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MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY Ul< MtulllNt N A T I O N A I I I B R A R Y O F M E D I t 1 N t NATION MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATION 1 IVNOIIVN 3NI3I03W JO A B V II 8 II IVNOIIVN JNI3I01W JO A II V II 8 I T IVNOIIVN 3 N I 3 I d • Sf'Nj c /- 4 | /£ 2 O JS u —• as Supposing the oxygen and hydrogen in the state of water in the substance. 1 1 Substances analysed a o XI w a % CU Oj o Gum-arabic - - - -Sugar of milk - - -Oak-wood - - - -Beech-wood---- Mucous acid - - -Oxalic acid - - - -Tartaric acid - - -Citric acid - - - -Acetic acid - - - -Resin, common - -Wax......- 42.47 42.23 43.55 38.825 52.53 51.45 33.69 26.57 24.05 33.81 50.22 75.94 76.81 81.79 77.21 50.63 50.84: 49 68 53.834 41.78 42.73 62.67 70.69 69.32 59.86 44.15 13.34 10.61 5.54 9.43 6.90 6.93 6.77 7.341 5.69 5.82 3.62 2.74 6.63 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 75 94 76.81 81.79 77.21 57.53 57.77 56.45 61.175 47.47 48.55 30.16 22.87 55.24 52.75 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 exces 8.90 11.14 11.91 12.08 The ultimate analysis of the vegetable substances 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 of the vegetable sys- tem, being supplied by absorption from the soil, and perhaps 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 of the proper juices : it always contains the usual elements of vegetable matter, with generally saline substances, having principally lime for their base. By the chemical changes it suffers from the action 22 OF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES of the vessels of the plant, aided by the action of the 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 varie- ties 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 com- bines 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 of the 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, hydrogfn 6.792. = 100. Gum is not capable of passing into the vinous ferment u- 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 syrup, the addition of three parts of alcohol will separate the whole of the gum in flakes. OP PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 23 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 of the other principles of the plant sometimes 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 of the 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 as follows by Berzelius : carbon, 43.481, oxygen 48.455, hydrogen 7.064. = 100. Proust men- tions 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 account 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 54 OP THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES 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 offin the state of powder : the mucilaginous and saccharine parts of the gram 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 acid, 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 ; 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 of flakes. 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. 2p acid, 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 the operation 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, if it constitutes the whole change, of course proves that the sugar, which is the product of the 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 hasiittle 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 extracted 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 OF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES those of expressed oils. They are volatile at a low temperature, and ai e entirely and quickly converted into vapour at the heat of boiling water, without being decomposed ; they are soluble in a small proportion in 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 pungen- cyj and are at length converted into substances of a resinous nature. This change is partly owing to the volatilization of the oil, but princi- pally 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 but 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 season. 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. In this manner essential oils can be obtained from orange 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 of the combustion being carbonic acid, and what is named camphoric acid. l> OF PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY". 21 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 carbonic acid dissolving it, without materially changing its composition, as the greater part can be precipitated by water. Nitric acid repeated- ly distilled from it, converts it into a concrete acid named camphoric acid, which appears to be different from' any known acid, though it approach- es 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 6f carbon, and into an oil which has all the properties of an essential oil, being odorous and pungent, volatile and inflammable, soluble in al- cohol, 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 of 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 artificially 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 al- so 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 princi- ples. Some vegetables, however, exude juices which concrete into a matter entirely resinous, and it is from these that the characters of the substances belonging to this genus are taken. The distinguishing pro- perties of a resin 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 wa- ter, they melt, but they cannot be volatilized without being decomposed. In close vessels the products of their decomposition by heat are water, empyreumatic acetic acid, an empyreumatic oil, and a residuum of char- coali indicating carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen to be their ultimate prin- ciples. At the common temperature of the atmosphere, they do not com- :-»F THE *,E\F,» \i PRINCIPLE* bine with oxygen ; neither are they acted on by water; the solutions of them in 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 of the acids, espe- cially the acetic : 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. Resins 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 principally 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 of the 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 of the most active articles of the 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 equal parts of water and alcohol dissolves it. This solvent also 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 relation^ 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 of the 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 m 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 completely 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 be digested with alcohol, the tincture it affords 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 of the 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. It is the basis, too, though in a similar state of 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 of the 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- tive 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 being modified by their reciprocal action. Tannin. The important medicinal property of astringency, appear- 30 OF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES ed from some chemical facts to be dependent in vegetable substances on a peculiar principle, as it is discoverable in them by a chemical test, that of striking a deep purple colour with the salts of iron. This effect is exhibited by all the vegetable astringents, and in a degree nearly propor- tional to their astringency. A peculiar acid having been discovered to exist in these astringents, afterwards named Gallic Acid, it was supposed to be the principle on which this property depends. But subsequent experiments have proved that the astringency resides in a principle of a different nature, which, from being the agent concerned in the operation of tanning, has obtained the name of Tan or Tannin. This principle exists in all the powerful vegetable astringents ; it is extracted by maceration with water, and is detected in the infusion by a peculiar test, that of the animal principle denominated Gelatin. If a so- lution of gelatin is added to the infusion, it becomes turbid, and a preci- pitate is thrown down, composed of the tannin and gelatin in combina- tion. We have no perfect process for obtaining tannin in an insulated state ; the most simple is precipitating it from the infusion of a vegeta- ble astringent by lime-water, and afterwards submitting the compound of lime and tannin, which is formed, to the action of dilute muriatic acid, which abstracts the lime, and leaves the tannin. Tannin, evaporated from its solution, is loose and friable, of a brown colour, has a resinous fracture, a peculiar odour, and a taste rough and bitter. It is soluble in water, either cold or warm, and in alcohol when not very highly rectified. It appears to suffer decomposition from ex- posure to the air in a humid state. By the acids, it is precipitated from its watery solution, and by some of them is decomposed. It unites with the alkalis, forming soluble compounds ; with the earths it forms com- pounds of sparing solubility ; it exerts affinities to the metallic oxides, and it is principally from its action that infusions of vegetable astringents produce dark-coloured precipitates with metallic salts. Exposed to heat, it affords an acid liquid, an oil, and a considerable quantity of car- bonic acid, leaving a spongy charcoal. ■ Its action on animal gelatin is its most important property in relation to the object of the present outline, as on this probably depends its as- tringent power ; it combines with gelatin forming an insoluble precipi- tate, whence it corrugates and renders more dense the animal fibre of which this principle constitutes a chief part. It exists in all the power- ful vegetable astringents, mixed with extractive matter, mucilage, gallic acid, and other principles. A product very analogous to it is also capa- ble of being artificially formed, principally by the action of sulphuric and nitric acids on vegetable substances which abound in carbonaceous matter. Vegetable Acids. The acid found in the juice and other parts of plants, is not always the same. Not less than seven acids, different from each other, are of vegetable origin,—the Gallic, Oxalic, Malic, Citric, Tartaric, Benzoic, and Acetic. To these may be added the Prussic ; for though it is more peculiarly formed from animal matter, it also exists in the vegetable kingdom. Gallic Acid. The existence of this acid in some of the more pow- erful astringents, particularly in the gall-nut, can be discovered by their watery infusion reddening the infusion of litmus. If the concentrated infusion be left exposed to the air for some months, this acid is deposited OF PHARMACEUTIC CHEMlslKi. 31 in the state of a crystalline deposite, mixed with mucous flakes, from which it may be purified. It may also be obtained by sublimation from the gall-nut, or even by distillation with water, though it is doubtful whe- ther, as procured by these or other processes, it is altogether free from tannin; that by sublimation appears to be most so. By crystallization it is obtained in slender prisms of a white colour; its taste is sour, and it reddens the vegetable colours ; it is soluble in 14 parts of cold, and in less than 2 parts of boiling water; it is also soluble in alcohol. It suffers decomposition from heat, and the process indicates a large quantity of carbon in its composition. It combines with the alkalis and earths, and also with the metallic oxides, forming with the latter in general coloured precipitates ; it is uncertain, however, whether these colours are not in a great measure derived from the action of tannin adhering to it. Gallic acid was at one time supposed to be the principle of astringen- cy, from being contained in the vegetable astringents, and giving a dark colour with the salts of iron, the cbemical test by which astringency appears to be indicated. It is doubtful, however, as has just been re- marked, whether this latter property does not arise from the presence of tannin : the colour it does produce is less deep too, than that which the infusion itself strikes ; and the acid in its insulated state has no as- tringency. Tannin is rather to be considered as the astringent princi- ple, and it exists accordingly in some of the more powerful vegetable astringents, as in catechu or kino, with scarcely any trace of gallic acid. Malic Acid is contained in the juice of unripe apples and other fruits; it is uncrystallizable, forming when evaporated a thick liquor, which, if the heat be continued, becomes charred. By this, and by the properties of the salts which it forms, it is distinguished from the other vegetable acids. By nitric acid it is converted into oxalic acid. Citric Acid often accompanies the malic acid in the juices of unripe fruits, and it exists in a purer form in the juice of the lemon and lime ; from these it is usually extracted, the mucilaginous matter of the juice being separated by alcohol. It crystallizes in rhomboidal prisms ; which, when it is pure, are colourless ; its taste is extremely sour; it is abun- dantly soluble in water ; its solution undergoes spontaneous decomposi- tion, but the crystallized acid can be preserved without injury. The more powerful acids decompose it, converting it principally into acetic acid. Oxalic Acid exists in the juice of the sorrel (oxalis acetosella) and some other plants, combined with a portion of potass, not sufficient to neutralize it. It can also be artificially formed by subjecting fecula, gum, or sugar to the action of nitric acid. It crystallizes in ■ slender prisms of a white colour; its taste is extremely sour; it is soluble in twice its weight of cold water, and an equal weight of boiling water ; it is also soluble in alcohol; in large doses it is a very active poison. It is decomposed by the more powerful acids : in its decomposition by heat, it affords little empyreumatic oil; hence it appears to contain only a small portion of hydrogen ; and as some of the other vegetable acids are converted into it by the action of nitric acid, there is probably a large proportion of oxygen in its composition. The test by which it is peculiarly distinguished, is the insoluble precipitate it forms with lime, an earth to which its affinity is such that it attracts it from all the other acids. 32 OF THE OF.NCRAL PRINCIPLED Tartaric Acid. This acid, as it exists in vegetables, is usually com- bined with potash, in such proportion, however, as to leave an excess of acid in the combination. This forms the super-tartrate of potash, which is contained in a number of vegetable fruits. It is deposited from the juice of the grape in its conversion into wine, or in the slow fermenta- tion which the wine suffers when kept. The acid procured from this salt is in tabular crystals, transparent; they are very soluble in water, the solution when concentrated being of an oily consistence. It is decompos- ed by heat, affording a large quantity of liquid acid little changed, with much carbonic acid gas. By nitric acid repeatedly distilled from it, it is converted into oxalic acid. This acid is an important one in pharmacy, from the numerous combinations of it applied to medicinal use. , Benzoic Acid is obtained from the vegetable balsams, generally by the process of sublimation. It condenses in slender crystals, white and bril- liant. It is volatile, and its vapour is inflammable ; it is very sparingly soluble in cold water, but abundantly in hot water ; the solution on cool- ing depositing nearly the whole of the acid in prismatic crystals ; it is al- so soluble in alcohol, from which it is precipitated by cold water; it is pungent, but not very acid to the taste ; in its usual state its smell is fra- grant, especially when it is heated ; but this odour seems to arise from a minute portion of the oil of the balsam adhering to it; as by repeated combinations with an alkaline base, and precipitation by an acid, it is ob- tained inodorous. It is not easily decomposed by the action of the more powerful acids. Decomposed by heat, it affords a larger quantity of em- pyreumatic oil than any other vegetable acid, whence hydrogen was sup- posed to predominate in its composition,—a supposition not confirmed by experiment, for, according to Berzelius, there are only 5.16 of that body in 100 parts. Acetic Acid. This acid is more exclusively the product of fermen- tation ; it exists, however, ready formed in the sap of the vine, and, combined with alkalis and earths, in the sap of plants. In its pure and concentrated state, in which state it can be procured only by artificial processes, it is a very powerful acid, highly pungent and fragrant, vola- tile and inflammable. It is distinguished by the peculiar action it exerts on some of the proximate principles of plants,-—essential oil, resin, gum- resin, camphor, gluten, and caoutchouc, which it dissolves without de- composing. Hence, even in its diluted state, under the form of distilled vinegar, it is used as a solvent in pharmaceutic processes ; though it is seldom that it can be employed to advantage, as it is liable to modify the powers of the substances it dissolves. Prussic Acid. The substance to which this name is given, is formed from some varieties of animal matter by artificial processes. It had of- ten been remarked that its odour is similar to that of the peach-blossom, and that the same odour is perceptible in the distilled water of the cher- ry-laurel, and of the bitter almond. This led to experiments on these; whence the fact, rather singular, has been discovered, that all of them contain this acid. The fact, not less important, has been established, that the narcotic property possessed by these distilled waters, depends on the prussic acid. In its in.-ulated state it is volatile, so that it escapes even from its watery solution under exposure to the air. It has no sen- sible sourness, and does not redden the more delicate vegetable colours. The character of acidity is therefore given to it, rather from its powers in the combination it forms, especially those with the metallic oxides, OF PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 33 than from its properties in its insulated state,—these compounds being analogous to other saline combinations. Several of the vegetable acids, particularly the citric, malic, and tataric, exist in the same vegetable, and in proportions varying according to the stage of vegetation, whence it is probable that they are mutually con- vertible. They are seldom pure, but generally in combination with sac- charine, mucilaginous, and extractive matter. Combined with alkaline and earthy bases, they form what have been named the essential salts of plants. The last of the proper proximate principles of vegetables is Lignin, or wood ; the substance which, composing the vessels of the plant, is the basis through which the other principles are diffused, or to which they are attached, and which is the basis therefore of all the parts of vegeta- bles, with the exception of their secreted juices. It is, when freed from the principles diffused through it, insipid, inert, and insoluble, liable in a humid state to slow spontaneous decomposition, inflammable, and is de- composed by heat, leaving a large residuum of charcoal, which indicates carbon to be its predominant ingredient, whence probably arises its solid- ity and comparative chemical inactivity. Being insoluble in water or in alcohol, it forms the greater part of the residuum, when the active mat- ter of vegetable substances has been abstracted by maceration in these solvents. Several interesting experiments have been made on this sub- stance by M. Braconnot, in order to discover the action of sulphuric acid on wood. Hempton cloth, or the sawings of horn-beam, when triturated with' the acid, in proportion of 25 of the former to 32 of the latter, gave for the result a thick mucilage. This mucilage was then triturated with chalk, filtered, and evaporated ; and after depositing sulphate of lime, seemed to be converted into gum. The lignin also, after being reduced to gum by the action of the sulphuric acid, was converted into sugar, by boiling it for 10 or 12 hours in water, and separating the acid by means of chalk. Equal weights of lignin and caustic potash, heated in a silver crucible, afford a substance soluble in water ; and if an acid is added, an abundant precipitation of ulmin takes place. Besides the principles which can thus be obtained in a distinct form from vegetables by analysis, there are others of a more subtle nature, the existence of which has been supposed to be established by some facts, though they are scarcelycapable of being exhibited in a insulated state ; such are the Aroma or Spiritus Rector, the Acrid Principle, the Bitter Principle, and the Narcotic Principle. The Aroma is the principle in which the odour of plants has been sup- posed to reside. This quality is generally found in the essential oil; but there are some vegetables, having a strong odour, which yield little or no essential oil, such as the jessamine, the violet, or the rose ; or, if this oil be procured from them in small quantity, it has not that strength of odour which, considering their fragrance, and the smallness of its quanti- ty, might be expected from them. They exhale this odour, however, when exposed to the air; it is at length dissipated; or it is communicated to water by distillation at a very gentle heat. Hence it has been conclud- ed, that a principle more subtle lhan the essential oil exists, in which the odour resides, and that it is even thU principle which communicates odour to the-oil. But these facts are inconclusive. The property of odour may belong to any of the proximate principles of vegetables, and does 34 OF THE GEISERAL PRINCIPLES belong to the principles of very different kinds ; it exists in other bodies in which we cannot suppose the existence of any common principle ; nor is there any reason to assume the existence of such a principle in plants: and all the facts considered as favourable to the opinion, are accounted for on the supposition that essential oil is the more common principle of odour, and is capable of being volatilized in small quantity at a low tem- perature, and of thus being diffused through the atmosphere, or commu- nicated to water. The existence of an Acrid Principle has been inferred from an acri- mony residing in some plants, which they lose on drying, while their other active powers remain; and from this acrimony being in some cases trans- ferred to water or alcohol by distillation. It is not very certain, however, if this quality is not in such cases connected with some of the known proximate principles ; nor has this acrid principle, if it do exist, been ob- tained so as to submit it to chemical examination. Bitter Principle. A principle of bitterness has been supposed to ex- ist in some vegetables. It is obvious, however, that this quality may be- long to any of the known proximate princples ; and the characters which have been assigned to this principle as it exists in some of the purest vegetable bitters, particularly in gentian or quassia, such as equal solubi- lity in water and in alcohol, and being precipitated by certain re-agents, rather prove it, in these cases at least, to be a variety of extractive matter. A Narcotic Principle has been supposed to exist, from the narcotic power of some vegetables being impaired by age, without any apparent loss of matter, and from its being rendered inert by decoction, though no volatile matter is collected possessed of the quality. But such facts are rather favourable to the conclusion, that the loss of power is owing to che- mical changes in one or other of the known principles, probably the ex- tract, in which the narcotic quality may be supposed to reside. In sub- mitting opium to analysis, it has been affirmed, that a crystalline matter is obtained, which proves narcotic, and this has been supposed to be the prin- ciple on which that quality possessed by the opium depends. But it does not, admitting its existence, appear to be possessed of the narcotic pro- perty in that high degree we should expect on this hypothesis. The existence of all these principles, therefore, is problematical; and the qualities assigned to them may, with more probability, be referred to modifications of composition in the known vegetable principles,, which are probably too subtle to be determined by chemical analysis. Alcohol, and the Ethers formed from alcohol by the action of acids cannot strictly be regarded as vegetable -products; yet they have a rela- tion to these, as their chemical constitution is similar, and they cannot be formed but by changes produced in vegetable matter. As important me- dicinal and pharmaceutic agents, they are entitled to notice. Alcohol is formed by the process of fermentation from saccharine matter, or from fecula, the latter being previously subjected, partially at least, to the operation of malting, by which it is converted into the for- mer. The fermented liquor being distilled, affords alcohol diluted with wa- ter, and with some impregnation of odour from the fermented substance. From this pure alcohol is procured by repeated distillation, the abstrac- OF pharmaceutic chemistry. 35 tion of the water from it being aided by the action of potash, or sub-c:ir- bonate of potash. Alcohol is a colourless transparent fluid, having a specific gravity, ac- cording to its state of concentration, from 0.835 to"0.80()'; it is fragrant and pungent, and in its action on the living system exerts a high degree of stimulant and narcotic power; it is volatile and inflammable^ffbrding, during its combustion, water and carbonic acid, the quantity of water ex- ceeding even the weight of the alcohol. It contains, therefore, much hydrogen in its composition, with which carbon is combined, and perhaps' also a portion of oxygen. It combines with water in every proportion, and, in consequence of the affinity between these fluids, they mutually precipitate substances which either has dissolved, that are insoluble in the other. It is decomposed by the stronger acids, affording, as the principal product, the different ethers. As a pharmaceutic agent, it is of much importance from the solvent power it exerts on a number of the vegetable proximate principles,—essential oil, camphor, extract, and others, and is not' less valuable from its property of counteracting" the spontaneous changes to which vegetable matter is liable. Ether. The name ether is given to a peculiar product obtained by the action of the more powerful acids on alcohol ; it differs in its proper- ties according to the acid employed in its formation, but in general is ex- tremely light, volatile, and inflammable. Sulphuric ether,- formed by the action of sulphuric acid on alcohol, has a specific gravity when it is pure, not more than 0.716 ; it is so volatile as to evaporate rapidly at the com- mon temperature of the atmosphere ; in burning it affords water and car- bonic acid : its odour is fragrant and penetrating ; its taste pungent ; it is soluble in water only in limited proportion, about one part in ten. It ex- erts on the vegetable principles the same solvent action nearly as alcohol, except on extract, which it has been said to precipitate,—an effect, how- ever, I have not been able to obtain from it. Nitric ether is equally light, and even more volatile; it is inflammable ; it is soluble in water in limited quantity, but combines with alcohol in every proportion: its odour is strong and penetrating, Muriatic ether is still more volatile ; it exists in the state of gas, under the atmospheric pressure at 60° ; at 50 it be- comes liquid, its specific gravity is 0.874 ; it is transparent, colourless, odorous, and pungent. Acetic ether is moderately light, volatile, and in- flammable, soluble in water in limited quantity, and has an odour etherial, but approaching also to that of vinegar. All these ethers appear to differ from alcohol, principally in having a larger proportion of hydrogen in their composition, to which probably their greater levity and volatility are to be ascribed ; and they generally contain a portion of the acid by the action of which they have been formed, which, in some of them at least, appears essential to their chemical-constitution. Sulphuric ether seems to contain none. Having pointed out the distinguishing properties, and the general pharmaceutic relations of the Proximate Principles of Vegetables, it may be proposed as a question important in relation to the object of the present outline —Do these principles usually exist in the vegetable in a state of chemical combination, whence some modification of. their pow- ers may result, or are they chemically mixed ? '■• OF THK general principled The latter appears to be generally the case. These principles can of- ten be observed existing apart from each other, and even placed in sepa- rate vesicles ; they can in many cases be separated by mechanical means i and even wherethey are more intimately mixed, that change of properties does not take place, which we must expect were they chemically united, the virtues of each principle being discernible in the mixture, weakened, but not changed. It seems to follow, therefore, that the virtues of vege- table substances do not depend on chemical combinations of their proxi- mate principles, but rather on the peculiar ultimate composition of one or other of these principles. Hence, also, it is evident, that in separating the proximate principles of any vegetable, we cannot expect to alter or improve its virtues, farther than in concentrating them by a separation from what is inert, or in separating principles which are possessed of dif- ferent, or even opposite powers. The attainment even of these ends, however, is in many cases of importance in their exhibition as medicines. From the enumeration of the Proximate Principles of Vegetables, may.be explained the rationale of those pharmaceutic processes to which plants are usually subjected. Vegetable matter being liable to decomposition when in a humid state, from the re-action of its elements, and their entering into new combina- tions, Exsiccation is an operation to which they are generally subjected, to preserve them without injury. It is performed either by the action of a current of air, or by exposure to heat, care being taken that the heat shall not be such as to dissipate any of their volatile principles, or cause any chemical change. Inspissation is an operation performed on the expressed juices of plants, with the same view, the dissipating the watery portion of the. juice, and thus reducing it to a thick or solid consistence, rendering it less liable to those spontaneous chemical changes which it would otherwise undergo. It is performed by the application of a gentle heat. By Infusion of vegetable matter in water, the fluid is impregnated with the gum, sugar, extract, tannin, saline substances, part of the essential oil, and part also of the resinous principle* The aroma of the plant is generally first taken up : by longer infusion the water is loaded with the colouring, astringent, and gummy parts: these are also most abundantly dissolved when the temperature is high. Hence an infusion differs, ac- cording as the water has stood longer or shorter on the materials, and ac- cording as it has been promoted or not by heat. An infusion made in the cold is in general more grateful, while one made with heat, or by keeping the fluid long upon the materials, is more strongly impregnated with active matter. By Decoction or boiling, the solvent power of the water is farther in- creased ; and hence the liquor always appears darker coloured, and it is more loaded with those principles of the vegetable which it can hold dis- solved. Those, however, which are volatile, particularly the essential oil, are entirely dissipated ; and therefore it is an improper process for vegetables, the virtues of which depend, wholly or partially, on these principles. Even some of the fixed principles of vegetables are injured by long decoction. The extractive matter, for instance, gradually ab- sorbs oxygen from the atmosphere, and is converted into a substance near- ly insipid and inert. Opium, Peruvian bark, and many other vegetables, are injured in this manner by decoction, especially if the atmospheric air is freely admitted ; and these two circumstances, the dissipation of the OF PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. volatile matter, and the oxygenation of the extractive, considerably li- mit the application of this process. It& still used, however, with ad- vantage, to extract the. mucilaginous parts of vegetables, their bitterness, and several others of their peculiar qualities. ,. Alcohol may be applied to vegetables to dissolve those principles which are not soluble in water, such are their essential oil, camphor, and resin ; and as these are often the principles on which the virtues of vegetables depend, these solutions, or Tinctures as they are termed, are • ften ac- tive preparations. Equal parts of alcohol and water, in general, extract still more completely the active matter of plants, as we thus obtain a so- lution of all those substances which are separately soluble in either of these fluids. And these solutions, whether with pure or dilated alcohol, have the advantages of not being liable to spontaneous change. When, by the action of one or both of these fluids, a solution of the active principles of a vegetable is obtained, it may be evaporated to the consistence of a thick tenacious mass. This forms what is termed an Extract; it is named an Aqueous Extract when dbtained from the aqueous infusion or decoction of a plant, and Spirituous when alcohol has been'the solvent. The design of this preparation is Jp obtain the active matter of the vegetable in a small bulk, and in such a state that it may be preserved without suffering any alteration. It is evident, that it is a process which can be properly applied to such plants only as have their virtues dependent on some of their fixed principles, and even these are often injured by the*heat applied, and the free access of the atmos- pheric air. Distillation is another process applied to vegetable substances, by which we obtain some of their active principles, particularly their essential oil. If the vegetable matter be heated with a large portion of water, the oil is volatilized with the aqueous vapour: it separates from the water on being allowed to remain at rest ; a part of it, however, is also dissolved, and communicates a considerable degree of flavour, and often also of pungency. This forms what are named Distilled Waters. If alcohol be used instead of water, the essential oil is entirely dissolved in it, and we thus obtain what are termed Distilled Spirits. By such processes we extract the active matter of vegetables from the inert matter with which it is more or less mixed, and are thus enabled to administer many remedies under a variety of forms, suited to particular circumstances. A single example will show the utility of investigations of this kind, respecting the component principles of vegetable products, and their relations to the more important chemical agents. Peruvian bark is one of the most important remedies in the Materia Medica. It is not always, however, practicable to exhibit it in substance with advantage, as where the stomach is uncommonly irritable, or where, from the nature of the disease, it is necessary to give it in large doses, frequently repeat- ed, it is liable to occasion sickness and other uneasy sensations, and even to be rejected by vomiting. Such inconveniences are attempted to be obviated, by giving it in the different forms of infusion, decoction, tinc- ture, or extract, as any of these may be best suited to the case. Our knowledge of its constituent parts can only lead us to the proper applica- tion of these processes. From an accurate analysis of this bark, it has been proved, that seven parts out of eight consist of woody fibre, or of a matter inert and insoluble, which cannot act on the system, and which affects the stomach only by its weight and insolubility. The remaining 38 OF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES eighth part is that in which the activity of the medicine resides: it is therefore evident, that if this be-extracted, without injuring its activity, the medicine could be exhibited with much more advantage. This is in part accomplished by the preparations of it that have been mentioned : but even these do not convey it in all its force. If the bark be infused or boiled in a certain quantity of water, the infusion or decoction is not nearly equal in efficacy to the whole quantity operated on. It is therefore evi- dent, that during either of these operations, the active matter has not been entirely extracted, or has suffered some change. And here ^ hem- istry farther elucidates the peculiar nature of this substance, and the changes produced in it by these processes. It has been found, that the matter on which the power of this bark depends is liable to oxygenation, and that during the infusion, and particularly the decoction of that drug, it suffers this change from the action of atmospheric air, and is converted into a substance insipid and inert. This leads to the improvement of the preparations of this medicine; and experiments instituted for the pur- pose have accordingly proved, that while by long boiling, the virtues of the bark are nearly destroyed, they are extracted with less loss by a few minutes decoction in covered vessels. The same investigations have pointed out the nature of the action of some other substances on bark, formerly not well understood. Thus, it had been found by experience, that the alkalis, and more particularly magnesia, enable water to extract the virtues of bark more completely by infusion, —a circumstance eluci- dated by the fact afterwards discovered, that the"extractive matter of the bark, to which its activity is owing, combines with these substances, and forms soluble compounds. Similar examples might be given fromolher important vegetable remedies, which would sufficiently prove the utility to be derived from the analysis of the substances belonging to the vegetable kingdom, and that indeed researches of this kind are absolutely necessary for their proper prepara- tion as medicines. The account of the analysis of animal substances, and of their proxi- mate principles, would, to the same extent at least, be foreign to the ob- jects of this sketch, as so few of these substances are employed in medi- cine ; and of those which are used, the composition, and consequently the pharmaceutic treatment, are in a great measure peculiar to each. Their general chemical characters are similar to those of vegetable principles.—Composed of a few ultimate elements, the differences in their properties arise in a great measure from the different proportions, or the different modes in which these are combined. And these elements hav- ing powerful reciprocal attractions, and being disposed to enter into com- binations almost indefinitely diversified, these substances are extremely susceptible of decomposition, from the re-action of their elements, fa- voured by humidity, by the action of the air, or by elevation of tempera- ture. They are even more liable to this than vegetable substances ; for the elements existing in simultaneous combination are more numerous, their affinities are therefore more nicely adjusted, and of course the equi- librium is more easily subverted. Along with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which are the chief consti- tuent principles of vegetable matter, nitrogen, and frequently sulphur and phosphorus, enter into the composition of animal substances. Hence, when decomposed by heat, they afford products composed of these, of which ammonia is always the principal; and the reaction of those princi- OF PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 39 pies, and the evolution of the products arising from this, seem principally to form the series of changes which constitute putrefaction, the species of spontaneous decomposition to which animal matter is more peculiarly subject. *•"* Like vegetable substances, the animal products consist of various prox- imate principles, and some analogy may be traced between several of the vegetable and animal proximate principles. Animal fat has a strict con- nection in properties and composition with fixed oil; animalmucus re- sembles vegetable mucilage ; fecula has a similar relation to gelatin ; vegetable and animal gluten are nearly, if not entirely, the same ; a sub- stance similar to saccharine matter exists in milk,,and in some of the other animal secretions ; in the bile is found a principle strictly analogous to resin : and benzoic, oxalic, and acetic acids, are common to both. Hence, generally speaking, the few animal substances belonging to the Materia Medica are acted on by the usual solvents in nearly the same manner as vegetable substances, and are submitted to similar pharmaceutic processes. The results of these are similar officinal preparations. Thus, by the_action of alcohol, the active matter of musk, castor, and cantha- rides, is extracted, etnd tinctures of these are employed. In other cases, water is the proper solvent, particularly of those which consist of gela- tin ; but such solutions being very liable to decomposition, must always be of extemporaneous preparation. CHAT. II. OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL OPERATIONS TO WHICH THE ARTI- CLES OF THE MATERIA MEDICA ARE SUBJECTED. Natural substances are not always obtained in that state in which they are best adapted to exhibition as remedies. They are subjected, therefore, to various processes, with the view of preparing them for use , and to complete this statement of the Principles of Pharmaceutic Che- mistry, the nature of these is to be pointed out. These processes, or at least the greater number, and the most impor- tant of them, are chemical, and are dependent therefore on the agencies of those general forces whence chemical changes arise ; they are indeed little more than applications of these, under peculiar regulations adapted to different substances. The general facts, therefore, connected with the operation of these forces, are first to be stated in so far as they have any relation to the present subject. The force principally productive of chemical action, is that species of attraction which is exerted between the particles of bodies, and bring them into intimate union. If two substances of different kinds be placed in contact, and with that degree of fluidity which admits of the par- ticles of the one moving to those of the other, it often happens that they unite together, and form a substance in which neither can be any longer recognised, which is homogeneous, and in general possessed of new pro- perties. This constitutes what, in a language of chemistry, is named Com- bination, and it is conceived to arise from an attraction exerted between the particles of the one body and those of the other. This species of at- traction, denominated Chemical from being productive of chemical pheno- 40 OF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES mena, sometimes also named Affinity, is distinguished from the other spe- cies of attraction by the phenomena to which it gives rise, or by the laws jj; obeys.—from the attraction of gravitation, by not being exerted at sen- sible distances, or on masses of matter, but only at insensible distances, and on the minute particles of bodies,—from the attraction of aggrega- tion, by being exerted between particles of different kinds, and forming a substance with new properties, while aggregation operates on parti- cles of a similar nature, and unites them into an aggregate in which the same essential properties exist. It is possible, however, that these forces, though thus distinguished, may be the result of the same power modified by the circumstances under which it acts. The substance formed by chemical combination is named a Com- pound. The substances united* are the constituent or component parts or principles of the compound. When they are separated, the process is named Decomposition. The most minute parts into which a body can be resolved without decomposition, are named its integrant parts ; and * it is between these that the force*of aggregation is conceived to be ex- erted. Chemical attraction is exerted between the constituent parts. - The most important phenomenon attending chemical combination, is a change of properties*. In general, the form, density, colour, taste, and other sensible qualities, as well as the fusibility, volatility, tendency to combnation, and other chemical properties in the compound, are more or less different from what they are in either of its constituent paTts, and frequently, indeed, they are wholly dis-imilar. There are cases, howe- ver, where the change is less considerable, as is exemplified in several of the operations of Pharmacy,—the solution of the vegetable proximate principles in water or in alcohol, or the solution of salts in water, in which the body acquires merely the liquid form, with perhaps a slight change of density, but in which no important property is changed, nor any new one acquired. Chemical attraction is not an invariable force exerted by every body to every other, and always, with the same degree of strength. Between many substances, it does not sensibly operate, though this'perhaps may be owing to the predominance of external circumstances, by which its operation is influenced, rather than to the absence of all mutual attrac- tion. It is exerted too by each body towards others, with different de- grees of strength. It is not limited in its action to two bodies, but is frequently exerted at the same time between three, four, or a'greater number, so as to unite them into one combination. Such compounds are named Ternary, &c. according to the number of their constituent principles ; they are abun- dant among the productions of nature, and can be formed also by the ar- rangements of art. This force is exerted too, so as to combine bodies in more than one proportion. And from the union of two substances in different propor- tions, compounds are formed frequently as dissimilar in their properties as if they were composed of principles totally different.- In some cases, the combination is unlimited with regard to proportions: in others it is fixed to two or three relative quantities, which are definite, and there are ex- amples where it can be established in only one proportion. Where com- bination takes place between two bodies in more than one definite or fix- ed proportion, an important general law, only lately elucidated, appears to be observed, that a simple arithmetical ratio exists between the differ- OF PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 41 snt proportions, the larger proportion being a simple multiple of the smal- ler ; takingthe proportions, for example, of one ingredient, the ratio is of- ten that of 1, 2, 3, the quantity of the other ingredient remaining the same. This law is of great importance in chemical analysis. The compounds formed by the exertion of chemical attraction have apparently the same relation to this power as simple bodies have : they have a similar tendency to combination, unite in different proportions, and with different degrees of force; and all these combinations are ac- companied by the same phenomena, and appear to observe the same laws. It has been supposed, however, that when compound substances combine together, the combination is the result, not of the mutual attraction be- tween the integrant particles of these compounds, but of the affinities of their ultimate elements modified by the condition in which they exist. In all cases, attraction is modified, and its results determined, by cir- cumstances foreign to the attractive force itself. The operation of these circumstances is important, and is often so in relation to the processes of Pharmacy. They require, therefore, more distinct enumeration. \st, Quantity of matter seems to influence affinity, an increase in the relative quantity of one body with regard to another enabling it to act with more force. This is inferred from there being cases in which an effect can be produced from the mutual action of two bodies, when one is in a certain relative proportion to the other, which will not be obtained when the proportion is changed ; a compound, for example, may be de- composed by a substance exerting an attraction to one of its ingredients, when the decomposing substance is present in large quantity, while the decomposition will not happen, or will at least be much less complete, from its action in a smaller quantity. Hence, too, decomposition is often only partial; for in proportion as an ingredient is abstracted from another with which it has combined, the quantity of the latter becoming relatively larger to the portion of the former which remains, adds to the force of its affinity, so that it is capable of counteracting the action of the decompos- ing substance, and preventing it from being entirely abstracted. Both of these circumstances are of much importance in Pharmacy, and render necessary particular attention towards insuring the uniform strength of active preparations. 2d, Cohesion, or the state of a body with regard to the aggregation of its integrant particles, modifies the chemical action of another body upon it, by opposing a resistance which must be overcome before the union of their particles can be effected ; hence the cause that two solid bodies seldom act chemically on the other, and that fluidity promotes chemical action. But besides this, cohesion, even when it has been overcome, modifies the exertion of chemical attraction, by resuming its force whenever the force of that attraction is diminished, and thus sometimes giving rise to new combinations ; and sometimes, too, when suddenly established in consequence of the affinities becoming ef- fective, it determines the proportions in which bodies combine, by insu- lating the compound at a certain stage of the combination. Insolubility is merely the result of the force of cohesion, in relation to the liquid which is the medium of chemical action, and its action is of course simi- lar ; it counteracts combination, by withdrawing the insoluble substance from the action of a body exerting an attraction to it; and by the same operation, it insolates a compound when it is formed ; and great Densi- I'y or specific gravity, has even some influence on combination in a simt- 6 42 OF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES lar manner, counteracting it, by withdrawing the heavier substance from the action of the other. 3d, Elasticity, or that property of bodies arising from repulsion be- tween their particles, and present to any extent only in those existing in the aeriform state, opposes the exertion of chemical attraction, by enlarg- ing the distances at which these particles are placed. Hence aerial fluids combine in general with difficulty; and hence, too, a compound which contains an aerial ingredient, is more easy of decomposition, and the de- composition is more complete, than a compound, the ingredients of which are fixed ; for the tendency to elasticity in the volatile substance counter- acts the mutual affinity ; and when, by the application of heat, or the ope- ration of a superior attraction, any portion of it is displaced, it is im- mediately withdrawn by assuming the elastic form, and ceases to oppose any obstacle by its affinity or quantity to the progress of the decompo- sition. Elasticity, too, by counteracting attraction, places limits to the proportions in which bodies combine. 4th, The last circumstance influencing attraction is Temperature, or the state of a body with regard to heat or cold : it sometimes favours, and in other cases subverts combination. The cause of temperature is a peculiar subtle power or principle, Heat or Caloric, capable of being communicated to bodies, and of being in part withdrawn from them. Its tendency is to establish a repulsion between their particles ; hence it gives rise to expansion or enlargement of volume, greater in each body according to the quantity of caloric introduced. This progressive aug- mentation of distance, at which the particles are placed by its action, is accompanied with a proportional diminution in the force of cohesion; if carried, therefore, to a certain extent, that force is so far modified, that the particles become capable of moving easily with regard to each other, —a state which constitutes fluidity ; and, if the communication of caloric be continued, the expansion still continuing, the particles are at length placed at such distances, that the attraction is entirely overcome, and they repel each other,—a state which constitutes the aerial or gaseous form. The operation of caloric, by producing these changes in the co- hesion and elasticity of bodies, must evidently influence chemical attrac- tion,—it favours combination by diminishing cohesion, it counteracts or subverts it by communicating or increasing elasticity; and these effects are often produced together, and modify each other. From the difference of the forces of affinity among bodies, or from the operation of those circumstances by which it is modified, its power is often suspended or overcome, and substances which have been combined are separated. This forms what is named Decomposition, which presents results equally important with those from Combination. The decomposition may be simple, that is, a compound may be resolv- ed into its constituent parts, each of which becomes insulated. This is in general effected by the agency of heat. Within a certain range of temperature, the mutual affinity continues to operate ; but when the tem- perature is raised, and when the bodies differ in their volatility or tendency to assume the elastic form, the elasticity of the more volatile one is so far favoured by the heat, that the affinity is overcome, and it is disengaged. It is generally obtained pure ; but the fixed substance, from the influence of quantity on chemical attraction, frequently retains a portion of the other combined with it. Decomposition is more complicated when it is produced by the intro- or pharmaceutic chemistry. 4H auction of a third substance, which exerts an attraction to one of the in- gredients of a compound. When this is effective, the body added com- bines with this ingredient, forming a new compound, and it is only the other ingredient of the original compound that is obtained insulated. A case still more complicated is, where two compound substances are brought to act on each other, and the principles of the one exert affini- ties to those of the other, so that an interchange takes place, the two compounds are decomposed, and two new ones are formed. The former case has been named by chemists, single elective attraction ; the latter, double elective attraction ; and both were considered as the results of the relative forces of attraction among the bodies concerned. But there is reason to believe that they rise from, or at least are very materially determined by, the operation of cohesion, elasticity, and the other for- ces that influence attraction ; and that, but for the operation of these for- ces, three or more bodies presented to each other would often enter into simultaneous union, instead of passing into binary combinations. Galvanism, as well as Caloric, influences chemical affinity, and, by the attractive and repulsive forces it exerts, is even more powerful in producing decomposition. It scarcely admits, however, of being applied to any pharmaceutic process. Light, too, has an effect in producing chemical changes which sometimes requires to be attended to, and in particular to be obviated in so far as it gives rise imperceptibly, which it sometimes does, to changes in the medicinal properties of bodies. Its general agency is that of expelling or causing the transfer of oxygen. The operations of Pharmacy are generally dependent on these che- mical powers; they consist of arrangements of circumstances, with the view either of promoting their exertion, or of obtaining the products of chemical action. Some preliminary operations are frequently had recourse to of a me- chanical nature, to diminish the cohesion of bodies, or enlarge their surface. Such are Pulverization, Trituration, Levigation, Granulation, &c. Pulverization is the term employed where solid bodies are reduc- ed to powder by beating : Trituration that where the same effect is produced by continued rubbing. Levigation denotes the operation where the powder is triturated to a great degree of fineness, the trituration being facilitated by the interposition of a fluid, in which the solid is not soluble. As by any of these operations, the powder must consist of particles of unequal size, the finer are separated from the coarser by sifting or wash- ing. Sifting is passing the powder over a sieve, the interstices of which are so minute as to allow only the finer particles to pass. Washing, or Elutriation, is an operation performed on substances which are not so- luble in water. The powder is diffused through a quantity of that fluid, and the mixture is allowed to remain at rest. The coarser particles quickly subside, and the finer remain suspended. The fluid is then de- canted off, the powder is allowed to subside, and is afterwards dried. These methods of reducing bodies to powder, can be applied to few of the metals, their force of cohesion being too strong. They are mechani- cally divided by rasping, or by being beat into leaves, or they are granu- lated,—an operation performedby melting the metal, and when it is cool- B. OK THE GEM-.UAL PRINcU'LES ed down as far as it can be without becoming solid, pouring it into wa- ter ; it passes to the solid state, assuming a granular form. In Pharmacy, these operations are sometimes of importance, besides merely promoting chemical combination, as there are some medicines which act with more certainty, and even with more efficacy, when fine- ly levigated, than when given in a coarse powder. As means of pro- moting chemical combination, it is evident that they can act only indi- rectly ; the bodies being far from being reduced to their minute particles, between which only chemical attraction is exerted. They are therefore employed, merely as preliminary to those operations in which such a di- vision is obtained by chemical means. Of these the first is Solution. By this is understood that operation in which a solid body combines with a fluid in such a manner, that the compound retains the fluid form, and is transparent. Transparency is the test of perfect solution. When the specific gravity of a solid body differs not greatly from that of a fluid, it may be diffused through it, but the mixture is more or less opaque ; and on being kept for some time at rest, the heavier body subsides ; while in solution the particles of the so- lid are permanently suspended by the state of combination in which they exist, and are so minute as not to impair the transparency of the liquid. The liquid has in the case of solution been regarded as the body ex- erting the active power, and has been named the Solvent or Menstruum ; the solid is considered as the body dissolved. The attraction, however, whence the-effect arises, is reciprocal, and the form generally depends on the larger quantity of the liquid employed, and the absence of cohe- sion being more favourable to the combination proceeding to a greater extent. In general, a solid can be dissolved in a liquid only in a certain quantity. This limitation of solution is named Saturation ; and when the point is reached, the liquid is said to be saturated with the solid. As the fluid approaches to saturation, the solution proceeds more slowly. When a fluid is saturated with one body, this does not prevent its dissolving a por- tion of another ; and in this .way three, four, or five bodies may be retain- ed in solution at the same time by one fluid. In these cases, the fluid does not dissolve so large a proportion of any of these substances, as if it had been perfectly pure, though sometimes the whole proportion of so- lid matter dissolved is increased from the mutual affinities the bodies ex- ert. Neither is the solvent power always thus limited, there being many cases where a solid may be dissolved in a fluid to any extent. Gum or sugar, for example, will dissolve in water, in every proportion. An increase of temperature, in general, favours solution, the solution proceeding more rapidly at a high than at a low temperature ; and in those cases in which a certain quantity only of the solid can be combined with the fluid, a larger quantity is taken up when the temperature is in- creased. The quantity dissolved is not in every case promoted alike by an increase of temperature ; water, for example, having its solvent power, with regard to nitre, greatly increased by heat, while sea-salt is dissolved in nearly as great a quantity by cold as by hot water. This difference in these salts, and in many others, depends on the difference in the degree of their fusibility by heat ; those which are most easily fused having their solubility in water most largely increased by increase of temperature. All these facts, indeed, with regard to solution, are explained, by consi- OF PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 43 Uering this operation as depending on chemical affinity overcoming cohe- sion in the body dissolved. Agitation favours solution by bringing the different parts of the liquid into contact with the solid, and thus preventing the diminished effect Which arises from the approach to saturation in the portion covering the solid. The mechanical division of a solid, too, is favourable to its solu- tion, principally by enlarging the surface which is acted on. Solution is an operation frequently had recourse to in pharmaceutical chemistry, the active principles of many bodies being dissolved by their proper solvent. Salts are dissolved in water, as are also gum, extract, and other vegetable products. Products of a different kind, as resin, camphor, and essential oils, are dissolved in alcohol and wine : and metals are rendered soluble and active by the different acids. Solutions in water, alcohol, or wine, possess the sensible qualities and medical vir- tues of the substance dissolved. Acid and alkaline liquors change the properties of the bodies which they dissolve. In Pharmacy, the opera- tion receives different appellations, according to the nature of the solv- ent, of the substance dissolved, and of the manner in which it is per- formed. When a fluid is poured on a vegetable matter, so as to dissolve only some of its principles, the operation is named Extraction, and the part dissolved is said to be extracted. If it is performed without heat, it is termed Maceration ; if with a moderate heat, Digestion ; if the fluid is poured boiling hot on the substance, and they are kept in a covered vessel till cold, it is denominated Infusion : Decoction is the term given to the operation when the substances are boiled together. Tinc- tures are solutions obtained by infusion or digestion in alcohol. It is evident that these are all instances of solution, varied only by particular circumstances ; and I have already stated under the analysis of the ve- getable part of the Materia Medica, the advantages belonging to each. Lixiviation is the term applied to solution performed on saline sub- stances where the soluble matter is separated, by the action of the sol- vent, from other substances that are insoluble ; and the solution obtain- ed in this case is termed a Ley. The other principal method by which that fluidity necessary to chemi- cal action is communicated, is Fusion. It requires merely, with regard to each substance, the necessary degree of heat; and where this is high, it is performed usually in crucibles of earthen ware, or sometimes of black lead, or on a large scale in iron pots. Chemical combination is frequently promoted by an elevation of tem- perature, though the heat may not be so high as to produce fusion, but only to diminish cohesion to a certain extent. Calcination, as it used to be named, or metallic oxidation, is an example of this ; a metal being heated to a high temperature, so as to enable it to combine with the oxy- gen of the air. Deflagration is a similar operation, an inflammable or metallic substance being exposed to a red heat in mixture with nitre ; the acid of the nitre yields its oxygen ; which being thus afforded in large quantity and nearly pure, the oxidation takes place rapidly, and ge- nerally to its maximum. When chemical action has been exerted, other operations are some- times required to obtain the product, or sometimes this product is form- ed and collected in the operation itself. By Evaporation, or dissipating a liquid by the application of heat, a solid substance which has been dissolved in it is recovered, and this opera- 46 OF the general principles tion is one frequently performed in Pharmacy. When performed on a small scale, vessels of glass, or of earthen ware, are employed, and the heat is applied either by the medium of sand forming the sand bath, or, if it is required to be more moderate, the vessel is placed over water which is kept boiling, forming what is named the Water Bath, or Balneum Maria. When performed on a larger scale, shallow iron pots or leaden troughs arc used, to which the fire is directly applied : and experiments have shewn that the operation is conducted more economically when the liquor is kept boiling strongly, than when it is evaporated more slowly by a more gentle heat. There is. on the other hand, however, some loss, from part of the dissolved substance being carried off when the heat is high by its affinity to the liquid evaporating ; and in many cases in Phar- macy, particularly in the evaporation of vegetable infusions or tinctures, the flavour, and even the more active qualities of the dissolved substance, are liable to be injured, towards the end of the operation, by a strong heat. When the object is to obtain the volatile matter by evaporation, the process is conducted in close vessels, adapted to condense the vapour and collect the liquid. This forms the operation of Distillation, which, with regard to different substances, requires to be conducted in various modes. When a volatile principle is to be obtained from vegetable substances by this process, the difficulty is to apply the heat sufficiently, without raising it too high. The mode employed is to heat the vegetable matter with water, and the distillation is then usually performed in the common still. At the heat of boiling water, the essential oil of plants, which is the chief volatile principle they contain, is volatilized ; it rises with the watery vapour; is condensed : if little water has been employed, the greater part of the oil is obtained apart ; if much has been used, it re- tains it dissolved, acquiring taste and flavour, and thus forming the distil- led waters of plants. If alcohol, pure or diluted, has been the medium of distillation, it always retains the oil in solution, and forms what are named Distilled Spirits The still in which the operation is performed with these views is of copper or iron ; it consists of a body and head, the former designed to contain the materials, and to which the fire is re- plied, the latter to receive the vapour ; there issues from it a tube, which is connected with a spiral tube, placed in a vessel, named the refrigera- tory, filled with cold water. The vapour, in its progress through the tube, is condensed, and the liquid drops from the extremity of it. When metallic matter would be acted on, by the materials or the pro- duct of distillation, vessels of glass or earthen ware are employed ; the retort, which is generally used, being connected with a single receiver, or with a range of receivers, according as the vapour is more or less ea- sily condensed ; or if the product is a permanently elastic fluid, which cannot be condensed but by passing it thr >ugh water, a series .of bottles connected by tubes, on the principle of Wolfe's apparatus, is used. When the product of distillation is not perfectly pure, it can often be pu- rified by a second distillation : the process is then named Rectification : when it is freed from any superfluous water combined with it, the opera- tion is named Dcphlegination or Concentration. When the product of volatilization is condensed, not in the liquid, but in the solid form, the process is named Sublimation, and the product is a Sublimate. As the condensation, in this case, takes place with greater facility, a more simple apparatus is employed,consisting usually of a co- OF PHARMACEUTIC CHEMISTRY. 47 nical 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 my 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 of the 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 of the 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 of the 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. 4S OF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES These are the principal operations of Pharmacy. Connected with this subject, there remain to be noticed the weights and measures which are usually employed. The division, according to what is named 1 roy weight, is that ordered in the Pharmacopoeias. Its parts, with the symbols by which they are denoted, and their relative proportions, are represent- ed in the following table : A pound (libra), Jfe contains 12 ounces. An ounce (uncia), 3" ------- 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 cor- respond to the specific gravity of water. As the specific gravities of li- quids vary considerably, a source of error is introduced in applying the standard measures 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 which 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 Dublin College adopt the usual division of the wine gallon into eight pounds or 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 weight. These are represented with their symbols in the following table : A gallon (congius) contains 8 pints. A pint (octarius), 0 ------- 16 fluidounces. A fluidounce (fluiduncia), f 3 ------ S fluidrachms, A fluidrachm (fluidrachma), f3 ------- 60 minus, (minima), it'i. 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 of the 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 of the edge of the 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 evi- dent 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. ■i'J PART H. OF MATERIA MEDICA. Materia Medica, in the extensive signification which has been attach- ed to the term, comprises the history both of Aliments and of Medi- cines. It is used, however, more frequently and more correctly, as op- posed to the Materia Alimentaria; and in this limited sense-may be de- fined—that department 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 in- cludes the history of these substances, independent of the preparations to which they are subjected to fit them for administration, this belonging to the department of Pharmacy. CHAP. I. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS ON 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 of the articles of the Materia Medica, may be comprised under their Natural History, their Chemical History, and what may be more strictly denoniinated their Medical History. The utility of Natural History 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 classification, indeed, in which the arrangements are 50 MATERIA MEDICA. founded on a few leading discriminating characters, the natural alliances which exist among bodies are often disregarded, and they are in no case particularly traced ; the substances which are associated being placed to- gether merely from possessing these characters, though they may differ widely in the general 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 has 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. Those 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 system. In the subdivisions of the 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 of the 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, have 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 of the genus, there is often a remarkable difference in the properties of the species; and what sufficiently points out the deficiency of this method, different parts of the same plant have frequently opposite powers. Yet it is to be ad- mitted, 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 of the Materia Medica, attention is un- doubtedly due to these natural distinctions. A part of the Natural History of Medicines, of not less importance than their 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 cf such sub- stances have been discarded from practice from attention to this circum- PRELIMINARY observations. 51 stance ; their insipidity having led to suspicion of their activity, and occa- sioned a more strict examination of the 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 narcotiCi 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 other lit MA'lERIA MELiCA. qualities, may arise from chemical composition, yet the varieties of com- 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 advan- tages 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 precise- ly known, important errors would frequently be committed in their mix- ture 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 PRELIM1NAHY OBSERVATIONS. 53 each 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 reme- dies with each other. These observations point out the subjects to which the attention is principally to be directed in the study of the articles of the 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 of the 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 clas- sification being established on these secondary operations, it must neces- sarily be placed under each of these classes, and under each its history is imperfect, as it must be limited to the operation which gives the character of 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. 54 (iENERAL VIEW OF THE CHAP. II. GENERAL VIEW OF THE OPERATIONS OF MEDICINES AND OF THEIR CLASSIFICATION FOUNDED ON THESE OPERATIONS. 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- dicine0 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 of the 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 nearly altogether false. The following table exhibits this classification. MEDICAMENTA AGUNT IN Fluid i. Solida. Now, without examining it minutely, it may be remarked, that the basis of this classification, the assumption that some medicines act exclusively on the fluids of the body, is incorrect; for, with the exception of two or three classes, the action of the whole is. on the living solids. Emetics, cathartics, diuretics, diaphoretics, emmenagogues, expectorants, sialogegues, and er- rhines, 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 th'e action of OPERATIONS OF MEDICINE. 55 medicines on the simple solids 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 as- cribed 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 be- lieve 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 spe- cific medicines by which it could be retarded or counteracted. In the system of Brown, advanced in opposition to that of Cullen, more just vievys were unquestionably given of the relations of external agents to the living system, and of the laws regulating their action. The operations of medicines, however, are even in this system imperfectly explained, partly from the imperfect state of the science, and partly from its author having surveyed his subject with those views of generalization which preclude minute distinctions. Medicines 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, andeven 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 action 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 dissimilar; 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 modified 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 efconomy, 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 be employed. And, according to the kind and degree 56 GENERAL VIEW OF THE of this, different effects are produced, the discrimination of which may afford several important distinctions. Thus, of those stimulants which acton 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 gra- dual 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, dif- fusible 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. Being brought, in the course of the circulation, to particular organs, thev 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. 57 of the kidneys, stimulate them at the same time to increased action, and are capable of being detected in the urine by chemical tests. But the most general mode in which 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 in- to 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 excepted 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 aD- 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, and 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 of the pulse. Ex- amples of the second mode of operation are still more frequent. Fric- tion on the surface is a common method of introducing mercury into the circulating mass. By the same means oxide of arsenic, tartrate of anti- mony, and other active substances, may be introduced; a.s°lution of them in water being rubbed on the palms of the hand ; and under certain circumstances, 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 uppear to act by entering the circulation through the divided veins of the part to which they are applied. These arc examples of the various relations which-medicines bear to the living system. Wo are unable to assign a cause for these peculiar properties, to ascertain why the action of some should be extended to 58 GENERAL VIEW OE 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- bluffing 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 of the simple solids, and these changes are productive of medicinal effects. 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 masses 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 of the operations of medi- 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. \ et still we can sometimes refer a salutary change, either general or partial, to changes mechanical or chemical in flic 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 jjiay 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 establish- ed. It is only necessary to observe, principally to obviate hasty criti- cism, that in classifications founded on this principle, perfect precision is not to be expected. The science of medicine is still in so imperfect a state, particularly in what regards the relations of external agents to the living body, that both in arranging the class, and associating the substan- ces 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 classification must be altogether rejected ; and ffie question therefore ultimately is, not whether these arrangements are un- objectionable, but whether the advantages belonging to them are not such as to satisfy their adoption even with their imperfections. Under the first division of the arrangement I propose, may be placed those substances which exert a general stimulant operation on the system. OPERATIONS OF 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 class- es of Errhines, and of Epispastics, founded on direct local application. The remaining classes include substances which do notoperate accord • ing 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 exhi- bited in the following table : TABLE OF CLASSIFICATION. A. General Stimulants. , !■»;«■.„-n (Narcotics. „ ( Tonics. a. Diffusible. < . .. ,. h. Permanent. { ._, . ( Antispasmodics. ( Astringents. B. Local Stimulants. --. Emetics. Diuretics. Sialogogues. Cathartics. Diaphoretics. Errhines. Emmenagogues. Expectorants. Epispastics. C. Chemical Remedies. *■ Escharotics. Antacicts. Lithontriptics. Refrigerants. D. Mechanical Remedies. Diluents. Demulcents. Emollients. 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 of the class itself; and in the different classes, one of those me- thods will frequently be found better adapted to any purpose of utility than the others. That which gives the most natural and useful arrange- ment may therefore always be followed. There are some substances which it is of peculiar advantage to con- sider together, instead of placing under different classes, to which, when '»'* ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS ON Tilt arranged according to their medicinal operations, they belong : such a Mineral Waters and the Gases. These I have placed in an Appendix the end of the second volume. VDDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE OPERATION OF MEDICINES. (BY THE EDITOR.) [There are at present two theories more especially prevalent in this country concerning the modus operandi of medicines. The first asserts that all medicinal substances act primarily and exclusively upon the so- lids of the body, and that all the consequent impressions made upton dis- tant parts of the system are the result of sympathy. This theory of course rejects entirely the fluids as having any immediate concern in the operation of medicines, and even denies as a matter of fact that foreign substances of any kind ever enter into the living circulation. The second, while it admits the existence of such a. principle or property as sympathy, by whose agency the operation of a certain portion of medicines can alone be explained, contends at the same time that other medicines act directly upon the fluids,, are absorbed into the circulation, and produce effects upon the system at large as well as upon particular organs through the medium of the blood. Among the advocates of the former of these theories is professor Chapman of Philadelphia, who, it must be admitted, has displayed abundance of zeal, if not of judgment, in its support. As his work on Materia Medica and Therapeutics may be considered as embodying the whole strength of the supporters of this doctrine, I shall take the liberty of examining some of the principal arguments upon which its defence is rested. In announcing his views on this subject, Doctor Chapman asserts that " all medicines act by exciting a local impression, which is extended through the medium of sympathy."—vol. i. p. 60. 2d. Ed. As a corollary from this position, he denies that any substances ever enter the circulation. " It must be acknowledged," says he, " that no substance, in its active state, does reach the circulation, since it is shown, that a small portion even of the mildest fluid, as milk or mucilage, oil or pus, cannot be injected into the blood-vessels, without occasioning the most fatal consequences."—vol. i. p. (>4. A prominent argument in support of this opinion, and one which seems to be dwelt upon with considerable complacency, is, " that chyle, however diversified the materials may be out of which it is formed, whether ani- mal or vegetable, has essentially an identity of nature. This " fact of the perfect and uniform constitution of chyle seems, at once," it is said, " to put down the hypothesis " that any crude substances are ever taken into the circulation. Now, against this argument I would inter- pose ohe or two objections. It does not appear, in the first place, to be really the fact, that chyle, whether formed from- animal or vegeta- ble food, possesses this " perfect uniformity and identity of constitu- tion," for which Dr. Chapman contends. So far from this, the very re- verse has been completely established by actual experiment. Dr. Mar- OPERATION OF MEiiICINI.3, til '*'., in his analysis of chyle,* states that the chyle from vegetable food Yields about three times as much charcoal as that from animal food ; that the chyle from animal, food generally begins to putrefy in three or four days, whilst that from vegetable food can be kept for weeks, or even months, without undergoing putrefaction ; that the chyle from animal food is always milky, and on standing, an unctuous white creamy substance col- lects on the surface ; its coagulum is opaque, and has a pink hue ; the chyle from vegetable food is commonly transparent, or nearly so, like common serum ; its coagulum is nearly colourless, like an oyster, and no creamy substance rises to the surface. This statement certainly exhibits several very striking points of difference between the chyle formed from animal food, and that formed from vegetables ; and it unquestionably does awav the broad position concerning the " perfect uniformity" of chyle. Should Dr. Chapman endeavour to shield himself from the force of this repre- sentation, by urging that the difference pointed out in the analysis of Dr. Marcet is merely a. variation in the proportions of the same elementary ingredients, his own work may be referred to for a summary refutation of such a suggestion, when he tells uS. " that experiments nave fully de- monstrated, that articles widely discrepant in their general nature, as ali- ment and medicines, the most salutary food, and the rankest poison, ex- hibit, on analysis, nearly the same results. This indeed holds so gene- rally true, that trje virus of the viper, and the mildest mucilage, the poi- sonous prussic acid, and the nutritive flesh of animals, constitute no ex- ception. Decomposed into their elementary principles, they are essen- tially the same^,—vol. i. p. 42. If, therefore, a.variation in the propor- tions and combinations of its elementary ingredients does not constitute a real difference in the chyle, then it follows from Dr. Chapman's own showing, that there is no difference between " aliments and medicines" —between " the most salutary food and the rankest poison"—between " the virus of the viper, and the mildest mucilage"—or between " the poisonous prussic acid, and the nutritive flesh of animals." A second objection to this doctrine of the " perfect and uniform identi- ty" of chyle, is, that it is positively contradicted by facts too well attested to be set aside. By Musgrave, Fordyce, and others, it has long since been shown, that certain articles, taken into the stomach With the food, will impart their peculiar colour to the chvle, and must therefore have become incorporated with it. By Dr. Chapman this is denied, on the ground of experiments made by himself and others, in the University of Pennsylvania, although he appears not to be borne out in his conclusions, even by his own statement. *" None of the preparations of iron," he tells us, " of copper, of lead, nor the colouring matter of indigo, of madder, or of rhubarb, can be traced even as far as the chyle. Being introduced in- to the small intestines of dogs, these several articles were observed to be ra- pidly taken up by the lacteals, the coloured ones losing their tints on pass- ing on, and, in every instance, so completely were their properties obli- terated, as not at all to be cognizable by any chemical tests in the con- tents of the thoracic duct."—vol. i. p. 68. Dr. Chapman will not pretend that the lacteals contain any other fluid than the chyle, and if so, he upsets his whole argument by the ad- missions which he makes in the paragraph just quoted. The fact that the chyle, when it reached the thoracic duct, had lost the colour impart- * Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, vol. vi. p. 630. 62 ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE ed to it by the various substances mentioned in these experiments mat bfe explained in a very simple and satisfactory manner, by recollecting that as the indigo or the madder passed on from the lacteals to the thora- cic duct, it became successively diffused through a larger quantity of chyle, and therefore it was a very obvious and necessary consequence that the colour communicated to the chyle should become constantly fainter, until finally it was completely lost. A satisfactory illustration is at the com- mand of every person. By dissolving a portion of indigo in a small quan- tity of milk or water, it will be found to give to these fluids a very deep tinge. By adding successively however of the milk or water, the colour will gradually fade, until at last it will be scarcely perceptible. Precisely in this way is the fact mentioned by Dr. Chapman to be explained. A second argument of Dr. Chapman's against the doctrine that medi- cinal substances are taken into the circulation, is, that if such were the case, it would be attended with the most fatal effects upon the system, inasmuch as the mildest fluids cannot be injected into the blood-vessels without destroying life. That his reasoning may be perfectly understood, I shall quote his own language ; ': It must be acknowledged,'' says he, " that no substance, in its active state, does reach the circulation, since it is shown, that a small portion even of the midest fluid, as milk or muci- lage, oil or pus, cannot be injected into the blood-vessels, without occa- sioning the most fatal consequences. Twenty-two years ago, in conjunc- tion with my friend, the iate Dr. George Lee, then resident in the Penn- sylvania Hospital, I intituled a series of experiments to this purpose. All the articles enumerated above were tried in succession^ together with some others of an acrid and stimulating nature, on dogs and cats, the ani- mals selected on the occasion. But, diversified as these substances are, we could discern no material difference in their effects, the whole seem- ing to act merely as extraneous matter in error loci, producing, at first, great distress to the animal, as was indicated by its movements and cries, followed by difficult panting, respiration, vomiting, and purging, nervous tremors, convulsions, and death. Experiments very analogous to the preceding have recently, I understand, been made by Professor Caldwell, and with confirmatory results. That the late inquiries of Sir Everard Home and others lead to a different conclusion, I am aware. Confiding, however, in the accuracy of our own observations, I must, in the present state of the question, still maintain, without the slightest qualification, the position I have assumed."—vol. i. p! 64, 65. Before proceeding to the examination of tthis argument, I cannot help expressing my regret that the experiments to which Dr. Chapman alludes, as having been performed in Philadelphia, should differ so widely from those conducted in other parts of the world, because it serves not merely to shake the confidence hitherto reposed in men who have been univer- sally esteemed as able and accurate experimentalists, but also to weaken the faith which might otherwise have been put in the accuracy of the ex- periments of Dr. Chapman himself. For assuredly, if Home, Majendie, and others, who have devoted their lives to these investigations, are not to be depended upon, it cannot be considered as very presumptuous to cherish a little scepticism concerning the infallibility of Dr. Chapman or Dr. Caldwell. Without intending however to impeach in the least the correctness of the experiments of either of these gentlemen, it is impos- sible to get rid of the mass of opposite testimony, recorded on authority too respectable to be despised. Independent of those reported by Home OPERATION OF MEDICINES. U3 2JaSf ?!?'