofthe Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia gives an economical mode of preparing this syrup ; but the old method, retained in the London Phar- macopoeia, affords a more grateful composition, the syrup being impregna- ted with the odour of the balsam, without its resinous matter being diffus- ed through it. which, as prepared by the other mode, renders it white and turbid. The syrup is used merely on account of its flavour, and to many this is rather disagreeable. On the supposition of tolu balsam being an expectorant, it sometimes enters into the composition of mixtures used in catarrh. Syrutus Viola; Odorata. Syrup of Voilet. " Take of the Fresh Flowers of the Sweet-scented Violet, two parts : Boiling Water, eight parts ; Refined Sugar fifteen parts. Macerate the flowers in water for twenty-four hours in a covered glass or earthen ves- sel : then strain, without expression, and to the strained liquor add the su- gar so as to form a syrup." Syrupus Viola. Syrup of Violet. Dub. " Take of the fresh Petals of the violet, two pounds ; Boiling Water, five pints. Macerate for twenty-four hours, then strain the liquor through fine linen without expression, add lastly sugar so as to form a syrup." This syrup has a fine blue colour, which is, however, lost on keeping. It is a very gentle laxative, and as such is given to infants in a dose of one or two tea-spoonfuls. It remains to notice those few syrups which have exclusively a place in the London or Dublin Pharmacopoeias. Syrupus Croci. Syrup of Saffron. Lond. " Take of Saffron, an ounce ; Boiling Water, a pint ; Refined Sugar, two pounds and a half. Macerate the saffron in the water for twelve hours, in a vessel lightly closed ; then strain the liquor, and add the sugar to it." This syrup is employed in mixtures merely on account of its colour. Syrupus Mori. Syrup of Mulberry. Lond. " Take of Mulberry Juice strained, a pint ; Refined Sugar, two pounds. Dissolve the sugar in the juice in the manner directed with regard to sim- ple syrup." The syrups of several acidulous fruits had formerly a place in the Lon- don Pharmacopoeia. This is retained as one of the most grateful. Syrupus Rhamni. Syrup of Buckthorn. Lond. " Take of the Fresh Juice of Buckthorn Berries, four pints ; Ginger Root cut,"Pimento Berries bruised, of each half an ounce; Refined Sugar, three pounds and a half. Put aside the juice for three days, that the im- purities may subside, and strain. To a pint of the purified juice, add the ginger and pimento ; macerate with a gentle heat for four hours, and strain. Boil down the remaining quantity to a pint and a half, mix the liquids, then add the sugar, as ordered for preparing simple syrup." The juice ofthe buckthorn is best preserved by being made into a syrup, and it is under this form that it has been used as a cathartic, the dose to an 320 sYRUPfi. adult being an ounce, or an ounce and a half. Its operation, however, us unpleasant, and the preparation has nothing to recommend it. In this com- position, the ginger and Jamaica pepper communicate a pleasant flavour, and may obviate the griping it is liable to produce. Syrupus Rhoeados. Syrup of Red Poppy. Lond. " fake of the Recent Petals of the Red Poppy, one pound ; Boiling Water, a pint and two fluidounces ; Refined Sugar, two pounds and a half. To the water heated by a water-bath, add the petals of the red poppy gradually stirring them occasionally ; then having removed the vessel, ma- cerate for twelve hours ; press out the liquor, and put it aside, that the impurities may subside ; lastly, add the sugar in the manner directed with regard to simple syrup." Syrupus Papav^is Erratici. Syrup of Wild Poppy. Dub. " Take ofthe Fresh Petals of the Wild Poppy, a pound ; Boiling Wa- ter, twenty ounces. Add the flowers gradually to the boiling water ; then removing the vessel from the fire, macerate with a lower beat for twelve hours ; express the liquor, and put it aside that the impurities may sub- side ; lastly, add sugar and form a syrup." This syrup is valued only on account of the fine red colour which it receives from the petals of the flower. Syrupus Alii. Syrup of Garlic. Dub. " Take of Garlic Root cut, one pound ; of Boiling Water, two pints. Macerate the garlic in the water for twelve hours in a covered vessel, and then add sugar to the strained liquor, so as to form a syrup." Garlic has been employed as an expectorant in some forms of catarrh and dyspnoea, under the form of syrup. It has perhaps, however, no such power as to entitle it to a place as an officinal preparation. Syrupus Opii. Syrup of Opium. Dub. " Take ofthe Watery Extract of Opium, eighteen grains ; Boiling Wa- ter, eight ounces. Macerate them together until the opium be dissolved ; then add sugar, so as to form a syrup." This is designed as a substitute for the syrup of poppy. Tincture of opium, added to simple syrup, has sometimes been used for this purpose ; but on keeping, part ofthe active resinous matter of the opium is liable to separate and subside, and from being diffused in the small portion of syrup at the bottom ofthe bottle in which it is kept, may be productive of dan- gerous consequences. The watery extract of opium, not the opium in substance, being dissolved in this syrup, it may not be liable to this objec- tion. It is not altogether certain, however, whether, in the preparation of the watery extract, (to be afterwards noticed), the narcotic power of the opium is not impaired, and, therefore, whether this preparation from it will be always of uniform strength. An ounce of the syrtfp contains about one grain of the watery extract; its strength, therefore, will be nearly the same as the medium strength of the syrup of poppy. MEDICATED HONEYS. CHAP. XI. MELLITA.—MEDICATED HONEYS. Honey has been employed instead of saccharine matter in some phar- maceutical preparations. Combined with vinegar, either alone or with the impregnation ofthe active matter of vegetables, the kind of composi- tion named Oxymel is formed. Combined merely with infusions of vege- table substances, it forms what are more exclusively named Medicated Honeys. Mel Despumatum. Clarified Honey. Ed. Lond. Dub. " Liquefy honey in a water-bath, and remove the scum as it rises." Honey, as it is expressed from the comb, is liable to contain wax and other impurities. VVhen the honey is liquefied, these in a great measure separate and rise to the suiface, so as to be easily removed. The honey thus purified is ordered in the other preparations into which it enters. Mel Rosje Gallica:. Honey of Red Rose". Ed. " Take of Red Rose Leaves dried, one ounce; Boiling Water, one pouncT; Clarified Honey, sixteen ounces. Macerate the petals in the wa- ter for six hours ; then strain, add the honey, and finally boil down to a proper thickness." Mel Rosa;. Honey of Rose. Lond. " Take of the Dried Petals of the Red Rose, four ounces; Boiling Water, three pints ;. Clarified Honey, five pints. Macerate the petals in the water for six hours, then to the strained liquor add the honey, and boil it down in a water-bath to the proper consistence." Mel Rosa. Honey of Rose. Dub. " Take ofthe Petals of the Red Rose not fully blown, freed from the heels and dried, four ounces ; Boiling Water, three pints ; Honey, five pounds. Macerate the petals in the water for six hours, mix the honey with the strained liquor, and boil down until it attain the consistence of sy- rup, removing the scum." This preparation is similar to the syrup of the.red rose, and may be ap- plied to the same purposes. Mel Sub-Boratis Soda:. Honey of Borax. Ed. " Take of Sub-borate of Soda, in powder, one part; Clarified Honey, eight parts. Mix them." Mel Boracts. Honey of Borax. Lond. " Take of Sub-borate of Soda, in powder, a drachm ; Clarified Honey/ an ounce. Mix them." In this composition; honey is useful, as giving the proper consistence. It is designed as an application in aphthous affections of the tongue and fauces, the borax givibg a sense of coolness, and removing the foul crust. Oxymel. Oxymel. Ed. " Take of Clarified Honey, three parts ; Weak Acetic acid, two parts. Boil down, in a glass vessel, on a slow fire, to a proper thickness." 41 322 medicated honeys, Oxymel Simplex. Simple Oxymel. Lond. " Take of Purified Honey, two pounds ; Acetic Acid, a pint. Boil them in a glass vessel, on a slow fire, to the proper consistence." Oxymel. Oxymel. Dub. " Take of Honey, two pounds ; Distilled Vinegar, a pint. Boil in a glass vessel, with a gentle heat, to the thickness of syrup, removing the scum." This has long been in use as a remedy in catarrhal affections, and is also the basis of a cooling detergent gargle. Besides th'ese preparations with Honey, there are afew more belonging to the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, which remain to be noticed. Oxymel Scilla. Oxymel of Squill. Lond. " Take of Clarified Honey, three pounds ; Vinegar of Squill, two pints. Boil in a glass vessel, over a slow fire, to a proper consistence." Oxymel Scillje. Oxymel of Squill. Dub. '* Take of Clarified Honey, three pounds ; Vinegar of Squill, two pints. Boil down in a glass vessel, on a gentle fire, to the thickness of syrup." Under this form squill has been employed principally as an expectorant. Its dose is one or two drachms. Oxymel Colchici. Oxymel of Colchicum. Dub. " Take ofthe Fresh Root of Colchicum cut into thin slices, one ounce ; Distilled Vinegar, one pint; Clarified Honey, two pounds. Macerate the colchicum with the vinegar for two days, in a glass vessel; then strain the liquor pressed out strongly from the root, and add the honey. Lastly, boil the mixture, stirring it frequently with a wooden spoon, to the consistence of a syrup." This is essentially the same with the syrup of colchicum already noti- ced ; nor can it derive any advantage from honey being used in its prepara- tion. Oxymel ^Eruginis. Oxymel of Verdigrease. Dub. " Take of Prepared Verdigrease, one ounce ; Vinegar, seven ounces ; Clarified Honey, fourteen ounces. Dissolve the verdigrease in the vine- gar, and strain through linen, then add the honey, and boil down to a pro- per thickness." Linimentum ^ruginis. Liniment of Verdigrease. Lond. " Take of Verdigrease in powder, an ounce ; Vinegar, seven fluidoun- ces ; Clarified Honey, fourteen ounces. Dissolve the verdigrease in the vinegar, and strain through linen, then having added the honey, boil to a proper thickness." Under this form, verdigrease has been applied as a stimulant and es- charotic to foul ulcers, especially ulcerations of the mouth and tonsils cor xiected with a venereal taint- WINES, 32S CHAP. XII. VINA.—WINES, Wine is capable, by infusion, of extracting several proximate principles of vegetable substances. From the alcohol it contains, it dissolves a por- tion of their resin, extract and essential oil; its watery part dissolves their gum or mucilage ; and being milder and more pleasant to the taste than diluted alcohol, it has been preferred as a solvent; hence Medicated Wines have long been in use. • It cannot be said, however, to be well adapted to this use. Wine, when not carefully excluded from the air, is apt to become acescent ; and, when it holds vegetable matter in solution, is still more liable to suffer this change. This has been established by the researches of Parmentier ; and he has shown that the greater number of medicated wines, if kept for any length of time become medicated vinegars. This change may modify the powers of the dissolved matter; and in some cases, where the wine is taken in a considerable dose, must prove hurtful to the stomach, especially in dyspeptic affections. Accordingly, few ofthe medicated wines are novv employed. The spontaneous decomposition to which they are liable, i* sometimes attempted to be obviated by the addition of a little alcohol, but this is attended with imperfect success. From the tartaric acid which wines contain, they are capable of acting chemically on some ofthe metals, and are better solvents of some metallic preparations than water or alcohol. " Wines," according to the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, ,: should be pre- pared in close vessels, and frequently agitated during their preparation." Vinum Aloes Socotorina;. Wine of Socotorine Aloes. Ed. " Take of Socotorine Aloes, reduced to powder, one ounce; Lesser Car- damom Seeds, Ginger Root, of each bruised, one drachm ; Spanish White- wine, two pounds. Digest for seven days, and strain." Vinum Aloes. Wine of Aloes. Lond. " Take of Aloes, eight ounces ; Canella Bark*, two ounces ; Wine, six pints ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Triturate the aloes with white sand freed from impurities, into powder ; rub the canella bark to powder, and upon these mixed pour the wine and spirit. Macerate for fourteen days, shaking occasionally, and strain." Vinum Aloes. Wine of Aloes. Dub. " Take of Socotorine Aloes, four ounces ; Canella, an ounce ; Spanish White-wine, three pints ; Proof-spirit, one pint. Mix the aloes and ca- nella separately reduced to powder, and pour on the wine mixed with the spirit. Digest for fourteen days, shaking the vessel frequently ; lastly, strain the liquor." The trituration with sand directed by the London College, is designed to facilitate the solution, of the aloes, but is not very necessary. Aloes being soluble in wine, all its virtues are obtained in this solution, and from the presence of the resinous matter of the aloes, it is not liable to become acescent. It is a stimulating purgative which has long been in use under the name of Sacred Tincture. It produces its full effect in the dose of on» WINLS. ounce. In a dose of one or two drachms, it is given to excite the action of the intestines and neighbouring organs, in dyspepsia, amenorrhoea, and si- ;i;i!,.r ..!f ctions. VikimAi..\tiana Compositum. Compound Gentian Wine. Ed. '• i'.ike of Gentian Root, half an ounce ; Lance Leaved Bark, one ounce ; Orange-Peel dried, two drachms : White Canella Bark, one draclmi ; Diluted Alcohol, four ounces ; Spanish White-wine, two pounds and a half. On the root and barks cut and hruised, pour first the dilut- ed alcohol ; and after twenty-four hours, add the wine. Then macerate for seven days, and" strain." This wine is designed as a stomachic ; and has been regarded as pre- ferable to the tincture, as being more mild and grateful, and therefore bet- ter for continuetl use ; but from its tendency to become acescent, it is not adapted to administration in dyspepsia. Its dose is six drachms. Vinum Ii'lcacuanha;. Ipecacuan Wine. Ed. '■ Take of Ipecacuan Root bruised, one part ; Spanish White-wine, fif- teen parts. Macerate for seven days, and strain through paper." Vinum Ipecacuanha:. Wine of Ipecacuan. Lond. "Take of Hoot of Ipecacuan bruised, two ounces ; Wine, two pints. M.icer * to occasion nausea. It is nearly of the same strength. Vinegar impair;: the narcotic power of opium ; hence, if this medicated wine were liable to acescency, it might he regarded as an uncertain preparation, but the resino-extractive matter of the opium and the aromatics may perhaps counteract any spontaneous decomposition. The Wine of opium has also been recommended strongly by Mr. Ware as the best form under which opium can be used as a local application in chronic ophthalmia, two or three drops of it being introduced under the eye-lids. Vinum Rhei. Rhubarb Wine. Ed. " Take of the root of Rhubarb cut, two ounces ; Canella Bark bruis- ed, one drachm ; Diluted Alcohol, two ounces ; >panish Whue-wine, fif- teen ounces. Macerate for seven days, and strain through paper." Wine extracts the active matter of rhubarb, and this medicated wine operates as a purgative, in a dose from half an ounce to an ounce. The tincture is in general preferable, as more uniform, and not liable to decom- position. Vinum Ferri. Wine of Iron. Lond. " Take of Filings of Iron, two ounces ; Wine, two pints. Mix and put aside for a month, shaking occasionally, then strain through paper." Vinum Ferri. Wine of Iron. Dub. " Take of Iron Wire in small pieces, four ounces ; White Rhenish wine, four pints. Sprinkle the pieces of iron with a little of the wine, and expose them to the air, until they are covered with rust ; then add the remaining wine ; digest for seven days, shaking the vessel occasionally, and lastly strain the wine." The iron being oxidated by the joint action of the wine and the atmos- pheric air, a portion of the oxide is dissolved by the tartaric acid of the wine. The chalybeate impregnation must, however, be variable, accord- ing to the acidity of the wine, and it is therefore preferable to employ a preparation of more uniform strength. Vinum Veratri. Wine of White Hellebore. Lond. " Take of the Root of White Hellebore cut, eight ounces ; Wine, two pints and a half. Macerate for fourteen clays, and strain." A strong infusion of white hellebore in wine has been said to form the basis of the empirical preparation, Eau Medicinale, lately celebrated for its efficacy in gout. It is with this view probably that this medicated wine has been introduced into the late, edition of the London-Pharmacopoeia. CHAP. XIII. ACETICA—MEDICATED VINEGARS. Vinegar is capable of dissolving all those proximate principles of vege- tables which are soluble in water, and with regard to some substances its acid appears to increase its solvent power. But it also often modifies their VINEGARS. medicinal qualities, either by the chemical changes it occasions, or by the action it exerts on the stomach. Hence there is only one medicated vine- gar of any importance.—the Vinegar of Squill; the active matter of this root being dissolved by it, and suffering apparently no alteration. The activity of colchicum appears to reside in a similar acrid matter, and it also affords an active medicated vinegar, but of less importance, as colchicum is little employed. As a solvent of camphor, the concentrated acetic acid ie used in one preparation. Acidum Aceticum Aromaticum. Aromatic Vinegar. Ed. " Take of the dried Tops of Rosemary, the dried Leaves of Sage, of each an ounce : Lavender Flowers dried, half an ounce ; Cloves bruised, half a drachm; weak Acetic Acid, two pounds. Macerate for seven days and strain the expressed liquor through paper." This is an improved formula for a preparation long known by the name of Acetum Prophylacticum, which had attained celebrity as an antiseptic and preservative against contagion. From the impregnation of the vine- gar with the flavour ofthe aromatic vegetables, it is a grateful perfume. but it is weak, and its odour is soon lost. Acidum Aceticum Camphoratum. Camphorated Acetic Acid. Ed. " Take of strong Acetic Acid, six ounces ; Camphor, half an ounce Rub the camphor with a little alcohol into powder, which put into the acid, that it may be dissolved." Acidum Aceticum Camphoratum. Dub. " Take of Acetic Acid, six ounces ; Camphor, half an ounce ; Rectified Spirit of Wine, as much as may be sufficient. Reduce the camphor to powder, by the aid ofthe spirit, then add the acid, and dissolve." Camphor is soluble in the concentrated acetic acid, and the solution has an odour highly fragrant and pungent.—It has been used as a grateful sti- mulating perfume, and forms what is named Aromatic Spirit of Vinegar. Acidum Aceticum Scilliticum. Vinegar of Squill. Ed. " Take of Dried Squill, one ounce ; Weak Acetic Acid, fifteen ounces ; Strong Alcohol, an ounce and a half. Macerate the squill with the acid for seven days, then express the liquor and add the alcohol, and when the impurities have subsided, pour off the clear liquor." Acetum Scilla:. Vinegar of Squill. Lond. " Take of Squill Boot recently dried, a pound ; Vinegar, six pints ; Proof-spirit, half a pint. Macerate the squill root with the vinegar in a close glass vessel with a gentle heat, for twenty-four hour ; then express, and put aside, that the impurities may subside; lastly, add the spirit to the pure liquor." Acetum Scilla:. Vinegar of Squill. Dub. " Take of Squill Root recently dried, half a pound ; Vinegar, three pints ; Rectified Spirit of Wine, four ouaces Digest the squill root with the vinegai for four days in a glass vessel, agitating frequently ; then ex- press the vinegar, to which poured off, after the impurities subside, add the spirit." Vinegar appears to dissolve the active matter of squill, without much impairing its powers : the addition of the alcohol is designed to counteract any spontaneous decomposition to which the vinegar might be liable. Un- der this form, squill has long been employed as an expectorant; the dose TiNCTUREa. 327 is one drachm ; or more usually it is given in the form of syrup, prepared from this medicated vinegar. The proportion of squill ordered by the dif- ferent Colleges is very various, and if all its active matter is dissolved, must afford preparations of unequal strength. Acetum Colchioi. Vinegar of Meadow Saffron. Lond. f " Take ofthe Fresh Root of Meadow Safl'ron cut, one ounce; Distilled Vinegar, a pint; Proof-spirit, a fluidounce. Macerate the root with the vinegar,' in a close glass vessel, for twenty-four hours ; then press it out, and put'it aside, that the impurities may subside ; lastly, add the spirit to the clear liquor." The active matter of colchicum is so far similar to that of squill, that it appears to be dissolved by vinegar, without its powers being altered It has been given as a diuretic in dropsy, either under this form, or that of oxymel. but in modern practice is little employed. CHAP. XIV. TINCTURJE.—TINCTURES. Tinctures are solutions usually of vegetable, sometimes however, ot animal, and even of mineral substances, in spiritous liquors. The solvent may be alcohol either pure, diluted with water, or impregnated with am- monia or ether. Alcohol dissolves the resin, camphor, extract, and essen- tial oil of plants : it is more particularly employed as the menstruum for substances purely resinous, or the powers of which reside in the resin. Where a portion of gum is mingled with the resin, or where tannin or ex- tractive matter is the active principle, diluted alcohol is the proper sol- vent : it in general dissolves the active matter of all entire vegetable sub- stances, as the bark, leaves, flowers ; and wherever it can be properly ap- plied, it is preferable to pure alcohol, both as more economical, and as less pungent. Alcohol, impregnated with ammonia, is employed only in forming tinctures of a few substances, with the medicinal operation of which, ammonia is supposed to coincide. Tinctures usually contain the active matter of the substances from which they are prepared, in a more concentrated state than infusions or decoctions do, the power of the solvent being much greater ; hence they require to be given only in a small dose ; and the power ofthe solvent, which is otherwise considerable, may in general be neglected. They have the still more important advantage of not being liable to spontaneous decomposition ; the affinities ofthe elements of vegetable matter, whence new combinations are established, which are favoured by water, being counteracted by alcohol; and hence a tincture, if it be kept secluded from the air, so as to prevent the loss ofthe alcohol by evaporation, can be preserved any length of time without decomposition. Tinctures are prepared by infusing the materials reduced to a coarse powder in spirit, with frequent agitation, but without the application of heat. By applying heat, the solvent power is so far promoted, that the npregnation is effected in a shorter time; but the inactive and groscer 328 TINCTUREi. matter, it has been supposed, is frequently liable to be extracted, and the temperature is farther unnecessary, as, by allowing the solvent to re- main a sufficient time (seven days usually) on the ingredients, it is fully saturated. Alkaline salts were at one time supposed to increase the sol- vent power both of alcohol and diluted alcohol, the tincture being of a much deeper colour when a small portion had been added. But this arises, in part at least, from the action ofthe alkali on the colouring matter, as the same effect is obtained when they are added to a tincture already prepared ; and even where they increase the solubility of some principles, as of re- sinous matter, they do not always coincide in medicinal operation with the substance operated on, while they render the tincture much more nauseous. Some tinctures are liable to decomposition on diluting them with water, those especially prepared with pure alcohol, in which resinous matter chiefly is dissolved, the resin being precipitated. Even some tinctures prepared with diluted alcohol hold dissolved so much resin that they are rendered turbid by dilution with water ; others, which contain extractive matter chiefly, or tannin, remain transparent. It sometimes happens even that a decomposition ensues on mixing a tincture prepared with alcohol with another prepared with diluted alcohol. Such decompositions require to be attended to in their administrations, and to be so far obviated, at least when the precipitation is copious, as that by trituration with mucilage the resinous matter shall be diffused. " Tinctures are to be digested in close glass vessels, and frequently sha- ken during their preparation." Ed. The general directions in the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias are nearly the same. Tinctura Acacia; Catechu. Tincture of Catechu. Ed. " Take of Extract of Catechu in powder, three ounces ; Cinnamon bruised, two ounces ; Weaker Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through pap'er." Tinctura Catechu. Tincture of Catechu. Lond. Dub. " Take of Extract of Catechu, three ounces ; Cinnamon bruised, two ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. , Digest for seven days, (fourteen Lond.) and strain." Catechu consisting almost entirely of tannin and extractive matter, is dissolved by diluted alcohol, and is rendered more grateful by the cinna- mon. It is a very pleasant astringent, and is employed in all those cases where the use of astringents is indicated, as in uterine fluxes, diarrhoeas, &c. ; dose one to three drachms, taken either in water or wine. Tinctura Aloes Socotorina. Tincture of Aloes. Ed. " Take of Socotorine Aloes in powder, half an ounce ; Extract of Li- quorice, one ounce and a half; stronger Alcohol, four ounces; Water, one pound. Digest for seven days, and pour off the tincture when clear." Tinctura Aioes. Tincture of Aloes. Lond. " Take of Aloes bruised, half an ounce ; Extract of Liquorice, an ounce and a half ; Water, a pint; Rectified Spirit, four fluidounces. Macerate in a sand-bath until they are dissolved, then strain." Tinctura Aloes. Tincture of Aloes. Dub. " Take of Socotorine Aloes in powder, half an ounce ; Extract of Li- TINCTURES. 323 quonce, an ounce and a half, dissolved in eight ounces of Boiling Water ; Proof-spirit, eight ounces. Digest for seven days ; then strain." In this preparation the liquorice is designed to cover the taste, which it does very imperfectly. The tincture may be employed as a cathartic in the dose of an ounce, but is seldom used : aloes, from its intense bitterness, being better prescribed under the form of pill. Tinctura Aloes jEtherea. Ethereal Tincture of Aloes. Ed. " Take of Socotorine Aloes, Myrrh, of each in powder, one ounce and a half; English Saffron cut, one ounce ; Sulphuric Ether with Alcohol, a pound. Digest the myrrh with the ether for four days ; then add the saf- fron and aloes. Digest again for four days ; and when the impurities have subsided, pour off the tincture." If the ingredients of this tincture were digested together, the spirit would be so much saturated with the aloes, as to take up little of the myrrh ; but by digesting it first on the myrrh, it dissolves a larger quan- tity of it, and is capable of dissolving afterwards a sufficient proportion of the aloes and saffron. The spirit of sulphuric ether affords a more grate- ful tincture than alcohol, but it is difficult to preserve the tincture long without the escape ofthe ether from its volatility. A similar preparation has long had a place in the Pharmacopoeias, under the name of Elixir Pro- prietatis, and has been much used as a stimulant aperient in dyspeptic af- fections, jaundice and amenorrhoea, given in a dose of one or two drachms. In the dose of six drachms it acts as a cathartic. Tinctura Aloes et Myrrha. Tincture of Aloes and Myrrh. Ed. " Take of Myrrh in powder, two ounces ; Strong Alcohol, one pound and a half; Water, half a pound. Mix the alcohol with the water : then add the myrrh ; digest for four days ; and lastly, add of Socotorine Aloes in powder, one ounce and a half; English Safl'ron sliced, one ounce. Digest again for three days, and pour off the pure tincture." Tinctura Aloes Composita. Compound Tincture of Aloes. Lond. " Take of Extract of Aloes in powder, Saffron, of each three ounces ; Tincture of Myrrh, two pints. Macerate fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Aloes Composita. Compound Tincture of Aloes. Dub. " Take of Tincture of Myrrh, two pints ; Socotorine Aloes in powder, Saffron, of each three ounces. Digest for seven days, then strain," This tincture, differs in little from the former but in the menstruum. Being less grateful, it is seldom administered internally, but is used as an application to bleeding wounds, and a stimulant to foul ulcers. Tinctura Amomi Repentis. Tincture of Cardamom. Ed. " Take of Cardamom Seeds bruised, four ounces ; Diluted Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Cardamomi. Tincture of Cardamom. Lond. " Take of Cardamom Seeds bruised, three ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Cardamomi. Tincture of Cardamom. Dub. " Take of Cardamom Seeds freed from the capsules and bruised, three ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days, and strain." This tincture has merely aromatic flavour and pungency ; and as these are not considerable, it is little used. 4° 330 TINCTURES. Tinctura Amomi Zinoiberis. Tincture of Ginger. Ed. - J'Take of Ginger Root bruised, two ounces ; Diluted Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Zingiberis. Tincture of Ginger. Lond. " Take of Ginger Root cut, two ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Ma- cerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Zingiberis. Tincture of Ginger. Dub. " Take of Ginger Root reduced to a coarse powder, two ounces ; Proof- spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days, then strain." This tincture contains the pungency of the ginger, and may be used as an aromatic, to cover the taste or flavour, or promote the operation of more active remedies. To obviate flatulence, ginger is generally taken in substance. Tinctura Aristolochia Serpentaria. Tincture of Snake-Root. Ed. " Take of Virginian Snake-Root bruised, two ounces ; Cochineal in powder, one drachm ; Diluted Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Serpentaria;. Tincture of Snake-Root. Lond. " Take of Snake-Root, three ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Serpentaria;. Tincture of Snake-Root. Dub. "Take of Virginian Snake-Root cut and bruised, three ounces ; Proof- spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days, then strain." Serpentaria is seldom exhibited under the form of tincture, and it would require indeed to be given in such a dose, that the power ofthe menstru- um would be predominant. As a grateful bitter, it may be given occasion- ally in dyspepsia in a dose of two drachms. Tinctura Benzoini Composita. Compound Tincture of Benzoin. Ed. " Take of Benzoin in powder, three ounces ; Balsam of Peru, two ounces ; Hepatic Aloes, half an ounce ; Strong Alcohol, two pounds. Di- gest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Benzoini Composita. Compound Tincture of Benzoin. Lond. " Take of Benzoin, three ounces ; Storax strained, two ounces ; Bal- sam of Tolu, an ounce ; Aloes, half an ounce ; Rectified Spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Benzoes Composita. Compound Tincture of Benzoin. Dub. " Take of Benzoin three ounces ; Purified Storax, two ounces; Bal- sam of Tolu, an ounce ; Socotorine Aloes, half an ounce ; Rectified Spi- rit of Wine, two pints. Digest for seven days, then strain." This is used externally as a styptic, to recent superficial wounds, and forms a useful corrugating and agglutinating application. It has Ion* been in use under the name of Wade's Balsam and Friar's Balsam. A piece of linen moistened with it stops the haemorrhage from a slight wound, and allows it to heal by the first intention. It is also sometimes applied as a stimulant to foul ulcers. Tinctura Bonflandle Trifoliate. Tincture of Angustura. Ed. " Take of Angustura Bark in powder, two ounces ; Diluted Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, then strain through paper." Tinctura Angustura:. Tincture of Angustura. Dub. TINCTURES. 331 " Take of Angustura Bark, in coarse powder, two ounces ; Proof-spi- tit, two pints. Digest for seven days, then strain." Diluted Alcohol dissolves the active matter of angustura ; and under this form it has been sometimes given in dyspepsia, in a dose of two drachms occasionally. Tinctura Camphora. Tincture of Camphor. Ed. " Take of Camphor, one ounce ; Strong Alcohol, one pound. Mix, so as to dissolve the camphor. It may be also made with a double or triple proportion of camphor." Spiritus Camphora. Spirit of Camphor. Lond. " Take of Camphor, four ounces ; Rectified Spirit, two pints. Mix, so as to dissolve the camphor." Spiritus Camphoratus. Camphorated Spirit. Dub. " Take of Camphor an ounce ; Rectified Spirit of Wine, eight ounces by measure. Mix, so as to dissolve the camphor." This solution is used externally as a stimulating and anodyne application in chronic rheumatism and spasmodic pains, being rubbed on the part. It is applied in a similar manner to bruises and strains, to remove the swell- ing and relieve the pain. Linen moistened with it is used as an applica- tion to chilblains ; and it is sometimes added in small quantity to collyria employed in ophthalmia. Linimentum Cam'phora Compositum. Compound Camphor Liniment. Lond. " Take of Camphor, two ounces ; Water of Ammonia, six ounces ; Spirit of Lavender, a pint. Mix the water of ammonia with the spirit, and distil a pint from a glass retort with a gentle heat. Dissolve the cam- phor in the distilled liquor." This liniment is applied to the same uses as the preceding, but the addi- tion ofthe ammonia renders it more powerful as a stimulant and rubefacient. Tinctura Cantharidis Vesicatoria. Tincture of Cantharides. Ed. " Take of Cantharides bruised, one drachm ; Diluted Alcohol, one pound. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Lytta;. Tincture of Cantharides. Lond. " Take of Cantharides bruised, three drachms ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Cantharidis. Tincture of Cantharides. Dub. " Take of bruised Cantharides, two drachms; Cochineal in powder, half a drachm ; Proof-spirit, one pint and a half. Digest for seven days, and filter." Diluted alcohol extracts and holds dissolved the acrid matter of can- tharides, and it is under this form that the substance has been generally employed internally, being more manageable in its dose than it is in pow- der. It has been given as a diuretic in dropsy, and as a remedy in incon- tinence of urine, gleet, leucorrhoea, and some cutaneous diseases. Its dose is from ten to twenty drops, increased gradually until some sensible operation is produced. Dr. C. Smyth has remarked, however, that in ischuria arising from debility ofthe coats ofthe bladder, he had found lit- tle advantage derived from the tincture, while in substance the canthari- des had been successful The tincture is also employed externally as a rubefacient. •332 tinctures, Tincttra Castohei. Tincture of Castor. Ed. " Take of Russian Castor in powder, one ounce and a half; Strong Ah cohol, one pound. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Castorei. Tincture of Castor. Lond. " Take of Castor in powder, two ounces ; Rectified Spirit, two pints. Macerate for seven days, and strain." Tinctura Castorei. Tincture of Castor. Dub. " Take of Russian Castor in powder, two ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days, and strain." (A tincture is ordered to be prepar- ed in the s ime manner from Canadian Castor.) Castor is a substance nearly inert; and this tincture, in which a small quantity only is dissolved, can scarcely be supposed to have any medici- nal efficacy. It is given sometimes as an antispasmodic in hysteria, in a dose of from half a drachm to a drachm. It is more grateful when prepar- ed with alcohol than when prepared with proof-spirit. Tinctura Cinchona: Lancifolia:. Tincture of Peruvian Bark. Ed. " Take of Lance-leaved Peruvian Bark in powder, four ounces ; Dilut- ed Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Cinchona:. Tincture of Cinchona. Lond. " Take of Lance-leaved Bark in powder, seven ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Cinchona.. Tincture of Cinchona. Dub. " Take of Cinchona Bark in coarse powder, four ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days^, and strain through paper." The proportion of bark in the formula ofthe London College to that of spirit is nearly double that of the others, whether with the effect of ren- dering the tincture much stronger may be considered as doubtful. The active matter of bark is extracted by diluted alcohol, but so sparingly, that it may be doubted whether in the tincture the powers ofthe menstruum are not greater than those ofthe bark. It cannot therefore be employed where large quantities of cinchona are required. It is used only as a bit- ter in dyspepsia, occasionally, in a dose of two drachms, and for this pur- pose the compound tincture of bark, to be immediately noticed, is prefer- able ; though both are liable to the objection common to all these bitter tinctures, that of accustoming the stomach to the stimulus of ardent spi- rit, and leading to the habit of dram-drinking. Tinctura Cinchona; Composita. Compound Tincture of Cinchona. Ed. " Take of Lance leaved Cinchona Bark in powder, two ounces; Or- ange Rhind dried, one ounce and a half; Virginian Snake-Root bruised, three drachms ; Saffron sliced, one drachm ; Cochineal in powder, two scruples; Diluted Alcohol, twenty ounces. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Cinchona; Composita. Compound Tincture of Cinchona. Lond. " Take of Lance-leaved Cinchona in powder, two ounces ; Dried Or- ange Peel, an ounce and a half; Virginian Snake-Root, three drachms ; Saffron, a drachm ; Cochineal in powder, two scruples ; Proof-spirit, twen- ty fluidounces. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Cinchona Composita. Compound Tincture of Cinchona. Dub. riNCTURES. i3o !i Take of Peruvian Bark powdered, two ounces ; Orange Rhind, half an ounce ; Virginian Snake-Root bruised, three drachms ; Saffron, one drachm ; Cochineal in powder, two scruples ; Proof-spirit, twenty fluid- ounces. Digest for fourteen days, and strain." This is the composition known under the name of Huxham's Tincture of Bark. It is more grateful than the simple tincture ; and, from the sub- stances added to the cinchona, is probably abetter stomachic. It is prin- cipally in dyspeptic affections that it is employed. The powers of the menstruum render its continued use hurtful, but it may be taken occasi- onally with advantage. Tinctura Cinnamomi Composita. Compound Tincture of Cinnamon. Ed. " Take of Cinnamon Bark bruised, Cardamom Seeds bruised, each one ounce; Long Pepper, in powder, two drachms ; Diluted Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tintura Cinnamomi Composita. Compound Tincture of Cinnamon. Lond. " Take of Cinnamon Bark bruised, six drachms ; Cardamom Seeds bruised, three drachms; Long Pepper in powder, Ginger Root cut, of each two drachms ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days. and strain." Tinctura Cinnamomi Composita. Compound Tincture of Cinnamon. Dub. " Take of Cinnamon Bark bruised, six drachms; Cardamom Seeds freed from the capsules, three drachms ; Long Pepper, Ginger, of each in powder, two drachms ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days, and strain." This is a grateful aromatic tincture, seldom used by itself, but frequent- ly added to other tinctures, or to mixtures, to communicate flavour and pungency. It is thus often used in combination with bitters and astringents. Tinctura Colomba. Tincture of Colomba. Ed. " Take ofthe Root of Colombo in powder, two ounces ; Diluted Alco- hol, two pounds. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Calumba. Tincture of Colomba. Lond. " Take of Colomba Root cut, two ounces and a half; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Timctura Colombo. Tincture of Colomba. Dub. " Take of Colombo Root in powder, two ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days, then strain." Colombo does not yield its active matter very abundantly either to wa- tery or spiritous menstrua ; at least this tincture is not strong, and cannot be employed for any ofthe more important purposes for which this root is prescribed It is therefore used merely as a bitter tincture in dyspepsia, in a dose of three or four drachms. Tinctura Conii Maculati. Tincture of Hemlock. Ed. " Take of Hemlock Leaves dried, two ounces. Lesser Cardamom Seeds bruised, half an ounce ; Diluted Alcohol, sixteen ounces. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." This tincture possesses all the properties ofthe plant, and may be given -n those capps where the usp ofthe plant is indicated. 334 TINCTURES. Tinctura Convolvuli Jalapa:. Tincture of Jalap. Ed. " Take ofthe Root of Jalap in powder, three ounces ; Diluted Alcohol. fifteen ounces. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Jalapa. Tincture of Jalap. Lond. " Take of Jalap Root in powder, eight ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Jalapa. Tincture of Jalap. Dub. " Take of Jalap Root reduced to coarse powder, five ounces ; Proof- spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days, then strain." The activity of jalap resides in a resinous matter, which in this tincture is extracted along with a portion of mucilage. It may be given as a cathar- tic, in a dose of four or six drachms Jalap, however, is usually given in substance, and scarcely ever under this form. Tinctura Croci Sativi. Tincture of Saffron. Ed. "Take of English Saffron cut, one ounce; Diluted Alcohol, fifteen ounces. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Croci. Tincture of Saffron. Dub. " Take of Saffron an ounce ; Proof-spirit, a pint. Digest for seven days, then strain." This Tincture is to be valued only for its colour. Tinctura Crotonis Eleutheria. Tincture of Croton Eleutheria. Ed. " Take of Croton Eleutheria bruised, four ounces ; Diluted Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain." Tinctura Cascarilla. Tincture of Cascarilla. Lond. " Take of Cascarilla Bark, four ounces ; Proof-Spirit, two pints. Ma- cerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Cascarilla:. Tincture of Cascarilla. Dub. " Take of Cascarilla Bark in coarse powder, four ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days, then strain." Cascarilla is so little employed in modern practice, that there is scarce- ly any advantage in having its tincture as an officinal preparation. Tinctura Digitalis Purpurea. Tincture of Foxglove. Ed. " Take of dried Leaves of Foxglove, one ounce ; Diluted Alcohol, eight ounces. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Digitalis. Tincture of Foxglove. Lond. " Take ofthe dried Leaves of Foxglove, four ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Digitalis. Tincture of Foxglove. Dub. " Take ofthe Leaves of Foxglove (rejecting those of a large size) dried and reduced to coarse powder, two ounces ; Proof- spirit, one pint. Di- gest for seven days, then strain.1' The active matter of foxglove appears to be completely extracted by diluted alcohol. The tincture is not, however, so much used to obtain the operation ofthe plant as a diuretic, as to produce its narcotic effects ; and it is with this latter view that it has been introduced as the form under which foxglove is prescribed in haemoptysis and phthisis : it has also the important advantages, that it can be kept without the powers of the digitalis being impaired, and that its dose is easily regulated. The usual dose is fen drops, which, according to the general rules observed in the adminis- tinctures. 335 Vation of digitalis, is to be continued, and if necessary cautiously increas- ed, until its effects are obtained. Tinctura Ferula Assafo:tida;. Tincture of Assafoetida. Ed. " Take of Assafoetida, four ounces ; Strong Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Assafostida. Tincture of Assafoetida. Lond. " Take of Assafoetida, four ounces ; Rectified Spirit, two pints. Ma- cerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Assafostida:. Tincture of Assafoetida. Dub. " Take of Assafoetida, four ounces ; Rectified Spirit, two pints ; Water, eight ounces by measure. To the assafoetida rubbed with the water, add the spirit. Digest for seven days, then strain." Alcohol is used as the solvent in this tincture, as it is more grateful than when made with Proof-spirit. As a remedy in tympanitis and hysteria, it is sometimes given in a dose of one drachm ; but in any quantity in which it can be given, so that the operation ofthe solvent shall not be predomi- nant, its effects must be extremely trivial. It is decomposed on mixing it with water, and forms a white turbid liquor. Tinctura Gallarum. Tincture of Galls. Ed. "Take of Galls in powder, two ounces; Diluted Alcohol, sixteen ounces. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Gallarum. Tincture of Galls. Dub. " Take of Galls in powder, four ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Mix them, digest for seven days, and filter." This is perhaps the most powerful of all the astringent tinctures, and is given in a dose of one or two fluiddrachms. Tinctura Genti ana: Composita. Compound Tincture of Gentian. Ed, " Take of Gentian Root sliced and bruised, two ounces ; dried Orange- Peel, one ounce ; Canella Bark bruised, half an ounce ; Cochineal in pow- der, half a drachm ; Diluted Alcohol, two pounds-and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Gentiana: Composita. Compound Tincture of Gentian. Lond. " Take of Gentian Root cut, two ounces ; Orange-Peel dried, an ounce ; Cardamom Seeds bruised, half an ounce ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days with a gentle heat, and strain." Tinctura Gentiana Composita. Compound Tincture of Gentian. Dub. " Take of Gentian Root cut and bruised, two ounces ; dried Orange- Peel, an ounce ; Cardamom Seeds, freed from the capsules, half an ounce ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days, then strain." In this tincture, the bitterness of the gentian is extracted, and it is ren- dered more grateful by the aromatic quality ofthe orange-peel and canel- la. It is used as a stomachic in a dose of two or three drachms, in cases where the stomach is disordered from any occasional cause. In more permanent forms of dyspepsia, it cannot be employed with equal advan- tage, and the continued use of tinctures of this kind ought always to be avoided, as being liable to the pernicious consequences of accustoming the stomach to the stimulus of ardent spirit. Tinctura Guajaci Officinalis. Tincture of Guaiac. Ed. " Take ofthe Resin of Guaiac in powder, six ounces ; Strong Alcohol. two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper/' 33G TINCTURES. Tinctura Guajaci. Tincture of Guaiac. Lond. " Take of the Gum-Resin of Guaiac rubbed to powder, half a pound ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Guajaci. Tincture of Guaiac. Dub. " Take of Guaiac, four ounces ; Rectified Spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days, and strain." This tincture may be given in a dose of two or three drachms, and has sometimes been employed as a form of giving guaiac in rheumatism and gout ; but it is inferior in activity to the Ammoniated Tincture : and it forms a very ungrateful mixture with water, from the copious precipita- tion of its resinous matter. Tinctura Hellebori Nigri. Tincture of Black Hellebore. " Take of Black Hellebore Root bruised, two ounces ; Cochineal, in powder, fifteen grains ; Diluted Alcohol, fifteen ounces. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Hellebori Nigri. Tincture of Black Hellebore. Lond. " Take of Black Hellebore Root cut. four ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Hellebori Nigri. Tincture of Black Hellebore. Dub. 14 Take of Black Hellebore Root in coarse powder, four ounces ; Co- chineal in powder, two scruples ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest for se- ven days, then strain." It was under the form of this tincture that black hellebore was celebra- ted by Mead as an emmenagogue, in a dose of one drachm. Cullen re- marks, with regard to it, that he had never found it successful, and it is now scarcely ever used. Tinctura Humuli Lupuli. Tincture of Hops. Ed. " Take of Hops, five ounces ; Diluted Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, express the tincture, and strain through paper.'' Tinctura Humuli. Tincture of Hops. Lond. " Take of Hops, five ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Hops having been introduced as a narcotic, designed to be employed as a substitute for opium, in cases where, from idiosyncrasy or other causes, the latter cannot be employed, the tincture affords a convenient form for its administration. It has been supposed to be nearly ofthe same strength as tincture of opium, but it requires in general to be given in a dose of from half a drachm to a drachm to produce much sensible effect. Tinctura Hvosciami Nigri. Tincture of Black Henbane. Ed. " Take ofthe Dried Leaves of Black Henbane\ one ounce ; Diluted Al- cohol, eight ounces. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Hyoscyami. Tincture of Henbane. Lond. " Take of the Dried Leaves of Henbane, four ounces ; Proof-spirit. two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Hyoscyami. Tincture of Henbane. Dub. " Take of the Dried Leaves of Black Henbane in coarse powder, two ounces and a quarter ; Proof-spirit, a pint. Digest for seven days, then strain." Henbane has been introduced in modern practice chiefly as a substitute TINCTURES. 337 for opium in particular cases. The inspissated juice being liable to be variable in strength, the tincture has been employed, and has now a place in all the Pharmacopoeias, nearly of the same strength. Its dose has been stated at twenty-five drops, but in general not much effect is obtained from it under a dose of half a drachm. A combination of it with tincture of opi- um, proves a more certain anodyne and narcotic than when it is given alone, and is in some measure free from the inconveniences which opium by itself is liable to produce ; and, in particular, from the constipating ef- fect ofthe latter. Tinctura Kino. Tincture of Kino. Ed. " Tak<^ of Kiuo in powder, two ounces ; Diluted Alcohol, one pound and a half." Tinctura Kino. Tincture of Kino. Lond. " Take of Kino in powder, three ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Kino Tincture of Kino. Dub. " Take of Kino in powder, three ounces ; Proof-spirit, a pint and a half. Digest for seven days, then strain." Kino consists principally of tannin : it is entirely soluble in diluted al- cohol. The dose of this tincture is from half a drachm to a drachm ; it is not unfrequently prescribed as an astringent. Tinctura Lauri Cinnamomi. Tincture of Cinnamon. Ed. " Take of Cinnamon Bark bruised, three ounces ; Diluted Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Cinnamomi. Tincture of Cinnamon. Lond. " Take of Cinnamon Bark bruised, three ounces ; Rectified spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Cinnamomi. Tincture of Cinnamon. Dub. " Take of Cinnamon Bark bruised, three ounces and a half; Proof- spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days, then strain." The diluted alcohol is impregnated with the aromatic flavour ofthe cin- namon, and it is merely as-possessing this flavour and a slight astringency that this tincture is usedin mixtures. Tinctura Myrrha;. Tincture ofMyrrh. Ed. " Take of Myrrh in powder, three ounces ; Strong Alcohol, twenty ounces ; Water, ten ounces. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Myrrha. Tincture of Myrrh. Lond. " Take of Myrrh bruised, four ounces ; Rectified Spirit, two pints ; Wa- ter, a pint. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Myrrha;. Tincture of Myrrh. Dub. " Take ofMyrrh bruised, three ounces ; Proof-spirit a pint and a half; Rectified Spirit, half a pint. Digest for seven days, then strain." Myrrh being principally resinous, is not entirely soluble in common proof-spirit, and therefore alcohol less diluted is properly ordered for its solution in the Pharmacopoeias. The tincture is used principally as an external stimulant and antiseptic application, more especially in affections ofthe teeth and gums, either directly applied, or added to detergent gar- gles. i ?> 338 TINCTURES. Tinctura Opii, sive Thebaica; vulgo Laudanum liquidum. Tincture oi Opium. Ed. " Take of Opium, two ounces; Diluted Alcohol, two pounds. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Opii. Tincture of Opium. Lond. " Take of Hard Opium in powder, two ounces and a half; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Opii, sive Tinctura Thebaica. Tincture of Opium. Dub.. " Take of Hard Purified Opium in coarse powder, ten drachms ; Proof- spirit, a pint. Digest for seven days, then strain." In this tincture all the active matter of opium is dissolved, the residuum being impurities or insoluble matter, and a given quantity of the tincture having been found to produce the same effects on the system nearly as the quantity of opium which, by calculation, it contained, ought to do, allow- ance being made for the undissolved matter. The proportion of opium to each drachm ofthe tincture is five grains, but by evaporation it is found to yield only three grains and a half; twenty-five drops is supposed to be equal in power to one grain of solid opium, and is the dose commonly giv- en to a person not accustomed to it. It is of the same strength nearly as ordered in the different Pharmacopoeias. The London College formerly employed purified opium, for which they have now properly substituted crude opium, both as it was without any advantage to use purified opium in a preparation in which the crude opium is necessarily freed from its impurities, while it added considerably to the expense, and as the purified opium itself is variable in strength. Laudanum, as this tincture is named, is given in all those cases in which opium is usually administered, and is preferred to it as being more speedy in its operation, more m mageable in its dose, and more convenient for combination with other remedies. Where the stomach is in an irritable state, so as to be easily excited to vomiting, or where the operation ofthe opium is wished to be exerted more slowly, or more peculiarly on the in- testinal canal, as in diarrhoea and spasmodic colic, it is given in the solid state and usually in the form of pill. Formerly laudanum was prepared with an addition of aromatics,—an addition probably useful in obviating nausea, or even the subsequent debilitating operation on the stomach. In prescribing it, an aromatic tincture may be advantageously combined with it. Externally the tincture is occasionally applied topically as a stimulant and anodyne. Tinctura Opii Camphorata, vulgo Elixir Paregoricum Anglorum. Cam- phorated Tincture of Opium ; commonly called Paregoric Elixir. Ed. " Take of Camphor, two scruples; Benzoic Acid, Opium, of each a drachm ; Diluted Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." TinctuTvA Camphora; Composita. Compound Tincture of Camphor. Lond. " Take of Camphor, two scruples ; Hard Opium in powder, Acid of Benzoin, of each one drachm ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for four- teen days, and strain." Tinctura Opii Camphorata ; sive Elixir Paregoricum. Camphorated Tincture of Opium, or Paregoric Elixir. Dub. '■• Take of Hard Purified Opium in powder, Benzoic Acid, of each a TINCTURES. 339 drachm ; Camphor, two scruples ; Essential Oil of Anise, a drachm ; Proof spirit, two pints. Digest for two days, then strain." This is the tincture known under the name of Paregoric Elixir, which has been long in use as a mild opiate in catarrh. Half an ounce of it con- tains a grain of opium, and its usual dose-is two tea-spoonfuls, taken at bed-time. It is inferior in strength to the tincture which has a place in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, under the same popular name of Paregoric Elixir, the Ammoniated Tincture of Opium, but it is less pungent, and is hence frequently preferred to the other. The London College have giv- en it its present name, rather than the former one, of Tinctura Opii Cam- phorata, to lessen the risk of its being confounded with Tincture of Opium in prescribing it, and they have omitted the Oil of Anise, the odour of which is rather ungrateful. Tinctura Quassia; Excelsa;. Tincture of Quassia. Ed. " Take of Shavings of Quassia, one ounce ; Diluted Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Quassia:. Tincture of Quassia. Dub. " Take of the Wood of Quassia rasped one ounce ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days, then strain." The bitterness of Quassia may be sufficiently extracted in this prepara- tion. These bitter tinctures appear, however, to be unnecessarily multi- plied in the Pharmacopoeias, especially as, from the action ofthe menstru- um on the stomach, the form of tincture is not the best mode for the ad- ministration of this class of remedies. Tinctura Rhei. Tincture of Rhubarb. Ed. ""Take ofthe Root of Rhubarb cut, three ounces ; Lesser Cardamom Seeds bruised, half an ounce ; Diluted Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." ' Tinctura Rhei. Tincture of Rhubarb. Lond. " Take of Rhubarb Root cut, two ounces ; Cardamom Seeds bruised, half an ounce ; Saffron, two drachms ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macer ate fourteen days with a gentle heat, and strain." Tinctura Rhei. Tincture of Rhubarb. Dub. " Take of Rhubarb Root cut, two ounces ; Cardamom Seeds freed from the capsules and bruised, Liquorice cut, of each half an ounce ; Saf- fron, two drachms ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest seven days, then strain." Proof-spirit extracts nearly all the active matter of rhubarb, and this tincture therefore has all its powers. It is sometimes prescribed in dys- peptic affections and in diarrhoea, in a dose from half an ounce to an ounce. Tinctura Rhei ft Aloes. Tincture of Rhubarb with Aloes. Ed. " Take of the Root of Rhubarb cut, ten drachms ; Socotorine Aloes, six drachms in powder ; Lesser Cardamom Seeds bruised, half an ounce ; Diluted Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." The Cathartic power ofthe rhubarb is in this tincture increased by com- bination with the aloes. It is employed as a stimulating aperient and pur- gative, in a dose from half an ounce to an ounce, frequently also as an em- menagogue. Ttvctura Rhei et Gentiana;. Tincture of Rhubarb with Gentian. Ed. 340 TINCTURES. " Take of Root of Rhubarb in slices, two ounces ; Gentian Root cut. half an ounce ; Diluted Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." This combination of gentian with rhubarb is supposed to render it a more useful remedy in dyspeptic cases ; but the power ofthe one is so inconsid- erable, compared with that of the other, that no important advantage is gained from it. Its dose is from two to four drachms. • Tinctura Saponis Camphorata, vulgo Linimentum Saponaceum. Cam- phorated Tincture of Soap, or Saponaceous Liniment. " Take of Hard Soap in shavings, four ounces ; Camphor, two ounces ; Volatile Oil of Rosemary, half an ounce ; Strong Alcohol, two pounds. Digest the soap with the alcohol, for three days, then strain and add the camphor and volatile oil, frequently shaking. Linimentum Saponis Compositum. Compound Soap Liniment. Lond. " Take of Hard Soap, three ounces ; Camphor, one ounce ; Spirit of Rosemary, one pint. Dissolve the camphor in the spirit, then add the soap, and macerate in a sand-bath until it be dissolved. Linimentum Saponis. Soap Liniment. Dub. " Take of Soap, three ounces ; Camphor, one ounce ; Spirit of Rose- mary, one pint. Digest the soap in the spirit of rosemary until it be dis- solved, and add the camphor." Tinctura Saponis et Opii, vulgo Linimentum Anodynum. Tincture of Soap with Opium ; commonly called Anodyne Liniment. Ed. " Take of the shavings of Hard Soap, four ounces ; Opium, one ounce ; Camphor two ounces; Volatile Oil of Rosemary, half an ounce; Strong Alcohol, two pounds.. Digest the soap in the alcohol for three days, then strain the liquid, and add the camphor and oil to it, frequently shaking." These are stimulants of considerable efficacy, and are in common use as an external application, by friction, in strains and rheumatic pains. The last one, however, from the addition of opium, is more powerful as an ano- dyne in rheumatism and spasms ofthe muscles. It is frequently success- ful in relieving pain by topical application, though the relief is often but temporary, Tinctura Scilla Maritima. Tincture of Squill. Ed. '* Take of the fresh Dried Root of Squill, two ounces ; Diluted Alcohol sixteen ounces. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tincti'Ra Sen.la. Tincture of Squill. Lond. " Take of Squill Root recently dried, four ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Scilla. Tincture of" Squill. Dub. " Take of Squill Root recently dried, four ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days, then put aside, and when the impurities have subsided, pour off the pure liquor. Squill, when employed as a diuretic, operates most effectually in sub- stance : as an emetic or expectorant it is usually given under the form o? the vinegar or syrup, the vinegar dissolving sufficiently its active matter, and correcting its nauseous taste. It is not apparent what particular ad- vantage is to be derived from a tincture of it,—a preparation in which the acrimony of the squill must be very imperfectly covered. The dose of this tincture is from twenty to sixty drops. tinctures. 341 Tinctura Senna Composita. Tincture of Senna. Ed. " Take ofthe Leaves of Senna, two ounces ; Root of Jalap bruised, one ounce ; Coriander Seeds bruised, half an ounce ; Diluted Alcohol, three pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and to the tincture strained through paper add four ounces of refined sugar." Tinctura Senna. Tincture of Senna. Lond. " Take ofthe Leaves of Senna, three ounces ; Caraway Seeds bruised, three drachms; Cardamom Seeds bruised, one drachm; Raisins freed from the stones, four ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for four- teen days with a gentle heat, and strain." Tinctura Senna:. Tincture of Senna. Dub. " Take ofthe Leaves of Senna, a pound ; Caraway Seeds, an ounce and a half; Cardamom Seeds freed from their capsules and bruised,.half an ounce ; Proof-spirit, a gallon. Digest fourteen days, and strain." This forms a very excellent purgative tincture, less unpleasant in its taste than any ofthe other cathartic tinctures, not liable therefore to excite nausea, and at the same time operating with sufficient effect. Its dose is one ounce or ten drachms. In the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, being prepared without the jalap, it is less active. Tinctura Toluifera; Balsami. Tincture of Tolu Balsam. Ed. " Take of Balsam of Tolu, one ounce and a half; Strong Alcohol, one pound. Digest until the balsam is dissolved, and strain through paper." Tinctura Balsami Tolutani. Tincture of Balsam of I olu. Dub. " Take of Tolu Balsam, an ounce ; Rectified Spirit, a pint. Digest until the balsam is dissolved, then strain." The tolu balsam is soluble in alcohol; but as it is a substance of no ac- tivity, this tincture is scarcely used but on account of its flavour, and for making the syrup of tolu according to the formula ofthe Edinburgh Phar- macopoeia. Tinctura Veratri Albi. Tincture of White Hellebore. Ed. " Take of White Hellebore Root bruised, four ounces ; Diluted Alcohol, sixteen ounces. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." White Hellebore is a medicine scarcely ever prescribed internally, its operation is so violent. The dose of this tincture cannot exceed a few drops. Neither is it used as an external application. According to Mr. Moore, a tincture of it or rather a medicated wine, is the basis ofthe em- pirical preparation, the Eau Medicinale. lately celebrated as a remedy in gout ; more recent discoveries have however shewn, that the basis of that empirical preparation is colchicum. The following Tinctures are peculiar to the London and Dublin Phar- macopoeias. Tinctura Aurantii. Tincture of Orange-Peel. Lond. " Take of Fresh Orange-Peel, three ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Aurantii. Tincture of Orange-Peel. Dub. " Take of Fresh Orange-Peel, three ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest for three days, and strain." 342 TINCTURES. The alcohol is in this tincture impregnated with the flavour and bitter ness ofthe orange-peel, and it may be used as communicating flavour, oi in combination with more powerful bitters. Tinctura Capsici. Tincture of Capsicum. Lond. " Take of Capsicum Berries, an ounce; Proof-spirit, two pints. Ma- cerate for fourteen days, and strain." Under this form capsicum may be employed as a stimulant and stomach- ic ; and diluted, it may afford any easy mode of forming the capsicum gar- gle, which is employed in some forms of cynanche, half an ounce being added to eight ounces of water. Tinctura Cardamomi Composita. Compound Tincture of Cardamom. Lond. Take of Cardamom Seeds, Caraway Seeds, Cochineal, of each beat to powder, two drachms ; Cinnamon Bark bruised, half an ounce ; Raisins freed from the stones, four ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Cardamomi Composita. Compound Tincture of Cardamom. Dub. " Take of Cardamom Seeds freed from their capsules, and bruised,. Cochineal in powder, Caraway Seeds bruised, of each two drachms ; Cin- namon Bark bruised, half an ounce ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest for fourteen days, then strain." This tincture may be employed as a grateful aromatic and carminative. Tinctura Rhei Composita. Compound Tincture of Rhubarb. Lond. " Take of Root of Rhubarb cut, two ounces ; Liquorice Root, bruised, half an ounce; Ginger Root cut, Saffron, of each two drachms ; Proof- spirit, a pint; Water, twelve fluidounces. Macerate for fourteen days,' with a gentle heat, and strain." The principal in which the purgative quality cf rhubarb resides, has been supposed to be more completely dissolved by water than by other solvents ; hence a larger proportion of water is prescribed in the formula for this tincture than usual, and the quantity of alcohol is little more than is necessary to prevent spontaneous decomposition. Its medium dose as a purgative is an ounce. Tinctura Valeriana. Tincture of Valerian. Lond. " Take of Valerian Root, four ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Ma- cerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Valeriana. Tincture of Valerian. Dub. " Take of Valerian Root in coarse powder, four ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest for seven days, then strain." The active matter of valerian is sufficiently extracted by diluted alco- hol ; but the powers ofthe menstruum probably exceed those ofthe dis- solved matter, and hence this tincture cannot be employed with much ad- vantage. Tinctuka Galbani. Tincture of Galbanum. Dub. " Take of Galbanum cut into small pieces, two ounces ; Proof-spirit, two pints. Digest them for seven days, then strain." This tincture has sometimes been used is hysteria, and to obviate flatu- lence in a dose of two or three drachms. It can scarcely be supposed to have any power. AMMONIATED TINCTURES. 343 Tinctura Moschi. Tincture of Musk. Dub. " Take of Musk in powder, two drachms ; Rectified Spirit, one pint. Digest for seven days, and strain." This tincture can be employed only to communicate the odour of musk : and is therefore of little importance. CHAP. XV. TINCTURJE AMMONIATiE.—AMMONIATED OR VOLATILE TINCTURES. The character of Ammonia being so very marked, and its action upon the animal system so powerful, the Edinburgh College have appropriated a separate chapter to the consideration of those 1 inctures, in the compo- sition of which it forms a principal ingredient. Tinctura Aromatica Ammoniata. Ammoniated Aromatic Tincture. Ed, " Take of Ammoniated Alcohol, eight ounces ; Volatile Oil of Lemon- Peel, one drachm ; Volatile oil of Rosemary, one drachm and a half. Mix, so as to dissolve the oils. Spiritus Ammonia; Aromaticus. Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia. Lond. " Take of Cinnamon Bark bruised, Cloves bruised, of each two drachms; Lemon Rhind, four ounces ; Sub-carbonate of Potash, half a pound ; Mu- riate of Ammonia, tive ounces ; Rectified Spirit, four pints ; Water, a gallon. Mix, and distil six pints." Spiritus Ammonia Aromaticus. Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia. Dub. " Take of Spirit of Anruuonia, two pints ; Essential Oil of Lemon, two drachms ; Nutmegs bruised, half an ounce. Digest in a close vessel for three days, occasionally agitating, and distil a pint and a half." By this combination of ammonia with alcohol, and the addition of the aromatic oils, a preparation is obtained more grateful than spirit of ammo- nia. It is therefore often used in preference to the other, as a stimulant in languor and faintness, or to relieve flatulence, and sometimes as an ant- acid. Its dose is from fifteen to thirty drops. Tinctura Assafoetida Ammoniata. Ammoniated Tincture of Assafoetida. Ed. " Take of Assafoetida, half an ounce; Ammoniated Alcohol, eight ounces. Digest in a close vessel for twelve hours, then distil, by the heat of boiling water, eight ounces." Spiritus Ammonia Fostidus. Foetid Sprit of Ammonia. Lond. " Take of Spirit of Ammonia, two"ints ; Assafoetida, two ounces. Ma- cerate for twelve hours, and distil, with a slow fire, into a cooled receiver, a pint and a half." Spiritus Ammonia Fostidus. Foetid Spirit of Ammonia. Dub. " Take of Spirit Ammonia, two pints ; Assafoetida, an ounce and a quar- ter. Digest in a close vessel for three days, occasionally shaking; pour off the clear liquor, and distil a pint and a half." The impregnation ofthe ammoniated alcohol, with part of the assafoetida 344 ammoniated tinctures. in this process, though it may communicate a foetid smell, can add little to its activity ; and accordingly, though it has a place in all the Pharmaco- poeias, it is not found in the shops. It has been given in hysteria in a dose of thirty drops. Tinctura Castorei Composita. Compound Tincture of Castor. Ed. " Take of Castor, an ounce ; Assafoetida, half an ounce ; Ammoniated Alcohol, one pound. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." This is a very active preparation, and is given with great advantage in hysteria, flatulent colic, cramp of the stomach, kc. in doses of from one to two drachms. Tinctura Guajaci Ammoniata. Ammoniated Tincture of Guaiac. Ed. " Take ofthe Resin of Guaiac, four ounces ; Ammoniated Alcohol, one pound and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Guajaci Ammoniata. Ammoniated Tincture of Guaiac. Lond. " Take ofthe Gum-Resin of Guaiac in powder, four ounces ; Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia, a pint and a half. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Guajaci Ammoniata. Ammoniated Tincture of Guaiac. Dub. " Take of Guaiac, four ounces ; Spirit of Ammonia, a pint and a half. Digest for seven days, then strain " As the ammonia coincides with the guaiac as a stimulant and diaphore- tic, this affords a preparation of more efficacy than the simple tincture, and it is more frequently employed. It is given in chronic rheumatism, in a dose of from one to two drachms. Tinctura Oku Ammoniata ; olim Elixir Paregoricum. Ammoniated Tincture of Opium, formerly Paregoric Elixir. Ed. " Take of Opium, two drachms ; Saffron sliced, Benzoic Acid, of each three drachms ; Volatile Oil of Anise, half a drachm ; Ammoniated Alco- hol, sixteen ounces. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." This formula is designed as the improvement of a preparation which has long been medicinally employed under the name of Paregoric Elixir, and which as a weak and pleasant opiate, has in particular been used as a re- medy in catarrh. The formula, however, is but ill contrived. While the ammonia can add nothing to the efficacy of the preparation, its pungency renders it ungrateful, and the tincture approaches too nearly in strength to the common tincture of opium. The Paregoric Elixir of the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, and which has been introduced into the last edi- tion of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, (Tinct. Opii Camphorata, already noticed), is better adapted to the purposes for which it is designed. The composition ofthe Edinburgh College contains a grain of opium in a drachm, and this is its medium dose. The other does not contain more than a grain in half an ounce. • 0 The operation ofthe opium cannot be much influenced by the substan- ces with which it is combined in this formula. The common application of it is as a remedy in catarrhal affections. Its dose is from half a drachm to a drachm, taken generally at bed-time. Tinctura Valeriana: Ammoniata. Ammoniated Tincture of Valerian. Ed. ETHER, t distillation being again distill- ed from potash, in a high-necked retort, with a gentle heat, the potash de- taining the sulphurous acid by the affinity it exert- to it, and rendering the water also less volatile. A portion of water is ordered to be added to the potash and ether in the London Pharmacopoeia, which may be useful by attracting the alcohol more effectually : it causes, ho.vever, some waste of ether. And as all the Colleges admit of a second distillation from the residual liquor, mixed with afresh portion of alcohol, directions ought to be given with regard to the rectification of the product of this, for it is considerably weaker than the product of the first distillation. ' The two products ought to be mingled together, and then rectified. If the unrec- tified ether be much impregnated with sulphurous acid, from the distilla- tion having been continued longer than usual, it will be useful i.i the pro- cess of rectification to add a little black oxide of manganese, which yield- . ing oxygen to the sulphurous acid, converts it into sulphuric, and abstracts it more effectually than is done by the alkali alone. After the acid has been abstracted, the ether may still have an intermixture of alcohol which has distilled over unchanged. 1 his can only be abstracted by agitation with water, which dissolves it. This ought to be done, therefore, pre- vious to the distillation from the potash ; the unrectified ether being agi- tated with an equal quantity of water, the liquid which floats above the water, when the agitation has ceased, being drawn off, the due proportion of potash being added to it, and the distillation being performed as directed in the Pharmacopoeias. The ether is thus obtained in its purest form. In the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, both the Unrectified and Recti- fied Ether have a place. f he Edinburgh College, with more propriety, admit of no distinction, but name the product when rectified, Sulphuric Ether, and sanction its use only in this state. Sulphuric Ether has a peculiar odour, strong and diffusive, b6t not pun- gent ; its taste is warm and penetrating ; it is colourless and transparent ; its specific gravity is 0.7o2, and when highly rectified is so low as .7.6 ; itis therefore one of the lightest liquid*. Itis a\>o one ofthe most vola- tile ; it evaporates rapidly at couimon temperatures ; it boils in vacuo, even below 32, and under the atmospheric pressure at98u. In evaporat- ing it absorbs much caloric ; hence, if dropt on the hand, it quickiy dis- appears, producing on the spot a sensation of cold ; and this affords a good test of its purity, the volatility being greater as it is more highly rectified. It is soluble in alcohol in every proportion ; in water it dissolves only in the limited proportion of one part to ten ; and this affords another test of its proper preparation, as if more soluble it is diluted either with water or alcohol. Its medicinal properties have been already considered. Itis employed principally as an antispasmodic in asthma, hysteria, singultus, and other morbid affections connected with spasm, being given in a dose of from 350 ETHER, &l. half a drachm to a drachm. And it is sometimes applied externally as it stimulant, or, from the cold attending its evaporation, as a remedy, to burns. /Ether Sulphuricus cum Alcohole. Sulphuric Ether with Alcohol. Ed. " Take of Sulphuric Ether, one part; Strong Alcohol, two parts. Mix them together." Spiritus .54 extracts. sidual liquor, probably contains a portion of nitric ether: by the farther action exerted between them a product will probably be formed somewhat analogous to that obtained by the preceding processes. But by the action of the alkali, to which it is afterwards submitted, its acidity must be remov- ed, and to a certain extent this must modify its medicinal powers. The product of the process which has been generally followed, that of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, the powers of which are sufficiently ascertain- ed, and its use established in practice, is probably that which ought to be preferred. Spirit of nitric ether has an odour extremely fragrant; its taste is pun- gent and acidulous ; it is volatile and inflammable, soluble readily both in alcohol and in water. Itis employed principally as a grateful refrigerant in inflammatory affections, as a diuretic in dropsy, or rather as an.auxiliary to promote the operation of more powerful diuretics, and as a stimulant re- lieving nausea and flatulence. Its dose is 30 or 40 drops, taken in a cup- ful of water. • GHAP. XV1J. EXTRACTA.—EXTRACTfc. Extracts are preparations obtained by digesting or boiling vegetable substances in water, alcohol, or proof-spirit. The menstruum dissolves the active matter of the vegetable ; the tincture or decoction is strained, and is evaporated until a mass of a stiff consistence is obtained. This is named an Extract; and is either an aqueous or spiritous extract, as water or alcohol has been employed as the menstruum. If water has been used, the mucilage, extract, tannin, saccharine, and saline parts ofthe vegetable remain in the extract; if alcohol, the resin is its principal component part; and if proof.spirit has been employed, all the fixed principles which water and alcohol are separately capable of dissolving, are obtained. It is evident, therefore, that the same mode of preparing these extracts is not applicable to every vegetable substance. Where the virtues de- pend principally on the extract or tannin which the substance contains, the watery extract will be proper ; while, if it depend on a resinous part, the spiritous extract only will possess its virtues. It is to be observed, however, that in the preparation of these extracts, the virtues ofthe substances are almost always injured to a certain extent. The essential oil, on which their flavour and aromatic quality depend, is dissipated ; and in the preparation of the watery extracts, there is gener- ally a partial decomposition ofthe active matter, by the necessary decoc- tion, from oxygenation by the action ofthe air, or from the re-action of its elements, favoured by the humidity and temperature. This preparation, therefore, though it has the advantage of the active matter, being in small bulk, is liable to uncertainty ; hence it is not now very frequently employ- ed ; and with the exception of some of the pure bitters, as gentian, or some ofthe saccharine vegetables, as liquorice, there is no medicine, per- haps, but what may be given with more advantage under some other form. The Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges preserve the distinction of Watery and EXTRACTS. 335 Spiritous extracts : the London College do not observe it; and they have far- ther associated with what are more strictly named Extracts, the inspissated juices of vegetables, the consistence of these being similar ; and the only circumstance in which they differ, that in the one the matter naturally dis- solved in the juice of the plant, in the other the matter extracted by the operation of a solvent, is obtained by evaporation, is not, it has been con- ceived, sufficiently important to constitute a distinction between them. I have adhered, however, to the arrangement of the Edinburgh Pharmaco- poeia, and under the Chapter of Inspissated Juices have already introduc- ed those preparations of this nature which are peculiar to the London Pharmacopoeia. Mr. Barry has lately taken a patent for a new mode of preparing ex- tracts in vacuo. In this manner the empyreuma and the action of the air is completely avoided, while the extracts are said to be more powerful, and what is perhaps equally important, not so variable in their strength, as they are when prepared in the usual way. I. EXTRACTA PER A0.UAM,--EXTRACTS BY WaTER. Ed. ExTRACTA SlM- pliciora.—More simple Extracts. Dub. The directions for preparing these are thus given in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. " Pour on the root from which an Extract is to be obtained, cut and bruised, eight times its weight of Distilled Water. Boil to one half, and expressing it strongly, strain the liquor. Reduce the boiled liquor imme- diately to the consistence of thick honey, by evaporation in a bath of boil- ing water, saturated with muriate of soda." The Dublin College give the following general directions : " The Simpler Extracts, unless it be otherwise ordered, are to be pre- pared according to the following formula :—Boil the vegetable matter in eight times its weight of water to the consumption of half the liquor; then express the liquor, and after the impurities have subsided, strain if; evapo- rate with a heat of from 200° to 212°, until it begin to thicken ; lastly, in- spissate it with a heat of from 100° to 200°, stirring frequently, until it attain a consitence fit for forming pills." The directions in the London Pharmacopoeia are in part given under the individual extracts, and partly under the following general formula: " In preparing all Extracts, evaporate as quickly as possible, in a shal- low open vessel by a water-bath, until the consistence be such as is fit for forming pills, and towards the end, stir constantly with a spatula. Sprinkle on all thfe softer extracts a little spirit of wine." Extractum Anthemidis Nobilis ex floribus siccatis. Ed. Extrac- tum Anthemidis. Lond. Extractum Florum Chama:meli. Dub. Ex- tract of Chamomile. The bitterness of chamomile is rendered rather ungrateful in its infusion by the flavour of its essential oil. This is entirely dissipated by decoction, and the extract is therefore a pure and grateful bitter. It is scarcely ap- plied, however, to any use ; but it may be prescribed with advantage in dyspeptic affections, especially where there is an aversion to bitters, as it can be given in the form of a pill. Its dose is 10 or 15 grains. The formula for preparing this and the five following extracts, according to the different Colleges, is given above in the general direction of the Pharmacopoeias. ']o'6 EXTRACTS. Extractum Gentiana; Lutea;, ex radice concisa et contusa. Extract of Gentian. Ed. Lond. Dub. This extract is intensely bitter, the quality of bitterness appearing in general not to be injured by decoction or evaporation. Itis sometimes used to form other medicines into pills, especially those with which it co- incides in medicinal virtue. Extractum Ha:matoxyli Campechiani, ex ligno raso. Ed. Extrac- tum Ha:matoxyli. Lond. Extractum Scobis Hjematoxyli. Dub. Extract of Logwood. The astringency of the Logwood is obtained with no sensible injury in this extract. It has been proposed to be employed as an astringent, but has never been established in use. Its dose is from ten to twenty grains. Extractum Hellebori Nigri, ex radice contusa. Ed. Dub. Extract ofthe Root of Black Hellebore. This extract has been employed as a cathartic, principally in mania, and as emmenagogue in a dose from five to fifteen grains, but it is uncertain in strength. The spiritous extract which has a place in some of the foreign Pharmacopoeias, is a more active preparation. It has been used as a hy- dragogue cathartic, and is the basis of Baccher's tonic pills, once highly celebrated in the treatment of dropsy. Extractum Papaveris Somniferi, ex capsuljs contusis, seminibus ex- emptis. Ed. Extractum Papaveris. Lond. Extract of Poppy. This extract ofthe capsule ofthe poppy retains, to a certain extent, its narcotic quality, but usually so far weakened as to leave it uncertain in strength. It is therefore little used. The Syrup of Poppy is sometimes prepared from it, by dissolving a drachm of the extract in a pint of water. and boiling this with the due proportion of sugar. Extractum Ruta; Graveolentis, ex herba. Ed. Extractum Foliorum Ruta:. Dub. Extract ofthe Leaves of Rue. As any medicinal virtue belonging to rue resides in its essential oil, this extract must be an injudicious preparation. It has been given in amenorrhoea, in a dose of from ten to fifteen grains ; but it has probably no power. The following Watery Extracts have a place in the London, or the Dub- lin Pharmacopoeia: Extractum Aloes Purificatum. Purified Extract of Aloes. Lond. " Take of Socotorine Aloes in powder, half a pound ; Boiling Water, four pints. Macerate for three days with a gentle heat; then strain, and put aside, that the impurities may subside. Pour off the purified liquor, and evaporate until it attain a proper consistence." The object of this preparation is principally to obtain an extract with less resin than is usually conained in aloes : this it has been affirmed, is equally powerful as a purgative, and is less stimulating and more grateful. Its dose is ten or fifteen grains. Extractum Cinchona;. Extract of Cinchona. Lend. Dub. " Take of Pale Peruvian Bark bruised, a pound ; Water, a gallon. Boil to six pints, and strain the liquor while warm. In the same manner, boil it four times in the same quantity of water, and strain. Having mixed the liquors, evaporate until a proper consistence is attained." EXTRACTS. J57 This extract ought to be kept Soft, so as to be fit for forming pills, and Hard, so as to be reduced to powder." (These are the directions in the London Pharmacopoeia, in the other they are essentially the same.) The active matter of Peruvian Bark is of an extractive and resinous na- ture, and is more soluble in alcohol than in water. Water, however, when aided by heat, is capable of dissolving the greater part of it ; and as a great part of the substance of the bark consists of inert ligneous matter, it might be supposed that some advantage is derived from thus separating the more active principles. During the boiling and evaporation, bow- ever, they suffer a chemical change, to a certain extent, analogous to that which takes place in several varieties of vegetable matter exposed in a humid state, and at an elevated temperature, to the action of the air, and the nature of which, so far as it has been determined, has been explain- ed, (Page 28). Hence the extract obtained is not equal in efficacy to the quantity of bark from which it has been prepared, and its strength is uncertain. Its medium dose is ten grains, which is supposed equivalent to half a drachm of cinchona in substance. Extractum Colocynthidis. Extract of Colocynth. Lond. " Take ofthe Pulp of Colocynth, one pound; Water, a gallon. Boil to four pounds, and strain the liquor while warm ; then reduce it by evapo- ration to the proper consistence." The active matter of colocynth is so far dissolved by water, by decoc- tion, that the extract has a cathartic quality. It is less powerful, and has been supposed to be less irritating than the pulp. Its dose is from six to ten grains. Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum. Compound Extract of Colo- cynth. Lond. " Take of the Pulp of Colocynth cut, six drachms ; Socotorine Aloes in powder, an ounce and a half; Scammony in powder, half an ounce ; Car- damom "Seeds in powder, a 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 until it attain a proper consistence, and towards the end ofthe evaporation mix in the cardamom seeds." Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum. Compound Extract of Colo- cynth. Dub. " Take of the Pulp of Colocynth cut small, six drachms ; Hepatic Aloes, an ounce and a half; Scammony, half an ounce ; Cardamom Seeds husked, one drachm ; Spanish Soap, softened to a glutinous consistence by warm water, three drachms ; Warm W.iter, a pint. Digest the Colocynth in the water in a covered vessel with a moderate heat for four days ; to the liquor pressed out and strained, add the aloes and scammony, separately reduced to powder ; evaporate the mixture with a moderate heat to a con- sistence proper for making pills, adding towards the end ofthe evaporation, the soap jelly and the seeds in powder, and mixing the whole thoroughly together. This is the officinal preparation which has long had a place in the Phar- macopoeias, under the name of Extractum Catharticum. It is a combina- tion ofthe more powerful cathartics ; and as thes.e operate more effectu- ally, and with less irritation, when combined, than when one only in a large 358 extracts. dose is employed, the composition is well adapted tor administration n. cases where it is difficult to excite purging. It used formerly to be prepa- red by employing diluted alcohol as the solvent, not only ofthe colocynth, but also ofthe resinous substances, and evaporating the solution : the Dub- lin College introduced the variation of employing water, and adding the resinous substances in powder, with a quantity of soap : the London Col- lege adopted this, but in the edition before the last restored nearly the ori- ginal formula, which they still retain, and is undoubtedly preferable. The extract is usually given in doses of from five to ten or fifteen grains, repeat- ed at short intervals, until it produce purging. Its power may be safely promoted by adding a portion of calomel. Extractum Glycirrhiza;. Extract of Liquorice. Lond. " Take of Liquorice Root sliced, one pound ; Boiling Water, a gallon. Macerate for twenty-four hours, then boil down to four pints, and strain the liquor while warm, and lastly evaporate to a proper consistence." Extractum Glycirrhiza:. Extract of Liquorice. Dub. This is prepared according to the general formula already inserted. The soluble matter of this root appears to be chiefly sugar and mucilage, and it suffers, therefore, little or no injury in this extraction of it by water, or in the subsequent evaporation. The extract is usually prepared on a large scale, and much of it is imported into this country. It is often, how- ever, in an impure state. Purified by solution in water, straining and eva- poration, or prepared with care from the root itself, and evaporated near- ly to dryness, it forms the Refined Liquorice of the shops. Under this form it is in common use as a demulcent in catarrh. Sometimes it is ta- ken to relieve acidity in the stomach. Extractum Humuli. Extract of Hop. Lond. " Take of Hops, four ounces ; Water a gallon. Boil to four pints, and strain the liquor while it is hot; then reduce it by evaporation to the pro- per consistence." Hop has been introduced into practice as a narcotic, possessing also from its bitterness a degree of tonic power. The bitterness will be obtained in this extract; but it is probable that the narcotic power is impaired, and that in this property it will not be uniform in strength. The dose of this extract is from five to fifteen grains. Extractum Opii. Extract of opium. Lond. " Take of Opium cut into pieces, half a pound ; Water, three pints. Add to the opium a small quantity of the water, and macerate for twelve hours that it may become soft; then add gradually the remaining water ; triturate until they are intimately mixed, and put aside that the impuri- ties may subside ; then strain the liquor, and evaporate it to the proper consistence." Extractum Opii Aquosum. Watery Extract of Opium. Dub. " Take of Opium, two ounces : Boiling Water, a pint. Rub the opium with the water for ten minutes, and after a little time pour off the liquor ; rub the remaining opium with an equal quantity of boiling water for the same time, and in like manner pour off the liquor ; Repeat this a-third time ; then mix the liquors, and expose the mixture to the air in an open vessel for two days. Lastly strain through linen, and by gentle evapora- tion form an extract." extracts. 35$ Any process of this kind designed to purify opium is altogether super- fluous, for the impurities of the opium of commerce are inconsiderable, and neither alter its powers nor add materially to its bulk. And if such processes are designed to correct any ofthe qualities ofthe opium, whence the unpleasant symptoms which sometimes follow from its administration are supposed to arise, they probably rest on inaccurate views of its opera- tion. The active matter of opium is not entirely extracted by water ; in the present process, therefore, the product must differ from crude opium, and it would require clinical experience more extensive and accurate than we yet have to ascertain its real powers. It must besides be altered, and rendered also uncertain in strength, by the chemical change which it will suffer during the inspissation. Even when the active principles of the opium have been extracted by diluted alcohol, (the method which was formerly followed in the process of the Pharmacopoeia,) though the sol- vent is more powerful, requires less heat for its evaporation, and counter- acts to a certain extent the action ofthe air, the inspissated mass is found to be inferior in strength to opium in its unpunfied state, and this must be still more the case in the present process, where water is only employed. It is a process, therefore, the propriety of which is extremely doubtful. Extractum Sarsaparilla:. Extract of Sarsaparilla. Lond. " Take of Sarsaparilla Root cut, a pound; Boiling Water, a gallon. Macerate for twenty-four hours, then boil to four pints, and strain the li- quor while warm ; lastly, reduce it by evaporation to the proper consis- tence." Sarsaparilla being usualty given under the form of watery decoction, there appears to be no nrticular advantage in preparing from this an ex- tract, as the decoction may be brought to any state of concentration, by using an increased proportion ofthe root, or continuing the boiling for a longer time. And a watery mucilaginous extract as this is, besides the injury it will suffer in its inspissation, will farther be liable to spontaneous decomposition on keeping, and is therefore unfit for an officinal prepara- tion. Extractum Taraxaci. Extract of Dandelion. Lond. Dub. " Take of the fresh Root of Dandelion bruised, a pound ; Boiling Wa- ter, a gallon. Macerate for twenty-four hours, then boil to four pints, and strain the liquor while hot; lastly, evaporate it to the proper consistence." The recent root of dandelion has been ranked as an aperient and diu- retic. The expressed juice or decoction of the root has been employed as a remedy in dropsy, biliary obstructions and induration of the liver; and, according to Bergius, has proved frequently successful where other remedies had failed. Whatever may be the powers of the plant, it may by doubted if the form of the watery extract be the best for its adminis- tration. Extractum Valeriana:. Extract of Valerian. Dub. " Take of Valerian Root in coarse powder, six ounces ; Boiling Water, three pints. Digest for (wenty-four hours in a close vessel with a moder- ate heat; press out the liquor, and reduce it to a proper consistence by evaporation." The medicinal powers of valerian appear to be connected with the prin- ciple in which its odour resides, and as this must be in a crcat measure 360 EXTRACTS. dissipated by evaporation, it may be doubted if this is a form of prepara tion properly adapted. It can at least have no advantage over the extem- poraneous infusion of decoction. The following Watery Extracts, peculiar to the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, are prepared according to the general formula already inserted. Extractum Cacuminum Absinthii. Extract of the Tops of Wormwood. Dub. This extract is intensely bitter, and the unpleasant odour of the plant is dissipated during the evaporation. It may be substituted for extract of gentian. It is sometimes used, instead of hops, to give bitterness to fer- mented liquors. Extractum Cacuminum Genista:. Extract of broom-tops. Dub. The infusion of the tops of the broom has a degree of diurectic power, whence it has been employed as a remedy in dropsy. The extract can scarcely be supposed to have much power, and it is now expunged from the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, where it formerly had a place. Extractum Radicis Jalapa;. Extract of Jalap Root. Dub. The active matter of jalap is partly resinous, and must therefore be im- perfectly extracted by water. The extract thus prepared may be milder than the root, but will be liable to be uncertain in strength. A resinous extract is prepared by the action of diluted alcohol which has a place in all the Pharmacopoeias, and which must be a more active preparation, though neither of them can claim any peculiar advantage. Extractum Corticis Quercus. Extract of Oak Bark. Dub. In this extract the astringency of the oak bark will be obtained proba- bly with little injury, and consisting principally of tannin, it will not be very liable to spontaneous decomposition. It can have scarcely any ad- vantage, however, but what may be equally obtained from the decoction. Extractum Foliorum Sabina:. Extract of Leaves of Savin. Dub. The medicinal powers of this herb seem in a great measure to depend on its essential oil, and as this must be dissipated during the evaporation, the extract must be comparatively an inactive preparation. It is never used. II. EXTRACTA PER AO.UAM ET ALCOHOL.--EXTRACTS BY WaTER AND AL- COHOL. Ed.—Extracta Resinosa.—Resinous Extracts. Dub. The directions for preparing these, in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, are as follows : " Pour upon the substance in powder from which an extract is to be obtained, four times its weight of stronger alcohol. Digest for four days. and pour off the tincture. Boil the residuum in five pounds of distilled water for a quarter of an hour, and strain the decoction while hot through linen. Repeat this boiling and straining with an equal quantity of distilled water, and reduce the liquor by evaporation to the consistence of thin honey. Draw off the alcohol from the tincture by distillation, until it is reduced to a similar consistence. Then mix the liquors thus inspissated, and reduce to a proper consistence by evaporation in a bath of boiling wa- ter, saturated with muriate of soda." extracts. m in this manner are prepared, Extractum Cinchona: Lancifolia:, ex cortice. Extract of Pale Bark. Extractum Convolvuli Jalapa:, ex radice. Extract of Jalap. Extractum Cinchona: Resino-'Um. Resinous Extract of Bark. Lond. " Take of Peruvian Bark bruised, a pound ; Rectified Spirit, four pints. Macerate for four days, and strain. Let the tincture be distilled from a water-bath until it is of a proper consistence." Extractum Cinchona; Rubra: Resinosum. Resinous Extract of Red Bark. Dub. Is to be prepared in the same manner as the Resinous Extract of Cas- carilla. (See p. 362.) This preparation will probably be more active than the watery extract of bark already noticed. By the joint action ofthe alcohol and water, all the principles ofthe bark are extracted, and nothing remains but the inert ligneous fibre. And in the subsequent evaporation, the dissolved matter suffers less injury, partly from less heat being required to bring it to the due consistence, and partly perhaps from the alcohol resisting the oxyge- nation or decomposition of the extract. It is, however, much more ex- pensive ; and the extract of bark to be found in the shops is almost al- ways that which is prepared by the other formula. The dose ofthe spi- ritous extract is ten grains ; it affords a convenient vehicle for combining bark with the more active preparations of iron in the form of pill. Extractum Jalapa:. Extract of Jalap. Lond. " Take ofthe Root of Jalap bruised, one pound ; Rectified Spirit, four pints ; Water, ten pints. Macerate the jalap root in the spirit for four days, and pour off the tincture. Boil the residuum with the water to two pints. Then strain the tincture and the decoction separately ; evaporate the latter, and distil the former until each begin to become thick. Lastly, mix the extract with the resin, and evaporate to the proper consistence. This extract is to be kept soft, so that it may be fit to form pills, and hard, that it may be rubbed into powder." In the preparation of this extract, both the resinous and mucilaginous- parts of the jalap root are dissolved, and itis therefore a more active pre- paration than the watery extract of jalap already noticed. It exerts its cathartic operation fully in a dose of ten or twelve grains, but it has no particular advantage, and is seldom employed. Extractum Rhei. Extract of Rhubarb. Lond. " fake ofthe Root of Rhubarb bruised, one pound; Diluted Alcohol, a pint; Water, seven pints. Macerate for four days with a gentle heat, then strain and put aside'the liquor, that the impurities may subside; pour it off when clear, and reduce it by evaporation to the proper consistence." The purgative power of rhubarb is usually supposed to be more pecu- liarly extracted by water, and it may therefore be obtained by this process. It will equally be obtained, however, in the simple infusion, which, as being an extemporaneous preparation, is preferable to this extract, which, besides the change that may be produced during the inspissation, must be farther liable to decomposition when kept in a soft state. Besides these, there are other two spiritous extracts admitted by the Dublin Colleee 46" 302 EXTRACTS, Extractum Cascarilla: Resinosum. Resinous Extract of Cascantu. Dub. " Take of Cascarilla Bark in coarse powder, a pound ; Rectified Spirit of Wine, four pints. Digest for four days, then pour off the tincture, and strain. Boil the residuum ofthe cascarilla in ten pounds of water, to two pounds. Evaporate the strained decoction, and distil the tincture from a retort, until each become thick ; then mix them together, and reduce them by evaporation to a consistence fit for forming pills ; lastly, mix both ex- tracts well together." This extract may contain the active matter of the cascarilla, and may be given as a bitter and tonic, in the dose of a scruple ; hut there does not appear to be any propriety in employing this remedy under this expen- sive form. Opium Purificatum. Purified Opium. Dub. " Take of Opium cut into small pieces, one pound ; Proof-spirit, twelve pints. Digest with a gentle heat, stirring frequently until the opium is dis- solved ; strain the tincture through paper, and distil from a retort, that the spirit may be separated ; pour out the remaining liquor, and evaporate until the extract become of a proper consistence. " Purified opium is to be kept in two states ; one soft, so as to be fit for forming pills: the other hard, so as to be capable of being reduced to powder." The objections to the purification of opium by the action of water, have been already stated. In the present process, as the power ofthe solvent is greater, and the degree of heat necessary to evaporate it less consider- able, it is probable that the opium will suffer less change. Still we can- not be certain of its real power in this state, and the process is expensive, and altogether superfluous. Gummi Resina:. Gum-Resins. Lond. " Separate Opium carefully from extraneous substances, especially on its external surface. Let it be kept in the state of Soft Opium, fit for forming pills ; and Hard Opium, rendered so by having been dried in the heat of a water-bath, so that it can be rubbed to powder. " Those Gum-Resins are to be accounted of the best quality, which can be selected so pure, as to require no purification. If they appear to be less pure than this, boil them in water till they become soft, and press them by a press through an hempen bag ; then put them aside, that the resinous part may subside. The liquor above being poured off, evaporate it by the heat of a water-bath, adding towards the end of the evaporation the resinous part, and mixing it thoroughly with the gummy part into one mass. " Those Gum-Resins which melt easily may be purified by being put into an ox bladder, and kept in boiling water until they become soft, so that they may be separated from the impurities by being pressed through an hempen cloth. " The Balsam of Storax is to be dissolved in rectified spirit, and strain- ed ; the spirit is then to be distilled with a gentle heat, until the balsam become ofthe proper consistence." Styrax Purificata. Purified Storax. Dub. a Digest Storax in water with a gentle heat, until it become soft ; then DISTILLED SP1RM6. 363 press it between iron plates heated by boiling water ; and lastly, free it from the water." These directions for the purification of Gum-Resins, are the most pro- per perhaps that can be given ; but they are omitted by the Edinburgh College, as it is always preferable to use them medicinally, only when in that state in which they do not require purification ; for, however cautious- ly the operation may be performed, they are liable to suffer some change, either from the dissipation of volatile principle, or from changes of com- position in those which are fixed. The process is admissible, therefore, only with regard to gum-resins which are to be applied externally, as am- moniac or galbanum, when they are to form the basis of plasters. Storax is a substance so rarely employed in medicine, that the ordering it to be purified is. superfluous ; and the process given by the Dublin College, though more economical than that ofthe London Pharmacopoeia, must oc- casion some dissipation of its odorous matter, on which all its powers de- pend. The directions given by the London College with regard to Opium, though not very necessary, are preferable to a process formerly admitted, and which has been already noticed, as still retained in the Dublin Phar- macopoeia, in which opium is dissolved in proof-spirit, and the tincture is strained, and agqin evaporated to the due consistence.—a process in whirrs the opium always sustains a diminution of power. CHAP. XVIIJ. SPIRITUS STILLATITII.—DISTILLED SPIRITS. Alcohol dissolves the essential oils of vegetables in much larger quan- tity than the water does, and it might therefore be supposed that it will be more strongly impregnated with them by distillation, and hence possess in a greater degree the aromatic flavour and pungency of the plant from which it is distilled. It is seldom, however, that this is the case ; and from many vegetables alcohol acquires by distillation a weaker impregnation than wa- ter. This is owing to its greater volatility. All the essential oils are vo- latilized at a temperature of 212°, and must therefore rise with water in distillation, and impregnate it to the extent in which it can dissolve them. But there are many of them not volatilized at the temperature at which alcohol boils, and when it is distilled, therefore, from the plants containing such oils, it comes over weakly impregnated with their odour or pungency. To obviate this, diluted alcohol, or Proof-spirit as it is named, is employ- ed in the distillation. It is macerated on the vegetable substance, and is then distilled ; the alcohol rises first nearly pure, but as the distillation proceeds, the liquor requires a higher temperature to cause it to boil; the vapour therefore is more largely impregnated with the essential oil; to- wards the end of the distillation the whole of it is brought over with the last portion of water ; and the spirit, which has previously been distilled, being mingled with this, forms a transparent solution. This forms a distil- led spirit. There are at least only two officinal spirits in which pure alco- hol is the solvent,—the spirit of lavender and spirit of rosemary, the es- sential oih of these plants being sufficiently volatile to be elevated at th*1 temperature at which alcohol distils. '^ s distilled spirits. Distilled spirits are preparations of no great importance. Like the dis- tilled waters, they serve as vehicles for the administration of more active medicines, the taste and flavour of which they cover or render more grate- ful ; or they are occasionally employed as grateful stimulants, to relieve nausea or flatulence. The directions for preparing them are given in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia under a general formula ; it is as follows : " Pour nine pounds of Diluted Alcohol over the substance to be distilled. Macerate during two days in a close vessel ; then add a sufficient quantity of water to prevent empyreuma, and draw off nine pounds hy distillation." In the same manner are prepared the following spirits, nine pounds being drawn from the quantities affixed : Spiritus Cari Carui, ex seminum contusorum l'bra pimidia. (Spirit of Caraway, from half a pound ofthe bruised seeds.) Spiritus Lauri Cinnamomi, ex corticis contusi l.bra. (Spirit of Cin- namon, from a pound ofthe bruised bark.) Spiritus Mentha; Piperita:, ex hi-rb* libra una cum semisse. (Spirit of Peppermint, from one pound and a half of the herb.) Spiritus Myristica: Moschata;, ex nuclij.or.um contusokum uncus dua- bus. (Spirit of Nutmeg, from two ounces ofthe bruised kernels.) Spiritus M>rti Pimenta:, ex fhuctis contusi libra dim.dia. (Spirit of Pimento, from half a pound ofthe bruised fruit.) To these may be added the following from the London Pharmacopoeia. Spiritus Anisi. Spirit of Anise. Spiritus Mentha; Viridis. Spirit of Spearmint, Spiritus Pulegii. Spirit of Pennyroyal. All these spirits have the aromatic flavour, and to a certain extent the pungency ofthe vegetables from which they are prepared, and any medi- cinal application of them is founded entirely on these qualities. They re- quire, therefore, no particular observations. Of Compound Spirits, the following have a place in the Pharmacopoeias. Spiritus Juniperi Compositus. Compound Spirit of Juniper. Ed. " Take of Juniper Berries bruised, one pound ; Fennel Seeds, Cara- way Seeds, of each bruised, one ounce and a half; Diluted Alcohol, nine pounds. Macerate for two days ; and, having added as much water as i^ sufficient to prevent empyreuma, draw off nine pounds by oistillation." Spiritus Juniperi Compositus. Compound Spirit of Juniper. Lond. " Take of Juniper Berries bruised, one pound ; Caraway Seeds bruis- ed, Fennel Seeds bruised, of each one ounce and a half; Proof-Spirit, a gallon ; Water, as much as will prevent empyreuma. Macerate for twen- ty-four hours, and distil a gallon with a gentle heat." Spiritus Juniperi Compositus. Compound Spirit of Juniper. Dub. " Take of Juniper Berries bruised, one pound ; Caraway Seeds bruis- ed, Fennel Seeds bruised, of each an ounce aud a half; Proof-Spirit, a gallon. Macerate for two days, then add as much water as will prevent empyreuma, and distil one gallon." This is a grateful cordial spirit, which has been used as a carminative, and as a stimulant and diuretic in dropsy. Spiritus Anisi Compositus. Compound Spirit of Anise. Dub. " Take of Anise Seeds, Angelica Seeds, of each bruised, half a pound ; distilled spirits. 3K5 Proof-Spirit, one gallon ; Water as much as is sufficient to prevent emp\ reuma. Distil one gallon." This is similar to the preceding spirit, milder, and perhaps less grate- ful. It has been used as a carminative. There remain, lastly, those Distilled Spirits prepared with Pure Alcohol. Spiritus Lavandula: Spica:.. Spirit of Lavender. Ed. Lond. " Take of Fresh Lavender Flowers, two pounds ; Alcohol, eight pounds. Draw off seven pounds by distillation with the heat of a water-bath." Spiritus Lavandula:. Spirit of Lavender. Dub. " ake ofthe Fresh fops of Lavender, one pound and a half; Proof- spirit, one gallon ; Water, as much as will prevent empyreuma. Distil off, by a moderate heat, five pints." The Oil of Lavender is sufficiently volatile to be elevated with alcohol in vapour, and is completely dissolved by it. The spirit is used princi- pally as a grateful stimulating perfume, which gives relief in headach, be- ing drawn up the nostrils, or appli.d to the forehead. Spiritus Lavendula; Compositus. Compound Spirit of Lavender. Ed. Dub. " Take'of Spirit of Lavender, three pounds ; Spirit of Rosemary, one pound ; Cinnamon B irk bruised, one ounce ; Cloves bruised, two drachms ; Nutmeg bruised, half an ounce ; Red Saunders Wood rasped, three drachms. Macerate seven days, and strain." Spiritus Lavandula: Compositus. Compound Spirit of Lavender. Lond. " Take of Spirit of Lavender, three pints ; Spirit of Rosemary, one pint; Cinnamon Bark bruised, Nutmegs bruised, of each half an ounce : Red Saunders Wood cut, one ounce. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Spiritus Lavandula: Compositus. Compound Spirit of Lavender. Dub, " Take of Spirit of Lavender, three pints ; Spirit of Rosemary, one pint; Cinnamon Bark bruised. Nutmegs bruised, of each half an ounce ; Cloves, two drachms ; Chippings of Red Saunders Wood, an ounce. Macerate for ten days, and strain." This tincture is a grateful cordial and stimulant in common use, for re- lieving languor and faintness. Its dose is thirty or forty drops, taken on a piece of sugar, or in a cupful of water. Spiritus Rorismarini Officinalis. Ed. Spiritus Rosmarini. Lond. Spirit of Rosemary. " Take of Fresh Rosemary Tops, two pounds ; Strong Alcohol, eight pounds. Draw off seven pounds by distillation by the heat of boiling water." Spiritus Rorismarini. Spirit of Rosemary. Dub. "Take of Fresh Rosemary lops, a pound and a half; Proof-spirit, a gallon. Distil five pints by a moderate heat." Spirit of Rosemary is a very fragrant perfume, and is in common use for the same purposes as the simple Spirit of Lavender. Spiritus Armoraci.e Compositus. Compound Spirit- of Horse-Radish. Lond. " Take of Fresh Horse-Radish root cut, Dried Orange Peel, of each one pound : Nutmegs bruised, half an ounce : Proof-spirit, a gallon ; Wa- ;'*t>e DISTILLED spirit^. ter, as much as is sufficient to prevent empyreuma. Macerate for twtn ty-four hours, then distil a gallon with a slow fire.—There was formerly in this composition two pounds of Fresh Scurvy Grass, which substance is still retained by the Dublin College." Spiritus Kaphani Compositus. Compound Spirit of Horse-Radish. Dub. " Take of Fresh Horse-Radish Root, Dried Outer Rind of Oranges, of each two pounds ; Fresh Herb of Garden Scurvy Grass, four pounds ; bruised Nutmegs, one ounce ; Proof-spirit, two gallons ; Water, as much as will prevent empyreuma. Draw off two gallons." This compound spirit was once employed as an antiscorbutic. It has justly f dlen into disuse. Alcohol Fortius, Stronger Alcohol. Ed. Spiritus Rectificatus, Rectified Spirit. Lond. SriRrrus Vinosus Rectificatus, Rectified Spirit of Wine. Dub. There is no process given in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia for the pre- paration of alcohol. It is supposed to be procured from those who pre- pare it on a large scale, and is inserted in the catalogue of the articles of the Materia Medica, as of the specific gravity .835, this being a strength at which it can be procured without difficulty, and being sufficient for near- ly every purpose to which it requires to be applied in Pharmacy. It is procured of this strength from any ofthe spiritous liquors of commerce by slow distillation with a gentle heat, a portion of sub-carbonate of potash heated being previously added to abstract the water more effectually from the spirit. The product is submitted to a second distillation, a little alum being generally added previous to this, to remove any of the alkali which might be held in solution in the spirit obtained by the first distillation. The Loudon and Dublin Colleges, while they have also inserted alcohol of this strength, under the name of Rectified Spirit, in the catalogue ofthe ar- ticles ofthe Materia Medica, have given a process to obtain it more con- centrated for particular purposes. The following are the directions in the London Pharmacopoeia :— " Take of Rectified Spirit, a gallon ; Sub-carbonate of Potash, three pounds. To the spirit add a pound of the subcaibonate of potash previ- ously heated to SOU", and macerate for twenty-four hours, shaking fre- quently ; then to the spirit poured off, add the remaining portion of the sub- carbonate of potash heated to the same degree ; lastly, distil the alcohol from a water-bath, and keep it in a vessel well stopt. The specific gravity of alcohol is to that of distilled water as 815 to 1000." The process in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia is nearly the same :— " Take of Rectified Spirit, a gallon ; of Potashes dried by a heat of 300°, and warm, a pound ; of Caustic Potash, an ounce ; Muriate of Lime dry, half a pound. Mix the spirit and the potash ; add the potashes previously rubbed to powder, and digest the mixture in a close vessel for three days, agitating frequently. To the spirit poured off, add the muriate of lime : distil with a gentle heat, until what remains begins to become thick. The specific gravity of the liquor is to that of distilled water as 815 to 1000. The muriate of lime may be conveniently obtained from the matter remain- ing in the distillation of water of ammonia." The concentration of the alcohol in these processes is obtained by the action of substances which have a strong affinity to water,—the subcarbon- ate of potash, and the muriate of lime ; these attract it from the spirit. DISTILLED WATERS. ob? and counteract its volatility so as to prevent it from rising in the distilla- tion. The muriate of lime exerts this agency most powerfully ; and by repeated distillation from it, alcohol has been brought to its highest state of concentration, its specific gravity being so low as .800 or .798, at the temperature of o0°. Lowitz obtained it so low as .791 at 68°, and then the alcohol must have been quite free from water, at least it was the purest that has ever been prepared. Alcohol, rectified so highly as is order- ed by the London and Dubliu Colleges, is required for very few Pharma- ceutic processes ; and hence, in the greater number of their officinal pre- parations, rectified spirit, that is, alcohol ofthe specific gravity of .835, is directed to be employed. This contains in one hundred parts nearly 10 of water, with 90 of alcohol ofthe specific gravity of .815 ; what propor- tion of water the latter contains, or what constitutes real alcohol free from water, is altogether unknown. The Proof-spirit of the Edinburgh College, formed from equal parts of rectified spirit and water, is of the specific gravity of .935. That ofthe Londoa and Dublin Colleges is stat- ed at .930, and will be obtained of this strength by mixing four parts by measure of rectified spirit with three parts of distilled water. It is more generally employed for Pharmaceutic purposes than even pure alcohol. The properties of alcohol as an agent in Pharmacy, and its medicinal ap- plications, have been already enumerated. CHAP. XIX. AQUA: SiTLLATn DE. ED.—AQUE DISTILLATE. LOND.—AQILE DIS- TILLATE. DUB.—DISTILLED WATERS. Several of the principles of vegetable matter are so far volatile as to be elevated in vapour at the temperature of 212° ; hence, when water is distilled from them, it is frequently impregnated with their taste and odour, and sometimes even with their more active powers. The odour, and frequently the pungency of plants, reside in their essential oil ; and this being always volatile at this temperature, the aromatic plants, in which essential oil is most abundant, co.nmunicate these qualities to wa- ter distilled from them, a portion of the oil being retained in solution by the water. The acrid principle of some vegetables appears likewise to be so far volatile as to rise in distillation with water ; and the prussic acid, in which the narcotic power of the bitter almond, cherry laurel, and si- milar plants resides, is also obtained by the same process : But these ve- getables are comparatively few, and there are no officinal distilled waters having a place in the Pharmacopoeias possessed of any important power ; they are designed, from their flavour and agreeable pungency, to serve merely as vehicles for the exhibition of more active remedies, and all of them owe these qualities to the essential oil which they hold dissolved. Vegetables are in general more proper for distillation in their recent state than after being dried, the water they afford being more grateful. They are therefore ordered in this state when they can be procured in it by the Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges. The London College, on the con- trary, order them to be used dried, as they cannot be procured fresh at 368 DISTILLED HATERS. all seasons of the year. When fresh, they in general impregnate suffi- ciently with their flavour and taste, three times their weight of water ; when dry, double that quantity. As much must be employed as that a sufficient quantity of water shall remain in the still to prevent any part ofthe vege- table matter being scorched, and communicating empyreuma to the distil- led water, the distillation being continued as long as the liquid that conden- ses has any taste or smell ofthe vegetable from which it is distilled. The flavour ofthe more delicate plants is injured by this operation ; and these distilled waters are in general less grateful to the stomach than the infusions ofthe vegetable matter which yields them. Distilled waters are liable to a peculiar species of decomposition. When long kept, they become mucilaginous, and at length quite viscid, and at the same time somewhat sour. According to Bucholz, this change occurs most readily in those distilled waters which contain little essential oil, and it is not dependent on the air, but takes place even more quickly when the water is kept in a closed than in an open vessel. It might be supposed to arise from the presence of a small portion of vegetable matter, besides es- sential oil held in solution by the water; but according to experiments quoted by Bucholz, it is owing tq changes in the oil itself; distilled water, in which essential oil of peppermint, fennel, and other plants was dissolv- ed, becoming mucilaginous and losing their odour in a few weeks. The change of composition in the oil, it is possible, may be owing to the che- mical action of the oxygen ofthe water. To counteract this change, and preserve distilled waters more effectually in a proper state, a small quan- tity of alcohol is ordered to be added to them. According to Bucholz, they ought also to be kept in vessels imperfectly closed. Aq.ua Distillata. Distilled water. Ed. Lond. Dub. " Distil water in clean vessels until about two-thirds have distilled over."—The same directions nearly are given in the other Pharmaco- poeias. Water does not occur in nature perfectly pure, but has generally a sen- sible impregnation of saline and earthy matter.- Spring water, which is purest, contains a little carbonate of lime, and muriates of lime and soda ; river water contains sulphate and carbonate of lime, and muriate of soda ; and well water, sulphate and carbonate of lime in larger quantity. For some purposes in Pharmacy, it is necessary to use water frfie from these substances, particularly in the solution of some earthy and metallic salts, several of which are decomposed by them, and if they are given in small doses, may, by such decompositions, be rendered nearly inert. In prepa- rations, too, where much water is evaporated, as in the formation of ex- tracts, it has been judged preferable to employ distilled water, as the re- sidual matter of common water will remain mixed with the product ofthe process, and uselessly add to its bulk, or even in some cases produce in it some chemical change. It is for these purposes that distilled water is or- dered in the Pharmacopoeias ; but except where the use of it is rendered necessary from these circumstances, it ought not to be employed, as from losing in the distillation much of the air that it holds loosely dissolved, it is always vapid and unpleasant. And when directed in Pharmaceutical pro- cesses, without discrimination, the direction is liable to be altogether neg- lected by the apothecary. The process should be conducted with rather a gentle heat, and ought not to be continued longer than until two-thirds of the water have distilled, DISTILLED waters. 309 as otherwise a minute portion of the saline matter might be brought over in the distillation. The first portion, too, that comes over is directed by the London and Dublin Colleges to be rejected. The directions for the preparation of the Distilled Water of Plants are given in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia under a general formula. " Add as much water to the substance that is to be distilled, that when ten pounds have been drawn off by distillation, a sufficient quantity shall remain to prevent empyreuma. After due maceration, distil ten pounds." In the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, the water, after maceration on the vegetable matter, if it is dry, is directed to be distilled, allowing so much to remain in the still as will prevent empyreuma. And in all the Pharmacopoeias, half an ounce of rectified spirit is ordered to be added to each pound of water after distillation. Ao.ua Citri Aurantii, ex corticis recentis libris duabus. Water of Orange-Peel. Ed.—" Ten pounds of water are drawn from two pounds of fresh orange-peel." This distilled water has none of the bitterness of the orange-peel, but. merely its flavour, and is so little used, that it is not kept in the shops. Ao.ua Citri Medica:. Water of Lemon-Peel. Ed.— " Ten pounds of water are drawn from two pounds of the fresh rhind of the lemon." This water has merely a slightly agreeable flavour, and is scarcely ever used. Ao.ua Lauri Cassia:, ex corticis contusi libra. Water of Cassia Bark. Ed. Aqua Lauri Cinnamomi, ex corticis contusi libra. Ed. Lond. Dub.— " Ten pounds or a gallon of water are distilled from a pound of each of these barks." The cassia water, when not prepared too pungent, can scarcely, how- ever, be distinguished from that of the cinnamon, the essential oil of both these barks having a flavour nearly the same. The cassia water, there- fore, being less expensive than the cinnamon, is substituted for it in the shops. It has the pungency and aromatic flavour ofthe cassia, and is hence in common use to cover the ungrateful taste and flavour of other medicines, and not unfrequently is used in too large quantities. Itis sometimes given alone as an aromatic and stimulant. Ao.ua Mentha: Piperita;, ex herba: libris tribus. Peppermint Water. Ed. Lond. Dub.—'; Ten pounds of water are drawn by distillation from three pounds (one pound and a half, Lond. Dub.) of green pep- permint." This water is strongly impregnated with the flavour ofthe herb, and is very frequently used in mixtures to cover the flavour of other medicines. It is also often taken alone as a carminative. Aq.ua Mentha; Pulegii, ex herba: libms tribus. Pennyroyal Water. Ed. Lond. Dub.—" Jen pounds of water are distilled from three pounds (one pound and a half, Lond. Dub.) of the green herb." Pennyroyal water has a flavour and taste similar to that of peppermint, and is used for the same purposes, but it is rather less grateful. M 37u volatile oils. Aqua Myrti Pimenta:, ex fructus contusi libra dimidu. Pimento Water. (Aq. Piment. Lond. Dub.)—" Ten pounds of water are dis- tilled from half a pound of the Jamaica pepper." This water has the flavour ofthe Jamaica pepper, and its aromatic qua- lity ; but as this is not very grateful, it is not often used. Aqua Rosa: Centifollje, ex petalorum recentium libris sex. (Rose Water, from six pounds of the fresh petals. Aq. Rosae, Lond. Dub.) —"Ten pounds of water are drawn from six pounds (eight pounds, Lond.) ofthe fresh pale rose flowers." This water has all the flavour ofthe rose, and as it has no pungency or acrimony, it is often used for external application, as in solutions of acetate of lead, or sulphate of zinc, for collyria. There are a few Distilled Waters peculiar to the London or the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, of so little importance, however, as to require scarcely more than enumeration. Aqua Anethi. Distilled Water. Lond.—" A gallon of water is distilled from a pound ofthe seeds." Its flavour is rather unpleasant, and it has little pungency. Aqua Carui. Caraway Water. Lond.—" A gallon of water is distilled from a pound ofthe seeds." This has a considerable share of aromatic flavour and pungency, and may be employed as a carminative. Aqua Fosniculi. Fennel Water. Lond. Dub.—" A gallon of water is distilled from a pound ofthe seeds." This has merely the weak flavour of the seeds, with little warmth. Aqua Mentha; Viridis. Spearmint Water. Lond. (Aq. Menth. Sativ. Dub.)—" A gallon of water is distilled from a pound and a half of the herb." Its flavour and taste are so similar to those of peppermint or pennyroyal, that it may be regarded as superfluous. CHAP. XX. OLEA VOLATILIA.—VOLATILE OILS. Essential oil, as a proximate principle of vegetables, has already been considered, and its distinctive properties pointed out. As yielded by dif- ferent vegetables, its chemical characters are nearly uniform: but the oils of different plants vary in their sensible qualities, praticularly in those of colour, consistence, odour, and taste. Their odour is that of the plant from which they are procured ; their taste also is frequently the same, particularly in those plants named aromatic, and it is always pungent and acrid : their colours are shades of yellow, green and brown ; they are usually liquid, but sometimes of a thick consistence. In a few cases, these oils, existing in distinct vesicles, can be obtained by expression. Usually they are diffused through the vegetable matter. ?o volatile oils. 37* as to render this impracticable ; they are then obtained by distillation . the heat could not be applied, however, with sufficient uniformity, and within the due degree, to the vegetable matter alone : it is therefore dis- tilled with a portion of water, not larger that what is necessary to avoid empyreuma at the end ofthe distillation. The oil is volatilized with the watery vapour ; and though a portion remains dissolved, yet from the sparing quantity of water employed, the greater part is collected apart, either according to its specific gravity floating on the surface, or having subsided to the bottom. In performing the operation in the large way, the same water is repeatedly put into the still, by which the loss from the oil being dissolved is in a great measure avoided. The product of oil is ve- ry different from different plants ; and the most odorous and pungent plants do not always afford the largest quantity, even where the oil is the priciple in which the odour or pungency resides ;—the petals of the rose, for exam- ple, or the bark of cinnamon, affording a quantity extremely small, though in the one of these the oil has the entire flavour of the flower, and the other the aromatic warmth ofthe bark. The quantity and quality of the oil are also influenced by the circumstances of climate, soil and season ; the rich aromatic oils being generally more fragrant from the plant when growing in a warm climate and dry soil, than under the reverse of these ; and the oil afforded by the aromatic vegetables of this climate is in gene- ral stronger, and in larger quantity, in a dry than in a wet season. The oil at its first distillation has frequently an odour less grateful than after it has been kept for some time ; by age, however, its flavour is impaired. If the air has not been carefully excluded, it at length becomes thick; some oils alongst with this change, deposite a little camphor, and others, when distilled anew, yield an oil similar to the original oil, a resinous substance being left. The essential oils of commerce are sometimes adulterated, either by the addition of a cheaper oil, as that of turpentine, of an expressed oil, or of alcohol. These frauds are easily detected,—the first, by the smell, which is perceptible when the adulterated oil is dropt on paper, and heated so far as to be volatilized ; the second, by the oil forming a greasy spot when it is dropt on paper, which remains so even after heat has been applied; the third by the oil, when dropt on water, forming a milky instead of a transparent film on the surface of the water. Essential oils are seldom employed to answer any important indication in medicine, having scarcely any other powers than those of aromatic warmth and pungency. If used alone to relieve flatulence or nausea, the}' may be diffused in water by the medium of mucilage and sugar, or they may be dissolved in alcohol, and the solution diluted with water. More generally they are employed as corrigents, to improve the taste and flavour of ungrateful medicines, to cause these to sit easier on the stomach, or to obviate nausea, or any unpleasant symptom they may be liable to produce. The following general rules with regard to the preparation of these oils are given in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia : " A sufficient quantity of water is to be thrown on the substance to be acted on, so as to prevent empyreuma during the distillation. After a pro- per maceration let the distillation be made, and then separate the oil from the water. " It is also to be observed with regard to the preparation of distilled waters and oils, that according to the quality of the substances, their tex- volatile oils. ture, the season of the year, and similar circumstances, so many differences must arise, that it is scarcely possible to give any certain and general rules which shall apply strictly to every example. Many things therefore are omitted, to be regulated according to the judgment ofthe operator, the most general directions only being delivered." The following general formula is given in the London Pharmacopoeia : Olea Distili.ata. Distilled Oils. Lond. " The Seeds of Anise and Caraway, the Flowers of Chamomile and La- vender, the Berries of Juniper and All-spice, the Tops of Rosemary, and the entire Plants of all other articles, dried, are to be employed. Put the substance from which the oil is to be distilled into an alembic, adding as much water as will cover it, and distil the oil into a large refrigeratory." Olea Essentiaha. Essential Oils. Dub. " Let the oil be drawn by distillation from the substance previously ma- cerated in water, having added as much water as may prevent empyreuma." In both Pharmacopoeias, it is added, that the water which is produced in the distillation ofthe oils of caraway, peppermint, spearmint, pennyroyal, pimento, and sweet fennel, may be preserved for use. It is always the practice in the shops to preserve the water distilled from the plant, as it is sufficiently impregnated with the flavour and taste. It is liable, however, when it has been repeatedly distilled, which is the common practice, to avoid the waste of oil, lobe rendered less grateful, than when only once distilled. The following oils have a place in the Pharmacopoeias, and are prepar- ed according to the general directions, as given above : Oleum Volatile Anthemidis Nobilis, ex floribus. Ed.—Oleum Dis- tillatum Anthemidis. Lond. This oil has an unpleasant flavour, and is scarcely ever used, although it has been said to be sometimes beneficial in cramp of the stomach. Dose five.to ten minims. Oleum Volatile Juniperi Communis, ex baccis contusis. Ed.—Oleum Juniperi. Lond.—Oleum Baccarum Juniperi. Dub. Volatile Oil of Juniper, from the bruised Berries. When genuine, this oil has the flavour of the juniper berries, and is soluble in alcohol. There is generally substituted for it in the shops an oil distilled from some species of turpentine much less grateful, which al- cohol does not dissolve. The genuine oil is diuretic, and it communicates this property to ardent spirit. Dose three to ten minims, dissolved in water by means of mucilage. Oleum Volatile Juniperi Sabina:, ex foliis. Ed.—Oleum Foliorum, Sabina:. Dub. Oil of Savine, from the Leaves. This plant yields more essential oil than any other does, two pounds af- fording not less than five ounces. The virtues ofthe savine seem also to depend on it, as the essential oil is said to be a powerful emmenagogue, in a dose from three to ten drops. It is however very little used. Oleum Volatile Lavandula: Spica;, ex floribus. Ed.—Oleum Lavan- dula;. Lond.—Oleum Florum Lavandula;. Dub. Oil of Lavender, from the Flowers. This oil is used principally on account of its flavour, sometimes also as a Stimulant. Dose two to six minims. volatile oil.^. • 373 {>LEUM VoLATiLE LaURI SASSAFRAS, EX RADICE CONTUSA. Ed.--OlEUM Corticis et Ligni Sassafras. Dub. Volatile Oil of Sassafras, from the Root, Bark, and Wood. This is the heaviest of the essential oils ; its odour is somewhat fra- grant, and its taste warm, but it has no quality that renders it of much va- lue. Oleum Volatile Mentha; Piperita:, ex herba. Ed.—Oleum Mentha: Piperita:. Lond.—Oleum Hekba: Flo^escentis Mentha; Piperiti- dis. Dub. Oil of Peppermint, from the Herb. This is one of the most pungent of the essential oils, and at the same time it excites a peculiar sensation of coolness in the mouth. It is a com- mon and convenient remedy to relieve flatulence and anorexia, under the form ofthe Peppermint Lozenge, and also of what is named Essence of Peppermint,—a solution of one part ofthe oil in seven parts of alcohol; the dose of this being fifteen or twenty drops in a cupful of water. O^eum Volatile Myrti Pimenta:, ex fructu contuso. Ed.—Oleum Pimenta;. Lond.—Oleum Baccarum Pimenta;. Dub. Oil of Pimen- to, from the bruised Fruit. This oil having the flavour of Jamaica pepper, is sometimes used on account of this flavour. Oleum Volatile Origani Majorana:, ex herba. Ed.—Oleum Origani. Lond.—Oleum HtRBA; Florescentes Origani. Dub. Oil of Marjo- ram. This is sometimes used as a perfume, though less grateful than the oil of lavender. It is sometimes given to allay the pain of toothach, which is done by putting three or four drops, on a piece of cotton, in the tooth that is affected. Oleum Volatile Pimpinella: Anisi, ex seminibus. Ed.—Oleum Anisi. Lond.—Oleum Seminum Anisi. Dub. Oil of Anise Seed. This oil Is of a light colour, and has rather an unpleasant smell. It congeals even at a very moderately cold temperature. It has less pun- gency than any of the other essential oils, and is therefore well adapted to the purpose to which it is usually applied, that of relieving flatulence and the symptoms arising from it in children, a little of it being rubbed with sugar and mixed with the child's food. The common proportion is ten or fifteen drops ofthe oil to two ounces of sugar. Oleum Volatile Rorismarini Officinalis, ex cacuminibus. Ed.—Oleum Rorismarini. Lond.—Oleum Herba; Florescentes Rorismakini. Dub. Oil of Rosemary, from the Tops. The odour of this oil is less grateful than when it is diluted with alcohol in the form of spirit of rosemary. It is sometimes used in ointments as a perfume, and it enters as a stimulant into the composition of the soap lini- ment. Oleum Carui. Oil of Caraway. Lond. Dub. This is one ofthe most grateful ofthe essential oils, and is well adapted to act as a carminative, or to communicate an agreeable pungency, and cover the flavour of unpleasant remedies. It is therefore not unfre- quently used. Oleum Mentha: Viridis. Oil of Spearmint. Lond. Dub. 374 volatile oils. The flavour of this oil is similar to that of peppermint, rather less grate ful, and its taste is less pungent. Oleum Pclegii. Lond.—Oleum Herba: Florescentis Pugelii. Dub, Oil of Pennyroyal. This oil resembles the oil of peppermint and spearmint, and may be re- garded as superfluous. Oleum Seminum Fosniculi Dui.cis. Oil of Sweet Fennel. Dub. The flavour of this oil is similar to that of anise, and its qualities are so unimportant that it is never used. Oleum Herba. Florescentis Ruta:. Oil of Rue. Dub. The flavour of oil of rue is ungrateful, and though it has been regarded as an emmenagogue, it is altogether discarded from use. Along with the Volatile Oils are inserted some analogous preparations in the Pharmacopoeias. Oleum Succini et Acidum Succinicum. Oil of Amber, and Acid of Am- ber. Ed. " Take of Amber in powder, Pure Sand, equal parts. Put them mixed together into a glass retort, of which they shall fill one half. Having adapt- ed a large receiver, distil from a sand bath, with a fire gradually raised. First, a watery liquor with a little yellow oil will distil over; then a yel- low oil with an acid salt; afterwards, a reddish and black oil. Pour the liquor out ofthe receiver, and let the oil be separated from the water. Let the acid salt, collected from the neck ofthe retort and the sides ofthe re- ceiver, be pressed between folds of bibulous paper, and freed from the ad- hering oil. Then purify it by solution in hot water and crystallization." Oleum Succini Porissimum. Purified Oil of Amber. " Distil Oil of Amber mixed with six times its weight of Water, from a glass retort, until two-thirds of the water have passed into the receiver. Then separate this purified volatile oil from the water, and keep it in ves- sels well stopt." Acidum Succinicum. Succinic Acid. Dub. " Take of Amber, Pure Sand, of each a pound. Distil with a heat gra- dually raised, an acid liquor, oil, and salt contaminated with oil. Having removed the salt into bibulous paper, submit it to pressure to force out the oil; then sublime it." Oleum Succini Rfctificatum. Rectified Oil of Amber. Dub. " Take of the Oil which rises in the preparation of Succinic Acid, a pound ; Water, six pints. Distil until two-thirds ofthe water pass into the receiver, then separate the oil." Oleum Succini. Oil of Amber. Lond. " Put Amber into an alembic, and distil from a sand-bath with a heat gra- dually raised, an acid liquor, oil, and salt contaminated with oil. Then dis- til again, and also for a third time, the oil." Amber is a bituminous substance found in layers of bituminated wood, or in fragments or masses on the seashore in different countries ; its origin or natural formation is not well ascertained. It is also possessed of pecu- liar characters; for although it approaches to the vegetable resins in a number of its properties, it differs in others, and differs remarkably in the products it affords when decomposed by heat. These products are an acid; volatile oils. 375 which being procured from no other substance, derives from this bitumen the name of Succinic Acid ; and a peculiar empyreumatic oil. The pro- cess is conducted according to the directions given in the Pharmacopoeias. The heat requires to be raised gradually, and the interposition ofthe sand is useful by dividing the particles of amber, and preventing it, when it-melts, from swelling up, and passing over into the receiver. The succinic acid is in part dissolved by the water which condenses in the receiver, but the greater part is condensed in the form of a crust. When purified from the adhering oil, it is obtained in minute crystals, which are rhomboidal plates, of a brownish colour from a little oil still adhering to them ; they are rather sparingly soluble in water, requiring 24 parts at 60° for their solution : the taste of this acid is penetrating and slightly sour ; it reddens the vegetable colours, is soluble in alcohol, and is vola- tile and inflammable. In medicine it has been regarded as an antispasmo- dic and diuretic ; but it appears to be wholly inactive, and is altogether discarded from practice. The oil of amber procured by the first distillation is thick, of a dark- brown colour, and a very foetid smell ; by successive distillations it is ob- tained of a thinner consistence and lighter colour, and it can at length be rendered nearly limpid. Its smell still remains, however, peculiar and un- grateful : its taste is hot and acrid ; it is volatile and inflammable, insolu- ble in water, and sparingly soluble in alcohol. In medical practice it has been celebrated as a stimulant and antispasmodic, and has been given in amenorrhoea and hysteria, in a dose of from 10 to 15 drops. Its internal administration is, however, entirely relinquished. Externally it is some- times applied by friction as a stimulant in paralysis, and to relieve the pain of cramp and rheumatism ; also as a stimulant and rubefacient in hooping cough ; but its strong unpleasant smell renders the application extremely disagreeable. Oleum Volatile Pini Purissimum. Rectified Oil of Turpentine. Ed. " Take of Oil of Turpentine, one part; Water, four parts. Distil as long as any oil passes over." Oleum Terebinthina: Rectificatum. Rectified Oil of Turpentine. Lond. " Take of Oil of Turpentine, a pint; Water, four pints. Distil the oil." Oleum Terebinthina;. Oil of Turpentine. Dub. " Take of common Turpentine, five pounds ; Water, four pints. Dis- til the oil from a copper alembic. Yellow resin will remain after the dis- tillation." Oleum Terebinthina: Rectificatum. Rectified Oil of Turpentine. Dub. "Take of Oil of Turpentine, two pints; Water, four pints. Distil a pint and a half of the oil." The oil of turpentine of commerce is obtained by distillation from what is named Common Turpentine, the juice of the Pinus Larix. or some- times from the wood of the tree. It appears to hold dissolved a small portion of resinous matter, as when again distilled it leaves a little of a thick residuum, and the rectified oil has been said to be more volatile than previous to this distillation. The process, however, is difficult to perform from the great volatility of the oil, and the diffusibility and inflammability of its vapour : it is one, too, which is nearly superfluous, the common oil being sufficiently pure for any purpose to which it requires to be applied 376 SALTS. in medicine or pharmacy, and it is accordingly never attended to in the shops. The medicinal properties of this oil have been already considered. Oleum Cornu Cervini Rectificatum. Rectified Oil of Hartshorn. Dub. " Take of the Oil which rises in the distillation of the volatile liquor of Hartshorn, three pounds; Water, six pints. Distil the oil, and again distil the distilled oil frequently from water until it become limpid. It must be kept in a dark place, and in small phials quite filled with it, close- ly stopt." Animal substances submitted to heat suffer decomposition* their ele- ments entering into new combinations ; one of the principal products of these decompositions is empyreumatic oil, formed from the combination chiefly of portions ofthe hydrogen and carbon of the animal matter. This product is obtained abundantly in the decomposition of bone or horn by heat, along with the carbonate of ammonia formed in the same process. The oil is at first thick, of a dark-brown colour, and offensive odour ; but by repeated distillations from water it is rendered thinner, more limpid, and less offensive. In its rectified state it has been celebrated as a stimu- lant and antispasmodic, but it is altogether discarded from modern practice, CHAP. XXI. SALINA—SALINE SUBSTANCES. The term Salt has long been employed, in chemical language, to de- note an extensive order of substances ; yet it is difficult to assign to it a precise definition. Itis from a combination of the following properties, however, that the definition has been attempted to be formed. Salts are said to be bodies eminently sapid, or which excite a strong penetrating taste when applied to the tongue. Many of them hare indeed this power, but there are others, particularly among the earthy salts, in which any degree of sapidity is scarcely perceptible, while there are many bodies highly which are not of a saline nature. 2d, All salts are supposed to be soluble in water, and this, strictly speak- ing, is perhaps true ; but in many of them, the degree of solubility is so inconsiderable, that it cannot be assigned as a distinctive character of the order ; and there are substances ranked as salts which are nearly alto- gether insoluble-. 3d, Salts are said to be capable of assuming a crystalline form. When dissolved in water, many of them, on evaporation of part of the water, con- crete into regular crystals. But there are others which, either from be- ing sparingly soluble in that fluid, or from having a strong attraction to it, cannot be easily made to crystallize ; while there are substances crystal- lizable from their watery solution, sugar, for example, not saline. 