£ Gr5 ^ "f"7 °ther facts t0 Prove>that medicines intro- saint™, S^e blood-vessels may prove not merely innocuous, but even salutary. By referring to some of the early volumes of the Transactions JhS ?7alfSoc«ety ™ London several cases will be found recorded, in which patients were cured by medicines thus introduced into the system. Admitting, however, for the sake of argument, the objection of Dr. Chap- man to its fullest extent, it by no means proves the doctrine for which he contends. Supposing that medicinal substances, when injected into the blood-vessels do produce such deleterious effects, it does not seem of necessity to tollow, that similar consequences should result from them when introduced into the circulation through thejnedium of the stomach and lacteals. On the contrary, the difference in the two modes of in- troduction seems so great as really to destroy all analogy between them. inproot of this, it need only tci be mentioned, that the chyle, the natural Hu.d circulating through the lacteals, will, if injected into any of the blood-vessels produce effects precisely similar, and equally injurious with any of the foreign substances alluded to by Dr. Chapman. Hence, the conclusion is inevitable, that substances may pass innocently into the ' system through the lacteals which would be succeeded by the most dele- terious consequences if introduced directly into the blood. And if so Dr Chapman's argument falls at once to the ground. It were easy to en- large, for the purpose of showing how wide a difference there is in the manner m which substances enter the circulation in the two cases, but this most be so obvious to every person of reflection, that it is unneces- sary to add any thing further on the subject. A third objection of Dr. Chapman is couched in the following lan- guage : " Conceding, however, to the humoral pathologists all that their doctrine demands, still insuperable difficulties remain in the way of its adoption, to account for the operation of medicines. Not to dwell tedious- ly on the subject, I shajl content myself, at present, with little more than mentioning, that we are not at all informed by it, why our remedies, after mixing with the blood, should be directed to one organ in preference to another, as mercury to the salivary glands, or how indeed they operate at all. —vol. i. p. 65. It is impossible to conjecture what Dr. Chapman gains by this objection, for it applies with quite as much force to his own theory. He tells us indeed that medicines are directed to particular parts of the system " through the medium of sympathy ;" at the same time confessing that « of the manner in which impressions are extended, as well as of the cause of the more intimate consent of parts, we are not, perhaps, accurately informed." If, therefore, Dr. Chapman's own the- ory is confessedly inadequate^ to the explanation of this phenomenon, 1 have yet to learn by what rule of sound logic he is justified in raisin* this objection against another theory. After all I cannot se% any of those '< insuperable difficulties," in ex- plaining this subject, which appear to weigh so much upon the mind of Dr. Chapman. That every organ in the body has its peculiar and appro- priate stimulus, by which it is excited into action, is so universally admitted as to require no process of reasoning to establish it. Dr. Chapman him- self concedes it, and indeed it forms the basis of his classification. Hence it follows that certain medicipes when introduced into the system, act upon particular organs, leaving the rest more or less unaffected. If this be so, then there can be little difficulty in conceiving that a substance dis- solved in the blood may circulate through the system, without producing any particular effects, until it reaches the organs upon which, from its 64 ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE peculiar properties, it is designed to operate. The reason why a med*cme acts upon one organ, in preference to all the other organs of the body, why jalap, for instance, operates upon the intestines and not upon the brain and lungs, we can no more explain than we can the reason why the planets are kept revolving in their orbits. If we are told that the move- ments of the planets are the result of attraction, so we may say that the determination of medicines to certain organs is occasioned by a similar kind of attraction. This however explains nothing, and we must after all be content with the broad fact, that such phenomena do occur, and, that they are governed by certain laws ; but the cause why they occur must ever remain concealed. Upon this ground Dr. Chapman is certain- ly asking too much to require that the cause should be assigned " why re- medies, after mixing with the blood, should be directed to one organ in preference to another." All that the most rigid disputant can reasona- bly demand or expect is, that it should be proved in the first place, that medicines are actually taken up into the circulation ; and in the second . place, that they afterwards act upon particular parts of the system.- The latter is admitted on all hands, and the former rests on proofs too solid to be shaken. A fourth objection is, that " by the medication of the blood, were it possible, as is contended for, we must in all instances do harm. The whole mass of circulating fluids is equally charged in this case with the medicinal substance, and therefore, while an action is going on in a dis- eased organ, which may be salutary as to it, every sound part of the sys- • tern becomes subjected to a similar impression, which could not fail to disturb the order of health, and create morbid derangements."—vol. i. p. 65, 66. All this is purely hypothetical. It is founded on a supposition entirely erroneous, which is, that a medicine cannot act upon one part of the sys- tem to the exclusion of the rest. In what has already been urged I have in fact so fully replied to this argument, that it is unnecessary to enter in- to any recapitulation. I have thus considered all the material objections of Dr. Chapman, against what he chooses to call "a relick of the humoral pathology." Aware of the strong support which this " relick" receives from indisputable facts, he endeavours to explain them away in a manner equally singular and original. That we may have before us the full ,scope of his reasoning on this point I shall quote him at length. " That some of the properties of certain articles are displayed," says he, " in the secretions ana excretions, I am not disposed to deny. But it does not hence follow, that these sub- stances entered the circulation in the primitive state. Directly the re- verse, indeed, seems to be proved, as no one of them can be detected in the serum of the blood. To me it is clear, that the process of assimila- tion, as performed cither by the" cbylopoietic viscera, or by any part of the absorbent apparatus, completely decomposes all substances; and how- ever discrepant in their properties, reduces them to a homogeneous fluid fitted for the purpose of nutrition. But, when thrown into the secretions or excretions, being removed beyond the control of the vital energies, chemical affinities are sometimes again brought into play, by which these substances are in part, or wholly regenerated. No slender support is given to this hypothesis by the well-known fact, that matters are found in such persons, which had not previously existed, in any cognizable state, in the blood. Thus, certain articles can onlv bo detected in certain OPERATION OF MEDICINES. 65 fluids, as the odour of garlic in milk, of asparagus in urine, of sulphur in the perspiration, and the colouring principle of madder is to be traced in no part of the solids, except the bones, and their immediate appendages, the cartilages. Did these articles pre-exist in the blood, instead of being regenerated in some such manner as I stated, ought they not to be thrown out indiscriminately by all the emunctories ?"—vol. i, p. 63, 64. The most sturdy of the humoral pathologists could not wish Dr. Chap- man to concede more than he has actually done in the foregoing paragraph. He admits that certain substances are carried into the circulation, and that they display their peculiar properties in the secretions and excretions. But, says he, they do not enter the circulation " in their primitive state;" they are reduced by tho " process of assimilation," and thus enter into the circulation, and when thrown into the secretions and excretions, by the " play of chemical affinities, they are again, wholly or in part, rege- nerated." Let us analyse this explanation, and see what it amounts to. We are told that sulphur, taken internally, exhibits itself in the perspira- tion. According to Dr. Chapman's solution of this fact, the sulphur, be- fore it is taken into the circulation, is reduced in some way, so as to de- prive it of all its characteristic properties, and when thrown out upon the skin by the " play of chemical affinities," is again regenerated and exhibited in the form of sulphur. To this explanation, objections of so strong and obvious a character present themselves, as to render it wholly inadmissible. We know nothing of sulphur, but as a simple substance, and Dr. Chapman ought to prove that it is capable of decomposition, be- fore his explanation will hold good. Let us take another illustration. Nitrate of silver, taken internally, frequently produces permanent disco- louration of the skin. Cases of this kind are on record,* and it is pre- sumed will not be disputed. Dr. Chapman would argue, that the nitrate of silver is first decomposed into its elementary ingredients, and after- wards regenerated on the surface. The nitrate of silver then would be decomposed into nitric acid, and an oxide of silver: the nitric acid again would then be decomposed into oxygen and azote; and the oxide of sil- ver into oxygen and the pure metal. Further than this it is impossible to decompose them. Here, then, according to Dr. Chapman's own expla- nation, we have silver, a large quantity of oxygen, and azote, which must all enter into the blood in their separate and iincompounded state, or else it is impossible for the nitrate of silver to be formed afterwards upon the surface. It is evident, that this solution multiplies the difficulties which it was intended to remove. According to it, instead of one, we have ac- tually three foreign substances entering into the blood. Dr. Chapman certainly could not have been aware of the consequences of his own doctrine, or he never would have urged it so boldly. Again; the colour- ing principle of madder, which is found in the bones, Dr. Chapman tells us, is decomposed by the chylopoietic viscera, and again regenerated in the places where it is detected. Now, before this is admitted, it must be proved that this colouring principle is capable of being decomposed. This would be rather a difficult undertaking. Admitting, however, that it might be decomposed, it would be no less difficult to show that it could afterwards be regenerated. Vegetables undergo destructive decomposi- tion, and can never be regenerated by the art of the chemist, or by any play of chemical affinities. In every point of view, therefore, the ex?. * Fjee MedicovChitvurgical Transactions, of Lci'ndorfc '9 66 ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE planation of Dr. Chapman is wholly inadmissible; being inconsistent with itself, and contradictory to known and acknowledged principles. But, says Dr. Chapman, " did these articles pre-exist in the blood, in- stead of being regenerated in some such manner as I have stated, ought they not to be thrown out indiscriminately by all the emunctoriesl" I answer no. Such a consequence no more follows than that all the glands of the system should secrete precisely the same kind of fluid. With just as much propriety might it be asked, why the liver does not secrete milk, or why the stomach does not secrete urine. The truth is, every secreting organ is destined to separate from the blood a peculiar substance, and hence it is perfectly plain why foreign matters, circulating in the blood, are not " thrown out indiscriminately upon all the emunctories." Having given his objections to the doctrine that medicines ever enter the circulation, Dr. Chapman proceeds to explain his own theory of the modus operandi of medicines. " It results, on the whole, from what I have said, that we are to reject the fluids altogether in our inquiries relative to the operations of medi- cines : because, in addition to the reasonsTalready stated for doing so, we have in that law of the animal economy, termed sympathy, or consent of parts, a solution of the problem, which comports infinitely better with the existing state of our knowledge. Conformably to theory I have adopted, whenever a medicinal substance is applied to a susceptible portion of the body, externally or internally, an action is excited, which is extended more or less, according to the dif- fusibility of the properties of the substance, or the degree of sympathetic connexion, which the part may maintain with the body generally. Thus a set of actions is raised, every one of which is precisely similar, provid- ed they are confined to the same system, by which is to be understood parts of an identity of structure. If, however, the chain runs into other systems, it loses its homogeneous character, the actions being modified by the peculiar organization of the parts in which they may take place. These are principles of universal application. In every case, whether it respects the operation of remedies, or the production of disease, the spot primarily acted upon, is a point from which is diffused the radiated impressions."—vol. i. p. 70, 71. It may easily be gathered from the sentiments already expressed, that I do by no means subscribe to this theory. Like most sweeping general- izations, it is altogether too exclusive, and fails to account for the opera- tion of a very large portion of medicinal substances, which seem to act upon a principle entirely different. No better proof of the inadequacy of this theory can be required, than Dr. Chapman's own work. Take, for Instance, what he says concerning the Oil of Turpentine. In treat- ing of the virtues of this article in correcting the lithic diathesis, and re- lieving nephritic pains, he adds, " on what principle it operates is not very intelligible, though it would seem that its appearance in the bladder is necessary to its success. I am told by Dr. Physick, to whom I owe much of the information which I possess on the subject of this article, that whenever it has failed with him, the violet odour was wanting in the urine." —vol. i. p. 343. It is very plain that Dr. Chapman here abandons his own theory; for if the doctrine of sympathy could explain the operation of the turpentine, why is he forced to confess. that the " principle on which it operates is not very intelligible ?» Nothing can be clearer than that sympathy, at least as explained by our author, has nothing to do in OPERATION OF MEDICINES. 67 this case. The fact speaks for itself. The turpentine must be taken in- to the circulation, and afterwards act directly upon the urinary organs, or else the violet odour could not be detected in the urine. Here, then, is at least one clear and pointed exception to Dr. Chapman's theory. Let us take another illustration. In discussing the general action of "Lithontriptics and Antilithics," it is stated that the possibility of dissolving a stone in the bladder by a course of medicine rests upon two grounds, one of which is the following, viz. "that some of these solvents do reach the urinary bladder, without any, or at least, a material change being wrought in their properties, so that when coming in contact with the stone, there might be a play of chemical affinities, and hence a decomposition of the calculous body."—vol. i. p. 322. Now, here is an unqualified admission, of not a single medicine, but a whole class of medicines acting upon principles purely chemical. In so far, therefore, as this class of remedies is con- cerned, it cuts short the doctrine of sympathy, and proves beyond a doubt, that the unlimited manner in which that doctrine is maintained by Dr. Chapman is wholly untenable. No " sympathetic actions," nor " associat- ed motions," nor " radiated impressions diffused from a point," can ever dissolve a stone in the bladder, or account for the varied appearance of the urine, resulting from the use of internal remedies. Another exception to Dr. Chapman's theory may be found in the list of Anthelmintic medicines, a large portion of which are admitted to act by their poisonous properties upon the animal. But it is unnecessary to push this subject any further. Enough has been adduced to prove, that the doc- trine of sympathy can only be admitted with such large qualifications and exceptions, as to overturn completely the theory that medicines uniform- ly and universally act upon this principle alone. I hope not to be misun- derstood. In explaining the operation of medicines I do by no means deny altogether the agency of sympathy, or some principle very similar to it. To contend that all medicines act through the medium of the cir- culation would not be less contradictory to reason and fact, than the doc- trine which has been combatted. I do not believe in this wonderful sim- plicity of nature, which has been so favourite an argument with every the- orist who has attempted to explain the intricacies of a whole science upon one general principle. Dr. Chapman, for instance, tells us, that " to mul- tiply causes superfluously is against one of the fundamental rules of phi- losophising, and is not less repugnant to the general course of nature, whose means are proverbially distinguished by great simplicity and uni- formity." This is true indeed; but then it is equally unphilosophical, not to assign causes sufficient to explain known and acknowledged pheno- mena ; and as it regards the present case, it rests with Dr. Chapman to show that by calling in the aid of the circulation we multiply causes un- necessarily. An excessive fondness for simplification has been the bane of medical science. It was this which led Brown to maintain the absurd doctrine that all medicines were stimulants, the only difference between them being in the force and rapidity with which they exercised their stimu- lating powers. It was this which prompted Dr. Rush to defend the strange notion of the unity of disease, and it is this which induces Dr. Chapman to contend for the exclusive agency of sympathy, in explaining the opera- tions of medicines. Wanting, as they all do, the broad and substantial basis of truth and philosophy upon which to rest, it is impossible that their influence should be other than transient and ephemeral. The theory of Brown has long since been abandoned. The unity of disease, notwith- 68 .NARCOTICS.. standing the zeal, and talents, and eloquence with which it was delendeo, was falling by its own weight, even before the death of its illustrious au- thor. And it requires not the spirit of prophecy to predict that a similar fate awaits the theory of Dr. Chapman.*—B.] FIRST DIVISION.—OF GENERAL STIMULANTS. This division, according to the preceding table of classification, includes the four classes of Narcotics, Antispasmodics, Tonics, and Astringents,— these agreeing in the general stimulant operation they exert on the sys- tem, and differing principally in the diffusibility and permanence of action. They are therefore strictly connected, at least so far as to form a series through which the transition is easily traced. CHAP. III. NARCOTICA.—NARCOTICS. Narcotics, according to the definition usually given of them, are sub- stances which diminish the actions and powers of the system, without oc- casioning any sensible evacuation. This definition is imperfect, inasmuch as it does not include that stimulant operation which the most powerful of them at least equally produce, and which in part must be admitted as the cause of these effects. The term Narcotic is the most unexceptionable that can be assigned to these remedies. They are also named Sedatives, from their tendency to diminish action; Anodynes, from their capability of alleviating pain ; and Hypnotics, or Soporifics, from their power of in- ducing sleep. The following are their general effects from their operation, selecting, as affording an example of this, the most powerful of the class. In a mode- rate dose they increase the force and frequency of the pulse, promote the secretions, give vigour to the body, and rouse the faculties of the mind, inducing hilarity or intoxication. These effects are however only tempora- rary, and after some time symptoms of an opposite kind make their appear- ance ; the pulse not only returns to its former standard, but becomes more slow, and at the same time full and soft; the respiration is more easy ; the secretions, excepting that by the skin, are diminished ; pain and inordinate motion, if present, are alleviated or depressed : there is a general languor, averseness to motion, and dulness of sense; the mind is placid and inactive; and this state soon terminates in sleep. This, after continuing for some time, is followed by temporary debility, marked by some degree of sickness, tremors, and anxiety. If the dose has been large, these symptoms of di- minished sense and action are induced without any previous increased ac- * It may be proper to state that much of what is contained in the preceding ob- servations appeared originally in the form of a Review of Dr. Chapman's Therapeu- tics, written by myself, and published in the first Number of the New-York Medical and Physical Journal. Ed. NARCOTICS. 69 tion ; or, if a still larger dose has been given, the consequences are deli- rium, paralysis, convulsions, coma, and death. These effects are diversified, however, as arising from different Narco- tics. In some, any stimulant operation is scarcely perceptible in any dose ; others with the narcotic power, possess an acrid quality, and in a large dose, with the general effects, induce irritation or inflammation of the stomach, by which their action is modified. Some are more apt to induce sickness than others; and there is reason to believe that there are others in which the action is not equal on the nervous and vascular systems, but is more determined to the one than to the other. The medicines belonging to this class act primarily upon the stomach, whence their action is propagated by nervous communication to the rest of the system. That they do not act by being received into the blood, is evident from the fact, that their effects are apparent in general in a short time after they have been swallowed; and it has been found on dissection immediately after these effects have appeared, that the whole of the quantity administered has remained in the stomach undissolved. Applied externally, these medicines often exert their usual action, though with less force. Opium deadens pain, and represses spasmodic muscular action, and this not only in the part to which it is immediate- ly applied, but in others more distant. Several others of the class have similar effects; and their operation in this mode of application, too, seems to be extended by the medium of the nerves. Narcotics applied to the muscles of animals, quicken at first their ac- tion ; but in a short time they exhaust irritability and sensibility. The heart, even of cold-blooded animals, is deprived of all power of motion by a strong solution of opium applied for a few minutes. When injected into the blood-vessels, the animal instantly dies without convulsions, and all the muscles of the body, voluntary or involuntary, are deprived of the power of contraction. When applied to a wound, they often affect the general system, and in this case they appear to act, by being receiv- ed through the divided veins into the circulation ; the interposition of a ligature on the blood-vessels preventing the effect. In the production of the effects arising from the action of Narcotics, the brain seems to be the organ chiefly affected, and it is from this affection that death seems to follow from their operation, the direct action on the heart being much less considerable. This has been more clearly esta- blished by the experiments of Mr. Brodie. On introducing alcohol into the stomach of a small animal, or injecting a small quantity of the juice of aconite, or of the essential oil of the bitter almond diffused in water, or of the leaves of tobacco into the rectum, or in a concentrated state into a wound, the loss of voluntary motion, and total insensibility, were pro- duced ; yet when this state was allowed to continue until the external signs of apparent death were produced, the heart, when exposed to view, was found contracting with considerable force, and by inflating the lungs, and producing artificial respiration, its action could be kept up nearly to the natural standard for a considerable period. It appears, therefore, that while the nervous system was so much affected as to produce the cessation of the principal functions dependent on it, the powers of the circulating system were little impaired ; and the failure of the circulation ultimately producing death, appears in such cases to arise principally from the respiration ceasing, in consequence of this function being so much more dependent on the influence of the nevers. The immediate ;o NARCOTICS. effects of narcotics arise, therefore, from affection of the functions of the brain: the function of respiration is affected in consequence of this, and at length ceases, and this occasions, or at least accelerates, the failure of the circulation, which produces death. From this an important conclu- sion follows. In the case of insensibility produced by the operation of a narcotic, as the heart continues to act, it is possible, that if the cessation of its action be prevented by keeping up respiration artificially, the affec- tion of the brain may pass off and the functions of life be restored. Mr. Brodie has stated some striking experiments in proof of this. In a rab- bit, the state of total insensibility was induced by a drop of the essential oil of bitter almond inserted into a wound; after five minutes, respira- tion had ceased; the heart was left beating through the ribs, but its mo- tion must have soon ceased, and life been extinguished : artificial respi- ration was excited, in six minutes the animal moved and made an effort to breathe ; these efforts were repeated; after sixteen minutes, the arti- ficial respiration was discontinued, spontaneous respiration being esta- blished, all the functions revived, and in two hours the animal appeared to be perfectly well. In another case, the animal recovered from a state of insensibility, after artificial respiration had been continued for nearly three hours. From these facts, the preventing the failure of respiration, and the exciting it, if necessary, artificially, at the same time keeping up the proper animal temperature, would appear to be important indications in the extreme state of exhaustion occasioned by the operation of a nar- cotic, such as alcohol or opium. There are some narcotics which operate with more force on the mus- cular fibre, and directly affect the heart. The infusion of tobacco inject- ed into the intestines, occasions immediate loss of motion and sensibility, and the heart, instead of continuing to contract, was found by Mr. Brodie to have ceased contracting, and to be distended with blood. The poison of the upas antiar has a similar effect: but what is singular, the distilled oil of tobacco does not act like the infusion, but like other narcotics. The theory of the operation of narcotics is attended with considerable difficulty, and* very different opinions have been maintained with regard to it. As they in general diminish the actions of the system when given even in a small dose, their primary action was considered as of a depressing kind, and they were described by authors under the appellation of Seda- tives. The stimulant effects which were observed sometimes to arise from their action, were ascribed to what was termed the re-action of the system. It was supposed, that there belongs to the animal frame a force or principle, the tendency of which is to resist and obviate the effects of any thing noxious. If such an agent were applied, this principle was be- lieved to be roused into action, and the powers of the system were excited to throw off the noxious application. On this hypothesis, the action of narcotics was explained by Cullen. Their natural tendency was suppos- ed to be to depress the powers of life; if given in a large dose, this was exerted with effect, and hence the symptoms of exhaustion; but if given in a smaller dose, the vis medicatrix, or preserving force, was enabled to resist, and by its resistance occasioned the symptoms of increased action that first appeared. These substances, therefore, were considered as di- rectly sedative, and as indirectly stimulant. The reverse of this view was advanced by Brown, narcotics being re- garded as stimulants, surpassing all others in the divisibility and little du- NARCOTICS. 71 rability 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 of the 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 not confined 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 function 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 of the superiority of the latter. The former is founded on the fanciful hypothesis 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 of the 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 of 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 sti- mulating operation ; the exhaustion following so rapidly, that any previous excitement is scarcelv to be perceived. Narcotics, therefore, so far a? 72 NARCOTICS. we can speculate with any probability on their action, may be regarded 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 of the laws of the 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 beer, drawn from the action of a few of the 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, however, is in general so transient, that few of them can be administered with advantage as stimulants. When given with this inten- tion, they are applied in small doses, frequently repeated, as thus the state of excitement is best sustained. More usually they are given with the view of obtaining that 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 and 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, party from analogies in power. NARCOTICS. Alcohol. Atropa Belladona. Ether. Aconitum Napellus. Camphor. Conium Maculatum. Papaver Somniferum. Digitalis Purpurea. Hyoscyamus Niger. Nicotiana Tabacum NARCOTIC^. 73 Lactuca Virosa. Arnica Montana. Lactuca Sativa. Humulus Lupulus. Datura Stramonium. Strychnos Nux Vomica* Rhododendron Chrysanlhum. Prunus Lauro-Cerasus. Rhus Toxicodendron. Alcohol. Alcohol. Ardent Spirit. Spirit of Wine. By the process of vinous fermentation, liquors are formed from certain 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 of the 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 of the remaining elements; in other words, of the hydrogen of the sugar with its remaining carbon and oxygen. This is the theory of the vinous fermentation, and of the 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. 10 /•i NARCOTICS*. From the analysis of alcohol, it appears to be a compound of carbonic, hydrogen, and oxygen; hence, in burning, it affords water and carbonic acid, and the quantity of water produced exceeds even the alcohol m 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 water 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 43.63, 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 in 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 deriv- ing peculiar flavour from the substances from which the fermented liquor has been prepared. These spiritous liquors, by repeated distillations, af- ford alcohol in a more concentrated state, different substances being add- ed to facilitate the concentration and rectification. The details of the process belong to the pharmaceutical part of the work. It had usually been supposed, that the alcohol obtained by distillation from fermented liquors, pro-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 Brando'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 of the for- mer. If the whole of the 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 of the 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 may be 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 what constitutes real alcohol. When of the common strength, it is so vo- latile, as to evaporate speedily at the common temperature of the atmo- NARCOTICS. 75 sphere ; 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 of the 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 Me- dica ; 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 counteracting the spontaneous changes to which vegetables are liable from the re-action of their elements ; and hence these solutions or tinc- tures retain their properties unimpaired. When diluted with an equal quantity of water, it still exerts its solvent power to a certain extent, added to the solvent power of the water ; and this diluted alcohol, or Proof Spi- rit, as it is named, the standard specific gravity of which is .935, that of the London and Dublin Colleges being .930, and made by mixing four parts by measure of alcohol with three parts of water, is even more gene- rally employed 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 of the circulation, com- municates a greater degree of muscular vigour, and excites exhilaration of mind ; these gradually subside, and are followed by 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 symptoms of previous excitement. Its analogy in producing these effects to other narcotics is sufficiently obvious. Its exciting power, however, appears to be rather more permanent than that of some of the 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 medi- 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 haemorrhage. 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- pable of being regulated, so as to avoid the injurious consequences they are liable to produce, to admit of their being employed, except as occa- sional remedies. The action of Wine on the system, though analogous to that of alcohol, is not precisely alike i 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 obviate 7.6 NARCOTICS. symptoms arising from debility. With these views, it is given with more advantage than any other tonic,—a superiority derived from its stimulat- ing power being obtained with more certainty, and being more easily re- gulated by due administration, from its being more grateful, and probably not requiring to be assimilated by the digestive organs to produce its ef- fects. The quantity in which it is given is dependent on the state of dis- ease ; the object to pe obtained is that of supporting the strength of the system until the fever has run its course ; the danger to be avoided is that of giving it so largely, as to occasion any degree of exhaustion. Its ad- ministration is regulated, therefore, by the effects it produces ; advantage being always derived from- it, when it renders the pulse more slow and firm ; when the recurrence of delirium is prevented ; when irritation is lessened, and sleep induced. If the pulse is quickened, and the counte- nance becomes flushed ; if it excite thirst, increase the heat of the body, and occasion restlessness or delirium, it is obviously injurious ; and the dose must either be diminished, or its use suspended. In general its opera- tion is less powerful than it is on the system in a state of health ; larger quantities therefore can be taken, and are even required, to produce any exciting effect. In various diseases of chronic weakness, or where the strength of the system has been reduced by profuse evacuations, or by any other debilitat- ing operation, wine is in common use as a cordial and tonic. Different wines have different effects, according as they are possessed of astringency, or as they are sweet or acescent; and are hence adapted to answer different indications. The wines prepared from other fruits than the grape, as less spiritous and more acescent, and are hence inferior in tonic power. Fermented liquors, especially porter, are sometimes substituted for wine, where this is necessary from idiosyncracy, and their powers are somewhat modified by their other qualities, particularly their bitterness, and by the pungency arising from their excess of carbonic acid. Their narcotic power too is often greater than is proportioned to their vinous strength, from the ad- dition of narcotic substances which they often receive in their prepara- tion. From the moderate and long continued use of vinous and spiritous liquors, many diseases derive their origin ; dyspepsia, hypochondriasis, visceral obstructions, chronic inflammation of the liver, and gout,—mor- bid states probably arising either from the increased action it excites, giv- ing rise to organic derangement, or from the exhaustion of power, gene- ral or local, produced by stimulant operation unnecessarily excited or too long continued. In an excessive dose, spiritous liquors produce a state of coma or apoplexy, which has sometimes a fatal termination. Evacua- tion of the stomach by a powerful emetic, is the remedy obviously indi- cated, and from what has been stated under the general account of the operation of narcotics, (page 70), the propriety of sustaining respiration by artificial inflation of the lungs, if necessary, is equally obvious. jEther Sulphuricus. Sulphuric Ether. '' ■!■ -f' ■ '"' ^' Alcohol suffers decomposition from the action of the more powerful acids upon it; and substances are formed by these decompositions which have a resemblance in their properties, though, as produced by the ac- tion of the different acids, they have also peculiar powers. They are inamed Ethers. Sulphuric ether, formed by the action of sulphuric acid NARCOTICS. 77 on alcohol, is the one that has been chiefly applied to medicinal use ; its powers are those of a narcotic. Nitric either, in the state in which it has been used, dilute, and with a portion of free acid, forming the spirit of Ni- trous Ether, or Dulcified Spirit of Nitre, acts principally as a diuretic, and is therefore placed under that class. The other ethers are of more dif- ficult preparation, and have scarcely been introduced into the Materia Medica. Sulphuric ether is obtained by exposing a mixture of sulphuric acid and alcohol in equal weights, to a heat sufficient to produce ebullition: the ether is the product of the action of the acid on the alcohol; it distils over, and is purified by a second distillation, any free acid being abstracted by an alkali. The process is considered more fully in the pharmaceutical part of the work. A diluted preparation is ordered in the pharmacopoeias, in which the rectified ether is mixed with two parts of alcohol; and in the London Pharmacopoeia there is another preparation, in which a product obtained at the end of the distillation, of an oily appearance, etherial oil as it is named, is added to this diluted ether : neither of these is of any importance. Sulphuric ether is colourless and transparent, highly odorous and pungent, and of a specific gravity inferior to that of alcohol, being, when highly rectified, not more than .730, compared with the standard specific gravity of water. It is very volatile, so as to evaporate speedily at natu- ral temperatures; and from its rapid transition to vapour, it produces much cold during its evaporation. In vacuo it boils below the freezing point of water, and under the atmospheric pressure it boils at 98°. It is highly inflammable, and affords by its combustion water and carbonic acid. It differs from alcohol, principally in containing a larger proportion of hydrogen, and to this its greater levity and volatility are probably ow- ing. The proportions of its elements, assigned by Saussure, are carbon 67.98, oxygen 17.62, hydrogen 14 40. Sulphuric ether is a powerful diffusible stimulant, somewhat analogous to alcohol in its action, and, like it, capable of producing intoxication. Its stimulant operation appears to be even more suddenly exerted, and to be less durable: hence its superiority as a narcotic and antispasmodic. As a stimulant, it is sometimes given in occasional doses in typhus fever, more particularly in those cases where symptoms are present, connected with spasmodic action; it is also given in other forms of fever to obviate nausea; and it is said to be useful in abating the violence of sea-sickness. As an antispasmodic, it is employed in spasmodic asthma, and sometimes affords sudden and complete relief, producing for a time at least remission of the paroxysm; it is also given with advantage in the hysteric parox- ysm: it is one of the most powerful remedies in cramp of the stomach, and singultus; and it sometimes relieves some of the symptoms of chole- ra, especially the vomiting. Its usual dose is a tea spoonful, equal to about a drachm; but its beneficial effects are frequently not obtained, unless it be given in a larger dose, or until the dose has been repeated at short in- tervals. In dyspnoea and catarrh, its vapour inhaled into the lungs affords relief, probably from its antispasmodic power. The mode of applying it in this form, is to allow it to drop slowly on hot water in an inhaler, and inspire the vapour of it with the steam of the water. Externally applied, it relieves muscular pains; it is an excellent application to burns ; and "from the degree of cold which attends its evaporation, it has been em- 7b NARCOTICS. ployed to favour the reduction of strangulated hernia, being dropt on the tumour, and allowed to evaporate freely. Camphora. Camphor. Laurus Camphora, Lin. CI. Enneandria. Or J. Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Oleraceoz. Habitat, Japan, India. Camphor is not the produce exclusively of one vegetable, but it is con- tained in many plants, especially those of the aromatic kind, diffused through their wood or bark, and is often deposited from their essential oils when these are long kept. The oils of peppermint, thvme, sage, and a number of others, thus afford it. For the purposes of commerce, it is obtained from a species of laurel, the Laurus Camphora, a native of Japan and Sumatra. It exists in grains in the wood of the root and branches of this tree. It is extracted by sublimation ; the wood is expos- ed to heat with a quantity of water, and the temperature thus communi- cated is sufficient to volatilize the camphor; in Europe, it is purified by a second sublimation, with the addition of one twentieth of its weight of lime. Camphor is colourless, semi-transparent, tenacious, and somewhat unc- tuous to the touch ; its smell is strong and fragrant; its taste pungent and bitter; specific gravity .9887. It is volatile at natural temperatures, and soon diminishes in bulk from exposure to the air ; it melts at a heat a little superior to 212° ; boils at 400° ; is highly inflammable; it is very sparingly soluble in water, as one fluidounce dissolves little more than half a grain; but is entirely soluble in alcohol, ether, and oils essential or expressed. The alkalies do not act upon it. The weaker acids, particularly the ace- tic, dissolve it; the more powerful acids decompose it. These proper- ties are sufficient to distinguish it from the other vegetable principles. It approaches nearest in its characters to essential oil, and appears to differ from oil in chemical composition, principally in containing a larger pro; portion of carbon. Hence, when its volatilization is prevented, and it is subjected to a temperature so high as to decompose it, as may be done by exposing it in mixture with pure clay to a heat suddenly raised, it affords a liquid, having all the properties of an essential oil, odorous and pun- gent. There remains a considerable proportion of charcoal; carbonic acid, and carburetted hydrogen gases are disengaged, and an acid liquid is obtained, named camphoric acid. This acid, which is also formed from camphor by combustion, and by the action of nitrous acid, has some re- semblance to benzoic acid. In a moderate dose, camphor produces effects similar to those of other narcotics. Its stimulant operation, however, is not considerable ; and in a large dose it diminishes the force of the circulation, induces sleep, and sometimes causes delirium, vertigo, convulsions, or coma. As a stimulant, camphor has been used in typhus, cynanche maligna, confluent small-pox, and other febrile affections accompanied with debili- ty, in retrocedent gout, and to check the progress of gangrene; but its stimulant operation is scarcely sufficiently permanent to admit of being ea- sily regulated. As a sedative, it is used in affections of an opposite na- ture, pneumonia, rhumatism, and gonorrhoea, combined with nitre or an- timonials, or by itself, where evacuations have been previously employed; in these cases also it is now little employed in practice. In mania, it has sometimes succeeded as an anodyne ; as an antispasmodic, it has been used in asthma, chorea, and epilepsy. If given in excess, the best anti- dote is opium. NARCOTICS. 79 The dose of camphor is from 5 to 20 grains, but it is seldom that it is given at once in so large a dose as the latter quantity, from being liable to produce nausea and irritation. In small doses, on the other hand, it produces little effect; unless they are frequently repeated. In divided doses it may be given to the extent of a drachm in the day. Its power of checking theprogress of gangrene has been supposed to be augmented by combination with musk, or carbonate of ammonia, but the efficacy of this combination is doubtful : combined with opium, it forms a diaphore- tic • and its efficacy in inflammatory diseases is promoted by antimonials. Camphor ought to be given in a state of mixture of some liquid form, as in the solid state it is liable to excite nausea. It may be diffused in water by trituration with sugar, mucilage, or almonds. The camphorated mixture of the London Pharmacopoeia, in which it is triturated with wa- ter, is a preparation in which, from the sparing solubility of camphor in water, little more than its taste and odour are obtained. In the pharma- ceutic treatment of camphor, it is necessary, in order to reduce it to pow- der, to add a few drops of alcohol during the trituration. Magnesia, by being triturated with it, has the effect of dividing and rendering it smooth, and may be used for its suspension in water: a number of the gum-resins also act on it in such a manner, that, from their mixture, a soft uniform mass is formed, and this affords another mode of diffusing it. From this chemical action, it cannot well be combined with gum-resins in the solid form. Externally applied, camphor is used as an anodyne in rheumatism and muscular pains, and as a discutient in bruises and in inflammatory affec- tions ; it is dissolved in alcohol or expressed oil, and applied by friction to the part. Added to collyria, or mixed with lard, it is of advantage in ophthalmia. Suspended in oil, it is used as an injection in ardor urinaj, and as an enema to relieve the uneasy sensations occasioned by ascarides. The combination of it with opium is useful as a local application in tooth- ach.* Officinal Preparations.—Tinct. Camph. Tinct. Camph. Compo- sit. Emulsio Camphorata Acid. Acetos. Camphorat. Tinct. Saponis Camphorat. Liniment. Saponis cum Opio. Oleum Camph. Ed. Mist. Camph. Lond. Dub. Liniment. Camphorse Composit. Lond. Papaver Somniferum. White Poppy. Polyand. Monogyn. Rhozadcs. Capsula et Succus Spissatus. Europe, Asia. Thf, White Poppy is a native of the warmer regions of Europe and Asia ; it also grows in colder climates without any diminution of its pow- ers. The large capsule which it bears, affords, by incision in its cortical part, a milky juice, which, by exposure to the sun and air, becomes con- crete, and of a brown colour. This is named Opium, and is the product of the plant that is chiefly medicinally employed. The leaves and stalks afford by expression a juice which is narcotic, but of inferior strength ; the seeds contained in the capsule are bland and inert. Opium has been obtained in this country of full narcotic power from the Poppy, but at an expense which does not admit of the cultivation of the plant. It is usually imported from Syria and India. It is obtained by a simple method. When the capsule has nearly attained maturity, a longitudinal incision is made in its side, care being taken that it does not penetrate into the cavity. This * h,compatible Substances. Camphor is not affected by any substance with which we can combine it. Paris Pharm. Ed. 80 NARCOTICS. is done in the evening ; the milky narcotic juice exudes, apparently from the vessels of the bark of the capsule ; it adheres to the sides of the in- cision ; is collected in the morning, and a large quantity being procured ~ from a field of poppies, it is inspissated by exposure to the sun. The opium of commerce is in flat or rounded masses, which, when cut, present a substance soft and tenacious, of a dark reddish-brown colour, having a strong odour somewhat fcetid, and a taste bitter and acrid. If kept in a dry place it becomes hard, but it retains its brown colour, and its fracture presents a resinous appearance. It also softens when pressed in the hand. These are the properties of what are named Turkey Opi- um, the kind met with in the shops. If hard, brittle, and of a grey colour, with black spots and no lustre, it is of inferior quality. What is sold by the name of East India Opium, is soft, of a blackish colour, has a fainter smell, and is much inferior in narcotic power. Though opium has been often submitted to analysis, its proximate prin- ciples are imperfectly determined. It is highly inflammable ; submitted to the action of alcohol, a considerable portion of it is dissolved ; and water likewise dissolves it in part. The solution in alcohol is more high- ly impregnated with dissolved matter than that in water : and it possesses, in a much greater degree, the narcotic power. Diluted alcohol, compos- ed of equal parts of alcohol and water, appears to dissolve all the active matter of opium ; the tincture prepared by this menstruum, when the due proportion of solvent is employed, being equal, or very nearly so, in power, to the quantity of opium submitted to its action. After the joint action of alcohol and water, there remains, mixed with the impurities, a substance plastic and glutinous, the nature of which has not been ascer- tained ; Lucholz considering it as similar to caoutchouc, and Gren sup- posing it analogous to gluten ; it retains no activity ; its proportion is about one part from twelve of Turkey opium ; it is not present in India opium. By boiling in water under exposure to the air, the narcotic pow- er of opium is impaired ; this can scarcely be ascribed to the dissipation of any active volatile principle ; for when water is distilled from it, and condensed, it is found to have scarcely any narcotic quality; it must therefore be owing to changes produced at this temperature in the prin- ciples in which the activity of the opium resides. The distilled water from opium is slightly milky, and has its odour, and in part its taste ; a film collects on its surface, but no sensible portion of oil is obtained. From these facts it is not easy to draw any precise conclusion with re- gard to the nature of the active matter of opium. As it is partly soluble both in water and in alcohol, and appears to suffer decomposition when boiled in water under exposure to the air, it might be concluded to be of r the nature of extractive matter. On the contrary, being inflammable, ^ and more soluble in alcohol than in water, it approaches in its characters to resin ; yet it is not purely resinous, for its solution in alcohol is but slightly decomposed by water. The quantity of this principle more pe- culiarly soluble in alcohol, and in which the powers of opium chiefly re- side, appears to amount to about five parts in twelve. The quantity of matter soluble in water is, according to Crumpe, in nearly the same pro- portion It is not precipitated by alcohol, and its nature is not well known. The slight narcotic power it has, is probably derived from a portion of the other matter adhering to it. The analysis of opium, in common with many of the other articles of the Materia Medica, affords sufficient proof NARCOTICS. -5l ot our very imperfect knowledge of the constituent proximate principles of vegetable matter. It has been stated by Derosne, that a peculiar principle exists in opium, m which its narcotic quality resides. It is obtained by digesting water on opium, and evaporating the solution; a matter which precipitates during the evaporation, and which consists of this principle with a portion of re- sin and extract, is to be digested with alcohol; the resin and this princi- ple are dissolved; and as the solution cools, the latter separates in crys- talline grains, which may be purified by solution and crystallization ; it is described as being in prisms, white, insipid, and inodorous ; insoluble in cold water, very sparingly soluble in hot water, but dissolved by alcohol, ether, and by the acids and alkalies. The nature of this substance is not well determined, but it cannot be regarded as the narcotic principle of opium, since its power, though it exists in small proportion only to the other principles, does not appear to have much exceeded that of opium itself. Mr. Thompson states, in his London Dispensatory, that in repeat- ing Derosne's experiments, he had obtained a larger proportion of crys- tals of this salt from the East Indian, than from the Turkey opium. The recent observations of Serturner, Vauquelin, and Robiquet, have more clearly shown the nature of the principle on which the narcotic ef- fects of opium depend, it differs essentially from that stated by Derosne, as it possesses all the chemical characters of an alkali, existing in the opi- um in combination with a peculiar acid called the meconic. The substance discovered by Derosne, Serturner states to be the salt formed by the com- bination of this alkaline body with the meconic acid. The following is the process by which Serturner procured it. Eight ounces of dry opi- um were digested by heat in successive portions of distilled water, until it became entirely colourless : an extract is obtained by the evaporation of the liquid, turbid, if diffused in water, but rendered transparent, either by beat or an additional quantity of water. Upon adding an excess of am- monia, a greyish-white coloured substance is precipitated in the form of irregular transparent crystals. These crystals are the morphine, com- bined with a little extractive matter, and the meconic acid. Serturner next saturated the crystals by a slight excess of sulphuric acid, and expos- ed them repeatedly to the action of ammonia so as to separate the most of the extractive matter. To free it, however, entirely from this, it re- quired afterwards to be repeatedly washed with alcohol, when it became nearly colourless ; and after being dissolved frequently in that substance, it was obtained in pure crystalline prisms. Morphin, when pure, is perfectly colourless, is sparingly soluble in boil- ing water, but abundantly so in alcohol or ether, dissolved in either of which it forms a very bitter solution ; it possesses the usual properties of an alkali, restoring the colour of litmus when reddened by an acid, forming neutral salts with the acids, and decomposing the compounds of acids with the metallic oxides; it does not, however, form soaps with oils ; it melts easily, and is scarcely affected by galvanic electricity. Its com- position is stated to be as follows : hydrogen 0.0555, carbon 0.4528, ox- ygen 0.49 17 = 1.0000. Morphin exists in opium combined with an acid, to which Serturner has given the name of the Meconic: this meconic acid may be obtained by boiling the infusion of opium with magnesia, and digesting the precipitate iri alcohol. The meconiate of magnesia thus obtained, is next to be dissolv- 11 S2 NARCOTICS. ed in diluted sulphuric acid, and upon adding the muriate of barytes, a precipitate is formed, composed of the sulphate and meconiate of barytes: and by digesting this precipitate in diluted sulphuric acid, it is decompose ed, and by evaporation the meconic acid is obtained in crystals, rendered more pure by sublimation. These crystals are fusible at 256°, and are sublimed without decomposi- tion. They are very soluble both in water and alcohol, and redden lit- mus. As an acid, it does not possess any very deleterious property, but the morphin, or morphia, according to some, is extremely violent in 'jts action, though taken in very small doses ; but Orfila states, that he gave ten grains to a dog without any sensible effect. The facts ascertained with regard to the action of the usual re-agents upon opium, are of importance, as pointing out its proper pharmaceutic treatment. Diluted alcohol dissolving all its active matter, is the men- struum best adapted to its preparation under the form of tincture. Wa- ter can scarcely be employed with advantage. Vinegar dissolves its ac- tive matter, but has been found to impair its narcotic power, probably by causing in it some chemical change. Wine, though ij dissolves its active principles, being liable to pass to the state of vinegar, is also a less proper menstruum. Any purification of opium, by dissolving it and evaporating, the solution, only weakens its strength, and renders it uncertain ; and hence this process is now discarded from the Pharmacopoeias, or at least is retained only in that of the Dublin College. The effects of opium on the system are those of a powerful narcotic. When given in a moderate dose, as that of one grain, to a person unac- customed to its use, the pulse is soon sensibly increased in frequency. fulness, and force ; if the dose is rather larger, this is accompanied with some degree of exhilaration, the different functions both of body and mind are performed with more vigour, and this state may rise even to in- toxication and delirium. These effects, however, are transient; the pulse returns to its former standard, and it continues to fall both in fre- quency and force, but usually remains soft and full; a degree of lassitude and drowsiness is produced, sensibility to external impressions is impair- ed, so that pain, if present, is less severely felt, and after some time this diminished sensibility terminates in sleep : or if this does not happen, a state of languor and calmness comes on, and continues usually for some hours ; the skin is warm and moist, the secretions are diminished, and there is generally some thirst. This stage of the operation is usually succeeded in those unaccustomed to its use, by some degree of nausea or headach, and sometimes by tremors of the voluntary muscles ; the peri- staltic motion of the intestines is diminished, so that costiveness follows: the appetite and digestion are also impaired. The exciting operation of opium may continue nearly an hour, the sedative effect usually six or eight hours. From a larger dose all these effects are produced in a more marked degree. In those particularly who are accustomed to its use, the exhila- rating operation from such a dose is equal to, or exceeds that from wine, as is proved by the striking effects it produces on those who indulge in it habitually to excess among Mahommedan nations, where the established religion prohibits the use of wine; in those not accustomed to it, it is less evident, probably from the system not habituated to it, being unable to bear the necessary dose; in both, however, the state of diminished sen- sibility and action quickly succeeds, the dulness and languor are greater, NARCOTICS. S3 and sleep, sometimes approaching to stupor, is induced ; when this ter- minates, thirst, headach, and nausea are urgent, vomiting frequently oc- curs, with tremors and general debility. If the quantity is still larger, the consequences are delirium, stupor, flushing of the countenance, slow and stertorous breathing, an oppressed pulse, convulsions, and death. From the topical application of opium to sensible and irritable parts, pain, increased muscular action, augmented heat, and even inflammation, are the first effects, but are ultimately succeeded by a greater insensibility to impressions, and a greater difficulty of being excited to contraction by the application of tother stimulants. The latter state is also immediately produced by its application in a large quantity and concentrated state to the muscular fibre. With regard to the nature of the action of opium on the living system, opinions have been maintained diametrically opposite. It was usually con- sidered as a sedative, or substance, the operation of which is to depress the functions, and exhaust the powers of life. The theory was advanced by Brown, that its primary operation is stimulant, and that its apparent sedative effects are the consequences of the exhaustion of vital power, from the excess of stimulant action. The primary effects from its exhi- bition, so far as they can be accurately ascertained, undoubtedly lead, by the least hypothetical induction, to the latter opinion. They are those of excitement, both of the vascular and nervous systems ; and the state of diminished susceptibility and action which follows, ought in strict rea- soning to be considered as the effect of this, conformable to the general law of the animal economy, that excitement suddenly raised is followed by exhaustion of power. In its effects in a large dose, the analogy of opium to other diffusible stimulants is also direct. And its action on the system in a diseased state, appears to prove not less clearly its stimulant operation. In typhus and other diseases of debility, its exhibition in a moderate dose produces the salutary effects resulting from the administra- tion of wine and other powerful stimulants, while in diseases of an oppo- site nature, where there is increased action, it is not less prejudicial. It is to be admitted, however, with regard to opium, that its apparent sedative effects, displayed in its lessening the sensibility to external im- pressions, diminishing action, and inducing sleep, are greater than are proportional to the excitement it raises, or to an equal or a greater excite- ment produced by other stimulants, as by alcohol. This has been ac- counted for from the great diffusibility, and less durability of its primary operation ; in consequence of which, the excitement it produces is soon extended over the system, and is more quickly succeeded by the second- ary state of diminished power. Whether this theory of its action be sa- tisfactory or not, and whether it be regarded as a powerful stimulant, or as a direct sedative, it is to be observed, and the observation extends to analogous narcotics, that the practical application of it is nearly the same : since it is admitted that it may be exhibited so as to obtain from it stimu- lant and also depressing effects, and that the former are primary, and are obtained from it in a moderate dose, while the latter are secondary, and are only produced by a larger dose. Although, therefore, the explanation of the mode of operation be different, there is no dispute as to the opera- tion itself, or the effects it produces. Opium was at one time supposed to act on the system, by the medium of the blood ; but experiments have shewn, that its general effects are produced when the circulation is interrupted, that its action is on the ?■■! XARCOTT' -« living solids, and is propagated to distant parts by^nervous commumca-. tion. The principal indications which opium is capable of fulfilling, are, sup- porting the actions of the system, allaying pain and irritation, relieving spasmodic action, inducing sleep, and checking morbidly increased evacua-^ tions. It is differently administered, as it is designed to fulfil one or other of these indications. When given with the view of obtaining its stimu- lant operation, it ought to be administered in small doses, frequently re- peated, and slowly increased, as by this mode the excitement it produces is best kept up. But where the design is to mitigate pain or irritation, or the symptoms arising from these, it ought to be given in a full dose, and at distant intervals, by which the state of diminished power and sensibility is most completely induced. It is principally with the latter views that it is employed in medicine ; and in its usual medium dose, that .of one grain to an adult, any stimulating effect from it is scarcely apparent, while its power of diminishing action, lessening sensibility, and inducing sleep, is sufficiently exerted. Nor can it, in any case, be given with much ad- vantage as a stimulant. Its stimulant operation is even frequently preju- dicial ; and hence the general rule established with respect to the admi- nistration of opium, that it ought not to be given in any pure inflammatory affection, at least unless evacuations have been used, or unless means are employed to determine it to the surface of the body, and produce diapho- resis. In continued fever, not inflammatory, opium has been administered sometimes as a general stimulant : but its operation being less permanent than that of wine, and not so easily regulated, it is not so well adapted to obviate debility; or at least with this intention it is employed only as sub- sidiary to wine. It is more frequently used to diminish irritation, and lessen that state of increased susceptibility to impressions connected with debility, which frequently gives rise to restlessness, watchfulness, delirium, and spasmodic affections, particularly tremors and subsultus tendinum. A full dose is usually given at bed-time ; and to obviate these symptoms when they are urgent, it is farther occasionally administered, generally in combination with wine, in the course of the day. Its exhibition is impro- per, or requires to be conducted with much caution, where there is any tendency to inflammatory action, or to determination to the head. It then fails in lessening irritation or procuring sleep, and rather aggravates the inflammatory state, or gives rise to local inflammation. If it increase de- lirium, it is obviously injurious. An import ant practical rule is given by Dr. Currie,—that it is rather injurious than otherwise, when the heat of the surface is above the natural standard, and the skin is at the same time dry : but if the skin is becoming moist, it accelerates the change, and produces its other beneficial effects. Hence it is often used with advan- tage after this change on the surface has been obtained by the cold effu- sion, or by partial fomentation : it is also for the same reason often useful to delay its administr; iion in the evening, until the febrile exacerbation at that period begins to subside, and to give it therefore at a later hour. When it is repeatedly administered, it is necessary to guard against the constipation it is liable to produce. In intermittent fever, the administration of an opiate, previous to the expected approach of the paroxysm, renders it milder, or sometimes pre- vents its attack; given even during the hot stage, it lessens its violence; NARCOTIC, 85 tmu administered in either mode, it facilitates the cure by other remedies, the stimulant operation of which is less transient. In the phlegmasia;, the propriety of the employment of opium is from its stimulant operation more doubtful; and in any pure inflammatory af- fection, attended with highly increased vascular action, it is hazardous. Where it is given so as to determine its action to the surface of the body, and produce sweat, it is often advantageously employed, particularly in rheumatism ; or in some of the other diseases of this order, where the inflammatory stage has subsided, its exhibition is occasionally necessary to obviate symptoms connected with irritation. In the exanthemata, opium is employed with similar intentions, and is often more peculiarly advantageous, by lessening the irritation connected with the eruption. In small-pox, it is useful with this intention after the eruption is completed where it is copious ; and if the concomitant fever be of the typhoid type, the same advantage is derived from it as in pure typhus ; it is also useful in promoting the maturation of the pustules, and' relieving the irritation on the surface. In measles, the state of the sys- tem being more purely inflammatory, its use is rather contra-indicated. In haemorrhages, not connected with a state of plethora, or of high vascular action, opium is a valuable remedy, by'removing that state'of increased irritability whence the discharge frequently arises; it is thus employed more particularly in passive menorrhagia, and in the haemor- rhage which sometimes succeeds abortion or delivery. In the profluviae, opium is employed with a similar intention. In dy- sentry, the propriety of its administration has been questioned, but evi- dent advantage is derived from it when it is given in such doses as to re- lieve the pain and irritation which prevail; the constipation it might pro- duce being obviated by the exhibition of mild purgatives usually employ- ed in the treatment of the disease. The combination of it with calomel is more peculiarly useful. In catarrh it proves of the highest utility, by obviating the irritation whence the cough arises ; it requires, however, to be administered with some caution, where the disease is in its acute stage, and accompanied with an inflammatory state : it can then be given with more safety and advantage when combined with an antimonial, by which its direct 'imu- lant action on the vascular system is obviated, and its operation is deter- mined to the surface of the body. In phthisis it is given as a palliative and anodyne. In spasmodic and convulsive diseases, opium is obviously indicated, and in many of them is the remedy of greatest power. In chorea, it has been advantageously employed ; though the dependence of this disease on the accumulation of feculent matter in the intestines, as established by Dr. Hamilton's observations, suggests the necessity of its being employed with caution, and of its constipating effect being carefully guarded against. In epilepsy, it sometimes abates the violence of the paroxysm, especially where this is liable to recur during sleep : but as this disease so often de- pends on change of organic structure, the effects of opium can be those only of a palliative ; where plethora is present it may in hurtful. In te- tanus, to produce any relief, it requires to be given in very large doses, and these must be frequently repeated ; and even then the system is of- ten httle affected by it ,* when pushed, however, to a great extent, the violence of the spasmodic affection has at length been overcome, and a cure obtained. A similar remark applies to hydrophobia, in which very Sfi NARCOTICS. large quantities of opium have been given without any sensible effect on the state of the functions, but in some cases with ultimate success, espe- cially when combined with calomel. In mania, the system is in general little susceptible to the action of any medicine ; but opium, when given in sufficient doses, is frequently useful in diminishing irritation, and pro- ducing composure or sleep. In other cases it altogether fails, when given even in a very large dose, and sometimes it aggravates the restless-, ness and agitation of the patient; and when a plethoric or inflammatory state exists, its use must be hazardous. In the hysteric paroxysm, opiuiB is often employed with advantage, either introduced into the stomach, or given under the form of enema. Its frequent employment to relieve the less urgent symptoms of hysteria is improper, as leading to the injuri- ous consequences from its habitual use ; and the same remark applies to its employment in hypochondriasis and melancholia. In purely spasmo- dic asthma, the paroxysm is shortened, and even sometimes cut short by a full dose of an opiate; and in all the varieties of dyspnoea, opium af- fords more or less relief. In cholic, it relieves the violence of the pain, though its administration requires caution, where there is any tendency to an inflammatory state ; and the constipation it is liable to produce re- quires also to be obviated. In cholera it is the principal remedy, and is given in moderately large and repeated doses, until the symptoms are sub- dued. In diarrhoea it speedily checks the evacuations, and the precau- tion is hence necessary, not to use it too freely, until any acrid matter, or substance exciting irritation, has been discharged. In pyrosis, a mode- rate dose generally affords at least temporary relief; and it also frequently succeeds in checking vomiting from morbid irritability of the stomach. Opium is given to relieve the pain of gastrodynia, and that attending icterus; and in that form of jaundice depending on calculus of the biliary ducts, by lessening irritation and relieving spasm, it promotes the dis- charge. It is given on the same principle to relieve the pain and promote the discharge of urinary calculus. In syphilis, it is employed principal- ly with the intention of alleviating the irritation arising from the opera- tion of mercury ; for there is no sufficient evidence for the opinion which has been advanced that it is possessed of anti-syphilitic power. Consi- derable advantage is derived from its use in extensive venereal ulceration; as well as in the treatment of painful and irritable ulcers, not connect- ed with a venereal taint. It is given as a stimulant to check the progress of gangrene, and frequently with marked advantage, as well as to relieve those spasmodic symptoms, and that state of irritation which accompany gangrene, or the injuries from which it arises. In many other cases of morbid affection, opium is had recourse to merely to lessen irritation, relieve pain, or induce sleep. As a palliative and anodyne, it is indeed the most valuable article of the Materia Medica, and its place could scarcely be supplied by any other. Externally applied, opium alleviates pain and spasmodic action. Ap- plied by friction, it was known to relieve the pain of cramp, and even of tetanus ; and rubbed over the abdomen, to alleviate spasmodic pain of the stomach and intestines. From recent observations by some of the continental physicians, which have been confirmed in this country, it ap- pears that this mode of employing it admits of more extensive applica- tion, and even in general affections of the system. It has succeeded in reducing the violence of the paroxysm of mania, and in relieving the de- lirium of tvphoid fever, removing irritation and inducing sleep; and NARCOTICS. 87 much advantage has been derived from this application of it in some forms of dysuria, in cholera, and hysteria. In trismus, either hysterical or arising from other causes, relaxation of the spasm has been obtained from opiate friction. Dr. Percival employed for this purpose a liniment, in which opium is triturated with half its weight of camphor to render it smooth, and this is mixed with a little lard ; a quantity requires to be rub- bed in, containing from 6 to 9 grains of opium to obtain its action on the general system. According to Mr. Ward's observations, the tincture of opium is preferable as producing more speedy and certain effects ; from 3 to 6 drachms of it being employed, according to the severity of the symptoms, and being rubbed on the sides of the arms, until the whole is absorbed. This mode of application has the advantage of avoiding the action of opium on the stomach and intestinal canal. By local application, opium relieves the pain of toothach, a little of it being introduced into the cavity of the affected tooth, or the gums being rubbed with laudanum ; sometimes even it succeeds when applied to the temple or cheek. Under the form of enema, it is of singular efficacy in relieving tenesmus, and that painful affection of the prostate gland, which is sometimes the consequence of the discharge in gonorrhoea having been suddenly checked; and also that irritable state of the neck of the blad- der, which renders the discharge of urine painful. It is used under the same form in diseases where it cannot be introduced into the stomach. A very dilute watery solution of it, injected into the urethra, has been used to relieve ardor urince in gonorrhoea ; and a few drops of the vinous in- fusion, introduced beneath the eye-lids, is of much efficacy in some forms of ophthalmia, where the active inflammation has ceased. The dose of this narcotic is very various, according to the state of disease, and the intention with which it is administered. One grain is the medium quantity to a person unaccustomed to its use ; but to remove the symptoms from irritation, or relieve pain, it often requires to be given in a larger quantity. Its stimulating operation is principally obtained by frequent repetition of small doses : its sedative effect by a larger dose, repeated, if necessary, at greater intervals. Its power on the system soon be- comes weaker, and from habitual use is so much impaired, that very large doses are required to produce its usual effects. In some diseases, too, particularly mania, tetanus, and hydrophobia, it produces little sen- sible effect unless the dose be very large. In the last disease, it has been taken to the extent of two drachms in twelve hours, without abating the violence of the symptoms. Lastly, the operation of opium is much varied by idiosyncracy, the same dose producing very different effects on different individuals. Too small a dose of opium is liable to produce rest- lessness or disturbed sleep. The latter effect, with sickness and thirst, and sometimes delirium, are the consequences of a dose rather too large. By the immoderate or long continued use of opium, the vigour of the digestive organs is impaired : hence loss of appetite, wasting of the body, and muscular weakness ; the nervous system, and even the functions of the mind, are affected ; the patient is distressed with uneasy sensations, which are imperfectly relieved by other stimulants, if opium is withheld, and at length fatuity and stupor are induced. When such a dose of opium is taken, as would prove fatal if its effects were not obviated, the symptoms which usually occur are, insensibility, so that the patient cannot be roused by any exertion,—a pulse slow and full,—deep and difficult breathing, with the countenance generally flush- 88 NARCOliCS. ed : tins state of stupor continues, sometimes with occasional convulsion^ until it terminate in death. The principal remedy in such a case is the immediate exhibition of an emetic, which requires to be of the most pow- erful kind. Sulphate of zinc, or sulphate of copper is generally used, dissolved in water, and introduced by a flexible tube into the stomach, the former in the dose of one scruple, the latter in a dose of from five to ten, or even fifteen grains. The sulphate of copper is by far the most pow- erful, and if the other has failed, ought to be immediately given. In using either of them, if vomiting is not soon induced, the dose ought to be re- peated. Along with this is employed free dilution with the vegetable acids, as vinegar, which is to be swallowed in as large draughts as the sto- mach can receive it. According to Orfila, when opium is given to ani- mals along with vinegar, they die sooner than when it is merely diffused in water; the solution of opium in vinegar being even more deleterious. But if opium, after producing its deleterious effects, has been rejected from the stomach, or if it has given rise to these effects from having been introduced into a wound, vinegar or other acids introduced into the sto- mach counteract them, and in several instances appear to have saved the patient's life. The powers of the stomach and of the general system may be roused and sustained by small doses of warm brandy, spirit of ammo- nia, and other stimulants ; coffee has been said to have been taken with advantage : and the patient ought to be kept awake, and, if possible, in a state of gentle motion, at least for some hours. Analogy, from the ope- ration of other narcotics, points out the necessity of exciting artificial re- spiration, if necessary, in the state of extreme stupor, as has been already explained, (page 70.) Opium is used either solid, or under the form of tincture, twenty-five drops of the tincture being equal to one grain of crude opium. It is em- ployed in the solid state when we wish it to act slowly, or on the stomach or intestinal canal, otherwise it is more convenient in the liquid form. There are, besides, various preparations, in which it is either the princi- pal ingredient, or modifies the power of others, few of which, however, are of much importance. The officinal opiate electuary, powder, and pill, merely afford convenient forms for its exhibition. The powder of opium and ipecacuan is the composition under which it is usually employ- ed as a sudorific. The Ammoniated and Camphorated Tinctures of Opi- urn, are the Paregoric Elixirs of the older pharmacopoeias, forms under which opium has been principally used in catarrh. The troches of li- quorice and opium are likewise designed to allay the cough in catarrh, by being allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth. The Tincture of Opium and Soap, and fhe Plaster of Opium, are intended for external application. The Opium wine, besides its internal administration, is employed as a to- pical application to the eye in chronic ophthalmia. The Syrup is de- signed for administration to children. A preparation is in use under the name of the Black Drop, considered by some practitioners to possess peculiar advantages. It is a more con- centrated preparation than the common tincture of opium, and requires to be given in not more than half the quantity. The following is the for- mula given for its preparation:— Take half a pound of opium sliced, three pints of good verjuice, one and a half once of nutmegs, and half an ouuce of saffron : Boil to a proper thickness, then add a quarter of a pound of sugar, and two spoonfuls of yeast. Set the whole in a warm place near the fire for six or eight weeks, then place it in the open air F NARCOTICS. $$ until it becomes a syrtfp, and lastly, decant, filter, and bottle it up, adding a little sugar to each bottle. This preparation has been recommended chiefly from its not affecting the stomach and head so much as the other preparations of opium.* Officinal Preparations.—Elect. Opiat. Pil.Opiat. Pulv. Opiat. Pulv. Ipecac, et Opii. Tinct. Opii. Tinct. Opii. Ammoniata. Tinct. Opii. Camphorata. Tinct. Saponis et Opii. Troch. Glycirrhiz. cum opio. Ed. Opium Purificatum. Pil. Saponis cum opio. Pulv. Cornu Usti cum opio. Pulv. Cret. comp. cum opio. Yin. Opii. Extr. Opii. Emplast. Opii, Lond.—Extr. Opii. Syrup. Opii. Dub. The dried capsule of the poppy is sometimes employed for medicinal purposes. Its active matter is extracted by decoction with water; this , evaporated, affords an extract similar to opium, but weaker, or it is made , into a syrup, by boiling with sugar, which is used as an anodyne. This i, syrup is a weak preparation, and is in general only given to children. , One ounce of it is supposed to be equal to one grain of opium, but it is B liable to be variable in strength. The dose to a child a year old is one ; drachm. A syrup made from opium has been supposed to be preferable, , as the dose can be regulated with more certainty, and a formula of this ..' kind is accordingly adopted by the Dublin College; the watery extract K of opium being dissolved in water, and formed into a syrup, by the due j proportion of sugar. But it is somewhat doubtful if the dissolved matter remains permanently diffused in this syrup. An infusion of the capsule ■ is used as an anodyne fomentation. „ Offic. Prep.—Extr. Papav. somnif. Syr. Papav. somnif. Ed.—Decoct. Papav. Lond. B Hyoscvamus Niger. Black Henbane. Pentand. Monog. Solanacea-. " Herba, Semen. Indigenous. i The leaves of this plant, when recent, have a slightly foetid smell, and r a mucilaginous taste ; when dried, they lose both taste and smell, and h their narcotic strength is in part impaired. The root possesses the same )\ qualities as the leaves, and even in a more eminent degree, but it is liable » to be more variable in strength. The seeds also are narcotic. The i leaves only are medicinally employed; they afford a juice which pos- i,: sesses their narcotic power, and which inspissated forms an officinal pre- {i paration -, they also yield their active matter to diluted alcohol; its active B principle, (Hyoscyama,) is said to be of an alkaline nature. ji Henbane has a greater analogy to opium in its action than any other i narcotic has, particularly in the power of inducing sleep. In a moderate dose, it increases at first the strength of the pulse, and occasions some e:. sense of heat, which are followed by diminished sensibility and motion ; u in some cases by thirst, sickness, stupor, and almost always by some af- e fectionof vision. In a larger quantity, it occasions profound sleep, hard ; pulse, and sometimes delirium ; and in a dose which proves fatal, its opc- i. * Incompatible Substance*. Oxy-muriate of mercury; acetate of lead; alkalies; '". infusionsof galls, andof yellow cinchona. Orfila states that the decoction of coffee,is f less energetic as an antidote, than the infusion. When wc intend the opium to act as l? a sedative, v/e should not combine it with stimulants. Paris. Ed. 12 90 NARCOTICS. ration soon terminates in coma, with a remarkable dilatation of the pupil distortion of the countenance, a weak tremulous pulse, and eruption of petechiae. On dissection, inflamed or gangrenous spots have been ob- served on the internal surface of the stomach, and the vessels on the membranes of the brain have appeared enlarged. Its baneful effects, like those of other vegetable narcotics, are best counteracted by a powerful emetic, and by drinking largely of the vegetable acids, or vinegar, that is, if it has been recently taken, for if it should have already entered the system, copious bleeding and purging should be had recourse to, admi- nistering, at the same time, acidulous drinks. Henbane is one of the narcotics which has been longest known to phy- sicians, having been employed by the ancients for mitigating pain, and re- straining haemorrhage. It had, however, fallen into disuse, until Dr. Stork of Vienna introduced it, with several other vegetable narcotics, to the notice of modern practitioners. He employed it in various spasmo- dic and painful diseases, as in epilepsy, hysteria, palpitation, headach, paralysis, mania, and schirrus. It was given in the form of the inspissat- ed juice of the leaves, the dose of which is from one to two grains, which requires to be gradually increased. At present, it is principally employ- ed as a substitute for opium, where the latter, from idiosyncracy, occa- sions any disagreeable symptoms, or where it is more peculiarly of im- portance to avoid its constipating effect: it is, however, not equal to opium as an anodyne in procuring remission of pain or irritation, and pro- ducing that soothing state of languid ease. In some forms of mania, more especially puerperal mania, it has been supposed preferable to opium, either alone or in combination with camphor. A tincture of it has been introduced into the Pharmacopoeias, which affords a preparation probably more uniform in strength than the inspissated juice. Its dose is thirty or forty drops.* Offic. Prep.—Succ. Spiss. Hyosc. N. Tinct. Hyosc. N. Ed. Lond. Dub. Atropa Belladonna. Deadly Nightshade. Pentand. Monogyn. Solanacece. Folia. Indigenous. This is an indigenous herb, often growing in waste and shady situa- tions. Its leaves have scarcely any smell, and only a slightly nauseous, sub-acrid taste. The berries, which are purple, are sweetish. Both are highly narcotic, as is also the root, but the leaves are preferred for medicinal use, as being more uniform in strength. In a moderate dose, belladonna occasions a sense of warmth, followed by diaphoresis, and a disposition to sleep, frequently with nausea and headach ; in a larger dose, symptoms of intoxication, vertigo, sickness, and thirst; the pulse be- comes low and feeble, the pupils are dilated, the face becomes swelled, vision is impaired, and these symptoms terminate in convulsions, coma, or paralysis. On dissection, where it has proved fatal, the stomach and intestines have been found inflamed or gangrenous, and the blood in a dissolved state. The remedies are a powerful emetic in a sufficiently large dose, and dilution with the vegetable acids. The leaves of this plant, according to Vauquelin, contain vegetable * Incompatible Substances. Precipitates are produced by acetate of lead, nitrate of silver, andsulphate of iron-—vegetable acids weaken itsnarcotic powers. Paris. Ei- NARCOTICS. 91 albumen, muriate, sulphate, binoxalate, nitrate, and acetate of potash; and Dr. Brandes lately detected an alkaline element in it, to which he gave the name of atropia; it forms distinct salts with the acids. Belladonna was first employed as an external application, in the form of fomentation, to schirrus and cancer. It was afterwards administered internally in the same affections; and numerous cases in which it had proved successful, were given on the authority of the German practition- ers. It has been recommended, too, as a remedy in extensive ulceration, in paralysis, chronic rheumatism, epilepsy, mania, and hydrophobia, but with so little discrimination, that little reliance can be placed on the testi- monies in its favour; and in modern practice, it is not often employed. It appears to have a peculiar action on the eye; hence it has been used in amaurosis ; and from its power of causing dilatation of the pupil, when topically employed under the form of infusion, it has been used before performing the operation for cataract,—a practice which is hazardous, as the pupil, though much dilated by the application, instantly contracts when the instrument is introduced. When given internally, its dose is from one to three grains of the dried leaves, or one grain of the inspis- sated juice. Offic. Prep.—Succ. Spiss. Atrop. Bellad. Ed. Extract. Belladonnas. Lond. Aconitum Napellus. Aconite, Monk's-hood, or Wolfsbane. Polyand. Trigyn. Multisiliquce. Herba. Europe. America. The aconite which has been medicinally employed, is regarded by Wil- denow, not as the aconitum napellus, but the aconitum neomontanum ; and this has been admitted, on his authority, by the Dublin College, while the other is retained by the London College. The smell of its leaves, when recent, is narcotic, but is lost by drying. Their taste is sub-acrid. In a moderate dose its effects are those of a narcotic, accompanied with slight diaphoresis ; in a larger dose it occasions vertigo, syncope, paralysis, and convulsions; when it is dried, its strength is liable to variation. Aconite was employed by Stork in chronic rheumatism, exostosis, pa- ralysis, ulceration, and scirrhus. Though highly praised, it has fallen al- most entirely into disuse. Its dose is from one to two grains of the dried leaves ; of the inspissated juice half a grain, this dose being gradually in- creased : it is chiefly in obstinate chronic rheumatism that a trial is some- times made of it in modern practice. Offic. Prep.