4th, Salts are said to be fusible by the application of heat. But the same character may be assigned to almost every other substance which heat does not decompose ; and there are many salts, which, instead of be- ing fused, are decomposed in a high temperature. Lastly, Salts have been considered as inflammable ; and many of them S>AL'i'£>« 377 roust be so, as they are formed of substances already saturated with oxygen ; but there are others, as ammonia and the vegetable acids, as well as the compounds of these, which are more or less inflammable; some of them even burn with a bright flame. It is evident, therefore, that those properties which have been assigned as characteristic ofthe order, are not possessed by every substance which, in chemical arrangements, is regarded as saline. Neither are they pos-, sessed exclusively by these substances ; there being bodies not saline which are sapid, soluble in water, fusible by heat, uninflammable, and which h ive even a tendency to assume the crystalline form. The characters of this order are, therefore, rather drawn from the chemical composition of the substances arranged under it. It is under- stood as comprehending the acids, the alkalis, and the compounds ofthe acids with alkalis, earths, and metallic oxides. The acids and alkalis are named Simple or Primary Salts; the others Secondary, or Neutral Salts, as in general the properties ofthe acid, and of the alkali, earth, or metal of which they are formed, are neutralized. These are the substances comprized under the present chapter, with a few associated with them for convenience, though not strictly connected with them. They are, ge- nerally speaking, important preparations ; but differing widely in chemical constitution and medicinal powers, they admit of no general observation. Acidum Aceticum Tenue. Weak Acetic Acid. Ed. " Distil eight pounds of Vinegar with a gentle heat in glass vessels. The pound that comes over first is to be rejected as too watery, the five pounds that follow will be the Weak Acetic Acid. The distillation is to be continued as long as a colourless acid comes over ; but as it is too much burnt, and not suited for internal use, it may be mixed with the first pound, and be employed for various chemical purposes." Acidum Aceticum. Acetic Acid. Lond. " Take of Vinegar, a gallon. Distil the acetic acid in a sand-bath, from a glass retort into a glass receiver kept cold ; the first pint being rejected, keep the six pints that are next distilled." Acetum Distillatum. Distilled Vinegar. Dub. " Take of Wine Vinegar, two pints. Distil six pints with a gentle heat, employing glass vessels in the distillation, and rejecting the first pint which comes over. "The specific gravity of this acid is to that of distilled water as 1006 to 1000." Vinegar consists of acetic acid, largely diluted with water, and mixed with tartaric acid, extractive, glutinous, and saccharine matter. From these it is purified by distillation, at least it retains in combination only a very small portion of extractive matter. The distilled liquor is however weak- er than the vinegar itself, a larger portion of the acid remaining in the re- sidual liquor ; and, in general, it receives from the distillation somewhat of an empyreumatic odour. Itis usual, on the large scale, to perform the distillation in a tin still, connected with a tin spiral tube in a refrigeratory, and to add portions of boiling water during the distillation, so as to dilute the residual liquor, and bring over the whole of the acid. The process, however, ought to be conducted in glass vessels, as directed in the Phar- macopoeias ; as, from metallic ones, (tin, which has been employed, being often alloyed with lead), the acid may receive an impregnation that might prove noxious: the conducting the distillation so as to obtain a larger 378 SALTS. quantity of the acid than is ordered by the College may be allowed. It appears from Mr. Phillips' experiments, that the process as given by tho Colleges is attended with an unnecessary waste : even the first eighth part ordered by the London College to be rejected has a sensible degree of acidity, a fluidounce of it decomposing from 4£ to 5 grains of carbonate of lime. And this loss is without any adequate advantage, as distilled vine- gar is not applied to any use in which it is of importance that it should be of great strength. Distilled vinegar is colourless ; it is not very sour to the taste ; its co- lour is usually slightly empyreumatic. One fluidounce should dissolve thir- teen grains eight-tenths of the carbonate of lime. Its specific gravity varies from 1.007 to 1.0095. It is chiefly employed as a solvent of some vegetable substances, and in making some of the salts. Sometimes it is applied externally, in preference to common vinegar, as a discutient, and as an application to burns. It has the advantage, as a pharmaceutic agent, not only of greater purity, but of not being liable, like undistilled vinegar to spontaneous decomposition. Acidum Aceticum Forte. Strong Acetic Acid. Ed. " Take of Dried Sulphate of Iron one pound ; Acetate of Lead, ten ounces. Rub them together. Put them into a retort, and distil from sand with a moderate fire, as long as any acid comes over. Acidum Aceticum. Acetic Acid. Dub. " Take of Acetate of potash, six ounces ; Sulphuric Acid, three ounces. Put the acid into a tubulated retort, and add to it gradually, and in different portions, the acetate of potash, allowing the mixture to cool after every ad- dition ; then distil the acid with a moderate heat, until the residuum is dry. The specific gravity of this acid is to that of distilled water as 1070 to 1000." These are two processes for obtaining acetic acid in a concentra- ted state. Others have been likewise employed ; one giving a stronger acid than either of them has been long in use, and had a place in the for- mer edition of the London Pharmacopoeia. It consists in exposing verdi- grease, which is a subacetate of copper, well dried, to a heat gradually raised, and purifying the acid which distils over by a second distillation ; the high temperature in this process expelling the acetic acid from the metallic salt. In the first of the above processes, that of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, the expulsion of the acetic acid from the acetate of lead is favoured by the affinity exerted to the oxide of lead by the sulphuric acid of the sulphate of iron ; and as these salts are dried, or contain lit- tle water of crystallization, the acid is supposed to be obtained in a con- centrated state. In the process given by the Dublin College, the sulphur- ic acid combines with the potash of the acetate of potash, and disengages the acetic acid. This distils over ; and as the acetate of potash contains little water, and the water of the sulphuric acid must be in part retained by the affinity exerted to it by the sulphate of potash, the acetic acid is ob- tained in a concentrated form. Chemists had observed some difference of properties between acetic acid obtained from the decomposition of verdigrease by heat, radical vinegar as it was named, and the acid of vinegar purified by distillation and con- centrated by freezing, or obtained in a concentrated state by the decompo sition of an acetate having an alkaline or earthy base. They were there- fore regarded as chemically different; the one, that obtained from the metallic salt, was believed to be more highly oxygenated, in consequence SALTS. 379 of receiving oxygen from the metallic oxide, and was named Acetic Acid : while the other was named Acetous Acid. At a later period, it was sup- posed that they differed rather in the proportion of carbon existing in their base. But the experiments, first of Adet, and since of Darracq, have proved, that they differ merely in degree of concentration, (that expelled from the metallic salt by heat being strongest), and sometimes in a small quantity of extractive matter adhering to the acid concentrated by freezing. When freed from this, and when brought to the same specific gravity by diluting the stronger, they have the same properties, display the same affinities, and afford the same products by analysis. There is therefore only one acid, the Acetic, and the name Acetous is not properly applied. The process ofthe Edinburgh College affords an acid not so highly con- centrated, and therefore not so pungent as that in which it is procured by exposing verdigrease to heat: it is also liable to be empyreumatic. That procured by the process ofthe Dublin College is stronger ; it is also more fragrant: it has the advantage of not being liable to be contaminated by any metallic impregnation ; and it is free from sulphurous acid, with a por- tion of which the other is sometimes impregnated. A process, which would afford it equally pure, and probably stronger, would be to decom- pose the solid acetate of lime by sulphuric acid, as the sulphate of lime, which would be formed, would retain the water in consequence of its strong affinity to it: or the acid may be brought to the highest state of concentration, by distilling it from dry muriate of lime. Acetic acid, in its concentrated state, has a fragrant, and, at the same time, very sharp penetrating odour ; its taste is extremely sour and pun- gent, and it is so acrid as to inflame the skin. It is highly volatile, evapo- rating at the common temperature ofthe atmosphere ; it is also inflamma- ble, and kindles when a burning body is approached to its vapour. It ex- erts the agencies of a powerful acid, and it has a peculiar action on several ofthe proximate principles of vegetables, whence it can be applied to phar- maceutical purposes,— dissolving them, without decomposing them, or ma- terially altering their properties. It thus dissolves resins, gum-resins, camphor and essential oils. It is employed medicinally, principally as a stimulating perfume in languor or faintness, or to obviate the unpleasant smell of confined or corrupted air. The combination of it with camphor is used for this purpose, as has been noticed under the chapter of medicated vinegars ; the camphor being dissolved in the strong acid. Aromatic Spirit of Vinegar is a preparation of a similar kind, rather more fragrant and more pungent. Acidum Be nzoicum. Benzoic Acid. Ed. " Take of Benzoin, twenty-four ounces ; of Sub-carbonate of Soda, eight ounces ; Water, sixteen pounds. Boil the benzoin, rubbed with the sub- carbonate, in water for half an hour, stirring them constantly, and strain. Mix this when strained with the former liquor, and evaporate until two pounds remain. Strain again, and drop into the liquor, as long as there is any precipitation, diluted sulphuric acid. Dissolve the precipitated ben- zoic acid in boiling water. Strain the liquor while hot, through linen, and put it aside, that crystals may form. Dry and preserve these crystals, having previously washed them with cold water. ■\cidum Benzoicum. Benzoic Acid. Lond. " Take of Benzoin, a pound and a half; Newly Prepared Lime, four ounces : Water, a gallon and a half: Muriatic Acid, four fluidounces. Rub r'iiSa SALTS, the benzoin with the lime ; then boil for half an hour in a gallon of watei stirring constantly with a rod, and strain the liquor, when cold. Boil what remains in four pints of water, and pour off the liquor, as before. Boil down these liquors mixed together to half the quantity, then strain through paper, and drop in gradually muriatic acid, till there is no farther precipi- tation. Lastly, having poured off the liquor, dry the powder with a gen- tle heat, and put it into a proper vessel placed in sand ; then sublime the benzoic acid with a gentle heat." Acidum Benzoicum. Benzoic Acid. Dub. " Take of Benzoin, any quantity. Melt in a retort, with a wide neck, to which adapt a receiver without luting it, and sublime. Let the sublimed matter be occasionally removed from the neck of the retort, that it may not condense in too large a quantity. This, if it is strained with oil, press wrapt in bibulous paper, to separate the oil, and again sublime." Benzoic acid seems to exist, fully formed, in benzoin, and hence, being volatile, is easily expelled by heat. This method, still retained by the Dublin College, is the one by which it is used to be obtained. Scheele proposed as more economical, the process which has a place in the London Pharmacopoeia, and of which that in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia is the same with some slight modifications. In the one, that given by the Edin- burgh College, the acid ofthe Benzoin combines with the soda ofthe car- bonate of soda, forming a soluble salt; the sulphuric acid when added com- bines with the soda, and the benzoic acid, being sparingly soluble in cold water, is precipitated. In the other, that given by the London College, the benzoic acid combines with the lime, and forms a soluble salt ; this can- not properly be decomposed by sulphuric acid, as the sulphate of lime, being sparingly soluble, would be mingled by precipitation with the ben- zoic acid ; muriatic acid, therefore, is added, which combines with the lime ; the muriate of lime remains dissolved, and the benzoic acid is thrown down. The quantity of benzoic acid obtained by sublimation is greater than can be obtained by the other methods, the product, according to Mr. Brande's ex- periments, amounting to two ounces from a pound of benzoin, while by the Others, it is equal only to about one ounce and six drachms. But there is a difficulty in conducting the process by sublimation, from a portion ofthe oily matter ofthe benzoin being liable-to rise with the acid in vapour, and communicating to it a brown tinge. By managing the heat with due pre- caution, and changing the receiver towards the end ofthe sublimation, this may be avoided, at least so far as to obtain a pure product, nearly equal in quantity to that from the other methods ; and as the sublimed acid is more white and brilliant than the precipitated acid, even w hen the latter is dissolved and crystallized, this method is still followed by the practical chemist, and is even more economical than the others. The London College give the precipitated acid the same brilliant appearance by Sublimation. Benzoic acid is in slender needle-like crystals, or in soft flakes, of a white colour and silky lustre ; its taste is pungent and acidulous, its odour aromatic ; this odour, however, appears to arise from a minute portion of oily matter adhering to it, as, by dissolving the acid in alcohol, and pre- cipitating it by water, it is obtained nearly inodorous. Itis volatile and inflammable, is scarcely soluble in cold water, but is dissolved abundant- iiALTb. 30 J iy by hot water, and is also soluble in alcohol. It has been regarded as a stimulating expectorant, but is totally destitute of medicinal efficacy, and the sole consumption of it is in the composition of the paregoric elixirs of the Pharmacopoeias, in .which it has long been an ingredient, and from custom is still retained. Acidum Citricum. Citric Acid. Lond. " Take of Lemon Juice, a pint; Prepared Chalk, an ounce, or as much as may be'sufficient to saturate the juice ; Diluted Sulphuric Acid, nine fluidounces. Add the chalk gradually to the lemon juice heated, and mix • them ; then pour off the liquor. Wash the citrate of lime which remains with water, frequently added ; then dry it. J o the dried powder add the diluted sulphuric acid ; boil for ten minutes : express the liquor strongly through linen, and strain through paper. Evaporate the strained liquor so far, that on cooling, crystals shall form. To obtain these crystals pure dissolve them in water a second and third time ; strain the solution each time ; evaporate, and put it aside to crystallize." The juice of the lemon consists principally of citric acid, from which, however, it is difficult to abstract the mucilaginous and extractive matter, so as to render it capable of being preserved. Hence the process of ob- taining the acid in a pure crystallized form, originally proposed by Scheele, has been introduced into the London Pharmacopoeia. The lime ofthe car- bonate of lime added to the lemon juice, combines with the citric acid, and forms citrate of lime, which, being insoluble, is precipitated ; tie precipi- tate is washed to carry off the adhering vegetable matter, and is submitted to the action of diluted sulphuric acid : the sulphuric acid combines with the lime, and disengages the citric acid; this, dissolved by the water, is pressed out from the sulphate of lime, and by the evaporation ofthe solu- tion is brought to crystallize. The crystals are at first of a brownish tinge, from the re-action, it has been supposed, of the sulphuric on the citric acid. By a second or third solution and crystallization they are obtained colourless, or white. A slight excess of sulphuric acid, Scheele found to be useful; and its operation, as Dize has remarked, consists in decompos- ing a little mucilage or extractive matter, which adheres to the citric acid, and opposes its crystallization. It remains in the residual liquor without rendering the crystals impure. With regard to the proportions, Proust makes the following remarks : To saturate four ounces of chalk, ninety-four ounces of lemon juice are required, and this affords seven ounces and a half of dry citrate of lime. Twenty ounces of diluted sulphuric acid, consisting of one part ofthe com- mon sulphuric acid and three parts of water, are requisite for the satura- tion of four ounces of chalk, which is the quantity necessary of that acid to decompose the citrate of lime. Citric acid may be procured from a great many other fruits. The tam- arind, according to Vauquelin, has critic acid as its chief acid constituent. Citric acid crystallizes in rhomboidal prisms; it is easily soluble in water, has a taste extremely sour, and reddens deeply the vegetable colours. In its solid state it remains unchanged, and even in solution is not very liable to spontaneous decomposition. It is used, as has already been remarked, as a refrigerant. A grateful lemonade is prepared from it, by dissolving 30 or 40 grains in a pint of water, with the addition of a little sugar, an agreeable flavour being communicated by a little dried lemon-peel having been infused in the water, or a powder formed by rubbing sugar on the 38:2 SALTS. fresh lemon being dissolved in it. It is used, too, in forming the common effervescing draught, being mixed with carbonate of soda, and water added. Whether it acts with equal certainty with the recent juice, as a remedy in scurvy, remains to be ascertained. Acidum Muriaticum. Muriatic Acid. Ed. " Take of Muriate of Soda, previously heated to redness, Sulphuric Acid, Water, of each two pounds. Mix the acid with eight ounces of wa- ter, and when the mixture has cooled, pour it upon the muriate of soda in a glass retort; then adapt a receiver containing the rest ofthe water, and distil from a sand bath with a moderate fire. In a short time the vessels may be luted together, and the distillation continued to dryness. " The specific gravity of the acid is to that of distilled water as 1170 to 1000." Acidum Muriaticum. Muriatic Acid. Lond. " Take of Dried Muriate of Soda, two pounds ; of Sulphuric Acid, twen- ty ounces by weight; of Distilled Water, a pint and a half. Mix the acid with half a pint of the water in a glass retort, and add to these when cold the muriate of soda. Pour what remains of the water into a receiver ; then a retort being adapted to it, transmit into this water the muriatic acid distilled from a sand-bath, with a heat gradually increased, until the retort become red. " The specific gravity of muriatic acid is to the specific gravity of dis- tilled water as 1.160 to f.000. If into a fluidounce of it, diluted with wa- ter, a piece of marble be thrown, 2t'0 grains ought to be dissolved." Acidum Muriaticum. Muriatic Acid. • Dub. " Take of Dried Muriate of Soda, Sulphuric Acid, Water, of each six pounds. Add the acid diluted with the water, after it has become cold, to the muriate put into a glass retort; then distil to dryness. " The specific gravity of this acid is to that of distilled water as 1170 to 1000." In these processes the sulphuric acid combines with the soda ofthe mu- riate of soda, and with the assistance of the heat applied, disengages the muriatic acid gas, which is condensed partly by the water volatilized with it, and partly by the water in the receivers. The principal difference in the process in the different Pharmacopoeias, is with regard to the proportions ofthe ingredients. It would require com- parative experiments to determine which is the best proportion ; in the formula of a former edition of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, the propor- tion of acid was too small, chemists having been formerly led into error in cases similar to this, by supposing, that in decomposing a compound salt by an acid, there is no advantage in adding more of the decomposing acid than is necessary to neutralize the quantity of base which the portion of salt operated on contains. The quantity, however, was not even sufficient for this ; and, I have accordingly observed, in performing the process ac- cording to that formula, that a portion of undecomposed muriate of soda always exists in the residual mass. The precise quantity that is required for the neutralization of the soda is 20 of sulphuric acid to 24 of the mu- riate of soda ; this proportion is ordered in the late edition of the London Pharmacopoeia; that in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia is more than the due proportion, and in the last edition of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, there are four ounces more than the precise quantity required for the neutrali- zation ofthe soda. It is sufficiently established, however, that in cases of SALTS. 383 ihis kind, the product is increased by employing more ofthe decomposing agent than is strictly necessary to neutralize the ingredient with which it combines ; and that if this excess be not employed, a portion of the com- pound operated on remains undecomposed. It is probable, therefore, that this last proportion is not much different from that which it will be econo- mical to use. With regard to the other parts ofthe process, the direction, that the sulphuric acid be diluted only with a portion of the water, and that the remaining water be put into the receiver, is proper, both as abridging the distillation, and assisting the condensation of the acid gas. An apparatus, on the construction of Woolfe's, is sometimes employed, but is unnecessa- ry, as a range of two or three receivers, without tubes immersed in the liquid in each, is sufficient. -The advantage of diluting the acid with a por- tion of the water, is, that the rapid effervescence and disengagement of gas produced by the action ofthe concentrated acid on the muriate of soda is prevented, and the process is rendered more manageable : it is much more convenient, however, to pour the acid on the salt in the retort, than to follow the reverse mode directed by the London College. The salt which remains in the retort is extracted by pouring water on it when cold, its solution being favoured by the excess of acid. In the large way the distillation is sometimes performed from an iron-pot, connected by an earthen head and tube with a range of receivers, the fire being directly applied, and then the concentrated sulphuric acid is poured directly on the muriate of soda, undiluted, to lessen the action on the iron. But the acid prepared in this way, even when the precaution is followed, of coating the inner surface ofthe pot, is always contaminated with this metal. The yellow colour which it usually has, is not always, however, owing to the presence of iron, but is derived sometimes from a little extractive matter adhering to the sea salt, and it is to consume this that the salt is ordered, in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, to be exposed to a red heat,—an opera- tion which would otherwise be superfluous. The yellow colour may be removed by distilling the a. id a second time from a little muriate of soda. To the test of the strength of the acid from its specific gravity, the Lon- don College have added, that a fluidounce of it, diluted with water, dis- solves 220 grains of marble. Philips, however, in his Experimental Ex- amination, states that only 204 grains are decomposed. He farther adds, that the specific gravity of the acid, instead of being 1.160, is only 1.142, which in some measure explains the reason why there is only 204 grains of carbonate of lime decomposed by a fluidounce ofthe acid. When the acid is of the specific gravity of 1.17o, which is that assigned by the other colleges, it dissolves about 240 grains. Muriatic acid exists when uncombined in the elastic form, and is inca- pable of condensation by any cold or pressure hitherto applied to it. But it is rapidly and largely absorbed by water; the water, at a common tempera- ture, and under a mean pressure, condensing 360 times its volume. When of the specific gravity of 1.170, it contains about 22 of acid, and 78 of water • it emits pungent vapours of muriatic acid gas on exposure to the air, reddens deeply the vegetable colours, tastes extremely sour, erodes immediately vegetable and animal substances, and exerts considerable chemical agen- cies. The acid, however, not yielding oxygen readily, can oxidate in- flammable and metallic substances, only by enabling them, by a resulting affinity, to attract oxygen from the water with which it is combined. Muriatic acid has not been analysed, those substances which decom- 384 SALTS. pose other acids by abstracting oxygen having no effect in producing its decomposition. Its elements, therefore, must be retained in union by a powerful affinity. Some important facts have been established, however, with regard to its constitution, and particularly to its chemical relation to water. Muri- atic acid gas, has been supposed to be the real acid, or at least to contain only a minute proportion of water. Gay Lussac and Thenard shewed, that it contains water in intimate combination equal to one-fourth of its weight. Thus, when the acid gas is transmitted over oxide of lead, it is condensed in combination with the oxide, and a portion of water equal to this quantity is liberated. Or if oxymuriatic gas, the substance formed by the combination of muriatic acid and oxygen, be mingled with hydrogen gas, and exposed tolight to favour their mutual action, muriatic acid gas is formed, the oxygen ofthe oxymuriatic acid combining with the hydrogen, and forming water, which remains in combination with the acid in the gase- ous form. This water has the most important influence on the chemical relations ofthe acid, and, in particular, by its affinity to it, favours its tran- sition to its insulated state, and is even essential to its existence in that state. No compound, of the real acid with any base, such as dry muriate of potash or of soda,, can be decomposed by a dry acid, even when the most powerful heat is applied ; but if a little water is introduced, the decompo- sition takes place with facility, and muriatic acid gas is rapidly disengaged. For the same reason, oxymuriatic acid gas is incapable of decomposition if water be excluded ; charcoal, for example, aided by the most intense heat, has no effect upon it. But if water be admitted, even the weak ac- tion of solar light is sufficient to expel its oxygen, the muriatic acid receiv- ing that portion of water necessary to its existence in its insulated lorm. Hence, too, in all cases of the action of muriatic acid on inflammable or metallic bases, the base receives oxygen from the water present, hydro- gen is disengaged, and the oxide formed combines with the real acid. While in the action of oxymuriatic acid on the same bases, its oxygen com- bines with the base, and the oxidated product, in like manner, combines with the real acid, forming the same compound. In these results, muriatic acid displays relations similar to the other powerful acids. They all exert to water a powerful affinity, contain a portion of it in intimate combination, and cannot be obtained free from this combined water in an insulated state. The only peculiarities with regard to muriatic acid, are its not being capable of being decomposed by those processes which affect the decomposition ofthe other acids, and its com- bining with oxygen with facility ; peculiarities probably arising from the same cause, the powerful affinity of its base to oxygen. These facts have been explained, however, on a different hypothesis, sug- gested by Gay Lussac and Thenard, and supported by Sir H. Davy, that oxy- muriatic gas, instead of being a compound of muriatic acid and oxygen, is a simple substance, and that muriatic acid is a compound of it with hydrogen. According to this doctrine, the production of muriatic acid gas, in the mutual action of oxymuriatic gas and hydrogen, is a simple combination. The sub- stances formed by the action of oxymuriatic gas, or chlorine as it has been named, on inflammable or metallic bases, are compounds of the base and the oxymuriatic principle. The production of the same compounds, by the action of muriatic acid on these bases, is conceived to arise from the decomposition of the acid, its hydrogen being disengaged, and its other element combining with the base. The water deposited when muriatic SALTs. 385 acid gas acts on metallic oxides is supposed to be formed by the decom- position ofthe acid, its hydrogen combining with the oxygen ofthe oxide, and the products, however analogous to metallic salts, are not saline sub- stances, but are supposed to be compounds of the metals with chlorine. The production of oxymuriatic acid, by the usual process, is ascribed to the oxygen imparted to the muriatic acid decomposing it, by combining with its hydrogen, forming water, and liberating the chlorine ; and the dis- engagement of oxygen from oxymuriatic acid is supposed to arise from the decomposition of water, the hydrogen of which unites with the chlorine, and forms muriatic acid. It would be foreign to the objects of this work to enter on any examination of these opinions. The common doctrine is deduced by the strictest reasoning from the facts, is least complicated, and most conformable to analogy in all its explanations ; the opposite opi- nion rests on no conclusive evidence, and seems in a great measure to have been supported on mistaken views of what constitutes chemical in- duction. Muriatic acid is applied to few medicinal purposes. It has been given as a refrigerant and antiseptic in scarlatina, and fevers ofthe typhoid type, in a dose of 10 or, 15 drops occasionally : in the same disease it is used largely diluted as a gargle. As a refrigerant, it is sometimes prescribed to relieve ardor urinaa in gonorrhoea. It has also been employed, as has been already stated, as a lithontriptic ; and in some cases of calculus con- siderable advantage has been derived from it, both in relieving the pain. and diminishing the sediment deposited from the urine, probably in conse- quence of its solvent power being exerted on the phosphate of ammonia and magnesia, or the phosphate of lime, which are frequently ingredients of urinary calculi. By some also it has been recommended as an antidote in general syphilitic affections ; the remarks of Mr. Pearson, however, subvert this opinion, still allowing that it exerts, in many cases, a very beneficial and salutary action on the stomach and general health. It has been taken in a dose of from 20 to 30 drops. From its chemical agency, it is employed in various Pharmaceutic processes. In the state of gas, it has been used to neutralize contagious effluvia, but it is inferior in efficacy to nitric or oxymuriatic acid. Acidum Muriaticum Dilutum. Diluted Muriatic Acid. Dub. " Take of Muriatic Acid, Distilled Water, each one pound. Mix them." The specific gravity of this acid is to that of distilled water as 1080 to 1000. Aq.ua Alkalina Oxvmuriatica et Aqua Oxvmuriatica. Alkaline Oxy- muriatic Water, and Oxymuriatic Water. Dub. " Take of Muriate of Soda dried, two pounds ; Manganese in powder, one pound ; Water, Sulphuric Acid, each two pounds. Put the muriate of soda and the manganese mixed together into a matrass, and add the wa- ter ; then by a convenient apparatus add the sulphuric acid gradually, and at intervals ; transmit the gas which is disengaged through a solution of four ounces of carbonate of potash, in twenty-nine ounces of water. To- ward the end ofthe operation, apply a moderate heat to the matrass. " The specific gravity of this liquid is to that of distilled water as 1087 to 1000. " The Oxymuriatic Water is prepared by transmitting the superfluous gas of the above process, by a proper apparatus, through a pint of distilled waf«T 49 386 .SALTS. " The specific gravity of this liquor is to that of distilled water as 1003 tolOOO." When muriate of soda, black oxide of manganese, and sulphuric acid, are mingled together, the sulphuric acid combining with the soda disen- gages the muriatic acid ; which, by the action of the oxygen of the oxide of manganese, is converted into oxymuriatic acid, and assumes the elastic form : this change, according to the common doctrine, explained under the preceding process, consisting in the combination ofthe oxygen and the muriatic acid, while, according to the opposite hypothesis, it is owing to the decomposition ofthe muriatic acid, the hydrogen supposed to be one of its elements combining with the oxygen and forming water, while the chlorine, the other element, is liberated. The process is attended with some dif- ficulty. If the sulphuric acid is concentrated, its action is too rapid, and gives rise to a disengagement of gas not easily regulated ; and if any part of the elastic product is forced from the apparatus, it is injurious to the operator, from its highly suffocating odour. It is proper, therefore, to use the acid a little diluted, and after the commencement ofthe operation, to favour its progress by the application of a moderate heat. The propor- tions of the ingredients recommended by Vauquelin, are four parts of mu- riate of soda, one of oxide of manganese, three of sulphuric acid, and two of water. When the combination, either with water, or with an alkaline solution, is to be effected, it is proper to use the bottles of Woolfe, so as to transmit the gass through the liquid, the first bottle being left empty to col- lect a little common muriatic acid that distils over, holding oxide of man- ganese dissolved. Oxymuriatic acid exists in the gaseous form, and is distinguished from other elastic fluids by its colour, which is yellowish-green. It has an in- tolerable suffocating odour. Water, at a moderate temperature, absorbs twice its volume of it, forming a liquid of a yellowish colour, having the same odour, and a harsh styptic taste. The acid, both in its gaseous and liquid form, is distinguished by its power of destroying the vegetable co- lours. Oxymuriatic gas has been employed to neutralize the agency of conta- gion, and change the noxious constitution of foul or corrupted air. Dr. WiHan has employed it in Cynanche Maligna with some success, and Mr. Braithwaite recommends it strongly in Scarlatina. Half a drachm to two drachms, diluted in eight ounces of water, are given in the course of twen- ty-four hours. The application of it for neutralizing contagion will be noticed under its history, along with the other gases, in the appendix to this work. In its pure state the oxymuriatic acid is not applied to any other medicinal use, and there is therefore scarcely any necessity for the solution of it in water, which has received a place in the Dublin Pharma- copoeia. The salt obtained by transmitting the oxymuriatic acid gas through a so- lution of potash, and named the Oxymuriate of Potash, it has already been remarked, has been received into the Materia Medica, and has been empkryed as an antisyphililic remedy. This salt is not strictly an oxymu- riate, but the compound of an acid containing still more oxygen than the oxymuriatic acid, what has been named the Hyper-oxymuriatic acid. When the oxymuriatic gas is introduced into the alkaline solution suffi- ciently concentrated, it undergoes a singular decomposition : one portion of it returns to the state of muriatic acid, and combines with part of the SALTS. 387 alkaline base; the other portion, receiving the oxygen which this had parted with, passes to the state of an acid, having a still larger proportion of oxygen in its composition than the oxymuriatic acid has, and this com- bines with another portion of the alkali. The former salt, the muriate of potash, remains dissolved ; the other, being more sparingly soluble, is de- posited in crystalline plates. These form the salt named Oxymuriate, but more properly Hyper-oxymuriate of Potash, (Hyper-oxymurias Potassae.) These combinations are much influenced by the concentration of the alkaline solution. If it is much diluted, the oxymuriatic acid is absorbed by it, and remains united with the water and the alkali without decompo- sition ; as is evident from the liquor retaining the property of destroying the vegetable colours,—a property belonging to the oxymuriatic acid, but not to the hyper-oxymuriate of potash. It is only when the action ofthe alkali on the acid is favoured by concentration, that the decomposition takes place, and Berthollet has supposed, even, that it is much determined by the operation of crystallization itself. The alkaline solution, therefore, into which the oxymuriatic acid gas is transmitted, ought to be of such a strength that the hyper-ox\Tnuriate will be formed in it, and crystallize spontane- ously. The solution ordered by the Dublin College appears to be too weak, and the liquor obtained by their process probably contains much of the oxymuriatic acid undecomposed. A solution of the proper strength is obtained by dissolving sixteen ounces of subcarbonate of potash in four pounds of water ; and as the disengagement of the carbonic acid, by the action of the oxyaiuciatic acid, is troublesome, itis better to remove it by previous agitation of the solution with eight ounces of lime. From this solution, when the transmission ofthe oxymuriatic gas is continued for a sufficient time, the hyper-oxymuriate crystallizes spontaneously, and the quantity of crystallized salt ought not to be increased by any evaporation of the liquor, as a portion of muriate of potash might crystallize along with it. The crystals are therefore removed, washed with a little cold wa- ter, and dried. And when the salt is medicinally used, it ought always to be under this crystallized form. The solution ordered in the Dublin Phar- macopoeia must be an uncertain preparation. Hyper-oxymuriate of potash crystallizes in thin quadrangular tables, white, with considerable lustre. Its taste is cool and penetrating. It dis- solves in 17 parts of cold water, and in 5 of boiling water : is fused by heat; and by a higher heat is decomposed, giving out very pure oxygen gas. From the facility with which it parts with oxygen, it acts with much force on inflammable bodies, producing, by mere trituration with them, or percussion, violent deflagrations or detonations. Its medicinal applications have been, already pointed out. When nitric acid was introduced as a remedy in syphilis, the theory which suggested its use, that it operates by communicating oxygen to the system, led to the employment of hyper-oxymuriate of potash, as a more powerful oxygena- ting remedy. It was given in a dose often grains thrice a-day ; and from the cases then brought forward, appeared to be superior even to nitric acid in suspending the symptoms of syphilis. It was not however ulti- mately established in practice ; and as no great advantage appears to be derived from it as an auxiliary to mercury, it is now seldom prescribed. Acidum Nitrosum. Nitrous Acid. Ed. " Take of Nitrate of Potash bruised, two pounds ; Sulphuric Acid, six- teen ounces. The nitrate of potash being put into a glass retort, pour m. SALTS. upon it the sulphuric acid, and distil from a sand-bath with a fire gradually raised, until the iron pot is at an obscure red heat. " The specific gravifv of this acid is to that of distilled water as 1520 to 1000." Acidum Nitrosum. Nitrous Acid. Dub. " Take of Nitrate of Potash, six pounds ; Sulphuric Acid, four pounds. Mix and distil to dryness. The specific gravity of this acid is to that of distilled water as 1500 to 1000." In this process the sulphuric acid combines with the potash, and disen- gages the nitric acid. The latter acid, however, suffers a partial decom- position during the distillation, principally from the effect ofthe heat, and partly probably from the relation of the acid to water. Nitric acid re- tains a considerable quantity of water in intimate combination, and it can- not be obtained without this water in an insulated state. As it exists in nitre, it is partly deprived of this, and the sulphuric acid employed to disen- gage it does not appear to be capable of affording that portion of water necessary to preserve the constitution of the nitric acid. When heat is applied, therefore, so as to disengage the latter acid, it is at the same time partially decomposed ; it loses a part of its oxygen, and a quantity of ni- tric oxide gas is formed ; this is absorbed by the portion of nitric acid not decomposed, and forms the nitrous acid, which is of a yellow or red colour, more or less so, according as it is more largely impregnated with nitric oxide, and according, therefore, to the degree of heat employed in the distillation. This decomposition takes, place principally towards the end of the distillation, when the heat is high, and the water of the materials has been in a great measure volatilized, and the acid, therefore, is of a deeper colour, and more fuming, as the distillation has been continued long- er. The proportion of sulphuric acid requisite to neutralize the potash of the nitrate of potash, is about half the weight of the salt ; but a larg- er quantity is ordered in both the Pharmacopoeias, and is found useful in practice, partly as rendering the decomposition more complete, and partly probably by preserving the constitution ofthe nitric acid by affording water. The residuum is therefore sulphate of potash, with an excess of acid. It sometimes contains minute quantities of sulphuric acid and muriatic acid ; the first is detected by adding muriate of barytes to the acid diluted with five parts of distilled water, sulphate of barytes being formed; the other is detect- ed by nitrate of silver, muriate of silver being precipitated. When not in- tentionally added, however, these acids are never present in sufficient quantity to render it unfit for medicinal or pharmaceutical use. Nitrous acid is extensively employed as a pharmaceutic agent: from the facility with which it parts with oxygen, itis one of the most important, particularly in oxidating and dissolving the metals. Its powers as a tonic and antisyphilitic remedy have been already considered ; though, when it is internally administered, it is necessarily given in the state of nitric acid, being brought to this state by dilution with water. Mr. Carmichael states, that when dropsy supervenes after repeated courses of mercury, the exhi- bition of the nitrous acid, combined with digitalis, and given in as large doses as the stomach will bear, is attended with great benefit. In the state of vapour, it has been employed under the form of fumigation to destroy contagion ; the due proportion of nitre and sulphuric acid being mingled together in small earthen cups, which are put in warm sand, and placed \\\ SALTS. 389 the apartment designed to be fumigated, and, though inferior to oxymu riatic acid in power, it has the advantage that it can be applied without re- quiring the removal ofthe sick. Acidum Nitricum. Nitric Acid. Ed. " Take of Nitrous Acid, any quantity. Put it into a glass retort, and a cold receiver being adapted, apply a very gentle heat until the reddest part shall have passed over, and the acid which remains in the retort almost colourless shall have become nitric acid." Acidum Nitricum. Nitric Acid. Lond. " Take of Nitrate of Potash dried, Sulphuric Acid, each by weight two pounds. Mix them in a glass retort; then distil the nitric acid with the heat of a sand-bath, until red vapours are produced. Lastly, having pour- ed the distilled acid on an ounce of dried nitrate of potash, distil it again in a similar manner. " The specific gravity of nitric acid is to that of distilled water as 1500 to 1000. If a piece of marble be put into a fluidounce of it diluted with water, one ounce ought to be dissolved." The process given in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia is that which has been usually followed by chemists to convert nitrous into nitric acid. Ni trous acid is nitric acid holding dissolved a portion of nitric oxide gas ; when heat is applied, the nitric oxide being more disposed than the acid to assume the elastic form, the affinity by which itis retained in combina- tion with it is weakened, and it is disengaged: this affinity, however, so far continues to operate, that the gas carries a portion of the acid along with it, and it rises therefore in the state of very deep coloured nitrous acid vapour. The process is thus so far attended with loss, but this may be obviated by condensing the nitrous acid vapour, by a portion of water put in the receiver, by which a diluted acid will be obtained. The heat ought to be applied by a water-bath, this being sufficiently high to expel the nitric oxide gas, and being not so high as to produce decomposition of the acid. It is difficult, however, by this method, to obtain perfect nitric acid ; that is, the acid altogether colourless ; the last portion of nitric oxide, communicating a pale straw colour, is retained by such an affinity, and the volatility ofthe acid in this state approaches so nearly to that of nitric acid, that the whole distils over. A more perfect process to obtain co- lourless nitric acid, is to distil the nitrous acid from a little black oxide of manganese, which yields oxygen to the nitric oxide. The process ofthe London Pharmacopoeia is of a different kind. From the large quantity of sulphuric acid employed to decompose the nitre, the acid is obtained by the first distillation more nearly in the state of nitric. The operation of this excess of sulphuric acid, in preventing the partial decomposition which would form nitrous acid, probably depends on two circumstances : one, that from the quantity adding to the force of the af- finity it exerts to the potash ofthe nitre, less heat is required to effect the decomposition, and the greater part of the nitric acid is brought over be- fore it is necessary, in continuing the distillation, to raise the temperature so high as to evolve nitric oxide ; the other, that the water of this excess of acid is volatilized in the progress ofthe distillation, and contributes to preserve the constitution ofthe nitric acid in the manner which has been explained under the preceding process. The influence ofthe latter cir- cumstance is verv well shewn by the fact, that the product, instead of be ;30 SALTb. mg superior in specific gravity to nitrous acid, as concentrated nitric acid is, is inferior, being, as stated in a report made to the College on the pro ducts of this process from different proportions of the materials, 1.50. while the nitrous acid obtained from 6 of nitre and 3 of sulphuric acid, is stated as having been obtained at 1.53. The weight too ofthe former, from a given quantity of nitre, amounted to four, that of the latter only to three. The relative value of the two is expressed by the quantity of marble they dissolve, that of the nitrous being stated at twenty-one, that ofthe nitric twenty-nine. This expresses probably, (for they are not stated in a very distinct manner), not the relative strengths of equal weights ofthe two, but the relative strength of the entire products from a given weight of nitre ; for were the former the meaning, an acid of low specific gravity would be represented as stronger than one of higher specific gravity. It will thus follow, that though a larger quantity of acid is obtained from the materials, by the mode of conducting the process in the London Pharma- copoeia, the acid itself is not in its concentrated state. The drying ofthe nitre as ordered by the London College is altogether superfluous, and so far as it has any effect counteracts the object ofthe process, by favouring the decomposition of the nitric acid. The second distillation is likewise unnecessary. The process is so imperfect in affording an acid which is properly nitric, that it ought to be discarded, though it may be economical in affording an acid of inferior strength. Nitric acid is applied to the same purposes as nitrous acid. Medicinally they must be the same, as the nitrous, by the dilution necessary for its ad- ministration, is converted into the nitric. And in their chemical agencies, and therefore in their pharmaceutic applications, they are precisely alike. Acidum Nitrosum Dilutum. Diluted Nitrous Acid. Ed. " Take of Nitrous Acid, Water, equal weights. Mix them, avoiding the noxious vapours."—The same proportions are ordered by the Dublin Col- lege. Acidum Nitricum Dilutum. Diluted Nitric Acid. Lond. " Take of Nitric Acid, a fluidounce ; of Distilled Water, nine fluid- ounces. Mix them." Acidum Nitkosom Dilutum.' Diluted Nitrous Acid. Dub. " Take of Nitrous Acid, and Distilled Water, of each one pound. " The specific gravity of this mixture, is to that of distilled water as 1280 to 1000. In combining nitrous acid with water, the greater part ofthe nitric oxide gas, if it is highly charged with it, is disengaged with effervescence ; if less is present, it is retained and converted into nitric acid by the oxygen held loosely dissolved by the water. This, therefore, is diluted nitric acid. Itis employed in a number of the chemical processes of the Pharmaco- poeia, and is convenient, in particular, for the solution of metals, being of that strength at which its action upon them is not too rapid. The diluted nitric acid of the London Pharmacopoeia is too weak for this ; it can only be intended for internal administration ; and as for this purpose it will re- quire still farther dilution, the proportion might be left to be regulated by extemporaneous prescription. The deviation from the proportions in the other Pharmacopoeias is therefore without any adequate reason or advan- tage, and may sometimes lead to dangerous consequpnces in medicinal pre- scriptions. SALTS. 391 Acsdum Sulphuricum Dilutum. Diluted Sulphuric Acid. Ed. " Take of Sulphuric Acid, one part; Water, seven parts. Mix them." Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum. Diluted Sulphuric Acid. Dub. " Take of Sulphuric Acid, two ounces by weight; Distilled Water, fourteen ounces by weight. Having mixed them gradually, put aside that they may cool; then pour off the clear liquor. The specific gravity of this acid is to that of distilled water as 1090 to 1000." AciDifto Sulphuricum Dilutum. Diluted Sulphuric Acid. Lond. " Take of Sulphuric Acid, a fluidounce and a half; of Distilled Water. fourteen fluidounces and a half; add the Acid gradually to the Water; then mix them." The intention of this formula is to afford an acid sufficiently dilute to admit of its dose being easily regulated. The London College have, with- out any necessity, altered the proportions both from those of the other Pharmacopoeias, and from those which had formerly been ordered in their own Pharmacopoeia : they order a fluidounce and a half Of sulphuric acid to be mixed with fourteen fluidounces and a half of distilled water, giving the proportion by weight of one part of acid, to nearly five and a half of water. The reason given for this change is, " that the mixture will be more conveniently made, and its dose more easily apportioned, than that of the former Pharmacopoeia." The absurdity of this is obvi- ous. A mixture of sulphuric acid with water is made just as easily in one proportion as in another, add the dose Of the diluted acid, whatever may be its strength, is apportioned with equal facility. Nor is it of any impor- tance to have any relation between the dose of the diluted acid and any particular quantity of the concentrated acid, as the acid in the latter state has never been prescribed internally. It is to be regretted, that the strength of a preparation, which has for a considerable period been em- ployed in medical practice, has been thus unnecessarily changed, and changed to such an extent. The preparation of Sulphuric Acid being carried on on a large scale, for the purposes of commerce, no process is given for it in any of the Phar- macopoeias, nor could it be executed in the shops. It is formed hy burn- ing sulphur mixed with from one-eighth^ to one-tenth of nitrate of potash, in large leaden chambers. By the oxygen afforded by the nitre, the sul- phur is enabled to burn slowly, though the chamber be closed so as to ad- mit of a circulation of air, and the acid formed is principally the sulphu- ric, while, from the combustion of sulphur in atmospheric air alone, sul- phurous acid chiefly is produced. The cause of this appears principally to be, that from the decomposition of the nitric acid of the nitre, nitric oxide gas is evolved; this combines with the oxygen of the atmospheric air in the chamber, and forms nitrous acid vapour, which, in its turn, yields oxygen to the sulphurous acid formed by the combustion of the sulphur. The diffusion of watery vapour too through the chamber probably fa- cilitates the formation of sulphuric acid. The acid vapours are absorbed by water placed in the bottom. This liquor, when sufficiently acidulated, is concentrated by evaporation, and afterwards by boiling it in glass retorts, and an acid is obtained thick and oily in its appearance, colourless and transparent, having a specific gravity of 1850. Formerly this acid was pro- cured from the decomposition of sulphate of iron, the green vitriol of com- merce, by heat; and hence the origin ofthe name. Vitriolic Acid, by whirl. it has been known 392 sALTb. Sulphuric acid prepared in this manner is not perfectly pure. It con tains a quantity of sulphate of potash, (the acid combining with a portion of the potash of the nitre,) and sometimes a small portion of sulphate of lead, derived from the action of the acid on the lead of the chamber. From these it is in a great measure purified by dilution with water, the diluted acid being incapable of holding them dissolved ; hence one advan- tage ofthe dilution. The dose ofthe diluted is also more manageable than that ofthe concentrated acid. As an astringent it is taken to the extent of from fifteen to thirty drops, in a cupful of water. Carbonas Potass*. Carbonate of Potash. Ed. " Take of pure Subcarbonate of Potash two parts, Water, three parts. Dissolve the salt in the water, and expose it in a proper apparatus to a stream of carbonic acid gas. Strain the solution when it no longer absorbs the acid, and then evaporate by a heat of not greater than 180°, so as to obtain crystals. Carbonic Acid is easily obtained from equal weights of carbonate of lime, and sulphuric acid freely diluted with water." Potass* Carbonas. Carbonate of Potash. Lond. " Take of Subcarbonate of Potash, prepared from Tartar, a pound ; Subcarbonate of Ammonia, three ounces ; Distilled Water, a pint. Add to the potash dissolved in the water, the subcarbonate of ammonia ; then, by a sand-bath, apply a heat of 180 degrees for three hours, or until the ammonia is expelled ; lastly, put the liquors aside that crystals may form. Let the residual liquor be reduced by evaporation, in a similar manner, so that when set aside it may again afford crystals." The intention of this process is to obtain potash saturated with carbonic acid, the carbonic acid required for this being abstracted from the ammo- nia, and the ammonia being expelled by the heat. The Same object is ob tained with equal facility by transmitting a current of carbonic acid gas through a solution of one part, or two parts, according to the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, of sub-carbonate of potash, in three parts of water ; and the salt obtained from this solution by spontaneous crystallization is proba- bly more pure, as in the former method a little of the ammonia may re- main. The carbonate crystallizes in quadrangular prisms, which are not deliquescent: they are soluble in four quarts of cold water. The taste of this salt is mild, but somewhat alkaline, and it changes the vegetable colours to a green : It is therefore a subcarbonate. It contains twice the quantity of carbonic acid ofthe common subcarbonate, and has hence been distinguished by the name of bi-carbonate, and more lately by the name of carbonate. According to Pelletier, it consists of 40 of potash, 43 of car- bonic acid, and 17 of water. Dr. Wollaston rates the proportions higher, 47.1 potash, 43.9 acid, and 9 water. It has been introduced as an anta- cid, in preference to the other, as being milder ; and, from the larger quan- tity of carbonic acid which it yields, it answers better for preparing the effervescing draught. Subcarbonas Potass*. Subcarbonate of Potash. Ed. " Let impure Subcarbonate of Potash be put in a crucible and exposed to a red heat, then triturate it well with an equal weight of water. The liquor, after the impurities have subsided, being poured into a clean iron pot, is to be boiled to dryness, stirring the salt constantly towards the end of the boiling, that it may not adhere to the vessel. Potass* Subcarbonas. Subcarbonate of Potash. LonH SALTS. 333 '■ Take of impure Potash in powder, three pounds ; of boiling Water, three pints and a half. Dissolve the Potash in the water, and strain ; then pour it into a clean iron vessel, and dissipate the water by a gentle heat, so that the liquor may become thick ; afterwards having withdrawn the fire, stir it constantly with an iron spatula until the salt pass into small grains. " A purer subcarbonate of potash may be prepared in the same manner from tartar, which has been first burnt, until it be of a grey colour." Subcarbonas Kali. Subcarbonate of Kali. Dub. " Take of Potashes in coarse powder, Cold Water, of each six pounds. Mix by rubbing them together, and macerate for a week in an open vessel. stirring occasionally : then strain the ley, and evaporate to dryness, in a very clean iron vessel, stirring the saline mass constantly towards the end ofthe evaporation, with an iron spatula. When reduced in this manner to a coarse powder, let it be kept in close vessels. " Before dissolving the Potashes in water, if they are very impure, let them be calcined in a crucible until they become white." The Potash and Pearl-ash of commerce are obtained by the incineration ofthe wood of land vegetables : the ashes being lixiviated with water, so as to dissolve the saline matter, and this being evaporated to dryness. The dry mass consists principally of subcarbonate of potash, with smaller quan- tities of sulphate and muriate of potash, siliceous earth, and metallic mat- ter, principally oxide of manganese and iron. These are in a great mea- sure abstracted by the above process, the subcarbonate of potash, from its greater solubility, being dissolved, while the others, especially the earthy and metallic matter, from the small quantity of water employed, remain undissolved. This saline matter is in the state of subcarbonate. Itis deliquescent, acrid, changes the vegetable colours to a green, and has the general' alka- line properties. It consists, according to Kirwan,of about 60 of-potash, 30 of carbonic acid, and 6 of water, with a few grains in 100 of sulphate of potash, siliceous and argillaceous earth. It is seldom applied to any medicinal use, but is employed principally as an agent in Pharmacy. Liquor Potass* Subcarbonatis. Liquor of Subcarbonate of Potash. Lond. " Take of Subcarbonate of Potash, a pound ; of Distilled Water, twelve fluidounces. Dissolve the subcarbonate of potash in the water, and strain through paper." Aqua Subcarbonatis Kali. Water of Subcarbonate of Kali. Dub. " Take of Subcarbonate of Kali, any quantity. Put it into an open glass funnel, the throat of which is obstructed with linen. Put this aside in a cellar, that the salt may liquefy in the humid atmosphere. Receive the li- quor in a vessel beneath." The first of these liquors is a solution of subcarbonate of potash in wa- ter ; the latter approaches nearer to the state of carbonate, as carbonic acid is absorbed from the air. Both are adapted principally to pharmaceu- tical use. * Subcaoibonas Potass* Purissimus. Pure Subcarbonate of Potash. Ed. «*■ Take of impure Supertarfrate of Potash, any quantity. Having wrap- Ded it up in moist bibulous paper, or put it into a crucible, burn it into a 50 394 ■MALI'S. black mass, by placing it among live coals. Having reduced it to powuei, subject it to a moderate heat, in an open crucible, until it become white, or at least of an ash-grey colour, care being taken that it do not melt. Then dissolve it in warm water ; strain the liquor through linen, and evaporate it in a clean iron vessel, stirring the matter constantly, towards the end of the evaporation, with an iron spoon, that it may not adhere to the bottom of the vessel. A very white salt will remain, which is to be left a little longer on the fire until the bottom of the vessel is nearly at a red heat. When cold, it is to be kept in glass vessels well stopt." Kali e Tartaro. Kali from Tartar. Dub. " Take of Crystals of Tartar any quantity. Expose it to a red heat in a silver crucible lightly covered until it cease to emit vapours. Reduce the residual matter into coarse powder, and calcine it in the same crucible without a cover for two hours, stirring it constantly. Then boil it with twice its weight of water for a quarter of an hour, and, after sufficient subsidence, pour off the pure liquor. Let this be done thrice. Strain the mixed liquors, and evaporate in a silver vessel; bring the residual salt, as it becomes dry, into grains by frequent agitation ; then expose it to a low red heat; remove it from the vessel before it is entirely cold, and keep it in phials well stopt." By exposing supertartrate of potash to heat, the tartaric acid is decom- posed. Part of its carbon and oxygen unite and form carbonic acid, which is attracted by the potash ; and, by continuing the heat, the remaining carbonaceous matter is burnt out. The supertartrate of potash of com- merce usually contains a little tartrate of lime, which by the heat is con- verted into carbonate of lime ; but by dissolving the saline matter in wa- ter, this, and any other earthy substances, are ^separated, and, by evapo- ration, a salt is obtained, which, like the former, is a subcarbonate of pot- ash, but more pure. It appears also to contain rather a larger proportion of carbonic acid. The process, however, being more expensive than the preceding one, the product of it is not often to be found in the shops. Aqua Potass*. Water of Potash. Ed. > " Take of newly prepared Lime, eight ounces ; Subcarbonate of Pot- ash, six ounces ; Boiling Water, twenty-eight ounces. Pour over the lime, in an iron or earthen vessel, twenty ounces ofthe water. The ebullition being finished, immediately add the salt, dissolved in eight ounces of wa- ter ; and the whole being well mixed, close the vessel until they become cold. Let the cold materials, previously well agitated, be poured into a glass funnel, the tube of which is obstructed with clean linen. Cover the upper orifice ofthe funnel, while the neck of it is inserted in another glass vessel, that the water of potash may gradually drop through the linen into the lower vessel. When it first ceases to drop, pour into the funnel a few ounces of water, but cautiously, so that it may swim above the matter. The water of potash will again begin to drop. In this manner the affusion of water is to be repeated, until three pounds have filtered, which will be m the space of two or three days. The upper parts of the Jiquor are finally to be mixed with the lower by agitation, and it is to be kept in a vessel well stopt." Liquor Potass*. Liquor of Potash. Lond. i " Take of Subcarbonate of Potash, a pounjd ; newly prepared Lime, half a pound; of Boiling Distilled Water, a gallon. Dissolve the potash in two pints of the water. Add to the lime what remains ofthe water salts. t ' ,?,Qo Mix the liquors together while hot, then put them into a covered vessel, and after they are cold, strain through cotton cloth. " If any diluted acid dropt in excite effervescence, it is necessary to add more lime, and again strain. " A pint of this liquor ought to weigh sixteen ounces." \qua Kali Caustici. Water of Caustic Kali. Dub. " Take of recently calcined Lime, eight ounces ; Subcarbonate of Ka- li, six ounces. Sprinkle on the lime in an earthen vessel, two pints of boiling water, and when slaked mix the salt with it, and close the vessel. Put the mixture as soon as it has cooled into a glass funnel, the throat of which is stopt with linen. The funnel being covered, let the ley drop into a vessel beneath, pouring water on, until three pounds have dropt through. Agitate the liquor and preserve it in a vessel of green glass, well stopt. The ley, if properly prepared, will be free from colour and smell, and will scarcely effervesce when mixed with acids. If there is any sensible effervescence, add to it a little recently calcined lime reduc- ed to a very fine powder ;, digest for twenty-four hours in a close vessel, agitating occasionally. Lastly, strain the ley in the manner above directed. " The specific gravity of this liquor is to that of distilled water as 1100 to 1000." In this process the lime abstracts the carbonic acid from the potash : it is difficult, however, to abstract it entirely, and hence the necessity for the peculiar arrangement employed, in which a large quantity of lime is used, and in which it is made to act in the most favourable manner by putting the mixture into a funnel, the tube of which is nearly obstructed, so that the alkaline solution must filtrate slowly through the mass of lime. The affinity of the lime to the carbonic acid is thus aided, and the greater part ofthe acid is abstracted from the potash. Still, however, from the effect of quantity on the force with which affinity is exerted, a small quan- tity is retained in combination with the potash, which cannot be abstracted by this process. But if the lime has been in a sufficiently active state, and the directions duly observed, so that the filtration has been performed slowly, it is very inconsiderable, as is apparent from scarcely any sensible effervescence being excited by the addition of an acid, and for any medi- cinal or pharmaceutical purpose to which the solution is applied may be neglected. By the process of the London College, the product will pro- bably be less perfect, both from the proportion of lime being less, and from no peculiar arrangement being employed to favour its action. The agency ofthe air must be excluded during the filtration, especially from the filtered liquid, to prevent absorption of carbonic acid ; and for the same reason it must, after it is prepared, be kept in glass vessels well stopt. The medicinal applications of the alkali under this form have been already considered. Potassa, olim Causticum Commune Acerrimum. Potash. Ed. " Take of Water of Potash, any quantity. Evaporate it in a covered clean iron vessel, until, when the ebullition is finished, the saline matter flow smoothly like oil, which will happen before the vessel is at a red heat. Then pour it on a clean iron plate ; cut it into small masses before it hardens, and immediately put them into a phinl well stopt." Potassa fusa. Fused Potash. Lond. •' Take of Liquor of Potash, a gallon. Evaporate the water in a clean 396 SALTS. iron vessel, until the ebullition ceasing, the putash liquefies ; then pour n upon an iron plate into proper moulds." Kali Causticum. Caustic Kali. Dub. " Take of Water of Caustic Kali, any quantity. Evaporate it in a very clean iron vessel, until the ebullition having ceased, the saline matter, on increasing the heat, nearly remains tranquil in the vessel. Pour out this melted salt on an iron plate, and while it is becoming concrete, cut it into proper pieces, which put immediately into a phial well stopt. " During the evaporation, the evaporator should avoid the drops of li- quid thrown out from the vessel." By the dissipation of the water in this process, the alkali is obtained in a solid form, though it still retains a quantity of water in intimate combina- tion : it is usually run into moulds, so as to be formed into cylindrical pie- ces. Under this form it is used as a caustic : it quickly erodes animal mat- ter, and, mixed with soap into a paste, is sometimes used to open an ulcer. Potassa cum Calce, olim Causticum Commune Mitius. Potash with Lime. Ed. " Take of Water of Potash, any quantity. Evaporate it to one-third in a covered iron vessel ; then mix with it as much newly slaked lime as may be sufficient to give it the consistence of a solid paste, which is to be kept in a stopt vessel." Potassa cum Calce. Potash with Lime. Lond. " Take ofthe Liquor of Potash, three pints ; of newly Prepared Lime, a pound. Boil the liquor of potash to a pint; then add the lime slaked by the water having been poured upon it, and mix them carefully." Kali Causti cum Calce. Caustic Potash with Lime. Dub. " Evaporate the Water of Caustic Potash to a third part; then add of recently Calcined Lime reduced to powder, as much as may form a mass of a proper consistence, which is to be kept in a vessel well stopt." As a caustic, this is milder than the former preparation, and it is less de- liquescent, so that it can be more easily confined to the part to which it is applied. When mixed, however, with the requisite quantity of soap to form a paste, it is scarcely sufficiently active. Aqua Supercarbonatis Potass*. Water of Supercarbonate of Potash. Ed. " Take of Water, ten pounds ; Pure Subcarbonate of Potash, one ounce. Dissolve, and expose the solution to the current of Carbonic Acid Gas, which arises from three ounces of Powder of Carbonate of Lime, three ounces of Sulphuric Acid, and three pounds of Water, gradually and cau- tiously mixed. The chemical apparatus invented by Dr. Nooth is well adapted to this preparation. But, if a larger quantity of the solution is required, an apparatus which gives sufficient pressure will be necessary. It ought to be kept in vessels well stopt." Potash, when used as a lithontriptic, excites so much irritation in the stomach and bladder, that its use cannot be long continued. But, when supersaturated with carbonic acid, as it is in this preparation, it is rendered more pleasant and less irritating; and though its lithontriptic or real sol- vent power is diminished, itis capable of acting as a palliative, and of be- ing continued for any length of time. From the observations already made under the class of lithontriptics, it follows, that no greater benefit is to be SALTS, 397 expected from the use of alkaline remedies under any form, and that this has even some peculiar advantages. It is taken to the extent of one, or even two pounds in the day. It affords also a grateful antacid. A solution of this kind has been in use for a considerable time ; and to establish uniform- ity in its strength, it is inserted by the Edinburgh College as an officinal preparation. When properly prepared, it is pungent and acidulous, and sparkles when poured into a glass. By employing an apparatus, in which strong mechanical pressure can be applied, the solution may be still more impregnated with carbonic acid : it is thus rendered more grateful, and as an antacid, in particular, is perhaps rendered more effectual, the stimulus ofthe carbonic acid relieving the uneasy sensations connected with acidity ofthe stomach, while the ilk ili neutralizes the acid. It is often prepared in the shops with too small a proportion of alkali. Acetas Potass*. Acetate of Potash. Ed. " ! ake of pure Subcarbonate of Potash, one pound ; Weak Acetic Acid, as much as is necessary. Boil it with a gentle heat in rive pounds of the acid, and add more acid at different times, until, on the watery part ofthe former portion being nearly dissipated by evaporation, the acid newly add- ed excite no effervescence : this will happen when about twenty pounds of acid have been consumed. Afterwards evaporate to dryness slowly. Let the remaining impure salt be liquefied with a gentle heat, for a short time, but not too long ; then dissolved in water, and strained through pa- per. If the liquefaction has been properly done, the strained liquor will be limpid ; if not of a brown colour. Afterwards evaporate with a very gentle heat this liquor, in a shallow glass vessel, so that when removed from the fire it m ;y form a crystalline mass. Lastly, the acetate of potash ought to be kept in vessels well closed." Potass* Acetas. Acetate of Potash. Lond. " Take of Subcarbonate of Potash, a pound and a half; of Acetic Acid, a gallon. Mix them together in a large glass vessel, and the liquor being evaporated to one half, drop in gradually of acetic acid as much as may be sufficient to full saturation. Let the liquor be again evaporated to a half, and strained; then evaporate in a water-bath, so that on being removed from the fire it may pass into crystals." Acetas Kali. Acetate of Potash. Dub. " Take of Subcarbonate of Potash, any quantity. Add to it, at different times, of Distilled Vinegar, moderately heated, rather more than five times its weight. When the effervescence has ceased, and the liquor has been partly evaporated, add again at intervals Distilled Vinegar, until the mix- ture ceases to effervesce ; the evaporation being continued, a dry salt will be produced, which, increasing the heat a little, liquefy cautiously. Dis- solve it when cold in water, strain the liquor, and boil it down, until, when removed from the fire, in cooling it pass into a mass of crystals perfectly white. Put these immediately into phials well stopt." In this process, the acetic acid ofthe distilled venegar combines with the potash, disengaging the carbonic acid. I he acetate of potash, obtained by the evaporation, is liable to be of a brownish colour, from the presence of a little extractive matter, derived from the vinegar. It is freed from this either by boiling the solution with charcoal powder, or, as directed in the Pharmacopoeia, by-melting the salt; and, by the second solution and eva- poration, it is obtained in the form of a white foliated mass ; the foliated structure, which is very characteristic of it, arising from a species of cry* rallization. )98 .SALTS. Acetate of potash is very deliquescent, becoming humid in a short time from exposure to the air. It does not require so much as half its weight of water for its solution, at the temperature of 60° ; it proves moderately laxative, and was at one time celebrated as a diuretic, in a dose of one or two drachms ; but it has fallen into disuse. Sulphas Potass*. Sulphate of Potash. Ed. " Dissolve the acidulous salt, which remains after the distillation of ni- trous acid, in warm water, and after removing the superfluous acid by the addition of carbonate of lime, set it aside until the impurities subside ; then pour off the fluid, filter it, and evaporate, so that crystals may be formed." Potass* Sulphas. Sulphate of Potash. Lond. " Take ofthe Salt which remains after the distillation of Nitric Acid, two pounds ; of Boiling Water, two gallons. Mix them that the salt may be dissolved ; then add of Sub-carbonate of Potash, as much as will be suf- ficient to saturate the acid. Afterwards boil it until a pellicle appear on the surface, and when strained put it aside, that crystals may be formed. Having poured off the water, dry them on bibulous paper." Sulphas Kali. Sulphate of Potash. Dub. " Dissolve the Salt which remains after the distillation of Nitrous Acid, reduced to powder, in a sufficient quantity of boiling water ; add as much Pearl-ash as may be necessary to saturate the superfluous acid. The li- quor being strained, evaporate it with a moderate heat, so that crystals may form." In the edition before the last of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, two pro- cesses were given for the formation of this salt, one, the same as is given in the present, the other as follows : " To any quantity of Sulphuric Acid, diluted with six times its weight of water, in a large glass vessel, Carbonate of Potash diluted with the same quantity of water was added to saturation. When the effervescence was over, the liquor was strained and set aside to crystallize." In which process the sulphuric acid unites with the potash of the carbonate of potash, and expels the carbonic acid with effervescence, the sulphate of potash remaining in solution. The process in the present edition, which i6 that also of the other Pharmacopoeias, being more eco- nomical, is always followed. The salt remaining after the distillation of nitrous acid is sulphate of potash with an excess of sulphuric acid : this is neutralized by the potash of the carbonate of potash. The neutral salt forms in small crystals, the figure of which is a four-sided or six-sided prism, acuminated by four or six planes ; by slow evaporation they are obtained of a larger size. They require seventeen parts of cold water for their solution. The taste of the salt is bitter. Its powers are those of a cathartic, in the dose of half an ounce ; but it is more usually given in smaller doses as an aperient, and. from its sparing solubility, is given usually in powder, and frequently in combination with some ofthe vegeta- ble purgatives. Sulphas Potass* cum Sulphure. Sulphate of Potash with Sulphur. Ed. " Take of Nitrate of Potash in powder, Sublimed Sulphur, equal weights. Throw them, well mixed together, in small quantities at a time, into a red-hot crucible. The deflagration being finished, let the salt cool, and keep it in a glass phial, well stopt." The nitrate of potash beina: decomposed at a red heat, affords oxygen SAL1S. 399 to the sulphur, in such proportions as to convert it principally into sul- phuric, and partly into sulphurous acids. Both acids are attracted by the potash ; and from the rapidity of the deflagration, a portion ofthe sulphur even escapes oxygenation, and remains united with a portion of the alkali in the state of sulphuret. This is therefore a mingled product. In its medicinal qualities, it does not appear to differ much from the sulphate of potash ; it is employed like it as an aperient, and its sulphurous taste and odour, when it is dissolved, give its solution some resemblance to the sul- phurous saline mineral waters. Hence either alone, or mixed with sul- phate of magnesia, it is sometimes used as affording an imitation of them. Potass* Supersulphas. Supersulphate of Potash. Lond. " Take of the Salt which remains after the distillation of Nitric Acid, two pounds ; Boiling Water, four pints. Mix them, so that the salt may be dissolved, and strain. Then boil the solution to one half, and put it aside that crystals may form. The liquor being withdrawn, dry these on bibulous paper." By solution in water, the free acid of the residual mass is in part re- moved, but the salt still crystallizes with excess ot acid. It is more solu- ble than the neutral sulphate, but it is not apparent to what medicinal use it can be applied, with any peculiar advantage ; and it is liable to variatipn in its composition, from the extent of evaporation, and other circumstances connected with its formation. Tartras Potass*. Tartrate of Potash. Ed. " Take of Subcarbonate of Potash, one part; Supertartrate of Potash, three parts, or as much as may be necessary ; Boiling Water, fifteen parts. To the subcarbonate of potash dissolved in the water, add, by small quantities, the Supertartrate of Potash rubbed to a fine powder, as long as it excites effervescence, which generally ceases before three times the weight of the subcarbonate of potash have been thrown in. Then strain the liquor, when cold, through paper ; and after due evaporation, put it aside that crystals may form." Potass* Tartras. Tartrate of Potash. Lond. " Take of Subcarbonate of Potash, sixteen ounces ; of Supertartrate of Potash, three pounds ; of Boiling Water, a gallon. Dissolve the subcar- bonate of potash in the water ; then add the supertartrate of potash in powder, until ebullition is no longer excited. Strain the liquor through paper; afterwards boil it until a pellicle appear, and put aside, that crys- tals may form. Having poured off the liquor, dry them on bibulous pa- per." Tartaras Kali. Tartrate of Potash. Dub. " Take of Subcarbonate of Potash, a pound ; Crystals of Tartar in fine powder, two pounds and a half, or as much as may be necessary to saturate the potash ; Boiling Water, a gallon. To the subcarbonate of potash dis- solved in the water, add the tartar gradually. Evaporate the liquor strain- ed through paper, and put it aside that crystals may form by cooling." The excess of tartaric acid in the supertartrate of potash is in this pro- cess saturated by the potash ofthe carbonate of potash, and the proper neu- tral salt is formed. Though ordered to be crystallized in all the Pharmaco- poeias, the crystallization of it can scarcely be accomplished by hasty eva- poration. In its preparation, therefore, the solution is usually evaporated to dryness, and it is kept in powder in the shops. This salt has a bitter taste ; it is very soluble in water, requiring onlv 400 SALTS. four parts of cold water for its solution ; and from this greater solubility compared with that of the supertartrate, it derived its name of "Soluble Tartar : it is slightly deliquescent. The portion of alkali producing neu- tralization is retained by a very weak affinity : even the weaker acids de- compose it partially, and reduce it to the state of supertartrate, a.circum- stance requiring to be attended in combining it in prescriptions. As a mild purgative, it is given in the dose of one ounce. Carbonas Sod*. Carbonate of Soda. Ed. " Take of Subcarbonate of Soda, two parts ; Water, three parts ; dis- solve the salt in the water, and expose it to a stream of carbonic acid gas, until it cease to absorb any acid : Then strain the liquor, and reduce it to crystals by evaporation, by a heat not greater than 1 0°. " Carbonic acid is easily procured from equal weights of Carbonate of Lime in powder and Sulphuric Acid copiously diluted." Sod* Carbonas. Carbonate of Soda. Lond. " Take of Subcarbonate of Soda, a pound ; Subcarbonate of Ammonia, three ounces ; Distilled Water, a pint. To the subcarbonate of soda dis- solved In the water, add the ammonia ; then by a sand-bath apply a heal of 180° for three hours, or until the ammonia is expelled, and put it aside that crystals may form. Let the remaining liquor be evaporated in a si- milar manner, and put aside that crystals may again be produced." The subcarbonate of soda receives in this process carbonic acid from the carbonate of ammonia, while the ammonia is expelled by the heat. The quantity of carbonate of ammonia employed is unnecessarily large, and even with this excess, the neutralization of the soda is imperfect, be- ing probably counteracted by the heat applied. The saturation is effected more directly and economically, by transmitting a current of carbonic acid gas through the solution of the subcarbonate, as is ordered in the Edin- burgh Pharmacopoeia. The salt in this state contains twice the quantity of carbonic acid that the common subcarbonate does ; it is therefore nam- ed the Bi-carbonate. Though not perfectly neutral, itis milder than the subcarbonate ; it is therefore more grateful when used as an antacid dis- solved in water ; and from the larger quantity of carbonic acid it contains. it is also better adapted to the preparation of the effervescing draught. Subcakbonas Sod*. Subcarbonate of Soda. Ed. " Take of Impure Subcarbonate of Soda, any quantity. Bruise it, and boil it in water until all the saline matter is dissolved. Strain the solution through paper, and evaporate it in an iron vessel, so that after cooling crystals shall form." Sod* Subcarbonas. Subcarbonate of Soda. Lond. " Take of Impure Soda rubbed to powder, a pound ; of Distilled Boil- ing Water, four pints. Boil the soda in the water for half an hour, and strain. Evaporate to two pints, and put aside, that crystals may form. Re- ject the residual liquor." Subcarbonas Sod*. Subcarbonate of Soda. Dub. " Take of Barilla in powder, ten pounds ; Water, two gallons. Boil the barilla in the water for two hours in a close vessel, agitating frequently ; strain the liquor, and the residuum of the barilla being again rubbed, boil in an equal quantity of water ; repeat this a third time. The leys being strained and mixed, are to be evaporated to dryness in an open iron vessel, taking care that the heat is not raised so high as to liquefy the saline mat SALTa. 