—Succ. Spiss. Aconit. Napell. Ed. Extract. Aconiti. Lond. Conium Maculatum. Cicuta. Hemlock. Pentand. Digyn. Um- bellate. Folia, Semen. Indigenous. This plant, which grows abundantly in this country in waste grounds, is of the umbelliferous kind. It is distinguished from other similar vegeta- bles by its large and spotted stalk, by the dark green colour of the lower leaves, and by its peculiar faint disagreeable smell, which becomes more perceptible in the leaves when they are bruised. The seeds have a faint- er odour, and are inferior in power. The root has similar powers, but varies in strength at different seasons. The leaves are therefore prefer- red for medicinal use. Orfila found the extract, prepared by boiling the dried powder in water, and evaporating, to be perfectly inert, as the active principle of the plant resides in a resinous element, insoluble in water. Hemlock is a very powerful narcotic. Even in a moderate dose, it is w NARCOTICS. liable to produce sickness and vertigo; in a large dose it occasions per- manent sickness, with great anxiety, dimness oi' vision, delirium, convul- sions, and coma. The use of it was confined to external application, un- til it was introduced by Stork, principally as a remedy in scirrhus and cancer; and the beneficial effects obtained from it were in many cases so conspicuous, than sanguine expectations were formed of its efficacy. Its effects, when it is first administered, often appear to sanction such expec- tations ; in cancerous ulceration in particular, the pain abates, and the discharge becomes less copious and acrid, and the ulcer frequently con- tracts in size, and shows a disposition to heal. These advantages, however, are usually only temporary, or cannot be carried beyond a certain extent; and though many cases were related by Stork and others, of permanent cures having been obtained from it, there is much reason to believe that its efficacy was exaggerated. It is now re- garded only as a palliative, but, still considering it even as such, if is a valuable remedy : it relieves the pain, and corrects the discharge even more effectually sometimes than opium, and it is not liable to occasion the disagreeable consequences which arise from that narcotic. And when opium is employed, hemlock is a valuable auxiliary, as it renders a small- er quantity of the former necessary* Benefit is derived frequently from cicuta in other cases of extensive ulceration; particularly in those connected with a scrofulous taint; it promotes too the operation of mercury in healing venereal ulcers, and is useful in those forms of ulceration which arise under the action of mer- cury, and which are aggravated instead of being removed by its protract- ed use ; occasionally too, it seems to contribute to the removal of glandu- lar obstruction and induration. Cicuta is given either under the form of the dried leaves, or of the juice of the fresh leaves inspissated by a gentle heat to the consistence of an extract, the former being given in a dose of two or three grains, the latter in a dose of two grains. The dose of either requires to be increas- ed, and that more quickly, and to a greater extent, than is the case with almost any other substance in the Materia Medica, so that at length it has been taken to the extent of a number of drachms in the course of the day. The inspissated juice is a preparation on the operation of which we can never depend; hence it is seldom used; and even the powder of the dried leaves is liable to be variable in strength. Its pharmaceutic treat- ment, therefore, is of much importance. The leaves ought to be collect- ed when the flowers are about falling off; they ought to be dried before a gentle fire, be reduced to powder as soon as they are dried, and kept in small phials carefully secluded from the air and light. The proofs of their proper preparation, and of their activity, are the powder being of a lively green colour, and retaining the peculiar odour of the plant. The recent leaves are sometimes applied externally to painful or ill- conditioned ulcers, or a cataplasm for the same purpose may be formed from the dried powder mixed with crumbs of bread.* Qffic. Prep.—Succus. Spiss. Conii Macul. Ed. Dub. Extract. Co- nii. Lond. Digitalis Purpurea. Foxglove. Didynam. Angiosperm. Sotanacea. Folia. Indigenous. This indigenous plant grows on dry elevated situations, and from the * Incompatible Substances. The energies of conium are "really diminished by ve- getable acids; hence vmegar is its best antidote. Paris. Ed. NARCOTICS. 93 beauty of its flower, has often a place in our gardens. All the parts of it are powerfully narcotic, but the leaves being most uniform in strength, are preferred for medicinal use. They are large and oblong, of a green colour, rather dark, have little smell, and a bitter somewhat acrid taste. They are collected when the plant is in blossom, and are dried before a gentle fire, the thicker stalks being removed : and they ought to be kept without being reduced to powder. Both water and alcohol extract their active matter by infusion. The operation of digitalis on the system i- very peculiar, and there is even considerable difficulty in ascertaining its real effects From a small dose there is little sensible effect, until after its continued administration. In a full dose, it produces exhaustion of power, marked by a great and sudden reduction in the force of circulation ; the pulse being reduced both in frequency and force, falling sometimes from 70 to 4 0 or 35 beats in a minute, and being small, tremulous, and often intermitting. This is accompanied with sickness, anxiety, a sense of faintness, vertigo, dimness of vision, and, in a large dose, with vomiting, syncope, coldness of the extremities, convulsions, and coma, with sometimes a fatal termination. Yet these effects are not uniform, but even from the same dose there is considerable diversity of operation in different individuals : the pulse is sometimes rendered slower, without being diminished in fulness; at other times it is rendered irregular, and under the operation of foxglove it appears to be peculiarly liable to be affected by slight muscular exer- tion, or by trivial causes of irritation. The sickness does not always ac- company the reduction of the force of circulation Sometimes none of these effects, and scarcely any perceptible change in the state of the functions, are immediately apparent; but if the dose be continued, they are suddenly produced. Effects are even observed from the operation of foxglove apparently of a very opposite kind. While it reduces the force of the circulation, it appears to increase the action of the absorbent system, and hence it proves a powerful remedy in dropsy ; and Dr. Withering, by whom its powers were first particularly investigated, observed, that when given in a state of disease, it was most successful not where there existed increased action in the system, but, on the contrary, in states of debility, where the pulse was feeble and intermitting, and the countenance pale. Other authors have remarked its apparent stimulant operation ; and Dr. Sanders, from a series of observations and experiments, has inferred, that it always acts primarily as a stimulant, augmenting, when given in a dose not too large, the force and frequency of the pulse, and inducing a state of increased action; it is only when the dose is too large, or when it is accumulated by repetition, that reduction of the force of the circulation and other symptoms of diminished power are produced ; and hence, according to this view, it is analogous in its operation to other narcotics. It must be admitted, however, that it is more difficult to regulate its administration so as to obtain its continued stimulant operation, than it is with regard to other stimulants; that there is a rapid transition to a state of diminished action ; and that this is greater, and more permanent, com- pared with the primary stimulant effect, than in other stimulants, even of the most diffusible kind. Foxglove, producing very different effects according to the mode in which it is administered, or according to the state of the system, is em- ployed as a remedy in different diseases. Under the present class, those 94 NARCOTICS. applications are to be considered, which appear to be connected with its action as a narcotic. On this, in part at least, has been supposed to depend the advantage derived from it as a remedy in phthisis. When given to that extent in which it reduces the velocity and force of the circulation, it proves use- ful, by counteracting that state of increased action which prevails in the incipient stage of the disease ; and by diminishing the rapidity of the cir- culation through the lungs, it may facilitate the removal of the local affec- tion. In the more advanced stages, it may operate, it has been conceived, by promoting absorption, thus removing the tuberculous affection, or with- drawing the purulent matter, before it has been rendered acrid by the ac- tion of the air. Sanguine expectations were at one period formed of the advantages to be derived from it in the treatment of phthisis, many of the symptoms disappearing under its use, and the progress of the disease ap- pearing to be arrested. The change of organic structure is, however, so considerable, at least in the advanced state of the disease, as scarcely to admit of a cure from the operation of any remedy : and in the earlier stages, where some degree of inflammatory action exists, it is difficult to give digitalis so as to reduce the force of the circulation, and continue this effect, without inducing other consequences, which compel us to re- linquish its use. Foxglove has been proposed as a remedy in pneumonia, from its pow- er of reducing the force of the circulation when given in a sufficient dose, conjoined with blood-letting; and cases have been related of the success attending the practice, while some authors have condemned it as hazard- ous, from the excitement it is liable to produce. On a similar principle, it has been proposed to be employed in croup. In active haemorrhage, it might be expected, from the same operation, to be a remedy of much power; and, according to the observations of Ferriar and others, it may be employed with signal advantage in epistaxis, haemoptysis, and menorrhagia, either alone or with opium. In spasmodic asthma, the combination of it with opium has afforded much relief. In palpitation arising from intemperance, or from passions of the mind, and not connected with dyspepsia, the irregular action of the heart has been abated, and at length removed by its operation. Foxglove is given in substance, or under the form of infusion, decoction, or tincture. The medium dose of the powder of the dried leaves is half a grain; the dose of the infusion, prepared according to the formula in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, is half an ounce; that of the tincture is fifteen drops; these quantities being given twice a-day The decoction is an im- proper form, as being variable in strength. The tincture is the form un- der which it has usually been given as a narcotic ; the infusion that in which it has been employed as a diuretic. When it is given in substance, there is supposed to be more risk of its effects accumulating from repeti- tion of the dose, so as to induce the unpleasant symptoms which arise from an over dose. To obtain the full narcotic operation of foxglove, the dose given at first requires to be gradually increased, but this increase must be made with much caution, not only from the hazard attending an over dose, but from the circumstance that the action of the remedy is for a time not apparent; but if the dose is too quickly increased, or repeated at intervals not suffi- ciently distant, it appears suddenly, and continues progressive. Hence the necessity of the practitioner's watching with the greatest attention the NARCOTICS. 95 effect it produces. If the dose given at first is small, the augmentation may proceed at the rate of from one-eighth to one-fourth of the original quantity every second day, and the dose should not be repeated more than twice, or at farthest thrice a-day, unless in acute diseases, where the effect must be more speedily obtained, and where, therefore, the augmentation must be more rapid. The administration of the remedy is continued un- til the effect intended to be obtained is produced, or until its operation is apparent on the system ; whenever the pulse begins to diminish in fre- quency or force, the increase of dose must be stopt; and if the reduction be considerable, or proceed rapidly, the administration must be suspend- ed, and, only after a sufficient interval, cautiously renewed. This is more especially necessary when the pulse becomes intermitting, or when nausea is induced, with dimness of vision, vertigo, or any tendency to fainting. When these symptoms do occur, they are best obviated by small doses of stimulants, warm wine, brandy and water, with aromatics, ether, and spirit of ammonia ; some have recommended strong bitter infusions, doses of opium, and a blister applied to the region of the stomach. The infusion of foxglove has been applied externally as an anodyne lotion to painful cutaneous eruptions, or ulceration. An ointment com- posed of the powder mixed with lard, has been found successful in obsti- nate tinea capitis. The application of foxglove, as] a diuretic, will be considered under the class of diuretics.* Offic. Prep.—Infus. Digit. P. Tinct. Digit. P. Ed. Lond. Dub. De- coct. Digit. Dub. Nicotiani Tabaci Folia. Tobacco. Pentand. Monogyn. Solanacece. Folia. America. This plant, though cultivated in this country, is usually imported from America. Its leaves which are of a large size, are of a light green co- lour, which they retain with little change when dried ; but in the usual preparation to which they are subjected, they are rendered brown by the action of a little sulphate of iron. Their smell is foetid, their taste ex- tremely bitter and acrid. They deflagrate in burning, from a quantity of nitre they contain. Their active matter is extracted both by water and by alcohol; by decoction its activity is much impaired. The essential oil obtained from them by distillation is very highly narcotic, so that when introduced into a wound, or injected into the rectum, it occasions instant death. According to \ auquelin, a peculiar acrid principle exists in to- bacco, volatile, and soluble both in water and in alcohol. It has been called Nicotin. Tobacco operates as a very powerful narcotic. This is apparent even in the common practices of smoking and chewing it, though its effects, like those of other narcotics, become less powerful from continued use. In a person unaccustomed to it, or in an over dose, it excites severe and per- manent sickness, with vomiting, reduces the force of the circulation, and occasions extreme muscular debility, with insensibility, cold sweats, and convulsion. The singularity has already been remarked, under the ge- neral view of the operation of narcotics, that the infusion of tobacco not * Incompatible Substances. When added to the Infusion of Digitalis, precipitates are formed by sulphate of iron? and the infusion of yellow cinchona. Paris. Ed. 96 NARCOTICS. only affects the nervous system, but acts powerfully on the heart, causing its contractions to cease, while the essential oil has no such effect. As a diffusible stimulant, the smoke of tobacco, thrown into the rectum, was at one time employed in the recovery of drowned persons, a prac- tice proved to be prejudicial, and now exploded. The same practice is occasionally employed in ileus and incarcerated hernia ; in the former dis- ease, with the view of removing the constricted state of the intestines; in the latter, with the intention of producing that state of muscular relax- ation which may favour the reduction of the protruded intestine. Though not without hazard, it has sometimes proved successful. The watery in- fusion of the strength of one drachm of the dried leaves to a pound of tepid water, is a more convenient form of employing it than the smoke, as an enema ; and even the infusion of this strength has sometimes pro- duced alarming symptoms of exhaustion. Unless it be used, however, in such a state of activity, as to produce some degree of muscular debility, no advantage can be derived from it; and the practice is therefore only to be had recourse to, where other methods have failed. The smoke of tobacco received into the mouth, relieves the pain of toothach, either by its narcotic power, or by exciting a profuse salivary dit8$JKirge. It some- times, too, by its action on the lungs, relieves the paroxys^of spasmodic asthma. The powder is in common use as an errhine. The infusion or decoction is sometimes used as an emetic, but its operation is harsh, and accompanied with severe sickness. In small doses, tobacco excites the urinary secretion, probably by promoting absorption. The medicated wine is the form under which it has been used as a diuretic, in dropsy and dysuria, its dose being 30 drops. The leaves bruised, or moistened, have been employed as a fomentation or cataplasm, in tinea capitis, and in various cutaneous eruptions; incautiously applied, they have some- times occasioned the violent effects which arise from the internal adminis- tration of tobacco in too large a dose. Offic. Prep.—Tin. Nicot. Tab. Ph. Ed.— Infus. Tab. Lond. Lactuca Virosa. Strong-scented Lettuce. Syngenes. Polygam. eequal. Composite. Folia. Indigenous. The leaves of this plant have a strong fostid smell, similar to that of opi- um, and yield a white juice, in which their activity resides. Their taste is bitter and acrid. Though narcotic, they have been used principally from their diuretic power in the treatment of dropsy, under the form of the inspissated juice. The dose of this is 5 or 10 grains, which is gra- dually increased to 1 or 2 drachms in twenty-four hours. By the Ger- man practitioners, by whom this plant has been recommended, it has also been used in palpitation of the heart, and in intermittent fever. Offic Prep.—Succ. Spiss. Lact. Vir. Ed. Lactuca Sativa. Garden Lettuce. This species of lettuce is generally cultivated, and from the leaves and stem of it, which contain a pellucid colourless juice, an extract is obtain- ed. This juice is somewhat of a milky appearance, but upon exposure to the atmosphere, it assumes a brown hue. Lactucarium, as the extract has been named, resembles opium in taste and odour, as well as in narcotic properties ; and from analysis it appears to contain the same narcotic prin- ciple, morphium, discovered first by Serturner in opium. It was proposed by Dr. Cox of Philadelphia, as a substitute for opium; NARCOTICS. 97 and Dr. Duncan sen. to whom we are more particularly indebted for its in- troduction among us, from a very extensive and accurate observation of its narcotic effects, recommends it as highly beneficial in allaying the cough accompanying phthisis pulmonalis. Many other medical men have con- firmed its utility in similar cases. Offic. Prep.—Succ. Spiss. Lact. Sativ. Ed. Datura Stramonium. Thorn-Apple. Pentand. Monog. Solanacece. Herba. Indigenous, i Thorn-Apple is an indigenous herb, the leaves of which have a nar- cotic odour, and bitter taste. They contain an alkaline principle called Daturia. They possess the powers of a narcotic, producing, when ta- ken in too large a quantity, vertigo, sickness, delirium, and convulsions. With other plants of the same family, stramonium was made the subject of clinical experiments by Stork; and it was recommended by him as a remedy in convulsive diseases, especially in epilepsy, and in mania. The form in which it has been given is that of the inspissated juice of the leaves, the dose of which is from 1 to 3 grains twice a-day gradually increas- ed. The herb or the root smoked like tobacco, has been found to afford relief in the paroxysm of spasmodic asthma. The smoke is drawn into the lungs as fully as possible, from a common tobacco-pipe, continuing the smoking until the quantity is consumed, and repeating this occasionally and frequently if necessary. It often excites some degree of vertigo, usual- ly promotes expectoration, and relieves the cough, dyspnoea, and spasmo- dic irritation. Arnica Montana. Leopards-Bane. Syngenes. Polygam. superf. Composites. Flores, Radix. Germany. The flowers of this plant have a smell slightly foetid, and a penetrating bitter taste ; both taste and smell are extracted by maceration in water. In their action on the system, their stimulating power is apparent along with their narcotic action ; they increase the force of the vascular system, and appear tocommunicate tone to the muscular fibre. In a larger dose, they produce vomiting and purging, sometimes followed by muscular pains, ver- tigo, and convulsions. They have been used in amaurosis, paralysis, con- vulsive disorders, gout, and rheumatism. The dose is 5 grains in sub- stance dried, or half a drachm in infusion. The root of arnica is aromatic and tonic, and has been used as a sub- stitute for Peruvian Bark. Rhododendron Chrysanthum. Yellow-flowered Rhododendron. De- cand. Monogyn. Bicornes. Folia. Siberia. The leaves of this shrub are destitute of smell, but have a bitter rough, and sub-acrid taste, which they communicate to water by infusion or decoction. They are stimulating and narcotic, and occasion in a small dose increased vascular action ; in a large dose intoxication and delirium. They have been employed in chronic rheumatism and gout, their appli- cation in the former disease having been derived from the practice of the natives of Siberia. Their power is said to be marked by a sensation of creeping in the skin, and by a diaphoresis being induced. The form in which they have been given is decoction, 2 drachms being boiled in 10 13 98 NARCOTICS. ounces of water, and 1 or 2 ounces of the strained liquor being given twice a-day, and gradually increased. Rhus Toxicodendron. Poison Oak. Pentand. Trigyn. Dumosce. Folio. North America. This plant has so much acrimony, that the touching of the leaves, or rubbing them on the skin, occasions itching, inflammation, and desquam- ation ; if taken internally, nausea, vertigo, and pain in the head are pro- duced. The dried leaves have been used in paralysis, in some cases re- lated by Mr. Alderson, with marked advantage. The dose given was half a grain twice or thrice a day, and gradually increased to three or four grains daily. It excited a sense of heat, and irregular motions in the parts affected. Humulus Lupulus. Hop. Dioecia. Pentand. Scabridw. Indigenous. This plant is cultivated in England, its strobiles being used to give bit- terness to fermented malt liquors. They are picked off when ripe, and are dried by artificial heat. They have an odour somewhat fragrant and aromatic, and a taste very bitter, with some astringency ; these qualities are extracted by water by infusion ; by decoction the aromatic flavour is lo-t; by distillation with water, a portion of essential oil is obtained. It appears to contain resin, extractive matter, mucilage, volatile oil, tannin, an immoniacal salt, and a bitter principle.* Hop, along with its bitter- ness, has a narcotic power; of this the popular remedy, sometimes suc- cessful, of a pillow of hops to procure sleep in the delirium of fever and in mania, is a proof. It accordingly, when given internally in a full dose, reduces the frequency of the pulse, and procures sleep. It has been employed as an anodyne, principally in rheumatism and in the paroxysm of gout, either in substance, in the dose of three grains, or under the form of infusion or tincture, the latter being given in the dose of from half a drachm, to a drachm, once or twice a-day. An extract prepared by inspissation of its decoction, is also given in a dose of five or seven grains. An over-dose occasions headach and vertigo. A cataplasm or ointment, prepared from it, has been used as an anodyne application to cancerous sores; and a fomentation of the strobile has been used in the same case, and as an application to painful tumours. Offic. Prep.—Tmct. Humul. Ed. Lond. Extr. Humul. Ph. Lond. Strychnos Nux Vomica. Vomica Nut. Pentand. Monogyn. Solana- cew. East Indies. The kernel of the fruit is the part of this plant that is powerfully nar- cotic ; its taste is intensely bitter ; it has little or no smell, and is so hard that it cannot be reduced into powder by/beating, but requires to be filed down. Its narcotic operation is well exemplified in the effect it produces when given as a poison to dogs and other animals. It occasions extreme anxiety, paralysis of the hinder extremities, convulsions, and death; and on dissection, no marks of local affection are to be discovered in the stomach. * From the researches of Dr. Ives, of this city, it appears that the virtues of the Hop reside exclusively in the yellow impalpable powder which has generally been considered as the pollen, but which Dr. Ives considers to be a peculiar secretion from the nectaria. To this secretion he has given the name of Lupulin. See the Ameri- can Journal of Science and the Arts, Vol. 2. p. 302. Ed. NARCOTICS. 99 In analysing this substance, M. M. Pelletier and Caventou discovered a peculiar proximate principle, of an alkaline nature, and in which the ac- tivity of the medicine resides ; they have called it Strychnine. It is ob- tained in the following manner :—a portion of the raspings of the bean was heated under pressure with sulphuric ether, a green oily fluid then separates, which is to be poured off, and the residuum is to be treated with alcohol; a very bitter yellowish-brown substance is thus obtained, soluble in water and alcohol. This is to be boiled with pure magnesia and filtered, the strychnine and magnesia remaining in a state of mixture on the filter, after the colouring matter has been washed off. By the addition of alcohol, the strychnine is obtained in a state of great purity. This substance, strychnine, possesses highly alkaline properties; it is soluble in alcohol, and nearly insoluble in water ; its solution is very bitter and poisonous; it crystallizes in very small four-sided prisms : it has no smell; taste intensely bitter, with slight metallic flavour ; it is neither fusible nor volatile, but is decomposed at about COO0,* into sub- stances consisting of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. Strychnine unites with the acids, forming neutral salts ; and is said to exist in the nux vomica combined with an acid somewhat resembling the malic, but which Pelletier has termed the Igasuric. As a narcotic, it has been recommended in mania, epilepsy, and hys* teria, but it has scarcely been employed. More lately, however, it has been employed by the French physicians with great success in cases of paralysis. It has been given in dysentery and intermittent fever, in a dose of 5 grains twice a-day; but the use of it is so hazardous, that it has not been established in practice, nor received into the Pharmaco- poeias. Prunus Lauro-Cerasus. Cherry-Tree Laurel. Icosand. Monog. Pomacece. Folia. Europe. The leaves of this plant have an odour slightly fragrant; their taste is extremely bitter. They possess a highly narcotic quality, which is ex- tracted by infusion in alcohol or water, and is even brought over by dis- tillation ; the distilled water is narcotic, and a small quantity of essential oil may likewise be procured, possessed of the same property. The very singular fact has been established, that ihe volatile principle in which the narcotic quality of this plant resides is the prussic acid. It had often been observed, that the odour of this acid is similar to that of the cherry laurel, peach blossom, and bitter almond. Bohn found, that the distilled water of the bitter almond contains prussic acid. Schroeder discovered it in the distilled water of the peach blossom and cherry laurel, prussiate of potash being obtained by distilling them from the alkali; and Bucholz succeeded in separating the prussic acid from the essential oil of the cher- ry laurel by agitation with an alkaline solution. This acid in its pure state has been further found to be highly narcotic ; and the narcotic power of all these plants, no doubt, depend on its. They afford a curious example of the existence, in the vegetable king- dom, of a substance which had before been regarded as a product only of an artificial process, and which, formed by the decomposition of animal substances, resembles them in chemical constitution ; and the volatility of this acid not less explains the singular fact of a high degree of narcotic power belonging to a distilled water of plants, or an essential oil. The narcotic power of the prussic acid artificially prepared is so great. 100 ANTISPASMODICS. that even smelling the vapours occasions vertigo, spasmodic constriction of the bronchia;, and other deleterious effects. Animals respiring it, by merely being held over a vessel in which it is contained, immediately ex- pire. In its concentrated liquid state, it occasions death when swallowed in the quantity of a few drops. The distilled water of the cherry laurel has long been known as a poi- son ; it speedily kills small animals, and it effects are those of a pure nar- cotic. The noxious operation of the plant is also sometimes displayed in the effects of those spirituous cordials to which it has been added to com- municate flavour. It has not been employed in medicine, but a cataplasm prepared from the leaves has been used as an anodyne application to pain- ful tumours and ulcers. CHAP. IV A.NTISPASiMODICA.—ANTISPASMODICS. ' It is not easy to assign precisely the differences in kind of action between Narcotics and what are named Antispasmodics. The effects they produce are similar ; they are capable of exciting the actions of the system, and they are often equally powerful in allaying pain and inordinate muscular action. But antispasmodics act less powerfully, and they do not in gene- ral produce that state of insensibility and diminished power which follows the application of narcotics. This might be supposed owing to a mere dif- ference in strength : yet there seems also tu be something farther than this, since antispasmodics produce no such effect in any dose, and since, although they are so much inferior to narcotics in this respect, they are sometimes equal in repressing inordinate and irregular muscular action. The difference has been explained on the supposition, that as stimulants they have less diffusibility and greater durability of action ; or else, that with their stimulant operation, they have no direct power of diminishing the powers of the system. Considered under either view, they form an intermediate class between narcotics, which are so highly diffusible, and tonics, which are much more permanent in their stimulant operation ; and experience shews, that they partake of the properties of both ; several narcotics and tonics are frequently used as antispasmodics ; and the pow- ers of the principal antispasmodics, in obviating spasmodic affections, are apparently connected principally with their stimulant power From the name given to this class, their medicinal applications may be understood. Spasm consists in irregular muscular contraction ; somteimes the contraction is permanent; at other times it alternates with relaxation, but even then both are performed more quickly, and the contractions are more powerful and permanent than natural. Many diseases depend on spasmodic action, and others are accompanied with affections of this kind, The medicines which obviate and remove such a state are termed Anti- spasmodics. Spasm may originate from various causes. One of the most frequent is a strong irritation, continually applied, such as dentition, worms, or the presence of any foreign substance in wounds, the effect of this irritation ANTISPASMODICS'. 101 being extended more or less to the nervous system, or to the voluntary muscles. Excessive irritability must give rise to similar effects. In such cases, narcotics must prove useful by diminishing irritability and sensibili- ty. Sometimes spasm appears to arise from mere debility, as is exempli- fied in the convulsive motions in an animal exhausted by haemorrhage or other debilitating causes, and the obvious means of removing it, when it arises from this cause, is by the use of tonics. Both narcotics and tonics, therefore, are occasionally useful as antispasmodics ; such, for example, as opium and ether belonging to the one, aud zinc, mercury, and Peruvian bark to the other ; and these are in common practice regarded as belong- ing to this class. But there are farther several substances which cannot be with propriety referred to either of these divisions, as musk, castor, as- safoetida, galbanum, valerian ; they are in some measure intermediate ; though their specific operation cannot be very well explained. It is to these that the name of Antispasmodics is more exclusively appropriated. Few general observations can be made on this class of medicines. Hys- teria, chorea, epilepsy, hydrophobia, cholera, singultus, palpitation of the heart, and asthma, are the principal diseases in which they are employ- ed. As their effect is not very permanent, they require to be given dur- ing the paroxysm of the spasmodic disorder, or a short time before its ap- proach. For the same reason, the dose requires to be frequently repeat- ed. Those, however, which belong to the class of tonics, require an op- posite mode of administration; their beneficial effects being obtained only from their continued use. Some of those more strictly antispasmodics, stimulate the general system, and render the pulse more frequent: but in general their sensible operation is not very apparent; they can scarcely be regarded as medicines of much power, and even in removing spasmodic affection, are inferior to some of the narcotics, particularly to sulphuric ether, or opium. Narcotics and tonics are indeed the most powerful an- tispasmodics. ANTISPASMODICS. Moschus. Ferula Assafcetida. Castoreum. Bubon Galbanum. Oleum Animale Empyreumaticum. Sagapenum. Succinum, Oleum et Acidum Succini. Valeriana Officinalis. Bitumen Petroleum. Crocus Sativus. Carbonas Ammoniae Pyro-oleosus. Malaleuca Cajuputi. NARCOTICS USED AS ANTISPASMODICS. Ether. Camphor. Opium. TONICS USED AS ANTISPASMODICS. Cuprum. Zincum. Hydrargyria. Cinchona. Moschus. Musk. Mo.schus Moschiferus. CI. Mammalia. Ord. Pe- coro. Asia. Th*. animal which affords musk is a native of the elevated regions of the East of Asia. The musk appears to be a peculiar secretion, which is deposited in a small sac, situated near the umbilicus of the male. It is brought from China, or from India, in its natural receptacle, a small mem- branous bag covered externally with coarse hair. The musk within is in 102 ANTISPASMODICS. 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 ; a^co1)01 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 " having a shining coppery fracture, and adhering firmly to the tongue."r- In this city, numerous trials have been made of this article, and generally, in confir- mation of the good opinion expressed concerning it by Dr. ZoUickofTer. It has also been used with success in epilepsy, and in an obstinate case of periodical hemicrania. wa ich. had resisted all the ordinary remedies. Ed. 16 lit TONICS. College, long known by the name of Tutia, the nature and origin of which are not well ascertained. It has been supposed to be artificial, and to be prepared from oxide of zinc obtained in the roasting of zinc ores, and afterwards mixed with clay. It is of a grey colour, and earthy texture, and when levigated, is used sometimes as the basis of a cerate employed as a dressing to wounds, or applied to the eye in some forms of ophthalmia. What has been named Calamine Stone, (Lapis Calaminaris), is regard- ed as a carbonate of zinc ; and it generally is so, though there are va- rieties of it composed of oxide of zinc and siliceous earth. It is employ- ed only externally, the levigated powder is dusted on the skin in slight cases of excoriation and superficial inflammation, and it forms the basis of the common healing cerate. Sulphate of Zinc,* formed by exposure of the native sulphuret to air and humidity, is obtained by evaporation of its solution in a solid mass, forming the white vitriol of commerce ; or it is procured more pure, and in a crystalline form, by evaporation of the solution of zinc in diluted sul- phuric acid. It has been employed in the same cases as the oxide, and Dr. Cullen has observed that it is possessed of the same powers; it has likewise been given, in the dose of a few grains, as a tonic in intermittent fever, as a tonic and astringent in chronic dysentery, and in small doses combined with bitters, as a tonic in dyspepsia. Its administration, in all these cases, requires to be conducted so as to obviate the nausea which it is liable to occasion. In a large dose it operates as an emetic, and is sometimes employed as such in a dose from 10 to 20 grains, particularly where the stomach is not easily roused to action, as where a narcotic poi- son has been swallowed. Its solution is a common astringent injection in gonorrhoea in the strength of a grain and a half to an ounce of water; and nearly of the same strength it is often employed as a collyrium in oph- thalmia. Acetate of Zinc, under the form of solution, has a place in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, being obtained by mixing solutions of acetate of lead and sulphate of zinc ; sulphate of lead is precipitated, and ace- tate of zinc remains dissolved. It is used as a collyrium in ophthalmia, and an astringent injection in gonorrhoea, and is considered as less irrita- ting than the solution of the sulphate. Cuprum. Copper. This metal is not, like the greater number of the metals, insipid and inodorous; it has an unpleasant styptic taste, and when rubbed, a per- ceptible smell. It is extremely noxious to life. Still, when properly administered, it proves a remedy of value, and, like zinc, has some claim to be ranked as a tonic, from its successful operation in epilepsy, chorea, and other spasmodic affections dependent on or connected with debility. It is also employed under various forms of preparation as an astringent, emetic, and escharotic. Sulphate of Copper,t Blue Vitriol as it was named, is its most important saline compound. It is obtained from the water which filtrates through * Incompatible Substances. Alkalies, earths, hydro-sulphurets, astringent vegeta- ble infusions, milk. Paris. Ed. t Incompatible Substances. Alkalies, and their carbonates, sub-borate of soda, acetate of ammonia, tartrate of potash, muriate of lime, nitrate of silver, sub-acetate and acetate of lead, oxy-muriate of mercury, all astringent vegetable infusions and tinctures. Iron, immersed in the solution, precipitates copper in a metallic form ; hence the exhibition of the filings of iron has been proposed as an antidote. Paris. Ed. roNics. 123 copper mines, in which it exists dissolved ; or it is prepared by calcining the native sulphuret of copper, and exposing it in a humid state to the air; the metal is oxidated, the sulphur, also absorbing oxygen, is con- verted into sulphuric acid, and the sulphate of copper, thus formed, is procured by lixiviation and crystallization The crystals are short rhom- boidal prisms, of a rich blue colour, transparent, but liable to a slight efflo- rescence. This salt is rather too active to admit of internal administration as a tonic ; even in a very small dose it excites nausea and vomiting ; and as a powerful emetic it is employed, where, from the state of the stomach, it is difficult to excite vomiting, as where a narcotic has been taken in too large a quantity ; the dose being from 2 to 5 grains, or even larger, accor- ding as it is more difficult to excite vomiting. Externally it is used as an astringent and escharotic,—^applications of it to be afterwards noticed. Sub-acetate of Copper, Verdigris as it is named, is prepared by cover- ing copper plates with the husks of the grape, after the expression of the juice in the wine-press. A number of plates with the interposed husks being placed together, and being occasionally moistened, the vegetable matter passes into fermentation, and a portion of acetic acid is formed ; this acting on the copper forms a green oxide, with which a portion of the acid combines, so as to form a sub-acetate. The crust of this is scrap- ed off, and beat into masses, which are dried. It is of a bright green colour, and from the excess of oxide it contains, is only partially soluble in water. By dissolving it in distilled vinegar, this oxide is saturated, and by evaporation of the solution, the acetate of copper is obtained in a crys- tallized mass of a very deep green colour. This is scarcely medicinally employed. The sub-acetate has been employed as a form of giving cop- per in epilepsy, and also as an emetic ; but it is chiefly as an escharotic that it is used in modern practice. The preparation named Ammoniuret of Copper (Ammoniaretum Cu- pri, Cuprum Ammoniatum) is the one usually employed to obtain the ac- tion of copper on the system. It is prepared by triturating sulphate of copper and carbonate of ammonia together, and is either a ternary com- pound of oxide of copper, ammonia, and sulphuric acid, or a mixture of sulphate of ammonia, and the compound of ammonia with oxide of cop- per. It is given in epilepsy, in a dose of half a grain twice a-day, in- creasing it gradually as far as the stomach or system will bear it, and con- tinuing it until it has received a fair trial. It has in some cases proved successful, though in a disease arising from such various causes, and so frequently depending on derangement of organic structure, any remedy must frequently fail. It has been given in a similar manner with advan- tage in chorea and dysphagia. Arsenicum. Arsenic. The term Arsenic used to be applied to the oxide of the peculiar metal, to which the name is now appropriated. It occurs sometimes native, or in the state of oxide, but more generally combined with sulphur, forming the ores named Orpiment .and Realgar ; and frequently also associated with other metallic sulphurets. It is extracted from these by sublimation, in the state of an oxide, its oxidation being effected by the action of the atmospheric air during the volatilization : and from this oxide the arsenic is usually obtained by exposing it to heat mixed with a portion of black flux or charcoal ; the metal is sublimed. Metallic arsenic is of a dark grey colour, with considerable lustre, which is however very liable to tarnish ; 124 TONICS. its texture is foliated, and it is extremely brittle ; its specific gravity « 8.3. It is volatile at a heat considerably inferior to that of ignition, and when in vapour has a peculiar smell, often compared to that of garlic. At the same temperature, it is oxidated rapidly by the action of the air, form- ing a white smoke which condenses. At a higher temperature it burns, and affords the same product. This product used to be legurded as an oxide. Being soluble however in water, capable of crystallizing, redden- ing the infusion of litmus, and combining with the alkalies, it has been re- garded as an acid, and has been named Arsenious Acid. Though there is some foundation for this conclusion, this substance may perhaps still be ranked as an oxide ; for it does not neutralize the alkaline properties, nor act on them more forcibly than many other metallic oxides ; it even neutralizes the properties of acids. By a higher degree of oxygena- tion, it is converted into a substance of undoubted acid powers, the arse- nic acid, The oxide of arsenic, or white arsenic of commerce, is usually obtain- ed by sublimation in the roasting of various metallic ores, particularly those of cobalt, in which it exists. The sublimate, at first impure, is again sublimed, and is thus obtained in the form of an opaque white dense cake, which is reduced to powder, for the uses to which* is applied. In the London Pharmacopoeia, this is ordered to be prepared for medicinal use by another sublimation, probably without any necessity. It consists of 75;2 of arsenic, and 24.8 of oxygen, its taste is acrid and penetrating ; it is soluble in 80 parts of cold, and in 15 parts of boiling water ; the latter solution, on cooling, affording minute crystals : it reddens the colour of litmus. This substance has been long known as the most virulent of the mineral poisorts. In a very small quantity, it occasions vomiting, purging, trem- orsj and paralysis : in a quantity a little larger, it excites severe pain In the stomach, with a sense of heat extending from the oesophagus, extreme thirst, violent vomiting, with anxiety and depression. The pain extends Over the abdomen, respiration becomes difficult, the pulse is small, quick, and irregular; the vomiting is incessant, accompanied with tremors, con- vulsions, and fainting : there is a sense of coldness, sometimes with cold sweats ; paralysis frequently supervenes, and the patient dies exhausted. On dissection, the internal surface of the stomach and upper part of the intestines is found inflamed ; the inflammation is usually confined to the mu- cous membrane, which has often a florid red colour, is soft and pulpy, and easily detached ; the blood-vessels on its surface are frequently turgid, and sometimes there are small spots of extravasated blood ; signs of pu- trefaction, it has been said, appear sooner than in other cases of sudden death, but this is doubtful, as well as the appearance of livid spots on the skin, which has been said to occur ; the blood is usually fluid, and the body is frequently swelled; AH the effects of arsenic, it has been established, are produced by its incautious external application, and they appear with violence when the arsenic is applied to a wound. Some facts which had been partly known with regard to this have lately been confirmed by the experiments of Mr. Brodie, so as to lead to a more peculiar view of its mode of operation. When applied externally to a wound, it occasions death even more spee- dily than When it has been received into the stomach, and with similar symptoms ; vomiting and purging, in particular, are produced to as great an extent, and on dissection the stomach and intestines are found to be in> IONICS. 125 flamed. This shews the determination of its action to these parts; and as the inflammation of the stomach is found even to precede any appearance of the inflammation of the wound, so that the former cannot be considered as connected by sympathetic action with the latter, it, as well as the ge- neral affliction of the system, probably an.«.es from the arsenic being receiv- ed into the circulation tnrough the divided blood-vessels of the wound. T..oughthe inflammation of the stomach, which follows from its internal administration, may arise from its direct application, it is possible that it may be produced in this indirect mode by its entering the circulating mass. Though so violent in its operation, arsenic has been frequently employ- ed in medical practice; and, when properly administered, we obtain from it, in certain diseases, all the advantage which is derived from the opera- tion of the most safe and powerful tonic. This is well displayed in its efficacy in the treatment of intermittent fever, the disease in which it has been principally used. It is employed medicinally under various forms. A preparation of it in- troduced by Fowler, and analogous to one which had been known under the name of Tasteless Ague Drop, has been adopted by the London and Edinburgh Colleges, named Solutio Arsenicalis.* It is prepared by dis* solving sixty-four grains of the white oxide, and the same quantity of sub- carbonate of potash, in sixteen ounces of water, adding half an ounce of compound spirit of lavender. This is given in a dose of 4 drops, three times a-day, which is gradually increased to double that quantity ; its ad- ministration being occasionally intermitted, not too long persisted in, and immediately relinquished if it occasions nausea or purging, vertigo, head- ach, or cough, or indeed any particular indication of the system being much much under its influence. The arseniate of potash, prepared by exposing white oxide of arsenic, with an equal weight of nitre, to a heat gradually raised to redness, and crystallizing the residual mass, is another prepara- tion which has been employed, and has been sanctioned by the Dublin College. It is used in the same manner, in the dose of the eighth part of a grain of the crystallized salt. Under the same forms arsenic has been given in remitting fever, in periodic headach, in that painful affection of the face named Tic Douloureux, as an antidote to the poison of venom* ous animals, in hydrophobia, lepra, and elephantiasis ; and in some of of these diseases with very marked advantage, in cases where other reme-1 dies have failed. In some forms also of epileptic affections, it has been administered with success. Its administration always requires, however, to be conducted with much care. Even in the small doses in which it has been administered medicinally, it is liable to exert its deleterious agency. It often excites nausea, pain at stomach, and purging ; sometimes pain in the forehead, with a sense of tension, a stiffness of the palpebral, soreness of the mouth, and increase of the salivary discharge : and when its operation proceeds still farther, it excites severe symptomatic cough : these effects sometimes arise even from its external application. Whenever they ap- pear, the dose ought to be diminished ; and if they become urgent, the use of the remedy ought to be immediately suspended Orfila states from his own observations, that given even in very minute doses, and with all pos- sible precaution, it not unfrequently excites a predisposition to organic diseases of the heart. In some of the affections where its full opera- * Incompatible Substances. Lime water, nitrate of silver, the salts of copper, bydro- sulphuret of potash, and the infusions and decoctions of bark. Paris. Ed. 126 TONICS. tion must be immediately obtained, as where it is used as an antidote to the bite of serpents, it requires to be given in a larger dose,—that of a grain. Externally, arsenic is used in scirrhus and cancer; applications of it to be noticed under the class of Escharotics. The antidotes which have been* employed to counteract the poisonous operation of arsenic are various. Vomiting, if not produced by its action, which it generally is, must be immediately excited, and as the stomach is highly irritable in such cases, the milder emetics, and especially oil, which is supposed to involve the particles of the poison, have been recommended. According to the experiments of Renault, oil appears rather to favour its action; probably, from its not mixing easily with the contents of the stomach, or the mucus on its surface, and therefore not aiding its rejection 5 tepid water, or mucilaginous liquors, ought to be preferred; these too are use- ful in facilitating vomiting. Reliance has been placed on solutions of the alkaline sulphurets, or of sulphuretted hydrogen. The latter appears, from Renault's experiments, to have some power, since, if previously combined with the arsenious acid, it rendered it nearly inert; but if merely intro- duced into the stomach with it, or after it had been swallowed, especially if the arsenic were not dissolved, it seemed to have little efficacy as an an- tidote, and indeed cannot be expected to have much effect. A solution of soap has been recommended as useful from its alkaline matter, and it has the advantage of being easily procured. As the effects from arsenic are those denoting inflammatory action in the system, and as even the inflam- mation of the stomach and intestines seems to be the consequence of this as much as of any local operation of the arsenic itself, blood-letting would appear to be indicated, and in a case of such urgency might be carried to a considerable extent with advantage. In a case related by Dr. Roget, (Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, Vol. II.), in which blood-letting was suggested by the evident inflammatory affection of the stomach, eighteen ounces of blood were drawn from the arm, the patient fainted, and remain- ed half an hour in a state of insensibility. The violent affection of the stomach, however, was relieved, and after a succession of various symp- toms indicating affection of the nervous as well as of the vascular system, the patient recovered, though with difficulty, and was restored to health. The medical practitioner has sometimes to determine in cases of judi- cial investigation, whether a person has been poisoned by arsenic or not. This can scarcely be inferred with certainty from the symptoms, nor eyen from the state of the stomach ascertained by dissection ; for although in- flammation is usually present, and has the characters stated above, it is not invariably so; or when it is present, the appearance is sometimes slight. Recourse, therefore, is had to chemical tests. These can be applied with certainty, only when a portion of arsenic has been procured, either from the contents of the stomach discharged by vo- miting, or from its contents carefully collected and examined after death. Any indication of its presence is scarcely to be obtained by a chemical ex- amination of the fluids of the stomach, or of the fluid discharged; more care, therefore, is requisite in collecting any solid arsenic, which is done by minute inspection of the inner surface of the stomach, and by washing it carefully, and allowing the matter to subside from the fluid, or from the fluid which had been discharged by vomiting. The arsenic being of con- siderable specific gravity, more easily separates by subsidence from the other matter; and if a very minute quantity be procured, the necessary TONICS, 127 experiments may be performed on it with perfect precision, using the pre- caution of dividing it, and operating on different portions. The first experiment is to attempt the reduction of the substance pro- cured to the metallic state. A little of it may be mixed with an equal weight of the black flux, or with half its weight of charcoal powder. The mixture being put into a slender glass tube, coated with clay, and closed with a clay plug, on being raised to a low-red heat, by placing the tube over a charcoal fire, the oxide will be reduced, and the metal being vola- tilized, will form a brilliant crust on the internal surface of the tube. No other substance will present the same appearance but arsenic; the result therefore is decisive, and the only deficiency of the test is, that it is not the most delicate, a grain or two of the oxide at least being required to operate on. A little either of the reduced metal in powder, or of the white arsenic made into a soft paste with black flux and oil, being placed between two clean pieces of copper, and secured by an iron wire twisted round, after exposure of the pieces to a red heat for ten minutes, they will be found permanently whitened on the surfaces which had been in contact with the arsenic. To render the white colour more evident, the surface should be rubbed with a little chalk. This test, however, is not a very delicate one. If a little of the arsenic be dissolved in not water, with three times its weight of carbonate of potash, on adding this solution to a warm solution of sulphate of copper, a precipitate of a lively green colour will be form- ed. It is necessary to be aware, that the carbonate of potash alone will throw down a precipitate from sulphate of copper, of a bluish-green co- lour, and it is therefore proper that the two experiments should be per- formed together, that the greenness of the colour produced by the arsenic should be rendered more apparent by comparison. A test of great delicacy proposed by Mr. Hume, is that of nitrate of sil- ver. If a stick of the fused nitrate, or lunar caustic, be applied to the sur- face of a solution of so small a quantity as a grain of oxide of arsenic with a grain of carbonate of soda in ten ounces of distilled water, a bright yel- low precipitate is thrown down. In this manner, the sixtieth part of a grain may be detected in ten ounces of water. Dr. Marcet employed a similar test,—applying to the surface of a fluid containing oxide of arsenic in solution, a glass rod dipt in water of ammonia, and then another rod dipt in solution of nitrate of silver; a precipitate of a lively yellow colour falls down: it is necessary to avoid an excess of ammonia, as this retains it in solution. Mr. Hume has greatly increased the certainty of this test, by the formation of the ammoniaco-nitrate of silver, which, while it obviates the necessity of ascertaining the precise quantity of ammonia required, does not at all disturb the phosphoric salts. The salt is prepared in the following manner: ten grains of nitrate of silver are dissolved in ten times their weight of distilled water; then liquid ammonia is gradually dropt upon the solution, until a precipitate falls down ; and the ammonia is cautiously add- ed until the precipitate is nearly re-dissolved. In this manner an excess of ammonia is guarded against. The other mode has appeared to me to afford a more delicate test, and one less likely to fail in common use. Carbonate of soda alone, indeed, gives a precipitate with nitrate of siiv.>- but the colour of this is not yellow, like that when the arsenic is present The precipitate is a compound of oxides of silver and arsenic. This an" I2S T0KIC8. the two preceding experiments ought to be made in day-light, that the shades of colour may be better perceived. In the test proposed by Dr. Marcet, a fallacy may arise from the pre- sence of a phosphoric salt, which throws down a yellow precipitate from the nitrate of silver. Dr. Paris has proposed a very simple mode for ob- viating the difficulties likely to arise from the presence of any of the phos- phoric salts. Instead of conducting the trial in a glass, the suspected li, quid is to be dropped on writing paper, marking a broad line with it; along this line, a stick of the nitrate of silver is to be slowly drawn, and a streak will be immediately produced, resembling that in colour known by the name of Indian yellow : this yellow streak will arise equally from the pre- sence of arsenic, or a phosphoric salt, but in less than two minutes a most unequivocal mark of distinction will appear. If the yellow arises from the presence of a phosphoric salt, it will soon fade into a dirty green, and will gradually become quite black. If, however, the yellow streak should arise from the presence of arsenic, the yellow tinge will remain permanent for some time, and afterwards will become brown. This plan of investiga- tion was repeated by Mr. Hume, and with decided success. A test which has been much employed, is that of placing a little of the white oxide on a piece of iron red hot: it volatilizes in a white smoke; and if, before being exposed to heat, it is made into a paste with oil, it will, when evaporating, give a pecrJffiar smell resembling that of garlic. Or by heating a small piece of the reduced metal, it will be volatilized with the the same odour. A vapour may arise, however, from the intermixture of other matter in small quantity ; this, too, may disguise the smell, and there is room for the influence of imagination in judging of the odour- This test, therefore, is not much to be relied on.* Bismuthum. Bismuth. This metal is of a white colour, with a shade of yellow, has a foliated fracture, is brittle, fusible, capable of being volatilized, and easily suscep- tible of oxidation. Though it has not been received into the Pharraaco* poeias, it has a claim to a place in the Materia Medica, as its oxide, or sub- nitrate has been employed with advantage in Gastrodynia, Pyrosis, and other affections connected with debility of the digestive organs. This pre- paration is obtained by decomposing the solution of bismuth in nitric acid by the effusion of water ; the sub-nitrate is precipitated, and is washed and dried. It is given in a dose from two to six grains, two grains being * To the test mentioned by our author for the detection of Arsenic, the two follow- ing may be added—1. Iodine. This substance was originally suggested as a test bj Brugnatelli, and his directions for using it are to ''take a little recent wheat starch, add to it a sufficient quantity of iodine to give it a blue colour ; mix a little of this blue matter with water, so as to have a blue coloured liquid. If into this liquid a few drops of an aqueous solution of arsenious acid be put, the blue colour is immdiately changed to a reddish brown, and is gradually dissipated entirely. If a few drops of sulphuric acid be now added, the blue colour is again restored." Annals of Philoso- phy. 2. Chromate of Potash. This test was proposed by Dr. James Cooper of South Carolina. He directs the 1,6th part of a grain of white arsenic, or any portion of a grain that may be distinctly visible by the naked eye, to be put into a wine glass or watch glass, and upon this drop one or two small drops of chromate of potash, where- of the excess of alkali has been neutraiized by nitric or acetic acid, according to the usual process of the manufactures of chromate of lead. In three hours, a decid- ed green colour will be produced. The arsenic here attracts oxygen from the chro- mic acid, which is thus converted into green oxide, and forms a precipitate ; the al- kali combines with the acid of the arsenic. Beck's Medical Jurisprudence. Ed TOiNlc*. m •given twice or thrice a-day, or in more severe cases, five grains being giv.T en at once. In these doses, it scarcely produces any other sensible effect than a remission of pain, and ultimately a removal of the morbid state from which this has arisen. 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 a 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 of the 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 poisoq, diluents should be given, hofding the sulphate of soda or magnesia in solution, and vomiting should be excited. Medicinally, barytes has been employed ?.s 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 overrat- ed, or its mode of administration not properly conducted, as it has fallen into disuse. Calx. Lime. Thi-* 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 be- neficial 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 * Incompatible Substance*. AH alkaline ,and metallic salts, borates, tartrates, ci- trates, sulphur, spirituous preparations, and the infusions of all astringent vegetables. It should be kept in close vessels, for, if expoaed to the air, the lime will attract the carbonic acid, and become an insoluble carbonate: the addition of an alkalyie car.- Jbonate produces the same effect instantaneously. Paris. Ed 17 iCiU r»i«ics. 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 m*re 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 satu- rated 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 of the 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 ingre- dient. Thr two following substances, though not strictly belonging to the mi- neral 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 parting with oxygen readily, and is eminently possessed of all the acid properties. 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 of the 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 of the system under the irritation of nier- cury, and wherever this remedy requires to be given to a considerable roNic-Si 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 of the 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 of the acid, or where some secondary symptoms, ulceration of the throat 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, ih 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 PoTASsiE. 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 hyper-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 of the 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 reli«d 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 25 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 lost f s<# TONICS'. alTifs reputation, and it had for a long time been struck from tne list 0. medicines, when a French physician of Montpellier, Dr. Lhrestien, re- vived its use, and in 1S11 called the attention of the public to it m a work entitled " De La Methode Jatraliptique" in which he proposes gold as a new remedy for the treatment of venereal and lymphatic disorders. Accord- ing 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 ofcuring syphilis under all its various forms ; and that moreover it possesses many and decided advantages 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 itb use, the only sensible ef- fects produced by it being an increase of urine and of perspiration. It may be administered with perfect safety at any season of the year, and under any complication of the disease. * Persons of either sex may be put upon Us use with equal security. The only precaution which he enjoins dur- ing 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 swellings, 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 series 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 of the medicine has been tried year after year in the New-York Hospital. My practice with it there, has been witnessed by all the attendants of the 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 muriate of quick- silver, with incomparably less inconvenience to the patient. He gets well under the operation of the 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 of the 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 quantity of urine, in many instances, to such a de- gree, that it ought to be ranked among the diuretics of the Materia Medi- ca." In 1812 an inaugural dissertation u 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 hud been successful- ly treated by this remedy in the New-York Hospital; and since that peri- od a still larger number of successful cases have been reported at that in- stitution. The results of the 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. 8; In secondary Syphilis gold is not to be depended upon for a radi* r»iil iCtlre; TONICS. 133 Having never had occasion to administer the gold myself, I am unable from my own experience either to comfirm 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. I am inclined tu believe that much of the 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, I 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 scrofula, 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 of the 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 of 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 of the Unit- ed 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 the™ thoroughly together. Dissolve the mixture in distilled water, and evaporate slowly to dryness. Collect the mass and keep it in a glass-stopped phial, which should be accurately closed and pre- served from the action of light. The dose of the 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, they 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 powe? 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 remov- ing diseases connected with general debility, as intermittent fever, or the different species of dropsy, particularly anasarca, which so frequently depend on diminished energy of the 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 supposed 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 of the known principles of vegetable matter; in many of the bitters of the 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 of the 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 possess, 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. Conlortce. Cortex. Peru. The natural history of the genus Cinchona was, until lately, imper- fectly elucidated. Linnaeus had described a species under the name of Cinchona Officinalis : the characters of which were indistinctly given on- TONICS. 135 n a variety of spasmodic affections, epilepsy, chorea, and hys- teria, cinchona is administered as a powerful and permanent tonic, 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. 146 TONlC-S. 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 of the 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 of 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 trituration of the bark with a little magnesia, it is rather more active. The decoction contains more of the 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, though containing more of the active principles, cannot be extensively* used on account of the mentruum, but is principally employed occasion- ally, and in small doses of 2 or~£5 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 i? 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 r dose from 5 to 15 grains, and affords the best form for combining bark with iron. , Bark is sometimes given in the form of enema ; a scruple of the extract^ 4 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 Carib.&a. Caribeean 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. Aristqlochia SEKfrENTARiA. Serpentaria Virginiana. Virginian Snake' root; Gyand. Hexand. Sarmentosce. Radix. Virginia, Carolina. This root consists of a number of small fibres, issuing from one stenij 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 zinc, nitrate of silver, oxymuriate of mercury, tartarized antimony, solutions of arsenic, &c. Paris. Ft'. TONICS. 141 alochoi; entirely by proof-spirit. By distillation it 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. Londi 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 20 grains, but like it too it has fallen into disuse. Mixed with carbonate of lime, it forms the com- pound powder of contrayerva of the London Pharmacopoeia, which is used in typhus, the exanthemata, and in atonic gout. Offic. Prep.—P. Contrayerv. C. Lond. Croton Eleutheria. Cascarilla. Monoec. Monadelph. Tricoccw. 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 6158, 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 dy- sentery, 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 of the 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 by 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 putrefac- tion. 142 TONICS. 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 fever.-,, 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.* i Offic. Prep.—Tinct. Bonpland. Trifol. Ed. Dub,—Infus. Cusp. Lond. Swietenia Febrifuga. Swietenia. Decand. Monogyn. Trihilatai. Con- tex. East Indies. The bark of the wood of this tree is of a red colour internally ; exler- < nally it is covered with a grey epidermis ;it has an astringent bitter taste j 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. 1 treatment of intermittent and remittent fever. Its dose in substance is half' a drachm. Swietenia Mahagoni. Mahogany. Cortex. Spanish America. West Indies. This 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 of the root; the circumference of these is co- vered with a bark ; the woody part is of a light yellow colour, spongy, and often worm-eaten. It has a faint 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 used with much advantage in affections of the 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 oflead, pot- ash, and perhaps the mineral acids, for they produce precipitates, as do also the in- fusions of galls, and yellow Hnehona. Paris. Ed. TONICS. 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. Columb. 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, dy- sentery, 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 infu1 sionof it has a place in the London Pharmacopoeia. Offic. Prep.—Infus. Simaroub. Lond. Quassia Excelsa. Quassia. Decand. Monogyn. Gruinales. Lignum. West Indies. The wood of the root of this tree is of a yellowish white colour; it has 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 of the 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. Gentiana Lutea. 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 owes its medicinal properties. Gentian is a common remedy in dyspepsia, in the form of infusion or tincture ; as a bitter, 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.—Tin. Gent. C. Ed. * Incompatible Substances. Precipitates are produced by the infusion of gallsand yellow cinchona, sub-acetate and acetate of lead, oxyrauriate of mercury, and lime- water. Paris. Ed. 144 TONICS. Antiiemis Nobilis. Chamiemeium. Chamomile. Syngenes. Poiygain. superfl. Composite. 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 arc 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 of the 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 lesp 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, Composites. Flerba. Indigenous. Chironia Centaurium. Centaury. Pentand. Monogyn. Rotacea, Herba* Marrubium Vulcaue. Hoarhound. Didynam. Gymnosperm. Verticil- lata>. Herba. . '. Menyanthes Trifoliata. Trefoil. Pentand Monog. Rotacea. Herba. Cbntaurea Benedicta. Blessed Thistle. Syngenes. Polygam. frvs- tran. Composites. 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. TONICS. 145 tiTRus Aurantium. Orange. Polydelph. Icosand. Pomacae. Cortex flatus Fructus ; Fruclus; Fructus immaturus. India. The Orange-tree is a native of India, but is abundantly cultivated in the south of Europe. The outer rind of the fruit, especially of that variety named the Seville or Bitter Orange, has a grateful aromatic flavour, and 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 of the 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. Pomaceoz. 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.—kc\A. Citric. Lond, Acorus Calamus. Sweet-scented Flag. Hexand. Moaogyn. Piperita. Radix. Indigenous. This 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 enterg, 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 of the branches of the tree; it is thin and convo* 146 TONICS. luted, of a texture somewhat fibrous, friable, of a light brown colour, hav- ing 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 its 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. Oleracew. Cortex. Flores nondum expliciti. 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 pupose as cinnamon; it is, however, much less agreeable to the stomach, and ra- ther 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. Frep.—Aq. L. Cass. Ed. Canella Alba. Dodecand. Monogyn. Oleracece. Cortex. West Indies. This is the inner bark of the branches of the 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. JVwx Moschata dictus; Macis ; Hujus Oleumfiixum. India. • Under the officinal name Myristica, are comprehended Nux Moscha- ta or Nutmeg, and Macis or Mace; the former being the seed or kernel tonics. 247 of the 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 of the 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 the part of the essential oil being expressed 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 or 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 conceal 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 having 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 shops is seldom genuine. Offic. Prep.—Ol. Myrist. Mosch. Sp. Myrist. Mosch.— Ed. Lond. Dub. EugemaCaryophvllata. Caryophyllus Aromaticus. Clove. Polyand. Monog. Hesperidea. Flores cum pericarpio immaturo. India. The tree producing cloves is a native of the Molucca islands, but is cultivated 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 alcohol 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, parti- cularly 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 form* of dyspepsia. Offic. Prep.—Infus. Caryoph. Lond. Capsicum Annuum. Capsicum. Guinea Pepper, or Capsicum. Pen- tand. Monog. Solanacece. 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 the 246 TONIfS. palate. Its pungency is completely extracted by alcohol, and partially by water. Capsicum is a powerful stimulant. As such it has been given in a tonic 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 vine- gar, 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 of the feet, to relieve the coma of fever. The seeds have been found useful in obstinate intermittents, two grains being given at the approach of the cold paroxysm.* Offic. Prep.—Tinct. Capsici. Lond. Dub. Piper Nigrum. Black Pepper. Diand. Trigyn. 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 of the uvula. White Pepper is the ripe berries of the same plant, freed from the outer covering, and dried in the sun. It is less pungent than the black. Piper Longum. Long Pepper. Diand. Trigyn. Piperita. Fruc- tus. East Indies. This is the berry of the 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 virtues are similar to those of the other peppers, and being rather weaker, they are little used. It has, how- ever, lately been employed as a very powerful remedy in checking go- norrhoea, three or four drachms being taken in the course of the day, and Continued for a day or two after the discharge has ceased.| • IneompaiibleSubstanc.es. 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 sulphu- ric, nitric, or muriatic acid. Paris. Ed. t According to the analysis of M. Vauquelin, the cubebs contains 1. a volatile oil, which is nearly solid. 2. Resin, resembling that of the balsam copaiva. 3. A quantity TONICS." 149 Hyrtis Pimenta. Piper Jamatcensis. Jamaica Pepper. Icosand. Monog. Hcsperidea:. Bacca. 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. Pim. Sp. Myrt. Pirn. Ed. Lond. Dub. Amomum Zk.doaria. Zedoaria. Zedoary. Monand. Monog. Sci- tamincce. 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. Scitaminea. Rudix. 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. Chewed, 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, I cannot say from my own experi- ence, that I consider it in any respect superior to the Balsam Copaiva. I have u.-ed it in several cases and to a very great extent, and although ineiery case itsensibly dimin- ished the discharge, yet in very few did it effect a permauent 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- corrhoea. Dr. Paris states that the " Turkey yellow berries," the dried fruit of the Rhamnus Catharlicus, are frequently substituted for cubebs, and that the resemblance between them is so gre*t, as to render an imposition very easy. This is a fact which deserves to be generally known, and may perhaps account in part for the uncertain- ty which has hitherto been observed in the operation of the cubebs. Ed. !50 • TONICS. Offic. Prep.—Syrup. Amom. Zingib. Tinct. Amom. Zingib. Ed. Lond. Dub. Amomum Repeks. Amomum Cardamomum. Eletfaria. Cardamomum. Cardamomum minus. Lesser Cardamom. Monand. Monogyn. Sala- minea. Semen. India. Two species had been described as affording the lesser cardamom seeds; the Amomum Repens, and Amomum Cardamomum. The Edinburgh College 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. Thi? 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 aro- matics, and are frequently combined with bitters, or with purgatives, to ob- viate flatulence. Offic Prep.—Tinct. Amom. R. Ed. Lond. Dub.—Tinct. Cardam. Comp. Lond. Dub. Cari'M Carui. Caraway. Pentand. Digyn. Umbellate. Semen. 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. 01. Car. Lond. Dub. Coriandrum Sativum. Coriander. Pentand. Digyn. Umbellain. 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 form of infusion or tincture. Pimfinella Anisum. Anise. Pentand. Digyn. Umbellate. Semen. Egypt. This plant is cultivated in the South of Europe, and sometimes also in our gardens. Its seeds have an aromatic odour, and u warm taste, with a share of sweetness. They afford, by distillation with water, an essential oil, having a strong rather unpleasant odour, and 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 TONICS. m quantity of the seeds may be taken, or, what is preferable, a powder com- posed of a few drops of the oil rubbed with sugar. Offic. Prep.—01. Pimpin. Anis. Ed. Lond. Dub.—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. A.NETHUM Fozmculum. Fceniculum dulce. Sweet Fennel. Pentand. Digyn. Umbellate. Semen. Indigenous. Anethum Graveolens. Dill. Pentand. Digyn. Umbellate. Se- men. Spain and Portugal. Cuminum Cyminum. Cumin. Pentand. Digyn. Utnbeltata. Semen. South of Europe. Angelica Archangelica. Angelica saliva. Garden Angelica. Pen- tand. Digyn. Umbellate. Semen; Folia; Radix. Noi>th of Eu- rope. Of this plant, the root possesses the greatest share of aromatic quali- ty, though it also belongs to the seeds and leaves. Mentha Piperita. Mentha Piperitis. Peppermint. Didynam. Gym- nosp. Verticillate. 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 pungency of the herbs. Peppermint is used as a stimulant and carmina- tive, to obviate nausea or griping, or to relieve the symptoms arising from flatulence, and very frequently to cover the taste and odour of other medi- cines. It is used for these purposes under the forms of the watery infusion, the distilled water, the esseritial 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. Verticillate. Herba. Indigenous. Mentha Puiegium. Pennyroyal. Didynam. Gymnosp. Verticillate. He^ba. 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. Verticilla- te. 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, 152 IONICS. and is sometimes employed for the purposes for which they are used. 1[ has also been considered as a remedy in catarrh, but it can have no efficacy. [Eupatorium Pkrfoliatum. Bone-set. Thorough-wort Syngenesk Polygamia Equalis. Nat. Ord. Lin. Composite discoidea. Her- ba etflores. 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 che- mical composition of the Eupatorium has been investigated with mucli ability and success by Dr. Andrew Anderson of this city, and it results according to his analysis, that it contains first, a free acid; second, tan- nin ; third, extractive matter; fourth, a gummy matter; fifth, a resin; sixth, azote; seventh, lime, probably the acetate of lime ; eighth, a gallic acid, probably modified; ninth, a resiniform matter, soluble in water and in alcohol, and which seems to contain a bitter principle ; that the free acid may be obtained from all parts of the plant; that tannin is obtained in much the largest quantity from the leaves, and least from the roots; that the extractive and gummy matter reside chiefly in the roots ; that the leaves and flowers also contain a larger portion of resin than the roots: and 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 of the 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 time3 and by different persons, been considered as a tonic, cathartic, emetic, diaphoretic, deobstruent, &c. &c. It is well 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 of the 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 veracity 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 10 be ascribed chiefly to its tonic and diaphoretic pow- ers, and it is with this view that it has been principally used in the treat- ment of diseases. A very large number of practitioners have given their testimony in fa- vour of the success which has attended the use of this article in intermit- tent and remittent fevers. Dr. Anderson states that it was extensive!) sised in the New-York Alms House in IS 12, in the treatment of these dish * Inaugural Dissertation. New-York, 1813 TONICS; 153 cases, 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 prov- ed 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 also for a long time been a favourite remedy in this country. As a simple tonic it has been highly recommend- ed in diseases of general debility. The most efficacious preparation of it in this case is the alcoholic tincture. As an alterative, according to Dr. Barton, it has also proved highly beneficial in diseases of the skin. The bone-set may be administered in powder, in decoction or infusion, and in tincture. When given as a tonic the dose of the 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. Carter. 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, arid 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 of Dr. Walker have been repeated, and with confirmatory results. (Ives's Edition of Paris's Pharmacologia.) The medical properties of the 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 of the 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 of the 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 examination by Dr. Ives of this city*, and he states it to resemble the cin- *' Medical Repository, Vol. XXII, "20" 154 astringents. chona cordifolia more than any other article, but that it differs from it in possessing 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 of the cornus florida. B.] CHAP. VI. OF ASTRINGENTS. It has been supposed by medical theorists, that the fibres of the living body, over the whole, or in part of the system, may become relaxed, 01 lose that density and contraction necessary for the due performance of the several functions. And this is considered as an affection of the matter of which the fibre is composed, not of the 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." By the operation of this corrugating power, either directly ex- erted on a part, or extended by sympathetic action, the morbid affections 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 of the 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 of the 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 indue ing a mechanical or chemical change. Debility was indeed once ascribed to such a caiise ; but with little rea- son ; every degree of strength or weakness depends more on correspond- ent variations in the state of the 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 of the 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 of the living system. astringents. 155 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 tonic?. 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 foundationfor establishing such a class as astringents, though it is difficult to point oil 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 ; somewhat 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 of the 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 serous effusions ; hence their use to retain colliquative sweats. In diarrhoea too, they ap- pear to operate by checking the effusion of fluid from the exhalcnt ves- sels of the intestines, and thus diminishing the increased stimulant opera- 156* astringents. ' tion, which from this cause is exerted on the moving fibres of the canal, and increases its peristaltic motion. Iu the latter stage of dysentery, where an increased evacuation appears to be connected with debility of the exna- lent vessels, their cautious administration is advantageous. And in pas- sive inflammation, attended with increased serous discharge, as in gleet, andin 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, 01 where they are necessary to relieve a plethoric state of the vessels, or a state of increased action; at least unless the evacuation proceed to an alarming extent. Some narcotics, as opiurif, produce effects apparently astringent. When increased discharges take place from irritation, these remedies, by dimin- ishing 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, and 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. Whether 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 expected to be more permanent, and productive of more important effects than it actually is. ASTRINGENTS. FROM THE MINERAL KINGDOM. Acidum Sulphuricum. Ferrum. Alumina. Zincum. Super-Sulphas Aluminse Cuprum. et Potassae. Plumbum, Calx. FROM THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. Quercus Robur. Rosa Gallica. Quercus Cerris. Arbutus Uva Ursi. Tormentilla Electa. Acacia Catechu. Polygonum Bistorta. Kino. Anchusa Tinctoria. Pterocarpus Draco. Har-matoxylon Campechianum. Pistacia Lentiscus. ASTIZIXGENTS. 15^ 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, reduc- ed 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 of the atmospheric air. The combustion of the sulphur is supported partly by the oxygen of the nitre, partly by that of the air whicrfts 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 of the 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 of the oxygen of the nitric acid of the nitre during the combustion, nitric oxide gas is evolv- ed ; this diffused through the chamber combines with the oxygen of the 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 £1 of water in 100 parts ; the real acid is composed of 42 of sulphur, and 68 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 of the latter, are very inconsiderable ; they are in a great neasure 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 rapidly 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 of the 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 Other 158 astringents. acid. It is used as an astringent to cheek the flow of blood in haemoptysw and the colliquative sweat in hectic fever ; indications which it fulfill 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 r dinburgh Col- leges, the Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum consists of one part of the strong acid with seven of water ; it is given in a dose from 10 to 30 drops. Ac- cording to that of the London College, it consists of one part and a half of acid, to 14 parts and a half of water. The Acidum Sulphuricum Aromati- cum consists of the 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 wjjth advantage in psora, and it has also been given internally in the same disease. Offic. Prep.—Acid. Sulph. Dil. Ed. Lond. Dub.—Acid. Sulph. Aro- 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, there 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 expunge^ from practice. Alumen. Super-sulphas Alumina et Potas?.^. Alum. This salt is composed chiefly of argillaceous earth and sulphuric acid, the acid being in excess. It likewise always contains, however, a por- tion 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- sist essentially of clay impregnated with sulphur, or sulphuret of iron. The ore being calcined is exposed to atmospheric air ; the sulphur absorb- ing oxygen, forms sulphuric acid, which unites with the argillaceous earth of the clay, with a portion of potash which the ore often contains; or if this alkali is not present insufficient 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 liquor is 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 degee 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 term- ed 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. loli of crystallization causes it to liquify when exposed to moderate heat; when it is expelled by the continuance of the heat, a white spongy mass remains, named Calcined or Dried Alum. Alum, from its astringent power, is employed to check haemorrhages and serous evacuations ; it is thus given in menorrhagia, leucorrhcsa, and diabetes ; and in leucorrhcea, is perhaps more successful than any other astringent. It has likewise been used, though 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 excit- ing nausea, when it is given in the satfd form ; but the best form of admin- istering it, is that of Alum Whey (SerumAluminosum), prepared by add- ing 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. Sulp. 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- ditional ulcers. Offic. Prep.—Aqua Calc. Ed. Lond. Dub. — Aqua Calcis Composit. Dub.—Linim. Aquae Calcis. Ed. Dub. Carbonas Calcis. Carbonate of Lime. • The various kinds of carbonate of lime, Chalk (Creta Alba), Crabs Claws (Chelae Cancrorum), Oyster Shells 'Testae 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 die 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, su per-acetate of lead, the salts of mercury, as well as many vegetable and animal substances, especially galls and kino. Paris. Ed. loO ASTRINGENTS. with advantage in some forms of passive haemorrhage, particularly menor- rhaoia. 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 prepa- rations have, however, a considerable degree of astringency ; and there are several medicinal applications of them founded^n 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), k 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 gonorrhoea, 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 of the 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 conspi- cuous, 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 wftter, 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 haemor- rhage. 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 poison. Nor is it easy to explain its ibl'RlNGENTS. 161 inode of action. It appears to act peculiarly on the muscular fibre, re- pressing action, and at length exhausting the irritability of the 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 of the voluntary muscles succeed, and are followed by paralysis, the muscles losing their firmness and cohe- sion. When a large quantity of any of the 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 of the me- tal 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 of the 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 of the stomach appear- ed inflamed, and part of the intestinal canal was slightly inflamed, within- 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 from the 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. Vet, 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. Tfie 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, v/hile other'? have sustained much less apparent injury, 2! 162 ASlRIJN'GfcNTS. From its power of repressing muscular action, lead produces effect* analogous in some respects to those of astringents, and it is usually rank- ed 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 boiled 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. Oxidum 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 oil. 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 of 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- 163 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 of the 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 of 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 incases of profuse eva- cuation, 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 leucorrhoea, 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 renders 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 the injurious 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 indivi- duals are more liable to be affected by it than others. * Incompatible Substances. The alkalies, alkaline earths and their,; earbonf.lcs, moat of the acids, alum, borax, the sulphates and muriates, soaps, all sulphurets, am- moniated and tartarized iron, tartarizpd antimony, undistilled watpr. !V.n?, Fd iti-i 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 lormula 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.—Liq. Plumb. Sub- acet. Dilut. Lond. Dub.—Oerat. 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 peculi(t| acid exists in the more powerful astringents ; ;!•<■ arid 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 ASTRINGENTS. J^5 the operation of tanning, its action is facilitated by that of the gallic acid, the aci' 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 anima! fibre to the production of the astringent effect. The theory of Seguin, however, was not established, and the fact that some of the 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 of the chemical action of the 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 nly on the stomach It can only be supposed, that corrugation, or some similar change, is produc- ed 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. But the supposition that the corrugation is the effect of any combination of the tannin with the animal fibre, it is rather difficult to admit. Quercus Robur. Oak. Monoec. Polyana. Amentacea Cortex. Indi- 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 of the bark. An ounce of bark afforded, in Davy's experiments on astringents, 1 II grains of solid matter by lixiviation, of which 7 7 were tannin ; but the quantity varies much according to the season and the age of the 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 me- norrhagia, and as a fomentation in haemorrhoids and prolapsus ani. Offic. Prep.—Decoct. Quercus. Ed. Lond.—Extr. Cort. Querc. Dub. Quercus Cerris. Monoec. Polyand Amentacea. Cyniphis nidus. Galla. Galls. Asia Minor. South of Europe. The tubercles named Galls, are found on the branches of this tree; their production is occasioned by the bark being pierced by an insect of the cynips genus, to deposit its egg. The juice exuding slow, 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 assist- ance 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 prin- ciples are decomposed ; or it is at once obtained by sublimation from the galls. The infusion too, contains a large quantity of tann n, 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- 266 ASTRINGENTS. bly in different specimens of galls. In Davy's analysis of Aleppo galls, 500 grains afforded to water by lixiviation 185 grains of solid matter, of which i30 were tannin, 31 gallic acid, 12 saline and earthy matter, and 12 supposed to be mucilaginous and extractive matter. In medical practice, galls, though powerfully astringent, are seldom internally a:imini>tered. The strong infusion or decoction has been ap- plied to the same purposes as the decoction of oak bark. And an oint- ment composed of the galls in fine powder, with eight parts of simple oint ment, is used as an astringent application to hsemorrhoidal affection.* Offic. Prep.—Tinct. Gallar. Ed. Dub. Tormentilla Erecta. Tormentil. Icosand. Polygn. Senticosa. 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 from practice, f Polygonum Bistohta. Bistort. Octand. Trigyn. Oleracea. 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 propably no superiority over other astrin- gents, and no peculiar virtue, it has fallen into disuse. Anchusa Tinctoria. Alkanet. Pentand. Monogyn. Asperifolia. Radix. South of Europe. The cortical part of the root of this plant has a deep red colour. which has the singular propertyj»f 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 possesses a slight degree of astringency; it is only employed to commu- nicate colour to ointments. ILematoxyi.on Campechiaisum. Lignum Campechense. Logwood. Decand. Monog. Lomen acea. Lignum. South 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 of the 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 preci- pitates with infusion of galls, composed of tannin, gallic acid, and the metallic ox- ide. Sulphuric, muriatic, and nitric acids, the carbonates of the alkalies and lime- water. Paris. Ed. f Incompatible Substances. Solutions of isinglass, the salts of iron, alkalies and alkaline earths. Paris. Ed. X Incompatible Substances. Acetate of lead, alum, the sulphates of copper and iron, tartarized antimony, sulphuric, muriatic, and acetic acids. Paris. Ed. astringents. 167 Offic. Prep.—Extr. Haematoxyl. Camp. Ed. Dub. Lond. Rosa Gallica. Rosa Rubra. Red Rose. Icosand. Polyg. Senticosa. Pe- 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 fre*m 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, acidulat- ed 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. Bear's vVhortle-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 of the 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. Acacia Catechu. Polygam. Moneoc. Lomentacea. (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 16fc astringents. is of a dark brown colour, more heterogeneous, heavier and considera- bly harder. Catechu is almost entirely soluble in water with the assistance ol 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 of the 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 < atechu gives indications of the 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 haemorrhages. 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 vfhich affords one of the best forms for its administration. In substance it may be given in a dose from iO to ^0 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.—Ed. 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 these 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 Resinofera, —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 pro bice of this vegetable. The Dublin College have considered kind as the product of the Butea Frondosa, on the authority of Roxburgh ; but incorrectly, as Dr. Duncan has remarked. He has further observed^ what is just, that much of the 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 salt?, especially by those of iron • and with gelatin it forms an insoluble compound. Paris. Ed. ' astringents. 169 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, and 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 imported 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 of the Coccoloba Uvifera. I have been informed, that it is the Extract of the wood of the 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 of the 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 in its qualities, ought perhaps to be preferred. Of the 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.-Pulv. Kino Comp. Lond. Pterocarpus Draco. Sanguis. Draconis. Dragon's Blood. Diadelph. Decand. Papilionacece. 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 incisions in the bark of the above tree. It is insipid ; and though it has been considered as an astringent, has probably no such power, nor is it now applied to any medi- cal use. Pterocarpus Santalinus. Santalum Rubrum. Red Saunders. Diadelph. Decand. Papilionacea. India. Thk 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, is satisfactorily proved to be the Pterocarpus Erinucca. Ed. t Incompatible Substances, The same as the Galls. Ed. 22 170 astringents. Pistacia Lentiscus. Mastiche. Mastich. Dioecia. Pentand. Amentacea. Resina. South of Europe. The resin named Mastiche is the produce of this shrub by exudation, and i« 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 inodorus, 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. Succulenla. United States. Radix. This plant is found in abundance in every part of the 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 pro- perties 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 acquir- ed great celebrity. Dr. Barton testifies to its virtues in the cholera of in- fants. In this case the preferable mode of giving it is in a decoction of milk. As a gargle it has been found very serviceable in aphthous erup« tions and ulcerations of the 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 astringents are indicated. In chronic dysentery it is said to have succeeded in effecting a cure after several other tonics and astringents had been used to no purpose. It has also proved successful in diarrhoea, cholera infantum, haemoptysis, &c. In Cynanche Maligna, much ad- vantage 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 of the root to 3xij of water.—B.] EMETICS. 171 SECOND DIVISION—OF LOCAL STIMULANTS. Under this division are comprehended those remedies, the stimulant op- eration of which is directed to particular organs. It comprises Eme- tics, 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 every individual, and in every state of the 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 sen- sation, 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 gra- dually 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 food is propelled through the pylorus, is inverted ; the diaphragm and abdomi- nal muscles are excited to contraction ; the pylorus is contracted, and the contents of the stomach are forcibly discharged upwards. In man> cases of vomiting, especially when violent, the peristaltic uiotion even of the upper part of the intestinal canal is also inverted, and bile is brought from the duodenum. At the same time, it is difficult to explain how the peristaltic motion is 172 EMETICS. inverted by emetics. It is a singular fact, that any substance acting aa on unusual 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 von i ing 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 of the nature of vomiting. He considered it as the effect, not of increased but of decreased action of the 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 of the fibres of the 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 of the emetic, and that the diaphragm and abdominal muscles are called into action by association ; while others suppose 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 etomach is the part more directly exposed to be acted on, the latter 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 eme- tics injected into the veins, or applied to a wound. The strong and forci- ble contraction of the 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 of the 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 of the 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 vomi ing, 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-hladder 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 particu- larly 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 of the 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 the 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 stages 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 i.- prejudicial, by weakening the tone of the stomach, and rendering its motion more liable to be invert- ed 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 ah 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 intu>ion. 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 class is into Emetics from the Ve- getable, and from the Mineral Kingdom. EMETICS. FROM THE MINERAL KINGDOM. Antimonium. Zincum. Cuprum. Ammonia. Hydro-Sulphuretum Ammoniae, FROM THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. Callicocca Ipecacuanha. Sinapis Alba. Scilla Maritima. Asarum Europaeum. Anthemis Nob.lis. 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 appropriat- ed 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, particular'y 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 of the 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 fas 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 eftVacy has usually been ascribed to the evacuation they occasion, while mhers hava considered antimony, apparently with little reason, as exerting an a tion specific or peculiar in itself in the removal of febrile action, and not explicable on the known effects it produces. The practice of giving antimoniuls in fever is unquestionably often attended with mark- ed advantages ; yet it is also liable to cnnsiderahle difficulties, and is not without some hazard. The administration of die 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 - 176 KMLTICS. 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 intestii al 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 , equired ; but wheTe 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, .rum 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 i>iven uiih less immediate ri^k than arsenic, probably principally from its greater emeiie 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. Of the^first class, the Levigated Antimony, (Sulphuretum Antimonii Praeparatum), 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 of the 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 two oxides of antimony, one at the minin'uni. c mtaming >.] [Podophyllum Pkltatum. May apple. Mandrake. Wild Lemon. Ipecacuanha. Polyand. Monogyn. Nat. Ord. Rheades. Radix, United States. This plant is common to almost every part of the United States, and is found inhabiting low, moist, and shady situations. It flowers in May and June. The leaves of this plant are poisonous, and the root is the only part used in medicine. According to analysis 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 or in powder. According to Dr. Barton, it is most advantageously usedin 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. Monoec. Monadelph. Nat. Ord. Tricocca. Ceylon This plant is a native of Ceylon, and is also found in China, Cochin- china, the Molucca Islands, and indeed almost every part of the Indian peninsula. Every portion of it seems to possess medicinal virtues, although the seeds are the part more commonly used. As imported in the shops, these were long known under the name of Molucca grain), and their medicinal effects were well understood many centuries ago. In India, where they have been much used, they still continue to be esteem- ed as among their best purgatives. Owing probably to the violence which not unfrequently attends their operation, they had long since been banish- ed from European practice. Very recently the Croton has again become popular, and it is now extensively used both in Europe and in the United States. The Expressed Oil, the form in which it is at present used, is of a pale reddish-brown colour, with a faint odour, and possessing a hot acrid * New-York Medical and Physical Journal, No. 5. cathartics. 203 taste. When applied to the tongue it leaves a pungent and uneasy feel- ing in the mouth and throat, which continues for several hours. From the andysis of Dr. Nimmo, 100 parts of Croton Oil are found to consist of 45 parts of an acrid principle, and 55 parts of fixed oil, resembling the oil of olives. It is in the acrid principle alone that the purgative proper- ty of rue article resides, and to this Dr. Paris proposes to give the name of Tiglm. The seeds were also analyzed by Dr Nimmo ; and from this it appears that the shells which constitute 36 parts in 100 of the seeds, possess no acrimony. Of the kernels of the seeds, 100 parts consist of 27 parts of acrid principle, 33 parts fixed oil, and 40 parts of farinaceous matter. Croton Oil is wholly soluble in oil of turpentine and ether. Alcohol dissolves only the Tiglin, with a very small portion of the fixed oil ; hence this is considered as the best form in which it can be administered. Croton Oil is a hydragogue cathartic, acting very powerfully and prompt- ly after it is taken ; and it may be used with advantage in every case in which it is desirable to make a strong impression upon the intestinal ca- nal, and to cause copious evacuations. In using it, however, the greatest caution is to be observed, as the most alarming effects have not unfre- quently been produced by it. When given in doses too large, besides causing hypercatharsis, it very powerfully affects the nervous system, oc- casioning vertigo, and general tremor. In suitable doses, generally speak- ing, it acts without producing any griping. The average dose of this oil is from one to two drops, and the form in which it is usually given is that of pill, made with mucilage or crumb of bread. As already stated, the alcoholic solution possesses some ad- vantages over every other form of using it ; and the only objection to it is that it produces a great sensation of heat and uneasiness in the fauces, which is continued down the alimentary canal. To obviate this objection, the following formula is proposed by Dr. iNimmo. $£. Alcoho- lic solution, (made in the proportion of 3j of rectified spirit, to two drops of the oil), 3ss dSyrupi simp :—Mucilag Gum Arab, aa 3ij aq. distillat. 3saft. ha istus. After swallowing a little milk the draught is to be taken very quickly, and washed down with repeated quantities of the same di- luent. In this form this remedy was administered by Dr. Nimmo in more than 100 cases. Slight vomi ing was produced in not more than three or four cases,.and in not many more was nausea felt ; and in all cases the purging was induced in a space of time between half an hour and three hours after taking the medicine. The purgative effects were generally moderate, and rarely accompanied with griping. B.] [Careo Ligni. Charcoal. As an antiseptic, the virtues of common charcoal have long been known. Although not much used for other purposes, its properties are extensive and important. Upon the intestinal canal it acts as a mild but exceedingly efficient cathartic, while upon the stomach" it produces in a very remarkable degree the effects of a local tonic. It has accordingly been used with very great success as a remedy in obstinate constipation of the bowels, and irritable states of the stomach. In the dysenteric forms of fever, as occurring in the West Indies, it was successfully ad- ministered by that distinguished medical philosopher, the late Dr. Robert Jackson, to whom, I believe, we are indebted for the first introduction of this valuable remedy into general practice. From a tea-spoonful to a ta- ble-spoonful of the charcoal is an average dose. It maybe mixed in milk or water, and repeated according to circumstances. B.] iD4 EMMENAGOGUES CHAP. IX. OF EMMENAGOGUES. The medicines distinguished by the appellation of Emmenagogues, are those which are capable of promoting the menstrual discnarge 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 stimulat- ed 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, ther stimu- lus being communicated from the larger intestines to the uterus. They are probably of advantage too in amenorrhoea, simply as cathartics, remov- ing the state of torpor in the intestinal canal connected with the disease; and more advantage is derived from the emmenagogues or* this class, than from any of the 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 of the menstrual discharge seems to be sometimes connect- ed with spasmodic affection, and hence some remedies belonging to the class 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 by 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 time to obtain their beneficial effects. EMMENAGOGUES. FROM THE CLASS OF ANTISPASMODICS. Castoreum. Ferula Assafoetida. Bubon Galbanum. EMMENAGOGUES. 205 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 102.) Undf.r 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 plac- ed on its powers. Assafcetida. Assafoetida. (Page 104.) All the fcetid 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. Assafcetida, 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 assafcetida, 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 117.) The powers of iron as a tonic may be supposed capable of being exert- ed on the uterine system, and of removing suppression of the discharge arising from deficient action of the 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 adtive preparations of the 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 amniorrhcea, 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 emme- nagogues, to promote their action, than alone. Aloe. Aloes. (Page 196.) This cathartic, it has already been remarked, is supposed to operate 206 emmenagogues. more peculiarly on the larger intestines ; and its stimulant-operation, i| 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, u 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, par- ticulaily with myrrh, rhubarb, and the preparations of iron. The aloe- tic wine, and the etherial eloetic tincture, are common forms of prepara- tion under which it is prescribed in amenorrhcea. 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 of the Comp und Pills of Aloe* a :d Rhubarb, or the Tincture of Aloes and Rhubarb. The latter forms a popular remedy usually employed in occasional suppression of the 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 Mead 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 amenorrhcea and chlorosis, and may have some effect by its stimulant ac- tion on the intestinal canal. Rubia Tinctorum. Madder. Tetrand. Monogyn. Stellate. Radii. 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 twig;>, 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 ineffieacy is generally acknowledged. Ruta Graveolens. Ruta. Rue. Decand. Monogyn. Mustisiliqwu. Herba. South of Europe. This herb, when recent, has a strong unpleasant smell, and a bitter 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 of the same class, probably with little advantage. Offic. Prep.—Extr. Ruta?. Gr. Ed. Dub.—01. Ruta?. Dub.—Confect. Rutse. Lond Junipi-.rus S.abina. Savin. Dioecia. Monadelph. Conifcra. Folia. South of Europe. The leaves of this shrub have a hitter penetrating taste, a strong un- pleasant odour, and a considerable decree 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, thai, according to the common opinion, it is capable of procuring absortion. 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 of the 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. Sabinae. 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 Repertosy 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 of the most unqualified commendation. He says "of the emmagogues which I h tve tried, this is among the most efficacious, and will be found so in all the forms of amenorrhcea, if administered with a due regard to the state of the system, and in other respects with correct discrimination."* He adds that he thinks it more partie ilarly useful in those cases where the decidua exist. 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."! The best mode of administaring 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. 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.J * Elements of Materia Medica anrl Therapeutics, vol. II. p. 8. second edition. t A Treatise of the Materia Medica, &c. vol. I. p. 423. 208 em;menaoouues. [Secai.e 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 ry>j, 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 ta^te of the ergot is imperceptible. After a short time it becomes disagreeable, nauseous, and sub-acrid. According to the analysis of Vauquelin, it contains, ; 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 which can be readily fixed on aluminated wool and silk. 4. A free acid, supposed to be partly pi.os-; 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 of the medical public in ! 807, 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 the use of instruments in difficult and pro- tracted labo-.irs. Notwithstanding this very general use of the ergoj, 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 it is administered as jeopardizing the life of the 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 br>en 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 of the ergot, that if given in very large doses 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 common 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 io 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. diuretics. 209 3. It should never be administered until the rigidity of the os tineas has subsided, and a perfect relaxation been induced. 4. It should never be administered in the incipient stages of labour, nor until the os tineas 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-spoonful of this given every ten minutes generally sue? ceeds better than a larger dose. While this quantity produces its most favourable effects upon the uterus, it does not affect 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 ipef? 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 misplaced labour-pains upon the uterus, which it soon restores to its appropriate 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 confrag? 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 of the labour. VI. When hemorrhage or the lochial discharges are too profuse immedi- ately after delivery, and the uterus continues dilated and relaxed without any 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 ute- rine discharges. B.] CJJAP. X. OF DIURETICS. Diuretics are those medicines which increase the urinary discharge i an effect, which is probably produced by different modes of operation. It is obvious, that any substance capable of stimulating the secreting ves sels of the kidneys, by direct application to them, may increase their action, and thus produce a more copious discharge of urine. It is probably in this * New-York Medical and Physical Journal, No 3. 27 210 DIURETICS. 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 arc 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 alkalies, 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 t'urpeutine, 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 they 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 of the 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 dis- charge 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 probably derived from the mercury stimulating the absor- DIURETICS. 211 bents, 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 diffused fluid, and the abstinence from li- quids that was enjoined, rather prevented the action of the 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, when 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 of the blood, and by that discharge they indirectly promote absorption. Dropsy 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 acts 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 ob- vious, that where a strong predisposition to the disease exists, or where it originates from organic affections of the liver, or other chylopoetic viscera, no great advantage can be expected from the mere evacuation of the 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 to 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 diuretics, or the administration of a tonic after 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 of the medicine ought to be giv- en in the course of the day, and the patient should, if possible, be kept out of bed; their operation is thus more effectually determined to the a'i£ 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 of the 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 Potass®. Acetas Potassas. Spiritus Etheris Nitrosi Super-Tartras Potassa;. FROM THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. Scilla Maritima. Spartium Scoparium. Digitalis Purpurea. TJlmus Campestris. Nicotiana Tabacum. Juniperus Communis. Solanum Dulcamara. Copaifera Officinalis^ Lactuca Virosa. Pinus Balsamea. Colchicum Autumnale. Pinus Larix. Gratiola Officinalis. FROM THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. Meloe Vesicatorius. saline diuretics. $?otassa* 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 diu- retic ; 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. Irt 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 of the 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 Potassje. Acetate of Potash. Sal Diureticus. Thjs salt prepared according to the process of the Pharmacopoeias, by saturating the potash of the 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 »?f it dissolved in water being given every hour or two until it operate DIURETICS. 213 It is Uncertain in its operation, however, and has therefore fallen into disuse.* Super-Tartras PotassjE. 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 unfler 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 of the 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 of 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 beirfg 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 of the 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 diure- tics, 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 squi;l and calomel is probably more successful. It has also some disadvantages. It is frequently neces- sary to give it in such larye doses to obtain its diuretic or its hydragogue effect, that it excites nausea and flatulence, weaken* the appetite, and in- jures the tone of the stomach ; and as a greater degree of debility is induc- ed 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 »s well as every variety of neutral salt, whether alkaline, »ci<3. or metallic, Paris, Ed. 214 DIURETICS. Nitras Potassje. Nitrate of Potash. Nitrum. Nitre. This salt, consisting of nitric acid and potash, is frequently formed on the surface of the 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 of the atmospheric air, and probably also part of the 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 hea^ affording a large quantity of oxygen gas : and from the facility of this decomposition, is an important pharmaceutic agent in oxidating 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 than is required to change the whole alcohol into this product; a portion of ni- tric ether is formed, and this is obtained 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 sul- phates of zinc, copper, and iron ; according to the usual laws of affinity it should be also decomposed by sulphate of soda; this however only takes place at the tempe- rature 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. Schlla 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 prov- ing 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 in- terval it is given in smaller doses. Its nauseating operation, therefore, ought rather to be avoided by the due regulation of the dose. The diuretic power of squill is promoted by combination with mercury, and it is more frequently employed in this combination than alone. Of the 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 stimulat- ing the absorbent system, while the squill excites the action of the ves- sels of the kidneys. This combination is farther adapted to the treat- ment of dropsy, connected as it frequently is with obstruction or chronic inflammation 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 of the squill, mer- curial friction may be substituted. * Incompatible Substances. With a solution of green sulphate of iron its strikes a deep olive colour, owing probably to its holding a portion of nitrous gas in solution ; with the tincture 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 evacuat- ing 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 any 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 4he 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 se- veral 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 opera- tion, or with the reduction in the force of the circulation; it can, on the contrary, be obtained without either of these accompanying it; and With- ering remarked even, that he had found the increased discharge of urine to be checked, when the doses had been imprudently urged so as to occa- sion sickness. He observed also, that if it purges, it almost certainly fads, 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 thereforo 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 of the infusion, prepared according to the formula of Withering, now received into the Pharmacopoeias, is a si- milar medium dose. The great desideratum with regard to this remedy, is to conduct its administration so as to obtain its diuretic effect, without those consequences DIURETICS. 217 which arise from its action accumulated in the system. The rules given by Withering 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- toms 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 of the 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 of the powder, or one ounce of the 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 symptoms, and when it commences, will continue ot" 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 longtime 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 of the 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 bronchise,—anasarca pulmonum, as this affection is named. It may, in the treatment of dropsy, bo 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 dropsy, under the form of infusion, one ounce of the dried leaves being 28 21S DlURKTlUa. infused in a pint of water, and ten drops being given, and gradually increas- 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. Solanacea. 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 of the 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 of the inspissated juice as a reme- dy in dropsy, the dose being gradually increased from 5 or 10 grains to 2 or 3 drachms. Though celebrated by the German practitioners, it is ne- ver used in this country. Colchicum Autumvale. Meadow Saffron, Colchicum. Hexand. Tri- gyn. Liliacea. 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 Hudson, so highly recommended abroad as a re- medy in hydrothorax and humoral asthma, but more particularly as a spe- cific in gout, is now discovered to be a preparation of the colchicum autum- nale. 11 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. Personate. 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 diuretics. 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. Papilionacea, Sum- mitaiis. Indigenous. The tops of the young branches of the broom have a bitter taste, which is communicated both to water and alcohol. The watery decoc- tion, prepared 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 suc- cess. It acts as a cathartic and diuretic ; being taken in divided doses through the day until its operation is obtained. Ulmus Campestris. Common Elm. Pentahdria. Digynia. Sea- brida, 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 as 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 of the decoction is 4 or 6 ounces twice a-day. Qffic. Prep.—Decoct. Ulmi. Ed. Lond. Dub. Juniperus Communis. Juniper. Dioecia. Monadelph. Conifera. Bacca. Indigenous. The berries of this shrub have an aromatic smell, and a warm sweet- ish taste, with a degree of bitterness, the former qualities residing in the pulp, the last in the seeds. Distilled with water, they afford a conside- rable quantity of essential oil. The flavour and warmth are also extract- ed 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. Dumosa. South America. This resinous juice, for it is improperly named a balsam, is the pro- duce by exudation from incisions made in the trunk of the 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 alkalies 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 of the urinary passages. From its power of stimulating these 220 DIURETICS. parts, it frequently proves successful in the cure of gleet, where the in- flammation has entirely subsided, and the discharge continues from weakness of the exhalents or absorbents of the urethra. It has also been given in leucorrhcea, and in hemorrhoidal affections. Its dose is 20 or 30 drops, twice or thrice a-day, given in the form of bolus, or what is preferable, as remaining more easily on the stomach, and less irritating, diffused in water by the medium of mucilage. Pinus Balsamea. Balsamum Canadense. Canadian Balsam. Mo- noecia. Monadelph. Conifera. Balsamum. North America. This resinous juice, like the preceding, improperly named a balsam, 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. Byr 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 dose is from 30 to 50 drops. Of any of the turpentines it is the purest. Pinus Larix. Larch. Terebinthina Veneta. Venice Turpentine, Pinus Sylvestris. Scotch Fir. Common Turpentine. Monoecia. Monadelph. Conifera. From these trees a resinous juice exudes spontaneously, and in greater abundance from incisions in the trunk of the 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 tempera- ture from rising too high, afford an essential oil, which is volatile and in- flammable, but more sparingly soluble in alcohol than any other essential oil. The residuum is a resin nearly insipid. The Venice turpentine af- fords more oil than the other. This oil, Oleum Terebinthina^, Oil of Turpentine, is used in medicine much more frequently than the resinous juice itself. It is 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 Cheyneas a remedy in chronic rheumatism, es- pecially lumbago, given to the extent of 2 or ♦ 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 violently 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. 2-21 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 of the 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 Ceietum Resina?, or Un- guentum Resinosum,long known by the name ofBasilicon, theEmplastrum Resinosum, and others. From the wood of the different species of fir, exposed to 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 re'moved by cold alcohol; 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 of the co nmon vesicatories. Their active matter appears to have a ^^ DIURETICS. peculiar determination to the urinary organs, as even from external appli- cation stranguary is sometimes induced; and a small dose of the cantharides internally administered is liable to act with much violence on the kidueys 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 sometime, 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 of the body of the 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 stimulant 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 amenorrhcea. 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 20 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. Vesical. Unguent. 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. B.] [Pyrola Umbellata. Pippsissewa. Groundholly. Wintergreen. Rheu- matism Weed. Decand. Monogyn. Nat. 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 atonic and diuretic. As a diuretic more especially 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 antilitliic. Dr. Chapman considers it useful in scrofula, and states that he has " 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 3iv. B.] « diaphoretics. i23 CHAP. XL OF DIAPHORETICS. 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 same, 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 of the 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 copi- ously from the exhalent vessels in the liquid form. The operation of these medicines is not obscure ; the natural exhala- tion is merely increased; the action of the 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 of the 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 orother of these modes, the medicines belonging to this class operate,—cither directly stimulating the cutaneous exhalent vessels, or indirectly communicating to them increased action by increasing the force of the circulation. The saline diaphoretics seem to act in the former manner ; they have little or no action on the vascular system, neither increasing the velocity nor force of the circulation ; their action therefore is exerted on the sto- mach, and thence communicated to the vessels of the 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 of the exhalents, sufficient to resist the impetus of the blood, and wAtevcr can remove this will favour sweating. Diaphoresis, therefore, it may in general be said, will follow from increased vascular ac- tion, when the exhalents of the skin are not morbidly constricted ; and it will lake 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- 221 DIAPHORETICS. plained the operation of tepid diluents, and of external warmth in promot- ing 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 of the vascular system ; that of the ipecacuan or an- timony, by its nauseating operation, to diminish the action at the surface, a3 is apparent from the paleness of the 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 of the absorbents, and to remove spasmodic stricture of the 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, Hhd 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 of the 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 of the 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 e^ftreme 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, tha\ the opera- DIAPHORETICS, 225 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. In various obstinate cutaneous affections, as herpes and lepra, advanta- ges have been derived from the use of diaphoretics, probably from altering the morbid state of the extreme vessels on the surface. The use of the warm bath, and the antimonial and mercurial diaphoretics, are found more particularly 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 allow- ing 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 sensible 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 formes. DIAPHORETICS. Acetas Ammonias. Opium. Citras Ammonise. Camphor. Sub-Carbonas Ammonia?. Guaiacum Officinale. Murias Ammonise. Daphne Mezereum. Sub-Murias Hydrargyri, Laurus Sassafras. Antimonium. Salvia Officinalis, SulphuT. 1 226 DIAPHORETICS. Acetas Ammonle. 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 of the vinegar; but as it is 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 promot- ed 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 Ammonle. 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 difttils 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, and iron, acetate of lead and magnesia. Paris. Ed. diaphoretics. 227 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 of the concrete salt, and from half a drachm to a drachm of the solution. Its operation is pro- moted by the sweating regimen. As a stimulant, the ;-olution 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 of the 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 muriatic 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 diaphoretic, 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.f 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, superiartrate of potash, and all the acidulous salts, sulphate of magnesia,ace- tate, submuriate and oxymuriate ot 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 Substances. Sulphuric and nitric acids, potash and its carbonate, car- bonate of soda, lime, magnesia, superacetate of lead, nitrate of silver, and all the metal- lic salts whose bases form insoluble compounds with muriatic acid. Paris. Ed. *"'• 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 wilh 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 offby 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 promot- ed 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 Ipecacuanha; 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. This 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. 229 promoted by tepid diluents and external warmth, the patient being confin- ed 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 larg- er dose. When it operates, the sweating is generally profuse, and by proper management can be kept up for several hours. The power of the combination probably depends on the joint action of the opium and ipe- cacuan, the former increasing the force of the circulation, while it also produces relaxation at the surface, and the latter aiding this effect by its action, propagated from the stomach to the surface of the body, diminish- ing the resistance in the exhalent vessels. Such is the effect of this mo- dification, that the combination can be given with safety in pure inflam- matory affections, attended with increased vascular action, where the ex- hibition 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 suffi- ciently 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. Lig- num et Gumni-resina. South America and West Indies. The 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 affect- ing a radical cure. It has, however, no such power ; hut it is employed as an auxiliary, and sometimes with evident advantage, in promoting the action of mercury in the confirmed state of the disease, and in alleviating the various symptoms which arise from a protracted mercurial course. It is likewise occasionally prescribed in cutaneous diseases, in scrofulous affections, and in chronic rheumatism. The dose in which it is given is a quart of the decoction drunk in the course of the day. If taken warm, it produces diaphoresis. Offic. Prep—Bee. 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 longi udinally, 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 peculiar 230 DIAPHORETICS, properties, whence it has been regarded as a distinct principle. It in par- 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, 9.0. 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 Mezkreum. Mezereon. Octand. Monogyn. Veprecula. Cortex radicis. Indigenous. The bark of the root of this plant is the part used in medicine; the en- tire slender twigs of the root are, however, often found in the shops : its taste, when it is chewed for some time, is acrid : but this acrimony is some- what 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 cutaneous diseases. 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 4 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 Sarsaparilla? Compositum, 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. Oleracea. 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 acids. Paris. Ed. EXPECTORANTS. 231 eases, and in chronic rheumatism ; it has even been celebrated for its ef. iicacy in the removal of some of the symptoms of syphilis, and it is fre- quently added to decoctions of sarsaparilla, guaiac, and mezereon, em- ployed 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 of the 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. But- terfly weed. Pentand. Digyn. Nat. Ord. Contorta. Radix. Uni- ted 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 unplea- sant 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 among our native medicinal productions. It has been found highly service- able 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. Of the former the dose is from 3j to 3ss. The decoction is made by boil- ing 3 ss of the root in a pint of water. Of this a tea cup 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 EXPECTORANTS. 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 exerted in the opera- tion, and emetics, 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 of the lungs. But these exert no specific action, and are therefore not entitled to the appellation of expecto- rants ; nor indeed are they usually considered 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 existence 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 of the 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 will become more copious. At the same time, the disease will be at least partially relieved, as that morbid state of the 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 pneumo- nia, inflammatory catarrh, and asthma, the principal diseases in which ex- pectorants 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 of the 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. It is 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 of the 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 of the remainder more easy. Any medicine promoting ahsorption'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 of the 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 of the 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 reme- dies, 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 of the fluid usually thrown out into the bronchi*, 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 stimu- late 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 bronchise 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. >iTicotiana Tabacum. Myrrha. Scilla Maritima. Myroxylon Perujferum. 30 < £34 EXPECTORANTS. Toluifera Balsamum. Styrax Officinale. Styrax Benzoin. Amyris Gileadensis. Antimonium. Antimony. (Page 174.) Antimony, it has been already remarked, is in use as an expectorani, 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. Of the 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 tartrate 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 1G0.) 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 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 uer. By stimulating the exhalents of the lungs, where they are in a debili- tated state, it may also lessen the secretion where it is too abundant. In in- flammatory states of the system, where, from constriction of the pulmonary vessels, the exhalation is diminished, it is 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, er 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 Sativum. Garlic. Hexand. Monogyn. Liliacea. 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, rheuma- 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 introduc- ed into the ear in cases of deafness. Offic. Prep.—Syr. Alii. Dub. Polygala Senega. Seneka. Rattlesnake-root. Diadelph. Ocland. 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 of the Edinburgh College, an ounce, or an ounce and a half, may be given every second or third hour. As it ope- rates 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 in croup particularly, it has long sustained with us a very high character, and it is also in common use in manr ot 236 fcXPECTORAlNTS. Offic. Prep.—Dec. Polygal. Sencg. Ed. Lond. Ammoniacum. Ammoniac. Heracleum Guminifcrum. 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 of the 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 L2= 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. Amnion. 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 of the 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 3 ss of thebruised root boiled in 3vii.j of water down to ^iv. In croup, a tea-spoonful of this may be given^very hour or half hour, according to circumstances. It is proper to state that Dr. ArcHeV 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 amenorrhcea, usually combined with iron. Its tincture is in common use as a stimulating application in spon- giness of the gums, and sometimes also to foul ulcers. Offic. Prep.— Tinct. Myrrh. Ed. End. Dub.—Tmct. Aloes et Myrrhse. Ed. Mvroxylon Peruikerum. Balsamum Peruvianurn. Peruvian Balsam. Decand. Monogyn. Lomentacea. South America. Tins 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 of the lungs, may be attended with advantage. It has also been prescribed as a remedy in paralysis, chronic rheumatism, and leucorrhcea. Its dose is from 5 to lo 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. Lomentacea. 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. Toluif. B. Ed. Dub.— Syrup. Tolutan. Lond. Stvrax 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 while 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. 233 &IALACJOGUES. 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, 25 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 of the ammoniated and camphorated tinctures of opium, and is scarcely applied to any other use. Offic. Prep.—T. Benz. C. Ed. Lond. Dub. St.yrax 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 stem, 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 soft 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. Oc- tand. Monogyn. Dumosa. Arabia. This balsam is obtained from incisions made in the bark of the 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 with in 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 supe- rior 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 it is 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 SIALAGOGUES. Sialagogues are those medicines which increase the salivary discharge. This may be effected either by the mastication of substances, which, by their acrimony and pungency, excite the action of the vessels which ee- S1ALAG0GUE*. 239 crete 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 of the saliva. Some have remarked, that in consequence of tb,e 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," a solution 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 ano- ther 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 circulat- ing 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 far as to be combined with the phosphoric acid which is secreted, will, from this combination, be incapable of being cor. 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. It 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 ex- tent soluble in water. If the mercury is thus secreted, it will of course stimulate 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. AntiiemisPyrethrum. 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 of the muscles of the throat. Arum Maculatum. Wake-Robin. Gynand. Polyand. Piperita. 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 of sweetishness, 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 palsy and rheumatism. Cochlearia Armoracia. Raphanus Rusticanus. Horseradish. Tetra- dyn. Silic. Siliquosa. 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. ^41 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 of the reeent 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 considerable 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 Zingirer. Ginger. (Page 149.) Ginger-root, from its pungency, excites, when masticated, a sense of heSt 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 of the 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 in 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 er- rhines, 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 of this class of remedies must be very li- mited, as applied to the treatment of disease. By the evacuation they ec- 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 operatio , known headach, pain of the 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 of the mucous dis- charge should be attended to, and if possible obviated. ERRHIISES. Iris Florentina. Asarum Europseum. iEsculus Hippocastanum. Veratrum Album. Origanum Majorana. Nicotiana Tabacum. Lavandula Spica. Euphorbia Officinalis. Rosmarinus Officinalis. Sub-Sulphas Hydrargyri. Iris Florentina. Florentine Orris. Triand. Monogyn. Ensala. 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- hilata. Semen. Cortex. North oj 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. Verticillate. Herba. South of Europe. The leaves of this herb have an aromatic odour, and when dried and reduced to powder, a slight errhine power. Rosmarinus Officinalis. Rosemary. Diand. Monogyn. Verticillate. Summitatesflorentes. 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, un- der 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. Spica Jlorentes. South of Europe. Lavender is cultivated in our gardens. Its flowers have a fragrant smell, and a warm4ntterish taste. They yield a quantity of essential oil, which is employed in medicine as a stimulant, when combined with alco- hol, and other aromatics, under the form of what is named Compound ERRHISES. 243 Spirit of Lavender. The simple spirit or solution of the oil in alcohol is used as a perfume, and the dried leaves in powder are errhine. Offic. Prep.—Spir. Lavand. Spirit. Lav. C. 01. Lavand. Ed. Lond. Dub. Nicotiani. Tobacco. (Page 95.) Thk. leaves of tobacco are in common use as an errhine; their powder forming the different kinds of snuff. Asarum EuROPiEUM. Asarabacca. Dodecand. Monogyn. Sarmenla- cea. 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 of the officinal sternutatory powders. Offic. Prep.—P. Asar. Europ. C. Ed. Veratrum Album. Helleborus Albus. White Hellebore. Polygam. Monoec. Liliacea. 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 a 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 a dose of a few grains, it acts as a violent 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 (o 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. Ungt. 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 acrimonious taste. Us 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 some- times haemorrhage or inflammation. Hence it is scarcely ever employed Externally it is used as a rubefacient or vesicatory. M4 EPISPASTICS AND !>cb-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 nostrils occasion- ally. 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 which 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 of the 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 of the common blistering applications, is absorbed in part by the inflamed surface, and that it is to the peculiar action of this acrid matter stimulating the system, that many of the effects of blisters are owing. But there is no proof, nor indeed any reason to believe, that this absorp- tion is uniform or frequent: the same effects are obtained from blistering applications into the composition of which cantharides do not enter, while they are not obtained from the internal administration of cantha- rides. The effects of blisters are therefore to be ascribed to the pain and inflammation they excite in the part to which 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 as possible ; and where the morbid action extenps 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, ophthalmia, rheumatism, and every other case of active inflammation. In these affections, blisters are used with very evident advantage ; the local inflammation 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. It 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 maimer as blisters ; they 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 of the 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- 246 EPISPASTICS and 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 vary painful affection, not easily removed, care ought to be taken to guard against it. Campiior has been sometimes added to the blistering piaster, with the view of obviating this. But it is doubt- ful if it has any such effect; t.ie 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 of the 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. mus'.ard, and pepper. In the appli- cation of this still more caution is necessay 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 camharides, is commonly used for the purpose, as, by the irritation it excites, it keeps up the inflammation, and at length produces suppuration. A >y foreign body retained on the inflamed part answers the same purpose What are named Orange Pease, the small unripe fruit of the orange, polished, are usually employed, as by their odour they cover the icetor of the 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 number of chronic affections.* *" The United States, rich in the articles of the Materia Medina, furnish us with se- veral species of insects, which may be employed as valuable substitutes tor the cantha- rides of the shops. The species commonly called " Potatoe Fly," which is now much employed (and which I have often employed) as an epispastic, is *he Lytta vittata of Fabricius : theCantharis vittata of Olivier. This, during certain seasons, isso extreme- ly common in many parts of the Union, that it might he collected 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. Ou the contra: y, from frequent employment of the two articles, I cannot hesitate to prefer the American to the foreign fly. Long-keepin.r, 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 canthar.des. 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 Acetsea racemosa (formerly RUBEFACIENTS. 247 Sinapis. Mustard. (See page 182 )—The flour of mustard-seed mix- ed with an equal part of wheat flour or crumbs 01 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 feel in ty- phoid fevers, where there is extreme debility, or determination to the head. It is used in the same maimer in comaose atieciions ; the ap- plication of it in eitner case being continued tor an hour or two. It soon excites a sense of pain, and if applied long produces inflammation. Offic. Prep—Calap Smapeos. Emd. Dub. Allium. Garlic. (See p. 235.)—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 an errhine, is a power- ful vesicatory. It enters into the ep.ispastic 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 ruoefacient, 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 resm, with one of euphorbium, forms an excellent ru- befacient of this kind Pix Burgundic*. Burgundy Pitch. Resina Pini Abietis. Pinus Abies. Monoecia Monadelph. Coniiera. 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. Asa ru- befacient, it is spread upon leather, and applied to the skin ; it excites a slight degree of inflammation, and an exudati >n of srrous fluid, without se- parating the • uncle, 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, =uch as Lytta atrjita. Lv'ta marjjirBta, &c —1. L\'ta stra- ta (of which 1 have obs'-rve i two varieties, differing both m size and in the shades of colour) is an extr' mely i.ommoi insect in many parts of North America. It is most commonly found, in the autumn, upon different species of syngenesious plants, such as ^3ter# Solidago, &c. Though interioi in power to the Lytta vittata, it is well worthy of the attention of physicians, and may always, I think, be collected in quan- tity uearly sufficient to auswer the demand ol the practitioner.—2. Lytta marginata of Fabricius (the Canthans ajargiuata of Omier) is much less common: but it is more powerful than either of he preceding species.—3. Lytta -inerea is also very powerful, but not common ; at least within the field of my explorations. The blis- tering property of these two insects is so very great, that tl.e discovery of them, in large quantities, woul * be a matter of great importance to the interests of medicine. Though they inhabit (one of the species, in particular) plants of a very acrid na- ture, it does not appear, that from this source they derive much, if any, of their pe- culiar power: for I find that these insects exert equally energetic effects upon the human skin, when they have been confined entirely to a diet of vegetables of a very mild nature, such as the legumina," Sic. (Barton'sCollections for an Essay towards a Materia Medica of the United States, p, 22.) Ed. EPISPASTICS AND RUBKFAC1ENTS. 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. Ammonia), 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 spontaneous 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 found to be par- ticularly useful in all those cases in which venesection is inadmissible. 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 it is 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, iCSi.HAROUCS. 20 CHAP. XVI. j* 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 of the 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 Alumina? Acetas Cupri. et Potassas- Murias Hydrargyri. Potassa. Sub-Nitras Hydrargyri. JVitras Argenti. Oxidum Arsenici Album. Murias Antimonii. Juniperus Sabina. The Mineral Acids act rapidly as escharotics, especially the sulphu- ric and nitric acids ; but from their fluidity, they can seldom be conveni- ently applied. Super-sulphas alumina et potass^. 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 property, 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 operation 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 32 250 ESCHAROTICS. cataplasm is applied, by which this is relieved, and suppuration is esta- blished. Mr. Simmons has recommended potash in preference to other es- charotics, to prevent the effects from the bite of a rabid animal ; it is ap- plied 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. Nitras 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 ulcer, a little of it being dissolved in as small a portion of water as is 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 JEris. 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.—Ungt. Sub-acet. Cupr. Ed. Dub.—Oxymel iEruginis. 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. ESCHAROTICS. 251 or it is applied mixed with lard in the form of ointment; for the prepara- tion of which a formula i3 given in the Pharmacopoeias. Offic. Prep.—Ungt. Sub-nitr. Hydrargyri. Dub. Lond. Ed. Oxidum Arsenici Album. White Oxide of Arsenic. (Page 123.) White oxide of arsenic has been frequently employed as an external application to cancer, and though it has been regarded as in some measure specific, its immediate action is that of an escharotic. It was first intro- duced as an empirical remedy, and was applied, mixed with vegetable matter; a drachm of white arsenic, five scruples of sulphur, an ounce of the leaves of Meadow Crowfoot, and an ounce of Dogs-fennel, being rub- bed together, and a little of the powder being made into a paste with the yolk of an egg: this, in a few hours, formed an eschar, by which the dis- eased surface was changed; and by exciting suppuration by the application of cataplasms, this was thrown off. It has since been used under the form of ointment or solution. The latter has been supposed the least painful form, though perhaps it is not the most effectual. Ten grains are dissolv- ed in one ounce of water, and this solution is applied by a pencil to the sore. It not unfrequently amends the discharge, causes the sore to con- tract in size, and cases have even been related of its having effected a cure. Violent lancinating pain is sometimes produced by its application ; and in some cases, from its continuance, the general system appears to be affected, and symptoms occur indicating affection of the stomach and lungs, which cannot be relieved but by suspending the application. When these appear, the use of the arsenic ought to be stopt: and the effects already stated un- der the general history of arsenic, (page 124), as produced by its appli- cation to a wound, suggest the propriety of employing it with much cau- tion even externally, especially when it is applied to an excoriated sur- face. Cases are on record, in which, from the too free application of it in this manner, violent constitutional symptoms, with even a fatal termina- tion, have been induced. Still, even with these disadvantages, the bene- fit derived from the application of arsenic in schirrus and cancer has oft- en been so striking, as to lead to its occasional employment, especially with the view of reducing the size of a cancerous tumour or sore, or in those cases where either the patient will not submit to the operation, or where it cannot be properly performed. The original mode of applying it by cataplasm is probably the most effectual, as changing the whole dis- eased surface more perfectly. Juniperus Sabina. Savinc. (See page 207.) The leaves of savine possess an acrid power, whence they are employ- ed as escharotic. The powder sprinkled on warts or excrescences re- moves them, by what kind of operation is not very obvious. When made into an ointment with lard, it is used as an application to old ulcers, and to some obstinate cutaneous affections : it has also been recommended as su= perior to any other stimulating application in exciting that degree of sup- puration necessary to keep up a purulent discharge from an issue. Offic. Prep.—Cerat. Sabina;, Ed. Lond. Dub___01, Sabinae, Ed. Dvb fttfTACIDS-. CHAP. XVII OF ANTACIDS. These are remedies which obviate acidity in the stomach by combining with the acid and neutralizing it. The substances most powerful in ex- erting this kind of action, and which can be employed, are the alkalis, and among the earths magnesia and lime. They are all used both in their pure state and in that of carbonate, the carbonic acid being easily disengaged by the acid in the stomach, and the base therefore exerting its neutraliz- ing power. They can be regarded only as palliatives, the production of the acid being to be prevented by the administration of remedies capable of restoring the tone of the stomach. They are employed in dyspepsia, and in diarrhoea arising from acidity. The principal distinction among them is that some, such as magnesia, form with the acid in the stomach a salt having a purgative effect; others, as lime, a salt apparently inert. They differ also in the degree of neutralizing power; a given weight of ammonia, for example, neutralizes a larger portion of an acid than any other base does ; magnesia stands next to it in this respect, then lime, while soda and potash are inferior in power. Magnesia is upon the whole perhaps preferable to any other antacid; it is little inferior to ammonia in power; it is perfectly mild, and from its insolubility, it remains in the stomach, and will continue, therefore, to act, v/hile any portion of it re- mains uncombined. ANTACIDS. Potassa. Calx. Soda. Magnesia*. Ammonia. Potassa. Potash. (Fage 212, 249.) This alkali, the chemical characters of which have been already no- ticed, is obtained from the incineration of the woody parts of vegetables* The ashes are lixiviated, and by evaporation the saline matter, consisting .chiefly of subcarbonate of potash, is procured. This forms the potash of commerce; it is purified by a second solution in water and evaporation; and to procure the alkali, lime is added to the solution of this sub-carbon- ate ; the whole is put upon a Mitre, so that the alkaline solution may pass slowly through the mass of lime; the carbonic acid is abstracted by the lime, and the potash passes through in solution, sufficiently pure for any medicinal application. This solution (Aq. Potassa?) is sometimes employ- ed to relieve the symptoms from acidity, where the generation of acid is constant and abundant, being given in a dose of 15 drops diluted in water. Its acrimony renders it, however, an unpleasant remedy. The sub-car- bonate is occasionally employed in solution, and the crystallized bi-car- bonate, being more mild, has been introduced as a substitute; it has a place in the London Pharmacopoeia, and is the best form under which the potash can be prescribed as an antacid; its dose being from ten grains to half a drachm. The super-carbonate (Aq. Super-carbonatis Potassae) is also often used. It is prepared according to a formula inserted In the Edin- ANTACID?. 253 burgh Pharmacopoeia, in which an ounce of sub-carbonate of potash is dissolved in ten pounds of water, and this is combined under a moderate pressure, with an excess of carbonic acid. By this impregnation, the al- kaline taste is concealed, and an agreeable pungency communicated. The liquor is taken as an antacid, in the dose of half a pound occasionally; and proves useful in relieving the symptoms connected with acidity in the sto- mach, not only by the chemical agency of the alkali, but also by the grate- ful stimulus of the carbonic acid. Soda. Soda. This alkali is obtained in the state of carbonate, from the saline matter, formed in the combustion of marine vegetables, the barilla of commerce. In its pure state it is not employed in medicine : the crystallized sub-car- bonate is used as a lithontriptic, and as an antacid, in a dose of ten or fif- teen grains dissolved in water ; the crystallized bi-carbonate, which has a place in the London Pharmacopoeia, is more mild and grateful, and may therefore be preferred : it may be given in a dose of from ten to thirty grains. Super-saturated with carbonic acid, under the form of the super- carbonated soda water, it is still more grateful, and is an antacid in com- mon use. It is prepared in the same manner as the super-carbonate of potash, the proportions being so adjusted, that the alkaline strength of each solution is nearly the same. It is therefore taken in the same dose, and is usually preferred to the super-carbonate of potash water, as being sup- posed to be more mild. Ammonia. Ammonia. (Page 180, 226.) The solution of ammonia in water (Aq. Ammonias) is sometimes used as an antacid, and it has been recommended by Dr. Sims as superior to the other alkalies in relieving cardialgia, and other symptoms from acidity : so much so, that he has been led to suppose that these symptoms frequent- ly arise, not from the liquid contents of the stomach being acid, but from an elastic fluid, having acidity, on which the ammonia from its volatility more readily acts. From 20 to 30 drops of the solution are given in a cupful of water. The solution of the carbonate of ammonia is also used in a dose of half a drachm ; and the aromatic amtnoniated alcohol forms a still more grate- ful antacid and stimulant. Calx. Lime. (Page 129, 159.) Lime, under the form of lime water, (Aqua Calcis), is used as an ant- acid, in a dose of five or six ounces. It operates, not only chemically, neutralizing the acid, but by its astringent and tonic power contributes to restore the tone of the stomach It is also employed under the form of carbonate of lime, of which there are two varieties in use : the one named by the Edinburgh College Carbonas Calcis Mollior, the other Carbonas Calcis Durior. Carbonas Calcis Mollior. Creta Alba. White Chalk. This is a carbonate of lime found abundantly in nature, nearly pure, or containing only minute quantities of other earths. It is soft and earthy, of a white colour. From the grosser impurities with which it is mixed, it is freed by levigation and washing, and is then named Prepared Chalk, CCreta Praeparata). This is an antacid in very common use. As the com- 254 antacids. pound it forms with the acid in the stomach has no purgative quality, it ts the antacid commonly employed to check diarrhoea from acidity. It is given in a dose of I or 2 drachms, with the addition of a small quantity of an aromatic. The chalk-mixture of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia affords a very good form for administering it. Offic. Prep.—Pulv. Carb. Calc. Comp. Mist. Carb. Calc. Ed. Lond. Pulv. Cret. C. et Opio. Lond.—Troch. Carb. Calc. Ed. Carbonas Calcis Durior. Cancrorum Lapilli et Chelae. Crabs' Stones, Crabs' Claws. Cancer Astacus. Cancer Pagurus. Insecta. Aptera. In the head and stomach of the river craw-fish, (cancer astacus), are found concretions, consisting principally of carbonate of lime, with a little phosphate of lime and animal gelatin. They are prepared by levigation, and washing with water, and are named Lapilli Cancrorum praeparati, formerly Oculi Cancrorum praeparati. The tips of the claws of the com- mon sea-crab (cancer pagurus) are similar in composition, and are pre- pared in the same manner. They are named Chelae Cancrorum prapa- ratse. Both are medicinally employed as carbonates of lime, and being prepared with more care, are in general smoother, and more easily diffus- ed in water, than the common prepared chalk, though there is reason to believe, that as met with in the shops, they are merely chalk with a little gelatin. Their dose is the same. Magnesia. Magnesia. (Page 191.) Magnesia is usually obtained in the slate of carbonate, by decomposing its sulphate or muriate by an alkaline carbonate ; and from this, again, the magnesia is obtained in a pure state, by expelling the carbonic acid by the application of heat. In either state it is used as an antacid : the carbonate has the inconvenience, where lar»e quantities of it require to be taken, of occasioning flatulence from the disengagement of its carbonic acid, and this leads to the preference of the pure magnesia, of which also a small- er quantity is required. It is given in a dose of a scruple or half a drachm. The salt which magnesia forms with the acid in the stomach proves slight- ly purgative ; and this is a reason for distinction in practice between this earth and the carbonate of lime ; the one being used where diarrhoea ac- companies acidity, the other where a laxative effect is wished to be ob- tained. To obviate the flatulence which it is liable to occasion, or which of itself attends the dyspeptic affections in which i" is used, it is advan- tageously combined with a small quantity of aromatic, as ginger or cinna- mon. The preference due to magnesia as an antacid, from its superior power of neutralizing acids, has been stated under the general observations on this class ; and also the superior advantage it has from its insolubility, in consequence of which it is not speedily carried forward from the sto- mach, but remains mixed with the food and exerts all its power. It ac- cordingly appears from the experiments, and the cases related by Mr. Brande, that it is much superior to the alkalies in correcting acidity in the stomach. LITHONTRIPTICS. 255 CHAP XVIII. OF LITHONTRIPTICS. Lithontriptics are medicines supposed to have the power of dissolving urinary calculi; their operation, it is obvious, must be purely chemical. The alkalis, it has been long known, relieve the painful symptoms aris- ing from these calculi; and being found by experiment capable of dissolv- ing these concretions out of the body, it was concluded that their efficacy depends on their solvent power. The discoveries of Modern Chemistry have thrown farther light on this subject; it has been proved that these urinary concretions consist fre- quently of a peculiar acid, the lithic or uric acid, either nearly pure, or in a state of intermixture. With this acid, the alkalis, in their pure state, combine and form a compound soluble in water. It has been ascertained too, that from the internal administration of the fixed alkalis, the urine becomes so far impregnated as to be sensibly alka- line. Experiments have farther proved, that they may be given even to such an extent, as to enable the urine applied to a caculus out of the bo- dy to dissolve part of it; and it appears therefore to follow, that the same solvent power may be exerted on a concretion in the bladder or kidney. Their use, however, to this extent cannot long be persisted in, from the ir- ritation they occasion in the stomach and the bladder; and we have scarcely, perhaps, any proof of a urinary calculus of any considerable size being dissolved. The use of these agents in a moderate quantity may, however, it has been supposed, prevent the increase of a calculus , and, by allowing the surface to become more smooth, may render it less painful. When the alkalis are thus used as palliatives, they are generally employed in the form of carbonate, or super-carbonate, as in that state they are more mild. Their solvent power is thus impaired ; but still they retain the power of preventing the increase of the urinary concretion. The deposition of uric acid, to which that increase is owing, depends in a great measure on the generation of acidity in the prima? viae. The acid which is there formed passes off by the kidneys, and causes the precipitation of the uric acid; the use of the alkaline carbonates, by correcting this acidity, prevents this deposition, and of course prevents the increase of the urinary concretion, and lessens the irritating quality of the urine. It has accordingly been found, that under a course of alkaline remedies, the deposition of uric acid, so frequently abundant from the urine of those who labour under calculus, diminishes rapidly. With* this intention moderate doses of the alkali in it mildest form, saturated or super-saturated with carbonic acid, are taken as they are required. These were the views entertained of the operation of lithontriptic me- dicines, after the discoveries of Scheele and B' rgman had made known the properties of uric acid. More recent investigations have extended our knowledge of this subject, and preclude still more the hope of lithon- triptics being employed with advantage as actual solvents. It had always been known, that urinary calculi are not cr uniform ap- pearance and qualities. Dr. Wollaston's researches led to the knowledge of some others that are of a very different chemical constitution. 256 LITHONTRIPTICS. The uric acid calculus, which is the most frequent, is generally of a brown or yellowish colour, of a compact or radiated structure, smooth on the surface, and is perfectly soluble in alkaline solutions. Another had been observed, composed principally of a matter disposed in layers, white, of a lameilated structure, soft and smooth to the touch, and giving a light powder of a brilliant whiteness. This, the fusible cal- culus as it has been named, is not soluble in alkaline solutions, but dis- solves easily in diluted acids, and it melts before the blowpipe into an en- amel. The substance composing it is phosphate of magnesia and am- monia ; and though it seldom Jbrms an entire calculus in its pure state, it is often intermixed wtth the other ingredients, or disposed with these in alternate layers. Phosphate of lime forms another variety of calculus, sometimes alone, but more generally mixed with uric acid, or with phosphate of magnesia and ammonia. Calculi of this kind have usually little induration, feel dry and rough, and are without any lameilated structure ; they are not dis- solved by the alkalies, but are soluble more or less in diluted acids. Lastly, a calculus had been known to surgeons, under the name of Mul- berry Calculus, derived from its purplish colour, and its rough irregular surface. This is composed principally of oxalate of lime, with portions of uric acid, phosphate of lime, and animal matter. It is harder and heavier than any of the others; and is less affected by the usual solvents, alkaline solutions having no effect upon it, and acids dissolving it with great difficulty ; the alkaline carbonates slowly decompose it. From these diversities in chemical constitution among the urinary con- cretions, it is obvious that we cannot expect uniform advantage from the use of any active solvent as a lithontriptic, since what dissolves one cal- eulus will have no effect upon another ; and cases have accordingly oc- curred, where, instead of relief being obtained from the alkalis, it has been obtained from weak acids, while in many cases they have been pro- ductive of no benefit whatever. A particular source • of difficulty has farther been pointed out by Mr. Brande, attending the attempt to exhibit lithontriptics as solvents. The phosphates of lime and magnesia, which exist in the urine, are retained in solution principally by its excess of acid ; if, therefore, with the view of dissolving a uric acid calculus, or preventing its increase, alkalis be given so as to neutralize this acid, the deposition of the phosphates may be fa- voured, and a layer of them may even form on the existing calculus. And there is reason to believe, that the softness and sponginess which have been observed not unfrequently on the surface of calculi, in patients who have continued for a long period the use of alkalis, and which have been regarded as proofs of partial solution, have arisen from a deposition of this kind. If, on the other hand, from the state of the urine, or from the information afforded by a small calculus being discharged, there were rea- son to believe that a calculus in the bladder consisted chiefly of phosphate of ammonia and magnesia, if we attempted the solution of this by the ad- ministration of weak acids, we run the hazard of causing the deposition of uric acid. It is accordingly found, that these effects take place. In dif- ferent cases it has been remarked, that when alkalis have been given to correct the deposition of uric acid, or the red sediment or gravel from the urine, they have, when continued too long after having produced this ef- fect, caused the deposition of the white sediment or gravel,—the phos- phate of ammonia and magnesia"; and on the other hand? Mr. Brando has LITHONTRIPTICS. 257 remarkei, that when acids were given with the view of removing the de- position of the phosphates, they have, after some time, caused a separa- tion of uric acid. These circumstances render it necessary to employ these remedies with caution, even as palliatives, and seem in a great mea- sure to preclude their use as solvents, since we can scarcely hope, even by an alternation of acids and alkalis, so to adjust them as to obtain to any extent their solvent effects without these counteracting results. There is another mode, in which it has been supposed that lithontrip- tics may exert a solvent power. In all urinary calculi, there exists a quantity of animal matter, mucus or albumen, which has been regarded as the cementing ingredient, giving induration to the calculus. On this it has been conceived solvents may act, so as to destroy the cohesion of the ag- gregate. The experiments of Dr. Egan confirm this, he having found that lime-water is more effectual in destroying the cohesion of a urinary calcu- lus, than an alkaline solution,—a result which, on repeating his experi- ments, I have likewise obtained. Now, this superiority cannot be ascrib- ed to any action of the lime on the saline ingredients of the calculus, but must arise rather from its chemical action on the albumen or animal mu- cus, of which it is known to be a solvent; and it may therefore be sup- posed that lime-water, from this operation, might be used with advantage as a lithontriptic. It would of course require to be given in combination with alkalis, the latter neutralizing the excess of acids in the urine, which would otherwise combine with the lime, and render it inert. But it may be doubted if this could be managed so as to obtain any important effect, or that lime could be secreted in its pure form by the kidneys. From these observations, the advantages to be expected from lithontrip- tics, it is obvious, must be very limited. The alkaline remedies proba- bly cannot be given with greater benefit than to correct the excess of aci- dity in the urine, so frequent in those who labour under calculus, and thus diminish or remove that deposition of gravel as it is named, or small crys- talline grains, which often proves a source of irritation. They may even thus perhaps prevent the increase in the size of a concretion. Or it is possible, in cases of the mulberry calculus, which produces much pain from its rough and pointed surface, that pushing the use of them a little farther may sometimes have proved useful, by giving rise to- the forma- tion of a layer of the phosphate of ammonia and magnesia, which would render the surface of the calculus soft and smooth. Acids, on the other hand, may be given to correct the deposition of the earthy phosphates. But we can never hope, by the most careful administration of either of them, to dissolve a calculus of any size. To correct the acidity, which is the indication most frequently called for, magnesia is safer than the alkalis, as, from not being secreted by the kidneys, it has no tendency, even when taken in excess, to cause the deposition of the earthy phosphates. In the administration of all of them, it may be of advantage to attend to the state of the urine, so far as regards its chemical constitution, and to suspend or vary the remedies as this may change. And in all cases the continuance of the remedies, and the length to which they are carried, ought to be regulated principally by the relief from pain which the patient receives. 33 25S LITHONTRIPTICS. LITHONTRIPTICS, Potassa. Calx. Soda. Magnesia. Sapo Albus. Acida. Potassa. Potash. (Pages 212, 249, 252.) This alkali is used as a lithontriptic, either pure or combined with car- bonic acid. The pure alkali in the state of solution (Aq. Potassae) has been given in a dose of 15 or 20 drops, morning and evening, increasing this gradually as far as the stomach can bear it, until the urine is rendered alkaline; and at the same time diminishing the irritation it is liable to pro- duce, by the free use of diluents1, and of any mucilaginous or gelatinous liquid. It is under this form that potash has been employed wben the actual solution of the calculus has been attempted. Independent, however, of the difficulties which attend this, from the circumstances which have been pointed out under the general observations on the action of lithon- triptics, it is scarcely possible to continue the use of the pure alkali to the requisite extent, from the irritation it occasions both in the stomach and bladder; and when it is to be used as a palliative, it is better to employ it under the milder and more grateful form of the super-carbonate. The super-carbonated potash water, already noticed, (Page 253), affords the most effectual palliative in cases of urinary calculi; the relief obtained from it appears to arise from its neutralizing the free acid in the urine, and thus rendering it less irritating. From half a pound to a pound is given in the course of the day; and it has the important advantage, that, from its mildness, it can be continued for any length of time without reluctance. There is another advantage, perhaps, belonging to the super-carbonated alkalis compared with the pure alkalis. The latter, if pushed too far, are liable to occasion the separation of the earthy phosphates from the urine ; and where the urine is in that state in which these predominate, they must prove injurious. But when super-saturated with carbonic acid, the excess of acid will retain the phosphate dissolved, for this effect is obtained even from water impregnated with carbonic acid alone; and thus all the advan- tage that can be derived from the alkali will be obtained, without the in- jurious consequences that may arise from the use of it in its pure form. Soda. Soda. (Page 253.) Soda, like potash, is used as a lithontriptic, seldom, however, in its pure state. The carbonate, or rather sub-carbonate, is obtained from the barilla of commerce by solution in water and crystallization. The crys- tals contain half their weight of water of crystallization, and are soluble in two parts of cold, and in an equal part of boiling water. This crystallized salt affords a very excellent form under which the alkali may be adminis- tered, so as to give the advantages of a palliative, and which being less ex- pensive than any other, forms a valuable remedy to the poor labouring un- der calculus. It forms what has been named the Soda Pill. The crystals are exposed to a very gentle heat, until they lose their water of crystalli- zation, and the dry powder is made into pills with soap Of these, half a drachm or a drachm are taken in the course of the day. Soda is likewise employed under the form of the super-carbonated soda LITHONTRIPTICS- 259 water, the powers of which are similar to those of the super-carbonated potash water, and which is taken in the same manner. Sapo Albus. Soap is a form under which the fixed alkalis have been administered in calculous affections. It is a chemical combination of ex- pressed oil with potash or soda. Potash forms only a soft soap, soda gives one that becomes hard ; and to form the purer soap which is fit for medicinal use, it is combined with the mildest vegetable expressed oil as that of the olive. The soap is white, but sometimes is designedly colour- ed by the addition to it, while soft, of a solution of sulphate of iron. The acrimony of the alkali is much diminished by its combination with the oil, and on this account soap has been preferred as a lithontriptic, one or two ounces being taken in the course of the day. From the oil it con- tains, however, it is nauseous, and in such large doses generally offensive to the stomach, and the super-saturation with carbonic acid affords a much better method of rendering the alkali mild. Soap is sometimes used in pharmacy, to give consistence to powders when they are to be formed in- to pills. Calx. Lime. (Page 129, 159, 253.) Lime, in the form of lime-water, has been used in calculus in the quan- tity of a quart or more daily ; it may prove useful by correcting acidity ; but in the small quantity in which it can be taken, it can scarcely be sup- posed that any of it will be secreted by the kidneys, so as to change the composition of the urine. Were it secreted, indeed, it would be rendered insoluble by the free phosphoric and uric acids. The only method in which it could be brought to act on a calculus, would be by,conjoining its administration with that of the alkalis, so that the urine should be render- ed alkaline. This combination constituted the celebrated remedies of Ste- phens, the efficacy of which seemed to be established on very strong evi-. dence ; but even with every precaution, it may be doubted if the lime could be made to exert any real lithontriptic power. Magnesia. Magnesia. (Page 191, 254.) The advantage derived from lithontriptics being in a great measure con- fined to their neutralizing acidity in the stomach, as above explained, mag- nesia has been employed for this purpose as equally effectual, and as pos- sessed of some peculiar advantage over the alkalis. From its insolubility it will remain longer in the stomach, and from this it has been supposed, will more certainly neutralize the acid ; it has accordingly been affirmed on the authority of Mr. Home, that it diminishes more effectually the de- position of uric acid from the urine ; and some cases have been related by Mr. Brande, in which magnesia had proved effectual, where the alkalis previously given had failed to relieve the too abundant secretion of this acid. It has also been supposed, that even if it be taken in excess, it will not, from its insolubility, be secreted by the kidneys, and hence will be less liable than the alkalis, to cause a deposition of the urinary phosphates ; and its mildness admits of its continued use. The pure magnesia being more active than the carbonate, and being perfectly mild, it is preferred. The dose in which it has been given, is from a scruple to half a drachm twice a-day. In some cases in which it was employed, in which gout was connected with gravel, the symptoms of the former disease were at the same time alleviated. 