401 fer which remains ; stir this with an iron spatula until it become white : lastly, dissolve it in boiling water, and after due evaporation, put it aside, that by slow cooling, crystals may form. These will be purer, if before each boiling the barilla be exposed for some time to the air. The crystals ought to be formed when the temperature of the air is nearly that of freez- ing water, and the specific gravity of the liquor is to that of distilled wa- ter as 1220 to 1000. If the salt is not sufficiently pure, repeat the solu- tion and crystallization." The barilla of commerce, from which this salt is ordered to be prepared, is the residual matter of the combustion of marine plants. It is an impure subcarbonate of soda, containing large quantities of other saline and earthy matter, chiefly sulphate and muriate of soda, lime, magnesia, argil and silex,, with charcoal. The subcarbonate of soda crystallizing readily, the solu- tion on being evaporated affords it nearly pure in the crystals which first form. The residual liquor, containing more of the other salts, ought to be rejected, a direction properly given in the formula ofthe London Phar- macopoeia. From three to five ounces of the crystallized salt are obtain- ed from a pound of barilla. Though mild to the taste, it is sensibly alka- line, and changes the vegetable colours to a green. It crystallizes in oc- tohedrons ; its crystals are efflorescent; they require not more than twice their weight of cold water for their solution ; and by a heat inferior to that of 212° are liquefied by the action ofthe large quantity of water of crys- tallization they contain. Its quantity amounts to 64 parts in 100, with 21.6 of soda, and 14.4 of carbonic acid. The use of this salt as a lithontriptic has been already stated, and lately it has been highly recommended in hooping-cough dose grains, ten to one drachm given thrice a day. Sod* Subcarbonas Exsiccata. Dried Subcarbonate of Soda. Lond. " Take of Subcarbonate of Soda, a pound. Submit it to the heat of boil- ing water in a clean iron vessel until it is perfectly dry, stirring it constant- ly with an iron spatula. Then rub it into powder." Carbonas Sod* Siccatum. Dried Carbonate of Soda. Dub. " Liquefy the crystals of Carbonate of Soda in a silver crucible placed on a fire : then increase the heat, and stir the melted salt, until by the evaporation of its water, it become dry. This being rubbed to powder, is to be kept in close phials." Carbonate of soda has been given as a lithontriptic, mixed with soap, under the form of pill. If the crystallized salt be used, besides the addi- tion to its bulk from the water of crystallization, it effloresces, so that the pill prepared from it loses its cohesion. The dried carbonate is therefore preferable ; and from the moderate heat to which it is exposed in the drying, the water only is expelled, without any change in the composi- tion of the salt. According to Kirwan, it consists of 40.14 of acid, and 59.86 of soda. Aqua Supercarbonatis Sod*. Water of Supercarbonate of Soda. Ed. " This is to be prepared from ten pounds of Water, and two ounces of Subcarbonate of Soda, in the same manner as the Water of Supercarbon- ate of Potash." The proportion ofthe carbonate to the water is greater in this prepara- tion than in that of the supercarbonate of potash water ; but this is owing 51 402 SALTS. to the carbonate of soda containing so much water of crystallization, that even with the enlarged proportion, there is not more real alkali in the one than in the other. The supercarbonated soda water is used as a lithontrip- tic in the same dose as the supercarbonated potash water, and is usually preferred, on the supposition of being more pure and mild. It is also in common use as an antacid, applications of it which have been already no- ticed. Tartras Sod* et Potass*. Tartrate of Soda and Potash. " This is prepared from Carbonate of Soda and Supertartrate of Potash, in the same manner as Tartrate of Potash." Soda Tartarizata. Tartarized Soda. Lond. " Take of Subcarbonate of Soda, twenty ounces; of Supertartrate of Potash in powder, two pounds ; of Boiling Water, ten pints Dissolve the subcarbonate of Soda in the water, and gradually add the supertartrate of potash. Strain the liquor through paper, then boil it, until a pellicle ap- pear, and put aside that crystals may form. Having poured off the water, dry them on bibulous paper." Tartaras Sod* et Kali. Tartrate of Soda and Potash. Dub. " Take of Carbonate of Soda, twenty ounces ; Crystals of Tartar, rub- bed to a fine powder, two pounds ; Distilled Boiling Water, ten pints. To the carbonate of soda dissolved in the water, add gradually the tartar ; the liquor being strained through paper, evaporate, and put it aside, that on slow cooling, crystals may form." The excess of tartaric acid in the supertartrate of potash, being saturat- ed in this preparation by the soda of the carbonate of soda, a triple salt is formed, properly named Tartrate of Potash and Soda. It crystallizes in rhomboidal prisms ; is soluble in five parts of water at 60°, and has a bitter saline taste. It consists, as Vauquelin has stated its composition, of 54 parts of tartrate of potash, and 46 of tartrate of soda. It is employed as a cathartic, in the dose of one ounce, being given dissolved in tepid wa- ter, with frequently the addition of manna and of peppermint water, or tincture of cardamom ; and is often preferred, as being less disagreeable than the greater number of the saline cathartics. Phosphas Sod*. Phosphate of Soda. Ed. " Take of Bones, burnt to whiteness, and reduced to powder, ten pounds ; Sulphuric Acid, six pounds ; Subcarbonate of soda, as much as may be necessary. Mix the powder in an earthen vessel with the sulphu- ric acid ; then add nine pounds of Water, and again mix them. Keep the vessel in the vapour arising from boiling water for three days ; after which, dilute the matter, by adding other nine pounds of Boiling Water, and strain through a strong linen cloth ; then pour over it gradually, boiling water, until the whole phosphoric acid is washed out. Put aside the strained liquor,, that the impurities may subside, from which pour it off, and, by evaporation, reduce it to nine pounds. To this liquor, again pour- ed off from the impurities, and heated in an earthen vessel, add the Sub- carbonate of Soda dissolved in warm water, until the effervescence cease. Then strain, and put it aside that crystals may form. These being remov- ed, add, if necessary, to the liquor, a little Subcarbonate of Soda, that the phosphoric acid may be exactly saturated; and prepare it, by evaporation, again to form crystals, as long as these can be produced. Lastly, let the crystals be kept in a vessel well stopt." salts. 403 Phosphas Sod*. Phosphate of Soda. Dub. " Take of Burnt Bones, beat to powder, five pounds : Sulphuric Acid. three pounds and a half. Mix the powder with the sulphuric acid, in an earthen vessel; add gradually five pints of water, and stir the mixture. Digest for three days, adding occasionally more water, lest the matter be- come dry, and continue the stirring ; then pour upon it five pints of boil- ing water, and strain through a linen cloth, pouring on boiling water re- peatedly, until the acid is entirely washed out. Put aside the liquor that the impurities may subside, then pour it off pure, and reduce it by eva- poration to one half. Lastly, add carbonate of Soda, (dissolved in a suffi- cient quantity of warm water), three pounds and ten ounces ; strain, and by repeated evaporation and cooling, form crystals, which are to be kept in a vessel well stopt. If the salt is not sufficiently pure, repeat the solution and crystallization." The white residuum of burnt bones consists chiefly of phosphate of lime The sulphuric acid decomposes it, by combining with the lime ; the de- composition, however, is only partial ; the phosphoric acid which is dis- engaged, in conformity to the law of chemical attraction, which is observ- ed in many cases of this kind, retaining a quantity ofthe lime combined with it, and forming a soluble compound. When carbonate of soda is add- ed to the acidulous liquor obtained by washing the materials, the soda combines with the free phosphoric acid, and the lime retaining as much phosphoric acid in combination as forms neutral phosphate of lime, is pre- cipitated ; the phosphate of soda crystallizes on evaporation ofthe strain- ed liquor. Its crystals are rhomboidal prisms, but they are obtained of a regular figure only in crystallizing with a slight excess of alkali. Hence the liquor should be slightly alkaline ; and from the tendency of the salt to crystallize with an excess of base, it is necessary, though the neutra- lization may have been perfect, to add, previous to the second crystalli- zation, a little carbonate of soda, as directed in the formula of the Edin- burgh Pharmacopoeia. The crystals are efflorescent; they are soluble in little more than three parts of cold, and in half that quantity of boiling wa- ter. They consist, according to Thenard, of 19 of soda, 15 of acid, and 66 of water. The taste of this salt is purely saline, without any bitterness ; its medicinal operation is that of a mild cathartic, and, from being less nau- seous to the taste than the other salts, it is entitled to preference. Its dose is one ounce, given generally dissolved in six ounces of tepid water, with the addition of a little peppermint, or any other grateful aromatic. Sulphas Sod*. Sulphate of Soda. Ed. " Dissolve the Acidulous Salt, which remains after the distillation of Muriatic Acid, in Water ; and add to it, Carbonate of Lime in powder, to remove the superfluous acid. Put it aside until the impurities have sub- sided ; then having poured off the liquor, and strained it through paper, reduce it by evaporation, that cryst ds may be formed." Sulphas Sod*. Sulphate of Soda. Lond. " Take of Salt which remains after the distillation of Muriatic Acid, two pounds ; of Boiling Water, two pints and a half. Dissolve the salt in the water ; then add gradually of Subcarbonate of Soda, as much as will be sufficient to saturate the acid. Boil until a pellicle appear, and when the liquor is strained, put it aside, that crystals may form. Having poured off the water, dry them on bibulous paper." Sulphas Sor>/F.. Sulphate of Soda. Dub 404 SALTS. " Dissolve the Salt which remains after the distillation of Muriatic Acid tn a sufficient quantity of boiling water. Put aside the strained liquor after due evaporation, that crystals may form by slow cooling." In the decomposition of muriate of soda by sulphuric acid, to prepare muriatic acid, more sulphuric acid is used than is necessary to saturate the soda, advantage being gained from its quantity adding to its affinity, as has been already explained; hence the necessity of removing the excess of acid in the residual mass, to obtain the neutral sulphate. In the Edin- burgh Pharmacopoeia, this is ordered to be done by carbonate of lime. The London College order the excess of acid to be neutralized by carbo- nate of soda, on the supposition of its being more economical, as increas- ing the quantity of salt, but from the price ofthe soda it is less so. Slak- ed lime is preferable to either, as it decomposes a little muriate of iron, which adheres to the salt. This salt is also obtained as a residuum in some other processes, particularly in the preparation on a large scale of muriate of ammonia, the Sal Ammoniac of commerce. It crystallizes inhexaedral prisms ; they are efflorescent and soluble in rather less than three parts of cold water. They consist of 18.48 of soda, 23.52 of acid, and 58 of water. Sulphate of soda has long been in use as a cathartic : it operates with sufficient power and certainty, but is liable to occasion nausea, from its very bitter taste. Its medium dose is an ounce and a half. Murias Sod* Siccatum. Dried Muriate of Soda. Dub. " Take of Muriate of Soda, any quantity. Calcine it over the fire in an iron vessel, lightly covered, until it cease to decrepitate, stirring it oc- casionally." This is designed merely to prepare the muriate of soda for the process of the distillation of muriatic acid, as already noticed. Subcarbonas Ammoni*. Subcarbonate of Ammonia. Ed. "Take of Muriate of Ammonia, one part; Soft Carbonate of Lime dried, two parts. Each being separately reduced to powder, mix them, and sublime from a retort into a receiver kept cold." Ammoni* Subcarbonas. Subcarbonate of Ammonia. Lond. " Take of Muriate of Ammonia, a pound ; of Prepared Chalk dried, a pound and a half. Rub them separately to powder, then mix, and sublime with a heat gradually increased, until the retort is red." Subcarbonas Ammoni*. Subcarbonate of Ammonia. Dub. "Take of Muriate of Ammonia, reduced to powder and well dried. Carbonate of Soda dried, of each half a pound. Put them mixed together into an earthen retort, and sublime with a heat gradually raised into a re- ceiver kept cold." In this process, as given in the two first formulas, the muriatic acid of the muriate of ammonia combines with the lime of the carbonate of lime, and the carbonic acid of the latter unites with the ammonia of the for- mer ; the exertion of these new affinities being determined by the heat applied. The carbonate, or rather subcarbonate of ammonia which is formed, is sublimed, and is obtained in a crystalline cake. When the pro- cess is carried on in the large way, the sublimation is generally performed from an iron pot, to which the heat is directly applied, and which is con- nected with a large earthen or leaden receiver. The Dublin College, in place of carbonate of lime, order carbonate of soda ; with this the appli- SALTS. 105 cation of so high a heat will not be required ; but not being sufficient!} economical, the direction will not be attended to by the practical chemist. The proportion of carbonate of lime ordered by the Edinburgh, and for- merly also by the Dublin College, but now corrected by the latter, is pro- bably too large, and the excess, by adding to the mass of materials, adds to the expense of the vessels and fuel. According to the experiments of Davy, the proportions of the ammonia and carbonic acid in this product are different, according to the heat appli- ed in its preparation ; they vary so much as from 20 to 50 parts of am- monia in 100, the ammonia being in larger proportion, as the temperature at which the product has been formed is high ; that formed at a tempera- ture of 300° containing 50 parts of alkali, while that produced at a tem- perature of 60° contains only 20 parts. Its smell is pungent and ammo- niacal, and it changes the vegetable colours to a green ; It is very volatile. abundantly soluble in water, and is efflorescent on exposure to the air. Its medicinal uses are as a stimulant applied to the nostrils in fainting, and as a stimulant and diaphoretic, taken internally, in a dose of from five to fifteen grains. It has been employed with some advantage too in scrofula, combined with bitters. Solutio Subcarbonatis Ammoni*. Solution of Subcarbonate of Ammo- nia. Ed. " Take of Subcarbonate of Ammonia, one part; Distilled Water, four parts. Dissolve the subcarbonate in the water, and strain through paper." Liquor Ammoni* Subcarbonatis. Liquor of Subcarbonate of Ammonia. Lond. " Take of Subcarbonate of Ammonia, four ounces ; of Distilled Water, a pint. Dissolve the carbonate of ammonia in the water, and strain through paper." Aqua Carbonatis Ammoni*. Water of Carbonate of Ammonia. Dub. " Take of Muriate of Ammonia, a pound ; Carbonate of Soda, twenty- eight ounces ; Water, three pints. Distil two pints witii a fire gradually raised. " The specific gravity of this liquid is to that of distilled water as 1095 to 1000." In this preparation of Carbonate, of ammonia in the humid way, carbon- ate of lime, from its insolubility, could not be employed to decompose the muriate of ammonia, as it is in the dry way ; an alkaline carbonate is there- fore employed. The alkali, whether potash or soda, attracts the muriatic acid, while the ammonia combines with the carbonic acid. The carbon- ate or rather subcarbonate of ammonia, is volatilized and dissolved by the watery vapour. From the substitution of carbonate of soda for that of potash by the Dublin College, a larger quantity of carbonic acid will proba- bly be combined with the ammonia. The formula ofthe London and Edinburgh Colleges, in which the pro- per proportion of the carbonate of ammonia to the water is now given, is of easiest execution. Water of carbonate of ammonia is applied to the same medicinal pur- poses as the concrete carbonate, and being more convenient, is generally prescribed for internal use. Liquor Volatilis Cornu Cervini. Volatile Liquor of Hartshorn. Dub. " Take of Hartshorn, any quantity. Put it into a retort, and distil, with a heat gradually raised, a volatile liquor, salt, and oil. Distil th<* 4-06 SALTS. volatile liquor repeatedly until it become limpid as water, separating, al ter each distillation, the salt and oil by filtration. The liquor will be pu- rified more easily, if, after each distillation except the first, there be added to it a sixth part of its weight of charcoal, previously made red hot, extin- guished by being covered with sand, and reduced to powder while hot. If hartshorn cannot be procured in sufficient quantity, the bones of any land animals may supply its place." This is a process which has long been employed in Pharmacy. The animal matter, principally the gelatin of the bones, at an elevated tempe- rature, suffers decomposition, and its principles enter into new combina- tions, forming chiefly carbonate of ammonia and empyreumatic oil. The carbonate of ammonia is partly dissolved by the water which distils over, and obtained partly in a concrete state, forming what used to be named Spirit, and Salt of Hartshorn. It is always contaminated, however, with the empyreumatic oil, which renders it nauseous; and though atone time it was supposed, from this impregnation, to be possessed of some pe- culiar virtues, this p.rohably had no just foundation, and it is now rejected from practice. If sublimed from charcoal powder, the oily matter is com- pletely removed ; but then it differs in nothing from the carbonate of am- monia obtained by the preceding processes, and the process, with these repeated operations, is not more economical. Aqua Ammoni*. Water of Ammonia. Ed. " Take of Muriate of Ammonia, one pound ; Lime, recently prepared, a pound and a half; Distilled Water, one pound; Water, nine ounces, Pour the water upon the- lime bruised in an iron or earthen vessel, closing the vessel until the lime, having fallen into powder, has become cold ; then mix the muriate, beat to a very fine powder with the lime, rubbing them together in a mortar, then put them into a retort of glass. Let the retort be placed in a sand-bath, and connect with it a receiver furnished with a tube, which is to be inserted almost to the bottom ofthe phial con- taining the distilled water ; the phial, however, should be capable of con- taining double the quantity. 1 hen apply the fire, increasing gradually until the bottom ofthe iron pot is at a red heat, and as long as the ammo- nia is produced. " The specific gravity of this water is to that of distilled water as 0.939 to 1000. It should be preserved in vessels well closed." Liquor Ammoni*. Liquor of Ammonia. Lond. " Take of Muriate of Ammonia, eight ounces ; newly prepared Lime, six ounces ; Water, four pints. Pour a pint of the water on the lime ; cover the vessel, and put it aside for an hour, then add the muriate of am- monia, and the rest of the w.iter previously heated, and again cover the vessel; strain the liquor alter it has cooled ; then distil twelve fluidounces of liquor of ammonia. " The specific gravity of this liquor is to that of distilled water as 0.960 to 1000." Aqua Ammoni* Caustic* Water of Caustic Ammonia. Dub. " Take of Murute of Ammonia, sixteen ounces ; recently Calcined Lime, two pounds ; Water, six pints.—Sprinkle on the lime, put into an earthen vessel, a pound of water, and close the vessel. After twenty-four hours, mix the salt with the lime now fallen into powder, avoiding the va- pours ; then put the mixture into a retort, and pour upon it the rest ofthe water. After agitation, distil with a moderate heat, into a receiver kept SALTS. 407 cold, twenty ounces by measure of liquor, having secured well the joinings of the vessels by lute. The specific gravity of this liquor is to that of distilled water as 936 to 1000." In these processes, the lime combines with the muriatic acid of the mu- riate of ammonia, and the ammonia is disengaged. Being permanently elastic, it is condensed only by combination with water, and this is effect- ed either by distilling water at the same time from the materials-, or by transmitting the ammoniacal gas through water. The Edinburgh College employ the latter mode, and a solution is obtained in this way, perhaps more strongly impregnated ; the other is more easily conducted, and af- fords a product sufficiently strong for any medicinal or pharmaceutical pur- pose. The process of the London Pharmacopoeia is one lately introduc- ed in the place of another extremely injudicious. It has the peculiarity that the lime is not put into the retort, but is mixed with the muriate of ammonia and the water, and the liquor from this mixture is distilled. It might be doubted a priori, whether in this way a sufficient quantity of lime will be taken up to decompose the whole ofthe muriate of ammonia. From lime, however, forming a soluble ternary compound with ammonia and mu- riatic acid, this may be the case ; the application of the heat will then subvert this combination, and expel the ammonia, which the water rising in vapour will condense. If this process succeeds, it must be preferable to any other, both as diminishing the bulk of the materials affording the product, and as it is very difficult, when the lime is put into the retort, to extract the residual mass after the distillation. When this process is conducted on a large scale, an iron still is employ- ed, into which the materials are put, and to which the fire can be directly applied ; the head ofthe still being connected with a spiial tube placed in a refrigeratory, to the extremity of which, besides the recipient to collect the condensed product, two or three receivers are adapted, containing wa- ter to absorb any ammoniacal gas. A modification of this apparatus might be advantageously used on a small scale, or it might be economical to ex- pose the dry mixture of the muriate and the lime to heat in an iron bottle, and condense the ammoniacal gas by receiving it in water. Water, under a common atmospheric pressure, and at a temperature below 50°, absorbs about one-third of its weight of gas ; and by this com- bination its specific gravity is diminished, that ofthe saturated solution be- ing not more than 9054. It is seldom so completely impregnated. By the mode directed by the Dublin College, which is that usually followed, the solution is obtained of the specific gravity of 936 ; and when of this strength, it contains about 16 of ammonia in 100 parts. Its smell is strong and pungent; its taste is extremely acrid, and it inflames the skin. Though its odour is pungent, it ought to be free from any foetor. It is employed in medicine as a stimulant and diaphoretic, internally, in a dose from twenty to thirty drops, and sometimes as an emetic in a larger dose diluted with water. Externally it is used as a stimulant applied to the nostrils, and as a rubefacient; with the latter intention it is applied mixed with oil, or with soap liniment. Aqua Ammonia Diluta. Dilute Water of Ammonia. Ed. " Take of Water of Ammonia, one part. Distilled Water, two parts Mix them." 108 SALTS. This affords a sufficiently dilute preparation of the water of ammonia, which could not formerly be used as ordered to be prepared in the Phar macopoeias, owing to the great acrimony it possessed. Alcohol Ammoniatum. Ammoniated Alcohol. Ed. " Take of stronger alcohol, thirty-two ounces ; recently prepared Lime, twelve ounces ; Muriate of Ammonia, eight ounces ; Water, six ounces. From these, prepare the Ammoniated Alcohol in the same manner as the water of ammonia, and preserve it in a similar manner." Spikitus Ammoni*. Spirit of Ammonia. Dub. " Take of Proof-Spirit, three pints ; Muriate of Ammonia, four ounces ; Pearl-ash, six ounces. Mix and distil two pints with a moderate heat." Spiritus Ammoni*. Spirit of Ammonia. Lond. " Take of Proof-Spirit, two pints ; Liquor of Ammonia, one pint. Mix them." In the process ofthe Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, the lime combining with the muriatic acid ofthe murjate, disengages the ammonia which is condens- ed by the alcohol. In that ofthe Dublin Pharmacopoeia, which had also a place in a former edition ofthe Edinburgh, the decomposition is produced by the subcarbonate of potash. A subcarbonate of ammonia is thus disen- gaged with a considerable excess of ammonia : in this state it is dissolved by the alcohol, especially as the distillation is continued until a spirit weaker than alcohol is distilled over ; and the more watery portion of this, towards the end of the distillation, dissolves a portion of subcarbonate of ammonia, which . t that stage ofthe process condenses in a concrete form on the sides of the receiver. The London College give a process for pre- paring it, by mixing alcohol with strong water of ammonia. There is one circumstance which may render it doubtful, whether the alteration by the Edinburgh College is an improvement,—that when the spirit is impregnated with pure ammonia, the ammonia from its volatility is liable to escape, es- pecially when the impregnated spirit is employed to form tinctures, which in the shops are often kept for a long time? and in bottles not perfectly closed. When the ammonia is in the state of subcarbonate, this inconve- nience is in some measure avoided, and the preparation is also less acrid. Mr. Phillips proposed a process for obtaining this impregnation, more eco- nomical than the old process,—distilling alcohol from the common subcar- bonate of ammonia with the addition of a little water ; a portion of carbonic acid appears to be expelled by the heat, and the ammonia retains only so much as to be still soluble in the alcohol. It might be more economical, and afford a product rather more strongly impregnated, to distil the alcohol from the subcarbonate of ammonia, with the addition of a little water of pure ammonia. If the object be however to obtain alcohol impregnated with pure ammonia, the process of the Edinburgh or Dublin Pharmaco- poeia is to be employed. Ammoniated Alcohol has the pungent smell, and retains all the powers of ammonia. It is used principally as the menstruum of some vegetables with which ammonia coincides in medicinal operation. Aqua Acetatis Ammoni*. Water of Acetate of Ammonia. Ed. ". Take of Carbonate of Ammonia, any quantity in powder. Pour upon it as much acetic acid as may be sufficient to saturate the ammonia exactly." LiquOr Ammoni* Acetatis. Liquor of Acetate of Ammonia. Lond. " Take of Subcarbonate of Ammonia, two ounces; Acetic Acid, four oALTS. 409 pints. Add the acid to the carbonate of ammonia, until effervescence is no longer excited, and mix them." Aqua Acetatis Ammoni*. Water of Acetate of Ammonia. Dub. " Take of Carbonate of Ammonia, two ounces ; add gradually, agitating occasionally, of Distilled Acetic Acid, three pounds and a half, or as much as may be necessary to saturate the ammonia; ascertaining this by the test of litmus." The acetic acid combines with the ammonia of the carbonate of ammo- nia, disengaging the carbonic acid with effervescence ; and the acetate of ammonia being a very soluble salt, remains dissolved in the water. As much acetic acid must be added as to produce neutralization : and as the liquid is sometimes used as an external application in cases where the acrimony of the alkali would be hurtful, it is better that there should be even a slight excess of acid. From the variable quantity of acid in the vi- negar, the preparation cannot be of uniform strength, and this cannot be obviated by crystallizing the salt, the heat decomposing it which would be necessary to evaporate the water. Were it of any importance, a unifor- mity of strength might be obtained by ordering the quantity prepared from a given weight of carbonate of ammonia to be reduced by slow eva- poration to a certain measure ; but this is not necessary, the solution hav- ing no great activity, and being given generally in divided doses. It is employed as a diaphoretic in febrile affections, an ounce of it being given, and repeated twice or thrice at intervals of an hour, and its operatioh promoted by mild diluents. Externally it is sometimes used as a discu- tient, and as an application in some forms of inflammation. Hvdrosulphuretum Ammoni*. Hydrosulphuret of Ammonia. Ed. " Take of Water of Ammonia, Sulphuret of Iron, of each four ounces : Muriatic Acid, eight ounces ; Water, two pounds and a half. Pour the acid, previously mixed with the water, upon the sulphuret, and pass the gas that arises over the water of ammonia. The liquor should be kept in bottles well closed." Hydrosulphuretum Ammoni*. Hydrosulphuret of Ammonia. Dub. " Take of Sulphuret of Iron in coarse powder, four ounces ; Muriatic Acid, seven ounces by measure ; Water, two pints ; Water of Caustic Ammonia, four ounces. Put the sulphuret into a matrass, then add gra- dually the acid previously diluted with the water, and transmit the gas disengaged, by an apparatus properly adapted, through the water of am- monia. Towards the end ofthe process, apply to the matrass a moderate heat." The sulphuretted hydrogen is produced in this process by the muriatic acid enabling the iron to decompose part of the water by attracting its oxygen. The hydrogen disengaged combines with a portion ofthe sulphur ofthe sulphuret of iron, and forms sulphuretted hydrogen ; and this elas- tic fluid being transmitted through the water of ammonia unites with it, and forms a liquid of a dark green colour, and a very foetid odour. The medicinal applications of hydro-sulphuret of ammonia have been already taken notice of. It depresses the action ofthe stomach and diges- tive organs, and has been used from this quality in bulimia and in diabetes, in a dose of from five to ten drops twice a-day. Aqua Sulphurfti Ammoni*. Water of Sulphuret of Ammonia. Dub 52 410 earths, and EARTHY SAL'iS. " Take of recently prepared Lime, Muriate of Ammonia in powdei, each four ounces ; of Sublimed Sulphur, Warm Water, each two ounces. On the lime in an earthen vessel sprinkle the water, and cover the vessel until the lime fall to powder. Mix the powder, when cold, by trituration with the sulphur and muriate of ammonia, avoiding the vapours. Put the mixture into a retort, and distil with a heat suddenly raised, and sufficiently strong. Keep the liquor thus obtained in a phial closely stopt with a glass stopper." This preparation is similar to one long known to chemists by the name of Fuming Liquor of Boyle, and which Berthollet considered as a hydro- sulphuret of ammonia much concentrated, with an excess of ammonia to which he ascribed its fuming property. As muriatic acid, when added to it, causes not only a disengagement of sulphuretted hydrogen, but also a precipitation of sulphur, it is probably a sulphuretted hydrosulphuret. It has not been applied to any medicinal use. CHAP. XXII. TERRAE.—EARTHS, AND EARTHY SALT£. As chemical agents, the Earths have a distinct character. The} are dull and insipid, uninflammable, infusible, and sparingly soluble in water. Four only of them are used in medicine, Lime, Magnesia, Barytes, and Alumi- na ; the three first of which are, from their resemblance to the alkalies, termed Alkaline Earths ; the last, with others not employed in medicine, are again called Proper Earths. From the discoveries of Sir H. Davy, they appear to have metallic bases, forming a regular series from the fix- ed alkalies to the metallic oxides,—to the latter of which, their bases bear greater analogy than those of the fixed alkalies. Combined with acids, the earths form neutral salts, resembling strongly those salts formed by the combination of an acid with an alkali. Their ef- fects upon the animal economy are also nearly similar. Alumen Exsiccatum. Dried Alum. Ed. " Let Alum be liquefied in an earthen or iron vessel, and exposed to heat until it cease to boil ; then reduce it to a powder." Alumen Exsiccatum. Dried Alum. Lond. " Melt Alum in an earthen vessel on the fire ; then let the heat be in creased, until ebullition cease." Alumen Ustum. Burnt Alum. Dub. " Take of Alum, any quantity. Expose it to a strong heat in an earthen vessel, until it cease to boil." In this process, the alum loses its water of crystallization ; it is depriv- ed of its hardness, and resolved into a spongy mass, easily reducible to a fine powder ; from this, and from being rendered more active, it is better adapted to the purposes of an escharotic, to which it is applied. Liquor Aluminis Compositus. Compound Solution of Alum. Lond. " Take of Alum, Sulphate of Zinc, each half an ounce ; Boiling Water, earths, and eaethv salts. 411 two pints. Dissolve the alum and the sulphate of zinc in water; then strain through paper." This forms an astringent solution, which has been employed to check haemorrhage or profuse mucous discharges ; and when largely diluted, has been used as a collyrium. Murias Baryt*. Muriate of Barytes. Ed. " Take of Carbonate of Barytes, Muriatic Acid, each one part; Water3 three parts. To the water and acid mixed together, add the carbonate, bruised into small pieces. The effervescence being finished, digest for an hour, then strain, and after due evaporation put the liquor aside that crys- tals may form. Repeat the evaporation as long as there is any formation of crystals. " If the carbonate of barytes cannot be procured, the muriate may be prepared from the sulphate, in the following manner :— " Take of Sulphate of Barytes, two pounds ; Wood Charcoal in powder, four ounces ; Muriatic Acid, as much as may be necessary. Calcine the sulphate, that it may be the more easily reduced to a fine powder, with which is to be mixed the powder of charcoal. Put this into a crucible, and having adapted a cover, urge it with a strong fire for six hours. The mat- ter being well triturated, put it into six pounds of Boiling Water, in a clos- ed glass or earthen vessel, and mix them by agitation, preventing as much as possible the access ofthe air. Let the vessel stand in a vapour-bath until the part not dissolved has subsided ; then pour off the liquor. Pour on the residuum four pounds of boiling water, which, after agitation and subsidence, .add to the former li- quor. While it is yet hot, or, if it has cooled, having again heated it, drop into it the Muriatic Acid as long as effervescence is excited. Then strain it, and evaporate, that it may crystallize." The first of these processes is the one most easy of execution, the muri- atic acid combining readily with the barytes, and disengaging the carbonic acid ; the muriate of barytes remains dissolved, and by evaporation is ob- tained crystallized. But the native carbonate of barytes not being an abundant mineral, is not always to be procured ; the second process, there- fore, is inserted, in which the sulphate, which is a more common fossil, is substituted. In this process, the carbonaceous matter with which the sul- phate is heated attracts the oxygen ofthe sulphuric acid ; the sulphur re- mains united with the barytes. This sulphuret of barytes is dissolved by the water, and freed from any undecomposed sulphate ; but in dissolving, it is at the same time, like other sulphurets with an alkaline or earthy base, partially changed ; a portion of its sulphur attracts oxygen from the water, reproducing sulphuric acid, with which a little barytes unites and is pre- cipitated ; the hydrogen ofthe decomposed water unites with another por- tion of sulphur, forming sulphuretted hydrogen, which enters into com- bination with the remaining sulphuret of barytes, and prevents its farther decomposition, forming what may be named a sulphuretted hydrosulphur- et. When the muriatic acid is dropt in, it combines with the barytes, dis- engages the sulphuretted hydrogen, and precipitates the sulphur. The solution of muriate of barytes, on evaporation, affords the salt crystallized. This process, though a little complicated, is perhaps preferable to any other, as it must afford the barytic salt free from metallic impregnation ; for, if any metallic matter be mixed with the sulphate, being reduced by the charcoal, it will not be dissolved in anv subsequent part ofthe process, 11'J EARTH,-. AND EARTHY SALTS. Muriate of barytes crystallizes in quadrangular tables : its crystals art soluble in five parts of cold and three of hot water : they are also soluble in alcohol. They consist of 64 of barytes, 21 of acid, and 15 of water. The taste ofthe salt is harsh and styptic ; it proves poisonous to animals, and has been employed medicinally, as has been already stated,-principally as a remedy in scrofula. Solutio Mwriatis Baryt*. Solution of Muriate of Barytes. Ed. " Take of Muriate of Barytes, one part; Distilled Water, three parts. Dissolve." This saturated solution is designed to afford a preparation of uniform (Strength,—a circumstance of importance, as from the activity ofthe medi- cine, its dose requires to be regulated with care. Five drops are given twice a-day, and gradually increased to twenty or more. Carbonas Calcis Pr*pakatus. Prepared Carbonate of Lime. Ed. " Carbonate of Lime, after being rubbed to powder in an iron mortar, and levigated with a little water on a porphyry stone, is to be put into a large vessel. Water is to be poured upon it, and after the vessel, has been frequently agitated, it is to be poured off, loaded with the fine powder. On the water remaining at rest, a subtile powder subsides, which is to be dried. The coarse powder which the water could not suspend is to be again levigated, and treated in the same manner." Creta Pr*parata. Prepared Chalk. Lond. " Take of Chalk, a pound. Add a little water to the chalk, and rub so as to form a fine powder. Put this into a large vessel filled with water .; then shake it, and after a short time pour off the water while still turbid into another vessel, and put it aside, that the powder may subside.—Last- ly, having poured off the water, dry the powder." " Prepared Shells (Test* Pr*parat*) are prepared in the same man- ner, being previously freed from impurities by washing with boiling water." Creta Pr*parata. Prepared Chalk. Dub. " Rub Chalk to powder in an earthen mortar, adding a little water. Mix it with a sufficiently large quantity of water by agitation ; after a short time, when the coarser particles have subsided, pour off the liquor. This may be done frequently repeating the trituration. Lastly, collect the ve- ry fine powder, which after some time subsides from the liquor poured off, and dry it on a bibulous stone or paper." " Prepared Oyster Shells (Ostrearum Test* Pr*parat*) and Pre- pared Egg Shells (Ovorum Test* Pr/eparat*) are prepared in the same manner." Chalk is a native carbonate of lime, seldom perfectly pure, but contain- ing portions of argillaceous and siliceous earths. The crabs stones are concretions found in the stomach ofthe river craw-fish (Cancer Astacus). They are collected when the animal is in a putrid state, are washed and dried. They have the advantage of being free from gritty particles, and form therefore a smoother powder.—They consist of carbonate and phos- phate of lime, with a portion of gelatin ; the proportion of carbonate being about seventy, of phosphate ten or twelve. Shells are of similar compor sition ; but for all these, there is generally substituted in the shops chalk prepared with care, and having a little gelatin diffused through it. They are used as antacids. Creta Pr*cipitata. Precipitated Chalk. Dub, earths, and earthy salts. 413 ■ Take of Solution of Muriate of Lime, any quantity. Add to it, of Carbonate of Soda, dissolved in four times its weight of warm distilled water, as much as may be sufficient to precipitate the chalk. Render the precipitate pure, by allowing it to subside three times, and washing it each time with a sufficient quantity of water. Then collect it, and dry it on a chalk stone or bibulous paper." In this process, the muriate of lime is decomposed by double affinity, the muriatic acid being attracted by the soda, and the carbonic acid com- bining with the lime. It affords a pure carbonate of lime, but is scarcely of sufficient importance to be received as an officinal preparation. Potio Carbonatis Calcis. Potion of Carbonate of Lime. Ed. " Take of Prepared Carbonate of Lime, an ounce ; Refined Sugar, half an ounce ; Mucilage of Gum Arabic, two ounces. Rub them together, and then add gradually, Water, two pounds and a half; Spirit of Cinna- mon, two ounces." Mistura Cret*. Chalk Mixture. Lond. " Take of Prepared Chalk, half an ounce; Refined Sugar, three drachms; Gum Arabic in powder, half an ounce ; Water, a pint. Mix them." Mistura Cret*. Chalk Mixture. Dub. "Take of Prepared Chalk, half an ounce; Refined Sugar, three drachms ; Gum Arabic in powder, an ounce ; Water, a pint. Mix by rubbing them together." The chalk is in these mixtures suspended by the mucilage ; they afford a form in which it is given as an antacid, but it may be doubted whether the mucilage and sugar will not rather be injurious in that state of the sto- mach which generates acidity. The dose is one or two ounces. Calx. Lime. Lond. " Take of Limestone, a pound. Bruise it into small pieces, and calcine these in a crucible with a very strong fire for an hour, or until the carbon- ic acid is entirely expelled, so that acetic acid, when added, shall not disengage any bubbles of air. In the same manner, lime may be prepared from shells, after these have been washed in hot water, and freed from their impurities." There is little advantage in the introduction of this process ; lime pre- pared on the large scale, for the numerous uses to which it is applied, be- ing sufficiently pure for any medicinal purpose, especially as, when it is internally administered, it must be given in solution ; and in the state in which it is usually met with, it impregnates water just as strongly as lime in its purest state. Solutio Calcis, sive Aqua Calcis. Lime. Water. Ed. " Take of Lime recently prepared, half a pound. Put it into an earth- en vessel, and sprinkle upon it four ounces of water, keeping the vessel closed while the lime becomes hot, and falls into powder; then pour on it twelve pounds of water, and mix them by agitation. After the lime has subsided, repeat the agitation ; and do so about ten times, keeping the ves- sel always shut, that the free access ofthe air may be prevented. Let the water be strained through paper, interposing between the filter and.the funnel glass rods, that the water may pass through as quickly as possible. Let it be kept in small bottles well stopt." 414 EARTHS, AND EARTHY SALTS. Liquor Calcis. Liquor of Lime. Lond. " Take of Lime, half a pound ; of Distilled Boiling Water, twelve pints. Pour the water upon the lime, and shake them together, then im- mediately cover the vessel, and put it aside for three hours ; afterwards keep the liquor with the remaining lime, in glass vessels closed, and when it is to be used pour off the clear liquor." Aqua Calcis. Lime water. Dub. " Take of recently calcined Lime, a pound ; Boiling Water, a pint. Put the lime into an earthen vessel, and sprinkle the water upon it, clos- ing the vessel while the lime becomes hot and falls into powder, then pour upon it three gallons of cold water. The vessel being again closed, agi- tate the mixture frequently during twenty-four hours ; lastly, strain the liquor through paper placed in a covered funnel, and keep it in vessels well stopt." Lime is sparingly soluble in water ; not more than ^fg-th being dissol- ved at 60°. Yet notwithstanding this small quantity, the water has a strong styptic taste, and changes the vegetable colours to a green. The caution to exclude the air in this process, arises from the supposition that the lime would combine rapidly with the carbonic acid ofthe atmosphere. After the solution is strained, it is at least necessary* that it should be kept in vessels well stopt; and the direction of the London College is preferable, to keep it in contact with the lime, pouring it off when required for use. Lime water is the form under which lime is used internally. It is employ- ed as a tonic, astringent, and antacid in dyspepsia, chronic diarrhoea, and leucorrhoea. Its dose is from one to two pounds daily. Aqua Calcis Composita. Compound Lime Water. Dub. " Take of Guaiac Wood in shavings, half a pound; Liquorice Root cut and bruised, an ounce ; Bark of Sassafras bruised, half an ounce ; Corian- der Seeds, three drachms ; Lime Water, six pints. Macerate them with- out heat for two days, and strain." The lime-water can derive little additional power from these ingredients, and they, on the other hand, must have their powers very imperfectly ex- tracted. The preparation is one, therefore, which can have little activity. SolUTio Muriatis Calcis. Solution of Muriate of Lime. Ed. " Take of Hard Carbonate of Lime (namely White Marble) in small pieces, nine ounces ; Muriatic Acid, sixteen ounces ; Water, eight ounces. Mix the acid with the water, and add gradually the pieces of carbonate of lime. The effervescence being finished, digest for an hour. Pour off the liquor, and reduce it by evaporation to dryness. Dissolve the residu- um in its weight and a half of water, and strain through paper." Aqua Muriatis Calcis. Water of Muriate of Lime. Dub. " Take of Chalk in coarse powder, an ounce ; Diluted Muriatic Acid, two ounces. To the acid add gradually the chalk, and the effervescence being finished, strain." Calcis Murias. Muriate of Lime. Lond. " Take of the Salt, which remains in the distillation of Subcarbonate of Ammonia, two pounds ; Water, a pint. Mix and strain through paper ; evaporate the liquor until the dry salt is obtained. Let this be kept in a vessel accurately stopt." Liquor Calcis Muriatis. Liquor of Muriate of Lime. Lond. " Take of Muriate of Lime, two ounces ; Distilled Water, three fluid EARTHS, AND EARTHY SALTS. 415 ounces. Dissolve the muriate of lime in the water, then strain through paper." In the process of the Edinburgh and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, the mu- riatic acid combines with the lime, and disengages the carbonic acid. To remove any superfluous acid, and obtain a solution of uniform strength, the solid salt is in the first process obtained by evaporation, and is then dis- solved in a fixed proportion of water. In the process of the London Col- lege, the ammoniacal subcarbonate being prepared by decomposing muri- ate of ammonia by lime, the residual salt is muriate of lime, which by so- lution and filtration is obtained pure ; and by dissolving it in the propor- tion of water that is ordered, a solution is obtained of about the same strength as that in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. The solution of muri- ate of lime has been recommended as a tonic, similar, and not inferior to the muriate of barytes. The dose is from fifteen to twenty grains of the dried salt, or thirty drops ofthe solution. Carbonas Magnesi*. Carbonate of Magnesia. Ed. " 1'ake of Sulphate of Magnesia, four parts ; Subcarbonate of Potash, three parts ; Boiling Water, as much as may be necessary. Let the salts be dissolved separately in twice their weight of warm water, and either strained or otherwise freed from impurities. Then mix them, and imme- diately add eight times their weight of boiling water. Boil the liquor for a short time, stirring it, then allow it to remain at rest, until the heat be diminished a little, and strain it through linen, on which the carbonate of magnesia will remain. Wa^h it well with pure water, and dry it after- wards by a gentle heat." Magnesi* Carbonas. Carbonate of Magnesia. Lond. " Take of Sulphate of Magnesia, a pound ; Subcarbonate of Potash, nine ounces ; of Water, three gallons. Dissolve separately the subcar- bonate of potash in three pints of water, and the sulphate of magnesia in five pints of water, and strain ; then add the remaining water to the liquor ofthe sulphate of magnesia, and boil; add the former liquor to it whilst it boils, constantly stirring with a spatula ; afterwards strain through linen: lastly, wash the powder, by frequently pouring on it boiling water, and dry it on bibulous paper, by a heat of two hundred degrees." Magnesia. Magnesia. Dub. " Take of Sulphate of Magnesia, Subcarbonate of Potash, of each two pounds ; Boiling Water, twenty pints. Dissolve the sulphate of magne- sia and the subcarbonate of potash, each in ten pounds of water. Mix the clear liquors, boil the mixture a little, and strain it while warm through linen stretched, so as to collect the magnesia. Wash out the sulphate of potash, by frequently pouring on boiling water ; lastly, dry the magnesia." In this process there is a mutual decomposition of the salts, the sulphu- ric acid ofthe sulphate of magnesia combining with the potash ofthe car- bonate of potash, and the carbonic acid uniting with the magnesia. In the proportion of equal parts of the sulphate and subcarbonate, more ofthe latter is employed than is necessary ; three parts of it, according to Mr. Phillips, decompose four parts ofthe sulphate of magnesia, and this pro- portion is now adopted by the London College. The use of adding the boiling water, and boiling the liquor, is, partly to dissolve the sulphate of potash, which is a salt sparingly soluble, and partly to prevent a species of crystallization which the carbonate of magnesia would undergo, ren- dering it gritty, and thus give it a smoothness which it has not when this V ll5' EARTHS, AND EARTHY SAL'1.5. precaution is not observed. Carbonate of magnesia, however, is general ly prepared on a large scale from the Bittern, or liquor remaining after the crystallization of muriate of soda from sea-water, which is principally a solution of muriate of magnesia. This is decomposed by carbonate of potash, or sometimes by an ammoniacal carbonate, and there are some niceties of manipulation requisite to give it the whiteness, lightness, and smoothness, which are valued as marks of its goodness. A certain tem- perature is required for the preparation ; the precipitate is allowed to subside gently, and the clear liquor above is drawn off; warm water is first added : when the saline matter is nearly washed out, cold water is poured on. From the due management of these and other circumstances, the product is superior in these qualities to what it would be were it pre- pared by the above process on a small scale. This substance, properly prepared, is nearly insipid, light, white, and smooth to the touch ; is insoluble in water. It consists of from 45 to 55 of magnesia, from 25 to 48 of of carbonic acid, and from 15 to 30 of water. What appears to be the neutral carbonate, obtained in crystals by mixing the saline solutions without applying heat, consists of 25 of magnesia, 50 of acid, and 25 of water. The common preparation is therefore a subcar- bonate. It is given as an antacid in a dose from a scruple to a drachm, and usually produces at the same time a laxative effect. Magnesia. Magnesia. Ed. " Let Carbonate of Magnesia be exposed in a crucible to a red heat, for two hours. Then preserve it in glass phials well stopt." Magnesia. Magnesia. Lond. " Take of Carbonate of Magnesia, four ounces. Calcine it with a very violent heat for two hours, or until acetic acid dropt upon it does not ex- cite effervescence." Magnesia Usta. Calcined Magnesia. Dub. " Fake of Magnesia, any quantity. Put it into a crucible, and submit it to strong heat for two hours. Keep the magnesia, when cold, in a glass vessel." By the heat applied, the carbonic acid of the carbonate, and a consi derable portion of its water, are expelled, and the pure magnesia remains. It loses about half its weight. A smaller quantity, therefore, of the pure magnesia, will produce th.6 same effect as a larger ofthe carbonate. It is pre- ferred to the latter, both from this circumstance, and also where,from the abundant acidity on the stomach, flatulence is occasioned by the disengage- ment of carbonic acid when the carbonate is used. The subcarbonate em- ployed in its preparation requires to have been very carefully washed ; for if even a minute quantity of sulphate of potash adheres to it, which is liable to be the case where the washing has not been thoroughly performed, this seems to be decomposed by the heat applied for the calcination, and a disagreeable sulphureous taste is communicated to the calcined magnesia. METALLIC PRE?ARA'I iuA ■in CHAP. XXIII. METALLIC A.-METALLIC PREPARATION Mei-als are distinguished by their opacity, brilliancy, and density. The*. are fusible and volatile at very different degrees of heat; and at various tem"- peratures they combine with oxygen, forming oxides, and, in two or three cases, compounds possessed of acid properties. The metals used in medicine are Silver, Quicksilver, Copper, Iron, Lead. Tin, Zinc, Bismuth, Antimony, and Arsenic. Metals in their pure state, being insoluble in the animal fluids, can scarcely exert any action on the system. Tin, by a mechanical action, is supposed to have an anthelmintic power : some of the others, as iron copper, and lead, have been supposed to be capable of being acted on by the gastric fluids, so as to produce certain effects ; but in general they must be combined with other agents to render their action powerful and certain : and it is their preparations only that are used in medicine. The general changes which metals are made to undergo, to fit them for medicinal purposes, are, combining them with oxygen, and farther, com- bining the oxides thus formed with acids. In general it is true, that tin? metal is more active as a medicine, the more highly it is oxidated, though to this there are exceptions ; and its activity is still farther increased by combination with an acid. In general also, where the metal is combined with an acid, it is more certain in its operation than where it is merely oxidated, as its action is independent of the state of the stomach with res- pect to acidity, which influences the activity of the oxide ; and, besides, uniformity of composition is in general more easily attained in the saline compound than in the oxide alone, and from its solubility its state of ag- gregation has usually less influence on its action. The metallic preparations form some of our most important remedies. They are those most liable to uncertainty in their operation, from varia- tions in the processes to which they are subjected: they are at the same time those which, from their activity, it is necessary to have least variable in strength. The principles, therefore, which regulate their combinations, so far as these are connected with their pharmaceutic preparation, are highly important; and require some illustration, before proceeding to the individual preparations. The simplest form of combination in which metals are administered, is in the state of oxide. Their oxidation is generally effected by the action of atmospheric air, assisted by heat, sometimes by deflagration with nitre, and sometimes also by acids, the acid being afterwards abstracted by the action of a substance exerting an affinity to it. The first mode always gives the oxide in its purest form ; in the second mode, a portion of the alkali ofthe nitre often combines with the oxide ; in the third, a portion of acid often adheres to it. The principal objection to this form of preparation is the uncertainty to which it is liable in the uniformity of its composition. Every metal is ca- pable of combining with oxygen in different proportions ; and its power of acting on the living system in common with all its qualities, is much in- fluenced bv the quantity with which it is combined. The degrees of oxi 53 • 418 metallic preparations. dation of which a metal is susceptible, if not indefinite, are numerous, and are liable to be varied by slight diversities of circumstances in the opera- tion by which they are formed. Hence the uncertainty to which such preparations are liable. The only case in which oxides" of uniform composition can be expected to be obtained, are where they are formed under circumstances which es- tablish a perfect uniformity in the process. Thus, if a metal be oxidated by the atmospheric air, at the point at which it melts, as that point is al- ways the same, the oxide will be uniform ; and for the same reason, if an ox- ide is formed at the vaporific point, it will be always of the same composition- But where such a uniformity of external circumstances does not exist, the degree of oxidation may be variable. The state of aggregation too, which is not less dependent on external circumstances, gives rise to a Considera- ble diversity in the action of metallic oxides. These considerations ought to establish a rule in Pharmacy, which has been too much neglected, that when a process for the preparation of any metallic oxide has been established, and practitioners have become accus- tomed to its powers and strength, it ought not to be varied or changed, from the idea of some trivial improvement; as an alteration of circumstan- ces, apparently of little importance, may give rise to an important change in the result. And it is nearly demonstrable, that the oxides of a metal formed by different processes, as, for example, by a process conducted in the humid way, or by one with the application of heat, cannot be precisely the same. The other form of preparation under which metals are administered, is that in which the metallic oxide is combined with an acid. Compounds of this kind are generally more active than those in which the metal is mere- ly oxidated. The acid perhaps imparts additional activity, and the com- pound being generally more or less soluble, must act more powerfully on the stomach, and be more readily received into the circulating mass, than the oxides which are usually insoluble. These combinations are generally formed by subjecting the metal to the action ofthe acid. The acid first yields to it oxygen, either directly, by parting with a portion of what it contains, or by a resulting affinity, enabling ^it to attract oxygen from the water which may be present, or from the at- mospheric air. With the oxide formed in either of these modes, the acid combines. As a metal can exist in different degrees of oxidation, so it may enter into combination with acids with different proportions of oxygen, and, from this circumstance, important differences in their medicinal powers are esta- blished. No preparations can differ more widely than the corrosive muriate of mercury, and the mild muriate or calomel. Yet the primary difference between them is in the degree of oxidation ofthe metal, the proportion of oxygen being less in the latter than in the former. In general, when a metal is acted on by a weak acid, or one much dilut- ed, it forms a compound, in which it is less oxidated than when it has been subjected to the action of a more powerful or concentrated acid. Or if heat has been employed to favour the mutual action, the metal passes to a higher state of oxidation than when it has been dissolved in the cold. It even sometimes happens, that after a metal has been oxidated and com- bined with an acid, it continues to attract oxygen, either from the acid, or from the atmospheric air,—a circumstance which may give rise fn altera tions in metallic preparations. METALLIC PREPARATIONS. 410 It has been stated, that a metal combines with oxygen in numerous, if not in altogether indefinite proportions. It is an important question in Pharmacy, whether this is the case also when they combine with acids ; or do they enter into such combinations only in a few determinate degrees of oxidation ? According as one or other of these happens, either unifor- mity of composition, or uncertainty, may be expected to be found in saline metallic preparations ; and if the latter be the case, more attention will be required, than might be supposed necessary, in establishing a strict uniformity in the processes by which they are formed. In general, it appears, that the acid, by the energy of the affinity it ex- erts, has a powerful effect in rendering the oxidation determinate, and that these combinations are, therefore, usually established in a few t uniform proportions. We have an example of this in the two muriates of mercu- ry. In each of these the metal is in a certain state of oxidation, and what- ever process be followed, no intermediate combination appears to be formed. Itis also true, however, that the degree of oxidation of the ox- ide, in combining with the acid, is often less definite. Thus, in crystalliz- ing a solution of sulphate of iron, the crystals which are first formed are of a pale green colour ; those formed by a second or third evaporation are deeper, and there remains a liquid incapable of crystallizing. In all these there are different states of oxidation. In like manner, in the solu- tion of mercury in nitric acid, the acid may exist in various degrees of oxidation, according to the manner in which the solution has been per- formed, and these solutions give rise to different compounds in the de- compositions and new combinations, to which they may be subjected. Another source of uncertainty in the composition ofthe metallic salts, is, that the metallic oxide can combine with various proportions of acid. We can have the compound with the acid and metallic oxide combined in those proportions which give rise to neutralization, but we can have it also with excess of acid, or excess of base ; and each of these will give a preparation different in power, and liable to be very differently affected by other chemical agents. This is often displayed in preparing metallic compounds by the medium of acids. From the uncertainty to which the oxidation of metals, by the application of heat, is liable, it has frequently been proposed to obtain the product in the humid way, the metal being dissolved in an acid, and this acid being abstracted by a substance exerting an affinity to it, and the me- tal precipitated in its oxidated state. But tSese precipitates are not in ge- neral pure oxides, as they have been supposed to be : they retain a portion of the acid with which the oxide was combined, and are therefore sub-salts. They are sometimes thrown down merely by water, and they then retain a considerable proportion of acid ; and even when subjected to the more powerful action of an alkali, the whole of the acid is not abstracted, the influence of quantity adding so much to the force of affinity, that a por- tion of it is retained by the oxide. The influence of the proportions in which a metallic oxide and acid may combine, is shewn in another case,—that where, by applying heat, the acid has its solvent power so far aided, and is from this cause saturated with the oxide, as to be incapable of retaining the whole in solution when dilut- ed. When water is added to a solution of this kind, a partial decomposi- tion ensues ; part ofthe metallic oxide is precipitated, retaining a portion of acid, forming a sub-salt, while the other portions remain dissolved with an excess of acid. Now, if such a solution is to be decomposed by adding ♦ 1-0 METALLIC PREPARATIONS. si neutral salt with the acid of which the metallic oxide is designed to be combined, the water in which the salt is dissolved will act on the metallic solution, and throw down a quantity of this precipitate, which will mingle with the precipitate formed by the metallic oxide and the acid of the de- composing salt, and will of course modify its powers. Hence, ametallie solu- tion is liable to afford, when decomposed, very different products, both from the different states of oxidation in which it may hold the metal dissolved, and the different proportions of oxide with which the acid may be combin- ed. Metallic preparations, it is thus obvious, are liable to uncertainty of com- position ; and this suggests the conclusion, that processes with regard to them, once established, ought not to be hastily altered, even in circum- stances apparently trivial. It is equally obvious how important it is, that for every active metallic preparation, the same process should be adopted in every country. The nomenclature of the metallic saline preparations is attended with considerable difficulty, especially in discriminating between the different salts formed from the same acid, united with the same metal, but existing in different states of oxidation. This difference gives rise to different me- dicinal properties, or at least different degrees of activity, and renders it necessary, therefore, that the names ought to be so far distinct, that the one salt cannot be mistaken for the other. Now, the chemical nomen- clature is, with regard to this case, defective, and it is difficult to render it more precise. The system of nomenclature requires that the name of each compound salt should be derived from the acid and the base of which it is composed, the acid affording the radical ofthe generic name, the base giving the specific appellation. But the names ofthe species of metallic salts have been derived, not from the metallic oxide which is strictly their base, but from the metal itself.—We thus speak of sulphate of iron, muri- ate of mercury, and others, though the substances to which these names are applied, are rather sulphate of oxide of iron, muriate of oxide of mer- cury, &c. Did the metal exist always in one state of oxidation as it is combined with the acid, this would give rise to no inconvenience. But as it is often in different states of oxidation, the nomenclature is deficient, or something more is required to distinguish between the different salts which, from these different states of oxidation, may be formed from the same metal and the same acid. In general, not more than two salts are formed from diversity of oxida- tion in the same metal combined with the same acid; and one method employed to mark their distinction is, to apply the usual generic name to the salt formed from the metal in the low state of oxidation, and to prefix to the same generic name applied to the other salt, the syllable oxy, as denoting the higher degree of oxidation. Thus the two muriates of mer- cury, one containing the metal at a low, the other at a high degree of ox- idation, are, according to this method, distinguished, the one by the name of Muriate, the other by that of Oxymuriate of Mercury. But, indepen- dent of the objection, that this violates the principles on which the nom- enclature is constructed, since the one salt is just as much a muriate as the other ; the syllable oxy is appropriated, to denote the compounds of an oxygenated acid ; and Oxymuriate of Mercury, a name now sanctioned by the London College, expresses, not a compound of muriatic acid, but a com- pound of oxymuriatic acid. And as a medical nomenclature, the merely prefixing the syllable to the same 1erm is far from being sufficient to dis- METALLIC PREPARATIONS. •12 i anguish between salts totally different, and which it is dangerous to con- found. Another method is, to apply the generic term to the salt formed from the oxide at the maximum of oxidation, and to prefix to the same term applied to the salt at the minimum, the syllahle sub ; naming, for example, one ofthe salts of mercury now referred to, Muriate of Mercury, the other Submuriate of Mercury. This has been adopted by the Edinburgh Col- lege ; but it is equally-incorrect. The principles of chemical nomencla- ture require that the epithet sub should be appropriated to the names of those salts in which there is a deficiency of acid, the base being the same as that of the corresponding salt, to the name of which this epithet is not prefixed. But in the metallic salts to which this mode has been applied, there is no deficiency of acid, and the base is not the same ; the salt to which the epithet sub is applied may contain less acid than the other, but this is because the oxide which is its base requires less for its saturation ; it is altogether a different species, and by the addition of acid cannot be con- verted into the other, which it would be, were it, as the name implies, a Sub-salt. This mode, too, is liable to the same objection as the other, the merely prefixing to the name common to both, the epithet sub, to distin- guish them, not being sufficiently distinctive, where itis of so much im- portance that they should be distinguished. Any nomenclature founded on the supposition of specific degrees of oxi- dation being established, would be equally improper; for, even supposing them not to be indefinite, the propriety of the appellation in any case would depend on the perfect accuracy of the analysis, and the discovery of a different degree of oxidation with regard to any metal would require the change of the nomenclature of its salts, and, what is worse, would cause a name, which had been appropriated to one, to be transferred to another. The only mode that appears practicable, if names altogether arbitrary are not adopted, is to derive the distinctive appellations from peculiarities of properties. If two salts, formed from the same metal and the same acid, but in different states of oxidation, differ in colour, this affords a ground of discrimination in their names, and it is accordingly sometimes had re- course to. Thus, we speak of the green and the brown sulphate of iron. If the colour be the same in each, the distinction may be drawn from any other property in which they differ. Thus the two muriates of mercury may be distinguished, the one by the appellation of Corrosive Muriate, the other by that of Mild Muriate. This nomenclature, while it violates no principle, has the advantage, that being founded on the properties ofthe substances, it is permanent; and as applied to medicinal substances, it has the advantage, that it serves in the more important cases to point out the difference to which it is most essential to attend. Metals are sometimes employed medicinally, combined with sulphur or with sulphuretted hydrogen. When the sulphur is united with the metal itself, the preparation is generally inactive. When the metal is oxidated, and farther combined, either with sulphur or sulphuretted hydrogen, it is more active ; but as the degree of oxidation may be various, and as the affinities exerted by sulphur or sulphuretted hydrogen are not sufficiently energetic to render them definite, these preparations are liable to be va riable in strength. Hence few of them are retained. 