260 LITHONTRIPTICS- Acida. Acids have sometimes been employed as lithontriptics. Where the state of the urinary secretion is such that there is a separation of phos- phate of lime or phoshate of ammonia and magnesia, they prevent this by their solvent power ; but this is comparatively rare. Where there [is a too copious secretion of uric acid, they must increase it, and prove prejudicial; and in such cases accordingly, they almost uniformly occasion irritation and pain. It is singular, however, that they have been found to afford relief, even when they caused a deposition of matter from thp urine. If this consisted of phosphate of magnesia and ammonia, it might bo suppos- ed that the acid had acted on a calculus composed of this, and by its sol- vent power had so far weakened its aggregation, as to cause it to fall down. In some cases, however, even where relief was obtained, the sediment has been found to be uric acid : scarcely any other supposition can be made with regard to this, to account for the relief received, than that it had form- ed part of a concretion, of which the phosphates had been the principal ingredients ; and that the latter being dissolved by the acid secreted with the urine, the former had been evacuated in a state of suspension. But this occurrence must be rare ; and the use of acids as lithontriptics must be in a great measure limited to those cases in which the earthy phos- phates are too abundantly secreted. And in employing them even in these, care must always be taken to guard against the separation of uric acid by their too free or long continued use. The obvious rule is, to give the acid to that extent which shall afford relief from irritation, and which shall lessen or remove the deposition of phosphate of lime, or the more common one of phosphate of magnesia and lime, easily recognized by its white co- lour from the urine, and to diminish the dose, or rather intermit the use of them, whenever any deposite of uric acid appears. Different acids have been employed. Much relief has been obtained from some of the vegetable acids, particularly the citric acid, under the form of lemon juice, taken to the extent of half an ounce daily. The mu- riatic acid has been used with advantage in a dose of from 30 to 50 drops twice or thrice a-day, and the diluted nitric acid of the usual strength, in a dose of 40 drops. According to Mr. Brande's observations, the vegeta- ble acids, particularly the citric and tartaric, are less liable than the mi- neral acids to produce the separation of uric acid, even when they are ta- ken in large doses for a considerable time. Carbonic acid was at one time employed, but had fallen into disuse, probably from the belief of its action being too weak to produce any lithontriptic effect. It has been found, however, that water impregnated with it, taken as common beverage, di- minishes the deposition of earthy phosphates, particularly the phosphate of ammonia and magnesia, rendering the urine transparent, which had be- fore been turbid. Where it does so far succeed, it must be preferable to any of the other acids, both as being less likely to cause any separation of uric acid, and as having the advantage that itcanbe taken for any length of time without any reluctance, has no injurious effect on the stomach, and admits of being used in that irritable state of the bladder which sometimes precludes the use of the others. Bitters and astringents, such as Uva Ursi, have been found of service in calculous cases ; they evidently are so by restoring the tone of the sto- mach, and thus preventing the generation of acid ; and they cannot there- fore be considered strictly as Lithontriptics. refrigerants, 621 CHA'P. XIX. OF REFRIGERANTS. The substances arranged by authors on the Materia Medica under the appellation of Refrigerants, have been defined, Such medicines as dimi- nish the force of the circulation, and reduce the heat of the body, without occasioning any diminution of sensibility or nervous energy. The theory delivered of their operation is unsatisfactory and obscure ; nor are even the facts adduced to establish that operation altogether precise. It is ac- knowledged by Cullen, that, " in many trials made on purpose, it did not appear that the supposed refrigerants diminished that temperature of the body, which is the ordinary temperature of it in health." He concludes, therefore, that the definition should apply only to the reduction of the tem- perature when it has been morbidly increased ; and even in this case the effect of these medicines is allowed not to be considerable. It is not necessary to review the opinions that have been advanced on the mode of operation of refrigerants, they are so extravagant and impro- bable. The explanation given by Dr. Cullen, it is scarcely possible to understand. Its basis, he remarks, is a doctrine delivered by Needham, " that there is every where in nature an expansive force, and a resisting power ; and that, particularly under a certain degree of heat, the expan- sive power appears in all the parts of organized bodies, in consequence of which they shew a singular vegetating power ; while, at the same time, in other bodies there is a power resisting and preventing the action of this vegetating power, and at least of diminishing its force." This power, it is added, is found in those saline substances supposed to be refrigerants ; and " as an increase of heat is no other than an increase of the expansive force (, in the heated parts, it may be understood, how resisting powers may di- minish any preternatural expansive force and heat in our bodies." The discoveries of Modern Chemistry furnish some facts which may perhaps be applied to this subject ; and indeed it is only to those discove- ries which establish the source of animal temperature, that we are to look for an explanation of the changes to which it is subject. It is established by experiment, that the consumption of oxygen in the lungs is materially influenced by the nature of the ingesta received into the stomach. When these are composed of substances which contain a small proportion of oxygen, the consumption of oxygen is increased, and this in a short time after the aliment has been received. Thus Mr. Spal- ding, the celebrated diver, observed, that when he used a diet of animal food, or drunk spiritous liquors, he consumed in a much shorter time the oxygen of the air in his diving-bell; and therefore he had learned from ex- perience to confine himself to a vegetable diet, and water for drink, when following his profession. During digestion, too, it was established by the experiments of Lavoisier and Seguin, that a larger proportion of oxygen than usual is consumed. The animal temperature is derived from the consumption of oxygen gas by respiration : and an increase in that consumption will occasion a great- er evolution of caloric in the system, and consequently an increase of tem- perature, while a diminution in the consumption of oxygen will have an 262 REFRIGERANTS. opposite effect. If, then, when the temperature of the body is morbidly increased, we introduce into the stomach substances containing a large proportion of oxygen, especially in a loose state of combination, we may succeed in reducing the morbid heat. This we accomplish in part by a vegetable diet, but still more effectually by the use of acids. The vegeta- ble acids in particular, which by experience are found to be the best re- frigerants, are acted on by the digestive powers, and assimilated with the food. And as the oxygen they contain is in a concrete state, little sensi- ble heat can be produced by the combination of that element with the other principles of the food The nutritious matter conveyed to the blood, containing thus a larger proportion of oxygen than usual, will be disposed to abstract less of it from the air in the lungs, and consequently less calo- ric will be evolved. The temperature of the body will be reduced, and this operating as a reduction of stimulus, will lessen the number and force of the contractions of the heart. It might be supposed, that any effect of this kind must be trivial, and it actually is so ; for we find in practice that refrigerants produce no sudden or great change. They operate insensibly, and have little other effect than moderating the morbid heat. The whole of their effects, as Cullen remarks, are so slowly produced, as not to be very evident to our senses, nor easily subjected to experiment, being found only in consequence of frequent repetition. « The other refrigerants, the neutral salts, perhaps act in a similar man- ner ; the acid they contain may yield oxygen, but they are less effectual than acids, and their refrigerant power is even problematical, except in so far as they operate on a principle different from that which has been point- ed out,—the power they have of producing in the stomach a sensation of cold. If a draught of cold water be swallowed, the sensation of cold it produces in the stomach is equivalent to a partial abstraction of stimulus, which being extended by sympathy to the heart, occasions a transient re- duction in the force of the circulation, and by this, or by a similar sympa- thetic affection, causes a sensation of cold over the body. Nitre is an ex- ample perhaps of a refrigerant acting in this manner. It excites a sensa- tion of cold in the stomach, even when taken dissolved, and still more in the solid state : and this is followed by reduction in the number and force of the pulsations. Hence nitre acts more suddenly than the other refrigerants, and is more transient in its operation. It may also operate in some degree more permanently, in the same manner as the vegetable acids ; as it is probable, from the florid colour it gives to the blood, that it parts with oxygen readily. It is evident that the indication to be fulfilled by the use of refrigerants, is the reduction of morbid heat. Hence the propriety of their adminis- tration in synocha and other pure inflammatory diseases, and in typhus fe- ver ; in both of which the temperature of the body is increased, though from different causes. In inflammatory diseases, the circulation being so much more rapid than usual, a greater quantity of blood is sent through the whole body and through the lungs in a given time ; and the usual al- terations of the blood taking place, the evolution of caloric, which is the consequence of these alterations, must be increased, and the temperature raised. In such cases, the use of acids, by lessening the disposition of the blood to consume oxygen in the lungs, may be useful in reducing the tem- perature ; and nitre may be of advantage, as it diminishes the force of the contraction of the heart. These means, however, can have only a trivial REFRIGERANTS. 2 Gel effect, compared with those evacuations by which the force of the circu- lation is lessened. The increased temperature in typhus fever seems to be owing to the ab- sorption of the animal solids, which, containing comparatively little oxygen, cause the blood to consume more of it in the lungs. The introduction of acids into the system, by affording this element in a concrete state to that matter, will lessen the consumption of it in respiration, and of course mo- derate the morbidly increased temperature. In either of these forms of disease, therefore, refrigerants may be useful, and accordingly we find them generally used in all the species of febrile affection; though they are still to be regarded as medicines of weak power. REFRIGERANTS. Citrus Medica. Acetum. Citrus Aurantium. Super-Tartras Potassae. Tamarindus lndica. Nitras Potassae. Oxalis Acetosella. Sub-Boras Sodae. All Acids are supposed to be refrigerants : but the vegetable acids possess this power in a more eminent degree, a superiority which, accord^ ing to the preceding view, must be founded on their being more easy of assimilation, and of being acted on by the chemical processes of the living system. The native vegetable acids are found chiefly in the fruits of ve- getables. The sour juice of these fruits consists of the Citric or Malic Acid* or more frequently of a mixture of both, sometimes with the addi- tion of tartaric acid. The citric acid is that which is most largely em- ployed, as it forms the acid juice of the orange and lemon, the two acid fruits in common medicinal use. Citrus Medica. Limones. Lemon. (Page 145.) Succus fructus. Aci- dum concretum. The juice of the fruit of the lemon consists almost entirely of citric acid, diluted with a portion of saccharine and mucilaginous or gelatinous mat- ter. As the fruit cannot always be procured, various methods have been employed to preserve the juice. The most effectual is to add to it, when newly expressed, a portion of alcohol, and to put it aside until the muci- laginous matter is deposited, then by a moderate heat to evaporate the alcohol, and preserve the acid in bottles carefully closed. Even as pre- pared in this method, however, the juice is liable to chemical change. By a different process, the citric acid can be procured pure and in a crystallized state. To the expressed lemon juice gently heated, carbon- ate of lime is added so as to neutralize it; citrate of lime is formed, and being insoluble is precipitated; it is washed with water to carry off the extractive and mucilaginous matter, and is then submitted to the action of sulphuric acid; which, when digested on it for a short time, combines with the lime, and disengages the citric acid; and by evaporation and cooling, this is obtained crystallized. This process was originally given by Scheele, and it has been received into the London Pharmacopoeia. Lemon juice may be regarded as the principal refrigerant: it is prefer- able to all the other acids, being more mild and grateful, and deriving per- haps some advantage from being more easily assimilated. It is used for the general purposes of refrigerants,—to cool and quench thirst in febrde affections. A grateful beverage is formed from it, diluted largely with ater, and sweetened a little with sugar; or the fruit sliced down isadd- ^G4 REI'HIGERANTS. ed to any mild diluent. A preparation from it, which is used as a refri- gerant in fever, is what is named the Saline mixture, formed by neutraliz- ing lemon juice by the addition of carbonate of potash, adding to this wa- ter, with a little sugar, and a small portion of any distilled water. Of this mixture, a table-spoonful is taken occasionally ; it is grateful, but cannot be considered as possessed of much power, any refrigerant quality which may belong to the acid being probably lost by its neutralization. Another form under which lemon juice is used in fever, principally with the view of relieving nausea or checking vomiting, is that of the Efferves- cing Draught, as it has been named. A. solution of carbonate of potash, and diluted lemon juice, are mingled together, and while in the act of ef- fervescence, t'ie mixture is swallowed. The efficacy of it is probably de- pendent on the pungency and stimulant operation of the carbonic acid, but it affords a grateful form under which this can be administered. The juice of the lemon, and indeed the citric acid, as it exists in any vegetable fruit, has been long known as nearly an infallible remedy in scur- vy. A theory of its operation in removing this disease has been given, founded on its chemical agency, and particularly on the supposition that it imparts oxygen to the system, which is not without probability. In some forms of urinary calculus it affords relief. Lemon juice was employed as a remedy in syphilis, at the time nitric acid received a trial, and cases were given in which it proved successful. These are doubtful, and this use of it has never been established in practice. The crystallized citric acid may be supposed to have the same power as the lemon juice. This, however, is somewhat uncertain, especially with regard to the treatment of scurvy, the disease in which the medici- nal efficacy of this acid is most important. It is also deprived of the ._ agreeable flavour of the lemon, and is hence a less grateful refrigerant in fever. The flavour may be communicated to it to a certain extent, by infusing a little of the rind of the lemon in the water in which it is dis- solved. It is used medicinally principally in forming the effervescing draught, its solution being added to the solution of carbonate of potash. One ounce of it, dissolved in a pint of water, is said by Dr. Powell to be equal in strength to one pint of common lemon juice. Citrus Aurantium. The Orange. Succus Fructus. (Page 145.) Th* juice of the orange ha?s a certain degree of sourness, accompanied, in the variety named the China Orange, when ripe, with a sweetness; in that named the Seville Orange, with a slight bitterness; and this sourness appears to depend on citric acid. The former is used as a refrigerant in febrile affections, more grateful, but less powerful than the fruit of the lemon. It is also used as a remedy in scurvy. Tamakindus Inpica. Tamarind. (Page 190.") The fruit of the tamarind contains an acid pulp, which is preserved by the addition of unrefined sugar, this forming the Tamarinds of the shops. The acid is principally the citric, sixteen ounces of the prepared pulp con- taining, according to Vauquelin's analysis, an ounce and a half of citric acid, half an ounce of super-tartrate of potash, two drachms of tartaric acid, and half a drachm of malic acid. This pulp forms a grateful refrige- rant beverage, a little of it being infused in tepid water, which isoften token in febrile affections. REFRIGERANTS. 265 Oxalis Acetosella. Wood Sorrel. Decand. Pentagyn. Gruinal. Fo- lia. Indigenous. rn 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 of the sturgeon, as well as several other kinds offish caught in the Volga, the Oby, and other rivers, which flow into the Caspian or the Northern 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 inodorous. 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. Pomacea. Fructus; .Nucleus; 01- Express. Syria, Barbary. The kernel of the 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 of the 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. ■273 and more free from any rancidity. In common with expressed oils, it has the properties of a demulcent : and diffused in water by the medium o. mucilage, or a few drops of an alkaline solution, it is given 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 Europe a. Olive Oil. Oleum Olivarum. Diand. Monogyn. Sepiaria. Oleum Expressum. South of Europe. The oil obtained from the fruit of the olive by expression, is of a light yellowish or greenish colour, without taste or smell, and possessed of the 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 emallient, applied by friction, or forming the basis of liniments and ointments. Sevum Ceyi. Spermaceti. Physeter. Macrocephalus. Mammalia. Cetacea. This fatty matter is obtained from the head of the 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 ©f the 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 by the bee from the antherae of vegetables. The experiments of Huber appear, however, to have proved, that it can be 35 274 EMOLUKN'ls. formed by the bee from changes produced on its saccharine food. Still it 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 Myrica Cerifera, 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 ; i: has also an agreeable odour. It maybe 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- cludes those medicines which 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 in- cluded under the same class, those substances which, applied to the sur- face, 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 of the common grains, forms the basis of the common cataplasm; the flowers of the 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 ; they are merely introduced by friction ; and in distension of the 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, freed 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 Aqua; Calcis), is another emollient composition, employed as a soothing appli- cation 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 kernel of the fruit of the Cocos Butyracea, a native of Brazil. It is obtained by decoction of the 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 yel- lowish-green colour, and has an odour slightly fragrant. CHAP. XXIII. OF ANTHELMINTICS. Anthelmintics are remedies which expel worms from the intestinal canal. 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 of the intestines the worms which are evacuated. Other substances ranked as anthelmintics seem to have no other pro- perty 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 assimi- lated, or the secreted fluids poured into the intestines are not properly prepared. Lastly, other remedies of this class apparently operate by their cathar- tic power. Those cathartics which discharge the mucus of the 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 2.76 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 arc 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 Marilandica. Stannum. Polypodium Filix Map, Oleum Oleae Europaeae. Tanacetum Vulgare. Oleum Terebinthinae. Geoffraea Inermis. 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 of the 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 of the intestines, and evacuating the in- testinal mucus. It is given alone in a dose of one or two grains to chil- dren, and 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 high- ly 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 heating it nearly to its melting point, and agitating it briskly. 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 from the mucus of the intestines by the grittiness of its particles. It is not ANTHELMINTICS. 277 improbable, too, that it may act by generating hydrogen gas in the intes- tinal canal, which proves noxious to the animal ; and its efficacy has been said to be increased by combination with sulphur, by which sulphu- retted hydrogen gas will be evolved. The sulphuretted oxide of tin, au- rum musivum, was once in use as an anthelmintic, and there is an empiri- cal preparation, Blaue's powder, celebrated as an anthelmintic, of which it is said to be the basis. Oleum Olem EukopjE.e. Olive Oil. Oleum Olivarum. Diand. Mo- nogyn. Sepiarioe. South of Europe. Olive Oil, or any expressed oil, taken in the morning to the extent of half a pound, or as much as the stomach can bear, has been said to prove anthelmintic ; but in the state of diffusion in which it must act on worms in the intestines, it can scarcely be expected to have any certain power. Oleum Pini Laricis. Oleum Terebinthinae. Oil of Turpentine. (Page 220.) V * This essential oil has been introduced as an anthelmintic of great pow- er in expelling the tape-worm when given in large doses,—doses indeed so large, compared with those in which it has usually been given, that the practice would appear hazardous, though it is found to be perfectly safe. It was first mentioned by Dr. Fenwick, (Medico-chirurgical Transactions, Vol. II.) Two ounces are given as a dose, and if it do not operate in two hours, an ounce more is given. Purging is generally produced : the worm is evacuated, and is usually lifeless on its expulsion ; while, when evacuat- ed by both methods, it generally retains signs of life. The turpentine therefore evidently operates by its deleterious power. Though these large doses have been taken without any injurious consequence, in some cases they have occasioned severe nausea, or tenesmus, and strangury, while similar quanti'ies, as that of a tea-spoonful repeated every three hours for three or four times, have proved successful. In other cases again, these have been unsuccessful, and it has been necessary to employ the larger dose frequently repeated. Its operation on the bowels as a ca- thartic in the larger quantity, seems to prevent its absorption, and there- fore obviates its action on the urinary organs; and it has been stated in conformity to this, that this action giving rise to strangury, is more liable to happen from small than from lar^e doses. Analogy leads to the employ- ment of the same remedy for the expulsion of the other worms which lodge in the intestinal canal, and in one or two cases the lumbrici have been expelled by it. It has also been employed under the form of enema, half an ounce being diffused in starch mucilage, or in water by the me- dium of the yolk of an egg. The nauseating effect on the •tomach is thus avoided, but this mode of application is frequently productive of pain. Dolichos Pruriens. Cowhage. Diadehh. Decand. Papilionacea. Pubes leguminis rigida. East and West Indies. The down which covers the outer surface of the pods of this plant, con- sists of spiculae, so sharp, that if incautiously handled, they penetrate the cuticle, and occasion severe itching and inflammation. It is this down which is used as an anthelmintic. It is made into an electuary with syrup or molasses, of which two tea-spoonfuls are given to an adult, and repeat- ed two or three times, a strong cathartic being afterwards exhibited. Its 278 ANTHELMINTICS. action is mechanical, the spiculae producing irritation in the body of the animal, causing its motion, and perhaps also exciting the action of the in- testines. In the West India islands it is the common anthelmintic, and is described as being given with much advantage, more so than when used in this country,—a difference which has been explained from the state of the mucous secretion in the intestinal canal, which appears to be more abundant in warm climates ; and hence more powerful remedies are re- quired to produce an anthelmintic effect. The electuary ought to be pre- pared only when it is to be used. Artkmisia Santonica. Wormseed. Syngcn. Polygam. superfl Com- posite Semen. Persia THt seeds of this plant have a faint disagreeable smell, and a very bitter taste. They are in common use as an anthelmintic, and probably operate merely as a bitter ; the dose is half a drachm, or a drachm of the powder to an adult. This, after being continued for some time, is fol- lowed by a dose of a strong cathartic. Spigeua Marilandica. Indian Pink. Pentand. Monogyn. Stellate. Radix, North America. This plant is a na ive of Virginia and Maryland. The slender stalks of its root have a bitter taste, and are used in medicine, on the supposition of their anthelmintic power ; in a large dose they prove purgative, and also sometimes narcotic. They are usually administered in the form of the watery infusion ; in the quantity of half a drachm, or even to the extent of two or three drachms to an adult. Its operation as a narcotic has been said to occur from its administration ; and to prevent this, it has been re- commended to be given rather in large doses, so as to obtain its cathartic operation, by which its narcotic power is obviated. In its dried state, however, in which it is employed in this country, no alarming symptom ever appears to follow from its administration. Polypodium Fn ix Mas. Aspidium Filix Mas. Male Fern. Crypto- gamia. Filices. Radix. I-idigennus. Tni- root of this plant was once highly celebrated as a remedy against the tape-worm ; two or three drachms of the powder of it being taken in the morning, and a strong cathartic of jalap or gamboge given soon after it. The efficacy of the prescription probably depended on the cathartic. Tanacetum Vulgare. Tansy. Syngen. Polyg. superf. Composite. Folia etflores. Indigenous. The leaves and flowers of this plant have a strong bitter taste. They have been recommended as anthelmintic, and especially as capable of ex- pelling the lumbrici, and are sometimes used as a popular remedy. The dose, in powder, is from one scruple to one drachm. Geoffr&a Inermis. Cabbage Tree. Diadelph. Decand. Papilionac. Cortex. Jamaica. The bark of this tree is flat and thin, of a brownish colour ; it has an Unpleasant smell, with a sweetish taste. It is used as an anthelmintic, and has been considered as one of considerable power, especially in expelling the lumbrici. It is usually given under the form of decoction, an ounce being boiled in two pounds of water, to one pound, and from one to two ANTHELMINTICS. 279 ounces of this being gi\#n as a dose to an adult. It usually operates as a cathartic, and in an over-dose is liable to occasion sickness and vomiting. The same symptoms are said to be induced by the incautious drinking of cold water during its operation. When they occur from either cause, they are relieved by a dose of castor oil Others, however, have not ob- served these effects from it, even when it has operated powerfully as an anthelmintic, and have hence conclud. d, that it acts as a specific poison to worms. Offic. Prep.—Decoct. Geoffr. Inerm. Ed. Cambogia. Gamboge. (Page 197.) Gamboge has been celebra'ed as a remedy against the tape-worm, and by its powerful cathartic operation is sometimes successful in expelling it. It is given in a dose from 5 to 20 grains alone, or combined with two parts of supertartrate of potash. It is frequently also given as a cathartic after other anthelmintics. [Melia Azedarach. Pride of China. China tree. Poison berry-tree. Decand. Monogyn. Cortex Radicis. This plant is a native of the East Indies, from whence it was introduc- ed into Europe and North America. It is now completely naturalized in this country, and flourishes luxuriantly in the Southern States, especial- ly Georgia and Carolina. The part used in medicine is the bark of the root. It is a powerful anthelmintic, and is much used and highly esteem- ed by the physicians at the South. It affects the system in a way very similar to the Spigelia Marylandica, producing not unfrequently confusion of the head, stupor, trembling of the hands, &c. This is particularly the case if it be used in the months of March and April, when the sap rises in the tree. Besides this narcotic effect, the melia also proves slightly purgative. The elder Dr. Barton pronounces this article to be one of the best anthelmintics that has yet been discovered. It has been found prin- cipally successful against the round worm, though in some cases it has proved effectual also against the Taenia It is generally given in the form of decoction : to prepare this, three or four ounces of the bark of the fresh root are put into a quart of water and boiled down to a pint; of which |ss. to 3j. may be given every two or three hours till it operates When ad- ministered in this way, it frequently causes both purging and vomit- ing. B.] [Punica Granatorum. Pomegranate. Icosand. Monogyn. The pomegranate is a native of Asia, Barbary, and the South of Europe. From thence it was introduced into the V\ est Indies, where it pro- duces a larger and better flavoured fruit than it does in its native climate. The part used in medicine is the bark of the root. Although mentioned by Celsus a» a remedy against worms, the pomegranate has been but little used for that purpose until very recently. In the East Indies, it has long been a popular remedy against the Taenia, and the recent experience of the European surgeons in that quarter of the globe has fully confirmed its powers. It may be given in the form of powder in doses of from 9j. to 33s. every three or four hours—or in decoction, made by boiling 3ij. of the powdered bark in a pint and a half of water, down to about a pint. Of this when cold a wine glass full is to be given every half hour until four doses have been taken. Generally speaking, the worm is passed alive a few minutes after the last dose is taken. B.] APPENDIX TO PARTS I. & II. In concluding the history of the articles of the Materia Medica, I have thought it proper to present a view of that arrangement in which they are associated according to their natural characters, this being the arrange- ment I follow in my course of Lectures, and a view of it therefore will fa- cilitate a reference to the present work In classing them on this princi- ple, they have usually been comprised under the three divisions of Miner- al, Vegetable, and Animal substances. The first of these, however, is either not sufficiently comprehensive, or too great an extension must be given to the signification of the term applied to it, so as to include substan- ces which cannot be referred to either of the others, and which, at the same time, cannot be regarded as belonging to what is strictly denominat- ed the Mineral Kingdom. A more correct division is. into the two Classes of Unorganized Sub- stances, and of Substances which are the Products of Organization, the lat- ter comprising the vegetable and animal products, while the former may comprehend all the other articles of the Materia Medica. The substances belonging to the first may be subdivided according to their chemical rela- tions ; those to the second according to their natural affinities. Thus, un- der the one will be placed the orders of Salts, Earths, Inflammables, Me- tals, Waters, and Airs. Under the other both Vegetable and Animal Substances may be arranged according to the usual classes of the Linnaean System. With regard to vegetables, some have preferred associating them as they belong to the natural families or orders of plants ; for as in these the arrangement is founded not on arbitrary characters, but on similarity of structure and organization, those substances, it has been imagined, will be brought together, which are possessed of similar powers. But this system of natural classification is stdl so defective, that this has been hi- therto very imperfectly attained; there is therefore no advantage in de- parting from the usual arrangement. There are some substances, such as the vegetable acids, which maybe placed under either general division. They are strictly products of opera- tions depending on organization ; they can also, however, be formed by artificial processes ; and from their chemical constitution, I have judged it preferable to associate them with the substances to which they appear to have the most strict relation. From the progress of botanical knowledge, changes are necessarily made with regard to the specific or generic distinctions of the plants em- ployed in medicine. -Wherever these appear to be established I have ad- mitted them into the following tables ; but where they have been only lately introduced, and remain doubtful, I have thought it preferable to re- tain the old name and arrangement, indicating in a note the change that has been proposed, and the Pharmacopoeia in which it is adopted. Under the history of the substance referred to in the body of the work, will be found the authority on which the proposed alteration rests. TABULA MATERLE MEDICO. CLASSIS L—SALES. 0RU0—ACIDA. \<:idum sulphuricum niurosum -------n i iricum muriaiicum oxy-muriaticuro -------phosphoricum -------carbonicum -------aceticum -------tannricum -------ciiricum ■-------uenzoicum ORD—AXKALTA. Potassa Soda Ammonia ORD.—SALES NEUTRL Sulphas potassae. Sulphas sods Nitras potassae Murias sodas Murias ammonias Oxy-murias potassa; Photpbas sods Carbonas potassae Sub-carbonas potassae Carbonas sodae Sub-carboBas soda Bi-carbonas soda; Carbonas ammonias Sub-carbonas ammonias Sub-boras sodae Acetas potassae Acetas ammonia Super-tartras potassae Tartras potassae Tartras potassae et soda; Citras potassae • itras ammoniae CI. II.—TERRtf). Calx siarbonas calcis Murias calcis Pbosphas calcis llaryta Murias barytas OLASSIS-MONANDRIA. ORD—MONOGYNIA. Amomum repen?* Amomum zingiber! Amomum zedonria Maranta arundinacea CI—DIANDRIA. ORD.-MONOGYNIA, Olea Europaea Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia officinalis Gratiola officinalis ORD.-TRIGYNIA I'iper nigrum ----longum ----caudatum I. INORGANICA. Magnesia Carbonas magnesias Sulphas magnesias Murias magnesias Alumen Super-sulphas alum inae et polassae CA. Ill —INFLAMMABILIA. Sulphur Sulpburetum potassae Hydro-sulphuretum ammoniae Phosphorus Carbo Petroleum Alcohol E'ber sulphuricus Ether nitricus 01. IV.—METALLA. Argentuin Nitras argenti Hydrargyrum Oxidum hydrargyri per tritura- tipnem Oxidum hydrargyri cinereum Oxidum hydrargyri rubrum Sub-sulphas hydrargyri flavus Nitras hydrargyri Sub-nitras hydrargyri ruber Murias bydrai gyri corrosivus Murias hydrargyri mitis Murias hydrargyri et ammouiae Acetas hydrargyri Sulpburetum by'drargyrinigrum Sulpburetum hydrargyri rubrum Ferrum Oxidum ferri nigrum Oxidum ferri rubrum Sulphas ferri Murias ferri Murias ferri et ammoniae Carbonas ferri Acetas ferri Tartras ferri et potassae Carbonas ferri et potassae Cuprum Sulphas cupri Sub-acetas cupri II. ORGANICA. VEGETABIL1A. Cl.—TRIANDRIA. ORD—MONOGYNIA. Valeriana officinalis Crocus sativus Iris florentina ORD.-DIGYNIA. Saccharum offic ina rum Triticum bybernum Cl.-TETRANDRIA. ORD.-MONOGYNIA. Rubia Tinctorum Santalum album Dor&lenia contrayerva Ammoniuretum cupri Plumbum Oxidum plumbi semi-vitreum Sub-acetas plumbi Acetas plumbi Super-acetas plumbi Stannum Z'ncum Oxidum zinci Carbonas zinci Sulphas zinci Acetas zinci Bismutbum Antimonium Sulpburetum antimonii Oxidum antimonii Oxidum antimonii cum phos phate calcis Tartras antimonii et potassae Arsenicum Oxidum arsenicum album Arsenias potassae Cl. V—AQUA. Aqua pura Aquae mint-rales 1-----------■----■ carbonatae ---------------salinae ---------------sulpbureae -------. ferruginea? Aqua marina Cl. VI.-GASEA. Gas Oxygenium Gas oxidum nitrosum Gas nitrogenium Gas hydrogenium Ga< acidum carbonicum Gas hydrogenium carburetum ELECTRIC ITAS. CI.-PENTANDRIA. GALVANISMUS. ORD.-MONOGYNIA- Hyoscyamus niger Atropa belladona Nicotiana tabacum Datura stramonium Solanum dulcamara Strychnos nux vomica Capsicum annuum Cinchona cordifolia --------lancifolia ------- oblongifolia Anchusa ticrtoria Spigella marilandica Callicocca ipecacuanha Convolvulus jalapa Convolvulus scammonium Rhamnus cktbarticus ORD— DIGYNIA. Gemiana lutea Conium maculalum Rlettaria cardamomum, Ph. Lond. 36 t Zingiber Officinalis, Plvlond. 282 TABULA. Ferula assafoetida Bubon galbanum Caruiu carui Coriandum sativum Pimpinella anisum Anetbum foeniculura Angelica archangelica ORD—TRIGYNIA. Rhus toxicodendron ORD-PENTAGYNIA. Linum usitatissimum CI.-HEXANDRIA. ORD—MONOGYNIA. Calamus acerus Allium sativum Scilla maritima Aloe spicata ORD.—TRIGYNIA. Colchicum autumnale C1.-HEPTANDRIA. ORD.—MONOGYNIA. iEsculus hippocastanum C1.—0CTANDRIA. ORD.—MONOGYNIA. Amyris opobalsamum Daphne mezereum ORD.-TRIGYNIA. Polygonum bistort* OI.-ENNEANDRIA. ORD—MONOGYNIA. Laurus cinnaniomum Laurus cassia Laurus camphora Laurus sassafras ORD.-TRIGYNIA. Rheum palmatum 61.—DECANDRIA. ORD.—MON OGYNIA. Cassia senna Cassia fistula Ruta graveolens Guaiacum officinale Toluifera balsamum Myrosylon peruiferum Styrax officinale Styrax benzoinum Copaifera officinalis Haematoxylon campechianum Swietenia febrifuga Swietenia mabagoni Quassia amara Quassia simarouba Arbutusuiva ursi Rhododendron chrysantbum Cl.—DODECANDRIA. ORD.—MONOGYNIA. Asarum Eurspaeum Oanella alba ORD—TRIGYNIA. Euphorbia officinalis^ Cl.—ICOSANDRIA. ORD.—MONOGYNIA. Myrtus pimenta Pruntis Sauro-cerasus Amygdalus communis Eugenia caryopbyllata ORD-POLYGYNIA. Ro a ceutifolia Rosa rubra Tormentilla erecta* Cl.—POLYANDRIA. O K D—MO N OG YNIA. Papavei somniferum OH D—TRIGYNIA. Aconitum napellus ORD —POLYGYNIA. llelleborus niger C1-—DIDYNAMIA. ORD—GYMNOSPERMIA. H.yssopus officiualii Mentha piperita Mentha viridis Mentha pulegium Lavandula spica ORD—ANGIOSPERMIA. Digitalis purpurea Cl—TETRADYNAMIA. ORD.—SILICULOSjE. Cochlearia nrmoracia ORD.-SILIQUOS^E. Sinapis alba Cl—MONADELPHIA. ORD.—TRIANDRIA. Tamarindus Indica ORD—POLYANDRIA. Althaea officinalis Malva sylvestris CI—DIADELPHIA. ORD —OCTANDRIA. Polye" 1« senega ORD—DECANDRIA. Pterocarpus santolinus Pterocarpus draco Dolicbos pruriens Geoffrcea inermis Glycyrrbiza glabra Astragalus tragacantha r Cl.—POLYADELPHIA. ORD—ICOSANDRIA. Citrus aurantium Citrus medica ORD—POLYANDRIA. Melaleuca leucadendron % Lacluca sativa ORD._POLTOAMlA SUPIRFLUA Artemisia .anionic* Artemisia absinthium Anlhemis nobilis Anthemis pyrethrum Arnica molilalia Cl.—GYNANDRIA. ORD.—DI ANURIA. Orchis masrula ORD -HEXANDRIA Aristilocbia serpeniaria ORD—POLYANDRIA. Arum maculatum Cl—MONOEC1A. ORD.—POLYANDRIA Qutcus peduitculata Quercus cerris ORD.—MONADELPHIA Pinus balsamea Pinus larix Pinus sylvestris Pinus abies Pinus picea Croton elutheria Ricinus communis ' ORD—SYNGENESIA. Momordica elaieiium Cucumis colocynthis Bryonia alba Cl.-DIOECIA. ORD.-PENTANDRIA. Pistacia leMiscus Humulus lupuius ORD.-H EXANDRI A. Smilax sarsaparilla ORD.—MONADELPHIA- Juniperus communis Juniperus sabina Myristica moscbata Cl—POLYGAMIA. ORD—MONOECIA. Veratrum album Stalagmitis cambogioides " Acacia -----catechu! ORD—DIOECIA, Fraxinus ernus Cl—CRYPTOGAMIA. ORD.-FILICES. Polypodium filix mas § Cycas circinalis ORD__ALOE, Lichen islandicus Cl.—SYNGENESIA. ORD.—POLTGAMIA JEQUALIS. Lactuca virosa Ammoniacum II Sagapenum Myrrba Kino IT Bonplandiae trlfoliata? cortex ** Colombo ANIMALIA. OL AS SIS—MAMMALIA. Moschus Catoreum Cornu cervi Sevum oeti, Axungia porcina. ., Cl—PISCES. Icbthyocolla Cl—INSECTA. C^ntharis vesicatoria tt Cera . Coccinel'a Lapilli et chelae cancrorum Cl.—VERMES. Os saepias ---- Corallium Spongia . * Tormentilla officinalis. t Astragalus'verus, Ph. Lond. "{ Melaleucacajuput',;Ph. Lond. § Aspidium filix mas, Ph. Lond. IT Eucalyptus resinifera, Ph. Ed. il Heracleum gummiferum, Ph. Butea frondosa,Ph. Duh. Land. •*Cmpariafebrifuga, Pb. Load, tt Lytta vesicatoria, Lond MATERIA MEDICA AND PHARMACY. VOL. II.—PART III. The objects of Pharmacy are, the Preservation, Preparation, and Com- position of Medicines. These, in the state in which they are afforded by nature, are not always best adapted to the treatment of disease : they are in many cases liable to change from spontaneous decompositions, which re- quire therefore to be counteracted : their powers sometimes reside, not in the entire matter of which they consist, but in principles capable of being extracted, and which are employed with advantage in an insulated state or under peculiar forms ; by chemical combinations, remedies altogether new are obtained; and, lastly, medicines frequently require to be combined to fulfil particular indications, or they are rendered less ungrateful, more safe, and even more active, when given in a state of mixture. Pharmacy, re- garded as an art, prescribes the rules by which the operations for th'e at- tainment of these objects are conducted, and as a science, unfolds the prin- ciples on which they depend. The Preservation of medicines is, generally speaking, the least impor- tant part of Pharmacy. Those which are most liable to decomposition are the vegetable products, many of which, especially when the re-action of their elements is favoured by humidity, suffer such changes as weaken their medicinal properties. Changes, productive of the same result; are not unfrequently occasioned by the action of air and light. The methods by which these are counteracted, of which the most important is Exsic- cation, belong to this division of Pharmacy. It includes, too, the few general rules which are observed in collecting plants in that state of vigour and maturity in which they are possessed of the greatest degree of activi- ty. And there belong to it also those operations which are necessary to preserve unaltered the few animal products employed in medicine. Under the second branch of Pharmacy, the Preparation of Medicines, are included a number of important operations, agreeing in general, in af- fording substances different, more or less, in chemical constitution from the substances operated. The medicinal powers of vegetable substances, it has already been re. Vol. II. 1 2 PHARMACY. marked, frequently reside in peculiar proximate principles, which, trom their relations to certain solvents, can be separated from each other; and thus, in many cases, the principle on which the medicinal activity of the substance depends, can be obtained in a pure, and, if necessary, in a con- centrated state. Resins, for example, are dissolved by alcohol, gums by water, extractive matter by either of these liquids, or by a mixture of both, and by this separation important advantages may be obtained; the medi- cine is rendered more certain in its operation; it is more easily preserved, or more conveniently administered. On this are founded the various pharmaceutic preparations of infusions, decoctions, tinctures, medicated wines or vinegars, and extracts ;—forms under which medicines are often employed in preference to their natural state. The proximate principles of plants are sometimes obtained apart by other processes, as by distillation, or even by mechanical expression, whence other forms of preparations are obtained. To this division belong too the Saline and Metallic Preparations. These are entirely the results of chemical processes; they are new remedies formed by chemical combination, and are possessed of properties altoge- ther different from those of the substances from which they are prepared. In all these preparations, chemical changes are produced to a greater or less extent. Medicines are also, however, frequently given in a state of mixture, in which they either exert no mutual chemical action, or none pro- ducing any modification of their powers. This forms what is named Com- position in Pharmacy. It is employed with different views; sometimes, for example, to conceal a medicine, to render it less unpleasant, or to give it a convenient form. And frequently more important advantages are at- tained ; the action of one medicine on the system, or on a particular or- gan, so far co-operating with that of another, as to render its operation more certain, or more powerful, or even sometimes giving rise to such a modification, as to produce an effect different from that which would be obtained from the action of either. Pharmacy, as practised in this country, is regulated by the Pharmaco- poeias of the respective Colleges. As many of the processes inserted in these are necessarily alike, I had Ibrmerly given an entire translation of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia only, and introduced merely those prepara- tions in the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias which are peculiar or im- portant. But in the last edition of this work, I considered it preferable to give a translation of the processes of all the Pharmacopoeias, as more satis- factory, and conveying a more full and distinct view of Pharmacy, and this plan I have adhered to in the present edition. The order of the chapters, and their titles, are those of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia; and under each I have inserted the corresponding preparations of the other Phar- macopoeias. DRYING OP VEGETABLES, &C. CHAP. 1 VEGETABILIUM EXSICCATIO.—DRYING OF VEGETABLES. Vegetabilium Exsiccatio. The Drying of Vegetable Substances. Edin* " Herbs and Flowers are to be dried with the gentle heat of a stove, or a common fire, in such a quantity that the drying may be performed as quickly as possible. Their virtues are thus best preserved, the mark of which is their retaining completely their native colour. " The leaves of hemlock, and others containing a subtile volatile mat- ter, are, immediately after drying, to be rubbed to powder, and kept in glass vessels well stopt." The root of the sea squill, after having removed its external coat, is to be first cut transversely into thin slices. The mark of its being properly dried is, that it should retain its bitterness and acrimony, though render- ed friable. Hekbarum Exsiccatio. Drying of Herbs. Dub. " Let the recent leaves of the herb gathered when in flower be put in- to paper bags, and exposed to a low degree of heat for an hour ; then spread them lightly on a sieve, and dry them as quickly as possible, tak- ing care that their green colour is not injured by too high a heat; if they are to be used under the form of powder, let them be reduced to powder immediately, and let this be kept in opaque phials well closed. " Herbs and flowers from which oils and distilled waters are to be pro- cured, ought to be dried as soon as they are gathered." Vegetabilia. Vegetables. Lond. Vegetables are to be gathered in their native soil and situation, in dry weather, when they are neither wet with rain nor with dew^ this is to be done every year, and those older are to be thrown away. * Most roots are to be dug up before their leaves or stalks shoot. Barks should be gathered when they are most easily separated from the wood. Leaves should be taken after the flowers have faded, and before the seeds ripen. Flowers are to be gathered when newly opened. Seeds should be collected when ripe, and before they fall, and are to be kept in the seed vessels. By drying herbs and flowers, or expelling a great part of the water they contain, those spontaneous chemical changes which are favoured by humi- dity are prevented, and they are rendered capable of being preserved. The more quickly they are dried, they retain in general their virtues more completely, care only being taken that too much heat be not applied, as from this part of their volatile principles would be dissipated, and their fla- vour and medicinal qualities impaired. Even when dried, they suffer some changes in keeping, probably from the action of the air and light; and some do so more rapidly than others. Hemlock, in particular, has its co- lour and odour impaired in a very short time; it is therefore necessary to exclude it from the air, and likewise from exposure to light. 4 DRYING OP VEGETABLES, &C. Pulvis Scillje. Powder of Squill. Dub. " Let the roots of squill, freed from their membranous integuments, and cut 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. Prjeparata ex Animalibus. Preparations from Animals. Lond. Adeps Pr^parata. Prepared Lard. Lond. " Cut the fat into small pieces ; then press it, liquified by a gentle heat, through linen." Adeps Suilltjs Pr^paratus. 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.eparatum. Prepared Suet. Lond. " Cut suet*nJ,o pieces ; then press it, melted by a gentle heat through 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 Puripicata. Purified Yellow Wax. Dub. " Take of yellow wax any quantity, melt it with a moderate heat; take off the scum, and after allowing it to settle, pour it off from the impurities." Cornu 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 reduce them to a very fine powder." Horn consists chiefly of indurated albumen, with a portion of gelatin ; the quantity of phosphate of lime it contains is usually small, and in this DRYING OP VEGETABLES, &C. a respect it differs essentially from bone. It is singular, however, that the horns of the deer approach closely to bone in composition, and afford a large quantity of phosphate of lime when calcined. The Dublin College, therefore, properly named 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 mollitiesossium, 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 dentifrice. Spongia Usta. Burnt Sponge. Lond. " Cut sponge into pieces; and bruise it, so that it may be freed from adhering extraneous bodies ; then burn it in a close iron vessel, until it become black and friable : lastly, rub it into a very fine powder. Pulvis Shongi^e Ustje. 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 power." 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 hydrio- date 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 of the goitre will be observed, and it will become necessary to intermit the medicine for some days, resuming it af- terwards, 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 O EXTRACTION OF PULPS. 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. PULP ARUM 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 though a hair-sieve, and boil it with a gentle heat in an earthen vessel, stirring it frequently that it may not barn, until it attain the consist- ence 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 evaporated to a proper consistence, by a slow evaporation." Vegetabilium PRiEPAKATio. 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 of the 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 of the pulps of several fruits which enter into the composition of the Electuary of Sen- na. Pulps are seldom otherwise medicinally employed, and they cannot be long preserved unchanged. CONSERVES. CHAP. HI. CONSERVE.—CONSERVES. 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 of the 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 of the outer rhind of the Orange rasped by a grater ; Conserva Ros^e Canine, exfructu maturo, aseminibus eorumque pube solicite purgato: Conserve of the fruit of the Dog-hip, carefully freed from the seeds and included down ; Conserva Ros^ Gallics, ex petalis nondum explicitis : Conserve of the Unblown Petals of the 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 of the Orange, and the Conserve of the Petals of the Red Rose. Confectio Aurantiorum. Confection of Orange Peel. Lond. " Take of the exterior Rhind of the 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 beat- ing it, three times its weight of refined sugar." Confectio RosjE Canine. 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, 8 INSPISSATED juices. then gradually add the sugar, and rub them together until they form au uniform mass." Confectio Rosje Gallicze. Confection of the Red Rose. Lond. " Take of the Petals of the 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 Ros.e. 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." Of the 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 of the London Pharmacopoeia, which correspond with the Electuaries of the other Pharmacopoeias, will be noticed in a succeed- ing 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 chemi- cal action of the oxygen of the air. Extractive matter, such as that con- tained in the juices of 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. 9 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 decom- sition. The Edinburgh Pharmacopmia gives the following general directions for preparing the inspissated juices. " The fresh leaves are to be bruised, and being inclosed in an hempen bag, 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- tum ;)—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 of the 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 o-iven, therefore, by the other Colleges, and the London College order even the juice to be evaporated without any purification. Succus Spissatus Aconiti Napelli. Inspissated Juice of Wolfsbane- Ed. Extractum Aconiti. Extract of Wolfsba *■ Lond. This inspissated juice is the form under which Wolfsbane was introduced into practice by Stork. He recommended it inglandular swellings, scrofu- lous and venereal affections, gout, and in obstinate chronic rheumatism, ul Vol, II. 2 .10 inspissated juices. a dose of a grain night and morning, and gradually increased to 5 or 6 grains. It is very seldom prescribed. Succus Spissatus Atrop.e Belladon.33. Inspissated Juice of Deadly Nightshade. Ed. Extractum Belladon.e. 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 Cicut^e. 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 the 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 likewise 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 for gathering 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 of the 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 of the powder of the 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 Hyoscvami Nigri. Inspissated Juice of Black Hen- bane. Ed. Dub. Extractum Hyoscvami. 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 Lactucje Sativje. 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. 11 allaying the cough attending phthisis pulmonalis. From the experiments ot 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 LACTUciE Virosje. Inspissated Juice of Strong-scent- ed 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 Nigrjs. 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 class 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, it-is obvious that this consists of a mat- ter which had been suspended in the juice : hence it has been regarded as a species of fecula, without having been, however, very particularly exa- mined ; 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, according 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 £ grain.* It has been used as a hydragogue in drop- sy, 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- vents its frequent use; though in dropsy, where other powerful evacuants have not succeeded, it is sometimestried in small repeated doses, cautious- ly administered. * Vide p. 195- It MIXED 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 of the 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 insipidity, by being insoluble in water and in alcohol, incapable of volati- lization 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 prefer- red ; 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 to be kept secluded from the air, this change being produced in them by absorp- tion 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 mu- cilage, 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 im- perfect. 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 of the 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 Lili Upit atissimi, Oil of Lintseed: Oleum Lim 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, neat is employed in the expression. Oleum Ricini. Castor Oil. Lond. " Bruise the seeds from which the external pellicle has been removed, and express the oil without any application of heat." emulsions. 13 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 of the Materia Medica. b This is the case too with the Olive Oil, Oleum Oleje Europ.E;E, which of all the expressed oils is most largely employed; it is imported from the South of Europe. CHAP. VI. EMULSIONES. EMULSIONS. ED— MISTURiE. MIXTURES. LOND. Emulsions are preparations in which the expressed oil of the seeds or kernels, from which they are made, is diffused through water by the me- dium of the sugar, mucilage, and fecula, which the seeds contain. They may be made from lintseed, from the seeds of the poppy, and from other oily seeds, but almolids 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 Acacle Arabicje. Arabic Emulsion. Ed. "Take of the 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 muci- lage ; 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 of the mucilage, is supposed to have more demulcent power. Emulsio Amygdali Communis. 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- 14 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 of the 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 of the 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 Camphors. 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. MISTUFUE.—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 ounce? MIXTURES. 15 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 Assafqltid.k. Assafoetida Mixture. Lond. " Take of Assafcetida, two drachms; Water, half a pint. Rub the assa- foetida with the water added gradually until they are perfectly mixed." Lac Assafoztid^. Milk of Assafoetida. Dub. " Take of Assafcetida, 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 Camphors. 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 absured preparation, introduced at a time when the principles of Pharmacy were nearly unknown. The burnt hartshorn (which is chiefly 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- 16 M1XTUTES. 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; Refined 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 ppculiar 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, it is 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 of the London Phar- macopoeia 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 of the 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 ; n r 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 preparations. Its dose is an ounce, or an ounce and a half. INFUSIONS. 17 AquaPicis Lio.uidjE. 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 of the 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. VII. INFUSA.—INFUSIONS. 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 its acts. In Pharma- cy it is usually limited to that case where the active matter of vegetable substances^is extracted partially or 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 m 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 be properly applied. The quantity and quality of the matter extracted by infusions are varied by the temperature of" the fluid. Infusions with warm water are considera- 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 of the 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 matter being more easily penetrated by the water. Vol. II. 3 lb INFUSIONS. Infusions are always injured by keeping. Though at first transparent, they soon become more or less turbid ; they deposit a mucous-like sub- stance, lose their peculiar taste, and after some time acquire a putrid smell, —changes owing to the gradual decomposition of the vegetable matter they hold dissolved. Infusions are therefore never kept ready prepared in the shops ; they are to be regarded as extemporaneous preparations, which, in general, require several hours before they can be prepared. Infusum Acaci-E 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 preparation, therefore, possesses all its virtues unimpaired, and rendered more grateful by the addition of the cinnamon. Hence it is one of the best forms un- der which catechu can be prescribed. Its principal use is in diarrhoea: its dose, one ounce every third or fourth hour. A small quanjjty of tinc« ture 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 Cassije Senn.k. Infusion of Senna. Ed. " Take of the 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 Senn.e. 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 Sennae. 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. 19 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 snort time. Infusum Cinchonje Lancifolije. 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 CiNCHONiE. 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 employ- ed 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 occasionally, but is seldom prescribed. Infusum Columb.e. 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 Coi.umb.e. 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 of the dried leave3 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 of the 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 of the remedy appear. Infusum Gentianje Compositum, vulgo Infusum Amarum. Compound Infusion of Gentian. Ed. " Take of Gentian Root cut, half an ounce; Dried Orange-Peel bruised, 20 INFUSIONS. 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 Gentians 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. Macerate for an hour, in a vessel lightly closed, and strain." Infusum Gentian 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 ounces occasionally. The London College omit the alchol; 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 of lemon juice, and of the rhind of the 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." Infulum QuASsiiE. Infusion of Quassia. Lond. " Take of the 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 of the 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. 21 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 of the 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 tne London Pharmacopoeia, in which only ad-achm 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 Rosje Gallice. Infusion of Red Rose. Ed. " Take of the Dried Petals of the 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 Ros^e. Infusion of Rose. Lond. " Take of the Dried Petals of the Red Rose, half an ounce ; Boiling Water, two pints and a half; Diluted Sulphuric Acid, three fluid-drachms; 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 Rosje. Infusion of Rose. Dub. " Take of the Dried Petals of the Red Rose, freed from the heels, half an ounce ; Diluted Sulphuric Acid, by weight, three drachms ; BoilingWa- 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 cynanche, 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 Sennae 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 ; 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 Sennje cum Tamarindis. 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 cathartic 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. 22 INFUSIONS, There are some infusions peculiar to the Dublin and London Pharma- copoeias. Infusum Armoracije 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-Pee!. Lond. " Take of Dried Rhind of the Orange, two drachms; of Fresh Rhind of Lemon, one drachm ; of Cloves bruised, half a drachm ; Boiling Wa- ter, half a pint. m 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 of the 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 habit of taking spiritous cordials has been indulged in. Its dose is a wine glassful. Infusum CascarilljE. Infusion of Cascarilla. Lond. , " Take of Cascarilla Bark bruised, half an ounce: Boiling Water, half a pint. Marcerate 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 Cusparije. Infusion of Angustura. Lond. " Take of the 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 SiMARouBiE. Infusion of "Simarouba. Lond. " Take of the 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. MUCILAUES. 23 Infusum Tabaci. Infusion of Tobacco. Lond. " Take of the 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 of the Leaves of Spearmint dried, two drachms; Boiling Water, as rrnich as is sufficient to afford six ounces of infusion when strained. Digest 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 the root of Valerian, in course 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 which 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 Acacije Arabic je. 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 Acacije. 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." Mucilaoo 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." 24 DECOCTIONS. Mucilage of gum arabic is sometimes employed as the basis of the common 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." Mucillgo 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, add- ing the water gradually ; then boil a little." Starch is the fecula of wheat, and though insoluble in cold water, is dissolved by boiling water, and forms a gelatinous solution. The starch- mucilage is used as a vehicle for giving opium under the form of enema. Mucilago Astragali Tragacanth je. 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 Tragacanthje. 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 of the gum to the water is rather large in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, but is designed to form a stiff mucilage to be used principally in making troches. CHAP. IX. OF DECOCTIONS. The power of water as a solvent, is, like that of all other chemical agents, increased by heat. Hence, in general, the active matter of ve- getable substances is extracted more completely by boiling them with wa- ter, 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 be concluded, however, from this fact, that the decoction is proportionally more powerful in medicinal operation. On the contrary, though the active matter of the 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. 25 impaired; and in some it is totally lost, the decoction itself and the resi- dual 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 evaporat- ed, that water is not found to be impregnated with the active matter of the 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 of the 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 of the 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 it is farther rendered probable by the experiments of the 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 of the vegetable substance; though it is also possible, that chemical changes may arise from the re-action of the elements of the 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 cannot be kept ready prepared, as in a few days they become turbid, and Vol. II. 4 26 DECOCTIONS. run into the acetous fermentation. They can be prepared, however, sooner than infusions; the boiling not requiring to be continued m 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 Althje.ze Officinalis. Decoction of Althaea. Ed. "Take of Dried Althaea Root, bruised, four ounces; Rasins, 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 of the 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 urina?, and sometimes in catarrh. Decoctum Anthemidis Nobilis. Decoction of Chamomile. Ed. " Take of the 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 Flowers 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 second, the vegetables are not more useful, except as retaining longer the heat and moisture when applied to a part, and render- ing its application more convenient. The decoction of the Dublin Phar- macopoeia is rendered more active as an enema, by dissolving in ten ounces 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 assa- fcetida, it forms the preparation of the same Pharmacopoeia named Ene- ma FffiTtDUM. 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 course powder, an ounce ; Water, a pint. Boil for ten minutes in a vessel nearly close, and strain the liquor while warm through linen." DECOCTIONS. 27 The resino-extractive matter of Peruvian bark appears to be decom- posed by decoction ; hence the reason of the 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 of the air, to the chemical agency of which the change in the extrac- tive 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 admi- nistration of the 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 it is scarcely sufficiently active to produce any of the more important effects of Peruvian bark. Decoctum Daphnes Mezerei. Decoction of Mezereon. Ed. " Take of the Bark of the 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 of the ligaments, affections of the bones and periosteum, and obstinate 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 Geoffraa 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 Island^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 Guaiaci Compositum. Compound Decoction of Guaiac, Ed. " Take of Guaiac Wood Shavings, three ounces ; Raisins, two ounces; in 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- tle fire, 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 tw ice 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 Bariey, two ounces ; Boiling Water, five pounds. First wash off with cold water the flour adhering to the barley ; then boil the barley for a short time with about half a pound of water, to extract the colouring matter. This being rejecied, 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 of the Seeds of Barley, two ounces ; Water, four pints and 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 to 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 raisins, then the figs, and lastly the liquor- ice, a little before the end of the boiling, which will be complete when about two pints of the liquor remain." The additions in these compound decoctions^an communicate little efficacy, and probably render the liquor rather croying 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. 29 "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 of the 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 rendered more grateful by removing the bitter matter of the lichen, by pre- vious maceration. Decoctum Poi ygala 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, seneka has been employed as an expec- torant 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 haemorrhoids, prolapsus ani, leucorrhoea, and profuse menorrhagia. Dh.cocTUM 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, boil to two pints, and strain." Decoctum Sarsaparilla. Decoction of Sarsaparilla. Dub. " Take of Sarsaparilla Root cut, an ounce and a half; Boiling Water, two piuts. 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 sub- 30 DECOCTIONS. sequent 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 enaciations and debility remaining after the long continued use of mercury. It 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 of the sar- saparilla itself. The decoction has been used with considerable advan- tage as a demulcent in dysuria, and in morbid irritability of the bladder, occasioning incontinence of urine. Decoctum Ulmi Campestris. Decoction of Elm. Ed. " Take of the Fresh Bark of the Elm bruised, four ounces ; of Water, five pounds. Boil down to two pounds and a half, and then strain." Decoctum Ulmi. Decoction of Elm. Lond. " Take of the 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 Pharmacopoeias, remain to be noticed. Decoctum Aloes Compositum. Compound decoction of Aloes. Lond. "Take of Extract of Liquorice, fcalf an ounce; Sub-carbonate 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 boiling in wa- decoctions. 31 ter. It is liable to spontaneous decomposition, and having no peculiar ad- vantage, is little used. Decoctum Dulcamara. Decoction of Woody Nightshade. Lond. " Take of the 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 of the White Poppy cut, four ounces : Water, four pints. Boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain." The decoction of the capsules of the 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 of the Simple Decoction of Sarsaparilla boiling, four pints; Sas- safras Wood cut, Raspings of Guaiac Wood, Liquorice Root bruised, of each one ounce ; Mazereon, three drachms. Boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain.'' Decoctum Sarsaparilla Compositum. Compound Decoction of Sarsa- parilla. 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 of the boiling the liquorice with the mezereon ; lastly, strain." This is nearly the same composition as the Lisbon Diet Drink, celebrat- ed, as has been already remarked, in the treatment of secondary venereal affections, or symptoms appearing during a protracted mercurial course. The efficacy of the 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; 32 svRura. 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 a 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 of the Leaves of Foxglove dried, one drachm, Water, as mucli 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 al- ter the powers of the medicine, and it may be regarded as analogous to the infusion of the other Pharmacopoeias. The proportions too are the same, and it may therefore be given in the same dose. CHAP. X. SYRUPI.—SYRUPS. Syrups are saturated solutions of sugar in water, in watery infusion?, 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 of the 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- SYRUPS. 33 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. Syrupus Alth a a 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 gugar. 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. Marcerate 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 Cassia Senna. 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 Senna. 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 Manna, Refined Sugar, of each a pound; Senna Leaves, half Vol. II. 5 34 SYRUPs. an ounce ; Boiling Water, a pint. Marcerate the senna in the water in a close 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 infusion of senna, sweetened with sugar or manna, which is in com- mon use, being of extemporaneous preparation, is preferable. Syrupus Citri Auranth. Syrup of Orange Peel. Ed. " Take of the Fresh Outer Rhind of the Orange, three ounces ; BohW Water, one pound and a half; Refined Sugar, three pounds. Mace* rate the rhind with the water for twelve hours in a closed vessel, then strain the liquor, and added the sugar to be dissolved by a gentle heat." Syrupus Aurantiorum. Syrup of Orange-Peel. Lond. " Take of the Fresh Rhind of the 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 of the 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 prepar- ing 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." r 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 of the acid. & J 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. Macerate the root in the acid for two days, shaking the vessel occasion- ally; then expressing it gently, strain it; to the strained liquor add the sugar, and boil a little, so as to form a syrup." Colchicum has been used under this form as a diuretic in dropsy, the dose being from half an ounce to an ounce. Syrupus Dianthi Caryophilli. Syrup of Clove July-Flower. Ed. "Take of the Fresh Petals of the Clove July-Flower freed from the SYRUPS. 35 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 of the 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 of the Dried Capsules of the White Poppy, freed from the seeds, one part; Boiling Water, fifteen parts; Refined Sugar, two parts. Mace- rate the capsules cut in the water for twelve hours; then boil until a third part only of the liquor remain ; and pressing it strongly strain; last- ly, the sugar being added, boil so as to form a syrup." Syrupus Papaveris. Syrup of Poppy. Lond. " Take of the Capsules of the 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 of the Capsules of the 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 mo- derate heat to a pint; strain it through a thin linen cloth, and put it aside for six hours, that the impurities may subside; lastly, having freed the li- quor from the impurities, add sugar so as to form a syrup." The active matter of the capsule of the 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 power 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, aqd might sometimes occasion dangerous consequences. The quantity of syrup prepared from a given weight of the capsules is considerably larger, according to the formula of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, than those of the others. Whe- ther it is proportionally weaker remains to be ascertained. Syrupus Rosa Centifolia. Syrup of Damask or Pale Rose. Ed. 36 syruts. ct 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 of the Dried Petals of the Damask Rose, seven ounces; Re- fined 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 of the rose is lost in this syrup ; but it has a weak purgative power, and is sometimes given to infants in a dose of two or three tea-spoonfuls. Syrupus Rosa Gallica. Syrup of Red Rose. Ed. " Take of the Dried Petals of the 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 liquor add the sugar, and again boil, so as to form a syrup." Water, by infusion, extracts the slight astringency and the colour of the red rose; the astringency has been supposedlo be such as to counteract the laxative quality of the sugar, and hence it is usually this syrup that enters into the composition of astringent mixtures. Syrupus Scilla Maratima. 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; it is 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 Simplex. 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 any im- purities." 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 Balsam. 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 Syrupus Tolutanus. Tolu Syrup. I ond. » 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 Si RIPS. 37 a close vessel, stirring frequently, and strain the liquor when cold, then add the sugar as directed for preparing simple syrup." The formula of the 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 impregnat- ed 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. Syrupus Viola Odorata. Syrup of Violet. " 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 sugar 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 poutids 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 of the buckthorn is best preserved by being made into a syrup, and it is under this form that it has been usd as a cathartic, the dose to an 38 SYRUPS. adult being an ounce, or an ounce and a half. Its operation, however, is 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 Rhof. ados. Syrup of Red Poppy. Lond. " Take 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 Papavkris Erratici. Syrup of Wild Poppy. Dub. "Take of the 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 heat 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 of the 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 of the 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 of the 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 syrup 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. 39 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 of the 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. When the honey is liquefied, these in a great measure separate and rise to the surface, so as to be easily removed. The honey thus purified is ordered in the other preparations into which it enters. Mel Rosa Gallic a. Honey of Red Roses. Ed. " Take of Red Rose Leaves dried, one ounce ; Boiling Water, one pound ; 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. Marcerate the petals in the water for six hours, then to the strained liquor add the honey, and boil in down in a water-bath to the proper consistence." Mel Rosa. Honey of Rose. Dub. " Take of the 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 prepartion 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." MeX Boracis. 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 giving 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." 40 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 al- so the basis of a cooling detergent gargle. Besides these preparations with Honey, there are a few 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 Scilla. 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 of the 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. Last- ly, 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 no- ticed ; nor can it derive any advantage from honey being used in its pre- paration. Oxymel JEruginis. 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." LlniMentum iERuniNis. Liniment of Verdigrease. Lond. " Take of Verdigrease in powder, an ounce ; Vinegar, seven fluid- ounces ; 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 connected with a venereal taint. WINES. ■n 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 wme is taken in a considerable dose, must prove hurtful to the stomach, especially in, dyspeptic affections. Accordingly, few of the medicated wines are now employed. The spontaneous decomposition to which they are liable, is 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 of the metals, and are better solvents of some metal- lic 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 Cardamom 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 Aloe?, 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, shak-» ing occasionally, and strain.'' Vinum Aloes. Wine of Aloes. Dub. " Take of Socotorine Aloes, four ounces ; Canella, an ounce ; Spa- nish White-wine, three pints ; Proof-spirit, one pint. Mix the aloes and canella separately reduced to powder, and pour on the wine mixed with the spirit. Digest for fourteen days, shaking the vessel frequently ; last- ly, 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 one Vol. II. 6 42 WINES. ounce. In a dose of one or two drachms, it is given to excite the action of the intestines and neighbouring organs, in dyspepsia, amenorrhcea, and similar affections. Vinum Gentiana Compositum. Compound of Gentian Wine. Ed. " Take of Gentian Root, half an ounce; Lance-leaved Bark, one ounce; Orange-Peel dried, two drachms: White Canella Bark, one drachm; Diluted Alcohol, four ounces ; Spanish White-wine, two pounds and a half. On the root and barks cut and bruised, pour first the diluted 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 continued use ; but from its tendency to become acescent, it is not adapted to administration in dyspepsia. Its dose is six drachms. Vinum Ipecacuanha. 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 Root of Ipecacuan bruised, two ounces ; Wine, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Vinum Ipecacuanha. Wine of Ipecacuan. Dub. " Take of Root of Ipecacuan bruised, two ounces ; Spanish White- wine, two pints. Digest for seven days, then strain." Wine extracts the active matter of Ipecacuan, and covers its taste and flavour, while it has the advantage of being less pungent than diluted al- cohol, This wine is often used as an emetic, especially to children, to whom, from being not ungrateful, it can be given without difficulty. Its dose is one ounce to an adult, one drachm to a child a year old. Vinum Nicotiana Tabaci. Tobacco Wine. Ed. "Take of the Leaves of Tobacco, one part; Spanish White-wine, twelve parts. Macerate for seven days, and strain through paper." Under this form, Tobacco has been used as a diuretic in dropsy. The dose is thirty drops, gradually increased to sixty or eighty twice a-day. It is liable, however to excite sickness in this largo dose, and a smaller dose often fails in its diuretic effect. Vinum Opii. Wine of Opium. Ed. " Take of Opium, one ounce ; Cinnamon Bark bruised, Cloves bruised, of each one drachm ; White Spanish Wine, sixteen ounces. Macerate for seven days, and strain." Vinum Opii. Wine of Opium. Lond. " Take of Extract of Opium, an ounce; Cinnamon Bark bruised, Cloves bruised, each one drachm ; Wine, a pint. Macerate for eight days, and strain." Wine dissolves the active matter of opium, and has often been used as a menstruum. With the addition of aromatics, it formed the liquid laudanum of Sydenham, and was at one time an officinal preparation in the Pharma- copoeias, though afterwards excluded, to give place to the tincture of opi- um. It is now restored by the London and Edinburgh Colleges, as it had continued in use, and is supposed to have some advantages over the tinc- ture ; and, from the addition of the aromatics in particular, to be less liable VINEGARS. 43 to occasion nausea. It is nearly of the same strength. Vinegar impairs the narcotic power of opium; hence, if this medicated wine were liable to acescency, it might be 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; Spanish White-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 occasional- ly, 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. Lond. Vinum Veratri. Wine of White Hellebore. " Take of the Root of White Hellebore cut, eight ounces; Wine, two pints and a half. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." A strong infusion of white hellebore in wine has been said to form the ba-us 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 H 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 simliar acrid matter, and i' afco affords an active medicated vinegar, but of less importance, as colchicum is little employed. As a solvent of camphor, the concentrated acetic acid is used in one preparation. Acidum Acfticum 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 of the aromatic vegetables, it is a grateful perfume, but it is weak, and its ordour 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 of the 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 Root 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 hours; 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 ounces. Digest the squill root with the vinegar 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 tinctures. 45 is one drachm; or more usually it is given in the form of syrup, prepared form 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. Acrtum Colchici. Vinegar of Meadow Saffron. Lond. " Take of the Fresh Root of Meadow Saffron 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 a^ide, 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. TINCTURE.—TINCTURES. Tinctures are solutions usually of vegetable, sometimes however, of 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, \lcohol, impregnated with ammonia, is employed only i» 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 of the 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 of the 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 of the 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 impregnation is effected in a shorter time ; but the inactive and grosser 46 TINCTURES. 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 of the alkali on the colouring matter, as the same effect is obtained when they are added to a tincture already prepar- ed ; and even where they increase the solubility of some principles, as of resinous 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 paper." 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 Aloks. 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. 47 quorice, 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 bitter- ness, being better prescribed under the form of pill. Tinctura Aloes iETHEREA. 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 of the 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 its 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 Saffron sliced, one ounce. Digest again for three days, and pour off the pure tincture." Tinctura. Aloes Compo-ita. 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. 