4-22 PREPARATIONS OF ANTIMONY. ANTIMONIUM.—ANTIMONY. Sulphuretum Antimonii Pr*paratum. Prepared Sulphuret of Antimo- ny. Ed. " Put Sulphuret of Antimony, rubbed to powder in an iron mortar, and afterwards levigated upon a porphyry stone, in a large vessel: then pour upon it water, which, after shaking the vessel frequently, is to be poured offloaded with fine powder. After the water has settled, the powder will subside, and then may be dried. The coarse powder which the water cannot suspend, is to be again levigated, and treated in the same manner. Sulphuretum Antimonii Pr*paratum. Prepared Sulphuret of Anti- mony. Dub. " Reduce to powder, and in the manner prescribed for the preparation of chalk, separate the finest particles, which are to be reserved for use." This preparation is merely levigation ; in this levigated state, the sul- phuret of antimony has been supposed to act with more certainty than when in coarse powder. It is still, however, very inactive. As a reme- dy in chronic rheumatism, it has been given in a dose of five or ten grains daily. Oxidum Antimonii cum Phosphate Calcis, olim Pulvis Antimoni- alis. Oxide of Antimony with Phosphate of Lime, or Antimonial Pow- der. Ed. " Take of Sulphuret of antimony, rubbed to a coarse powder, Harts- horn Shavings, of each equal parts. Mix and throw them into an iron pot not very deep, red hot, and stir them constantly until they are burnt into a matter of a grey colour, which remove from the fire, rub to powder, and put into a coated crucible. Lute to this crucible another inverted, in the bottom of which a small hole is drilled ; apply the fire, which is to be gradually raised to a white heat, and kept at this increased heat for two hours. Lastly, triturate the matter, when cold, into a very fine powder." Pulvis Antimonialis. Antimonial Powder. Lond. " Take of Sulphuret of Antimony in powder, a pound ; Shavings of Horn, two pounds : Mix, and throw them into a broad iron pot at a white heat, stirring constantly, until they become of a grey colour. Removing the matter, rub it to powder, and put it into a coated crucible, with ano- ther crucible inverted, in the bottom of which is a small hole, joining them with lute. Then apply heat, and increase it gradually to a white heat for two hours. Rub the residuum, so that it shall form a very fine powder." Pulvis Antimonialis. Antimonial Powder. Dub. " Take of Sulphuret of Antimony in coarse powder/Shavings of Harts- horn, of each two pounds. Boil the hartshorn in a quantity of water suffi- cient to separate the animal gluten, then dry and mix it with the antimony ; throw the mixture into an open iron pot heated to redness, stirring con- stantly, until the vapours of sulphur cease to exhale, and the matter be- comes of a grey colour. > Rub the matter when cold into powder, and put it into a coated crucible. Adapt to this another inverted, in the bottom of which is a small hole, and secure the joining with lute. Calcine the mat- ter with a heat gradually raised to a white heat, for two hours ; when cold, rub it into a very fine powder." This process has been introduced into the Pharmacopoeias, as affording preparations or antimony. 423 a preparation similar to the empirical medicine, James's Powder, justly celebrated as a remedy in fever. Nothing more was known of this, than that it was an antimonial, until its analysis was undertaken by Dr. Pearson. He found the genuine powder of James to consist of 43 parts of phosphate of lime, and 57 of an oxide of antimony, part of which was vitrified ; and by the above process, he was able to prepare a powder similar to it in quali- ties and chemical composition. The theory of it is sufficiently obvious. During the first stage, the animal matter of the bones is decomposed and burnt out; the sulphur of the sulphuret of antimony is expelled, and the metal is imperfectly oxidated. In the second stage ofthe process, the me- tal is more completely oxidated, the oxide is partially vitrified, and is per- haps brought into combination with the phosphate of lime, which is the residuum ofthe bones. This latter supposition remains, however, uncer- tain. That portion at least of the oxide which is vitrified, cannot be com- bined with the phosphate ; the other may be in this state of combination, as Dr. Pearson supposed. Chenevix, from his experiments on the pow- der, supposed them rather to be merely intimately mixed. He found too, that in the preparation obtained by Pearson's process, more of the oxide of antimony is vitrified than in the genuine James's powder, the propor- tion in the one being 44 in 100 of the oxide, in the other only 28. With regard to the above formulas, the only variation in that in the Dub- lin, from that in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, is, that the hartshorn is pre- viously boiled to extract from it the gelatin,—a circumstance of little import- tance, as this gelatin is decomposed by the heat. The London College have changed the strength of the preparation, two parts of shavings of horn being employed to one of sulphuret of antimony. The reasons which have been assigned for this are, that the preparation is brought nearer to the strength of James's powder, for which this is designed as a substitute, and that it is rendered more manageable in its administration. With regard to the first, there is some doubt, as with the enlarged proportion of antimony, a prepa- ration different in the proportions of its constituent parts from those ofthe James's powder, as analysed by Pearson, must be obtained. And though it were just, it was of more importance to preserve an active preparation, now officinal, of the same strength in all the Pharmacopoeias, than to as- similate it to the strength of an empirical remedy. With regard to the other, the powder appears to be just as manageable ofthe one strength as of the other. The product of the process of the London Pharmocopoei- as is said to be perfectly white, in which circumstance it resembles James's powder: that prepared with the larger proportion of sulphuret of anti- mony has always a yellow shade. Mr. Chenevix proposed a method of obtaining this preparation in the humid way, by dissolving equal weights of submuriate of antimony and pure phosphate of lime in muriatic acid, and then precipitating them by ammonia. This preparation appeared, from some trials, to be milder in its operation than the other ; but its chemical constitution cannot be pre- cisely the same, and probably therefore its powers must be different. The medical history of these preparations has been already delivered. James's powder has been celebrated as a remedy in febrile affections. It acts as a general evacuant, occasioning sweat, purging, and frequently vomiting ; and, by this general action, appears sometimes to arrest the progress of fever, if given at its commencement, or to produce a more fa vourable crisis. Its dose is five or six grains, repeated every six hours, till its effects are obtained. It has been affirmed, that the preparation ob- 4i4 preparations of antimony. tained by the process of the Pharmacopoeias is not so certain nor so po>v erful as the powder of James, eight grains of the former being not more than equal to six ofthe latter. The difference, if it exist, may be owing to some peculiarity in the process, by which a difference of oxygenation, or of vitrification ofthe oxide, may be occasioned ; and it does appear that the proportion of oxide vitrified is not the same in the one as in the other. It remains to be determined, how far the preparation from the proportions, as given now by the London College, differs from the others, or is similar to the James's powder. Sulphuretum Antimonii Pr*cipitatum. Precipitated Sulphuret of An- timony. Ed. " Take of Water of Potash, four parts ; Water, three parts ; Prepared Sulphuret of Antimony, two parts ; Diluted Sulphuric Acid, as much as may be necessary. Mix the Sulphuret with the Water of Potash, and Wa- ter, then boil in a covered iron pot, on a gentle fire, for three hours, stir- ring frequently with an iron spatula, and adding water as it may be neces- sary. Strain the hot liquor through a double linen cloth, and to this strain- ed liquor, add as much diluted sulphuric acid as may be necessary to pre- cipitate the sulphuret, which is to be carefully washed with warm water." Antimonii Sulphuretum Precipitatum. Precipitated Sulphuret of Anti- mony. Lond. " Take of Sulphuret of Antimony in powder, two pounds ; Liquor of Potash, four pints; Distilled Water, three pints ; Mix, and boil with a gentle heat for three hours, stirring constantly, and adding occasionally dis- tilled water, so that it may keep up the same measure. Strain the liquor immediately through a double linen cloth ; gradually drop into it, while still warm, diluted sulphuric acid, as much as is sufficient to precipitate the powder ; then remove the sulphate of potash, by washing with warm water : dry the precipitated sulphuret of antimony, and rub it to fine pow- der." Sulphur Antimoniatum Fuscum. Brown Antimoniated Sulphur. Dub. " Take of Subcarbonate of Potash, Prepared Sulphuret of Antimony, each ounce. Melt them mixed together in a crucible, then reduce the cold matter to powder. Put this into a matrass with four pints of water, and boil for a quarter of an hour ; remove the vessel from the fire and close it; allow it to remain at rest for a short time, and as soon as the li- quor has become clear, opening the vessels, pour it cautiously from the sediment: the antimoniated sulphur will separate in part, as the liquor cools ; add of diluted sulphuric acid as much as may be sufficient to throw it down entirely, which leaves an excess of acid ; shake the mixture that the matter last thrown down (which will be of a yellowish-red colour) may be mixed with the rest; then, after due subsidence, pour off the li- quor from the sediment, which wash with cold water as long as the decant- ed liquor appear acid by the test of litmus. Lastly, dry it on bibulous paper." The only variation of any apparent consequence in these processes is in that ofthe Dublin Pharmacopoeia, in which the sulphuret of antimony and subcarbonate of potash are fused together, and the matter is lixiviated afterwards with water ; the liquor thus obtained, however, appears to be the same with that formed by boiling the water of potash on the sulphuret; and the successive steps being similar, there is no essential difference ir the product reparations of antimony. 425 From the analysis of this preparation by Thenard, it appears to be com-* posed of 68.3 of the orange-coloured oxide of antimony, (which consists of 18 of oxygen, and 82 of antimony), 17.8 of sulphuretted hydrogen, and 11 or 12 of sulphur. The theory of its formation is somewhat intricate. In boiling the sulphuret of aatimony with the potash, a sulphuret of pot- ash is formed, and this decomposing part ofthe water, a sulphuretted hy- drosulphuret of potash, that is, a compound of potash, sulphur and sulphu- retted hydrogen, is also produced ; the antimony appears to be at the same time oxidated, probably by the sulphuretted hydrogen acting as a weak acid, and by a disposing affinity enabling it to attract part ofthe oxygen ofthe wa- ter. This oxide is retained in solution by the sulphuretted hydrosulphuret of potash. When sulphuric acid is added, it unites with the potash ; a little of the sulphuretted hydrogen is disengaged with effervescence, .and the antimonial oxide, combined with the remaining sulphuretted hydrogen and with the sulphur, is precipitated. The compound, therefore, is a sulphu- retted hydrosulphuret of oxide of antimony, or a compound of oxide of an- timony, sulphur and sulphuretted hydrogen, as stated above. The name given to it in the Pharmacopoeias does not at all express its real nature. It was formerly, from its colour, named Golden Sulphur of Antimony. When the liquor obtained by boiling the solution of potash on the sul- phuret of antimony is strained, and allowed to cool, it deposites a red-co- loured powder, which has been known by the name of Kermes Mineral, and has been much used on the Continent. From the analysis of it by Thenard, it appears to be a compound of brown oxide of antimony, and sulphuretted hydrogen, with a small portion of sulphur ; the proportions being 73 of oxide of antimony, 20 of sulphuretted hydrogen, and 4 of sul- phur ; the last, as Thenard supposes, being accidental. Trommsdorff attributes the difference between these two preparations to the one essen- tially containing sulphur combined with the oxide of antimony and sulphu- retted hydrogen, the other not. Thenard ascribes it rather to a differ- ence of oxygenation, the oxide in the kermes being less highly oxidated than in the other ; but as both can be obtained from the same solution, either as we allow it merely to cool, or as we add sulphuric acid, which cannot change the state of oxidation, this is not probable, while the differ- ence in the proportion of sulphur must, from the nature of the process, necessarily exist; for, in the one case, the oxide can be combined only with those portions of sulphur and sulphuretted hydrogen which it can at- tract, while in the other, the sulphur precipitated by the addition of the acid must be also added to it. The kermes mineral is probably therefore essentially a compound of oxide of antimony and sulphuretted hydrogen, with a small and variable proportion of sulphur. The one preparation, the Kermes Mineral, may be distinguished, though not perfectly correct- ly, by the name Hydrosulphuretum Oxidi Antimonii Rubrum ; the other by that of Hydrosulphuretum Oxidi Antimonii Luteum. The quantity of both products, from a given weight of sulphuret of antimony, may be con- siderably increased by adding a portion of sulphur, and increasing the quantity of alkali, the proportion of sulphur in the native sulphuret not being sufficient to render the whole of the metal soluble, and a quantity of it, therefore, without this addition, remaining undissolved. These preparations agree nearly in their medicinal qualities, which are similar to those of the other antimonials. They have been used princi- pally as diaphoretics and sudorifics, but are always uncertain in their ope- 54 426 preparations of antimony. ration, and in this country are scarcely used. The dose of the precipi- tatedsulphuret of antimony, as it is named, is, five or six grains, that of the Kermes may be the same. Tartras Antimonii, olim Tartarus Emeticus. Tartrate of Antimony, formerly Tartar Emetic. Ed. " Take of Sulphuret of Antimony, Nitrate of Potash, of each equal weights; Supertartrate of Potash, as much as may be necessary. The Sulphuret and Nitrate being separately triturated, are to be well mixed, and then thrown into a red hot crucible. When the deflagration has finish- ed, separate the red matter from the white crust, and rub it down to a very fine powder, which is to be washed several times with warm water, arid then dried. " Equal weights of this powder and the supertartrate of potash are to be triturated together, and the mixture boiled for an hour in a glass vessel, with four times its weight of distilled water ; then strain it through paper, and set aside the strained solution so as to form crystals." Amtimonium Tartarizatum. Tartarized Antimony. Lond. " Take of Sulphuret of Antimony in powder, two ounces ; Nitrate of Potash, an ounce ; Supertartrate of Potash, two ounces ; Sulphuric Acid by weight, two ounces ; Distilled Water, a pint and a half. Mix the acid with the water in a proper glass vessel, and apply heat by a sand-bath. When it is moderately heated, add gradually the sulphuret and the nitrate mixed together ; then strain, and boil until all the water is dissipated. Wash the residuum with distilled water until it is tasteless, and while it is still humid mix it with the supertartrate of potash, and throw it into a pint of distilled water ; lastly, boil down the liquor, and put it aside that crys- tals may form." Tartarum Antimoniatum, sive Emeticum. Antimoniated or Emetic Tar- tar. Dub. " Take of Nitromuriatic Oxide of Antimony j two ounces ; Crystals of Tartar in very fine powder, two ounces and a half; Distilled Water, eigh- teen ounces. Cause the water to boil in a glass vessel, then throw into it gradually the oxide and tartar previously mixed together, and boil for half an hour ; strain the liquor through paper, and let it cool slowly that crys- tals may form." The excess of tartaric acid in the supertartrate of potash, is capable of combining with a number of metallic oxides, and of forming ternary com- pounds. With oxide of antimony, when not too highly oxidated, it unites with facility, forming a combination of this kind, which constitutes the pre- sent preparation. In all the processes, the tartaric acid ofthe supertar- trate dissolves a portion x>f the oxide of antimony, and a triple compound of oxide, acid and potash crystallizes ; it is not therefore a tartrate of an- timony, but a tartrate of antimony and potash, and the name given to it in the Pharmacopoeias is chemically incorrect, and is so without any necessi- ty. Tartras Antimonii et Potassae is its proper appellation. According to the analysis of it by Thenard, it consists of 38 parts of oxide of antimony, 34 of tartaric acid, 16 of potash, and 8 of water ; or stating it in another mode, 34 of tartrate of potash, 54 tartrate of antimony, and 8 of water. It is liable, however, to vary in the proportion of its constituent princi- ples, according to the process by which it has been prepared. These processes have been very various, this being the most important of all the antimonials, and having therefore much engaged the attention of preparations of antimony. 427 chemists. The principal object of their researches has been to obtain an oxide, not too expensive in its preparation, which shall combine easily with the tartaric acid. The oxide precipitated by potash from muriate of anti- mony was recommended by Bergman, and ordered in a former edition of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, but was liable to the former objection, being obtained by a process somewhat difficult and expensive, and hence not be- ing employed by the apothecary. The brown oxide prepared by deflagra- tion of sulphuret of antimony with nitre, the Crocus of antimony as it is named, has therefore been substituted. As the Crocus is not ordered as a separate process in the last edition ofthe Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, it will be proper to state the theory of the first part of the process in this place. During the deflagration, the nitric acid ofthe nitrate of potash is decom- posed, and its oxygen is attracted, partly by the sulphur and partly by the antimony. The sulphurous acid, which is the principal product of the oxygenation of the sulphur is in part dissipated, and in a part combined with the potash ; and with a little sulphuric acid likewise produced, forms the white crust which is directed to be removed. By the union of another portion of the oxygen with the antimony, a brown or red dish oxide is formed. It appears also that part of the sulphuret of an- timony escapes decomposition or oxygenation, and remains combined with the oxide, in the proportion of about two parts to eight; or rather, per- haps, the oxide retains a little sulphur combined with it. The prepara- tion therefore is an imperfect oxide of antimony with sulphur or sulphuret of antimony. It is of a brick red colour: what is to be found in the shops is of a grey colour, and is usually prepared very improperly, with diminished proportion of nitre. This preparation, however, is liable to several objections. The crocus of antimony of the shops, which in general will be used by the apotheca- ry, is usually prepared by the trading chemist, and the fraud has become common of preparing it without the due proportion of nitre, so that it is not sufficiently oxidated to be easily soluble in the tartaric acid. Even when it is properly prepared, its state of aggregation, as Mr. Phillips has ' remarked, prevents it from being dissolved so as to saturate the tartaric acid, unless it be reduced to a very fine powder by levigation, which ren- ders the process expensive. The submuriate of antimony is free from these objections ; and the pro- cess introduced by the Dublin College is designed to afford it by a method more easy of execution, than the method recommended by Bergman. It is said to succeed sufficiently, and the principal objection to it is the ex- pense incurred in the previous process of the preparation of the oxide, from the large quantity of muriatic acid employed. The London College had adopted this process, but with some variations, which rendered its success altogether precarious. The circumstance prin- cipally affecting the result was increasing the proportion of nitric acid very considerably, one fluidounce being employed instead of one fluidrachm. The effect of this seemed to be causing too high a degree of oxidation of the metal, so that the oxide was not capable of being dissolved by the acid, and in practice it was found to be so difficult of execution, and so much influenced by circumstances, as often entirely to fail. It has therefore been discarded ; that inserted in its place was proposed by Mr. Hume. The antimony of the sulphuret is oxidated, probably principally by the agency of the nitrous acid disengaged from the nitre by the sulphuric acid, and this oxide, after being freed from the saline matter by washing with water, 423 preparations of antimony. is combined with the excess of tartaric acid of the supertartrate in the subsequent boiling. The process is said to afford an emetic tartar of good quality. Some chemists have considered another oxide, the vitrified oxide or glass of antimony, as the one best adapted to the preparation of emetic tartar; as being always in a proper state of preparation, not expensive, and being capable of saturating the tartaric acid ofthe supertartrate. It was accord- ingly recommended by Dr. Black. The principal objection to it is, that it contains a portion of siliceous earth, which enters with the oxide of an- timony into combination with the tartaric acid, and when the liquor is eva- porated, gives to it a gelatinous consistence, and prevents the crystalliza- tion. This, however, scarcely forms a just objection; for it is always proper in the crystallization of this salt not to carry the evaporation of its solution too far. The crystallization itself appears to produce a division in the principles ofthe combination, the crystals which form first contain- ing more oxide of antimony than those produced by a farther evaporation, and there remaining at length an uncrystallizable liquid, in which there appears to be an excess of potash combined with the acid and a portion of oxide. As the silex, therefore, does not impede the first crystallization, and as any further crystallization ought not to be attempted, its presence can scarcely be regarded as injurious, and the vitrified oxide is perhaps the best on the whole that can be employed. Another source of diversity in the preparation of emetic tartar, to which all the methods are liable, is the extent to which the solution is evaporat- ed, to cause it to crystallize ; the farther the evaporation is carried, more ofthe potash entering into the composition ofthe crystals, and the crys- tals obtained by a second crystallization, when this is practised, being from this cause of a different composition from those of the first. Some de- gree of impurity is produced also from the presence of tartrate of lime in the supertartrate of potash; it crystallizes when the excess of tartaric acid is neutralized by the antimonial oxide, and forms the groups of acicu- lar crystals diverging from a common centre, which often appear in the crystallized mass. One advantage of employing submuriate of antimony in the preparation, it is remarked by Mr. Phillips, is, preventing this in- termixture of tartrate of lime, the lime being retained by the muriatic acid. These observations shew the difficulty of preparing this salt, so as to obtain a uniform product, and how desirable it is that a proper process should be selected, affording a product as nearly as possible of the same strength as that to which practitioners have been accustomed, and which all the colleges should adopt. Tartrate of antimony and potash crystallizes in small triedral pyramids, which are efflorescent. Its solubility has been variously stated, and ap- pears to vary according to the quantity of antimonial oxide contained in it. On an average, it is soluble in fifteen parts water at 60°. According to Dr. Saunders, one ounce of water at 60° dissolves fifty-two grains ofthe fully saturated salt; while of that generally met with, it dissolves from thirty-two to thirty-five. This affords a mode of judging of the strength of this preparation. It is very susceptible of decomposition, suffering it not only from alkalis, earths, acids, and a number of neutral salts, but even from vegetable infusions and decoctions, the vegetable matter attracting ap- parently part of the oxygen ofthe oxide,—decompositions the occurrence of which requires to be guarded against in extemporaneous prescription. If kept dissolved in water, it is decomposed, from the spontaneous decom- position ofthe tartaric acid. preparations of antimony. 429 This preparation is superior to the other antimonials, in the certainty of its operation, at least as an emetic, and from its solubility is more ma- nageable with regard to dose. Its medicinal applications have been alrea- dy noticed. It is given as an emetic in a dose of from one to three grains, dissolved in water, and, in smaller doses, as an expectorant and diaphoretic. Vinum Tartratis Antimonii. Wine of Tartrate of Antimony. Ed. " Take of Tartrate of Antimony, twenty-four grains ; White Spanish Wine, one pound. Mix, so that the tartrate of antimony may be dissolved." Antimonial Wine, as it was named, was formerly prepared by macerat- ing white wine on the vitrified oxide of autimouy in powder, the tartaric acid ot the wine dissolving a portion of the oxi e, so that the wine ac- quired the povvers of an antimoni.n preparation. It was liable to be va- riable in strength, lrom the proportion of uciu m the wine not being uni- form. The present preparation was therefore substituted for it. It may be doubted, however, whether it is properly officinal, i he salt, dis- solved in wine, can indeed be preserved longer without decomposition than when dissolved in water ; but stifl, on long keeping, part ofthe an- timonial oxide is deposited. It is given as an emetic in the dose of one ounce ; as a diaphoretic, in a dose of one or two drachms. Liquor Antimonii 1 artarizati. Solution of Tartarized Antimony, Lond. " Take of Tartarized Antimony, a scruple ; Boiling Distilled Water, four fluidounces ; Wine, six fluidounces. Dissolve the tartarized anti- mony in the boiling distilled water ; then add the wine." A preparation similar to this in a former edition of the London Pharma- copoeia contained four grains of tartrate of antimony and potash in an ounce of wine. The proportion is now reduced to one half, and it is thus with advantage rendered ofthe same strength as the analogous preparation in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, and more similar in strength also to the old antimonial wine. The dilution of the wine renders it a little more economical, but it may have the disadvantage of admitting more readily of the decomposition ofthe metallic salts. Antimonii Oxydum. Oxide of Antimony. Lond. " Take of Tartarized Antimony, an ounce ; Subcarbonate of Ammonia. two drachms ; Distilled water, a sufficient quantity Dissolve the salts separately in the water ; then mix the solutions and boil until the oxide of antimony is thrown down : the liquor being poured from it, wash and dry it." The ammonia combines with the tartaric acid, and precipitates the ox- ide of antimony. The principal object which has rendered it desirable to have an easy process for procuring a pure oxide of antimony is, that it might be employ- ed in the preparation of tartrate of antimony : with this view, therefore, it would be absurd to procure it from the tartrate of antimony itself. There is no medicinal use to which any oxide of this kind has been applied ; and for any pharmaceutical purpose it would be too expensive. Oxydum Antimonii Nitromuriaticum. Nitromuriatic Oxide of Antimo- ny. Dub. " Take of Prepared Sulphuret of Antimony, two ounces ; Muriatic Acid bv measure, eleven ounces : Nitrous Acid by measure, one drachm. Add 430 preparations of antimony. the sulphuret gradually to the acids, previously mixed in a glass vessel, avoiding the vapours ; then digest with a heat gradually raised until the mixture cease to effervesce ; lastly, boil for an hour. Strain the liquor when cold, and receive it strained in a gallon of water ; the oxide of an- timony is precipitated; wash it with a sufficient quantity of water, until the decanted liquor appear by the test of litmus to be free from acid ; last- ly, dry the oxide on bibulous paper." It has been an object of considerable importance in Pharmacy, to pro- cure a pure oxide of antimony in a loose state of aggregation, which might be employed in the preparation of soaie ofthe other antimonials, particu- larly the tartrate of antimony and potash. With this view, this process was introduced into the Dublin Pharmacopoeia. Muriatic acid acts very feebly on antimony, not being capable of communicating to it oxygen di- rectly, and the affinity of the metal to thi-principle not being sufficiently strong as to be able, even when aided by the resulting affinity ofthe acid, to decompose water. By the addition of nitric acid, the oxidation and so- lution are more easily effected, the nitric acid yielding oxygen to the me- tal, and the oxide combining with the muriatic acid : the sulphur of the sulphuret appears to suffer little change. The strained liquor, therefore, is a muriate of antimony, and by adding to this a large quantity of water, the greater part ofthe acid is abstracted, and the oxide, retaining a small por- tion of acid in combination, is precipitated. The principal objection to this process is its being too expensive, from the large quantity of muriatic acid employed, in proportion to the quantity of antimony. The London College adopted this formula, but altered the proportions, so as altogether to defeat the success ofthe process, employing a fluidounce of nitric acid, instead of a drachm by measure ; this rendered the action so violent, that the operation could scarcely be conducted, the extrication of offensive vapours being so rapid, and the materials, by the violence ofthe efferves- cence, being sometimes even thrown from the vessel. Part of the sul- phur too of the sulphuret appeared to be acted on, and brought into a state in which it is not easily separated from the oxidated antimony ; and the precipitated oxide could not be used in the preparation of emetic tar- tar, for which it was designed. The process, therefore, has been thrown out from the late edition of the London Pharmacopoeia. The product ofthe process of the Dublin College is not, strictly speak- ing, an oxide of antimony. The precipitate thrown down from muriate of antimony by water was long ago shown by Rouelle to be a submuriate ; the water, by its affinity to the acid, abstracting the greater portion of it ; but the oxide still, in conformity to the law which usually regulates these decompositions, retaining a portion of the acid combined. To remove the acid more effectually, the London College, in following the formula, ordered the precipitation to be effected by subcarbonate of potash. Even in this way. however, it is not entirely abstracted ; it would he more ef- fectually so, if the precipitate thrown down by water were submitted to the action of the subcarbonate of potash dissolved in water. But this is scarcely necessary, and there is even reason to believe, that, for the pur- pose to which this oxide is designed to be applied, that of preparing eme- tic tartar, the presence of a little muriatic acid, instead of being detrimen- tal, is useful. This preparation is not designed for internal administration, but for the preparation of other antimonials, particularly that of the tartrate of anti- mony and potash. Its application to this has been already noticed. preparations of silver, 431 ARGENTUM.—SILVER. NitRas Argenti. Nitrate of Silver. Ed. " Take ofthe Purest Silver, extended in plates and cut, one part; Di- luted Nitrous acid, two parts ; Distilled water, one part. Dissolve the sil- ver in the acid and water previously mixed in a phial with a gentle heat and evaporate the solution to dryness. The mass being put into a large crucible, let this be placed on the fire, which must be at first gentle, arid gradually increased until the matter flow like oil. Then pour it into iron pipes, heated and rubbed with grease. Lastly, keep it in a glass vessel well stopt." Argenti Nitras. Nitrate of Silver. Lond. " Take of Silver an ounce ; Nitric Acid, a fluidounce ; Distilled water, two fluidounces. Mix the nitric acid with the water, arid dissolve the sil- ver in it in a sand-bath, and gradually increase the heat, that the nitrate of silver may be dried. Melt in a crucible, with a gentle heat, until the wa- ter being expelled, ebullition ceases ; then immediately pour it into pro- per moulds." Nitras Argenti. Nitrate of Silver. Dub. " Take of Silver in thin plates and cut. Nitrous Acid, each an ounce : Distilled Water, two ounces. Put the silver into a glass vessel, placed on sand, and pour on it the acid previously diluted with the water. By a heat gradually increased dissolve the metal, and evaporate the liquor to dry- ness. The residual matter being put into a crucible, melt it with a gentle heat; lastly, pour it into proper moulds, and keep it in a glass vessel well stopt." The silver in this process is oxidated and dissolved by the nitrous acid. By the subsequent fusion, a considerable part of the acid is expelled, so that the product has been supposed to be rather a subnitrate than anitrate of silver ; but as an excess of acid is used, this may not be the case. The metal ought to be free from all alloy of copper, which gives to the prepa- ration a green colour, and renders it more deliquescent. The product is a powerful escharotic, and has the advantage of being easily applied, and eonfined, and of acting quickly. It h therefore the one in general use for the common purposes for which escharotics are employed, especially where the effect designed to be obtained is to be merely superficial. ARSENICUM.—ARSENIC. Solutio Arsenicalis. Solution of Arsenic. Ed. " Take of Oxide of Arsenic reduced to a very fine powder, Pure Sub- carbonate of Potash, of each sixty-four grains ; Distilled Water, fourteen ounces. Boil in a ^,iss vessel on a slow fire, until the whole oxide be dissolved, and when cool, add Compound Spirit of Lavender, half an ounce ; Distilled Water, as much as will make the whole liquor amount to sixteen ounces." Liquor Arsenicalis. Arsenical Solution. Lond. " Take of Sublimed Oxide of Arsenic, rubbed to a very fine powder, Subcarbonate of Potash from Tartar, of each sixty-four grains ; Distilled Water, a pint. Boil them together in a glass vessel until the arsenic is entirely dissolved. To the solution when cold, add Compound Spirit of 4iJ2 preparations of arsenic. Lavender, four fluidrachms : then add as much Distilled Water as may be necessary to make up the measure of a pint." The substance named Oxide of Arsenic has by some chemists been con- sidered as an acid, and named Araenious Acid. It is not, like the greater number of oxides, insipid and insoluble in water, but has a sharp taste, and is soluble in not more than 80 parts of cold, and 15 of boiling water. It reddens the more delicate vegetable colours, particularly the infusion of litmus, and it combines with the alkalis. The alkaline properties, how- ever, do not appear to be neutralized in these combinations ; and it even neutralizes, as Berthollet affirms, the acids in combining with them. Hence, on the whole, it is to be regarded as an oxide in a high degree of oxidation. By combination with potash it becomes more soluble in water ; and to render the solution of it perfect, and obtain it in a form in which its dose can be easily regulated, is the object of the present process. The formula was introduced by Fowler, as giving a substitute for the arsenical preparation known under the name of Tasteless Ague Drop. Each ounce of the solution contains four grains ofthe oxide. The dose is four drops three times a-day, as a remedy in intermittent fever given with the pre- cautions which have been pointed out under its medical history. The spirit of lavender is designed to communicate colour and flavour ; but it would have been better to have added some other tincture, the flavour of which is less commonly known, and the taste less grateful, so as to have guarded against the possibility ofthe solution being incautiously swallowed. Arsenici Oxydum Sublimatum. Sublimed Oxide of Arsenic. Lond. " Triturate Oxide of Arsenic into powder f then put it into a crucible, and applying heat, sublime it into another crucible placed over the former." Oxide of Arsenic is usually obtained by sublimation from the ores of cobalt in which it is contained, and which are roasted with the view of ob- taining the oxide of cobalt for the purposes to which it is applied in the arts. The arsenical oxide is collected in the chimney and flues of the fur- nace ; it is impure, but is usually purified by sublimation before it is brought to the shops, and is in the state either of a solid cake or a powder. Oxide of arsenic is a substance so very active, that any foreign matter it can contain in this state can be of no importance, and the present process is altogether superfluous. Its properties and medicinal applications have been already considered. Arsenias Kali. Arseniate of Potash. Dub. " Take of White Oxide of Arsenic, Nitrate of Potash, each one ounce. Reduce them separately to powder ; then put them mixed together into a glass retort, placed in a sand-bath, and apply heat, raising it gradually until the bottom of the retort is obscurely red. The vapours which arise should, by an apparatus adapted to that purpose, be transmitted through distilled water, mat the nitrous acid disengaged by the heat may be con- densed. Dissolve the residual matter in four pounds of boiling distilled water, and after due evaporation put it aside, that crystals may form." Arsenic, by a high degree of oxygenation, acquires unequivocally the properties of an acid. 1 his acid, the Arsenic as it is named, is formed by distilling the nitrous acid from the oxide of arsenic, the nitrous acid yield- ing to the oxide the requisite proportion of oxygen. The same change is produced by the present process ; the nitric acid of the nitre being de- composed, the oxide of arsenic acquiring from it as much oxygen as con- PREPARATIONS OF cuPPek, 4Jo Verts it into arsenic acid, and this acid remaining combined with the pot- ash ofthe nitre. The residual mass, therefore, when a sufficient degree of heat has been applied to expel or decompose the nitrous acid, is arse- niate of potash. This salt is very soluble in water, and crystallizable. By evaporation of its solution it is obtained in large regular crystals, their fi- gure being a tetraedral prism : in this form, and as obtained by this process, the salt has generally a slight excess of acid : when perfectly neutral, it does not crystallize so easily. Under this form, as well as under that of the preceding preparation, arsenic has been employed as a remedy in intermittent fever, and in some cutaneous diseases. The dose is from one-sixteenth to one-eighth of a grain ofthe crystallized salt. It does not appear to have any advantage, however, over the more simple preparation. CUPRUM.-COPPER. Ammoniaretum Cupri. Ammoniuret of Copper. Ed. " Take of pure Sulphate of Copper, two.parts ; Subcarbonate of ammo- nia, three parts. Rub them thoroughly in a glass mortar, until all effer- vescence is finished, and they unite uniformly into a violet-coloured mass, which being wrapt in bibulous paper, is to be dried, first on a chalk stone, and afterwards with a gentle heat. It is to be kept in a glass phial well stopt." Cuprum Ammoniatum. Ammoniated Copper. Lond. " Take of Sulphate of Copper, half an ounce ; of Subcarbonate of Am- monia, six drachms. Rub them together in a glass mortar, until efferves- cence cease ; then dry the ammoniated copper wrapt up in bibulous paper with a gentle heat." Cuprum Ammoniatum. Ammoniated copper. Dub. " Take of Sulphate of Copper, an ounce ; Carbonate of Ammonia, an ounce and a half. Beat them together in an earthen mortar until all effer- vescence cease, and they unite into a mass, which being wrapt up in bi- bulous paper is to be dried, and kept in a phial closed with aglassstopper." The sulphate of copper is decomposed by the carbonate of ammonia. One portion of ammonia combines with the sulphuric acid ; another por- tion of it unites with the oxide ©f copper, and the violet-coloured mass which is formed is a mixture ofthe two resulting compounds ; or perhaps, what is more probable, the sulphuric acid is in combination with the two bases, forming a ternary compound ; the water of the two salts renders the new compound, when it is formed, soft or moist; hence the necessity of drying it: the carbonic acid is disengaged with effervescence. The preparation is of a dark-blue colour, which it retains when dried. It has been chiefly employed as a remedy in epilepsy. It is given in a dose of at first half a grain twice a-day, which is slowly increased to two or three grains, and continued for some time ; and for internal administration, it has the advantage, over the salts of copper, of being less liable to excite vo- miting. Liquor Cupri Ammoniati. Solution of Ammoniated Copper. Lond. " Take of Ammoniuret of Copper, a drachm ; Distilled Water, a pint. Dissolve the ammoniuret of copper in the water, and filter the solution through paper." 434 PREPARATIONS OF IRON'. This is a simpler mode of obtaining a preparation which had a place in the Pharmacopoeias, and used to be obtained by an indirect mode given in the following formula, which retains its place in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia. The quantity of ammonia, however, is not sufficient to retain the whole oxide of copper dissolved in this large quantity of water ; hence a portion ofthe oxide is precipitated. Aqua Cupri Ammoniati. Water of Ammoniated Copper. Dub. " Take of Lime Water, eight ounces ; Muriate of Ammonia, two scru- ples ; Prepared Verdigrease, four grains. Mix them together, and digest for twenty-four hours ; then pour off the pure liquor." In this indirect mode of combining oxide of copper with ammonia, the lime decomposes the muriate of ammonia, by combining with the mu- riatic acid, and the disengaged ammonia combines with the oxide of copper of the verdigrease, forming a dilute solution of ammoniuretted oxide of cop- per. The preparation is therefore essentially the same with that of the preceding formula. It has been applied, diluted with an equal part of water, as a mild escharotic, to remove specks from the cornea, and sometimes, in its undiluted state, as a stimulant and escharotic to ulcers. Solutio Sulphatis Cupri Composita. Compound Solution of Sulphate of Copper. Ed. " Take of Sulphate of Copper, Sulphate of Alumine, of each three ounces ; Water, two pounds ; Sulphuric Acid, one ounce and a half. Boil the sulphates in water, that they may be dissolved ; then to the liquor strained through paper add the acid." This is a combination of powerful astringents. It has been applied to- pically to check haemorrhage, and, largely diluted with water, as a wash in purulent ophthalmia. FERRUM.—IRON. Limatura Ferri Purificata. Purified Filings of Iron. Ed. " A sieve being placed over the filings, let a magnet be applied, that the filings may be drawn through the sieve upwards." The iron, from the facility with which it is attracted by the magnet, is by this operation obtained pure, the interposition of the sieve in a great measure preventing particles of other metals, or impurities which are mix- ed with iron-filings got from the workshops, from being entangled in the cluster which adheres to the magnet. The process, though not always attended to in the shops, is a necessary one, where iron is to be medicin- ally employed in this form, or is to serve for other preparations of this metal. Subcarbonas Ferri Pr^eparatus. Prepared Subcarbonate of Iron. Ed. "jjPurified Filings of Iron are to be frequently moistened with water till they fall into rust, which is to be rubbed to a fine powder." Ferri Rubigo. Rust of Iron. Dub. " Take of Iron Wire, any quantity ; cut it into small parts, which being exposed to the air, moisten frequently with water until they pass into rust; then rub them in an iron mortar, and by the affusion of water, wash away the finest powder ; which dry." PREPARATIONS OF IRON. 435 During exposure to air and moisture, iron is oxidated, and this oxide is found to be combined with carbonic acid, absorbed probably from the at- mosphere ; it is not a carbonate, however, but a subcarbonate : As a cha- lybeate it is rather more active than the pure metal, and more mild than the other saline combinations of iron. Its dose is from 10 to 20 grains. In a large dose it is liable to occasion uneasiness at the stomach. As an ex- ternal application it has been employed in cancerous ulceration, the levi- gated powder being formed into a paste with water : this is spread over the surface of the sore, and is removed every twelve hours : its efficacy in real cancer is very doubtful; but in some forms of ulceration it appears to mitigate the pain, correct the acrimony and foetor of the discharge, and cause the ulcer to heal. Its operation is promoted by its internal exhibi- tion in the usual dose. Ca«rbonas Ferri Prjecipitatus. Precipitated Carbonate of Iron. Ed. " Take of Sulphate of Iron, four ounces; Subcarbonate of Soda, five ounces ; Water, ten pounds. Dissolve the sulphate of iron in the water ; then add the subcarbonate of soda, previously dissolved in a sufficient quan- tity of water, and mix them well together. Let the carbonate of iron which is precipitated, be washed with warm water, and afterwards dried." Ferri Subcarbonas. Subcarbonate of Iron. Lond. " Take of sulphate of Iron, eight ounces ; Subcarbonate of Soda, six ounces; Boiling Water, a gallon ; dissolve separately the sulphate of iron and subcarbonate of soda in four pints of the water ; mix the liquor toge- ther, and put aside, that the powder may subside ; then having poured off the liquor above, wash the subcarbonate of iron with warm water, and having wrapt it up in blotting paper, dry it with a gentle heat." Carbonas ferri. Carbonate of Iron. Dub. " Take of Sulphate of Iron, four ounces ; Subcarbonate of Soda, five ounces ; Water, ten pints. Dissolve the sulphate of iron in the water ; then add the soda previously dissolved in a sufficient quantity of water, and mix them together. Wash the carbonate of iron which is precipitat- ed with tepid water, and afterwards dry it." On mixing the solutions of subcarbonate of soda and sulphate of iron, the soda attracts the sulphuric acid ; the carbonic acid in whole or in part combines with the oxide of iron ; the sulphate of soda remains in solution ; the carbonate of iron is precipitated. It is to be remarked, however, with regard to this, and all the saline combinations of iron, that the metal enters into them in different states of oxidation. There is one oxide, the black, nearly at the minimum, containing, according to Lavoisier's estimate, 27 of oxygen in 100, which forms one order of salts; there is another, the red oxide, at the maximum, which, according to Proust, contains 0.48, which is the base of another series of saline compounds, and between these are probably intermediate combinations. In the present process, the sulphate of iron which is employed containing the metal in the low state of oxida- tion, it is this oxide which combines with the carbonic acid ; but the com- pound attracts very speedily oxygen from the atmospheric air, so as to pass to a higher state of oxidation, and it appears at the same time to lose the greater part of its carbonic acid. From these changes the precipitate of carbonate of iron, in washing and drying, changes its colour, from a dark green to a reddish-brown. It differs ultimately, therefore, in little from the rust of iron, except that it may be purer. Both are probably subcar- bonates, and the quantity of carbonic acid appears even to be inconsidera 456 preparations of iro:>. ble. Subcarbonate of potash is more economical than carbonate of soda in producing the precipitate, and it gives also a larger quantity, as the excess of carbonic acid derived from the latter retains a portion of the product dissolved. For the same reason it is advantageous to mingle the solutions warm. On the other hand, the precipitate by carbonate of soda contains a larger quantity of carbonic acid. Carbonate of iron, containing the metal at a low state of oxidation, is a mild and not inactive preparation, preferable to the common carbonate or rust, as sitting easier on the stomach. The formula of Griffith, which has been celebrated as a chalybeate, it has been remarked, is a preparation of this kind : and as introduced into the London Pharmacopoeia, under the name of Mistura Ferri Composita, has been considered. It is as an ex- temporaneous preparation (in which only it is obtained at the low state of oxidation) that it ought to be used ; and in the state in which it is obtained by the present process, it has probably little advantage over the rust of iron. Oxidum Ferri Nigrum Purificatum. Purified Black Oxide of Iron. Ed. " Let the Scales of Black Oxide of Iron, which are found at the anvils of the workmen, be placed in contact with the magnet, so that the more pure and thin scales may be attracted by it." Oxidum ferri nigrum. Black Oxide of Iron. Dub. " Purify the Scales of Oxide of Iron which are found at the anvils of the workmen, by applying a magnet; then reduce them into powder, of which the finer particles are to be separated in the manner directed in the preparation of chalk." The scales of iron are the fragments struck from the metal when it is heated red hot. Passing through the atmosphere, at this temperature, they are oxidated, but so imperfectly, as to retain their magnetic quality, and therefore admit of this mode of purification by the magnet. They are used in making some ofthe other chalybeate preparations. Sulphas Ferri. Sulphate of Iron. Ed. " Take of Purified Filings of Iron, six ounces ; Sulphuric Acid, eight ounces; Water, two pounds and a half. Mix them ; and the efferves- cence being over, digest for a short time in a sand-bath ; then strain the liquor through paper, and, after due evaporation, put it aside that crystals may form." Ferri Sulphas. Sulphate of Iron. Lond. " Take of Iron, of Sulphuric Acid, each eight ounces ; of Water, four pints. Mix the sulphuric acid with the water in a glass vessel, and add to them the iron ; then, when the effervescence has ceased, strain the li- quor through paper, and evaporate it, so that, when it cools, crystals may form. Having poured off the water, dry these on bibulous paper." Sulphas Ferri. Sulphate of Iron. Dub. " Take of Iron-Wire, two ounces ; Sulphuric Acid, three ounces and a half; Water, a pint. Mix the acid slowly with the water in a glass ves- sel ; add gradually the iron-wire cut down ; digest the mixture so as to dissolve the metal, and strain the liquor through paper ; lastly, after due evaporation, put it aside, so that by slow cooling crystals may form." Iron decomposes water very slowly at a low temperature, but when aided by the action of sulphuric acid the decomposition goes on rapidly. The effect in this case may be ascribed, according to the doctrine of dis- posing affinity, to the concurrent affinities of the iron to oxygen, of the PREPARATIONS OF IRON. 437 acid or rather the base of the acid to oxygen, and of the acid to iron. These co-operating prevail over the single affinity of the oxygen to the hydrogen ofthe water : the water therefore is decomposed ; its oxygen, the iron and the acid unite, and the hydrogen is disengaged in the elastic form. The iron in this combination is at a low state of oxidation, the minimum nearly ; and the salt which it forms is the Green Sulphate of Iron, so named, to distinguish it from the Red Sulphate, in which the me- tal is more highly oxidated. This green sulphate is prepared for the va- rious purposes to which it is applied in the arts, on a large scale, by ex- posing native sulphuret of iron to air and moisture ; by the absorption of oxygen, the iron is oxidated, the sulphur is converted into sulphuric acid, and by lixiviation the sulphate of iron is extracted. By the present pro- cess it is. obtained in a purer state, and fitter therefore for medicinal use. Its crystals are of a light green colour; the residual liquor, by a second evaporation, affords crystals of a darker green, in which the metal ap- pears to exist more highly oxidated. In the shops there is often substi- stuted for this salt the common green vitriol, purified by a second crys- tallization, a tittle acid having been added to the solution, to dissolve any excess of oxide. Sulphate of iron is one of the most active preparations of the metal. Its medium dose is from three to five grains : its medicinal applications have been already noticed. The red sulphate, in which the metal is more highly oxidated, appears to be more active. Its preparation and properties have also been stated under the history of iron. Sulphas Ferri Exsiccatus. Dried Sulphate of Iron. Ed. " Take of Sulphate of Iron, any quantity. Heat it in an unglaz ed earthen vessel, on a gentle fire, until it become white and perfectly dry." Sulphas ferri exsiccatum. Dried Sulphate of Iron. Dub. " Take of Sulphate of Iron, any quantity. Render it dry and white by exposing it to a strong heat in an unglazed earthen vessel." This is the sulphate of iron freed from its water of crystallization by the application of heat. It is not medicinally employed, but has a place in the Pharmacopoeia from being used in one or two pharmaceutical pre- parations. Oxidum Ferri Rubrum. Red Oxide* of Iron. Ed. " Let dried Sulphate of Iron be gradually exposed to a violent heat, un- til it is converted into a red coloured matter." Oxidum Ferri Rubrum. Red Oxide of Iron. Dub. " Calcine dried Sulphate of Iron, with a very strong fire, until itis con- verted into a red-coloured matter; wash this, until by the test of litmus the water poured off appears to be free from acid ; dry it on bibulous paper." By an intense heat, sulphate of iron is decomposed ; its acid is partly expelled, and in part suffers decomposition, being evolved in the state of sulphurous acid ; the metal at the same tune becomes more highly oxidat- ed. The red oxide is the residuum. To free it more completely from any adhering acid, the Dublin College order it to be washed with water. It is scarcely medicinally employed, but is used in some pharmaceutical preparations. Sulphuretum Ferri. Sulphuret of Iron. Ed. ' Take ofthe Purified Filings of Iron, three parts : Sublimed Sulphur, 438 PREPARATIONS OF IRON. one part. Mix them, and expose in a covered crucible to a moderate heat, until they form a mass." Sulphuretum Ferri. Sulphuret of Iron. Dub. " Take of Filings of Iron, six ounces ; Sublimed Sulphur, two ounces. Mix them, and then expose in a covered crucible to a moderate heat, un- til they unite." A formula is given for this substance merely because it is necessary in the formation of Hydro-sulphuret of Ammonia. Tinctura Muriatis Ferri. Tincture of Muriate of Iron. Ed. " Take of Purified Black Oxide of Iron, in powder, three ounces ; Mu- riatic Acid, about ten ounces, or as much as may be sufficient to dissolve the powder. Digest with a gentle heat, and, when the powder is dis- solved, add as much alcohol as that there shall be ofthe whole liquor two pounds and a half." Tinctura Ferri Muriatis. Tincture of Muriate of Iron. Lond. " Take of Subcarbonate of Iron, half a pound ; Muriatic Acid, a pint; Rectified Spirit, three pints. On the subcarbonate of iron, in a glass ves- sel, pour the muriatic acid, and agitate them occasionally, for the space of three days. Put aside that the impurities, if there are any, may subside, and having poured the liquor off, add to it the spirit." Tinctura Ferri Muriatis. Tincture of Muriate of Iron. Dub. " Take of Rust of Iron, half a pound ; Muriatic Acid, three pounds ; Rectified Spirit of Wine, three-pints. To the rust, put into a glass vessel, add the acid, and agitate occasionally during three days. Put aside, that the impurities may subside, and pour off the clear liquor. Reduce this b) slow evaporation to a pint, and when cold add the spirit." Iron, in combining with acids, it has already been remarked, unites with them in different degrees of oxidation ; and when at the two extremes, or the minimum and maximum, forms with the same acid very different salts. This is well displayed in its combination with muriatic acid. When me- tallic iron is dissolved in the acid, the solution is of a pale green colour, and affords crystals of a similar colour on evaporation This salt is solu- ble in water, but is insoluble in alcohol. When the red oxide or the car- bonate is dissolved in the acid, the solution is of a yellow colour; itis not crystallizable, but by evaporation is reduced to a delinquescent mass ; it is soluble in water, and is abundantly soluble in alcohol. Of course, it must be this salt which forms the basis of the tincture formed by the pre- sent process. In the process, as performed according to the formula of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, the black oxide which is employed com- bines with the muriatic acid, and during the solution acquires more oxy- gen, principally from a partial decomposition of the water, which is pro- moted by the heat applied. The muriate of iron, in which this more per- fect oxide is contained, is soluble in the alcohol, diluted as it is to a cer- tain extent by the water of the acid ; yet even with this, the metal is scarcely sufficiently oxidated to form the salt, which is entirely soluble in alcohol. The tincture formed is of a pale green colour ; and it even sometimes happens, that if the solution of the iron has been slowly per- formed, on adding the alcohol to it, a great part of the salt is precipitated in crystalline grains. But in a short time, from exposure to the air, oxy- gen is absorbed, the colour deepens to a yellow, and the precipitate is dissolved. In the process given in the other Pharmacopoeias, the metal PREPARATIONS OF IRON. 439 ss submitted to the action of the acid in a higher state of oxidation, as it exists in such a state in the rust which is ordered ; and the compound is at once formed, which is soluble in alcohol. It may therefore be suppos- ed to be preferable, as there is some risk ofthe other not being properly prepared, from the tincture being perhaps poured off from the precipitate, instead of being allowed to remain over it until it is dissolved. It appears, however, that the metal may be too highly oxidated to remain in combina- tion with the acid; this tincture always depositing a sediment of oxide when long kept, and this is perhaps more liable to happen when the metal is even at the first in a highly oxidated state. From the proportions in the Dublin formula, the tincture prepared by it must have a considerable excess of acid, and this may prevent any precipitation ofthe oxide. This tincture of muriate of iron is a grateful preparation ; the alcohol appears to suffer some chemical change from the action of the acid and the metallic oxide, the odour becoming ethereal. It is a preparation also highly active. It is given in the diseases in which iron is employed, in a dose of from 10 to 20 drops, largely diluted with water, or, what is more grateful, in wine. If it produce irritation at the stomach, as itis liable to do from its activity, the dose must be diminished. Tinctura Muriatis Ferri cum Oxydo Rubro. Tincture of Muriate of Red Oxide of Iron. Dub. " Take of Red Oxide of Iron, an ounce ; Muriatic Acid, four ounces ; Rectified Spirit of Wine, as much as may be sufficient. Digest the oxide with the acid for twenty-four hours ; then boil for half an hour ; evapo- rate the strained liquor until it attain the consistence of syrup, and when cold, add to it rectified spirit of wine, shaking frequently, until the speci- fic gravity ofthe tincture is to that of distilled water as 1050 to 1000." This tincture being prepared from the red oxide, may be more active than the other ; yet it probable, that the degree of oxidation in the rust of iron is not much inferior, and that the two tinctures will differ little in power. Tartras Potass^ et Ferri. Tartrate of Potash and Iron. Ed. " Take of Purified Filings of Iron, one part; Supertartrate of Potass in powder, two parts ; Water, one part. Triturate them together, and then expose in a shallow earthen vessel to the air for fifteen days, stirring daily with a spatula, and adding water occasionally to preserve the mass moist. Then boil it for a short time in four times its weight of water, and pour off the solution from any impurities. It is then to be evaporated to dryness, by the heat of a water-bath, and after reducing it to powder, pre- serve it in a vessel well closed." Ferrum Tartarisatum. Tartarised Iron. Lond. " Take of Iron, one pound; Supertartrate of Potash in powder, two pounds ; Distilled Water, one pint. Rub them together, and expose the mixture to the air in an open glass vessel for eight days ; then dry it by a sand-bath, and rub it into a very fine powder. Put aside this powder, having again added to it a pint of water, for eight days, then dry it, and rub it into a powder." Tartarum Ferri. Tartar of Iron. Dub. " Take of Carbonate of Iron, half an ounce ; Crystals of Tartar in fine powder, one ounce ; Distilled Water, a pint. Boil them together in a glass vessel, over a slow tire, for an hour, and filtrate the liquor through paper. After it has cooled, and has been filtrated a second time, evaporate it until 440 PREPARATIONS OF IRON. a pellicle appear on its surface. The liquor, by cooling, forms a saline mass, which is to be reduced to powder, and kept in close vessels. " In the formula given by the London College the iron is oxidated, by exposure to air and moisture, and its oxide combines with the excess of acid in the supertartrate of potash, a triple compound resulting; composed of potash, oxide of iron, and tartaric acid, though a considerable portion still remains metallic. It forms a powder of a greenish-brown colour, which attracts moisture from the air, but does not deliquesce. By repeat- ing the trituration and exposure to the air in a humid state, the oxidation ofthe ironls rendered more complete. The preparations ofthe Edinburgh and Dublin College afford the pro- per tartrate of iron and potash, as much ofthe oxide of iron ofthe carbo- nate, as the free tartaric acid ofthe supertartrate of potash requires for sa- turation being dissolved, and the ternary compound being obtained by eva- poration. Both these, and the less perfect analogous compound obtained by the preceding process ofthe London Pharmacopoeia, have been intro- duced as mild, and, at the same time, active preparations of the metal. It is soluble in water, and may therefore be given in a state of solution, and considerably diluted, a form in which the saline preparations of iron al- ways prove less irritating. It is stated, too, by Mr. Phillips, that when the acid ofthe supertartrate is fully saturated with the iron, the taste of the metal is scarcely perceptible : the preparation is therefore less nauseous than other chalybeates in the liquid form. The dose is from five to fifteen grains. The preparation obtained by this formula of the Dublin College has not only been employed in the usual diseases in which iron is prescrib- ed, but has also been recommended as a remedy in dropsy, from the com- bination of its tonic with a diuretic power ; and from its mildness, it is well adapted for administration in scrofula to children in a small dose. Murias Ammonite et Ferri. Muriate of Ammonia and Iron. Ed. " Take of Red Oxide of Iron, washed and again dried, Muriate of Am- monia, of each equal weights. Mix them well together, and sublime by a strong fire, reduce the sublimed mass to powder, and preserve it in ves- sels well corked." Ferrum Ammoniatum. Ammoniated Iron. Lond. " Take of Subcarbonate of Iron, Muriate of Ammonia, each a pound ; mix them thoroughly ; then applying a strong heat, sublime quickly ; lastly, rub into powder." Murias Ammonite et Ferri. Muriate of Ammonia and Iron. Dub. " Take of Red Oxide of Iron, Muriate of Ammonia, each equal weights. Having mixed them well, sublime with a sudden heat sufficiently strong." Oxide of iron decomposes muriate of ammonia, by attracting the muriatic acid, and, in the present process, this decomposition takes place, ammo- niacal gas being exhaled. But from the proportions of the substances employed, part ofthe muriate of ammonia escapes decomposition, is sub- limed by the heat applied, and elevates with it part of the muriate of iron that had been formed; or rather, perhaps, the oxide of iron enters into combination with the acid and part of the ammonia, forming a triple com- pound. Whichever of these is the result, the process is an unscientific mode of obtaining a muriate of iron ; the product, too, is uncertain in strength, more ofthe muriate of iron being sublimed, according as the heat is applied strongly and quickly. The variation introduced by the London College of employing carbonate of iron appears to be improper, as proba- PREPARATIONS OF IRON. 441 bly carbonate of ammonia will be formed and sublimed. Muriate of am- monia and iron is in crystalline grains, of a yellow colour, and somewhat deliquescent. It was principally employed as a remedy in rickets, in a dose to children of two or three grains ; but is now little used. Tinctura Ferri Ammoniati* Ammoniated Tincture of Iron. Lond. " Take of Ammoniated Iron, four ounces ; Proof-spirit, one pint. Di- gest and strain." This solution of the preceding compound is an unnecessary prepara- tion, as it differs little from tincture of muriate of iron, and must be les? certain in strength. Acetas Ferri. Acetate of Iron. Dub. " Take of Carbonate of Iron, half an ounce ; Acetic Acid, three ounces. Digest them for three days, and strain the liquor." In this process, the acetic acid dissolves the iron, and may afford a mild and active chalybeate, probably not differing much in its operation from the tartrate of iron. Tinctura Acetatis Ferri. Tincture of Acetate of Iron. Dub. " Take of Acetate of Potash, two ounces ; Sulphate of Iron, one ounce , Rectified Spirit, two pints. Rub together the acetate of potash, and the sulphate of iron in an earthen mortar, until they unite into a soft mass. Dry this with a moderate heat; rub the dried matter with the spirit; put the mixture into a phial closely corked, and digest for seven days, agitat- ing it frequently ; lastly, pour off the clear liquor from the impurities." Tinctura Acetatis Ferri cum Alcohole. Tincture of Acetate of Iron with Alcohol. Dub. " Take of Acetate of Potash, Sulphate of Iron, each one ounce ; Alco- hol, one pint. Rub the acetate of potash and sulphate of iron in an earthen mortar until they unite into a soft mass ; then dry with a moderate heat, and when cold rub it with the alcohol. Put the mixture into a phial well stopt, and digest for twenty-four hours, shaking occasionally ; lastly, pour off the clear tincture from the impurities." These tinctures are the same, with the difference, unimportant, in the pro- portion of acetate of potash, and the trivial substitution of alcohol for rectified spirit. In the action ofthe two salts the acetic acid will be combined with the oxide of iron, forming acetate of iron, while the sulphuric acid is united with the potash, so as to form sulphate of potash, at least these binary combinations will be rendered more complete by the action of the alcohol added, sul- phate of potash being nearly insoluble in that liquid, while acetate of iron can be dissolved. During the trituration, too, it is probable that the oxide of iron absorbs oxygen from the air ; and the salt formed, therefore, will be the one containing the metal at the higher degree of oxidation, and which alcohol more easily dissolves. The tincture may have the advan- tage over the watery solution of acetate of iron formed by the first process, of being less liable to spontaneous decomposition ; but it is altogether su- perfluous to have two tinctures differing probably in little more than in strength, or indeed to have more than one form of acetate of iron, if there was any necessity for its introduction as an officinal preparation, which is doubtful. The preparations of this metal in the Pharmacopoeias are more numerous than what are required in practice. 442 PREPARATIONS OP QUICKSILVER. Liquor Ferri Ackalini. Alkaline Solution of Iron. Lond. " Take of Iron, two drachms and a half; Nitric Acid, two fluidounces; Distilled Water, six fluidounces ; Solution of Subcarbonate of Potash, six ounces. Pour the acid and the water mingled together on the iron ; and when the effervescence has ceased, pour off the liquor while still acid. Add this gradually, and at intervals, to'the solution of subcarbonate of pot- ash, agitating frequently, until the colour having become of a brownish-red, effervescence is no longer excited. Put them aside for six hours, and then pour off the liquor." This is a preparation, which has long been known under the name of Martial Alkaline Tincture, and the nature of it is not very well ascertain- ed. The iron is oxidated and dissolved by the nitric acid ; and the solu- tion which answers best for its preparation, appears to be that in whieh the metal is in a low state of oxidation, and in which there is an excess of acid : (this is obtained by the solution being effected slowly, and, when in this state, it is of a pale green colour. On adding the solution to the subcarbonate of potash, the alkali saturates a portion of the acid, and the oxide or rather subnitrate of iron is precipitated, but by agitation it is kept suspended, and by the excess of alkali is redissolved, this being accompanied with effer- vescence from the disengagement of part ofthe carbonic acid. If the re- verse mode of adding the alkaline carbonate to the solution of iron is fol- lowed, much of the oxide is precipitated, and is not redissolved even by the excess of alkali. According to this view, the liquid is a ternary com- pound of oxide of iron, nitric acid, and potash. It has often been remark- ed, however, by chemists, that more of the precipitate is redissolved, when carbonate of potash is employed, than when pure potash is used ; and this would lead to the conclusion, that a portion of the carbonic acid »9 likewise retained in the combination, and probably contributes, by its action on the alkali and the oxide, to maintain the state of solution. On standing, a portion of nitre, formed from the union ofthe potash and nitric acid, is deposited, from which the clear liquor is to be poured off; and by this formation of nitre, it is not improbable that the whole, or the greater 4>art ofthe nitric acid, is withdrawn. It will then be a carbonate of pot- ash and iron. Mr. Phillips has remarked, that the proportion of alkaline carbonate ordered by the College is rather too small to retain the oxide dissolved : it requires about one-twelfth more. This solution is of a deep reddish-brown colour, transparent, or fre- quently somewhat turbid, especially from the action ofthe air. It has a styptic alkaline taste. From the variable state in which it is obtained, from the operation of trivial circumstances in conducting the process, it must be liable to uncertainty of strength ; and it has farther been stated by the older chemists, that on being kept, it deposites mudi of its iron,—a change likely to happen from the metal passing to a higher state of oxida- tion. Mr. Phillips has also stated, that it is decomposed by water, five parts of water added to one of the solution precipitating oxide of iron in a few minutes. It is therefore so far defective. The advantages belong- ing to it as a chalybeate have been stated under the general history of iron. HYDRARGYRUS.