4b TINCTURES Tincture Amomi Zingiberis. Tincture of Ginger. Ed. " 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 Zingibers. 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 Aristoi.ochia 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 Serpkntaria. Tincture of Snake-Root. Lond. " Take of Snake-Root, three ounces; Proof-spirit, two pints. Mace- rate 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 of the 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." Tinctuka 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 long 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 Bonflandia Trlfoliata. 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. 49* " Take of Angustura Bark, in coarse powder, two ounces; Proof-spi- rit, 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 parL 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 Camphora Compositum. Compound Camphor Liniment Lond. " Take of Camphor, two ounces; Water of Ammonia, six ounces j 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 of the 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 days7 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, leucorrhcea, 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 of the coats of the 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. Vol. II, 1 50 tinctures. Tinctura Castorei. Tincture of Castor. Ed. " Take of Russian Castor in powder, one ounce and a half; Strong Al- 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 prepared in the same 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 pre- pared 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 ; Di- luted 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 of the 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. 'I'he active matter of bark is extracted by diluted alcohol, but so sparingly, that it may be doubted whether in the tincture the powers of the menstruum are not greater than those of the 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 seven7 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. TINCTURES. 51 a 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 a better 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 occa- sionally with advantage. Tinctuha 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." Tinctura 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, sof 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 of the 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." Tinctura 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 of the more important purposes for which this root is prescribed. It is therefore used merely as a bitter tincture in dyspep- sia, 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. Di- gest for seven days, and strain through paper." This tincture possesses all the properties of the plant, and may be giv- en in those cases where the use of the plant is indicated. 32 tinctures. Tinctura Convolvuli Jala pa. Tincture of Jalap. Ed. " Take of the 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 £S 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-spi- rit, 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 of the dried Leaves of Foxglove,, four ounces ; Proof-spirit, •two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Digitalis. Tincture of. Foxglove. Dub. "Take of the Leaves of Foxglove (rejecting those of a large size) dri- ed and reduced to coarse powder, two ounces ; Proof-spirit, one pint. Digest for seven days, then strain." The aetive matter of foxglove appears to be completely extracted by diluted alcohol The tincture is not, however, so much used to obtain the operation of the 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 iten drops, which, according to the general rules observed in the adminis- TINCTURES. 03 tration of digitalis, is to be continued, and if necessary, cautiously increas- ed until its effects are obtained. Tinctura Ferula Assafcetida. Tincture of Assafcetida. Ed. " Take of Assafcetida, four ounces; Strong Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Assakcetida. Tincture of Assafoetida. Lond. " Take of Assafcetida, four ounces ; Rectified Spirit, two pints. Ma- cerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Assafcetida. Tincture of Assafcetida. Dub. " Take of Assafcetida, four ounces; Rectified Spirit, two pints. Water, eight oun.es 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 bo given, so that the operation of the 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 Gall arum. 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 Gentiana 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 Gentian a 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 of the 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. TTinctura Guajaci Officinalis. Tincture of Guaiac. Ed. " Take of the Resin of Guaiac in powder, six ounces; Strong Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." ;}4 TINCTURES. Tinctura Guajaci. Tinture 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 soihetimes been employed as u 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. " 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 celebrat- ed 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 afibrds a convenient form for its administration. It has been supposed to be nearly of the 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 Hyoscyami Nigri. Tincture of Black Henbane. Ed. " Take of the 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 Hyo*cyami. 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, thew strain." Henbane has been introduced in modern practice chiefly as a substitute tinctures. 65 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 m 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 of the latter. & Tinctura Kino. Tincture of Kino. Ed. " Take of Kino 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 the 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 of cin- namon, and it is merely as possessing this flavour and a slight astringency that this tincture is used in mixtures. Tinctura Myrrha. Tincture of Myrrh. Ed. " Take of Myrrh in powder, three ounces ; Strong Alcohol, twenty ounces ; Water, ten ounces. Digest for seven days, and strain through it 'to 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 of Myrrh 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 alcfchol 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 of the teeth and gums, either directly applied, or added to detergent gar- Rlcs. 56 TINCTURES. Tinctura Opii, sive Thebaica ; vulgo Laudanum liquidum. Tincture of 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, *wo 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 of the 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 manageable 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 of the 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,t)m/jo,o 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." Tinctura 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 fourteen 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. 57 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 prepa- ration. These bitter tinctures appear, however, to be unnecessarily mul- tiplied in the Pharmacopoeias, especially as, from the action of the men- struum on the stomach, the form of tincture is not the best mode for the administration of this class of remedies. Tinctura Rhei. Tincture of Rhubarb. Ed. " Take of the 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. Mace- rate fourteen days with a gentle heat, and strain." Tinctura Rhei. Tincture of Rhubarb. Dub. " Take of Rhubarb Root cut, two ounces ; Cardamom Seeds freed fromtfie capsules and bruised, Liquorice cut, of each half an ounce ; Saf- fron, !wo 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 et Aloes. Tincture of Rhubarb with Aloes. Ed. " Take of the Root of Rhubarb cut, ten drachms ; Socotorine Aloes, she 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 of the rhubarb is in this tincture increased by combination with the aloes. It is employed as a stimulating aperient and purgative, in a dose from half an ounce to an ounce, frequently also as an emmenagogue. Tinctura Rhei et Gentiana. Tincture of Rhubarb with Gentian. Ed, V0I.. II. < 5S 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 se- ven 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 of the one is so inconsiderable, compared with that of the other, that no important ad- vantage 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 anodyne in rheumatism and spasms of the muscles. It is frequently successful in relieving pain by topical application, though the relief is of- ten but temporary. Tinctura Scilla Maritima. Tincture of Squill. Ed. » '* Take of the fresh Dried Root of Squill, two ounces ; Diluted AJpohol, sixteen ounces. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Scilla. 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 of 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. 59 Tinctura Senna Composita. Tincture of Senna. Ed. " Take of the 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." Tinciura Senna. Tincture of Senna. Lond. " Take of the 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 S. nna. Tincture of Senna. Dub. " Take of the 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 of the 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 Toluifura 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 Tolu. 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 of the Edinburgh Phar- macopoeia. Tinctura Ver\tri 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 of the 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. Thk following Tinctures are peculiar to the London and Dublin Phar- macopoeias. Tinctura Auranth 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." ->'-> TINCTUREA. The alcohol is in this tincture impregnated with the flavour and bitter- iness of the orange-peel, and it may be used as communicating flavour, 01 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 an 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- pamon 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 principle in which the purgative quality of 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. It 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 of the menstruum probably exceed those of the dis- solved matter, and hence this tincture cannot be employed with much ad- vantage. Tinctura Galbani. Tincture of Galbanum. Dub. " Take of Galbanum cut into small pieces, two ounces ; Proof-spririt, two pints. Digest them for seven days, then strain." This tincture has sometimes been used in hysteria, and to obviate flatu- lence in a dose of two or three drachms. It can scarcely be supposed to have any power. AMMONIATED TINCTURESi. 61 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. TINCTURE AMMONIAT.E.—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 Tinctures, 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, five 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 Ammonia, 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, 11 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 Assafcetida Ammoniata. Ammoniated Tincture of Assafcetida. Ed. "Take of Assafcetida, 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 Fcetidus. Fcetid Spirit of Ammonia. Lond. " Take of Spirit of Ammonia, two pints ; 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 Fcetidus. 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 of the ammoniated alcohol, with part of the assafcetida 62 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, &c. in doses of from one to two drachms. Tinctura Guajaci Ammoniata. Ammoniated Tincture of Guaiac. Ed. " Take of the 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 of the 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 Opii 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 remedy in catarrh. The formula, however, is but ill contrived. While the ammonia can add nothing to the efficacy of the preparation, its pun- gency 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 edition of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, (Tinct. Opii Oampho- rata, already noticed,) is better adapted to the purposes for which it is de- signed. The composition of the Edinburgh College contains a grain of opium in a drachm, and this is its mediuir. dose. The other does not contain m re than a grain in half an ounce The operation of the 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, &c 63 '• Take of Valerian Root bruised, four ounces ; Ammoniated Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Tinctura Valeriana Ammoniata. Ammoniated Tincture of Valerian. Lond. " Take of Valerian Root, four ounces; Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain." Tinctura Valeriana Ammoniata. Ammoniated Tincture of Valerian. Dub. " Take of Valerian in powder, two ounces ; Spirit of Ammonia, a pint. Digest for seven days, then strain." This tincture is more powerful than the simple tincture, from the im- pregnation of ammonia. It is given in hysteria, in a dose of from one to two drachms. Spiritus Ammonia Succinatus. Succinated Spirit of Ammonia. Lond. " Take of Mastich, three drachms ; Rectified, Spirit nine fluiddrachms ; Oil of Lavender, fourteen minims ; Oil of Amberv four minims ; Water of Ammonia, ten fluidounces. Macerate the mastiCh in the spirit, so that it may be dissolved, and pour off the clear solution ; add to this the other ingredients, and mix them all by agitation." Spirit of ammonia, impregnated with oil of amber and some other es- sential oils, has been in use as a stimulating perfume under the name of Eau de Luce. A composition had been introduced into the London Phar- macopoeia as a substitute for this, which had not, however, its usual milky appearance. This is given in the present formula by the addition of the mastich, the resinous matter of which is separated by the water, but is re- tained in a state of suspension, probably by the action of the alkali. Tinctura Cinchona Ammoniata. Ammoniated Tincture of Bark. Lond. " Take of Pale Peruvian Bark bruised, four ounces ; Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia, two pints. Macerate for ten days, and strain." A tincture similar to this had formerly a place in the London Pharma- copoeia, but was expunged ; it is not obvious on what grounds it is restor- ed; for there seems to be little propriety in employing spirit of ammonia as a menstruum of bark, as they scarcely coincide in any important vir- tue, and the activity of the ammonia must be much superior to that of the quantity of bark dissolved. CHAP. XVI. ^ETHEREA.—ETHER, AND ETHEREAL SPIRITS. Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum. Aromatic Sulphuric Acid. Ed. '' Take <>f Alcohol, two pounds ; Sulphuric Acid, six ounces Drop the acid gradually into the alcohol. Digest the mixture with a very gentle heat in a close vessel for three days, then add of Bark of Cinnamon bruised, one ounce and a half; of Ginger bruised, one ounce. Digest again in a close ♦vessel for six days ; then strain through paper placed in a glass funnel." 64 ETHER, &C. The dilution of the acid by the alcohol in the proportions in which they are mixed in this preparation, is such, that little chemical action appears to be exerted during the digestion ; an odour somewhat peculiar is ac- quired, but the acidity is little impaired. The aromatics render it more pleasant, and the preparation may be considered therefore as a grateful one for the exhibition of sulphuric acid. Its dose is thirty drops, given in a cupful of water. It is not unfrequently used in dyspepsia, haemoptysis, and other diseases in which this acid is employed. IEther Sulphuricus. Sulphuric Ether. Ed. " Take of Sulphuric Acid., Strong Alcohol, of each thirty-two ounces. Pour the alcohol in a glass retort capable of bearing a sudden heat. Then pour on the acid in an uninterrupted stream. Mix them gradually by fre- quent and gentle agitation ; then immediately distil from a sand-bath, pre- viously heated for this purpose, into a receiver kept cool with water or snow. Let the heat be regulated in such a manner that the liquor maybe made to boil as soon as possible, and continue to boil until sixteen ounces have distilled over ; then remove the retort from the sand. To the dis- tilled liquor add two drachms of potash ; then distil again from a high- necked retort, with a very gentle heat, into a receiver kept cool, until ten ounces have passed over. If to the acid remaining in the retort after the first distillation, sixteen ounces of strong alcohol be added, and the distil- lation be repeated, ether will again be produced. And this may be often repeated." JEther Sulphuricus. Sulphuric Ether. Lond. " Take of Rectified Spirit, Sulphuric Acid, of each a pound and a half. Pour the spirit into a glass retort, and add to it gradually the acid shaking frequently, and taking care that the heat do not rise higher than 120", un- til they are mixed together. Then place the retort cautiously in a sand- bath previously heated to 200°, so that the liquor may boil as quickly as possible, and let the ether pass into a tubulated receiver, to which another is adapted kept cool by ice or water. Distil the liquor until a heavier portion begin to pass over, which will be observed beneath the ether at the bottom of the receiver. To the liquor which remains in the retort, add again twelve ounces of Rectified Spirit, so that ether may distil in a simi- lar manner." Ether Rectificatus. Rectified Ether. Lond. "Take of Sulphuric Ether, fourteen fluidounces ; Fused Potash, half an ounce ; Distilled Water, two fluidounces. Dissolve first the potash in the water, add to it the ether, shaking thoroughly, until they are mixed; lastly, distil twelve ounces of rectified ether with a heat of about 120°, from a large retort into a vessel kept cold." Liquor .ZEthereus Sulphuricus. Sulphuric Ethereal Liquor. Dub. " Take of Rectified Vinous Spirit, Sulphuric Acid, of each thirty-two ounces. Pour the spirit heated to 120° into a retort capable of bearing a sudden heat, and pour upon it the acid in a continued stream. Mix them gradually, and distil with a heat sufficiently strong and quickly raised, twenty ounces by measure of liquor into a receiver kept cool. If to the acid remaining in the retort, sixteen ounces of rectified spirit are added, sulphuric ethereal liquor will again be obtained by distillation." iETHER Sulphuricus. Sulphuric Ether. Dub. " Take of Sulphuric Ethereal Liquor, twenty ounces; Subcarbonate of Potash, dry and in powder, two drachms. Mix them, and distil twelve ounces by measure from a high-necked retort, with a very gentle heat into BTHER, &C 65 a receiver kept cold. The specific gravity of this liquid is to that of dis tilled water as 765 to 1000." The directions in the Pharmacopceias, for conducting this process, are nearly the same. The principal peculiarity in the formula of the Lon- don Pharmacopoeia, is that of adding the acid gradually to the spirit, agi- tating the mixture after each addition ; but on account of the rise of tem- perature as the mixture proceeds, this is more difficult than the mode di- rected by the Edinburgh College, of mixing the whole acid and alcohol at once, and any loss of ethereal vapour from the sudden action produced by the mixture in the latter mode is very trivial. The direction given by the Dublin College, to heat the spirit to 120° before adding the acid, must render the making the mixture more difficult, and endanger the breaking of the retort from pouring in the dense cold acid. On mixing equal weights of sulphuric acid and alcohol, a mutual action, marked by an elevation of temperature and change of colour, is produced, and a vapour is disengaged, of an ethereal smell. On raising the tem- perature by the application of heat, so as to cause the mixed liquid to boil, ether is formed, and distils over. This continues for a considerable time ; towards the end of this stage of the process, the liquid in the retort be- comes capable of sustaining a higher temperature, and along With the ether there is produced a' white vapour, which condenses in streaks having an oily appearance, in the neck of the retort, and this increasing, collects in the form of a dense oily-like fluid, named Oil of Wine, or Ethereal Oil, which falls to the bottom of the receiver. A quantity of olefiant gas is at the same time formed, and such a quantity of carbonaceous matter is separated from the alcohol that the liquor becomes of a deep brown co- lour. If the heat be continued beyond this, there is a sudden and copious production of sulphurous acid gas, which, not escaping easily from the heavy liquor in the retort, causes it to swell up, and if not removed from the fire, it Will pass over into the receiver. The principal difficulty, therefore, in conducting the process, is to continue the distillation, so as to obtain the largest produce of ether, without bringing over the liquor from the retort. The rule given in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia is to conti- nue it until the liquor condensed in the receiver is equal to half the quan- tity of alcohol that had been employed : as when this has been obtained, the formation of ether will have nearly ceased ; this however is not easily ascertained with accuracy. The London College directs the distillation to be continued until the ethereal oil is produced ; and if care be taken to guard against the sudden swelling up of the liquor in the retort, this may be done, and rather a larger product obtained. The production of this oil is not however uniform. The most simple rule is, that whenever the neck of the retort becomes obscured with white vapours, the fire should be withdrawn; and if the materials begin to swell, the retort ought to be raised in the sand. The receiver requires to be kept cool by immersion in water, or causing water to trickle over it, in order to promote the con- densation of the ether ; and care ought to be taken to avoid approaching a burning body to the apparatus, as accidents have sometimes happened, when the vessels were not closely luted, from the volatility and inflamma- bility of the ethereal vapour. There is considerable difficulty in establishing the theory of the forma- tion of ether. As the process proceeds, the liquor in the retort assumes a dark colour, and a quantity of carbonaceous matter, somewhat bituminous Vol. II. !> 66 ether, inc. is diffused through it; it is likwise diluted with water, and another por- tion of water distils over with the ether. These changes accompany the formations of the ether, and must be referred to changes in the composi- tion of the alcohol. The explanation usually given of them proceeded on the assumption, that the acid yields oxygen, which, combining with the hydrogen of the alcohol, forms water ; the balance of affinities being thus broken, part of the carbonaceous matter of the alcohol is separated, and its remaining hydrogen and carbon, with any oxygen it may contain, enter- ing into combination, form the ether. To this theory, it was objected by Fourcroy and Vauquelin, that the decomposition of the sulphuric acid is not essential to the formation of ether : it may take place towards the end of the process when the temperature is high, and the liquor is loaded with carbonaceous matter; but there is no indication of it in the earlier stage, during which principally ether is formed ; there is no evolution of sulphu- rous acid, and if the process be stopt at this stage, the whole acid they found to be undecomposed, the residual liquid being capable of saturating as much of an alkaline base, as the quantity of sulphuric acid employed would do. This led, therefore, to a different view of the agency of the acid. Instead of communicating oxygen, they supposed it to operate by a disposing affinity, causing part of the oxygen and hydrogen of the alcohol to combine and form water ; the equilibrium of affinities being thus sub- verted, carbonaceous matter is precipitated from the alcohol, and new af- finities being exerted, ether is the product of the combination of its remain- ing elements. The subject, however, still remains obscure. The fact, with regard to the acid not being decomposed, is not certain ; for a small quantity of sulphurous acid, if produced, may be retained in the residual liquid or combined with some of the products ; and the power of the li- quid to saturate as much of an alkaline base, as the sulphuric acid used in the process could do, may be owing to the formation, by oxygenation of the elements of the alcohol of acetic or oxalic acid, both of which indeed exist in the residual liquor. The fact, that those acids form ethers most readily from alcohol, which yield oxygen most readily, favours the suppo- sition, that a communication of oxygen from the acid is necessary to the commencement of the series of changes. It is sufficiently proved, however, that the decomposition of the acid is not-necessary to any great extent, for the residual liquor is capable of con- verting a fresh portion of Alcohol into ether: and as this is economical, it is ordered in the Pharmacopoeias. And its power of doing so appears to diminish progressively, not so much from exhaustion of the acid as from its becoming too much diluted with water. This water may have either pre-existed in the alcohol, or be formed by combination of portions of its oxgen and hydrogen. The carbonaceous matter which is precipitated, is obviously derived from the alcohol; and its separation led to the con- clusion that less carbon exists in the composition of ether than in that of alcohol; that hydrogen, therefore, predominates in the former, and to this its greater volatility and levity were ascribed. Both alcohol and ether in burning afford water and carbonic acid ; and from the compara- tive quantities afforded by each, Cruickshank inferred that the proportion of carbon to hydrogen is in ether as 5 to one nearly, while in alcohol it is as S or 9 to 1. The younger Saussure, on the contrary, inferred, from the products of their detonation with oxygen, that ether contains more carbon and hydrogen than alcohol, but less oxygen. The proportions he assigns sre 59 carbon, 22 hydrogen, and 19 oxygen. He found that in its com- ETHER, &c. 6 7 bustion, when it has been properly rectified, it yields no trace of sulphu- ric acid,—a proof that neither the acid, nor the base of the acid, enters into its composition, a circumstance in which it differs from the ethers formed from some of the other acids. Ether obtained by the first distillation is not pure. It is diluted with a considerable proportion of water, sometimes also it contains alcohol, and very generally a portion of sulphurous acid, which had been evolved to- wards the end of the distillation. To free it from these is the object of the directions for its rectification, which are nearly the same in the differ- ent Pharmacopoeias, the product of the first 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 exerts 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, however, some waste of ether. And as all the Colleges admit of a second distillation from the residual liquor, mixed with a fresh 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 in 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. This 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. The 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, but not pun- gent; its taste is warm and penetrating : it is colourless and transparent; its specific gravity is 0.732, and when highly rectified is so low as .716; it is therefore one of the lightest liquids. It is also one of the most vola- tile; it evaporates rapidly at common temperatures; it boils in vacuo, even below 32, and under the atmospheric pressure at 98°. In evaporat- ing it absorbs much caloric; hence, if dropt on the hand, it quickly 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. It is employed principally as an antispasmodic in asthma, hysteria, singultus, and other morbid affections connected with spasm, being given in a dose of from ob ETHER, &C half a drachm to a drachm. And it is sometimes applied externally a* ., stimulant, or, from the cold attending its evaporation, as a remedy, to bums. iETHER Sulphuricus cum Alcoiiole. Sulphuric Ether with Alcohol. Ed. " Take of Sulphuric Ether, one part; Strong Alcohol, two parts. Mix them together." Spiritus JEtheris Sulphurici. Spirit of Sulphuric Ether. Lond. " Take of Sulphuric Ether, half a'pint; Rectified Spirit, a pint. Mix them. A process had formerly a place in the Pharmacopoeias, in which sul- phuric acid and alcohol were submitted to distillation, the proportion of alcohol being larger than the acid could convert into ether. A portion, therefore, distilled over unchanged on the first application of the heat, and served to dilute the ether that followed. For this preparation, which had been employed under the name of Sweet Spirit of Vitriol, the present has been substituted, but it has no peculiar advantage, and is seldom prescribed. /Ether Sulphuricus cum Alcohole Akomaticus. Aromatic Sulphuric Ether with Alcohol. Ed. " Take of Cinnamon Bark bruised, Cardamom seeds bruised, of each an ounce; Long Pepper bruised, two drachms; Sulphuric Ether, with Alcohol, two pounds and a half. Digest for seven days, and strain through paper." Spiritus .ZEtheris Aromaticus. Aromatic Spirit of Ether. Lond. "Take of Cinnamon Bark bruised, three drachms ; Cardamom Seeds in powder, a drachm and a half; Long Pepper in powder, Ginger Root cut, of each a drachm; Spirit of Sulphuric Ether, a pint. Macerate for fourteen days in a glass vessel closed, and strain." The addition of these aromatics to the sulphuric ether in this formula is of so little importance, that the prepartion is scarcely ever used, and from the quantity of ether imbibed by the material, is a very uneconomical pne. Oleum J^thf.reum. iEthereal Oil. Lond. " The liquor remaining after the distillation of sulphuric ether, distil with a very gentle heat, until a black froth swells up ; then immediately remove the retort from the fire. To the liquor which remains in the re- tort, add water, so that the oily part may float upon it. Draw this off, and mix with it lime-water, as much as may be sufficient to neutralize the acid which is contained in it, agitating them together. Lastly, withdraw the ethereal oil after it has separated." Liquor JEthereus Oleosus. Oily Ethereal Liquor. Dub. " Take the liquor remaining in the retort after the distillation of sul- phuric ether. Distil it with a moderate heat to one half." The product obtained by these processes is probably the same; it is the substance long known by the name of Oil of Wine : in the first pro- cess it is formed but not distilled over ; in the second, it is obtained by dis- tillation, though to conduct this is attended with considerable difficulty, from the re-action of the carbonaceous matter, which has been separated from the alcohol, on the sulphuric acid. The London process, according to Mr. Phillips, does not succeed. The nature of this oily substance has not been well determined. It has been considered as a compound of ether ether, &c. 69 and sulphurous acid: it is not proved that by the combination of these it can be formed, but by agitation with potash they are obtained from it, which proves that sulphurous acid enters into its composition. Fourcroy and Vauquelin supposed, that it is analogous to ether, differing from it in con- taining a larger proportion of carbon. It can be formed mere directly by distilling ether from sulphuric acid. It is thick, unctuous in appearance, less volatile than ether, and soluble both in it and in alcohol. It is ap- plied to no medicinal use, but in forming the following preparation : Spiritus .ZEtheris Sulphurici Compositus. Compound Spirit of Sul- phuric Ether. Lond. " Take of Spirit of Sulphuric Ether, a pint; Ethereal Oil, two fluid- drachms. Mix them." A composition had been in use under the name of Hoffman's Anodyne Liquor, which consisted of alcohol, with a portion of ether and ethereal oil. This, after having been discarded from the Pharmacopoeias, has been restored in the present preparation, on the supposition that it possesses su- perior powers as an anodyne. It probably differs, however, in nothing from ether with alcohol, at least there is ho distinct proof of any peculi- arity of operation being communicated by the ethereal oil. ^Ether Nitrosus. Nitrous Ether. Dub. " Take of Nitrate of Potash, dried and in coarse powder, one pound and a half; Sulphuric Acid, one pound ; Rectified Vinous Spirit, nineteen ounces by measure. Put the nitrate of Potash into a tubulated retort, placed in a bath of cold water; and add to it gradually, and in small quan- tities, the sulphuric acid and alcohol, previously mixed and allowed to be- come cold. Without any external heat, or with only such a slight degree of it as may be communicated by the addition of a little tepid water to the bath, an ethereal liquor will begin to distil. In a short time, the heat in the retort will increase spontaneously, and a considerable ebulliton will take place, which must be moderated by adding a portion of cold water to the bath. It is necessary also, that the receiver should be kept cold with water or snow, and it ought to be furnished with an apparatus adapted to transmit through a pound of rectified spirit, in a phial kept cold, the high- ly elastic vapour, disengaged suddenly, and with great force, from the mix- ture, if the heat is raised rather too high. The ethereal liquor thus ob- tained by spontaneous distillation is to be put into a phial closely stopt with a glass stopper ; and to neutralize the excess of acid, as much subcarbon- ate of potash, dry and in powder, is to be added as is necessary, closing the phial after each addition, and determining the neutralization by the test of litmus. This is generally attained on the addition of about a drachm of the salt, and in a short time the nitrous ether rises to the surface, and may be withdrawn by a funnel. To obtain the ether in its purest state, distil it again from a water-bath, heated to about 140°, to one half. Its specific gravity is to that of distilled water as 900 to 1000." The process for preparing nitrous ether has always been found difficult, from the great susceptibility of decomposition of the acid, and the rapidi- ty with which it communicates oxygen to the alcohol. Their mutual ac- tion, in consequence of this, become extremely violent, and it is difficult to add the requisite proportion of nitric acid to form ether, or to do so at least without considerable waste in the dissipation of elastic products. Dif- ferent arrangements have been contrived to facilitate this, but probably none that can be conducted more easily than that now received into the 'J(J ETHER, &c. Dublin Pharmacopceia, originally contrived by Wolf, and found by Pel- letier to succeed better than any other. The addition of the mixture of sulphuric acid and alcohol should be made in small quantities at a time, not exceeding two ounces, and the quantity of product is increased by keep. ing the first receiver cool, and connecting with it not merely one bottle, but a range of bottles, containing, according to a method employed by Thenard, a saturated solution of muriate of soda, kept cool by ice, through which the elastic product is transmitted ; it is condensed, and the liquid floats on the surface. The theory of the formation of nitric ether remains obscure ; the series of changes, however, are obviously different from those which take place in the production of sulphuric ether. The acid is entirely decomposed, or nearly scl, scarcely any trace of it having been found by Pelletier in either the distilled or the residual liquor ; there is no precipitation of car- bonaceous matter from the alcohol, the liquor remaining transparent, and of a light yellow colour; and it contains oxalic and acetic acids, much di- luted with water. Thenard, in his researches on this subject, found that the elastic fluid disengaged during the process, consists of nitrogen, nitric and nitrous oxide, and carbonic acid gases, holding dissolved ether, and a portion of acid partly nitrous, partly acetic. The nitric ether, which is condensed, has also combined with it nitric and acetic acids ; and when these are abstracted so that it has no sensible acidity, it acquires this mere- ly on keeping,—a proof that the elements of these acids exist in its com- position. From the products obtained from its decomposition by transmit- ting it through an ignited tube, he infers, that 100 parts of it consist of 14.49 of nitrogen, 28.65 of carbon, 48.52 of oxygen, and 8.54 of hydrogen. In its formation, much of the oxygen of the acid appears to combine with the hydrogen of the alcohol, forming water; a portion of it unites with part of the carbon, forming carbonic acid, and with portions both of car- bon and hydrogen, producing acetic acid ; a considerable part of the nitro- gen of the acid is disengaged in its insulated state, or in the form of nitric and nitrous oxides, and the remaining oxygen and nitrogen combine with the remaining carbon and hydrogen, and form the nitric ether. Nitric ether is light and highly volatile; its colour is usualy yellow, probably from the presence of a portion of free nitric acid surcharged with nitric oxide ; its odour is strong and penetrating, though not so fragrant as that of sulphuric ether; when pure and concentrated its volatility is such, that it instantly evaporates when poured from a phial, and boils at 70° under the common atmospheric pressure ; it is highly inflammable : with alcohol it combines in every proportion, but in water it is soluble on- ly in limited quantity, requiring, according to Thenard, when pure, 50 parts for its solution. This ether has scarcely in its pure form been applied to any medicinal use; though it not improbably is possessed of powers analogous to those of sulphuric ether. Spiritus .ZEtheri* Nitrosi. Spirit of Nitrous Ether. Ed. " Take of Strong Alcohol, three pounds; Nitrous Acid, one pound. Pour the alcohol into a large phial placed in a vessel full of cold water, and add the acid gradually, agitating them frequently. Close the phial lightly, and set it aside for seven days in a cool place; then distil the li- quor with the heat of boiling water into a receiver kept cold with water or snow, until about three pounds come over.'1 ETHER, itC. Tl Spiritus /Etheris Nitrici. Spirit of Nitric Ether. Lond. " Take of Rectified Spirit, two pints ; Nitric Acid, by weight, three ounces. Add the acid gradually to the spirit, and mix them, taking care that the temperature shall not rise higher than 120°; then with a gentle heat distil twenty-six fluidounces." ' SpiniTUS JEtheri'.us Nitrosus. Nitrous Ethereal Spirit. Dub. " Add to what remains after the distillation of Nitrous Ether, the Rec- tified Spirit of Wine which had been employed in the process to condense the elastic vapour, and distil with the highest heat of a water-bath, to dry- ness. Mix this distilled liquid with the alkaline solution remaining after the separation of the nitrous ether, and add also as much dry sub-carbon- ate of potash as shall be sufficient to neutralize the free acid, ascertaining this by the test of litmus. Lastly, distil this with the mean heat of a water- bath while any liquid comes over. The specific gravity of the distilled spirit is to that of distilled water as 880 to 1000." A preparation similar to that of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, has long been employed in medicine. It consists probably of nitric ether diluted with alcohol, and contains always a portion of free acid. It is not dif- ficult to add the nitric acid to the alcohol in the proportion of one to three parts, at least from this quantity of acid added with precaution, no violent action results. If heat were applied to this mixture, however, so as to raise it to 212°, a mutual decomposition, attended with the rapid extrica- tion of elastic products, would take place. The heat must therefore be either applied very slowly, or the method ordered by the Edinburgh Col- lege must be followed, that of allowing the mixture to stand for some days in a cool place. During this time a mutual action is exerted between the acid and alcohol; the former is partially decomposed, and the heat re- quired for distillation can be safely applied. That this decomposition takes place is proved by the experiments of Bayen. He digested an ounce of nitrous acid with two ounces of alcohol for five weeks; the liquor then re- quired for its saturation only 134 grains of an alkaline base, while an ounce of the same acid required to saturate it 282 grains of the same base. And when, after digesting the acid and alcohol together, he submitted them to distillation, on mingling the product and the residual liquor, the whole was capable of neutralizing only 32 grains. By this reciprocal action of the acid and alcohol, a portion of nitric ether has been supposed to be formed, which distils over with a portion of unchanged alcohol, and of free acid. __This, however, is not altogether certain. The acid is so much diluted by the large proportion of alcohol, that it does not act on it with the same force ; and the product is different in its qualities from nitric ether, being in particular more fragrant. Still it appears, that the series of changes are somewhat similar, the nitric acid being in part decomposed, and oxalic and acetic acids formed. The propriety of the change which has been made by the London College, that of diminishing so much the proportion of ni- tric acid, may be questioned, both as less nitric ether must be formed when the proportion of acid is so small, and as a considerable share of the medi- cinal preparation depends on the free acid. The formula of the Dublin College must give a preparation different from the others, particularly in containing no free acid. The residual li- quor which is ordered to be employed, must contain a portion of nitric acid ; and the alcohol which has been employed to condense the elastic fluid of the first distillation, and- which is submitted to the action of this re- 72 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. It is employed principally as a grateful refrigerant in inflamatory affections, as a diuretic in dropsy, or rather as an auxiliary to promote the operation of more powerful diuretics, and as a stimulant relieving nausea and flatulence. Its dose is 30 or 40 drops, taken in a cupful of water. CHAP. XVII. EXTRACTA.—EXTRACTS. 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 of the 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 of the 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 gene- rally a partial decomposition of the active matter, by the necessary decoc- tion, from oxygenation by the action of the 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 of the 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 EXTRACTS. 73 and Spiritous extracts: the London College do not observe it; and they have farther associated with what are more strictly named Extracts, the inspis- sated juices of vegetables, the consistence of" these being similar; and the only circumstance in which they differ, that in the one the matter naturally dissolved 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 conceivt-d, sufficiently important to constitute a distinction between them. I have adhered, however, to the arrangement of the Edinburgh Pharma- copoeia, and under the Chapter of Inspissated Juices have already intro- duced 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 ivhat is perhaps equally important, not so variable in their strength, as. they are when prepared in the usual way. I. Extkacta pfr Aquam.—Extracts bv Water. Ed. ExtrACtA Simpliciora.—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 it 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 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 it weight of water to the consumption of half the liquor ; then express the liquor, and after the impurities have subsided, strain it; 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 consistence 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 the softer extracts a little spirit of wine." Extractum Anthemidis Nobilis ex floribus siccatis. Ed. Ex- tractum Anthemidis. Lond. Extractum Florum Chamameli. Dub. Extract of Chamomile. The bitterness of chamomile is rendered rather ungratefurin its infusion by the flavour of its essential oil. This is entirely dissipated by decoc- tion, and the extract is therefore a pure and grateful bitter. It is scarcely applied, 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, accord- ing to the different Colleges, is given above in the general direction of the Pharmacopoeias. VOT..H. K» 74 extracts. Extractum Gentiana Lutea, ex radice concisa et contusa. Ex- tract 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. It is sometimes used to form other medicines into pills, especially those with which it co- incides in medicinal virtue. Extractum Hamatoxyli Campechiani, ex ligno raso. Ed. Ex- tractum Hamatoxyli. Lond. Extractum Scoeis Hamatoxyli. 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. Ex- tract of the 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, hut 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 capsulis contusis, seminibus exemptis. Ed. Extractum Papaveris. Lond. Extract of Poppy. This extract of the capsule of the 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 Grweolentis, ex hf.rba. Ed. Extractum Fb- liorum Ruta Dub. Extract of the Leaves of Rue. As any medicinal virtue belonging to rue resides in its essential od, this extract must be an injudicious preparation. It has been given in amenorrhcea, 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 contained 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. Lond. Dnb. " 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. io 1 his extract ought to be kept Soft, so as to be fit for forming pills, and Hard, bh 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, how- 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, (Vol. I. 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 of the 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 of the 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 Water, 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 of the 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 of the more powerful cathartics ; and as these operate more effectu- ally, and with less irritation, when combined, than when one only in a large Tti extracts. dose is employed, the composition is well adapted for administration in cases where it is difficult to excite purging. It used formerly to be prepar- ed by employing diluted alcohol as the solvent, not only of the colocynth, but also of the resinous substances, and evaporating the solution ; the Dub- Jin 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 preieiable. 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." Extract um 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 muci- lage, 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 in this country. It i.- often, however, in an impure state. Purified by solution in water, straining and evaporation, or prepared with care from the root itself, and evaporated nearly 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 tak- en 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 impurities may subside ; then strain the liquor, and evaporate it to the proper con- sistence." Extractum Opii Aojuosum. 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. 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 it- powers nor add materially to its bulk. And if such processes are designed to correct any of the qualities of the 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 activt- 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 of lb* air, the inspissated mass is found to be inferior in strength to opium in its unpuritied state, and this must be still mil re 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 usually given under the form of watery decoction,, there appears to be no particular advantage in preparing from this an ex- tract, as the decoction may be brought to any state of concentration, by using an increased proportion of the 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, bilia.y 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, jt may be doubted if the form of the watery extract be the best for its adminis- tration." ExtraiTum Valeriana. Extract of Valerian. Dub. " Take of Valerian Root in coarse powder, six ounces ; Boiling Water, three pints. Digest for twenty-four hours in a close vessel with a mode- rate 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 great measure 7S 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 Worm- wood. 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. ExTt»actum Cacuminum Genista. Extract of broom-tops. Dub. The infusion of the tops of the broom has a degree of diuretic 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 Coftici-Qufrcus. 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 he 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 evapoiution, the extract must be comparatively an inactive preparation. It is never used. II. Extracta per Aquam et Ai.coHOL.—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 pur 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. T9 In this manner are prepared, Extractum Cinchona Lancifolia, ex cortice. Extract of Pale Bark. Extractum Convolvuli Jalapa, ex radice. Extract of Jalap. Extractum Cinchona Resinosum. Resinous Extract of Bark. Lond. " Take of Peruvian Bark bruised, a pound ; Rectified^Spint, 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. Ts to be prepared in the same manner as the Resinous Extract of Cas- carilla. (See p. 80.) This preparation will probably be more active than the watery extract of bark already noticed. By the joint action of the alcohol and water, all the principles of the 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 of the 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 of the 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, mixthe 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 it is 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. " Take of the Root 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 produced during the insipissation, must be farther liable to decomposition when kept in a soft state. Besides these, there are other two spiritous extracts admitted by the Dublin College. so EXTRACTS. Extractum Cascarilla Resinosum. Resinous Extract of Cascarilla. 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. Bdil the residuum of the 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 bitt r and tonic, in the dose of a scruple ; but there do^-s not appear to be any propriety in employing this remedy under this expensive form. Opium Purificatum. Purified Opium. Dub. " Take of Opium cut into small pieces, one pound ; Proof-spirit, twelve pints. Digest with a gentle hea:, 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 of the solvent is greater, and the degree of heat nece."»sary 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 G'jm-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 strained; the spirit is then to be distilled with a gentle heat, until the bal- sam become of the proper consistence." Styrax Purificata. Purified Storax. Dub. " Digest Storax in water with a gentle heat, until it become soft; then r>iSTILLED spirits! gl press it between iron plates heated by boifing water ; and lastly, free it from the water." 9 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 of the 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 again evaporated to the due consistence,—a process in which the opium always sustains a diminution of power. CHAP. XVIII StIRITUS STILLAT1TII.—DISTILLED SPIRITc. • Alcohol dissolves the essential oils of vegetables in much larger quarr* 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 2 12°, 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 oils of these plants being sufficiently volatile to be elevated at the' temperature at which alcohol distils. Vol. II, \ \ 32 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 move 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 by distillation." In the same manner are prepared the following spirits, nine pounds being drawn from the quantities affixed : Spiritus Cari Carui, ex seminum contusorum libra dimidia. (Spirit of Caraway, from half a pound of the bruised seeds.) SriRiTus Lauri Cinnamomi, ex corticis contusi libra. (Spirit of Cin- namon, from a pound of the bruised bark.) Spiritus Mentha Piperita, ex hkrba una cum semisse. (Spirit of Peppermint from one pound and a half of the herb.) Spiritus Myristica Moschata, t-.x nuceorum contusorum uncus duabus. (Spirit of Nutmeg, from two ounces of the bruised kernels.) Spiritus Myrti Pimknta, ex fructus contusi i ibra dimibia. Spirit of Pimento, from half a pound of the 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 theae spirits have the. aromatic flavour, and to a certain extent the pungency of the 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 is sufficient to prevent empyreuma, draw off nine pounds by distillation " 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 and 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 braised, half a pound ; • distills spirits. S3 Proof-Spirit, one gallon; Water as much as is sufficient to prevent em- pyreuma. 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. " Take of the Fresh Tops 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 applied to the forehead. Spiritus Lavandula Compositus. Compound Spirit of Lavender. Ed. Dub. " Take of Spirit of Lavender, three pounds; Spirit of Rosemary, one pound; Cinnamon Bark 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 cot, 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. Sputiius Rorismarin'i 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 Tops, 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 Sprint of Lavender. Spiritus Armoracia 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- 8.4 • DISTILLED SPIRITS. * ter, as much as is sufficient to prevent empyreuma. Macerate for twen- 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 Raphani Compositus. 'Compound Spirit of Horse-Radish. Dub. " Take of Fresh Horse-Radish Root, Dried Outer Rhind 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 erhployed as an antiscorbutic. It has justly fallen into disuse. Alcohol Fortius, Stronger Alcohol. Ed. Spiritus Rectificatus, Rectified Spirit. Lond. Spiritus 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 &t 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 of the 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 London and Dublin Colleges, while they have also inserted alco- hol of this strength, under the name of Rectified Spirit, in the catalogue of the articles of the Materica Medica, have given a process to obtain it more concentrated for particular purposes. The following are the direc- tions in the London Pharmacopoeia :— " Take of Rectified Spirit, a gallon ; Sub-carbonate of Potash, three pounds. To the spirit add a pound of the sub-carbonate of potash previ- ously heated to 300°, 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 al- cohol 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 Dablin 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 ff, 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 re- maining 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 sub-car- bonate of potash, and the muriate of lime ; these attract it from the spirit, distilled waters. 65 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 60°. 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 Dublin 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 of the specific gravity of .835, is directed to be employed. This contains in one hundred parts nearly 10 of water, with 90 of alcohol of the specific gravity of .815 ; whaf 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 of the London 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. AQVE. STILLATITIiE. ED—AQLLE DISTILLATiE. LOND.—AQUiE DIS- TILLATE. DUB.—DISTILLED WATERS. Sf.veral 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, communicate 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 8U DILTILLED WATERS. 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 of the vege- table matter being scorched, and communicating empyreuma to the distill- ed water, the distillation being continued as long as the liquid that con- denses has any taste or smell of the vegetable from which it is distilled. The flavour of the more delicate plauts is injured by this operation; and these distilled waters are' in general less grateful to the stomach than the infu- sions of the 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 to 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 of the 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. Ao.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 free 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 of the 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, 1-IST1LLED WATERS. 87 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. Aq.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. ^ Aqua 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 have 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 of the 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. It is some- times given alone as an aromatic and stimulant. Aqua Mentha Piperita, ex herba libkis tribus. Peppermint Wa- ter. Ed. Lond. Dub.—" Ten pounds of water are drawn by dis- tillation from three pounds (one pound and a half, Lond. Dub.) of green peppermint." This water is strongly impregnated with the flavour of the herb, and is very frequently used in mixtures to cover the flavour of other medicines. It is also often taken alone as a carminative. Aqua Mentha Pulegii, ex herba libris tribus. Pennyroyal Water. Ed. Lond Dub.—" Ten 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, md is used for the same purposes, but it is rather less grateful. 88 VOLATILE OILS- Aqua Myrti Pimenta, ex fructus contusi libra dimidia. 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 of the Jamaica pepper, and its aromatic qua- lity ; but as this is not very grateful, it is not often used. Aqua Rosa Centifolia, kx petalorum recentium libris skx. (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.) of the fresh pale rose flowers " This water has all the flavour of the 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 Dub- lin Pharmacopoeia, of so little importance, however, as to require scarce- ly more than enumeration. Aqua Anethi, Distilled Water. Lond.—" A gallon of water is distilled from a pound of the 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 of the seeds. This has a considerable share of aromatic flavour and pungency, and may be employed as a carminative. • Aqua Fceniculi. Fennel Water. Lond. Dub.—" A gallon of water is distilled from a pound of the seeds." ^ This has merely the weak flavour of the seeds, with little warmth. Aqua M ntha Viridis. Spearmint Water Lond. (Aq. Menth. Sativ. Dub.)—" A gallon of water is distilled from a pound and 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 beeu 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, particularly 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, so VOLATILE OILS. 89 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 than what is necessary to avoid empyreuma at the end of the 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 principle 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 of the 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 along 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, they 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- Vol. II. 12 90 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 of the operator, the most general directions only being delivered." The following general formula is given in the London Pharmacopoeia : Olea Distillata. 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 Essentialia. 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 of the 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, to be 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 t lukibus. Ed.—Oleum Dis- tillatum Anthemiois. 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 wa- ter by means of mucilage. Oleum V6latile Juniperi Sabina, ex foliis. Ed.—Oleum Foljorum 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 of the 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 ploribus. 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. Do9e two to six minims. VOLATILE oils. 91 Oleum Volatile Lauri Sassafras, ex radice contusa. Ed.—Oleum Corticis et Lioni Sassafras. Dub. Volatile oil of Sassafras, from the Hoot, 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 value. Oleum Volatua Mentha Piperita, ex herba. Ed.—Oleum Men- tha Piperita. Lond —Oleum Herba Fi orescentis Mentha Pi- pefutidis. 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 of the Peppermint Lozenge, and also of what is named Essence of Peppermint,—a solution of one part of the oil in seven parts of alcohol; the dose of this being fifteen or twenty drops in a cupful of water. Oleum Volatile Myrti Pimenta, ex fructu contuso. Ed.—Oleum Pimenta. Lond.—Oleum Baccarum Pimenta. Dub. Oil of Pi- mento, from the bruised Fruit. This oil having the flavour of Jamaica pepper, is sometimes used on account of this flavour. Oleum Volatile Origaki Majorana, ex herba. Ed.—Oleum Ori- gani. Lond—Oleum Herba Florescentes Origani. Dub. Oil of Marjoram. 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 Pimpinflla Anisi, ex seminibus. Ed.—Oleum Ani- si. Lond.—Oleum Skminum 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 ojj^pr 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 of the oil to two ounces of sugar. Oleum Volatile Rorismarini Officinalis, ex cacuminibus. Ed.— Ol-um Rorismarim. Lond.—Oleum Herba Florescentes Ro- rismakini. 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 ointment 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 of the most grateful of the 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 Menthje Viridis. Oil of Spearmint. Lond. Dub. y> VOLATILE OILS. The flavour of this oil is similar to that of peppermint, rather less grate- ful, and its taste is less pungent. Oleum Pulegh. Lond.—Oleum Herba FlorescentisPugelii. Dub. Oil of Pennyroyal. This oil resembles the oil of peppermint and spearmint, and may be re- garded as superfluous. Oleum Seminum Funiculi Dulcis. 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 Succinjcum. 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 of the receiver, and let the oil be separated from the water. Let the acid salt, collected from the neck of the retort and the sides of the 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 Purissimum. 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 stopped." ,V 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 Rectificatum. 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 of the 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 gradually raised, an acid liquor, oil, and salt contaminated with oil. Then distil 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. 93 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 of the 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 which1 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 Terebinth in a 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." Olf.um Terebinthina Rectificatum. Rectified Oil of Turpentine. Dub. " Take of Oil of Turpentine, two pinte ; 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 ;>4 v' 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 of the hydrogen and carbon\pf 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 ; ?sign to it a precise definition. It is 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 have 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 hot of a saline nature. 2d, All salts are supposed t» be soluble in water, and thii, 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 salts. 95 must 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 of the 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 have even a tendency to assume a 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 of the 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 of the 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 maybe mixed with the first pound, and be employed for various chemical purposes." Acidum Ackticum. 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 Dis ullatum. 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 empyr .umatic odour. It is 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 du.ing 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 96 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 the 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, afluidounce 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 conoentraN ed 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 Pharmacoposia. 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 sulphu- ric 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. 97 "of receiving oxygen from the metallic oxide, and was named Acetic Acid; while the other was named Acetous Acid. At a later period, itwas 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 of the 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 of the 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 of the 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 of the 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 Spi- rit of Vinegar is -a preparation of a similar kind, rather more fragrant and more pungent. Acidum Benzoicum. 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." Acidum 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 Vol. II. 13 !)* SALTS. the benzoin with the lime; then boil for half an hour in a gallon ot water, 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. Bod 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 BtNzoicuM. 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 of the Benzoin combines with the soda of the carbonate of soda, forming a soluble salt; the sulphuric acid when added combines with the soda, and the benzoic acid, being sparingly soluble in cold water, is precipitated. In the other, that given by the London Col- lege, the benzoic acid combines with the lime, and forms a soluble sait; this cannot properly be decomposed by sulphuric acid, as the sulphate of lime, being sparingly soluble, would be mingled by precipitation with the benzoic 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 experiments, 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 of the oily matter of the benzoin being liable to rise with the acid in vapour, and communicating to it a brown tinge. By managing the heat with due precaution, and changing the receiver towards the end of the sublimation, this may be avoided, at least so far as to obtain a pure pro- duct, 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 when 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 gives 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. It is volatile and inflammable, is scarcely soluble in cold water, but is dissolved abundant- SALTS. 99 ly 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. To 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 of the car- bonate of lime added to the lemon juice, combines with the citric acid, and forms citrate of lime, which, being insoluble, is precipitated; the 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 of the 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 of the common sulphuric acid and three parts of water, are requisite for the sa- turation 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 citric 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 100 SALTS. fresh lemon being dissolved in it. It is used, too, in forming the coininUi effervescing draught, being mixed with carbonate of soda, and water add- ed. Whether it acts with equal certainty with the recent juice, as a re- medy 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 of the 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 returt become red. ,, " The specific gravity of muriatic acid is to the specific gravity of dis- tilled water as 1.160 to 1.000. If into a fluidounce of it, diluted with wa- ter, a piece of marble be thrown, 220 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 of the 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 of the 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 of the soda. It is sufficiently established, however, that in cases of SALTS. 101 this kind, the product is increased by employing more of the 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 of the 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 of the 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 earthern 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 of the 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 operar tion which would otherwise be superfluous. The yellow colour may be removed by distilling the acid 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 of the acid. When the acid is of the specific gravity of 1.170, 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- 102 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 to light to favour their mutual action, muriatic acid gas is formed, the oxygen of the 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 of the 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 form. 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 of the 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 fasts 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. 103 acid gas acts on metallic oxides is supposed to be formed by the decom- position of the acid, its hydrogen combining with the oxygen of the oxide, and the products, however analogous to metallic salts, are not saline sub- stance?, 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 bupposed 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 of the 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 urina? 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 ;uid 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 3t> 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. Ao.ua Alkalina Oxymuriatica et Ao.UA 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 of the 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 water. 104 SALTS. " The specific gravity of this liquor is to that of distilled water as 1003 to 1000." When muriate of soda, black oxide of maganese, 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 of the oxygen and the muriatic acid, while, according to the opposite hypothesis, it is owing to the decomposition of the 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 difficulty. 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 inju- rious to the operator, from its highly suffocating odour. It is proper, therefore, to use the acid a little diluted, and after the commencement of the operation, to favour its progress by the application of a moderate heat. The proportions of the ingredients recommended by Vauquelin, are four parts of muriate 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 gas through the liquid, the first bottle being left emp- ty to collect a little common muriatic acid that distils over, holding oxide of manganese 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 intolerable 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. Willan 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 employed as an antisyphilitic 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 *.tLi'c\ lOo 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 of the 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-oxymuriate 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 oxymuriatic acid, is troublesome, it is better to remove it by previous agitation of the solution with eight ounces of lime. From this solution, when the transmission of the 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 tasto 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. W ben 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 oxygenat- ing 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 Vol. II. H 106 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 gravity 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 of the 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 dis- engage 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 of the 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 muiiatic 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 de- tected by nitrate of silver, muriate of silver being precipitated. WThen not intentionally 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, it is 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 in SALTS. 107 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 of the 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 it is 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 the3nitric 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 of the 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 of the 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 of the 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 of the distillation, and contributes to preserve the constitution of the nitric acid in the manner which has been explained under the preceding process. The influence of the latter cir- cumstance is very well shewn by the fact, that the product, instead ot be- .(>& SALTS, ing 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 of the 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 of the nitric twenty nine. This expresses probably, (for they are not stated in a very distinct manner), not the relative strengths of equal weights of the 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 of the nitre as ordered by the London College is altogether superfluous, and so far as it has any effect, counteracts the object of the 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 pharmaceutical 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 College. Acidum Nitricum Dilutum. Diluted Nitric Acid. Lond. " Take of Nitric Acid, a fluidounce ; of distilled Water, nine fluid- ounces. Mix them/' Acidum Nitrosum 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 } 280 to 1000." In combining nitrous acid with water, the greater part of the 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. It is 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 consequences in medicinal prescriptions. bALTS, 109 Acidum 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." Acidum 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, that that of the former Pharmacopoeia." The absurdity of this is obvious. A mixture of sulphuric acid with water is made just as easily in one propor- tion as in another, and the dose of the diluted acid, whatever may be its strength, is apportioned with equal facility. Nor is it of any importance to have any relation between the dose of the diluted acid and any parti- cular 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 employed 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 by 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 facili- tates 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 procured from the decomposition of sulphate of iron, the green vitriol of commerce, by heat; and hence the orgin of the name, Vitriolic Acid, by which it has been known. 110 SALTS. 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 of the dilution. The dose of the diluted is also more manageable than that of the concentrated acid. As an astringent it is taken to the ex- tent of from fifteen to thirty drops, in a cupful of water. Carrot as PoTASSiE. 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 freeh diluted with water." .Potassa 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 of the 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 i< water. I; has been introduced as an ant- acid, 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. Suboarbonas Potassa. 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. Lond. SALT*. Ill "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 gray 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 of the evaporation, with an iron spatula. Wrhen 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 of the 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 pota?h, 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. It is 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 Potassa 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." Ao.ua 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 iinen. Put this aside in a cellar, that the salt may liquefy in the humid atmosphere. Receive the liquor 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 pharma- ceutical use. Subcarbonas Potassa Purissimus. Pure Subcarbonate of Potash. Ed. " Take of impure Supertartrate of Potash, any quantity. Having wrap- ped it up in moist bibulous paper, or put it into a crucible, burn it into a 112 SALTS. black mass, by placing it among live coals. Having reduced it to powder, 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 matte'r 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 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. Aq.ua Potassa. 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 of the 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 of the 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 in the space of two or three days. The upper parts of the liquor are finally to be mixed with the lower by agitation, and it is to be kept in a vessel well stopt." Liquor PotASS.E. Liquor of Potash. Lond. " Take of Subcarbonate of Potash, a pound ; 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 of the water, SALTS. 113 Mix the liquors together while hot, then put them into a covered vessel, arid 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." Aqua Kai.i 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 stopped 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 reduced to a very fine powder ; digest for twenty-four hours in a close vessel, agitat- ing 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 of the 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 bo 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 of the 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. Pot ass a, 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 phial well stopt." Potassa Fusa. Fused Potashl Lond. " Take of Liquor of Potash, a gallon. Evaporate the *vater in a clear. Vol. IL .15 114 .-•ALTS. iron vessel, until the ebullition ceasing, the potash liquefies : then pom it 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 thia 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 combi- nation : it is usually run into moulds, so as to be formed into cylindrical pieces. Under this form it is used as a caustic : it quickly erodes animal matter, 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 of the 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 Potassa. 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, it is 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. 115 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 of the carbonic acid relieving the uneasy sensations connected with acidi- ty of the stomach, while the alkali neutralizes the acid. It is often pre- pared in the shops with too small a proportion of alkali. Acetas Potassa. Acetate of Potash. Ed. " Take of pure Subcarbonate of Potash, one pound ; Weak Acetic Acid, as much as is necessary. Boil it with a gentle heat in five pounds of the acid, and add more acid at different times, until, on the watery part of the 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 may form a crystalline mass. Lastly, the acetate of potash ought to be kept in vessels well closed." Potassa 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 of the distilled vinegar combines with the potash, disengaging the carbonic acid. The acetate of potash, ob- tained 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 evaporation, 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 crystallization. 116 salts. Acetate of potash is very deliquescent, becoming humid in a short tune 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 PoTA^siE. Sulphate of Potash. Ed. " Dissolve the acidulous salt, which remains after the distillation ol -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." Potassje Sulphas. Sulphate of Potash. Lond. " Take of the 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- i ficient to saturate the acid. Afterwards boil it until a pellicle appear cm 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 editionfjefore 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 sjx 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 is 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 arc 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 of the vege- table purgatives. Sulphas Potassa 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 being decomposed at a red heat, affords oxygen =3 ALTS. 117 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 of the 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. Potassa 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 of acid. It is more so- luble than the neutral sulphate, but it is not apparent to what medicinal use it can be applieo/with any peculiar advantage ; and it is liable to va- riation in its composition, from the extent of evaporation, and other cir- cumstances connected with its formation. Tartras Potassa. 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." Potassa 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 of the carbonate of potash, and the proper neutral salt is formed. Though ordered to be crystallized in all the Phar- macopoeias, the crystallization of it can scarcely be accomplished by has- ty evaporation. In its preparation, therefore, the solution is usually eva- porated to dryness, and it is kept in powder in the shops. This salt has a bitter taste ; it is very soluble in water, requiring only IIS 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 Soda. 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 nut gre iter than 180°. " Carbonic acid is easily procured from equal weights of Carbonate of Lime in powder and Sulphuric Acid copiously diluted." Soda C* bonas 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 heat 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 subcarbi-nate, 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, it is 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. Subcarbonas Soda. 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 Soda. Subcarbonate of Soda. Dub. » Take of Barilla in powdor, ten pounds; Water, two gallons. Boil the barilla in the water for two hours in a close vessel, agitating frequr ntly ; 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- SALTS. 119 ter 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 freezing water, and the specific gravity of the liquor is to that of distilled water as 1220 to 1000. If the salt is not sufficiently pure, repeat the so- lution 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 si- lex, with charcoal. The subcarbonate of soda crystallizing readily, the so- lution 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 of the 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- tahedrons ; 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 of the 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 lithontrip- tic has been already stated, and lately it has been highly recommended in hooping-cough, in doses often grains to one drachm, given thrice a day. Soda Subcarbonas Exsiccata. Dried Subcarbonate of Soda. Lond. " Take of Subcarbonate of Soda, a pound. Submit it to the heat of boiling water in a clean iron vessel until it is perfectly dry, stirring it con- stantly 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 composition of the salt. According to Kirvvan, 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 of the carbonate to the water is greater in this prepara- tion than in that of the supercarbonate of potash water; but this is owing 120 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 lithon- triptic 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 Tatarizata. 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 em- ployed as a cathartic, in the dose of one ounce, being given dissolved in tepid water, with frequently the addition of manna and of peppermint wa- ter, or tincture of cardamom ; and is often preferred, as being less disa- greeable 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 re- moved, add, if necessary, to the liquor, a little Subcarbonate of Soda, that the phosphoric acid may be exactly saturated ; and prepare it, by evapo- ration, again to form crystals, as long as these can be produced. Lastly, let the crystals be kept in a vessel well stopt " SALTS m Phosphas Sc'da. 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 tlK> 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 solu- tion 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 of the 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 of the 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 Soda. 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 crystals may be formed." Sulphas Sod*. Sulphate of Soda. Lond. " Take of Salt which remains after the distillation of Muriatic Acid, two pounds; of Boifing Water, twO pints and a half. Dissolve the salt in the water ; then add gradually of Subcarbo ^ate 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 Soda. Sulphate of Soda. Dub Vol. II, 16 122 SALTS. " Dissolve the Salt which remains after the distillation of Muriatic Acid in 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 of the 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 in hexaedral prisms ; they are efflorescent and soluble in rather less than'three parts of cold water. They consist of 18.48 of soda, 23.62 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 Soda 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 Ammonia. 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." Ammonia 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 Ammonia. 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. 123 cation of so high a heat will not be required ; but not being sufficiently 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 Ammonia. 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 Ammonia 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 Ammonia. 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 with 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 pro- bably be combined with the ammonia. The formula of the 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 the a 24 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 at one time it was supposed, from this impregnation, to be possessed of some peculiar yirtues, this probably had no just foundation, and it is now rejected from practice. If sublimed from charcoal powder, the oily matter is complete- ly removed ; but then it differs in nothing from the carbonate of ammonia obtained by the preceding processes, and the process, with these repeated operations, is not more economical. Aqua Ammonia. 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 jthe 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 jretort be placed in a sand-bath, and connect with it a receiver furnished $vith a tube, which is to be inserted almost to the bottom of the phial con- taining the distilled water ; the phial, however, should be capable of con- taining double the quantity. Then apply the fire, increasing gradually until the bottom of the 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 Ammonia. 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 water previously heated, and again cover the vessel; strain the liquor after it has cooled ; then distil twelve fluidounces of liquor of ammonia. 'JlSSe specific gravity of this liquor is to that of distilled water as 0.960 to MJ0." MiiA Ammonia Caustica. Water of Caustic Ammonia. Dub. '"l-'Take of Muriate 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 of the water. After agitation, distil with a moderate heat, into a receiver kept SALTS. 125 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; tthe 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 & priori, whether in this way a sufficient quantity of lime will be taken up to decompose the whole of the muriate of ammonia. From lime, however, forming a soluble ternary compound with ammonia and muriatic acid, this may b«> the case ; the application of the heat will then subvert this combination, aM expel the ammonia, which the water rising in vapour will condense. If thi$ 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 of the still being connected with a spiral 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 of the 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 fcetor. It is employed in medicine as a stimulant and diaphoretic, internally, in a dose from twen- ty 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." 126 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 in a similar manner." Spiritus Ammonia. 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 of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, the lime combining with the muriatic acid of the muriate, disengages the ammonia which is condensed by the alcohol. In that of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, which had also a place in a former edition of the Edinburgh, the decomposition is produced by the subcarbonate of potash. A subcarbonate of ammonia is thus disengaged with a considerable excess of ammonia : in this state it is dissolved by the alcohol, especially as the distillation is continued un- til 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 at that stage of the process condenses in a concrete form, on the sides of the receiver. The London College give a process for preparing it, by mixing alcohol with strong water of ammo- nia. There is one circumstance which may render it doubtful, whether the alteration by the Edinburgh College is an improvement,-—that when the spi- rit is impregnated with pure ammonia, the ammonia from its. volatility is liable to escape, especially 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 sub- carbonate, this inconvenience is in some measure avoided, and the prepa- ration is also less acrid. Mr. Phillips proposed a process for obtaining this impregnation, more economical than the old process,—distilling alco- hol from the common subcarbonate 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 im- pregnated, to distil the alcohol from the subcarbonate of ammonia, with the addition of a little water of pure ammonia. If the object be how- ever to obtain alcohol impregnated with pure ammonia, the process of the Edinburgh or Dublin Pharmacopoeia 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 Ammonia. 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 Ammonia Acetatis. Liquor of Acetate of Ammonia. Lond. •< Take of Subcarbonate of Ammonia, two ounces; Acetic Acid, four SALTS. 127 pints. Add the acid to the carbonate of ammonia, until effervescence is no longer excited, and mix them." Aqua Acetatis Ammonia. 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 amnonia 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 operation promoted by mild diluents. Externally it is sometimes used as a discu- tient, and as an application in some forms of inflammation. Hydrosulphuretum Ammonia. 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 of the process, apply to the matrass a mode- rate heat." vr 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 of the sul- phur of the sulphuret of iron, and forms sulphuretted hydrogen ; and this elastic fluid being transmitted through the water of ammonia, unites with it, and forms a liquid of a dark green colour, and a very fcetid odour. The medicinal applications of hydro-sulphuret of ammonia have been already taken notice of. It depresses the action of the 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 Sulphureti Ammonia. Water of Sulphuret of Ammonia. Dub 12& EARTHS, AND EARTHY SALTS. " Take of recently prepared Lime, Muriate of Ammonia in powder, 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 SALTS; As chemical agents, the Earths have a distinct character. They are duli 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 earth- en 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. fC Take of Alum, Sulphate of Zinc, each half an ounce; Boiling Water, earths, and earthy salts. 129 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; Water, three parts. To the water and acid mixed together, add the carbonate, bruised into small pieces. The effervescence being finished, digest for ari 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 of the 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 of the 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 of the 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 hydrosulphu- ret. 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 any subsequent part of the process* " Vol. II. 17 J3U earths, and earthy salts. Muriate of barytes crystallizes in quadrangular tables : its crystals are 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 of the 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 Muriatis Baryta. 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 of the 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*paratus. 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 Praparata. 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 (Testa Praparata) 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 (Ostrkarum Testa Praparat*) and Pre- pared Egg Shells (Ovorum Test* Praparata) 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 of the 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 a similar com- position ; 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. 131 " 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 Creta. 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 cal- cine these in a crucible with a very strong fire for an hour, or until the car- bonic acid is entirely expelled, so that acetic acid, when added, shall not disengage any bubbles of air. In the same manner, lime may be prepar- ed 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 in agitation. After the lime has subsided, repeat the agitation ; and do so about ten times, keeping the vessel always shut, that the free access of the 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 pos- sible. Let it be kept in small bottles well stopt." i32 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 ,i^th being dissolv- ed 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 of the 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 ieucorrhcea. 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; Coriander Seeds, three drachms ; Lime Water, six pints. Macerate them without 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." L1£1uor Calcis Muriatis. Liquor of Muriate of Lime. Lond. '« Take of Muriate of Lime, two ounces ; Distilled Water, three fluid- EARTHS, AND EARTHY SALTS. 133 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 of the solution. Carbonas Magnesle. Carbonate of Magnesia. Ed. " Take 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. Wash it well with pure water, and dry it after- wards by a gentle heat." Magnesia 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 of the 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 of the sulphate of magnesia combining with the potash of the car- bonate of potash, and the carbonic acid uniting with the magnesia. In the proportion of equal parts of the sulphate and subcarbonate, more of the latter is employed than is necessary; three parts of it, according to Mr. Phillips, decompose four parts of the 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 134 EARTHS, AND EARTHY SALTS. 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 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 as 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. ." Take of Magnesia, any quantity. Put it into a crucible, and submit it to a 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 the same effect as a larger of the carbonate. It is preferred to the latter, both from this circumstance, and also where, from the abundant acidity on the stomach, flatulence is occasioned by the disengagement of carbonic acid when the carbonate is used. The sub- carbonate employed 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 thorough- ly 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 PREPARATIONS. 335 CHAP. XXIII. METALLIC A.—METALLIC PREPARATIONS. Metals are distinguished by their opacity, brilliancy, and density. They 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 the 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. Tho 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 of the 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 by the quantity with which it is combined. The degrees of oxi- 136 METALLIC PREPARATIONS. dation of which a metal is susceptible, if not indefinite, are numerous, anu 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 vapoi ific 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 of the 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 eitner 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 of the 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 to altera- tions in metallic preparations. METALLIC PREPARATIONS. 3 37 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 combirvations 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 th« case, more attention will be required, than might be supposed necessary, in establishing a strict unifor- mity in the process 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 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 form- ed. It is also true, however, that the degree of oxidation of the oxide, 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 solution of mercury in nitric acid, the acid may exist in various degrees of oxidation, according to the manner in which the solution has been performed, and these solutions give rise to different compounds in the decompositions and new combinations, to which they may be subjected. Another source of uncertainty in the composition of the 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 pre- paration 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 th-j 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 these 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 of the metallic oxide is precipitated, retaining a portion of acid, forming a sub-salt, while the other portions remain dissolved with an excess of add. ^ ow, if such a solution isto be decomposed by adding Vol. II. 18 13S METALLIC PREPARATIONS. a 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, a metallic solution is liable to afford, when decomposed, very different products, both from the different states of* oxidation in which it may hold the metal dis- solved, and the different proportions of oxide with which the acid may be combined. Moi. viiic 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 of the generic name, the base giving the specific appellation. But the names of the 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, mu- riate 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 no- menclature 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 compound of oxymuriatic acid. And as a medical nomenclature, the mere- ly prefixing the syllable to the same term is far from being sufficient to dis- METALLIC PREPARATIONS. 139 tingutsh 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 syllable sub ; naming, for example, one of the 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 it is of so much im- portance that they should be distinguished. Any nomenclature founded on the supposition of specific degrees of oxidation being established, would be equally improper; for, even sup- posing them not to be indefinite, the propriety of the appellation in any case would depend on the perfect accuracy of the analysis, and the dis- covery 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 transfer- red 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 principles, has the advantage, that being founded on the properties of the 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. .-•REPARATIONS 01 ANTIMONY ANTIMOJNIUM.—ANTIMONY. Sllphuretum Antimonii Prsparatum. Prepared Sulphuret of Anti- mony. 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 off loaded 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 Pra;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 remedy in chronic rheumatism, it has been given in a dose of five or ten grains daily. Oxidum Antimonh cum Phosphate Calcis, olim Pulvis Antimoni- alis. Oxide of Antimony with Phosphate of Lime, or Antimonial Powder. 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 OP ANTIMON\» 141 1 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 4.3 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 of the 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 of the 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 *f4 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- ance, 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 of the 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 of the one strength as of the other. The product of the process of the London Pharmacopoei- 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- U2 PREPARATIONS OF ANTIMONf. . tained by the process of the Pharmacopoeias is not so certain nor so pow- erful as the powder of James, eight grains of the former being not more than equal to six of the latter. The difference, if it exist, may be owing to some peculiarity in the process, by which a difference of oxygenation, or of vitrification of the 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 Antimony. 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 wasbjed with warm water." Antimonii Sulphuretum Precipitatum. Precipitated sulphuret of An- timony. 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 an 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 vessel, 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 of the 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 in the product. PREPARATIONS OF ANTIMONY. 143 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 twelve of sulphur. The theory of its formation is somewhat intricate. In boiling the sulphuret of antimony with the potash, a sulphuret of pot- ash is formed, and this decomposing part of the 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 of the oxygen of the wa- ter. This oxide is retained in solution by the sulphuretted hydrosulphuret of potash. When sulphuric acid is addedy 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 differen- ence of oxygenation, the oxides 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 proportions of sulphur and sulphuretted hydrogen which it can attract, 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 correctly, by the name of 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- 144 PREPARATIONS OF ANTIMONY. ration, and in this country are scarcely used. The dose of the precipi- tated sulphuret 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, and 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." Antimonium 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 Emelicum. Antimoniated or Emetic Tartar. Dub. " Take of Nitromuriatic Oxide of Antimony, 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 ; then strain the liquor through paper, and let it cool slowly that crystals 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 of the supertar- trate dissolves a portion of 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 antimo- ny, 34 of tartaric acid, 16 of potash, and 8 of water; or stating it in ano- ther mode, 34 of tartrate of potash, 54 tartrate of antimony, and 8 of wa- ter. It is liable, however, to vary in the proportion of its constituent prin- ciples, 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. 145 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 of the 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 of the 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 fluiddrachm. 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. Tho 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" Vol. II- 19 14b 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 grass 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 of the 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 of the 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 of the potash entering into the composition of the 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 stength 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 of the 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 apparently part of the oxygen of the oxide,—decompositions, the occur- rence of which requires to be guarded against in extemporaneous pre- scription. If kept dissolved in water, it is decomposed, from the sponta neous decomposition of the tartaric acid. PREPARATIONS OF ANTIMONY. 147 This preparation is superior to the other antimonials, ia 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 antimony in powder, the tartaric acid of the wine dissolving a portion of the oxide, so that the wine acquired the powers of an antimonial preparation. It was liable to be va- riable in strength, from the proportion of acid in the wine not being uni- form. The present preparation was therefore substituted for it. It may be doubted, however, whether it is properly officinal. The salt, dissolv- ed in wine, can indeed be preserved longer without decomposition than when dissolved in water ; but still, on long keeping, part of the antimo- nial 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. Lio.uor Antimonii Tartarizati. Solution of Tartarized Antimony. Lond. " Take of Tartarized Antimony, a scruple; Boiling Distilled Water, four fluidounces ; Wine, six fluidounces. Dissolve the tartarized antimo- ny 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 of the 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 of the 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 an oxide of this kind has been applied: and for any pharmaceutical purpose it would be too expensive. Oxydum Antimonii Nitromuriaticum. Nitromuriatic Oxide of Anti- ny. Dub. " Take of Prepared Sulphuret of Antimony, two ounces ; Muriatic Acid by measure, eleven ounces ; Nitrous Acid by measure, one drachm. Add I4S • i.fARATIoNS OF ANTiMON < 'he 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 some of the 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 this principle not being sufficiently strong as to be able, even when aided by the resulting affinity of the 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 of the 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 of the 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 of the 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 of the 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 be 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 erne- 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. 149 ARGENTUM.—SILVER. Nitras Argenti. Nitrate of Silver. Ed. " Take of the 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, and 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, and 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 a nitrate 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 confined, and of acting quickly. It is 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 glass 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 150 PREPARATIONS of arsenic. Lavender, four fluiddrachms: 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 Arsenious 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 of the 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 of the solution being incautiously swallowed. Arsenici Oxydum Sublimatum. Sublimed Oxide of Arsenic. Lond. " Triturate Oxide of Arsenic into powder ; 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, that 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. This 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 COPPER. 151 verts it into arsenic acid, and this acid remaining combined with the pot- ash of the 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 embloyed as a remedy in intermittent fever, and in some cutaneous diseases. The dose is from one-sixteenth to one-eighth of a grain of the 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 a glass stopper." 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 of copper, and the violet-coloured mass which is formed is a mixture of the 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." 152 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 of the oxide is precipitated. Ao.ua Cupri Ammoniati. Water of Ammoniated Copper. Dub. " Take of Lime Water, eight ounces ; Muriate of Ammonia, two scru- pies; 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 wa- ter, as a mild escharotic, to remove specks from the cornea, and some- times, 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. " Purified Filings of Iron are to be frequently moistened with waler 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 tho affusion of water, wash away the finest powder; which dry." preparations of iron. 153 During exposure to air and moisture, iron is oxidated, and this oxide is lound 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 liahlp. 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. % Carbonas Ferri Pr.kcipitatus. 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 quantity 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 maximun, 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- Vot. II. ^ 154 preparations of iron. ble. Subcarbonate of potash is more economical than carbonate ot soda m 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 thi 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 on^pt 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 of the 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 liquor 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, 155 , 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 of the 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- tuted for this salt the common green vitriol, purified by a second crystal- lization, a little 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 unglazed earth- en 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 prepa- rations. 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 it is 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 pa- per." 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 time 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 of the Purified Filings of Iron, three parts ; Sublimed bulphur, 156 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 of the 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 by 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; it is not crystallizable, but by evaporation is reduced to a deliquescent 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. 157 is 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 of the 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 of the 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 disaeses, 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 it is 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 of the 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 is 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 Potassje et Ferri. Tartrate of Potash and Iron. Ed. " Take of Purified Filings of Iron, one part; Supertartrate of Potash 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 fire, for an hour, and filtrate the liquor through paper. After it has cooled, and has been filtrated a second time, evaporate it until 158 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 of the iron is rendered more complete. The preparations of the Edinburgh and Dublin College afford the pro- per tartrate of iron and potash, as much of the oxide of iron of the carbo- nate, as the free tartaric acid of the 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 of the 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 of the 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 AmmonijE 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 it into powder." Murias Ammonia 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 of the 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 of the 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. 159 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 less 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 earth- en 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 rec- tified spirit. In the action of the 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 bina- ry combinations will be rendered more complete by the action of the alcohol added, sulphate of potash being nearly insoluble in that liquid, while ace- tate 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 ox- idation, and which alcohol more easily dissolves. The tincture may have the advantage over the watery solution of acetate of iron formed by the first process, of being less liable to spontaneous decomposition ; but it is altogether superfluous 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 a* an officinal pre- paration, which is doubtful. The preparations of this metal in the Phar- marcopceias are more numerous than what are required in practice. 160 L REPARATIONS OF Q.UICKS1LVLK. Liquor Ferri Alkalini. 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 which 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 of the 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 is likewise retained in the combination, and probably contributes, by its action on the alkali and the oxide,\o maintain the state of solution. On standing, a portion of nitre, farmed from the union of the 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 part of the 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 of the 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 much 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. Hydrargyrus 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. It51 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 re- tort." Hydrargyrum Purificatum. Purified Quicksilver. Dub. " Take of Quicksilver, six pounds. Distil slowly four pounds." The quicksilver of commerce has been supposed to be frequently adul- terated with other metals. 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 tem- perature that requires to be applied. Wherever there is reason, however, to suspect any impurity, the purification by this method ought to be per- formed. 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 Acid, four ounces and a half, or 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. Dub. " Take 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 mix- ture 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 may be 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 oxi- Tol. II. ?l it)- 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 of the mercury in the acid to proceed in the cold, pouring off the solution from any undissolved mercury, and adding to it 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 of the 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 gradually 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 uutil the matter become perfectly dry. Rub this when cold, with the muriate of soda in PREPARATIONS OF QUICKSILVER. it»3 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 of the 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 of mu- riate 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, has 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 giveri 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 soda 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 repect 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 of the 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. '04 PREPARATIONS OF QUICKSILVER. According to the hypothesis which considers oxymuriatic acid as a sin> pie 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 of the muriatic acid combines with the oxygen of the oxide ; while the oxymu- riatic principle or chlorine, the other supposed element of the acid, unites with the mercury, and forms the corrosive sublimate. The impropriety of the 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 grain, 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 proportion 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. Externally under the form of solution it is employed as an escharotic in chancre and venereal ulcers of the 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, 165 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." Hvdrargyri 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 Sublimatum, sive Calomelas. Sublimed Sub- muriate 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 rubbe/1 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 of the process, is to bring a quantity of metallic mer- cury into combination with the principles of the corrosive muriate. In 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 of the 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, that 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 of the new pompound in the neutral state, and this is well displayed in the present combination; for although the quantitv of base is increased, re- 166 PREPARATIONS OF QUICKSILVER. latively to the acid, yet as the base is also brought into a lower state of 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 combin- ed with no large quantity of muriatic acid. 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 of the 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 85 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. 167 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 of the 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 of the 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 i* 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 168 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 of the effervescence, digest with a gentle heat, shaking the vessel frequently. It is necessary, however, that more quicksilver should bo mixed with the acid than this can dissolve, that the solution may be obtain- ed fully saturated. Dissolve at the same time the muriate of soda in the 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 Hydrargyri Pr^cipitatum. 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 it to obtain mild muriate of mercury, the muriatic acid of the muriate of soda combining with the oxide of mercury, and forming this compound, while the nitric acid of the 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 be 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 of the 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 of the process, and have always rendered its success very imperfect." 1st, 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 of the 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 of the solution much nitric oxide gas is disengaged, indicating a decomposition of the acid to a * It is very singular that the very some 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 Pracipitatu?, and is introduced a3 a substitute for the Mercurius Dulcis Sublimatus- PREPARATIONS OF QUICKSILVER. 109 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 heat, 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 subnitrate of mercury being precipitated. Hence, when such a solution is mingled 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 quan- tity of this subnitrate is mixed with the mild muriate, and must so far mo- dify 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 appli- cation of heat; when the solution is completed, or no more mercury ap- pears to be capable of being dissolved, add a little water to dissolve any part of the nitrate of mercury that may have crystallized ; then pour off the clear solution from the undissolved quicksilver, and add it to the solu- tion of muriate of soda. The precipitate, having subsided, is to be care- fully washed with water, repeatedly poured on it, to carry off the small quantity of corrosive muriate that is formed. Mild muriate of mercury will thus be obtained. Berthollet has affirmed, however, that even as prepared from a solution of this kind, the precipitate retains in combina- tion 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 sup- posed, 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 con- ducted. 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 state of a smooth Tol. II. 22 170 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 cor- 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 Hydrargyri Cinekeus. 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 low 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 no- menclature 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 of the 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 of the 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, thejammonia combining with the acid, and precipitat- PREPARATIONS OF QUICKSILVER. 171 ..ing 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 of the 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 apart of the 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 ijts 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 I 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 of the 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- 172 PP.EPAR.ATIONS OE 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 ; the carbonic 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 of the 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 Quicksilver by Nitric acid. Ed. i: 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 by weight, a pound and a half; Distilled Water, two pints. Mix them in a glass vessel, and boil until the quicksilver is dissolved, and the water being evaporated, 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 Hydrargyri Nitricum. Nitric Oxide of Quicksilver. Dub. " Take 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. 173 heat, this nitrate is decomposed, and the greater part of the 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 volatile ingredient is expelled from one more fixed by the application of heat, the decomposition is scarcely ever complete, the influence of quantity operating, and causing a portion of the volatile ingredient to be retained, the quantity being greater as there is less difference in the volatility of the two substances. It follows from this, as the most probable conclusion, that although the greater part of the 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 metallic 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 scale. 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 of the 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 is 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 174 preparations of quicksilver. powder, is to be thrown into 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 of the 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 of the 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 of the acid. The entire compound, therefore, is resolved into a supersalt, which is dis- solved, and a subsalt, 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 of the water. The success of the 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 subsulphate precipitated. Yellow subsulphate of mercury must, from the nature of the 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 admi- nistered 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. 175 "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 combined 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 of the mercurial preparations. As an anthel- mintic 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." Hydrargyri 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 of the 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 of the 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 a 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 of the 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, 176 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 mannu 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 useful purpose the mercurial pill will answer equally well. The only ad- vantage 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. Hydrargyri 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." Oxydum 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 600°, 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. There 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 quicksilver under an extensive surface,) and with a long neck, drawn out to a small aperture, so that while the atmospheric air is admitted, the mer- curial 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 process requires considerable attention, and the preparation is compa- ratively 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 \yith 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. 177 ployed in the treatment of the 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 Prjecipitatum Album. White Precipitate of Quicksil- ver. 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' Take of Plaster of Litharge, two pounds; Galbanum, half a pound ; PLASTERS.. 217 lellow Wax, four ounces. To the galbanum melted with a gentle heat, add the litharge plaster and wax, and melt them with a moderate heat." Emplastrum Galbani Compositum. Compound Galbanum Plaster, Lond. ' Take of Galbanum Purified, eight ounces ; Plaster of Lead, three pounds ; Common Turpentine, ten drachms ; Frankincense bruised, three ounces. To the galbanum and turpentine previously melted together. add first the frankincense, then the plaster of lead, melted with a slow fire, and mix them." These three plasters are essentially the same. They are employed as discutient applications to indolent tumours, and sometimes to promote sup puration. Emplastrum Opii. Opium Plaster. Ed. Lond. " Take of Hard Opium in powder, half an ounce ; Frankincense bruis- ed, three ounces ; Plaster of Lead, a pound. To the plaster melted, add the frankincense and opium, and mix them." Opium has been used as an anodyne, by external application, with ad- vantage, as, for example, in relieving toothach. This plaster is disigned to a fiord a form of applying it ; but the usual mode of extending a piece of soft opium on leather or silk is to be preferred, as more effectual. Emplastrum Hydrargyri. Quicksilver Plaster. Ed. " Take of Oilve Oil, White Resin, of each one part; Purified Quick- silver, three parts ; Piaster of Semivitreous Oxide of Lead, six parts. Rub the quicksilver with the oil and resin melted together, and then cool- ed until the globules disappear ; then add gradually, the plaster of semivi- treous oxide of lead, melted, and mix the whole carefully." Emplastrum Hydrargyri. Quicksilver Plaster. Lond. " Take of Purified Quicksilver, three ounces ; Sulphurated Oil, a drachm ; Plaster of Lead, a pound. Kub-the quicksilver with the sulphu- rated oil until the globules disappear, then add gradually the plaster of lead, melted, and mix them." The sulphurated oil in the latter formula causes the mercury to lose the form of globules more quickly, and thus abridges the labour of the preparation : but it may be doubted if the quicksilver thus extinguished is in the same state of activity as when this has been done by trituration- with unctuous matter alone. The mercurial plaster is applied as a dis.- cutient to indolent tumours ; and it has been supposed, that from its con- tinued application, the mercury will be absorbed and act locally in glarir dular affections. Emplastrum Safonaceum. Soap Plaster. Ed. " Take of Plaster of Semivitreous Oxide of Lead, four parts ; Gum Plaster, two parts ; Hard Soap sliced, one part. Mix the soap with the plasters melted together ; then boil a little, so as to form a plaster." Emplastrum Saponis. Soap Plaster. Lond. " Take of Hard Soap cut down, half a pound ; Plaster of Lead, three pounds. Mix the soap with the plaster melted, then boil for a little." Emplastrum Saponis. Soap Plaster. Dub. « Take of Plaster of Litharge, three pounds ; Shavings of Spanish Soap, half a pound. Mix the soap with the plaster melted with a gentle heat, then boil so as to form a plaster." VoL II 2S 2 IB PLASTERS. This has been supposed to possess a discutient quality ; but it is much inferior to the mercurial plaster, and is scarcely ever used. Emplastrum Cantharidis Vesicatoria. Plaster of Cantharides. Ed. " Take of Cantharides, rubbed into a fine powder, White Resin, Yel- low Wax, Mutton Suet, of each equal weights. Mix the cantharides with the other ingredients, melted together, and removed from the fire ; and agitate continually until the mixture hardens." Emplastrum Lytt^e. Plaster of Cantharides. Lond. " Take of Cantharides, rubbed to a very fine powder, a pound ; Wax Plaster, a pound and a half; Prepared Lard, a pound. Sprinkle in the cantharides to the plaster and lard melted together, and removed from the fire a little before they become solid, and mix the whole together." Emplastrum Canthartdis. Cantharides Plaster. Dub. " Take of Yellow Wax, Tallow, each a pound ; Yellow Resin, four ounces ; Cantharides, in fine powder, a pound. Sprinkle the Canthari- des into the wax, tallow, and resin melted together, a little before they become solid from cooling, and mix them so as to form a plaster." This is the plaster usually employed to raise a blister, an effect produc- ed from the action of the acrid matter of the cantharides. It is of a soft- er consistence than the other plasters, that it may admit of being spread without the assistance of heat, which would impair the acrid quality. It is spread on leather, and requires to be applied twelve hours to produce a perfect blister ; it is then removed ; the vesicle is cut, and the inflamed surface is dressed with simple cerate or plaster. In cases where it is of importance that a blister should be raised with certainty, and speedily, it is of advantage to sprinkle a little of the powder of cantharides on the sur- face of the plaster when spread. Washing the part previously with vine- gar, is also useful to insure the effect. Camphor is sometimes mixed with the blistering compositions, on the*supposition that it prevents the stran- gury, which is somestimes produced by a large blister ; but it appears to have no such virtue, and this painful symptom is more effectually obviated by the free use of diluents while the blister is applied,—a practice always proper where the system is irritable, or even in common cases where the blister is large. Emplastrum Cantharidis Vesicatoria Compositum. Compound Plas- ter of Cantharides. Ed. " Take of Venice Turpentine, eighteen parts ; Burgundy Pitch, Can- tharides, of each twelve parts ; Yellow Wax, four parts ; Subacetate of Copper, two parts ; Mustard Seed, Black Pepper, of each one part. To the Burgundy pitch and wax melted, add the turpentine. While these are melted and still warm, add the other ingredients, mixed and rubbed to a fine powder, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes cold and hard." It occasionally happens, that the common plaster of cantharides is insuf- ficient to excite a blister, even when its surface has been sprinkled over with powdered cantharides. In such cases, or even in others where it is necessary that a blister should be quickly raised, and where the system is not easily affected, as in comatose diseases, this more powerful compo- sition may be employed. Its operation is accompanied with a very pun- gent sensation of heat. The application of it ought not to be continued too long, as it might induce ulceration; and from the greater acrimony of CATAPLASMS. 219 this than of the common epispastic, still more precaution ought to be ta- ken against the occurrence of strangury. Emplastrum Cumini. Cumin Plaster. Lond. "Take of Cumin Seeds, Caraway Seeds, Bay Berries, each three ounces; Burgundy Pitch, three pounds ; Yellow Wax, three ounces. To the pitch and wax melted, add the other ingredients in powder, and mix them." This has been applied to the region of the stomach as a moderate sti- mulant in hysteric affections and flatulent cholic, but it cannot be supposed to be of any advantage. Emplastrum Picis Compositum. Compound Pitch Plaster. Lond. " Take of Burgundy Pitch, two pounds; Frankincense, one pound; Yellow Resin, Yellow Wax, of each four ounces; Expressed Oil of Nut- meg, one ounce. To the pitch, resin, and wax, melted together, add first the frankincense, then the oil of nutmeg, and mix them together." Burgundy pitch is in common use as a rubefacient, under the form of plaster. The addition of the other ingredients of this compound plaster may render it rather more stimulating, and the wax gives it due tenacity. Emplastrum Calefaciens. Warm Plaster. Dub. " Take of Burgundy Pitch, seven parts ; Plaster of Cantharides, one part. Mix them melted together with a moderate heat, and form a plas- ter." By the addition of this small proportion of cantharides, the stimulating power of the Burgundy pitch is considerably increased. This according- ly affords a very excellent rubefacient, which is frequently employed. Emplastrum Aromaticum. Aromatic Plaster. Dub. " Take of Frankincense, three ounces; Yellow Wax, half an ounce ; Cinnamon Bark in powder, six drachms; Essential Oil of Pimento, Es- sential Oil of Lemons, of each two drachms. Melt the frankincense and wax together, and strain. As they thicken on cooling, mix in the powder of cinnamon, rubbed with the oils, and form a plaster." This is designed as a stomachic plaster, being applied to the region of the stomach, in some forms of dyspepsia. It ought to he always extem- poraneously prepared, as the essential oils are soon volatilized. CATAPLASMATA.—CATAPLASMS. Cataplasma Fermenti. Yeast Cataplasm. Lond. " Take of Flour, a pound ; Yeast of Beer, half a pint. Mix and ap- ply a gentle heat, until the mixture begins to rise." The yeast mixed with the flour, and aided by the heat, soon excites fer- mentation, and the cataplasm in this state has been applied with advantage as an anodyne in painful and irritable sores, and as an antiseptic in ulcer- ation, attended with fetor. Its efficacy depends on the carbonic acid gas evolved by the fermentative process. Cataplasma Sinapis. Mustard Cataplasm. Lond. " Take of Mustard Seeds, Lintseed, of each in powder, half a pound ; 220 CATAPLASMS. Vinegar, warm, as much as is sufficient. Mix, so as to obtain the con- sistence of cataplasm." Cataplasma Sinapeos. Mustard Cataplasm. Dub. « Take of Mustard Seed in powder, Crumb of Bread, of each half a a pound ; Wine Vinegar, as much as is necessary. Mix so as to form a cataplasm. The mustard cataplasm may be made more acrid by adding two ounces of Horse Radish Root, scraped down." The Mustard Cataplasm, or Sinapism, is the composition usually appli- ed as a stimulant to the soles of the feet, in typhus, where there is deter- mination to the head, and in comatose affections. It acts as a powerful rubefacient; its action is attended with a sense of heat and pain, which soon become urgent, and hence, in a state of coma, the application ought not to be continued too long. It operates on the same principle as a blis- ter, and differs principally in its effects being more quickly obtained, and being more powerfully stimulant to the general system, without producing the same superficial inflammation. APPENDIX. Under this Appendix I have placed some subjects connected with Ma- teria Medica and Pharmacy, which could not otherwise be arranged with equal advantage. Mineral Waters are complicated in their composition, and, according to the substances they contain, produce different effects on the system. They are therefore employed to answer different indica- tions ; and are hence not easily arranged under the classes of the Materia Medica, when these are established on analogies in medicinal operation. It is also of advantage to give a connected view of their chemical analysis, and on this account to place them together. The Elastic Fluids that have been employed medicinally require a similar arrangement, as there is the same difficulty in placing them under the respective classes of medicines ; and from the peculiarities in their preparation and mode of operation, the same advantage in giving their history in connection. I have added a few observations on the medical employment of Electricity and Galvanism, to complete the view of what properly belongs to Materia Medica. As con- nected with the subject, I have subjoined a few observations on the doses of medicines, and the rules that regulate extemporaneous prescription, to which I have added a table of doses, and tables of nomenclature, accord- ing to the different Pharmacopoeias. 1.—OF MINERAL WATERS. Waters, which flow at the surface of the earth, are frequently impreg- nated with foreign matter, so as to acquire taste or odour, and to be capa- ble of producing changes in the state of the living system. Such waters are denominated Mineral, it being usually matter belonging to the mineral kingdom which communicates these powers. Important medicinal effects are frequently obtained from mineral waters, arising primarily from the operation of the substances which they hold dissolved, though this is aided by the state of dilution, the action of the water itself as a diluent, and by other external circumstances. The che- mical analysis, therefore, of these waters is of importance, as determining the principles in which their active powers reside, and thus enabling the physician to employ them with more advantage and discrimination. Mineral waters, both in a chemical classification, and in relation to their medicinal use, may be arranged under four orders ; Carbonated Mine- ral Waters, or those impregnated with carbonic acid gas; Sulphure- ous Mineral Waters, or those impregnated with sulphuretted hydrogen ; Saline Mineral Waters, or those which hold certain neutral salts in solution; and Chalybeate Mineral Waters, or those, the properties of which depend on an impregnation of iron. These indeed are not per- fectly insulated, but, in general, those of one division have a relation to those of the others, by being likewise impregnated with one or other of the ingredients which these contain. But still each may be classed ac- cording to its predominant ingredient, or that which gives it its most cha- racteristic chemical and medicinal powers. 222 mineral waters. It would be foreign to the object of this outline, to give the minute de- tails connected with the analysis of mineral waters. This belongs to a System of Chemistry. It will be sufficient to point out the general modes of discovering their principles, and to add to this chemical view, a brief account of their medicinal applications. 1. Carbonated Mineral Waters.—The waters referred to this class are those which contain carbonic acid gas ; to bring them under the ap- pellation of mineral waters, however, this must be present in such quan- tity as to communicate certain sensible qualities. Waters impregnated with free carbonic acid gas, sparkle when drawn from the spring, or when pour- ed into a glass; they have a taste pungent and acidulous, but become vapid from exposure to the air. Along with the carbonic acid, there are generally present, portions of saline, earthy or metallic matter, chiefly car- bonates of lime, magnesia, and iron. But the carbonic acid in < xcess still communicates the same sensible qualities, modified particularly with regard to medicinal powers, by these impregnations. Carbonic acid in excess, in a mineral water, is discovered, when pre- sent in any considerable proportion, by the qualities above enumerated. It is also easily distinguished, even when in more minute quantity, by chemical tests. Infusion of litmus receives from the addition of the water a red tint, which is evanescent, disappearing from exposure to the air, and more quickly when heat is applied. And lime water produces a milki- ness or precipitation : the lime, when the lime water is added in due pro- portion, forming with the carbonic acid, carbonate of lime, which is inso- luble. But the turbid appearance is removed, and the transparency res- tored, either by adding an additional quantity of the mineral water, the excess of carbonic acid rendering the carbonate soluble, or by adding a few drops of nitric or muriatic acid, either of which decomposes the car- bonate, and dissolves the lime. By the evanescent redness, carbonic acid is discriminated from any other free acid that a mineral water might hold dissolved ; and by the precipitate formed by lime disappearing on the ad- dition of a larger quantity of the mineral water, or of a little muriatic or nitric acid, the fallacy is guarded against that might arise from any preci- pitation produced by sulphates that the water might contain. The quantity of carbonic acid contained in mineral waters is very vari- ous. Under a common pressure, pure water absorbs its own volume of the gas, but the quantity in any mineral water is generally inferior to this. The quantity is discovered by expelling the gas from the water, by heat- ing it gradually in a retort nearly filled to the neck, and receiving the elas- tic fluid in a graduated jar, over quicksilver: the diminution of volume it sustains, by the introduction of a solution of potash, is then observed ; and this gives the volume of carbonic acid gas. Waters highly impregnated with carbonic acid gas are grateful from their pungency, sit light on the stomach, and in a large dose produce a sensible degree of exhilaration ; they increase the appetite, and general- ly have a diuretic effect. They prove useful in dyspeptic affections, from the grateful and moderate stimulus exerted by the carbonic acid on the stomach, aided by the diluent operation of the water, and hence the ad- vantage derived from them in the numerous chronic affections connected with impaired power of the digestive organs, and particularly in simple dyspepsia, in hypochondriasis and gout. They generally also contain some saline substances, \vhich communicate additional powers, and the opera- MINERAL WATERS. 223 Uon ot these is promoted, or at least they are rendered more grateful, by the carbonic acid. Those which contain carbonate of soda, as Seltzer wa- ter, prove more powerfully diuretic, and are employed with advantage, as palliatives in urinary calculus, and the painful discharge of urine from other affections of the urinary organs. Those impregnated with iron are more particularly employed in those diseases in which that metal is bene- ficial. Some of the most celebrated mineral waters of Europe belong to this class, such as the Spa, Pyrmont, and Seltzer water. The Pyrmont contains nearly its own volume of the gas ; the Seltzer, more than half its volume; the Spa, rather less than half the volume: they besides hold dissolved carbonates of soda, lime, and magnesia; and the Spa and Pyrmont have a considerable impregnation of carbonate of iron. Their more mi- nute analysis will be found in the table at the end of this article. None of the mineral springs of this country are much impregnated with carbonic acid ; and those which contain it, as the waters of Bristol and Cheltenham, derive more activity from the presence of other substances. II. Sulphureous Mineral Waters. These waters owe their distin- guishing character to an impregnation of sulphuretted hydrogen, and are at once recognised by their peculiar fcetid smell They are transparent when drawn from the spring, but become turbid from exposure to the air, and gradually lose their odour. When strongly impregnated, they red- den infusion of litmus, and in their weakest state give a dark precipi- tate with solution of nitrate of silver, or acetate of lead, and tarnish the metals. To estimate the quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen gas contained in these waters, various methods have been employed. The gas is not ex- pelled entirely by heat, nor is it easily collected, so as to measure it ac- curately, water absorbing it, and quicksilver decomposing it; it may also have an intermixture of carbonic acid gas, and the proportion of this is not easily ascertained, both gases being absorbed by the same liquids, The usual mode is to decompose the sulphuretted hydrogen, by adding to the water, highly fuming nitrous acid, as long as there is any precipi- tation of sulphur. This precipitation is owing to the oxygen of the acid combining with the hydrogen of the sulphuretted hydrogen. Instead of adding the acid, Kirwan employed the method of filling a jar with the wa- ter, and mixing over it inverted, nhric oxide gas with atmospheric air, when nitrous acid is formed, and produces a similar decomposition. The manipulation, however, is difficult, and does not appear to have any ad- vantage over the more simple method of adding the fuming acid. The sulphur precipitated in either mode is collected on a filter, and from its quantity, the quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen is inferred, 30 grains of sulphur being supposed to be contained in 100 cubic inches of the gas. This estimate, however, of the proportion of sulphur in sulphuretted hy- drogen is somewhat uncert in, and the method is liable to some fallacy, from the action of the acid becoming weak by its dilution, so as not to precipitate the whole of the sulphur, or, if it be used in excess, from its communicating oxygen, and converting it partially into sulphuric acid. The sulphureous mineral waters usually contain saline substances, which modify their powers. From the action of the sulphuretted hydrogen, they are employed in cutaneous affections ; and from the combined action of this and the saline matter, which generally has a purgative effect, they 224 MINERAL WATERS, are farther used in diseases of the digestive organs, dyspepsia, hypochon- driasis, torpor of the intestines, visceral obstructions, and in scrofulous affections. They are also applied externally in tutaneous eruptions ; and the warm sulphureous baths have been in particular celebrated for their efficacy under this form of application. The principal sulphureous mi- neral waters of this country are those of Harrowgate and Moffat: the form- er have a large proportion of saline matter, muriates and carbonates. Those celebrated on the Continent are chiefly the warm sulphureous springs of Aix la Chapelle and Barege. III. Saline Mineral Waters.—Under this class are comprised those waters in which, without any large proportion of aerial matter, various saline compounds, generally neutral, exist. The salts usually present are sulphates, muriates, and carbonates : and the basis with which the acids forming these are combined, are soda, magnesia and lime. Their analysis is accomplished, first, by detecting, by the. employment of tests, the acids present and the bases which these are neutralized ; and, secondly, ob- taining either the salts themselves, or their elements by evaporation, or by the action of certain re-agents. In these waters, there* is often an impregnation of elastic fluid, particu- larly of carbonic acid, which would modify the results from the application of tests. This is expelled by heat in order to facilitate the farther analy- sis ; and in general also, it is of advantage to reduce the volume of the wa- ter by evaporation, as the operation of tests becomes then more sensible than under a state of great dilution. Sulphuric acid, in any -state of combination in a mineral water, is discov- ered with great delicacy by muriate or nitrate of barytes, the barytes at- tracting it, and forming a compound not sensibly soluble, the production of which, therefore, gives rise to a turbid appearance, and precipitation. The only fallacy that requires to be guarded against is, that the same apparent result may be produced by carbonic acid present in the mineral water, either in a free or combined state ; but this is easily discovered by the precipitation or turbid appearance from the action of carbonic acid be- ing removed, by the addition of a few drops of nitric acid, or not appear- ing if this has been added to the mineral water previous to the addition of the muriate of barytes. Other tests of sulphuric acid have been employ- ed, such as superacetate of lead, and nitrate of mercury ; but these are both les- delicate and less accurate. .Muriatic acid is detected by nitrate of silver, the oxide of silver combin- ing with the muriatic acid, and forming an insoluble compound, which gives to the water first a bluish white turbid appearance, and ultimately a precipitate. This testis extremely delicate, and detects the most mi- nute quantity of muriatic acid, in any state of combination whatever. Bat it is liable to fallacies, against which it is necessary to guard. The princi- pal of these arise from the presence of carbonic acid or sulphuric acid, either of these giving rise likewise to milkiness and precipitation on the addition of the solution of silver. The operation of carbonic acid is pre- vented by previously adding a little pure nitric acid to decompose any car- bonate : that of sulphuric acid can be obviated only by removing it by the previous addition of nitrate of barytes, as long as any precipitation is induc- ed. If, on adding to the transparent fluid, after these preliminary expe- riments, the nitrate of silver, any milkiness is produced, this indicates the presence of muriatic acid. Sulphuretted hydrogen gives a precipitate MINERAL WATERS. 225 ^ ith this test; but the nature of this is, from its dark colour, sufficiently evident. Carbonic acid, in a combined state, is detected by muriate of barytes producing a turbid appearance, and a precipitation, which are removed by the addition of a few drops of nitric acid. Waters containing any consider- able proportion, either of alkaline or earthy carbonates, affect the vege- table colours, changing when there is no excess of carbonic acid, or when this is removed by ebullition, the colour of Brazil wood, which is red, to a tint of blue, or restoring the blue tint of litmus which has been redden- ed by the addition of a little vinegar. When the water is reduced by evaporation, effervescence is excited on the addition of an acid ; and dur- ing the evaporation, the earthy carbonates are precipitated, while the alkaline carbonates remain dissolved, and are discovered by their power of changing the yellow colour of turmeric to a brown. These acids are usually combined with soda, lime, or magnesia ; and to complete the analysis by the application of tests, these bases must be discriminated. Lime is detected, with the greatest delicacy of effect, by oxalic acid. The acid indeed with which the lime is combined in the water, when evolved by the action of the oxalic acid, is liable to re-act on the precipi- tate, and retain it in part dissolved ; but this may be guarded against by using oxalate of potash. Magnesia is precipitated by the same acid ; but this can scarcely give rise to any fallacy, as this precipitation takes place very slowly, while that with lime is immediate. Magnesia is precipitated by ammonia partially, and by lime water en- tirely ; the principal fallacy to which both tests are liable is, that argil is also precipitated by them, and though this earth is not of very common occurrence in mineral waters, it is occasionally found. The best method of distinguishing them is to dry the precipitate, and boil gently a solution of potash on it, this dissolving argil, but leaving magnesia undissolved. Succinate of ammonia, it has lately been discovered, precipitates argil, but not magnesia, and forms therefore a delicate test. In using lime water as the precipitant, it is necessary to guard against the fallacy that may arise from the presence of carbonic acid, free or combined, with which the lime may unite, and form a precipitate ; this may be avoided by removing any carbonic acid by the previous addition of a little nitric acid. Any sulphu- ric acid also that may be present ought to be removed by nitrate of bary- tes, as it might unite with the lime, and give rise to a precipitate of sul- phate of lime. Another mode of distinguishing between lime and magne- sia is, to precipitate by carbonate of potash, and then, by adding sulphuric acid to the precipitate, to form a sulphate which will be soluble if of mag- nesia, and nearly insoluble if of lime. Soda which is the alkaline base almost exclusively found in mineral wa- ters, cannot be discovered by any test, such as that by which we discrimi- nate the preceding ingredients. The presence of it, therefore, is infer- red, when the analysis discovers acids in the water, which are not un- combined, and which, at the same time, cannot be inferred from the ap- plication of tests to be in combination with earthy bases. It is also dis- covered in a state of combination with any of the usual acids by evapora- tion carried so far, that its salts are obtained crystallized. By the same method the other compound salts, those having lime, magnesia, or argil, for their base, are also discovered, and hence evaporation is always em- Vol. II. 29 226 MINERAL waters. ployed, in combination with the use of tests, in conducting the analysis oi a mineral water. Different substances separate at different stages of the evaporation, according to their degrees of solubility; the earthy carbon- ates are first precipitated, afterwards the earthy sulphates, at least the sulphate of lime ; the clear liquor poured off and allowed to cool affords the alkaline neutral salts and sulphate of magnesia by crystallization ; the muriates of magnesia and lime usually remain dissolved in the residual li- quor, and by these separations the analysis is facilitated. Advantage is also taken of the powers of alcohol, both as a solvent and as a precipitant, to separate these substances. When the water is reduced to a concentrated state by evaporation, the addition of alcohol throws down certain salts, while others remain dissolved ; and of those which are precipitated, some are thrown down by a small quantity of alcohol, or when the evaporation has not been carried far ; while others are separated only when the alcohol is added in larger proportion, or when the water is farther evaporated. Thus, sulphate of lime is first precipitated, then car- bonate of lime and carbonate of magnesia, afterwards sulphate of soda and sulphate of magnesia, while the muriates in general remain dissolved. '■ In applying the solvent power of alcohol to facilitate the analysis, the wa- ter is evaporated to dryness, and this dry matter is submitted to the action of alcohol: the muriates which are present are in general dissolved, while the sulphates and carbonates remain undissolved. By these operations, too, the quantities of the respective salts contained in a water are determined ; the substances separated being either brought to a certain state of dryness, or being dissolved separately in water and crystallized. The quantities are also sometimes inferred, by estimation from the precipitates afforded by re-agents ; the quantity of sulphuric acid, for example, being determined from the weight of the precipitate of sul- phate of barytes, obtained by the addition of muriate of barytes ; that of muriatic acid from the weight of the precipitate of muriate of silver, ob- tained by the addition of nitrate of silver ; and that of lime from the weight of the precipitate of oxalate of lime ; these quantities being inferred accor- ding to the composition of these compounds, as they have been determin- ed by the most accurate experiments. In general, these methods require to be combined to insure accuracy, especially with regard to the determi- nation of proportions. The substances obtained by evaporation, or by these analytic methods, have always been considered as the ingredients of the mineral water. There can be no doubt, however, but that the state of combination is of- ten liable to be changed by the analytic process, and that the substances obtained are, from this cause, sometimes products of the operation, and not original ingredients. ' The importance of this, in determining the com- position of mineral waters, and in explaining the source of their medicinal powers, first occurred to me in conducting the analysis of a mineral water, (that of Dunblane), which afforded by evaporation, muriate of soda, muri- ate of lime, and sulphate of lime. These, according to the conclusions generally drawn, would have been considered as the real ingredients : but without any just proof; for it is equally possible that the sulphuric acid might exist in the water in the state of sulphate of soda, and that, du- ring the evaporation, this acting on a portion of the muriate of lime, might form muriate of soda, and sulphate of lime. Various considerations ren- dered this even the more probable conclusion, as I have stated in a Me- moir on this subject, (Edinburgh Philosophical Transactions, vol. 7.); mineral water?. 227 and in all cases in which muriate of soda and sulphate of lime are obtained from a mineral water by evaporation, or by any analogous analytic opera- tion, the portions of them equivalent to each other are to be regarded as products of such a decomposition. A similar conclusion may be drawn, where carbonate of lime or carbonate of magnesia is obtained, if muriate of soda is obtained along with them. The quantities of them equivalent to the proportional quantity of muriate of soda may be regarded as products of the action of carbonate of soda on muriate of magnesia and muriate of lime; and the same view may sometimes even be applied to the produc- tion of sulphate of magnesia. Thus, the real composition of a saline mi- neral water will often be very different from that directly inferred from the products of its analysis. This view often leads to a satisfactory explanation of the medicinal powers of mineral waters, which, on the common doctrine, are very im- perfectly accounted for. No better example can be given to illustrate this, than the celebrated Bath water. It affords, in a pint, about 9 grains of sulphate of lime, 3 grains of muriate of soda, 3 grains of sulphate of soda, Tspths of a grain of carbonate of lime, |th grain of silica, and 7Vj th grain of oxide of iron,—substances either so inert, or in such minute quantities, that no sensible effect could be expected from them. But if we adopt the opposite view, the real ingredients are 5.2 grains of sulphate of lime, 3.1 grains of muriate of lime, 5.5 grains of sulphate of soda, T8gth grain of carbonate of lime, ath grain of silica, and ^th of oxide of iron,—a composition which, from the presence of the muriate of lime in particu- lar, is much more active, and accounts much better for its medicinal pow- ers.—Seltzer water affords another striking example of a similar kind. Along with a large impregnation of carbonic acid, it contains, according to Bergman, in a pint, 3 grains of carbonate of lime, 5 grains carbonate of magnesia, 4 grains carbonate of soda, 17.5 muriate of soda. But the real composition, according to the preceding view, is 3.3 grains of muriate of lime, 5 grains muriate of magnesia, 7.8 grains muriate of soda, and 18 grains carbonate of soda,—a composition totally different from the former, and approaching much more to what is to be expected from the great ac- tivity of this mineral water. Thus, the composition of saline mineral waters is often very different from what would be inferred, if the substances obtained by their analysis were to be regarded as the real ingredients. Some have supposed, that no binary salts exist together in solution in water, but that, in such cases, only one combination, properly speaking, exists, formed by the simulta- neous union and mutual neutralization of the different acids and bases present. It is more probable, however, that binary combinations exist; and it is only necessary to guard against the error of supposing, that they are always those afforded by the analysis. Saline Mineral Waters arc usually aperient, the substances which they hold dissolved being either so far as can be determined inert, such as the sulphate and carbonate of lime, or being cathartic, as the greater number of the other compound salts. It has always been remarked, with regard to them, that their cathartic power is greater than could be supposed from the extent of their saline impregnation, as determined by analysis ; __a proof of the influence of dilution in the operation of mineral waters. They are usually employed in diseases where it is of advantage to stimu- late the digestive system, the intestinal canal, and the secreting organs connected with it, or where advantage is derived from moderate and con- 228 mineral waters. tinued evacuations. Hence their celebrity in the treatment of some forms of dyspepsia and hypochondriasis, chlorosis, chronic hepatitis, jaundice, and in scrofula. The most noted saline water is that of Sedlitz : that of Seltzer, along with a portion of saline matter, has a large impregnation of carbonic acid, and that of Cheltenham, an impregnation both of carbonic acid and iron. Pitcaithly Spring in this country, affords an example of a pure saline water, its principal ingredients being muriate of lime and muriate of soda, with a slight impregnation of carbonic acid. Some mineral waters which belong to this class contain so little saline matter, that their medi- cinal effects must be principally ascribed to the temperature, and to the action of the water as a diluent: such are the warm mineral waters of Buxton and Matlock, and the cold spring of Malvern. The last was sup- posed to be water uncommonly pure. It contains, however, about five grains of carbonate of soda in a gallon, with a very minute quantity of carbonate of iron. When saline waters are impregnated with carbonic acid, which they frequently are, they become more grateful, and sit easier on the stomach. When they have an impregnation of iron, they acquire tonic powers, and more efficacy as remedies in amenorrhcea, and the other chronic diseases in which this metal is employed : and the muriate of soda and muriate of lime, which some of them contain, probably render them more beneficial in scrofula and affections of the glandular system. Sea water, in strict chemical arrangement, must be regarded as belong- ing to the class of saline mineral waters, as it holds dissolved merely vari- ous neutral salts, chiefly muriate of soda and of magnesia, and sulphate of soda and magnesia, with a little sulphate of lime. It much exceeds, how- ever, in the extent of impregnation, any common mineral water: the pro- portion of saline matter varies in different latitudes, according to the tem- perature, producing greater or less evaporation; and it is liable to be va- ried by the discharge of large rivers into the ocean. But on an average, the quantity appears to be about ^\, of which, from the experiments of Bergman and Lavoisier, it follows, that about 20 are muriate of soda, 5 muriate of magnesia, 3 sulphates of magnesia and soda, and 1 sulphate of lime. Its medicinal powers are similar to those of the saline mineral wa- ters : from the extent of its saline impregnation, it is more active as a ca- thartic ; and it is more stimulating than fresh water as a bath. IV. Chalybeate Mineral Waters.—These owe their characteristic properties, chemical and medicinal, to an impregnation of Iron. The oxide of iron is almost uniformly held dissolved by carbonic acid, the acid being usually in excess; in a few mineral waters, sulphate of iron is pre- sent ; but these are not of common occurrence, and are in general too active to be well adapted to medicinal use. Chalybeate waters have a peculiar styptic taste ; they are transparent when taken from the spring, but when exposed for some time to the air, a pellicle forms on the surface, and a quantity, generally minute, of ochry sediment subsides, the water at the same time losing its taste; this change is accelerated by heat. Iron'is discovered, with great facility, by chemical tests. Prussiate of potash detects it by the blue colour to which it gives rise ; infusion of galls by the purple colour which it strikes. The latter test is more delicate than the former, and it is much more accurate ; the prussiate of potash being always liable to fallacy, from the difficulty of obtaining it free from MINERAL WATERS. 229 ^on; hence the infusion of galls, or rather trre tincture of galls, ought always to be preferred. The principal circumstances to be remarked with regard to its operation, is, that the purple colour which it strikes is liable to be altered in its tint by the presence of other substances : alkaline and earthy carbonates in particular render it violet; neutral alkaline salts appear to deepen the purple colour, and sulphate of lime renders the pre- cipitate at first whitish, and afterwards black. Carbonate of lime has a singular effect: if the iron is in a low state of oxidation, it heightens the colour; but when the oxidation is greater, it has the opposite effect: and if the quantity of iron be small, the colour may even not appear on the addition of the test. This fact, discovered by Mr. Phillips, gives the ex- planation of a singular circumstance with regard to the Bath Mineral Wa- ter,—that when newly taken from the spring, and while still warm, it gives a purple colour with galls, indicating the presence of iron ; while, after exposure for a little time to the air, no colour appears, though no oxide of iron has been precipitated. By applying the test of galls before and after boiling the mineral water, we are enabled to discover whether the iron is held dissolved by carbonic or sulphuric acid; the carbonic acid being expelled by the ebullition, and the oxide of iron precipitated, so that, after filtration of the liquor when cold, the purple colour does not appear; while the sulphate, though likewise partially decomposed by the ebullition, still so far remains, that a colour not much fainter will be produced. m The presence of carbonic or sulphuric acid may also be determined by their usual tests, and sul- phate of iron may be obtained by evaporation. The quantity of oxide of iron may be determined from its precipita- tion, on exposure to the air; the whole, or very nearly the whole of it, when it is combined with carbonic acid, being precipitated, in conse- quence partly of the escape of the acid, and partly of the iron passing to a higher state of oxidation, so that its attraction to the acid becomes weaker. It has also been estimated from the weight of the precipitate, formed by the addition of prussiate of potash or infusion of galls ; or by a more recent mode, precipitating it by the addition of succinate of soda, and afterwards decomposing the precipitate of succinate of iron, by expos- ing it to a red heat with a little carbonaceous matter, 100 parts of the ox- ide obtained by the calcination containing about 70 of iron. Benzoate of soda, which is a cheaper salt, may be used for the same purpose, 100 parts of the precipitated benzoate of iron dried by exposure to the air contain- taining 25 of red oxide of iron. Chalybeate mineral waters are remedies of considerable activity and power. They act as tonics, increasing the strength of the system, raising the force of the circulation, giving tone to the digestive organs, augment- ing muscular vigour, and promoting the excretions. They are of course employed in those diseases in which iron is principally used, amenorr- hoea, chlorosis, some states of menorrhagia, leucorrhoea, dyspepsia, scro- fula, and various forms of chronic debility. And as iron succeeds best when f-4ife. To the former order belong Vol. II. -° 234 OF THE GASES Gas Oxygenium. Oxygen Gas. Gas Oxidum Nitrosum. Nitrous Oxide Gas. Oxygen Gas is procured from black oxide of manganese by heat. A quantity of the oxide is put into an iron retort, connected by a tube with a gas holder, 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 afforded in a more concentrated state 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 of the 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 of the day. It generally increases the force and velocity of the pulse. EMPLOYED AS REMEDIES. 235 ^ ^itrous 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; and the remaining oxygen combining with the ni- trogen, both of the acid and of the ammonia, forms nitrous oxide, which is disengaged in the gaseous form. After its production it requires to stand some hours, to deposite a little saline vapour, before it is fit to be breathed. The effects of nitrous oxide gas on the system, when it is respired, are scarcely analogous to those of any other agent. The excitement which is produces is extended to the functions of body and mind with more rapidity and force than that arising from the action of the most powerful stimulants. It is accompanied, too, with effects as various as they are peculiar; it excites usually a peculiar thrilling of the 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 of the functions of life and exhilaration of mind is not followed by proportional languor or debility ; the state of the system gradually re- turns to the healthy standard, without any apparent waste of power. A substance capable of acting in such a manner, 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. Arid 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 of the connection which subsists between the phenomena of life and the chemical changes which 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 HydrogenitAi. Hydrogen Gas. Gas Nitrogenium. Nitrogen Gas. Gas Hydrogenium Carburetum. Carburetted Hydrogen Gas. 236 OF THE GASEH Gas Acidum Carbonicum. Carbonic Acid Gas. g 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 of the water, and the hydrogen assumes the aerial form. Hydrogen gas received into the lungs does not appear to exert any po- sitive deleterious power; all its effects seem referable to the exclusion of oxygen. The 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 of the force of the 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 been 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 irpn 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 tho most powerful agent of this kind. Even when largely diluted with atmospheric air, it occasions immediate vertigo, sickness, diminution of the force and velocity of the 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. 237 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 of the 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 of lime (chalk or marble); but to obtain it in a proper state of purity for breathing, it is preferable to decompose the carbonate of lime 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 of the 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 ob- taining their continued operation. In that state of disease existing in the lungs, in the earlier stages of phthisis, much advantage, for example, mi^ht 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 of the kings, 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 of the bottle, and , inspiring from it. Carbonic acid has likewise been employed as a local application to can- cer and painful ulceration, and has been serviceable at least as a palliative. 238 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 its 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, Muriatic 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 principles in forms of combination subject to chemical agency, and capable of being subverted by its exertion. It has accordingly been found, that the air of places offensive from the presence of such effluvia is 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 use 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 of the 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 portion of acrid oily matter formed in the same process. To neutralize this impregnation, a volatile acid, which should be capable of being easily diffused 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 odoi;r 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 be 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 REMEDIES. 239 Gas Acidum Oxymuriaticum. Oxymuriatic Acid Gas. The process by which this gas is procured, has been already described (page 103), 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 of the greater energy of its chemical action compared with that of muriatic acid gas. It changes rapidly the constitution of the greater number of the 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 of the gas, may be placed in a sand-bath over a charcoal fir^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 of the oxymuriatic gas. The only disadvantage to which it is liable is, that from its suffocating odour, the atmosphere ia which it is diffused cannot be breathed, which in some situations renders it inapplicable, as requiring the removal of the 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 me referred to its stimulating power. It produces forcible contractions in the muscular fibre; excites 240 ELECTRICITY. therefore to action, if duly applied, and, when in excess, immediately ex- hausts irritability. As a stimulant it possesses the important advantages of 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 of the 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 therlast 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 woAed, 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 he produced; these effects being greater or less, according as the spark is more powerful, this being regulated by the distance at which the knob is held, if the machine be sufficiency inaction. The shock is given by discharging the Leyden phial, making the part of the body through which it is intended to he transmitted part of the circuit, a chain for example connected with the external surface of the coated jar being applied to the shoulder, when the shock is to be sent through the arm, and the knob of the rod communicating with the inner surface of the 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 muscular contractions considerable, if it is of moderate intensity. At the introduction of electricity as a remedy, it was highly celebrated for its efficacy in a number of diseases ; its use is now confined to a few. In paralysis it is not unfrequently had recourse to, to excite muscular contraction, and perhaps with some advantage. It is usually applied un- der the form of sparks, the application of it requiring to be continued daily for a considerable time. Sometimes moderate shocks are also employed ; but the propriety ofLtbis-practice is doubtful. In amenorrhcea, 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 medicinal employment of electricity is to apply it at first under 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, tout in the greater number of cases rather to expect advantage from its GALVANISM. 241 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 species of it arising from torpor of the auditory nerve ; and it has been successful in discussing indolent 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 difficult 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 in which the latter had failed ; and even admitting their similarity of action, it affords a method of varying the application, which 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 of the 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 *>art affected, so that it shall form part of the circuit of the galvanic dis- 242 MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS. charge ; the one wire is kept in contact with the part it touches ; the other is 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 of MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS. 243 less active substances can do little more than add to the bulk of the prin- cipal medicine, or cause it to sit uneasy on the stomach. ^dly, 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 of the 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 tbe 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. Aihly, The error of contra-indication is to be guarded against, or those medicines ought nut 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. 5thly, The ingredients which are to be combined, must be such as will mix properly together, so that the form in which the remedy is designed 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 of the disease, the nature of the 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 of the sub- stance submitted to preparation. The Doses of Medicines are not reducible to any general rules, from their general similarity 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 requi- site to produce its effect, in proportion to the advance in life. From man- hood to old age, it has been supposed, that there is a similar gradation with regard to diminution of do.-e ; but this is undoubtedly in a less proportion than that which regulates the increase. The following table by Gaubius has been supposed to shew these proportions, with regard to the early period of life in which the necessity for the diminution of dose is unques- tionable. 244 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 f or 2 scruples. --------------vii to xiv .........± or half a drachm. -----------—iv to vii.........i or 1 scruple. ---------of iv years of age.......J- or 15 grains. "-----■-----hi-----------.......'- or half a scruple, -----■------ii-----------.......-J- 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 been 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 of the sanguine temperament are supposed to be more easily affected, and therefore to require smaller doses. than those of the 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 general temperament, to be affected by certain causes, in a manner 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 is par- ticularly the case with stimulants and narcotics, and is even observed, to a certain extent, in some of the other classes of the Materia Medica. 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 do?es 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 being modified by such variations. The state of susceptibility being in general apparent, when it varies much from the healthy standard, the doses of the medicines administered are regulated accordingly, and this, it is obvious, admits of no general observations, as being entirely dependent on the nature and state of disease. The following 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. 245 TABLE OF THE DOSES OF MEDICINES. ACETAS ammoniae, iincia dimidia—una. hydrargyri, granum unum—grana quinque. kali, scrupulus—semidrachma. plumbi, granum dimidium—grana tria. potassae, drachma dimidia—drachma una, Acetatis ferri tinctura, guttae decern—triginta. cum alcohole, minima decern —drachma. ammoniae aqua, drachmae duae—uncia dimidia. Acelum colchici. drachma una. Acidum aceticum scilliticum, drachma dimidia— drachma una. citricum scilliticum, 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, semidrachma —drachmae duae. aromaticus, semidrachma— drachmae duae. /Ethiops mineralis, grana decern. Alcohol ammoniatum, semidrachma—drachma. aromaticum, guttae viginta— triginta. foetidum, drachma dimidia. succinatum, guttae decern—quadraginta. Allium sativum, drachma una. Aloe perfoliata, grana decern. Alumen, grana quinque—decern. Ammoniacum, grana decern—scrupulus. Ammoniae aqua, guttae quinque—decern. Ammomae aqua diluta, guttae quiodecim—semi- drachma. * hydrosulphuretum, guttae quinque—de- cern. murias, grana decern—semidrachma. subcarbonas, grana quinque—decern. subcaibonatis solutio, guttae decern— drachma, Ammoniaretum cupri, granum dimidium—granum unum. Amomi repentis pulvis, grana quinque—scrupulus. 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—tres. 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. supercarbonatis sodae, librae duo in dies. Arbutus uva ursi, scrupulus—drachma dimidia. Argenti nitras, grani pars octava—quarta. Aristolochia serpentaria, drachma dimidia. Arnica montana, grana duo—quinque. Arsenici solutio, guttae quatuor ter i n dies. Artemisia santonica, scrupulus—drachma dimidia. Assa foetida, grana decern—scrupulus. Atropa belladona, granum unum. Balsamum copaibae, drachma dimidia. Peruvianum, grana decern. Tolutanum, grana quindecim—quadra- ginta Belladona, granum unum. Bonplandia trifoliata, drachma dimidia. Bonplandiae irifoliatae infusum, uncia dimidia—un- ciae duae. tinctura, drachma dimidia—drachma. Bubon galbanum, drachma dimidia. Callicocca ipecacuanha, grana quindecim. Cancrorum chelae, drachma una. lapilli, drachma una. Calomelas granum—grana decern. Calumba, gnna decern—viginti. Camphora, grana quinque—scrupulus. Cantharis, granum unum. Carbonas ammoniae, scrupulus—drachma dimidia. calcis praeparatus, drachma una. ferri prae^ipitatus, grana decern. praeparatus, grana decern—-scru- pulus. magnesiae, drachma dimidia. potassae, grana decern, sodae, grana decern. Cascarilla, drachma dimidia. Castoreum, scrupulus—drachma dimidia. Catechu, grana decern—scrupulus. Cicuta, grana tria. Cinchona Caribaea, drachma dimidia. oblongifolia, drachma dimidia, cordifolia, drachma dimidia. lancifolia, drachma dimidia. Colchicum autumnale, granum unum—quinque. Colocynthis, grana duo—quinque. Colombo, scrupulus. Conium maculatum, grana tria. Contrayerva, scrupulus. 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. Crotonis eleutheriae cortex, drachma dimidia. Cupri ammoniaretum, grana dimidia---granum' 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 quater ter in dies. daphnes mezerei, libra in dies. digitalis, uncia una. dulcamarae, semuncia—uncia. geoffraeae inermis, unciae duae. guaiaci compositum, librae duae in dies. lichenis islandici,drachmae quatuor—un ciae duae. polygalae senegae, uncia—unciae tres. sarsnparillae 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 dinjidia. % Elaterium, granum unum. ^ Electuarium cassiae sennae, uncia una. catechu compositum. drachma dimidia. cassiae fistulae, uncia nua. opiaturo, drachma dimidia. senna'-, compositum, s«midrachraa—se- muncia. 246 TABLE OP THE DOSES OP MEDICINES. Elixir sacrum, drachmae sex. Emulsio acaciae Arabicae, ad libitum. amygdali communis, librae duae in dies. camphorae, unciae quaterin dies. Extractum anthemidis nobilis, grana decern—scru- pulus. aloes, grana quinque—decern. cascarillae, scrupulus. chamaemeli, grana decern—scrupulus. cincbonae, grana decern. colocynthidis compositum, grana quin- que. convolvulijalapae, grana decern. corticis Peruvian!, grana decern. elaterii, granum dimidium. foliorum sabinae, grana decern—tri- ginta, gentianae luteae, grana decern—tri- ginta. hellebori nigri, grana decern. haemaioxyli Campechensis, grana de- cem—scrupulus. humuli, grana quinque—quindecim. jalapae, grana decern. opii, granum unum—duo. papaveris, grana duo—scrupulus. rhei, grana decern-—drachma dimidia. rutae graveolentis, grana decern—scru- pulus. sarsaparillae, grana decern—drachma. taraxaci, grana decern, drachma. Valeriana, grana decern—scrupulus. Ferri acetatis tinctura, guttae decern—triginta. alkalini liquor, drachma dimidia—drachma cum semisse. aramoniati tinctura. et ammoniae murias, grana tria—quindecim. carbonas, grana decern—drachma dimidia. Hmatura purificata, drachma una. muriatis tinctura, guttae decern—viginti. 