—QUICKSILVER. Hvdrargyrus Purificatus. Purified Quicksilver. Ed. " Take of Quicksilver, six parts ; Iron Filings, one part. Rub them together, and distil from an iron vessel." PREPARATIONS OF QUICKSILVER. / -*'iJ Hydrargyrum Purificatum. Purified Quicksilver. Lond. " Take of Quicksilver, six pounds ; Iron Filings, one pound. Rub them together; then applying heat, distil the quicksilver from an iron retort." Hydrargyrum Purificatum. Purified Quicksilver. Dub. " Take of Quicksilver, six pounds. Distil slowly four pounds." The quicksilver of commerce ha3 been supposed to be frequently adul- terated with other metal*. To obtain it pure is the design of this pro cess. The addition of the iron-filings renders the distilled quicksilver more bright and mobile, an effect not perfectly explained, but ascribed to the iron retaining combined with it any foreign metal, or any portion of carbon that might have been contained in the quicksilver. But the pro- cess is in reality not very necessary ; for although quicksilver is easily adulterated, this does not appear to be often practised what is met with in commerce being in general nearly pure. The distillation, too, is rather difficult of execution, from the weight of the quicksilver and the high temperature that requires to be applied. Wherever there is reason, how- ever, to suspect any impurity, the purification by this method ought to be performed. The Dublin formula is deficient both as omitting the iron, and directing only four pounds out of six to be distilled,—an unnecessary waste, to which it is not to be supposed the apothecary will submit. Acetas Hydrargyri. Acetate of Quicksilver. Ed. " Take of Purified Quicksilver, three ounces ; Diluted Nitrous Acidfl four ounces and a half, or a little more than may be requisite to dissolve the quicksilver ; Acetate of Potash, three ounces ; Boiling Water, eight pounds. Mix the quicksilver with the diluted nitrous acid ; and towards the end of the effervescence, digest, if necessary, with a gentle heat, until the quicksilver be entirely dissolved. Then dissolve the acetate of pot- ash in the boiling water, and immediately on the solution, pour the other, and mix them both by agitation. Then put aside, that crystals may be formed. These being placed in a funnel, wash them with cold distilled water ; and, lastly, dry them with a very gentle heat. In preparing the acetate of quicksilver, it is necessary that all the ves sels and the funnel which are employed should be of glass." Acetas Hydrargyri. Acetate of Quicksilver. Dvb. " Pake of Purified Quicksilver, by weight, three ounces ; Diluted Ni- trous Acid by measure, three ounces; Acetate of Potash, three ounces ; Boiling Distilled Water, eight pints. Add the acid to the quicksilver, and the effervescence being over, digest on warm sand, that the metal may be dissolved ; immediately mix the solution with the boiling water in which the acetate of potash has been previously dissolved; then pass the mixture quickly through double linen ; let it cool that crystals may form ; these, being washed with distilled cold water, dry on paper with a very gentle heat. In the whole operation glass vessels must be used." Acetic acid, like the other acids, combines with mercury in different states of oxidation, and forms salts which are different in their properties. When the metal is in a high state of oxidation, a salt is formed which is acrid and soluble ; when in a lower state of oxidation, one is obtained more mild and sparingly soluble. The object of the present process is to obtain the latter of these salts : it maybe doubted, therefore, if the appli- cation of heat directed by both colleges, to promote the solution of the mercury, is proper, as it causes it, in dissolving, to pass to a highly oxp- 144 preparations of quicksilver. dated state. It has another disadvantage ; that the acid being saturated with oxide, the solution is decomposed by water, and a subnitrate is pre- cipitated ; and accordingly this happens, when a solution, prepared with the aid of heat, is added to a solution of acetate of potash. By employing an excess of acid, this is counteracted to a certain extent; and from this circumstance, the process, as given in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, may succeed, while that of the Dublin College is more liable to fail. It is ■ better, however, to avoid these sources of error entirely, by allowing the solution ofthe mercury in the acid to proceed in the cold, pouring off the solution from any undissolved mercury, and adding it to the solution of acetate of potash warm. On mixing the two solutions, the nitric acid of the nitrate of mercury combines with the potash of the acetate of potash, while the acetic acid unites with the oxide of mercury, and the acetate of mercury at a low degree of oxidation is formed. It remains at first dis- solved, but on the liquid cooling a little, it appears in the form of delicate crystals, of a white colour and silvery lustre. Instead of employing boil- ing water to dissolve the acetate of potash, it is preferable to use only te- pid water, as at a high temperature the water is liable to produce a partial decomposition ofthe acetate, so that it becomes of a yellow colour from a slight excess of oxide. It is necessary, too, not to continue to wash the salt after it is formed with much water, for a similar partial decomposition takes place, and the crystals become yellow. If this should happen, the brilliant whiteness is instantly restored by washing them with a little di- luted distilled vinegar, the acetic acid neutralizing the excess of oxide to which the yellow colour is owing. With these precautions, the process, which often fails when they are not attended to, is easily conducted, and the preparation is obtained uniform, and in a proper state. Acetate of mercury crystallizes in small brilliant scales. It is soluble in hot, and insoluble in cold water. As an antisyphilitic remedy, it is very mild in its operation ; but its effects are not considered as sufficiently per- manent to allow of its being relied on in effecting a radical cure. Its dose is a grain, night and morning. Murias Hydrargyri Corrosivus. Corrosive Muriate of Quicksilver. Ed. " Take of Purified. Quicksilver, two pounds; Sulphuric Acid, two pounds and a half; Muriate of Soda, dried, four pounds. Boil the quick- silver with the sulphuric acid in a glass vessel placed in a sand-bath, until the matter become dry. Mix this when cold in a glass vessel with the muriate of soda ; then sublime it in a glass cucurbit with a heat gra- dually raised. Separate the sublimed matter from the scoriae." Hydrargyri Oxymurias. Oxymuriate of Quicksilver. Lond. " Take of Purified Quicksilver by weight, two pounds ; Sulphuric Acid by weight, thirty ounces ; Muriate of Soda, dried four pounds. Boil the quicksilver with the sulphuric acid in a glass vessel, until the sulphate of mercury become dry. Rub this when it has cooled, with the muriate of soda in an earthen mortar, then sublime it from a glass cucurbit with a heat gradually raised." Murias Hydrargyri Corrosivum. Corrosive Muriate of Quicksilver. Dub. "Take of Purified Quicksilver, two pounds ; Sulphuric Acid, three pounds ; Dried Muriate of Soda, two pounds and a half. Dissolve the quicksilver in the acid ; and increase the heat gradually until the matter become perfectly dry. Rub this when cold, with the muriate of soda in preparations of quicksilver. 446 an earthen mortar; then sublime it in a proper vessel with a fire gradu- ally raised." These processes are nearly the same, except that in the formula ofthe Dublin Pharmacopoeia, rather a larger quantity of sulphuric acid is order- ed, and a considerably smaller quantity of muriate of soda. The excess of acid, if it is not dissipated in the evaporation, will be useful, as decom- posing the muriate of soda more completely; and if the proportion ofmu- ate of soda be sufficiently large to afford the quantity of muriatic acid re- quisite to the saturation of the oxide of mercury in the sulphate, the re- duction of it from the larger proportion ordered in the other Pharmaco- poeias will be an advantage, as it will render it more easy to apply a due de- gree of heat to the mixture. On this point comparative experiments would require to be made. In the first stage of the general process, the sulphuric acid, aided by the high temperature, oxidates the mercury, and combines with the ox- ide ; the salt formed being that which contains the metal in a high state of oxidation. This salt, in its dry state, is mixed with the muriate of soda, and by the application of heat, a double decomposition is effected ; the soda attracts the sulphuric acid, and the muriatic acid combines with the oxide of mercury. The muriate of mercury being easily volatilized, is sublimed. The process formerly employed in the preparation of this important mercurial salt, consisted in mixing together subnitrate of mer- cury, muriate of soda, and dried sulphate of iron, and subliming the mu- riate of mercury, formed by the re-action of these, by the application of a sufficient heat. The present process, originally proposed by Kunckel, feas been substituted as more simple, and more economical, from the ex- pense of the nitric acid in preparing the subnitrate of mercury being avoided. There is reason to doubt, however, whether from a given weight of mercury it affords the same quantity of product; a deficiency arising from the dry sulphate of mercury not containing a sufficient quan- tity of acid to decompose as much muriate of spda as is requisite to afford the muriatic acid necessary to convert the whole of the oxide of mercury into muriate. The enlarged proportion of sulphuric acid, and diminished proportion of muriate of soda, directed by the Dublin College, are per- haps in this respect useful. This mercurial, Corrosive Sublimate as it is named, having long been established in medical practice, has been often submitted to chemical ana- lysis. The earlier analyses were necessarily incorrect. The investiga- tion ofthe composition of this and the other muriate of mercury, the mild sublimate or calomel, was some years ago undertaken by Mr. Chenevix. The corrosive sublimate had sometimes been supposed to be a compound of oxide of mercury with oxymuriatic acid ; this supposition he found no reason to admit; the compound consists of mercury in a high state of ox- idation united with muriatic acid ; the oxide, which is its basis, being com- posed of 85 of mercury and 15 of oxygen ; and 82 of this oxide being uni- ted with 18 of muriatic acid. 100 parts, therefore, are composed of 18 of acid, 12.3 of oxygen, and 69.7 of quicksilver. Zaboada, from a more recent analysis, has inferred, that the oxide does not contain more than 10 of oxygen in 100 parts, and that 80 of this oxide are combined with 20 of acid. According to this, the ultimate principles and their proportions will be 20 of acid, 8.5 of oxygen, and 71.5 of quicksilver. Some other chemists have given results nearly the same. 446 preparations of quicksilver. According to the hypothesis which considers oxymuriatic acid as a sim- ple substance, the corrosive sublimate is a compound of it with metallic quicksilver. Hence, in this doctrine, when the muriatic acid acts on the oxide of mercury, they suffer mutual decomposition ; the hydrogen ofthe muriatic acid combines with the oxygen of the oxide ; while the oxymu- riatic principle or chlorine, the other supposed element ofthe acid, unites With the mercury, and forms the corrosive sublimate. The impropriety ofthe term Oxymuriate of Mercury, given to this salt by the London College, has been pointed out in the observations on the nomenclature of the metallic salts. The name Corrosive Muriate of Mer- cury, now given it by the Dublin and Edinburgh Colleges, is the one which deviates least from the principles on which the system of chemical lan- guage is established, and the one which ought to be generally adopted, con- sidered in relation to its medicinal application, as affording the most mark- ed distinction, and approaching nearest to the appellation by which it has been long known. Corrosive muriate of mercury is obtained by sublimation in the form of a dense crystalline mass; when sublimed slowly, it condenses in slender prismatic crystals; and it is obtained in a similar form by crystallization from its watery solution. It is easily soluble in water, requiring 20 parts at 60° for its solution, and 2 parts at 212°. It is still more soluble in al- cohol, requiring scarcely 4 parts at 60°. Its taste is acrid and metallic. It changes to a green several vegetable colours ; is decomposed by the al- kalis and earths, and by a number of compound salts, and likewise by ve- getable infusions. It is the most powerful of the mercurial preparations. Its dose cannot safely exceed the fourth of a grain, nor can more than one grain be given in twenty-four hours. As an antisyphilitic remedy it has long been esta- blished in practice, and, as has been already stated under its history, it pos- sesses some advantages. It acts speedily, and its action is more general on the system, or less determined to particular organs ; these„advantages are more than counterbalanced, however, by the occasional violence of its operation, and by the uncertainty which attends it, so that it cannot be re- lied on in establishing a permanent cure. It is also employed in other dis- eases, particularly as an alterative in some obstinate cutaneous affections. It is given in the form of solution in water or alcohol, the dose being in- creased cautiously from the eighth to the fourth of a ^rain, night and morn- ing, and mucilaginous diluents being taken, to lessen the irritation it is lia- ble to occasion. A solution of this kind has been introduced as an officinal preparation by the London College. As the solution has a very disagreea- ble taste, it is sometimes made into pills, a little of it being mixed with an equal weight of muriate of ammonia, which renders it more soluble in wa- ter, this being dissolved by adding the necessary proporlion of water, and the solution being formed into a mass with crumb of bread, and divid- ed into pills, so that each pill contains the eighth of a grain of the corro- sive muriate. Extern dly under the form of solution it is employed as an escharotic in chancre and venereal ulcers ofthe mouth; and a very dilute solution of it has been used as an injection, to excite inflammation in ob- stinate glete. Liquor Hydrargyri Oxymuriatis. Solution of Oxymuriate of Mercu- ry. Lond. " Take of Oxymuriate of Mercury, eight grains ; Distilled Water, fif- preparations of quicksilver. 447 teen fluidounces ; Rectified Spirit, one fluidounce. Dissolve the oxymu- riate in the water, and add the spirit." This formula is designed to afford a form of preparation under which the dose of corrosive muriate of mercury may be easily regulated. An ounce contains half a grain ; its dose therefore may be from one to two drachms. Submurias Hydrargyri Mitis, sive Calomelas. Mild Submuriate of Quicksilver. Calomel. Ed. " Take of Muriate of Quicksilver, four parts ; Purified Quicksilver, three parts. Reduce the muriate to powder in a glass mortar, with a lit- tle water, so as to avoid the acrid powder : then add the quicksilver, and rub until it disappears ; put the dried mass into an oblong phial, of which it shall only fill one-third, and sublime over a sand-bath. The sublimed matter is again to be rubbed to powder, and afterwards sublimed ; it is then to be reduced to a very fine powder, which is lastly to be washed with boiling distilled water." Hydrargyri Submurias. Submuriate of Quicksilver. Lond. " Take of Oxymuriate of Quicksilver, a pound ; of Purified Quicksilver nine ounces. Rub them together, until globules no longer appear, then sublime ; afterwards remove the sublimate ; rub it to powder, and sublime it twice. Lastly, reduce it to a very fine powder, in the manner prescrib- ed for preparing chalk." Submurias Hydrargyri Scblimatum, sive Calomelas. Sublimed Submuri- ate of Quicksilver or Calomel. Dub. " Take of Corrosive Muriate of Mercury, a pound ; Purified Quick- silver, nine ounces. Rub them together until the globules disappear, and sublime with a heat sufficiently strong. Having rubbed down the sublimed matter, sublime it again, and reduce it to powder, which wash with distill- ed water, until the liquor poured off no longer afford any precipitate on a few drops of water of carbonate of potash being added to it; lastly, dry it.'» This is, perhaps, the most important preparation of mercury, both from the certainty of its operation, its mildness, combined with sufficient activi- ty, and the numerous indications it is capable of fulfilling. The process, by which it is obtained, is one that fortunately is little liable to be varied by circumstances, but affords an uniform product. The ultimate result ofthe process, is to bring a quantity of metallic mer- cury into combination with the principles of the corrosive muriate. In the corrosive muriate, the metal exists in a high state of oxidation, and this oxide is combined with a considerable proportion of muriatic acid. The additional proportion of quicksilver triturated with it, appears to be quick- ly oxidated, for it soon loses its metallic form, and the whole is converted into a grey powder. By the application of the heat which is necessary to produce sublimation, the combination is rendered complete ; the quick- silver which is added, shares the oxygen ofthe oxide in the corrosive mu- riate, and the whole oxide, thus formed, combines with the muriatic acid which the corrosive muriate contained. It is a general law, with regard to the combinations of acids with metallic oxides, that when the metal is highly oxidated, more acid is required to produce saturation, than when it is in a lower state of oxidation. Hence, if the degree of oxidation in any saline me- tallic compound be reduced, less acid will be necessary to the constitution ofthe new compound in the neutral state, and this is well displayed in the present combination ; for although the quantity of base is increased, re- 4t4i> preparations of quicksilver. latively to the acid, yet as the base is also brought into a lower state o( oxidation, the portion of acid appears to be sufficient to produce saturation in the new compound ;\ it gives no indication of being a sub-salt, has no tendency to combine with a larger quantity of acid, nor any power of neu- tralizing any additional proportion; it is of determinate composition, and is obtained in a crystalline form. The product, then, of this process, is a muriate of mercury, in which the metal is in a low state of oxidation, and in which this oxide is combined with no large quantity of muriatic .cid. Of course, it differs from the corrosive muriate in the lower degree of oxidation of its base, and in that base being combined with less acid. This is not inferred merely from the nature of the process by which it is formed, though it is sufficiently established by this ; but it is likewise confirmed by its analysis. Chenevix inferred, from the same series of ex- periments by which he investigated the composition of the corrosive mu- riate, that the oxide which is the base ofthe mild muriate, is composed of 89.3 of quicksilver, and 10.7 of oxygen ; and that 88.5 of this oxide are combined with 11.5 of muriatic acid. Its ultimate principles, therefore, are 11.5 of acid, 9.5 of oxygen, and 79 of quicksilver. It has already been stated, that the latter experiments of Zaboada assign different propor- tions to the corrosive muriate, and they do the same to the mild muriate, but still they establish the same general difference between the two, that the latter contains less oxygen and less acid than the former. According to Zaboada, the oxide in the mild muriate contains little more than 5 of oxygen in 100 parts, and the salt itself is composed of 89.4 of this oxide, with 10.6 of muriatic acid. Its ultimate principles, therefore, are 10.6 of acid, 4.4 of oxygen, and ! 5 of quicksilver. If the analysis of the two preparations is correct, more metallic quicksilver is employed than is ne- cessary to convert the corrosive into the mild muriate. According to the hypothesis, in which oxymuriatic acid or chlorine is regarded as a simple substance, calomel is a compound of it with metallic quicksilver, containing less chlorine than corrosive sublimate does ; the proportion in calomel being to that in corrosive sublimate as 1 to 2, the quantity of mercury being the same in both. I have pointed out the impropriety of the name given by the Colleges to this preparation, that of Submuriate. The compound is not, as the name implies, a Sub-Salt; nor is its relation to the other salt, named Mu- riate of Mercury, such, that it can by any addition of acid be converted into it. As a medical nomenclature, it is still more objectionable, that the introduction of it is to be regretted—the merely prefixing the syllable sub not being sufficient to guard effectually against the dangerous mistake of confounding it with the other, from which it differs so widely. The name, Mild Muriate of Mercury, given in the present edition of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, is under both points of view preferable ; though it will always be safer to prescribe it by the arbitrary name of Calomel, by which it has been long known. The combination, whence the mild muriate of mercury is formed, is scarcely complete at the first sublimation ; a portion of the quicksilver rises on the first application of the heat, and adheres to the portion of muriate condensed on the sides of the vessel in minute globules; and a small quantity of unchanged corrosive muriate appears also to be diffused through the mass. To render the combination complete, the sublimed mass is reduced to powder, and is sublimed a second time. The London PREPARATIONS OF QUICKSILVER. 449 College order even a third sublimation, and the practice formerly was, to sublime it six or seven times. This is, however, altogether unnecessary ; and it has even been ascertained, that at each sublimation a little corro- sive muriate is reproduced. After the second sublimation, any globules of quicksilver that may adhere to the mass are removed ; it is reduced to a fine powder by trituration and levigation with water, and is well washed with water, until the water pass off tasteless, and, according to the test given by the Dublin College, until it give no indications of precipitation on adding a few drops of a solution of carbonate of potash. A method has been introduced by Mr. Howard, of conducting the sublimation in an ap- paratus so constructed, that the vapours are not condensed in the upper part ofthe vessel, forming a solid mass, but are condensed on the surface of water. The aggregation, whence a certain degree of ductility and hard- ness arises that renders difficult the levigation ofthe sublimate, is thus ob- viated ; it is obtained at once in the state of a fine powder, and any corro- sive muriate that may rise with it is abstracted. Mild muriate of mercury obtained by sublimation is in a dense cake, which is evidently an aggregate of short prisms. It is semi-transparent, has a slight yellowish colour, which is liable to be darkened by light, is somewhat ductile and very heavy, its specific gravity being 7.2. It is less volatile than the corrosive muriate ; it appears to be altogether insoluble in water ; at least Rouelle has stated, that above 1000 parts of water are required for its solution. When pure, it is perfectly insipid. As a mercurial, this preparation is extensively employed, its operation being mild, and, at the same time, certain and active, and its use is only limited by the tendency it has to occasion purging. As a remedy in sy- philis, it is given in the dose of a grain night and morning, its determination to the intestines being prevented, if necessary, by the addition of a little opium. It is the preparation which is usually given in the other diseases in which mercury is employed. It is thus administered in affections of the liver or neighbouring organs, in which advantage appears to be derived, both from its local determination and its purgative operation ;—in some forms of inflammatory diseases, particularly chronic rheumatism and croup, in which its beneficial effects appear to arise both from its purgative effect and from its general action on the system ;—in dysentery in which its suc- cessful application appears to depend partly on its operation as a cathartic, and partly as a mercurial;—in various forms of febrile affection, particu- larly the fevers of warm climates, in which this combined operation of it is not less advantageous ;—in cutaneous diseases, in which it appears to operate simply as a mercurial alterative ;—in various diseases belonging to the class Neuroses, particularly tetanus and hydrophobia, in which it affords the most speedy mode of establishing the general action of mercu- ry on the system ;—and in hydrocephalus, where it is probably farther advantageous by increasing absorption. It is in common use as a cathar- tic, either by itself in a dose from five to ten grains, or in a smaller quan- tity to promote the operation of other purgatives. Its anthelmintic power is justly celebrated. And it is superior to the other mercurials in assist- ing the operation of diuretics in dropsy. From its great specific gravity, it ought always to be given in the form of bolus or pill. Submurias Hydrargyri Pr^cipitatus. Precipitated Submuriate of Mer- cury. Ed. " Take of Diluted Nitrous Acid, Purified Quicksilver, of each eight 57 450 PREPARATIONS OF QUICKSILVER. ounces ; Muriate of Soda, four ounces and a half; Boiling Water, eight pounds. Mix the quicksilver with the diluted nitrous acid, and, towards the end ofthe effervescence, digest with a gentle heat, shaking the vessel frequently. It is necessary, however, that more quicksilver should be mixed with the acid than this can dissolve, that the solution may be obtain- ed fully saturated. Dissolve at the same time the muriate ofsodainthe boiling water; pour the other solution on this while warm, and mix them quickly together. After the precipitate subsides, pour off the saline liquor, and wash the submuriate of mercury, by frequently adding warm water, pouring it off after each time the precipitate subsides, until it come off tasteless. Submurias Hydrargvri Pr^cimtatum. Precipitated Submuriate of Quicksilver. Dub. " Take of Purified Quicksilver by weight, seven ounces ; Diluted Ni- trous Acid by measure, five ounces. Pour the acid on the quicksilver in a glass vessel, and when the mixture first ceases to effervesce, digest with a moderate heat for six hours, agitating occasionally ; then increase the heat, so that the liquor boil a little ; pour it off from the remaining mer- cury, and mix it quickly with ten pounds of boiling water, in which four ounces of muriate of soda have been previously dissolved : wash the pow- der which is precipitated with warm distilled water, as long as the liquor poured off affords any precipitate on the addition of a few drops of water of subcarbonate of potash ; lastly, dry it." The design of this process is to obtain mild muriate of mercury, the muriatic acid ofthe muriate of soda combining with the oxide of mercury, and forming this compound, while the nitric acid ofthe mercurial solution is saturated by the soda ; and the advantages supposed to belong to it are, that it is more easily executed, less expensive, and affords the product in a much finer powder than that obtained by sublimation can be reduced to. It was introduced on the authority of Scheele*, and the directions which are given are those which he pointed out. The theory of metallic solu- tions was, however, in his time imperfectly understood, and the process to afford the proper product ought to be conducted in a very different manner from that ordered in the,Pharmacopoeias. Scheele was evidently misled by the analogy ofthe increase of solubili- ty of a salt in water by increase of heat. By aiding the action of the acid on the quicksilver by heat, it was supposed, that a larger product would be obtained, and that the acid being thoroughly saturated, the product would be more mild. Two circumstances, however, operate in this case, and give rise to other results, which defeat the intention ofthe process, and have always rendered its success very imperfect. Is*, By digesting or boiling the acid on the metal, the decomposition of the acid is facilitated, and the mercury passes to a more highly oxidated state ; hence, when the solution is added to the solution of muriate of so- da, the degree of oxidation being too great to admit ofthe whole being con- verted into mild muriate, a portion of corrosive muriate is formed. It has been observed, indeed, that although in the first stage ofthe solution much nitric oxide gas is disengaged, indicating a decomposition of the acid to a * It is very singular that the very same process has a place in the London Pharma- copoeia so far back as the year 1650, and the preparation has nearly the same name, Mercurius Dulcis Prsecipitatus, and is introduced as a substitute for the Mercuriu0 Dttlcis Sublimatus. PREPARATIONS OF QUICKSILVER, 451 considerable extent, yet, after this, an additional portion of quicksilver is dissolved without much effervescence, whence it has been concluded that this portion must receive oxygen from the portion already dissolved, and that the whole therefore still exists in a low state of oxidation. The de- gree of oxidation may perhaps be reduced in this manner ; but the fact is, that the mercury, in the solution thus prepared, is still too highly oxidated to be converted entirely into mild muriate when combined with muriatic acid ; a portion of it is always converted into corrosive muriate, and with a solution so prepared, less muriate of mercury is obtained from a given weight of quicksilver, than from a solution prepared entirely in the cold. I have ascertained this by experiment, the quantity of mild muriate ob- tained from a solution of one ounce of quicksilver in diluted nitric acid in the cold, being a little more than an ounce, while, from the same quantity dissolved with the application of beat, the precipitate did not much exceed half an ounce, while the liquor held dissolved much more corrosive muri- ate than the other. 2dly, When the solution of the quicksilver in the acid is promoted by heat, the acid is so completely saturated with oxide, that the solution is partially decomposed by mere dilution with water,—a quantity of subni- trate of mercury being precipitated. Hence, when such a solution is min- gled with the solution of muriate of soda, this decomposition takes place to a certain extent, from the operation of the water of the solution, and a quantity of this subnitrate is mixed with the mild muriate, and must so far modify its powers. These sources of error are obviated by using a solution of.mercury pre- pared in the cold, and with a diluted acid ; and from such a solution, the product, I have found, is almost entirely mild muriate, with very little corrosive muriate. The/ method of conducting the process is the fol- lowing :—Add the quicksilver in small portions at a time to the nitric acid previously diluted with one part and a half of water, (observing the proportions given in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia), and avoid the application of heat ; when the solution is completed, or no more mer- cury appears to be capable of being dissolved, add a little water to dissolve any part ofthe nitrate of mercury that may have crystallized ; then pour off the clear solution from the undissolved quicksilver, and add it to the solution of muriate of soda. The precipitate, having subsided, is to be carefully washed with water, repeatedly poured on it, to carry off the small quantity of corrosive muriate that is formed. Mild muriate of mer- cury will thus be obtained. Berthollet has affirmed, however, that even as prepared from a solution of this kind, the precipitate retains in combi- nation a portion of nitric acid, probably owing to the circumstance that such a solution must have an excess of acid, part of which the precipitate, as it is formed, may attract. The process ought probably to be expunged from the Pharmacopoeias. It has no advantage ; for it is not, as has been supposed, more economical. The fineness of the powder is of little impor- tance, for by levigation the sublimed muriate is obtained sufficiently fine for medicinal use ; and the process by sublimation gives a product per- fectly uniform, while that by precipitation must always be liable to uncer- tainty, from being so much influenced by the manner in which it is conduct- ed. If it is ever followed, much attention should be paid to washing the precipitate thoroughly, so that no portion of corrosive muriate may re- main mixed with it. The precipitated mild muriate of mercury is in the <4ate of a smooth 462 PREPARATIONS of QUICKSILVER. powder, whiter, and of much less specific gravity than the muriate pre pared by sublimation,—differences probably depending on its state of aggregation. When pure its medicinal operation must be the same. It has been said from trials that have been made of it, to be more liable to occasion purging. If this difference exists, it is probably owing to the presence either of subnitrate of mercury, or of a minute quantity of corro- sive muriate. Oxidum Hydrargyri Cinereum. Ash-coloured Oxide of Quicksilver. Ed. " Take of Submuriate of Mercury, half an ounce ; Solution of Lime, five pounds. Digest the submuriate in the solution in a vessel lightly closed, for a quarter of an hour ; after the precipitate has subsided, pour off the liquor, wash the oxide with distilled water, and then dry it." Hydrargyri Oxydum Cinereum. Ash-coloured Oxyd of Quicksilver. Lond. " Take of Submuriate of Quicksilver, an ounce ; of Liquor of Lime, a gallon. Boil the submuriate of mercury in the liquor of lime, stirring it constantly, until the ash-coloured oxyd of mercury fall down. Wash this with distilled water, and dry it." Pulvis Hydrakgyri>Cinereus. Ash-coloured Powder of Quicksilver. Dub. " Take of Quicksilver, two ounces ; Diluted Nitrous Acid, two ounces by measure. Dissolve the quicksilver in the acid with a low heat, and dilute the solution with eight ounces of cold distilled water ; drop into it of water of carbonate of ammonia an ounce and a half, or as much as may be sufficient to throw down the precipitate, which wash with warm dis- tilled water, until the liquor poured off yields no precipitate on dropping in a few drops of water of sulphuret of ammonia ; lastly, dry it." The process of the London and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias has been had recourse to, from the supposed difficulty of obtaining the grey oxide, by precipitation from nitrate of mercury by ammonia, uniform. It will afford a preparation sufficiently uniform, and so far similar to the other, that the oxide is in a lpw state of oxidation, the oxide existing in that state in the mild muriate. The lime by its affinity to the muriatic acid may ab- stract the greater part of it, but can scarcely be supposed to abstract the whole ; and the product is probably, therefore, what is in strictness of nomenclature a submuriate of mercury. The action of ammonia on metallic salts is not perfectly similar to that of the other alkalis. It has a greater tendency to unite with the oxide and a portion ofthe acid, so as to form ternary combinations, and from its hydrogen attracting oxygen, it sometimes changes the constitution of the metallic oxide. These actions appear to be modified by the state of oxi- dation of the metallic salt, and this is well displayed in the effects it pro- duces in the present process on the nitrate of mercury. If the nitrous mercurial solution is in that state in which the metal is highly oxidated, on adding the ammonia, a precipitate is thrown down per- fectly white. This was found by Fourcroy to consist ofthe oxide of mer- cury, in combination with a portion of acid and of ammonia, its composi- tion being 68.2 of oxide, 16 of ammonia, and 15.8 of nitric acid. But if the solution contain the metal in a low state of oxidation, the precipitate which is formed is of a dark blue colour, approaching to black. This has been supposed to be merely the oxide of mercury that had been combined with the nitric acid, the ammonia combining with the acid, and precipitat- PREPARATIONS OF QUICKSILVER. 453 mg the oxide. But an obvious objection to this opinion is, that the preci- pitate is not the same as that thrown down by potash or soda, but is of a more uniform colour, and darker, a proof that ammonia exerts some pe- culiar action on its production. According to Fourcroy, who investigated with considerable care these and other saline mercurial combinations, the ammonia, in precipitating the oxide from its combination with the acid, partially de-oxidates it, the hydrogen of a portion of the ammonia attract- ing part ofthe oxygen of the oxide, and reducing it to a still lower state of oxidation, approaching nearly indeed to the metallic state : hence, as he affirmed, there is a disengagement of a portion of nitrogen gas in con- sequence of this decomposition of a part ofthe ammonia. In frequently performing this process, it has appeared to me that this pe- culiarity of action by ammonia is exerted only when the mercurial solu- tion contains the metal in a state of oxidation intermediate between the minimum and maximum. If care has been taken in preparing the solution, to have it with the metal dissolved at a low degree of oxidation, the pre- cipitate thrown down by potash is as dark in its colour as that by ammonia. But if it be somewhat more highly oxidated, that from ammonia is of a darker colour, and there appears even a film on the surface, with a lustre approaching to metallic. The theory given by Fourcroy, of the opera- tion of the ammonia, is therefore probably just, though 1 must add, that any effervescence indicating the disengagement of nitrogen gas is extreme- ly slight, and on a small scale scarcely apparent. Some chemists have supposed, that the dark grey precipitate contains ammonia. When the precipitate, however, is properly prepared, and thoroughly washed, I have not been able to discover any trace of ammo- nia in it : when mixed with lime, or with a fixed alkali, no ammonia is ex- haled even when heat is applied. If the solution, however, from which the precipitate has been thrown down, has been that in which the metal has been highly oxidated, part of the white triple compound described by Fourcroy will have been formed, and will mix with the dark coloured pre- cipitate, and in this case a portion of ammonia is detected. In decompos- ing mercurial solutions, accordingly, in this state, the precipitate at differ- ent stages of the precipitation is various in its colour, being at first grey, and afterwards lighter, and being more or less light as the solution contains the metal more highly oxidated, evidently from the predominance of the white precipitate. But any ammonia derived from this source, is foreign to what properly constitutes the grey precipitate. From the circumstances which influence this preparation not having been fully understood, it has been supposed difficult to obtain it uniform ; nor are the directions in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia sufficiently precise ; and the direction of applying heat, even though gentle, to favour the so- lution, is improper. If the process be properly performed, it may be ob- tained with certainty always the same, and it forms one ofthe best of the mercurial preparations for internal use. The nitrous acid ought to be di- luted with rather more than an equal weight of water, so as to act on the quicksilver slowly, and with scarcely any sensible effervescence ; the quicksilver should be added in small quantities at a time, and in as large a quantity ultimately as the acid can dissolve without the application of heat. When the solution appears to have ceased, the liquor is to be poured off from the undissolved quicksilver, and strained ; it is to be diluted cautious- ly with water, as far as the dilution can be carried without impairing its transparency : and water of ammonia is to be added as long as any preci- 454 preparations of quicksilver. pitation is produced. The precipitate prepared in this way is of a very deep grey colour, approaching to black ; it is to be washed well with wa- ter, and dried. In drying, from exposure to the air and light, its colour becomes lighter ; still it is'of a bluish-grey. In the shops it is usually of a light grey colour, and sometimes almost white, from the solution of mer- cury from which it has been precipitated containing the metal in too high- ly an oxidated state. The Dublin College orders carbonate of ammonia to be employed in the precipitation ; and it might be supposed from this, that the oxide thrown down will receive carbonic acid, and that the preci- pitate will be a carbonate or subcarbonate. This, however, is not the case ; thecaibonic acid is disengaged, and the same precipitate is thrown down by pure ammonia. It has been supposed, that the precipitate is produced with more certainty of a dark colour, when the ammonia is added in the state of carbonate ; but this is a mistake, the darkness of the colour de- pending entirely on the degree of oxidation of the metal. The Grey Oxide of Mercury has been introduced as a substitute for those preparations in which the metal is oxidated by trituration under ex- posure to the air, and has been supposed to have the advantage of more uniformity of strength, as the others are liable to be variable from imper- fect preparation. When properly prepared, it appears to be the same in chemical composition, and the medicinal operation of it is also extremely similar. It is given in the dose of a grain night and morning, usually under the form of pill, and this answers very well as a substitute for the Mercu- rial Pill. An ointment formed from it, Unguentum Oxidi Hydrargyri Ci- nerei, has been introduced into the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia; one part ofthe grey oxide being mixed with three parts of lard. This is designed as a substitute for the Mercurial Ointment, but it has been said not to be so easily forced through the cuticle by friction. It has also been used in the state of vapour from the application of heat, for fumigating venereal ulcers. Oxidum Hydrargyri Rubrum per Acidum Nitricum, Red Oxide of Quick- silver by Nitric Acid. Ed. " Take of Purified Quicksilver, three parts ; Diluted Nitrous Acid, four parts. Dissolve the Quicksilver, and evaporate the solution with a gentle fire to a white dry mass, which being reduced to powder, is to be put into a glass cucurbit, a thick glass plate being put over its surface. Then a capital being adapted, and the vessel placed in sand, apply to it a fire gra- dually raised, until it pass into very red small scales." Hydrargyri Nitrico Oxidum. Nitric Oxide of Quicksilver. Lond. " Take of Purified Quicksilver by weight, three pounds ; Nitric Acid biy weight, a pound and <-. half; Distille I Water, two pints. Mix them in a glass vessel, and boil until the quicksilver is dissolved, and the water being eyaporated, a white matter remains. Rub this into powder, and put into another vessel as shallow as possible ; then apply a gentle heat, and gradually increase it, until any red vapour cease to be produced." Oxydum Hydrahgyri Nitricum. Nitric Oxide of Quicksilver. Dub. " fake of Purified Quicksilver, ten ounces by weight: Diluted Nitrous Acid, ten ounces by measure. Mix them in a glass vessel, and with a heat gradually raised, dissolve the quicksilver ; then raise the fire, until the residual matter in the bottom of the vessel pass into red scales." The quicksilver is in this preparation first oxidated by the nitrous acid, and the oxide then combines with the remaining acid. By the increase of preparations of quicksilver. 43y heat, this nitrate is decomposed, and the greater part ofthe acid expelled, leaving a mass of a deep red colour. From the name of oxide given to this preparation, it appears to be supposed, that the whole acid of the ni- trate is expelled or decomposed, and that the residual matter is quicksil- ver combined with oxygen alone. This has not been established, however, by any accurate analysis of the preparation, and there are very obvious objections to it. Though a red oxide of mercury can be formed by the action of atmospheric air on the metal at a high temperature, it is quite different in its appearance from the product of the present process ; and the latter is possessed of a considerable degree of escharotic power not belonging to the former, communicated probably by a portion of nitric acid combined with it. In cases where a vol dile ingredient is expelled from one more fixed by the application of heat, the decomposition is scarcely ever complete, the influence of quantity open-ting, and causing a portion ofthe volatile ingredient to be retained, the quantity being greater as there is less difference in the volatility of the two substances. It follow.* from this, as the" most probable conclusion, that although the greater part ofthe nitric acid may be expelled from the oxide of mercury, a portion of it will be retained, and it is probably impossible to expel the whole of it, without raising the heat to that point at which the oxygen itself will be expelled, and the quicksilver be reduced to the mpfallic form. I have accordingly found, that it does contain nitric acid. If the preparation be boiled for a short time with five or six times its weight of water, the liquor, when fil- tered, has the styptic metallic taste, and gives a white precipitate with wa- ter of ammonia, or with carbonate of potash,—a plain proof that it holds dissolved nitrate of mercury ; and to avoid any fallacy, the preparation submitted to experiment was that found in the shops, the product of the process on the large scale, of a bright red colour, and more perfectly prepared than that formed on the small «-cale This must therefore be re- garded as a subnitrate, and the proper appellation to be given to it is, Sub- nitras Hydrargyri Ruber, by which also it will be better distinguished from the proper red oxide. According to Paysse, 100 parts decomposed by heat afford 82 of mercury, and 18 of oxygen ; this oxygen probably hav- ing an intermixture of nitrogen from the decomposition of the acid. The proper red oxide affords only 007 of oxygen. It has always been found difficult to conduct this process, so as to obtain the product of that bright red colour and scaly appearance which are re- garded as tests of its proper preparation ; and some ofthe steps in the ope- ration, as directed by the Edinburgh College, are designed to attain this more perfectly. Much of the success depends apparently on the scale on which it formed, the heat acting more steadily, and with more uniformity, on a large, than on a small quantity. When properly prepared, it is in scales of a bright red colour. It is so acrid as to be altogether unfit for in- ternal administration. Externally it is employed as an escharotic, being applied either in a finely levigated powder, or mixed with lard in the form of ointment. This ointment, composed of one part with eight of lard, is officinal in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. Subsulphas Hydrargyri Flavus. Yellow Subsulphate of Quicksilver. Ed. " Take of Purified Quicksilver, two parts; Sulphuric Acid, three parts. Put them into a glass cucurbit, and boil in a sand bath to dryness. The white matter remaining at the bottom of the vessel being reduced to 456 preparations of quicksilver. powder, is to be thrown info boiling water. The yellow powder thus produced, is to be frequently washed with warm water." Oxidum Hydrargyri Sulphuricum. Sulphuric Oxide of Quicksilver. Dub. " Take of Purified Quicksilver, one pound ; Sulphuric Acid, a pound and a half. Dissolve with a heat sufficiently strong in a glass vessel, and increase the heat until the matter become quite dry. On pouring upon it a large quantity of warm water, it becomes yellow and falls into powder, which is to be rubbed with this water carefully in an earthen mortar. After pouring off the fluid above, wash the powder repeatedly with warm distilled water, as long as the decanted fluid gives any precipitate on the addition of a few drops of water of subcarbonate of potash ; lastly, dry it." By boiling sulphuric acid on quicksilver, the acid suffers a partial de- composition, a portion of its oxygen is communicated to the metal, and sulphurous acid gas is disengaged. The oxide of quicksilver combines with the remaining acid, forming supersulphate of mercury. By the con- tinuance ofthe heat, this is partially decomposed, much of the acid is ex- pelled, and a subsulphate of mercury remains. On this, boiling water is poured ; and it acts as water does on many ofthe metallic salts. Having a stronger affinity to their acid than to their base, it decomposes the salt, abstracting the acid, and precipitating the oxide ; but the influence of quantity on chemical affinity still so far operates in this decomposition, that the acid in combining with the water retains a portion of the oxide combined with it, and the oxide precipitated retains a portion ofthe acid. The entire compound, therefore, is resolved into a supersalt, wbich is dis- solved, and asubsalt, which is thrown down. This happens in the present process ; the water poured on the sulphate of mercury abstracts the acid, re- taining in combination with it a portion of oxide, and forming therefore a su- persulphate of mercury, which remains dissolved, while a subsulphate is precipitated, and forms the yellow powder. The colour of this is more lively when hot water is used in its preparation, probably from the temperature favouring the chemical action ofthe water. The success ofthe process, with regard to the quantity of product, depends much on the sulphate of mercury having been deprived of all free acid previous to the affusion of the water; for if it contain much acid, the greater part of the salt is dissolved with- out being decomposed. The proportion of acid ordered in the Pharma- copoeia is unnecessarily large, and rather defeats the object of the pro- cess : an equal weight is sufficient, and the heat ought to be applied to the saline mass until it is perfectly dry. The supersulphate which is dis- solved in the water may be decomposed by potash, and a suhsulphate precipitated. Yellow subsulphate of mercury must, from the nature ofthe process by which it is obtained, be liable to variation in the proportions of its con- stituent principles. According to Fourcroy, it consists of 76 of mercury, 11 of oxygen, and 10 of acid, with 3 of water, while another analysis gives the proportion of acid at 15. As a medicine it is too harsh to be admin- istered internally, being liable to produce violent vomiting. It has some- times, however, been given as a powerful emetic, in a dose of five grains. It is an errhine, and has been employed as such, mixed with any mild ve- getable powder, in some affections of the eyes. Sulphuretum Hydrargyri Nigrum. Black Sulphuret of Quicksilver. Ed preparations of quicksilver. 457 *f Take of Purified Quicksilver, Sublimed Sulphur, of each equal weights. Rub them together in a glass mortar with a glass pestle, until the globules of quicksilver entirely disappear. " It may be made likewise with a double proportion of quicksilver. Sulphuretum Hydrargyri Nigrum. Black Sulphuret of Quicksilver- Dub. " Take of Purified Quicksilver, Sublimed Sulphur, equal weights. Rub them together in an earthen mortar, until the globules disappear." Hydrargyri Sulphuretum Nigrum. Black Sulphuret of Quicksilver. Lond. " Take of Purified Quicksilver, by weight, a pound ; Sublimed Sulphur, a pound. Rub them together until the globules no longer appear." By the trituration a chemical combination appears to be effected between the quicksilver and sulphur, as the former loses completely its metallic form, and no globules can be perceived in the powder by the microscope. It has even been supposed, that the metal is imperfectly oxidated, and com- bined with sulphuretted hydrogen ; but from the researches of Seguin, this does not appear to be the case.—The combination is much facilitated by the application of heat, and it can at once be effected, by adding the quicksilver to the melted sulphur. This is the least active ofthe mercurial preparations. As an anthelmin- tic it is sometimes given in a dose of five or ten grains, and it has been used as an alterative. Some additional preparations of mercury have a place in the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, and are used in practice. Hydrargyrum cum Creta. Quicksilver with Chalk. Lond. " Take of Purified Quicksilver, by weight, three ounces ; Prepared Chalk, five ounces. Rub them together until the globules no longer ap- pear." Hydrargyrum cum Creta. Quicksilver with Chalk. Dub. " Prepare this in the same manner as Quicksilver with Magnesia, (des- cribed in the next formula), substituting only Chalk for Magnesia." Quicksilver, when triturated with any substance which aids the division of its globules, and extends their surface, appears to be susceptible of oxi- dation from the action of the atmospheric air, and the grey oxide formed by this operation is the basis ofthe common mercurial pill, as well as of some other preparations. More than one preparation of this kind, how- ever, for internal administration, is superfluous ; and the mercurial pill, prepared by trituration ofthe quicksilver with honey, manna, or mucilage, being that which has been long established in practice, is to be preferred. The present preparation has nothing peculiar to recommend it. Hydrargyrum cum Magnesia. Quicksilver with Magnesia. Dub. " Take of Quicksilver, Manna, each one ounce ; Magnesia, half an ounce. Triturate the quicksilver with the manna in an earthen mortar, adding at few drops of water to give to the mixture the consistence of syrup, and continuing the trituration until the mercurial globules entirely disappear. Then add to the mixture a drachm ofthe magnesia, triturating it constant- ly. The whole being well mixed together, add a pint of hot water, and shake the mixture ; allow the liquor to rest, and as soon as the sediment subsides, pour it off. Repeat this washing a second and third time, that; the manna may be entirely removed; and while the sediment is still humid^ 58 45tt preparations of quicksilver. add to it the remaining magnesia. Lastly, dry the powder on bibulous pa- per." The object of this process is to obtain the oxidation of the mercury by trituration, and the interposition of the soft viscous matter of the manna with the addition of the water may facilitate this ; the subsequent steps of the operation are designed to remove the manna, and obtain the grey oxide mixed with the magnesia. The same observation applies, however, to this as the preceding preparation,—that it is superfluous, and that for any use- ful purpose the mercurial pill will answer equally well. The only advan- tage at least, of either process, is, that it may afford a mild preparation that can be given under the form of bolus, where a pill cannot be easily swallowed. Hydrar*yri Oxydum Rubrum. Red Oxide of Quicksilver. Lond. " Take of Purified Quicksilver, one pound. Put the quicksilver into a glass vessel, with a narrow mouth, and broad at the bottom. Apply heat to this open vessel, raised to the six-hundredth degree, until the quicksil- ver pass into red scales : then rub these into a fine powder." Okydum Hydrargyri. Oxide of Quicksilver. Dub. " Take of Purified Quicksilver, any quantity. Let it be put into an open glass vessel with a narrow mouth, and broad bottom, and expose it to a heat of about 100°, until it is converted into red scales." At the temperature at which quicksilver boils it combines with oxygen ; and when heated to this temperature, under exposure to the air, red scales gradually form on its surface from this combination, i here is a difficulty, however, in conducting the process ; for if the quicksilver be freely ex- posed to the air, a considerable quantity of it is lost, from its vapour being dissipated, especially if the heat be raised a little too high ; while, on the other hand, if the air is not freely admitted, the oxidation cannot proceed. The method directed in the formula of the Colleges is the most effectual, -—employing a glass vessel broad at the bottom, (so as to present the quick- silver under an extensive surface), and with a long neck, drawn out to a small aperture, so that while the atmospheric air is admitted, the mercuri- al vapour will not easily escape, the heat being applied by the medium of sand. Still the oxidation goes on very slowly, requiring the application of the heat for several weeks ; and from the necessity of keeping up a steady heat without allowing it to become too strong, the conducting of the pro- cess requires considerable attention, and the preparation is comparatively high priced. Red oxide of quicksilver is in scales of a brick red colour. When ex- posed to the heat of ignition it is decomposed, gives out oxygen, and the quicksilver returns to its metallic form. From the quantity of oxygen obtained by this reduction, Lavoisier inferred that the oxide contains se- ven parts of oxygen in 100 parts ; the proportion is probably rather larger. It is a dangerous mistake which some have made, in supposing that the red scaly substance obtained from the decomposition of nitrate of mercury by heat is essentially the same. The latter is more acrid, and cannot be giv- en internally with safety ; and it is to be regretted, that the name of Ox- ide has been given to it, as it may sometimes lead to its substitution for the present preparation. The red oxide prepared by heat, Calcined Mercury as it was formerly named, is a very active mercurial. It has also been regarded as certain and permanent in its operation, and has therefore sometimes been em- preparations of quicksilver. 459 ployed in the treatment ofthe secondary symptoms of syphilis, where the milder mercurials had failed. Its dose is one grain. It is liable to pro- duce irritation in the stomach or intestines, and from this, as well as from its high price, is not very frequently used. Hydrargyrum Pr^cipitatum Album. White Precipitate of Quicksilver. Lond. " Take of Oxymuriate of Quicksilver, half a pound ; Muriate of Am- monia, four ounces ; Liquor of Subcarbonate of Potash, half a pint; Dis- tilled Water, four pints. First dissolve the muriate of ammonia, then the oxymuriate of mercury in the distilled water, and add to these the liquor of subcarbonate of potash ; wash the powder which is precipitated, until it is free from taste ; then dry it." Submurias Hydrargyri Ammoniatum. Ammoniated Submuriate of Quick* silver. Dub. " To the liquor which has been poured off from the precipitated sub- muriate of mercury, add as much water of ammonia as is sufficient to pre- cipitate the metallic salt. Wash the precipitate with cold distilled water, and dry it on bibulous paper." Though these two processes are apparently very different, they afford the same product. When corrosive muriate of mercury is decomposed by ammonia, a white precipitate is thrown down, consisting ofthe oxide ofthe muriate, with portions both of acid and of ammonia combined with it; the proportions, according to Fourcroy's analysis, being 81 of oxide, 16 of muriatic acid, and 3 of ammonia. It is this precipitate which is formed in both processes. In the first, it may be conceived, that the potash of the subcarbonate of potash decomposes the muriate of ammonia, by combin- ing with the muriatic acid, and that the ammonia evolved from this de- composes the muriate of mercury, throwing down the white precipitate the same as when ammonia is added directly to a solution of corrosive mu- riate ; or, what affords a more simple, and perhaps a more just view, the potash attracts the greater part ofthe acid, both ofthe muriate of mercury and muriate of ammonia, and the oxide of mercury is precipitated, retain- ing a portion ofthe acid combined with it, and having attracted the quan- tity of ammonia necessary to the constitution of the ternary compound. The other process, that in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, is simply the de- composition of corrosive muriate of mercury by ammonia. In the prepa- ration ofthe mild muriate of mercury by precipitation, it has already been stated, that if a solution of mercury in nitric acid be-used, which has been prepared with the application of heat, and which therefore contains the metal more dghly oxidated than the minimum, a portion of corrosive mu- riate of mercury is formed, when the solution is decomposed by muriate of soda. Itis such a mercurial solution that is ordered in the Dublin Phar- macopoeia for the preparation of the precipitated submuriate, and hence the liquor from which the precipitate subsides holds corrosive muriate dissolved. When decomposed, therefore, by ammonia, as directed by the present formula, it affords the ternary white precipitate. The name giv- en to this preparation by the Dublin College is preferable to that in the London Pharmacopoeia, which is altogether vague. Submurias Hydrar- gyri et Ammonia? is the correct appellation. The necessity of the pre- sence of ammonia to its. constitution is very well shewn from the fact, that, if the corrosive muriate be decomposed by potash, a yellow precipitate is thrown down ; when the white precipitate is decomposed by heat, ammo- nia and nitrogen are evolved, 4.60 preparations of lead. This precipitate, when dried, forms a light white powder, which is tasto less and insoluble in water. It is used only externally, generally under the form of ointment, in some cutaneous affections. Hydrargyri Sulphuretum Rubrum. Red Sulphuret of Quiksilver. Lond. " Take of Purified Quicksilver, forty ounces ; Sublimed Sulphur, eight ounces. To the sulphur melted over the fire, add the quicksilver, and as soon as the mass swells, remove the vessel from the fire, and cover it close- ly,"that inflammation may not take place ; then rub it into powder, and sublime." Sulphureti/m Hydrargyri Rubrum. Red Sulphuret of Quicksilver. Dub. " Take of Purified Quicksilver, forty ounces ; Sublimed Sulphur, eight ounces. Mix the quicksilver with the sulphur melted, and if the mixture inflame, extinguish the flame by covering the vessel ; then let the matter rubbed to powder be sublimed," The inflammation which is taken notice of, as liable to happen when the melted sulphur and quicksilver are mingled together, is not a real combus- tion, but the evolution of heat and light from their mutual action ; this tak- ing place in other cases of the combination of sulphur with metals, and being wholly unconnected with any agency of the air. The covering of the vessel will therefore not check it, though the removal of it from the fire may do so, by reducing the temperature, and thus suspending the mu- tual action ofthe mercury and sulphur. If this should happen, the com- bination will probably remain imperfect, and the process may succeed less perfectly, or at least succeed only from the action being renewed in the subsequent sublimation. The exclusion ofthe air must, however, be pro- per, as preventing a real combustion taking place when the mass is so much heated. Different opinions have been maintained with regard to the nature ©f the product of this process. Some chemists supposed, that the mercury exists in the state of oxide, in combination with the sulphur, and Vauquelin considered the bright red colour as arising from a high degree of oxidation ; this oxygen being supposed to be combined with the metal in the first stage of the process, when the apparent combustion takes place, This oxygena- tion, however, has never been clearly established. And according to Proust and Seguin, the compound is a pure sulphuret, consisting of 85 or 86 of quicksilver, with 15 or 14 of sulphur. This substance, long known by the name of Cinnabar, is of a vivid red colour, which becomes still more bright when it is reduced to powder. Its principal medicinal application is for mercurial fumigation. It is easily vo- latilized by heat, and its vapour, directed on the surface of venereal ul- cers, checks the progress ofthe ulceration ; and where itis of importance to do so speedily, as from the situation of an ulcer it sometimes is, the practice is employed, a little of the powder being laid on a hot iron, and the vapour directed on the part. When applied, however, in this manner to an ulcer in the throat, which is the most common application of mer- curial fumigation, its sulphureous vapour proves irritating, and hence the grey oxide is sometimes preferred. PLUMBUM.—LEAD. Acetas Plumbi- Acetate of Lead. Ed. " Take of White Oxide of Lead, any quantity ; weak Acetic Acid, as much as may be necessary. Pour over the oxide in a cucurbit, ten times preparations of lead. 46 J its weight of Acid. Let the mixture stand on warm sand until the acid be- come sweet; pour it off, and add a fresh quantity successively, until it cease to acquire sweetness. Then evaporate the whole liquor, freed from impu- rities, in a glass vessel, to the consistence of thin honey, and put it aside in a cool place, that crystals may form, which are to be dried in the shade. Evaporate the remaining liquor, that there may be a new formation of crystals, and repeat this until no more are formed." Plumbi Superacetas. Superacetate of Lead. Lond. " Take of Carbonate of Lead, a pound ; Distilled Vinegar, a gallon and a half. Boil the carbonate of lead with the acetic acid, until it be saturat- ed, then strain through paper, and having evaporated the water, until a pellicle appear at the surface, put it aside, that crystals may be formed. Having poured off the water, dry them on bibulous paper." Acetas Plumbi. Acetate of Lead. Dub. " Take of Subacetate of Lead, Cerusse as it is named, any quantity ; Distilled Vinegar, ten times its weight. Digest in a glass vessel until the vinegar become sweet, which being poured off, add more until it cease to acquire sweetness. Strain the liquor, and by alternate slow evaporation and cooling, form crystals, which dry in the shade." This process is not attempted in the shops, but is conducted on a large scale, to furnish the salt for the purposes to which it is applied in the arts ; distilled vinegar being either boiled on cerusse until the acid is saturated, or plates of lead being moistened with vinegar, or partially immersed in it, until they are incrusted with oxide, this oxide being dissolved by immers- ing the plates in the liquor, and a new quantity being formed by raising them to the surface. This is continued until the acid is saturated, and then the liquor is brought by evaporation to crystallize. It is obvious, that the acetic acid ofthe distilled vinegar combines with the oxide of lead. The salt which crystallizes was supposed to be the neutral acetate ; but it appears to be a superacetate, and this name is accordingly given to it by the London College. The neutral acetate does not crystallize easily; and it was found by Thenard, whose attention was called to it, from this circumstance, that a slight excess of acid favours the crystalliza- tion, and that this excess of acid enters into the composition ofthe salt. It consists, according to the analysis of it by this chemist, of 58 oxide ofiead, 26 acetic acid, and 16 of water, while the neutral salt is composed of 78 of oxide ofiead, 17 acetic acid, and 5 of water. This salt crystallizes in acicular prisms, and, as prepared on a large scale, is usually in the form of masses composed of these crystals aggregated ; it is white, or of a light yellowish colour, with a silky lustre : is rather efflor- escent ; it has a sweet taste, whence the name of Sugar of Lead, by which it has been known, this sweetness being accompanied with a degree of as- tringency. It is soluble in water, requiring not more than three parts at 60^ for its solution ; with spring water, the solution is milky, from a partial de- composition ofthe salt, by the minute quantity of sulpiiates or muriates con- tained in the water; and even with distilled water the solution is not per- fectly transparent, if a large quantity ofthe water be employed ; the wa- ter, when its affinity to the acid is aided by its quantity, producing a slight partial decomposition. Acetate, or rather superacetate of lead, is employed principally as an external application. Its solution in water is used as a collyrium in oph- thalmia, as an astringent injection in gonorrhoea, as a wash in superficial •\62 PREPARATIONS OF LEAL-. inflammation; and dissolved in vinegar, it is employed as a discutient. These applications of it have already been pointed out under its medical history. Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis. Liquor of Subacetate of Lead. Lond. " Take of the Semi-vitrified Oxide of Lead, two pounds ; Acetic Acid (Distilled Vinegar), one gallon. Mix them, and boil down to six pints, stirring constantly ; then put aside, that the impurities may subside, and strain." Liquor Subacetatis Lithargyri. Liquor of Subacetate of Litharge. Dub. " T k > of Litharge, a pound ; Distilled Vinegar, eight pints. Put into a glass vessel, and boil down to six pounds, stirring constantly ; then pour off the liquor, after the impurities have subsided, and strain it." This preparation was introduced by Goulard, a French surgeon, under the name of Extract of Lead, as possessed of peculiar powers, and from the confidence with which it was recommended was established in prac- tice. It was considered by the chemists as a solution merely of oxide of lead in acetic acid, analogous to the crystallized salt. But from the exami- nation of it by Dr. Bostock, it is proved to have no excess of acid, but to consist of the neutral acetate dissolved in water, and hence the solution is largely impregnated with oxide of lead. One hundred parts of the sa- turated solution contain, according to his analysis, 23.1 of oxide, 5 of ace- tic acid, and 71.9 of water, while 100 parts of the saturated solution of the superacetate contain 16.8 of oxide, 7.5 of acid, and 75.7 of water. The distilled vinegar cannot dissolve much more than one-third of the quan- tity of litharge ordered in the London Pharmacopoeia, and as the residue retains part of the solution, mixed with it, the process by this excess of litharge is rendered unnecessarily expensive. The solution, or Goulard's extract as it is named, is of a brown colour. When kept, it becomes light- er, and deposites a quantity of oxide. It is used as a discutient, being mix- ed with vinegar and water, and frequently applied under the form of ca- taplasm. It forms also an application to inflamed surfaces, generally un- der the form of the following preparation, which has been admitted as of- ficinal by the London and Dublin Colleges. Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus. Dilute Liquor of Subacetate of Lead. Lond. " Take of Liquor of Subacetate of Lead, a drachm ; Distilled Water a pint; Proof spirit, a fluidrachm. Mix them." Liquor Subacetatis Lithargtki Compositus. Compound Liquor of Subacetate of Litharge. Dub. " Take of Liquor of Subacetate of Litharge, two drachms by weight; Distilled Water, two pints ; Proof spirit, two drachms. Mix the spirit and the subacetate of litharge ; then add the distilled water." This is what Goulard named absurdly Vegeto Mineral Water, and wbich has been highly celebrated as an application in superficial inflammation. It is occasionally employed by surgeons, and some have thought it superior to a simple solution of acetate or superacetate of lead. preparations of zinc. 463 ZINCUM.—ZINC. Carbonas Zinci Impurus Prjsparatus. Prepared Impure Carbonate of Zinc. Ed. " Procure the Impure Carbonate of Zinc roasted, from those who pre- pare brass, and let it be prepared in the same manner as Carbonate of Lime." Calamina Pr^parata. Prepared Calamine. Lond. " Calcine Calamine ; then rub it to powder. Lastly, reduce it to a very fine powder in the manner directed for preparing chalk." Lapis Calaminaris Prasparatus. Prepared Calamine. Dub. " Reduce Calcined Calamine Stone into powder, and separate the finer particles in the manner ordered in the preparation of chalk." Calamine is an ore of zinc, the composition of which is variable. Some varieties of it appear to consist of oxide of ainc, combined with siliceous earth ; but the more common varieties are composed of the carbonate more or less pure. When calcined by a moderate heat, it becomes fria- ble, so as to be more easily reduced to powder ; and as this calcination is performed in preparing it for converting copper into brass by cementation, it is ordered in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia to be obtained in this state, and then to be reduced to a fine powder by levigation and washing in the same manner as carbonate of lime. Considerable care requires to be taken in this levigation, as the powder is applied to purposes, where, if it were coarse, it would prove irritating. It is used as an application to su- perficial inflammation and excoriation, dusted on the part; and it forms the basis ofthe common cerate, to which it communicates consistence and tenacity. . Oxidum Zinci Impurum PrjEparatum. Prepared Impure Oxide of Zinc. Ed. " This Oxide of Zinc is prepared in the same manner as the Impure Carbonate of Zinc." Tutia, the former name of this oxide, is a substance, the origin of which is somewhat doubtful; it consists of oxide of zinc with argillaceous earth ; and the most probable account with regard to it is, that it is the sublimate collected in the chimneys in which zinc is calcined, mixed with clay and water, and baked. It is used externally for the same purposes as cala- mine, and hence requires to be well levigated. Oxidum Zinci. Oxide of Zinc. Ed. " Let a large crucible be placed in a furnice filled with burning fuel, in such a manner that it shall be somewhat inclined to its mouth ; and when the bottom of the crucible is at a moderate red heat, throw in a piece of zinc, about the weight of one drachm. The zinc soon inflames, and is converted into white flocculi, which are to be removed, from time to time, from the surface ofthe metal, with an iron spatula, that the com- bustion may proceed more perfectly ; and, when the inflammation ceases, remove the oxide of zinc from the crucible. Another piece of zinc being thrown in, the operation is to be renewed and repeated as often as maybe necessary. Lastly, let the oxide of zinc be prepared in the same manner as Impure Carbonate of Zinc." Zinci Oxydum. Oxyd of Zinc. Lond. " Throw successively pieces of Zinc into a red-hot crucible, large, deep, and inclined ; another crucible being placed over it, in such a man- 404 preparations of zinc. ner that the zinc may be exposed to the air, and may admit of being stirr* ed frequently with an iron spatula. Remove immediately the oxide which is produced, and pass the white and lighter part of it through a sieve. Lastly, pour water on this, so as to form a fine powder in the manner di- rected for preparing chalk." Oxydum Zinci. Oxyd of Zinc. Dub. " Take of Zinc broken into small pieces, any quantity. Throw these at intervals into a crucible at a red heat, sufficiently deep, the mouth of which inclines a little towards the mouth ofthe furnace, placing over it at each time another crucible inverted, but covering it loosely so that the air may not be excluded. Let the light and very white sublimed powder be preserved for use." Zinc is the most inflammable of the metals. At the temperature of ig- nition, it attracts the oxygen ofthe atmospheric air, and burns vividly with a white and green light, producing an oxide in very light flocculi, which are in part carried off by the rapid current of air arising from the burning zinc, and hence the reason ofthe direction to cover the crucible, with an- other inverted, so that this may be obviated,—a direction, however, not easily complied with, without impeding the burning. The oxide accumu- lates so rapidly, that it must also be withdrawn to allow the combustion to proceed. Particles of metallic zinc are intermingled with it, and hence the necessity of submitting it to levigation. It is light, white, tasteless, and insoluble in water, and contains about 20 of oxygen in 100 parts. In medicine it is employed principally as an antispasmodic in epilepsy and chorea. Its dose is from two to five grains twice a-day, and this is gra- dually increased. It also forms the basis of a healing cerate. Sulphas Zinci. Sulphate of Zinc. Ed. " Take of Zinc cut into small pieces, three parts ; Sulphuric Acid, five parts ; Water, twenty parts. Mix them, and the effervescence being finished, digest for some time on warm sand. Then strain the liquor, af- ter being decanted, through paper ; and, after due exhalation, put it aside, that crystals may be formed." Zinci Sulphas. Sulphate of Zinc. Lond. " Take of Zinc in small pieces, three ounces ; Sulphuric Acid, by weight, five ounces ; Water, four pints. Mix them in a glass vessel, and the effervescence being over, strain the liquor through paper ; then boil it until a pellicle form on the surface, and put it aside that crystals may form." Sulphas Zinci. Sulphate of Zinc. Dub. " Take of Zinc reduced to powder, in the same manner that tin is, three ounces ; Sulphuric Acid, five ounces ; Water, a pint. To the zinc put into a glass vessel, add gradually the acid previously diluted with the water ; when the effervescence ceases, digest for a short time ; then eva- porate the strained liquor, and after due evaporation, put it aside, that crys- tals may form." The sulphuric acid, in this process, by a resulting affinity, enables the zinc to decompose the water, attracting its oxygen, the hydrogen being disengaged with effervescence : the oxide of zinc combines with the acid, forming the sulphate, and by evaporation this is obtained in acicular crys- tals. The process, however, is scarcely ever performed in the shops, the sulphate of zinc being prepared on a large scale, from certain varieties preparations of zinc. 465 ofthe native sulphuret ofthe metal. These are roasted, and exposed to air and humidity; oxygen is absorbed, the zinc is oxidated, and the sul- phur is converted into sulphuric acid ; the sulphate of zinc is extracted by lixiviation ; and its solution is evaporated so far, that on cooling, the salt concretes in a granular mass, forming the white vitriol of commerce. It usually contains a little sulphate of iron, and sometimes, it has been sup- posed, a portion of sulphate of copper and of lead. From the insolubility of the latter salt it can scarcely be present; the sulphate of copper is scare- ly ever to be discovered, and the sulphate of iron is in small quantity, and cannot communicate any injurious quality. And as sulphate of zinc is principally employed externally, the neglect of this process, and the sub- stitution of the common white vitriol, are of less importance. Sulphate of zinc is used principally as an astringent, in the form of so- lution ; as an injection in gonorrhoea, and a collyrium in ophthalmia : some- times also internally as an emetic, and in smaller doses as an astringent- and tonic. These applications of it have been already considered. Solutio Sulphatis Zinci. Solution of Sulphate of Zinc. Ed. " Take of Sulphate of Zinc, sixteen grains ; Water, eight ounces ; Di- luted Sulphuric Acid, sixteen drops. Dissolve the sulphate of zinc in water ; then the acid being added, strain through paper." This solution is designed to be used as a collyrium in ophthalmia, the sulphuric acid dissolving any excess of oxide that may be present in the common sulphate of zinc, if it be employed, and coinciding with it in as- tringency, As an injection in gonorrhoea, the solution, without the acid, is preferable, as sufficiently astringent and less irritating, and perhaps is equally preferable as a collyrium. Solutio Acetatis Zinci. Solution of Acetate of Zinc. Ed. " Take of Sulphate of Zinc one drachm ; Acetate of Lead, four scru- ples ; Distilled Water, twenty ounces. Dissolve the salts separately in ten ounces of water each ; mix the solutions, and, after the liquor has set- tled, strain it." Sulphate of zinc and acetate of lead being the two astringent salts which usually form the basis ofthe astringent injection employed in gonorrhoea, they had frequently been conjoined in one formula, without the prescriber perhaps being always aware of the decomposition they suffer. The solu- tion, however, was found to be astringent without proving irritating; The use of it ted to the introduction ofthe present process, in which the pro- portions are properly adjusted. The two salts exchange their principles, the sulphuric acid ofthe sulphate of zinc combining with the oxide ofiead ofthe acetate ofiead, while the acetic acid unites with the oxide of zinc : the sulphate of lead being insoluble is precipitated, and is removed by filtration ; the acetate of zinc remains dissolved. It is used both as an in* jection in gonorrhoea, and a collyrium in ophthalmia. Tinctura Acetatis Zinci. Tincture of Acetate of Zinc. Dub. " Take of Sulphate of Zinc, one ounce ; Acetate of Potash, the same quantity. Triturate them together, and add of Rectified Spirit, one pint. Macerate for a week, agitating the liquor frequently, and strain it through paper." In this process a similar decomposition takes place, the sulphuric acid 59 46a preparations of sulphur. ofthe sulphate of zinc combining with the potash ofthe acetate of potash, while the acetic acid enters into union with the oxide of zinc. The spirit dissolves the acetate of zinc, while the sulphate of potash remains in a great measure undissolved. The solution is strongly impregnated with the metallic salt, and a collyrium or injection of the usual strength may be prepared extemporaneously, by adding a certain proportion of it to water, though it requires much larger dilution than is proportional to the quanti- ty of acetate of zinc it contains, to reduce the stimulant operation ofthe spirit. The formula appears to have no advantage over the more direct and simple method given by the Edinburgh College. ST ANNUM .—TIN. Pulvis Stanni. Powder of Tin. Dub. " Take of Tin, any quantity. Having melted it in an iron mortar, agi- tate it as it cools, until it is reduced to powder, which, when cold, is to be passed through a sieve." Tin, when heated near to its melting point, becomes brittle, so as to be easily reduced to fragments. When melted, therefore, if stirred or agi- tated as it becomes solid, this effect is obtained, and a granular powder is formed more easily than by any other method. Its powers as an anthel- mintic have been already considered. CHAP. XXIV. SULPHUREA.—PREPARATIONS OF SULPHUR. Oleum Sulphuratum. Sulphurated Oil. Ed. " Take of Olive Oil, eight parts ; Sublimed Sulphur, one part. Boil with a gentle fire, in a large iron pot, stirring constantly until they unite." Oleum Sulphuratum. Sulphurated Oil. Lond. " Take of Washed Sulphur, two ounces ; Olive Oil, a pint. Add the sulphur gradually to the oil heated in a large iron vessel, and stir constant- ly with a spatula until they unite." This process, though apparently simple, is attended with some difficulty, the oil being very hable to boil over, or its vapour to catch fire : the heat therefore requires to be applied with caution, and a large vessel ought to be employed. It is one too unnecessary, for although the composition has been recommended in catarrh, asthma, and phthisis, it has fallen into dis- use, being acrid and offensive. When employed, it was given in a dose of from 10 to 30 drops. Sulphur Sublimatum Lotum. Washed Sublimed Sulphur. Ed. " lake of Sublimed Sulphur, one part; Water, four parts. Boil the sulphur for a short time in the water ; then pour off this water, and add- ing cold water wash away all the acid ; lastly, dry the sulphur." Sulphur Lotum, Washed Sulphur. Lond PREPARATIONS of sulphur. 467 *• Take of Sublimed Sulphur, a pound. Pour upon it boiling water. that the acid, if there is any, may be washed out; then dry." Sulphur Sublimatum Lotum. Washed Sublimed Sulphur. Dub. " Let warm water be poured on sublimed sulphur, and let the washing be repeated as long as the water poured off has received any acidity, which may be known by the test of litmus. Dry the sulphur on bibulous paper." The sublimation of sulphur is usually conducted on a large scale, and the vapours ofthe sulphur, which first rise, receiving a little oxygen from the atmospheric air of the subliming vessel, or of the chamber in which they are condensed, a slight degree of acidity is liable to be acquired, which it is the object of this process to remove. Any acidity, however, is so slight that it is scarcely perceptible in the sublimed sulphur of the shops ; the process is therefore superfluous, and is never attended to. By the washing, the bright yellow colour of the sulphur is removed, and it acquires more of a greenish-grey tinge. Sulphur Pr^cipitatum. Precipitated Sulphur. Lond. " Take of Sublimed Sulphur, one pound ; Lime recently prepared, two pounds ; Water four gallons. Boil the sulphur and the lime together in the water ; strain the liquor through paper, and drop into it muriatic acid, as much as may be sufficient to precipitate the sulphur. Lastly, pouring water on this frequently, wash it until it remain tasteless." The sulphur is in the first stage of this process combined with the lime ; and, at the same time, as always happens when sulphur is enabled to act on water by the resulting affinity of an alkaline base, a decomposition of a portion of the water takes place ; its oxygen unites with a little of the sulphur, and forms sulphuric acid, with which part of the base combines ; the hydrogen ofthe decomposed water unites with another portion of sul- • phur, forming sulphuretted hydrogen, and this enters into combination with the remaining sulphur and base, and by its affinity prevents any farther decomposition. The solution, therefore, besides the small portion of sul- phate which it may contain, is a ternary compound of sulphur, sulphu- retted hydrogen, and the alkaline or earthy base. When an acid is added, it combines with the base, and precipitates the sulphur, while the small quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen is disengaged in the elastic form. In the present process, therefore, the liquor is a compound of lime, sulphur and sulphuretted hydrogen,—what may be named a Sulphuretted Hydro- sulphuret of Lime. The muriatic acid, when added to it, combines with the lime ; and this muriate of lime being very soluble, remains dissolved in the water ; sulphuretted hydrogen is disengaged ; and sulphur, being in- soluble, is precipitated. The process, under this point of view, may be supposed to have no ob- ject, as the sulphur is merely recovered ; and it cannot indeed be said to have much advantage. The precipitated sulphur, however, is of a whiter colour than sublimed sulphur, and is therefore preferred in making sul- phur ointment, the only purpose to which it is applied. This whiteness may be owing either to its state of aggregation, or to its combination with a little water, for the yellow colour is restored on melting it. That it is owing to the presence of water, is rendered probable, from the same white- ness being produced by dropping water on melted sulphur, or receiving the vapours of sulphur in a vessel filled with watery vapour. Common sulphur, it appears from the younger Berthollet's experiments, contains hydrogen ) ,md it is not improbable, that precipitated sulphur may contain a larger ■1SB POWDERS. proportion of hydrogen, which it may attract in its precipitation. The whiteness ofthe precipitated sulphur ofthe shops is usually increased by precipitating the solution ofthe sulphuretted hydro-sulphuret of lime, not by muriatic, but by sulphuric acid, sulphate of lime being thus formed and thrown down, intimately mingled with the sulphur. But this renders it less pure, and therefore less fit for internal administration. Sulphuretum Potass^. Sulphuret of Potash. Ed. "Take of Subcarbonate of Potash, two parts ; Sublimed Sulphur, one part. Having rubbed them together, put them into a large coated cruci- ble ; and a cover being adapted to it, apply the fire to it cautiously, until they melt. The crucible, afterit has cooled being broken, remove the sul- phuret, and preserve it in a phial well stopt.'' Potass^ Sulphuretum. Sulphuret of Potash. Lond. " Take of Washed Sulphur, an ounce ; of Subcarbonate of Potash, two ounces. Rub them together, and put them into a close crucible upon the fire until they unite." Sulphuratum Kali. Sulphuret of Potash. Dub. " Take of Subcarbonate of Potash, Sublimed Sulphur, of each two ounces. Put them mixed together into a crucible, and applying a cover, expose them to a fire gradually raised, until they unite." During the fusion of the two substances, the sulphur and potash com- bine, and the carbonic acid is disengaged, only partially however, and hence the combination is less perfect than when the sulphur is melted with the pure alkali. From the larger proportion of potash ordered in the formula of the London Colleges, the combination is probably more perfect, and the whole sulphur will be rendered soluble in water. The compound is of a yellowish-green or brown colour, and inodorous, but be- comes foetid when moistened or dissolved in water, from partial decompo- • sition, and the production of a compound of sulphur and hydrogen. It has been proposed to be used as an antidote to some ofthe metallic poisons, from the supposition that the sulphur will combine with the metallic pre- paration, and render it inert. From a similar theory, it has been imagin- ed that it might obviate the effects of mercury on the system when these are too violent; but it is seldom had recourse to with either intention, and it is doubtful if much advantage would be derived from it. The dose in which it has been proposed to be given is from ten to twenty grains, three or four times a-day. It is said, in some cases of cancer, to have increased the efficacy of cicuta as a palliative, in doses of five grains. Externally, it has been recommended in tinea capitis ; a wash prepared from three drachms of it with an ounce of soap, dissolved in eight ounces of lime-wa- ter, with the addition of two drachms of ardent spirit, being applied to the. scalp. CHAP. XXV. PULVERES.—POWDERS. This is the simplest form of composition of medicines, the different ar- ticles being merely reduced to powder, and mixed together. It is adapted to the exhibition of such remedies as are not ungrateful, and such as are POWDERS. 469 not liable to lose their virtues by keeping ; and is usually an improper form for those which are bitter, acrid or foetid, which require to be given in a large dose, or which are not easily diffused in water, the vehicle in which powders are usually taken. The dose of a powder seldom exceeds a drachm ; and if it require to be given only in a few grains, it is better that it should be under the form of bolus. When it is to be taken, it is merely diffused in water, wine, or any other convenient vehicle. The Dublin College gives the following general directions for the preparations of powders : " (hose substances which are to be reduced to powders, after being first dried, are to be pulverized in an iron mortar. The powder is then to be separated, by shaking it through a hair sieve, and is to be preserved in close vessel." Pulvis Aromaticus. Aromatic Powder. Ed. " Take of Bark of Cinnamon, Cardamom Seeds, Ginger Root, of each equal parts. Rub them into a very fine powaer, which is to be kept in a glass phial well stopt." Pulvis Cinnamomi Compositus. Compound Powder of Cinnamon. Lond. "Take of Bark of Cinnamon, two ounces ; Cardamom Seeds, an ounce and an half; Ginger Root, ui ounce; Long Pepper, half an ounce. Rub them together so as to form a fine powder." Pulvis Aromaticus. Aromatic Powder. Dub. " Take of Cinnamon, two ounces; Smaller Cardamom Seeds freed from the capsules, Ginger, Long Pepper, of each one ounce. Rub them together to a powder." This combination of aromatics is designed to communicate to other com- positions fragrance and pungency, and to obviate the nausea which un- grateful medicines are liable to excite. The quantity added to a dose is generally about five grains. Pulvis Asari Compositus. Compound Powder of Asarabacca. Ed. " Take ofthe Leaves of Asarabacca, three parts ; the Leaves of Mar- joram, Flowers of Lavender, of each one part. Rub them together to a powder." Pulvis Asari Compositus. Compound Powder of Asarabacca. Dub. " Take ofthe Leaves of Asarabacca dried, an ounce ; Flowers of La- vender dried, two drachms. Rub them together, and form a powder." This is a mild errhine, forming the composition known by the name of Herb snuff. When snuffed in the quantity of a few grains, it occasions sneezing and a discharge of mucus, and is sometimes used in headach and ophthalmia. Pulvis Carbonatis Calcis Compositus. Compound Powder of Car- bonate of Lime. Ed. " Take of Prepared Carbonate of Lime, four ounces ; Bark of Cinna- mon, one drachm and a half; Nutmeg, half a drachm. Rub them together to powder." This is designed to be used as a grateful antacid. It is given in the dose of one drachm. Pulvis Cret^e Compositus. Compound Powder of Chalk. Lond. " Take of Prepared Chalk, half a pound; Bark of Cinnamon, four oun- 470 POWDERS. ces; Tormentil Root, Gum-Arabic, of each three ounces ; Long Pepper. half an ounce. Reduce them separately to powder, and mix them." In this composition, though analogous to the preceding one, the propor- tion ofthe aromatics is larger, and the addition ofthe tormentil root ren- ders it more astringent. It is used to relieve diarrhoea arising from acidi- ty, being given in the dose of half a drachm or a drachm. Pulvis Crktjs Compositus cum Opio. Compound Powder of Chalk with Opium. Lond. "Take of Compound Powder of Chalk, six ounces and a half; Hard Opium, rubbed to powder, four scruples. Mix them." The addition of opium to astringents and antacids, when given in diar- rhoea, is a common practice, and this formula affords a convenient compo- sition of this kind. Its dose is one scruple, or half a drachm. Two scru- ples contain one grain of opium. Pulvis Jalaps Compositus. Compound Powder of Jalap. Ed. "Take ofthe Powder ofthe Root of Jalap, one part; Supertartrate of Potash, two parts. Rub them together into a very fine powder." This combination affords an excellent purgative, less stimulating, and less liable to excite griping than jalap alone. It is given in the dose of a drachm ; and in dropsy, as a hydragogue cathartic, to the extent of two drachms. Pulvis Ipecacuanha et Opii. Powder of Ipecacuanha and opium. " Take ofthe Powder ofthe Root of Ipecacuanha, Opium, of each one part; Sulphate of Potash, eight parts. Rub them together into a fine powder." Pulvis Ipecuanhe Compositus. Compound Powder of Ipecacuanha. Lond. " Take of Root of Ipecacuanha in powder, Hard Opium in powder, of each a drachm ;v Sulphate of Potash, one ounce. Mix them," Pulvis Ipecacuanha Compositus. Compound Powder of Ipecacuanha. Dub. " Take of Ipecacuanha Root, Hard Purified Opium, of each reduced to powder, one drachm ; Sulphate of Potash, one ounce. Rub them toge- ther, and form a powder." This composition, Dover's Powder, has long been established in prac- tice, and is one of those useful combinations which experience, or rather accident, discovers, the powers of winch could not have been inferred a priori from the known operation of its ingredients. It affords one ofthe best examples,of the power which one medicine has of modifying the ac- tion of another, the ipecacuan rendering the operation ofthe opium, as a sudorific, more certain than it otherwise would be, and appearing also to diminish its narcotic effect, so that the composition can be given with safety in inflammatory affections, in which opium alone would be hazardous.__ The sulphate of potash serves to. divide the particles ofthe opium and ipecacuan, and mix them more intimately ; and sucL is the advantage de- rived from it, that, as Dr. Blane has remarked, the opium and ipecacuan alone, mixed in the above proportions, have not the same effect. Hence too, the operation of the powder is always more certain when it has been triturated to a great degree of fineness, and the directions in some of the POWDERS. 471 Pharmacopoeias are in this respect imperfect. This powder is the most powerful and certain sudorific we possess. Its medium dose is fifteen grains, the operation of which is to be assisted by the sweating regimen ; and frequently it is necessary to give additional smaller doses at intervals, to produce heat. Its principal use is in acute rheumatism ; but it is pre- scribed in all cases with propriety where full sweating is to be induced. Pulvis Opiatus. Opiate Powder. Ed. " Take of Opium, one part; Prepared Carbonate of Lime, nine parts. Rub them together to a fine powder." This is designed as a convenient form for administering opium. Ten grains contain a grain of opium, and form a medium dose. Itis, however, little used. Pulvis Cornu Usti cum Opio. Powder of Burnt Hartshorn with Opi- um. Lond. " Take of Hard Opium rubbed to powder, one drachm ; Burnt and Prepared Hartshorn, an ounce ; Cochineal in powder, a drachm. Mix them." This, in a former edition of the Pharmacopoeia, had the name of Pulvis Opiatus, which has been changed to its present appellation, as being less liable to be confounded with Powder of Opium. A little cochineal is add- ed to give it colour. The burnt hartshorn divides the opium, and from its hardness and grittiness is better adapted to this than the chalk ofthe preceding preparation. One grain of opium is contained in ten of the powder. Pulvis Saitnus Compositus. Compound Saline Powder. Ed. " fake of Pure Muriate of Soda, Sulphate of Magnesia, of each four parts ; Sulphate of Potash, three parts. Rub the salts, previously dried by a gentle heat, separately to a fine powder, and then together. The powder should be kept in a vessel well corked." This is a very pleasant cathartic, and very well adapted to those who are of a costive habit. The dose is a drachm taken in water, or any other convenient vehicle. Pulvis Scammonii Compositus. Compound Powder of Scammony. Ed. " Take of Scammony, Supertartrate of Potash, of each equal/parts. Rub them together into a very fine powder." Scammony alone is liable to act with violence, while its operation is at the same time somewhat uncertain. By the addition of the supertartrate of potash, its cathartic operation is rendered more certain and less irritat- ing. It is also preferred to the scammony alone, as a hydragogue cathar- tic. Its dose is from ten to twenty grains. Pulvis Scammonii Compositus. Compound Powder of Scammony. Lond. " Take of Scammony, Hard Extract of Jalap, of each two ounces ; Gin- ger, half an ounce. Rub them separately into a very fine powder, then mix them." This composition, though under the same name as the preceding one, is of a very different nature ; the stimulating operation ofthe scammony not being corrected, but rather increased by the addition of the extract of jalap. The ginger will communicate an aromatic pungency, and obviate 472 POWDERd. griping. The compound is a strong cathartic. Its medium dose is tei< grains. Pulvis Aluminis Compositus. Compound Powder of Alumine. Ed. " Take of Alumine, four parts ; Kino, one part. Rub them together into a fine powder." This being a combination of two powerful astringents, has been some- times used internally in menorrhagia. in repeated doses of ten or fifteen grains, and externally as a styptic application to bleeding wounds. The following Powders have a place in the London or Dublin Pharma- copoeia, without any preparations corresponding to them in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. Pulvis Aloes Compositus. Compound Powder of Aloes. Lond. " Take of Socotorine Aloes, one ounce and a half; Guaiac Gum-pesin one ounce: Compound Powder of Cinnamon, half an ounce. Rub the aloes and guaiac separately into powder ; then mix them with the com- pound powder of cinnamon." Pulvis Aloes cum Guaiaco. Powder of Aloes with Guaiac. Dub. " Take of Hepatic Aloes, an ounce and a half; Gum Resin of Guaiac, an ounce ; Aromatic Powder half an ounce. Rub the aloes and guaiac separately to powder ; then mix them with the aromatic powder." This combination of aloes with guaiac is designed as a stimulating ape- rient, and may be given in a dose of fifteen or twenty grains. The form of powder is however ill adapted to the exhibition of a substance so bitter and naseous as aloes, or of resinous substances, such as guaiac ; and the composition is therefore little used. Pulvis Aloes cum Canella. Powder of Aloes with Canella. Dub. " Take of Hepatic Aloes, one pound ; White Canella, three ounces. Rub them separately to powder ; then mix them." This had a place in a former edition ofthe London Pharmacopoeia, but is now thrown out. The canella covers the unpleasant flavour of the aloes : and this combination is sometimes used as a warm stimulating ca- thartic, not under the form of powder, but made into a tincture, by infus- ing it in spirit. A composition of this kind, designed for this purpose, has long been kept in the shops, under the name of Hiera Picra. Pulvis Contrayerva Compositus. Compound Powder of Contrayerva. Lond. " Take of Contrayerva Root, rubbed to Powder, five ounces ; Prepar- ed Shells, one pound and a half. Mix them." This is a composition which has long kept its place in the Pharmaco- poeias, and has been often reformed. It is scarcely adapted to any impor- tant purpose, or possessed of any advantage. It has been given as a tonic and stimulating diaphoretic, in a dose of half a drachm. Pulvis Kino Compositus. Compound Powder of Kino. Lond. " Take of Kino, fifteen drachms ; Cinnamon Bark, half an ounce ; Hard Opium, a drachm. Triturate them separately into a very fine pow- der, then mix them." ELECTUARIES. 473 Kino is one ofthe most powerful vegetable astringents. The cinnamon will communicate to it a grateful aromatic flavour and pungency, and the addition of the opium will render it a more powerful remedy in diarrhoea. Yet the form of powder is not well adapted to its administration ; nor does there appear any particular reason for introducing this as an officinal pre- paration. It may be given in a dose from ten to twenty grains. Pulvis Senna Compositus. Compound Powder of Senna. Lond. " Take of Leaves of Senna, Supertartrate of Potash, of each two ounces; Scammony, half an ounce ; Ginger, two drachms. Rub the scammony separately, the others together, into a fine powder, and mix them." This may be employed as a purgative, in a dose of from half a drachm to a drachm. The senna is, however, so inferior in power to the scam- mony, that there appears to be little advantage in their combination, nor is the form of powder well adapted to their exhibition. Pulvis Tragacantha Compositus. Compound Powder of Tragacanth. Lond. " Take of Tragacanth, rubbed to powber, Gum-Arabic in powder, Starch, of each one ounce and a half; Refined Sugar, three ounces. Tri- turate the starch and sugar together into powder, then having added the tragacanth and the gum-arabic, mix them all together." This combination of mucilaginous substances may be employed for the general purposes of demulcents, in the dose of a drachm, or two drachms, frequently repeated. But it appears to be a very superfluous composition. CHAP. XXVI. ELECTU ARIA.—ELECTUARIES. This term is applied to that form of compound medicines where the consistence is nearly that of thick honey. An electuary is composed, in general, of a powder reduced to the proper consistence by the addition of syrup or mucilage. It is a proper form for administering medicines which are not very disagreeable in their taste or flavour ; and, except in a few officinal preparations, it is an extemporaneous prescription, as, when long kept, it is liable to become too thick and adhesive from the evapo* ration of part of its moisture. Dry powders generally require twice their weight of syrup to bring them to the due consistence ; and syrup is preferable to mucilage, as the electuary made with the former does not so soon become dry. The common dose of an electuary rarely exceeds two tea-spoonfuls, and is seldom less than a tea-spoonful; any very active medicine, which requires to be given in a smaller dose, being usually ad- ministered under the form of bolus. The London College have united the Electuaries with the Conserves, as they are both compositions of vegetable matter with sugar, and are of similar consistence ; and have given to them the common name of Con- fections. In conserves, however, the addition ofthe saccharine matter is in larger proportion, and is designed to preserve the vegetable matter; in 60 474 ELECTUARIES. electuaries, the syrup is designed merely to communicate the required form. The Edinburgh College retain the distinction of conserves, and tho preparations which have this name have been already considered. Electuarium AromaTicum. Aromatic Electuary. Ed. " Take of Aromatic Powder, one part; Syrup of Orange-Peel, two parts. Mix, beating them well together, so as to form an electuary." Confectio Aromatica* Aromatic Confection. Lond. "Take of Cinnamon Bark, Nutmegs, each two ounces ; CloveS, one ounce ; Cardamom Seeds, half an ounce ; Saffron, dried, two ounces ; Prepared Shells, sixteen ounces ; Rerined Sugar, two pounds ; Water, a pint. Triturate the dry substances together into a fine powder, then add the water gradually, and mix them so as to form an uniform mass." Electuarium Aromaticum. Aromatic Electuary. Dub. "Take of Cinnamon, Nutmeg, each half an ounce; Refined Sugar, Saffron, each one ounce : Cardamom Seeds freed from the capsules, Cloves, each two drachms ; Precipitated Chaik two ounces ; Syrup of Orange, as much as necessary. Keduce the aromatics separately to pow- der ; then mix them with the syrup." The composition of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia is the most simple of these ; in the others the carbonate of lime is foreign to the object of the combination, though, as it has long, had a place, it is still retained. Either electuary is a grateful aromatic preparation, occasionally combined with other medicines, or madethe basis of cordial or carntin to o u Carbonic | acid gas. 1 Sulphur- | etted hy-drogen gas. Carbonatel of Soda. Carbonate of Magne-sia. Carbonate Sulphate of Lime, of Soda. Sulphate i if Magne-1 >ia. sulphate )f I.ime. Muriate ol"Muriate of Muiiateof Oxide of Soda. iMsgnesia. ■Lime. IroD. i j . 1 >- • M \ K> G.as oxygenium. Oxygen Gas. Gas Oxidum Nitrosum. Nitrous Oxide Gas. Oxygen Gas is procured from black oxide of manganese by heat. A quantity ofthe oxide is put into a iron retort, connected by a tube with a gas hoider, or a large jar filled with water, inverted and placed on the shelf of the pneumatic trough. The retort is exposed to a full red heat ; at this temperature the affinity of the oxygen to the manganese is so far weakened by the repulsive agency of the caloric, that a large portion of it is separated from the combination, and assumes the elastic form ; the gas is transmitted through water, and is allowed to stand over it for some hours before it is breathed. As oxygen is so necessary to the support of life, it might be supposed, that when affoided in a more concentrated stiite than that in which we breathe it in atmospheric air, it would prove a salutary agent of no incon- siderable power. To this inference, however, independent of any ex- perience, an objection occurs, from the fact, which some experiments made by Lavoisier, and repeated by Davy, appeared to establish, that when animals are supplied with pure oxygen, or with oxygen mixed with a portion of atmospheric air, less of it is consumed than in ordinary respi- ration. This result appears, however, to have arisen from some fallacy in the experiments. Seguin, in subsequent trials, found that the consump- tion of oxygen gas when it is breathed pure, is at least equal to its con- sumption in ordinary respiration. And Messrs. Allen and Pepys found, that in breathing pure oxygen gas, more of it is consumed in a given time, and more carbonic acid formed, than in breathing atmospheric air. The positive action of oxygen, in the respiration of it in its undiluted form, is also shewn by the effects which result from its inspiration, and still more Unequivocally by the fact ascertained by Priestly and Lavoisier, that ani- mals confined in air, with an increased proportion of oxygen, die before it is exhausted, and even while the air which they breathe contains more oxygen than common air, so that it can enable another animal to live. It is obvious, therefore, that the animal dies not from deprivation of oxygen> but from some positive power the gas exerts, and probably, as may be in- ferred, from some appearances which present themselves, from its too highly stimulating power. Oxygen, when respired, acts partly by communicating a stimulating quality to the blood, by which the left side of the heart and the arterial system are excited to action : hence, when its supply by respiration is suspended, the contractions ofthe heart become feeble, and at length cease, as Goodwyn demonstrated. The state of asphyxia from its abstraction, proves that it likewise exerts some other operation more immediately subservient to the functions of life ; for in that state the functions of life are suspended, while the contractions of the heart continue, to a certain extent, as the experiments of Coleman shewed. The diseases in which oxygen gas has been administered, are principal- ly those of chronic debility,—chlorosis, asthma, scrofula, dropsy, paraly- sis, and some cutaneous affections. It requires to be diluted with from ten to twenty or more parts of atmospheric air, increasing the proportion of oxygen according to the effects produced. From one to two quarts of oxygen are given, by breathing it in its diluted state, at intervals, in the course ofthe day^ It generally increases the force and velocity ofthe pulse EMPLOYED AS REMEDIES. 311 Nitrous Oxide Gas.—This gas, a compound of oxygen and nitrogen, in the proportion of 37 of the former to 63 of the latter, is obtained, in greatest purity, from the decomposition of nitrate of ammonia by heat. When this salt is exposed to a temperature about 400° of Fahrenheit's scale, its principles re-act on each other, and enter into new combinations. The hydrogen of the ammonia attracts part of the oxygen of the nitric acid, and forms water ; an 1 the remaining oxygen combining with the ni- trogen, both ofthe acid and ofthe ammonia, forms nitrous oxide, which is disengaged in the gaseous form. After its production it requires to stand some hours, to deposite a little s;dine vapour, before it is fit to be breathed. The effects of nitrous oxide ga> on the system, when it is respired, are scarcely analogous to those of any other agent. i he excitement which it produces is extended to the functions of body and mind with more rapidity and force than that arising from the action ofthe most powerful stimulants. It is accompanied, too, with effects as various as they are peculiar ; it excites usually a peculiar thrilling ofthe body, with feeling of pleasure not easily described ; muscular vigour is increased, so that unusual exertions are made with alacrity and ease, and there is even strong propensity to mus- cular exertion ; the mind is also affected : there is usually a high degree of exhilaration, yet even when this is greatest, perfect consciousness re- mains. What still more marks the singularity of its operation, this high excitement ofthe functions of life and exhilaration of mind is not followed by proportional languor or debility ; the state ofthe system gradually re- turns to the healthy standard, without any apparent waste of power. A substance capable of acting in such a maimer, we might suppose, would prove one of the most valuable remedies. The transient nature of its operation must undoubtedly limit its efficacy ; but still, in diseases of ex- treme debility, we seem justified in expecting from its administration the most beneficial effects. It has not, however, been extensively employed. In paralysis it has been used with advantage. In diseases of increased sensibility, it may prove hurtful ; and when breathed by delicate females, it has, in more than one case, induced hysteric affections. The dose re- quisite to produce its peculiar effects varies from four to nine quarts, which may be breathed pure or diluted with an equal part of atmospheric air. It cannot be breathed undiluted for more than four minutes and a half, in- sensibility being induced. And it requires to be attended to in its admi- nistration, that its effects -are considerably different in different individuals. On some, its operation has even been productive of unpleasant conse- quences.—palpitation, fainting, and convulsions. Nothing satisfactory can be said as to its mode of action, since we know so little ofthe connection which subsists between the phenomena of life and the chemical changes whirh are carried on in the system. It is ab- sorbed by the blood when respired ; but we can discover nothing connect- ed with its composition or chemical agency which can lead to any explana- tion of its peculiar effects. Under the second subdivision of the Gases,—those which depress the functions of life, might probably be placed all the substances existing in the aerial form, oxygen and nitrous oxide excepted. The following are those which have been applied to medicinal purposes. Gas Hydrogenium. Hydrogen Gas. Gas Nitrogenium. Nitrogen Gas. Gas Hydrogenium Carburetvm. Carburetted Hydrogen Gas. :>l& •>F THE GASES Gas Acidum Carbonicum. Carbonic Acid Gas. Gas Acidum Muriaticum. Muriatic Acid Gas. Gas Acidum Nitrosum. Nitrous Acid Gas. Gas Acidum Oxymuriaticum. Oxymuriatic Acid Gas. Hydrogen Gas is most easily procured by the action of diluted sulphu- ric acid on iron or zinc ; but as a little acid vapour might be diffused through it, it has been supposed preferable to obtain it, when it is design- ed to be breathed, by passing water in vapour over pure iron at the tem- perature of ignition. The iron attracts the oxygen ofthe water, and the hydrogen assumes the aerial form. Hydrogen gas received inio the lungs does no appear to exert any po- sitive deleterious power ; all its effects seem referable to the exclusion of oxygen. Tiie respiration of it can accordingly be continued for some time, if it is mixed with a portion of atmospheric air, without any delete- rious effect. In a pure state, however, if the lungs have been previously emptied as much as possible of atmospheric air, it can be breathed but for a very short time : it quickly occasions a giddiness and sense of suffo- cation ; the countenance becomes livid, and the pulse sinks rapidly, and a state of insensibility is soon induced. When diluted with two-thirds or an equal part of atmospheric air, it can be safely breathed ; nor does it appear to produce any very important effect. It occasions some diminu- tion of muscular power and sensibility, and a reduction ofthe force ofthe circulation. It has been respired, diluted usually with four or five parts of atmospheric air, in catarrh, haemoptysis, and phthisis ; but its powers seem merely those of a palliative, dependent on the partial exclusion of the stimulating power of oxygen. Nitrogen.—What has been said of hydrogen applies to nitrogen. It seems to exert no positive action on the system, but to produce any effects arising from its inspiration merely by excluding oxygen. As it is not so easily obtained pure as hydrogen gas, it has scarcely heen em- ployed. Carburetted Hydrogen Gas.—The gas which has been used in medi- cine under this name is obtained by passing the vapour of water over charcoal at the temper of ignition, in an iron tube. The oxygen of the water unites with one part of the charcoal, forming carbonic acid; the hydrogen combines with another part of it, and forms this species of car- buretted hydrogen. The carbonic acid is abstracted by agitating the gas in lime water. This is the most active of those gases which operate by depressing the functions of life, and is perhaps the most powerful agent of this kind. Even when largely diluted with atmospheric air, it occasions immediate vertigo, sickness, diminution ofthe force and velocity ofthe pulse, reduc- tion of muscular vigour, and in general every symptom of diminished power. It can scarcely be breathed in an undiluted state. Davy found, that at the third inspiration total insensibility was induced, and symptoms of extreme debility continued for a considerable time. These effects prove its positive deleterious agency. As a medicinal agent, it is the elastic fluid of which the evidence of its efficacy was greatest. In phthisis, in many cases, it unequivocally relieved the symptoms, and arrested the progress of the disease ; and in diseases of increased action or increased power, much benefit might, from its employed as remedies. 519 known operation, be expected from its use. Great caution was found re- quisite in the trials that were made of it, with regard to the dose. At first, one pint ofthe carburetted hydrogen gas, diluted with twenty parts of atmospheric air, may be respired : the quantity may be slowly increas- ed, and with less dilution, taking care to avoid the production of great vertigo or muscular debility. Not more than from two to four quarts can be taken in the day, even when the patient has been accustomed to it for some time. It is more powerful when recently prepared, than when it has been kept for some days, a circumstance requiring to be attended to in the regulation of its dose. Carbonic Acid Gas.—This gas is easily procured from the action of diluted sulphuric or muriatic acid on carbonate oflime (chalk or marble) ; but to obtain it in a proper state of purity for breathing, it is preferable to decompose the carbonate oflime by exposure to a strong red heat in an iron bottle. The carbonic acid which is disengaged is collected over wa- ter, as it is not immediately largely absorbed by that fluid, and any vapour diffused through it is speedily condensed. This acid gas, when it is inspired, proves more speedily fatal than ni- trogen or hydrogen. It appears, from Davy's experiments on its respi- ration, to excite spasmodic contraction ofthe epiglottis, so as to induce suf- focation ; and it has this effect, even when diluted with nearly an equal part of atmospheric air. Yet the operation of it is more speedily fatal than that of any other agent that acts by occasioning merely suffocation, which would lead to the supposition that it acts by some positive power,—a supposition confirmed too by the fact, that in animals, in whom the symp- toms of life have been suspended by its respiration, the irritability of the heart is entirely destroyed. The respiration of carbonic acid gas was employed at an earlier period than that of the other gases, and sanguine expectations were formed of it as a remedy in phthisis. In the many cases, however, in which it has been tried, though it frequently proved useful for a time, by lessening the expectoration, diminishing the hectic fever, and acting as an anodyne, there is little evidence of its having ultimately effected a cure. The dif- ficulty, indeed, in employing this and all the other gases, is that of obtain- ing their continued operation. In that state of disease existing in the lungs, in the earlier stages of phthisis, much advantage, for example, might probably be derived from the continued respiration of a reduced at- mosphere, while little can be expected merely from its occasional opera- tion. Carbonic acid gas, when employed, was respired diluted with four or six parts of atmospheric air. It has been found, in that irritable state ofthe lungs, in which cough and dyspnoea are excited from the applica- tion of cold, to be attended with considerable advantage when it is breath- ed in a diluted state ; and an easy mode of employing it with this view, is to put a mixture of chalk or marble with diluted sulphuric acid and wa- ter into a large glass bottle, so that it shall occupy a depth only of a few inches. The carbonic acid gas is extricated, and forms an atmosphere mixed with atmospheric air in the upper part of the vessel, which may be breathed by introducing a glass tube to about the middle ofthe bottle, and inspiring from it. Carbonic acid has likewise been employed as a local application to can i-er and painful ulceration, and has been (serviceable at least as a palliative 520 OF THE GASES A stream of it is directed on the part by means of a flexible tube, taking care to transmit the gas previously through water, if it has been obtained by the action of an acid on carbonate of lime, and confining it for some time over the sore by a funnel connected with a tube. A cataplasm, formed of substances in a state of fermentation, has a similar effect, and is more convenient in it* application. A formula for this preparation has now a place in the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, and has been al- ready noticed. The three last gases which I have enumerated, Nitrous Acid Gas, Mu- riatic Gas, and Oxymuriatic Acid Gas, require notice under this section only as having been applied to one medicinal purpose,—that of neutraliz- ing or destroying noxious or contagious effluvia. These effluvia are pro- bably evolved by chemical processes, and must consist of principle* in forms of combination subject to chemical agency, and capable of being sub- verted by its exertion. It has accordingly been found, that the air of places offensive from the presence of such effluviais corrected, and its freshness restored, by the diffusion of those acid gases, the operation of which, in changing the chemical constitution of compound elastic fluids, is most powerful. Gas Acidum Muriaticum. Muriatic Acid Gas. The vapours of vinegar raised by heat, and the vapours of sulphurous acid disengaged in the burning of sulphur, or the deflagration of sulphur and nitre, had long been employed as the most active means of fumigation. Dr. James Johnston, at an early period, 1758, had proposed muriatic acid, but little attention appears to have been given to the proposal. In 1773, Guyton Morveau employed it on a large scale, the ose of it having been suggested to him by an hypothesis he had formed of the nature of those noxious effluvia which arise from the decomposition of animal matter. The atmosphere ofthe Cathedral Church at Dijon had become extremely offensive and noxious, from exhalations from cemeteries within the church ; and the methods of fumigation at that time usually practised had been employed without any advantage. Morveau supposed, that the putrid odour of these effluvia must arise from the ammonia which is abundantly- formed in the decomposition of animal matter, combined with a small por- tion of acrid oily matter formed in the same process. To neutralize this impregnation, a volatile acid, which should be capable of being easily dif- fused through the air, seemed to be most proper, and this led to the em- ployment of the muriatic acid gas. A mixture of sea salt and sulphuric acid, supported over burning fuel, was placed in the body of the church, the doors being closed for twelve hours. When opened at the end Of that time, the putrid odour was entirely gone. In some subsequent trials in prisons, and other situations, the same method proved equally suc- cessful. The vapour of the acid might perhaps, by some operation si- milar to that which Guyton supposed, lessen or remove the putrid odour ; but it can scarcely be supposed, capable of destroying noxious effluvia, as, of all the acids, it is the one which, from being unable to impart oxygen, is least powerful in subverting the combination of compounds, consisting of elements such as those which must he supposed to enter into the com- position of elastic fluids disengaged in the putrefaction of animal or vege- table matter. And other gases having since been employed more active in this respect, muriatic acid gas is now scarcely employed. ■EMPLOYED AS REMEDIED J-i Gas Acidum Oxymuriaticum. Oxymuriatic Acid Gas. The process by which this gas is procured, has been already described. (page 385.), and its principal medicinal application, it has been stated, is by : fumigation to destroy noxious or contagious effluvia. It was applied to this , purpose by Cruickshank, from the consideration ofthe greater energy of its chemical action compared with that of muriatic acid gas. It changes rapidly the constitution ofthe greater number ofthe compound gases, and particular- ly those containing carbon and hydrogen as their elements ; and though these gases may not in a pure form be evolved in the spontaneous decom- position of vegetable and animal matter, the deleterious exhalations which arise from this process must in every probability consist of elastic fluids of similar constitution ; and hence there is reason a priori to believe, that they will be neutralized and destroyed by the oxymuriatic gas. It has ac- cordingly been established by Guyton's experiments, that air tainted with a putrid odour, by exposure to substances in a state of putrefaction, has this odour removed by its action ; and in the subsequent applications of it to destroy deleterious and contagious effluvia, its superior power appears to have been sufficiently established. Oxymuriatic acid gas is applied to the purpose of fumigation by disen- gaging it by the usual process. Four parts of muriate of soda, one of black oxide of manganese, two of sulphuric acid, and one of water, may be mixed in earthen pipkins, which, to promote the disengagement ofthe gas, may be placed in a sand-bath over a charcoal fire, and distributed in the apartment designed to be fumigated, the doors and windows being closed. After a few hours the air may be admitted, and ventilation esta- blished, to remove completely the vapours ofthe oxymuriatic gas. The only disadvantage to which it is liable is, that from its suffocating odour, the atmosphere in which it is diffused cannot be breathed, which in some situations renders it inapplicable, as requiring the removal ofthe sick.. Gas Acidum Nitrosum. Nitrous Acid Gas. The application of nitrous acid gas to the purposes of fumigation, was principally introduced by Dr. Carmichael Smyth. In energy of chemical action it is inferior to oxymuriatic gas, and is probably, therefore, inferior to it in the power of destroying noxious or contagious effluvia. The evi- dence brought forward by Dr. Smyth seems to prove, however, that.it has considerable activity, and that fumigation with it is successful in restor- ing the purity of a corrupted atmosphere ; and it has the important ad- vantage, that being free from the suffocating odour of the oxymuriatic gas, and free from its deleterious action on the lungs, fumigation with it in the wards of an hospital or ship, where the sick cannot well be removed, may be had recourse to without inconvenience. It is applied by mixing two parts of nitre in powder and one part of sulphuric acid, placing this mixture in small earthen cups in warm sand, and renewing the heat occa- sionally as long as any vapours continue to be exhaled. Several vessels containing a few ounces of this mixture are placed in the apartment. ELECTRICITY. ; The medicinal operation of electricity may be referred to its stimulating >wer. It produces forcible contractions in the muscular fibre ; excites 66 P&22 ELECTRICITY. therefore tu action, if duly applied, and, when in excess, immediately ex- hausts irritability. As a stimulant it possesses the important advantages oi being easily brought to act locally, and of being limited to the part to which it is applied, without at all affecting the general system, while it can also be employed in every degree of force. Electricity is applied medicinally under the form ofthe stream or con- tinued discharge of the fluid, under that of sparks, and under that of a shock : the first being the most gentle, the second being more active, and the last being much more powerful than either of the others. The elec- tric stream is applied by connecting a metallic wire, or, what is better, a pointed piece of wood by a chain, with the prime •conductor of the elec- tric machine, and holding it by an insulated rod one or two inches distant from the part to which it is to be directed, while the machine is worked. -An impression is felt similar to that of a current of air, and a very mode- rate stimulant operation is thus excited, which is better adapted to some par- ticular cases than the more powerful spark or shock. The spark is commu- nicated by applying a metallic knob connected with a rod in communication with the machine, the operator holding the rod by a glass handle, and bringing the knob within the distance of half an inch, an inch, or two inches, from the part to which the spark is intended to be applied : or, what some have considered as a preferable mode, the patient is placed on an insulat- ed stool, holding a chain connected with the prime conductor, and, while the machine is worked, a metallic knob is brought by the operator within a similar distance of the part from which the spark is to be taken ; a sen- sation somewhat pungent is excited, and slight muscular contractions may Jtje produced ; these effects being greater or less, according as the spark is more powerful, this being regulated by the distance at which the knob m held, if the machine be sufficiently inaction. The shock is given by discharging the Leyden phial, making the part ofthe body through which it is intended to be transmitted part ofthe circuit, a chain for example connected with the externa! surface of the coated jar being applied to the. shoulder, when the shock is to be sent through the arm, and the knob ofthe *rOd communicating with the inner surface ofthe jar being applied to the : Wrist. The shock is of course stronger as the phial is large, and as it is 'fully or partially charged ; the sensation it excites is unpleasant, and the ,finuscular contractions considerable, if it is of moderate intensity. 10 At the introduction of electricity as a remedy, it was highly celebrated mr its efficacy in a number of diseases ; its use is now confined to a few. ''?n paralysis it is not unfrequently had recourse to, to excite muscular ^contraction, and perhaps with some advantage. It is usually applied un- l'dfer the form of sparks, the application of it requiring to be continued daily -for a considerable time. Sometimes moderate shocks are also employed ; 'hut the propriety of this practice is doubtful. In amenorrhoea, as the 'stimulant operation can be excited, in some measure, in the vessels which '■'are affected, advantage may be derived from electricity ; and it is occa- sionally used, both under the form of sparks taken from the pelvis, and that of moderate shocks transmitted through it. Ophthalmia, and some other varieties of inflammation, have been removed by the electric stream; it has also succeeded in discussing tumors, and relieving pain. The ge- neral rule for the medical employment of electricity is to apply it at first ^'tinder the milder forms, and gradually to raise it, if necessary, to the more •powerful, taking care only not to employ it in too high a state of intensity, but in the greater number of cases rather to expect advantage from i*r galvanism. 523 continued and moderate use. In its application to the treatment of pa ralysis, for example, the only rational indication is-to excite moderate mus- cular action with the view of increasing the muscular power; to this, sparks of sufficient strength are adequate ; and in employing shocks, there is some risk of exhausting the irritability of the part through which they are transmitted. GALVANISM. The peculiar power which is generated when two metals moistened, or acted on by certain chemical liquids, are in contact, at first named Animal Electricity, since Galvanism, has been applied as a remedy in various morbid affections. Its activity is shown by its exciting, when in sufficient intensity, sensations in sensible parts, and contractions in parts endowed with irritability, more powerful than what are exerted by any other stimulant. Between galvanism and electricity there are so many points of resem- blance, that they have been considered as the same power. There is reason to admit this conclusion. But still, from the different states in which they exist, their effects on living matter are not precisely similar. The sensation which galvanism excites, though analogous to that produc- ed by electricity, is different; and the action of galvanism appears to be more extended, both to the nervous and muscular systems, than that of electricity, which is more local in its action. The galvanic excitation produces sensations and contractions in parts, which, from disease or temporary suspension of power, are not sensible to electrical impression ; and the stimulant power which both exert, appears in galvanism to be greater in proportion to its intensity than in electricity ; or the sensations and muscular contractions which the galvanic discharge excites, are more than proportioned to its power of producing electrical phenomena. Hence it is the most delicate test by which the presence of irritability can be detected. The diseases in which galvanism has been employed, are principally those of the nervous kind. In paralysis, it has been affirmed to have restored the capability of muscular contraction, and consequently the power, of motion. Cases of chorea, tetanus, and some other spasmodic affections have been related, in which cures were accomplished by its application. It appears, in several instances, to have relieved deafness, particularly that specie- of it iri-ing from torpqr of the auditory nerve ; and it has been successful in discussing t-ulolent tumors. The transient nature of the operation is, with regard to it, as well as electricity, an obstacle to their advantageous application : it is also more diffi. ult to apply galvanism in a high degree of intensity, than it is to apply electri- city. The former, however, has been affirmed to have succeeded in some cases iu which the latter had failed ; and even admitting their similarity of action, it affords a method of varying the application, wh ch is often of importance in the protracted use of a remedy. In cases of suspended asphyxia from suspended respiration, the galvanic shock transmitted through the chest, has been found to excite powerfully, but momentarily> the action ofthe heart and diaphragm.' Galvanism is applied by connecting two metallic wires with the two extremities of a galvanic battery, and bringing them in contact with the part affected, so that it shall form part of the circuit of the galvanic drs- 5-4 MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS. charge : the one wire is kept in contact with the part it touches ; the other i? alternately applied for a moment, and removed, and this is con- tinued for some time. If the skin is moistened, the galvanic influence is communicated more readily and effectually ; and still more so if a small piece of metallic leaf, as tinfoil, be laid on the parts to which the wires are applied. Sometimes even the cuticle has been removed by a blister, but the application of the galvanism is then attended with pain, and this is unnecessary, if a galvanic apparatus of sufficient power be employed. One constructed of plates of zinc and copper, four inches square, and in- cluding from 25 to 50 of each metal, is sufficient for the greater number of purposes, a greater or less number of the plates being included in the circuit, according to the strength of the application required. The liquid best adapted to excite it is a solution of muriate of soda, with a little mu- riatic acid ; diluted nitric acid, though more powerful, having its power sooner exhausted, and its action being attended with a disengagement of nitrous gas OF MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS. The principal objects designed to be attained by the Composition of Medicines, are, to communicate an agreeable taste or flavour ; to give a convenient form; to correct the operation of the principal medicine, or obviate some unpleasant symptom it is liable to produce ; to promote its action by the substance combined with it exerting one of a similar kind ;• to obtain the joint operation of remedies, which have different powers, but which may be required to obviate different morbid symptoms present together ; or, lastly, to change the usual effects of the substances mixed, and obtain a remedy different from either, by the power which one may have of modifying the action of another. Some of these effects are high- ly important, and establish the propriety of conjoining medicines in one formula. A prescription has been usually divided into four parts, which compose it,—the basis, or principal ingredient of the prescription ; the adjuvans, or that which is designed to promote the action of the former ; the corri- gens, or that intended to correct its operation, or obviate any unpleasant symptom which it may be apt to produce ; and the constituens, or the sub- stance which gives to the other ingredients consistence or form. All these are not necessarily present in every formula, as some of these pur- poses may not require to be attained ; nor is the division itself of much importance, except that it affords perhaps the best general rule for regu- lating the order in which the ingredients of a prescription should be enu- merated, the order being conformable to that which corresponds with this arrangement. The following are the principal circumstances to be attended to in form- ing a prescription ; and the observations of which may guard against the errors liable to be committed in the composition of medicines. 1st, Simplicity is to be attained, so far as is consistent with the ob- jects of the prescription. Nothing ought to enter into the composition which does not add to its virtue, render it less ungrateful, give it a con- venient form, or which is not necessary to conceal any particular ingre- dient ; and, in general, the practice of accumulating a number of articles in one prescription is to be avoided, as there is always the risk of one counteracting or modifying the action of another ; at least the addition ot MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS. 525 tess active substances can do little more than add to the bulk ofthe prin- cipal medicine, or cause it to sit uneasy on the stomach. 2c%, Substances, it is evident, ought not to be mixed together, which are capable of entering into chemical combination, or of decomposing each other, unless it be with the view of obtaining the product ofthe combi- nation, or decomposition, as a remedy. Errors with regard to this are most likely to occur in mixing together saline and metallic preparations. 3dly, Those mixtures are also to be avoided in which one medicine, by its peculiar action on the stomach or general system^ modifies and changes the action usually exerted by another, unless where the object is to ob- tain the effects of that modified operation. 4thly, The error of contra-indication is to be guarded against, or those medicines ought not to be combined, the virtues of which are not merely different, but are, in some measure, opposed to each other,—an error not very likely to occur with regard to the principal ingredients of a prescrip- tion, but which may happen sometimes to a less extent with regard to those of inferior importance. bthly, The ingredients which are to be combined, must be such as will mix properly together, so that the fprm in which the remedy is de- signed to be exhibited may be easily obtained and preserved. Lastly, The form under which a medicine is prescribed must be adapt- ed to certain circumstances ; principally to the nature ofthe disease, the nature ofthe remedy itself and, as far as can be conveniently attained, to the taste of the patient, those medicines which are nauseous, which operate in a small dose, or are designed to operate slowly, or which have a considerable specific gravity, are usually given under the form of pill, or sometimes of bolus. Those which are less ungrateful, or the operation of which is designed to be immediately obtained, are given in the form of electuary, or under some liquid form. Tinctures always require to be diluted ; infusions or decoctions may in general be given in the state in which they are prepared. These last are always of extemporaneous preparation, as they cannot be preserved long uninjured, and the proper application of them must depend on the chemical properties, and chiefly on the solubility in the menstruum of the active principles ofthe sub stance submitted to preparation. The Doses of Medicines are not reducible to any general rules, from their generalsimilarity of operation, or any other circumstance, and are therefore specific with regard to each substance. But there are certain general circumstances by which their operation is influenced, which re- quire to be attended to in apportioning the dose. The most important of these are, Age, Sex, Temperament, Idiosyncrasy. Habit, and Disease. Age,—From infancy to manhood, a larger dose of any medicine is requis- ite to produce its effect, in proportion to the advance in life From man- hood to old age, it his been supposed, that there is a similar gradation with regard to diminution of dose ; but this is undoubtedly in a less proportion thau that which regulates the increase. The following table by Gaubius has been supposed to shew these proportions, with regard to the early periods of life in which the necessity for the diminution of dose is unques- tionable. :>M MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS, Let the dose for a person of middle age be 1 or 1 drachm. For one from xiv to xxi years, it will be | or 2 scruples. --------------vii to xiv........................± or half a drachm. --------------ivto vii..........................| or 1 scruple. ----.----0f iv years of a^e...................\ or 15 grains. -----------iii-----------... ..............i or half a scruple. -----------ii------------....................i or 8 grains. -----------i-----------...................T\ or 5 grains. Sex.—Women, in general, require rather smaller doses of any active medicine than men,—a difference which is probably owing principally to their greater sensibility from their habits of life. Temperament.—By temperament is understood a predisposition, deriv- ed from original conformation, to be affected in a peculiar manner by ex- ternal causes acting on the system ; and much laborious investigation has bsen bestowed in distinguishing the different temperaments, and the di- versities to which they give rise. With regard to their influence in the operation of medicines, those ofthe sanguine temperament are supposed to be more easily affected, and •therefore to require smaller doses than those ofthe phlegmatic or melancholic In what has been said, however, on this subject, there is so much uncertainty and hypothesis, that little reliance can be placed on it. Idiosyncrasy.—This denotes that disposition in individuals, unconnected with genetal temperament, to be affected by certain causes, in a man- ner different from the generality of mankind. Such idiosyncrasies exist with regard to medicines, as well as to other agents, and, where they are known, they may require to be attended to by the prescriber. Habit.—This has an important influence on the operation of medicines. In general, it diminishes the effect resulting from the action of external powers on the system ; hence medicines often lose part of their power by their administration having been long continued, and the doses of them therefore require to be enlarged under their protracted use. This i? par- ticularly the case with stimulants and narcotics, and is even observed, to a certain extent, in some of the other classes ofthe Materia \ledica. In a few instances, the reverse has been supposed to hold true, particularly with regard to emetics and saline cathartics. Disease.—This has an influence on the doses of medicines not less im- portant ; the susceptibility to external impressions, and to action, being much varied in morbid affections, and the operations of remedies of course bei'ig modified by such variations. I he state of susceptibility being in general apparent, when it varies much fr >m the healthy standard, the doses of the medicine* administered are regulated accordingly and this, it is obvious, ad.nits ol no general observations, as being entirely depend- ent on the nature and state of disease. The followng Table shews the doses of the principal medicines, em- ployed in modern practice, adapted to the prime of life, and independ- ent of any peculiarities,—and requiring, therefore, in particular cases, to be modified according to the influence of the preceding circumstances. 527 TABLE OF THE ACETAS ammoniae, uncia dimidia—una. hydrargyri, granum unum—grana quinque. kali, scrupuius—semidrachma. plumbi. granum dimidium— grana tria. potassae. drachma dimidia—drachma una. Acetatis ferri tinctura, guitae decern—trigin a. cutn alcohole, minima decern —drachma. ammoniae aqua, drachmae duae—uncia dimidia. Acetum colchici, Drachma una. Acidum aceticum scilliiicum, drachma dimidia— drachma una. citricum scilliiicum, grana decern—semi- drachma. muriaticum, guttae viginti—triginta. nitricum, drachma dimidia. sulphuricum aromaticum, guttae viginti— triginta. dilutum, guttae viginta Aconitum napellus, grana duo. .Ether nitrosus, drachma dimidia. sulphuricus, drachma dimidia. cum alcohole, semidracbma —drachmae duae. aromaticus. semidrachma— drachmae duae. ^Ethiops mlneralis, grana decern. Alcohol ammoniatum, semidrachma—drachma. aromaticum, gutlae viginta— triginta- foetidum, drachma dimidia. succinatum, guttae decern—quadraginta. Allium sativum, drachma una. Aloe perfoliata, grana decern. Alumen, grana quinque—decern. Ammoniacum, grana decpm—scrupuius. Ammoniae aqua, gutlae quinque.—decern. Ammoniae aqua diluta, guttae quindecim—semi- drachma. hydrosulphuretum, guttae quinque—de- cern. murias, grana decern,—semidrachma. subcarbonas, grana quinque—decern. subcarbonatis solutio, guttae decern— drachma. Ammoniaretum cupri, granuni dimidium—granum unum- Amomi repentis pulvis, gfana quinque—scrupuius. Amomum zingiber, grana decern—drachma dimidia. Anthemis nobilis, drachma dimidia. - Anthemidis nobilis extractum, grana decern—semi- drachma. infusum, semiuncia—unciae duae. oleum, guttae quinque—decern. Antimonii oxidum cum phosphate calcis, grana quin que—decern. sulphuretum, grana quinque—quadra- ginta. praecipitatum, grana duo —grana quinque. tartras, granum dimidium—grana tria. tartratis vinum, drachmae duae—ires. Aqua acetatis ammoniae, uncia dimidia—uncia una, ammoniae, guttae quindecim—triginta. calcis, libra in dies. carbonatis ammoniae,drachma dimidia. potassae, drachma dimidia supercarbonatis potassae, librae duo in dies. supercarlionatis sodae, librae duo in dies. Arbutus uva ursi, scrupuius—drachma dimidia. Argenti nitras, grani pars octava—quarta. Arislolochia serpentaria, drachma dimidia. Arnica montana. grana duo—quinque. Arsenici solutio, guttae quatuor ter in dies. Artemisia sanionica, scrupuius—drachma dimidia. Assa foetida, grana decern—scrupuius. Atropa belladona, granum unum. 3S OF MEDICINE^. Balsamum copaiba?,drachma dimidia. Ppruvianum, grana decern. Tolutanum, grana quindeciui—quadra- gilita. Belladona, granum unum. Boirbiaudia trifoliate, drachma dimidia. Bonplaudiae trifoliatae infusum, uncia dimidia—uu- ciae duae. tinctura, drachma dimidia—drachma. Bubon galbanuii', drichma dimidia. Callicocca ipecacuanha, grana quindecim. Cancrorum chelae, drachma una. lapilli, drachma una. Calomelas granuni—grana decern. Calumba, j;rana decern—viginti. Camphora, grana quinque—scrupuius. Cantharis, granum unum. Carbonas ammoniae, scrupuius—drachma dimidia. calcis praeparatus, drachma una. ferri praecipitatus, grana decern. praeparatus, grana decern—scru- • pulus. magnesiae, drachma dimidia. potassae. grana decern. sodae, grana decern. Cascarilla, drachma dimidia. Castoreum, scrupuius—drachma dimidia. Catechu, grana decern—scrupuius. Cicuta, grana tria. Cinchona Caribaea, drachma dimidia. oblongifolia,drachma dimidia. cordifolia, drachma dimidia. lancifolia, drachma dimidia. Colchicum autumnale, granuni unum—quinque Colocynthis, grana duo—quinque. Colombo, scrupuius. Conium maculatum, srrana tria. Contrayerva, scrupuius. Convolvulus jalapa. drachma dimidia. scammonia, grana tria—quinque Copaiva. drachma dimidia. Cortex Peruvianus, drachma dimidia. Cremor tartari, uncia dimidia—uncia una. Creta praeparata. drachma una. Crocus, grana quinque—semidrachma. Crotoniseleutheriae cortex, drachma dimidia. Cupri ammoniaretum, grana dimidia—gramma unum. sulphas, grani pars quarta—grana duo. Cusparia febrifuga, drachma dimidia. Daphnes mezerei decoctum, uncia—unciae duae. Daturae stramonii herba, granum-grana octo. Decoctum aloes, unciae duae. compositum, semuncia— unciae duae. cinchona officinalis, unciae quarter ter in diep. daphnes mezerei, libra in dies. -digitalis, uncia una. dulcamarae, semuncia—uncia. geofiraeae inermis, unciae duae. guaiaci compositum, librae duae in dies. lichenis islandici, drachmae quatuor—un- ciae duae. polygalae senegae, uncia—unciae tres. sarsaparillae compositum, librae duae in dies. sarsaparillae, librae duae in dies. ulmi campestris, unciae quatuor—libra. Digitalis purpurea, granum unum. Dolichos pruriens, grana quinque__decern. Dorstenia contrayerva, drachma dimidia- Elaterium, granum unum. Electuarium cassiae sennap, uncia una. catechu compositum, drachma dimidia. cassiae fistulae, uncia una. opiatum, drachma dimidia. sennae compositum, semidrachma—se- muncia. 528 TABLE OP THE DOSES OF MEDICINES Klixir sacrum, drachmae sex. Emulsio acaciae Arabicae, ad libitum. amygdali communis, librae duae in dies camphorae, unciae quater indies. Extractum anthemidis nobilis, grana decem—scru- pulus. aloes, grana quinque—decem. cascarillae, scrupuius. chamaemeli, grana decern—scrupuius. cinchonae, grana decem. colocynthidis compositum, grana quin- que. ronvolvuli jalapae, grana decem. corticis Peruviani, grana decem. rlaterii, granum dimidium. foliorum sabinae, grana decem—tri- ginta. gentianae luteae, grana decem—tri- ginta. hellebori nigri, grana decern. haemntoxyli Campechensis, grana decem —scrupuius. humuli, grana quinque—quindecim- jalapae, grana decern. opii, granum unum—duo. papaveris, grana duo—scrupuius. rhei, grana decem—drachma dimidia. rutae graveolentis, grana decern—scru- puius. sarsaparillae, grana decem—drachma. taraxaci, grana decern, drachma. Valeriana, grana decem—scrupuius. Ferri acetatis tinctura,guttae decem—triginta. alkalini liquor, drachma dimidia—drachma cum semisse. ammoniati tinctura. et ammoniae murias, grana tria—quindecim. carbonas, grana decem—drachma dimidia. limatura purificata, drachma una. muriatis tinctura, guttae decem—viginti. Ferri muriatis et ammoniae, tinctura grana decern— viginti. oxidum nigrum purificatum, grana tria—de- cern. subcarbonas, grana quatuor—viginti. sulphas, granum unum—grana duo. tartarus, grana duo—decem. vinum, drachma—drachmae tres. Ferulae assafoelidae, gummi resina, grana decem —drachma dimidia. Ferrum ammoniatum, grana quinque. Galbanum, scrupuius—drachma dimidia. Gambogia, grana quinque. Guaiacum officinale, grana decem—scrupuius. I lydrargyrus calcinatus, granum unum. cum creta, grana duo—decem. magnesia, grana duo—decern- Hydrargyri acetas, grana duo. murias mitis, granum unum—grana de' cem. murias corrosivus, granum dimidium in dies. muriatis liquor, drachma—drachmae duae. oxidum rubrum, granum dimidium— grana duo. oxidum cinereum, granum unum—grana duo. submurias praecipitatus, granum—grana quinque. subsulphas flavus, granum—grana quin- que. sulphuretum nigrum, scrupuius—scrupu- liduo. rubrum, grana decem—scrupuius. Hydrosulphuretum ammoniae, guttae quinque- decem. Hyosciamus niger, granum unum—grana duo. Iufusum acaciae catechu, uncia—tenia quaque.hora. amarum, unciae duae bis terve in dies. anthemidis, unciae tres bis'in dies. armoraciae compositum, uncia—unciae tres. aurantii compositum, uncia cum semisse— unciae tres. «!urabae, uncia duae. Infusum caryopbyllorum, uncia una cascarillae, unciae duae. cassiae sennae, uncia—unciae quatuor, cuspariae, unciae duae. cinchonae officinalis, unciae duae. digitalis purpureae, uncia una bis in die: gentianae compositum,unciae duae bis terv; in dies. lini, librae duae in dies. menthae compositum, uiicia—unciae trci subinde. quassiae, uncia—unciae sex, bis in dies. qnassiae excelsae, unciae duae. rhei palmati, unciae duae—quatuor. sennae cum tamarindis, uncia—unciae duae compositum, uncia.—unciae duae- simaroubae, unciae duae. Valerianae, unciae duae. Ipecacuanha, grana quindecim. Jalapa, drachma dimidia. Kino, grana decern—-scrupuius. Lac ammoniaci, uncia una. Lactuca sativa, grana tria—quinque. virosa, grana duo. Laudanum liquidum, guttae viginti quinque. Liquor arsenicalis, guttae quater ter in dies. antimonii tartarizati, uncia dimidia—unch una. ferri alkalini, guttae decem ter quaterve in dies. hydrargyri oxymuriatis, drachma una—duo. Lixivium causticum, guttae viginti his in dies. Magnesia, scrupuius unus. Manna, uncia nna. Mel scillae, drachma una—drachmae duo. MeloE vesicatorius, granum unum. Mistura ammoniaci, uncia una bis terve in dies. assafcetidae, uncia una bis terve in dies. ferri composita, uncia bis in dies. hydrargyri corrosivus, graiiurn dimidinm *.'. dies. guaiaci, uncia bis in dies. camphorae, unciae duae. moscbi, uncia dimidia—unciae duae. Moschus, grana decem—scrupuius. Murias ammoniae et ferri, grana quinque. Myrrha, drana decern—scrupuius. Nitras argenti, grani pars octava—grana duo. Nitruin, grana decern—scrupuius Oleum lini usitatissimi, uncia dimidia—uncia. ricini, uncia una. volatile anisi, guttae quinque—decern- carui, guttae quinque. juniperi communis, guttae quinque. menthae piperitae, guttae duae—quin que Opium, granum unum. Oxidum antimonii cum phosphate calcis, grana quin que—decem. hydrargyri cinereum, granum unum—grana duo. zinci, grana duo—quinque. Oxymel scillae, drachma una—drachmae duae. Oxymurias potassae, grana decem bis in dies. Phosphas sodae, uncia una. Pilulae aloes cum zingibere, grana quinque—quin- decim. aloeticae, grana decem. et assafoelidae, grana decem. colocynthidis, grana quinque—de- cern. myrrhae, grana decern. ammoniareti cupri, pilula una mane et ves- pere. assafoetidae compositae, grana decem. galbani compositae, grana decem. hydrargyri, pilula una ter in dies. myrrhae compositae, grana decern. opiatae, grana quinque—decem. rhei compositae, grana decern- scillae, grana decem. saponis cum opio, grana quinque. e styrace, grana quinque. gambogiae, grana decern. TABLE OF THE DOSES OF MEDICINES, 52fJ Filulac ferri cum myrrha, grana quinque—decem. hydrargyri submuriatis, pilula una mane et vespere. Pulvis aloes compositus, grana decern.