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—decern. vinum, drachma—drachmae tres. Ferulae assafoetidae, gummi resina, grana decern —drachma dimidia. Ferrum ammoniatum, grana quinque. Galbanum, scrupulus—drachma dimidia. Gambogia. grana quinque. Guaiacum officinale, graoa decern—scrupulus. Hydrargyrus calcinatus, granum unum. ^ cum creta, grana duo—decern. magnesia, grana duo—decern. Hydrargyri acetas, grana duo. murias mitis, granum unum—grana de- cern. murias corrosivus, granum dimidium in dies. muriatis liquor, drachma—drachmae duae. oxidum rubrum, granum dimidium— grana duo. oxidum cinereum, grapum unum—grana duo. submurias praecipitatus, granum—grana quinque. subsulphas flavus, granum—grana quin- que. sulphuretum nigrum, scrupulus—scrupu- li duo. rubrum, grana decern—scrupulus. Hydrosulphuretum ammoniae, guttae. quinque— decern^, HyosciamuS niger, granum unum—grana duo. Infusum acaciae catechu, uncia—tertiaquaque hora. ajnarum,uuciae duae bis terve in dies. anthemidis, unciae tres bis in dies. armoraciae compositum, uncia—unciae tres .aurantii compositum, uncia rum semisse— unciae tres. Columbae, uncia dua<\ caryophyllorum, uncia una. cascarillae, unciae duae. cassiae sennae, uncia—unciae quatuor. cuspariae, unciae duae. cinchonae officinalis, unciae duae. digitalis purpureae, uncia una bis in dies. gentianae compositum.unciae duae bis terve indies lini, librae duae in dies. mentbae compositum, uncia—unciae tres subinde. quassiae, uncia—unciae sex, bis in die«. quassiae 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—scrupulus. Lac ammoniaci, uncia una. Lactuca sativa, grana tria—quipque. virosa, grana duo. Laudanum liquidum, guttae viginti quinque. Liquor arsenicalis guttae quater ter in dies. antimonii tartarizati, uncia dimidia—uncia una. ferri a'kalini, guttae decern ter quaterve in dies. hydrargyri oxymuriatis, drachma una—duo. Lixivium causticum, guttae viginti bis indies. Magnesia, scrupulus unus. Manna, uncia una. Mel scillae, drachma una—drachmae duo. Melue vesicatorius, granum unum. Mistura ammoniaci, uncia una bis terve in dies. assafoetidae, uncia una bis terve in dies. ferri composita, uncia bis in dies hydrargyri corrosivus. granum dimidium in dies. guaiaci, uncia bis in dies. camphorae, unciae duae. moschi, uncia dimidia—unciae duae. Moschus, grana decern—scrupulus. Murias ammoniae et ferri, grana quinque. • Myrrba, drana decern—scrupulus. Nitras argenii, grani pars octava-r-grana duo. Nitrum, grana decern—scrupulu9. Oleum lini usitatissimi, uncia dimidia—.uncia. ricini, uncia una. volatile anisi, guttae quinque—decern. carui, guttae quinque. juniperi communis, guttae quinque. menthaepiperitae,guttae duae—quin- que. Opium, granum unum Oxidum antimonii cum phosphate calcis, grana quin- que—decern. hydrargyri cinereum, granum unum—grana duo. zinci, grana duo—quinque. Oxymel scillae, drachma una—drachmae duae. Oxymurias potassae, grana decern bis in die9. Phosphas sodae, uncia una. Pilulae aloes cum zingibere, grana quinque—quin- decim. aloetjeae, grana decern. et assafoetidae, grana decern. colocynthidis, grana quinque—de- cern. myrrhae, grana decern. ammoniareti cupri, pilula una mane etves- pere. assafoetidae compositae, grana decern. galbaoi compositae, grana decern. hydrargyri, pilula una ter in dies. myrrhae compositae, grana decern. opiatae, grana quinque—decern. V.rhei compositae, grana decern. scillae, grana decern. saponis cum opio, grana quinque. e styrace, grana quinque. gambogiae, grana decern, ^ TABLE OF THE DOSES OF MEDICINES. 247 Pilulae ferri cum myrrha, grana quinque—decern. hydrargyri submuriatis, pilula una mane et vespcre. Pulvis aloes compositus, gratia decern—quiodecim. antimonialis, grana quinque—decern. aromaticus, grana quinque,—decern, carbonatis calcis compositus, drachma una. cretae compositus, drachma dimidia. cum opio, scrupulus, drach- ma dimidia. contrayervae compositus, drachma dimidia. cornu usti cum opio, grana decern. doveri, grana decern—scrupulus. ipecacuanhae etopii.grana decern—scrupulus. jalapae compositus, drachma dimidia—drach- ma una, opiatus, grana decern. salinus compositus, drachmae tres—unciae. scammonii compositus, grana decern. Rheum palmatnm, scrnpulus—drachma dimidia. Rhus toxicodendron, granum unum. Rubia tinctorum, drachma dimidia. Rubigo ferri pracparata, grana decern—triginta. Sagapenum, grana decern—viginti. Santonicum, drachma dimidia. Scammonium, grana quinque—decern. Scilla exsiccata, granum unum—grana duo. Serpentaria virginiana, scrupulus—drachma dimidia. Sinapis alba, uncia dimidia. Solutio muriatis barvtae, gtrttae decern bis in dies. muriatis calcis, guttae viginti. • Spiritus aetheris nitrosi, drachma dimidia. aetheris sulphuric!, drachma dimidia. ammoniae, drachma dimidia. aromaticus, drachma dimidia, foetidus, drachma dimidia. anisi, uncia dimidia. lavandulae compositus, drachma dimidia— drachma una. nitri dulcis, draehma dimidia. Stannum, drachma dimidia—drachmae duae, Succusspissatus aconiti napelli, granum unum. atropae belladonae, granum unum. conii maculati, grana duo. byoscyami nigri, granum unum— grana duo. lactucae virosae, grana quinque. moraordicae elaterii, granum unum. sambuci nigrae, drachma dimidia— uncia. Sulphas cupri, granum unum—grana duo. ferri, granum unum—grana quinque. magnesiae, uncia una—unciae duae. potassae, drachma una—drachmae duae. sodae, uncia una—unciae duae. zinci, grana quinque,—decern. Sulphur, drachmae duae—uncia dimidia. Sulphuretum antimonii praeparatum, grana decern— draehma dimidia. praecipitatum, grana quinque. hydrargyri nigrum, grana decern. potassae, grana decern—viginti. Siipersulphas aluminae et potassae, grana quinque —decern. Supertartras potassae, uncia dimidia.—uncia una. Swietenia febrifuga, drachma dimidia. mahagoni, drachma dimidia. Syrupus colchici autumnalis, uncia dimidia. opii, uncia una. papaveris somniferi, uncia una. rhamni cathartici, uncia una. scillae maritimae drachmae duae—uncia dimidia. sennae, drachmae 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, assaefoetidae, drachma una. Bonplandiae trifoliatae, drachma dimidia —drachma. camphorae composita, drachmae duae—un- cia dimidia, cantharidum, guttae quindecim. castorei, drachma una. castorei composita, drachma dimidia. catechu, drachma una. cinchonae lancifoliae, drachmae duae. composita, drachma una—drach- mae duae. eolombae, drachmae duae. convolvuli jalapae, uncia dimidia. conii maculati. drachma dimidia—drachma, crotonis eleutheriae, drachma—drachmae tres. digitalis purpureae, guttae decern—quin- decim. ferri acetatis, drachma dimidia, ferri ammoniati, drachma dimidia." ferri muriatis, guttae decern—viginti. ferulae assaefoetidae, drachma. gentianae composita, 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- cern—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, scrupulus—drachma dimidia. Valeriana officinalis, scrupulus unus—drachma una. Vinum aloes socotorinac, uncia una. antimoniale, drachmae duae—sex. antimonii tartarizati, drachmae duae—uncia dimidia. ferri, drachma—drachmae duae. gentianae compositum, uncia dimidia. ipecacuanhae, uncia dimidia—uncia una. nicotianae tabaci, guttae viginti bis in dies. rhei palmati, uncia una. Zinci oxidum, grana duo—quinque. sulphas, grana quinque—decern. Zingiber, grana decern—scrupulus unus. 24S PROPORTIONS OF OPIUM, &tf The following Tables are given by the Colleges to show the proportions of Opium, and of certain prepa- rations of ADtimony, Quicksilver, Arsenic, aud Iron, in compound medicines containing them, according to their respective Pharmacopoeias. The first is the Table referring to the Edinburgh—the second, that referring to the London,—and the third, that referring to the Dublin Pharmacopoeia. TABLE I. Vinum Tartratis Antimonii, in singulis unciis habet Tartratis Antimonii, olim Tartari etnetici, grana duo. Tinctura Opii, olim Laudanum. Liquidum, fit cum Opii scrupulis duobus in singulis unciis liquidi, sive cum granis qu.nque in singulis drachinis. Tincturae autem drachma ut liquoris evaporatione constat, continet Opii g.ana circiter tria cum semisse. Tinctura Opii Camphorata, vulgo Elixir Paregoricum Anglorum, fit cum Opii granis doubus in singulis unciis liquidi Tinctura Opii Ammoniata, olim Elixir Paregoricum, fit cum Opii granis circiter octo in singulis unciis liquidi; sive cum grano fere uno in singulis drachmis. Tinctura Saponis et Opii, vulgo Linimentum Anodynum, fit cum Opii scrupulo uno in singulis unciisliquidi. Pulvis Ipecacuhana et Opii, olim Pulvis Doveri, in singulis drachmis habet Opii grana sex, sive in granis decern, Opii granum unum. Electuarium Catechu Compositum, olim Confectio Japonica, in singulis unciis habet Opii grana circiter duo cum semisse : In granis enim centum et nonaginta tribus, habet Opii granum unum. Electuarium Opiatum, olim Thebaicum. in singulis drachmis habet Opii granum fere unum cum semisse. Pilulce Hydrargyri, in singulis drachmis habent Hydrargyri grana quindecim. Singulae pilulae habent Hydrargyri granum unum m Pilula Opiattr., olim Thebaica:, in singulis drachmis habent Opii grana sex. Pilula granorum quinque, habet Opii granum dimidium. Trochisci Glycyrrhiza Cum Opio, in singulis drachmis habent Opii granum fere unum. Unguentum JYitratis Hydrargyri Fortius, vulgo Unguentum Citrinum, in singulis drachmis habet Hy- drargyri grana quatuor, Acidi Nitrosi grana octo. Unguentum JVitratis Hydrargyri Mitius, in singulis scrupulis habet Hydrargyri granum dimidium, Acidi Nitrosi granum unum. Unguentum Hydrargyri, in singulis drachmis habet Hydrargyri grana duo decim ; cum duplice Hydrar- gyro, drachma habet grana viginti quatuor. Unguentum Oxidi Hydrargyri Cinerei, in singulis drachmis habet Oxidi grana quindecim, Unguentum Oxidi Hydrargyri Rubri, in singulis drachmis, oxidi grana septem habet. Emplastrum Hydrargyri, in singulis drachmis habet Hydrargyri grana circiter sexdecim. TABLE II. Confectio Opii in granis circiter sex et triginta continet Opii granum. • Hydrargyrum Cum Creta in granis circiter tribus continet Hydrargyri grsnum. Liquor Antimonii Tartarizati in fluidrachmis quatuor continet Antimonii Tartarizati granum. Liquor Arsenicalis in fluidrachmis duabus continet Oxydi Arsenici granum. Liquor Hydrargyri Oxynvuriatis in fluidunciis duabus continet Hydrargyri Oxymuriatis granum. Pilule; Hydrargyri in granis tribus continent Hydrargyri granum. Pilula: Hydrargyri Sultmuriatisia granis circiter quatuor continent Hydrargyri Submuriatis granum. Pilula Saponis Cum Opio in granis quinque continent Opii granum. Pulvis Cornu UstiCum Opio in granis decern continet Opii granum. Pulvis Creta Compositus Cum Opio in scrupulis duebus continet Opii granum. Pulvis Ipecacuanha Compositus in granis decern continet Opii granum, Pulvis Kino Compositus in scrupulo continet Opii granum. Unguentum Hydrargyri Fortius in drachmis duabus continet Hydrargyri drachmam. Unguentum Hydrargyri JYIitius in drachmis sex continet Hydrargyri drachmam. TABLE III. Pulvis Ipecacuanha Compositus in granis decern continet Opii granum. Syrupus Opii. in mensura unciali, continet extracti Opii Aquosi granum circiter ; liquorenim, ei adjecto. saccbaro, crescit in molem plus quam duplicem. Tinctura Opii in mensura drachmae continet opii purificati grana quatuor cum semisse circiter. Tinctura Opii Camphorata in mensura drachmarum quatuor cum semisse continet 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 Hvdrargyri grana duo. Pilula Styrace, in granis quinque massae continent Opii purificati granum unum. Hydrargyrus Cum Magnesia grana tria continent Hydrargyri drachmam unum. Unguentum Hydrargyri. Fortius, in drachmis duabus continet Hydrargyri drachmam unum. Tinctura Acetatis Ferri Cum A Icohol in mensura drachmae continet Acetatis Ferri siccati granum circiter. TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES IN THE NEW EDINBURGH AND LONDON PHARMACOPEIAS. OldJYames. Absinthium Acetis hydrargyri plumbi potassa Acetosa Acetum aromaticum scillae maritimae vini Acidum acetosum camphora- tum destillatum forte nitrosum vitriolicum vitrioli aromaticum itrugo /Ether vitriolicus ^Ethiops mineralis Agaricus Alcohol dilutum ammoniatum aroma- ticum ammoniatum foeti- dum Alkali causticum fixum fossile vegetabile volatile Aloe Barbadensis socotorina Ammonia muriata praeparata Angelica sativa Angustura Anisum Antimonium calcareo pbos- phoratum tartarizatum Aqua ammoniae acetatas causticae aluminis composita calcis carbonatis ammoniae cupri ammoniati cupri vitriolati composi- ta, vel aqua styptica lithargyri acetati compo- sita lixivia caustica zinci vitriolati Arabicum gummi Argentnm nitratum vivuro Arsenicum Assafoetida Anrantium Hispalense Axungia porcina Balsamum Canadense Copaiba? \J\'ames in the Edin. Pharm. Names in the Lond. Pha Vol. II Artemisia absinthium Acetas hydrargyri plumbi potassae Rumex acetosa Acidum aceticum aromaticum scilliticum Acetum Acetum Acidum aceticum camphora turn tenue forte sulphuricum aroma- ticum Sub-acetas cupri iElher sulphuricus Sulphuretum hydrargyri ni grum Boletus igniarius Alcohol fortius dilutius Tinctura aromatica ammoni- ata assaefoetidae ammo- niata Potassa Subcarbonas sodae potassae imrus ammoniae Murias ammonias Subcarbonas ammoniae Angelica Arcbangelica Bonplandia trifoliata Pimpinella anisum Sulphuretum antimonii Oxidum antimonii cum phos- phate calcis Tartras antimonii Aqua acetatis ammoniae Aqua ammoniae Solutio calcis Solutio subcarbonatis ammo- niae Solutio sulphatis cupri compo- sita Aqua potassae Solutio sulphatis zinci Gummi acaciae Arabica Vitras argenti Hydrargyrus Oxidum arsenici Gummi-resina ferula assaefoe tidae Citrus aurantium Adeps suillus Resina liquida pini baisameae copaiferae offi cinalis 32 Absinthium Acetosa 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 Terebinthina Canadensis Copaiba 250 TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES. Old JYames. Gileadense Balsamum Peruviauum Tolutanum traumaticum Bardana Barilla Barytes Belladonna Benzoinum Bistorta Borax Cajeputa Calamus aromaticus Calomelas Calx viva cum kali puro hydrargyri alba Cancrorum lapilli Canella alba Cantharis Cardamomum minus Carduus benedictus Carica Carvi Carbonas ammoniae potassae sodae ferri praeparatus Caryophyllus aromaticus OaryApbylla rubra Cascarilla Cassia fistularis lignea Castoreum rossicum Catechu Causticum commune acerri mum mitius lunare Centaurium minus Ceratum lithargyri acetati compositum Cerussa acetata Chamaemelum Cicuta Cinnabaris factitia Cinchona officinalis, vulgo cortex Peruvianus a. com- munis I. flavus c. ruber Ciueres clavellati Cinnamomum Coccinella Colocynthis Colomba Confectio Japonica opiata Conserva aurantii cynosbati rosae Contrajerva Cortex angusturae Cortex Peruvianus Creta alba Crystalli tartari Cucumis agreslis Cuprum ammoniacum vitriolatum Cydonia malus, semen Cynosbatus Daucus sylvestris Decoctum Chamaemeli vel commune Names in the Edin. Pharm. I Names in the Lond. Pharm. Resina liquida amyridis Gileadensis Balsamum myroxyli peruiferi toluiferae balsami Tinctura benzoini composita Arctium lappa Subcarbonas sodae impurus Carbonas barytae Atropa belladonna Balsamum styracis benzoini Polygonum bistorta Sub-boras sodae Melaleuca leucadendron Acorus calamus Submurias hydrargyri mitis Calx Carbonas calcis durior Cantharis vesicatoria Amomum repens Centaurea benedicta Fructus fici caricae Carum carui Subcarbonas ammoniae potassae sodae ferri praeparatus Eugenia caryophyllata Diantbus caryophyllus Croton eleutheria Cassia fistula Laurus cassia Acacia catechu Potassa cum calce Nitras argenti Chironia centaurium Carbonas plumbi Acetas plumbi Anthemis nobilis Conium maculatum Sulphuretum hydrargyri ru- brum Cinchona lancifolia cordifolia longifolia Laurus cinnamomum Coccus cacti Cucumis colocynthis Electuarium catechu compo situm Dorstenia contrajerva Cortex cinchonae Carbonas calcis mollior Supertartras potassae Womordica elaterium Ammoniaretum cupri Sulphas cupri fructus rosae caninae Daucus carota Decoctum anthemidis nobilis Soda impura Benzoinum Sodae sub-boras Calami radix Hydrargyri submurias Potassae cum calce Hydrargyrum praecipitatum album Canellae cortex Lytta Caryophylli Cassiae pulpa Castoreum Ceratum plumbi compositum Plumbi subcarbonas superacetas Anthemidis flores Conii folia Cinchonae Jancifoliae cortex cordifoliae cortex oblongifoliae cortex Potassa impura Coccus Calumbae radix Confectio opii aurantiorum rosae caninae rosae Gallicae Cuspariae cortex Elaterii poma Cydoniae semina Rosae caninae pulpa TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES. 251 Old JYatnes. JXames in the Edin. Pharm. Decoctum cinchonae officinalis] Decoctum cinchonae lancifo- liae guaiaci composi- tum lignorum pro enemate fomento Dens leonis Elaterium Electuarium lenitivum mimosae catechu cassiae scammonii sennae Elixir paregoricum Anglorum sacrum salutis stomachicum Emplas trum adhaesivum cereum lithargyri vel commune lithargyri com positum lithargyri cum hydrargyro lithargyri cum resina. picis Burgundi- cae compositum vesicatorium Emulsio Arabica communis Ferrum ammeniatum Ferri rubigo squamae purificatae praeparatae Ferrum vitriolatum ustnm Filix mas Flores benzoe's Floret martiales Flores sulphuris loti zinci Fosoiculum dulce Galbanum Gambogia Genista Gummi Arabicum Helleboraster, folium Helleborus albus Hepar sulphuris Hydrargyrus acetatus calcinatus muriatus muriatus corro sivus mitis praeci- pitatui nitratus ruber Leontodon taraxacum Succus spissatus momordicae elate rii Electuarium sennae composi- tum catechu composi- situm Tinctura opii ammoniata Tinctura opii camphorata rhei et aloes sennae composita gentianae composita Emplastrum resinosum simplex oxidi plumbi Se mivitrei JYames in the Lond, Pharm. Decoctum malvae compositum papaveris Confectio cassiae scammonese sennae cerae plumbi cantharidis vesicatoriae Emulsio acaciae Arabicae amgydalae communis Murias ammoniac *t ferri Subcarbonas ferri Oxidum ferri nigrum purifica- tum praepa- ratum Sulphas ferri Oxidum ferri rubrum Aspidium filix mas Murias ammoniae et ferri Sulphur sublimatum Oxidum zinci Anethum foeniculum Gummi-resina bubonis galba- Spartium 9coparium Gummi acaciae Arabicae Veratrum album Sulphuretum potassae Acetas hydrargyri galbani composi- tum hydrargyri picis composi, turn Emplastrum lyttae Ferrum ammoniatum. Ferri sulphas Acidum benzoicum Sulphur lotum Foeniculi semina Gambogia Spartii cacumina Hellebori fcetidi folia Veratri radix Murias hydrargyri corrosivus Submurias hydrargyri mitis sive calomelas Submurias hydrargyri praeci pitatus Oxidum hydrargyri rubrum per acidum nitricum Oxidum hydrargyri cinereum praecipitatus ci- ne reus sulphuratus ni- sulphuratus ru- ber vitriolatus flavui Subsulphai hydrargyri flavu; Sulphuretum hydrargyri ni grum Hydrargyri oxydum rubrum oxymurias nitrico-oxydum sulphuretum ni- grum sulphuretum ru- brum 252 TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES. Old Names. Infusum amarum cinchonas officinalis japonicum resarum tamarindi cum senna Jalapa Kali acetatum praeparatum purum sulphuratum tartarizatum vitriolatum Lac ammoniaci amygdalae assafoetidae guaiaci Lapis calaminaris Lavendula Laudanum liquidum Lignum campechense Limon Linimentum ammoniae Linimentum anodynum vel opiatum aquae calcis saponaceum volatile Linum, semen Lithargyrus Lixivia acetata e tartaro Infusum gentianae composi- tum cinchonae lancifoliae acaciae catechu rosae Gallicae sennae compositum Convolvulus jalapa Names in the Edin. Pharm. Names in the Lond. Pharm. purificata tartarisata vitriolata Lixivium causticum sulphurea Carbonas zinci impurus Lavandula spica Tinctura opii Lignum haematoxyli campe chiani Citrus medica Tinctura saponis et opii Oleum lini cum calce Tinctura saponis camphorata Oleum ammoniatum Oxidum plumbi semivitreum Acetas potassae Subcarbonas potassae purissi mus Carbonas potassae Tartras potiissae Sulphas potassae cum sulphure Aqua potassae Jalapae radix Potassae acetas subcarbonas Potassa fusa Potassae sulphuretum tartras sulphas Mistura ammoniaci amygdalarum assafoetidae guaiaci Calamina Linimentum ammoniae carbonatis snb» Lini usitatissimi semina Plumbi oxydum semivitrema Magnesia alba usta vitriolata Majorana Manna Marmor album Marrubium 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 Muiias hydrargyri Natron praeparatum tartarizatum vitriolatum Nitrum Nux moschata Olea stillatitia Oleum succini rectificatum terebinthina; rectifica- tum Carbonas magnesiae Magnesia Sulphas magnesiae Origanum majorana Succus concretus fraxini orni Carbonas calcis durior Resina pistachiae lentisci Helleborusniger Hydrargyrus Oxidum hydrargyri rubrum Murias hydrargyri corrosivus Daphne mezereum Acacia catechu Arabica Oxidum plumbi rubrum Murias sodae Murias Hydrargyri corrosivus Nitras potassae Nucleus myristicae moschatae Olea volatilia Oleum succini purissimum volatile pini purissi mum Magnesiae carbonas sulphas Magnesia Marrubium Oxymel simplex Mentha piperita viridis Mistura camphorae cretae moschi Decoctum cydoniae Sodae subcarbonas Soda tartarizata Sodae sulphas Potassae nitras Oleum succini TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES. 253 Cocos butyracea Bitumen petroleum Pilulae colocynthidis composi tae ammoniareti cupri Old Names. Olibanum Oliva Oxidum plumbi album Oxymel aeruginis Palma Papaver album, capsula erratk-ura, Jlos. Petroleum Barbiidense Pilulae aloescumcolocynthide cupri opii scillae thebaicae Pimenta Piper Indicum Jamaicense Pix Burgundica liquida Plumbum ustum Polypodium filix mas Potio cretacea Prunus Gallica Pulegium Pulvis alogs cum guaiaco antimonialis aromaticus cretaceus Doveri opiatus Pyrethrum Raphanus ru3ticanus Rhabarbarum Rosa pallida rubra Rubigo ferri praeparata Sabina Saccharum non purificatum Saccharum saturni Sal alkalinus fixus fossilis vegetabilis ammoniacus catharticus amarus cornu cervi Glauberi marinus Hispanus polychrestus Rupellensis succini tartari Santalum rubrum Santonicum Sarsaparilla Sassafras Scammonium Seneka Senna Serpentaria Virginiana Simarouba Sinapi Album Soda muriata phosphorata tartarisata vitriolata Solutio acetas zinci Sperma ceti Spina cervina, 6occa Spiritus aetheris vitriolici fcetidus Names in the Edin. Pharm. , JVcmes in the Lond. Pharm. Gummi-resina juniperi lyeiae Oleae Europeae Carbonas plumbi Linimentum aeruginis Papaveris somniferi capsulae Rhceados petala Pilulae saponis cum opio scillae compositae Pulvis aloes compositus cinnamomi compositus cornu usti cum opio Armoraciae radix Rhei radix Rosae centifoliae petala Gallicae petala Saccharum opiatae Myrtus pimenta Capsicum annuum Fructus myrti pimentae Pini resina sponte concreta Resina empyreumatica Oxidum plumbi semivitreum Aspidium filix mas Potio carbonatis calcis Prunus domestica Mentha pulegium Oxidum antimonii cum phos phate calcis Pulvis carbonatis calcis com- positus ipecacuanhae et opii Anthemis pyrethrum Cochlearia armorica Rheum Rosa centifolia Gallica Subcarbonas ferri praeparatus Juniperis sabina Acetas plumbi Subcarbonas sodae potassae Murias ammoniae Ammoniae murias Sulphas magnesiae Subcarbonas ammoniae Sulphas sodae Murias sodae Sodae murias Sulpbaspotassaecumsulphure Tartras sodae et potassae Acidum succinicum Subcarbonas potassae purissi mus Pterocarpus santalinus Ait»misia santonicum Smilax sarsaparilla Laurus sassafras Gummi-resina convolvuli scammoniae Polygala senega Cassia senna Aristolochia serpentaria Q,uassia simaruba Sinapis alba Subcarbonas sodae Murias sodae Phosphas sodae Tartras sodae et potassae Sulphas sodae Solutio acetatis zinci Pterocarpi lignum Scammoniae gummi-resina negae radix Serpentariae radix iEther sulphuricus cum alco hole Alcohol ammoniatum Tinctura aromatica ammonia- ta assafoetida ammonia Cetaceum Rhamni baccae 254 TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES. Old Names. Spiritus cornu cervi Mindereri salis ammoniaci vinosus rectificatus tenuior camphoratus Staphisagria Strammonium Submurias hydrargyri Sulphas aluminae Supertartris potassae Sulphur antimonii praecipi-"! latum i auratum antimo- f nii J Sulphuris flores Syrupus balsamicus vel Telu- tanus limonum papaveris albi Taraxacum Tartarus crudus Tartari crystalli Tartarus emeticus Tartarum solubile vitriolatum Tartris antimonii potassae et sodae Terebinthina Veneta Terra Japonica ponderosa vitriolata Thus Tinctura aloes vitriolata aromatica cantharidum ferri Japonica opii camphorata rhei amara sacra saponis Tolutana Toxicodendron Tragacantha Trifolium palustre Trochisci Arabici Turpetbum minerale Tutia Unguentum album vel ce. russae aeruginis coeruleum citrinum epispasticum for- tius mitius picis resinae ftavae Saturniuum spermatis ceti tutiae Uva passa ursi Names in tht Edin. Pharm. Names in the Lond. Phai-m Solutio subcarbonatis ammo niae Aqua acetatis ammoniae Solutio subcarbonatis ammo- niae Alcohol fortius dilutus Tinctura camphorae Delphinium staphisagria Datura stramonium Submurias hydrargyri mitis Alumen Supertartras potassae Valeriana sylvestris Vinum amarum antimonial* Vitrioluro album coeruleum viride Sulphuretum antimonii prae- cipitatum Syrupus toluiferae balsami citri medicae papaveris somniferi Leontodon taraxacum Supertartras potassae impurus Supertartras potassae Tartras aatimonii potassae Sulphas potassae Tartras antimonii potassae sodae et potassae Resina liquida pini Extractum acaciae catechu Sulphas barytae Tinctura aloes aetherea cinnamomi compo sita cantharidis vesica- toriae muriatis ferri acaciae catechu rhei et gentianae Vinum aloes socotorinae Tinctura saponis camphorata toluiferae balsami Rhus toxicodendron Astragalus tragacantha Menyanthes trifoliata Trochisci gummosi Subsulphas hydrargyri flavus Oxidum zinci iznpurum Unguentum carbonatis plumbi sub-acetatis cupri hvdrargyri nitratis hydrargy- ri pulveris canthari dis vesicatoriae infusi cantharidis vesicatoriae acetatis plumbi oxidi zinci impu- ri Fructus siccatus vitis viniferi Arbutus uva ursi Spiritus rectificatus tenuior camphorae Antimonii sulphuretum prae- cipitatum Sulphur sublimatum Potassae supertartras Abietis resina Tinctura ferri muriatis camphorae compoi Menyanthes Unguentum picis liquidae Ceratum resinae flavae Unguentum cetacei Valeriana officinalis Vinum gentianae compositum tartratis antimonii Sulphas zinci cupri f»rri Liquor antimonii tartarizati Cupri sulphas TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES, 255 Old Names, Winteranus cortex Ziacum ustum vitriolatum Zingiber Names in the Edin. Pharm. Names in the Lond. Pharm. Cortex Winterae aromaticae Oxidum zinci Sulphas zinci Amomum zingiber Zinci oxydum sulphas TABLE II. Names in the Edin. Pharm. Names in the Lond. Pharm Abietis resina Absinthium Acaciae gummi Acacia Arabica catechu Acetas hydrargyri potassae plumbi Acetum Acidum aceticum aromaticum camphora- tum forte scilliticum aceticum tenue Acidum aceticum succsmcum sulphuricum aroma- ticum Acorus calamus Adeps ovillus suillus iEther sulphuricus cum alco- hole Alcohol ammoniatum dilutius fortius Alumen Ammoniaretum cupri Amomum repens zingiber _ Amygdali communis nucleus Amyridis Gileadensis resina liquida Anethum foeniculum Angelica Archangelica Anthemis nobilis pyrethrum Apium petroselinum Aqua acetatis ammoniae ammoniae potassae Arbutus uva ursi Arctium lappa benzoicum nitricum sulphuricum Aloe's spicalae extractum vulgaris extractum Ammoniae murias subcarbonas Anthemidis flores Antimonii sulphuretum sulphuretum cipitatum prae- Old Names, Thus Absinthium vulgare Mimosa nilotica catechu Hydrargyrus acetatus Lixivia acetata, tartarum re- generatum Cerussa acetata, saccharum Saturni Acetosa pratensis Acidum acetosum Acetum aromaticum Acidum acetosum camphora- tum acetosum forte Acetum scillae maritimae Acidum acetosum destillatum Flores benzoes Acidum nitrosum Sal succini Acidum vitriolicum vitrioli aromaticum Calamus aromaticus Sevum ovillura A-_uw-,ia porcina ik. her vitriolicus Spiritus aetheris vitriolici Spiritus ammoniae Alcohol dilutum, spiritus vi- nos us tenuior spiritus vinosus rec- tificatus vel purissimus (Aloes socotorina, Succus spis- satus Barbadensis, Succus spis- satus Sulphas aluminae Sal ammoniacus Ammonia praeparata Cuprum ammoniacum Cardamomum minus Zingiber Amygdala dulcis Balsamum Gileadense Foeniculum dulce Angelica sativa Chamaemelum Pyrethrum Antimonium Sulphur antimonii praecipita- tum Petroselinum Aqua ammoniae acetatae, spir- itus Mindereri ammoniae causticae lixivium causticum Uva ursi Bardana 256 TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES. Vames in theEdin. Pharm. Names in the Lond. Pharm. Aristolochia serpentaria Artemisia absinthium santonicum Aspidium filix mas Astragalus tragacantha Atropa belladonna Bitumen petroleum Boletus igniarius Bonplandia trifoliata Bubonisgalbani gummi-resina Calx Cantharis vesicatoria Capsicum annuum Carbonas barytae calcis mollior durior magnesiae plumbi zinci impurus Carum carui Caryophylli Centaurca benedicta Chironia centaurium Cinchona cordifolia lancifolia oblongifolia Cinchonae officinalis cortex Citrus aurantium medica Coccus cacti Cochleari a armoracia Cocosbutyracea Conium maculatum Convolvuli scammoniae gum mi-resina Convolvulus jalapa Copaiferae officinalis resina li quida Croton eleutheria Cucumis colocynthis Daphne mezereum Datura stramonium Decoctum guaiaci compositum Delphinium staphisagria Dianthus caryophyllus Dorstenia contrajerva Emplastrum cantharidis vesicatoriae Argenti nitras Armoraciae radix Benzoinum Calami radix Calamina Calumbae radix Cambogia Cauellae cortex Capsici baccae Cassiae pulpa Castoreum Ceratum plumbi compositum resinae Cetaceum Cinchonae lancifoliae cortex cordifoliae cortex oblongifoliae cortex Confectio aurantiorum Coccus Confectio cassiae opii rosae caninae rosae gallicae scammoneae sennae Conii folia Copaiba Cupri sulphas Cuspariae cortex Cydoniae semina Decoctum cydoniae malvae compositum papaveris Elaterii poma Old Names- Argentum nitratum Serpentaria Virginiana Raphanus rusticanus, radix Absinthium Santonicum Polypodium filix mas Tragacantha Belladonna, Solanum lethaU Benzoe Petroleum Barbadense Agaricus Angustura 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 et lapilli cancrorum Magnesia alba Cerussa, Oxidum plumbi al- bum Lapis calaminaris Carvi Carophyllus aromatica, peri- carpium immatwum Senna Castoreum rossicum Ceratum lithargyri acetati composi'um Unguentum resinae flavae Sperma ceti Carduus benedictus Centaurium minus Cinchona flava communis • rubra ' Cortex Peruvianus Aurantium Hispalense Limon Coccinella Raphanus rusticanus Pal ma Electuarium cassiae Confectio opiata Conserva cynesbati rosae Electuarium scammonii sennae Cicuta Scammonium Jalapa Balsamum copaibae Cascarilla Colocynthis Vitrio'lum coeruleum Vulgo cortex angusturae Cydonia malus, semen Mezereum Stramonium Decoctum lignorum Mucilago seminis cydonji mali Decoctum pro enemate pro fomento Staphisagria ^aryophylla rubra Contrajerva Cucumis agrestis, fructus re- cens Emplastrum vesicatorium TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES. 257 imes in the Edin. Pharm. Emplastrum oxidi ferri rubri plumbi se mivitrei Names in the Lond. Pharm. Emplastrum cerae Eugenia caryophyllata Ferulae assafoetidae gummi resina Fiaxini orni succus concretus Gummi acaciae Arabicae Haematoxyli Campechiani lig- num Helleborus niger galbani composi- tum hydrargyri lyttae plumbi Hydrargyrus Infusum acaciae catechu Infusum sennae compositum Juniperi lyciae gummi-resina Juniperus sabina Laurus* cassia cinnamomum sassafras Leontodon taraxacum Magnesia Melaleuca leucadendron Mentha pulegium Menyanthes trifoliata Ferri sulphas Ferrum ammoniatum Foeniculi semina Hellebori foetidi folia Hydrargyri nitrico-oxydum oxydum rubrum oxymurias submurias sulphuretum ru- brum sulphuretum ni grum Hydrargyrum praecipitatum album Jalapae radix Linimentum ammoniae sub- carbonatis aeruginis Lini usitatissimi semina Liquor aluminis compositus ammoniae ammoniae acetatis antimonii tartarizati calcis cupri ammoniati plumbi subacetatis plumbi subacetatis di- lutus potassae Lytta Magnesia Magnesiae carbonas sulphas Marrubium Mentha piperita viridis Me ny arrthes Mistura amygdalarum ammoniaci I assafoetidae camphorae | cretae [ guaiaci I moschi Old Names. Emplastrum cerae composi- tum lithargyri com- positum lithargyri cum hydrargyro roborans picis Burgundi- cae compositum cantharidis commune, velli- thargyri lithargyri cum resina Caryophyllus aromaticus Ferrum vitriolatum anmoniacale Foeniculum dulce, semen Assafoetida Manna Gummi Arabicum Lignum Campechense Melampodium Hydrargyrus nitratus ruber calcinatus muriatus Calomelas Hydrargyrus sulphuratu6 ru- ber cum sulphure Calx hydrargyri alba Argentum vivum, mercurius I nfusum j aponicum Infusum tamarindi cum senna Jalapium, radix Olibanum • Sabina Cassia lignea Cinnamomum Sassafras Dens reonis Linimentum ammoniae Oxymel aeruginis Linum, semen Aqua aluminis composita ammonia? purse ammonia; acetate Vinum antimonii tartarizati Aqua calcis cupri ammoniati lithargyri acetati lithargyri acetati com- posita kali puri Cantharis Magnesia usta alba vitriolata Marrubium album Cajeputa Mentha piperitis sajiva Pulegium Trifolium palus^ Lac amygdalae " ammoniaci Lae assafoetidaP> Mistura camphorata cretacsa Lac guaiaci Mistura moschat? Vol. II. 33 253 TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES. Vames in the Edin. Pharm. \ Names in the Land. Pharm. Murias ammoniae 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 Oiidum hydrargyri rubrum per acidum nitricum plumbi rubrum semivitreum zinci impurum Phosphas sodae Pilulae colocynthidis compo sitae opiatae Pimpinella anisum Pini baisameae resina liquida oleum volatile resina empyreumatica resina liquida solida, oleo volatile privata solida spoote con- creta Pistaciae lentisci resina Polygala senega Polygonum bistorta Potassa Potio carbonatis calcis Pterocarpus santalinus Pulvis carbonatis calcis com positus ipecacuanha; et opii aluminis compositus Oleum succini Oxymel simplex Papaveris somniferi capsulae Pilulae saponis cum opio scillae compositae Pix arida Plumbi superacetatis subcarboaas 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 cum opio Old Names. Ammonia muriata, sal ammo- niacus Ferrum ammoniatum, flores marliales Mercurius sublimatus corrosi- vus Soda muriata, sal maripus, muria Balsamum Peruvianum Pimenta Argentum nitratum, causti- cum lunare Nitrum Olea expressa stillatitia vel essentialia Oleum succini rectificatum Majorana Pulvis antimonialis, antimoni- um calcareo-phosphoratum Arsenicum Ferri squamae Ferrum vitriolatum ustum, colcothar vitrioli Hydrargyrus praecipitatus ci- nereus nitratus ruber, vel praecipitatus ruber Minium, plumbum ustum ru- brum Lythargyrus, plumbum ustum Zincum, ustum, flores zinci Tutia Mel acetatum Papaver album, capsuta Soda phosphorata Pilulae aloes cum colocynlhije Pilulae opii vel thebaicae opii scillae Anisum Balsamum Canadense Oleum terebinthinae . Pix liquida Terebinthina veneta,et vulga- ris Resina alba Pix Burgnndica Mastiche Cerussa acetata Cerussa Lithargyrus Seneca Bistorta Causticum commune acerri- mum mitius Kali purum Cineres clavellati Kali acetatum Nitrum Kali praeparatum tartarizatum vitriolatum sulphuratum Tartari cryslalli Potio cretacea Pruna Santalum rubrum Pulvis aloes cum guaiarc Pulvis cretaceus aromaticus opiatus ipecacuanhae composi- tus vtl Doveri sulphatis aluminae compositus vel stvp- <'lCU6 TiBLE OF CHANGED NAMES. 259 Names in thi Edin. Pharm. [Names in the Lond. Pharm. Quassiasimarouba Rhamni baccae Rhei radix Rhoeaddos petala Rosae caninae pulpa centifoliae petala Gallicae petala Saccharum Scammoneae gummi-resina Senegae radix Serpentariae radix Soda impura tartarizata Sodae murias sulphas Rhus toxicodendron Rosa canina Centifolia Gallica Smilax sarsaparilla Solutio subcarbonatis ammo- nia; sulphatis cupri com- posita Spartium scoparium Styracis benzoini balsamum Subacetas cupri Subboras sodae Subcarbonas ammoniae ferri potassae sodae Submurias hydrargyri mitis hydrargyri praeci- pitatus Subsulphas hydrargyri flavus Sulphas cupri ferri magnesiae potassae cum sulphure sodae zinci Spartii cacumina • Spiritus camphorae rectificatus tenuior Sodae subboras subcarbonas Sulphur sublimatum Sulphuretum antimonii antimonii praeci- pitatum hydrargyri ru brum hydrargyri ni grum potassae Supertartras potassae impurus potassae Syrupus toluiferae balsami Tartras antimonii potassae sodae et potassae Tinctura aromatica ammoni ata assafoetidae ammo- niata benzoini composita i amphorae Sulphur lotum sublimatum rerebinlhinae Canadensis | Old Names. | Simarouba Spina cervina, baccae Rhaharbarum, radix Papaver erraticum,v#Oc Toxicodendron Cynosbatos Rosa pallida rubra Saccharum non purificatum Scammonium, gummi-resina Seneka, radix Serpentaria virginiana, radix Sarsaparilla Barilla Natron tartarizatum Sal muriaticus Natron vitriolatum A'qua carbonatis ammoniae, spiritus cornu cervi Aqua cupri vitriolati compo- sita vel styptica Genista Spiritus camphoratus vinosus rectificatus vinosus tenuior Benzoinum Jjrugo Borax, boras sodae Ammonia praeparata, sal cor- nu cervi Rubigo ferri, carbonas ferri Carbonas potassae sodae Hydrargyrus muriatus mitis, calomelas Hvdrargyrus muriatus praeci- pitatus Hydrargyrus vitriolatus fla- vus, turpethum minerale Cuprum vitriolatum, vitriolum creruleum Ferrum vitriolatum, vitriolum viride Magnesia vitriolata, sal ca- tharticus amarus Lixiva vitriolata,' tartarum vitriolatum Lixiva vitriolata sulphurea, sal polychrestus Soda vitriolata, sol glauberi Zincum vitriolatum, vitriolum album H'lores sulphuris loti Sulphuris flores Antimonium Sulphur antimonii praecipita- tum vel auratum Cinnabaris factitia Hydrargyrus sulphuratus ni- ger, aelhiops mineralis Hepar sulphuris Tartarus crudus Tartarus purificatus, crystalli tartari Syrupus balsamicus Antimonium tartarizatum, lartarus emeticus Lixiva tartarizata, tartarum solubile Soda tartarizata, sal Rupel- lensis Balsamum Canadense Alcohol ammoniatum aroma- ticum . ammoniatum foetidum (Balsamum traumaticum Spiritus vinosus camphorat us 260 TABLE OF CHANGED NAMES. ,Vam« in the Edin. Pharm. Tinctura gentianae composita muriatis ferri opii opii ammoniata opii camphorata rhei at aloes rhei et gentianae saponis camphorata et opii sennae composita Toluifera balsamum Unguentum nitratis hydrar- gyri fortius Veratrum" album Vinum aloes soctorinae gentianae compositum tartratis antimonii Names in the Lond. Pharm. Tinctura camphorae compo- sita ferri muriatis Unguentum cetacei picis liquidae Veratri radix Zinci oxydum sulphas Old Ifames- 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 aloelicum, tinctura sacra amarum antimonii tartarizati vinum antimonials Zincum calcinatum vitriolatum LATIN INDEX ACACIA Arabica catechu Acetas ammoniae 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 sulphuricum dilutum aromaticum Aconitum napellus Acorus calamus Adeps praeparata suillus praeparatus iEsculus hippocastanum iEther nitrosus rectificatus sulphuricus cum alcohole A Icohol ammoniatum Allium sativum Aloe Althaea officinalis Alumen exsiccatum rupellense ustum Alumina Aluminae supersulphas et potassa; Amygdalus Amyris elemifera Gileadensis Amomum cardamomum repens • zingiber zcdoaria Ammonia Ammoniae acetas citras hydrosulphuretum murias subcarbonas pyro-oleosus Ammoniacum Ammoniaretum cupri Anchusa tinctoria Anethum foeniculum graveolens Angelica Archangelica Angustura Antbemis nobilis pyrethrum Antimonii murias oxidum Page 269 167 226 120, vol. ii. 159 117, vol.ii. 161 vol. ii. 115 162, vol. ii. 177 212, vol. ii. 115 32.265 vol. ii. 45 vol. ii. 44 260 vol. ii. 44 ib. vol. ii. 95 vol. ii. 44 vol. ii. 95 vol. ii. 97 vol. ii. 99 81 vol. ii. 100 vol.ii. 103 130, 248, vol. ii. 107 vol. ii. 108 vol.ii. 105 vol. ii. ]03 103 vol. ii. 92 157, vol. ii. 109 vol. ii. 63 91 145 vol. ii. 4 ib. 242 vol. ii. 69 vol. ii. 64 ib. ib. aromaticus vol. ii. 63 78, vol. ii. 136 vol. ii. 61 Page Antimonii oxidum nitrico-muriaticum 175 et potassae tartras 178 sutphuretum 176 praeparatum 176, 177, vol. ii. 140 tartras vol. ii. 144 Antimonium 174,234 cum phosphate calcis 1*7. vol. ii. vol ii. 253 196, 205 270 15H vol. ii. 123 158 vol. ii. 128 158 158,249 272 248 238 150 ib. 149, 241 149 180,248,253 226 ib. 180, vol. ii. 127 227 226, vol. ii. 122 103 236 123, vol. ii. 151 166 151 ib. ib. 141 144, 182 240 250 175. 177 140 Antispasmodica 100 Arabicum gummi 269 Arbutus uva ursi 167 Argenti nitras 250, vol. ii. 149 Argentum 109 vivum ib. Argilla 15 8 Aristolochia serpentaria 140 Arnica montana 97 Arsenias kali vol. ii. 1£0 potassae 125 Arsenici oxidum 128, 251 sublimatum vol. ii. 150 Arsenicum 123 Artemesia santonica 273 absinthium 144 Arum maculatum 240 Assafoetida 104. 205 Asarabacca 183,243 Asarum Europaenm ib.ib. Asclepeas tuberosa 231 Aspidium filix mas 273 Astragalus tragacantha 269 ib. verus Atropa belladona 99 Aqua acetatis ammoniae vol. ii. 126 • alkalina oxymuriatica et tica aqua oxymuria-vol. ii. 103 anethi vol. ii. 88 ammoniae vol. ii. 124 diluta vol. ii. 125 calcis 159, vol. ii. 132 composita ib. carbonatis ammoniae vol. ii. 123 citri aurantii vol. ii. 87 medicae ib. cupri ammoniati vol. ii 51 1 distillata vol. ii. 85 foeniculi vol. ii. 83 kali caustici vol.ii. 113 lauri cassiae vol. ii. 87 ib. cinnamomi rr.enthae piperitae ib. pulegii ib. viridis vol. ii. 88 muriatis calcis vol. ii. 132 myrti pimenta: vol. ii. 83 picis liquidae vol. ii. 17 potassae vol. ii. 112 rosae centifoliae vol.ii. 88 subcarbonatis kali vol. ii. Ill sulphureti ammoniae vol. ii. 127 praecipitatum ib. supercarbonatis potassa? sodae vol. ii. Ill vol. ii. 119 Aquae minerales vol. ii. 231 stillatitise vol. ii. 85 Aurum 131, 222 B Balsamum copaibas 219 Canadense 226 Gile'adense 238 Peruvianum 237 Tolutanum ib. Barytae murias 129 Barytes Benzoinum 124 237 Bismuthi oxidum 128 Bismutbum ib. Bitumen petroleum 108 Bolus armena i;.s 262 LATIN INDEX. Bonplandia trifoliata Bryonia alba Bubon galbanum Page 141 1J>4 104 Calamina praeparata vol. ii. 181 Calcis Carbonas 129, 159, 253 murias vol. ii. 132 phosphas 130 Calicocca ipecacuanha J 80 234 Calomelas 116, l&7,vol. ii. 165 Calx 129,159, 253, 25S, vol. ii. 131 Camphora - 78, 229 Cancrorum lapilli et chelae 254 Canella alba 146 Cantharis 215,221 Capsicum annuum 147 Carbonas calcis praeparatus vol. ii. 130 mollior 253 durior 254 ferri vol. ii. 153 praecipitatus ib. magnesiae vol. ii. 133 potassae vol. ii. 110 sodae vol.ii. 118 siccatum vol. ii. 119 zinci 122 impurus praeparatus vol. ii. 181 Cardamomum minus 150 Carum carui ib. Caryophyllus aromaticus Cascarilla 147 141 Cassia fistula 133 sennae 192 Castoreum 102,205 Cataplasma fermenti vol. ii. 219 sinapis ib. Causticum lunare 250 commune acerrimum vol. ii. 113 mitius ib. Cantaurea benedicta 144 Cephaelis ipecacuanha Cera 180. 273* flava purificata vol. ii. 4 Ceratum calaminae vol. ii. 211 carbonatis zinci impuri ib. .juniperi sabinae vol. ii. 205 "plumbi superacetatis vol.ii. 210 compositum ib. lyttae vol. ii. 205 resinae vol. ii. 204 babinae vol ii. 205 saponis vol. ii. 213 simplex vol ii. 198 Chamaemelum 144 Chelae cancrorum 251 Chironia centaurium 144 Cicuta 41 Cinchona officinalis 134 oblongifolia 135 cordifolia ib. lancifolia ib. cariboea 140 floribunda ib. Cinchonin 136 Cinnabar 117 Citras ammoniae 226 Citrus aurantium 145,264 medica 263 Cochlearia armoracia 240 Colchicum autumnale 218 Colocynthis 194 Colomba 142 Confectio amygdalarum vol. ii. 194 aromatica vol. ii. 192 aurantiorum vol. ii. 1 cassiae vol. ii. 192 opii vol. ii. »93 rosae caninae vol. ii. 7 Gallicae ib. rutae vol. ii. 194 scammoniae ib. sennae vol. ii. 193 Conium maculatum 91 Conserva citri aurantii vol. ii. 7 rosae caninae ib. Conserva rosae Gallicae Convolvulus jalapa scammoniae Copaifera officinalis Coriandrum sativum Cornus florida Cornus circinata Cornu cervi rasura ustum Cortex Peruvianus Cermor vel crystalli tartar: Creta alba praeparata praecipitata Crocus sativus Croton eleutheria Croton tiglium Cueumis colocynthis Cuminum cyminum Cupri ammoniuretum subacetas sulphas Cuprum ammoniatum Cusparia febrifuga Cycas circinalis Page Vol. 11. 8 193 197 219 159 153 ib. 272 vol.ii. 4 134 199, vol.ii. 31 258 vol. ii. ISO ib. 105 141 203 194 151 123, vol ii. 151 123, 250 522. 248, 252 122, 160, 179 123, vol. ii. 151 141 271 Daphne mezereum 239, 240 Datura stramonium 97 Decocta YoLii. 24 Decoctum althaeae officinalis vol ii. 26 aloes compositum vol. ii. 30 anthemidis nobilis vol. ii. 26 chamaemeli compositum ib. cinchonae lancifoliae ib. cornu cervini vol. ii. 15 cydoniae vol. ii. SO daphnes mezerei vol. ii. 27 digitalis vol; ii. S3 dulcainarae vol. ii, 3l geoffraeae inermis vol. ii. 27 guaiaci compositum ib. hordei disticni vol. ii. 28 compositum ib. lichenis islandici ib. walvae compositum vol. ii. 31 papaveris ib. polygalae sennae vol. ii. 29 quercus roboris ib, smilaci? sarsaparillae vol. ii. 29 sarsaparillae ib. compositum vol. ii.31 ulmi campestris vol. ii. 30 veratri vol. ii, 31 carui vol. ii. 88 foeniculi dulcis ib. menthae viridis ib. Decoctum pini purissimura vol. ii. 93 pulegii vol, ii. 88 rutae ib- succini, et acidum succinicnm vol. ii. 92 terebiuthiuae Digitalis purpuras Dolichos pruriens • Dorstenia contrayerva vol. ii 92, 216, 234 277 141 Elaterium 195, vol. ii. 11 Electuarium Bromaticum vol. ii. 192 cassiae fistulae ib. catechu compositum ib. opiatura vol. ii. 193 scammoniae vol. ii. 194 sennae compositum vol. ii. 193 thebaicum lb. Elemi 248 Elettaria cardomomum 160 Emplastrum ammoniaci vol. ii.216 cum hydrargyro _ ib. aromaticum voL ii. 219 assafoetidae vol. ii. 216 calelaciens vol. ii. 219 cantharidis vesicatoriae vol. ii. 218 comp. ib. cerae vol. ii. 214 cumini vol. ii. 219 galbani vol. ii. 126 LATIN INDEX. 263 Page ■Emplaitrumgurmnosurft vol. ii. 126 hydrargyri vol. ii. 217 lithargyri vol. ii. 215 cum resina ib. lyttae vol. ii. 213 opii vol. ii. 217 oxidi ferri rubri vol. ii. 215 plumbi semivkrei ib. picis compositum vol. ii. 219 plumbi vol. ii. 215 resinosum ib. saponaceura vol. ii. 217 simplex vol. ii. 214 thuris vol. ii. 216 Emulsiones vol. ii. 13 Kmulsio acaciae arabicae ib. amygdalae communis ib. camphorae vol. ii. 14 Etheris nitrosi spiritus 214 Eugenia caryophyllata 147 Eupatorium perforatum 152, 231 Eupbqrbia ipecacuanha 184 Euphorbia officinalis 243, 247 Kltracta vol. ii. 72 Extractum aconiti vol. ii. 9 aloes purificatum vol. ii. 74 anthemidis vol. ii. 73 belladonnas vol. ii. 10 cacuminum absinthii vol. ii. 78 genistae ib- cascarillae resinosum vol. ii. 80 cinchonae lancifoliae vel. ii. 79 cinchonae vol. ii. 74 colocynthidis vol. ii. 75 compositum ib. conii vol- "• '0 coovolvuli jalapae 360. vol. ii. 78, 79 elaterii vol.ii. 11. gentianae luteae vol. ii. 74. glychirrhizae vol. ii. 76 haematoxyli campechiani vol. ii. 74 hellebori nigri i°- humuli vol. ii. 76 hyosciami vol.ii. 10 - jalapae vol.ii. 78 opii vol.ii.76 aquosum .. »D- papaveris somniferi vol. ii. 78 quercus TO,> "• 78 rhei vol.ii. 79 rutae graveolentis vol. ii. 74 sabinae vol. ii. 78 sarsaparillae vol. ii. <7 Valerianae ">■ F jfcrri acetas 120, vol. ii. 169 alkaKni liquor 120. vol. n. 160 carbonas »8. vol.;;. 153 praecipitatus vol- "_• l'J et ammoniae murias 119, vol. n. 158 potassae tartras 120, vol. ii.]^ limatura »•• vol. ii. |{« muriatis tinctura ,I9,T, "•,!, cum oxydo rubro vol. ii, • »? oxydum rabrum vol. ii. 156 nigrum purificatum vol ii. im rubigo 118. vol. ii. 53 sulphas 119, vol. ii."* subcarbonas praeparatus * «xsiccatus "P1-"'!^ sulphuretum vol. ii. »|| tinctura ammoniata vol. n. vinUm 117 159 205 276 FeWUm • . 119 v'oL ii '58 ammoniatum »»»» vol ii. tartarisatum vol. n. ^ Ferula assafoetida 104 Galbanum g? 27g Gambogia l5- Gas oxidum nitrosum ' = oxygenium To1, "• H3 Gentiana lutea _ 27ft Geoffrsea inermis _„ Geranium maculatum Glycirrhiza glabra Gratiola officinalis Guaiacum gummi resina officinale H Page 270 218 229 ib. _iiger Herbarum exsiccatio Haematoxylon camphechianum Humulus lupulus Hydrargyri acetas mitis Ilelleborus albus 243 134, 206 vol. ii. 3 166 98 117, vol. ii. 161 116 murias corrosivus 114,250 . . mitis 116,227 nitrico-oxydum U4 nitratis unguentum 114 nitrico-oxydum vol. ii. 172 oxydum rubrum per acidum nitricum m oxidum nitricum ib. cinereum 113, vol. ii. 170 sulphuricum vol- ii. 174 oxymurias 111, vol. ii. 162 oxymuriatis liquor vol. ii. 164 pulvis cinereus vol. ii. 1*0 submurias mitis 116, 197, vol. ii. 165 rubrum vol. ii. 176 ammoniatum vol. ii. 177 rubrum vol. ii. 172 praecipitatus vol. ii. 167 subnitras 250 subsulphas 244 flavus vol. ii. 173 sulphuretum nigrum vol. ii. 174 sulphuretum rubrum 117 Hydrargyrum 109, 2? 5, 250, 276 cum creta vol. ii. 175 praecipitatum album 117, vol. ii. 177 Hydrargyrus 109, 239, 276 purificatus vol. ii. 160 Hydrosulphuretum ammoniae 180, vol. ii. 127 Hyoscyamus niger 89 Hyperoxymurias potassae 131 Hyssopas officinalis 151 lchthyocolla 272 Infusa vol. ii. 17 Infusum acaciae catechu vol. ii. 18 sroarum vol. ii. 19 anthemidis nobilis vol. ii. 18 armoraciae compositum vol. ii. 22 aurantii compositum ib. caryophyllorum ib. cascarillae vol. ii. 22 cassiae sennae vol. ii. 18 catechu compositum ib. cinchonae lancifoliae vol. ii. 19 sine calore ib. columbae ib. cuspariae vol. ii.22 digitalis purpureae vol. ii. 19 gentianae compositum ib. lini usitatissimi vol. ii. 20 menthae compositum vol. ii. 23 quassiae excelsae vol. ii. 20 rhei ib. rosae gallicae vol.ii. 21 sennae vol. ii. 18 compositum vol. ii. 21 cum tamarindis ib. simaroubae vol. ii. 22 tabaci vol. ii. 23 Valerianae ib. Ipecacuanha 180,234 Iris florentina 242 J Jalapa . 193 Juglans cinerea 202 Juniperus sabina 207, 251 communis 219 K Kali c tartaro vol. ii. 112 causticum vol. ii. 113 cum calce vol. ii. 114 264 LATIN INDEX. Page Kermes mineraie 177 Kino 168 L Lac ammoniaci vol. ii. 14 amygdalae vol. ii. 13 assafoetidae vol. ii. 15 Lactuca saliva 122 virosa 96, 218 Lapis calaminaris 122 praeparatus vol.ii. 181 Laurus cinnamomum 145 cassia 146 Laurus sassafras 230 Lavandula spica 242 Lichen Islandicus 272 Lignum Campechense 160 Limatura ferri purificata u vol. ii. 152 Limones 263 Linifncntum ammoniae fortius vol. ii. 202 subcarbonatis ib. aquae calcis vol. ii. 203 terebinthinae vol. ii. 214 hydrargyri ib. simplex vol. ii. 203 Linum usilatissimum 270 Liquor aluminis compositus vol ii. 128 aethereus oleosus vol. ii. 68 sulphuricus vol. ii. 64 ammoniae vol. ii. 124 acetatis vol. ii. 126 antimonii tartarizati vol. ii. 147 arsenicalis vol. ii. 149 cupri ammoniati vol. ii. 151 calcis vol. ii. 132 muriatis ib. ferri alkalini 120, vol. ii. 160 hydrargyri oxymuriatis vol. ii. 164 plumbi subacetatis vol. ii. 180 dilutus ib. potassae vol. ii. 112 subcarbonatis vol. ii. Ill subacetatis lithargyri compositus vol. ii. 180 subcarbonatis ammoniae vol.ii. 123 volatilis cornu cervini vol. ii. 123 Lobelia inflata 183 M Magnesia 191, 254, 259 carbonas vol. ii. 133 sulphas 199 Malva sylvestris 270 Manna 189 Marrubium vulgare 144 Maranta arundinacea 271 Mastiche 170 Meconicum acidum 81 Mel despumatum vol. ii. 99 rosae Gallicae ib. subboratis sodae ib. Melampodium 194,206 Meloe vesicatorius 221, 245 Magnesiae murias r 201 Melaleuca cajuputi /Ofr -»W Mentha piperita 151 repens ib, pulegium ib. viridis ib. Menyanthes trifoliata 144 Minium 162 Misturae 21 Mistura ammoniaci vol. ii. 14 amygdalarum vol. ii. 13 assafoetidae vol. ii- 15 camphorae ib. corhu usti ib. cretae vol. ii. 131 ferri composite vol. ii. 14 guaiaci ib. moschi ib. Momordica elaterium 195 Morphia 81 Moschus 101 Murias ammoniae 227 et ferri 119, vol. ii. 158 antimonii 248 Page Murias barytae 1129, vol. ii. 129 calcis vol. ii. 132 corrosivus|^drargyri 114, vol. ii. 162 sodae 201 siccatum vol. ii. 122 magnesiae •> 201 Myristica moschata 146 Myrrha 236 Myroxylon peruifcrum 237 Myrtus pimenta 149 N Nicotiani tabaci folia 95, 183, 201, 217, 234 241, 243 Nitras argenti vol. ii. 149 potassae 214,266 Nitratis hydrargyri unguentum 114 Nitrico-oxydum hydrargyri ib. O Olea distillata vol. ii. 90 essentialia ib. Europaea 273 fixa vol. ii. 12 volatilia vol. ii. 83 Oleum aethereum vol. ii. 68 ammoniatum vol. ii. 102 amygdalae communis vol. ii. 12 anisi vol. ii. 91 animale empyreumaticum 102 anthemidis vol. ii. 90 camphoratum vol. ii. 202 carui vol. ii. 91 cornu cervini rectificatum vol. ii. 94 foeniculi dulcis vol. ii. 92 juniperi communis vol. ii. 90 juniperi sabinae ib. lauri sassafras vol. ii. 91 lavandulae spicae vol. ii. 90 lini usitatissimi vol. ii. 12 cum calce vol. ii. 153 menthae piperitae vol. ii. 91 viridis • ib. myrtae pimentae ib. oleae Furopaeae 277 olivarum „ 273, 277 origani majoranae . vol. ii. 91 pimpinellae anisi ib. pini pui-issimum vol. ii. 93 laricis 277 pulegii vol. ii. 92 ricini vol. ii. 12 rorismarini officinalis vol. il. 91 rutae vol. ii. 92 sabinae vol. ii. 90 succini 103, vol. ii. 92 et acidum ib. sulphuretum vol. ii. 84 terebinthinae 220,277 rectificatum vol. ii. 93 Opium 79,2-28 Orchis mascula 271 Origanum majorana 2-12 Oxalis acetosella 265 Oxidum antimonii vol. ii. 147 cum phosphate calcis 1 "7, vol.ii. 140 nitro muriaticum vol. ii. 147 arsenici sublimatum vol. ii. 150 ferri nigrum purificatum vol. ii. 154 rubrum ib. hydrargyri cinereum 113, vol. ii. 170 rubrum per acidum nitri- cum 114 nitricum ib. sulphuricum vol. ii. 1"4 per acidum nitricum 114 zinci vol. ii. 181 impurum ib. preparatum ib- Oxymel vol. ii. 40 aeruginis ib- ib. colchici scillae Oxymurias hydrargyri potassae ib. 114 latin index. 2Gb P Page Palmi Christi 190 Papaver somniferum 79 Petroleum Barbadense 103 Phosphas sodae 200, vol. ii. 121 Pilulae aloes et assafoetidae vol. ii. 196 et myrrha; ib. alaeticae vol. ii. 195 aloes compositae ib. cum zingibere vol. ii. 196 ammoniaretri cupri ib. assafoetidae compositae ib. colocynthidis compositae vol. ii. 197 ferri compositae vol. ii. 200 galbani compositae vol. ii. 196 gambogiae compositae vol. ii. 197 hydrargyri ib. myrrhae compositae ib. opiatae vol. ii. 198 rhei compositae vol. ii. 199 saponis cum opio vol. ii. 198 scillae compositae vol. ii. 199 cum zingibere ib. scilliticae ib. styrace ' vol. ii. 198 subcarbonatis sodae vol. ii. 199 submuriatis hydrargyri compositae vol. ii.200 sulphatis ferri compositae ib. thebaicae vol. ii. 198 Pimpinella anisum 150 Pinus balsamea 220 larix jb. sylvestris ib. Piper nigrum 148 cubeba ib. longum ib. Pistacia lentiscus 170 terebinthinuS 221 Pix Burgundica 247 Plumbum „ 160 Plumbi acetas 162. vol. u. 178 carbonas 162 oxidum semivitreum ib. rubrum ib. subcarbonas ib. superacetas 162, vol, ii. 178 subacetas liquor 164 Podophyllum peltatum Polygala senega Polygonum bistorta Polypodum filix mas Potassa Page Pulvis aloes carbonatis calcis compositufcvol. ii.187 cinnamomi compositus ib. cretae compositus ib. cum opio vol. ii. 188 contrayervae compositus vol. ii. 190 cornu ustu cum opio 271 hydrargyri cinereus vol. ii. 170 ipecacuanhae et opii vol. ii. 188 jalapae compositus ! ib. kino compositus vol. ii. 190 opiatus vol. ii. 189 quercus marinae vol. ii. 5 salinus compositus vol. ii. 189 sennas compositus vol. ii. 190 scammonii compositus vol. ii. 189 scillae vol. ii. 4 stanni vol. ii. 184 tragacantha; compositus vol, ii. 190 Pyrola umbellata 222 Quassia excelsa Q,uercus robur cerris Quassia simarouba 207, 235 166 278 10, 212, 249, 252, 258, vol. ii. 113 Potassa cum calce carbonas fusa Potassae acetas arsenias aqua carbonas hyper-oxymurias oxymurias nitras subcarbonas purissimus subcarbonatis liquor sulphas sulphuretum supersulphas supertartras tartras et sodae tartras Potio carbqnatis calcis Praeparata ex animalibus Prunus lauro-cerasus Pterocarpus draco santalinus Pulegii Pulparum extractio Pulvis aloes cdmpositns cum guaiaco canella vol. ii. 114 vol. ii. 110 vol. ii. 113 212. vol. ii. 115 125 vol. ii. 112 vol. ii. HO 131 ib. 214, 266 vol. ii. HO vol. ii. Ill ib. 199, vol. ii. 116 vol. ii. 186 vol.ii. lit 199, 213, 266 200, vol. ii. 57 200 vol. ii. 133 vol. ii- 4 99 169 ib. 151 vol. ii. 5 vol. ii. 190 ib. ib. aluminis compositus ™1 }}-19^ antimonialis aromaticus asari composi'"' R vol. ii. 187 ib. Raphanus rusticanus Resina alba, vel flava nigra Rhamnus catharticus Rheum palmatum Rhododendron crysanthum Rhus toxicodendron Ricinus communis Rosa Gallica rubra Rorismarinus officinalis Rubia tinctorum Rubigo ferri Ruta graveolens Saccharum saturni Sagapenum Sal ammoniacum cornu cerviui diureticus Salina Salvia officinalis Sanguis draconis Santalum rubrum Sapo albus Sarsaparilla Sassafras Scammonia Scilla maritima exsiccata Scillitin Secale cornutum Senna Sevum cetl praeparatum Simarouba Sinapis alba Smilax sarsaparilla Soda tartarizata Sodae carbonas murias exsiccatum phosphas et potassae tartras subboras subcarbonas exsiccata sulphas Solanum dulcamara Solutio acetatis zinci arsenicalis calcis muriatis barytae muriatis calcis .. ,-„ subcarbonatis ammomae vol. li. J£j sulphatis cupri composita 160, vol. n. « P zinci V0l'H,2l9 Spartium scoparium 143 165 ib. 143 240 220 ib. 196 192, 206 97 98 190 167 ib. 242 206 118, vol. ii. 158 206 162 105 227 102 212 vol. ii. 94 231 169 ib. 259 270 230 197 182, 215, 234 vol, ii. 4 182 208 192 273 vol. ii. 4 143 •S2, 206, 247 273 252, 2tS8 vol. ii. 1J0 vol. ii. 1J8 200 vol. ii. 122 200, vol. ii. 120 ib. 266 vol ii 118 vol.ii. 119 199, vol. ii. 120 218 122, 160, vol. ii. 183 123, vol. ii. 149 vol. ii. 131 vol ii. 130 vol. ii. 132 Vol. II. 34 266 LATIN INDEX. Page Spermaceti Spigelia Marilandica 273 278 Spiraea trifoliata 184 Spiritus aetheris aromaticus vol. ii 68 nitrosi 214 , vol. ii. 70 sulphurici vol, ii. 68 comp. vol. ii. 69 alcohol fortius vol ii. 84 ammoniae vol. ii. 126 aromaticus vol. ii. 61 fcetidus ib. succinatus ib. anisi vol. ii. 82 compositus ib. armoraciae compositus vol. ii. 83 cari carui vol. ii. 82 juniperi compositus ib. lavandulae spicae vol. ii. 83 compositus ib. lauri cinnamomi vol. ii. 82 menthae piperitae ib. viridis ib. myristici moschatae vol. ii. 82 myrt) pimentae ib. raphani compositus vol. ii. 84 rorismarini officinalis vol. ii. 83 rectificatus vol. ii. 84 stillatitii vol.ii 81 vinosus rectificatus 266 Spongla usta vol. ii. 5 Stannum 276, vol.ii. 184 Statice limonium 170 Stibium 174 Strychnine 98 Btrychnos nux vomica ib. Styrax benzoin 237 officinale 238 Subboras sodae 266 Subcarbonas ammoniae 226, vol. ii. 122 ferri praeparatus 118, vol. ii. 152 potassae vol.ii. 110 purissimus vol.ii. Ill sodae vol. ii- 118 exsiccatum vol. ii. 119 Submurias hydrargyri ammoniatum 111 mitis 116, 227, vol. ii. 165 praecipitatus vol. ii. 167 Subsulphas hydrargyri 243 flavus vol. ii. 173 Succinum 103 Succus spissatus aconiti napelli vol. ii. 9 atropae belladonnae vol. ii. 10 conii maculati ib. hyosciami nigri ib. lactucae sativae ib. virosae vol.ii. 11 sambuci nigrae ib. Sulphas Cupri 122, cinchonin 136 ferri 119 , vol. ii. 152 exsiccatus vol. ii. 153 kali vol. ii. 56 magnesiae 199 potassae 119, v cum sulphure ib. Sodae 199 , vol. ii. 121 zinci 122 , vol. ii. 182 Sulphur 191,228 ammoniatum fuscum 177 , vol. ii. 142 sublimatum lotum vol.ii. 184 praecipitatum ib. Sulphuretum antimonii 176 praecipitatum 177, vol. ii. 42 praeparatum vol. ii. 40 ferri vol. ii. 155 hydrargyri nigrum vol. ii. 174 rubrum 117 kali vol.ii. 186 potassae ib. Supersulphas aluminae et potassae 158,249 potassae vol. ii. 57 Supertartras potassae 199, 213 Swietenia febrifuga 142 mahogani ib. Sympi vol. ii, 33 Syrupus aceti allii vol. ii. 82 vol ii. 38 althaeae officinalis vol. ii.33 amomi zingiberis ib. aurantiorum vol. ii. 34 cassiae sennae vol. ii. 33 caryophylli rubri vol. ii. 35 citri aurantii vol. ii. 34 medicae ib. colchici autumnalis ib. croci vol. ii 37 dianlhi caryophylli vol. ii. 34 limonum ib. mori vol. ii. 37 opii vol. ii. 88 papaveris somniferi vol. ii. 75 erratici vol. ii. 38 rhamni vol. ii. 37 rhceados vol. ii. 38 rosae centifoliac vol. ii. 85 rosae gallicae vol. ii. 36 scillae maritimae ib. sennae vol. ii. 33 simplex vol. ii. 36 toluiferae balsam ib. violae odoratae vol. ii. 87 zingiberis vol. ii. 33 T Tamarindus Indica 190. 264 Tanacetum vulgare 278 Tartarum antimoniatum vol. ii. 144 crystalli 199 ferri vol. ii. 157 Tartarus emeticus vol. ii, 144 kali 200 Tartras antimonii vol. ii. 144 et potassae 178 potassae 200, vol. ii. 57 et ferri 120, vol. ii. 57 sodae et potassae vol. ii. 120 kali vol. ii- 57 Terebinthina oleum 220 veneta 201, 220 Testae ostrearum vol. ii. 45 Tincturae vol. ii. 45 Tinctura aloes vol. ii. 46 aetherea vol. ii. 47 et myrrhae ib. composita ib. acaciae catechu vol. ii. 46 acetatis ferri vol. ii. 199 cum alcohole ib. zinci vol. ii. 183 amomi repentis vol. ii. 47 zingiberis vol. ii. 48 angusturac ib. aristolochiae serpentariae vol. ii. 48 aromatica ammoniata vol. ii. 61 assaefoetidae vol. ii. 53 ammoniata vol. ii. 61 aurantii vol. ii. 69 balsami Toluiferae ib. beuzoini composita vol ii. 48 bonplandiae trifoliatae ib. camphorae vol. ii. 49 columbae vol. ii. 51 cantharidis vol. ii. 49 capsici 242 cardamomi vol. ii. 47 cardamomi composita vol. ii. 60 cascarillae vol. ii. 52 castorei vol. ii. 50 composita vol. ii. 64 catechu vol. ii. 46 cinchonae composita vol. ii. 50 lancifoliae ib. ammoniata vol. ii. 63 cinnamomi vol. ii. 55 composita vol. ii. 51 columbae ib. conii maculati ib. convnlvuli jalapae vol. ii. 52 croci sativi ib. crotcuis eleutheriae ib. digitalis purpureae ib. LATIN INDEX. 267 Tinctura ferulae assaefoetidae ferri ammoniati galbani gallarum gentianae composita guaiaci ammoniata hellebori nigri humuli hyosciami nigri jalapae kino' lauri cinnamomi lyttae meloes vesicatorii moschi myrrhi muriatis ferri cum oxydo rubro opii camphorata ammoniata quassiae rhei et aloes et gentianae saponis camphorata et opii scillae sennae composita serpentariae toluiferi balsami Valerianae Valerianae ammoniata veratri albi zingiberis Toluifera balsamum Tormentilla erecta Triticum hybernum Trochisci carbonatis calcis magnesiae glycyrrhizae glabrae cum opio gummosi nitratis potassae Tutia y Ulmus campestris Unguentom acetatis plumbi acidi nitrosi aeruginis calaminaris carbonatis plumbi cerae flavae cerussae cetacei citrinum elemi compositum vol. ii. 53 vol. ii. 159 vol. ii. 60 vol. ii. 53 ib. ib. vol. ii. 62 vol. ii. 54 ib. ib. vol. ii. 52 vol. ii. 53 vol. ii. 55 vol. ii. 49 ib. vol. ii. 61 vol. ii. 55 vol. ii. 156 vol.ii. 167 vol. ii. 56 ib. vol. ii. 62 vol. ii. 57 ib. ib. ib. vol. ii. 58 ib. ib. vol. ii. 59 ib. vol. ii. 48 vol. ii. 59 vol. ii. 60 vol. ii. 62 vol. ii. 59 vol. ii. 48 237 166 271 .201 ib. ib. ib. ib. vol. ii. 202 122 219 vol. ii. 210 vol. ii. 206 ib. vol. ii. 211 ib. vol. ii. 204 vol.ii. 211 vol. ii. 204 vol. ii. 210 vol. ii. 212 vol. Pago Unguentum gallae vol. ii. 206 hellebori albi ▼»!• »- *13 hydrargyri vol. ii. 207 nitrico oxidi vol.ii. 209 praecipitati albi vol. ii. 213 submuriatis am- moniati ib. infusi cantharidis vesicato- riae vol. ii. 203 lyttae .. ib. nitratis hydrargyri fortius vol. ii. 210 mitius ib. oxidi hydrargyri cinerei vol. ii. 209 rubri piperis nigri plumbi albi zinci zinci impuri picis liquidae pulveris cantharidis vesicato- ib. vol. ii. 214 vol. ii. 210 vol. ii. 2U ib. vol. ii. 206 resinae oigrae 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 gentianae compositum ipecacuanhae nicotianae tabaci opii rhei tartratis antimonii veratri Z Zedoaria Zinci acetatis solutio carbonas oxydum impurum sulphas Zincum Zingiber officinale vol. ii. 211 vol. ii. 206 vol. ii. 211 vol. ii. 204 vol. ii. 206 vol. ii. 201 vol. ii. 213 vol.ii. 203 ib. vol. ii. 210 vol. ii. 212 ib. vol. ii. 213 105 vol. ii. 3 ib. vol. ii. 6 243 ib. vol. ii. 41 ib. vol. ii. 43 vol. ii. 42 ib. ib. ib. vol. ii. 43 vol. ii. 141 vol. ii. 43 149 %22 ib. vol.ii. 181 122 J22, vol. ii. 182 121, 160, 179 149 ENGLISH INDEX Page ACETATE of ammonia 226 iron 120, vol. ii. 162 tincture, of vol. ii. 159 with alchol _ ib. mercury vol. ii. 161 lead vol. ii. 178 ointment of vol. ii 210 potash 212, vol. ii. 115 sine, solution of 180 tincture of ib. Acetic acid 32, 265, vol. ii. 95 Acid acetic 32,—ib. camphorated vol. ii. 44 strong vol. ii. 96 of amber vol. ii. 292 boracic 14 benzoic '32, vol. ii. 97 citric 31, vol. ii. 99 carbonic 14 fluoric 15 fluo-boric ib. gallic 30 meconic 81 muriatic 14, vol. ii. 100 dilute vol. ii. 103 Jnalic 31 nitric 13, 150, 248, vol. ii. 107 dilute vol. ii. 108 nitrous vol. ii. 105 dilute vol. ii. 108 oxalic 31 prussic 32 Guccinic vol. ii. 292 sulphuric 13, 157 diluted vol. ii. 109 tartaric 32 vegetable 30 Acids 12, 266 Aconite 91 Air, atmospheric 4 Alcohol 34,73 stronger 181 ammoniated vol. ii. 126 Alkali, volatile vol.ii. 54 Alkaline oxymuriatic water vol. ii. 103 solution of iron vol. ii. 160 Alkalis 9 Alkanet 166 Aloes, Barbadoes 196, 205 socotorine ib, compound, decoction of vol. ii. 30 powder of, comp. vol. ii. 190 with guaiac ib. canella ib. wine of vol. ii. 41 tincture of vol. ii. 46 compound vol. ii. 42 and myrrh vol. ii. 47 ethereal ib. purified extract of vol. ii. 74 compound pills of Vol. ii. 195 and assafoetida, pills of vol. ii. 196 ginger, pills of ib. royfrh ib. Almond 272 oil of Vol. n. 12 emulsion of vol. ii. 13 milk of vol. ii. 14 tincture of ib. confection vol. ii. 194 Althaea, decoction of vol. ii. 26 syrup of vol. ii. 33 Alurn 158,249 Alum dried Vol. ii. 123 burnt compound solution of ib. ib. Alumine comp. powder of Amber oil of 8,158 vol. ii. 190 103 103, vol. ii. 92 acid of ib., ib. oil of, rectified purified vol. ii. 92 ib. 44 lOA CiAO OCO Ammonia 11,180,248,253 aromatic spirit of vol. ii. 61 acetate of . 226 liquor of vol. ii 126 caustic Water of vol ii. 124 citrate of 226 dilute water of vol. ii. 125 empvreumatic, subcarbonate of 103 foetid, spirit of vol. ii 61 hydrosulphuret of 180 liniment of vol. ii. 202 liquor of vol. ii. 124 liniment, stronger vol. ii. 202 muriate of 226 plaster of vol. ii. 216 with mercury ib. subcarbonate of 226 solution of vol. il. 113 succinated spirit of vol. ii. 63 spirit of vol. ii. 126 water of carbonate of vol. ii. 124 water of ">« acetate of vol. ii. 126 sulphuret ib. Ammoniuret of copper 123 pills of vol. ii. 196 Ammoniac, milk of vol. ii. 16 Ammoniated tinctures vol. ii. 61 tincture of assafoetida _ ib. tincture of guaiac vol. ii. 62 opium ib. valerian ib. bark vol. ii. 63 alcohol vol\." 26 copper vol. ii. 151 oil vol. ii. 202 solution of ib. water of ib. iron vol. ii. 158 tincture of ..ib. Animals, preparations from • vol. ii. 4 Angustura, tincture of 141, vol. ii. 48 infusion of vol. ii. 22 Anodyne liniment vol. ii. 273 Anthelmintic 275 Antacids 252 Anise 150 Anise, oil of vol. ii. 91 spirit of vol. ii. 82 Antispasmodics 100 Angelica, garden 151 Antihectic, mixture of, Griffith's 119 Antimonial wine 179 Antimoniated brown sulphur vol. ii. 142 Antimony 174,228,234 levigated 17S liquor of tartarised 179 muriate of 250 nitro-muriate of 177 oxide of ib. with phosphate of lime 177, vol. ii. 140 powder ib. and potass, tartrate of 178 fjlpnuret of 175 ENGLISH INDEX. 269 'titimcny tartrate of ' prepared' precipitated wine of tartrate of nitromuriatic oxide of oxide of solution of tartarized Arabic emulsion Aromatic tincture, ammoniated spirit of ammonia ether sulphuric ether with alcbool powder electuary confection plaster Argil Aroma Arrangement of medicines Arsepic oxide of solution of white oxide of Arseniate of potash Asarabacca Page 178, vol. ii. 144 176, vol. ii. 140 178. vol.ii. 145 vol. ii. 147 175 vol. ii. 147 ib. vol ii. 13 vol. ii. 61 vol. ii. 61 Assafoetida powder of comp. 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 Bear's whortleberry Benjamin Benzoin comp. tincture of Benzoic acid Bismuth oxide of subnitrate of Bitter principle Bittersweet Bistort Black elder, inspissatedjuice 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 unorganized Boracic acid Borax honey of Broom tops, extract of Bryony Buckthorn vol. ii. 68 vol. ii. 87 vol. ii. 192 vol. ii. 192 vol. ii. 192 8, 158 33 54 123, vol. ii. 149 124, vol. ii. 150 125, vol. ii. 149 251 125, vol. ii. 150 183 vol.ii. 187 104. 205 vol. ii. 61 vol. ii. 15 vol. ii. 75 4 ib. 28 220 219 238 237 vol. ii. 30 237, vol ii. 59 196 9, 129 vol. ii. 129 vol ii. 130 vol, ii. 63 140 133 135 ib. ib. vol- ii- 28 167 237 ib. vol. ii 43 32, vol ii. 97 128 ib. ib. 33 218 166 vol. ii. H 194, 206, vol. ii. 54 vol. 74 83, vol. ii. 54 vol. ii. 1° 148 vol. ii. H4 vol-ii. I74 88 144 221, 245 122, 248 152.231 17 ib. 15 226 vol. ii. 30 219 vol. ii- 78 194 196 Burgundy pitch Burnt alum horn mixture hartshorn, powder of sponge, powder of Butternut C Cabbage tree bark, decoction of Cajeput oil Calcination Calamine stone prepared ointment Calcined magnesia Calomel 116, Calumba Camphor emulsion of mixture of spirit liniment of tincture of Canadian balsam Copaiba Camphorated acetic acid oil tincture of opium soap Canella Cantharides, ointment of plaster of Cantharis tincture of Capsicum tincture of Caraway spirit of water of oil of Carbon Carbonate of iron precipitated lead, ointment of lime prepared troches of magnesia potass Foda dried zinc Carbonated mineral waters Carbonic acid gas Carburetted hydrogen gas Cardamom, lesser tincture of Caribaean bark Cascarilla infusion of tincture of extract of resinous Cassia purging in pods water of Castor oil tincture of Cataplasms Cataplasm of mustard yeast Catechu electuary infusion of tincture of Cathartics Caustic kali potash with lime water of ammonia Centaury Cwate compound Page 247 vol. ii. 128 vol. ii. 4 vol. ii 15 vol. ii. 4 vol. ii. 5 202 278 vol. ii. 27 106 45 122 vol.ii. 181 vol. ii. 211 vol. ii. 134 197, 227, vol. ii. 165 142 26, 78, 229 vol. ii. 14 vol. ii. 15 ib. vol. ii. 20-2 vol. ii. 49 220 219 vol. ii. 44 vol. ii. 202 vol. ii. 56 vol. ii. 53 146 vol. ii. 203 to), ii. 213 221,245 vol. ii. 49 147 vol. ii. 60 150 vol. ii. 82 vol. ii 8g vol.ii. 91 S vol. ii. 153 ib. vol. ii. 211 129, 159, vol. ii 187 vol. ii. 130 vol. ii. 201 vol. ii. 135 vol. ii. 160 vol. ii. 118 vol. ii. 119 122 vol. ii. 222 vol. ii. 237 vol. ii. 236 ISO vol. ii. 47, 60 140 14] vol. ii. 22 vol. ii. 52 vol. ii. 80 ib. 146 189 ib. vol. ii. 87 102, 205 190, vol. ii. 12 vol. ii. 50 vol. ii 228 ib. ib. 167 vol. ii. 192 vol. ii. 18 vol. ii. 46 184 vol. iL US vol. ii. 114 vol. ii. 124 144 vol.ii. 211 270 ENGLISH INDEX. Cerate simple calamine of savine of soap of superacetate of lead Cerates Cerusse, ointment of Chalk and mercury mixture of with opium praecipitated prepared powder of white Chalybeate waters Cherry-tree laurel Chamomile decoction of extract of infusion of volatile oil of Chemistry, pharmaceutic Cinchona pale red yellow tincture of Cinchonin sulphate of Cinnamon powder of spirit of tincture of water of Citric acid Citrate of ammonia Clarified honey Clove infusion of July flower, syrup of Colocynth pills of Colombo, infusion of tincture of Colchicum, syrup of oxymel of Combination Cohesion Common elm Compound Concentration Confection of almonds aromatic cassia orange peel opium rue scammony senna Confections Conserve of orange-peel doghip red rose Conserves Coriander Contrayerva Copper ammoniuret of ammoniated solution of water of subacetate of sulphate of 122,180, Corrosive muriate of mercury 114, sublimate Cowbage Crab's claws stones Cream of tartar Croton eleutheria, tincture of Croton tiglium Crystillization Crystals Page vol. ii. 204 vol. ii. 211 vol. ii. 205 vol. ii. 213 vol. ii. 210 vol. ii. 2('3 vol. ii. 211 253 vol. ii. 175 vol. ii. 131 vol.ii. 188 vol. ii 130 ib. vol. ii. 188 253 vol ii. 228 99 144,182 vol. ii. 26 vol. ii. 74 vol. ii. 18 vol.ii. 70 1 133, vol. ii. 74 185 ib. ib. vol. ii. 50 136 138 145 vol.ii. 187 vol. ii. 82 vol. ii. 55 vol. ii. 37 31 226 vol. ii. 39 147 vol. ii. 22 vol. ii. 34 194, vol. ii. 75 vol ii 197 vol ii 19 vol ii 51 vol ii 34 vol ii 40 3b 41 219 39 46 vol ii 194 vol ii 192 ib 282 vol ii 193 vol ii 194 ib vol ii 193 vol ii 191 vol ii 7 ib. vol ii 8 vol ii 1 150 141, vol ii 190 122, 160, 179 123 vol ii 151 ib ib 123. 250 250, vol ii 152 250, vol ii 165 vol ii 159 277 254 ib 199,213 vol ii 52 203 47 ib Crystals of tartar Cubebs Cucumber Cumin plaster of Cyprus turpentine D Damask rose, syrup of Deadly nightshade inspissatedjuice of Decoction of aloes althaea barley cabbage tree chamomile chinchona elm foxglove guaiac hartshorn liverwort mallows mezereon oak bark Peruvian bark poppies quince seeds sarsaparilla seneka woody nightshade white hellebore Decoctions Decomposition Deflagration Demulcents Diaphoretics Digestion Dill Diluents Dilute sulphuric acid water of ammonia Distillation Distilled oils spirits vinegar water Doghip, conserve of Dogwood Dragon's blood Dried alum E Earths 7, vol ii 128 Earthy salts ib Eau medicinale de Husson 218 Egg shells, prepared 254 Elasticity .42 Elaterium, extract of vol ii 11 Elder, black, inspissated juice of ib ointment of vol ii 203 Electricity vol ii 239 Electuary, aromatic vol ii 192 cassia ib purging ib catechu ib opiate vol ii 193 scammony vol ii 194 senna vol ii 193 Electuaries vol ii 191 Elemi 248, vol ii 12 Eleutriation 43 Elixir, paregoric vol ii 66, 62 Elm 219 decoction vol ii 30 Emollients 274 Emetic tartar 178, vol. ii 144 Emetics 171 Emetic weed 183 Emetin 181 Emmenagogues 204 Empyreumatic animal oil 102 subcarbonate of ammonia ..l03 Emulsion, Arabic vol ii 13 almond ib camphorated vol ii 14 Page 199, 213 148 195 151 vol ii 219 220 vol ii 36 90 vol ii 10 36 vol ii 30 vol ii 26 vol ii 2t vol ii 27 vol ii 26 ib vol ii 30 vol ii 3 2 vol ii 27 vol ii 15 vol ii 28 vol ii 31 vol ii 27 vol ii 29 vol ii 26 vol ii 36 vol ii 30 vol ii 29, 31 vol ii 29 vol ii 31 ib vol ii 24 39 45 267 223 45 151 267 vol ii 109 vol ii 125 37, 46 vol ii 86 vol ii 77 vol ii 91 vol ii 81, 82, 83 vol ii 1 153 169 vol ii 128 ENGLISH INDEX. 271 Emulsion of gum ammoniac Page vol. u. 14 Emulsions Epispastics vol. ii. 13 244 Ergot 208 Errhines 240 Essential oils vol. ii. 90 Escharotics 249 Ether, aromatic spirit of vol. ii. 68 nitric, spirit of vol. ii. 70, 71 nitrous vol. ii. 69 spirit of 214 rectified vol. ii. 64 sulphuric 76, vol. ii. 64 with alcohol vol. ii. 68 aromatic with alcohol ib. spirit of 34, vol. ii. 63 Ethereal oil vol. ii. 68 spirit vol. ii. 63 sulphuric ether vol. ii. 64 tincture of aloes vol. ii. 47 Ethiops mineral 117 Euphorbia 243, 247 Evaporation 45 Expectorants 231 Expressed oils 25 Exsiccation of vegetables 36 Extract 29 of aloes vol. ii. 74 black hellebore ib. henbane vol. ii. 10 broom tops vol. ii. 78 chamomile vol. ii. 74 cascarilla vol. ii. 80 cinchona vol. ii. 74 colocynth vol. ii. 75 deadly nightshade vol ii. 10 dandelion vol. ii. 77 elaterium 243 gentian vol. ii. 74 goulard 164 hop vol. ii. 76 hemlock vol.ii. 110 jalap vol. ii. 78,79 liquorice vel. ii. 74 logwood ib. opium vol. ii. 76 water of ib. oak bark vol. ii. 78 poppy vol. ii. 74 pale bark vol. ii. 79 red bark ib. resinous vol. ii. 78 of cascarilla vol. ii. 80 rue vol. ii. 74 rhubarb vol. ii. 79 sarsaparilla vol. ii. 77 savin vol. ii. 78 valerian vol. ii. 77 wolfsbane vol. ii. 10 wormwood tops vol. ii. 78 Extraction of pulps 45, vol. ii. 6 Extracts vol. ii. 72 Fecula 22 Fennel, sweet 151 water vol. ii. 88 Fern, male 278 Filings of iron 118 Fir, Scotch 220 Fixed oils vol. ii. 12 Flags, sweet scented 145 Flax 270 Fly, blistering 221 Spanish ib. Florentine orris 242 Fluoboric acid 15 Fluoric acid ib. Foxglove 92,234 infusion of vol. ii. 19 decoction of vol ii 32 tincture of vol ii 52 Frankincense plaster vol ii 216 Fruits, pulpy vol ii 6 Page Fusion 45 G Galbanum 104 plaster of vol. ii. 216- Galls I65 ointment of vol. ii. 206 tincture of vol. ii. 53 Gallic acid 30 Galvanism 43, vol. ii. 241 Gamboge 197,279 pills of vol. ii. 197 Garden lettuce 98 inspissated juice of vol. ii. 10 Angelica 151 Garlic 235 Gas, carbonic acid vol. ii. 137 carburetted hydrogen vol. ii. 136 hydrogen ib. muriatic acid vol. ii. 238 nitrogen vol. ii. 136 nitrous acid vol. ii. 239 nitrous oxide vol. ii. 135 oxygen vol. ii. 134 oxymuriatic acid vol. ii. 139 Gases vol. ii. 133 Gentian 143 extract of vol. ii. 74 infusion of vol. ii. I9 tincture of vol. ii. 53 General stimulants 68 Geranium 170 Ginger 149, 2-40 syrup vol. ii. 33 tincture of vol. ii. 48 Gilead, balsam of 238 Goulard's extract 164 Gold 131, 222 Glauber's salt 199 Gluten 22 Grey oxide of mercury 113 ointment of vol. ii. 219 Griffith's antihectic mixture 119 Guinea pepper 147 Guaiac 228 decoction of vol. ii. 27 mixture of vol.ii. 16 tincture of vol. ii. 53 ammoniated vol. ii. 62 Gum 22 ammoniac, mixture of vol. ii. 14 Arabic vol. ii 27 mixture of vol. ii. 13 mucilage of vol. ii. 23 troches of vol. ii. 201 plaster of vol. ii. 216 resin 228 tragacanth 269 mucilage of H Hartshorn, burnt powder of vol. ii. 24 vol. ii. 4 decoction vol. ii. 15 rectified oil of vol. ii. 94 Hedge hyssop 218 Hellebore, black 194,206 extract of vol. ii. 74 tincture of vol. ii. 54 white 243 tincture of vol. ii. 69 wine of vol, ii. 43 Hemlock 91 inspissated juice of vol. ii. 110 tincture of vol. ii. 51 Henbane, black 89 tincture of vol. ii. 54 inspissated juice of vol.ii. 10 Herbs, drying of vol.ii. 3 Hog's lard, prepared vol. ii. 4 Honey borax vol. ii. 39 cl?rified ib. Honey medicated vol. ii. 39 of red roses ib. rose ib- Hop 98 272 ENGLISH INDEX. Page Hop, extract of vol. ii. 76 tincture of vol. ii. 54 Horehound 144 Horn, burnt vol. ii. 4 Horse chesnut 242 radish 240 infusion of vol. ii. 22 spirit of vol. ii. 83 Hydrogen 4,vol. ii.235 Hydrosulphuret of ammonia ItiO Hyssop 151 Impure oxide of zinc 121 ointment vol. ii. 211 Indian arrow root 271 pink 278 Indian physic 184 Infusions vol. ii. 17 Infusion of canthrades, ointment of vol. ii. 203 cascarilla vol. ii. 22 chamomile vol. ii. 18 cloves vol. ii. 22 columbae vol. ii. 19 foxglove ib. gentian ib. hore radish vol. ii. 22 lintseed vol. ii. 20 mint vol. ii. 23 orange peel comp, vol. ii. 22 Peruvian bark without heat vol- ii. 19 Peruvian bark ib. quassia vol. ii. 20 rhubarb ib. red rose vol. ii. 23 rose ib. senna vol. ii. 18 simarouba vol. ii. 22 vegetables 36 Insolubility 4l Inspissation of vegetables 36 Insipissated juices vol. ii. 8 juice of black henbane voL ii. 9 elder vol- ii. 11 deadly nightshade vol. ii. 10 garden lettuce ib. hemlock ib. strong scented lettuce vol ii 11 wolfsbane ib. Iodine vol ii 5 Ipecacuan 180,234 wine of vol ii 42 and opium powder of vol ii 158 American 184 Iron 169, vol ii 152 acetate of 120, vol ii 159 alkaline solution of vol ii 160 ammoniated vol ii 158 tincture vol ii 159 and ammonia, muriate of vol ii 158 black oxide of vol ii 154 carbonate of vol ii,i53 precipitate of 2S5 filings of 118, vol ii 152 muriate of 119 rust of 118, vol. ii 152 sulphate of 119, vol ii 154 dried vol ii 165 sulphuret of ib. tartarized vol ii 157 tartrate ib. tincture of vol ii 159 muriate vol ii 156 with alcohol vol ii 159 wine of 120 Isinglass 272 Jalap 193 extract of vol ii 11 powder of vol ii 179 Jalap, tincture of vol ii 68 Jamaica pepper 149 James's powders 1"7 Juniper 219- spirit of vol ii 82 Kali from tartar caustic, water of subcarbonate of Kermes mineral Kino tincture of Larch Lard, prepared Laurel cherry tree Lavender spirit of oil of Laxatives Lead acetate of carbonate of red oxide of semivitreous oxide of subacetate of dilute • liquor sugar of sujeracetate of Lemon peel water sttup of Leopard's bane Lesser cardamom Lettuce, strong scented i inspissated / juice of f garden inspissated juice of Levigated antimony Levigation Ligrit Lime 8,129, 159 carbonate of potion of water of liniment of muriate of, solution of water of Liniment, saponaceous anodyne of ammonia stronger subcarbonate lime mercury simple turpentine verdigris Lioiments Lithontriptics Litharge subacetate of, liquor of with resin ointment of Liquor of ammonia acetate of potash subacetate of lead subcarbonate of ammonia Liquorice , troches o f with opium extract of Liverwort, Iceland decoction of Lixiviation Logwood Long pepper Lunar caustic M Maceration Madder Magnesia 8, 191 carbonate of calcined muriate of Page vol ii 112 vol ii 113 vol ii 110 177 168, vol ii 190 vol ii 53 220 vol ii 4 99 243 vol ii 83 vol ii 90 189 160, vol ii 78 162, vol ii 78 162 ib ib. vol ii 80 ib, 164, vol ii 80 162 162, vol ii 79 145, 263 vol ii 37 vol ii 34 97 150 96, 218 vol ii 11 96 vol ii 10 176 48 45 43 . 253, vol ii 187 129, 159 vol ii 131 129 vol ii 203 vol ii 132 ib. vol ii 58 ib. vol ii 202 ib. ib. vol ii 203 vol ii 214 vol ii 203 vol ii 204 vol ii 40 vol ii 203 255 162 vol ii 180 vol ii 211 ib. vol ii 124 vol ii 126 vol ii 1'2 ]64 vol ii 123 270 vol ii 201 ib. vol ii 76 272 vol ii 28 45 166 148 vol ii 149 45 206 ,254, vol ii 133 191. vol ii 133 vol ii 134 201 ENGLISH INDEX. 273 Magnesia, sulphate 01 with mercury Mahogany Male fern Malic acid Mallows decoction of Manna Marjoram, sweet Marsh roserqary Mastiche May apple Meadow saffron vinegar Measures, pharmaceutic Mechanical remedies Medical prescriptions Medicines, arrangement of Medicated honeys vinegars Mercurial ointment pills Mercury 109,205, 239, acetate of ash-coloured oxide of powder of black sulphuret of corrosive muriate of with chalk grey oxide of liniment of mild muriate of with magnesia nitric oxide of ointment of strong • milder oxymuriate of solution of pills of red oxide of by nitric acid sulphuret of sulphuret, black sulphate of submuriate of precipitated subnitrate of subsulphate of white precipitate of yellow subsulphate of Metals Mezereon decoction of Mild muriate of mercury Milk of almonds ammonia assafcetida Mineral tar waters carbonated chalybeate saline sulphureous Mint, infusion of Mixtures Mixture of almonds assafoetida burnt horn camphor chalk iron guaiac gum aramaniac musk Monk's-hood Morphine Mucilages Mucilage of gum arabic tragacanth starch Malberry, syrup of Muriate of iron Tol. IL I'age 198 vol ii 175 142 era 30 270 vol ii 26 189 242 170 ib 202 218 vol ii 45 43 267 vol ii 242 54 vol ii 39 vol ii S3 vol ii 207 113 276, vol ii 160 vol ii 161 vol ii 170 ib 117 114,259 vol ii 175 113, vol ii 170 vol ii 214 116,227 vol ii 175 vol ii 172 vol ii 207 ib ib vol ii 159 vol ii 164 vol i; 191 vol ii 176 vol ii 172 vol ii 178 vol ii 174 114 227,247 vol. ii 167 vol ii 68 244 177 vol ii 173 Muriate of iron, tincture of ammonia antimony barytes solution of lime, solution of water of soda dVi«id Muriatic acid gas Musk mixture tincture Mustard cataplasm Myrrh pills tincture of N Page vol iil66 226 250 .. 129 vol ii li>(j vol ii 1^2 ib 207 vol ii 122 vol ii IriO vol ii 2ga JOl vol ii 16 vol ii 61 182,206 volii2i9 236 vol ii 197 vol ii 47 Narcotic principle 34 Narcotics 68 Neutral salts 15 Nightshade, deadly 90 inspissated juice of vol ii 10 ™ woody 213 Nitrate of mercury vol ii 210 .milder ib stronger ib potash 214, 266 troches of vol ii 202 silver 109 Nitre 214 Nitric acid * 130,248, vol ii 107 dilute vol ii 103 ether, spirit of vol ii 70 ointment of vol ii 206 oxide of mercury, ointment of vol ii 20 J Nitrogen . 4> vol ii 235,236 Nitro-muriatic oxide of antimony 175 111 Nitrous acid dilute ether spirit of ethereal, spirit gas Nux vomica Nutmeg spirit of Oak vol ii 135 bark, decoction of 229, 240 extract of vol ii 27 Oil of almonds 116, 197 ammoniated vol ii 14 amber vol ii 16 animal empyreumatic vol ii 15 anise 103 camphorated vol ii 221 'cr-wajr vol ii 222 •castor vol ii 228 distilled vol ii 224 essential vol ii 223 ethereal vol ii 23 fennel, sweet vol ii 13, 14 lavender ib lintseed volii 15 - olives ib pennyroyal ib. ■ peppermint vol ii 131 rosemary vol ii 16 rue ib - olive vol ii 14 savin vol ii 16 - spearmint 91 turpentine 81 volatile vol ii 23 Oils 143 Oily ethereal liquor vol ii 23 preparations vol ii 24 Ointments ib Ointment of acetate of lead vol ii 37 ' black pepper 119 calamine 102, vol ii 105 vol ii 103 vol ii 69 2*4, vol ii 70 ib vol ii 249 98 146 vol ii 8» 165 voi ii 29 vol ii 79 vol ii 12 vol ii 202 103, vol ii 92 102 vol ii 91 vol. ii 202 vol ii.91 vol ii 12 vol ii 90 ib vol ii 68 vol ii 92 vol ii 90 vol ii 12 273, 277 vol ii 92 vol ii 91 ib vol ii 92 273, 277 vol ii 90 vol ii 91 277, vol ii 93 25, vol ii 83 25 voldi 68 vol ii 202 vol ii 203 vol ii 210 vol ii 214 volii 211 35 •174 ENGLISH INDEX. Page Ointment of cantharides vol ii 203 carbonate of lead vol ii 211 cerusse ib elder vol ii 213 elemi, compound vol ii 212 galls vol ii 206 grey oxide of mercury vol ii 209 impure oxide of zinc volii 211 infusion of cantharides vol ii 203 mercury vol ii 207 milder ib stronger ib nitrate of mercury vol ii 210 milder ib stronger ib nitric oxide of mercury volii 209 nitrous acid vol ii 206 oxide of zinc volii 211 pitch vol ii 206 powder of cantharides vol ii 204 resinous vol ii 204 red oxide of mercury vol ii 209 savine vol ii 205 simple vol ii 203 spermaceti M ib ™1 ii 211 subacetate of lead copper vol ii 208 subnitrate of mercury vol ii 209 supernitrate of ditto vol ii 210 sulphur vol ii 212 comp. ib tar vol ii 206 tutia volii212 verdigrease vol ii 206 white hellebore vol ii 213 precipitated mercury ib tesin volii 204 wax ib yellow wax ib zinc vol ii 211 Opiate powder vol ii 189 pills vol ii 198 electuary volii 19S Opium 79,228 wine of vol ii 42 tincture of vol ii 56 ammoniated tincture of vol ii 62 extract of watery vol ii 76 confection of vol ii 193 pills of vol ii 198 plaster of vol ii2l7 OraDge 145,264 conserve of vol ii 7 infusion of vol ii 22 peel, syrup of vol ii 34 confection of vol ii7 conserve of ib tincture of vol ii 59 water vol ii 87 Orris, florentine 242 Organized bodies 17. Oxalic acid SI Oxide of arsenic 121 1, vol ii 150 antimony with phosphate of lime 177 nitromuriatic ib bismuth 128 iron, black vol ii 154 red vol ii 155 arsenic, sublimed vol ii 150 mercury vol ii 154 ointment of volii 291 white 121 Oxymel vol ii 39, 40 of colchicum vol ii 30 simple ib squill ib verdigrease ib Oxygen gas ' ', vol ii 934 Oxymuriate of potash 131 mercury vol ii 162 Oxymnriate acid gas volii 239 • -water vol ii 103 alkaline ib Page Oyster shells 159 Pale bark 135, vol ii 89 rose, syrup of vol ii 35 Paregoric elixir vol ii 62 Pellitory of Spain vol ii 58 Pennyroyal oil of 151 vol ii 92 spirit of vol ii 82 water of vol ii 17 Pepper, black 148 long ib Jamaica 149 Guinea 147 Peppermint 151 oil of vol ii 91 spirit of vol ii 82 water of vol ii 87 Peruvian balsam 337 bark 134 infusion of volii 19 decoction of vol ii 26 tincture of vol ii 50 Phosphate of soda 200, vol ii 120 Pharmaceutic chemistry 1 measures 48 weights ib Phosphorus 6 Pills vol ii 195 of aloes, compound ib and assafoetida vol ii 196 ginger ib myrrh ib ammoniuret of copper ib assafoetida, compound ib colocynth vol ii 197 gamboge, compound iron ib vol ii 200 mercury 113, volii 191 myrrh, compound opiate ib vol ii 193 ib vol ii 199 opium rhubarb* compound soap, with opium vol ii 198 squills, compound vol ii 199 with ginger ib storax vol ii 198 subcarbonate of soda vol ii 199 submuriate of mercury vol ii 200 sulphate of iron ib comp. ib Pimento, water of vol ii 98 oil of vol ii 91 spirit of vol ii 72 Pippsissewa 222 Pitch, Burgundy 247 ointment vol ii 206 Plasters vol ii 214 Plaster of assafoetida vol ii 216 ammoniac ib aromatic volii 219 cantharides volii 218 compound cumin ib vol ii 219 frankincense voliiSlG galbanum ib gum gum ammoniac with lead ib vol ii 215 litharge ib with resin ib mercury volii 207 opium ib pitch vol ii 219 resinous vol ii 215 red oxide of iron ib semivitreous oxide of lead ib). soap volii 217, simple vol ii 214 warm vojii 219 wax vol ii 214 Poison oak 9S Poppy, white 79 decoction of roliiSl ENGLISH INDEX. 275 Poppy, extract of Pptash 10,212,249,253, acetate of arseniate of carbonate of caustic byperoxymuriate of nitrate of Page vol ii 74 258, vol ii 113 212, vol ii 119 125 volii 111 vol ii 113 131 Quassia, infusion of tincture Quince seeds Quicklisie Quicksilver R Rattlesnake root Page vol ii 20 vol ii 57 vol ii 30 159 109 207,235 214,266 Rectification 46 oxymuriate of subcarbonate, liquor of 131 vol ii 111 Rectified ether oil of amber vol ii 64 vol ii 92 and soda, tartrate of 200 hartshorn vol ii 94 supercarbonate of, pure vol ii in turpentine vol ii 95 sulphate of 199, volii 116 Refrigerants $61 with sulphur ib Remedies, chemical 248 supertartrate of 199, 212, 268 mechanical 267 Supercarbonate of vol ii HI Red bark 135 water of ib oxide of mercury vol ii 209 supersulphate of vol ii 51 poppy vol ii 38 sulphuret of vol ii 186 rose 167 tartrate of 200, vol ii 59 honey vol ii 39 with lime vol ii 114 infusion of vol ii 21 water of Potassium vol ii H2 syrup of vol ii 35 10 Saunders 169 Powder of aloes vol ii 190 Resin 27 with canella ib Resinous extract vol ii 78 guaiac ib of bark vol ii 79 alumine vol ii 170 red ib antimonial 177, vol ii 140 ointment vol ii 204 aromatic vol ii 187 Rhododendron, yellow flowered 97 asarabacca ib Rhubarb 192, 206 cantharides, ointment of vol ii 203 extract of vol ii 79 carbonate of lime vol ii 187 infusion of vol ii 20 cinnamon ib pills of vol ii 1911 chalk vol ii 188 tincture of vol ii 57 with opium ib with aloes ib compound saline volii 139 with gentian ib contrayerva vol ii 190 Roots, preparations of vol ii 6 hartshorn, burnt vol ii 4 Rosemary 242 with opium vol ii 139 marsh 170 ipecacuan with opium vol ii 188 oil of vol ii 91 jalap ib spirit of vol ii S3 James's vol ii 177 Rose, red J67 kino vol ii 190 honey of vol ii 39 opiate vol ii 189 infusion of vol ii 21 scammony ib syrup of vol ii 35 sea oak vol ii 5 water vol ii 98 wrack ib Rubefacients 244 senna vol ii 191 Rue 206 squills vol ii 4 confection of vol ii 194 tin vol ii 184 extract of vol ii 74 tragacanth vol ii 191 oil of vol ii 92 Powders vol ii 186 Rust of iron 113, volii 153 Prescriptions vol ii 242 S Precipitated carbonate of iron vol ii 153 Saccharine matter 24 chalk vol ii 130 Saffron, meadow 213 Precipitations 47 syrup of vol ii 37 Preparations from animals vol ii 4 tincture of vol ii 52 oily vol ii 202 Sagapenum 103 Preparation of roots vol ii 6 Sage 251 metallic vol ii 135 Sago 271 sulphur volii 184 Sal ammoniac 227 vegetables vol ii 6 Saline diuretics 212 Prepared carbonate of lime vol ii 130 compound powder vol ii 189 chalk ib mineral waters vol ii 224 egg shells vol ii 130 substances vol ii 94 lard vol ii 4 Salop 271 hogs' lard ib Salts vol ii 94 oyster shells vol ii 130 earthy vol ii 128 shells ib Saponaceous liniment vol ii 58 suet vol ii 4 Sarsaparilla 270 sulphuret of antimony vol ii 140 - extract of vol ii 77 with phos- Sassafras 229 phate of lime ib volatile oil of vol ii 91 Prussic acid 32 Saunders, red 169 207, 251 Prussiate of iron 121 Savine Pulps Pulpy fruits Pulverization vol ii 6 extract of vol ii 73 ib ointment of vol ii 205 43 Scammony 197 vol ii 194 ib vol ii 189 Pure supercarbonate of potash volii 111 confection of Purging cassia 192 electuary of Purifiedoil of amber vol ii 92 powder of opium yellow wax Q 172 Scillitin 182 vol ii 4 Sea oak, powder of wrack, powder of 287, vol ii S ib Q 14? Semivitreous oxide of lead, njaster o< ' -vol ii Io 276 ENGLISH INDEX. Page Pag. Seneka 207,235 Storax, purified vol n 80 decoction of vol ii 29 Stimulants, general 68 Senna 192 local 171 confection of vol ii 193 Strontites 9 electuary of ib Strong scented lettuce 96, 218 infusion of vol ii 18 inspissated juice of vol ii 11 with almonds ib acetic acid vol ii 96 powder vol ii 155 Subacetate of litharge vol ii 180 syrup vol ii'33 lead ib tincture of vol ii 60 liquor of ib Shells, prepared 254 dilute ib Sialagogues 233 copper 250 Silver, nitrate of 109 ,250, volii 159 ointment of vol ii 206 Simple cerate vol ii203 Subborate of soda 266 liniment ib Subcarbonate of ammonia 226, vol ii 122 plaster vol ii 214 solution of vol ii 123 oxymel vol ii 40 » iron vol ii 202 syrup vol ii 36 kali volii 111 Simarouba 143 potash volii 110 infusion of vol ii 22 pure volii 111 Snake root, Virginian 140 liquor of ib tincture of vol ii 43 soda vol ii 118 Soap liniment vol ii 68 dried vol ii |19 cerate of volii 213 Submuriate of mercury 116, 227, vol ii 165 ointment of ib precipitated vol ii 167 with opium vol ii 58.198 Subnitrate of mercury 250, vol ii 209 Socotorine aloes 196 Subsulphate of mercury 162 ^-oda 11,252, 258 Sublimed washed sulphur vol ii 184 carbonate of vol ii 118 Sublimate, corrosive vol ii 162 dried vol ii 120 Succinic acid 103 muriate of, dried 201 Succinated spirit of ammonia volii 61 phosphate of 200, vol ii 120 Suet, prepared vol ii 4 and potash, tartrate of 200 Sugar 24 subcarbonate of vol ii 118 Sulphate of copper 179, vol ii 152 dried volii 119 iron vol ii 154 supercarbonate, water of ib dried vol ii 155 sulphate of 199, vol ii 120 magnesia 193 Sodium 11 potash -ib Solution 44 with sulphur vol ii 116 of alum vol ii 128 soda 199 arsenic vol ii 149 zinc 122, volii 182 muriate of barytes vol ii 130 solution of ib sulphate of copper vol ii 152 Sulphur 6, 191, 228 zinc vol ii 182 antimoniated, brown vol ii 142 tartarized antimony vol ii 147 oil of vol ii 184 Solvent 44 ointment of vol ii 212 Spermaceti 273 precipitated vol ii 183 ointment of vol ii 203 preparations of vol ii 184 Spirit of ammonia vol ii 126 sublimed, washed ib aromatic vol ii 61 Sulphuret of ammonia, water of vol ii 127 of ether vol ii 68 antimony, prepared vol ii 140 anise seed vol ii 82 precipitated volii 142 caraway ib iron vol ii 155 cinnamon ib black, of mercury vol ii 174 distilled volii 81 lead vol ii 178 horse radish vol ii 83 potash vol ii 186 juniper vol ii 82 Sulphureous mineral waters vol ii 123 lavender vol ii 83 Sulphuric acid 157 nitric ether vol ii 71 aromatic ether with alcohol vol ii 68 nitrous ether 214, vol ii ~« NE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NATIONAL LIBRAI r /J-er 1 N 3 N I 3 I Q 3 W dO nVllll IVNOIIVN 3 N I 3 10 3 W dO A II V B 8 II IVNOIIVN 3NI3IQ3W dO A a V > e I /\/ 1 \/\ I .#\/ jfTr^ \. 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