—quindecim. antimonialis, grana quinque—decem. aromaticus, grana quinque—decem. carbonatis calcis compositus, drachma una. cretee compositus, drachma dimidia. cum opio, scrupuius, drach- ma dimidia. contrayervae compositus, drachma dimidia. cornu usti cum opio, grana decem. doveri, grana decem—scrupuius. ipecacuanhae et opii, grana decern—scrupuius. jalapae cnniposiius, drachma dimidia—drach- ma una. opiatus, grana decem. salinus compositus, drachmae tres—unciae. scammonii compositus, grana decem. Rheum palmatum, scrupuius—drachma dimidia. Rhus toxicodendron, granum unum. Rubia tinctorura, drachma dimidia. Rubigo ferri pra-parata, grana decern—triginta. Sagapenum, grana decern—viginti. Sanlonicum, drachma dimidia. Scammonium, grana quinque—decem. Scilla exsiccate, granum unum—grana duo. Serpentaria virginiana, scrupuius—drachma dimidia. Sinapis alba, uncia dimidia. Solutio muriatis barytae, guttae decem bis in dies. muriatis calcis, guttae viginti. Spiritus aetheris nitrosi, drachma dimidia. aetheris sulphurici, drachma dimidia. ammoniae, drachma dimidia. aromaticus, drachma dimidia. foetidus, drachma dimidia. anisi, uncia dimidia. lavandulae compositus, drachma dimidia— drachma una. nitri dulcis, drachma dimidia. Stannum, drachma dimidia—drachmae duae. Succus spissatus aconiti napel'.i, granum unum. atropae belladonae, granum unum. conii maculati, grana duo. hyoscyami nigri, granum unum— grana duo. lactucae virosae, grana quinque. momordicae elaterii, granum unum. sambuci nigrae, drachma dimidia— uncia. Sulphas cupri, granum unum—grana duo. ferri, granum unum—grana quinque. magnesiae, uncia una—unciae duae. potossae, drachma una—drachmae duae. sodae, uncia una—unciae duae. zinci, grana quinque—decern. Sulphur, drachmae duae—uncia dimidia. Sulphuretum antimonii praeparatum, grana decern— drachma dimidia. praecipitatum, grana quinque. hydrargyri nigrum, grana decem. potassae, grana decem—viginti. Supersulphas aluminae et potassae, grana quinque —decem. Supertertras potassae, uncia dimidia—uncia una. Swietenia febrifuga, drachma dimidia. raabagoni, drachma dimidia. Syrupus colchici autumnalis, uncia dimidia. opii, uncia una. papaveris somniferi, uncia una. rhamni cathartici, uncia una. scillae maritimae drachmae duae—uncia dimidia. sonnae, drachma una. Tartarus emeticus, granum unum Tartarum solubile, uncia una. Tartras antimonii, granum unum. potassae, uncia una. et sodae, uncia una. Tinctura acaciae catechu, drachma una. aloes aetherea, drachma una mane et ves pere. aloes, drachmae duae. angusturae, drachmae duae. assae foetidae, drachma una. Bonplandiae trifoliatae, drachma dimidia— drachma. camphorae composita, drachmae duae—un- cia dimidia. cantharid um, guttae quindecim. castorei, drachma una. castorei composita, drachma dimidia. catechu, drachma una. cinchonae lancifoliae, drachmae,duae. composita, drachma Una—drach- mae duae. colombae, drachmae duae. convolvuli jalapae, uncia dimidia. conii maculati, drachma dimidia—drachma. crotonis eleutheriae, drachma—drachmae tres. digitalis purpureae, guttae decem—quin- decim. ferri acetatis, drachma dimidia. ferri ammoniati, drachma dimidia. ferri muriatis, guttae decem—viginti, ferulae assaefoetidae, drachma. gentianae composite, drachmae duae. guaiaci, drachmae duae. ammoniata, drachma. hellebori nigri, drachma una. humuli, drachma dimidia—drachma una. hyoscyami nigri, drachma dimidia. jalapae, drachmae duae. japonica, drachma una. kino, drachma una. meloes vesicatorii, guttae quindecim. muriatis ferri cum oxido rubro, minima de- cem—drachma. opii, guttae viginti quinque. opii ammoniata, drachma dimidia—drach- ma una. opii camphorata, drachmae duae -uncia dimidia. quassiae, drachmae duae._ rhei palmati, uncia dimidia—uncia una. rhei et aloes, uncia dimidia—uncia una. rhei composita, uncia una. scillae, drachma dimidia. sennae, uncia una. Valerianae ammoniata, drachma dimidia. veratri albi, guttae «quinque. Trochisci glycyrrhizae cum opio, drachma in dies. Uva ursa, scrupuius—drachma dimidia. Valeriana officinalis, scrupuius unus—drachma una. Vinum aloes socutorinae, uncia una. antimoniale, drachmae duae—sex. antimonii tartansati, drachmae duae—uncia dimidia. ferri, drachma—drachmae duae. gentianae compositum, uncia dimidia. ipecacuanhae, uncia dimidia—uncia una. nicolianae tabaci, gultae vigiuti bis in dies. rhei palmati, uncia una. Zinci oxidum, grana duo—quinque. sulphas, grana quinque—decem. Zingiber, grana decern—scrupuius unus. t-R.>r<»K-noN.s of ottvm. ii granum fere unum. Vnguentum Nitratis Hydrargyri Fortius, vulgo Unguentum Citrinum, in singulis drachmis habet Hydrar- gyri grana quatuor, Acidi Nitrosi grana octo. Unguentum Nitratis Hydrargyri Mitius, in singulis scrupulis habet Hydrargyri granum dimidium, Acidi Nitrosi granum unum. Unguentum Hydrargyri, in singulis drachmis habel Hydrargyri grana duo decim ; cum duplice Hydrar gyro, drachma habet grana viginti quatuor Unguentum Oxidi Hydrargyri Cinerei, in singulis drachmis habel Oxidi grana quindecim. Unguentum Oxidi Hydrargyri Rubri, in singulis drachmis, oxidi grana septem linnet. Emplastrum Hydrargyri, in singulis drachmis habe: Hydrargyri grana circiter sexdecim TABLE II. Confectio Opii in granis circiter sex et triginta continet Opii granum. Hydrargyrum Cum Creta in granis circiter tribus conlinel Hydrargyri granum. Liquor Antimonii Tartarizati in fluidrachmisqu ituor continet Antnionii Tartarizati granum. Liquor Arsenicalis in fluidrachmis duabus continet Oxydi Arsenici granum. Liquor Hydrargyri Oxymurintis iii fluidunciis duabus continet Hydrargyri Oxymuriatis granum. Pilula Hydrargyri in granis tribus continent Hydrargyri granum. Pilula Hydrargyri Submuriatis in granis circiter quatuor continent Hydrargyri Submuriatis granum. Pilula Saponis Cum Opio in granis quinque continent Opii granum. Pulvis Cornu Usti Cum Opio in gramsdecem continet Opii granum. Pulvis Crttas Compositus Cum Opio in scrupulis duobus ei ntinet Opii granum. Pulvis Ipecqcuanhce Compositus in granis decern covitii,et Opii granum. Pulvis Kino Compositut in scrupulo continet Opii granum. Unguentum Hydrargyri Fortius in drachmis duabus continet Hydrargyri drachmam Unguentum Hydrargyri Mitius in drachmis sex continel Hydrargyri drachmam. TABLE III. Pulvis Ipecacuanhce Compositus in granis decern continel Opii granum. Syrupus Opii, in mensura unciali, continet extracti Opii Aquosi granum circiter; liquor enim, ex adjecto- saccharo, crescit In molem plus quam duplicem. Tinctura Opii in mensura drachmae continet opii purificnti grana quatuor cum semisse circiter. Tinctura Opii Camphoruta in mensura drachmarum qualuor cum semisse continel Opii purificati granum unum quamproxime. Electuarium Catechu Compositum in singulis unciis continet Opii purificati grana duo cum semisse circiter Pilula! Hydrargyri in granis sex continent Hjdrrtriiyri grana duo. PilulcE Styrace, in granis quinque massae continent Opii purificati granum unum. Hydrargyrus Cum Magnesia grana tria continent Hjdiargyri trana duo. Unguentum Hydrargyri Fortius, in drachmis duabus'continet Hydrargyri dmchmam unum. Tinctura Acetatis ferri Cum Alcohol in mensura drachmae continet Acetatis Ferri siccati granum circi««- TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES IN THE NEW EDINBURGH ANU LONDON PHARMACOPCEIAS. Old Names. Absinthium Acetis hydrargyri plumbi potassae Acetosa Acetum aroinaticura scillae maritimae vini Acidum acetosum camphora- tum destillaium forte nitrosum vitriolicum vitrioli aromaticum ,Erugo Either vitriolicus iEthiops mineralis Agaricus Alcohol dilutum ammoniatum aroma- ticum ammoniatum foeti- dum Alkali causticum fixum fossile vegetabile volatile AloS Barbadensis socotorina Ammonia muriate praeparata Angelica sativa Angustura Anisum Antimonium calcareo pho - phoratum tartarizatum Aqua ammoniae acetatae causticas aluminis composita calcis carbonatis ammonia: cupri ammoniati cupri vitriolati composi te, vel aqua styptica lithargyri aceteti Names in the Edin. Pharm. J Names in the Lond- Pharm. Artemisia absinthium Acetas hydrargyri plumbi potassa? Rumex acetosa Acidum aceticum aromaticum scilliiicum Acetum Acetum Acidum aceticum camphora turn tenue forte sulphuricum aroma ticum Sub acetas cupri /Ether sulphuricus Sulphuretum hydrargyri ni- grum Boletus igniarius Alcohol fortius dilulius Tinctura aromatica ammoni ata assaefcelidae ammo- niata Potassa Subcarbonas sodae potassae imrus ammoniae Murias ammoniae Subcarbonas ammoniae Angelica Archangelica B .nplandia trifoliate Pnnpinella anisum Sulphuretum antimonii Oxidum antimonii cum phos pbate calcis Tartras antimonii Aqua acetatis ammoniae Aqua ammoniae Solutio calcis Solutio subcarbonatis ammo- niae Solutio sulphatis cupri compo- sita site lixivia caustica zinci vitriolati Arabicum gummi Argentum nitratum vivum Arsenicum Assafoetida Aurantium Hispalense Axungia porcina Balsamum Canadense Copaiba; compo- Aqua potassae Solutio sulphatis zinci Gummi acacias Arabicae Nitras argenti Hydrargyrus Oxidum arsenici Gummi-resina ferula assaefcc tidae Citrus aurantium Adeps suillus Resina liquida pini balsameae Terebinthina Canadensis j copaiferae offi- Copaiba cinalis Absinthium Acidum Aceticum. nitricum sulphuricum Aloes vulgaris extractum spicatae extractum Ammoniae subcarbonas Antimonii sulphuretum Liquor ammoniae acetatis Liquor ammoniae Liquor aluminis compositus Liquor calcis Liquor cupri ammoniati plumbi subacetatis plumbi subacetatis dilutus potassae Acaciae gummi Argenti nitras TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES. Old Names. Gileadense Balsamum Peruvianum Tolutanum traumaticum Bardana Barilla Barytes Belladonna Benzoinum Bi-iorta Borax Cajeputa Calamus aromaticus C alomelas Calx viva cum kali puro hydrargyri alba Cancrorum lapilli Canella alba Cantharis Cardamomum minus Carduus benedictus Qarica Carvi Carbonas ammonias potassae sods ferri praeparatus Caryophyllus aromaticus Caryophylla rubra Cascarilla Cassia fistularis lignea Castoreum rossicum Catechu Causticum commune acerri mum , mitius lunate Centaurium minus Ceratum lithargyri aceteti compositum Cerussa acetata Chamosmelum Cicuta (Jinnabaris factitia Names in the Edin. Pharm. Names in the Lond. Pharm Resina liquida amyridis Gileadensis Balsamum myroxyli peruiferi tnluiferae balsami Tinctura benzoini composita Arctium lappa Subcarbonas sodae impurus Carbonas barytae Atropa belladonna Bdsamum styracis benzoini Polygonum bistorta Sub-boras sodae Melaleuca leucadendron Acorus calamus Submurias hydrargyri mitis Calx Carbonas calcis durior Oantharis vesicatoria Amomum repens Uentaurea benedicta Fructus fici caricae Garum carui Subcarbonas ammoniae potassae sodae ferri praeparatu Eugenia caryophyllata Dinnthus caryophyllus Croton eleutheria Cassia fistula Laurus cassia Acacia catechu Potassa cum calce Nitras argenti Cbironia centaurium Soda impura Benzoinum Sodae sub-boras Calami radix Hydrargyri submurias Potassae cum calce Hydrargyrum praecipitatum album Canella: cortex Lytta Caryophylli Cassiae pulpa Castoreum Carbonas plumbi Acetas plumbi Anthemis nobilis Conium maculatum Sulphuretum hydrargyri ru- brum [Ceratum plumbi compositum Plumbi subcarbonas superacetas Anthemidis flores Conii folia Einchona officinalis, vulgo cortex PeruvianuS o. com- munis b. flavus c. ruber Cineres clavellati Cinnamomum Coccinella Colocynthis Colomba Confectio Japonica opiate Conserva aurantii cynosbati rosae Contrajerva Cortex angusturae Cortex Peruvianus Creta alba Crystelli tartari Cucumis agrestis Cuprum ammoniacum vitriolatum Cydonia malus, semen Cynosbatus Daucus sylvestris Decoctum Chamxmeli vel commune Cinchona lancifolia cordifolia longifolia Laurus cinnamomum Coccus cacti Cucumis colocynthis Electuarium catechu compo- situm Dorstenia contrajerva Cortex cinchonae Carbonas calcis mollior Supertartias potassae Momordica elaterium Ammoniaretum eupri Sulphas cupri Fructus rosae caninae Daucus carota Decoctum anthemidis nobilis {Cinchonae lancifolia? cortex cordifolia: cortex oblongifolia? cortex Potassa impura Coccus Calumbae radix Confectio opii aurantiorum rosae caninae rosae Gallica: Cuspariae cortex Elaterii poma Cydoniae semina Kosae caninae pulpa TABLE OF CHANGED NAME*. 533 Old Names. Names in the Edin. Pharm. Names in the Lond. Pharm. Oecoctum cinchonae officinalis Decoctum cinchona? lancifo lias lignorura pro enemate fomento Dens leonis Elaterium Electuarium lenitivum mimosa; catechu cassia? scammonii senna? Elixir paregoricum Anglorum sacrum salutis stomach icum Emplastrum adhaesivum cereum lithargyri vel commune lithargyri com- positum lithargyri cum hydrargyro lithargyri cum resina picis Burgundi- cae compositum vesicaiorium Emulsio Arabica communis Ferrum ammoniatum Ferri rubigo squamae purificatae praeparata? Ferrum vitriolatum ustum Filix mas Flores benzoes Flores martiales Flores sulphuris loti zinci Fossiculum dulce Galbanum Gambogia Genista Gummi Arabicum Helleboraster,/oh'um Helleborus albus Hepar sulphuris Hydrargyrus acetatus calcinatus muriatus muriatus corro- sivus mitis praeci pitatui nitratus ruber praecipitatus ci nereus sulphuratus ni ger sulphuratus ru ber vitriolatus flavu; guaiaci composi- tum Leontodon taraxacum Succus spissatus momordica? elaierii Electuarium sennae composi- tum catechu compo- situm Tinctura opii ammoniata Tinctura opii camphorata rhei et aloes sennae composita gentianae composita Emplastrum resinosum simplex oxidi plumbi se- uiivitrei cantharidis vesicatoria? Emulsio acacia? Arabica? amygdalae communis Murias ammoniae et ferri Subcarbonas ferri Oxidum ferri nigrum purifica turn praepa latum Sulphas ferri Oxidum ferri rubrum Aspidium filix mas Murias ammonia? et ferri Sulphur sublimatum Oxidum zinci Anethum fceniculum Gummi-resina bubonis galba Spartium scoparium Gummi acaciae Arabica? Veratrum album Sulphuretum potassae Acetas hydrargyri Murias hydrargyri corrosivus Submurias hydrargyri mitts, sive calomelas Submurias hydrargyri pra?ci pitatus Oxidum hydrargyri rubrum per acidum nitricum Oxidum hydrargyri cinereum Sulphuretum hydrargyri ni- grum Subsulphas hydrargyri flavu; Decoctum malva? composituni papaveris Confectio cassia? scammonea senna? cerae plumbi galbani composi- tum hydrargyri picis compos] turn Emplastrum lytta? Ferrum ammoniatum Ferri sulphas Acidum benzoicum Sulphur lotum Fceniculi semina Gambogia Spartii cacumina Hellebori fcelidi folia Veratri radix Hydrargyri oxydum rubrum oxyrourias uitrico-oxydum sulphuretum ni- grum sulphuretum ru brum 534: 1ABLE OK CHANGED NAMK.-i. Old Names. Infusum amarum cinchona? officinalis japonicum rosarum tamarindi cum senna Jalapa Kali acetatum pra?paratum purum sulphura'um tartarizatum vitriolatum Lac ammoniaci amygdalae assafoetida? guai^ci Lapis calaminaris Lavendula Laudanum liquidum Lignum campechense Limon Linimentum ammonia? Linimentum auodynum vel opiatum aquae calcis saponaceum volatile Linum, semen Lithargyrus Lixivia acetata e tartaro purificata tartarisata vitriolate sulphurea Lixivium causticum Magnesia alba usta vitriolate Majorana Manna Marmor album Marruhium album Mastiche Mel acetatum Melampodium Mentha piperitis sativa Mercurius praecipitatus ruber sublimatus corrosi- vus Mezereum Mimosa catechu Mimosa nilotica Minium Mistura camphorata cretacea moschata Mucilago seminis cydonii mali Muria Murias hydrargyri Natron praeparatum tartarizdium vitriolatum Nitrum Nux moschata Olea stillalitia Oleum succini rectificatum terebinthina: rectifica- tum Names in the Edin. Pharm. Infusum gentianse composi- tum cinchonae lancifolia? acaciae catechu rosae GaUicae sennae compositum Convolvulus jalapa Carbonas zinci impurus Lavandula spica Tinctura opii * ignum haematoxyli campe chiani Citrus medica Tinctura saponis et opii Oleum lini cum calce Tinctura saponis camphorata Oleum ammoniatum Oxidum plumbi semivitreum Acetas potassae Subcarbonas potassa? purissi mus Carbonas potassae Tartras potassa? Sulphas potassa? cum sulphure Aqua potassa? Carbonas magnesiae Magnesia Sulphas magnesiae Origanum majorana Succus concretus fraxini orni Carbonas calcis durior Resina pistechia? lentisci Helleborus niger Hydrargyrus Oxidum hydrargyri rubrum Murias byarargyri corrosivus Daphne mezereum Acacia catechu Arabica Oxidum plumbi rubrum Murias sodae Murias hydrargyri corrosivus Nitras potassa? Nucleus myristica? moschata? Olea volatilia Oleum succini purissimum volatile pini purissi- mum Linimentum ammonias sub- carbonatis Lini usitatissimi semina Plumbi oxydum semivitreum JVames in the Lond. Pharm. Jalapae radix Potassa? acetas subcarbonas Potassa fusa Potassa? sulphuretum tartras sulphas Mistura ammoniaci amygdalarum assafoetida? guaiaci Calamina Magnesiae carbonas sulphas Magnesia Marruhium Oxymel simplex Mentha piperita viridis Mistura camphora. creta; moschi Decoctum cydonia? odae subcarbonas Soda tarterizata Soda? sulphas Potassa? nitras Oleum suCciiv TABLE OE CHANGED NAMES. 5 Old Names. Olibanum Oliva Oxidum plumbi album °xymel a?ruginis Palma Papaver album, capsula erraticum,_/?<>{. Petroleum Barbadense Pilula? aloes cum colocynthide cupri opii scillae thebaica? Pimenta Piper Indicum Jamaicense Pix Burgunoica liquida Plunibu .1 ustum Polypodium filix mas Poiio cretacea Prunus Gallica Pulegium Pulvis aloes cum guaiaco antimonialis aromaticus cretaceus Doveri opiatus Pyrethrum Raphanus rusticanus ' Rhabarbarum Rosa pallida rubra Rubigo ferri praeparata Sabina Saccharum non purificatum Saccharum saturni Sal aikalinus fixus fossilis vegetabilis ammoniacus catbarticus amarus cornu cervi Glauberi marinus llispanus polychrestus Kupellensis succini tartari Santelum rubrum Santonicum Sarsaparilla Sassafras Scammonium Seneka Senna Serpentaria Virginiana Simarouba Sinapi Album Soda muriate phosphorate tartarisata vitriolate Solutio acetas zinci Sperma ceti Spina cervina, bacca Spiritus aetheris vitriolici Names in the Edin. Pharm. Names in the Lond. Pharm Gummi-reslua juniperi lycia? Olea? Europeae ICarbonas plumbi Cocos butyracea Bitumen petroleum Pilula? colocynthidis composi ammoniareti cupri ammonia? aromaticus frptidus Linimentum xruginis Papaveris somniferi capsula? Rhoeados patala Pilula? saponis cum opio scillae composita: opiatae Myrlus pimenta Capsicum annuum Frucius niyrii pimenta? Pmi resina sponte concreta Resina empyreumatica Oxioum plumbi semivitreum Aspiiiium filix mas Polio carbonatis calcis Prunus domestica Mentha pulegium Oxidum antimonii cum phos phale calcis Pulvis carbonatis calcis com- positus ipecacuanha? et opii Anthemis pyrethrum Cochlearia armorica Rbeuin Rosa centifolia Gallica Subcarbonas ferri praeparatus Juniperis sabina Acetas plumbi Subcarbonas sodae potassa? Murias ammonia? Suiphas magnesia? Subcarbonas ammoniae Sulphas soda? Murias soda? Sulphas potassa? cum sulphure Tartras soda? el poiassae Acidum succinicum Subcarbonas potassa? purissi mus Pterocarpus santalinus Artemisia santonicum Smilax sarsaparilla Laurus sassafras Gummi-resina convolvuli scammonia? Polygala senega Cassia senna Aristoloehia serpentaria Quassia simaruba Sinapis alba Siibcarln nas soda? Murias sodae Phospbas sodae Tartras soda? et potassae Sulphas sodae Solutio acetatis zinci &ther sulphuricus cum alco- hole Alcohol ammoniatum Tinctura aromatica ammonia- ta assafrrtida ammonia ta Pix arida Pulvis aloes compositus cinnamomi compositns cornu usti cum opio Armoraciae radix Rhei radix Rosa? centifoliae petala Gallica? petala Saccharum Ammoniae murias Pterocarpi lignum Scammonia? gummi-resina Senega? radix Serpentariae radix Cetaceum Rhamni bacca' ?3G TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES. Old Names. Names in the Edin. Pharm. Names in thtLon d. Pharm. Spiritus cornu cervi Solutio subuuboualls aiunio- Mindereri n ia? Aqua acetatis ammonia? salis ammoniaci Solutio subcarbonatis ammo- vinosus rectificatus Alcohol fortius Spiritus rectificatus tenuior dilutus tenuior .camphora tus Tinctura camphora? campborne Staphisagria Delphinium staphisagria Strammonium Datura stramonium Submurias hydrargyri Submurias hydrargyri mitis Sulphas alumina? Alumen Supertartris potassae Supertartras potassa? Sulphur antimonii praecipi- ) tatum f Sulphuretum antimonii prae- Antimonii sulphuretum prae- auratum antimo- ( nii ) Sulphuris flores cipitatum cipitatum Sulphur sublimatum Syrupus balsamicus vel Tolu- Syrupus toluifera? balsami tenus limonum citri medicae papaveris albi papaveris somniferi Taraxacum Leontodon taraxacum Tartarus ci udus Supertartras potassa? impurus Tartari crystalli Tartarus emeiicus Supertartras potassae Tartras antimonii Potassa? supertartras Tartarum solubile potassa? vitriolatum Sulphas potassae Tartris antimonii Tartras antimonii potassae. potassae et soda? sodae et potassa? Terebinthina Veneta Resina liquida pini Terra Japonica Extractum acaciae catechu ponderosa vitriolate Sulphas baryta? Thus Abietis resina Tinctura aloes vitriolate Tinctura aloes aetherea aromatica cinnamomi compo-sita cantharidum cantharidis vesica- toria? ferri muriatis ferri Tinctura ferri muriatis Japonica acacia? catechu opii camphorata camphorae comv>os;- rhei amara rhei et gentianae sacra Vinum aloes socotorinae saponis Tinctura saponis camphorata Tolutana toluifera? balsami Toxicodendron Rhus toxicodendron Tragacantha Astragalus tragacantha Trifolium palustre 1 enyanlhes t rifoliate Menyanttres Trochisci Arabici Trochisci gummosi Turpethum minerale Subsulphas bydrarg3'ri flavus Tutia Oxidum zinci impurum Unguentum album vel ce 'nguentum carbonatis russae plumbi aeruginis sub-acetatis cupri coeruleum hydrargyri citrinum nitratis hydrar gyri cpispasticum for- pulveris canthari- tius dis vesicatoria? mitius infusi cantharidis picis resibae flava? vesicatoria? Unguentum picis liquida Ceratum resina? flava? Saturninum spermatis ceti acetatis plumbi Unguentum cetacei tutiae oxidi zinci im-Puri . ., . Uva passa Fructus siccatus vitis viniferi ursi Arbutus uva ursi Valeriana sylvestris Valeriana officinalis Vinum amarum Vinum gentiana? compositum autimoniale tartratis antimonii Liquor antimonii tartarizati Vitriolum album Sulphas zinci coeruleum cupri Cupri sulphas viride ferri fABLE OF CHANGED NAME.S. 537 Old Names. Winteranus cortex Zincum ustum vitriolatum Zingiber Names in the Edin- Pharm. Cortex Wintera? aromaticae Oxidum zinci Sulphas zinci Amomum zingiber Names in the Lond. Pharm. Zinci oxydum sulphas TABLE II. Vitwes in the Edhu Pharm. i Names in the Lond. Pharm- Acacia Arabica catechu Acetas hydrargyri potassae plumbi Acetum Acidum aceticum aromaticum camphora- tum forte scilliticum aceticum tenue Abietis resina Absinthium j Acaciae gummi Acidum aceticum succinicum sulphuricum aro: ticum Acorus calamus Adeps ovillus suillus iEther sulphuricus cum alco- hole Alcohol ammoniatum dilutius fortius Alumeii henzoicum nitricum sulphuricum Aloes spicata? extractum vulgaris extractum Ammonia? murias subcarbonas Ammoniaretum cupri Amomum repens zingiber i Amygdali communis nucleus! Amyridis Gileadensis resina] liquida Anethum foeniculum Angelica Archangelica Anthemis nobilis pyrethrum Apium petroselinum Aqua acetatis ammoniac ammonia? potassa? \ rbutus uva ursi Arctium lappa Anthemidis /lores Antimonii sulphuretum sulphuretum prae cipitatum 68 Old- Namu Thus Absinthium vulgare Mimosa nilotica catecbu Hydrargyrus acetates Lixivia acetata, tartarum re- generatum Cerussa acetate, saccharnm i Saturni Acelosa pratensis jAcidum acetosum (Acetum aromaticum I JAcidum acetosum camphora. ! turn j acetosum forte i.lcetum scillae maritimae Acidum acetosum destillatum ! Flores benzoes JAcidum nitrosum Sal succini Acidum vitriolicum vitrioli aromaticum Calamus aromaticus Sevum ovillura Axungia porcina /Ether vitriolicus Spiricus aetheris vitriolici Spiritus ammonia? Alcohol dilutum, spiritus vi- nosus tenuior spiritus vinosus rec- tificatus vel purissimus Aloe's socotorina, Succus spis- satus Barbadensis, Succus spis- satus Sulphas alumina? Sal ammoniac us Ammonia praeparata Cuprum ammoniacum Cardamomum minus Zingiber Amygdala dulcis Balsamum Gileadense Foeniculum duke Angelica sativa Chamaemelum Pyrethrum Antimonium Sulphur antimonii praecipita- tum Petroselinum Aqua ammonia? acetata?, spir- itus Mindereri ammonia? caustics? lixivium causticum | Uva ursi Bardana TABLE OF CHAXCiED NAMES. Vimmet in the Edin. Pharm- I Karnes in tht Lond. Pharm- I Aristolochia serpentaria | Irfemiiia absinthium santonicum Aspidium filix mas Astragalus tragacantha Atropa belladonna Bitumen petroleum Boletus igniarius Bonplandia trifoliate '.ihonisgalbani gummi-resina] Argenti nitras (Arm"raria* rsdi\ Cantharis vesicatoria Capsicum annuum Oarbonas baryta? calcis mollior durior magnesiae plumbi zinci impurus Oarum carui Oaryophylli dassia senna Centaurea benedicta Chironia centaurium Cinchona cordifolia lancifolia oblongifolia Cinchona? officinalis cortex Citrus aurantium medica Coccus cacti Cochlearia armoracia Oocos butyracea Calami radix Calamina Caluinba? radix Cambogia Canella? cortex Capsici baccar. Cassia? pulps U.istoreum eratum plumbi compositum Old Name:. Argentum nitratura |Serpentaria Virginiana Raphanus rusticanus, radi. < Absinthium Santonicum Polypodium filix roas Tragacantha Belladonna, Solanum letbaU .Benzol [Petroleum Barbadense lAgaricus | Angustura i Galbanum Calamus aromaticus, radix Lapis calaminaris Colomba, radix Calx viva Gambogia Canella alba, cortex Meloe vesicatorius Piper Indicum Barytes Creta alba Marmor album, et chelae e: lapilli cancrorum Magnesia alba Cerussa, Oxidum plumbi al- bum Lapis calaminaris Carvi Caropbyllus aromatica, pert carpium immaturum Senna Castoreum rossicum Ceratum lithargyri acetat: compositum Unguentum resina? flava? Sperma ceti Carduus benedictus Conium maculatum Convolvuli scammonia? gum- mi-resina Convolvulus jalapa Copaifera? officinalis resina li- quida Croton eleutheria Cucumis colocvnthis Cinchonas lancifolia? cortex cordifolia? cortex oblongifolia? cortex Confectio aurantiorum Confectio cassiae opii rosae canina? rosa? gallica? scammouea? senns Conii folia Copaiba Daphne mezereum Datura stramonium Decoctum guaiaci compositum Delphinium staphisagria Dianthus caryophyllus Dorstenia contrajerva Emplastrum cantharidis vesicatoria? Cupri sulphas Cu%pariae. cortex Cvdonia? semina Decoctum cydonia? malvae compositum papaveris Elaterti poma Centaurium minus Cinchona flava communi: rubra Cortes Peruvianus Aurantium Hispalense Limon Coccinella Raphanus rusticanus Pa I ma Electuarium cassia? Confectio opiata Conserva cynesbati rosae Electuarium scammoni: senna? Cicuta Scammonium Jalapa Balsamum copaibar Cascarilla Colocyntbis Vitriolum. coeruleum Vulgo cortex angustur.- Cydonia malus, semen Mezereum Stramonium Dpcoctum lignorum Mucilago seminis cydonii mali Decoctum pro enemate pro fomento Staphisagria Caryophylla rubra Cotnrajerva Cucumis agrestis,fructus ?e cens ' Emplastrum vesicatorium TABLE OF CHANGED NAMEfc. . Venter in the Edin. Pharm, Emplastrum oxidi ferri rubri plumbi se- mivitrei Eugenia caryophyllata Ferula? assaefoetida? gummi- resina Fraxini orni succus concretus Gummi acacia? Arabica? Haematoxyli Campechiani lig- num Helleborus niger Names in the Lond. Pharm. Old Names. Emplastrum cerae Emplastrum cerae composi- tum galbani composi- lithargyri com- tum positum hydrargyri 1 lithargyri cum hydrargyro roborans picis composi- picis Burgundi- tum c a? compositum lytta? cantharidis plumbi commune, vel li- thargyri resina? lithargyri cum resina Caryophyllus aromaticus Ferri sulphas Ferrum vitriolatum Ferrum ammoniatum ammoniacale Foeniculi semina Foeniculum dulce, semen Assafoetida Hydrargyrus Infusum acacia? catechu Infusum senna? compositum Juniperi lyciae gummi-resina Juniperus sabina daunts cassia cinnamomum ■Leontodon taraxacum Magnesia Melaleuca leucadendron Mentha pulegium Menyanthes trifoliate Hellebori fcetidi folia Hydrargyri nitrico-oxydum oxydum rubrum oxymurias submurias sulphuretum ru brum sulphuretum ni i grum Hydrargyrum praecipitatum I album Jalapae radix Linimentum ammonia; sub- carbonatis aeruginis Lini usitatissimi semina Liquor aluminis compositus ammoniae ammoniae acetatis antimonii tartarizati calcis cupri ammoniati plumhi subacetatis plumbi subacetatis di lutus potassa? Lytta Magnesia Magnesia? carbonas sulphas Marrubium Mentha piperita viridis Menyanthes Mistura amygdalarum ammoniaci assafoetida? camphorae creta? guaiaci moschj Manna Gummi Arabicum Lignum Campecbense Melampodium Hydrargyrus nitratus rubei calcinates muriatus Calomelas Hydrargyrus sulphuratus ru ber cum sulphure Calx hydrargyri alba Argentum vivum, mercuriu' Infusum japonicum Infusum tamarindi cum senna Jalapium, radix Olibanum Sabina Cassia lignea Cinnamomum Sassafras Dens leonis Linimentum ammonia; Oxymel aeruginis Linum, semen Aqua aluminis composita ammonia? pura? ammonia? acetata? Vinum antimonii tartarizati Aqua calcis cupri ammoniati lithargyri aceteti lithargyri aceteti com- posita kali puri Cantharis Magnesia usta alba vitriolate Marrubium album Cajeputa Mentha piperitis sativa Pulegium Trifolium palustre Lac amygdala? ammoniaci Lac asa fcetida? Mistura camphorata cretacea Lac guaiaci . Mistura moschata biv TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES. Names in the Edin. Pharm. Murias ammonia? Murias ammoniae et ferri hydrargyri corrosivus sodae Myroxyli Peruiferi balsamum Myrtus pimenta Nitras argenti potassae Olea fixa volatilia Origanum majorana Oxidum antimonii cum phos phate calcis arsenici ferri nigrum ferri rubrum hydrargyri cinereum Oxidum hydrargyri rubrum per acidum nitricum plumbi rubrum semivitreum zinci impurum Phosphas soda? Pilula? colocynthidis compo- sitae opiatae Pimpinella anisum Pini balsamea? resina liquida oleum volatile resina empyreumatica resina liquida solida, oleo volatilel private solida sponte con- Pix arida creta Pistacix lentisci resina Names in the Lond. Pharm Oleum succini Old Karnes. Ammonia inuriata, sal amm<- niacus Ferrum ammoniatum, flores martiales Mercurius sublimates corrosi- vus Soda muriate, sal marinus, muria B ls.nnum Peruvianum j'-.mente ^rsentum nitratum, causti cum lunare N'trum lea expressa stillatitia vel essentialia Oleum surcini rectificatum Majorana P.ivis antimonialis, antimoni itm calcareo-phosphoratum Arsenicum Ferri squama? Ferrum vitriolatum ustum, colcothar vitrioli Hydrargyrus praecipitatus ci- nereus nitratus ruber. vel praecipitatus ruber Minium, plumbum ustum ru- brum Lyihargyrus, plumbum ustum Zincum ustum, flores zinci Tutia M"l acetatum Oxymel simplex Papaveris somniferi capsula; Papaver album, capsula Soda phosphorate Pilula? aloes cum colocynthid* Pilula? saponis cum opio scillae compositae Poly gal a senega Polygonum bistorta Potassa cum calce Potio carbonatis calcis Pterocarpus santalinus Pulvis carbonatis calcis com- positus ipecacuanhae et opii aluminis compositus Plumbi superacetalis subcarbonas oxidum semivitreum Potassa cum calce fusa impura Potassae acetas nitras subcarbonas tartras sulphas sulphuretum supertartras Pruna gallica Pterocarpi lignum Pulvis aloes compositus cinnamomi compositus cornu usti cam opio Pilula? opii vel thebaica: opii scilla? Anisum Balsamum Canadense Oleum terebinthina? Pix liquida Terebinthina veneta, et vulga ris Resina alba Pix Burgundica Mastiche Oerussa acetata Cerussa l.ithargyrus Seneca Bistorta austicum commune acerri- mum mitius Kali purum Cineres clavellati Kali acetatum NTitrum Kali praeparatum tartarizatum vitriolatum sulphuratum Tarteri crystelli Potio cretacea Pruna Santalum rubrum "ulvis aloes cum guaico Pulvis cretaceus aromaticus opiatus ipecacuanha? ooulposi tus vel Doveri sulphatis alumina? compositus rel styp ticus TAKLE OF CHANGED NAMES. iVoines in the Edin. Pharm. Quassia simarouba Rhus toxicodendron Rosa canina centifolia Gallica Smilax sarsaparilla Solutio subcarbonatis ammo niae sulphatis cupri com posita Spartium scoparium Styracis benzoini balsamum Suhacetas cupri Subboras soda? Subcarbonas ammonia? ferri potassa? soda? Submurias hydrargyri mitt's hydrargyri praeci- pitatus Subsulphas hydrargyri flavus Sulphas cupri ferri magnesia; potassa? cum sulphure soda? Sulphur sublimatum Sulphuretum antimonii antimonii'praeci- pitatum hydrargyri ru- brum hydrargyri ni grum potassa? Supertartras potassa? impurus potassa? Syrupus toluifera? balsami Tartras antimonii potassa? sodae et potassa; Tinctura aromatica ammoni ate assaefoetida? ammo- niata benzoini composita ■ amphorae Rhamni bacca? Rhei radix Rhceados petala Rosa? canina? pulpa centifoiiae petala G-tllicae petala Saccharum Scammonea? gummi-resina Senega? radix Serpeutarias radix Soda impura tartarizata Sodae murias sulphas Spartii cacuraina Spiritus camphora? rectificatus tenuior Sodae subboras subcarbonas Names in the Lond. Pharm- Old Names Simarouba Sulphur lotum sublimatum Terebinthina? Canadensis Spina cervina, baccac Rhabarbarum, radix Papaver erraticuni,_/?os Toxicodendron Cynosbatos Rosa pallida rubra Saccharum non purificatum Scammonium, gummi-resina Seneka, radix Serpentaria virginiana, radix Sarsaparilla Barilla Natron tartarizatum Sal muriaticus Natron vitriolatum Aqua carbonatis ammonia?, spiritus cornu cervi Aqua cupri vitriolati compo- sita vel styptica Genista Spiritus campboratus vinosus rectificatus vinosus tenuior Benzoinum iErugo Borax, boras sodae Ammonia praeparata, sal cor nu cervi Rubigo ferri, carbonas ferri Carbonas potassa? soda? Hydrargyrus muriatus mitis calomelas Hydrargyrus muriatus praeci- pitatus Hydrargyrus vitriolatus fla- vus, turpethum minerale Cuprum vitriolatum,vitriolum coeruleum Ferrum vitriolatum, vitriolum viride Magnesia vitriolata, sal ca- thartic us amarus Lixiva vitriolata, tertarum vitriolatum Lixiva vitriolata sulphurea, sal polychrestus Soda vitriolata, sol glauberi Zincum vitriolatum, vitriolum album Flores sulphuris loti Sulphuris flores Antimnnium Sulphur antimonii praecipita- tum vel auratum Cinnabaris factitia Hydrargyrus sulphuratus ni- ger, aethiops mineralis Hepar sulphuris Tartarus crudus Tartarus purificatus, crystalli lartari Syrupus balsamicus Antimonium tartarizatum, tartarus emeticus Lixiva tartarizata, tertarum soluliile Soda tartarizata, sal Rupel lensis Balsamum Canadense Alcohol ammoniatum aroma licum ammoniatum fcetiduru Balsamum traumaticum Spiritus vinosus campboratus 642 TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES. Names in the Edin. Pharm. Tinctura gentiana; composita muriatis ferri opii opii ammoniata opii camphorata rhei at aloes rhei et gentiana? saponis camphorata et opii senna? composita Toluifera balsamum Unguentum nitratis hydrar- gyri fortius Veratrum album Vinum aloes soctorinae gentiana? compositum tartratis antimonii Names in the Lond. Pharm- Tinctura camphorae compo site ferri muriatis Unguentum cetacei picis liquida? Veratri radix Zinci oxydum sulphas Old Names. Tinctura opii camphorata Elixir stomachicum Tinctura ferri vel martis Laudanum liquidum, tinctura thebaica Elixir paregoricum Anglorum sacrum Tinctura rhei amara Linimentum saponaceum anodynum Elixir salutis Balsamum tolutanum Unguentum spermatis ceti picis citrinum Helleborus albus Vinum aloeticum, tinctura sacra amarum antimonii tartarizati vinum antimonials Zincum calcinatum vitriolatum LATIN INDEX. ACACIA Arabica catechu Acetas ammonia? ferri hydrargyri kali plumbi potassae Acetum colchici scillae Acida Acidum aceticum aromaticum camphoratum forte scilliticum tenue benzoicum citricum meconicum muriaticum dilutum nitricum dilutum nitrosum dilutum succini succinicum Page 269 167 226 120, 441 117, 443 397 460 212,397 32,265 327 326 260 326 ib. 378 326 377 379 S81 81 382 385 130, 248, S89 390 387 3*0 103 374 sulphuricum dilutum 157, 391 aromaticum S45 Aconitum napellus 91 Acorus calamus 145 Adeps praeparata 286 suillus praeparatus ib. /Esculus hippocastanum 242 /'Ether nitrosus 351 rectificatus 346 sulphuricus ib. cum alcohole 350 aromaticus ib. Alcohol 73,418 ammoniatum 343 Allium sativum 253 Aloe 196, 205 Althaea officinalis 270 Alumen 158 exsiccatum 410 rupellense 158 ustum 410 Alumina 148 Aluminae supersulphas et potassae 158, 249 Amygdalus 272 Amyris elemifera 248 Gileadensis 238 Amomum cardamomum 150 repens ib. zingiber 149, 241 zedoaria 149 Ammonia 180, 248, 253 Immoniae acetas 226 citras ib. hydrosulphuretum 180, 409 murias 227 subcarbonas 226,404 pyro-oleosus 103 Ammoniacum 236 Ammoniaretum cupri 123, 433 Anchusa tinctoria 166 Anethum foeniculum 151 graveolens ib. Angelica Arcbangelica ib. Angustura 141 Anthemis nobilis 144,182 pyrethrum 240 Antimonii murias 250 oxidum 175, 177 cum phosphate calcis 177.422 Page Antimonii oxidum nitrico-muriaticum 17£ et potassae tartras 178 sulphuretum 176 praeparatum 176,177,422 tartras 426 Antimonium 174,234 Antispasmodica 100 Arabicum gummi 269 Arbutus uva ursi 167 Argenti nitras 250, 431 Argentum 109 vivum ib. Argilla 158 Aristolochia serpentaria 140 Arnica montana 97 Arsenias kali 432 potassae 125 Arsenici oxidum 128,251 sublimatum 432 Arsenicum 123 Artemesia santonica 278 absinthium 144 Arum maculatuin 240 Assafoetida 104,205 Asarabacca 183,243 Asarum Europaeum ib. ib. Asclepeas lulierora 231 Aspidium filix mas 278 Astragalus tragacantha 269 verus ib. Atropa belladona 9^ Aqua ace.atis ammoniae 408 alkalina oxymuriatica et aqua oxy- rauriatica 385 anethi 370 ammoniae 406 diluta 407 calcis 159,414 composita ib. carbonatis ammonia? 405 citri aurantii 369 medica?- it* cupri ammoniati 333 distillate 367 fceniculi 370 kali caustici 395 lauri cassia? 36S cinnamomi ib. mentha? piperita? ib. pulegii ib. viridis 370 muriatis calcis 414 myrti pimenta? 370 picis liquida? 299 potassae 394 rosa? centifolia? 370 subcarbonatis kali 393 sulpbureti ammoniae 409 praecipitatum ib. supercarbonatis potassae 393 sodae 401 Aquae minerales 503 stillatitia? 367 Aurum 131,222 B Balsamum copaiba? 219 Canadense 226 Gileadense 238 Peruvianum 237 Tolulanum ib. Barytae murias 129 Barytes 124 Benzoinum 237 Bismutbi oxidum 128 Bismuthum ib. Bitumen petroleum j03 Bolus armena 1.58 ->u LATIN 1XDEX. Bonplandia trifoliata Bryonia alba Bubon galbanum C Calamina praeparala Calcis Carbonas '29, murias phosphas Calicocca ipecacuanha Calomelas u°> Calx »29,159, 253, Camphora Cancrorum lapilli et chela? Canella alba Cantharis Capsicum annuum Carbonas calcis praeparatus mollior durior ferri praecipitatus magnesia? potassa? soda? siccatum zinci impurus praeparatus Cardamomum minus Carum carui Caryophyllus aromaticus Cascarilla Cassia fistula senna? Castoreum Cataplasma fermenti sinapis Causticum lunare commune acerrimum mitius Centaurea benedicta Cephaelis ipecacuanha Cera flava purificate Ceratum cala oina? carbonatis zinci impuri juniperi sabina? plumbi superaMtatis compoltlum lytta? resina; sabina? saponis simplex Cbama?melum Chela? cancrorum Chironia centaurium Cicuta Cinchona officinalis oblongifolia cordifolia lancifolia cariboea floribunda Cinchonin Cinnabar Citras ammonia? Citrus aurantium medica Cochleari;. armoracia Colchicum autumuale Colocynthis Colomba Confectio amygdalarum aromatica aurantiorum cassia? opii rosae canina? Gallica? rutae scammonia? sennae ionium maculatum Conserva citri aurantii- rosae canina? Page 141 194 104 463 159,253 414 130 180. 234 197, 447 259, 113 78, 229 254 146 215, 221 147 412 253 254 435 ib. 415 392 400 401 122 463 150 ib. 147 141 189 192 102, 205 501 ib. 250 395 ib. 144 180 273 286 493 ib. 487 492 ib. 487 486 487 495 480 144 251 144 41 134 135 ib. ib. 140 ib. 136 117 226 145, 264 263 240 218 194 .142 476 474 289 474 475 289 ib. 476 ib. 475 9] Conserva rosae Gallica? Convolvulus jalapa scammonia: Copaifera officinalis Coriandrum sativum Cornus florida Cornus circinata Cornu cervi rasura ustum Cortex Peruvianus Cremor vel crystelli tertari Creta alba praepara'a praecipilata Crocus sativus Croton eleutheria Croton tiglium Cucumis colocynthis Ouminum cyminum Cupri ammoniuretum subacetas sulphas Cuprum ammoniatum Cusparia febrifuga Cycas circinalis D Daphne mezereum Datura stramonium Decocta Decoctum althaeae officinalis aloes compositum anthemidis nobilis cjiamaemeli compositum cinchonae lancifoliae cornu cervini cydoniae daphnes mezerei digitalis dulcamarae geoffraeae inermis guaiaci compositum hordei disticbi composituni lichenis islandici malvae compositum papaveris polygalae sennae quercus roboris smilacis sarsaparillae sarsaparillae compositum ulmi campestris veratri carui fceniculi dulcis menthae viridis Decoctum pini purissimum pulegii rutae 1'agi, 280 193 197 219 159 153 ib. 272 286 134 199, 313 253 412 ib. 105 141 203 194 151 123, 433 123, 250 122, 248,250 122, 160, 179 123, 433 141 271 230,240 97 306 308 312 308 ib. ib. 297 312 309 314 313 309 ib. 310 ib. ib. 313 ib. 311 ib- 311 ib- S13 312 313 370 ib. ib. 375 370 ib. succini, et acidum succinicum 374 terebinlbiuae 375 Digitalis purpurae 92, 216, 234 Dolichos pruriens 277 Dorsteuia contrayerva 141 E Elaterium 195,293 Electuarium aromaticum 474 cassiae fistulae ib- catechu compositum ib. opiatum 475 scammoniae 476 sennae compositum 475 thebaicum ib- Elemi 248 Elettaria cardomomuin 150 Emplastrum ammoniaci 498 cum hydrargyro ib. aromaticum assafoetida; calefaciens cantharidis vesicatoria? 501 498 501 500 cerae cumin •'albai comp. ib. 496 501 LATIN INDEX. ^ 34 Page Emplastrum gunimosuiu' 408 hydrargyri 499 lithargyri 497 cum resina ib. lytta? 500 opii 499 oxidi ferri vubri 497 plumbi semivitrei ib. picis compositum 501 plumbi 497 resinosum ib. saponaceum 499 simplex 486 thuris 498 Emulsiones 295 Emulsio acaciae arabica? ib. amygdala? communis ib. camphorae 296 Etheris nitrosi spiritus 214 Eugenia caryophyllata J47 Eupatorium perforatum 152, 231 Euphorbia ipecacuanha 184 Euphorbia officinalis 243, 247 Kxtracte 354 Extractum aconiti 291 aloes purificatum 356 anthemidis 355 belladonna; 292 cacuminum absinthii 360 genista? ib. cascarilla? resinosum 362 cinchonae lancifolia? 361 cinchonae 356 colocynthidis 357 compositum ib. conii 292 convolvuli jalapa? 360, 361 elaterii 293 gentianae lutea? 356 glychirrhiza; 358 hasmatoxyli campechiani 356 hellebori nigri ib. humuli 35S hyosciami 292 jalapae < 360 opii 358 aquosura ib. papaveris somniferi 356 quercus C 360 rhei 361 rutae graveolentis 356 sabina? ' 3G0 - sarsaparillae 359 Valerianae r Ferri acetas ib- 120, 441 alkalini liquor 120, 442 carbonas 118,435 praecipitatus 435 et ammonias murias 119,440 potassae tartras 120,439 iimatura 118,434 muriatis tinctura US, 438 cum oxydo rubro 439 oxydum rubrum 437 nigrum purificatum 436 rubigo sulphas subcarbonas praeparatus exsiccates sulphuretum tinctura ammoniata vinum Ferrum ammoniatum tartarisatum Ferula assafoetida G Galbanum Gambogia Gas oxidum nitresura oxygenium Gentiana lutea Geoffra?a inermis Geranium maculaium 118,435 119,436 118 435 437 441 120 117,169,205,276 119,440 439 104 104 197, 279 157 516 143 278 !70 Page GlyclrruiEa glabra 270 218 Gratiola officinalis Guaiacum gummi resina 229 officinale ib. H Helleborus albus 24S niger 194, 206 Herbarum exsiccatio 285 Maematoxylon camphechianum 166 Humulus lupulus 98 Hydrargyri acetas 117,443 mitis 116 murias corrosivus 114,260 mitis 116, 227 nitrico oxydum 114 nitratis unguentum 114 nitrico-oxydum 454 oxydum rubrum per acidum nitricum 114 oxidum nitricum ib. cinereum 113,452 sulphuricum ' 456 oxymurias 114, 444 oxymuriatis liquor 446 pulvis cinereus 452 submurias mitis 116 , 197, 447 rubrum 458 ammoniatum- 459 rubrum 454 praecipitatus 449 subnitras 260 subsulphas 244 flavus 455 sulphuretum nigrum 456 sulphuretum rubrum 117 Hydrargyrum 109,205, 250,276 cum creta 457 praecipitatum album 117,459 Hydrargyrus 109,239,27b- purificatus 4« Hydrosulphuretum ammoniae 180,409 Hyoscyamus niger »9 Hyperoxymurias pota.ssae 131 Hyssopus officinalis 15! Ichthyocolla 272 Infusa 299 Infusum acaciae catechu 300 nmarum SOI anthemidis nobilis 300 armoraciae compositum S04 aurantii compositum ib. caryophyllorum ib. cascarillae 304 cassiae sennae 300 catechu compositum il>. Cinchonae lancifoliae 301 sine calore ib. columbae ib. cuspariae 304 digitalis purpureae 301 gentianae compositum ib. lini usitatissimi 302 menthae compositum 305 quassiae excelsae 302 rhei ib. rosae gallica? 303 sennae 300 compositum 303 cum taraarindis ib. simarouba* 304 tabaci 305 Valeriana? ib. Ipecacuanha 180,234 Iris florentina Jalapa 242 193 Juglans cinerea 202 Juniperus sabina 207, 251 communis 219 K Kali c tartaro 394 causticum 395 cum cake fiP h4S LATIN INDEX. Kermes minerale Kino L Page 177 168 lac ammoniaci 296 amygdalae 295 assafoetida; 297 lactuca sativa 122 virosa 96, 218 Lapis calaminaris 122 praeparatus 463 Laurus cinnamomum 145 cassia , 146 Laurus sassafras 230 Lavandula spica 242 Lichen Islandicus 272 Lignum Campechense 160 Limatura ferri purificata 434 Limones 263 Linimentum ammonia fortius 484 subcarbonatis ib. aquae calcis 485 terebinthina; 496 hydrargyri ib. simplex 485 Linum usitatissimum 270 Liquor aluminis compositus 410 asthereus oleosus S50 sulphuricus 346 ammonia? 406 acetatis 408 antimonii tartarizati 429 arsenicalis 431 cupri ammoniati 433 calcis 414 muriatis jo. ferri alkalini 120,442 hydrargyri oxymuriatis 446 plumbi subacetatis 462 dilutus ib, potassa? 394 subcarbonatis 393 subacetatis lithargyri compositus 462 subcarbonatis ammoniae 405 volatilis cornu cervini 405 Lobelia inflate 183 fit Magnesia 191,254, 259 carbonas 415 sulphas 199 Malva sylvestris 270 Manna 189 Marrubium vulgare 144 Martin ta arundinacea 271 Mastiche 170 Meconicum acidum 81 Mel despu m atum 321 rosae Gallicae ib. subboraiis soda? ib. Melampodium 194,206 Meloe vesicatorius 221,245 Magnesia? murias 201 Melaleuca cajuputi 100 Mentha piperita 151 repens • ib. pulegium ib. viridis ib. Menyanthes trifoliate 144 Minium 162 Mistura? 21 Mistura ammoniaci 296 amygdalarum 295 assafoelidae 297 camphorae ib. cornu usti ib. cretae 413 ferri composita 296 guaiaci ib, moschi ib, Momordica elaterium. 195 Morphin 81 Moschus 10! Murias ammoniae 227 et ferri 119,440 aatimosvf 24? l'agt Murias barytae 129, 411 calcis 414 corrosivus hydrargyri 114, 444 sodae 201 siccatum 404 magnesiae 201 My ristica moschata 146 Myrrha 236 Myroxylon peruiferum 237 Myrius pimenta 149 N Nicotiani tebaci folia 95,183,201,217, 234 241, 243 Nitras argenti 431 potassae, 214,266 Nitratis hydrargyri unguentum 114 Nitrico-oxydum hydrargyri ib. Olea distillate S72 essentialia ib. Europaea . 273 fixa 294 volatilia 370 Oleum apthereum 350 ammoniatum 384 amygdalae communis 294 anisi 373 animate empyreumaticum 102 anthemidis 372 camphoratum 484 carui 373 cornu cervini rectificatum 376 fosniculi dulcis 374 juniperi communis 372 juniperi sabinae . ib. lauri sassafras 373 lavandulae spica? 372 lini usitatissimi 294 cum calce 435 menthae piperita; 373 viridis ib. myrte? pimenta; ib. olea? Europaea; 27/7 olivarum 273,277 origani majorana; 373 pimpinellae anisi ib. pini purissimuin 375 laricis 277 pulegii 374 ricini 294 rorismarini officinalis 373 rutae * 374 sabinae 372 succini 103,374 et acidum ib. sulphuretum 466 terebinthina? 220,277 rectificatum S75 Opium 79,22S Orchis mascula 271 Origanum majorana 242 Oxalis acetosella 265 Oxidum antimonii 429 cum phosphate calcis 177, 422 nitro muriaticum 429 arsenici sublimatum 432 ferri nigrum purificatum 436 rubrum ib. hydrargyri cinereum 113,452 rubrum per acidum nitricum 114 nitricum ib. sulphuricum 456 per acidum nitricum 114 zinci 463 impurum ib- preparatum ib. Oxymel 322 aeruginis ib. colchici ib. scilla? ib. Oxymurias hydrargyri 114 potassae '"' LATIN INDEX P Page falmi Christi 190 Papaver somniferum 79 Petroleum Barbadense 103 Phosphas soda? 200, 403 Pilula? aloes et assafoetidae 478 et myrrha? ib. aloe icae 477 aloes compositae ib. cum zingibere 478 ammoniaretri i upri ib. assa'cetidae compositae ib. colicyntliiiiis oo upositae 479 ferri comp -s:ue 482 galbam compnsi ae 478 ganiii \ iae compositae 479 hydrargyri ib. myrr -ae compositae 479 opiaiae 480 rhei compositae 481 saponis cum opio 480 scillae comjiositee 481 cum zingibere ib. scillilicae ib. styrace 480 subcarbonatis sodae 481 submuriatis hydrargyri compositae 482 sulphatis ferri compositae ib. thebaicae 480 Pimpinella anisum ISO Pinus balsamea 220 larix ib. sylvestris ib. Piper nigrum 148 cubeba ib. longum ib. Pistecia lentiscus 170 terebinthinus 221 Pix Burgundica 247 Plumbum 160 Plumbi acetas 182,460 carbonas 162 oxidum semivitreum 162 rubrum ib. subcarbonas ib. • superacetas 162,460 subacetas liquor . 164 Podophyllum pelt a turn 202 Polygala senega 207,235 Polygonum bistorta ■' 166 Polypodum filix mas 278 Potassa 10,212) 249,252, 258, 395 Potassa cum calce 396 carbonas 392 fusa 395 Potassae acetas 212, 39' arsenias 125 aqua 394 carbonas 392 byper-oxymurias 131 oxymurias ib. nitras 214, 266 subcarbonas 392 purissimus 393 subcarbonatis liquor ib- sulphas 199,398 sulphuretum 468 supersulphas 399 supertartras 199, 213. 286 tartras 200,339 et sodae tartras 200 Potio carbonatis calcis 415 Praeparata ex animalibus 286 Promts lauro cerasus 99 Pterocarpus draco 169 santetinus ib. Pulegii *®' Pulparum extractio 287 Pulvis aloes compositus 472 cum guaico ib. canella ib. aluminis compositus 472 antimonialis 177, 422 aromaticus 469 atari composituo >b. Page Pulvis aloes carbonatis calcis compositus ib. cinnamomi compositus ib. cretae compositus ib. cu u opio 470 contrayervae compositus 472 cornu ustu cum opio 271 hydrarg-vri cinen-us 452 ipecacuanha- tt opii 470 jalapa? omposilus ib. kino compositus 472 opiatus 471 quercus marinae 287 sali^us cunipo-itus 471 senna? compositus 472 scammonii compositus 471 scilla? 286 Sta ini 466 tragacantha; compositus 472 Pyrola umbellate 222 Q Quassia excelsa 143 Quercus robur 165 cerris ib. Quassia simarouba 143 B*. Raphanus rusticanus 240 Resina alba, vel flava 220 nigra ib. Rhamnus catharticus 196 Rheum palmatum 392, 206 Rhododendron crysantbum. 9T Rhus toxicodendron 98 Ricinus communis 190 Rosa Gallica 167 rubra ib. Rorisraarinus officinalis 242 Rubia iinctorum 206 Ruhigo ferri 118, 435 Ruta graveolens 206 Saccharum saturni 162 Sagapenum 105 Sal ammoniacum 227 cornu cervini 102 diurelicas 212 Salina 376 Salvia officinalis 231 Sanguis draconis 169 Santalum rubrum ib. Sapo albus 259 Sarsaparilla 270 Sassafras 230 Scammonia 197 Scilla maritima 182,215, 234 exsiccate 286 Scillitin 182 Sec le cornutum 208 Senna 192 Sevum ceti 273 praeparatum 286 Simarouba 143 Sinapis alba 182, 206, 247 Smiiax sarsaparilla 278 Soda 252, 258 tartarizata 402 Soda? carbonas 400 mnrias 200 exsiccatum 404 phosphas 200; 402 et potassa; tartras ib. subboras 266 subcarbonas 400 exsiccate 401 sulphas 199, 402 Solanum dulcamara 218 Solutio acetatis zinci 122,160,465 arsenicalis 123, 431 cal-is 413 muriatis barytae 412 muriatis caicis 414 subcarbonatis ammoniae 405 sulphatis cupri composita 160, 434 zinci 455 Spartium scoparium 259 u LATIN INDEX. Spermaceti Spigelia Marilanciir j Spiraea trifoliata Spiritus aetheris aromaticus nitrosi sulphurici comp. ilcohol fortius ammonia; aromaticus fcetidus succinates anisi compositus annoracia? compositus cari carui juniperi compositus lavandulae ^picae compositus lauri cinnat;.o»ii mentha? piperita; viridis myrisiici nuschatas myrti pimenta? rapbani eomposirus rorismarini officinalis rectificatus stillatitii vinosus rectificatus Spongia usta S (annum Statice limonium Stibium Strychnine Strychnas nux vomica Styrax benzoin Officinale Subboras sodae Subcarbonas ammonia; ferri praeparatus -potassae . purissimus sodae exsiccatum Submurias hydrargyri ammoniatum mitis 116, , proecipitattis Subsulphas hydrargyri flavus 3uccinum Succus spissatus aconiti napelli alropae belladonna? conii maculati hyosciami nigri lactuca; sativa; virosae sambuci nigree Sulphas cupri 122, cinchonin ferri exsiccates kali magnesias cum sulphure sodae zinci Sulphur ammoniatum fuscum sublimatum lotum pi aecipitatum Sulphuretum antimonii pra?cipitatum praeparatum ferri hydrargyri nigrum rubrum kali potassae Supersulphas alumina; et potassa; potassa; Supertartras potassae Swietenia febrifuga mahogani Syrupi Page i'age 273 Syrupus aceti ib. 27a allii 320 1S( althaea; officinalis 31-5 350 araomi zingiberis ib. 214, 352 aurantiorum 316 350 cassiae senna? 315 351 caryopbylli rubri 317 366 citri aurantii 316 408 medicae ib. 343 colcbici autumnalis ib. ib. croci 319 ib. diantbi caryopbylli 316 361 limonum ib. ib. niori 319 365 opii 320 364 papaveris somniferi 377 ib. 1 enatici 320 365 rhamni i 319 ib. rhoeados 320 364 i'«;;c centifoliae 317 ib. rosae gallica? 318 ib. scillae maritimae \ ib. 364 sennae 315 ib. simplex 318 366 toluifeia? balsam ib. 365 vioiae odorata? 319 366 zingiberis 31S 363 T 366 Tamarindus Indica 190, 264 287 1'anacetum vuigare 278 276,466 Tartarum antimoniatum 426 170 crystelli 193 174 ferri 4S9 93 Tartarus emeticus 426 ib. kali 200 237 Tartras antimonii 426 238 et potasjca 178 266 potassae 200,339 226, 404 et ferri 120, 439 118,434 sodae et potassae 402 392 kali 339 393 Terebinthina oleum 220 400 venela 201, 220 401 Testaeostrearum 327 117 Tincturae 33P 227, 447 -Tinctura aloes 328 449 a?therea 329 243 ' et myrrhae ib. 455 composita ib. 103 acaciae catechu 323 291 acetatis ferri 481 292 cum aWOhole ib. ib. zinci 465 ib. amomi repentis 329 ib. zingiberis 330 293 angusturae ib- ib. aristolocbiae serpentaria; 330 248, 250 aromatica ammoniata 343 136 assaefoetida? 335 119, 434 • ammoniata S43 435 aurantii 341 338 balsami Toluifera; ib. 199 benzoini composite 530 119,338 bonplandiae trifoliata; !b. ib. camphora? 331 199, 403 culumba? 333 122, 464 cantharidis 331 191, 228 capsici 242 177, 424 cardamomi 329 466 cardamomi composita 342 ib. cascarilla; 334 176 castorei , 332 177,324 composita 344 322 catechu 328 437 cinchona? composite 332 '156 lancifolia? ib. 117 ammoniata 345 468 cinnamomi 337 ib. composita 35o 158, 249 columbae ib. 339 conii maculati ib. 199,213 convolvuli jalapae 334 142 croci sativi ib. ib. crotonis eleutheria? ib. 314 digitalis purpurea; ib LATIN INDEXi 549, i'inctura ferulaeassaefcetida- ferri ammoniati galbani gallarum gentianae composite guaiaci ammoniata hellebori nigri humuli hyosciami nigri jalapa? kino lauri cinnamomi lyttae meloes vesicatorii moscbi myrrhi muriatis ferri cum oxydo rubro opii camphorata ammoniata quassia? rhei et aloes et gentianae saponis camphorata et opii scillae senna; composite serpentaria? toluiferi balsami Valeriana? Valeriana? ammoniata veratri albi zingiberis Toluifera balsamum tormentilla erecta Triticum hy bernum Trochisci carbonatis calcis magnesiae glycyrrhizae glabrae cum opio gummosi nitratis potassa; " Tu'Ua U CJlmus campestris TTnguentum acetatis plumbi acidi nitrosi aeruginis calaminaris carbonatis plumbi cerae flava? eerussae cetacei , citrinum »!emi compositum 335 441 342 335 ib. ib. 344 330 ib. ib. 334 335 337 331 ib. 343 337 438 439 338 ib. 344 339 ib. ib. ib. 340 ib. ib. 341 ib. 330 341 342 344 341 330 237 166 271 483 ib. ib. ib. ib. 484 122 219 492 488 ib. 493 ib. 486 493 486 492 494 Page Unguentum gallae 483 hellebori albi 495 hydrargyri 489 nitrico oxidi 491 praecipitati albi 495 submuriatis am- moniati ib. infusi cantharidis vesicato- ria; 485 lyttae ib. nitratis hydrargyri fortius 492 mitius ib. oxjdi hydrargyri cinerei rubri piperis nigri plumbi albi zinci zinci impuri picis liquidae pulveris cantharidis vesicate 491 ib. 496 492 493 ib. 488 riae resinae nigrae albae resinum subacetatis cupri sabinae sambuci simplex spermatis ceti supernitratis hydrargyri sulphuris compositum tutiae veratri V Valeriana officinalis Vegetabilia Vegetabilium exsiccatio praeparatio Veratria Veratrum album Vina Vinum aloes socotorinae ferri gentiana? compositum ipecacuanhae nicotianae tebaci opii rhei tartrates antimonii veratri Z Zedoaria Zinci acetatis solutio carbonas oxydum impurum sulphas Zincum Zingiber officinale 493 483 489 495 485 ib. 492 494 ib. 495 105 285 ib. 288 243 ib. 323 ib. 325 324 ib. Ib. ib. 325 429 325 149 122 ib. 463 122 122,464 121, 160,17S 1*1 ENGLISH INDEX. ACETATE of ammonia iron tincture of with alchol mercury lead ointment of potash zinc, solution of tincture of Page 226 120, 444 441 Acetic acid Acid acetic ib 443 460 492 212, 397 180 ;b. 32, 265. 377 32,-ib. 326 378 574 14 32, 379 31, 381 14 15 ib. 30 . 81 14, 382 385 31 13, 130, 248, 389 390 camphorated strong of amber boracic benzoic citric carbonic fluoric fluo-boric gallic meconic muriatic dilute malic nitric ' dilute nitrous 387 dilute 890 oxalic 3l prussic 32 succinic 574 sulphuric 13, 157 diluted 391 tartaric 32 vegetable 30 Acids 12, 266 Aconite 91 Air, atmospheric 4 Alcohol 34,73 stronger 181 ammoniated 408 Alkali, volatile 336 Alkaline oxymuriatic water 385 solution of iron 442 Alkalis 9 Alkanet 166 Aloes, Barbadoes 196, 205 socotorine ib. compound, decoction of 312 powder of, comp. 472 with guaiac ib. canella ib. wine of 323 tincture of 328 compound 324 and myrrh 329 etbereal ib. purified extract of 356 compound pills of 477 and assafoetida, pills of 478 ginger, pills of ib. myrrh ib. Almond 272 oil of 294 emulsion of 295 milk of 296 tincture of ib- confection 47G Althaea, decoction of 3oa syrup of 315 Alum 158,249 Alum dried 410 burnt 410 compound solution of ib. Alumine 8,158 coo.p. powder of 472 Amber 103 oil of 103, 374 acid of ib., ib. oil of, rectified 374 purified ib. Ammonia n, 180, 248, 253 aromatic spirit of 343 acetate of 226 liquor of 408 caustic water of 406 citrate of 226 dilute water of 407 empyreumatic, subcarbonate of 103 fcetid. spii it of 343 hydiosulphuret of 180 liniment ol 484 liquor of 4Q6 liniment, stronger 484 muriate of 226 plaster ol 49s with mercury ib. subcarbonate of 226 solution of 405 succinated spirit of 345 spirit of 408 water of carbonate of 406 water of ib. acetate of 409 suiphuret ib. Ammoniurei of copper 123 pills of 478 Ammoniac, milk of 298 Ammoniated tinctures 343 tincture of assafoetida ib. tincture of guaiac 344 opium ib. valerian ib. bark 345 alcohol 408 copper 433 oil 484 solution of Sb. water of ib. iron 440 tincture of ib. Animals, preparations from 286 Angustura, tinciure of 141, 330 infusion of 304 Anodyne liniment 555 Anthelmintic 275 Antacids 252 Anise 150 Ani-e,oilof 373 spirit of 3 ■ Antispasmodics • ' > Angelica, giiroen ifc' Ant ibeciic, mixture of, Griffith's U9 Antimonial wine 179 Antimoniatea brown sulphur 424 Antimony 174, 228, 234 levigated 176 liquor of tarlarised 179 muriate of 250 nitro-muriate of 177 oxide of ib. with phosphate of lime 177, 422 powder ib. and potass, tartrate of 178 sulphuret of \~e ENGLISH INDEX. 551 Antimony tartrate of prepared precipitated wine of tartrate of nitromuriatic oxide of oxide of solution of tartarised Arabic emulsion Aromatic tincture, ammoniated spirit of ammonia ether sulphuric ether with alcohol powder, , electuary coufection plaster Argil Aroma Arrangement of medicines Arsenic oxide of solution of white oxide Of Arseniate of potash Asarabacca powder of comp. Assafoetida . ammoniated tincture of milk of tincture of Atmospheric air Azote B Balsams Balsam of Canada copaiva Gilead Peru storax Tolu Barbadoes aloes Barytes muriate of solution of Bark, ammoniated tincture of Caribaean Peruvian pale red yellow- Barley decoction Bears whortleberry Benjamin Benzoin comp. tincture of Benzoic acid Bismuth oxide of subnitrate of Bitter principle Bitter sweet Bistort Black elder, inspissated juice of Black hellebore extract of henbane inspissated juice of pepper ointment of sulphuret of mercury drop Blessed thistle Blistering fly Blue vitriol Boneset Bodies, organized unorganised Boracic acid Borax boney of Broom tops, extract of Bryony Buckthorn 178, 426 176, 422 178, 427 429 175 429 ib. 295 343 343 350 469 ' 474 474 501 8, 158 33 54 123, 431 124, 432 125,431 25i 125, 432 183 469 104, 205 343 297 S55 4 ib. 28 219 238 237 362 237, 341 196 9,129 411 412 345 140 133 135 ib. ib. 310 167 237 ib- 330 32, 379 128 ib. ib- 33 218 166 293 194, 206, 336 356 33,336 292 148 496 456 88 144 221, 245 122, 248 152, 231 17 ib. 15 226 321 219 S60 194 19« Page Burgundy pitch 247 Burnt alum 410 horn 286 mixture 297 hartshorn, powder of ,286 sponge, powder of -287 Butternut 202 C Cabbage tree 278 bark, decoction of 309 Cajeput oil 106 Calcination 45 Calamine stone 122 prepared 463 ointment 493 Calcined magnesia 416 Calomel 116, 197, 227, 447 Caluraba 142 Camphor 26, 78,229 emulsion of 296 mixture of 297 spirit ib. liniment of 484 tincture oi 331 Canadian balsam 220 Copaiba 219 Camphorated acetic acid 326 oil 484 tincture of opium 338 of soap 340 Canella 146 Cantharides, ointment of 485 plaster of 500 Cantharis 221,245 tincture of S31 Capsicum ;47 tincture of 342 Caraway - 150 spirit of S64 water of 370 oil of 373 Carbon 5 Carbonate of Iron 435 precipitated ib. lead, ointment of 493 lime 129,159,469 prepared 412 troches of 483 magnesia 415 potass 392 soda 400 dried 40i zinc 122 Carbonated mineral waters 504 Carbonic acid gas 519 Carburetted hydrogen gas bid Cardamom, lesser 150 tincture of 329,342 Caribaean bark 140 Cascarilla 141 infusion of 304 tincture of 334 extract of 362 resinous ib. Cassia 146 purging 189 in pods ib. water of , 3C9 Castor 102.205 oil 190,294 tincture of 332 Cataplasms 501 Cataplasm of mustard ib. yeast ib. Catechu 167 electuary 474 infusion of 300 tincture of 328 Cathartics 184 Caustic kali 395 potash with lime 396 water of ammonia 406 Centaury 144 Cerate compound *~* . 552 ENGLISH INDEX. Page Cerate simple 486 calamine 493 of savine • 487 of soap 495 of superacetate of lead 492 Cerates 48* Cerusse, ointment of 493 Chalk 253 and mercury 457 mixture of 413 witb opium 470 precipitated 412 prepared ib. powder of 470 white 253 Calybeate waters 510 Cherry-tree laurel 99 Chamomile 144,182 decoction of 308 extract of 356 infusion of 800 volatile oil of 372 Chemistry, pharmaceutic ' Cinchona 133,358 pale 135 red ib. yellow ib. tincture of 332 Cinchonin 136 sulphate of 138 Cinnamon 146 powder of 469 spirit of S64 tincture of 337 water of 369 Citric acid 31 Citrate of ammonia 226 Clarified honey 321 Clove 147 infusion of 304 julyflower, syrup of 316 Colocynth 194, 357 pills of 479 Colombo, infusion of 301 tincture of 333 COlchicum, syrup of 316 oxymel of 322 Combination 39 Cohesion 41 Common elm 219 Compound 39 Concentration 46 Confection of almonds 476 aromatic 474 cassia ib- orange peel 282 opium 475 rue 476 scammony ib. senna 475 Confections 473 Conserve of orange-peel 289 dogbip ib. red rose 290 Conserves 289 Coriander lS0 Contrayerva J4l, 472 Copper 122, 160, 179 ammoniuret of 123 ammoniated 433 solution of fb. water of ib- subacetate of 123, 250 sulphate of 122,180, 250, 434 Corrosive muriate of mercury 114, 250, 447 sublimate 441 Cowhage |M lb. 199,213 334 203 47 Crab claws stones Cream of tartar Croton eleutheria, tincture of Croton tiglium Crystallization Crystals of tartar Cubebs Cucumber Cumin plaster of Cyprus turpentine Page J 39, 213 148 195 151 501 220 D Crystals # Damask rose, syrup of 318 Deadly nightshade 99 inspissated juice of 292 Decoction s6 of aloes 3'2 althaea 308 barley 310 cabbage tree ^"9 chamomile 308 cinchona >b. elm 312 foxglove 314 guaiac 309 hartshorn 297 liverwort 31O mallows 313 mezereon 309 oak bark 311 Peruvian bark 308 poppies 318 quince seeds 312 sarsaparilla 311,313 seneka 311 woody nightshade 313 white hellebore ib, Decoctions 306 Decomposition 39 Deflagration 45 Demulcents 267 Diaphoretics 223 Digestion 45 Dill 151 Diluents 267 Dilute sulphuric acid 891 water of ammonia 407 Distillation 37,46 Distilled oils 372 spirits 363 vinegar 377 water 367,368, 369 Doghip, conserve cf 289 Dogwood 153 Dragon's blood 169 Dried alum 410 E Earths 7,410 Earthy salts ib. Ean raedicinale de Husson 218 Eggs shells, prepared 254 Elasticity 42 Elaterium, extract of 293 Elder, black, inspissated juice of ib. ointment of 495 Electricity S21 Electuary, aromatic 474 cassia ib. purging ib. catechu ib. opiate 475 scammony 476 senna 475 Electuaries 473 Elemi 248, 494 Eleutriation 43 Elixir, paregoric 338, 344 Elm 219 decoction 012 Emollients 274 Enietic tartar 178, 426 Emetics 171 Emetic weed 183 Emetin 181 Emmenagogues 204 Empyreumatic animal oil 102 subcarbonate of ammonia 103 Emulsion, Arabic 295 almond lb. camphorated 29f KNGtISH INDEX; •> ^muision of gum amfaoniac Kmulsions Epispastics Ergot Errhines Essential oils Escharotics Ether, aromatic spirit of nitric, spirit of nitrous spirit of rectified sulphuric with alcohol Page 296 295 244 208 240 372 249 350 352, 353 351 214 346 76, 346 350 Fusion Galbanum plaster of Page £ aromatic with alcohol ib. i - spirit of iitbereal oil spirit sulphuric ether tincture of aloes Ethiops mineral Euphorbia Evaporation Expectorants Expressed oils Exsiccation of vegetables Extract ef aloes black hellebore henbane broom tops chamomile cascarilla cinchona colocynth deadly nightshade dandelion elaterium gentian goulard hop hemlock jalap liquorice logwood opium water of oak bark poppy pale bark red bark resinous of cascarilla rue rhubarb sarsaparilla savin valerian wolfsbane wormwood tops Extraction of pulps Extracts F Fecula Fennel, sweet water Fern, male Filings of iron Fir, Scotch Fixed oils Flags, sweet scented Flax Fly, blistering Spanish Florentine orris Fluoboric acid Fluoric acid Foxglove infusion of decoction of tincture of Frankincense plastei Fruits, pulpy 360, 34, 345 360 345 346 329 117 243, 247 45 231 25 36 29 356 ib. 292 360 356 362 356 357 292 359 243 356 164 368 392 361 356 ib. o58 \ 36« 356 361 ib. 360 362 356 361 359 360 359 292 360 45, 288 354 22 151 370 278 118 220 294 145 270 221 ib. 242 15 ib. 92,234 301 314 334 498 208 Galls 165 ointment of 43t; tincture of 335 Gallic acid 30 Galvanism 43,52S Gamboge 197, 279 pills of 479 Garden lettuce 96 inspissated juice of 292 Angelica 151 Garlic 235 Ga>, carbonic acid 419 carburetted hydrogen 418 hydrogen ib. muriatic acid 52« nitrogen 418 nitrous acid i'-J. nitrous oxide 417 oxygen 416 oxymuriatic acid 521 Gases IIS Gentian 143 extract of 356 infusion of 301 tinctureof 335 General stimulants 63 Geranium 170 Ginger 149,240 syrup 315 tincture of 330 Gilead, balsam of 233 Goulard's extract 164 Gold 131, 222 Glauber's salt 199 Gluten 22 Grey oxide of mercury 113 ointment of 491 Griffith's antibectic mixture 119 Guinea pepper 147 Guaiac 228 decoction of 309 mixture of 298 tincture of 335 ammoniated 344 Gum 22 ammoniac, mixture of 296 Arabic 309 mixture of 295 mucilage of 305 troches of 483 _ plaster of 498 * resin 228 tragacanth 269 mucilage of 306 H Hartshorn, burnt powder of 286 decoction 297 rectified oil of 376 Hedge hyssop 218 Hellebore, black 194,206 extract of 356 tincture of 336 white 243 tincture of 341 wine of 325 Hemlock 91 inspissated juice of S92 tincture of 333 Henbane, black 89 tincture of 336 inspissated juice of 292 Hprbs, drying of 285 Hog's lard, prepared 286 Honey borax 321 clarified ib. Honey medicated 321 of red roses ib. rosal oil of spirit of water of Pepper, black long Jamaica Guinea 147 Peppermint oil of 15i 373 spirit of water Of 364 369 Peruvian balsam 237 bark 134 infusion of 301 dec' 'Ction of 303 tincture of 332 Phosphate of soda 200,402 Pharmaceutic cbeinistry 1 measures 48 weights ib. Phosphorus 6 PlllS 477 of aloes, compound ib. and assafoetida 478 ginger ib. myrrh ib. ammoniarei of copper ib. assafoetida, compound ib. colocyith 479 gamboge, compound 479 iron 482 mercury 113, 479 myrrb, compound ib. opiate 480. opium ib. rhubarb, compound 481 soap, with opium 480 squills, compound 481 with ginger ib. storax 480 subcarbonate of soda 481 submuriate of mercury 482 sulphate of iron ib. comp. ibi Pimento, water of 370 oil of 373 spirit of 364 Pippsissewa 222 Pitch, Burgundy 247 ointment 488 Plasters 490 Plaster of assafoetida 498 > ammoniac ib. aromatic 501 cantharides 500 conipound ib. cumin 501 frankincense 4P3. galbanum ib. gum ib. gum ammoniac with lead 497 litharge ib. with resin ib. mercury 499 opium ib. pitch 501 resinous 497 red oxide of iron ib. semivitreous oxide of lead ib- soap 499 simple 496 warm 501 wax 496 Poison oak 98 Poppy, white 79 decoction of 313 ENGLISH INBEX; 5&T Page goppy, extract of 356 Potash 10,212, 249, 253, 258, 395 212, 397 acetate «f arseniate of carbonate of caustic byperoxyrauriate of nitrate of oxymuriate of subcaroonate, liquor of and soda, tartrate of supercarbonate of, pure sulphate of with sulphur supertartrate of supercai bodaie of water of supersulphate of sulphuret of tartrate of with iime water of a Potassium Powder of aloes with canella guaiac alumine antimonial aromatic asarabacca cantharides, ointment of carbonate of lime cinnamon chalk with opium compound saline contrayerva hartshorn, burnt 125 393 395 131 214, 266 131 393 200 393 199, 398 ib. 199, 212, 268 393 ib. 339 468 200, 339 396 394 10 472 ib. ib. 472 177, 422 469 ib. 485 469 ib. 470 ib. 471 472 286 with opium 471 470 ib. 177 472 471 ib. 287 ib. 473 286 466 473 468 *24 435 412 47 286 Quassia, infusion of tine ure Quince seeds Quicklime (Quicksilver a ipecacuan with opium jalap James's kino opiate scammony sea oak wrack senna squills tin tragacanth Powders Prescriptions Precipitated carbonate of iron chalk Precipitations Preparations from animals oily Preparation of roots metallic sulphur vegetables Prepared carbonate of lime chalk egg shells lard hogs' lard oyster shells shells suet sulphuretof antimony with phos- phate of time Prussic acid Prussiate of iron Pulps Pulpy fruits Pulverization Pure supercarbonate of potash Purging cassia Purified oil of amber opium yellow wax Q Quassia Rattlesnake root Rectification Rectified ether oil of amber hartshorn turpentine Refrigerants Remedies, chemical mechanical Red bark oxide of mercury poppy rose honey infusion of syrup of saunders Resin Resinous extract of bark red ointment Rhododendron, yellow flowered Rhubarb extract of infusion of pil.s of tincture of with aloes with gentian Roots, preparations of Rosemary marsh oil of spirit of Rose, red honey of infusion of syrup of water Rubefacients Rue confection of extract of oil of Rust of iron S Saccharine matter Saffron, meadow syi up of tincture of Sagapenum Sage 288 417 466 Sal ammoniac 288 Saline diuretics 412^ compound powder ib. mineral waters 412 substances 286 Salop 286 Salts 412 earthy ib. Saponaceous liniment 286 Sarsaparilla 422 extract of Sassafras ib. volatile oil of 32 Saunders, red 121 Savine 288 extract of ib. ointment of 43 Scammony 393 confection of 192 electuary of 374 powder of 172 Scillitin 286 Sea oak, powder of wrack, powder of 143 Semivitreous oxide of lea*, plaster ?age 302 339 312 159 109 207,235 46 346 374 376 377 26l 248 267 135 491 320 167 321 303 317 169 21 360 361 ib. 486 97 192,206 361 302 431 339 ib. ib. 283 242 170 37S 366 167 321 303 317 370 244 206 476 356 374 118, 43S 24 218 319 334 105 251 271 22T 212 471 506 376 271 376 410 340 270 359 229 373 169 207,251 360 487 197 47S ib. 471 182 287 ib. 497 *5£ ENGLISH OBEX- Seneka 207,235 decoction of 31 ] ■jenna ig2 confection of 475 electuary of ib. infusion of 300 with almonds ib powder 437 syrup 315 tincture of 341 Shells, prepared 254 Sialagogues 238 Silver, nitrate of 109, 250, 431 Simple cerate 485 liniment ib. plaster 496 oxymel 322 syrup , 318 Simarouba 143 infusion of 304 Snake root, Virginian 140 tincture of 330 Soap liniment 340 cerate of 495 ointment of ib. with opium 340, 480 Socotorine aloes 196 Soda 11,252,258 carbonate of 400 dried 402 muriate of, dried 201 phosphate of 200. 402 and potash, tartrate of 200 subcarbonate of 400 dried 401 supercarbonate, water of ib. sulphate of 199, 402 Sodium H Solution 44 of alum 410 arsenic 431 muriate of barytes 4i2 sulphate of copper 434 zinc 464 terterizwd antimony 429 Solvent 44 Spermaceti 273 ointment of 485 Spirit 01 ammonia 408 aromatic 343 of ether 350 anise seed 364 caraway 364 cinnamon ib. distilled 363 horse radish 365 juniper 364 lavender 365 nitric ether 353 nitrous ether 214,352 nutmeg 364 pennyroyal !(,, peppermint 364 pimento ib. rosemary 365 sulphuric ether 76,350 spearmint S64 wine, rectified 366 Spearmint, spirit of 364 water of 370 oil of 373 Sponge, burnt 287 powder of ib. Spurred rye 209 squi» .„ 182.2-15,234 pills of 481 with ginger ib. powder of 286 syrup of 318 oxymel of 322 vinegar of 326 tincture of 340 Storax 233 balsam of 362 pills of 481 Storax, purified 36:2 Stimulants, general 63 local 171 Strontites w Strong-scented lettuce 96,213 inspissatedjuico of 293 acetic acid 378 Subacetate of litharge 462 lead ib. liquor of ib. dilute ib. copper 250 ointment of 483 Subborate of soda 266 Subcarbonate of ammonia 226, 404 solution of 405 iron 434 kali 393 potash 392 pure 393 liquor of ib. soda 400 dried 4qj Submuriate of mercury 116, 227, 447 precipitated 449 Subnitrate of mercury 250, 491 Suosul .hale 01 mercury 244 Sublimed washed suiphur 4og Sublimate, corrosive 444 Succinic acid 103 Succinated spirit of ammonia 343 Suet prepared 286 Sugar 24 Sulphate of copper 179, 434 iron 436 dried 437 magnesia 198 potash ][,, with sulphur sas soda igg zinc 122,464 solution of if,. Sulphur 6, 191, 228 antimoniated, brown 404 oil of 466 ointment of 494 precipitated 479 preparations of 46(j sublimed, washed ;u. Sulphuret of ammonia, water of 409 antimony, prepared 422 precipitated 424 iron 437 black, of mercury 456 'efui . 460 potash 468 Sulphureous mineral waters 4^ Sulphuric acid 157 aromatic ether with alcohol 35q ether 76,345 with alcohol 350 ethereal liquor 345 spirit of 350 oxide of mercury 455 Superacetate of lead 162, 460 cerate of 492 Supercarbonate of potash, water cf 393 Supersulphate ot atuiiiino and potash 158 potash 399 soda, water of 403 Supertartrate of potash 199, 266 >w How wort 231 Sweet marjoram 242 fennrl i5j oiI 37( scented flag 145 Swietenia 142 gyups 3U syrup of althaea 315 buckthorn 319 colchicum 3m clove julyfluwers ib. damask rose 31 g ginger 3l5 S*>'li.c o20 ENGLISH INDEX. 559 Page Syrup 6f lemou 316 mulberries 319 opium 320 orange peel 316 pale rose 317 poppy ib. white ib. red 320 rose ib. red 311 =enna 315 simple 318 saffron 319 squill 318 Tolu ib. balsam of ib. vinegar 314 Tiolet 319 T Tamarind 190, 264 Tannin 29 Tansy 278 Tar, mineral 10j ointment of 488 water of 299 Tarter, emetic 178,426 ere im of 199 crystals of ib. antimoniated 426 Tartrate of iron and potash 120, 439 antimony and potash 178 potash 200 and soda 200,402 iron 439 soda 402 antimony 426 wine of 429 Tasteless ague drop 125 Temperature 42 Thorn apple 97 Thistle, blessed 144 Teglium,oil of 203 Tin, powder of 276, 466 Tinctures, ammoniated 343 ammoniated aromatic ib. volatile ib. Tinctures 45 of aloes 328 and myrrh 329 Angustura 330 assafoetida 335 balsam of Toln 341 benzoin 330 black hellebore 336 henbane ib. camphor 331 with opium 338 soap 340 cantharides 331 capsicum 342 cardamom 329, 342 catechu 328 cascarilla 334 castor 332 cinchona ib. cinnamon 337 croton eleutheria 334 colomba 333 ethereal, of aloes 329 foxglove 334 galbanum 342 ginger 330 gentian 335 guaiac ib. galls ib. hemlock 337 hops 336 jalap 334 kino 335 muriate of iron 438 musk 343 opium 338 orange peel o41 Peruvian bark 332 •}«as«ia 33? Page Tincture of rhubarb 339 and aloes ib. gentian ib. saffron 334 senna 341 snake root 330 squils 340 soap with opium ib. Tolu balsam 341 valerian 344 white hellebore 341 Tonics 106 Tormentil 166 Tolu, balsam of 237 syrup of 318 tincture of 341 syrup of 318 Tobacco 95, 183, 201,217, 234,240,243 infusion of wine of Tobacco, indian Trefoil Tragacanth Tree, cabbage Troches of carbonate of lime magnesia liquorice with opium gum nitrate of potash Turpentine, Venice common Cbio Cyprus liniment of oil of, rectified Tutia, ointment of U Unorganised bodies Valerian, wild extract of infusion of tincture of ammoniated Vegetable acid Vegetables exsiccation of decoction of infusion of Vegetables inspissation of maceration of Venice turpentine Veratria Verdigris liniment of oxymel of Vinegar aromatic distilled meadow saffron medicated of squill syrup of Violet, syrup of Virginian snake root Vitriol, blue « Vitriolic acid Vomica nut Volatile oils oil of chamomile juniper sassafras W Wake robin Warm plaster Washing Water of ammonia caustic dilute acetate of ammonia alkaline oxymuriate distilled ■-arawav 30S S34 183 144 269, 473 278 482 48S ib. ib. lb. ib. 484 201,220 220,277 220 ib. 496 375 494 105 359 305 344 ib. 30 286 36 ib. ib. 36 ib. 201,220 243 123 322 ib. 265 326 377 327 326 ib. 314 319 140 122,248 157, 391 98 25 372 ib. 373 240 501 43 4 406 ib. 407 408 385 367 f,7(» 560 EJJGLIaH INDEX. Page Page Water of cassia 369 Wild cucumber 195 caustic potass 395 Wine ef socotorine aloes 323 cinnamon 369 antimonial 429 fennel 370 gentian 324 lemon peel 369 ipecacuan ib. lime 129 iron 120, 325 orange peel 369 opium 324 oxymuriate 385 rhubarb 325 pennyroyal 369 spirit of rectified 366 peppermint ib. tartrate of antimony 429 pimento 370 tobacco 324 potass 394 white hellebore 326 rose 370 Wines 323 of spearmint ib. Wolfsbane 91 subcarbonate of kali 393 inspissated juice of 292 ammonia 405 Wood sorrel 266 supercarbonate of potash 393 Woody nightshade Wormseed 218, 313 soda 401 273 tar 299 Wormwood 144,360 Wax 273 T Wax white ointment 486 Yeast, cataplasm 501 yellow purified 286 Yellow bark 135 Weights, pharmaceutic 41 flowered rhododendron 07 Wheat 271 wax 286 White chalk 253 wax, ointment of 486 hellebore 243, 313 Z tincture of 341 Zedoary 149 ointment of 495 Zinc 121, 160, 179,463 wine of 325 acetate of, solution of 465 oxide of zinc 121 tincture of ib. arsenic 251 carbonate of 122 precipitate 459 impure prepared 463 ointment of 495 ointment of 443 resin ointment 48S oxide of 463 wax, ointment of ib. impure 121 soan 259 white ib. Wortleberry bears 167 sulphate of f22, 464 Wild valerian 105 solution of 464 PHE END. NLM032744672